The LEGO Group has reported earnings for the full year 2023. The company grew revenue two percent to DKK 65.9 billion despite a difficult external operating environment and significantly outpaced the toy market, growing market share. Operating profit was a solid DKK 17.1 billion as the company accelerated spending on short- and long-term strategic initiatives.
Ready to relive your favorite Mario memories? Nintendo has unveiled a Mega Mushroom-sized list of ways to commemorate MAR10 Day 2024 – from competing for rewards to exploring deals on games to even attending special in-person events in honor of our mustachioed hero. Fans of all ages are encouraged to celebrate by playing all of Mario’s greatest hits, from classic games featuring Mario released on the Nintendo Entertainment System and Super Nintendo Entertainment System now available on Nintendo Switch Online, to his newest venture into the Flower Kingdom, Super Mario Bros. Wonder. A full list of MAR10 Day 2024 activities is available at Mario.Nintendo.com. You can “Press Start” on the celebration now by checking out this special video that takes fans on a journey through Mario’s adventures over the years.
Illumination’s Minions have tapped renowned street artist, Buff Monster, to collaborate on a limited-edition apparel drop, the Minions x Buff Monster capsule collection– available now in limited quantities, exclusively at Universal UNIVRS – a first-of-its-kind retail destination located at Universal CityWalk Hollywood and inside Universal Studios Florida at Universal Orlando Resort. Bright yellow and instantly unforgettable, the Minions have become icons of self-expression in pop culture across the globe. Worlds collide as Buff Monster, known for the pops of color and signature monster characters featured in his artwork, puts his own creative twist on the collaboration design by seamlessly integrating his artistic style with the iconic Minions characters. This will be the second collaboration between Buff Monster and the Minions, after the launch of a popular beach-themed apparel line in 2016.
Transport for London (TfL) has partnered with popular toy brand BRIO to launch a London Underground-inspired toy train, in a deal facilitated by TfL’s global licensing agency IMG. A part of BRIO’s Trains of the World series, the toys replicate the London Underground’s iconic red, white and blue design bringing the authentic British experience to children’s playrooms. The push locomotive plays sounds and lights up as it travels through the red tube tunnel, creating a realistic playing activity that helps little train fans further explore the world of transport. The toy set includes a three-part push train, a ‘Tube’ tunnel, two play figures and a London Underground sign.
The North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) and Uncharted Veterinary Conference (UVC), founded by practice management speaker, writer, and consultant Dr. Andy Roark, have partnered together to develop and launch the Uncharted Leadership Essentials Certificate, a new certificate series developed for veterinary practice leaders and managers. The program is available through VetFolio, the NAVC’s industry-leading digital platform which provides online virtual learning and engagement for veterinary professionals.
Mattel, Inc has revealed a celebratory partnership with Atlantis Paradise Island to develop Barbie Bahamas Beach Vacation: Where Atlantis Dreams Come True, an immersive, Barbie-themed experience for all guests to enjoy in honor of Barbie’s 65th anniversary on March 9. Debuting Memorial Day weekend and lasting through the summer, Barbie Bahamas Beach Vacation: Where Atlantis Dreams Come True will offer a host of Barbie-themed experiences. From tailor-made Barbie-themed guest rooms and suites to activations, bespoke retail, and more, the partnership brings Mattel’s Barbie to the Caribbean and the Bahamas for the first time in history.
The Toy Association has announced the 2024 election of seven new members and two term renewals to its Board of Directors, including the election of Sharon Price John, president & CEO of Build-ABear Workshop, as chairperson. The announcement was made during The Toy Association’s Annual General Meeting, which was open to all toy industry stakeholders. The meeting included updates on the ways in which the organization is listening to, engaging with, and bringing together the industry; the Association’s fight against harmful legislation and other obstacles threatening the toy and play community’s ability to get toys effectively and safely into consumers’ hands; and details about the upcoming LA Fall Preview and Toy Fair 2025 events.
King Features Syndicate, a unit of Hearst and home to some of the world’s most popular entertainment characters, has promoted Carla Silva to Senior Vice President, General Manager, and Head of Global Licensing. Silva, a seasoned veteran in the consumer products licensing industry and an expert in brand development, brings over two decades of invaluable experience and expertise into her expanded role.