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

The August issue, which boasts Kids@Play’s Harry Potter Magical Infinity Calendar as its cover star, includes comprehensive category features on plush toys, STEM toys and wooden toys. We also take a look at what will be on show at this year’s Autumn Fair, and speak to some leading exhibitors in the toy & games category about their presence at the event.

We’ve spoken to Richard Stone, founder of UK company Beehive Toys, about how independent retailers can benefit from the company’s innovative product range and refreshingly simple terms, and caught up with N. Smith’s MD Nigel Reynolds about the display and packaging solutions making a difference to brick & mortar stores. Victor Caddy of Wynne-Jones IP looks at the potential implications of a departure from the EU for UK toy companies, and familiar faces including Nat Southworth, Jim Hawker and Ruth Clement offer their Viewpoints on topics ranging from the perfect line to sustainable packaging.

Plus, we present the first part of our in-depth look at the licensing industry. Working in conjunction with Brand Licensing Expo, Toy World publisher John Baulch has gathered comments and insight from some of the most straight-talking licensees the industry has to offer, in an effort to better understand how the toy community views the state of play in the licensing arena right now. We’re sure you’ll all agree that it makes for fascinating reading. Part two of this article, which will be published in the September issue, will look at the biggest challenges that licensees and retailers will face in the coming months, and what licensors could do to improve their relationships with licensees and retailers.

To read the August issue of Toy World Magazine, click here.

The striking new balloons have been uniquely produced to achieve a finish reminiscent of gummy candies.

Pioneer Europe has announced the imminent arrival of the brand new Jelli Ombre Numbers range from Northstar Balloons.

The front of the balloon appears as a translucent pastel ombre while the back is a solid silver foil, lending each the striking look and feel of a gummy candy when inflated. The on-trend collection is available in numbers 0-9, in size 16” (41cm). Each has an identical amount of ombré and colour, delivering stunning displays alone or together in a group.

The range is designed to be air filled, and the self-sealing valve delivers the ultimate in convenience, making for quick and easy inflation. Each number also has hang tabs, so it’s easy to create both strung and hanging displays.

Pioneer is expecting a surge of interest in this range and fast sell-out. Stock is expected at Pioneer Europe from mid-August, and early orders are encouraged.

To place an order or find out more please email pelorder@qualatex.com or call +44 (0) 1279 501 090.

The exclusive Calling All B.B.s dance video was released to the world on YouTube in May, reaching 4.8m fans worldwide.

On Saturday 27th July, the brand shared its signature moves for the new dance craze Calling All B.B.s with 3,000 fans, thanks to a surprise performance at Camp Bestival’s Big Top stage. Thirty dancers dressed as L.O.L. Surprise! Boys and #Hairgoals characters taught fans the iconic moves, while festival-goers were also treated to a screening of Calling All B.B.s.

This year, the collectible brand was featured within a dedicated area throughout the three day festival, which ran from 26th-28th July. Families enjoyed an exclusive first look at the new ranges, including the new L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. Fashion Dolls, and had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of L.O.L. Surprise! by dressing like their favourite characters and strutting their stuff on the catwalk.

Celebrity fans of the brand, including pop group Four of Diamonds and BBC Radio 2 DJ Sara Cox, made a V.I.P. appearance in the L.O.L. Surprise! tent to meet fans. Ruby Rube, an influencer with 2.9m YouTube followers, was also involved in an exclusive unboxing. Alongside Ruby were other popular influencers and bloggers who visited the festival to get involved with the L.O.L. Surprise! brand experience.

“Calling All B.B.s has received a phenomenal response since its launch with almost 5m views on YouTube alone,” said Samantha Wilson, marketing director at MGA Entertainment. “It was incredible to see thousands of L.O.L. Surprise! fans excitedly going through the dance moves at this year’s Camp Bestival event. Momentum will only continue to grow for the hottest new dance craze as it sweeps parks and playgrounds throughout the next few months. L.O.L. Surprise! has always led the way in bringing fun and innovation to the toy industry. Camp Bestival is always a great opportunity for us to showcase the brand.”

Already showcased at the Toymaster May Show and Christmas in July, the calendar will make its next appearance at Autumn Fair. 

Kids@Play is aiming to recreate the queues seen at its 2018 Autumn Fair booth, by previewing the Harry Potter Magical Infinity Gift Box Advent Calendar.

