The sharp rise in sales of puzzles, games and building sets (widely publicized and extremely logical in these “shelter in place” times) has seen the continued emergence of “kidults” — grownups filled with nostalgia and perhaps seeking out new activities – as a driving force in those categories that was underway even before the pandemic struck.
By now, the renewal season for the more than 1000 companies intending to exhibit at Toy Fair New York 2021 would be many weeks underway with a deadline set for later in April. Historically, as soon as the prior year’s show wraps, the renewal process for the next year’s show begins. However, with each day presenting new challenges for those operating businesses amid the COVID-19 crisis, The Toy Association has decided to continue to delay the 2021 exhibitor renewal season for Toy Fair New York.
Headstart International, an Australian-based global toy company, has partnered with YouKu, one of China’s leading digital platforms, for the distribution of their upper-preschool Best Furry Friends CGI series. Best Furry Friends is a popular children’s brand sold globally that includes collectibles, dolls and plush.
Super Impulse USA, LLC in partnership with Rubik’s Brand Ltd. is set to relaunch hit game, Rubik’s Revolution along with a new colourful range of hands-on toys to their roster that provide individuals and families with a new way to play during this extra time spent at home.
Alleghany Capital Corporation has announced that its subsidiary, Jazwares, has acquired a majority stake in Kelly Toys Holdings. Kellytoy is a manufacturer of everyday and seasonal plush toys, known principally for its Squishmallows brand.
The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) announced today that its annual Marketplace & Academy, scheduled for June 7-10, 2020 in Orlando, Florida, has been cancelled due to COVID-19.
To extend the learning for kids, parents, and teachers at home, engaging free resources for each of the new April episodes will be available on PBS Learning Media, including discussion questions, vocabulary, worksheets, and hands-on activities.