A.I. Teddy Available--Limited--Let's Start A Movement

[philippes]

I have discovered that the 15" A.I. Teddy is available at Shopko stores (they're the only ones who have ordered them). I got this information directly from Tiger Electronics, the Hasbro division that is making the toy. Unfortunately, Shopko doesn't operate in my region. Can someone get a 15" A.I. Teddy for me?

Also, if we want Teddy to be widely released, we need to request that our retailers ask for them. Maybe people from this board can get the ball rolling. Shall we start an A.I. Teddy movement?

Here's a photo:

http://www.pressroom.com/~philips/special/ai_teddy.jpg

Phil

[trammel]

I don't have Shopko stores in my area either. :(

-Tom

[jt001]

You don't have one in your area. Me? I've never heard that store before! :p

I'd like to get one! If someone has a Shopko near, please let us know!


jt001

[tripoli]

Both my co-worker and I would like to get one of these. "Come to me teddy"

[jt001]

Look at me...a 29 years old, full grown man asking for a teddy bear. :lol:



jt001

[philippes]

Here is the Shopko website:

www.shopko.com (http://www.shopko.com)

Their sister company, Pameda, might also have them:

www.pamida.com (http://www.pamida.com)

You'll find store locators at the sites. Call their toy departments for availability before you go.

Call Wal-Mart, Call Toys'R'Us. Let's get these stores to carry this toy.

Phil

[forttusken]

Never heard of Shopko either. So what can Teddy do? How much does he cost?

jt- he is not just a teddy bear, he is a smart ass companion!

[jt001]

he is not just a teddy bear, he is a smart ass companion!

Look at me...a 29 years old, full grown man asking for a smart ass companion!

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:



jt001

[philippes]

Retail should be about $30.00.

Teddy has 200 seconds of phrases featuring Jack Angel's voice. Jack Angel did the voiceover for the film.

Phil

[peace hunter]

I was just thinking about that little guy.
just going through my favorite files and clicked on a link regarding this teddy

www.figures.com/databases...rticle=255 (http://www.figures.com/databases/action.cgi?setup_file=fignews2.setup&category=actionfigures&topic=77&show_article=255)

I also never heard of Shopko. If anyone has one of these store in their area I would like to get one too.

Robert

[Dustin Crops Boy]

oh, you know if that was widely released - it would be a HUGE flop and you'd be so sick of looking at rows and rows of them in the clearance aisles for months to come.

[Saberlicious]

Phil, if you know of opne in the LA area that has stock let me know, I can pick one up for you.

Barry

[jt001]

I'd really appreciate it if someone could pick up one for me, too! :)


jt001

[trammel]

Are these availabe now?

-Tom

[philippes]

Barry,

Thanks for the offer. I'll have to call the LA stores tonight.

In the meantime, if anyone else wants to call around, let the board know what you find out.

Phil

[philippes]

Tom,

They're supposedly available now. Only a few have shipped, however.

Tiger Electronics told me that they're available if stores ask for them.

Phil

[Saberlicious]

Checking with a friend at DreamWorks, he's asking around...

Barry

[Flix4Me]

Shopko? Pamida? Never heard of them.

Please! Must...have...Teddy...

[Flix4Me]

Too funny! I just used the Shopko website locator. The only store in California is in... Redding! Well, now I guess there is something in Redding! :lol:

Phil, what do you think our chances are of doing an RPF group purchase, if there are enough of us interested?

[Sith Sheriff Brody]

"David. No. I'm going to fall. Ow." Or whatever Teddy said...
"Dave. Stop. My mind is going ... I can feel it."

Notice any eeire similarities?

*Twilight Zone music ...*


-SSB

[Jack Knight1979]

All the national chains have to pick this up.
Everyone I talk to wants a teddy. It must be a early shipment "trial run" kinda thing. There's too much money to be made from this to not have them every where you look.

Nickoli

[Jedirick]

I dunno that sure looks like a baby EWOK to me. You sure this is not some kinda con to spring Ewoks on unsuspecting Star Wars fans? :)

[Sith Sheriff Brody]

It's an ewok-mogwai crossbreed.


-SSB

[philippes]

Talk to your retailers. Get them to order the piece.

Barry,

I'll have to call the LA stores tomorrow.

Phil

[Darth Bill]

Ooooooo.... :eek:

ME WANTEE!!

However, what d'you think MY chances are to get a Canadian retailer to pick these things up... ESPECIALLY 5 months AFTER the movie was released??
(Y'know, "striking while the poker is hot"-kind of thing...)

If anyone can get these things, I'm going to have to rely on the kindness of others here to get one in my hot little hands... :)

"I'll fall."

*BONK*
*BONK*
*BONK*

*THUD*

"Ow."

