Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!
Happy Bloomin' Friday!
POP Week is almost here and we have BIG NEWS! You'll have the opportunity to meet the Toy Association Board of Directors and Senior Staff and the Toy Foundation Board of Trustees! We will kick off our Inventor Pitch and Innovation Conference with this extraordinary keynote panel with Greg Ahearn, President and CEO of the Toy Association, moderating.
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Sharon Price John, Chairperson, TA Board of Directors, President & CEO, Build-A-Bear Workshop
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Geoffrey Greenberg, Vice Chairperson, TA Board of Directors, Co-CEO, Just Play
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Anne Carrihill, Director, GM, Category Leader, Toys & Entertainment at Amazon
Exhibit at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair and get in front of consumers, media, influencers (44 so far!), trade and more! And... it is THE focus group in the wild! Register HERE!
Register for November's POP Week!
Connect, pitch and learn at the Inventor Pitch and Innovation Conference,
Celebrate colleagues at the TAGIEs
Encourage a creative kid to enter the Young Inventor Challenge
Kick off the holidays! Meet consumers, influencers and trade in your Chicago Toy & Game Fair booth
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
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"I go to work 6 days a week and magic happens! On day 7 I read the Bloom Report." 😁 - Rick Derr, Learning Express
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"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
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"I don't know anyone in the industry that doesn't read the Bloom Report." -Ken Lewis, President, 4Kidz, Inc.
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"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.
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Person of the Week: Grant Lyon - He'll be part of POP Week!
He's a comedian from things like Comedy Central, SyFy, Comics Unleashed, Just For Laughs, and more. During the pandemic, he started making videos about the board games he loves, and now he has over 300,000 followers across his Grant’s Game Recs platforms.
Cartoon Lovers, Lexophiles & People in Need of a Smile!
Cartoon of the Week: Thank you Graeme Thomson for the funny cartoon this week!
Memorable Quotes: "It’s worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.” -– QUEEN ELIZABETH II
Toy Industry Word of Day: Toy Fair Diet Thank you, Peggy Brown, for our Word of the 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
Port Strike Ends as ILA, USMX Ink Tentative Agreement. The U.S. toy industry can breathe a little bit easier as longshoremen return to work this Friday. Just three days into a strike shutting down East and Gulf Coast ports, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) came to a tentative agreement that will see union labor return to work tomorrow morning.
Windy City Novelties has acquired U.S. Toy Co., expanding its role as a leading supplier of party supplies, light-up toys, and novelties. The acquisition will diversify Windy City’s product portfolio and strengthen its position in the novelty industry. “The acquisition of U.S. Toy aligns perfectly with our mission to provide fun and innovative products that bring joy to every celebration,” says Jeffrey Schrimmer, President....
Hasbro and Mattel have most toy shipments locked in as port strike looms, analysts say. Toy makers and retailers looked ahead, shifted a 'substantial' amount of imports to West Coast ports, UBS says. A strike along dozens of East Coast ports could cost the economy hundreds of millions of dollars a day, leaving things like cars, furniture, alcohol and pharmaceuticals stuck on ships, while potentially raising shipping...
A U.S. Trademark Office tribunal has canceled a set of "Super Hero" trademarks jointly owned by comic giants Marvel & DC at the request of a London-based comic book artist. The USPTO's Trademark Trial & Appeal Board ruled for S.J. Richold's Superbabies, opens new tab after Disney's, opens new tab Marvel and Warner Bros', opens new tab DC did not file an answer to Superbabies' request to invalidate the marks.
Epic Games says Google found a new way to violate antitrust law. The company behind the Fortnite video games won an antitrust lawsuit against Google last year. Now Epic Games is suing again. Last year, a jury found that Google broke the law by suppressing options to download Android apps outside the company’s official Google Play digital store.
CA law forces companies to admit digital media is licensed, not bought. A new law in California compels retailers to disclose that always-online games could eventually be shut down and delisted. The law will go into effect on January 1, 2025. It's part of a larger consumer protection and false advertising bill signed earlier this week.
Stonemaier Games acquires 'Tokaido' from Funforge. Stomemaier Games announced the acquisition of the Tokaido brand from FunForge. The acquisition of Tokaido, one Funforge's flagship brands, was revealed by Stonemaier in their most recent newsletter update and shared with the public at Essen Spiel 2024. Stonemaier has already begun production on a Stonemaier-branded version of the base game.
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Visit the York-Jersey Underwriters website at www.toy-insurance.com
Financial Reporting
Live Selling by the numbers. Whatnot at $2 billion in sales year-to-date. For purposes of comparison, Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of goods sold on eBay last year was around $73 billion, so there's lots of room for live selling to grow.
Trends, Lists, Market Research, and State of the Industry
Very reveals its top toys for Christmas
Target's 2024 top toy list with LEGO, Barbie exclusives; many toys under $20.
Hamleys reveals its top toys for Christmas 2024.
Midco Toys releases top toys predictions for Christmas 2024.
Generation Beta cometh. McCrindle's Ashley Fell looks at how evolving parenting styles could shape the children of younger Millennials and older Gen Zs.
70% of Parents Say Their Kids Love Seamless Play, LEGO Says. Kids carry digital play to the real world.
