Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!
Happy Bloomin’ Friday!
Deadline: August 15th! We're adding even more excitement to this year's Chicago Toy & Game Fair by launching WishList Weekend Influencer Boxes. These are curated collections of top toys and games sent to media and influeners in advance of the show. Being featured in these pre-Fair promotional packages is just one of the many benefits of exhibting!
Products in the box will be highlighted in social media unboxings, product previews, and press coverage leading up to CHITAG 2025. Last year we had over 1.52 billion media impressions and that was during the presidential election!
Our second annual Laugh Factory event during LA Previews is on! Get your tickets right now because there is only one show and it is Rubee Tuesday - a super popular night at the Laugh Factory! The tickets will sell out fast! If you have questions, ask David Fuhrer, Bob Fuhrer or me.
Registration is Open for November's POP Week
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Connect, pitch and learn at the Inventor Pitch and Innovation Conference
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Encourage a creative kid to enter the Young Inventor Challenge
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Kick off the holidays and be a part of WishList Weekend - regoister to exhibit at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair! Meet consumers, influencers, media and trade in one place!
Thank you for reading the Bloom Report here or on the Bloom Report 24/7 News Feed! Please support our work by advertising and/or setting up a POP profile.
Mary and the POP Team
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Cartoon Lovers, Lexophiles & People in Need of a Smile!
Cartoon of the Week: Thank you to the person who prefers to remain anonymous for the cartoon.
Memorable Quotes: “The visions we offer our children shape the future. It matters what those visions are. Often they become self-fulfilling prophecies. Dreams are maps." -Carl Sagan
Toy Industry Word of Day: If you can think of a toy/game industry word not in our POPDictionary, add it and we will connect it to you POP profile, feature it here in an upcoming week and on POP's homepage!
Have a cartoon, quote or a joke to share? Send it to me! Mary
Happiest of Birthdays to our colleagues celebrating birthdays this past week!
Kelly Flock RIP
Person of the Week - Maura Regan
2025 Global Brand Licensing Industry Study - Why it is Important
Hi Maura, thank you for answering a few questions for us today. The last time I saw you was at Spielwarenmesse's Nuremberg Toy Fair Toy Night and you were soaked to the bone. We won't go into that story this time. Please share what do you do in our industry?
I am the President of Licensing International, the leading trade association for the $369+ billion global brand licensing industry. At Licensing International, we provide resources to the industry to support them as they extend their reach and evolve their strategies in a fast-changing marketplace.
The 2025 Global Brand Licensing Industry Study was just released. Why is this a key study for toy industry professionals to pay attention to?
In its 10th year, our Global Licensing Industry Study aims to support licensing professionals as they evolve their strategies and plan for the future. Through months of preparation, surveying, and collaboration, we’ve developed this report as a tool for the entire licensing community. With its comprehensive global statistics and historical mapping, this study serves as a fantastic resource for executives as they consider industry trends, consumer spending habits, retail insights, and much more.
What growth did the toy industry see this year? Read More...
Commentary of the Week - Bill Southard
How The Brand Influence Equation Has Changed
What Today’s Toy Brands Must Do to Stay Credible and Connected
-Bill Southard, Founder and CEO Southard Communications, Chair of Marketing Committee for Public Relations Global Network (PRGN)
While toy industry sales figures from the first half of the year seemed strong according to Circana, there’s still a myriad of challenges confronting the industry this year, particularly with the 30% tariffs on China imports staying intact. While dollar sales increased by 6% and units sold were up by 3% and average selling price (ASP) increased by 3% according to Circana, the impact of tariffs and higher prices may still be felt during the second half of the year. Through this all, brands must not lose sight of another challenge – understanding the significant transformation taking place around brand influence. A key takeaway, for example, from a global survey conducted by Public Relations Global Network (PRGN) on influence indicates that evolving customer expectations and the rise of social media and influencers are driving this change.
The survey reveals some interesting insights including that influence, once treated as a by-product of visibility, has become the metric that defines long-term relevance. The shift is being driven by rising expectations and a growing demand for authenticity. Read More...
Nick - above as the YIC 2010 Senior Category Winner with Squashed!
Below - 2025 TAGIE Young Innovator Award with David Yakos!
Name: Nick Metzler
Location: New York City, NY
YIC: 2010 Senior Category Winner & 2011 Senior Category Winner
Invention(s): That’s Cheating (2010) & Squashed (2011)
Where are your inventions now?
Squashed has been in the market for 11 years, and while it's not actively getting produced anymore, it still ranks very highly on Amazon reviews.
That's Cheating! has yet to debut into the market.
Have you invented any other toys/games since the YIC?
Oh yes!
Jumanji (newest version)
Hail Hydra
Love Is Blind Board Game
Harry Potter Catch the Snitch
and many many others!
Also a challenge on Survivor and I'm working on a couple video games right now!
You can also watch me in a reality competition game show called “Got to Get Out” on Hulu: see below. READ More...
(Note from Mary: It is the 20th Anniversary of the Young Inventor Challenge! We have BIG plans and would love to include you - be a sponsor, a judge or a volunteer. We appreciate all the help we can get to support the next generation of toy people! Contact Ahren Hoffman ahren@peopleofplay.com today.)
