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Monday, December 31, 2007

Have You Seen this Bag of Bananas Pricing Solution?

When I used to work for Motorola years ago, people in several of the divisions that I used to work for would repeatedly say,

"Its cheaper to crush it than to sell it."

And the weird twisted truth was that on paper, it was cheaper to crush it than it was to sell it sometimes.  So much so that we shipped product over from China, sent it to a warehouse in Ft Worth Texas and ran teams of people on double shifts crushing electronics.

Sounds crazy right?

Well the sad reality was that it was cheaper to crush it despite our constant re-assessing of the situation trying to find a way to salvage the cost and turn it into a profit or at least a break even move.  Things kept raising the cost to ship those marginal products past the price point we could sell them, such as:

  • Freight Costs
  • Retailer Charge Back Costs
  • Price Protection Costs
  • COOP Percentages
  • Returns Costs or Allowances
  • Even Sales Commissions!

Some of these items were percentage level costs and some were flat dollar costs and with a product at the end of its life cycle, they could cost more than the product would sell for.  The total loss from these costs, less the revenue from sale would exceed the amount it would cost to pay someone to crush that stuff and send it to a landfill or recycling center (for the batteries and hard metals and things).

Well, the other day, I was at the store and noticed that they were selling three types of bananas

  1. Fresh bananas on the shelf where they normally are
  2. Slightly browning bananas mixed in with the fresh ones, but typically being ignored by consumers, because there are Fresh ones right there at the same price!
  3. and Bags of old bananas that look slightly the worse for wear over the previous 2 groups, but they are bagged and available at a fixed cost (not a per pound rate, but a fixed cost per bag so the consumer knows exactly how much they are spending) and they are available in quantities that are about 3 times what a consumer would normally buy.

I thought this was a great example of the grocery store getting creative to sell the bananas and avoid having to throw them out ( or crush them in the back or what ever they do with bad bananas at a grocery store).

To top off things, each of the paper bags had a recipe printed on it for home made banana bread using real bananas (not like the Betty Crocker banana bread that I am capable of making for an office pot luck.)

So the last couple weeks, I've been snacking on bananas like crazy.  I eat lots of them any way, trying to avoid things that are even worse for my diet like gummy bears and chocolate.  The thing is it took grocery stores maybe 20-30 years to find this solution.

It gives me hope that others in other industries might still stumble on ways to slice some more copper off the penny and safe some money as opposed to wasting it.

It may not work with 2 way radios (my nemesis, hell I even tried to give them to FEMA during hurricane Katrina but there were no takers).  But you never know, maybe someone will find the solution, whether its cell phones or flat panel TV's or home theater chairs or dog biscuits or excess Nintendo Wii's in 2009.

 

 

NOTE. My screwy spell check kept trying to replace bananas with bandanas when I wrote this article.  If you found a bandana in your banana, I apologize.  I have never purchased nor eaten bags of bandanas and do not plan to start.  My sympathy to whatever inventory manager out there that might be trying to move excess bandanas.

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Sick Birds Sold by National Distributor Appear in Connecticut and Washington First

Sick birds sold as pets in stores that include PetSmart have been identified by state agencies from Connecticut and Washington.  The reports came out on December 28th and it is likely that more reports will follow as the distributor of the birds was a national distributor that has not yet publicly been named despite the naming of some of its retail customers.

The Birds carry a disease that can be transmitted to humans, however this is not the notorious 'bird flu.'

It is unclear what kind of birds were infected or sold by PetSmart, but the disease is most often found in cockatiels, cockatoos, parrots and parakeets, according to the news release.

PetSmart has removed all the birds supplied by the vendor and is treating its sick and exposed birds with antibiotics, according to the news release. Customers who bought birds from the store will be receiving letters informing them of the potential for the disease.

Stores may have sold diseased birds | Seattle Times Newspaper

Disease Information

Avian chlamydiosis is caused by a type of bacterium called Chlamydophila psittaci, which is frequently found in birds, but does not cause the disease as frequently.

