The Zhu Zhu pets only went on sale in August of this year - but they've already become a huge success. Across the nation, kids are going crazy for these furry little robotic hamsters that utilise artificial intelligence that lets them to react to their surroundings, interact with the kids and also to interact with the other hamsters in the Zhu Zhu pet gang,
As well as the fact that the hamsters are furry and cute, children really seem to adore the interactive nature of this toy. The gang of five Zhu Zhu hamsters - Pipsqueak, Chunk, Mr. Squiggles, Patches and Num Nums - have a collection of forty different sounds which they use when given the appropriate external stimulus. If, for instance, they enter their hamster bedroom, they start to snore. If they go into the bathroom in their hamster fun house then they make toothbrushing noises - etc.
However, many retailers have quite deliberately set stock levels of toys in general at relatively low volumes this year. This is partly due to the current economic climate and partly due to the fact that stock levels were too high last year. A lot of retailers had to offer hefty price reductions in order to clear their shelves.
It's perfectly understandable that this decision was made - but looking at sales figures thus far, it does look as if the retailers may have misjudged the mood of consumers. Popular toys like the Zhu Zhu pets and Mattel's Mindflex game are flying off the shelves. Supply is lagging demand and it's fast becoming extremely difficult to locate these toys in stores. The closer we get to Christmas, the worse this will become.
Having realised their mistake, a lot of retailers are now frantically trying to arrange for new stock. However, the vast majority of toys are made in China these days. That means that delivery usually includes a sea journey of around a month or so. Arranging for new stocks in time for Christmas may be impossible in some cases.
As a result of the under supply, you can now find Zhu Zhu hamsters selling for over $ 150 on eBay. That's an order of magnitude higher than the official price - and prices might well rise even further as we get closer to Christmas. It's a great deal of money to pay for a kid's toy which, although the current "must have" toy - may well be old hat in a few month's time.
If value for money is a consideration, then you might like to consider some of the more traditional gifts this year. Children's classics such as a train set, Monopoly, Lego or Scrabble - to name but a few - have stood the test of time for good reason. They are always a great addition to any kid's toy box and will probably still be in use and being enjoyed long after this year's hot, must have toy has been forgotten. - 31376
As well as the fact that the hamsters are furry and cute, children really seem to adore the interactive nature of this toy. The gang of five Zhu Zhu hamsters - Pipsqueak, Chunk, Mr. Squiggles, Patches and Num Nums - have a collection of forty different sounds which they use when given the appropriate external stimulus. If, for instance, they enter their hamster bedroom, they start to snore. If they go into the bathroom in their hamster fun house then they make toothbrushing noises - etc.
However, many retailers have quite deliberately set stock levels of toys in general at relatively low volumes this year. This is partly due to the current economic climate and partly due to the fact that stock levels were too high last year. A lot of retailers had to offer hefty price reductions in order to clear their shelves.
It's perfectly understandable that this decision was made - but looking at sales figures thus far, it does look as if the retailers may have misjudged the mood of consumers. Popular toys like the Zhu Zhu pets and Mattel's Mindflex game are flying off the shelves. Supply is lagging demand and it's fast becoming extremely difficult to locate these toys in stores. The closer we get to Christmas, the worse this will become.
Having realised their mistake, a lot of retailers are now frantically trying to arrange for new stock. However, the vast majority of toys are made in China these days. That means that delivery usually includes a sea journey of around a month or so. Arranging for new stocks in time for Christmas may be impossible in some cases.
As a result of the under supply, you can now find Zhu Zhu hamsters selling for over $ 150 on eBay. That's an order of magnitude higher than the official price - and prices might well rise even further as we get closer to Christmas. It's a great deal of money to pay for a kid's toy which, although the current "must have" toy - may well be old hat in a few month's time.
If value for money is a consideration, then you might like to consider some of the more traditional gifts this year. Children's classics such as a train set, Monopoly, Lego or Scrabble - to name but a few - have stood the test of time for good reason. They are always a great addition to any kid's toy box and will probably still be in use and being enjoyed long after this year's hot, must have toy has been forgotten. - 31376
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Check the availability of the Zhu Zhu Pets - or think about out the most traditional of Christmas gifts - a Hornby Dublo model train set.
