Date: March 2nd 2004

Baby Bargains E-News: Bellissimo pulls bedding from stores, Status closes, Fisher Price high chair update, Graco Travel swing plus 7 RECALLS

(Need to unsubscribe? Want to have a friend get this newsletter? Need to change your email address? Click here: http://www.windsorpeak.com/babybargains/newsletter.html )

===================================================
BABY & TODDLER BARGAINS NEWS UPDATE: March 2, 2004
The free eNewsletter for the readers of BABY BARGAINS and TODDLER BARGAINS
http://www.BabyBargainsBook.com
March 2, 2004
===================================================

In this email:

1. Wendy Bellissimo pulls bedding from stores; will sell only online
2. Status Furniture goes bankrupt
3. Fisher Price high chair update
4. Chicago TV station airs report about Graco travel swing safety concerns
5. Correction: Combi Savona stroller
6. New edition of TODDLER BARGAINS due in April; get an early bird discount now.
7. RECALLS: Child Craft (Legacy) crib, Graco toy sold with high chairs/entertainers, sweatshirts, jackets, swings, spider toys, activity cubes


===================

1. Wendy Bellissimo pulls bedding from stores; will sell only online

In a move that stunned baby retailers, Wendy Bellissimo announced it was pulling its products from retail stores and will only sell online.

“After careful consideration and heartfelt debate, we have decided that wholesale distribution to independent retailers is not a direction in which can afford to continue.” said company owners Wendy and Joe Bellissimo in a letter to its dealers on Feb 27.

Repeated calls to the company for additional comment were unreturned.

Effective April 1, Wendy Bellissimo will no longer accept any orders for their products from its dealers. “At that time, we will independently and for an indefinite period continue to produce, market and sell our products direct to the public.”

Retailers who spoke to BABY BARGAINS said they were livid about the decision, considering the thousands of dollars Bellissimo required them to invest in the line. Bellissimo mandated retailers buy a special software program for nursery design, as well as expensive fixtures, samples and other sales material to promote the line. Retailers were also required to spend a certain amount of money to promote the line in advertising. The total investment for one retailer in these materials/fixtures/software alone ran $10,000.

Even more galling, Bellissimo asked retailers to remove any mention of the brand from their stores by July 1. “After July 1, we kindly ask you discontinue use of and remove from your premises as well as on the internet all Wendy Bellissimo related sales materials.”

Retailers told us Bellissimo seems more interested in promoting her name as a “celebrity brand” than building a bedding company. As an example. Bellissimo debuted a lower priced line of imported bedding called Wendy Bee a couple of years ago. Yet, after the introduction, the company only came out with one or two new patterns (and no new designs in the last six months). “The bedding business is like fashion,” one retailer told us. “When you don’t come out with new looks, the line will die.” Meanwhile, the company was busy pushing a book by Bellissimo called “Nesting,” which was published by the same vanity press that has done celebrity books by Jessica Simpson, among others.

Bellissimo is taking a large risk with the only online sales strategy, as almost all luxury nursery linens are sold in specialty stores. Or in the case of Pottery Barn, in conjunction with brick and mortar stores. Parents who want to buy $600 crib bedding want to touch it first, not buy from a picture.

If you have ordered bedding from Bellissimo, we suggest you contact your retailer immediately to check the status of your order.

===================

2. Status Furniture goes bankrupt

Canadian furniture maker Status Furniture went bankrupt and closed their operations last month.

The company, which at the zenith of its popularity sold cribs to Pottery Barn, was a victim of the trend toward lower-cost cribs imported from Asia and South America. Status’ profit margins were also squeezed in the past year by a soaring Canadian dollars, which made its cribs and furniture more expensive to import into the U.S.

===================

3. Fisher Price high chair update

So, where is the “Deluxe Healthy Care” high chair by Fisher Price we wrote about in the book? Well, it apparently now has limited distribution at stores like Burlington Coat Factory’s Baby Depot and Shopko.

But there is good news: Fisher Price is selling a slightly different version of the deluxe to Babies R Us under the name “Linkadoos.” It is the same as the deluxe, but adds some features such as an extra toy, jar holder and basket on the side. The Linkadoos Healthy Care High Chair is also now sold at Toys R Us stores.

