Toy World Magazine October 2023

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Welcome to the October issue of Toy World – another bumper issue, with the world of licensing very much to the fore this month. As Circana reveals in this month’s exclusive column, licensing is playing a crucial role in the toy market’s performance at the moment, with licensed merchandise one of the strongest growing sectors year-to-date. That said, it’s impossible to ignore the fact that there are potentially a few dark clouds on the licensing horizon, specifically concerns over the potential long-term impact of the Hollywood Writers’ and Actors’ strike, which could delay numerous movies or TV shows that were expected to launch at the end of this year or in 2024. Nevertheless, just as this year’s crop of movies has driven toy sales, I have no doubt that there will still be plenty of fantastic entertainment that will captivate younger viewers next year, and we have done our best to showcase many of the potential winners in this edition.

As ever, the opening section of the magazine contains all of our usual regular features, plus a special profile on Turkey’s leading toy supplier Dolu. Now that the world is gradually returning to normal, it is great to get back to visiting companies across the globe once again. Nothing beats seeing how a company operates up close and personal, just as seeing toys in the flesh will always be infinitely preferable to evaluating them over a Zoom call.

After you’ve made your way through the first part of the issue, if you flip it over, you will find a wealth of content focusing on the kids’ licensing market, including a comprehensive preview of BLE, which opens its doors at the ExCeL centre in London next week, plus an exhaustive round-up of the latest character merchandise hitting shelves this autumn winter (and even a sneak peek at some of the licensed properties and ranges to look out for in 2024).

Accompanying the main issue, we are delighted to have worked once again with Mattel Licensing on a special supplement covering the company’s extensive licensing portfolio. 2023 has been a stellar year for Mattel and Barbie, with sales of Barbie merchandise soaring after the launch of the extraordinary Barbie movie in the summer. And it certainly won’t be a short-lived renaissance: the film has undoubtedly re-energised the brand, and the impact will surely be felt by Mattel, as well as its licensees and retail partners, for many years to come. Buoyed by the incredible success of the Barbie movie, Mattel has ambitious plans for other iconic brands in its stable, and

the supplement gives a flavour of what is to come across each of its key properties as we head towards next year. Indeed, as Q4 dawns and the autumn winter season starts to ramp up, the toy community is already beginning to plan in earnest for 2024. The spring summer selection process is well underway, and there are several trade shows and buying trips coming up in the next few weeks to help start the ball rolling on autumn winter planning. Just as this issues lands on desks, I will be preparing to head Stateside for the first New York Toy Fair to be held in its new late September timeslot. I’ll report back on how the inaugural event fared next month, along with a review of the BLE show which opens its doors just as New York draws to a close – it’s going to be a busy couple of weeks for those of us with one foot in the world of toys and the other in the world of licensing.

I hope to see many of you in either New York or at ExCeL, as we start to discuss next year’s plans with all of our valued customers. Our content shifts after this issue too, as our focus moves away from this Christmas to the early part of next year – our main November features will cover Q1 ranges (any new ranges being launched between Boxing Day and Easter) and Outdoor Toys. Following that, December will contain the first of our two previews of the world’s largest Toy Fair in Nuremberg, ideally timed for those exhibitors and retailers which like to plan nice and early and get their diaries sorted out in good time. More news on a brand new format for our second Nuremberg preview very shortly.

Of course, we’ll still continue to bring you all the latest news and hottest developments happening right through to Christmas on our website and in the news sections of our print issues. Selections may have been made long ago, but retailers will still be reacting to what is happening on the ground - hunting down stock of what is selling, keeping a close eye on pricing to ensure they are competitive but also maximising on sales and generally jumping on anything positive. Remaining nimble, flexible and dynamic is essential for every retailer in the run up to the Big Day, whether huge multi-category or independent specialist.

And I don’t think I am going out on a limb to say that I believe many sales will come late this year – partly because Christmas Day falls on a Monday and partly because December pay day will trigger a sales surge as soon as funds hit the bank account. Holding your nerve on stock levels and pricing will be more important than ever. Hang on to your hats, folks – it’s going to be a wild ride.

Lego Group shows market share growth

The Lego Group has announced earnings for the first six months of 2023. Revenue was up +1% compared with the same period in 2022. Consumer sales grew +3%, outperforming a declining toy market and contributing to strong market share growth.

Operating profit was in line with expectations compared with an exceptionally strong H1 2022. The company continued to accelerate spending in long-term strategic initiatives including manufacturing, digital and sustainability.

“We are satisfied with our performance, especially as it has been a challenging six months for the toy industry. Demand for our products saw us outpace the industry and significantly grow market share,” commented CEO, Niels B Christiansen.

“Our strong financial position allows us to invest for the long term, particularly in areas such as digital, sustainability and manufacturing. Overall, our performance is in line with expectations, after three consecutive years of extraordinary growth, and we are grateful for our great colleagues who work each day to inspire children through play.”

Consumer sales in major, established markets such as the Americas grew, while consumer sales in China were impacted by a slower than predicted return to pre-pandemic shopping habits. The company will continue to expand its retail footprint and online presence in China in 2023 and beyond.

The top performing themes in the first half were a mix of homegrown IPs and external IPs and included Lego Icons, Lego Star Wars, Lego Technic and Lego City.

The company stepped up strategic initiatives to deliver sustainable long-term growth and relevance.

Ground was broken on a new factory in Virginia, US, in April and construction of a new factory in Vietnam continued. Both sites aim to be carbon-neutral run, once completed in 2025 and 2024 respectively. Capacity was also added to Lego factories in Mexico, Czech Republic, Hungary and China. These investments further strengthen the company’s global manufacturing network, which locates production closer to major markets to ensure a short, efficient supply chain able to respond to shifting consumer demands and reduce carbon footprint.

The company opened 89 new stores during the first half of 2023, taking the total number globally at the end of the period to 988. Lego has also continued to strengthen e-commerce capabilities and performance across its own and partner platforms.

Niels added: “We remain fully focused on our ambition to inspire and develop more children around the world. We are proud to be in a strong financial position to deliver on this mission today and invest to ensure we continue to deliver for many generations in the future.”

Libertas Brands welcomes Mark Kingston as CEO

Libertas Brands, a new dynamic IP management, licensing and consultancy company, now owns all rights exclusively for the Fuggler brand from Spin Master, Inc. Fuggler plush toys are exclusively sub-licensed, globally, to Addo Play, and by the end of 2023 will have achieved sales of over 3.4m units across 10 markets, delivering over 120% growth in the last year alone. Through 2024, Fuggler plush will launch in five additional markets and is set to continue triple digit growth versus 2023.

In addition, Libertas Brands has announced the appointment of Mark Kingston as its chief executive officer (CEO). An accomplished industry leader with successful IP management and a proven track record of driving growth and innovation in the licensed consumer products industry, and with over 24 years of experience in the consumer goods sector, Mark is well-poised to lead and grow Libertas Brands into an industry leading IP management, licensing and business consultancy company.

Mark has worked for some of the largest media and consumer branded companies in the world, including BBC Worldwide, The Walt Disney Company, Nickelodeon, Viacom, Paramount and Zag.

“We are delighted to welcome Mark Kingston to lead the newly formed Libertas Brands,” said co-founder Stuart Grant. “His strategic vision, passion for consumer products and deep industry knowledge make him the ideal leader to build and grow Libertas Brands into an industry leading IP management, licensing and business consultancy enterprise, particularly with the Fuggler brand.”

“As co-founder & CEO, I am excited to lead the creation of Libertas Brands and build the foundations for growth of the overall Fuggler brand globally, as well as exploring opportunities to service key clients within the consumer products and entertainment industries,” said Mark Kingston. “Expanding and developing the Fuggler IP represents a tremendous opportunity to build a brand that will engage with fans of all ages across multiple media, platforms, products and experiences”, Libertas Brands is committed to creating high-quality and innovative content, products & experiences that enhance the lives of consumers and fans around the world. The team is in the process of building a portfolio of brands that cater to a wide range of consumer demographics and says it is dedicated to delivering exceptional value and experiences.

Mark can be contacted at mark@libertasbrands.com.

Toymaster unveils 2023 Christmas catalogue

The Toymaster Christmas Catalogue features all the key brands Toymaster members are stocking ahead of the festive season, and the front cover highlights a selection of the major suppliers and brands that will be appearing on the shelves of Toymaster stores this year.

As in 2022, the buying group is producing customised versions for individual members featuring their own branding, rather than the Toymaster brand. This hugely popular option allows Toymaster members to promote themselves locally among their own customer bases and has been taken up by a number of members including Toys ‘n’ Tuck and Hopkins Toymaster.

The colourful catalogues can be offered in-store, where shoppers can pick one up while browsing for or buying their latest purchase, or retailers can opt to have them distributed along with local newspapers. In total, the group anticipates that more than 2m copies of the catalogue will be distributed this festive season across the UK & Ireland.

Brian McLaughlin, development manager at Toymaster, told Toy World: “Our members are gearing up for a great Christmas season, which the Christmas catalogue will support. Inside, readers will find a huge selection of predicted Christmas best-sellers, top brands and member exclusives they won’t find anywhere else. Our suppliers continue to support our indies with fabulous offers and exclusive lines ahead of the festive season, which, in turn, means our members can continue offering all the main toy and game brands children will be putting on their wish lists this Christmas.”

David Kelly to head up Skillmatics for UK launch

Founded by lifelong family friends, Dhvanil Sheth and Devanshi Kejriwal, Skillmatics is a games, puzzles and arts & crafts company which is launching its hugely successful ranges to the UK and Irish markets. The award-winning global brand develops innovative toys and games that enable children to build core skills through the joy of play, with a wide range of products across card & board games, pre-school learning aids, puzzles, STEM toys and arts and crafts.

After success in the US and India, owner Grasper Global has now set its sights on establishing the UK as one of its biggest growth markets. The recruitment of David Kelly as VP of Sales and Marketing, UK and Ireland, is the company’s first step in developing new business in the region.

Dave explained: “We are scooping up some great awards, and sales growth is driven by great SSPs, great margins, great content and full diverse options in terms of marketing and promotions to help drive high level volume sales.”

Devanshi added: “We are vertically integrated, with all our products being manufactured at our family’s 50-year-old Mumbaibased printing and packaging business. Our family business has 12 factories across India, supplying global companies such as McDonalds, Unilever, Mondelez, Nestle, Hasbro, Spin Master and L’oreal. Our vertical integration ensures excellent product quality, manufacture sustainable products and enables us to launch products at a much faster rate than traditional incumbents, which is a huge advantage.”

The company is working with licences such as Marvel, Disney, Harry Potter and Peppa Pig. Dave said: “This underpins how serious we are about building something really special here, and I am so excited at being a part of this success.”

Skillmatics has established itself as a market leader: in just five years, it has sold 7m units worldwide of products such as Guess in 10, Foil Fun, Rapid Rumble, Found It!, Write and Wipe, Flash Cards and Who Knows You Best?, and continues to grow YOY. A best-seller on Amazon globally, racking up 150,000 4.7-star reviews to date, the brand is in the Top 5 on Amazon across multiple categories such as Games, Pre-School and Arts & Crafts. Skillmatics’ best-selling game, Guess in 10, is available in a licensed Marvel version and is quickly becoming a household name worldwide.

“We have built a rapid and iterative product development engine that has a highly data-driven approach to product design,” Dhvanil Sheth told Toy World. “This process enables us to deliver high quality and innovative products that truly address consumer needs.”

Three key factors inspired the Skillmatics ethos. First, products that enable skill building through independent play; finding engaging alternatives to excessive screen time; and sustainable non-plastic products. Skillmatics seeks to address all of these issues with its range of products that build core skills and reinforce key learning outcomes through play. Skillmatics products are carbon neutral and made using sustainable and recyclable materials.

Skillmatics has found success both online and offline and its products can be found in over 15,000 retail stores worldwide including Walmart, Target, Hobby Lobby, Smyths, Hamleys and more. The company invests in unrivalled marketing, both in-store and online, which has fuelled its exponential growth.

To find out more on the Skillmatics range, contact Dave on david.kelly@skillmaticsworld.com or 01244 940 200, or visit www.skillmaticsworld.com.

MGA’s Miniverse takes No.1 spot in UK

MGA’s Miniverse has celebrated becoming No.1 in Circana’s roundup of the Top 10 New Properties in the UK market in August. From debuting at No.9 when it launched in the UK back in April, MGA’s Miniverse has seen exponential growth in the last five months, catalysed by collaborations with the biggest crafting and Gen Z influencers as well as working with like-minded brands such as bubble tea retailer, Bubbleology and the world’s most exciting dessert brand, Pleese.

It is through partnerships such as these that MGA’s Miniverse has been able to target new Gen Z audiences, create significant demand for the brand and see growth in the UK, achieving more than 10m views and gaining more than one million likes on social media.

The brand announced it had hit the top spot in early September. “The news that MGA’s Miniverse is officially at the top of the UK New Properties comes as no surprise following five months of considered and targeted partnerships on social media, as well as an expansion to our truly innovative product portfolio,” said Pamela Justice, Marketing manager at MGA’s Miniverse. “Our retailers have helped greatly too – they have recognised how strong the line is and have supported us from the onset. We are looking forward to seeing continued growth in the UK market this year.”

This Autumn, the brand will expand its portfolio with the launch of a new series of the MGA’s Miniverse Make It Mini Food collection, a brand-new miniature MGA’s Miniverse Make It Mini Lifestyle collection, a Make It Mini Food Multipack, a Make It Mini Kitchen set, and a Make It Mini All You Can Eat set which includes more than 100+ collectibles.

Pat Avenue to distribute BioBuddi

BioBuddi is an environmentally friendly construction range that is designed to build a better tomorrow. The blocks in each set are made from the unusable residues of the sugar cane plant and are suited to both pre-schoolers and older children, with Big Blocks for little ones and Small Blocks and Dominoes for ages four-plus.

This new distribution agreement comes at a great time for the brand, which has been recognised in the Play for Change Awards, Baby Innovation Awards, NCW Magazine’s Eco Excellence Awards and Lux Life’s Parent & Baby Awards.

Guy Rooney, managing director at Pat Avenue, said: “We’re delighted to be distributing BioBuddi. This innovative collection delivers something fresh into the market, offering an exciting range of building block sets that does not compromise on quality, affordability, fun or ethics. Our expectations for the line are understandably high, and the marketing support that we will be putting behind the line will reflect our ambitions.”

Buyers and retailers can place their BioBuddi orders with Pat Avenue, with stock available now. For more information, email enquiries@patavenue.co.uk or call 01604 678780.

Zuru celebrates success of new 2023 lines

Zuru has announced that sales of its new AW 2023 brand launches, which includes Snackles, as well as X-Shot Insanity and Mega Gross Minis, are all “smashing targets”. UK & Ireland general manager, Will Collinson, said that within the initial four-week launch period, each of these ranges clinched top positions in Amazon’s new releases, bestsellers and most coveted categories.

With the new products delivering almost twice the initial forecasts, Zuru continues to work closely with all of its retail partners to meet demand, whilst also continuing to focus on disruptive and innovative designs to shape new range development and ongoing marketing strategies.

As a result of its dynamic digital approach, Zuru’s online presence has amassed a staggering 49m views on individual TikTok channels across these new launch brands. This success, bolstered by partnerships with globally recognised influencers, has sparked organic sharing and traction amongst target audiences. Notably, UK influencer Rhia Official has attracted four million views for her Mega Gross Minis content on YouTube alone. Additionally, a single TikTok post featuring X-Shot Insanity garnered 11.5m views and 1.9m likes.

To date, paid promotions on platforms like TikTok and YouTube have raked in over 16m views, with further campaign bursts planned for the Q4 period. In addition to the new brand launches, Zuru’s best-selling Mini Brands is exceeding sales forecasts with Series 4 of the miniature collectibles dominating the miniature toys space and continues to maintain the No.1 spot in Miscellaneous Toys YTD (according to Circana, UK Retail Tracking, value sales, YTD July 2023).

“The initial launch phase is always crucial, and the early data already showing that our new ranges are smashing targets is very encouraging, especially in such a dynamic trading environment”, commented Will. “Feedback from retailers, five-star reviews from consumers and organic social engagement from one of the UK’s top influencers collectively testify to the demand for toys that are not only fun and progressive, but also affordable. It’s clear we have some winners on our hands, and we’re excited to see what the remainder of the year brings.”

For sales enquiries, contact sales@zuru.com.

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Bespoke solutions from Kammac

With its sights firmly set on expansion, Kammac bills itself as a flexible and reliable 3PL (Third Party Logistics) provider with strong family values. Here, chief operating officer Ged Carabini tells Toy World readers why its principles and customer-first focus make it a distribution partner of choice.

Paul Kamel, started with just one truck. Since then, our growth has been nothing short of spectacular. Over the last five years, we've expanded to an impressive 4.2m square feet across 15 sites in the UK. We're still proudly a family-owned company, which profoundly influences how we do business.

For us, it's all about the long-term game: investing in top-notch infrastructure, a robust fleet and - most importantly - our exceptional team. We're also deeply committed to minimising our environmental impact. This is reflected in our recent installation of a second HVO tank, which will slash our carbon emissions in transport by up to a staggering 95%.

What about Kammac’s values – what kind of partner are you and how do you treat your customers?

We're not just logistics experts: we're trusted allies. With a wealth of collective experience in warehousing, e-commerce and transportation, we're eager to share our knowledge and help businesses to thrive. When companies come to us for a solution, they should know that we're excited to tackle it head-on. We believe in complete transparency and round-the-clock availability. We can be reached whenever we are needed, and we're always adaptable to client needs.

What services do you offer, and what benefits do they provide your customers?

At Kammac, we offer a comprehensive suite of services that cater to all needs. Our transport division, operating 24/7, ensures goods are always on the move. With 4.2m square feet of prime warehouse space across the UK, we're strategically located for quick access to ports and transport networks. Our e-fulfilment services, handling everything from dispatch to returns, make online sales a breeze. Plus, we offer a range of value-added services, from contract packing to kitting, to meet each business’s unique requirements. For some clients, we even provide on-site manufacturing logistics. We don't just talk about flexibility: we live and breathe it to support every aspect of logistics needs.

You’ve got a focus on expanding your e-commerce proposition. Why and how are you doing this?

What sets Kammac apart from other distribution partners?

What truly makes Kammac stand out is our unwavering commitment to meeting our customers' needs. It’s part of our DNA. We're lightning-fast decision-makers, and customers can always count on reaching a senior manager when they need to. We'll always find a solution and create something tailor-made, for each client. Logistics is our passion, and we take immense pride in being a true partner, constantly seeking innovative ways to support our customers’ business. Whether it's rapid scaling, peak season support, or launching into the world of e-commerce, we dive deep into each company’s needs and engage fully with their success.

Can you tell us a little about the company’s history and its ethos?

Kammac's journey began in the early 1980s, when our visionary managing director,

The world of e-commerce can be challenging to navigate, and that's where we come in. We're on a mission to deliver first class e-commerce success to all our customers. Our dedicated centres of e-commerce excellence, strategically located at key sites, are tailor-made to handle e-fulfilment needs efficiently. Our well-trained staff are e-commerce specialists, ensuring swift onboarding and maximum efficiency with all product lines. Whether clients prefer our e-commerce WMS system or their own, we integrate seamlessly with popular platforms like eBay, Amazon, Shopify, Magento, and more. With years of e-commerce experience, our operations teams anticipate challenges and find solutions before the customer even knows they exist. We handle the logistics so that companies can focus on what they do best – growing their business.

Autumn Fair exhibitors raise concerns over Connect scheme

The last day of Autumn Fair witnessed truly extraordinary scenes, as a group of around 200 disgruntled exhibitors gathered at the entrance to Hall 20 to protest at several bones of contention, principally the newly introduced Connect meeting platform.

Connect was announced with a fanfare earlier this year, and the Autumn Fair was the first event at which the system went live. Unfortunately, numerous exhibitors were not happy with the results: one company from the Kids’ & Play sector of the show contacted Toy World during the event to complain that not one of the eight appointments which had been set up over the first two days of the show via Connect had showed up for their meeting. Exhibitors seem particularly unimpressed with the fact that the Connect scheme is mandatory for all exhibitors, and some also complained about the cost of the scheme, which they felt did not offer value for money.

Exhibitors also received an email the day before the show opened, advising them of stand price increases for next year of up to 9%, and warning them that if they didn’t immediately rebook their stand, they could be at risk of losing their current location.

A large group congregated at the entrance to Hall 20 before the show opened on Wednesday to make their feelings known. The Hyve Group management team responded quickly, setting up an impromptu meeting with around 20 exhibitors (although Toy World understands that no toy companies were present at the meeting). An email was subsequently sent to all exhibitors which indicates that the show organisers recognise the widespread concerns about Connect, and that they would be pausing to reflect on how to operate the scheme moving forward.

Nicola Meadows, divisional managing director of The Hyve Group commented: “We have listened and were able to have a constructive conversation. We would like to reassure all our exhibitors that while we evaluate the overall show, gain further feedback and follow up with each of them, their location and rates will not change. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our exhibitors for persevering with us; we know how important these shows are to the industry and want to continue to listen to feedback and experiences to make the show the best it can be going forward.”

Canal Toys styles it out as new innovation keep ranges fresh

Canal Toys, known in the industry for bringing innovative and on-trend concepts to the market, has proved its expertise once again with the new Studio Creator 360.

Following on from the success of the original Studio Creator in 2020, Canal Toys is keeping the Studio Creator brand fresh with its latest new addition. For the first time, Canal has created its own specially designed app that can be downloaded to a smartphone, with new technology enabling the LED light ring to track users’ faces as they move. Teenagers enjoy consuming video content and view social media as an essential part of their lives. Now, with the Studio Creator 360, creating content to share with friends and family is fun, affordable, and has never been easier.

The Style 4 Ever range has also been a huge success for the brand this year, including the award-winning Style 4 Ever 3-in-1 Scrapbooking Station - a musthave kit for kids wanting to craft their own unique scrapbooks and create trendy customisations of all their favourite accessories.

Orchard Toys announces China distribution

An agreement with Beijing Foxy will support Orchard Toys’ plans to expand the brand within the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Partnering with Beijing Foxy will ensure continued support of existing and new retail opportunities, alongside the development of e-commerce business within the region.

Orchard Toys is looking to replicate its UK success with a partner that can offer local distribution and infrastructure and provide in market product manufacture. Simon Newbery, managing director, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for us globally, in a really significant overseas territory, and there’s enormous potential to grow the Orchard Toys brand with Beijing Foxy.”

Mike Du, CEO of Beijing Foxy, commented: “We are thrilled to partner with Orchard Toys to bring its award-winning educational games to children and families in China. We’re looking forward to adding Orchard Toys to our portfolio and embarking on this journey for business growth together.”

Beijing Foxy will be launching the Orchard Toys range at the China Toy Expo, 17th-19th October, and plans to have initial product in the market before the end of 2023.

Anthony Grimaud, CEO, told Toy World: “It’s great to see Canal’s dedication to creating innovative products resulting in both industry recognition and sales success.”

Splatter Group revolutionises compliance checking at retail

Since 2010, Splatter has been a pioneering force in field marketing, servicing industries spanning video games, toys, FMCG and groceries. Field marketing and experiential activations typically involve agencies deploying personnel for checks, merchandising, live demonstrations and event support.

Along its growth journey, Splatter has adapted to the evolving retail landscape, especially in the wake of the post-Covid era. Retail spaces have contracted, consumer shopping behaviours have shifted, and brand budgets - while still allocated to traditional methodshave become more restrictive for certain field marketing endeavours.

One constant demand from brands has been compliance checking, a vital service. However, as budgets tighten, brands hesitate to allocate £20/£30 per store visit to ensure that FSDUs and End Caps are correctly positioned. Over the past year, Splatter has introduced a game-changing service that accomplishes this task at a fraction of the cost while offering richer insights into a brand's presence over and above the traditional binary outcome: an answer to the question, ‘Is the unit in place - yes or no?’

Splatter's groundbreaking solution eliminates the need for physical visits, with no labour cost or parking fees. Furthermore, in its pursuit of a more sustainable planet, Splatter’s latest innovation makes it unnecessary to dispatch individuals in vehicles that emit harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.

With Splatter, client’s FSDU or other POS items are equipped with unique QR codes during the printing process. When these units arrive at stores and are positioned according to the brand's plan by store staff, anyone can scan the QR code, sending detailed data to Splatter. Multiple scans confirm unit placement, allow for photo requests, and track scan frequency. This service is available for as long as the client requires and costs 80% less than traditional methods. Results are swift, with scanned items immediately marked as compliant on the brand's dedicated Splatter reporting portal.

Splatter is revolutionising field marketing and compliance checking, ushering them into the future. For further details, contact Jonathan Dunnett at j.dunnett@splattergroup.co.uk.

Eugy sales set to exceed £10m by 2024

Since launching in 2019, the eco-friendly craft brand Eugy has steadily grown in popularity, with retail sales in the UK & ROI due to surpass £10m by the end of the year.

Distributed exclusively in the UK by Brainstorm, Eugy was created by New Zealand manufacturer Dodoland. The UK Eugy range now features 58 models with four unique Christmas Eugys. From parrots and penguins to platypus and ptero, there are lots of Eugy animals to collect and create by following a simple number sequence to build a 3D model made from environmentally friendly, FSC accredited card.

Nick Saunders, sales & marketing director at Eugy, commented: “As a company which creates its own brand products, we always look to work with partners who share the same goals and ethos. The team at Dodoland has created something completely unique with Eugy that captures the imagination of everyone who comes across it. The sales have been phenomenal, and we love seeing how our retailers are capitalising on the craze themselves. Thanks to its price point, eco-creds and all-important collectability factor, it crosses multiple retail channels, and we are staggered by the response year after year.”

New Eugy models launched in September, including a bat and badger, followed by a puffin and stingray in October.

Nick added: “Everyone is looking to make more sustainable choices, and we think it is important consumers can also be assured that purchasing a Eugy is not just an eco-friendly choice, but sales of many of the models - such as the elephant and gorilla - also support various wildlife charities around the globe.”

Brainstorm offers a range of bespoke FSC certified POS for retailers which have helped to maximise sales in store. Additionally, it offers promotional support for Eugy activity days and is working with a number of retailers across the UK to plan events in Q4 and beyond.

Marvin Berglas elected president of The Magic Circle

The Magic Circle was formed in 1905 to promote magic and protect its heritage and is recognised as the world’s foremost magic society with around 1700 members around the world. These include top professional and elite magicians as well as hobbyists such as celebrities like Stephen Fry, racing driver Nigel Mansell, politicians, QCs, captains of industry, policemen, teachers and journalists, who all perform magic and have passed the entrance exam. The most well-known member is King Charles III who joined after performing a cups and balls trick in 1975.

Marvin, the founder of Marvin’s Magic, follows in the footsteps of his famous father, David, the “International Man of Mystery”, who held the post from 1989-1998. Marvin and David are the first ever father and son to hold this prestigious position. David is now 97 years old and was extremely proud to witness his son Marvin being elected with such an overwhelming majority.

Marvin commented: “It was a truly special day in the Berglas family, and I’m so proud and honoured to have been elected by my peers to be the president of The Magic Circle. I have some exciting plans and it’s wonderful to continue the family legacy”.

Industry Moves

John Briggs joins Canal Toys as commercial director

Canal Toys has announced the appointment of John Briggs as commercial director for the UK and Ireland.

Canal Toys says that its market leading growth ambitions, combined with additional distribution opportunities, means that the time has come to supercharge the business by appointing someone of John’s calibre with cross functional skill set that match Canal’s DNA and future development plans.

John responsibilities will be to strengthen and maintain retailer relationships in the UK and Ireland. Going forward he will also manage all commercial and operational aspects in the business and work with the CEO on all key strategic matters to execute a five-year growth plan.

CEO Anthony Grimaud said: “Having worked with John previously, I am really excited to have the opportunity to work with him again. John’s reputation in the industry over 20 years is second to none. His extensive industry knowledge and leadership skills will be a game changer for Canal, enabling us to operate at our very best in the UK and Ireland.”

“This is a hugely exciting time to be joining Canal Toys,” commented John, whose previous roles include sales/ commercial director at Epoch Making Toys, as well as positions at MGA and Vivid. “When this opportunity arose, it was one that simply couldn’t be ignored. With a combination of superb in-house ranges which are expanding, and increased retail partners as well as new distribution partnerships, there was little to think about. I am really looking forward to working with Anthony, Patrick and the team to help continue the growth of the UK and Ireland business.”

Canal Toys brands include, Studio Creator, Photo Creator, Airbrush Plush, So Slime, So Bomb DIY, Style 4 Ever and Art Lab.

Eolo appoints Andrew Welch as UK & Ireland country manager

Eolo Toys has over 40 years of experience in the design and development of innovative toys. The strategic addition of Andrew Welch is a move towards the company’s objective to enhance its market presence and drive accelerated growth.

With significant experience in the toy sector, Andrew will bring his knowledge and expertise to the new role. His wide understanding of industry trends, consumer preferences and insights are set to contribute to Eolo Toys’ market strategy and improve its expansion efforts in the UK and Ireland markets.

Eolo Toys has established itself as a trusted provider of innovative and high-quality toys, capturing the attention of children and parents. The company expects its experience and know-how combined with Andrew’s deepseated familiarity with the toy industry to be the perfect combination for enhancing growth in these territories.

“Andrew’s appointment is a testament to our commitment to fostering growth and excellence,” commented Jose Díaz, Sales manager at Eolo Toys. “With his experience and a shared vision for innovation, we are poised to scale new heights and continue delivering unparalleled joy to our young audiences.”

Andrew can be contacted on andrew@eolohk.com.

United Wheels UK expands senior leadership team

United Wheels UK has announced the hire of Nicolas Caillaud and Paul Bulger, who join the company’s EMEA sales team in leadership positions. Nicolas and Paul each have a long history in the consumer goods and toy industries and will add valuable expertise in their new roles.

Nicolas Caillaud joins United Wheels as Sales director EMEA and will lead the sales team in continuing to build the portfolio of the Huffy brand and licensed wheeled goods through the brand’s extensive distribution network across the EMEA marketplace. Prior to joining United Wheels, Nicolas has built an extensive resume in international sales and marketing across several household brands.

Also joining the leadership team as Sales manager UK & Ireland is Paul Bulger, who is well known in the toy industry. Paul will manage the UK and Ireland regions for the Huffy and licensed portfolio of wheeled goods and brings excellent knowledge of the licensing world, having previously worked for companies such as Rubies and Hasbro.

“We’re excited to welcome Nicolas and Paul to the United Wheels team as we’re facing rapid growth with plans for further expansion,” said Jon Tilley, general manager, United Wheels EMEA. “Both bring extensive knowledge and experience in consumer goods, sales and marketing and will be key as we continue to drive our business forward and expand throughout the EMEA marketplace.”

United Wheels continues to strengthen its position as a global leader in wheeled adventures, and says these hires reflect the company’s commitment to its customers and licensed partners.

Toy

Diamant welcomes Brenda Elliot to senior team

The award-winning Brenda Elliot joins Allan Rabie, head consultant of International Sales, in focusing on taking Diamant’s export division to new heights. Brenda brings with her specialist expertise which has been acquired over many years in the toy industry, including over 20 years’ experience with Spin Master and more recently with Irwin Toy.

She will be based in Canada, working alongside Allan, and will focus on two key areas: firstly, R&D, with her extensive product experience, alongside her strong association with inventors and knowledge of licensing. Secondly, her remit will cover sales and key account strategy, plus support for the company’s new and expanded US/Canada focus.

Brenda says she would be delighted to hear from the inventor community, as the company actively seeks out new and exciting product opportunities. She commented: “I’m delighted to be taking on this new role in the company and will be joining the Amav team at Toy Fair New York, where I hope to reconnect with everyone. I’m looking forward to many productive appointments with inventors and licensors.”

Brenda can be contacted at brenda@amav. com or by text at +1-416-258-8800 to make appointments or to enquire about working together.

Moose Toys names new global president

Moose Toys has announced that 20-year industry veteran Ronnie Frankowski has been promoted to the role of global president. Formerly chief commercial officer at the company, Ronnie will be responsible for leading the global senior leadership team to deliver on Moose’s rolling strategic plan, including meeting annual commercial and functional objectives, in-line with the business’ purpose and values.

“Ronnie is a proven global leader who knows how to get results,” said Paul Solomon, CEO at Moose Toys. “We know that his exceptional leadership qualities, his unique ability to facilitate a leading culture and his extensive industry experience, both at Moose and elsewhere, will enable us to take Moose to the next level.”

This newly created position will focus on driving innovation, efficiencies and ROI and has been developed to fast-track Moose’s journey to become the most innovative toy company in the world.

“I’ve always felt truly lucky to be a part of the Moose family and, consequently, I’m honoured and excited to take on this new responsibility,” Ronnie Frankowski commented. “We have immensely talented and passionate people, an incredibly special culture and a clear and ambitious strategic plan. The future is very, very bright at Moose and we’ll continue to aggressively push the boundaries of creativity and innovation as our guiding light.”

Ronnie commenced his new role on September 1st and will be based in Melbourne.

The Entertainer announces Andrew Murphy as new CEO

Andrew Murphy most recently held the role of group chief operating officer at John Lewis Partnership (JLP). He started his career on the John Lewis shop floor in Aberdeen, rising quickly through the business to lead John Lewis’ Scottish business and subsequently being appointed retail director for the entire department store business and simultaneously joining the John Lewis operating board. In 2015, Andrew was promoted to become the partnership’s first Productivity & Change director, a group role where he brought large elements of John Lewis and Waitrose together as a single operational entity to be more cost effective and agile. Andrew went on to be appointed chief information officer, a role he held until 2020 and his appointment as COO.

Gary Grant, founder and executive chairman at The Entertainer, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming Andrew to The Entertainer family and using his knowledge, skills and experience to continue to grow our business both here in the UK and globally.”

Andrew commented: “I’m delighted to have been trusted with overseeing the continued growth and development of this fantastic business. With over 170 UK shops, a further 220 globally, and a growing product distribution business, The Entertainer along with Early Learning Centre, Poly and Addo Play have become a mainstay in the lives of children and parents across Britain and many other countries. I can’t wait to join the successful team behind such a great British success story.”

Andrew officially joins the business on the 16th October.

Marketing World

Jumbo to send Hitster to top of the charts

Hitster, from Jumbo Group, is a music card game that invites players to listen to over 100 years of hits and challenges them to arrange the songs in chronological order to create their own music timeline.

The party game is available now, in the UK and Ireland, following great success in Europe. Experiential marketing with influencers and celebrities will lead the way, and demonstrations are also planned at music festivals. Adding to this is heavyweight digital advertising planned across the season. Ensuring a wide audience is reached, YouTube and TikTok are included, together with an always-on Meta campaign.

Catherine Mooney, head of Marketing at Jumbo in the UK, said: “We’re cranking up the volume on our brand campaigns, and it’s an exciting time for Jumbo Group in the UK. Hitster has already taken Europe by storm, and our investment in this launch is a testament to our confidence. We’re not just aiming for buzz –we want Hitster to be the talk of the town. Our campaign is geared to deliver impressive reach, captivating audiences across all platforms and driving both buzz and demand.”

Jumbo’s marketing extravaganza isn’t just confined to Hitster. The group is promising a whirlwind of marketing activity across its brands, including heavyweight marketing investment into the Galt Toys brand and a greater focus on the brain teasing Wasgij puzzles.

A dedicated marketing division has been established for the Group, with Catherine Mooney heading up

leading on E-commerce. All are overseen by Jacqueline

general manager of

marketing, with exciting plans for the final quarter and substantial investment committed to its brand campaigns. For more information, contact salesuk@jumboplay.com or call 0161 428 9111.

Airfix partners with the Scouts

Airfix has announced a brand-new partnership with the Scouts organisation. This dynamic collaboration is set to inspire young Cubs, foster their curiosity, creativity and passion for STEM, all while offering invaluable support to Cubs Leaders.

Airfix says that, at its heart, this partnership is all about igniting the passions of young Cubs and creating an environment where curiosity knows no bounds. Airfix and Scouts share a common commitment to providing opportunities for Cubs to learn, grow and embark on thrilling adventures while creating lasting memories.

To support Cubs Leaders, Airfix is offering Cub packs free of charge for a limited time. After this initial period, these packs will remain available at a reduced price, ensuring accessibility for Cubs Leaders and their Cubs. Model building is more than just a hobby; it’s a journey that fosters teamwork, fine motor skills and a love for learning. Through the creation of models, Cubs embark on adventures that transcend digital screens, connecting them with history, engineering and the satisfaction of bringing their own creations to life.

“By partnering with the Scouts, Airfix aims to provide Cubs Leaders with valuable resources to inspire young Cubs and guide them on a path of exploration, creativity and hands-on discovery,” said an Airfix spokesperson. “This partnership encourages Cubs to step away from screens and embrace the joy of building something tangible, while also sparking their interest in STEM subjects. This partnership is a testament to our belief that through collaboration, we can create a brighter future for Cubs, where curiosity, creativity and the thrill of discovery thrive. Together, we’re building a future where young imaginations soar, learning is an exhilarating adventure and passions are ignited for generations to come.”

Fisher-Price adds Hartbeeps to the mix

Fisher-Price is partnering with Hartbeeps pre-school music classes in creating a bespoke musical lesson showcasing the new Fisher-Price DJ Mix & Learn music table. Working in partnership with the award-winning immersive sensory music classes for little ones, Fisher-Price is launching its new DJ Mix & Learning Music Table with a specially created immersive play session. Using its expertise, Hartbeeps has create a fun and playful lesson that has been specially developed using the new DJ Mix & Learning Music Table to engage parents, babies and toddlers in play through music.

Musicality is an important learning tool for babies and toddlers as it provides a holistic approach to development, fostering cognitive, emotional, social and physical skills, while also nurturing their creativity and cultural understanding. Running throughout September in over 90 locations across the UK in the Hartbeeps Happy House and Baby Beeps classes, children and parents took part in the FisherPrice play session which has been specially designed to help with babies’ developmental skills. The play sessions featured the Fisher-Price DJ Mix & Learn Music table which includes 12 engaging fine motor activities, 100+ songs, sounds and learning phrases and three smart stages learning levels, growing along with baby to help foster fine motor skills, balance and coordination.

Kelly Philp, Marketing director at Mattel UK, commented: “We know music is important for babies’ and toddlers’ developmental skills, and this is why music features in so many Fisher-Price toys. We wanted to find a partner that could bring out the many developmental benefits of our new DJ Mix and Learn Music table, and Hartbeeps does that by offering fun classes that support babies’ and toddlers’ development through music.” Sarah Godwin, owner of Hartbeeps, added: “We are delighted to be partnering with Fisher-Price for the launch of this fun music table and bring to life our ethos at Hartbeeps of nurturing child development through music. We celebrated our 20th Anniversary this September, so it was great to be working with Fisher-Price on this programme.”

Brand Profile A different

beast

Moose Toys has unveiled its latest impressive, immersive new launch: Beast Lab, tipped to be one of this year’s hottest Christmas toys. Toy World puts on its safety goggles and steps into the laboratory to take a closer look at the new action figure play set, and speaks to Moose’s Belinda Gruebner about what went into its creation.

Moose has combined several of its signature play patterns – multi-layered creative play sets, action figures and storytelling – to create Beast Lab, which it is tipped to be one of this year’s hottest Christmas toys. From start to finish, this first-of-its-kind interactive play set engages kids in an experiment-based process as they create their own beast, ready to save the world. The star of this month’s front cover, Beast Lab will be available from October, and prior to launch has already received early toy industry buzz with a Creative Toy of the Year nomination from The Toy Foundation. The interactive play set empowers kids to create and unleash a shark-inspired electronic action figure. To make their beast, kids activate the lab and initiate the experiment with a simulated finger scan to begin a ‘human-beast connection’. As they add creation ingredients to the chamber, sounds, lights and bubbles accompany the flow of Bio Mist,

Beast Lab is just the latest in a long (and ever-increasing) line of innovative new toys from Moose. What’s fuelling this product pipeline?

We are very proud of our reputation for creating innovative toys that spark play and imagination with kids of all ages around the globe. Driving this is our commitment to building strong in-house capability, ensuring we keep innovation at the core of our design and marketing teams. Every stage of product development is fuelled by our relentless commitment to our ‘BHAG’ (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) - to be the most innovative toy company in the world - as well as our mission to make kids super happy. We look to create and stay ahead of trends by disrupting play patterns and developing new, innovative ways to play that really wow kids and parents.

which ramps up the excitement and atmosphere. Once kids pull the emergency lever, the ingredients will drain, and a fully articulated beast will emerge: either Mayhem Megashark or Havoc Hammerhead. Each fully articulated electronic action figure has a weapon to attach to its arm and a spring-loaded power punch. For added play value, the process can be repeated again and again.

Below, Belinda Gruebner, chief marketing officer at Moose Toys, tells Toy World why the company in investing in ever more interactive toys and how it is supporting the new action figure play set Beast Lab ahead of the festive season.

How is Moose supporting Beast Lab in the run-up to Christmas in terms of marketing and retail support?

Beast Lab will be brought to life through an extensive 360-degree marketing campaign with digital and immersive experiences at its heart. From now until well into December, the marketing programme will consist of a far-reaching YouTube and gaming campaign layered with targeted TV and VOD placement. Our launch month, October, will see a raft of awesome creative events including an influencer-hosted PR reveal incorporating a bespoke Roblox integration, an immersive 3D event in London, and a range of retailer in-store demos across the country, bringing the wow moments of the product to life. How does Beast Lab set itself apart from other new play sets and action figures hitting the market this time of year?

We can confidently say that there isn’t another product like Beast Lab in the UK. It brings a much-needed freshness to the action figure category, along with new content on YouTube. It also offers the chance for children to join Team Beast and create their own narrative, once they have created their beast using the creator chamber. Why is Moose putting such a focus on toys that immerse kids in the creation of the ‘end product’, so to speak: Cookeez Makery, Beast Lab, Mixlings Magic Lamp and

Pixlings all invite kids to essentially create their own toy. Why is this important?

