Respected toy industry legend Dick Keats, also known by his moniker Mr. Buddy-L, was recently announced to have passed away, aged 97. A Former Navy Seal and graduate of Brown University, Dick began worked at his father’s toy company BUDDY-L Toys right out of college. Since then, his effect on toys and licensing could not be understated.
IMC Toys, the company known for the globally beloved Cry Babies brand, is expanding its portfolio of offerings while bringing innovation to the fashion doll category with the newly released VIP Hair Makeover dolls. VIP Hair Makeover fashion dolls are unlike any other dolls on the market, offering truly exceptional “wow” moments by combining innovative and unique hairplay with bold fashions for the ultimate hair makeover. Kids can effortlessly become hairstylists, revamping and transforming the dolls’ hairstyle with the simple pull of a string. The dolls have 11 inches of silky hair that magically turns into a new hairdo with the drawstring mechanism and their seven accessories, including a special hair accessory unique to each character for striking before and after looks.
TOMY International is offering a limited-edition Club Mocchi- Mocchi- Giant Kirby plush, available to pre-order on their newly launched website, TOMY+. Featured in the popular Suya Suya, peacefully sleeping style, the Giant Kirby plush will include the signature, unique Club Mocchi- Mocchi- squishy texture that is super soft to the touch, as well as highly detailed embroidered elements. The Giant Kirby plush will measure 28 inches wide, 35 inches long, 14 inches tall and will weigh approximately 5 pounds. This will be a limited-edition run with only 1,500 pieces available.
TOMY International announced that Jeff Jackson will be joining Fat Brain Toys as Executive Vice President effective immediately. Building upon their success, Jeff will be working alongside founders Mark and Karen Carson to further their vision for growing the Fat Brain brand. Jeff Jackson joins Fat Brain Toys as a seasoned executive in the toy industry. He has over 25 years of progressive commercial leadership experience in eCommerce, marketing, sales, and strategic brand development. Jackson held several leadership positions during his tenure at Hasbro, where he successfully helped reimagine and grow some of the world’s top toy and entertainment brands. He also served as Senior Vice President of Global Amazon and eCommerce, leading the commercial team’s digital transformation. Before joining Fat Brain Toys, Jackson was the General Manager of Hasbro Canada.
TikTok live streaming is all the rage, and no one is doing it like POP MART! The renowned designer toy and entertainment brand from Asia currently expanding its US presence is at the forefront of retail innovation, leveraging TikTok live streaming to connect with shoppers in a fun and interactive way. The live streams aren’t just about selling products; they’re about inspiring excitement! The dedicated TikTok hosts engage with viewers to share sneak peeks of upcoming launches and also perform live unboxings, where customers can have the host personally select their product and open it live during the stream! This unique “live unboxing” approach replicates the blind box experience POP MART is known for, allowing viewers that sense of anticipation, surprise, and delight.
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT) has announced that WiT Empowerment Day, the organization’s annual event that helps women who are looking to take their business, brand, or product ideas to new heights, will be held on Thursday, May 23, 2024 during Licensing Expo at Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Imagine you have a groundbreaking idea for a toy, game or consumer product. You’re passionate and driven, but navigating the complexities of the toy and consumer products industry feels like an insurmountable challenge. That’s where Empowerment Day steps in. Through access, mentorship and education, you will find yourself sitting across from top toy companies, retail buyers, and industry executives, pitching your idea with confidence.
Moose Toys, a leading product and marketing innovator in the toy industry, in collaboration with Universal Products & Experiences, is bringing the biggest global animated franchise in history, Illumination’s Despicable Me, to shelves today. The extensive and innovation-infused line of action figures, playsets and collectibles — as well as co-branded toys, including Moose’s Heroes of Goo Jit Zu — will range in price from $2.99 to $29.99. The toy line is available ahead of the theatrical release of Illumination’s Despicable Me 4 on July 3, 2024.
PMI Kids World, a toy company renowned for its mega-popular branded toys & collectible ranges, has signed an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement with the delightfully disturbing & awkwardly weird creatures: Fugglers! The funny-ugly monsters, that have become a huge hit with their playful antics and quirky looks, are now coming to shelves in a completely new way this winter, so watch out for the ultimate Fuggler fart tornado!
Sesame Workshop, the global impact nonprofit behind Vila Sésamo, has named The Business Hub Group its licensing agent for Brazil. The Business Hub Group will manage consumer products, special activations, and retail events for the beloved children’s brand. “For over 50 years, Vila Sésamo has been bringing engaging content and joyful experiences to children and families with iconic characters and shows, and outreach in communities,” said Polo Valdes, Sesame Workshop’s Senior Director for Latin America. “Sesame Workshop’s mission is to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder, and we’re excited to collaborate with The Business Hub Group to give fans more of Elmo, Beto, Come-Come, and all their friends.”