Tag Archives: interview

Since the opening of her first toy store in Hinckley, Caroline Hubbard, owner of Hubbard’s Toy Cupboard, has revealed that a second store could be on the cards in the future. Here, Jade Burke finds out why fantastic customer service is key to the business and how the retailer stands out from the local competition.

Chicco is rolling out a string of TV adverts this year to promote its latest Fit n Fun product line. Here, Mitch Levene, MD of parent company Artsana UK & Ireland, talks to Jade Burke about why Chicco is venturing into the small screen, its plans to celebrate Euro 2016 and how more retailers can get on board with the toy line-up.

Frances Cain, founder of A Girl For All Time, has taken to Kickstarter to launch the company’s latest doll line, Your Modern Girl. Designed to make play more creative, Cain tells Jade Burke why the range boasts limitless potential, how further expansion is on the cards and why representing diversity is key to the firm’s ethos.

Last year marked Cardea Solutions debut in the plush toy arena with its Cardea Cuddlies collection, and now it seems the company wants to expand on its offering in this competitive marketplace.

With a brand new site on the way in the summer for customers to buy from, the future is looking bright for Wigwam Toys in Brighton. Here, Clair Letton, owner, tells Jade Burke about childhood Monopoly tournaments, the importance of the local community to the business and what issues are currently impacting the store.

After the success of its Discovery Store concept last year, Build-A-Bear Workshop’s senior MD Roger Parry is planning to triple its UK office’s size to help facilitate growth. Here, he reveals to Jade Burke the details of the firm’s new strategy, why licensing is a major push, and what’s the key to the company’s continued success.

This year marks the Independent Toy & Gift Show’s fourth event, and exhibitor-wise, it’s set to boast ‘the strongest line-up ever’. Jade Burke catches up with Miles Penhallow, head of toys and children’s gifts at plaY-room, to see what visitors heading to Cranmore Park can expect from next week' show.

Pitched as ‘the friendly home assistant you’ve been waiting for,’ Aido can help with chores, handle schedules and play with your kids. InGen Dynamics founder and CEO Arshad Hisham explains the science fiction inspiration behind his creation and why the home robot will make a great companion for children.

Having just celebrated its fourth birthday, Captain Neil Waite from Captain Neil’s Toy Chest tells Jade Burke how Shopkins has been a success for his business and why he chose a pirate theme for his store.

Back to matters on the small screen, over 12.5 million viewers have tuned into the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series since its debut in 2012. As both the series and toy line are intrinsically linked, ToyNews looks at how this year will see them embrace new villains, mutants, and the land of Dimension X.