Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!
Ehi Oviasu-Kahn, President of Women in Toys andToy Association Board Member and Mary Couzin
Happy Bloomin' Friday!
Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there!
It was great to see many of you in Washington DC for the First Annual Day of Play on Capitol Hill. Members of Congress and their staff were welcomed to a fun-filled afternoon hosted by the Toy Association that highlighted the critical role of play in childhood development. The following day, execs from toy companies and the Toy Association met with government officials to discuss industry priorities such as tariffs.
Congrats to The Toy Foundation for collecting and organizing $3 million in toys for children in need to mark International Day of Play
Just in time for Father's Day, Legendary toy inventor and author Eddy Goldfarb is 103 and has a new book “An Even Bigger Day” with 103 new short stories. We don't normally 'promote' products, but at 103, Eddy has wisdom to share!
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
Bloom Report Subscribers Say...
-
"If you know, you know: the Bloom Report is the New York Times of the toy business." - Lev Nelson, Sky Castle Toys
-
"I read the Bloom Report religiously." - Josh Staph, President and CEO Duncan Toys Company
-
"Mary, I'm building a wholesale distribution business in Australia. Another wholesaler told me about you and said it would be invaluable to get the Bloom Report." - Scott McCall, mishmashed
-
"I go to work 6 days a week and magic happens! On day 7 I read the Bloom Report." 😁 - Rick Derr, Learning Express
-
"Tell me you're in the toy industry w/o telling me you're in the toy industry: Friday Morning = a cup-a-Joe & Bloom Report!" -Tim Walsh, The Playmakers
-
"I don't know anyone in the industry that doesn't read the Bloom Report." -Ken Lewis, President, 4Kidz, Inc.
-
"I am a long-time reader and champion of the Bloom Report. The quantity of quality articles on so many different aspects of our industry is unmatched and I regularly share and discuss them with my management team as an important business tool." - Jim Engle, President & Founder, Little Kids Inc.
-
“I seriously look forward to each Friday to learn most every update + more in the Industry. Priceless info! Thank you” - Michael Kohner, The Michael Kohner Corporation
The Bloom Report has over 26,000 subscribers with a 50%+ open rate.
A banner ad is $5,000/year or just $96.15/week. Get Your Ad Now! Purchase Here!
Person of the Week - Goliath's Brian Turtle
We Work Hard and We Play Hard
(Mary) A lot has happened since your last POP interview back in June of 2021! We usually start by jumping right into the questions, but since you provided some answers in your original profile interview here, fill us in on just what the past 4 years have been like for you (includuing the two Lifetime Achievement Awards!).
(Brian) Yeah, saying “a lot has happened” in the past four years is the understatement of the year. For starters, as you covered with the very funny meme, Endless Games was acquired by Goliath in October of 2021. Endless Games was of course the company that first licensed my Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon game and gave my career in toys its start back in 1996. For nearly 25 years, we took our swings with new game concepts and licenses and had ourselves a heck of a run. Working with Mike Gasser and Kevin McNulty and the small team we assembled is something I’ll always cherish.
Thankfully, despite not existing as its own company, Endless Games did not “end” outright. It lives on with some of our best-sellers like The Floor is Lava and Name 5 still present in the Goliath game line. Additionally, Endless Games has become a brand within Goliath for our Party Games category. I can’t tell you how much this means to me to have that name still be a part of my life and livelihood.
So coming into Goliath was a major change, but my feelings of intimidation were short-lived. Despite being a much larger global company, the mindset was still the same: making great products for kids and family entertainment. And equally important, the people at Goliath were warm and welcoming from the start. Going from a catalog of 25 games to 250+ in toys, games, and outdoor was completely overwhelming, but the combination of great products and amazing people really made for a smooth transition. Read More...
The Toy Association™ and The Toy Foundation™ Joins Global Toy Industry to Celebrate International Day of Play
In celebration of the second annual International Day of Play today, The Toy Association™ and its philanthropic arm, The Toy Foundation™, are joining global partners to reinforce the value of play in the lives of children everywhere.
As part of its commitment to advancing the global play movement, The Toy Association is among 15 organizations joining a UNICEF-led global call to action, recognizing the International Day of Play as a unifying moment to protect and promote every child’s right to play. Adopted by the United Nations last year, the International Day of Play inspires systemic change by encouraging access to safe, inclusive, and developmentally enriching play environments for children across the globe.
In support of this mission and to help mark International Day of Play, The Toy Association’s Toy Foundation is bringing 290,000 brand-new toys valued at $3 million to children in need around the world. From plush and dolls to educational playthings, action figures and building sets, these donations have been generously provided by 16 toy companies and will benefit children facing hospitalization, in low-income communities, and affected by natural or humanitarian disasters. Read More...
Cartoon Lovers, Lexophiles & People in Need of a Smile!
Cartoon of the Week: Happy Father's Day cartoon courtesy of google search!
Memorable Quotes: “Fatherhood is great because you can ruin someone from scratch.” —Jon Stewart
"One thing that I do know about being a parent is that you understand why your father was in a bad mood a lot." -Adam Sandler
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!
Financial and Legal
Disney and Universal sued a prominent artificial intelligence start-up for copyright infringement on Wednesday, bringing Hollywood belatedly into the increasingly intense battle over generative A.I. The movie companies sued Midjourney, an A.I. image generator that has tens of millions of registered users.
The UK discount retail chain Poundland has been sold to global investment firm Gordon Brothers, the previous owner of Laura Ashley, after it was put up for sale in March by parent company Pepco Group.
Kroeger Canada Acquired by Genco International. The acquisition marks a new chapter for the company, now under the leadership of Rubin and Michelle Beige, executives of the Rubie’s Costume legacy, and COO Grant Chapman.
Saga Alliance’s Gregory Benassar tells Toy World readers about the acquisition of Heathside Trading and the company’s plans for 2025. Saga Alliance is run by four people, all either ex-Asmodee executives or former owners of companies that were sold to Asmodee.
