Toy & Game International Excellence Awards - the TAGIEs
August 11-18, 2023
Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!
Happy Bloomin' Friday!
Come to NY Toy Fair and don’t miss our POP Party October 2nd at Connolly’s Pub! Over 20 years running (pandemic aside) - the best people will be there, there’s chocolate peanut butter pie, and it’s gonna be a BANGER – with or without the mash! RSVP NOW so they can hire enough bartenders.
POP Week is November 1st- 5th! Register HERE, and then reserve your hotel room HERE! Join us for one or all of these awesome events: Inventor Pitch and Innovation Conference, Toy & Game Innovation Excellence Awards - the TAGIEs, Young Inventor Challenge, POP Roast of Rich Mazel, Toy Takedown (Inspired by Family Feud) with Brian Turtle, Tom Rushton and Matt Nuccio, PlayCHIC Influencer Event and the Chicago Toy & Game Fair.
Once you’ve got your POP Week plans locked up, our LA Previews Directory is ready! You can book a room through us to get into the directory so you can find and be found by the players you want to meet in LA.
Thank you for reading the Bloom Report here or on the Bloom Report 24/7 News Feed!
Mary
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The BLOOM REPORT is fantastic and it allows me to stay on top of all the breaking news in the Toy industry! - Wai Or, Longshore Ltd.
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“I seriously look forward to each Friday to learn most every update + more in the Industry. Priceless info! Thank you” -Michael Kohner, The Michael Kohner Corporation
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"TBR is required reading for: inventors, manufacturers, retailers, marketers, suppliers, absolutely everyone!" - Robert Fuhrer, Founder, NEXTOY
Keynote of the Week - Tim Walsh
Serious Play: Opening Keynote to the 9th International Toy Research World Conference @ the Strong Museum of Play
Last week, 95 toy researchers from 23 countries met at The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, NY for the first ITRA World Conference ever held in the United States. I was fortunate to be asked to open the conference with this talk about the power of play and the ability of toys to inform who we become. Please share, because we need to spread the word. Kids need play, now more than ever.
Industry Commentary - David Becker
Toys & Games Marketers: Is it time for Tums or Veuve Clicquot?
We’re in August, line reviews have started; holiday is fast approaching; product is set or scheduled to set; and you must sell-in and sell-through. What is a marketer to do to break through, grab category market share, make 2023 pop, and set the stage for a winning 2024?
What are you doing to seize today and better your bottom line tomorrow? Do you have a plan? Are you diving in to tackle the year ahead? Are you pulling back in precaution and hoping your product sells through in a sea of products; or that the power of your license drives home the numbers you have been banking on? Are you doubling down, leveraging a rarely seen window of opportunity, and laying down a conquesting campaign to take advantage of cut competitive skus and a shifting planogram? What are you doing, beyond hope, to drive success?
Hope is good, calculated optimism is better, but a winning strategy is best. Today is your day to drive unprecedented growth for tomorrow. Exciting times are ahead. But how you choose to market your brand today can spell the difference between a Tums year or a year of celebration with a bottle of bubbly.
Cartoon Lovers, Lexophiles & People in Need of a Smile!
Cartoon of the Week: This 'piece' was sent by Michael Kohner - Thank you!
Lexophile Lovers: "It's hard to explain puns to kleptomaniacs because they always take things literally." Thank you, Jerry Cleary for sharing with our readers!
"The greatest toy makers are like magicians, turning everyday objects into sources of wonder." - Toru Iwatani, creator of Pac-Man
Have a cartoon, quote or a joke to share with your colleagues? Send it to me! Mary
Financial and Legal
Workinman Interactive staffers file to form IATSE’s first US video game union. Workers at the studio behind Disney, Nickelodeon and Fisher-Price children’s games are making a push for better compensation and job security. In a historic move, workers at New York-based video game studio Workinman Interactive are aiming to unionize with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).
AI-Created Art Isn’t Copyrightable, Judge Says in Ruling That Could Give Hollywood Studios Pause. A federal judge on Friday upheld a finding from the U.S. Copyright Office that a piece of art created by AI is not open to protection. More than 100 days into the writers strike, fears have kept mounting over the possibility of studios deploying generative artificial intelligence to completely pen scripts. But IP law...
***The above posted after tBR sent on August 18th***
Starting next year, child influencers can sue if earnings aren’t set aside, says new Illinois law. Illinois is the first state in the U.S. to ensure child social media influencers are compensated for their work, according to Sen. David Koehler, of Peoria, who sponsored a bill that was signed into law and will go into effect on July 1, 2024.
Disney is shutting down its Singapore-based VFX and animation studio after nearly two decades, which is run by its subsidiaries Lucasfilm and Industrial Light & Magic (ILM). The shutdown will see approximately 300 jobs affected by the decision, with The House of Mouse citing economic conditions affecting the industry as a core factor for the studio’s closure. The move comes during Disney’s ongoing restructuring...
Embracer's $2 billion deal that blew up was with Saudi Arabia. Embracer Group, the Swedish holding company that’s been buying up everything from Borderlands maker Gearbox Entertainment to the rights to The Lord of the Rings, saw its stock plummet earlier this year when a mystery $2 billion deal collapsed at the last minute. Axios now reports that the partner who walked away wasn’t Microsoft or Sony: It was...
Krafton commits $150M to help India become "global gaming powerhouse". PUBG Battlegrounds maker Krafton plans to invest $150 million into the Indian video game market over the coming years. As reported by TechCrunch, the South Korean company, which owns PUBG Battlegrounds developer PUBG Corporation, will sink the cash into gaming and entertainment startups.
Program Highlights
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Visit the York-Jersey Underwriters website at www.toy-insurance.com
Financial Reporting
Barbie Prepares to Pass The Super Mario Bros. Movie & Become Biggest Movie of 2023
Box Office: ‘Blue Beetle’ Stumbles With $25 Million Debut, Ends ‘Barbie’s’ Four-Week Streak
***The above posted after August 18th***
‘Barbie’ surpasses ‘The Dark Knight’ as Warner Bros.’ highest-grossing domestic release in history. Greta Gerwig’s fantasy comedy “Barbie” has crossed $537.5 million at the domestic box office, overtaking Christopher Nolan’s 2008 superhero epic “The Dark Knight” ($536 million) as the highest-grossing domestic release in Warner Bros. history. And the box office records aren’t expected to stop anytime soon. In the coming days, “Barbie” will surpass Universal’s animated “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” ($574 million) as the biggest …
The global licensing industry generated more than US$340.8 billion in revenue last year from merchandise and services. In total, the industry grew 8% when compared to 2021 (US$315 billion), according to NY-based Licensing Int'l’s 8th annual Global Licensing Industry Study.