From LEGO® to Barbie, Hot Wheels to Disney, BJ’s Wholesale Club Reveals Top Toys for the Holiday
Stories, Comments, and Advice
John Baulch, Toy World - We are not the same… it’s the Friday Blog! We’ve finally hit Q4, the weather has turned and Christmas is coming – so it’s no great surprise that festive top toy lists are coming thick and fast now (Hamleys, Midco and Very predictions have all landed this week). The great trade-wide hope now is that we get some movement in the right direction sooner rather than later.
Kurt Vonnegut the Board Game Designer. Of all his endeavors — which included public relations, a car dealership and a very brief stint at Sports Illustrated — he was most passionate about designing a board game called General Headquarters. Now, nearly 70 yrs after it was rejected by major publishers, the game is for sale at Barnes & Noble. The author’s son Mark Vonnegut, 77, said it was exciting to watch his father’s lost...
Land of 10,000 Games: Inside the Twin Cities Tabletop Gaming Boom. Some of the most exciting, challenging new games around might have been designed by a small company located right in your neighborhood. When I ask why gaming is such a popular pastime in Minnesota, I hear some variation on the obvious answer: “Winters here are cold and dark and long.” Maybe it’s that simple, maybe not. But Minnesota isn’t just...
The Revolutionary Impact of RFID Tags on Modern Technology. By leveraging electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects, RFID technology is revolutionizing industries ranging from retail to healthcare, logistics to security. This article delves into the mechanics of RFID tags, their diverse applications, and their far-reaching impact on supply chain management.
Julia Fitzgerald - Midsize Agency Partner – BMG360. Today we talk with Lucas Cridland, CEO at BMG360. Lucas has a great story about the agency's evolution to become a full service performance marketing powerhouse. He also shares insights on how BMG360 helps midsize firms achieve their demand generation needs and scale. Let’s get to it. Julia: Lucas, this newsletter highlights agencies that are great partners...
Sean Atitsogbe, 10, of Lilburn, Georgia, has become known as "Sean The Science Kid" for his videos explaining everyday science phenomena with an authentic curiosity on his YouTube account, Learning With Sean The Science Kid. He officially started his YouTube account in 2020 when he was 6 yrs old with help from his mother, Eunice Atitsogbe. Sean has since expanded to Facebook and Instagram, where he has over 780,000 ...
Cable is dying. Streaming is the new cable. It’s all getting worse. The once unthinkable is happening for both cable TV and streaming. If you’re among the shrinking number of people who pay for cable or satellite TV service, your bills are probably going to keep going up for a product that’s getting worse. A merger announced Monday to create the country’s largest TV company could make it crummier still.
James Joyce didn’t just write some of the most acclaimed novels of the 20th century — he did so using crayon. Though it sounds like a quirky affectation on the part of the Ulysses and A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man author, it was actually a medical necessity. Because Joyce had trouble with his eyesight and was nearly blind by the time he wrote Finnegans Wake in the last few years of his life, “the large crayons...
Toy Companies Switch Up Their Sustainability Strategies. While environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing gets plenty of mentions in financial reports, some companies are reticent to discuss it publicly. After a steep climb in ESG mentions between 2019 and 2021, there has been a flattening in conversations around the issue as a result of legal and political pressure to avoid accusations of greenwashing...
The games industry is undergoing a 'generational change,' says Epic CEO Tim Sweeney: 'A lot of games are released with high budgets, and they're not selling'. The world of videogames is changing, and the Epic chief believes the future is social. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney said during his address at today's Unreal Fest in Seattle that while there's still uncertainty about what exactly the metaverse is...
Children’s interests, ambitions and skills can be shaped early on. the toy industry has a role to play. Being “relegated to the sidelines” doesn’t start in our teens and twenties; it begins the moment a girl can hold a toy or book or watch a screen. The programing to “play like a girl” starts early, and the impact is lifelong.
The debate: Should smartphones be banned for under 16s? Smartphones have worked their way deep into our lives and have become indispensable for work and socializing. Unsurprisingly, many children want them too, but here we are much less sure of the benefits they bring. Many parents worry they are addictive and expose children to inappropriate and harmful content.
Hollywood's big boom has gone bust. Michael Fortin was at the heart of Hollywood’s golden age of streaming. The actor and aerial cinematographer turned his hobby of flying drones into a profitable business in 2012 just as the streaming wars were taking off. For a decade, he was flying high above film sets, creating sleek aerial shots for movies and TV shows. Now he’s on the verge of becoming homeless - again.
History and Nostalgia
SixFinger from Topper Toys (1965). Released in 1965 by Topper Toys, a subsidiary of De Luxe Reading Corp., Sixfinger was a quirky, spy-themed device designed to resemble an extra appendage. Once nestled in a child’s hand, the finger-shaped toy offered several covert options, including the ability to shoot a “secret” bullet, a cap bomb that “exploded” on impact and a fragmentation bomb that broke apart upon hitting its target.
These 7 classic toys we grew up with are getting next-gen makeovers for our kids. As a tween/teen of the ‘90s, my toy love languages included Cabbage Patch Kids, Rainbow Brite dolls, and Pound Puppies. A whiff of baby powder today takes me back to the sweet smell of a new Cabbage Patch Kid doll and I can still conjure up the pure joy of hugging a Pound Puppy whenever I need a pick-me-up.
