January 2024 - Page 6 of 10

NY NOW 2024 Winter Market Returns to Iconic Jacob Javits Center with an Exciting Showcase of Innovation and Wholesale Trends

The NY NOW 2024 Winter Market is gearing up for an iconic return to the Jacob Javits Center in New York, captivating global attendees from February 4 to 7, 2024. Renowned as the premier gift and home wholesale market show, this bi-annual event continues to serve as the ultimate hub for brands, buyers, and designers in the heart of New York City. NY NOW represents a beacon for the wholesale community and offers a space for exploration and innovation, where a diverse array of products including gifts, accessories, global design, home design, luxury lifestyle, toys, stationery, and more will take center stage.

Douglas Company Introduces New Bug Themed Sshlumpies and Playtivity Rattles

Snug as a Bug has new meaning for Douglas Company. The soft toy maker and lifestyle gift creator is introducing four new bug themed Sshlumpies and Playtivity Rattles for babies. Sshlumpies are a long-time favorite at Douglas. They are the 18” under-stuffed blanket-like plush characters with full plush heads. Each has a variety of textured fabrics and a sweet, embroidered signature on the front. Playtivity Rattles are brand new for Douglas Baby. They are approximately 5” long and shaped like a plump plush toy. Each includes three activities rattle, crinkle, and a silicone teether.

Holiday Hill Farm Announces New Consumer Products Partnership With Oriental Trading Company

Holiday Hill Farm has entered a three-year agreement with Oriental Trading Company, a Berkshire Hathaway company, to create, market and sell a broad assortment of products featuring its beloved holiday icon Spookley the Square Pumpkin and all his Holiday Hill Farm friends. Oriental Trading, the largest direct retailer of value-priced party supplies, arts and crafts, toys and novelties, and school supplies, will leverage its extensive direct-to-consumer channels and deep B2B channels via Fun Express, which includes virtually every conceivable market segment including school districts, to distribute the products to its customers throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Old World Christmas Announces New Partnerships for 2024

Old World Christmas, the premier brand of Christmas ornaments in the country,has announced multiple new licensing partnerships for the creation of hand blown glass ornaments. AC/DC, Elton John, The Rolling Stones, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), the Hollywood Sign and the Hollywood Walk of Fame will each have an Old World Christmas line of delicately hand-painted, hand-glittered ornaments created to capture the spirit of the brands to be released later this year.

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Plus-Plus USA Welcomes Toy Industry Veteran Tony White to Corporate Sales Team

Plus-Plus, the pioneering Danish brand known for its open-ended, creative toys that set play free with one simple shape, has announced the addition of toy veteran Tony White as Vice President of Sales for Specialty Accounts. White will be managing all specialty (non-national) account sales for Plus-Plus USA, including its network of 80+ independent sales representatives and its own internal sales teams. Moving forward, Bret Faber, now Vice President of Sales for National Accounts, will exclusively focus on the company’s growing trade in the grocery, bookstore, travel, and other key account market segments.

IT’SUGAR Unveils Exclusive OREO Funko POP! Vinyl Figure

IT’SUGAR, one of the largest specialty candy retailers in the US, is excited to announce the launch of an exclusive OREO Funko POP! Vinyl Figure. This exciting collaboration brings together the beloved OREO cookie brand and Funko Pop’s iconic collectible style. “We are excited to introduce the first-ever OREO Funko POP! Vinyl Figure, exclusively available at IT’SUGAR,” said Justin Clinger, Assistant Vice President Creative and Marketing of IT’SUGAR. “This collectible is a unique fusion of two iconic brands, and a fantastic way for fans to showcase their love for OREO in a fun and collectible form.”

Dumbgood Kicks Off the New Year with New Paul Frank Collection

Dumbgood, the premiere lifestyle brand specializing in elevated and unique licensed products from Bioworld, has released its brand new collection inspired by the works of famous renowned artist Paul Frank. Any fan of his vibrant character, Julius The Monkey, or just a fan of monkeys, in general, will want to get any newly released apparel and accessories available on the Dumbgood site. Since the debut of the playful primate in the mid-’90s, Julius has been a fan favorite on all types of clothing, accessories, stationary, and more. The new collection has a variety of stylish and contemporary product selections, including hats, tees, hoodies, sweatpants, jackets, crossbody bags, and an elegant coin purse. The pricing for this merchandise exclusive to Dumbgood ranges from $24 – $120, and the high quality makes each one a must-have for passionate fashion enthusiasts.

Xilam Animation Locks New Deals for Zig & Sharko and Karate Sheep

Academy Award-nominated French animation studio Xilam Animation has secured a wave of global broadcasters for its popular titles Zig & Sharko and Karate Sheep, including new partners and renewals for both of the slapstick comedy series. Xilam’s series have also seen strong performances on Netflix, with a cumulative total of 93.5 million hours of viewing for content from the studio recorded during the first reporting window from the streamer – January to June 2023. With 114 hours available on Netflix, Xilam has the largest number of titles and hourly volume on the service than any other European animation studio. Furthermore, within Netflix’s top 15 original animated series for kids, Xilam placed two titles – Karate Sheep and Oggy and the Cockroaches: Next Generation – and was the only non-US producer within this ranking.

NAVC Announces Pet Peace of Mind as the 2024 NAVC Gives Marquee Award Recipient

The North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) announced Pet Peace of Mind as the the 2024 NAVC Gives Marquee Award recipient, as part of a new program from the NAVC created to support and advance the veterinary profession and wellbeing of people and animals worldwide. Pet Peace of Mind is a national nonprofit that enables people in hospice to keep their pets with them throughout the end-of-life journey and helps find new homes for pets after a loved one passes. The NAVC announced the NAVC Gives inaugural award recipients during an award ceremony Monday evening, January 15, at VMX 2024 in Orlando, Florida. The NAVC launched NAVC Gives in 2023 with a $1 million commitment to fund awards that will be made on a year-round basis.