Green Toys Gain Greater Retail Distribution
August 4, 2008 - Eco-friendly products are gaining popularity among children and their parents due to their increasing interest in protecting the environment, says a new study from Packaged Facts, "Kids and Tweens in the U.S." Based on data from Simmons Market Research Bureau, the Packaged Facts study found that a significant majority of kids ages six to 11 express concern for environmental issues:
> Nearly three-quarters believe people should recycle;
> 40 percent say you should buy recycled paper products;
> More than half of kids encourage their parents to buy green products.
Coupled with parental concerns over toy safety, this growing trend has led a number of consumer goods manufacturers and retailers to form partnerships that deliver eco-friendly toy products to the United States market.
In July 2008, Whole Food Markets picked up 13 toys from ImagiPLAY for distribution at stores nationwide. ImagiPLAY, a manufacturer of eco-friendly, non-toxic educational toys, says in a press release that its unique product positioning, which combines open-ended play with a love for the environment, resulted in a surge of popularity in the past two years with parents and retailers alike. In addition to the 13 items originally approved for sale, Whole Food Markets in each region can select 20 to 40 additional items that are market-specific to promote to local customers.
"The partnership between Whole Food Markets and ImagiPLAY is a perfect fit because both companies support philosophies that promote natural products and respect for the environment," says Barbera Aimes, founder, ImagiPLAY. "This is a tremendous opportunity for ImagiPLAY because we will generate brand awareness and increased product volume in strategic markets served by Whole Food Markets, while reaching a savvy clientele that has an affinity to green products like ours."
Like ImagiPLAY, Australian-based Anamalz Pty Ltd recently expanded its reach distribution reach. In June 2008, the company announced that its ethically-friendly toys would now be available to children around the world thanks to a deal that named Russ Berrie as the exclusive global distributor for its anamalz range. The company's line of toys are made from FSC maple wood, water based paints and fabrics made from recycled materials.
"We are very excited about the recent announcement from Anamalz naming Russ as their new global distribution partner. We look forward to working with the team from Australia to develop a strong retail program that promotes the uniqueness, educational and environmental message the brand stands for," says Jeffrey A. Bialosky, executive vice president, Sales & Marketing, Russ Berrie.
Toys"R"Us recognized that kids were becoming more curious about how they could do their part to help protect the planet and, in response, launched an exclusive line of environmentally-friendly toys that are marketed under the Toys"R"Us brand in an effort to promote "Good Green Fun" in March 2008. The toys -- including Natural Wooden Toys, Natural Cotton plush animals and Organic Cotton Dolls -- come packaged in earth-tone colored boxes that bear a special "R" seal. This seal consists of a green version of the iconic Toys"R"Us reversed "R" logo with a green leaf, encircled by the words "Recycle, Renew, Reuse, Re-think" and signifies for parents that the toys are eco-friendly.
According to Karen Dodge, chief merchandising officer, Toys"R"Us, U.S, "Going green is more than just a trend. It's becoming a lifestyle. This is just our first step in offering our customers the best selection of eco-friendly and organic products in all of our Toys"R"Us stores nationwide."
One month after Toys"R"Us announced its exclusive "green" line, CNBC reported that FAO Schwarz introduced a new line of eco-friendly toys. "We're proud to present this ever-growing collection of products we have developed ourselves, or hand-picked from a special group of vendors," FAO Schwarz says in a statement on its Web site. One of its suppliers, Green Toys Inc., manufactures toys in the United States from curbside collected plastic milk containers (pictured). Green Toys products are non-toxic, energy efficient, reduce landfill waste and lower greenhouse gas emissions. In May 2008, Green Toys products were donated by FAO Schwarz to help families in the tiny town of Greensburg, Kansas recover from a devastating tornado that struck in May 2007.
> Nearly three-quarters believe people should recycle;
> 40 percent say you should buy recycled paper products;
> More than half of kids encourage their parents to buy green products.
Coupled with parental concerns over toy safety, this growing trend has led a number of consumer goods manufacturers and retailers to form partnerships that deliver eco-friendly toy products to the United States market.
In July 2008, Whole Food Markets picked up 13 toys from ImagiPLAY for distribution at stores nationwide. ImagiPLAY, a manufacturer of eco-friendly, non-toxic educational toys, says in a press release that its unique product positioning, which combines open-ended play with a love for the environment, resulted in a surge of popularity in the past two years with parents and retailers alike. In addition to the 13 items originally approved for sale, Whole Food Markets in each region can select 20 to 40 additional items that are market-specific to promote to local customers.
"The partnership between Whole Food Markets and ImagiPLAY is a perfect fit because both companies support philosophies that promote natural products and respect for the environment," says Barbera Aimes, founder, ImagiPLAY. "This is a tremendous opportunity for ImagiPLAY because we will generate brand awareness and increased product volume in strategic markets served by Whole Food Markets, while reaching a savvy clientele that has an affinity to green products like ours."
Like ImagiPLAY, Australian-based Anamalz Pty Ltd recently expanded its reach distribution reach. In June 2008, the company announced that its ethically-friendly toys would now be available to children around the world thanks to a deal that named Russ Berrie as the exclusive global distributor for its anamalz range. The company's line of toys are made from FSC maple wood, water based paints and fabrics made from recycled materials.
"We are very excited about the recent announcement from Anamalz naming Russ as their new global distribution partner. We look forward to working with the team from Australia to develop a strong retail program that promotes the uniqueness, educational and environmental message the brand stands for," says Jeffrey A. Bialosky, executive vice president, Sales & Marketing, Russ Berrie.
Toys"R"Us recognized that kids were becoming more curious about how they could do their part to help protect the planet and, in response, launched an exclusive line of environmentally-friendly toys that are marketed under the Toys"R"Us brand in an effort to promote "Good Green Fun" in March 2008. The toys -- including Natural Wooden Toys, Natural Cotton plush animals and Organic Cotton Dolls -- come packaged in earth-tone colored boxes that bear a special "R" seal. This seal consists of a green version of the iconic Toys"R"Us reversed "R" logo with a green leaf, encircled by the words "Recycle, Renew, Reuse, Re-think" and signifies for parents that the toys are eco-friendly.
According to Karen Dodge, chief merchandising officer, Toys"R"Us, U.S, "Going green is more than just a trend. It's becoming a lifestyle. This is just our first step in offering our customers the best selection of eco-friendly and organic products in all of our Toys"R"Us stores nationwide."
One month after Toys"R"Us announced its exclusive "green" line, CNBC reported that FAO Schwarz introduced a new line of eco-friendly toys. "We're proud to present this ever-growing collection of products we have developed ourselves, or hand-picked from a special group of vendors," FAO Schwarz says in a statement on its Web site. One of its suppliers, Green Toys Inc., manufactures toys in the United States from curbside collected plastic milk containers (pictured). Green Toys products are non-toxic, energy efficient, reduce landfill waste and lower greenhouse gas emissions. In May 2008, Green Toys products were donated by FAO Schwarz to help families in the tiny town of Greensburg, Kansas recover from a devastating tornado that struck in May 2007.