Licensing and Entertainment
Squishmallows cereal is the latest conquest in the brand’s global takeover. As part of a billion-dollar brand expansion under Warren Buffett, the plush toy has become a licensee’s dream. I swear that I can smell the sweet scent of marshmallows through the cardboard. And by the time my family is filling its bowls with corn flour Os and pastel-colored marshmallow “Cam” cats, the sugary odor is so rich it feels as if might b...
‘Bluey’ makes debut at Build-A-Bear Workshop. Build-A-Bear Workshop has announced the launch of its first “Bluey” collection, as part of a licensed partnership with BBC Studios, bringing Bluey and her family to Build-A-Bear’s lineup. Guests can visit participating Build-A-Bear Workshops or shop online for the Bluey and Bingo plush.
Just Play showcases new ranges at Disney Store event. At the star-studded Disney Store event, Just Play revealed new collections for its Adoorbs, Munchlings and Doorables lines. Disney Doorables at an influencer and celebrity packed event at the Disney Store on Oxford Street. Adoorbs are Disney superfan inspired fashion dolls that are obsessed with Doorables.
Play-Doh Marvel: Doh-ified Action to debut on YouTube. Fans can expect a fresh, toyetic entertainment experience that ignites imagination and brings iconic Marvel Super Heroes to kids in a new, sensory way. On Friday 4th October at 11am ET (4pm BST), the debut episode of Play-Doh Marvel: Doh-ified Action, a YouTube series from Hasbro and Marvel, will be available for viewing on the Marvel HQ YouTube Channel.
Mattel reveals keys details for Barbie Mysteries: The Great Horse Chase. MattelBarbie Mysteries: The Great Horse Chase has revealed the premiere date, trailer and key art for Barbie’s first Netflix original series, Barbie Mysteries: The Great Horse Chase. Set to premiere globally on the 1st November, the all-new animated series consists of eight 25-minute episodes and features new original music.
Chinese streaming giant Tencent Video is on board a CGI animated comedy for teens and young adults based on the shortform series The Daily Life of ViViCat. ViViCat: Miles Purr Hour is being developed by China’s Beijing Miaow’s House, Guangzhou Art-land and NY’s China Bridge Content with Tencent. It comes after season one of The Daily Life of ViViCat, made up of 200 2-minute episodes, has surpassed 3 billion....
Mattel unveils Disney’s ‘Moana 2’ collection. Ahead of the premiere of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ theatrical sequel to the original film, “Moana 2,” Mattel dolls and American Girl are releasing a new line of dolls inspired by the film and created to showcase the characters from the movie through play, including fearless leader, Moana, her younger sister, Simea, the demigod, Maui and more.
Paola Myriam Visconti, author of Giunti Editore’s best-selling children’s book series Dynowish, is partnering with U.A.E.-based producer and distributor TwelveP Animation and award-winning content creator Josh Selig to develop the story into a new animated television series for kids 8-12. The IP will be presented at the upcoming MIPJunior and MIPCOM markets. The central characters in Dynowish are Ginny and Leo...
PlaymobilVespa has released three new sets in true-to-original realisation of the classic Vespa 150 Sprint Veloce, for Vespa lovers to collect and for varied fun in children’s playrooms. Produced between 1969 and 1979, this model is synonymous with the classic scooter. In the specialised 60s Vespa Garage set, a mechanic figure is included to repair and service the scooters.
Nick’s most iconic toddler squad is crawling over to the big screen in a new live-action/CG-animated Rugrats feature film that Paramount Pictures is actively developing. Based on the franchise that originated from a hugely successful ’90s animated series, this pic boasts a script penned by Mikey Day (Robot Chicken) and Streeter Seidell (Home Sweet Home Alone).
Studio 100 International is moving from bees to ants with Arnie & Barney, a new animated movie for tweens/teens and families that is the first spinoff of its popular Maya the Bee franchise. In production at Studio 100’s film studio Isar Animation and Spanish service partner 3 Doubles Producciones, the pic blends pop-culture quips with slapstick humor to tell the story of a pair of lovable, bumbling ants...
Sony Pictures Networks India is partnering with Japanese broadcaster TV Asahi to co-produce a sequel to the comedy-driven 1989 anime series Obocchama-kun, based on Yoshinori Kobayashi’s same-name manga IP. SPNI’s SVP of programming Ronojoy Chakraborty has been championing the sequel project after seeing a groundswell of renewed interest in the IP develop from airing the original series...
Studio 100 International is moving from bees to ants with Arnie & Barney, a new animated movie for tweens/teens and families that is the first spinoff of its popular Maya the Bee franchise. In production at Studio 100’s film studio Isar Animation and Spanish service partner 3 Doubles Producciones, the pic blends pop-culture quips with slapstick humor to tell the story of a pair of lovable, bumbling ants...
YouTube sensation Storybooth, which animates real-life stories submitted by tweens and teens, has inked a global deal with WildBrain to distribute its content beyond the AVOD platform for the first time. WildBrain will represent all 243 of these three-minute animated videos featuring kids sharing stories about the challenges, fears and funny experiences they’ve had. Storybooth has attracted a massive...
From 1st Oct until 31 Oct, all Virgin TV customers will be given access to additional kids TV channels including Sky Kids, Cartoon Network, Boomerang HD, Cartoonito HD, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Nick Jr. Too and Nicktoons. The suite of children’s TV channels would normally cost £5 per mo. David Bouchier, Chief TV & Entertainment Officer at Virgin Media O2, said: “With half-term fast approaching, we’re...
