The tenth Kids India will take place from 12th to 14th September, with a focus on the new startup area and tailored packages offering young companies the ideal entry point to international business.

Indicators in the Indian toy market point clearly to growth due to the country’s demographic structure, with a very high proportion of younger people and a growing middle class whose incomes are rising. The gateway to this exciting market is Kids India in Mumbai; the tenth edition of India’s most important international B2B trade fair for toys, children’s products and sports goods takes place from 12th to 14th September.

Registration for Kids India has been open to companies since March. Feedback from the sector is positive and established businesses have already confirmed that they will be taking part. For interested startups, the organisers are making available, for the first time, an attractive full-service package. Young businesses will have the opportunity to be included in the Startup Pavilion. The offer includes a 6m² fully equipped stand in close proximity to other national and international startups. In addition, it covers access to a shared meeting lounge for discussions with customers and a product presentation in the conference area of the fair.

“Through this new area, we can promote promising companies of the next generation in the sector and their innovative approaches,” explains Christian Ulrich, spokesperson of the executive board at Spielwarenmesse eG.

At the previous edition, 160 exhibitors presented a broad range of goods and services in 18 product groups. In the Jio World Convention Centre, they met up with 5313 trade visitors from 35 countries. Alongside the opportunity to talk to international buyers, Kids India offers a comprehensive conference programme including seminars and podium discussions. The event is organised by the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce. Leading industry associations, the Sports Goods Export Promotion Council (SGEPC) and The All India Toy Manufacturers’ Association (TAITMA), are supporting the event.

More information and registration can be found on the Kids India website.

In addition to the exclusive US distribution partnership, Abacus Brands will work with HoloToyz on enhancing its packaging with new designs. 

It has been announced that Abacus Brands will now oversee all national distribution channels for HoloToyz in the USA, including major platforms like Amazon, as well as serve as the representative for the company in select international markets. The partnership will see the experiential toy company leverage its extensive distribution network to introduce HoloToyz’s innovative products to new audiences, harnessing the brand’s potential for international success.

“Our partnership with HoloToyz marks a significant milestone in our mission to bring exceptional, experiential toys to families worldwide,” said Steve Rad, CEO at Abacus Brands. “By combining our distribution and design expertise with HoloToyz’s extensive portfolio of innovative products, we are poised to deliver unparalleled experiences to consumers across the USA and beyond.”

In addition to distribution, Abacus Brands will also collaborate with HoloToyz on package updates and redesigns, breathing new life into the visual identity of HoloToyz products. As a 2024 Toy of the Year finalist in the packaging designer category, the American company is committed to creating retail packaging that captivates consumers and reflects the essence of HoloToyz’s unique offerings.

“Abacus Brands is a powerhouse in the experiential toy industry,” said Kate Scott, CEO and founder of HoloToyz. “Our shared commitment to delivering unique and enchanting experiences through augmented products creates an exceptional synergy. We are delighted to announce our partnership with Abacus Brands as a key distributor, expanding our reach to bring joy and innovation to more children and families.”

Mattel has appointed Brian Fitzharris to lead Fisher-Price, as the brand looks to reinforce its leading position in the pre-school category.

Mattel has announced that Brian Fitzharris has been appointed as senior vice president and general manager of Fisher-Price, effective from 22nd April. Brian will lead the Fisher-Price Infant and Toddler core brands and serve as leader of the company’s East Aurora, NY campus. He will report to Lisa McKnight, executive vice president and chief Brand officer at Mattel.

“We are thrilled to welcome Brian back to Mattel in this pivotal role at such an exciting time for Fisher-Price as we seek to strengthen our leadership position in this important category,” said Lisa McKnight. “At 94 years young, Fisher-Price has so much more room to grow, and under Brian’s management, the future is bright. His expertise as an operating leader combined with a proven track record of product development and launching and revitalizing brands bodes well for Fisher-Price’s long-term growth and success.”

Brian returns to Mattel following his most recent position as chief commercial officer at PlayMonster, where he led the toy company’s global Marketing and Sales teams.

