The ‘B’ word…it’s the Friday Blog!

Another week, another set of discussions and negotiations where it seems to be ‘two steps forward, two steps back.’ Surprisingly, I’m not referring to Brexit, although the description would certainly suit that epic fiasco equally as well. On this occasion, however, I’m referring to several ongoing retail sagas which seem to be struggling to find a successful resolution just as much as the government is.

Sainsburys and Asda have attempted to strike back in their protracted battle with the CMA, offering to sell up to 150 stores to help the deal go through. Whether this will be enough remains to be seen: it is plausible that the CMA may feel it has bared its teeth sufficiently and back down, although in many respects, this would simply reinforce the notion that it is a paper tiger, especially after it came out so strongly against the merger.

Mind you, some suppliers to Asda seem quite keen for the acquisition to take place, with the suggestion that Asda is somewhat in limbo right now. I’ve been hearing rumours that the ‘Big Toy Roll Back’ may have to be renamed ‘The Not Very Big Toy Roll Back’ this year, with suggestions of opening order quantities falling massively short of MOQs and no firm commitment to further phasing. When you hear tales (which may or may not be apocryphal) of initial order quantities not even reaching three figures, it’s hard to equate that with a retailer which is part of the Walmart family.

Meanwhile Debenhams shareholders face the prospect of total wipeout, as one of the options being explored by the beleaguered retailer is to raise £200m in fresh loans which would result in a complete loss of equity value for existing shareholders. Whether or not this is a scare tactic aimed at encouraging Mike Ashley to wind his neck in can only be a matter of conjecture. Although the fact that Shop Direct is rebranding to Very, with one of the reasons given is so people don’t confuse it with Sports Direct, did make me smile. It seems that retailers are reluctant to be associated with Mr Ashley, even when it is being done in error!

Against this backdrop of ongoing retail uncertainty, the CBI announcement that retail sales fell in March by the fastest rate for more than a year came as no great surprise. The CBI was in no doubt as to the principal cause of the slump – and yes, we’re back to Brexit! In fairness, even I wouldn’t suggest that Brexit is singlehandedly responsible for the subdued footfall numbers that some high streets are experiencing. But it’s a huge factor, without a shadow of doubt.

Nevertheless, I do think it is important to put the CBI announcement into context, especially from a toy perspective. With Easter falling late this year, the March numbers were always going to struggle to match last year – let’s see how the picture looks at the end of April for a fairer comparison. I spent a day at the Toymaster FOB roadshow in Swindon yesterday, and while the ‘B’ word cropped up frequently in conversation, other challenges were also mentioned, including the lack of a really hot new craze. Over the past two years, the first quarter has been buoyed by stellar performances from fidget spinners, squishies and L.O.L. Surprise! While the latter two categories are still selling well, it is often tricky to match the dizzy heights of the first rush of product, especially for those retailers who were early to market. While a few new introductions have got off to a promising start (Cuteitos from Basic Fun and Bananas from Bandai were both mentioned), there is definitely a gap for a ‘wow craze’ which retailers are hoping will be filled sooner rather than later.

For now, sticking with the tried and tested and placing repeat orders if something is working seems to be the order of the day. However, it is still important to be pro-active and take a few calculated risks – it is the nimble companies on both the retail and supply side that maintain an advantage over slower-moving operations.

Talking to the Toy Barnhaus boys in Swindon, they were under no illusions: “It’s competitive out there. You can’t just sit there – you have to make the most of the opportunities. We’ve got a new B&M opening across the road from our Crawley store – but we see that as an opportunity, it will be good for footfall. We just have to make sure they cross the road and come into our store.” It was Toy Barnhaus’ 10th anniversary yesterday, and with such a positive ‘can do’ attitude and spirit, coupled with a huge passion for toys (and an even greater passion for lunch), you can see why they’ve made a huge success of the business – congratulations to Stephen, Mark and the whole team.

