By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The National Retail Federation predicts holiday spending will grow by 2.5 to 3.5% in 2024, boosting U.S. spending to almost $1 trillion. The NRF says the increase will equate to spending of between $979.5 billion and $989 billion in total holiday spending in November and December, compared with $955.6 billion during the same time … [Read more...] about NRF Predicts US Holiday Spending Close to $1 Trillion
Toys and Games
Brown Toy Box Launching STEAM Toys for Iyanu Series
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Leading educational toy developer Brown Toy Box has announced a licensing partnership with Lion Forge Entertainment for their highly anticipated animated series Iyanu. The series, which is set to premiere on Cartoon Network and Max in 2025, is a superhero story with a difference, as it is set in the fictional African nation of … [Read more...] about Brown Toy Box Launching STEAM Toys for Iyanu Series
GameFam Brings Moose Toys’ Goo Jit Zu Brand to Roblox
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Gamefam is bringing Moose Toys' best selling Heroes of Goo Jit Zu line into two of its hit games on the Roblox platform. The Heroes will be making their debut in the metaverse with a takeover of two of Gamefam’s highly-popular Roblox games, Weapon Fighting Simulator and Easy Obby, which collectively have recorded over 1.7 billion … [Read more...] about GameFam Brings Moose Toys’ Goo Jit Zu Brand to Roblox
People of Play Reveals Speakers Lineup at Inventor & Innovation Conference
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Toy inventors can get the opportunity of a lifetime, as People of Play’s Inventor & Innovation Conference kicks off on November 6. Registered inventors can make appointments now with representatives from more than 80 toy and game companies including Disney, Mattel, Hasbro, Spin Master and Moose Games. This year’s conference, … [Read more...] about People of Play Reveals Speakers Lineup at Inventor & Innovation Conference
Hot Wheels and Formula 1 Speed into Multi-Year Licensing Partnership
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Formula 1 and Mattel have launched a global multi-year partnership for fan activations and licensed Hot Wheels products inspired by the Formula 1 racing brand. “Hot Wheels has always been about nurturing the challenger spirit, so the partnership with Formula 1 is a natural and exciting fit," said Mattel EVP, Roberto Stanichi. "It will bring two … [Read more...] about Hot Wheels and Formula 1 Speed into Multi-Year Licensing Partnership
Board Game Trade Show SPIEL Essen Sets Attendance Record
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief If anyone thought the days of board games were numbered, they haven't been to SPIEL Essen recently. SPIEL Essen is the world's largest public, business-to-consumer fair for board games, and for the first time the event was completely sold out every day. Over the four-day show approximately 204,000 people from around the world … [Read more...] about Board Game Trade Show SPIEL Essen Sets Attendance Record
Hasbro and Winning Moves Unveil New Product Lines For Fall at BLE
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Hasbro and classic game designer Winning Moves announced at BLE this week their lineup of new products coming out this fall. The licensing partners made the announcement at the Brand Licensing Europe expo, unveiling RISK: Stranger Things edition; the MONOPOLY: Sonic the Hedgehog Edition; and MONOPOLY: Hello Kitty. The classic … [Read more...] about Hasbro and Winning Moves Unveil New Product Lines For Fall at BLE
Who’s News: Mattel Appoints Mara Verzé as Head of UK Consumer Products
TLL Staff Mattel Inc. has announced the appointment of Mara Verzé as the new Head of UK Consumer Products. Verzé brings a wealth of experience from her previous role at Authentic Brands Group, where she managed renowned brands such as Nautica, Nine West, and Forever 21 across the EMEA and India regions. Ruth Henriquez, Senior Director Licensing, Publishing, and … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Mattel Appoints Mara Verzé as Head of UK Consumer Products
Smart Move as Barbie Dumbs Down The Flip Phone
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief If you're tired of 24/7 notifications and text messages, Barbie has the phone for you. Human Mobile Devices, Europe’s largest smartphone manufacturer, has partnered with with Mattel to create the Barbie Flip Phone. The new phone caters to Gen Z and Millennials, who have been seen to decrease their time on social media in recent … [Read more...] about Smart Move as Barbie Dumbs Down The Flip Phone
Pharrell Williams Is Over the Moon with Licensed Lego
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The Lego Group has launched a licensing collaboration with Pharrell Williams for a new space-themed Lego set called Over the Moon. Pharrell Williams is an award-winning recording artist, producer, designer, songwriter, philanthropist and entrepreneur who is known for his catchy R&B, pop and rap music. “Growing up, I was obsessed with space … [Read more...] about Pharrell Williams Is Over the Moon with Licensed Lego