What the Heck is Blockchain and Why Should I Care?
John W. Brady, a business consultant with Inveniam Capital Partners, breaks down what blockchain is and how it can be used to help aid those in the children’s products business.
State of the Industry: Looking Ahead to 2019
This year saw the fall of the iconic retail giant, Toys “R” Us, and in June of this year the chain closed its remaining 740 U.S. stores sending shockwaves through the toy industry. Fifteen percent of U.S. toy revenue came to a halt when the 70-year-old big-box retailer closed its doors due to bankruptcy. The far-reaching effects on the toy and game industry and the impact and shifts in…
Seizing Opportunities, and Tackling Challenges
Steve Pasierb, President of The Toy Association, shares an update on the association’s top priorities moving into 2019.
Not Your Average Teddy Bear: Expanding the Plush Category
It’s no longer enough for toy makers to introduce a cuddly, beautifully designed plush toy. Consumers are looking for something surprising and unexpected through interactions and different faces, shapes, and textures.
Starting Your Own Business? First Things First: Have TWO Plans
Leila Nosrati, a member of Women in Toys and head of Master Retail Advisors, shares her insight into starting your own successful business.
Shop Talk: Ri Happy
In this installment of our ShopTalk series, which looks at brick-and-mortar toy retailers worldwide that are finding success in today’s retail environment, TFE chats with Ri Happy, the Brazilian specialty toy retailer.
Industry Forum: The Designer’s Perspective
President of Design Edge Matt Nuccio discusses how the landscape is changing for toy inventors and the pros and cons of licensing vs. self-producing today.
ASTRA Innovation Council: Addressing the Big Picture in a Time of Accelerating Change
ASTRA president Kimberly Mosley talks about the role of the newly formed ASTRA Innovation Council.
Animoodles: Turning the Plush Aisle on Its Head
In the past, if a child ripped the limb off their favorite stuffed animal, you’d think it was destroyed for good. But with Animoodles, it’s all part of the play.