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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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …