Matchbox has unveiled the Matchbox Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology die-cast car, made with recycled metal and ISCC-certified plastic.

Mattel has announced the Matchbox Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology die-cast car. The new die-cast vehicle was created to celebrate the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and the recent reveal of its all-new electric model. Matchbox has unveiled that the realistic and highly detailed model which features recycled metal and a minimum of 81% ISCC-certified plastic, highlighting how Matchbox is evolving its product offerings.

The Matchbox exclusive 1:64th scale replica die-cast features true to life details that embody the spirit of the G-Class. The Mercedes-Benz G 580 comes in a Manufaktur south seas blue magno, with black interior. It’s made with 99.5% recycled metal, features one-of-a-kind packaging with textured paper and a base that attaches to the lid for a unique home display for car enthusiasts and collectors to enjoy. Matchbox has stayed true to its commitment to using more sustainable materials, while also providing fans with premium materials that feel authentic to the Mercedes-Benz all-new electric G-Class.

“We’re thrilled to be celebrating an iconic brand like Mercedes-Benz, which has continued to break boundaries in the electric vehicle space, culminating in this momentous release of the first Mercedes-Benz all-new electric G-Class,” said Roberto Stanichi, global head of Vehicles at Mattel. “We can’t think of a better way to mark the occasion than with the exclusive Matchbox die-cast release. We can drive toward a better future together as we stay committed to using more sustainable materials, while simultaneously bringing fans realistic replicas of their favourite cars.”

The Matchbox Mercedes-Benz all-new G-Class die-cast car expands upon Matchbox’s Driving Toward a Better Future campaign, introduced in 2022. This initiative champions greener play experiences by integrating electric vehicles in its product range, aligning with its goal to achieve 100% recycled, recyclable or bio-based plastics in both toys and packaging by 2030.

“We are very pleased that our all-new Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology, the electric model of our off-road icon, is making its way into the versatile model range of Matchbox cars,” said Michael Knöller, head of the Off-Road Vehicles division and CEO of Mercedes-Benz G GmbH. “We are convinced that it will find its way to many enthusiasts — even outside the G-Fans community.”

Later in the year, the Matchbox Mercedes-Benz all-new electric G-Class die-cast car will also be available in Matchbox’s Moving Parts Series, which features Manufaktur classic grey non-metallic and movable doors that provide added authenticity, realism and drive storytelling. All Moving Parts vehicles are made using recycled metal and a minimum of 51% ISCC-certified plastic.

The Matchbox Mercedes-Benz all-new electric G-Class premium version will be available in limited quantities exclusively at www.mattelcreations.com for £30 RRP on 30th April. The Matchbox Mercedes-Benz all-new electric G-Class die-cast Moving Parts Series will be available at UK retailers nationwide this fall for £4.29.

Click here to learn more about Mattel’s sustainability goals or visit Matchbox to learn more about the brand’s sustainable efforts and products.

Devlin Lindeque has joined Associated Independent Stores (AIS) as interim director of Fashion, Toys and Sports.

Devlin Lindeque brings over 20 years of experience to AIS, including at Disney, Mothercare and Merlin Entertainments, with expertise in leading buying and design teams, as well as constructing and developing ranges across multiple product categories.

Devlin will be leading the Fashion, Toys and Sports product areas, ensuring that the AIS Membership is supported by retail expertise for independent retail, connecting a community of members, suppliers and the AIS team of experts.

Devlin said: “I am delighted to have joined AIS, the largest retail buying group for independent retail across the UK and Ireland. I look forward to working with the team and developing the Fashion, Toys and Sports product areas, and I am excited to meet and collaborate with AIS members and suppliers.”

Sue Kemp, managing director of AIS, added: “I am thrilled that Devlin has joined the AIS senior leadership team, bringing his wealth of experience and expertise to the organisation and our members. I am very much looking forward to working with him and welcome Devlin to the AIS community.”

At AIS, plans are well underway for the INDX Toy & Gift show taking place at Cranmore Park from Tuesday 3rd September to Wednesday 4th September 2024. Providing visitors with an exclusive chance to stock up for the Christmas period and preview upcoming products for 2025, this two-day event is open to retailers of all sizes and the organisers guarantee an unforgettable experience, and this year will have a Heritage theme.

Autumn Fair’s New Business Pavilion aims to put the next generation of creators on the retail map.

Autumn Fair has announced the launch of a New Business Pavilion, designed to support small businesses and the next generation of makers and creators, helping put their products on the map and reach thousands of buyers nationwide.

100 New Business Pavilion ready-to-exhibit entry level price packages are available and include space at both Autumn Fair taking place from 1st – 4th September 2024 at NEC Birmingham, and Spring Fair from 2nd – 5th February 2025.

As the destinations for buyers to explore new and captivating products from some of the most coveted brands in retail, the packages have been curated to give retail’s future leaders a chance to reach a new marketplace, learn from seasoned businesses and be part of the future of retail with Spring and Autumn Fair.

