Toys R Us And Disney And Their Tests

In light of all the toys recalled due to lead paint, Toys "R" Us is increasing their testing of toys.

Retailer Toys "R" Us is increasing the frequency of safety checks conducted on products sold in its stores after a slew of Chinese-made toys were recalled this summer due to unsafe levels of lead paint.

"Earlier this year we began spot checking of products on our store shelves as part of our increased efforts for quality assurance," said Toys "R" Us spokeswoman Kathleen Waugh.

"But in light of recent recalls we have begun a systematic recheck of all products on our store shelves."

I have a HUGE problem with this. Do you see what's wrong with their system?

WHY WAIT TIL THE ITEMS ARE ALREADY ON YOUR STORE SHELVES? If they're on the shelves that means consumers have access to them. If the toys are potentially dangerous and Toys "R" Us actually gave a shit about consumers they would test these items BEFORE they ever made it onto those shelves.

This is obviously a marketing ploy to make consumers think that because Toys "R" Us is doing a systematic "recheck" that the products are most likely safe. They are trying desperately to make consumers overlook the fact that they carry so many toys made in China and the fact that most of these toys go untested before they reach consumers.

Is this act of "concern" supposed to make consumers feel more confident when purchasing from Toys "R" Us?

Well, it doesn't fly with me. All this tells me is that Toys "R" Us is more concerned with their bottom line, and carrying low-cost, possibly tainted toys, than they are with the health of the children who will be playing with those toys on Christmas morning.

The New York Times also said Walt Disney Co (DIS.N) will start its own testing of toys featuring Disney characters.

Disney executives intend to inform Mattel Inc (MAT.N) and other toy makers on Monday, the report said. The process will include random testing of products already on store shelves, the report said.

You've got to be kidding me. Disney too?

If they are all so concerned about the levels of lead paint in their merchandise, why aren't they removing the items from their shelves while they test them? If these toys "could" be dangerous why aren't they taking proper action to protect consumers while they perform the tests?

Are they that confident that none of the toys are really contaminated? That can't be true, or else they wouldn't be walking through the aisles testing the merchandise in the first place.

So what gives? Why the double-standard? Why claim to be concerned about consumers? I guess it's luck of the draw where consumers are concerned huh?

I still think this is nothing but a ploy by both stores to try and make you forget that they stock their shelves with so many inferior products made in China.

Hopefully the next time you walk into a Toys "R" Us or a Disney store, you'll pick up one of the items that has already been tested.

Good luck with that.