ToyNews January/February 2014 by Biz Media Ltd

Issue 147 O January / February 2014

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No. 147 January/February 2014

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Retail Licensing Pre-School Marketing 33 Toy Titans We shine the spotlight on some of the most influential bosses in the trade

49 30 Under 30 Discover the stars of the future – from PR and marketing to sales execs and journalists

64 Trumped up Winning Moves reveals the secret to success for the Top Trumps brand and what’s next

75 Quarter masters We take a look at what to expect from this year in licensing quarter by quarter

Toy trade bullish about 2014 Over 80 per cent of independent and multiple stores tell ToyNews they feel confident about the year ahead By Billy Langsworthy THE VAST majority of toy retailers are optimistic about business in 2014. In our annual retail survey, 81.25 per cent of stores told ToyNews that they are confident about the health of their business heading into this year. Stores cited their quality customer service, the rise of in-store events and strong product lines as reasons to be cheerful. “We’ve got our own line of products on the way, so we’re confident,” one store told ToyNews, while another said: “There is competition in our area with Smyths and The Entertainer, but we will always win on service, so it should be a good year.” Our findings back up those of The National Institute of Economic and Social Research, which forecasts UK growth will increase to two per cent this year following 1.4 per cent in 2013.

One store said: “We did a Christmas club which really helped”, while another offered: “It’s been getting better and better as Christmas gets closer”. While our survey shows much optimism in the toy space, (most retailers told us they are happy with their own job when asked for their dream role in the industry), 11.25 per cent of stores said they were not confident about business moving into this year. Major challenges cited included online competition, the bills of Confident about Saw Christmas sales Say online is the Say business was running a toy shop and 2014 better or the same biggest challenge better in 2013 finding new and exciting as 2012 they face than 2012 products to fill the shelves. “Internet competition is In addition, 50 per cent of coming off the back of a However, the toy sector growing, as well as the successful festive period. toy shops said that appears to have bucked multiples slashing their The British Retail business had been better in this particular trend, as prices,” said one store Consortium's latest 2013 than in 2012, thanks despite the report of a 3.4 manager. numbers state that UK to highlights including per cent annual drop in Meanwhile, product wise, High Street stores have Furby, LEGO, Minecraft and footfall from September to the return of Tamagotchi, suffered their biggest drop Magic the Gathering. November 2013, 68.75 per Minecraft and The LEGO Movie look likely to be in shopper numbers for Most retailers surveyed cent of retailers said that highlights of 2014. more than a year thanks to also told ToyNews that their Christmas takings Turn to page 43 for the 2014 looks like being a what was a slow start to were better, or the same, full ToyNews Retail Survey. good year as they are the festive retail season. as in 2012.

81.25%

50%

68.75%

13.75%

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WELCOME

CONTENTS

COMMENT

Regulars

Bridging the generation gap

08 News 18 NPD Analysis 20 Campaign of the Month 20 Playtime 22 Industry Movers 24 Industry Opinion 26 Exclusive Dubit Research 28 Toy Shop UK 30 Good Toy Guide 230 Toy Talk 232 Jon Salisbury

Issue: 147 January/February 2014

Licensing.biz

MEET THE TEAM

71 75 80 82

Samantha Loveday Editor

News The 2014 Hot List Big Interview: Nickelodeon Toys in Hollywood

Samantha.Loveday@intentmedia.co.uk

Pre-School

Billy Langsworthy Deputy Editor Billy.Langsworthy@intentmedia.co.uk

Robert Hutchins Staff Writer Robert.Hutchins@intentmedia.co.uk

Jodie Holdway Sales Manager Jodie.Holdway@intentmedia.co.uk

Abigail Fanger Senior Production Manager Abigail.Fanger@intentmedia.co.uk

Lisa Carter Publisher

(sponsored by VTech Baby) 85 News 86 A Parent Blogger’s View 88 Brand Focus: The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Retail 91 News 92 Counter Insurgent 94 Retail Advisory Board 97 Indie Profile: Automattic Toys & Comics 98 Recommended

We always like to create ‘talking point pieces’ for our special trade show edition – a good magazine should create debate and get the industry talking, after all.

Lisa.Carter@intentmedia.co.uk

To see what special features are in this issue, turn the page

Editorial: 01992 535646 Advertising: 01992 535647 www.toynews-online.biz

Intent Media is a member of the Periodical Publishers Associations AUDITED CIRCULATION: Average Net Circulation: 6,106 July 2012 to June 2013. ToyNews circulation is 17.5% higher than its closest competitor. ToyNews has 100% named circulation and 0% duplication.

THIS SUMMER, I will have been working in trade journalism for 18 years – a pretty good spell, I think. But this pales in comparison to some of the industry figureheads who we have in this bumper issue. We always like to shake things up a little with the features in our special trade show edition – create ‘talking point pieces’ that both existing and new readers can enjoy. Our Toy Titans feature (p33-37) casts the spotlight on a number of influential bosses, many of whom boast well over 20 years of experience and, in some cases, three or four decades. In short, there isn’t anything these men and women don’t know about the toy business, and the achievements some of them have notched up makes inspiring reading. But it’s not all about how long you’ve been in the industry ... with the turn of a page we flip the focus onto 30 of the toy industry’s bright new stars (p49-52) – the youngest of whom is just 20. Despite the gap in age and experience, there will undoubtedly be things each generation can learn from the other. Elsewhere in the issue we hope there’s something to suit everyone. We have exclusive interviews with Let Toys Be Toys (p39), VTech (p61), LeapFrog (p62), The Didicar Company (p69) and Nickelodeon (p80). We also present the results of our annual Retail Survey and take a look at what’s shaping up to be big news in licensing quarter by quarter. And, of course, the issue wouldn’t be complete without comprehensive guides to Toy Fair, Nuremberg and Spring Fair. So welcome 2014. I look forward to catching up with you all at the shows. Samantha Loveday

ToyNews takes soundings from its Retail Advisory Board on toy industry issues. The current members are: RETAIL ADVISORY BOARD

Stuart Grant, The Entertainer

Fiona Murray-Young, Toys R Us

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Andrea Abbis, Argos

Brian Simpson, Toytown

Tom Folliot, Sainsbury’s

Marc Dean, Morrisons

Annalise Quest, Harrods

Steph Strike, Asda

Ian Edmunds, Toymaster

Ben Redhead, Firebox

Steven Bradley, Boots

Helen Gourley, Toy Hub

Miles Penhallow, Play-Room

January/February 05

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CONTENTS

Toy Titans ............................................................33 The Big Interview: Let Toys Be Toys ..............39 2013 Retail Survey ............................................43

30 Under 30 ........................................................49

Spring Fair .......................................................................p99

in association with Gameplan Europe

Get a head start on planning for your trip to Birmingham in February with our look at what some of the key toy exhibitors are showing.

Supplier Roundtable ..........................................54

Sector Focus: Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Books ......................57 The Big Interview: VTech & LeapFrog ............61

Spielwarenmesse..........................................................p117 Heading to Nuremberg? Then be sure to check out our guide first, previewing products from the top UK toy companies.

Anatomy of a Blockbuster: Top Trumps........64 The Big Interview: The Didicar Company ......69

The 2014 Licensing Hot List ............................75 The Big Interview: Nickelodeon ......................80 The Great Hollywood Toy Takeover................82 06 January/February

Toy Fair..........................................................................p151 See whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on offer from all the major companies exhibiting at Olympia. Plus pick up some top tips from our experienced show goers. www.toynews-online.biz

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NEWS

Movie will make this the ‘Year for LEGO’ 2014 sees the release of the film in cinemas across the world, tie-in sets, a spin-off video game and the DVD/Blu-ray release By Billy Langsworthy LEGO IS making its big screen debut in February and the firm believes The LEGO Movie will make 2014 ‘the year for LEGO’. The cinema release, alongside tie-in sets, a video game and the DVD release looks set to ensure an ample amount of LEGO coverage throughout the year. “We feel The LEGO Movie is set to make 2014, the year for LEGO,” senior director, head of marketing, Rebecca Snell told ToyNews. “We’re an iconic global brand and the film itself is a huge PR opportunity.” LEGO believes retailers should be excited about the

new ranges based on the movie, as well as the cinema and DVD launches highlighting the brand.

“There’s only one chance to launch The LEGO Movie, and we and Warner Bros will be doing everything we can to maximise the halo effect created by seeing all of the magic of LEGO on the big screen,” added Snell. “The LEGO Movie means there will be a huge amount of noise around the brand, both in terms of the theatrical release and the DVD launch in June. “There’s a stellar Hollywood cast and there’s also a significant marketing budget behind this so there will be a lot of prepromotion and it’s going to bring the vast LEGO fan base to cinemas.” Read more of what Snell told ToyNews about The LEGO Movie in our Hollywood Toy Takeover features on page 82. LEGO: 01753 495000

Tomy welcomes new ‘stand out’ packaging designs New look created to be more ‘open’ and eyecatching on shelves By Billy Langsworthy TOMY IS giving its range of infant and toddler toys a packaging overhaul this year, to successfully convey the company’s key brand messages. The new look includes an open design with more visible age grading. “Tomy is known for its thoughtfully designed range of infant and toddler toys, and there’s some new great toys coming in 2014,” Tomy marketing director Joe Gray told ToyNews. “Recognising the importance of strong packaging to deliver its brand message of ‘inspiring playtime’ and to ensure a strong, highly visible presence in store, the entire range will be having a packaging overhaul. “Nothing in the toy industry stands still, and we felt it was time to rejuvenate and refresh the existing packaging, to modernise it, especially as we are rebranding the Play to Learn range so it

sits under the Tomy Toys umbrella.” The new look is more open, allowing children to press demonstration buttons as a greater visibility for age grading. “Being able to touch the toy is so important for children, they want to be able to do more than just look at it so we have changed our packaging to make this possible,” added Gray. “It brings the Tomy Toy range together. The Play to Learn and Aqua Fun names were known, but did not enjoy the brand recognition of Tomy. It made sense to bring them together and make the brands clearly ‘ownable’ by Tomy.” Tomy: 020 8722 7300

Tamagotchi return reaction ‘overwhelming’ By Billy Langsworthy BANDAI IS confident that Tamagotchi’s retail rebirth this year will be a success. The new incarnation Tamagotchi Friends includes the same primary play experience, but with the addition of new technology and features. “Tamagotchi was first launched back in 1997 and nobody had ever seen anything like it,” said Bandai marketing director Darrell Jones. 08 January/February

“The new version still has the same core play pattern. It still requires the owner to look after and nurture it but using short range communication, owners can ‘bump’ with other Tamagotchi Friends to go on play dates, exchange gifts, and send texts. “It will also interact with the new website.”

The firm believes the brand will once again be a hit, as it has received a wealth of requests in recent years to bring the Tamagotchi back to UK shelves. Jones told ToyNews: “There is a completely new audience of kids who would have never experienced the simple but fun

play pattern of Tamagotchi and with the addition of the ‘bump’ function its seemed the right time. “Many customers remember the previous success of Tamagotchi – it won Toy of The Year in 2005 and was the number one bestselling toy by value in 2005, 2006 and 2007. “The reaction so far from our retail customers has been overwhelming.” Bandai: 01489 790944 www.toynews-online.biz

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NEWS

John Adams adds BLOpens to portfolio Launch supported with TV and digital advertising, plus PR campaign Dedicated demo area at Toy Fair stand By Samantha Loveday JOHN ADAMS will be bringing BLOpens to the UK market from 2014. The heritage brand combines creativity and fun, with BLOpens offering a unique way of colouring by blowing ink directly onto paper with an airspray effect. Aimed at children aged four and upwards, BLOpens are completely washable and non-toxic, 100 per cent safe and easy to use. Available from June, the BLOpens range will include a five-pen pack, a ten pack with desk tidy unit and the Super Activity Workshop.

We aim to bring the magic of BLOpens to a new generation. Simon Pilkington, John Adams

In addition, the collection will be further bolstered with a variety of licensed character themes. These will include Minnie Mouse, Disney Princess, Cars and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. John Adams will also be supporting the launch with a fully integrated TV and digital advertising and PR campaign. “John Adams are renowned for having a strong creative portfolio,

so we’re delighted to be able to add such a recognisable brand like BLOpens to the range,” Simon Pilkington, John Adams’ managing director, told ToyNews. “Supported by a cross-platform marketing campaign and

in-store demonstrations, we aim to bring the magic of BLOpens to a new generation.” The range will be showcased at Toy Fair via a dedicated demo area. John Adams: 01480 414361

K’Nex confident of success with UK office 20th anniversary year makes it the right time for a UK base, says firm By Billy Langsworthy K’NEX HAS opened its first office in the UK, and the firm is confident the move will continue its success in the region.

As 2014 marks the firm’s 20th anniversary, K’Nex feels now is the perfect time to open a UK office

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The London-based arm officially opened its doors on January 1st. “K’Nex has a strong history of success in the UK and we believe that given the dedicated support of an experienced, local team and office, we can recreate the right environment so that the brand can reach its full potential here,” UK managing director Paul Fogarty told ToyNews.

“We will lead the development of an exceptionally strong marketing campaign including a new TV commercial that will help infuse the children of today into the DNA of the brand.” This year also sees K’Nex celebrate its 20th anniversary; a milestone the firm believes makes it the perfect time to set up a UK base.

“The children who first engaged with the brand back then are coming into the right age to experience the thrill of their children building with K’Nex. “This, in conjunction with the exciting range of new products and positive customer feedback we have received, makes it the perfect time for the UK to launch a dedicated team and office.” K’NEX: 08000 337 184

October 09

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NEWS

5 SECOND FACTS

A round up of the latest big numbers, stats and tidbits from the toy business

£312 Average amount spent on toys by parents per year per child aged 0-11 in Britain (source: NPD)

Over £560,000

500,000

1954

Number of stores John Lewis plans to have operational by 2023

Value of second hand toys donated to Barnardo’s in the Argos Toy Exchange scheme last year

Number of LEGO pieces used to create the full scale working LEGO car

The year of the first British Toy and Hobby Fair, held in Brighton

Emily Stothers and the seized counterfeits

Creative Models launches new toys and crafts division By Robert Hutchins CREATIVE MODELS is expanding with a new toys and crafts division. Called Puzzles and Play, it will launch at this year’s Spring Fair with new puzzles, pre-school items, board games, and Swedish arts and crafts products.

“Following a period of consecutive growth of 30 per cent year on year, we are very excited to be launching the new division,” Stuart White of Creative Models told ToyNews. “It’s almost like starting from scratch, it’s very exciting.” Creative Models: 01354 760 022

3,000 counterfeit toys seized in Australia Meanwhile, in the UK, H. Grossman takes action against counterfeit Rainbow Looms By Robert Hutchins AUSTRALIAN TOY manufacturer and distributor, Funtastic seized and destroyed more than 3,000 fake toys prior to Christmas last year. Pillow Pets, DreamLites and Slushy Magic knockoffs were found being sold in pop-up kiosks belonging to one Melbourne company last November. For Funtastic’s legal counsel, Emily Stothers, the seizure represents a tremendous win. “Counterfeit products can be dangerous in many ways, bypassing the regulations that ensure toys are safe,” she said. “Our commitment is to our customers, ensuring they get the quality they expect when purchasing what appears to be one of our brands.” The infringing company has now been stopped from selling the fakes. 10 January/February

Downton Abbey game can be year-round seller By Billy Langsworthy Funtastic has prevented the sale of 2,034 fake Pillow Pets, 276 DreamLites and 174 Slushy Magic in Australia. Meanwhile, H. Grossman has joined with Amazon

Our team will be working hard to remove all fakes from the market. Martin Grossman, H Grossman and eBay to try to eradicate counterfeit Rainbow Loom sales.

Using legitimate product pictures, counterfeiters dupe online shoppers to buy ‘poor quality fakes’. Following a tip-off from ToyNews, MD, Martin Grossman is working closely with the Trading Standards Office and a team posing as consumers to flush out the fakes. Grossman said: “Thanks to ToyNews for pointing out this link, our team will be working hard to remove fakes from the marketplace. It is, of course, a measure of the popularity of the product that so many fakes have appeared so quickly.” H Grossman: 0141 613 2525

DESTINATION BOARD Games believes its new Downton Abbey product can sell year-round, even when the show is off air. The game, which sees players move around the Abbey completing tasks and collecting bells, is the only one based on the hit TV show and the firm has high hopes for it at retail. “We got the contract quite late in 2013, so most of our Christmas business has been online, but we are confident to gain national retail listings in 2014,” MD Rachel Lowe told ToyNews.

“Most Downton fans have been watching the programme since series one, but the game is not specific to any particular series of the show. It is an affectionate take on the Downton Abbey life. “Whether Valentine’s or Mother’s Day, there is no need to wait, we welcome your business.” Destination Board Games: 02392 704040

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NEWS

Maps Toys enjoys its best year yet Bloco, Aeromax and EZ Fort lines all put in strong performances throughout 2013 By Samantha Loveday MAPS TOYS is feeling confident about its 2014 lineup, having enjoyed its best year yet in 2013. The firm saw its Bloco collection go from strength to strength, with the Robots and Cats & Kittens additions proving popular. This year will see the Bloco construction line grow further with the arrival of Monsters & Ogres, Darko Dragon of Darkness and Lightnix Dragon of Light, while the dinosaur collection will now include Ankylosaur and young raptors. Maps reported unprecedented demand for items from the Aeromax costume range, with the Talking Space Helmet being the hero line. The collection will continue throughout 2014 and includes astronaut costumes and accessories, as well as the Space Shuttle Ride-On and the Super Power Water Blaster.

We had a superb 2013 with popular lines selling brilliantly. Dirk Kiefer, MD, Maps Toys This year welcomes Cool Circuits, which was awarded Puzzle of the Year 2013 by Games MagazineX and will challenge players of all ages. Maps will also launch a new Space Station House Tent

from Pacific Play Tents, as well as a Space Tunnel, while the EZ Fort and Toobeez lines will also see new additions. The Be Amazing collection of fun and educational science experiments will be extended to include This is Rocket Science, Mountain of Doom, Brain Tickling Science and Epic Bubbles. “We had a superb 2013 with popular lines selling brilliantly,” Dirk Kiefer, MD of Maps Toys enthused. “We have some fantastic new ranges coming up in 2014 and are confident they will perform well.” Maps Toys: 01483 776006

Growth surge for Wild Card Games By Robert Hutchins WILD CARD Games saw its “biggest year so far” in 2013, reporting 70 per cent growth year on year. The UK producer of board game titles such as Who Knows Where? and Maponimoes is now projecting a continued double-digit sales growth in 2014. Christmas 2013 was the firm’s biggest to date, surpassing 2012 despite

arriving later than ever for the firm both online and in-store. Wild Card Games’ director, Sean Byrne, told ToyNews: “Last year was our biggest year so far, we have had sales growth every year. We were 70

per cent up in 2012 on 2011. The 2013 figures have certainly surpassed 2012’s.” Among the successes, the firm’s Maponimoes UK had a ‘record breaking first year’ last year, while the pirate memory game built a lot of momentum throughout 2013. Byrne added: “We have some star performers. Our projection is continued double digit growth.” Wild Card Games: 07916 349942

Wild Card Games has a range of 19 products this year, with five star performers to watch out for

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NEWS

Toy retail told to ‘make space for kids’ books’ Publishers urge toy retailers to get on board with this sector as World Book Day is on the way in March By Robert Hutchins CHILDREN’S BOOKS are looking to be more popular among toy retailers than ever, publishers have told ToyNews. With World Book Day approaching in March, the likes of Usborne Publishing, Egmont and Walker Books have urged more toy stores to get involved in the market. "World Book Day is a good hook to give your store an event and a theme that will bring people in," Walker Books' head of licensing, Anna Hewitt told ToyNews. Anna Howorth, marketing and publicity manager at Usborne Publishing, added: "This is the perfect time for toy retailers to celebrate children's books and reading. Children's books are looking to be more popular than ever among toy retailers, and anything that highlights books and reading is great." World Book Day sees children given a £1 book token through school and nursery that can be redeemed in book shops and participating toy stores selling books for a free book or £1 off any title. While only the members of the Booksellers Association can participate, World Book Day director Kirsten Grant believes there is no reason

World Book Day can give your store an event to bring people in. Anna Hewitt, Walker Books toy retailers shouldn't get involved in the event. Grant said: "It is a great way to get kids involved with reading, and toy retailers can celebrate World Book Day in their shop with dress up or

SuperAwesome eyes global expansion SUPERAWESOME, the brains behind Box of Awesome and Box of OMG, is preparing to enter the US market for the first time, following a year of ‘crazy growth’. Already reaching 18 million children across mobile, web and physical initiatives, the firm is reportedly staggered by its growth in its first year. “2013 has been crazy, I have never seen growth like what we are experiencing in SuperAwesome,” said cofounder and CEO of SuperAwesome, Dylan Collins. “We are now four times the size of every single virtual world in the UK combined. 2014 is going to be even more, particularly as we branch out in to North America.” Aimed at kids aged six to 16, SuperAwesome’s Box of Awesome and Box of OMG are aimed at boys and

girls respectively, delivering free games, movies and exclusives to kids every two months. Box of Awesome and Box of OMG merged with Swapit to become SuperAwesome,

We are four times the size of every virtual world in the UK combined. Dylan Collins, SuperAwesome and the comapny will be exhibiting at its first Toy Fair this year. “For us, Toy Fair will be about spending time with our clients and looking at the new companies entering the market,” added Collins. SuperAwesome: 0207 268 9960

events. Anything that makes reading as attractive as possible, can only be a good thing." The UK's leading publishers also insist that the demand for books is not restricted to a one-day event. "Our research shows parents will reward kids with a book throughout the year, so they are definitely a great way to get footfall to your store outside of those busy periods,” said Emma Cairns Smith, licensing acquisition director at Egmont UK. Head to page 57 for our look at the children’s book sector.

DKL reaches 25-year milestone Celebrations to take place throughout Toy Fair New logo and website to be launched By Samantha Loveday DKL IS celebrating 25 years in the toy business in 2014 – marking the milestone with a new logo and website as well as activity during Toy Fair at Olympia. Still owned by its original founders Kai (pictured) and Dorte Hawaleschka, and 12 January/February

their daughter Lise Skeppstam, DKL began to distribute in the UK in March 1989 with the Trolls, followed by Hama Beads (which the firm still distributes today). DKL currently distributes Hama, Corolle, Wonderworld, Miniland and Munchkin. A new logo and website will be revealed as part of

the 25th celebrations, reflecting DKL’s growth as well as adhering to the heritage and traditions that the company has built up. The DKL stand at London Toy Fair will also see celebrations throughout the show. Beyond this, a restructuring to the business has taken place so

it is ready to expand and grow the business further, as well as actively looking for new suppliers. “ I am very excited to bring in new suppliers as every new range brings its challenges,” said Kai Hawaleschka, DKL MD. “We look forward to the future.” DKL: 01604 678786 www.toynews–online.biz

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ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TIME.

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RACING IS LIFE. ANYTHING BEFORE OR AFTER IS JUST WAITING. STEVE MCQUEEN (ACTOR)

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UNLOCK YOUR HERO.

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WE’RE ALL HEROES OF OUR OWN LIVES. JESSE EISENBERG (ACTOR)

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NPD RESEARCH

Proper ties

Retail Sales Trends

November disappoints, but key brands show growth NOVEMBER WAS another slow month for the toy market with value sales down seven per cent on the same period a year ago. In 2012 the peak season also saw a slow start with sales increasing closer to Christmas and the final week of the year seeing an impressive 65 per cent value increase, so there is evidence that consumers continue to leave much of their purchasing until the last minute. However, there are some positive brands across the toy market that suggests that some areas remain healthy. Girls’ brands continue to show healthy sales with Barbie the number two property for the month of November, with Monster High and LEGO Friends also in the top ten and growing. There is also growth for pre-school girls licences with Peppa Pig still strong and new launches for 2013, Doc McStuffins and Sofia the First also making a splash. For boys, 2013 has been all about Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Disney

Planes and Jake and the Never Land Pirates all showing strong growth. Early Christmas sales suggest that technological toys remain popular with Teksta Puppy, Furby and pre-school tablets, LeapPad and Innotab all top sellers for the month of November. In addition, the games market continues to see some strong sales with the market up four per

cent for November. Top selling games remain classics with Monopoly Standard and Scrabble Original the top selling items – but the new versions such as Operation Re-Invention and Monopoly Empire are ranked at numbers three and four respectively. “November was a disappointing performance for one of the peak months of the year for toy sales,” said Jez Fraser-Hook, practice director of NPD Group’s toy business in the UK. “However, with evidence that consumers are leaving toy purchases to the very last minute in order to search for bargains both in-store and online, it is still too soon to tell how the toy market has fared for the full year. Annual sales are still heavily weighted to the final weeks of the year and if those final weeks leading up to Christmas were strong then the total UK toy market may have remained flat for the year.”

Best item progression November 2013

Playmobil Christmas A favourite with children and parents alike, this climbed an impressive 204 places from number 254 in October 2013 to number 50 in November.

Sales UK toy sales (value, year-to-date)

YTD 2012

YTD 2013

Source: NPD

-7%

Average toy price November ‘12: £11.20

November ‘13: £11.36

UK RETAIL SALES TRENDS November 2013 (£ sales – value)

November 2013 (Unit sales – volume)

HASBRO

LEAPFROG

2. LEGO MINIFIGURES

FURBY BOOM

2. LEAPPAD EXPLORER 3. INNOTAB2 4. TEKSTA PUPPY

VTECH CHARACTER OPTIONS

5. KIDIZOOM TWIST DIGITAL CAMERA 6. CHILL FACTOR SQUEEZY CUP

VTECH

CHARACTER OPTIONS

MATCH ATTAX 2013/2014 BOOSTER BOX

TOPPS LEGO

3. HOT WHEELS BASIC CAR ASSORTMENT 4. MOSHI MONSTERS BLIND BAG ASSORTMENT 5. FURBY BOOM 6. MOSHI MONSTERS MOSHLING FIGURES 7. CHILL FACTOR SQUEEZY CUP

8. STAR WARS ADVENT CALENDAR 2013

8. PLAY-DOH SINGLE TUB ASSORTMENT

9. IMAGINEXT BATCAVE 10. ONE DIRECTION DOLLS

MATTEL VIVID

VIVID HASBRO

7. LEAPSTER EXPLORER GAME ASSORTMENT LEAPFROG LEGO

MATTEL

VIVID

CHARACTER OPTIONS HASBRO

9. FRIENDS ANIMALS 2013

LEGO

10. TMNT BASIC FIGURE ASSORTMENT

FLAIR

Notes: All participating NPD retail data suppliers provide weekly data via epos systems. NPD figures are not projected to represent non-participating retailers but provide 100 per cent of the sales from participating stores. Epos sample includes the following retailers: Amazon.co.uk, Argos, Asda, Boots, Debenhams, ELC, Firebox, Freemans, Grattan, Halfords, Hamleys, HMV, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Mothercare, Next, Play.com, Sainsbury’s, Shop Direct, Tesco, The Entertainer, Toys R Us, Toymaster, WHSmith, Wilkinsons. NPD estimates that the epos now accounts for 78% of the total toy market.

01932 355 580 18 January/February

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CAMPAIGN OF THE MONTH / PLAYTIME

Tamagotchi Friends Bandai has launched it latest version of Tamagotchi with an extensive marketing campaign covering TV, consumer press and a new online space for fans CONTACT Bandai: 01489 790 944 This season marks the heralded return of the Nineties playground craze, the Tamagotchi. Back by consumer demand, the new version, Tamagotchi Friends has now hit retailers up and down the country. Featuring six new designs, the Tamagotchi Digital Friends incorporates short range communication technology – similar to that used in many smartphones – to allow children to ‘bump’ their Tamagotchi to send text messages, exchange gifts and visit other Tamagotchis for ‘play dates’. Supporting the arrival of the new line, Bandai has invested in a heavyweight launch campaign including TV, web, consumer press and in-store promotion.

MORE TO COME The firm has hinted that further PR activity is set to take place throughout the New Year. Vicki Elmer, product manager at Bandai, said: “We have worked hard on the launch and are putting the final touches to some exciting PR activity in the New Year.”

IN-STORE Boosting its in-store presence in the run-up to Christmas, Bandai delivered a series of egg shaped floor standing display units into stores across the country. The firm has also revealed that retailers running a pre-order facility for the range have reported high levels of interest in the six new Tamagotchi designs. ONLINE Bandai’s marketing campaign began with the launch new Tamagotchi website www.tamagotchifriends.com. The firm will also be driving awareness of the brand through dedicated social media pages.

SMALL SCREEN TV advertising for the new Tamagotchi Friends range premiered on Boxing Day and introduced children to the ‘bump’ play pattern of the product. The 1,000 TVR campaign will run throughout the spring and will direct fans to the brand new Tamagotchi online space.

Playtime 2.50

Generation Media looks at the leading kids channels in terms of viewing hours, both monthly and year-to-date

2.32 1.85

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1.58

1.47

1.43

1.30

1.50

1.06

WHICH KIDS CHANNEL HAS THE HIGHEST AVERAGE MONTHLY VIEWING HOURS?

0.92

OCTOBER 1ST – 31ST 2013

0.82 1.00 0.75

0.70

0,60 0.43

0.50

0.42

0.35

0.33

0.32 0.18

0.10

HERE we examine the average monthly viewing hours across the kids commercial channel set. It is important to take into account average viewing hours when measuring the popularity of a channel. Judging them based on total commercial impacts alone can lead to an unfair

20 January/February

advantage for those with longer commercial minutage vs channels such as Disney Jr, which only has two minutes of commercials per hour. The bars represent the average monthly viewing hours per commercial children’s channel (hours reported as a decimal).

On average, Disney Channel was watched for longer than any other channel on a monthly basis. This has been aided by longer format programming such as Good Luck Charlie, Jessie and Austin & Ally. This is good news for advertisers who have flocked to Disney Channel

and Disney Jr following their commercialisation in 2013. Year to date, Cartoon Network is currently ranking as the largest kids channel in terms of commercial viewing and has so far seen the highest year on year increase in viewing. It is, therefore, no surprise to see it is third

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MEDIA ATTENTION Coverage in national newspapers has been backed by making it into MSN’s Christmas Gift Guide.

place in terms of highest average viewing hours. Channels such as Milkshake, CITV Breakfast and ITV Breakfast do not place in the top ten, as this airtime is a segment within a channel and will thus have fewer viewing hours as a result.

Toy News PlayTime is provided by Generation Media 0207 255 4650 | www.generationmedia.co.uk www.toynews-online.biz

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APPOINTMENTS

Industry moves This month, Egmont re-organises its management, Moose Toys bolsters it US division and an industry veteran steps down from LEGO UK after 30 years in the business

EGMONT Bringing together its international children’s publishing activities under a new management structure, former SVP Egmont English Language and Western Europe, ROB MCMENEMY (pictured, top left) has been named CEO International. Meanwhile, the firm is bringing together its POSH PAWS The Essex-based toy specialist is aiming for a ‘successful 2014’ with the appointment of a new brand manager. LAUREN HAYWARD has joined the team with ten years experience in both inhouse and agency marketing and PR roles. Hayward joins as Posh Paws prepares to explore new licensing opportunities in the New Year. BARRY GROVES of Posh Paws, said: “We are excited to welcome Lauren to the Posh Paws team. She brings a breadth of marketing skills and experience that I am sure will be invaluable to the company. Lauren will offer a new perspective for us.” GREEN BOARD GAMES The firm has bolstered its UK sales team with a new sales executive in preparation for a busy 2014. Arriving with a gift

22 January/February

fiction and licensed character book business to form Egmont Books, led by CALLY POPLAK (second from left) current MD of Egmont Press. Further moves see GILLIAN LASKIER (top centre) become MD of Egmont Magazines as DAVID RILEY (second from right), MD of Egmont UK’s licensed character marketing background, STEPH WALLACE boasts both insight and experience to enable greater reach for Green Board Games’ product range. Wallace said: “I am impressed by the company and the products are simply brilliant. This is a great opportunity to be part of a well-established brand which has big plans.” The firm’s CEO, KEITH GRAFHAM, added: “We are yet to reach the full potential of these products. Steph will be a great asset in helping us to do this and will open new doors to us.” ASOBI The founding partner of Trends UK, DAVID BOTTOMLEY has joined Asobi as its new commercial manager. The move comes as the firm continues its plans for growth in the New Year. Bottomley brings with him a wealth of knowledge in the toy industry having

business steps down but will return in a consultancy role this year. Finally, ALISON DAVID (top right), consumer insight director, will be joining the UK management team. McMenemy said: “This reorganisation of the UK business comes as part of our commitment to keep the business strong.” held the role of UK sales director at Hasbro. Bottomley will report to Asobi’s founder, THIERRY BOURRET. He said: “I am thrilled to have joined the team. I truly admire Thierry’s passion and commitment to toys that inspire and with my knowledge and love of the industry, we will make a great team. 2014 is looking to be a busy year for us.” M4E The brand management and media company has welcomed JO DARIS to its team. Daris will be responsible for strategic and business development as the firm expands its activities internationally. He started his career in marketing, working for major FMCG companies before moving into the children’s area, working with properties such as Pokémon, Yu-GiOh, Avatar and Totally Spies. In 2006 Daris moved to the family entertainment sector,

MOOSE TOYS The firm has welcomed two new employees to its US division. LARRY FALCON has been appointed as the new head of sales, while DARREN GAFFNEY will focus on the company’s Walmart account as national account manager. Falcon boasts an joining forces with Studio 100 and was instrumental in the acquisition of E.M. Entertainment in Germany. He joins m4e after a 14 month break from the entertainment industry. ELECTROLUX GROUP Former president of Europe and Asia Pacific at Beanstalk, CIARÁN COYLE has taken the new role of VP and head of global brand licensing at Electrolux Group. DHX MEDIA The media firm has bolstered its UK team with the appointment of VICTORIA BUSHELL as brand director. She will be responsible for global brand management of the newly acquired properties In The Night Garden, Teletubbies, Abney and Teal and Dipdap. She will be working with commercial director STEPHEN GOULD. Bushell has a raft of experience in the preschool market having started her career as marketing manager at VTech UK, before joining Hit Entertainment where she

extensive background in sales administration, merchandising, forecasting and supply chain management. He most recently served as senior vice president of sales and marketing at Bandai. Meanwhile, Gaffney has a strong background in sales with over 18 years of experience in managing national accounts. He previously worked as the director of national accounts with VTech Electronics. was responsible for Thomas and Friends. LEGO UK One of the firm’s longest serving employees is stepping down after a 31 year career with the construction toy company. Senior national account manager, DARRELL SHOOB joined the company in 1983, beginning his career as area sales representative. Shoob has seen the firm become the world’s second biggest toy maker, witnessing the launch of lines such as the Technic brand and Space Minifigures. “I have had an amazing 31 years with LEGO,” said Shoob. “I have enjoyed seeing the partnerships with movie licenses as this moved LEGO onto a new level for the business and consumers. I am looking forward to working to my own agenda and pursuing new interests.” LEGO UK, general manager, FIONA WRIGHT added: “Darrell has been instrumental in developing the relationships with some of our key accounts.”

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OPINION

Knowledge is power Steve Reece challenges the ‘know-it-all’ mentality and believes the real beacons of knowledge could be closer than you think THERE IS a faulty presumption clearly present with some toy industry folk who have achieved a certain level of success. That presumption is likely to lead towards failure and potentially ruin. The presumption in question is the ‘know it all mind-set’ i.e. some people truly believe they know everything about this business, and their work because they have achieved a degree of success. I’ve been privileged to work with many very successful lifelong toy business veterans in functions from owner/management, R&D, marketing, sales, engineering, etc. Even these highly experienced

people never claimed to know everything. In fact, one of the key criteria of those who have achieved significant success in this industry is a thirst for relevant (and financially rewarding) knowledge.

nuggets of knowledge will have a quantifiable impact on your on-going business. Being a consultant, you’d expect me to be enthusiastic about the value of external knowledge to a toy company, but the first

The first place to look for valuable knowledge is from within your own company and networks. It may be a cliché to say that ‘knowledge is power’, but it’s a very accurate cliché in the world of toys. Knowing the right deal terms, the right buyer, the right factory, having objective consumer insight – all of these golden

place to look for valuable knowledge is from within your own company and networks. The sales person who tells the same old school anecdotes over and over again, the finance director who has been there and

done it, the engineer who has had projects go wrong and fixed them countless times. All these people have huge knowledge capital which you should be soliciting, because that’s free and usually readily available to someone willing to ask the right questions, and to listen to the answers. Also, the data files within your company should provide all manner of insights. Repeating past mistakes, or failing to apply learnings your company should already have fully absorbed is pure folly. If you don’t capture key learnings in a documented and readily available format, and if you take a slapdash approach to

delivering efficiency based on existing knowledge, then good luck – you’ll need it! Looking externally, the myriad of knowledge available to you in this information age is vast. However, you will find that highly specialised information is often available only directly via those in the know. This can be your customers, friends in other companies, service providers or other external people. The best single piece of advice I can offer to those looking for long-term success in our business is to keep seeking knowledge, and to be genuinely interested in everyone you meet, because their knowledge can become your power.

Steve Reece is a leading Consultant in the Toy & Games industry. Contact him via steve.reece@vicientertainment.co.uk, or see his blog at www.stevenreece.com

Blast from the past ToyNews’ own Billy Langsworthy discovers a range of his old toys during a house move, but can’t remember being ‘that’ child IN A RECENT house move, I stumbled across two boxes of toys, one contained a range of products that, now, after four or five years of horror movie consumption, I can only see as creepy. This featured a Barney the Dinosaur plush whose years of wear and tear had left his hand-squeezed induced singing sounding more like groans of the walking dead. Super Dee Duper, I think not. But the other box, much to my delight, was full to the brim with Top Trumps. Since joining ToyNews, I’ve come to realise that toys have the ability to initiate a powerful sting of nostalgia (as the Barney discovery suddenly reminded me, I

was freaked out by the purple dinosaur even when it could belt out a tune). When going through my old packs, I suddenly became all too aware of the power of the collectable toy. While Horror, Lord of The Rings, The Simpsons and

Warships, Ultimate Military Jets or Battleships but looking at my collection you’d think I’d be chomping at the bit to invade Poland. I’ve still never seen an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer but I can apparently tell you who out

When going through my old packs, I became all too aware of the power of the collectable toy. European Football All Stars packs all made sense to me, my complete collection paints the picture of an owner I no longer recognise. I can’t quite remember having a passion for

of Rupert Giles and Willow Rosenberg has a higher Killer Rating. And, no offence to the architect community, but I can’t remember rushing out to buy Skyscrapers Top

Trumps and answers on a postcard please as to where The Da Vinci Code pack came from. But, there they are, sitting in my collection. So, as I prepare for my first taste of the Toy Fair season, I’m looking forward to seeing the next possible toy range powerful

enough to induce a timetravelling sense of nostalgia for consumers in 15 years time. And if anyone has a spare moment at the London Toy Fair and fancies a game of Top Trumps Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, I’ll be at stand E2.

Billy Langsworthy is the deputy editor at ToyNews. He can be contacted on Billy.Langsworthy@intentmedia.co.uk

24 January/February

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OPINION

Brave new world David Smith gives a standing ovation to the toy industry’s entrepreneurs IT IS said that everyone has a novel inside them (although if that is indeed the case, the one inside me is proving very reluctant to come out). From my experience, it seems that everyone has a new toy or game concept inside them as well – I’m amazed at how often, when talking with someone about the work I do, they chirp up with a phrase like ‘I’ve got a great idea for a toy.’ I’m always happy to listen, although I often come to realise that halfway through their pitch, they think I am actually in a position to bring their dream to fruition and have to gently explain that I own ToyTalk, not Toys R Us. Still, I love the idea that so many of us grown-ups

have ideas for toys and games buzzing around in our heads, and I am full of admiration for the people who actually manage to create their vision and attempt to sell it. Every year, the ToyTalk Awards recognise the best

have come from infant companies set up by bold entrepreneurs who weren’t content to let their idea stay tucked away at the back of their minds. Jurassic Wars, by Dice Maestro, was a simply brilliant card-and-dice game

I love the idea that so many of us grown-ups have ideas for toys and games buzzing around in our heads. new toys to be released in the UK over the previous 12 months, and every year there are one or two startup companies who enter their products. In fact, some of the best toys and games I’ve seen

back in 2009, while 2011 saw the debut of Daughters of History, makers of (in our opinion) the best dolls you can currently buy in the UK. This year, a Chester company called Talkplaces

impressed us with its debut launch, a maths-based game called PLYT that allows kids and adults to compete on equal terms. It’s not so much that the ideas in each of these cases were great. What really impresses me is that the creative people in question have had the gumption to stick their

necks out in the middle of a recession and create a new toy or game in the face of massive competition from the big guns of the toy world. As we head into a new year, and with the Toy Fair just around the corner, I can hardly wait to see what new stuff is on its way for 2014.

David Smith runs the consumer-focused toy news site ToyTalk (www.toytalk.co.uk) and is the author of the book 100 Classic Toys.

War games Dr Tara Woodyer, Dr Klaus Dodds and Dr Sean Carter discuss their project looking at whether war toys have a role to play in influencing the future of our armed forces TOYS ARE no strangers to academic enquiry. Two issues have dominated academic debates; the extent to which toys reflect or reinforce gender stereotypes, and whether ‘playing at war’ is morally acceptable. The Ludic Geopolitics project is interested in understanding the longstanding British action figure – which for most people (including members of the research team) is of course synonymous with Action Man (Palitoy). Since 2009 the British action figure has been revived by Character Options, in conjunction with the UK Ministry of Defence

in the Her Majesty’s Armed Forces (HMAF) range. This range draws explicitly on the recent military activities of British Armed forces in both Iraq and Afghanistan. The current best seller is a ten-inch high infantry soldier in desert combats. The doll comes with an assault rifle, radio, flak jacket, body armour, helmet and desert goggles. Rather than seeking to make judgments about the gendered nature of certain toys, or about the ways in which toys may or may not contribute to ‘cultures of violence’, this new project seeks to extend our understanding about these

kinds of toys in two main ways. First, we will research how children engage with these toys, and how they contribute to the ways in which they understand issues such as war. We will be looking at children mainly in the age range of seven to ten. Such children have lived through a decade where British forces have been continuously engaged in overseas combat. Many of these children will have known someone who has served in Afghanistan or Iraq; most will have seen something in the media. We are interested in understanding how toys,

such as the HMAF range, shape their understanding of conflict and their attitudes towards the British military. Along the way, we will discover more about what other toys children use to ‘play war’. The second strand of the research seeks to better understand the ways in which toys (in this case the British action figure) reflect the changing realities of global politics. Here we will take an historical perspective and look at the ways that the design and marketing of Action Man changed from its introduction in the 1960s through to its eventual demise in the

1990s. These changes will be analysed alongside interviews and archival research with those who made and played with the Action Man figures. We are working closely with the V & A Museum of Childhood, especially in relation to their current exhibition entitled ‘War Games’. We will produce a range of outputs including a coffee-table style publication that will provide a rich visual history of the action figure. We would be very pleased to hear from anyone working in the toy industry that feels they may be able to contribute to the research.

Dr. Tara Woodyer is senior lecturer in Human Geography at the University of Portsmouth, Dr Klaus Dodds is professor of Geopolitics at Royal Holloway University and Dr Sean Carter is senior lecturer in Human Geography at University of Exeter. Dr Tara Woodyer can be contacted via Kate Daniell in the University of Portsmouth’s press office on 02392 843743 or at kate.daniell@port.ac.uk

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January/February 25

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DUBIT RESEARCH

The great tablet takeover It’s been four years since the iPad launched, but since then it’s been joined by a plethora of tablet devices on the shelves of retailers, supermarkets and toy stores. But how much access do children really have to them, what do they use them for and is there room for any more? Youth and family research agency Dubit asked around

26 January/February

SINCE THE launch of the iPad four years ago the tablet market has changed considerably. Back then few would have predicted the impact it would have on children’s entertainment. Now children have a plethora of tablet devices to choose from – some made specifically for them – what was once an expensive luxury can now be picked up for around £60 for the weekly shop. But how much of an impact has the tablet revolution had and has diversity in the market had any real impact on Apple

and what does the future hold? We wanted to answer these questions and also find out what kids think of the current crop of tablet devices – what do they think is cool? We surveyed 500 children aged between six and 12 (and their parents) to find out. AWARENESS If there is one area where Apple’s dominance shows it’s in awareness. 91 per cent of children are aware of the iPad and 64 per cent are aware of the iPad Mini – slightly fewer than those aware of Samsung’s Galaxy

tablets (68 per cent). Budget tablets also fare relatively well, with 59 per cent being aware of Amazon’s Kindle Fire and 40 per cent aware of Google’s Nexus. An impressive 29 per cent know of Argos’ budget-priced Hudl despite it being a relative new comer. Kid-focused tablets also perform well with 41 per cent of those surveyed having heard of LeapFrog’s LeapPad and 19 per cent aware of VTech’s InnoTab. Even when the respondents were given free choice, none of them www.toynews-online.biz

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DUBIT RESEARCH

mentioned any of the other kid-focused tablets. ACCESS Awareness is one thing, but we want to know what children have access to. Just over half six to 12 year olds have access to an iPad (55 per cent) and 28 per cent have access to a Galaxy Tablet. While iPads and Galaxy tablets are often used by the whole family kidfocused tablets are primarily for young children, so we weren’t surprised to find that only nine per cent of children have access to a LeapPad and four per cent to an InnoTab. But if we only asked the six year olds, we find that 22 per cent of them have access to one or the other. WHAT DO CHILDREN REALLY THINK? We know it’s the parents www.toynews-online.biz

that buy these devices but the views of children still play their part. That’s why we asked them to score each device they were aware of against a range of terms, such as: cool, safe, fun, and ‘looks good’. Against the likes of iPads and Android-based devices the child-focused tablets

highest for being ‘childish’, as we’d expect. Despite the iPad’s high price (which not all children may be aware of) all the devices scored around 3.6 for ‘value for money’ (five meaning the term was a perfect fit, and one meaning a bad fit). If we concentrate on the six and

The iPad was seen as the coolest and most mature of the tablets with the kid-focused tablets scoring highest for being ‘childish’, as expected. scored poorly for being cool, fun and attractive – although they did perform stronger at the younger end of the spectrum. The iPad was seen as the coolest and most mature of the tablets with the kidfocused tablets scoring

seven year olds the LeapPad is seen as marginally more fun and cooler than the InnoTab. The kid-focused tablets perform better with this age group but are still out classed by the iPad and Kindle Fire.

THE FUTURE If you thought the world was awash with tablets already, 2014 will surprise you as 35 per cent of parents of children aged six to 12 are planning to buy an iPad in the next 12 months. But it’s not all about iPads – 29 per cent expect to buy a Galaxy tablet, 24 per cent a Kindle Fire and 17 per cent expect to get a Hudl over the same period. Looking at the kidfocused tablets, ten per cent expect to buy either a LeapPad or an InnoTab. It’s clear to see that for children and their parents the iPad is the cream of the crop – children think it’s the coolest and the most fun of all tablets. But while the word tablet used to just be another word for iPad we should expect to see not only a growing tablet

market but also an increase in diversity. If you’re developing a new IP or toy the chance that your target market also interacts with a tablet device is becoming almost certain.

Dubit is a youth research agency and digital development studio. By utilising a deep understanding of young people’s motivations and behaviours, Dubit works with brand owners to create digital experiences that children love. Phone: 0113 394 7920 Email: research@dubitlimited.com

January/February 27

28,29 TN147 ToyShop UK_final 20/12/2013 11:18 Page 1

INDEPENDENT SURVEY

Are you worried about the impact of

3D printing? Is the idea of actually designing and printing out your own toys one we should be concerned about? Or is it just a passing fad? Toy Shop UK asks its listers what they think

“ 28 January/February

Steve Bulcock Tetbury Rocking Horse Works, Stroud “Bring it on: fed up making rocking horses, I can then retire.” Julian Shelford Final Frontier, Plymouth “Every now and then something new comes along that will destroy the market: they have all been big news, the internet, the death of the High Street, the computer will replace paper. Toys have been around for years and will continue to be so. No

WHILE IT may not have been as much of a buzzword as ‘twerking’ or ‘selfie’, awareness of 3D printing certainly ramped up throughout 2013, with various stories in the national media and coverage on current affairs TV shows. But is talk of it having significant impact on toy retail premature? Considering the price, how realistic is it that children will suddenly be printing out toys in their bedrooms? An equal number of ToyShopUK listers this month either thought the new technology would be complementary, or didn’t know enough about it to make an informed decision. “The equipment is expensive, but I can see a model where the toy shop has the printer and does items on demand,” says Paul David from Mrtoybox in Barnsley.

doubt some new toy line will come out for 3D printing, plus people will always want the original toy. It will have a place but I can't see any threat, unless every shop will have a 3D printer out the back, or everyone buys one. Time will tell, one thing theory forgets is the human reaction.” Paul David Mrtoybox, Barnsley “Expensive equipment. I can see a model where the toy shop has the printer and does items on demand.”

Mark Askew from Bennellies in Sleaford also believes they could be great for add on toys: “Manufacturers can offer codes to download additional extras which will make the initial purchase more appealing – so long as the main item remains at retail via the High Street, of course.”

but I can’t see any threat, unless every shop will have a 3D printer out the back or everyone buys one.” Vicky Brown from Just Williams Toys in London agrees: “They may be able to create items that look like the real toys, but they won’t have the same properties – touch and feel qualities to the item.

They may be able to create items that look like real toys, but they won’t have the same touch and feel qualities. Vicky Brown, Just Williams Toys However, 19 per cent of respondents simply think it is a passing fad, and just five per cent are worried it could be a threat to their business. “Toys have been around for years and will continue to be so,” comments Julian Shelford from Final Frontier in Plymouth. “It will have a place,

“You can’t beat the experience of going to a toy shop.”

Matt Booker Automattic Comics and Toys, Corsham “For the moment it is complementary, but could be a threat in the future when cost and quality comes anywhere close to the production values of LEGO, etc. But that’s a long way in the future.”

more appealing (so long as the main item remains retail via the High Street, of course). Airfix for example should be taking full advantage of this technology as all their items require gluing and painting anyway.”

Mark Askew Bennellies, Sleaford “Great add on toys as manufacturers can offer codes to download additional extras from Action Man weapons to Barbie pets, which will make the initial purchase

Sally Brooming The Hare and the Broom, Emsworth “I haven't really considered the impact. Our business doesn't sell electronic games at all so I think this is just a more advanced format to electronics and there

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INDEPENDENT SURVEY

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Father and son team Tim and Michael Hawkins have run www.toyshopuk.co.uk for over five years, growing the directory into the ultimate resource for consumers to find the toys they need. It has over 10,000 consumer visitors each day. Suppliers and retailers can increase the number of visitors to their website via Toy Shop UK’s packages, many of which are free.

WITH 3D PRINTING BECOMING MORE AND MORE AFFORDABLE, HOW DO YOU SEE THIS IN RELATION TO YOUR BUSINESS? 5% - IT’S A THREAT 38% - IT’S COMPLEMENTARY 38% - I DON’T KNOW ENOUGH ABOUT IT 19% - IT’S A PASSING FAD

Michael Taylor Excitim, Market Drayton “I’m starting to think 3D printing could offer lots of benefits in the sector where I operate special needs. For instance, the ability to customise product characteristics such as colour, size, shape, etc and then produce them in small numbers for individual users. Comparing the established economics of mass production

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techniques with an embryonic 3D process will never look good. Assuming 3D technology will continue to develop, product performance increases and costs reduced, I could envisage 3D becoming a preferred technology for bespoke production runs.” Nicholas Vaughan Junior Farmer, Hereford “It will only be useful to hobbyists who are interested in creating plastic bits and pieces. For serious toy producers, they still need the vast knowledge on the subject,

expertise and funding to create all the components and functioning parts to create toys with real value.” Maxine Harvey My Doll Best Friend, London “It’s amazing and sure to catch on - parents and children will be able to design and print plastic accessories for their dolls from home. Making your own doll hair, accessories and jewellery is a fun new way to play with dolls.” Duncan Conner Bus Stop Toy Shop, Largs “It's well worth watching.

If prices drop to a level where 3D printers are commonplace in bedrooms, there's the high risk of the counterfeiting of, for example, war gaming miniatures.” Vicky Brown Just Williams Toys, London “They may be able to create items that look like the real toys, but they won’t have the same properties - touch and feel qualities of the item. A certain age group won’t have the patience to wait for the items to be printed. You can’t beat the experience of going to a toy shop.”

“

is still room for traditional toys and modern technology.”

January/February 29

30 TN146 Good toy guide_final 18/12/2013 07:57 Page 1

GOOD TOY GUIDE CONTACT THE GOOD TOY GUIDE:

New Year, new toys

Twitter: @goodtoyguide Facebook: GoodToyGuide Email: admin@goodtoyguide.com Website: www.goodtoyguide.com

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

As the toy industry bubbles with the excitement of another year, Dr Amanda Gummer kicks off 2014 with a look at those products delighting the team in the months ahead THE NEW YEAR represents a fresh start for many, so we’re looking ahead at toys that are likely to be new and innovative this year.

