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What Is A Webkinz Pet?

August 22, 2007

These kind of fads absolutely amaze me: Webkinz “the interactive, collectible plush toys that have generated the same frenzied fever as Beatlemania and Beanie Babies.” Started by the Ganz gift company in 2005, they have spawned a whole new industry and I wasn’t even aware of it. 

When a user adopts a Webkinz pet, they give it a name, gender, and enter its secret code. The user is then given basic items such as a room, a welcome balloon, a food item, one or two pieces of furniture, and the Webkinz unique food and special item. Upon the adoption of the pet, certain items are considered unique to the pet - such as "special" food or other special items.

The owners of Sweet Be's Candy & Gifts in suburban St. Louis have doubled their staff within the past six months and added a second phone line just to field requests for Webkinz. 

The popularity of Webkinz, has resulted in the marketing of accessories, such as trading cards, jewelry, clothing, books and party products, and products that connect to the virtual Webkinz World. 

I checked the website of WebKinz for locations of just the retailers of Webkinz pets and found a list that would fill half an 8 ½ by 11 page, stores like Hallmark, gift shops at hospitals, candy stores, candle shops and postal annexes.  I did not find one store in the 97209 zip code where our furniture and accessory store is located.  Hmmmm!

Email me at landfair3554@comcast.net.


Posted by Mike Landfair on August 22, 2007 | Comments (4)


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August 22, 2007
In response to: What Is A Webkinz Pet?
Doug @ Retail Contrarian commented:

Hi Mike,
As the parent of an 10 and 8 year old I am well aware of the power of Webkinz. That would be the power of how much the kids like them and the impact on a lot of retailer's bottom lines. The downside is the kids commandeer my wife's computer all of the time.

While a lot of people think the Webkinz are just a fad, personally I believe they're here to stay. Their not expensive and the connection to the web keeps the whole concept fresh.

Do I see a whole new WebKinz World at Landfair Furniture in the future?

Doug @ www.www.retailcontrarian.com/




December 18, 2007
In response to: What Is A Webkinz Pet?
SAHGA commented:

GREAT ANSWERS.I HAVE ONE AND IT IS SO FUN.TRY TO FIND ONE.




April 14, 2008
In response to: What Is A Webkinz Pet?
Sue commented:

Are these still going strong or are they finally fading?




April 14, 2008
In response to: What Is A Webkinz Pet?
Mike Landfair commented:

Sue, it appears so, at least withthe stuffed animals. Found this at Metafilter:
ask.metafilter.com/86177/Whats-the-deal-with-these-Webkinz.
Don't use www before the address





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