Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!
Happy Holidays!
A couple of weeks ago Toys of Our Lives, hosted by Design Edge's Matt Nuccio, premiered on CBS in several major markets, including New York, Boston, Detroit, Dallas/Fort Worth, Atlanta, Seattle, Pittsburgh, Sacramento, and soon in Tampa Bay.
Like Matt and his co-producer Donna Drake, we are thrilled that our POP Week events were highlights in the pilot and received such a positive reception. It's incredibly exciting to see the response from viewers across these key cities, and we look forward to sharing even more in the upcoming episodes. They already have interest in 5 more episodes... and we are proud to have been an integral part of the kickoff!
Thank you for reading the Bloom Report here or on the Bloom Report 24/7 News Feed! Please support our work by advertising and/or setting up a POP profile.
Mary and the POP Team!
-
"I go to work 6 days a week and magic happens! On day 7 I read the Bloom Report." 😁 - Rick Derr, Learning Express
-
"Tell me you're in the toy industry without telling me you're in the toy industry... Friday Morning = a cup-a-Joe and the Bloom Report!" -Tim Walsh The Playmakers
-
"I don't know anyone in the industry that doesn't read the Bloom Report." -Ken Lewis, President, 4Kidz, Inc.
-
"I am a long-time reader and champion of the Bloom Report. The quantity of quality articles on so many different aspects of our industry is unmatched and I regularly share and discuss them with my management team as an important business tool." - Jim Engle, President & Founder, Little Kids Inc.
Person of the Week - Tim Walsh
Born on Christmas Day - what better day for a toymaker, toy historian, author, filmmaker, keynote and more!
Tim Walsh Celebrates the 30th Anniversary of Blurt on Hidden Roles podcast!
Tim Walsh returns to Hidden Role to talk about 30 years of Blurt! and the 30th Anniversary Edition of the game, out now! Tim also reflects on more than three decades in the toy and game industry and about his show, Seize the Play, that delves into the history of iconic toys and the inventors who made them. Many of you may also know Tim from his WTFF? videos!
Educational Insights has graciously offered to give a copy of Blurt! to one the Hidden Roles podcast viewers! Listen to the episode for when Tim reads a special Blurt! question for the audience. COMMENT the answer to question on THIS video and Hidden Roles will randomly pick one correct commenter after New Year's Day! Only one comment per person will be considered. --- Watch Now!
Latest from our POP Reviewer, Julia DeKorte
Books, Films, Toys and Games
A thorough history of Glass’s life, the ups and downs of his company, and all the toys, games, and limitless fun he left his mark on, this biography is full of rich history and exclusive insider information about the unique and mysterious Marvin Glass. Read More...
Lamp Life (Short Film) - We know the story of Woody, Buzz, Rex, Mr. Potato Head, Mrs. Potato Head, and the rest of the gang, but have you ever wondered what happened to Bo Peep and her sheep? If you recall, Bo Peep and her sheep and the lamp that they lived on were given away after Toy Story 2, but were reintroduced in Toy Story 4 when the gang ran into them at the carnival as part of a crew helping return lost toys to their owners. Read More...
Gabby’s Dollhouse Celebration Dollhouse - If your little one is a fan of Gabby’s Dollhouse, you’re in luck! The new Celebration Dollhouse has all the best features of Gabby’s house in the hit Netflix series, with the added rainbow fun of it being decked out in balloons, streamers, and other cat-themed party décor. The set has six different rooms plus a rooftop play area, and also comes with a Gabby Girl doll, complete with a party cat-ear headband. Read More...
(Editor's Note - Why do we have product reviews? Because hundreds of thousands consumers visit POP to read blogs, reviews, homepage posts and more! Be part of POP NOW!
Cartoon Lovers, Lexophiles & People in Need of a Smile!
Meme of the Week: Thank you to the anonymous person for the holiday cartoon this week!
Memorable Quotes: "It’s never too late to become who you want to be. I hope you live a life that you’re proud of, and if you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start over."
