Exclusive: WeCool, Nichole Jacklyne Ink Three-Year Deal Extension for Slime, Activity Sets



It’s still slime time for WeCool and Nichole Jacklyne. The parties inked an extension of their deal to develop and market products from the Compound Kings and ILY Activity Kings brands. Jacklyne boasts nearly two million followers on TikTok and garners millions of views and likes across her digital network. Read more…

Exclusive: Buffalo Games, Big Potato Join Forces in New Distribution Pact for the U.S. and UK

Effective immediately, New York-based Buffalo Games will work to expand Big Potato Games’ reach in the States while London-based Big Potato will do the same for Buffalo Games across the pond. The relationship broadens the availability of numerous products for families in both countries. Get the scoop…

Moose Toys Launches Mergers & Acquisitions Team to Fuel Growth



Moose Toys, the company behind Magic Mixies, Heroes of Goo Jit Zu, and Shopkins is looking to accelerate its growth through mergers & acquisitions (M&A). Giles Musker, Global Head of Business Development, will lead the new M&A team in an effort to “enter and disrupt” new categories.. Read more…

Mattel Releases Massive New Line of Disney Princess and Frozen Dolls and Playsets



Royalty has returned  to Mattel. The El Segundo-based toy giant launched an extensive new line of Disney Princess dolls and playsets that began hitting retail this month. The rollout follows years of development after re-acquiring the license for Disney Princess and Frozen, which was previously held by Hasbro. See the new dolls…

Hasbro’s NERF Elite Junior Blasts into the New Year



The NERF Elite Junior line introduces easy-play blasters for rookies ages 6 and up. Special features make these NERF blasters simple for kids to engage in active and social play both indoors and outdoors. Squad up at The Toy Insider…

Spin Master to Acquire HEXBUG Brand from Innovation First



The pending deal is set to close next month and marks Spin Master’s 28th acquisition since its founding in 1994. HEXBUG launched in 2007 and has since expanded to include a robust portfolio of more than 100 toys. Explore the details…

Playmobil Expands Global Licensing Efforts



Horst Brandstätter Group tapped WildBrain CPLG to represent Playmobil for licensing opportunities, including merchandise, publishing, location-based experiences, and promotions. The global deal will include Playmobil’s core and franchise brands. Read more…

Super Impulse Releases Poptaters, Potato Heads Based on Pop Culture



The first wave features musician Gene Simmons of KISS, Optimus Prime from Transformers, The Joy of Painting host Bob Ross, and Garbage Pail Kid Adam Bomb. Each Potato Head character has the usual interchangeable parts, so characters can be mixed together. Read more…

LEGO Expands Botanical Collection with 2 New Flower Sets



The LEGO Group expands its Botanical Collection with two new sets: the Dried Flower Centerpiece, which is a red, orange, and yellow fall arrangement that can be placed on a table or hung on a wall; and the Wildflower Bouquet, a group of eye-popping flowers of different shapes and sizes that can be displayed in a vase. Read more…

Carlin West Agency Inks Licensing Deal with World of Tanks



Under the new deal, Carlin West Agency will explore North American opportunities for the multiplayer video game, including animation and TV alongside toys, collectibles, apparel, accessories, publishing, and more. Enter the battlefield…

ChefClub Taps Multiple New Partners To Distribute Its Brand Internationally 



Europe’s leading food-themed content studio revealed five new toy distribution partnerships to grow its worldwide footprint. White Knight Toys will handle the U.S. while Autruche will service Canada. Learn more…

Super7 Teases New Licensing Partnerships



New product lines will focus on The Princess Bride and Richard Scarry’s Busy World, alongside hip-hop icons Biz Markie and Eric B. & Rakim. Fuel your fandom at The Pop Insider…

From the Editor: Pressing ‘Start’ on 2023 for the Toy Business



Following an extended break for some, the U.S. toy industry is back in action for a new year packed with excitement, challenges, and opportunities. Read the latest commentary…

Babies “R” Us Returns to the U.S. with Flagship Store at American Dream



Following the relaunch of Toys “R” Us in the U.S., WHP Global is bringing back Babies “R” Us with a flagship store this year. Like the previous incarnation, the retailer will be a one-stop baby shop with an extensive range of products and services for new and expecting parents and families. Read more…

Funko, Snoop Dogg Debut ‘Tha Dogg House’ Retail Experience



Funko’s first co-branded retail store is open for business in California. Funko CEO Brian Mariotti and Snoop Dogg were joined by Inglewood Mayor James Butts, Jr. and others for the grand opening celebration. The new destination features exclusive products and activities for the whole family. Read more…

Stephane Madi Named CEO, Ravensburger North America; Filip Francke to Lead Global Games Expansion



Madi will oversee the company’s full portfolio of brands, including Ravensburger, BRIO, ThinkFun, and Wonder Forge in the U.S. and Canada. Francke previously served as CEO of Ravensburger North America and has led growth across a number of categories, including puzzles, games, and toys. Read more…

Genius Brands Unites Consumer Platforms, Taps Todd Steinman To Lead Genius Networks



Genius Networks is a conglomerate that includes Kartoon Channel!, Frederator Network, and Ameba TV. Prior to his role with Genius Brands, Steinman worked at companies such as the Walt Disney Company, Warner Brothers, and WPP.  Learn more…

Build-A-Bear Workshop Taps New Senior VP, Chief Technology Officer



Dara Meath previously served as Divisional Chief Information Officer, Leader of Data, Digital and E-Commerce at Conair, where she worked on global information technology expansion, planning, and redesign. Read more…