Prior to his tenure at PlayMonster, he spent 16 years with Mattel in senior leadership positions across commercial and brand. He fostered top relationships with Walmart & Sam’s Club as vice president of Sales and served in senior international commercial roles, where he spearheaded and implemented marketing strategies for Mattel’s full portfolio of brands across Asia-Pacific and EMEA. Additionally, Brian held key roles across Mattel’s global brand teams, most notably contributing to the launch of Mattel’s licensed product line for Disney Pixar Cars, the expansion of Hot Wheels and the revitalization of the Barbie brand.

“It is an honour to return to Mattel and be entrusted with overseeing a brand as iconic as Fisher-Price,” added Brian. “For nearly a century, Fisher-Price has been a leader in child development; constantly creating new and innovative ways to support families and ensure children get their best possible start. That’s why Fisher-Price is cherished by parents and caregivers around the world. I can’t wait to collaborate with this incredible team to drive Fisher-Price’s next chapter of growth.”

Brian will be based at Mattel and Fisher-Price’s East Aurora campus.

Progressive PR & Communications become the seventh agency to join Playtime PR’s The Play Group, a collaborative network of leading PR agencies from across the globe.

The Progressive PR Communications team at the agency’s recent event for Peppa Pig, Peppa’s Cinema Party

Playtime PR has announced that it is expanding its global alliance of likeminded agencies to cover Australia. Melbourne-based Progressive PR & Communications becomes the seventh agency in The Play Group network, which already offers Playtime’s clients access to specialist agencies in Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the USA.

Through collaboration, agencies within The Play Group can provide clients with deeper localised insights and culturally-sensitive, tailored campaign solutions as well as meaningful input into global comms strategies.

Lesley Singleton, CEO, Playtime PR, said: “I really like Progressive’s no-nonsense approach to creating strategic campaigns with measurable outcomes for their clients. They’ve been making waves down under since 1999, and have a solid reputation in the toy sector and beyond into lifestyle, travel, entertainment and the arts. I’m very happy to welcome the team to The Play Group and look forward to working with them.”

Jodie Artis, founder of Progressive PR & Communications, added: “We’ve built a solid network of key media and social contacts throughout Australia, having worked with an array of lifestyle and kids’ clients including Entertainment One, Hasbro, Australian Toy Distributers and Zak Australia to deliver PR and social media campaigns for the likes of Peppa Pig, My Little Pony, PJ Masks, Tonka Trucks, Transformers, Monopoly, Casdon, Joseph and Joseph, Optimus Prime and Brickman Cities powered by Lego City. We’re excited to join The Play Group and look forward to collaborating with the other agencies.”

Lindsay Karbum has joined TCG Toys as vice president of Global Sales and is set to lead the company’s Sales team across all territories.

TCG Toys has announced the appointment of Lindsay Karbum as vice president of Global Sales, joining the Toronto-based company as it celebrates its 25th anniversary.

In her new role, Lindsay is charged with driving and growing TCG’s key product categories, including Sure-Lox puzzles, Imaginmats play mats and Flexfigs collectible figures, as well as other key brands, with an omnichannel strategy. She will focus on providing accounts with newness and unique positioning.

“I am beyond thrilled to welcome Lindsay to the TCG family,” said Michael Albert, president and CEO of TCG Toys. “In this milestone year, Lindsay’s experience will help us further expand the TCG brand as we look toward the next 25 years.

“She brings with her a wealth of experience in the toys and games categories, along with an exceptional understanding of how to build best-in-class programmes and relationships with our retail and distribution partners. I am confident that Lindsay’s global sales experience and proven methodology, combined with her sincere commitment to our future, will be an incredible asset to the company.”

At Relatable, the category-leading party game company formerly known as What Do You Meme, Lindsay led the sales team. She also served in National Account Manager roles at Spin Master and Bendon Publishing.

Jessica Gavin, executive vice president, TCG Toys, added: “As we look ahead to the next 25 years, we have an unwavering focus on building out an industry-leading team alongside a portfolio of premier products. TCG has been at the forefront of innovation, quality and exceptional value to the consumer for many years, and we are excited to unveil what is ahead for 2025 with Lindsay at the helm of our Global Sales, supported by a remarkable team of developers.”

