A number of new lines of tween, teen and junior accessories from FAB/Starpoint will roll out based on Disney’s upcoming Alice In Wonderland and more.
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Same-store sales, excluding Walmart, improved in October, increasing by 2.3 percent and topping last month’s 0.8 percent rise, according to Retail Forward’s monthly report of about 30 retailers.
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Hasbro has tapped Sony Pictures Entertainment to produce a film based on classic board game Risk.

The movie will be developed by Hasbro’s Brian Goldner and Bennett Schneir and Overbrook Entertainment’s James Lassiter.
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Schering-Plough HealthCare Products has signed InnoVision’s IV Gear to produce a range of headwear under the Coppertone brand for this spring.
The line from IV Gear, exclusive to the U.S. and Canada, will include 23 styles from bucket hats, cadet hats, women’s and girls’ floppies to caps. The ranges will be released in three branded categories: Coppertone for adults, Coppertone Sport (golf headwear) and Coppertone Kids, featuring the iconic logo of the little girl and dog. The hats will be made with an UPF 50+ fabric.
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A number of new video games based on popular CBS series are in development for 2010.

CBS Consumer Products will release The Amazing Race from Ludia, Survivor from Mindscape, Diagnosis Murder from Merscom, Criminal Minds from Legacy Interactive, Ghost Whisperer from Legacy Interactive and Hollywood Squares from Ludia. The video games will be available on a variety of platforms, including PC/Mac, Xbox 360, Wii, Nintendo DS, iPhone and iPod touch.
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Further steps have been made to launch a Walt Disney theme park in Shanghai. The central government of China recently approved a project application report submitted by the entertainment company.
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Crown Crafts is on board to produce a wide range of Pampers-branded infant products to hit retailers this spring.
The Pampers partner will develop and distribute infant bedding, blankets, bibs, bath goods and slings. The disposable diaper brand is owned by Procter & Gamble.
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DreamWorks Animation is releasing a “Merry Madagascar” DVD and offering licensed merchandise only at Walmart stores.

The DVD (standard for $5, deluxe for $8) will hit the retailer on Nov. 18, the day after the 30-minute animated Christmas special airs on NBC. The Merry Madagascar-themed items—all for under $9—include pajamas, slippers, socks, throw blankets, games, food and other holiday gifts. The merchandise is hitting shelves this week. At www.walmart.com/merrymadagascar, a family holiday game and special sneak peaks are available.
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Toys“R”Us has opened in-store Twilight boutiques in stores nationwide. Its Web site is also featuring exclusive merchandise based on the teen vampire franchise, which will see its second film New Moon hit theaters on Nov. 20.
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Walmart has added more toys to its more than 100 toys for $10 promotion and other discounts, which lasts throughout the holiday shopping season.

Licensed toy add-ons include Bakugan starter pack ($8), Littlest Pet Shop online pets ($10 each) and Transformers figures ($10 each), as well as price rollbacks on Buzz Lightyear talking action figure ($29), Star Wars light saber ($15), Barbie “I Can Be” play sets with doll ($15) and FurReal Friends Lulu My Cuddlin’ Kitty ($38).
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