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
Traditional Toys/Games
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
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
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
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
TIA’s Top Toys of 2016
Congratulations to the 100 finalists for TIA's 2017 Toy of the Year Awards—about a quarter of which are licensed products! For the first time, the finalists will be identified on Amazon's and Toys "R" Us' homepages, across their websites, via social media/email channels, and in two Toys "R" Us inserts with a total circulation of 24 million. The winners in each of the 14 … [Read more...] about TIA’s Top Toys of 2016
2016 Only Gets Better for $100+ Entertainment/Character Brands
Karina Masolova, additional reporting by Glenn Demby and Marcy Magiera A total of 44 properties made TLL's latest list of entertainment/character brands that cleared $100 million in licensed retail sales in the U.S. and Canada. For the first time, we're casting our predictions for what next year's look will look like. See the retail sales breakdown here, and look below for … [Read more...] about 2016 Only Gets Better for $100+ Entertainment/Character Brands
44 Entertainment/Character Brands Make the $100 Million List
Karina Masolova, additional reporting by Glenn Demby and Marcy Magiera Forty-four entertainment/character properties make our list of brands that generate over $100 million in retail sales of licensed merchandise in the U.S. and Canada—accounting for a total of $41 billion in sales worldwide in 2015. See the full list here. Three brands cleared $1 billion in the U.S./Canada … [Read more...] about 44 Entertainment/Character Brands Make the $100 Million List
3 Licensing Lawsuits to Watch
NFL Players Sue FanDuel Already on the defensive for allegedly running a gambling operation without a license in states like Nevada and New York, daily fantasy football operators have a new legal problem. A group of NFL players led by Washington receiver Pierre Garcon filed a class action against FanDuel over its unlicensed use of the players' names and images for games and … [Read more...] about 3 Licensing Lawsuits to Watch