Toy Report 4/9: COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Orders Fuel Toy Industry Sales Spike, NPD Says

April 9, 2020

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How Coronavirus Is Affecting the Toy Industry

The Toy Book continues to closely monitor the ways that the spread of COVID-19 is affecting the toy industry and how companies continue to evolve during this unprecedented time. Visit this post — updated daily — for the latest news.

COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Orders Fuel Toy Industry Sales Spike, NPD Says

The spread of the new coronavirus and the COVID-19 pandemic is creating an unusual situation that is simultaneously both hurting and helping certain areas of the toy industry. Read more…

Exclusive: Full Details Emerge on A Toy Store Near You , the New Docuseries from the Makers of The Toys That Made Us

More than 40 independent toy stores will be featured in A Toy Store Near You , the new docuseries from The Nacelle Company. Launching in mid-April, the series — from producer Brian Volk-Weiss and the team behind Netflix’s The Toys That Made Us and The Movies That Made Us — will put the spotlight on stores in the U.S. and other locations around the world as they evolve to deal with the effects of the coronavirus and the spread of COVID-19 on their businesses. Read more…

Exclusive: Kellytoy’s Squishmallows Brand Gets Theme Song

Kellytoy‘s snuggly Squishmallows are already a hit on the toy charts, and now its sights are set on the pop charts. The toymaker — recently acquired by Jazwares — tapped Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, and composer Luke Tierney to pen the brand’s official theme song, “Hello We’re The Squishmallows.” Read more…

2020 International Licensing Awards Nominees Revealed

Licensing International revealed the nominees for the 2020 International Licensing Awards, which honor excellence in the licensing industry. This year’s ballot includes 175 nominees in 23 categories representing some of the top brands, properties, personalities, and companies in the business. Read more…

LEGO, Nintendo Reveal Super Mario Expansion Sets

With this Super Mario collaboration between LEGO and Nintendo, kids can collect virtual coins, run and jump across obstacles, and avoid the baddies like Bowser all with their very own LEGO Mario figure. Read more…

Rollplay’s Todd Rywolt Appears on the ‘Power Kid Podcast’

In this week’s episode of the “Power Kid Podcast,” host Phil Albritton of Power Kid Design speaks with Todd Rywolt, vice president of sales and marketing at Rollplay, a leader in innovative powered ride-on toys such as the Wave Catcher. On the show, Albritton delves into Rywolt’s origin story, which includes a 16-year run at Kenner and Hasbro, where he worked to develop toy lines for fan-favorite franchise brands including Batman, Jurassic Park, and the relaunch of Star Wars in 1995. 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.

Headstart International, YouKu Team Up for Best Furry Friends Debut in China

The Australian toymaker inked a new deal with YouKu via Playology International and Senyu International to bring the CGI-animated series to audiences across the region. Best Furry Friends support’s Headstart’s global toy brand that includes dolls, plush, and collectibles. Rea d more…

Spawn Gets ‘Remastered’ for Todd McFarlane Productions’ First Kickstarter Campaign

Kickstarter’s new toy section debuts with the first-ever campaign from Todd McFarlane Productions. The Spawn Masterworks Original Spawn Action Figure and Comic Remastered is a special set that upgrades the original Spawn action figure from 1995. Read more...

Rubik’s Brand, Super Impulse Relaunch Rubik’s Revolution

The 2008 Toy of the Year Award-winning Rubik’s Revolution returns to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the iconic Rubik’s Cube. The electronic experience offers six fast-paced games including “Light Speed” mode. Read more…

Box Blox Life-Size Building Sets Debut on Amazon

Made in the U.S. with 99% renewable materials by Illinois-based Insightful Solutions Group, Box Blox encourages kids and families to “build big, store small” with life-size construction sets. Read more…

Premium Bandai USA Releases Limited-Edition Figures

Premium Bandai USA, the newest division of Bandai Collectibles, debuted 20 exclusive collectibles to North American fans for the first time. Until now, many of these rare and limited-edition releases were only available to the Japanese market. Read more…

Radio Flyer Donates 1,000 Wagons, Tricycles, and Ride-Ons to Cradles to Crayons Chicago

The toys will be distributed to kids from families in need in an effort to inspire hours of imaginative play and help keep kids active during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more…

Super7 Debuts New Thundercats Figures, Preps ‘Ask Me Anything’ Session

Super7 is making the best of the “at home” situation by keeping fans engaged and in the loop with new video content and a steady stream of new preorders as the world rides out the COVID-19 storm. Read more…

Now, More than Ever, Play Is Essential

Mattel President and Chief Operating Officer Richard Dickson shares some thoughts on why play is more important than ever before. Read more...

Funko Takes Additional Action Due to COVID-19 Uncertainty

In an effort to enhance its financial flexibility for the time being, Funko has furloughed “a significant portion” of its employees. The company is also implementing salary reductions across its executive team and upper-level management while working to execute reductions in operating expenses and non-product development capital expenditures. Read more…

ViacomCBS Consumer Products Taps Former Hasbro Exec for Southern Europe, MENA

Simon Leslie joins ViacomCBS Consumer Products as vice president, consumer products for Southern Europe, Middle East, and North Africa (MENA). Read more…

WildBrain Television Names Katie Wilson VP Channels and Curation

In the newly created role, Wilson will be responsible for curating content and providing editorial direction across WildBrain Television’s Family Channel, Family CHRGD, Family Jr., and Télémagino in addition to its multiplatform/VOD extensions. Read more…