The packages are offered across all sectors, including The Summerhouse, a curated home for style-led and on-trend interior accessories and gifts, as well as Home Living and Décor, Gift, Beauty and Wellbeing, Greetings Cards, Stationery and Wrapping, Kids, Toys and Play, Everyday and within Moda, Clothing and Footwear, Fashion Accessories and Jewellery and Watch.

Soraya Gadelrab, event director of Autumn Fair, said: “We are very excited to launch our New Business packages, tailor-made for small businesses to help them put their products in front of key, purchase-ready buyers from leading stores like Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, Tesco and Dunelm, as well as thousands of independent retailers. This opportunity also helps businesses who have never exhibited before to meet and learn from the best by joining the 800+ seasoned makers, creators and product sellers while at the show.”

New Business Pavilion exhibitors will be able to showcase their products at two of the UK’s biggest retail trade events – Autumn Fair 2024 and Spring Fair 2025 – within a large pavilion of other new businesses ready to make the next step selling their products to business across the UK and Ireland. From open plan displays to creative showcasing solutions, new businesses will be able to amplify their presence and products to key buyers at both shows.

Exhibitors will also get access to exhibitor playbooks and association support, dedicated marketing initiatives to support their business and ongoing support from a dedicated account manager.

Spaces are limited but applications are now open – click here to apply.

Rainbow Designs has announced the expansion of its Key and Nationals Account Team, as it welcomes Kristina Sundby to the Rainbow family.

Kristina Sundby immigrated to the UK from Norway in 2020, and joins the team as a National Account manager, bringing strength and depth to the team with over seven years of retail experience in categories including party and celebrations.

Rainbow Designs‘ licensed character ranges, that include Paddington, Harry Potter, Peter Rabbit and Disney’s Winnie the Pooh and The Lion King, give Kristina plenty to get excited about this year.

“I’m eager to embark on my journey in the nursery, gifting and toy industries, working with these true heritage brands, and bringing joy into little ones first years,” said Kristina. “It’s hard not to fall in love with our products, and I’m looking forward to working closely with our existing and new retailers in the nursery and toy categories.”

Gary Hughes, National Accounts controller for Rainbow Designs, has welcomed Kristina to the team. “Kristina’s ambitions align with ours, and coupled with her experience, make her the perfect fit for Rainbow,” said Gary. “We’ve so much to offer retailers that she can cultivate, and I’m looking forward to seeing the impact she will inevitably make.”

Rainbow Designs has been developing and creating high quality soft and wooden toys for the nursery, toy and gift industries for over 50 years. Rainbow’s licensed portfolio and collections include Harry Potter, Paddington Bear, Peter Rabbit, Disney’s Winnie the Pooh, Mickey Mouse and The Lion King, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Guess How Much I Love You, Elmer, Spot the Dog, Snoopy, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, Bagpuss, Maisy, Giraffes Can’t Dance and The Snowman and The Snowdog ranges.

Moose Toys and Universal Products & Experiences are releasing a new toy line for the Despicable Me franchise, ahead of a new movie this summer.

Moose Toys, in collaboration with Universal Products & Experiences, is bringing one of the biggest global animated franchises in history, Illumination’s Despicable Me, to shelves. The extensive line of action figures, playsets, roleplay and collectibles, as well as co-branded toys, including Moose’s Heroes of Goo Jit Zu, will range in price from £2.99 to £32.99 in the UK. The toy line is available ahead of the theatrical release of Illumination’s Despicable Me 4 on 3rd July 2024.

“There are a number of firsts in this new line that are sure to amuse and entertain fans of all ages,” said Joe Smith, vice president of global and US marketing, licensed brands at Moose Toys. “The melding of the innate subversive humour, friendship and fun that is embedded into the DNA of Illumination’s Despicable Me brand, paired with our Moose innovation, is sure to enhance the playtime experience.”

Moose Toys has brought to life many of Illumination’s most popular Minions, as well as new Minions, ahead of Despicable Me 4’s release.

The Ultimate Fart Blaster, a 14-inch-long fart-making weapon, has always been a fan favourite, but this is the first time that it has lights, fart sounds and shoots scented fart rings that travel up to six feet away. The blaster comes loaded with two fart formulas that produce rings that smell of banana or farts. Each bottle of fart formula produces up to 5,000 fart rings and blasts. There is also the Minion-inspired Mini Fart Blaster.

A Minion has been reimagined in a mega form, and in the Transformation Chamber playset, kids load an AVL agent version of Jerry and his accessory rock into the chamber’s hatch, turn the levers and the chamber door will open to reveal a five-and-a-half-inch mega Jerry figure. When discs are put in Jerry’s mouth, he’ll spit at a variety of targets located throughout the playset.

Four-inch versions of fan favorites Dave, Tim, Gus and Mel each include an accessory that allows them to exercise their power, just like in the movie. Mega Dave comes with an attachable smoke cloud, Mega Mel comes armed with a projectile, Mega Tim has tornado arms and Mega Gus launches from his display stand.

Despicable Me Minions Dave and Tim have joined the licensed line of Heroes of Goo Jit Zu figures. These two stretchy figures are already in their Mega Minion form and can stretch up to three times in size, always coming back to their original shape.

