Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!
Happy Bloomin' Friday!
Imagination! It’s reshaping the toy industry in real time. At DISTOY, Richard Highfield and I cooked up an idea for LA Toy Previews that I cannot wait to share as it takes shape. Recent meetings with Greg Ahearn, Andy Keimach, Rick Derr, Jerry Cleary and Nancy Zwiers have generated fantastic ideas for the toy industry, all of which are super exciting, as I’m sure you can only imagine! The power of imagination and innovation promises great times ahead!
Many people have been asking me about LA Previews. Jonathan Busher posted the following on linkedin. I'll be meeting with Jonathan next week and will share an update in the next tBR.
"Incredibly, we have 216 companies so far confirmed across 4 locations. The Toy Association has a few slots left for those still thinking about needing space. This list does not include companies who already have permanent offices in LA (Zuru, Moose, Spin Master, MGA, Mattel, Playmates, etc.), nor does it include those taking rooms in the local hotels.
The general consensus is that these showrooms will be open from Monday 9th September through to the later part of the week ending 20th September but of course there are variations, and you will need to check with individual companies"
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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Industry Commentary: Christian Braun
What’s better than our favorite collectible brands? Collabs!
A few weeks I wrote about The Top 7 Mistakes Collectible Brands Make (and how you can avoid them), this goes into more depth on one of those, possibly the most fun one – Collabs!
What’s better than our favorite collectible brands? How about when our favorite collectible brands partner up for some mind-blowing collaborations? Here is taking a look at a handful of cool and quirky collabs. READ MORE...
Person of the Week - Pro Inventor Bruce Lund
Essays on Toys, Games, Invention, Imagination and Creation, Effort, Persistence and More…...
I have been a toy and game inventor and licensor for decades managing Lund and Company Invention, L.L.C. in Chicago. For more than 35 years we created a wide range of dolls, board games, preschool plastic games, action figures, vehicles and more. Some of our products have been on the market for 25 years or more. Many have won TOTY awards and other awards here in the U.S. and internationally.
In the process we have learned some things that perhaps might be of value to you. These essays are from my own personal experience and will cover several subjects: “Value of Play”, “Value of Toys”, “Game Play Teaches Unique Skills”, “Where do Ideas come from”, “Effort and Persistence”, “Making the Impossible, Possible” and other topics.
Essay 1- Games teach skills not taught elsewhere.
Cartoon Lovers, Lexophiles & People in Need of a Smile!
Cartoon of the Week: Thank you, Robert Fuhrer, for the funny cartoon this week!
Paraprosdokian Lovers: "Hear about the new restaurant called Karma?" "There’s no menu - you get what you deserve."
Memorable Quotes: "When your children are teenagers, it's important to have a dog so that someone in the house is happy to see you." — Nora Ephron
Toy Industry Word of Day: Slack Packaging 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 with your colleagues? Send it to me! Mary
Financial and Legal
Disney and Gov. Ron DeSantis have put the finishing touches on a deal to end a contentious legal battle for control of the district that oversees development around its theme parks. On Thursday, the entertainment giant dropped its appeal of a ruling dismissing its First Amendment lawsuit against the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District over claims that the group illegally voided an agreement that...
The French-language children’s animation industry is set to get a much-needed boost this fall. The Canada Media Fund (CMF) and Quebec-based government org Société de Développement des Entreprises Culturelles (SODEC) have teamed up to launch a new US$2.1 million (CAD$3 million) program to fund development of Quebec-made animated series for kids.
*** The above posted after tBR started circulating on June 14th ***
Aurora World is acquiring the plush brand Mary Meyer, which specializes in baby toys and seasonal plush. Following the acquisition, Aurora World will launch an expanded lineup of plush, including new baby designs. Mary Meyer’s plush will be distributed alongside Aurora World plush and Mary Meyers’ design team will continue to develop new plush collections.
NY’s state legislature has passed a bill that would prohibit social media companies from showing “addictive feeds” to children under 18, unless they obtain parental consent. The Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act defines an addictive feed as one where the content is recommended or prioritized based on information about the user or the user’s device — basically, these are the algorithmic news feeds...
The Supreme Court said Monday it will hear a dispute over a dog toy that got whiskey maker Jack Daniel's barking mad. Jack Daniel's had asked the justices to hear its case against the manufacturer of the plastic Bad Spaniels toy. The toy mimics the Jack Daniel's bottle and label but is a parody. While the original bottle has the words “Old No. 7 brand” and “Tennessee Sour Mash Whiskey,” the parody proclaims: “The Old No. 2...
Illinois-based game and toy manufacturer, Regal Games LLC, is suing a German business that acquired the rights to sell its line of children’s chalk products after the company allegedly went beyond their agreement by infringing Regal’s branding and logo trademarks. Regal is suing SellerX8—and several similarly named defendants under the umbrella name, SellerX Germany—as well as Walmart, for allegedly...
Amazon slammed with £1.1B data abuse lawsuit from UK retailers. The British Independent Retailers Association, which has thousands of members, said it is filing a damages claim against Amazon valued at £1.1 billion ($1.3 billion at today’s rates) alleging that Amazon has illegally misused members’ proprietary data for competitive purposes. BIRA also takes aim at Amazon’s “Buy Box,” claiming that Amazon manipulated...
Valve sued for allegedly overcharging 14 million UK Steam players. The Competition Appeal Tribunal claims Valve's 30 percent revenue cut from game purchases lets it hold a monopoly and breach the UK's competition law. A £656 million (or $841.09 million) lawsuit has been filed by the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London against Valve.
India’s toy exports expand to more than 100 countries. NEW DELHI: The Indian toy industry has expanded its global presence to more than 100 countries including the US, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark and even China and the next step for the toy manufacturers is to reach international consumers through the effective use of online mediums …
Majority shareholder Shari Redstone’s National Amusements (NAI) has abruptly shut down a proposed merger between Skydance Media and Paramount Global. The US$8-billion deal—which was reportedly close to wrapping just last week—is now dead in the water as the companies were unable to agree on “mutually acceptable terms,” according to a statement shared by NAI.
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Financial Reporting
‘Inside Out 2’ Returns Pixar to Box Office Heights. The sequel was expected to collect at least $145 million in the United States and Canada over the weekend, about 60 percent more than anticipated.
Japanese animation film “Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle” took a clear lead at the mainland China weekend box office – despite only being available for two of three days. Data from consultancy firm Artisan Gateway showed the film scoring $9.8 million (RMB69.4 million)...
*** The above posted after tBR circulated on June 14th ***
Q1 earnings outperformers: Mattel and the rest of the toys and electronics stocks.