See’s Candies, Squishmallows announce co-branded gift set. New bundle features a custom box of See’s candies with Squishmallows plush in a one-of-a-kind tote. Starting Oct. 5, customers can purchase the limited-edition Squishmallows x See’s Candies bundle in See’s shops and at Sees.com while supplies last, with a maximum of two per customer.
MGA Entertainment announced the launch of limited-edition Bratz x “Mean Girls” collector dolls, in collaboration with Paramount Consumer Products, a division of Paramount, producer of the 2004 film. The two pop-culture powerhouses celebrate the 20th anniversary of “Mean Girls,” bringing The Plastics into plastic. The full lineup will roll out over the coming weeks, starting with the Cady Doll launching...
Ravenburger teams up with Ultra Pro for 'Disney Lorcana' accessories. Ravensburger has teamed up with Ultra PRO to offer Disney Lorcana fans a new line of TCG accessories. The new accessories line will feature premium TCG accessories. These accessories will debut at Spiel Essen 2024, but officially launch with the release of Azurite Sea.
Cubicle 7 reveals 'Warhammer 40,000' card game: 'Darktide: The Card Game'. Cubicle 7 revealed Darktide: The Card Game, a new Warhammer 40,000 card game, which will hit stores in Q2 2025. Darktide: The Card Game is a cooperative card game based on the Warhammer 40,000: Darktide video that was developed by Fatshark.
Hunter Products unleashes a fashion revolution with the return of Shibajuku Anime dolls. Hunter Products announced thereturn of the Shibajuku Anime dolls. Inspired by the iconic Harajuku fashion scene, these beloved fashion dolls are back and better than ever, bringing their unique blend of eclectic street style and playful charm, available now exclusively at Walmart.
Good Game: CAA expands global gaming IP with 'Minecraft' and 'Stumble Guys'. CAA is a leader in the world of licensed product extensions with 26 offices around the world. For 15 years, “Minecraft” has been entertaining players around the world as they break and place blocks to create anything the user can dream of – from cat-filled houses to entire dreamscapes filled with endless possibility.
Mood Bears partners with Hunter Price. Mood Bears, the Dragons’ Den success story that promotes mental health positivity and emotional well-being through its thoughtful plush bears, has turned to Hunter Price International to help expand its retail presence in the U.K. and Europe. The eight Mood Bears each represent a different emotion: Happy, Sad, Silly, Calm, Nervous, Angry, Love and Hope.
Head into the wilderness with 'Donald Duck In Happy Camper': New board game by Maestro Media, into retail in December 2024. In this game, designed by Wolfgang Kramer and Daryl Andrews, Donald plays the role of troop leader as he as his young duck nephews and niece head into the forest to camp.
‘Skibidi Toilet’ enters the toy aisle. Bonkers Toys and Invisible Narratives will bring the YouTube series to retail worldwide. Bonkers Toys, a U.S. toy company, has signed a worldwide, multiyear licensing deal with Invisible Narratives, the first tradigital studio, created by Adam Goodman, former president, Paramount and Dreamworks SKG, and chief Michael Bay, creative adviser, to manufacture and distribute toys based.
PUMA, Mattel sign global licensing deal for Hot Wheels-themed collections. Mattel has announced its partnership with sports brand, PUMA, to launch two exclusive Hot Wheels-inspired collections, set to launch in 2025. This collaboration merges PUMA’s history in athleisure clothing with Hot Wheels’ branding, creating a fusion of sportswear and automotive culture.
ZURU, Ulta Beauty strike deal for Mini Brands. ZURU’s Mini Brands has collaborated with Ulta Beauty to make the first-ever beauty Mini Brands collection. Mini Brands are miniature replicas of full-sized products, a concept the brand brought to life in 2019 that has since become a global sensation.
WizKids announces new 'D&D Icons of The Realms: Adventures From Baldur's Gate' set and 'Baldur's Gate 3 - Character Set'. WizKids announced Adventures from Baldur's Gate and Baldur's Gate 3 - Character Set, for D&D Icons of the Realms, which will hit retail February 2025. The new Adventures from Baldur's Gate set has 40 new miniatures to collect.
Fantasy Flight Games reveals new 'Marvel Champions: The Card Game' expansion: 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D Expansion'. FFG kicks off a brand-new wave of Marvel Champions: The Card Game releases with its eighth expansion. Some of these characters include Maria Hill and Nick Fury, each as playable heroes with a pre-constructed deck that comes ready to play.
Bane and Deathstroke movie in the works; 'Chucky' cancelled; 'Thunderbolts' and 'Heartstopper' trailers; R.I.P Dame Maggie Smith; 'Dragon Ball Daima' streaming and theater dates. Showbiz Round-up. Dame Maggie Smith has passed away on the morning of September 27, 2024. This two-time Academy Award-winning actress appeared in dozens of TV shows and movies since 1955.
Warner Bros. Pictures to expand release of DC Studios’ acclaimed documentary “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” in theaters worldwide. Following the success of the Fathom Events preview screenings this week and the film now being Certified Fresh at 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, Warner Bros.
