License Magazine - August 2007 - (Page 14) bizbriefs Red-Carpet Retailing Retailers rolled out the red carpet for some high-profile celebrities who turned out for unique in-store events. Toys ‘R’ Us got all dolled up as well as select cast members from the new movie musical Hairspray who visited its Times Square store in New York City to celebrate the launch of the authentic fashion doll line by Play Along. Each doll in the line features highly detailed replicas of the central characters in the film wearing signature fashions from the movie. The first 225 fans who purchased the dolls had a chance to meet several of the stars during an 14 www.licensemag.com August 2007 exclusive autograph session. Further uptown, Rupert Grint, the actor who plays Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter movies, cut the ribbon on the recently opened Harry Potter Shop at FAO Schwarz. The 500-squarefoot boutique is home to the largest collection of products in one single location in the United States for the next three years. Among the items are artwork by Harry Potter book illustrator Mary GrandPre, toys, games, gifts, collectibles, and other memorabilia including hardto-find products from NECA, the Noble Collection, and Tonner Doll. “We were thrilled when Warner Bros. approached us to open the first Harry Potter Shop in the United States,” says David Niggli, president and chief merchandising officer. “It’s a testament to the power of the brand as FAO Schwarz has 2.5 million people visit the store annually from all over the world. The Harry Potter Shop has already become one of our premier destinations with merchandise selling well during years when movies are released and years in between. We will continue to update the department and offer our customers new and exciting products.” — Dawn Wilensky http://www.licensemag.com
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