Hasbro, a leading toy and game company, has announced Transformers ‘80s Week to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the beloved franchise. The week-long celebration features new product reveals, pre-orders and retro content allowing new generations to discover the decade where it all began. Check out Transformers ’ social channels for a series of ‘80s-themed stop motion videos that dropped each day this week.
BBC Studios has renewed its global licensing partnership with innovative toy company Moose Toys for smash-hit kids property Bluey. The BBC Studios’ licensee will remain the global master toy partner for the Emmy Award-winning animated TV sensation Bluey in all territories.
The landmark multi-year renewal will build on the global success of Moose’s toy range. It also follows hot on the heels of ABC Australia and Disney platforms’ simultaneous global premiere of the extended special Bluey episode ‘The Sign’, which welcomed critical and audience acclaim across the world. ‘The Sign’ gathered more than 10 million views worldwide on Disney+ in the week after its release, and is the top ABC program of 2024 YTD and the highest ABC program of all time on ABC iview.
McFarlane Toys, a leader in the collectibles category, proudly announces the signing of a new licensing agreement with UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization. This strategic partnership marks an exciting new chapter as McFarlane Toys will deliver both physical and digital collectibles to fans worldwide, spanning the dynamic UFC roster. The collectibles will immortalize some of UFC’s most iconic athletes and moments as 6”, ultra-detailed, posed, physical and digital figures.
Jazwares, a global leader in toys and licensing, has announced a significant milestone in the company’s European growth strategy by opening its latest wholly owned office in Bilbao, Spain, to service the Iberian market in 2025. Iberia is an important toy market and this expansion marks Jazwares European operation’s first direct supply model with retailers in Southern Europe. Jazwares also has offices supplying retailers directly in the UK, Germany, France, and the Netherlands.
TOMY International announced that Julie Gwaltney has been appointed Vice President of the Toy Division. Julie has over 30 years’ experience in the toy industry, most recently holding the position of TOMY International’s Senior Director of Toys. “We are happy to have Julie assume this role and bring her expertise across additional categories,” said Greg Kilrea, President of TOMY International. “Julie works very well with her team, the designers, our licensors, and our industry partners to help find great opportunities for TOMY and make lasting contributions to childhood play.”
The Dr. Lisa Brands Company announced that it has been named master licensee for McGraw Studios’ Love You Forever brand, based on the treasured children’s book that has sold over 36 million copies. The award-winning toy company will manufacture and distribute a heartfelt, whimsical, and endearing range of infant toys, apparel, nursery accessories, bedding and decor, bibs, swaddles, plush, shower gifts, and party products based on the best-selling book. McGraw Studios is taking the powerful sentiment of love across generations, expanding the Love You Forever brand from the bookshelf to the daily lives of parents and children everywhere.
The Dr Lisa Brands Company will showcase the first infant toys in the Baby JP line, based on the designs of modern artist J Pierce, during the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas this month before they arrive at retail later this summer. The new Baby JP infant toys are each designed with the freshness of J Pierce’s street art and to aid infants along their journey of sensory and brain development in a fun and engaging way. The range will be launched in the market for Fall 2024.
Looking for new ways to create a more effective toy marketing strategy? Don’t miss “Kids Today: Data-Driven Insights Into the Media Research That Matters,” an upcoming Toy Association webinar taking place Thursday, May 16 at 2 p.m. (Eastern). Registration is now open.
Superights, international distribution division of Superpod Group just announced a sales team reorganization welcoming Séverine LeRoux, StudioCanal alum as Sales Manager. She will report to Nathalie Pinguet, Superights’ Deputy Managing Director Sales and Acquisitions. Based in Paris, Séverine will oversee sales in Eastern Europe territories, Africa and Inflight zones.