GameStop raises over $2bn after Roaring Kitty rally. US video game retailer GameStop says it has raised more than $2bn (£1.57bn) in its second share sale in a month after a rally led by the investment influencer Keith Gill, known as Roaring Kitty.
GameStop reports early – worse than expected: Sales continue sharp declines. Sales declined 29% to $881.8 million in Q1 2024, compared to $1.2 billion in Q1 2023.
U.S. video game spending falls 3% in April. The decline was partially due to a 43% decline in hardware spending. Circana reports projected U.S. total spending on video game hardware, content, and accessories fell 3% in April 2024 when compared to a year ago, to $4.1 billion.
Trends, Lists, Market Research, and State of the Industry
Tubi outperformed Disney+, Peacock, and Max last month. Tubi topped Disney+ for viewers in May, indicating (again) that people still like watching TV in traditional modes.
*** The above was posted after tBR circulated June 14th ***
TV Networks Fight for Fewer Dollars in Upfront Amid Big Streaming ‘Rollbacks’
Bluey’s Bandit named top TV dad by UK families
Adults are flocking to the toy aisle even more than preschoolers.
‘Inside Out 2’ Eyes $135M Global Opening As Summer Box Office Rebound Continues – Preview
MAY 2024 CIRCANA BOOKSCAN - TOP 20 ADULT AND KIDS GRAPHIC NOVELS
MAY 2024 CIRCANA BOOKSCAN - TOP 20 AUTHOR, MANGA, AND SUPERHERO GRAPHIC NOVELS
Top Spring Webtoon Titles – Book Channel and Direct Market from BookScan and ComicHub.
Global Ad Revenue to Surpass $1 Trillion in 2025 as GroupM Boosts 2024 Forecast for U.S., China. The firm now sees U.S. ad revenue rising 5.8 percent this year to $345.9 billion, excluding the impact of political advertising, up from a December estimate for 4.1 percent growth.
As Streaming Giants Cut Back on Spending Growth, Europe’s Broadcasters May Capitalize.
June’s Circana insights. Circana’s Rory Partis looked at key trends within the toy markets across Europe, examining how they compare to the market in the UK.
Artists are fleeing Instagram to keep their work out of Meta’s AI. Meta is training its AI on artists’ creations. They’re flocking to AI-skeptical app Cara to protect themselves.
Stories, Comments, and Advice
What ‘Inside Out 2’ Teaches Us About Anxiety. A new emotion has taken over Riley’s teenage mind. And she has lessons for us all. At the end of “Inside Out,” the 2015 Pixar movie about the emotional life of a girl named Riley, a new button appears on the console used to control Riley’s mood. It’s emblazoned with one word: Puberty. Joy, one of the main characters who embodies Riley’s emotions, shrugs it off.
More than 4,000 additional robotic pets to be given to seniors in NY to combat loneliness. The robotic pets will be distributed by the NY State Office For Aging. Helen Macura has always wanted a dog, but the Prohibition-era home she has lived in since 1945 isn't safe for a potential pet. Her childhood dream of owning a dog finally came true a couple yrs ago, when Helen was in her late 90s. Today, at 101 years old...
Julia Fitzgerald: In today’s Midsize Match Up interview, I get to talk with Christy Hiler, Founder and CEO of Cornett. Not only does Christy lead a great agency for Midsize company partnerships, but she is also an active voice for female-led agencies around the country. Cornett has also earned serious national recognition for their creative campaigns. Full disclosure: I’m a bit of a fan-girl, so let’s jump in.
*** The above posted after tBR circulated on June 14th ***
John Baulch, Toy World - ’m happy, hope you’re happy too … it’s the Friday Blog! When you’ve worked in the toy market for 40+ years, you find certain subjects crop up without fail, year after year. For example, the entire toy community tends to become more obsessed by the weather in May and June than John Kettley or Michael Fish. That’s no great surprise, as the presence or absence of sun and rain is inevitably a key factor...
Disruption Report: Playing the Slots, BY CHRISTOPHER BYRNE. A report in the New York Times this week about vending machines in Japan got me thinking. It seems that a changeover in the Yen currency means that some 4.1 million vending machines in the country will be rendered obsolete. They apparently can’t be adapted, so that means they have to be trashed. Let’s set aside the utter waste of material this represents...
Julia Fitzgerald's Midsize Agency Match Up. In today’s Midsize Match Up interview, I go to North Carolina to talk with Jodi Heelan President and Partner at The Variable. So let’s jump in. Julia: Jodi, I’m looking to introduce my readers to agencies who are great partners for Midsize firms and brands. The company calls itself "The Different Agency". I can't wait to hear about that. What should everyone know about The Variable?
Amazon’s Hard-to-Find Lego Section, Explained: Get Rare Sets Before They’re Gone. The secret stock is a feast for collectors. If you’ve been eyeing the new Millennium Falcon Lego set, you’ll want to get it relatively soon. Why? Lego sets don’t stick around forever. They’re usually only available at standard retailers for a few yrs, at most, before they’re retired—and then you’re stuck shelling out way more money for them...
Unwinding Wordle: Accelerating Your Solve. Tips for the game derived from our solver data, plus more from the game’s editor and its devoted community of solvers. Wordle has captivated millions of players since it started gaining popularity at the end of 2021. While the game’s strategy seems straightforward, Wordle has a devoted community of daily solvers who have spent years developing techniques to improve their solve.
Benefits of outdoor play for children. Outdoor play helps children learn skills, develop physical strength, and benefits mental well-being. Time outdoors can also provide an opportunity to make friends. Outdoor play comes in many forms. It could involve spending time in a backyard, a local park, or more rural spaces, such as forests and national parks.
Two people were arrested Wednesday in what police are calling a LEGO theft ring after almost 3,000 boxes of stolen LEGO toys were found in a California home, police said. Richard Siegel, 71, and Blanca Gudino, 39, were arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department after a retailer identified Gudino as a suspect in a number of thefts at their San Pedro location in December of last year, leading police to conduct a...
Spotlight on Action Figures. In Toy World’s June issue, Rachael Simpson-Jones takes a look at the licences that are currently dominating the Action Figures category and asks leading suppliers how stockists can meet the needs of fans and collectors. The Action Figure category is inextricably linked to the Character Licensed Toys category, with suppliers and manufacturers leaning heavily into evergreen or on-trend...
Spotlight on Infant Toys. In our June issue, Toy World’s Gabriela Jimenez speaks to numerous suppliers about the current trends in the Infant Toys category and covers some of the key launches for 2024.In the first 12 months of life, babies go through a crucial period of self-discovery and learning about the world around them.
