Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!
(Not so) Happy Bloomin' Friday!
I wish I had something impactful or comforting to say about the events this week, but I'm coming up short. The news about tariffs on toys adds yet another layer of uncertainty to an already complex landscape. It's frustrating, and frankly, disheartening—especially for those of us who care deeply about creativity, innovation, and bringing joy to kids through play. All we can do now is stay informed, support one another, and continue advocating for the value and importance of our industry.
Thank you for reading the Bloom Report here or on the Bloom Report 24/7 News Feed! Please support our work by advertising and/or setting up a POP profile.
Mary and the POP Team
Bloom Report Subscribers Say...
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Throwback Friday - The 2024 Top POP/TBR Article is from 2022! 60 Years of Dreams: A Comprehensive Overview of Barbie’s Dreamhouses by Rana Schenke.
2022 marks 60 years since Barbie moved into a place just as fabulous as she is — her first Dreamhouse! Over the past 60 years, Barbie’s Dreamhouse has transformed from a simple fold-out studio with cardboard furniture to a three-story abode with a pool, elevator and light and sound features.
Scroll through this article for an overview of the 20+ Dreamhouses Barbie has owned over the years! Read More...
(Note from Mary: Rana wrote this article when she was an intern with POP. Since then she worked at Fat Brain Toys and is now a Brand Manager at Spin Master. In 2024 the 2022 article received 31k unique readers and 98k events.)
POP Classifieds - Free and Easy
"I kept an eye on People of Play's Classifieds and now I work at TOMY!" -Jeff Hersheway, Digital Content Manager at TOMY International
Either post your job openings yourself (so easy!) to our POP Classifieds or send them to us to post for you. We all have colleagues looking now that would benefit.
You can also post IP and more to sell. We just posted a listing for US Utility Patent and Trademarks: MOGO.
If you are looking for someone with particular skills and expertise, use POP's Advanced Search to fine that person or company you need!
The Toy Foundation’s Play Fund Program Expected to Bring the Power of Play to 245,000 Children Undergoing Medical Treatment
$405,000 Has Been Granted to 23 Children’s Hospitals and Health Systems that Treat Under-Resourced Communities
The Toy Foundation™, the philanthropic arm of The Toy Association™, is proud to award $405,000 to 23 children’s hospitals and health systems to fund play projects that will help comfort pediatric patients during their medical journey. The funding will benefit more than 245,000 children in need, with a specific focus on hospitals that serve under-resourced communities nationwide, from coast to coast.
“Play is a key component of childhood. Having access to play in difficult situations, such as a hospital stay, can provide immense comfort and emotional benefits to pediatric patients as they receive treatment and heal,” said Pam Mastrota, executive director at The Toy Foundation. “We are proud that by the end of 2025, the collective impact of our Play Fund program will have provided the power of play to 825,000 children nationwide since 2021.” READ MORE...
Cartoon Lovers, Lexophiles & People in Need of a Smile!
Cartoon of the Week: Thank you to the anonymous person for the cartoon this week!
Memorable Quotes: "Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else." - Fred Rogers
Toy Industry Word of Day: If you can think of a toy/game industry word not in our POPDictionary, add it and we will connect it to you POP profile, feature it here in an upcoming week and on POP's homepage!
Have a cartoon, quote or a joke to share? Send it to me! Mary
Happiest of Birthdays to colleagues celebrating birthdays this past week!
Financial and Legal
Spin Master to upsize L.A. offices with move to Playa Vista. The parent of brands such as "Paw Patrol," Rubik’s Cube and Kinetic Sand is moving to The Collective creative office campus in Playa Vista.
Some details of the bidding in the Diamond Comic Distributor bankruptcy auction were revealed in filings over the past week, including in Alliance Entertainment's lawsuit asking the court to declare that its bid was the winner of the auction. There were seven qualified bidders at the auction, bidding on a variety of assets and asset combinations. One new bidder was revealed: toy company Basic Fun!, which bid $50 million...
Potential buyers line up for TikTok ahead of deadline. Amazon is among the last-minute bidders for the popular video-sharing app, which is facing a question of survival in the US. With a looming April 5 deadline for TikTok to spin off from its Chinese parent company ByteDance or face a possible ban in the US, more bidders are throwing their hat into the ring.
*** The above posted after tBR started circulating Aril 4th ***
The LEGO Group is suing a Dutch concrete mould manufacturer for using its brand name ‘in a way that leads to damage’. Betonblock’s website says its system of concrete block moulds is ‘similar to LEGO bricks’, drawing a line between the studs on top of LEGO elements and the studded system of its moulds, which ‘makes the blocks easy to stack’. The LEGO Group’s lawyer Jeroen Boelens argues this use infringes...
WHSmith is selling its UK high street business to Hobbycraft owner Modella Capital for £76m as it shifts its focus solely to its rapidly expanding travel retail division. The deal taking place later this year will see WHSmith‘s 480 high street stores, employing around 5,000 staff members, transitioning under Modella, with the current high street boss, Sean Toal, set to lead the newly formed retailer.
Resolution to Repeal Overdraft Fee Rule Passes Senate, Awaits House Vote. By a 52-48 vote, the Senate passed the joint resolution introduced by Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott of South Carolina, according to a roll call vote page on the Senate’s website.
Judge saves the CFPB, for now. A court took action on Friday to keep the Trump administration and its Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from shutting down a consumer watchdog agency while its court case plays out.
Auditors express growing concerns for fate of Toys R Us Australia. According to newly filed accounts to the Australian Securities Exchange, Toys R Us reported sales of $3.1m in the six months to the end of January – almost half of the $5.9m filed a year ago.
Trump Signs Executive Order Targeting Ticket Scalpers and Their Bots. The order directs the attorney general and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to ensure that laws are enforced in the concert and entertainment industry, for the FTC to “rigorously enforce” the Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act.
Trump's tariff gambit will raise the stakes for an economy already looking fragile. Consumers worry that the duties will spark another round of painful inflation, and investors are fretting that higher prices will mean lower profits and a tougher slog for the battered stock market.
TikTok creators, partners remain optimistic ahead of app’s second ban deadline. As TikTok nears another ban deadline, creators and firms say they believe the Chinese-owned app will remain in the U.S. They are, however, hedging their bets.
'Nowhere to absorb it': From consumer small business to big food, the Trump tariff cost warnings mount. President Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariffs on countries around the world will hit food and consumer businesses particularly hard, say CEOs in the sector.
