ToyNews Issue 105 May 2010

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Issue 105

The toy industry’s highest circulation trade title Exclusive media partner

INSIDE…

TOY STORY 3 SPECIAL The ranges that represent 2010’s biggest sales opportunity

TOYMASTER PREVIEW Heading to Harrogate? All you need to know is in here

PRE-SCHOOL PRIORITIES The leading lines in the market’s key battleground

TALK OF THE TOON How Turner’s Cartoonito is grabbing the pre-school vote

May 2010

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Contents REGULARS 4

News

6

Exclusive NPD analysis

8

Appointments

10

Campaign of the month

Ronnie Dungan Managing Editor Ronnie.Dungan@intentmedia.co.uk

Samantha Loveday Associate Editor Samantha.loveday@intentmedia.co.uk

Katie Roberts Deputy Editor Katie.Roberts@intentmedia.co.uk

12

TV ratings

MOTHER OF INVENTION

Emily Briggs Sales Executive Emily.Briggs@intentmedia.co.uk

LICENSING 16

News

19

The rise of ZingZillas

FEATURES 22

Toy Story 3 Special

28

Cartoonito

31

Schleich goes international

34

Pre-school toys

49

Toymaster Show preview

63

Action vehicles

71

Dolls

RETAIL 76

New Products

78

Counter Insurgent

78

Price Check

79

Retail Charts

80

Hero Product

COMMENT

Dan Bennett Design Dan.Bennett@intentmedia.co.uk

Jon Salisbury Contributor jon@wotkidzwant.com

Stuart Dinsey Publisher

I HAVEN’T had a call from an inventor for quite a while. But I get them quite a lot.

Maybe it is the exclusive privilege of the trade editor to field such calls, although I’m sure suppliers and retailers get them too. They’re usually from someone who has an idea for a game or gadget, sometimes nothing more than an outline of an idea, and wants to know how to take it to market.

And it’s hard not to sound discouraging because you know that, unless they’re incredibly lucky, even if they have the toy of the century, getting it in front of someone who can do anything about it is perhaps their first and hardest challenge.

Stuart.Dinsey@intentmedia.co.uk

Editorial: 01992 535646 Advertising: 01992 535647

Intent Media is a member of the Periodical Publishers Associations

AUDITED CIRCULATION: Average Net Circulation: 6,011 July 1st 2008 to June 30th 2009. www.toynews-online.biz ■ ToyNews circulation is 17.3% higher than its closest competitor.

■ ToyNews requested or paid for circulation is 21.7% higher than its closest competitor.

■ ToyNews has 100% named circulation and 0% duplication.

It will be a godsend to inventors and start-ups who have grown tired of knocking on doors.

Which is why I think the Argos Open Day (see story on page five) will be a huge hit with suppliers and inventors alike and could give a real boost to product innovation in the UK. It will be a godsend to a great many inventors and start-ups who have grown tired of knocking on doors and trying to find a way in.

It is great to see a retailer actively engaging with the trade in such a positive way. The silent and faceless Toys R Us should take note.

Sure, it may well be that the best ideas end up as Chad Valley products but you can’t begrudge Argos getting an end out of it. It is a great idea.

Ronnie Dungan ronnie.dungan@intentmedia.co.uk

GET YOUR KIT ON FOR THE 2010 TOYNEWS FIVES TEAMS FROM ACROSS THE INDUSTRY WILL GATHER FOR A CRACKING DAY OF FIVE-A-SIDE FOOTBALL ACTION

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NEWS

Wow goes ape over Dave toy Huge numbers forecast for interactive plush monkey in the UK

by Ronnie Dungan WOW STUFF believes it could have one of the year’s must-have toys on its hands with its Dave the Monkey product, and says it can shift a million units in the UK alone.

The quirky plush toy is described as being an ‘interactive ventriloquist dummy for the 21st century’ by Wow Stuff MD, Richard North.

It works by remote control and sits on the shoulder of the user. It will also interact in other ways – shouting at it will make it sad for instance. It also has a sleep mode whereby it will appear to be a still plush toy, but will occasionally look around or scratch its head.

North explained: “We got a video and then a prototype through and we absolutely loved it. We showed it to all the majors at Spring Fair and the

• Firm to launch its first-ever TV campaign...

reaction couldn’t have been any better. So we knew that we were onto something big.

The numbers at retail are huge, but now we’ve got to make sure that no-one over-orders on it.

“In March when the retailers were making their selections, they put a big focus on it. The numbers at retail are huge, but now we’ve got to make sure that no-one over-orders on it.

The product will be backed by the firm’s first TV campaign – some 400

North (left) expects to do serious monkey business with the interactive plush toy...

TVRs – and will launch in the UK in July, hitting the US a few weeks later.

“We’re very excited about it and

Mattel build Trio range New pre-school construction range ready for launch in the autumn…

by Ronnie Dungan MATTEL’S PRE-SCHOOL label, Fisher-Price, is set to launch a new construction system, Trio, this autumn.

A new building system specially designed for pre-schoolers, Trio has a unique click and snap technology designed to make it easier for children to build and recognise when they have made the connection.

The collection will be available in a range of play packs, including connectable bricks, sticks, panels, figures and vehicles.

The Basic Play Packs come with easily attachable parts to build a number of different model variations.

The Trio Building Set with Storage includes 100 pieces including custom

parts such as wheels, chassis and figures for endless creations, as well as a durable tub for convenient storage.

The Basic Trio collection can be used with the City collection, which includes additional parts.

A major marketing campaign will support the launch.

Wendy Hill, senior marketing manager, Fisher-Price explained: “We are really excited to be launching Trio.

Its unique design has been specially created and tailored to meet the needs of children as young as three and fills a gap in the building aisle.

The easy click and snap design allows younger children to get creative and, as it’s a system, it’s designed to grow with children’s imagination.”

Mattel: 01628 500000

we think we can do a million pieces in the UK,” added North.

Wow Stuff: 0870 054 6000

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NEWS

www.toynews-online.biz

Argos opens its doors Open day gives innovators and suppliers the chance to put new ideas in front of toy team…

by Ronnie Dungan ARGOS IS giving inventors and suppliers the chance to present product ideas to its toy team at a special open day event in June.

Conscious that smaller suppliers can have difficulty finding a way through to its toy selection team, the High Street giant has organised an open day at Kents Hill Park, near Milton Keynes on June 3rd.

Places are limited, but each attendee will be guaranteed at least 15 minutes to pitch up to five product ideas to the Argos toy team which could be selected for distribution in its catalogue or taken into the firm’s own Chad Valley toy brand, which it acquired from Woolworths.

In addition to the opportunity to get products listed, the Argos toy team will also offer feedback and

commercial advice and there will be opportunities to network with other suppliers and inventors.

Ian Chaplin, trading manager at Argos, told ToyNews: “Argos is the number one toy retailer and we feel that there is an opportunity in the marketplace for suppliers and inventors that don’t have anywhere to go with new ideas, to come to us.

It’s not always easy to get in front of buyers.

“It’s really about Argos being accessible to great suppliers with great ideas. We want to open ourselves up to new concepts and we hope it signifies a new way of working for the Argos toy team.”