-F. Scott Fitzgerald
Toy Industry Word of Day: If you can think of a toy/game industry word not in our POPDictionary, add it and we will connect it to you POP profile, feature it here in an upcoming week and on POP's homepage!
Have a cartoon, quote or a joke to share? Send it to me! Mary
Happiest of Birthdays to colleagues celebrating birthdays this week!
Financial and Legal
Variety Wholesalers, the Henderson-based discount store company owned by Art Pope, says it is buying 200 to 400 Big Lots stores in a move that may save thousands of retail jobs in hundreds of communities. The proposed transaction would avoid the potential liquidation of all Big Lots locations. Variety has committed to adding at least 200 stores, which now employ about 5,000 people, and as many as 400 units, Pope says.
In a strategic move to secure innovative intellectual property (IP) and expand their global reach, major Korean game companies are increasingly focusing on the Eastern European market, particularly Poland. This trend is driven by the dual benefits of high development capabilities and relatively low labor costs in the region, making it an attractive investment destination.
*** The above posted after tBR Circulated on December 27th ***
Party City to Close All Stores by February. In an internal letter, the company said inflation and changes in consumer spending had forced it to shut its more than 700 stores. Party City store managers were told that stores would begin a “wind-down process” that started on Friday and would last until about Feb. 28, 2025. Store managers could keep their pay and benefits until then if they wanted to keep working, according to...
Toy prices could jump if Trump adds new tariffs in 2025, threatening some toy retailers. President-elect Donald Trump is pledging to slap new tariffs on imports after he's inaugurated next month — a vow that's prompting the toy industry to warn about the impact. Even if toys are designed in Europe or the U.S., they are frequently manufactured in China.
Toy stores could go bust under Trump’s proposed international tariffs. Nearly 80 percent of U.S. toys are manufactured in China, one of the countries the president-elect has threatened to target with immediate charges on imports. Trump has said he would impose a 10 percent universal tariff on foreign imports, and last month floated the idea of an additional 60 to 100 percent tariff on goods specifically from China.
Tencent removes directors from Epic Games after Justice Dept. inquiry. Two Tencent directors have departed from Epic Games' board of directors, according to the U.S. Justice Department. In a statement, the department explained these exits came about in light of concerns about their positions on the board being anti-competitive and in violation of Section 8 of the Clayton Act.
Rare $1 fire sale as toy company KidKraft collapses: ‘Brand-new and perfect'. American toy company KidKraft is closing down its Australian warehouse operations and "everything must go". US-based KidKraft was founded more than 50 years ago and is known for its toys and furniture, including swing sets, play kitchens, dollhouses and outdoor playsets.
Program Highlights
-
A++ rated insurer, $20 Billion in assets
-
Exceeds Wal-Mart and other leading retailers insurance requirements
-
Variable rate based on sales projections
-
Foreign & Domestic Liability coverage
-
Blanket additional insured vendors
-
Employee benefits liability
-
All certificates and claims handled in house
-
Quick quotation turnaround
-
Product recall expense $250,000 limit
Additional Coverage
-
Umbrella up to $50,000,000
-
Ocean Cargo & Property
-
Commercial Auto
-
Lead coverage
-
Intellectual properties (copyrights, trademarks, & patents)
-
Credit Insurance
-
US Customs Bond Insurance
-
CYBER COVERAGE
for a free consultation and quotation for your business needs.
185 Newman Springs Road, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Contact: Jason Welch: tel: 732-842-2012 (ext. 318), fax 732-530-7080, jawelch@york-jersey.com or Bob Witkin bobwitkin@york-jersey.com
Visit the York-Jersey Underwriters website at www.toy-insurance.com
Financial Reporting
*** The above posted after December 27th when tBR circulated ***
Scholastic Sales, including book fairs, decline despite growth in number of fairs.
Trends, Lists, Market Research, and State of the Industry
Alpacas and Capybaras? Here’s What is Trending in Plush for 2025
Ice Cream-Inspired Slime Toys Trend
*** The above posted after December 27th when tBR circulated ***
Dog Toy Trends to Watch in 2025
China's hottest stock Pop Mart rockets 370% on craze for collectibles
The Best Board Games of 2024 Will Excite Players of All Ages
What's trending in toys this Holiday season?
