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The Toy Association held its annual meeting today. It announced that the Board of Directors has voted to move Toy Fair from February to sometime in the September through October period. They were unable to be specific about dates as the calendar is currently being negotiated. As a result, this October will be the last Dallas Toy Fair. It will take place from September 20-22 at … [Read more...] about Toy Fair Moves to the Fall in 2023, Remains in N.Y.

Susan and Geoffrey WassermanGeoffrey Wasserman, co-founder, and CEO of the American Bubble Company grew up spending weekends with his grandfather, Seymour Unterman owner of Admiration Foods /Supreme Oil Company, one of the largest manufacturers and distributors along the eastern seaboard of dressings, mayonnaise, and cooking oils that serves the restaurant community.While in … [Read more...] about An Interview with Geoffrey Wasserman, Co-Founder of the American Bubble Company

The face of a man being afraid of something.Fuel Costs On the Rise – Will the Shipping Lines Pass the Cost On to Customers? This single sentence popped out at me when I read a Bloomberg Supply Lines article by Brendan Murray. “The shipping industry is starting to feel the full force of surging diesel and gasoline costs.“Europe’s Ports Rival U.S. for Congestion and … [Read more...] about Disruption Report #46 – Fuel costs on the rise, container manufacturing costs drop and the power of demand.

Mattel and Hasbro have different visions for the near future of the toy business. According to a fascinating article by CNBC writer Sarah Whitten. The report, “Hasbro and Mattel have very different visions for the future of the toy industry,” analyzes comments made by both companies as they project future revenues. Hasbro is anticipating a reduction in spending on things … [Read more...] about Hasbro and Mattel Predict the Future: Which will be right?

click here to register Are you having trouble finding business partners in the toy, baby products, and licensing industry? Or sourcing new manufacturers in China? Given that travel limitations are the new normal, Toy & Edu China, taking place March 30 through April 1, will continue incorporating E-connect 360 to its in-person fairs, providing a real-time and practical … [Read more...] about E-connect 360: a digital networking experience from Toy & Edu China [Ad]

Some of you have noticed that my words have seemed slurred on a recent podcast. I am fine. I did, however, have a tooth removed, and it has had an impact on my speech. I have my implant procedure next month, so, hopefully, that will fix things. Until then, ‘Th-th-th-that’s all folks!’ … [Read more...] about I’m Fine. I only had a tooth removed.

There is so much petroleum-based plastic in the world’s landfills and oceans that there is movement towards a United Nations treaty that will cap plastics production. Although it is difficult to know exactly how it would be enforced or even how the inevitable rationing will occur, the toy industry needs to heed. Negotiations are to begin this month. Here is how The … [Read more...] about Will There Be a Cap on Global Plastic Production?

​​Click here to listen to this episode Richard and Chris talk to Steve Markey, newly named VP Sales and Marketing for Hog Wild Toys, about the return of a Toy Fair in London, what it means for the business, the emergence of alternative retail channels, and the challenges and opportunities ahead in 2022.In The Endcap, Chris and Richard talk about the fate of New York Toy … [Read more...] about Toy Fairs, Retail & More: An Interview with Steve Markey of Hog Wild Toys

Mixed Messages on Supply Chain Chaos There are conflicting reports about the state of the supply chain. Consider these headlines from the last week: “Hints of Progress Raise Hopes for Supply-Chain Normalcy“ “Port of L.A. Chief: Shipping to Normalize in Second Half“ “Maersk CEO sees more supply chain trouble ahead” Maersk is the second biggest shipping company in … [Read more...] about Disruption Report #45 – Mixed Messages on the Supply Chain, A Coming Container Ship Glut and a Potential Cap on Plastics Production

Ryan Faist is the Content Marketing Manager for Channel Key, a full-service Amazon and Walmart Marketplace consulting agency. A nationally published and award-winning journalist, Mr. Faist writes about the latest developments in ecommerce, marketplace strategies, changes in consumer shopping trends, retail industry disruptions, and the overall shift toward online shopping. For … [Read more...] about How Toy Brands Are Using NFTs to Create New Customer Experiences