LICENSED PRODUCTS MAY STEAL 1996 TOY, GAME SALES SCENE

CAROL ANGRISANI

NEW YORK -- Supermarket general merchandise buyers are being offered an array of toys tied to movies like "Toy Story" and "Hunchback of Notre Dame" this year.

Mr. Potato Head, Slinky and several other products associated with the movie "Toy Story" were among last year's top-performing toys and are expected to remain in high demand throughout 1996.

"The effects of ["Toy Story"] were significant," George Volanakis, chairman of the Toy Manufacturers of America, New York, said in a press conference preceding the opening of the 93rd American International Toy Fair, held here Feb. 12 to 19. Etch A Sketch, another classic toy featured in the movie, also was a leading seller.

Along with "Toy Story," merchandise based on other movies, including "Batman" and "Pocahontas," did well. This year, products tied to the upcoming movie "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," which will be released theatrically this summer, such as Quasimodo action figures and plush, are expected to dominate the market.

"Licensed toys become a greater percentage of our business each year," said Volanakis, who also is president and chief executive officer of Ertl Co., Dyersville, Iowa.