The Toy Book Top 10: The Top Products of 2024.
‘The Playground Podcast’ looks back at 2024 in the toy industry.
Global toy brands surpass $18.3 billion in brand value.
Stories, Comments, and Advice
Dungeons & Dragons Rolls the Dice With New Rules About Identity. The role-playing game replaced “race” with “species” and divorced several character traits from biological identity. Some longtime players are upset (as is Elon Musk). While solving quests in Dungeons & Dragons, the gamers who role-play as elves, orcs and halflings rely on the abilities and personalities of their custom-made character...
*** The above posted after December 27th when tBR circulated ***
Giving children the wrong (or not enough) toys may doom a society. Survival is a case of child’s play. GIVERS OF EDUCATIONAL gifts, rejoice: despite the eye-rolls you may receive on Christmas morning, you are part of a long and valuable tradition. In cultures around the world, toys have been used to teach children what they need to know about the society they live in. When the toys teach the right skills, the children are...
Delving into the realm of early childhood education, this article unpacks the transformative power of innovative programs that have been validated by those at the forefront of the field. It explores the intricate dance between play-based learning and structured exploration, and how these approaches shape young minds for future success. Experts weigh in to provide a clear-eyed perspective on fostering leadership...
How Math Broke Connect 4. A mathematician found a way to guarantee a win. Connect 4 is a staple game. It’s easy to learn, and a really fun challenge for two players. Part of its appeal is how simple the rules are. Each play selects a color and takes turns dropping chips onto the board. Because of the way the board is set up, the chip always falls into the bottom-most available space in whatever column they are placed in.
Someone Made A Real-Life LEGO Hair Bike Helmet That Turns You Into A LEGO Figure.The awesome product design was the brainchild of Simon Higby and Clara Prior, two employees from the Stockholm and Copenhagen offices of worldwide advertising agency DDB. Given that 44% of children surveyed don’t wear a helmet while riding a bike, they wanted to come up with a road safety compliant design that kids would want...
Aboard the International Space Station, NASA astronauts Suni Williams, Nick Hague, Butch Wilmore, and Don Pettit wish a merry Christmas and a happy holiday season to Earth in a message recorded on Dec. 23, 2024. The four astronauts are in the middle of a long-duration mission living and working aboard the microgravity laboratory. The goal of their mission is to advance scientific knowledge and ...
The Toy Book Top 10: The Hottest Stories of 2024. It’s the end of the year! It’s time to look back at the hottest stories of 2024, as chosen by you, the readers. The Toy Book’s year-end roundup of top-performing stories highlights a mix of nostalgic icons, innovative launches, and licensing coups that captured readers’ attention in 2024.
%20(2).jpg)
History and Nostalgia
Model trains have long captivated the imagination of hobbyists, collectors, and enthusiasts of all ages. From their origins as simple tinplate toys to today's intricate, highly-detailed machinery, model trains trace a fascinating evolution that mirrors advancements in technology and changes in cultural trends. Let's explore how this beloved hobby developed over the decades.
The Wonderful World of Penny Brite from Topper Toys. The Penny Brite doll was released in 1963 by Topper Toys, a subsidiary of Elizabeth, New Jersey-based toy manufacturer, Deluxe Reading. Penny was presented as a more wholesome alternative to Mattel’s Barbie Doll, which at the time was getting a bad rap in some parenting circles for being “too adult” for young children.
Scorcher 6×6 from Tyco. Flashback to 1993 when Tyco set the remote-control world ablaze with one of the most iconic R/C vehicles of all time — the Scorcher 6×6. Rugged, dynamic, and undeniably cool, this six-wheeled speedster boasted a bold design that captured the attention of kids and hobbyists alike.
Licensing and Entertainment
Tim Allen teases upcoming Toy Story 5 after recording session. Hollywood star Tim Allen has revealed that the upcoming animated film boasts a "clever story." During an interview with 'Collider', Allen expressed excitement about returning to the beloved franchise, emphasising that the film's exceptional script motivated its creation. "Had they not come up with a brilliant script, they wouldn't have done it," he said.
