Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!
Adi Golad, Alan Hassenfeld, Bob Fuhrer, Mary Couzin, Karri Bean at Michael Kohner's POP Week Dinner
A Not-So Bloomin’ Friday
We lost a legend. Alan Hassenfeld’s legacy is etched into the very heart of our industry. He was a mensch, champion, visionary, gentleman and a dear friend to me and many others. He cared deeply about people all over the world and the whole toy industry. I can still hear him say, “Do me a favor” when, in actuality, it was Alan doing the favor for you or someone else. He had recently asked for one and I’m grateful for the time these past months—frequent conversations, emails, and the chance to help him with something that meant so much to him.
He loved the Bloom Report and told me so often. NY Toy Fair will never be the same without him—we always met to catch up over red wine and then dinner, in recent years it was at Michael Kohner’s Keene’s dinner event where Alan entertained everyone with stories and inspired us to do more, a tradition I’ll deeply miss. I have so many stories I could share, but one that speaks volumes about his generous, caring, and witty nature stands out. When my mom was diagnosed with cancer, he called and offered to help her get in with the top specialists. “I built a hospital,” he said. “I know people.” And he meant it. He followed up regularly, calling just to ask, “How’s mom doing?”
It’s hard to put into words how unreal it feels that he’s gone. Our hearts and deepest sympathies are with Alan’s family, friends, and all who loved him.
Mary
PS. I am rerunning Vishnu Chandran's Person of the week interview below this week. Last week's link was incorrect. My apologies.
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Person of the Week - Wild Republic's Vishnu Chandran
My Grandpa and Grandma were and are my Guideposts
Hi Vish, I’ve really enjoyed your posts on LinkedIn—they’re always thoughtful, fun and inspiring. Thank you for sharing your family’s story and your work in our industry with our readers.
I’m the ring‑tailed ringleader who dreams up critters you can cuddle, then rallies factories, forests, and finance so every plush pal pays rent to Mother Earth.
What is it about the Toy and Game Industry that you love?
It’s the only business where “monkeying around” is literally on the org‑chart and laughter is a leading KPI. We regularly use our toys to talk through situations in meetings.
What is your claim to fame?
Being the first to turn recycled plastic bottles into stuffed animal penguins—then letting kids name them.
Greatest win so far?
Witnessing my grandfather receive the Champion of Sustainability award from the Toy Association for his life’s work.
What keeps you up at night?
Wondering whether capybaras need pajamas. Read More...
Person of the Week - Josh Garrett
From Professional French Horn Player to CEO of Creativity Inc.
Hi Josh! Thank you for taking time to share what you do in our industry. I'll never forget visiting Creativity Inc. and seeing a stunning 2 or 3 story wall of toys and games as I walked in. What a history of products your company has worked on! Tell us about your role in the toy industry.
I’m the (newly appointed!) CEO of Creativity, Inc. We help toy companies around the world make magical, innovative products. Our work spans play design and documentation, audio and art, engineering, project management, manufacturing support—the list goes on. Over the last 28 years, we’ve contributed to over 7,000 products, including more than 40 TOTY award winners.
In parallel, I’m also Chief Creative Officer of Readyland, a partnership with Dave Capper, the iconic inventor behind Hit Clips, Video Now, Tooth Tunes, and more. Readyland creates printed books that kids can actually talk with using Alexa. They can play games, talk to characters, make choices, and have a different adventure every time they return—all without needing a screen.
Why and how did you get into the Toy and Game industry?
It was a complete fluke. I had an earlier career as a professional French horn player. I earned a doctorate from Juilliard and performed and taught internationally. But around age 30, I started looking for something new—and decided to go back to a childhood passion for programming.
On a very early job site, I found a listing for a programmer at a company called Creativity. As I read it, and saw that it was for toys, something clicked inside me, and I got extremely excited. The last line read, “Master horn player a plus,” and it felt like a cosmic sign. I started as an entry-level programmer, and 25 yrs later, I’m the CEO. It’s been an incredible journey and I’m so grateful for the opportunity. Read More...
Keegan pitching Young Inventor Challenge Judge Nancy Zwiers
Name: Keegan Franck - YIC Spotlight #2 in our 20 Week Countdown to POP Week and the YIC!
Location: Belmont, MA
YIC: 2024 Senior Most Innovative Winner & 2023 Junior Best Game Winner
Invention(s): MetroNet (2024) & Endless (2023)
Where are your inventions now?
MetroNet is still being pitched to publishers, and I’m hopeful it will be signed sometime soon! As for Endless, after some pitching at Origins Expo 2024, was signed in December 2024 by a great publisher, and will hopefully make it to nationwide storefronts sometime next year. I’m really excited to see where all this will go!
Have you invented any other toys/games since the YIC?
Of course! I’ve got a game called Rendezvous that’s a really deep abstract strategy currently undergoing some later-stage playtesting, and I’m currently working on a more complicated game called Republic which has been challenging but very enjoyable to work on. I’m looking forward to completely polishing a game for this year’s YIC, which may be one of these or something else I haven’t thought of yet!
(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.)
Cartoon Lovers, Lexophiles & People in Need of a Smile!
Cartoon of the Week: Thank you to the anonymous person for our cartoon this week!
Memorable Quotes: “Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in."
- Bill Bradley
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!
Susan Wojcicki RIP
Ralph Kaufman RIP
Rachael Lillis RIP
Tony Mines RIP
Jack Friedman RIP
Financial and Legal
Italy-based confectionery manufacturer The Ferrero Group is acquiring WK Kellogg, the maker of iconic kids breakfast staples like Frosted Flakes, Froot Loops and Rice Krispies. As part of the US$3.1-billion sale, Ferrero will take over all manufacturing, distribution and marketing of Kellogg’s cereal brands across the US, Canada and the Caribbean.
