Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!
Happy Bloomin' Friday!
I love Joe Barron's advice in his interview this week: "...the best businesses are still built on relationships with PEOPLE! Go meet people in person and share a beverage – it builds trust and a lasting bond." Speaking of meeting people...
Though summer is sizzling, we’re thinking about how cool it’s going to be when we go POP in November! People of Play is going to once again bring the industry players to Chicago, and we know when playful people come to POP Week and play together, BIG things happen!
Register! Reserve your hotel rooms! Attend the Inventor Pitch and Innovation Conference, Nominate innovative colleagues for a TAGIE Award, get your Chicago Toy & Game Fair booth and prepare to go POP!
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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"Congratulations on the outstanding job that you and your team are doing on producing The Bloom Report. It seems like it is getting better and better almost every week!!! Bravo!!!" -Ron Cantor, Rainbow Concepts, Inc.
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If you are tired of these quotes, send me yours!
Person of the Week: Gray Matters Games' Joe Baron
Forget ROI, Focus on ROB (Return on Beer)!
Mary Couzin: Hi Joe! I'm sure our readers would love to hear about your recent incredible successes (congrats!), so please share what’s new at Gray Matters Games.
Joe Barron: We just launched our new game, Slip It In, and thanks to a viral video (currently at 5 million views) it was the #1 selling new release on Amazon last month!
What’s the game all about?
Players get five slips with the most random phrases on them like “Pocket Jerky” or “I Shipped My Pants” and then they must try and slip them into their conversations without getting busted. It’s really a social experience that can be played anytime and anywhere. The game was invented by three guys from Chicagoland who originally entered the concept into a game design contest we had back in 2019. We then brought on comedic geniuses and tabletop game influencers, Grant Lyon and Danielle Standring, to elevate the content’s laugh factor!
Any new games in the works?
Of course! We’re developing a game right now called Rhymes with Duck with two of Chicagoland’s best inventors, Bob Kamp and Brady Peterson (pictured at the TAGIEs with Joe). They both already have hit games on the market like Blank Slate (Bob) and Otrio (Brady). We discovered the game last year at your very own POP Week Inventor Pitch & Innovation Conference! READ MORE...
Book Review by POP's Julia DeKorte
Erno Rubik and his Magic Cube by Kerry Aradhya
Ernő Rubik and his Magic Cube was written by Kerry Aradhya and illustrated by Kara Kramer. It artfully and colorfully tells the story of the creation of the most popular puzzle in the world: Rubik’s Cube. Created by the Hungarian inventor and professor of architecture at the Budapest College of Applied Arts, Ernő Rubik invented the puzzle not out of the desire to create a puzzle, but to solve one of his own.
Aradhya started from the beginning: with Ernő’s childhood. She describes him as a boy most fascinated with how things work, with a particular interest in geometric shapes. He grew up to become a professor, and one day, while trying to think of a way to teach his students about 3D objects, he thought to design a cube out of smaller cubes that could move around one another while still maintaining the cube shape. For weeks and weeks, he worked with different materials, finally getting it to work after observing the way water moves around rocks in a river. And while he was simply happy to have a new tool to teach with, he inadvertently created one of the most well-known puzzles in the world. READ MORE...
There are almost 100 more reviews of books, films, toys and games HERE!
Cartoon Lovers, Lexophiles & People in Need of a Smile!
Cartoon of the Week: Thank you, Aaron Gessner, for the funny cartoon this week!
Lexophile Humor: "How much does a chimney cost? Nothing, it's on the house!" Thank you, Jerry Cleary, for this gem!
Memorable Quotes: "Life is not a spectator sport.” – JACKIE ROBINSON"
Toy Industry Word of Day: slicensing- submitted by Peggy Brown (thank you!) 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!
People celebrating birthdays this past week - Happy Birthday! David Blanchard, Sjaak Griffioen, Jodie Maoz, Mary Lenehan, and Karen (KC) Craig Ryland
Have a cartoon, quote or a joke to share with your colleagues? Send it to me! Mary
Financial and Legal
Pam Walls - Drama in the board games industry (Meeplegate). History of the word “Meeple”, Hans im Glück trademarks Meeple (after widely used), History of the shape of the Meeple, 04 - Hans im Glück sends Cease & Desist letter to small, independent publisher re their game Meeple Inc., Americans apply for US trademark of Meeple, Support the indie publisher’s game Tabletop Inc., The meaning of “Hans im Glück”
Pam Wells - Responding to comments from my viral Meeplegate video listed above (drama in the board games industry): Hans im Glück calls Meeple a "household word", New names to replace Meeple, Streisand effect, Publisher's responsibility, Boycott, Other ridiculous trademarks, Patent of "Tapping", Acknowledgements in credits thanking Hans im Glück for use of Meeple, Spiel des Jahres, Future of the Meeple...
14,000 Disneyland Cast Members Will Vote In Next 10 Days On Whether To Authorize A Strike. The largest bargaining unit of Disney workers in California – representing everyone from custodians and ride operators to candy makers and merchandise clerks – today announced that a strike authorization vote is scheduled for Disneyland cast members. The results are expected to be announced by July 20, after votes are tallied...
Random House Publishing Group has entered into an agreement to acquire BOOM! Studios in a blockbuster deal on the eve of San Diego Comic-Con, the companies announced. The deal is expected to close this summer. Terms were not disclosed. BOOM!’s brands (BOOM! Studios, BOOM! Box, KaBOOM!, and Archaia) will join Del Rey, Inklore and the Random House Worlds licensed books imprint in the Random House...
Paramount and Skydance agree to merge. Skydance's David Ellison is set to become CEO/chairman, with former NBCUniversal boss Jeff Shell lined up to take over as president of the new company once the deal closes. Skydance Media has officially entered into a definitive merger agreement with Paramount Global for a two-step transaction, following more than 10 months of negotiations.
Language-learning app Duolingo has made its second acquisition in the design space following its 2021 IPO. On Tuesday, the company announced that it has completed a deal to buy the Detroit-based animation and motion design studio Hobbes. The studio had been working with Duolingo for over a year to develop several features, including its newer product, Duolingo Music, and other animation design systems...
VIZ Media has acquired RWBY from Warner Bros. Discovery, the company announced. RWBY owner Rooster Teeth, which WarnerMedia acquired in 2018 along with Crunchyroll (see "Rooster Teeth Part of Warner Media"), was shut down earlier this year after unsuccessful efforts to sell the division as a unit. Now Warners is selling off the individual Rooster Teeth properties, of which RWBY was likely the largest.