Anyone interested in taking part in the day should contact toysteam@argos.co.uk

NPD shows pre-school growth Latest figures show promising statistics for toy market’s core sector in 2010…

by Ronnie Dungan THE PRE-SCHOOL market grew nine per cent according to NPD’s latest year to date figures.

The largest category within the toy market, accounting for around 13 per cent of total toy sales and just fewer than one in ten of all units, pre-school toys sold over £350m in 2009 with the average price rising from £9.28 to £10.41. For the year to date 2010 (up to February) the sector grew nine per cent, in value terms.

The top pre-school licence remains Thomas and Friends, however, Peppa Pig has seen strong growth over the last 12 months and is now the number two licence ahead of In The Night Garden which dropped back to number three.

The largest category is still vehicles where Thomas, JCB and Postman Pat vehicles have driven growth.

NPD: 01932 355580

PRE-SCHOOL TOYS VALUE % YTD 2009

YTD 2010

TOTAL PRESCHOOL

100.0%

100.0%

VEHICLES

22.7%

22.2%

ROLE-PLAY

19.4%

21.8%

FIGURES & PLAY-SETS

21.0%

20.3%

ALL OTHER PS TOYS

8.9%

9.0%

ELECTRONIC LEARNING

11.0%

8.6%

LEARNING TOYS

5.6%

5.5%

BATH TOYS

5.2%

4.9%

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

2.8%

3.7%

TALKING & SOUND

2.6%

2.5%

PUSH & PULL

0.9%

1.3%

5

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NPD RESEARCH

Retail sales trends

Properties

Toy sales show continued growth in early spring TRADITIONALLY SPRING is a time of rebirth and the traditional toys market is no exception with value sales up nine per cent year-todate in February. Further positive signs are evident as volume sales grew three per cent in February following decline in January 2010.

Nine out of the 11 NPD supcategories grew in February 2010, compared to 2009, with plush, building sets and all other toys growth particularly strong.

“While the first quarter of the year has previously been a quiet time, some extremely positive movement early in 2010 has shown that it is possible to make a strong impact sooner rather than later within the toy market,” says Jez Fraser-Hook, director of NPD Group Toy Business in the UK. Plush showed the strongest growth with YTD value sales up 75 per cent compared to the same period in 2009. This is heavily driven by Character’s Zhu Zhu Pets with the Go Go Hamster Pack Assortment the top selling item across total toys for February.

Other fast growing properties in plush are Hello Kitty & Friends and Toy Story with Mattel’s Toy Story 12” Talking Plush helping to drive awareness of the Toy Story licence ahead of the third film release in July. Building sets continued to grow as well with unit sales up 52 per cent for the month. Licences have become more important to the category, now accounting for a third

Sales (value, year to date)

130,376,900

142,001,400

2009

2010

Source: NPD

MAY 2010

9%

February 2010 1. STAR WARS 2. BEN 10 3. LEGO CITY 4. THOMAS AND FRIENDS 5. DISNEY PRINCESS

Best property progression February 2010

Fireman Sam of all Building Sets sales with the early success of Lego’s Toy Story and Ben 10 ranges performing well. All

Princess and the Frog in February, while play-set themed ranges, Flair’s Sylvanian Families and Corinthian’s

A new CGI series for the favourite fireman has seen the property rocket from number 116 in January to 60 in February.

Early sales have shown that optimism at the start of the year was well founded - the challenge ahead for the market is to sustain and continue these trends for the rest of the year. other toys growth is driven by the continued success of Gogo’s Crazy Bones and the renewed interest in Match Attax with Topps Match Attax Cards the top item in both value and volume for February.

There has been a lot of positive movement within the top properties with girls’ properties showing some strong growth. Disney Princess has grown driven by the release of The

In My Pocket continued to grow on top of 2009 success. Barbie also grew, up 14 per cent YTD last year with Barbie’s Pets & Fashion Fever ranges growing.

“Early sales have shown that optimism at the start of the year was well founded – the challenge ahead for the market is to sustain and continue these trends for the rest of the year,” comments Fraser-Hook.

Average price

UK toy sales

Top 5 properties

Feb 09:

£5.18

Feb 10:

£5.71

Best item progression February 2010

Furreal Snuggimals Assortment (Hasbro) The latest addition to the Furreal family have shot up the charts from number 426 to position 30…

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NPD RESEARCH

www.toynews-online.biz

Retail Sales Trends UK FEBRUARY 2010 (£ SALES - VALUE)

UK FEBRUARY 2010 (UNIT SALES - VOLUME)

1

GO GO HAMSTER PACKS ASSORTMENT

CHARACTER OPTIONS

1

MATCH ATTAX CARDS

2

STAR WARS REBEL TROOPER & SNOW TROOPER BATTLEPACK LEGO

2

HOT WHEELS BASIC CAR ASSORTMENT

3

KIDZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA

VTECH

3

GOGO’S CRAZY BONES III EXPLORER PACK

4

STAR WARS LUKES LANDSPEEDER

5

BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE 10CM FIGURES

6

BIONICLE STARS 2010

7

BAKUGAN STARTER PACK

8 9 10

FIRST STEPS BABYWALKER

TOPPS MATTEL MAGIC BOX

LEGO

4

BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE 10CM FIGURES

BANDAI

5

TRANSFORMERS MOVIE LEGENDS ASSORTMENT

HASBRO HASBRO

BANDAI

LEGO

6

PLAY DOH SINGLE TUB ASSORTMENT

SPIN MASTER

7

GO GO HAMSTER PACKS ASSORTMENT

TRANSFORMERS MOVIE DELUXE FIGURES

HASBRO

8

PLASTICINE 8 PACK

FLAIR

BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE 15CM DNA FIGURES

BANDAI

9

GORMITI FIGURE FOILBAG ASSORTMENT

FLAIR

VTECH

10

BAKUGAN BOOSTER PACK

CHARACTER OPTIONS

SPIN MASTER

UK YEAR TO DATE (£ SALES - VALUE)

UK YEAR TO DATE (UNIT SALES - VOLUME)

1

STAR WARS REBEL TROOPER & SNOW TROOPER BATTLEPACK LEGO

1

MATCH ATTAX CARDS

2

KIDZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA

3

GO GO HAMSTER PACKS ASSORTMENT

4 5 6

BAKUGAN STARTER PACK

7

TRANSFORMERS MOVIE DELUXE FIGURES

8

STAR WARS LUKE’S LANDSPEEDER

9

STAR WARS CLONE WARS BASIC FIGURES 3.75"

10

HOT WHEELS BASIC CAR ASSORTMENT

TOPPS

VTECH

2

HOT WHEELS BASIC CAR ASSORTMENT

CHARACTER OPTIONS

3

TF MV2 MOVIE LEGENDS ASST

BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE 15CM DNA FIGURES

BANDAI

4

BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE 10CM FIGURES

BANDAI

BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE 10CM FIGURES

BANDAI

5

PLAY DOH SINGLE TUB ASSORTMENT

HASBRO

SPIN MASTER

6

PLASTICINE 8 PACK

HASBRO

7

BAKUGAN BOOSTER PACK

LEGO

8

GOGO’S CRAZY BONES III EXPLORER PACK

HASBRO

9

BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE 15CM DNA FIGURES

MATTEL

10

LITTLEST PETSHOP GET THE PETS

MATTEL HASBRO

FLAIR SPIN MASTER MAGIC BOX BANDAI HASBRO

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, Argos, Asda, Boots, ELC, Firebox, Freemans, Grattan, Hamleys, HMV, Halfords Littlewoods, Mailorderexpress, Modelzone, Mothercare, M&S, Sainsbury’s, Shop Direct, Tesco, Toymaster, The Entertainer and WHSmith. The approximate coverage is of 60%

NPD Eurotoys is the Number 1 information provider for Market Research to the Toy Industry in Europe Contact: NPD Eurotoys UK, Rosemount House, Rosemount Avenue West Byfleet, Surrey, KT14 6LB. _ 01 932 355 580

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APPOINTMENTS

INDUSTRY MOVES New London 2012 project director at Hornby, Drumond Park appoints new head of product development, Corinthian strengthens product development team, new faces at RDF and Little Star Creations…

FROM LEFT: Nat Southworth, the Corinthian product development team and Dharmander (Minda) Patel

Nat Southworth has joined Hasbro to oversee its licensed Olympics and Paralympic games range.