*** The above posted after tBR started circulating July 11th ***
California expands its film and TV credit to cover animation. The incentive to keep productions in-state now has US$750 million to allocate, and animated films, series and shorts will be eligible for the first time.
ACD Distribution Acquires Luma Imports. ACD Distribution has acquired Luma Imports from Flat River Group, and will relaunch the brand with Jules Vautour, Colin Young, and Danni Loe, who will all move to ACD from FRG.
Tycoon Acquires Gamelyn Brand. The acquisition brings Gamelyn Games' Tiny Epic and Heroes of Land, Air, and Sea lines under the Tycoon Games banner. Gamelyn's latest project, Tiny Epic Dungeon Adventures, recently raised over a million dollars on Kickstarter.
Flat River Group downsizes again as veteran trio leave to relaunch Luma Imports under ACD Distribution; ACD also buys Flat River’s Synapses Games. Board game distributor, publisher and e-commerce specialist Flat River Group has downsized again.
The UK investigates how to better serve young viewers online. A new parliamentary committee inquiry wants to identify the best ways to continue supporting high-quality kids content while digital viewing habits continue to grow.
TikTok Reportedly Moving US Users to New App Before Sale. The popular video platform has come up with plans to introduce the new TikTok app, code-named “M2,” on Sept. 5, The Information reported Sunday (July 6), citing two sources with knowledge of the matter.
Supreme Court gives Trump the green light to cut down the federal workforce. In a significant albeit preliminary win for the president, the Supreme Court is allowing the Trump administration to go ahead with its plans to drastically reshape federal agencies by laying off employees en masse.
Appeals court strikes down ‘click-to-cancel’ rule. The Federal Trade Commission’s click-to-cancel rule would have required everything from your gym membership to Amazon Prime subscription to let customers cancel their recurring payments as easily as they signed up, and through the same method.
Autumn Fair launches national retailer survey to drive government action. The survey takes less than five minutes to complete and the results will form the foundation of a formal petition to the government this September, championing the needs of independent retail.
Rubik’s cube design can’t be trademarked, says EU court. The decision of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) marks the latest development in a long-running legal puzzle over the intellectual property status of the Rubik’s Cube.
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Financial Reporting, Tariffs
The 30 percent tariffs on goods from Mexico and the European Union announced by President Trump on Saturday apparently do not apply to imported cars, some of which are already subject to duties of at least 25 percent. If so, that would be some relief to carmakers who are already facing weak sales and trying to cope with shifting policies that affect electric vehicles.
Trade war: President Trump on Saturday released letters imposing new 30 percent tariffs on imports from Mexico and the European Union, dashing hopes for deals that would avoid such punishing levies. The tariffs, which are set to take effect Aug. 1, are a significant escalation in Mr. Trump’s trade battles, aimed squarely at two of America’s closest and most pivotal trading partners.
William Brangham discussed the tariffs and their impact with Jay Foreman, CEO Basic Fun, which sells toys like Tonka trucks, Care Bears and Lite Brite.
Trump Threatens Higher Tariffs on Canada in the Middle of Trade Talks. The president revived his discredited claims about fentanyl entering the U.S. from Canada to justify his latest proposed rate of 35 percent.
President Donald Trump said Thursday he plans to impose blanket tariffs of 15% or 20% on most trade partners, dismissing concerns that further tariffs could negatively affect the stock market or drive inflation. “We’re just going to say all of the remaining countries are going to pay, whether it’s 20% or 15%. We’ll work that out now,” Trump told NBC News’ “Meet the Press” moderator Kristen Welker in a phone call.
Toymaker Hasbro is stepping up board game production at a manufacturing partner’s plant in East Longmeadow, in part to maneuver around the Trump administration’s tariffs. Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks described the move as a reaction to the administration’s import policies Thursday morning in a broadcast segment with CNN’s Audie Cornish.
America’s toy prices could rise later this year, particularly if higher tariffs take effect, Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks told CNN’s Audie Cornish, host of “The Assignment” podcast. “I don’t know. I didn’t hear anything about Hasbro. I don’t care about their prices,” Trump said, according to an NBC report. Later, he said: “But if they make their toys here, if they made their toys here, they wouldn’t have a price increase.”
*** The above posted after tBR started circulating July 11th ****
A 90-day pause on Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs plan is about to expire, which could upend US trading relationships with the rest of the world. But the uncertainty of the last few months has already forced several companies to rethink their supply lines in radical ways.
"I'm inclined to stand up when my company is in genuine peril," says Rick Woldenberg, who is the CEO of educational toy firm Learning Resources.
Nick Harman, Co- creator of "Randimals" toys explains tariff shipping impacts on CNN - he fears tariffs' devastiation on holiday inventory.
The retail inventory method vs. cost accounting in the tariff era. Wild swings in margin estimates under RIM calculations led Walmart executives to pull their profit guidance in May.
US back-to-school shopping expected to reach over $33B. Inflation, tariffs and supply chain uncertainty are shaping purchasing decisions this year, according to Coresight Research.
US preps for August return of country-specific reciprocal tariffs. The Trump administration plans to reinstate the levies Aug. 1 after alerting individual trading partners of their specific duty rates.
Trump rolls out reciprocal tariffs for Japan, South Korea, others. The U.S. detailed the rates it will impose on imports from certain countries starting Aug. 1 in identical letters shared by the president.
Inflation expectations drift back down to pre-tariff levels, New York Fed survey shows. Fears earlier this year that President Donald Trump's tariffs would result in an inflation spike have completely receded.
Trump says he will impose 50% tariff on copper imports. President Donald Trump said he will impose a 50% tariff on copper imports and suggested more steep sector-specific duties are on the way.