===================

4. Chicago TV station airs report about Graco travel swing safety concerns

Chicago TV station NBC5 recently aired a story about safety concerns with the Graco travel swing which debuted in 2003. Here is a copy of the transcript:

Parents Recommend Recall Of Graco Travel Swing

Graco: Company Investigating Complaints

POSTED: 10:05 PM CST January 22, 2004

CHICAGO -- They are the trusted brand names that come into the family along with the birth of a child, but danger lurks behind the labels of even the most well-known makers of children's products.

There are mandatory testing standards for many home products like toasters and tools, but when it comes to the littlest members of the family, that is not the case for many of the items they use, reported NBC5's Lisa Parker .

"We had many of the Graco products, and we bought it for that name, assuming it's going to be safe," said first-time parent Richard Kuk.

When Kuk and his wife decided to purchase a travel swing, they didn't hesitate to purchase Graco Children's Products' Travel Lite Swing. Kuk's 3-month-old son, Tyler, pitched forward in the swing and almost doubled over, gasping for air.

"He was about to turn blue," Kuk said. "He wasn't getting air."

Kuk blamed himself for putting Tyler in the swing wrong until it continued to happen.

"I thought to myself, 'This is not designed correctly. It's obvious that it needs to have shoulder straps or something that matters so they prevent him falling forward,'" Kuk said.

Kuk's complaint about the Graco Travel Lite Swing is not an isolated one. On Amazon.com product reviews, parents from around the country share their impressions about the product. Dawn from Michigan advises not buying the swing. Jason from Minnesota calls the swing a "safety hazard." A parent from Connecticut calls it "unbelievably dangerous."

In fact, of the 92 customer reviews on the Web site, NBC5 found that 79 were negative.

"I think what parents need to be aware of is that while they may think that if they go to a store and buy a new brand name product off the shelf, that someone, somewhere has made sure that that product is safe," said Nancy Cowles of Chicago-based Kids in Danger. "But in the United States, that is simply not the case."

There are no mandatory safety standards and no required testing for the majority of children's products including cribs, swings and strollers.

Kids in Danger recently published a report addressing the misplaced trust they say parents often place in well-known brand names.

"While they may feel safer buying a brand name product for their child, it's not necessarily true that that product will turn out to be safer," Cowles said.

In the report, Graco is near the top of the list of companies that lead the industry with the most recalled products in the last decade.

Kuk captured on home video the problem he thought Graco should see and sent a copy to the company. He says they offered him a refund but no fix for his or any other swing out there.

"I thought they should do a recall because the video clearly shows it's a defect," Kuk said.

Graco would not comment on Kuk's complaint or the video he sent them except to say the company values consumer feedback and is investigating. A spokeswoman for the company was not aware of the negative reviews on Amazon.com and said the company will also look into that matter.

===================

5. Correction: Combi Savona stroller

On page 424 of BABY BARGAINS, we said the Combi Savona stroller only had a partial recline. It actually has a full recline. We will correct this in the next printing of our book.

===================

6. New edition of TODDLER BARGAINS due in April; get an early bird discount now.

Yes, we have a brand new edition of TODDLER BARGAINS coming out this April! The 2nd edition will feature updated reviews of car booster seats, strollers, clothing deals and much more. Also new: we’ve included our special report on the best water parks for families (think summer) in a new family travel section.

Special deal: pre-order a copy of TODDLER BARGAINS and get FREE shipping! Buy the new book for just $14.95 and get free standard shipping (a $3 value). Click here to order:

https://windsorpeak.com/orderform14.html

The new TODDLER BARGAINS book will ship the week of April 5.

===================

7. RECALLS: Child Craft (Legacy) crib, Graco toy sold with high chairs/entertainers, sweatshirts, jackets, swings, spider toys, activity cubes


RECALLS

For Immediate Release Firm's Hotline: (888) 844-2674
February 24, 2004 CPSC Recall Hotline:
(800) 638-2772
Release # 04-087 CPSC Media Contact:
(301) 504-7908

CPSC, Child Craft Industries Announce Recall of Cribs

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with the manufacturers named below, today announced
voluntary recalls of the following consumer products. Consumers should
stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
(To access color photos of the following recalled products, see CPSC's
Web site at www.cpsc.gov.)