Southworth joins as project director and will be responsible for the range of official merchandise across the Hornby, Corgi, Airfix and Scalextric brands.

The new recruit joins Hornby from HTI where he held the position of UK marketing controller. Prior to that, Southworth worked for Vivid Imaginations and Asda.

Frank Martin, Hornby’s chief executive said: “I am delighted that Nat is joining us at such an exciting stage in our company’s history.

“We have a broad range of licensed products that will be launching across all of our brands and he will play a pivotal role in maintaining our relationship with the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and ensuring that the products are well supported through retail.”

The products include Corgi diecast model vehicles including London taxis and buses and collectable die-cast figurines, Hornby

model trains based on the trains that will be an integral part of the Olympic Park transport network, Airfix kits of the main venues including the Olympic Stadium and Scalextric velodrome sets.

Drumond Park has appointed Dharmander (Minda) Patel as head of product development.

A graduate of Southbanks University with a BSc in Engineering Product Design, Patel spent nine years at Hasbro in a role which involved him in every aspect of the development process from concept to final manufacture.

Patel left Hasbro as senior product design engineer in 2003 and took up a similar role at The Marketing Store Worldwide, where he managed products for firms including Nestle, Shell and McDonalds.

Patel commented: “I was attracted to Drumond Park because I have long been impressed with both its company ethos and brands.

“With so many products at top of the chart in many toy industry categories, DPL is undoubtedly the UK’s leading independent games

company and I am really pleased to be playing part of its success.”

Corinthian has announced the appointment of Adam White as product development executive.

White previously worked in a similar role at Learning Curve.

He will be working alongside Stephanie Coleman who joined the company last summer as product development executive. They will divide the portfolio of brands between them, in particular the In My Pocket and Marbz ranges.

Richard Venner, product development and brand manager, commented: “We are delighted to be strengthening our Product Development team in order to help us focus on some fantastic launches that we have planned for 2011.

“Adam will be leading the development of a new collectable boys’ brand and Stephanie will be overseeing another addition to the In My Pocket series. I would like to welcome them to Corinthian and I look forward to working with them on these exciting projects and our existing product catalogue.”

RDF Rights has appointed Cheryl Lee as its new brand manager for its children’s portfolio, including flagship pre-school show Waybuloo, Yo Gabba Gabba, Mister Maker and Big Barn Farm.

She will also be charged with delivering UK retail marketing and promotional initiatives, as well as working with broadcast partners to launch and promote RDF’s shows.

Lee joins RDF from Premier Foods, where she held brand marketing positions in the Home Baking and Canned Food Portfolio divisions. She also enjoyed stints at FremantleMedia Enterprises and Nickelodeon.

Holland Publishing has appointed Anthony Hannant as its creative director for children’s imprint, Little Star Creations which launched at London Book Fair in 2009.

He brings a wealth of experience in the children’s publishing sector to the firm. Most recently he was an independent packager/developer, and prior to this he was creative director at The Book Studio, occupying the same role concurrently for Kids Play – an imprint of DK in the US.

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CAMPAIGN OF THE MONTH

Chuggington Die-Cast Learning Curve Learning Curve has unveiled a range of collectible die-cast engines and play-sets based on animated series, Chuggington. Sold to 168 countries worldwide, the Cbeebies series is set in the fictional land of Chuggington, and follows the adventures of three trainee locomotives or ‘chuggers’ as they are called in the show…

Product The result of a strategic development programme, looking for potential sustainable growth drivers for the Learning Curve business, the collaboration with Ludorum has produced an innovative range for the consumer and the toy market as a whole.

The new Chuggington die-cast toy line for three to six-year-olds was developed to deliver train play while reflecting the key destinations and core developmental messages of the CGI series. It features the show’s three young trainee engines, Wilson, Koko and Brewster.

Marketing A campaign to target pre-school children and mums forms the basis of the marketing programme. This includes well over one-thousand TVRs, an online viral campaign, major in-store promotions and heavy-hitting PR from launch.

Pre-school TV will form the foundation of the Chuggington marketing plan to drive awareness of the range. It will be supported by an extensive online presence, pre-school press advertising and cross-promotions with other brand licensees.

MAY 2010

PR Interviews with the programme’s concept designer and producer/director were arranged to promote the transition from TV series to toy. Working alongside DC Thomson, creative activity includes

Pre-school TV will form the foundation of the Chuggington marketing plan to drive awareness of the range.

a series of advertorials, posters, full page competitions and subscription offers. Norton and Co has implemented an extensive media relations campaign to drive maximum positive awareness of the products among both children and parents via strong relationships with key children’s and parental press, sites and bloggers.

In-store Retail-specific promotional programmes will be put behind the in-store presence across the marketplace, including permanent fixtures, windows, free-standing displays, in-store TV’s, a collectors poster and colouring competition packs.

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AIRTIME STATISTICS

Top Programmes The top-performing children’s TV shows on terrestrial and multi-channel....

SHOWS ACROSS ALL TIMES JAN – MAR 10

SHOWS ACROSS ALL TIMES YTD MARCH 10

TIME

TITLE/DESCRIPTION

CHANNEL

OOOs

%

TIME

TITLE/DESCRIPTION

CHANNEL

OOOs

% AIRINGS

09:29

TRACY BEAKER RETURNS

CBBC

219

13.8

75

1

17:15

TRACY BEAKER RETURNS

CBBC

208

13.7

26

2 16:34

THE SARAH JANE ADVENTURES

BBC1

215

9.8

2

2 16:32

SPORT RELIEF DOES WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS CBBC

205

13.5

5

3 16:32

SPORT RELIEF DOES WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS CBBC

205

13.5

5

3 17:45

SPIRIT WARRIORS

CBBC

197

9.8

4

4 18:24

SUITE LIFE ON DECK: LOST AT SEA

DISNEY CH. 186

8.8

4

4 17:45

THE SARAH JANE ADVENTURES

CBBC

179

10.3

16

5 17:49

THE SARAH JANE ADVENTURES

CBBC

6 17:45

SPIRIT WARRIORS

CBBC

186

10.0

64

5 08:29

CHOP SOCKY CHOOKS

GMTV/CITV 174

11.8

3

182

8.7

10

6 08:30

SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS

GMTV/CITV 164

11.7

2

7 16:05

HORRIBLE HISTORIES

BBC1

170

11.9

11

7 07:44

THE STORY OF TRACY BEAKER

CBBC

157

10.8

54

8 08:29

CHOP SOCKY CHOOKS

GMTV/CITV 169

12.8

10

8 17:44

DANI’S HOUSE

CBBC

153

8.0

11

9 08:32

BEN 10

GMTV/CITV 164

15.1

6

9 16:34

MI HIGH

BBC1

153

9.7

5

10 08:30

SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS

GMTV/CITV 164

11.7

2

10 07:59

NATURAL BORN HUNTERS

CBBC

152

11.0

5

1

AIRINGS

COMMERCIAL MULTICHANNEL SHOWS (ALL TIMES) JAN – MAR 10 TIME

TITLE/DESCRIPTION

CHANNEL

OOOs

% AIRINGS

10:31

FILM: THE BFG (1989)