*** The above posted after July 5th when tBR circulated ***
Toy Association Advocacy Leads to Modernized ‘Stuffed Toy’ Law in Pennsylvania. PA's Governor Josh Shapiro Friday signed into law HB 1333, the Toy Association-sponsored legislation that lifts a long-held ban on the use of recycled materials in all stuffed toys manufactured and sold within the state. The Toy Association’s significant advocacy efforts were instrumental in the Pennsylvania legislature first introducing the bill...
Amazon this week entered the small circle of companies with a $2 trillion-plus market capitalization. Reaching that threshold makes Amazon one of the world’s most valuable companies. As of mid-Thursday morning, Amazon’s market capitalization was about $2.05 trillion with its stock trading around $195 per share on the Nasdaq. The milestone comes ahead of Amazon’s 30th anniversary...
DNEG Group nets a US$200-million investment. The Garfield Movie co-producer will funnel this funding from United Al Saqer Group into content development, a new AI-driven tech division, and an Abu Dhabi studio opening. DNEG is now valued at more than US$2 billion, according to The Financial Times, and this new cash infusion will fuel its strategic mission to become more than just a service provider.
Universal’s first Euro park could generate billions. A new report estimates the proposed park-and-resort has the potential to create 30,000 jobs and pump more than US$60 billion into the UK economy. Universal has purchased more than 476 acres of land near Bedfordshire, England and it intends to build a combined theme park and 500-room resort that will operate all year round.
Ad Populum to acquire Smiffys. Ad Populum has acquired Smiffys in a definitive agreement that will include Ad Populum founder and MD Joel Weinshanker leading the worldwide Smiffys business. Ad Populum will leverage its product development innovation, creative capabilities and omnichannel retail solutions to work with the existing management team at Smiffys. Building on Smiffys’ history and existing infrastructure,
Iconic North American theme park operators Six Flags and Cedar Fair have finalized their merger and will bring their assets together under the new banner Six Flags Entertainment. The companies announced the merger last November to better position them for growth and to compete with industry giants Disney and Comcast.
Daybreak acquires struggling Palia developer Singularity 6. MMO specialist Daybreak has acquired Palia developer Singularity 6 (S6) for an undisclosed fee. Daybreak, known for developing EverQuest and PlanetSide 2, said Singularity 6 will join its ranks as a wholly owned subsidiary. Singularity 6 has conducted multiple rounds of layoffs since the turn of the year, but will now join the Daybreak family.
Anagram acquires Pioneer Europe. The acquisition of Pioneer Europe’s assets unites two companies that have shaped the premium balloon category in foil and latex. Leading balloon manufacturer Anagram International has shared that it has acquired the assets of Pioneer Europe. This strategic acquisition brings together two industry leaders who have significantly shaped the premium balloon category...
Paramount and Skydance Near Merger Deal. Just weeks after the Paramount’s controlling shareholder and Skydance scuttled their talks about a potential deal, the two media companies have tentatively agreed to a merger. The agreement will still have to be approved by a special committee of Paramount’s board of directors, said the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity as the talks resumed.
Basic Fun's PR Release - Basic Fun, Inc. announced that it, together with certain affiliated entities, has commenced a case in the District of Delaware. As part of the first day filings, the Company is seeking approval of $50 million in DIP financing from affiliates of Great Rock Capital, as well as a $15 million subordinate facility to be provided by RBC and the Company's founders, Jay Foreman and John MacDonald.
Basic Fun! CEO Jay Foreman Comments on Restructuring. “Many of those in our industry might be seeing the news about an event taking place around Basic Fun. Like some old houses, some are for knocking down and some have great bones and just need a new roof and some paint. Basic Fun has great bones! We have a solid foundation and we have the means to fix our roof and put a new coat of paint on the walls...
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Visit the York-Jersey Underwriters website at www.toy-insurance.com
Financial Reporting
Pokémon Sleep earns $100m in first year revenue. The sleep-tracking app saw 9.8 million downloads during the same period
‘Despicable Me 4’ Expands To $230M Global; ‘Inside Out 2’ At $1.217B WW, Now Biggest Movie Of All Time In Mexico – Int'l Box Office
*** The above posted after July 5th when tBR circulated ***
Bandai Namco Online faces insolvency post-Blue Protocol launch. The online game-focused subsidiary of Bandai Namco reportedly hit a net loss of 8.201 billion yen (or $51.35 million) during the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
‘Inside Out 2’ Ties ‘The Lion King’ For Fastest Animated Film To Reach $1 Billion Box Office
Basic Fun! files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection; plans to restructure, emerge quickly.
Trends, Lists, Market Research, and State of the Industry
Why capsule toys are so loved in Japan and how producers are looking to spread that love. The Japan Toy Association estimates the capsule toy market was worth 61 billion yen (US$378 million) in the 2022 financial year, up 35.6 per cent in one year, and expects it to grow further.
THE GROWTH OF JAPANESE ANIME IN EUROPE. Italy, Germany, Finland, UK, Poland, Spain, and France have seen 3% to 9% growth 2020-2024. The number of available Japanese titles outside Japan has doubled from around 3000 to 6000 between 2019 and 2023.
TCGPLAYER TOP 25 SEALED PRODUCTS (WITH PRICE SHIFTS) – JUNE 2024 Top Three Spots are All 'Magic: The Gathering,' Again
Budgets, reaching kids and fear of an uncertain future are some of the kids media industry’s biggest concerns right now, according to a new report from UK-based researcher The Insights Family.
Comic Store Market Shares - Q2 2024
TOP 20 GRAPHIC NOVELS - JUNE 2024
*** The above posted after July 5th when tBR circulated ***
YouTube Is Really Good at Getting Kids to Buy Stuff and Way Ahead of Its Competition, New Data Shows. Kids were more than twice as likely (53%) to recall ads on YouTube compared to TikTok (24%).
‘Despicable Me 4’ To Set Off Fireworks Over Independence Day Frame, Global Cume Bound For Potential $200M+ By Sunday – Box Office Preview
REPORT: Gen Alpha craves quick and gamified learning
HOBBY GAME SALES FLAT TO DOWN IN SPRING 2024. As Market Continues to Adjust to Post-Covid Trends.
Back-to-school spending is set to increase by 21.8%. Parents are gearing up to spend an extra US$85 on each of their kids this year, outpacing the annual rate of inflation by 18.4%.
Study finds co-op games keep growing in numbers (and sales) on Steam.
Stories, Comments, and Advice
Rick Derr – Letter from America. In this month’s Toy World issue, Rick Derr reports back from ASTRA’s 2024 trade show and discusses the role of mid-year trade events. “As you read this in early July, I’m sure the festive holiday season is furthest from your mind,” said Rick Derr. “The 3rd and 4th qrts represent 60% of our sales and having the right mix of product is critical to maximising those sales.” In his opinion, the most...
