PixelBlocks Break Out With
Patented Connections And Colors
Innovative Creativity Toy Sizzles in the
Specialty Market
New York, NY (February, 2004) —
PixelBlocks™, combining glistening colors and unlimited building capability, are
ready to break out as a leading creativity toy at the American International Toy Fair,
February 15 to February 18, 2004, in New York City. Setting pixels free from the screen,
PixelBlocks will be easily found on two aisles at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center,
booth #1633D.
PixelBlocks are the result of high-tech
thinking that doesn't require silicon chips or LCD displays, and yet allow anyone to
create eye-popping, colorful works of "digital" art. With a unique 20-color
translucent palette, the patented connections developed exclusively for PixelBlocks
encourage limitless 2D and 3D creativity, while the traditional top-to-bottom stacking
ability make them compatible with other leading brand building blocks. In addition, by
utilizing the exclusive Digital Stained Glass™ Creator at http://www.pixelblocks.com,
consumers can start with a favorite photo and download a personal "mosaic map"
that explains exactly how to put together a PixelBlocks mosaic creation worthy of framing.
Early accolades for PixelBlocks include
being selected as one of Child's "Best Toys of the Year" and named a Toy Wishes'
"Great Innovation," earning a "Toy Tips Trusted" five-star rating and
a Creative Child "Seal of Excellence" award, and securing "Seal of
Approval" honors from The National Parenting Center.
"In just ten days in our stores,
we're already seeing sensational sell through for PixelBlocks," said Mary Bradt
Mintz, General Merchandise Manager, The Art Store. "Our primary business is fine art
materials, but PixelBlocks offer something not only to our child consumer, but artists
involved in many mediums, even animation. They [PixelBlocks LLC] did everything right
– they've created an innovative product, put it in graphically appealing `adult'
packaging and offer a wide range of sets to capture both the impulse buyer, the deluxe
buyer, and everyone in between."
"PixelBlocks are a great new product
– very unique and innovative!" said John Wilson, owner of Learning Express
stores in Denville and Morristown, New Jersey. "Not only are PixelBlocks a fantastic
construction toy, but the added feature of being able to `pixelize' a personal photo
through the web site brings a whole new dimension, expanding the creative reach of the
product, and appealing to an elusive older audience."
With limited distribution in the final
months of 2003, PixelBlocks has already begun securing a demanding presence on toy shelves
with over 40% of retail accounts placing reorders within weeks of receiving their initial
shipments, and PixelBlocks production tripled in the fourth quarter to meet demand.
"We are quite pleased with the
initial retail response to PixelBlocks," said Aaron Rincover, PixelBlocks President.
"The buzz prior to our launch was almost deafening, but now that we're watching
PixelBlocks fly off store shelves, and receiving unsolicited praises almost daily through
our web site, we are extremely excited to introduce PixelBlocks to the world at Toy
Fair."
Designed for ages 6 and up, current
PixelBlocks offerings include a range of block sets featuring from 200 to 2800 pieces in
up to 20 vibrant colors. (Due to the large quantity of pieces and complex design
possibilities, the two largest PixelBlocks sets – 1400 and 2800 -- have been labeled
for ages 8 and up.) Each PixelBlocks package includes an `Ideabook' illustrating a variety
of 2D and 3D connection possibilities and a glimpse into the colorfully creative
PixelBlocks world. PixelBlocks retail for approximately $5.99 to $59.99 per set.
PixelBlocks were invented by Los Angeles
television engineer, Jay Simmons, and developed for the specialty market by a consortium
of five industry veterans. Founded in 2002, PixelBlocks, LLC is located in Glendora,
California.
