Babies"R"Us Stores Nationwide Introduce New Children's Lifestyle Brand, Lazoo!

NEW YORK, Nov. 18, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Lazoo Worldwide LLC today announced the U.S. debut of Lazoo, a juvenile lifestyle brand and media property. Inspired by a bestselling series of children's books from Japan and geared toward newborns and toddlers, this innovative product assortment aims to foster a child's creative process, encourage self-expression, and empower the imagination. The Lazoo collection, available exclusively at all Babies"R"Us stores and select Toys"R"Us stores across the country, includes apparel for children aged six months to four years, as well as accessories, activity books, and stuffed animals.

"After seeing the success that Lazoo's unique product line has achieved with its international launches, and the incredible customer response, we are thrilled to be the first and only retail destination in the U.S. to offer Lazoo products," said Celeste Risimini-Johnson, Vice President, Divisional Merchandising Manager, Toys"R"Us, Inc. "Parents trust Babies"R"Us to provide great brands and fresh, new collections that offer quality merchandise for the little ones in their lives. The Lazoo brand encompasses all of these attributes with its imaginative characters and whimsical designs sure to engage parents and kids alike."

Drawing on the brand's BolognaRagazzi award-winning art, Lazoo apparel, accessories and plush are affordably priced from $4.99 to $24.99, and incorporate vibrant colors, unique fabric combinations, applique details, and high-quality materials. The entire Lazoo assortment includes elements of creative play, such as hangtags that turn into finger puppets, embroidered characters peeking out of pocket flaps and on the back of tags, and "maze-like" game features on t-shirts.

Lazoo's U.S. debut was born from the desire of two dads, cousins with seven kids between them, to bring something truly innovative to other American families. "We wanted to create products that we wished were available for our kids," says David Gomberg, CEO and co-founder of Lazoo Worldwide LLC. "Lazoo is about celebrating a child's sense of wonder and creativity. As soon as I saw the first Lazoo books, I knew there was something special about them."

Beyond traditional coloring books, Lazoo's line of books challenges children to think creatively and guides their imaginations to run wild—the same philosophy that serves as the inspiration for all Lazoo products.

"The books have a 'color outside the lines' spirit to them," says Gomberg. "And so do we."

The holiday collection, now available at Babies"R"Us, is just the beginning for Lazoo. Spring and summer lines are on the way.  With a television show, innovative smartphone apps, and an online social networking community all in development, Lazoo will help kids and families create, explore, and imagine new worlds together.

For more information about Lazoo, visit www.Lazoo.com or  www.Babiesrus.com.  

Highlights of the 2010 Lazoo Holiday collection include:

• Faux Double-Layer Tees. Even little ones can get in on this trendy look and layer up for the cool weather ahead. Ages 6/9 mo - 4T; $14.99

• Hooded Fleece and Fleece Pants. Keeping kids cozy while looking cool with fleece outfits worn together on blistery cold days or mix-and-matched with jeans for a casual and comfy outfits. Ages 6/9 mo - 4T; $14.99 each or 2 for $22

• Ballerina Tutu Tulle Skirt.  Sassy and sweet, this pink tulle skirt is the picture of perfection on any little princess. 6/9 mo - 4T; $16.99

• Books. Challenging kids to think creatively and unleash their imaginations, four book: Holes!, Squiggles!, Imagine That!, and Let's Color! boast vivid colors, endearing characters, and encourage fun through crafts. All ages; $7.95 - $14.95

• Plush Backpacks with Keychain. Kids can take their favorite Lazoo characters with them during their holiday travels with these backpacks, which are soft and snuggly enough to rest sleepy heads on while on-the-go. All ages; $16.99.

About Lazoo

Developed from series of bestselling children's books from Japan with over 1.5 million units sold around the world, Lazoo has evolved into a comprehensive lifestyle children's brand and media property emphasizing novel design, individual expression, curiosity, and creativity. Lazoo products all embody the same mission: to foster a child's creative process, encourage self-expression, and empower the imagination. A privately owned company headquartered in New York City, it operates offices around the world and can be found online at www.lazoo.com.

About Babies"R"Us

Babies"R"Us is the nation's premier baby products retailer and specialty store chain and a leader in the juvenile industry.  Since opening its first store in Westbury, NY, in early 1996, the company has grown to 262 locations nationwide.  Babies"R"Us features a wide selection of products for newborns and infants, including cribs and furniture, car seats, strollers, formula, diapers, health and beauty aids, bedding, clothing for preemies through size 48 months, toys, and plenty of gift ideas in store and online at www.Babiesrus.com.

SOURCE Lazoo Worldwide LLC