At Moose, we’re always looking for new ways to provide meaningful and unique play experiences to children. By levelling up interactivity with our toys and bringing it to multiple categories in the toy aisle, we’re empowering kids by putting them at the centre of the storytelling and encouraging the exploration of different ways to play. Consequently, they become more invested in the toy and their interaction with it.

Empowering kids and immersing them into the world of the toy is important, particularly when toys are competing with so many different types of entertainment. It’s a whole new way to look at play. Beast Lab is a perfect (and timely) example. With its layers of engagement throughout the creation process, it is filling a white space in the action figure aisle. The early feedback has been tremendous, but we have not even scratched the surface of finding new and exciting ways to unleash your beast.

How will this year end up?

Emilie looks at toy sales so far this year and anticipates how they are likely to develop in the run up to Christmas, which this year falls on a Monday, giving retailers everything to play for right until the last minute.

As we approach the all-important festive season, the usual anticipation is starting to build for a strong peak season. YTD August sales show the market reducing by -4% in value year-on-year, but this performance is heavily influenced by the Outdoor and Sports Toys supercategory, which is responsible for 58% of the decline, largely as a result of the poor weather over the summer months. Excluding the Outdoor supercategory, UK toy market sales are relatively flat, only down -1% YTD August.

Despite the total value decline, several areas have performed well this year. As of August 2023, 30 subclasses are in growth: the top three growing subclasses - Standard Building Sets, Traditional Plush and Strategic Trading Cards –have delivered a combined additional +£21m of sales versus last year. Lego sales are up, driving Building Sets with the Star Wars, Marvel Universe and Minecraft licences all growing.

performance was strong, up +11% compared to last year.

In terms of individual toy companies, the top ten manufacturers are up +1% combined - with half of them in growth YTD August 23, compared to last year. The Lego Group is the fastest gaining manufacturer, as well as the number one manufacturer in the UK. Mattel got a boost from the Barbie movie in July, which helped it to grow in July and August, rising to the eighth fastest growing manufacturer year to date. Asmodee (Pokémon), and Jazwares (Squishmallows), as well as Panini Football stickers, are all in double-digit growth this year. Moose has also grown, up +10% driven by the continued success of Bluey, Magic Mixies and Little Live Pets.

% Value sales from new launches - UK

Squishmallows continues to grow Traditional Plush, as well as Pokémon, Super Mario Bros and Keeleco. Strategic Trading Cards has been driven by the success of Pokémon, as well as Hasbro’s new Lord of the Rings, Magic The Gathering range, while Ravensburger’s Lorcana has just hit the market at the time of writing. The Non-Strategic Trading Cards/Collectible Stickers category is also performing well, up +42%, mainly driven by Panini and football.

The growth of these categories highlights two key areas that have continually out-performed the market in 2023 – Licences and Collectibles. Licences accounted for 31% of the total toy sales in YTD August, up +4% year-on-year. Collectibles generated 16% of sales and its underlying

% Value sales from new launches - UK

value sales in the first half of the year. For the month of August, 15 of the top 30 best-selling items were new. Lego and Panini have five new items each in this top 30, Character Options’ Ninja Turtles Mutant Mayhem Figure Assortment was the No.3 bestselling item and the new Bitzee interactive pet from SpinMaster was No.11 in total toys shortly after launch. MGA’s Miniverse is currently the top new property, benefiting from a launch in Q1 and already generating over £1.2m by August. We expect to see more impact from new launches in Q4.

HTI is the fifth fastest growing manufacturer, with both its Evo and Teamsters ranges in growth, while the No.9 gaining corporate manufacturer in YTD is Bonkers Toys, which started to sell LankyBox and Aphmau Plush and Collectibles via its UK distributor Character Options this year, both properties coming from successful YouTube channels. Keel Toys is also showing strong growth with its Eco range, as sustainability factors remain a key issue for some consumers.

New launches are hugely important to the UK Toy market, and they accounted for 28% of the total toys

Finally, we should remember that Christmas falls on a Monday this year. The last time Christmas Day was on a Monday was in 2017; Week 51 2017 was the biggest selling week of the year, and the only growing week in December prior to Christmas. In 2022, the last couple of weeks before Christmas accounted for 10.5% of annual toy sales – and were comfortably the biggest weeks of the year. This shows that consumers chose to leave their shopping until late in the season, and we expect a similar trend this year. Last-minute stocking fillers or gift purchases over that final weekend could make a big difference to the final Christmas sales performance.

Even with the current economic uncertainty, our new research shows that a growing number of parents plan to buy everything on their child’s Christmas wish list, with more than 1/3 of parents reporting that their children influence both when to buy and how much to spend!

+1/2 of parents

1/3 of UK parents plan to spend the same amount or more than last year on Christmas presents.

will start shopping for gifts in November.

Kids list pricing/deals as their top purchase motivator, and

64% of UK youth will be buying gifts for their families.

Engaging with both kids and parents is critical for making the most of this Christmas season. For more insights that will help your holiday campaigns resonate with the next generation and their parents, download our 2023 guide to get your products to the top of the wish list.

Licence Progression:

Licence: July Rank # August Rank # Ninja Turtles

Movie releases continues to have a positive impact on the Toy Market in the UK. After the success of Barbie in July, the launch of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem helped the Ninja Turtles (TMNT) licence to jump from rank 29 in July to rank 6 in August. Character Option’s Ninja Turtles Mutant Mayhem Figure Assortment was the No.3 bestselling item in Total Toy in value sales for the month, and the top licensed item. The majority of licensed sales were in the Action Figures subclass, helping this subclass to grow +5% year-on-year in August.

Fastest Growing Properties

Top 10 Gaining Properties - UK Toys

supported by the new series launch at the beginning of the year: Scarlet and Violet. Strategic Trading Cards accounts for most of the sales and is up double digits. The Pokémon property is also growing in Action Figures, Plush, Building Sets and Art & Craft as it expands to other supercategories.

World Soccer is the second fastest growing property this year, bringing an incremental +£6m in the toy market compared to a year ago. Both Strategic and Non-Strategic Trading Cards and Stickers are showing an increase, with Premier League success and Women’s World Cup boosting sales this summer.

Squishmallows success continues, as the property’s sales increase +£5m versus the same period a year ago, from both core range and licences. Disney and Pokémon licensed SKUs have especially aided this success; licences now account for 15% of Squishmallows sales.

Another property to highlight is Disney All Other, which grew by +£3m this year, driven by new launches and the focus on Disney 100 years anniversary. Standard Building Sets, Traditional Plush and Family Strategy Games were the main drivers.

Three Lego properties, two movie licences (Super Mario Brothers and The Fast & The Furious) and Universal’s Gabby’s Dollhouse complete the top 10 gaining properties for this year so far.

Talking Shop Cued up for Q4

This month, indie retailers reflect on the year so far, highlighting their best success stories to date and looking ahead to what they are expecting to sell during the Christmas rush.

Pauline Connelly - Connelly’s Toyshop, Barnard Castle

Pokémon and Top Model pocket money toys from Depesche have been best-sellers over the summer and with all the World Cup excitement, footballs also sold well.

Barbie is a top licence for us that I think has gained new fans this year – as well as rekindling some old ones. We see great sales from all kinds of superhero action figures too. Top Trumps are always popular, and some of the newer licensed sets, such as Disney 100, Encanto and Marvel, have been a great success. One of our most successful licensed lines has been Pokémon Squishmallows – we can’t keep them in stock.

Sales have been decent so far this year and we’ve had a relatively busy summer. Many people aren’t going abroad this year and we’re finding that a lot of parents who used to live in Barnard Castle or used to be brought here as children during the holidays are bringing their own children to relive those memories. Their day out isn’t complete without a visit to the toy shop, and perhaps a treat.

In September, a charity initiative run by the local church suggested people put together shoeboxes to send to children oversees in need of stationery and other back-to-school items. We saw an increase in sales of smaller, pick-up items that customers were buying to donate.

We have a selection of items for Halloween, like broomsticks and goodie bags. These started selling from the end of August; when the weather slowly starts to change, this marks the end of summer and the transition to autumn for us. Now we’re gearing up for the festive season.

I think that this Christmas, more parents are going to ask their children what they want rather than risk spending money on a guess. They’re also looking for

value for money; they want to buy things that their kids will get regular use out of. Our expertise can help here. We try to keep up with all the latest trends, so we can offer advice, and if people have a price range in mind, we can direct them towards suitable products to consider. This works both ways though - some of our customers suggest products which they think would be

great for Christmas too, and of course, we are interested to hear what they think.

I expect most of our best-sellers to continue to perform, and other categories to pick up, such as jigsaws, games – especially Orchard Toys – and larger items from Melissa and Doug. Fingers crossed for a successful Christmas.

Will Osborne - Osborne’s Sports and Toys – Rushden

WWe always see good sales from evergreens like Lego, Playmobil and Sylvanian Families but more recently a brand-new introduction - the Disney Lorcana trading card game - has been popular to the point of selling out. During the summer holidays, sales in general have been spread across our ranges, there wasn’t anything in particular that sold significantly more than others. Summer is a successful time for the shop because many grandparents look after their grandchildren and bring them in for treats when they’ve been good.

In terms of licensed ranges, the oldest one sold in the store is Sooty. Thomas is always a great performer for us too and, perhaps surprisingly, Toy Story is in demand at the moment. Other traditional licences like Peppa Pig, Postman Pat and Fireman Sam have been selling for many years. More recent characters like Bluey are on the rise, along with Paw Patrol, particularly with the movie coming out. Film releases have a positive effect on sales – there was a great reaction when the Turtles movie came out and sales of Barbie increased when we put in a window display for the movie.

Plush seems to be very popular at the moment and for the first time, we’re seeing boys interested in it too and not just girls; a lot of boys are collecting ranges such as Pokémon and Minecraft plush.

We confirm a lot of our orders for the year at the

Katharine Spence - Wigwam Toy Shop, London

WWith the Premier League season back in full swing, our Premier League Panini trading cards have been a top seller. We’ve seen strong sales right from the start of the season – and the same was true for the Women’s England team cards during the Women’s World Cup, which was great to see. Arts & Craft items were extremely popular during the summer holidays. Parents are always keen to keep their kids busy, and sometimes a craft activity can be more engaging than simply playing with toys – and the child has something to show for their efforts at the end. Eugy 3D animals sell really well, not just with kids but with teens too. They’re very popular because they’re at a low price, so as well as a quick pick-up line for customers looking for an activity, this also means plenty of repeat business as customers build up their collection. Despite the low price, assembling the models is very entertaining and the results are attractive. Among our other craft lines, we also stock a paint by numbers set from Ravensburger, with a range of animals to paint, which also sells well.

It seems as though parents are looking more at play value this year, and products which offer good value for money in terms of repeat play patterns. For example, Meccano has been selling well, and Nerf has also been in high demand.

On the licensing side of things, Barbie, which has always been popular, had a spike in sales when the movie came out. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles also created a lot of excitement around all of our TMNT lines. Popular licences for smaller kids are Paw Patrol, PJ Masks and Spider-Man and for slightly older kids, Harry Potter is staring to boom again because the next generation of kids are starting to watch it; I think that

Netflix releasing all the films has helped spark this. The Harry Potter trading cards sell well – kids love to collect and swap – and we also sell wands as well as mini figures in blind bags.

Pocket money items remain prominent at the moment due to the cost of living. Everyone is watching what they spend and largely sticking to the £10-£15 ranges. We stock a lot of fidget toys like spinners and Rubik Cubes which have never stopped being popular. Now things like this are trending on YouTube and TikTok, kids come in showing videos of what they’ve seen and looking for the products for themselves.

Now that the kids are back at school, we sell a lot of gifts for birthday parties and traditionally we see a spike in sales for special events such as Halloween. For Halloween I always enjoy creating an impactful shop window display, highlighting our spooky accessories like glasses, wands, fake blood and decorations. We stock a limited range of dress up too, but it’s increasingly difficult to compete on price with the supermarkets.

To encourage customers to keep shopping with us, we are looking to bring back our loyalty scheme, which we stopped during Covid as it wasn’t really possible to make it work. People have to stamp cards for their purchases and can earn discounts after a certain number of visits.

For Christmas we have a wide selection of games for all ages which we expect to sell well as they have done in previous years. Big Potato is a very successful brand for us – the range has something for everyone, and all the games are fun to play (we know, because we’ve tried them!)

Now, our focus is on building towards the festive season. It will be on us before we know it, and as long as we have the right mix of stock, I’m sure we will do well.

Toymaster shows; some of it is new lines that come in immediately, but we also plan ahead if something coming up catches our eye. We try to be cautious with forward orders though, to keep a close eye on our inventory. If we’re not over-committed, we can react to a hot new product or craze when we need to. The toy industry can be unpredictable, no matter how much you plan, so we find that’s the best way. One thing that we have brought in, nice and early for Christmas, is Lego Advent Calendars which we are sure will be popular.

I have absolutely no idea how Christmas will play out this year. It’s hard to predict what kids will want way before Christmas. However, selling toy staples is what we’re known for, so we’ll keep a good spread of traditional brands in stock, which means we can rely on steady sales. Having said that, we’ll also try to maintain the ability to be reactive, as there’s always something that takes you by surprise.

We run a Christmas Club which is an important part of our business in Q4. It usually begins to take off around September but this year, we had enquiries in August – some customers came in with their kids to order one of the higher ticket items and start paying it off over the next few months. Last year a lot of people seemed to be concerned about rising bills and there was an element of unpredictability which affected how much they were willing to spend, but I think everyone has worked out their budget now and I’m hopeful that this Christmas will be okay.

Talking Shop

Sarah Lotter - Wallys Toyshop – Thame, Oxfordshire

Our collectible ranges have been selling well this year, especially MGA’s Miniwverse which is popular among adults and children alike. The food sets are the most sought-after options and people seem to love creating miniature items for dolls houses. We’ve been really impressed with sales of the range. Pokémon is always a strong seller, and most recently the Obsidian Flames cards have been in demand.

The big movie releases this summer have had an incredible effect on sales, and I think it’s because they are mostly based on licences and characters that are well known and sell well anyway. The films have elevated these already strong brands to the next level. Our Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle range sold really well alongside the release of the movie this year and the Super Mario brand has always been a favourite with our customers. We stock a selection of Super Mario figure sets as well as vehicles from Mario Kart, and the movie caused a bump in sales. Other popular licences include Barbie (another evergreen seller, helped this year by the all the hype surrounding the movie) and Bluey which all the kids love.

At the beginning of summer, when the children first broke up from school, we were delighted with sales. Anything Nerf sells really well, and the Zuru X-Shot has sold very well too. After that initial spike, things did calm down a bit - possibly because of the not-so-fantastic weather. But footfall in the first half of the year has been steady, and now we are excited for the run up to Christmas where things should pick up again.

With Christmas in mind, we have new stock arriving, including some new Funko Pops and bigger Lego sets such as Indiana Jones and Star Wars. We can rely on Lego to be in demand over Christmas. Little Live Pets Mama Surprise has been selling well and we expect it to be popular for presents. We have a wide selection of games in-store for the festive season to cater for as many tastes as possible. This year, we have added new titles such as the new Uno Quattro game from Mattel, and there’s a Bridgerton game that will make a good present. We also make sure to keep plenty of classics in stock; these will always sell, things like Monopoly, Scrabble, Cluedo and Jenga.

Over the last couple of years, it’s been difficult to compare Christmases and predict what is likely to happen next. We’ve had a very slow Christmas during Covid, when we had to minimise how many customers could come in at one time, followed by a very busy one when footfall really picked up again as customers were excited to come back into the store. I hope that this year will be nice and busy again.

To kickstart the festivities, we hold late night opening when the town’s Christmas lights are switched on. It’s great for boosting sales while everyone’s feeling the Christmas spirit; people come in afterwards to start looking for potential gifts. Even if they don’t buy straight away, they will hopefully come back.

The more the merrier

WWe can tell that Christmas is on the way, as we can barely see each other at the moment for all the stock that has arrived. It is that time of year again when the stockrooms start to fill up fast, and we have to find creative storage solutions. We’re always looking around at every nook and cranny to try and make space out of empty space. Overall, sales have continued to be good. August was a very strong month, helped by the less than summery weather that spanned almost all the school holidays. Of course, as soon as the kids all went back, we had a mini heatwave of over 30 degrees for a week. We were just starting to clear all our pools and summer products from the shelves for the year but decided to keep them all for another week to fulfil demand and help clear stock out. Sales went noticeably quieter after that, but we are happy that trade has been steady over the last couple of months. A neighbouring clothing store has really been struggling, trying to sell duffle coats and winter wear in 30-degree heat. At least we have options for all weathers!

Licensed product makes up a significant proportion of our range in stores, over half our offering. It’s important to stock the big names: being located in shopping malls, people expect to see the brands and licences they recognise in our stores. Another reason to keep a strong licensed range is to keep up with our competitors. Our latest licensed success story is the Disney Lorcana TCG from Ravensburger. Launching early in independent gaming stores created a real buzz; it has proved to be a fantastic success and we sold out of our initial allocation within a couple of weeks. Ravensburger has clearly spent a long time developing the game concept, and lots of people are playing it already – they were even asking about Chapter Two before it was officially announced. It is fantastic to have something completely new to sell, and it has brought a lot of customers into stores, talking about it and asking for stock.

The biggest licensed growth for us this year will not come as a surprise to anyone – it’s Barbie. This has been mentioned it in previous columns, and it is still showing no signs of slowing down – we expect it to continue to be strong as we head into 2024.

New licences these days don’t always come from traditional TV or films; YouTube is where kids spend a lot of their time nowadays. This year, we have stocked both Aphmau and Lankybox products, based on their respective YouTube channels, and both have proved extremely popular. These were licences we had never heard of before seeing the products (don’t tell anyone but we still don’t really know what they are about!), But if they sell, we will stock them.

Then there are the evergreen licences that are part of our portfolio year after year. Harry Potter is one of our most popular. The novels were written over 20 years ago now, so there are a lot of young adults that grew up with the books. They buy a lot of Harry Potter toys and gifts, along with children currently discovering the films and books for the first time. The same is true of Star Wars; it remains one of the biggest original licences, with products equally likely to be purchased by adults and kids.

Quarter Century Secret Rares

(Celebrating the 25th Anniversary!)

Platinum Secret Rares

(Last seen in the 2015 Mega-Tin!)

New “Prismatic” style Ultimate Rares

(With a raised 3D varnish effect, this is the same as the Japanese “Ultimate Rare” technology previously available only in Asia!)

New “Prismatic” style Collector’s Rares

(Made with extra sparkle, this is the same as the Japanese “Collector’s Rare” technology previously available only in Asia!)

Plus Secret Rares, Ultra Rares and Super Rares!

Cautious optimism from the Toy Man

After 20 years working at A.C. Nielsen/D&B Research Company, Rick opened the first Learning Express Toys franchise in the Chicago area in 1996, and then became a sub-franchiser, opening nine more stores. Although leaving the corporate environment behind, he has combined his expertise in data and numbers with a passion for the toy retail space. This month Rick updates Toy World readers on the latest from indie toy retail in the USA and tells us how new sections in his store are performing.

Isat down to write this letter to my friends abroad with some trepidation. I feel a slowdown coming to indie toy shops in the US. I remember my good friend David Middleton telling me that the UK was a little quiet in June, but he says it picked up steam in early September as newness hit the shelves. Ranges like Lorcana from Ravensburger, Zuru Snackles, MGA’s Miniverse, seasonal Squishmallows and Lego have all helped to boost UK footfall and sales.

For some reason things feel a little different here in the States. We have had a marvelous run, in fact, the best run in my 27 years of running a local toy shop. The streak extends from January 2021 to August 2023; 32 straight months of aboveaverage performance on sales levels, which is amazing. But I have a feeling all that is about to change.

Why am I feeling this way? Before I lay out some possible scenarios, let me say that I hope I am wrong. But ……

• Consumer spending, which has held up so far in the States (including record travel, vacations, housing and home improvements), will come to an abrupt halt. Mortgage rates have soared; car prices have rocketed; gas prices have stayed at, or are above, last year’s levels; rentals are more expensive, as is food. I expect all of this, combined with school loans being reinstated for millions of young adults, to lead to a cut back on discretionary purchases; not birthdays or holidays, but there will be less pick me ups, and perhaps a reduction in the amount spent on presents or the number of kids invited to parties.

• W hile ‘new’ is everything in toys, prices still get driven down by the big box retailers and Amazon, so indies need to sell more units to make up for these margin-slim products from Hasbro, Mattel, Moose, Spin Master and most top toy companies. If there is no “chase” on some items, it can be tough for most indies to participate in price wars on hot toys.

• Brand exhaustion may kick in; the key product drivers for over three years now - Squishmallows, slime, Pokémon and Lego - may all be reaching a point when their popularity starts to wane slightly. I see a slowdown coming on slime and Squishmallows first, followed by Pokémon, as prices have risen. It will be interesting to see if the Kidult market stays strong enough to keep the Lego franchise growing.

I also want to point out the effect that the return to school (mid-August here) has on sales. Looking at sales by week from late summer through the beginning of September reveals where Mom’s focus is as kids get ready to return to another school year—they are so busy finding backpacks, pens/pencils/paper, etc., that many birthday parties are delayed until kids have met new classmates, and spending is focused on clothing and food rather than toys.

from America

However, we stay positive. In August, two months after the ASTRA toy marketplace and academy show, we installed a new section, dubbed Kawaii Corner. The idea is to showcase the current trends in this ‘culture of cuteness’ and merchandise them all in a singular location, next to our fashion/tween department, which was put in place February 2023. We sought input from vendors, other Japanese/Anime stores and other retailers who have had success with the concept. We are cognizant that our customers’ expectations are such that some topics within anime may be taboo, so we need to tread slowly and gather input and sales data as we go. We’re learning, but we are happy with the initial results and will continue to monitor throughout 2023 to see the sales and profit trends.

I have previously written about our Fashion/Tween Space – a new 350 square foot space that we installed in February 2023 - and I can now update on how it has performed. Sales on the many new items we brought in are up +49% versus like-forlike items in 2022 for the same seven-month period. While encouraging, this space is now occupied by many more SKUs, which inevitably results in inventory turning less. When you examine sales per sq ft., Fashion/Tween is making $345 versus our entire store average of $472/ sq ft. This new section is expected to produce higher results over the peak months of the year – September to December. I will evaluate after the end of the year, but I feel this section will ultimately pull its weight.

Finally, we have heard some talk from bigger toy companies and retailers of softness in the market. Will this be evident in the indie aisles? Time will tell but as we all know, toys never crash, nor do hot toys go away. There may be a slowdown, but overall, we are still ahead of the game. I like our position!

Nano Crafts a sticky situation

Arts & crafts specialist Creative Kids has unveiled a major new range of crafting kits based on a social media sensation – nano tape. Creative Kids’ CMO Daniel DeLapa, Licensing and PR/Marketing manager Michelle Rodrigues Hawthorn and UK MD, Grant Gie, tell Toy World why Nano Crafts is a line that’s destined to stick around.

Afew months ago, while shopping in a Japanese toy store, Daniel DeLapa inexplicably came across a huddle of kids gathered around a display filled with rolls of tape. Intrigued, Daniel took some of the transparent, double-sided, heavy duty sticky tape to his hotel and began researching a) what it was, b) what it did and c)

hanging pictures, sticking down rugs and securing decorations in place. As for why kids would love it, well…fold it over, fill it with water and slime or glitter and sequins, inflate it, paint or draw on it, and you’ve created a squishy pet, a boba-tea shaped charm, a fishbowl, a kawaii miniature milk carton –really, anything you can think of.

Nano tape has become something of a viral sensation online: at the time of our interview with Creative Kids, the hashtag #nanotape had over 1.6b views on TikTok alone. Knowing his company had to act swiftly, Daniel’s all-night brainstorming session in Japan resulted in the launch range outline of what is now Nano Crafts, with samples following within two weeks. Within eight weeks of conception, wholesale buy-in of the Nano Crafts range had significant placement and product was being air-freighted to customers.

“I don’t want to sound cheesy, but it genuinely feels like we’ve stumbled upon something historic here,” says Daniel.

“Every kid we’ve shown this to has been left open-mouthed with amazement. We’ve never moved so quickly on a product or with such urgency, which goes to show how excited we are about it.”

The Nano Crafts launch range comprises 10 core SKUs with colour and assortment variations. From entry-level refill rolls of Nano Tape in different colours, the range then moves through a range of price points, from pocket money (enough pre-cut tape and stick-on decorations to make three fun Nano Crafts pets, for example) to gifting (a

Nano Crafts creation station complete with multiple rolls of tape, glitter, pens, air clay and more). The full range is both affordable and accessible. Creative Kids’ Nano Crafts tape has been adjusted and developed to make the play pattern usable by children as young as six years old, with exact specifications delivering proprietary results.

“We want to give kids the confidence to make incredible things, and that means setting them up for success,” Daniel explains. “We looked at the most common pain points discussed on social media – the need for a hairdryer was a common one, or for an adult to cut the tape – and devised ways to overcome it during product development for a better consumer experience, while striving to be first to market. Because of this, we think Nano Crafts will take a significant share of the space and makes for a very exciting arts & crafts proposition within a huge range of retailers.”

Michelle Rodrigues Hawthorn highlights the fact that Nano Crafts kits contain everything kids need to get started: there’s no need to run round the shops looking for all the individual components required, because all of them come within the box. Grant agrees, recalling the early days of the slime craze, when he was often tasked with finding the correct type of contact lens solution for making DIY slime at home - to varying levels of success. Some Nano Crafts kits even contain syringes for ‘injecting’ squishies with water or slime. Nano Crafts is a truly toyetic range that appeals to girls and boys by introducing viral creatures such as axolotls and pandas alongside eye-catching, giftable packaging that conveys the exciting nature of the product, and attractive RRPs; bear in mind a single roll of non-toy nano tape can cost around £20, a big chunk of change for something not designed for kids and therefore frustrating to use.

Brand Profile Creative Kids

Product is currently shipping to retailers around the globe. Able to react the quickest, indies will have it in stock for Christmas, while it’s expected to be trade-wide by spring/summer in all retail channels. The reaction from buyers has been ‘phenomenal’, according to Grant Gie, who says several stores placed orders for the company’s CDUs or FSDUs within just minutes of his first emails landing in their inboxes.

“I send the TikTok videos, our sales deck and a few other bits and pieces, and the orders come straight back,” Grant says. “It’s a door we’ve barely needed to knock on.”

Being a social-born product line, Creative Kids will be turning to the same influencers that were producing the very first nano tape content as part of its marketing campaign. Michelle is engaged in a major sampling campaign to get Nano Crafts into the hands of macro- and microinfluencers and bloggers that will then feature the products on their channels, while a dedicated microsite on creativekids.com will feature tutorials, videos and more. Traffic will be driven to the site via an on-pack QR code.

For the Creative Kids team, Nano Crafts is a reflection of the company’s ethos and strengths in the competitive toy

industry. Daniel notes that while innovation and speed to market are integral to the success of any company, within the toy industry, trends and crazes makes these qualities particularly important. Getting in at the ground level of an emerging trend doesn’t only allow you to ride the wave at the beginning, but also secures the residuals and cements your place as the leader when that trend ultimately becomes a category: think Spin Master with Kinetic Sand, Hasbro with Play-Doh, or Rainbow Loom with rubber band bracelets.

nano tape is today’s fun trend, we foresee the Nano Crafts product line continuing and expanding for many years to come. There are licensing deals in the works and the possibilities for what you can make with this material are infinite. We can innovate constantly, quarter after quarter. Mark my words - Nano Crafts is one arts & crafts range that really will stick around.”

FRESH THIS MONTH:

Each month Fresh sets out to find the latest products that will have toy retailers reaching for the phone. Here are new releases from: Canal, Eco Wood Art, Explosm, Konami, MGA, Ravensburger & Simba Smoby.

Wooden Puzzles

EWA Eco-Wood-Art • www.ewaecowoodart.com • sales@eco-wood-art.com

For a new way to spend free time that's both fun and eco-friendly, EWA Eco-Wood-Art has revealed a collection of stunning wooden puzzles. These puzzles are created in collaboration with renowned German artist Andreas Preis and feature beautiful images of animals, with intricate details in the form of flora and fauna representatives.

Crafted from high-quality wood, the puzzles are built to last and are sustainably made. With three different sizes and boxes to choose from (L, M and S), there's a puzzle for everyone whether they are a seasoned puzzler or just getting started. And they make great gifts for friends and family who love a challenge.

The collection of wooden puzzles features 12 different animal designs. Each puzzle showcases a stunning image of a beloved creature. And with intricate details and patterns woven throughout the design, these puzzles are sure to provide a fun and challenging experience for puzzlers of all skill levels.

Puzzles are the perfect way to unwind. With their tactile feel and satisfying click as each piece falls into place, wooden puzzles provide a soothing sensory experience that can users to de-stress. Wooden puzzles are the perfect gift for anyone who loves a good challenge and appreciates quality craftsmanship.

Twist 'N Slime Mixer

Canal Toys

01904 379 123

www.canaltoys.fr/en

Canal Toys, known for its innovative and exciting slime range, reveals the So Slime Twist 'N Slime Mixer as the latest addition to its best-selling range.

Kids can create colourful, fluffy slime mixtures with the Twist 'N Slime Mixer as they use the real spinning mixer and bowl to create marble effects, swirls and more. Combining the white fluffy slime with vibrant dye powders makes six amazing slimes. For even more satisfying slime sensations, kids can mix in the unique decorations and then squish, stretch and twist.

Each set comes with a recipe card included. Alternatively, kids can mix & match their own recipes to see what they can create. Once made, kids can store their slime in the resealable bags provided ready for repeat play.

Early indications from social media campaigns show that that the Twist 'N Slime Mixer is set to be a big hit, with parents sharing their children’s slime creations across the platform. Twist 'N Slime Mixer will be supported by extensive marketing, including TV, digital, influencer, PR and social media campaigns.

With the largest family gatherings of the year right around the corner, it’s important to choose the right game. Joking Hazard’s newest game, Sosig, is a great solution. Sosig is a pocket-sized strategy game for 2-4 players that will delight all ages.

Players utilise various head and body cards to craft their own savoury characters, each with a unique twist of shapes and sizes. But it's not all just about linking sausages – the real meat of the challenge lies in nailing order goals and earning the juiciest rewards, all while throwing each other unique curveballs with sneaky Mystery Meat cards.

Fast-paced and hilarious, this game is sure to delight and bring everyone together. Sosig's compact size, attractive artwork and easyto-understand strategy mechanics make it an ideal stocking filler for friends and family members during the holidays or an extremely packable travel companion for long trips, bringing the laughter with you wherever you go.

Joking Hazard’s games are distributed by VR Distribution, Blackfire Germany, SpilBraet, Lion Rampant in Canada and ACDD in the United States.

Bloxies

Simba Smoby

01620 674 778

www.smobytoys.co.uk

sales@simbasmoby.com

Coming from Simba Smoby Toys UK in 2024, Bloxies are ready to demonstrate how hip it is to be square. Bloxies are the colourful, well-known animals, that come in fun, square designs. The cool, cube-shaped collectibles have been designed to make the ultimate impulse purchase, with their pocket-money pricepoint and two-in-one functionality. Series One will introduce 27 Bloxies to discover, including six exclusives and three rare styles to enhance collectability. Each Bloxie has its own funny little movements – kids can push the top to see arms move, a wagging tail, moving eyes, an opening mouth and more.

To enhance the fun, users can stack Bloxies one on top of the other, in the style of a Totem pole, and discover their endearing teamwork. Once stacked, the top of the tower can be pressed to see Bloxies perform their different movements in sync.

Bloxies are available in single pack CDUs, as well as in double and four-packs, with FSDUs also available. The Bloxies launch will be fully supported with a wide-reaching media plan consisting of TV and digital advertising, as well as partnering with selected influencers.

NewL.O.L.Surprise!

MGA Entertainment • 0845 0533 333

www.mgae.com

L.O.L. Surprise! autumn/winter 2023 launches include an innovative new collection as well as new unboxing experiences, characters and playsets. Three brand-new surprise play concepts for autumn winter 2023 are: L.O.L. Surprise! Surprise Swap, L.O.L. Surprise! Squish Sand and L.O.L. Surprise! Magic Flyer.

The new Swap range allows fans to explore a brand-new play concept and unboxing experience. L.O.L Surprise! Tweens Surprise Swap features four brandnew Tweens characters to discover, each with two unique looks and a swapping head feature for the ultimate customisation and hair-play experience. Fans can change their dolls look In an instant by swapping out the head with a mini styling head and can also transform the doll’s fashions. Additional products in the Swap range include L.O.L Surprise! Tweens Surprise Swap Mini Styling Heads and L.O.L. Surprise! Surprise Swap Tots.

As well as the blind unboxing experience, the new collection introduces a brand-new unboxing reveal, using squish sand for the first time. The all-new L.O.L. Surprise! Squish Sand Tots each come with a sand hair mould; kids simply squish the sand to discover surprises and glitter inside. The squish sand can be re-shaped in the Tots hair mould to discover the Tot’s hair colour and style, create endless colourful hairstyles or mix and match with other Tots in the collection. To extend play patterns and provide a home for the Tots, the new L.O.L. Surprise! Squish Sand House with Tot is also set to hit shelves in October.

Taking the brand to new heights, new L.O.L. Surprise! Magic Flyers are perfect for children aged 6+. Fans will be able to choose from three new characters – Sky Starling, Flutter Star and Sweetie Fly – each with dazzling fashion and glittery wings packaged inside their Magic Bottle. The dolls fly with hand guidance and are rechargeable via the included USB cable, or in the bottle so the unboxing experience can be enjoyed over and over again.

www.yugioh-card.com/uk

The long-awaited 25th Anniversary Tin: Dueling Heroes is out now for the Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game (TCG) in Europe and Oceania.

In addition to plenty of celebratory treats, the set includes a Quarter Century Secret Rare version of one of the 16 iconic monsters decorating the sides of the tin. These include monsters from classic cards spanning the history of Dueling, from Yugi’s spellbinding Dark Magician and the colossal Exodia, the Forbidden One, to signature monsters like Number 39: Utopia and Stardust Dragon.

The Quarter Century Secret Rare cards include a holographic foil finish, gold foil name stamps and the 25th Anniversary watermark. This rarity will only be available during the 25th anniversary celebration period for the Yu-Gi-Oh! card game. The tin also has plenty to offer duelists looking to bolster their decks with powerful cards. There are approximately 300 different cards available via the 25th Anniversary Tin, including ones from recently released sets such as Battle of Chaos, Dimension Force, Darkwing Blast, Tactical Masters, The Grand Creators and more. Each 25th Anniversary Tin: Dueling Heroes includes three Mega-Packs, each one containing 18 cards for a total of 54. That includes six Prismatic Secret Rares, six Ultra Rares, three Super Rares, three Rares, 36 Commons and, of course, the bonus Quarter Century Secret Rare.

DisneyLorcana:RiseoftheFloodborn

Ravensburger • 01869 363 830

Ravensburger has announced two new additions to the popular Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game (TCG) line-up: Disney Lorcana: Rise of the Floodborn, the game’s second set, and Disney Lorcana: Disney100 Edition, a limited-edition, premium collection of cards from the first two Disney Lorcana TCG sets. Both will be available for purchase at local game stores and mass retail locations later this year.

Disney Lorcana: Rise of the Floodborn dips into the inky origins of floodborn glimmers – Disney characters who were transformed by a mysterious flood of ink. Illumineers and glimmers journey beyond the Great Illuminary, which was damaged in a flood of magical ink. The six inks (Amber, Amethyst, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire and Steel) were released in a mixed-up, chaotic form. When storyborn or dreamborn glimmers encountered this mixed ink, they surged with a power that changed them, transforming them into floodborn glimmers. As the magical ink poured out of the Illuminary, treasured lore went with it, including Disney’s King Triton’s powerful trident. Disney Lorcana: Rise of the Floodborn features more than 200 new cards with brand-new artwork. Fan-favourite characters such as Disney’s Winnie the Pooh and Tiana appear for the first time in Disney Lorcana TCG, along with new Disney stories added to the line-up, including Disney’s The Jungle Book, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, The Great Mouse Detective, Pinocchio, Zootopia, and Raya and the Last Dragon. All cards in this set can be played alongside cards from the debut set of The First Chapter and used to update existing Disney Lorcana TCG decks.

Ravensburger has also revealed the Disney Lorcana: Disney100 Edition. In celebration of Disney’s 100th anniversary, and perfect for collectors, Disney Lorcana: Disney100 Edition contains six cards from Disney Lorcana: The First Chapter and Disney Lorcana: Rise of the Floodborn, featuring never-before-seen alternate artwork drawn by Disney animators from Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Big data = big challenges

Generation Media’s Jonathan Chambers and Brad Cunningham discuss how, with Digital media investment set to reach record levels from toy b rands this Q4, marketers need to ensure they are arming themselves with the right data, at the right time, to inform key decisions.

KPI assessments and detailed analytics, ensuring uniformity across platforms, which is difficult when data is scattered.

Jonathan: You mention that the lack of uniformity in data is a challenge the market needs to overcome. Does that mean that a Digital impression can differ from platform to platform?

Digital media’s evolution and growth over the past decade means it is now at the forefront of most successful media campaigns. In fact, Generation Media estimates that about 65% of Toys & Games UK ad spend in 2023 will be invested in Digital media, a position that seemed some way off just two to three years ago when the market was still dominated by TV, commanding over 60% of spend. The seemingly endless options that Digital media offers provides bountiful opportunity for brands to execute successful campaigns built on a clear strategy. It also provides more ways than ever before to track campaign performance, given the increased datasets we have access to.

However big data can cause big challenges. With seemingly endless options in platforms, formats, KPIs, buying routes and measurement metrics, we need more than just brain power to gain the full picture of what is really working.

This month Brad Cunningham, senior Digital Operations manager at Generation Media, discusses the challenges facing advertisers and how Generation Media is tackling them through the launch of

Optimus Report. Brad joined Generation Media at the beginning of the year to manage the agency’s Digital Operations, with a central focus on reporting, analytics and optimisation, leaning on experience from previous roles including overseeing Display campaign performance for Apple on a global scale, and developing user acquisition and monetisation strategies at one of the world’s largest app development platforms, Unity.

Jonathan: Brad, given your extensive experience in managing multi-platform campaigns and increasingly fragmented audience behaviour, does reporting cross platform make it more challenging for brands and agencies to understand campaign success?

Brad: Managing campaigns across multiple platforms poses challenges, such as data fragmentation, increased campaign setup and reporting time, and the need to standardize metrics and audiences. However, advancements in technology have allowed us to address these issues. Optimus Report is Generation Media’s proprietary solution to this challenge, a centralized data visualization and reporting platform, housing all data in one accessible location. This provides real-time campaign data for

Brad: While similar metrics exist across different platforms, that doesn’t necessarily guarantee that the metrics we measure are identical. For example, on Facebook an impression would typically be considered valid when an ad is displayed and appears on a user’s screen, even if it is only partially visible, with Facebook providing additional insight into things such as reach, frequency, impression share and so on. TikTok, on the other hand, has its own unique criteria for measuring viewability which it doesn’t make as readily available to the market. This trend also continues across other platforms and metrics, therefore creating some difficulty in comparing like-for-like metrics when running activity in this way.

Jonathan: And what about the different devices on which ads are served? For example, over 60% of YouTube campaigns targeting children are typically served on a TV screen, with the remainder on mobile and desktop devices. Should agencies and advertisers be differentiating and tracking this?

Brad: Audience crossover is a challenge that presents itself when running activity across multiple platforms. Second-screening is now commonplace amongst all audiences, and with the growth of digital as an advertising channel as a whole, this will only continue and potentially exacerbate the issue. Cross-device tracking capabilities exist which, when executed successfully, present an opportunity to turn this challenge into a benefit with regards to understanding your audience more deeply in different areas of online consumption. Other options that can help when it comes to tracking users is the introduction of multi-touch attribution models and incorporating unified analytics platforms to strengthen the understanding of user behaviour even further.

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Jonathan: Given the above challenges and differentials in datasets, is it possible to provide a unified view of overall campaign success?

Brad: These challenges don’t necessarily mean that a unified view of overall campaign success is an impossibility. If we are able to take into consideration the use of multiple devices and potential to discover the same audiences across them and on different platforms, a centralised data solution such as Optimus Report can help to turn these challenges into methods of optimisation through deeper audience analysis and understanding. Utilising cross-platform tracking and developing an agreed, uniform measure of metrics that are present across each platform, Optimus Report aids us in removing these issues and reporting on campaign performance with deeper insight than using the individual platforms available separately. With everything centralised in the same location, it becomes much easier to view campaign performance holistically and to compare and contrast behaviours across the different locations we find users. Another benefit to this is it helps to establish the fact that user behaviour is indeed a holistic endeavour in a real-life sense. We know users exist across multiple platforms and devices, and taking this knowledge into account while ensuring tracking capabilities are employed correctly, we can analyse the true activity of the users that we reach without losing sight of the bigger picture of the campaign’s performance itself.

Jonathan: So once the complexities of cross platform and cross device measurement are overcome and combined into a unified view, how should brands decide on which metrics to track - and is there a limit to what can be measured?

Brad: Deciding which metrics to track is something that should be done with great consideration. Deciding on which metrics align best with individual KPIs is the first step brands should take, as different campaign objectives will rely on different metrics as a whole. Whilst there will be differences from campaign to campaign, broad brush stroke rules would be:

• Brand awareness campaigns should focus more on impressions, reach and recall.

• Traffic-driving campaigns should focus on clickthrough-rate and website visits.

• Sales should focus on conversion rates and ROAS.

