WAYNE, N.J. – Toys R Us said Monday that it plans to launch its own tablet computer aimed at children called Tabeo on Oct. 21, a low-priced entry into the increasingly crowded tablet business.
The news comes ahead of the holiday season, which can account for up to 40 percent of retailers’ annual sales. Toys R Us has focused on exclusive toys rather than discounts as it faces tough competition from online retailers like Amazon.com and discounters like Wal-Mart Stores Inc.
The 7-inch touchscreen tablet comes with 50 preinstalled apps selected for children, including games such as Angry Birds and Fruit Ninja, and a book app called istorybooks. It will retail for $149.99, is equipped with WiFi and runs on Google Inc.’s Android 4.0 operating system.
Toys R Us sells other electronics including Apple Inc.’s iPad, but this is its first store-brand tablet. The Tabeo’s main competitors include LeapFrog Enterprises’ LeapPad, one of the biggest hits last holiday season, and VTech’s similar InnoTab.
In the privately held retailer’s most recent quarter ended July 28, its net loss widened slightly from a year ago, hurt by weakness in Europe and a decline in video game sales.