Name of product: Legacy Cribs
Units: 3,500
Manufacturer/Importer: Child Craft Industries, of Salem, Ind.
Hazard: The slats on the drop side rail can loosen and detach. When this

happens, the space created by the gaps can allow a baby to become
entangled, strangle or fall.
Incidents/Injuries: There have been 12 reports of the slats on the drop
side rail completely detaching. No injuries have been reported.
Description: The recalled Legacy cribs include model numbers 16741,
21021, 23111 and 28721. The model numbers are printed on the bottom rail

of the head or foot board. The full-size cribs were made from ash and
maple woods, and sold in a variety of colors. All carry the Legacy Brand

label.
Sold at: Juvenile furniture stores nationwide from March 2002 through
January 2004 for between $399 and $549.
Manufactured in: China between March 2002 and March 2003.
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the cribs and contact Child Craft to

receive a replacement drop side rail.
Consumer Contact: Call Child Craft toll-free at (888) 844-2674 between 8

a.m. and 5 p.m. ET or visit the firm's Web site at
www.childcraftindustries.com.

To view this press release online, use the following link:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04087.html

#######################################################

For Immediate Release Firm's Hotline: (800) 258-3213
January 8, 2004 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
Release # 04-064 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, Graco Children's Products Announce Recall of Bumble Bee Toys with
Blue Antennae

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission,
in cooperation with the manufacturer named below, today announced voluntary recalls of the following consumer products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. (To access color photos of the following recalled products, see CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.)

Name of product: Bumble Bee Toys with blue antennae sold with certain
Graco high chairs and Graco mobile entertainers, and also sold
separately as an accessory and replacement part.
Units: 398,000
Manufacturer: Graco Children's Products, Inc. of Exton, Pa.
Hazard: The blue antennae on the Bumble Bee toy can break, posing a
choking hazard to young children.
Incidents/Injuries: Graco has received 26 reports of the antennae
breaking off of the Bumble Bee toys, including five reports of children
who started to choke on the broken antennae. One child's throat was
scratched when the child's mother removed the broken antenna from the
child's mouth.
Description: All Bumble Bee toys with blue antennae distributed by Graco
are included in this recall. Specifically, Bumble Bee toys with blue
antennae were distributed with Graco High Chair model numbers 3656CUB,
3658FKB, 3659KER, 3659NGS, 3660WNN and 35605 manufactured between July
22, 2002 and March 9, 2003, and Graco Tot Wheels Mobile Entertainer
models 4522OTM, 4522TOTM, 4521ALP, 35628 and 4512FUN manufactured
between November 8, 2001 and March 9, 2003. Bumble Bee toys with blue
antennae were also distributed separately as an accessory and a
replacement part with model number 548094S. Bumble Bee toys with yellow
or black antennae are not affected.
Sold at: Discount, department and juvenile product stores from October
2001 through March 2003 on high chairs and mobile entertainers for
between $39 and $89, and individually, as accessories, for $5.
Manufactured in: Toy made in China
Remedy: Consumers should discard immediately any Bumble Bee toys with
blue antennae in their possession and contact Graco to receive a free
replacement toy.
Consumer Contact: Graco at (800) 258-3213 anytime to receive a free
replacement toy.

To see a photo of the recalled product, use this link:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04064.html

#######################################################

##########################
For Immediate Release Firm's Hotline: (866) 280-8419
February 5, 2004 CPSC Recall Hotline:
(800) 638-2772
Release # 04-078 CPSC Media Contact:
(301) 504-7908

CPSC, Meijer Announce Recall of Children's Sweatshirts with Drawstring
Hoods

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission,
in cooperation with the manufacturers named below, today announced
voluntary recalls of the following consumer products. Consumers should
stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
(To access color photos of the following recalled products, see CPSC's
Web site at www.cpsc.gov.)

Name of product: Children's Sweatshirts Units: 18,655
Manufacturer/Importer: Meijer Distribution Inc., of Grand Rapids, Mich.
Hazard: The sweatshirts have drawstrings in the hood. Children can get
entangled and strangle in the drawstrings that can catch on playground
equipment, fences or tree branches. In February 1996, the CPSC issued
guidelines to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled

on the neck and waist drawstrings of upper garments, such as jackets and

sweatshirts. From January 1985 through January 1999, CPSC received
reports of 22 deaths and 48 non-fatal incidents involving the
entanglement of children's clothing drawstrings.
Incidents/Injuries: No injuries or incidents have been reported.
Description: The fleece sweatshirts were sold in children's sizes 4 - 18

under the brand name, "Emergency Exit." The sweatshirts were
manufactured in a variety of colors including red, blue, grey and black.

