The October issue of Toy World, with its flip-cover Licensing World section, is out now and available to read in print and online.
This month’s issue of Toy World, perfectly timed to assist Brand Licensing Expo attendees with their planning, is out now.
Coming in at a combined 176 pages, this special flip-cover issue brings readers all Toy World’s regular features and contributors before taking a deep dive into the world of licensing. Cover star Moose tells Toy World why the company in investing in ever more interactive toys and how it is supporting the new action figure play set Beast Lab ahead of the festive season, while the team at Creative Kids explains why its innovative new Nano Crafts line is destined to stick around.
Editorial assistant Marianna Casal caught up with Mighty Jaxx’s MD for Europe, Alex Neal, about how the business found its feet in the new continent, and Toy World publisher John Baulch reports back on his recent trip to Istanbul, where he visited Dolu’s impressive purpose-built factory and warehouse facility.
On top of this, Emilie Erktan at Circana presents the latest data on the toy market, Generation Media’s Jon Chambers and Brad Cunningham discuss how marketers need to ensure they are arming themselves with the right data at the right time, and Learning Express’ Rick Derr takes a walk on the kawaii side in his latest Letter from America.
We’ve also got retail insight from Toy Barnhaus and other independent retailers within our popular Talking Shop feature, and Andy Simpson from Warrant Group gives us the lowdown on what current freight rates mean for toy companies. Plus, we chatted with Ged Carabini of Kammac about the 3PL company’s customer-first ethos and focus on partnerships.
When you’re done with all of that, it’s time to flip the issue over and dive right into our 170-page Licensing World section, which proudly sports Paramount on the cover. There’s a huge amount of content to get stuck into here, including an exclusive Q&A with Warner Bros. Rachel Wakely following the September 1st ‘Back to Hogwarts’ event, and an interview with Paul Bufton, vice president EMEA Consumer Products, Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E), about the stratospheric success of Gabby’s Dollhouse.
Of course, Licensing World revolves around Brand Licensing Europe, which this year returns to London Excel from 4th-6th October. We sat down with Ella Haynes, event director, to find out what there is to look forward to this year and what makes BLE an unmissable event for anyone interested in licensing. We then bring you a comprehensive round-up of the exhibitors at this year’s show you really need to know about: what they’re highlighting, why it’s great, and why toy companies should be getting on board. Plus, we’ve spoken to a selection of exhibitors about their favourite properties and their thoughts on the toy licensing landscape.
Licensing World also contains a substantial feature on Character Licensed Merchandise, spanning everything from toys and games to high-end collectibles, kids fashion and more.
To read the main issue of Toy World, click here, or to read the Licensing World feature, click here.
