This last week saw the latest iteration of New York Toy Fair and offered a clear formula for success in toy aisles this coming year—if a toy or game includes one or more of the following fads, it might sell: (1) low-price collectible with blind packaging, (2) "cute" sparkles and magic, or (3) "gross" material like poop, slime, and dirt. Retail sales of licensed toys and games … [Read more...] about NYTF18: Blind Bags, Glitter & Poop
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Award-winning Toys & Games
At the 18th annual Toy of the Year Awards, the Toy Association honored the top toys, games, and licenses according to votes cast late last year. Toy of the Year: Fingerlings, WowWee USA and L.O.L. Surprise!, MGA Entertainment (tie) License of the Year: Star Wars, Disney Consumer Products & Interactive Media People’s Choice: Mystery Minis, Funko Action Figure of the … [Read more...] about Award-winning Toys & Games
Amidst Rocky 2017 Performance, Toycos Boosted by Licensing
The NPD Group’s latest report shows the toy industry grew by 1% in 12 global markets in 2017, with global sales reaching $20.7 billion. The top growth-drivers, according to the research group, were fidget toys, slime, dolls, and collectibles. According to NPD, 2017′s top three-selling toy properties globally were Star Wars, Nerf, and Barbie. In the U.S. alone, Nerf captured the … [Read more...] about Amidst Rocky 2017 Performance, Toycos Boosted by Licensing
Deal Sheet — 2/21/2018
Quick Navigate Properties Available or Recently Assigned, U.S. Licenses Recently Granted, U.S. Intl. Properties Available or Recently Assigned Intl. Licenses Recently Granted Archived Deal Sheets Properties Available or Recently Assigned, U.S. *Extension or renewal. Property (Description)Categories AvailableLicensing Contact Amy CoeDesigner of children's and … [Read more...] about Deal Sheet — 2/21/2018
Superpowered Franchises Dominate Film Calendar
Every time we update the Planned Feature Films with Licensing Potential chart, it becomes more obvious—studios are increasingly investing into franchises. And superheroes are some of the best sources to mine—with a diverse and deep reserve of characters and storylines. Make sure you check the list out, as a good chunk of films have been pushed back (even for those with a … [Read more...] about Superpowered Franchises Dominate Film Calendar
Who’s News—2/19/2018
Are you hiring—or being promoted, changing jobs, retiring, launching a new company, or otherwise changing your employment? Email Jen at jen@plainlanguagemedia.com and we'll announce the news in our next issue of Who's News. Sanrio names Craig Takiguchi as their new COO. Having previously headed up new business development, Craig brings a new vision for expansion into … [Read more...] about Who’s News—2/19/2018
Deal Sheet — 2/14/2018
Quick Navigate Properties Available or Recently Assigned, U.S. Licenses Recently Granted, U.S. Intl. Properties Available or Recently Assigned Intl. Licenses Recently Granted Archived Deal Sheets Properties Available or Recently Assigned, U.S. *Extension or renewal. Property (Description)Categories AvailableLicensing Contact BalanceDietEstablished health and … [Read more...] about Deal Sheet — 2/14/2018
As Generations Shift, Preschool Market Follows
Broadly speaking, the demographics of the world are changing—on a global level, parents are having fewer children while their financial prospects are improving. For some countries, that translates into increased spending on largely non-essential items, like licensed toys and premium-priced bottles. For other territories, that means decreased spending on essentials like diapers … [Read more...] about As Generations Shift, Preschool Market Follows
Spending Up as Love Sets In
The NRF estimates that just over half of U.S. adults will celebrate Valentine's Day this year by buying a gift for a significant other, friends, or pets—reaching $19.6 billion in spending, up from $18.2 billion in 2017. Those 25–34 years-old will be the biggest spenders, with an average bill of $202.76. By product category, a total of $4.7 billion will be spent on jewelry … [Read more...] about Spending Up as Love Sets In
Streaming & Experiential Power Up
DreamWorksTV, a division of Awesomeness that creates family-friendly digital content distributed via YouTube, partners with Amazon to launch its first subscription offering. The individual OTT network will offer exclusive programming including Schneck & Eck Crack The Case, Action Figures In Action, Secret Agent Challenge, and Neighborhood Super Watch. Global streaming … [Read more...] about Streaming & Experiential Power Up