Amazon confirms layoffs in books business. The layoffs at Amazon’s books business come mid-year, after cutting about 200 roles in its North America retail operations in January. In the past couple of years the company has more aggressively downsized teams related to its retail business.
Warner Bros. Discovery is splitting into two companies. Warner Bros. Discovery has announced plans to split itself into two companies, separating its streaming and studios divisions from its linear television businesses.
There are only two commissioners left at the FCC. After the departure of one Republican and one Democratic commissioner on Friday, the Federal Communications Commission is down to two members, falling below the quorum threshold for what's typically a five-person panel.
China extends an olive branch to Western auto giants over rare earth shortage. China appears to have offered U.S. and European auto giants something of a reprieve after industry groups warned of increasing production threats over a rare earth shortage.
Why Disney and Universal are investing billions into their theme parks. The Walt Disney Company and Universal, two of the biggest names in theme parks, are both undertaking historic expansions to their experiences businesses.
'Trump accounts': CEOs to unveil investments for newborns at White House. The Trump accounts are part of the major budget bill containing much of President Donald Trump's agenda, which House Republicans passed last month.
Paramount to cut 3% of U.S. workforce as it deepens cost-cutting. Paramount Global is cutting its U.S.-based staff by 3.5%, or several hundred employees, in the latest round of layoffs at the media company as it contends with the decline of the traditional pay-TV bundle and macroeconomic headwinds.
While Xi-Trump call offers respite, China’s neighbours still caught in rivalry. The much-anticipated phone call between the leaders of China and the US could offer a respite for many Asian countries caught in their rivalry.
Japan making progress but no ‘agreement’ on Trump tariffs: trade negotiator. Japan had made some progress in a fifth round of trade talks with US officials aimed at ending tariffs that are hurting Japan’s economy, Tokyo’s chief tariff negotiator said.
Rite Aid Prepares to Sell Remaining Assets. As the June 18 deadline for bidding on the remaining assets of Rite Aid nears, the potential buyers who are looking them over reportedly include pharmacy chain Walgreens, reality star turned entrepreneur Kourtney Kardashian, and more.
China, US agree to ‘done deal’, Trump says, pending sign-off by President Xi. China and the US have reached a “done deal” that includes rare earth exports from China and Chinese students attending colleges in the US, President Donald Trump said on Wednesday.
New Litigation Around Diamond Bankruptcy. The new owner of Diamond Comic Distributors has filed a motion in Maryland bankruptcy court seeking a temporary restraining order on Alliance Entertainment, adding a new round of litigation around the troubled Diamond bankruptcy.
Bob Iger Says Disney Unlikely to Follow Comcast and Warner Bros. Discovery In Exiting the TV Channel Business. The CEO also said that Disney+ will "probably" emulate Netflix and stop reporting subscriber numbers at some point, he noted during a CNBC appearance.
Program Highlights
-
A++ rated insurer, $20 Billion in assets
-
Exceeds Wal-Mart and other leading retailers insurance requirements
-
Variable rate based on sales projections
-
Foreign & Domestic Liability coverage
-
Blanket additional insured vendors
-
Employee benefits liability
-
All certificates and claims handled in house
-
Quick quotation turnaround
-
Product recall expense $250,000 limit
Additional Coverage
-
Umbrella up to $50,000,000
-
Ocean Cargo & Property
-
Commercial Auto
-
Lead coverage
-
Intellectual properties (copyrights, trademarks, & patents)
-
Credit Insurance
-
US Customs Bond Insurance
-
CYBER COVERAGE
for a free consultation and quotation for your business needs.
185 Newman Springs Road, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Contact: Jason Welch: tel: 732-842-2012 (ext. 318), fax 732-530-7080, jawelch@york-jersey.com or Bob Witkin bobwitkin@york-jersey.com
Visit the York-Jersey Underwriters website at www.toy-insurance.com
Financial Reporting, Tariffs
Walmart Targets Younger Consumers Amid Tariff Troubles. Walmart is reportedly focusing on new and younger shoppers to offset the impact of tariffs.
Retail Federation: Imports Will Surge During Tariff Pause. The National Retail Federation is projecting a summertime surge in U.S. import cargo.
China consumer prices slump again, deepening deflation worries as demand stays weak. The economy got a relief after the U.S. and China struck a preliminary deal in Switzerland.
US tariffs hit China’s exports in May, but June seen as ‘a better month’. China’s export growth slowed last month, weighed down by fewer US orders being made before the two countries came to a 90-day tariff truce.
World Bank warns of slowest global growth since 1960s amid Trump tariffs. The World Bank slashed its 2025 global growth forecast on Tuesday, citing trade tensions and resulting policy uncertainty.
Sticker Shock: 75% of American Adults Support Tariff-Free Toys as Elon Musk Warns ‘Trump tariffs will cause a recession’. Following months of mixed messages from Washington, D.C., tariff-related price hikes are finally hitting the toy department.
Genius Games Announces Price Increases Due to Rising Costs and Tariffs. The price increases come in the wake of the company facing rising costs for sourcing, shipping, and operational cost since 2022.
GameStop Collectible Sales Soar. GameStop sales in its collectibles category, which includes TCGs and other tabletop games, soared even as overall sales plummeted when its recent quarter ended May 3, 2025.
Amazon delivery robots offer $7.1B annual savings opportunity: report. The tech could position Amazon retail as an AI play, according to Bank of America Securities analysts.
U.S. tariffs on China won't change again, Lutnick says after trade talks. Howard Lutnick said China was slow-walking key measures and the U.S. was retaliating in kind.
Small retailers on 'vacation from hell' as they seek clarity on Trump's China tariffs. Small businesses are still suffering from the uncertainty.
Trade tensions aren't stopping Chinese companies from pushing into the U.S.. Companies are so intent on global expansion that a new IPO on the mainland counts the U.S. as one of its biggest markets.
Trends, Lists, Market Research, and State of the Industry
Industry experts on the age of the Kidult.
Rory Partis, director of UK Toys, EuroToys Circana, looks at the growth in the toy industry, which is driven by multiple expected and unexpected categories, manufacturers and properties.
