Argos launched its Book of Dreams, Mattel is bringing The Masters of the Universe franchise back to the mainstream, and everywhere you turn, people are wearing flatcaps and collecting vinyl records. It’s fair to say that the current taste for the nostalgic is fierce. At this time of year, it’s …
Read More »Hornby Hobbies celebrates award winning year for Chunkies, Airfix, Scalextric, and more
For Hornby Hobbies, the past 12 months have signalled somewhat of a return to form. Not only has the heritage British toy brand seen rising revenues and narrowing losses, but has made it a year of award winning brands across its portfolio. Over the course of 2019, Hornby has managed …
Read More »Rachel Lowe picks up Elf on the Shelf for board games, card games, and puzzles
When the Elf on the Shelf rears its head for the festive activities, it really does begin to look a bit like Christmas, and for 2020 the popular children’s brand is making its move on the board game, puzzles, and card game category. In a new deal with Rachel Lowe …
Read More »Jakks Pacific to lead toy roll-out for SEGA’s Sonic the Hedgehog film in 2020
Jakks Pacific will lead the US and EMEA toy roll-out for Paramount Pictures and SEGA of America’s upcoming feature film, Sonic the Hedgehog. The California-based toymaker will launch a raft of action-packed play-sets and plush items across select territories, starting from January 2020. The launch will mark the first product …
Read More »Britain’s independent department store Beales brings in refinancing advisers
One of Britain’s oldest department store chains, Beales, has brought in advisers to look at refinancing options in the midst of the high street’s crucial Christmas shopping period. According to SkyNews, the privately owned department store has turned to KPMG to lead a ‘quick-fire strategic review’ that could lead to …
Read More »Bandai UK names Kirsty Mackenzie new head of marketing
Bandai UK has appointed Kirsty Mackenzie to the role of head of marketing following her promotion from marketing manager only this year. Mackenzie joined the Bandai UK team in 2018, having previously held marketing positions within the toy industry for 13 years. “Kirsty’s promotion is testament to her commitment and …
Read More »Sound and visionary: How the Toniebox reinvented story time for the toy market
When FAO Schwarz launched its premiere UK destination within London’s Selfridges to the public just last month it was a carefully curated portfolio of partners with which the US retailer decorated its expansive floor of toys. Among them, was Tonies. A German outfit that has been performing particularly well across …
Read More »The Toy Retailer of the Year Awards 2019 shortlist has been announced
The shortlist for the Toy Retailer of the Year Awards 2019 has been revealed, with finalists in categories spanning Independent Toy Retailer of the Year, Department Store Toy Retailer of the Year, Multiple Toy Retailer of the Year, and Online Excellence. The shortlist was decided upon by a committee of …
Read More »Hamleys makes two-year plan for iconic London store refurb
London’s iconic toy shop, Hamleys, is to undergo a revamp that, according to CEO Darshan Mehta, will make the store the “toy retailing reference point in the world.” In an interview with The Guardian, Mehta made clear the company’s plans to implement a two-year revamp of the Regent Street location …
Read More »No tariffs on toys this Christmas as US and China reach ‘preliminary trade agreement’
China and the US have struck a ‘phase one’ deal that will see billions of dollars in tariffs removed or delayed in the declaration of a preliminary trade agreement. A new wave of US tariffs on Chinese imports was due to take effect on Sunday, December 15. This has been …
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