John Baulch, Toy world - Wipeout… it’s the Friday Blog! It seems surreal writing a Blog about the toy market on such a momentous day, when all the talk will be dominated by the election result which saw a Tory wipeout across the UK. In 1997, the last time Labour toppled a Conservative government, The Charlatans and The Spice Girls topped the album charts. Anita had got up in the middle of the night to feed our youngest...
The return of Beyblade – how spinning tops could become an Olympic sport. Competitive spinning tops may sound absurd but it’s one of the most popular toy brands in the world and it’s about to make a big comeback. From Rubik’s Cube to Tamagotchi, history is not short of peculiar toys that you would’ve sworn kids would never be interested in… until they become a multi-million dollar empire.
Mixing Business and Politics: What Companies Can Learn from Tractor Supply. Tractor Supply Company is an 85-year-old retail chain, based in Brentwood, Tenn., that employs more than 50,000 people across its 2,250 stores. The company sells products for home improvement, agriculture, lawn and garden and pet care. The company announced in late June that it would make several drastic changes to its company...
Pinball is cool again—and these stunning machines are why. Take a look inside the tech and creativity fueling the current golden age of pinball, with Stern Pinball game designer Keith Elwin and chief creative officer George Gomez. The game has had something of a renaissance recently, with the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, The Economist, and other outlets declaring a full-on pinball boom.
Julia Fitzgerald: In today’s Midsize Match Up interview, we go to Detroit, Motor City, to talk with Toby Barlow , CEO and Founder Lafayette American. This agency has been named by both ADWEEK and Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest growing agencies, so I’m excited to hear more. Julia: Toby, I’m looking to give my readers insights to agencies who are great partners for Midsize firms and brands.
*** The above posted after tBR started circulating on July 5th ***
Nintendo says that while it recognises generative AI is a "hot topic" and may lead to technological developments, it currently plans to "deliver value that is unique to [Nintendo] and cannot be created through technology alone". Addressing investors via a recent Q&A, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa was also cautious about AI technology's ongoing "issues with intellectual property rights", and stressed ...
Steve Reece - Geopolitics & The Toy Industry, Navigating An Ever More Complex World. THINGS USED TO BE SO MUCH SIMPLER…OR WERE THEY? If you watch Television news nowadays, it’s hard to avoid constant reportage of Geopolitical tensions amid a seemingly very disrupted world. Things had seemed so simple previously – ever since the collapse of the Soviet Union ended Cold War 1 & heralded the age of a...
'Play Science' is Making Learning Fun for Kids. Mara Mahmood, a psychologist, is the Exec. Dir. of University-Community Links, a network of "play-based" educational, afterschool programs, which emphasized the importance of play in cognitive, social and emotional development. The programs take inspiration from Lev Vygotsky, an influential 20th century Belarusian developmental psychologist and early advocate of play...
The 12 Longest-Running Sunday Comic Strips. The Sunday funnies are as much a part of the quintessential U.S. newspaper as the crossword puzzle and want ads. And though the number of print newspapers in circulation has decreased significantly over the past few years, comic strips and their characters are still a touchstone of our culture: Calvin and Hobbes, Cathy, Peanuts, Garfield, and Dilbert are just a few of the...
The Toy Book Top 10: The hottest stories of June 2024. It’s July, and before the industry checks out for the holiday weekend, it’s time to hit the rewind button and look back at the hottest stories of June 2024, as chosen by you, the readers. Last month’s release of The Toy Book‘s annual Specialty Toys & Gifts Issue came on the heels of our 2024 Licensing & Entertainment issue and both magazines drew...
Diaframma on how toy commercials are brought to life. As everyone in the toy community is aware, the kids and family media landscape continues to evolve at a frightening pace. Life was so much easier for toy companies twenty years ago, when terrestrial broadcasters ruled the roost, and a single ad placed on a leading channel during peak viewing hours for kids could reach a substantial portion...
History and Nostalgia
Ding-a-Lings from Topper Toys. In 1971, Topper Toys launched Ding-a-Lings, a line of robots from an imaginary universe. The tiny, 6-inch machines came in 16 different models, each with a distinct personality, colorful design, and fixed vocation. Topper developed an interchangeable power pack that could be used with any one of the Ding-A-Lings.
Sea Wees from Kenner. In 1979, Kenner released Sea Wees, a new line of dolls crafted for use in and out of water. The mermaid-like dolls stood 4 inches tall and featured moveable heads and long-rooted hair that could be styled with an included plastic comb. In keeping with the aquatic theme, each doll also came with a lily pad-shaped sponge that floated in water.
Licensing and Entertainment
Stevie Nicks has once again been celebrated by Mattel, makers of Barbie, with a limited re-release of her much sought-after doll, based on Nicks around the time of Fleetwood Mac‘s classic 1977 album Rumours. The doll sold out immediately on its worldwide re-release on Monday with fans hoping the toy manufacturer will announce another run.
UK broadcaster Sky Kids is beefing up its programming lineup for the year ahead by commissioning three brand-new series concepts and renewing another three shows that are already on air. Jaime’s Yoga Adventures, Emerald and Ten Little…who? have been greenlit as Sky Originals, and all three titles are slated to launch in 2025 (although a sneak preview of Ten Little…who? will drop this Christmas).
McFarlane Toys has signed on with SEGA to develop action figures inspired by the Persona 3 Reload video game. The new 7-inch-tall articulated figures will feature characters from Persona 3 Reload. They’ll join other collectibles McFarlane Toys offers that feature popular video games, including Diablo IV, the Mortal Kombat series, Batman: Arkham City, and more.
Warner Bros. Discovery is rolling out a package of Looney Tunes sports-themed content for kids this summer to tap into buzz building around the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. The studio has just launched a six-pack of 90-second Looney Tunes Presents: Sports Made Simple animated clips featuring the Looney Tunes characters explaining sports including tennis, gymnastics and breakdancing to kids.
Disney’s ‘Primos’ Creator and First Trailer Reveal New Animated Series Celebrating Her Diverse Multicultural Family. Natasha Kline also responds to the knee-jerk reaction when the series was first announced: "I really hope people give it a chance." Primos creator Natasha Kline has known since she was little that she wanted to make her own show. “I was five years old and I was like, “I want to be an animator,’” she recalls.
Lena Dunham is officially out of pocket—Polly Pocket, that is. In an interview with The New Yorker, the Girls creator and star revealed that she is no longer writing and directing toy company Mattel’s Polly Pocket feature film: “I don’t think I have that in me.” In the wake of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, it was announced that Dunham had been tapped to write and direct a movie based on another piece of beloved Mattel IP.
Cypress Hill to Perform with the London Symphony Orchestra as The Simpsons Prediction Comes True 28 Years Later. The performance comes 28 years after The Simpsons joked about Cypress Hill accidentally ordering the LSO "possibly while high" during the 1996 "Homerpalooza" episode. They ended up joining forces to perform the band's 1993 hit, "Insane in the Brain."
