January 2023 - Page 4 of 11

Schleich Launches its New Harry Potter Line, Wizarding World

Toy producer schleich has partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP) to add a seventh product range to its catalogue: Wizarding World from Harry Potter. Capturing the enchantment and wonders of the Wizarding World, the collection will launch in September 2023 with six of the series’ main characters and their animal companions: Harry and Hedwig, Ron and Scabbers, Hermione and Crookshanks, Hagrid and Fang, Luna Lovegood and a Baby Thestral, and Albus Dumbledore and Fawkes. In addition, Schleich will debut six fantastical creatures from the Harry Potter series: Dobby, Firenze the centaur, Aragog, Buckbeak, Fluffy the three-headed dog, and a Hungarian Horntail dragon.

Universal Products & Experiences Names Rafael Macias as EVP, Global Commercial Officer, Consumer Products

As part of a strategic global expansion to deliver premium, fan-first products and retail experiences worldwide, Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E), announced the appointment of Rafael “Rafa” Macias to the newly created position, EVP, Global Commercial Officer, Consumer Products. Reporting to Vince Klaseus, President, Universal Products & Experiences, Macias will lead UP&E’s global commercial strategies, overseeing the development and execution of the company’s consumer products, retail sales and marketing businesses around the world.

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The LEGO Group to Move Americas Office to Boston, MA in 2026

The LEGO Group announced it has selected Boston for its future head office in the Americas, and will move its current office from Enfield, Connecticut by the end of 2026. President of the LEGO Group in the Americas, Skip Kodak, said the move would support the business’s long-term growth ambitions to bring LEGO play to even more children in the US and the Americas region. Kodak said: “Boston is ranked one of the best cities in the world to attract and retain talent. This, along with its world-class academic institutions, skilled workforce and great quality of life makes it an ideal location for our US head office. We have exciting plans for the next phase of growth and hope we can retain many of our current team, as well as attract new colleagues.”

Scentco and Armada Content Partner to Create Animated Entertainment Series for Bedtime Defenderz

Scentco Inc, a renowned U.S. toy designer and distributor, and producers of the fast growing Bedtime Defenderz plush toy line, has inked a deal with Armada Content, LLC to produce 12 episodes of new animated entertainment content to be released in the Fall of 2023 on YouTube. The new animated content will tell the stories behind the origin of the Bedtime Defenderz and their nemesis Torrag, Master of Shadows. The series follows the hugely successful introduction of the Bedtime Defenderz plush toy line in the Fall of 2022.

Cookeez Makery Little Live Pets’ My Puppy’s Home

Moose Toys Announces Two New Plush Innovation Sensations to Continue Impressive Streak: Cookeez Makery and Little Live Pets’ My Puppy’s Home

Moose Toys, a leading innovator in the toy industry, continues to dominate the Special Feature Plush category with two new announcements: Cookeez Makery and Little Live Pets’ My Puppy’s Home. According to NPD, Moose kept its hold on the top four spots in the category throughout the holiday season with Magic Mixies Magical Crystal Ball, Little Live Pets Mama Surprise, last year’s mega hit Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron, and Dance and Play Bluey, respectively. Enter 2023, and the toymaker is making clear its intention to retain category leadership, announcing two new innovation sensations: Cookeez Makery and Little Live Pets’ My Puppy’s Home, each boasting first-of-its-kind features.

JAKKS Pacific Announces Toys Inspired by the New Illumination and Nintendo Film ‘The Super Mario Bros Movie’

JAKKS Pacific, Incorporated this week announced they will be bringing to market a toy line for the highly anticipated new film from Illumination and Nintendo, The Super Mario Bros Movie, arriving in theaters April 7, 2023. Look forward to posable figures, accessories, playsets, plush and a super cool RC from the movie coming to shelves and online in North America, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Europe, Middle East and Africa on Feb. 26, 2023. “In partnership with Illumination and Nintendo, we have enjoyed collaborating with JAKKS Pacific to launch an all-new line of toys for The Super Mario Bros Movie,” said Joe Lawandus, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Global Toys, Hardlines & Publishing, Universal Products & Experiences. “We’re as excited as the fans for the film’s release and can’t wait for their reaction to our line of film-inspired toys.”

Hasbro Selects Just Play as Master Toy Licensee for FurReal Brand

Leading global toy company Just Play has announced a worldwide master toy licensing agreement with Hasbro, a global branded entertainment leader, for its FurReal brand. Just Play’s FurReal pets product line will launch globally in 2024 with a whole new collection of interactive pets. With authentic animatronic features that mimic the mannerisms and behaviors of both real animals and mythical creatures, the FurReal brand has led the interactive pets’ category for over eighteen years, selling over 100 million pets in more than 75 countries. Millions of children worldwide have learned about animals and pet care while nurturing their beloved FurReal friends.

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Beacon Media Announces Key Digital Media Exec Appointments

Beacon Media, the paid media division of leading marketing and media agency Beacon Media Group, is pleased to announce two key appointments on its leadership team focused on delivering digital media excellence. These new roles highlight Beacon Media’s expanded digital capabilities in media strategy, planning and activation and broadening their programmatic buying capabilities. Enhanced programmatic offerings will increase control and transparency, expedite campaign launches, provide more options to effectively reach audience targets, and garner the most efficient rates for clients.

Rainbow Friends & PhatMojo Team Up for Toys and More

Roy & Charcle LLC and PhatMojo have announced their partnership for the massive hit video game experience, Rainbow Friends. Under the worldwide agreement, PhatMojo will launch the Rainbow Friends master toy range this spring. Additionally, they will support the franchise via consumer products licensing and retail development. Rainbow Friends is a multi-player, mystery-style video game by Fragment Games, which premiered its first chapter on June 30, 2022. The game takes players on a bus trip to Odd World. Things go awry when the bus takes a wrong turn, and players are left to encounter mysterious monsters, including the iconic character, Blue. Other endearing Rainbow Friends monsters reveal themselves to players as they make their way through spooky settings. The widely appealing characters have captivated fans and generated pop cultural love. To feed this frenzy, two all-new chapters will release this year.