VERNON HILLS, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 21, 2000--Poo-Chi, the Interactive Puppy, launched at FAO Schwarz in New York City, by Hasbro, Inc.'s (NYSE:HAS - news) Tiger Electronics, on the heels of a successful launch in Japan. Thousands were on hand to be the first to purchase the robo pup in the U.S.
Poo-Chi arrived via a dogsled team led by Doug Swingley, the 2000 Iditarod champion. Poo-Chi was then brought into its new home in the exclusive Tiger Turf shop in FAO Schwarz.
``We are thrilled that we were able to host Poo-Chi's U.S. launch. Poo-Chi is certainly a hot property for us and it will be one of the top selling products in 2000,'' says David Niggli, chief operating officer of FAO Schwarz.
Shelves had to be restocked three times in the opening hours Poo-Chi was available for sale. Most consumers purchased three Poo-Chi's at a time as they are available in blue, purple and pink and are able to communicate with each other. A national roll-out at all major toy retailers will follow through mid-May.
Yahoo! and Tiger have teamed up to provide an online charity auction of 25 Poo-Chi's. Proceeds will benefit the Hasbro Children's Hospital. The current bid is $110 per Poo-Chi.
Poo-Chi is a revolutionary robotic canine that fits in the palm of your hand. He sings six different songs, plays games and has an animated head, ears, legs, mouth and tail. Just like a real puppy, Poo-Chi can stand, sit or dance on his tiptoes. He also senses and responds to light, sound and touch. Poo-Chi communicates and interacts with other Poo-Chi pals. For example, if two Poo-Chi's like each other, they will sing a duet. If not, they will growl at one another.
Because this techno pup is so lifelike, he needs extra love and plenty of food, so don't forget to feed him his special bone! The more he is cared for, the happier he will be. Poo-Chi uses advanced bio-rhythmic technology to create realistic emotional responses that adapt and change as he is played with. His big expressive LED eyes let owners know whether he's happy (eyes turn to hearts), or sad (half moon), - or just that he loves you.
Tiger Electronics, manufacturer of Furby and Sega Toys have co-produced Poo-Chi. Poo-Chi is the first affordable mass market dog to reach retail this year. Tiger will distribute the toy around the world, except Japan and Korea. Approximate retail: $30.00; Ages 4 & up.
Tiger recently launched a ``Tech Pets'' section on its website at www.tigertoys.com,. Poo-Chi is featured along with activities, games and caring techniques. New games will be added on a regular basis.
Tiger Electronics, Ltd., a division of Hasbro, Inc. leads the industry in technology-driven entertainment and lifestyle products for the whole family. Tiger's core brands, products and licensed properties include: Furby®, Talkboy(TM), Hitclips, Yahoo!, e-Fortunes, No Limits, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire(TM), Wheel of Fortune(TM), Jeopardy!(TM), Star Wars®, NASCAR®, WCW/NWO®, Winnie the Pooh®, Franklin the Turtle(TM) and many more.
Hasbro (NYSE:HAS - news) is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, KENNER, TONKA, ODDZON, SUPER SOAKER, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER, HASBRO INTERACTIVE, MICROPROSE, GALOOB and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world.
Note: Photos are available at URL:
http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/photoblob.sh?pw.042100/bw1
Tiger Toys
Marc Rosenberg/Lana Simon/Rachel Johnson, 847/913-8100
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Article is quoted from Tiger Electronics and is not edited in any way.
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