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Discovery Channel Stores, headquartered in Silver Springs, Md., will close all 103 of its mall-based and stand-alone locations in favor of partnerships with major retailers that the company says will give merchandise bearing its brands greater exposure. The company will continue its current e-commerce presence at Discoverystore.com and its catalog sales unit. All of the Discovery Channel Stores will close by the end of the third quarter of 2007. Approximately 25 percent of Discovery's global workforce will be affected.

The Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre hosted more than 150 exhibitors, who showcased more than 270 brands from more than 27 different countries. Now in its fourth year, the Middle East Toy Fair is continuing to grow, with more than half of exhibitors rebooking in 2008 and an expanded U.S. Pavilion for exhibitors looking to expand their product into the Middle East market. This year's show featured toys from the U.S. as well as China, Germany, Spain, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates and other surrounding regions in the Middle East. Check out the July issue of Playthings for the full Middle East market report.

Spring-themed and construction toys, plush horses and collectible fashion dolls were just some of the featured items highlighted in our weekly Product Showcase during the last month, including items from the following companies: Adora, Alexander Doll Company, Automoblox (Minis, pictured, top right), B-Bel, Bestever, Breyer (Reeves), Charisma, Dunecraft (pictured, left), Douglas, Fiesta, Folkmanis, Funrise (Tonka), Gund, Haba USA, Jun Planning, Mary Meyer, Mattel (Matchbox), Mega Brands, Norscot Models, RC2 (Learning Curve), Ravensburger, Taggies, Tonner Doll Company and Wild Republic.

New constructible strategy game mechanics have been patented by Wizards of the Coast. The Renton, Wash.-based game company secured a U.S. patent on the play pattern, which involves disassembling or rebuilding models with new parts as players lose or gain points during play. Wizards first filed for patent protection of the play format in October 2002. Wizards' Transformers 3-D battle-card game, available this month, will be the first product using the newly patented game play mechanics.

Toys “R” Us is launching a new online service that allows customers to purchase customized gift cards from home via its Web site. Shoppers can choose from eight pre-designed gift cards or make a personalized one using their own special photos, message or other background art. Each card comes with a greeting card that can also be customized for birthdays, graduations and other celebrations.

Diamond Select Toys, Timonium, Md., has acquired select assets of New York-based Art Asylum. Art Asylum's longest running collectible brand, the 2-inch, articulated Minimates block action figures, will now be controlled by DST, which has utilized the brand previously for its Street Fighter, Rocky and Marvel licenses. Diamond Select has also contracted with Art Asylum for its Star Trek lines and will also add on new popular properties, including Battlestar Galactica, Spider-Man 3 and 24.