Moose Toys Signs as Master Toy Licensee for Jojo Siwa’s XOMG POP! Girl Group



Pop music girl group XOMG POP!, led by social media star Jojo Siwa and her mother, Jessalynn Siwa, partnered with entertainment licensing agency and production company Thomas Global Media on the first wave of licensing deals for the group, including Moose Toys as the master toy licensee. Moose’s full toy line for the group will be available in 2024. Find out more details…

Hasbro Revenue Declines 15% in Q3 as Company Holds Firm on Full-Year Guidance



Hasbro reported a 15% decline in revenue for the third quarter as its operating profit fell 47% to $194.3 million. According to the company, revenues of $1.68 billion were negatively impacted by a shift in schedules on multiple fronts. Learn more…

Toys ‘R’ Us Asia Launches Special-Edition ‘Dragon Ball Z’ and ‘One Piece’ Monopoly Sets



In time for the holidays, Toys “R” Us Asia is set to launch special-edition Monopoly sets featuring two of the most popular anime properties — Dragon Ball Z and One Piece — which will only be available at Toys “R” Us stores and online in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Singapore. For the first time ever, these Monopoly sets will be available in English and traditional Chinese. Change up your gameplay…

Toekenz Collectibles and Mattel Partner for NFTs

Toekenz Collectibles, as well as its digital collectibles application, entered into a new partnership with Mattel. As a non-fungible token platform, Toekenz will collaborate with Mattel on making blockchain-based digital collectibles for kids. Read more…

L.O.L. Surprise! x FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Collection Heads for Retail



MGA Entertainment inked a deal with FIFA for a series of co-branded L.O.L. Surprise! collectibles for kids and kidults alike. The L.O.L. Surprise! x FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Collection features an assortment of 12 dolls  inspired by 10 of the qualifying countries that will compete in Qatar, plus a FIFA fan and an ultra-rare referee doll. Peep the dolls…

Calico Critters Launches New Direct-to-Consumer Website



Epoch Everlasting Play’s Calico Critters welcomes its fans to experience the collectible animals in a different way with a direct-to-consumer website. The new site gives consumers the opportunity to purchase the full roster of connectible and collectible dolls and playsets, as well as exclusive access to limited-edition items that will be introduced throughout the year. Learn more…

Hello Kitty Returns to Build-A-Bear Workshop



In honor of the 25th anniversary of Hello Kitty, the Sanrio character has made her return to Build-A-Bear Workshop — and she brought a friend! The new edition of the Hello Kitty plush Build-A-Bear includes unique features — like silver whiskers, eyes, a nose, and a new bow — and her best friend, Pawlette, is making her Build-A-Bear debut. Read more…

McFarlane Toys’ Avatar 2 Drop Includes a Massive Skimwing



McFarlane Toys is bringing the magic of Pandora home ahead of Avatar: The Way of Water, the long-awaited sequel to James Cameron’s Avatar. After releasing a variety of action figures and other collectibles earlier this month, McFarlane released a wide selection of new products specifically for The Way of Water. Check out the goods…

DeAPlaneta to Lead Global Expansion of WonderPals NFT Brand



Non-fungible token (NFT) brand WonderPals has secured a partnership with DeAPlaneta Entertainment to co-develop content to expand WonderPals’ storytelling into a range of formats, including books, comic books, comic strips, and collectibles designed for the metaverse. DeAPlaneta will also become WonderPals’ worldwide sales agent for physical products based on the brand. Read more…

The Toy Association Names Four Top Toy Trends for 2022



Holiday shopping season is underway and The Toy Association revealed its top toy trends to watch for this season. The trends are backed by extensive product research, tracking by The Toy Association trends team throughout the year, and a OnePoll survey of 2,000 U.S. parents. Find out exactly what the trends are here…

WildBrain, Mattel Greenlight New Seasons of ‘Fireman Sam’ and ‘Polly Pocket’



WildBrain, in collaboration with Mattel Television, shared that seasons 14 and 15 of Fireman Sam and season five of Polly Pocket are in production with slated deliveries beginning in December. On top of the new seasons, WildBrain has secured multiple new streaming and broadcast deals for the programs. Check out the storylines…

Intersell Debuts New Line of Light-Up Collectible Toys



Intersell is getting into blind bag collectibles. The Lil Wish Lanterns are a new line of collectible toys designed for kids ages 3 and up and distributed by Intersell. There are two different parts to any Lil Wish collection: the lanterns and the Wishimals. Learn more…

Genius Brands Discloses Buyback of Common Shares in Private Transaction



In a private transaction, Genius Brands International has repurchased 419,336 shares of common stock from an entity owned by Harold and Jennifer Chizick, former executives of the company. The share repurchase was made as part of a comprehensive settlement agreement resolving claims made by the Chizicks against Genius Brands, as well as the counterclaim by the company against the Chizicks. Read more…

From the Editor: Toys ‘R’ Us at Macy’s Taps into the Ghost of Retail Past for a Hint at Christmas Future

Shortly after Macy’s and WHP Global inked a partnership deal last year to bring Toys “R” Us into hundreds of Macy’s stores, James Zahn told Retail Dive that there was real potential to celebrate two storied retail brands. Now, more than a year later, that partnership is in full effect with a Toys “R” Us presence in approximately 500 stores across the U.S., and it has a real chance at succeeding. Read more…

Melissa & Doug Expands Operations to Oracle Cloud



Melissa & Doug is expanding its operations to Oracle Cloud to integrate a new globally based business model. Through sectors of Oracle Cloud, Melissa & Doug can improve cost efficiency within its business and encourage better ways to support its rapid growth within the toy industry. Read more…

U.S. Industry Sales Rise Amid Inflation

Juli Lennett, vice president and industry advisor on U.S. toys for The NPD Group, highlights sales from January-June 2022, supercategory performance, top properties and main drivers of growth, year-to-date consumer insights for the first half of 2022, and what might be ahead for the industry. Learn more…

How Specialty Retailers Can Connect with Families This Holiday Season



American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) President Sue Warfield discusses how ASTRA-member retailers are going above and beyond to help families make special memories this year. Read more…

Women in Tech Stories: Perfecting and Promoting Your Brand



Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment Board Member Kiara Imani shares how to create a strong brand with high visibility with four major tips. While it may be easier said than done, it takes time and practice. Start your journey now…

Brilliant PR & Marketing Bolsters Executive Team with Pair of New Hires



Brilliant PR & Marketing is adding to its executive ranks following three years of growth. The agency with a focus on family, juvenile, and lifestyle brands hired Shivna Vasavada to serve as vice president of public relations and Dan Chizzoniti as vice president of influencer marketing. Read more…