*** The above posted after tBR circulated on July 5th ***
Lego has unveiled the latest addition to its licensed line-up – the 1,497-piece Lego Ideas Jaws set. Suitable for AFOLs aged 18 and over, the set pays homage to what is arguably Steven Spielberg’s greatest movie masterpiece. The film, about a giant man-eating great white shark that terrorises swimmers in the tourist hotspot of Amity Island, was released in 1975 and based upon the 1974 novel by Peter Benchley.
The Pinkfong Company has signed its first licensing partnership in Europe with Brand Alliance (License) Ltd, for its latest hit Bebefinn property. This collaboration will bring an exciting range of Bebefinn-inspired apparel and accessories to retailers across the UK and Europe. The agreement was executed by Brand Alliance’s Licensing and Key account Manager, Faye Rashad with Bryan Park, Sr Global Licensing Manager...
Boss Fight Studio, creator of fan-favorite action figures and toys, has partnered with Paramount to create the first-ever fully articulated Garfield action figures. Based on the classic comics that have captivated audiences for over 40 years, this new product line brings Garfield and his beloved friends to life like never before. The deal was brokered by FanGirl Consulting & Brand Management, LLC.
The two KidZania locations in Japan are now offering Nintendo “Game Developer” experiences to engage with. This gives kids the chance to build their own software through Game Builder Garage, and then they can present their works to other kids in attendance. At the end of the experience, the kids get to take home an empty Switch game case sporting the name of their Game Builder Garage game.
Nickelodeon has renewed its hip-hop-focused sitcom Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan for a fifth season. The live-action show’s new 13-episode season starts production on July 8 at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, and Nickelodeon is aiming for a late 2024 premiere. The new season will kick off with a holiday-themed episode. Young Dylan centers on an aspiring young hip-hop star who moves in with his cousins and extended family.
WildBrain is set to launch 27 new FAST channels for its brands this year on Samsung TV Plus, in multiple territories including the UK and Latin America. With the new additions, WildBrain will have 56 channels on Samsung TV Plus. The new channels include Strawberry Shortcake (UK, Brazil, Mexico), Sonic (UK and Italy) and Teletubbies (Brazil and Mexico).
Scientific Games, Fremantle continue licensing partnership with TV game show brands. Scientific Games and Fremantle will continue their longtime partnership to bring TV game show brands including “The Price Is Right,” “Family Feud” and “Press Your Luck” to lottery players. “The Price Is Right” themed games and promotions are available to lotteries in Australia, Canada, France, the UK and the U.S...
Paint the playroom red with Mattel’s new Disney Descendants collection. Ahead of the new film, Mattel has released a collection of Disney Descendants: The Rise of Red toys! Style is at the forefront of the line of fashion dolls in the collection. Kids can revel in the vibrant locks and supercharged style of Princess Chloe Charming, Red, Bridget, and Uliana dolls, which cost $24.99 each.
'Green Lantern' series greenlit; New Monsterverse film incoming; 'Batman: Caped Crusader' trailer; 'Street Fighter' movie in the works; 'Ultraman Rising' #2 worldwide; 'Resident Alien' moves. Showbiz Round-up. HBO has ordered the Lanterns series, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The new series focuses in on Green Lantern characters John Stewart and Hal Jordan from the comics.
Hasbro taps Merchantwise as licensing agent for Pacific Region. Hasbro as announced Merchantwise as its agent to represent its portfolio of brands in the Pacific region (Australia and New Zealand), effective immediately. Merchantwise has been onboarded as Hasbro’s agency to manage all licensed partnerships in the region, including current partners such as BlackMilk, Caprice, Peter Alexander, Cotton On and Smiggle.
Funko showcases new Deadpool & Wolverine characters in latest Funko Pop! wave. Deadpool is taking over Funko with all-new Pop! figures inspired by new additions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe for Deadpool & Wolverine! Dogpool, Kidpool and Headpool have arrived in Funko Pop! form! Pop! Deadpool has arrived to sharpen his blades and wit in your anti-hero lineup!
New Tonies bring delightful Nickelodeon Tales to story time. Kids can listen to ‘Paw Patrol,’ ‘SpongeBob SquarePants,’ and ‘Peppa Pig’ Tonies! It’s the best day ever! Tonies has released a series of new Nickelodeon-inspired figures! The first-ever SpongeBob SquarePants Tonie is sure to deliver an “I’m ready” mindset to your little one, and it’s even voiced by the original SpongeBob, Tom Kenny!
LEGO announces NASCAR Speed Champions Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Set. The LEGO Group and NASCAR have announced the launch of LEGO Speed Champions NASCAR Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 set. The 328-piece set will be available from Aug. 1, allowing fans and car lovers alike to dive into the world of stock-car racing with a colorful paint scheme and plenty of stickers to fancily decorate their cars.
Polly Pocket takes ‘Harry Potter’ to micro scale. Fans can recreate the journey to Hogwarts with Polly Pocket collectible compact thanks to a new licensing deal. Five micro main character dolls, 11 accessories and four locations from the first movie, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” are available in this just-launched preorder.
Fisher-Price reveals Imaginext toys featuring Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Batman. These toys for young fans will launch in the fall.Fisher-Price has new toys designed for the youngest fans of iconic brands. With Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC) coming later this month, Fisher-Price has toys on the way featuring fan-favorite franchises.
Ravensburger reveals GraviTrax Action Set: Death Star. The final quarter of 2024 sees the GraviTrax universe expand, taking the action to a galaxy far, far away with the launch of the GraviTrax Action Set: Death Star. Death StarThe GraviTrax interactive marble run system from Ravensburger continues to grow and encourage new fans to ‘Build Beyond the Usual’ as they design and construct their own tracks.
Playmobil supports new Pirates range with YouTube episode. The timber-shivering animated content, focusing on Pirates vs. Sea Monsters, has racked up almost 50,000 views as the latest Playmobil Pirates toys prepare to set sail in July. Playmobil has unveiled its new Pirates range and is providing rigorous support for retailers with a YouTube episode focusing on Pirates vs. Sea Monsters, offering...
Thor, Sif, Thor, and Loki hammer into 'Marvel: Crisis Protocol' in upcoming character pack. Featuring some of Asgard’s best-known champions, this four-figure set includes Jane Foster, who becomes The Mighty Thor when she lifts the hammer Mjolnir, together with the sword-wielding Lady Sif, Thor, Hero of Midgard, and Loki, Prince of Lies.
