February 2024 - Page 7 of 11

Hasbro Reports Q4 and Full Year 2023 Financial Results

Hasbro, Inc, a leading toy and game company, has reported financial results for Q4 and full year 2023. “Guided by our strategy of ‘Fewer, Bigger, Better,’ we had important wins across both toys and games while making progress in our transformation during a challenging 2023. Despite the macroeconomic backdrop, we are entering 2024 with a healthier balance sheet, a leaner cost structure, and a diverse portfolio of industry-leading toy and game brands that support our capacity to invest in the business and maintain our commitment to returning cash to shareholders via our category-leading dividend,” said Chris Cocks, Hasbro chief executive officer. “Our refreshed leadership team is bringing innovative new products to our fans. At the same time, we are taking the necessary actions to transform Hasbro and deliver long-term profitable growth starting with driving significant profit growth across our segments in 2024 and building momentum in our innovation pipeline between now and 2025.”

Dallas Market Center To Launch Nearshoring America Trade Show

Dallas Market Center announces the launch of Nearshoring America, a new international expo and support services designed to explore and facilitate nearshoring production services for gift, home furnishings, and fashion accessories companies. Nearshoring America EXPO, to take place at Dallas Market Center from December 10-12, 2024, will connect brands and their representatives with vetted factories and supply chain service providers from Mexico and Latin America.

Debut Album from Acclaimed Animated Series Out Now – ‘It’s Alma’s Way!’

It’s Alma’s Way!, the first album from the hit animated PBS KIDS series, Alma’s Way, is now available on all digital music platforms. The release of the soundtrack comes from the collaboration between Fred Rogers Productions, the esteemed children’s media organization and producer behind Alma’s Way, and Warner Music Group’s Arts Music division. Fans of the acclaimed series, which helps children ages 4-6 develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, will recognize the music celebrating Alma’s Puerto Rican heritage, her adventures in her hometown of The Bronx, and more.

BoxLunch Celebrates Strawberry Shortcake’s Berry Special 45th Anniversary with a Retro-Inspired Capsule Collection

Commemorating the 45th anniversary of the sweet and adorable Strawberry Shortcake, fandom-first retailer BoxLunch is launching a 25-piece collection inspired by the titular doll’s original vintage look on February 12. Available online and in BoxLunch stores, the collection is the perfect, multi-generational purchase for those who grew up with Strawberry Shortcake or are fans of 80s/90s brands. The product assortment, which includes apparel, home, novelty, auto, sleep, accessories, pins, bags, and jewelry, pays homage to the iconic character that has been bringing joy to audiences since its introduction in 1979.

Philippe Roucoule to Head EMEA Consumer Products for Warner Bros Discovery

Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) announced that WBD and industry veteran Philippe Roucoule has been named Senior Vice President of EMEA Consumer Products, effective immediately. Roucoule, who recently held the position of Vice President, Category and Retail Business Development for WBD, will report to Robert Oberschelp, Head of Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP), part of the Warner Bros. Discovery Revenue & Strategy division run by Chief Revenue & Strategy Officer, Bruce Campbell. Roucoule succeeds longtime European Consumer Products head, Julian Moon, who previously announced his upcoming retirement after 33 years with the company. Moon continues to oversee Consumer Products for the Asia Pacific region as he works with Oberschelp and WBD leadership on succession plans.

Jada Toys Takes the Lead as the Title Sponsor for the First Time at the 2024 Die-Cast Super Convention

Jada Toys, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of finely crafted die-cast and collectibles has announced its title sponsorship of the Las Vegas Die-Cast Super Convention, February 29 to March 3, 2024 at the Ahern Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. Hosted by Mad Mike, Die-Cast SuperCon returns bigger and better than ever with special events and a full size car show. With 25 years in the industry, Jada’s expertise in die-cast vehicles is unmatched and remains a favorite among the die-cast and collector community, car shows and conventions alike. Jada’s leadership team will be present throughout the event hosting over five thousand die-cast enthusiasts, industry experts and the general public will get to experience four full days of activations, convention exclusives, shopping, and panels.

Joe Ruffner Named Executive Director of Right Angle Entertainment

Right Angle Entertainment has announced veteran live entertainment industry executive Joe Ruffner has been promoted to executive director. His responsibilities will entail the oversight and management of Right Angle Entertainment’s touring productions, as well as adding his expertise to the rapid and strategic growth of the company. Right Angle Entertainment was founded in 2014 by Alison Spiriti and Justin Sudds and produces and/or manages the North American tours and experiences for Wheel of Fortune Live!, Hasbro’s Clue a Walking Mystery, The Price is Right Live!, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical, The Simon & Garfunkel Story, The Psychology of Serial Killers, The Life and Music of George Michael, Ghosts: Do You Believe? and many more.

People of Play Young Inventor Challenge 17th Annual 18th

People of Play Announce the Winners of the 18th Annual Young Inventor Challenge

Catastrophe of Hairballs, Hike the Spike, and Blanket Kingdom were among the top place finishers at People of Play’s 18th Annual Young Inventor Challenge (YIC) held in 2023 on November 4th at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair. The YIC is a yearly competition where students between the ages of 6 and 18 have the opportunity to create an original play product and pitch it to professional toy and game inventors for a chance to win big prizes. Past winners have seen their entries licensed, manufactured, and sold in both specialty toy stores and in major retailers including Target and Amazon. Leading up to the Young Inventor Challenge in November, regional events are hosted at independent toy stores, day camps, and summer school programs to inspire and engage kids to create toys and games to be judged in the annual competition.

Pikachu Empire State Pokemon Day Lights 2024

US Premiere of ‘Pokémon Horizons: The Series’ Celebrated with World-Famous Tower Lights on Pokémon Day 2024

In celebration of Pokémon Day 2024 and the upcoming U.S. premiere of Pokémon Horizons: The Series, The Pokémon Company International (TPCi), in collaboration with longstanding charitable partner The Toy Foundation, has teamed up with New York’s iconic Empire State Building to illuminate its world-famous tower lights the evening of Feb. 27, 2024. The renowned landmark will light up New York’s skyline in blue and yellow, inspired by the highly recognizable Pokémon logo, between sunset and 2 a.m. EST.