On 26th July, Hasbro featured its latest product launch, Nerf Laser Ops Pro Alphapoint Blaster 2-Pack, on Amazon’s Treasure Truck.

Hasbro’s Nerf Laser Ops Pro line is a new laser battling segment that includes blasters for head-to-head, live-action laser battles. Players can also amp up their game with the free Nerf Laser Ops Pro app.

Craig Wilkins, senior marketing director, Hasbro UK & Ireland, commented: “We love to surprise and delight our consumers so were thrilled to be featured on Amazon’s Treasure Truck, giving our fans a unique and fun-filled way to shop for Nerf Laser Ops Pro products.”

The Nerf Laser Ops Pro Alphapoint Blaster 2-Pack includes two blasters, each with a variety of features including three play modes, a multi-directional receiver dome, unlimited ammo, team light indicators, visual/sound effects to notify players they’ve been hit, and a display to show current health and ammo capacity.

Players can amp up their laser battles with the free Nerf Laser Ops Pro app that can be downloaded on select iOS and Android devices. It offers real-time battle intel allowing players to customise their blasters, track performance, earn power-ups, and locate opponents during battle.

The Nerf Laser Ops Pro line is available for pre-order at Amazon.co.uk.

For more information about Treasure Truck, visit: www.amazon.co.uk/treasuretruck

Re:creation has entered into an agreement with Engino to exclusively distribute its range of high quality construction sets in the UK.

The Engino brand is a globally established player in the world of STEM play, and Re:creation will leverage its expertise in sales and marketing to grow distribution and awareness for the brand here in the UK.

Re:creation marketing director Jonathan Kirkley commented: “The quality of the Engino product shines through and this well-thought out range more than delivers on its promise to introduce children to core STEM principles while having fun. The strong theming offers stand out at retail and it is clear there has never been a better time to shine the spotlight on this brand in the UK. The brand helps children to think outside the box quite literally, with well researched and curriculum relevant added value content – the value speaks for itself.”

Supporting Re:creation in its aim of growing distribution of the Engino brand, Kaye’s of Cardiff will continue to be sole UK wholesale supplier for the product range, building on its success in supplying independent buying groups such as Toymaster and AIS.

From first availability in Europe in 2007, the Engino brand has continued to grow and is now available in around 50 countries. Designed and manufactured in Cyprus, the patented construction play system enables children to build large scale creations with relatively few pieces. The brand raises the bar in STEM learning in conjunction with construction play and each set is supplied with extensive, high quality content, such as facts, quizzes and challenges, supporting curricular learning goals. Further online activities can be accessed to expand on the learning.

Among the themes available in 2018 are Jurassic Earth, Greenhouse, Sea Exploration and Safari Park, as well as a JCB licensed collection.

For further information please contact the Re:creation sales team on 0118 973 6222.

Panel marked the approach of the sixth edition of Kids India, scheduled to take place from 4th-6th September.

The organisers of Spielwarenmesse India staged a panel discussion in New Delhi on 20th July, providing the representatives of India’s toy and children’s products industry with an exclusive insight into Toy Safety Standards in India. The discussion on toy safety was followed with interest by decision makers from international and Indian toy manufacturers and the retail sector.

Presiding over the discussion was Vivek Jhangiani, director of The All India Toy Manufacturers Association (TAITMA), director of ICTI (International Council of Toy Industries) and chairman of Toy Committee FICCI. The speaker line-up also included Katharina Janotta, managing director Spielwarenmesse India, and Ernst Kick, CEO of Spielwarenmesse eG.

There is general consensus in the industry that strict guidelines for production and testing processes are essential for raising the bar for safe toys. Comprising leaders from the toy industry, accreditation bodies and testing laboratories, the panelists demonstrated that manufacturers and retailers of repute had already taken steps to adopt practices that guarantee market-safe and high-quality products. Similarly, the sector acknowledges the need to educate consumers, particularly parents, about what is safe by providing the right information.

