Horizon Group USA, a leading global provider of innovative activity products, continues to keep creativity fun and accessible for families by introducing new product experiences from their favorite brands. Following a strong holiday season, Horizon Group has maintained momentum throughout the first quarter through strategic partnerships across top categories, perfectly positioning the company for further growth.
Licensing International is proud to announce the full list of finalists for the prestigious Excellence Awards for 2024, dedicated to recognizing outstanding achievements and innovation in the global brand licensing industry. This year’s Excellence Awards feature 197 finalists in 32 categories. More than 800 submissions were reviewed by a panel that includes 200 judges from 20 countries.
Get ready for a crossover so hot it’s practically on fire, as Toho International, the Japanese studio’s US-based subsidiary that has brought Godzilla to life, along with cutting-edge streetwear brand RIPNDIP, and collectibles company Youtooz, have come together for the ultimate Godzilla merch collab. Launching on Youtooz on April 16, fans of the famous Kaiju will have access to limited edition plush and apparel that is sure to be a must-have addition to any collection.
Throughout the first quarter of this year, employees from TOMY International offices across the US, UK, Europe and Australia volunteered days of service – inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr, National Day of Service and inclusivity ambitions overall. The company has a long history of gathering teams together to support the community and take part in important observances. Across ten offices from Dyersville, Iowa to Exeter in the UK, TOMY International supported causes close to the heart of its employees. In addition to their time, they also provided a monetary donation to each of the charities, as well as other worthy causes, including The Toy Foundation in the US and Toy Trust and Children in Need Day in the UK. In total, TOMY International donated $75,000.
KidStuff Public Relations continues to pop the champagne corks as its 30th Anniversary year has more good news to share. Four toymakers have signed with the storied PR agency headed by Lisa Orman, named twice as a Wonder Woman by Women In Toys (WIT) as one of the industry’s top thought leaders on kids’ stuff. As of April 2024, KidStuff PR is the Agency of Record for Fun In Motion Toys, Top Secret Toys, MEAVIA and Purpose Toys. Each toy company adds something truly special to the Toy Aisle. Childhood and young adulthood is all about play and these four toymakers make sure all ages, all ethnicities and all abilities are seen and included.
Zoonicorn, the global preschool property already seen in more than 100 countries worldwide, enters Licensing Expo with new licensing deals and expanded streaming content in additional territories. Zoonicorn’s seven-minute episodes are produced by Toonz Entertainment and Zoonicorn, LLC and distributed by Toonz Entertainment. Global licensing for the brand is shared by the two companies and headed by J’net Smith of All Art Licensing.
PMI Kids’ World, a toy company renowned for its mega-popular gaming and licensed collectibles, has signed a worldwide licensing agreement with the iconic gaming phenomenon, Minecraft. This strategic partnership aims to bring a new dimension to the collectibles industry, offering fans an immersive experience through a range of Minecraft-themed impulse, plush, collectibles, and stationery products launching this summer.
JAKKS Pacific, Inc (NASDAQ: JAKK), leading toy and consumer products manufacturer, announces a new partnership with Epic Story Media (Epic) to launch a robust content and licensing program around their new IP, Wild Manes. Wild Manes is a whimsical world of horses, food, friends, flair and fun, galloping onto the scene in Summer 2024. Epic is set to produce and globally distribute the brand’s animated series. The short form series is developed and produced by Epic Story Media, animated with its 2D studio, Loomi Animation. The series has been written by Shelia Rogerson, led by creative producer, Cheryl Hassen and directed by Tahir Rana. Forty fun-filled 5-minute episodes will run on YouTube Kids and other OTT platforms this summer.
MGA Entertainment (MGA), one of the largest and fastest growing privately held toy companies in the world, has announced it is launching a new shopping destination for its brands, The MGA Shop. While MGA products will still be available at major retailers, the new site brings convenience and added benefits to its beloved and award-winning portfolio of brands, including L.O.L. Surprise!, Little Tikes, MGA’s Miniverse, Bratz, Rainbow High. The new site will also offer online-only exclusives and limited-quantity merchandise, early access to the newest products before they hit store shelves, special deals only available on the site, and free shipping for orders $50 or more. MGA is also launching a new MGA Rewards program that gives consumers redeemable for future purchases.