:lol:


Russ

[Admiral Talus]

I've heard of Shopko before. We used to have two of them here in town. They went out of buisness though.

Sorry

[trammel]

I contacted the retailer that I order all my Star Wars toys from hoping that he could order a couple of cases of Teddy for us.

He said that he can order from Tiger but they require a $10,000 minimum order. :(

-Tom

[philippes]

Here are the locations of the Shopko and Pamida stores:

Shopko--

California (1 store in northern CA only--none in LA)
Colorado
Idaho
Illinois
Iowa
Michigan
Minnesota
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
Oregon
South Dakota
Utah
Washington
Wisconsin

Pamida--

Iowa
Illinois
Indiana
Kansas
Kentucky
Michigan
Montana
Missouri
Minnesota
North Dakota
Nebraska
Ohio
South Dakota
Tennessee
Wisconsin
Wyoming

Phil

[philippes]

$10,000? That's alot of Teddies.

Phil

[philippes]

Tom,

If possible, have your contact ask Tiger about the A.I. Teddy specifically. I have a feeling that they'll be happy to get rid of their Teddies, no matter the quantity (within reason).

Phil

[Flix4Me]

After Phil gets his, if anyone can pick me up one or two, I would appreciate the favor.

Must...have...Teddy!...

BTW - I've seen this happen before with toys - The toy isn't viewed as sales worthy by major chains and isn't picked up by them and smaller outlets balk at the minimum order requirements.

Unless a store starts ordering these from Tiger so that we can get our hands on them, we'll have to wait and see if Tiger will sell them direct to us as individuals or a group. Otherwise, some of us may face the worst... the secondary market! ;)

[philippes]

Here's the letter I just recieved from a Shopko representative:

September 18, 2001

Dear Phil,

I received your recent e-mail and just wanted to thank you for taking the time to write with your comments.

At ShopKo, we are continually looking for ways to improve the level of service and value our customers have come to expect. We always look forward to hearing from our customers in ways we can serve them better.

We are/will be carrying the AI Teddy in our retail store locations. We are not offering electronic commerce or mail order at this time. We have tested e-commerce and would like to venture more fully into that arena. Unfortunately, we have had to put our plans for expansion on hold, at least for 2001. We are growing and are always on the lookout for more opportunities and more opportunities of serving our customers.

Thank you again for taking the time and effort to write us. Thank you for shopping at ShopKo and we look forward to when you will be able to shop with us via the Internet!

Respectfully,

Beverly Vander Velden
Customer Relations Coordinator
ShopKo Stores, Inc.

[trammel]

:(

-Tom

[Flix4Me]

:(

Thanks Phil.

Alright! So, who's got a Shopko nearby and will buy Teddy's for us all? :)

[jt001]

How is it that a company gives toy exclusivity to such a small company that doesn't even sell thru the web? <img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/ohwell.gif ALT=":\">


jt001

[philippes]

It's not an exclusive. Shopko was simply the only store that ordered any. Any store that wants them can order them.

I believe the A.I. Teddies are also showing up in Japan.

Phil

[trammel]

Other stores probably passed on ordering because of all the Furbys, ETs and Gizmos that didn't sell.

-Tom

[trammel]

Tom,

If possible, have your contact ask Tiger about the A.I. Teddy specifically. I have a feeling that they'll be happy to get rid of their Teddies, no matter the quantity (within reason).

PhilI just got a reply from my contact. He said Tiger / Hasbro will not make an exception to their $10,000 minimum order policy. :(

-Tom

[philippes]

That stinks. Well, it's time to call Toys'R'Us, Wal*Mart, and buyers at other retailers.

In the meantime, I've secured the number of a Tiger representative in my area. I'll let the board know if I can get Teddies in smaller quantity. I'd be willing to order up to $3,000 of the toy.

Phil

[jt001]

sucks. :(

<h2>I Want a Teddy!</h2>


<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/ohwell.gif ALT=":\">



jt001

[jt001]

Thanks Phil!



jt001

[Joe Campbell]

I live in Montana, and I've got a Shopko store nearby.

I'll run over there this morning and see what's up. How much are these things, and who wants me to get them one?

J

[philippes]

They should retail for about $30.00 each. I'll buy as many from you as you can afford to buy.

Thanks,
Phil

[peace hunter]

Joe,
I would also like to buy a Teddy from you if you find them at your local shopko. I have been wanting one ever since I seen the movie :)

Robert

[philippes]

Tiger just called. I'm in negotiations for the purchase of several units of 15" Teddies.

Phil

[Flix4Me]

Joe! Me! I'll take two! :)

[peace hunter]

WAY TO GO PHIL!!!!

[Flix4Me]

Go, Phil! Go!

