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Parents' wish list: safe toys
Shoppers again turned out in full force Friday determined to get that special buy on that special present for that special someone this holiday season.
But with numerous recent recalls, especially for toys made in China, people shopping for youngsters are dealing with added pressure of assuring their children's safety while at the same time fulfilling their holiday wishes.
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While surveys indicate that up to 45 percent of American shoppers say they plan to shun toys from China this holiday season, that may be more difficult than they realize.
Hickes' brother-in-law, Chris DeLong of McMurray, said he's been looking at items to see where they're made, but it's hard to find much, especially the more popular items, that are made in the United States.
In 1992, fewer than 40 percent of the toys purchased in the United States came from China. Today, the figure is more than 85 percent. About 5 percent of toys come from other low-cost countries like Mexico and India, which are vulnerable to the same problems that have plagued Chinese toys. American-made toys account for just 10 percent of the market, and while they're considered safer, they also tend to be costly boutique toys beyond the reach of many consumers, according to U.S. News & World Report.
While recalls are posted at most retail outlets, including on the front entrance wall of Toys 'R Us, many shoppers fail to take notice. Hickes said she hadn't noticed the recall listings when she entered the store.
Susan Guthrie of North Franklin Township said she was aware of the current recalls before beginning her holiday shopping, but they're really not affecting what she was seeking. There was one item, Aqua Dots, that she refused to buy because of a recall.
U.S. safety officials recalled about 4.2 million Chinese-made Aqua Dots bead toys because they contain a chemical that has caused some children to vomit and become comatose after swallowing them. Scientists found the popular toy's coating contains a chemical that, once metabolized, converts into the toxic "date rape" drug GHB, or gamma-hydroxy butyrate, according to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Still, many shoppers who were questioned coming out of various retail stores Friday said they were aware of some of the recalls dealing primarily with items made in China, but they didn't take a look at where their purchases originated.
Kelly Sartori of Naples, Fla., who was in this area visiting relatives, said she's tried to avoid "made in China" items but has found it difficult.
"I'm giving savings bonds," she said. "That's the safest."
Meanwhile, Joe Lombardi of Canonsburg said he was totally unaware of any of the particulars about the numerous items he purchased at Toy 'R Us.
"My wife put them in the cart, and I stood in line," said Lombardi, who pointed out that the line was 21/2 hours long.
Long waits in check-out lines were not unusual for shoppers who awoke early to take advantage of Black Friday buys.
Like millions of people nationwide, Hickes and DeLong got on the shopping road early Friday morning. According to the two, they were up about 3:30 a.m. and at a store by 4.
"I think we're about done for today," said Hickes about 11 a.m.
Elaine Calvert came well-prepared for a long wait. The Canonsburg resident, who is eight months pregnant, brought a folding chair so she could sit and relax while waiting in line. Calvert arrived at Toy 'R Us shortly after 5 a.m. with her mother-in-law, Terrie Calvert of Claysville.
"Elaine had never done this before. I told her she was going to want some relief while standing in line," said Terrie Calvert.
It took 21/2 hours for the two women to get inside to make holiday purchases, including those for Elaine's other two children.
