Although the Zhu Zhu pets were only released in August of this year, they have become a runaway success already. All across the nation, kids have gone crazy for the cute little robo hamsters that use artificial intelligence to help them to interact with their environment, other Zhu Zhu hamsters and the kids who are playing with them.
Aside from the fact that these motorized hamsters are small, cute and furry, kids adore the interactivity. The five hamsters – Mr. Squiggles, Pipsqueak, Chunk, Patches and Num Nums – have a grand total of forty different sounds which they produce when given the correct external stimulus. For instance, when they enter into the bathroom of their hamster habitat, they emit tooth brushing noises. If they enter their hamster bedroom then they make snoring sounds.
However, many retailers have quite deliberately set stock levels of toys in general at relatively low volumes this year. This is in part a result of the economic climate and also partly a reaction the fact that stock levels were overly high in 2008. A lot of retailers had to offer hefty price reductions in order to clear their shelves.
It’s easy to see how the decision was arrived at – but based on the sales figures to date, the retailers may have got it wrong. The most popular toys like the Zhu Zhu pets and Mattel’s Mindflex game are flying off the shelves. Demand is outstripping supply and it’s becoming difficult to find these toys in the stores. This will probably get worse as we approach Christmas.
Having realised their misjudgement, lots of retailers are now desperately seeking new stock. However, most toys are manufactured in Asia these days. That means that delivery usually includes a sea journay of around a month or so. Replenishing stocks in time for Christmas may not be guaranteed.
As a consequence of the imbalance between supply and demand, it is now possible to find Zhu Zhu hamsters on eBay for over $ 150. That’s well above the recommended retail price – and these prices could rise even more as we get closer to Christmas. It seems like a lot to pay for a kid’s toy which, even although it may be the latest fad, is more than likely to go out of fashion in just a few months.
If you want to avoid paying over the odds for the latest craze, then you might find that more traditional gifts offer better value this year. Classic traditional toys such as Lego, Scrabble, Monopoly and Hornby Dublo train sets are classics for a reason. They are always a welcome addition to any child’s toy box and they will probably still be in use and giving pleasure long after this year’s fad is forgotten.