Spotlight on Wheeled Toys. In Toy World’s June issue, Marianna Casal takes an in-depth look at Wheeled Toys, speaking to leaders of this category about their most popular product ranges and growth opportunities. Wheeled Toys are the perfect products to take out of the shed for the few weeks of the year it actually feels like summer, to make the most of outdoor play and exercise.
What the CEO of toymaker Hasbro learned from a failed media acquisition that led to $1.7B loss: ‘We’d strayed from our core mission’. Since becoming CEO in early 2022, Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks’ biggest move has involved radically shrinking the business to better reset it for growth. How? By focusing on what it does best: making toys and games.
Everyone needs to play more, our future depends on it. Play is never just play. Play is universal and taps into children’s natural enthusiasm and curiosity to learn. Play teaches children to explore, to wonder, to connect ideas and experiences and help them gain a deeper understanding of the world that surrounds them.
Why the video game industry is such a mess. Today, we’re talking about the state of the video game industry, which is honestly kind of all over the place. We don’t talk a lot about video games here on Decoder, but we should do more of it. Games are an enormous slice of both the tech and media industries.
History and Nostalgia
Bored this summer? Try playing Spades, a card game of bets and strategy. Spades is one crowd-pleaser to try – it involves strategy and a bit of luck. It’s a variation of “Whist” a trick-taking card game format that dates to at least 1529, and by the 19th century was known as “the premier intellectual card game of the Western world,” according to Britannica.
Hot Wheels assembly line in the 1960's. What a cool photo...... In the 1960s, Hot Wheels revolutionized the toy car industry with their innovative approach to design and manufacturing. The Hot Wheels assembly line in the 1960s was a marvel of efficiency and automation, allowing for the mass production of these iconic toy cars. The Hot Wheels assembly line was designed to produce a wide variety of toy cars, with different...
*** The above posted after June 14th ***
An extremely rare Star Wars action figure has become the world's most valuable toy after it sold for a record $525,000 (approx. €482,000). A plastic Star Wars action figure has become the world’s most valuable vintage toy. The ultra-rare, hand-painted, 3 and 3/4-inch, rocket-packing Boba Fett figurine just fetched $525,000 (approx. €482,000) at auction. It is one of only two known to have survived...
When the ‘Home Alone 2’ Talkboy Turned Into a Real-Life Toy Craze. No one was prepared for how much kids wanted the handheld recorder used by Kevin McCallister. Some begged. Some tried bribes. Then came the lies. In the fall of 1993, between 300 and 500 calls a day came in to the operators answering phones at Tiger Electronics, the company behind the season’s hottest toy: The Talkboy, a handheld recording device...
Bert ‘N Ernie Radio from Concept 2000 (1976). Released in 1976 by Concept 2000, the Bert ‘N Ernie radio let kids control their soundscape with a radio shaped like two of Sesame Street’s most beloved characters. The Bert and Ernie characters were made from PVC and sat atop a green plastic base adorned with the Sesame Street logo.
W.H. Schaper Mfg. Co. Inc. Founded in 1949 in Robbinsdale, Minnesota by William Herbert “Herb” Schaper, W.H. Schaper Mfg. Co. Inc. was quick to embrace innovations in plastics manufacturing to create some of the century’s most recognizable games. The company was established to support the production of Cootie, a three-dimensional game developed by Schaper.
Licensing and Entertainment
The Gameroom Powered by Hasbro is opening at the American Dream mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey later this month. The licensed destination is a 41,500-square-foot entertainment center with arcade games, attractions, retail offerings, and dining featuring beloved Hasbro brands.
Netflix extends its partnership with the Obamas’ Higher Ground. The studio behind successful kids & family series Waffles + Mochi and Ada Twist, Scientist has renewed its exclusive first-look deal with the streamer. The companies first partnered in 2018 in a multi-year collaboration that has yielded kids & family series Waffles + Mochi and Ada Twist, Scientist, both of which have performed well on the streamer.
Chalkdust Animation preps first show based on C.S. Lewis short stories. Former Paramount exec Jared Mass' fledgling studio is partnering with Noble Road Media for the whimsical series aimed at bridge audiences. Newly launched Chalkdust Animation Studios in Atlanta is readying its debut project—a fantasy series targeting ages four to seven plus families.
Seven Bucks Productions—Dwayne Johnson (The Rock) and Dany Garcia’s film and TV banner—has inked a first-look deal with its longtime entertainment partner, Disney. This new multi-year agreement gives Disney exclusive access to Seven Bucks’ TV shows and films currently in development, which will serve as possible vehicles for Johnson to star in. The deal also enables Johnson’s studio to...
Bluey x Simpsons: When Icons Collide. A+C Studios have partnered with BBC Studios to unleash their creativity and imagination to wonder what may happen if Bluey and the Heeler’s lived in Springfield. The team grabbed some of the Bluey characters, designed some beautifully recognisable backgrounds and crafted this wonderful stop-motion mashup of two of the world’s favourite families.
*** The above posted after tBR started circulating June 14th ***
LEGO is continuing its trend of catering to kidults, this time with a new Transformers set featuring the fan-favorite character Bumblebee. Now, a new licensed set joins LEGO’s adult collection: the LEGO Icons Transformers Bumblebee set. The set comes just in time for Hasbro‘s celebration of the Transformers brand’s 40th anniversary this year.
Fisher-Price adds ‘Schitt’s Creek’ to Little People Collector line. Mattel‘s Fisher-Price has a new series of figures joining its growing line of Little People Collector goods, this time with characters from Schitt’s Creek. Schitt’s Creek, created by Eugene and Daniel Levy, is a Canadian sitcom that first aired on CBC Television in 2015.
Order on the first issue of IDW Publishing's new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series have passed 300,000 copies over a month before release. This is the latest of a string of 80s and 90s property relaunches getting big numbers. ThunderCats #1 from Dynamite Entertainment, for example, sold over 170,000 copies of its debut issue. But 300,000 copies is on a new scale for a comic hit in the post-Covid era.
A rough cut of the first fully CG-animated Transformers movie gets a standing O at Annecy (Deadline). Director Josh Cooley took to the stage at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival on Monday to introduce a packed screening of a work-in-progress version of Transformers One. “I’ve got that feeling you get when you’re giving a present and you know they’re going to be excited about it,” he said.
Bento Box Entertainment develops Gumby Kids. Based on the 70-year-old classic brand, the LA studio's new toon concept targets tweens and will be shopped at Annecy next week. Behind the premise, which sees Gumby flexing his creativity as chief architect of a city that’s home to outcasts and dreamers from fantastical realms, is writer Deeki Deke (The Cuphead Show!).
