News

People of Play Happy Camper
Events News
The People of Play and Happy Camper Live Partner to Bring the Young Inventor Challenge to Summer Camp Scene

The People of Play (POP!), a leading community of toy industry professionals, and Happy Camper Live, the first 365-day online summer camp program offering hundreds of online and interactive activities for children, are excited to announce their partnership to bring the Young Inventor Challenge to the summer camp world. The Young Inventor Challenge is a unique competition designed to inspire and encourage creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills in children aged 6-18 years old. The competition invites young inventors to submit their original toy or game designs, which are then mentored and judged by industry experts.

Las Vegas Licensing Expo attendance
Events News
Licensing Expo Wraps with Record-High Retail Attendance and Nearly 12,000 Attendees

Licensing Expo, the premier global event for licensing, IP, collaborations and brand extension, organized by Informa Markets Global Licensing Group and sponsored by industry association Licensing International, successfully concluded June 15 with nearly 12,000 unique attendees, a 13% increase on 2022’s total attendance and returning to numbers close to 2019’s pre-pandemic edition. The annual event also recorded the highest quality attendance to date, with 60% of visitors being C-suite or Director level executives alongside a record-high retail attendance, coming in at +47% vs 2019. Over 1,150 retailers attended including buyers from Walmart, Forever21, PacSun, Tilly’s, Toys ‘R’ Us, Ross, Rue 21, Hot Topic, Inditex, Dollar General, Bershka, Burger King, Hallmark, Macy’s, Amazon, Kohl’s, Target, Fanatics, TJX Companies Inc., Home Depot, Lush, Coach, Primark, and Pottery Barn.

Mighty Jaxx One Piece
News
Mighty Jaxx Lunches Freeny’s Hidden Dissectibles: One Piece Funboxx Figures Ahead of Netflix Series

With the newly released poster of the highly anticipated One Piece live-action series on Netflix, it’s time to re-introduce yourself to some of the series’ most beloved characters ahead of the show’s rumored 2023 release. Available now on MightyJaxx.com and in stores in July, Mighty Jaxx’s newest Freeny’s Hidden Dissectibles: One Piece Funboxx series ($12.99/collectible), features the fierce and resilient ladies of One Piece. From the “Demon Child” Nico Robin’s fearsome fighting skills to Kozuki Hiyori’s incredible mental fortitude following her father’s tragic passing, you can collect each character to get to know their unique and inspiring stories in Hot Topic, Box Lunch and Newbury Comics this July.

Pokemon Ultimate Journeys
Entertainment News
New Episodes of ‘Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series’ Now Available on Netflix in the US

The Pokémon Company International announced the third batch of episodes of Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series, the globally popular Pokémon animated series, is now available exclusively on Netflix in the U.S. In the newest episodes, Trainers can join Ash Ketchum and his Pikachu on their latest adventures in the Pokémon world and witness the duo’s legendary victory as they achieve the goal of becoming World Champion after 25 seasons of countless battles and challenging quests. For a sneak peek at the adventures leading up to Ash and Pikachu’s historic Pokémon World Coronation Series win, Trainers can watch a new trailer on the official Pokémon YouTube channel.

Paramount + Lodge
Events News
Paramount+ Greenlights Continuation of The Lodge: A Paramount+ Experience for VidCon 2023

Paramount+ is a total household streamer that features iconic franchises and beloved characters. The magic of the Mountain of Entertainment campaign is that the service’s unmatched content offering is showcased in an authentic and interesting way that draws in consumers. The Lodge: A Paramount+ Experience is the next iteration of the campaign, offering a unique and immersive experience that brings Paramount Mountain to life. 

Gabby on the Go Gabby's Dollhouse FAO Schwarz
Events News
FAO Schwarz Becomes Ultimate Destination for Gabby’s Dollhouse Fans

FAO Schwarz, New York City’s most iconic toy store, announced an exclusive partnership with Universal Products & Experiences to become the ultimate destination for Gabby’s Dollhouse fans this summer. Starting July 1, FAO Schwarz will be the only retailer to offer Spin Master’s newest playset, the Gabby Cat Friend Ship before it launches globally in August. Fans can also shop an exciting assortment of accessories and toys including Spin Master’s award-winning toy line, Gabby’s Bluetooth Headphones from Kid Designs, Gabby’s Dollhouse Necklace Set from Tara Toy, the My First Puzzle Book by Phidal, Inc. and more.

Pink Slips Jada
Events News
Jada Toys Returns To Event Scene With The Debut of Pink Slips

Debuting on July 8th at the Homecoming event, Jada Toys introduces Pink Slips, a new line of premium quality and inclusive die-cast collectibles. This debut marks the latest addition to the extensive product offering from Jada Toys. Pink Slips leverages Jada’s expertise in design, paint schemes, and finishes, transporting the brand to its iconic roots within car culture. The die-cast collection will be available in a range of finishes including candy, iridescent, and gradients that will ensure each one is as unique as the perspective car it represents.The sleek and stylish designs guarantee there is something for everyone!

LOVE Surprise Powerz
News
Surprise Powerz Receives LOVE Grant from Litzky Public Relations.

The LOVE, Litzky Grant supports entrepreneurs and small businesses that improve the lives of kids and families. The 2023 recipient is Surprise Powerz, a company that sparks curiosity through its educational and diverse line of talking STEM dolls. Surprise Powerz was chosen as this year’s LOVE, Litzky recipient for its focus on improving the imbalance of STEM toys for girls, and inspiring young girls to take on the world with confidence! The LOVE grant will provide Surprise Powerz with a PR campaign strategy throughout the back-to-school season and $25,000 in professional fees to execute it. To learn more about The Surprise Powerz doll collection, visit SurprisePowerz.com and follow @SurprisePowerz on Instagram. 

Tokido Mascot UEFA EURO2024
Licensing News
Toikido and UEFA Unveil EURO2024 Mascot, with Program Underway to Name the Character

Toikido, the London-based creative studio with a mission to put “toy” into the heart of games, has created the EURO2024 mascot for the Union of European Football Associations (UFEA). The announcement of the new mascot was made with UFEA and Fanatics, UEFA Euro 2024 master licensee. During the build-up to the tournament, the mascot will encourage Generation Alphas [those born from 2010] to be more active and health-conscious through its #MakeMoves campaign. The life-size teddy bear mascot pays homage to the popular children’s toy said to have originated from Germany in the early 20th century. Over the next two weeks, children in UEFA’s Football in Schools program will contribute to a poll to name the mascot, which all stem from the German word for bear, “Bär”. These are Albärt, Bärnardo, Bärnheart, Bärtram, and Herzi von Bär. The mascot will be the subject of an extensive merchandise program.