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.
IMC Toys is seeking a VP of Sales to join their team and help grow their presence in the US. IMC Toys US is a subsidiary of IMC Toys Spain. See below for details:
The team is small and dynamic, made of self-starters that truly enjoy the start-up nature of the company. Each day is something new as the foundation is built in the US market, setting the company up for future growth. Under the direction of the Chief Commercial Officer (Spain-based), the VP of Sales builds and executes the growth strategy for all US and Canada accounts. The role is home-based with a requirement of regular travel to accounts with occasional travel to the global headquarters in Barcelona. This is a great opportunity to join the IMC Team in an exciting and dynamic role while we continue our growth in the US Market!
Retailers and specialty toy buyers are taking a road trip to St. Louis in June for ASTRA’s Marketplace & Academy. They call it a “big toy family reunion” featuring the best and brightest in products, ideas and connections. One connection not to miss is the Rehkemper family business, Top Secret Toys, at Booth 2927. As inventors, the Rehkempers’ firm created GigaPets back in the 90’s and is excited to unveil the newest addition to the modern collection with the most advanced GigaPet yet, Bit Bunnies. This remarkable GigaPet is just one of the many Top Secret Toys to be unveiled at Marketplace.
Miniland, award-winning creator of educational toys and games, has officially launched its latest initiative to promote its position as innovators in inclusive toys: Innovators in Inclusion. This campaign aims to promote Miniland’s role in paving the way for inclusivity in toys, encouraging tolerance, diversity, positive self-esteem, respect and kindness.
GennComm ImaGENNation, the product development and licensing division of GennComm LLC, has announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued the Company’s latest patent on their novel fiber-in-slime furry compound innovation, which makes slime products furry, hairy, or ultra stretchy. This is the fifth issued US Patent for tactile and sensory products in GennComm’s IP portfolio, which includes four relating to squishy memory foam used in plush toys. GennComm’s patented technologies were all invented in-house by Jeremy Brian Medwed, who serves as Director of Innovation at GennComm’s ImaGENNation division.
Wild Republic was established more than forty years ago to support its founder, G.B. Pillai and his wife, Kamala Pillai’s love for children and wildlife, a promise the company has successfully delivered on for four decades. Its diverse and creatively-designed product line of toys and stuffed animals fosters curiosity about wildlife and educates children about the wonders of nature. Today, this mission still holds true for the company, which unveiled its Rainforest plush line in support of rainforest conservation along with hundreds of new plush and playsets at Spielwarenmesse in Nuremberg, January 30- February 3, in Hall 1, Stand E-16.
Relatable (formerly What Do You Meme?), a modern entertainment and consumer product company inspired by pop culture and social media, announced the hiring of new Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) Karen Branson. This expansion follows Relatable’s highest-grossing revenue year in company history. Branson brings over 15 years of experience in the toy and game industry, where she has developed and delivered on nationwide growth plans and sales strategies. Prior to joining Relatable, Branson most recently served as Senior Vice President of IMC Toys North America.
Cyber Group Studios, a leading producer and distributor of animated series for children and families worldwide, and United Smile, master toy licensee for award-winning animated preschool show Gigantosaurus, have named Jay@Play the exclusive distributor of series-inspired toys in the U.S. Jay@Play will begin distributing United Smile’s new Gigantosaurus toy line, to include figurines, playsets, plush, and tech toys for children ages 3-6, in early 2024. The success of the fan-favorite Gigantosaurus series on Disney+ and Netflix paves the way for an exciting line of toys, bringing the on-screen magic into the hands of fans.
WHP Global (“WHP” or the “Company”), parent company of Toys”R”Us, announced the location of its second US flagship store at Mall of America, the largest shopping and entertainment destination in North America. Set to open just before Thanksgiving, this marks the first flagship store in partnership with Go! Retail Group with additional flagship locations opening next year. Today in the United States, Toys”R”Us has a global flagship store at American Dream, and through a landmark partnership with Macy’s over 452 Toys”R”Us shop-in-shops are open inside every Macy’s store nationwide.