China-US summit hopes fade as Trump goes hard on tariffs, Taiwan, upending detente. A series of provocative moves by President Donald Trump, paired with his renewed tariff war, are poised to escalate tensions with Beijing, dimming hopes for a summit between the Chinese and American leaders.
Walmart Reportedly Lobbying for Supplier Price Cuts as Tariffs Loom. The effort, the subject of a Bloomberg News report late Monday (April 1), is happening despite a recent summit between Walmart executives and the Chinese government to discuss the issue, and warnings of retaliation by Beijing.
Amazon submits bid for TikTok as ban deadline nears. The company sent its proposal in a letter this week to Vice President JD Vance and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, according to a source familiar with the matter who asked not to be named because the discussions are confidential.
Cali proposes cutting animation in on a bigger tax credit. Senate Bill 630 would increase the state’s production incentive to 35%, and animated films, series and shorts budgeted at US$1 million and up would qualify.
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Financial Reporting, Tariffs
TARIFFS WILL NOT APPLY TO BOOKS AND COMICS PRINTED IN ASIA. Comics and books printed in Asia are exempted from the new import taxes imposed by the U.S. government last week, according to the notice released by the White House with the announcement. As ICv2 columnist Scott Thorne pointed out in his column yesterday in reference to RPG books printed in Asia, "printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar....
*** The above posted after tBR circulated April 4th ***
Pop Mart released its financial report for 2024. The co continues to experience remarkable growth, with revenue surpassing 13 billion renminbi (RMB). This represents a year-on-year increase of 106.9%, along with an adjusted net profit of 4.4 billion RMB, up 185.9% compared to the previous year.
Toy Shares Sink After Trump Announces Reciprocal Tariffs. Shares of Mattel and Hasbro fell after President Trump unveiled a sweeping new tariff plan.
Trump to impose higher-than-expected tariffs, markets drop. President Donald Trump signed an aggressive and far-reaching “reciprocal tariff” policy at the White House.
Chinese consumer companies signal spending is picking up again. Chinese companies' latest earnings reports point to an improvement in spending, though it's not necessarily back to pre-pandemic levels.
Easter egg costs soar by up to 50% as some shrink. The consumer group says many chocolate treats have shot up in price while several have been hit by "shrinkflation".
Trump says he couldn't care less about higher car prices because of tariffs. Some analysts have warned that Trump's import charges could lead to the temporary shutdown of some US car production.
Markets mixed as investors brace for Trump tariffs. Shares in the US have bounced back, despite fears after President Donald Trump suggested he was planning import taxes that could hit "all countries".
UK expects to be affected by Trump tariffs - No 10. President Donald Trump said he plans to unveil a raft of new tariffs on 2 April, on top of a 25% levy on car and car parts which was already announced.
Meet the 'Dirty 15' countries that could be hit hardest by Trump's tariffs. President Donald Trump is about to announce his biggest batch of tariffs yet. Some trade partners will feel more pain than others.
As Trump readies reciprocal tariffs, economists say 'value-added taxes' aren't a trade barrier. "Value-added taxes" are a common type of consumption tax used worldwide. They don't create a trade disadvantage for the U.S., economists said.
Tariff whiplash triggers surge in fear-based shopping across U.S.. Consumer sentiment plunged in March, but fear-based spending is keeping retail sales numbers strong amid economic uncertainty.
Pop Mart 2024 Financial Reports Show Significant Growth. Pop Mart, a global leader in pop culture and entertainment products, has released its financial report for 2024.
Consumer spending during Q1 to shrink for first time since pandemic. Stockpiling ahead of potential tariff implementation on a wide range of consumer goods could lead to a pullback in goods spending later this year.
First-quarter GDP growth will be just 0.3% as tariffs stoke stagflation conditions. The report, averaging forecasts from 14 economists for GDP and inflation, sees first quarter growth at an anemic 0.3%.
Paint Pop celebrates strong Q1 with 68% growth. The strong performance of the Paint Pop brand follows the successful merger between Trends UK and Pat Avenue in October.
Tariffs will likely raise much less money than White House projects, economists say. White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said tariffs would raise $600-$700 billion a year. Economists say that's nearly impossible.
Trump's tariffs are expected to raise consumer prices, but a key question remains: By how much?. Economists find that prices across many categories could rise as a result.
Williams-Sonoma says tariffs present opportunity. Supply chain efficiencies and moving sourcing away from China are giving the home goods retailer a leg up.
How did the U.S. arrive at its tariff figures?. The White House Wednesday listed tariff rates for different countries. It didn't take long for market observers to try and reverse engineer the formula.
Treasury Secretary Bessent says market woes are more about tech stock sell-off than Trump's tariffs. Claims changes in the market are a sharp pullback in technology stocks instead of policies.
China urges U.S. to 'immediately' cancel reciprocal tariffs, vows countermeasures. U.S. President Donald Trump announced a baseline tariff of 10% on most imported goods from global trading partners.
EU preparing further countermeasures against U.S. tariffs if negotiations fail: EC President von der Leyen. Trump imposed 20% levies as he signed an aggressive “reciprocal tariff” policy.
'Absolutely nothing good' coming out of Trump's tariff announcement: Analysts react to latest U.S. levies. Analysts had a pessimistic take, with some even predicting an increased risk of a U.S. recession.
Trump's massive 46% Vietnam tariffs could hit Nike, American Eagle and Wayfair. The country became an alternative for furniture, apparel and toymakers trying to avoid U.S. trade tensions with Beijing.
Trump will 'buckle under pressure' if Europe bands together over tariffs, German economy minister says. Trump could change his trade policies if he comes under pressure from trading partners.
Commerce Secretary Lutnick says Trump's reciprocal tariffs will spur countries to examine their trade policies. Lutnick said this will push countries to reexamine policies and provide greater access for U.S. products.
China battles to stabilise yuan after Trump’s tariffs spark market upheaval. China’s central bank set the fixing rate for the yuan against the US dollar at its lowest level since January on Thursday.
‘Immense consequences’: Trump’s tariffs ignite worldwide backlash, global recession fears. Traditional American allies across Europe and Asia have criticised President Trump’s sweeping tariffs.
Will Trump’s tariffs start a global trade war?. What are the chances Trump will change his mind again and roll back on some of his announcements?