Financial and Legal
South Korean Supreme Court dismisses US composer's 'Baby Shark' copyright claim. South Korea’s Supreme Court has rejected a 30 million won damage claim by an American composer who accused a South Korean kids content company of plagiarizing his version of “Baby Shark.”
Big Potato has secured investment worth £16.2m from private investment firm Mobeus to help fund the company’s future development. According to a report in The Times, two-thirds of Big Potato’s revenue comes from exp orts, with the US accounting for the majority of those sales.
*** The above posted after tBR started circulating August 15th ***
Teal Group Holdings, owner of The Entertainer, Early Learning Centre and Addo Play, announced that the Grant family is transferring its 100% ownership to an Employee Ownership Trust. This transfer is due to complete in Sept 2025. This decision is the culmination of a long-term succession plan and will ensure the group remains independent with its employees as beneficiaries, while preserving both the family’s legacy...
Mall Staple Claire’s U.K. Follows U.S. Parent Into Administration Just days after the Claire's chain entered Chapter 11, the same fate has hit its British arm as administrators seek a buyer for a mall staple that has lost its sparkle.
Elon Musk says he’s suing Apple for rigging App Store rankings Elon Musk says that his artificial intelligence company xAI “will take immediate legal action” against Apple for allegedly manipulating its App Store rankings to the advantage of rival AI apps.
Diamond's Post-Petition Debts Diamond Comic Distributors and Alliance Game Distributors have continued to operate after Diamond Comic Distributors and related companies filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January, but not all post-petition invoices were getting paid as they come due.
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Financial Reporting, Tariffs
Funko reported a loss of $41 million on a 28% U.S. sales decline in a brutal second quarter, which it attributed primarily to the impact of U.S. import taxes.
Goldman Says Consumers Will Soon Feel More Tariff Pain American consumers could soon feel increasing tariff-related pain with their purchases. That’s according to a report Monday (Aug. 11) from Bloomberg News.
Port of Los Angeles broke a century-old record as tariff threats triggered import surge Port of LA handled 1M TEUs in July as importers rushed to beat Trump’s China tariffs, pushing volumes to all-time highs.
August 2025 State of Freight Tariff updates from August 12th solidify what need need to know for the next 90 days. Here’s the latest news regarding US ports, the state of freight, and supply chain issues.
Tariff disruptions could cause toy shortages this holiday season A pullback in production earlier this year could lead to toy shortages come the holidays.
Ethereum News Today: Pudgy Penguins Drives 1,500% Floor Price Surge With Toy Expansion and Brand Strategy Pudgy Penguins, once on the brink of bankruptcy in 2022, is projected to generate $50 million in revenue by 2025, a dramatic turnaround fueled by its expansion into the toy industry.
New Data Shows Sharp Decline in Toy Imports Amid Tariff Policy According to the data, total U.S. toy imports in June 2025 fell by 31 percent compared to June 2024, driven largely by a 47 percent decline in imports from China.
Funko turns to layoffs, price increases to battle tariffs The company swung to a $41 million loss in the second quarter and saw sales plummet 22%, but forecasts an upswing in the second half of the year.
Trump says gold will not be tariffed President Donald Trump said Monday that gold will not face tariffs, knocking down a ruling by U.S. customs officials that bars of the precious metal imported from Switzerland would face duties.
Here’s the inflation breakdown for July 2025 — in one chart The consumer price index rose 2.7% in July on an annual basis. There's some evidence tariffs are putting upward pressure on inflation, economists said.
Trends, Lists, Market Research, and State of the Industry
Girls of the Year 2025 - Introducing TIME's Girls of the Year list, featuring young leaders inspiring communities around the world.
JULY 2025 CIRCANA BOOKSCAN - TOP 20 AUTHOR, MANGA, SUPERHERO GRAPHIC NOVELS
The Toy Association™ Unveils 2025 Back-to-School STEAM Toy Shopping List
*** The above posted after tBR started circulating August 15th ***
Circana Reports First Half 2025 U.S. & Global Toy Industry Performance U.S. toy industry dollar sales increased 6 percent, units sold were up 3 percent, and average selling price (ASP) grew by 3 percent, compared to the same 6-month period in 2024, according to Circana.
After 3 years of consistency, toy prices are on the rise. The industry is showing strength, as consumers are anticipating even higher prices, according to a Circana report.
Floating Courts to Be Built in UK for Padel, World’s Fastest-Growing Sport
Blobfish, bulldogs and Labubu – welcome to the age of ‘ugly cute’ Labubu, blobfish and bulldogs all trigger the same instinct: protect, nurture, adore. Science explains why ‘ugly cute’ is more than just a trend.
Toys and Games Industry Overview Consumers are turning to toys and video games as affordable avenues for nostalgia, comfort, escapism and social connection amidst global challenges and financial strain.
According to Downsey — Edition 25 (Half Year Report: Key Trends Shaping UK Licensing) It’s definitely the age of the fan and fandom in licensing these days. Fan culture is a hot topic of discussion, and it’s a market sector that is increasingly well catered for.