CITV

156

10.3

2 16:00

HORRID HENRY

CITV

106

7.4

398

3 16:49

WOLVES WITCHES AND GIANTS

CITV

84

5.0

4 09:00

BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE: THE FINAL BATTLE CN

82

4.6

5 08:30

SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS

CITV

79

6 08:32

BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE

CITV

78

7 17:04

EVEN STEVENS

CITV

74

8 17:04

MY PARENTS ARE ALIENS

CITV

9 12:00

ART ATTACK

10 09:25

TEENAGE MUTANT HERO TURTLES

1

SOURCE: INFOSYS/BARB

MAY 2010

COMMERCIAL MULTICHANNEL SHOWS (ALL TIMES) YTD MAR 10 TIME

TITLE/DESCRIPTION

CHANNEL

OOOs

%

10:33

FILM: THE BFG (1989)

CITV

151

10.1

1

2 15:59

HORRID HENRY

CITV

93

8.0

124

69

3 16:49

GRIZZLY TALES FOR GRUESOME KIDS CITV

90

6.3

16

2

4 17:04

EVEN STEVENS

84

4.7

14

5.6

2

5 09:00

BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE: THE FINAL BATTLE CN

82

4.6

2

6.7

4

6 08:30

SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS

CITV

79

5.6

2

3.8

46

7 08:29

CHOP SOCKY CHOOKS

CITV

71

4.8

3

74

4.0

44

8 17:04

MY PARENTS ARE ALIENS

CITV

69

4.1

19

CITV

70

4.7

27

9 16:47

ATOMIC BETTY

CITV

67

5.3

54

CITV

70

5.1

33

10 17:31

MY LIFE AS A POPAT

CITV

65

3.4

15

2

1

NOTE: THESE CHARTS ARE BASED ON AVERAGE PERFORMANCE

CITV

AIRINGS

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The UK’s only dedicated monthly licensing coverage

News • Media • Opinion

The Story of the summer Pages 20-26

Zing along

News

Page 19

Pages 16-17

Toy Story 3 hits cinemas on July 23rd.

The biggest licensed event of 2010?

Disney thinks so. We take a look at some of the associated product…

The BBC’s big pre-school hope for 2010, ZingZillas has already attracted the support of a dozen licensees, including Vivid as master toy.

ToyNews finds out more...

Busy Classic Media adds partners for Tinga Tinga Tales and Guess with Jess; Peppa Pig hits £100m milestone in the UK; In The Night Garden still going strong...

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LICENSINGNEWS

COMMENT TO INFINITY, AND BEYOND? GOING TO the cinema hasn’t really changed much over the years – with the exception of 3D and more comfortable seats, of course. Movies, however, are no longer just movies. They’re events.

While this trend can be traced back to the likes of Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles, The Matrix and even Jurassic Park, in terms of our industry, the ‘event movie’ has only really emerged over the last decade. Even the release of Star Wars – the film oftened referred to as being the one which kicked off licensing as we know it – wasn’t that big a deal until the first prequel in 1999.

Throughout the recession – and the traditional wet British summers – cinemas have been thriving.

Blockbusters such as Lord of the Rings, Transformers, Spider-man, Shrek, The Dark Knight, Harry Potter, Star Trek and, most recently, Avatar have been packing in the audiences. All of these have also enjoyed successful licensing and merchandising programmes.

This summer, there’s another bumper crop coming our way: Iron Man 2, Sex and the City 2, Twilight: Eclipse,

Toy Story is a perfect example of how movie licensing can be a viable long-term proposition.

Shrek Forever After, The A Team and The Last Airbender to name just a few. The film every one is watching out for though, is Toy Story 3.

Disney believes it will be the biggest licensed event of 2010 and, notably, merchandise has brought in more than $8 billion in global retail sales since the first film’s release in 1995. Led by a substantial master toy line from Mattel – and supported by the likes of Hasbro, Tomy, Vivid and Spin Master in the category – all eyes will be on how the film performs at the box office and how this translates into sales on the High Street.

Toy Story is a perfect example of how movie licensing shouldn’t have to rely on simply the cinema and DVD release windows. It can be a viable long-term proposition. Yes, Disney is one of the few companies with both the money and the brands to be able to achieve this. But no one suspected just how big the brand would become back in 1995. Fox and Warner have achieved similar feats with Ice Age and the benchmark that is Harry Potter. To borrow from Buzz Lightyear, perhaps more movie brands can be taken to infinity and beyond on the High Street?

Samantha Loveday Samantha.Loveday@intentmedia.co.uk MAY 2010

Night Garden still going strong, says BBCW Live tour, refreshed style guide and new theme arriving to bolster BAFTA and Broadcast award winning pre-school brand...

by Samantha Loveday BBC WORLDWIDE is ramping up activity for In The Night Garden, revealing plans for its first live tour to complement a refreshed style guide and new ‘friendship’ theme.

The two times BAFTA award winner, and the recipient of the Best Pre-school Programme accolade at this year’s Broadcast Awards, ITNG will launch its live tour on July 17th, taking up temporary residence in public parks in London, Liverpool and Glasgow among others. It will be created in an inflatable touring theatre made up of two state of the art show domes, recreating the world seen on TV. Meanwhile, the friendship theme will debut in autumn/winter, being applied across all licensed categories for the brand, including packaging and non-toy product ranges.

The next task for BBCW is to expand the reach of ITNG in other territories. The TV series has already been translated into 19 different languages and notched up 35 international sales, including into China, Spain, Australia and Canada where it is performing well.

Licensing sales have been equally positive outside of the UK. In China alone, over 1.5 million books have been sold while the DVD became the best selling Western pre-school property in the market.

BBC Worldwide is currently working with partners in China to develop further programmes for roll out this year.

ITNG consumer products are also doing well in Australia and Scandinavia, with Hasbro set to extend its range in the Nordic region.

Other licensees have also been signed in the apparel, home and confectionery categories.

BBC Worldwide: 020 8433 2000

Peppa Pig breaks £100m in the UK E1’S PEPPA PIG brand has now grossed over £100 million at retail in the UK (excluding DVD) in the last financial year.

The property is now the number one preschool brand for girls and was the number four overall licence in the UK in 2009. According to NPD data, Peppa Pig toy sales increased by more than 30 per cent in the last year.

UK DVD sales have surpassed three million units; book sales from publishing partner Ladybird Books are in excess of two million copies in the UK, stage show Peppa Pig’s Party is touring nationwide at over 60 venues throughout this year; and the first video game has shifted 225,000 copies on Nintendo DS. There are 55 partners on board, while the international profile is also continuing to build.

