How the list is compiled

Playthings’ exclusive survey of the Top 25 Playthings Giants ranks the Top 25 U.S. retailers by their estimated 2004 toy sales. Retailers were considered for the ranking if they carry more than one toy category. Retailers are ranked by their estimated 2004 sales of both traditional toys and electronic interactive toys and video and computer games. In some cases, because of the way a number of retailers organize their departments, sales figures may include a portion of sales for sporting equipment (scooters, skateboards, baseball bats, basketballs, for example) or bicycles and related equipment.

Data is based on fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2004, unless otherwise noted. All sales figures, except those of publicly held companies that break out toy sales as a separate line of business, are Playthings market research estimates.

Estimates were derived using a variety of sources, including the companies themselves, public company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, discussions with industry analysts and suppliers, as well as published and unpublished reports, including newspaper articles in various retailing areas.

Director of market research Kay Anderson, senior research specialist Dana French and database coordinator Cynthia Myers compiled the data for this report.