*** The above posted after tBR circulated on December 27th ***
Our favorite licensed toys and games from 2024. Toys and games lie at the heart of the licensing industry, fueling imagination and play for consumers of all ages. Toys help bring stories from screens and pages into the hands of fans with something tangible, while games offer interactive experiences that foster connection through shared play.
Ravensburger's Q2 'Disney Lorcana' set. Plus accessories for 'Archazia's Island'. Ravensburger has announced the title and revealed the first art for its Q2 2025 set for Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game, as well as accessories for the first 2025 set, Archazia’s Island. The Q2 set, the eighth for Disney Lorcana, will be Reign of Jafar, which has been teased by cards in Shimmering Skies and Azurite Sea.
Rainbow Designs welcomes Mr. Men Little Miss brand. An exciting and colorful addition to Rainbow Designs’ licensed portfolio of classic characters for 2025 will be the renowned Mr. Men Little Miss brand. Created in 1971 by Roger Hargreaves, the Mr. Men and Little Misses have gone from strength to strength, identifying with a multi-generational audience through self expression, color, simplicity and humor.
University Games unveils new Bullseye board games. Games and puzzles specialists University Games will bring a TV classic to homes nationwide next year, as it launches the new Bullseye Board Game and Mini Board Game at The London Toy Fair, with Bully himself. The iconic TV quiz program, Bullseye will return to screens on 22nd December, for the first time since 1995, with new host Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff...
The Batcave and Movie Batman in two DC Heroclix Iconix sets from WizKids. WizKids will release two new DC HeroClix Iconix sets, focusing on the Batcave and a movie version of Batman, in June. DC HeroClix Iconix: Batman Forever will feature figures based on the third Warner Bros. Batman film, with three figures and character cards: Batman, The Riddler, and Two-Face. MSRP is $29.99.
'Strawberry Shortcake' card game from Maestro Media. Maestro Media will release Strawberry Shortcake: Berry Besties Bakeoff, a new card game, in the property’s 45th anniversary year. Wildbrain has licensed a wide range of companies, including Maestro, for new products based on the property this year. Players will bid for cards with characters and items as they try to accumulate collections.
WizKids' next 'Marvel Heroclix 400' set is 'Guardians of the Galaxy'. WizKids has revealed Marvel HeroClix 400: Guardians of the Galaxy, the next miniatures set in their new series of boxed sets that contain a full 400-point team that can be played right out of the box. The series will begin with Black Panther and Captain America in April.
POP MART drops special edition ‘Squid Game’ collectible. POP MART, the designer vinyl toy collectible company, has collaborated with Netflix to release a special edition MEGA Space Molly “Squid Game” on Dec. 27. Just in time for the release of the second season of Netflix’s show, “Squid Game,” fans will be able to purchase the MEGA Space Molly Squid Game on Dec. 26.
People of Play
‘Squopping and squidging’: Who invented tiddlywinks? The rules governing the modern version of the game were established on January 16, 1955 by a group of undergraduates who met at Christ’s College, Cambridge, determined to invent a game at which they could represent the Varsity. Their success attracted the attention of the then Duke of Edinburgh, who, in 1960, commissioned the ‘Silver Wink’ trophy.
I spoke to the creator of Wingspan, the board game that saved my sanity in 2024. If you need a break from panicking about war, elections, job security, or the flaming garbage heap of 2024, Wingspan can help with that. Wingspan’s creator, Elizabeth Hargrave, has just come back from a stint as PAX Unplugged’s special guest. Her latest mushroom-themed board game, Undergrove, is now reaching its Kickstarter backers.
Blockbuster Korean IPO Makes Video Game Artist a Billionaire. Hyung-Tae Kim was well-known as a video game illustrator, but it was barely keeping a roof over his head. After gaining fame for a series of popular Korean titles, the college dropout had founded his own company in 2013 but was finding it difficult to ensure his family and employees could put food on the table. “I myself struggle to care of my own family...