“Peppa Pig is every licensor’s dream,” said Andrew Carley, head of licensing and merchandising at E1. “Six years in, we still have an unwavering commitment to develop

the brand and are taking a long-term approach to ensure that Peppa Pig meets its full potential with continual steady growth.”

E1: 020 7907 3797

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Disney lining up major Toy Story 3 push Extensive range of licensed products planned across all categories...

by Samantha Loveday DISNEY has told ToyNews that it is confident that Toy Story 3 will be the biggest licensed event of 2010.

The eagerly awaited film hits cinemas across the UK on July 23rd, with a number of teaser trailers appearing on the internet and in screens to build the hype further.

As a brand, Toy Story merchandise has already brought in more than $8bn in global retail sales since the first film was released in 1995. The re-release of the first two films in 3D has also helped to raise awareness of the third instalment and increase product sales.

A raft of licensed product is due for release across all categories. Master toy partner Mattel is readying an extensive range, including additions to its action figure collection and an Action Links

IN BRIEF PAUL LAMOND SIGNS UP THE BEATLES Paul Lamond is boosting its licensed adult range with new puzzles based on The Beatles.

Launching in July, the line will include two 250-piece, two 500piece and two 750-piece puzzles, plus three 1,000-piece photo mosaic puzzles.

Paul Lamond: 020 7254 0100

HIT HIRES FISHER-PRICE FOR ANGELINA

play-set among other items.

Other licensees within the toy category include Leapfrog, Spin Master, Vtech, Hasbro, Tomy, Vivid, HTI, Jumbo, Hornby and Ravensburger among others.

“Toys, obviously, play a key role in this franchise, as they are the protagonists of the film, but the characters are so charming and

beloved that they translate well to all other product categories,” said a DCP spokesperson. “We expect Toy Story 3 to be the biggest licensed event of 2010 with gold and platinum level marketing for all theatrical, video games and DVD releases.”

Check out our Toy Story 3 sector guide special starting on page 20.

DCP: 020 8222 1000

Busy Classic notches up the deals Partners sign for Tinga Tinga Tales and Guess with Jess • Euro agencies also hired CLASSIC MEDIA has taken on a raft of key UK licensees for Guess with Jess and Tinga Tinga Tales.

Pan-regional partners for TTT, Bandai and Penguin have been joined by MV Sports and Paul Lamond.

Blues, TDP, Roy Lowe, Trademark Collections, Zap, Titan and BBC among others are all on board.

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Meanwhile, products for Guess with Jess begin hitting shelves this month, starting with the publishing line from Egmont. Master toy licensee Fisher-Price will launch its collection in July.

Jumbo has been signed up for puzzles and games, while Classic has secured big names in the apparel and homewares sectors.

■ Classic has hired CPLG and Kidz Entertainment to represent Tinga Tinga Tales in Europe. CPLG will handle Western Europe (France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands), while Kidz will look after the Nordics and Eastern Europe.

Classic: 020 8762 6200

Angelina Ballerina has a new global master toy licensee in the form of Fisher-Price. The firm will be creating a line based on the new CGI animated series which will include figures and dolls, playsets, dollhouses and vehicles, plush and pre-school toys. The range will be produced under the Mattel brand name, with the first items due to launch in the US this autumn, followed by the rest of the world in 2011.

Mattel: 01628 500000

VIVID SWOOPS FOR JLS The licensing and merchandising programme surrounding boy band JLS is continuing to gain momentum, with Vivid signing up to create a line of collector dolls.

Aston, JB, Marvin and Oritsé will be turned into 30cm doll figures with authentic outfits and laserimage face sculpts. Hitting shelves in October, the JLS Collection will be priced at £14.99 each.

Vivid: 01483 449944

UNIVERSITY GAMES TIES WITH BRAVADO A signature line of Michael Jackson games and puzzles will be appearing on shelves, following a deal between University Games and Bravado. The first wave of products will launch later this year in the US, Canada and the UK and Europe.

University Games: 01359 243900

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Zing stars The first in-house production from Cbeebies for a number of years, ZingZillas, has been making waves for months and, with the show now on air and 12 licensees on board, it is shaping up to be the pre-school success of 2010.

Samantha Loveday reports...

IT WAS November 2009 when I was first given a sneaky look at new BBC pre-school show ZingZillas at Pinewood Studios where it was being filmed.

Described as a ‘landmark’ show for the BBC, the music-based programme finally hit our screens on Easter Monday following the best part of three years in the making. The show follows the primate characters of Zak, Tang, Panzee and Drum, who form a band called ZingZillas.

“The show is based around teaching pre-schoolers the basic elements of music in an entertaining and fun way,” explains Neil Ross Russell, MD of Children’s and Licensing at BBC Worldwide. “Each show has a narrative story that takes in the adventures that the members of the band experience on ZingZillas Island.

During these adventures, they will meet a human who embodies a certain type of music or musical instrument.

That star is woven into the story as they develop an individual track which they perform at the end of the show called The Big Zing.”

Musical genres are taken from all over the world and include scatting (with an appearance from Dame Cleo Laine), cello (Julian Lloyd Webber), drums, didgeridoo, bhangra, ukulele, salsa and Theremin.

“The show has tested well with kids,” Ross Russell continues. “They’re absolutely loving the characters and really getting the storylines. It’s gone down well with licensees and retailers too, who have been hugely supportive and optimistic about the programme.”

You really hit a sweet spot when you get a programme that’s a great TV show, and also lends itself very nicely to merchandising. ZingZillas is a fantastic addition to what’s already a stellar portfolio – it’s absolutely standout.

Vivid Imaginations is the master toy partner, with products due to hit retail in autumn/winter 2010, including musically-themed plush, plastics, playsets, role play and selected outdoor games. A listing has already been secured in the next Argos catalogue.

In addition, Martin Yaffe will be producing a range of wheeled toys, and outside of the toy sector, Character World, DNC, Samuel Eden, Trademark Collections, Bon Bon Buddies, Aykroyds and TDP, Smith and Brooks, Christy’s, H&A and Pyramid are all on board.

“I think what has really appealed to all of our partners – particularly

retailers – is that ZingZillas is new and fresh and is really fitting into a niche that’s not currently occupied on shelves,” explains Ross Russell. “You can see from the look of the show that it’s going to stand out. It’s an inhouse production from Cbeebies, so it comes with that level of trust that parents always look for. I think that it is a winning combination.

“I think what Vivid has done with the toy range absolutely reflects the level of quality, passion and creativity that’s gone into the brand from our side of the fence so far.”

Richard Hollis, head of UK licensing at BBC Worldwide, concurs:

“Vivid has really thrown itself into product development. It has tooled up and produced plastics, a full play-set, musical instruments – all in the first year. It’s making a really big statement with a wide range from the start.”

Hollis readily admits that there’s a lot of potential within ZingZillas for things BBCW can merchandise: “When you see the set, they’ve got the house, furniture, musical instruments, a banana-shaped car, a banana phone – there’s lots of things that have potential. There are not many musical shows out there, and there’s a gap at the top end of pre-school, so this would hit the cross-over audience into CBBC. It’s a real opportunity for us.”

