LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Hasbro,
Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS), today announced a strategic licensing program
with Gramercy Products, Inc. to launch NERF DOG, a full range of
NERF-inspired canine retrieving toys. The high-performance, tough and
durable line will launch at Walmart stores throughout the U.S. beginning
this summer followed by pet specialty stores in fall 2013.
"NERF DOG is a great example of Hasbro's strategic approach to marrying
the sports action category with key brands like NERF," said Simon
Waters, Senior Vice President, Global Brand Licensing & Publishing at
Hasbro. "The new NERF DOG line will perfectly translate the DNA of the
NERF brand into a fresh breakout line that encapsulates the inner drive
shared both by dogs and their owners to engage in over-the-top active
play. It promises to be quite fun for all."
The overall pet industry is expected to reach $55.53 billion in U.S.
sales in 2013, according to the American Pet Products Association. The
organization's 2011-2012 bi-annual pet owners survey also reports that
46.3 percent of U.S. households own a dog.
The NERF DOG retrieving toys include an optimized design and function by
introducing special materials to the product line, for example, extra
tough NYLON construction and stitching that is three times stronger than
what is typically included on standard dog toys. The long distance ball
thrower will stand up to the NERF name by achieving a distance of up to
250 feet. The NERF DOG play range will include rubber, plastic, NYLON
and Thermo Plastic Rubber (TPR) toys at an array of price points ranging
from $5 to $15.
About Gramercy Products
Based in Secaucus, NJ, Gramercy Products, Inc. is a leading consumer
product design and manufacturing firm. The company's products can be
found worldwide, in specialty, drug, grocery, online and mass retailers.
About Hasbro
Hasbro,
Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company dedicated to fulfilling
the fundamental need for play for children and families through the
creative expression of the Company's world class brand portfolio,
including TRANSFORMERS, MONOPOLY, PLAY-DOH, MY LITTLE PONY, MAGIC: THE
GATHERING, NERF and LITTLEST PET SHOP. From toys and games, to
television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and a
comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its global
customers with innovative play and entertainment experiences, in a
variety of forms and formats, anytime and anywhere. The Company's Hasbro
Studios develops and produces television programming for more than 170
markets around the world, and for the U.S. on Hub Network, part of a
multi-platform joint venture between Hasbro and Discovery Communications
(NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK). Through the company's deep commitment to
corporate social responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is
helping to build a safe and sustainable world for future generations and
to positively impact the lives of millions of children and families
every year. It has been recognized for its efforts by being named one of
the "World's Most Ethical Companies" and is ranked as one of Corporate
Responsibility Magazine's "100 Best Corporate Citizens." Learn more at www.hasbro.com.
© 2013 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved
HAS-LIC
Editors' Note: Market data source, American Pet Products Association, http://www.americanpetproducts.org/

Hasbro
Pat Jarret, 401-727-5896
or
Foghorn PR
Shelly
Eckenroth, 717-852-7060
or
Foghorn PR
Mary Leddy,
508-872-3369
Source: Hasbro, Inc.
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