POP MART Announces Opening of First Permanent US Store at American Dream Mall in NJ

POP MART, the renowned designer toy and entertainment brand that has taken Asia by storm, is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated grand opening of its first permanent location in the United States. Following the successful operation of over 400 stores, 2000 Robo Shops, and a vast network of distributors across 84 countries and regions, POP MART is expanding its presence in the United States with a permanent location in the prestigious American Dream mall in New Jersey. Known for iconic designer toy characters like Molly, Hirono, The Monsters, SKULLPANDA and many others, POP MART has gained a devoted following worldwide. With the opening of its first permanent store in the US, fans and collectors will now have the opportunity to immerse themselves in an unparalleled retail experience, featuring an extensive range of exclusive releases, limited editions, and unexpected collaborations.

IMC Toys Expands Category Offerings with an All-New Dinobytes

IMC Toys, the company known for the popular Cry Babies nurturing dolls, is venturing outside of the doll category and broadening its consumer base with the all-new brand Dinobytes.Dinobytes is a fun and easy game with a classic battling play pattern that kids love! Ready for action straight out of the packaging, the goal is to knock your opponent’s helmet off and be declared the winner!

Ronnie Frankowski Named as New Global President for Moose Toys

Moose Toys has announced that 20-year industry veteran, Ronnie Frankowski has been promoted to the role of Global President.  Frankowski will be responsible for leading the global senior leadership team to deliver on Moose’s rolling strategic plan, including meeting annual commercial and functional objectives, in-line with the business’ purpose and values. “Ronnie is a proven global leader who knows how to get results,” said Paul Solomon, CEO at Moose Toys. “We know that his exceptional leadership qualities, his unique ability to facilitate a leading culture and his extensive industry experience both at Moose and elsewhere, will enable us to take Moose to the next level!” 

Wild Republic Founder, G.B. Pillai Named ‘Champion of Sustainability’ Finalist

Wild Republic, an international toy company committed to the development of high-quality plush and toys that nurture our children and encourage a love of nature, is pleased to announce their Founder, G.B. Pillai, as a finalist in the Champion of Sustainability category at the prestigious Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards. For more than 40 years Mr. Pillai has been the driving force behind the company’s commitment to nature and conservation while proactively striving to be as environmentally friendly and ethically responsible as possible. The Champion of Sustainability is a new category for the TOTY Awards, and was developed to recognize an individual who has made outstanding contributions in the space. The awards ceremony is slated for September 29th in New York City.

Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment Mourns the Loss of Beloved Past President Joan Packard Luks

It is with heavy hearts that Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment announces the passing of our beloved past president, Joan Packard Luks. Joan was a revered licensing executive, mentor to many, and an industry luminary. Her radiant spirit and warm demeanor made everyone who knew her feel like family. Joan passed away on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, leaving behind a profound legacy in the world of toys and licensing.

O2C Brands Acquires Green Sprouts Expanding Company’s Lineup of Sustainability-Minded Brands

O2C Brands announces the acquisition of Green Sprouts, an innovator in natural baby products that reimagines the possibilities for swimwear, sun wear, mealtime, bath time, hair care, toys and more. The line stands out for its wide range of products for newborns, infants, and toddlers up to 4 years old. “Green Sprouts exemplifies the very essence of O2C Brands core values – a fusion of innovation, sustainable materials, unwavering quality, distinctive design, and an emphasis on family. We are focused on strengthening Green Sprouts dedicated and loyal customer base, while building awareness through multiple market channels,” said Eric Lockwood, CEO of O2C Brands. 

Moose Toys Unleashes Beast Lab, a First-of-its-Kind Experiment-Based Playset

Moose Toys, a leading innovator in the toy industry, combines several of its signature play patterns — multi-layered creative playsets, action figures and storytelling — in this year’s hottest holiday toy, Beast Lab. From start to finish, this first-of-its-kind interactive playset engages kids in an experiment-based process as they create their own beast: a jaw-some shark-inspired electronic action figure to save the world. Beast Lab will be available at major retailers nationwide online Sept. 1 and in-store Oct. 1. Prior to launch, Beast Lab has already received early toy industry buzz with a Creative Toy of the Year nomination from The Toy Foundation.

Toy Industry Rebels Build an Invention Studio from Zero to One – Rebel Play

In a bold move to shake up the toy and game industry, Rebel Play has emerged as a new invention studio that promises to break free from the ordinary. Their mission? To challenge industry norms, defy the predictable, and deliver toys and games that spark imagination. At the heart of Rebel Play’s brand is their enigmatic red blobbish mascot, Rebel. This ghostly figure encapsulates the creative spirit within each of us—a symbol of unbridled imagination. “In its purest form, imaginative play is an act of rebellion,” declares Laurie Peterson, one of two founders of Rebel Play and toy industry veteran and former TAGIE Rising Star Toy Inventor of the Year. “You are conjuring up ideas that are not present to the senses. We aim to embody rebellious imagination with our new studio Rebel Play. The trick is finding a balance between delivering the unexpected and being on brand for our toy industry partners.”

ZAG Exhibiting at Licensing Brazil with Miraculous “Stronger than Ever” & Ghostforce

Award-winning global independent animation studio ZAG will exhibit at LicensingCon Brazil for the second year running to showcase its brands and highlight the growth of ZAG in the region. Brands include the globally popular property Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir, a co-production with Grupo Globo. Also to be presented is the animated CG action-comedy series, Ghostforce, available across Latin America on Discovery Kids, and also on SBT in Brazil from August 19, 2023. ZAG will share its brand plans for the properties at an exclusive summit and cocktail on the first night of the event.