BBC and RAI order Eaglet Films’ Piripenguins. This 52 x 11-minute bridge series, the Brit studio's biggest project to date, is in production now and expected to deliver in Q1 2025. Originated by Eaglet chief creative officer and director Massimo Fenati, the concept stars five young penguins who leave their nests and have to learn how to get along with others and still be true to themselves.
Rebranded Smurfs IP owner to revive early Peyo creations. Formerly known as IMPS, The Peyo Company plans to modernize the Smurfs creator's other comic book series for TV, starting with Johan & Peewit and Benny Breakiron. Under the leadership of Peyo’s daughter and IMPS founder Véronique Culliford, The Peyo Company is developing The Tales of Johan & Peewit (pictured) and Benny Breakiron as TV shows for...
WildBrain CPLG and lifestyle products manufacturer Bo Friends have partnered with South Korea’s Lotte Duty Free to launch the retailer’s first Snoopy-themed pop-up shop in Seoul. The Snoopy Market opened its doors at the Lotte Department Store Main shopping mall earlier this week and will stay open until August 14. It features more than 500 licensed products from Bo Friends’ catalogue, including Snoopy...
Droners prodco La Chouette Compagnie launches an anime hub. Headed up by Charles Lefebvre, Chouette Studio is already working on Dragon Striker and Dreamland, and there are new projects with US and Japanese partners in the works. French animation prodco La Chouette Compagnie (Droners) has launched a new anime-focused offshoot called Chouette Studio to manage two series in active production, as well as..
The world’s biggest streamer is certainly betting big on animation in 2024/2025, showing off a packed slate of toon productions and teasing new projects, images and voice cast news at yesterday’s Next on Netflix: Animation event in LA. One hot ticket that’s in the works is Plankton: The Movie, a CG-animated SpongeBob SquarePants spinoff pic due out in 2025 that will spotlight teeny antagonist Plankton and his thwarted plans...
Sambro Int'l is expanding its extensive seasonal licensing programme for Dr. Seuss Enterprises’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas property. Launching in time for autumn/winter 2024, a range of seasonal novelty and feature animated plush will roll out across key UK and EU retailers including B&M, Lidl, Shop Direct and Ernstings. Sambro has expertise in plush toys which has recently seen it gain status as the No. 1...
Trading card manufacturer Upper Deck has inked a new multi-year deal with Warner Bros. Discovery to add IPs from the DC comics universe to its licensing portfolio. Targeting kids and adult collectors, the California-based company will produce and distribute trading cards, tabletop games and collectibles inspired by iconic superheroes and villains such as Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman and the Joker.
Blue Zoo Animation Studio unveils new show, Mojo Swoptops. Blue Zoo Animation Studio has collaborated with the team behind Peppa Pig to create new pre-school series, Mojo Swoptops.Based on the Ladybird book series by Cindy Black and Rich Ward, Mojo Swoptops follows the everyday adventures of a little truck that swops its top. Together with Mojo’s best friend Bo, a mechanic, they help solve the problems...
Wind Sun Sky Entertainment is feathering the nest of climate-positive IP Future Chicken with a new advisory board led by former Noggin and Sesame Workshop executive Michael Levine. Launched in 2023, Future Chicken mixes learning and humor in an animated universe that educates kids about climate change and actionable solutions.
The Jim Henson Co. and LA-based indie animation studio The Operating Room have partnered to develop a new CG/live-action series called Adrenaline Lemmings. This adventure/comedy concept features four stunt-loving lemmings who get stranded in the big city. Adapting to their new environment, they start training for an X Games-style stunt competition so they can win the money they need to return home.
France’s TF1 Group has pledged to up its spend on animated content for young audiences as part of a new deal signed and announced at Annecy today with several trade orgs representing French producers and distributors (SACD, Scam, SATEV, AnimFrance, SPECT, SPI, USPA and SEDPA).
Warner Bros. Animation, Cartoon Network Studios and Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe have greenlit three new series and unveiled a slate of new kids & family projects in development. Cartoon Network is moving forward with Foster’s Funtime for Imaginary Friends, a preschool spinoff series based on the channel’s popular Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends toon for kids ages 6 - 11 that ran from 2004 to 2008.
Ravensburger announces fifth 'Disney Lorcana' set: 'Shimmering Skies'. Ravensburger announced Shimmering Skies, the next Disney Lorcana booster set, which will hit FLGS, Disney Stores, and Disney Parks on August 9, 2024 and mass retail and the Disney Store Online on August 29, 2024. Shimmering Skies will be the fifth set for the Disney Lorcana TCG.
'Army of the Dead' invades 'Zombicide': New 'Zombicide' game based on the movie by Zack Snyder. CMON Ltd. will release Army of the Dead - A Zombicide Game into retail on July 19, 2024. Army of the Dead - A Zombicide Game is based on the Netflix movie of the same title directed by Zack Snyder.
Button Shy Games, Skybound Tabletop announce ‘The Walking Dead’ card game. Button Shy Games, in a licensing agreement with Skybound Tabletop, has announced the launch of “The Walking Dead”: Surrounded, a new 18-card game that takes the library of “The Walking Dead” and compresses it into a portable play experience.
AWA and 'It' producer Vertigo Entertainment to create horror stories as graphic novels, films, TV. The comics publisher Artists, Writers & Artisans, Inc. (AWA) and Roy Lee’s film and television production company Vertigo Entertainment are partnering to develop horror stories as graphic novels, illustrated prose, films, and television.
LEGO launches Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole. The set is LEGO’s latest addition to its kidult lineup. The LEGO Group is expanding its collection of sets inspired by iconic cars with a 1506-piece LEGO Icons Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole set. The sports car-inspired set includes tons of features pulled from the real-life vehicle, including a detailed cockpit, working steering, a trunk and rear hood...
MotorTrend celebrates 75th anniversary with new Matchbox die-cast. The first issue of MotorTend magazine hit racks 75 years ago. To celebrate the anniversary, the magazine is partnering with Mattel for a Matchbox version of the 1949 Kurtis Sport Car, which was on MotorTrend’s first cover.
'Captain America' movie reshoots; 'The Boys' S4 first clip; 'Venom: The Last Dance' and 'Alien: Romulus' trailers; New 'Wallace & Gromit' teaser; '300' series in the works. Showbiz Round-Up. Marvel Studios has been reshooting parts of Captain America: Brave New World, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Harley Quinn brings chaos to WizKids' pinball board game: 'DC Super-Skill Pinball: Harley Quinn Ball'. WizKids will release DC Super-Skill Pinball: Harley Quinn Ball, a new pinball board game, into retail in August 2024. The newest edition of Super-Skill Pinball adds Harley Quinn and the DC villains to the mix.
