• The New York Times , Tuesday, July 1, 2008 10:45 AM

Toys "R" Us is mounting digital clocks in all 585 of its stores that will count down to July 26, when more than 225 of those stores will open at midnight to begin selling toys from the latest "Star Wars" film, "The Clone Wars," an animated movie that opens in the United States on Aug. 15.

For the first time in the history of the "Star Wars" franchise, McDonald's is coming along for the ride. It will be offering Clone Wars Happy Meals starting Aug. 15. Each will come with a specially designed box and one of 18 exclusive toys. The promotion lasts four weeks; the toys will be available only with Happy Meals.

At Toys "R" Us, the promotion will last at least through the Christmas shopping season, according to executives at the company. Until then, all "Star Wars" items, some of which are exclusive to the retailer, will occupy their own branded boutiques in the stores. Also, a section of the retailer's Web site will be dedicated to the movie "Star Wars" was the third-highest ranked toy brand for 2005, the year the last film, "Revenge of the Sith," was released.

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