January 30, 2020
Mattel Introduces Bio-based Mega Bloks Collection

Mattel Inc. took another step forward in its sustainability efforts with the introduction of a new Mega Bloks collection derived from bio-based plastics. Revealed at the Spielwarenmesse international toy fair, three new preschool building sets from Mega Bloks — Polar Friends, Safari Friends, and Woodland Friends — are derived from bio-based resins and come in Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified packaging that is fully recyclable. Read more…

Additionally, Mattel will shutter the Montreal Mega Bloks factory as it shifts production to Mexico and China. The facility was once the largest toy factory in North America.
Spielwarenmesse International TrendCommittee Showcases 2020 Toy Trends in Nuremberg

The 71st Spielwarenmesse international toy fair kicked off in Nuremberg, Germany yesterday, and the International TrendCommittee is showcasing three strong toy trends for the year. Products representing Toys for Future, Digital Goes Physical, and Be You! are now on display on Trend Islands in the TrendGallery of Hall 3A through Feb. 2. Read more…

Additionally, Spielwarenmesse revealed the 2020 ToyAwards winners . The ToyAwards are a celebration of outstanding innovation in toys that are viewed as a benchmark for both buyers and retailers. 
PJ Masks Suits Up for Fifth Season on Disney Junior

Catboy, Owlette, and Gekko are suiting up for another season of superhero action. Entertainment One, France 5, and Frog Box, in collaboration with Disney Junior, entered production on the fifth season of PJ Masks , with 52 11-minute episodes set to debut next year. Read more…
Talking Games with All Things Equal’s Eric Poses on the ‘Power Kid Podcast’

In this week’s episode of the “Power Kid Podcast,” host Phil Albritton of Power Kid Design speaks with Eric Poses, owner and president of All Things Equal. The company has sold more than 2 million copies of its popular games, including Loaded Questions, Loaded Answers, Awkward Family Photos, The My Weird School Game, and two new officially licensed titles based on the cult classic film The Big Lebowski . At All Things Equal, the focus is on creative, humor-based games. Listen here…

The Adventure Media and Events Podcast Network is now available through all of your favorite streaming services, including Anchor, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.
ZAG, Playmates Toys Enter Long-Term Global Alliance

Following the debut of a toy line based on the animated series Power Players , ZAG and Playmates Toys are taking their partnership to the next level. The independent animation studio entered into a long-term global alliance with the toymaker to manufacture and distribute new toy lines for ZAG’s entire portfolio of brands, including Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir , and the upcoming Ghostforce . Read more…
ASTRA Reveals Opening, Closing Speakers for 2020 Marketplace & Academy

The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) is gearing up for its 2020 Marketplace & Academy under a fresh theme: More than a Toy Show. Award-winning comedian, TV personality, and nonprofit leader Jeff Civillico will kick the event off with an opening presentation on June 7. The closing keynote will be delivered by Kevin Brown, author of The Hero Effect on June 10. Read more…

Additionally, ASTRA has a full slate of events planned for its members at Toy Fair New York.
Bandai America’s New Tamagotchi Celebrates Pac-Man’s 40th Anniversary

Bandai America is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Pac-Man with a new Tamagotchi device starring the iconic video game character. In the game, Pac-Man stars as a virtual pet character in the world of Tamagotchi. Players need to keep their virtual pet alive by nurturing it, which is similar to other Tamagotchi games. Read more…
LEGO, Universal Plot LEGO Technic Fast & Furious Set

Universal Brand Development and The LEGO Group expanded their licensing partnership to include the high-octane Fast & Furious franchise. The news comes ahead of this Friday’s trailer debut for the ninth chapter in what’s now being dubbed “The Fast Saga.” Read more…
TFNY: Wow! Stuff’s Wow Pods to Make U.S. Debut at Toy Fair New York

Following successful showings in Hong Kong and London this month, Wow! Stuff will bring its Wow Pods lineup to the U.S. for Toy Fair New York. The six-sided hexagon light up collectibles will be available in a variety of different styles, including a range based on DreamWorks Trolls World Tour . Read more…
LEGO, Geomagworld, Character Options Score Editor’s Choice Awards at London Toy Fair

At the recently wrapped London Toy Fair, the British Toy and Hobby Association presented its annual Editor’s Choice Awards. More than 260 companies exhibited at the show in London with the awards voted on by attending media. Read more…
Spin Master Inks New International Licensing Agents for Bakugan, Etch A Sketch, and More

The Toronto-based toy and entertainment company inked new strategic agreements with three international licensing agents to represent brands including Bakugan, Etch A Sketch, Tech Deck, Toca Life, Zo Zo Zombie, and Hatchimals. Read more…
Atari, GSD Group Partner for First Video Game-Themed Hotel Chain

The famed game and entertainment producer inked a deal with GSD Group for a chain of video game-themed Atari Hotels. Under the new agreement, GSD acquired the rights to build Atari Hotels in the U.S. with the first location set to break ground in Phoenix later this year. The hotels are described as “a unique lodging experience combining the iconic brand with a one-of-a-kind video game-themed destination.” Read more...
MGA Entertainment Debuts New L.O.L. Surprise! Lights Dolls