Trump threatens to impose up to 200% tariff on pharmaceuticals 'very soon'. Trump suggested that the levies would not go into effect immediately, saying he will "give people about a year, year and a half."
Small Business Optimism Dips as Merchants Taxed by Taxes. That’s according to the latest findings from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) optimism index, released Tuesday (July 8).
European Union in limbo as Washington keeps it waiting on a trade agreement. The transatlantic trading partners could however reach a framework deal as soon as this week.
‘Very optimistic’: Indonesia vows to press on with US talks despite 32% tariff. The Southeast Asian nation was notified by Trump via letter that the tariffs he announced would take effect on August 1.
China’s lead in global shipbuilding may already be fading, new data suggests. China’s dominance of global shipbuilding appears to have been eroded over the past six months, according to industry data.
Toy company CEO discusses how Trump's recent tariff decisions are impacting business. The uncertainty alone makes it difficult to plan for the all-important holiday season.
Why the tariffs are a problem for US companies. With his customs threats, US President Trump wants to force other countries to complete deals with the USA. What does this policy mean for US companies?
Expect some big back-to-school spending this Prime Day. US shoppers are projected to spend US$23.8 billion during Amazon’s four-day online shopping event.
Tariffs and Policy Uncertainty Weigh on Retail Outlook. Jack Kleinhenz warns that persistent uncertainty surrounding U.S. trade policy and regulation is complicating forecasts for the retail sector.
Trends, Lists, Market Research, and State of the Industry
Time magazine ranks 100 most influential online creators.
Top 20 Graphic Novels - June 2025.
COMICS AND GRAPHIC NOVEL SALES UP IN 2024 Via Growth in Comic Stores
Latest Trend Hunter Report Explores the Rise of AI-Driven Family Tech & Retail Innovation. Brands are harnessing advanced tech to support families with customized, real-time insights.
How Labubu Skyrocketed Pop Mart Stock 1,200%. Chinese toy company Pop Mart’s stock exploded over 1,200% in the past year thanks to its success it built off blind box collectibles like Labubu.
76% of Consumers Now Own Four or More Connected Devices. Even though more devices are connected, many people are happy with the basic technology they have.
Prime Day Could Be ‘Quite a Test’ for Tariff-Rattled Consumers. The trade war has caused some consumers — and some brands — to stay away.
Check out the latest roles from the Toy World recruitment section. One For Fun, Skillmatics, Character Options, Wigston Global and Alphablocks are the latest companies to advertise job vacancies.
Kids Industries repositions with a focus on fandom and families. Noting that 75% of families share their favorite brands, the marketing agency will offer new workshops and studies to fine-tune strategies.
This Adorable Dino From ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ Is the Next Baby Yoda. They may be extinct for millions of years, but dinosaurs still have a hold on our culture.
The Next Labubu: What the Rise of Wakuku Tells Us About China’s Collectible Toy Wave. Wakuku is the most talked-about newcomer in China’s trend toy market.
Labubu Dolls: Creepy Toy Trend or Coveted Collectible? In a sea of collectible trends, Labubu has emerged as the perfect paradox.
July 2025 State of Freight. Tariffs are the number one unknown and the one thing that can make or break your profit margin.
Stories, Comments, and Advice
Would You Pay Nearly $9,000 for a Puzzle? Some of the most devoted hobbyists are willing to shell out big bucks for what one called “a couture puzzle.”
Toymaker behind Lite Brite and Operation also designed this Evanston, IL home. In the mid-1960s, Marvin Glass, head of a Chicago toy design firm, fashioned the home from a former carriage house. It's going on the market at ...
When learning is play: How play-based education creates stronger foundations. Play-based education has become more than just a popular
choice in preschools. It’s now being seen as a powerful method...
*** The above was posted after tBR circulated on july 11th ***
John Baulch, Toy World - Keep on keeping on… it’s the Friday Blog! We lost another of the toy industry’s true icons this week, when Alan Hassenfeld passed away at the tender age of 76. What can I say that hasn’t been said elsewhere: he was a legendary toy man for sure – his vision and passion were key factors in the rise of Hasbro.
Meet the Moms Who Home School at Disney World. Lesson plans include practicing Spanish with princesses and budgeting for churros; fireworks are a bedtime alarm
Mom Sees Son Playing With Toy Animals—Then Realizes What's Really Happening. Hannah Wakeman, from the West Midlands region of England, took to her TikTok channel, @cleaningwithhan_, to share a glimpse of the special game she discovered her 10-year-old son playing.
Tiny Chef broke the internet. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll have seen Tiny Chef’s viral cancellation video which landed last week. Even my brother brought it up with me, and he has zero professional connection to kids media. Check it out below; make sure to watch through to the gut punch ending:
Trademark Turbulence: How IP Litigation Risks Are Redrawing the Toy Industry Landscape. The Rubik's Cube, a puzzle that has captivated generations, now stands at the center of a landmark legal battle with profound implications for the global toy industry.
History and Nostalgia
How Etch a Sketch Became One of the Most Popular Toys of All Time. The mechanical drawing toy, which its French inventor called 'The Magic Screen,' let kids make art without making a mess.
*** The above posted after tBR started circulating July 11th ***
Rare 1979 Hulk stretch toy to auction for up to £5,000. Excalibur Auctions said the figure is one of only 30 known examples of the original Hulk stretch toy from 1979 that still exist today.
Wendy’s Turns On The Nostalgia With 12 Limited Edition Potato Head Kids’ Meal Toys. Wendy’s understands the power of nostalgia. The fast-food giant recently teamed up with Hasbro to bring a fun new collection to a whole new generation.
