   Although it was derided as being a mere Pokemon rip-off when it premiered on Fox Kids last August, Digimon has exploded into a bonafide hit - both in ratings and retail according to Elie Dekel, President, Saban Consumer Products."What began as an intriguing property," said Dekel, "has turned into awhite-hot licensing and merchandising explosion -- you could say we weredigi-destined for success." Digimon consistently secures #1 rankings in its weekday time period with both kids and boys on Fox Kids Network. In addition, on average, the Saturday airing ranks among the top ten Saturday programs in K6-11 and both boy demos.
Some of the indicators of Digimon's success? Try these on for size: - Prominent mentions in TIME Magazine, U.S. News and World Report, CBS Later Today, NBC's Good Day New York and many other media venues.
- Target Stores created a special boys apparel Digimon: Digital Monsters backwall and extended it into the pivotal Holiday selling season (as reported in Brandweek).
- Digimon: Digital Monsters catapulted to Fox Kids Networks' top-rated show.
- Bandai/Upper Deck's Digimon: Digital Monsters trading cards enjoy remarkable sell-throughs at many mass-market store chains, including FAO Schwarz and Babbage's Etc.
- T-shirts and other Digimon: Digital Monsters apparel are experiencing reorders and even sellouts at many of America's largest retail chains.
- Master toy licensee Bandai America reports early and strong "Digimon" toy sales.
It would appear there's plenty of room in kid's hearts (and parent's budgets) for Digimon and Pokemon this holiday season. [Updated 12-21-99]
  
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