Embracer Group tabletop game segment Asmodee reported 20% top line growth, but declining margins and rising expenses in the company’s Fiscal Q1 (April- June). Asmodee sales increased to $292.9 million (converted form Swedish Krona at today’s exchange rate), from $245.2 million in the year ago quarter. Organic growth (i.e., not due to acquisition) was 9%, the company reported.
Trends, Market Research, and State of the Industry
BBC, ZDF & Other Euro Public Service Networks See Viewer Engagement Dwindling — Ampere Study
***The above posted after August 18th***
Barbie’ movie helps energize retail sales. Here's a look at some stats from Circana.
African SVOD set for take-off. In contrast with the tailing off of paid streaming growth in markets such as the US, African SVOD is set to grow rapidly in the coming years...
A poll reveals 22% of patrons who saw the Barbie film hadn’t seen one in several years.
Next Year’s Paint Trends Are Looking a Lot like Barbenheimer, Sherwin-Williams Predicts. The temperature is warming up AND cooling down in the color direction.
Linear TV Falls Below 50 Percent of Viewing for First Time. Nielsen's monthly platform rankings show broadcast and cable making up less than half of all TV use.
Research indicates China's playtime limitations are "ineffective".
Circana reviews first half of the year. Melissa Symonds of Circana spoke to Toy World about the first half of 2023, revealing which categories have shown the strongest growth, and looks ahead to how the second half of the year might pan out. Games & Puzzles, Plush, Building Sets and Explorative & Other Toys have been the “supercategories” which gained value this year despite the overall UK Toy Market being down. The top property is Pokémon which is also growing double digits.
Spotlight on Wooden Toys. Toy World speaks to a number of leading suppliers to find out all about their latest launches and examines the undeniable link between wooden toys and sustainability.
August 14th BOX OFFICE REPORT; 'STAR WARS: AHSOKA,' 'THE CONTINENTAL' TRAILERS; AMC CASH CRUNCH WARNING; WRITERS, STUDIOS TALK; 'JURASSIC PARK' TO BE RE-RELEASED. Barbie won the box office for the fourth consecutive weekend, bringing its cumulative total to $526.3 million domestically and $1.18 billion worldwide, according to Deadline. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem had the #3 domestic box office take of $15.7 million and is now at $72.7 million domestically. The other comic-based film in theaters, the film adaptation of Adrian Tomine’s Shortcomings, grossed $83,495 on 210 screens, and has a cumulative total of only $557,496
Stories, Comments, and Advice
Canva embraced generative AI—now it’s changing the way people work. With its smart approach to generative AI, Canva—a winner of the 2023 Innovation by Design Awards—is changing the way people design. Canva’s swift pivot to artificial intelligence caught even the technoscenti by surprise. Over the course of a few months in the second half of 2022, the graphic design platform integrated generative AI across...
***The above posted after August 18th***
John Baulch, Toy World - Making a little mischief …it’s the Friday Blog! This week, the LinkedIn mischief-makers have been back to one of their favourite topics – the timing of global trade fairs. As I have said previously, I tend to be more of an observer than an active participant when it comes to the debate around international events. But I do try to see all sides, rather than having a specific personal agenda to push.
Move Over, Monopoly! Here Are America’s Most Popular Board Games. Nearly 5,000 new board games were released in 2022 alone. The hobby has exploded in popularity over the yrs. Despite the emergence of new games, a timeless classic remains America's most popular board game: Chess. A recent study reveals the top 20 board games in the United States. The list is filled with classics like Monopoly, Clue, and Sorry
What is ‘Barbie Botox,’ TikTok’s latest beauty obsession? The hashtag ‘Barbie Botox’ currently has over 7 million views on TikTok, where MediSpas and clinics document injecting their clients, adding pastel pink captions and sparkle emojis. Lux’s video detailing her own experience with the treatment has now been viewed more than 250,000 times. She credits herself with coining the phrase. “It came from the idea that you...
The iconic windmill from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is for sale for £9 million. Few film houses can be as instantly recognisable as Cobstone Mill in Buckinghamshire, its pretty black and white exterior standing out against the green countryside of the Chiltern Hills. Made famous by its appearance in the 1968 film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in 1968, where it served as the abode of the eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts...
Will Apple Buy Disney? With several media outlets discussing the possibility of a sale of Disney to Apple, Richard Gottlieb examines whether this is likely to happen. If these were more normal times, I would write the notion off as fantasy. These are not, as we can all attest, normal times.
The speculation pivots around Bob Iger’s intention to sell parts of Disney. He has publicly stated that ABC and FX may not be core parts...
The Surprising Key to Understanding the Barbie Film. It’s not Barbie herself. This article contains spoilers for the film Barbie. That idea—of products being reflections of our self-image, which is in turn affected by the products we purchase, creating a never-ending cycle—is heady, and one that will probably fly over the children seeing the film.
Banned in Kuwait, ‘Barbie’ Sparks Delight, and Anger, in Saudi Arabia. Denounced in some Middle Eastern countries for undermining traditional gender norms, the hit movie is finding an audience in Saudi Arabia, illustrating the region’s shifting political landscape. On Friday night, Mohammed al-Sayed donned a pale pink shirt and denim overalls to join a friend at a movie theater in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia...
He’s ‘just Ken’ but will the ‘Barbie’ movie change his popularity? As reflected in Greta Gerwig’s blockbuster movie that tackles the legacy Mattel’s famous doll, Barbie has always been more popular than Ken. For every Ken doll sold today, there’s generally eight to 10 Barbies sold, according to Jim Silver, a toy industry expert and CEO of review site of TTPM.
Commentary: Wall Street predators destroyed Toys ‘R’ Us. Now they’re coming for Simon & Schuster. The venerable publishing house Simon & Schuster will soon be owned by one of the nation’s biggest private equity firms, KKR. For a glimpse of their future — and tips on how to fight back — Simon & Schuster authors and employees might want to chat with the former workers of Toys ‘R’ Us. There are 33,000 of them...
We need to pay attention to the downsides of the plastic toy industry. Among the 419 chemicals found in plastic toys, about 126 are harmful to human health. It is high time we urge plastic-toy entrepreneurs to switch to environment-friendly toys produced from wood, clay, leather, paper, etc. According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, the SME sector's contribution to the GDP was 23.36% in FY21, which...
Is China spying on Americans via interactive toys? Lawmakers on Capitol Hill have raised concerns over the possibility that China could be using toys with smart device capabilities to spy on Americans. The House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Tuesday to take action on electronics made in China, warning Chinese officials...