We will be getting our hands on these to test if we haven’t already and we will be on the look out for more exciting new products

at Toy Fair, so get in touch to book an appointment if you are yet to do so. Developers of new toys have a hard time breaking

into a very competitive market, but we found some gems that we think will do well, as well as some from existing manufacturers.

OUR ONES TO WATCH FOR 2014 ARE:

THE PLAYAWAY CASE Is it a toy? Is it luggage? Well, it’s both. We love the versatility and attention to detail that has gone into the design of these cases and they were flying off our stand at the Ideal Home Show in November, so they are going to be a must have for all young adventurers, whether travelling by car, train or plane.

OIDROIDS OiDroids, the collectable, ‘pop-out and build’ robot figures have the potential to be a new playground craze. Our testers thought they were great but with playground crazes it’s all about reaching that tipping point. Watch this space…

KARISMA KIDZ The interactive dolls are not yet available on the market, but we predict that when they are launched, they’ll skyrocket. The unique approach to emotional development is innovative and exciting and the combination of online and offline activities and products suggests that Karisma Kidz will be a brand to keep an eye on in 2014.

THE RC ILLUMINATED SOLAR SYSTEM The RC Illuminated Solar System from Brainstorm is not strictly a ‘toy’. But as we revamp our website and include other products that help children develop we think this will be a great product this year.

HARUMIKA INTERIOR DESIGN We love the new Interior Design Harumika from Bandai. As we write this, it is with our testers, but initial feedback is excellent so expect to see it on the site very soon.

PEPPA PIG WEEBLES We just loved Weebles as kids and we think this is a great fit for Peppa in 2014. However, all this newness doesn’t mean that we are not still passionately shouting about classic toys and established brands. We are, but we quite fancy ourselves as trend spotters too so remember, you heard it here first.

30 January/February

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INFLUENTIAL EXECS

WHAT DOES it take to be deemed influential? The dictionary definition of influence is ‘an effect of one person or thing on another’. Over the next four pages, you will read about a number of supplier bosses who have been some of the news makers of recent years, steering their firms to great things.

www.toynews-online.biz

The wealth of experience on display here is astounding – and while ToyNews has given over space in this issue to the industry’s young talent, we also wanted to put the spotlight on just some of the bosses. The ladies and gentleman who drive the strategy, ponder forecasts and worry about the P&L.

You have the bosses of Mattel, LEGO and Hasbro lining up alongside their peers at smaller companies such as Green Board Games, DKL, Asobi and Esdevium. Heads of fledgling UK offices for Epoch and K’Nex next to those who have been with their companies right from their conception.

Those who have turned small family businesses into recognised market leaders, those who have steered firms through MBOs and those who are now using their experience from other industries – such as tech – to drive their respective companies on. Just to be clear though, this isn’t meant

to be a rundown of the top bosses – and we’ve placed them in alphabetical order to avoid any arguments. We are simply seeking to highlight achievements at the highest level, and there are many more execs who we would have liked to include, given infinite space. Read on to find out more about these toy titans.

January/February 33

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INFLUENTIAL EXECS NEIL BANDTOCK

TONY BELFORD

UK Managing Director, Vivid Imaginations

Managing Director, Simba Smoby Toys UK

Bandtock started his toy career at Palitoy/Kenner Parker in the 1980s, launching Star Wars toys and Trivial Pursuit on an unsuspecting world, as well as running brands such as Play-Doh, Tiny Tears and Action Man. He then followed Nick Austin to Matchbox Toys, where, as well as revitalising the Matchbox brand, the team also resurrected Dinky and launched Koosh into the UK. Bandtock was a founding director of Vivid over 20 years ago and, as UK MD, his responsbilities include the firm’s sales and marketing departments, as well as the group R&D and QA functions.

THIERRY BOURRET Managing Director, Asobi Asobi celebrates its fifth birthday in January, and for someone with no previous experience of the toy industry, what Bourret has achieved is pretty astonishing. Originally trained as a chef in his native France, Bourret also worked at Hitachi for 11 years. However, he became frustrated by the lack of high quality toys available that would allow his son to use his imagination – and in 2009 he left Hitachi to create Asobi. Two years ago, Bourret created the Slow Toy Movement, a campaign which crowns seven toys that ignite imagination, inspire creativity and give children the freedom to develop at their own pace.

GRAHAM BRENNAN Managing Director, Epoch making toys Joining the toy industry in 1986, Brennan has 27 years of experience in the business, having held roles at Meccano and Playmobil. During his 14year tenure as commercial director at Playmobil, he succeeded in delivering sustained growth for the firm, with a gross average of 19 per cent per annum. During his time at the company, Playmobil won Stand of the Year twice at Toy Fair (in 2009 and 2013) and also Supplier of the Year. Brennan has now taken up his role at the newly formed Epoch making toys as MD with a remit to establish Sylvanian Families as the number one girls collectable.

JON DIVER

PAUL FOGARTY

Joint Managing Director, Character Options

Managing Director, K’Nex UK

Diver has been at Character Options since its conception. He is responsible for the construction of the line, obtaining licences such as Peppa Pig, Fireman Sam and Doctor Who, plus brand acquisition like Chill Factor, Teksta and Minecraft, as well as taking an active role in product development. Diver works closely with his fellow directors at the firm – Joe Kissane, Kiran Shah and Richard King – plus other long standing members, such as Jerry Healy and Michael Hyde, in creating a forward thinking and fast moving toy company. Diver is also the chairman of Toy Fair, a post he has held for the past two years.

Fogarty brings more than two decades of toy industry experience to his role at K’Nex. He began his career at Tyco Toys as commercial manager and his extensive experience has seen him take on key positions with notable brands in the industry. Among his achievements was his contribution to the turn around of the Radica electronic games business while VP of sales, with product launches including 20Q and Cube World. He also enjoyed a stint as general sales manager at Mattel. Now with K’Nex he is passionate about delivering success for a brand that he has admired for some time.

DOMINIC GEDDES

KEITH GRAFHAM

VP & Country Manager, UK & Nordics, Mattel

CEO, Green Board Games

Geddes has recently celebrated 15 years with Mattel – joining the company through Mattel’s acquisition of Bluebird in 1998. He started his illustrious career in the toy industry when he joined Ideal Toys as a young salesman as, he points out, that was the quickest way to get a company car. He then went on to work at Hasbro, before joining Bluebird in 1990. Apart from a brief stint as a flying instructor (we think that’s another story), Geddes has built his career in sales, rising to his current position of vice president and country manager for the UK and Nordics. 34 January/February

With nearly four decades of toy experience, Belford is one of the true pioneers of the industry. The first man in the toy business to realise the opportunities of selling European product in the UK on an FOB business, Belford was also a keen driver in the development of the toy offering within the grocery and discount sectors. Constantly innovating to stay ahead of a rapidly changing marketplace, Belford created, with the Simba Dickie Group, Simba Smoby Toys in 2009. Now one of the strongest licensees in the UK, he leads one of the fastest growing companies in the UK top 20.

Grafham says that he has been fortunate enough throughout his career to combine his entrepreneurial spirit and sense of fun, with his passion for seeing people develop. From running mobile skateparks for young people and building schools in Africa, to now developing and producing board games, it’s fair to say Grafham has had a varied career. In his first two years as CEO of Green Board Games, he oversaw growth of nearly 50 per cent. Similar growth is expected over the next few years as he implements an aggressive strategy to cement the firm’s reputation in the industry and as a household name for quality games. www.toynews-online.biz

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INFLUENTIAL EXECS MARTIN GROSSMAN

STEPHEN HAINES

Managing Director, H Grossman

Chairman & Founder, Carte Blanche Group

Grossman was literally born into the trade, the son of Rae and Harry Grossman, Glasgow-based toys and fancy goods traders. He joined the family business straight from school, moving the focus over time from fancy goods to toys. He has a reputation for spotting lines that will become popular quickly, achieving mass sales. H Grossman Ltd is now the largest toy company in Scotland and has won many awards from the industry for lines such as Scoobies, Alien Eggs, Pogo Sticks and Chrome scooters. In the last decade, the company has also moved into licensed ranges and has achieved even more success.

KAI HAWALESCHA

SIMON HEDGE

Managing Director, DKL Marketing

Managing Director, GP Flair

Hawaleschka has been in the toy business for most of his life – over 40 years in fact. Having owned a plastics toy manufacturing factory called Dantoy in Denmark, Hawaleschka and his wife Dorte sold the business to set up DKL 25 years ago. He brought with him the infamous Trolls, followed by Hama beads which DKL still distributes today alongside Corolle Dolls, Wonderworld Wooden Toys, Miniland Educational and Munchkin Toys. Hawaleschka is very well known in the trade and is on the board of the BTHA as a council member representing small companies.

Hedge has been with Flair since its formation in 1999 and was a founding member with chairman Peter Brown and finance director Carl Moran. He has for many years been involved in the acquisition of new brands for distribution, many of which are now Europe-wide as part of the GP Group. With a dedicated and talented team behind him, Hedge has seen the company rise to be one of the top five UK toy companies, handling prestigious brands such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Doc McStuffins in its portfolio.

BARRY HUGHES

UFFE KLOSTER

General Manager, Golden Bear Toys

UK Commercial Director, Playmobil

Hughes joined Golden Bear as commercial director in 2011. He now has the role of general manager and has overseen the signing of new licences including In The Night Garden, Something Special and Woolly & Tig. His previous role as product development and marketing director for Corinthian Marketing saw him grow the company turnover four fold in his nine years, as well as introducing Puppy in my Pocket back into the UK market. Prior to this, Hughes worked for McDonald’s on the pan European Happy Meal programme, delivering 45 million toys per month to their respective countries.

Kloster is a relative newcomer to Playmobil, joining the firm in September 2013 to head up the UK operation as commercial director. As the brand celebrates its 40th year, he will be responsible for driving forward the global toy brand’s consistent growth and helping to achieve its goal of becoming a top six toy supplier in the UK. Originally from Denmark, Kloster has extensive experience in the European toy market. Fluent in five languages, he has worked as managing director in Denmark, Germany, Spain and now the UK, bringing cultural expertise to further develop Playmobil.

ANDREW LAUGHTON

MICHAEL LEHRTER

Managing Director, MGA & Zapf Creation UK

Chief Executive, Re:creation

Laughton vowed never to work in the toy industry or for his father at Max Zapf – but after agreeing to help out for six months his fate was sealed. Over the course of 23 years, Laughton has enjoyed a hugely successful career that saw him set up Zapf Creation UK in 1999. In 2007, Isaac Larian, CEO of MGA, purchased a majority share, with Laughton playing a pivotal role in helping to set up the combined businesses of MGA, Little Tikes and Zapf Creation. Today he oversees the running of the combined businesses in all of EMEA. “Agreeing to help my father all those years ago was the best decision I ever made,” he says. www.toynews-online.biz

Haines is chairman and founder of The Carte Blanche Group, an international creator, distributor and licensor of character products, including toys, gifts, greeting cards, apparel and homeware. The firm is best known for Tatty Teddy, the grey bear with a blue nose and patches, and the signature character behind the Me to You brand. Haines founded Carte Blanche in 1987 with a small portfolio of just six greetings cards. Since then the firm has enjoyed rapid growth and success, launching into the toy arena with the award winning Tatty Teddy & My Blue Nose Friends in late 2012 with phenomenal success.

A US native, Lehrter enjoyed a long and distinguished career in general management with computer giant Dell, successfully setting up a number of key international subsidiary businesses for the firm during the IT boom years of the 1990s. Having invested in Re:creation when the business was a fledgling start-up, Lehrter lead the firm through a successful restructure in early 2011 and was appointed chief executive in 2012. The last two years have seen him spearhead further launches including Finger Whips mini scooters, Air Storm bows and a range of LEGO licensed keylights and torches. January/February 35

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INFLUENTIAL EXECS

MITCH LEVENE

NICOLAI LINDHARDT

Managing Director, Artsana UK

EVP, Tomy EMEA

Since taking over the lead role at Artsana in 2011, Levene has steered Chicco from strength to strength. In 2012, he lead the team through a bold strategy focusing their attention and investment on specialist nursery and toy retailers. His success accelerated through 2013, with 12 months of consecutive growth. Chicco finished the year over 12 per cent up, outperforming all nursery categories and moving from outside the top 75 infant and pre-school brands to within the top 15.

DAVE MARTIN Vice President, Mega Brands International Martin has a well established heritage in the toy industry, with a career that began in 1995 as a graduate trainee at Mattel UK. He rose through the ranks, ultimately becoming general sales manager. After 13 years at Mattel, Martin left the firm in 2008 to join Mega Brands Europe as UK general manager. He was promoted two years later to UK and Northern Europe general manager, then VP in 2011. Martin is responsible for Mega Brands across Europe, Middle East and Africa.

CLAIRE MCCOOL Co-founder, Drumond Park More than two decades ago, McCool co-founded Drumond Park with a fellow post graduate from university. Now the UK’s leading independent games company, Drumond Park has a proven reputation for the creativity and longevity of its offerings, both in the UK and on the world toy market. Best known for titles including Articulate, Don’t Laugh, Gross Magic, Magic Tooth Fairy, Pumpaloons, Pig Goes Pop and Rapidough, as well as the number one best selling LOGO series, the first of which launched in 2009.

JOHN MCDONNELL

FOYE PASCOE

Managing Director, Galt Toys

General Manager, UK, Ireland, Nordic, Benelux, Hasbro

McDonnell has been involved in the retail industry for over 35 years. He joined Galt as national account manager back in 1994, becoming sales director and then managing director in 1998. Before Galt, he worked at Selfridges, House of Fraser and Augustus Barnett, learning the nuts and bolts of retailing. McDonnell has been greatly influential in building Galt, helping the trusted brand grow commercially, while keeping its educational roots.

Pascoe started her career as a commercial trainee at ICI Paints, spending five years working on the Dulux brand in a variety of marketing, sales and commercial roles before joining Hasbro in 1997. During her tenure at the firm, Pascoe has risen up the ranks, holding positions in local, European and global marketing, sales and product development before moving into general management. She became general manager, UK and Ireland in 2010, adding Nordic and then Benelux to her remit later on.

SIMON PILKINGTON

THOMAS RANDRUP

Managing Director, John Adams Leisure

Country Manager UK & Ireland, Revell

Prior to joining John Adams in 2002, Pilkington held positions at Hobby Products Group, Waddington’s Games and Hasbro. His main achievement to date is leading the MBO in 2009 to acquire John Adams and Toy Brokers. His overall objective is to drive growth and build the business into a top ten UK toys and games company, and he has chosen an experienced and enthusiastic management team to drive future expansion while refreshing classic brands.

For the last 13 years, Randrup has overseen the growth of Revell GmbH in the UK market, initially as sales and marketing manager and, since 2004, as country manager. In that time, he has been instrumental in shaping the company range to maximise its appeal to the UK market. This is evident in today’s iconic model kit ranges including the London Bus and Taxi, Mini Cooper, RMS Titanic, Star Wars and F1. He has also steered the Revell Control brand into a leading position in the RC sector.

GRAY RICHMOND

PAUL ROBERTS

Managing Director, Jumbo Games

Chief Strategy Officer, Cartamundi Group

Richmond is accustomed to coordinating resources effectively and has an enviable track record of project delivery and enhanced profitability. He manages a team of 17 at Jumbo Games and is currently responsible for its European licensing. The firm has grown year on year since his promotion to MD in 2008 and in 2011 Jumbo was the third fastest growing manufacturer in the top 30 toy companies. It also occupies the first and second spots in the adult and children’s puzzle market. 36 January/February

Lindhardt joined Tomy in April 2013 as EVP. Prior to this, he served as president and CEO of Royal Copenhagen, North America and served as non executive director and co-founded a New Yorkbased company including a network of Danish executives in NY. Before this, he was MD of Britax Scandinavia and held a position as country manager at Mattel in Northern Europe for five years. Lindhardt also held several senior positions at L’Oreal in marketing and sales.

Cartamundi’s history of producing playing cards and card games for over 300 years is currently overseen by Roberts. He started his card manufacturing career on the factory floor and has risen through the ranks in multiple disciplines to his current position. Nine factories in four continents, alongside 15 sales offices worldwide, take care of a global card supply to many of the toy industry’s best known brands. Cartamundi also publishes its own retail line with products like Royal Flush cards. www.toynews-online.biz

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INFLUENTIAL EXECS

GILLES SAUTIER

ATUL SHAH

European CEO, VTech

CEO, Hy-Pro International

Sautier joined the group in 2000 and is responsible for Electronic Learning Products in the UK, France, Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg, Spain and Germany, as well as some export markets like Italy and Portugal. He is also responsible for the support centre in Holland which takes care of finance, logistics management and IT systems for the Euro sales companies. Sautier has over 30 years of experience having also worked at Kenner Parker, Spear’s Games, Ideal Toys and Majorette.

NEIL SHINNER Managing Director, Worlds Apart Shinner was more or less born into the toy industry with family who worked as retailers and importers of toys and key positions at Woolworths and Dillons. He joined Worlds Apart in 1991 to provide project support, and shortly afterwards was appointed to a permanent role as operations manager, with a focus on manufacturing capability. Today, he is MD, chief executive and partner with a focus on ensuring market insight is increased to drive diversification and development for Worlds Apart.

CHRIS SPALDING MD & SVP EMEA & Asia, LeapFrog Spalding has a vast skill set, boasting extensive knowledge across a variety of sectors from FMCG to leisure and media. He joined LeapFrog in 2008 as MD, EMEA and Australia and was promoted to senior vice president in 2011. His responsibilities include overseeing the development of the brand. Prior to this, Spalding was international COO at Metro International, while he has also held roles at Associated Newspapers, Virgin Cola Company, Pepsi Cola and Coca-Cola International.

DANIEL STEEL

JONATHAN THORPE

Managing Director, Esdevium

Managing Director, John Crane

Having grown up around his parent’s game shop, Steel joined the family business in 1986, setting up a distribution arm three years later. Starting small in the hobby market, distribution grew steadily and Steel acquired exclusive UK agreements for key properties, including the Pokémon Trading Card Game. In 2010, Esdevium became part of the French games publishing group, Asmodee, acquiring its catalogue of games and allowing Esdevium to enhance distribution to its customers.

Thorpe started his career with Fisher-Price Toys as trainee representative in 1979 and went on to become sales representative. He joined Playmobil in 1981, holding the position of president of Playmobil in the US from 1993 to 1999. He was one of the original start up team for eToys in the US in 1999, before moving back to the UK the following year to set up the European arm. In 2000, Thorpe joined International Greetings as MD before moving to John Crane nine years later.

MARK WALLS

CLIVE WOOSTER

Managing Director, HTI

UK Managing Director, Famosa

Walls joined HTI in 1994, taking a role in the sales administration department. From there, he became senior national account manager before leaving the firm to join Vivid for four years as business development manager. Walls rejoined HTI in 2006 as head of the national accounts management team. He was promoted to sales director and then managing director of the firm’s UK operation in December 2010. His leadership skills and valuable experience have proved pivotal in HTI’s growth.

Wooster spent 13 years at Fisher-Price in a variety of roles including head of sales. Then came three years with Kidzbiz as sales and marketing director, before spending 12 years at The First Years as European VP. After the RC2 acquisition, seven more years were spent as joint European MD. Following the Tomy acquisition, Wooster spent a further two years in the European sales role before joining Famosa in September 2013. Spare time sees him racing cars, bicycles and doing charity walks.

FIONA WRIGHT

NICK WRIGHT

UK General Manager, LEGO

Managing Director, Gibsons

Wright was promoted to her current role at LEGO on January 1st 2013 and is responsible for the total sales function in the UK and Ireland (which accounts for some of the group’s largest customer base and global retail turnover). Wright has worked at LEGO since 2000, when she joined as brand director for Europe North. She also enjoyed spells as national account direcor, marketing director and head of sales. Prior to LEGO, Wright worked for The Walt Disney Company, Hasbro and Kellogg Company. www.toynews-online.biz

Shah has 20 years of hands on experience in licensing. His current role within Hy-Pro is very strategic, focusing on long-term objectives to grow its brands domestically and internationally. His previous background in professional accounting has been a strong platform for running the business. Hy-Pro has evolved into a multinational company with offices in Hong Kong and China. Shah’s main achievement has been the success of the firm’s own brand, Zinc.

Wright trained in marketing with United Biscuits and joined Tonka in 1987, becoming UK marketing director following the merger with Kenner Parker. After Hasbro’s acquisition of Tonka, he moved to the Netherlands to run a confectionery business, joining Mattel as general manager for Benelux and export while he was over there. After a spell away from the industry, Wright spent a year with Zak Designs in licensed tableware before taking on his current role at Gibsons in 2009. January/February 37

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LET TOYS BE TOYS

Gender

Agenda

The Let Toys Be Toys campaign caused a serious stir in the toy industry last year, where it managed to convince retail giant Toys R Us to remove gender specific signage. One of the group’s core members, Tricia Lowther, talks to Billy Langsworthy about where it all began

From left to right: Alex Lewis Paul, Leanne Shaw, Megan Perryman, Tricia Lowther, Jess Day, Joanne Watts, Tessa Trabue, Rebecca Brueton

How did Let Toys Be Toys first get started? The first few of us met on a thread on Mumsnet around a year ago. It was just a chat talking about Christmas shopping for toys and how an awful lot of people couldn’t believe how gendered the toy market was. So we decided to set up a campaign and the thread can still be found on the internet. We did a lot of our initial organising on there. What was people’s initial reaction to the campaign? We were really concerned www.toynews-online.biz

with this and wanted to do something, but we had no idea that it was going to take off. We were surprised at the amount of support we got. Although we do have our sceptics and people that argue against us, I think we find it very easy to deflect those arguments because I don’t think we’re very controversial. A lot of what we’re talking about is just common sense. We’ve had surprisingly little opposition. It’s got a bit more vocal with the more success that we’ve had,

but we started off garnering support and that support has got stronger and stronger. With success, a few more voices have been raised against us. When did the Let Toys Be Toys campaign take off? There have been a few points. When we tweeted the Tesco image and that went viral, that was the first time that Let Toys Be Toys started trending on Twitter. That was exciting to see. The image was of a science set and it had the words ‘gender: boys’ next

to it, and next to a cooker was the word ‘girls’ underneath. It went viral. We had a couple of celebrities tweet it and it just took off from there. We see this every day and it showed the power of social media. You can explain things and talk about things but just one image encapsulated the issue. How does the process of implementing change in a retailer work for Let Toys Be Toys? We send letters to them. We’re very much led by supporters and what

supporters send us. We try to schedule things but if something comes up, like Kinder for example, and loads of people start sending us images, then we take that up. How vital has it been that this campaign is happening in an age where social media is as important as it has ever been? We wouldn’t exist without social media. At the end of November, it will be the first time that most of us will be together, and the first time that most of us have actually met. January/February 39

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LET TOYS BE TOYS

It would have been very difficult to start the campaign as we met on a chat forum. I don’t know if Mumsnet is classed as social media but with Facebook and Twitter, without social media it would have been very difficult to have the impact that we’ve had. How many Let Toys Be Toys members are there? We’ve got a private group on Facebook and we have about ten core active members at the minute. People dip in and out. We’ve all got jobs and families and a couple of us have had babies this year so some have ducked out for a while. How many retailers have you got on board right now? 12 major retailers have announced changes as a result of the Let Toys Be Toys campaign, taking down signs or reorganising the websites mainly. Is there one retailer that helped the campaign gain momentum? Toys R Us was incredible. The most amazing thing was to see Let Toys Be Toys on Fox News as a result of the Toys R Us story. Just to see Let Toys Be Toys across the screen was great. It’s great that we’ve stirred up so much debate as well. It’s not just about the signs. It’s a wider issue in society and we just focus very tightly on toys, but it’s great that we’ve 40 January/February

raised awareness of gender stereotypes in toys in general and got people talking. How big a coup was Toys R Us? Did it help to get other stores on board? Yes. We started campaigning on signs because we saw those as the most obvious and easiest thing to change as a first step. We’ve seen a lot of retailers now make changes and there are very few High Street retailers, which still have the signs up. Debenhams has announced it will take signs down. The first major retailer to take down boys and girls signs was Boots back in May 2013. We had a few interviews where we said we hoped other retailers would follow

Alongside coverage in The Daily Mail, Metro, The Telegraph (and ToyNews), the Let Toys Be Toys campaign graced US TV when Fox News picked up the story (above)

but Ferrero will tell you that the eggs are not gender-specific. But any child will tell you that the blue egg is for boys and the pink egg is for girls.

People worry we’re pushing a certain view of the world but we’re just trying to not have it pushed on children. Tricia Lowther, Let Toys Be Toys suit and there’s not many left now. But there are lots of ways messages about gender are given to children so I think it’s going to be more difficult in a way to measure progress because it’s a society issue. Children don’t need the signs to know what toys they’re supposed to like. The Kinder Eggs are a good example of that. They are clearly gendered

Once all the explicit signs, labels and images go, and I think they will go, it will be trickier because the gender message is still there in the actual toys. What retailers are left for you to change? Center Parcs do have very gendered marketing. We’ll be continuing to pursue them. As most retailers have taken note with regard to

signs, where does Let Toys Be Toys go now? We decided on retailers after a lot of discussion because they are the frontline, they have an influence with manufacturers and it seemed like the signs were the easiest thing to change. Obviously, we are still going to chase up the stores that use explicit gendered marketing. Also, gendered books are an issue that keeps cropping up again and again, with stickers for boys and stickers for girls. Retailers sell them but they don’t make them so I think that’s something we’ll be looking at in the New Year. Have you seen parents from overseas get on board with the campaign? We have some contacts in the US and there are some people in Australia trying to set up a similar group.

We’ve given advice to people in Belgium and there’s a Belgium group set up that isn’t called Let Toys Be Toys, but they have the same ideas. We sent them advice on how we set up. It is spreading and we get queries all the time. We get students doing dissertations on gender who ask us for help. What would you say to people still sceptical about the Let Toys be Toys campaign? I’d say that there really is nothing to worry about. We’re a group of parents who are concerned about children. One of the things people worry about is that we’re trying to push a certain view of the world and we’re not. We’re just trying to not have it pushed onto children. It’s about letting children be children and letting them make their own choices. www.toynews-online.biz

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RETAIL SURVEY

Retail Survey 2013

In our second annual retail survey, ToyNews asks 80 independent toy retailers about their biggest toys, the challenges they face and their dream job in the industry

OTHER – 42.5% LEGO – 7.5% NO HIGHLIGHTS – 7.5% GROWTH – 5% CHRISTMAS – 5% IN-STORE EVENTS – 3.75% OPENING – 3.75% MAGIC THE GATHERING – 2.5% MINECRAFT – 2.5% NEW WEBSITE – 2.5% DIVERSIFYING – 2.5% WHAT WAS YOUR HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR? DON’T KNOW – 2.5% This question threw up the most eclectic range of answers out of any question this year. While LEGO stood out for some, most stores had their own highlight unique to their shop. Ones that make up the large ‘Other’ chunk of the table span TV merchandise, campaigns against Amazon, Minions, karate outfits for teddy bears and, of course, the birth of the Royal Baby. Just B Symphony, Dobble and Aquabots were also mentioned.

SHOP EXPANSION – 2.5% STORE MOVE – 2.5% SUMMER – 2.5% THE ZELFS – 2.5% FURBY – 2.5%

50 HOW WAS BUSINESS IN 2013 COMPARED TO 2012?

BETTER – 50% DOWN – 28.75% SAME – 21.25 0

www.toynews-online.biz

Exactly half of toy retailers we spoke to said that business in 2013 had been better than in 2012. Some attributed the good year to a positive summer, while others stated that trading on Amazon and Play had helped and, as our first chart hinted, some believe the popularity of Magic: The Gathering has boosted takings. Elsewhere, a quarter of stores said business was down, attributing the economic climate, the rise of online and ‘people just not spending’ as reasons for a tough 12 months. January/February 43

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RETAIL SURVEY

WHAT IMPACTED YOUR BUSINESS MOST IN 2013?

WHICH TOY CATEGORY HAS PERFORMED BEST FOR YOU THIS YEAR?

OTHER – 33.75% ONLINE – 21.25%

CONSTRUCTION – 21.25%

CONSUMER NOT SPENDING – 8.75%

PRE-SCHOOL & INFANT – 17.5% OTHER – 15%

PRICING – 7.5%

WOODEN TOYS – 13.75%

BRICKS AND MORTAR COMPETITION – 7.5%

CLASSIC TOYS – 7.5% ACTION FIGURES – 5%

DON’T KNOW – 6.25% GREAT SUMMER – 3.75%

ARTS AND CRAFT – 5%

LEGO – 3.75%

PLUSH – 2.5% TV/ FILM / VIDEO GAME – 2.5%

FILM AND TV RANGES – 3.75%

WHEELED TOYS – 2.5%

A GREAT PRODUCT MIX – 3.75%

NOT SURE – 2.5% EDUCATIONAL – 2.5%

TRADING CARDS – 2.5%

Construction toys lead the way on this question, largely thanks to the continuing popularity of LEGO. Pre-school ranges also scored well, alongside wooden toys and classic lines. Lines based on TV, film and video games were also boosted thanks to a good year for Breaking Bad, Minecraft, Assassin’s Creed and Marvel movie lines. Categories appearing in our ‘other’ section include farm toys, paddling pools, sensory stimulation toys and, something of a niche sector, teddy bear clothing.

Despite half our retailers stating they enjoyed a good 2013, the biggest impact for a lot of stores was online. This spanned both the positive and the negative. Some shops have enjoyed the launch of new websites, as well as seeing business boom as a result of trading via online marketplaces. Elsewhere, some stated online as having a major negative effect on the business due to cheaper pricing, questionable ethics and the general added competition making life difficult. Store moves of different kinds make up some entries in our ‘other’ category, including some moving from online to the High Street, from toys into the hobby sector, while one added a café to its store.

DO YOU FEEL CONFIDENT ABOUT THE HEALTH OF YOUR BUSINESS MOVING INTO 2014?

YES – 81.25% NO – 11.25% NOT SURE – 7.5%

44 January/February

100

Time for some good news. The overwhelming response from retail about their prospects for next year was positive. Over 80 per cent of retailers we spoke to feel confident about their business moving into 2014. Some said in-store events and quality customer service will keep them on the up this year, while one optimistic store was keeping its feet firmly on the ground, telling ToyNews: “We will survive once again, but we won’t be eating caviar.” However, 11 per cent were not confident moving into 2014, citing online competition, supermarket prices and consumer’s evertightening pockets as reasons to be concerned. www.toynews-online.biz

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RETAIL SURVEY

BETTER – 38.75% SAME – 30% DOWN – 22.5% DON’T KNOW/NA – 8.75% 0

TOO EARLY – 40% OTHER – 23.75% LEGO – 16.25 % NOTHING – 3.75% NEW GAMES CONSOLES – 2.5% RAIL TOYS – 2.5% SKYLANDERS SWAP FORCE – 2.5% TAMAGOTCHI FRIENDS – 2.5% MINECRAFT – 2.5%

OTHER – 30% NOT NOTICED ANYTHING – 21.25% RISE OF ONLINE – 11.25% LEGO LOVE – 6.25% NOT SURE – 5% WOODEN TOYS – 3.75% ELECTRONIC TOYS – 3.75% CUSTOMERS WANTING KNOWLEDGE – 3.75% BACKLASH AGAINST INTERNET SHOPPING – 2.5% CLICK AND COLLECT – 2.5% PLAYGROUND CRAZES – 2.5% QUALITY PRODUCTS SELLING – 2.5% DISCOUNTS – 2.5% RETRO TOYS – 2.5%

www.toynews-online.biz

HOW HAVE CHRISTMAS 2013 TAKINGS BEEN SO FAR COMPARED TO 2012? 2013 has welcomed a better festive period for 38 per cent of retailers we spoke to, while 30 per cent have witnessed a Christmas period identical to 2012. Just over a fifth of stores we surveyed have suffered a worse Christmas this year than in 2012, with many claiming it feels like Christmas shopping for toys is happening later and later each year.

WHAT NEW TOY OR PRODUCT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2014? With The LEGO Movie on the horizon, and accompanying sets on the way, it’s no surprise that LEGO is the product most stores are excited about stocking in 2014. But 40 per cent of stores told ToyNews they were waiting until Toy Fair to find out what they are pinning hopes on this year. Elsewhere, some stores are looking forward to the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 gracing their shelves, while 2.5 per cent believe Tamagotchi Friends has the power to mirror its Nineties playground popularity. Minecraft, Bin Weevils, The Trash Pack, The Zelfs and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were also mentioned as likely 2014 highlights.

WHICH CURRENT INDUSTRY TREND IS HAVING THE MOST IMPACT ON YOUR BUSINESS? Opinion was split on industry trends this year. The rise of online was the trend cited as making an impact on our retailers, despite 2.5 per cent claiming they have seen a backlash against online shopping. 21 per cent hadn’t noticed any major trends having an impact, while LEGO love was spotted by six per cent of retailers, backing up our previous table of retailers looking forward to what LEGO has to offer in 2014. One store has seen a retro resurgence, telling ToyNews: “Space hoppers and that kind of thing have done well,” while another bemoaned a lack of a playground craze. It says “There has been no playground craze, apart from LEGO but that’s popular everywhere.” January/February 45

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RETAIL SURVEY

ONLINE – 13.75% BILLS – 10% BRICKS AND MORTAR COMPETITION – 8.75% FINDING NEW PRODUCTS – 8.75% AMAZON – 7.5% OTHER – 7.5% STORE SPACE – 5% DISCOUNT PRICES – 5% BUSINESS RATES – 3.75% CASH FLOW - 3 .75% FOOTFALL – 3.75% ECONOMY - 3.75% DON’T KNOW – 3.75% ARGOS – 2.5% COMPUTER SYSTEM ISSUES – 2.5% GETTING INTO INTERNATIONAL MARKET - 2.5% GETTING ON GOOGLE WITH SEARCH TERMS – 2.5% STORE AWARENESS – 2.5% SUPPLY ISSUES – 2.5%

WHAT'S THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU FACE? Lots of varying challenges means that no one issue proved universally difficult for the stores we spoke to. Amazon and online competition featured highly, as did the bills incurred when running a toy shop. “Online competition is growing year after year, and with their prices, we struggle to compete,” one retailer told ToyNews. Competition on the High Street was also cited often, and the task of consistently finding new and exciting products to sell also caused retailers a headache. Other concerns included issues with location, the seasonality of the toy market and a lack of big screen blockbusters resulting in only a few popular film-based toy lines.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY OTHER JOB IN THE TOY INDUSTRY, WHOSE WOULD IT BE?

I AM HAPPY WITH MY OWN - 28.75% TOY DESIGNER – 21.25% OTHER – 12.5% TOY BUYER – 11.25% CEO TOY COMPANY – 8.75% NOT SURE – 8.75% TOY TESTER - 6.25% IMPORTER - 2.5%

Despite all the challenges, most people we spoke to said they are happy with their own job. Toy designer ranked highly, with many wanting to work on the latest LEGO sets. The glamorous life of a toy buyer also appealed, while importers and toy testers also proved popular. One manager quite liked to step into the shoes of Father Christmas, and we would like to thank the one store owner who fancied the job of ToyNews editor.

WHO WE ASKED AND HOW Our 2013 survey was conducted by calling up UK retailers and asking them for their thoughts on the state of the toy industry. The retailers were randomly selected and ToyNews did not ask retailers to choose their answers from a list. Everything included was said by the retailers themselves. We questioned 80 stores. A1 Toys, Aquillis Toys, Argosy, AutoMattic Comics and Toys, Bambola Toymaster, Batteries Not Included, Born Gifted, Born to Toddle, Bus Stop Toy Shop, Clockwork Mouse, Cuthberts Toys, Dalscone Toys, David Rodgers Toymaster, Dillons Toybox, Dragon Toys, ElectricGemZ.co.uk, Epic Heroes, Eric Snook Bath, Excitim, Fagins Toys, Final Frontier, Firestar Toys, Forget Me Not Toys and Books, Furry Friends Corner, Giddy Goat Toys, Gordons Toys and Stationery, Gosling Toymaster, Grovers ToyMaster, Halesworth Toys, Happy Kiddies, Hoombletoys and Collectibles, It’s a Wooden World, James Selby, Jigsaws R Us, Jollys Toys and Games, Just Childs Play, K&J Toy Shop, Kerrison Toys, Kiddy Kars, Knot Toys, Lighthouse Toys, Little Shop of Wonders, Magic Dragon Toys, Moons Toys, Mr Mac's Magical Emporium, Orchard Creek Toys, Playtime Toys and Games, RA Jones and Son, Rainbow Plaza, Red Balloon Toy Shop, Sainsburys (Gosforth), Smallworths, The Ambleside Toy Shop, The Bakewell Toy Shop, The Cambridge Toy Shop, The Cinema Store, The Entertainer (Staines), The Hare and The Broom, The Toy and Book Warehouse, The Toy Emporium, The Toybox, The Wooden Gnome Store, Thomas Moore, Tinetty’s Toymaster, Toadstool Toys, Towlers Toys, Toy Galaxy, Toy Hub, Toycastle, Toys @ Fun Galaxy, Toys Direct, Toys N Tuck, Toytown Toymaster, Treasures of Wetherby, WH Smith (Ashford), When I Was A Kid, Whoopee, Willis Toys, Wise Owl Toys, Wooden Toy Shop UK. 46 January/February

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30 UNDER 30

Sponsored by:

There is seemingly more young talent than ever in the toy industry – and across a wide variety of roles, from product managers and key account execs, through to PR, marketing, entrepreneurs, licensing specialists and journalists. Samantha Loveday (sadly the ‘other’ side of 30) highlights just some in our annual 30 Under 30 listing, in association with Gameplan Europe

www.toynews-online.biz

January/February 49

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Sponsored by:

VICTORIA MARTIN EVANS, 29 Regional Sr. Brand Manager, Girls, MATTEL Martin Evans joined Mattel in Canada before moving to the UK office. She now works in Barcelona, developing strategies and programmes that can be leveraged across all of core Europe for Monster High and Ever After High. Previously, she managed the launch of Monster High in Canada, before becoming brand manager for Thomas & Friends in the UK, helping to grow it 21 per cent YOY.

DAVE TOVEY, 24 Licensing Manager, MIND CANDY Still only 24, Tovey is now in his fourth year at Mind Candy. He continues to work on licensing for the Moshi Monsters brand across multiple categories, as well as new unannounced projects. In addition to this, Tovey has also recently taken on the management of the Moshi web membership cards, implementing new strategies and retail initiatives. Before Mind Candy, he worked at Entertainment Rights and Classic Media. 50 January/February

30 UNDER 30

CHARLOTTE JONES, 26 Marketing Executive, SPIN MASTER

LAUREN COOMBS, 25 Head of AV Engagement, GENERATION MEDIA

MIKE LYNCH, 24 Assistant Marketing Manager, VTECH

NICK WATKINS, 26 Writer, TOXIC MAGAZINE

Having joined the firm in 2009, Jones gained experience in international distribution, helping to manage the Bakugan boom, before moving to the UK marketing team in 2011. In 2013, she helped launch Zoomer the robotic dog, introduced Dreamworks Dragons line, plus worked on licences such as One Direction and Minecraft. This year, her focus will be on How to Train Your Dragon 2, Paw Patrol and more growth for Zoomer.

Since joining Generation Media in 2010, Coombs has been responsible for the media placement of some high profile toy launches in recent years. These include VTech’s Innotab series and MGA’s Bratz and Moxie lines. As head of AV engagement, she is a specialist in planning and executing crossmedia campaigns encompassing all elements of AV and beyond: expertise which is used in the Playtime column each month.

Having joined VTech’s customer services department in 2010, Lynch then made the move into the marketing team. He coordinated VTech’s five-year comeback to Toy Fair and has since managed all trade and consumer fairs which the firm attends, including Dream Toys and The Baby Show. He has also lead the development of over 60 demonstration videos, which are now proving essential to VTech retailers.

Watkins has been at Toxic since 2011, during which time the Egmont magazine has seen four successive ABC increases, the last showing a 22 per cent uplift. Before moving to the title, however, he was a freelance writer, mainly for Nuts magazine, while he was also contributing boxing interviews to SkySports magazine. Watkins has also recently started writing feature articles for The Sun, as well as continuing his freelance work with Nuts.

AMY RUSSO, 20 PR & Marketing Executive, JOHN CRANE

BRADLY HOLDSWORTH, 22 Social Media Manager, KILOGRAMMEDIA

ALEXANDRA SALISBURY, 23 Head of PR & Comms, WICKED VISION

ROBYN MORRISON, 26 Senior Account Executive, ENERGY PR

Joint youngest entrant in our listing, Russo started her career as an apprentice in PR two years ago, completing the NVQ qualification and a CIM Certificate in Marketing over the course of the year. She also looks after a number of sales accounts in Ireland and Scotland, working alongside national accounts. From February, PR will also be coming back in house, with Russo heading up the department.

Holdsworth is responsible for the digital presence of brands in his role as social media manager at Kilogrammedia, driving engagement to millions of users across multiple platforms. His expertise in B2B and B2C online marketing has added greatly to the services the firm provides its clients. When he’s not posting or tweeting to his many followers, you can find him DJing in a number of hotspots across London.

At time of press, Salisbury had only been in her role for three months, but had managed to secure copious coverage for Wicked Vision and its brands across a variety of media – impressing the company so much that they nominated her for inclusion. Salisbury previously worked at social selling jewellery company, Stella & Dot, in its bilingual customer services department, also providing support to the marketing team.

Morrison advises clients such as Galt Toys and Ambi on the most effective PR and marketing activity to suit their brand, budget and business plans. Since joining Energy in June 2013, her ideas have included a Galt Royal Baby competition, creative ‘how to’ guides for parents on the Galt blog, plus the introduction on Twitter of #toptiptuesday. She has also helped Galt increase web traffic using digital campaigns. www.toynews-online.biz

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30 UNDER 30

Sponsored by:

NICOLA MELLOR, 23 Assistant Brand Manager, LITTLE TIKES

ELEANOR TAYLOR, 28 National Account Manager, MATTEL

Over the last six months, Mellor has supported the launch of Little Tikes’ new UK website and CRM strategy. Day to day she is involved in the full mix and always adds a relevant and strategic input into the brands’ activities and new product plans. Her nomination said she embraces every project with a smile and her passion to drive the brand and her career forward is inspiring and she is one to watch.

Taylor joined Mattel in March 2010 as national account executive, quickly being promoted to national account manager looking after Mothercare and ELC. She then moved onto the specialist channel, handling Toys R Us and Smyths, before taking on Argos in June 2013, looking after the infant and pre-school business. She works closely with the marketing team and other departments to achieve mutual goals for the business.

LORNA HILL, 21 GOOD TOY GUIDE

GEORGE POOLE, 26 Marketing & PR Coordinator, BIGJIGS

Hill turned 21 back in December and since she started with the Good Toy Guide has proved herself to be capable, innovative, enthusiastic and ambitious. With a background in toy retail, she is the driving force behind the Retailer of the Month campaign. Following her involvement and effort with the Ideal Home Show last year, Hill will also be heading up consumer shows for GTG going forward. Her commitment to the Guide is a huge factor in its success. www.toynews-online.biz

Poole started at Bigjigs 18 months ago, making a big impression in a short space of time. One of his first campaigns went viral, after he wrote to the Transport Secretary with a bid for Bigjigs Rail to run the West Coast mainline franchise. He also coordinated the Bigjigs Rail world record attempt in July and tendered a proposal for the firm to sponsor the London Underground. he also deals with PR and marketing in the US.

RAVI VIJH, 25 Account Manager, BASTION Vijh has worked with the BTHA on the PR campaign for Toy Fair since 2010 and now leads the account, managing all media and exhibitor outreach and social media campaigns before, during and after the event. Last year, he was also key in winning the Dream Toys account for Bastion and, working with MD Dean Barrett, headed the PR team for the event, achieving more than 1,000 pieces of coverage reaching an audience in excess of 100 million.

JAMES MANN, 27 SALES AGENT Mann is currently a sales agent representing a number of companies including DKL, Bkids, Great Gizmos, Jumbo, LeapFrog, Winning Moves and Le Toy Van within the Midlands and East Anglia area. And he’s obviously doing quite a good job, too, as several of them nominated him. He has been an agent for four and a half years, starting his career after completing a business studies degree at Nottingham Trent University.

MEGAN CADD, 26 Sales & Marketing Manager, DKL

REBECCA CLARK, 26 Assistant Brand Manager, RE:CREATION

Cadd joined DKL in 2010 from university as sales and marketing assistant, working across all the firm’s brands. She immediately made the role her own managing selected existing customers and bringing in new business. Now promoted to sales and marketing manager, Cadd is an integral part of the DKL team, managing large accounts and driving sales, as well as coming up with fresh ideas.

Clark is responsible for a brand portfolio consisting of six brands, both licensed and ownbrand product – notably managing the largest volume brand at Re:creation. In 2014, she will be rolling out new engagement plans across several brands and managing new product launches. She took part in both the Three Peaks Challenge and Isle of Wight bike ride for the Toy Trust and is in training for the triathlon season.

AMY FIDDY, 29 Key Account Manager, SPRING FAIR

JOANNA BUTLER, 28 Marketing & Product Manager, UNDERGROUND TOYS

As the key account manager for the Children’s Gifts, Toys & Gadgets section of Spring Fair, Fiddy is responsible for selling the exhibition space, sponsorship and digital solutions to a mix of new, lapsed and existing clients. She joined i2i Events (formerly Emap) in June 2009, and has also spent time working in the Fashion Accessories and Greetings & Stationery areas of the fair. 2014 will see Fiddy look to grow international sales.

Butler joined Underground Toys two and a half years ago as assistant to the MD and licensing director. Following a promotion in December 2012, she now manages the company’s international marketing coverage for its complete portfolio. She directly impacts and generates sales with product offers to trade customers and the media, and has increased the firm’s presence with in-house marketing campaigns. January/February 51

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Sponsored by:

SAMANTHA CLAPHAM, 26 Product Development Manager, UNDERGROUND TOYS

30 UNDER 30

MAJEN IMMINK, 29 Senior Comms Manager, BTHA

CODY CROOK, 20 Account Manager, MIPR

GEMMA PORTER, 29 Marketing Manager, INTERPLAY

STEVEN RUSSELL, 27 Marketing Executive, JUMBO GAMES

Formerly at Chapman Entertainment, Clapham joined Underground in March 2013, overseeing main product launches including the arrival of the Anchorman range ahead of the film in December. She is also responsible for all development across the firm’s In Your Pocket and Pocket Pal keychains.

Immink has worked for the trade body for six years, and is directly responsible for all Toy Fair PR and promotions. She also manages Bastion. Immink also works on issues affecting the industry on behalf of all BTHA members. She is a member of the PR and international matters and sustainability committees.

Crook joined miPR in July 2011, straight after her A-levels, and has since flourished into an invaluable team member. She manages the website, leads social media across all clients and is the resident photographer. She is involved with brands including Maya the Bee, My Blue Nose Friends, Zinc, Jumbo Games and Me to You.

Porter joined Interplay in October 2008, starting as independent account manager. A promotion to key accounts manager followed, while she also began to take on more marketing as well as overseeing the indie account manager. In October 2013, Porter became marketing manager, still looking after both sales account managers.

Now in his fourth year at Jumbo, Russell continues to entertain and grow within the team. While his first love is still One Direction apparently (well, whose isn’t, quite frankly?), his passion for his work is still obvious as Wasgij.com continues to go from strength to strength and Jumbo’s social media community continues to grow.

MAX DALMAU, 24 Export Manager, KÄTHE KRUSE GMBH

NICK MOWBRAY, 28 President, ZURU

ALBERTO SILLA MORALES, 26 Creative Director, GOLIATH BV

RICHARD BELFORD, 28 Sales Director, SIMBA SMOBY

ALEX KOVACEVIC, 29 Marketing & Licensing Manager, SIMBA SMOBY

Moving over to Germany, and Dalmau only started his role two months ago but has already proven his capacities in multiple fields. He is responsible for establishing contact with new cutomers and processing orders for Western Europe, Asia, Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, US and Canada for the firm, which specialises in dolls and baby toys.

Mowbray started Zuru with his brother and sister, and has helped to build the company into one of the fastest growing toy firms globally. Zuru now employs over 130 people across four offices and is the creator of Robo Fish. Mowbray’s main roles include global sales and marketing, licensing and overall strategy.

Morales works at the Spanish subsidiary of Goliath, dealing with graphic and industrial design. He began translating the language on the boxes into Spanish, but now also creates some of the toys. Morales has also been responsible for various ideas for the new line of Star Wars Domino Express.

Since Belford took control of Simba Smoby’s sales operation, it has gone from strength to strength with double digit growth every year for the past three years. He lived in Hong Kong for a period to understand every area of toy manufacturer and distribution, and is involved in the handling of every major account.

Kovacevic has been with the firm for eight months, and had the task of revealing the signing of Matt Hatter Chronicles and a new campaign for the Steffi Love fashion doll brand. He has previously enjoyed stints with HyPro, Re:creation and Grant & Bowman, giving him a wide range of toy industry experience.

Gameplan Europe is a business consultancy to the global toy and nursery products industry. We help manufacturers to develop their international business through strategic advice, finding distributors and other types of business partners, and executive search. We have recruited hundreds of toy industry executives across Europe and North America, from European President down to key account manager. We also publish a series of annual directories of business information, such as the International Directory of Retail Toy Buyers, which lists the names of the key buyers in 45 countries. Contact Andrew Dobbie or Margit Pendl on +44 1442 870 100 andrew@gameplaneurope.com or margit@gameplaneurope.com www.gameplaneurope.com

52 January/February

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INDUSTRY ROUNDTABLE The demand for trusted properties with modern updates is where we’ve found growth. Jerry Healy, Character Options

View from the top Samantha Loveday asks some key execs from Mattel, Flair, Character, Vivid, Tomy and Famosa for their views on 2013 and the challenges they see affecting the industry How have the past 12 months been for you in terms of the toy business in general? Simon Hedge: It has been a good year, which is reflected in NPD’s figures which show Flair +18% on last year. At the start of the year we hoped to become a top five company, and we achieved this goal early in the year. We have been really pleased with the progress made this year.

The later consumers shop, the harder it is to forecast and plan accurately. Clive Wooster, Famosa

Clive Wooster: For Famosa, it’s been a case of setting up the infrastructure for the UK business, getting some good people together and then diving in, so the last three months have, in fact, been the ones that counted. We are pretty encouraged on that basis – our main TV line sold out by mid October and the other brands are also doing well. Jerry Healy: It’s been a year of two halves that’s for sure, and it’s great to be ending on a high note with some really successful Christmas lines such as Teksta, and some amazing newly launched brands that we expect to be phenomenal in 2014 such as Minecraft. Overall brands like Peppa Pig have stood out, and of course ChillFactor was a runaway success.

Nicolai Lindhardt: In the last couple of months we’ve seen some positive signs in the market place, not just in the toy industry, but in the economy at large, however the market is still challenging. Tomy has We experienced double have been digit growth this really pleased with year, and this has the progress made been largely driven by the UK market. this year.

Simon Hedge, Flair 54 January/February

Neil Bandtock: 2013

was a very good year for three of Vivid’s big brands – Crayola, One Direction and AniMagic. Moshi is still the number one brand in the industry (NPD YTD sales), but inevitably sales have leveled off after two massive years of growth. What were your top selling products or categories in 2013? Dominic Geddes: Our girls business has been very strong; with three of our own brands in the category, as well as Disney Princess, we have a wealth of riches that we are very proud of and they have all performed well. It’s much more about us managing the category and creating the point of difference for each of these brands to make sure we are offering girls that unique storyline and doll. Boys has also done well; our Disney portfolio with Planes and Cars have been very strong along with Hot Wheels. Jerry Healy: Peppa’s Theme Park has been a great success and The Zelfs have made a great start in becoming one of the most popular girls collectables. Teksta was highly predicted to be a top toy right from its debut at Toy Fair and we are delighted with our return to youth electronics, more of which will be seen this year. It’s a late launch but one to watch will also be our Minecraft range. Simon Hedge: Our boys’ portfolio saw huge growth, with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles being strong throughout the year, and the number one YTD in the action figures category since May. We’ve also experienced growth with new waves of The Trash Pack. Pre-school is an area that we targeted last year and the phenomenal success of Doc McStuffins

has kept all of us on our toes trying to keep up with demand. Clive Wooster: Nenuco Dolls have to be our number one category. The Cradle Sleep with Me doll has surprised all of us, including our forecasting team, and we sold out pretty early in the season. What’s been encouraging though, is that the rest of the Nenuco range has been strong as well, with the other eight/nine skus all earning their keep. We are looking to grow the range by adding more dolls, both mechanical and static, as well as the addition of some lower priced accessories. Neil Bandtock: Hot Heels and Airbrush Marker from Crayola, everything from One Direction and Bonny and Babies from Animagic. Nicolai Lindhardt: Chuggington is a brand that’s really close to my heart and the new stories, which launched in the UK in September is delivering on all fronts. Battroborg, the motion-controlled battling fighting robots, was awarded Toy of the Year in Belgium and France and we’re pleased to say the sales delivered to our expectations. We had a good year on Pokémon and it is about to get even better with the momentum building around the new X & Y content; history tells us that sales will increase exponentially in the 12-18 months following a new content launch. Our Farms range, John Deere, Big Farm and Britains have also delivered double digit growth, with our new John Deere preschool range now accounting for over 30 per cent of our total Farm toys sales. www.toynews-online.biz

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INDUSTRY ROUNDTABLE

Which current trend is having the most impact in your business? Simon Hedge: Several are making themselves felt which we endeavor to keep up with. App toys previously hadn’t been seen as successful in the industry despite some quite high profile launches, last year we introduced Appen from our GP Tech team and it’s proved really popular so expect to see more in this area.

