aNb Media, Author at aNb Media, Inc.

ICTI Ethical Toy Program to become the Ethical Supply Chain Program (ESCP)

ICTI Ethical Toy Program (IETP) has announced that it will become known as the Ethical Supply Chain Program (ESCP). The global non-profit is recognized as a leading expert in social compliance and labor standards, widely known for its robust Supplier Certification Program, alongside its Social Impact Assessment, Environmental Assessment, supplier capability building and worker wellbeing initiatives. Over the course of its 20-year history, IETP has used its expertise to engineer a program which has become relevant and applicable to a wide range of sectors. The new brand will be phased in over the course of 2024, as part of the organization’s wider global strategy to diversify into new sectors, develop new services and operate in new locations.

WildBrain Strawberry Shortcake Celebrates Her 45th Anniversary in Collaboration with Bakers, Makers and Creators

WildBrain, a global leader in kids’ and family entertainment, is celebrating the 45th anniversary of its beloved Strawberry Shortcake brand with a host of new products and experiences for fans throughout this milestone year. In collaboration with makers, bakers and creators who draw inspiration from Strawberry Shortcake, an array of new fashion collections, delectable treats, sweet social content and delightful artwork will be unveiled in 2024, highlighting the various iterations of the brand. Over the span of more than four decades, Strawberry Shortcake has consistently captured the hearts of fans from generation to generation.

Moose Games Serves Up Dill-lightful Family Fun with New Pickleball Blast Game

Moose Games, the gaming innovation division of award-winning Moose Toys, announced the launch of Pickleball Blast, a family board game that puts a new spin on America’s fastest growing sport, pickleball. A first-of-its-kind pickleball showdown where players always have the home court advantage, Pickleball Blast will launch exclusively at Target stores nationwide and online on February 18, with expanded retail rollout in the fall. “Pickleball Blast is the newest proof point of Moose Games’ innovation and our keen ability to spot trends. It capitalizes on pickleball’s place in pop culture and offers the lively game play of the sport in whole new way,” said David Norman, president, Moose Games. “Our team has put a great ‘dill’ of creativity into reinterpreting the incredible enthusiasm for the sport and it’s sure to score big with fans of the sport and board games alike. We look forward to ‘relishing’ in its success and continuing to win big in the games category.”

Curious Hedgehog and Showpath Entertainment Present the Official Dungeons & Dragons Live Theatrical Experience – The Twenty Sided Tavern

Adventure awaits as Curious Hedgehog and Showpath Entertainment unite with Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro to bring the first-ever officially licensed Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) theatrical production to the stage this spring, The Twenty-Sided Tavern! Gather your party and experience the interactive theatrical adventure that has captivated critics and audiences worldwide, with previews starting at Stage 42 (422 W 42nd St) in New York City on Friday, April 19, 2024, and an official opening of Sunday, May 5, 2024. Exclusive pre-sale tickets will be available starting February 29th. Interested fans can sign up at thetwentysidedtavern.com for pre-sale access. General public on-sale begins Monday, March 4th.

New PUMA and Dreamworks Animation’s Trolls Collaboration Comes to Life with Trolls-tastic Collection

The new PUMA x Trolls designs transform classic kids’ gear with a sprinkling of signature Trolls flair. Created in collaboration with the beloved DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls films, the new collection is a celebration of joy, community and music. Featuring vibrant colors, playful graphics, and enchanting details like pops of color inspired by the iconic Trolls hair, the collection is all about the happy Trolls characters who love to sing, dance and hug all day. Featuring styles for boys and girls, the playful and colorful apparel incorporates soundwaves and musical motifs from the Trolls films. Active silhouettes like the matching track jacket and track pants are complemented by classic silhouettes like graphic t-shirts and crewneck sweaters.

Kartoon Studios and Penguin Young Readers Launch New “Llama Llama” Merchandise Retail and Charitable Program at Kohl’s

Kartoon Studios, Inc (NYSE American: TOON) evergreen brand “Llama Llama” partners with Penguin Young Readers and KOHL’s to launch new back-to-back nationwide retail promotions featuring book and plush products from the bestselling “Llama Llama” franchise, as part of the popular Kohl’s Cares program. Additionally, Kartoon Studios has added two new plush toy licensing partners to a growing roster, Spirit and YOTTOY, further building the brand’s U.S. merchandise program.

PBS KIDS Launches Civics Content Initiative in 2024

Beginning this year, PBS KIDS is rolling out a full slate of civics-themed content. The effort will span across a range of both new and existing series aimed at encouraging viewers to get involved in their communities and learn more about what’s happening around them. The programming, which will expand on PBS KIDS’ Social Studies learning goals, will feature a second season of hit shorts series, City Island, and two new music video series, City Island Sings and Together We Can (w.t), created with Sesame Workshop. PBS KIDS is also in development with TIME Studios on a live-action shorts series supporting civic engagement through media literacy.

The Highly Anticipated L.O.L. Surprise! Loves Crayola Collaboration Hits Retailers Worldwide

Late in 2023, MGA Entertainment (MGA) and Crayola proudly announced a multi-year licensing agreement for MGA Entertainment to produce and distribute Crayola-inspired dolls and licensed merchandise globally under its L.O.L. Surprise! Loves brand. The all-new L.O.L. Surprise! Loves Crayola line-up popped up in toy aisles this month with the cutest, color-filled, limited-edition tots and a giant crayon-shaped L.O.L. Surprise! Loves Crayola Color Me Studio, poised to become the season’s must-have collection.

News

Hasbro Reports Q4 and Full Year 2023 Financial Results

Hasbro, Inc, a leading toy and game company, has reported financial results for Q4 and full year 2023. “Guided by our strategy of ‘Fewer, Bigger, Better,’ we had important wins across both toys and games while making progress in our transformation during a challenging 2023. Despite the macroeconomic backdrop, we are entering 2024 with a healthier balance sheet, a leaner cost structure, and a diverse portfolio of industry-leading toy and game brands that support our capacity to invest in the business and maintain our commitment to returning cash to shareholders via our category-leading dividend,” said Chris Cocks, Hasbro chief executive officer. “Our refreshed leadership team is bringing innovative new products to our fans. At the same time, we are taking the necessary actions to transform Hasbro and deliver long-term profitable growth starting with driving significant profit growth across our segments in 2024 and building momentum in our innovation pipeline between now and 2025.”