Sick birds experience loss of appetite, coughing, nasal discharge, sneezing, lethargy and diarrhea. The birds most vulnerable to the disease are psittacine species including cockatiels, cockatoos, parrots and parakeets.

Humans can develop psittacosis after inhaling dust from dried bird droppings, respiratory secretions and dust from feathers of infected birds. The symptoms of the disease in humans include fever, headache, chills, coughing and muscle aches. The symptoms, often mild, develop within 5 to 19 days of infection. Antibiotics are often used to treat the disease.

Foodconsumer.org

CDC Information on Chlamydophila psittaci

This event has not yet triggered a recall and no people have been diagnosed with the illness yet, but this is the early breaking of the story and more reports are likely to provide more information soon.

Future articles will cover Mizuno golf Products.

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Truckers and Gadgets

Many people in the electronics business fail to realize just how much truck drivers take to gadgets.  Truck drivers are mobile, traveling across the country without the luxuries of home and they need every mobile advantage they can get to make life on the road safer, healthier, happier and more comfortable.

They also have a long history of using mobile technology to best advantage from using CB's to portable refrigerators to DC inverters, you name it.  These days they are more likely to use a laptop and an air card along with a sturdy mobile phone and a good loud Bluetooth headset.

The point of this is that distribution companies, brokers, logistics and shipping companies should recognize the technical capabilities and early adopter tendencies in truck drivers when it comes to electronics.  Many firms have resisted the adoption of route optimization and GPS tools up until recently expecting push back from their drivers, but the reality is that the drivers will take any technology that works and makes then operate better.  They are the last ones that want to face up to Murphy's law or anything that slows down the freight.

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Wanted 50 million Square feet of Warehouse with Deep Water Port View - Savannah

Savannah is one of the oldest ports in the United States.  Its located at the mouth of the Savannah River in Georgia, and its one of my favorite cities in the country.  I lived there, served in the military there, met my wife there and launched my first successful business there.  So it comes as no surprise to me that I am covering Savannah today as one of the pre-eminent port cities in the United States.

Savannah has a deep water port and is growing warehouse space to support the products coming off the ocean at a rapid pace.  Currently, Savannah is approaching 20 million square feet of cavernous warehouse space and they are looking to grow that to almost 50 million square feet before too long.  Target just set up shop in Savannah after suffering from disruptions over and over again in California.

The city offers up a strong infrastructure, a talented and skilled labor force and strong logistical access to the South East from Jacksonville (2 hours) to Atlanta (4 hours) to Nashville (8 hours) and up and down the coast from Miami to New York and everything in between.  The city is also attractive as a vibrant international tourist town, plus it supports the 3rd infantry division and one of the largest art schools in the world.

So whether or not you are moving stuffed animals to Target or exercise fitness equipment, electronics, or automobile supplies Savannah has the resources to provide excellent solutions.  Plus, in a custom fit world, if they do not have exactly what you need at this moment, they are building and now is the time to ask as they may be able to build it to fit and have it available tomorrow!

Warehouses support port growth, logistics

Distribution Benefits of Going Green

Like many companies, Sheperd Neame, a UK brewer has learned the benefits of going green.  They are increasing their supply chain efficiency with rout optimization software and other logistics planning tools to minimize their transportation costs and lower their carbon emissions.  That's good for the bottom line, it is good for the environment and it is good for public relations.

Ian Dixon, Shepherd Neame's production and distribution director explained that the investment in new fulfilment software will help the company maximise delivery truck loads, optimise routes so they are as cost-effective as possible and increase customer satisfaction by enabling more flexible and dynamic delivery planning.

"As part of our mission to cut overall carbon emissions in real terms, we are looking to maximise distribution efficiencies. By choosing Paragon, we are able to ensure our vehicles are loaded effectively and that in every case the delivery routes are both practical and cost-efficient."

ITPro: News: Brewery drives 'greener' distribution logistics

Getting product to the right place at the right time with the least amount of fuel spent or wear and tear used on equipment saves organizations real money.  It doesn't hurt that these steps also are better for the environment. 