PBS KIDS is getting ready to roll out a seventh season of Fred Rogers Productions’ Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood in late summer, and the format has been rejigged to make the award-winning animated preschool series’ socio-emotional learning stories even more relatable to kids. For the first time, each episode will feature a story from the point of view of a popular side character, along with a story from Daniel’s perspective
Story House Egmont and Mattel have announced a partnership that will see the launch of a Monster High magazine across the UK, GSA, Nordic and CEE markets. Based on the hugely successful Monster High franchise, the magazine will launch in the UK market on 3rd July 2024, with the other markets following later in the month.
Shadows of the Galaxy features characters and content from the Mandalorian series, Solo: A Star Wars Story, the Book of Boba Fett and more, as well as the highly anticipated Grogu Unit Card. Following the resounding success of its inaugural set, Fantasy Flight Games introduces the next adventure in the Star Wars Unlimited series: Shadows of the Galaxy.
People of Play
Kerry Novick, VP of global distribution at The Jim Henson Company, is retiring after a 30-year career in international sales for some of the industry’s biggest producers/distributors. This is Novick’s last week of full-time work, but she’ll remain involved in an advisory capacity until Henson hires her replacement.
WBD reshapes its international kids team. LatAm GM Pablo Zuccarino has taken on an expanded role, and APAC VP of kids content Chris Ho is leaving the company. The announcements were made today in an internal staff memo from Vanessa Brookman, GM of kids, global streaming and international networks.
Following his recent departure from Paramount International, Adam Bailey is back in action at BBC Studios Kids & Family as a development producer for animation. Bailey shared the news in a LinkedIn post on Friday (July 5), announcing that he had just wrapped up his first week in the new role. Based in Salford, he is responsible for working with a broad range of creators/talent to develop new animation...
*** The above posted after tBR circulated on July 5th ***
Sesame Workshop has selected interim CEO Sherrie Westin to take on the role permanently. A long-time Sesame executive, Westin started in 1998 as an EVP and chief marketing officer and eventually moved into managing its social impact efforts. She was elevated to leading the company’s philanthropy division as president in 2021, after delivering more than US$300 million in grants and donations to kids around the world.
The Man Behind the Minions. Pierre Coffin helped invent the yellow animated creatures and has supplied their voices for nearly 15 years. He’s as puckish and subversive as his mischievous creations. When the French animation studio Illumination was developing “Despicable Me,” an ingratiating family comedy about a second rate supervillain and his adopted children, the team decided that the movie needed...
Kids industry veteran Rob Doherty has set up a new company called Relevant Content to help clients bridge the gap between traditional media and social gaming platforms like Roblox. The goal is to help developers working in this space expand their brands into linear content and streaming—and also to help TV producers and broadcasters figure out how to build brands there.
Embarking on a cost-cutting strategy, Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs’ Blackstone-backed co. Candle Media is reorganizing its business by consolidating live action and animation under 2 separate units. All of Candle’s animated projects will be folded into kids content powerhouse Moonbug Entertainment—a strong performer in the LA-based company’s portfolio, driven by popular IPs such as CoCoMelon and Blippi.
The Rubik’s Cube Turns 50. Mathematicians and hobbyists have had a half-century of fun exploring the 43 billion billion permutations of Erno Rubik’s creation. Bright and early on the first Saturday in January, Tomas Rokicki and a few hundred fellow enthusiasts gathered in a vast lecture hall at the Moscone Center in downtown San Francisco. A big math conference was underway and Dr. Rokicki had helped organize...
Mighty Jaxx appoints former Hasbro CCO, Wiebe Tinga as special advisor. The Mighty Jaxx Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Wiebe Tinga as its Special Advisor. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades in the toys and gaming industry, Wiebe will bring unparalleled expertise and a proven track record of transformative leadership into his new role at Mighty Jaxx.
Darren Scott joins EXG Pro as UK sales manager. EXG Pro has announced the appointment of Darren Scott to a brand-new role for EXG, becoming UK Sales Manager, effective yesterday, 1st July. Darren brings over 30 years of experience in consumer electronics, toys and pop culture to his role, having worked for leading global brands such as Sony and Apple.
Icecat has announced the appointment of Bertrand Thomas and Rody de Vreden to Toys sales manager for France and account manager of Toys, respectively. Icecat is the market leader in product content syndication for the online toy and entertainment industry, and helps brands deliver product content to their retailers. Currently, more than 100 toy brands are working with Icecat.
Wind Sun Sky Entertainment introduces 2 new hires, partners with Viral Nation on content deal with ‘The McCartys’. Canadian multimedia company Wind Sun Sky Entertainment is bringing on two new hires for its leadership and management teams: Senior Vice President of Brand Growth and Partnerships Mohit Vijayakumar and Senior Director of Multi-Platform Strategies Linton Chokie.
Companies and Brands
Hasbro announced the launch of ‘Furby Wuz Here,’ an immersive campaign and activation invading NYC. Celebrating one year since the iconic toy’s return, the activation invites consumers to experience the world of Furby, featuring a delightful hunt for mischievous moments and “furbified” objects across the city. Starting today, these moments will appear in the form of giant Furby footprints left in wet cement, paint...
University Games Points Out It’s New Game: Give ‘Em The Finger. Call it as it is. University Games flips off the formalities and names its new game for its primary play element. “It’s a sassy title game with an easy family fun play pattern. Give ‘Em The Finger grabs your attention and points to one of our best new family board games this year,” Craig Hendrickson, SVP Product Development at University Games, explained.
PlayMonster Group and Diverse Marketing, announced a 3-year open-ended agreement for Diverse Marketing and Diverse Brands to represent PlayMonster across the majority of the company’s retail accounts nationwide. Effective immediately, the partnership aims to streamline representation and enhance service for PlayMonster partners spanning mass retail, specialty toy, and independent retailers.
Hasbro’s early adoption of Prime Video ads helps reel in new buyers. Peppa Pig and Play-Doh were able to reach new customers and grow brand favorability by tapping into Amazon’s first-party data and video capabilities. Hasbro saw a 21% lift in branded searches and an 18% increase in sales for Peppa Pig while Play-Doh received a 14% bump in ad recall and 4% boost to brand favorability.
Nintendo is choosing human creativity over AI. In a recent call with investors, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa said that while the video game industry has had a long relationship with AI, technology alone cannot create great games. “In the game industry, AI-like technologies have long been used—for example, to control the movements of opponent characters—so I believe that game development and AI technology...
Following an 18-month pitch — which included incumbent agency Initiative — The LEGO Group has appointed Publicis One as its new global media agency. The new agency will focus on strengthening The LEGO Group’s current connection to families and builders, as well as the company’s stance on the importance of play. Publicis One, which is powered by Starcom, will navigate the evolving digital landscape...
