Tom Pirovano, Director, Industry Insights
There’s been some buzz in the news recently about Toys “R” Us acquiring FAO Schwartz. I’m confused by some of the perceived pessimism regarding toy retailers struggling to keep pace with mass merchandisers. From my “food guy” perspective, Toys “R” Us and FAO Schwartz have some very strong brand equity that has the potential to be leveraged in several creative ways. Here are a few opportunities I’d love to see Toys “R” Us pursue if they haven’t already been tested or discussed.

First, change the focus from …

We have seen that many “Power Moms,” women 25-54 with at least one child, are using the Web to provide information and advice, as well as to build relationships with other parents. They are also becoming increasingly engaged with online video. In February 2009, 13.1 million Power Moms, 10 percent of all online video viewers, viewed video content online.
Sites like Momversation.com, where well-known mom bloggers create video conversations, and newbaby.com where moms contribute vlogs, speak to a broader trend of receptivity of video content among Power Moms.
Interestingly, among the top …