What was your highlight of 2013? Neil Bandtock: Crayola’s biggest year ever.

Jerry Healy: The demand for trusted properties but with modern updates is where we are finding growth.

Clive Wooster: I’d probably say the first few weeks of Nenuco ROS data from retailers. When we saw the first week’s sales, we said “that’s okay”, then the next week grew and that trend has continued right through. Although the plans were pretty compelling, I don’t think there are many of us who can 100 per cent guarantee winners so it’s always nice when a plan comes together.

Dominic Geddes: Technology will continue to impact not only from a toy manufacturers point of view, but from consoles as well. We are seeing lots of tablet launches, plus the new gaming consoles. Technology will increasingly become a focus for parents and children and take a share of their spend.

Jerry Healy: The continued success of ChillFactor through autumn/winter and the fact that we have proved that it’s an all yearround product was a personal highlight for me. We have major development for this brand for 2014 so we expect the ChillFactor success to be even greater this year.

Clive Wooster: I guess it’s no real news to anyone but the later consumers shop, the harder we find it to forecast and plan accurately. In reality it means we’ll have underplayed some of our stronger products and missed out on the second bite of the cherry. I am definitely old enough to remember making first drops in September and getting repeat orders in October, November and December – that really doesn’t happen very much these days.

Dominic Geddes: Thomas – we have really started to see the benefit of the HIT acquisition. The product range is great and we are now in the perfect position to maximise our strategic vision for this brand.

Nicolai Lindhardt: The continued growth of ecommerce and the reduction of retail space dedicated to toys. I believe there will always be a need for brick and mortar stores, but consumers today are much more demanding than ever before and expect a good shopper experience. For retailers the challenge is clear, unless you can provide good in-store experience, great service and good knowledgeable staff, it will be a challenge to compete with large online retailers. www.toynews-online.biz

Simon Hedge: Seeing the company reach so many targets in respect of new launches and growth have been the main highlights. Bringing to fruition the full roll out of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and seeing it take off with fans young and old has been very exciting for the whole team. Of course we have set new targets for 2014 which involves all kinds of new challenges. Nicolai Lindhardt: Joining Tomy, of course. When the opportunity at Tomy came up I was very excited about it, especially after learning more about the integration process that the company and the newly acquired RC2 were going through. Personally, I think the acquisition was an interesting move, very much in line with Tomy

Japan’s desire to establish itself as a truly global player. The acquisition of RC2 makes Tomy one of the only companies that controls its own distribution in all markets, particularly Japan, where it dominates, and the US and Europe.

The toy sector has been remarkably resilient during the recession. Neil Bandtock, Vivid

What are the biggest challenges facing the toy industry at present? Have these changed over the past year? Simon Hedge: Despite some talk of growing consumer confidence, the toy industry has still had a challenging year in some quarters. We are in a very buoyant mood for Toy Fair. Jerry Healy: The obvious challenges are the economic climate and achieving price points with increased manufacturing costs. The decrease in spending on the High Street over the past two to three years also has the direct effect on retailers being less willing to take a risk with brand new concepts. But there is a good sign that a return to confident trading is on the horizon and our autumn previews have been extremely positive.

Tomy has experienced double digit growth, largely driven by the UK. Nicolai Lindhardt, Tomy

Neil Bandtock: The biggest challenge for the industry is sustaining profitability for both retail and manufacturers as costs are rising faster than prices. However, the toy sector has been remarkably resilient during the recession, so hopefully there will be a positive bounce-back in the coming years with the UK’s birth rate rise kicking in. Nicolai Lindhardt: I believe that the toy industry, like many others, is changing, and as a company we must too. Effectively, we are working to future proof our business by working to better meet the requirements of our customers at all levels, from retailers to consumers and to the actual shopper.

We have really started to see the benefit of the HIT acquisition. Dominic Geddes, Mattel January/February 55

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CHILDREN’S BOOKS

Page earners

ONCE UPON a time, we were all children. So whether it was a book of fairy tales, Paddington Bear, The Very Hungry Caterpillar or even the Harry Potter series, we all remember our favourite childhood book. This year alone sees The Very Hungry Caterpillar turn 45, We’re Going On A Bear Hunt turn 25 and Peter Rabbit enter it’s 111th year, marking the milestones with new licensed toys and games.

And the popularity of children’s books continues to grow ever stronger. As March welcomes Book Week 2014 - an event aimed at encouraging kids to engage with stories and book characters through events and dress up - is now the perfect time for toy retailers to look at toy and book cross merchandising a little closer? Marketing and publicity manager at Usborne Publishing, Anna Howorth thinks it is, and has

already seen an increase in toy shops selling children’s books. “This is the perfect time for toy retailers to celebrate children’s books and reading. “We are opening more toy shop accounts than we are book shop accounts at the moment,” she explains to ToyNews. “Retailers are looking to diversify, to keep the High Street alive. “People are looking for bigger product ranges and

With many classic children’s books celebrating milestone birthdays this year, Robert Hutchins explores how toy retailers can make the most of this lucrative market

if you have families coming into your shop, then children’s books is the obvious things to stock.” Echoing Howorth’s sentiments, Egmont UK’s licensing acquisition director Emma Cairns Smith believes that the growing popularity of children’s books is due to their ’parent approval’ qualities. “There are lots of reasons why toy retailers should stock children’s books. They occupy a special place

in the heart of parents’ minds,” says Smith. Egmont holds a wide range of licensed titles, including Minecraft, Thomas and Friends and Something Special and believes that engaging young readers with licensed character books is a ‘great way to encourage reading while expanding the worlds of their favourite toy lines.’

USBORNE PUBLISHING Usborne Publishing is urging toy retailers to embrace children’s books this year, as the firm readies to launch its latest collection, the Holiday Activity Pack. Landing on shelves this April, the Activity Pack features four different books in a carry case, engaging kids with three activity books including Holiday Doodling and Colouring; Holiday Puzzles and Travel Doodling and Colouring alongside a Sticker Book with over 200 stickers. The Holiday Activity Pack joins Usborne’s

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portfolio of popular titles like the Sticker Dolly Dressing series and the book and toy hybrid, The Wind Up Bus. Featuring cardboard pages and a red wind up bus, the book opens out to reveal individual maps of areas of London. The bus can navigate the roads within the pages of the book, before the pages can be removed from the book and pieced together to create on large map of London. Furthermore, the firm is offering a free FSDU for retailers ordering 20 or more of the Wind Up Bus,

featuring a QR code allowing customers to see the bus in action. Scan the QR Code below to see the bus tour London. Anna Howorth, marketing and publicity manager, Usborne Publishing, said: “We like to work closely with our retailers and can help with promotion that encourages footfall. “We may have a lot of books, but we are not a huge corporation and we like to listen to ideas and work with our customers on an individual basis.”

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CHILDREN’S BOOKS

Egmont UK has found that children exposed to a brand through reading will have more merchandise than if they had arrived to the brand through toys or a TV show

“The partnership between ourselves and popular brands absolutely encourages reading,” Smith continues, “and character driven books can really expand the world of a toy brand. “We found that if a child comes to a brand, say Thomas, through reading, they would have more merchandise than those who came directly through the toys or the TV show. “The parents know the child enjoys Thomas and shares that experience of the world with them. Capturing the place in the heart comes from that relationship with books.” Of course, it is not only the licensed character books that engage young readers. With over 2,000 original titles in print, Usborne is one of the UK’s leading publishing houses, and prides itself on its collection of non-licensed interactive titles. “We are probably quite unique [for toy retail book distributors] because we don’t engage with licensed titles,” continues Howorth. “For us, traditional stuff does really well. We have illustrated fairy tale collections, child friendly Shakespeare and Dickens and our Sticker Book collections are constant top sellers. 58 January/February

“We believe that the book and the story is the product, not the licence driving it. Our books are more about the experience and what the book can do for the child.” But Howorth is far from alone in her view on the nature of children’s books. “What books do for children, they are a kind of toy,” suggests Anna Hewitt, head of licensing at Walker Books. “People don’t necessarily consider books as toys, and it’s often perceived that books are educational and therefore not about enjoyment. “But actually, it’s all about imagination, getting to know characters and experiencing their journey. They will experience them and then they will go and play.” So, how does this relationship between children’s books and toys cement many of the classic and popular titles of today such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar or We’re

Going On A Bear Hunt, as heritage brands? And what’s needed to give these titles the rounded licensing programmes they enjoy today? “Time,” says Hewitt. “Books have the most amazing amount of credibility. It’s difficult to launch a book and then a licensing programme off of that book instantly. “You need time, or a second medium, and that’s usually television.” However, online retailer of children’s books and character plush toys, Castlemere Books, believes all it simply needs to spark that passion is imagination. “Children have great imaginations,” enthuses Marianne Schulke, coowner.

“When they fall in love with a character from their favourite storybook, that character comes to life for them. “They invent their own stories as they interact with the toys. “We have been doing this since 1982, and I have certainly seen an increase in demand for these character plush, dolls, puppets and finger puppets.” It is fair to say then that the children’s book sector is growing ever stronger. And with its popularity set

We’re Going On A Bear Hunt with a new collection of memory card games, board games, floor puzzles and a four in one puzzle, all based on the popular children’s title. The firm is also planning to launch a range of puzzles and card games for the popular Guess How Much I Love You title this February. Meanwhile, Jumbo Games is preparing to deliver a new range of puzzles based on the popular children’s title Q Pootle 5.

When they fall in love with a character from their favourite storybook, that character comes to life for them. Marianne Schulke, Castlemere Books to soar as Book Week approaches, what can the toy retailers do to make the most of it? “The dressing up element of Book Week really fires the imagination and brings characters to life,“ Struan Robertson, trade marketing and digital manager at Rubie’s Masquerade, tells ToyNews. “We produce a wide range of costumes ideal for Book Week, from gladiators to maids, from pirates to licensed Harry Potter costumes. “It’s an ideal opportunity to boost sales.” And that’s not all. Paul Lamond is helping to celebrate 25 years of

Created by Nick Butterworth, the author and illustrator of Percy the Park Keeper, Q Pootle 5 is finding success within the pre-school market, with various book titles and a new animated series on Cbeebies. Rainbow Designs is celebrating 45 years of Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar - a literary work that has been translated into over 50 languages and sold over 33 million copies worldwide - with a range of plush, wooden and developmental toys for pre-schoolers. And where better to end than at pre-school toys? Back to the beginning, where the classic children’s books return to the hands of the only ones who can keep them alive, maybe for a further 25, 45 or even 111 years. www.toynews-online.biz

Children’s Books from Usborne Publishing

Wind-up Books ďŽŽŬ н Ă ƚŽǇ с ƚŚĞ ƉĞƌĨĞĐƚ ŐŝŌ͊

Scan here to see the Wind-up Bus in action.

Noisy Books

£12.99

Brilliant sound books that children love

£19.99 £16.99

£16.99

Baby’s Very First Books 'ƌĞĂƚ ŐŝŌƐ ĨŽƌ Ă ŶĞǁ ďĂďǇ

Sticker Dolly Dressing

£5.99

ĞƐƚƐĞůůŝŶŐ ĚƌĞƐƐŝŶŐͲƵƉ ďŽŽŬƐ ƚŚĂƚ ǁŝůů ƉƌŽǀĞ ŚŝŐŚůǇ ĂĚĚŝĐƟǀĞ

£9.99

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Usborne books to suit your business tŚĂƚ ǁĞ ŽīĞƌ ͻ ǆĐĞůůĞŶƚ ƋƵĂůŝƚǇ ďŽŽŬƐ ĨŽƌ ĐŚŝůĚƌĞŶ ŽĨ Ăůů ĂŐĞƐ ͻ ďƌĂŶĚ ŶĂŵĞ ƚŚĂƚ ĨĂŵŝůŝĞƐ ƚƌƵƐƚ ͻ ͻ KǀĞƌ Ϯ͕ϬϬϬ ƟƚůĞƐ ƚŽ ĐŚŽŽƐĞ ĨƌŽŵ ͻ Ŷ ĞǆƉĞƌƚ ƐĂůĞƐ ƚĞĂŵ ƚŽ ŚĞůƉ ǇŽƵ ĐŚŽŽƐĞ ƚŚĞ ƌŝŐŚƚ ƐƚŽĐŬ ĨŽƌ ǇŽƵƌ ƌĞƚĂŝů ƐƉĂĐĞ ͻ ͻ DŝŶŝŵƵŵ ŽƌĚĞƌ ǁŝƚŚ ĨƌĞĞ ĚĞůŝǀĞƌǇ ĨƌŽŵ άϭϬϬ ͻ ^ƚŽĐŬ ƐŽůĚ ŽŶ Ă ƐĂůĞ Žƌ ƌĞƚƵƌŶ ďĂƐŝƐ ͻ ͻ ƩƌĂĐƟǀĞ ŵĂƌŐŝŶƐ ͻ ƌĂŶŐĞ ŽĨ ĚŝƐƉůĂǇ ŽƉƟŽŶƐ ͻ For our full range of books visit ǁǁǁ͘ƵƐďŽƌŶĞ͘ĐŽŵ dŽ ĮŶĚ ŽƵƚ ŵŽƌĞ ĂďŽƵƚ ďƵǇŝŶŐ hƐďŽƌŶĞ ďŽŽŬƐ ĨŽƌ ǇŽƵƌ ďƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ͕ ŐŽ ƚŽ ǁǁǁ͘ƵƐďŽƌŶĞ͘ĐŽŵͬƵŬƐĂůĞƐ

Toy News Full Page_December 2013.indd 1

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TABLETS: VTECH

Keeping tabs Andrew Welch, senior brand manager at VTech tells Billy Langsworthy about what’s next for InnoTab and, with more and more companies joining the children’s tablet sector, why only recognisable brands will last How was 2013 for VTech? It’s been a very good year. As a business, we’ve moved up to the position of number four manufacturer in the toy market and InnoTab is a key part of our business. We’re ending in a very strong position for the company and with InnoTab. The tablet market is becoming increasingly competitive with more companies developing products into the market. InnoTab is in its third year and children are getting older younger. Children spend time with their parents and see their parents using mobile phones and tablets and so kids now want that. What does 2014 have in store for VTech? InnoTab 3S is our latest tablet in the InnoTab range and it’s performed fantastically well. During 2014, we’re working hard to create more new software and apps for InnoTab. We’ve seen a strong increase in software sales, over 50 per cent. This shows there is a big appetite for software and apps for InnoTab. That’s an area of the business we’re look at continuing to grow and develop. As well as new software launches, we are looking at the next generation of InnoTab and making sure our tablet is packed with the latest technology that is suitable for children. We’re market leaders in looking at technology and bringing it to children in a product they can use and enjoy. Our Kid Connect app is one of our strong USPs for InnoTab. This was something we showed off at Dream Toys and it’s a great way for children to connect with their parents remotely with their InnoTab to their parent’s smartphone or tablet in a www.toynews-online.biz

safe way anytime, anywhere. Kids can send messages, pictures and videos with Kid Connect and we’re the only company to have that. We’re seeing an increased use of Kid Connect and this is an area we are looking to expand on going forward in 2014. What is the biggest challenge you currently face in the children's tablet space? With any brand, and especially an on trend sector like children’s tablets, the challenge is maintaining the longevity of the brand. You have to keep the brand going for a long period. With VTech’s position as pioneers in tech trends, it puts us in a very good position next year and in the following years going forward. It’s a brand that we will continue to grow because it’s a key part of our business. We’ve also got a great track record.

Kidizoom is a product that has been in the top ten toys for the last ten years. Every single year we’ve introduced new tech while maintaining a similar price to keep consumers on board. We look to follow the same trend with InnoTab. Tablets is an evolving market, but we’re in a strong position to follow the latest technologies and patterns and bring that into the market for children to enjoy.

We’re seeing an increased use of Kid Connect and this is an area we are looking to expand on going forward in 2014. Andrew Welch, VTech

Is there a risk that the tablet sector could become over saturated with new companies joining the market? It shows we’re in the right sector. More and more of these technologies are being introduced to schools so kids are seeing tablets at home with their parents as well as in the school space. Kids naturally want to use what parents are going towards. Five years ago it was laptops, then it was mobile phones and now it is tablets.

When there are more people bringing out tablets, you know you’re in something that’s following a trend. I do think it’s going to be only recognisable tablet brands that will last. InnoTab has been in the marketplace for years and consumers are aware of it. We’re going to be building on our successful children’s tablet brand and we were one of the first brands in the children’s tablet space. Only key players that are already established in the marketplace will continue in the long-term. For the various strands of the business with InnoTab, we don’t just do the hardware; we do the software and accessories. There’s much more to come from VTech and InnoTab and with our history and experience, we will continue to build on and enforce our position as a leader in the tablet market for kids. The tablet market is here to stay. It’ll be interesting to see how it evolves. January/February 61

61,62 TN147 tablets_final 18/12/2013 07:32 Page 2

TABLETS: LEAPFROG

Pad Men With a place on the Dream Toys list becoming a second home, and the LeapPad Ultra surpassing expectations, 2013 is looking a tough act to follow for LeapFrog. MD and SVP EMEA & Australasia Chris Spalding tells Billy Langsworthy why 2014 can be LeapFrog’s best year yet How was 2013 for LeapFrog, and the children's tablet sector in the UK? We had a milestone brand launch in 2013 - the Wi-Fi enabled LeapPad Ultra learning tablet. LeapPad Ultra has already surpassed our initial forecasts and expectations, scooping up a host of awards and receiving fantastic feedback from parents, industry professionals, educators and press alike. 2013 was the third consecutive year that a LeapFrog children’s tablet has been awarded the coveted Dream Toys accolade, and the LeapPad family continues to hold the number one spot in the kids tablet market (UK NPD, October 2013) which we’re absolutely delighted about. What does 2014 have in store for LeapFrog? We are working hard to ensure 2014 is our best year yet. Our extensive library of educator approved content is set to be extended with a host of brand new games, apps and videos, and we’re looking forward to the release of our new learning experiences, which include some of the most popular kids’ characters including Sofia The First, Moshi Monsters and Dora the Explorer, all of which help engage the children as they learn and play. Full details of the exciting new range will be revealed in due course in true LeapFrog style, so watch this space. The tablet market is evolving at a rapid pace, 62 January/February

what should retail expect from next year's products? We strive hard to delight both children and parents across the globe, and will be kicking off 2014 with the launch of LeapPad2 Custom Edition, embracing the hottest trend in personalisation. The top selling LeapPad 2 can now be customised in over 100 different ways so that children can make it their own. LeapPad2 Custom Edition is aimed at children aged three to nine and comes complete with a built-in front-andback camera and video recorder, fast LF 2000 processor, an impressive 4GB memory which is enough to store 20,000 pictures and nine included apps. How far can you take the tablet? Technology is rapidly evolving and this plays a key part in what childhood and education means for children today. By ensuring that we embrace this technology means that we are well equipped to invigorate our sector with groundbreaking new products every year. So as technology evolves, so do the features that we are able to introduce. What is the biggest challenge you currently face in the children's tablet space? With the proliferation of new tablets in the market, the biggest challenge that parents face is to ensure that their child’s experience is safe and age appropriate.

With our team of Learning Experts involved in every aspect of our hard and software product experience, we will continue to cement our status as a brand that parents can trust by developing learning tablets for kids, which are safe and secure at every touch point.

To be successful, brands need to resonate with both children and parents through experience. Chris Spalding, LeapFrog

Is there a risk that the children's tablet sector could become over saturated with new companies joining the market? Technology plays a key role in children’s lives and education today, and with the growth in the children’s tablet market, it is no surprise that traditional tablet-makers are adapting their offerings for children

and new products are being introduced. However, children and their needs, from both a hardware and software perspective, are different to those for adults. To be successful in this market brands need to resonate with both children and parents through experience. We work hard to ensure that LeapFrog stands out in the tablet market as a brand which parent’s trust to provide their children with the best educational entertainment. LeapPad Ultra, the number one children’s tablet in the UK, is a prime example of the innovative, ageappropriate technology we provide. www.toynews-online.biz

64,65 TN147 Anatomy of a Blockbuster_final 18/12/2013 08:00 Page 1

TOP TRUMPS

Anatomy of a blockbuster toy:

SINCE LANDING in the 1970s, Top Trumps has become a card game craze, selling over 80 million packs worldwide with topics spanning everything from The Simpsons to One Direction, dinosaurs to football stars. The game has been a hit in almost every corner of the globe, and you can find Top Trumps in Britain, Germany, USA, Poland, the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Players win rounds by choosing a card’s best stat and Winning Moves believes

kids could now play Top Trumps with their favourite movie or TV show characters. Over the years, Top Trumps has produced literally hundreds of different titles with hundreds of different licences – in short, whatever the kids are into – so are we.” And whether it’s deciding on the Brute Strength of a Simpsons character or listing the Defence rating for a Manchester United winger, the Top Trumps team takes the stats of the games very seriously.

It’s a game that can level parents and their children, and they can take it with them anywhere they go. Mark Hauser, Winning Moves

Billy Langsworthy talks to Winning Moves UK commercial director Mark Hauser about one of the biggest card crazes to ever hit the toy industry, and why with online, digital and mobile expansion on the horizon, Top Trumps is going nowhere

64 January/February

the recent success of the game stems from the plethora of licences and topics covered by the brand. “Top Trumps is the game that brings everyone’s favourite subjects to life,” says Mark Hauser, Winning Moves UK commercial director. “Top Trumps took off in the 1970s with packs on planes, cars and footballers. The popularity of Top Trumps skyrocketed at the turn of the century, when it was re-launched with more topics and the hottest licences. “As well as classics like Supercars and Dinosaurs,

“Because our cards are full of facts and stats, it’s imperative that the research is spot on but also important that the tone of the pack is compatible with the brand or licence we are working with,” adds Hauser. “We pride ourselves on working closely with licensors to ensure our packs are genuine, accurate and full of interesting nuggets of information on the subject matter.” And when pressed on why Top Trumps have been a hit at retail, it all comes down to a cocktail of price, popular licences and listening to what retail wants. www.toynews-online.biz

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TOP TRUMPS

“Top Trumps has been able to retain its price point at under £5 for many years, which has kept the product as a pocket-money purchase, which is key to impulse buying behaviour,” says Hauser. “We also constantly strive to obtain the latest and hottest licences. Most importantly – we listen to the retailers and find out what licensed packs they want us to create and we do our best to secure that for them.” But as digital and app games become a more important sector to the toy industry, is there still a place for Top Trumps? “I actually think this is where Top Trumps comes out very strong,” enthuses Hauser. “Whilst we are embracing the digital world with our online games and digital mobile apps, we remain faithful to our key brand identity and that is we are a trusted, reliable, fun, social and engaging card game. “And the digital versions of the game shall very much be built with the idea of engaging consumers in the Top Trumps brand, rather than just limiting them to a self-contained digital experience. “We’re also fortunate to have such a strong history and heritage. As such, parents love their kids playing Top Trumps because they fondly remember playing Top Trumps themselves when they were growing up so they find it an easy activity to endorse. “It is such a simple game that people of all ages can enjoy playing. “It’s a game that can level parents and their children and children can take it with them anywhere they go. “In the rapidly growing digital world, which we’re happy and proud to be a part of, there is no doubt that Top Trumps serves as a welcome relief for parents to see their children engaging in an activity that is socially interactive and engaging in the traditional sense – away from the screen.” www.toynews-online.biz

NEXT FOR TOP TRUMPS The future of Top Trumps looks bright, with new titles launching and brand extensions that will see the game grace mobile, online and consoles. Winning Moves’ Mark Hauser tells ToyNews: “We’re excited about some of the titles that we’re launching this year, with the likes of My Little Pony and Adventure Time picking up strong interest already. “We’ve also seen a steady increase in our recognition as an international brand which, while happening organically, is something we’re looking to propel forward this year. “Away from our core business, at the end of 2013 we agreed some exciting new partnerships to bring Top Trumps to mobile (again), the html5 platform, and console this year which brings the Top Trumps brand and game experience to a whole new, exciting, market which should serve to expand the reach of the Top Trumps community globally.”

TOP OF THE TRUMPS Despite fresh new licences making up a large section of the Top Trumps portfolio, Winning Moves tells ToyNews that the most popular pack is on a subject over 225 million years old. Hauser says: “Our most popular pack in terms of length of time it’s been on sale is most definitely Dinosaurs, which is just as popular today as it always has been. An all time classic. “In terms of licensed packs, our bestselling single pack of all time was High School Musical back in 2006/7 and most recently, Moshi Monsters has been a big success over the last couple of years. This year, One Direction is proving very popular, of course.”

January/February 65

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67 TN147 Playtime_final 15/12/2013 17:14 Page 1

PLAYTIME

Top ten toy ads of 2013 Generation Media takes a look back on the toy firms and brands that gained the most TV advertisement coverage over the past 11 months, from January to November 2013 Here we examine the top ten campaigns of 2013 so far compared to the top ten campaigns across the same period in 2012. The combined Kids TVRs achieved by the top ten in 2013 is currently over 20 per cent greater than the same period in 2012 (12,531 vs 15,211 ). The fact that the overall Toys & Games market is currently only up by two per cent makes the gap between the smaller and larger campaigns more apparent.

The only campaigns featuring in the top ten for both years were LEGO Friends and Hasbro My Little Pony which have seen a three per cent and seven per cent increase respectively in total Kids TVRs vs 2012. The fact that only two brands are featured in both the 2012 and 2013 top advertised list, obviously shows the changing priorities for advertisers each year.

TOP 10 TOYS & GAMES BRANDS (JANUARY 1ST - NOVEMBER 10TH 2012) Brand Name

CH TVRs

SOV YoY % Diff

1 LEGO FRIENDS

1725

1.4%

n/a

2 SPIN MASTER BAKUGAN

1652

1.3%

-44%

3 SPIN MASTER ZOOBLES

1267

1.0%

-38%

4 FLAIR SYLVANIAN FAMILIES

1249

1.0%

-24%

5 HASBRO MY LITTLE PONY

1216

1.0%

2864%

6 HASBRO BEYBLADES METAL MASTERS 1161

0.9%

n/a

7 FLAIR MONSUNO MONSTERS

1106

0.9%

n/a

8 HASBRO NERF ELITE

1071

0.8%

n/a

9 POKEMON TRADING CARDS

1050

0.8%

10 BANDAI POWER RANGERS

1035

0.8%

121%

TOP 10 TOYS & BRANDS (JANUARY 1ST - NOVEMBER 10TH 2013) Brand Name

CH TVRs

SOV YoY % Diff

1 LEGO CHIMA

2155

1.6%

n/a

2 LEGO FRIENDS

1767

1.3%

3 FLAIR TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES 1750

1.3%

n/a

4 LEGO CITY

1517

1.1%

51%

5 HASBRO ELEFUN & FRIENDS

1414

1.1%

490%

1360.

1.0%

n/a

7 HASBRO NERF N STRIKE ELITE

1353

1.0%

n/a

8 DISNEY PLANES

1351

1.0%

n/a

9 HASBRO MY LITTLE PONY

1306

1.0%

10 MGA BRATZILLAZ DOLLS

1234

0.9%

175%

HASBRO TRANSFORMERS BEASTHUNTERS

The total share of voice (SOV) of 2013’s top toys & games brands is also indicative of this. At 11 per cent, it is two percentile points above 2012’s combined nine per cent. The difference is more apparent when comparing individual campaigns. For example, the largest campaign of the equivalent period in 2012, for LEGO Friends, would be fourth if featured in 2013’s top ten.

www.toynews-online.biz

Toy News PlayTime is provided by Generation Media 0207 255 4650 | www.generationmedia.co.uk January/February 67

www.ravensden.co.uk tel: 01933 356221 www.ravensdenonline.com email: office@ravensden.co.uk Ravensden Farm, Bedford Road, Rushden, Northamptonshire NN10 0SQ

2014 An exclusive range of British Bird soft toys with realistic sounds designed in conjunction with the RSPB

Toyfair 2014 Stand B65 Spring fair 2014 Hall 3 Stand P04 / Q05

69 TN147 Didcar_final 18/12/2013 10:11 Page 1

DIDICAR

Take a seat The Didicar Company is reporting ‘high consumer demand’ despite struggling to find shelf space. Robert Hutchins talks to founder, Ian Amis about the firm’s routes to consumers, and why retailers need to jump on board

THEY HAVE been championed by proud parents, enjoyed by adults and helped pupils across the UK. Yet the Didicar Company’s Original Didicars and Walk ‘n’ Rides remain largely the unsung ride-ons of toy retail. And while Simac Marketing, the firm behind the Original Didicar, reports consistent consumer demand, the range is still to find shelf space within many UK retailers. But then that’s probably because, now in its ninth year, The Didicar Company “hasn’t even started yet.” “We are trying to get the word out that there is an undiscovered product being missed,” Ian Amis, founder and director of The Didicar Company tells ToyNews. “We think it is the simplicity of the product that has many retailers confused.” The Didicar is a self propelled ride-on, ridden by turning its steering wheel to push the wheels forwards in a ‘roller skating motion’, and Amis has paused from darting about the office on his own Didicar for long enough to explain that it is all about ‘having fun’. “The Didicar products are about what the kid is doing, not what something else is doing. It’s not surface level fun, whistles or technology. www.toynews-online.biz

“The point of the Didicar is that at the beginning, kids don’t know how it works. As soon as they turn the wheel, their face lights up. It’s fun from deep within, and a thing that has to be seen to be believed.” The same could be said about the image of a grown man slaloming the ToyNews office on a bold blue Didicar, yet it’s one that confirms that Amis has a penchant for

discovered alternative paths to getting the Didicar range into the hands of the consumers, including links with the educational supplies market. “We have distributed the product in different ways,” continues Amis. “Through our own website, as well as TV work with shopping channels and the decision to distribute ourselves. For the education trade market however, we have an

With the Didicar, as soon as kids work out how to use it, their face lights up. It is a fun from deep within. Ian Amis, The Original Didicar Company excitement, and the ride-on seemingly delivers. Recent economic troubles and the firm’s own issues with finding ‘the right distributor’ saw its partnership with Mothercare Early Learning Centre reach a premature end this year and the decision of the firm to lead its own distribution. And while Amis explains that his greatest ‘barrier to sales has been winning over the retailer’ he has

excellent distributor. The Didicar fits in with schools in many different ways from physical exercise to social skills.” One Specialist School in Sheffield has engaged with

the Didicar brand, using the Didicars for core curriculum subjects, physical exercise aids and co-ordination development tools for autistic children. Not only this, but the firm trades regularly with play centres, farm attractions and entertainment such a bouncy castle hire firms. “A lot [of companies] have realised they can do well with The Original Didicars as add-ons,” he continues. “Because they are robust and fun, many just hire out the cars due to popular demand. Demand is definitely there, it’s just a case of getting the retailer to see this.” So, what is it stopping the retailers from scrambling for the ride-on retailing at £49.99? Amis thinks it comes down to three factors: shelf space, price and demonstration. “I would love to see this in independent retailers as well as majors,” he says. “I know there are struggles, it’s a big box and maybe it’s not expensive enough for its shelf space. Plus it benefits to see it working.” Seeing the Didicar in action makes Amis’

recount of a local council buying the product to host Didicar Racing Leagues ring all the more true. So if seeing is believing, what’s the plan to get retailers behind the product? “We would love to do TV advertising,” he says. “Our first time working with Ideal World we sold 1,000 Didicars in 47 minutes of air time.” The firm is currently selling several thousand pieces a year, but believes that had it the retailers, sales ‘would quadruple.’ A projection that Amis believes his trip to The Ideal Home Show at Christmas supports. “We wanted to get back to basics, meet and demonstrate the product to the consumer public. Over the five days we sold 500 pieces, to people who had never heard of Didicar before the show.” The firm also showcased its recently launched Didicar Walk ‘n’ Ride, a ‘unique pre-school walking aid/ ride-on’ targeting ages ten months to two and a half years. “One boy, 12 months old, took his first steps with our Didicar Walk ‘n’ Ride and brought a tear to his mum’s eye. So we are really just scratching the surface.” Simac Marketing: 0844 571 8200 January/February 69

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News Media Opinion

Dedicated monthly licensing coverage for the UK

IMC eyes summer launch for Invizimals toys

Hero toy lines will showcase unique augmented reality play attributes of Sony’s video game brand

By Samantha Loveday IMC TOYS is gearing up for a busy summer, as it rolls out its hotly tipped Invizimals toy line across key European territories. The firm is the master toy licensee for the Sony Computer Entertainment Europe video games franchise, with the product launching first in Spain, Portugal, France and Italy in April. The toys will then hit the UK and German markets from summer 2014. “We are mainly focused on developing the hero toy lines that showcase the incredible play attributes www.toynews-online.biz

that are unique to Invizimals; namely the augmented reality,” Jordi Borrell, corporate marketing director at IMC Toys told ToyNews. “And what better way to do this but to launch an exclusive 24 figurine collection with augmented reality, followed by our deluxe fully articulated action figures. “At a later stage, we will incorporate the key role play assets; the Z-Comm wrist communicator which is shown frequently in the TV show, together with two play-sets that will feature augmented reality scenarios and fight modes.”

The launch of the toy line will be synchronised with other elements of the franchise – new games and an expanding trading card

franchise. As a Spanishbased company they are on the ground so can see first hand how the brand is really taking off there and

We’re confident it will rank as one of the best new toy launches this year. Jordi Borrell, IMC Toys offering from Panini will be hitting retail simultaneously, in addition to TV exposure. David Evans, European licensing manager at SCEE, added: “What struck us about IMC Toys was their genuine enthusiasm for the

has triggered a trading card craze. “They are buzzing with ideas about how the augmented reality could be fused with toy products and we totally shared the same vision for the toy line.

“They were also keen for the toys to be multi-layered so that in addition to the AR they would also work in the traditional sense, if kids just want to use them for role-play and battle reenactments.” By the time the toys launch, there will also be five Invizimals video games in the market, with the new TV series fuelling interest in the consumer products even further. Borrell continued: “We truly believe we have a winner on our hands and we’re confident it will rank as one of the best new toy launches this year.” IMC Toys: 01904 720908 January/February 71

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NEWS

Cartamundi deals in with Hasbro New line of card games based on top brands on the way By Samantha Loveday CARTAMUNDI IS teaming up with Hasbro for the launch of a new line of card games based on some of the firm’s best selling brands, with an enhanced digital experience. Cartamundi is currently developing a wide range of card games based on Hasbro’s core franchise brands including Transformers, Littlest Pet Shop, My Little Pony, plus family games brands such as

Monopoly, Guess Who? and Cluedo. The range explores new playing card experiences with interactive cards connected to smartphones and tablets to enhance the overall playing experience for consumers. “We’re entering into an incredibly strong partnership with Cartamundi, bringing together our brands with their great innovation and strength in the industry; we’re really going to create something very new and exciting

together,” said James Walker, VP brand licensing and publishing EMEAP at Hasbro. Chris Van Doorslaer, Cartamundi Group CEO, added: “We are very excited to be partnering with Hasbro and combining both our key strengths to bring a new way of playing cards for individuals and families alike. We share a common focus with Hasbro on creating fast, fun, family entertainment.” Cartamundi: 01268 511522

Tickety Toc LeapPad bound ZODIAK KIDS has secured a deal with LeapFrog for its pre-school show, Tickety Toc. The worldwide deal (excluding Australia and New Zealand) will see the first series of Tickety Toc available on the LeapPad family of tablets – including LeapPad Ultra and LeapPad2 Power – plus gaming system, LeapsterGS. The first bundle of episodes will be available in the US from February. The programme will launch on LeapFrog devices in the UK and other territories later in the year. “We are delighted to be partnering with LeapFrog,

Underground Toys slams in for WWE Firm acquires rights to manufacture and distribute merchandise in key territories By Samantha Loveday UNDERGROUND Toys has scooped the licensing rights to manufacture and distribute WWE licensed merchandise across the UK and Eire, the Channel Islands, France, Germany and Spain. With approximately 14 million viewers each week and an impressive $1

Bobble Heads and figural ‘THUMBpers’. Items featuring integrated technology, such as the WWE Talking Plush Clip-Ons and the WWE Big Talker Microphone feature iconic wrestler phrases and arena sound effects. Underground Toys specialises in the product

Ranges include WWE Mini Talking Plush Clip-Ons, WWE Microphones, wristbands and THUMBpers.

who enable our audience to interact more closely with our content in an environment serving just their needs,” said Karen Vermeulen, SVP global sales and co-production at Zodiak Kids.

Greg Ahearn, chief marketing officer at LeapFrog, added: “Every Tickety Toc episode in the LeapFrog App Center will deliver world class entertainment in a unique and safe environment.” Zodiak Kids: 020 7013 4353

billion+ in retail sales, WWE is a strong addition to Underground’s brand portfolio and its collection of licensed consumer products. Ranges within Underground’s new agreement with WWE include WWE Mini Talking Plush Clip-Ons – with the obligatory ‘Underground twist’, WWE Microphones, wristbands, figural keychains, Pop! Vinyl

development, manufacturing and distribution of character licensed merchandise. Originally known for its electronic and talking gift ranges, it has expanded into other realms of giftwear and has established a strong position in wider categories including accessories and figural collectables. Underground Toys: 020 7801 6325

IN BRIEF BBC READIES PROPERTIES FOR TOY FAIR

BLE PARTNERS WITH SMMEX

CHARACTER WORLD ADDS UNION J TO STABLE

ONE DIRECTION HEADS TOP TRUMPS 2013 CHART

BBC Worldwide UK will be looking for extra opportunities for several of its brands at Toy Fair this month. These will include Cbeebies and Sarah & Duck ranges, as well as established favourites such as Something Special, Charlie & Lola and Walking with Dinosaurs.

Brand Licensing Europe will collaborate with the Sports Merchandise and Marketing Exhibition in 2014. The agreement will bring together the two market leading shows and provide new opportunities for attendees to both. BLE takes place at Olympia from October 7th to 9th.

Character World is to produce a range of duvet sets and cushions featuring Union J. Already on sale in Claires Accessories, the line is due to be extended into Asda, Argos and Littlewoods early this year. The firm’s portfolio already boasts Little Mix, One Direction and Justin Bieber.

Winning Moves has revealed that One Direction was the best selling Top Trump pack for Christmas 2013. Peppa Pig, Moshi Monsters and Monster High, plus The Hobbit and Disney Planes also featured in the top ten, along with Doctor Who.

BBCW: 020 7612 3136

www.brandlicensing.eu

Character World: 0845 004 9217

Winning Moves: 020 7298 9500

72 January/February

DISNEY REVEALS POOH PARTNERSHIP WITH BABYCENTRE Disney UK has confirmed a 12-month partnership with BabyCentre to engage first time mums with the Winnie the Pooh brand. The agreement coincides with a trade push to the treasured classic Winnie the Pooh nursery collection, now available at Mothercare.

Disney: 020 8222 1000 www.toynews-online.biz

IMH_v1_Layout 1 19/12/2013 10:19 Page 1

IMC TOYS - STAND E129 IMC UK was established in 2004 and is owned by Spanish Parent Company IMC Toys, Incorporated in 1981 and ranked as 17th top toy company in Europe. In addition to the UK, IMC

have subsidiaries in Hong Kong, Germany, France, Portugal and China. The IMC Toys collection covers all age ranges, from 6 months to 12 years for both boys

and girls and includes both IMC brand and a wide range of license properties. All of which comply with the most stringent quality controls and safety regulations in both European Union and the United States. With regards to licensing, IMC has been a pioneer in developing products with some very successful licenses and 2014 is set to be the most exciting year yet, as IMC Toys are delighted to have recently been awarded the Master Toy License by Sony for the Invizimals toy range which offers a new play experience with ‘Augmented Reality’. In addition they will also be showcasing their fantastic new range of Transformers and Disney Princess Sofia the First products. IMC’s highly successful own brands are also growing with new additions to the VIP Pets range and a new friend for Lucy the Dog – CaCa Max, a naughty, funny puppy who walks, barks, sits and poos! IMC Toys continues to see year-on-year growth and is building a reputation as a top player in the toy industry – well worth a visit - stand number E129 For further information contact IMC Sales Office on 01904 720908 www.imctoys.com

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LICENSING HOT LIST 2014

Seasonal sizzlers From key anniversaries of some pre-school favourites, through to LEGO taking over cinema screens, a summer full of football and reinventions of some classic brands, the toy licensing space will be packed during 2014. Samantha Loveday takes you through just some of the highlights – including key movies and trade show dates – quarter by quarter JANUARY TO MARCH THE NEW Year kicks off with Studio 100’s Maya the Bee launching on Tiny Pop in the UK on January 6th. The show is airing every day in two primetime slots – 8.15am and 6pm, where it is part of the popular Cuddle Time block. “We’re thrilled to be working with Tiny Pop and delighted to be launching Maya the Bee in the UK,” says Hans Bourlon, founder and CEO of Studio 100. “Maya is a truly loved popular character worldwide and we’re hoping UK viewers grow to share the same passion for this endearing and stunning TV series.” ITV Studios Global Entertainment begins a busy year with the reveal of the Simba Dickie toy range for Matt Hatter Chronicles at the trade fairs, while University Games will also be showcasing its new games range at London Toy Fair and in Nuremberg. ITV will also be supporting Bandai with its trade launch for Digimon at Olympia – the first series is due to premiere on CITV during weekday mornings – and Vivid, which is launching its series three Nommies for Cut the Rope. New game partnership announcements should also be expected. Vivid will also be busy pushing its collection for Walking with Dinosaurs: The 3D Movie. The full toy collection has been created with BBC Earth, recreating the dinosaur age in astonishing detail, with expert palaeontologists consulted on the designs to ensure they are as true to life as possible. Angry Birds Go Telepods product lines will be www.toynews-online.biz

KEY SPORTING EVENTS

Titans Go launches in February, while Warner Bros. Consumer Products will also be lending its support to toy range releases from Character Options (Looney Tunes construction) and Bandai (Godzilla); eOne begins the tenth anniversary celebrations for Peppa Pig with a new website launch, special logo for packaging and marketing. Character Options will also launch its new Weebles Peppa Pig collection; the first viewing will take place at Nuremberg for Studio 100’s Vic toy line from Simba Dickie; The eagerly anticipated The LEGO Movie hits cinema screens in February and is likely to be the movie of the first quarter if online hype is anything to go by; New episodes of Mike the Knight introducing fresh characters and locations are due to air on Cbeebies in the spring.

debuted in Hong Kong, RFU SIX NATIONS February/March London and Nuremberg, together WINTER OLYMPICS AND with Angry Birds Star PARALYMPICS Wars items. According February/March to Rovio, the technology behind the Telepods platform allows players to ‘teleport’ their physical Angry Birds Go karts into the digital game using their mobile devices. The launch strategy for Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures in the UK includes programming KEY MOVIE RELEASES details of the TV series, with Sky launching on its stereoscopic 3D channel MR PEABODY & SHERMAN and Disney XD launching on Dreamworks – February its 2D platform in January. This will be part of a busy THE LEGO MOVIE start to the year, with Warner Bros. – February Burger King also unveiling premiums in its 500+ CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER restaurants in January and Marvel – March February, as well as the toy launch by Bandai. MUPPETS MOST WANTED OTHER HIGHLIGHTS: New Walt Disney Pictures – March animated DC Comics superhero TV series Teen

KEY TRADE SHOWS TOY FAIR London Olympia January 21st-23rd INTERNATIONAL TOY FAIR Nuremberg January 29thFebruary 3rd SPRING FAIR Birmingham NEC February 2nd-6th KIDSCREEN SUMMIT Hilton NY, New York February 9th-12th AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL TOY FAIR Jacob Javits Convention Center, New York February 16th-19th BOLOGNA LICENSING TRADE FAIR Bologna, Italy March 24th-26th

January/February 75

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LICENSING HOT LIST 2014 APRIL TO JUNE FOLLOWING strong ratings and a successful first year at retail, FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment began 2014 with the launch of a major promotional campaign for Tree Fu Tom with Thomson and First Choice travel agent stores and superstores. New episodes will air on Cbeebies in the spring, while on the retail front, Flair is set to extend its product range in the second quarter. This will see the arrival of the new Ranger Tom role-play accessories for little ones to embark on more exploratory Tree Fu adventures. Meanwhile, Random House will publish four new Tree Fu Tom titles. Overseas, the brand is set to grow its international consumer products presence across the year, as the initial Giochi Preziosi product roll out launches at retail across a significant number of territories. “We have been encouraged by Tree Fu Tom’s strong performance at retail which saw the property become one of the leading new preschool brands of 2013,” says Pindy O’Brien, VP UK licensing and retail. “With new episodes and a strong live events and brand promotional campaign in place for 2014 to support our consumer products programme, we are confident that 2014 will be

a Tree Fu-tastic year for Tree Fu Tom.” Staying with Fremantle, and the firm will also be busy pushing Strange Hill High. With 14 UK licensees already signed up, 2014 is going to be a key year for the kids’ comedy hit. Vivid will unveil its first range at retail in Q2, closely followed by a product roll out that includes publishing

from Carlton Books, a DVD and items across other key categories. New pre-school series Kate & Mim-Mim is also due to premiere in Q2 on Cbeebies. Hit Entertainment will be launching the new DVD for Thomas & Friends in March. Spills & Thrills features six brand new previously untelevised episodes. The release will be

accompanied by an app and tie-in product from Fisher-Price in Q2: the Take n’ Play Spills & Thrills on Sodor play-set is a Tilt-ATrack set with two ways to play – Thomas fans can tilt it against the wall or fold the set flat to play a horizontal track layout. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS: The eagerly awaited LEGO Simpsons will hit retail shelves in May; Egmont will launch a new range of Sonic the Hedgehog books from May; A raft of new lines will arrive for Zodiak Kids’ Tickety Toc including a wooden toy line from Kidzstation, stationery, arts

and crafts from International Greetings and accessories from VMC among others. Standalone magazines will also launch in the summer for Tickety Toc and Mister Maker; The second wave of characters will arrive for The Zelfs under the Masquerade theme from Character Options; New animated series The Tom and Jerry Show premieres on TV screens at Easter, while the new Batman animated series – Beware the Batman – also launches in April; Season nine of Fireman Sam launches on Cartoonito.

KEY MOVIE RELEASES

KEY TRADE EVENTS

KEY SPORTING EVENTS

RIO 2 20th Century Fox – April

KAZACHOK LICENSING FORUM Paris, April 1st-2nd

FA CUP FINAL May

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 Marvel – May

LIGHT FUND’S 2014 NATIONAL GOLF DAY Warwickshire Golf and Country Club May 8th

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL May

GODZILLA Warner Bros. – May X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST Marvel – May POSTMAN PAT: THE MOVIE Dreamworks – May 76 January/February

TOYMASTER MAY SHOW The Majestic Hotel, Harrogate May 20th-22nd

FIFA WORLD CUP June/July WIMBLEDON June

LICENSING EXPO 2014 Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas June 17th-19th www.toynews-online.biz

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LICENSING HOT LIST 2014

KEY SPORTING EVENTS TOUR DE FRANCE July

Golden Bear’s Christine Nicholls and Dave Mapp get up close with Soo, Sweep and Sooty

And for anyone who wants to know Sooty’s secret to looking so good at 65, Cadell simply says “fabric conditioner”. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS: Summer will see the launch of ten-year product tie-ins for Peppa Pig from eOne, related to the Muddy Puddles and Golden Welly themes. There will be ongoing marketing, retail activity and PR to support the ten-year celebrations including puddle jumps, charity splashathons, FMCG promotions and digital backing; Studio 100 will initially launch the Maya the Bee Movie in Germany in September; Mister Maker will be appearing at Butlins from July, kicking off at the Skegness resort. There are 42 shows planned across 2014 and 2015, while the character was also part of

the Cbeebies Big Band Tour during the Easter period; Dreamworks is planning a major push around the July release of How to Train Your Dragon 2; The Thomas & Friends direct to DVD feature length special Tale of the Brave will arrive in Q3, with a high profile blue carpet premiere and over 65 tie-in products. FisherPrice will be launching two play-sets – the Take n’ Play Roaring Dino Run featuring a giant dinosaur fossil, and the Trackmaster Avalanche Escape play-set. Meanwhile, quarter three will also see the first feature length outing for Mike the Knight, Journey to Dragon Mountain; Simba Dickie launches its Matt Hatter Chronicles toy line in the UK, with TV advertising encompassing over 1,000 TVRs.

JULY TO SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR was certainly a busy one for Britain’s longest running children’s TV star, Sooty. As well as celebrating his 65th anniversary, the latest series on CITV and ITV became their top rated preschool show, while master toy and apparel licences were signed and a 100date UK wide tour announced. Notably, audience figures from series two have exceeded all expectations, making The Sooty Show the highest rated pre-school show on CITV, attracting audiences

of over 160,000 per episode. An average of 20 per cent of children watching TV in the mornings saw one of the first six episodes of series two, beating all other commercial channels in the same time slot. In addition, The Sooty Show on ITV Player is attracting over 40,000 views each week,

KEY TRADE EVENTS AUTUMN FAIR Birmingham NEC September 7th-10th THE LICENSING AWARDS The Great Room, Grosvenor House Hotel, London September 16th KIDS INDIA Mumbai September 18th-20th

www.toynews-online.biz

putting it in the weekly top 25 of all ITV Player shows. For 2014, the major news for Sooty is the arrival of fashion lines in key retailers, plus Golden Bear’s plush toy range in the summer. “Golden Bear really is the perfect partner for Sooty,” owner and presenter Richard Cadell tells

ToyNews. “We have great history with the company and now that Sooty is more popular than ever it seemed the perfect time to rekindle that relationship. They have a great reputation for top quality products and excellent distribution channels. “With Sooty’s growing profile through his CITV/ITV show and presence in Redan’s best selling Fun to Learn magazines, it definitely seems the right time to make sure that we get plenty of top quality product on shelves for next year. The initial lines will be for plush items headed up by the iconic hand puppets, with beanies and finger puppets to give breadth to the range. “We are also aiming to get a magic set out this year, with additions to the core range in terms of play-sets and games being rolled out in 2015 and beyond.” In addition, book publishing is also top of the list of priorities when it comes to new categories, as well as bedding. “We are going to be looking at all categories and I’m sure there are some niche sectors in the toy market that we can take a look at this year.”

KEY MOVIE RELEASES HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 Dreamworks – July

THE INBETWEENERS MOVIE 2 Film4 - August

TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION Paramount Pictures/Hasbro – July

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY Marvel - August

HERCULES MGM – July

PLANES: FIRE & RESCUE DisneyToon Studios – August January/February 77

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LICENSING HOT LIST 2014

KEY TRADE SHOWS BRAND LICENSING EUROPE Olympia, London October 7th-9th MIPCOM JUNIOR Cannes, France October 11th-12th LICENSING DUBAI Dubai World Trade Centre October 27th-28th

OCTOBER TO DECEMBER LAST YEAR’S Brand Licensing Europe was the biggest and most successful licensing show to date, with a five per cent growth in visitor attendance over 2012. 7,244 retailers, licensees and sales promotion professionals from 69 countries attended the show, while the total attendance reached 9,537, making it the largest event in its 15-year history. “To think that there were 29 per cent more visitors to BLE [in 2013] than in 2011 is startling,” event director Darren Brechin commented just after the show. “We worked very hard to make the new layout a success and will continue to dig deep into the three vertical categories to bring new companies and new people to BLE, and ensure we give our visitors and exhibitors what they need and want from the show.”

78 January/February

The date for this year’s show has been brought forward by a week, to avoid a clash with Mipcom Junior, now taking place from October 7th to 9th. Brechin explains: “Many of BLE’s core customers participate in both shows and this move will facilitate that. We will also be working more closely with the Mipcom team in the future to align our dates for the benefit of all of our exhibitors. In addition, we have received feedback from licensors and retailers that retail buying patterns are moving earlier, and that bringing BLE forward could be a welcome move.” Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles turn 30 this year and both Nickelodeon and toy partner Flair will be looking to further build on the success enjoyed in 2013. The new movie is due to hit screens in October and the presence of toy

product at retail will be constant through the year. “Bringing to fruition the full roll out of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and seeing it take off with fans young and old has been very exciting for the whole team,” Flair’s MD Simon Hedge tells ToyNews. “Our boys’ portfolio saw huge growth [in 2013], with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles being strong throughout the year, and the number one YTD in the action figures category since May.” The third series of Matt Hatter Chronicles will premiere on CITV, while Digimon will see the phase one licensee product launches taking place including apparel, publishing, periphery toy and apps. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS: Q3 and Q4 will see a themed Tree Fu Tom hero range of tie-in products from Flair hitting retail alongside other licensed new lines in key additional categories; Roobarb & Custard celebrates its 40th birthday in October; Character Options debuts its toy line for eOne’s Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom at retail, with promotional support and above the line marketing; The Hobbit:

There and Back Again is released in cinemas on December 19th. The new toy ranges for the film, from Vivid and LEGO, arrive ahead of the movie in October, in addition to costumes from Rubie’s and books from HarperCollins.

