We all know that fads come and go, and in the childrens toy industry this is no exception, the latest craze to take 2006 by storm is the Tickle Me Elmo TMX, AKA Tickle Me Elmo Extreme. The Tickle Me Elmo craze began in 1996 with the release of the first ever Tickle Me Elmo doll, which was based on the Sesame Street Muppet character.
There was an incredible demand for this doll as kids everywhere begged there parents for it; it was a craze which swept the nation. People lined up in the early hours of the morning to ensure they were able to get one, and shipment after shipment sold out in record time. Buyers turned to Ebay to purchase the goods where some Elmo Dolls sold for an astonishing 50 times there recommended retail price, especially leading up to the Xmas period when demand for these were incredible. One story states that a clerk was injured during this Elmo-mania when a crowd of 300 stampeded into the store on 14 December 1996; spotting him with one of the remaining toys, he ‘was pulled under, trampled–the crotch was yanked out of [his] brand-new jeans.’ According to People, the clerk ’suffered a pulled hamstring, injuries to his back, jaw and knee, a broken rib and a concussion.’
The new Elmo TMX is set to have similar success with the first shipment sold out within hours and prices on Ebay fetching more than 400% greater than their rrp. Leading up to Xmas there is going to be an incredible demand for this product and if you want to get one for your kids youre going to have to put in some extra effort.
The toy companies marketing department must be doing something right because these little guys are running super hot.
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