The company was forced to abandon its ‘pay-your-age’ campaign, an initiative that offered UK customers the chance to buy any bear, which can cost up to £52, for the price of their child’s age, over safety concerns due to its popularity.

The firm has launched the line exclusively with Smyths in an initiative running until the end of July, before rolling the line out to wider retail.

The result has seen Zuru reach the number six manufacturer, behind only Mattel, Hasbro, LEGO, Spin Master and MGA.

Spin Master has formed the subsidiary Spin Master Rus, based in Moscow, and will begin direct distribution in Russia in early 2019. Andrey Savchenko, general manager of Russia, will oversee sales and marketing activities.

The outfit has championed the strength of its growing number of members for having faced down NPD results reflective of a nine per cent decrease in toy sales for year to date end of May.

Almost two months after securing a lifeline deal with creditors and announcing plans to shut 50 stores, the chain has raised the number of planned closures to 60.

Managed by the Independent Retailers Confederation, the hunt has begun in efforts to celebrate the commitment and creativity of independent retailers across the UK, and the role they play in their local community.

It has stated that the removal of the toy retail giant from the market place has allowed space for specialist toy retailers to open stores in locations now devoid of a destination toy shop.

If you’re heading to NEC’s Autumn Fair this year, make sure your products are being seen with our Autumn Fair Show Guide.

Handling both consumer and trade media relations, influencer outreach programmes and experiential management, Playtime PR will realise a six-month activation period for the firm.

The event – now in its sixth year - is billed as the only UK awards dedicated to fathers and their children.

The DreamToys event will return to its usual home at St Mary’s Church in Marylebone in London on Wednesday, November 14.

The firm has initiated a global campaign to bring the Fartists Club to the European, US and Canadian kidult markets across multiple platforms, digital partnerships and influencer content creation.

Running from July 9 to 18, the board game company is offering the chance to win a trip for two to New York, including four nights in a four star hotel. To participate, simply visit the Days of Wonder Facebook page.

The firm has enlisted Norton PR to help drive awareness through fully integrated marketing spanning events, experiential, partnership initiatives and TV and digital campaigning for the launch.

Modern classics and fun fast games will be on the menu at Soho’s exclusive Century Club on Wednesday, July 18, as well as new titles such as Ticket to Ride New York, Decrypto and Century Eastern Wonders.