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Industry News
Ynon Kreiz, Chairman and CEO of Mattel, said: “Mattel achieved its highest rst quarter results we have on record for net sales, operating income, and EBITDA. Our strong performance continued, with growth across regions, categories, and our three power brands. ese results are in line with our strategy to grow Mattel’s IP-driven toy business. Having completed our turnaround in 2021, we are rmly in growth mode and operating as an IP-driven, high-performing toy company.” “Mattel’s supply chain is playing a key role in our success. All of our factories are fully operational, and we are working with our retail partners to ensure product is available on shelves to meet consumer demand. e full-year outlook is strong, we expect to grow market share, and we are reiterating our 2022 guidance and 2023 goals.”
TOMY International Makes Early Play Sweeter with the Re-launch of the Lamaze Brand
Introduced in 1993 as the rst of its kind early childhood development toys with contrasting patterns, crinkly fabrics, and engaging faces, TOMY reveals a new look and campaign for their Lamaze brand of toys. “Parents today continue to associate the name Lamaze with wholesomeness and science-backed play,” said Julie Gwaltney, Senior Director of Toys for TOMY International. “It was time to refresh our product line and rede ne the message for a new generation of parents. e new toys are designed to appeal to parents’ modern tastes, while keeping the core of developmental play that has made Lamaze a trusted brand for nearly 30 years,” said Gwaltney.
Toei Animation’s Dragon Ball Hits Record High in Franchise Licensing Deals
Over the last 14 months, Toei Animation and Crunchyroll executed a record high total of 37 licensing agreements – consisting of 18 new licenses and 19 license renewals. e 18 new agreements will result in an exciting variety of merchandise for fans of Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Super series as well as, for the rst time ever, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero, the new feature lm scheduled for release this summer. New branded goods include apparel from Bioworld, Hypland and NTD, statues and games from Oniri Creations and Mattel, plushies from Youtooz, housewares from Just Funky, stationery from Trends International and Insight Editions, and gi s and novelties from Monogram International and Hallmark.
Greentop Gifts and Signables Named the First Playmakers in NFLPA ‘Driven’ Program
Greentop Gi s and Signables are the rst two companies to participate in the NFL Players Association’s (NFLPA) Driven program, which accelerates diverse-led, early-stage consumer product businesses through a robust two-year group licensing and marketing curriculum. Driven is designed to facilitate opportunity and growth for diverse business entrepreneurs (or “Playmakers,” as the NFLPA recognizes them) by creating access to conversations, education, mentorship, and resources that would level the playing eld and position them for long-term success. At the root of the diversity gap in licensing is what the NFLPA de nes as “sideline culture” – the systemic and inequitable reality experienced daily by business leaders who are people of color, women and/or individuals from other underrepresented groups. Launched in October 2021, Driven is committed to breaking down institutional barriers and supporting diverse entrepreneurs through unique access to NFL players for branded products and marketing power.
“Our 2022 is o to an exceptional start,” said Stephen Berman, JAKKS Chairman and CEO. “For several years we have talked about maintaining a disciplined focus on growing evergreen toy categories and brands to deliver consistently improving, yet sustainable, results. In addition, this approach can also bene t from the excitement and enthusiasm new entertainment content can generate. As the year begins, we are starting to see strong results as more consumers discover and embrace lms like Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and Disney’s Encanto, and want to deepen their relationships with the characters by engaging with a broad array of our toys, Halloween Costumes, day-to-day role play and many other related products.
National Inventors Hall of Fame Inducts Lonnie Johnson, Creator of the Super Soaker
Five innovation pioneers whose inventions range from cataract surgery to the modern automobile will be honored as part of the latest class of National Inventors Hall of Fame (NIHF) Inductees, including the inventor of the Super Soaker, Lonnie Johnson. Engineer and entrepreneur Lonnie Johnson is the inventor of the Super Soaker, which became a best-selling toy generating well over $1 billion in sales over its lifetime. Johnson’s longtime research focuses on energy technology, and his work today includes advances in rechargeable battery technology and thermodynamic technology to convert thermal energy to electrical energy.
Bend-Ems from TCG Toys Are Back in a Big Way
Multi-brand toy company TCG Toys is bringing back the hugely successful and bendable 90s heritage action gure line, Bend-Ems, to retail shelves this Fall. For the die-hard collector and new fans, Series 1 will feature top licenses and characters to collect, including Sonic the Hedgehog, Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir, and SpongeBob SquarePants, with more to come! e authentic new Bend-Ems gures will include classic features such as the 6” inch scale, the signature engraved brand name on the back, and will be packaged in a blister card, a nod to the nostalgia of the 90s packaging. ” e appeal of Bend-Ems is a cultural phenomenon,” said TCG Toys Founder and CEO Michael Albert. “Bend-Ems are collectible, a ordable, and ripe for today’s market. We are thrilled to bring the popular 90s toy back to the forefront of creative and imaginative play. Like the original, TCG Toys is positioned to bring Bend-Ems to market quickly.”
Big Franchise Announcements from MGM at Licensing Expo 2022
At Licensing Expo 2022, MGM is set to unveil exciting plans and initiatives, along with special sneak peaks for Pink Panther, Wednesday, the Creed franchise, Vikings: Valhalla and more. MGM will focus on showcasing licensing programs for their deep portfolio of iconic lms, including Pink Panther’s 60th anniversary launching late next year and the debut of Net ix’s Wednesday series later this year. MGM is also putting the spotlight on Creed, with the third installment hitting theaters November 2022 and an expansive Vikings: Valhalla licensing program tied to the recently debuted Net ix series. MGM is also set to highlight the expansion of its sci- portfolio with Robocop’s 35th anniversary and Stargate SG-1’s 25 th anniversary this year, along with its extensive catalog of classic horror lms like the recent box o ce smash Candyman and Killer Klownz.
