Pokémon to have expanded presence at Toys 'R' Us
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On Monday, Pokémon USA, Inc. announced that it has expanded its retail presence for Pokémon in Toys "R" Us stores nationwide through 2009. Dedicated areas at the entrance of the "R" Zone video game departments now showcase a variety of Pokémon merchandise, including the top-selling video games, the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), TV and movie DVDs, select TOMY products that are making their U.S. debut, and a full range of Pokémon toys from JAKKS Pacific, Inc. Starting in April, Toys"R"Us Times Square, the company's International Flagship store, will highlight the Pokémon brand in a dedicated boutique through the remainder of the year. Toys "R" Us stores nationwide will also host retail events throughout 2009.
The expanded Pokémon area within Toys "R" Us stores spotlights several popular Pokémon video game titles, leading up to one of the most anticipated titles of the year — Pokémon Platinum Version for the Nintendo DS system. The dedicated area also features a wide selection of TCG expansion sets for the Pokémon: Diamond & Pearl Series and the newest Pokémon TCG: Platinum expansion. Additionally, the section includes a broad assortment of DVDs, strategy guides and other toys from JAKKS Pacific.
The dedicated area establishes Toys "R" Us as the premier destination for fans looking for a wide selection of Pokémon products. Toys "R" Us will host video game events featuring character distributions for Pokémon Diamond Version & Pokémon Pearl Version (each sold separately), with the first event taking place from Feb. 8-14. A second event will take place in the spring. Toys "R" Us will also be the first retailer in the U.S. to carry select Pokémon toys by TOMY.
"Our partnership with Toys 'R' Us speaks volumes about the unwavering popularity of the Pokémon franchise," said Caryl Liebmann, director of retail development and promotions for Pokémon USA, Inc. "We're excited that Toys 'R' Us is offering our fans this first-class retail destination."
Pokémon is one of the most successful children's franchises in history and the No. 1 collectible trading card game of all time. The record-breaking TCG boasts 374 percent sales growth in the U.S. alone since 2005 and is sold in more than 30 countries around the globe. The Pokémon video game series has sold more than 186 million units worldwide through September 2008, with many more sales expected with the release of this spring's Pokémon Platinum Version. Other successful extensions of the property include eleven seasons on U.S. television with the debut of the series' 12th season this spring. Pokémon films and DVDs continue to reach fans in amazing numbers, often ranking at the top of the box office in Japan.