All dates are correct at time of going to press, although they are subject to change. All movie release information taken from IMDB. This is not a definitive list of everything that is happening through the year.

KEY MOVIE RELEASES TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES Nickelodeon Movies – October THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 1 Lionsgate – November PADDINGTON StudioCanal – November THE HOBBIT: THERE AND BACK AGAIN Warner Bros. – December MAYA THE BEE MOVIE Studio 100 – October-December www.toynews-online.biz

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80 TN147 Nickelodeon_FINAL 19/12/2013 16:52 Page 1

NICKELODEON

Puppy love Nickelodeon had a pretty spectacular 2013 thanks to the return of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, as well as the continued success of Spongebob Squarepants at retail. But new pre-school offering Paw Patrol is already causing quite the stir, and boosted by this new pooch property, 2014 is likely to be just as big. Samantha Loveday speaks to Marianne James, VP, consumer products UK & Ireland and European retail sales and marketing, to find out more Firstly, can you update me on Nickelodeon's activity in the toy category over the past year? What were some of the key deals and lines? The launch of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toy range in 2013 was Nickelodeonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest to date and it paid off. We have secured solid results and performance across retail, manifesting in the Turtles achieving esteemed status in the NPD rankings. We worked closely with Flair as distributors of the Playmates master toy range, LEGO in the construction category and further toy product from Sambro, Rubies, Worlds

across global, panEuropean and local deals. Are there any new toy categories that you would like to move into? We always work proactively to enter categories that make sense for our brands that we don't currently play in. A particular focus for SpongeBob Squarepants will be to expand and build on our outdoor toy line and Turtles will layer on new innovative products to support master toy. What are some of the main challenges that you've come up against in the toy sector in 2013? Contracting retail space

Retailers should keep an eye out for our next wave of Turtles product from Flair including a tight movie line. Marianne James, Nickelodeon Apart, Ravensburger, Underground Toys and Tech 4 Kids. It was an important year for SpongeBob as he continued to build, as we expanded our toy line and distribution at retail through Simba, IMC, HGL, LEGO, Posh Paws, Sambro and Fisher-Price. How many licensees do you have now in the toy sector? 40 plus that have UK rights 80 January/February

with a more considered and reserved approach to list, with a focus on a much tighter pool of properties. In addition, deep promotional mechanics still prevail - both when launching new properties and on existing. Which Nickelodeon properties are you confident can make an impact on toy shelves in 2014? Can you talk us through some of the

Master. Initial feedback from retailer preview meetings has been excellent and the trade is excited ahead of the launch next year.

products that retailers should keep an eye out for? Which licensee are they from and when will they be launching? Turtles, SpongeBob Squarepants and the launch of Paw Patrol from July 2014. Retailers should keep an eye out for our next wave of Turtles product from Flair including a tight movie line â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not only does it deliver on play value, but is visually striking. Have you any new property launches planned for 2014 which could impact in the toy arena? For example, I'm hearing lots of good things about Paw Patrol. How will you look to capitalise on the strong word of mouth? Paw Patrol launches autumn/winter 2014 in partnership with Spin

Will you attend Toy Fair? Why is the show so important for you? Yes, we attend all the main shows and provides us the opportunity to catch up with key partners, meet with potential new partners, keep an eye on the competition and look out for hot new trends and product.

2014 will be a big year for several Nickelodeon licences, with a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles line based on the movie on the way alongside the launch of Paw Patrol toys from Spin Master

What are your main aims for 2014? Continue to maximise on the strength and excitement of our portfolio of brands including Turtles and SpongeBob, bolster our position with Dora the Explorer and Bubble Guppies and launch Paw Patrol. www.toynews-online.biz

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TOYS IN HOLLYWOOD

With Pixar and Universal’s Minions absent in 2014, and Star Wars, Bond and Avengers holding off until 2015, this year will see toy brands become some of the hottest properties in Hollywood. Billy Langsworthy talks to firms behind The LEGO Movie and Transformers: Age of Extinction to see why toys on the big screen can translate to big sales at retail

WHILE 2015 stands out due to its rolling list of blockbusters (Star Wars, The Avengers 2, Bond), 2014 has became noticeable due to some high-profile absentees. Next year will be the first since 2005 to come and go without a Pixar movie, after The Good Dinosaur was delayed until 2015. While last year’s Despicable Me 2 broke box office records for Universal, the studio has also pushed the spin-off Minions movie to 2015. What this does now mean is that when it comes to blockbusters in 2014, toy properties make up some of the biggest releases of the year. We have The LEGO Movie, Transformers: Age of Extinction and Max Steel. Elsewhere, a new straightto-DVD Barbie movie will be released along with Monster High’s Frights, Camera, Action! DVD. BRICK FLICKS One of the biggest movies to come out in Q1 2014 is The LEGO Movie. The film uses existing LEGO sets and Minifigures, as well as a host of new characters voiced by the 82 January/February

likes of Will Ferrell, Morgan Freeman and Liam Neeson. LEGO believes the launch of the movie, both in cinemas and on DVD, will be music to retailers’ ears as it looks to drive new The LEGO Movie sets as well as existing products featured in the film. “The LEGO Movie sets will be very closely tied to the film,” LEGO senior director, head of marketing, Rebecca Snell tells ToyNews.

pre-promotion and it’s going to bring the vast LEGO fan base to cinemas. “Whilst there is an immense sales opportunity for The LEGO Movie range, it’s clearly going to benefit sales of LEGO overall. There will undoubtedly be a halo effect across the brand. “The LEGO Movie doesn’t just feature the new characters; it also features well known characters that are part of existing sets, so it

A lot of toys are about role-play, and what you’re able to do with a movie is really bring that to life for your fans. Rebecca Snell, LEGO UK “The LEGO Movie sets replicate scenes, buildings and vehicles in the movie. Fans will be able to build the sets and act out the scenes from the movie or recreate their own versions. “The LEGO Movie means there will be a huge amount of noise around the brand, both in terms of the theatrical release and the DVD launch in June. “There’s a significant marketing budget behind this so there will be a lot of

will also help to drive those franchises as well.” While The LEGO Movie is the first big screen adventure for the world’s second biggest toy company, it has previously featured in several straightto-DVD movies, a process the firm believes was key in bringing about the birth of The LEGO Movie. “The straight-to-DVD movies were a very important part of coming to The LEGO Movie,” adds Snell.

Michael Bay is bringing Transformers back to the big screen in Transformers: Age of Extinction.

“We’ve produced minimovies for straight-to-DVD release and promotional purposes in the past and these have been extremely well received by consumers. “Content in itself is a great way of engaging the consumer in the stories behind our brands. Whether that is DVDs or content online, it always gets an incredible response from consumers. “So what better way to go than to develop a feature length movie that is a LEGO world on the big screen?” While some big screen adaptations of toy properties can seem tenuous (We’re looking at you, Battleship), LEGO believes the role-play element of the brand makes it a good fit for the cinema. Snell continues: “The idea that you can build anything your imagination desires is at the heart of the LEGO brand and role-play is a huge part of that building experience. “The movie takes the imagination aspect of LEGO to new heights as with the Minifigures as the characters and movie sets being LEGO bricks, the movie really does bring the LEGO brand to life. www.toynews-online.biz

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TOYS IN HOLLYWOOD

2014 AND BEYOND Hollywood’s love affair with the toy industry shows no signs of slowing down. On the way in the next few years are:

OUIJI This thriller, from Universal Pictures, will follow a group of teens who attempt to make contact with a recently deceased classmate.

G.I. JOE 3 The first film made $302m worldwide, the sequel made $371m worldwide, and a third instalment in Paramount’s series based on Hasbro’s action figure line is on the way. “It has been developed as a family movie to appeal to the kids that love LEGO and the parents that have the nostalgia for the brand. Children and adults are huge fans of LEGO and will definitely want to see the movie.” ROBOTS IN DISGUISE 2014 will also welcome Transformers: Age of Extinction and Hasbro believes the toy industry should be excited. Jay Duke, VP gloval Transformers brand marketing, Hasbro tells ToyNews: “The Transformers brand brings all new ways to be entertained and engage with the brand. “Transformers: Age of Extinction will do this, as Michael Bay outlines with an all new storyline. “The Transformers brand from Hasbro is an icon of the toy industry and it is always exciting to celebrate the franchise with a new blockbuster. “With a new movie, kids and fans can anticipate an innovative new product line and a variety of entertainment experiences.”

www.toynews-online.biz

HOLLYWOOD ENDING With Hollywood turning to the toy industry for blockbuster ideas, how do the toy firms actually feel about it. Flattered? Excited? Or wary of the potential for a big screen turkey to soil the reputation of an otherwise successful brand? Duke is hopeful, believing Hollywood and Transformers to be a match made in heaven. Duke says: “What makes Transformers a great fit for the big screen is bringing together everything a boy could want with the ultimate robots and the coolest cars. “Hollywood loves the Transformers brand because Transformers has great story, compelling characters and exciting products.” LEGO’s Snell adds: “The joy of a toy brand becoming

a movie property is that the potential movie audience is already really familiar with the concept of the story already, therefore, they are sure to be intrigued to see the movie version. “There are key calendar dates for family movies: half terms, summer holidays, Easter holidays and Christmas. The movie industry is constantly being challenged to come up with new movies to fill these spaces. Developing movies that are aligned with global toy brands means that there is a ready-made audience. “Bringing it to the big screen brings the brands to life. A lot of toy brands are about role-play and what you’re able to do in a movie is really bring that to life for your fans.”

TROLLS The iconic dolls with colourful hair will be making their cinema debut thanks to DreamWorks. The animated musical comedy will be directed by Shrek Forever After’s Mike Mitchell.

HUNGRY HUNGRY HIPPOS It’s in the early stages at the moment, but a movie (presumably animation and not some B-Movie Piranha type horror) based on Hasbro’s board game is genuinely on the way.

MONOPOLY Yes, a big screen film based on the iconic board game is coming, with none other than Alien and Gladiator director Ridley Scott on board. It’s going to be a comedy based on ‘the idea of greed’.

STRETCH ARMSTRONG With a production history as troubled as World War Z, who knows if this movie will ever make it to screens. Back in 2011, Twilight’s Taylor Lautner was attached to star before Universal dropped the project. Relativity Media then picked it up with plans for a darker take on Stretch, before abandoning it in October 2013. January/February 83

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News Opinion Events

Pre-School

Sponsored by:

A monthly guide dedicated to the biggest sector in toys

Galt eyeing up more growth in pre-school sector

Firm launching 60 new products at Toy Fair including educational and developmental offerings

By Samantha Loveday GALT TOYS is looking to continue on its successful run from 2013 in the preschool arena – unveiling 60 new lines at Toy Fair. A number of educational and developmental toys will be among these including Animal Pop Beads, Velvet Pictures, Robo Crew Slithery Slime, Marble Racer and new Water Magic sets. Galt will be revealing a selection of puzzles, suitable for children aged three plus, including Funny Face Sticker Puzzles and Traffic Jam Puzzle. The extra long ten-piece floor puzzle features a traffic jam with different vehicles from tractors to double decker buses, plus a horn sound button to press when it is complete. “The pre-school sector has continued to perform

MCDONNELL: “Retailers like the authority of the Dr Miriam @ Galt range; it’s a trusted brand”

very strongly for us and is an area we are always looking to grow,” John McDonnell, MD of Galt told ToyNews. “We will be introducing new packaging to some of our ranges, to

help our products stand out further on the competitive shop floor. “While in keeping with the Galt brand, the new designs have been simplified to let the

products do the talking, making them more appealing to customers.” Galt will also be continuing with its Dr Miriam @ Galt range – which it launched at Toy

Fair 2013 – with the line having been shortlisted for a host of industry awards. “Retailers also like the authority of the range, having a trusted brand further endorsed by the leading childcare specialist in the UK,” McDonnell said. Moving into 2014, and Galt is confident of further success. “We’re confident that our popular ‘old favourites’ will continue to do well, while the proposed additions will also be well received by retailers and consumers. We’re also looking forward to seeing how the market responds to our developments with Ambi Toys. “This iconic brand already has a great reputation for design and high quality, which we are adding to by introducing four new Ambi products to the market,” McDonnell concluded. Galt Toys: 0161 428 9111

Smack enters pre-school space with new app Pacca’s Carousel aims to introduce language learning to youngsters By Billy Langsworthy SMACK HAS collaborated with start-up Anamil Tech to design, develop and launch its first app for pre-schoolers, entitled Pacca's Carousel. The app introduces language learning to preschoolers across five different languages and marks the first app designed for children for a firm that has previously worked with Aston Martin, www.toynews-online.biz

eBay, TLQ magazine and Plan UK. “Digital is an expanding opportunity for brand owners,” said Caroline Haybyrne, Smack's head of marketing and partnerships. “The integrity of development and design is paramount and because of the intense media scrutiny and debate surrounding digital technology for children, brands must recognise that solid digital partnerships are essential.”

Smack developed and designed the app, referencing Sesame Workshop guidelines and undertaking extensive testing phases throughout. “We worked closely with Anamil Tech to create an app experience that was easy for young children to use, and was both fun and educational,” added Lubna Keawpanna, Smack’s creative director. “We did a lot of research around existing apps in the

marketplace and how children use these apps. Our testing phase was rigorous and included children, their parents and

education professionals.” Pacca’s Carousel will feature on Kurio at the London Toy Fair. Smack: 020 7836 4064 January/February 85

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NEWS

Comment A PARENT BLOGGER’S VIEW Parent bloggers are an increasingly influential part of the pre-school landscape. Each month, we ask a different mummy or daddy blogger to write a special blog post for ToyNews, giving their views on the toy market.

This month: Kate Gunn MICRO SCOOTERS have been at the top of the pile of kids scooters for a number of years. Sturdy, robust, stylish, fun – it’s no wonder every child wants one. But what happens when after all those years of daily use they break, or the child graduates to a bigger model? As a mother of three scooter obsessed children, I have two old and broken Micro Scooters lying unloved in our shed. I simply haven’t had the heart to throw out such a good product. On the other hand I can’t give them away or sell them because they aren’t in good enough shape. So what do I, and thousands of other mothers, do with them all? Well those clever folk at Micro Scooters have come up with the answer. Scooter Aid is a simple, but brilliant, campaign to get the scooters into the hands of someone who will love them again.

Micro Scooters has come up with a plan to revamp all our old scooters and send them on to not-so-fortunate kids in the UK and the third world. Getting involved is incredibly easy. All you need to do is: 1. Box and/or wrap the scooter (they can only accept their own Micro scooters) 2. Print out a free returns label for your package 3. Take the scooter down to the post office (there is no cost for returning the scooter to them). The idea behind the scheme is to: • Provide practical aid to under-privileged children across the UK and Africa that aids their physical and mental development • Recycle items that might otherwise have ended up in landfill. Now, you really can’t argue with the logic of that can you?

Rainbow ready for Paddington movie New range of toys to arrive to tie in with first ever feature film for brand By Samantha Loveday BRITAIN’S BEST loved bear, Paddington, is set to make his big screen debut this year – and Rainbow Designs is readying a new line of tie-in product. Unveiled so far are new additions to the Paddington the Adventurous Bear collection – the Wooden Paddington Dominoes and the Learn to Tell the Time with Paddington Wooden Clock – with more toys due to follow in early 2014. A selection of product will be on show at London Toy Fair, Nuremberg and Spring Fair on the Rainbow Designs’ stand. “The hype surrounding the new Paddington movie

is set to escalate month by month and we’re delighted to be launching a host of toys to tie-in with its release,” said Anthony Temple, MD of Rainbow Designs. “The appeal of Paddington is enduring and far reaching which is why we offer a

Paddington Bear for everyone – from the traditional collector Paddington Bears through to our pre-school Paddington ranges.” The Paddington movie hits cinemas in November. Rainbow Designs: 01329 227300

Chicco celebrates strong 2013 growth Firm is now in the top 15 infant and pre-school toy brands By Samantha Loveday

Check out more from Kate Gunn online: http://KateTakes5.blogspot.com and on Twitter @katetakes5.

86 January/February

FOLLOWING 12 months of consecutive growth, Chicco finished 2013 over 12 per cent up, outperforming all nursery categories, the company has revealed. In addition, in just two years, Chicco has jumped from outside the top 75 infant and pre-school toy brands to take a place within the top 15. “We are delighted with these incredible results,” said Mitch Levene, Artsana UK’s MD. “They are driven via investment in our brand

LEVENE: “We are delighted with these incredible results”

and our retail partners who are reaping the mutual rewards from such growth. I am proud of all our team and corporate Italian HQ

colleagues who have jointly and passionately delivered this success.” Chicco has been actively recruiting to expand its head count in its customer development team, with further news on this due to be announced in the New Year. “We have also been working hard behind the scenes for the past couple of years on superb innovation that is just about to enter the market ready to build upon solid foundations,” Levene continued. Chicco: 01623 750870 www.toynews-online.biz

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THE WORLD OF ERIC CARLE

Hungry for more The Very Hungry Caterpillar is the most loved children’s book by the under fives in the UK. With 2014 marking the 45th anniversary of the Eric Carle classic, Samantha Loveday asks Charlie Donaldson, joint MD of Rocket Licensing, about the plans and why the book strikes such a chord with adults and children alike Firstly, what’s the background of The Very Hungry Caterpillar? Writer and illustrator Eric Carle has written 70 books and enjoyed overall sales in excess of 125 million copies worldwide. The Very Hungry Caterpillar first appeared in print in 1969. Nearly 45 years later, it has sold over 37 million copies. Today it is the most-read children’s book in the UK — more than any other hit storybook of the last halfcentury. According to a recent Book Trust survey it’s also the most loved book for the under fives. How many licensees does it have to date? As the centrepiece for the World of Eric Carle brand, and a major brand in its own right, The Very Hungry Caterpillar has inspired a global licensing programme that, to date, boasts over 130 licensees in toys, games, apparel, stationery, gifting and more. What are some of the best performing products in the toy space? The strongest performers in the Rainbow Design toy range are the caterpillar teether rattles, activity caterpillar, developmental caterpillar and, of course, the lovely caterpillar beanies. There are more toy lines being launched throughout 2014. And what about the preschool space in general? Aside from the toy range, the other best performing categories are apparel, greetings cards and stationery and silver and ceramic products. The Brecrest bathrobe and hat and bib gift sets are selling particularly well in Tesco. The party paperware range by Talking Tables has helped many young children celebrate 88 January/February

brand’s position as the most read children’s book in the country. A major event involves Action for Children, engaging with 1,000 or more children centres, nurseries and primary schools across the country to host a sponsored ‘Giant Wiggle’ walks in caterpillar conga lines on The Very Hungry Caterpillar Day on March 20th 2014.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar is seen as part of the pre-school and primary school learning experience. Charlie Donaldson, Rocket important birthdays, with the ceramic range from Portmeirion proving to be a perfect gift for young children and babies. However, we have a broad range of licensed products now in the market and more planned for 2014 with many expected to become firm favourites at retail. Are you looking to sign up more licensees? The Joester Loria Group, global master licensing agent for The World of Eric Carle, appointed us to build on the UK success of The World of Eric Carle brands. And that’s what we have done. The newest licensing deals include Sapona (toiletries) and East Coast Nursery (nursery

furniture), both of which are planning 2014 launches. Other recent deals involve major names in a number of categories including Wild and Wolf, children and babyware manufacturer Dennicci, William Lamb Footwear and Universal Cycles. They join Ravensburger for games and puzzles, cutout cards from UK Greetings, bikes, trikes and skateboards from Universal Cycles and bedding and blankets from Dreamtex. What are some of the main challenges when it comes to licensing a classic publishing property? The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a simple, charming,

beautifully illustrated tale of a caterpillar that becomes a butterfly. Eric Carle’s illustrations are striking and instantly recognisable. Those two factors are an excellent inspiration to style guides and product selection and design. At the same time, this has been a lasting favourite for decades. We need to bear that in mind at all times and ensure that what appears at retail is always relevant and appropriate. Can you talk us through the plans for the 45th anniversary in 2014? The 45th anniversary is set to be a big year for the brand overall with new product and book launches, a major consumer PR campaign led by License to PR, promotional activity at retail and grassroots activity to reinforce the

What’s the secret behind its enduring popularity? I think it’s the simplicity of the story, memorable imagery and heritage. Of course there is also that sprinkle of magic dust you can’t put your finger on; only Eric Carle himself knows the full answer. What we know for certain is that the book has been, and continues to be, loved by generations. The success of the global licensing programme is no coincidence: it draws on the unique style and appeal of a book whose brilliant colours and instantly recognisable images are familiar to millions. What does it teach pre-schoolers? The Very Hungry Caterpillar is not just synonymous with fun and play, but is seen as part of the pre-school and primary school learning experience. This book is both one of the first books parents will ever read to children, and a firm fixture in the bookracks of nurseries across the country. The story is visually distinctive and encourages basic learning skills such as counting, days of the week and a caterpillar’s life cycle. It has very strong approval ratings from parents and educators. That’s why a strong consumer market exists, not only among young children but also with teachers and parents. www.toynews-online.biz

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Retail Only

News Data Opinion

Dedicated monthly retail coverage

The Entertainer Dubai to faithfully mirror UK stores Toy chain puts processes in place to ensure service, layout and customer experience are identical By Billy Langsworthy THE ENTERTAINER opened its first Dubai store in December, and the chain has ensured it doesn’t stray too far from how its UK cousins operate. The store has ensured the in-store experience, shop fit and services are exactly the same as in UK outlets. “The person who is in charge of our training here went over to Dubai for two weeks to train the team in exactly the same way as they have been trained over here,” Rebecca Rees, head of marketing at The Entertainer, told ToyNews. “Our head of store development has been over there for nearly three weeks making sure the shop fit is to our specifications. I’ve been working with the marketing team in Dubai to make sure everything we do with the look of the store and the point of sale on windows is exactly the same as in the UK.” The only differences include changes to language and products suited to the Dubai market. Rees added: “The only things that are slightly different is that ToyShop.com isn’t on the logo over there as we’re not

Early footfall for The Entertainer in Dubai has been boosted by character visits drawing families into the new store

driving traffic to a UK website. “The other thing is that in the shop itself, there is some Arabic. On the front of the store there is the Arabic way of writing The Entertainer and as you leave The Entertainer, we always say ‘Thank you for shopping with us’ and that’s been translated into Arabic as well. “75 per cent of the range is sourced from a local level in Dubai and with its weather, the outdoor sector is a much bigger opportunity so they have some bikes and so on. “But nothing looks different about it which is

great because that’s exactly what we wanted to achieve.” The Entertainer is pleased with the early results since opening, the likes of which

“We’re actually in the new part of the shopping centre that we’re in, and we’re the only shop in that bit open at the moment. So to get the footfall that

Nothing looks different about it which is great because that’s exactly what we wanted to achieve. Rebecca Rees, The Entertainer point to more triumphant openings when the retailer expands across the region later this year. “We’ve been very pleased with the first few days of trade,” enthused Rees.

we’ve got from that, along with our character visits has been great with a lot of families visiting. “Saturday is the big day in the UK but in Dubai it’s Friday, so that’s why we did

the big opening on a Friday. That was incredibly positive and we’ve had a lot of interest and a lot of visitors and positive comments. “This is the first of many. Al Owais Enterprises are going to be opening a lot more shops across Dubai and across the whole EMEA region this year, with Abu Dhabi and those countries as well. “This is our first partner and Al Owais plans to open 45 stores over the next few years in that area and we’re looking to sign other partners across the world as well.” The Entertainer: 0844 800 5100

ToyNews takes soundings from its Retail Advisory Board on toy industry issues. The current members are: RETAIL ADVISORY BOARD

Stuart Grant, The Entertainer

Fiona Murray-Young, Toys R Us

www.toynews-online.biz

Andrea Abbis, Argos

Brian Simpson, Toytown

Tom Folliot, Sainsbury’s

Marc Dean, Morrisons

Annalise Quest, Harrods

Steph Strike, Asda

Ian Edmunds, Toymaster

Ben Redhead, Firebox

Steven Bradley, Boots

Helen Gourley, Toy Hub

Miles Penhallow, Play-Room

January/February 91

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NEWS & OPINION

Counter Insurgent

Walking with Dinosaurs game to help toy shops welcome Wonderbook BBC gaming expert believes the educational nature of the title will help the toy space get on board By Billy Langsworthy THE LATEST title for Sony’s Wonderbook will help toy stores embrace the video game tie-in, a BBC gaming expert has told ToyNews. Wonderbook: Walking with Dinosaurs for the PS3 allows children to explore the prehistoric world using augmented reality. “I think it is an unusual product that crosses over from video games to toys and books,” freelance BBC gaming expert and runner of Family Gamer TV Andy Robertson told ToyNews. “As such it seems to attract a different consumer who may not be a ‘gamer’ but would be interested in Wonderbook. “Having the Wonderbook on display in a form that the customer can try would also make a big difference to its reception.” While the product has largely been ignored by toy retail, Robertson believes the educational nature of Walking With Dinosaurs makes it a better fit than prior titles. “Until now there have not been a very wide range of titles for Wonderbook,” “With the recent Diggs Nightcrawler, Book of Potions from J.K.Rowling and BBC’s Walking With 92 January/February

Dinosaurs this is changing. Walking With Dinosaurs is a different kind of franchise to be in a video game as it not only draws on entertainment with the recent movie but also the educational side of the series. “In the game you are presented with a quiz at the end of each level to see how much you have learned.” Players need a Wonderbook, a PlayStation Eye camera and a Movie

to video games make the product a no-go. “I don’t think we’d be interested in that sort of thing at all, as it goes against my ethos which is people interacting with children through toys,” Magic Dragon Toys’ Lesley Schwarz told ToyNews. “But in a toy shop environment, it might open up some areas for them to explore.” On the gaming side, Andy Harden, owner of video

It seems to attract a different consumer who may not be a ‘gamer’, but is interested in Wonderbook. Andy Robertson, gaming expert controller to play the game, and for some stores, this provides a barrier. “It’s interesting because of the educational slant, but it depends on what else you’d need with it,” Wise Owl Toys owner Mark Stewart commented. Halesworth Toy Shop’s Nigel Kemp added: “It might be something I look at but it’s not something I’d usually stock.” Elsewhere, traditional shops told ToyNews that despite the educational value of the latest Wonderbook title, the ties

game store Ego, believes it is too late for Wonderbook to make an impact at video game retail, but it could be a good fit for toy shops. “They are big, nice looking products and the new ones are perfectly priced. It’s on the fringe of my industry but it’s a perfect product for toy stores. “But they might have a problem because, how do you sell it? Do you invest in games machine so you can show people it working? If so, you lose on one because you’ve got to open it up.” Sony: 020 7859 5000

It’s a New Year, so what has 2014 in store? According to Counter Insurgent it’s finding the toy mojo at Toy Fair. Elsewhere, CI enjoys an odd moment when faced with a price match request ANOTHER YEAR over, and is retail becoming more and more like our American cousins? The Black Friday Frenzy happened and shoppers still left their buying until as late as possible. Online sellers once again caused trouble, wandering around the store scanning barcodes and walking out. At least some of them ask to match an online price. Our policy has now changed, if anyone asks if we price match, the staff are no longer allowed to say ‘yes’, but ask what the item is and then find me (no, I don’t have time but…). Someone wanted us to match an Amazon price for a £6.99 toy that was being sold for £6 plus £4.60 postage the other day. I said I would do it for £6.50. The gent stood in front of me, pushed a couple of buttons on his phone and said he had ordered it from Amazon with a stupid grin on his face. One of the sensible customers behind him pointed out he had just

paid 40 per cent more than had he bought it from us. I stood back and watched one of the funniest things I have ever seen in the shop as the customer gave him a simple maths lesson. We were still a little unsure if he understood even then. Should I have taken an overall view and just matched the price? I don’t think so, the item would have cost the seller no more than £2 to post but it typifies the problem. Maybe if online prices had to show all the costs instead of just the item or postage included it would make a fairer comparison. So, what will 2014 bring? It seems to me that more value retailers like B&M will be selling toys, and not just crap with better support from suppliers exploring other ‘channels’. I have to question why they bother, when they can’t even look after their existing ‘channels’. Nevertheless, hopefully we can all get our mojo for toys back as we walk around ToyFair this year.

Will you be getting your ‘mojo’ back at Toy Fair this year?

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RETAIL ADVISORY BOARD

Here LEGO again The New Year is filled with fresh chances, toy lines and one film causing quite a stir. Robert Hutchins asks how Christmas 2013 went, what trends to look for and what The LEGO Movie means for 2014 Brian Simpson, Manager, ToyTown “I am incredibly excited about Transformers 4 and The LEGO Movie. That’s not to say that most brands don’t excite me, but 2014 is definitely going to be a year for big movies. I am also excited about the release of Tamagotchi. I have seen the product and it looks brilliant. Teksta is the most sought after £60 line I have come across. We were selling this from the moment it hit shelves in September last year. “We are trading really well and are on track to show our fifth consecutive year of solid growth. Things are not easy, margins are constantly being pushed down by suppliers, but we are able to find a good balance and make it work for a small business of our size. “I am not a fan of the current trend of online shopping. It hits all the right buttons for ease, but the High Street can’t survive with this growth of sedentary shoppers. Sooner or later, everything will become a Starbucks.” 94 January/February

Ian Edmunds, Operations Manager, ToyMaster “I am really looking forward to The LEGO Movie this year. It’s going to be a big one. I think the best seller for the first part of this year is going to be LEGO, LEGO and probably LEGO. For the rest of the year, god knows. “I see 2014 as being a bit more positive than last year. The Irish market seems to have woken up. I’m not saying it’s going to be the best year ever, but certainly better than last. We saw it in the summer of 2013, there is money there, people just need persuading to part with it. “Q4 of 2013 compared to 2012 was flat. And flat is not good enough. We are still missing that hero product. People are talking about Rainbow Loom, but crazes are hard to predict and as we know, impossible to manufacture. “Continuous promotions are really affecting the independent retailer. Mobile phone shopping is just a move from using tablets and laptops. Retailers really have to

embrace this. At least if they get them in the shop they get the chance to talk to them. You have to embrace this new showrooming culture.” Stuart Grant, Buying Director, The Entertainer “We have got a great line-up of movies this year. We have Spider-man, The LEGO Movie, Captain America Two, Transformers, and we have Turtles at the back end, so I think that’s going to be the opportunity for this year. “For the rest of the year, Minecraft is doing very well and Transformers is looking as strong as ever. “The industry has actually seen a two per cent decline two years in a row. I still think there is potential to grow the business, but we are being squeezed by other industries like consumer electronics and the app stores. If you’re prepared to work hard, can compete with the market place and be light on your feet I think there is scope to succeed as The Entertainer has in the last four to five years.

“Q4 2013, compared to 2012 was really good. We are trading very well in the tough market. For us it’s going to be a positive year. We are missing a chase product right now. I think because of that it probably is suppressing the industry, it’s not driving footfall. There are some good things, but nothing we’re all chasing around for.” Helen Gourley, Owner, ToyHub “The biggest range as far as we are concerned for the first half of this year will be LEGO. The release of The LEGO Movie in February is set to send demand soaring. We are also particularly delighted with the Toymaster Brick Box exclusive as it’s exactly what parents are looking for at the moment. That said, we will also be looking

closely at margin this year, making sure we trade profitably even if turnover is reduced. “Last October was poor, but November surpassed all expectations. People seemed to have left things a little bit later last year. Christmas came late. “The stand out product for us is by far the Zelfs; that craze just keeps going and the products are priced just right or people’s budgets. Minecraft has also been very well received – a lot of parents are relieved that they can finally purchase something reasonably priced for their Minecraft obsessed kids. “People are shifting to mobile shopping, that much is clear. Fortunately we relaunched our website and are coping fine with this. We are now noticing local parents utilising our online shopping and collect at store service.”

RETAIL ADVISORY BOARD Turn to page 59 to find out who’s part of our Retail Advisory Board. If you’re a toy retailer who’s interested in joining, please email dominic.sacco@intentmedia.co.uk

www.toynews-online.biz

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INDIE RETAILER FOCUS

Automattic Comics & Toys Storeowner Matt Booker has helped put Corsham on the map, hosting annual sci-fi events and welcoming various comic-con celebs. Robert Hutchins discusses what’s selling well and what’s been impacting business the most over the past 12 months

The shop hosts a sci-fi convention every year and in recent times, the event has welcomed the likes of Red Dwarf’s Chris Barrie and Doctor Who’s Colin Baker

Can you tell us a bit about your store? We have spent 20 years in the small market town of Corsham. It was just a comic shop to begin with. We all had an interest in Star Wars and LEGO so we started doing toys and have just cultivated it ever since. We have done different things over the years, we got into Doctor Who quite heavily and have moved in to other things like giftware and as much Minecraft gumph as possible. We hold a sci-fi convention every year. Last year we had Chris Barrie and Danny John Joules from Red Dwarf. We’ve also had Colin Baker from Doctor Who and a couple of Star Wars guests.

For comics, we stock whatever people want. We can get anything from the States. The backbone of the shop is the comic standing order service and that keeps me going. The most popular figures we do are the Star Wars figures. We have probably got over 800 different figures in store. We stock stuff from yesteryear to modern and everything in between. If it has Star Wars on it, I will probably stock it. The most popular are the Pedigree Star Wars action figures. I do have some vintage stuff, but really I just sell action figures to kids to rip open and play with. Whether it’s one month old or ten years, it’s there to be played with.

What is your background? I have always loved toys and comics. Childhood was LEGO and Star Wars and I have never looked back. I have written for a toy website for many years, I used to write for Actionfigure.com and have covered New York Toy Fair and Santiago Comic Convention. I have done all the big conventions

What’s your town like and what is your competition? We have no competition at all. I do more boys toys and older kids toys. The Corsham Toy Box opened up two years ago. She is doing more art and crafts and pre-school toys, so we are very different markets. I did the Puppet Company product once, but I exhausted it. It slowed. She took on a different Puppet line and I traded the rest of

How is business divided between comics and toys? www.toynews-online.biz

my stock with a friend who had stuff I wanted. I do trade with a couple of other retailers to keep a diverse range of stock. We all try to work together. What kind of customers do you tend to attract? Every age. There is no demographic here. The comic market has always been seen as 17 to 20 year old males, but I have guys in their 70s coming in along with kids of six after the next Adventure Time and My Little Pony comics. And what you get in comics is the same in toys, a huge diverse range that can

shop. Any kids that come in fancy dress get a free comic. My Dalek comes down with a couple of Star Wars characters. We have a few guys turn up in costume when we do the Christmas lights switch on and raise money for charity. With Charity Sci-Fi last year, we raised over £20,000. What toys sell well? I thrive with playground crazes, I just wish there was a good one again. Moshi did well, but that is dead. They destroyed it by getting greedy with it. They pushed too much product that then got heavily

Anyone who spends £20 on Star Wars toys gets a free comic. The personal touches keep you different. Matt Booker, Automattic Comics & Toys cater to anybody. People are realising that Geek Chic isn’t just for the minority like it was when I started out. It’s all encompassing. How do you engage with your customers and the local community? At Halloween we have a fancy dress day in the

discounted. LEGO Minifigures are filling that gap nicely, but I wish Magic Box would do Gogos properly again. A third of my window display is devoted to Minecraft. I am drawing from about eight wholesalers to get anything possible and it’s

flying out. I listen to what the kids want. What is having the most impact on your business? Well, it doesn’t help with Sainsbury’s down the road doing their stupid toy sales. The big boys have stopped running these as much, they’ve realised they can’t afford to do half price on everything anymore. We don’t run sales because we don’t need to. The constant discounting of a brand that is strong enough not to be discounted, that harms a brand. The speed of turning product into discount product is horrendous. I won’t stock movie toys anymore because it ends up in the discount bin of a discount store in the same week of release. But customers today also want knowledge. They want you to know your product. There are those who sit on Amazon looking for it cheaper, but I ignore them. I can’t price match like that. I do give loyal customers deals and anyone who spends £20 on Star Wars toys gets a free Star Wars comic. The personal touches keep you different. January/February 97

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RECOMMENDED

LEGO The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug LEGO celebrates the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, Thorin Oakenshield and his band of dwarf companions with new sets from the second installment of The Hobbit CONTACTS LEGO: 01753 495 000 www.thehobbit.lego.com Available now LEGO celebrated last year’s release of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug with a new line of building sets, continuing the adventure of Bilbo Baggins and his journey to the Kingdom of Erebor. Joined by Gandalf and a gang of 13 dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield, The Hobbit and LEGO fans alike can create a range of scenes and location from the latest adventure in Middle Earth. Retailing at £19.99, the Dol Guldur Ambush set encourages kids to help the heroes through an Orc ambush, featuring fortress ruins and mobile catapults. Meanwhile, the Mirkwood Elf Army set, retailing at £29.99, features a rotating, splitting tree, ambush function,

MICKEY AND MINNIE BUMPERCARS, KIDS @ PLAY Launched in autumn 2013, the new Mickey and Minnie Bumpercars from Kids@Play work just like the real Dodgems at the fair. The powered vehicles feature a special engine and motor, allowing the car to travel in all directions and spin through 360 degrees. Each car also features numerous in-built flashing lights, a steering wheel and a safety belt. A six volt battery and recharge pack is provided offering a minimum of 300 recharges, meanwhile the car’s air cushion ensures that furniture or skirting boards are protected from damage. Each car has its own official Disney approval and licence. The Mickey and Minnie Bumpercars retail at £129.99. 01291 635 551 98 January/Februaury

weapon rack and six minifigures. Players can flick missiles at Orc invaders to defend the Elven fortress. The Lake-town Chase set encourages fans to help Bilbo Baggins escape the Master of Lake-town with a house-prison, armoury, boat, catapults, weapons and five minifigures. A larger set, the Lake-town Chase scenario retails at £49.99. Finally, the largest of the sets, Dol Guldur Battle retails at £69.99. Players must defeat the forces of evil in a conflict with the Necromancer of Dol Guldur. Radagast and Gandalf team up to investigate the fortress ruins, said to host evil. Fans can flick the wall of the fortress to make the Necromancer of Dol Guldur appear, while Azog and

Gundabad Orcs set about an attack on the wizards with a rolling catapult.

MARKER MAKER, CRAYOLA Crayola is encouraging kids to get creative this season, letting artists create their own marker pens with the new Marker Maker. Retailing at £22.99, the new kit allows children to create their own custom colors, using the mixing guide or going off piste to produce their own colour combinations. One ‘design your own’ marker box and labels pack lets fans create up to 16 markers, all featuring Crayola’s renowned ‘washability’. The product has already enjoyed success in the US, boasting a range of awards. Crayola is excited to bring the kit to the UK in July this year, with a TV advertising campaign the firm believes will help the product become a ‘smash hit’. 01483 449 944

THRILL RIDES ROLLER COASTER BUILDING SETS, K’NEX This spring will see K’Nex welcome a raft of new additions to the K’Nex Thrill Rides Collection. The key driver in the collection will be the K’Nex Typhoon Frenzy Roller Coaster Building Set, offering over 640 K’Nex pieces to build a roller coaster track of over 19 feet. The track also features motorised action and downloadable instructions to build multiple Coaster designs. Aimed at children aged nine and over, the K’Nex Thrill Rides Collection offers a range of building sets at several price points, starting at £29.99. Further sets in the collection include K’Nex supernova Blast Roller Coaster Build Set with over 800 glow in the dark building pieces. 01189 497000

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FOREVER FRIENDS, JUMBO GAMES Jumbo Games is launching the first product in its partnership with the Forever Friends brand, a 500-piece puzzle featuring the firm’s popular characters. As part of the launch campaign of the new range, puzzler and Forever Friends fans will receive a free greetings card with the new puzzle line. Now over 25 years old, the Forever Friends brand has featured on numerous products including card designs, gifts, toys and stationery. Jumbo will launch a larger, 1,000-piece puzzle featuring a free Forever Friends plush bear in June this year. Katherine Pierce, marketing manager at Jumbo Games, said: “These puzzles offer broad appeal ensuring the perfect gift idea for any puzzle fan.” 01707 289 289 www.toynews-online.biz

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Hop to it From post offices to high end department stores, 70,000 retailers from across the globe are flocking to the Birmingham exhibition this February. Robert Hutchins asks Spring Fair’s portfolio director Sarah McLaughlin what we can expect from the event this year, before exploring just some of this year’s toy exhibitors

IT HAS BEEN described as the ‘treasure trove for independent retailers’ comprising of 17 halls showcasing products from 13 different categories, opening its doors to 3,000 exhibitors and attracting up to 70,000 retailers from across the globe. That’s right, it’s Spring Fair. And this year i2i Events and the Birmingham NEC promise to host an event offering ‘cross-over buying opportunities and dedicated content’ that the independent retailer ‘won‘t find anywhere else.’ Making up the categories this year are products from contemporary gift and home; gifts; Christmas gifts, floral and seasonal decorations; gift, home and volume; greetings and stationery; body and bath; fashion, jewellery, accessories and luggage; home interiors and furniture; kitchen, dining and housewares; art and framing; the summerhouse and The Party Show. Icing on the cake of course will be the exhibition’s large presentation of children’s gifts, toys and gadgets all populating the centre’s renowned Hall 3. “Toys and gadgets is a fundamentally important sector of the show taking up most of Hall 3 alongside The Party Show, a dedicated event relevant to many toy retailers,” Sarah McLaughlin, portfolio director, Spring Fair tells ToyNews. “But unlike exhibitions that focus only on toys, Spring Fair offers excellent crossover buying opportunities and is strong in the area of www.toynews-online.biz

traditional wooden toys and higher end products. Anything you could give to a child as a gift can be found at Spring Fair and you won’t find a better variety of product at any other event.” The Party Show promises to live up to its name,

and toys suppliers booked for Spring Fair 2014.” She adds: “We know that buyers love to see new exhibitors every year so we have worked hard to secure these new brands.” With its focus solely on supporting the retail

Unlike exhibitions that only focus on toys, Spring Fair offers excellent cross-over buying opportunities. Sarah McLaughlin, Spring Fair portfolio director celebrating toy industry favourites such as Rubie’s, Mask-arade, In Character and Rasta Imposta with sponsored catwalks running three times a day. Amy Fiddy, children’s gifts, toys and gadgets manager is “delighted with the wide selection of gifts

industry, last year the event held The Big Debate, a chance for retailers to voice their opinions and concerns about the market. This year will be no different, with the debate focusing its attentions on the rise in overheads and business rates and taking

guide >>>

place at the Trend Briefing and Seminar Theatre on February 2nd. “Part of our whole role as such an important trade event involves supporting the retail industry in any way that we can,” continues McLaughlin. “Among other things we will have a retail advice clinic, where our panel of experts will be sharing their advice on solutions to a few of the most common problems in retail.” The 2014 event will also see the return of the popular Licensing Lounge, where retailers and suppliers meet and discuss the intricacies and benefits of entering the licensing arena. Sponsored by Warner Bros and co-sponsored by Penguin Books Licensing, participants of the

Licensing Lounge include British Museums and Marilyn Robertson. Licensing industry association, LIMA will also be present, alongside licensing consultant, Keith Pashley who will be hosting the area for the duration of the show. “Demand for licensed properties and branded products continues to be very strong,” she explains. “For the toy industry, it’s clearly very important, with movies and children’s TV driving a lot more of the demand for licensed product. It’s an area that can’t be ignored,” concludes McLaughlin. January/February 101

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SHOW GUIDE SPRING FAIR 2014

Esdevium Games

Stand Number:

Esdevium’s range of Fisher Price Classics and Nostalgia board games will be gracing its stand at 2014’s Spring Fair. Combining the original toy designs from the 60s and 70s with the manufacturing standards of today, the Fisher-Price Classics range features the Chatter Telephone, Record Player and Teaching Clock, plus a number of new additions for 2014. Meanwhile, the Nostalgia range of board games includes some of the earliest editions of Monopoly, Cluedo and new for 2014, Scrabble, each coming in wooden boxes with vintage components and boards made to a high standard. The Dobble card game will be a focus of Esdevium’s stand, having seen ‘fantastic growth throughout 2013 with the Dobble Challenge,’ a promotion designed to encourage the demonstration of the game in-store, with retailers earning an extra £1 back on each unit sold. On the back of its success this year, the firm will be expanding the Dobble line for 2014. New expansions for the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Yu Gi Oh and Match Attax will be introduced to the trade in addition to a number of new collectible properties set for a Q1 launch in 2014. 01420 593 593

3D18

Intelex With the slogan, ‘putting the fun into functional’ the Intelex Group has been committed to ‘bringing out new ranges and delivering bestselling toys every year.’ Since its industry debut with the creation of the Hot Pack in 1995, Intelex has delivered a range of warmable plush toys along with giving a number of popular licensed characters, including Bagpuss, Gromit, Boofle and YooHoo the Intelex makeover. With over 15 new ranges launched over the last two years, 2014 promises further arrivals from the heatable toy firm, each readying for reveal at this year’s Spring Fair. Intelex will continue to build on the success of the Socky dolls range with a number of new additions, joining the likes of Curtis and Bellamy. Meanwhile, the warmable Hooty owls, screen cleaners as well as the Hooty Friends collection will see expansion this year, and as the owl trend shows little sign of slowing, the firm will be welcoming novel new Hootys to its portfolio. Finally, the company’s range of licensed products is also set for expansion with plans to launch more Yoohoo products in 2014. Remaining coy, the firm will only divulge that a brand new licensed character is on Stand the way alongside an appearance from ‘a Number: rather cunning and crafty creature joining the portfolio during 2014.’ 01933 679 777

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102 January/February

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SHOW GUIDE SPRING FAIR 2014

Orchard Toys Educational games and jigsaw manufacturer, Orchard Toys will be showcasing six new lines on a purpose built stand at Spring Fair this year, each aimed at the pre-school market and children aged four and upwards. Rockets and Comets will be joining the collection of popular space themed games and jigsaws, while Pirate Race game, aimed at kids aged three and upwards, marks the firm’s response to the ‘growing demand Stand for pirate themed toys for boys and girls.’ Number: Further newcomers to the range include Giant Town, a large jigsaw playmat which can be interlinked with the existing On the Farm and Giant Road Jigsaws for extra value. The firm is also excited to be presenting a new Farmyard Friends and Alphabet Match games aimed at two years and upwards, and it describes the new Baby Lotto as ‘the perfect game for parents looking to prepare their children for the arrival of a sibling’. Orchard Toys is reportedly excited to be heading to Spring Fair, an event it believes ‘offers a diverse range of retailers.’ “From traditional toy and gift shops to farm shops and visitor attractions, we see most buyers from the UK, as well as international retailers,” says Simon Prest, sales director at Orchard Toys. “For 2014 we will be inviting buyers to view our whole range of British manufactured, fun, educational games and jigsaws on our new purpose built stand.” 01953 859 525

3N24

Stand Number:

H3 3F43

LITTLE HANDFULS (2TOOBZ) Little Handfuls is excited to be launching its very own brand of soft toys, preparing for its unveiling at this year’s Spring Fair. The firm has developed its own collection of characters that for the first time ever feature a range of expressions that can be manipulated in the palm of your hand. Little Handfuls will be launching the WeeBoos, aimed at the younger market. The new range is designed to encourage kids to ‘develop a nurturing nature’ as the WeeBoos express themselves through eyebrow movement. Meanwhile, for the older market, the Bush Babies range comes with a back story of rescue from the heart of Africa and the firm is hoping to make a big impression with its stand this year. 07702 593 107

104 January/February

Rubie’s The Rubies portfolio is boasting a host of new stars, old favourites and a few surprises this year as the firm showcases its collection of licensed costumes at this year’s Spring Fair. New introductions will include kids’ Disney Mary Poppins costumes and Cruella De Ville from Disney’s 101 Dalmatians, plus new additions to the Sofia the First and Disney Princesses ranges. Meanwhile, new Max Steel costumes will be featured alongside a new line of licensed Power Rangers Megaforce outfits. As 2014 marks the year of the blockbuster, with the likes of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Rubies will be revealing a new range of Captain America costumes for kids and adults alike. The firm will also unveil a new line based on Thor 2: The Dark World alongside a range of DC character costumes such as Superman, The Flash, Batman, The Joker and more. Always a popular attraction on the Rubies stand, cartoon characters will be making a return with dressup based on The Simpsons, including Homer, Marge and Krusty, as well as Gru and Minions from Despicable Me 2. Furthermore, an adult size Spongebob Squarepants will be joining the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles kids costumes. Rubies has even got a range of Bumble Bee and Optimus Prime costumes ready for the release of the fourth Transformers movie, Transformers: Age of Extinction. Finally, the firm is celebrating World Book Day in March 2014 with a range of book character costumes including new generic Viking, Roman and Tudor costumes as well as Harry Potter licensed products, along with Hobbits, fairies, zombies and more. 08453 070707

Stand Number:

3RO4 SO5

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SHOW GUIDE SPRING FAIR 2014

BigJigs 2014 sees the launch of the new BigJigs Rail packaging, designed to provide an engaging store presence. Key features include modular box sizes and multiple selling faces to aid effective merchandising for retailers. The range of BigJigs Rail rolling stock has been re-designed to allow a 360 degree view in a clear PET clam shell. The toy manufacturer has also devised new merchandising units including a two foot and a four foot wooden display unit. The rebrand also welcomes a variety of rail based characters including Station Master Sam found on the packaging and will be used in marketing initiatives. Spring Fair will see BigJigs showcase a number of new products such as additions to BigJigs Rail, BigJigs baby, Cooking & Roleplay and Puzzle ranges. The City Train Set and Table has been added to the firm’s collection of railway tables, featuring a city scene with high rise buildings, a heli-pad , bridges and unique metro style train. BigJigs has also added the Rocket Train Set, based upon Stephenson’s Rocket. Meanwhile, having seen success with the pink Rail lines, the firm is adding several accessories within the range with the likes of a decorative tunnel, bridge, double engine shed and expansion pack. Eight decorative 48 piece puzzles will be joining the portfolio each incorporating a fairy or fantasy theme such as Ballet school, Enchanted Fairies, Picnic in the Park and Once Upon a time, while the remaining four follow the locomotive theme with the mallard, Rocket, flying Scotsman and the Duchess of Hamilton. The Cooking and Roleplay range is being bolstered with a new shopping trolley, a set of scales and a newly designed shop till, complete with money, credit cards and scanner. Finally, the BigJigs baby products have seen a make-over, each receiving a re-design to fit with the modular packaging and marketing campaign. 01303 250 400

Stand Number:

3H01

Jumbo Games Ravensburger

Stand Number:

3M01

Ravensburger will be unveiling over 100 new products and has added nine new properties to its licensed portfolio: The Hungry Caterpillar, The Gruffalo, Woolly and Tig, In the Night Garden, Disney’s Henry Hugglemonster, The Ultimate Spider-Man, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, The Muppets 2 and Planes: Fire and Rescue. The firm has also got new introductions to classic brands such as Octonauts, Thomas and Friends, Bob the Builder, Dora the Explorer, Minnie and Mickey Mouse, Cars, Princess, Doc McStuffins, Finding Nemo, Frozen and Sofia the First. With sales growing 25 per cent throughout 2013 and over 40 new titles launched for spring/summer the firm says it is ‘upbeat’ about its adult puzzle range too, with formats ranging from 500 pieces to 32,000 pieces. Meanwhile, the firm’s sales of 3D puzzles has increased by 33 per cent over the previous year, with new additions including the Taj Mahal and lighthouse, plus the One Direction puzzle ball driving the range into 2014. Also new to 2014, the firm is showcasing licensed games based on The Gruffalo and The Hungry Caterpillar, alongside classic games such as Labyrinth. Finally the puzzle firm is launching new craft concepts Mosaic and So Styly, while Prehistoric Expedition joins its popular Science X range. 01869 363800

www.toynews-online.biz

Jumbo Games is heading to Spring Fair to unveil a host of new launches for its adult puzzle and children’s licensed ranges. Leading the way, the Wasgij brand is extending its range across the Mystery, Destiny and Original collections. Wasgij Mystery is the ‘what happens next?’ puzzle concept and Wasgij Mystery 10’s theme this time round is Spring Cleaning. Meanwhile, Wasgij Destiny 14 focuses on the change of fashion over time and Wasgij Original 21 tackles football fever ahead of the World Cup. In addition, the Wasgij Junior 1 puzzle is set to launch in June this year, and this product has been designed to engage with younger puzzlers. The heritage range of adult puzzles from Falcon De Luxe will see the introduction of two new photographic scenes, Polpero Harbour and Hatfield House as well as a brand new licence for 2014, the Forever Friends puzzles featuring a free gift card for puzzlers and fans. Finally, two new licences for Jumbo Games in the children’s sector are Q Pootle 5 and Strange Hill High. The new puzzles will launch in the spring while new titles from existing licences, Sofia Stand the First, Henry Hugglemonster and Number: Something Special and the new Minnie Mouse Hide and seek game and EVA foam mat complete the line-up this year. 01707 289 289

3N11

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SHOW GUIDE SPRING FAIR 2014

Marbel The award-winning stand of toy and gift distributor Marbel is back this year with around 100 new products from the likes of Brio, Hape, Nana Block, Lottie, Pink Poppie, WWF, Disney and more. Spring Fair will see over 70 new products from Hape, including two reenergised sub-brands in Quadrilla and Hape Bamboo. The Bamboo product range is leading the way in sustainable design with unique versions of special games, vehicles and creative activities, such as the new Muuli, retailing at £19.99. Meanwhile, Pink Poppy offers a range of Australian designed girls collectables, from jewellery to bags to accessories, billed by Marbel as ‘where dreams evolve into magical fantasy with fairies, ballerinas, mermaids and butterflies’. Over 40 new products will be on show including dress-up, hair accessories and jewellery. Also, Brio is celebrating its 130th birthday with new FSC certification for all wooden items and a new Safari theme range in the rail category. A 130th anniversary exclusive Pull Along Horse is also readying for launch. The micro-building block range nanoblock is expanding in 2014 with Stand 20 new items such as a large scale Titanic and a new Tower Bridge. Furthermore, a range of new fashion dolls will join the Lottie family in Number: 2014 with the likes of the Pirate Queen, Robot Girl and Kawaij Karate Lottie inspired by the international karate star Sensei Debi Steven, 16th Century Pirate Queen Grace O’Malley and female inventors Erin Kennedy and Kathy Ceceri. All dolls retail for £16.99. Finally, as part of an extending licensing programme for WWF, Marbel toys has increased its range of hand puppets to include designs inspired by the global animal charity. 0845 6000 286

3Q04

Rainbow Designs

Rainbow Designs has plenty of new arrivals to showcase at Spring Fair this year, with new additions for its raft of classic characters. 2014 marks the 45th anniversary of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and is celebrating the occasion with a host of new products. New additions to the infant developmental range include The World of Eric Carle Tummy Time plush, large Developmental Elephant, Twist and Click Blocks and Wooden Counting Caterpillar. Meanwhile, another big event of 2014 is the release of the first Paddington Bear feature film, and Rainbow is celebrating with a collection of Paddington ranges from traditional collector Paddington Bear through to pre-school Paddington toy ranges. The firm is also extending its Abney and Teal toy range with four new lines including Talking Abney and Teal dolls and a Burping Bop. A new addition to Rainbow’s Wallace and Gromit gift range is the Aardfan collection - a range of Aardman plush characters with sound, including Wallace, Gromit, Shaun the Sheep and Morph. Other new lines include a talking Chatterbox Lola doll and a new Peter Rabbit Nursery collection. Stand 01329 227300

Number:

3H18

www.toynews-online.biz

Stand Number:

3D38-E39

CREATIVE MODELS

Creative Models distributes plastic models, paints, tools and glues for the UK model trade, stocking over 18,000 products for ranges including Airfix, Revell, Hobbyboss, Miniart and Easymodel. The firm also supplies water-based acryllic paints from Acrylicos Vallejo, a range renowned among modellers and war gamers. The firm will be launching its new toy and crafts division at Spring Fair 2014, and will be exhibiting under the name Puzzles and Play. Creative Models will be showcasing jigsaw puzzles for kids and adults from D-Toys with themes such as fairy tales, animals, landscapes, artists and comical designs. Meanwhile, Creative Educational produce pre-school games, board games and learning aids and have over 300 designs available. The firm will also be exhibiting its latest line from Playbox Sweden including creative kits, iron on beads, stickers, crayons, pencils and decorations. 01354 760022 January/February 109

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SHOW GUIDE SPRING FAIR 2014

Sambro Sambro is showcasing the full breadth of its ranges at the 2014 Spring Fair with its key licensed products in arts and crafts, stationery, toys and games, puzzles, wooden toys, wheeled goods and bags. As The Walt Disney Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s novelty toy licensee for 2014, the firm will be showcasing its range of new novelty toys brands such as Sofia the First, Doc McStuffins, Monsters University, Disney/Pixar Cars, Disney Princesses, Disney Fairies, Minnie and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Pocket money toys will also be available in key Marvel licences including Spider-Man. Visitors to the Sambro stand will also find a diverse selection of licensed character bags, such as backpacks

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featuring Minnie Mouse or Cars, wheeled suitcases, shoppers, swim bags and purses. The firm also offers a selection of One Direction bags as well as Turtles, Disney and Warner Bros. lines. As the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle movie readies for release this year, Sambro has teamed with Nickelodeon to create a range including arts and crafts sets, games, puzzles, pre-school bikes and scooters for fans. The firm will also distribute a new science range of TMNT products featuring Turtle Fields, Turtle Launcher, Turtle Soap and Turtle Ooze. Finally, the WWE licence will see a new collection of WWE scooters and skate boards aimed at young wrestling fans.