The discussion laid emphasis on the research, processes, quality standards and safety protocols required to create innovative toys that offer a balanced mixture of learning and fun.

Ernst Kick, CEO, Spielwarenmesse eG, commented: “First and foremost, it’s in the hands of the exhibitors to bring safe toys to the market. We are well aware of the responsibility of hosting a million products and 100,000 innovations at the Spielwarenmesse every year and also see ourselves as an information platform for the toy industry. It is the task of manufacturers, trade associations, buyers and the respective government to set standards that would be globally valid. Everyone should do their part to make the world safer for our children – regardless of their origin. Toys must be high-quality, safe and affordable and, of course, have a high value of play. Focused on bringing together leading minds in the Indian toy industry, our Spielwarenmesse Panel Discussion gave a perspective on the importance of providing safe and quality toys in India.”

To celebrate International Friendship Day, Smyths Toys Superstores held events at 10 of its UK stores with the help of Spin Master.

Inviting kids to bring in their ‘besties’ to help make special friendship bracelets with the new KumiKreator, on Saturday 28th July two of the stores (Leeds and Crawley) saw appearances by YouTube stars Ambi C and Emma Laila 123, both of whom were visited by fans on the day.

Kumi comes from the Japanese word Kumihimo meaning “gathered threads.” It is the traditional Japanese technique of braiding cords and beads. The KumiKreator makes creating beautiful and intricate friendship bracelets fun to do.

At each event, kids were able to watch demonstrations of the new bracelet maker that spins to braid and create colourful friendship bracelets before their eyes.

As well as KumiKreator demos, there was also a Tattoo station for kids to come and get a temporary Tattoo, a Nail Station for their very own customised glitter manicure, and finally a #KumiFriends Selfie area for all to enjoy.

Both Emma Laila and Ambi C have uploaded ‘how to’ videos, plus Spin Master organised a Twitter Party to take place during the early evening in celebration of #internationalfriendshipday.

Speaking about the events, senior brand manager for Cool Maker, Ranjit Dhutti, commented: “What better way to celebrate International Friendship Day than by spending a special day with your best friend and making beautiful friendship bracelets.”

Pre-school specialist Halilit has appointed Butterfly for PR across its full portfolio of award-winning baby and toddler brands.

The team, led by founder Kelly Jones, will work closely with the Halilit team to deliver a comprehensive consumer PR strategy including consumer PR, trade media and influencer relations across its many brands including Halilit, Taf Toys, Battat and Edushape.

The Halilit Music range is designed to encourage children to create fascinating sounds whilst developing their motor skills and social development, while the company’s Edushape range taps into the early discovery of colours, shapes and textures, offering a selection of products created to nurture a child’s natural sensory development through imagination and play. The Battat brand offers a collection of nostalgic favourites encouraging fun, laughter, play and development. Halilit also distributes on behalf of Taf Toys, an award-winning company whose range of stylish, innovative baby products promote ‘Easier Parenting’ by helping parents enjoy every moment of fun, love, care and excitement with their baby.

Halilit’s MD Judith Stark, commented: “We’ve known Kelly and Butterfly for several years and we are looking forward to working together. Butterfly’s PR expertise will support and maximise our own marketing efforts.”

Butterfly’s managing director, Kelly Jones, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Halilit to the Butterfly portfolio. We are completely in love with the range and see numerous benefits to parents from the innovative designs and sensory appeal – we are excited to get going.”

The latest issue of Toy World is now available to read online.

This month’s edition features an exclusive interview with Anna Knight, BLE’s brand director, about the licensing show’s move to London Excel, an exclusive retail interview with John Hext, head buyer – toys & nursery at Tesco, and a company profile on Learning Resources.

As well as all of our regular articles such as Talking Shop, there are category features on STEM toys, plush toys, pretend-play kitchens & workbenches, and wooden toys, plus a comprehensive preview of Autumn Fair.

To read the August issue online, click here.