How this Vancouver developer turned a unicycling obsession into a video game. Street Uni X, which features Vancouver-inspired landscapes, part of a move toward co-op game development. It's largely the brainchild of one person – Daffodil – who goes by a singular name and uses they/them pronouns. Unicycling is their primary mode of transportation. "The game itself is influenced by skateboarding and snowboarding...
*** The above posted after December 27th when tBR circulated ***
Hollywood’s go-to guy: One man is behind the typefaces used in box office hits like “Barbie” and “Wicked.” Teddy Blanks, a neatly mustached 40-year-old man wearing ripped jeans and battered white sneakers, walked through Times Square one cold recent night to catch a screening of “Wicked” at an AMC multiplex. He hadn’t yet seen the film, and he was eager to see one particular shot: the movie’s opening title.
Billionaire Brothers Turn $12,000 Loan Into Empire of Cheap Toys. Zuru’s water balloons and blasters made billionaires of Nick and Mat Mowbray. At 18, Nick Mowbray dropped out of college in his native New Zealand and moved to China with his older brother, Mat. The pair spoke no Chinese, had few contacts and little business experience. But they had an idea: open a factory near Guangzhou, a fast-growing port city...
PIPE DREAM Cluedo’s real victim? The tragic inventor who dreamed it up in a Birmingham kitchen during WWII and lost out on MILLIONS
Anthony Pratt should have been a multi-millionaire. Anthony Pratt should have been a multi-millionaire, because Cluedo went on to become the world’s second-best-selling game, after Monopoly and joint No2 with Scrabble. But he gave away the foreign rights to it for just £5,000...
Collectors Holdings expands influence. CFO joins Funko Board. Collectors Holdings, Inc. is expanding its influence in the collectible space: Collectors Holdings CFO Jason Harinstein has been appointed to the board of directors of Funko, the company announced. Funko increased the size of its board to accommodate the move; Harinstein is also joining the company’s audit committee.
Asmodee US takes on new Director of Hobby Sales. Adam Lovell currently serves as Asmodee US’s Senior Business Analyst of New Releases. Asmodee US has named Adam Lovell as its new Director of Hobby Sales starting in the new year. Lovell has almost 20 years of experience in the games industry, including at Southern Hobby, Paizo Publishing, and CMON.
Companies and Brands
The new year is bringing a big anniversary for Anne McGilvray & Co. The wholesale gift, toy and home industry sales rep group is preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025. Founded in 1975 by Anne McGilvray, the company described itself in a release as a “pioneer in discovering unique brands, championing fun and inspiring products, and reshaping the gift industry.”
*** The above posted after tBR circulated on December 27th ***
Significant investment in store openings, strategic partnerships and brand innovation has delivered a landmark year for The Entertainer, as one of the UK’s fastest-growing retailers lays the foundation for consolidation at home and a major int'l push in 2025. The Entertainer significantly grew its retail footprint in 2024 following the major roll-out of more than 850 brand-new toy shops within Tesco stores...
Toys R Us Asia is looking beyond children’s toys this Christmas as it adjusts to dwindling numbers of infants in the region and addresses a growing “kidult” market by tapping into cultural trends. “Falling birth rates is a big social phenomenon that we cannot reverse in the short term . . . so we are shifting focus for growth to come from Gen Z kidults,” said Leo Tsoi, chief executive, in a Financial Times interview.
Toys“R”Us is revitalized with Latin American locations. Toys“R”Us is making a comeback in an unusual way. The once-popular toy retailer is getting a new lease on life with Latin American launches. Let’s take a look at what we know about this comeback. In a press release, it was revealed that Toys“R”Us’s parent business, WHP Global, announced a collaboration with Cotton Candy International to introduce...
Calling all Neon Genesis Evangelion fans! McDonald’s Japan has announced a limited-edition collaboration featuring transforming mecha toys that go from McDonalds’s staples to giant robots. Find out how to get your hands on these epic collectibles. While these look like they could be McDonald’s Happy Meal toys, they are actually offered as their own separate item on the menu. McDonald’s is calling this the ...
