December 2, 2021
Exclusive: ZURU Set to Debut 5 Surprise Mini Fashion Collectibles at Walmart

ZURU is set to unleash a stylish new addition to its growing 5 Surprise line while continuing its path toward sustainability. On Dec. 26, Walmart stores in the U.S. will be the first to offer 5 Surprise Mini Fashion collectibles. The new range features more than 40 fabric fashion bags and accessories for kids to collect. Read more…
MGA Entertainment Inks Master Licensing Deal for ‘Pui Pui Molcar’

Hailing from Japan and produced by director Tomoki Misato, Pui Pui Molcar is a series of stop-motion anime shorts. Already an international hit, Pui Pui Molcar is available on Netflix, TV Tokyo, and can be seen on YouTube. The series posits a world where guinea pigs (pronounced “molmotto” in Japanese) are turned into cars. Read more…
Spielwarenmesse Prepares to Fight Omicron, Other Health Concerns

The 72nd Spielwarenmesse International Toy Fair is set to take place Feb. 2-6, 2022 in Nuremberg, Germany, and Spielwarenmesse eG says it’s been working with local health departments to craft a robust array of safety protocols for the event. The news comes just as the latest concerning COVID-19 variant — dubbed Omicron — has begun to spread globally. Read more…
Jakks Pacific Reveals Plans for Jurassic World Seasonal and Outdoor Collection

Jurassic times call for Jurassic measures. Jakks Pacific announced a new Jurassic World line of seasonal and outdoor products in the United States and Canada. The line will feature Jurassic World-themed kids’ furniture, activities, and toys, and is set to be released sometime next year. Read more…
Playmobil Teases Knight Rider 40th Anniversary Set

Playmobil is taking a shadowy flight into the dangerous world of a man who does not exist. Timed with the 40th anniversary of NBCUniversal’s Knight Rider next year, Playmobil took to social media to tease the unmistakable form of the 1982 Pontiac Trans Am that was made famous as the Knight Industries Two Thousand, best known as KITT. Read more…
Mattel Partners with PUMA for ‘Masters of the Universe: Revelation’ Sneakers

Mattel‘s licensing game has the power when it comes to Masters of the Universe. PUMA inked a deal with the toy and entertainment company for a limited edition run of sneakers inspired by Masters of the Universe: Revelation. Foot Locker is the exclusive retail destination for the collaboration. Read more…
Far Out Toys Spins a New Path Into Entertainment with Far Out Records Launch

Far Out Toys is looking to kick out the jams. Following the launch of its Far Out Studios division this summer, the company behind Crash Racers and GLO-Up Girls is entering the music industry with a new division, Far Out Records. Read more…
Headstart International Preps Recyclings Collectibles Range

Following the successful global launch of its Resoftables range of eco-friendly plush, Headstart International is prepping another new toy line that repurposes plastic waste into new playthings. Recyclings is a full range of collectible toys that are made from 70% recycled plastic. Set to be released in seasons, the first batch includes more than 90 cute and colorful characters. Read more…
PlayMonster Unleashes New Additions to the Snap Ships Fleet

The Snap Ships fleet is expanding this holiday season. Wisconsin-based PlayMonster added six new modular building sets to its extensive Snap Ships collection. At the pinnacle stands the all-new Claymore CR-76 Combat Transport — a mighty spacecraft that features a bay area that holds and releases two miniature mechs for ground battle. Read more…
Uncanny Brands Catches the Pokémon for a New Kitchen Appliance Range

Pikachu waffle maker, we choose you! Uncanny Brands, a company known for offering kitchen appliances featuring fan-favorite characters, has a new partner — Pokémon. The company’s initial lineup of Pokémon products will be available this month from a variety of retailers. Read more...
Banwood Vintage Bikes Are Getting a Colorful Upgrade

There’s nothing quite like introducing kids to a new skill by using elements of the past — and the vintage-inspired kids’ bikes, tricycles, and scooters from Banwood are a perfect example. Known for its safe design and mid-century detailing, the brand’s retro bikes are getting an upgrade, with the addition of a new colorway: Pale Mint and Cream. Read more…
WildBrain Inks More Licensing Deals for Rebooted Strawberry Shortcake Brand

Now, this is pretty sweet. WildBrain is making big plans for its refreshed Strawberry Shortcake brand over the next two years. The studio’s new series, Strawberry Shortcake: Berry in the Big City will debut on Netflix next spring followed by additional specials in 2023. Now, licensees are getting on board for a new wave of Berry-centric toys and consumer products.  Read more…
Talkin’ Toys: ADK Celebrates 20 Years of Beyblade

Twenty years ago, the first Beyblade top came spinning into existence, and with it a franchise that still captures kids — and adults — to this day. We spoke with Ogawa Shunichi, president and CEO at ADK Emotions NY about what makes the brand so beloved and what’s in store for the future. Read more...
Toys “R” Us to Open 2-story Flagship Store at American Dream

Geoffrey the Giraffe is planting his flag in a new location that could signal the true rebirth of Toys “R” Us as a major American toy store. WHP Global — the parent company of the Toys “R” Us (TRU) and Babies “R” Us brands — confirmed the swirling buzz that its first TRU flagship location will open its doors at the American Dream retail and entertainment center in Bergen County, New Jersey this month. Read more…
The Black Friday Shift Continues as Shoppers Return to Brick-and-mortar Retail

The Thanksgiving holiday weekend — aka “Cyber Week” — that includes Black Friday and Cyber Monday was a big one as consumer habits continued to shift. A variety of factors resulted in a holiday shopping weekend that saw shoppers return to physical stores in droves despite a slight decline in the number of consumers who shopped for deals. Read more…
Arcade1Up Opens Retail Experience at Showfields

Arcade1Up is making a push into brick-and-mortar retail. The retro gaming division of Tastemakers LLC entered into a partnership deal with Showfields for retail experiences in New York and Miami. The new sections showcase a variety of Arcade1Up products, including its signature 3/4-scale arcade cabinets and virtual pinball machines. Read more…
Mattel Names Glenn Abell as Senior Vice President of MEGA, Global Head of Construction

Abell joins the company from Moose Toys where he served as president and general manager of the Australian company’s U.S. outpost since February 2019. In his new role, Abell will report to Mattel President and Chief Operating Officer Richard Dickson. Read more…
 
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