It’s coming up to that time of the year when we have to start thinking about buying toys and games for our kids, families and our friends. And I don’t know about the rest of you but even the thought of it fills me with fear and trepidation.

As part of my preparation, I spent some time over the last three days visiting a number of Toys R Us and Wal-Mart stores as well as both their websites to see what’s going on. And the news from the front is that both of these titans are winding themselves up for another massive battle for the hearts, minds and wallets of holiday consumers nationwide. (more…)