Firms launch tools to help shippers measure tariff costs.
MAY 2025 CIRCANA BOOKSCAN - TOP 20 AUTHOR, MANGA, SUPERHERO GRAPHIC NOVELS
MAY 2025 CIRCANA BOOKSCAN - TOP 20 ADULT GRAPHIC NOVELS
New Circana Eat Play Love report highlights how Europeans are finding comfort and escape from a world of worry in the toy aisle. The research highlights how parents are using toys to shield children from the chaos of the times we live in.
How customer-centric is your packaging?. The end user’s experience with your organization’s packaging has a huge impact.
What is an ‘ita bag’? Plus the most popular toys, dolls and figures now. The “Ita bag” hashtag went viral on Weibo in summer 2024 when Olympic athlete Quan Hongchan showed off gifts given to her by fans.
Labubu becomes bait for China’s Ping An Bank to lure young customers. China’s Ping An Bank is rewarding those who open new accounts with a Pop Mart Lababu doll.
Record prices at auction for Hong Kong-designed Labubu figurines. A Labubu figurine sold for over a million yuan at an auction in Beijing this week, as demand for rare and limited editions of the toy rises.
Gen Alpha kids are the most active console gamers, ESA report finds. This younger generation prefers to play games across genres and enjoys playing with their parents weekly.
Labubu craze sweeps globe, highlights power of China, Asia stars have on consumer trends. Asian and Chinese stars are rewriting the fashion industry playbook, turning favourites into global must-haves.
Labubu lands in Canada: ‘The largest toy trend we’ve ever seen’. Labubu is no longer just a viral sensation – it’s a full-blown cultural phenomenon.
June 2025 State of Freight. There’s no end to the tariff woes this year, and it’s directly affecting your wallet.
Circana releases new ‘Eat Play Love’ report. European shoppers are turning to snacks, beauty products and toys for comfort amid a backdrop of war, anxiety and economic pressures that now shape daily life.
China's homegrown toy goes global, redefines cultural export playbook. Recently, a Chinese quirky, “ugly-cute” designer toy Labubu has taken the world by storm.
Stories, Comments, and Advice
John Baulch, Toy World, Life moves on… it’s the Friday Blog! Life comes at you fast in retail. Take Poundland for example; there was a time when it was a thriving retail chain, and quite a few toy companies enjoyed good sales through the stores. Fast forward to 2025, and the retailer has just been sold for £1 – at least through its many trials and tribulations, it hasn’t lost its sense of humour.
With the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, will we see older gamers flocking to play Mario Kart World? A recent BBC report seems to think so. Recently, TalkTalk found that racing games are one of the most popular genres for those over 55 to play. With the addition of Mario’s popularity, we could see the game becoming a hit with all age groups.
Labubu owners are considering insuring their coveted plushies to protect toys from theft. The monster fuzzies, which were created by Hong Kong designer Kasing Lungare and often seen dangling off designer handbags of celebrities around the globe, are now so in demand that there has been a rise in thefts.
Extremely Lifelike Dolls Cause a Frenzy in Brazil. To some, the dolls, known as reborn dolls, provide comfort, escape or just plain fun. But politicians across Brazil have tried to pass bills banning the dolls from public spaces.
Board Game Speed Dating - Indeed Brewing - Milwaukee -(Ages 25-39). Searching for a partner can be horrifically painful. But board games are always awesome. So what if you combined board games and finding a partner?
McDonald’s could not handle the newest Meal toy frenzy. In April we reported about the new McDonald’s Minecraft Happy Meals launched in tandem with the Minecraft movie. While many a fan loved the new collectibles in America, McDonald’s Happy Sets in Japan have truly taken the world by storm.
Clixo Collabs with Artist Timothy Goodman for Magnetic Doodling Fun. Toyish Labs is teaming up with award-winning artist and designer Timothy Goodman to create a Clixo pack inspired by his signature doodles.
Exclusive: How to make the most of the growing Kidult category. Having been supercharged by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Kidult category has become a very big deal for the Toys & Games industry, accounting for around a third of the total marketplace and growing at around 3% year-on-year.
from hangers to birds and planes: aequo.design turns household items into wooden toys. Jeu de Cintre is a decorative toy collection that transforms a single wooden hanger into playful, minimalist objects.
Super7’s New Plush Collection Is Super Snuggly. The line offers an adorable Godzilla ’89 plush inspired by 1989’s Godzilla vs. Biollante film. Similarly, the Mechagodzilla takes inspiration from the 1974 film Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla.
History and Nostalgia
Roller Racer from Wham-O (1987). "No motor and no batteries but something really moves that thing."
Vintage Game Demonstration: Duell from Lakeside. The Duell strategy game was published by Lakeside in 1976. Enticing players as “a game that used the ultimate weapon…the mind!”, Duell was a game for two that used oversized dice as the primary mechanism of play.
My Friend Talking Toby from Coleco. Released by Coleco in 1986, My Friend Talking Toby was an electronic playmate for children that combined simple educational games with a digitized voice and synchronized facial expressions.
Mission: Impossible from Ideal. Released in 1966 from Ideal, the Mission: Impossible board game immersed players in the high-stakes world of espionage, challenging them to outsmart their opponents and complete a series of covert missions.
FULLPOWER Puffgirl: A Designer Toy That Turns Childhood Nostalgia Into Adult Psychedelia. The Powerpuff Girls were a defining symbol of late ’90s TV — three supercharged girls created in a lab who fought crime before bedtime.
The Rat Patrol from Aurora. Released by Aurora in 1967, The Rat Patrol hobby kit drew inspiration from the World War II television series of the same name, which aired for two seasons on ABC in the mid-1960s.
Licensing and Entertainment
Nickelodeon has announced the acquisition of Mr. Crocodile, a new animated kids’ series based on the beloved French children’s book Monsieur Crocodile a Beaucoup Faim (Mister Crocodile is Very Hungry) by best-selling author Joann Sfar, published by Gallimard.