AI Cannot Be Smarter Than You While the battle for customer loyalty has well and truly entered the digital age, many organisations are still managing like it’s 1985.
How Indonesia’s AI-generated ‘Italian brainrot’ memes conquered Gen Z In a Japanese shop selling pocket-money trinkets, there is a rack of toys, stickers and keyrings based on a global crew of AI-generated characters that almost every child knows about – and very few adults.
Frenzied McDonald’s Pokemon promotion in Japan ends in chaos Fans swamped the restaurants to collect the cards, with some discarding bags of food after buying, and police called in to mediate disputes.
Labubus Remain King Of The Collectibles, StockX Reports The online marketplace StockX says sales of Labubus on its platform doubled between January and June of this year, and set sales records in July.
STEM Toys: Higher Education Becomes Child’s Play STEM Education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and STEAM (adding Arts) is estimated to be a $6B business, accounting for 20-30% of LEGO’s annual sales.
The Irresistible Lure of Labubus on Fox Business Toy Insider Associate Editor Samantha Connell joined Mornings with Maria Bartiromo on Fox Business to discuss the Labubu toy craze that’s sweeping the world.
Labubu toy craze arrives in South Africa with exclusive Soul Gallery drop Known for its curated mix of rare fashion and standout sneakers, the gallery now adds this sought-after collectible to its cultural cachet, signalling a bold new chapter in designer toy culture.
Unlocking India’s potential in the global toy market India’s toy sector shows strong export growth, but must boost domestic production, and attract infrastructure investment to strengthen its role in the labour-intensive global toy market.
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Stories, Comments, and Advice
When toy companies and retailers work hand-in-hand, the result can be more than just a successful product launch—it can be a revenue-driving, brand-building phenomenon. Few examples illustrate this better than Hot Wheels, which has mastered the art of collaboration to create lasting value for both sides of the retail equation.
*** The above posted after tBR started circulating on August 15th ***
John Bauch, Toy World - All good things come to an end … it’s the Friday Blog! No doubt about the biggest story of the week as far as the UK toy community is concerned – the seismic news that the Grant family will be stepping away from the TEAL Group and handing it over to employees in the form of an EOT (Employee Ownership Trust).
We Tried McDonald’s New Adult Happy Meal and Shake — and It Was So Nostalgic. The new McDonaldland Meal includes a pink-and-blue shake and six collectible tins themed for the chain's beloved characters.
Chinese national in NYC tries to smuggle $1.4M worth of protected turtles to Hong Kong — by labeling them ‘toys’. Wei Qiang Lin worked to ship 222 packages of about 850 turtles — worth an average of about $1,650 a pop — to Hong Kong for more than a year leading up to November 2024 before his clandestine operation was brought to a halt, the Department of Justice said.
Bodhana Becomes Youngest Woman To Beat Grandmaster As Adams Wins 9th British Title 10-year-old prodigy WFM Bodhana Sivanandan stunned the nation in the 2025 British Chess Championship, becoming the youngest woman to beat a grandmaster and the youngest-ever to earn the WIM title.
The Future of Play in a Digital World With Jason Bunge, CMO of Hasbro Jason discusses how the company navigates generational shifts in play patterns and how marketing must adapt to serve different audiences across multiple business lines.
AOL is finally shutting down dial-up AOL dial-up is ending on September 30th according to a statement posted on the company’s website. It marks the end of the service that was synonymous with the internet for many since its launch in 1991.
US$7,000 worth of Labubu dolls stolen from Los Angeles store The incident took place early on Wednesday morning at a store in La Puente, a city about 29km (18 miles) east of Los Angeles, the LA County Sheriff’s Department said.
Southern California police recover US$30,000 in stolen Labubu dolls The collectible items have recently surged in popularity. The Labubus were stolen in a series of trips that spanned multiple days, the Chino police department said in a social media post.
History and Nostalgia
Powerpuff Girls C-Watch from Trendmasters (2000) “For the fashionable girl on the go.”
Mattel Toys 1983 product catalogue, Mattel Delivers, captures the company at a crossroads, riding high on blockbuster brands like Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Masters of the Universe while wrestling with steep losses from its Electronics division.
Darth Vader’s lightsaber heads to auction, General Mills monsters get a Henson makeover, early game mag joins Creative Commons, and more Six intriguing articles related to toys, games, and nostalgia that have hit the news this week.
Vintage Toy Demonstration: Add-A-Count from Child Guidance (1950s) Watch Dave from Lucky Penny Shop demonstrate how to use the Add-A-Count toy from Child Guidance.
Lost in Space Jupiter II from Trendmasters Released in 1998 from Trendmasters, the Lost in Space Jupiter II playset propelled imagination to new heights by bringing the iconic television spacecraft to life with lights, sounds, and detailed features.
Sheriff Woody Pride: Unpacking the Enduring Legacy of a Toy Story Icon, From Conception to Cultural Phenomenon Woody's journey from being the cherished leader of Andy's toys to an adaptable figure embracing new purposes stands as a testament to the character's remarkable development and the profound themes he embodies.
How tin toys geared up manufacturing success Tin toys were cultural touchstones. For children born in the 1960s, 70s and 80s, toys like the ubiquitous wind-up hopping green tin frog were like old friends.
