TimetoPlayMag.com Hosts Spring Toy Showcase
TimetoPlayMag.com’s Jim Silver and Chris Byrne hosted a media event this morning in New York City highlighting the best toys for spring and summer play along with some of the hottest toys based on the upcoming summer blockbuster films such as Iron Man 2 and Toy Story 3.
Toy companies such as Mattel, Jakks, Hasbro, Spin Master, Crayola, Basic Fun, Little Kids, Wild Planet, and many others demonstrated their latest and greatest toys for spring and summer to a mix of mommy bloggers and traditional media in New York City’s Altman Building.
Visit www.timetoplaymag.com to check out all the newest toys.
You Have a New Home, Charlie Brown
Iconix Brand Group announced today that it has signed an agreement with United Features Syndicate and the E. W. Scripps Company to acquire the Peanuts brand and related
assets in partnership with the Schulz family. As part of the deal, Iconix will also acquire the licensing and character representation business of United Media Licensing, which, in addition to Peanuts, represents a number of character brands, including Dilbert and Fancy Nancy. Iconix says that the total purchase price for this acquisition is approximately $175 million of which Iconix will pay for its 80 percent share and the Schulz family will pay for its 20 percent share.
Peanuts has a diverse global licensing program with an estimated
1,200 licensees and relationships with MetLife, Hallmark, Old Navy, Walgreens as well as numerous additional big name retailers and studios. The Peanuts brand is licensed in more than 40 countries and generates annual retail sales of more than $2 billion, according to a statement from Iconix.
Iconix currently owns, licenses, and markets a portfolio of consumer brands including Roca Wear, Cannon, Fieldcrest, and Badgley Mischka, among many others. In addition, the company
owns a share in Ed Hardy, Marc Ecko, and Material Girl brands.
Webkinz Celebrates Fifth Anniversary
Ganz will celebrate the fifth anniversary of Webkinz designating this Thursday (April 29) as Webkinz Day. Launched in 2005 by Ganz, Webkinz was the first product to combine plush with
an online world experience using a code on the product to unlock the world. This introduced the concept of a dedicated kids’ online world on a site where children could adopt their pet, play games, create rooms, earn KinzCash and “chat” with other members. Many other companies subsequently followed this model.
The online festivities for Webkinz Day will be highlighted by a Twitter Party, a first for the world of Webkinz. Hosted in partnership with Resourceful Mommy, the Twitter Party will feature prizes and new information about upcoming Webkinz releases. The Twitter party will take place this Thursday, April 29 from 8-9 p.m. ET. Follow the party at #webkinzday.