New ‘Mermaid Magic’ series from ‘Winx’ creator swims to Netflix. Italy’s Rainbow Studios, known for the global hit Winx Club franchise, announces the upcoming release of the new animated series Mermaid Magic, coming to screen through Netflix worldwide this August. The producers promise high-budget production and top artistic talent on display as the show takes viewers into a visually stunning oceanic world.
LEGO hits the gas on Formula One with new Aston Martin set. The LEGO Group has expanded its Formula One (F1) building set offerings with the release of its latest, a double pack featuring the podium-finishing AMR23 race car and the Aston Martin Vantage Safety Car. Featuring a striking green color and design details like the...
Cobi announces new Lancaster Bomber. Cobi has announced the release of the most famous and successful RAF heavy bomber of WWII, the Avro Lancaster. This British aircraft was a four-engine strategic bomber that was used in the Second World War, mostly as a night time bomber. Over 7,377 were built, and over 1m people worked on the project.
‘Tetris’ celebrates 40 years of block-stacking with new licensing partnerships. The classic game Tetris is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a full lineup of licensing partnerships. Tetris and Rubik’s Cube will celebrate anniversaries together with a co-branded Rubik’s Cube from Spin Master. A Tetris co-branded World’s Smallest Rubik’s Cube from Super Impulse will hit collection shelves as well.
LEGO reveals new ‘Gabby’s Dollhouse’ sets. LEGO is expanding its lineup of Gabby’s Dollhouse construction sets with three new builds, each designed for builders ages 4 and up. The LEGO Crafting with Baby Box set ($14.99) is perfect for little artists. The 60-piece set features Gabby’s art studio, where she and Baby Box have everything they need to create epic artwork.
Panini, Professional Fighters League partner to produce PFL trading cards. The partnership will also result in PFL NFTs. The sports trading card category is getting a new addition: Panini America has inked a multiyear sports trading card partnership with Professional Fighters League (PFL). Besides trading cards, the partnership will also result in digital collectibles like Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs).
People of Play
Julien Sharp is a board game inventor and industry executive who moved to Minnesota in 2022 to head up the U.S. division of Paris-based Asmodee Group, with a portfolio that includes CATAN, Spot it!, Ticket to Ride, and Star Wars Unlimited. Despite the popularity of video games, the board game industry is also in growth mode—particularly with adults seeking hobbies, recreational and party games. The $13 billion board ...
Doug Murphy has stepped down as president and CEO of Corus Entertainment, announcing his early retirement from the Toronto-based company. Murphy originally joined its Nelvana subsidiary in 2003 as EVP of business development. He spent the next 12 years moving up and branching out in the company, serving as president of Corus Kids Television for a time (2008 to 2010) before eventually taking on the top...
Spain’s DeAPlaneta Entertainment has bolstered its kids & family team with Gianluca Ferrara newly installed as its first head of Italy and international toys. He’s spearheading consumer products strategy and marketing initiatives for DeAPlaneta brands including Milo, Maya the Bee, Monster Shaker and Hero Inside, working closely with international consumer products director Antonella Ceraso.
WSJ - Inside Disney’s ‘Area 51,’ Where Lightsabers and Other Tech Are Invented. Disney’s most prolific inventor, Lanny Smoot, is behind some of the company’s most advanced tech, from “Star Wars” lightsabers to “magic” floors. Disney’s long-secretive R&D lab helps build creations that are crucial to Disney’s $60 billion investment in the division that includes its theme parks.
*** The above posted after tBR circulated on June 14th ***
Moose Toys Welcomes 4 Senior Leadership Members: John Coyne, Craig Drobis, Deirdre Cross, and Stephen Davis. "Our evolved structure is now fully in place to unlock the next phase of our strategic plan. These four extraordinarily accomplished thought leaders have joined the Moose team to supercharge our strategy for sustainable, long term transformational growth." - Ronnie Frankowski, Global President, Moose Toys.
ICV2 INTERVIEW: ANDREWS MCMEEL VP & ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER, BETTY WONG. On Picking and Publishing Webtoons - Andrews McMeel is a longtime publisher of newspaper strips and webcomics, so webtoons were a logical next step, says Betty Wong, Andrews McMeel VP and Associate Publisher, Books.
Industry legend Adina Pitt is set to move on from WBD. Known and respected throughout the kids media community for her commitment to fostering independent producers and opening doors for literally everyone, Pitt is looking forward to exploring new opportunities. She is widely regarded as one of the kids content industry’s most influential and supportive content buyers, with a special gift for fostering...
Meet the 59-year-old Barbie ‘dealer’ whose hustle has netted $2 million in sales. When Bruce Zalkin, a 59-year-old New York native who has lived in Florida since 1976, looks at even the earliest editions of the original 1959 Barbie, he can detect subtle variations that differentiate a doll worth thousands of dollars and one worth pennies.
Sebastien Rossi has been promoted from head of CG to creative director of Gaumont Animation’s kids & family division in advance of Annecy, where the team will be introducing four new comedy series for viewers ages six to 11. Gaumont has reteamed with Scholastic Entertainment to co-produce Fortune Falls, a book-based concept set in a town where people let luck determine everything in their lives.
Seasoned animation producer Marcy Pritchard has joined Titmouse as VP of production. Based in NY, she’ll oversee day-to-day production on current series including Pupstruction and Kiff for Disney Branded TV, as well as managing client relationships, expanding the team and scouting for new projects. Pritchard has worked in the kids entertainment industry for more than 25 years, most recently as a consultant on...
Leila Loumi has left a senior director of global licensing position at Licensing Matters Global to join Banijay Rights as the company’s first-ever VP of licensing. Still based in London, Loumi reports to group director of licensing and merchandise David Christopher in her new role. Banijay Rights represents a content catalogue that boasts more than 180,000 hours of programming from in-house studios and third-party...
BBC Studios has tapped seasoned video game exec Marina Mello as its first global director of gaming and interactive experiences. In the newly created role, Mello will spearhead the development and execution of the company’s video game strategy globally, with an initial focus on building new titles for flagship brands Bluey, BBC Earth and Doctor Who.
Elf Labs welcomes Alyse Rosenberg as Senior Vice President of Content. Elf Labs has named Alyse Rosenberg as its new Senior Vice President of Content ahead of the transmedia company’s first full animated series premiere. Rosenberg boasts a rich background of entertainment credits. She helped create, write, direct, and executive produce the series Ready or Not (Showtime/Disney Channel).