The success of JHS’ line of Spongebob Squarepants real musical instruments for children has also given BBCW inspiration, and Hollis and his team are currently talking to a number companies to develop this option further down the line.

“We are in a very privileged position to have the relationship with the BBC that we do,” continues Ross Russell. “The level of trust that the Cbeebies brand has, is enormously important among parents. They understand what the BBC is about and that it will only commission a show if it’s a great one and meets the BBC’s objectives.

“You really hit a sweet spot when you get a programme that’s a great TV show, and also lends itself very nicely to merchandising. ZingZillas is a fantastic addition to what’s already a stellar portfolio – it’s absolutely standout.”

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Success Story It is one of the most successful animated film franchises of all time, and the launch of Toy Story 3 is set to be one of the events of the summer. There’s a bumper line-up of licensed merchandise, too, led by the toy sector.

Samantha Loveday takes a look at some of the key products hitting retail and the ones to watch out for...

MATTEL

01628 500000 a chance to re-enact the final scene from the film.

Barbie and Ken are set to make their Toy Story debut as fans relive the moment when the toy couple first met.

The Barbie and Ken Toy Story Gift Set includes the pair in retro outfits – Barbie is sporting a blue all-in-one workout leotard, finished with pink legwarmers, while Ken is decked out in a blue outfit complete with matching scarf and deck shoes.

The Barbie Loves... range of fashion dolls each come with mini figures of Buzz, Woody or the Aliens.

In addition, there will be further Toy Story twists in other categories from games to vehicles, showcasing key scenes from the movie, including a quirky Toy Story 3 take on Junior Scrabble and classic game Alien Freefall.

The master toy partner has an impressive cross-category line-up of toys planned to celebrate the launch of the film.

Mattel’s Toy Story range has put in a strong performance to date, with the company scooping the top three spots for Toy Story toy items in the second half of 2009.

There will be additions to the extensive action figure collection including further six-inch figures, as well as new introductions to the range of two-inch figures. Ken and Barbie are now also to be found in the line-up. In 12-inch action figures, Jetpack Buzz Lightyear is a new take on the character, equipped with kit from the third movie.

TV driver, the Action Links playset provides a place to showcase the two-inch characters and gives children

HASBRO Hasbro is planning a new line of Toy Story 3 games, while it will also be debuting branded games based on classic properties such as Operation, Buckaroo and Connect 4.

The Toy Story 3 Space Shooter Game (£17.99) will hit retail from June 1st.

Aimed at ages five and upwards, it gives children the chance to be Buzz, collecting tokens and earning points by blasting rival toys with the Space Ranger foam disc blaster.

The Toy Story 3 edition of Operation (£14.99) is also due to arrive on June 1st, with players having to remove 13 malfunctioning parts from Buzz Lightyear – including the Toasted Turbo

020 8569 1234

RAVENSBURGER

Booster, Crystalic Confusion and Battered Blaster – without touching the sides of his spacesuit and setting off the laser sounds.

Buckaroo, featuring Bullseye (£14.99), meanwhile, follows the tried and tested formula of the classic game, with the aim to load up Bullseye with as much Toy Story gear as possible without making him kick.

Finally, Connect 4: Toy Story Edition (£12.99) lets users choose a side – Woody or Buzz – and go head-to-head to get four in a row.

Both Buckaroo and Connect 4 versions are planned for launch on June 1st.

Launched at Toy Fair, Ravensburger’s Toy Story puzzle line includes a giant floor puzzle and a set of four in a box jigsaws, both suitable for ages three and upwards. An XXL 100-piece jigsaw puzzle is suitable for ages six and up.

A collection of games are also available for a range of age groups, including Memory, with 72 cards showing images of key characters, plus a

MAY 2010

01869 363800

giant picture card game offering four different games to play. Also in the lineup is the Toy Story Lost and Found game, where players have to find toys that are lost around Andy’s house and take them back to his room in order to win.

Arriving from June in Ravensburger’s Puzzleball range, will be a 40-piece 3D spaceship depicting Buzz Lightyear at the controls.

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JUMBO

01707 289289

Jumbo has produced a new range of puzzles to tie in with the third instalment in the franchise. These include a 25-piece Toy Story Height Chart, two 70-piece puzzles in a carry case, a 50-piece assortment and four puzzles in a box with free Toy Story

LEAPFROG

01702 200244

stickers. The puzzles all feature imagery from the new film.

In addition, Jumbo includes the film’s characters in the Disney Pixar Movie Lotto game where players race to be the first to find all the puzzle pieces and complete their card.

Leapfrog’s TAG and Leapster lines will be extended with Toy Story branded offerings.

Toy Story 3 Leapster 2 comes with a mini game download; Toy Story 3 TAG is launching in July/August and will include exclusive bonus Live the Adventure mini

LEGO

01753 495000

Lego is introducing new mini-figures and playsets to help fans recreate the movie in their own home.

Woody and Buzz to the Rescue (£14.99) sees the two characters on a high-speed mission to catch-up with Andy’s moving truck. The car has a pull-back motor action.

Construct-a-Buzz (£19.99) lets fans help the character prepare for battle with nemesis Zurg by closing his visor and arming his flick missile laser cannon.

The Star Command Spaceship (£29.99), meanwhile, comes with a secret moon buggy stowed on board. Lego’s range also includes additional sets and mini-figures.

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game book, Ozzie and Mack book and branded hardware; while Toy Story 3 TAG Junior will include the Live the Adventure mini game book, plus If I Were book and branded hardware.

A range of Toy Story 3 games and books will also be available.

TOMY

020 8722 7300

Arriving in mid-June will be the Toy Story 3 Aquadoodle (£29.99).

Previously known as Aquadraw, the Toy Story branded version features a Woody Aquadoodle pen and stamper, and a Buzz roller.

Kids doodle over the special mat with no permanent marks and no mess. As the water dries, the pictures disappear so the mat can be used again, while there are also hidden pictures to be discovered. Woody and Buzz – who has pop out wings, also double up as action figures.

The special Aquadoodle will be supported with a strong TV and

marketing campaign, while it will also feature in cinemas during the first couple of weeks of the theatrical release.

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VIVID IMAGINATIONS The 2010 Thinkway Toy Story range, distributed by Vivid, includes new collection characters, vehicles, robotics and novelties.

Buzz Lightyear (£49.99) is being billed by the firm as the ‘most sophisticated, intelligent movie replica ever produced’. The toy has pop out wings and sensors which tell him when he is flying, landing or standing – plus over 65 sayings. Sheriff Woody (£39.99), meanwhile, includes 50 phrases and knows if you’re talking loudly or softly; Mr Potato Head (£49.99) comes alive when he hears sound and responds with voice, lifelike movements and facial expressions; while Lots O Huggin’ Bear (£39.99) has an interactive mode, which sees the toy laugh and talk when its feet are tickled.

The range is being supported with a 400 TVR campaign and PR throughout the year.

Klip Kitz is a new arts and crafts brand aimed at boys launching in June. Toy Story-based products will include Buzz Lightyear and Woody model kits (both £9.99) and a Buzz and Spaceship

HTI HTI is rolling out Toy Story wheeled products, protection gear and outdoor furniture.

