Holiday Toy Sales Sinking Under Lead Weight?

Caught in a blizzard of bad publicity and iced-over consumer confidence, toy companies may or may not feel the cold this holiday season.

Though 2007 saw an unprecedented number of lead-tainted toy recalls, the news media is reporting mixed temperature reads on U.S. toy sales. According to the Los Angeles Times, toys are down sharply this year — 40% in some stores in the L.A. Toy District. Reuters, however, recently reported that toy shoppers are ignoring recalls and, “swept into stores looking for bargains” this past Black Friday. According to a Detroit Free Press article titled Don't Cry for Toy Sales, analysts expect the toy industry will still meet fourth-quarter targets.

Regardless of sales, it is important for parents to play it safe this holiday season. For tips on avoiding dangerous toys, see The Daily Green's Safe Toy Watch.

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