Totally Toys, a specialty toy store, officially opens in Owings Mills, Maryland, for the holiday season. Located at the Valley Village Shopping Center, the specialty toy store welcomes consumers with a unique shopping experience that ignites creativity and learning. Founded earlier this year, Totally Toys is a retail destination featuring a hand-picked selection of toys, games, puzzles, and more.
Epic Games announces new Fortnite x Skibidi Toilet items. This collaboration is the latest addition to a successful line of toys and games celebrating Invisible Narratives’ Skibidi Toilet IP. Chiefly, Bonkers Toys’ collection of pop-up surprise toys delighted both teens and adult collectors alike.
Miniso launches new store at London Stansted Airport. Miniso has announced the opening of its first-ever UK airport store at London Stansted Airport, bringing its distinctive blend of affordability and on-trend travel products to the airport. The new Miniso-Go store, which features pink interiors and playful displays to create a vibrant stopover for travelers, has officially arrived at London’s Stansted Terminal.
Miko joins forces with Xplore to add new products to offering. Miko, an advanced tech company specializing in AI-powered robots for kids, has announced a strategic partnership with Xplore Brands, furthering its mission to redefine learning and play for children worldwide. Founded in 2015, Miko has sold over 1m units and is bringing innovative AI solutions to families across the globe.
Gaming: Digital, Video, Hardware, and Development
Sega is considering launching its own subscription service for video games. This move would align the co. with popular models like Netflix and Xbox Game Pass. Sega is known for its iconic franchises, including Sonic the Hedgehog, Persona, and Yakuza. While the company is currently evaluating its options, specific details about the service remain undisclosed. If successful, this initiative would place Sega alongside...
Popular country life RPG Stardew Valley has topped 41 million lifetime sales across all platforms. That's according to a website post from developer Eric 'ConcernedApe' Barone, who explained the milestone was surpassed in December 2024. Offering more insight, Barone noted the title has sold 26 million copies sold on PC and 7.9 million copies on Nintendo Switch.
*** The above posted after December 27th when tBR circulated ***
Game Developer 2024 Wrap-Up: Bryant Francis' top 10 games of the year. Senior editor Bryant Francis' top games of 2024 include Pacific Drive, Metaphor ReFantazio, Indika, and other great works.
Game Developer's 2024 Wrap-Up: Chris Kerr's top 5 games of the year. 2024 was a bust year for the game industry but an absolutely banger year for video games. The sheer amount of creativity and quality on display (especially within the indie scene) was electrifying.
Game Developer's 2024 Wrap-Up: Holly Green's top 10 games of the year. The best games this year had me making music, making cityscapes, and making strangers give me pets.
Game Developer's 2024 Wrap-Up: The top 5 trends that defined 2024. 2024 was a brutal year where executives bemoaned the need to lay off workers, then swiftly boasted of the potential to replace them with AI.
Hothead Games has shut down after almost 20 years. Canadian game studio Hothead Games has closed its doors. Hothead president and CEO, Ian Wilkinson, broke the news on Linkedin and said the company "had a good run" but has now filed for bankruptcy. It's unclear how many people the studio employed at the time of its closure.
Highlighted Press Releases
($200/week/press release)
Safety and Counterfeiting
There were more than 22 million toys recalled in 2024 as of Dec. 19, largely due to a massive recall of Miniverse kitchen toys containing chemicals that caused eye, skin and respiratory problems, according to a ConsumerAffairs analysis of data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which regulates toys and children products.
Doctors warn over water bead gifts for children. Emergency doctors in the UK have issued a safety warning over water beads, which could be given to children as gifts over Christmas. The brightly colored soft plastic beads, also known as jelly balls, sensory beads, or water crystals, are marketed as crafting tools and homeware items - but also toys.
