The Licensing Letter

Traditional Toys/Games

Toy Industry: Mattel and Hasbro Post Losses As Consumer Spending Declines

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Mattel and Hasbro reported double digit decline in revenues, confirming a slow-down in the toy sector and consumer goods generally. The drop follows years of strong performance in the toy industry, partly due to parents spending more on toys to entertain the young 'uns at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, however, high … [Read more...] about Toy Industry: Mattel and Hasbro Post Losses As Consumer Spending Declines

Say What Now? Rivals Mattel and Hasbro Enter Into Major Licensing Deal

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Toymakers Mattel and Hasbro have obviously decided companies do better when they play well together. This week Hasbro and Mattel revealed they have signed multi-year licensing agreements for some of their most popular toy brands. Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) and Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) announced that they have entered into multi-year … [Read more...] about Say What Now? Rivals Mattel and Hasbro Enter Into Major Licensing Deal

Toy Licensing: Barbie Introduces Its First Doll with Down Syndrome

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Mattel has partnered with NDSS to bring a Barbie doll with Down syndrome to this year's global Fashionistas lineup. The NDSS aka The National Down Syndrome Society is a human rights organization dedicated to aiding individuals with Down syndrome. NDSS supports individuals with Down syndrome by providing resources, advocating for policy … [Read more...] about Toy Licensing: Barbie Introduces Its First Doll with Down Syndrome

ZAG to Unveil New Ghostforce Toy Line At ABRIN Expo

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter ZAG has partnered with Novabrink and Xalingo to unveil new licensed Ghostforce toys at the ABRIN expo in Brazil. The ABRIN expo is the largest business-to-business event in the Latin American toy sector. The event hosts an average of 140 exhibitors and 13,000 visitors. ABRIN 2023 takes place from March 5 to 8, 2023. “ABRIN is such an … [Read more...] about ZAG to Unveil New Ghostforce Toy Line At ABRIN Expo

Hasbro Bringing ‘Ageless’ Fun For Older Adults and Families

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Ageless Innovation has partnered with Hasbro to create new gaming experiences for older adults and their families. Ageless Innovation is a toy manufacturing company that specializes in developing products intended to provide companionship and fun to the aging adult population. The company will be the first Hasbro licensee to focus … [Read more...] about Hasbro Bringing ‘Ageless’ Fun For Older Adults and Families

Crowds Come Back to Nuremberg as Spielwarenmesse Toy Fair Returns

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Following an enforced gap of three years, the Spielwarenmesse trade fair has resumed its place as an international networking event for the toy industry. The Spielwarenmesse trade fair is owned and operated by the trade event organizer and marketing services company, Spielwarenmesse eG. The business-to-business trade fair is intended … [Read more...] about Crowds Come Back to Nuremberg as Spielwarenmesse Toy Fair Returns

North American Toy Revenue Flatlined in 2022

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A report from NPD Group shows growth in the North American toy sector has stalled, after two record breaking years. “After three record-breaking years for the toy industry, 2022 was a challenging year. U.S. consumers were forced to endure significant economic headwinds stemming from inflation and adverse macroeconomic factors,” said … [Read more...] about North American Toy Revenue Flatlined in 2022

Mattel Issues Chelsea Doll Supporting Kids With Scoliosis

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The Barbie brand has released a new doll for the Chelsea character line that is designed to increase representation of scoliosis. The new Chelsea doll features curvature in the spine and a removable back brace. With over 100,000 children diagnosed with scoliosis each year in the US, the new doll is intended to normalize the use of back … [Read more...] about Mattel Issues Chelsea Doll Supporting Kids With Scoliosis

Miraculous Characters to Appear in PLAYMOBIL Toys

The animation studio ZAG and the Horst Brandstätter Group have joined forces to develop PLAYMOBIL toys for the popular Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir franchise. The launch is planned for 2024 and will feature Ladybug, Cat Noir, and their cast of heroes and villains in various playsets and seasonal toys. The toy range will have the iconic look and feel of … [Read more...] about Miraculous Characters to Appear in PLAYMOBIL Toys