Get ready for Spring Fair with the Toy World Spring Fair supplement

Our dedicated Spring Fair supplement, published alongside the January edition of Toy World, is available to read online.

In this year’s supplement, Toy World details the toy exhibitors and products of interest to toy retailers which will be on display at this year’s Spring Fair, as well as where visitors to the popular event can find them.

Alongside a news piece on cover star Blue Sky Studios, the supplement also includes a Touching Base feature in which we ask key exhibitors which products they are most looking forward to presenting, and what 2019 has in store for their company.

To read the Toy World Spring Fair supplement, click here.

Egmont acquires publishing rights for Fingerlings magazine

Egmont Publishing signs deal with WowWee for rights to publish a magazine based on the 2018 Overall Toy of the Year.

The UK’s leading specialist children’s publisher, Egmont Publishing, has announced its latest venture in acquiring the rights to publish Fingerlings magazine.

Teaming up with WowWee in a brand-new publishing partnership, Egmont is tapping into the huge collectibles trend and bringing the world of Fingerlings to the UK magazine market.

The collectible interactive toys have topped charts since their launch in 2017 and continued to go from strength to strength in 2018. Over 10m Fingerlings toys have been sold to date, with the brand awarded the US Toy Association’s Overall Toy of the Year (TOTY) and Collectible Toy of the Year for 2018. November 2018 NPD data demonstrates that Fingerlings is the 6th highest growth property in the entire toy market.

Encompassing the core Fingerlings brand value of ‘Friendship at your fingertips’, the magazine will be full of games, puzzles and stories that will encourage its readers to explore the magic of storytelling. The monthly magazine is set to launch later in 2019.

Laura Adnitt, publishing director at Egmont Publishing, commented: “We have been waiting for the perfect brand to enter into the highly successful collectibles market and we are thrilled to have Fingerlings as our brand of choice. The magazine will covermount official Fingerlings products to delight our young fans, and we are sure the engaging content will deepen their love for all things Fingerlings.”

WowWee’s Sydney Wiseman, the creator of Fingerlings, added: “We are very excited to embark on this new partnership with Egmont. Bringing the Fingerlings’ humour, friendship and fun into a magazine format works perfectly with the interactive nature of the brand, and will give readers the opportunity to connect even further with their favourite characters.”

Mattel and Warner Bros join forces for Hot Wheels movie

The partnership will develop a live-action feature film for the franchise, which has sold more than 6b individual cars over the past 50 years.

The Hot Wheels movie marks the second partnership for Mattel Films and Warner Bros. Pictures, following the companies’ recent announcement of a Barbie feature-film, starring and co-produced by Margot Robbie.

Ynon Kreiz, chairman and CEO of Mattel, said: “We are excited to bring the thrill of a Hot Wheels live-action feature film to the big screen in partnership with Warner Bros. Pictures.”

“Hot Wheels has been inspiring the imagination of kids around the world for over 50 years,” commented Toby Emmerich, chairman, Warner Bros. “We couldn’t be more excited to be bringing the adrenaline, adventure and excitement of Hot Wheels to the big screen.”

Mattel’s newly established Mattel Films has begun re-acquiring the rights to various properties, in order to be in control of its own IP, as Ynon explained: “Mattel Films has great momentum as it continues to execute on our commitment to bring global audiences new ways to experience the brands they love, as we transform Mattel into an IP-driven, high-performing toy company.”

New deals announced between Posh Paws, Rainbow Designs and Universal

UBD UK & Ireland’s new plush collaborations with Posh Paws and Rainbow Designs mark a strategic approach to the category.

New collaborations have been announced between market leading plush licensees Posh Paws and Rainbow Designs, and Universal Brand Development UK & Ireland.

Posh Paws International is the official plush partner for Illumination and Universal Pictures’ Despicable Me and Sing franchises. Additionally, Posh Paws International has the plush rights for DreamWorks Trolls, as well as for DreamWorks Animation’s upcoming theatrical film, Trolls World Tour in 2020.

Rainbow Designs’ plush offering will span DreamWorks Heritage including Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar, DreamWorks Baby, Universal’s Vault of classic movie and television brands and DreamWorks Animation’s feature film, Abominable, which will debut in theatres in 2019.

Hannah Mungo, country manager UK and Ireland, Universal Brand Development, commented: “The plush category is often an entry point to our properties for young children. Posh Paws and Rainbow Designs are market leaders and experts in bringing animated characters to life through beautiful, high quality, authentic plush that children love and cherish. We look forward to collaborating with them as we drive forward with our ambitious plans to expand the category.”

UBD will further establish, manage and grow its European plush business through centralised development and sourcing in partnership with best-in-class licensees and manufacturers with a proven ability to deliver high quality design, character integrity and outstanding storytelling.