Global stocks slide as US tariffs hit markets. European shares open lower after falls in Asia, while the gold price hits another record high.
Trends, Lists, Market Research, and State of the Industry
3D-printing formula may transform future of foam.
*** the above posted after tBR circulated April 5th ***
With N.A. TCG sales slipping, miniatures were the largest hobby games category to show growth in 2024, from $570 million in 2023 to $580 in 2024... This follows a spectacular 2023, when miniatures sales were up 9%. Sales in the category remain up over 60% from sales in 2019.
Grown-ups are buying more toys than preschoolers — to the tune of $1 billion
REPORT: LEGO and Apple emerge as the favorite brands for U18s. Kidscorp's latest report shows LEGO as a favorite among kids, but teens age out of the brand to look for tech and fashion alternatives.
YouTube Now Worth as Much as $550 Billion, Analysts Say: ‘New King of All Media’. The Google-owned video giant is the “new king of all media,” according to an influential Wall Street research firm.
How toys for adults became a $7+ billion US industry. Adults are the world’s fastest-growing group of toy buyers. In the US alone, they’re spending over $7 billion a year on toys for themselves, like Lego, plush toys, Hot Wheels, Barbie dolls, and Sonny Angel figurines.
Construction Toys Market - Industry Trends and Forecast to 2032. The global construction toys market was valued at approximately USD 14.6 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 25.6 billion by 2032.
Toy Industry M&A Update: Exciting Acquisition Prospects from Global Toy Experts. The toy industry has experienced a dynamic merger and acquisitions (M&A) environment over the last year.
Stories, Comments, and Advice
Mike’s Tariff Update: Liberation Day and the Cratering of the Global Economy (April 8th). Yesterday, millions of people took to the streets across the country in over 1,400 “Hands Off” protests against Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s policies and intrusions throughout the federal government, our economy, and our culture. But I digress. It was just last Wednesday, April 2nd that Donald Trump announced another round...
GPI - April 2025 State of Freight. If you haven’t noticed the change yet, you probably haven’t imported or exported anything in the past month or so. There was a 20% tariff levied on China imports back in February, and now, April 2nd has brought an additional 34%. For most of our customers, this means that there is a 54% import tax on the goods you’re bringing to the US from China.
The video game industry at a crossroads. The video game industry is huge. Last year alone it generated an estimated $187 billion dollars in revenue. But it's also facing a host of serious issues: massive layoffs, the advent of A.I., games that take years to be released, and a schism between big and small developers. This week's Reporter's Notebook takes us inside this evolving industry with NPR's Vincent Acovino, who...
*** The above posted after tBR circulated on April 4th ***
John Baulch,Toy world - The public gets what the public wants … it’s the Friday Blog! It was a nice quiet spring week. The sun was shining (which should cheer outdoor suppliers up), the latest Pokémon launch had queues forming outside toy stores at the end of last week, Easter is rapidly approaching. So far, so good. And then…bam! So-called ‘Liberation Day’, which may as well have been called ‘global economic shock day.’
No batteries? Thinner packaging? US businesses look for ways to offset tariffs. Los Angeles-based toy company Abacus Brands Inc., which designs science kits and other educational toys, has most of its products made in China. By using slightly thinner paper in an 80-page project book that comes with two of its kits, the company expects to avert a $10 retail price increase, President Steve Rad said.
Minecraft is the world's best-selling computer game and soon to be a Hollywood film. This is why children can't get enough of it. AJ Minotti has three children – and they all love playing Minecraft. His twin girls aged 10 and his 6-year-old son are constantly building stuff with the endless supply of virtual blocks that fill the game. And Minotti, who works in marketing in Ohio, sometimes gets blown away with what they come up with.
How a Dungeons & Dragons livestream became a multiplatform media company. Critical Role, both the name of the show and the company, has expanded since its first episode in March 2015. Today it operates a production studio, a publishing arm, a gaming division, a streaming service, and a charity initiative.
OpenAI has a Studio Ghibli problem. When you can create art just by asking for it, what might you create? If you're anything like the internet these last few days, you’d create some lovely things: stylized family portraits, a thousand different looks for a meme, and some deeply horrifying ones.
Costco's not-so secret weapon: How Kirkland Signature is driving growth and profits. Costco went against industry standards in 1995 with the creation of its private label, Kirkland Signature. With $86 billion in sales last year, Kirkland is now a bigger brand than Proctor & Gamble and Kraft-Heinz.
Oh Baby! 18 Infant Toys to Stock the Shelves This Year. When stocking toys, gifts, and games for babies (and tired parents), retailers and industry leaders might lean on the key components of a baby-approved toy as parents often search the shelves for products with developmental benefits.
50 Fun Easter Toys for Kids’ Easter Baskets. If you’re not quite into stuffing your Easter baskets full of candy, we have you covered. We rounded up our top picks for Easter toys for kids, so those basket stuffers can offer a little bit more bang for your buck.
10 Tips for Effective Branding in the Toy Industry. Building a toy brand is all about sparking joy and capturing imaginations! To make a real impact, you need to know your audience—what makes kids light up with excitement and what gives parents peace of mind.
Cuddl, LLC launches STEMKidsWorld.com to Inspire Young Minds with Curated STEM Activities. Cuddl, LLC proudly announces the launch of STEMKidsWorld.com, a platform designed to inspire young minds through engaging STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education.
New Study Shatters Stereotypes About Gamers and Advertising Preferences. A new audio brand lift study by leading audio research and analytics platform Veritonic, in partnership with Audiomob, reveals insights that challenge outdated assumptions about mobile gamers and their advertising preferences.
Never too old to play -- China's toy industry reinvents itself for seniors. Guan Weijiang, a veteran children's toy merchant based in east China's Yiwu for over a decade, is fielding surging online orders this year, not from children, but a surprising customer cohort: seniors.
The NaNoWriMo organization is shutting down. NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) is shutting down after more than 20 years of hosting its annual challenge for writers. The nonprofit organization explains that it can no longer continue “after years of financial struggles.”
A bumper spring for Smoby outdoor toys. The Smoby brand will reach millions this spring as Simba Smoby UK’s heavyweight marketing programme kicks into gear, with celebrity ambassadors and a partnership with the Eureka Science + Discovery Museum.
Exclusive: the rise of Speed Puzzling. Rachael Simpson-Jones spoke to Ravensburger’s Katy Fletcher, head of Marketing and Product Development, and Anneka Thompson, founder of the UK Jigsaw Puzzle Association, to learn about the sport of Speed Puzzling.
