There's not much doubt that Zhu Zhu Pets - the family of five robotic hamsters which feature artificial intelligence which allows them to interact with children and their environment - are the must have toy for Christmas 2009. They are in such high demand that Toys R Us have not listed them in their Christmas 2009 catalog in order to avoid disappointing prospective buyers.
Mr. Squiggles, Chunk, Patches, Num Nums and Pipsqueak are the names of the five hamsters. As well as the hamsters, a wide range of toys and accessories - which can be connected in a variety of different configurations - are available to stretch the children's imaginations.
Children in the age bracket of 4 to 10 years old are the target audience. It seems as if the Zhu Zhu Pets appeal to both boys and girls - but they are not suitable for very young children due to the fact that they contain batteries and small moving parts.
Cepia, the manufacturers, were founded in 2004 and are based in St. Louis. Since the Zhu Zhu Pets launched in August of 2009, six million units have been shipped. A further six million unit sales are anticipated between now and Christmas 2009. The hamsters are currently spending an average of less than three minutes on the shelves before being snapped up.
Prices are starting to creep up as demand outstrips supply - both for the hamsters and their accessories. You can already find these for sale on eBay. Prices are, of course, higher than retail and can be expected to rise the closer we get to Xmas.
Cepia are predicting sales of between $ 300 and $ 400 million over the next twelve months. This will be from not only the Zhu Zhu hamsters - they intend to expand their range to include hedgehogs, squirrels, chipmunks and rabbits. Presumably any small, cute and furry woodland animal which children would find appealing could make it onto their list in future.
Mr. Squiggles, Chunk, Patches, Num Nums and Pipsqueak are the names of the five hamsters. As well as the hamsters, a wide range of toys and accessories - which can be connected in a variety of different configurations - are available to stretch the children's imaginations.
Children in the age bracket of 4 to 10 years old are the target audience. It seems as if the Zhu Zhu Pets appeal to both boys and girls - but they are not suitable for very young children due to the fact that they contain batteries and small moving parts.
Cepia, the manufacturers, were founded in 2004 and are based in St. Louis. Since the Zhu Zhu Pets launched in August of 2009, six million units have been shipped. A further six million unit sales are anticipated between now and Christmas 2009. The hamsters are currently spending an average of less than three minutes on the shelves before being snapped up.
Prices are starting to creep up as demand outstrips supply - both for the hamsters and their accessories. You can already find these for sale on eBay. Prices are, of course, higher than retail and can be expected to rise the closer we get to Xmas.
Cepia are predicting sales of between $ 300 and $ 400 million over the next twelve months. This will be from not only the Zhu Zhu hamsters - they intend to expand their range to include hedgehogs, squirrels, chipmunks and rabbits. Presumably any small, cute and furry woodland animal which children would find appealing could make it onto their list in future.
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Want to find out more about the Zhu Zhu Pets, then visit Harold Peterson's site on Zhu Zhu Hamsters and find out where you can still find them.
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