As well as this, a balanced set of metrics is important to consider. Focusing on just one may actually hinder the ability to spot trends in behaviour outside of such a fixed individual measure of success. With this in mind, while there isn’t necessarily a limit to what can be measured, it should always be a priority to ensure the correct mix of metrics for each campaign. This is easily achieved with Optimus Report, where any and all available metrics in each platform campaigns are running in is available in one place, making it manageable to view the performance of this mix of metrics on a case-by-case basis.

Jonathan: How often should performance versus these metrics be updated?

Brad: Optimus Report is updated daily to ensure the most up-to-date information is available to us. Real-time reporting is indeed possible and presents benefits such as immediate insights on performance, improved agility with optimisation and assisting with crisis-management should the need arise. However, many platforms incorporate different attribution models which can create issues when relying on realtime reporting; activity being tracked with a 7-day attribution window, for example, would make less sense to report on in real-time as activity wouldn’t necessarily be “true” to how it may appear once this attribution window is complete. In essence, the use of real-time reporting is available, and can be beneficial to campaign performance. However, these benefits are for more immediate needs such as ensuring activity is tracking correctly, rather than long-term uses such as post-campaign analyses and optimising across different attribution windows.

: What about issues of data privacy, particularly in the toy space where COPPA and GDPR-K compliancy is crucial?

Brad: Data privacy is of course an area of major concern in the entire advertising industry, particularly so in the toy space. Compliance with COPPA and

GDPR-K is essential above all else when it comes to ensuring data privacy laws are upheld and user data is protected. Generation Media is fully COPPA and GDPR-K compliant across the board, and the tools that we use also guarantee compliance here. All data housed within Optimus Report is encrypted and follows these regulations as well.

Jonathan: Finally, we all know that platforms such as YouTube and TrueView are constantly innovating to provide new formats. Can reporting dashboards like Optimus AI be reactive to these changes to future proof reporting for brands?

Brad: With a constant data feed in place with Optimus Report, the platform can indeed be reactive to these changes. At Generation Media we have a focus on remaining up to date with all latest updates in the industry and measurement standards across the platforms that we run on. As a result, we can ensure that these updates are covered in our reporting, whether this be through the use of APIs, flexible data integration that allows for new formats and measurement protocols to be employed, real-time alerts across the industry and a constant and open feedback loop across all of our partners. By making sure that these solutions are available and constantly working, Optimus Report is able to remain agile and responsive to changes in the industry and remain up to date with regards to the data and insights that we can provide.

With Digital media investment set to reach record levels from Toy brands this Q4, toy companies should make sure they are arming themselves with the right data, at the right time, to inform key decisions. For a demo to see how Optimus Report can improve

Turkish delight

SJR Associates, Dolu’s sales representative in the UK and Ireland which is headed up by father and daughter team Steve and Ria Richardson, has been encouraging me to visit the new Dolu headquarters in Istanbul ever since work was completed on the facility back in 2021. I was delighted that we could finally find a mutually convenient time to make it happen, which gave me the opportunity to see at first-hand how Dolu has transformed itself from a small domestic Turkish toy company to a huge global supplier. Over dinner at a beautiful restaurant overlooking the Bosphorus, the two directors - brothers Goksel and Gokhan Dolu - talked me through the company’s incredible journey.

The Dolu company was originally set up in 1975 by Goksel and Gokhan’s father, Osman Dolu. Its first product was actually a mosquito swatter, followed by a range of stationery items, before Osman decided to branch out into toys at the start of the 1980s. The first toy range produced by the company consisted of a selection of small trucks, some examples of which are on display in the new building, along with many other milestone products from

the past four decades. And if you look closely enough, you can even see Goksel and Gokhan pictured on the packaging of some of those early lines.

When Goksel and Gokhan first joined their father’s company, the majority of Dolu’s customers were domestic. The brothers felt that it would be a good move for the company’s growth and development to look towards the export market, and the rest, as they say is history. Dolu is now the largest toy supplier in Turkey, exporting to a grand total of 85 countries.

The company moved into a brand new, purpose-built facility in 2021. Construction actually started on the impressive complex back in 2017, and the entire thing was built from scratch in under four years (including the Covid period). At a whopping 62,000 sq m, it is five times larger than the company’s previous factory, and there is a plan in place to increase its capacity each year moving forward. This will give Dolu the ability to increase both the size and scope of its range, as well as reach more markets and establish relationships with even more retail partners across the globe.

Although Turkey is unique in that it lies partly in Europe and partly in Asia, its close proximity to all of the key European markets results in far shorter lead times than ordering product from the Far East. And for UK and European customers, there is the added bonus of no duty to pay, making Dolu competitive with Chinese manufacturers when it comes to pricing.

Dolu supplies by the mixed container load with no MOQ per item, offering delivered prices to its retail partners across the world. As Steve explains: “Because there is no duty to be paid, it is an incredibly straightforward process - essentially like ordering from a domestic supplier.”

This method of supply also takes away one of the main risk factors associated with traditional FOB buyingcurrency fluctuation. Indeed, Dolu can nearly always beat FOB prices, precisely because it avoids currency fluctuations and has the best possible freight rates (freight prices from Turkey have proved to be far less volatile than those from China in recent years).

As Steve points out: “Even with freight rates from the Far East decreasing over the past year, 90% of what Dolu makes will land in the warehouse cheaper than an equivalent product from China. There are also no MOQs, which means it is not just the big retailers that benefit buying from Dolu – we also supply Toymaster members who can easily make up a container from the 300 + products in the range.”

Currently, Dolu ships over 250 40ft high cube containers to the UK each year, but Steve is aiming to double that number over the next few years and is hoping to work with a greater spread of customers to achieve that goal.

In addition to keen pricing, the fact that everything is produced in-house (literally everything…the company even makes its own tools and moulds) means that Dolu offers a high-quality range that can be tailored to

Publisher John Baulch visited Istanbul to see Dolu’s impressive purpose-built factory and warehouse facility, and to understand the advantages for UK and European retailers in dealing with a toy manufacturer a little closer to home.

Company Profile

individual retailers’ preferences, especially in terms of colour palettes.

Dolu recently started selling a focused range of Baby products, in addition to its successful toy range. Interestingly, Steve tells me that the nursery products have sold well in many toy retail stores and while the toy side accounts for 90% of Dolu’s sales, the nursery side is expected to grow over the coming years.

The company’s extensive product range is on show in the 1000 sq m showroom, which takes up an entire floor of the new administration building. Each individual product is on show, featuring the various colour options that it can be made in, together with the item’s packaging. This comprehensive presentation gives buyers the best possible way of evaluating opportunities, and also of coming up with an exclusive product selection which allows differentiation between different retailers.

The range crosses numerous categories, with a particular strength in the Role Play, Wheeled, Outdoor and Pre-School sectors. The range is both broad and versatile, but Goksel assures me that Dolu has plans to extend it even further: “There are many areas we are looking to expand into over the coming years.”

Another area that will undoubtedly grow is the company’s collection of Mattel licensed merchandise. Dolu currently produces over 50 items which feature leading Mattel properties including Barbie, Fisher Price and Hot Wheels. The items have been available to mainland European buyers for several years, and over 20 items are now available for UK buyers too. Goksel is delighted with the partnership that Dolu has developed with Mattel: “We have been working with Mattel since 2014 – we’ll be celebrating 10 years of the partnership next year. For us, the relationship is about far more than just signing a licence: they really want us to develop more bespoke product, which makes us feel like an important partner. It’s a great relationship and we are really proud of it.”

The Mattel branded lines are well-designed, high quality and still offer the great value pricing that Dolu is renowned for. And the products themselves are far from label-slapped: in a lot of cases, branding and logo designs are integrated into the manufacture of the product through a system called IML (In-Mould labelling), rather than coming in the form of stickers or transfers which could peel off.

The Mattel selection covers both outdoor and indoor toy ranges. Fisher Price lines include Play Houses, a Picnic Table, a Sand Water Table, Swings, a Slide, a Football Goal, a 3 in 1 Sports Set, a Play Fence, a Study Desk, an Easel and a Trolley with Play Balls. Barbie features on a Play House and Picnic Table, while Hot Wheels branding has been applied to Dolu’s popular Pedal Quad, Moto, a Study Desk and an Easel.

Pricing is a subject which comes up time and again during my trip. Many toy companies talk about their attractive prices and strong margins – but Dolu doesn’t just walk the walk, it genuinely talks the talk, as Steve explains: “We have had two price decreases already in 2023, largely due to a reduction in the cost of raw materials and freight. Retailers have actually received credit notes for the difference. Autumn winter selection prices should be coming down by between 5-10%, and those prices will carry forward to 2024. And if there are further price reductions, prices will go down accordingly. In the 30+ years I have spent in the toy trade, I have literally never known any other company to do that.”

Dolu is also making progress in the sustainability area, although as Goksel points out: “Most of the product range is plastic – there is no getting away from that. We have looked into the possibility of using recycled plastic or alternative materials, but for most of our product range, it simply isn’t strong enough. Our products are built to last and we would not do anything which would compromise the integrity of the range; quality is of paramount importance to us. However, there are definitely things we can do, such as moving away from single-use plastics in our packaging, changing to FSC-certified cardboard and investing in solar panels for our factory. We’re fully aware of environmental issues, and we are making the right changes where we can.”

There are many ways to see the full Dolu range in the flesh. Like me, you could hop over to Istanbul and see the entire range in all its glory – Dolu is a gracious and generous host, and the directors encourage retail customers to visit the company’s headquarters to spend quality time with the team selecting a range.

Alternatively, Dolu has a presence at all the major global trade shows and buying trips. The company has been exhibiting in Nuremberg for over 20 years, while it has a showroom in Hong Kong where it also shows at the official Toys & Games Fair. Dolu exhibits at the London Toy Fair in January, and the company will be showing in New York at the end of September. So, whenever retailers are ready to make their selections, Dolu is ready to show them the benefits of working with a manufacturer a little closer to home.

For more details, contact Ria on 07877443733, Steve 07850779797 or email sales@sjr-associates.co.uk.

Company Profile

Mighty Jaxx

High and mighty

The company was founded by Jackson Aw, an avid toy collector since his teens. Jackson took a tour of toy factories in Shenzhen, China, to learn about the process of making toys before collaborating with Singaporean graffiti artist Clogtwo to produce Hell Lotus, a collection of 200 units which quickly sold out following its debut at Singapore Comic Con. Over the next three years, Jackson secured licences with DC Comics, Netflix, Adidas, Hasbro, Formula One and Sesame Street, increasing revenue by 71% between 2019 and 2021.

Today, Mighty Jaxx creates high-quality, limited-edition collectible figures across a range of partner franchises at a variety of price points, including Stranger Things, SpongeBob SquarePants, Hello Kitty and One Piece. The company also has its own IPs, teaming up with top independent artists from around the world. Through both its premium art ranges and series collectibles, Singaporebased Mighty Jaxx has grown from a $20,000 startup in 2012 to a multi-million-dollar company with distribution in over 60 countries. Top retail stockists in the UK include Amazon, HMV and Selfridges.

Alex joined the company as MD for Europe over a year ago. While looking for a new job, he reached out to

Jackson who pitched the business to him, and Alex was hooked. He admitted: “Mighty Jaxx was by far the most exciting proposition on the table. It was refreshing to meet a passionate founder who really understood the collectibles business and had firm plans for the direction of the company. I came on board to set up the European division and in March last year, we established a company here in the UK.”

The first shipments of product were a success across Europe from the very start. Alex brought in the first wave of stock to coincide with October’s New York Comic Con, where Mighty Jaxx received almost immediate recognition from international traders and consumers alike, and word soon spread.

The European division has secured partnerships with both independent and larger retailers, not only toy shops, but fashion and lifestyle stores too. “It’s been incredible,” Alex told us. “We’ve had huge growth owing to getting the word out and educating Europe on what we do and what we can bring to the market that’s different. Not one retailer, not one licensor and not one distributor has said that they’ve seen it before. It’s a niche range but it crosses over into the mainstream too, which enables us to work with a selection of retailers that not all toy brands can operate in.”

Mighty Jaxx, formed in 2012 in Singapore, opened a UK subsidiary last year and has already seen its collectibles booming in the UK and Europe. Toy World caught up with MD for Europe, Alex Neal, about how the business found its feet in the new continent.

Mighty Jaxx’ s approach to the specialist collectibles sector is all about creating unconventional products which break the boundaries of design. Alex recently visited the Singapore showroom and saw first-hand the huge range of materials used for each unique creation; these range from PVC, vinyl and resin to ply stone, crystal and wood. The figures range from a £10 price point up to £5,000. As he learns more about the European market and how Mighty Jaxx fits into it, Alex plans to experiment with introducing more of these lines.

Never resting on his laurels, Alex has been investing in PR and marketing to grow the business. This year, Mighty Jaxx exhibited at London Toy Fair, visited Nuremberg and is attending New York Toy Fair. The company has been visible at various Comic Cons, and the team is also experimenting with new looks and new artists. “We are working on our future culture,” Alex added. “Behind the scenes, we are coming up with the next thing that people are looking for, but don’t know it yet.”

A best-selling collection for Mighty Jaxx is licensed from Sanrio, the company behind Hello Kitty and My Melody. For Alex, the Sanrio brands have been an unexpected success. “It’s not because I didn’t know about the brands,” he explained, “It’s because I didn’t know how people would receive the cross-over into the collectibles market. It has pleasantly surprised me - it’s been so successful that we can’t keep the products in stock.” The One Piece collection, based on a Japanese manga series, has also had a very successful uptake, particularly in the UK, France and Germany.

The price points of these collections are at the lower end of the range, which made Alex initially doubt whether they would be popular. “There’s a stigma that a lower price means lower quality, but we’ve been proving with our products that that is not always the case. We are trying to educate people on that score.”

Another pleasant surprise to Alex has been the reception to the re-design of cute-looking brands into edgy collectibles. As well as Hello Kitty, the company has seen success in this area with My Little Pony. Mighty Jaxx is proving that fans enjoy a reinvention of a property they are familiar with. The company’s X-ray-styled Hidden Dissectibles stem from a collaboration with artist Jason Freeny, who has designed products on both the company’s own IPs and different licences. Mighty Jaxx works with further up-and-coming artists to give its ranges different ideas, looks and feels.

Entering the world of the phygital, Mighty Jaxx has merged some of its lines with NFTs. Alex commented: “These products have a chip which takes the collector perspective to a different place; limited-edition certification is taken into the next generation.” Owners of the collectibles scan the chip with their phones to have their item officially recorded on Blockchain. In addition, they can unlock online content.

For the future, Alex is looking at promotion via events and Location Based Experiences. In Singapore, the company worked with Netflix to create an immersive Stranger Things experience. Visitors walk through a recreated set from the series whilst collecting digital fragments which can be redeemed within the experience itself. The company is exploring replicating similar experiences in Europe.

Mighty Jaxx will be introducing a host of new products for Q4 and 2024 which Alex is “incredibly excited” about. He told us: “We are looking at different price points – lower and mid-range – which will offer a point of difference for the market. New artists with interesting concepts will keep future product development fresh and exciting.”

He added: “We’re easy to work with, with low MOQs and low order values so retailers can try out our products and appreciate them for themselves. We don’t want to be one of these companies that delivers orders to just sit on the shelf – we want our lines to work for our partners. So far, that ethos is working well. We’ve had a high level of interest followed by recurring business, which I’m very pleased to see as that shows it’s working for everyone.”

New freight mates?

The last three years have witnessed a series of tumultuous changes to the UK economy: from a pandemic boom, low interest rates, and a buoyant market fuelled by disposable income through to postCovid drawdowns and high stock levels. Recently we have seen inflationary pressures and high interest rates added into the mix, as well as spiking fuel prices at the pump, soaring prices on domestic food, and a UK economy that has slumped, with this year’s outlook forecast at just +0.4% growth. Forecasts suggest that 2024 is not likely to fare any better, with growth currently pegged at just +0.3%.

The fluctuating economic conditions have been felt in the toy industry, where traditionally low ocean rates have long driven competitive landed costs. However, the pendulum has swung the other way, especially last year, when unsustainable high shipping tariffs and UK port congestion combined with high e-commerce demand to create significant challenges for importers. Anyone who imports goods into Europe and the UK, or works in the forwarding and carrier management sectors, already feels the headwind of emerging economic factors months in advance. For 2023, ocean rate stability was probably top of everyone’s wish list, mine included.

At the beginning of Q3, we saw a marginal increase in demand as stock levels dwindled and replenishment orders started to filter into the economy. By August, demand had crashed, leading to a pessimistic outlook for the remaining part of the year. This has resulted in the gradual decline of ocean rates, despite carriers trying to artificially prop up the spot market in the summer. Any increases have now been eroded. So, onto the million-dollar question: Where is the 2023 rate floor? And where does this leave carriers, forwarders, manufacturers and importers?

First, a little technical detail on how vessels are priced. Each carrier is a member of an alliance, a group of carriers that can share the same vessel rather than, say, three individual carriers

all operating their own vessels, sailing from the same port at the same time. Carriers split this vessel space ‘pie’. Each has its own slice of space, which is then segmented into three smaller slices by each carrier: FOB, CIF and spot.

Normally, the traditional FOB market is dominant, and both rates and space are controlled in the UK. But as carriers face pressure to fill specific ships, Asian spot market tends to take a lead, disrupting the FOB market. Therefore, in essence, we have two markets competing against each other. This poses the question: where is the floor?

Disruption happens and is usually a good thing, as it brings costs down. However, a disruptive market doesn’t help analysts calculate where the AsiaEurope service will settle. I don’t predict any major change in Q4, even for Golden Week. Demand remains weak and 2024 negotiations won’t begin until later this year.

So, we enter Q4 with rates at record lows. Landed cost results will be at very advantageous levels and manufacturers and importers could achieve some form of margin bounce. Which leads me to my next question: how should toy importers buy freight moving forward - weekly, monthly, or quarterly? In my professional opinion, we have hit the floor (although I could be proven wrong). It’s difficult to see rates getting any lower. Moving away from spot buying could benefit your business, while lengthening validity encourages less time spent on forwarding and more time focusing on delivering your own business goals.

The over-riding single piece of advice I can give is to not choose one specific carrier or a quotation with little detail other than a price. Blend your tariff with specific carrier names and ensure those carrier names are not in the same alliance. Recently, there's been a significant increase in blanking programmes initiated by our shipping line 'partners'. Clearly, every possible lever is being activated to counteract eroding rates. These actions may be unsurprising - especially given the failure of General Rate Increases (GRIs) to hold - but they bring about real

challenges for Inbound Logistics.

This strategic blanking of services by carriers is focused on ensuring that the vessels that do sail are full. Nevertheless, it’s a programme that will ramp up in severity: initially to stabilize rates, and then to force through rate increases.

Weaving your logistics requirements in between the voids with no supply chain disruption and cost exposure is key.

The second recommendation is not to pay too much attention to scheduled transit times. ETA erosion is commonplace and will not disappear, so always ask for ATA at the time of booking. This is an important point, particularly when lines are out of stock or low in stock, you’re preparing for a new product launch, or gearing up for Black Friday, Christmas and January sales. Having transparent data on ATA at the time your factory books will ensure you can plan your business effectively. This approach is part of Warrant Group’s solution. We analyse every vessel departure and arrival, measuring performance data versus the scheduled service. We then apply the erosion for the previous month to the current month and state ATA. It’s never ever far off, usually by less than a day.

Finally, be aware of the potential for margin erosion. You don’t want to incur demurrage because of poor free time due to the arrival day (another very important factor) or a carrier’s inability to actually deliver within free time. Our solution for eliminating demurrage and detention is one of the key factors our clients score us highly on.

2024 will hold no significant upturn in rate levels but that statement has a warning attached: current rate levels are not sustainable in the long term. However, they do correctly reflect the current global economic outlook.

Warrant Group is considered niche. We take forwarding in its truest form and head in the opposite direction. We only use carriers port-to-port with extra-ordinary free time, we deploy our own direct rail and final mile solution, and we also have restitution agreements. We control the end-to-end. Yes, we are different - be different with us.

Allegedly

If you are planning to go to Nuremberg and haven’t yet booked your flights, you might want to put aside some time to take a look at the options before it gets too busy in the run-up to Christmas. As someone who has been visiting Nuremberg for over 40 years, this year’s flight choices seem on the face of it to be the least appealing for some while. Ryan Air in particular appears to have lost the plot. Want to return from Nuremberg on Thursday? There is one option – 6.00 in the morning. You may as well stay in the Irish Bar and go straight to the airport (in fact, I think that is how Ryan Air came up with their scheduling). The Friday return flight is a little better at 10.00 am, while on Saturday it is 10.00pm. Are they picking take off times at random out of a hat?? Remarkably, that is still better than BA, which has no direct flights to Nuremberg at all – either way – on either Wednesday or Thursday. I am not sure if they have already sold out or BA has missed those days out for a reason, but the outcome is the same – flying to Munich (approx. three hours by train from the airport to Nuremberg) seems to be the best option. And the hotel situation is equally complex – finding hotels with availability on the right days is always a challenge, and there is no such thing as a cheap option. We’ll all still go, of course, but my word, airlines and local hotel owners don’t make it easy. Just as well it is an amazing show…

Last month’s article about the timing of toy shows and the never-ending debate about when retailers actually make selections certainly struck a chord with many in the toy community, judging by the feedback I received. One company which humbly admitted to being in the ‘20% club’ told me that after a meeting with a major retailer during London Toy Fair in January, selections were finally confirmed on 5th August, with initial orders “squeezed painfully out of them” a week later. Remind me again why some people genuinely believe that all selections are finalised by the start of January…?! That may be true for a select few, but for the majority it is a very different scenario…

There is, however, one point on which just about everyone seems to agree: how many times do retailers actually need to see the same item and have the same discussion with the same people at a different location over a period of 4-6 months? Individual company previews in the US and UK (and I include LA in this group), plus formal trade shows in New York, Hong Kong, London, Nuremberg and other localised events…something surely has to give eventually? I don’t think that is a particularly controversial view, but whenever the topic is discussed, a consensus about which trip should disappear is hard to reach. I have seen some people writing off Hong Kong recently (especially Americans), but surely it is a destination where retailers can focus on lines that deliver good margins, to balance the high profile brands? LA may be a great place to see the big boys, but it doesn’t feel like it is necessarily the best place to source

FOB, own label and bread and butter lines. Perhaps the key to an event/trip surviving is having a specific strength and a clear remit which appeals to a different audience to other shows (even if it is a smaller audience) …

Back in the UK, it looks like we have finally witnessed the demise of Wilko. The high street retailer long ago ceased to be a significant player in the toy market, and it may even be a bonus if B&M and other value retailers pick up a chunk of the store estate. But even if that transpires, it still leaves a large number of stores that are likely to close and remain empty, putting thousands of jobs at risk. These are unquestionably the people I feel sorry for – they have done nothing wrong. And how many of those people are potential toy consumers with kids or grandkids to buy for? As for the owners, it’s hard to have any sympathy for people who took a £3m dividend last year when the company lost £37m. And let’s not forget the whopping £63m shareholder windfall in 2015, when one side of the family sold their shares to the other side. All presumably completely legal and above board – as it always is. One day, maybe we will have a government which will take a look at some of these practices and decide to do something about them. Unfortunately, today is not that day…

First UK country manager Thomas Randrup, then UK marketing manager Paul Dearlove, now German CEO Dirk Engehausen has left Schleich. Although Dirk left in the middle of August, his replacement doesn't start until next January – and what’s more, Stefan de Loecker has no prior toy experience, having spent his career in the FMCG arena with companies such as Nestle and most recently at a skin care brand. We wish him good luck…

A disgruntled group of over 200 people gathered to make their feelings crystal clear to the Autumn Fair organisers on the final day of the show, with the newly introduced Connect meeting platform at the heart of their concerns. I had originally been contacted by one of the toy exhibitors earlier in the week, to tell me that not a single one of the eight meetings arranged through the Connect platform over the first two days of the show had bothered to show up. And he hadn’t even felt that a grand total of eight meetings was that good to start with. Given that participation in Connect is mandatory for all exhibitors, with a relatively high cost involved, it’s no great surprise that people weren’t happy. To their credit, senior show management didn’t hide in the back office (airline companies would do well to follow their lead…) or push their sales team forward to bear the brunt of exhibitors’ ire. Instead, they hastily arranged a meeting with a group of exhibitors to allow them the opportunity to air their grievances on a one-to-one basis. Obviously the organisers weren’t going to take any snap decisions on the spot, but they now have a big call to make. Do they try to make tweaks in an attempt to make Connect a platform which genuinely benefits retailers and exhibitors, or do they just let it quietly slip into the long grass…

world licensing

...including BLE preview starts here

FUN, IMMERSIVE, VERSATILE FUN, IMMERSIVE, VERSATILE

UPCOMING

from theeditor

Licensing World L

Licensed toys and games continued to outperform the wider marketplace: according to Circana, licences accounted for 31% of August’s total toy sales YTD and are up +4% YOY, while the overall toy market is -4% down.

The category is being driven by a combination of factors, not least the emergence of enormously popular new properties on streaming platforms and blockbuster motion pictures that have sent consumers flocking first to the cinema, and then to the toy shop. We’re seeing a raft of licensed product arrive for the Netflix smash hit Wednesday from licensees including Posh Paws, Rubies and Wow! Stuff, while Universal DreamWorks is celebrating the success of Gabby’s Dollhouse and that of its licensees, including master toy partner Spin Master and Dreamtex, the latter of which has enjoyed huge sales of its licensed bedding ranges. The release of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, Mutant Mayhem, has also been a boon for retailers stocking Playmate’s range of action figures (available through Character Options) and collectibles from Funrise.

Of course, it would be remiss not to mention Barbie. Mattel and Warner Bros. Barbie movie, directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, smashed box office records and created vast opportunities for retailers and licensees across the

world. Readers can find out more about Mattel’s plans for Barbie in Toy World’s dedicated Mattel supplement, which accompanies this issue.

We’re also seeing a continued influx of new anime ranges to the marketplace, fuelled by the ongoing stream of new content and soaring demand from consumers. The live-action One Piece adaptation has just landed on Netflix, which will doubtless attract a whole new audience to the category, with licensees including Bandai, Posh Paws and Mighty Jaxx poised to cater to renewed interest in the property with their plush and collectibles ranges.

From one type of screen to another, gaming is also enjoying a banner year for licensed consumer products. The launch of Toikido’s new Pinata Smashlings Roblox game has been bolstered by vast array of consumer products, encompassing everything from toys and collectibles (PMI Kids’ World) to apparel. Click Distribution is also seeing very strong sales of toys based on other Roblox games such as Blox Fruit and Pet Simulator.

There have been a number of major anniversaries this year, including Disney100marked with a raft of product from licensees including Just Play, Asmodee, Cartamundi, Jazwares and Craft Buddy - Jurassic Park’s 30th anniversary, and Beano’s 85th anniversary. The celebrations are set to continue in earnest in 2024, with anniversaries for Angry Birds (15th), Minecraft (15th), Peppa Pig (20th), Transformers (40th), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (40th) and Dungeons & Dragons (50th). Stay tuned for more info on how the companies behind these properties are planning to celebrate the landmark achievements next year.

2024 faces disruption too, in the form of the Hollywood writer and actor strikes. Some industry insiders have suggested the strikes could impact the licensed toy sector, while others think they may result in renewed development of animated content, thereby actually creating fresh opportunities for licensees. Time will tell. Check out our Touching Base feature with Brand Licensing Expo exhibitors for additional commentary on the challenges and opportunities coming down the line in the months ahead.

For now, though – and as you will see in the following pages – the sector remains buoyant, forward-looking and committed to providing the very in best toys, games and content, as well as experiences and retail activations: take a look at our feature on Warner Bros.’ 2023 Back to Hogwarts event for an example of how brand owners are going above and beyond to create that licensing magic. There’s plenty to discover in this issue, so please do read on and enjoy. (And see you all at BLE!)

On the following pages...

Licensing World

Winning Moves partners with Jazwares on Squishmallows range

Utilising key licensing relationships with Hasbro and Jazwares, and with a continued focus on product innovation, Winning Moves has announced the launch of Squishmallows Top Trumps, Top Trumps Match! and Monopoly – with the latter featuring a rare and exclusive version of the first-ever Squishmallows plush, Cam the Cat, which is styled on Mr Monopoly himself. Pairing the fantastic range of Squish plushies with the renowned gameplay and editorial style of Top Trumps, players will be able to review ratings, including Squish Release Date, Height, and Collector’s Number, as well as the usual character fun fact file. Top Trumps Match! offers great gameplay for all the family, whereby players take it in turns to “match” a row of five Squishmallows characters, while hoping their opponent doesn’t steal the game – and the points – at the end.

Kieran McNamara, head of Sales at Winning Moves, said: “We have seen an excellent reaction to our range, with the Squishmallows Monopoly set to feature on promo plinths at several key retail partners in Q4 this year. We’re also delighted to be able to offer collectors the unique opportunity to own a Mr Monopoly-styled Cam the Cat rare plush with every purchase of the family favourite Christmas board game.” Sam Ferguson, SVP Global Licensing at Jazwares, added :“We’re really excited to bring the Squishmallows brand to such an iconic games property. We know our fans will love adding this fantastic new addition to their growing Squishmallows collections.”

The Squishmallows range has already secured a wide selection of stockists including Asda, Argos, Sainsbury’s, Smyths Toys, The Range, B&M, Game, and local independent toy shops, from October. Squishmallows Monopoly was officially launched at Midco Toys in late September, and owner David Middleton has already tipped the game for success in his top predictions for Christmas 23.

For more information, get in touch with sales@winningmoves.co.uk.

Craft Buddy adds DC and Harry Potter to portfolio

Leading international craft company Craft Buddy has announced a new licensing agreement with Warner Bros, which will include the launch of a range of new DC, Friends and Harry Potter arts & crafts products.

The new products will launch in early 2024 in multiple territories including the UK, Middle East and Africa. Under the multi-year agreement, the company’s first wave of releases will feature a range of Crystal Art products, the popular diamond painting activity that uses sparkly coloured beads to create impressive works of art, and a series of innovative Paint By Numbers lines. In addition to new Crystal Art Card, Notebook and Canvas kits, new products in development will also include Craft Buddy’s trending Crystal Art Buddies, a range of craft kits that enable anyone to make their own sparkly, collectible Crystal Art wooden figurines using the diamond painting technique; as well as some brand new, as yet unseen product formats.

“We are very excited to be partnering with Warner Bros on some of its most iconic properties, including DC and Harry Potter.” said Gary Wadhwani, Craft Buddy director. “We have had proven success with our growing portfolio of licensed Craft Buddy products, and Warner Bros is the missing piece of the puzzle in our licensing portfolio. We can’t wait to be part of the DC and Harry Potter families from 2024 onwards.”

To celebrate, the Craft Buddy team visited the Warner Bros Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter in Leavesden, Hertfordshire last Friday, where they toasted the new deal with a few draughts of frothy Butterbeer.

Craft Buddy will be showcasing the new Harry Potter ranges at London Toy Fair, Nuremberg Toy Fair and Creativeworld Frankfurt at the beginning of 2024.

The company will be showing all of its other new ranges at Autumn Fair at the NEC in Birmingham at stand 20B57.

To find out more about the company’s products, visit the website here. or get in touch on 0203 417 6565 or trade@craftbuddyltd.co.uk.

Moose Toys announces Trolls Band Together Mineez

The collectibles will hit shelves this month, ahead of the much-anticipated theatrical release of DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls Band Together on 17th November. The Mineez will come in a variety of pack sizes and accessible price points, ranging from a single- to an 11-pack.

Moose Toys has created more than 100 Trolls Band Together Mineez. The 1.5-inch minifigures make up the first official collectors’ line of Trolls Band Together toys and feature fan favourites like Poppy and Branch, as well as new characters, including Poppy’s sister Viva and members of Branch’s boy band, BroZone. Trolls Band Together Mineez have a variety of troll hair and finishes, including head-to-toe glitter, metallic and transparent, and will be available in rare, ultra-rare and limited editions. With a wide range of charming and unique collectibles, kids and collectors can search for their favourite characters and build an impressive collection.

In addition to the Mineez range, the company is also launching Trolls products based on Moose Toys’ original brands, including Real Littles and Scruff-A-Luvs.

“Fans will be amazed by the vast treasure trove of Trolls coming their way. There has never been an official collectibles line of Trolls toys and we are making up for it with a vast collection at an affordable ‘collect them all’ price,” said Joe Smith, vice president of global and US Marketing, licensed brands, Moose Toys. “In addition to the movieinspired Mineez, we are introducing Moose-ified Trolls in cross-collaboration with several of our own brands. This is one more way that we are endearing the iconic Trolls franchise to its enthusiastic fan base, while also appealing to loyal fans of our most popular brands.”

QUiCKReLEASE BUCkl E fully prInte D wheeL diSCS

Licensing World

Creative Kids teams up with Uplift for Adopt Me! product line

The popular pet adoption game with more than 33m plays will have Creative Kids licensed consumer products on shelves this autumn.

Delivered by Uplift Games, Adopt Me! has been enjoyed by over 400m players through the Roblox platform. With more than 300 pets to raise and play with, the Adopt Me! experience creates a family-friendly environment where players can build and decorate houses, adopt pets and create their own fun and social experiences.

“The team is pumped to get our creative ideas out to market for Adopt Me!” said Creative Kids partner and chief marketing officer Daniel DeLapa. “The popular nature of the Adopt Me! characters is a perfect fit for the play patterns we’ve developed, and with incredible pent-up demand for product, we are excited to bring the lovable characters and incredible experience to life.”

From novelty stationery, craft and activity kits, compounds and more, Creative Kids will be focusing on formats that play into the games’ target demographics for year-round in-store activations. The first product to hit market will be 3D Puzzle Erasers complete with a build-your-own mini room. Available initially in Target stores nationwide this autumn, the puzzle erasers will be available in six different Adopt Me characters with coordinating mini puzzle rooms to be built and played with.

The range will be available from spring/summer 2024 in the UK.

“Our partnership with Creative Kids only exemplifies the trajectory of Adopt Me,” said Richard Haines, head of Consumer Products for Uplift Games. “The product line-up we have in store will excite and bring additional ways for fans to engage with the Adopt Me world.”

For more information on current and upcoming product releases, visit www.creativekids.com and follow @creativekidsbrands on Instagram and Facebook.

Paw Patrol branded collection for Curious Universe

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Paw Patrol this year, the top-rated pre-school series, produced by Spin Master and airing on Nickelodeon, continues to delight and engage fans around the world. With the upcoming October theatrical release of Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie, Curious Universe says there’s no better time to be launching a new range of licensed arts & crafts products in the UK, inspired by the hit animated franchise.

“All of us at Curious Universe are delighted to be working with Paramount Consumer Products on the world-renowned brand, Paw Patrol,” said John Styring, CEO at Curious Universe. “We look forward to bringing lots of play value and activity to both loyal and new fans of the pups.”

Anticipating consumer excitement over the new film, Curious Universe is launching three new branded products.

• Paw Patrol – I Love Crystals features six crystal-art cards and 20 pages of colouring. Complete with crystal stylus and storage tray, children can create dazzling pictures of their favourite pups.

• The celebrated 3D Diamond Studio is now available as a new Paw Patrol 24-page activity book plus Chase character model, with 3000 crystals, glue, applicator and tray, plus silicone gum.

• The new Paw Patrol – Finger Print Art set encourages children to develop concentration and imaginative play, and also helps develop patience and mindfulness.

Curious Universe is renowned for creating high quality and innovative products for curious minds around the world, with ranges spanning multiple industry sectors including arts & crafts, books, stationery, toys and jigsaws. An established sustainability programme ensures the foundations of the company’s growth are underpinned by its E.P.I.C company ethos: Explore.Play.Imagine.Create.

Readers can get in touch at 01225 614 310 or by emailing sales@curiousuniverse.co.uk.

Rubies brings The World of David Walliams to life

Rubies has announced the signing of one of the biggest licences in the children’s literature industry, welcoming The World of David Walliams to its portfolio of brands and becoming the sole licensee for the property across dress-up.

The collaboration is expected to be hugely successful with audiences across the country, especially around World Book Day. The dress-up will feature new characters and re-imagined styles of the most popular characters from Walliams’ huge back catalogue of IP. With designs already in development, the range is expected to be available to pre-order later this year, perfect for trade retailers looking to stock up in time for World Book Day.

Since the publication of his ground-breaking first novel, The Boy in the Dress (2008), David Walliams has seen unprecedented growth, with global sales exceeding 53m copies, and his books translated into 55 languages. David’s publishing has evolved into one of the biggest multi-media entertainment brands in the UK today, engaging and delighting children across a multitude of platforms. The world beyond the books includes licensed products, TV adaptations, theatre productions, arena tours and an attraction based on the perennial bestselling novel, Gangsta Granny, at Alton Towers Resort.

Justin McGiffin, head of Licensing for Rubies, said: “Bolstering our children’s literature range of costumes, The World of David Walliams is an exciting new step. With it, Rubies strengthens its 365 and World Book Day offering. We can’t wait to see little ones embrace the transformative power of reading and dress-up with our new range of costumes.”

Geraldine Stroud, Brand, Marketing and Communications director at HarperCollins Children’s Books, added: “As part of our strategic growth of The World of David Walliams, we cannot wait to launch this fantastic range of new costumes with Rubies. World Book Day is a highlight in the Walliams brand calendar, and this new dress-up will delight Walliams readers everywhere.”

For an exclusive look at the upcoming styles, get in touch with regional Rubies representatives, or contact customerservices@rubiesuk.com.

BEFORE HOLOTOYZ, THEY WERE JUST TATTOOS.

Cartamundi’s Bicycle Playing Cards debuts Disney collection

Bicycle Playing Cards is commemorating Disney’s 100th anniversary with five new playing card collections. Leading the lineup is the new Disney Black and Gold Mickey Mouse playing card deck, available from September in the UK.

“Our Cartamundi brands are founded on the belief that play enriches the world,” said Tricia Bouras, Cartamundi Global Entertainment president, and CEO and president of the United States Playing Card Company of Cartamundi Entertainment. “Through Disney, we are further inspired by the power of wonderment to create a world that is truly magical. We are thrilled to breathe life into this vision through our new playing card collection.”

The remaining decks in the collection will be unveiled throughout the rest of the year via Bicyclecards.com. These will be available in multiple markets across the globe.

“Disney characters and stories ignite the imagination, empowering families to joyfully immerse themselves in the Wonder of Play,” added Masha Levseieva, VP North America Marketing and Global Insights at Cartamundi. “As a brand, we wholeheartedly embrace the enchantment and awe, making Disney the quintessential IP to breathe life into our playing cards.”

The five decks in the Disney Collection include: Disney Mickey Mouse Inspired Black and Gold Playing Cards, Disney Princess Inspired Playing Cards, Disney Villains Inspired Playing Cards, Disney 100 Inspired Playing Cards and Disney Classic Mickey Mouse Inspired Playing Cards.

YuMe Toys launches Series 2 of Stranger Things collectibles range

This second series builds upon the stellar sell-out of Series 1 in 2022. The new lines are set to bring more excitement and nostalgia to collectors and fans of the hit Netflix series and enable them to expand upon Series 1’s mystery capsules collectibles.

Following Series 1’s success, YuMe Toys has raised the bar with Series 2, with an expanded range which includes Series 2 lines of the popular Stranger Things Upside Down Capsules. This includes new character designs such as Vecna and updated reveal features which build upon the excitement of Series 1, DZNR premium quality collectible plush toys produced as limited-edition collectibles, and a range of clip-on miniature DZNR plush.

Each SKU in Series 2 has been meticulously designed with the utmost attention to detail, ensuring that fans can enjoy high-quality merchandise which reflects the pop culture phenomenon of the Netflix series.

The Series 2 Stranger Things range will be showcased at YuMe Toys’ Los Angeles Roadshow event followed by the New York Toy Fair. The range will be available at retail from October.

Gurdeep Bains, global creative director at YuMe Toys, said: “Based on the popularity and amazing sales of Series 1, we’ve focused Series 2 as a range which includes both design and production excellence. The new range of collectibles can be enjoyed and played with by the wide Stranger Things fanbase.”

Disguise extends Nintendo Licensing agreement

Disguise has announced an extension of its global rights to Nintendo dress up. This extension allows Disguise to continue its partnership with Nintendo of America in designing, developing and manufacturing costumes and costume accessories in a multi-year agreement that spans across the globe.

Since the initial Disguise global launch of licensed Nintendo costumes in 2013, the line has experienced continuous growth and expansion over the past ten years. As gaming and dressing up remain popular and ever-increasing interests on an international level, Disguise has been at the forefront, catering to the fervent demand for high-quality and creative costumes inspired by Nintendo’s beloved characters. As several Nintendo franchises continue to grow with new key game releases and even extensions into theme parks and film, Disguise has seen a significant expansion of the brand in all parts of the world, including EMEA, LATAM and ANZ.

Tara Cortner, president and general manager of Disguise expressed her excitement about the longstanding partnership with Nintendo: “Over the years, we have collaborated on various innovative lines, featuring iconic characters from Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda and Animal Crossing. We’ve grown from a couple of Mario and Luigi costumes in the early days to a large selection of characters attracting fans of all ages and demographics. The enthusiastic response from both new and loyal fans has been truly heartening.”

Fans from all corners of the globe can look forward to a diverse range of Nintendoinspired costumes and accessories this autumn.

The magic goes on

September 1st once again marked Back to Hogwarts, the day of the year when Hogwarts students (you guessed it) board the Hogwarts express and return to the internationally acclaimed Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Rachael Simpson-Jones picked up her wand and set off to King’s Cross to experience the event for herself, before sitting down with Rachel Wakley, SVP & general manager - UK & Ireland at Warner Bros. Discovery, to find out more about the enduring appeal of the Wizarding World and how the studio is keeping its magic alive.