How this long-lost Chinese typewriter from the 1940s changed modern computing. Scholars in the U.S., Taiwan and China are buzzing about the discovery of an old typewriter, because the long-lost machine is part of the origin story of modern Chinese computing.
Yokohama Doll Museum – Yokohama, Japan. Founded in 1978 after a private doll collection was donated to Yokohama City, the museum is now home to more than 10,000 dolls representing over 100 countries, offering a global representation of craftsmanship and tradition throughout its building.
Expand-O-Car Super Wheelies from Remco (1972). Each Expand-O-Car Super-Wheelie was tethered to a remote control powered by two D-size batteries. Two buttons on the battery case controlled the Super-Wheelie.
The Twilight Zone Game from Ideal Toy Company. Released in 1964 by Ideal Toy Company, the Twilight Zone board game embraced unpredictability and chance to transport players along the Road to Reality to home base.
How Superman Became a Character for the Ages. This summer’s big blockbuster, Superman, marks the latest installment of the Man of Steel — a character whose identity has evolved over the decades, connecting with the concerns and ideas of the day.
Licensing and Entertainment
To celebrate the anniversary of the beloved movie Clueless, Mattel and Paramount Consumer Products have teamed together for a nostalgia packed collaboration as iconic as Cher’s revolving closet. No, you’re not “totally buggin” – it really has been 30 years since Clueless first entered the pop culture zeitgeist.
Mattel Brick Shop Ignites Australian Collectible Market with Hot Wheels Collaboration, Featuring Racing Legend Craig Lowndes at the Wheel. The campaign kicks off with a standout model of the iconic 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL—personally built and customised by racing legend Craig Lowndes.
Bratz, the on-trend lifestyle and fashion doll brand from MGA Entertainment (MGA), has announced the launch of its Bratz x Clueless Collector dolls in collaboration with Paramount Consumer Products, a division of Paramount, whose Paramount Pictures produced the endlessly watchable 1995 classic.
*** The above posted after tBR starting circulating July 11th ***
Rumour: Shadow the Hedgehog spinoff is in development at Paramount. The Sonic the Hedgehog movies and the TV spin-offs have been big hits and it seems the next big thing coming from Paramount is a Shadow the Hedgehog spin-off.
Acclaimed Filmmaker Jon M. Chu to Direct “Hot Wheels” Live-Action Motion Picture from Mattel, Warner Bros. and Bad Robot; Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier to Write Script. Mattel and Warner Bros. Pictures announced that director Jon M. Chu will direct the feature film based on Mattel’s timeless toy car.
CloudCo Entertainment Enters Licensing Deal to Expand Care Bears’ U.K. Presence. CloudCo Entertainment is partnering with TEAL Group Holdings and Bulldog Licensing to expand licensing opportunities for the Care Bears brand in the U.K.
Tim Rice comes back to kids movies for The Land of Sometimes. The legendary songwriter returns after 25 years to score this upcoming CG-animated feature. His secret to writing hits? Making sure the music connects to the characters.
KPop Demon Hunters is slaying records. Produced by Sony Pictures Animation, Netflix original KPop Demon Hunters made its debut on June 20 and almost instantly took over the number-two spot on the streamer’s list of most-watched English movies, generating 9.2 million views in just three days.
Anime Expo 2025: New deals as anime dominates. The year’s biggest anime and Japanese pop culture celebration in North America took place in LA over the July 4 long weekend, and one thing was crystal clear coming out of it: Anime is a titanic force in kids entertainment.
Anime Expo: Yen Press to Publish Deluxe Edition of 'Battle Royale'. While no other information was available from Yen Press, the Amazon listing indicates that the first volume will be released on December 16, 2025, with a 16+ rating and that this will be a new translation by Kevin Gifford.
Retailers join Summer of Superman. Launching globally in cinemas from Friday 11th July 2025, the film from Warner Bros. Pictures and Writer/Director/Producer James Gunn has the full backing of UK retail with takeovers now rolling out in stores and online.
Box Office: ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ Bites Into $318 Million Globally, ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Nears $975 Million. The seventh installment in Universal’s long-running dino series — this time starring Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey and Mahershala Ali — has devoured a mighty $318 million worldwide.
‘Sakamoto Days’ Leads Netflix’s Anime Expo Slate as Streamer Reveals Massive Global Viewership Growth. Netflix made a major splash at Anime Expo over the weekend, dropping new trailers, clips and images from its anime lineup including “Sakamoto Days,” “My Melody & Kuromi,” and “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2.”
Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Dune 3’ Gets Official Title, Will Be Shot With Imax Cameras. Reports had called the film “Dune Messiah,” a nod to the 1969 book from Frank Herbert that the film will adapt as its storyline, following Paul “Muad’Dib” Atreides as he takes over as emperor.
Chris Pratt Returns To Voice Garfield As Alcon Entertainment Unveils Sequel Details. Chris Pratt has signed to voice Garfield in Alcon Entertainment’s animated theatrical motion picture sequel to The Garfield Movie, based on the iconic comic strip Garfield with Sony Pictures distributing.
‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants’ Trailer: The Bikini Bottom Gang Head to the Underworld. Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Movies have released the first trailer for their next cinematic SpongeBob adventure: “The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants.”
Michelle Yeoh To Voice English-Language Version Of Chinese Animation Blockbuster ‘Ne Zha 2’ From A24 & CMC. A24 and CMC Pictures have announced they are teaming on an English-language version of Chinese blockbuster animation Ne Zha 2, featuring Michelle Yeoh in voice cast.
C.O.W.-Boys of Moo Mesa Rides Again Through Nacelle Revival. Originally introduced in 1991 by Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles artist Ryan Brown, Moo Mesa became a Saturday morning staple with a toy line, ABC cartoon, and arcade game.