Beloved children’s clothing brand Hanna Andersson is partnering with Fred Rogers Productions to launch an all-new kids’ collection in spring 2026 featuring artwork from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.
Licensed model kit manufacturer Blokees has signed the Naruto licence for the UK. The deal increases its existing portfolio of licensed collectible products, which currently includes Transformers, Sesame Street, Minions, Ultraman, Jurassic World, Yeloli and Saint Seiya.
The Newest MCU Show Could Redeem Marvel’s Biggest Failure. Writer-director Ryan Coogler is working on a script for Black Panther 3, but it will be some time before we see the fruits of his labor on the big screen. That said, the world of Wakanda is still expanding, with the animated anthology Eyes of Wakanda.
Nintendo pushes back live-action Zelda movie to May 2027. The upcoming live-action movie based on The Legend of Zelda has been delayed — though only by a few weeks. The film was previously slated to hit theaters on March 26th, 2027, but Nintendo now says that it will be out on May 7th instead.
Pokemon Has Teamed Up With Hershey's Kisses For A Collectible Chocolates Crossover. There are a lot of ways to collect your favorite Pokemon. However, in 2025, The Pokemon Company has dreamed up another way to catch 'em all, and it might be the most unique way to date.
Jazwares Adds Newest Wave to Pokémon Squishmallows Collection. The newest additions to the Pokémon Squishmallows collection are here: a Pikachu with a cheerful face, and the Fire-type starter Pokémon from the Hoenn region, Torchic.
Miraculous Corp. Expands with All-New Disney Series. Ahead of the Annecy International Animated Film Festival, Disney Branded Television widens its base. Disney has proclaimed the acquisition of the Miraculous Stellar Force. It will be a product of Disney+ and Disney Channel.
DeAPlaneta Entertainment and Superprod Animation Partner to Produce ‘Underdog’ Animated Series. DeAPlaneta Entertainment and Superprod Group have teamed up to reintroduce the iconic Underdog character to a new generation with an animated children’s series.
Somewhere Animation and TF1 develop Artefacts, Thieves of Thieves. EXCLUSIVE: This adventure series for six to 10s plays into an ongoing increase in kids content investment for the French channel's TFOU kids block, says Yann Labasque.
BBC Studios Children’s & Education and France Télévisions commission Vanishing Point. Writing/directing duo Tom Gran and Martin Woolley (Chris P. Duck) created this action/comedy about four teens whose town is overrun by everyday objects with bizarre powers.
Disney Branded Television unveils new slate. Disney Jr. and Disney+ have greenlit the Brown Bag Films series Sam Witch from creator Mia Resella (Young Jedi Adventures, The Ghost and Molly McGee). It follows Sam, a young girl who’s learning to be a witch and solve problems with her magical pets.
BBC Studios and Blink Industries team up for new anime-inspired toon. Children Vs Battle SuperStars will see a trio of ordinary kids use their cunning and comedic wits to defeat their world's strongest fighters in a new tournament setting.
AIE announces new members and strategic priorities. Now including 27 countries and 30 associations in the EU, the org has welcomed Austria, Latvia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia and Armenia as new members.
Cryptozoic Will Release 'DC 2DZ Acrylic Standees'. Cryptozoic Entertainment will release DC 2DZ Acrylic Standees, new 2D tabletop miniatures, into retail in August 2025. These 2D standees are made of acrylic and feature full-color DC character art.
'Dragon Quest' Model Kits Head to Retail. These model kits are manufactured by the Good Smile Company's Lucky Factory in Japan, and come on fully-painted sprues. The Slimes come in three designs, She-Slime, Lime Slime, and Standard Slime, and include a base.
'‘Harry Potter’ HBO Series Casts Draco & Lucius Malfoy, Dursleys, Molly Weasley & More. The Harry Potter HBO series has taken another step forwards with a slew of cast additions. Lox Pratt is slated to play Draco Malfoy, with Johnny Flynn as his father Lucius Malfoy.
Mediawan Kids & Family Unveils ‘The Magic Roundabout’ Reboot & Paul Whitehouse’s ‘Collide-Oscope’; Digital First YouTube Shows ‘Claynosaurz’ & ‘Wadoo’. Mediawan Kids & Family has announced a new reboot of beloved 1970s UK kids show The Magic Roundabout.
A Steven Universe spinoff is in the works at Amazon. Steven Universe creator Rebecca Sugar announced that Amazon is moving forward with a new spinoff series focused on side character Lars Barriga.
A New Wonder Woman Movie Is Officially In The Works. Fans have been eager for updates on the other members of DC’s “Trinity,” Batman and Wonder Woman — and finally, Gunn is providing a long-awaited update on one of them.
Sky Kids commissions My Friend Maisy from BBC Studios and Trustbridge. Sky Kids has greenlit the BBC Studios Kids & Family and Trustbridge Entertainment co-production My Friend Maisy, a 2D-animated preschool series based on the bestselling books by Lucy Cousins.
VP Racing Celebrates 50th Anniversary with New Licensed Products. Throughout its 50-year journey, VP Racing has parked its licensed products in a wide range of categories, from collectibles and apparel to automotive accessories.
Telefilm boosts support for Canadian animated features. The initiative earmarks roughly US$308,000 (CAD$420,000) to support the needs of animated films in the early creative stages, particularly storyboard development.
‘Doctor Who’ Animated Series Heading To BBC. The BBC has announced the next stage in the expansion of its Whoniverse, a pre-school animation version of its big-selling IP, which just wrapped second season under returned showrunner Russell T. Davies.
Mel Brooks Returning as Yogurt for ‘Spaceballs’ Sequel. Hollywood legend Mel Brooks — who will turn 99 later this month — is officially a go to appear in an untitled Space Balls sequel that will be released in theaters in 2027 by Amazon MGM Studios, the company announced Thursday.
.jpg)
People of Play
The Most Influential Women in International Film - Jennifer Dodge, President, Spin Master Entertainment - Dodge has helped turn Canadian kids brands into global screen franchises — most notably PAW Patrol, now a billion-dollar behemoth spanning TV, toys and theatrical. Dodge also co-created the preschool hit Little Charmers and is overseeing a live-action adaptation of the game Bakugan.
