SABIC, a global leader in the chemicals industry, has announced a collaboration with Mattel, a leading global toy company, to incorporate certified renewable polymers from SABIC’s TRUCIRCLE program across Mattel’s product offering. The first Mattel toy products to enter the market in 2022 using certified renewable SABIC PP (polypropylene) polymers will be from MEGA and Matchbox, with more to follow.
The Western Toy and Hobby Representatives Association (WTHRA) has announced the return of ToyFest to The Expo at World Market Center Las Vegas, February 27 – March 3, 2023. This newly opened, purpose-built tradeshow facility in downtown Las Vegas served quite well for the 2022 show. As an added benefit, ToyFest attendees have access to cross-over gift and accessory lines presented at the World Market Center’s permanent showrooms. Sandy Lepire, ToyFest President said, “ToyFest 2022 was filled with lots of excitement, buyers from all over the country, and manufacturers showing amazing new products! With the dates of ToyFest now set for 2023, We can’t wait to start planning. Our goal is to make this a great show for all to come play and learn.”
VOXX Electronics Corporation (VEC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of VOXX International Corporation (NASDAQ: VOXX), has partnered with the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), a national trade association that provides advocacy, critical education and resources, networking opportunities, and purchasing programs to bring VOXX’s newest business segment – golf car and course accessories to market.
Farshore is thrilled to have acquired publishing rights to the official collector’s guide for the award-winning plush property, Squishmallows. Emma Cairns-Smith, Global Licensing Acquisition Director for Brands and Licensing at Farshore, signed a worldwide rights deal with Jazwares, a global leader in toys and licensing, along with its Kellytoy subsidiary for the Squishmallows Official Collector’s Guide.
PlayMonster Group LLC is pleased to announce the appointment of Dianne Lauble to the role of Director, Inventor Relations, effective immediately. Lauble will expand the company’s growing relationships with the inventor community, while working to develop the company’s leadership and innovation with the next wave of inventors, creators, and designers in the toy, activity/craft and games industry.
Purpose Toys, one of the largest Black-owned toy start-ups, has announced the release of two new purpose-driven toy lines, Naturalistas and HBCyoU, in partnership with Just Play and Kidfinity Inc (a Just Play affiliated company). Both lines will be sold and distributed by Purpose Toys for retail launch globally in Fall 2022, with additional collaborations planned for Spring 2023 and beyond.
Sesame Workshop is celebrating five years of its Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children initiative dedicated to showing that all children — autistic and neurotypical alike — are amazing in their own ways. New videos and activities launching today are centered on themes of friendship and belonging and feature Julia, a 4-year-old autistic Sesame Street Muppet, and her brother Sam and new friend Wes, who recently moved to Sesame Street.
Spin Master Corporation (TSX:TOY; www.spinmaster.com), a leading global children’s entertainment company, has announced the appointment of Doug Wadleigh as Head of Global Toy Brands. The newly created position within Spin Master’s Toys creative centre is part of the Company’s new organizational design being implemented to enable and accelerate future growth.
Cloudco Entertainment, owner of iconic entertainment property Care Bears, has launched its new Care Bears: Unlock The Magic animated series on Globo Play, Gloob, and Gloobinho networks in Brazil, joining the Noggin platform in Mexico. The content deals come alongside new toy deals that will further support the launch of the TV series as well as the Care Bears’ 40th Anniversary celebrations taking place throughout the year.