Jada Toys is redefining the market with premium $5 Collectibles! The collection of Metalfigs features a range of popular franchises, including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Wednesday, Marvel, all while continuing to expand the roster. Fans can now enjoy their favorite characters in a format that combines the essence of their beloved IPs with the timeless appeal of Metlafig collectibles.
Asmodee reveals 'The Fellowship Of The Ring: Trick-Taking Game': Card game by Bryan Bornmueller. Asmodee revealed The Fellowship of the Ring: Trick-Taking Game, a new card game designed by Bryan Bornmueller, which will hit retail on January 17, 2025. In this game, players need to work together to tell the story of this card adventure.
DK updates 'Marvel Encyclopedia' for the first time since 2019. DK has announced a new edition of their perennially popular Marvel Encyclopedia, adding new characters and events that have entered the canon since the last time the book was revised in 2019. A deluxe Collector’s Edition is also in the works.
Nacelle beams up ‘Star Trek’ licensing deal for franchise-spanning action figure line. This collection will focus on characters and character variants that have previously not been available for collectors.The collection will include characters from Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, Star Trek VI...
People of Play
Chris Byrne - In this episode, Jay Foreman, CEO Basic Fun makes his fifth visit to The Playground Podcast. This is one of our most important and timely episodes to date as Jay and Chris discuss the current state of China, the reality of doing business, and the implications for our business if threatened economic developments occur. Jay is his usual frank self with insight, thoughtful commentary, and humor.
Chris Byrne - Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Toy Industry Luminary Richard Gottlieb. Today, on October 1st, we mark the birthday of a man whose influence has been monumental in shaping the world of toys and the lives of those within the industry—Richard Gottlieb. As a beloved expert, thought leader, and visionary in the toy world, Richard’s contributions have left an indelible mark, inspiring innovation, joy...
Hasbro Entertainment (HE) has recruited Zach Edwin, former director of non-fiction development at Sony Pictures Television, to spearhead a fledgling unscripted division that already has several new projects brewing in its pipeline. HE just delivered Trivial Pursuit and Scrabble, two series it developed with Lionsgate that The CW will premiere in the US today. And TV formats based on Monopoly, NERF and Clue...
Rosie Marshall of AIS joins the Toy Retailers Association board. The Toy Retailers Association has announced the appointment of Rosie Marshall to its board. Rosie Marshall, industry toy expert and head of Toys and Children’s Gifts at Associated Independent Stores, has been a judge and spokesperson for Dream Toys for several years and is now lending her voice to the overarching work of the industry’s retail association.
Companies and Brands
Build-A-Bear Workshop introduces an expanded Halloween collection to kick off the month of "OctoBEAR." Due to Build-A-Bear's broadening consumer base, of which up to 40% is now comprised of teens and adults, much of the creatively creepy product line is designed to appeal to and is in response to the growing trend called "kidulting."
The 15th Pop Mart retail location in the U.S., the store will be unveiled on Oct. 5 on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. At the grand opening event, shoppers can check out U.S.-exclusive collectibles, including the Peach Riot Frankie-Virtues Figurine, the Peach Riot Gigi-Dark Angel Figurine, and the Peach Riot Poppy-Seraphim Figurine.
KandyToys heads into 2025 with an array of new products within its best-selling ranges and a rebranding strategy designed to better serve its customers. Rachael Simpson-Jones reports. Founded in 1978 by entrepreneurs David Kirkby and Andrew West, who started out distributing Pez Dispensers from a garage, KandyToys bills itself as the UK’s leading importer of toys, beach goods, pools and gifts.
Hot on the heels of its debut appearance at the Toy Association’s LA Fall Preview, Craft Buddy has begun a raft of exclusive in-house previews at its newly opened showroom. Included in the guest list was Toy World’s Rachael Simpson-Jones and Mark Austin, who spent an enjoyable couple of hours being shown around the extensive upcoming launches by Craft Buddy’s OraRuth Rother, head of Marketing...
Lionel Trains celebrates 125 years of fun and innovation. Next year marks the 125th anniversary of Lionel Trains, and the company founded by Joshua Lionel Cowen is on-track for a big year filled with special events, new products, and interactive experiences. Since its founding as the Lionel Corp.
As Barbie celebrates 65 years and Mattel looks ahead to its momentous 80th anniversary in 2025, Toy World has brought readers its annual standalone 2024 Mattel supplement. Produced in partnership with the leading toy company, the supplement brings readers the latest brand and licensing news from a raft of Mattel’s hottest brands, including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Monster High, Thomas & Friends, Polly Pocket...
Spirit Halloween partners with Uber to deliver costumes and decor. The National Retail Federation predicts Halloween spending will be down a little this year, and the holiday’s biggest chain is taking measures to knock on every door possible. All Uber users will get up to 40% off for ordering products worth at least US$50. And Uber One subscribers will receive an additional 5% discount when they spend a minimum of US$35...
Toys “R” Us Asia opens new concept stores. In a move to make its stores more engaging for customers of all ages, Toys “R” Us Asia has cut the ribbon on four new IP-driven concept stores across the region. The newest location, China’s Playful “R” store at Shanghai’s The Place, features Character Street, a new format that’s a hub for multi-generational toy fans.
Party City has slashed prices on more than 2,000 items in its inventory ahead of the holiday shopping season. CEO Barry Litwin says the price cuts are part of an ongoing effort to make its products more affordable so shoppers planning any upcoming celebrations this year can stretch their party budgets further. The selected items are discounted by 20% on average...