Toy World looks at Stem & Educational toys. The biggest task for toy companies in the STEM and Education sectors is to find ways to fulfil kids’ curiosity while keeping them engaged and having fun. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and maths and many toy companies operating in the sector take guidelines from school curricula to provide kids with practical activities which enhance...
The best place for video game tips is Pornhub’s Comment section. Gamers and porn enthusiasts have always had something of a symbiotic relationship. In 2022, popular games like Minecraft, Fortnite, and Overwatch dominated Pornhub searches, and PCGamer reported that the site has tons of Let’s Play-style videos that are devoid of pornographic content.
What rockets a brand into cult following status? It's not a product – it's a lifestyle. Some brands, products and people reach a level of fandom others only dream of. The recipe is savvy marketing and a little serendipity. Director Greta Gerwig’s Barbie film has surpassed the $1bn (£790bn) mark at the global box office. Yet fans aren’t just lining up for tickets, they’re also clamoring for “Barbiecore” fashion...
Here are the key differences between Gen Z and Gen Alpha that brands and agencies need to understand. It might seem like Gen Z and Gen Alpha are very similar, but some agencies studying these younger cohorts have found nuances and distinctions in how they consume media, game and interact with brands. Last week, Publicis’ interactive agency Razorfish released its Gen Alpha study discussing the differences...
What is Roblox? Here’s everything you need to know. While it first launched back in 2006, Roblox has evolved over the recent years into one of the most popular virtual playgrounds on the planet. At its core, Roblox is a gaming platform that allows you to play dozens of user-created games or create games through Roblox Studio. From role-playing games to rhythm titles and shooters, the platform is a toy box of experiences...
Pikachu in a poncho is Pokémon collectors’ favourite new obsession, as card prices rocket. Pokémon card collectors are spending thousands of dollars on cards featuring series mascot Pikachu dressed in adorable ponchos, joining an ongoing boom in demand for the rarest Pokémon cards. The Pikachu Poncho cards were originally released as promo cards during the Pokémon X&Y and Sun & Moon sets.
Disney is 'making the same mistake as Bud Light' with new woke partnership, former Anheuser-Busch exec warns. The Walt Disney Co. is facing a Bud Light-style boycott after partnering with a gender-fluid social media influencer to promote women's clothes. Former Anheuser-Busch executive Anson Frericks said the move is a "big mistake" and it rivals Bud Light's decision to partner with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney.
History and Nostalgia
Hawaiian Punch from Mattel. Released in 1978 by Mattel, the Hawaiian Punch board game had players racing to Pineapple Island under threat of squashes and splats along the way. Players started the game by molding their own pineapple pawns with a clay colour of their choice. This was accomplished by placing a portion of the clay into a hinged plastic mold designed to resemble a can of the Hawaiian Punch...
The Cannonball Run! from Cadaco. Released in 1981 by Cadaco, The Cannonball Run! board game was based on the action-comedy film of the same name. With box art featuring seven of the movie’s stars including Adrienne Barbeau, Sammy Davis Jr., Burt Reynolds, and Dean Martin, the race game drew inspiration from the French card game called Mille Bournes.
Kookie Kamera from Ideal. In 1968, Ideal released Kookie Kamera, a working, bellows-type instant camera that was simple enough for children to operate. Junior shutterbugs framed their shots by looking through the “bloodshot eye” (really the viewfinder), pressuring the shutterbug to generate an exposure, and twisting the cranker knob to advance the film into an attached developer tank.
RSL breaks multiple records with bank & toy auction. The Crème de la Crème 2023 auction on August 5 at the RSL Auction Company was exactly that, with five-figure banks and toys topping the charts and 30 to 40 world records established out of 515 lots offered. There was a tie for first place between the auction’s two major categories, a bank and a toy that were both in pristine or mint condition.
Licensing and Entertainment
Penguin Random House will release DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Heroes' Feast: Flavors of the Multiverse, a fantasy-themed cookbook, into retail on November 7, 2023. This cookbook, from the authors of the NY Times best-selling Heroes' Feast cookbook, expands into the Multiverse for more adventurous recipes. It presents a culinary tour of the various settings within the D&D Multiverse, from Forgotten Realms and beyond.
Momonsters travels the globe with broadcast deals. With a TV movie premiering later this year and a third season due in 2024, the series has attracted new broadcasters in Singapore, Iceland and Poland. PGS Entertainment has inked a raft of international broadcast deals for CG-animated preschool toon Momonsters, produced by Big Bang Box and RTVE in Spain. The show’s international distributor has sold seasons...
Usaopoly (The Op), the board game and puzzle publisher behind best-selling party games including Telestrations, Blank Slate and Hues and Cues, has launched the most humorous version of the classic mystery game with CLUE: Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Under license from leading toy and game co. Hasbro and based on Jeff Kinney’s popular book series with over 275 million copies sold worldwide, the game will ...
Microsoft is breathing some air into Minecraft through a new licensing deal with Montreal-based toyco Playview Brands for a range of inflatable products. Playview will design and manufacture both summer and winter Minecraft inflatables for North American retail, starting this fall with a line of snow sleds and large building blocks that kids can use to recreate Minecraft’s settings.
***The above posted after August 18th***
Hasbro Entertainment launch marks a new era in storytelling from the toy & game giant. More than 30 projects based on Hasbro IP are in active development, including G.I. Joe, NERF, and Peppa Pig. Hasbro’s recent sale of the eOne film and TV business isn’t slowing the company’s content aspirations. The toy and game giant revealed the newly appointed leadership team of Hasbro Entertainment...
Mattel Launches María Félix ‘La Doña’ Barbie Doll in Celebration of the National Day of Mexican Cinema. The limited-edition doll is part of Mattel's Barbie Tribute collection. Screen siren María Félix is now immortalized in Barbie form, thanks to Mattel. The actress, who also went by “La Doña” and “Maria Bonita,” was one of Mexico’s biggest starlets in the 1940s and ’50s.
Kids can launch their own business with a Girl Scout Cookie Sale Booth. It may not be Girl Scout Cookie season, but it’s always pretend play season! Little Tikes just released a playset where kids can sell the yummy treats. Designed for kids ages 3 and up, the Girl Scout Cookie Booth sets kids up for success. A white board built into the front of the booth is a perfect place for advertising their products while shelves ...
The same week that Hasbro revealed the launch of its Hasbro Entertainment division, the global toy and game giant has announced the Netflix premiere date for Power Rangers Cosmic Fury along with a brand new theme song composed by Bert Selen. Cosmic Fury will debut exclusively on Netflix on Sept. 29, bringing the iconic Mighty Morphin Power Rangers cast member, David Yost, to the galactic-themed series...
