A recent study released by Standard & Poor's Equity Research confirms (see 'Toy Recalls Affect Holiday Plans') that consumers are shifting spending from toys to other categories for gifts.  According to the study, which surveyed consumers in November, 25% indicated that they were concerned about toy recalls, although 31% said the recalls were of little or no concern. 

S&P believes that one big beneficiary from the substantial number of consumers that are changing their purchasing this holiday season will be videogame consoles and software, including the red-hot Wii console and games.  But we can also see products like games, comics/books, collectables, DVDs, and other products sold by pop culture retailers benefiting as anxious parents look for alternatives to traditional toys.