Disney is dusting off Night at the Museum. Filmmaker Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps Entertainment banner (Stranger Things) is developing a new Night at the Museum film at Disney’s 20th Century Studios, reuniting the original director and the two companies behind the original hit film trilogy.
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People of Play
Behind the Success of KenKen: An Interview with Entrepreneur Robert Fuhrer. Robert Fuhrer explores his years-long journey in the toy and game industry in this interview. He reminisces about the many experiences that shaped his career from early exposure to the toy industry, his first creation, his various partnerships and ventures and how he ended up being the owner of the popular puzzle game, KenKen.
*** The above posted after tBR circulated July 11th ***
Mattel's Lisa McKnight on Transforming Legacy Brands Through Bold Storytelling. Jenny Rooney sits down with Lisa McKnight, EVP and chief brand officer at Mattel, to explore the art and science of managing over 100 active brands.
Crayola’s now-CEO leaned in to automation when everyone else was offshoring and now he’s reaping the rewards. Pete Ruggiero, at the time an operations executive, thought the children’s art supply maker could be more efficient by staying close to home.
Pam Mastrota is executive director at The Toy Foundation. In this edition of The Friday Five, Pam talks about the organization’s Toy Chest and Play Fund initiatives, and shares observations about the changing needs of vulnerable communities.
Tim Rice comes back to kids movies for The Land of Sometimes. The legendary songwriter returns after 25 years to score this upcoming CG-animated feature. His secret to writing hits? Making sure the music connects to the characters.
Q&A with POP/CHITAG Founder Mary Couzin. Toy News Tuesday editors caught up with Mary about what makes CHITAG a must-attend event and why these authentic, hands-on experiences matter so much.
Linda Yaccarino steps down as CEO of Elon Musk's X. Yaccarino’s departure comes one day after Musk’s artificial intelligence chatbot Grok repeatedly made antisemitic comments and referenced Hitler in response to posts about the Texas flooding.
ZeniMax Online Studios founder Matt Firor to depart amid Xbox layoffs. Following his departure, the studio will be led by Jo Burba as studio head, Susan Kath as executive producer, and Rich Lambert as game director.
Funko Appoints Michael Lunsford as Interim CEO. Lunsford, who previously served as Funko’s Interim CEO from 2023-2024 and has been a board member since 2018, steps in following the departure of former CEO Cynthia Williams.
YuMe Toys makes two key hires for a push into the Americas. Former Spin Master exec Paul Fish will lead the expansion effort, with global marketing director Michelle Phillips Jones executing new product launch campaigns.
Wyncor hires Mediawan vet to “reimagine” its toys as content. Miami-based toy company Wyncor has hired former Mediawan Kids & Family exec Erick Rouillé as VP of global distribution to head up its brand-new Wyncor Media division and orchestrate an expansion into content.
PEOPLE: Crunchyroll hires former Viacom18 exec Vikas Boni to oversee India. Boni has more than 15 years of experience in the Indian market working for Viacom (2010 to 2023) and digital marketing agency Stars N Stripes (2023 to 2025).
Companies and Brands
Moose Toys has announced a new distribution partnership in Italy with one of the country’s most respected names in the toy industry, Rocco Giocattoli. The partnership took effect in June 2025 and sees Rocco Giocattoli take over distribution of Moose’s award-winning portfolio, including popular brands such as Little Live Pets and Bluey.
*** The above posted after tBR started circulating July 11th ***
J.C. Penney to hold down prices for back to school, holiday despite Q1 declines. Despite the sales and profit declines, this was a decent quarter for J.C. Penney, given that “sales are now deteriorating at a much shallower pace than previously,” according to GlobalData Managing Director Neil Saunders.
New 'D&D Mini Dice Cups' Incoming. Sirius follows up their first D&D Mini Dice Cups release with a series that contains various iconic D&D characters, such as Vecna and Guenhwyar, sculpted onto the cups.
Hibiscus and Bonsai Trees join Lego Botanicals. According to the Lego Play Well Study 2024, commissioned by the Lego Group and carried out by Edelman DXI, three in four adults (75%) are keen to find ways to practise forms of mindfulness.
Kids Can Celebrate Summerween with the Disney Store’s Haunted Mansion Collection. The Disney Store is kicking off Summerween with new merch that’s perfect for Disney fans big and small. Families can host new ghostly toys and apparel with the Haunted Mansion Collection.
Lego honours Silverstone F1 champions with special trophies. The Lego Group presented the top three drivers and winning constructor with Lego Brick-Built Trophies at Silverstone’s Formula 1 British Grand Prix 2025.
Bliss Distribution to join Ravensburger as distributor for Disney Lorcana TCG in the UK. Bliss will stock both older titles and new releases from Disney Lorcana and will offer support for Ravensburger’s Organised Play programme.
Miniso Launches Largest Flagship Store in Australia. Miniso launched a new location at the Highpoint Shopping Centre in Melbourne, marking another milestone in the company’s expansion efforts in Australia. The new store opened July 5.
Chimpers and 223 Jump From Digital to Physical. The brand is partnering with 223, a top IP incubator and marketplace. The first in this drop will be the Series 1 Plush Keychain Blind Box collection. Each new plush will feature well-known Chimpers characters in a collectible format.
PupCakes Are Here: Baked by Melissa Releases ‘PAW Patrol’ Goodies. Baked by Melissa has partnered with Paramount Consumer Products to create PAW Patrol baked goods. Chase, Skye, and the rest of the crew are too dog-gone cute, so these cupcakes are an extra special dessert.
Barbie® Introduces First-Ever Barbie Doll with Type 1 Diabetes to Expand Representation and Inspire More Children. This addition to the line enables more children to see themselves reflected in Barbie and encourages doll play that extends beyond a child’s own lived experience.
