Farshore is thrilled to have acquired publishing rights to the official collector’s guide for the award-winning plush property, Squishmallows. Emma Cairns-Smith, Global Licensing Acquisition Director for Brands and Licensing at Farshore, signed a worldwide rights deal with Jazwares, a global leader in toys and licensing, along with its Kellytoy subsidiary for the Squishmallows Official Collector’s Guide.
PlayMonster Group LLC is pleased to announce the appointment of Dianne Lauble to the role of Director, Inventor Relations, effective immediately. Lauble will expand the company’s growing relationships with the inventor community, while working to develop the company’s leadership and innovation with the next wave of inventors, creators, and designers in the toy, activity/craft and games industry.
Purpose Toys, one of the largest Black-owned toy start-ups, has announced the release of two new purpose-driven toy lines, Naturalistas and HBCyoU, in partnership with Just Play and Kidfinity Inc (a Just Play affiliated company). Both lines will be sold and distributed by Purpose Toys for retail launch globally in Fall 2022, with additional collaborations planned for Spring 2023 and beyond.
Sesame Workshop is celebrating five years of its Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children initiative dedicated to showing that all children — autistic and neurotypical alike — are amazing in their own ways. New videos and activities launching today are centered on themes of friendship and belonging and feature Julia, a 4-year-old autistic Sesame Street Muppet, and her brother Sam and new friend Wes, who recently moved to Sesame Street.
Spin Master Corporation (TSX:TOY; www.spinmaster.com), a leading global children’s entertainment company, has announced the appointment of Doug Wadleigh as Head of Global Toy Brands. The newly created position within Spin Master’s Toys creative centre is part of the Company’s new organizational design being implemented to enable and accelerate future growth.
Cloudco Entertainment, owner of iconic entertainment property Care Bears, has launched its new Care Bears: Unlock The Magic animated series on Globo Play, Gloob, and Gloobinho networks in Brazil, joining the Noggin platform in Mexico. The content deals come alongside new toy deals that will further support the launch of the TV series as well as the Care Bears’ 40th Anniversary celebrations taking place throughout the year.
Bandai America Incorporated and Bandai Namco Collectibles LLC, two companies that have become synonymous with top-quality model kits, collectible figures, digital pets, playsets and more, are continuing to bring Fun For All into the Future with their latest merger into Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America Inc.
“We are proudly an Australian company, which makes winning these awards, which already is truly such an incredible honor, even more special. Winning Toy of the Year for Magic Mixies is validation that our continued focus on doing things differently and our commitment to innovation is resonating with consumers and the toy industry,” said Paul Solomon, co-owner, Moose Toys. “We are grateful for the recognition and so proud of the entire Moose team for these amazing accomplishments.”
Intimissimi Uomo, a leading menswear brand focused on underwear, easywear, nightwear and beachwear within the Italian fashion collective, Calzedonia Group, has created a complete Spring/Summer 2022 collection inspired by King Features’ iconic characters, Popeye the Sailor Man and Olive Oyl.