Coffee and cookie in hand (but concealed beneath my cloak), I took a moment to stand back and watch as attendees of the Back to Hogwarts event noticed what was on the departures boards in the main concourse of King’s Cross Station. There, sandwiched between boards showing the muggle trains to Bradford Interchange and York - and thankfully running on time - was the 11.00 to Hogsmeade: the Hogwarts Express.

Around me, a record crowd of thousands had gathered to celebrate the auspicious day. Although I had dressed up for the occasion, donning a cloak, Gryffindor uniform and tie, owl-themed backpack and wand, I couldn’t help but feel mine was an amateur attempt. There was some incredible cosplay on show, from Death Eaters and Aurors to Hagrid and even (admittedly, somewhat disconcertingly) a human-size Dobbie in a vinyl mask and oversized pillowcase. Where the fans were gathering, a stage had been set up, complete with a towering stack of Hogwarts-bound trunks and a lifesize Buckbeak. Here, host Sam Thompson would ultimately entertain the crowds by interviewing cast members from The Cursed Child, quizzing the audience and handing out prizes from the likes of Wow! Stuff, The Carat Shop and more, and dabbling in some magic as the clocked ticked down to 11am – the moment everyone was waiting for, when an announcement played over the

First of all, how is Wizarding World performing as a franchise so far this year?

We’re extremely happy with how Wizarding World has performed this year - and we are so excited for what’s still to come. We’ve been overwhelmed with the incredible response from fans that joined us at our Back to Hogwarts Harry Potter event at King’s Cross Station. The annual celebration at Platform 9 ¾ was originally conceived by the Harry Potter fan community and it’s something we now actively help to promote and elevate, by bringing in licensees and hosting activities to pay tribute to our dedicated fanbase. One of the great strengths of the franchise is its depth and breadth. There is so much that it encompasses and so many different ways fans can

tannoy system would invite students to board the Hogwarts Express and return for the new school year.

The event was remarkable in both atmosphere and scale. Despite the latest round of train strikes, the turnout was enormous. Being in the crowd was a little like being in front of the main stage at a music festival, only with more wands and Butterbeer. “I guess this is what you call brand immersion,” remarked one excited young witch to me, the plush toad on her shoulder sitting at a jaunty angle. And getting from one end of the station to the other was an act of magic in itself, with those deftly weaving their way through the thrum becoming the recipients of many an amusing Slytherin-based quip.

But above all else, Back to Hogwarts 2023 was a shining testament to the deep, resonant love fans have for the Wizarding World: a love that has spanned nearly 25 years, 18 books, 11 movies, an award-winning international stageplay, multiple games across numerous platforms, theme-park events and dedicated location based experiences, a huge consumer goods slate and much, much more. Rachel Wakley, SVP & general managerUK & Ireland at Warner Bros. Discovery, tells Toy World readers what they can expect from the franchise as its magic continues to grow.

interact with the brand to celebrate the magic. It has been a great year so far, and I am confident it’s going to get even better.

It’s been a big year for gaming – in 2023 we’ve seen the launch of the Hogwarts Legacy console game as well as the free Harry Potter: Magic Awakened trading card game. How has this translated into fan engagement?

The Wizarding World video game releases this year have been a revelation. Both Hogwarts Legacy and Harry Potter: Magic Awakened offer unique experiences and are amazing extensions of the wizarding world. Hogwarts

Legacy topped sales charts around the world and has generated more than $1b in revenue. Credit must go to our Warner Bros. Games team, which successfully created new and exciting ways to explore the core material in a way that really resonates with our fans.

At this point in the Wizarding World lifecycle, the fans have such a deep affinity and connection with the franchise that the stakes are extremely high as we approach each extension or release. The community feels a sense of ownership and protectiveness of the franchise. On top of that, they are very engaged, so when something connects – when something really, really works - the reaction is both amazing and instantaneous.

We’ve also seen all eight Harry Potter movies arrive on Netflix in the UK this year. What has this meant for the franchise?

This has been such a positive move for the franchise in general and has definitely ignited fresh interest in it, judging by our conversations with licensees and retailers. There is no denying the power of the Netflix platform. Having all eight Harry Potter films available in one place, for viewers in the UK to stream as they wish, has been a great step for the franchise, serving both the fans that are re-watching and reliving the movie magic and helping a

new generation of young fans discover the unique world of Harry Potter for the first time. There is a momentum to the narrative and it’s great to see fans’ enthusiasm for diving into the entire film series in this way.

The Back to Hogwarts event appears to be just a small part of the events and experiences slate for the months ahead. What else do fans have to look forward to?

Wizarding World is a global franchise and one of the keys to its success has been tapping into the perspectives of fandoms that exist in every corner of the world. Our Back to Hogwarts celebrations are only getting bigger and better and certainly aren’t contained to King’s Cross Station. We’re hosting fan events across Europe, special theatrical re-releases in the UK, France, Germany and Spain alongside in-cinema screenings in Japan, plus some incredible events in Beijing and Shanghai with our partners Lego and HPMA.

There are a few things I can’t quite reveal right now, but we’re covering all touchpoints with live experiences, retail activations, new product lines, digital activity and in-person events that leverage exciting new technology like never before.

represent the brand, tapping into the original affinity while at the same time bringing something new to the table. We are very proud of how creative and sharp each and every extension has been.

Exceeding these expectations has certainly helped to not only sustain the franchise, but also to keep it growing. When you can marry the rich, almost infinite possibilities and resonance that the original source material provides with a carefully thought out, strategic and reverent programme of extensions, you have put yourself in a position to reasonably hope for success. However, I also think there is a bit of extra magic within the Wizarding World franchise that has given it such extraordinary staying power.

What does the property continue to offer from a retail perspective?

I think it is fair to say that now, a quarter of a century in, there’s a bit of magic in it. Of course, that magic is supported by a rich and constantly evolving ecosystem of consumer products, themed experiences, tours, attractions, gaming, digital and seasonal celebrations. The original book series provides an incredibly complex and intricate source material, with characters that are so deep and relatable that you want to continue your relationship with them.

I think the reason for its continuous growth is, in no small way, due to our incredible global community of fans, which holds the Wizarding World so deeply in its heart. Our fans’ passion really helps us focus in on how we can best entertain and serve the community. The ways that merchandising, games, tours, retail activations and live experiences, plus so many other things, are designed and conceived has to always be on-point, so our standards are of the highest quality. Every expression has to properly

The IP is as powerful now at retail as it ever has been. The retail landscape is a constantly moving picture and, likewise, consumer behaviour is evolving at a much quicker pace thanks to TikTok trends and social media generally. As a licensor, we’ve been quick to react to those needs and provide retailers with unique solutions or ‘shop within shop’ experiences that take customers into the world of Harry Potter and offer their customers something really special. M&S and Hamleys are key examples; we worked with these retail partners on their Wizarding World activations to create a feeling of heightened drama and exclusivity, which had a positive uplift in sales. As I mentioned before, Wizarding World has an extraordinary relationship with its fandom. The breadth of our CP programme means we have a diverse product offering that reflects the cultural nuances of each market and can meet the individual needs of retailers. Increasingly, our retail partners want a unique point of difference that sets them apart from their competitors and we’re more than happy to facilitate this.

As we go into the next quarter century of Wizarding World, I’m keen to highlight that there is so much more to explore. I’m very excited about how far we can take this franchise. New technology will help shape and evolve the relationship between the fans and the franchise, and we’re also going to be entering an era in which we’ll welcome third-generation fans – it may be hard to believe, but it’s true! The possibilities and potential of where Wizarding World can go are nearly endless. It is an exciting time for us, our partners and, most importantly, the fans.

It’s been almost 22 years since the first Harry Potter film was released, but it seems like love for the franchise is just growing and growing every year. What’s behind this?

Gabby’s Dollhouse

the cat’s whiskers

She may only have arrived on screens in 2020, but Gabby – the eponymous star of DreamWorks Animation’s Gabby’s Dollhouse –has amassed a huge and loyal global fanbase. Now one of the fastest growing brands in the pre-school space, Gabby’s Dollhouse continues to open doors into new product categories for licensees, while the content pipeline stretches well into the future. Rachael Simpson-Jones caught up with Paul Bufton, vice president EMEA Consumer Products, Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E), to find out how the studio is ensuring brand longevity – and offering plenty of opportunities to join the (dollhouse) party.

When it comes to pre-school entertainment, there’s no shortage of content. Some new properties fail to break into this competitive space and quietly drift away. Others find their niche and tick along nicely, enjoying multiple seasons and humble success among smaller, but loyal audiences. Then there are those that arrive waving pom-poms and throwing confetti in the air, become an overnight sensation and raise the bar for all those to follow. Gabby’s Dollhouse is the latter.

An original mixed-media series from DreamWorks Animation, every episode starts with the real-life Gabby (played by the effervescent Laila Lockhart Kraner) unboxing a surprise, before donning her magical cat headband and jumping into a fantastical animated world full of cute cat characters that live inside her dollhouse. Created and executive produced by celebrated storytellers Traci Paige Johnson and Jennifer Twomey (Blue’s Clues, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Team Umizoomi, Super Why!), Gabby’s Dollhouse is high-energy, colourful, imaginative and cute. Series 8, which launched on Netflix in August, became the No.1 most watched kids show within the first three days of premiering and charted as an overall Top 10 series in 57 countries on Netflix. The title has spent six weeks in the Global English TV Top 10 list on Netflix (as of 5th September) while the Gabby &

Friends YouTube channel has amassed over 1b views. And then there’s the Gabby’s Dollhouse app, which has been downloaded more than 26m times and is currently the No. 1 creativity app for kids, and the official music, which has racked up over 165m streams across Google Play, Spotify and Apple Music.

Paul Bufton – himself a massive cat fan (no bias here, then) – says the show’s uniqueness sets it apart from everything else in the pre-school space, as well as its ability to blend the most popular aspects of the franchise together.

“The music is incredible, the characters are fabulous, and Gabby is truly aspirational; she’s friendly and kids can imagine her being their best friend,” he tells Toy World. “The surprise unboxing element at the top of every episode, which becomes the catalyst for the story to follow, feels relevant and on-trend with today’s kids, as

does Gabby’s miniature world. Tiny is big right now, as we all know, and Gabby’s dollhouse is the ultimate dollhouse, with a different theme in each room to discover: music, cooking, crafting, science, stories. Bring all that together with an adorable cast of cats and you can’t go wrong. Who doesn’t love cats? Well, apart from dogs.”

Paul and his team are understandably delighted with the success of Gabby’s Dollhouse to date, noting that while they always felt they were onto a winning property, its stratospheric success has surpassed even their expectations. Paul credits the ‘incredible’ team at DreamWorks Animation for Gabby’s performance. While pre-launch test screenings give a good indication of what kind of reception a new property can expect to receive, he says that until it’s actually out there in the wild, so to speak, much is still unknown - and success is far from guaranteed.

Paul also tips his hat (or should that be magical cat headband?) to master toy partner Spin Master, which has been on board as a licensee since before the first series even dropped. Its launch range of play sets, plush and collectibles hit global markets in 2021 and instantly became of the most sought-after new product ranges, while in 2022, hero playset Gabby’s Purrfect Dollhouse made its way onto numerous Top Christmas Toys lists including DreamToys. Since then, more than a million of the very accessibly priced Purrfect Dollhouses have been sold. And this year, Spin Master’s Gabby’s Dollhouse Girl Doll has already topped John Lewis’ list of 2023 Christmas best-sellers predictions.

“Spin Master is an incredible partner for us and has done a stellar job with Gabby’s,” Paul enthuses. “We’ve worked with Spin for many years. The team brings such passion, energy and creativity to our brands, and Gabby’s is no exception.”

The property is also building its presence in construction, with Lego recently launching a new range of Gabby’s Dollhouse Lego sets. This, too, has been a huge success, with strong momentum behind the range no doubt fuelling further product development. Each set hones in on key moments and play patterns from the show: the big-build Gabby’s Dollhouse set mirrors the rooms in the dollhouse from the show, while the Kitty Fairy’s Garden Party, Bakey with Cakey and Gabby & MerCat's Ship & Spa sets all feature figures based on some of the most popular feline characters from the content.

Licensed bedding from Dreamtex has been a highlight of the consumer products slate too, finding its way into the selections of several toy specialty retailers which wouldn’t ordinarily entertain Softlines of this nature. Paul adds: “To me, this speaks volumes about the fact retailers see Gabby’s Dollhouse as a fully rounded proposition; it’s not just about toys, integral as they are. Unsurprisingly, given the themes within the show, Party Goods from Procos have been huge too – every kid now wants a Gabbythemed party.”

The vibrant, joyful nature of the content and its aesthetically pleasing colour palette have also been reflected in licensed CP lines from partners including Ravensburger (puzzles), Posh Paws (plush), Tonies (audio content), Akroyds and Fashion UK (DTR nightwear and underwear), Signature Publishing (kids’ magazines), Alligator Books and Hodder & Stoughton (publishing), Crayola (crafts), Cartamundi (games), KidDesigns (expanded toy lines) and Clementoni (puzzles).

Gabby’s rise to prominence may have been rapid, but UP&E and DreamWorks are focused on turning the property into a long-term proposition through considerate, thoughtful and methodical licensing partnerships. All new ranges have to tap into the themes of friendship, imagination, discovery and adventure: you won’t see any licensing just for the sake of it. Based on the success of Dreamtex’s bedding, Paul views Softlines categories such as fashion as areas in which the property can realise strong growth. Nightwear and underwear will be expanded, with new clothing lines arriving at major

retail partners from spring/summer 2024. Bedding has also opened the door to conversations with homewares licensees keen to explore how Gabby’s Dollhouse can increase its presence in homes across the world. Within Toys and Hardlines, meanwhile, there’s scope to move into outdoor play across bikes, scooters, playhouses and much more.

Gabby’s Dollhouse continues to stand out at retail. Circana data from EOY 2022 ranked Gabby’s Dollhouse as the top new preschool property in the UK toy market and the No. 3 licence in Pre-school Figures/Playsets in Q4, and when Spin Master’s Gabby’s Purrfect Dollhouse launched, Smyths Toys brought forward pre-sales by two months due to the high search term demand on its website. Smyths was also at the centre of the phenomenally popular Gabby on the Go! retail tour, which kicked off in May of this year. The immersive fan experience, which Paul describes as ‘no small undertaking’, spanned six UK retail locations - and four in France - before heading to the US from summer until autumn, with coast-tocoast stops tied to major retailers as well as theme park activations at Universal Destinations & Experiences resorts. Answering the question ‘How do we take Gabby to the next level?’, Smyths, DreamWorks and UP&E worked together to create an experiential event like no other, one at which fans could have their picture taken with the Gabby costume character, collect stamps in their Cat Passport and explore zones that recreated many of the rooms featured in the show, including Gabby’s Bedroom, Cakey’s Kitchen, SS Mercat, Kitty Fairy’s Garden and DJ Catnip’s Music Bus.

Gabby on the Go! was a hit. A big hit. Around 30% more consumers arrived than anticipated, with no barriers noticed in terms of weather or location; the attendees were hardcore Gabby fans and accordingly turned up in their droves. This resulted in a significant CP sales uplift in participating stores and nationwide.  “Gabby on the Go! was a career defining moment for me,” Paul says. “There we were, giving so many kids, and by extension their families, these incredible moments and memories, seeing the joy on their faces as they were taking pictures with Gabby. The roadshow truly was incredible.”

UP&E works closely with License to PR on press and social media coverage, a partnership which saw influencers and celebrities such as Rachel Riley and her husband Pacha Kovalev, and James and Ola Jordon, plus their families, turn up to mark the start of the tour. The Gabby on the Go! national PR campaign reached an incredible 380m households, substantially furthering brand reach and awareness among kids and parents. You also didn’t have to attend a Gabby on the Go! event to be aware of the roadshow: national press and celebrity

weeklies covered the activation, which spread the message even more.

Gabby’s is well on track to become a global top preschool property, which is no mean feat considering the show only launched three years ago and that 2023 is the first full year for CP in the UK. The momentum it has gathered so far is allowing the teams at UP&E and DreamWorks to tap into key pillars moving forward, such as music, while the property will also enjoy a much stronger presence at Universal Destinations & Experiences (UDX) theme parks in Orlando – a favourite destination among UK holidayers – and Hollywood. A core theme throughout 2024 will be ‘Celebration’. This will be reflected at retail, in CP launches, at parks and in the content. The property will also be supported by new influencer and celebrity partnerships plus a diverse new slate of content creators, while ongoing promotions, PR and media coverage will also help keep Gabby’s Dollhouse front of mind.

All this will be up for discussion at Brand Licensing Europe, which takes place 4th-6th October. There, visitors to Stand A171 will be able to find out more about the roadmap in place for Gabby’s Dollhouse, which extends throughout 2024 and beyond. Gabby is loved and supported across all Universal divisions, each of which is leaning into separate strengths and areas of expertise to ensure brand longevity. The key is being able to join up the dots, sticking to the strategy and nailing the execution.

“When all our teams are able to rally behind one specific moment, IP or franchise, it really creates a strong sense of continuity across the business,” Paul explains. “Our teams have done an excellent job in making it happen.”

Paul adds that UP&E is very much positioning itself as its partners’ partner of choice, a theme that also runs across the UDX business, which views its locations as destinations of choice for global holidayers. While part of this depends upon being strategic, creative, entrepreneurial and organised, being a partner of choice also means coming to the table with an abundance of high-quality content with broad appeal. Which, of course, UP&E does, from pre-school with the likes of Gabby right the way through to its adult horror portfolio, Universal Classic Monsters.

“We feel very lucky to have an amazing content pipeline coming through; we can talk about 2024 all day long, but we’ve also got new content slated for 2025, 2026 – we’re even pushing out to 2030 on some franchises at the moment,” Paul finishes. “That’s why our partners can be confident that our properties offer long-term opportunities for success well into the future.”

Properties Hot

Sony Pictures Television Creature Cases/Octonauts

sales_sonypicturestelevision-kids@spe.sony.com

SPT – Kids is accelerating licensing plans for its popular animal detective series, The Creature Cases, following the announcement that leading toy manufacturer, PMI, has recently been appointed global master toy partner, with the brand’s first toy line poised to launch globally at retail from 2024.

Season 3 of The Creature Cases landed on Netflix on 22nd May and skyrocketed into the top three kids shows in the US, UK, France and other key global markets among kids aged 4-7 and parents alike, both gravitating towards its fast-paced, dynamic narratives and educational messaging. A partnership with streaming platform Tencent Video extended the show’s global broadcast footprint to China. With new live shows launching and a pipeline of brand-new content currently in production and slated for release in 2024, SPT – Kids is now seeking additional partnerships in categories including apparel, homewares and back-toschool to bolster its growing CP programme.

Octonauts Above & Beyond continues to deliver ongoing success across its consumer products programme, spearheaded by master toy partner and market leader Moose Toys, which has recently launched the brand-new Gup K toy and will unveil new products for Q4 2023. Live events remain a key focus for the licensing programme which has seen them deliver growth, including a global partnership with Sea Life, Merlin Entertainment plus exciting new activations to be announced later this year. UK partners include Hachette Children’s Books for publishing, Blues Clothing Group for kids’ daywear and nightwear and RJ Bags for accessories.

Octonauts: Above & Beyond is the latest chapter in the Octonauts universe with educational and actionpacked episodes featuring beloved characters Barnacles, Kwazii and Peso as they take to land to respond to new dangers across our ever-changing planet. The series is set to make its debut on linear channels including Australia (ABC), Germany (Super RTL) and the UK (CBeebies) from autumn 2023. Octonauts’ success on YouTube continues with more than 2.8m combined subscribers and performance across all channels up 17% vs 2022 driven by English, Portuguese and Arabic channels. SPT – Kids is continuing to extend the Octonauts fandom internationally, with a Polish language channel which launched in August 2023.

Toikido Piñata Smashlings

www.toikido.co.uk • contact@toikido.com

Toikido’s much anticipated Piñata Smashlings IP, an exciting new game set in the immersive, virtual world of Roblox, has arrived and is already smashing expectations.

Having achieved over a 1m plays during the first month of its release, as well as an astonishing 6m views of its trailer, a highly engaged and active community of players have been excitedly exploring the Piñataverse, a beautiful but mysterious world populated by a range of colourful, collectible characters called Smashlings.

Toikido is working with PMI Kids, a global leader in trending children’s merchandise, as its master toy partner. The company is also working with renowned toy industry distributor Character Options, which, with Toikido’s support, has put together one of the biggest pre-roll campaigns in its history to promote the toys.

The Piñata Smashlings toy range launched across the UK in Smyths and The Entertainer last month and covers everything from detailed collectibles and action figures to plush. In the US, Walmart has included the Piñata Smashlings Plushies in its highly anticipated 2023 Top Toys List, which sets out this season’s coolest toys.

All toys and collectibles include digital codes redeemable within the Roblox game. This gives players the chance to augment their experience by connecting the offline physical and online digital in truly immersive play.

The dedicated marketing strategy for the brand is designed to build global awareness with kids aged 6-12 by generating a range of activities including store takeovers and unique POS materials throughout the rest of the year and into 2024. Piñata Smashlings is also supported by dedicated media and social media activities including the backing of highly popular and influential content creators, such as Sean Does Magic, to escalate awareness and excitement around the brand each month.

The foundations for the success of Piñata Smashlings have already been well established prior to launch. Many leading entertainment and publishing companies having partnered with Toikido to promote its IP, and award-winning children’s publisher Redan is on board to produce the Piñata Smashlings magazine.

In November, Penguin Publishing Group, one of the world’s esteemed trade book publishers, will launch its official Piñata Smashlings Collector’s Guide just in time for Christmas, having secured a three-year licence covering worldwide rights and all languages. The fun carries on into winter season as Piñata Smashlings makes a bid for the Christmas No. 1 spot with the release of a festive music single that will be followed by an entire Piñataverse inspired album in 2024.

Next year will also see famed animation studio Nelvana launch a 52-episode screen adaptation of the Piñataverse in the second quarter. This is tipped to be a global sensation, transforming the Piñata Smashlings brand into a truly immersive IP which will see demand for ancillary products increase even further. Toikido welcomes approaches from companies looking to be part of what it’s calling ‘one of the world’s most exciting and memorable IPs’.

Toy World Takes a look at the very latest properties that are currently taking the licensed sector by storm.

Hot Pudgy Penguins

partnerships@pudgypenguins.io

In a world where pixels meet plushies and where art transforms into heartwarming connections, a phenomenon was born that defies convention and sparks joy on a global scale. With cold feet and warm hearts, the enchanting, icy world of Pudgy Penguins is made up of a huddle of adorable penguins, both big and small, adorned with wizard hats and bowl cuts, and some wielding giant carrots and balloon swords. Driven by community, connection and an unwavering spirit devoted to catalysing change in the realm of intellectual property, Pudgy Penguins is on a mission to democratise IP ownership.

What started as a digital collectible project in 2021, featuring 8,888 computer-generated images of penguins, has grown to become an all-encompassing brand that touches the lives of millions. A significant milestone for Pudgy Penguins was its debut at the Las Vegas Licensing Expo, where the brand seized invaluable networking opportunities by showcasing the IP’s potential to a wide audience of industry professionals. The collaborations and partnerships sparked at the expo further proves Pudgy Penguins' status as a rising star in the licensing world.

In just two short years since the brand’s inception, Pudgy Penguins has achieved impressive milestones. A shining example of community-building is the brand’s Giphy account, amassing an astounding 6.5b views with only 5,000 GIFs uploaded. These adorable penguin GIFs and memes have become a universal language of expression, connecting people worldwide - even those who hadn't heard of the brand before.

The charm extends to social media, with Pudgy Penguins emerging as one of the most beloved brands on Instagram, boasting 800,000 followers and videos with more than 170m views (two hitting an impressive 40m views each). On TikTok, the follower count is steadily rising upwards of 160,000. Audiences from all corners of the globe resonate with these endearing animations and beloved characters.

Licensed action figures, plush toys and collectibles from PMI Kids’ World have earned Toy Insider’s Top Summer Toy of 2023 award and achieved three consecutive limited collectible sellouts in under 10 seconds. Pudgy Penguins toys have even soared to the top of Amazon's best-seller lists in three categories during their launch week: Toys & Games, Stuffed Animals & Toys, and Play Figure Playsets.

Every physical toy product comes with a Forever Friend Adoption Certificate, unlocking a unique trait box on PudgyWorld.com. This modern-day Club Penguin, with a toy-to-life mechanic, allows people to personalise their online penguins and meet, connect and play with friends. At the heart of Pudgy Penguins is a mission to inspire connections, forging bonds across the world and creating a unique ecosystem where innovation and creativity thrive.

Pudgy Penguins has also ventured into the world of high-end collectibles with remarkable success. Each limited-edition, meticulously crafted figurine has been met with fervent demand. The Shark Suit, Banana Penguin and Left-Facing Penguin collectibles sold out in mere seconds. These launches have broadened Pudgy Penguins' reach, making them an influential player in the collectibles market.

Recognition and partnerships continue to grow. With WME (William Morris Endeavor) as its official talent agency, Pudgy Penguins is exploring new horizons through film, TV and gaming. The recent $9m seed round, led by 1kx, reflects the faith in Pudgy Penguins' vision and potential, propelling the brand to greater heights.

Pudgy Penguins' impact has grown beyond digital collectibles: it extends to people gathering all over the world because of their love for the brand. Communities have formed in Singapore, Malaysia, New York, Vietnam, Dubai, the Philippines, Korea, Canada and Europe. The brand's commitment to community engagement is rooted in the belief that collective minds foster the best ideas.

The brand and its characters are a reminder that we all have a little 'pudgy' in us, and that through imagination, creativity and connection, everyone can radiate joy around them. Pudgy Penguins envisions a future with new characters, engaging content and imaginative brands that spread messages of positivity and wholesomeness, leaving an indelible mark on both digital and physical worlds.

The journey has only just begun. From a digital collectible to a global phenomenon, Pudgy Penguins reflects the power of creativity, community and democratisation of IP ownership. With a worldwide audience, $9m in seed funding and cultivated fervent communities worldwide, Pudgy Penguins is redefining what it means to be a brand, revealing that there’s magic in inclusivity, shared ownership and the transformative power of creativity and community. Pudgy Penguins isn't just a brand: it's a heartwarming global huddle that radiates joy through imagination and connection, one waddle at a time.

London Calling

Brand Licensing Europe returns for 2023 from 4th-6th October at Excel London, when it will once again play host to the licensing community’s biggest and best for three full days of networking, meetings, talks, and – hopefully – deals. Ella Haynes, event director, tells Toy World readers what there is to look forward to this year and what makes BLE an unmissable event for anyone interested in licensing.

the V&A and the Science Museum, which all sell toys in their gift shops.

What will this year’s LBE theme mean for visitors and exhibitors and how will it be brought to life across the show floor?

Our Location Based Experiences (LBE) theme will be brought to life through our LBE trail, which will incorporate several interactive features across the showfloor. Don’t miss the Peppa Pig Party Café, The Arcade, and a Smurfland cinema activation. And that’s just for starters...

There’s not long to go until BLE 2023 opens its doors. How has the show come together this year in terms of ticket registrations, new exhibitors and so on – are you pleased?

Four weeks out, we were tracking ahead on exhibitor numbers, first timers, visitor registrations, retail attendee registrations and meeting requests. Our exhibitor numbers have surpassed 250 (+14% up on last year), including almost 60 first timers. We couldn’t be happier. It’s always been a great show for the toy industry. What (and who) can visitors from our sector expect to see this year?

Well, toys and licensing have always been such good stablemates, haven’t they? While global toy revenue grew by +1.5% in 2022, licensed toy revenue performed even better and rose by +2% - it really does pay to work with brands.

250 exhibiting companies will be at BLE this October, bringing thousands upon thousands of partner-ready brands with them, hoping to create the next generation of best-selling consumer products that fans will adore. Brands to explore include Sarah & Duck, Pembe the Pink Cat, Tamagotchi, Squishmallows, Playmobil, The World of Strawberry Shortcake, Gigantosaurus, The Little Prince, Moomin, The Smurfs, Simon, Leo the Truck, Call of Duty, Bibi’s World, My Little Pony, Paw Patrol, The Batman, Hello Kitty, Peter Rabbit, Minions, Sonic the Hedgehog and Sophie la Girafe.

Exhibiting companies, meanwhile, include Hasbro, The Pokémon Company, Bandai Namco, BBC Studios, Cyber Group Studios, MGA Entertainment and Miffy, as well as almost 60 first timers such as Naru Naru, Project First with Leo the Truck and Hari International, plus museums and heritage brands including the Natural History Museum,

In addition, we have our brilliant day one keynote‘Passing GO: Bringing the World’s Biggest Board Game to Life’ - with Matt Proulx, vice president, LBE, Hasbro, and David Hutchinson, CEO, The Path Entertainment Group, exploring the creative pursuit, potential, and problemsolving required to turn Monopoly into one of the most talked-about activations on the experience market today. Plus, we have Ella Baskerville from Blooloop hosting a panel session looking at trends within the LBE space. Away from the basic meetings and networking, which of the events taking place this year would you consider to be unmissable?

Depending on which sectors you’re interested in, there will be content that’s unmissable to you: we have sectorspecific trend sessions across Sport, Gaming, Fashion, Anime & Animation, and Food & Beverage. There will no doubt be some crossover with many of those sectors and toys. (But don’t forget to leave a little free time to do some ‘showfloor shopping’.)

Also, don’t miss the Green Zone, where there’ll be loads of inspirational conversation, products and businesses to see that can help visitors power their sustainability strategy. New to this year, we also have a Licensee Pavilion and Advice Centre. The winner of License This! will be unveiled on stage immediately ahead of our opening day keynote on Wednesday 4th, and the character parades will be back on Wednesday and Thursday at 11.30am. Finally, if you’re new to licensing or haven’t been to BLE for a few years, you might want to join our free Orientation Sessions and Show Tours. We meet at the License Global Theatre on Wednesday and Thursday at 9.15am.

The licensed toy category has enjoyed a really strong 2023 so far, but there are clouds on the horizon for 2024 in the form of the Hollywood writer/actor strikes. Is BLE in a position to mitigate some of the negative impacts this action might have on the licensed consumer products industry in the coming months?

The last time there were strikes of this kind, we saw a surge in scripted dramas and reality TV further down the line.

This time, we feel there could be an increase in animated and animé content, and we have two educational sessions devoted to those sectors. We are also seeing an increase in animé and animation brands at the show – a pre-emption of the next wave of successful consumer products, perhaps?

The difference this time is that we have all learned from what happened previously and are in a better place to plan. At BLE, we believe one of our key roles lies in education and information, which is why we are spotlighting these sectors. Gaming, too, will probably benefit as an alternative entertainment option and there is a session devoted to that too.

Is there anything visitors should be doing ahead of the show to ensure they make the most of their time there?

Plan, plan, plan. Set up your profile in the online meetings platform. Use the brand directory to identify which brands are a good match for your business objectives and start requesting meetings with exhibitors. They book their meetings early, so it’s impossible to start too soon. Make sure you check out the BLE agenda, so you don’t miss out on conference content, then book your hotel and travel. There’s actually a really handy guide to all this on our website.

If you are a retailer, our head of Retail, Laura FreedmanDagg, is always happy to help you book meetings and arrange your itinerary. She’s at laura.freedmandagg@ informa.com. All first timers – or anyone who fancies a refresher – are welcome to join the Orientation Sessions on Wednesday and Thursday at 9.15am, and the Show Tours starting at 9.45am. Just meet in the License Global theatre.

Is there still time for people to register to visit?

100%. Registration is free and stays open throughout the show. Of course, I don’t recommend leaving it too late as the sooner you register, the sooner you can start requesting meetings with brands and plan your visit. Is there anything else you think visitors really ought to know ahead of time?

Just three things:

• Don’t forget the Elizabeth Line is a brilliant and quick transport option for Excel London.

• The show is Wednesday to Friday this year.

• Show Welcome Drinks take place 5-7pm on Wednesday 4th October in the showfloor bars.

Toy World readers are invited to register for a free pass to BLE and discover thousands of new brands at www. brandlicensing.eu.

What’s on and when at Brand Licensing Europe 2023

4th-6th October 2023, Excel London

Wednesday 4th October

• Brand Licensing Europe Orientation Session and Licensing 101 – 9.15am, License Global Theatre

• Brand Licensing Europe Tour – 9.45am, meet at License Global Theatre

• State of the Nation: The Licensing Landscape of 2024 – 10am, License Global Theatre

• Ben Roberts, EMEA Content director, License Global

• Building trust to enhance and drive value in brand licensing partnerships – 11am, License Global Theatre

• James Tweddle, Licensing Governance and Compliance, PwC

• Craig Fitzpatrick, Reputation Due Diligence, PwC

• Character Parade – 11.30am, show floor

• Couture Culture: How to Curate Impactful Fashion Collaborations – 11.45am, License Global Theatre

• Fabienne Gilles, CEO Consumer Products & Family Entertainment, board member, IMPS – The Smurfs

• Marie Van Buggenhout, senior licensing manager Softlines, FMCG, Retail & Promotions, IMPS – The Smurfs

• Moderator - Ian Hart, senior digital editor, License Global

• KEYNOTE: Passing GO: Bringing the World’s Biggest Board Game to Life –12.30am, License Global Theatre

• David Hutchinson, CEO, The Path Entertainment Group

• Location Based Entertainment Trends – 2pm, License Global Theatre

• Ngaio Harding-Hill, head of Attractions & Live Experiences, Aardman

• Danielle Tanton, head of Licensing, The Path Entertainment Group & VP, Themed Entertainment Association Europe & Middle East Division

• Moderator - Ella Baskerville, business development director, Blooloop

• Milano Cortina 2026 Licensing: Once in a lifetime – 2.45pm, License Global Theatre

• Moris F. Calasso, Licensing manager, Milano Cortina 2026

• W hat's the State of Play in Sports Licensing? – 3.30pm, License Global Theatre

• Chelsea Schep, senior director, Licensing, IMG

• Younes Layati, senior director, Licensing, Fanatics

• Erwin Del Castillo, head, Consumer Products, G2Esports

• Moderator - Ian Hart, senior digital editor, License Global

• Ignite Brand Pitches – 4.15pm, License Global Theatre

• Moderator - Steve Manners, Head of Marketing & UK MD, Licensing International

• Brand Licensing Europe Opening Night Drinks – 5pm, show floor

• Licensing International Opening Night Party - 7pm, show floor

Thursday 5th October

• Brand Licensing Europe Orientation Session & Licensing 101 – 9.15am, License Global Theatre

• W hy Gaming is Taking Over the World – 10am, License Global Theatre

• Chelsea Faso, Commercial & Licensing manager XBox & Halo Brands

• Dave Tovey, associate VP, Brand Management, head of Digital Media Representation (Tinderbox) Beanstalk

• Federico San Martin, director of Minecraft Consumer Products, Microsoft

• Owen Rees, group head of Licensing, Games Workshop

• Moderator - Ben Roberts, EMEA Content director, License Global

• Crunchyroll Showcase – 10.30am, Platinum Suite

• Story Board: Why Europe is an Exciting Market of Animation, IP and Storytelling –11am, License Global Theatre

• Simona Krasauskien, CEO, Nelly Jelly (Lithuania)

• Marjan Aleksovski, co-founder & CEO, Bibi’s World (North Macedonia)

• Fredrik Kiøsterud, CEO, Qvisten (Norway)

• Moderator - Ben Roberts, EMEA Content director, License Global

• Character Parade – 11.30am, show floor

• KEYNOTE: Thea Green Talks Beauty, Retail and Experiential Engagement –12pm, License Global Theatre

• LBE: How to Master the Experience Economy – 2pm, License Global Theatre

• A lex Sanson, Magic Light Pictures

• Matt Wild, director, Wild Creations

• Gary Pope, Kids Industries

• Brian Hook, CCO, The Everywhere Group

• Moderator - Ben Roberts, EMEA Content director, License Global

• Navigating the Food Aisle – 3pm, License Global Theatre

• R ichard Pink, MD, Pink Key Consulting

• Katie Hall, director of Brand Management & Sheelagh Li, Associate VP, Beanstalk

• Teri Niadna, MD, Brandgenuity

• Moderator - Ian Hart, senior digital editor, License Global

• Partners, Promotion, and Protection – 3.45pm, License Global Theatre

• Trent Fairbrother, Brand Protection Strategic Partnership manager, Amazon

Friday 6th October

• KEYNOTE: License Global, BLE & Products of Change present Day of Purpose –9.15am, License Global Theatre

• Diversity Bridge - Closed Sessions – 10am, show floor

Touchingbase Expo

With Brand Licensing Expo 2023 mere days away, Toy World caught up with a selection of this year’s exhibitors to find out which of the properties they’re showing are closest to their hearts (and why), asked their thoughts on the future of toy licensing, and found out how the sector is mitigating some of the challenges it could be facing as it enters 2024.

experts

Katie Rollings - Chief Licensing officer, Acamar Films

While I’m looking forward to showcasing all our stellar brands, Peppa Pig is near and dear to my heart. Like me, Peppa was born in the UK, and it’s been astonishing to see her flourish these past two decades in her home market - which boasts a 92% brand awareness – as well as internationally. Peppa inspires kids to tap into their curiosity by learning and exploring the world around them, while giving them the confidence to brave their first-step adventures.

I think the positivity and life-lessons seen in the show have really resonated with kids and parents everywhere.

Peppa reigns as the Queen of Pre-School, holding the No.3 slot for most popular kids TV show in the world and No.1 in kids on Netflix. Airing in 180+ markets across 100+ broadcast platforms, Peppa Pig has made a name for herself in pop culture, and there’s no slowing her down. Beyond the screen, families can find her in several aisles at major retailers and through enchanting in-person location based experiences across the globe. We just announced the Peppa Pig: Surprise Party immersive experience, which is coming to the UK next year, accompanying our other fun branded attractions in the region such as Peppa Pig World and Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus. Additionally, two new Peppa Pig Theme Parks are coming to the US and Germany, and we’ve also opened two Peppa Pig Play Cafes in China.

If all that weren’t enough, at retail, consumers can find Peppa in wide-ranging categories, including toys such as the Boat Adventure Set from Tomy, books such as the Learn With Peppa range from Ladybird, houseware such as the bamboo bamboo collection, hair accessories such as those from Hunter Price International, and multivitamin drinks such as the Whatever Brands offerings. There’s something Peppa Pig for every fan.

Toy licensing is one of the key components within our business. I think there will always be challenges in the marketplace, but our global licensing team is set up for success and is developing the right strategies to create best-in-class licensing programmes for our brands. We have strong data analytics and consumer insights capabilities to help us get there.

Coming off of Hasbro’s 100th anniversary in 2023, we’re diving right into a year filled with incredible brand milestones: Peppa’s 20th anniversary celebrations, D&D’s 50th and Transformers’ 40th anniversaries, along with the franchise’s first-ever CG-animated film, Transformers One. These moments will open the door to new opportunities for our beloved brands, including in the toy licensing category.

A globally relevant property, Bing holds a unique space among pre-school audiences because it tells stories from a child’s point of view and meets young audiences where they are developmentally, regardless of location or language. Bing gives families a companion to help them navigate through the changing world and the property’s focus on mental, emotional and social health is probably more relevant than ever. As we approach the 10th anniversary of Bing’s premiere on CBeebies, we have a perfect opportunity to reassert the values of Bing and celebrate how the franchise has helped thousands, if not millions, of children to express themselves, understand the world, and connect with others. It is an exciting time for Bing and I am keen to share plans for the global expansion of the property with partners at BLE.

There are definitely challenges ahead as cost-of-living pressures mount on families. Parents are looking for toys that grow with their child and have clear, demonstrable play value. They want products that are engaging, offer longevity, value for money and deliver progressive challenges for their child. We are committed to ensuring that our toys do all of this, while not losing sight of the themes of discovery, surprise and delight that run through Bing as well as the opportunity to forge deeper connections and understanding through play.

Touchingbase

Pindy O’Brien - International Licensing and Market Development director, Walker Books

This year, our primary focus is on Guess How Much I Love You as we pave the way for its upcoming 30th anniversary in Q4 2024. We’re fortunate to be able to champion this cherished heritage brand, which continues to be a regular in Bookseller’s Top 10 pre-school books and maintains its position as a family favourite. It’s a heartwarming tale and the birthplace of the expression “I love you right up to the moon and back!”, now used by parents, children and loved ones around the world.

Furthermore, the brand extends its reach to an adult audience, fostering cross-generational resonance. Throughout the year, numerous significant occasions provide fertile ground for expanding our licensing and publishing efforts. These occasions encompass the likes of Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Easter and birthdays, all of which offer promising opportunities. A recent accomplishment worth noting is the selection of our Guess How Much I Love You card, wrap and bag bundle as a Gold Winner in the Baby & Pre-School Awards 2023, within the Best Printed Goods for Young Children category.

We are looking forward to showcasing the diverse range of product offerings available for the Guess brand. Our enthusiasm grows as we continue to bolster our presence in Homewares and Gifting Segments, with plans to welcome additional licensees in these categories.

Toy licensing appears to be strengthening year after year, even in the face of a global cost of living crisis and elevated inflation levels. The growth trajectory is expected to be sustained primarily by industry giants such as Disney, Warner and Universal, as well as iconic properties such as Star Wars, Lego, Hot Wheels, Barbie and Nerf, and emerging pre-school brands like Bluey and Gaby’s Dollhouse. I feel that smaller toy brands could face challenges due to the shift in retail focus toward essential goods, reducing the space available for toys in grocery stores. Consequently, competition for FSDU placements is likely to intensify. Furthermore, the United Kingdom is grappling with a 20-year low in birth rates, which directly impacts the demand for pre-school toys.