In many ways the United Kingdom was the father of the industrial revolution.  So there is some balance in UK companies leading by practical example in improving efficiency, reducing costs and decreasing pollution.  Many countries followed in the footsteps of the UK and we have seen production sweep around the world with one country after the next marrying into industrialization.  Now they have received their groomsmen gift in the form of knowledge to do better business.

Many of the environmental negotiations taking place between countries would have the US take on the burden of cleaning up their efforts first before other countries have to suffer the burden or expense.  However, the UK example here illustrates the point that if the US cleans up first, they will save money and become even more dominant first.  Other countries like India or China could seize the opportunity to increase their efficiency now instead of pushing back against something that is good for business.

Monday, December 17, 2007

Nintendo Guarantees Availability of Wii at Gamestop . . . After Christmas

In what is becoming a famous example of arriving late to their own party year after year, Nintendo came out this week and promised that they would answer the supply shortage of Wii units by providing a guarantee that the units would be available at Gamestop stores across the US  .. . after the holidays.

That is bad news for retailers like Best Buy, Wal-Mart and Circuit City that would rather sell Wii units this month while their customers still have a Christmas budget. 

Well Santa can't really waste time crying over spilt cookie milk, I guess the kids will just have to be happy with bulk cables in their stockings, which they can return and buy a Wii at Gamestop after Christmas.

Friday, December 14, 2007

CES 2008 Jan 7 - 10 in Las Vegas

CES2008 It's almost that time, about three and a half weeks until CES 2008 starts in Las Vegas.  I just returned from Vegas for a different convention last month, and I have to admit that looking forward to this CES feels a bit like a chore.

However, this is supposed to be a very good CES event.  There is no competing MacWorld running with a conflicting schedule, there are supposed to be a number of innovative devices out this year, and since last year was a bit of a dud, that should weigh in favor of the event as well.

Vegas is a great town for a convention but it can be tiring as well.  This year at CES I'm going to finally try and do what I haven't been able to do in the past, get lots of sleep, exercise regularly (not counting the walking) and eat normally.  For my fellow convention junkies, I'll see you there and we can all face addiction treatment together after the show.

Saturday, December 08, 2007

Wall Street Pushing For Changes at Palm after Logistics and Warranty Problems

Palm seems to be facing even more problems with its business these days.  Wall Street was quick to react this week when it was learned that Palm would miss its numbers due in part to product logistics issues that will prevent some units for making it in time for the Christmas season.  Even more troubling possibly our reports about warranty repair expenses coming in higher than expected and pressuring the bottom line.

When warranty repair expenses hit a company, this often times signifies both quality issues as well as internal control issues and accounting issues with reserves.  

Palm said a delay in certification of one of its products would cause a shortfall in revenue for its second fiscal quarter, which ended Nov. 30. The company said revenue will come in between $345 million and $350 million compared to its previously expected range of $370 million and $380 million for the period.

In addition, an "unforeseen increase in warranty repair expenses" will put pressure on the bottom line. More pressure will come from strong sales of the popular but lower-priced Centro device. Palm sells off as Wall Street questions management - MarketWatch

Editorial Disclosure - As a long time Palm product user myself, I have seen a significant decline in quality as I upgraded from an older Palm treo 600 to a Palm treo 700 running on the Verizon network which does not function terribly well with the 700.  I suspect that there may be opportunities for Palm to rectify this issue as Verizon opens up its network and enables people to avoid their tediously poor Verizon branded services that seem to run my device into the ground.  I have seen an improvement in synchronizations, which could be attributable to better cables or to better software.  Maybe if Palm could run its own software and its devices instead of Verizon software, they might see fewer warranty repairs at lease from that carrier.

Mail Boxes to Go Empty at CompUSA

CompUSA is shutting their doors, closing their stores, and team their mail boxes and going out of business after Christmas.  The office or the focused on computers and other electronic devices related to the office just couldn't compete with the other office stores such as Staples and OfficeMax who in recent years have made a stronger push towards furniture and paper.  Plus they have also had to compete with online sales, which is an area that is extremely competitive for tech savvy buyers that would have frequented CompUSA in the past.

