Toy Shortage Could Mean Empty Christmas Stockings

30/08/2007

Supply problems with Chinese manufacturers may threaten the toy industry for the Christmas party and gift-giving season. A recent toy recall of almost 19 million products made in Asia has Mattel looking for other supply options.

The company recalled more than 100 thousand toys sold in Ireland because of safety issues in some Chinese-made products. Safety scares included toys made with toxic lead paint and small magnets.

This has caused Chinese authorities to withdraw export licenses from many toy making companies.

Some of the toys were part of ranges including Barbie, Batman and Polly Pocket. These items are all expected to be popular this Christmas party and holiday season.

Ciaran Fitzpatrick, operator of three Banba Toymaster stores in Ireland says, “The shipments coming from Mattel, they are about a month behind from Asia.” Despite delays Fitzpatrick is hopeful supplies will be “back on track” by the Christams party and gift-giving season.

Shipments have been delayed because of new rigorous safety checks of all toys. Authorities are checking to make sure the paint does not contain lead and that there are no unexpected small pieces in toys which could choke small children.

Toys which are expected to be popular during the Christmas party and gift-giving season include Ben 10, Dr Who, the pre-school show In The Night Garden from the makers of Teletubbies and the film The Transformers.

Hamleys, a famous UK toy shop, says it is ordering more toys from the UK this Christmas party season to prepare for a potential shortage.