Stand Number: All Sambro ranges are supported by a fully comprehensive PR and marketing campaign, while TV advertising plans are in place for key ranges during the fourth quarter. 08458 739380

3D21

January/February 111

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Stand Number:

3P39

THAMES AND KOSMOS

Stand Number:

Thames and Kosmos will be exhibiting at Spring Fair for the first time ever this year, showcasing 40 new kits in the 2014 catalogue, along with the 56 existing lines. Three new ranges include 12 blister packs retailing at £6.49. The second range consists of 12 complex kits retailing at £12.99, including a Glow Stick Lab, Crystal Jewellery and Flying Helicopters. The firm’s third new range is its first venture into crafting consisting of five larger kits, including Flip Flop Bead Party and a smaller set of four crafting kits. 01580 212 000

H33K41

Puppet Company

Stand Number:

PENGUIN

The Puppet Company is introducing a new range of eight bird glove puppets called the Snappers to Spring Fair this year. Inspired by global cultures, the range is based on Venetian Mask designs, pop-art and the Circus. Each Snapper features an expressive beak with a squeaker and each is made from patterned plush in a range of colours. Also new this year is the firm’s collection of three-in-one Wooden Puppet Theatres. Inspired by classic toy theatres, the new collection joins the existing Wilberry Wood range, as an update of the firm’s popular Floor Standing Theatre. The theatres can be adapted to be used in three different ways: a full height free standing theatre, a table top theatre or as a top access marionette performance stage. The theatres are available in either blue, white or red and yellow stripes. 01462 446 040

3C & D

Penguin Licensing and Consumer Products will be cosponsoring the Licensing Lounge at Spring Fair this year. The firm is looking forward to meeting new and potential licensees at the show. A key focus for the team this year is the Vintage Ladybird, as the company readies to celebrate 100 years of Ladybird Books in 2015 and is ‘aiming to capitalise on the nation’s love of the British classic’ by developing new products and promotions for the anniversary year. Head of licensing, Susan Bolsover will be giving a seminar on ’the resurgence of retro brands: Vintage Ladybird on Monday, February 3rd at 3pm in the Trend Theatre. The firm will also be presenting Spot, Flower Fairies, Topsy and Tim and Hairy Maclary at the show. 020 7010 3448

BLUW

Stand Number:

Bluw is presenting a range of licensed homewares at this year’s Spring Fair, drawig inspiration from popular properties including Star Wars, Doctor Who and The Muppets. The Star Wars range includes the X-Wing Knife Block, BBQ Tongs with light saber sound effects and an R2 D2 Kitchen Timer. The Doctor Who and Muppet-inspired collection feature alongside a range of Silly Socks and slippers. 0207 627 1268

3A20 -B21 BLADEZ TOYS

Stand Number:

6H31

The RC specialist, Bladez Toys will be showcasing a new product range with additions to its Pump and Play collection. An updated version of the Minion, Dave will feature new built in sounds and lights. Further additions will include inflatable characters from Star Wars along with the firm’s new Super Nano helicopter, the world’s smallest helicopter. Bladez wil also be showcasing its complete range of helicopters including water squirting, missile firing and bubble blowing lines. 02392 658 255 112 January/February

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IMH Dummy template 16/12/13 15:56 Page 1

The Pupp Puppet Company

The Puppet Company design and wholesale over 800 fabulous puppets and finger puppets of all shapes and sizes. fantastic range, please visit us at: To see our fan To January. The Toy Toy o Fair Fair,, stand E16, from 21st - 23rd January. February. Nuremberg Toy Toy o Fair Nuremberg Fair,, stand H1/F09, from 29th January - 3rd February. February. Spring Fair International, hall 3 stand 3K41, from 2nd - 6th February.

Have a puppet - have Fun!

www www.thepuppetcompany.com .thepuppetcompany.com

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SHOW GUIDE SPRING FAIR 2014

Stand Number:

3H41 TRACTOR LAND Tractor Land, the brand owners of Tractor Ted will be launching its latest design of giftware at Spring Fair this year. With national and international distribution, the firm has seen a growth of 30 per cent year on year and enjoys sales figures of around 60,000 DVDs and 40,000 books a year. The new Tractor Ted Digger Design range will include a rucksack retailing at £12.00, a thermal lunch bag at £8.99 and a pencil case at £6.99. Tractor Ted’s Little Farmer Events, meanwhile, takes Tractor Ted across the country with live events such as Race Days and County shows, enabling young children to engage with farm animals and farm life. Tractor Ted already has a number celebrity supporters including Clare Balding, AP McCoy, Kate Humble and Ben Fogle. 020 7274 8871

Stand Number:

3M04/ N03 CHEATWELL GAMES Buiding on its IQ Busters range, the firm is welcoming the Chromas and the Ball Traps to its collection of wooden toys. Meanwhile, the Lost Ball, Magna Ball, Brain Teaser and Anti Gravity puzzles will be testing kids and adults skills this year. The firm will also be showcasing its Mini Masters and Mini Munchies jigsaw puzzles, alongside its Mini Marvels, a range of pint sized puzzles. Major Pickles, Ein Q and Portrait Magna Puzzles bolster the tile and 3D collections. The firm will also present its ranges from Downton Abbey, Plop Trumps, Tension, After Dinner Game Tins, Pig Popper, Penguin Popper and a new range from Moshi Monsters. Cheatwell Games: 01844 238 033

FLYING TOYS

Flying Toys is returning to Spring Fair Stand to launch a new range for 2014 and Number: to show off its existing lines. The firm bills its Aerotron-RC Flying Man to be the highlight of the stand, allowing kids to control a superhero in the sky. The team will also be demonstrating its Parrot AR. Drone Power Edition quadricopter alongside its new AR Drone 2.0 Elite Edition. New Flying Toys from Silverlit include several innovative helicopters, while the iConnect Supercars in the Silverlit Power range incorporate Bluetooth technology. 01702 295 110

3A03

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Stand Number:

3N22 IMAGERISENSE Imagerisense is bringing three French arts and crafts brands to the UK market with Sentosphere kits, AladinE’s range of Stampo and puppets from Le Coin des Enfants. Each is designed to encourage creativity in kids and adults, the kits range from sand painting to sequins and colour artwork. Stampo delivers StampoBaby, StampoMinos and StampoKids, while Le Coin des Enfants range of puppets includes knights and princesses. 01344 560 001 January/February 115

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Stand Number: HTI BB TRADE SALES Spanning homeware, office, outdoor and toys, BB Tradesales will be showcasing its popular collections of 2013 and new lines for 2014. Highlights the firm is keen for people to see include Cloud Storage, The Everything Chair Two – an inflatable lounger featuring speakers and aux cable – and the Trophy Mug, a ceramic mug shaped like a trophy. 01494 765 626

Stand Number:

3H38J39 Stand Number:

3N06 P07

The UK’s largest privately owned toy company is back at Spring Fair with a collection of pocket money toys including Teamsterz vehicles, Jokes and Gags, Razzle Dazzle and My Princess. The firm will also showcase its collections from FunSport, Pirates, Knights, Zombies, Groovy Tunes music and high profile licensed products, featuring Peppa Pig, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse. Licensed wheeled toys, role-play toys, vehicles, track sets and dolls’ prams are abound, while Fisher-Price, Play-Doh, LEGO and Disney will also be featured on HTI’s stand. 01253 778 888

3L05

Stand Number:

3L48 M49

GIBSONS With plenty to talk about this year, Gibsons is kicking off Spring Fair with its new Mystery Mayhem range, featuring 1,000 piece puzzles and a corresponding 200 piece that challenges the minds of puzzlers. Gibsons is also introducing its Keeping Up With The Joneses collection, a set of puzzles following the Joneses as they win £10.5 million on the lottery. In addition, the firm is unveiling a new collection in its Discovery range, featuring all new wildlife paintings. Finally, 2014 will see the release of the 13th puzzle in the I Love range, welcoming I Love Winter. 0208 661 8866

116 January/February

LE TOY VAN Hand crafted wooden cars and garages to pirate adventures, role-play and children’s dolls will all adorn Le Toy Van’s stand at Spring Fair this year. The Budkins collection has grown to over 100 poseable characters with wooden heads and feet, while Le Toy Van’s range of playmats is bolstered with further soft surface additions. The Doctor’s Set is a new addition to the award winning Honeybake role-play range with a vintage doctor’s bag filled with wooden medical instruments. 0208 979 2036 www.toynews-online.biz

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The

Biggest

SpielwarenmesseÂŽ of all Time!

2014 will be a revolutionary year for the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading toy fair. Experience the many changes for obtaining products and ideas for your business success.

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SHOW GUIDE SPIELWARENMESSE 2014

Nuremberg2014 With a new Hall showcasing key industry trends, and exhibitors and visitors once again travelling from around the world to attend, ToyNews takes a look at the UK firms, and global companies, at this year’s Spielwarenmesse, detailing what they will be presenting and where you can find them

THIS YEAR’S Nuremberg Toy Fair is once again upon us, and will see the industry flock to Germany for six days of toy showcasing. The 2014 event is a little different from previous years thanks to the addition of the TrendGallery in Hall 3A. This new space will be debuting upcoming trends and product novelties in a dedicated 1,000m2 area. From Wednesday January 29th to Sunday February 2nd, trend experts Reyne Rice and Dr. Maria Costa will be detailing the individual trend segments and introducing new products, with exhibitors also presenting campaigns. CEO of the Nuremberg Toy Fair, Ernst Kick, is excited about the new additions, which also www.toynews-online.biz

include an extended baby range, and believes attending the show is key for companies looking to enhance their business. “I’m looking forward in great anticipation to our TrendGallery,” Kick enthused to ToyNews.

the toy industry in the one place. “If you want to take your business to the next level, then this is where to do it. “Enjoy an overview of the market, make contacts and tune into the spirit of play.”

“Come prepared,” he says. “Make travel arrangements and appointments in advance – the sooner the better. “Use our organiser to shorten distances, to leave more time for meetings or

If you want to take your business to the next level, then this is where to do it. Ernst Kick, Nuremberg Toy Fair CEO “Of course the whole toy fair is abuzz with trends, but we’ve never put so much effort before into identifying them in the global toy market to present them here. “It’s the only time in the year when you can meet all the decision-makers in

And while the fair will be welcoming back a range of familiar faces, this year also sees a number of companies, and visitors, making their Nuremberg debuts. And Kick has revealed his top tips for visitors making the trip for the first time.

to take advantage of the knowledge offering at the toy fair. Either for modules at the Global Toy Conference, which takes place on Saturday, February 1st 2014, or for lectures in the Toy Business Forum that communicate

guide >>> insights from the TrendGallery. But, whether you’re a newbie or know Nuremberg like the back of your hand, Kick believes the show remains a mustattend event on the busy toy calendar. Kick concludes: “Nowhere else in the world will UK toy experts find such an exhaustive selection of toys and toy know-how as in Nuremberg. “Toy retailers aiming today to foster customer loyalty through a select range of toys and expertise will find an ample supply of both at Nuremberg.” January/February 119

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Company Hall Number / Stand Number aden + anais ......................................................H2 / A-10 Adrenaline Brush Ltd. .............................................H10.0 AFG Media Ltd....................................................H9 / C-02 Alandra Products Ltd .......................................H9 / F-52 Albion Alloys Ltd. ..............................................H7 / D-73 Amscan Europe ...................................H9A / A-55 C-58 Anthony Peters Manufacturing Co.Ltd........H4 / C-10 Ark DIY Products...............................................H6 / A-03 Arklu Ltd ...............................................................H1 / E13 Aurora World Ltd. ..............................................H1 / C-01 Bรกbรณgbaby .........................................................H3 / B-07 Battlefront Miniatures Europe Ltd .......H12.0 / F-16A Bigjigs Toys Ltd .................................................H3 / A-39 Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry....... H12.0 / B-04-3, A-04, B-03, B-04, C-01 Bladesz Toys ..........................................All around show Bloomeez Ltd..................................................H3A / A-13 Bluw Ltd. .............................................................H5 / C-57 BoxKart ...............................................................H7 / C-20 Brainstorm ...................................................H12 / B-03-3 Burley Games Limited..................................H10.0 / I-13 Cartamundi ........................................H10.1 / C-11, B-06 Casdon plc ....................................................H12.0 / C-04 Character World Ltd. ........................................H4 / D-92 Cheatwell Games........................................H10.0 / A-03

120 January/February

Choc-o-bloc T/A Magic Choc ....................H10.1 / C-13 Clevelands Wholesale Ltd...............................H7 / B-89 Community Products UK Ltd .........................H3A/E-12 Corolle ...................................................................H1 / E12 Deans Marine .....................................................H7 / D-73 Deluxe Materials Ltd. .......................................H7 / D-73 Dice & Games Ltd........................................H10.0 / E-12 Duncan Toys Co.............................................H8 / C-03-A Early Rider Limited ............................................H7 / C-06 Edtech Educational Technology Ltd ............H5 / D-82 Eduk8 ............................................................H12 / C-01-2 EQD Ltd................................................................H3 / E-22 Fairy Glam Ltd....................................................H1 / D-04 Fashionette Paris ..............................................H1 / E-19 Fashions UK Ltd.................................................H1 / E-09 Fiesta Crafts Ltd. ..............................................H1 / B-09 Gen Four Two Ltd .....................................................H10.0 Golden Bear Products Ltd...............................H5 / C-15 Goldfish & Bison ...............................................H5 / A-34 Gratnells Ltd. .....................................................H3 / B-47 Greenbrook Automations Ltd. .......................H9 / A-38 Grosvenor Consumer Products Ltd. .........H12.0 / I-21 Haba.....................................................................H2 / E-07 Hama ...................................................................H4 / A-89 Hasbro Deutschland ...........................H12 / F-10, H-05 Hauck........................................................H2 / B-03, C-02

Hobby Headz ...........................................................B-04-3 Hobby Products International .....H7A / D-111, D-117 Horizon Hobby UK Ltd ................................H7A / B-165 Hornby Hobbies LTD. Hedda Falck......H7 / E-40, D-41 HTI - Halsall Toys Int. ..................................H12.2 / P-09 Hy-Pro International Ltd..................................H7 / C-25 i-Spy ...............................................................H10.1 / C-13 IMC Toys ........................................................H12.2 / P-26 Incub Ltd. ............................................................H4 / B-83 Indigo Jamm .......................................................H3 / C-06 Innovation First.....................................H12 / E-40, D-41 Insect Lore..........................................................H5 / D-09 Inspiration Works Ltd.......................H12.0 / F-22, G-18 Intertoy Colin Lisle & Associates........H5 / B-54, C-55 J. Perkins (Distribution) Ltd .......................H7A / A-135 James Galt & Co. Ltd. ..............................H4 / E-51, F50 Jellycat Ltd.........................................................H1 / A-05 JNH Europe Ltd..................................................H5 / D-16 Juggle Dream .....................................................H7 / F-01 KEEL TOYS LTD...................................................H1 / C-09 Kiddimoto Ltd ....................................................H3 / B-31 Kids International Marketing .............Foyer H10/ 0-08 Kitfix Swallow Group Ltd. KSG .......................H4 / C-30 Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH .....H10.1 / D-14 Lanka Kade UK Ltd............................................H3 / F-05 Le Toy Van ..........................................................H3 / D-32

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SHOW GUIDE SPIELWARENMESSE 2014

LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. .....................H6 /A-20, B-21 Learning Resources Ltd....................................H4 /A-05 LEGO...............................................................H12.2 / P-01 Little Bird Told Me .............................................H2 / E-02 Magmatic Ltd.....................................................H8 / D-09 Manhattan Toy Europe Ltd. ............................H3 / D-06 Maps Toys ....................................................H12 / A-04-2 Mask-arade Limited..........................................H9 / B-34 Mattel .....................................H12.2 / P-15 & H7 / A-68 Meadow Kids ................................................H12.0 / F-08 Mega Brands ...........................................H4 / C-81, D-80 Miniland Educational........................................H5 / B-02 MOOKIE TOYS ..........................................H7 / C-09, D-08 My Mask Ltd.......................................................H9 / A-16 NECA ....................................................................H5 / C-59 Norscot Group, Inc............................................H7 / B-88 OPTIFUEL & OPTIPOWER .............................H7A / D-171 Orchard Toys Ltd........................................H10.0 / H-13 Orion Costumes .................................................H9 / F-10 Oxford Diecast Ltd ...........................................H7 / C-52 Palmer Agencies Ltd.........................................H9 / F-89 Pioneer Europe Limited ...................................H9 / D-76 Plum Products Ltd............................................H8 / A-08 PMS International Group PLC .........................H1 / B-18 Pocketbond Ltd .................................................H7 / F-31 Pockos ...........................................................H12.0 / F-20

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Porcupine Press ...............................................H3A /A-11 Primary Products Ltd....................................................H3 Pritchard Patent Product Co Ltd. ............H4A / A-230 Professor Puzzle Ltd....................................H10.0 / I-07 R H Smith and Sons ...............................H9 / D-29, E-28 Rainbow Designs Ltd........................................H1 / E-24 Ravensburger ....................................................H3 / M-01 Revell .................................H12.2 / P-13 & H7A / D-161 Ripmax Ltd. ...................................................H7A / D-172 Roomii Ltd. .......................................................H3A / B-25 Rubies Masquerade......................................H12.0 / I-23 SAMBRO International ...............................H12.0 / G-12 Schleich....................................................H6 / B-20, C-21 Schumacher Racing Ltd.............................H7A / A-131 Seven Towns Ltd.........................................H10.0 / G-22 Shiner LTD........................................................................H8 Simba Smoby........................ H7 / A-B 119 & H3/A-G27 & H7/C-51, C-59 & H6 / B02, C01 & H10.1 / C09 Skipper ................................................................H3 / B-48 Sky Lanterns Ltd................................................H9 /B-22 Sonic Toys..................................................H12 / B-03-4B Streets Ahead Dollshouse ..............................H1 / F-13 Studio 100..........................................H10.1 / E-16, F-37 SUKI Gifts International Ltd............................H1 / C-28 TCG ............................................................H5 / B-54, C-55 Teleview Marketing Group ..............................H5 / A-57

Terox Toys ..........................................................H6 / A-09 The Creativity Hub Ltd...............................H10.1 / E-04 The Ninja Corporation ......................................H7 / E-29 The Puppet Company Ltd. ..............................H1 / F-09 Thinkplay Ltd. ....................................................H4 / B-39 Tobar Group Trading Limited...........................H4 / F-95 Tomy...............................................................H12.2 / P-11 Toy State .......................................................H7A / A-169 Toyslab Entertainment Ltd.............................H2 / A-16 Trade Mark Collections Ltd ..............................H1 /F-41 Travis Designs Limited .....................................H3 / B-37 Trends UK Ltd ....................................................H5 / C-36 TTS.................................................................H12 / A-04-1 Underground Toys ............................................H5 / A-72 Unique Party ......................................................H9 / A-77 Universal Standards (UK) Ltd. ........................H9 / F-18 Upcoming Minds................................................H7 / E-34 Ventura Corporation Ltd .................................H8 / D-32 Vtech .............................................................H12.2 / P-06 Wentworth Wooden Jigsaws Ltd.....Foyer before H10 Wildlife World .....................................................H5 / D-53 Wizard Limited ...................................................H4 / B-23 Wonderworld Wooden Toys ............................H3/ D-14 Worlds Apart Ltd. ..............................................H7 / C-21 Wow Toys......................................................H12 / C-01-1 YJ Europe Ltd..................................................................H8

January/February 121

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Mega Brands HALL: 4 C-81/D-80

The construction toy firm will be showing off new lines spanning pre-school, girls, boys and collectors sectors

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AT THIS year’s Nuremberg Toy Fair, Mega Brands is showcasing its new autumn/winter line-up that spans pre-school, girls, boys and collectors categories. With 25 years experience in pre-school construction toys, Mega Brands is continuing to add to its range with the Mega Bloks First Builders line. The toys provide ‘fun learning and developmental benefits’ through stacking and building with big blocks that are easy for little hands to assemble. Elsewhere, in the girls category, Mega Brands has a ‘world of building, designing and decorating fun’ lined up with popular licensed products in Mega Bloks Barbie, Mega Bloks Hello Kitty and Mega Bloks Smurfs. The Mega Bloks boys range is equally packed

full of popular properties, with a line-up featuring Mega Bloks Thomas & Friends, Mega Bloks Hot Wheels, Mega Bloks Power Rangers, Mega Bloks Skylanders, Mega Bloks CAT and Mega Bloks John Deere. When it comes to the collectors range, Mega Brands is home to construction sets set to delight fans of some of the globe’s most popular gaming properties. Mega Bloks Call of Duty features sets based on Seal Team, Desert Troopers, Chopper Strike and even Zombies Horde. Elsewhere, Mega Brands is continuing to work closely with 343 Industries on the Mega Bloks Halo range including Mega Bloks Halo UNSC Siege Bike and Mega Bloks Halo UNSC Light Assault VTOL.

January/February 123

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HALL 12.2, STAND NUMBER: P11

Tomy

124 January/February

2014 is a year of change for Tomy, and this will be seen in the firm’s showcase at Nuremberg

TOMY IS enjoying a new look for 2014, with the company’s toy portfolio receiving a packaging overhaul to deliver the key message of ‘inspiring playtime’. Ranges will benefit from new modern and vibrant packaging designed to help product lines stand out. This encompasses greater visibility for age grading and allows more colourful products to stand out on the shelf. One of Tomy’s ranges to get new packaging in 2014 is Tomy’s Winnie the Pooh nursery and infant range. Having recently become the lead brand under the new Disney Baby umbrella, the Winnie the Pooh range will continue to offer a broad selection of plush, cot mobiles and traditional toys, as well as new

additions such as the Winnie the Pooh Protect n Play i-Case. The firm’s popular Big Farm brand will also be hitting the shelves in a new skin, and Tomy is introducing Big City to the range of 1:16 scale contruction toys. There are three new and exclusive Iveco vehicles joining Big Farm, and Tomy believes the strong plastic toys with lights and sounds will be a sure fire hit with preschoolers wanting to create their own city. 2013 TV shows and video games are boosting sales for Tomy’s licensed lines, and the toy firm has more ranges based on CBeebies show Chuggington and iconic gaming series Pokémon. Chuggington’s StackTrack is continuing to be a hit with retailers as pre-schoolers continue

to recreate train adventures which are based on the show. And, following the launch of the Pokémon X and Y video games in October, Tomy has seen consumer demand soar for it’s new Pokémon collection. The new range of highly detailed characters from the game arrives on retail shelves in early 2014. Sticking with popular licences, Tomy’s range of collectible pocket money toys and accessories is being refreshed in 2014 with new licences and concepts starting at £1.49 arriving in 2014. Having toured the country with its Battroborg local tournaments, Tomy is launching a range of new Battroborg developments that the firm told ToyNews ‘are too top secret to share just yet’.

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Mattel

Mattel is showcasing a mammoth portfolio featuring Fisher-Price, Disney, Barbie, Hot Wheels and Max Steel ranges

FISHER-PRICE Mattel has a number one pre-school brand in the shape of Fisher-Price, and the firm is bolstering its Babygear, Newborn and Infant ranges with the introduction of the Laugh & Learn product line. The selection features new Smart Stages technology and aims to continue building an emotional connection with mums through an extensive marketing initiative. This will include a fully integrated European brand campaign encompassing a Mum Ambassador programme, mum targeted communication plus a campaign celebrating first birthdays. Also now under the Fisher-Price umbrella is the Little People range, which will be embracing new themes and products, backed by a marketing push. Fisher-Price Imaginext is also going from strength to strength with Cosmic Chaos supported by an all-encompassing marketing campaign. The brand is also welcoming the Thomas & Friends collection including the Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway line, plus My First Thomas & Friends preschool range, while maintaining the momentum of key tentpoles and building on Take nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Play and TrackMaster.

LICENCES Elsewhere for Mattel, new figures and play-sets will join the Disney licence ranges including Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Minnie Mouse and Jake and the Never Land Pirates. 2014 will also see a new vehicle scale for hit property Octonauts, while Dora The Explorer products will continue to appeal to pre-schoolers. The adventures of Maxwell McGrath and his out-ofworld friend Steel continue with new product and content including Turbo Morph Max Steel, Team up Basic and Deluxe Figures, with programming continuing on CITV and series two launching in spring. Ringside, WWE sees the launch of the Slam City Brawl Breakdown the Vault Play-set and Singles figures, as well as the Super Striker Play-set and Figure Assortment. Elsewhere, ahead of taking on Superman in 2015, the caped crusader Batman continues to patrol the shelves of toy stores around the world with the four-inch Batmobile plus Figure Assortment. In 2014, card craze Uno will benefit from an extensive marketing campaign which will include activity for Uno Blast, plus a TV campaign for Uno cards.

126 January/February

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WHEELS AND WINGS Mattel’s iconic Hot Wheels will be introducing its new track system alongside action packed track sets that all connect together. 2014 will see more cool cars for petrolheads to collect spanning four themes. Fresh from celebrating its 60th anniversary, Matchbox is creating countless more adventures in the worlds of Construction, Adventure City, Heroic Rescue and Explorers. After debuting on the big screen, Disney Pixar’s Planes made a successful landing into the world of toys and the new toy line includes Dusty’s Flight to the Finish Speedway, as well as additions to the Diecast range. Back on the ground, Disney Pixar’s Cars has earned its stripes as an established property and 2014 sees the launch of Neon, a range that is supported by an extensive marketing campaign from Disney. The new collection includes Flo’s V8 Café Drag Strip, plus lots more character Cars.

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HALL 12.2, STAND P15

Barbie enjoyed a successful 2013 with Barbie Mariposa and the Fairy Princess on the big screen, Barbie Life in the Dreamhouse on the small screen and the iconic toy has a new look, style and packaging for 2014. 2014 kicks off with Barbie’s Style Club wearing aspirational and relevant fashions, inviting girls to express their sense of style. The Barbie Life in the Dreamhouse series will continue to bring Barbie’s story to life on Nickelodeon, and two new animated feature films are on the way in 2014, Barbie the Pearl Princess in February and Barbie And The Secret Door in the autumn. Mattel believes that through this year, ‘through captivating content and real life experiences’, Barbie will continue to engage and inspire girls of all ages. Sticking with dolls, Monster High is the focus of a new ‘freaktacular’ brand campaign called We Are Monster High. New content for the brand in 2014 also includes two new entertainment titles, Fright Camera, Action and Freaky Fusion. The less ghoulish brand Ever After High is introducing new characters and is celebrating True Hearts Day in the spring and Thronecoming in the autumn. The Disney Princess line will build on existing titles, as well as welcome new additions Sofia the First and Frozen.

HALL 7, STAND A68

DOLLS

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Rubie’s Rubie’s will be showcasing its portfolio of licensed children’s costumes at this year’s Nuremberg, featuring new lines, fan favourites and a few surprises. Joining the range includes kids’ Disney’s Mary Poppins costumes and Cruella De Ville from Disney’s 101 Dalmations, as well as new additions to the Sofia the First range based on the popular Hall 12, TV show. Stand I-23 Disney Rubie’s will also be showcasing a brand new mint green Minnie Mouse costume. To coincide with the big screen launch of Marvel’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier, spring 2014 will see Rubie’s launch a new range of Captain America costumes which allow young fans to once again defend the world against evil. Sticking with superheroes, new licensed Power Rangers Megaforce outfits will be gracing Nuremberg this year.

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Megaforce Red, Black, Yellow, Blue and Pink will all be revealed at the show. Alongside the Marvel and DC Heroes costumes, Rubie’s will be showing its Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle costume. The costume features a printed and padded jumpsuit complete with a shell on the back, and all four coloured eye masks to choose from. Captain America isn’t the only movie to get an accompanying Rubie’s costime range. Transformers: Age of Extinction arrives in July and the firm will be revealing a set of new licensed costumes, including Bumble Bee and Optimus Prime designs. Rubie’s will be also be expanding its range of children’s costumes with the addition of brand new generic Viking, Roman and Tudor costumes for boys and girls. Elsewhere, the popular Harry Potter licensed range will feature at the stand along with mermaids, zombies, and fairies and other products in the company’s expansive portfolio.

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Rainbow Designs Cute, colourful and cuddly are the orders of the day at the Rainbow Designs stand with a range of products based on characters from children's publishing and the small screen. CBeebies' The Adventures of Abney & Teal is the star of a range of toys, games and puzzles, which Rainbow claims has been a hit with parents and children alike. Building upon the success of the Abney & Teal Feature Neep Plush, Rainbow is launching four new lines including Talking Abney and Teal dolls and a Burping Bop. Elsewhere, iconic character Paddington Bear is preparing to make his big screen debut in 2014 and Rainbow has a range spanning traditional collector Paddington Bears right through to pre-school Paddington toy lines. The Paddington Adventurous Bear preschool toy collection is

welcoming the new Wooden Paddington Dominoes and a Learn to Tell the Time with Paddington Wooden Clock. The World of Eric Carle range will also be graced with new additions in early 2014 to celebrate the 45th anniversary of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The World of Eric Carle Infant Developmental range is also expanding with the Tummy Time Playmat, Large Developmental Elephant, Large Developmental Ladybird, Twist and Click Blocks and Wooden Counting Caterpillar. All of these toys are designed with strong primary colours and a variety of textures and sounds which have been created specifically to stimulate babies' senses.

Hall 1 Stand E24

Golden Bear Golden Bear is showcasing new lines for Woolly and Tig and Go MINI, as well as the new toy range for preschool brand, Henry Hugglemonster. The Henry Hugglemonster range will be made up of talking plush toys available as both Henry and Summer Hugglemonster. The toys speak familiar phrases from the show, and twin pack figures will also be available featuring articulated arms and legs and soft moulded heads. Following a successful launch back in May 2013, Golden Bear is welcoming new lines to its Woolly and Tig range in 2014. These include the Woolly Backpack and a Wooly Pick, Place and Play. A new addition to the In the Night Garden range is Igglepiggle’s Floaty Boat Bath Play-set. The set features Upsy Daisy and Igglepiggle water squirters along with a funnel, pouring cup and boat. Finally, Go Mini embraces its wild side with the new Turbo Pullbacks Stunt Set. Each car has a high-speed pullback unit so children can race over the ramp and try to jump – or crash through – barrels.

Hall 5 Stand C15

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Fiesta Crafts Fiesta Crafts is extending its range of fun, playful and innovative toys with the launch of a number of brand new and exclusive toys. New to the jigsaw range are the dinosaur, fairy and unicorn themed wooden jigsaw puzzles, as well as a new Teddies Train. The hand puppet set range has been extended with the addition of Gingerbread Man and Nursery Rhymes sets. Finally, also new is the Animals Threading Toy, a product designed specifically to improve co-ordination and concentration skills.

Hall 7 Stand C25

Hall 1 Stand B-09

Hy-Pro Hy-Pro International entered new areas and enjoyed growth in both turnover and the breadth of its portfolio in 2013. Now the firm is bringing a new selection of ranges to Nuremberg including an exciting pre-school range, additional feature scooters and Official licensed FIFA 2014 World Cup products. Hy-Pro will be introducing a new preschool wheeled range at the show called Rollers. The line has been designed to build confidence as the child grows, as the R1 converts from a trike to a tri-scooter, and the R2 converts from a balance bike to an inline scooter. Designed to develop balance and motor skills, Hy-Pro feels the range ‘brings the most out of play’.

There are new additions to the Zinc feature inline scooter range, including the GTX-R, Outlaw and Ignite. The GTX-R features a working digital speedometer along with flints on the rear wheel, which emit sparks when the brake is used. The Zinc Ignite Real Smoke inline scooter features a ‘real smoke effect’ exhaust, which is sure to go down well with bikers looking to add a touch of petrol burning realism to their riding. Hy-Pro has also secured a worldwide agreement with FIFA to handle the launch of a range of products for the 2014 World Cup. The agreement sees Hy-Pro developing a range of footballs, accessories and luggage items, and the full range is available for preview at the show.

Ravensburger UK puzzle firm Ravensburger will be unveiling over 100 brand new products this year. Looking to offer something to every child, Ravensburger has added nine new properties to its licence portfolio with The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Gruffalo, Woolly and Tig, In the Night Garden, Disney Henry Hugglemonster, The Ultimate Spider-Man, The Amazing Spider-Man 2, The Muppets 2 and Planes: Fire and Rescue. There will also be new additions to popular brands including Octonauts, Thomas & Friends, Bob the Builder, Dora the Explorer, Disney Minnie & Mickey Mouse, Cars, Princess, Doc McStuffins, Finding Nemo, Frozen and Sofia the First. The firm will also continue to bring consumers the hottest new licences, such as the hugely successful One Direction. With sales growing 25 per cent during 2013 and over 40 new titles launched for spring/summer, Ravensburger is upbeat about its adult puzzle range. Sales of Ravensburger’s 3D puzzle range grew by 33 per cent in 2013 and the firm believes this will continue 132 January/February

thanks to new additions such as Taj Mahal and lighthouse, as well as fan favourites like the One Direction puzzleball. As well as puzzles, the company has classic game concepts like Labyrinth, licensed games based on The Gruffalo and The Very Hungry Caterpillar, new craft concepts Mosiac and So Styly, and a new recruit to the popular Science X range in Prehistoric Expedition.

Hall 3 Stand M01

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Bigjigs Toys Bigjigs Toys will be attending Nuremberg 2014 complete with new additions to Bigjigs Rail, Cooking & Roleplay and Bigjigs Baby ranges. The City Train Set and Table joins Bigjigs’ collection of railway tables, and includes an extensive train set featuring a bustling city setting complete with high rise buildings, a helipad, bridges and a metro train. Bigjigs Toys has also added to its collection of railway sets with a Rocket Train Set based around Stephenson’s Rocket and a London Train Set featuring iconic buildings from the capital. After experiencing success with the pink Bigjigs Rail lines, the wooden toy manufacturer has welcomed several accessories including a tunnel, bridge, double engine shed and expansion pack. Elsewhere, Bigjigs has expanded its Cooking & Roleplay range with a host of accessories that are perfect for young budding chefs. Stepping into the kitchen are the colourful shopping trolley, a set of scales and a newly designed shop till. Bigjigs will also be showcasing a cake stand at Nuremberg, brimming with a wide array of cakes. Bigjigs Baby lines have been given a refresh in an attempt to reinvigorate the range. Products in the collection have been given a touch of colour to complement each other, as well as being amended to fit within modular packaging to make the merchandising process simpler and easier on the eye.

Hall 3 Stand A39

Cartamundi With a history of printing playing cards for over 300 years, Cartamundi UK has firmly established its position as a trusted retail supplier and the company isn’t slowing down in 2014. The firm has a bumper year lined up thanks to a wide array of licensed family card games and a new interactive card game concept. Cartamundi’s long-standing relationship with Disney continues with several pre-school card games including Doc McStuffin‘s Dominos, Jake and the Never Land Pirates Donkey, Sofia the First Pairs and Mickey Mouse Happy Families. Elsewhere, with a big screen sequel lined up in 2014, Cartamundi is bringing Planes fans the new Planes Fire and Rescue game in Tuck box and game box. Meanwhile, away from the cinema screen, many will be glued to the TV as World Cup fever sweeps the nation. Cartamundi will be hoping to capatalise on the World Cup with an official range of FIFA 14 card games including the FIFA 14 World Cup Facts Game, FIFA 14 Illustrative Playing Cards, FIFA 14 Memo Game and FIFA 14 Playing Cards. Cartamundi is also launching a new interactive Hall 10.1 card game range Stand C-11, in the summer.

B-06

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Goldfish & Bison Goldfish & Bison is showcasing its Spirograph, Laser Pegs, Simon and Megableu ranges at the show. The company re-launched Spirograph in 2013 under licence from Hasbro and the range is expanding in 2014 thanks to a new innovation that enables kids to view their drawings in 3D. New play options will be revealed in 2014, building the range with fresh licences, creative style ideas and other innovative solutions. Hoping to emulate the success of the re-launched Spirograph is Simon, as the fast-paced game where players have to repeat increasingly long sequences of flashing colours makes a return in 2014. Goldfish & Bison will be revealing an expansive Laser Pegs line-up featuring new developments for the illuminated construction system.

Hall 5 Stand A34

Bringing technological advancement into the range, Laser Pegs fans will be shown portable play solutions to suit construction on the go. The new Laser Pegs sets each build several models, so kids can continue to be creative when out and about, while the brand will also be announcing a partnership with a world famous edutainment brand. As a result of this deal, kids will be able to re-create Laser Pegs models based on pre-historic creatures, famous landmarks and more. The Megableu portfolio continues to be a success for Goldfish & Bison and the current range features titles including Ghost Hunt, Creepy Hand, Enchanted Ball and Chase Zurg featuring Buzz Lightyear. New additions to the line-up will be unveiled at the fair. www.toynews-online.biz

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Orchard Toys Educational games and jigsaws manufacturer Orchard Toys is showcasing six new lines at Nuremberg, aimed at both the pre-school market, as well as children aged four years plus. Rockets and Comets joins the collection of popular space-themed games and jigsaws, while the Pirate Race game looks to capitalise on the ever-strong demand for pirate themed games. Other newcomers to the range include Giant Town, a large jigsaw playmat which can be interlinked with the existing On the Farm and Hall 10.0 Giant Road Jigsaws for extra play value. Stand H-13 Elsewhere, Farmyard Friends is a fun posting game for younger players and Orchard believes Alphabet Match is set ‘to be popular amongst both parents and professionals in the childcare and educational sector.’ The final new addition is New Baby Lotto, a game for parents looking to prepare their children for the arrival of a sibling, or for children who enjoy family role play. “Nuremberg is a really important show for us, with our export market expanding to over 40 countries now,” explains Mary Watson, export manager at Orchard Toys.

VTech Tech will show off a whole host of new ranges at Nuremberg. New Toot Toot Drivers vehicles and playsets will be introduced in spring. This includes the new Toot-Toot Drivers Fire Station featuring a flip-up launcher for emergency speed, working fire alarm, rolling fire hydrant, sliding lift and open and close door. The play-set includes a small Toot-Toot fire engine, nine interchangeable track pieces that can be swapped into different combinations and three interactive SmartPoint locations that trigger fun responses when driven over. Another addition to the range is the TootToot Drivers Police Station complete with a Police Car which plays three sing-along songs, six fun melodies and lots of realistic sound effects. Police Station also includes five Hall 12.2 SmartPoint locations. Stand P06 InnoTab has sold more than any other children’s tablet (NPD YTD October 2013) and the InnoTab 3S is coming to Nuremberg. The 3S features Kid Connect technology, a new safe way for kids to connect with their InnoTab 3S to their parents smartphone/tablet. New software and apps for InnoTab will continue to be released throughout the year with some of the new titles for InnoTab including Disney’s Sofia the First, Nickelodeon’s Bubble Guppies, Toot-Toot Drivers Phonics and Cody and Cora Handwriting. The software library exceeds over 20 titles and there are hundreds of apps available to download from VTech’s Learning Lodge. As well as this, there is also a growing library of chart music titles available on InnoTab from artists like One Direction, Little Mix, Union J and more and the InnoTab will be supported by strong TV advertising throughout 2014. There will also be some new additions to the KidiCreative line, as well as a special launch to the girls specific market, a first for VTech.

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BÁBÓGBABY Bábógbaby will be making its Nuremberg debut this year. The firm will be launching its Spanish, German and French language learning bears. To date over 50,000 units of the Irish bear have been sold, along with English, Welsh and Scots-Gaelic. Following appearances on TV and radio including The Jonathan Ross Show, Bábógbaby has launched a book and an animation series. BB agus Bella aired on TG4 in Ireland over the Christmas and merchandise will be rolled out in 2014. Hall 3, Stand 330

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Ark DIY Products Triqo started in 2011 as a triangle and a square that can be used to build abstract shapes, but the product has now evolved into a versatile and flexible construction system. Ark DIY will be showcasing a line of new Triqo products at Nuremberg. With only 19 elements in ten colours, Triqo offers 15 multi-model themed boxes ranging from £4.99 to £29.99 and users can create everything from racing machines to dinosaurs. The 19 parts consist of rods of different lengths, arches, wheels, tyres, hinges and connectors. There is no need for nuts, bolts or tools as each part can be connected to any other with a simple snap. The Triqo range is manufactured in a modern facility using the most energy efficient solutions, with only fully certified green electricity is used to produce the Triqo elements.

Hall 6 Stand A-03

Revell GmbH Revell is returning to Nuremberg with two supersize stands featuring toy ranges in Hall 12.2 and RC lines in Hall 7A. The company will be showcasing a RC range boasting several technological advances, as well as the expansion of an award-winning brand. Hall 12.2 Hall 7A A host of iconic model kit licences will also feature Stand P13 Stand D161 strongly with new tooling and (Nuremberg Toyfair (Nuremberg Toyfair close to 100 new land, sea and all product ranges) Hobby RC) air releases in the pipeline. The Revell Control brand is continuing to strengthen with the exclusive Nano Quad, an incredibly small and fast mini Quadrocopter; the entrylevel Turaco Micro Helicopter with a The Revell plastic model kits brand transparent body; the Quadro Shuttle is also introducing new releases in 2014, jetfighter, as well as several RC releases for modelling enthusiasts and newcomers at entry-level price points. to the hobby. The products retailing at a lower price Iconic releases include the 1:24 scale point include the Mini Trucks; the doubleMini Cooper Gift Set, featuring old and sided flip over Stunt Car ‘Two Side’ and new Minis; the 1:24 scale La Ferrari and Mini Boats. VW Golf 1 GTI; and the 1:24 scale Red Bull For hobby RC enthusiasts, a new highRacing Model Sets. end range of R/C models will be unveiled Revell is taking the race to space with by Hobbico in Hall 7A, Stand D-116. the 1:144 scale Space Ship Two & Carrier Following a successful UK sales launch White Knight Two from Virgin Galactic in 2013 and a Toyshop UK Commendation, and the limited edition Shuttle Launch the Revellutions RC brand turns multiTower. Other highlights include the 1:144 format next year. The expanded range scale US Navy Landing Ship and the includes a police boat and 1:18 scale pick- newly-tooled 1:32 scale Spitfire Mk II. up truck. Designed for eight to 12 year The force is strong with the beginners olds, all models are ready-to- run with 2.4 range thanks to Star Wars Easykits GHz technology. This will be backed by a sporting a newly designed packaging, heavyweight marketing campaign while Revell’s newer brands, including Xthroughout the year plus autumn TV ads. Ray, will also be on display. 138 January/February

SAMBRO Sambro is showing its licensed ranges at its new and improved stand at Nuremberg. The 2014 lines span categories including arts and crafts, stationery, toys and games, puzzles, wooden toys, wheeled goods and bags. A full selection of brand new novelty lines will be launched at the show, with ranges for all Disney’s key character licences including Sofia the First, Doc McStuffins, Monsters University, Cars, Disney Princess, Disney Fairies, Planes, Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. The firm also has a selection of pocket money items are also available in key Marvel licences including Spider-Man. Alongside its own product ranges, Sambro is keen to work with manufacturers to bring new products exclusively to the UK and will exhibit new lines including the cult children’s game Zed the Zombie. With a new movie on the way, Sambro believes 2014 will be the year of the Turtles and the company’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles products will appeal to fans of the pizza-loving crime fighters. All Sambro ranges are supported by a fully comprehensive PR and marketing campaign, with TV advertising plans in place for key ranges during the Q4 2014. Hall 12.0, Stand G-12 www.toynews-online.biz

TOMY_Nuremberg Ad_ToyNews_230x315mm.pdf

05/12/2013

10:02

Come and visit TOMY at Nuremberg Toy Fair January 29 - February 3, 2014 hall 12.2 Stand 11 Messezentrum 1

CMY

TO find out more contact the sales department on 01392 281 928 or ukcustomerservices@tomy.com

Sonic Games_final_Sonic games 17/12/2013 10:08 Page 1

SONIC GAMES UK, WWW.SONICGAMES.UK.COM SPECIALISES IN DESIGNING, PROTOTYPING, MANUFACTURING AND DISTRIBUTING INNOVATIVE PUZZLE AND ELECTRONIC GAME PRODUCTS FOR THE PUZZLE GAMES AND TOY MARKET.

IBALL4 ELECTRONIC TOY

Andrew Reeves, inventor, designer and the managing director of Sonic Games formed the company in 2009 which now produces some of the highest quality puzzle on the market today. Sonic Games UK has made significant progress in developing its design capabilities as well as developing a more cost effective manufacturing supply chain for existing and new product lines.

RRP’s from just

£19.99 ($30.00)

The new iball4 is an electronic memory, speed and strategy game, and includes the iball3 game that won 3 UK toy awards in recent years. The Iball4 has been significantly improved with two new exciting games. It is game you can carry anywhere, and can be played and enjoyed by all. The ultimate speed game ‘Light Speed’, is a particularly compelling game which requires incredible speed, memory, lateral thinking and dexterity in order to challenge for the latest world record high scores now being achieved.

A BRAIN TRAINING WORKOUT Members of staff at Sonic Games that play the iball4 on a daily basis for just 20 minutes per day, appear to have improving memory skills, clarity of thinking and general increased performance abilities. See www.iball4.com for the latest news and updates.

IBALL4 - REALLY TAKING OFF! The Iball4 is also really taking off with many major airlines who are seeing the iball4 as a perfect travel toy companion, portable and light. Those long flight times, just whizz by when you start playing iball4. Sonic Games UK is also offering a $1000.00 reward in 2013 and more awards in 2014 for the person/s that can hold the World Records for the Light Speed game on iball4.

For further information please contact

sales@sonicgames.uk.com Telephone: +44(0)1743 242999

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PLUM Plum has a number of new ranges to showcase at Nuremberg 2014. In the outdoor sector, Plum will be expanding its trampoline range with the Junior Jumper Trampoline and Enclosure. This is specifically designed with young children in mind and features a lower height frame and colourful plastic casings covering the leg joints for durability and stability. The Junior Jumper Trampoline also uses SpringSafe technology with a jumping mat and safety pads that are

sewn together with elastic webbing. The provided the user with complete protection from the springs and frame. Elsewhere in the outdoor sector, the Plum Premium collection has been extended to include Premium Wooden Football Goals, available in two sizes and made from premium quality European Spruce for optimum thickness, durability and strength. Plum is also expanding its indoor range in 2014, with the company looking to expand the line in a bid to ‘bring a fresh look to the wooden toy category’. Hall 8, Stand A08

HOBBY HEADZ

IMC TOYS IMC Toys will be showcasing its new toy range based on the Sony video game franchise Invizimals. Invizimals are tiny creatures that can only be seen through the use of augmented reality – just as this is a key part of the game and TV show, IMC Toys’ range features a host of interactive special features. Hero products include the Alliance Base and Temple of Light playsets, both equipped with traps and secret compartments. The line-up also includes action figure packs, blind bag collectable figures and a Z-Comm wristwatch that features flashing lights and sounds from the original video game. The VIP Pets range will also be on display, alongside IMC Toys’ plush range featuring Tam Tam the Orangutan and Lucy the interactive dog. Hall 12.2, Stand P-26

Hobbyheadz is bringing a little bit of fantasy to the world of scooters with a range of furry friends that attach firmly on to scooters. Away from life on two wheels, Hobby Headz can be attached to the back of a chair, onto schoolbags or snuggled up in bed. Stand B-04-3

INNOVATION FIRST Hexbug, from robotics specialists Innovation First, will be showcasing the latest innovations to its toy and gadgets line. New ranges include a line of new micro robotic creatures, Tagamoto cars that react to codes on the road and the introduction of Hexbug Vex Robotics. The Hexbug Strandbeast is a complex robot that features an eight-legged walking mechanism. Users can utilise its two-channel infrared remote control to operate each side of the Strandbeast’s legs independently and the robot is available in five translucent colours.

