Latest learning toys vie for limited space.(toys)

Educational toys should generate solid sales during the holidays, but it remains to be seen whether the closing of the two largest learning toy retailers will have a big impact on the sector.

Industry leaders, such as Fisher-Price, LeapFrog and fast-growing Publications International, all have a new slate of products rolling out this month for the holiday shopping season, which should be as good or better than last year.

"There's going to be more competition than ever," said industry analyst Chris Byrne. "But sales should be fairly stable compared to last year."

Publications International had great success in 2003 with its Story Reader interactive …