Toy makers update retro favourites

NEW YORK - Toy buyers looking to nab the year's hottest games, gear, dolls and other playthings have descended on the American International Toy Fair being held here.

The toy industry said registration was up 18 per cent and it was hopeful that would translate to robust sales for the beleaguered sector.

"The mood is upbeat," said Chris Byrne, a toy expert. "A lot of people came out of 2004 with low inventory and they're in the mood to buy things."

In 2004, toy sales slumped 3 per cent to US$20.1 billion ($27.6 billion) and would have been worse if not for brisk December sales of electronic toys.

"The toy market is mature, so toy manufacturers are getting creative," said Reyne Rice, an association toy trends specialist.

High-tech toys are expected to continue as a strong trend this year.

Many old chestnuts are being refreshed as manufacturers combine technology with retro toy favourites.

Hasbro is updating Furby, the craze of the late 1990s, with a new look, advanced voice recognition and robotic puppetry that make it more life-like and Mattel has added motion sensors to its plush Pound Puppies so they move their heads and bark when approached.

- REUTERS