aNb Media, Author at aNb Media, Inc.

Top Toy Trends From ASTRA 2023 Marketplace & Academy Revealed

The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) just wrapped up their 2023 Marketplace & Academy show in Columbus, OH, where thousands of new toys were featured, from plush to science kits to puzzles to toys you didn’t know your kids needed, but now can’t live without! The ASTRA team, composed of ASTRA staff, small retailers and Certified Play Experts, scoured the floor and spoke with members to discover the top trends in the industry.

Stokke Sprinkles Disney Magic on Iconic Baby Gear with New Mickey Mouse Collaboration Collection

Stokke, the Norwegian leading children’s premium products company, best known for its iconic Tripp Trapp chair, is partnering with Disney to launch a selection of premium products and accessories on July 5th in celebration of Disney’s 100th anniversary! From mealtime to bathtime to bedtime, Disney magic is captured in Disney and Stokke’s two new original patterns, “Mickey Signature” and “Mickey Celebration,” starring the one and only Mickey Mouse! Mickey Signature is a sophisticated, yet lighthearted monochrome pattern that incorporates a variety of elegant, hand-drawn Mickey Mouse heads, which are looking in all directions for the next adventure and are offset by simplified outlines of the Mickey Mouse silhouette. Every adorable element of this design sits on a warm beige background for a timeless, versatile look.

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Licensing International Announces 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees: Pam Kaufman, Cindy Levitt, and Carole Postal

Licensing International, the leading trade association for the global brand licensing industry, has announced the 2023 Hall of Fame inductees. The Hall of Fame honors executives’ legacies, bodies of work, and unique contributions to the licensing community. This year’s inductees are Pam Kaufman, CEO and President of International Markets, Global Consumer Products & Experiences at Paramount; retail pioneer Cindy Levitt; and Carole Postal, President of Spotlight Licensing & Brand Management. As leaders in the industry, it is fitting that this celebration of Pam, Cindy, and Carole’s accomplishments will also act as a fundraiser for Licensing International’s scholarship program. The program grants scholarships to deserving individuals around the world who are interested in a career in brand licensing. With a focus on diversity and inclusion, the scholarship program is a crucial element of Licensing International’s ongoing work to support the next generation of licensing professionals and ensure the industry continues to grow and evolve.

Events News

American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) Announces 2023 ASTRA Play Award Winners

The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA), has officially announced the winners of its coveted ASTRA Play Awards at their annual Marketplace & Academy event in Columbus, OH. The renowned program is the only one of its kind where independent and neighborhood specialty toy retailers vote to select the products that promote happy and healthy play in childhood and beyond! This year, 14 winners were chosen across a wide range of categories.

Konami Cross Media NY Awards Latest Yu-Gi-Oh! Toy and Gaming Licenses

Konami Cross Media NY, Inc, which manages the Yu-Gi-Oh! licensing rights outside of Asia, announced partnership agreements with TOMY International, Inc, Heathside Trading, Ltd, and Trade Invaders. The agreements will bring new Yu-Gi-Oh! product lines in the toy and game licensing categories, extending the brand’s visibility and availability throughout Europe. The announcement was made at Licensing Expo ‘23 by Jennifer Coleman, Vice President of Licensing and Marketing, Konami Cross Media NY.

Epic Story Media Unveils Latest Entertainment Slate at Licensing Expo

Epic Story Media, the renowned creator-driven kids franchise company, showcased the company’s growing catalog of new entertainment properties at Licensing Expo, giving attendees a sneak peek of upcoming launches with a celebratory media mixer led by founder Ken Faier. Epic has solidified itself as a leader in producing and representing quality brands for children, and now industry professionals will get a firsthand look at the imaginative new worlds coming down the pipeline.

Yoto Announces New Partnership with Warner Music Group

Yoto, the audio platform for kids behind the critically acclaimed and award-winning screen-free Yoto Player and Yoto Mini, has struck a deal with Warner Music Group (WMG), one of the world’s largest music companies. Their collaboration will see music from some of WMG’s legendary roster of artists available on a portable audio player that is home to a host of amazing children’s music and entertainment brands. Inspired by Montessori principles of education, Yoto is the brainchild of digital music pioneers Ben Drury and Filip Denker, who created a device that enables young children to access the best kids’ audio, without being exposed to ads, unsuitable content or racking up too much screen time.

Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America Launches Vital Hero Batman!

Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America Inc, in collaboration with Warner Bros Discovery Global Consumer Products, is officially releasing the second wave of the wearable active band, Vital Hero. With similar features to the Digimon collection, the latest version will be centered around DC’s fan favorite Super Hero, Batman. Featuring a full-color LED display screen and built-in vital activity monitor, DC’s Caped Crusader will now be a playable character compelling the user to complete exercise duties of walking, sprinting, jumping, and more. Each of the missions and daily activities strengthen your digital Super Hero, making him more powerful and adept at fighting for justice, which provides endless fun in solo play or with friends. Children and parents will especially love the entertainment quality of the band through fitness.

Licensing News

Hasbro Bolsters Licensed Consumer Products Slate Across Its Powerhouse Brands for 2023 Las Vegas Licensing Expo

Hasbro, Inc, a toy and game company, will return to Las Vegas Licensing Expo on June 13-15, 2023, to celebrate its 100th year and showcase fresh products and collaborations across its extraordinary portfolio of brands, including Transformers, My Little Pony, Peppa Pig, Dungeons & Dragons, NERF, Monopoly and more. On the show floor at booth #G170, Licensing Expo’s Fashion Showroom and beyond, Hasbro is presenting its licensing lineup including first looks at brand-new consumer products collections.