Hannah hysteria hits Wal-Mart

Teenage pop sensations enjoy notoriously fleeting careers and that fate may yet befall the phenomenon known as “Hannah Montana.” For now however, the hysteria remains high and Wal-Mart and Disney Consumer Products are giving the marketplace all the product it can handle.

Wal-Mart recently introduced “Hannah Montana” shops in 750 of its stores. The shops offer more than 140 unique Hannah Montana-inspired products in categories such as apparel and footwear, handbags and cosmetics, bedding, room decor, games and music. According to Wal-Mart, the products are designed to appeal to “tweens looking for on-trend casual and athletic-inspired styles, as well as accessories and decor.”

“Beginning now and continuing through the fall, parents and kids can depend on us for the best selection of ‘Hannah Montana merchandise’ at the Wal-Mart price,” said Wal-Mart marketing vp Janet Bareis.

The arrival of merchandise in stores coincides with several other developments involving Hannah Montana, whose real name is Miley Cyrus. On Jan. 29, her new CD, “Hannah Montana 2 Non-Stop Dance Party,” was released and, as part of the promotional efforts, those who purchase the disc at Wal-Mart will receive an extra track. Wal-Mart is also offering a Hannah Montana ringtone for$1.99. If the merchandise and music isn’t enough, Hannah’s hardcore fans can also pick up her new video, “Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Movie,” which was released on Feb. 1.

“Fans across the country will now have more access than ever before to Hannah Montana-inspired product,” said Kathy Franklin, vp global franchise development for Disney Consumer Products.