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The Toy Book’s June 2021 Issue Celebrates the Summer of Fun
It’s official: The Toy Book has proclaimed this season to be the summer of fun! Our June issue has arrived and it’s jam-packed with the hottest toys and exclusive features that you won’t find anywhere else! For the summer of fun, our editorial staff curated a selection of new toys from the best-performing categories from the past year — including games, puzzles, construction, outdoor and active, and activities — to ensure that retailers stock their shelves with the best of the best. Read the issue here…
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Influencers @ Play: The Ultimate Toy Brand Awareness Program
The Toy Insider’s Influencers @ Play program connects toy and entertainment brands with top TikTok and Instagram influencers to create tremendous brand awareness through social media posts that engage with the audience and drive interest in the products. According to NPD Group’s consumer tracking service, social media influencers were the fourth-most cited reason for someone making a toy purchase. Learn more…
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Carrera of America, Revell Merge to Form Carrera Revell of Americas
A pair of industry giants in the realm of slot car racing, R/C cars, and true-to-life model kits have formally joined forces. Following 19 months of negotiations, Carrera of America and Revell have merged their operations. Carrera’s Frank Tiessen and Revell’s Lou Aguilera will serve as co-presidents leading Carrera Revell of Americas Inc. Read more…
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Jazwares to Launch Wham-O Pet Toy Collection
Jazwares inked a licensing deal with Anjar & Becker Associates and Wham-O to produce a new line of pet toys, including balls, discs, tug toys, plush, and more, inspired by Wham-O’s classic American toy brands. Read more…
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LEGO Celebrates Diversity with ‘Everyone is Awesome’ Set
Ahead of Pride Month, The LEGO Group debuted a new building set that celebrates diversity and honors the LGBTQIA+ community. LEGO Everyone is Awesome is a 346-piece building set that is inspired by the rainbow flag and includes 11 monochrome Minifigures, each of which features a unique hairstyle. Read more…
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Mattel Unveils Latest Hot Wheels Legends Tour Stop Winner; College Campus Hot Wheels Unleashed Track
The dust has settled following the second North American stop of the 2021 Hot Wheels Legends Tour as Mattel seeks real-life vehicles to compete for a shot at being inducted into the Garage of Legends and being made into a 1:64-scale die-cast Hot Wheels toy that will be sold at retail as part of the $1 mainline assortment. Read more…
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Happy Funkoween! Funko Debuts Seasonal Toys and Collectibles
As the summer heat rolls in, Halloween may be the last thing on your mind right now. But get ready to channel all things creepy and spooky, because Funkoween is upon us! Check out the latest reveals at the Pop Insider and be sure to check the Toy Book at 11 a.m. ET today for some exclusive news! Read more...
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Talking Toys, Games, and Furby with Richard Levy on the ‘Power Kid Podcast’
In this week’s mega-sized episode of the “Power Kid Podcast,” host Phil Albritton of Power Kid Design welcomes Richard Levy, a multi-hyphenate with more than 40 years of experience spanning the entertainment, toy, publishing, and licensing industries. Listen here...
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The Insights Family Issues ‘The Next Generation of Families’ Report
The free report reflects a change in family dynamic that has accelerated over the past year as kids and parents have spent more time together. A number of trends have emerged as highlights, including the multigenerational shift toward kids being influenced by parents; the rise in gaming as a family activity; and increased focus on education, wellbeing, and the environment. Read more…
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The Sky’s the Limit with Walmart’s New Smarts & Crafts Line
Walmart launched Smarts & Crafts from Todd Oldham Studio, a playful collection of arts and crafts kits and supplies created by celebrity designer, decorator, and author, Todd Oldham. The collection includes 75 craft sets, bedding, and home decor designed for kids ages 3-14. Read more...
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GameMill Entertainment Revs Up Deal with NHRA
The developer behind last year’s G.I. Joe: Operation Blackout, Nickelodeon Kart Racers, Cobra Kai, and Street Outlaws inked a licensing deal with NHRA to create new video games inspired by classic hot rods and modern dragsters. The JRL Group brokered the deal, which will kick off with a currently untitled project that is in development for a variety of platforms. Read more…
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Early Learning Program Homer Acquires Kids’ Coding App CodeSpark
This acquisition of CodeSpark allows Homer to expand its service-oriented age bracket, from kids ages 0-6 to kids ages 0-10. Homer’s platform encourages the development of literacy, math, social-emotional, and critical thinking skills, which CodeSpark also utilizes through its STEM-based curriculum. Read more…
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Backstory: Masters of the Universe — He-Man and Skeletor are Back in Action
The Toy Book Deputy Editor James Zahn explores four decades of epic storytelling in the action figure aisle with fresh insight from some of the creators behind Mattel’s famed brand from the past, present, and future. Read more…
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Healthy Roots Dolls Are All About Curl Power
The Toy Book’s Nicole Savas speaks with Healthy Roots Dolls Founder Yelitsa Jean-Charles about her brand’s mission and success with Zoe, a detailed doll with special hair that kids can style using real hair products. Read more...
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Target Crushes Earnings Estimates as Toy Sales Spike 40% in Q1
Minneapolis-based Target Corp. reported first quarter earnings that kicked off 2021 much where 2020 left off. Christina Hennington, Target’s recently-promoted executive vice president and chief growth officer highlighted the exceptional 30% growth in the company’s hardlines departments, including a 40% increase in the toy department. Read more...
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Build-A-Bear Workshop Reports Record Q1 Earnings as Sales Spike 95%
Build-A-Bear Workshop kicked off 2021 with a massive 95.4% sales increase over 2020 and a 10.1% increase over 2019. The mall-based retailer of customizable, “furry friends” dealt with numerous challenges throughout the pandemic due to the closure of its physical stores. Sales in Q1 rose to $89.2 million, up from $45.6 million last year. Read more…
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Genius Brands Promotes Jon Ollwerther to President of Kartoon Channel!
Ollwerther, who joined the company from Measure in 2019, spent nearly a year as general manager of the Kartoon Channel! and will continue in his role as executive vice president of business development for Genius Brands going forward. The appointment was revealed by Genius Brands’ Chairman and CEO Andy Heyward. Read more…
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