An award-winning toy creator and a doctor have teamed up to launch a new co. that manufactures products designed to make health care less scary for little kids, and less stressful for parents. Playhouse MD, is the brain child of Sydney Wiseman, a toy industry star credited with creating the hit toy Fingerlings, and her sister, Kaitlin Wiseman, a family practice doctor specializing in childcare, and mom...
Dark Horse Comics parent Embracer Group is getting a new CEO on August 1, as the restructuring of the company continues, the company announced. Phil Rogers will be promoted from Embracer Group Deputy CEO to CEO, and Embracer Group founder and current CEO Lars Wingefors will move to Executive Chair of the Board.
Meta forming new AI lab helmed by Scale AI CEO Alex Wang. The research lab is Meta’s latest effort to gain an edge in the fiercely competitive AI development space.
Mattel names Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill as Barbie UK Play ambassador. Decorated sportswoman Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill will highlight how doll play should be taken as seriously as hobbies such as sports, music or languages when it comes to child development.
Coolabi Group Names Neil Court As Its Chairman. Coolabi Group has named Neil Court as its Chairman. He will work with CEO Jeremy Banks and the Coolabi management team, offering strategic advice as the company continues to grow.
Netflix hires Amir Nasrabadi as feature animation COO. He will report to Hannah Minghella, who is just a year into her role as head of Netflix feature animation and live-action family film. Minghella was one of the first hires made by Netflix film chairman Dan Lin, who took the reins in April 2024.
Promotions at Creativity, Joshua Garrett Appointed as CEO. Garrett has been at Creativity for nearly 25 years, granting him the experience to take on this opportunity. He started as a programmer in 2001 and has also served as Creativity’s Director of Production and Vice President of Development.
People on the Move: Steve Leaf from Diamond to Hermes Press. Hermes Press has announced that they have hired Steven Leaf as their new Sales Director. Leaf worked as Manager/Buyer for Book Nook from 1976 to 1991, then as Buyer for CIB & Associates for two years.
The Playground Podcast: Matt Brown of Kibeam. In this conversation, host and guest talk about how play literally shapes kids’ brains, uses of AI to support play, Matt’s new project, the Kibeam Wand, that has the potential to transform learning to read, and much more.
Companies and Brands
Mattel is leveling up its innovation game, and whether you agree with it or not, AI is in the mix. The El Segundo, California-based titan behind Barbie, Hot Wheels, Masters of the Universe, Fisher-Price, Matchbox, and more inked a deal with OpenAI. The strategic partnership aims to power the creation of next-generation, AI-powered products and experiences rooted in its portfolio of iconic brands.
Build-A-Bear Launches Play It Forward Program. In celebration of the International Day of Play, Build-A-Bear has announced its Play It Forward initiative, a national program designed to share the power of play with children in need.
In a world that’s increasingly noisy, Tonies is helping young children find peace as the Toniebox acts as a wellness tool for early childhood, promoting self-soothing, emotional regulation and joyful movement. In celebration of World Music Day, Tonies has expanded its popular music franchise, Lalalinos, with a final character, Cosmo, further strengthening its Tonies Originals platform.
Board game manufacturing giant Panda expands production outside of China for first time amid US tariffs upheaval. Board game manufacturing major Panda has expanded its production operation outside of China for the first time by launching a joint venture in Brazil.
Asmodee buys Zombicide IP from struggling CMON as first move in new acquisition spree. Financially-troubled board game publisher CMON has sold its flagship IP Zombicide to Asmodee, stripping the company of a series which has raised more than $40m on Kickstarter since its 2012 launch.
Japanese toy brand 1curiosity embarks on UK brand building campaign. In partnership with The Busylizzy Club, the UK’s leading club for new and expectant parents, 1curiosity toys are being used in specially developed Curiosity Play Sessions for one-year-olds.
Hippychick welcomes new Classic World toys. Brand-new Classic World wooden toys join Hippychick’s growing portfolio, offering consumers a selection of nine thoughtfully designed products spanning a range of themes and play patterns.
PaddleSmash announces official launch in the UK this month. After gaining traction across the US as a backyard favourite for families, athletes and casual players alike, PaddleSmash is now bringing its energy and excitement to players across the UK.
GennComm Patents Its Latest Innovative Plush Material. GennComm pioneered the use of viscoelastic foam (a.k.a. memory foam) in toys back in 2017, igniting the plush category with its sweetest squeezes yet.
Hasbro to Reveal Beyblade X 25th Anniversary Set at SDCC. With Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC) rapidly approaching, Hasbro reveals an exclusive set to celebrate 25 years of the Beyblade brand.
Funwhole Rebrands to Lumibricks. Construction kit brand Funwhole is officially changing its name to Lumibricks. The company, known for its building brick sets with integrated LED lighting systems, will continue to release similar kits under the new name.
Master Replicas announces partnership with Zavvi. This partnership will include upcoming new products from franchises such as Blade Runner, Dune, Foundation, Doctor Who, Stargate, Star Trek, Mass Effect and many others.
Mattel Mulls AI-Powered Toys With OpenAI Partnership. The toymaker signed a deal to use OpenAI’s tools and could create digital assistants based on Mattel characters.
VR Distribution partners with Shashibo. VR Distribution has announced its partnership with the award-winning, STEM accredited, shape-shifting magnet box, Shashibo, from hit US brand, Fun in Motion Toys.
Care Bears to Extend Their Stare in Poland. In partnership with local agent DeAPlaneta Kids & Family, the brand is rolling out new offerings at major Polish retailers and entering new product categories.
Five Below Partners with Invent.ai to Roll Out AI-Driven Inventory Optimization. The fast-growing value retailer has partnered with invent.ai to overhaul demand forecasting, replenishment, and inventory decision-making across its more than 1,800 U.S. locations.
Yoomi Babytech is a company that keeps parents and caregivers up-to-date on innovative infant solutions. The company is creating its portfolio by introducing the Yoomi Solace and the Yoomi Breast Aid to parents and consumers.
