Features

As we enter the all-important fourth quarter, we chatted to execs from key UK toy suppliers to find out how 2011 has been so far, hopes for the future, the retail landscape, emerging trends, marketing campaigns and lots more

A heavyweight TV campaign, sponsorship on This Morning, a press drive, branded taxis, a fresh website and a new brand ambassador are in line to support the release of the latest Barbie movie and the accompanying toy line.

This month Dubit discovers which children's TV shows make for the most popular licensed toys and shines a light on those without toy lines...

We find out what the firm has planned for some of its key brands in 2012.

Despite being one of the smaller sectors, youth electronics bought in over £100 million in 2010. We found out about the latest products to hit the sector.

Having held The Smurfs licence for 50 years, Schleich’s sales were boosted by the recent box office hit. But there have been a number of other changes throughout 2011.

Throughout the last few economically challenging years, Marbel has managed to maintain an impressive rate of growth with existing brands, Plan Toys, I’m Toy, Educo and more, along with newly acquired lines. Katie Roberts chatted to marketing manager Phil Nelson about how he has done it…

New addition to the collection, Steam Around Old Town Set with Puffer Pete, is being backed with 1,000 TVRs, among other activity.

Wooden toys continue to sell well, even in challenging financial times. The sector tends to be a favourite with parents and other gift givers and offers a range of traditional, interactive and licensed products. ToyNews found out what's new within the sector.

Pre-school success in TV and licensing, super yachts and, erm, wine buying... all in a day’s work for these two. We listen as Andrew Carley, Head of Global Licensing at Entertainment One, and Zodiak Rights’ SVP Strategy and Planning, Consumer Products (UK), Jennifer Lawlor quiz each other.