Hidden Pigeon Company (HPC), the dynamic new multiplatform kids and family content company that is furthering the reach of award-winning author/illustrator Mo Willems’s beloved character brands, has named Kristofer Updike, a veteran children’s entertainment executive with deep expertise in development and production, content creation, and more, Senior Vice President, Creative. Updike reports directly to CEO Karen K. Miller.
Respected toy industry legend Dick Keats, also known by his moniker Mr. Buddy-L, was recently announced to have passed away, aged 97. A Former Navy Seal and graduate of Brown University, Dick began worked at his father’s toy company BUDDY-L Toys right out of college. Since then, his effect on toys and licensing could not be understated.
WHP Global (“WHP”), parent company of Toys”R”Us, signed a long-term license agreement with leading global retailer WHSmith as the exclusive shop-in-shop partner for Toys”R”Us in the United Kingdom. Under the terms of the agreement, WHSmith will have the exclusive license for Toys”R”Us shop-in-shops in their High street stores, including opening 30 new shops this Summer.
Hosted by Cally Beaton, the Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards 2024 was attended by some 400 retailers, licensees and brand owners who shared in the joy as the worthy winners made their way to the stage to collect their trophies. Before the awards, revered fashion designer Jeff Banks – who described himself as a ‘humble tailor’ – captivated the audience with the story of how he turned his brand into a household name. The grand finale of the B&LLAs 2024 winners ceremony was the Brand Ambassador Award, which was presented to Louise French, svp of business development and operations at Beanstalk, for her continued contribution to this dynamic sector.
On Friday, May 10th at 9am PT, Mattel Creations, Mattel’s e-commerce and content platform for creators, collaborations, and innovators, will be releasing the newest Monster High Skullector set, The Addams Family 2 Pack, featuring Morticia and Wednesday Addams, based on The Addams Family animated movies. In collaboration with Amazon MGM Studios, Monster High is reimagining your favorite gothic, mother daughter duo from the Addams Family animated movies, just in time for Mother’s Day.
What do you get when you mix two popular sports activities that almost anyone can play? The product inventors at ABetter Design Company proudly announce the launch of its progressive new product Cornhole Shootout, a fusion of basketball and cornhole. The all-new indoor-outdoor game, Cornhole Shootout ($99.99 for 2-4 players ages 6+) is a combination of two fun activity games in one. Set up is like traditional cornhole, but this time, players take aim and can choose to shoot into elevated hoops that are strategically placed on the cornhole-style board. With precision and teamwork, teams can dominate the court and the board in a cool new twist on classic games.
Robosen Robotics Innovation, Inc – a leading innovator in the field of consumer entertainment robotics, announced during a Hasbro Pulse Fan Stream, the World’s First Auto-Converting Decepticon leader – Megatron! Joining the growing line of Transformers robots created by Robosen and licensed by leading toy and game company Hasbro, the Flagship Megatron enters the battle against the Autobots with Optimus Prime, Bumblebee and Grimlock already available and on the market for order. The Flagship Megatron, first Decepticon collectible in the range, is now available for pre-order at Robosen.com and will retail on pre-sale for $899 USD for a 30-day window before moving to its standard price of $1,199.
Hallmark, the company responsible for one of pop culture’s most enduring characters, is marking a momentous anniversary with an extensive licensing program in celebration of Rainbow Brite’s 40th anniversary. Debuting in 1984, Rainbow Brite is a franchise that has brought color and imagination to generations, and now fans will have even more ways to express their adoration with a variety of products hitting shelves this year.
IMC Toys, the company known for the globally beloved Cry Babies brand, is expanding its portfolio of offerings while bringing innovation to the fashion doll category with the newly released VIP Hair Makeover dolls. VIP Hair Makeover fashion dolls are unlike any other dolls on the market, offering truly exceptional “wow” moments by combining innovative and unique hairplay with bold fashions for the ultimate hair makeover. Kids can effortlessly become hairstylists, revamping and transforming the dolls’ hairstyle with the simple pull of a string. The dolls have 11 inches of silky hair that magically turns into a new hairdo with the drawstring mechanism and their seven accessories, including a special hair accessory unique to each character for striking before and after looks.