CompUSA will be discounting items in their stores this month of December to help clear up the inventory before they start shutting their doors next year.  The store cites competition from Wal-Mart the biggest retailer and Best Buy the biggest electronics retailer as the source of their problems.

CompUSA had been up for sale most of the summer, but there were no takers.  103 stores will be closed or sold after the shutdown January.

Saturday, December 01, 2007

Twenty Percent of November Recalls Due to Lead Paint

Twenty Percent of the Recalls announced in November by the CPCC were due to lead paint.  That number would have been 49 percent if 4.2 million aqua dots had not been recalled due to a potential for poisoning of children that swallow them. 

There were approximately 1,391,800 units of 22 product categories recalled due to lead poisoning potential.  Many of the products recalled were small toys designed for children and not necessarily engineered for their longevity.

Recommending the purchase of quality built toys for Christmas may not solve the problem, but avoiding cheaper products of lower quality that are likely to break and thereby expose children to paint chips and edges faster might be a step in the right direction from a preventative perspective. 

Alternatively, avoiding toys all together might be another method for avoiding lead poisoning this holiday season.  Clothing, sports products, and even Bush furniture are alternatives that have a lower risk of lead poisoning. 

List of Products Recalled in November

  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Dick’s Sporting Goods, of Pittsburgh, Pa., is voluntarily recalling about 57,000 “Power Bolt” Y-Frame and Ultimate Y-Frame Adjustable Pitchbacks. The upper portion of the frame can collapse after both locking pins are removed, posing a laceration hazard.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Schylling Associates Inc., of Rowley, Mass., is voluntarily recalling about 3,600 Winnie-the-Pooh Spinning Tops (66,000 spinning tops were recalled on August 22, 2007). Surface paint on the wooden handle of the top contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), American Greetings Corp., of Cleveland, Ohio, is voluntarily recalling about 60,000 DesignWare® Confetti Bursts. The surface paint on the individual bags of confetti contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), American Honda Motor Corp., of Torrance, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 22,000 Honda HRX217KHXA and HRX217KHMA Lawn Mowers. Due to a manufacturing defect, a crack can occur in the fuel tank causing a fuel leak. If gasoline leaking from the fuel tank is ignited, a fire or explosion can occur.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Baja Motorsports, of Phoenix, Ariz., is voluntarily recalling about 16,000 Baja ATVs. These ATVs lack a tire pressure gauge and flag pole mounting bracket, which could pose a risk of injury to riders.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Gate Five Group LLC, d.b.a. Roost, of Sausalito, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 1,200 Birch Bark Wrapped Candles. The bark wrapping of the candle can ignite when the candle burns down, posing a fire hazard.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), The Bon-Ton Department Stores Inc., of York, Pa., is voluntarily recalling about 1,000 Girls and Boys Bath Robes. The recalled bath robes fail to meet the children’s sleepwear flammability standard, posing a risk of burn injuries to children if the robe caught fire.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Cherrydale Fundraising, of Allentown, Pa., is voluntarily recalling about 45,000 Decorative Stretchable Aqua Bracelets. The bracelets contain high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), The Bon-Ton Department Stores Inc., of York, Pa., is voluntarily recalling about 3,240 Children’s fleece hooded zip-up jackets with neck drawstrings. The garments have a drawstring through the hood, which can pose a strangulation hazard to children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist by drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets and sweatshirts.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Colossal Jewelry & Accessories Inc., of Maywood, N.J., is voluntarily recalling about 10,400 Children’s Metal Necklaces and Bracelets. The recalled jewelry contains high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Raymond Geddes & Co., of Baltimore, Md., is voluntarily recalling about 84,200 Children’s Pencil Pouches. The paint on the pencil pouches’ zipper pulls contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Paricon Inc., of South Paris, Maine, is voluntarily recalling about 800 Snow and Sand Castle Kits. The largest plastic castle block maker in the kit could crack at the handle during use, creating sharp edges that can pose a laceration hazard to young children.