This September, the Toy Association will host a market week and associated events in LA, with rental space available at a building in El Segundo.

The US Toy Association has announced it has secured a presence to conduct an LA Fall Preview, scheduled to take place this September. The objective is to provide toy companies in need of showroom space with a convenient forum to share long-lead lines during the important autumn/fall time period via a collective by-appointment marketplace. The move is reflective of the association’s goal to be of greater service to its members by meeting the evolving needs and buying cycles of the industry, based on feedback from the toy community at large.

“We have heard loud and clear the desire for a Toy Association-hosted market week that will bring the industry together and accommodate its needs as it continues to grow and evolve,” said Aaron Muderick, chairperson of The Toy Association Board of Directors and founder and executive chairman of Crazy Aaron’s. “This solution is designed to be beneficial to those who are looking for a temporary space to conduct important presentations and meetings, as well as those looking to network with industry friends and colleagues.”

The Toy Association will promote the September 9th to 13th market week to buyers and other industry professionals, although companies are encouraged to secure their own appointments to ensure maximum visibility and success. Additionally, to provide optimal flexibility, the space, which will be contracted by marketplace participants, can be utilized for appointments during the full month of September to accommodate ongoing meetings with buyers beyond the specifically identified preview dates.

Additional information about the market week and associated events will be announced in the coming months. These events, including a free networking party hosted by The Toy Association, are expected to bring the industry together and facilitate relationship-building.

Rental space will be available over three identical and consecutive floors at 2250 East Imperial Highway in El Segundo, CA. Rental options will include private offices and open spaces. For more information, companies are invited to contact the appropriate account executive: company names beginning with A–G contact Simon Yung, H-P contact Stacy Liebensohn and Q-Z contact Michael Lynch.

Toy World will bring readers more information as it becomes available. Meanwhile, interested parties can consult the Toy Association’s FAQs which will be updated as further details are confirmed.

The agreement will see the Nordic importer and marketer of toys and games, Amo Toys, distribute Orchard’s product range in Scandinavian markets.

Orchard Toys managing director, Simon Newbury

Orchard Toys has confirmed a distribution agreement with Amo Toys to expand the Orchard Toys brand in Scandinavian markets.

The partnership will support existing and new retail opportunities in the region, and develop the eCommerce business, in a bid to replicate Orchard Toys’ success in the UK market. Amo Toys will offer localised distribution in Norway, Finland and Denmark, with local language instructions in the games and jigsaws it distributes.

Orchard Toys’ managing director, Simon Newbery, said: “There’s enormous sales potential in the Scandinavian market, and we’re confident Amo Toys will take the Orchard Toys brand and grow it in the region.”

Henrik Matilainen, CEO, Amo Toys, added: “This is an exciting opportunity for us, and for retailers in the Scandinavian market, and we’re eager to deliver success for Orchard Toys.”

Last year, 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). Simon Newbery hailed the move as an exciting opportunity to grow the Orchard Toys brand worldwide.

This year, Orchard Toys has unveiled innovative new products in its expanding portfolio of best-selling educational games and puzzles loved by parents, teachers and children. Amo Toys will be launching the Orchard Toys range from the Orchard Toys stand at Spielwarenmesse 2024 – Hall 10.0, Stand H.13.0.

Product will be available in the Scandinavian region from March 2024.

Gibsons Games has teamed up with fellow British family business Le Toy Van, working with its sales team to support the growth of the Gibsons brand in the USA.

Recently incorporated in the States, Gibsons will be targeting speciality and mid-market with its Gibsons core range and the mass market with its sub brand, World of Puzzles.

Kate Gibson commented: “As a recently certified B Corp, we share many of the same values with Le Toy Van and strongly identify with its exceptional quality and use of ethically sourced materials. I’m hugely excited to begin this new chapter, working alongside Steve Le Van and his team as we grow Gibsons in the USA.”

Le Toy Van also featured on the Gibsons London Toy Fair stand this week as the companies built on their partnership, supporting one another’s growth ambitions in both markets.

Steve Le Van added: “We are thrilled to partner up with our good friends at Gibsons. This collaboration allows us to combine our expertise, resources and creativity to reach a wider audience. This partnership opens up a world of possibilities for both brands, allowing us both to thrive and grow together in the competitive market of children’s toys and gifts.”

The organisers say that Spielwarenmesse this week, taking place from 30th January to 3rd February, is set to be one of the biggest yet.

Spielwarenmesse eG offers participants from around the world the latest trends and innovations, along with valuable expertise in toys and a broad range of networking opportunities. The Spielwarenmesse stands for impetus, ideas and inspiration of the highest quality. At the international gathering, industry and trade have the opportunity to cultivate their business relationships neatly and efficiently and to tap new distribution channels and target groups.