So let’s keep our fingers crossed for a good Easter, some pleasant (but not too hot) weather and for someone in Westminster to finally get to grips with the Brexit mess. And if you think that Brexit is a convenient scapegoat and too easily blamed for the current retail malaise, it was interesting to hear that Irish Toymaster members were in particularly buoyant mood at the Dublin Toymaster event last week, suggesting that if you removed Brexit from the national conversation, a rather different picture would emerge. We can but hope the penny drops in Westminster sooner rather than later.

Finally, you have to admire a company which plans ahead – especially in the current ‘hand to mouth’ climate. One customer (coincidentally, a toy buyer himself) recently found out just how far ahead one particular toy retailer works, when he received the following out of stock notification. Unfortunately, I’m not sure the product will still be appropriate by then…

Green Board Games announces winners of spring retailer awards

January and February winners named as Masters Traditional Games, St. Albans, and Semmalina Star Bags of London.

Masters Games was awarded the accolade of Independent Retailer of the Month for delivering a robust strategic games portfolio to a wide audience via a customer-friendly ecommerce platform. The company manages to compete effectively against some of the online giants whilst delivering friendly customer service.

James Masters, owner, commented: “We’re proud our work has been recognised by Green Board Games in this way, but it’s a two-way street; its portfolio offers our discerning customers a strong variety of aesthetically pleasing strategy games which repeat customers love. We work hard to ensure we deliver a good mix of games from pub games, giant outdoor games and board games, so working with a supplier like Green Board Games enables us to be able to offer something compelling and different, which are going to resonate with our traditional audiences.”

Semmalina Star Bags is an unusual recipient of the accolade as a party shop as opposed to a traditional toy retailer. It offers parents a one-stop shop for birthday parties, offering bespoke party bags, toys, gifts and cakes.

Diana Turner, owner of Semmalina Star Bags commented: “I was really thrilled to win the Independent Retailer of the Month award. Working closely with a supplier like Green Board Games makes all the difference in the world to us. Great toys, great service, just great.”

To celebrate the wins, Green Board Games has awarded both retailers with stock of their choice suited to their customer base.

Karen Nunn, Green Board Games, commented: “We are pleased to award Masters of Games with the Independent Retailer of the Month Award for January – to be able to offer a competitive online proposition in the face of such strong competition these days is testament to the hard work of all the team. I’m equally thrilled for Semmalina Star Bags, Awarded Independent retailer for February. Owners Diana and Sarah always go the extra mile to ensure they offer everything needed for a show-stopping birthday party, including a wide range of great gifts, which consumers would struggle to find in another indie store. For a party retailer to do so well with our lines shows how well-executed the business proposal is, and the strength of the marketing behind the shop.”

Addo Play names Sebastian’s Action Trust as 2019 supported charity

Addo Play will support the charity with fundraising initiatives, helping to provide respite holidays for sick children. 

The Addo Play team went to see the work being done by Sebastian’s Action Trust as it supports the families of seriously-ill children.

Addo Play aims to raise as much money as possible to help Sebastian’s Action Trust, with a fundraising target of £5000.

To reach this target the company has put together a fundraising schedule for 2019, including office-based activities such as auctions and raffles, to innovative 24-hour challenges and out & about team events.  All donations will go straight to Sebastian’s Action Trust.

The charity’s website reads: “Sebastian’s Action Trust has created the UK’s only purpose-built facility that offers respite holidays to very sick children and their families, enabling precious time to be spent together. Our house, called The Bluebells, has been built in the pretty Hampshire village of North Waltham. It opened in July 2011. Nothing like this previously existed in the UK, making The Bluebells the first of its kind and Sebastian’s vision all the more exceptional.

We also give emotional, social and practical support in many different forms, through an outreach service to families of children battling with life-limiting illnesses and provide meaningful assistance at critical times to those exhausted by the stresses of hospital life and their child’s gruelling treatment.The Trust does not have a restrictive geographical catchment area and already supports families in the South East, principally from Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire; however, we are happy to welcome families from outside these areas for respite breaks at The Bluebells. At Sebastian’s Action Trust, we care about making life a little easier for these children and young people. With your help we can continue to give support where and when it is needed.”