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Jetmax International Ltd., of Irving, Texas, is voluntarily recalling about 36,000 boy’s and girl’s storage racks with canvas totes. The storage rack can tip over, posing an entrapment and suffocation hazard to young children.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Buy-Rite Designs Inc., of Freehold, NJ, is voluntarily recalling about 43,000 Sparkle City Charm Bracelets and Tack Pin Sets. The recalled jewelry contains high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Dolgencorp Inc., of Goodlettsville, Tenn., is voluntarily recalling about 51,000 Children’s Fashion Sunglasses. The yellow surface paint on the sunglasses may contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Coby Electronics Corp., of Maspeth, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 12,000 Portable DVD/CD/MP3 Players. The portable DVD/CD/MP3 players can overheat, posing a fire hazard.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Cooper Lighting Inc., a division of Cooper Industries, of Houston, Texas, is voluntarily recalling about 274,000 Metalux Fluorescent Shop Lights. When the two prongs on the plug’s electrical cord are touched simultaneously while lamps are installed, the light can pose an electric shock hazard to consumers.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Bassettbaby, of Bassett, Va., is voluntarily recalling about 8,900 Wendy Bellissimo Collection Convertible Cribs. The bolts connecting the top corners of the crib can come loose, creating a gap and posing a serious entrapment and strangulation hazard.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Marvel Toys, of New York, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 175,000 Curious George Plush Dolls. Surface paint on the toy’s plastic face and construction hat contain excessive levels of lead, which violates the federal lead paint standard.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Discount School Supply, of Monterey, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 20,000 Shaving Paint Brushes. Surface paint on the brush handles can contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), ELMO USA Corp. of Plainview, NY, and ELMO Co. Ltd., of Japan, are voluntarily recalling about 54,000 Visual Presenters (sold as Image Presentation Cameras by Epson). Improperly installed fluorescent top lights in the presenter can overheat, posing a fire hazard.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Sailing (U.S.) International Corp., of Hackensack, N.J., is voluntarily recalling about 8,000 Flashing Pacifiers or 2-in-1 Flashing Pacifiers with Whistle Necklaces. The zipper pull on the slipcovers can break, posing a choking hazard to young children. The nipple can detach from the base, posing a choking hazard to young children.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Hobby Lobby Stores Inc., of Oklahoma City, Okla., is voluntarily recalling about 10,000 Halloween-Themed Baskets. Surface paint on the bat, pumpkin and witch emblems attached to the baskets contain excess levels of lead, which violates the federal lead paint ban.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Hunter Fan Co., of Memphis, Tenn., is voluntarily recalling about 84,000 Warm Mist Carefree Humidifier. Water used in the humidifier can leak into the unit’s electrical compartment, posing a fire hazard.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Iceberg Enterprises LLC, of Park Ridge, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 75,000 Plastic Folding Chairs. The plastic folding chairs can collapse during use, posing a fall hazard to consumers.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), International Sourcing Ltd (ISL), of Springfield, Mo., is voluntarily recalling about 7,500 Dragster and Funny Car toys. Surface paint on the wheels and engine of the toys contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), La Femme NY 2 Inc., of Brooklyn, N.Y., of Maywood, N.J., is voluntarily recalling about 4,500 La Femme NY Children’s Necklace and Earring Sets. The recalled jewelry contains high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Fisher-Price Inc., of East Aurora, N.Y., is voluntarily recalling about 155,000 Laugh & Learn™ Learning Kitchen™ Toys. Pieces of the faucet or the clock hands can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Dick’s Sporting Goods, of Pittsburgh, Pa., is voluntarily recalling about 125,000 Lounge Chairs and Recliners. The plastic support brackets can break and cause the chairs to collapse, posing a hazard to consumers.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Meijer Inc., of Grand Rapids, Mich., is voluntarily recalling about 6,000 Grand Gourmet Firepits. The legs of the firepit can bend or snap off during use, causing the firepit to tip over and in turn the fire can escape. This poses a fire hazard to consumers.