Random House Signs 14-Title Deal With Webtoon Entertainment. Random House has signed a 14-title deal to publish new webtoon titles from Webtoon Entertainment under its Inklore and Ink Pop imprints over the next five years, the companies announced.
Paizo Gets Caught in 'The Diamond Mess'. Paizo, Inc. announced that some of their upcoming Q3 releases will not be available at major bookstores or Amazon as a result of the Diamond Comic Distributors bankruptcy.
SmartGames introduces new compact travel games. FishTricks and Apple Puzzler are two new fun and engaging additions to the range, carefully designed to keep players amused and puzzled for hours on the go.
Ravensburger’s Disney Collector’s Edition reaches milestone. The addition of Moana and Lilo & Stitch later this year will see the range reach a major milestone of twenty collectible jigsaws, each with 1000 pieces.
Goliath Launches Clickeez. First unveiled at Toy Fair, the full Clickeez lineup is set to release this summer and has already earned recognition, winning the Grand Prix du Jouet award in France.
Asmodee Reveals New LEGO Party Game. Each team consists of an Instructor and a Builder; the Instructor explains how to build the shape based on the instructions on a hidden Shape card, and the Builder constructs shapes based on what the Builder tells them.
The LEGO Group’s Transformers Line Expands with Soundwave Model Set. The LEGO Icons Transformers Soundwave Set creates an immersive building experience for adult fans and captures the essence of the popular Decepticon character.
TOMY Unleashes Dōteki: A New Line of Battle Toys Where Kids Drive the Action. Available online and at specialty retailers worldwide Aug. 4, Dōteki invites kids to control the action through handheld battle controllers, strategy, and speed, all anchored in a tactile, high-energy arena environment.
Gaming: Digital, Video, Hardware, and Development
The best Mario Kart tracks, ranked. It might come as a bit of a shock if you haven’t been paying attention, but Mario Kart is far and away the most popular Nintendo franchise. That’s right, not even the mainline Mario games or best Pokémon games sell as many copies as this kart racer.
*** The above posted after tBR circulated July 11th ***
Nintendo is ending its cost-saving Switch game vouchers. Nintendo is discontinuing vouchers for Switch games. The program, which lets Switch Online members save money on digital games, will come to an end on January 30th, 2026.
Trump funding cuts 'devastate' video game research and development. The University of North Carolina was awarded $150,000 in August 2024 to research the ways in which libraries could collect, preserve, and provide access to digital video games via a National Leadership Grant.
Nintendo wants to keep ‘traditional approach’ to development as costs skyrocket. It’s been nearly eight years since Super Mario Odyssey, and now we know what that team has been up to, as Nintendo has officially revealed that the developers of Donkey Kong Bananza are the same team that made Odyssey.
The Last of Us Part II’s new mode puts the story in chronological order. With season 2 of HBO’s The Last of Us in the books, and with no The Last of Us Part III coming in the immediate future, Naughty Dog has come up with an interesting way to funnel all the attention from the show into the game.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will be featured at the Esports World Cup 2025. SEGA‘s upcoming Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is one of the first games to be announced for this year’s Esports World Cup which takes place from 7th July 7 to 24th August in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Nintendo is experimenting on new movie projects other than Zelda and Mario. Nintendo has a plethora of popular IPs which could be transformed into excellent movie fodder and the company keen to utilise these based on the success of the Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds is getting a new animation this September. SEGA has announced on social media platform X that it plans to debut a special animation to tie in with the release of Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds this September.
VGC: Developers have started to pitch ideas for new Banjo-Kazooie game at Xbox. One of thing that the VGC has heard though is Xbox and Rare have started taking pitches for a new Banjo-Kazooie game from different studios.
Virtuos believes any 60fps Xbox Series S game can be ported to Nintendo Switch 2. Virtous has achieved many notable ports in recent times including Dark Souls Remastered, Hogwarts Legacy, and most recently The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered.
Rumour: Nintendo Switch Online may soon be adding Super Smash Bros and Donkey Kong 64. A number of social media fans have been going over a Nintendo Switch Online-themed video from Nintendo which was uploaded over a month ago.
Capcom: Mega Man is still “one of our most important IPs”. We haven’t seen a new game in the acclaimed Mega Man series for quite some time however Capcom says that it still views the franchise as one of its most important IPs.
Japan: Analysts say Nintendo Switch 2 could be difficult to purchase until Spring 2026. Japanese news site The Nikkei is reporting that analysts are not expecting the Nintendo Switch 2 to become easy to purchase until at least the spring of next year.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D added to Nintendo Music. Since the launch of the Nintendo Music app in October of last year, Nintendo has consistently been expanding the service (free for Nintendo Switch Online members) with more soundtracks from their extensive library of games.
US: Nintendo announces Summer Deals at participating retailers. Nintendo of America has teamed up with a number of large retailers in the United States to offer a selection of Nintendo Switch games at discounted prices.
Square Enix leads 'major investment' into Vaultbreakers developer BetaDwarf. Square Enix has led an undisclosed investment round into Danish studio BetaDwarf to finance the development of top-down action-RPG, Vaultbreakers.
Report: Testronic to shutter outsourcing studio Secret 6 Madrid. The game development and art studio has offices in both Manila and Madrid, but it seems the latter has now been placed on the chopping block less than three years after it was purchased by Testronic and parent company Catalis Group.
Ubisoft is still making layoffs after securing $1.25 billion Tencent investment. Ubisoft has laid off 19 workers at Star Trek: Bridge Crew and Tom Clancy's developer Ubisoft Red Storm as part of its previously announced restructuring program.
