As instantly as Zhu Zhu Pets hamsters were received and placed onto the shelves they vanished before the morning stopped. Such is the life of this toy of the year. Zhu Zhu mania is coming near to the ridiculous — making a secondary market where the tantalizingly affordable toys ( $8 at Walmart ) become, well, costly toys ( $35.88 for one and $98 for a three-pack on Amazon.com ).

Zhu Zhu Pets

When the loads were delivered this past weekend at some Walmart shops and were spotted on shelving, clients were rejected the legal right to get them at the register. The sales were blocked. This is a statement by Walmart posted under the news page on the Zhu Zhu Pets net site because so many would be purchasers were turned away empty handed :

“Zhu Zhu Pets hamsters are among the most sought after toys this holiday season and are quickly selling upon arrival in stores. Walmart stores have been receiving new shipments this week in preparation for their Sunday ad circular. Zhu Zhu Pets™ hamsters are currently ‘blocked for sale’ at stores to ensure the product is available on Sunday when advertised. Unfortunately, a few were mistakenly placed on the sales floor too early which caused the confusion at the registers. We apologize for the situation and any confusion. Zhu Zhu Pets hamsters will be available for sale at Walmart stores again on 11/8/2009.”

Toys R Us popped up with a plan at many stores limiting purchases to one per family. Store bosses claimed they anticipated more deliveries of the Zhu Zhu pets and their accessories but couldn’t counsel delivery times.

Zhu Zhu Pets

Some retail researchers have announced stores under-ordered. The consequences of not having the toys folks most want when they desire them. Over the following month, as Black Fri comes and christmas draws closer, it will become clearer whether or not that was the problem or if patrons were being drawn in by a clever ploy to make desired items appear in short supply. What’s going to be on the list of most-desired toys isn’t that heavy a puzzle to the retailing giants, who use their significant tools and resources to work it out.

“Select Toys R Us stores in Phoenix tested Zhu Zhu Pets earlier in the year,” Toys R Us spokesman Bob Friedland has been quoted as saying. “The fun and interactive nature of the Zhu Zhu Pets hamster excited children. In the test, we saw Zhu Zhu Pets selling well and knew it could be a hot toy.” Such testing is done constantly round the country, he said. Friedland related the issue of supply should be targeted at makers. Mike Nakamura, Boss man of the Chicago-based toy company Senario, told WalletPop the Zhu Zhu phenomenon appears legitimized. “It follows the same format as the Beanie Babies or Webkinz. It’s collectible,” he revealed. “Those don’t come along all of the time.” Dan Fishback, chairman of DemandTec — an establishment that turns buyer behaviour into science, related even the idea a toy can be difficult to get can excite demand. “It must be accepted that it’s tough to get,” he announced in an interview.

Zhu Zhu Pet Hamster

“It doesn’t have to be tricky to get.” Thinking back at some past hits,eg tease Me Elmo, Fishback stated that it is less about the toy and more about how it is marketed.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!