Evening star., 1933-04-13
SEASONAL RETAIL
SALES ARE BRISK
Easter Doll, Toy and Novelty
Shipments Greater Than
Last Year.
Special Dispatch to The Star.

NEW YORK, April 13-Retail sales
of Easter dolls and toys in the United
States will approximate $35,000.000.
This estimate allows for prices Is per
cent below those of last season. 1t is
based on trade reports that show whole
sale shipments 20 per cent ahead OF
last Easter.
Unlike in 1882 many of these nov
elites are neither German nor Japa-
nese made, but Of domestic manufac-
ture. Recent events in Germany re-
suited in the cancellation Of orders or
the return to importers here OF many
goods replaced German merchandise,
but in the West, Midwest and South
preference is being given to American
products.
Various Lines Benefited.
Although London has staged Easter
gift campaigns in wearing ap-
parel rather than toys-such promo
tions have not been tried here. The
betterment in long list OF seasonal
goods, ranging from dolls, toys, post
cards, children's books, religious arti-
cles. candies and their various acces-
sories has been brought about by i'm
provement in various lines OF trade
throughout this country.
The Easter playthings include 5,00O,-
900 rabbits, retailing from few cents
to $50 each; nearly the same number
of chickens, displaying a price range
from several cents to IS; numerous
teddy bears. monkeys, dogs and circus
animals party novelties, like chicken
and rabbit favors; and noise makers,
chiefly cackling hens. Most Of the lat
ter are handled by street hawkers.
The rabbits are made from real or
synthetic fur, plush, stockinet. cotton
cloth or paper, and provide employment
for many hands in New York, New
Jersey, Pennsylvania and Georgia. Most
of the chickens are small, made OF cot:
ton. The so-called natural ducks and
chicks" contrary to the public belief,
are artificial. Many mechanical toys
are sold by street vendors, while chicken
coops, straw baskets, egg boxes, excelsior
and moss are handled chiefly by stores.
Stuffed animals range in size from
eight inches to five feet. They are made
chiefly of silk hair, plush, felt flannel,
real pelt or stockinet cotton, and they
are stuffed with cotton, wool, excelsior
or kapok. Wooden and papier mache
animals also are popular. Unfortunately
manufacturers do not separate their
sales on the basis of materials, but real
IuT dIllIIldiS, UCllB lilC AilOot CAPSAAoA'S,
are the smallest sellers.
One million dollars worth of children's
books are sold at this season through
tie-up displays of stories with animal
displays.
The newest outlet for stuffed animal
sales here results from the discovery
that dogs and cats like to play with toy
animals. Many stores now have special
departments where their customers may
bring their pets to choose their toy
counterparts.
Other Novelties.
In making stuffed animals, they are
cut from patterns like a dress. The
head is put on ball and socket so it
can be moved up, down and around;
the arms and legs are attached with
screw Joints. Some big animals con-
tain elaborate spring arrangements.
Paws are made of shaped leather and
eyes from buttons. Some of the an
CORA cats have hair made OF real silk.
Many toy horses and dogs have leather
hides, which is merely glued on the
framework.
Miniature circus sets naturally are
a big seller at this season. Then many
doll departments have styles of dresses,
suits and coats that parallel Easter
styles for women.
Easter post cards sales this year may
approximate 100000 They are cheap
er than year ago, more religious in
sentiment, and not so fancy.
Local candy manufacturers and job
bers report the last-minute rush for
goods is exceeding expectations but they
will have no trouble in filling late or
ders. Standard goods, not novelties, are
selling. Easter, next to Christmas, Is
the biggest candy season, but most Of
the purchases are made late.
Copyright 1889