1.
LV & CU EXT New York department store windows
0.05

2.
LV & CU INT toys on display
0.24

3.
SV clockwork Wild West train
0.30

4.
CU Snoopy dolls
0.35

5.
SCU furry animals
0.40

6.
CU Reindeer & polar
0.43

7.
CU lion and St. bear Bernard
0.48

8.
SV & CU animals on display
1.01

9.
GV store
1.03

10.
CU antique model colonial style kitchen
1.10

11.
SV & CU hand carved model soldiers (2 shots).
1.23



Initials AH/MR/PS/1335 AH/MR/PS/1400



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: New York's largest stores are showing a healthy return to traditional toys this Christmas. Space age technology and war toys are giving place to large furry animals and model trains in the popularity stakes.

It is estimated that a large percentage of the toys on display at one store -- claiming to be the oldest and largest in the world -- come from abroad. Thirty per cent come from Japan and West Germany alone.

Even though economic conditions are far from promising, the toy manufacturers and retailers are hoping for a bumper Christmas season.

Prices have certainly soared. Life-size cuddly animals sell for up to 400 dollars ( GBP166 sterling ). Toys for adults are even more expensive. One store offers an antique model of a traditional Colonial kitchen for 1,200 dollars (GBP500 sterling).

The same store also offers the traditionalist's answer to war toys. It is selling beautifully detailed model soldiers, hand-made in France and selling for about 120 dollars (GBP50 sterling) apiece.