February 2022 - Page 3 of 11

SEGA of America & Paramount Pictures Partner with JAKKS Pacific & Disguise for New Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Merch

JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK) and Disguise, Inc. have announced a new line of toys and costumes launching in Spring 2022 in celebration of Paramount Pictures’ feature film, Sonic the Hedgehog 2. The new line of merchandise from JAKKS is set to include action figures, playsets, vehicles, plush toys and other collectibles just in time for the film’s international release. Disguise, the costume division of JAKKS Pacific, will also be designing and manufacturing costumes and accessories inspired by characters from Sonic the Hedgehog 2, which will be available to fans this Fall.

Cyber Group Studios Hires and Promotes Veteran Production and R&D Talents

Cyber Group Studios (CGS), a leading producer and distributor of animated series for children and families worldwide, has named three industry veterans to lead its production, development, and R&D in response to the strong business growth now at an historical high with 10 series in production and 10 more in development this year.

News

Schleich USA has the Strongest Year of Growth to Date in 2021

Schleich USA (pronounced Sh-like), the world’s leading manufacturer of animal characters and playsets, has announced that 2021 was its strongest year of growth to date. With 20% YOY growth globally and 39% in the North American market, growth in the US and Canada outpaced the brand’s core German market. Brand growth also outpaced the US toy industry, which grew 13% in 2021. Schleich USA attributes this growth in part to an emphasis on engaging consumer marketing backed by deep retail support.

News

Toy Association Announces Big New York Toy Fair Date Change, with Board, Executive Committee & Future Plans

The Toy Association has announced the election of three new members and eight term renewals to its Board of Directors, including the election of Aaron Muderick, founder & president of Crazy Aaron’s Puttyworld, as Chair. The announcement was made during The Toy Association’s Annual General Meeting, which was held virtually and open to all members.

Fred Rogers Productions Secures Grants from Richard King Mellon Foundation and Heinz Family Foundation

Fred Rogers Productions, the award-winning children’s media organization behind multiple Emmy-winning PBS KIDS series, including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, has received grants from the Richard King Mellon Foundation and Heinz Family Foundation. The combined funding totals $350,000 to support onscreen programming and community outreach initiatives for its newest hit series, Alma’s Way and Donkey Hodie, which launched in 2021 on PBS KIDS.

Mrs Wordsmith Partners with DK to Bring Hilariously Fun Literacy Resources to Families Across NA

Mrs Wordsmith, the world’s silliest learning company – and DK – the illustrated non-fiction global publisher – have joined forces to bring seven award-winning books and games for kids ages 4-to-13 to bookstores across Canada and the United States. This timely partnership comes after an extended period of virtual learning and homeschooling, where kids, teachers and families are hungry for interactive, curriculum-approved fun!

The LEGO Group and Universal Add Seven New Sets to the Jurassic World Line Up

We need more teeth! The LEGO Group and Universal Brand Development have announced exciting new Jurassic World sets inspired by the upcoming theatrical release – Jurassic World Dominion – set to hit theatres in June 2022, from Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment. Continuing to build out the portfolio for Jurassic World fans globally, the newest sets, featuring the largest assortment of dinosaurs than ever before in LEGO® brick form, also include fan favorite characters like Owen, Claire, Ian Malcolm, Dr. Ellie Sattler and more. Each set offers a chance for fans to dive into their very own prehistoric world, with endless creativity, storytelling and adventure for all.

Timeless Spirograph Brand Expands with Three New Products in 2022 via PlayMonster

The classic Spirograph craft activity reaches a new generation of creators in 2022, with the help of PlayMonster and The Walt Disney Company. The latest innovations will introduce 3D play, sets and clips inspired by various The Walt Disney Company franchises, and trending Mandala designs to captivate children and adults of all ages.

Events News

WTHRA Announces 2022 Hall of Fame Inductees

Western Toy & Hobby Representative Association will kick off their next ToyFest since 2020 during the week of March 7th, 2022. While this year’s show will be a departure from the format of previous years, with representatives showing in both showrooms as well as temporary booth spaces, many traditions will be the same. On the evening of March 9th, toy industry colleagues will celebrate the lifetime (to date) achievements of these toy industry veterans, partners Marlene and Charles Gabris, Stephanie Sala, and Brian Turtle, all of whom will be inducted into the WTHRA Hall of Fame. Additionally, toy retailer, Thinker Toys in Morgan Hill & Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA will be recognized as the WTHRA Retailer of the Year. The event will take place outdoors at a rooftop reception on the SkyView Terrace of the World Market Center Las Vegas (WMCLV) beginning at 6:00 p.m. All show participants are invited and encouraged to attend, to celebrate and congratulate these individuals while enjoying toy related camaraderie.