Exclusive: Playtime PR on Libraries Board Game Club. Toy World spoke with Playtime’s Ceriann Smith and Selina Dangerfield to find out more about the Libraries Board Game Club and what’s on the cards for wave three.
Discover the creative stories of Hong Kong art toy designers. As a highlight of the Thailand Toy Expo 2025, Hong Kong Art Toy Story 2025 brings over 300 unique art toys from Hong Kong artists to showcase at the Dazzle zone, 1st floor of CentralWorld, from today to Sunday.
History and Nostalgia
Original E.T. model from 1982 sci-fi classic film up for auction. An original E.T. model from the 1982 film is up for auction along with other items from classic horror, science fiction, and fantasy films.
Major Matt Mason Space Station from Mattel (1966). Released in 1966 from Mattel, the Major Matt Mason playset jettisoned children's imaginations into outer space where they could dream of exploring uncharted realms.
Chewbacca’s Bowcaster From ‘Star Wars’ Sells for $768,000, ‘Ghostbusters’ Ghost Trap Fetches $327K. The item was one of 450 items for bidding by Propstore, a memorabilia company, at its Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction in Los Angeles.
Fang Bang from Milton Bradley (1967). The “indoor-outdoor fast action game” pitted two to four players role-playing as witch doctors in a duel to the death. And by death, we mean popping the other players’ balloons using a balloon snake “sword.”
JAWS 50th Anniversary Collection from NECA. What better way to commemorate the milestone than with the new JAWS 50th Anniversary Collection from NECA? Featuring meticulously engineered collectibles and nostalgic throwbacks, this assortment is sure to have you searching for a bigger shelf!
Licensing and Entertainment
'Avengers: Doomsday' Release Date, Cast, Plot, And More For the Marvel Movie. The world needs the Avengers now more than ever. Marvel hit an arguable peak with Avengers: Endgame, which broke box office records and thrilled fans the world over.
#Hasbro Reveals First Wave of Toys Based on Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts* and MORE #MarvelLegends. Hasbro kicks off the month of April with the hottest new product reveals for the popular Marvel Legends Series line!
AMC bets on premium screens as Hollywood slate boasts big blockbuster titles. The world’s largest cinema chain is adding 40 Dolby Cinema theaters to its U.S.-based AMC locations through the end of 2027. It marks a 25% increase in the number of the branded premium screens, making a total of over 200.
At long last, scrapped Looney Tunes movie Coyote vs. Acme will hit theaters. Ketchup Entertainment, the company that brought The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie, has acquired the rights to Coyote vs. Acme, and plans to bring the live-action/animated comedy to theaters.
GLAAD honors kids shows from Netflix and Nickelodeon. Netflix shows scored two wins in the kids & family category at the 36th annual GLAAD Media Awards last night in LA, honoring the best LGBTQ representations in media over the past year.
The BBC outlines its annual plan for 2025/2026. In its newly released annual plan for 2025/2026, the BBC is gearing up to put a number of new strategies in motion as it seeks to tackle “an unprecedented content funding challenge” amid an ongoing decline in global co-productions.
China Box Office: ‘Ne Zha 2’ Stays on Top as Jason Statham’s ‘A Working Man’ Opens Quietly. China’s box office wrapped up March with a relatively quiet weekend, led once again by Cococartoon’s animated juggernaut “Ne Zha 2,” which grossed RMB62.2 million ($8.6 million).
Max, Formerly Known as HBO Max, Launches New Black-and-White Logo and Color Palette, Evoking HBO Branding. It’s not HBO, it’s Max — but the new standalone logo for Warner Bros. Discovery’s streamer now certainly looks like HBO’s at a glance.
Studio Ghibli Distributor Champions ‘Princess Mononoke’ Box Office at ‘A Time When Technology Tries to Replicate Humanity. Gkids, the North American distributor for Studio Ghibli films, is using a statement about the box office for a “Princess Mononoke” re-release to perhaps make an oblique commentary on the recent release of an AI tool that replicates the style of the animation studio.
Cake signs deal with BBC for Talking Tom Heroes: Suddenly Super. Talking Tom Heroes: Suddenly Super brings the Talking Tom & Friends characters into an exciting new world in a superpowered twist on the global brand.
Hasbro Reveals New Licensed Games. New versions of Hasbro game classics Monopoly (featuring How To Train Your Dragon), Guess Who? (featuring Harry Potter) and The Game of Life (featuring Barbie) editions have been revealed.
Craft Buddy Unveils Disney Crystal Art Pin Badges. Craft Buddy has announced the launch of its latest innovation, Disney Crystal Art Pin Badges, designed and developed in-house by its product development and creative hub.
Maurizio Distefano Licensing Announces Expansion to “Bluey” Licensing Program in Italy. Maurizio Distefano Licensing, the Italian agent for the BBC Studios’ property “Bluey,” has announced that it is continuing to grow the “Bluey” licensing program in the country.
Mattel and Dark Horse Comics Unleash New ‘Masters of the Universe: Andra’ One-Shot Comic. Mattel, in collaboration with Dark Horse Comics, unveiled the new “Masters of the Universe: Andra” one-shot, an oversized comic issue highlighting Lieutenant Andra.
Funko Reveals Figures from BookTok Sensation ‘Powerless’. Funko announced the launch of two Pop! figures inspired by characters, Paedyn Gray and Kai Azer, from Lauren Roberts’ No. 1 New York Times bestselling “Powerless” trilogy.
Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse swings into theaters in 2027. Though Sony’s initial plans to release Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse in 2024 didn’t quite work out, the film finally has a new premiere date that seems like it will stick.
Neopets Expands Its Universe with Evolution Partnership. Neopets has partnered with Evolution, a licensing agency. Evolution will enhance brand recognition and global licensing opportunities with high-profile collaborations and market expansion.
Celebrities, media and retailers enjoy exclusive screening of Sylvanian Families The Movie. The movie was met with praise from guests, and takes place in the village of Sylvania, following Freya as she tackles two tasks for the Star Festival.
Peppa Meets the Baby Cinema Experience to arrive this May. Mummy Pig’s pregnancy announcement marks the beginning of a transformational era for the Peppa Pig brand that will continue with new content across entertainment and retail.
