Toy stores step up their game following recalls
by JOE BOZEK Amherst Bee Correspondent

Toxic chemicals, lead paint, choking hazards - not exactly putting you in the holiday spirit?

Despite recent toy recalls for all of the above, Amherst area toy stores are confident this holiday season will be a safe one for children.

"It's probably coming up to be the safest time ever to buy toys," said Karen Weaver, manager of Toy Store and More at 9412 Transit Road. "The recalls are forcing all the toy companies to be really, really diligent in the inspection of their products. I don't think any company wants to become the next news alert on CNN."

To ensure safety, Toys 'R' Us recently agreed to independently re-test toys on their shelves and report any violations to the proper authorities. The company also advised its manufacturers to increase the frequency of testing for each shipment of toys, according to a statement from Gerald L. Storch, chairman and CEO of Toys 'R' Us Inc.

Inside Toys 'R' Us at 3030 Sheridan Drive, a recall board with pictures and product information is on display at the main entrance. Additionally, consumers can find a full list of recalled toys and products at http://toysrus.com/safety.

The Consumer Products Safety Commission has issued recalls for 37 toys for violating the lead-paint standard, according to the CPSC Web site at http://cpsc.gov. The government-run site lists up-to-date product recalls and safety news.

Customers are paying attention.

"The recalls have changed me a lot," said Natasha Whitfield, 23, after shopping for her two daughters at Toys 'R' Us. "They've made me very aware that the items I do purchase should be tested for lead. I'm paying attention to all the toys that are being recalled."

At Puddle Duck Toys and Dolls at 5225 Sheridan Drive, owner Dorothy Sielski assures parents her toys are safe and lead-free.

"We ask questions to our manufacturers, and they have assured us that there is no use of lead paint," said Sielski, now in her 23rd year of ownership. "We are bringing in more toys made in the U.S, especially the wooden ones, and the customers are very happy with it."

The call for American-made toys continues to grow louder among shoppers.

Michael Debose, who has two sons, said, "The recalls have made me more aware of American-made products, and now I decide to look for American-made products when I shop."

At Toy Store and More, where employees receive recall alerts from the Toy Industry Association, managers are trying their best to answer that call.

"We've been scrambling lately for American-made toys," said Weaver. "But it seems that a lot of companies are sold out because of the scares."

Puddle Duck is one of the stores already reaping the benefits from the backlash on foreign-made toys.

"I always get new faces," Sielski said. "But yes, a lot more new people are coming in."

Although holiday shoppers expressed concern about purchasing potentially harmful toys, many predicted no change in the spending habits of consumers.

"People might be a little more cautious and a little more aware of what they're buying," said Collen Fay, a high school teacher from Ontario, after shopping for his two infant sons. "But I don't think it's going to cause them to spend any less money."

(Bozek is a student at Buffalo State College.)