“I am elated to be joining the TCG Team,” commented Lindsay. “The company has an amazing 25 year history of delivering incredible toys and games across the globe. I am excited for the direction, mission and next 25 years of this organization, and look forward to contributing to future successes at TCG.”

Imaginarium has advised its customers via social media that all stores in Spain have closed, a few days after its website went offline.

The company has announced that it is to close all its remaining outlets in Spain. Imaginarium had already vastly reduced its store estate in the country over recent years, following a challenging trading period.

A message posted on the company’s Facebook page reads: “You may have noticed that our website has been down for a few days now. We have held on until the last moment, until our last breath, to ‘press the button’ and say goodbye.

“With a heart full of mixed emotions and after many years, we are sad to inform you that Imaginarium is coming to an end.”

The Imaginarium toy stores were well know and loved throughout Spain, famous for their blue arch-like entrance doors; one large and one small, leading onto the shop floor. The company was founded in Zaragoza and was listed on the Alternative Stock Market until 2022, when it was excluded. At its peak, the company employed almost 800 workers, and ran 420 shops in 20 countries.

The company also expressed heartfelt gratitude to its Spanish customers for their loyalty and support over the years, as well as thanking staff who have worked for the business, for their hard work and dedication.

The company statement added: “It has been an honour and a privilege to be part of your life and that of your children, providing them with moments of joy and fun through our toys.”

Customers have been provided with an email address for any queries: customercare@imaginarium.es.

The news comes following the recent announcement by Spanish chain Poly Juguetes, which filed for voluntary insolvency proceedings in March. Poly Juguetes is part of Teal Group Holdings, which also includes The Entertainer, Early Learning Centre and Addo. Toy World understands that the Poly Group is actively seeking a new owner, so that stores can stay open and staff keep their jobs.

All proceeds from the LA Fall Preview event, organised by The Toy Foundation, will benefit children’s hospital play therapy programmes in economically disadvantaged communities.

Tao Los Angeles

Visitors to this year’s LA Fall Preview are being encouraged to save the date of Monday 9th September, as The Toy Foundation unveils details of its ‘party with a purpose’ at Tao Los Angeles.

In a statement, the organisation said: “Perhaps the two most defining characteristics of the toy industry are that we love to play and that we’re deeply committed to delivering the power of play – especially to children in greatest need. So, what better way to start The Toy Association’s Fall Preview Week than by putting on our best LA-chic and lighting up the night with top-tier entertainment and networking to support children’s hospitals in economically disadvantaged communities across the country.”

The Toy Foundation’s (TTF) FUNdraising event will kick off the LA Fall Preview week (running September 9th-13th) and support the wider toy industry’s commitment to achieving greater impact in the service and support of children in need around the world.

In addition to networking and entertainment, the event will raise awareness of the power of play. All proceeds will go towards TTF’s collective work to deliver play to children’s hospitals in economically disadvantaged communities. Last year alone, TTF’s work in this area improved paediatric care and health outcomes for more than 185,000 children and their families. For nearly 80 years, TTF has been the industry’s platform for small, medium and large toy companies (and industry partners) to work together to achieve impactful results like these.

The Toy Association’s LA Fall Preview is a dedicated week that gives buyers exclusive sneak peeks at what’s in store for 2025. The industry at large can book showroom space in TTF’s marketplace, located in the heart of LA’s ‘toy district’.

The Toy Association is also hosting a ‘come one, come all’ industry networking party on Tuesday 10th September at the Otis College of Art and Design. The industry will also come together once again during WiT’s Wonder Women Awards on Friday 13th September, making this an amazing week for the toy industry.

Additional event announcements will be shared in due course at ToyFoundation.org.

Ravensburger is set to distribute Othello, the classic 50-year strategy board game, in the United States and Canada.

Ravensburger has announced that it is now the distributor for the classic strategy game Othello, which has sold over 40m copies worldwide, in the United States and Canada. Beginning on 1st August, Ravensburger will take on distribution of this fast-paced strategy title to hobby and specialty stores nationwide. Retailers will also notice a new update to Othello’s components – the rulebook will be printed in colour for the first time in the game’s history.