Nacelle Gives First Looks at New ‘Star Trek’ Figures, ‘Biker Mice from Mars’ Series at WonderCon. Two significant announcements came from Nacelle — details about the upcoming Biker Mice from Mars animated series and a new wave of Star Trek action figures.
Families Can Sneak a Peek at Universal’s Latest Theme Park without Traveling. Universal Orlando Resort’s fourth theme park, Epic Universe, is almost here! Not everyone can snag an opening-day ticket, so Universal is hitting the road to bring the park’s high-flying action right to kids’ backyards!
Tom Holland Reveals ‘Spider-Man 4’ Movie Title Is ‘Brand New Day’. Tom Holland‘s Spider-Man 4 is untitled no longer. The star appeared in a video clip to announce that the film is titled Spider-Man: Brand New Day, set to hit theaters July 31, 2026.
Keanu Reeves Set for ‘John Wick 5’ as Franchise Expands With Animated Prequel Film, Donnie Yen-Directed Caine Spinoff. Get ready for more “John Wick.” Keanu Reeves is returning for “John Wick 5” as the nunchuck-wielding hitman, Lionsgate announced at CinemaCon on Tuesday morning.
Jason Blum Reveals ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ Trailer in Full Costume. At CinemaCon on Wednesday, the producer was dressed head-to-toe in a get-up resembling one worn by the murderous animatronic figures in the franchise that adapts the popular video game series.
Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo Reveal First ‘Wicked: For Good’ Footage as Dorothy Makes Debut. Theater owners attending Universal's presentation in Las Vegas are the first members of the public to get a glimpse of the continuing story of the Witches of Oz.
Kristen Wiig & Gloria Estefan Join ‘Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie’. DreamWorks Animation president Margie Cohn unveiled the news during Universal’s CinemaCon presentation Wednesday afternoon.
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People of Play
The true story of Tetris: An interview with Henk Rogers. And the true story of Tetris so closely resembles a Cold War spy thriller that Hollywood actually made a movie about it. At the center of that story is Henk Rogers — the man who ventured behind the Iron Curtain to meet the game's inventor, and negotiated a deal with the Soviet government to bring Tetris to Japan and the rest of the world.
Hey, we're Ryan and Kate, and we lead product development at Plus-Plus USA. We're thrilled to take you behind the scenes of how our 2025 arrivals came to life! Our goal isn’t just to share something new—it’s to bring you into the story behind each product! By understanding the purpose of every design, you will feel empowered to share what makes these new items exciting, meaningful, and a perfect fit for your customers.
*** The above posted after tBR circulated on April 4th ***
Chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment and Studios Donna Langley Urges Theater Owners to “Deliver an Experience” Better Than Audiences Find at Home. Take Wednesday afternoon at CinemaCon as weary theater owners waited for Universal to present its upcoming slate. Instead of the usual speeches and industry shout-outs, she and her team started off the presentation with an orchestral presentation of...
The Playground Podcast: Brea Brand of Connetix. In the latest episode of The Playground Podcast, Chris talks to Brea Brand, founder of the Australian-based magnetic tile company Connetix.
Wyoming board game designer: Games are connection at play. Gracious in defeat, the Scrabble apprentice learned much more than which two-letter words begin with “e” and how to capitalize on a triple word score. By the time he was a teenager, Steve Curry had developed an enduring love for board games. Now 72 and living in Riverton, Curry has developed “about 35” original games.
Amazon MGM Studios boss Jen Salke to step down. Amazon hired Salke in 2018 to oversee its movie and television unit. The company became a bigger player in the entertainment industry under her leadership.
Disney Japan hires Tamotsu Hiiro as managing director. The Walt Disney Company has tapped former McDonald’s Japan president and CEO Tamotsu Hiiro as the new managing director of its Japanese business unit.
ICv2 Interview: Catalyst Game Labs CEO Loren Coleman and Game Designer Tommy Rice. At AdeptiCon, ICv2 checked in with Catalyst Game Labs CEO Loren Coleman and designer Tommy Rice, who designed a new game being offered by Catalyst in 2026.
Yoko Shimomura, Game Composer for ‘Final Fantasy XV,’ ‘Mario & Luigi,’ to Receive BAFTA Fellowship. “A pioneer of video game music, pianist and composer, Yoko has created unforgettable soundtracks for so many beloved games and paved the way for women in the industry.”
Paramount Top Marketing Exec Josh Line Exits to Join Yahoo. After more than 14 years at Paramount Global and Viacom, Josh Line has departed to join Yahoo as chief marketing officer. In the new role, Line reports directly to Yahoo CEO Jim Lanzone, formerly CEO of CBS Interactive.
Springville woman reflects on 40 years designing toys. If you were to ask Stefanie Eskander how she got into the toy designing business, she'd say that it was a little bit of chance and a lot of big childhood dreams coming true.
Monica Candiani Stepping Down at Hasbro. Monica Candiani, who has spent the last 12 years with Hasbro Entertainment, formerly Entertainment One (eOne), has made the decision to retire on April 4.
VIZ Media shuffles up its C-suite. VIZ Media has promoted COO and EVP Brad Woods (pictured right) to serve as its new president and CEO and will see VIZ’s current CEO, Ken Sasaki, transition into a new role as chairman and executive advisor, with a focus on shaping the company’s strategic direction.
Joel Bowman to raise funds for Myeloma UK. This month, Joel will be taking on the infamous Marathon Des Sables, also known as MDS. Dubbed “the toughest footrace on earth”, MDS involves running 250km (156 miles) over six days in the sweltering 40-50°C heat of the Sahara Desert.
AMC Entertainment CEO Says Three Of Six Major Studios Agree 45-Day Window Needed. Adam Aron, chief executive of AMC Entertainment, said there’s more agreement around extending exclusive theatrical windows than one might think given the tensions bubbling among the exhibitor community.
Companies and Brands
Friskies, a cat food and treat brand from Nestlé Purina, is bringing the spirit of feline curiosity to game night with the release of a limited-edition board game, Adventures in Friskies World. The new title combines strategy, imagination and cat-inspired antics into a game designed for humans, with a few extras to keep real cats occupied, too. Created by award-winning board game designer Ellie Dix, and developed...
FAO Schwarz Celebrates ‘Unicorn Academy’ with Month-Long Takeover. Spin Master promotes new Netflix special with in-store experiences and themed merchandise. Spin Master has launched a month-long “Unicorn Academy” takeover at FAO Schwarz in New York City, timed to the premiere of a new one-hour special on Netflix. The event runs throughout April and coincides with National Unicorn Day on April 9...