Each sweatshirt has an image on the chest of either, a tribal design,
dragon, motocross or skateboarding pattern.
Sold at: Meijer retail stores in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and
Illinois from August 2003 and January 2004 for between $20 and $22.
Manufactured in: Pakistan.
Remedy: Consumers can return the sweatshirts to Meijer retailers for a
full refund or consumers can remove the drawstrings to eliminate the
hazard.
Consumer Contact: Call Meijer toll-free at (866) 280-8419 anytime of
visit the firm's Web site at www.meijer.com.

To view this press release online, use the following link:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04078.html

##########################
For Immediate Release Firm's Hotline: (866) 280-8419
February 5, 2004 CPSC Recall Hotline:
(800) 638-2772
Release # 04-077 CPSC Media Contact:
(301) 504-7908

CPSC, Meijer Distribution Announce Recall of Children's Jackets

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with the manufacturers named below, today announced
voluntary
recalls of the following consumer products. Consumers should stop using
recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. (To access
color photos of the following recalled products, see CPSC's Web site
at www.cpsc.gov.)

Name of product: Kids Falls Creek PU Jacket with Polar Fleece in Hood
Units: 58,000
Distributor: Meijer Distribution Inc., of Grand Rapids, Mich.
Hazard: The zipper pull on the jacket can come off and pose a choking
hazard to small children.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: The recalled jackets were sold in various colors for boys
and girls. Girls' sizes include 2T through 5T, 4 through 7 and 8 through

19. Boys sizes include 2T through 5T, 4 through 6X and 7/8 through 16. A

label inside the jacket reads, "Authentic Falls Creek."
Sold at: Meijer retail stores in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and
Illinois from August 2003 through December 2003 for about $30.
Manufactured in: China.
Remedy: Consumers should stop using these jackets and contact Meijer
Distribution for instructions on returning the jacket for a refund.
Consumer Contact: Meijer Distribution toll-free at (866) 280-8419
anytime or visit the firm's Web site at www.meijer.com.

To view this press release online, use the following link:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04077.html


##########################
For Immediate Release Slide-N-Swing Contact: (800) 888-1232
February 5, 2004 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800)
638-2772
Release #04-076 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Slide-N-Swing Media Contact:
Michael Fitzpatrick, (608)
756-4141

CPSC, Swing-N-Slide Announce Recall of "Mega Rider" Swings

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces

the following recalls in voluntary cooperation with the firms listed
below.
Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless
otherwise
instructed. To access color photos of recalled products, go to the
Commission's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

Name of product: Swing-N-Slide "Mega Rider" Swings Units: 1,220
Distributor: Swing-N-Slide, of Janesville, Wis.
Hazard: The plastic handle on the Mega Rider swing could crack at the
seat connection allowing the metal connecting rod to pull out. If this
occurs, a child on the swing could fall to the ground.
Incidents/Injuries: There has been one report of a swing breaking. No
injuries have been reported.
Description: The recalled backyard playground "Mega Rider" swing can be
used by one or two children. The blue-colored plastic "Mega Rider" is
suspended from a crossbeam by four plastic-coated chains. Children
sitting back-to-back push in different directions to make the swing move

back and forth. Printed on the handle below the seat connection in
raised lettering are the words, "Swing-N-Slide, 1212 Barberry Drive,
Janesville, WI, Made in U.S.A., 1-800-888-1232, THIS PRODUCT IS INTENDED

FOR USE BY CHILDREN FROM THE AGES OF 2 TO 10 YEARS. READ INSTRUCTIONS
PRIOR TO USE."
Sold at: Lowe's and Home Depot stores by special order and through Ace,
DIBC, TruServ, Handy Hardware, Emery Warehouse, and Federated co-ops and

buying groups nationwide from March 2003 through October 2003 for about
$90.
Manufactured in: USA.
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the "Mega Riders" immediately and
return them to the company for a replacement product with increased
material thickness. Swing-N-Slide will provide consumers with a self-
addressed box to return the product.
Consumer Contact: Consumers should contact Swing-N-Slide at (800) 888-
1232 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, visit the
company's Web site at www.swing-n-slide.com, or write to Mega Rider
Recall, Swing-N-Slide, 1212 Barberry Drive, Janesville, WI 53545.