Mediawan, ZAG welcome Andy Yeatman as CEO of Miraculous Corp. and Global Operations. Miraculous Corp. is a joint venture between ZAG and Mediawan, focused on the Miraculous brand. In his new role, Yeatman will report to Miraculous Corp. Board Chairman Pierre-Antoine Capton, as well as work with board member and major shareholder Jeremy Zag. Yeatman will head U.S. and international business operations for …
Thames and Kosmos UK announces new hire. Thames and Kosmos UK has announced the appointment of Andrew Morris to the new post of national account manager. After having spent 16 years as area sales manager for Galt Toys, Andrew Morris will be well known to many. With his years of expertise, friendly manner and extensive knowledge of the toy trade, he is set to be a valuable asset...
Razor welcomes Erica Buxton as new president. Buxton brings more than 15 years of experience in consumer products, retail, and more. Erica Buxton is returning to Razor as its new President. She will report to Founder and CEO Carlton Calvin. Prior to her latest appointment at Razor, Buxton served as the President and CEO of Hello Bello for three years.
Rubies appoints new head of Trade Sales. Rubies has announced the appointment of Luke Short as its new head of Trade Sales. With a successful background in business development and sales strategies within the competitive Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, Luke comes to Rubies from an impressive career at major brands and competitors.
Companies and Brands
Wizards of the Coast revealed the Dungeons & Dragons 2024 lineup, which begins releasing in Fall 2024. Some of these releases were teased back in February 2024 (see "2024-25 Deets and Dates"). On September 17, 2024, the first two products for D&D 2024 will hit FLGS shelves. The 2024 Player's Handbook and the 2024 Character Sheets will be the first items out. This now larger Player's Handbook...
Hasbro is opening two locations with different concepts in NJ. The Game Room Powered by Hasbro and Planet Playskool. The Game Room Powered by Hasbro, at the American Dream Mall in East Ruthorford, will include 41,500 square feet of arcade games, attractions, retail, and dining, according to Chain Store Age. Planet Playskool, at Garden State Plaza in Paramus, is a 20,000-square foot venue featuring play activites...
An Exclusive Look Inside the Lego Group's Super Secret Lab Dreaming Up the Future of PlayHow Creative Play Lab's unconventional team of creatives are using technology to reimagine play five to 10 years in the future. I spoke with Tom Donaldson, the Lego Group's SVP and head of Creative Play Lab, along with Sam Coates, the head of interactive innovation, at the co's headquarters in Billund, Denmark...
*** The above posted after June 14th when tBR circulated ***
Bob Iger Touts “Richly Immersive Experiences,” Cuts Ribbon on $2B Tokyo Disney Resort Expansion. Spanning 1.5 million square feet, the flagship Fantasy Springs addition to the Tokyo DisneySea theme park features new areas inspired by 'Frozen,' 'Tangled' and 'Peter Pan.' It’s also the largest addition in Japan since the Tokyo resort opened over 40 years ago as Disney’s first major international destination.
Wild Sun Sky Entertainment, the kid’s multimedia company, has created an Advisory Board for Future Chicken, an initiative that discusses climate change for children through an animated universe. The Advisory Board will support the growth of Future Chicken — which is a joint project between Wind Sun Sky Entertainment and the Ontario Water Centre/ClearWater Farm — and provide guidance.
Wizards of the Coast announces new Digital Sensation set. Wizards of the Coast has announced the second set in its collaboration with global digital superstar Hatsune Miku: Secret Lair × Hatsune Miku: Digital Sensation. Following the Sakura Superstar set from the Spring Superdrop, Secret Lair × Hatsune Miku: Digital Sensation will be available through the Summer Superdrop 2024 event...
Dolphin Hat Games will release 'Wild Wild Taco' into hobby retail; follow up game to ' Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza'. Dolphin Hat Games will release Wild Wild Taco, a new card game, into retail in July 2024. Wild Wild Taco is a follow-up to the hit Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza game. The new game contains special action cards from the original, and adds news characters and all-new rules.
Battat unveils new Walmart-exclusive preschool toys. This new lineup features pretend play, interactive toys, and more. Battat’s latest collection of preschool toys will be available this summer exclusively at Walmart. The collection of toys features preschool and pretend play toys that are sure to join Battat’s collection of classic toys.
IMC Toys is expanding into a new product category with the launch of two new games: Camera Escape and Truth Detector. IMC Toys is known for brands such as Cry Babies, VIP Hair Makeover Dolls, and more. The company is expanding outside of the dolls category as it enters into the world of games. Camera Escape challenges players to sneak up to and disconnect the included high-tech sensor without being spotted.
Farplace Games has seen strong sales of its Woof Days, Cat Days and Dino Days games, with 1,500 sold at the UK Games Expo alone. Reflecting on the sales success of Farplace Games, Gareth Edwards, CEO/creator, said: “We are delighted by the reception the games have had at UK Games Expo and we already have enquiries about licensing the games in other countries. There is a clear demand for affordable...
Maped gets animated with new creative kits. Maped has unveiled two new innovative products, uniquely designed to bring children’s creations to life. The Maped Creativ Animaker Flash Set and Maped Creativ Animaker Flip Set are two kits that aim to truly capture children’s imaginations as the free Animaker application transforms their drawings into cartoons.
Devir Games will release 'Planta Nubo' into U.S. retail. Devir Games will release Planta Nubo, a Eurogame by The Game Builders, into U.S. retail in October 2024. In this game, created by reknowned designers Michael Keller, Andreas "Ode" Odendahl, and Uwe Rosenberg, players ascend to cloudy gardens of the Arbors to grow energy-rich flowers and plants in cloudy gardens.
Relatable, Almost Friday Media launch Almost Friday adult drinking game. Relatable launched a new adult drinking game, made in partnership with Almost Friday Media, which is known for its social media lifestyle and beer brand Friday Beers. The Almost Friday game comes at a time when kidults continue to influence the market, as Circana reports that consumers ages 18 and up contributed more than $1.5 billion...
Bedtime Buddies: Douglas launches holiday-themed PJ Crew and PJ Pals plush. The new plush will be available in early September. New holiday plush from Douglas is on the way! Known for its wide variety of plush, Douglas has everything from beloved animals to mythical creatures. The company is getting ready for another wave of releases with some additions to its PJ Crew and PJ Pals lines.
Toikido cracks Bad Egg Co. digital collectibles. Toikido says it is ‘poised to redefine digital culture’ with the launch of its Bad Egg Co. digital collectibles. Rooted in the vibrant streets of New Yolk City’s Sunnyside borough, Bad Egg Co. is a rebellious brand that celebrates skateboarding culture and embraces the spirit of adventure and camaraderie.
Wizards of the Coast launches Avalon Hill game nights: New pilot program for WPN stores; increases distribution support. Wizards of the Coast launched Avalon Hill Game Nights, a new pilot program for WPN organized play. Avalon Hill Game Nights program offers up OP events for select Avalon Hill lines to WPN stores.