*** The above posted after April 4th when tBR circulated ***
You Have to See These Toy Story Runway Looks That Take Cosplay to a New Level. Disney celebrated the Pixar classic turning 30 at Shanghai Fashion Week 2025. During a special designer showcase at Shanghai’s Fashion week 2025, Disney put on a celebration of Toy Story designer duds to commemorate the Pixar movie turning 30. Yes, 30… we can’t believe it either. Also staggeringly out of this world are the looks that hit the...
IMC Toys expand is expanding its Be Loved Babies brand. The Be Loved Babies Minis offer the same qualities consumers love about the Be Loved Babies but in a smaller size for travel-friendly experiences. Similar to the core dolls, the Be Loved Babies Mini line will feature baby-soft skin and squishy cheeks for a lifelike feel. These dolls are specifically designed for on-the-go play with cuddly bodies that stand 8.66 inches tall.
Teddy Mountain, the wholesale supplier of make-a-bear products for the leisure, tourism, entertainment, childcare, healthcare and education sectors, has launched in the UAE. “The launch of Teddy Mountain UAE is a tremendous milestone for our brand and for the entire global Teddy Mountain family,” said Ryan Davies, director at Teddy Mountain UK. “The MENA region is an untapped and underserved market for...
Educa Borras on its plans for international expansion. Rachael Simpson-Jones sat down with Jorge Arceo, Educa Borras’ commercial director, Marketing, and Chris Jones, co-owner of Show Cloud, to learn more about the company’s rich heritage and the brands that make it a stand-out supplier.
Build-A-Bear Workshop pulls forward inventory to deflect tariff impact. Bringing in more core products, or goods that are sold year-round, earlier gives Build-A-Bear “flexibility” to address potential tariff impacts, Todovoric explained to analysts in December.
Mattel Publishing Accelerates Growth with New Global Partnerships. As Mattel, Inc. marks its 80th anniversary in 2025, the company continues to build on its legacy of creativity, innovation, and storytelling with a dynamic slate of new publishing partnerships.
MGA Entertainment releases new lineup in time for Easter. MGA Entertainment (MGA) is offering spring-themed toys ideal for Easter gifting across its popular brands. With themed occasions contributing a 10% uplift to toy industry sales within the last year, seasonal moments are creating more opportunities.
JAKKS Pacific Unveils New ‘The Simpsons’ Collectibles At WonderCon 2025. JAKKS Pacific revealed new additions to its collectible line for The Simpsons. From soft plush to collectible figures, consumers can expect new merchandise combining fan-favorite episodes with Simpsons family charms.
The LEGO Group Launches New Creativity Workshop Series. The LEGO Group is launching the Creativity Workshop Series, an in-store and at-home initiative to foster connections for young builders ages 6-12 in person and online.
Hasbro Pulse Unveils New Wave of Star Wars Collectibles. During its Star Wars Fanstream, Hasbro revealed a new wave of action figures and collectibles for its Star Wars The Vintage Collection and Star Wars The Black Series. Every item from the livestream is now available for preorder at Hasbro Pulse.
Chinese toy brand Pop Mart is opening two new stores in the Chicago area. Pop Mart, the Chinese toy company that's world-famous for its collectible "designer" toys and "blind box" format, is officially expanding in Chicagoland.
Asmodee introduces GameChanger initiative. GameChanger aims to reinforce the transformative role of games in education, rehabilitation and mental well-being by bringing them to a variety of community spaces across the country, including schools, libraries, care homes and dementia cafés.
Mattel expands digital presence with full lineup of FAST channels. Mattel has officially launched its full lineup of FAST channels across current partnering platforms in the US, with more expansions planned for 2025 and beyond, as the company continues to expand its digital presence.
Disney Pulling Up Stakes On Fox Lot By End Of 2025; Multiple New Potential Tenants In Talks. In a notable change at Fox’s storied West Los Angeles lot, Disney will pull up stakes there when its lease is up next March, ending a multiyear stay borne of one of the biggest mergers in media history.
Gaming: Digital, Video, Hardware, and Development
Side Quest’s creators wanted to tell stories about why people love games. Halfway through its first season, Apple’s Mythic Quest threw a wild curveball with A Dark Quiet Death, an unexpectedly dramatic episode that chronicled the rise and fall of another video game development team.
When will physical video games go away?. One of Sony’s best-ever PlayStation ads is a 21-second video titled, “Official PlayStation Used Game Instructional Video.” It’s a ‘step-by-step’ guide about how to lend your PS4 games to your friends. It has one step: one person hands another person a game box.
Myst developer Cyan Worlds has laid off half of its workforce. Cyan said it has tried to "pad the landing" for those impacted by offering severance packages but implored other studios with vacancies to consider hiring its former employees.
Ubisoft spins out new unit for Assassin’s Creed and other games, Tencent to take $1.25 billion stake. Ubisoft on Thursday announced it's creating a new gaming subsidiary and that Chinese technology giant Tencent will invest 1.16 billion euros ($1.25 billion) into the unit.
This Care Bears Video Game Unlocks New Magic from Care-A-Lot. Straight from the magical world of Care-A-Lot is an adventure-filled journey that features kids’ favorite colorful bears. Unlock the powers of kindness by playing Care Bears: Unlock the Magic from Maximum Entertainment and Cloudco Entertainment.
ZeniMax union votes to authorize a strike. The vote does not mean workers have gone on strike like SAG-AFTRA members have in the ongoing video game voice actors strike. However, should contract negotiations break down, the ZeniMax union now has the permission to call a strike.
Monster Hunter Wilds has topped 10 million sales in one month. It sold 8 million copies across its launch weekend and attracted an estimated 1.3 million concurrent players on Steam alone. Those milestones resulted in Wilds becoming the fastest-selling title in Capcom history.
Embracer studio Eidos-Montreal has laid off 75 employees. The Embracer-owned studio shared the news on Linkedin and explained the layoffs were made with one of its "mandates" coming to an end. It said the cuts are not a reflection of the "dedication or skills" of its workforce.
RuneScape calls players back with a new survival coop game. RuneScape is one of the oldest MMOs around (especially among the older games that still have players), and now it’s getting a brand-new game. RuneScape: Dragonwilds is a co op survival game set in the long-forgotten continent of Ashenfall.
