Month: February 2010

United Media Signs Poptropica United Media announced that it will serve as merchandise licensing agent for Poptropica (www.poptropica.com), a virtual world for young kids. Targeting 6-12 year olds, the licensing program will initially focus on toys, apparel, and room décor. Poptropica’s content is developed under the creative direction of Jeff Kinney, author/illustrator of the bestselling book, and soon-to-be movie, Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Kidz Bop in Applebee’s Promotion…

Parents Magazine Teams with Manhattan Toy Parents Magazine (circulation 2.2 million) announced during Toy Fair that it is teaming with Manhattan Toy to develop a new line of contemporary products for children. The new Parents line of toys is expected to debut at the ABC Kids Expo this October. The line will launch with a collection of developmental toys for preschoolers. The toys will be designed to encourage musical interests,…

Toy Fair 2010: Good Show for All This year’s Toy Fair was a positive experience for all. Manufacturers reported great traffic during the duration of the show, and most importantly, orders were written by retailers. Despite some snow on Tuesday, there was one noticeable thing missing from this year’s Toy Fair-complaining. Usually a favorite activity of the toy industry, complaints were absent from this year’s show. Everyone seemed happy just…

Toy Fair 2010 Kicks off in New York Festivities kicked off last week ushering in Toy Fair 2010. Mattel hosted two events last Friday spotlighting its partnership with World Wrestling Entertainment as well as new careers for Barbie. WWE Superstar Triple H joined Mattel and World Wrestling Entertainment to celebrate Mattel’s first line of WWE action figures and accessories, including several scheduled to debut in fall 2010. Mattel also announced…

Bravado Signs Superstar Artists Bravado, the global music merchandising company, has signed artists Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, and Whitney Houston to create merchandise in support of each artist’s individual recent release and concert tour. All four chart-topping superstar divas will be touring in 2010 in support of their respective recent album releases. These artists join a star-studded roster of Bravado artists, which includes female superstars Lady Gaga, Beyonce, Gwen…

Walmart Signs Deal with Li & Fung Walmart Stores, Inc., recently announced a new global sourcing strategy that involves the creation of Global Merchandising Centers, a change in leadership and structure, and a strategic alliance with Li & Fung, the global sourcing organization. Walmart first announced a consolidated global sourcing structure centered around new Global Merchandising Centers (GMCs) at its annual meeting for the investment community in October, according to…

Dickson Leaves Mattel for Jones Apparel; Kilpin Upped at Mattel Jones Apparel Group, Inc., announced the appointment of Richard Dickson to the position of president and CEO of the branded businesses of Jones Apparel Group, Inc., effective February 8, 2010. Concurrent with this appointment, Wesley Card’s title will change from president and CEO to CEO. Dickson will report directly to Wesley Card and will be responsible for management of the…