Mattel announced that the all-new animated special, Polly Pocket: Sparkle Cove Adventure, from Mattel Television and WildBrain, will premiere on Netflix in the U.S. on August 21, 2023. The 66-minute adventure follows Polly as she learns the whimsical secrets of Sparkle Cove, the source of the magical pockite responsible for her power to shrink. Soon, Polly finds that her discovery isn’t as random as it seems, as she’s...
VR Distribution unveils What Do You Meme? Squishmallows game. With fantastic game play developed by the global, best-selling games company behind What Do You Meme? combined with the hugely popular Squishmallows brand, Squishmallows Take 4 is an action packed and easy to play family game. It comes with an exclusive Squishmallow character: Benny The Bigfoot, with his fun new hat.
Minecraft is officially joining Playview Brands’ lineup of licensing agreements. The collaboration includes a collection of summer and winter inflatables that will launch this fall. The first Playview x Minecraft products to hit retail include Minecraft Winter Fun World inflatable snow sleds and the Minecraft 6-Piece Building Block Set, which includes blocks that look like creatures from Minecraft, including creepers, pigs, Endermen...
Starglow Media launches into the kids audio space. The company is looking to acquire and commission content for three- to 12-year-old listeners and their families. Starglow Media is looking to close a gap in the co-listening market with podcasts and audiobooks. Former UTA exec Jed Baker is the founder and CEO of the LA-based audio company, which officially launches today and specializes in multi-genre content...
French animation studio Millimages has tapped New York’s Licensing Street as its licensing agent in North America for its flagship preschool franchise, Molang. Licensing Street will oversee the development of Molang’s consumer products program and search for new partners for the preschool brand in the US. In the short term, the program will focus on plush, fashion, accessories, home and stationery...
Mattel Debuts More ‘Trolls’ Toys. New products for the upcoming film will release Oct. 1. Mattel is debuting new “Trolls” dolls across the portfolio from small dolls to American Girl accessories, inspired by the upcoming movie, “Trolls Brand Together.” The new products include: Mount Rageous Playset, Hair Pops Small Doll Assortment ...
9 Story Distribution is setting its sights on the lucrative genre of gaming content to build on its AVOD sales strategy. The Canadian company—with its distribution arm based in Dublin—has picked up Let’s Game and the 10 x 10-minute Challenge DanTDM for VOD distribution worldwide, excluding the UK and Ireland. \
Random House Children’s Books has partnered with MGA Entertainment-owned toyco The Little Tikes Company to launch a portable projector that’s all about promoting early literacy. The Little Tikes Story Dream Machine projector allows kids ages three to six to watch, listen and read bedtime stories. Each projector comes with three stories from Random House’s Little Golden Books collection...
Kid-centric audio platform Yoto has inked a key deal with Universal Music Group (UMG) to significantly expand its catalogue. Under the agreement, the London-based company will be able to access artists and music titles under the UMG umbrella for its ad-free and screen-free devices. Yoto provides more than 1,000 audio entertainment titles that are designed for young listeners, ranging from preschoolers to the...
The best Barbie gifts and toys of 2023 to celebrate her fabulous return. The Barbie movie is a box office hit that reignited the world’s love for the fashionable dolls. Given this, it only makes sense to want to search for the best Barbie gifts for the fan in your life, especially kids who may be discovering Barbie for the very first time.
TOMY Itl’s Bebé Fuerte™, a new infant toy line created and designed by Robin Arzón, VP of Fitness Programming and Head Instructor at Peloton, has arrived at Walmart and independent toy stores across the US. The New York Times bestselling author of children’s books Strong Mama, and its follow-up, Strong Baby, has brought her core belief in the power of movement for all ages to bear on the new line.
Millimages taps Licensing Street to represent Molang in the U.S. Licensing Street will officially represent the French social media and TV brand Molang by Millimages in North America. Molang currently has more than 950 consumer products from more than 80 licensees along with 312 animated TV episodes broadcast worldwide.
What Do You Meme? rebrands to Relatable, launches new game. Who Killed Mia? is the brand’s first murder mystery party game. What Do You Meme?, originally named after its flagship game, is moving on to a new brand identity, hoping to better reflect the expanding offerings the game company has in its portfolio. The newly coined Relatable is continuing its focus on party, family, relationship, and drinking games...
Brand-new Mickey and Minnie Mouse preschool toys for Fall 2023 from Just Play – Dancing Plush, Dino Safari, and more! Just Play and Disney Junior bring new, innovative ways for kids to connect with Mickey and Minnie Mouse through a collection of brand-new toys inspired by the shows Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Mickey Mouse Funhouse, and Minnie’s Bow-Toons.
Itsy Bitsy Entertainment & Meteo Expert launch “The Meteoheroes Adventures” video podcast into US schools August 28th. Based on the #1 Kids’ podcast throughout Europe, Children’s and Family Entertainment mega-hit maker and producer Kenn Viselman, known for some of the most ground-breaking children’s TV series of all time (including Thomas the Tank Engine, Teletubbies and nearly 50 others) has teamed up...
Fun in Motion launches Jumbie artist series Shashibo. Innovative toy company, Fun In Motion Toys, creators of the #1 best-selling and STEAM-accredited Shashibo magnetic puzzle cube, proudly present a new artistic collaboration with world-renowned artist, Jumbie. This groundbreaking partnership unites Shashibo with the visionary behind the unique art movement “Spectral Art,” where artwork animates in the...
Bandai unveils next 'Battle Spirits Saga CG' booster set, 'Savior of Chaos'. Bandai unveiled Savior of Chaos, the next Battle Spirits Saga CG booster set, which hits retail on January 26, 2024. This set features the return of Nova as a double symbol spirit, which allows the spirit to use cards as two symbols and reduce an opponents' life by two with a single attack.
15 automotive & motorsports-inspired licensed toys & games for summer 2023. The Toy Book’s 2023 Licensing & Entertainment Issue hit the streets this summer with a host of new product previews that retailers and other members of the trade should have on their radar. Our Automotive-inspired Showcase put the spotlight on 15 new licensed products inspired by car culture, motorsports, and high-speed...
'Harrow County' board game heads to retail. Off the Page Games will release Harrow County: The Game of Gothic Conflict, a new fantasy horror board game designed by Jay Cormier and Shad Miller, into retail in November 2023. This board game is based on Cullen Bunn's Harrow County comic book IP published by Dark Horse Comics. In Harrow County: The Game of Gothic Conflict, players will engage in a...
Trick or Treat Studios teams up with Rob Zombie. Trick or Treat Studios has teamed up with Rob Zombie for a House of 1000 Corpses board game. Trick or Treat Studios and Rob Zombie have been collaborating on various masks and action figures prior to this next step in their relationship, which is a full-fledged board game based on the cult classic film.