University Games' 'Deer In The Headlights: Holiday Edition' heads to retail: Holiday-themed version of classic family card and dice game. This game offers players a holiday-themed twist on the classic family card game that came out originally in 2012. The goal of the game is for players to unload cards on their opponents by rolling a car or a running deer symbol on specialized dice.
YuMe Toys makes changes to operations: Felipe Noriega, VP & regional director, on the significant changes to the way YuMe Toys operates. YuMe has pivoted from a distribution model to a direct-to-retail (DTR) model in the G7 European market. This, explains Felipe, has given the company the opportunity to strengthen its retail relationships while simultaneously improving its margins and expanding...
WizKids will release new 'D&D Book Tabs' for '2024 Player's Handbook' and '2024 Dungeon Master's Guide'. WizKids will release Dungeons & Dragons Book Tabs for the Dungeons & Dragons: 2024 Player's Handbook and Dungeons & Dragons: 2024 Dungeon Master's Guide into retail in February 2025.
Topps announces return of Match Attax Tour. ToppsMatch Attax has announced the return of its highly anticipated Match Attax Tour 2024 with four action-packed tour dates taking place in the UK and Ireland this forthcoming October half term holiday. Filled with numerous fun activities and opportunities to form friendships while connecting with fellow football card enthusiasts, each stop will offer unforgettable...
Take on some of Sherlock Holmes' mysteries in 'Sherlock Solitaire' card game. Wise Wizard Games will release Sherlock Solitaire, a new card game, into retail in October 2024. Sherlock Solitaire is a quick strategy card game where players try to solve some of Sherlock Holmes' most famous mysteries. Players will need to use their wits to thwart the plans of Professor Moriarty and his sinister agents to close the case.
Asmodee will release 'Botanicus' into U.S. retail. Asmodee will release Botanicus, a new gardening game by Hans im Gluck, into U.S. retail on October 18, 2024. In this Kennerspiel des Jahres-recommended game by Vieri Masseini and Samuele Tabellini, players assume the roles of aristocrats building botanical gardens.
Arcane Wonders will release 'Kraftwagen: Age of Engineering' into U.S. retail, a new edition of the Kraftwagen board game, into U.S. retail in November 2024. In this game, designed by Mattihas Cramer, players will advance the European auto industry by developing new engines and bodies for vehicles.
'King Of Tokyo: Origins' stomps its way into retail. Iello Games will release King of Tokyo: Origins, a new entry level game King of Tokyo game by Richard Garfield, into retail on November 1, 2024. This new standalone game offers players an entry point into the classic board game series as a more affordable package.
'Endeavor' into the 'Deep Sea': New edition of the critically acclaimed board game by Garratt Gray and Carl de Visser. Burnt Island Games will release Deep Sea, a new edition of the critically acclaimed Endeavor board game, into retail on October 16, 2024. In this game, by the team of Garratt Gray and Carl de Visser who designed Endeavor: Age of Sail, players assume the roles of heads of an independent research institute.
'Ticket To Ride: 20th Anniversary Deluxe Trains – Five Pack' travels to retail. Days of Wonder will release Ticket To Ride: 20th Anniversary Deluxe Trains – Five Pack, a new accessory set, into retail on October 11, 2024. The new pack of trains celebrates the 20th Anniversary of Ticket to Ride by offering players upgraded components in five classic colors to choose from.
Games Workshop unveils epic scale 'Warhammer: The Horus Heresy - Legions Imperialis' boxed set: 'Mechanicum Battle Group'. Games Workshop unveiled Mechanicum Battle Group, an epic scale boxed set for Warhammer: The Horus Heresy - Legions Imperialis, which will be coming to preorder soon.
Learn the lore with 'Dungeons & Dragons Pocket Expert': Pocket-sized guide to the world of 'D&D'. Penguin Random House will release Dungeons & Dragons Pocket Expert, a pocket-size guide to the world of Dungeons & Dragons, into retail on October 8, 2024. This small but mighty tome contains information on everything from dragons to elves.
FanRoll will release 'D&D' Beholder inclusion dice set into retail. Each die in the set has a Tiny Beholder in the center. FanRoll by Metallic Dice Games will release Dungeons & Dragons Beholder 7-Die Set into retail on November 15, 2024. The newest set of FanRoll D&D dice features the iconic Beholder monster from the 2024 Monster's Manual.
Kaloo releases new penguin support plush. Kaloopenguin has launched a brand-new range, thoughtfully created to support little ones with their first separation from their parents. The Complices collection has been created to symbolise comfort, love and attachment with the softest touch. Parents can explain to their child that although they have to separate for a little bit, they are never truly apart.
'Colt Express: Big Box 10th Anniversary Edition' heads to retail: Includes the base game and two expansions. Ludonaute will release Colt Express: Big Box 10th Anniversary Edition, a new board game boxed collection, into retail on November 1, 2024. This Big Box edition of the Spiel des Jahres-winning train robbery game celebrates the 10th Anniversary of this series.
Steve Jackson Games announces six 'Car Wars 6E' Expansion Packs. Steve Jackson Games announced six new Car Wars 6E Expansion Packs, which will start releasing in fall 2024. These six new expansions are single-player sets that allow players to customize their vehicles, crews, and arena set-ups further.
