Fuzzy ‘Yes’ Men Corporate Executives

Move over, Teddy Ruxpin. You’re just kids’ stuff now.

Pete, Repeat and their friends have blabbed their way into the talking toy market with fuzzy critters tailored to the needs of executives.

For $45, a “corporate yes man” can be had in the form of a high-tech hippo, bear or bunny, telling bosses just what they want to hear--over and over and over again. A multi-microchip device buried inside each animal’s tummy enables them to record their master’s voice and replay it, all within four seconds.

“After a meeting with a lot of shouting and yelling, it’s someone executives can talk to and finally get their way,” said Linden Lim, owner of Mars Toys International, a Los Angeles-based importer that holds the patent on the repeating mechanism.

Department stores carrying the South Korean-made animals--including Broadway and Buffums--report that secretaries are snapping them up as hot office gift-giving items.

The best way to relieve tension, according to Lim: “Make sure you’re alone in the office, one on one with your stuffed toy. When you’re done listening to it, set it down and give it a hug.”