L.O.L. Surprise! House Of Surprises! to air on Pop. L.O.L. Surprise! House Of Surprises! will make its UK Linear TV premiere on Pop on Saturday 19th August 2023. Filled with the famous fashionistas, the Season 1 episodes will also be available to watch anytime on the Pop Player, on TV, tablet and mobile. In the series, Royal Bee is bringing her BFFs to The House of Surprises to show them her fabulous new project...
Funko Games announces 'Five Night's At Freddy's Fightline'. Funko Games announced Five Night's at Freddy's FightLine, a new collectible tabletop horror game, for release as an exclusive at GameStop on October 1, 2023, with the exclusivity window ending at the end of 2023. This game line consists of a Premier Set and Character Packs that allow players to build teams and battle each other head-to-head with characters...
Dynamite offers 'Fire and Ice' game: Combo roleplaying and board game based on the animated film. Dynamite Entertainment has announced the Fire and Ice Miniatures Adventure Game, based on the animated film by Ralph Bakshi and Frank Frazetta, which can be played as a board game or as a roleplaying game. The game is set to release in May.
People of Play
Ynon Kreiz, Mattel Chairman and CEO, who has transformed the company and spearheaded its global blockbuster film, Barbie, will receive the 2023 IFF Industry Leadership Award at the 36th Israel Film Festival in Los Angeles Opening Night Gala on November 1st. Meir Fenigstein, founder and executive director of the Israel Film Festival, made the announcement.
ICV2 INTERVIEW: RAVENSBURGER NORTH AMERICA CEO STEPHANE MADI. On the Strategy for 'Disney Lorcana,' the Role of Channels for Ravensburger. ICv2: Ravensburger is a puzzle company and a board game company. To become a collectible game company is a very different skill set and a totally new business. Why did Ravensburger decide to enter this category?
Playview Brands has hired former Spin Master and Hasbro product manager Domenic Bettini as its first-ever director of business development. Bettini is tasked with expanding Playview’s brand and licensing portfolio, as well as finding new ways to drive revenue. He joined the company on August 1, and reports to SVP and GM Andrew Sparkes.
Longtime Super Mario voice actor Charles Martinet retires from the role. The iconic English-language voice behind Mario, Luigi, Wario and other Nintendo protagonists is "stepping back" from playing those roles, Nintendo announced today. Why it matters: Anyone who has played a Mario game since the late '90s has probably had Charles Martinet's "wa-hoo"s imprinted in their brain.
***The above posted after August 18th***
Hasbro Entertainment Launch Marks a New Era in Storytelling. Hasbro Entertainment is led by a trio of former eOne execs, including Olivier Dumont as President with Zev Foreman and Gabriel Marano serving as Head of Film and Head of Television, respectively. Dumont previously led Family Brands at eOne while both Foreman and Marano were primarily focused on projects inspired by Hasbro intellectual prop....
Toy and game industry veteran Tami Murphy launches Tamic Strategies. Tami Murphy, an industry veteran and occasional contributor to The Toy Book, is branching out with the launch of her own company: Tamic Strategies. Building on 20 years of experience in the toy and game industry, Tamic Strategies offers comprehensive business consulting services to companies looking to grow within the toy, game, and gift spaces.
Ubisoft appoints veteran scribe Drew Holmes as Far Cry IP director. Veteran Ubisoft scribe Drew Holmes has been appointed IP director of Far Cry. Holmes shared the news on Linkedin and said the company has "big things" in store for the franchise that will represent an "evolution" of the brand. It's a notable step up for Holmes, who joined Ubisoft in January 2016 as a lead writer.
Where is Ty Warner, the billionaire subject of ‘The Beanie Bubble‘, now? Here's how the Beanie Baby founder responded to the movie about his life. Have you ever wondered why the Beanie Babies had a heart-shaped tag with “TY” written on them? It's because of creator H. Ty Warner.
The iconic pellet-stuffed toys were designed by the toy manufacturer, who would go on to become a billionaire after the coveted...
Jonathan Schneider has joined the executive ranks of Invisible Universe as its first president of studios. To support the growth of the digital-first animation studio, he will help build new business verticals and also lead the adoption of new technologies—which includes motion capture, real-time rendering and AI-associated tools.
After working alongside her for years, a group of retired Mattel employees gathered to watch 'Barbie'. Sherrie Wilson, Connie Hibbert, Patricia Smith, Joyce Kelley and Karen Mazzoni met up recently to reminisce on their years working with Mattel ahead of the movie. Another friend, Cathy Tirabassi is a part of their small group, but was unable to attend. When they get together it is like no time has passed.
Companies and Brands
Spin Master is delivering the magic this holiday season with four toys being named to Walmart's highly-anticipated 2023 Top Toys List. The list includes Spin Master's Bitzee™, an interactive digital pet that you can really touch; the Gabby's Dollhouse® Gabby Cat Friend Ship™ playset, expanding the ecosystem of toys inspired by the imaginative world from DreamWorks Animation's hit series; the hilarious Monkey See...
Disney just can’t let it go. Disney Publishing Worldwide, ABC Audio and Walt Disney Animation Studios have teamed up to launch the first Frozen podcast, continuing the story of magical sisters from the studio’s blockbuster film franchise. Season one, titled Frozen: Forces of Nature, is a 12-episode podcast (each ep is 15 to 20 minutes long) that will premiere in October for kids ages six to 12.
***The above posted after August 18th***
Hasbro’s recent sale of the eOne film and TV business isn’t slowing the company’s content aspirations. The toy and game giant revealed the newly appointed leadership team of Hasbro Entertainment, a division focused on “leveraging Hasbro’s most valuable brands to develop and produce premium content across platforms for audiences of all ages.” This new division unites the company’s film, TV, animation, and digital...
Crayola is teaming up with location-based entertainment companies BrightColors and Kingsmen Xperience to build a new Crayola Experience entertainment center in Pigeon Forge, TN. The 30,000 sq-ft indoor attraction will launch in fall next yr and feature more than 20 hands-on activities for kids, including naming their original Crayola crayon, creating melted wax art and getting turned into their own coloring...
World Alive, the visionary toy company, proudly introduces Freak Marbles, its groundbreaking brand redefining marble play and collecting by making marbles cool again! The exciting launch is set for Spain and Portugal in September 2023, followed by a global expansion in 2024. Freak Marbles takes the classic marble game to new heights with unique characters, dynamic gameplay, and captivating designs.
Netflix expands its video game streaming services to TVs and computers. Beta tests for the streamer’s updated cloud gaming services roll out today to a limited number of subscribers in Canada and the UK. The first wave will focus on testing compatible TVs and will later expand to include computers running Windows and iOS-based operating systems in the coming weeks.
