Toys"R"Us® Becomes The Ultimate Despicable Me 2 Destination

WAYNE, N.J., May 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Toys inspired by the highly anticipated 3D-CG comedy adventure film Despicable Me 2 from Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment have made their debut at Toys"R"Us^® stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com. Through May, The World's Greatest Toy Store^® is the only U.S. retailer to offer an all-new line of toys based on the movie, making it the ultimate Despicable Me 2 destination. Fans eager to get their hands on the coolest action and interactive figures, plush, games and more, need look no further than Toys"R"Us.

The movie, which arrives in theaters on July 3, is the sequel to the 2010 smash hit Despicable Me, which became the 10^th-biggest animated motion picture in U.S. history. Despicable Me 2 promises more laughs with the return of super-villain Gru and his arsenal of gadgets and gizmos, his adorable girls and the unpredictably hilarious Minions.

"The first installment of Despicable Me was a blockbuster hit and fans worldwide immediately fell in love with Gru, Agnes, Margo, Edith and of course, the Minions," said Lisa Harnisch, Senior Vice President, General Merchandising Manager, Toys"R"Us, U.S. "We worked closely with our valued partners to be the first retailer to offer Despicable Me 2 merchandise, including fun exclusive items sold only in our stores, providing customers the opportunity to experience all the excitement of the movie before it hits theaters."

In Toys"R"Us stores now, shoppers will find exclusive items from Thinkway Toys such as a banana-scented Fart Blaster, plush characters and interactive Minions that are sure to bring a smile to even the most evil villain. Also currently available are collectible action figures, a build-your-own Minion figure, a Minion missile launcher, a Minion mobile and much more based on the movie's lovable (and despicable!) characters. And, beginning May 30, fans will find all of these products along with classic games like Despicable Me 2 MONOPOLY and Despicable Me 2 OPERATION in a dedicated feature shop inside Toys"R"Us stores nationwide. 

"We are thrilled that Toys"R"Us has quickly brought Despicable Me 2 products to shelves, making its stores the ultimate Despicable Me 2 destination," said Jamie Stevens, Senior Vice President of Global Retail Development, Universal Partnerships & Licensing. "The company's excitement for this film is yet another great example of Toys"R"Us knowing exactly what its customers want and its commitment to providing them with the most expansive and unique assortment of merchandise available. We value this partnership and are excited to be working with Toys"R"Us to bring Despicable Me 2 toys to the film's fans."

The following select Despicable Me 2 items from Thinkway Toys are available exclusively at Toys"R"Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com: 

Toys"R"Us Exclusive Despicable Me 2 Banana Fart Blaster 
The ultimate gadget for Gru's unpredictable Minions features sound effects, color changing lights and a banana scent. Kids can pump the blaster to activate banana scent, and pull the trigger for farting sound effects. Pranksters can activate the "Joke Mode" which delays sound effects by 20 seconds after pulling the trigger. The Banana Fart Blaster is now available exclusively at Toys"R"Us stores nationwide. Ages 4 to 12 years. Batteries are included.

Toys"R"Us Exclusive Despicable Me 2 Plush Buddies 3-Piece Set
Cuddle up with your favorite Minions! Stuart, Dave and Tim are soft and just waiting to be hugged! The Plush Buddies 3-Piece Set is now available exclusively at Toys"R"Us stores nationwide. Ages 4 to 12 years. Batteries are not required.

Toys"R"Us Exclusive Despicable Me 2 10-Piece Figure Set 
Kids can take home their favorite characters from the movie! Each set comes with 10 highly detailed collectible figures and display stands. The 10-piece figure set is now available exclusively at Toys"R"Us stores nationwide. Ages 4 to 12 years. Batteries are not required.

Toys"R"Us Exclusive Despicable Me 2 Collector's Edition Figures
Gru, Minion Dave and Agnes are highly detailed deluxe interactive figures with moving heads, eyes and mouths. Each character can say at least 30 phrases from the movie in their original voices. When you talk to them, they respond; Minion Dave and Agnes will even sing you a song!  Collector's Edition Minion Dave, Gru and Agnes are sold separately and will be available exclusively at Toys"R"Us stores nationwide in September. Ages 4 to 12 years. Batteries are included.

To download high-resolution product images, visit: [https://toysrus.sharefile.com/d/sb3cd0934c5545908]

About Toys"R"Us, Inc. 
Toys"R"Us, Inc. is the world's leading dedicated toy and juvenile products retailer, offering a differentiated shopping experience through its family of brands. Merchandise is sold in 874 Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us stores in the United States and Puerto Rico, and in more than 660 international stores and over 160 licensed stores in 35 countries and jurisdictions. In addition, it exclusively operates the legendary FAO Schwarz brand and sells extraordinary toys in the brand's flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. With its strong portfolio of e-commerce sites including Toysrus.com, Babiesrus.com, eToys.com and FAO.com, it provides shoppers with a broad online selection of distinctive toy and baby products. Headquartered in Wayne, NJ, Toys"R"Us, Inc. employs approximately 70,000 associates annually worldwide. The company is committed to serving its communities as a caring and reputable neighbor through programs dedicated to keeping kids safe and helping them in times of need. Additional information about Toys"R"Us, Inc. can be found on Toysrusinc.com. Follow Toys"R"Us, Babies"R"Us and FAO Schwarz on Facebook at Facebook.com/Toysrus, Facebook.com/Babiesrus and Facebook.com/FAO and on Twitter at Twitter.com/Toysrus and Twitter.com/Babiesrus.

About Despicable Me 2
Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment's worldwide blockbuster Despicable Me entertained audiences around the globe in 2010, grossing more than $540 million and becoming the 10^th-biggest animated motion picture in U.S. history.  In summer 2013, get ready for more Minion madness in Despicable Me 2. 

Chris Meledandri and his acclaimed filmmaking team create an all-new comedy adventure featuring the return of (former?) super-villain Gru (Steve Carell), his adorable girls, the unpredictably hilarious Minions...and a host of new and outrageously funny characters.  www.despicable.me

About Universal Partnerships & Licensing
UP&L oversees Universal's consumer product licensing, film and home entertainment promotions, and all corporate alliances for Universal's theatrical, home entertainment, theme parks and stage productions.  This dedicated division is also responsible for monetizing the Studio's vast library of films and characters through licensing, branding and marketing opportunities.  UP&L is part of NBCUniversal.  NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience.  NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world–renowned theme parks.  NBCUniversal is owned by Comcast Corporation.

About Thinkway Toys
Thinkway is a leading Global Toy Company founded and owned by Albert Chan, President and CEO. Thinkway is known for its high quality details, along with the ability to bring toys to life with electronics.

SOURCE Toys"R"Us, Inc.