Toy manufacturers are navigating substantial pressure to address the environmental implications of plastic usage. The exploration of alternative materials for both products and packaging is becoming imperative, albeit potentially impacting production costs and profit margins. The anticipated decrease in consumer spending due to high inflation and interest rates in 2024 could further limit disposable income, potentially curbing the growth of toy licensing. I also believe 2024 will be a tough year for new entries to the toy market. On a positive note, there is a resurgence in the film industry, and any movie releases tied to major toy brands are expected to bolster their revenue.

Evergreen brands like Guess How Much I Love You and We’re going on A Bear Hunt are loved and cherished by children and adults alike. This is especially true during tough economic times, when families tend to lean into these brands for comfort and familiarity.

Aidan Taylor-GoobyHead of Licensing – Magic Light Pictures

Charlie Donaldson - Joint managing director, Rocket Licensing

I can’t possibly choose a favourite: all our brands are special, rewarding and wonderful to work on. As Rob [Wijeratna) and I own Rocket Licensing, we can ensure we only represent brands we have a real passion for. Our aim is to have brands that cater to different consumers and different parts of the market, so we have a balance to our portfolio. We are lucky enough to have several classic children’s brands in our portfolio, such as Miffy, that appeal to both adults and children.

The toy industry is such a creative and dynamic force. I’m sure it will remain strong in 2024, continue to innovate with new product and work with the entertainment and licensing sectors to create huge market-changing events and ranges. Of course, there will always be challenges and the wider economic malaise will, perhaps, bring the biggest challenge: almost all households are feeling the impact of rising costs and the lack of overall economic growth.

Asking me to choose a favourite property is a bit like asking me to choose a favourite child – it’s impossible, they all have their unique charm and attributes. We are really excited about Pip and Posy though, now that we can announce that Bandai is on board as our master toy licensee, and we look forward to talking to prospective licensees at BLE for some of our secondary categories.

I wish I had a crystal ball as it's always difficult to predict what's around the corner. Parents will always want to give their children toys, but we know there are changes in buying habits, and the way that parents are making choices has shifted considerably over the last year or so. At Magic Light, we plan for all our brands to stand the test of time, and part of that means shifting our focus to match consumer needs and wants as they develop over time.

Touchingbase

Ian Downes - Director, Start Licensing

As an agent, it’s always difficult to single out a favourite property. Our agency and representation have been built around a focused portfolio of rights. We like to work on brands that we have an affinity with and ones we feel we can add value to. We therefore like them all! That said, we do add new properties to our portfolio from time to time, in a selective way. Ideally, we want to add properties that allow us to reach new parts of the market and make a positive contribution to our approach to licensing.

We’ve just been appointed to represent Edith Holden – a Country Diary by Lilytig Licensing. We will be building on the classic The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady by Edith Holden licensing programme. This book was a publishing phenomenon from the 1970s and has ranked in the Sunday Times list of the Top 10 BestSelling Books of the Last 40 Years. Following on from this, it has enjoyed many years of success in the licensing marketplace.

Rebranded as Edith Holden – A Country Diary, the programme is developing fresh treatments, patterns and logos to appeal to a new audience which is conscious of the threat to our natural habitat brought about by climate change. Edith Holden’s illustrated diaries from 1905 and 1906, with their delicate watercolour images, are a unique record of our natural flora and fauna at the beginning of the 20th century and highlight all that we are in danger of losing. We think this brand refresh will appeal to the licensing market and reflect contemporary consumer attitudes. From a licensing perspective, it blends contemporary design with a classic property - a very strong combination. We’re confident that licensees will respond well to it. It’s exciting to attend BLE with such a well-loved property.

I think toy licensing will remain strong in 2024. The owners behind the toy brands have built up great momentum and have also recognised that they need to proactively support their brands. Licensing is much more about proactive brand management these days, rather than being reactive or opportunistic. Licensing brands requires long-term plans. In turn, I think licensees are much more switched onto these plans and their role within them. There’s also a more responsible approach to product development; more focus, better quality and more attention to detail. I think if all those involved in these programmes take a long-term view to the ongoing management of the brands, there is no reason that they can’t remain a strong presence in the licensing marketplace.

My biggest concern would be brand owners trying to stretch things too far and adding brands into the mix which aren’t licensing ready. It’s better to build on success than explain away failure.

David Sprei - Commercial director –Penguin Ventures

Trying to choose my favourite property from our BLE programme is like trying to choose my favourite child. We are so lucky to have an iconic portfolio of children’s brands with such a rich literary legacy. This is the first BLE where we will be actively selling World of Eric Carle since our appointment in July as UK licensing agent. We are already well acquainted with some of the existing Carle licensees and look forward to using this as a new business drive to build on the current licensing programme. We are particularly focused on building out a robust product offering, bringing to life the STEAM themes that the World of Eric Carle beautifully embodies.

In terms of The World of Peter Rabbit, we’re announcing a new toy partner which will be taking its first step into the world of licensing and the synergies between both parties sets us up for a really exciting launch.

Toys will continue to have a strong performance at retail, but caution could lie ahead. We may see certain toy lines, particularly those at higher price points, start to slow down in the current economic climate as parents are more discerning with their spending habits. Studios will continue to deliver spikes across the industry in line with huge theatrical releases, offering opportunities for all of us across the licensing industry. This will also be aided by the nostalgia collectible market which should continue to weather any kind of storm as kidult buyers and super fans continue to spend their disposable income across their favourite brands.

Jamie Drew - Executive vice president, Consumer Products & Experiences, UK, Canada, LATAM, ANZ and Israel, Paramount

We are so proud of our expansive, multi-generational property portfolio, including CP juggernauts like Paw Patrol, SpongeBob SquarePants and Yellowstone. Coming off of our recent theatrical success, I am particularly excited to talk about the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. In addition to being a long-time fan of the franchise, I was part of the deal team that acquired the Turtles for Nickelodeon over a decade ago. It has been thrilling to be part of the property re-invention for the second time, with content, products and experiences connecting with both original fans and new ones. And with a film sequel, a new Paramount+ series and the 40th anniversary next year, we are expanding the TMNT universe and connecting with audiences in new and exciting ways while always staying true to its core DNA.

It has certainly been a great year for licensing. In 2023 year-to-date, licensed toys in the UK have grown +3 points to 31% market share, outpacing overall toy sales. Additionally, many new entrants have topped the charts. This trend underscores the strength of media-driven franchises and the corresponding impact on toy sales. With Paramount’s ongoing investment in beloved brands and characters, I am confident we will see continued strength in the licensed toy business.

Touchingbase

Emma Russell - Senior licensing manager, Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum appeals to a broad spectrum of backgrounds, generations and markets. We’ve had great success with our adult-focused licensing programme across homewares and lifestyle products, however, we also know how incredibly important the museum is to its younger visitors. The love and enthusiasm they have for the museum and the work we do is incredible to witness. Evergreen interests – including dinosaurs – will always remain a favourite. We’re also keen to place a spotlight on UK biodiversity and the ways in which children can interact with and learn about the nature on their doorstep.

Like many other Millennial/Gen Z parents of Generation Alpha children, I see a lot of messaging regarding how best to parent this modern, socially aware and tech-savvy group of kids. We’ve always known how incredibly important play is to forming social connections and fuelling imaginations. What’s resonating with this generation of parents and guardians, though, is how they can actively participate and immerse themselves in their child’s imaginative play. The challenge will be how to best leverage these shared experiences with product that supports and complements play without compromising authenticity.

These same consumers are also fundamentally aware how their purchasing and consumption has an impact on their environment, both in terms of global impact and their personal space. Consumers are making more considered and fewer purchases, selecting product that is sustainably made, ethically sourced, and can be repurposed or recycled at the end of its life. Consumer expectations of manufacturers and retailers are growing, and the relevant industries need to ensure they’re meeting or exceeding these standards.

Joachim KnödlerHead of Licensing, Studio 100 Media

Andrew CarleyDirector of Global Licensing, BBC Studios

Asking me which property is my favourite is a difficult one – it’s like being asked which one is your favourite child. The standout, however, has to be Bluey. It’s taking the world by storm and the way both children and adults are interacting with the content is unlike anything I’ve seen previously. Toy licensing remains as important as it ever has been It’s a huge driver for any brand, particularly pre-school. There are always challenges but it’s about adapting, ensuring we get the maximum play value out of the product, and embodying the DNA of the brand.

Vegesaurs is our top brand for this year’s BLE. It’s a great brand with immense licensing opportunities, especially for the UK market. The show is on both CBeebies and BBC iPlayer, with two seasons available and a third in production (ready in summer 2024), and is supported by a great publishing programme from Macmillan Children’s Books that’s already on-shelf. We see the potential for Vegesaurs to become top pre-school brand in the UK. The first partners to come on-board included a magazine publication and a snack manufacturer which produced a dedicated healthy fruit snack range.

Personally, I love the whole set-up of the Vegesaurs content and how we’ve translated it into a merchandise programme for consumers. A retail loyalty programme ensures the brand remains an appealing IP for consumers. However, I also want to highlight our iconic classics, such as Heidi, Maya the Bee, Pinocchio and more (so-called) retro childhood heroes. For these properties, we’ve developed fashion trend books and are creating more assets to support them further, all bolstered by a dedicated consumer launch. The first success stories of this licensed range, which is available in Germany, will be showcased at BLE and then introduced into other European markets. We should never forget that toy licensing is always a strong component in the licensing mix, especially for entertainment. This category is ahead of all others. I love what the big toy manufacturers are currently doing; investing in content and translating their own success into toys.

Najib Michel Fayad - Executive vice president Global Operations, Princess Sam Entertainment Group/Consumer Products

Toy licensing is showing growth, but actual toy sales are less easy to predict and we have to remember that we are still far away from the levels of 10 years ago. During Covid, there was an unsurprising boost in toy buying: we were all at home and needed to get kids entertained. But right now, consumers are being hit by high living costs, high energy costs and higher product costs as materials become more expensive. Retailers are fairly conservative about new brands for the same reason.

So why launch Tara Duncan into the toy market? Firstly, it's a known quantity and led by a publishing phenomenon. Secondly, the success of the broadcast version. It’s worth pointing out that it has taken massive investment to get the amazing look and feel we wanted, but this seems to have paid off. The upshot is that there is demand for toys, which are already being developed, and agents are being recruited around the world.

As for 2024 and beyond, continuing pressures on disposable income mean the market isn’t going to be easy for a while, but it helps to have faith in the quality and potential of your property. We certainly do.

Moonbug

Stand A131

Moonbug, the award-winning global entertainment company inspiring kids everywhere to laugh, learn and grow, returns to Brand Licensing Europe following an exciting year of growth. Moonbug is behind some of the biggest kids’ entertainment brands in the world, like CoComelon and Blippi, and has greatly expanded its presence across North America, EMEA, APAC and LATAM. With the rapid global success of its shows and more exciting announcements on the horizon, Moonbug is positioned to continue its dominance in the industry.

Since its inception in 2018, Moonbug has forged distribution partnerships with more than 150 video platforms globally including Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer and YouTube Kids.

Moonbug will be showcasing five key brands that offer a multitude of licensing opportunities globally: CoComelon, Blippi, Little Angel, Morphle and Oddbods. The company has launched a number of new collaborations with best-in-class brands including Puma and Crocs to develop quality and fun wearables for fans.

Specifically on toys, new launches include CoComelon HugMees by Squishmallows, the No. 1 plush brand from global master toy partner Jazwares. Jazwares is also launching the JJ Peek-A-Boo plush featuring phrases and sounds. In an effort to cater to a wider audience, Moonbug launched an infant apparel line under the My First CoComelon brand earlier this year in the UK, the Middle East and Australia, which continues to expand in global markets.

In addition to CPG, Moonbug and Cinemark brought Blippi to the big screen for the first time this year with a 60-minute special: Blippi’s Big Dino Adventure, available at select US theatres. Moonbug plans to create more tentpole moments for licensees and retailers to rally around for its brands in the future.

Launching this December is CoComelon Lane, a Netflix premium original and the franchise’s first-ever dialogue-driven series featuring all new storylines and songs. Global master toy partner, Jazwares, has created a collection of CoComelon Lane consumer products launching in early 2024. In a testament to Moonbug’s commitment to increasing cultural representation in children’s entertainment, the company recently launched the CoComelon spin-off channel, Nina’s Familia, JJ’s friend and classmate, who shares songs and stories through the lens of her intergenerational Mexican-American family.

The Blippi franchise has ambitious plans next year across content formats and new consumer products after building on a double-digit year-on-year growth of the brand’s viewership. Blippi has found success with live entertainment, receiving a 2023 Olivier Award nomination for the franchise’s first-ever live show, Blippi: The Musical, while the second instalment of Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour completed a very successful run in North America and recently expanded to the UK. This year, Blippi has begun hosting more guest stars, teaming up with Liverpool Football Club and Mighty Red, LFC’s official mascot.

Moonbug’s 2022 acquisition, Little Angel, is an animated show for pre-schoolers captivating families around the world. Exciting news will be announced soon about a global partnership to bring Little Angel products to life from Christmas 2024. Moonbug will also showcase My Magic Pet Morphle at BLE this year, a premium original launching on Disney+ and Disney Junior in March 2024.

Mattel

01628 500 000 | www.mattel.com

Stand B200

Mattel continues to build the franchises from its extensive portfolio of iconic brands. Mattel is bringing this powerful portfolio to BLE with franchises to inspire the licensing industry including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, Thomas & Friends, Monster High, Barney and Fireman Sam as well as some exciting new announcements. The Barbie movie is only the beginning of Mattel’s transformation as a “franchise-first company” with more than 15 live action movies in the works and over 30 animated series.

Barbie has had a blockbuster summer with the release of Barbie in cinema; with over $1.2b at the global box office, the film is on track to be the No. 1 movie globally and in the UK for 2023. Mattel secured over 20 retail programmes in the UK alone, across all channels and all categories. Barbie’s appeal ranges from high fashion to high street, and 2023 saw over 100 different global CP partners roll out Barbie inspired ranges including collections with Primark, Boohoo, ASOS and Zara as well as luxury labels Karen Mabon, signature pens from Montegrappa and Chinti & Parker. Next year, the brand looks forward to announcing even more partnerships across fashion, lifestyle, FMCG, home and accessories.

Starting from March 2024, Mattel kicks off a year of celebrations to mark Barbie’s 65th anniversary.

2023 also sees Hot Wheels acceleration as a global brand powerhouse. With a franchise-first approach, Hot Wheels has multi-channel, multi-category experiences with segments in gaming, digital and automobile parts to licensed apparel, merchandise, content and live events. With a top-secret programme due to be announced imminently, Hot Wheels will be the brand to watch in 2024.

Next year, Mattel will have significant launches for Monster High, Fireman Sam’s evolution, new programmes on Thomas & Friends, Uno, Fisher-Price and Scrabble and anniversaries on Barbie and Polly Pocket. By the end of 2024, Mattel will bring back Barney, an iconic 90s brand which has been reinvented for young and old alike.

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Aardman

www.aardman.com

Anna.Lewis@aardman.com

Stand B160

Following another busy year for the studio, Aardman will be exhibiting at Brand Licensing Europe to present its upcoming feature films, exciting new IP and product style themes for 2024 and beyond.

The much-anticipated Chicken Run sequel Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget is coming to Netflix this December and the film’s release will be supported by a strong licensing and promotional programme with product launching throughout the autumn across apparel, publishing, toys & games and gift & homeware categories.

With Nick Park’s latest film offering featuring national treasures Wallace & Gromit in production and the duo’s first interactive, narrative-led VR experience The Grand Getaway set to launch later this year, there’s a variety of content for Wallace & Gromit fans to look forward to. Alongside a programme of special events celebrating the 30th anniversary of Nick Park’s Academy Award-winning film Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers, the team has curated a carefully selected licensing programme with current licensees across toy, gift and apparel with existing and new partners Skinny Dip, Funko, Steiff & Hornby. In celebration of the anniversary, The Cartoon Museum will be running a special exhibition Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers turns 30! This runs from 12th September 2023 – 16th April 2024.

Fans have also been treated to new attractions and live experiences, including the launch of a brand-new Wallace & Gromit live show for P&O Cruises’ newest ship, Arvia: All Hands On Deck! The partnership has extended across all five family friendly P&O ships, and the first Wallace & Gromit escape room: Locked In A Room has opened in Bristol.

The Shaun the Sheep brand continues to flourish through much-loved content and successful licensing programmes that bring Shaun’s adventures to a whole new generation of international fans. The brand is further supported by an ever-growing portfolio of exciting attractions and live experiences around the world with the new Shaun the Sheep: Hide & Sheep augmented reality trail app being licensed to a variety of visitor attractions around the world, A follow up second Shaun the Sheep AR trail app is in development for launch at the end of 2023.

This year, new initiative Shaun the Sheep One Farm was launched, with the aim of utilising Shaun’s story telling links to the great outdoors, sustainable living and food to encourage participation in activities that will enhance and sustain our own world and lives. With exciting partnerships announced with Natural England’s Countryside Code, The National Forest, Veg Power and Willsow plantable books, there are many more opportunities for brands and organisations to benefit from.

Aardman also represents animated content from a select number of third-party producers, including LoveLove Films’ Pop Paper City, a pre-school adventure craft show aimed at 4–6-yearolds. The team is working alongside Fryday brands and Caroline High Consultancy to develop a UK licensing and retail programme for the show which launched on Milkshake! last year.

Walker Books

www.walker.co.uk | Licensing@walker.co.uk

Stand C179

Walker Books will have a fully themed stand based on the beloved book and brand Guess How Much I Love You at BLE. The themed stand will provide an immersive experience for attendees, showcasing the charm and appeal of the book through visual displays, interactive elements and merchandise related to the story. The book sales have now reached an incredible 57m copies and the licensing revenue for the brand has increased significantly over the last five years.

In June of this year, Lisburn County Council introduced a new permanent visitor experience dedicated to the legacy of lifelong resident Sam McBratney, the creator of Guess How Much I Love You. Additionally, the beautiful illustrations from Anita Jeram have been hand-painted along arches in Haslem’s Lane. This initiative serves as a heartfelt tribute to Sam McBratney, who passed away in 2020.

A Guess How Much I Love You stage show produced by FieryLight Productions is scheduled to tour from September 2024 to April 2025, travelling to over 40 venues across the UK, offering a live theatrical experience based on the beloved book. Walker Books is keen to further collaborate with potential new partners to create memorable and engaging live experiences that can resonate with audiences of all ages.

Guess How Much I Love You has been performing well in the homewares category in Germany through Thalia, the bookstore. The success of the Guess homewares range during spring 2023 has encouraged Thalia to continue with another range of homewares for Easter 2024. Recognising the success in Germany, Walker Books is interested in exploring opportunities to collaborate with licensees to create similar gifting and homeware products for the UK market. Further news in Germany includes the launch of Guess TV toys with Promotion Pets. These will be launching in 2024. Retail distribution for Guess How Much I Love You products is also expanding in Germany, with the addition of Aldi and Hofer to the list of retailers.

Walker Books is actively seeking licensing agents in key territories to further expand the presence of the Guess How Much I Love You brand through licensing opportunities and invites potential partners to visit the stand at BLE.

BLE will be a valuable opportunity for all stakeholders, existing licensees and retailers to gain insights into Walker Books' forward-looking plans for the brand, from new packaging guidelines, future publishing and marketing endeavours, as well as various initiatives, strategies and plans for the 30th anniversary year - autumn/winter 2024-autumn/winter 2025.

Walker Books will also be placing a significant emphasis on its licensing programme for We're Going on a Bear Hunt. This programme has gained substantial traction, as demonstrated by its successful Sculpture trail in Leeds over the summer and recognition for great product. The launch of infant apparel in Australia in July has shown strong sales in Big W stores.

Stand C205

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, BAFTAwinning and Oscar-nominated production company, Magic Light Pictures is coming to BLE with a host of exciting new projects.

Since making its debut on Channel 5’s Milkshake! and Sky Kids in 2021, Pip and Posy’s playful adventures have proven to be a big hit with its pre-school audience. A successful second series is currently delighting viewers on Milkshake! and Sky Kids and an educational spin off series, Pip and Posy Lets Learn is scheduled for transmission on Sky Kids in the autumn.

The company has also recently announced leading toy manufacturer and master toy licensee Bandai as the master toy partner for the brand for UK and Eire alongside a strong list of nine phase one licensees including Blues Group, Aykroyds, TDP, Ravensburger, Amscan and Tonies. Magic Light Pictures’ in-house licensing team is now looking to expand the brand into other categories including soft lines, home textiles, accessories, footwear, greetings cards and role-play.

Pip and Posy have been over the country to meet fans face to face. Wildlife trails over Easter at Whipsnade Zoo saw a huge influx of visitors and carried on in the summer with special appearances at the Bristol Harbour Festival and celebrating Playday at Hinckley’s Snapdragon Festival. The duo is also appearing live on stage in the spectacular Milkshake! Live theatre tour, and headlined Parkdean Resorts’ Milkshake! mornings during the summer.

This year also saw Magic Light increase its reach and partnership with Merlin Entertainments with the opening of The Gruffalo and Friends Clubhouse in Blackpool – the brand’s first standalone ticketed attraction. The space has attracted thousands of visitors every week and has a 97% positive satisfaction rating.

The long-term relationship with Forestry England’s latest Zog trails, supported by an AR app has had over 100,000 downloads which saw it trending in the app charts. The Forestry England trails are visited by an average of 2m people per year and bring the stories to life in real world environment.

Magic Light Pictures is renowned for its beautifully crafted animated specials based on the picture books created by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, which include evergreen classic The Gruffalo, Halloween favourite Room on the Broom, Zog and Stick Man. The company’s tradition of producing hugely popular specials at Christmas continues this year with the 11th Donaldson/ Scheffler adaptation, the heart-warming story of Tabby McTat, which premieres at the heart of BBC One’s 2023 festive schedule, with promotional plans in place to support the launch.

Looking ahead, 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of The Gruffalo and Magic Light will be hosting a wide range of events to celebrate this significant milestone, including limited edition product launches and special collaborations that will launch at points throughout the year.

Universal Products and Experiences

www.universalproductsexperiences.com

Stand A171

Universal Products and Experiences (UP&E) is returning to Brand Licensing Europe 2023 with a new name to reflect the division’s recent integration within the Universal Destinations & Experiences business (formerly Parks & Resorts). UP&E now also includes theme parks merchandise and retail. Universal’s culture-driving film and TV slate continue to fuel UP&E’s core franchises as well as introduce new IP to audiences and future fans, which include Universal Pictures, Focus Features, Illumination, DreamWorks Animation, NBCUniversal and Peacock. Jurassic Park is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, allowing for theme park celebrations, retail activations, digital content and nostalgia-filled products and video game releases that generations of fans have enjoyed.

Fans can look forward to more Minions mischief with the upcoming release of Despicable Me 4 in 2024.

More partners are moving into Gabby’s Dollhouse, the smash hit pre-school series that has found home in the hearts of pre-schoolers, parents and retailers across the globe. Consistently ranking among Netflix’s Top 10 Kids and Family Titles, Gabby’s Dollhouse continues to expand internationally with new free-to-air markets as well as across categories and retailers.

From the DreamWorks Animation portfolio, the highly anticipated release of Trolls Band Together takes place this October. Additionally, new content from one of DreamWorks’ most beloved franchises including Kung Fu Panda and How to Train Your Dragon is making its debut in the coming years.

The incredible U-Vault archive of classic favourites across more than 100 years of film and television, includes anniversaries of iconic IP in 2025, like Jaws and Saturday Night Live. Additionally, Universal’s horror IPs– this year’s box office hit M3GAN, along with Universal’s classic Monsters and other icons of horror, like Chucky and Michael Myers, are driving global culture and creative trends. The annual Halloween Horror Nights celebration takes place inside Universal theme parks around the world and has become a tentpole cultural event. From innovative mazes and themed merchandise in the Parks to licensing opportunities for partners and retailers around the world, this moment is only getting bigger.

In 2024, part 1 of Wicked will be releasing theatrically in November and part 2 is planned for autumn 2025.

Sega 020 8996 4594 | www.sega.co.uk

Stand A181

More than three decades after the blue blur first graced console screens, Sonic the Hedgehog continues to go from strength to strength in the Gaming space.

Sonic Superstars will be arriving on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, the Nintendo Switch family of systems, and PC later this year, while Sonic Origins Plus is now available both physically and digitally. The all-in-one bundle features 16 titles including 12 Game Gear titles, while an Expansion Pack will give players access to all of the new content.

Sonic’s Birthday Bash Update for Sonic Frontiers features new challenges, moves, a new collectible Koco and free birthday decorations, plus a free update that allows players to restart the game with their skill tree and power-up levels inherited. Roblox, Sega and Gamefam introduced a new event that unlocks the Tuxedo Classic Sonic, the first ever alternate skin for Classic Sonic in Sonic Speed Simulator on Roblox.

Songs from Sonic Adventure 2 and Sonic Forces are among the 40 different tracks included in the Samba de Amigo: Party Central game, which arrived on Nintendo Switch on 29th August along with Meta Quest to follow. On mobile, players of Sonic Forces and Sonic Dash can unlock Super Silver, a hedgehog with super speed. July saw Dragon Hunter Lancelot come to Sonic Dash and Sonic Dash Plus on Apple Arcade. Classic Super Sonic joins Sonic Forces, Sonic Dash and Sonic Dash Plus on Apple Arcade and Sonic Prime Dash on Netflix later this year.

Sonic and friends can be found on Netflix in a new season of the animated series Sonic Prime, which was bolstered by the launch of Sonic Dash. New licensees for Sonic Prime include Ravensburger, for a creative set of Sonic Prime toys and games including 2D/3D puzzles and arts & crafts sets in EMEA, alongside Play by Play for plush figures in Spain, Portugal, Andorra, Italy and Greece. These new licensing partners build on the previously announced exclusive partnership with PMI for a line of Sonic Prime products including collectibles, mini figures, clip-on plush, stampers, games and more.

September saw the Sonic Symphony World Tour officially kick off in London, with more dates and locations to follow. San Diego Comic-Con hosted the Sonic Pop-Up Restaurant Experience with Sonic themed food, daily activations in the Sonic environment and more.

In the coming months, Sega will be collaborating with a number of partners to release a diverse range of all-new, Sonic-branded items. Lego invites Sonic fans to build, create and play as Sonic, Tails, Amy and Dr. Eggman in lovingly recreated levels including Sonic’s Speed Sphere, the iconic Green Hill Zone, the recently announced Dr. Eggman’s Death Egg Robot, and more. A new collaboration with Crocs includes new Sonic-inspired clogs and official Sonic Jibbitz charms, featuring Sonic and friends Tails, Amy Rose, Knuckles and Shadow, while the new Playmate cooler from Igloo showcases nostalgic snapshots of the classic, Green Hill Zone. In celebration of Sonic’s birthday, 623 coolers will include an exclusive Sonic sticker/decal.

Hypland is producing graphic tees, home goods, rugs and more, and S-Fire has sculpted Sonic and Shadow into incredible statue forms based upon Sonic Adventure 2. With the Sonic guitar from ESP, fans can create their own supersonic tunes, and the all-new Sonic the Hedgehog and Shadow the Hedgehog gaming stands from Cable Guys can hold controllers, phones and more. Finally, IDW Publishing is celebrating Amy’s 30th anniversary with a one-shot comic book featuring an all-new Classic Sonic adventure.

Natural History Museum

www.nhm.ac.uk |

Stand B263

emma.russell@nhm.ac.uk

Visiting the Natural History Museum is a rite of passage for many. Whether they call the UK home or are just visiting, this iconic British institution continues to educate, delight and inspire millions of people every year.

Families, students, and many other curious minds make the voyage to the globally recognised ‘Cathedral to Nature’ to get up and close with the 80m-strong collection of specimens which continues to inform and shape our understanding of the natural world. Whether it’s to see the awe-inspiring goliaths of the deep past, or marvel at meteorites and moon rock, these rare treasures capture the imagination of young and old alike, sparking a fascination with science that can last a lifetime.

What happens behind the scenes is equally intriguing and incredibly important. The museum organisation includes 350 scientists and experts, representing one of the largest groups in the world working on natural diversity. Their work not only contributes to the international understanding of our changing planet, and finding solutions to the planetary emergency, but also inspires a new generation of children to further explore science and evaluate how they too can contribute and make positive changes.

Although the museum has a significant role to play in educating and engaging children, for the youngest, opportunities to learn present themselves through play. With this in mind, there’s scope to incorporate storytelling from the museum’s practices and processes alongside key categories including role-play and STEM learning, allowing for authentic and joyful play experiences.

Dinosaurs have fascinated and delighted generations of children ever since the museum’s founder, Sir Richard Owen, coined the term ‘dinosaur’ back in 1842. Millions of visitors have descended upon South Kensington to view the world’s most diverse collection of dinosaur fossils and specimens, including the iconic Sophie the Stegosaurus and the more recent colossal giant, Patagotitan mayorum. The museum’s network of experts continues to make ground-breaking discoveries through new excavations on dig sites and research on the museum’s collections. Given the museum’s reputation and association with these incredible creatures, this presents a unique opportunity for licensees and retailers to align themselves with a world-renowned authority and brand.

In a competitive and character-driven toy aisle, the Natural History Museum name offers up an alternative selling point. There’s authenticity and authority aligned with the name, which resonates with the end consumer and transcends generations.

This BLE, the Natural History Museum is focused on strengthening and forming new connections with licensees and retailers across a broad spectrum of categories and territories. The team feels it’s an exciting time to meet with like-minded people who share its values and outlook on sustainability. There are countless stories within the museum waiting to be told through purposeful and thought-provoking product: attendees are invited onto the stand to learn more.

For more information, contact Emma Russell, senior licensing manager, on the email above.

COMING SUMMER/FALL 2024 (EX-JAPAN)

Start Licensing

77776 228 454

Stand A240

| ian@startlicensing.co.uk

Start Licensing is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and will be showcasing its focused portfolio of the properties it represents at BLE. Start’s clients include Aardman Animations, which will also be exhibiting at the show. Aardman’s properties include Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, Morph, Robin Robin and Chicken Run 2. Aardman has a well-established licensing programme which includes partnerships with companies such as Bird & Blend, the Bottled Baking Company and Carrs Pasties, and consumer product deals including range of paper construction kits from Build Your Own, a Shaun the Sheep card construction kit from PlayPress Toys and plush toys from Aurora. In addition, Big Potato Games has just launched an Aardman-licensed boardgame, Obey the Clay.

Start Licensing also represents The Ashmolean Museum. Part of the University of Oxford, The Ashmolean is the world’s oldest free to attend museum and first opened its doors in 1683. There is a growing licensing programme in place for The Ashmolean which includes China Petals for Mosaic Kits, Park Agencies for Apparel, Graphenstone for the Treasured Collection paint range and Welbeck Publishing. Welbeck’s book, Around the World in 80 Pots, showcases the museum’s outstanding ceramics collection. Start Licensing is hoping to meet with toys and games companies at BLE that are interested in working with The Ashmolean in categories such as Arts & Crafts. The Ashmolean brand is a great fit for products in this category.

Asterix is another of Start Licensing’s UK clients. Licensing partners for this evergreen brand include Playmobil, which has developed a range of Asterix play sets, whilst gifting company Puckator has developed a broad collection of Asterix gift lines including drinkware, lunchware and ceramics. A cornerstone of the Asterix brand is the world-famous publishing programme developed by Hachette. The UK publisher for the Asterix albums is Little, Brown.

Wilton Bradley has developed baking kits featuring Start’s client Nadiya Hussain. Nadiya is now firmly established as a TV presenter, author and cook. She has a range of licensed products including a recently launched line of cooking spices, recipe kits and blends from Schwartz. She also works with Prestige, which has developed the Nadiya Loves range of cookware. Nadiya has a very successful book publishing programme via Michael Joseph and her TV shows are broadcast on BBC2.

Other brands that will feature on Start’s stand include Kendra Dandy’s Bouffants and Broken Hearts. Licensees such as Blueprint Collections, UK Greetings, Cooneen and Surface View are on board with Bouffants and Broken Hearts, making great use of the unique artwork US artist Kendra Dandy has created. The brand benefits from a global licensing programme. Start Licensing also represents Jane Devonshire, the author of the Hassle Free Gluten Free cookbook, and art brand Spirit Of Concorde.

The Wombles

www.womblesofficial.com

hello@womblesofficial.com

Stand D210

This year marks the 50th anniversary of The Wombles’ first television appearance; the show went on to become one of the most popular children’s programmes of all time. Right from the beginning, the Wombles adventures involved recycling and reusing the discarded things left behind by humans, so they were undoubtedly ahead of their time.

Since being brought out of hibernation in 2020, The Wombles have inspired a new generation with their positive environmental message. They believe that no action is too small to make the world a better place. They have featured in campaigns for the Great British Spring Clean, recycling, tree planting, beach cleaning, plastic waste reduction and upcycling, and were the UK government’s mascots at COP26.

This will be the first time that The Wombles have had a stand at Brand Licensing Europe. They will be showcasing a mix of classic Wombles heritage and the latest CGI animation, and sharing exciting plans for film, television, publishing and theatrical. The stand design will embrace The

wherever possible everything will be reusable or recyclable.

As befitting the environmental story underpinning

manufacturers which are bringing

environmental story much more effectively.

BBC Studios

Andrew.Carley@bbc.com

Stand: C180

BBC Studios returns to BLE with its impressive brand portfolio.

Bluey’s widespread popularity continues; it is the No. 1 show on Disney+ for kids throughout 2023 and ten new Series 3 episodes premiered globally on the streamer in July. These were No. 1 for Disney+ for both kids and adult audiences. The brand’s dominance extends to its second window UK broadcast partner CBeebies, where it reigns as the highestranking show, and it has secured top-five ratings in eight EMEA regions. Notably, Bluey has catalysed Pre-school Toy growth in the UK, doubling sales from 2021. This year capsule collections with Zara and product launches from Blueprint Collections, OTL Technologies, Tomy, 8th Wonder, HTI Toys, Character Options, Ravensburger, MV Sports & Leisure have been introduced. Master toy partner Moose Toys has released new hero toys, the Beach Cabin and Hammerbarn Shopping Centre Playsets. Global partner VTech launched a new product range for 2023 in key markets, including Bluey’s Keytar, Scooter Time Bluey and Shake It Bluey. Additionally, Fiddes Payne and Kinnerton Confectionary have been newly signed for the UK market. As momentum continues, the globally launched Bluey mobile app game gains traction, while Bluey’s Big Play eagerly anticipates tours across the UK, Ireland, and Canada.

Hey Duggee still thrives, dominating CBeebies streaming in 2022, for the third year in a row. New series 4 episodes were unveiled on CBeebies in September and the brand boasts 28 UK licensed partners. Recent signings include OTL and RMS. Master toy Golden Bear has released new hero toys, including Sleepy Time Duggee. The pre-school hit also won an Olivier award this year for its first-ever stage show, Hey Duggee The Live Theatre Show. Next year marks 10 years of Hey Duggee and planning is underway for impactful activity.

BBC Studios will also have news to share at BLE around another of its popular children's TV series Supertato. The first series, launched in the UK in autumn 2022, has consistently ranked as the top show for 4-6 year olds on CBeebies. After new episodes aired on CBeebies in May 2023, Supertato ranked sixth among the Top 10 kids' programs for households with children aged 0-6. Further afield, the show is broadcast in Australia and Asia on CBeebies and in China on Tencent Video. The emerging brand has also secured a global publishing deal (excluding China) with Simon & Schuster Children’s Books. The tie-in publishing range launches in October with search-and-find book Where’s Supertato?

Doctor Who returns in November for its 60th anniversary, with three special episodes starring David Tennant as the Fourteenth Doctor. Ncuti Gatwa’s first episode as the Fifteenth Doctor will air over Christmas. Rubbertoe and Character Options recently launched the Fourteenth Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver and sales exceed expectations. Magic: The Gathering – Doctor Who four Commander decks will be released in October. More products will launch soon and further new Doctor Who products are expected to be announced.

The Pokémon Company

www.Pokémon.com/uk | J.kellman@pokemon.com

Stand B121

Pokémon returns to BLE after another spectacular year. With a reputation for quality and innovation, a solid track record of successful collaborations with partners ranging from the niche to mass-market and from high street to high-end, trusted relationships at retail and a huge global fanbase spanning all demographics, Pokémon presents hugely exciting opportunities for current and prospective partners.

Pokémon continues to post substantial growth across its wide-ranging pillars of video games, mobile apps, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, animation and movies, Play! Pokemon events and licensed products for all tastes and budgets.

Another year of record-breaking sales saw Pokémon’s highest-ever UK Circana position: No. 1 YTD (March 23), with sales up a remarkable 51%, reflecting the huge popularity of the Pokémon TCG and its fantastic and varied toy range. Highlights include Jazwares’ award-winning range of innovative new products such as Battle figures, 8-inch plush and Squishmallows; and Mattel’s MEGA Construx Motion Pikachu set.

The Pokémon TCG UK sales also continue to break records, with the latest hit expansions being June’s Scarlet & Violet—Paldea Evolved and August’s Scarlet & Violet—Obsidian Flames.

Buoyant sales have been supported by a strong programme of innovative and immersive retail activations, from high end to high street, including a Pokémon bus tour of Smyths, a pop up in Harrods toy floor alongside activations in ASDA, Zavvi and Game.

New additions to Jazwares’ toy line, including plush of Pokémon from the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet video games— Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly, as well as Pikachu; and a new wave of plush from the Squishmallows and Pokémon collaboration. Additional products include Pokémon Funko Pop! figures, Ravensburger puzzles and Labyrinth board game, Wand Company collectibles and a range of Abysse products, including Pokémon breakfast and gift sets.

The iconic animated series airs in the UK on Pop, Netflix, BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime with series 26, Pokémon Horizons, launching soon. Featuring innovative stop-motion animation, brand-new Netflix series Pokémon Concierge expands the Pokémon world with a new storyline. Animated online web series, Pokémon: Path to the Peak will be joined by the upcoming Pokémon: Paldean Winds, which brings the Paldea region to life in an all-new way.

New events and experiences across Pokémon’s gaming titles have boosted its success further. The first adventure in The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, the new DLC for the next-generation video games Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet, launched in September, with Part 2: The Indigo Disk due next year.

New video game Detective Pikachu Returns launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch on 6th October, as the ace sleuth tackles a series of mysterious incidents in Ryme City.

From dynamic new releases and innovations across the portfolio to bold new collaborations across a fantastic and varied range of categories, TPCI continues to explore a wide variety of new avenues to keep Pokémon fresh, relevant and at the forefront of global entertainment.

Penguin Ventures

penguin.ventures@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk

Stand: C164

Penguin Ventures is the licensing and consumer products division of Penguin Random House Children’s UK. It will be showcasing its portfolio of iconic literary brands and characters at BLE.

Penguin Ventures’ new property, the World of Eric Carle, will be on the stand this year following Penguin’s recent appointment as UK licensing agent for this beautiful brand. Throughout the rest of this year and into next, Penguin Ventures will be partnering with a series of live specialists, to take its classic brands off the page and into exciting new environments, connecting with family audiences like never before. Exciting plans for 2023 include The Peninsular Hotel collaboration with The World of Peter Rabbit and an incredible immersive dome experience for The Snowman and The Snowdog, plus a high-profile afternoon tea partner will help to sprinkle some more Snowman magic across the UK this Christmas. A brand-new Spot stage show and a new Peter Rabbit musical are both set to launch in 2024. Penguin Ventures will be presenting its biggest and most ambitious LBE programme to date.

Representatives look forward to discussing opportunities across consumer products and experiences.

Rovio

www.imglicensing.com/clients/angry-birds adam.Steel@img.com | katri.chacona@rovio.com

Stand B250

Launched in 2009 as a mobile video game, Angry Birds has grown rapidly to become one of the most popular media franchises in the world spanning multiple viral games, movies, animated series, books, amusement parks, immersive digital experiences and physical products.

Now, on the precipice of its 15th anniversary next year, Rovio’s Angry Birds is bigger than ever having recently announced the development of Angry Birds Mystery Island, a new animated series on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Kids+. The new series marks yet another chapter in Angry Birds’ enduring popularity and significance in global pop culture. The show is already billed to be a hit, following the success of the brand’s previous entertainment offerings including two feature films, a long-form Netflix series and a popular animated series that ranks among the top six-most watched series in the 8-16-year demographic in the UK (Kids Know Best Study 2022).

An evergreen brand story, endearing characters and a loyal, global audience have made Angry Birds one of the most soughtafter original IPs in the licensing industry. Along with its global licensing and publishing agency IMG, the brand has developed a wide-ranging consumer products and experiences portfolio for fans of all ages.

Recently, the world's first Angry Birds-themed retail café opened in New York, instantly creating a buzz both online and on-ground. Designed for individuals and families alike, the 3,300-square-foot iSwii by Angry Birds Retail Cafe features Angry Birds-themed culinary treats, interactive gaming, a retail section and Instagrammable statue installations.

The playful and engaging Angry Birds universe lends itself naturally to location-based entertainment, as evidenced by the success of Rovio’s partnership with Immersive Gamebox which allows players to step into an interactive, real-life version of the game across multiple venues in the US, UK and the UAE. Additionally, a recent partnership with Attracktion! will bring Angry Birds to the immersive gaming platform Playneo at various locations across the world. Rovio has also partnered with Topgolf, Brunswick Bowling and NeoXperiences to bring the game’s beloved characters and themes to different kinds of turfs and arcades, much to the delight of gamers and fans alike.

The brand’s pervasiveness and universal appeal are also reflected by some of its recent collaborations such as Angry Birds’ first in-car collaboration with the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class which allows passengers to play the classic Angry Birds slingshot game on the car’s entertainment system. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization partnered with Angry Birds to encourage and educate players about healthy eating habits through the launch of a Veggie Power Tournament in Angry Birds Friends.

