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Design Edge: To License or Self Produce Your Toy Invention?

My-my, how the world has changed since I came of age in the late ’80s, early ‘90s. Back then, I thought we had it all with 57 channels of cable television, a wireless phone in the kitchen, and my Walkman clipped on my hip. Cutting-edge technology was compact discs and the Nintendo NES. There were juggernaut toy brands like Cabbage Patch Kids, Transformers, Laser Tag, and Rubik’s. The toy retail landscape was represented by chains like Toys R Us, Kay-Bee Toys, Childs World, and Zany Brainy. It took hundreds of thousands of dollars to launch a toy brand and a large staff of salespeople around the nation to land the distribution channels. However, much like the cassette tape in my Walkman, it is all antiquated now.

Michael and Mrs Or Longshore Ltd
All in the Family Features
All in the Family: The Or Family

I have very much enjoyed getting to know Wai Or over the years, and while I have not had the pleasure of getting to know his parents, I’m sure the apple did not fall far from the tree! Wai is a friend to many all over the world, and thinks out-of-the-box to bring a product to life with a high attention to detail. He’s a well-known collector, and if you’ve been to his Hong Kong offices, you’ve seen his impressive collection of old games displayed on the walls. Just beautiful!  This interview was conducted with Wai’s father, Michael Or.

aNb Media ShopTalk Features
ShopTalk Episode 18: Super Impulse President Alan Dorfman

On this episode of ShopTalk, we sat down with President of Super Impulse, Alan Dorfman, to discuss all things miniature! Known as the “King of Mini Toys” Alan has created some mini classics like the Mini Etch-A-Sketch, the ‘Worlds Smallest’ toy line, Garbage Pail Kids, Mini Super-Soaker and more! Hear all about Super Impulse’s upcoming plans for 2022, their NEW Pop Taters in partnership with Hasbro, Alan’s thoughts on e-commerce + supply chain in the toy industry, and his love of collectible toys!

All in the Family Pressman
All in the Family Features
All in the Family: The Pressman Family

Lynn Pressman was one of the first people I heard about when I entered the toy industry. She absolutely fascinated me. People talked about her business acumen, flair, hats, stunts like bringing an elephant to NY Toy Fair and much more. I met Jim for the first time at the UK Inventor Dinner and he seemed quiet, thoughtful and reserved. Although their styles were different, both were exceedingly successful in growing Pressman Toy during their time at the helm, as was Jack Pressman obviously. Theirs is a great story!

ShopTalk 17 EastPoint Sports Jonathan Berkowitz
aNb Media ShopTalk Features
ShopTalk Episode 17: EastPoint Sports CEO Jonathan Berkowitz

On this episode of ShopTalk, we sat down with CEO of EastPoint Sports, Jonathan Berkowitz, to discuss the most exciting innovations and upcoming projects EastPoint Sports has in store! Hear all about their partnership with NERF to create NERF Laser Tag, their licensing with the MLB, NFL, and Skee-Ball, and their plans for their many brands/products such as Kan Jam, Foosball, Table Tennis, Billiards, Air Hockey & More!