Toy Trust Media Auction raises over £91,000

The annual auction is the second largest fundraising activity for the Toy Trust each year.

The BTHA has announced that the annual Toy Trust Media Auction has raised £91,800 during Toy Fair 2019.

The auction sees airtime and printed media slots generously donated by leading online, print and trade journals – including Toy World – while major retailers also added valuable promotional slots in their catalogues, resulting in £150,000+ of media space to bid for. Lots were received from Sky, Disney, Nickelodeon, Turner, CITV, Channel Five, SuperAwesome, Venatus Media, The Entertainer, Sainsbury’s, Argos and Redan Publishing.

The Media Auction bidding boards were paraded around the room at the Toy Industry Awards event on the opening night of Toy Fair, and then remained on display in the BTHA Member’s Lounge on the Upper Gallery of Olympia.

Details of the winning bids can be viewed on the Toy Trust Media Auction page by clicking here.

A BTHA spokesperson commented: “Our thanks go to the Toy Trust’s generous media partners for their continued support, as well as Arena Azure’s Jeff Taylor for his hard work and dedication in securing media items and raising money for the Toy Trust.”

Johanne Broadfield takes expanded licensing role within Turner International

The announcement was made by Giorgio Stock, president of Turner EMEA, to whom Jo reports.

Johanne Broadfield has assumed a wider remit within Turner International’s Licensing and Merchandising business, becoming vice president of Cartoon Network Enterprises EMEA & International Strategy.

In her expanded role, Jo will continue to oversee Turner’s licensing activities across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, a business unit that includes product licensing, promotions, publishing, home entertainment, location-based entertainment, live events and retail development for Turner’s portfolio of globally-recognised brands. In addition, she will be responsible for Turner’s international licensing strategy, partnering with the US in shaping the global view for key decision making, and takes on joint responsibility for the P&L of Cartoon Network licensing activities across Latin America, along with Pablo Zuccarino, SVP & GM, Kids Latin America. She will also work in close partnership with Vikram Sharma, VP of Cartoon Network Enterprises, Asia Pacific, in a strategic capacity.

Giorgio Stock commented: “Since joining Turner five years ago, Jo has proven herself a talented leader with the ability to build and sustain our franchises in the licensing arena, raise the bar on what we deliver to our partners and get the very best out of those she works with. Together with the international L&M leadership team, she will now play an important role in shaping our international operation, to capitalise on opportunities, synergies and best practice across the regions.”

Jo joined Turner EMEA in February 2014 from Mattel, where she held various leadership positions in the Consumer Products division during her 10-year tenure. Prior to Mattel, Jo was publishing director at Burda Medien in Germany, where she led the international fashion and magazine business.

Spring Fair announces ToyFirst and NurseryFirst showcases

The showcases are set to bring together newest and freshest brands in both sectors. 

Spring Fair 2019 is to bring together a unique selection of children’s gift sector newcomers as part of its new ToyFirst and NurseryFirst showcases.

The new areas will provide a platform for up-and-coming brands new to Spring Fair to profile their diverse and unique offerings, giving visitors the chance to get up-close and hands-on with plenty of truly original products.

Visitors can also look forward to seeing Spring Fair favourites like Ty UK and well-loved brands such as Hornby Hobbies and Playmobil at the fair.

Rob Hayes, key account director at Spring Fair, commented: “ToyFirst and NurseryFirst are exciting additions to the Children’s Gift & Toys section of the fair, showcasing brands that in many cases won’t be at any other UK events. Newness is a key part of the offering at Spring Fair; as well as these new areas there are over 50 new exhibitors in Children’s Gifts & Toys this year, and quite literally thousands of new product launches to see.”

“Spring Fair is the grand finale, the culmination of the show season for the toy sector; there are over 100 toy and children’s gift suppliers that you won’t see at any other Q1 event in the UK. As such, Spring Fair is a must attend for toy and gift buyers that want to ensure that they’ve seen everything that the market has to offer before making those crucial buying decisions for the year ahead.”

Spring Fair runs from the 3rd – 7th February 2019 at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre. Register to attend for free here.

Winners of 2019 Spielwarenmesse ToyAwards announced

Five innovations have been honoured, with awards presented at a prestigious awards event during the Opening Ceremony.

The presentation of the ToyAwards was the main highlight of the official Opening Ceremony, marking the start of the 70th Spielwarenmesse. Awarding the coveted accolades for the 16th time, Spielwarenmesse eG once again paid tribute to outstanding, innovative products in four age-specific categories as well as a new Startup group.

