Mattel, a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest portfolios of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world, has announced Thomas & Friends: Let’s Roll, a fun, new mobile app, created in partnership with StoryToys and designed under the guidance of neurodiversity consultants. The app is slated to be released during Autism Acceptance Month in April, with pre-orders now live via Google Play and the App Store.
ToyFest concluded its 11th tradeshow in Las Vegas, held at the World Market Center. Toy & Gift Stores from across the US attended the Las Vegas Show including stores from 48 states and 24 international countries. The Las Vegas Market held their Spring Buying event parallel with ToyFest which made for an even better shopping experience for Retailers. “What a week! ToyFest 2024 was filled with buyers from all over the country. The show had great energy and excitement, allowing everyone to enjoy all ToyFest had to offer. Resorts World was once again a lovely host hotel. I can’t wait for 2025 as we continue to make ToyFest the best it can be for all.” said Sandy Lepire, ToyFest President.
Illumination’s Minions have tapped renowned street artist, Buff Monster, to collaborate on a limited-edition apparel drop, the Minions x Buff Monster capsule collection– available now in limited quantities, exclusively at Universal UNIVRS – a first-of-its-kind retail destination located at Universal CityWalk Hollywood and inside Universal Studios Florida at Universal Orlando Resort. Bright yellow and instantly unforgettable, the Minions have become icons of self-expression in pop culture across the globe. Worlds collide as Buff Monster, known for the pops of color and signature monster characters featured in his artwork, puts his own creative twist on the collaboration design by seamlessly integrating his artistic style with the iconic Minions characters. This will be the second collaboration between Buff Monster and the Minions, after the launch of a popular beach-themed apparel line in 2016.
Mattel, Inc and Universal Products & Experiences announced they have renewed their licensing partnership to produce toys inspired by the iconic Jurassic World franchise. Through the agreement, Mattel will continue as UP&E’s global toy licensee for Jurassic World action figures, playsets, roleplay, preschool, vehicles, games,…
Transport for London (TfL) has partnered with popular toy brand BRIO to launch a London Underground-inspired toy train, in a deal facilitated by TfL’s global licensing agency IMG. A part of BRIO’s Trains of the World series, the toys replicate the London Underground’s iconic red, white and blue design bringing the authentic British experience to children’s playrooms. The push locomotive plays sounds and lights up as it travels through the red tube tunnel, creating a realistic playing activity that helps little train fans further explore the world of transport. The toy set includes a three-part push train, a ‘Tube’ tunnel, two play figures and a London Underground sign.
The Toy Association has announced the 2024 election of seven new members and two term renewals to its Board of Directors, including the election of Sharon Price John, president & CEO of Build-ABear Workshop, as chairperson. The announcement was made during The Toy Association’s Annual General Meeting, which was open to all toy industry stakeholders. The meeting included updates on the ways in which the organization is listening to, engaging with, and bringing together the industry; the Association’s fight against harmful legislation and other obstacles threatening the toy and play community’s ability to get toys effectively and safely into consumers’ hands; and details about the upcoming LA Fall Preview and Toy Fair 2025 events.
King Features Syndicate, a unit of Hearst and home to some of the world’s most popular entertainment characters, has promoted Carla Silva to Senior Vice President, General Manager, and Head of Global Licensing. Silva, a seasoned veteran in the consumer products licensing industry and an expert in brand development, brings over two decades of invaluable experience and expertise into her expanded role.
The Toy Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Toy Association, is proud to announce $380,000 has been awarded to 20 children’s hospitals and health systems that serve under-resourced communities, as part of its 2024 Childrens Hospital Play Grants program. More than 240,000 children in need will benefit from this initiative, which funds innovative play therapy projects proven to significantly improve care, wellbeing, and treatment outcomes of hospitalized children.
Squishier things are coming! Jazwares, one of the world’s leading toy companies, has announced a Squishmallows x Stranger Things collaboration based on the original series blockbuster from Netflix. Announced as part of Jazwares’ Squishmallows Day celebrations, the collection is set to begin rolling out globally in summer 2024. Leveraging Squishmallows’ signature soft and vibrant styles, the Squishmallows x Stranger Things squad will build on each brand’s pop culture appeal for the ultimate sci-fi collaboration. Ranging from 3.5 inches to 10 inches in size, beloved characters from the show will soon be available as ultra-soft Squishmallows. The anticipated squad will be released in celebration of the final season of Stranger Things.