Mini Mayhem Figures is a cast of 20 two-inch collectible characters from the upcoming movie that arrive in a single- or themed four-packs. Core fan favourite characters and new figures strike movie moment poses for kids to create scenes from the movie or imagine new mayhem.

AVL Deluxe Minions Mel and Dave are sporting their AVL suits with unique detailing. Each Minion comes with two recognisable accessories; Mel has a grappling hook and goggles, while Dave has a blaster and AVL coffee mug. Measuring more than 5-inches-tall these oversized Minions feature glass eyes and 10 points of articulation.

The Despicable Me 4 line is available now. For more information on the new collection and more from Moose Toys, visit www.moosetoys.com.

Panini’s Official England Sticker Collection Tournament Edition 2024 is available now, with 387 stickers to collect.

Panini has announced the launch of the eagerly anticipated Official England Sticker Collection Tournament Edition 2024.

Featuring 100% official kits and packed full of past, present and future Three Lions stars, plus elite players from four of Europe’s greatest national teams, Panini says the collection is the ultimate companion to the summer of football.

The collection boasts 387 stickers, including 130 special stickers. Collectors can kick start their collection with a starter pack that includes an album plus five sticker packets.

Commenting on the collection, Katie Gritt, head of Marketing for Sport at Panini, said: “The Official England Sticker Collection Tournament Edition 2024 has landed, ready for football fans to collect their favourite England players ahead of what promises to be a memorable summer of football. As well as the current England squad – and the favourite players from France, Germany, Italy and Spain, all in 100% official kit – this must-have collection features England Legends, Next Gen players and amazing facts and stats on Europe’s biggest superstars. It’s the sticker collection to have this summer.”

Panini’s new collection features a Legends series with the likes of David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney, all available to collect.

Former Liverpool and England star, Steve McManaman, who also features as a Legend in the series, said: “It’s a really proud moment being included as a Legend and those specific stickers standing out with a unique design. My 12-year-old boy will be talking to his mate about the stickers in the new collection, and now his dad is on one of them. For football lovers, sticker collections and the quest to try and fill up your book, is one of the great memories of growing up.”

The Official England Sticker Collection Tournament Edition 2024, is available now at www.panini.co.uk/englandstickers and retailers nationwide.

The June edition of Toy World will include a specialist feature on the Arts & Crafts/Creative Play category.

This issue will contain a comprehensive feature on Arts & Crafts – a category that encompasses a wide range of products, from DIY kits and handmade artworks, to jewellery making and finger paints. Arts & Crafts and Creative Play give children many developmental benefits and provide them with an outlet to be creative and imaginative.

Arts & Crafts is just one of the features in the upcoming June issue, which will also include comprehensive category features on Wheeled Toys (scooter, bikes, skateboards and ride-ons etc), Infant Toys and Action Figures & Kidult Toys, as well as regular features such as Talking Shop, Letter from America, Allegedly, all the latest industry news and a selection of exclusive interviews.

The deadline for editorial in the June issue will be the 1st May, and the deadline for adverts will be the 14th May. Please ensure you plan for these deadlines in good time.

For further information regarding editorial opportunities in the June issue, or to take part in our popular Talking Shop feature, please contact:

• Rachael Simpson-Jones – Rachael@toyworldmag.co.uk
• Marianna Casal – Marianna@toyworldmag.co.uk
• Caroline Tonks – Caroline@toyworldmag.co.uk
• Gabriela Jimenez Garcia – Gabriela@toyworldmag.co.uk

The editorial team can also be reached on 01442 502 406.

To find out more about advertising opportunities, in the June issue or any other edition, contact Mark Austin, mark@toyworldmag.co.uk.

Don’t forget to keep an eye on our website and daily newsflash for all the latest toy industry news and the latest roles in our popular recruitment section.

SmartGames has unveiled 5 Little Birds, a puzzle game where players must work out where each of the five birds fit on the tree.

SmartGames has annnounced its latest one player puzzle game. The brand’s 5 Little Birds is a new logic game with 60 different challenges, where players must solve clues to fly the birds back to their homes.

Made for children ages five and above, 5 Little Birds tests players deduction. To solve the puzzle, players must use their concentration to work out where the five little birds perch in the tree. They will use the picture clues provided on each challenge to clip each bird to the branches. To solve the puzzle correctly, each bird must face the right direction and perch next to the right friend.

Playing 5 Little Birds stimulates key logic and deduction skills. With five levels of fun that get progressively more difficult, the game increeases in difficulty from easy to hard. Players may work at their own pace to solve each level, as the birds get more and more demanding. This game involves both dexterity and some real thinking as the it progresses.

Commenting on the launch of 5 Little Birds, Karen Clarke, UK brand director at Smart Toys and Games, said: “We are delighted to unveil this exciting new game. Now that spring has sprung and the birds are tweeting, we are sure players will be excited to fly these five little birds home. It really is bursting with fun and is a great way to put players logic and problem-solving skills to the test.”