Pickle Everything Games, founded by toy and game industry veterans Jeffrey Breslow and Frank Adler, today announced the retail launch of Pickle Everything Foodie Deck, the first expansion pack to its original game, which launched earlier this year – Pickle Everything. Just like the original, the new Foodie Deck features foods starting with the letter “p” as the latest clues. Players can look forward to guessing culinary...
*** The above posted after tBR starting circulating July 5th ***
Goliath unveils Power Saber: The galactic toy automatically extends and retracts. Family-owned toy and game company Goliath has revealed the Power Saber, a new toy saber that will debut at retail later this month. The Power Saber automatically extends fully and retracts, making it the first toy saber with this feature.
Sesame Workshop is focusing on laughter this summer with the launch of a new “Gift of Giggles” campaign that’s designed to extend its ongoing emotional well-being and kids mental health initiative. It will run in the US first, and then migrate to Latin America and Germany. The linchpin entertainment driver is a series of digital shorts called The Giggle Group that launched with a first episode on Sesame Street‘s...
London exhibition looks at Barbie's design evolution over 65 years. A new exhibition looking at the evolution of Barbie opens in London this week as the famed Mattel doll celebrates her 65th birthday this year. "Barbie: The Exhibition", running at the Design Museum from July 5 to Feb. 23, features more than 250 items from the Barbie universe, including an array of dolls showing her changing appearance, design sketches...
2025 Hot Wheels Super Treasure Hunt Rumor Mill. The Super Treasure Hunt series has always been very popular with collectors worldwide. Some people have tried avoiding it, as it can be expensive to follow. Sure, paying the retail price for these special items is possible, but it implies many visits to many toy stores. I have only found three Super Treasure Hunt cars in 10 years of being devoted to the hobby.
Mattel celebrates 4th annual Play It Forward week. Over 600 children visited the Mattel global headquarters, with proclamations from state and local government highlighting the importance of play for children’s development. Activations from across Mattel brands, including giant Hot Wheels tracks and life-sized cars, extra-large Uno Quatro, the iconic Barbie box and play tables, shared space with setups from community...
Staples Canada has expanded its Kids Learn + Play retail concept to 100 more of its storefronts country-wide, just in time for school holidays. The business and back-to-school retailer initially launched Kids Learn + Play last year in just eight of its 300-plus locations, adding a further 21 stores by the end of the year for a total of 29.
Wham-O Kids Zones are coming to Ultimate Frisbee Association sporting events. Wham-O products will be on full display at Ultimate Frisbee Association (UFA) events thanks to the upcoming introduction of Wham-O Kids Zones. The Wham-O Kids Zones will highlight new items such as Slip ‘N Slide Air and Trac-Ball II, among other products.
Reydon Sports reveals new junior football range. Reydon Sports is pleased to be launching PrecisionPlay in August, an extension of its flagship brand Precision Training. The 18-piece collection consists of junior training aids for kids including goals, mannequins, target shots and quick to set up games along with a unique and innovative Glow range – a line of light-up products.
Bandai will release 'Union Arena TCG' 'Demon Slayer' booster set. Bandai will release Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, a new English booster set for Union Arena TCG, into U.S. retail on January 24, 2024. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba joins Code Geass - Leoch of the Rebellion, Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, Hunter x Hunter, and Jujutsu Kaisen as the newest IP added to Union Arena TCG English roster...
Legend Story Studios will debut new 'Flesh and Blood TCG' products at Gen Con. Legend Story Studios will debut new Flesh and Blood TCG products at Gen Con 2024 on August 1-4, 2024 in Indianapolis, IN. There will be two products that will be dropping at Gen Con: 1st Strike and a new Armory Deck.
Massive expansion of Staples Kids Learn + Play Concept to arrive in stores across Canada. More than 100 new Staples Kids Learn + Play sections will join the original eight. Staples Canada is expanding its kid-based presence with more than 100 new Staples Kids Learn + Play concepts in Canadian stores. The concept is a space for learning-based play filled with a curated selection of toys and educational tools.
Hasbro and Birds Eye join forces to encourage quality family time. A new study commissioned by Birds Eye reveals that less than half of the time families spend together is deemed quality time. In response to these findings, Birds Eye is joining forces with another beloved household name, Hasbro, to help parents create more quality family time during the school holidays.
Booghe celebrates successful opening of first ever physical store. A world of wonder, fun and excitement awaits visitors to The Fort Shopping Centre in Birmingham, with the new Booghe physical store billed as the ‘the UK’s first toy-scape’. Booghe, a specialist online toy retailer with eight year’s eCommerce experience and a yearly turnover of £10m, has proudly opened its first-ever physical location...
Four new 'Pokemon TCG: Paradox Destinies Tins' head to retail, featuring ancient and future Pokemon ex, The Pokemon Company International will release four new Pokemon TCG: Paradox Destinies Tins into retail on September 6, 2024. These tins offer trainers new Ancient and Future Pokemon ex to send into battle as more Paradox Pokemon arrive.
Ultra Pro reveals 'Ship Show' for retail: Cooperative shipping game. Ultra PRO revealed Ship Show, a new cooperative shipping game, which heads to retail in August 2024. In this game, players work together to organize objects in the Everything, Inc. warehouse in an effort to fulfill customer orders correctly.
Next 'Pokemon TCG' set adds Stella Tera Pokemon ex. The Pokemon Company International will release Scarlet & Violet - Stellar Crown, a new set for Pokemon TCG, into retail on September 13, 2024. Scarlet & Violet - Stellar Crown sends Trainers on a journey to unlock the potential of the Terastal phenomenon.
It's the 'Return of the Dragons' to 'D&D Icons of Realms'. WizKids will release Return of the Dragons, a new booster set for D&D Icons of Realms, in December 2024. This booster set offers players updated miniatures for the D&D Tyranny of Dragons campaign. It updates the sculpts for all 44 miniatures from the original Tyranny of Dragons set with new poses and decoration.
Form the 'Foundations of Metropolis': New city building game by Emerson Matsuuchi. Arcane Wonders will release Foundations of Metropolis, a new city building game, which will hit retail in August 2024. Foundations of Metropolis is a follow-up game to Emerson Matsuuchi's Foundations of Rome.
Wizards of the Coast announces 'Magic: The Gathering - Foundations'. Wizards of the Coast announced Magic: The Gathering - Foundations, a new core set of Standard legal cards, which will release on November 15, 2024. As part of their ongoing quest to resurrect Standard play in FLGS, Magic designers have decided to create a set of core cards that will stick around in the Standard format till at least 2029.
Top Secret Toys launches 4 ’90s-inspired GigaPets. Top Secret Toys recently released four digital pets inspired by popular virtual pets from the ’90s such as CompuKitty. The company’s GigaPet line — which includes Bit Bunnies, Floppy Frog, Pixie, and StarCat/CompuKitty — is now available on Amazon for $19.99 each. Each GigaPet fits in the user’s hand and features a keychain.
