Despite the fact that the Zhu Zhu Pets were only launched in August of this year, they have become a huge success already. Kids across the nation have just gone crazy for the cute little robo hamsters that include artificial intelligence which permits them to interact with their surroundings, other Zhu Zhu hamsters and the kids who are playing with them.
Apart from the fact that these robot hamsters are small, cute and furry, kids just love the interactivity. The 5 hamsters – Mr. Squiggles, Chunk, Pipsqueak, Patches and Num Nums – have a library of 40 different sounds which they produce when given the appropriate cue. For instance, when they go into the bathroom of their hamster habitat, they emit tooth brushing sounds. If they enter their hamster bedroom then they produce snoring noises.
However, a lot of retailers have quite deliberately set stock levels of toys in general at unusually low levels this year. This is due in part to the present economic climate and partly due to the fact that stock levels were excessively high last year. A lot of retailers had to give substantial discounts in order to clear their shelves.
It’s easy to understand the logic behind the decision – but considering upon the evidence to date, the retailers may have misjudged the mood of consumers. Popular toys such as the Zhu Zhu hamsters and Mattel’s Mindflex game are flying off the shelves. Demand is way higher than supply and it’s becoming difficult to find these toys in the stores. This is only going to get worse in the run up to Christmas.
Having seen their mistake, many retailers are now arranging new stock. However, most toys are manufactured in the Far East today. That means that delivery may well include a sea voyage of four weeks or so. Arranging new stocks in time for Christmas might be easier said than done.
As a result of the imbalance between supply and demand, it is now possible to find Zhu Zhu hamsters on eBay for over $ 150. That’s way higher than the recommended retail price – and these prices could rise even further as we get closer to Christmas. It does seem like a high price to pay for a child’s toy which, even if it is the latest fad, is highly likely to be yesterday’s news in just a few short months.
If you don’t want to pay an excessive price for the latest trend, then you could always look at more traditional gifts this Christmas. Classic traditional toys such as Lego, Monopoly, Scrabble and Hornby Dublo train sets are classics for a reason. They are an ever popular addition to any youngster’s toy collection and they will most likely still be in use and giving enjoyment long after this year’s fad is forgotten.
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