To view this press release online, use the following link:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04076.html


##########################

For Immediate Release Mary Meyer's Hotline: (800) 451-4387
February 19, 2004 CPSC Recall Hotline: (800)
638-2772
Release #04-086 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, Mary Meyer Corp. Announce Recall To Replace Plush Spider Baby Toys

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation
with the manufacturers named below, today announced voluntary recalls of
the
following consumer products. Consumers should stop using recalled
products
immediately unless otherwise instructed. (To access color photos of the
following recalled products, see CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.)

Name of product: "Webster" Activity Spider Toy
Units: 10,000
Distributor: Mary Meyer Corporation, of Townshend, Vt.
Hazard: The round stuffed feet on the spider can detach, posing a
choking hazard to young children.
Incidents/Injuries: Mary Meyer Corporation has received five reports of
the round stuffed feet of the plush spider toy detaching. No injuries
have been reported.
Description: The toy is a plush bug-shaped activity toy, which also can
be hung from a crib, carriage or other object. The plush spider toy has
eight legs with round stuffed feet that crinkle or rattle and a mirror
on the underside that makes a squeaky sound when bounced.
Sold at: Department and specialty stores nationwide from January 2002
through September 2003 for about $10.
Remedy: Return the toy to Mary Meyer Corp. to receive a replacement
product of equal value.
Consumer Contact: Mary Meyer Corporation at (800) 451-4387 between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday for instructions on returning
the spider toy and receiving the replacement product.

To view this press release online, use the following link:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04085.html

##########################


For Immediate Release Firm's Hotline: (800) 836-7928
February 6, 2004 CPSC Recall Hotline:
(800) 638-2772
Release # 04-079 CPSC Media Contact:
(301) 504-7908

CPSC, PlayWell Toy Company Ltd. Announce Recall of Activity Cubes

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with the manufacturers named below, today announced
voluntary recalls of the
following consumer products. Consumers should stop using recalled
products immediately unless
otherwise instructed. (To access color photos of the following recalled
products, see CPSC's Web
site at www.cpsc.gov.)

Name of product: PlayWell Crayola(r) Activity Cube Units: 11,200
Importer: PlayWell Toy Company, West Orange, New Jersey
Hazard: Small parts can detach from the cube, posing a choking hazard to

small children.
Incidents/Injuries: PlayWell has received three reports of small parts
detaching, including one report of a child mouthing a piece of the
activity cube. No injuries have been reported.
Description: The Crayola(r) activity cube is about 9-inches tall and is
made of wood. Each side of the activity cube has a different game,
including shape sorting cut-outs and crayon character wheels. The top of

the activity cube has crayon characters and beads that slide along a
spiral glide. The packaging is labeled "Crayola(r) Activity Cube" and
"Playwell."
Sold at: Shopko Stores nationwide from October 2003 through January
2004.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should take the product away from small children
immediately and contact PlayWell for instructions on returning the
product for a full refund.
Consumer Contact: Call PlayWell Toy Company toll-free at (800) 836-7928
anytime or visit the firm's Web site at www.regcen.com/activitycube.

To view this press release online, visit the following link:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04079.html


That’s the new from here!

--
Alan & Denise Fields, authors
BABY BARGAINS * BABY 411 * TODDLER BARGAINS * BRIDAL BARGAINS * CYBERBRIDE * YOUR NEW HOUSE
Web: www.windsorpeak.com.
Email: authors@windsorpeak.com
Phone: 303-442-8792
Address: Windsor Peak Press, 436 Pine Street, Boulder, CO 80302

--
The readers speak! Check out our new message boards for our books at:
http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php

--
We have a brand new book for parents! It's called Baby 411---think of it as the ultimate FAQ for new moms and dads! Check it out here: http://www.Baby411.com





--
To unsubscribe from: Baby Bargains E-Newsletter, just follow this link:

http://www.windsorpeak.com/cgi-bin/mojo/mojo.cgi?f=u&l=Baby_Bargains_E%2dNewsletter&e=example@example.com&p=[pin]

Click this link, or copy and paste the address into your browser.