Gel Zone is launching two new blasters with glow-in-the-dark gel beads to keep the competition going long after the sun goes down. The Hydro Strike Stratos Pro Gel Blaster unleashes a frenzy of hydro-powered gel beads. This motorized blaster features a 1200-round gel bead hopper and a rev power grip handle and trigger that sends eight gel beads through the rotating barrel at up to 200 feet per second.
Douglas to bring more feathered friends to stores next year. This lineup features nine birds. Douglas continues to reveal its upcoming slate of plush for next year with a fresh lineup of bird plush. These plush are designed for kids ages 3 and up and are made to look just like the species of bird they are inspired by. Melody features the orange belly, brown wings, and black head of a robin.
Kids are in for epic shark surprises with Beast Lab. Moose Toys is launching a new surprise toy, Beast Lab, to go hand-in-hand with Magic Mixies. Much like the Magic Mixies, Beast Lab adds a splash of fun to scientific surprises. Designed for kids ages 5 and up, Beast Lab contains everything kids need to reveal an electronic action figure.
Wizards of the Coast launches new $149.99 'Secret Lair' Commander Deck. Wizards of the Coast launched Angels: They're Like Us but Cooler and with Wings, a new Secret Lair Commander Deck, for DTC preorder on August 10, 2023. The newest Secret Lair Commander deck comes with five cards with angelic art from Scott M. Fischer.
Douglas to debut new bunny plush next year. The company will release nine new bunny plush in January. Douglas is gearing up for 2024 with nine new plush bunnies set to come out in January. Designed for kids ages 3 and up, the bunnies come from multiple Douglas lines, including DLux and Softs. There are four Softs in the lineup: Sweetie the Rainbow Bunny, a tie-dye bunny in green, yellow, pink, purple, and blue....
Little Tikes takes on pinball in New Old School playset. The set features all the elements of a pinball table. Little Tikes is introducing toddlers to the world of pinball with the Old School My First Pinball Activity Table. Designed for kids ages 1 and up, the My First Pinball Activity set scales down a classic game of pinball, but still includes fun features like a coin slot, ball launcher, and obstacles on the board..
Stomp Rocket adds Stomp & Catch to its STEM-based product line. The game encourages kids to learn about physics. Stomp Rocket offers new STEM learning opportunities with its new Stomp & Catch. Stomp & Catch adds new elements to the classic game of catch with four foam-tipped rockets, an adjustable launcher stand, and a net for catching.
Mesmerizing gyroscopic desk toys. The Gyro Spin Spectre from Ghost Design is precision-machined. The Gyro Spin Spectre from Ghost Design is an elevated take on the humble spinning top that's sure to draw in professionals alike looking to elevate the playfulness of their workstation. The top is crafted with a precision CNC-machined construction out of stainless steel and is equipped with ceramic bearings...
Troglins reveals new collectible plush range. Each plush toy in this exciting new range has cute tufts of hair coming from its ears, meaning their appealing looks are combined with real exclusivity and attractive price points. Every plush in the collection comes with a hand-numbered tag showcasing its place in the collectible toy market. As a testament to its authenticity, each Troglin is accompanied by a certificate...
Arcane Wonders premiers three titles At Gen Con ahead of wider release. Arcane Wonders used the recent Gen Con game convention to premier three titles ahead of their full release, scheduled for late 2023: World Wonders, Neotopia, and Age of Wonders: Planetfall. In World Wonders, players compete to build an ancient city, investing in production and commerce to attract a growing population.
Sambro unveils sustainable packaging solution. Sambro International has reimagined packaging for one of its best-selling lines in a move which will help save 12.8 tonnes of plastic a year. As part of its ESG commitments, which have already seen the firm reduce its Scope 1 & 2 carbon footprint by 10% since its baseline year, Sambro has undertaken an audit of the packaging used across its range of toys...
Tomy Toomies unveils Bath Barista. The latest addition to the Tomy Toomies bathtime range, Bath Barista creates foamy ‘cappuccinos’ as kids enjoy imaginative and water based play. Popular early years toy brand, Toomies, has announced the launch of the highly anticipated addition to its role-play, bath toy range.
Enter the atomic age in 'Nucleum': New heavyweight Eurogame by Board & Dice. Board & Dice will release Nucleum, a new heavyweight eurogame, into retail in November 2023. Nucleum, designed by Dávid Turczi and Simone Luciani, is a game where an inventor, Elsa Von Fruhlingfeld, invents a nuclear reactor and presents it to King Frederik Augustus II of Saxony.
Unleash your inner Zen Master with 'Bonsai' by cultivating your own tiny tree universe! The ancient Japanese art of cultivating miniature trees in pots becomes a captivating tile-placement board game. Bonsai can be played solo, challenging the Emperor, or with up to four players, starting from the age of 10. In Bonsai, players are master arborists competing with each other to exhibit their creations in the Imperial Gardens.
Flat River Group will release 'Snap Ship Tactics Starter Set': New modular miniatures battle game headed to retail. Flat River Group will release Snap Ship Tactics Starter Set, a miniatures battle game by Snap Ships LLC and Lynnvander Studios, into retail on September 15, 2023. Snap Ships Tactics is a miniatures space combat game the features modular ship models.
'Valiant Smashers' coming for 'Yu-Gi-Oh!' in new booster expansion. Konami Digital Entertainment has shared details about the upcoming Valiant Smashers set for the Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game. The Valiant Smashers set focuses on three themes for the Yu-Gi-Oh! game. The first explores the relics of the netheworld of Mementolan, with armies of monsters and the ability to summon Tecuhtlica...
Boogie Board expands three collections ahead of back to school. This list definitely has some back-to-school must-haves! Just in time for back to school season, Boogie Board is expanding three of its collections with new light-up writing and drawing tablets. Boogie Board tablets are reusable and reduce paper use, perfect for young scribblers ages 4 and up who can go through an entire stack of paper in a day and parents...
Gaming: Digital, Video, Hardware, and Development
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’ Mobile Game Launches. Banijay Brands, commercial arm of Banijay, in partnership with game developer and publisher, Qiiwi Games, has announced the global launch of Match 3 mobile game, “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” The new game, based on Banijay’s global renovation series, is available worldwide on iOS and Android devices.
Disguise extends global licensing rights with Nintendo. Disguise, the costume division of JAKKS Pacific, has extended its global licensing rights with Nintendo. This multiyear agreement allows Disguise to continue its partnership with Nintendo to design, develop, and manufacture costumes and accessories across the globe. Since the initial launch of licensed Nintendo costumes from Disguise in 2013, the line has ...