“The positive attitude that we have experienced, not to mention the figures themselves, are noticeably higher than last year’s levels. Interest from overseas in particular is exceptionally high,” said Christian Ulrich, spokesperson of the Executive Board at Spielwarenmesse eG.

From ambitious startups to respected key players, 2,354 exhibitors from 68 countries will be there, providing inspiration for trade visitors’ and buyers’ range selections. 13 product groups in 18 halls are waiting to be discovered, and Hall 12.2, with its fixed stands from familiar companies, has a new design.

A number of themed specials are on offer from Spielwarenmesse. Life’s a Playground – Toys for Kidsters, Kidults & Co. is divided into four categories: Collectibles, Premium Collectibles, Tabletop Games and Creative Fantasy. There are also live demonstrations from Ultra Comix, Nuremberg’s flagship store in the Kidults field. Further specials include the Toys go Green area in Hall 2, where sustainable toys are on display. In the integrated Speakers Corner, experts offer information on the latest materials and production technologies in this field.

In Hall 4 the Insights-X Area – named after the eponymous trade fair – will be displaying products relating to the stationery sector and back-to-school products. In Hall 7A, in the Model Railways and Model Construction sector, there will be presentations of new ideas and a miniature funfair. Spielwarenmesse will open up the hall to consumers on Saturday, paving the way for direct contact with the exhibitors, and for the first time, it will be possible to make over-the-counter purchases – on this day and in this area only.

The new LicenseLounge can be found in Hall 12.0 and houses a networking area and the LicenseTalks. A total of 22 presentations  will be available at the Toy Business Forum in Hall 3A, every day from 1pm to 4pm.

On Wednesday at 10.30 am, at the Toy Business Forum, the winners of the ToyAward will be announced at a media-friendly ceremony. Awards will be presented in six categories: Baby & Infant (0–3 years), Pre-School (3–6 years), School Kids (6–10 years), Teenager & Adults (10+ years) and Startup and Sustainability.

On the Tuesday, PressDay takes place in all halls, where over 60 businesses and brands will be presenting eye-catching activities. Thursday evening welcomes RedNight; from 6pm, more than 100 exhibitors will be inviting visitors directly onto their stands to wind down with a drink and music.

Services for Trade and Industry will enjoy a networking event in Hall 7, while on Friday, the second edition of the Internationale Spieleerfindermesse – Game Inventors Convention will take place, followed by the GamingHour for networking and more gameplaying.

Four inviting VisitorLounges can be found throughout the exhibition centre, with seating, charging stations and water dispensers (halls 3A, 3, 7 and 11.0). The Spielwarenmesse App, offers practical mobile functions, compact exhibitor information section, interactive hall plans and details of the supporting programme. Integrated networking tools with chat function, audio/video calls and suggested contacts are also available on the app, which is compatible with the year-round industry network Spielwarenmesse Digital.

“The 73^rd Spielwarenmesse offers the perfect mix of new ideas and trends, together with information, networking and entertainment,” concluded Christian Ulrich.

For those Nuremberg-bound, don’t forget the first ever stand-alone Toy World supplement previewing the Spielwarenmesse is available online here.

Sambro International has appointed Michiel Das as European managing director, as the global toy supplier looks to drive forward pan-European growth in 2024.

With more than 20 years of commercial and sales experience in the toy and licencing sector, Michiel joins Sambro’s Amsterdam-based team this month on a permanent basis after undertaking the role on an interim basis since November last year. As European managing director, Michiel will assume the role of leading the organisation’s European sales operation to growth and success.

With his extensive leadership and management experience, Michiel brings with him a wealth of toy industry knowledge, having previously worked for businesses such as Melissa & Doug, Spin Master and Mattel. In previous roles, Michiel has been highly successful in growing in European markets, launching new brands and managing pan-European sales teams. Michiel’s recruitment is seen as key to the ongoing expansion of Sambro’s European business.

Michiel said: “This is a fascinating time to be joining Sambro as managing director of its European operations. Not only has the business experienced one of its most successful years to date, it is also set to embark on a significant year and we start 2024 from a strong base with key retail relationships firmly in place. I look forward to meeting our customers at Nuremberg, and the opportunity to launch our AW24 ranges.

“As part of my role I will work alongside Sambro’s extensive team to drive growth through existing licensor relations and identify new opportunities across the market. In the short term, my immediate plans are to further strengthen our sales presence across Europe with further key recruitments and to start to work more strategically with our key customers. Sambro’s strength has always been its ability to respond quickly to customer demands. I want to ensure that we capitalise on this and bring added value to these relationships.”

Michiel’s appointment follows a series of significant internal promotions and new hires at Sambro in the final quarter of 2023, including Steve Townsley as interim chief financial officer, who has been appointed for an initial six-month period.