Licensing and Entertainment
Mattel and Playmobil have announced the next chapter in their global licensing partnership: Barbie is joining the Playmobil universe. The announcement marks the next milestone in the collaboration between the two companies, following the reveal of a Monster High product line earlier this year...
MGA Entertainment (MGA) has announced the launch of an all-new line of L.O.L. Surprise! Loves Minions Tots. Emphasising the brand’s commitment to expanding its collection of licensed partnerships embedded in pop culture, this collection – made in collaboration...
Nex, maker of Nex Playground, the active play system that gets families moving year-round, in collaboration with Zumba®, the global dance-fitness phenomenon, today launched Zumba Fitness Party–a first-of-its-kind family-friendly fitness experience...
*** The above posted after tBR circulated August 15th ***
Licensing International Releases 2025 Global Industry Study The report highlights revenue growth, category shifts, and the rising share of licensed toys in the global market.
Pokemon Shares A First Look At Its Next Two Squishmallows, Rowlet And Sprigatito Pokemon reveals and then releases its new Squishmallows two designs at a time, and it has just shown off the next two additions to its growing collection for the first time.
KPop Demon Hunters gets a rare Netflix release in theaters Revealed with little fanfare on Fandango, KPop Demon Hunters will pop up in select Regal Theaters on Aug. 23 and 24 for a "sing-a-Long" version.
Netflix's One Piece finally shows its first full trailer during One Piece Day The trailer for One Piece season 2 debuted during One Piece Day 2025, where it showcased returning cast members, Monkey D. Luffy (Iñaki Godoy), Roronoa Zoro (Mackenyu), Nami (Emily Rudd), Usopp (Jacob Romero Gibson), and Sanji (Taz Skylar) facing off against the secret Baroque Works organization.
Netflix officially renews One Piece for season 3 Marvel's Luke Cage and Iron Fist producer Ian Stokes is set to join Percy Jackson and the Olympians writer Joe Tracz as co-showrunner after original showrunner Matt Owen stepped down earlier this year.
Crunchyroll teams up with Delta to bring over 25,000 hours of anime to the skies Beginning later this year, passengers will be able to enjoy a specially curated selection of Crunchyroll anime as the airline's in-flight entertainment.
Netflix's Haunted Hotel offers a horror spin on Rick and Morty Like Rick and Morty, Haunted Hotel mixes family-sitcom chestnuts like school projects, house parties, and dating with much wilder plots including possession, slashers, and tentacled monsters.
The Legend of Zelda movie gets an official X account The Legend of Zelda movie is still a ways away as the action won’t unfold in cinemas until 2027, however that hasn’t stopped the marketing kicking off with Nintendo opening an official X account.
James Gunn shares great news about the Superman Saga Gunn didn't disclose what the movie would be about or who might be in it, but said it would be going into production soon.
Top Gun 3 a 'priority' for Paramount, and Cruise might be ready According to a new report from Deadline, a regime change at Paramount has only made Top Gun 3 a bigger “priority” and accelerated its development.
Numberblocks expands curriculum in new series commissioned by BBC Children’s 15 new Numberblocks episodes will premiere on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer, introducing more advanced mathematical concepts and ambitious new creative formats.
The Phantom of the Opera anime adaptation unmasked LW Entertainment could inspire a whole new generation of theater kids as it considers an anime treatment for The Phantom of the Opera.
Disney and Webtoon Announce Multiyear Deal The selection will include reformatted comics as well as new ones developed specifically for the vertical-scroll format.
Snowy the Mouse Soaks Up the Sun in New Cartoon Episode In this sunny cartoon episode, Snowy and his friends, Tobu, Flurry, Pep, and more, head to the beach for a day full of splashing, surfboarding, and building sandcastles.
Disney Jr. greenlights new Cars and Avengers series The broadcaster is capitalizing on some of its most popular franchises with a slew of new preschool shows, shorts and Mickey renewals.
Goosebumps gets axed at Disney+ Designed as an anthology, the show featured a new premise and characters in each season, broadly revolving around a group of teens investigating a spooky mystery in their town.
CoComelon gets a new live-action series Moonbug will start rolling out the music-driven educational show The Melon Patch on YouTube next month.
POP MART Releases SPY x FAMILY Character Series Plush Blind Box The SPY x FAMILY Character Series Plush Blind Box transforms the hit anime’s most beloved characters into ultra-cute, must-have plush companions for both fans and collectors.
CultureFly to Launch Global Merchandise Program for ‘Dandy’s World’ As a leading creator of officially licensed pop culture products, CultureFly will develop and distribute products across retail, e-commerce, and in-game platforms.
Box Office: ‘Weapons’ Blazes to $42.5M Opening, ‘Freakier Friday’ Smiles Wide With $29M Bow New Line's horror pic and Disney's family comedy delivered a double win for the late summer box office, as well as a victory for two challenged genres.
‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Hit “Golden” Tops Hot 100 KPop Demon Hunters‘ breakout hit “Golden” has topped the Billboard Hot 100 this week, the latest affirmation of the movie and soundtrack’s global takeover since its release on Netflix back in June.