Wizards responds to Magic: The Gathering Commander meltdown over controversial card bans. The popular MTG format is losing its Rules Committee. A week ago, the independent Rules Committee for Magic: The Gathering Commander, announced a surprise ban of three of its most popular cards. The reaction from fans was swift, loud, and in some cases escalated to violent threats.
‘Barbie: A Cultural Icon Exhibition’ launches in Milan. Mattel, in collaboration with Next Exhibition, has announced the European tour of its “Barbie: A Cultural Icon Exhibition.” The exhibition opened in Milan Sept. 13 at Next Exhibition (Via Paolo Sarpi 6/8) and is the first stop on the European tour of the event, celebrating 65 years of inspiration, fashion and empowerment.
Gaming: Digital, Video, Hardware, and Development
Inside Care Bears' Successful Roblox Launch. In order to learn more about how this project came to reality, I reached out to Olivier Moingeon, CEO of Exclusible, the developer of the Care Bears: Caring Quest on Roblox. Here are the answers he shared. Why is building on Roblox a priority for your company? Olivier: For 3 years, Exclusible's mission has been to bring brands into immersive technologies, such as Spatial or AR/VR...
Krafton and Pocketpair partner to bring Palworld to mobile platforms. Krafton has penned a licensing agreement with Pocketpair to bring Palworld to mobile platforms. The Korean company explained the project will be overseen by PUBG: Battlegrounds developer PUBG Studios. In a translated press release, Krafton said it will "faithfully reinterpret and implement" the core elements of Palworld.
Own the Doge is coming to ‘Roblox,’ ‘Fortnite’. The licensing fees from the agreement will fund grants for nonprofits and community projects. Spaceport is teaming up with Own the Doge to bring the beloved Kabosu, better known as Doge, to new audiences through Roblox, Fortnite, and more.
Pokémon Unite gets knocked out of Belgium and the Netherlands in late 2025. Pokémon Unite will be shut down in Belgium and the Netherlands on November 30, 2025. A statement from TiMi and the Pokémon Company reveal the two companies "made the difficult decision to end service" for the multplayer MOBA in those two regions.
Xbox expands Research division to collaborate with game developers. Microsoft has expanded its Xbox Research division, which traditionally focuses on player experiences, to solicit feedback from Xbox developers to improve future tools and services. In a blog post, the company explained how its research team will "listen to developer partners in Xbox's ecosystem and [work] with product teams to bring...
Manor Lords sales exceed 2.5 million copies. Manor Lords has now sold over 2.5 million copies. That's according to publisher Hooded Horse, which shared the news in a press release. In May, the publisher said Slavic Magic's Early Access game sold 2 million copies. It continues to be a success for the mid-size publisher, whose CEO Tim Bender has frequently praised it since its April launch.
Lego Horizon Adventures arrives just 14 days after the newly announced remaster. During Sony’s latest State of Play, the company finally announced the release date for its family-friendly Lego remake of Horizon: Zero Dawn. It will arrive on November 14 which is just two weeks after the launch of Horizon Zero Dawn’s upcoming remaster.
Ubisoft returning to day-one Steam releases With Assassin's Creed Shadows. Ubisoft announced that the recently delayed Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be arriving on Steam on day one when it finally launches in February 2025 and confirmed that future Ubisoft games will do the same, ending a years-long strategy of keeping its biggest games off Steam for months or longer after launch.
Highlighted Press Releases
CHARACTER STUDIO WELCOMES A NEW MEMBER OF THE SCOOBY-DOO MYSTERY GANG…YOU! Enter The World of Scooby-Doo Like Never Before with Your Own Custom Avatar, Displayed On Merch, Apparel, And Even In A Personalized Graphic Novel! Emeryville, CA (September 25, 2024) – Jinkies! Zoinks! And other such interjections, Scoob! Acme Character Studio, a technology company developing immersive fan experiences and products, has partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery to create an immersive experience for enthusiasts of Scooby-Doo and Mystery Inc. Just in time for spooky season, fans can head to the Scooby-Doo Character Studio and create their own stylized avatar and a persona to fit in with the Scooby Gang!
PUNCHKINS ADDS A LITTLE PUN-KIN SPICE TO YOUR PLUSH SHELF WITH BRAND NEW FALL 2024 COLLECTION. Glastonbury, CT (September 27, 2024) – Feel that chill in the air? The holidays are just beginning to emerge, starting with a fan favorite, Halloween! Punchkins is ready for spooky season with a highlight collection of plush to help get your domicile into the Halloween spirit. All six of these brand-new seasonal plush are now available on Punchkins.com, so get your gift-giving hats on early!
Safety and Counterfeiting
Black-colored plastic used for kitchen utensils and toys linked to banned toxic flame retardants. Black-colored plastic used in children’s toys, takeout containers, kitchen utensils and grocery meat and produce trays may contain alarming levels of toxic flame retardants that may be leaching from electronic products during recycling, a new study found.
Associations, Foundations, Shows, Awards, Events, and Festivals
CEO and president of Ethical Supply Chain Program, Carmel Giblin, reflects on what has been accomplished by the organisation over the past 20 yrs. The Ethical Supply Chain Program was founded with an ethos of continuous improvement by the toy industry in 2004, to safeguard and improve ethical and sustainability standards in the global supply chain. Following a series of tragic incidents...