Switch 2 games could end up costing even more thanks to US tariffs on Japan. U.S. President Donald Trump provided an update on potential tariffs he plans to impose on imports from various countries to the US this week.
Bayonetta Director Addresses The Online Abuse He Faced During The Hellena Taylor Controversy. Bayonetta's actor from the first two games, Hellena Taylor, released a video explaining why she did not reprise her role, and accused PlatinumGames of only offering her $4,000 for the role.
US: Amazon stocks the Nintendo Switch 2 directly for the first time. Amazon.com and Nintendo of America’s relationship has been strained over the years but things are looking up for both companies as Amazon has started stocking the Nintendo Switch 2 console for the first time.
Inside the World of Minecraft: a Conversation with Hanna Willis of Microsoft. Hanna Willis, Director of Minecraft Consumer Products at Microsoft, explores the brand’s latest cross-category activations, many of which have been supercharged by the success of the Minecraft movie.
Epic Games Settles With Samsung. That's a Big Deal for Fortnite Players and Gamers More Broadly. Epic Games says it's reached a settlement with Samsung after suing both Samsung and Google last year over antitrust issues. The action is likely a turning point for players of Fortnite and other games.
This ‘Stumble Guys’ Update Features ‘Jurassic World’ Characters, Dinos, and More. Inspired by the prehistoric beasts in the film, players can experience the excitement of Jurassic World in true Stumble Guys style. It’s time for your family to immerse themselves in this rex-celent world!
Monolith Soft Tokyo is developing a large scale RPG for Nintendo Switch 2. The established company is currently on a massive hiring spree to fill a variety of integral positions to make this all possible.
Circana Reports Video Game Sales for May, Including PC Revenues. Last May, the video game industry found Bandai Namco Entertainment’s Elden Ring: Nightreign as the best-selling game for the month, ranking 11th for best-selling game of 2025 year-to-date.
Highlighted Press Releases
($100/week/press release in this highlighted section and on newsletter sent Friday)
MAKE MUSIC COUNT: THE BEST WAY TO MAKE MATH LESSONS MUSIC TO CHILDREN’S EARS
The Make Music Count App and Keyboard Kits Demystify Math and Frame it in a Fun and Relevant Cultural Context. Atlanta, GA (July 10, 2025) – Math! The scariest school subject for many kids, but a critical one to understand. Some children would do anything to avoid math class, and it’s no wonder. In many public schools, a one-size-fits-all approach to teaching math, based on repetition, lectures and sheer memorization fails to connect with so many kids. We all have our own aptitudes, learning styles and cultural backgrounds which make this approach...
Safety and Counterfeiting
Moonbug sheds light on what US parents want in kids TV. Moonbug Entertainment has released a new report on what US parents want from kids TV, and many are looking for a nuanced take on parenting.
Associations, Foundations, Shows, Awards, Events, and Festivals
Alex Kirsch, Age 16, Won at the Young Inventor Challenge!. During last 10+ years, over 10,000 kid entrepreneurs — Kidpreneurs — between the ages of 6 and 18 have entered the Young Inventor Challenge hosted by the Chicago Toy and Game Fair (CHITAG), North America’s largest consumer toy and game fair!
“New Connections – Nearshoring opportunities in the Northern Triangle of Central America” is being hosted by the Ethical Supply Chain Program on Wednesday 16th July.
Kids India Roadshow gets off to strong start. Prominent participation from Gujarat-based companies at the trade fair will be bolstered by local industry meetings in Mumbai, Jalandhar and Hyderabad.
*** The above posted after tBR started circulating July 11th ***
The Toy Association™ Releases 2024 Impact Report. The Toy Association™ has released its 2024 Impact Report, outlining a year of transformation, leadership, and progress on behalf of the global toy and play community.
Join The Toy Foundation’s Relief Efforts to Help Texas Communities Devastated by Flooding. The Toy Foundation™ (TTF) is activating an emergency, industry-wide call for product donations and financial contributions to bring comfort and play to the children and families impacted.
2025 ANZ EXCELLENCE AWARDS - 11TH NOVEMBER, CROWN CASINO, MELBOURNE. After a number of years, the Licensing International ANZ Excellence Awards are back—revamped, re-energised, and ready to spotlight the very best in brand licensing across Australia and New Zealand.
A new Comic-Con Museum exhibit, “20 Years of Kawaii and Chaos,” explores the lifestyle brand tokidoki’s journey from a small startup, featuring artwork from Simone Legno, to a collaborative multimillion dollar company.
More than 300 people donned inflatable dinosaur costumes and took to the track at Emerald Downs in Washington for the annual T-Rex World Championship Races.
WiT Reveals 2025 Wonder Women Awards Finalists. The esteemed recognition honors outstanding female executives, thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers whose exceptional accomplishments have made a profound impact on the toy, licensing, and entertainment industries.
Nominations Open for 2026 Toy Industry Hall of Fame. The toy community is invited to submit nominees for induction into the 2026 Toy Industry Hall of Fame.
Small Business Roundtable on CPSC Regulations to be Held July 16. The U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy will hold a virtual Small Business Roundtable seeking feedback on Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulations that should be repealed or reformed.
Catan: Connect the World draws thousands globally. In celebration of Asmodee’s 30th anniversary, Catan fans came together on 28th June 2025 across the world to play the new event game, ‘Catan – Connect’.
Autumn Fair outlines benefits for retail buyers. Autumn Fair is offering exclusive travel, accommodation and onsite hospitality benefits that make attending the show easier, more affordable, and more rewarding than ever.
Asmodee reveals Legends of the Force at special event in London. Influencers gathered at Disney headquarters to get a first look at Legends of the Force, the latest edition of popular TCG, Star Wars Unlimited.
