December 2022 - Page 7 of 8

CandyRific promotes Frank Puglia to EVP, Product Development

CandyRific LLC has announced the promotion of Frank Puglia to Executive Vice President, Product Development. Previously Puglia’s title was Creative Director for CandyRific. Frank Puglia has worked with CandyRific for 18 years, ever since he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in fine arts with a concentration in graphic design from Long Island University, South Hampton, in 2004. It was then he worked for a design agency out of Long Island on CandyRific products. A year or so later, Puglia was working solely on CandyRific products, and in 2010 Puglia joined CandyRific full-time and was named Creative Director in 2013. CandyRific acquired Hilco in 2014, and Puglia has oversight responsibility for product development for Hilco, too.

Kristin Parcell Stacy Burt Toho International

Toho Appoints Former Crunchyroll Execs Kristin Parcell as GM and Stacy Burt as Director of Marketing

Toho International, the Japanese studio’s U.S.-based subsidiary that brought global sensation Godzilla to life, announced the appointment of Kristin Parcell as General Manager and Stacy Burt as Director of Marketing to lead their expansion in the US. The former Crunchyroll executives will focus on building a scalable e-commerce experience catered to fandom for Toho’s iconic Godzilla property and its line-up of popular anime franchises. The platform is set to launch in 2023. In addition, Parcell will also be leading licensing efforts for the company encompassing verticals such as physical and virtual merchandise, video games, and live events. With her at the helm, Toho for the first time will be actively collaborating with current partners on managing their own licensing rights across all of Toho’s anime IP.

People's Play Awards Voting TTPM Winners

The Toy Authority Announces Winners of 2022 People’s Play Awards

The Toy Authority, the leader in short form video focused on toys, announced today the winners of the 2022 People’s Play Awards. Consumers had cast their votes for their favorite toys across 17 categories helping to create a list of the most-wanted products just in time for the holiday shopping season. “The high voter turnout showed the consumer’s passion for toys,” said Jim Silver, CEO of TTPM/ The Toy Authority. “While many categories were close, the current popularity of Squishmallows, LEGO,Barbie and Hot Wheels really stood out. The People’s PlayAwards are designed to amplify a variety of play patterns across different categories to help holiday shoppers see some of the most popular toys for this holiday season.”

The 20th Annual Chicago Toy & Game Fair ‘CHITAG’ Resumes In-Person Event on December 10 & 11, 2022

On December 10th and 11th the 2022 Holiday Chicago Toy & Gift Fair (CHITAG), North America’s largest toy & game fair open to the public, will be resuming their annual in-person event after a 2-year hiatus due to COVID. This marks the 20th year for CHITAG, which will take place at a new venue this year: the Donald J. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont (5555 N River Rd Rosemont, IL 60018). As one of the only toy and game fairs open to the public, thousands of families expected to attend will experience immersive events, interactive exhibits and activities for all ages. This year’s highlights include a Gel Blaster Activation, craft and build at the Spaghetteez booth, fan favorite the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, Giant Jenga games, the Beer and Board Game Garden is back, plus magicians and characters including Greg Heffley from Diary of a Wimpy Kid, sports mascots, and booths with the hottest holiday toys and games from industry leading companies.

National Media and Influencers Join American Specialty Toy Retailing Association for First-Ever ‘Toy Boat’ Industry Networking Event

In February 2023, the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) will be hosting the first-ever Toy Boat industry networking event on a four-day cruise. With the goal of expanding awareness and building relationships, ASTRA welcomes national media and influencers to attend and see the hottest toys firsthand.

Hape Unwrap the Potential Holiday Campaign

Hape Launches New Campaign for Holiday 2022

Hape, the leading manufacturer of affordable, high quality toys, inspires the next generation of play, with its newest upbeat holiday campaign ‘Unwrap Their Potential.’ The global commercial launch demonstrates that the holidays are more than about receiving toys, but about uncovering the endless possibilities and potential for children as they discover new ways to play and develop fundamental skills needed to grow.

Bratz and Trailblazing Fashion Brand Mowalola Collab on New Premium, Limited-Edition Dolls

MGA Entertainment (MGA), one of the world’s largest and fastest growing privately held toy and entertainment companies, has announced a collaboration between its popular fashion doll brand, Bratz and the London-based, new-gen fashion brand, Mowalola, on a haute fashion doll collection. Mowalola and MGA have reimagined two distinct Bratz Collector dolls featuring fan favorite characters Jade and Felicia who wear unique pieces designed exclusively for this collab. The limited-edition dolls perfectly capture the youthful, experimental, and fashion-forward spirit of both brands. Building on the success of several collaborations tied to the Bratz 21st birthday earlier this year, MGA’s partnership with Mowalola demonstrates Bratz continued expansion into the fashion space and beyond.

IMC Toys Expands to Make Kitoons a 360° Entertainment Experience

Kids now have a whole new way to enjoy content from IMC Toys’ entertainment property, Kitoons, as the brand expands into audio offerings! Fans are able to join the popular Cry Babies Magic Tears characters on their adventures through a series of songs and audiobooks for never‐ending fun! Cry Babies Magic Tears are the cute little babies with big personalities. They live in an imaginative world where tears are magical and carry special powers that are used to overcome challenging situations. The series, which is designed for children aged three to six, uses the challenges in each episode to instill positive values in an interesting and engaging way.

PLAYMOBIL & Disney Form New partnership & First License for the PLAYMOBIL Toddler Portfolio

Iconic Disney characters will be coming soon thanks to the formation of a brand new licensing agreement between Disney and PLAYMOBIL for their toddler product range. Six playsets inspired by Disney’s Mickey and Minnie Mouse as well as Winnie the Pooh, Tigger and Piglet will be launched summer 2023 for fans of all ages. Each of the Disney playsets includes multiple educational features based on three connected learning stages, that support a child’s individual development. Thus, parents can easily choose the right toy to help improve their toddler’s skills.