SEGA reveals Sonic official character render for 35th anniversary. The new render was unveiled by way of a look at the official Sonic the Hedgehog 35th anniversary calendar, which displays various Sonic-themed game art from 1991 to the present.
Halo DS developer says Nintendo killed the portable FPS rather than Microsoft. One thing which took gamers by surprise was the revelation that a version of Halo was being developed for the immensely popular Nintendo DS console. Initially it was thought that Microsoft killed the project as it was their IP.
GTA 6’s next trailer is a ways off because Rockstar wants you hungry, Take-Two CEO says. Take-Two Interactive chairman and CEO Strauss Zelnick recently provided some insight into how subsidiary Rockstar Games is handling Grand Theft Auto 6 marketing.
Mario Kart World launches exclusively with the Nintendo Switch 2. Mario Kart World features an open-world mode, in-game atmospheric effects that depend on “the time of day and weather conditions,” and up to 24 drivers per race. A separate bundle with the new Mario Kart World game will also be available for $499.99.
Nintendo’s Switch 2 ‘C’ button is a Discord-like GameChat feature. The mysterious new button was shown briefly in the video debuting the Switch back in February and was present in every mock-up and leak of the console. Nintendo finally revealed the purpose of the button, a new feature called GameChat.
Nintendo is upgrading the Switch’s best Zelda games with Switch 2 Editions. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom will be offered as enhanced titles. The critically acclaimed games will feature “enhanced resolution and frame rates” and HDR support.
GameCube games are coming to Nintendo Switch Online. Bundled in the fire hose of news regarding the Switch 2 Direct is one update sure to please Nintendo Switch Online subscribers: GameCube games are finally arriving on the service.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment hits the Switch 2 this winter. Like Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, Age of Imprisonment is another prequel whose story connects directly with the larger tale unfolding in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
Donkey Kong Bananza is coming to the Switch 2 in July. Nintendo is releasing a new 3D Donkey Kong game that will be an exclusive for the Nintendo Switch 2. The game, Donkey Kong Bananza, will release on July 17th, which is a little more than a month after the June 5th launch of the Switch 2.
Kirby Air Riders is a Switch 2 racing game from Masahiro Sakurai. The Switch 2 is getting an unexpected sequel to GameCube racing game Kirby Air Ride, with Masahiro Sakurai — the original Air Ride’s director, and creator of both Kirby and Super Smash Bros. — returning to lead development.
FromSoftware is making a multiplayer Switch 2 exclusive called The Duskbloods. The teaser trailer debuted during Nintendo’s Switch 2 Direct video presentation, where it was revealed that it’s set to launch in 2026 with famed Elden Ring and Dark Souls director Hidetaka Miyazaki at the helm.
Nintendo goes in-depth on Switch 2 backward compatibility. As it turns out, the company has put together a surprisingly detailed resource page that goes over all the titles it has tested thus far — both from Nintendo itself and third-party developers.
Roblox's Best Game Is Getting A Series Of Real Life Toys. Whenever I get up out of my chair, my knees make a little 'click' sound, and I do an involuntary exhale from the expended effort. This should tell you that I am not in the age bracket for Roblox.
VR isn’t just fun. It’s a new hope for early detection of Alzheimer’s. Researchers see VR spaces as a test for spatial memory in people, hoping to look for signs of cognitive decline that are an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease.
Certain original Switch games to get free updates to improve playability on Switch 2. Nintendo has confirmed that some original Nintendo Switch games running on the Nintendo Switch 2 will get free updates to enhance them on the newer system.
Nintendo Switch 2 specs detailed. Nintendo has revealed the specs for their upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. The console will have HDR, 120 fps, 4K and much more. Not only that, but the Joy-Cons, which are called Joy-Con 2, will have mouse controls.
Project 007 coming to Switch 2. As revealed in the Switch 2 Direct, the new James Bond game from IO interactive, the developers behind the Hitman series, is coming to Nintendo Switch 2. Project 007 was first announced for other platforms over 4 years ago.
Nintendo site says estimated battery life for Nintendo Switch 2 is 2-6.5 hours. The official Nintendo site has detailed the Nintendo Switch 2 which is due to be released on 5th June. One thing mentioned in the technical specifications is the all-important battery life.
Some Nintendo Switch 2 games will be more expensive. At least two of Nintendo’s Switch 2 games are going to be more expensive than most games on the first Switch. Nintendo revealed today the Switch 2’s Mario Kart World will cost $79.99, while Donkey Kong Bananza will cost $69.99.
Australian studio PlaySide is making layoffs after delivering record revenue. The company has announced a restructuring plan in response to waning contract work, but the news comes just months after it reported record annual revenue of $64.6 million AUD.
Shenmue voted the most influential video game of all time in Bafta poll. It is a game about love and identity, but it also has forklift truck races. It is a game about bloody revenge, but while you’re waiting to retaliate, you can buy lottery tickets and visit the arcade.
Nintendo’s GameShare will let you play with friends using just one game copy. Even if you only own one copy of a game, you and your friends can all get in on the fun together using GameShare, which was shown as part of the April 2 Nintendo Switch 2 Direct.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Cyberpunk 2077 lead a rush of AAA Switch 2 ports. Big publishers who haven’t been able to bring their biggest multiplatform games to the Nintendo Switch due to its relative lack of processing power are racing to release ports of these titles on the more powerful Switch 2.
Highlighted Press Releases
Go Poo!, the grossest card game ever, launches after a successful Kickstarter campaign. Become #1 by going #2! Paper House Productions, Inc and Woodpecker Laboratories, LLC teamed up to design, develop, and launch the grossest game ever made. Go Poo! The Game is sort of like Go Fish, but gross. Very gross. Players collect cards by stealing them from others or picking from the Toilet. Once one card from each category is collected, players can take a poo and win points. The grosser the poo, the more the points! But watch out for diarrhea cards which will lose you points and end your turn! With over $13,000 raised on Kickstarter during the campaign, the game was fully funded in the first 3 days...
RMS APPOINTS NEW CHIEF BRAND OFFICER AND VP OF LICENSING. Company Bolsters C-Suite with Key Hires. North Andover, MA (April 8, 2025) RMS USA, which opened its doors in 2008 and has been on a trajectory of growth for several years, announced it has appointed its first Chief Brand Officer and a new VP of Licensing. “I couldn’t be more proud of how RMS USA is positioning itself in the US market and of the talent we’ve been able to attract,” said Zack Farber, CEO of RMS USA. “Despite all the tumult and uncertainty in the marketplace this year, we are positioned to massively grow our market share, grow our team and expand our brands.”