Associations, Foundations, Shows, Awards, Events, and Festivals
ÁRIDA , the adventure game about the culture of the Brazilian hinterland, completed its multiplatform saga in 2024 in the best style: winning two awards at the “Coelho Awards” with its version for Switch!! “Best Message”: for games that carry values beyond entertainment: “Best Brazilian Game”: a category that brings together national releases in 2024! With international repercussions, the award is ...
*** The above posted after December 27th when tBR circulated ***
Abacus Brands’ Steve Rad Takes a Playful Dive Into 2025 Toy of the Year Award Nominees. 24 Minutes. 115 Toys & Games. It’s officially toy industry awards season, and with The Toy Book’s inaugural Pulse of Play Awards rolling out and public voting in progress for The Toy Foundation’s Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards, all things play are in the mainstream as we enter the holiday home stretch.
Funskool India organized the first ever India CATAN National championship at Dublin Square, Phoenix Market City, Mumbai recently. Shobhit Kasera from Kolkata emerged as the India CATAN National Champion. He will represent India at the CATAN World Championship to be held at Stuttgart, Germany from April 4-6. Shobhit Kasera, when asked about his experience said, “I absolutely love playing...
Warner Bros Discovery celebrates with festive licensee awards ceremony. Guests at the event, held last week in London, also got a sneak peek at some of the exciting new entertainment coming from Warner Bros Discovery in 2025. Toy World joined the Warner Bros Discovery UK Consumer Products team and representatives from its key licensee partners at a special event held at Quaglino’s in London last week.
Toy Association hires lobbying firm for tariffs. The Toy Association has hired a lobbying firm with close ties to the incoming Trump administration to advise and lobby on tariff issues, according to PR news site O’Dwyer’s. The firm is Ballard Partners, and Hunter Morgen is the partner on the account, according to the report.
RIP - Rest in Play - Remembering Those that have Passed
If you know of a colleague's passing, please send us information so we may share with our readers. Archives can be found HERE
Rickie Einstein Paley, 91, formerly of New York and San Juan, Puerto Rico died peacefully at home on December 30, 2024.
In the late 1950s, Rickie found a new opportunity at the intersection of fashion and the toy industry when Ruth Handler, the co-founder of Mattel, asked her to join the company to market a new kind of girl's toy, the Barbie Doll. Rickie leapt at the chance and became Mattel's first marketer of the new doll which was not an initial success. She realized to make Barbie a financial hit, you only had to sell the doll once, but you needed to create a wardrobe and accessories which would be continually updated and changed. Rickie's work with Mattel led Barbie to iconic status.
When Rickie met Sid Paley, the love of her life at a Borscht Belt Hotel on July 4th Weekend 1960, it was as if they were simultaneously struck by the same lightning bolt. Sid, a confirmed bachelor and real estate developer, whisked her off in a whirlwind and told her that if she could sell dollhouses, she could certainly sell real homes. One of Rickie's proudest accomplishments was selling 372 starter homes in a neighborhood Sid was developing in Puerto Rico. Rickie and Sid were partners in every way. Along the route of her nine-decade life, Rickie became a beacon of fashion...
George Delaney - George passed away this December. I have not been able to find a link for more information. If you have information, please share with us.
We were just notiified that Charles Burchell Phillips, 78, of Walpole, peacefully passed away at home on Nov. 7, 2022, after a long illness.
Charles was born in Kingston, Jamaica, the son of Dr. Charles B. Phillips Sr. and Rose Sutherland Phillips. At the age of 13, he and his brother moved to live with their grandfather, Mortimer Sutherland, in Montclair, N.J., where he attended middle school. He moved back to Jamaica, attended and graduated from Calabar College (high school) in Kingston, Jamaica, and subsequently received a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from Howard University in Washington, D.C., in 1966. From 1966 to 1968, Charles worked in Ford Motor Company’s “Experimental Garage” in Dearborn, Mich., where new car styling and features were explored. He was very creative, helping to develop start-up businesses until 1970 when he went to work for the Ideal Toy Company. Following that, he developed new games, consulted with other game inventors and received several patents. Charles’ games, produced and sold by Hasbro and Parker Brothers, include “Advance to Boardwalk,” “Free Parking,” “M.A.G.S.,” “I Vant to Bite Your Finger” and “Clue Jr.” to name only a few. He also created and independently produced the game BUX.