‘Shrek 5’ Moves Back 6 Months to Summer 2027 It will no longer open around the crowded holiday corridor featuring Avengers: Doomsday, Dune: Part III and Ice Age 6, which all open Dec. 18, 2026.
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People of Play
ICV2 INTERVIEW: TYCOON GAMES CEO DAN YARRINGTON. On Acquisitions and the Strategy for Making Them More Successful
*** The above posted after tBR started circulating August 15th ***
Eolo Toys has appointed Brenda Elliott as VP of Business Development, N.A., as it eyes further growth across the US and Canadian markets. In her new role, Brenda will lead strategic initiatives to accelerate the company’s growth across the US and Canadian markets, working closely with global and regional teams to drive business development initiatives, enhance market penetration...
Spin Master Names Marc De Vellis EVP and President of Digital Games Creative Centre In this role, he oversees all aspects of the company’s digital games division, including the Toca Boca and PikNik platforms, which engage 58 million users worldwide.
Introducing Emma Russell — Global Brand Licensing & Consumer Products Expert From niche brand collaborations to large-scale entertainment partnerships, Emma specialises in transforming brand equity into compelling product collections that resonate with consumers and positively disrupt the market.
Diablo boss Rod Fergusson to depart Blizzard after five years Fergusson joined the company in March 2020 to oversee and revitalize the Diablo franchise, having previously served as executive VP of development at Irrational Games and studio head at The Coalition.
Relatable welcomes Will Ochoa as director of International Sales In his new role, Will Ochoa will lead international sales strategy and execution as the company accelerates global expansion and deepens its presence across key markets.
Ramsey Naito to stay in charge of Paramount Animation She is reportedly set to continue steering the unit—but not Nickelodeon Animation—following today's completion of the merger with Skydance.
Little Dot alums set up a social media consultancy Caitlin Meek-O'Connor and Mark MacDonald want to help companies crack YouTube.
Funko Taps Former Netflix, Disney Exec Josh Simon as CEO During his time at Netflix, Simon built and scaled the consumer products division, developing products for Stranger Things, Squid Game, Bridgerton, and many other titles.
PEOPLE: Bardel appoints Naomi Stopa as VP of production And Sony Pictures Entertainment recruits Netflix veteran Ben Buchanan as SVP of worldwide distribution.
Companies and Brands
Revell’s former “easy-click” assortment of plastic model kits will re-launch this month as Click System, with a refresh of the line-up welcoming new additions and offering an improved end-user experience. The main ethos remains unchanged.
What began as a simple “Hey You, Be You” digital moment has blossomed into a global movement of pink-powered positivity, as Pembe the Pink Cat – the pastel feline spreading affirmations and emotional uplift across the internet – evolves from viral sensation to fast-growing international brand.
*** The above posted after tBR started circulating August 15th ***
Target, Ulta to end partnership The Ulta Beauty at Target shop-in-shop concept will cease next year as both companies shift focus to retail fundamentals.
Spielwarenmesse extends board members’ contracts Executive Board members Florian Hess, Jens Pflüger and Christian Ulrich have had their contracts extended for a further five years.
Goliath secures global rights to 90s favourite Elefun Goliath will refresh the game with updated packaging and new designs while preserving what made Elefun a staple of 1990s playrooms.
Tennis Titan Venus Williams Joins Barbie’s Inspiring Women Lineup This doll celebrates Williams’ legacy as a champion, not just with her titles but with her fearless, relentless advocacy for pay equality.
Visional Pop Teams with Atrium to Grow Viral Duo Quack and Lola into Global Franchise The partnership expands the popular animated characters into multi-platform content, consumer products, and new digital experiences.
PEPPA PIG and Home Chef Team Up for Family Meal Collaboration Home Chef, the leading meal solutions company available online and in stores nationwide, has teamed up with everyone’s favorite little piggy, Peppa Pig, for an oink-tastic four-week collaboration.
VeVe Collectibles are Redefining Fan Engagement in the Digital Age VeVe Collectibles provides a dynamic space to discover, collect, and share officially licensed digital collectibles and comics, enhanced by immersive features like augmented reality and a vibrant secondary marketplace.
Jellycat Cuts U.K. Stockists Amid Brand Control Debate Jellycat’s cut to U.K. stockists sparks backlash from indie retailers, raising questions about brand control, supply issues, and its shift toward premium positioning.
Devir to recall all copies of new release Ace of Spades after backlash over slavery depictions in artwork, apologises for causing harm - Devir Games has halted sales of its new release Ace of Spades after being called out for using racist and culturally insensitive artwork in the game, calling it "a serious mistake that we recognize and deeply regret".
MGA Entertainment Cooks Up its Newest Innovation Slime Life™— The Makeable, Smashable, Stretchable, Totally Satisfying Food Slime Experience Each DIY kit transforms delicious foods into detailed slime creations, empowering kids and collectors to style, smash, and stretch their way through endless creative play.
Numberblocks releases brand-new single This will be the first single from the brand-new music album, Numberblocks Let's Go!, where children can learn maths while they sing and dance.