[jt001]

Yay, Phil!



jt001

[trammel]

Good luck Phil. :)

I definitely want one, maybe two.

-Tom

[Docking Bay 93]

Yeah, Phil...you da coolest!

I'll definately want one, prehaps two. I'll have to see if my sister wants one.

I live in Washington, so I get all excited when I see that we're on the Shopko list. Where are all the stores, you ask? Where all the Wal-Marts around here are...out in the boonies...I think the closest is around 50 miles away.

Chris...check out the site and tell me which one you think is closest...I'm bad with geography. Maybe we can mount a trip to one.

Stay on Target...

dockingbay93@hotmail.com

[Joe Campbell]

If my Shopko has these, I'll pick em up -

J

[Army Scout]

Great job Phil,
Please add me to the list!!!

Chris

[Joshuaul]

I'm in for one!!
joshupaul@yahoo.com

[philippes]

The purchasing representative that Tiger has put me touch with is out of the office. I hope to have more information later today or tomorrow. They seem to be willing to work with me.

If all goes according to plan, I expect to order 100 to 200 Teddies. Should this happen, I'll need the board's help to move them.

Also, no matter what the market does, everyone here has my world that I'll never sell the 15" Teddy above retail (about $30.00 or so). Of course, shipping and handling will be a little bit extra.

Phil

[Joshuaul]

GREAT!!
Can't wait for it!!

[Saberlicious]

Great news, Phil. I'd like a Teddy too, it was the only character in that movie worth caring about.

A.I. "Artistically Indulgent." :lol:

Barry

[Saberlicious]

Phil, I need some help on a genealogical matter, can I email you?

Barry

[jt001]

I will take one for sure, probably two. :)


jt001

[Flix4Me]

Joe - I would still like two if they have 'em. Let me know.

If Phil is able to get them too, I'll be giving everyone I know Teddy's for Christmas! :)

[philippes]

Barry,

You can email me at philips@pressroom.com.

Phil

[gojira61]

I'd be in for at least one Phil also!

Jim

[Darth Detori]

DEFINANTLY put me down for one!
Witeknght9@aol.com

[Joe Campbell]

No Teddys at my Shopko. In fact no one there had heard of them.

Sorry, guys.

J

[Flix4Me]

From what Phil has written, they probably just haven't received them yet. Keep checking! ;)

[philippes]

I'm certain Shopko has ordered some. Tiger Electronics confirmed this to me yesterday. Teddy probably hasn't made it to the store shelves yet.

Phil

[philippes]

I'm certain Shopkos in Wisconsin have Teddies. Quick, someone in Wisconsin get to a Shopko or Pamida.

Phil

[hk729]

I would like a Teddy also maybe two
hk729@yahoo.com

[hk729]

I checked ebay
cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayI...1275539472 (http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1275539472)

wow!!

but at least I now know it talks

[philippes]

I didn't hear back from the Tiger Electronics distributor today. Hopefully, I'll get some information tomorrow.

In the meantime, I've started compiling a list of interested parties. Email me at philips@pressroom.com if you're interested in purchasing a 15” Teddy. The price will tentatively be $30.00 plus shipping.

Phil

[trammel]

Any word from Tiger today Phil?

-Tom

[philippes]

No word from the distributor yet.

Here are some screen captures from the film, however. Unfortuantely, I think the Hasbro toy may be substantially off.

Here are the photos:


http://www.pressroom.com/~philips/special/ai/teddy_01.jpg
http://www.pressroom.com/~philips/special/ai/teddy_02.jpg
http://www.pressroom.com/~philips/special/ai/teddy_03.jpg
http://www.pressroom.com/~philips/special/ai/teddy_04.jpg
http://www.pressroom.com/~philips/special/ai/teddy_05.jpg
http://www.pressroom.com/~philips/special/ai/teddy_06.jpg
http://www.pressroom.com/~philips/special/ai/teddy_07.jpg
http://www.pressroom.com/~philips/special/ai/teddy_08.jpg
http://www.pressroom.com/~philips/special/ai/teddy_10.jpg
http://www.pressroom.com/~philips/special/ai/teddy_11.jpg
http://www.pressroom.com/~philips/special/ai/teddy_12.jpg
http://www.pressroom.com/~philips/special/ai/teddy_13.jpg
http://www.pressroom.com/~philips/special/ai/teddy_14.jpg
http://www.pressroom.com/~philips/special/ai/teddy_15.jpg
http://www.pressroom.com/~philips/special/ai/teddy_16.jpg
http://www.pressroom.com/~philips/special/ai/teddy_17.jpg

[forttusken]

Eddie-
The closest ShopKo to eaither of us is in Lacey which is about 60 miles away. Definitely call first if you are going to go there! The rest of the stores are in Eastern WA.