Osprey will release 'War Story: Occupied France': New WWII narrative board game. Osprey Games will release War Story: Occupied France, a new narrative board game set in WWII, into retail on October 8, 2024. In War Story: Occupied France, by Dave Neale and David Thompson with art by Kwanchai Moriya, players take on the roles of covert operatives in Nazi-occupied France.
Gaming: Digital, Video, Hardware, and Development
A new Transformers video game is headed to screens this fall. Transformers: Galactic Trials is a racing adventure game that creates play experiences based on Transformers vehicle and robot modes. After Nemesis Prime steals the Prime Relics, the Autobots and Decepticons must roll out on an adventure to recover the relics. Players can take on the roles of Autobots or Decepticons, including Bumblebee...
Tales of Kenzera: Zau developer Surgent Studios is cutting jobs. It looks like Tales of Kenzera: Zau developer Surgent Studios is making layoffs. Three former employees impacted by the cuts shared the news on social media. On Linkedin, level designer Peter Brisbourne wrote "the chapter entitled 'Pete Works At Surgent Studios' is coming to a close at the end of the month," and indicated their departure was the result of layoffs.
Slam Dunk: Amazon Gaming Zone 3D Showcase launches with Arcade1Up’s NBA Jam Deluxe Arcade Machine. The biggest gaming manufacturers come together under one virtual roof. Amazon is upping its game this summer with the launch of a new, immersive shopping experience for consumers searching for the best in video gaming.
Nintendo says it has a plan to prevent scalping: Just make loads of Switch 2s. With no foreseen parts shortages, the company's president looks to be planning to flood the market. A few years on, it’s oddly hard to remember how difficult it was to get hold of the most recent generation of games consoles. On their release in November 2020, both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X were incredibly scarce, thanks to...
Highlighted Press Releases
PUNCHKINS PUTS NEW SPIN ON PLUSH BY GIVING PLUSHIES PUNNY PERSONALITIES. Glastonbury, CT (July 9, 2024) – When Punchkins says their collection of plush, such as the giant grilled cheese pillow, are nacho average plushies, the pun is intended – everywhere and always! It would look grate on any dorm bed as kidults are the biggest buyers of these punny personalities. If it’s sassy, cute, snarky or relatable, it’s likely embroidered on Punchkins (https://punchkins.com/).
WATCH EYES LIGHT UP AS KIDS GET THEIR GLOW ON WITH DARK ARTS TOP 8 BEST SELLERS. Nurture Little Ones’ Left And Right Brains With Art Materials That Glow In The Dark Priced $4.49 To $19.99 That Are Innovative, Fascinating & Educational. Melbourne, Australia (July 10, 2024) – Preschoolers may not be able to pronounce phosphorescent, but they’ll know it when they see it thanks to an exciting brand from Micador, Australia’s favorite art, craft, toys and DIY products. Micador Dark Arts (https://micador.com.au/dark-arts) is a collection of glow in the dark art and craft activities and materials featuring phosphorescent and fluorescent properties.
ENGAGE BABY WITH SOFT FIRST BOOK, ON-THE-GO TOY, PLUSH & BLANKY FEATURING SESAME STREET’S ELMO OR COOKIE MONSTER. ME WANT COOKIE! East Windsor, NJ (July 9, 2024) – Kids Preferred is introducing an adorable new line of Sesame Street licensed infant playthings. The perfect baby shower gift or welcome-home-baby present are stocked and ready at Amazon. The Sesame Street collection boasts almost a dozen baby accessories, from a soft book with sensory materials and tabs to an Elmo activity toy with teething rings, crinkle sounds, and on the go clip. Each of the baby-first toys entice imaginative play and are ultra-soft. Some may help with growing pains such as teething.
*** The above posted after July 5th when tBR circulated ***
GIGAPETS®, NOSTALGIC VIRTUAL PETS ON A KEYCHAIN, ARE BACK AT AMAZON & NEIGHBORHOOD TOY SHOPS. Take Home One Or Collect Them All: Bit Bunnies, Floppy Frog, Pixie & The Original CompuKitty Now With StarCat. Chicago, IL (June 27, 2024) – Kids, ask your parents about their favorite childhood plaything before cell phones and desktop computers. They might answer CompuKitty, a virtual pet that started a global craze. In the late 1990s, kids woke up each morning to raise and grow a palm-size digital pet, attached to a keychain! This season, Top Secret Toys™ returns with GigaPets® ($19.99 at) in four nostalgic yet fresh collectibles to be adopted in your house!
Safety and Counterfeiting
Pediatricians with young children share the pool toys and flotation devices they won't let their kids use because they increase the risk of drowning. As more kids go into the water to stay cool this summer, a pediatrician recently went viral on social media with a warning about pool toys and flotation devices that increase the risk of drowning in small children.
Associations, Foundations, Shows, Awards, Events, and Festivals
The Asian Animation Summit, an annual event run by Kidscreen to showcase the Asia Pacific region’s best new toons in development for children, is offering a new Wild Card program this year that’s open to creators not represented by trade agencies that are AAS partners. Project submissions for this new fee-based pathway will be accepted online until Friday, August 16.
Pony Canyon USA arrives, and Kinnikuman returns. On Independence Day eve 2024, Japan gave talents to Los Angeles. They rode into town on horseback of sorts. The Pony Canyon press extravaganza took place at Japan House, the permanent Nipponese cultural hub that sits steps away from Dolby Theatre. Under the halo effect of annual Oscar ceremonies, high level Pony Canyon co-workers — from overseas and...
Paramount Animation and Hasbro Entertainment are bringing “Transformers: One” to San Diego Comic Con’s Hall H, the studio announced on Tuesday. The panel discussion and exclusive footage presentation from the movie will also have Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Keegan-Michael Key, along with the Director Josh Cooley, and producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura in attendeance.
Nominations Open for 2024 Canadian Toy Association Hall of Fame & Rising Star Awards. The toy community is invited to submit nominees for induction into the 2024 Canadian Toy Association (CTA) Hall of Fame. Consideration for the Hall of Fame is open to individuals, living or posthumous, who have made outstanding contributions to the toy industry in Canada throughout their careers, while the Rising Star Awards...
Game & Toy Conventions 2024 by Craig Carpenter. Here’s a list of many of the conferences I will be attending this year plus a few extras I think others may be interested in. If you’re going to be at any of these please let me know and I’ll hope to connect with you in person!
GAMA OPENS UP APPLICATIONS FOR 2024 HORIZONS FELLOWSHIP. Selected Participants Receive $1000 Grant for Operational Expenses and More. The Horizons Fellowship program is accelerator fund earmarked for underrepresented communities in the games industry that was established in 2021 (see "Horizons Fellowship). The fund is open to businesses that are at least 51% owned and/or operated...
