Retail

Licensed and outdoor toys specialist, MV Sports has been named among Nickelodeon and Spin Master’s award-winning partners at the pair’s first PAW Patrol Summit. Last week, Viacom Nickelodeon Consumer Products and Spin Master held the first summit of its kind, recognising the accomplishments of retail and licensing partners with the …

The art and craft specialist, Craft Buddy is opening its doors and inviting trade customers, existing and new, to open days on June 28, 29, and Monday July 1 this year. The event – taking place at the firm’s Buckinghamshire headquarters – will offer visitors exclusive viewings of its newest …

Reliance Brands Limited has signed an agreement to buy the toy retail brand Hamleys from China’s C. banner International. According to reports, the ink is now drying on the deal that was secured for an undisclosed sum. Reliance Industries already operates 88 Hamleys stores across 29 Indian cities. The new …

Spin Master has seen a surge in sales growth of its boys action and high tech construction  category by 195.5 per cent, thanks to franchises such as How to Train Your Dragon, Monster Jam and the relaunch of Bakugan. The segment ended its Q1 trading period at $49.4 million, while …

The Character Group has seen operating profits for the past six months grow £1 million to £5.9 million, while revenues approach £60 million. The Oldham-based firm said it has delivered a strong first half performance with directors ‘optimistic about progress the business will make over this calendar year.’ The revenue …

Toymaster is doing its bit for international relations as it prepares to welcome representatives from Australia’s biggest network of independent toy shops to this year’s show. Around 43 members and directors from Toyworld Australia will drop in on the show later this month, with a ‘one-off’ visit scheduled in for …

The AIS Independent Toy and Gift Show is celebrating a record attendance for this year’s event, having seen second day visitor numbers increase by 15 per cent on last year’s show. The show kicked off last Monday, April 29th when it saw visitor numbers match the previous year’s first day …

Funko continues to go from strength to strength, having just seen its net sales grow 22 per cent to $166.8 million in its first quarter trading results. In what the company’s CEO has cited as a “very strong quarter,” for the pop culture and collectables specialist, it looks to be …

Mattel has detailed it plans to create a global network of family entertainment centres featuring Barbie and Hot Wheels by 2020. The centres, which will begin to pop up worldwide next year, will feature immersive, hands-on play and entertainment experiences with the aim of bringing Mattel’s popular brands to life …

Red Knight Toy Group has secured a new agency partnership with History Heroes to both represent and distribute the educational card games across the UK. This is the latest in a swathe of new partnerships for Red Knight, the latest of which saw Smart Games and Toys tap the company …