“Othello is a natural fit for Ravensburger’s games portfolio,” said Florian Baldenhofer, international category director of Games for Ravensburger, who leads the company’s Games Category in North America. “The motto, ‘A minute to learn… a lifetime to master’, captures our own philosophy of designing games that are easy to learn, that offer depth and replayability and that are ideal for multi-generations, bringing kids and grandkids together around the table.”

Designed for two players and featuring two-sided disks, black or white, Othello challenges players to capture and convert their opponent’s disks to their own colour, with the objective of having more of their own colour disks face up on the board at the end of the game. To change the disks to their selected colour, players must work to sandwich their opponent’s pieces, but they must look out as their opponent will try to do the same on their next move. The lead can change with a flip of a disk.

Othello is suggested for players ages eight and up and will be available at retailers from 1st August 2024.

Matthew will be responsible for the overall growth of Mighty Jaxx across the Americas and is set to spearhead the company’s online and offline retail strategy. 

Mighty Jaxx has announced the appointment of Matthew Buss as its general manager to drive brand growth, licensing and retail business in the Americas.

Based in Los Angeles, Matthew is an accomplished business leader and innovator with a track record in brand development, product innovation and strategic expansion, and has more than 15 years of experience dealing with all major global retailers.

Bringing a global perspective and a unique blend of financial focus and creative vision, in his new general manager role, Matthew will be responsible for the overall strategy and growth of Mighty Jaxx across the Americas, together with a team that he will build and lead.

As part of his long-term goals of establishing Mighty Jaxx as a leader in the collectibles and entertainment industry – especially in the Americas region – Matthew will spearhead and expand Mighty Jaxx’s online/offline retail strategy with strategic retail partners and distributors. He will also work with Mighty Jaxx to secure new licences and collaboration opportunities, as well as developing product diversification and charting industry innovation on behalf of the company.

Formerly the general manager of OnDemand at THG, he successfully led the expansion of retail brands into the US market, achieving consistent growth and spearheading projects in Brand and Digital Marketing, Product Development, and NFT/Metaverse.

With prior experience as head of sales US at Eaglemoss, Hero Collector, Matthew drove revenue growth, secured major retail placements and established a strong brand presence, including successful programmes with retailers like Walmart. Prior to that, Matthew was also a key contributor to the success of Titan Entertainment, where he played a pivotal role in the successful launch of Titan Vinyls, in the US and Europe.

Jackson Aw, founder and CEO, Mighty Jaxx, said: “The Americas has been a big part of our growth globally in the past 12 years and the appointment of Matt Buss will allow us to tap into his years of experience in growing consumer brands from the ground up. We have followed Matt’s work closely and seen the results he’s achieved. When the opportunity came for us to get him onboard, we didn’t hesitate, knowing we would be giving ourselves an injection of rocket fuel to surpass what we set out to achieve.”

Matthew commented: “This role presents an incredible opportunity to leverage my expertise in sales strategy and business development to drive growth and innovation in one of the most dynamic markets in the world. I am excited to collaborate with the talented team at Mighty Jaxx, working together to exceed growth targets, strengthen partnerships and elevate the brand’s presence in the Americas.”

Orchard Toys has announced an agreement with SES Creative to distribute its ranges in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Benelux and France.

Under the terms of the agreement, SES Creative will provide regional distribution and local infrastructure, and support existing retail within the region and the development of major new business opportunities for Orchard Toys.

Simon Newbery, managing director at Orchard Toys, said: “This new distribution agreement is part of our growth strategy to develop and expand our business across Europe, and SES Creative is a great fit as our new partner.”

Boris Scholtz, CEO at SES Creative, added: “We are excited to add Orchard Toys’ excellent products to the SES Creative collection and make them available to children across GAS, Benelux and France. It will help us grow sales and become a stronger partner for our valued customers, as well as offering more choice to the consumer.”

This announcement follows the company’s agreement with Amo Toys in January for distribution of its lines in Scandinavian markets. Amo Toys will offer localised distribution in Norway, Finland and Denmark, with local language instructions in the games and jigsaws it distributes.

In 2023, Orchard Toys confirmed a distribution and licensed manufacturing agreement with Beijing Foxy, in a move to expand the brand within the People’s Republic of China (PRC).