As excitement and anticipation build around Angry Birds’ 15th anniversary in 2024, Rovio is keen to collaborate with innovative partners to continue building the brand’s narrative both in and out of the digital world. Angry Birds will be represented by IMG at Brand Licensing Europe.

Acamar Films

www.acamarfilms.comVm

Stand A201

Acamar Films will be at BLE with Bing, the multi-award-winning preschool property which first premiered on CBeebies in 2014. A top choice in households across Europe for 10 years, and remaining one of the most requested children’s series ever on BBC iPlayer, Bing is a franchise which continues to forge strong connections with families. The property has a focus on mental, emotional and social development and resonates across multiple audiences, engaging infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers alike. The franchise also helps parents, as well as childcare professionals and extended family members, to understand how the young children in their lives may be experiencing and understanding their world.

The property occupies a unique

space within the pre-school landscape. Bing engages young audiences with truly child-centred stories that authentically embrace and navigate through the joyful, sometimes messy and imperfect pre-school experience along with the wonder and discovery of everyday toddler life. This anniversary year gives Acamar Films an opportunity to celebrate the success of the property and reassert Bing’s proposition to parental audiences as well as licence partners and retailers. A multi-channel national brand campaign for Bing will roll out in the UK across 2024 to convey the values of Bing. The campaign will demonstrate the ways in which Bing equips young audiences with the social and emotional tools that they need to navigate their lives while also supporting parents and caregivers to better understand a toddler point of view. After the successful UK roll out, the campaign will be deployed across international territories.

Acamar Films is keen to talk to innovative partners interested in creating Bing products for infants, toddlers and pre-school children. Bing is a gender-neutral property with a sweet spot among children aged 18 months to three and half years. Acamar Films is exploring how Bing products can nourish developing minds, looking at products that encourage curiosity, creativity and self-expression. Bing's presence beyond the screen has been growing, with a successful events and experiences programme providing more opportunities for young families to engage with Bing beyond the screen and develop deeper connections with the characters and stories. The theatre production, Bing’s Birthday, is one of the most popular theatre shows of any type in the Netherlands, with a Polish version set to tour theatres from November.

Bing is a popular presence in theme parks, enjoying daily mini shows and meet & greets at Gulliver’s Theme Park Resorts, Leolandia and CBeebies Land Hotel, Alton Towers, where Bingthemed rooms remain one of the most popular attractions. In Leolandia, the first-ever branded attraction is currently in development and slated to launch from 2024.

Acamar will have further new experiential and product partnerships to announce. The team is open to talking to BLE attendees about new ways to ensure that Bing really is ‘round the corner, not far away’ for as many families as possible through events, experiential opportunities, promotions, products and key partnerships. Acamar Films is looking for partners committed to nourishing young children with the best stories, products and experiences.

Studio 100

www.studio100media.com

Stand D145

BLE is an important event for Studio 100, giving the company the opportunity to meet with its partners to discuss current developments on Studio 100 IPs: its own as well as its portfolio of thirdparty rights. BLE is the perfect place to begin talks on new developments and get in touch with key partners on upcoming opportunities. In addition, the UK market is a key focus for Studio 100. Together with its local agent, BWI, the company continues to build interest in its new brand, Vegesaurs.

Produced by independent Australian producer Cheeky Little, in association with the Australian Broadcasting Company (ABC), France TV and Studio 100, the comedy-adventure CGI animated series is targeted at kids aged 4-7.

Vegesaurs is a fresh take on the dinosaur genre and makes vegetables fun. Kids can follow the adventures of young Triceratops Ginger who lives in Vegesaur Valley. Each episode is a standalone mini-adventure driven by Ginger and her friends, the baby Pea-Rexes. The stories lean into relatable themes for upper pre-schoolers like mealtime, sharing, friendship and play.

Studio 100 is hosting a key morning event on Thursday October 5th, in partnership with BWI, during which it will present the latest news on Vegesaurs with a strong focus on the UK market. Everyone is invited to Stand D145 to also discuss Studio 100’s classic properties, fresh new developments and the key activities driving its IPs.

Paramount Consumer Products and Experiences

www.paramount.com

Stand A121

As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, Paramount remains at the forefront with its commitment to innovation, creativity and engaging content that appeals to all ages and demographics. Paramount Consumer Products & Experiences has an abundance of best-in-class IP, both new and existing, as well as strategic opportunities that will excite any partner.

Off the back of a triumphant return to the silver screen, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have reignited the fandom among both nostalgic adults and curious youngsters. The new look Turtles will continue to expand in 2024, as Paramount is set to kick off an electrifying 40thanniversary celebration of the beloved franchise. This milestone year will witness the launch of a new animated series that promises to reinvigorate the ninja heroes, as well as a whole host of in-person and digital experiences. A slate of gaming releases will keep drawing in both seasoned enthusiasts and a new generation of fans. That's not all; the slate of content planned for this franchise is truly impressive, with another blockbuster movie already announced for 2025. While the heroes in a half shell have a special place in the hearts of those who grew up with them, this year will showcase their enduring appeal - and their ability to resonate across age groups – by uniting old and new fans in a ‘shell-tastic’ celebration.

Building on from the Paw Patrol franchise’s 10th anniversary year, Paramount and Spin Master have introduced Rubble & Crew, which invites viewers to dive deeper into Rubble’s family. The year ahead will also be filled with heroic excitement, as the Heroes in Training brand campaign takes centre stage in 2024. This initiative is not just about entertainment, it's about instilling values of bravery, teamwork and compassion in young minds. Moreover, Paramount recognises the increasing demand for diverse representation, and in response is actively fostering the growth of girls' licensing across multiple categories.

SpongeBob has already come to life across 13 seasons of the original series, two spinoff series and three major theatricals, not to mention his first musical which is touring the UK this year. In 2024, Paramount is celebrating 25 years of this beloved, optimistic sea sponge with a host of surprising and delightful activity and partnerships that are sure to put a smile on everyone’s faces.

The sweeping success of Yellowstone has not only captured audiences' hearts but also opened doors to a vast and immersive universe. Paramount has announced a thrilling spinoff that will delve even deeper into the gripping narrative that fans have come to adore. The momentum in the UK is bolstered by the airing of Series 1 on Channel 5, with new products available at retail as the studio continues to build out this now iconic franchise.

Kids can get ready to join Dora on another series of exciting escapades as Paramount introduces the adventurous character to a new generation of pre-schoolers. Dora is back with her vibrant animation and engaging storytelling, rendered in immersive CG animation. Paramount will debut a specially created Dora theatrical short ahead of Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie this October, before the consumer products launch rolls out in 2025.

The Avatar franchise will be serving the fandom with a live action Netflix adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender and new content from Avatar Studios coming in 2025. While Paramount's small-screen triumphs are remarkable, the big screen still holds its enchantment. Paramount is rich in cinematic content for 2024. ‘If’ is an imaginative original family title from John Krasinski. The movie tells the story of a 12-year-old girl who moves to New York and discovers that the city is home to an entire world of adorable imaginary friends.

Everyone’s favourite lazy and sarcastic cat, Garfield, hits the big screen next year in a brand-new animated movie, with Chris Pratt voicing the lasagne-loving feline. For the first time in the history of the franchise, audiences will also meet Garfield’s father, played by Samuel L. Jackson.

The action-packed Mission Impossible saga returns to the big screen with the highly anticipated Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning Part 2, for what is being heralded as the cornerstone of cinematic excellence. The movie will be supported with a consumer products programme just in time for Father’s Day.

Readers are invited to get in touch if they think they can fill a category gap on an existing franchise or if they’d like to join Paramount on its newer adventures. For licensing opportunities, please contact Simta.Sawhney@paramount.com.

Beano

0207 400 1030 | www.beano.com

Stand A205

Beano and KAP Toys’ new Box of Tricks is the essence of childhood fun. Together with a Build-a-Comic Kit and Beano Squishii, the Box of Tricks forms part of the brand-new Beano toy range launching this November with major retail support. Beano and KAP Toys have joined forces to bring the Beano world to life for kids, who will relish using stencils, stampers, character art, icons and templates to create their own comic featuring some of Beanotown’s most-loved residents. The screen-free fun continues with a range of Beano Squishiis that includes Minnie, Dennis and Gnasher, for collectible, squeezy, irresistibly tactile fun. The Box of Tricks, a must-have for any successful prankster, includes a whoopie cushion, phoney parking notices, a fake snake and more awesome Beano pranks, all of which will inspire budding mischief-makers.

Beano licensed products with strong retail listings also include apparel, dress-up, cards and calendars, puzzles, and gifts from licensees such as Aykroyds, Danilo, Star Editions and Rubies Masquerade, with exciting new ranges coming soon.

The recently announced partnership with Ocado saw adventurer Ben Fogle join Bananaman on a foodie adventure alongside Dennis and friends for the launch of Beano’s first-ever cookbook. Designed to help families make their food go further and reduce food waste, this cookbook offered creative cooking moments for families to enjoy, including Beano inspired recipes such as Nearly Gone-Offee Pie, Bangers and Gnash, and Jammy Dodger French Toast.

Beano’s presence in children’s publishing continues to expand, with Farshore publishing the first ever children’s book based on one of the UK’s favourite Beano characters to celebrate their anniversary in November. In its 85th year of fun, mischief and encouraging reading for pleasure, Beano’s partnership with publisher Farshore is going from strength to strength, with an everexpanding retail footprint and five new titles already in production for 2024 including new fiction and activity books.

Family fun and experiences continue to be a key focus for Beano, following a summer of successful collaborations. Beano and the BBC Concert Orchestra brought the hit TV show Dennis & Gnasher: Unleashed! to life for the world’s first ever ‘comiconcerto’ at the Southbank Centre. Children and families were invited to enjoy Beano Goes Wild at Whipsnade Zoo this summer, an inspiring, interactive and fun-filled trail. The comic characters have also taken centre stage in various towns across the country, as the ongoing partnership with Outdoor Gaming Company brings Beano: The Outdoor Game to life in the form of a family scavenger hunt. There are also excellent opportunities for active families to scale the heights at various Clip ‘n Climb centres nationwide, as part of a long-term licensed partnership. In hospitality, Beano Studios has welcomed a new partnership with Apex Hotels Dundee, to mark its 20th birthday and celebrate the city’s comic legacy. The successful Brigit’s Bakery Beano Afternoon Tea Bus, meanwhile, entertained fans young and old throughout the summer in the heart of London.

Following the comic’s 85th birthday in 2023, Beanotown will soon be celebrating several other significant milestones, including Minnie the Minx’s 70th anniversary in December and The Bash Street Kids’ 70th early next year, both supported by national marketing and PR. 2025 will be a Year of Mischief, with national campaigns inspiring children and families and the celebration of Dennis’s 75th anniversary. Readers can find Beano at BLE on the Rocket Licensing stand (A205).

Rocket Licensing

0207 207 6242 | www.rocketlicensing.com

Stand A205

Rocket Licensing is once again planning to be a powerful presence at BLE and will highlight key updates and exciting news from a portfolio that includes The European Space Agency, Beano, Elf on The Shelf, Miffy and much more.

Whether it’s living in orbit, exploring new worlds, leading the study of climate change on Earth or peering back in time to the beginning of the universe, The European Space Agency (ESA) has been part of the adventure. ESA offers a unique opportunity to share the excitement of space and space science with a real badge of authority and an exclusive range of assets. ESA licensees are able to develop product based on some of the most exciting adventures and scientific discoveries of our lifetime. The brand is supported by a new style guide, and with the 50th anniversary celebrations set to take place in 2025, plus new launches and missions on the horizon, the brand will continue to build momentum. The range of licensed products already includes apparel, model launchers and limited-edition prints. More partner announcements will be made very shortly.

Miffy, the classic brand created by Dick Bruna, is a global phenomenon, with more than 85m books sold worldwide. The extensive licensing programme includes partners such as Rainbow and Tiamo.

The Elf on the Shelf tradition from The Lumistella Company has been enjoyed by families in the UK for nearly 15 years. The Santa-approved Scout Elves take note of a family’s Christmas adventures and report back to him at the North Pole each night. Every morning, the Scout Elf character magically returns to its family and perches in a new spot, waiting to be discovered. The core range of toy and book is as popular as ever. The brand has also inspired an arts and crafts range from Hunter Price.

Born as a beloved web comic, Fuzzballs has skyrocketed to fame on social media, and inspired a great range of licensees including KAP Toys, Brainbox Candy, Kawaji and Grindstore.

Beano’s 85th anniversary year has been a great one for the licensing programme, with a brand-new trend-focused style guide and new partners including KAP Toys and Oddballs.

2023 is the 30th anniversary of Horrible Histories, the multi-million best-selling book series that has inspired award-winning TV, a star-studded feature film, sell-out stage-shows and a licensed product programme that includes games from University Games and the best-selling Horrible Science range from Galt.

Next year will be a monster year for Godzilla with the March 2024 release of the movie Godzilla x Kong – The New Empire from Legendary Entertainment and Warner Bros – and the beginning, in November, of a year-long celebration of Godzilla’s 70th anniversary. The licensing programme is going from strength to strength with a huge range of partners, including toys from Flair.

Other brands from the Rocket portfolio with strong toy potential include Little People, Big Dreams, a series of books that inspire children with real-life stories of artists, scientists, musicians and many more famous figures, and two hit brands from TheSoul Publishing: 5-Minute Crafts is the internet’s most popular crafting and DIY brand and Baby Zoo, with 10m+ subscribers on YouTube and 7.6b YouTube views, known for its cheerful songs and edutaining stories.

Mojang Studios

MinecraftCP@microsoft.com

Suite A251

Led by Federico San Martin, senior global head of Consumer Products for Minecraft, Microsoft’s Mojang Studios attends Brand Licensing Europe to explore opportunities for extending the Minecraft franchise beyond the game as the brand heads into its 15th anniversary in 2024.

Minecraft - the best-selling block-breaking and placing video game, in which players work together to create wonderful and imaginative things - has sold more than 238m copies across all platforms since debuting in 2009. Minecraft is played by millions of players in every country and territory around the world, including Antarctica and the Vatican City.

What started as a game is now a platform and canvas for creative expression and has evolved into an evergreen entertainment franchise with a robust consumer products and retail programme. Since 2021, the Minecraft brand business has doubled, now comprising over 150 partners worldwide in a multitude of categories including Toys, Games, Publishing, Apparel/Accessories, Seasonal, Paper Goods and more.

Global partners include Lego, Mattel, Hasbro, Random House, Hallmark, Panini, Paladone, Havaianas and Uniqlo, while regional partners include Kellogg’s, Crayola, American Greetings, Crunchpak, Dynacraft, Huffy, Bladez Toys, Procos, Andromeda, Fashion UK, Character World, Cataic, and Caprice, to mention a few. Minecraft has also formed strategic collaborations with several renowned global fashion lines including Crocs, Burberry, Lacoste and Puma.

Minecraft products are carried at key global retailers including Walmart, Target, Amazon, Kohl’s, GameStop, Barnes & Noble, Primark, Pottery Barn, Best Buy, Hot Topic, Smyths, EB Games, Big W, Liverpool, C&A, Asda, Riachuelo and Tesco. Major retail programmes have also been secured to honour and celebrate Minecraft's 15th Anniversary.

Mojang’s vision for Minecraft is to inspire generations of game changers by building a world through the power of play. This is being achieved via games, content, new merchandise, retail launches and promotional partners, and by incorporating the core values of crafting together, celebrating creativity, fueling passion and creating fun.

Minecraft is always looking for opportunities to extend the franchise beyond the game so the community can experience it in many different ways. This includes expanding the brand’s consumer product categories, bringing Minecraft to life via Location Based Experience opportunities and partnering with Warner Bros. on the upcoming movie. The first live-action theatrical movie adaptation of Minecraft stars Jason Momoa (Aquaman, Dune) and will hit cinemas on 4th April 2025. The film is being directed by Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre).

The focus for the next three years will be on category and global expansion with new partners in the Collectibles, Consumer Electronics, Food and Beverage, Health and Beauty categories. More will be announced soon. Nick's will be launching Minecraft Nut Bars in Europe in September. Two unique flavours will be available, both inspired by iconic items and blocks from the game. The Nut Bars will be available in the US from October.

Due to the heavy fragmentation of retail, loyalty programmes that incentivise purchase have become a large part of consumer shopping behaviour in Europe. In partnership with CAA, Minecraft launched its first loyalty programme in Europe via a partnership with L Founders, a leader in the Loyalty Program space, in August. The deal sees a retail promotion with Tesco run throughout Central and Eastern Europe until October 24th. Gifts and breakpoints vary by country, but all consumers receive a gift with purchase according to the among spent. For example, for every €8, a small Minecraft gift is included, while for every €20, a larger gift is included. Consumers also have the option to purchase the gifts outright for the same amounts. Tesco is still very early in the programme, but signs indicate a strong start with products overperforming, especially licensed mugs, bowls and creeper bottle.

ADK Emotions NY and T-Licensing

alexis@adkemotions.com

Stand D177

ADK Emotions NY and Tomy Company subsidiary T-Licensing return to Brand Licensing Europe in 2023 to share a robust plan for hero anime franchise Beyblade.

The partners will treat show visitors to an early look at the new animated series Beyblade X. Anime industry heavyweights Posuka Demizu (Promised Neverland), as well as Homura Kawamoto and Hikaru Muno (Kakegurui) lead the series planning and character design, bringing a fresh line up of dynamic characters and storylines for the show, slated for broadcast outside of Asia in 2024.

The Beyblade X toy line combines fan-favourite elements from previous generations in a super-charged system with the most extreme speeds and battles yet. In Japan, Tomy Company’s Beyblade X line launched July of 2023, exceeding sales figures from the first two weeks of Beyblade Burst’s 2016 launch. The recorded sales numbers in Japan exceeded initial expectations, leading to greater anticipation for how well it will be received in the rest of the world. Beyblade toys have consistently captured the imagination of the industry and fans alike, with new innovations each year. Beyblade X promises to take this toy innovation to the next level and inspire a brand-new generation of Bladers.

ADK Emotions NY and T-Licensing are leading the creation of a worldwide licensing programme for the brand. The companies are currently seeking agency representation in European territories to launch programmes in key non-toy licensing categories, including Apparel, Back-To-School, Party Goods, Food/Snacks, Publishing, QSR, Collectibles, Gaming, and Apps.

In addition to the excitement of a new generation, Beyblade’s 25th anniversary will be celebrated throughout 2024 across social, digital and in-person initiatives, ensuring that all fans, whether long-term enthusiasts or new entrants to the franchise, have an opportunity to celebrate the great heritage and exciting future of this classic brand. ADK Emotions NY and T-Licensing are currently seeking partners for limited-edition anniversary brand collaborations and activations in 2024.

Visit ADK Emotions NY and T-Licensing at Brand Licensing Europe Booth to learn more about plans for Beyblade X in each market and see the latest toy demonstrations.

Hasbro

0208

569 1234 | www.hasbro.co.uk

Stand A211

Celebrating its 100th anniversary, Hasbro returns to BLE to unveil the latest from some of the world’s most high-profile fan and family brands: Peppa Pig, Transformers, Monopoly, Nerf, Dungeons & Dragons and My Little Pony.

Peppa Pig is sure to make waves ahead of its 20th anniversary 2024 with all-new entertainment featuring A-list guest stars and branded offerings across Fashion, Toys, Publishing and more. As the No. 3 most demanded kids TV show in the world, and the No. 1 in Kids on Netflix, the pre-school favourite character is inviting everyone to join her celebrations all year-round.

In the UK home market, where she holds 92% brand awareness, Peppa Pig will engage consumers through Location Based Experiences (LBE) including Peppa Pig World at Paulton's Park, the Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus and The Everywhere Group’s Peppa Pig: Surprise Party immersive show, debuting spring/summer 2024. To reach even more fans, the brand is opening two new Peppa Pig theme parks with Merlin Entertainment in the US and Germany. Further touchpoints for 2024 include the first-ever Audible podcast content and fashion offerings with Mori, JoJo Maman Bebe and Trotters London, among many others.

Ahead of Transformers’ 40th anniversary, bolstered by the second season of Transformers: Earthspark and the theatrical release of the CG-animated movie Transformers One (arriving 2024), Transformers is delivering yet another massive licensing programme based on the iconic world of Autobots and Decepticons.

The Transformers’ product portfolio has benefitted from impressive expansion, with state-of-the-art robots from Robosen Robotics and advanced short-distance vehicles by Segway-Ninebot joining the range. Along with premium offerings, consumers in the UK can show off their fandom with fashions from Bobby Abley’s apparel line and footwear from Irregular Choice, along with toys and games such as Transformers Uno, Transformers: Earthspark plush from Sambro, new Flying Heroes from Character Options and much more. In China, fans can also visit the new Transformers: The Ark restaurant and co-branded Transformers and My Little Pony Playlodge to experience the franchise like never before.

Enjoyed by more than 1b players in 114 countries across the globe, Monopoly is the world’s favourite family board game. To date, more than 300 licensed versions of Monopoly have been created featuring favourite sports teams, television shows and movies, including new editions with Barbie and Super Mario Brothers. To honour Hasbro’s centennial year, WS Game Company even crafted a fully custom illustrated Monopoly: Hasbro 100th Anniversary Edition.

Fans can also engage with the Monopoly brand across impressive products and LBE, such as fashion partnerships with Krost, Champion, Morgan Lane, Puma, Tango Hotel and Duck. The Monopoly Lifesized Experience in London ‘passed Go' on an additional location in Riyadh that’s set to open mid-October, and Monopoly Dreams recently opened in Melbourne. To share even more on Monopoly Lifesized’s award-winning success, Matt Proulx, vice president of Location Based Entertainment at Hasbro, is taking the BLE stage on Wednesday October 4th from 12:301:15pm for the ‘Passing Go: Bringing the world’s No. 1 board game to life’ keynote.

For nearly 55 years, Nerf has held a special place in the hearts of fans of all ages and remained a leader in social, active play. This year, sports lovers can expect Nerf to deliver even more active fun with a first of its kind for the brand: Nerfball. The franchise-created sport merges paintball-style play with the speed and agility of basketball.

Over the past year, the brand has been filled with expansive product collaborations with industry-leading partners such as Franklin Sports, with its wide-ranging sporting goods collection, and WowWee, with its best-in-class Super Soaker water toys. Additionally, the Nerf Action Xperience soft-opened in Manchester in September, and the first-ever themed land, Nerf Mania, at Brazil’s Beto Carrero World, will open in mid-October. With in-person FECs and active-inspired goods, Nerf continues to dominate in the get-up-and-go lifestyle arena.

Dungeons & Dragons has been the world’s greatest role-playing game since it established the genre nearly 50 years ago. Now, the franchise is more popular than ever before. With D&D’s resurgence in pop culture, thanks to the hit feature film Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, the brand attracts multigenerational audiences across its more than 50m fans around the world. D&D can be experienced through like-minded collaborations that create meaningful connections to the brand. From Lego and Minecraft, and fashion with Boss Dog and Burgschneider collections, to books with Random House Children’s Books and others, D&D will remain in the cultural zeitgeist for years to come.

Since launching in 1983, My Little Pony has evolved from a toy brand into a multi-award-winning universe that attracts premier partnerships across formats. Inspiring kids to explore, express and celebrate what makes them unique, My Little Pony has been commemorating its 40th anniversary throughout 2023. New entertainment such as the My Little Pony: Tell Your Tale series and the My Little Pony: Bridlewoodstock special on Netflix has continued to resonate with families.

This year, My Little Pony welcomed stylish fashion ranges with Cakeworthy, Loungefly and Prabal Gurung, along with a stunning cosmetics line with Cosnova Catrice. The brand has also helped kids tap into their creativity with collaborations from Ravensburger, Character Options, PlayMonster, John Adams, Hunter Price, Sambro and many more.

Jazwares

020 3598 5119 | www.jazwares.com

Stand C211

Jazwares returns to BLE for the second year with a crowd-stopping Squishmallows stand. Jazwares’ premiere Squishmallows global licensing programme is supported by some of the biggest names in consumer and lifestyle products, reflecting the brand's vast global audience and multi-generational appeal.

From plush powerhouse to a global lifestyle phenomenon, Squishmallows has ascended beyond the toy aisle into an industry-leading lifestyle franchise with a 360-degree licensing portfolio that allows fans to dive even deeper into the captivating world of Squishmallows. An impressive 70+ best-in-class global licensing partners have already joined the programme.

Continuing to grow the Squishmallows licensing programme in Europe, Jazwares works with over 25+ local licensing partners across many categories including Fashion Apparel & Accessories, Publishing, Health & Beauty, Stationery & Gifting, Food & Drink, Calendars & Greetings and Board & Card Games. More deals are in the works, including fashion collaborations, cookbooks, snack bars, ice cream and trading card games. Exciting partnership and collaboration announcements are coming soon.

The brand is known for its ultra-soft feel and adorable designs, delighting fans of all ages with Squishmallows' unique and lovable personalities. Squishmallows is the top-selling toy in the UK, the winner of the UK Toy Industry Award for Toy of the Year, and Circana’s Top Gaining Plush Property in Europe.

Now sold in over 55 countries, Squishmallows’ vast audience and multi-generational appeal have fuelled a milestone: over 300m plush sold YTD. On social media, Squishmallows content has officially squished through the roof, generating over 13b impressions on TikTok while @squishmallows (and related hashtags) have been tagged in more than 1m Instagram posts. Additionally, the Squishmallows social media channels have ballooned to more than 1.5m followers and over 110 global and local Facebook groups have been created by fans. In the metaverse, Squishmallows on Roblox continues to surprise and delight fans of all ages, ascending to the No. 1 toy game by concurrent players with a massive 13m registered unique users.

2024 will be a bumper year for Squishmallows at retail. Jazwares has exciting updates to the Squishmallows product and channel strategy, boosting the collectability and world expansion of the brand even further. Listening to the Squishmallows fans, who want to go on ‘The Hunt’ for more unique styles, Jazwares will offer a more extensive plush programme offering diversity across channels, powered by out-of-aisle activations across all major retailers and supported by a robust marketing campaign.

Jazwares looks forward to welcoming new licensees at BLE, sharing Squishmallows’ stratospheric results and introducing categories that will give fans new branded experiences and ensure long-term franchise success.

PMS International

01268 505 050 | jcostimouyia@pmsplc.com

(licensing partnerships) / sales@pmsplc.com (sales)

Stand C165

PMS International, a UK importer and wholesale distributor of high-quality products, is bringing its successful Elves Behavin’ Badly brand to BLE.

Since its debut in 2017, Elves Behavin' Badly has captured the hearts of parents and children, becoming a beloved Christmas tradition. With their unique combination of mischief and cheer, the elves have become synonymous with Christmas in many households and are a go-to for holiday entertainment.

Elves Behavin' Badly owes much of its success to its innovative marketing strategies. The brand has effectively utilised social media to engage and involve customers in its mischievous adventures. By creating a social media campaign that allows customers to follow the elves' journey and share their own experiences using the hashtag #Pranksmas, Elves Behavin' Badly has created an interactive and immersive experience for consumers. This approach has not only expanded the brand's visibility but also fostered a sense of community among fans.

In addition to social media engagement, collaborations with influencers, bloggers and creators have played a significant role in amplifying the brand's reach. By partnering with these individuals, Elves Behavin' Badly has been able to capture the attention of new audiences both locally and internationally. The captivating content created by these influencers generates excitement and curiosity, encouraging more individuals to join in on the festive antics.

Elves Behavin' Badly recognises the value of licensing partnerships in expanding its brand's reach and achieving new levels of success. At BLE, the brand intends to network with potential partners for collaborations and exclusive distribution deals. By establishing new licensing agreements, Elves Behavin' Badly aims to create meaningful product extensions that will cater to the interests of its fans. This strategic approach to licensing will not only enhance the brand's offerings but also solidify its position in the market.

The 2023 festive season will witness Elves Behavin' Badly's biggest consumer marketing campaign to date. With a focus on multi-channel engagement, the campaign aims to excite children and raise brand awareness among adults. YouTube advertisements, TV advertising, VOD and social media presence will bring the mischievous elves to life, delivering laughter and chaos to families everywhere. This high-impact campaign, set to commence in November, is projected to reach millions of consumers, further establishing Elves Behavin' Badly as the pinnacle of festive mischief.

Elves Behavin' Badly has undoubtedly earned its place as a favourite UK Christmas tradition. Through its mischievous escapades, this brand has brought laughter and joy to countless households. Its innovative marketing strategies, leveraging social media and collaborations with influencers, have served as the foundation of its success. As the festive season approaches, Elves Behavin' Badly is poised to introduce even more pranking and cheer through its new products, branding and licensing partnerships. Families across the country can anticipate yet another unforgettable and mischievous Christmas with Elfie and Evie.

Princess Sam Consumer Products

ltaieb@princess-sam-consumer-products.com

Stand A162

Princess Sam Consumer Products, licensor of the successful children’s animated adventure-comedy-fantasy Tara Duncan, has announced its appearance at Brand Licensing Europe.

The past year has been a busy one for Princess Sam Consumer Products (PSCP) and its parent company, the Princess Sam Entertainment Group, with the new Tara Duncan TV show - based on the multi-million-selling publishing phenomenon by Sophie Audouin-Mamikonian - already enjoying broadcast and streaming success around the world. A licensing campaign is now under way and PSCP is coming to BLE this October to build on the growing buzz around this unique property.

First published in 2003, tens of millions of Tara Duncan books have been sold worldwide. Tara Duncan is the exciting story of an ordinary girl from earth with extraordinary powers, who discovers she is heir to the throne of the Meme empire. She soon finds herself on OtherWorld, a magical planet where she makes new friends and tries to thwart the ambitions of the evil Magister, who wants to steal her magic and conquer her new home. The saga has so far filled 15 novels and been published in 27 countries and is now being enjoyed on dozens of broadcast and streaming services.

The animated 52x13’ series launched in 2022. Total sales of the first series have already exceed 80 countries. A second season, with 52 new episodes, is currently in production, with plans to produce 2x26’ special episodes. A digital ecosystem is also being developed to expand Tara’s universe and delight Tara fans, known as ‘Taraddicts’.

The animated series uses state-of-the-art 3D CGI motion capture technology. More than 170 artists have been recruited from the global feature film industry for the series and advanced innovations deliver an experience like no other: beautiful, astonishing and fantastic to behold but also exciting, engaging and very funny. Tara Duncan also boasts a diverse and engaging cast of characters, led by the brave, positive and slightly accident-prone Tara. The series lead is joined by her cast of friends - the charming Robin, the geeky Cal and the shy Sparrow - all of whom have amazing powers of their own, which they use to take on the show’s villain, Magister.

PSCP is launching its own range of figurines, play sets and dolls at retail in France from autumn this year, thanks to its French distributor WTT. More territories are to follow soon. The Tara Duncan licensing campaign has also awarded a licence in the French market to Tonies for a version of the company’s popular Toniebox musical storybox, themed around Tara Duncan. A selection of Tonies figurines of Tara and her friends will also be developed.

The Tara Duncan Tonie is coming to France, Belgium, Monaco, Luxembourg and Switzerland first, where it will appear at a wide range of retail outlets including toy shops and supermarkets from autumn of this year.

Toys and games are expected to offer strong opportunities for the brand, while other categories being targeted include Back to School, Stationery, Home Textiles, Apparel, Fashion Accessories, Beauty & Personal Care, Food & Beverage, and Gifts.

As Tara Duncan’s brand awareness grows, head of Licensing for PSCP, Laurent Taieb, is bringing more than 30 years of proven operational experience, in all aspects of consumer products and licensing, to the Tara Duncan licensing campaign. The campaign has appointed Brand-Ward Services to manage licensing for the property in the UK, while Consumer Products Connection will take responsibility for Spain and Portugal, J&M will manage the Benelux region, and Maurizio Distefano Licensing (MDL) is the agent for Italy. Most recently, International Merchandising Consultants (IMC Licensing) has been appointed to handle licensing for Tara Duncan in multiple territories across Latin America and the Caribbean.

To further promote broadcast growth, the Princess Sam Entertainment Group recently appointed major international distribution company Superights as global distributor for Tara Duncan. Superights will represent worldwide rights distribution, except in Mainland China.

These appointments continue the accelerating growth of this exciting property. The first season of Tara Duncan arrived on the Disney Channel and Gulli in France in 2022, marking the debut of Princess Sam Pictures in the world of major animation companies. The show is now a global hit and still expanding. It’s been a long journey, but two decades after OtherWorld first appeared on the printed page it is finally being seen as many readers imagined it. The quality of that vision is driving style guides and imagery that will inspire a strong licensing presence for Tara Duncan in the coming months and years, notably in toys and games.

With a strong and growing network of best-in-class licensing agents, Princess Sam Consumer Products is ready to meet growing consumer demand for licensed Tara Duncan product. The PSCP team looks forward to promoting what it calls ‘one of the world’s most popular adventure-comedy-fantasy properties’ at one of the world’s most important licensing events’, and invites visitors to Stand A162 to hear about the great opportunities offered by the property. Alternatively, contact Laurent Taieb, head of Licensing on the email above.

Stand B181

Ahead of BLE, Zag - the independent entertainment studio founded by Jeremy Zag - is gearing up to showcase its captivating IP and diverse range of strategic partnerships. Spearheaded by Julian Jacob Zag, EVP Global Operations and head of Consumer Products, Zag has signed multiple partnerships and collaborations across consumer products, promotions and gaming that invigorate the Miraculous universe, the company’s flagship brand.

Miraculous burst onto the scene in 2015 with the TV Series Miraculous - Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir. This coming-of-age story is about ordinary kids learning the importance of believing in themselves and understanding that you don’t need a superhero - or a mask - to reach your full potential and overcome fears. The show has achieved phenomenal success, spanning five seasons and broadcasting across 120 countries, capturing consistently impressive ratings. Three new seasons promise to keep the excitement alive.

Summer 2023 saw the launch of the blockbuster animated movie Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie, directed by Jeremy Zag, that unveils the origin story of the beloved superheroes. The movie originally launched theatrically in Europe in early July, and became the No. 1 movie in France, with over 1.5m tickets sold in the region. Over a million tickets also sold in Germany, and over 700,000 in Poland. On 28th July the movie launched on Netflix, becoming a top-ranked movie on the platform’s Top 10 Global Movies list in 49 countries with a No. 2 worldwide position and over 57m hours viewed as of 20th August 2023.

Coming this autumn are two Miraculous specials. Miraculous Action is produced in collaboration with The Breteau Foundation to raise awareness about the global plastic crisis, while Paris: Tales of Shadybug and Claw Noir transports audiences to an alternate universe in which Ladybug and Cat Noir assume the roles of villains.

The high-voltage collaboration with Volkswagen, which saw the electric ID family of vehicles take the spotlight in the Miraculous movie, emphasises Marinette and Adrien as modern icons embracing environmental stewardship, resonating with the younger generation's commitment to a sustainable future. The synergy with Volkswagen continues with the August launch of Marinette’s Volkswagen e-Beetle from Playmates Toys and Zag. Also new from Zag and Playmates are the Miraculous Chibi Mini Playsets inspired by the viral Miraculous Chibi Shorts on YouTube.

Two family-friendly alliances have recently been signed. The superheroes are now ambassadors for an emergency preparedness initiative in the US with FEMA's Ready Campaign and The Ad Council, and a new agreement with the European Space Agency is designed to encourage interest in space exploration. Ladybug and Cat Noir are ideal ambassadors, given the core series theme of empowerment.

Drawing on Marinette’s dream of being a fashion designer, Miraculous x Puma's second apparel and footwear launch this autumn reflects the shared values of transformation and empowerment between the brands. An apparel line has also been launched with Don't Call me Jennyfer, a French fast-fashion retailer with retail stores in 25 countries including France, Italy and Spain.

The food category underscores Zag's commitment to healthy fun, with Fresh Del Monte offering European fans a wide range of fresh and packaged fruit offerings, while Crunch Pak provides convenient, nutritious snacking choices. In the US, Kellogg's has introduced the first macaron-flavoured cereal. Global partner Playmobil launches a new toy range in 2024, Kodansha has added kid-friendly manga this summer, Hallmark is launching a line of greetings cards in 2024, a bespoke plush line just launched with LankyBox, and Miraculous bears are available from Build-A-Bear Workshop.

Fans are also interacting with the brand across gaming. Miraculous - Just Dance 2023 Edition is now available on all consoles and earlier this year, a new mobile game, Miraculous Life (available on iOS, GooglePlay and Amazon) surpassed 6m downloads with 38m minutes played in three months. A second console game is coming from GameMill Entertainment and there have been over 550m plays of the Roblox game Miraculous RP: Quests of Ladybug & Cat Noir. Additionally, the official Miraculous app has been downloaded 250m times.

As the studio achieves astounding milestones, the numbers speak for themselves. Zag has amassed over $1.5b in retail sales for Miraculous to date, with more than 280m products sold globally. The Miraculous phenomenon continues on digital platforms, garnering over 28m subscribers and 35b views on YouTube, and over 500m views on TikTok. Plus, fans can look forward to the first-ever global Miraculous Day in September 2024, with multiple partnerships and promotions already in the works.

Also in Zag’s IP line-up is the 52-episode cinematic CG-animated series Ghostforce, which is already captivating audiences on the Disney Channel in EMEA, TF1 in France, Discovery Kids in Latin America, and most recently on SBT in Brazil. A highly anticipated second season already in the works.

The consumer products programme is just starting to hot up, with the first products set for launch across Latin America just in time for Halloween. Strategic partner Novabrink is launching 18” figurines of the heroes as well as costumes, while Xalingo will debut wooden toy products and Dermiwil will have luggage, backpacks and lunch boxes. Ice cream will be available from Lolla Sorvestes and mall experiences from C+E. In Europe, magazines are available form Blue Ocean. Other licensing partners include Panini (books), Rubies (costumes), and Edel (audiobooks) in Europe.

Currently in production is Melody, an animated feature that stars the multi-Grammy Award-winning artist Katy Perry. Directed by Jeremy Zag, Melody promises to be a thrilling adventure infused with song, laughter and a heroic quest, guided by Melody's musical notes.

Retail Monster

l.dornan@retailmonster.com

Stand D200

Retail Monster is an international brand licensing agency with a core focus on retail, with offices in the UK, servicing Europe and Asia, and offices in the US overseeing North, Central and South America. Retail Monster has successfully established long term, broad relationships with the biggest retailers in the world and partnerships with best-in-class licensees in all categories globally. 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year in Licensing for the Retail Monster team, which is onboarding fresh new brands as well as new content drops, and celebrating anniversaries within its existing portfolio.

Pudgy Penguins is more than just a brand: it's a movement to spread joy and positivity. Established in 2021, what began as a digital art sensation today offers meticulously designed plushies and highend figurines that exude playfulness and innovation. Catering to both kids and adult collectors, the brand is building a browser-based platform that introduces users to the Pudgy World. Its Amazon CP launch three months ago was a resounding success, trending as the No. 1 new release across six categories and winning Toy Insider's Toy of the Summer 2023. Retail Monster is gearing up for a significant retail initiative in Q4.

On the gaming side, Apex Legends, developed by Respawn Entertainment, delivers a squad-based battle royale experience in which players select from one of 24 Legends – each with their own unique abilities and play styles – as they compete to become the last squad standing. Players can choose from unique characters like Bloodhound, the tracker, or Lifeline, a battlefield medic. Balanced squads and teamwork are critical: each Legend is easy to pick up and learn but challenging to master. Retail Monster is expanding the CP business created in Japan this year and delivering it across the European markets in 2024.

Gearbox Entertainment continues collaborating with Retail Monster International to expand its collection of apparel, toys, accessories and more, and to further establish the critically acclaimed Borderlands franchise as a staple in the gaming community. Gearbox’s longstanding community members and brand-new vault hunters alike can look forward to exciting new things coming soon.

Retail Monster has seen steady business with its lifestyle brands - Crayola, Harlem Globetrotters and Carrol Shelby Licensing - and looks forward to further developing these in 2024 with more great partner announcements. Crayola is passionate about helping parents and educators raise creatively alive children. The world’s No. 1 Arts and Crafts brand is expanding its reach into new consumer products categories, lifestyle programs, location-based events, and Crayola studios.

The Harlem Globetrotters are worldwide icons, synonymous with family entertainment and great basketball skills. The Globetrotters represent 97-plus years of breaking down barriers, acts of goodwill and a commitment to fans beyond the game, and bring their entertainment to millions of fans around the world with 400+ live events each year. As the Globetrotters start their exciting global licensing launches with key retail partners and licensees, they are looking to expand their portfolio of partners into Footwear, Accessories, Food & Beverage and additional Sporting Goods.

Carroll Shelby Licensing now has over 160 Shelby licensees worldwide. The company manufactures, markets and sells everything from the best and fastest muscle cars and trucks on the road to premium Shelby memorabilia. Licensees range from the Ford Motor Company, with its Ford Shelby GT500, to die-cast model cars from companies including Mattel, timepieces from Breitling, video games such as Microsoft’s Forza Motorsport, clothing and more. Lovely graphics have appeared on apparel this year in the UK, and more products are in development for the European market next year.

In the entertainment space, targeting kids 6-12 since its launch, Monster Loving Maniacs arrived on CBBC last year at Halloween and its audience has been growing steadily. The show features almost weekly in the linear Top 10 and reaches a very broad target audience. This is confirmed by airings in other market: in Denmark, the show is breaking all records and is consistently No. 1 in its slot. Retail Monster is actively onboarding licensees and delivering a CP programme to the UK market.

Alongside its established presence in the toy aisle, IMC Toys has developed a successful and robust licensing programme for its Cry Babies brand. This year, the UK division launched its licensing roll-out with a line-up of UK licensees including Poetic Brands, RJ Bags, Paper Projects and Kennedy Publishing. A Cry Babies Magic Tears video game from Merge Games launches in autumn, and further products across other categories are set to follow. Thanks to its continued investment in creative product innovation, combined with a 360-degree digital approach, IMC has over 100 licensees in 50 countries. The Cry Babies animated series continues to see global success, with over 6b views on YouTube/Kitoons and huge popularity on Netflix.

