LEGO MINDSTORMS Robotics Invention System Now Shipping (fwd)

Retailers Brace for Overwhelming Consumer Demand for LEGO(reg) MINDSTORMS(tm) Robotics Invention System(tm) The very first units of the LEGO MINDSTORMS Robotics Invention System arrived on U.S. retail store shelves in limited quantities during the first week of September. Since the Robotics Invention System previewed at the American International Toy Fair, the Nurnberg International Toy Fair, and the British International Toy & Hobby Fair last February, the buzz over the first consumer robotics product that can actually react to its environment has been gaining more momentum than even the LEGO Company expected. To date LEGO MINDSTORMS has received over 100,000 inquiries about its new Robotics Invention System, half of those from enthusiastic LEGO fans who registered online for a chance to be one of only 200 product beta testers. With just 12,000 units made available for the initial shipment, and only 75,000 additional units to be shipped through the end of the year, LEGO MINDSTORMS is anticipating a run on the Robotics Invention System that will quickly empty store shelves. It is expected to be one of the hottest products of the holiday buying season. "LEGO MINDSTORMS has packaged high-tech, creativity and fun into a new form that represents a whole new direction for toys," commented Terri Bartlett, Communications Director for Toy Manufacturers of America, Inc., the industry association. "I don't expect to see any LEGO MINDSTORMS sets left on retail shelves after the holidays." "The clamor for our new LEGO MINDSTORMS robots is far beyond even our expectations. Thousands of LEGO lovers of all ages have sent us requests to be the first to own the Robotics Invention System. We are already redoubling our efforts to produce enough product to handle the demand," added Linda Dalton, Director, LEGO MINDSTORMS. PRODUCT AVAILABILITY: In 1998, LEGO MINDSTORMS will be available for sale in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. United States: LEGO MINDSTORMS will be available on or before October 1 at the following retail stores: select Discovery Channel Stores, FAO Schwarz, Fry's, Learningsmith, LEGO Imagination Centers (at Mall of America and Downtown Disney), Media Play, select Noodle Kidoodle, select Target (from November 1), Toys "R" Us, and Zany Brainy. Some stores have reported that they are already sold out of initial inventories. It is also available in the following catalogs: TigerDirect, Hammacher Schlemmer, FAO Schwarz, and The Robot Store Catalog. LEGO MINDSTORMS can also be purchased through LEGO Shop at Home at (800) 453-4652 and (800) 835-4386. Canada: In Canada, LEGO MINDSTORMS will be available at Toys "R" Us and through the Sears catalog. Product should be available at retail by October 6. United Kingdom: To find out more about your local UK stockist, please call our UK information line on 0845 606 2043. Other English-speaking Countries: In 1999 the English versions of LEGO MINDSTORMS products will be launched in the following countries: Australia, Hong Kong, Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, and Taiwan. Other language versions: In late 1999 we hope to launch localized versions in the following languages: German, French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, Finnish and Norwegian. Internet Sales: We are working on providing Internet sales. Further details to come. Thank you for your interest. The LEGO MINDSTORMS team