Gaming: Digital, Video, Hardware, and Development
A Switch 2 YouTube app is coming ‘soon’. The YouTube app for the original Switch took over a year and a half to arrive, but while that app isn’t compatible with the Switch 2, we may not have to wait nearly as long on a version for Nintendo’s new handheld.
Why the Switch 2 is so important for Nintendo. Nintendo just released the Switch 2, its first new game console in eight years. The original Switch was wildly popular, selling 15 million units in its first year, more than any prior Nintendo console.
‘Silksong’ Finally Sets Its Release Window And It’s Sooner Than Expected. This won’t be the first time you’ve heard this, but Hollow Knight: Silksong is finally coming out this year. That’s according to both Microsoft and the game’s developer, Team Cherry.
The Access-Ability Summer Showcase returns with the latest in accessible games. Now in its third year, the Access-Ability Summer Showcase is back to redress the lack of meaningful accessibility information across the ongoing video game showcase season.
Summer Game Fest 2025: all the news, trailers, and announcements. The centerpiece of the event was SGF Live on June 6th, a keynote hosted by Geoff Keighley that, like The Game Awards, is packed with new game announcements as well as updates and trailers for games we already know about.
A Game of Thrones RTS is launching in 2026. In War for Westeros, players will lead the armies of House Stark, House Lannister, House Targaryen, or the Night King in ruthless free-for-all battles where trust is fleeting and power is everything.
Shovel Knight’s creators are launching a new game this fall. Yacht Club Games, the studio behind the Shovel Knight series, is launching its next game, Mina the Hollower, on October 31st, the team announced as part of Summer Game Fest.
Resident Evil Requiem is coming next year. After a very convincing tease that suggested news was in fact not incoming, Capcom just officially announced Resident Evil Requiem, the ninth mainline entry in the franchise. It launches on February 27th, 2026 on PC, PS5, and Xbox.
Persona 4 is getting a remake. At the Xbox Games Showcase, Atlus announced that a full remake of Persona 4 is in development. It’s called Persona 4 Revival, and while there weren’t many details revealed — like when it’ll actually launch — we did get a brief teaser trailer.
Splatoon is getting a Switch 2 spinoff, and a big Splatoon 3 update. The new game will take players to an area known as the Spirhalite Islands, investigating some kind of mystery alongside the fictional pop group Deep Cut.
Subway Surfers Blast developer Outplay Entertainment has laid off 21 workers. Subway Surfers Blast and Angry Birds Pop developer Outplay Entertainment has laid off 21 employees. The Scottish studio confirmed the layoffs were made in response to "current business realities."
Invincible Vs Revealed, Launching 2026. Invincible's first-ever console game has finally been revealed as Invincible Vs, a "tournament-quality" 3v3 tag fighter that even has a story mode from the team behind the TV show.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds launches for Switch on Sept. 25th, more characters revealed. At Summer Game Fest, the release date for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds was confirmed to be September 25th, 2025.
LEGO Voyagers coming to Nintendo Switch. There’s a fresh new LEGO game coming to the Nintendo Switch and it’s titled LEGO Voyagers. The game is being developed by Annapurna Interactive and is billed as a relaxing two player adventure that looks visually impressive.
Tribute Games developing Scott Pilgrim EX. Tribute Games, the accomplished team behind Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game, have been hard at work on Scott Pilgrim EX.
LEGO Party coming to Switch in 2025. A new LEGO game from SMG Studio and Fictions Inc. has been announced. It’s a party game akin to Mario Party, with the fitting title LEGO Party, and 60 minigames will be included.
France: Nintendo apparently sold over 200,000 Switch 2 consoles. France is Nintendo’s biggest market in Europe so it is no surprise to hear that the recently launched Nintendo Switch 2 shifted big numbers there.
Nintendo Switch 2 sold over 3.5 million units worldwide in first four days. In the four days following its June 5 launch, the Nintendo Switch 2 game system sold more than 3.5 million units worldwide, becoming the fastest-selling Nintendo game system ever.
Epic Games goes after Fortnite cheat maker and cheat sellers in new lawsuit. Epic Games is going after the maker of cheating software for Fortnite that lets players see through walls and auto-aim at opponents in a new lawsuit filed Tuesday.
Bluey Joins the ‘Fruit Ninja’ Dojo in Apple Arcade Crossover. BBC’s Bluey is slicing into the gaming sphere. In a partnership born and bred in Brisbane, the Heelers and Halfbrick Studios are teaming up for a fun-filled Fruit Ninja takeover.
PAW Patrol Pups Take the Wheel in ‘PAW Patrol Rescue Wheels: Championship’. Nickelodeon is creating the game in collaboration with Outright Games, the leading publisher of family-friendly interactive entertainment.
Highlighted Press Releases
($100/week/press release in this highlighted section and on newsletter sent Friday)
CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PLAY WITH FUN IN MOTION TOYS!
Ft. Lauderdale, FL (June 6, 2025) – In honor of the second official International Day of Play on Wednesday, June 11, Fun In Motion Toys is proud to announce a South Florida community initiative supporting the global movement to affirm ‘play’ as a fundamental human right. Designated by the United Nations, this special day celebrates the power of play in children’s lives — and Fun In Motion Toys is making it unforgettable for families across South Florida.
Safety and Counterfeiting
Ethical Supply Chain Program: Risk-Proofing Your Supply Chain. Sourcing risks have become more visible and consequential with the increase of geopolitical tensions, rapid demand shifts, and climate-related disruptions.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Budget Confirms Plans to Absorb CPSC. The approved proposal would establish a new department managed by the Assistant Secretary for Consumer Product Safety (ASCPS) within the Office of the Secretary, to oversee consumer products at the federal level.
Associations, Foundations, Shows, Awards, Events, and Festivals
Toy Industry Converges in Washington, DC This Week to Shine a Spotlight on Play. The Toy Association™ and its members are bringing the power of play to the halls of Congress this week, starting off with the First Annual Day of Play on Capitol Hill.