Alton Thacker, a Utah man who co-founded a nonprofit that has donated over 1.7 million wooden toy cars to children around the world, has died. He was 89.
Thacker, who is being remembered as someone who brought "joy to countless children" as the founder of Tiny Tim's Foundation for Kids, died peacefully of natural causes while surrounded by family on Tuesday, Nov. 26 at his home in West Jordan, according to an obituary.
Those who knew Thacker spoke with local NBC affiliate KSL-TV about his impact, with one friend at the Tiny Tim Foundation describing him as "probably the greatest man I ever met aside from my father-in-law."
Mike Gull. The larger than life media figure, who passed away recently, was known and loved by many people in the toy community, largely through his time at GMTV. Posting on LinkedIn at the end of last week, Mike’s long term friend and colleague Simon Poole recounted the sad news: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our chairman, colleague, and dear friend, Mike Gull, on Friday evening, 15th November. Mike (Gully) was an extraordinary individual who dedicated over 40 years to the industry. His leadership, wisdom and unwavering commitment left an indelible mark on our business and all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Worldwide Magazines Weekly Top Stories
Some Added Friday Morning Chicago Time. Check Back for Complete Lists.
Toy Trade Monthly Issues
Adventure Media & Events (US)
- On holiday.
Toyworld (UK)
- On holiday.
Licensing.biz Powered by Toyworld
- On holiday.
ICv2: The Business of Geek Culture (US)
TOP COMICS BUSINESS STORIES OF 2024, Column by Rob Salkowitz
- WizKids' Next 'Marvel HeroClix 400' Set
- Free RPG Day Date Set
- Adam Lovell New Director of Hobby
- The Batcave and Movie Batman in Two 'DC HeroClix Iconix' Sets
- Rolling for Initiative -- Early Christmas Sales and Second Bites of the Apple
- Ravensburger's Q2 'Disney Lorcana' Set
- Paizo Plans 'Starfinder RPG 2E: Galaxy Guide'
- Toy Association Hires Lobbying Firm
- Collectors Holdings Expands Influence
- 'Strawberry Shortcake' Card Game
Nación Juguetes (Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Chile & Spain)
Global Toy News
- On holiday.
The Bugg Report (Australia)
The Toy Universe (Australia)
hobbyDB
Video of the Week
JOIN PEOPLE OF PLAY (POP)
It's Linkedin + IMDb + Wiki
"I highly recommend that if anyone in this industry wants to be found, they join POP and fill out the skills and expertise section of their POP Profiles. I've had companies and a major media network reach out to me for a show based on my skills and expertise."
- David Yakos, Founder of Streamline Design and Owner of Salient Technologies
-
Display your entire portfolio, unlimited products, videos, photos, media, and more
-
Easy-setup and a real live helpful person to talk to if you have questions
-
Advanced search for industry contacts by roles, skills, location, and more
-
POP Pub networking – just one connection can change your life!
-
Access to information of products, people, and companies
-
Find person-to-hire based on skills, roles and expertise
-
Ad campaigns, target members of the industry
-
Exclusive discounts and events
-
Classified Ads
What are you waiting for? We've got the most powerful platform in our industry!
Join here: www.peopleofplay.com
Thank you for being a reader of the Bloom Report. — Mary and Graeme
Founding Editor and Publisher (1998-2020, Retired): Philip Bloom
We are honored to carry on Phil's 22 year legacy and continue the Bloom Report. Phil has been a mensch
and we've loved working with him. Here is a fun and interesting interview with Phil.
If you would like to reach Phil: philip.bloom100@verizon.net
Publisher: Mary Couzin, Chicago Toy & Game Group, Inc.
Managing Editor: Graeme Thomson
Assistant Editor: Patrick Fisher
Not only does the Bloom Report give you all the news you need to know...
we give you all the news you didn't know you needed to know!" -Phil Bloom
Do you have news to share? Send us a note! mary@chitag.com
