Firefighter, rescue toys in demand after attacks
Oct 10, 2001 12:00 PM
Harry Potter and Pokemon will meet American hero firefighters under the Christmas tree this year, with rescue toys expected to be big hits in the holiday season ahead. Manufacturers and retailers are seeing growing demand for firefighter and emergency vehicle toys driven by patriotic pride in the Sept. 11 attack rescue efforts in New York. Toy maker Fisher-Price already plans to ramp up production for its Fire Department of New York Rescue Hero toy in anticipation of demand in the wake of the disaster. Fisher-Price, a unit of Mattel , said it's planning to make 100,000 of the FDNY models instead of the 20,000 units it had scheduled for release in November. All proceeds from the $9.99 Billy Blazes model -- dressed in full FDNY uniform and carrying a hose -- will also go to the FDNY Fire Safety Education Fund. Corgi Classics, the unit of Zindart which makes die cast replicas, has noted a 15 to 25 percent jump in sales of patriotic collectibles, such as U.S. military vehicles, Air Force One and fire engines.