JouéClub integrates Icecat Product Stories to enrich online experience Through Icecat’s platform, JouéClub now offers its customers a more intuitive and engaging way to explore toys online.
Ravensburger hosts Disney Lorcana Store Summit event The Disney Lorcana Store Summit event aimed to support Ravensburger's Hobby Store network with demos, Q&A sessions and insight into the upcoming Collector Starter Set.
Posh Paws debuts sweet new additions to Swizzels Love Hearts collection The new and highly giftable Swizzels Love Hearts plush tap into major life moments and trending themes (including capybaras), promising something for consumers of all ages.
Mall of America to become home to Minnesota’s first Pop Mart retail location Mall of America's new store will feature exclusive product offerings, rotating collaborations and a curated retail environment that highlights creativity and collectability.
Basic Fun! unveils Care Bears window takeover at Hamleys The six-week dual window takeover will highlight the Care Bears' message of colour, kindness and joy and will be boosted by an in-store character appearance from Cheer Bear.
Tubbz reports high sales of cosplaying collectible ducks range 2025 is on track to be the biggest year yet for the cosplaying ducks, and Tubbz's ambition is to become one of the largest collectible brands in the world.
MGA Entertainment reveals what’s in store this autumn Across L.O.L. Surprise!, Rainbow High, Little Tikes, Yummiland and MGA’s Miniverse, there is a breadth of new products launching this autumn from MGA Entertainment.
Generation Media acquires creative agency Portal Studio The acquisition will see both Generation Media and Portal Studio continue to operate under their existing names, ensuring continuity for clients while unlocking new opportunities through deeper collaboration.
The Loyal Subjects Enters Distribution Partnership with TOY CITY With this exclusive distribution partnership, The Loyal Subjects will act as the sole distributor of Toy City.
The LEGO Group, Aardman Partnership Bring New Challenge for Young Builders By collaborating with the studio behind the Wallace and Gromit franchise, The LEGO Group will encourage creativity and imagination in kids with a new creative challenge.
The LEGO Group, Nike Build on Partnership With New Sets This September, players ages 10 and up can get their hands on two LEGO x Nike sets, following the release of the LEGO Nike Dunk Set in July.
DEALS: Jazwares primes Squishmallows for a new mobile game Plus, The Loyal Subjects will distribute Toy City collectibles throughout North America and LatAm.
Asmodee Reveals 'Star Wars: Super Teams' for Retail In this game, designed Max Gerchambeau, players pick a team and go full throttle on a track through the Star Wars galaxy.
Lego brings seasonal magic with Harry Potter Hogsmeade Village – Collectors’ Edition The set captures the charm of Hogsmeade in winter, with seven iconic buildings recreated in brick form, including the first-ever Lego versions of Zonko’s Joke Shop and the Hog’s Head pub.
Revell submarine launches Brick System range Revell has entered the building block arena with its new Brick System range, debuting with an impressive replica of the U-96 submarine.
The sweet smell of success from XYZ Toys With three attractive ranges and new designs coming through, XYZ Toys is looking for exclusive distribution partners across the globe.
Topps kicks off 2025/26 Premier League Collection with star-studded launch Premier League icons attended the launch of what Topps has dubbed the most exciting football card collection in its history.
Crunchyroll to restructure and cut jobs This workforce move is accompanied by broader reorganization plans revealed in an internal memo yesterday.
Gaming: Digital, Video, Hardware, and Development
Bandai Namco’s new game engine is full steam ahead Bandai Namco has provided an update to fans on its X account about its new proprietary game engine and out seems development is currently full steam ahead.
Tekken 8 producer says it would take a lot of work for the game to run on Switch 2 Eurogamer has recently chatted with Tekken 8 director Katsuhiro Harada and asked whether we could see Tekken 8 anytime soon on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Mattel Expands Digital Portfolio with Launch of ‘UNO Wonder’ UNO Wonder encourages players to explore the world on a cruise adventure through more than 100 bustling cities like Barcelona, Florence, Rome, Santorini, Monte Carlo, and more.
LEGO Bluey Stars in StoryToys’ Latest Mobile Game Coming on the heels of The LEGO Group’s latest Bluey building kits, this digital app allows kids ages 2 and up to construct, create, and play with the beloved characters in a whole new way.
Nintendo Launches ‘EA Sports Madden NFL 26’ Ahead of Football Season Consumers can expect new player-specific traits, authentic play styles, and adaptive counters.
Toy Companies Press Play on Gaming Toy companies are ready to compete in the video game and mobile gaming space by shifting between internal development, outbound licensing, or a combination of the two.
Nintendo’s new Hello, Mario! mobile app lets kids play with Mario’s face It was revealed alongside a new collection of Mario-themed products designed for kids and toddlers launching in Japan later this month.
Epic says Fortnite is coming back to iOS in Australia Epic CEO Tim Sweeney said on X that Fortnite will be made available on iPhones via the Epic Games Store “at a date to be determined,” while the company navigates the complexities of Australia’s antitrust ruling.
Tencent coincidentally tweaks Steam page for Light of Motiram after Sony lawsuit Sony described Light of Motiram as a "blatant" and "unlawful" copy of Horizon in the filing and claimed Tencent attempted to license the franchise before unveiling Light of Motiram after that pitch was rebuffed.
