Industry Experts Predict Bounce Around Tigger Destined to be Hot Seller for the Holidays

Business Wire, July 21, 1998

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 21, 1998--In 1996, it was Tickle Me(tm) Elmo and in '97, Sing and Snore Ernie. Now the same experts who predicted those hot toys are predicting Bounce Around Tigger(tm) as one of the hot toys of the upcoming holiday season.

Industry experts are giving Bounce Around Tigger high marks in all categories and have already begun to include him in their 1998 top holiday toy predictions. "Bounce Around Tigger has all of the ingredients to make it this year's Tickle Me Elmo," says Jim Silver, Publisher of The Toy Book.

The flurry of excitement surrounding Bounce Around Tigger began earlier this year as toy industry experts at Toy Fair gave him rave reviews. Chris Byrne, Editor of Playthings MarketWatch and another industry expert, has this to say about Bounce Around Tigger: "The toy has some elements fad watchers and trend predictors should take note of. First, it is a simple concept with a favorite character. Second, its distinguishing feature - the bouncing - is very funny and has an infectious innocence and appeal. Like Tickle Me Elmo, this is a way kids really act. Preschoolers love to bounce! and that is what raises the toys 'adorability quotient' significantly, giving it an appeal that goes beyond just the preschool segment of the market."

Beginning this month, Bounce Around Tigger's much anticipated release is being welcomed with open arms by those young and old, long-time Tigger and Winnie the Pooh fans and those discovering Tigger for the first time. Kids of all ages will be laughing hysterically while playing with this energetic Tigger as he bounces, talks and entertains for hours.

To get Tigger to do what Tigger's do best, simply press him down and hear Bounce Around Tigger say, "I'm gonna bounce." Then, he will bounce on his own and make a fun "boing, boing" sound and say, "Hoo, Hoo, Hoo, Hoo." After a moment, he stops and proudly boasts, "Bouncin's what Tiggers do best!"

"The launch of Bounce Around Tigger coincides with this unique character's 70th Birthday," stated Elaine Sagers, Vice President, Marketing - Infant & Preschool at Mattel. "Bounce Around Tigger has mass appeal because we have successfully captured the happy-go-lucky essence and personality of the effervescent literary and cartoon character from the 100 Acre Wood."

"The fact that Bounce Around Tigger is generating such an enormous early buzz amongst toy experts this early is indicative of this toy's great holiday potential," Sagers added.

Bounce Around Tigger is appropriate for children 18 months and older and will be available at retail locations nationwide in the middle of July. The approximate retail price will be $25.

(c) Disney Based on the "Winnie the Pooh" works. (c) A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard.

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