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Toy retailers coming off a tough 2003 and a tepid first quarter are looking for something to jumpstart sales, and it could arrive this month when product based on toy-friendly summer films begins pouring into stores.
Retailers can expect plenty of new toys in advance of the release of "Shrek 2," "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" and the blockbuster sequel "Spider-Man 2." The three films will be released in a six-week span between late May and early July and should help toy sales during what's typically a slow period.
"Movie properties should really help drive toy sales this year, and their positioning [in the summer] allows us to release new toys throughout the year," said Patricia Rinaldi, market manager for Toy Biz, the master toy licensee for "Spider-Man 2."
Toy Biz already has hit products, like the Triple Action Web Blaster, in stores and...