Coronavirus: The Latest Challenge for Toy Makers-and Publishers - Publishers Weekly

Today, Panzer made a trip to the Publishers Weekly site. With a little digging in the posts our traveling kitty pilot found one about the Toy Fair New York.

There's no where to hide.

According to the post by Karen Raugust, another U.S. event has had problems connect to the outbreak of the coronavirus (Covid-19) in China. The Toy Fair New York canceled the China Pavilion at the event. The Pavilion is where Chinese manufacturers are located during the Fair. Part of the reason for the cancellation is because of the U.S. travel restrictions barring those who are coming into the US directly from China. Many U.S. toy companies have their products manufactured in China. Several U.S. children's book publishers at the Fair also have their books manufactured in China as well.

Panzer says, "That virus thingy is causing more problems every day."

Note: This is a long post. Bring a cup of tea and two muffins for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to challenge for toy makers and publishers

B&N Cuts Q2 Losses as Comp Sales Improve - Publishers Weekly

I love Thanksgiving.

Panzer is still recovering from Thanksgiving dinner; so, today's trip into the Catosphere was a quick one to the Publishers Weekly site. With a little digging around in the posts our waddling kitty boy found one about Barnes and Noble.

According to Jim Milliot, Barnes and Noble announced the company's sales figures for the second quarter. Compared to the same time frame in 2017 book sales declined by 3 percent, but toys, games and cafe sales increased by 1.9 percent. The company was also able to cut its operating loss nearly in half from $52.2 million to $26.8 million.

Panzer says, "Let's see how they do in the holiday season."

Note: This is a short post. Bring a cup of tea for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Barnes and Noble

Barnes and Noble opening prototype store in Vernon Hills - Chicago Business Journal

Panzer's trip into the Catosphere today took him to the Chicago Business Journal site. With no digging at all our traveling kitty found a post about Barnes and Noble.

How comfortable are the chairs?

According to the Chicago Business Journal's Les Lazare, Barnes and Noble opened their newest prototype bookstore today in Vernon Hills, Illinois. Panzer told you yesterday about Barnes and Noble's plans to open three new prototype stores by the end of the year. The new store is 17,400 square feet. In addition to books the store has toys, games for adults and children, and puzzles. In the children's section there is a Lego table. There are chairs located in the store to rest, check out a book or visit with friends. The store also has a cafe with coffee, tea, soup, and sandwiches.

Panzer says, "Hmm ... This little kitty wonders if bookstore users get to vote on which prototype store they like best?"

Note: With the post's interior store photos this is a medium length post. Bring a cup of tea and a muffin for today's reading selection.

To read the post tootle over to Barnes and Noble