LEGO Party launches September for Nintendo Switch LEGO Party is a four-player party game which sees you compete against your friends in wacky Challenge Zones and 60 hilarious mini-games from across your favourite LEGO sets.
Pokemon Legends Z-A will be playable at Pokemon World Championships The event takes place from 15th August to 17th August in Anaheim, California. To get a chance to play the demo you’ll need to secure Warp Pass tickets.
Mortal Kombat 1 has now sold over 6.2 million copies Other competitors such as Capcom’s Street Fighter 6 and Bandai Namco’s Tekken 8 have sold five million and three million respectively.
Nintendo of America and the ISEA partner to bring gaming esports to schools Starting this fall, the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Splatoon 3 games for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch – OLED Model systems will be used for school-organized tournaments and events for grades 4 through 12, reaching over 80,000 elementary, middle, and high school students across 23 states.
Capcom updates its list of best-selling video games Capcom has provided updated sales figures for some of its most popular franchise giving an indication of what’s been flying off store shelves and digital store fronts.
The official Minecraft Live website has leaked the date of next event It is not clear what to expect from this year’s event, but hopefully both Mojang and Microsoft have some surprises in store for us such as more Minecraft spin-offs.
Chibi-Robo coming to Switch Online + Expansion Pack next week This will be the fifth GameCube game included with the service, following The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, SOULCALIBUR II, and the most recent Super Mario Strikers.
Blizzard's Story and Franchise Development team has unionized SFD is Blizzard's in-house cinematic, animation, and narrative team. It produces trailers, promotional videos, in-game cutscenes, and other narrative content and has now become the first studio of its kind to form a union in the North American game industry.
Report: Gaming studios must maximize value from paying players North America and Europe make up almost half of game sales, but player counts there have plateaued.
Highlighted Press Releases
($100/week/press release in this highlighted section and on newsletter sent Friday)
MASTER TOYS CELEBRATES SUCCESSFUL SUMMER SHOWS AND NEW STRATEGIC HIRE
Vernon, CA (August 19, 2025) – While celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Master Toys is riding a high after the summer trade shows, capping off with being a top vendor at the Atlanta Market in the Diverse Marketing showroom. Read this as a PDF MASTER TOYS CELEBRATES SUCCESSFUL SUMMER SHOWS AND NEW STRATEGIC HIREHeading into the fall and holiday season, Master Toys is happy to announce that Joy Villavicencio is joining the business as Sales Director. Since she had been a Key Account Manager at Diverse Marketing...
WHAT’S BETTER THAN A DIY POP-UP BOOK? ENGINEERING A POP-IN BOOK WITH EYECONNECT CRAFTS
Craft, Create & Animate?! The DIY Books put the A in STEAM Harrisburg, PA (August 18, 2025) — When kids immerse themselves in books, they are transported to all kinds of possibilities. Imagine if they had to make the book! EyeConnect Crafts offers them the chance to be an artist, an illustrator, an author or even a cartoonist when they engage with these new and unique book making kits! Youngsters discover all the elements of STEAM by making 3D Tunnel Books. Deluxe ($39.97) 3D Tunnel Book art and craft kits boast themes of Space, Ocean and Pond.
*** The above posted after tBR circulated August 15th ***
TYTAN MAGNETIC TILES BRINGS FUN TO NEW HEIGHTS WITH JUMBO-SIZED DISNEY SETS
Marshfield, MA (August 1, 2025) – Tytan Magnetic Tiles continue to stand out in a crowded market thanks to their premium quality, environmentally friendly materials, accessible pricing, and standout licensing partnership with Disney. Backed by an official STEM.org certification, these magnetic tiles empower parents to support early learning through hands-on play that builds spatial awareness, geometry skills, and problem-solving. With a recently extended licensing agreement, Tytan is thrilled to continue offering Disney-inspired creativity...
Safety and Counterfeiting
The Toy Association™ Addresses Industry Priorities for CPSC Regulatory Reform Efforts The Toy Association emphasized that toy safety remains the industry’s top priority and highlighted ASTM F963 as a globally recognized, science-based toy safety standard that has been effective for decades.
Going Lacoocoo over Labubu: How Viral Toy Trends Are Becoming Scams Scammers are exploiting the massive popularity of Labubu collectible toys through fake websites and social media ads, resulting in consumers losing resulting in consumers losing hundreds of dollars.
Game over? Indonesia eyes Roblox ban over child safety concerns Indonesia’s education minister says the widely used online game-creation platform could expose children to violence and other harmful behaviours.
Associations, Foundations, Shows, Awards, Events, and Festivals
*** The above posted after tBR started circulating August 15th ***
On 30th Jan 2026, a regular element of the Spielwarenmesse international network, the Game Inventors Convention, will once again bring together the inventive gaming scene with editors from publishers and agencies. Registration is now open until 5th December at www.spielwarenmesse.de/en/gic
From first-time exhibitors to trend-led pavilions and immersive networking spaces, Autumn Fair 2025 returns to the NEC Birmingham from 7th–10th September. Autumn Fair event director Soraya Gadelrab explains that last year’s decision to merge Kids, Toys and Play exhibitors into the Gift edit “landed really well with exhibitors”.