The Games Manufacturers Association reported the attendance numbers for Origins Game Fair 2024. Origins 2024, which happened on June 19-23, 2024, had 17,706 attendees. This is up over 9% from 2023's attendance total, which was 16,082 people, but still down around 14% from the last pre-pandemic show in 2019, where Origins drew 20,642 people (see "Origins Attendance Up 11%").
Paying tribute to the year’s finest work in children’s television and digital media, the 16th annual Kidscreen Awards program is officially accepting entries. Winners will be announced and celebrated at a prestigious awards ceremony held during Kidscreen Summit 2025 (February 9-12, San Diego), the year’s largest gathering of the global kids entertainment industry.
*** The above posted after July 5th when tBR circulated ***
WiT Names 2024 Wonder Women Award finalists. Voting will open to WiT members from July 15-Aug. 2. Women in Toys, Licensing, and Entertainment (WiT) has unveiled its list of finalists for this year’s Wonder Women Awards, which will coincide with the LA Fall Toy Preview this year. This year’s awards feature categories including Advocate for Change, Brand Excellence, Brand Franchise...
Learning Express Toys & Gifts concludes Annual Convention. Learning Express Toys & Gifts held its 25th Annual Convention and Toy Expo at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort and Spa in Tucson, Arizona from June 23-26. The event brought together store owners and toy vendors from across the country to network and celebrate the toy industry.
GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR SMALL BUSINESSES TO EXHIBIT AT BLE 2024! For several years now, a collective of boutique agencies and licensing consultants has exhibited at BLE in a shared space known as ‘The Independents’ Lounge’. A table within the lounge has just become available, representing incredible value for any small business associated with the licensing industry; an affordable way to have physical presence...
Sara Davies MBE, the dynamic entrepreneur and youngest female investor on BBC One’s long-running Dragons’ Den TV programme, will present the day two keynote at this year’s Brand Licensing Europe (BLE), which runs from 24-26 Sept. at ExCeL London. Sara will take to the stage at 12:30 on 25 September for ‘Crafty Licensing: Transforming a business through brand licensing’ for a Fireside Chat with the Global...
Toymaster 2024 review. Toy World attended yet another successful Toymaster show this May with a packed itinerary. The Toymaster May Show returned to the beautiful DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa from 21st-23rd May, hosting more than 100 leading toy suppliers and a raft of independent retailers for three days of networking, ordering and fun. .
LICENSING JAPAN, THE COUNTRY'S LARGEST CHARACTER & BRAND LICENSING TRADE SHOW. The next edition of Content Tokyo will take place from 3 to 5 July at the Big Sight convention centre. The event is Japan’s largest trade show, consisting of five concurrent content-related fairs: Licensing Japan, the premier international licensing trade show for all categories of properties and creative content from...
The nominees and winners of the Licensing International France Awards have been revealed at France Licensing Day & Licensing International Awards in Paris. The YPN committee (Young Professionals Network) rewarded Marie Van Buggenhout (Peyo Company) as the winner of the Rising Star category in France. In total, for this sixth edition of the Awards, 144 entries were submitted across 16 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
Eugene “Gene” Hendel passed away on June 30, 2024. Gene was a man who was anything but ordinary, and it makes no sense to write a generic obituary for a legend such as him. He’s probably shaking his head right now, saying, “I asked for simple!”
Gene spent 50 years in the toy industry, working with giants like Kenner, Mattel, Hasbro, and Tiger Electronics. His family was so proud when he decided to launch his own company, Gene Hendel Associates, as a manufacturer’s rep. It was a huge leap of faith with a wife, two kids, and a dog to care for, but given his stellar reputation and work ethic, he thrived and became more successful than ever.
Joshua "Rod, Rodimus, Josh" Carter passed away on June 11, 2024, in Savannah, Georgia, at the age of 40. Born on February 29, 1984, in Charleston, South Carolina, Joshua was a cherished member of the community and a vibrant presence in the lives of those who knew him.
Joshua was the beloved owner of Rodimus Toys, a haven for collectors of vintage toys and action figures, which mirrored his personal passion. From his early childhood, Joshua was captivated by the world of action figures, a love that he carried and cultivated into adulthood. His business was not just a career but a reflection of his personal joy and enthusiasm for collectibles.
Chris Wiggs, the inventor of Polly Pocket, died peacefully on June 20 at his home in France surrounded by love and family, The Post can exclusively reveal. He was 74. Wiggs had been recently diagnosed with a rare form of neurological cancer.
The East London native dreamed up the portable dreamhouse in 1983, while in New York on business.
Worldwide Magazines Weekly Top Stories
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Toy Trade Monthly Issues
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Toyworld (UK)
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Booghe celebrates successful opening of first ever physical store
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Exclusive: Diaframma on how toy commercials are brought to life
Licensing.biz Powered by Toyworld
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Dragons’ Den star Sara Davies confirmed as keynote speaker for BLE 2024
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Licensing International and The Light Fund launch new events
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Exclusive: New Deadpool set to fuel demand for licensed merchandise
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Exclusive: Casdon and Ooni celebrate successful licensing collaboration
ICv2: The Business of Geek Culture (US)
- Ultra Pro Reveals 'Magic: The Gathering' 'Commander Series 4' Playmats
- Wizards of the Coast Reveals New Deets for 'Magic: The Gathering' 'Duskmourn' Set
- Wizards of the Coast Announces 'Magic: The Gathering - Foundations'
- FanRoll Reveals Three New 'D&D 50th Anniversary' Dice Sets
- Ultra Pro Reveals 'Critical Role: Caleb Widocast's Game Master Spell Book'
- Cumbersome Combo Rules 'Magic: The Gathering' 'Modern Horizons 3' Amsterdam Event
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- It's the 'Return of the Dragons' to 'D&D Icons of Realms'
- Wizards of the Coast Drops Previews of New 'Magic: The Gathering' Horror Set
- Hobby Game Sales Flat to Down in Spring 2024
Nación Juguetes (Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Chile & Spain)
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MrBeast's upcoming line of toys is creating significant global expectations.
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From meteorites to LEGO bricks: ESA Builds the Future on the Moon
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Hasbro revealed exclusive products at San Diego ComicCon 2024
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Mattel will launch colorblind versions of its most popular games
Global Toy News
The Bugg Report (Australia)
The Toy Universe (Australia)
hobbyDB
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The Roosevelt Bear: Discovering One of the Rarest and First Ever Teddy Bears
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Live Life 1:24 at a Time: Jada Next Level TruSpec Fast & Furious Dom's 1970 Dodge Charger R/T
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Toy Hub Trivia: Pro Inventor Westley Ciaramella
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