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Llama Llama Kohl's
Licensing News
Kartoon Studios and Penguin Young Readers Launch New “Llama Llama” Merchandise Retail and Charitable Program at Kohl’s

Kartoon Studios, Inc (NYSE American: TOON) evergreen brand “Llama Llama” partners with Penguin Young Readers and KOHL’s to launch new back-to-back nationwide retail promotions featuring book and plush products from the bestselling “Llama Llama” franchise, as part of the popular Kohl’s Cares program. Additionally, Kartoon Studios has added two new plush toy licensing partners to a growing roster, Spirit and YOTTOY, further building the brand’s U.S. merchandise program.

City Island PBS KIDS civics
Entertainment News
PBS KIDS Launches Civics Content Initiative in 2024

Beginning this year, PBS KIDS is rolling out a full slate of civics-themed content. The effort will span across a range of both new and existing series aimed at encouraging viewers to get involved in their communities and learn more about what’s happening around them. The programming, which will expand on PBS KIDS’ Social Studies learning goals, will feature a second season of hit shorts series, City Island, and two new music video series, City Island Sings and Together We Can (w.t), created with Sesame Workshop. PBS KIDS is also in development with TIME Studios on a live-action shorts series supporting civic engagement through media literacy.

crayola lol surprise
Licensing News
The Highly Anticipated L.O.L. Surprise! Loves Crayola Collaboration Hits Retailers Worldwide

Late in 2023, MGA Entertainment (MGA) and Crayola proudly announced a multi-year licensing agreement for MGA Entertainment to produce and distribute Crayola-inspired dolls and licensed merchandise globally under its L.O.L. Surprise! Loves brand. The all-new L.O.L. Surprise! Loves Crayola line-up popped up in toy aisles this month with the cutest, color-filled, limited-edition tots and a giant crayon-shaped L.O.L. Surprise! Loves Crayola Color Me Studio, poised to become the season’s must-have collection.

Hasbro Logo Licensing Expo 2023 BLE Brand Licensing Europe McFarlane Layoffs 2024 Q4
News
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 Nearshoring america
Events News
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.

It's Alma's Way! 1024 x 780 (5)
Entertainment News
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 Strawberry Shortcake
Licensing News
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.

Warner Bros Discovery Philippe Roucoule
News You're Hired
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.

Las Vegas Jada Super Convention
Events News
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.