Games, Dolls, Stuffed Toys Drive Toy Sales.

U.S. retail sales of toys and games rose 3.2% to $23.1 billion in 1998, after rising 7.7% to $22.4 billion in 1997 from $20.8 billion in 1996, and are forecast to rise 3.0% in 1999, to $23.8 billion, according to Business Trend Analysts. Imported products account for more than two thirds of U.S. consumption.

U.S. manufacturers' sales increased 2.6% to $5.27 billion in 1998, driven primarily by the popularity of games, as well as dolls and stuffed toys. The popularity of these products was reflected in sales gains of 3.8% for games and 7.7% for dolls and stuffed toys. From 1988-'98, manufacturers' sales of children's vehicles, games and hobby crafts fueled the market, …