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Elsewhere, consumers can settle all sorts of arguments with Hexbug Battling Spiders, the first mechanical Hexbug designed for two-person play. These battling robots with two-channel infrared remote control feature a ffuturistic voice, sound effects, battlehardened deco and hi-tech lifesensor that measures each hit. Hexbugs are hitting the water in new Hexbug Aquabots body styles. These micro robots feature smart fish technology and fresh additions include the

Hammerhead Shark and Angelfish. Both feature LED lights that blink in unison with the movement of their tails. Hexbugs is introducing a ‘robotics revolution’ with VEX Robotics, a range that allows users to get creative. The high tech kits give consumers the chance to build and programme their favourite jumbo-sized Hexbug, and these robots can run in autonomous mode or driver-controlled mode. Nuremberg will also play host to the latest version of the Nano, the Nano V2, which can now climb vertically thanks to three rubber spines on its back. Hexbug and Nano technology has been combined to create Tagamoto, a range of motorised micro-sized cars. Using a new code reading system, these vehicles react to codes on the road with lights, sounds and movement. Hexbug: Hall 12, Stand I-02 Innovation First: Hall 12, Stand E40, D41

HORNBY HOBBIES Hornby is bringing a range of different brands to the show. Pocher model kits will be debuted, while Scalextric is launching a new Cops ‘n’ Robbers set, as well as The Simpsons Micro Scalextric toy. Away from the track, Airfix is adding two new Quick Build products to its portfolio in the Bugatti Veyron and the Lamborghini Aventador. The company will also be showcasing new lines from Humbrol and Corgi. Hall 7, Stand E-40, D-41

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EDUK8 WORLDWIDE

SIMBA SMOBY The Simba Dickie Group and its UK subsidiary Simba Smoby Toys will be showcasing the new Matt Hatter Chronicles ranges and Steffi Love campaign at Nuremberg this year. Following the success of the TV show, Simba believes Matt Hatter Chronicles will be one of the biggest boys brands in 2014. The firm is launching a range that includes action cigures, role play, R/C, vehicles, collectibles, play-sets and die-cast available from July. Steffi Love, meanwhile, has enjoyed popularity in

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the UK for over 25 years and in 2014, Simba will be adding an original marketing campaign to support Steffi. “On TV, online, at live events and even in the music charts - Steffi will be everywhere next year whilst still giving retailers a chance to build margin in a traditionally low margin category,” explains Simba Smoby marketing and licensing manager Alex Kovacevic. Hall 7 stand A-B 119; Hall 3, stand A-G 27; Hall 7, stand C-51, C-59; Hall 6, stand B-02, C-01; Hall 10.1, stand C-09

As well as a range of exclusive wooden toys and ‘hands-on’ science ranges, Eduk8 will launch Belly Bump Balls - durable inflatable balls which the firm says are a great, fun way to encourage children to be more active. Hall 12, Stand C-01-2

GALT TOYS Galt Toys will launch over 60 new products. Traditionally the company has been associated with art, craft and activity products, but in more recent years, Galt has established a name for itself in the First Years category with the innovative-awarded winning Playnest. The firm’s offering at the fair highlights the expanded portfolio with new additions to its range of activity packs, First Years toys, Active Play, Girl Club and Construction ranges, as well as its collection of puzzles,

stationery, arts and crafts and science sets. New toys include Racing Car Wind-Ups, Monster Wind-Ups, a Wooden Pirate Ship and Party Kit Activity Packs. The Marble Run collection has also been boosted by a new Super Marble Racer set. It will also unveil new products in its First Years range including a new collection of Snuggle Pals, a First Book and a First Rattle Set, as well as a new Stacking Puppy. Joining the firm’s Folding Trampoline is the new Nursery Trampoline, which encourages coordination and balance and is safe to play on thanks to a padded cover and an easy grip handle. Galt Toys will also be showcasing its full line-up of products including the Dr Miriam Galt range and the Ambi Toys product range. Hall 4, Stand E51/F50

January/February 143

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DKL ARKLU Arklu is attending Nuremberg with its award-winning Lottie doll range. Lottie dolls have been designed to look, and dress, like a regular child with a childlike body shape, no make-up, jewellery or high-heels. The new Lottie collection is made up of six dolls. Butterfly Protector Lottie suits those with an interest in nature, while young swashbucklers will have their timbers shivered thanks to Pirate Queen Lottie. Elsewhere, karate kids will see the appeal of Kawaii Karate Lottie, while completing the range is Robot Girl Lottie, Lighthouse Keeper Lottie and Pandora’s Box Lottie. In addition, a selection of accessory sets and outfits are available. Hall 1, Stand E13

Following the success of My Pocket Hama, DKL has three new versions joining the range. Hama gift boxes will see some new products given up to date boxing and new designs. New hanging box designs have been introduced in fun themes such as Mermaids and Dolphins, while existing popular sets such as Dinosaurs and Little Princess have been revamped with modern attractive boxing. Wonderworld Wooden Toys expects the success of the Wonderworld Trix Track to increase throughout 2014. Three new sets join Track and Ball including a glow in the dark and Safari set and users can combine all sets together. Elsewhere, Wonderworld’s best-selling Miniworld collection welcomes new vehicles and the preschool range continues to prove popular. The role-play range features the Eco House, complete with a solar panel, recycling bins and wind turbine, while the Cooking Centre offers a metal sink, functioning dials and open/close doors. The Mini Corolline dolls will welcome new additions, while the Mon Premier Corolle dolls continues to offer a diverse range. For the modern pre-teen, DKL believes the Corolle Les Cheries ‘remain the ultra-chic fashion dolls’. Finally, Miniland Educational is launching the Educational Corner. Hama: Hall 4, Stand A-89 Wonderworld Wooden Toys: Hall 3, Stand D-14 Corolle: Hall 1, Stand E-12 Miniland Educational: Hall 5, Stand B-02

LE TOY VAN Le Toy Van specialises in painted wooden toys based on traditional favourite themes with a contemporary twist. The portfolio ranges from small cars and fun garages to pirate adventures, role-play culinary-based toys and the largest collection of children’s dolls houses in Europe. The Budkins collection has grown to over 100 poseable characters, each one is approx 10cm tall, has a wooden head and feet and is dressed in an authentic fabric outfit, with themes such as pirates, princesses, fairies, knights and royals. Le Toy Van also has a collection of fabric non-slip playmats with a soft flat surface that is comfortable to play on, plus My First Tool Bench, a painted wooden tool bench with power tools and accessories. The set includes a clamp, a saw, a hammer, a screwdriver, a spirit level, a right-angle ruler, a spanner and a chalkboard as well as a storage shelf and two planks with nuts and bolts to enhance hand eye coordination. Hall 3, Stand D32

HAUCK Hauck will be showcasing fresh designs and functions in the many new dolls prams, strollers and other doll accessories on its stand. All products sport new eye-catching fabric designs and Hauck will be showing an extension to its successful Heart 2 Heart range. There is also a new range of stylish and practical Disney furniture, as well as Hauck’s own range of ride-on toys. Hauck’s i’coo Grow With Me dolls playset, i.’coo Starlight Travel Cot and the I’coo Pluto Stroller will also be at Nuremberg, and all these toys are faithful reproductions of products from Hauck’s top selling i.coo nursery collection. Hall 2, Stand B-03, C02 www.toynews-online.biz

TCG

MAPS TOYS Maps Toys return to Nuremberg with brand new ranges and extensions to its collections. Cool Circuits was awarded Puzzle of the Year 2013 by Games magazines and will challenge players of all ages. While, the brand new Space Station House Tent from Pacific Play Tents will keep budding astronauts entertained for hours.r hours. Hall 12, Stand A-04-2

With Star Wars returning to cinemas in 2015, TCG is bringing a range of products targeting fans of a galaxy far, far away. Star Wars String Bling are yo-yos featuring Boba Fett, a Clone Trooper, Darth Vader and Yoda, and each comes with a sculpted character ring that protects fingers from tight strings. Elsewhere, TCG’s Star Wars Yo-Men Action Stands are fireball yo-yos that come with a collectable action stand, which transforms the yo-yo into an iconic Star Wars character complete with arms and legs. Hall 5, Stand B54/C55

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SHOW GUIDE SPIELWARENMESSE 2014 HABA

SONIC TOYS Sonic Games UK specialises in designing, prototyping, manufacturing and distributing innovative puzzle and electronic game products for retail. The firm is bringing the new iball4 electronic toy game and the Isis series of puzzles to challenge puzzle fans at this year’s show. The new iball4 game is an electronic memory, speed and strategy game, and includes the iball3 game which has picked up three UK toy awards in recent years. The iball4 has been significantly improved with two new additional games, including ‘Lights Speed’, a game which requires a combination of speed, lateral thinking and dexterity in order to challenge for the latest world record high scores.

The Isis puzzle was first caught the attention of the public when it appeared on BBC TV on Jonathan Ross in 2006 and the range is now produced in both the UK and China. It is now at the fourth puzzle stage in the series and the final puzzle will be developed over the next three years, scheduled to land around 2017. Isis is now approaching 20,000 registered members, with all members having committed to a minimum spend of $250.00 on one or more Isis puzzle. Members can claim cash awards on the Isis Pyramid map, Ramisis Sphinx map or other online adventure games associated with the Isis series by solving riddles and picture clues of locations of hidden treasure. Hall 12, Stand B-03-4B

BRAINSTORM Brainstorm Toys, will be launching its new items for worldwide distribution. At the head of the pack will be the T Rex Projector and Room Guard. The large, scarily authentic model of a T Rex roars into action every time an unwanted visitor trespasses into your bedroom. In addition, the Outdoor Adventure range will be expanded, as will The Original Glowstars Collection with the Astro Dino Torch. Aqua Dragons will also welcome a new category, Jurassic Time Travel. Products will include EGGspress and EGGscavation. Hall 12, Stand B-03-3 www.toynews-online.biz

Haba is placing a focus on role-play this year and the new ranges on display at Nuremberg have been designed to ‘stimulate young imaginations as well as provide motivating learning experiences’. The Animal Care Station allows little ones to care for zoo animals when they are sick and help them feel better, while the My First Noah’s Ark allows children to reenact the famous story with pairs of wooden animals. Elsewhere, Haba’s Toy Shop and Play Food range is expanding with the Curry Sausage and the Hot Dog products. Hall 2, Stand E7

STUDIO 100 Studio 100 is showcasing its global animation brands including Maya the Bee and Vic the Viking at Nuremberg this year. On January 28th, the Studio 100 team will present its new product highlights at the Press Preview, and on the first day of the show Maya the Bee and Vic the Viking costume characters will be welcoming visitors as they arrive. Studio 100 will be presenting more than 50 product highlights from its own range, which includes toys, books, plush, games and audio dramas. The firm is also using the show to secure new licensing partners for Vic the Viking, Heidi and Maya the Bee. In September 2014, Studio 100’s first animated feature length movie will hit screens in the form of the Maya The Bee Movie. 2014 will also mark the 40th anniversary of the classic series Vic the Viking and Studio 100 is looking to secure further licensing and distribution partners for the new CGI series. Hall 10.1, Stand E 16/F 37

HTI HTI is introducing over 120 new lines spanning fresh brands and existing ranges. There are new additions to the Barbie & Me role-play range, as well as the Tonka Town line welcoming the new Tonka Town Air Rescue set. Two new licence partnerships with Hasbro have resulted in new My Little Pony and Transformers ranges, while HTI’s Max Steel offering is moving into the world of sporting goods and wheeled toys, along with the

Doc McStuffins range. Also at the show will be HTI’s JCB, Mamas & Papas, Silver Cross, Teamsterz, Massey Feguson lines, as well as Ripp and EVO scooter, skates and trikes lines. Hall 12.2, Stand P-09

UPCOMING MINDS Upcoming Minds is showcasing Rockboard Scooters, which after selling well online, is now ready to enter bricks and mortar stores across Europe. The company will also be showing off the flashy Radiate Skateboard and the Rockboard Descender, built for downhill skating. The US success story, Loopdedoo Loom, allows users to create bracelets and Upcoming Minds will also be revealing two new board game titles. Hall 7, Stand E-34

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SHOW GUIDE SPIELWARENMESSE 2014 I-SPY i-Spy will be giving visitors to its stand a range of samples to try concerning the Gelli Baff and Magic Choc products. The Magic Choc line includes the award winning Chocolate Picture Maker and Chocolate Model Making Kit. Visitors to the stand can have a go at creating and tasting the 100 per cent Belgian chocolate toys. Joining Magic Choc will be the Gelli Baff range. The bath time toy transforms bath water into a thick colourful goo simply by adding the Gelli Baff powder into water. There is also no mess, thanks to a second ‘dissolver’ powder which turns the thick goo back to water which can be drained away with ease. Both the Magic Choc and Gelli Baff ranges will have plenty of samples for visitors to take away. Hall 10.1, Stand C-13

WENTWORTH PUZZLES Following a successful 2013, Wentworth Puzzles is attending its fourth Nuremberg with ranges of both new and bestselling products in tow. Wentworth’s puzzle portfolio spans categories such as fine art, animals, nature, transport and places. Each puzzle is cut from 3mm wooden board derived from sustainable sources and includes shaped pieces resembling everything from animals to flowers. Puzzles are packaged in a stylish cloth bag, as well as a presentation box. Wentworth Toys also has a 2014 Trade Catalogue packed with images ‘guaranteed to frustrate and delight keen jigsaw puzzlers’. Foyer Hall 10

WOW Toys SCHLEICH The Schleich stand will be brimming with the firm’s range of collectable hand-painted figures and play-sets. 2014 sees a further extension to Schleich’s World of History Knights collection, including six new figures each modelled in a fighting position complete with armour and weapons at the ready. The new knights also have moveable arms and wrists, and horse riders will be magnetised to their horses for added play value. Knights can look forward to spending time in the new Big Knights Castle, a fortress with modular walls so kids can create different building arrangements. The Castle comes with a large working drawbridge, a dungeon with trap door and a secret entrance. Joining the World of Nature range is a new Horse Stable and several accessory sets, while the new licensed Peanuts characters will be unveiled with single characters including variations of Snoopy and Charlie Brown, as well as a selection of scenery packs. Hall 6, Stand B-20/C-21 148 January/February

A regular at Nuremberg, this year WOW Toys will be unveiling its new series of toys called Mini WOW, suitable from 12 months and up. The range of themed cars, complete with figures, has been designed to aid young children with ‘fine motor skills development, curiosity and imagination’. The line will also introduce young car fans to ideas around racing, the emergency services and construction. Cars in the Mini WOW range include race cars Izzy and Ace, Jojo the ambulance, Blaze the fire truck, Jax the dump truck and Clay the cement mixer. All the toys are compatible with each other and mark the start of what WOW Toys is calling a ‘brand new world of Mini WOW yet to be discovered.’

Also launching this spring are the My Chirping Chick and My Dinky Dino eggs. The toy eggs crack open to reveal a removable chirping chick or a squeaking, cute baby dinosaur. Both toys are suitable from 12 months and are designed to encourage play and to help develop children’s early skills. Finally, WOW Toys will also be showcasing its popular 2-in 1 multipacks and 3-in-1 multipacks at Nuremberg. Suitable from 18 months and above, they include Police Patrol Pals, Construction Crew, Sunshine Explorers, Dino Adventure, Girl’s Adventure and Emergency Rescue. Hall 12, Stand C-01-1

NECA NECA and WizKids is bringing a range of action figures, accessories, giftware, apparel, jewellery, costumes and home goods to Nuremberg. Product lines cover some of the biggest movies in recent years, including The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Pacific Rim, Marvel, DC, Godzilla and Planet of the Apes. A range based on upcoming sci-fi movie Divergent brings fans authentic prop replica clothing recreated from actual screen-worn garments, while Neca is also celebrating The Simpsons’ 25th season with 25 figures of the show’s greatest guest stars. NECA also has a range of cable clinging figures called Scalers, based on movies including Nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13th, The Lord of the Rings, Alien, Predator and Gremlins. Combining urban vinyl with the Mexican tradition of Dia de los Muertos are the Skele-Treks, are a new wave of collectible figures featuring different Star Trek characters. Finally, WizKids' Marvel Dice Masters is a dice-building strategy game. Hall 5, Stand C-59

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SHOW GUIDE SPIELWARENMESSE 2014

BLADEZ TOYZ

TOY STATE

RC specialist Bladez Toyz will be showcasing a new product range with additions to its Pump and Play collection. An updated version of the Minion Dave featuring built in sounds and lights will be at the show, as well as additions to Bladez’s inflatable RC range featuring more characters from the Star Wars universe. Alongside a range of gameplay helicopters, Bladez Toys is also introducing the new Super Nano helicopter; a model the firm is calling ‘the world’s smallest helicopter’. The company will be not be based at one stand and will instead be moving around the show with its inflatable ranges. It can be contacted during the show at 02392 658 255 or ian@bladeztoyz.co.uk.

For over 30 years, Toy State has been focused on helping parents meet the evolving needs of their children worldwide. The firm will be showcasing the Papillon line at Nuremberg, a range created with the philosophy that play is essential to a child’s sensory, physical, cognitive, social and emotional development, and meet the most rigorous safety standards. The line includes the Flower Teething Rattle and Forest Teething Rattle, both are easy-to-grasp rattle with soft textures designed for ‘gentle teething exploration’. Hall 7A, Stand A169

TRUNKI

TTS TTS will be showcasing a range of new resources focusing on ICT, Early Years, Special Educational Needs and other curriculum subjects. The company believes a ‘must see’ at the show is its brand new

Wonder Bug, an innovative, all terrain, tough, remote control bug. The Wonder Bug can be used indoors or out and users can guide the toy through mud, puddles and down slopes. Hall A,Stand 04-1

Trunki is adding some exciting additions to its ride-on portfolio and the new recruits will be on display at the firm’s stand at Nuremberg. The company has forged several new partnerships, which have resulted in a wide selection of new suitcases based on popular licences. Fresh from the release of Moshi Monsters: The Movie, a deal with Mind Candy has seen Trunki create two Moshi Monsters cases sporting popular characters Poppet and Katsuma. Both come with all the usual Trunki features including teddy bear seatbelts, locking catches, elasticated bits pouch and secret compartments. Elsewhere, delighting young racing fans in 2014 will be the F1 Lotus Trunki featuring a sleek carbon finish, sporty metallic gold detail and shiny red horns. Finally, a Trunki based on Hello Kitty will be revealed for the first time at Nuremberg, giving visitors to the stand a sneak peek at the product ahead of its release in 2014. Hall 8, Stand D09

CHARACTER WORLD Following a successful 18 months trading in Europe, the event will be a key exhibition for Character World in 2014. The company be displaying new products from a number of key European licences including One Direction, Sonic the Hedgehog, Super Mario Brothers, Peppa Pig, Transformers 4, Hello Kitty and

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Plants vs. Zombies, as well as new licence, Dragons. “The licensing industry is one of the most exciting, dynamic and innovative around. “I’m sure this exhibition will start 2014 off with a bang for licensors, licensees and retailers alike,” says Character World joint managing director, Danny Schweiger. Hall 4, Stand D92

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SHOW GUIDE TOY FAIR 2014

Back to the floor This year’s Toy Fair is set to be bigger, bolder and better than ever before. So, what are you waiting for? ToyNews has put together a feast of show treats, ranging from what to expect from the big guys such as LEGO and Hasbro, all the way through to the first time Greenhouse exhibitors. Plus, we ask some key execs for their top Toy Fair moments

MY TOY FAIR SAMANTHA LOVEDAY Editor, ToyNews How many Toy Fairs have you been to? 8 Favourite part? The anticipation on the first morning, just before the doors open and the visitors pour in. Worst part? Not having enough time to spend on each stand. Early night or drinks after the show? Drinks – the evening networking is just as important as what happens during the day. Hangover tip? Man up, and pretend it’s not there until the Friday. Where’s the best place to take clients? The Alternative Toy Fair Party – hosted by ToyNews, Progressive Preschool and Aardvark Swift - on Wednesday, January 22nd. Flats or heels? Heels. Always. Even if it snows.

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STAND PLAN sorted? Product samples waiting to be shipped to Olympia? Appointment diary opened? Trade show haircut? If you answered yes to all of the above then, congratulations, you’re ready for Toy Fair. And you’re also 100 per cent more organised than we are. Would you like to come round and tell us what to do first, please? In all seriousness, writing this piece in early December it seems like the annual pilgrimage to Olympia is still safely far in the future. However, by the time you read this, the Christmas and New Year festivities will have passed, it will be the second week in January and Toy Fair will be a matter of days away. Putting together this year’s show guide, it was heartening to see the wide

range of firms that are exhibiting – established, newcomers and start ups alike. The show floor sold out earlier than ever before, despite extra space having been added on the gallery level (this year’s show will have the largest floor area since 2008

There are the ‘mustsees’, of course. LEGO, Flair, Character Options, Vivid and Hasbro should all be on your list to visit. But the true beauty of Toy Fair is that you never know what you’re going to find simply wandering the aisles. You can easily stumble across

Eyes down, marker pens at the ready and take a look through the next 40 + pages to start planning your show. apparently), underlining further Toy Fair’s importance to the trade. Indeed, during a time of belt tightening you might have expected exhibitor numbers to fall, but the opposite is true. The toy trade are fiercely loyal to their show.

the next big thing and the Greenhouse area, for example, is packed with gems this year. Other highlights include the return of Toy Fair TV – this time across all three days of the event, allowing even more suppliers to get

involved and have time in front of the camera – along with the demo zone, a new venue for the revamped Toy Industry Awards (held on Tuesday, January 21st), the Toymaster members lounge and the Relaxation Garden. So, eyes down, marker pens at the ready and take a look through the next 40+ pages to start planning your show.

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SHOW GUIDE

FLOOR PLAN - GROUND FLOOR Correct as of Friday December 6th

Company ......................Stand Number 1 Two Kids ..................................GH54 A Girl for all Time ........................GH11 Aardvark Swift Recruitment ....GH10 Accurate Die-Cast ...........Gallery 187 Alpha Toys ........................Gallery 515 Amerang ...........................Gallery 215 Armadillo Imports ........................H92 Artstraws .........................Gallery 630 Asobi.......................Gallery 120 & 180 Aurora World .................................D35 B Kids UK...........................Gallery 501 Bandai UK .........................Gallery 600 Banyan African & Caribbean Heritage Products............................Gallery 535 Barnardo's......................................B85 Battlefront Minatures......Gallery 148 BeeWi .............................................B92 Bigjigs Toys ...................................H39 Big Pink Bubble .............................B99 Bladez Toyz ......................Gallery 123 Blue Triangle Coffee Lounge ......B149 BLUW ................................Gallery 124 The Book Squad..........................GH23 Bottleclocks .....................Gallery 149 Boxer Gifts.....................................D99 Brainstorm ......................................D2 Brookite ......................................G110 BTHA Exhibiting Members' Lounge..... ...........................................Gallery 205 The Bug Store .............................GH31 Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services UK ...................................F36 Butterfly Belles ................Gallery 150 Cambridge Brainbox ...................GH32 Cambridge Games Factory...........G66 Cartamundi (UK) .............................H1

154 January/February

Carte Blanche Greetings ............B135 CASDON .........................................E30 Century Logistics .......................GH60 Character Options.......................E119 Cheatwell Games ..........................F20 Cheeky Rascals...........................GH51 Clementoni UK..................Gallery 155 Click Distribution UK .......Gallery 105 Cloud b ........................................F100 Coiledspring Games....................B160 Corkerswinegame ............Gallery 420 Corolle .................................Stand E66 Cuckoo ..............................Gallery 320 D'Arpeje.............................Gallery 190 Demo Zone ........................Gallery 157 Denford Ltd..................................F115 Destination Board Games ..........GH13 DKL Marketing ..............................E66 Dress Up America .............Gallery 537 Drumond Park ..................Gallery 440 DWSD...........................................GH42 East Coast Nursery ......................B56 Eduk8 Worldwide .........................H86 Elementals ..................................GH41 Epoch-Making Toys ....................B150 Ernest The Bear Toys ..................E110 Escape ............................................F60 Esdevium Games ........................E109 Eurofins .........................................GH7 Exertis MSE....................................H50 Famosa ..............................Gallery 400 Feel Good Art.................................H40 Fiesta Crafts .................................F66 First Celtic Toys and Learning ...E115 Flair Leisure Products ...................E39 Floppets UK ......................Gallery 635 Flying Gadgets ..............................G16

Folkmanis Puppets........................B95 Fulanitos UK ................................G119 Funrise...............................Gallery 330 Funtime Gifts ................................H15 James Galt........................................E9 Gamewright Games ....................B160 Gear for Games ..........................G120 Geemac - Thinkway .........Gallery 109 Gen42 Games ...................Gallery 425 Getretro.co.uk ..............................GH3 Gibsons...........................................E40 Gift Time .....................................GH31 Gigamic Games ...........................B160 Global Opportunities Marketing ..H46 Golden Bear Products ...................E69 Goldfish & Bison.............................E35 Good Toy Guide ................Gallery 154 Great Gizmos ................................G20 Green Board Game Company.......E15 H Grossman ...................................E49 Haba UK..........................................F16 Halilit (Marnita Ltd).......................E90 Hama ..............................................E66 Handlebar Heroes..........................B25 Hasbro UK ........................Gallery 620 Heelys ..........................................B109 HEXBUG ............................Gallery 165 Hippychick ....................................H44 Hobbyheadz................................GH59 Hong Kong Trade Development Council.........................................GH62 Hornby Hobbies ............................D11 HTI ................................................E125 Hue.................................................GH5 I-Read.............................................GH1 IMC Toys UK ................................E129 Indigo Jamm ..................................H42

Information Desk...........................E70 Ingo Devices UK ............................D19 Injusa ..............................................F90 Insect Lore .....................................D20 Intelex Group UK .........................F110 Intelligent Retail.........................GH58 Interplay UK ..................................G10 Intertek .......................................GH24 Inti Games....................................B165 IVI ...................................................H40 Japan Craft ....................................G62 JNH Europe ..................................F101 John Adams Leisure ...................G100 John Crane .....................................E20 Jomoval .......................................G101 Jumbo Games ................................E46 Junk Beam ..................................GH61 K'Nex UK ...........................Gallery 510 K-Play International .........Gallery 199 Kapla .................................Gallery 435 KD UK ................................Gallery 160 Keel Toys .......................................B35 Kiddimoto ......................................C42 KidKraft Netherlands BV ..............E79 Kids@Play .........................Gallery 135 Kitfix Swallow Group ....................B60 Krinklies .........................................D26 Kriya ............................................GH36 Paul Lamond Games .....................E50 Lanka Kade .......................................F1 Le Toy Van .....................................E10 LeapFrog Toys (UK) .......................B40 Learning Resources ......................D36 LEGO ..............................................B70 Lexibook.........................................B18 Litebulb Group ..................Gallery 124 Little Handfuls...............................B26

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SHOW GUIDE

FLOOR PLAN - GALLERY LEVEL

Little Helper ..................................H40 Little Tikes ........................Gallery 540 London Europe Group....................B96 M V Sports & Leisure ....................B30 Make2Play .....................................D27 Manhattan Toy Europe ....Gallery 610 Marbel ............................................B50 Marvin's Magic ..............................H65 Maxim ..........................................GH20 Meccano Toys (UK) .....................E131 Melissa & Doug ..............................F40 MGA Entertainment ........Gallery 540 Micro Scooters ..............................B45 Mightymast Leisure .........Gallery 147 Miniland Educational.....................E66 Minimaster Sports Company .....GH40 MOLTO ............................................H74 Mookie Toys ......................E149 & B90 Muddleit ........................................H30 MumboJumboToys.........................F50 Mushroom & Co...........................GH30 Music for Kids..............................GH16 Mycoal Warmpacks ....................GH48 Natural Products ..........................G51 Nici presented by Great Gizmos ..G20 NPD Group ........................Gallery 146 OID Magic .......................................B20 Oops ...............................................H40 Orange Elephant ...........................D98 Orange Tree .................................B100 Orchard Toys ..................................B12 Oxford Diecast .................Gallery 195 P & C Toys ....................................G125 Padgett Bros (A to Z) ....................F15 Paladone Products ...........Gallery 145 Pants on Fire Games ..................GH21 Paper Projects .............................B116

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Papo UK ............................Gallery 128 Peers Hardy Group .......................D25 Peterkin UK ......................Gallery 110 Playbox ..........................................G95 Playbrickshop .............................GH25 Playmags ..........................Gallery 537 Playmobil (UK) .................Gallery 210 Plum Products ..............................G90 Pocketbond / Toyway...................H22 Pomegranate Europe .......Gallery 177 Porcupine Press ..........................GH27 Posh Paws International ..............D89 Press Office.......................Gallery 158 Prince Lionheart UK ...................GH56 The Puppet Company ...................E16 Purple Cow...................................B160 Purpley ........................................GH39 Rainbow Designs ........................E120 Ranok-Creative............................F111 Rashmian .......................................D95 Ravensburger ..............................B156 Ravensden .....................................B65 Re: Creation ................................E160 Red Bird Publishing .......................G63 Relaxation Garden ............Gallery 142 Reliance Technical Service............B80 Revell.................................Gallery 100 Robbie Toys ....................................F90 Rolly Toys .......................................F90 Rory's Story Cubes......................B160 Sakar International .......................G29 Salepoint ....................................GH53 The Sales Partnership ..................E21 Sambro International ...................G46 Sassy ..............................................B56 Schleich .......................................B121 Schmidt Spiele ............................B160

Science4you .....................Gallery 122 Set Enterprises ...........................B160 Shreds ............................................G65 Simba Smoby Toys UK ...............E140 SJD Games ..................................GH50 Sky Media Café ...........................G122 Sluban UK & Ireland (Playbrickshop Ltd) ..............................................GH25 Soomo Toys ...................................GH8 Sorgenfresser Worry Eaters .......B160 Spin Master Toys UK ...................E131 Stabilo International ........Gallery 184 Star Images ...................................H90 Stepping Stones Marketing.......GH15 Streetlight Games............Gallery 415 SuperAwesome...........................GH28 T.A.R.E.M.A. ...................................F30 Tactic Games UK.........................D109 Tantrum ......................................GH18 Tapball UK......................................H95 TCE Design t/a Top Century Enterprises (UK) ...........................H36 Terox Toys....................................G115 Thames & Kosmos .......................B49 The In Thing .................................E130 Thinkfun ......................................B160 Tiny Love ........................................B56 Titan Merchandise ......................B115 TKC Sales .......................................E99 Tobar Group Trading .........Gallery 305 Toby Rich GmbH ............................H72 Together Plus....................Gallery 141 Towergate Risk Solutions .............B27 Toy Fair Best New Toys ....Gallery 157 Toy Retailers Association Gallery 176 Toy Trust Coffee Lounge..Gallery 175 Toymaster......................London Room

ToyNews ...........................................E2 Toys N Playthings ............................E1 ToyWorld .....................................GH37 Traditional Garden Games ................... ...........................................Gallery 144 Travis Designs................................G50 Trends UK..........................Gallery 410 Triqo...................................Gallery 143 Trunki .............................................C45 Turner Media Innovations Cafè............ ...........................................Gallery 130 TV Studio ..........................Gallery 153 TY UK .................................Gallery119 UL Café..............................Gallery 520 UL VS United Kingdom ...............D100 Underground Toys.......................G120 University Games UK ....................F10 Upcoming Minds..........................B101 Vivid Toy Group............................E135 VTech ................................Gallery 500 West Design Products ..................C60 Wicked Vision ..............................E100 Wild Card Games ..........................H20 Wilton Bradley ...............................E89 Wind Designs .................................H52 Winning Moves UK ........................D17 Wizard .........................................GH49 Wonderworld..................................E66 Wooky Europe...................Gallery 200 Worlds Apart................................B130 Wow Toys .......................................G15 WowWee UK......................Gallery 410 Wrebbit3D....................................B160 Zapf Creation UK ..............Gallery 540 Zappies..............................Gallery 152 Zeon................................................B75

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SHOW GUIDE

STAND NUMBER: GALLERY 620

Hasbro

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Since its launch in 1984, the Transformers brand continues to grow, expanding to encompass a wide variety of branded play patterns – including action figures, comics, TV series, video games, movies, rides and more. With the brand celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2014, Hasbro is looking forward to the next chapter and is planning to expand its footprint across multiple platforms to offer even more consumer engagement of the brand. The firm believes that the Transformers franchise has one of the broadest target audiences in the industry. Kids who grew up with the first introduction of Transformers in the 80s – with the action figures, comics and original animated series – are now parents watching Transformers Prime or Transformers Rescue Bots with their children, playing Transformers Legends on their mobile or seeing the movies. While staying true to the core brand DNA of ‘more than meets the eye’, Transformers has managed to navigate many years at retail, successfully activating multiple categories beyond toys. Today, Hasbro’s focus is on making Transformers accessible to all its customers wherever they choose to look – be that in cinemas, TV, video on demand, mobile, console games or toy departments. The fourth instalment of the movie franchise – Transformers: Age of Extinction – will hit cinemas in the UK on July 10th. Directed by Michael Bay, it reunites the filmmaking team featuring new Autobots, Decepticons and cast members including Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci, Kelsey Grammer, Jack Reynor, Nicola Peltz, Li Bingbing and Sophia Myles. Hasbro believes that Transformers proves that with a strong core concept, clear storytelling and compelling entertainment, brands can live for decades and be as relevant to kids today as they were 30 years ago. 020 8569 1234 www.toynews-online.biz

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SHOW GUIDE

STAND NUMBER: GALLERY 600

Bandai 2014 IS gearing up to be a busy year for Bandai as it focuses on its core boys brands, some retro comebacks and also readies to move into the doll market with a new proposition for girls. Tamagotchi made its much anticipated return at the end of last year and now a new generation of fans are learning how to look after the digital friends, and nurture the 24 different Tamagotchi characters contained in the interactive world. There are six different fashionable designs to choose from, with a further six patterns due to be released in the summer. In an extension to the Tamagotchi Friends brand, a new range of figures and miniature play-sets will launch in July. Bandai will be supporting Tamagotchi throughout the year with a

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strong TV advertising campaign, in-store point of sale and PR activity, with particular focus on maximising opportunities over the Easter holiday period. Bandai has been the master toy partner for Power Rangers since its inception in 1994 and this summer will see the launch of the new series – Power Rangers Super Megaforce. The Rangers receive special morphers and keys which allow them to morph into any team of Rangers from the past. The new toy line includes a new scale of figures at 12.5cm, each with articulation and a weapon, 16cm double action figures, plus the Legendary Megazord and Legendary Morpher. The new Morpher works with keys to activate lights and sounds.

Further keys will be found in other selected toys in the range, while a supporting app will also be introduced. Moving on, and entering its eighth year, Ben 10 welcomes 40 new Omniverse episodes in 2014, kicking off with Galactic Monsters on Cartoon Network at Easter. The popular Alien Collection and Feature Figures will be refreshed to incorporate Galactic Monsters styles and packaging. Meanwhile, a new Omnitrix is in development for the autumn. New to the boys’ portfolio for 2014 is Digimon Fusion, a series of adventures airing on CITV this spring. The toy line includes collectable figures of favourite characters and the Fusion Loader, which recognises different cards using touch

through technology to unlock special messages and create show fusions. Finally in boys, Pac-Man will be back on TV screens with Ghostly Adventures from January on Disney XD. Bandai’s toy line will include figures, mini plush and a transforming vehicle just like in the show. Bandai also has something new for fashion loving girls this spring with the arrival of Locksies by Harumika. The collection of dolls launch in February and designers can create outfits using the same wrap, style and lock technique made famous by Harumika. There are four dolls in the assortment, as well as two room play-sets to challenge interior design skills. A TV advertising campaign will begin at Easter. 01489 790944 www.toynews-online.biz

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SHOW GUIDE

Flair

MY TOY FAIR LINDSAY HARDY, Marketing Services Director, Flair How many Toy Fairs have you been to? 25 (ooh!) Favourite part? Stand finished on time, boss happy, sales team happy – show time.

STAND NUMBER: E39

Least favourite? If any of above boxes not ticked. Early night or drinks? I might incriminate too many people by answering this question. Hangover tip: Admit nothing (see above). Best place to take clients? Anywhere one can sit down. Flats or heels? Low heels or snowboots on special occasions. Best memory? Winning Girls' Toy of the Year and Toy Supplier for 2009 – made me cry.

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AIMING to retain the top spot in the action figure market, Flair will unveil the continually updated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles collection of figures, accessories and play-sets. From summer, fans can pick up new waves including not just the four brothers but other friends and foes from the series such as Mutagen Man, Metalhead and new versions of Splinter, Bepop and Rocksteady among others. July will see the arrival of Deluxe Throw n Battle Turtles, with Turtles figures leaping to their feet, and Dojo Turtles decked out with removable training gear. Q3 will also see new vehicles and a whole range of Z-line play-sets that can be connected together to create a world of Z-line action. Role-play will also continue to grow with the launch of masks, shells and weapons equipment, which will be joined in the autumn by electronic Turtle Hands that emit realistic sound effects with every Ninja move. The Trash Pack is now in its third year, with spring welcoming a new segment: Trash Pack Wheels. The wheelie gross characters will introduce track racing to the play pattern with new play-sets such as the Trash Pack Wheels Rotten Roller Coaster. Meanwhile, in the core line, Trash Pack Rotten Eggs will debut preEaster, while for autumn, Junk Germs will arrive.

2014 will also see the emergence of the heroes from the Island of Gorm once more when Gormiti returns to toy shelves. Disney’s Sofia the First will arrive with a collection of Micro-Figure Jewel Play-sets, with the hero product being the Magic Amulet Play-set. The range will also include Play-set Jewellery, a Magic Wand and a Tiara. Sofia will also be featuring in several creative play lines. Violetta is another hit Disney property, with Flair planning a full line including fashion dolls, role-play cosmetics, collectables, youth electronics and arts and crafts. The Doc McStuffins collection will be expanded in 2014 with a world of new play-sets, plush, role-play and accessories. The Clinic Playhouse includes Hallie’s reception area, examination table and couch, while upstairs is the Doc’s bedroom. There is also a new Carry Along Clinic which includes lights and sounds, opens up into a full clinic desk with all the accessories needed for home visits.

Staying with preschool, and Tree Fu Tom will welcome new roleplay accessories, while in the autumn the collection will grow with new playsets, role-play and a remote control Tom. A new line called Primi will be launched in Q3 – taking the most popular pre-school play patterns, the collection of generic toys, play-sets and first creative play lines will all be included under the new GP banner. The newly formed Cool Create umbrella brand allows consumers to instantly identify with collections of the best creative kits available. In the Cool Cardz line are 1D Cool Cardz Design Studio and Cool Bandz. Also new will be Bloom Pops, a fresh new flower making range. The Flower Design Studio, Flower Décor pack, Bouquet Pack and Flower Jewellery Pack will all be available. On top of this, Flair’s Toy Fair stand will reveal further Disney licensed craft and stationery kits, new Glitzi Globes sets and a new Gelarto range called Gem Drops. GP Tech – which launched in 2013 with the Appen – will grow with Cupets, with the launch collection including 12 quirky ‘cube shaped pets’, each with its own personality and ability on a smart device, in conjunction with the free app. The range will expand further in the autumn with the arrival of six new Cupets Ice pals. 020 8643 0320 www.toynews-online.biz

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SHOW GUIDE MY TOY FAIR MARY WOOD Marketing Director, Vivid

How many Toy Fairs have you been to? I’ve lost count! Don’t think I have enough fingers and toes to add up all of London, Nuremberg, Deauville, New York, Hong Kong… I do know it’s a lot over 20 years or so.

What's your favourite part of Toy Fair?

STAND NUMBER: E135

Vivid GIRLS My Friend Cayla (£59.99) aims to bring technology into traditional doll play. Cayla can be linked via Bluetooth to the internet, with children then being able to ask her an infinite number of questions and she’ll find the answer. Cayla uses Google’s speech-to-text technology and Google SafeSearch to look up answers online and speak them back. When offline, Cayla can also play games, tell stories and discuss photos, when she’s not helping with homework. A new range of Union J fashion dolls will be hitting shelves. Fans can now get their hands on the 12inch collector dolls, with each character kitted out in replica outfits. There will also be collectable figurines, games and puzzles. Wave four of the 12-inch One Direction collector dolls will launch in the autumn, with new outfits

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selected by the band. In addition, the new 4x4 Cruiser (£24.99) will also roll out. Vivid will be expanding the AniMagic Rescue Hospital brand in the autumn. The Ambulance Station (£29.99) opens out to become a play-set for the vet to attend to injured animals. New to the AniMagic Plush portfolio for autumn/winter is Tickle Tum Tilly (£29.99). Sparkle My Glowing Kitty (£19.99) is also new. Moving on, and Series 9 Moshi Monsters Blind Bags (£1.99) and Collector Packs (£4.99) will include 16 brand new characters. The launch will be supported by a hefty marketing campaign to launch ‘The Hunt for Furnando’, where there will be 5,000 uniquely numbered ‘super’ rare figures hidden inside the blind bags and blister packs nationwide. Also launching is the Beanstalk (£24.99) which features a Rapid Vine Slide and the Leaf Swing and comes with an exclusive Moshling figure.

There will be a new range of Robotling Moshlings launching in slime (£3.99) and in a Gear (£7.99), a new breed of mechanical mean Moshlings. BOYS The Moshi Karts range includes a collectable series of 12 Karts (£1.99), including a Moshi Kart and driver. Collector Packs (£4.99) will include two karts, two drivers and a launcher, while there will also be a R/C Katsuma Kart (£24.99) and a Transforming Track Play-set (£29.99) with two exclusive karts and drivers. The range will be backed with in game secret codes. Vivid is also launching a range of collectable toys for Strange Hill High. This will include blind bags (£1.99), blister packs (£5.99-£9.99) and special Locker Pods filled with goo (£3.99). There will also be a High School Play & Display set. PRE-SCHOOL Vivid will expand the Peter Rabbit toy line for autumn, with the introduction of new characters, including a Benjamin Bunny small plush (£6.99) and the Woodland Chase figure pack (£14.99). The hero TV line for Christmas 2014 is the Secret Treehouse Play-set

(£29.99) which comes with a slide, lift, bucket, winch, trap door and Peter Rabbit figure. CRAYOLA The Marker Maker (£22.99) lets children create their own custom colours in minutes, by using the mixing guide or simply letting their creativity run riot and creating their own colour combinations. The Dry Erase Light-Up Board (£22.99) lets children create colourful designs on a lit up, dualsided surface. They can use the crayons on the black side to make the images ‘pop’, the white surface for every day play, or simply take the dualsided panel away and draw on the clear surface for limitless creativity. Crayola’s Color Wonder (£6.49) is getting a makeover with new brighter, whiter paper and strong, bold marker colours. Current favourite Disney characters are coming back with a new look, while Sofia the First will also make an appearance in February. Finally, for budding jewellery artists there is the Crayola Creations Beadola Charm maker. The TV advertised item allows children to create up to 120 personalised and unique charms. 01483 449944

I always feel very proud of the work the team has done when the stand is complete and ready to receive customers. It’s also always a buzz to show customers around and get positive feedback about our brands. It’s as exciting now as it was at my very first Toy Fair as a territory sales rep for Mattel.

What's the worst part? When people want to make last minute changes to the stand – I had one boss who was (and probably still is) an absolute shocker in that department …

Early night or drinks after the show? Drinkies of course – got to be sociable and Toy Fair is too good an opportunity to miss catching up with friends, colleagues, licensors and agencies.

Hangover tip? Remember to interchange wine with water… this I could do with heeding myself, as I remember the wine but not always the water.

Where’s the best place to take clients? I think it is always good to take clients to the main awards event.

Best Toy Fair memory? While at Zapf Creation we launched a major PR initiative which included a national tour around Britain promoting the benefits of play in a very big, very pink double decker bus. To launch the initiative we had the bus inside at Toy Fair – it was quite a showstopper.

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DKL 2014 SEES DKL celebrating 25 years of distributing toys to the trade.

STAND NUMBER: E66

HAMA The number one bead brand offers a vast range of bead sets and accessories featuring generic items and popular licences. Following the success of My Pocket Hama, three new versions have been added including Cupcake and Dinosaur themes. Hama gift boxes will also welcome new products, with up to date boxing and designs. New sets will include Seaworld, Football and Window Decorations, allowing children to create window adornments from Hama beads. New hanging box designs have been introduced in fun themes such as Mermaids and Dolphins, while Dinosaurs and Little Princess have been revamped with modern boxing. There is also a wide selection of blister packs available.

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WONDERWORLD Wonderworld wooden toys had their best year yet in 2013, experiencing strong growth and gaining recognition as a leading wooden toy brand. Following a strict eco policy, Wonderworld plants two trees for every one used in production. The success of Wonderworld Trix Track is expected to grow throughout 2014. Three new sets are being introduced including a glow in the dark and safari set. Meanwhile, the Miniland collection also continues to grow. New vehicles in animal designs appealing to younger children will be introduced, while favourites including the City Sightseeing Bus, Fire Engine, Police Car and Dumper will remain in the range. Mini vehicles come individually boxed. Moving into pre-school, Rainbow Sound Blocks continue to be a best seller for both retail and education â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with a different shape, sound and colour in each block, the products are good for a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sensory development. Peek-a-boo is a strong pick up line, available in a CDU which features green and pink colours. Meanwhile, the Wonder ABC blocks encourage imagination, speech and reinforcement of the alphabet. The role-play range consists of products such as the award winning Eco House, complete with a solar panel, recycling bins and wind turbine. For kitchen role-play there is also a Cooking Centre, which includes a

metal sink, functioning dials and open/close doors. The Kitchen is also a best seller, including a cooker, fridge freezer, sink, washing machine and microwave. COROLLE Toy Fair will see the launch of a number of dolls across all of the Corolle collections. The Mini Corolline dolls will see a new addition; the collection of six miniature dolls was a big success in 2013, with the entry-level price point making them a good introduction to the brand. The Mon Premier Corolle dolls are the first baby doll for children aged 18 months+, with more choice of ethnicities. A range of fashions and accessories are also available, including the Fashion Display wardrobe which comes with 12 outfits in six different styles. For the modern pre-teen, the Corolle Les Cheries are ultra chic fashion dolls. The best selling Camille and Chloe Ballerina dolls will feature new style outfits, while Camille Sunny Day is a new addition, dressed ready for the beach. MINILAND Miniland Educational aims to bring fun to learning, with the Aptitude Sets and Science Tins featuring key subjects and development aids for enhanced learning. All the education sets sport new suitcase boxing and stand out designs. To highlight the importance of learning, Miniland is launching the Educational Corner which includes all the products in one space. The Miniland Minimobil range of plastic vehicles and construction toys come in three sizes and retail from as little as 99 pence. Themes include rescue and racing among others, with an optional FSDU also available. MUNCHKIN Having launched Munchkin in September 2013, DKL says that the response has been extremely positive from retail with strong sell-through. The collection includes bath toys, baby teethers and Disney Baby feeding products. Due to its success, the range of bath toys will be extended in 2014 featuring a Bath Time Tea Cup Set, Cupcake Squirters and Magic Colour Lily Pad Stackers. 01604 678780 www.toynews-online.biz

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SHOW GUIDE The Magic Tooth Fairy will join the firm’s kids’ game segment

DRUMOND PARK is continuing to go from strength to strength, with co-founder and marketing director, Claire McCool, reporting that both established titles and games introduced for the Christmas 2013 season all doing extremely well. Indeed, the company has taken a bigger stand at Toy Fair this year, moving upstairs to the Gallery level. As previously, working prototypes of several future games currently in development will be on show. Visitors will also be given the opportunity to check out all Drumond Park’s best sellers, in addition to seeing refreshed versions of a number of popular children’s, family and adult games. On show in the kids’ games segment will be Dino Bite, Pig Goes Pop and Magic Tooth Fairy, alongside the recently introduced 2013 titles Wordsearch Junior and Mask ‘n’ Ask. The LOGO series of board games (now numbering six www.toynews-online.biz

titles in all) has carved its own and highly visible presence within the family and adult category. Unit sales of the latest addition – LOGO Billionaire – were well into six figures by Christmas. The original LOGO game (now enhanced by an official LOGO app which fans could download free for three months from its launch date of October 1st) also continues to fly high in the charts. In the magic sector, Gross Magic and Box of Shocks continue to conjure up some excellent sales figures and seem set to remain towards the top of the charts for the foreseeable future, the firm believes. All of Drumond Park’s major titles are TV advertised from August up to Christmas, and last year a number of effective online and social media tools and activities were also integrated into the year-round publicity programme, throughout the autumn months. 01473 322000

STAND NUMBER: GALLERY 440

Drumond Park

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MY TOY FAIR MARK HUNT, Brand Manager, Character Options How many Toy Fairs have you been to? Scarily this will be my sixth Toy Fair. Favourite part of Toy Fair? The end … only kidding, the set-up is manic but the buzz on the first day makes it all worthwhile. Early night or drinks? Drinks. Hangover tip? An energising smoothie from the juice stand and a greasy bacon butty. Best place to take clients? You have the whole of London at your disposal, but you still end up at the Hand & Flower.

STAND NUMBER: E119

Character Options WITH A VAST selection of brand new and established properties for girls, boys and preschoolers, Character Options will be arriving at Toy Fair with a healthy portfolio. Minecraft launched late in 2013 and, continuing to feed the demand for products from fans, the new spring 2014 wave will see series two of the Overworld collection launch. This includes three-inch action figures, plush and paper craft, plus a new themed series which is top secret. For Doctor Who fans, Character’s Toy Fair display will include a new collection of Doctor Who Electronic Screwdrivers and Regenerated 12th Doctor action figures, which will be released in February. The ongoing development of the series eight line of 3.75-inch action figures – including iconic characters and monsters – will also be unveiled, albeit with some top secret extras based on the new TV episodes.

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Looking to shake up the construction micro figures market will be the Character Building Micro figures in Display Brix portfolio. Already available in the SportsStars series, the whole Character Building portfolio – including Doctor Who, Scooby-Doo and in-house developed ranges of Monsters vs Zombies Moonlight Valley Mall – is to receive the Display Brix treatment. The result will be wall-like displays of children’s micro figure collections. The big news in pre-school is that Weebles are back, with the first Character lines featuring Peppa Pig, her brother George and her friends. The launch range includes Peppa Pig Weebles characters, a train, a car and a Weebles Playhouse that features a twirly slide that is reached via a wind up

staircase, plus a swing and roundabout. The Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom pre-school range will also be showcased, with figure assortments, feature plush, scaled play items and novelty products. Moving on, and Character’s ChillFactor chapter will continue, with 2014 being the year of even further ChillFactor concepts. The launch of the Colour Blast range and the ChillFactor Ice Cream Maker in January will be followed by a range of new items for the second half of the year, all of which will be shown for the first time at Toy Fair. In creative play, there will be Cra-z-art Shimmer and Sparkle, the umbrella brand which includes the Cra-Z-Loom Jewellery Maker. This loops and weaves multi coloured rubber bands together to make funky

bracelets, rings, necklaces, belts, chains and more. New launches include the Designer Nail and Body Art Studio and Twist ‘n’ Wear Fashion Maker. The launch of The Zelfs last year exceeded expectations and, with a full year of launches ahead, Toy Fair will be the place to see the Spring Masquerade series, while Zelicious themed Zelfs have also just been announced. The sweet series will have new designs and pastel colour ways, and come housed in scented theme packs with accessories to match the fruity characters. New playsets will also be included in the collection for 2014, such as the Zelicious Sweetree House. Finally, Teksta will be joined by a menagerie of friends this year, some of which will be seen for the first time at Olympia. Teksta Kitty, for example, will launch in July, but this is just the start of the Teksta story. Visit the stand to find out more. 0161 633 9800

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SHOW GUIDE The firm has extended its partnership with Marvel for licences including The Amazing Spider-man 2

2013 WAS a busy year for D’arpeje within the licensing arena. New heroes and characters entered the arts and craft and outdoor ranges, with a number of new innovative products launching. The firm has extended its collaboration with Marvel. The Amazing Spider-man 2 entered the outdoor collection, with toys aimed at boys and girls aged three and upwards. Meanwhile, Iron Man, Hulk, Thor and Captain America ranges have also been developed and are being launched throughout Europe to tie in with movie and TV series roll outs. D’arpeje has also been working hard on the development of a range aimed at children aged two: the Little Tikes collection. The firm’s partnership with Hasbro has also been extended. D’arpeje launched Furby scooters in the summer, while a Furby sleeping bag (in blue and pink) has been developed using the Furby soft plush material. New colours are being rolled out in 2014. Mr Potato Head has also entered the D’arpeje collection, with products available for children aged from two. A beach bucket has been designed, complete with four

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accessories, which mean children can assemble and dismantle the character as they wish. The firm also has a ride-on with klaxon and handset, so that children can customise their ride-ons. Finally, after having developed a wide arts and crafts Play-Doh line for children aged from two years, D’arpeje has extended its collection to products suitable for three year olds. A number of creative sets have been designed, including coloured pencils, finetips markers, jumbo markers, twistable erasable wax crayons and twistable oil pastels. D’arpeje’s partnership with The Walt Disney Company has also been extended to include new properties with a Disney Heroes line launching. Numerous arts and crafts products have been designed featuring Doc McStuffins, Jake and the Never Land Pirates, Sofia the First, Mickey Mouse Club House and Minnie Bow-tique. Creative and learning sets, plus first easels and activity desks will form part of the range. Disney Planes, Cars and Princess will also continue to be a key part of D’arpeje’s line-up. info@darpeje.com

STAND NUMBER: GALLERY 190

D’Arpeje

January/February 167

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SHOW GUIDE Following the successful relaunch of Spirograph in 2013, further products will be launched in 2014

GOLDFISH & BISON will be announcing new additions to the popular range of Spirograph toys for 2014. The company relaunched Spirograph in 2013 under licence from Hasbro. Introducing new innovation into the iconic creative play system which enables kids to view their drawings in 3D, the new Spirograph range has proved popular at retail. Goldfish & Bison will continue to support the brand with new play options in 2014, building on the range with hot licences, creative style ideas and other innovative solutions. Moving on, and there is exciting news for Laser Pegs this year. The firm will be revealing a strong lineup featuring impressive new developments for the illuminated construction system. Introducing technological advancement to the range, Laser Pegs fans can look forward to portable play solutions that can be constructed on the go. The new Laser Pegs sets each build several models, so kids can continue to be creative when out and about or visiting friends.