L.O.L. Surprise! Lights dolls — including O.M.G. fashion dolls, glitter dolls, and pets — stand out under normal light and a special black light. At first, these dolls look like other L.O.L. O.M.G. fashion dolls, but kids can use the included blacklight to reveal additional surprises. Each doll comes with fashion looks and accessories that kids can unbox. Read more…
NECA Reveals Second Batch of TMNT ‘Turtles in Time’ Action Figures

NECA will release a second wave of 7-inch scale action figures inspired by the 1991 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) video game, Turtles in Time . The new assortment includes Michelangelo, Raphael, Leatherhead, and Super Shredder — each presented in premium, video game-inspired deco, complete with pixelated accents. Read more…
TFNY: Modarri to Show off New Monster Trucks at Toy Fair New York

Modarri will roll into Toy Fair New York to show off its latest collection of customizable mix-and-match vehicles next month. The Jurassic Beasts, Team Sharkz, and Space Invaders Turbo Monster Trucks each feature the swappable chassis, fender, hood, and frame parts that Modarri is known for, all sitting atop four large soft rubber tires. Read more…
Hamleys Owner Brings The Entertainer to India

Reliance Brands Ltd. (RBL) is bringing another famed UK toy store to India. RBL inked an exclusive long-term master franchise agreement with The Entertainer, the fastest-growing, family-owned toy retailer in the UK. Under the deal, Reliance will open The Entertainer stores in Mumbai within the first half of this year with an “aggressive store rollout plan” to follow. Read more…
The Transformers Franchise Is Getting a Repair

Two new scripts for Transformers films are in the works. The writers of each script — James Vanderbilt and Joby Harold — are expected to keep in line with 2018’s Bumblebee , which was remarked by critics as what the Transformers should be: a story with heart. Read more…
9 Story Brands, Penguin Young Readers Partner for Xavier Riddle Books

Penguin Young Readers will serve as the global publishing partner for the new animated series Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum which airs on PBS Kids. Read more…

Additionally, the company inked new Australian licensing deals for its Moon and Me brand. 
Five Snow-Themed Toys to Play with Indoors this Winter

Snowy weather brings so much fun for kids — unless it’s so cold outside that you can’t be outdoors longer than 5 minutes. When winter is at its worst, it is time to turn indoors for some snow-day inspired fun. Read more…
Action Figures, Dolls Grow as U.S. Toy Industry Retail Sales Fall 4%, NPD Says

The numbers are in for what will be remembered as a rollercoaster year for the U.S. toy industry. Retail toy sales in the U.S. fell 4% in 2019, according to The NPD Group. This marks the second year of decline following four consecutive years of growth that came to a halt upon the closure of Toys “R” Us in 2018. U.S. retail sales of toys generated $20.9 billion last year compared to $21.8 billion in 2018. The data comes from The NPD Group’s Retail Tracking Service, which represents approximately 78% of the U.S. retail market for toys. The decline in toys comes alongside a lackluster overall holiday season at retail in which sales were nearly flat across the board. Read more…
Bambini Partners, IJW & Co. Team Up to Aid Toy Industry Mergers and Acquisitions          

Montreal-based boutique investment bank IJW & Co. Ltd. entered into an exclusive affiliate partnership with Bambini Partners LLC of Boca Raton, Florida to expand its toy industry mergers and acquisitions and strategic advisory practice. Read more...
Trans World Entertainment Plans to Sell FYE Stores to Sunrise Records and Entertainment

Following a disappointing third quarter and an ominous statement expressing “substantial doubt” about its ability to continue for another year, Trans World Entertainment (TWEC) has agreed to sell its FYE stores to a subsidiary of Sunrise Records and Entertainment Ltd. In recent years, the FYE product mix has leaned heavily on a growing toys and collectibles business to offset the company’s original focus on packaged media, such as CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, and video game software. Read more…
Pete Young Promoted to Director of Development at Splash Media

In his new role, Young is managing the company’s growing slate of entertainment offerings to appeal to a wider audience as the company positions itself for long-term growth. Read more…
Content Growth Prompts Executive Appointments at Brain Power Studio

Stan Hum will serve as executive vice president, business development, and Nancy Yeaman will serve as executive vice president of kids and original content. Read more…
WildBrain CPLG Reveals New Executive Moves

Rebecca Morris returns to WildBrain CPLG in the newly created role of client services director. In her new role, she will head the rebranded client services team, previously known as the business development team at WildBrain’s London headquarters. Sophie Bloomfield has been promoted to head of creative services. Read more…
Cyber Group Studios Bolsters Executive Staff with New Hires, Promotions

Cyber Group Studios added four new executives to its licensing, media sales, digital, and marketing departments in Los Angeles and Paris. Read more…
Christa Carone Appointed President of CSM North America

At CSM, Carone will join a team that is accelerating growth strategies for North America. Its portfolio of experiential, marketing, and production clients includes TikTok, Amazon Prime Video, Fox, and others. Read more…
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