Company: Toys “R” Us

Thank you, Easter Bunny.  Americans are expected to spend more on candy, flowers and little trinkets this year as they celebrate Easter, according to a survey by BIGinsight on behalf of the retail industry trade group, the National Retail Federation.

The nation’s oldest operating toy store, FAO Schwarz, is turning 150 years old this year. To commemorate this milestone, the company has assembled a collection of more than 20 iconic toys spanning the decades that customers can view at its Fifth Avenue store in New York until April 10.

Toymakers are looking to new products to excite shoppers and get them to buy, and that’s what Toy Fair is all about. Click ahead to see some of the coolest toys from Toy Fair 2012.

Shoppers found a mixed bag of bargains and so-so deals on Monday, in what was likely to be the third busiest shopping day of the holiday season.

The hitless season has retailers stocking less, leaning on classic items rather than new ones and possibly discounting less in the final days before Christmas. And with no Tickle Me Elmo or Zhu Zhu Pets to draw crushing crowds to the toy aisles, most retailers are being careful not to get stuck with unsold toys. The New York Times  reports.

The low-end and midrange retailers cut prices to attract shoppers, while executives at luxury stores say that they are actually able to sell more at full price than in recent boom years. The New York Times reports.