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Laser Pegs will also be announcing a partnership with a world famous entertainment brand, enabling kids to recreate models based on prehistoric creatures, famous landmarks and more. The Megableu portfolio also continues to be a success. The current collection includes popular titles such as Ghost Hunt, Creepy Hand, Enchanted Ball and Chase Zurg featuring Buzz Lightyear. New additions will be unveiled at the Toy Fair. Finally, the firm will continue to support the relaunch of the iconic Simon game in 2014. The original was first seen at the world famous Studio 54 nightclub in New York City in 1978. The first game to capitalise on the computer chip â&#x20AC;&#x201C; players had to repeat increasingly long sequences of flashing colours and tones by tapping the same pattern â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Simon became something of a cultural phenomenon through mass media exposure and continued to sell for decades. Simon is also included in the collection at the National Museum of American History. 020 8326 2626

STAND NUMBER: E35

Goldfish & Bison

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MY TOY FAIR EMMA OWEN PR & Promotions Manager, LEGO How many Toy Fairs have you been to? 2014 will be my fourth. Favourite part? Meeting journalists and customers that have supported us over the past 12 months and seeing their reactions when we show them the new ranges. Worst part? That’s a tricky one as it is an amazing whirlwind of three days – so I would probably say it was not enough time to spend with each journalist. Best Toy Fair memory? Possibly the celebrity interest we received at the 2013 show.

STAND NUMBER: B70

LEGO THE LEGO GROUP experienced a 13 per cent revenue increase in 2013, supported by new product innovation and lines such as LEGO Legends of Chima and LEGO Friends. Perhaps the most highly anticipated range showing at Toy Fair is The LEGO Movie collection. The first ever LEGO theatrical release, it has ten play-sets mirroring characters and scenes from the movie. Covering a range of different price points, each set will include mini figures and accessories from the film. All sets will launch to coincide with the movie release in February. The line for LEGO Legends of Chima will continue to grow through 2014, with Toy Fair seeing the unveiling of a new pocket money collection – the Legend Beasts assortment – as well as new Speedorz sets that can be combined to make larger play scenarios. There will be play themes, characters and story expansion to broaden appeal. LEGO Friends has experienced

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a strong second year, with growth rates significantly higher then the company average. Toy Fair will demonstrate the brand’s move into new environments to expand the Heartlake CITY universe with a combination of animals and country lifestyle. LEGO CITY 2014 themes and product launches have been developed to maintain a key position in the UK market. Classic, expandable play themes include Police and Arctic, while LEGO CITY vehicles has extended the successful Great Vehicles concept to target treats and loyalty purchase opportunities. Moving into its fifth year on shelves, the Minifigures range will see two unique launches throughout the first half of the year, while a new ‘Nindroid’

robot army storyline will be introduced for LEGO Ninjago. New mini robots, jumpers and weapons will be showcased for Hero Factory, while Q1 will see more of the low price point action vehicles unveiled for Technic. The Desert Racer and Champion Racer both use pull back motors, while larger models include the Container Truck and Construction Crew. Moving into licensing, and full marketing support is planned for LEGO Star Wars around the new vehicle introductions. A campaign will also focus on the low price point Micro Fighters and Battle Packs – particularly impressive is the AT-AP. Further Batman and Spider-man lines will also be unveiled as part of the continuing partnership with DC Comics and Marvel. The LEGO Super Heroes range of conflict play theme sets offers iconic characters and

scenes from both the DC and Marvel super hero universe. Each of the sets contain unique minifigures, while within each of the larger DC play theme sets is a LEGO comic book. A selection of products will be launched between January and March, pre-empting the theatrical release of Spiderman 2 and complementing associated content during cartoon season. Finally, into pre-school and LEGO Duplo will build on the success of Creative Cakes, launching ice cream and picnic products to the range. The partnership with Disney Princess will also continue with the addition of Sleeping Beauty. LEGO Juniors is a new launch for 2014, bridging the gap between LEGO Duplo and LEGO sets. Tailor made for young builders aged between four and seven, the sets have quick start elements with easy instructions to follow. Sets include a Police Station, Batman, Princess Play Castle and Pony Farm. 01753 495000

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SHOW GUIDE

The Tidlo line is bolstered with the arrival of the Fire Station set

JOHN CRANE is expanding its already packed portfolio even further in 2014 with a mix of its award winning wood, plush and plastic. Tidlo is evolving again and is even bigger than before, with 20 new lines for 2014. New products will include a Fire Station set which features a firefighter’s pole, a ringing bell, removable roof for more play space, fire training tower and swing doors. The set also includes two lockers, dispatch desk and chair, bunk bed, moveable antenna and three fires to put out. It is also compatible with the new Tidlo Fire Engine and Firefighters. Also new is the Play Shop and Theatre. The 2 in 1 design changes from a theatre to a shop by raising up the theatre curtain and the rotating clicky dial and reversing the fabric to reveal the market stall roof. The theatre includes 50 tickets to dispense through the ticket machine slot, plus a chalkboard and clock to advertise the next play and show time. Meanwhile, the market stall shelves can be used to store puppets and props during the show. The shop features a market stall design with a fabric roof and countertop area that includes three angled shelves that are compatible www.toynews-online.biz

with the Tidlo Food Crates. Each shelf has a chalkboard panel to write the prices on. The Play Shop and Theatre also comes with a removable chalk panel which hangs to the side. In addition, some of the existing Tidlo lines have had a bit of a face lift. The Tidlo My First Bikes have a new design, while the Animal Stacking Cubes now feature the safari illustrations that run across many of the lines in the Tidlo collection. New in the B range is BaaBaa-Barn. This barn is ‘bopping’, according to the firm – place either the cow, sheep, pig or horse inside the barn doors to hear them sing. There are four songs which sound completely different depending on which animal is on the floor. Also continuing into 2014 is Woofer, which picked up an award for Best New Toy at Toy Fair 2013 in the preschool category, while it is also one of John Crane’s best sellers. In total, the firm is adding 28 new lines to its B collection this year. Finally, John Crane welcomed Bristle Blocks to its stable last year, and is building it into 2014 with several new lines. Some of these include the 128-piece Jungle Adventure Bucket and a Twist & Turn Set. 01604 774949

STAND NUMBER: E20

John Crane

January/February 171

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SHOW GUIDE

STAND NUMBER: E79

KidKraft

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LIVING up to the slogan of ‘Live, Learn, Play’, KidKraft has a reputation for creating innovative, highquality children’s products. The firm says it is a true trendsetter in the wooden role-play category, growing more popular each and every year. Building on the KidKraft brand’s success in 2013, consumers will see several new products on the market for 2014. KidKraft is introducing new play kitchens, an expanded line of dollhouses, plus new offerings in doll accessories and furniture. New this year is KidKraft’s Island Kitchen, which is gender-neutral and will feature two sides of play, making it versatile enough for families with multiple children. A number of lifelike details and interactive features are built in to the product, something parents are sure to love. The firm is also anticipating another colourful addition to KidKraft’s kitchen line – The Grocery Stand – with an abundance of usable storage space. Set to be a key attraction to the KidKraft stand will be a collection of themed toddler beds in

the New Year, adding a touch of fantasy from KidKraft’s toy line to its children’s furniture line. New for 2014 are the Airplane Toddler Bed, the Princess Castle Toddler Bed and the Medieval Toddler Bed. The company is confident that the Airplane Toddler Bed will be a best seller, with its moving propeller, fun biplane design and functional storage compartment. Each of the beds is designed to fit most crib mattresses and is engineered to be low enough to allow easy access for children. For girls, look for new editions in KidKraft’s line of sturdy doll furniture accessories for 45cm dolls. The company’s new Lil’ Darling Doll Cradle, High Chair and Stroller are now a part of its popular Lil' Doll collection. The Lil’ Darling collection will offer a pink and white colour combination with durable gingham fabric. The cradle has a smooth gliding rocker that young girls are sure to love. Moving into creative play, two new dollhouses – the Felicity Dollhouse and the Country Road

Cottage – are also on the way. The deluxe Felicity dollhouse will accommodate 30cm fashion dolls and includes nine pieces of furniture, two balconies and detailed, colourful artwork. The Country Road Cottage is a beautiful small dollhouse design with an open feel. Features include three levels of play, two moulded staircases and 16 pieces of detailed furniture. It accommodates 10cm mini dolls. Meanwhile, the KidKraft’s new Deluxe Workbench comes with its own lifelike play tools. The handy workbench will provide hours of fantasy play with a real wooden bolts, a hammer, a wrench and a screwdriver. The Deluxe Workbench will have a total of 30 accessories pieces – enough to keep any young handyman busy.

Two plastic storage bins are also included, making it easy to tidy up after a long day of playing. Arts and crafts will be more exciting with the addition of KidKraft’s Art Table with Stools. The wooden table comes with two stools and a storage net that fits in the centre. The table also functions as a usable chalkboard, which is always a big hit with young kids. Finally, bolstering KidKraft’s baby range in 2014 is the new Deluxe Activity Cube. It is designed to help young boys and girls work on shape recognition, colour recognition and eye-hand coordination, all while having fun. Made of wood, the Deluxe Activity Cube features an abacus for counting, fun functional gears and a bead maze. The top is removable, revealing usable storage space for tidying up. +31 (0)20 305 8633 www.toynews-online.biz

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SHOW GUIDE Jurassic Time Travel Eggscavation is just one item in the expanded Aqua Dragons portfolio in 2014

BRAINSTORM’S homegrown brand – Brainstorm Toys – will be launching new items for worldwide distribution at Toy Fair. At the head of the pack will be the T-rex Projector and Room Guard. The large, scarily authentic model of a T-rex roars into action every time an unwanted visitor trespasses into a child’s bedroom, meaning they can scare their sister or make their mum jump. The toy is also a projector that displays 24 realistic dinosaur images, up to one metre wide, onto walls and ceilings. The Brainstorm Toys outdoor range will be bolstered with the new Hand Bow. A fun and safe starting point for budding archery enthusiasts, the indooroutdoor bow can shoot suction darts over eight metres and with pin-point accuracy. Each hand bow comes with three suction darts, with a handy refill dart pack for extra add-on sales. The Original Glowstars Company has now caught the dinosaur bug with the new Astro Dino Torch. It has two domes, each projecting a different Jurassic scene onto bedroom walls. When the torch is not in use, the on/off www.toynews-online.biz

switch, the rim of the torch and the dome adaptor glow in the dark. Finally, Aqua Dragons has hardly been off TV screens in 2013 and Brainstorm is promising to turn up the marketing dial as its distribution develops. Supported by a new TV campaign, Brainstorm is launching Aqua Dragons Jurassic Time Travel, which pays homage to the highly adapted little creatures which have not changed since the Jurassic period. Jurassic Time Travel Eggspress will have an aggressive price point, but the fun egg-shaped tank still comes with everything children need to hatch and grow their own Aqua Dragon pets. Meanwhile, the Jurassic Time Travel Eggscavation not only allows children to hatch Aqua Dragons but will command pride of place in their bedroom. The Jurassic-themed habitat includes a cracked egg tank with a baby dinosaur sleeping in its base. With the push of a button, the dinosaur blows air through the tank and the LED base illuminates the tank at night. 01200 445113

STAND NUMBER: D2

Brainstorm

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SHOW GUIDE

STAND NUMBER: GALLERY 500

VTech IN 2013, VTech rose to be the number four manufacturer in the total toys market and number one in infant toys for the first time. 2014 will see the firm continue to build on this success, showcasing several line extensions and new product launches at Toy Fair. Toot-Toot Drivers has seen 90 per cent growth year to date (NPD October 2013). New vehicles and play-sets will be introduced in spring to build on the popular collectable range. The new Toot-Toot Drivers Fire Station features numerous manipulative areas including a flip up launcher for emergency speed, working fire alarm, rolling fire hydrant, sliding lift and open and close door.

MY TOY FAIR KATHERINE PIERCE Marketing Manager, Jumbo Games

STAND NUMBER: E46

Favourite part? Seeing our finished stand – blood, sweat and tears will have gone into it. Worst part? Taking it all down and starting planning for next year. Hangover tip? Wotsits and Ribena in the morning works for me. Best Toy Fair memory? Seeing the Jumbo stand swamped last year with people trying to see footballer Clint Dempsey, our SoccerSuckers spokesperson. There was a real buzz.

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The play-set includes a small Toot-Toot fire engine, nine interchangeable track pieces that can be swapped into different combinations and three interactive SmartPoint locations that trigger fun responses when driven over. Another new addition to the range is the Toot-Toot Drivers Police Station. Speed off to the 999 call when the alarm sounds, zoom around the spinning roundabout and lock the criminal in the jail. The Police Car includes three singalong songs, six melodies and lots of realistic sounds, while the Police Station includes five SmartPoint locations. Also new for spring is the redesigned Playtime Bus with Phonics. Through over 100 interactive curriculum questions, children can learn phonic sounds, letters, vocabulary, numbers, counting and safety rules. It also includes a quiz mode to

reinforce learning, plus over 30 melodies, songs and fun busrelated sound effects, 26 letter buttons, one to ten number buttons, brake, horn and driver buttons, plus an open and shut door. Following the success of Gadget the Robot, Little Gadget and Letter Friend, further TV advertising and marketing support will ensure they continue to grow in 2014. Further pre-school introductions are also planned for autumn/winter. New software and apps for InnoTab will continue to be released throughout the year. Some of the new titles include Disney’s Sofia the First, Nickelodeon’s Bubble Guppies, Toot-Toot Drivers Phonics and Cody and Cora Handwriting. There is also a growing library of chart music titles available on InnoTab from artists such as One Direction and Union J.

Moving on, and spring also sees the new Switch & Go Dinos Turbo products hit retail. The new assortment includes a flywheel design. There are six new Dinos to collect including Zipp the TRex, Dart the Triceratops, Spur the Stegasorous, Fray the Ankylosaurus, Cruz the Spinosaurus and Spinner the Stigmoloch. The T-Rex Dino Launcher and Triceratops Deluxe Launcher will also be available, while the current Switch & Go favourites will continue. Furthermore, there will be some exciting new range additions to the KidiCreative line revealed at Toy Fair, plus a special launch to the girls market – a first for VTech. 01235 555545

Jumbo Games THE NUMBER one adult puzzle brand (NPD YTD September 2013), Wasgij is expanding into the children’s market with the launch of Wasgij Junior No 1. Following the continued success of the adult puzzle line, based on the unique concept of building an image that is different to that shown on the box, the new Wasgij puzzle specifically designed for children – entitled Wasgij Junior 1: Scrooge’s Surprise – will be 100 pieces and launches in June. Wasgij Original 21: Football Fever arrives in time for the World Cup. Puzzlers will be able to piece together both the image shown on the box

and the ‘solution’ image of what they think the football player on the TV screen is looking at. Also included in the football themed doublepack jigsaw is a free 2014 Wasgij World Cup wall chart, so puzzlers can track the progress of the tournament. Moving into pre-school, and to celebrate Peppa Pig’s tenth anniversary, Jumbo will be launching the Giant Muddy Puddles Floor Puzzle (which includes 35 pieces) and the Peppa Pig Hide and Seek Game in 2014. Something Special is another strong licence for Jumbo, and the firm will introduce the

Something Special Bath Time Puzzle in August. Children will be able to enjoy piecing together Mr Tumble and his friends in the bath, with the puzzle both floating in the water and able to stick to the bathtub. 01707 289289

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Game of Thrones, WWE and DC Universe are just three lines from Funko

UNDERGROUND Toys confirmed in October its plans to collaborate with Funko LLC, inking an exclusive partnership. Effective as of January 1st, 2014, Underground Toys now holds the distribution rights for Funko merchandise across the UK, Eire and Europe. Funko specialises in entertainment-related merchandise and creates globally popular products including Bobble-Head Wacky Wobblers, Pop! vinyl, 3D bookmarks and character licensed plush. Meanwhile, Underground Toys has its roots grounded in development, manufacturing and distribution of entertainment merchandise, and is an internationally recognised gift and toy specialist. The Funko ranges cover an extensive portfolio of properties â&#x20AC;&#x201C; some suitable for children and others more for the adult collector. Stylised collectables include characters from series such as Game of Thrones and The Big Bang Theory, as well as some alltime favourites including Star Wars (Darth Vader, Yoda), Marvel (Spider-Man, Iron Man, Wolverine) and DC Universe www.toynews-online.biz

(Superman, The Joker). Ranges from kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; properties also stretch to older audiences, appealing to bigger kids who value the alternative stylised design and retro collectability of the products. Such ranges include Adventure Time, My Little Pony, Monsters, Inc, The Muppets, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Spongebob Squarepants among others. Underground already has 1,600 different licensed items in its roster. As well as those already mentioned, these also include Doctor Who, WWE, Hello Kitty and Peppa Pig. Sister company Gear for Games, manages the distribution of Underground Toys and Funko merchandise (among others) within the UK, while Underground will be focusing on distribution among the European territories. The firm plans to add to its network of European retailers and strengthen existing relationships with the likes of Toys R Us, Asda, Carrefour and FNAC. Funko will continue to distribute its own ranges to the US. 020 7801 6325

STAND NUMBER: G120

Underground Toys

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SHOW GUIDE

STAND NUMBER: GALLERY 510

K’Nex THE 2014 relaunch of K’Nex in the UK is underpinned by a focus on the building system’s unique qualities, from open ended creativity to its ability to quickly build large scale constructions that are extremely robust. A unique product offering will be supported by the strongest 360

STAND NUMBER: H1

Cartamundi WITH A history of printing playing cards for over 300 years, Cartamundi UK has established its position as a trusted retail supplier and global brand for bringing families together. Retailers can look forward to a bumper 2014, with an array of licensed family card games, as well as an interactive card game concept, making the firm well worth a visit at Toy Fair. The firm’s long standing relationship with Disney continues with several preschool card games in a mixed counter display unit. These include Doc McStuffins Dominos, Jake

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and the Never Land Pirates Donkey, Sofia the First Pairs and Mickey Mouse Happy Families. With a movie sequel to the blockbuster Planes lined up next summer, Cartamundi will also be launching the Planes Fire and Rescue game in Tuck box and game box formats. World Cup fever will hit home with an official range of FIFA 14 card games including the FIFA 14 World Cup Facts Game, FIFA 14 Illustrative Playing Cards, FIFA 14 Memo Game and FIFA 14 Playing Cards. Cartamundi is also teasing the launch of an interactive card game range in the summer. The new concept will be unveiled at Toy Fair. 01268 511522

degree marketing programme ever seen for K’Nex in the UK, featuring heavyweight TV, print and PR along with innovative partnerships. 2014 marks the 20th anniversary of K’Nex in the UK. Among the lineup at Toy Fair are the new 35 Model and 70 Model Building Sets, plus the new 52 Model Building Set tub, which will all feature in the new TV campaign. K’Nex themed building sets will also include the Transport Chopper and 4 Wheel Drive Building Sets, each with over 300 pieces, motors and lights. The K’Nex Thrill Rides collection offers the chance to recreate the fun of amusement parks with realistic looking, large scale theme park rides at a range of price points. Among the highlights at Toy Fair include TV driver, Typhoon Frenzy Roller Coaster Building Set, with 641 pieces that

combine to propel the car around 19 feet of swirling track, plus the Supernova Blast Roller Coaster Building Set, with a blasting launcher to shoot the car around over 22 feet of glow in the dark track. The award winning Tinkertoy pre-school construction system is new for the UK in 2014, as is the K’Nex Education range, which will be made available for retail sale for the first time. The recently announced Plants vs Zombies range will make its first appearance at Toy Fair. A key product in the collection is the Mummy Zombie Swarm Building Set which recreates ancient Egyptian antics with motorised action reflecting the gameplay from the title. Other licensed product ranges include Super Mario, Angry Birds, Family Guy and Pac-Man. 0118 949 7000

MY TOY FAIR Trudi Bishop Head of Marketing & Licensing, Cartamundi How many Toy Fairs have you been to? Four including Nuremberg. Favourite part? The buzz of the first day when some customers get to see your autumn range for the first time. Early night or drinks after the show? Drinks – well it would be rude not to. Best place to take clients? Kensington Roof Gardens. Flats or heels? Both, but comfy heels. Flats for when you’re resting and walking to the fair. Heels as I’m vertically challenged.

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JULIE TAYLOR, Sales Director, Golden Bear

What's your favourite part of Toy Fair? The buzz at the start and the satisfaction at the end. What's the worst part? Very sore feet. Early night or drinks after the show? Intention is the early night and reality is the drinks. Hangover tip? Very large breakfast and great concealer. What's the best place to take clients? Our stand of course. Flats or heels? Heels always.

Golden Bear HAVING acquired the master toy licence for Disney’s Henry Hugglemonster, Golden Bear will launch a collection of toys. Henry’s Roarsome and Summer’s Super Scooters are push along toys and come with fun phrases and detachable, articulated figures. The 25cm Talking Plush – available as Summer and Henry – bring the characters to life, while the Huggle-House Play-set has a number of interactive features plus Henry, Summer and Ivor figurines and accessories. A new collection is due based on the little yellow Cbeebies Bugs. The range features fun games and soft plush including the Giggling Bugs which bring the characters to life, with eight different styles to collect. The Sweet Dreams Bug is an interactive plush that glows and sways while playing the night time tune which is featured on Cbeebies.

Woolly and Tig, Something Special and In The Night Garden continue to grow. The In The Night Garden Ninky Nonk Musical Activity Train offers a play-set with a number of features. It comes in individual sections, including a shape sorter and stacking blocks plus lights and sounds. Read Along with Woolly is a new addition to the Woolly and Tig collection. Toy Fair will also be the first chance to see the new V-Dubs range based around Volkswagon. The range consists of fun and quirky vehicles for three to six year olds.

Go MINI is set for action with the Turbo Pullbacks Stunt Set. Each car has a high speed pullback unit. The Power Boost Racer Assortment Minis are styled on a high speed track race car. My 1st JCB will also see a major refresh for autumn/winter. The new ‘Big Wheelers’ featuring Joey JCB and Doug Dumptruck bring outdoor play into the range. Finally, Sooty will have a new collection aimed at two to six year olds. 01952 608308

STAND NUMBER: E69

MY TOY FAIR

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SHOW GUIDE

STAND NUMBER: G10

Interplay THE CLASSIC Wild Science collection has undergone a complete makeover for 2014 with fresh packaging. In addition, for spring/summer 2014, the Lip Balm Laboratory will join the existing best sellers Magic Nail Lab, Perfume Lab and Bath Bomb Factory. A new look Weird Slime Laboratory and Hyperlauncher Rocket Ball Factory will also be available. Interplay’s award winning myStyle craft and jewellery line will see some stylish new additions, including the Festival Jewellery Kit, a Shrink-it Jewellery Kit and Super Loop Bands Kit. The popular collection continues to move with the fashion trends each year and will hold its price points from £8.99 through to £19.99.

The My Living World line enjoyed success in 2013 following the relaunch with naturalist Nick Baker. The three new kits – Ladybird World, Spider World and Snail Work – will be joined by Butterfly World.

A new brand for 2014 is GoldieBlox. Developed by engineer Debbie Sterling, the range is designed to inspire other girls to follow in her footsteps. Each set includes an illustrated story book and a sizable construction project.

Priced at £14.99 to £24.99, the launch series will have three GoldieBlox sets to choose from: Spinning Machine, Parade Float and Dunk Tank. Interplay will also be reaching out to a younger audience with two new collections. Craft Box and Mr Men & Little Miss have been developed to inspire Key Stage 1. Craft Box – aimed at four to six year olds – will include 12 different creative craft activities with prices between £8.99 and £9.99. Titles include Paint & Play Ponies, Make Your Own Sparkly Jewellery and Make Your Own Pop-up Thank You Cards among others. Completing Interplay’s brands are Rivetz, Technokits and Craft Party. 01628 488944

STAND NUMBER: GALLERY 135

STAND NUMBER: G29

Sakar SAKAR’S collection of kidssafe headphones feature designs from a number of popular licences including Hello Kitty, Batman, Superman, Iron Man 3, Monster High and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The new line allows children to safely listen to and enjoy music. Large, full range drivers give listeners a rich sound experience, with crisp highs and warm clear bass tones. The ear cups are lightweight with thick, comfortable padding to provide noise isolation, while the headband bends easily for a comfortable fit.

The series also features a built-in volume limiter, protecting children’s hearing by automatically limiting audio volume to approximately 80 per cent of the original maximum volume. The headphones are compatible with devices including iPod, iPhone, iPad, Android smartphones and tablets, plus portable gaming devices like PlayStation Vita and Nintendo DS, as well as laptops, PCs, CD players and home audio systems. Meanwhile, Sakar will also be showing off Monster High and Hello Kitty karaoke sets at Toy Fair.

The Hello Kitty line includes wireless karaoke microphones that remove the vocal track from any song on a child’s MP3 player or smartphone, through to karaokes with enhanced vocal effects and lyrics display. Meanwhile, the Monster High version features a docking station for an iPad or iPhone, plus a five-inch monitor to display song lyrics, a handheld microphone, AV cable and AC adapter. Dual microphone inputs also give users the option to use two microphones simultaneously. 02476 518500

Kids@Play 2014 sees Kids@Play release two new battery powered toys under the MG brand. The MG Mini and The MG powered quad both have the unique Kids@Play 6v recharge batteries fitted as standard, guaranteeing at least 300 total recharges. All Kids@Play powered vehicles are covered by its customer care service centre in South Wales, which offers a 12 monthly service option on all top end models. 01291 635551

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KATY FLETCHER, Brand Manager, Re:creation How many Toy Fairs have you been to? This will be my 11th. Favourite part of Toy Fair? Catching up with everyone, having a gossip and showing our latest toys. Early night or drinks? Absolutely drinks after the show. Usually a pint or two of bitter followed by a nice bottle of white, and then perhaps a range of shots to help numb the brain and the bunions. Best Toy Fair memory? Probably when we invited Team Razor down and they demoed their freestyle scooter tricks on ramps outside the main entrance three years ago.

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Re:creation RE:CREATION is telling potential visitors to its stand to ‘prepare to zip’ this year. The firm will be showcasing Zip Stix, the new pocket money proposition aimed at ages four and up. The collectable is simple to use – just lock, load and launch against the competition – while the patented design features high-octane graphics. Suggested retail price is from £2.99, with Re:creation backing Zip Stix with a TV drive. Moving on, and Prank Star is a new proposition in the boys’ tech toys category. The firm describes it as being focused on the ‘creation of innovative and novel high-tech gadgets, with classic twists on existing play patterns’. The Bright Light Pillow, meanwhile, is ultra soft and cuddly, contains 24 batterypowered LED lights, a ‘tough to turn on’ function and an automatic off after 15 minutes.

The LEGO Lights line will also be bolstered with special key lights for The LEGO Movie. In addition, other hot properties will be making an appearance in the range including DC Superheroes and LEGO Friends. The Air Storm brand continues to grow with the introduction of Sky Ripperz. The supersonic whistling rockets are aimed at kids aged eight and up, and travel over 76 metres. There are three rockets in a pack, with a launcher for £9.99. The Razor portfolio includes in-line, stunt and electric scooters and ride-ons. The new entry level S Scooter will be just one of the new lines on display. Fuze has seized on a gap in the market for bike accessories, offering a range of technology allowing users to pimp up their

ride. The Wheel Writer (£19.99) transforms a bike wheel into a real working speedometer, while 12 different pictures scroll through as they pedal. Further developments are also on the way. Finally, VideoHead (£59.99) has a patent pending built-in camera and four clickable lens positions, so that children aged eight and up can catch their favourite BMX, scooter or skateboard moments with the built-in memory. 0118 973 6222

STAND NUMBER: E160

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STAND NUMBER: E109

Esdevium ESDEVIUM will build on its range of Disney licensed games with the addition of the Sofia the First – Magical Tea Time Game. The Sofia game complements the firm’s existing lines of Disney titles which already includes games for Jake and the Never Land Pirates, Doc McStuffins and Disney Princess. The games will be supported by substantial TV advertising and a widespread PR campaign throughout the whole year. The Dobble card game will again be a huge focus of the Toy Fair stand. The game achieved fantastic growth throughout 2013 with the Dobble Challenge – a promotion to encourage the demonstration of the game in-

store, with retailers earning an extra £1 back on each unit sold. Indeed, due to the success of the Dobble Challenge, Esdevium is set to expand it for 2014. Hotel, the classic MB board game, is back and exclusive to Esdevium with a new look and feel. The firm’s range of nostalgia items will be expanded with new additions to the Fisher-Price Classics collection and the launch of Scrabble Nostalgia Edition. New expansions for the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Yu-Gi-Oh and Match Attax will be introduced to the trade, as well as a number of brand new collectable properties set for a Q1 launch in 2014. 01420 593593

STAND NUMBER: B30

MV Sports FROM ride-ons and trikes for pre-schoolers to BMX bikes and stunt scooters for teens, MV Sports is a one-stop shop for all wheeled and outdoor products. And it is planning to show off a raft of new products at Olympia. New ranges include some of the biggest licensed properties such as Transformers, The Simpsons and Postman Pat. With One Direction fever showing no signs of slowing, Zayn, Harry, Louis, Niall and Liam will continue to glam up new products in the range, making it a must-have for retailers, according to MV.

In the pre-school category, Peppa Pig and Thomas the Tank Engine continue to be solid performers. MV’s own brand – Stunted – continues to go from strength to strength and in 2014 there will be a number of new designs and products. Other new brands will be showcased with items including e-Moto battery operated cars, Bored skateboards and Trick Stick pogo sticks. The firm’s outdoor play range – Hedstrom – is one of the UK’s top branded range of metal swings, slides, trampolines and multi play. Constantly

encouraging social skills, imaginative play and physical development, 2014 will see the launch of many new lines. This year will also be a big one for football, and MV’s Kickmaster range includes

everything for the budding young football star – from balls and goals through to innovative training sets to help with speed, agility, passing and shooting skills. 0121 748 8000

spectacular launch for the concept, which allows children to build any den they imagine by attaching PL-UG to the

world around them. There are currently seven PL-UG components to choose from including connector discs, rods, suction cups, clamps, pegs and hooks that are all designed to connect together. They can also be attached to different objects around the house or garden such as chairs, tables, trees and benches. Once they have a structure, all children then need to do is secure a sheet over the top and put their ‘keep out’ sign on the door. 01628 200077

STAND NUMBER: GALLERY 120

Asobi ASOBI believes that the 2014 Toy Fair is set to be its biggest show yet, with the team celebrating its fifth birthday. New ranges are planned to launch for craft brand Seedling and the Vilac collection, while there will also be developments from woodworking brand Red Toolbox and the unveiling of some major new brands. However, the firm believes that the most exciting development will be the introduction of PL-UG, a British

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born and unique construction toy, which Asobi says will cause ‘quite a stir’. It is promising visitors to Toy Fair a

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John Adams is aiming to kick off the year in style at Olympia, showcasing new introductions in its games category, as well as welcoming new licensed characters into its craft portfolio. There will also be an unveiling of a (currently under wraps) new craft range. Leading the way for the Rubik’s brand in the spring is Rubik’s Void. Featuring a cool new style and a hole in the middle, the product adds another dimension to the traditional puzzle. Joining the kids’ action games category is Pig Out – where being a greedy pig wins – while in Word Game, players must name it, press it and pass it in order to win. The fast and furious Split Second also joins the family games collection. All will be supported by integrated TV and digital advertising campaigns. In addition, crowd sourced trivia game Linkee joins the firm’s portfolio. Complete with refreshed packaging and new

STAND NUMBER: G100

John Adams

questions, the new set also includes some special celebrity cards written by some well-known names. Moving into crafts, and John Adams is adding to its portfolio with two new licences for 2014. The popular Tatty Teddy and My Blue Nose Friends offering will include Sparkly Jewellery, Felt Keyrings and a character version of the Make a Bear kit. Disney’s Doc McStuffins will join the Fuzzy Felt collection,

with a set that comes with 100 printed pieces and an ideas leaflet. The lines will join the existing portfolio including Disney Princess and Minnie Mouse, which also have new offerings Minnie Mosaics, Minnie Jelly Stickers and Disney Princess Glitter Mosaics. An extensive new range of craft products will also be unveiled for the first time, aimed at girls aged seven and up and will be a mix of

traditional favourites and contemporary themes. Well-known for its Gross Science collection, John Adams will be adding to its fun science range with Silly Science for Pranksters in May. Designed to teach kids important facts about science while laughing out loud, the set includes ten scientific pranks to play on friends and family. 01480 414361

The mechanical star of James May’s newest Toy Stories – The Motorcycle Diaries Christmas TV special will take centre stage on the Meccano/Spin Master stand. Demonstrating the genuine versatility of the timeless toy brand, May’s 15,000-part Meccano motorbike is joined by a number of new additions to the Evolution range, as well as to the Multimodels and Turbo ranges. The sixth and seventh models in the Evolution line arrive in spring/summer. Evolution Chopper Motorbike and Evolution Mini Loader continue to build on the brand’s collection of everyday vehicles. The Chopper kit’s 250+ components include orange and silver parts that give it a real Californian cool finish. The kit builds into two models (one at a time) and is suitable for children aged eight and up (£24.99). Meanwhile, the Mini Loader is a 160+ part model of the building site 4x4 workhorse (£17.99). www.toynews-online.biz

Available for autumn/winter, are the Evolution Excavator and Evolution Forest Engine. The Excavator set (£55.99) includes over 480 parts and once built, the model can be taken apart and rebuilt into a second design. Meanwhile, the Forest Engine (£59.99) includes over 550 parts with a rotating cabin and grabber arm. Alongside the Evolution range, spring/summer will see two additions to the classic Multimodels line. Multimodels 3 Model Set (£12.99) is aimed at entry-level modellers and enthusiasts alike. Three different models can be built including a plane, helicopter or go-kart using the 130+ parts. Meanwhile, the Multimodels 10 Model Set Dump Truck (£19.99) includes 250+ parts. A further three Multimodels kits will be released in autumn/winter – Multimodels 12 Model Set (£22.99), 15 Model Set – Formula One (£24.99) and 20 Model Set – Off-road Vehicle (£29.99).

Wrapping up Meccano’s new 2014 models is the Turbo RC Rally Car (£69.99). Start under the hood and watch as a personalised off-road racer takes shape using the set’s 380+ parts. The set builds into two separate models and is suitable for ages eight and up. 01869 324956

STAND NUMBER: E131

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STAND NUMBER: G46

Sambro Sambro will return to Olympia with a wealth of licensed ranges, showcased alongside new lines to be distributed exclusively by the company. Having just been announced as Disney’s 2014 UK pocket money licensee, a full selection of novelty lines will be displayed at the event. There will be ranges featuring Sofia the First, Doc McStuffins, Monsters University, Cars, Disney Princess, Disney Fairies, Planes, Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Lines appealing to boys will include yo-yos, Finger Boards, Pull String Copters, Space Discs, Bubble Sticks, Pump Rocket Launchers, Sling Shot Gliders and more. Meanwhile, for girls there will be licensed skipping ropes, musical instruments, fairy

wings and wands and Hula Hoops among others. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will be a key focus, with visitors to the stand being able to see arts and crafts sets, games, puzzles, pre-school bikes and scooters. Sambro’s arts and crafts collection includes licensed ranges featuring Colouring Tables, Magnetic Scribblers

and Art Sets, as well as ‘on the go’ products such as Travel Art Easels and Travel Art Desks. Sega Europe will also be supporting Sambro at Olympia to celebrate a strong year for the Sonic the Hedgehog toy programme. A Pinball Machine launched in 2013, under licence from Sambro, and sold well during the lead up to Christmas.

Sambro will also launch Zed the Zombie. The Unrest in Pieces game sees Zed rise from the grave. Players activate the timer on the base and then race against the clock to put Zed’s body parts and accessories back together. Players hit the stop button when complete and if time runs out, zombie parts fly. 0845 873 9380

STAND NUMBER: H65

STAND NUMBER: B50

Marbel Marbel Toys is looking forward to further growth in 2014, with new products arriving from Brio, Hape, nanoblock, Lottie, Pink Poppy, WWF, Disney and more. The new Disney Princess Magic Moments play-sets from Bullyland (£7.99 each) should prove popular. There are six to collect in total, and they can be connected together to create a world of play for Disney Princess figurines.

Brio is celebrating its 130th birthday in 2014 and has also announced new FSC certification on wooden products. Along with the launch of new products (including the Safari Railway Set), exclusive items and a large marketing campaign will support retailers throughout the year. Hape has over 30 new toys launching in 2014, with stand out products including the Activity Easel and the Italian-

designed Kitchen Centre. A new instore campaign will also support retailers. A range of fashion dolls will join the Lottie family, among them Pirate Queen, Robot Girl and Kawaii Karate Lottie. The dolls have been inspired by an international karate star, a 16th Century Pirate Queen and female inventors respectively. Finally, as part of the expanding

licensing programme from WWF, Marbel Toys has grown its line with a collection of hand puppets, which will be on display for the first time at Olympia. 0845 6000 286

Marvin’s Magic Recognised as the brand leader and number one for magic worldwide, Marvin’s Magic says that it has the best selling magic sets and largest following of young magicians anywhere. Magic is normally based on dexterity, skill and many years of practice, but with Marvin’s

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Magic, budding magicians can perform similar sensational effects in no time. Marvin’s Magic was the first range to be approved by the Magic Circle and its extensive collection is simple enough for youngsters, cool enough for teens yet guaranteed to impress even

the most sophisticated executive. For ultimate playground power, guaranteed to even impress the teachers, check out Marvin’s Mind Blowing Tricks range. The collection contains some of the best magic and card tricks available, according to the firm. Each individual set

includes complete instructions and everything needed to perform a stunning trick. The firm will also be unveiling a new licensed set, packed with magic and inspired by popular children’s magic TV series, Help! My Supply Teacher is Magic. 01582 849000 www.toynews-online.biz

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Trends UK Ltd, The Firs, Greatworth Hall, Greatworth, Banbury, OX17 2DH

Tel: +44 (0) 1295 768078 email: info@trendsuk.co.uk

www.trendsuk.co.uk

STAND G410

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REVELL is returning to Toy Fair with a supersize stand. The Revell Control brand has breakthrough releases including the exclusive Nano Quad; a 4.5cm mini Quadrocopter; the entry level Turaco Micro Helicopter with a transparent body; the Quadro Shuttle, a big jetfighter-design Quadrocopter; plus several innovative RC releases at entry level price points including ready to run Mini Trucks; doubled-sided flip over buggies, Stunt Car ‘Two Side’; and ready to run Mini Boats. With a successful launch in 2013, the Revellutions RC brand turns multi format this year. The expanded line includes a police boat and 1:18 scale pick up truck. Designed for eight to 12 year olds, all models are ready to run with 2.4 GHz technology and they are fast and robust, plus dust and water resistant. A heavyweight marketing campaign through the year will feature autumn TV advertising. The Revell plastic model kits brand introduces a variety of new releases in 2014. These include the 1:24 scale Mini Cooper Gift Set, the 1:24 scale La Ferrari and VW Golf 1 GTI; and the 1:24 scale Red Bull Racing Model Sets. It’s a race to space for experienced modellers with www.toynews-online.biz

the 1:144 scale Space Ship Two & Carrier White Knight Two from Virgin Galactic and the limited edition Shuttle Launch Tower. Other highlights include the 1:144 scale US Navy Landing Ship and the newly-tooled 1:32 scale Spitfire Mk II (£22.99). The beginners range will be enhanced with Star Wars Easykits in new packaging. Fun and education are combined with Revell’s newer brands, including XRay, a range of snap together anatomy models. New additions include TRex and Mammoth. 01442 890285

STAND NUMBER: GALLERY 100

Revell

MY TOY FAIR THOMAS RANDRUP, Country Manager UK & Ireland, Revell How many Toy Fairs have you been to? 14 Favourite part of Toy Fair? The set up days are always interesting. Although it’s manic, it’s good to see the stand developments. Worst part? The lack of heating on set up days, sore feet and legs from days of standing. Where’s the best place to take clients? Bombay Brasserie. Best Toy Fair memory? Winning the 2012 BTHA’s Best New Toy in the ‘Hobby & Models’ category.

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STAND NUMBER: H39

BigJigs Toys THE START of 2014 sees the launch of the new Bigjigs Rail packaging, designed to provide a powerful and engaging instore presence. Key features of the packaging include modular box sizes and multiple selling faces to ensure effective merchandising for retailers, distinctive graphical features including safety symbols, development factors, key USPs, lifestyle imagery and interactive features such as QR codes and Cut & Play. The range of Bigjigs Rail rolling stock has been completely redesigned to allow a full 360-degree view via a clear PET clam shell. To maximise the in-store impact of the rebrand, the firm has also devised two new merchandising units including a 2’ free standing cardboard display unit showcasing best selling items and a redesigned 4’ free standing wooden display unit presenting the best of rail. The rebrand also welcomes the introduction of a variety of rail-based characters including Station Master Sam, who can

be found on the packaging and will be used to develop consumer marketing initiatives. Bigjigs will also be showcasing a number of new products and redesigns, including additions to Bigjigs Rail, Bigjigs Baby, Cooking & Roleplay and Puzzle ranges. The City Train Set and Table has been added to the collection of railway tables. The extensive train set features a bustling city scene with high rise buildings, a helipad, bridges and unique metro style train. Bigjigs has also added the Rocket Train Set, which is focused around Stephenson’s Rocket. After solid success with its pink Bigjigs Rail lines, the firm has added several accessories including a decorative tunnel, bridge, double engine shed and expansion pack. Adding to its puzzle collection, the firm is launching eight decorative wooden 48piece puzzles, each individually hand cut. Each puzzle has a colourful and decorative scene and comes in a number of fantasies and fairy themes

including Ballet School, Enchanted Fairies, Picnic in the Park and Once Upon a Time. The other four puzzles include licensed locomotives from the Bigjigs Rail range such as the Mallard, the Rocket, Flying Scotsman and the Duchess of Hamilton. New items have also been inducted into the Cooking & Roleplay range including a redesign of the Food Display Stand and some of the foods that go with it. Several roleplay toys to complement the

food items will be launched including a shopping trolley, a set of scales and a newly designed shop till, with money, credit cards and scanner. Also new for 2014 is a cake stand with a range of cakes. Bigjigs Baby has also undergone a makeover. Each product has been redesigned with brand new colours and now fit within modular packaging ensuring the merchandising process is simpler and easier for retailers. 01303 250400

cent in 2013. With new additions Taj Mahal and lighthouse, plus hot favourites such as the One Direction puzzleball, the firm is also confident that its 2014 range will deliver excellent results throughout the year. Meanwhile, within the games sector, the firm has classic concepts like Labyrinth (which

was backed by strong TV advertising last year), plus licensed games based on The Gruffalo and The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Finally, Ravensburger will be launching new craft concepts Mosaic and So Styly, while Prehistoric Expedition joins the popular Science X line. 01869 363800

STAND NUMBER: B156

Ravensburger RAVENSBURGER will be unveiling a raft of new products at Olympia, across licences and adult puzzles and games. The firm has added nine new properties to its burgeoning licensed portfolio – The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Gruffalo, Woolly and Tig, In The Night Garden, Disney’s Henry Hugglemonster, The Ultimate Spider-man, The Amazing Spider-man 2, The Muppets 2 and Planes Fire and Rescue. Ravensburger will also be adding new introductions to established characters. These will include Octonauts, Thomas & Friends, Bob the Builder, Dora the Explorer, Disney Minnie & Mickey Mouse, Cars, Princess, Doc McStuffins, Finding Nemo, Frozen and Sofia the First. The firm’s successful One Direction line will also continue. Moving on, and with sales growing 25 per cent during

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2013, strong consumer feedback and over 40 new titles launched for spring/summer, Ravensburger is upbeat about its adult puzzle range. Formats vary from 500 to 32,000 and everything is backed by the firm’s ‘soft-click’ technology. Sales of Ravensburger’s 3D puzzle range grew by 33 per

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Fiesta Crafts - Toy News - Toy Fair Edition - RHS - 12 Dec 2013

Gingerbread Man Hand and Finger Puppets Set Toy Fair - F66 | Spring Fair - H3, J18 | Nuremburg - H1, B-09 | New York - #5555 Fiesta Crafts Ltd - 3 Centenary Road, Enfield, EN3 7UD 020 8804 0563 fiestacrafts.co.uk

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WINNING MOVES UK offers a stellar 2014 line-up of licensed versions of family favourites including Top Trumps, Monopoly and Connect 4. Hero products this year include Big Bang Theory Cluedo, Harry Potter Trivial Pursuit and Walking Dead Risk. With the popularity and growth of the board games category in 2013, the firm is confident the products will be a hit with kids of all ages. The company will continue to extend its line-up of Hasbrolicensed games, featuring One Direction, Transformers 4, Doctor Who and The Walking Dead among others. With top game brands such as Risk, Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit, Twister, Guess Who? and Cluedo, there is something to appeal to everyone. The One Direction licence proved a huge hit for Top Trumps last year, with a One

Direction Twister and Monopoly launched at the end of the year. Winning Moves will continue to promote and develop products in the range to satisfy the demands of the millions of ‘Directioners’ out there. In addition to the Hasbrolicensed games, Winning Moves recently secured the long-term licences for the Waddingtons brand. The firm is now developing a full range of Waddingtons products that will focus on wooden and travel games. The continued development of the Waddingtons Number One Playing Cards will feature new licences including DC Heroes & Villains among others. Top Trumps will also strengthen its offering with new licences such as My Little Pony, World Football Stars, Transformers 4 and Family Guy. In addition, a range of Top

Growing Great Brands

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STAND NUMBER: D17

Winning Moves

Trumps brand extensions will be launched in 2014 to include Top Puzzles and memory games. Winning Moves has also developed a Dinosaurs Top trumps Collector Tin and a

50-piece Dinosaur puzzle (both available now). In the pre-school arena, Top Trumps Activity Packs will launch a brand new Peppa Pig version, while Doc McStuffins will further add to the existing range of popular titles. 020 7262 9696

Come visit us at: Toy Fair—Stand B50 Spring Fair—Hall 3—Stand Q04

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ROGER MARTIN, MD, Coiledspring Games How many Toy Fairs have you been to? 11 Favourite part? The meeting and greeting. Worst part? Trying to remember people’s names when you know you know them, but can't recall their name in context. Where's the best place to take clients? Kanna Thai restaurant. What’s your best Toy Fair memory? The first day last year when we set up our stand having gone from shell scheme to space only.

Coiledspring Games FOLLOWING 2013’s successful trade and retailer marketing campaign, Toy Fair will see the consumer launch of the Sorgenfresser Worry Eaters. Coiledspring Games is investing in a campaign which will include TV, cinema and radio advertising, alongside strong social media activity. Interested retailers can find out more about the plans by visiting stand B160. The super soft Worry Eaters are the number one selling licensed plush in Germany and have successfully launched in France, Spain and the Netherlands. New characters for 2014 – Flint, Frula, Betti and Bill – will be joined by a range of plush keyrings and further new characters launching later in the year. New games from Schmidt Spiele include Larry (a bluffing game), Skull King, a bidding and strategy game, and Big Deal. Strategy game fans should check out Rondo – a new board game from Reiner Knizia.

Growing Great Brands

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Also on show will be the first release of new jigsaw puzzles for 2014. Releasing new puzzles twice a year, Schmidt helps retailers to keep their jigsaw offerings fresh and current by responding to what customers are asking for. ThinkFun is following up the success of Zingo Bingo with two additions to the Zingo range – Zingo Tell the Time and Zingo Word Builder. Roll & Play – one of 2013’s outstanding performers and a multi award winner – is joined by Move and Groove, another gentle structured game for toddlers. Finally, Last Letter is the classic game with ThinkFun’s own creative twist. Coiledspring Games will also be introducing the Purple Cow range of pocket money games in a tin. The collection includes jigsaws in a tin, fun science experiments and travel games. Prices start at £4.50. 020 3301 1160

STAND NUMBER: B160

MY TOY FAIR

Come visit us at: Toy Fair—Stand B50 Spring Fair—Hall 3—Stand Q04

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LEADING the way in the soft toy arena, Carte Blanche Group will be focusing its efforts on this key category throughout 2014. The year will see the launch of new collectable characters of Tatty Teddy & My Blue Nose Friends, as well as a fresh range of collectable Moshi Monsters plush. Carte Blanche revealed the deal at Brand Licensing Europe last October with the new collection being shown for the first time at Toy Fair. Following the success of the Moshi Monster pocket money toys, the firm sees the brand as the perfect extension for its popular plush format. The new Moshling collection will include fan favourites and some of the latest Moshlings at key impulse price points. There will also be special onpack codes for digital in-game giveaways and impactful point of sale solutions.

“We are extremely excited to bring the Moshi Monsters plush to life with Carte Blanche,” says Darran Garnham, chief business development officer at Mind Candy. “Hundreds of millions of collectables have brought pleasure to our fan base and we look forward to doing the same in 2014 with plush.” Currently the fastest growing non-media brand in soft toy (NPD 2013), Carte Blanche will also build on the success of

the Tatty Teddy & My Blue Nose Friends brand at Toy Fair, with new collectable four-inch characters due to be revealed at Olympia. New for 2014, My Blue Nose Friends sport a more vibrant colour palette, including shades of pink, purple and yellow for greater impact on shelf. The award winning ‘dress up & play’ range will also be refreshed for 2014 and feature

on stand, with funky outfits and ‘mini me’ offerings including a hoodie, an innovative glow in the dark onesie, a winter sports outfit, welly boots and a flower power raincoat. Both the Moshi Monsters and Tatty Teddy & My Blue Nose Friends brands will be supported in 2014 with heavyweight marketing, PR and social media campaigns. 01243 792600

STAND NUMBER: B135

Carte Blanche Group

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STAND NUMBER: GALLERY 143

Ark Diy Products WHAT started in 2011 as Triqo, a triangle and a square that can be used to build abstract shapes, evolves into what the firm believes is the world’s most versatile and flexible construction system in 2014. Children will now be able to enjoy the endless construction possibilities that are offered by a full line of new products. The new Triqo collection will be launched at the toy fairs in Hong Kong, London and Nuremberg. With just 19 elements in ten colours, Triqo offers 15 multimodel themed boxes from £4.99 up to £29.99.

Ranging from racing machines to dinosaurs to horses, both boys and girls will love the possibilities that the bendable elements offer. The 19 parts consist of rods of variable lengths, arches, wheels, tyres, hinges and connectors. Each part can be connected to any other part with a simple snap. Nuts, bolts or tools are not needed. Easy step by step building instructions enable children aged from six years to start building. Triqo is designed and manufactured in the Netherlands in a modern

facility using the most energy efficient solutions. Only fully certified green electricity is used to produce the Triquo elements. Since its launch in 2011, Triqo has conquered territories including Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. +353 91 521857

STAND NUMBER: B130

Worlds Apart WORLDS Apart is promising boys and girls that they will be in for hours of foodie fun with its latest offering. Launching early this year is Freezeez, a new and easy way to make ice cream in a variety of flavours. With a history of unpredictable weather in the UK, an early year release of an ice cream making product ensures that family fun can make the most of any sun that shows up. If the only summer we get in 2014 is in March, retailers will be fully prepared.

The Freezeez uses just a few ingredients to create ice cream in only a few minutes. Recipes are included, but it won’t take long for budding young chefs to start experimenting with new flavours. Watch out Heston Blumenthal, indeed. Aimed at children aged three and over, the product comes with an integral spoon and there are also fun licensed cone toppers including Minnie Mouse and Spider-man. 0800 389 8591

STAND NUMBER: GALLERY 145

Paladone Products PALADONE Products will be returning to Toy Fair after a five year absence. This will mark the first chance for UK buyers to preview the firm’s 2014 toy collection of both licensed and non licensed toys and games. New for 2014 is Paladone’s Transformers figurine collection, which will be launched to coincide with the 30th anniversary release of the first generation of Transformers and the latest film in the franchise, Transformers 4. There will be 30 collectable Transformers figurines, which will be released in two separate series of 15 characters in order to build anticipation among collectors.

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Each figure will feature the official 30th anniversary logo and contain a fold out checklist of all the figurines available and a matching collector card. The Transformers figurine collection will be available in foil, three and five packs. The Rubik’s Cube will be celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2014 and to celebrate the occasion, Paladone will be launching the Rubik’s Cube Light, a fully playable desk light which can be twisted and turned just like the real puzzle. Also new for 2014 is Paladone’s My Little Pony collection which features a range of homeware no girl’s bedroom should be without.

From treasure tins to rainbow makers, Paladone has aimed to capture the magic of the brand in the collection. Finally, the company’s range of easy-play games – Purple Donkey – was launched in

2013. A number of new and original games have been added for 2014, with the whole range available for buyers to try out for themselves. 01273 230037

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STAND NUMBER: G90

Plum Products PLUM has a number of new items that it will be showcasing. For outdoor, the firm will be extending its trampoline range. The Junior Jumper Trampoline and Enclosure is designed with young children in mind and features a lower height frame and colourful plastic casings covering the leg joints for durability and stability. The Junior Jumper Trampoline also uses SpringSafe technology with a jumping mat and safety pads that are sewn together with elastic webbing, giving the jumper complete protection from the springs and frame.