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Family Dollar Stores, of Charlotte, N.C., is voluntarily recalling about 205,000 Rachel Rose and Distinctly Basics Assorted Metal Jewelry. The recalled jewelry contains high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), WMH Tool Group Inc. (WMH), of Elgin, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 7,100 Performax and Wilton 10” Sliding Miter Saws. The saw handle’s switch can fail, causing the saw to smoke, spark, and trip circuit breakers, and disable the safety brake. The saw also can keep operating unless the unit is unplugged, posing a laceration hazard to consumers.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Nike Inc., of Beaverton, Ore., is voluntarily recalling about 235,000 Football Helmet Chin Straps. The chin strap’s plastic cup can break as a result of contact, exposing the player to facial or head injuries.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Northern Tool & Equipment Co., of Burnsville, Minn., is voluntarily recalling about 7,200 “Big Red” Wagons. Surface paints on the wagon and handle contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Carrier Corp., of Farmington, Conn., is voluntarily recalling about 185,000 Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners (PTAC) and Heat Pumps (PTHP). An electric heater in the unit can break, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Tween Brands Inc., of New Albany, Ohio, is voluntarily recalling about 4,000 Decorative Packaging Pearl-like Bead Attachments sold with Girl’s Gift Sets. Surface coating on a plastic bead decorative packaging attachment contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn., is voluntarily recalling about 28,000 Snowmobiles. The fuel tank filler neck can crack and separate allowing fuel or fuel vapors to leak from the fuel tank. This poses a fire hazard to consumers.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Pure Allure, of Oceanside, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 200,000 Crystal Innovations jewelry. The recalled metal jewelry contains high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Reeves International Inc., of Pequannock, N.J., is voluntarily recalling about 36,000 2006 Snow Princess Stirrup Ornaments, 2007 Holiday Stirrup Ornaments, and 2007 Photo Frame Horse Shoe Ornaments. Surface paints on the ornaments contain high levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standards.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Schylling Associates Inc., of Rowley, Mass., is voluntarily recalling about 2,600 “Robot 2000” collectable tin robots. Surface paints on the robot contain excessive levels of lead, which violates the federal lead paint standard.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Schylling Associates Inc., of Rowley, Mass., is voluntarily recalling about 1,300 Dizzy Ducks Music Boxes. Surface paints on the wooden base of the music box contain excessive levels of lead, which violates the federal lead paint standard.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Schylling Associates Inc., of Rowley, Mass., is voluntarily recalling about 3,500 Duck Family Collectable Wind-Up Toys. Surface paints on the ducks contain excessive levels of lead, which violates the federal lead paint standard.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), The Boppy Company, of Golden, Colo., is voluntarily recalling about 38,000 Boppy® Slipcovers. The zipper pull on the slipcovers can break, posing a choking hazard to young children. In addition, paint on the zippers contains excess levels of lead, which violates the federal lead paint standard.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Spin Master, of Toronto, Canada, is voluntarily recalling about 4.2 million Aqua Dots. The coating on the beads that causes the beads to stick to each other when water is added contains a chemical that can turn toxic when many are ingested. Children who swallow the beads can become comatose, develop respiratory depression, or have seizures.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Swimways Corp., of Virginia Beach, Va., is voluntarily recalling about 31,000 “Skippy” Pool Toys. The elastic tongue of the fish can break and forcefully come out and cut the users’ hands during launching of the toy.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Dollar General Merchandising Inc., of Goodlettsville, Tenn., is voluntarily recalling about 380,000 Pull-Back Action Toy Cars. Surface paint on the cars contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.
  • In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Yamaha Corporation of America, of Buena Park, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 49,000 Yamaha AC Power Adaptors. The housing of the power adaptor can separate, posing an electric shock hazard to consumers.