Budge Studios releases First Bluey mobile game. BBC Studios partners with Budge Studios to launch the first-ever Bluey mobile app game, “Bluey: Let’s Play,” available at the Apple App Store, Google Play and Amazon Appstore. “Bluey: Let’s Play” is based on the Emmy® and BAFTA Award-winning global TV show that follows Bluey, a loveable, inexhaustible, Blue Heeler dog, who lives with her Mum, Dad and her little sister...
Xbox says ‘8 strikes and you’re out’ to toxic gamers. Microsoft has announced a new Xbox feature in the seemingly endless battle to get gamers to stop acting like raging assholes: an enforcement strike system. The company detailed how the new feature will work and what it means for gamers in an August 15 blog post announcing the new system, which launched on the same day.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of 2023's best games, don't turn it into a weapon. It’s been an unusually good year for blockbuster games. Dungeons & Dragons RPG Baldur’s Gate 3 is the latest one, a sprawling fantasy adventure filled with an overwhelming number of choices that let you spark a civil war one moment and have sex with a bear the next.
Pokémon's release schedule might slow down. Nintendo's monster fighting franchise may have finally hit a wall after having so many releases year after year. The Pokémon franchise may be winding down from its semi-annual release schedule. In a translated interview at ComicBook, The Pokémon Company's COO Takato Utsunomiya acknowledged that the company is considering a change to its release cadence...
Netflix Games rolls out TV support for Canada and UK in limited beta. Last week saw the release of a controller app for Netflix Games on iOS, and now full TV support has been activated for the streaming platform's video game service. A limited beta test for the support is now out for Netflix subscribers in both the UK and Canada.
Highlighted Press Releases
GIFT A MULTISENSORY STORYTIME ON THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS AND EVERY NIGHT EVER AFTER! With Eight Collections Just Released, Award-Winning Moonlite Bridges The Gap Between Traditional & Digital Books With Playful Projection, Interactive Sounds and Background Music
Beaverton, OR (August 24, 2023) – As parents and grandparents are on the hunt for the hot new toy of the 2023 Holidays, they might think back to their own childhood where a bedtime story read aloud was mesmerizing. It’s still true today but with a modern twist! Moonlite (available at https://mymoonlite.com) transforms together time into a special experience for parents, caregivers and kids.
RECORDABLE STICKERS LET YOU GIFT WRAP THE MERRY THIS HOLIDAY TO THE DELIGHT OF TOTS’ EYES & EARS. Recordable Story Stickers Another Reason To Give Or Add To A Storypod With Its Library That Reimagines Audio Adventure, Now STEM.Org Authenticated™
Miami, FL (August 23, 2023) – Savvy parents and grandparents are on the hunt for the best holiday gift to give (or to receive) for the toddlers, preschoolers and grade schoolers in their life. It’s got to be something magical, edutaining and can grow along with the youngest family members. Award-winning Storypod has just the thing!
***The above posted after August 18th***
SOMEBODY TEETHING? TRY AN OCTOPUS STRETCHI, ONE OF OGOBOLLI™ BABY ESSENTIALS NOW DISTRIBUTED EXCLUSIVELY BY KIDS PREFERRED. From Baby Shower To Welcome Home Gifts, Stock Up On These Must-Haves For The Diaper Bag, Car, Nursery & Grandma’s House At Just $9 to $12. East Windsor, NJ (August 17, 2023) – When baby starts teething — as teeth emerge through a baby’s gums — caregivers need to reach quickly for something chewable and soothing. Kids Preferred, exclusive distributors of affordable and adorable nursery items, suggests a red octopus from OgoBolli™! The brightly colored Tether Strap Stretchi ($10) is soft and pliable as babies will grin with relief...
WALMART EXPANDS ITS DIVERSITY IN THE BABY AISLE WITH POSITIVE PALS BLANKET DOLLS IN 3 SKIN TONES. Kids For Culture® Launches Fall Collection Of Enchanting Blanket Dolls, Soft Books & Activity Blanket That Introduce Self-Love & Self-Awareness Through Play. Nashville, TN (August 14, 2023) – When babies are taught that their ABC’s stand for Amazing, Believe and Change, you can bet they will grow up with a strong sense of self-love and self-awareness. Children’s brand Kids For Culture® has been creating positive affirmation playthings for children of all ethnicities and cultures from newborn to 5-years-old to give or to receive. One of their biggest fans is Walmart.
PSST: ON THE QUEST TO FIND A GIFT FOR EVERYONE ON THE LIST, JUST GO TO FIRESIDEGAMES.COM! Discover the Perfect Present for Tots, Cat Lovers, & All Game Lovers with One Click that Absolutely Brings Fun Home. Austin, TX (August 16, 2023) – Ah, the holidays! Fireside Games has a secret to share with all those Santa Helpers who dash through the malls and traffic week after week to lovingly pick out the ideal gift for a long list of loved ones. Don’t do it. Instead, while still in pjs and slippers, click on https://firesidegames.com where you’ll find a warehouse of cooperative, lightly tactical board, dice, and card games, in stock and ready to ship.
Safety and Counterfeiting
Toy World caught up with marketing expert Jonathan Chambers of Generation Media about considerations when utilising YouTube and Google in the ad mix. After a relatively uneventful few years by Google’s standards when it comes to brand safety, YouTube has been back in the news. The headlines may not have been as eye catching this time around, but the accusations could be equally as damaging for brand trust.
Associations, Shows, Awards, Events, and Festivals
KidStuff PR - Our President and Founder, Lisa Orman, is a finalist in the inaugural 'People-Focused' TOTY Awards for PR/Marketer of the Year. Lisa founded KidStuff PR in 1994 to promote the play industry, and she’s been having fun playing and learning every single day. Her joy lies in helping small- to mid-sized businesses get noticed.
Mattel has racked up 15 nominations—the most of any company—for this year’s Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards, including Game of the Year (Magic 8 Ball Magical Encounters board game), Doll of the Year (Barbie The Movie Dolls (pictured) and Disney The Little Mermaid Ariel Doll) and License of the Year (Barbie franchise).
***The above posted after August 21st***
The British Toy and Hobby Association is bringing back the Toy Trust Christmas Card initiative which raises money for charity each year. Toy Trust Christmas Card. An alternative to buying multiple Christmas cards for clients, the initiative gives those in the toy industry the opportunity to have their logo published on a double-page “thank you” spread in the Dec. issue of Toy World magazine. Toy World donates the...
Pokémon World Championships reveals future plans for the brand. The Pokémon World Championships finished up just yesterday, and with the event and the closing ceremonies after, The Pokémon Co. took the opportunity to tease several upcoming releases for the brand, with everything from new game content to an animated series.