For further information on licensing opportunities, contact Liesa Dornan, VP International Licensing and Brand Development, on the email above.

VISIT US AT STAND A181

Feature Character Licensed Merchandise

Thriving licences

Nikko

Toys and licensing go together like turtles and pizza (or Barbie and Ken), and, year after year, suppliers continue to create compelling, engaging offerings for fans of just about everything, from gaming and pre-school animations to live-action streaming shows and Hollywood blockbusters. And the licensed sector is thriving, bucking a slight downward trend in sales across the wider toy industry and drawing kids (and kidults) into stores time and again as they hunt for high-quality products that allow them to express their love for their chosen properties in a wide range of ways. So, without further ado, please dive into our very comprehensive feature on Character Licensed Merchandise, in which we take a look at the newest toys, games and kids’ products based on some of the hottest properties around.

07966 531 577 | www.NikkoToys.com

As excitement builds in the toy aisle for next year, Nikko Toys has once again proven its commitment to innovation and exhilarating play with the reveal of its 2024 line-up. Launching exciting new SKUs across its beloved brands -Nikko RC, Road Rippers, and Machine Maker - the collection promises an exciting array of winning licences and innovative functions sure to thrill young imaginations and rev up the fun.

Nikko RC, known for its cutting-edge RC vehicles that combine sleek design with top-notch performance, marked its milestone 65th anniversary recently. The brand is celebrating in style with the launch of a new licence and nearly a dozen all-new SKUs. Starting in 2024, Nikko RC will begin shipping its new range of Toyota licensed racing vehicles. Representing cars and liveries from renowned races such as the FIA* World Rally Championship (WRC), FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), and the infamous motorsport endurance event, Dakar Rally.

Nikko Toys has been delivering innovative and exhilarating remote-controlled vehicles to enthusiasts of all ages for decades. Producing the high-quality Toyota Gazoo Racing radio control cars represents a significant milestone for Nikko Toys and reinforces its commitment to providing authentic and thrilling racing experiences. Under this partnership, and new licensing agreement with Brandand in the UK, Nikko Toys will be delivering a broad range of SKUs that replicate the innovation, action and performance of Toyota Gazoo Racing’s vehicles within its radio control car collection.

Scheduled for release in 2024, the range will capture the essence of Toyota Gazoo Racing's dominance in the motorsport world, incorporating meticulous attention to detail, superior craftsmanship, and advanced technology. From the sleek aerodynamic profiles to the signature liveries, every aspect of the vehicles will reflect the exhilarating spirit of the demanding World Championships the Toyota teams compete in. The all-new additions will span different price-points and features including waterproof cars, night racers, and semi hobby grade performance vehicles.

This licensing agreement is testament to Nikko Toys' commitment to delivering unparalleled quality, performance and authenticity in its products. By combining the expertise of Toyota Gazoo Racing and Nikko Toys, customers can look forward to an unforgettable radio control car experience that captures the essence of world class motor racing.

Just Play

www.justplayproducts.com | uksales@justplayproducts.com

Following on from previous series of the Disney Doorables, Just Play launches Series 10, a collectible line that celebrates the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company. Introducing 80 new figures representing a century of storytelling, this series will deliver even more joy, excitement and surprises for fans of the studio.

In the world of Disney Doorables, each door holds a surprise. These pocket-sized figures have amassed an army of fans that love their small 1.5” size and signature stylised detailing, including mesmerising glitter eyes. Paying tribute to a century of Disney wonders, the latest series features an assortment of 80 collectible figures. Collectors can rediscover beloved characters from Disney classics such as Robin Hood and Pocahontas, look out for special-edition metallic figures from Disney and Pixar's Wall-E, and flocked animal friends from Disney’s Oliver & Company.

Series 10 also introduces nine special-edition Disney 100 Years of Wonder figures including Snow White, Woody, Stitch, Jack Skellington, Minnie Mouse, Winnie the Pooh and Simba. However, the ultimate collector's dream awaits: the ultra-rare Disney100 Mickey Mouse figure is hidden in 100 packs worldwide, making it the most coveted Disney Doorable of all.

Behind every house-shaped capsule door lies a world of discovery. The Mini Peek pack offers an exciting surprise of two or three blind bags, while the Multi Peek pack, launching in September, can be opened to unveil five, six, or even seven figurines. Every pack also includes a convenient collector sheet, perfect for keeping track of collections and sparking the spirit of trading with friends.

Disney Doorables Series 10 has taken the world by storm, captivating fans on TikTok with unboxing videos and ASMR experiences that showcase big reveals and the characters they've collected. Whether reliving cherished memories or creating new ones, Disney Doorables provides the perfect way for kids to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

Heathside

01282 775778 | www.heathside.biz | vvsales@heathside.biz

Heathside, under its Khadou imprint, has announced a licensing agreement with CBS Paramount for the development of a South Park merchandise range, including plush toys, collectibles, minifigures and games. The partnership marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Heathside as it begins to develop a range which will excite South Park fans and offer attractive options for their retail partners.

The show's unforgettable cast of characters and sharp humour have garnered a dedicated global fanbase that has remained loyal for over two decades. Such popularity should ensure a sustained demand for South Park merchandise.

The Heathside team, comprising multiple South Park fans, says it aimed to capture a mix of nostalgia and modern appeal when creating its new line of South Park toys and collectibles. The collection offers something for fans of all ages thanks to the show’s long-standing popularity and the success of its more recent series.

Heathside has also recently concluded a licence agreement with Paramount to release board games based on the Star Trek universe under the Destination brand of board games. This global licensing agreement will see the launch of multiple games based on the different Star Trek series at elected retail partners as well as masterreplicas.com.

The Destination board game is a classic roll and move style board game originally created by British entrepreneur Rachel Lowe and featured on Dragon’s Den. Heathside partnered with Rachel Lowe previously when she launched the official Jumanji Board Game and achieved industry recognition with Game of the Year being presented by the Toy Industry Awards in 2019. Heathside will be bringing a range of Star Trek-themed versions to market, covering multiple generations of the iconic property that fans of all ages can play together and enjoy.

Curious Universe

01225 614 310 | www.curiousuniverse.co.uk | sales@curiousuniverse.co.uk

Curious Universe, already a prominent player in the arts & crafts market, has a curated portfolio spanning beloved franchises such as Paw Patrol, CoComelon, Magic Mixies, Squishmallows, My Little Pony and Play-Doh. This collection of licences has captured the hearts and imaginations of children and parents alike, making Curious Universe a driving force in the world of creative play.

Curious Universe's partnership with Paw Patrol has brought the world of Adventure Bay to life. With three exciting new products available from launch - 3D Diamond Studios, I Love Crystals and Finger Print Art - the collection allows children to enjoy a hand-on arts & crafts experience with their favourite pups.

The company’s best-selling Kaleidoscope Colouring Kit has been adapted for 2023 to enable children to experience the world of Squishmallows with on-theme activity content and puffy, tactile character stickers, all encased within a sustainable perforated card packet. The clean and modern pack design includes a die cut colouring pad plus recyclable packaging. The new range features an Environmental Logo distinctively emblazoned on each kit, so parents and gift givers can make an informed choice regarding the avoidance of single use plastic. This logo will run across many of the new Curious Universe products for 2023, in line with the company’s ongoing commitment to developing sustainable products.

Click Distribution

0330 123 2559 | click@clickdistributionuk.com

Click Distribution continues to offer some of the hottest licences around. This autumn sees the release of the highly anticipated new range of Pet Simulator toys and collectibles. The new Pet Simulator range comprises an extensive range of figures, all-new plush, advent calendars, collector bundles and more, with exclusive DLC codes offered on all SKUs. The Pet Simulator brand continues to go from strength to strength. With the imminent release of the new game on Roblox, this brand is about to go stratospheric.

Blox Fruits is currently tracking as the No.1 property on Roblox both in Player Ranks and Top Earning across the whole platform - averaging over 31m+ plays per day and over 21b visits to date. Click exclusively offers Blox Fruits mini figures and plush in the UK & Ireland, and all SKUs feature exclusive DLC codes.

Following on from the spring launch of Rainbow Friends Mini Figures and Plush, Click has introduced a new range of 5” articulated action figures based on the game’s most popular characters: Blue, Red, Green, and Happy Blue. An all-new character set, Blue – Bundle, features exclusive content, while mini figure box sets and new plush characters will be introduced later this autumn.

Click is also introducing a new Roblox property: Doors. This autumn will see the release of all-new plush and mini figures.

In the coming weeks, Click will be launching new figures and plush for the hugely anticipated Garten of BanBan. Garten of BanBan is not only tracking at an incredible rate on STEAM but has become a YouTube sensation, generating 100s of millions of views and making this line another autumn must-have.

Q4 sees the release of Poppy Playtime Chapter 3. Click is launching new action figures including fresh variations of Huggy, Bunzo, and Player. These will be accompanied by a new range of plush, mini figures, collector bundles and advent calendars.

Click’s portfolio of Panini licences continues to expand in both scale and sales. Not only has the official Premier League Adrenalyn XL collection got off to its greatest ever start, but the company will also be introducing sticker collections for licences such as Squishmallows, Wednesday, Harry Potter, Paw Patrol and more.

HTI Toys

01253 778 888 | www.htigroup.co.uk | @htigroup.co.uk

As an evergreen licence for the business, HTI Toys continues to be Peppa Pig's key partner for unique and innovative role-play toys. There are plenty of new additions to the line-up for the upcoming season, most notably Peppa’s Tablet. The Peppa Pig Themed Tablet is packed full of features, including a slider to make Peppa dance on screen along with eight buttons that play iconic sound effects from the hit TV programme. The chunky design is perfect for small hands.

HTI added Bluey to its existing licensed toy portfolio last year. Autumn/winter 2024 will see the introduction of even more innovative products to the range with the inclusion of the Bluey Driver Dashboard, which is full of interactive features that cater to kids’ interests and play patterns. Pressing the buttons triggers recognisable phrases from the show. Turning on the ignition and changing the gears produces engine sounds, and operating the steering wheel controls the direction, making the play experience more dynamic and engaging. HTI now has numerous character-inspired toys to offer as part of its Hey Duggee autumn/winter 2024 ranges. The Hey Duggee Keyboard strikes a harmonious chord between playtime and early learning, making it an ideal tool for young minds. With its five light-up keys and fun ‘woof’ mode, the keyboard engages children in a multisensory exploration of sounds and colours, enhancing their cognitive development.

Fans of Paw Patrol will adore the assortment of bubbles and role-play toys from HTI, with new additions such as the Paw Patrol Light and Sound Torch combining playfulness and practicality. The combination of character-specific sounds and colours changes simply by twisting the top of the torch, adding an immersive experience to adventures in the dark. With its dual flashing and solid light modes, this torch adapts to various situations.

The JCB toy range is consistently refreshed and updated in line with market demands and trends. The My First JCB range of toys for infants welcomes new additions such as the My First JCB Tumbling Tower. The three-storey ramp tower features a soft touch Joey JCB Tumbler that tumbles down the stylised JCB tower.

HTI is also unveiling new products from its most recent licence acquisition, Gabby's Dollhouse. This exciting collaboration promises an array of imaginative playtime experiences for children, bringing the enchanting world of Gabby's Dollhouse to life like never before.

Asmodee

01420

593 593 | www.asmodee.co.uk

The Disney Edition of Dixit is a simple, lighthearted game of storytelling, interpretation and guesswork. Players will be challenged and delighted as they reveal a series of cards featuring gorgeous Disney-themed images, and are challenged to simply find the correct image to score points. With 84 new cards based on iconic Disney and Pixar films, from Toy Story to Frozen, The Disney Edition of Dixit will captivate 3-6 players aged eight and above.

Dobble is a game of speedy observation and quick reflexes. In Dobble there is always one matching icon between any two cards. Spot it first and that player wins. The Limited Edition Disney Dobble 100th Anniversary celebrates 100 years of Disney and features a raft of fan-favourite characters from Disney and Pixar films.

Bridgerton: The High Society Game invites players to become one of the main characters from the hit series. As they attend balls to find the best match, dancing will allow romantic hopefuls to get to know several Prospects and gain their affection. However, players must be careful: a Scandal can happen easily.

Tim Burton fans can make Christmas out of mayhem in a fast-paced, simultaneous play dice game inspired by the holiday classic, The Nightmare Before Christmas. Jack’s plan to deliver toys to Christmas Town has gone haywire after his Halloween Town helpers started throwing gifts at each other instead, resulting in Merry Madness. Players must now join Jack, Sally, Zero, Mayor, and Lock, Shock & Barrel in this all-out game of frightful flinging. The first one to get the presents in Sandy Claws’ bag wins the game.

Asmodee’s new Blankety Blank games offers all the fun of the classic TV show in the comfort of players’ own homes. This game has three rounds to play. Players will enjoy filling in the blanks of witty, silly phrases and seeing if they’re able to match their answers with those of other players. This card game will take players on a nostalgia trip that will get them both thinking and laughing. At the end, the player with the highest overall score on the scoresheet wins and gets to spin the spinner to discover which prize they have won.

Catchphrase challenges players to see who can be on the buzzer first and correctly guess the new catchphrase riddles. Players keep pressing and guessing for a chance to get through to the famous pyramid game, where they can bag some Catchphrase cash and aim to be the winner.

PMI Kids’ World

www.pmi.co.il | omer@pmi.co.il

PMI Kids’ World, a leader in licensed toys, collectibles and games, is gearing up to launch the official Piñata Smashlings toy collection this October. This highly anticipated launch includes an impressive variety of licensed figures, play sets and plush based on the characters and colourful, vibrant world of the popular Piñata Smashlings game on Roblox by Toikido Entertainment.

PMI’s October launch aims to redefine playtime at the end of 2023 and into 2024, as every Piñata Smashlings product introduces a digital element to the item. Each product includes a unique QR code that offers access to exclusive in-game content, enriching the interactive experience for fans and turning the digital and physical play space into an immersive experience driven by the adventures and lore within the Piñata Smashlings IP. The toy line earned widespread attention in August when Piñata Smashlings Plushies were featured on Walmart’s 2023 Top Toys List. For autumn, Piñata Smashlings Plush Buddies and 1-Pack Blind Pod figures will introduce a Piñataverse of new toys to collect and play with.

The game itself has already attracted widespread attention. Piñata Smashlings has garnered over 1m players and an 86% Game Rating - higher than Adopt Me!, one of Roblox’s platform-leading games (83.5%) - since its successful summer 2023 launch. The game has caught the attention of popular Roblox influencers such as @iamSanna, who has a YouTube following of over 6.67m subscribers, and influencer @ SeanDoesMagic, the internet’s most-followed magician and now the official Global Brand Ambassador for Piñata Smashlings.

PMI also launched the officially licensed Pudgy Penguins toy line earlier this year. Based on the adorable, popular Pudgy Penguins Web3 brand, PMI Kids’ World merges the iconic collectability of Pudgy Penguins with the realm of tangible collecting and play. Pudgy Penguins toys are a breakthrough in Web3 and toy innovation, with both Pudgy Penguins Figures topping Amazon charts as the No. 1 hot new release and Pudgy Penguins Huggable Plush products finding their spot as Amazon’s No. 1 plush during launch. Other hot items in this product line include Pudgy Penguins Plush Buddies, Collectible Igloo blind box figurines, Positive Penguin figures and Clip-on Plush.

Also launched this year was PMI’s Sonic Prime toy line, featuring an impressive collection of figures, plush and blind boxes based on Sega’s iconic Sonic the Hedgehog and the cast of memorable characters from the Sonic Prime animated Netflix series. This toy line arrived just in time for the show’s season 2 launch on 13th July.

PMI Kids’ World is staying ahead of the curve, with IPs already set to dominate the market and a multitude of franchises already in the pipeline. As the worlds of Piñata Smashlings, Pudgy Penguins and Sonic Prime continue to grow, so will PMI’s variety of imaginative toys.

HoloToyz

01937 586 218 | www.holotoyz.com

Already established as an award winning product line in its own right, the HoloToyz Paw Patrol range includes tattoos, stickers, jigsaw puzzles, bedroom wall decals and the innovative new Holoteez T-shirts, each featuring favourite characters from the show with sound and movement effects.

The Paw Patrol Augmented Reality Tattoos and Stickers enable children to bring the pups to life by downloading the free kidSAFE App and simply sticking, scanning and watching them come to life in breathtaking animation. With 10 stickers or tattoos included in each pack, these are perfect gifts, stocking fillers or pocket money items for fans across the UK & Ireland.

Pre-schoolers can piece together their favourite pups to create scenes from the highly popular TV show. The company’s 4 AR puzzles in a box includes a 12-, 16-, 20- and 24-piece puzzle which allows children to have fun while building their concentration and creativity. Once the puzzle is complete, kids can scan the app over the puzzle and watch it come to life while playing the catchy theme tune. This SKU makes a wonderful birthday or Christmas present.

Consumers can bring a child’s wall to life in a new and exciting way with the new Paw Patrol Wall Decals. Using a phone or tablet, these life size characters appear on walls or floors in any bedroom. Character movements can be controlled with a simple swipe of the screen. Packs will include one main character – either Chase, Skye or Marshallalongside nine bonus decals that also come to life via the free app.

First to market with the new Holoteez concept, HoloToyz has developed a range of Paw Patrol licensed T-shirts. Kids can colour in their favourite pups and scan them to see them come to life on their tee in 3D animation. With accompanying Paw Patrol theme tune audio and bark sounds, the collection will launch with three character based themes. Each set includes 8-10 coloured markers and one T-shirt.

For further information regarding HoloToyz Paw Patrol range, contact distributor KAP Toys at warehouse@kaptoys.com or visit HoloToyz at New York Toy Fair, Level 1, Booth 6377, from September 30th – October 3rd 2023.

COMING SOON!

Character Licensed Merchandise

Rubies UK

08453 070 707 | www.rubiesuk.com

All3media and Rubies Masquerade UK have partnered to launch the official dressup for the BBC hit reality series, The Traitors. The iconic green cloaks worn by Traitors cast members in the show have been re-created by Rubies’ technical teams, resulting in stunning replica cloaks in two sizes which will be launched ahead of Halloween and the new TV series.

The cloaks feature the classic bottle green colour, with an oversized hood and gold foil finishing. An official Traitors logo adds a premium touch. As the trade enters peak gifting period, the refreshed, multifaceted packaging is optimised for retail display with a sleek box design and hanging feature, offering more ways to showcase the product. The box makes each cloak an ideal festive present for fans of the series.

Inspired by Netflix’s Wednesday, Rubies has a new range of costumes and accessories including Wednesday’s Rave’N dress, as seen in the dance sequence that took social media by storm, as well as the iconic school uniforms for kids and adults. Accessories include wigs and an ingeniously designed Thing shoulder sitter.

With more than 2b impressions on TikTok, Wednesday’s dance has given fans of the show a chance to try out her moves and share their versions with the world. While many fans have worked hard to recreate the look from the scene, Rubies’ take on Wednesday’s Rave’N dress will make it easy for fans to embrace their inner Wednesday this Halloween. The magnetic Thing shoulder sitter lends a creepily realistic look to Wednesday’s outfit. Once the magnetic plate is slipped under the garment being worn, kids can place Thing on top and he will remain there all day long.

Rubies’ range of M3gan costumes comprises everything needed to become the robot doll, including a swing-style tan dress with attached striped sleeves and a bow on the front. The costume is available in both children’s and adults’ sizes, so anyone can get dressed up as the horror icon. Also available from Rubies are prop weapons, wigs and tights.

Redan Publishing

01743 364 433 | www.redan.co.ukvmarketing@redan.com

Redan Publishing is the UK’s leading independent publisher of character-led children’s magazines. In addition to its popular multi-character titles: Fun To Learn Friends, Fun To Learn Favourites, Sparkle World and now Skoodle, Redan also publishes the best-selling pre-school titles Fun To Learn Peppa Pig, Fun To Learn Peppa Pig Bag-o-Fun and Fun To Learn

Hey Duggee.

This summer, new title Skoodle joined Redan’s children’s magazine portfolio in July. Skoodle is a licensed multi-character, art and design focused magazine, bursting with imaginative ideas for primary aged children who love to be creative. Readers can sketch and doodle with popular characters and properties including Barbie, Monster High, Piñata Smashlings, Rainbocorns and many more.

Sales of issue No. 1 are looking very strong, and the preliminary results of issue No. 2 are surpassing its predecessor, so Redan is pleased with the initial performance and sales trajectory. One of the main aims of the magazine is to provide different ways for children to independently explore and express their artistic abilities and encourage inventiveness and creativity. Redan is keen to hear from brands/products that share this view and want to investigate partnership and/or promotion opportunities.

Redan’s other multi-character titles: Fun To Learn Friends, Fun To Learn Favourites and Sparkle World, have seen sales uplifts over the summer. The selection of licensed characters included is crucial to how well these magazines perform and Redan monitors the popularity of all the characters included in every issue. The company is looking forward to attending BLE, hearing all about what is coming up for the brands it licences and seeing new brands for consideration within its multi-character titles – or, if they’re really special, for fully branded standalone magazines. Redan is currently gearing up for the launch of its latest standalone title, with the official Piñata Smashlings magazine arriving in spring 2024.

Cartamundi

01268 511 522 | www.cartamundi.com

In addition to Cartamundi’s existing Disney licensed games, Marvel Race Home and Disney Princess Race Home, September will see the launch of a new Bicycle Playing Cards Disney Collection. Designed to commemorate a century of magic and the wonder of play, the five decks in the new Disney Collection include Disney Mickey Mouse Inspired Black and Gold Playing Cards, Disney Princess Inspired blue/pink Playing Cards, Disney Villains inspired purple/green Playing Cards, Disney 100 Inspired Playing Cards, and Disney Classic Mickey Mouse Inspired Playing Cards.

Brainstorm

01200 445 113 | sales@brainstormltd.co.uk

The popular Head Torch range from Brainstorm includes a Nick Jr. Paw Patrol Head Torch featuring police pup Chase. Kids can press once for light and again for a fun police siren sound, while the two angle settings are handy for a range of activities: straight for outdoor adventures such as walking or camping, and tilted for catching up on Paw Patrol books and comics. Complete with an adjustable strap for children of all ages, this product will be available in Q4.

The Paw Patrol Drawing Projector helps children draw their favourite pups. The pocket-sized projector has six easy-to-change image caps featuring the popular characters, which can be traced onto paper. The images can also be projected onto the walls and ceilings of darkened rooms.

The Nick Jr. Baby Shark’s Big Show! Torch & Projector features images from the popular Nick Jr. and Milkshake series. The hand-held projector beams 24 different character-based images onto walls and ceilings and doubles as a handy torch.

Disguise

Disguise and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products have announced a collaboration inspired by DC’s hit pre-school series, Batwheels. The deal will see Disguise bring the vibrant and action-packed world of Batwheels to fans everywhere, igniting the imaginations of young super heroes with distribution plans across North America, the UK, AU/NZ and LATAM.

The new collection will include an array of kids’ costumes and wearable 3D vehicles inspired by the key characters featured in the series, currently airing on Cartoon Network. Among the lineup are characters like BAM, Batman, Batgirl and Robin, with each costume capturing the essence of their heroic personas.

Disguise also offers a beautiful line-up of Disney Princess costumes based upon beloved fan-favourite characters from Disney’s back-catalogue of properties: Ariel, Snow White, Aurora, Cinderella, Belle and Rapunzel.

Each lovingly designed costume comes with a princess tiara as standard and is made from satin and organza materials for a truly fairytale look. Character specific

Hornby 01843 233525 | sales@hornby.com

Scalextric continues to be the UK’s oldest original slot car manufacturer and remains a popular brand of choice among many households internationally due to its long-standing heritage, high-quality construction and attention to detail. Scalextric products are a fun proposition for children that also provide opportunities for multigenerational togetherness among families and racing enthusiasts.

Scalextric sets provide a great way to attract new and existing customers into the slot-car racing hobby and are also appreciated by those looking for unique and engaging gifts ideas. Scalextric is proud to offer carefully curated products available in a range of sizes and styles, and is continually adding exciting entertainment and nostalgic licences to its portfolio. The result is a wide-ranging variety of entertainment options to suit all consumer ages, budgets and racing preferences.

Two iconic Lotus Formula One cars of the 1980s go head-to-head in the fantastic new retro themed Grand Prix set. The thrilling black Lotus 98T of the world-famous Ayrton Senna takes on the breath-taking yellow Lotus 99T as they fight for position around the circuit. With turbos chattering and wastegates fluttering, these famous Grand Prix racers are sure to light up any circuit as they bring memorable eighties racing to life.

This new set contains everything needed to race Scalextric, including two Lotus F1 cars, power, over 5.3 metres of track including, a lap counter, two easy speed limiting hand controllers, and crash barriers for the ultimate slot racing experience.

The ultimate Scalextric battle comes in the form of the award-winning Back to the Future vs Knight Rider Race Set. Kids can buckle up as the iconic Michael Knight racing K.I.T.T or travel in the Back to the Future Time Machine as Doc or Marty McFly. The set combines striking retro branding with highly detailed and fully functional film-inspired vehicles and contains everything needed to race, including two cars, a powerbase, over 5.3 metres of track including a crossover and side swipe, and two speed-limiting hand controllers.

Lady Penelope’s iconic FAB 1 is now a Scalextric car complete with Parker driving and Lady Penelope in the back, giving the orders. The 6-wheel Rolls Royce features a show-accurate pink paint job and a full luxurious interior, as well as the iconic grille up front. The 1:32 scale FAB 1 is compatible with Spark Plug, the latest innovation from Scalextric which allows users to race their car using their Android or IOS smart device.

Posh Paws

01268 567 317 | www.poshpawsinternational.co.uk sales@poshpawsinternational.co.uk

Trolls Band Together will see Poppy and Branch return to cinemas on 20th October and Posh Paws is ready to party with a new range of soft toys. Styled in new outfits from the movie, the Trolls characters feature brightly coloured hair styles and are made using the softest, squishiest plush with a high level of detailing. Kids can cuddle up to Poppy, Branch and new character Viva with the new Squashy Podgies, available in 10” sizes, and adorable plush bag clips.

Based on the billion-dollar Legendary MonsterVerse movie franchise, Posh Paws has unleashed a range of Godzilla licensed plush toys across a variety of sizes. The new range includes an 8” Godzilla assortment in a CDU perfect for impulse purchases, a 10” and 17” Godzilla with roaring sound effects, and a basic 12” plush. Demand for Godzilla product will be high thanks to the release of a new and exclusive Apple TV series and two major motion pictures. Launching in November, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters hits the small screen ahead of the Godzilla One movie, which arrives in cinemas this December, and the new blockbuster sequel, Godzilla vs Kong: A New Empire, slated for release in April 2024.

Gabby’s Dollhouse plush continues to be the company’s most popular licensed product range and is tipped to be a best-seller this Christmas. New characters joining the collection include the 10” DJ Cat Nip and 10” Baby Box Cat. Both are packaged in decorative open display boxes. A new plush format for Posh Paws’ Gabby’s Dollhouse range is the 14” large Squishy Cakey Cat, made from the same super-squishy fabric as the Squashy Podgies designs. There is also a new five-piece assortment of 7” characters in a CDU that kids will love collecting. These will also be perfect stocking filler gifts in the run-up to Christmas.

The Netflix show Wednesday took both the streaming platform and the internet by storm when it was first released earlier in the year. With a second season secured and expected in late 2024, Posh Paws has it in hand (literally) with its Thing Hand and Wednesday Dolls. The dolls are available in two iconic looks from the show: Wednesday’s Nevermore Academy school uniform and the famous black prom dress.

Posh Paws has secured the distribution of some of the biggest anime licences. Demon Slayer has been one of Posh Paws top-performing anime licences since its launch last month and its Dragon Ball Z plush range has remained popular throughout the year. This autumn, Posh Paws will be releasing a bigger range of anime and manga licensed plush toys to meet the growing demand for Japanese inspired product. The new licensed plush ranges will include fan favourites Demon Slayer, One Piece, Dragon Ball Super, Jujutsu Kaisen and One Punch Man. All plush is made using 100% recycled stuffing and finished with realistic detailing.

With the 30th anniversary celebrations and activities for Jurassic Park taking place, Posh Paws’ licensed Jurassic World plush is set for a roaring Christmas. The extensive plush collection includes a variety of smaller, low price-point pick-up options such as the 7” basic plush and Dino Egg assortment. The range also comprises the 10” and extra-large 18” T-Rex and Baby Blue Raptor, the 10” Brachiosaurus and Camp Cretaceous Bumpy Ankylosaurus, and the glow-in-the-dark Squashy Podgies assortment.

Other licensed brands from Posh Paws include Swizzels Love Hearts, Rocky, Emoji, How to Train Your Dragon, Jaws, E.T, Shrek and Minions.

Creative Kids

07827 880 159 | www.creativekids.com | grant@creativekids.com

Creative Kids’ range of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles products is available now. The company reports a great response at retail thanks to the buzz about the new animated film. Featuring core branding, fans of TMNT can now get their hands on Creative Kids’ Kiddy Dough Stamp Stars set and Zzand Stretch Sand set.

Hero line Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Zzand Stretch Sand Sculpt & Mould Set includes five bags of coloured stretch sand along with two character moulds. Zzand allows children to sculpt and mould their favourite Turtle characters without the mess yet with all the ASMR enjoyment. Also available are Baby Shark and SpongeBob Zzand Sculpt & Mould Stretch Sand sets.

The Kiddy Dough Stamp Stars set features Raphael with a 2D character stamper topper and a 3oz tub of red dough. On the base of the character topper is a dough stamper featuring an iconic character pose. Other Paramount characters in the Stamp Stars assortment are available in a mixed PDQ featuring Baby, Mummy and Daddy Shark, as well as SpongeBob SquarePants.

A star item that highlights Creative Kids’ tooling capabilities, the Baby Shark Kiddy Dough Playset comes complete with a 3D moulded Baby Shark submarine that acts as a play set, dough roller and cutting tool. With more than 20 moulds to discover across the submarine, including the core characters from the show, the Kiddy Dough play set includes four tubs of colourful dough. The Baby Shark Kiddy Dough range is expanded further with the addition of a Stamp Stars 3-pack and Sculpt n’ Mould Dough Set.

For spring/summer 2024, Creative Kids will launch an extensive range of arts & crafts items to support the consumer product launch of the successful Roblox game Adopt Me! Fans can collect eggs and pets while they expand the play into Zzand, slime, Air Clay, puzzle erasers, vinyl crafts kits and mini plush stationery back packs.

The unique Zzand Adopt Me! Eggs give kids the chance to collect three different egg designs - Woodland, Ocean and Cream - as well as six pet stampers. There are also three different Zzand sand packs that complement the colours of the individual eggs and pets.

The Adopt Me! Air Clay Nursery play set is based on the popular in-game Nursery. The buildable and customisable mini room play set lets children create their own Air Clay pet which, when left to harden, can be played with in the Nursery.

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AVAILABLE FROM PEERS HARDY WITH NO MOQ AND AS LITTLE AS £150 CARRIAGE PAID MOV!

Please contact James Barrett (jbarrett@peershardy.co.uk) or your Sales Agent for more details:

NI and ROI - James McRandle jamesmcrandle@btinternet.com

Scotland - Graham Burnett burnett629@btinternet.com

North of England - Peitr Cutler peitrcutler@hotmail.co.uk

Midlands - Hannah Stanion stanionagency@hotmail.com

South East - Jean-Claude Bergot jcb@primusexport.co.uk

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Character Licensed Merchandise Jazwares

020

3598 5119 | www.jazwares.com

Squishmallows continues to capture the imagination of fans across all generations. Autumn/ winter 2023 sees over 200 new styles launch in the UK, with licensed collaboration drops from some of the hottest brands on the planet, including Pokémon, Disney, Adopt Me!, Harry Potter and Sonic the Hedgehog, driving further excitement.

Featuring CoComelon characters wearing their pyjama onesies, the CoComelon HugMees by Squishmallows is the latest addition to the Squish Squad. Also from CoComelon is the adorable Peek a Boo JJ Doll, which allows kids to play their favourite game. The doll plays a clip of the Peek a Boo song, while motorised movements and 17 sounds and phrases add to the fun. Further highlights to the CoComelon range include new style figures, vehicles, play sets and bath toys.

The Jazwares Pokémon range for autumn/winter comprises everything from figure multipacks to new seasonal and select looks for collectors. Highlights include a new Pokémon Desert Carry Case Playset, Select Evolution Multipacks, Holiday Calendars and Figure Packs containing fan-favourite characters. Upcoming plush launches include new characters within the 8”, 12”, 18” Sleeping Plush and 24” fan-favourite assortments. One of this year’s key drivers is Train and Play Deluxe Pikachu, featuring over 50 unique reactions. This battery-operated 4.5” figure includes numerous sounds, light-up cheeks and movement in its arms, ears and tail. It comes with two interactive berries that trigger specific reactions when held to its nose, and kids can touch its head or speak to it directly for more conversation. The robust line benefits from always-on marketing support encompassing TV, digital, influencer, PR and retail campaigns.

Jazwares is bringing the excitement of Adopt Me! out of the metaverse and into the physical world. Boasting 29b gameplays, Adopt Me! is the most played game on the Roblox platform. The new toy line authentically expands the Adopt Me! experience beyond digital with legendary, super rare or most-popular plush and collectible figures. The Mega Neon Feature plush, standing 12” tall with three neon light-up modes, leads the line-up. Highly desirable and sought-after pets are available as ultra-soft 15cm plush. Fans can also hatch their favourite Adopt Me! Plush characters in the Surprise Plush collectible eggs. Submerge the new Mystery Pets Eggs in water to reveal one of 24 true-to-game 5cm figures. These can be mixed and matched with figures from the Friends pack assortments and hang out in the Large Coffee Shop & Playground play set. Redeemable virtual item codes combine digital and physical play.

Introducing a new gaming brand, Dev Series is a collection of products developed in partnership with the creators of the most popular user-generated content in online gaming. Games in the portfolio include Brookhaven, Jailbreak, Arsenal Reloaded, Ninja Legends, Tower of Hell, Murder Mystery 2, Hide & Seek Extreme, Build A Boat For Treasure and more. The autumn/ winter 2023 line includes 2.75” mystery figures for Jailbreak: Hiding in Plain Sight as well as multipacks, 8” collector plush, Blind Squooshems and hangers. Exciting new games and product categories are soon to be revealed for 2024. Each figure includes an exclusive virtual item code. Spidey and His Amazing Friends’ web-slinging action has expanded into die cast vehicles with the introduction of the Amazing Metals range. This line offers deluxe sets of 2” die cast mini vehicles inspired by the hit TV series Spidey and His Amazing Friends, a track set and more. Each car features wheels, a metallic finish and a specific hero or villain from the show. The Spidey and His Amazing Metals City Track is a multi-level play set compatible with all Spidey mini vehicles. Kids can speed through three stories of ramps, doors, windows and billboards. The highly detailed Star Wars Micro Galaxy Squadron range brings scale and collectability to the Star Wars galaxy. The microscale vehicle line spans the entire Star Wars saga with multiple waves of collectible vehicles for play and display. This dynamic line delivers authentic, scaled micro vehicles with supreme detailing, playable action features and 1” articulated micro-figure accessories. The new autumn/winter AT-AT Walker 10” Assault Class Vehicle with Micro Figure Accessories includes light-up laser cannons, articulated legs and head, and authentic movie sound effects and dialogue.

Wow! Stuff

01902 390 428 | www.wowstuff.com

Wow! Stuff’s award-winning, best-selling Real FX collection of character licensed toys presents fans with innovations that bring their favourite movies and shows to life. These characters and magical accessories not only look real, but feel real and sound real too.

Fans of the Addams Family can use Real FX Thing to shoot Wednesday-inspired content featuring the famous disembodied hand. Easy to use, budding special effects artists can simply download the Android or iOS app, don the green screen glove underneath the Thing hand, and then photograph or film the wearer through the app. The glove will render the user’s arm invisible, leaving just Thing in the shot.

Jurassic fans are invited to celebrate the franchise’s 30-year anniversary with the brand-new Real FX Jurassic World Baby T. rex. This hyper-realistic, movie-scale animatronic dinosaur has more than 35 actions and sound effects to discover and comes to life via the Real FX hidden pistol grip controller mechanism built into the authentic ranger’s handling glove. This allows handlers to control the Baby T. rex, eliciting roars, chatters and growls as Baby T. rex protects its owner with lifelike lunge, battle and bite movements.

Fans of the Wizarding World are catered to with the new Real FX Spell Master Wand. Available in Harry and Hermione styles, and with three modes of play to master, the Spell Master Wand will amaze with its magical and intuitive features. Kids can practise 14 fan-favourite spells with this wand, which coaches users through the experience, using voice detection to decipher if the young witch or wizard has the magic touch.

For more information on Wow! Stuff’s extensive portfolio of licensed character brands, which also includes the connectible collectible Nano Pods and Pods 4D ranges, contact Wow! Stuff’s emma.prendaglia@wowstuff.com (UK), dawn.lavalette@wowstuff.com (EMEA) or sunny.walia@wowstuff.com (USA).

Character Licensed Merchandise

Zuru

www.zurutoys.com | sales@zuru.com

Zuru’s portfolio of licensed ranges includes some of the world’s most popular properties.

Having kick-started the mini mania collecting phenomenon with the launch of its Mini Brands line in 2020, Zuru has launched the fourth series for autumn/winter 2023 to include over 90 miniatures of globally renowned household brands. Mini Brands Series 4 demonstrates the brand’s evolution with the introduction of ultra-rare frozen moments and new Mini Minis – even smaller Minis of favourite brands packaged inside replica Fedex and UPS Boxes. Iconic brands such as Revlon, Kellogg’s and Pringles are just some of the big names featured, alongside miniature shopping accessories.

The brand’s popularity is ever-growing and currently has a rising social media presence with almost 2m followers on TikTok and 40m likes. It has been cited as being the most liked toy on TikTok, with the hashtag #minibrands seeing well over 5b views. The best-selling collectible range has dominated the miniature toys space for the past three years and is positioned as the No. 1 property in Miscellaneous Toys (YTD July 2023). A key growth property for the business, Zuru has robust plans for 2024 including a host of new partners and between 300-400 individual licences to further inject fresh energy and excitement into the line.

With innovation core to its product development, Zuru continues to develop its Mini Brands offering with sub-brand ranges including Toy Mini Brands, Foodie Mini Brands and Mini Brands Disney Store. The Foodie Mini Brands Series 2 range features new mini replicas of favourite fast-food brands including big names such as Pizza Hut, Jack in the Box and Cinnabon. With more than 95 miniatures to collect, including super rare gold and ultra-rare frozen moments, there are also scented Minis and super small snacks to unwrap, further driving the Mini Mania trend.

Coinciding with the Disney 100 celebrations taking place this year, the Disney 100 Mini Brands Limited Edition Platinum is an exciting new addition to the Mini Brands collection. Bursting with magical collectibles, this collection celebrates 100 years of wonder and boasts more than 50 platinum miniatures to collect including Rare, Iconic and Lux Minis. Including much-loved Disney brands such as Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, Mickey Mouse & Friends and Disney Princess, each capsule contains five Minis and a collector’s guide.

The Mini Brands ranges are supported by an always-on social and digital approach. Q4 alone will deliver over 220m impressions with activity running across TikTok and YouTube, alongside paid partnerships with key influencers.

Basic Fun!

01189 253 270 | www.basicfun.com

The iconic Care Bears brand has welcomed major new additions this season including Care Bears Lil’ Besties. The mini-sized Lil’ Besties have adorable expressions and fun action poses and come in a mystery box. There are 50+ figures to collect as well as Surprise Cubbies: play sets that offer a miniature themed world to play in with Lil’ Besties.

Traditional Care Bears fans have an array of limited editions to look out for. The Care Bears Glowing Bedtime Bear has rich blue velvet fur, gold star accents and a unique, glowing belly badge feature. Always Here Bear is a big-hearted blue and white bear with heart-shaped paw pads made from recycled plastic bottles, and Destiny Care Bear is bold, kind and inclusive. Destiny Care Bear’s fur is a vivid magenta, the 2023 colour of the year. Other highlights include the Dare to Care and Hopeful Heart Bear Collector’s Editions.

Basic Fun! is celebrating 40 years of My Little Pony in 2023 with a retro-inspired commemorative collection. The 40th anniversary Unicorn and Pegasus Plush assortment can be supplied in a stable style CDU. The surprise-reveal 2” collectible mini figures, with real hair tails, are based on the original 1983 characters including Spike the dragon. The Celestial Ponies have also launched for the first time in 40 years, after being teased by Hasbro but never released.

Basic Fun! is also home to Tonka toys and a fleet of vehicles is arriving this season. The Tonka Steel Classics Tractor and Farm Truck are joined by the Tonka Steel Classics Car Carrier. New role-play lines include the Tonka Tough! Toolbox Set and Toolbelt and Hard Hat.

For more information about Basic Fun UK’s portfolio of brands, contact Tim Ives by emailing Tim.Ives@basicfun.com or calling the number above.

Spin Master

01628 535 000 |

www.spinmastertoys.co.uk

Spin Master has a host of licensed toys on its roster including options from pre-school favourites Paw Patrol and Gabby’s Dollhouse, as well as popular brands for tweens and teens such as the much-loved Harry Potter brand, Wizarding World.

Fans of the top-rated Netflix series, Gabby’s Dollhouse will love being able to play inside their own dollhouse world with Spin Master’s Gabby’s Purrfect Dollhouse playset. Standing at over 61cm tall, the Dollhouse is packed full of exciting features, including a working Cat-a-vator, sounds and seven rooms across four floors for little ones to explore.

