Zylie® & Friends Brings World-Traveling Teddy Bears to FAO Schwarz® and Toys“R”Us®
New York, NY (PRWEB) September 26, 2013 -- The iPad was the most requested "toy" by children last holiday season. Most of the new toys last year from major toy companies were "app toys," and more than 90% of those sold poorly, according to Jim Silver, editor-in-chief of timetoplaymag.com, a consumer and trade website. So, while the big players are busy fumbling over the latest trend, a mother-and-son led startup in New York is focusing on the traditional play experience--and they're launching an exclusive assortment of their new line with the most iconic toy retailer around.
Zylie & Friends is a new children's brand aimed at creating doll-sized plush characters, outfits, travel accessories and storybooks that inspire adventure and world knowledge. Through its storybook series, children can learn about the places the characters travel to, what animals they meet along the way and the cultures, geography and history they come into contact with. And at just over 3 years old, the young company is taking a bold step in the direction of traditional, tactile play instead of the trendy high-tech toys and apps of late. The company's biggest step in this direction is debuting this fall with the legendary FAO Schwarz, who just celebrated its 150th anniversary last year.
Zylie is thrilled to announce the launch of an exclusive collection of Zylie & Friends Adventure Kits at FAO Schwarz® and in Toys“R”Us® stores across the country. These specially-designed items feature the brand’s main character, Zylie, a fashionable and inquisitive young kodiak bear from Manhattan, and her panda friend from China, Shen, and include signature outfits, accessories, passports and storybooks from the series. The Adventure Kits are appearing on the shelves of the prestigious FAO Schwarz flagship store on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, in Toys 'R' Us stores nationwide, as well as online at FAO.com and Toysrus.com. Each Adventure Kit will retail for $49.99.
"We believe there's still a very important place for truly great traditional play experiences," said Mary Beth Minton, co-founder and CEO at Zylie & Friends. "We're honored and thrilled to have such an important partner sharing our focus on high quality toys and entertainment for kids and bringing Zylie to so many eager fans."
While tablets still may be the hot new thing, Zylie is betting that children still want grand stories, great characters, and cuddly companions to play with.
About Zylie & Friends
Zylie & Friends is a new children's brand based in New York City. The company designs and produces high-quality, award-winning toys and related accessories and media that inspire kids to learn about the world and explore what's in it. The company was founded and is led by Mary Beth Minton and her son Matt McCarty. For more information please visit http://www.zyliethebear.com.
Matt McCarty, Zylie & Friends, http://zyliethebear.com, 203.979.1071, [email protected]
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