Global toy retailer to open its biggest UK store at Liverpool ONE POP MART will open its largest UK store at Liverpool ONE in its first move into the city, taking a 6,200 sq ft unit on upper South John Street.
‘Gabby’s Dollhouse’ Is Bringing a Cat-Tastic Wonderland to Experiential Toy Store Camp This Fall (Exclusive) The hit DreamWorks Animation series is popping up with Gabby and the rest of her meow-riffic gang.
Get Ready for NETS: North East Toy & Gift Show Returns in September Created to fill the void for an East Coast specialty trade show, NETS connects manufacturers, retailers, and now gift vendors, attracting buyers from multiple channels.
Polish expo Kids’ Time to return in February 2026 With an expanded format, new zones and even more business opportunities, Kids' Time 2026 will return to Targi Kielce from 17th-19th February.
Hasbro Hub London comes to Piccadilly Circus A limited-time pop-up store, Hasbro Hub London will feature fan-favourite brands, immersive activations and the largest selection of Hasbro products in one place when it opens on Saturday.
Polly Pocket Café to Launch in Mexico The location-based experience captures Polly Pocket’s tiny and adorable world where every corner is full of color, magic and nostalgia.
RIP - Rest in Play - Remembering Those that have Passed
If you know of a colleague's passing, please send us information so we may share with our readers. Archives can be found HERE
Patrick "Thor" Gass He left the Activision Blizzard-owned subsidiary studio in 2022 for a job at Insomniac Games, where he helped implement the UI and accessibility features seen in Marvel's Spider-Man 2.
Joan Anderson. Joan Anderson, who coined the name for the hula hoop and played an unsung role in its rise, has died age 101. The former model was visiting her native Australia from her home in the US when she spotted groups of people swivelling wooden hoops around their waists.
Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi. Barbie designers Mario Paglino and Gianni Grossi have been killed in a head-on car crash after a man, 82, drove the wrong way down a highway in Italy.
Julian LeFay. Julian LeFay, best known as Bethesda Softworks' chief engineer for pioneer games like The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall, passed away last night at the age of 59.
Shunsaku Tamiya. Tamiya, who died Friday of undisclosed causes, was known for contributing to the worldwide recognition of the toy maker, based in Shizuoka, central Japan, by developing radio-controlled cars and mini 4-wheel-drive models.
Rene Kirby. Rene Kirby, an actor known for his work in “Shallow Hal” died on July 11 in Burlington, Vermont. He was 70. His brother Jon confirmed to Seven Days that Kirby had died at the University of Vermont Medical Center.
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Toy Trade Monthly & Special Issues
Adventure Media & Events (US)
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Funko Taps Former Netflix, Disney Exec Josh Simon as CEO (The Toy Book)
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Top Toys that Teach on NewsNation’s Morning in America (The Toy Insider)
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We’re Etchin’ to Get These New Funko Pop! Disney Sketched Figures (The Pop Insider)
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The LEGO Group, Nike Build on Partnership With New Sets (The Toy Book)
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Circana: Global Toy Sales Jump 7% in First Half of 2025 (The Toy Book)
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POP MART to Open First Minnesota Store at Mall of America (The Toy Book)
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The Entertainer to Transfer Ownership to Employee Trust in September (The Toy Book)
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Get Ready for NETS: North East Toy & Gift Show Returns in September (The Toy Book)
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CultureFly to Launch Global Merchandise Program for ‘Dandy’s World’ (The Toy Book)
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Quick Pulse: Zigazoo's White House Win; New Hires at Eolo, Relatable (The Toy Book)
Toyworld (UK)
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The Grant family steps away as The Entertainer becomes Employee Owned Trust
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Latest Tickit launches support outdoor and nature-based learning
Licensing.biz Powered by Toyworld
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Lego brings seasonal magic with Harry Potter Hogsmeade Village – Collectors’ Edition
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Hot Wheels Let’s Race: Ultimate Speed to launch 24th October
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Topps kicks off 2025/26 Premier League Collection with star-studded launch
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Tubbz reports high sales of cosplaying collectible ducks range
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Posh Paws debuts sweet new additions to Swizzels Love Hearts collection
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Numberblocks expands curriculum in new series commissioned by BBC Children’s
ICv2: The Business of Geek Culture (US)
- 'Magic: The Gathering' 'Universes Beyond' Sets Receive 'Ongoing Complaints'
- Funko Loses $41 Million in Brutal Quarter
- Brotherwise Launching 'Stormlight'
- Asmodee Reveals 'Star Wars: Super Teams' for Retail
- Players Can Enter the Final Battle with 'Magic: The Gathering' 'Spider-Man'
- Gen Con 2025 in Photos, Part 1
- Rolling for Initiative -- More Diamond Strangeness and Some Thoughts on Gen Con
- Fantasy Flight Unveils New 'Twilight Imperium 4E' Expansion
- 'Dragon Shield' 'Halloween' Accessories Incoming
- 'HeroQuest: First Light' Heads to Retail
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