Fans will be able to snack on Shopkins macarons, enjoy a Shopkins manicure, play with their favourite characters, check out the full European line in Shopkins World Vacation, enjoy photo opportunities, and more. The Parisian-themed, limited-time pop-up shop—Shopkins Macaron Café—opens in New York City from June 17–19. Moose Toys will be there to celebrate the collectibles … [Read more...] about Snacking on Branding
Toys and Games
What Spinners Spell Out for the Future of Play
Fidget spinners are blowing up around the world, but they're not here to stay. I predict that they will go quietly into the night by the end of the year. Interestingly, at Licensing Expo in Vegas, the general mood on the floor seemed unimpressed. We're not likely to see officially licensed options appear on shelves, although there is no indication that they would fare poorly. … [Read more...] about What Spinners Spell Out for the Future of Play
TLL’s Guide to Traditional Toy/Game-based Properties
This sector includes board games, non-electronic toys, and characters that grow out of such toys and games. If the brand has licensing activity tied to films or television programming, that portion would be included under "Entertainment/Character". Click to view Retail Sales of Licensed Merchandise, Based on Traditional Toy/Game Properties. Representative properties: Bakugan, … [Read more...] about TLL’s Guide to Traditional Toy/Game-based Properties
Toy Industry Wrap-Up
The Toy Industry Association is changing its name, logo, offices, and mission to "align with the way the toy industry is changing and shifting." As part of its expanding presence on the world stage, the newly-dubbed Toy Association is expanding its core services and embarking on new ventures: Play Fair, a large-scale kid and family business-to-consumer event; … [Read more...] about Toy Industry Wrap-Up
M&A & Legal
Mattel Creations appoints ProjectFirst and Little Dot Studios to manage its AVOD platforms and grow channel subscribers for its brands in Russia and France, respectively. Spin Master sues Chinese manufacturer, Dongguan Moral Region Co. Ltd., for an alleged patent infringement against its Hatchimals toy. MCM Comic Con owner, MCM Central, takes a major stake in children’s … [Read more...] about M&A & Legal
Collectibles, Preschool Snag Top Toys of the Year
Congrats to the winners of the 17th annual Toy of the Year Awards, hosted by the The Toy Industry Association (TIA). LEGO and Spin Master snagged three awards this year, while Funko and Mattel had two each. The Toy of the Year went to LEGO Friends Amusement Park Roller Coaster from LEGO, while the People’s Choice award went to Pop! from Funko. Seven out of the 14 total … [Read more...] about Collectibles, Preschool Snag Top Toys of the Year
Star Wars Rules Pop Culture Collectibles
The growing action figures and collectibles market has Star Wars to thank for its success these past few years. The NPD group estimates that the property was the top-earner in toys sales for 2016 (at nearly $760 million in the U.S.)—while TLL ranked Star Wars as No. 2 for overall licensed retail sales in 2015 at $1,327 million in the U.S./Canada. Entertainment Earth, the … [Read more...] about Star Wars Rules Pop Culture Collectibles
Toy Fair 2017: Shrink Rays, Traditional Play & Robotics
To all those who attended North American Intl. Toy Fair in New York—hope you had a great show! This year was bigger than ever, with expanded floor space for new exhibitors and packed crowds during the weekend. The Toy Industry Association (TIA) reported that 1,126 total exhibitors from 31 countries were in attendance this year, with 103 new faces. This last year ended with a … [Read more...] about Toy Fair 2017: Shrink Rays, Traditional Play & Robotics
Licensing Shorts
Government seizures of counterfeit products totaled over 31,560 goods in fiscal year 2016, up over 9% to an estimated $1.3 billion based on the MSRP of seized goods. The top categories were apparel and accessories (over 20% of all seizures, valued at $110.8 million). Watches and jewelry continued to be the top products seized, with a value of more than $635.5 million. Handbags … [Read more...] about Licensing Shorts
Star Wars, Barbie, and Hachimals Top Holiday Toys
While overall holiday sales were expected to increase just 3.4%, the National Retail Federation (NRF) estimates that toy sales will grow 6.5% for the last six months of 2016. The NRF points to games and puzzles as the fastest-growing category (up 16%), followed by dolls and action figures (12% each). While interest in family games like Hasbro's Speak Out and Pie Face are one … [Read more...] about Star Wars, Barbie, and Hachimals Top Holiday Toys