Toy story

Article Abstract:

The British toy industry has become a high-volume, low-margin and highly volatile market in which smaller companies are struggling to survive. The industry is characterized by extreme concentration of sales during the Christmas season, with many retailers generating half of their annual sales in the last weeks of the year. It is also highly susceptible to fashion which makes it difficult for manufacturers to predict demand. Gone are the days when traditional toys, such as train sets, spinning tops and baby dolls, were popular gifts year after year. The new generation of toys are highly topical, with the latest favorites including Spice Girls dolls, virtual pets and Star Wars figures. In such an environment, manufacturers that want to survive need to become large, be quick to respond to market changes, or concentrate on niche markets.

Game, Toy, and Children's Vehicle Manufacturing, Games, toys, and children's vehicles, Toys, United Kingdom, Industry Overview, Toy industry

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The French in Laos, 1887-1945

Article Abstract:

The French rule in Laos between 1887 and 1945 was marked by commercial exploitation of Laos's natural resources and infrastructural developments, including the building of road and rail links. The French considered Laos as a small part of its vast colonial empire, and till the 1930s, did not invest heavily in capital intensive projects. The French were ambivalent in their relationship with the native Laos.

France, History, Laos, French foreign relations, Laotian foreign relations

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Lithuania's patron saint depicted on Vatican stamp

Article Abstract:

The Vatican issued two stamps on Dec 14, 1959 which honored Saint Casimir. One of the original designs made by artist V K Jonynas was not used. The substitute design appears to be cruder, as though not executed by a trained artist. The short life of the saint is recounted.

Lithuania, Evaluation, Biography, Vatican City, Postage-stamp design, Postage stamp design, Christian patron saints, Patron saints, Casimir, Saint

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