Netflix Canada’s animation career accelerator names its 2024 finalists. Participants in the streamer's fourth Women in Animation training program are getting primed to move into key creative and senior leadership roles. Nine mid- to high-level Canadian animation professionals who identify as women or non-binary have been selected to participate in the fourth edition of an Animation Career EXCELerator...
Register to attend (UK) Toy Fair 2025 now! Visitor registration is now open for Toy Fair 2025, the UK’s largest trade show dedicated to toys, games and hobbies. The three-day showcase will be held from 21st to 23rd January 2025 at Olympia Events in London, spanning both the lower and upper levels of the Grand and National Halls, as well as a section of the Upper West Hall.
Halloween & Costume Association reveals Spooky Awards finalists. Categories include Costumes, Accessories, Decor, and more. The Halloween & Costume Association (HCA) opened the crypt to reveal the finalists for its inaugural Spooky Awards. This new honor “celebrates the inventive ideas and achievements that make Halloween such a magical time of year,” including costumes, accessories, and decor.
Brand Licensing Europe 2024 officially the biggest in history. This week’s Brand Licensing Europe was the biggest ever, breaking previous record levels of attendee and retailer visitor numbers – a fitting way to celebrate the event’s 25th anniversary. By midday on the final day (26th September) and with four hours of meetings still to go, BLE had broken the following records: 10,847 attendees – + 12% over 2023...
Date announced for Big Christmas Press Show 2025. There was a strong turnout from the toy community at The Big Christmas Press Show 2024, which took place on 11th September. Companies such as Character Options, Lego, Smyths Toys, Moose Toys, Tonies, KAP Toys and more all showcased their top toys for Christmas to the 700 media representatives.
People of Play reveals finalists for 17th Annual TAGIE Awards. People of Play just dropped the curtain on the finalists for the 17th annual Toy & Game International Excellence (TAGIE) Awards. Set to take place on November 8, 2024 at Joe’s Live in Rosemont, Illinois, this year’s TAGIEs follows a “Toys Through Time” theme and will honor winners across nine categories.
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
Ned Mansour - Shortly after retiring in 2000 as president of toy maker giant Mattel, where he spent 22 years, Ned Mansour became the caretaker of Mattel executive Joe McKay. Mansour’s friend had been diagnosed with colon cancer. For six months, Mansour drove McKay to medical appointments at UCLA and ran errands for him.
McKay was divorced and didn’t want to share the severity of his condition with his three adult children. When it became evident that McKay’s disease was terminal, Mansour began researching hospice services and discovered Providence TrinityCare Hospice.
TrinityCare subsequently began caring for McKay. During a vigil in McKay’s home, when it was apparent his end was near, Mansour took a short walk on the beach so McKay’s family could could be alone with him. When Mansour returned, McKay had passed away.
Mansour was so moved by the the compassionate care that McKay received under hospice that he decided to devote his time to Providence TrinityCare Hospice.
He served on the TrinityCare board from 2001 to 2006, then returned in 2011 to chair the board. Read More...
Tim Brooke-Hunt, former ABC head of children’s and a founding partner of Kidscreen’s Asian Animation Summit event, has died after a long illness. Brooke-Hunt joined the ABC in 2007 as executive head of children’s content for ABC TV and then became controller of children’s in 2010. During his tenure, he spearheaded the launch of ABC3 for school-age kids and the relaunch of preschool channel ABC4Kids. Brooke-Hunt also oversaw the ABC’s educational programs and online content for children, including two dedicated portals.
Shukuo Ishikawa, a former president for Bandai Namco in the late 2000s, passed away at 69 years old on September 9. Per Oricon News, the developer released a statement explaining it chose to wait until after his private funeral to reveal his death.
Worldwide Magazines Weekly Top Stories
Some Added Friday Morning Chicago Time. Check Back for Complete Lists.
Toy Trade Monthly Issues
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Adventure Media & Events (US)
Toyworld (UK)
Licensing.biz Powered by Toyworld
ICv2: The Business of Geek Culture (US)
- Popular 'Magic: The Gathering' Commander Advisory Group Community Leader Resigns
- Bandai Teases New 'Gundam TCG'
- WizKids Announces New 'D&D Icons of the Realms: Adventures from Baldur's Gate' Set
- Rolling for Initiative – 3,773 Copies Sold?
- Popular 'Magic: The Gathering' Commander Advisory Group Community Leader Resigns
- Fantasy Flight Games Reveals New 'Marvel Champions: The Card Game' Expansion
- 'Magic: The Gathering' Commander Rules Committee Fires Itself
- Steamforged Games Unveils Upcoming Release Schedule for 'Warmachine'
- 'Magic: The Gathering' 'Camp Totally Safe' Superdrop Incoming
- 'Ticket To Ride: 20th Anniversary Deluxe Trains – Five Pack' Travels to Retail
Nación Juguetes (Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Chile & Spain)
Global Toy News
The Bugg Report (Australia)
The Toy Universe (Australia)
hobbyDB
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A More Accurate hobbyDB, Adjusting for Buyer's Premiums on Mercari and More
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hobbyDB Digest: Collectibles News from the hobbyDB Blog in September
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Guess whose Band? He's a big part of the TAGIEs!
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