The winners are as follows:

Baby & Infant (0-3 years)
Magic Touch Piano Musical Toy, Hape International and Kids II
The Magic Touch Piano from Hape International and Kids II is the ideal way to introduce toddlers to the world of music. Made of high-quality wood, this piano features magic touch technology using warmth from a child’s fingers, so buttons aren’t required. The jury concluded: “The piano encourages the early learning of music among toddlers.”

PreSchool (3-6 years)
bworld theme sets, Bruder Spielwaren
bworld theme sets by Bruder Spielwaren invite pre-school children to take part in lengthy role-playing games, while at the same time introducing them to various kinds of jobs. There are endless play possibilities, since the various worlds can be combined with each other. “The realistic play worlds are still just as exciting for older children,” stated the jury.

SchoolKids (6-10 years)
Magical Mermaid World, Playmobil
Magical Mermaid World opens up a fabulous underwater world. The details – such as an electric opening shell, exotic aquatic plants and imaginative carriages for the characters – come in delicate pastel colours. A ball track made up of plants forms the centre of this world. “A fantastic system toy with a well-rounded concept,” praised the jury.

Teenager & Adults (10 years and older)
Know!, Ravensburger Spieleverlag
Ravensburger Spieleverlag‘s quiz game Know! combines a board game with digital innovation. The incorporation of the free Google Assistant ensures that the game always has current questions along with the right answers. This concept also won over the jury, which stated: “It holds the promise of cross-generational quizzing fun for the whole family.”

Startup
Mabot, Shenzhen Bell Creative Science and Education
Simple and available in a handful of colours, once assembled Mabot quickly reveals its limitless play options. It can be combined with an app on a smartphone or tablet and guided around the home. A second app introduces kids to basic coding skills. The jury’s rationale: “A great educational toy that grows with the child.”

The winners of the ToyAwards are all on show at the TrendGallery in Hall 3A.

Moose Toys outlines New York Toy Fair product showcases

The company will be presenting a range of popular lines to visitors, including Little Live Wrapples and Scruff-a-Luvs.

Season 2 of Wrapples includes two new furry friends for kids to meet – Shylo and Bonnie. The interactive pets, which can be wrapped around a wrist for on-the-go play, offer over 50 sounds and reactions to enjoy. They have big eyes which light up to match their mood, and will sing together when they are brought close to each other.

Scruff-a-Luvs welcomes two new expansions to the line; there are three Blossom Bunnies to collect (Lemon Drizzle, Posie and Peppermint), while the Lilac range includes puppy, kitten and bunny plush.

DoughMis, the latest release from Pikmi Pops, is a sweet-scented range of collectible doughnut plush in small, medium and jumbo sizes. There are over 40 DoughMis to collect, including a selection of Special Edition Squish ‘n’ Rise DoughMis that feel like real dough, while the Surprise Packs include cute Jelly Pikmi characters. This new season also includes an assortment of rings, erasers, hair ties, notebooks, pouches, nesting doughnuts, flocked stickers and bag tags for kids to collect.

Shopkins has partnered with Kellogg’s, ConAgra, Welch’s, Sketchers, and Unilever to bring popular real-life brands into the world of Shopkins. The Real Littles Shopper Packs include brands like Pringles, Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes and Welch’s Concord Grape Jelly.

Fortnite is also in focus at this year’s show for Moose, with the Fortnite Battle Royale Collection Solo Pack and Squad Packs on display. The Battle Royale Collection of authentic Fortnite figures, vehicles and play sets will grow to a roster of 100 characters in 2019. Every Battle Royale Collection Solo Pack contains an authentic Fortnite minigure and includes swappable weapons, accessories, and Back Bling, while the Squad Packs contain four minifigures.

There’s much more to discover from Moose at the 2019 New York Fair, which runs from 16th-19th February. Visit stand 2265 to see the full product range on display.

Final Toy Trust places available for Vitality Big Half

Runners can take part in the 2019 Vitality Big Half whilst raising money for the Toy Trust.

Following the success of the 2018 event, the BTHA has announced that the Toy Trust has secured a number of places for runners wishing to take part in the 2019 Vitality Big Half.

Taking place on Sunday 10th March, the event, a half marathon that takes runners on a course around some of London’s best sights, is organised by the London Marathon committee. Full details of the race can be found here.

The Toy Trust is looking for runners to sign up to the event now, securing their place in the popular race whilst raising money for the industry’s charity, the Toy Trust. Places in the event are free (subject to availability) and provided courtesy of the Toy Trust. Participants will be asked to set up an online fundraising campaign – more details are available on application.

This event is sold out to the general public; interested readers are urged to contact  Matt@btha.co.uk ASAP if they wish to take part – the closing date for applications is Monday 5th February.