Spielwarenmesse 2026 to Bring Special Areas and Services for Exhibitors. Next year’s areas will focus on ToyTrends and Toys for Kidults and spotlight unique spaces such as Hall 7A’s Sports, Leisure, Outdoor action area.
Moose Toys Preps for SDCC with MrBeast Panel, Activations. Last month, Moose Toys unveiled a full slate of exclusives that are headed to Comic-Con International: San Diego in just a few weeks. Now, the toy company is revealing even more plans for the show, including a panel and booth activations.
DEALS: PAW Patrol hotel rooms to open up at Chessington World of Adventures. Plus, Disney has renewed The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder for a fourth season, and TF1 Licensing will oversee consumer products for the upcoming Winx Club reboot.
Kidscreen Awards 2026 opens for entries with new categories. The kids industry's first major awards program of the year has added Best Roblox Experience and Performance categories, as well as bringing back its Creative Talent awards.
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
Alan Hassenfeld. The toy industry mourns the loss of Alan Hassenfeld, former Chairman and CEO of Hasbro, who passed away at the age of 76. A third-generation leader of the toy company, Hassenfeld’s legacy extends far beyond boardrooms and business growth, touching lives through decades of philanthropy and social advocacy. Hassenfeld joined the family business in 1970, becoming president in 1984 and later chairman and CEO in 1989. Under his leadership, Hasbro expanded globally and solidified its position as a major force in entertainment and licensing, while continuing to emphasize play and imagination at the company’s core. Widely respected for his integrity and vision, Hassenfeld helped establish industry-wide standards for ethical manufacturing and was a key architect of the ICTI CARE Process, now known as the Ethical Supply Chain Program (ESCP), an initiative to improve working conditions across the toy supply chain. After stepping down from executive leadership, he devoted himself to philanthropy through the Hassenfeld Family Foundation. His support of children’s health and education led to the founding of Hasbro Children’s Hospital and the Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute at Brown University.
George Soulakis, Jr. A gifted designer and engineer, George worked for Mattel Toys in El Segundo and later was promoted to VP of Orient Development. He is best known for designing Sizzlers in 1970, which he created to be "Hot Wheel scale electrified motor cars". To make the World's Fastest Electric Cars run, George went to General Electric to have a special battery made and they came up with the first rechargeable nickel cadmium battery. In 1972, he suggested to Mattel to use the Tampoprint process to smoothly apply graphics on the surface of Hot Wheels, which gave them more style and flash. George holds over 30 patents throughout his career including mechanisms he designed to launch toy cars and give their wheels sound, toy car remote control driving, and a helical racetrack system.
James Carter Cathcart. Sad news today as it has emerged that Pokémon series voice actor James Carter Cathcart has passed away at the age of 71 after a long battle with throat cancer. James brought several Pokemon characters to life including Professor Oak, Meowth, Gary Oak and James from Team Rocket.
Jim Shooter, who began his career in the comics industry at the age of 14 and later became Editor-in-Chief of Marvel Comics, died on June 30, 2025, of esophageal cancer.
Arrangements confirmed for funeral of Peter Brown. Following the passing of Peter last week, details of his funeral service have been provided as his family and friends come together to celebrate his life.
Peter Brown. Toy industry stalwart Peter Brown sadly passed away peacefully on 24th June, following a long illness. John Baulch, publisher of Toy World, said: “The word ‘legend’ is bandied around a lot these days, but Peter truly was a legend in the toy community and will be missed by his many friends and colleagues. His legacy and fantastic contribution to the toy industry over his illustrious career will live on.”
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Toy Trade Monthly & Special Issues
Adventure Media & Events (US)
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Remembering Alan Hassenfeld, Former Hasbro CEO (The Toy Book)
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16 Pieces of ‘Superman’ Merch That Are Bound to Be Your Kryptonite (The Pop Insider)
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Expert Review: Spin Master’s Superman Up in the Sky! Flying Krypto (The Toy Insider)
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The LEGO Group’s Transformers Line Expands with Soundwave Model Set (The Toy Book)
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Mattel Grows Inclusive Doll Line with First-Ever Type 1 Diabetes Barbie (The Toy Book)
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Tariffs and Policy Uncertainty Weigh on Retail Outlook (The Toy Book)
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Funko Appoints Michael Lunsford as Interim CEO (The Toy Book)
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Moose Toys Preps for SDCC with MrBeast Panel, Activations (The Toy Book)
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Jon M. Chu to Direct Live-Action Hot Wheels Film (The Toy Book)
Toyworld (UK)
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Bliss Distribution to join Ravensburger as distributor for Disney Lorcana TCG in the UK
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Asmodee reveals Legends of the Force at special event in London
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Airfix announces new versions of Alvis Stalwart and Sopwith Pup
Licensing.biz Powered by Toyworld
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BLE’s online Event Planner opens to visitors with host of new features
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BBC Studios’ digital brands lead the UK in YouTube watch time and TikTok engagement
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Chessington World of Adventures unveils Paw Patrol hotel rooms
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Bandai Namco Cross Stores host Pac-Man 45th Anniversary Pop-Up
ICv2: The Business of Geek Culture (US)
- New 'D&D Mini Dice Cups' Incoming
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- Rolling for Initiative -- Diamond's Bankruptcy, Roll for Combat and the Games Industry
- 'Disney Lorcana: First Chapter' Heads for a Limited Re-release
- Tycoon Acquires Gamelyn Brand
- ACD Distribution Acquires Luma Imports
- TCGplayer Top 25 Sealed Products Chart - June 2025
- 'Warhammer: The Horus Heresy' Heads to Preorder
- Funko Replaces CEO
- R.I.P. Alan Hassenfeld
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