The wheeled toys include a Buzz Star Rider Trike, which has a space age sound unit on the handlebars that plays Buzz voice phrases, while there is also a Buzz 16-inch BMX-style bike – featuring mag wheels and calliper brakes – plus a matching helmet.

In addition, the Toy Story 3 Wheel Bubble Scooter includes a compact motorised bubble machine to the rear of the footplate and a folding scooter

MAY 2010

01483 449944

kit (£19.99). Again, 400 TVRs will back the range.

Also available from Vivid is a line of Toy Story plush (£5.99/£9.99), while Crayola’s offerings include the Color Wonder (£4.49/£5.99) and Mini Colouring Pages (£3.99). These will be complemented in May with a Giant Colouring Pages (£5.99), followed by a Toy Story 3 Neon Color Explosion (£5.99) from July.

01253 775684 with light-up wheels and a lenticular footplate with two Toy Story images.

Ten and 12-inch bikes; a standard three-wheel scooter; a trike; tri-skates; skateboard; helmet and protection gear, completes the wheeled range, while a patio set and chair are also available.

“With designs featuring popular characters, innovative play features and fun sounds, HTI’s exciting range brings the magic of Toy Story to life for a new generation of fans,” said Andrew Coplestone, HTI’s licensing director.

FLAIR

Flair’s Toy Story 3 Danglers are sevencm 3D figures which can stick to anything. They line up alongside the ten-cm Buzz and Woody Wall Walkers and three assorted 12cm Stick On figures. Buzz, Woody and Alien are also available as Wind-Up Walkers.

RE:CREATION The Phlat Ball range is being extended with the addition of the Toy Story Phlat Ball Junior. The smaller size allows for quick flings and onehanded catches, while the variable time delay provides a surprise transformation.

Spring/summer will also see the introduction of two new Toy Story flying toys, based on Buzz Lightyear – the Buzz Air Twist, which has a specially weighted and shaped cockpit, plus the Buzz Skyboard, which has a built-in slingshot.

In addition, playground craze Zeebeez is available with Toy Story designs (Woody, Buzz and Alien), while there are four Toy Story games in the firm’s Disney Games on the Go range – Disney Winks, Dominoes, Escape from Sunnyside and Secret Powers UV card game.

020 8643 0320

Flair has a range of toys inspired by Slinky Dog, including the original pull along, plus Slinky Dog Junior, a wind-up version and a plush. The firm also boasts a selection of Toy Story creative play items such as Feltastic, Disney Dough, Magnetic Playsets and a Story Maker.

0118 973 6222

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SPIN MASTER

08708 508408

This summer will see the launch of Toy Story 3D Glo Doodle (£19.99). It comes with three double-sided 3D tracing cards and a pair of 3D glasses to bring Woody, Buzz and the other characters to life.

Meanwhile, Moon Sand had another solid year in 2009, becoming one of the top three brands across all arts and crafts. The arrival of the Toy Story 3 line

VTECH

01235 555545

will mean fans can mould their favourite characters using the sand, which never dries out and doesn’t stick or stain. Moon Sand will also boast new packaging, offering closeable, stackable storage, plus moulded sand trays in the larger playsets. Priced at £14.99, the Toy Story 3 kit will be available in Argos and Toys R Us.

Vtech has several Toy Story 3 products aimed at the pre-school sector, ranging from cameras to laptops.

First up is the Buzz Lightyear Digital Camera (3+), which includes a 2x digital zoom, 2.0 mega pixel resolution and 256MB of storage. The camera stores up to 500 pictures and also features a built-in photo editor and photo editing CD software.

Moving on, and the Buzz Lightyear Star Command Laptop is aimed at four to seven year olds. Children can press Buzz’s helmet and watch as the spaceship transforms into a laptop.

Features include a Qwerty keyboard and

WORLDS APART

0800 389 8591

The firm is investing in a substantial TV sponsorship slot on Nick Jr Bedtime to give its existing Toy Story items a boost.

New to the range is the plush Alien Go Glow Pal, which ‘keeps guard’

23

during the night with its light-up eyes.

Meanwhile, the Toy Story Go Glow Story Projector is a three-in-one rechargeable night light, torch and projector designed to encourage a bedtime routine for both parent and child. In addition to the night light and torch features, there are two movie discs which project 12 character images onto the ceiling.

Worlds Apart also has a collection of Toy Story MDF furniture, including a desk and stool, toy box and Storytime Bed, which has storage drawers and a bedside shelf that transforms into a seat. The Toy Story Buzz Rocket Tent and the new inflatable Toy Story Feature Chair are also available.

a four-directional cursor mouse, plus the voice of Buzz.

The Buzz Lightyear Learn and Go (4-7) is a handheld toy that enables kids to interact with the character while learning letters, words, spelling and early computing skills. It features an animated LCD screen, Qwerty keypad and fourdirectional cursor. A special Buzz button also activates characters and phrases, again, with the voice of Buzz.

Finally, three to six year olds can use the Buzz Lightyear Talk and Teach Phone which includes nought to nine number buttons and three voice changing effects.

IMC

01904 720908

Spearheading IMC’s range is the Buzz Intergalactic Story Teller. Leading children through eight stories, they will

be able to interact with a moving, talking Buzz to help him complete his missions. The launch will be supported with a national TV campaign which will run through the cinematic and DVD release periods.

IMC also has the Toy Story 3 Drive-through Game; it comes with a Buzz Lightyear figure and spaceship to drive at different difficulty settings, complete with sound effects and lights.

Also in the range are the Buzz Walkie Talkies, a Toy Story 3 air hockey game and a collection of musical keyring figures.

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The evergreen favourite of Top Trumps includes all the toys from Andy’s bedroom, plus a few more.

The gang from Woody’s Round-up are all there including Bullseye, Jessie and Woody himself, while the mutant toys from Sid’s bedroom are also featured such as spider-like Babyface.

The pack also lets fans pit Buzz Lightyear against Emperor Zurg.

In addition, Top Trumps 3D enables children to hold the cards up to a webcam and answer the on-screen questions to get a sneak peek of the Toy Story 3 trailer.

HIVE ENTERTAINMENT

01706 242070 As well as a number of accessories for Nintendo’s DS Lite, DS-I and DS XL handhelds, Hive also has a line of Tomy Gacha Toy Story swinging figures.

Each figure has moving limbs which swing when the character is dangled from a phone, bag or belt.

The characters available include Woody, Jessie, Buzz, Bullseye and Alien.

COPYWRITE DESIGNS Having enjoyed success with its range of Toy Story art and craft products in autumn/winter 2009, Copywrite Designs is launching its full line of school stationery and art and craft products to tie-in with the release of Toy Story 3 this June.

The collection includes art packs, activity packs and filled pencil cases including a variety of paints, colouring pencils and felt tips.

Meanwhile, the school stationery range will include pencil cases, notebooks, pen sets, ring binders and a backpack set. All items will feature the latest imagery from the film and will be available across a number of retailers including Tesco, Toys R Us, Asda, Argos and Sainsbury’s.

The firm is introducing Toy Story to the Hama Beads line-up this year. The product has already been well received, triumphing in the Hobby Toys category at the Best New Toys awards

HORNBY

at this year’s London Toy Fair. The set comes with 4,000 beads and two large square pegboards, patterns to make the Toy Story characters, ironing paper and full instructions.

