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Exclusive: The NPD Group Offers an Update on China’s Toy Business
The Toy Book has a first look at new data that explores the growth of China’s toy industry this year through October. Highlights include big gains for certain preschool toys alongside trading cards, and licensed products as Chinese families play catch-up with their international counterparts. Read more…
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The Toy Association Says ‘All Systems Go’ for Toy Fair New York 2022
Over the past few weeks, many in the toy industry have questioned whether or not Toy Fair New York (TFNY) 2022 will happen. This week, The Toy Association doubled down on its messaging that TFNY is moving ahead under strict safety protocols. As of this week, all major retailers, including Amazon, Target, and Walmart, have committed to sending buyers. Read more…
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Exclusive: The Making of WowWee’s Got2Glow Fairy Finder
In a new, five-minute video, Sydney Wiseman, vice president of brand development and creative strategy at WowWee, takes viewers through the making of one of this year’s hottest holiday toys. The behind-the-scenes look shows how the toy evolved from a sketch to concept to completion amid the challenges of working with a global team during a pandemic and a shortage of integrated circuit chips. Read more…
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Pacific Cycle Races into 2022 under New Ownership
Amsterdam-based Pon Holdings has entered the final stages of its acquisition of Dorel Sports, the U.S.-based bicycle company owned by Canada’s Dorel Industries. The purchase of Dorel Sports includes three major names in biking — Pacific Cycle, Cycling Sports Group, and Coloi — including popular brands such as Schwinn, Mongoose, KidTrax, GT, and Cannondale. Read more…
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Jazwares Game Studios Brings Squishmallows into the Metaverse on Roblox
The Squishmallows plush brand is making a digital jump into the metaverse as Jazwares opens another division. Squishmallows on Roblox is a virtual social world where fans can gather and collect Squishmallows virtual plush, compete in mini-games, and customize a Squishmallows-themed home. The game was developed in-house at the new Jazwares Game Studio. Read more…
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Funko's Newest Collectibles Offer a Pop Culture Greeting
Popsies giftable collectible figures will take the pop culture merch company into the greetings aisle for the first time. Popsies offer an interactive experience: Each one features a character standing atop a gift box. Press the bow on that gift box, and a themed message will pop up: “Oh snap!” from Thanos, “Have a killer day” from Freddy Fazbear, and so on. Read more…
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Mattel Films Flies High with ‘Christmas Balloon’
Writer-producer Gabriela Revilla Lugo (ABC’s A Million Little Things) has been tapped to pen the screenplay for Christmas Balloon, a tale inspired by a true story with ties to Mattel’s Enchantimals line. Christmas Balloon follows Dáyami, a little girl in a Mexican border town who launches a letter to the North Pole attached to a helium-filled balloon. When the balloon falls short of its destination and lands in Arizona, it’s discovered by a couple inspired to fulfill Dáyami’s Christmas wishes. Read more…
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Get Your Sparkle on with Just Play’s That Girl Lay Lay Toys
Who is That Girl Lay Lay? She’s the best friend anyone could ever ask for, but she’s not a real person … at least at first! In the Nickelodeon series That Girl Lay Lay, Lay Lay is a personal affirmation app that inspires confidence and positivity. However, when Sadie wishes upon a star, Lay Lay is magically brought to life, and now, these best friends can accomplish anything. Read more…
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Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment Reveals Finalists for 30th Anniversary Wonder Women Awards
Toy Fair New York is set to return this February, and Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT) is plotting a grand return for its gala event to go along with it. WiT revealed finalists for its 30th Anniversary Wonder Women Awards, set to take place at Pier Sixty in New York City on Feb. 20, 2022. The event will honor and recognize women who have made outstanding contributions to the toy, licensing, and entertainment industries over the past two years. Read more…
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Spielwarenmesse eG Says It Is Full Steam Ahead for Nuremberg International Toy Fair
The organizers behind the 72nd Spielwarenmesse International Toy Fair say that the show is happening, but with strict safety policies in place. The rules, as they currently stand, include the 2G+ requirements and focus on boosters rather than testing. According to the organizers, those who have received a third vaccination at least 15 days prior to the event will no longer require testing. Of course, this is all subject to change. Read more…
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‘The Playground Podcast’ Presents Second Annual Toy Industry Thought Leader Panel Discussion
On a special edition of “The Playground Podcast,” Toy Book Deputy Editor James Zahn and Toy World UK Publisher John Baulch join hosts Richard Gottlieb of Global Toy Experts and The Toy Guy Chris Byrne to wrap up 2021 and look ahead into 2022 with insights from the U.S. and the UK. Listen here…
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McFarlane's Disney Mirrorverse Collection Gets a Second Wave
Fear the wrath of Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck’s fierce battle stances with the release of the second wave of McFarlane Toys’ Disney Mirrorverse collection, inspired by the upcoming role-playing mobile game. The Disney Mirrorverse game features an eclectic selection of Disney faves including Mickey Mouse; Donald Duck; Jack Sparrow, and everyone’s favorite blue monster, Sulley from Monsters Inc.; among others. Read more…
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Talkin’ Toys: Oh, the Places Dr. Seuss Will Go in the Toy Category
Next year will be a big one for Dr. Seuss Enterprises as it looks to grow in the toy category with products for fans of all ages, including collectors, families, and kids. The Toy Book chatted with Susan Brandt, president of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, about the company’s plans to develop its toy consumer products programs in the year ahead. Read more…
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Embracer Group Looks to Acquire Asmodee to Create Gaming Behemoth
The Swedish video game company Embracer Group — which just bought Dark Horse — has initiated conversation with PAI Partners for French board game publisher Asmodee to join the company’s portfolio. While currently owned by PAI Partners, Asmodee has established itself as a leader in the board game industry, selling over 39 million games in 2020 alone. Read more…
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Jazwares’ European Adventure Continues with New Office in France
Jazwares appointed Vincent Vandamme to serve as sales director leading a local sales team in Paris. Vandamme joins the company from The LEGO Group where he spent 18 years, most recently leading field sales for the brickmaker in France. Read more…
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Licensing International’s Marty Brochstein Retires
A familiar figure in the licensing community is entering a new chapter in life. Marty Brochstein, senior vice president, industry relations and information at Licensing International is retiring. A former journalist with Television Digest and The Licensing Letter, Brochstein joined Licensing International more than 13 years ago when it was still known as LIMA. Read more…
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Topper Toys Founder, Transformers ‘Catalyst’ Henry Orenstein Has Died
Henry Orenstein, a former Hasbro executive and the founder of Topper Toys fell victim to complications from COVID-19 on Dec. 14 at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, New Jersey. Orenstein played a role in the launch of the Transformers brand in the U.S. and the creation of brands including Johnny Lightning and Johnny Seven O.M.A. Read more…
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