Retail

Blame for a stark downturn in 2019 Q1 sales of 23.8 per cent compared to the same period the year prior at Jakks Pacific, has been placed at the doors of Toys R Us, as well as a decline in previously strong performing licenses such as The Incredibles 2, Moana, …

Play and tech will be the topic of focus for the toy industry at this year’s Autumn Fair, as the show prepares to recalibrate and launch its new direction for 2019 and beyond. The NEC show will be unveiling a raft of new initiatives and changes this year, kicking off …

Little Tikes is celebrating the success of its Play Big tour, an initiative that visited five shopping centre locations across the UK as part of the brand’s 50th anniversary year. Almost 20,000 adults and children from across the UK took part in the toy firm’s nationwide campaign, as they enjoyed …

The boss of Tesco has called on internet retail giants like Amazon to pay new sales tax to support shops on the British high street, warning that the current business rates system is ‘unsustainable.’ Dave Lewis, who has been the CEO of Tesco since 2014, suggested in a piece written …

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 …