The ZAG Company continues the expansion of its senior executive team with the appointment this week of licensing veteran Helena Perheentupa to the newly created role of vice president of licensing for Central, Eastern, Northern Europe and Russia. Perheentupa formerly worked with Mattel's operation in Germany as head of licensing, overseeing brands such as Hot Wheels, Barbie, … [Read more...] about Former Mattel Exec Helena Perheentupa Joins Rapidly Expanding ZAG Team
Toys and Games
Mattel Takes a Swing at a Whac-A-Mole Game Show
Toy giant Mattel is working with America's Got Talent producer Fremantle to develop a frantic new game show based on the Whac-A-Mole game it acquired in 2009. Mattel and Fremantle say the Whac-A-Mole game show will be a wild, physically challenging elimination competition in which opposing teams will use their skill, strength and endurance to become the Whac-A-Mole champion. … [Read more...] about Mattel Takes a Swing at a Whac-A-Mole Game Show
Moonbug Hires Redibra to Bring Products To Brazil
Children's programmer Moonbug has appointed Redibra as its licensing agent in Brazil, as the company works on development of new consumer products for its popular shows, like Blippi or CoComelon. “At Moonbug, we’re committed to developing premium, enriching content that parents and children can enjoy together, and a key part of this mission is ensuring our IP is accessible … [Read more...] about Moonbug Hires Redibra to Bring Products To Brazil
My Little Pony Riding High With Hasbro
The My Little Pony franchise is ending its popular The Friendship is Magic series, but don't expect to see the brand riding off into the sunset any time soon. Hasbro has big plans for the franchise after acquiring Entertainment One in 2019, including a wide range of new consumer products, the release of a CGI film, a cross platform mashup with The Transformers, and a new … [Read more...] about My Little Pony Riding High With Hasbro
Teddy Fresh Launches Cute Collab With Care Bears
LA-based luxury streetwear brand Teddy Fresh has announced the online release of their Teddy Fresh x Care Bears collection on January 21, elevating the Teddy Fresh brand with a collection that showcases its most creatively aspirational work to date. Drawing inspiration from the original 1980’s Care Bears animated series, the collection aims to evoke the nostalgia, creativity … [Read more...] about Teddy Fresh Launches Cute Collab With Care Bears
Super 7 Teams With Toho For Godzilla Figures
In time for the upcoming Godzilla vs. Kong film this year, San Francisco-based Super 7 is teaming up with the Toho Company to introduce Godzilla to its world of ReAction figures and other products. Founded in 2001, Super7 is a premier pop-culture design house and producer of toys, apparel and collectibles. Led by designer Brian Flynn, Super has harnessed the graphics, … [Read more...] about Super 7 Teams With Toho For Godzilla Figures
Hot Wheels Partnership With NASA is Out of This World
Hot Wheels has been partnered with NASA for more than 30 years, and this week came out with its first new, space-themed mini collection over two decades. The mini carmaker is helping NASA kick off another historic year of space exploration firsts with the release of the new Mars Perseverance Rover die-cast vehicle. The product is a detailed 1:64 scale replica model inspired by … [Read more...] about Hot Wheels Partnership With NASA is Out of This World
Barbie Named Top Global Toy Brand For 2020
Mattel, Inc. enjoyed a wildly successful year in 2020, producing many of the top selling toy brands globally, and riding a large increase in toy spending during the pandemic to one of their best revenue years of all time. As well, the definitive retail industry research company The NPD Group has now named Mattel's Barbie brand as the 2020 top global toy property of the year, … [Read more...] about Barbie Named Top Global Toy Brand For 2020
US Toy Industry Enjoys Boom Times in 2020
One industry that proved itself immune to the COVID-19 virus is the toy sector, which saw a staggering 16 per cent increase in revenue in 2020. According to a report by The NPD Group, US toy sales generated $25.1 billion in 2020, an increase of $3.5 billion. One interesting data point is that the number of unit sales for the year were flat while the average selling price … [Read more...] about US Toy Industry Enjoys Boom Times in 2020
Lego and Universal Music Group Launch Music Video Maker
In yet another example of how the world of music licensing has evolved over the past two years, LEGO and Universal Music Group (UMG) announced on Jan. 26 the launch of LEGO VIDIYO, "a playful and innovative music video maker experience designed to celebrate and expand children’s creativity and passion for music." The companies say in a joint statement that LEGO VIDIYO is a … [Read more...] about Lego and Universal Music Group Launch Music Video Maker