Gen Con news 2023: IMPD seeks persons of interest in $300,000 'Magic' card heist. Both reside in New York City. The Indianapolis Metro Police Department has requested the public's assistance in finding two men who have been identified as persons of interest in the theft of $300,000 worth of Magic: The Gathering cards from Gen Con 2023. The cards were stolen from the Indianapolis Convention Center...
London Toy Fair 2024 exhibition space sold out. The British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA) is delighted to announce that Toy Fair 2024 has sold out five months ahead of the show opening. The BTHA has expanded the show for 2024 into the Upper West Hall to accommodate the growing demand for space and this new area has already been taken up. There will now be a waiting list for exhibition space.
Why Autumn Fair isn’t one to miss. Autumn Fair takes place in just a few weeks and new event director Alejandra Campos tells Toy World what she’s looking forward to. Autumn Fair bills itself as the leading wholesale marketplace for home, gift and fashion. It gives brands the opportunity to showcase their products and reveal new launches to the market, while retailers are able to look around for new ranges...
Pokémon World Championships returning to Hawaii in 2024 for first time in a decade. The Pokémon World Championships will return to the United States for the first time since 2019 and to Hawaii for the first time since 2012 as The Pokémon Company schedules its prestigious 2024 championships in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Underdog Vance Kelley becomes Pokémon TCG champion as international players dominate card game’s first Worlds in Japan. The most talented players in the world of Pokémon recently descended on Yokohama, Japan to compete in the Pokémon World Championships 2023, with underdog Vance Kelley denying veteran trainer Tord Reklev an almost-unprecedented collection of national, international and...
RIP - Rest in Play - Remembering Those that have Passed
If you know of a colleague's passing, please send us information so we may share with our readers. Archives can be found HERE
Paul Reubens, the actor best known for portraying Pee-wee Herman, died Sunday night after a private bout of cancer. He was 70.
“Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years,” wrote Reubens in a statement posted to Instagram after his death. “I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”
“Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness,” wrote Reubens’ estate in the caption. “Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit. A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit.”
Reubens began his career in the 1970s after joining the Los Angeles live comedy troupe the Groundlings as an improvisational comedian and stage actor. In 1980, he launched “The Pee-wee Herman Show,” a stage production centered on a fictional character he had been developing for years. As Pee-wee became a beloved comic figure, Reubens’ show ran for five sold-out months, and he landed a special at HBO. Reubens also committed to the character in his interviews and public appearances.
In 1985, he teamed with Tim Burton on “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” the character’s feature film debut, which was a critical and commercial success. Reubens returned three years later for a follow-up film, “Big Top Pee-wee,” helmed by Randal Kleiser.
Klash Singh - HTI has been in touch with Toy World to share the sad news about its employee. Klash Singh, who passed away last week, was a popular member of the HTI team and most recently worked as a Sales manager for the company.
In a statement, the company said: “It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you of the death of Klash, who passed away on Thursday 27th July 2023.
Klash spent over 20 years in the toy industry, being employed by HTI originally back in 2003 and moving on to spend nine years at Kandy Toys before returning to HTI in 2023.
Klash was 59 years old when she passed away. She had an infectious personality, enormous enthusiasm and passion. This was loved and admired by all, not just within the companies where she worked, but by all her customers past and present.
Klash will be sorely missed by all those who knew her. She was a very generous, considerate and kind lady. She leaves behind her partner Kevin, three children and three grandchildren, with another grandson on the way.”
HTI’s owner, John Hutt, commented: “Klash will be missed greatly and remembered dearly.”
Worldwide Magazines Weekly Top Stories
Added Friday Morning Chicago Time. Check Back for Complete Lists.
Toy Trade Monthly Issues
Adventure Media & Events (US)
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Hasbro Entertainment Launch Marks a New Era in Storytelling from the Toy & Game Giant (The Toy Book)
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15 Automotive & Motorsports-Inspired Licensed Toys & Games for Summer 2023 (The Toy Book)
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Funko Games to Release ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ Tabletop Game (The Toy Book)
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Kids Can Launch Their Own Business with a Girl Scout Cookie Sale Booth (The Toy Insider)
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Toy and Game Industry Veteran Tami Murphy Launches Tamic Strategies (The Toy Book)
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These Hot Toys Figures Are So Realistic You’ll Think They’re Alive (The Pop Insider)
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Pokémon World Championships Reveals Future Plans for the Brand (The Toy Book)
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Mattel Previews New Trolls Dolls Ahead of ‘Trolls Band Together’ Release (The Toy Book)
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Moose Toys Adds New Surprise Toy Beast Lab to Lineup (The Toy Book)
aNb Media (US)
posts Friday morning
Toyworld (UK)
Licensing.biz Powered by Toyworld
Next week :)
ICv2: The Business of Geek Culture (US)
- Rolling for Initiative -- Gen Con Theft and Concerns about 'Disney Lorcana' and 'D&D: Glory
- Wizards of the Coast Teases Themes of 2025 to 2026 'Magic: The Gathering' Sets
- WizKids Unveils New 'D&D Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse' Boxed Set
- Wizards of the Coast Launches New $149.99 'Secret Lair' Commander Deck
- WizKids Unleashes 'D&D Icons of the Realms: Adult Deep Dragon'
- WizKids Unveils Two 'Pathfinder Battles' Miniatures Boxed Sets
- Gen Con News 2023: IMPD Seeks Persons of Interest in $300,000 'Magic' Card Heist
- 'Magic: The Gathering' Continues to Roll; 'Flesh and Blood TCG' Returns
- Gen Con 2023 Report and Photos
- Dynamite Offers 'Fire and Ice' Game
Nación Juguetes (Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Chile & Spain)
- Mattel announces an expansion of its collection Barbie: the movie
- Mattel Adventure Park to debut the first Hot Wheels Bone Shaker roller coaster
- Disney suggests 10 toys to celebrate Children's Day in Peru
- ESPIEL Essen has a new mascot
The Bugg Report (Australia)
Sports Round-Up and What’s Coming Round the Corner…
Video of the Week
Mattel Movie Shorts!
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Founding Editor and Publisher (1998-2020, Retired): Philip Bloom
We are honored to carry on Phil's 22 year legacy and continue the Bloom Report. Phil has been a mensch
and we've loved working with him. Here is a fun and interesting interview with Phil.
If you would like to reach Phil: philip.bloom100@verizon.net
Publisher: Mary Couzin, Chicago Toy & Game Group, Inc.
Managing Editor: Graeme Thomson
Assistant Editor: Patrick Fisher
Not only does the Bloom Report give you all the news you need to know...
we give you all the news you didn't know you needed to know!" -Phil Bloom
Do you have news to share? Send us a note! mary@chitag.com