The new Gabby’s Dollhouse Cat Friend Ship from Spin Master provides adventures on the pretend seas with Gabby & Captain MerCat. There is a water-activated colour-changing pool by day and a party on the dancefloor under the light up disco ball by night. Over 18 accessories, including a smoothie bar and photo booth accessories, mean there is lots of fun to be had.

Licensed character toys from Paw Patrol will be released ahead of the launch of Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie. The Paw Patrol The Mighty Movie Themed Vehicles with lights, sounds and an exclusive translucent pup figure are perfect for re-creating favourite rescues from the movie. With six to collect, kids can experience Chase, Skye, Rubble, Rocky, Zuma and Marshall in their all new mighty movie looks.

Representing the pups brand new HQ, as seen in the movie, the Mighty Movie Aircraft Carrier HQ playset with Chase’s Cruiser included stands at 66cm tall and 35cm wide, with an epic transformation to 93cm long and 43cm wide. Pushing down on the HQ’s command centre unveils the control room and light up meteor core, to select which pup to take on imaginary missions. The Mighty Movie Aircraft Carrier HQ features both projectile and vehicle launchers for launching The Mighty Movie Themed Vehicles.

Spin Master also offers licensed toys from the Wizarding World Harry Potter brand including the Interactive Dobby The Elf Doll. This enchanting character comes to life with over 30 sounds and phrases and animated movement in his eyes, ears, head and arms. Magical Dobby also responds to touch. Users can squeeze his hand to hear phrases and present him with his favourite clothing for more reactions.

Wizards and muggles alike will love playing with the Wizarding World Micro Magical Moments Figures. These figurines are available as individual packs or multipacks and depict a scene from the first movie, the Philosopher’s Stone. Each pack contains a 3.8cm figurine and a display case for fans to safely transport their preferred character. These toys represent over 15 movie moments for Potterheads to collect from the year one series.

Peers Hardy

www.tikkers.co.uk / www.peershardy.com

pashfield@peershardy.co.uk / jbarrett@peershardy.co.uk

Peers Hardy has a wide and varied portfolio with key products from under £10 up to £39.99.

Interactive watches are available under a variety of licences, a great gift line for children at Christmas. The watches have games, a selfie photo/video camera, voice recorder and 10 different watch faces among other features. A range of Walkie Talkie watches has proved popular with a 200m range and available in four licences.

Earlier this year, the company decided to expand its clock range to include die-cast metal clocks. The company now offers licences which cater for the Kidult market with Beetlejuice, IT and Friday the 13th whilst still including the younger age range with Mario and Pokémon. These successful Ips will be joined by seven further designs launching in October featuring two retro Star Wars designs, The Nun and Nightmare Before Christmas.

Peers Hardy’s best volume line continues to be its LED watches. These are available in over 20 different licences, and 16 new designs are being launched towards the end of the year.

One of the company’s biggest successes this year has been the introduction of keychains to the accessories collection. The range features BFF keychains where best friends can keep one for each of them, mini backpacks which attach to school bags and purses to keep pocket money in. By far the most popular has been the 3D Vinyl keychains, and due to this success, Peers Hardy plans to launch a new range next year under a brandnew licence.

New products are expected to launch at Toy Fair 2024 including character licensed stationery lines, umbrellas and drinks bottles.

The top licence for Peers Hardy is currently Lilo & Stitch, and the Nightmare Before Christmas is also proving strong all year round. A number of evergreen licences includes Pokémon, Spider-Man and Minecraft. The release of the Mario and Barbie films this year has caused a surge in demand for products with these licences.

Peers Hardy can support retailers with free displays and POS. This year it has expanded its team with six new Sales agents who are able to offer 1-to-1 support across the UK, Northern Ireland and the ROI. The experienced agents are already demonstrating tremendous results, both in sales and an increase in the number of retail stockists. The company holds the European rights for Disney Jewellery and Accessories and is on the lookout for European distributors or Sales agents who can help to grow the business in Europe.

Orange Tree Toys

01242 244 500 | www.orangetreetoys.com

Orange Tree Toys holds the licences for Peter Rabbit and Paddington for Baby, with its wooden products making perfect gifts. All ranges include lowerpriced products perfect for stocking fillers, as well as those more special gifts for under the tree.

The Peter Rabbit Collection is suitable for kids from 12 months, comprising mini puzzles, push & pull toys, stacking games, musical instruments, role-play toys including a wheelbarrow with plants and veggies, a play set with all the characters from Mr McGregor’s garden, and a charming train set with everything kids need to create the world of Beatrix Potter. New for summer 2024, each of the 26 wooden alphabet letters in Orange Tree’s new set is decorated with a different Beatrix Potter character or pose. Painted in beautiful pastel colours, these letters will look perfect in any nursey or child’s room. The letters are available at an affordable price point, so are great for spelling out names, or to use as a fun way to teach kids the alphabet.

Featured on This Morning, the popular wooden Peter Rabbit advent calendar is a must-have for all Peter Rabbit fans. The calendar includes everyone’s favourite Beatrix Potter characters and all their Christmas essentials. The set can then be used all year round as a beautiful play set.

The TV Peter Rabbit range includes a variety of products such as wooden mini puzzles in Peter Rabbit, Lily Bobtail and Benjamin Bunny designs, a number puzzle, counting puzzle, skittles and a shape sorting clock. There is also a selection of games for any age of player. The memory game and Tic Tac Toe game come in canvas bags for easy storage and travel, as does the beautiful wooden set of dominoes. These products are available with an optional branded FSDU.

The Paddington for Baby collection has been given a new look with a much softer colour palette and some lovely new products. New additions include wooden Stacking Cubes, which are great for teaching kids their numbers from 1-5 as well as helping develop key motor skills. The cubes nest inside each other, making them easy to pack away and store. New musical instruments will entertain budding musicians, while the wooden puzzles are ideal for low price point purchasers.

All the licensed wooden puzzles come packaged in a beautiful canvas bag and also come with complimentary CDU for displaying multiple puzzles instore. The whole range is made from FSC-certified wood and is presented in fully recyclable packaging.

MV Sports & Leisure

01217 488 000 | www.mvsports.com | info@mvsports.com

MV Sports has an outstanding range of wheeled toys across own brand and licensed categories. Innovation in its licensed range has been influenced by embracing upcoming movie magic and the soaring popularity of beloved characters.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles range boasts bold and vibrant colours with exciting action-packed character graphics. The folding inline scooter, suitable for ages 5+, features a fully printed anti-slip grip tape, a responsive footbrake, adjustable handlebar height, and swift, secure folding for convenient storage. The 14-inch bike features detailed TMNT graphics and a distinctive star-shaped wheel inner. Designed for ages 3+, this bicycle is ideal for children who are close to mastering riding on two wheels as it includes easy to remove stabilisers. The bike's spoked wheels and pneumatic deep tread tyres ensure a robust yet comfortable ride with exceptional grip. And kids can ride in style with the TMNT safety helmet; colourful character motifs cover the outside making it the ultimate accessory. Latching onto the link between the Turtles and skateboarding, MV Sports’ themed board showcases a fully printed, vibrant deck and grip tape. The 31-inch full-size deck offers ample foot space, while the double kicktail design caters to advanced tricks.

The exhilarating new Trolls 3 range is based on the forthcoming movie and features bold, bright, and vivid colours with exciting character graphics. The range includes a folding inline scooter, 14-inch bike and helmet. The folding inline scooter complete with vibrant colours and detailed graphics helps develop core coordination and balance in style. The scooter comes ready with glitter moulded grips and wheels. A reactive rear footbrake and a fully printed anti-slip footplate provide additional safety. The 14-inch bike features detailed graphics of Poppy and Viva, and a bespoke shaped plaque. On the handlebars, there are also funky hair tassels. Suitable from 3+ years, this bike is ideal for children who are close to mastering riding on two wheels. At the heart of the Trolls 3 movie is the theme of sisterhood, with the relationship between Poppy and Viva taking centre stage. MV Sports has integrated this into its range, where the designs radiate sisterly bonds, with Poppy and Viva prominently featured. The range will be available in time for the highly anticipated movie release in November.

Disney's beloved Stitch character is experiencing a remarkable resurgence in demand, and MV Sports’ custom-designed collection is poised to harness Stitch's renewed popularity through an array of scooters, ride-ons and outdoor play products. The folding inline scooter features a fully printed anti-slip grip tape, a responsive footbrake, adjustable handlebar height and an elegantly decorated stem.

Simba Smoby

Simba’s licensed Plush range includes some of the most popular characters from across Disney’s many franchises. There are soft, cuddly versions of favourite figures from the Marvel Universe, including several renderings of the lovable Groot. Spider-Man and some of the Avengers (Iron Man, Hulk and Captain America) all can be collected as both Poseable Plush and 20cm Mini Action Plushies, with Captain Marvel also available in the latter collection. Meanwhile, the Spidey and his Amazing Friends trio can be found as 25cm plush, with cool, glow-in-the-dark eyes.

Grogu from Star Wars: The Mandalorian comes in many different shapes and styles, and a stretchy, squashy, super-cute version of Nubs, from the pre-school show Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures will delight the youngest fans. This 25cm-tall soft toy looks just like the Pooba Jedi youngling. Adorable, blue and fuzzy, he comes wearing the brown cape fans will recognise from the show.

Simba’s Disney Plush collection also features a multitude of Classic Disney characters including Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, Winnie the

The Smoby Spidey and His Amazing Friends Bricolo Workbench allows kids to build their own Spidey Crawler vehicle. Once complete, it’s ready to launch and chase after baddies. Spidey and His Amazing Friends can also be found in the Jada Toys die-cast portfolio. They can be collected as cool nano figures as a three pack. The Jada Toys portfolio is a treasure trove of licensed character brands, spanning some of the biggest franchises, including Fast & Furious, Transformers, Marvel and TMNT.

Chengzhen International

+

www.msztoys.com

sales09@caipotoys.com

Hong Kong diecast toy company, Chengzhen, has expanded its MSZ (Metal Speed Zone) 1/64 series this year, offering over 20 car models. Many of these models are supercars such as the Lamborghini Huracan STO and Ford GT. The range is set to expand when it is joined by luxury British brand Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid. These officially licensed cars feature working wheel suspension and detailed decoration, making them appeal to both children and collectors.

The 1/32 series of electric vehicles (EVs) features sound effects that imitate the distinctive sounds of electric EVs, different from the sound of petrol vehicles. Like real EVs, each car comes with a plastic accessory that simulates an electric charging station. When plugged into the toy car, a charging sound is emitted, and the headlights and taillights light up.

Joining the collection, a new Audi RS e-tron GT is ready to be launched, and the best-selling US pickup truck, Ford F-150 Lightning, will be available by the end of the year.

Chengzhen will be exhibiting at the upcoming Canton Fair Phase 3, from 31st October to 4th November, under its MSZ (Metal Speed Zone) brand. Contact Sam Chung on the details above or Peter Lewis at barter@barterhk.com for sales support.

Vivid Goliath

01483 449 944 | www.vividtoysandgames.co.uk

Vivid Goliath has a portfolio full of the hottest properties spanning all age groups, starting with toddlers who continue to be amazed by the magically mess-free colouring adventures of Color Wonder. Color Wonder products are non-toxic and won’t colour on skin, furniture or carpets. The range has seen its newest launch, Gabby’s Dollhouse, off to a great start and is enjoying stellar sales with the introduction of Barbie.

Moving into the world of Robotics and STEM, Vivid Goliath is behind the global launch of Paw Patrol Build A Bots, next level robotics for children aged four and over. With simple assembly to create the character, kids then clap their hands to bring their Paw Patrol pup to life and hear them chat. For older kids, Harry Potter brings the Collectibles aisle to life with Minifigures, now into the 9th Series and bolstered with the release of Harry Potter 4” Ooshies in Harry, Hermione, Ron and Gold Harry options.

Ryan’s World moves into Series 10 for autumn/winter 2023, allowing fans to continue collecting the latest styles of Mystery Figures, Squishy Figures and surprise Putty. Ryan’s Island Adventures range includes new Micro Mystery Figures, Mystery Tiki Egg, Mystery Pineapple Egg and Mystery Volcano Egg.

Finally, the hotly anticipated Official Board Game: The Traitors has been on shelves since September. The game allows players to fully immerse themselves in The Traitors experience from the comfort of their own home. Players must use their wits to unmask the Traitor or remain undetected whilst competing alongside Faithfuls to win the prize pot.

Pooh, Bambi, Simba, Stitch, Dumbo and The Aristocats. Simba’s Disney 100 Plush offering contains special platinum-styled plush pals.

Character Licensed Merchandise

The Carat Shop

01279 442 528 | www.thecaratshop.co.uk | info@thecaratshop.co.uk

The Carat Shop has been designing and manufacturing official Harry Potter jewellery, accessories and gifts for over a decade. Its collections have continued to grow year-onyear, turning the company’s licensed portfolio into one of the most extensive of its kind available today. Now comprising over 500 SKUs featuring famous, much-loved symbols and themes from the Wizarding World, The Carat Shop is always keen to show new and existing stockists alike the potential offered by its magical collections.

The range comprises a huge variety of products including charms, bracelets, pin badges, keyrings, stationery and hair accessories in fan-favourite designs such as the Time Turner, Golden Snitch, Platform 9 ¾ and the Deathly Hallows.

Drawing on these best-selling designs and more, a new collection of Christmas Tree Decorations perfect for stockists of official Harry Potter merchandise arrives in time for Christmas. Featuring an accurate and detailed 3D design with a branded ribbon for hanging, these decorations are an ideal Christmas tree embellishment for fans of the Wizarding World.

The Carat Shop’s seasonal collections have grown in popularity over the past four years, becoming a staple of the company’s festive sales. With thousands of units of its best-selling gift baubles sold year-on-year, the company is launching another seven new designs for 2023. Included in the latest array of bauble are elements from the iconic Chocolate Frog, SpectreSpecs and Marauders Map, alongside further Christmas themed designs. Every beautiful bauble contains a popular Official Harry Potter product, ready to surprise and delight the recipient of this unique gift.

This year welcomes arguably The Carat Shop’s most exciting advent calendar to date. Painstakingly designed to resemble a potion cabinet, the calendar can be secured with a golden padlock and flying key necklace, both of which can be found within. The calendar has 24 individually designed boxes, vials and test tubes for Harry Potter fans to explore, each with a hidden Wizarding World product inside. This level of detail, surprise reveal excitement and keepsake accessories makes this an unforgettable way to create an enchanting lead up to Christmas for any Harry Potter fan. Available to pre-order now, The Carat Shop expects the Harry Potter calendar to be a sell-out item and a must-have for stockists looking to take their magical collections to the next level.

The Carat Shop continually strives to create and launch new and exciting jewellery, accessories and gifts to market, with the aim of captivating the imagination of fans globally. The company has various POS and display stand options available, suitable for any retailer looking to kickstart their Harry Potter range.

Readers are invited to email or call using the contact details provided above to find out more information. The Carat Shop’s team will be happy to discuss the range and pricing with interested parties.

Learning Resources

01553 762 276 | www.learningresources.co.uk | sales@learning-resources.co.uk

Educational toys company Learning Resources brings the magic of Numberland to life with a range of innovative Numberblocks toys and games based on the hit CBeebies TV series. This award-winning edutainment series enjoys a high level of brand awareness in the UK, with ongoing growth in key external markets.

Under the global master toy licence, Learning Resources brings the concepts and learning fun from the episodes to life with appealing toy lines across key retail categories including activity sets, puzzles and games, figures, play sets and plush, as well as play-based teaching resources developed specifically for the education market.

Since the launch of the first two products, the now best-selling and multi award-winning MathLink Cubes and Numberblocks Activity Sets, the company has grown its offering with toys and games that are fun and engaging and which incorporate the maths principles and learning from the series.

The new Numberblocks Step Squad Mission Headquarters is filled with features that make it a unique toy in this category. It also includes plenty of fun accessories and a Numberblock Three figure. Children can incorporate the popular Numberblocks Friends One to Five and Six to Ten figure sets launched earlier this year, which broadens the play potential offered by this new set. Learning Resources sales figures have already shown how popular the figures sets are with the Numberblocks audience, and it expects the play set to be a sought-after choice this Christmas.

Another key Christmas launch is the new Sing-Along Numberblock Five. Children will instantly recognise Five from the TV series: she’s the lead singer in the Numberblocks band. When children press the five-pointed star on her high five counting hand, they can watch her fingers light up and glow as she counts up to five. She also shares 12 songs and phrases including the Numberblocks theme song.

Joining Five as a sought-after Numberblocks gift this Christmas is the new Numberblocks Race to Pattern Palace board game. Inspired by one of the series’ most popular episodes, the game helps children build maths and problem-solving skills through gameplay.

Numberblocks is a key brand for Learning Resources, which continuously invests in growing brand awareness through an ongoing marketing campaign incorporating digital advertising, social media content and influencer collaborations, PR, email marketing and print advertising in key children’s magazines.

To help its trade customers market Numberblocks on their e-commerce sites, Learning Resources offers a full range of official digital assets which can be accessed via the Marketing Resource Centre online portal. In-store, Learning Resources also offers eye-catching point-ofsale materials that create instant shelf-appeal among shoppers. Readers are invited to contact UK sales manager Chris Beardmore to learn more.

Pat Avenue

01604

678 780 | www.patavenue.co.uk | enquiries@patavenue.co.uk

Exclusively distributed by Pat Avenue in the UK and Ireland, Hama is the original arts and crafts bead brand that also offers a growing collection of character licensed lines to choose from.

Pre-schoolers are well catered for with the Peppa Pig and Paw Patrol Hama Maxi Sets, which come with 900 Hama Maxi beads. Hama Maxi beads are the ideal size for smaller hands, with each bead measuring 10mm. Perfect for tuning little ones’ fine motor skills, logical skills and stimulating creativity, these sets are also ideal for taking on trips away, thanks to the handy storage tub.

For a next level creative challenge, the Peppa Pig and Paw Patrol Hama Midi Sets come with Hama Midi Beads measuring 5mm diameter. Peppa Pig and Paw Patrol Hanging Box packs each come with 2,000 beads, a large, square pegboard, design sheet and ironing paper – everything needed to create long lasting character designs. Peppa Pig and Paw Patrol fans can create even more detailed designs, with the 4,000-bead Large Sets.

For older children, the Frozen and Disney Princess Hama Midi Sets come with a 2,000-bead Frozen Hanging Box pack. Kids will be able to “Build a Snowman” all year round, with Olaf, Elsa and Anna design sheets to replicate, plus the gems included give the designs an extra special finish. The 6,000-bead Giant Frozen Set creates a fabulous 3D design. Disney Princess fans will enjoy creating Ariel, Cinderella and Princess Jasmine with the Hanging Box set, as well as two beautiful, gem-embellished designs featuring Cinderella and The Little Mermaid.

Hasbro

0208 569 1234 | www.hasbro.co.uk

Following Peppa’s ocean voyage episodes, a combined 20-minute Peppa Pig Cruise Special which aired in the UK earlier this year, Hasbro has announced the launch of an entertainment-inspired toy set, Peppa’s Cruise Ship. The set will bring the cruise ship to life with an all-inclusive three-level boat experience. Whether manning the ship as the captain on the main deck, sliding into the ball pit, driving the dinghy boat out for a quick trip or eating in a jungle-themed dining room, this toy is sure to spark imaginations. Peppa’s Cruise Ship features 13 accessories and three-character figures, inspiring children’s storytelling.

Also available this autumn/winter is Peppa's Waterpark Playset. Children can imagine a day at the waterpark with their favourite Peppa Pig characters. Features include a whale-shaped lift up to the second floor, a slide and a flamingo floatie. The playability is endless, offering fans the opportunity to take their favourite characters for a dip in the pool, pretend to dry off with the wearable towel accessories or grab a sundae at the snack bar. The included George and Peppa figures are wearing bathing suits so children can recreate scenes from the programme or imagine adventures of their own. These Peppa toys are suitable for three years plus, and make a great gift for children who love the show.

The Lego Group

01753

495 000 | www.lego.com

The Lego Group, in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products, has unveiled the Lego Harry Potter Gringotts Wizarding Bank set.

The 4,803-piece set features a highly detailed representation of the bank from the film series and includes the exterior, main banking hall and the underground vault, complete with mine-cart rollercoaster. In addition, the set includes 13 minifigures based on characters from the movies, including Harry Potter, Rubeus Hagrid, Dragomir Despard, Ron Weasley, Bellatrix Lestrange, Hermione Granger, Griphook, Bogrod, Ricbert, a Death Eater, two goblin bankers and two guards.

The set also includes the Ukranian Ironbelly Dragon which can be placed on top of the building to mirror the iconic scene from the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows movie. The new set is also compatible with the Lego Harry Potter Diagon Alley set.

The Lego Group has also revealed its new Icons Chevrolet Corvette set for the 70th anniversary of the Corvette production. The release celebrates the longest running car nameplate on the market.

Created for adults, the bright red 1210-piece set can be built as a convertible or with a hardtop roof. The set features plenty of details modelled on the first generation vehicle, including the iconic headlight split, the curves on the car, the engine details and the badge on the front.

Rainbow Designs

01329 227 300

www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk

Rainbow’s Bedtime Cuddles and Stories collection brings beloved storybook characters to life in classic yet contemporary soft toys, coupled with character storybooks to help establish good sleep habits. Ranges include Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit, Disney’s Winnie the Pooh, Paddington Bear, Guess How Much I Love You, Elmer, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, along with new additions for 2023, Maisy and Giraffes Can’t Dance.

Paddington is adored by the nation, and the love for this bear spans all generations, which are catered for by Rainbow’s Paddington for Baby, The Adventures of Paddington and Classic Paddington collections. Rainbow has a Paddington for everyone.

This autumn, exciting new additions to best-selling The Adventures of Paddington pre-school toy range include the Paddington Dress Me Soft Toy, which comes with interchangeable outfits so kids can dress Paddington up as a doctor, baker or magician. This fun-packed toy range will also see the arrival of the awardwinning Adventures of Paddington Tea Set, which includes a cuddly Paddington Bear Soft Toy and 10-piece tea set. The Paddington Bus and Bessie Campervan play sets will be joined later this year by the new Paddington Motorcycle and Side Car.

Rainbow Designs’ best-selling Peter Rabbit Once Upon A Time and deluxe Peter Rabbit Signature collections feature Beatrix Potter’s mischievous bunny, Peter, and his sister, Flopsy Bunny. The collections include My First Cuddly Toys and plush nursery essentials, as well as a Once Upon a Time Wooden Toy range that features a Peter Rabbit and Flopsy Bunny Pull Along, a Shape Puzzle and a 28-piece Domino Set.

Rainbow’s extensive Disney Winnie the Pooh collections include the whimsical Hundred Acre Wood range, featuring the much-loved Pooh Bear and his adorable friends in an array of plush toys, comforters and ring rattles. Also available are the best-selling 25cm Cuddly Toys of Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger and Piglet.

Another classic character joining the Rainbow family this autumn is Bagpuss, with the soft and snuggly Bagpuss Yawning Soft Toy with sounds. The instantly recognisable saggy cloth cat, who celebrates his 50th anniversary next year, is a memorable part of the childhood of both parents and grandparents and will make a wonderful present this gifting season.

A festive must-have for any Christmas display is Rainbow Designs’ range of Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman and The Snowdog soft toys. The Snowman Musical Soft Toy, which plays ‘We’re Walking in the Air’, will be launching alongside the Snowman and Snowdog bean toys. All make beautiful Christmas gifts and there are free standees available for retailers too.

Funko

020 3376 3223 | www.funko.com

Funko’s combination of the newest and hottest licences, along with classics that stir nostalgia, allows for a catalogue which consistently delivers something for everyone. Across its range of world-famous Pop! (including the newly released miniature collectibles Bitty Pop!, plush toys, keychains and games) and throughout its fashion accessory brand, Loungefly, Funko has delivered on the promise of having the widest portfolio of licences in Funko's collaborations with the world’s top entertainment licensors such as Disney, Warner Bros. Paramount, Universal NBC, Netflix, Pokémon and Toei, to name just a few, has enabled the company to not only breathe new life into classic characters but also provide fans with unexpected, delightful twists that reignite their passion.

Loungefly, the premium fashion accessories line has this year enjoyed a hugely successful collaboration with food heavyweight, McDonald’s. The Funko x McDonald’s French Fries Crossbody bag, as well as bags based on the McDonald’s characters have been a huge hit with fans the world over.

Bitty Pop!, the miniature version of the world-famous Pop! category launched this summer with four licences including Disney, Harry Potter, Star Wars and DC, giving Funko fans even more character licensed merchandise to collect. From Harry Potter to Mickey Mouse, and with even more SKUs coming soon, the character licensed merchandise route is a continued driving force for Funko.

Beyond the products themselves, Funko's engagement with fan communities is a testament to its commitment and understanding of the fan-first business the company is operating. From a lively presence at conventions to active participation in online discussions, Funko creates an atmosphere of camaraderie that bridges the gap between the company and its dedicated followers. By providing exclusive releases and sneak peeks, it fuels anticipation and excitement, turning the hunt for a rare Funko licensed character figure into a shared adventure.

For meetings with the Funko Licensing team at BLE and beyond, contact Daniella Faulkner at daniella.faulkner@funko.com

A DIGITAL EXPERIENCE INCLUDED.

DKB Toys & Distribution 07813 725 480 | www.dkbtoys.com

Following on from the partnership that brought a range of best-selling Star Wars and Pokémon appliances to the UK market, Uncanny Brands and DKB Toys are back to debut exclusive Harry Potter and DC Comics appliances. These highly anticipated collections offer fans of all ages the chance to immerse themselves in their favourite universes like never before.

The Harry Potter round waffle makers are available in two versions: one showcases the Gryffindor house crest from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the other the Slytherin crest. Both mini waffle makers mould their specific house crest into the waffle as it cooks.

Harry Potter new licensed products include a single sandwich maker, a standard waffle maker and an elite toaster. Each appliance adorns the toast, sandwich or snack with Harry’s iconic glasses and thunderbolt. The same image appears in full color on the outside of the sandwich and waffle makers, while the toaster features Harry’s distinctive monogram.

The DC Comic collection has appliances featuring the enigmatic Dark Knight and his perennial adversary, The Joker. Fans can begin their morning with the Bat-Signal emblazoned on their breakfast, or align themselves with the Clown Prince of Crime by adorning their waffles or toast with the Joker's unhinged smile.

After a great start last year with the Monogram Collectibles range, DKB Toys is expanding the line-up with new Money Banks and blind bags. Monogram Collectibles are ultra cute and on-trend chibi renditions of characters from across pop culture. The range features adorable renderings of popular characters from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars and Anime properties. Each one has been made with fantastic attention to detail that makes them instantly identifiable and helps them stand out on-shelf.

with wave two arriving in early Q4. Each pack includes a random rare collector’s item.

All new DKB lines will be supported with marketing in the form of social media teases, interactive flip books and email blasts, keeping consumers and retailers updated and excited about the new lines.

Craft Buddy

0203 417 6565 | www.craftbuddyltd.co.uk

trade@craftbuddyltd.co.uk

Craft Buddy, the company behind the hugely popular diamond-painting brand Crystal Art, continues to go from strength to strength as the popular pastime turns from a creative hobby into a hot craze successfully blurring the lines between collectibles, creative play and crafting.

Celebrating the centennial anniversary of the company’s founding is the Disney D100 Crystal Art Sticker Album and Stickers. Fans can collect more than 100 Crystal Art stickers featuring their favourite Disney characters including Mickey, The Lion King, Snow White and Toy Story. The Crystal Art D100 starter pack includes a sticker album, two sticker packs (with three stickers in each) and a crystal art tool set. The sticker packs contain three stickers and all the crystals needed to complete them. Disney fans can collect the full set and add them to the sticker album once they have been completed. The Starter Set and sticker pack are available now at pocket-money price points.

This launch will be closely followed by the exciting new range of Crystal Art Buddies Series 2. These craft kits enable anyone to make their own sparkly, collectible Crystal Art wooden figurines using the Crystal Art technique. Making a Crystal Art Buddy takes between 20-30 minutes and the activity is suitable for ages six and up. Autumn 2023 sees the launch of series 2 with over 30 new characters including Disney, Star Wars, Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy, Marvel Spiderman, Paddington Bear and Peter Rabbit. Buddies is an ideal entry point to the craft as each one takes only 20-30 minutes to make, and the kits contain all the tools, crystals and instructions needed to complete the project. Each Buddy is approximately 11cm in size and comes with a laser-grade plywood base.

Both the Disney D100 Crystal Art Sticker Album and Stickers and Crystal Art Buddies Series 2 will be supported by heavyweight Google advertising as well as across Facebook and other social media platforms. In addition, both launches will be supported by influencer campaigns running throughout September and October.

Crystal Art Buddies Kits go super-sized in 2023 with Buddies XL launching this autumn. These larger scale Buddies Kits stand between 20-25cm depending on the character and include Stitch and Angel.

Sparkle Scenes enable crafters to create their own beautiful Crystal Art scenes featuring Belle, Jasmine and Ariel in a 3D display including multiple scenes, freestanding base, bags of crystals, pick up pen and tray. Craft Buddy’s sparkly, lockable Crystal Art Secret Diary contains 48 lined pages and come in Angel and Stitch, Encanto, Belle and Rapunzel characters.

This year Craft Buddy has also released a new collection of Paddington items including Crystal Art Stickers, Cards, 30cm x 30cm Canvas Pictures, Notebooks and a buildable London scene featuring a Crystal Art Tower Bridge, red London bus and, of course, Paddington himself.

A particular highlight of the new product range is the Disney’s Lilo & Stitch Money Banks, one in the form of Angel and the other shaped like Stitch, plus two waves of blind bag collectibles. There are 11 different bag clips to find, each contained in mystery blind bags displayed within a CDU. Wave one has already arrived,

Character Licensed Merchandise Bandai

UK

020 8324 6160 | www.bandai.co.uk | sales@bandai.co.uk

Following the success of this summer’s hit Netflix feature film, Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie, Bandai’s collection of movie-inspired dolls and playsets reflects key scenes and characters as seen on screen. The hero SKU is the replica officially licensed Miraculous Volkswagen e-Beetle with Fashion Doll. Having made its global debut in the film, the car comes complete with interactive features and an exclusive Ladybug Fashion Doll with space for her Kwami friends.

Bandai’s own IPs are equally core to the business, and the Tamagotchi Nano series combines the world’s first virtual pet with some of the most popular licensed entertainment brands. The Nanos feature the nurturing and gaming elements of the original Tamagotchi but are smaller in size and incorporate character-based ‘pets’, alongside exclusive themed games and animated clips. Latest licensed Tamagotchi Nano ranges include the newly launched Japanese anime hits, Spy Family, Tokyo Revengers and One Piece. No 1 Sega Game property, Sonic the Hedgehog, and the Netflix TV Series, Sonic Prime, are the inspiration for Bandai’s Sonic Prime range of collectibles, action figures, plush and keychains. Hero lines include the entry-priced blind-bagged 6.5cm collectible figures and blind-boxed 7.5cm articulated figures. Figure multipacks of the 7.5cm action figures extend the line to span varying price points, while Sonic Prime figural keychains and Clip On Plush expand the impulse purchase possibilities.

Minix collectible miniatures present true-to-life, 12cm tall, vinyl character figures from some of the most current and popular entertainment titles and sports IPs. The latest collection includes fan-favourite characters from Netflix series Wednesday, Stranger Things and One Piece alongside Naruto Shippuden, Breaking Bad and Cobra Kai. The Premier League range continues to grow with notable players from the most competitive football league on earth. Displayed in collector-friendly window box packaging, each box is numbered to enhance the collectible experience and appeals to both a mainstream and specialist demographic of all ages.

Chibi Masters comprises an ever-expanding range of unique and highly collectible figures from some of the world’s largest Anime licences. Bridging both the toy and collector markets, the brand is enjoying considerable growth thanks in part to the boom in popularity of Anime in the UK, and its sub-£10 SRP entry-level price point. Standing at 8cm tall, each non-articulated figure is expertly crafted and intricately detailed, stands on a custom display base and comes in window-box packaging. Collections are currently available for DragonBall Super, Demon Slayer, Naruto Shippuden, JuJutsu Kaisen and My Hero Academia. A Harry Potter series is also available and includes four key characters to collect – Harry, Ron, Hermione and Severus Snape.

Bandai UK’s current licensed portfolio also includes cross-category collections for Dragon Ball, Milo, Crash Bandicoot, plus National Geographic hands-on experimental kits, and Anime Heroes, Chibi Masters, Minix, McFarlane and DZMR collector ranges.

Character Options

0161 633 9800 | www.character-online.com |

sales@charactergroup.plc.uk

TMNT is back both on the big screen and in the toy aisle. Brought to the UK & Ireland by Character, the epic Playmates Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem Master Toy line comprises action figures, vehicles and role-play toys – all inspired by Seth Rogen’s movie vision and the teenage heroes depicted in the film. At over 25-inches tall and featuring 20+ fun features, as well as multiple levels of play, the Mutant Mayhem Sewer Lair Playset is an impressive hero line and comes packed with more than 20 features. The Pizzafire Van is also proving popular, with its built-in pizza launcher. In action figures, there are three sets of scaled figures to collect, including the Deluxe Ninja Shouts Action Figures, with springloaded arms and legs and electronic phrasing voiced by the movie talent – perfect for re-enacting key movie scenes.

The new IP Piñata Smashlings Roblox game has been making waves all over the world, and now the Piñataverse - home to wise Piñatas, scheming Meañatas, bitter Bashlings and cheeky Smashlings – is coming to life. Kids can go on numerous magical adventures with the Piñata Smashlings Toy Range as there are so many Piñataverse characters to discover.

Children can collect them as Blind Pod Figure Packs, Blind Box Plushies, Plush Buddies and Articulated Figures, using them to re-enact their favourite gameplays. Whilst the plushie pals are ideal for cuddling, the Blind Pod figures are perfect for taking play to the next level, with the epic Piñata Treehouse. This cool playset features a gem cave and hidden doors and has secrets to discover. Each item in the range comes with a redeemable digital code for the Piñata Smashlings Roblox Game.

Character Options’ Heroes of Goo Jit Zu brand provides stretchy reimaginings of the best-loved characters from the worlds of Marvel, DC, Jurassic World, Minions, Sonic the Hedgehog and more. With the latest Marvel and DC Goo Shifters, each Hero undergoes a goo-shift transformation when its inner orb is crushed.

Finally, kids can unleash the power of all-new Flying Heroes, with Sonic and Tails, Batman, Flash, Optimus Prime and Jurassic Dimorphadon to choose from. Kids pull the rip cord handle from the base of the launcher to see the character’s wings extend and take flight; the harder the cord is pulled, the faster they will spin and the higher they will fly.

Character Licensed Merchandise

United Wheels UK

salesuk@huffy.com |

01525 664 041 | www.huffy.co.uk

United Wheels UK offers several licensed Huffy bikes, featuring a host of Disney, Marvel and Lucasfilm characters. The collection covers all properties and wheel sizes, ranging from balance bikes and 16”-wheel bikes to scooters and battery powered ride-on toys. Available character designs include family favourites from Disney Princess, Frozen, Spider-Man, Cars, Lightyear, Star Wars and Minnie Mouse.

One of 2023’s biggest sellers has been the Huffy Spider-man 12″ Bike, a first-ride bike suitable for children aged three years and over and for use with or without stabilisers. The bike is made with an easy stepover frame and a comfy, child-specific padded seat. The handlebar also boasts a unique spider web design to complement the theme of the bike, while front and rear calliper brakes and 16-spoke alloy wheels allow for a safe and smooth ride. The bike is lightweight, making it easy for parents to carry when out and about. Huffy 12” Bikes are also available in Disney Princess, Frozen, Avengers, Star Wars Mandalorian, Cars, Lightyear and Minnie Mouse options.

Pre-schoolers have been enjoying the three-wheeled Huffy Frozen 6V Electric Ride On Bubble Scooter, which makes bubbles as the child rides. With each battery charge providing 40 minutes of fun, it has been a huge success and has been a key driver for Huffy’s new in-store partnership within Halfords. The bubble scooter is also available in Disney Princess, Cars and Spider-man designs.

The Huffy Disney Princess Royal Horse and Carriage Electric Ride On features a simple foot pedal, in-carriage steering wheel and forward/reverse controls. The pink design features images of Disney Princesses - Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Rapunzel, Snow White and Tiana - and, when pressed, the heart-shaped button on the steering wheel plays phrases from three of the Princesses. The horse has a brushable mane and tail for styling. It also features a handy cupholder and a glovebox with room for toys and royal accessories.

Disney’s Lightning McQueen Electric Ride on features flashing lightning bolts, working headlights and realistic car sounds.

ToyTopic

Sales@toytopicgroup.com

ToyTopic’s multi-territory licence agreement with Hasbro has proven to be highly successful, with best-selling Peppa Pig puppets already in the marketplace. The partnership is expanding to include new licensed toys based on a selection of Hasbro’s top brands, including My Little Pony and Transformers. A variety of puppets, cushions, pillows, blankets and cubes will be available, each with different SKUs available across the brands.

ToyTopic’s relationship with Paramount has led to the production of branded products featuring Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, SpongeBob SquarePants and Paw Patrol. This range includes a selection of pillows, blankets, cushions and cubes.

An adorable new seasonal Paw Patrol plush range, featuring Christmasthemed puppies, will be launched for autumn/winter. Following that, a collection of Paw Patrol plush toys with Easter, Halloween and Valentine’s Day themes will be introduced in 2024. These will be available in small, medium, large and pocket money sizes.

Peter Rabbit will also be joining ToyTopic’s portfolio of high-profile brands, introducing new hand puppets in 2024.

To meet the demand for Pinkfong Baby Shark product, ToyTopic offers a portfolio of plush, pre-school, learning and bath toys from WowWee. Pinkfong Baby Shark’s video holds the record as the first video to ever reach +10b views on YouTube and continues to maintain its position as the No. 1 mostwatched video. Additionally, the Baby Shark Big Show Movie is set to premiere at the end of 2023.

In line with its commitment to environmentally friendly and sustainable production, all proprietary plush toys from ToyTopic are now available as 100% recycled options.

Readers can stay updated with news and the latest releases by following ToyTopic on Instagram (@toytopicuk).

Hunter Price International

0161 653 1306 | www.hunterprice.co.uk

home@hunterprice.co.uk

Hunter Price has announced a collaboration with Barbie, the original girl empowerment brand. The consumer product experts’ Home & Lifestyle division will create fashion fun for everyone, through its hero product categories, including hair accessories, home & gifting and reusable bags.

The business has carved out a clear strategy for these categories in recent years, signing global brands as well as developing its own brand propositions. Hunter Price is becoming a prime destination for licensors and retailers looking for ranges which truly engage and connect with consumers. Hunter Price prides itself on creating products with personality. The team says that, with this latest announcement, there’s no bigger personality than Barbie.

Hunter Price’s hair accessories category has experienced huge growth over the past two years, and with such a strong synergy with the Barbie brand, it’s been natural and credible partnership for the two to align. The debut Barbie collections from Hunter Price will arrive on the high street from this summer this year.

Crayola ImagiPals, another recent licensed product launch, inspire children’s imagination and creativity as they use the erasers to tell stories, act out scenes and create unique little worlds. The debut collection, Animal Kingdom, includes six mystery animal characters from around the world: a lion, penguin, fox, elephant, koala and panda. Each comes in a reusable surprise ball with contents themed to that animal’s habitat.

Inside each ball is an animal character, a mini colouring page, Crayola crayons and stickers. Using the stickers, children can transform the ball into the ImagiPals character’s home while the colouring page depicts the animal’s environment. When children collect and complete the entire set, the colouring pages and character homes form a colourful animal kingdom.

Crayola ImagiPals will be fully supported with a marketing communications campaign through public relations, social and creative content, to bring the ImagiPals story to life at retail and for consumers.

Golden Bear Toys

01952 608 308 | www.goldenbeartoys.com

customerservices@goldenbeartoys.co.uk

Extending its long-term partnership with the BBC, Golden Bear’s Hey Duggee range for autumn/winter 2023 delivers appeal and choice while tapping into the learning benefits, adventurous nature and quirky humour of the CBeebies show.

Wearing his stripey pyjamas, Sleepy Time Duggee features the iconic bedtime song from the show. snuggly, the soothing music and soft glowing lights aid relaxation, making this toy perfect for quiet time, nap time, or calm and cuddle time. Parental controls include volume control and an on/off switch.

Highlighting the success of its long-standing partnership with Acamar, Golden Bear has sold more than 3m Bing units since its initial range launched in 2019. Bing continues to bring international success for Golden Bear. Concluding the company’s two-year staged plan to convert its entire plush range to 100% recycled fabric by the end of 2023, all plush Bing lines are now fully sustainable.

For autumn/winter, Golden Bear is introducing Peek-a-boo Bing, a cuddly interactive plush that talk and moves his ears as he plays Peek-a-Boo. Bing Lights and Sounds Fire Engine will encourage kids to role-play The Fire Engine Episode, which has racked up 1.2m views on YouTube. Walking Bing, a walking and talking plush inspired by Bing’s outdoor adventures, will help kids with their cognitive and social skills as they learn to explore nature together.

16 years since In the Night Garden first aired, Golden Bear offers a refresh of its In The Night Garden Talking Soft Toys for 2023, now with enhanced colourways, new textures and luxurious fabrics. Available in three characters, Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy and Makka Pakka, Soft Toy plays the In The Night Garden theme tune and its own recognisable character sounds from the show. Soft, tactile fabrics and print detailing help stimulate children’s senses through touch and sight.

All Golden Bear autumn/winter plush are made from 100% recycled fabric and material, part of the company’s two-year sustainability plan to switch its entire plush offering, including packaging, to recycled material by the end of 2023.

Other ranges within Golden Bear’s licensed portfolio include Sooty, The Baby Club, Love Monster, Twirlywoos and Waffle the Wonder Dog. Golden Bear continues to invest in all its licensed ranges while identifying new opportunities as the business grows.

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