To donate money to Sebastian’s Action Trust, click here. For more information on the charity and its work, click here.

New TV sales announced for Shane the Chef

Deals will see the animated property air on Celtic broadcasters as well as in the Nordics.

Hoho Rights, the commercial arm of leading kids’ production company Hoho Entertainment, has announced a ‘smörgåsbord’ of TV sales for its food-based pre-school show Shane the Chef to Celtic broadcasters and the Nordics.

Almost a year since it launched on Channel 5’s Milkshake! last April, the new deals will see Shane the Chef air on the Celtic broadcasters RTE, BBC Alba and S4C. Shane has also been picked up by YLE, Finland’s national public broadcaster.

The 52 x 11’ animated series follows the foodie adventures of ambitious and energetic chef Shane and his young daughter Izzy. Every day is a recipe for adventure in the charming seaside town of Munchington as Shane demonstrates his passion for food.

Helen Howells, joint managing ddirector at Hoho Entertainment, commented: “We’re delighted that the recipe for Shane the Chef has proved to be so popular and that he’s now going to be sharing his enthusiasm for fresh food and healthy eating with even more young children and their families.”

Created by Andrew Wildman and Simon Jowett, Shane the Chef is entirely produced in the UK by Hoho Entertainment and animated by Cloth Cat Animation in Cardiff.

Shop Direct rebrands as The Very Group

The online retailer has said the rebrand will align its identity with its flagship brand Very.co.uk

The full extent of the rebrand will be unveiled later this year and will mark the 10-year anniversary of Very. Launched in July 2009, the retailer has become a £1.4b brand with 2.82m active customers and 1.25m daily website visits.

“Rebranding Shop Direct to The Very Group will be a clear marker of the next chapter in our development. The new name will bring us in line with Very in its 10th year and step change our ability to attract the world’s best talent,” said Shop Direct, CEO, Henry Birch.

Speaking at the RW Live event in London, Henry said that in some parts of the country the Shop Direct brand was becoming confused with Sports Direct.

He added: “The new identity will also help to foster an even closer emotional connection between our people and our customers, which is vital as we continue to improve our proposition and deliver the best possible shopping experience.”

Shop Direct will continue its ambitious recruitment programme to fill hundreds of roles in data and technology, as well as roles within its new East Midlands fulfilment centre.

Masha and the Bear spring campaign comes to The Entertainer

Branded display stands, security gate covers and costume character meet & greets set to replicate success of previous campaigns.

Animaccord, the rights holder of the worldwide hit animated family show Masha and the Bear, has partnered with The Entertainer to carry out a spring retail campaign. The campaign, which started this week, will last until the 24th of April .

During the campaign period, The Entertainer’s shops will be set up with branded Masha and the Bear’s display stands and security gate covers in more than 150 stores, featuring the hilarious characters to create a fun environment. These will be supported by interactive meet & greet events with Masha and the Bear costume characters, allowing children to meet their mischievous heroes.

“Masha and the Bear and The Entertainer have had a close and fruitful collaboration since the range first launched in 2016 and this latest campaign marks the fourth in a string of successful campaigns. In September 2018, sales of Masha and the Bear toys doubled at The Entertainer stores as a result of our autumn/winter in-store activation, and we’re excited to replicate this success with the latest campaign,” commented Mayur Pattni, UK marketing manager, Siso Toys UK.

Rebecca Naish, head of marketing and licensing at The Entertainer, added: “Masha & the Bear is a well-loved property with some great content that children enjoy. Animaccord has been a great partner over the last couple of years and we are excited to be working together to bring Masha & the Bear to life in-store and online again this Easter.”

eOne announces new broadcast platforms for Ricky Zoom

Super RTL in Germany, Clan TV in Spain and Youku in China join growing list of broadcast partners for eOne’s new pre-school series.

