TOY DISTRIBUTION 101

Brian Isaacs
Story Editor

These days, it seems like it's really easy to blame Hasbro or Mattel for the poor distribution of their products.

The problem doesn't lie entirely with the manufactures, but rather the stores themselves.

You really need to understand how the distribution works with the toys.

• The manufacturer comes up with a concept.

• They shop around for a store to buy their product. Either one on one, or at Toy Fair.

• From there an order is place for the manufacturer for the store. It's the buyer or marketing person that determines what store gets which toy line.

• The toys are manufactured and then shipped out.

• At this point, the manufacturer no longer has control of the situation.

• From there it goes to the store's distribution center, where is divided up to the individual stores.

• This is based on a decision made by the store's buyer or marketing department.

• It's up to the store to determine what it gets and how much.

• And sometimes, the new stock isn't put out, until the old stock is completely sold.

While the entire process can be frustrating, in most cases, there is very little manufacturers like Hasbro & Mattel can do. They can try to talk to the stores, but the manufacturers usually deal with things on a corporate level, not the store level.

This is where you, as a consumer, need to step in.

At your local store, as to speak to the manager, in person. Find out his side of the story. Most times they'll tell you that the put out what they receive or that they sell as soon as they put out on the racks. As long as you are civil to the manager, there's a very good chance that they'll work with you.

If you can't get any satisfaction that way, then take it up to the next level.

Contact the corporate offices of Target, Wal-Mart, & Toys R Us.

Ask for either the toy buyer, the regional buyer, or the marketing department.

This isn't an easy task by any means, so be persistent.

Keep calling until you talk to someone, and do ever settle for the customer service department. That is just a dead zone.

The numbers are below.

Target - (612) 304-6073

Wal-Mart - 479-273-4000

Toys R Us - (973) 617-3500

Hopefully if everyone calls, the stores will get the idea, & stock the figures we want, accordingly