By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Spin Master has agreed to acquire Melissa & Doug in a move designed to bolster its presence in early childhood play. The Canadian toy and production company has grown to become one of the largest toy companies in the world, and this week offered $950 million to buy out US-based Melissa & Doug. Spin Master says the acquisition … [Read more...] about Spin Master’s Billion Dollar Deal to Buy Melissa & Doug
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Who’s News: LEGO Appoints New Chief Sustainability Officer
By Rob Hutchins Editor, Products of Change The LEGO Group has appointed a chief sustainability officer in the form of Annette Stube, the current executive vice president and head of sustainability at Stora Enso. Stube will take up the new role with the Danish toymaker from January 1, 2024 when she will report to CEO Niels B Christiansen and take on responsibility for … [Read more...] about Who’s News: LEGO Appoints New Chief Sustainability Officer
Sustainability: LEGO Group Vows to Achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2050
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The world's largest toy company, LEGO, says it will achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050. It's a major step on the way to combatting climate change, which this year has led to major disasters, droughts, crop failure, as well as thousands of deaths around the world. Climate change scientists, the United Nations … [Read more...] about Sustainability: LEGO Group Vows to Achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2050
Walmart Releases Its Influential Top Toys List For 2023
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The world's largest retail chain, Walmart, has unveiled 55 products on its highly anticipated Top Toys List for 2023. It's a great list for parents and anyone else shopping for kids (or kidults for that matter), but it's also an important list for licensing professionals looking for intel on what will be the hot toy properties for the … [Read more...] about Walmart Releases Its Influential Top Toys List For 2023
UPDATE: LEGO Issues Statement In “Leggo My LEGO” Dispute With Punk Rockers
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Toy giant LEGO says it will not allow commercial use of its iconic mini-figures for animated videos that are commercial in nature. The statement comes in the recent 'Leggo My LEGO' dispute, in which LEGO sent a cease and desist letter to the band LS Dunes, demanding they take down a recent music video. The reason? The band, whose members … [Read more...] about UPDATE: LEGO Issues Statement In “Leggo My LEGO” Dispute With Punk Rockers
The New Canadian Eatery Inspired by LEGO Bricks
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief This isn't technically a licensing story, but a new pop-up restaurant in Vancouver, Canada certainly does demonstrate the power of brands. The new eatery Brick Burger will open for two days, serving up food that is created in the shape and color of familiar LEGO bricks. It is not a licensed LEGO collaboration, however, as the organizers … [Read more...] about The New Canadian Eatery Inspired by LEGO Bricks
Hasbro and Amazon Stage Transformers Fan Event in Brooklyn
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Hasbro has partnered with Amazon for a special fan event to promote the upcoming theatrical release of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. The Transformers: Battle in Brooklyn fan event will feature an Amazon-exclusive product showcase, a Transformers-themed street mural, online activations, food trucks, and more. "We are thrilled to … [Read more...] about Hasbro and Amazon Stage Transformers Fan Event in Brooklyn
Crowds Come Back to Nuremberg as Spielwarenmesse Toy Fair Returns
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Following an enforced gap of three years, the Spielwarenmesse trade fair has resumed its place as an international networking event for the toy industry. The Spielwarenmesse trade fair is owned and operated by the trade event organizer and marketing services company, Spielwarenmesse eG. The business-to-business trade fair is intended … [Read more...] about Crowds Come Back to Nuremberg as Spielwarenmesse Toy Fair Returns