Entertainment One (eOne) continues to fuel excitement for its brand new pre-school animated TV series, Ricky Zoom, with news today that Super RTL in Germany, Clan TV in Spain and Youku in China are signed up to roll out series one of the show from autumn.

The new broadcasters join a growing roster of European partners including Gulli in France and RAI in Italy, along with Discovery Kids in Latin America building momentum for Ricky Zoom across multiple territories.

Alongside a growing broadcast presence, eOne is assembling a major global consumer products programme which will be spearheaded by leading global master toy partner Tomy International, with a range of products set to debut at retail in selected markets from spring 2020.

“We’re thrilled to be adding more top-tier partners to our growing broadcast line-up for Ricky Zoom,” said eOne’s Olivier Dumont, president, Family & Brands. “This strong commitment from a number of broadcasters who are all market leaders is testament to the fresh, exciting and appealing series we are producing with the same team as our hit series PJ Masks and we look forward to introducing the adventures of Ricky and friends to families all around the world.”

Official trailer lands for Dora the Explorer live-action movie

Dora and the Lost City of Gold will hit cinemas in early August. 

Paramount Pictures has released the official trailer for the first live-action movie adaptation of Nickelodeon’s hugely successful animated property, Dora the Explorer.

Starring Isabela Moner as the title character, with Eugenio Derbez, Michael Peña, Eva Longoria, Danny Trejo and Benicio del Toro in supporting roles, the film follows Dora as she leads her best friend Boots the monkey, Diego, and a rag tag group of teens on an adventure to save her parents and solve the impossible mystery behind a lost Inca civilisation.

The film, which is set for general cinema release on 2nd August, is directed by James Bobin and produced by Kristin Burr.

 

 

 

 

Sam Broad of Lighthouse Toys receives new wheelchair

A GoFundMe campaign raised over £22,000 in just seven months for a specialist electric wheelchair. 

“My new wheelchair has arrived,” commented Sam. “Thanks to everyone who donated.”

Sam Broad and her husband Tim opened Lighthouse Toys 14 years ago in Cambridge. Sadly, Sam became ill four years ago, meaning she could only visit the store occasionally when she felt well enough. While she continued to do much of the toy buying from home, Sam’s husband Tim has been running the shop along with the help of her parents.

Sam and Tim began fundraising for a new wheelchair seven months ago, as her previous chair limited her freedom; it was difficult for Tim to push, and Sam found that the support was lacking.

Fortunately, thanks to the generosity of toy industry supporters, friends and family, Sam is now enjoying her new wheelchair. The new chair will enable her to take a more active role in the business again, and to go on day trips with Tim and her children more easily.

Ikea and Barnardo’s partner on Toy Stor-age initiative

Toy Stor-age Points will launch in eight stores across the UK from 29th March – 31st March.

At the Toy Stor-age Points – which have been inspired by the upcoming release of Disney Pixar’s Toy Story 4 – visitors have the opportunity to gift their preloved toys to the UK’s largest children’s charity, Barnardo’s. The charity will then sell on donations in its shops to raise money for its vital services, which help more than 301,000 vulnerable children, young people, parents and carers across the UK.

In addition, customers who donate their unused toys will be given a £10 discount when they spend £70 on any of IKEA’s toy storage solutions.

Chief executive of Barnardo’s, Javed Khan, commented: “We urge families to consider donating unused toys to Barnardo’s through Ikea’s campaign. Not only will other families have the opportunity to enjoy these toys, but your kindness will help to raise money for our front line services supporting hundreds of thousands of vulnerable children, young people, parents and carers across the country.”

Marcos Tejedor, storage sales leader for Ikea UK and Ireland, commented: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Barnardo’s to launch Toy Stor-age donation points across the UK. Finding the space and suitable storage for your family’s belongings can be overwhelming, especially if your child has copious amounts of toys. By allowing our customers to re-gift their preloved toys in exchange for discount on our storage collections, we’ll ensure families can keep track of their belongings so they don’t go unused again.”