Two New 'Pokemon TCG: Deluxe Battle Decks' head to retail. The Pokemon Company International will release two new Pokemon TCG: Deluxe Battle Decks, featuring Miraidon ex and Koraidon ex, which will hit retail on August 23, 2024. These ready to play 60-card Deluxe Battle Decks offer players that are ready to scale up to the competitive level more advanced strategies and additional power cards to work with.
Games Workshop announces new 'Warhammer Age of Sigmar 4E' release date. Games Workshop announced Skaventide's release date, a new boxed set for Warhammer Age of Sigmar. Skaventide, which contains the new Warhammer Age of Sigmar 4E Core Book, will hit preorder on June 29, 2024 and be released on July 13, 2024.
Hape partners with Canspan BMG. Canspan will market Hape’s fall and holiday 2024 products. Hape Toys and Canspan BMG are teaming up to promote Hape’s sustainable toys for preschoolers and babies for the second half of the year. The partnership will feature paid digital and social media campaigns, influencer programs, new content, and creative development.
Nerf reveals N Series Line. Hasbro’s Nerf is unleashing the next evolution in foam dart blasting with Nerf N Series blasters and N1 darts. Hitting stores this month, the Nerf N Series collection will debut with the Infinite, Pinpoint, Agility, Ward and Gear Up Pack blasters, along with the N1 Darts.
Tesco launches online Marketplace. The supermarket claims the new online Marketplace will make Tesco.com a one-stop shop for everything customers need, including toys. Tesco has launched an online Marketplace enabling customers to shop for third-party products online. The Marketplace platform has launched with 9,000 products listed across DIY, garden, homeware, pet care and toys.
'L5r: River of Gold' board game heads to retail. Office Dog will release Legend of the Five Rings: River of Gold, a new fantasy worker placement game, into retail on August 2, 2024. In this game, players travel through Rokugan as a merchant delivering goods for their clan. On behalf of their clan, they will invest in trade ports, markets, and shrines as well as gain influence with manor houses as they deliver contracts.
'Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG' duelists experience 'Rage of the Abyss': new core booster set makes a splash with Water themes. Konami Digital Entertainment will release Rage of the Abyss, a new core booster set for Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG, which will hit stores on October 11, 2024. Rage of the Abyss adds brand-new cards that revitalize classic themes and create new strategies.
Gaming: Digital, Video, Hardware, and Development
LEGO to release ‘Horizon Adventures’ this Holiday season. The game will be available on PC, PS5, and Nintendo Switch. The LEGO Group is unleashing an action adventure game this upcoming holiday season: LEGO Horizon Adventures. Based on Guerilla Games’ Horizon Zero Dawn and co-developed by Studio Gobo, LEGO Horizon Adventures brings players into the same world, visually recreated in LEGO style.
Elden Ring tops 25 million in players and sales ahead of expansion launch. FromSoftware has revealed that Elden Ring has crossed a new sales milestone of over 25 million copies. Just a few months ago, in February, on the day of its two-year anniversary, it had sold 23 million units. The fantasy RPG has been a consistently strong seller since its launch in 2022.
Gearbox is officially out from under Embracer Group. The Borderlands developer has found a new home under the Take-Two banner. Gearbox Entertainment is no longer an Embracer studio. The Swedish conglomerate has confirmed its deal to sell the bulk of Gearbox to Take-Two Interactive has been completed.
Sumo Group cuts 15 percent of staff across Canada, Poland, and more. The company's layoffs come just days after subsidiaries like Sumo Digital and Secret Mode announced the new projects they were working on. Timbre Games, a subsidiary under Sumo Group, has been closed down entirely.
Highlighted Press Releases
PARENTS & RETAILERS SAY G’DAY TO MICADOR FROM DOWN UNDER TO DOWNTOWN. Creativity Brand Encourages Tots To Teens To Explore Their Artful Side With Catalog Of Colorful Products From Early stART & Micador jR. To Dark Arts. Melbourne, Australia (June 17, 2024) – Shoppers and shopkeepers are adding some color to their toy shelf with Micador — Australia’s favorite art, craft, toys and DIY products. Amazon fans can find everything in stock, ready to ship, to stateside addresses.
*** The above posted after June 14th ***
Imagination Playground received a bronze medal in an international playground design competition held by A’Design. The award-winning design was Imagination Playground’s Big Blue Blocks Transportation Set. The Transportation Set is the newest creation by Imagination Playground. This innovative play system is made from a proprietary, durable foam and introduces new block shapes, like various designs...
Safety and Counterfeiting
New EU rules on toy safety move a step closer. The Council of the EU has adopted its position (negotiating mandate) on the toy safety regulation that updates the rules to protect children from risks related to the use of toys. While the current legislation makes EU toy safety rules among the strictest in the world, the proposed legislation aims to increase protection from harmful chemicals (e.g. endocrine disruptors)...
Associations, Foundations, Shows, Awards, Events, and Festivals
MIPJUNIOR has opened the call for entries for the 2024 MIPJUNIOR PITCH, to be staged live at the int'l kids screenings & co-production market (Oct 19-20, 2024) in Cannes. Last year’s Pitch (targeting 6-to-12 year-olds) attracted over 120 submissions from 35 countries before being won by The Adventures of Team Pom from Canada’s Wind Sun Sky Entertainment. This year’s competition focuses on the preschool market...
Family feature Flow wins four big prizes at Annecy 2024. This feline-centric CG-animated pic took home the prestigious Jury Award and Audience Award to close out last week's annual animation fest. Produced by Dream Well (Latvia), Sacrebleu Productions (France) and Take Five (Belgium), Flow revolves around a cat who escapes a great flood on a boat with several other animals. The buzzy film is slated to launch...
*** The above posted after June 14th ***
The Toy Foundation celebrates International Day of Play. Today is the first International Day of Play, and The Toy Association and The Toy Foundation are celebrating the new holiday with donations, guidance, and more. The Toy Association is utilizing its philanthropic arm, The Toy Foundation, to oversee the donation of toys and games to more than 75,000 children across the U.S., with a total value of $900,000.
The nominees for the Spiel des Jahres, the German "Game of the Year," were unveiled alongside nominations for the Kennerspiel des Jahres and Kinderspiel des Jahres. The nominations and recommended titles were announced via YouTube by members of the jury. Nominees for Spiel des Jahres were as follows...
Returning for its seventh run, this year’s The Big Christmas Press Show takes place on Wednesday, 11th September at the Business Design Centre, Islington, between 9:00am and 6:00pm. The show provides an exclusive opportunity to discover the most coveted Christmas products and gifts, network with industry leaders and find out what will be on everyone’s wishlist this year.