Paul Blackaby, CEO of Sambro, said: “Welcoming Michiel to our Dutch office as European managing director is a key hire for us as we look to drive forward growth and build upon our presence across our key European markets. In his interim role, Michiel has already impressed with his knowledge of the sector, and we are confident that he will be a driving force in the growth of our European operation, helping push the team to new heights.”

As a leading global supplier of licensed, as well as own-brand toys, Sambro’s innovative products span the categories of Plush, Creative Play, Arts & Crafts, Novelties, Stationery and Outdoor, and has numerous new launches in the pipeline for 2024.

The Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair which ran concurrently with the Baby Products Fair and International Stationery Fair, saw a significant rise in visitors from Mainland China, India and ASEAN countries. 

The 50th HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, 15th HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair and 22nd Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair have concluded successfully at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. According to the organiser, the four-day physical fairs attracted some 83,000 buyers from 135 countries and regions, and saw international buyers return.

The HKTDC has provided a breakdown of the visiting buyer figure, saying that over 42,000 buyers visited the Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, while more than 26,600 buyers attended the Baby Products Fair and some 13,900 came to the Stationery & School Supplies Fair. Asian buyers came from Mainland China, ASEAN, Japan, Korea and India, and European buyers flew from United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and Russia. The fairs also received buyers from South Africa, Brazil and the United Arab Emirates. Buyer numbers from Mainland China, India and ASEAN countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore grew significantly.

The fairs adopted the HKTDC’s hybrid Exhibition+ model, which includes the physical shows and virtual access through the Click2Match platform, connecting exhibitors and buyers until 18th January.

Sophia Chong, HKTDC deputy executive director, said: “Stepping into the new year, the HKTDC has been actively boosting international trade in all aspects, stepping up our promotional efforts and strengthening Hong Kong’s status as an international trade and convention and exhibition centre. Being one of the longest-standing trade fairs at the HKTDC, Toys & Games Fair entered its 50th edition this year, carrying significance for the industry. Over the decades, it has served as a comprehensive platform for the Hong Kong, mainland and global toy industries, helping businesses expand their networks and explore opportunities. We are pleased to see exhibitors and buyers from Hong Kong, the mainland, Asia, Europe and the United States come to the three exhibitions to promote and launch new products.”

To find out more about the show and read success stories from exhibitors at this year’s Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, click here.

Claus Kristensen appointed senior vice president in Asia Pacific from 1st January 2024, as Eric Maugein steps down after almost two decades of service with the Lego Group. 

The Lego Group has announced refreshed leadership for Asia Pacific, with the appointment of Claus Kristensen as its new senior vice president for the region. In his new role, Claus will oversee the APAC region and its newly reshuffled business units, aligned to growth priorities and its evolving landscape.

After an almost 20-year tenure at the Lego Group, Eric Maugein will be stepping down and transitioning to a new chapter in his career. He will hand the reins over to Claus, an 11-year veteran of the Lego Group, having previously worked in the region as vice president of Marketing and B2B eCommerce and who has formerly held roles as the vice president and general manager of Australia & New Zealand (ANZ), as well as head of Executive Strategy at the Lego Group’s headquarters.

Claus commented: “I am honoured to have been appointed to lead the Lego Group in Asia Pacific, continuing the legacy of success established by Eric. The Lego Group is such a storied company and has come a long way over the past 91 years: from a small carpenter’s workshop to a modern, global enterprise that is now one of the world’s largest manufacturers of toys. I am so proud to be part of this company and will be focused on working with the team to deliver a step-up in business performance as we empower more kids and adults around Asia Pacific to unlock the power of creative play.”

Uma Ramanan, previously the regional brand director of the Lego Group, will be taking over as the new APAC head of Marketing.

As part of the changes, the Lego Group has also implemented a new organisational structure effective from 1st January 2024. In line with the group’s ambitions in the region and to serve high growth markets, as well as APAC Travel Retail with a greater focus, the Lego Group has introduced two new Business Units – India & Emerging Asia (IEA), and Singapore, Malaysia and Travel Retail (SMTR).

“This change deepens our commitment to these markets and sets us up to accelerate growth by unlocking new possibilities with dedicated resources, synergies in tackling similar challenges, and continuous innovation to enhance our ongoing relationships with our partners,” Claus added. “The change also signifies our continued commitment to drive growth in Asia Pacific.”

These announcements come off the back of the company’s latest expansion in Travel Retail with its two new Lego Airport Stores (LAS) at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 and Terminal 4. The company also recently invested more than US$1b with the opening of its sixth global factory and its first carbon-neutral facility in Binh Duong Province in Vietnam. The company says these recent developments reflect the growing affinity for the Lego brand in the APAC region.

University Games will expand further with the acquisition of The Learning Journey, a leading learning products company.

