By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief US toy and entertainment company Hasbro announced Jan. 26 that it would be restructuring, laying off 15% of its workforce. The news rocked Wall Street analysts, as Hasbro shares dropped sharply in overnight trading after the late day announcement Thursday, and continued its fall on Friday. Hasbro primarily blamed the decline in … [Read more...] about Toy Industry Shocker: Hasbro to Lay Off 1,000 Employees
Archive
Sesame Workshop and Amazon Work to Support Military Families
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Sesame Workshop and the US Department of Defense are launching new digital resources for the Sesame Street for Military Families initiative. The new resources have been made possible with the support of Amazon Web Services. The licensed digital content features Sesame Street characters as they highlight self-care strategies for … [Read more...] about Sesame Workshop and Amazon Work to Support Military Families
King Features Scores With PUCK HCKY Popeye Apparel Partnership
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter King Features Syndicate and PUCK HCKY have entered a licensing partnership for a collection of hockey-themed Popeye apparel. The Popeye entertainment franchise is owned by the international production and distribution company, King Features. A division of Hearst Newspapers, King Features Syndicate specializes in content syndication, … [Read more...] about King Features Scores With PUCK HCKY Popeye Apparel Partnership
Classic Game GoldenEye 007 Returns on Nintendo Switch and Xbox
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter MGM and EON Productions are partnering to bring the classic video game GoldenEye 007 to the Nintendo Switch and Microsoft Xbox platforms. Originally released in 1997 on the Nintendo 64 system, GoldenEye 007 is based on the 1995 James Bond film of the same name. In the game, players control the James Bond character as they embark on … [Read more...] about Classic Game GoldenEye 007 Returns on Nintendo Switch and Xbox
Who’s News: ZAG Appoints Former Target Exec As VP of Retail Development
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter ZAG has appointed veteran retail expert Gaye Dean as the company's new VP of North America retail development. In her new position at Zag, Dean will manage strategic relationships across all tiers of retail throughout North America for the ZAG Heroez brand franchise. Her initial focus will be to work with retailers on this year’s product … [Read more...] about Who’s News: ZAG Appoints Former Target Exec As VP of Retail Development
Who’s News: Former Disney Exec Tapped to Lead UP&E’s Global Strategy
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Universal Products & Experiences has appointed Rafael 'Rafa' Macias to lead the company's global commercial strategies. Macias' newly created position at UP&E is officially titled EVP and global commercial officer of consumer products. In his new position, he will oversee not only strategy, but also consumer products development, … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Former Disney Exec Tapped to Lead UP&E’s Global Strategy
Sustainability: Moose Toys Sets Net Zero Goal For 2040
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The Moose Toys company recently announced its commitment to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2040. The Australian toy company has set several long and short term sustainability targets that are in line with the international Paris Agreement. These goals will be verified by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) … [Read more...] about Sustainability: Moose Toys Sets Net Zero Goal For 2040
Who’s News: Former BBC Exec To Lead Partnerships At Insights Family
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The Insights Family has appointed former BBC executive Rachel Bardill to lead their marketing and partnerships team. The Insights Family is a marketing intelligence company that specializes in providing information on kids and families. The company uses data science, machine-learning algorithms, and proprietary technology to provide … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Former BBC Exec To Lead Partnerships At Insights Family
Licensing Law: Black Eyed Peas Suing MGA Over Pooping Unicorn Song
Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief As a journalist, you never think you're going to write a sentence like "The Black Eyed Peas are suing a toy company over a pooping unicorn toy," but such is life. When I saw the news that BMG Rights Management has filed a suit against MGA over their Poopsie Slime Surprise: Dancing Unicorn toy, I had to double check to make sure someone … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Black Eyed Peas Suing MGA Over Pooping Unicorn Song
No More Crowded Elevators: Paragon FX Produces Batman Grapple Gun
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Paragon FX Group has partnered with Warner Bros CP to develop a licensed Batman replica called the 89 Batman: Modular Utility Grapnel Set. The Paragon FX Group is a recently-established toy and collectible manufacturing company that specializes in creating detailed replicas of film props. The limited-edition 89 Batman set contains a … [Read more...] about No More Crowded Elevators: Paragon FX Produces Batman Grapple Gun