Reflections on Prix Jeunesse 2024. Dubit’s David Kleeman on this year’s diverse prize winners and the importance of immersing ourselves in unique content. 2024 marked the 60th anniversary of international children’s television festival Prix Jeunesse. To say that the industry has changed since its inception is the greatest understatement of all time. In 1964, limited channels meant children’s content had...
SPIEL Essen organizers have announced that they have sold out of exhibitor space for their 2024 convention, which will happen from October 3-6, 2024. This is the first time that SPIEL Essen will fill six exhibition halls at the Merz Verlag with exhibitors. The additional booth space sales have been attributed to exhibitors wanting more space for their booths and more new publishers buying space.
With 48 days to go until the opening ceremony for the Paris 2024 Olympics, France Licensing Day has announced its Olympics keynote for this year’s event. Edouard Bardon, Licensing and Retail director, Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and Bruno Schwobthaler, CEO, Licensing for Growth, will present Sporting Events and Licensing: The Keys to Success, a retrospective of the Paris 2024 licensing programme...
Just Play to return to MCM Comic Con London. Following the successful showcase of its Disney Doorables, Star Wars Doorables, Inside Out 2 and Stitch product lines at MCM Comic Con London this May, Just Play has announced it will return to the convention this October with an even fuller range of products for show-goers to discover.
Yu-Gi-Oh! UK National Championship begins on 14th June. The Yu-Gi-Oh! World Championship Qualifier (WCQ) season is reaching its exciting climax, with two months of crucial Yu-Gi-Oh! National Championships ahead of the all-important European WCQ in July. This includes the Yu-Gi-Oh! UK National Championship, scheduled for the 14th-16th June in the NEC Birmingham.
Cheatwell Games wins People’s Choice Award at UK Games Expo. Cheatwell Games has announced that its new card game Skullduggery has won the People’s Choice Award for Best General Card Game at the UK Games Expo 2024. The UK Games Expo, held annually, is the largest hobby games convention in the UK and one of the largest in Europe, attracting tens of thousands of enthusiasts, designers and publishers.
Finalists for 2024 Diana Jones Award announced. The Diana Jones Award committee announced its 2024 finalists. The five finalists for this year's award all exemplify "excellence" in the games industry in their own unique ways. The Diana Jones Award for Excellence in Gaming is awarded to "...a game system or supplement, a magazine, a company, a designer, an event or convention, or any other entity....
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
Clive Wooster. Toy World is very sad to report that Clive Wooster passed away unexpectedly at home on Saturday, 18th May, with his beloved wife Heather by his side. Friend and colleague, Nikki Jeffery, shared that Clive Ralph Wooster, who passed away at the age of 69, dedicated his entire career to the toy industry, beginning at Fisher Price where he spent several years honing his skills – and sales patter. His career saw him taking on various influential roles in sales. In the 90s, Clive ran The First Years until RC2/Learning Curve acquired it in 2004, when he became managing director. He continued to lead during periods of significant change and oversaw the European transition into Tomy when it acquired RC2 in 2011. Clive later chose to join smaller, close-knit companies, enjoying many fulfilling years as a country manager for Famosa and more recently, working with Geomagworld. In January this year, he decided to step back to spend more time with his family and further pursue his passion for motor racing. Well-known within the industry for his kindness, humour and endless stories, Clive’s presence ensured that any room was filled with laughter and conversation. He was approachable and always willing to help. Clive inspired many through his mentorship and formed strong relationships with colleagues across the companies he worked for over the years. Many from his First Years and RC2 days remained close friends and will miss him dearly.
Salvatore Anthony Mucaro of Fernandina Beach FL passed away peacefully on May 16, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and cherished memories. Salvatore was born in The Bronx, NY to Nicola Mucciacciaro and Christina Mucciacciaro (Nee DiMangano) on December 13th, 1934. He was the middle child of the family, and loved his two siblings, older sister Maria (McGuckin)and younger brother Mario Mucaro and their families dearly. Some of Salvatore's favorite childhood hobbies included building balsa wood model airplanes, playing street hockey and stick ball and racing pigeons. Salvatore worked in the toy industry from 1967 until his semi-retirement in 2010. He worked for such noteworthy companies as Remco Toys, Aurora Products Corporation, Mego Toy Corp., Ideal Toy Corp. and Coleco Toys, before starting his own development company Studio Geppetto with longtime friend and coworker John MacNett. He has several toy design patents and designed several successful toys in his long career as a package designer and toy designer.
Shelly Morick - former Mattel sales executive. December 21st, 1937 - May 7th, 2024.
Worldwide Magazines Weekly Top Stories
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Toy Trade Monthly Issues
Adventure Media & Events (US)
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Have You Submitted for The Toy Book's LA Fall Preview Issue & Directory? (The Toy Book)
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Exclusive: Hasbro Makes a Splash with All-New Toy Brand, Hydro Pods! (The Toy Insider)
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LEGO Launches LEGO Icons Transformers Bumblebee Set (The Toy Book)
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Rawlings’ Grateful Dead Baseball Gloves Are a Psychedelic Home Run (The Pop Insider)
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Relatable, Almost Friday Media Launch Almost Friday Adult Drinking Game (The Toy Book)
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IMC Toys Enters Games Category with 2 New Releases (The Toy Book)
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MotorTrend Celebrates 75th Anniversary with New Matchbox Die-Cast (The Toy Book)
aNb Media (US)
Toyworld (UK)
Licensing.biz Powered by Toyworld
ICv2: The Business of Geek Culture (US)
- Wizards of the Coast Bans 'Modern Horizons 3' Card Ahead of Its Release
- Wizards of the Coast Launches Avalon Hill Game Nights
- Games Workshop Announces New 'Warhammer Age of Sigmar 4E' Release Date
- Spiel Des Jahres 2024 Nominees Unveiled
- Ravensburger Announces Fifth 'Disney Lorcana' Set
- Adults Now Largest Segment for Toys
- Punish Dice That Make Poor Rolls When It Counts
- GameStop Reports Early – Worse than Expected
- Spiel Essen 2024 Sells Out Exhibitor Space
- Rolling for Initiative -- ASTRA Marketplace and Academy
Nación Juguetes (Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Chile & Spain)
Global Toy News
The Bugg Report (Australia)
The Toy Universe (Australia)
hobbyDB
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From the Cool to the Quirky, Collectible Collaborations from Lego to Lancome
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Behind the Lens with Chris Jones, Toy Photography of Funko, Youtooz and Beyond
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Video of the Week
Pharrell 🤝 Lego Watch the trailer for PIECE BY PIECE, a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience about one of music's most innovative minds.
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