Hasbro Announces Layoffs of 20% of Workforce

Hasbro has announced plans to lay off 1,100 employees, citing rough sales performance persisting through the whole of 2023. This swath of layoffs will encompass a fifth of Hasbro’s workforce. CEO Chris Cocks said: “This is a lever we must pull to keep Hasbro healthy, as challenges which the company faced in the first three quarters of 2023 continued into the fourth. Market headwinds have proven to be stronger and more persistent than planned. While we’re confident in the future of Hasbro, the current environment demands that we do more, even if these choices are some of the hardest we have to make,” he wrote in an email to staff. “I know this news is especially difficult during the holiday season. We anticipated the first three quarters to be challenging, particularly in toys, where the market is coming off historic, pandemic-driven highs. While we have made some important progress across our organization, the headwinds we saw through the first nine months of the year have continued into holiday and are likely to persist into 2024.”

Mattel Signs Agreement with Amazon MGM Studios to Produce Wednesday Dolls and Collector Sets

Mattel has announced a multi-year licensing deal with Amazon MGM Studios to create and sell co-branded dolls and collector sets inspired by MGM Television’s Wednesday. In 2024, Mattel will release co-branded Wednesday dolls and collector sets through its Monster High and Little People Collector properties, respectively, fusing the iconic characters with Mattel’s cherished toys.

Magformers Announces New CEO Sangkeun Lee

Magformers, a global leader in magnetic construction toys, is pleased to announce the appointment of Sangkeun Lee as its new Chief Executive Officer. Lee, a seasoned business leader with an extensive background in international business and strategic management, will bring his vast experience to drive Magformers’ growth and innovation forward. With a decade of experience managing overseas operations in the USA, China and the EU, Lee brings a strong track record of identifying and improving new business opportunities in both domestic and international markets. His success in executing effective sales strategies, maintaining strong customer and employee relationships, and demonstrating proactive leadership skills will be instrumental in directing Magformers to continued success and achievements in the global market.

Squishmallows-Themed Apparel & Accessories Collection Debuts at H&M

Jazwares, the maker of the popular Squishmallows brand, is collaborating with global fashion brand H&M to launch a vibrant apparel and accessories collection inspired by the plush sensation. Available online on December 7 and in stores globally on December 21, this is the first collaboration between H&M and pop culture phenomenon Squishmallows, as Jazwares continues to build on the #1 plush property’s status as a preeminent global lifestyle brand. Inspired by the incredible signature plush softness along with several iconic Squishmallows, the 42-piece collection for kids and tweens features an expansive line list of apparel and accessories, including slippers, pajamas, t-shirts, dresses, earmuffs, hoodies, and more. Each fashion-forward item incorporates the unique personalities of the lovable, huggable Squishmallows making the collection just as cuddle-craving as the toys themselves. Special to the H&M collection is ‘Rodry’, a yellow bearded dragon Squishmallows plush sporting a new look.

Moonbug and Toikido Announce New Animated Series – ‘PeaKeeBoo’

Award-winning global entertainment company, Moonbug Entertainment, and renowned creative studio Toikido have unveiled their first collaboration project, PeaKeeBoo, an exciting new animation series for pre-school children and their families. The world of PeaKeeBoo is full of the wonderous sounds and visuals of nature, and home to a range of unique characters who are united in their love of fun and zest for life. It is inspired by the charm of the classic childhood game it is named after, which holds a special place in the hearts of parents and little ones alike.

Winners of Kidscreen Summit 2024 to be Revealed February 5 at Gala Awards Ceremony

Kidscreen, host of the global kids entertainment industry’s leading awards for excellence, is delighted to announce the shortlisted entries that are continuing in the 2024 competition through a final round of judging. All winners will be announced and celebrated live at a special awards ceremony taking place on Monday, February 5 during Kidscreen Summit 2024 in San Diego.

Target Wonderland Event Held for Local NYC Families to Enjoy the 2023 Holiday Spirit

On November 18 and 19, Target held an open air 2023 Holiday Wonderland for New York citizens and families to attend. The event was packed with activities and opportunities to earn treats, target gift cards, swag, and more! Attractions included a full display of hot upcoming Target toys for holiday 2023, a miniature target check out counter and photo opp, a Nintendo booth with competitive Mario Kart, and a demo of the highly anticipated Super Mario Wonder, a full gingerbread house village diorama, a VR station, a cameo appearance from Bullseye the Dog,  and much much more.

Hasbro and Amazon Announce Free Family Holiday Pop-Up Event in NYC from December 8-10

Hasbro, a leading toy and game company, in collaboration with Amazon announced a free pop-up event in New York City to help families kick-off the enchanting holiday celebrations alongside their favorite Hasbro brands and characters. Showcasing a diverse selection of Hasbro’s top holiday toys now available in Amazon’s store (Hasbro Toyland), the special event will feature fun-filled holiday-themed activities, photo opportunities, product displays and more. The three-day event will take place on Friday, December 8 through Sunday, December 10, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. in New York, NY, on the High Line (between 15th St. and 16th St.).

BarkBox Launches National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Collection

BARK, a leading global omnichannel dog brand with a mission to make all dogs happy, in partnership with Warner Bros Discovery Global Consumer Products, announced it is launching a National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation BarkBox and Super Chewer box to celebrate the “hap-hap-happiest” time of year with our dogs. New and current subscribers of BarkBox, a monthly themed surprise of toys and treats, and Super Chewer, a monthly subscription of tough toys for dogs who play harder, can play with Griswold family Christmas-themed toys starting today and all season long while supplies last.