The Toy Foundation™ Collects $3 Million in Toys for Children in Need to Mark International Day of Play. More than 290,000 brand-new toys and games valued at $3 million will be distributed to children in need across the U.S. and around the world to mark International Day of Play.
The centerpiece of Funmaker’s programming is a panel and live entertainment experience called Rokimoto Slurprise, hosted by Funmaker founder Mike Becker at The Novo Theater on Friday, July 4. The event will feature a performance by AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys, who also serves as Funmaker’s chief design officer.
The Toy Association™ Joins Global Toy Industry to Celebrate International Day of Play. The Toy Association™ and its philanthropic arm, The Toy Foundation™, are joining global partners to reinforce the value of play in the lives of children everywhere.
WTHRA Hits ‘Pause’ on ToyFest 2026 Amid Market Shifts. In response to shifting toy industry dynamics, the Western Toy and Hobby Representatives Association (WTHRA) says it will “pause” ToyFest in 2026 to reevaluate and reimagine the event for 2027 and beyond.
Licensing International Announces Five New Board Members—Gaye Dean, VP of Retail Development for North America at Miraculous Corp.; Clara Fort, VP of Global Brand Licensing at Eastman Kodak; Vincent Leoni, Partner at Miller Kaplan; Chang Liu, Head of Inbound Licensing at POP MART; and Meredith Norrie, VP and Head of Global Licensing and Consumer Products Partnerships at Mattel...
Eunice Chan, a 13-year-old from Leeds, has made history as the youngest-ever winner of the Official UK Rummikub Tournament, held at the UK Games Expo (UKGE) at the NEC Birmingham. The sold-out tournament welcomed 40 passionate Rummikub players from across the country, including two former UK Rummikub tournament champions.
Asmodee celebrated International Tabletop Day on June 5th 2025, as the annual event coincided with a pivotal milestone: its 30th anniversary. International Tabletop Day comes as latest research highlights the positive benefits of tabletop games, with 61% of people worldwide preferring leisure activities that help them unwind and mentally decompress. In 7 out of 10 countries studied, board games rank...
They did it! 612km conquered over 4 days of intense cycling raising an incredible £9,868 & counting for The Toy Trust's Mega Midsummer Mayhem fundraiser. Richard Sutcliffe & Rory Edwards were treated to a hero’s welcome at Goliath HQ with a celebratory BBQ organised for their arrival.
Dress To Impress dolls steal the show at nationwide Smyths events. Over the weekend, families across the UK experienced a day of immersive in-store events across selected Smyths Toys Superstores, celebrating the launch of the new Dress To Impress Mystery Models doll line.
Paramount hosted Dora launch event in celebration of new UK consumer products range. Retail partners including Smyths Toys, The Entertainer, Character.com and Claire’s Accessories were all featured at the immersive event at The Barbican Conservatory.
Winners of the 2025 Outdoor Toy Awards revealed. The sun may not have got the memo, but the clouds kept their deluge at bay until the very end of the judging session for the Outdoor Toy Awards 2025, according to the annual event’s organisers.
Toy retailers pick Finspan, The Gang and Trio as winners of this year’s Astra Play Awards. American toy retailers from trade body ASTRA have named Finspan, The Gang and Trio as the board game winners of its latest annual Play Awards.
Etopia’s WIAB event returns for Summer Retreat. Following the success of last year’s launch event, the retreat will bring together a cross-section of women and men working in and around the Amazon marketplace – including founders, brand owners, agency leaders and senior professionals.
UK Games Expo Awards winners revealed. All submitted games were rated by a panel of expert judges chosen by UKGE. The judges produced a shortlist of the top games in each category, as determined by the judges’ ratings.
Collectors rejoice as Middlesbrough Toy Fair returns bigger and better than ever. The fair will be held at the spacious Teesside University Students’ Union on June 22, from 10am to 3pm, offering a one-of-a-kind gathering of vintage, rare, and collectible toys.
Toy Fair® 2026: Renew Exhibit Space by June 22 & Other Key Dates. Toy companies and play professionals interested in participating in the next Toy Fair®, taking place February 14 to 17, 2026 at the Javits Center in New York City, are encouraged to take note of the important announcements and reminders outlined below...
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
Brian Wilson, Heart and Soul of The Beach Boys, Dies at 82. Brian Wilson, whose “teenage symphonies to God” made him the poet laureate of adolescent heartbreak as a founding member of The Beach Boys
Joe Morrison - Joe joined toy giant Mattel in 1978, heading up its Hot Wheels division. As Executive VP of Marketing in the early ’80s, he led the team that created the legendary He-Man and the Masters of the Universe toy line that was later developed into an animated TV series and movie. Award-winning actor Frank Langella has said that the Masters of the Universe movie gave him one of his all-time favorite roles, the supervillain Skeletor. Joe left Mattel to follow a longtime dream. He co-founded a toy company, Morrison Entertainment Group (now MEG Toys). The company went on to create Monster In My Pocket, Puppy in My Pocket, Stink Blasters and other “evergreen” brands that continue delighting new crops of kids, year after year.
Loretta Swit, who won two Emmy awards for her role on the popular comedy TV series M*A*S*H, died on Friday, according to her representative. She died at her home in New York at age 87, her publicist Harlan Boll told the BBC.
Jonathan Joss, King of the Hill voice actor has died after a shooting outside his home in Texas at age 59, the San Antonio Police Department has confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter.
Renée Victor, the actress best known for her voice role as Abuelita in the beloved animated film Coco and arc as Lupita on Showtime’s Weeds, died surrounded by her family at her Sherman Oaks, Calif. home.
Peter David, a prolific comics writer whose work on The Incredible Hulk. Aquaman, and other comics helped redefine the characters and became fan favorites, died on May 24, 2025, at the age of 68.
Ed Gale, Ed Gale, who made his film debut wearing the “Howard the Duck” suit and went on to play Chuckie in “Child’s Play” and two other films in the series, died Tuesday in Los Angeles. He was 61.
