U.S. toy industry dollar sales increased +27% or +$1.5B between January and April 2021, according to The NPD Group, one of the leading research groups for consumer products and behavior. NPD analysts say both unit sales and average selling price (ASP) increased during the period, up +17% and +9% respectively. Ten of the eleven supercategories tracked by NPD posted double-digit … [Read more...] about NPD Says Toy Sales Soared 27% In Year-To-Date
Traditional Toys/Games
Never Wrong Toys Appointed Master Toy Partner For Rainbow Rangers
Never Wrong Toys, a subsidiary of China’s leading toy manufacturer Markan Industrial Group Ltd., is developing a broad range of new preschool products for the popular Cartoon Channel hit Rainbow Rangers, in a deal with Genius Brands. Rainbow Rangers is a rescue-based series that follows the adventures of seven girls who are Earth’s first responders—protecting people, animals, … [Read more...] about Never Wrong Toys Appointed Master Toy Partner For Rainbow Rangers
Dogs Rejoice As Wham-O Releases Line of Pet Toys
The Licensing Letter doesn't have a lot of Border Collies in its subscriber list, which is too bad, because who would possibly be more interested in a story about Wham-O releasing frisbees especially made for dogs? Jazwares, a global leader in toys and licensing, gave dogs and cats everywhere cause for celebration this week, announcing they have entered into a long-term deal … [Read more...] about Dogs Rejoice As Wham-O Releases Line of Pet Toys
Hasbro ‘Passes Go’ With Lifesized Monopoly Attraction
Hasbro and Partner Gamepath Say Immersive Monopoly Game Coming to London This Summer Hasbro is pulling out all the stops on its latest foray into the entertainment industry, partnering with Gamepath to create an immersive, life-sized version of Monopoly scheduled to debut in London on Aug. 14. Gamepath is a division of the UK-based Selladoor Worldwide production company, … [Read more...] about Hasbro ‘Passes Go’ With Lifesized Monopoly Attraction
Hollie Holmes Takes The Wheel At PlayMonster
PlayMonster LLC has made a big move in its licensing department, announcing Mattel's Senior Director of Strategic Development, Hollie Holmes, is joining the company as its Global Head of Licensing. This is a new position at PlayMonster, a Wisconsin-based toy company that has grown to offer products globally. The company says Holmes will oversee the company’s global licensing … [Read more...] about Hollie Holmes Takes The Wheel At PlayMonster
Fanattik Adds Magic to Collection in Hasbro Partnership
Gifts and Collectibles Being Developed For Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering Collectibles company Fanattik has partnered with Hasbro on a new line of products for its wildly popular games Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons. As reported this past week by The Licensing Letter, those two franchises saw massive sales growth during the pandemic, as the … [Read more...] about Fanattik Adds Magic to Collection in Hasbro Partnership
Wizards Of The Coast Leads Hasbro Revenue Segments
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A lot of people still think of Hasbro primarily as a toy company, but the firm's financial results tell a different story. As of Hasbro's Q1 financial results, Hasbro is now a broader entertainment and play company, with a strong accent on gaming through its Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming segment, which generated 75 per cent of … [Read more...] about Wizards Of The Coast Leads Hasbro Revenue Segments
Canada’s Native Shoes Signs Deal With a Crayola Crayon
The purpose-led footwear brand Native Shoes has announced a limited-edition collaboration with Crayola, celebrating the brands’ shared creativity. Drawing inspiration from Crayola bold and iconic colors, the spring range spans 11 of Native Shoes’ best-loved styles for adults and kids, brought to life in two distinct design families. Designed for colorful creatives, the classic … [Read more...] about Canada’s Native Shoes Signs Deal With a Crayola Crayon
Rock’em Sock’em Robots Get Silver Screen Treatment
Mattel Inc. is working with Universal Pictures and action star Vin Diesel's One Race Films to bring a Rock'em Sock'em Robot movie to the big screen. The classic table top game lets players take control of two robotic pugilists, who trade plastic blows until one of their heads pops up, signaling a knockout punch. Now, in the tradition of films like the Hugh Jackman vehicle Real … [Read more...] about Rock’em Sock’em Robots Get Silver Screen Treatment
Zara Offers Human-Sized Barbie Fashion in Mattel Partnership
The international fashion company Zara has launched a clothing line based on Mattel's Barbie in a campaign that includes digital marketing and product cross-collaboration. Under the agreement, Zara is now selling a line of Barbie-inspired clothing and accessories, and also has some Zara-themed dolls for sale, as in the sample photo below. "Barbie's newest collaboration with … [Read more...] about Zara Offers Human-Sized Barbie Fashion in Mattel Partnership