Toys are being taken more seriously this holiday shopping season after recalls of millions of the playthings because of toxins, lead paint and other hazards.
"The toy business has slacked off because of that," said Ron Wilson, store manager at Wal-Mart Supercenter, 1546 Marion-Mount Gilead Road. "It's not where it was last year." The impact is "hard to say because all of the product we're aware of is pulled off and is not on the floor anymore. (But) the toy business might be a little bit weaker this year because of (recalls). I think they might go to something else."
Parents are urged to read product warning labels carefully and sign up to receive direct e-mail notices of recalls at www.cpsc.gov, said Nancy Nord, acting head of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Among the biggest toy hazards cited by CPSC:
Riding toys, skateboards and inline skates that could cause dangerous falls for children.
Toys with small parts that can cause choking hazards, particularly for children under age 3.
Toys with small magnets, particularly for children under age 6, that can cause serious injury or death if the magnets are swallowed.
Projectile toys such as air rockets, darts and sling shots for older children that can cause eye injuries.
Chargers and adapters that can pose burn hazards to children.
The impact of toy recalls on individuals, particularly those with children on their shopping lists, depends on the wish lists of the children for whom they're buying.
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