[Flix4Me]

Awesome pics Phil! I won't ask how you got them. As for the differences, whaddaya expect for a mass production toy? It doesn't look like modification will be too difficult - a pair of scissors, some paint/dye, etc. :lol:

[TK648]

You can find a shopko store here
www.shopko.com/ (http://www.shopko.com/)

use there store search engine


TK648

[philippes]

The Tirger representative just called. I called him back. We missed each other. I'm waiting for his call.

Phil

[trammel]

:/

-Tom

[philippes]

I just spoke with the Tiger Electronics distribution representative. I'll be ordering 150 units tomorrow morning.

It's going to take me 2 weeks to get these, so I need some patience from everyone.

Although the wholesale price was a little bit more than anticipated, the retail will still stay at $30.00 plus shipping.

Phil

[TheShadowe]

I am in for one as discussed Phil...

[trammel]

Excellent news. :D

Well done Phil. :)

-Tom

[philippes]

To everyone who has asked to be put on the notification list:

I've received your emails. As soon as I get home from work, I'll send you confirmation indicating that you're on the list.


Everyone:

I'm currently writing a purchase order which will be faxed to the wholesaler in the morning. I'll let everyone know once the Teddies have been bought and paid for.

Also, since this is going to require quite a bit of labor (packing, shipping, etc.) please "bear" with me throughout. I promise everyone that I'll do my best to give all of you good service.

Phil

[Army Scout]

Thanks for all your upcomming hard work :)

Chris

[Darth Bill]

" Also, since this is going to require quite a bit of labor (packing, shipping, etc.) please "bear" with me throughout. I promise everyone that I'll do my best to give all of you good service."

Phil,

When have you ever NOT??
You're one of the few members here whose dedication to service is UTTERLY beyond reproach....

I can wait as long as it takes. :)


Russ

[philippes]

Russ,

I appreciate the kind words.


Reminder to everyone:

If you're interested in being put on a notification list for the purchase of an A.I. Teddy, please email me at philips@pressroom.com.

Thanks,
Phil

[philippes]

The purchase order has been faxed. The sale should be consummated later today. I tentatively expect shipment by October 4th or so.

When they arrive, I'll have 150 Teddies available.

Phil

[Saberlicious]

Consummated??? Are you renting a motel room? :lol:

Way to go, Phil.

Barry

[philippes]

Here's an interesting article on Teddy:

http://www.pressroom.com/~philips/special/ai/teddyai.jpg

http://collectdolls.miningco.com (http://collectdolls.miningco.com/library/daily/bl705.htm)

Phil

[nintengu]

Hey guys call before you drive to a shopko. I just drove 200 miles one way and found nothing at 3 stores. 8hr gone down the tubes. Thanks phill for doing what you've done.

[philippes]

Still waiting for the wholesaler to receive the shipment.

Phil

[TheDisturbance]

I'm in for 2 please let me know.

Thanks,
cheng2@home.net

[philippes]

I've added your name to the list.

If anyone else would like to be placed on the list, email me at philips@pressroom.com (philips@pressroom.com?subject=A.I. Teddy)

Phil

[SinkTube Jedi]

Real busy and just found the new (for now) board. put me down for one Phil, I emailed you.

[Nupraptor]

Look at me...a 29 years old, full grown man asking for a smart ass companion! Isn't that why people get married? :)

In all seriousness, those look interesting. It's the only "cool" Teddy Bear I've ever seen, anyway.

[ShadowKnight]

Nupraptor - You know my wife? :lol

That's why I got married. Makes like a bit more interesting. Keeps you on your toes. :)

[philippes]

Update:

The wholesaler informed me today that the manufacturer has the product--that's the good news. At this moment, however, they’re waiting for the factory to ship them the units I ordered. Tentatively, they expect the shipment to arrive at their location by the end of this week or the beginning of the next.

I know the situation is frustrating. Unfortunately, I’m at the wholesaler’s and manufacturer’s mercy. I’ll keep the board updated.

Phil

[philippes]

Here's the stuff on Teddy in this month's Cinefex:

<center>
http://www.pressroom.com/~philips/special/ai/cin_teddy.jpg
</center>
Stan Winston Studio created numerous articulated Teddys to perform the super toy's multiple functions. Teddy hair supervisor Michael Ornelaz works on one of the nearly completed puppets./ Mechanical designers Glenn Derry and Matt Heimlich test a telemetry system devised to actuate Teddy's arms and fingers./For walking scenes, Teddy was operated in bunraku style, with rods linking puppeteer and puppet through a parallelogram rig. The puppeteer was painted out of the shots digitally. Winston effects supervisor Lindsay Macgowan tests the walking mechanism.

Copyright © 2001 Cinefex
Used without permission

Phil