The Plum Premium range has been extended to include Premium Wooden Football Goals, available in two sizes and made from European Spruce for optimum thickness, durability and strength. Plum will also be presenting the developments in its indoor range. With the 2013 collection gathering momentum, Plum is set to grow again to bring a fresh look to the wooden toy category. Building on the added features packed into the 2013 ranges, Plum will be going further to offer a more enhanced play experience. 0844 880 5301

STAND NUMBER: GALLERY 400

Famosa FAMOSA will be previewing two key lines at Toy Fair, both of which it believes will be huge successes in 2014. Pinypon, the range of cute interchangeable mini dolls and play-sets, is making a comeback in 2014. The only dolls with removable hair, head, body and accessories, plus double-sided faces with different fun expressions to add to the dress up fun, Pinypon will be launched with new pricing, features and an aggressive marketing drive. A heavyweight TV campaign is planned for spring/summer

2014 and tactical promotions will also be put in place to encourage multiple purchases including a BOGOF deal to relaunch the brand. Nenuco, the doll and play-set brand, sees further line introductions following the launch success in 2013. This saw the Sleep with Me Cradle sets selling out across UK retail. The products come packed with accessories which enable young girls to have the closest experience to playing a ‘real mum’. There is a broad variety of price points and play patterns within the collection.

Key lines will include the Nenuco Won’t Eat set – an interactive doll which turns its head when ‘mum’ tries to feed it. The product launches this

month, priced at £29.99, and will be supported with a TV campaign in spring across terrestrial and satellite. www.famosa.es

Meanwhile, for young children, Galt will unveil new products in its First Years line – a new collection of Snuggle Pals, a First Book and a First Rattle Set, as well as a fresh Stacking Puppy. These will joining the existing products in the range that are designed to stimulate physical development and encourage

coordination and manipulative skills in youngsters. All new products will be shown alongside Galt’s full portfolio of products, which includes the Dr Miriam @ Galt range, created alongside leading parenting expert Dr Miriam Stoppard, which the company debuted last year. The firm also announced its acquisition of the worldwide licence to manufacture and distribute the Ambi Toys product range last year. With plans to reintroduce four original toy designs to market later this year, Galt will also be showcasing its new Ambi Baby Gift Set at Olympia. 0161 428 9111

STAND NUMBER: E9

Galt Toys GALT TOYS will launch over 60 new products at Toy Fair, including brand new Activity Packs, First Years toys, Active Play and Construction lines. The manufacturer will also showcase new products added to its collection of puzzles, stationery, arts, crafts and science sets. The hotly tipped Marble Racer range will be unveiled, and is fully compatible with the Marble Run games already available. The 2014 show will also be the launch pad for Galt’s new Nursery Trampoline, a fun tortoise trampoline to encourage coordination and balance for younger children.

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Two new titles will be added to the firm’s best selling Water Magic range, including a Water Magic Gift Set and Water Magic sets for Robo Crew and Fairy Friends. The sets include reusable picture boards that come to life with colour to reveal hidden pictures with the use of a magic water pen. New toys in Galt’s range of Activity Packs include Racing Cars, Monster Wind-ups and a Wooden Pirate Ship, as well as zombie and fairy princess face paints.

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V T T O SP Start to let your talent shine Growing up is a wonderful experience with the new Baby Clementoni infant range

Flippers and Flipperoo World Cup Winner

Tommy the Bear

Email: uk@clementoni.com Phone: 0203 206 1398 London Toy Fair 2014 Grand Hall Gallery number 155 21-23 Jan 2014

Spielwarenmesse Nuremberg 2014 Halle 10.1-A-02,C-03 29 Jan â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3 Feb 2014

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STAND NUMBER: B12

Orchard Toys BRITISH-MADE games and jigsaws manufacturer Orchard Toys will be launching six new lines at Toy Fair. The four games and two jigsaws/activities are strong additions to the fun learning range. Rockets and Comets, a game for children aged four years and above, adds to the existing collection of space themed games and jigsaws. Children and parents will enjoy zooming up rockets, sliding down comets and getting sucked into black holes as they travel to the moon in this variation of snakes and ladders. Pirate Race is aimed at children aged three and up and

is a memory and matching game. Players travel around the island, matching cards to build a pirate picture, before racing to the middle of the island to capture the pirates’ treasure. Building on the success of the Post Box game (which was launched last year), Farmyard Friends strengthens Orchard Toys’ offering in the two years and up market. The matching and posting game uses friendly farmyard characters including pigs, horses, ducks and cows and has two ways to play, which helps the game to grow with

children as they develop. It can also be used as a single player activity. Other newcomers to the range include Giant Town, a large jigsaw playmat which can be interlinked with the existing On the Farm and Giant Road Jigsaws for extra play value; Alphabet Match, a jigsaw

based activity for children aged four and up; plus New Baby Lotto is aimed at parents who are looking to prepare their children for the arrival of a sibling, or for children who love family role play. MD Simon Newbery comments: “2013 was another successful year for Orchard Toys and the brand continues to grow from strength to strength, reaching new sectors and markets whilst retaining its British roots. We are excited about the new lines and delighted to be launching these at Toy Fair.” 01953 859525

STAND NUMBER: F66

Fiesta Crafts FIESTA Crafts has unveiled a number of brand new and exclusive toys to add to its growing collection. The firm’s popular themed hand puppet collections has been extended with the addition of Gingerbread Man and Nursery Rhymes sets. Both of these enable children and adults to retell some of the most classic tales of all time either individually or through role play. The Gingerbread Man set comes

complete with fox, cow, baker and horse finger puppets. Meanwhile, the Nursery Rhymes set includes Hickory Dickory Dock, Humpty Dumpty, Baa Baa Black Sheep, Little Miss Muffet, Incey Wincey Spider and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Moving on, and for children who just love to shout ‘all aboard’, the new Teddies Train has been designed to encourage toddlers to match numbers and colours, while

helping to develop their counting skills. The handmade toy is wooden and extremely durable, making it a classic which can be passed down from sibling to sibling. Finally, two new themed wooden magnetic sets – Dinosaur and Fairy – have also been added to the range for 2014. Twenty chunky pieces feature in each set and come complete with their own themed storage box. 020 8804 0563

STAND NUMBER: GALLERY 540

MGA, Zapf & Little Tikes

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MGA ENTERTAINMENT, Zapf Creation and Little Tikes are returning to Toy Fair, bringing with them a raft of big brands. For MGA, Lalaloopsy continues to be a big focus. New product expansions for spring include a Lalaloopsy baby-themed doll, a new Lalaloopsy mermaid feature doll and an interactive Mini Lalaloopsy doll segment. New characters will also be added to both the Lalaloopsy Littles and Mini Lalaloopsy doll lines to promote collectability. MGA will also showcase its new Moxie Girlz ranges, with new themes added this spring that allow girls to express themselves and explore their creativity.

Autumn also brings several new creative and interactive Moxie Girlz lines. New to Zapf Creation for spring is Mooshka, a wholesome new line of dolls which aim to create a sense of nostalgia for mums. The fabric dolls will be targeted at two to four year olds and will have traditional styling. Baby Annabell will continue to be a big focus, with a new addition being introduced into the my first Baby Annabell range. In the autumn the core doll will undergo a refresh and welcome new accessories. Baby born will also be announcing new doll launches. Spring will see a brand extension to the my little Baby

born range, while continuing the focus on the popular Baby born Interactive doll. Autumn will see two new themes added to Baby born Interactive. Chou Chou will also expand its portfolio, with a new launch feeding into educational, caring and nurturing play patterns. My Model will see new arrivals, in spring and autumn. In addition, both MGA and Zapf will be unveiling some new brands at the show. A key focus for Little Tikes in 2014 will be expansion of its infant pre-school, activity and role-play themes, supported by core categories and The Cozy Coupe. 0845 0533 333

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STAND NUMBER: GALLERY 155

Clementoni CLEMENTONI will be showcasing its latest range of products at Olympia including the Clempad, its first tablet for children, as well as the new Tommy the Bear Storyteller and Scientific and Creative Food line. The firm has developed Clempad, a high tech tablet which offers exclusive built-in and downloadable content, for children aged three and above. Created by the firm’s in-house development team, the tablet will help youngsters learn through play. Children can surf the web safely thanks to the Clementoni Parent Interface, which allows parents to choose the content that their children can access online. Parents can also set multiple profiles, meaning each child has access to their own area on the Clempad. In addition to the more common tools and characteristics of a tablet – including a touch screen and two cameras – Clementoni’s tablet offers a complete range of accessories including headphones, stylus, car kit and game controller. The Baby Clementoni range is expanding with the new Tommy the Bear Storyteller, a bear that transforms into the magical characters from the stories it reads. It has three game modes

and accessories for children to create different characters from the stories. Each story has a different moral and teaches a ‘magic’ word such as ‘please’, ‘sorry’, ‘thank you’ and ‘hi’. The Talking Goal is also new to the Baby Clementoni line – a fun goal keeping set that teaches letters and numbers, shape and colours, and also helps with motor development. Songs and nursery rhymes provide a stimulating environment and teach new words, while an optical sensor recognises the score allowing the child to

understand how many goals he or she has made. Clementoni’s Scientific and Creative Food line also continues to expand and is designed for boys and girls aged eight and above. It allows children to learn the science of food and discover the chemical and physical principles responsible for the reactions that occur. It also stimulates creativity and manual skills, encouraging children into the kitchen in a simple and fun way. 020 3206 1399

STAND NUMBER: E120

Rainbow Designs NEW licensed character toys will be taking centre stage on the Rainbow stand. The World of Eric Carle is loved internationally and Rainbow’s colourful toy collection features a number of new additions for early 2014 to celebrate the 45th anniversary of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The firm is expanding its successful The World of Eric Carle Infant Developmental range with several new products. These include the Tummy Time playmat, Large Developmental Elephant, Large Developmental Ladybird, Twist and Click Blocks and Wooden Counting Caterpillar. All of these developmental toys

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are designed with strong primary colours and a variety of textures and sounds specifically to stimulate babies’ senses. Building on the success of the Abney & Teal Feature Neep Plush, Rainbow is launching four new lines – these will include Talking Abney and Teal dolls and a Burping Bop. A key focus for 2014 is the release of the first ever Paddington Bear feature film and toy retailers can tap into the enduring appeal of the bear with a plethora of product. Rainbow has a number of ranges for the traditional collector through to pre-school toys. New to the Adventurous Bear pre-school toy collection are the

Wooden Paddington Dominoes and a Learn to Tell the Time with Paddington Wooden Clock. Also on show will be the new talking Chatterbox Lola doll, which is Rainbow’s

first ever feature plush doll. Chatterbox Lola giggles when its tummy is squeezed and says three phrases when its hand is pressed. 01329 227300

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WEST DESIGN Products will once again be showcasing some of its extensive range of exclusive distributed products, underlining its growing stake in the market. As one of the best selling lines in 2013, LEGO Stationery has experienced strong growth, including the release of additional versions such as LEGO Friends, LEGO White and LEGO Chima alongside the Classic edition. The firm is planning to launch a stationery range to tie in with the launch of The LEGO Movie for spring/summer 2014, and it is confident of seeing even further growth in the category through the year.

The other main focus will be on the Creativity for Kids range, which is part of the Faber-Castell portfolio. West Design will be introducing new kits in time for Toy Fair, both in mini and large versions. Arts and crafts remains a strong category for the company. As well as its exclusive distribution lines, West Design can also offer customers a vast range of additional toy products such as DK Books, Snazaroo, Eberhard Faber, Kids Craft, FIMO and its own Stephens and West Art and Craft range. It also manufactures a large number of own label products from its own 80,000 square foot production facility in Plymouth. 01303 297888

JNH Europe

STAND NUMBER: F101

STAND NUMBER: C60

West Design Products

JNH EUROPE has 21 years of design, development and manufacturing expertise, and distribution of licensed furniture worldwide. In partnership with its offices in Hong Kong, the US and the UK, the firm is able to offer its range of unique Disney licensed products on a global scale. Since 2013, JNH Europe has been distributing its products in the UK and Ireland. The firm is launching new Disney licensed products featuring indoor and outdoor collections for brands including Princess, Planes, Mickey and Minnie and Winnie the Pooh. New outdoor toys for 2014 in the Disney range include a

swing hammock, a picnic table with integral seats, and the popular fold-out sofa. This is foam padded, made in the UK and available off the floor. JNH Europe will also launch new Manchester United and Arsenal products. All of the firm’s products either come assembled or are easy to put together, designed with special care for a child’s safety and comfort, with a dedicated after sales helpline. 0161 737 1881

The Green Board Game Company THE GREEN Board Game Company will be launching a number of new releases which will share stand space with its existing lines. Two new launches will include the Mister Maker Colour and Create BrainBox – which may be launched by the man himself at the show – and family game, Name 5. “This is a key date in our diary; it gives us the chance to meet so many customers face to face and show off a whole range of new products,

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many of which will have been in production for months before,” explains Keith Grafham, CEO. “It is also a great chance to see the industry as a whole and find out what is new and what the trends will be for that year.” Buyers will be invited to sit down, see the new products and enjoy a milkshake and maybe something sweet. There’s also the promise of champagne at the end of each day, if you need any further tempting. 01494 538999

STAND NUMBER: D17

STAND NUMBER: E15

Bananagrams THE BANANAGRAMS family of games enjoyed a successful 2013, during which it added another 20 awards to its trophy shelf. As well as this, Bananagrams enjoyed a further boost after news spread throughout the UK national and regional media that the cast of ITV1’s Downton Abbey play the word game between takes. 2014 will see the family focus even further on growing its social media presence. The Facebook page will play host to a number of consumer facing promotions, while work is also in progress to launch a ‘homework club’ on the page. The UK Twitter (@bananagrams_uk) will continue to be an informative companion for Brit-based

fans, while Pinterest will grow to showcase more winning boards from players globally of all games in the range. The brand is also investigating further consumer facing shows and will be continuing its in-store customer demonstrations in the UK. The PR strategy is focused on family, with increased outreach to educators, parents and young people. Further engagement with parent bloggers is also high on the agenda, as is a focus on positioning Bananagrams as the perfect tool to add value in classrooms in the UK. Finally, work has begun on a large scale, mainstream consumer promotion which will put Bananagrams in front of tens of thousands of UK shoppers and households. 020 7298 9500 www.toynews-online.biz

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A Girl For All Time

STAND NUMBER: GH50

SJD games BOARD game Jask proved something of a hit at Hamleys last Christmas, while it was also stocked in 85 stores nationwide including the likes of Bentalls and Fenwicks – all without any advertising to spread the word. Invented by Shaun Delaney and inspired by his daughters Justine, Abby and Kerry (hence the name), all four will be at Toy Fair displaying the game. Delaney explains: “The proof of the pudding is in the playing. There is no dice – no luck. Jask is 60 per cent words

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and knowledge and 40 per cent strategy. All who play it, love it. Indeed, Hamleys staff play tested it thoroughly, and you can’t get a better recommendation than that.” Before Christmas, SJD received a further shipment of Jask from the Far East. The same design was kept for the packaging as it had rated highly with retailers. SJD can manage small or large orders, or can facilitate Jask through a distributor if this is preferred. 01296 583315

TRIPLE winner of Oppenheim Toyportfolio’s Platinum award, winner of Best Doll by ToyTalk for three consecutive years and nominated for Playdoll of the Year 2013 (Dolls Magazine), the Girl for All Time range aims to celebrate intelligent, feminine play through beautifully crafted dolls, stories and activities. Launched in 2011, A Girl for All Time is now one of the UK’s most sought after brands in the doll category, with 2013 seeing strong growth at retail. With new sales agents in place, opening order specials and new bundle offers, the firm is looking forward to continued expansion in 2014. This year, Toy Fair sees a new character added to the range of dolls, in addition to new accessories and stories introduced to existing lines. Sophia, Your Georgian Girl joins Matilda, Your Tudor Girl, Amelia, Your Victorian Girl and

Clementine, Your 1940s Girl, further extending the Marchmont family tree. 020 7060 6151

STAND NUMBER: GH11

SHOW GUIDE

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HEXBUG will be showcasing its latest lines including a range of new micro robotic creatures, Tagamoto cars that react to codes on the road and VEX Robotics. The Hexbug Strandbeast features an eight-legged walking mechanism and is available in five translucent colours. Its two-channel infrared remote control can be used to operate each side of the Strandbeast’s legs independently. Hexbug Battling Spiders are the first mechanical Hexbug designed for two-person

play. The sci-fi battling robots with two-channel infrared remote control are fuelled with a futuristic voice, sound effects, a battle-hardened deco and hi-tech life sensor that measures each hit. The Hexbug Aquabots have expanded to include two new body styles, the Hammerhead Shark and Angelfish. They also now feature LED lights that blink in coordination with the movement of the tail. The VEX Robotics collection of tool-less robotic kits allows fans to build and program their favourite jumbo-sized Hexbug. They can run in autonomous or driver controlled mode. The latest version of the Nano can now climb vertically, while the Tagamoto microsized cars combine patented Hexbug Nano motion technology with a new code reading system. This allows the vehicles to read and react to codes on the road with lights, sounds and movement. 01925 453144

Papo UK STAND NUMBER: GALLERY 128

STAND NUMBER: GALLERY 165

Innovation First International

PAPO’S next launch of new figurines reflects the detail, realism and creativity for which the firm has become renowned. The new releases will inspire continued adventures with animals from various ranges – Wild Animal Kingdom, Marine Life, Dog and Cat Companions, Horses, Foals and Ponies, Farmyard Friends and The Dinosaurs. A roaring lion is one of the latest introductions to the Wild Animal Kingdom line. Additionally, several new characters will be launched

to inspire the imagination of children, ranging from Galactic Adventures to Fantasy World, from The Medieval Era to The Enchanted World, not to mention famous Pirates and Corsairs. One of the new characters is the Huntress. To support the play value of the whole collection, Papo has increased its wooden environment range to support each theme. The company will launch two new wooden environments for 2014 – a zoo to complement the Wild Animal Kingdom collection and a small farm for the Farmyard Friends range. 01564 784969

DESTINATION Downton Abbey (£24.95) is the latest addition to the firm’s range. As maid or footman, players have to complete the tasks they are given as quickly and efficiently as possible. Starting in the Servants’ Hall, each player is dealt Destination cards which have varying values indicated by the number of bells on the card. This relates to how important or difficult the task is. The player must then navigate their way around the corridors and stairs of the Abbey, throwing the dice to determine how many moves

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they can make. Once they reach the destination of a task, they collect their bell tokens and the next player throws the dice to set off for the next job. However, along the way a player can land on a ‘Carson Card’ space, which could either help or hinder them. On other spaces, the players may have to collect a ‘Letter’ which could call them away from the Abbey, slowing them down or costing them bells. The winner is the player who has completed all of their jobs and collected the most bells. 023 9270 4040

Cheeky Rascals STAND NUMBER: GH51

STAND NUMBER: GH13

Destination Board Games

CHEEKY Rascals is launching a brand new range of beach toys from Quut, a Belgian design company. Quut has taken traditional beach toys such as the bucket and spade and turned the design on its head – spherical ‘buckets’, multi purpose shovels and water toys that double as rakes are just a few of the products that visitors to the stand can expect to see. Meanwhile, Ballo is a sphere that is designed to hold water, while Scoppi is described as just what is needed for digging the biggest trenches and

scooping the most sand. Children should use both hands and feet for a full digging experience and use the pull out sand tray to sieve and play. In addition, Triplet is a rake, sand sieve and shovel all in one. Cheeky Rascals will also be showcasing Scooter Lights, made by hi-vis experts Proviz. The LED lamps have stretch silicon bands that can clip on to all scooter frames. They are available in pink, blue and yellow. Finally, Label Label is a range of plush toys and games in a range of babyfriendly designs. 01730 895761 www.toynews-online.biz

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STAND NUMBER: E140

Simba Smoby Toys

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margin for the retailer. This year, Simba Smoby will be adding an unparalleled original marketing campaign to support the brand. “On TV, online, at live events and even in the music charts – Steffi will be everywhere, whilst still giving retailers a chance to build margin in a traditionally low margin category,” says Alex Kovacevic, marketing and licensing manager at Simba Smoby Toys. 01274 765030

GEN42 Games has added another expansion to its Hive range. This now makes three expansions available for the game, with The Mosquito and The Ladybug already on sale. The new expansion is an arthropod, The Pillbug, and adds a whole new level to the game. It is available for all three versions – Hive, Hive Carbon and Hive Pocket. The company has been a regular exhibitor at Nuremberg for the last nine years, but 2014 will mark its first time on the showfloor at Toy Fair at Olympia. “We have seen a steady growth in table-top gaming internationally and are now seeing this growth spreading into the UK,” says the company’s John Yianni. “The table-top gaming community is growing, with dedicated fairs catering to thousands of

people, gaming cafés opening around the country and with larger retailers, such as Waterstones, recognising the trend and catering to it, the UK is set for a table-top gaming revival.” 01707 655045

STAND NUMBER: GALLERY 425

THE FIRM will be launching the brand new Matt Hatter Chronicles range and fresh Steffi Love campaign at Olympia this month. Simba Smoby believes that Matt Hatter Chronicles is set to be one of the biggest boys brands in 2014, following strong global success of the TV show. The company will be launching a range that includes action figures, role play, R/C, vehicles, collectables, play-sets and diecast. These will be available from July 2014. Meanwhile, Steffi Love has been an evergreen success in the UK for over 25 years thanks to a mix of quality product, excellent value for the consumer and outstanding

Gen42 Games

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STAND NUMBER: GALLERY 410

Trends UK TRENDS UK will be presenting a comprehensive portfolio of innovative toys, creative brands and cool gadgets for kids of all ages at Olympia. In addition, the line-up will also include licensed toys from leading brands such as Haynes, Discovery Channel and Barbie. The new Glitza Glitter Tattoos are easy to use, with no messy glue and creates perfect results every time. Simply apply the transparent Glitza base to skin and brush on coloured glitter to create instant sparkling tattoos. Glitza is fully tested and complies with cosmetics legislation. The tattoos can also be applied to many surfaces, so girls can decorate their nails, personalise clothes with glittery tattoo prints, stationery and more. Moving on, and Color Me Mine enables children to design their own bags and accessories. The fashionable range features a selection of cool bags with stenciled patterns that can be filled in with the included coloured pens.

The firm will also be showcasing a range of Barbie toys from Kid Designs, as well as Once Upon a Zombie. The Discovery Channel is the world’s fourth strongest TV brand, with over 12 million subscribers. The range includes toys with working features such as a Digital Metal Detector, Bug Barn, FM Walkie Talkies,

Binoculars, Microscope, RC Tarantula, Planetarium, Telescopes and more. Children can find out how the world reacts with the Chemistry Lab and Froth, Slop and Pop kit; learn about propulsion with the Rocket Science and Air Powered Car Kits; investigate geology with Grow Your Own Crystals, Explorer Globe; and

get electrified with the Live Wire game. Finally, secret agents will never fail in their missions with Spyz gadgets. Night vision, movement detectors, secret alarms, spy listeners, invisible writing pens, spy watch and more are available in the range. 01295 768078

SINCE the creation of the original Hot Pak in 1995 – which remains a best seller – Intelex has gone on to create dozens of new fully warmable plush toys. Indeed, the team has launched over 15 new ranges since 2012 and retailers can expect to see even more at Toy Fair. The curious little bed warming companions Socky Dolls saw the addition of Curtis and Bellamy in 2012, which have gone on to be popular sellers alongside the six original characters. Intelex is aiming to build on this success and will be adding new twists to the Socky Dolls family in 2014. The fully warmable range of Hooty owls, screen cleaners and the Hooty Friends collection will also see the range expanded this year, with the owl trend being a

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huge crowd pleaser. There will be further news in the licensed products sector, too. The fully warmable Boofle and YooHoo had a makeover in 2013 and there are now plans afoot to launch new YooHoo lines. Retailers can also look forward to another brand new licensed character for 2014, while Intelex will also unveil a rather cunning and crafty creature which will join the portfolio later this year. 01933 679777

STAND NUMBER: B26

STAND NUMBER: F110

Intelex

2 Toobz LITTLE Handfuls is a new range of soft toys that appear to come alive with a range of expressions. The firm will also be showcasing the line at Spring Fair, and is looking forward to showing visitors to both fairs how they work and how it plans to grow the range in 2014. Meanwhile, for younger children, the firm is launching WeeBoos. Described as a

‘little weird’ for the uninitiated, but when the creatures start to move their eyebrows and look up, you apparently can’t help but sigh with affection. Another line of characters is The Bush Babies – the story of their rescue from the heart of Africa is a little more mature, but 2 Toobz is confident the characters will appeal to all ages. 07702 593107 www.toynews-online.biz

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SHOW GUIDE

STAND NUMBER: B75

Zeon ZEON has revealed the launch of a new range of timepieces and gifts based on Adventure Time from Turner. The quirky cartoon – which is aimed at seven to 11 year olds – has been picked up by students and young adults, achieving cult status in a very short space of time. The firm’s range of watches, clocks, cookie jars, mugs, timepieces and gift sets will bring Jake and Finn to life in a way that will delight all fans. Also making its debut in London are Disney’s Marvel

characters. The product line-up will consist of ceramic mugs, including a 3D and 2D-relief designs, ceramic cookie jars, teapots, coasters, salt and pepper shakers and money boxes, stress relief moulded heads, tin lunch boxes, novelty pens, iPhone cases, gift sets and clocks. A full range of children’s and adult watches will complete the range. One of Zeon’s biggest licensing successes in 2013 was with One Direction. To complement the existing line of timepieces for the boy band,

Zeon has inked a deal with Syco for watches and clocks based on fellow X Factor finalists, Union J. The other key new licence for Zeon in 2014 is Strange Hill High, an irreverent take on Grange Hill using a Japanese puppet animation technique. Series one launched on CBBC in spring 2013, topping the ratings, with series two arriving in May 2014. The firm will also have a line of Where’s Wally? timepieces and ceramic gifts on display. 020 8208 1833

STAND NUMBER: GALLERY 305

Tobar TOBAR will be kicking off 2014 with appearances at three trade shows – London Toy Fair, Nuremberg and Spring Fair. The firm believes that these first few trade fairs are the perfect opportunity for retailers to get hands on with its products, and decide which lines would suit their target markets best. The team at Tobar has handpicked the lines with variety in mind to help customers find the perfect product selection. There will be over 100 lines on show and it will be one of Tobar’s strongest launches to date. Products will include the Smiler and Sally Space Hoppers, variations of the much-loved retro Space Hopper, which will be ready in time for the summer period.

Visitors will also have the chance to preview the Haynes Thunderbird 2 and Techno Trousers construction books which give children an opportunity to build iconic vehicles from classic shows. It will also have new versions of the Robo Fish: the Tropical Robo Fish and LED Robo Fish. Maisto and Bburago will be providing new lines such as the Bentley to show off, while visitors should also look out the new Syma remote control helicopter range. Tobar is aiming to launch a brand new B2B website in the first quarter of 2014. This will provide an improved userfriendly interface for online customers in the UK, France and around the world. 0844 573 4591

STAND NUMBER: B40

LeapFrog LEAPFROG will be kicking off the New Year with the next generation of the number one children’s tablet, LeapPad2 Custom Edition. Now customisable in over 100 different ways, the Custom Edition comes with ten interchangeable sticker skins, both pre-designed and colour your own, as well as matching digital wallpapers. Aimed at three to nine year olds, it comes complete with a built-in front and back camera

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and video recorder, plus 4GB memory – enough to store 20,000 pictures. The firm’s library of educator-approved content will also be extended with a host of brand new games, apps and videos. LeapReader will grow with new licensed properties for its range of books and audio books including Doc McStuffins and a new Disney Pixar title. Plush learning toy, Read With Me Scout, will also be

championed at the show. The interactive reading companion for two to five year olds was LeapFrog’s biggest learning toy launch to date. There will also be six brand new learning toy product launches in 2014 which introduce exciting ways to play with new and existing LeapFrog characters, while exploring new play patterns and offering educational entertainment. 01895 202840

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Grossmans Another outstanding and outlandish display of Megasaur mania will be attracting attention to the Grossman stand. The firm will be playing host to the jewel of the Jurassic - Megasaur monsters galore including some of the most life-like showstoppers around. More extensions to the range are being launched for 2014. Meanwhile, the craft phenomena Rainbow Loom has already swept the US and is in line to win US Toy of the Year. At press time, there were four nominations in place for the kit. It creates bangles and jewellery items from elastic bands, with US retailers reporting sales of 200 units a day. Sales of over two million have been cashed up by its inventor. Grossmans will also be presenting a raft of new

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Wild Card Games

products based on key licences. These include skipping ropes to scooters for Despicable Me, pocket money joke and novelty lines for Horrid Henry and a full range for How to Train Your Dragon 2. 0141 613 2525

STAND NUMBER: E49

With sales up 70 per cent Who Knows Where? is a year on year, family games global location guessing specialist Wild Card Games game in which you race has added several new opponents to be the first products to its range. player to travel around Top sellers the world by locating Mapominoes and famous places on STAND Backpacker, plus the world map. NUMBER: Arithmanix and There are over H20 Astronauts will 1,000 locations to be joined by pirate guess in five memory game Ahcategories, including Harr!, doubled-sided board capitals, major cities, game Who Knows Where? events and facts, tourist and a range of eight family sites and images of many travel sized games for all iconic landmarks. ages from MJ Games. 07916 349942

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Spin Master AFTER A strong launch year, the Flying Fairy by Flutterbye is expected to continue its success. The range will welcome two new items in spring – the Dance & Fly Fairy and the Surprise Butterfly Book. In addition, a new light pink and blue Ocean Breeze Flying Fairy will join the line. Spring will see the launch of the Hatching Dragons – pocket money priced dragons in a ‘dissolving egg’ which hatch when this disintegrates in water to reveal a miniature dragon. There is also a Real Flying Toothless – both lines are based on How to Train Your Dragon 2.

New items will launch in spring for Air Hogs. The Titan is a 90cm glider, STAND while the Zipwing is a 55cm battery NUMBER: powered glider. The Spy Gear range E131 will grow with the Undercover Spy Pen and Spy Gear Video glasses. Meanwhile, Tech Deck will have a new look for 2014 which focuses on the brand being number one in the fingerboard market. There will also be boards and parks featuring entertainment licences. Finally, the Spin Master games line will welcome new additions through 2014. 01628 535000

Posh Paws

Paul Lamond

POSH PAWS enjoyed good success with its Disney lines and 2014 will see a number of new introductions. Minnie will be a key focus, with a new Big Head Floppy range, while I Love Minnie will continue to be well supported. Winnie the Pooh flew off the shelves in 2013, with the Pastels line proving popular. New product will also be added to the current Doc McStuffins collection. On to movie lines, and Posh Paws will have plush to support Muppets 2: Most Wanted, plus Frozen and Planes 2. Marvel chunky STAND plush, the return of Dumbo in the nursery range, PP Ponies, PP Pals, plus the introduction of Palace Pets NUMBER: and Sofia the First and the appearance of plastic D89 product for the first time will bolster the firm further. 01268 567290

STAND NUMBER: E129

PAUL LAMOND has two new pre-school lines, Dinosaur Roar and Guess How Much I Love You. Puzzles will be available in February. Children’s games will include Horrid Henry and Where’s Wally?, plus a Story Telling game, while new craft lines include three additions to the Brain Noodle range and a Pirate Kid to add to the Crafty Kids Make Your Own Puppet line. There will be five new releases in the Family Games collection, while the Classic Comedy DVD Board Game and QI XL game will also be showcased. World Cup year will see the addition of new Subbuteo accessories and a licensed range of 3D UK football STAND stadium puzzles. 2014 is also the 25th anniversary NUMBER: of the Perudo Championships. E50 020 7254 0100

IMC Toys IMC IS the global master toy licensee for Sony’s video games franchise, Invizimals. Hero products include the Alliance Base and Temple of Light play-sets, while the line-up also features action figure packs, blind bag collectables and a Z-Comm wristwatch. Following a summer launch, VIP Pets will be increased with additional characters and play-sets. The firm’s plush range of animals will also be expanded with the addition of Caca Max, a little dog that does a ‘whoopsie’ and Lucy the interactive dog, which obeys ten different voice commands. Fans of Mickey and Minnie mouse will be spolit for choice with IMC’s Mickey Mouse Clubhouse line, while the firm’s range of Transformers play-sets, walkie talkies and R/C cars will be showcased alongside the Spider Play-set Truck, Spider-Man Helicopter, Car and SpiderMega Laser Set. IMC will also display its new Sofia the First collection, while there will also be new licensed lines in its portfolio. 01904 720908

Great Gizmos

Schleich

EXPANDING on the 4M craft and science kits will be the Tin Can Cable Car and Tin Can Calculator. Butterflies also feature prominently in the 2014 line with kits that take a modern twist on traditional craft activities. The Mould and Paint Mosaic Butterfly and Butterfly Masks will launch, along with the Paint Your Own Trinket Box Russian Dolls. PlanToys is boosted with wooden ride-ons shaped as either a car, fire engine or a pony, while the Pirate Ship and Noah’s Ark make for perfect pre-school play. Early learning will also play an important part with new educational toys such STAND as the Owl Sorter and Happy Puppy. Luxury plush line NUMBER: NICI will welcome new additions, while the doll line will G20 grow with Miniclara the Ballerina. 01293 543221

THE WORLD of Nature series will grow extensively with new figures from the wilds and the farm. New Wild Life animals include the primates, while the potbellied pig joins the agricultural beasts. Visitors will also be able to see the new Horse Stable and accessory sets. 2014 will see an extension to the World of History Knights, including six new figures with moveable arms and wrists. The horse riders will also be magnetised to their horses. Central to the display will be the new Big Knights Castle, a strong looking fortress with modular walls. STAND From May, four new Dinosaurs will emerge, while new NUMBER: licensed lines will be unveiled including Peanuts and The Smurfs. B121 01279 870000

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Gibsons Games Bladez Toys TOY FAIR will play host to a number of new product reveals from Gibsons. The first are three My World lines, bringing the total up to 19. These will be My Monsters, My Space Adventure floor puzzle and My Songs. Existing lines My Dominoes and My Lotto will also continue. Gibsons will be showcasing its children’s licensed puzzles, with the first two new jigsaws celebrating popular Roald Dahl books. Inspired by The BFG and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the release of the jigsaws coincide with the 50th anniversary celebrations of the latter. Following the success of the nostalgic adult Beano puzzles and the release of CBBC’s Dennis and Gnasher series, Gibsons is releasing a contemporary Dennis the Menace children’s puzzle.

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This will feature images from the cartoon that first aired in 2009 and is based on the original comic strips from The Beano. Finally, Pass the Bomb will be TV advertised in the autumn. The fast paced word game encourages players to shout out a word that contains letters on the card and pass the bomb before the time goes off and the bomb ‘explodes’. 020 8661 8866

SPECIALISTS in the R/C category, Bladez Toys will be showcasing a new product range with additions to its innovative Pump and Play collection. The famous Inflatable RC Minions will headline the Bladez stand, which continues to be a favourite among children and adults. There will also be a further set of additions to its inflatable R/C range,

STAND NUMBER: E40

featuring more company world famous will be characters from showcasing an the Star Wars interactive range of STAND movies. gameplay NUMBER: helicopters. These Bladez will also Gallery be adding to its family fun toys are 123 collection of R/C bringing together helicopters, both creative play and introducing the Super Nano enchanting theatre – helicopters – which the shooting water, firing firm claims is the world’s missiles and even blowing smallest helicopter. real bubbles. On top of this, the 02392 658 255

Wow Toys

STAND NUMBER: G15

WOW TOYS will be launching its new Mini Wow collection, suitable for 12 months+. The super cute range of themed cars with figures help children develop fine motor skills, curiosity and imagination. Themes include Racing, Emergency Services and Construction. The RSPCA line will also be a key focus, with two new vehicles zooming in. Also launching in spring are My Chirping Chick and My Dinky Dino. The toy eggs crack open to reveal a chick or baby dinosaur. 020 7471 0980

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SHOW GUIDE

Thames & Kosmos

Upcoming Minds ROCKBOARD scooters are now ready to enter retailers in the UK, having already proved to be a sales success online. There are a number of styles, plus three basic models to help bring scooting to new heights. Upcoming Minds will also be showcasing the new flashy Radiate Skateboard and the new Rockboard Descender skateboards. Meanwhile, Loopdedoo Loom allows children to make their own bracelets in cotton in a number of styles. They have already been a hit in the US. +45 45 66 0233

STAND NUMBER: B101

THAMES & KOSMOS has 40 new kits in the 2014 catalogue, offered in addition to the 56 current kits. There are three brand new ranges which contain 34 of the kits. Spark is a 12-piece line of pocket money blister packs that cover a wide range of scientific subjects from growing crystal animals to make a gyroscope. The second and third ranges are more complex kits, priced between £9.99 and £16.99. There are 12 kits in the Science range and nine new Crafting kits. Thames

Epoch THE SYLVANIAN Families range, perfect starter home to begin a along with Aquabeads and collection, for example. Once Charmies will feature on it is filled with figures and Epoch’s stand. furniture, it can be STAND New for 2014, NUMBER: connected to Beachwood Sylvanian Families will Hall for a larger dwelling B150 have additional play by interlocking the homes. value through New Nursery and Connectability. This feature Professional themes will will allow children to customise expand the world, while the their own Sylvanian world by Country Doctor Clinic can sit on trying out their own building top of the Cosy Cottage. ideas. The Cosy Cottage makes a www.epochmakingtoys.com

Haba THE MY First Play World series is set to grow with the introduction of My First Noah’s Ark. It allows children to reenact the famous story and includes pairs of wooden animals including lions, zebras, giraffes and elephants, plus Noah and his wife, Emzara. The firm has added Spare Ribs to the play food and accessories line, while for dessert there is an Apple Pie that comes with lattice top

and an apple filling. Haba will grow its soft doll family with two new characters: Lennja and Elin. The plush sisters stand at 30cm and 20cm respectively. A fairytale theme is added to the Puppet collection, with six new characters – including STAND Little Red Riding NUMBER: Hood – being showcased. F16 0161 304 9555

TKC Sales TO MARK its 25th anniversary year, TKC Sales is introducing a range of products called Air Circus. Launched under its own brand, it features more than the standard offering, with price points ranging from £2.99 to £19.99. Products on the stand will include 5in-1 Bat, Ball & Board Game Set, Croquet Set, Fun Boules Set, 3-player Kids Hopper Racing STAND Set and Magic Bubble NUMBER: Factory among others. E99 01380 872950

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& Kosmos will also continue to bolster its educational ranges, adding three lines to the Ignition series. STAND 01580 212000 NUMBER:

B49

Halilit THE TAKE-TO-PLAY Baby Gym from Taf Toys has a sturdy plastic frame that folds for easy carrying and storage. It comes with three detachable colourful multi-activity toys that hang from the gym and can be moved from side to side. Designed to help children learn the lower case alphabet and basic words, My First Letters from Scotchi is a boxed

set containing 15 double sided illustrated word cards, 26 lower case letter pieces, have a hook and loop fastening and an A-Z guide. Halilit will also be showing the Imaginabox Car kit, while Aeroplane, Oven and Train kits are also being launched STAND at Toy Fair. NUMBER: 01254 872454

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BeeWi BEEWI IS adding fun to smart devices by bringing wireless technology to toys. The KickBee combines sport and tech and is a miniature robot that connects to Apple, Android and Windows smart devices allowing children to play football wirelessly. Each pack comes with a mini robot, a goal frame, a ball and customisable stickers, which can act as a player’s shirt. Meanwhile, the ScaraBee is an all

University Games MATT HATTER Chronicles is a key new licence for University Games in 2014. The family games company will produce a Matt Hatter board game and card game for launch in July, alongside the Simba toy range. Bunny Jump is a new children’s game which will be supported by TV advertising during 2014. Find It Battle Edition will also benefit STAND from TV backing, while the NUMBER: firm will enter the arts and crafts market, too. F10 03334 050120

terrain buggy STAND with an in-built NUMBER: VGA camera that B92 relays live footage back to the smart device that is being used to control it. Finally, the BeeWi Mini Cooper Bluetooth cars can be driven around via a phone. They are available in Mini Cooper S and Mini Cooper Coupe. www.bee-wi.com

Le Toy Van THE BUDKINS collection has grown to over 100 poseable characters. Each one is approx. 10cm tall, has a wooden head and feet and is dressed in an authentic fabric outfit. Themes range from pirates to princesses, knights to royals. Le Toy Van also has a line of fabric non-slip playmats, as well as a new range of pocket money toys called the Pelmel STAND collection. A highlight is the NUMBER: Wizzy Pull-Back Cars line. E10 020 8979 2036

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SHOW GUIDE STAND NUMBER: GH41

Fulanitos

Elementals

HERTFORDSHIRE-BASED Willowbee launched its first brand in the UK two years ago, while Fulanitos (meaning ‘little ones’ in Spanish) was born 20 years ago in Mexico. Willowbee began with a range of plush toys and keyrings, puzzles, back to school bags and accessories, plus stationery. Wooden playsets were added last year, and 2014 will see further additions, with details currently underwraps. The play-sets are aimed at ages four plus, with pieces just popping out and slotting together, with no glue or sharp edges. Meanwhile, stationery stockists will welcome new designs and products, including items for tween boys and girls, plus a line of notebooks for young adults. 01727 859200

ELEMENTALS will be revealing the next volume of games in the Elemons miniseries of battle card games for 2014. The new lines follow on from d’State Mode and including Alloy Mode and Dazzle Mode. A new Elemons Quest series of books is being launched, with the first called Noble Beginnings. In addition, a further five new Elemon characters will be revealed at the show. 2014 will also be the year that the Elementals team creates a new digital platform where users can register their Elemons online, discovering their powers and limits corresponding to the elements of the periodic table. 020 8123 9378

STAND NUMBER: G119

Peers Hardy

The In Thing

PEERS Hardy will be exhibiting a variety of children’s watches featuring characters such as Hello Kitty, Mr Men and Little Miss, Peppa Pig and Moshi Monsters. The latter will feature the entire cast of characters and come with two Moshling charms. The firm’s own brand – Tikkers – is a collection of Time Teachers, four velcro fastening and four with rubber straps. Peers Hardy will also be showing Hello Kitty gifts and crafts, iDuck (a floating wireless bath time audio speaker), Maze games, Crafty Cat Money Bank, a novelty ATM money management system and STAND Talking Friends from the app. NUMBER: 0121 524 1439

HIGHLIGHTS FOR the pocket money specialist will include licensed exclusives such as Moshi Monsters and Skylanders Swap Force. The line of Magic Choc toys includes Chocolate Picture Maker and Chocolate Model Making Kit – the brand tagline ‘bringing fun to chocolate’ outlines what visitors can expect from the stand at the show. The Magic Choc brand – which includes 100 per cent Belgian chocolate – already has numerous toy awards under its belt. Other focuses for the company will include Zombie Zity, plus the second series of Predasaurs – STAND Insect Invasion. NUMBER: 0845 365 3030

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Handlebar Heroes HANDLEBAR HEROES are a growing selection of fancy dress character masks for bikes and scooters. The firm asks the question, why simply cycle or scoot, when children can gallop with their own pony or maraud with its new dragonsaur? Made from waterproof foam, they come flat placked for children to bring to life by simply floding, clicking and fixing onto the front of their handlebars. The firm promises to add horse power to children’s wheels and a roar to their ride, with a STAND number of characters. NUMBER: 020 8752 0001

B25

Playmobil

Hornby

Mookie

PLAYMOBIL will be celebrating its 40th anniversary at the show. Key new ranges will include Asian Dragon Land, Construction, Shopping Centre, Camping and an expansive 40th birthday selection. In fact, there will be over 182 new products on offer. Special 40th celebration lines will start to roll out from this month. They will range from Pirate Shops to Noah’s Ark, mythical Fairies to brave Knights and vital Emergency Services. There will be a heavyweight advertising campaign throughout the year including TV and press, social media and PR activity STAND supporting all the ranges NUMBER: launching throughout 2014. Gallery 01268 548111

A RAFT of new lines will be unveiled by Hornby at the fair across its brands. These will include collector’s edition train packs, commemorating the golden age of the Great British railway; a Cops ‘n’ Robbers addition for Scalextric, along with The Simpsons Micro Scalextric Set and a range of controllers; additions to the Airfix Quick Build line; and lines to commemorate the 100-year milestone of World War I. Humbrol will showcase its new acrylic paint packs, while Corgi welcomes the new Formula One Lotus and McLaren range, as well as the Bentley Collection. Finally, Breyer will see special editions to its Stablemates line STAND among others. NUMBER: 01843 233500 D11

PILLOW PETS Glow Friends launch in the autumn, while Mookie will also be showing the TV advertised Dream Lites and licensed characters including Nemo and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The Hello Kitty and Mr Men Little Miss ranges will have pride of place on the stand, while the firm will introduce Atomic Poppers. These start with a sixinch pocket sized action shooter and go up to a double barrel power popper which fires 24 soft foam balls in rapid succession for double the fun. Swingball celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2014, backed by a PR and marketing blitz, while the company will be showing STAND its innovations for TP Toys. NUMBER: 01525 722734

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TOY TALK

TOY TALK This issue, we look at a working LEGO car, empty our pockets for a pricey plush toy, examine ‘the worst toy of 2013’ and discover one of our team of the month used to be DJ Doctor Detroit

TEAM OF THE MONTH Who is in the team? Roland, Natasha, Simon, Chris, Majen, Mark, Tracey, Matt, Anderona What have been your biggest successes in the last year? Safeguarding the industry, mitigating onerous legislation, creating practical help and advice for members on critical issues affecting the industry.

What are you working on now? Toy Fair. All systems are go. What’s the hardest part of the job? The run up to Christmas and New Year is our busiest period. And what’s the best? Successfully safeguarding the interests of the industry and our members.

TOY FAIR Who is the team joker? Natasha is always playing practical jokes on Majen. Who makes the most tea? Tracey. What is your top tip for surviving Toy Fair? Berocca and lip balm.

How do you plan to relax after Toy Fair? I will be catching up on some needed sleep. Tell us a secret about a member of the team. One of the team used to be a DJ called Doctor Detroit!Can you guess who?

LEGO BRICK ROAD LAST YEAR saw a whole host of great LEGO creations, but you couldn’t ride any of them to work. That was until a working LEGO car, complete with an engine made of bricks, has taken to the road. The car is the result of the Super Awesome Micro Project, a crowd-funded campaign to bring Steve Sammartino and Raul Oaida’s idea to life. Made from more than 500,000 LEGO pieces, the car runs on air and, according to Sammartino, was designed to look like a hot rod simply because ‘hot rods are cool’. We’re not going to argue with that. All we need now is to get LEGO on board to mass-produce them and we’re one step closer to the world of The LEGO Movie becoming a reality. 230 January/February

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TOY TALK

TWEETPICKS

POSH PLUSH IF YOU’VE got some spare Christmas money left over from the inevitable festive splurge, then we might have found the toy to pour your last few coins into. And by last few coins, we mean $9,000. Yes, this Louis Vuitton teddy bear, named DouDou, is a pricey limited edition plush which was originally ‘offered only to the top 500 Louis Vuitton VIPs worldwide and of which

only 500 were produced in total.’ The Brown and Beige Monogram Bear is the only teddy bear made by Louis Vuitton in 150 years and was first seen during the 2004-05 Fall/Winter mens runway collection. So, if the piggy bank is struggling to cope with the load (or you have more money than sense) take the weight off its shoulders to the tune of $9,000.

What the industry’s been tweeting this month… @Sciencekits Thames & Kosmos Our new business cards have arrived! And they’re magnetic! Just in time for @toyfair2014 #excited. @fleetstreetfox Fleet Street Fox, newspaper journalist Children on trains watching Nemo on DVD players. What happened to a book and a doll? Or headphones, come to that…

TOYS GONE POTTY BOWEL MOVEMENTS. There have been numerous attempts to zhush up the experience over the years. From licensed paper to comedy seats, even the toilets of Tokyo offer everything short of a firework display to accompany you on the throne. Now, an attempt to bring the potty training experience into the 21st Century has resulted in the worst toy of the 2013, the iPotty. We all know tech toys are on the rise, but wielding a tablet

stand was, according to members of Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, a crap idea in every sense.

To give it its catchy, full title, the 2-in-1 iPotty with Activity Seat for iPad, was voted for, for reasons including ‘trying to create a need where none exists’. A sentiment backed up by one Amazon reviewer who stated: ‘Upon realising that this was not a joke, I was disheartened by the state of our society.’ But why stop at a 2-in-1 iPotty? Strap a microwave to it and let’s make standing up a thing of thing of the past for a generation of entirely self-sufficient toddlers. It’s the future.

FROM THE ARCHIVE... THREE YEARS AGO HTI REPORTS a 20 per cent increase in sales and appoints Mark Walls as UK managing director… Mothercare reports UK figures impacted negatively by bad weather… NPD reports toy market is back to preWoolworths level at £2.83bn… Classic Eighties toy Simon makes a comeback…. Neil Friedman leaves Mattel…. Mattel readies an Angry Birds board game…. Hornby appointed as master toy partner for Olly the Little White Van… Fox kicks off licensing plan for Avatar…

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@simonpegg Simon Pegg, actor Here’s me as a Lego minifig reading a book about Lego minifigs in a Lego bookshop. This happened. @realmievents MiEvents #Firsttweet from #miEvents new twitter account! @micommspr @cloudteneventsnb. @LaurenLaverne Lauren Laverne, presenter Know how you always see those ‘top 10 Christmas toy’ lists? Here’s my top 3: LEGO, Play Doh, Playmobil. Could happily Oxfam everything else. @Lsmedialtd Lesley Singleton, PR Bananagrams I’m too excited about this release. Too excited. LEGO The Simpsons images leaked on eBay. @Halesworthtoys Halesworth Toy Shop Huge excitement in the toy shop now the new Tamagotchis have arrived.

TOYNEWS FEBRUARY 2011

CHARTS UK top 10 toys (November 2010 value) 1. Kidizoom Digital Camera ........................VTech 2. Kidizoom Video Camera ................................Vtech 3. First Steps Babywalker..................................Vtech 4. Toy Story 3 Deluxe Talking Buzz....................Vivid 5. Toy Story 3 Deluxe Buzz Jet Pack..............Mattel 6. Paper Jamz Guitar 5 Assortment ........Wow Wee 7. Baby Annabell 2009 White ............Zapf Creation 8. Pig Goes Pop Gam............................Drumond Park 9. Storio Reading system ..................................Vtech 10. Password Journal 5........................................Mattel

@billbailey Bill Bailey, comedian A farewell then to the Argos catalogue, or The Laminated Book of Dreams as I call it.

@TheRealSupermum Emma White, The Good Mother Project You Know You’re a Mum when ......You know how badly stepping on a piece of LEGO hurts.

Top 5 Properties (November 2010) 1. Toy Story 2. LEGO City 3. Star Wars 4. Peppa Pig 5. Zhu Zhu Pets

Source:

@ConsumerFraudCt Consumer Fraud Centre Some good news finally as @Amazon and @Ebay move on #counterfeit Rainbow Loom, but is it enough? http://ow.ly/rTGzV via @toynewsonline. @KatyHillTV Katy Hill Wow! Congrats @LetToysBeToys Over this M&S victory! x MailOnline.

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OBSERVATIONS 0F A TOY INDUSTRY SURVIVOR

Follow me on Twitter @jonsalisbury

Jon Salisbury This month, our columnist ponders the differing attitudes to success between Brits and our friends across the pond IN THE annual maelstrom for the toy industry that is December, one story slipped under the radar with little or no comment: the induction of Jill Barad to the Toy Industry of America’s Hall of Fame. While the basic facts might have been reported, the astonishing cost to Mattel that led to her demise was glossed over. Barad was a toy industry force of nature. She rose up through the ranks of Mattel in a 20-year career,

the top of a Fortune 500 company, adding the smashing of that particular glass ceiling to her many notable achievements, but The Learning Co. added nothing to the top or bottom line at Mattel. The reason I have chosen to highlight Barad’s induction is to show how the American attitude to success differs from the British response to black marks on your career copybook. Can you imagine the Chairman of a PLC who had

The American attitude to success differs from the British response to black marks on your career copybook. from a marketing manager to marketing director, overseeing the transformation of Barbie from stardom to superstardom until there was only one role left for her: Chairman and CEO. Then, one massive faux pas was her undoing. While her intentions were good, its execution was to prove fatal for her toy career. Mattel’s $3.5 billion acquisition of software concern Learning Co. had been intended to counter the onslaught on the toy industry of computer games, but it proved to be a step too far. At the time, she was one of only four women to sit at

simply added more to her legendary status. While she might have been hoist by her own petard by promising more than she could deliver in the final analysis, the annals of American toy history will always choose to remember her for her triumphs and her philanthropic leadership like when Mattel committed $25 million to create Mattel Children’s Hospital UCLA. And that is the American spirit.

blown billions of pounds on a flawed business acquisition being honoured? Okay, the old school network might swing into action and provide succor in the form of dignified anonymity, but induction into Halls of Fame are unlikely. It is even more surprising given the furore that surrounded her departure. At one point, over a sixmonth period, Mattel's stock collapsed, wiping out nearly three-quarters of its market capitalisation, and investors bayed for her blood and demanded her head. Barad’s $10 million plus Barbie-esque LA mansion

Jon Salisbury has written about the toy business since 1985, editing magazines and running toy media events in New York and London. He can be contacted at jonsalisbury@icloud.com or @JonSalisbury

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