Safety and Counterfeiting
13 Toys That Were Legal in the U.S. But Banned Everywhere Else. Check out a list of toys that were legal to have in the U.S. but banned in other countries due to safety violations.
Associations, Foundations, Shows, Awards, Events, and Festivals
80 artists reimagine Mattel Toys in anniversary exhibition. To celebrate Mattel’s 80th anniversary, Corey Helford Gallery (CHG) and Mattel Creations have teamed up for “Toys As Art: Mattel’s 80th Anniversary Exhibition,” a showcase featuring 80 artists reimagining the toy giant’s iconic brands.
Blokees Unveils ‘Product Ecosystem’ Framework at 2025 Partner Conference. Blokees will focus on business innovation, customer value, partner collaboration, talent accumulation, and social responsibility in the future.
Sanrio scoops up four licensing awards in Bologna. Hello Kitty emerged as Property of the Year, Stumble Guys action figures won Best Kids Licensing Project, and the Miraculous Roblox game scored Best Licensed Videogames Project.
INDX Toys to return this autumn. Organisers of this dedicated toy industry trade show in autumn 2025 say this 2-day event is an unmissable opportunity to secure stock for Christmas and preview new launch products for 2026.
Luton Comic Con and Toy Fair returns 13th April 2025. These family friendly Comic Cons are suitable for all ages, a haven for collectors and fans of pop culture and a fantastic day out. Don’t miss your chance to make memories to last a lifetime!
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
Jay North, who starred as the towheaded mischief maker on TV’s “Dennis the Menace” for four seasons starting in 1959, has died. He was 73.
North died Sunday at his home in Lake Butler, Florida, after battling colon cancer, said Laurie Jacobson, a longtime friend, and Bonnie Vent, who was his booking agent. “He had a heart as big as a mountain, loved his friends deeply. He called us frequently and ended every conversation with ‘I love you with all my heart,’” Jacobson wrote in a tribute on Facebook.
Clive Revill, Voice of the Emperor in ‘The Empire Strikes Back,’ Dies at 94. Recruited to be an actor by Laurence Olivier, he was a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, earned two Tony nominations and appeared in a pair of Billy Wilder films.
Gordon Dobson, who ran the Toytown toyshop in Leamington Spa, has passed away at age 94. Gordon became the manager of Toytown in 1966 and in 1977 became the managing director.
Val Kilmer, Actor Renowned for Receding Into His Roles, Dies at 65. He was memorable as Iceman in 'Top Gun,' Jim Morrison in 'The Doors,' Doc Holliday in 'Tombstone' and the Caped Crusader in 'Batman Forever.'
Lori Rubin, (from her ToyBook colleagues) a cherished member of the Adventure Media & Events family who served as our Controller for more than a decade. After fighting through a cancer diagnosis for more than a year and a half, Lori passed away on March 26 with her loving husband and two daughters by her side. Known in our office as “Mama Lori,” she treated everyone at our company like family. A fierce protector, she always led with her heart, took an interest in our lives, and shared so many special moments with each of us.
Philip Moore. The owner of beloved independent toy store Howley’s Toymaster passed away after a battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Phil started work on Weymouth beach when he was 14, staying with extended family before his parents moved to the south coast.
Sir Torquil Norman CBE, founder of Bluebird Toys, which first brought the Polly Pocket brand and other iconic lines such as The Big Yellow Teapot to the toy market, has died aged 91.
Worldwide Magazines Weekly Top Stories
Some Added Friday Morning Chicago Time. Check Back for Complete Lists.
Toy Trade Monthly Issues
Adventure Media & Events (US)
Toyworld (UK)
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Celebrities, media and retailers enjoy exclusive screening of Sylvanian Families The Movie
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Exclusive: Educa Borras on its plans for international expansion
Licensing.biz Powered by Toyworld
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Mattel accelerates growth with slate of new publishing partnerships
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Craft Buddy unveils 2-in-1 Disney Crystal Art Pin Badge collection
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Deichmann unveils new footwear collection for TV sensation Bluey
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Cake signs deal with BBC for Talking Tom Heroes: Suddenly Super
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Spiralcute International appoints Pacific Licensing Studio as agent for Southeast Asia
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Libertas Brands and Tibles announce partnership for new Fuggler app
ICv2: The Business of Geek Culture (US)
- Wizards of the Coast's Bans a 'Magic: The Gathering' Card from the Modern Format
- Sirius Dice Will Release 'Dungeons & Dragons: Wood Dice Vault'
- Giovanni and Mewtwo Join Forces in New 'Pokemon TCG' Boxed Set
- Archon Studio Announces 'Starcraft' Miniatures Game and Board Games
- Wizards of the Coast Sneaks In 'Magic: The Gathering' 'Secret Lair X Marvel's Deadpool' Drop Set
- AdeptiCon 2025 News: Gorgeous 'Star Wars: Shatterpoint' Duel Pack Sells Out Online
- Worst Case Tariffs Announced Wednesday- ICv2 Miniatures Week 2025
- Rolling for Initiative -- Miniatures Week: AdeptiCon News from Atomic Mass and Games Workshop
- AdeptiCon 2025 News: New 'Warhammer 40,000: Kill Team' Incoming
Nación Juguetes (Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Chile & Spain)
Global Toy News
The Bugg Report (Australia)
The Toy Universe (Australia)
hobbyDB
Toy Store (Italy)
Video of the Week!
Nintendo Switch 2 – Overview Trailer
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Thank you for being a reader of the Bloom Report. — Mary and Graeme
Founding Editor and Publisher (1998-2020, Retired): Philip Bloom
We are honored to carry on Phil's 22 year legacy and continue the Bloom Report. Phil has been a mensch
and we've loved working with him. Here is a fun and interesting interview with Phil.
If you would like to reach Phil: philip.bloom100@verizon.net
Publisher: Mary Couzin, Chicago Toy & Game Group, Inc.
Managing Editor: Graeme Thomson
Assistant Editor: Evan Kale
Not only does the Bloom Report give you all the news you need to know...
we give you all the news you didn't know you needed to know!" -Phil Bloom
Do you have news to share? Send us a note! mary@chitag.com
