Licensing International is proud to announce the full list of finalists for the prestigious Excellence Awards for 2024, dedicated to recognizing outstanding achievements and innovation in the global brand licensing industry. This year’s Excellence Awards feature 197 finalists in 32 categories. More than 800 submissions were reviewed by a panel that includes 200 judges from 20 countries.
OOLY, the whimsical and colorful arts, crafts and school supply brand has announced a joyful collaboration with esteemed designer and illustrator Suzy Ultman. OOLY’s first-ever collaboration with designer and illustrator Suzy Ultman marries her signature artistry to their products, highlighting both brands’ commitment to imaginative and playful design. This partnership celebrates the union of creativity and joy in their products, enhancing the Stickiville and Tattoo-Palooza lines.
Sesame Workshop, the global impact nonprofit behind Vila Sésamo, has named The Business Hub Group its licensing agent for Brazil. The Business Hub Group will manage consumer products, special activations, and retail events for the beloved children’s brand. “For over 50 years, Vila Sésamo has been bringing engaging content and joyful experiences to children and families with iconic characters and shows, and outreach in communities,” said Polo Valdes, Sesame Workshop’s Senior Director for Latin America. “Sesame Workshop’s mission is to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder, and we’re excited to collaborate with The Business Hub Group to give fans more of Elmo, Beto, Come-Come, and all their friends.”
Get ready for a crossover so hot it’s practically on fire, as Toho International, the Japanese studio’s US-based subsidiary that has brought Godzilla to life, along with cutting-edge streetwear brand RIPNDIP, and collectibles company Youtooz, have come together for the ultimate Godzilla merch collab. Launching on Youtooz on April 16, fans of the famous Kaiju will have access to limited edition plush and apparel that is sure to be a must-have addition to any collection.
Wyncor, the newly established global toy company committed to creating innovative and imaginative toys aligned with its intellectual properties and premium brands, has signed a distribution agreement with ACD Distribution, a leading distributor in the toy and game industry, to distribute the company’s products to mid-tier and specialty retailers across the U.S. The announcement was made by Helena Perheentupa, COO, Wyncor.
Building on the success of its long-standing scholarship program, Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT) continues to develop women leaders with the launch of the new 2024 WiT Foundation Scholarship, an application-based scholarship open to female students. The revamped 2024 program is designed to reach more women than ever before. It will support students who are pursuing undergraduate degrees in industry-related fields. The scholarship includes a financial award of $5,000, a oneyear WiT membership, career-focused programming, enrollment in WiT’s Ruth Handler Mentorship Program, access to internship and job postings, and more. Award recipients will also be invited to attend WiT’s Wonder Women Awards Gala in Los Angeles on September 13, 2024, where they will be recognized alongside industry professionals.
Throughout the first quarter of this year, employees from TOMY International offices across the US, UK, Europe and Australia volunteered days of service – inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr, National Day of Service and inclusivity ambitions overall. The company has a long history of gathering teams together to support the community and take part in important observances. Across ten offices from Dyersville, Iowa to Exeter in the UK, TOMY International supported causes close to the heart of its employees. In addition to their time, they also provided a monetary donation to each of the charities, as well as other worthy causes, including The Toy Foundation in the US and Toy Trust and Children in Need Day in the UK. In total, TOMY International donated $75,000.
Kartoon Studios, the controlling partner of “Stan Lee Universe, LLC,” launches a new dedicated Stan Lee storefront on Amazon, powered by Meteor. The Stan Lee storefront offers a collection of branded apparel and merchandise with graphics paying tribute to the “godfather of comics.” The new Stan Lee storefront is one way the brand continues to engage its digital community of fans.
Retailers and specialty toy buyers are taking a road trip to St. Louis in June for ASTRA’s Marketplace & Academy. They call it a “big toy family reunion” featuring the best and brightest in products, ideas and connections. One connection not to miss is the Rehkemper family business, Top Secret Toys, at Booth 2927. As inventors, the Rehkempers’ firm created GigaPets back in the 90’s and is excited to unveil the newest addition to the modern collection with the most advanced GigaPet yet, Bit Bunnies. This remarkable GigaPet is just one of the many Top Secret Toys to be unveiled at Marketplace.