Packed with over £120 worth of merchandise across plush, travel and stationery in a magic rotating box adorned with eye-catching imagery straight from the wizarding world of Harry Potter, the calendar – which has an RRP of £69.99 – presents one of the most important retail opportunities in the lead up to Christmas. The calendar’s innovative ‘infinity’ unveiling-motion will see it feature prominently across social media platforms including Twitter and Instagram in the run-up to Christmas, boosting awareness and driving excitement for the product, while the calendar also appears on the front cover of the August issue of Toy World.

Speaking to Toy World at the recent Christmas in July event, Nat noted: “Our Infinity Calendar is definitely proving a hit… In recent weeks we’ve had retail partners who’d previously said their calendar stocks were sorted do a 180 when seeing this product. It’s a Christmas must-have and a dream for social media and PR purposes.”

Visitors to Autumn Fair can view the Harry Potter Magical Infinity Gift Box Advent Calendar for themselves in Hall: 6, 7 & 8, Stand: 6A90. The Kids@Play team will be only too happy to demonstrate it in action, and provide an overview of the company’s other best-selling lines including the 2018 Christmas best-seller, the Talking Sorting Hat.

Capsule Chix is a new customisable doll collection from Moose Toys that encourages creativity and play.

Children are developing a more individual style from as young as seven, according to new research by the Capsule Chix brand. The study of 2,000 parents with children aged 4-18 proves that children are feeling more inspired and creative than their parents, as seven in 10 adults (70%) agree their kids are better dressed than they are.

To help inspire creativity, Moose Toys has launched Capsule Chix, the new fashion doll collectable that lets kids show off their individual styles and celebrates what it means to be unique. Capsule Chix, set for release on 1st August, encourages children to be as creative as possible, with over 4b looks available in series one.

Mums and dads surveyed in the research said that they feel happy, proud and even impressed by their youngster’s style and fashion sense. Further, a third of parents are giving their children as much creative freedom as they want and let their little ones go out in dressing up clothes. Another quarter (25%) are happy to let their child wear any accessories they wish, as long as it makes them happy.

Emily Maclennan, sales & marketing director at Moose Toys UK, commented: “Style is a really important part of self-expression, so it’s great to see parents allowing and encouraging this from a young age. Our research shows parents don’t care how their kids are dressed, as long as they’re enjoying themselves and are being creative. Capsule Chix makes it easy for children to experiment with as many styles as possible, celebrating what it means to be ‘you-nique’.”

Capsule Chix come in an iconic capsule machine, taking fashion unboxing to a whole new level. The Style Dial can be turned to unbox five surprise capsules, each one containing various pieces including stylish and colourful hair, faces, tops, bottoms, hand signs, shoes and accessories to build one complete doll.

To celebrate children’s unique styles and personalities, Capsule Chix is working with eight year old fashion influencer Laerta, to encourage kids to celebrate their unique styles with #StyledByMe whereby kids can create their own style tips or look to others for inspiration to create their unique look.

Emily Maclennan added: “We hope that kids love their dolls and have fun dialling up their style – with lots of limited edition and rare pieces to look out for. We’re really excited to be launching this toy collection which lets kids express themselves in a truly creative way.”

The sponsorship campaign will run on the Discovery Channel UK network until mid-autumn.

Trends UK’s Discovery Adventures brand, which encourages fun and exploration outdoors, will be featured on the Discovery Channel at weekends as part of the Discovery Adventures sponsorship bumpers. Available in over 11m UK homes, the Discovery Channel is the broadest, youngest and No. 1 pay-to-view factual channel in the UK.

Featuring the Discovery Adventure Walkie Talkies in a starring role, the sponsorship campaign will run on the Discovery Channel UK network until mid-autumn.

Refreshed with a new utilitarian look, Trends UK’s popular Discovery range has been rebranded under the Discovery Adventures brand, including walkie talkies, portable telescope, bug barn and metal detector.

Lindsay Hardy, marketing director, Trends UK, commented: “We are thrilled our Discovery Adventures items are being featured on the Discovery Channel. The Discovery Adventure brand ident films are great fun and very engaging for the family. It is an amazing showcase to promote our popular Discovery Adventures range to millions of viewers.”

Helen Panayiotou, licensing manager, Discovery, Inc., added: “Discovery continue to work with Trends across their outdoor toy lines, encouraging children to explore, have fun and adventure outdoors. Trends UK’s Discovery Adventures toy range is ideal for families and the great outdoors.”