| [July 02, 2008] |
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Applause from Russ Launches New Line of Web-Interactive Plush, Adds a Splash to Fourth of July Weekend
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. --(Business Wire)-- Applause(R) from Russ(R), a brand of Russ Berrie and Company, Inc. (NYSE:RUS) and its subsidiary Russ Berrie U.S. Gift, Inc., today hosted 'SeaPals Day' at Ripley's Aquarium in Myrtle Beach, S.C. and Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, Tenn. RUSS kicked off the Fourth of July weekend by officially launching SeaPals, a new line of educational, marine-inspired, web-interactive plush that lets kids build their own virtual aquarium amid realistic ocean scenery. From 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., guests were introduced to SeaPals, the ultimate virtual underwater experience. Each guest received a SeaPals 'Passport' and visited ten SeaPals 'Stations,' where they learned fun facts about each SeaPals character. At the end of their visit, guests entered the SeaPals Raffle for the chance to win exciting SeaPals prizes.
As part of their continued commitment to help support ocean conservation, RUSS made a donation to the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) on behalf of Ripley's Aquarium.
Each SeaPals character comes with a secret code that allows you to log on to www.seapalsworld.com where you can create your virtual aquarium. Personalize your tank with castles, sand, coral and treasure chests, and ensure your aquarium thrives by feeding and nurturing your fish and keeping your tank clean.
Once you're settled in your new tank, you can choose to stay in your aquarium or jump out into the ocean, where you can play games, chat with other fish in the sea, explore reefs and shipwrecks, and learn about marine life.
Conquer deep-sea challenges and explore the ocean to discover hidden treasures and collect hard to find items that you can bring back to your tank or share with friends. Earn and collect 'Pearl Points' by playing games and engaging in fun activities.
To support the preservation of marine environments, RUSS will 'seas the day' by making donations to local aquariums to help raise awareness about the importance of oceanic conservation.
The first ten characters in the SeaPals school of fish include the Bannerfish, Blue Lobster, Clownfish, Sea Turtle, Shark and more. If you're a land lover, your SeaPals character also doubles as a finger puppet, bringing it to life on land and in your virtual aquarium. Bring the beauty of your aquarium to your computer screen - the SeaPals virtual aquarium doubles as a screensaver when the sea is calm and you step away from your computer.
The first ten SeaPals are available now in stores nationwide for an approximate retail value of $11 each.
About Ripley's Aquariums
Ripley's Aquarium (www.ripleysaquariums.com) of Myrtle Beach, S.C. and Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, in Gatlinburg, Tenn. are part of the Ripley Entertainment family of worldwide entertainment facilities. More than 13 million people visit Ripley's 65-plus attractions in 12 countries each year. Ripley Entertainment Inc. is a division of the Jim Pattison Group, the third largest privately held company in Canada.
About Russ Berrie and Company, Inc.
Russ Berrie and Company, Inc. and its subsidiaries engage in the design, development and distribution of branded products through its Infant & Juvenile segment and Gift segment. Its design-led products are sold primarily through mass market, toy, specialty, food, drug and independent retailers worldwide.
The Infant & Juvenile segment sells its products under the Sassy(R) and KidsLine(R) brand names and select private label programs. The Kids Line division designs and markets infant bedding and related nursery accessories. The Sassy division offers products and collections such as infant development toys, teething, feeding, bathing and baby care products.
The businesses also license brands for select categories and markets including Disney(R), Leap Frog(TM) and Carter's(R). In April 2008, the Company expanded its Infant & Juvenile business through the acquisitions of LaJobi Industries, Inc and CoCaLo, Inc. LaJobi is a leading designer, manufacturer, marketer and distributor of branded infant furniture and related products. LaJobi also licenses brands such as Graco(R) for cribs and Serta(R) for crib mattresses. CoCaLo is a leading manufacturer and distributor of infant bedding and accessory products under the brands of CoCaLo Baby, CoCaLo Couture and Baby Martex(R).
The Gift segment encompasses seasonal and everyday plush and other gift products. The Gift segment markets its products primarily under the RUSS(R) and APPLAUSE(R) brand names and also produces product in select markets and categories under licenses that include Shining Stars(R), Raggedy Ann(TM), Curious George(TM), Simpsons(TM) and a variety of other well-recognized trademarks.
More information about the Company can be found at: http://www.russberrie.com.
Russ(R) and Applause(R) are registered trademarks of Russ Berrie U.S. Gift, Inc.
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