University Games has taken another big step in the development of the company by acquiring The Learning Journey International, an award-winning maker of educational, sensory, active-play, electronic and construction toys. JB and Debbie Frere, the founders of The Learning Journey, will continue to manage the company, which is now a division of University Games.

“This is our 14th acquisition and one of our biggest,” said Bob Moog, president of University Games. “There are so many reasons why this is an ideal fit for University Games that I can’t name them all, but I’ll try. A strong team, great products, access to new retail customers, 29 years of proven success in making interactive educational toys and the primary reason: The Learning Journey shares our commitment to making toys and games that improve kids’ lives by combining fun and learning. How could we resist a product line that includes STEM-based roller coasters, talking shape sorters and gear-driven dino-bots?”

JB Frere, co-founder and president of The Learning Journey International, added: “University Games has the broadest domestic distribution of any game company and subsidiaries in the UK and Australia, so our products will now help even more children around the world than ever before.”

“One of the secrets of our success has been our ability to test products in our childcare centres,” said Debbie Frere, co-founder and CFO of The Learning Journey. “Having our own focus groups ensures that our new products are always kid-tested and kid-approved.”

The Learning Journey will continue to be based in Phoenix, AZ, USA.

Details of Learning Journey products that the company will be bringing to the UK market in spring/summer 2024 will be announced shortly.

Toy designer and manufacturer Eolo Toys has appointed Marc Figols as the new country manager for LATAM, GAS, Middle East and Asia. 

Eolo Toys has announced the addition of Marc Figols to its team as a country manager for multiple territories including LATAM, GAS, Middle East and Asia. With a wealth of experience, the company says that Marc will bring invaluable insights and expertise to further elevate the business.

As Eolo Toys continues to expand its global reach, Marc joins the company with a proven track record of fostering strong partnerships and driving business growth.

“We are delighted to welcome Marc to the Eolo family. His experience and passion for the industry align seamlessly with our vision for continued success,” said Jose Díaz, sales director of Eolo Toys. “We look forward to working with Marc and achieving new heights together.”

With a commitment to innovation, creativity and quality, Eolo has stayed aligned with ever-evolving market trends, creating toys that cater to every preference. The company says its experience and know-how coupled with Marc’s familiarity with the toy industry will make up the ideal combination for enhancing growth in the upcoming years.

Together with the rest of the team, Marc will be attending the Hong Kong Fair and Nuremberg Toy Fair. Eolo welcomes the opportunity for industry partners to contact sales@eolohk.com and book a meeting to explore potential collaborations.

ToyMonster, in partnership with Addo Play, has unleashed the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Limited Edition Fugglers range at Walmart in the USA.

ToyMonster has announced the US launch of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Limited Edition Fugglers. The latest line of funny-ugly plush monsters are getting a Turtles twist, channelling the four fan-favourite, sewer-dwelling reptiles: Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo and Raphael. These lean, green, mean TMNT Fugglers are now available at Walmart.com, ready to wreak some half-shell havoc this holiday season.

Fugglers is a quirky collection of funny-ugly monsters with a cult-like following of Fuggler fans around the world. Each character promises to ‘ruin your life and warm your heart’ with its mischievous antics and bonkers appearance: human-like teeth and vacant eyes are combined with a disturbing demeanour and signature BUTT-on hole.

Sent by special delivery, the TMNT Fugglers have hijacked a pizza delivery and stuffed it down themselves. The Limited Edition Fugglers also feature traits from their TMNT character:

• Donatello wields his bo staff, using his ingenious inventions and technical prowess to outsmart enemies and provide technological solutions.
• Michelangelo boasts his nunchaku, showcasing his carefree spirit and love for pizza as he spreads laughter and fights crime with a light-hearted approach.
• Raphael brandishes his sais, emanating an intense gaze which reflects his rebellious nature as he takes on the bad guys with his fierce determination.
• Leonardo, the Turtle’s fearless leader, wields his katana, ready to lead his brothers in battle against evil forces while upholding honour and discipline.

The Limited Edition TMNT Fugglers are available now at Walmart.com.

“At ToyMonster, we embrace the funny and the ugly,” said Jessica Hewawissa, head of Global Brand & Marketing. “Fugglers, with their unique and unconventional designs, offer a level of quirkiness that sets them apart from other toys. They push the limits of what a plush toy can be, resonating with those who seek something beyond the usual expectations for plush toys. We couldn’t be more excited to launch these Limited Edition TMNT Fugglers into the wild.”

ToyMonster, launching in partnership with Paramount and Addo, advises fans to start their Fuggler collection with these sewer-surfing monsters as there are limited quantities.

In the UK, Libertas Brands, which owns the exclusive rights to Fugglers, has outlined its plans for turning the plush brand into a licensing powerhouse. To find out more, click here to read an interview with Libertas’  Mark Kingston, first published in the November issue of Toy World.