– Marvel signs on Diamond

In a move to improve its retail distribution, Marvel Comics is turning to Diamond Comic Distributors to service specialty market retailers and comic book stores throughout North America. Marvel remains responsible for mass-market, subscription and newsstand sales, as well as specialty store pricing, discounts and terms of sale. The decision follows a six-month review by Marvel of its direct-market retail services, and will result in the closure of Marvel’s Her’es World offices in New Jersey. Diamond took over the new business late last month with products released for sale February 26.

-Toys ‘R’ Us boosts baby business

Toys ‘R’ Us is stepping up its presence in the market for baby and young children’s products with the recent acquisition of Baby Superstore in the U.S. The company gains 77 Baby Superstore outlets, and already operates 680 toy stores in the U.S. and 396 internationally, 212 Kids ‘R’ Us children’s clothing stores, six Babies ‘R’ Us and 2 KidsWorld stores.