Robin Muller - (Goliath shared the following): We are deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic passing of our dear friend and colleague, Robin Muller, following a fatal accident. Robin had been with Goliath for over a decade and had grown into the role of Sales Manager Benelux. He was a deeply loved colleague, known for his passion, speed, and big heart. He was only 33 years old and leaves behind his wife, Lieke, and their one-year-old son, Loek.
Judy Blau in NY Times. Judy was a lovely person and the article captures her spirit. I was honored to get to know her when she was the recipient of our 2017 TAGIE Lifetime Achievement Award and we kept in touch. Two researchers from the NY Times reached out to me for help on the article, including photos. Here is our article about Judy, written by Ruth Green Synowic that we ran in 2017.
Get Listed in the POP Toy Industry Database
It's Linkedin + IMDb and Searchable!
"I highly recommend that if anyone in this industry wants to be found, they join POP and fill out the skills and expertise section of their POP Profiles. I've had companies and a major media network reach out to me for a show based on my skills and expertise."
- David Yakos, Founder of Streamline Design and Owner of Salient Technologies
-
Display your entire portfolio, unlimited products, videos, photos, media, and more
-
Advanced search skills, expertise, by roles, location, and more
-
Access to information of products, people, and companies
-
Post to homepage social feed - 149,000 unique visitors in past 12 months
What are you waiting for? We've got the most powerful platform in our industry! www.peopleofplay.com
Worldwide Magazines Weekly Top Stories
Some Added Friday Morning Chicago Time. Check Back for Complete Lists.
Toy Trade Monthly & Special Issues
Adventure Media & Events (US)
-
Rise of the Playbots: Mattel, OpenAI Ink Deal to Power Toy Innovation (The Toy Book)
-
Grab Your Dragons (and Dragon-Themed Toys) for How to Train Your Dragon (The Toy Insider)
-
EXCLUSIVE: Ring in SDCC with Monogram’s Electrifying Sonic the Hedgehog Keychains (The Pop Insider)
-
23 New Toys, Games, & Gifts for Tweens and Teens (The Toy Book)
-
Super7's New Plush Collection Is Super Snuggly (The Toy Book)
-
Build-A-Bear Launches Play It Forward Program (The Toy Book)
-
POP MART Shows Support for Pride with New Collectibles and LA LGBT Center Partnership (The Toy Book)
-
Five Below Partners with Invent.ai to Roll Out AI-Driven Inventory Optimization (The Toy Book)
-
Kroeger Canada Acquired by Genco International (The Toy Book)
Toyworld (UK)
-
Price reduced for temporary showroom space at The Toy Building this autumn
-
Mattel names Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill as Barbie UK Play ambassador
-
Dress To Impress dolls steal the show at nationwide Smyths events
Licensing.biz Powered by Toyworld
-
Paramount hosted Dora launch event in celebration of new UK consumer products range
-
Nickelodeon acquires brand-new animated series, Mr. Crocodile
-
AliLeo Media signs UK & ROI distribution deal for Robocar Poli
-
France Licensing Day opens Event Planner to facilitate key connections
-
Saudi Arabia to host its first-ever licensing industry conference in Riyadh
-
Exclusive: Retailers share their thoughts on the booming Kidult sector
ICv2: The Business of Geek Culture (US)
- Wizards of the Coast Delays 'Magic: The Gathering' Prereleases in Mainland China
- New 'D&D Replicas of the Realm Foam Figure' Incoming
- TCGplayer Union, Company Reach Settlement
- GameStop Collectible Sales Soar
- Asmodee Snaps Up 'Zombicide'
- Rolling for Initiative -- Tariffs and a 'Final Fantasy' Weekend
- TCGplayer Top 25 Sealed Product Chart - May 2025
- 'Warhammer 40,000: Kill Team - Typhon' Heads to Preorder
- Going on a 'CookieRun' in the 'Braverse'
- 'Pokemon TCG: Holiday Calendar 2025' Hits Preorder
Nación Juguetes (Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Chile & Spain)
Global Toy News
The Bugg Report (Australia)
The Toy Universe (Australia)
hobbyDB
-
Most Valuable! How Much Are My How to Train Your Dragon Funko Pop!s Worth?
-
10 Valuable Avatar: The Last Airbender Collectibles from Funko, Lego & Beyond
-
Some highlights of Kenny’s 35 years of toy & packaging design
-
Fátima Alissio shares tips on how to design modern toy packaging
-
Asmodee buys Zombicide IP from struggling CMON as first move in new acquisition spree
-
Unconscious Mind leads Dice Tower Awards nominations with nods in record seven categories, River of Gold and SETI challenge for five
Toy Store (Italy)
TAGIE Awards 2025, nominations for the awards open
Video of the Week!
Spaceballs 2 | Announcement
POP Classifieds - Free and Easy
"I kept an eye on People of Play's Classifieds and now I work at TOMY!" -Jeff Hersheway, Digital Content Manager at TOMY International
Either post your job openings yourself (so easy!) to our POP Classifieds or send them to us to post for you. We all have colleagues looking now that would benefit.
You can also post IP and more to sell. We just posted a listing for US Utility Patent & Trademark: MOGO.
If you are looking for someone with particular skills and expertise, use POP's Advanced Search to fine that person or company you need!
If you are not in the POP Directory, the largest searchable directory by skill, expertise and more, sign up!
Thank you for being a reader of the Bloom Report. — Mary
Founding Editor and Publisher (1998-2020, Retired): Philip Bloom
We are honored to carry on Phil's 22 year legacy and continue the Bloom Report. Phil has been a mensch
and we've loved working with him. Here is a fun and interesting interview with Phil.
If you would like to reach Phil: philip.bloom100@verizon.net
Publisher/Editor: Mary Couzin, SVP Toy Association, Founder & Lead People of Play, formerly Chicago Toy & Game Group
Assistant Editor: Evan Kale
Not only does the Bloom Report give you all the news you need to know...
we give you all the news you didn't know you needed to know!" -Phil Bloom
Do you have news to share? Send me a note! mcouzin@toyassociation.org
