Toy, Hobby, & Games

"Unlike many demo-type displays, this Matchbox unit for Rocky the Robot Truck does a pretty good job of showing what the toy can do without terrorizing half the store with loud, unearthly sounds. A push of the impossible-to-miss button sends Rocky into a spasm of activity. It moves, dumps, turns and talks just like it's supposed to and at a sound level that won't shatter glass -- not an unimportant point for parents looking for some peace and quiet while their child plays.

"My granddaughter is a loyal Dora fan, so when I'm in stores, I'm always on the lookout. Lucky for me, this interactive display from Mattel was interesting for several reasons. First, the unit actually worked when I hit the "Try Me" button. Both sound and film ran perfectly (see inset). Next, the display included an actual Dora doll so little shoppers could ask for the right toy.

"Here's a display from Fisher-Price and Disney that lets your little handyman actually touch, feel and see the workbench in action. This is not your simple, old toy tool set. This interactive unit has numerous 'Try Me' buttons and, by inserting the 'blueprints,' you get step-by-step help to actually build small projects. Since it also works with three or four other Handy Manny project sets, your investment can be kept fresh and exciting for your child for an extended period. By locating the actual package immediately above the demo, this retailer made it easy to see, try and buy this item."

"This neat little wire and plastic display for Tonka's Chuck and Friends from Hasbro will never be an award winner. That's fine, because that was never the intention. What it does do rather well is utilize space normally reserved for traditional sidekicks to present an array of truck characters to eager little shoppers.

Retailer: BJ's Wholesale
Location: Westminster, MD