01843 233500

01908 618811

Scalextric is launching a Toy Story Micro Scalextric 1:64 scale set (£49.99). The cars are based on the film’s main stars, with Buzz and Woody both racing along perched on top of the r/c vehicle from the first movie.

Fans of the movie will be able to race around a specially designed track, featuring imagery of other characters from the franchise such as Hamm the talking Piggy Bank, Sid the Dinosaur and Slink the Dog.

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SAMBRO Sambro has a wide range of products to tie-in with the new film.

First up is a range of carded stationery, plus travel easels, painting and stamping activity sets, Toy Story 3

PAPER PROJECTS

0161 707 5555 branded activity centres including painting and colouring games, plus a range of pocket money items. Sambro also has clocks, mugs and photo frames available.

WIND DESIGNS

0844 257 1180

The new Toy Story Helix Flyer (£12.99) features a flying Buzz which can reach heights of 35-feet. It requires no batteries and is powered by a special hand launcher and is ready to fly straight from the pack.

The firm has also introduced a keyring kite (£3.49), a Mini Buzz Lightyear shaped kite (with blue ribbon) and Woody sheriff’s badge shaped kite (with yellow ribbon). These are supplied in a 72-piece counter display box and retail at £1.25.

Buzz also features in the Wall Walkers box display alongside other Disney favourites. Wall Walkers are available in display packs of 24 (six of each character) and are priced at £2.49.

01279 710730

Paper Projects has a line of pocket money friendly Toy Story 3 sticker packs.

Holographically foiled sticker packs are available in small and large sizes; the 3D lenticular range of two-view stickers has a bonus 3D sticker; My Room Packs include a door plaque which can be personalised with alphabet stickers, a window sticker and a door hanger die-cut from the packaging; while the Toy Story 3 Party Packs contain six small sheets of stickers.

LITTLE TIKES The classic pink Piggy Bank which inspired the character Hamm in Disney’s Toy Story, is being relaunched by the firm.

MAY 2010

01908 268480 Hamm, the talking plastic pig with a cork in its belly, returns for the third film, with Little Tikes rolling out its plastic version to tie-in.

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Toy Story 3: 3 x 49 piece puzzles Toy Story 3: XXL 100 piece puzzle Toy Story 3: Giant Floor puzzle

Toy Story 3: 4 in a Box puzzles Toy Story: Lost and Found Game Toy Story 3: Space Ship 40 piece puzzleball速

Toy Story: memory速

Toy Story 3: Giant Card Game

Toy Story: 96 piece puzzleball速

01869 363800

sales@ravensburger.com 16610 TN Toy Story full page.indd 1

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MEDIA FOCUS CARTOONITO

Fine Toon Increased distribution and cleverly targeted marketing, as well as a solid line-up of programming, has seen Cartoonito quietly become one of the stars of the Turner Broadcasting line-up. Ronnie Dungan spoke to TMi’s VP Simon Cox to find out more…

SINCE ITS launch on to Virgin’s digital TV channel earlier in the year, Turner’s Cartoonito channel has (in terms of TVR numbers) become the fastest growing for kids aged four to nine, according to BARB data.

The channel originally launched on Sky but the inclusion on Virgin’s content package has added another 3.7 million viewers as well as online, on demand and via mobiles.

According to Turner, that also makes it the most widely distributed pay TV pre-school channel in the UK which, combined with the highest audience growth of all UK kids’ channels (extending its kids viewership by 91 per cent and growing its mums audience by an impressive 77 per cent according to BARB), means it is quickly becoming the jewel in the crown of Turner’s children’s TV line-up.

It has already extended its airtime by an hour each day, closing at 8pm instead of 7pm. And following its increased audience, airtime sales are also up 35 per cent in the first quarter of the year. Turner also recently hired the BBC’s former preschool head, Michael Carrington, as chief content officer for kids, to help improve output.

Simon Cox, vice president of Turner Media Innovations, says:

“One goes with the other. More homes means more ratings, better sales and that enables us to bring in better content too.”

“It fits in well with the rest of our portfolio,” adds Cox. “And we always hope that children will move on from Cartoonito to

“Cartoonito has a lot of mums watching and they obviously make a lot of purchasing decisions for children of that age,” explains Cox. As with the rest of the Turner portfolio, integrated campaigns play a big part in the sales process, but a younger, less mobile, audience means

I think it’s about how to understand the customer beyond just the numbers and metrics to really grasp how they view content. TV is a bigger part of the pre-school picture, but the interactive experience at that age is shared more with mums.

Cartoon Network and then on to Boomerang.”

Where Cartoonito differs slightly from the older channels is its ability to attract mums and dads too.

MAY 2010

that TV is more important to the pre-school viewing experience than it is in the older age groups where online and mobile have a greater role.

“I think it’s about how to understand the customer beyond just the numbers and the metrics to really grasp how they view content. TV is a bigger part of the pre-school picture, but the interactive experience at that age is shared more with mums.”

The Aquafresh sponsorship deal that has been running for the last three years is a good example of this targeted approach, offering a dental hygiene message as the channel signs off, approved by mums and aimed at children. A high profile marketing campaign for the channel featuring Myleene Klass has been running since October 2009, again targeting that crucial mums audience.

“It’s always good to have as wide a portfolio of channels as possible, so they’re all equally important, but Cartoonito has been a real success story for us this year,” says Cox.

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k o.u c . o br m a w.s w w

www .new wor ldt oys .co .uk

For further details or to arrange an appointment please get in touch: E: nikki@sambro.co.uk T: +44 (0)161 707 5555 Sambro International Ltd, Unit L1-3 Lyntown Trading Estate, Lynwell Road Eccles, Manchester, England, M30 9QG

www.sambro.co.uk

www.newworldtoys.co.uk

©2010 Gullane (Thomas) Limited. TM & © The Larry Schwarz Company. TM & © DC Comics (s10). ©2010 PPI-Martomagic. ©Disney ©Disney Based on the “Winnie The Pooh” works by A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard. ©BVS Entertainment, Inc. and BVS International N.V. TM & © 2010 Marvel ©Disney/Pixar. ©2010 S4C International Limited and Prism Art & Design Limited, a HIT Entertainment PLC Company. All rights reserved. TM & © Turner Entertainment Co (s10) TM & © Hanna-Barbera (s10) ©Chap/DJ 10 © 2010 Viacom International Inc. All rights reserved. Created by Stephen Hillenburg

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SUPPLIER FOCUS SCHLEICH

www.toynews-online.biz

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Schleich alike Celebrating its 75th year in the business, Schleich’s international approach to marketing and its well-established range of products enable it to create a globally-recognised retail presence. Ronnie Dungan found out more about its plans this year…

IT IS the simplicity of German firm Schleich’s product offering that enables it to successfully take a more global approach to its marketing. And, celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, it has probably played a large part in its longevity too.

There’s not a great deal that needs to be translated or localised with its line-up of plastic figures, animals, castles and vehicles. Children can immediately see what they are for and what they do.

Which is also why it can boast one of the more comprehensive and eyecatching retail display solutions on the market, offering instantly recognisable and uniform branding for its line-up and, in many cases, brightening up the retail experience within shops.

This year, that 75th anniversary provides the perfect opportunity for the firm to reinforce its ‘play anywhere’ brand value.

Alexander Schönfeld, head of Global Brands and Marketing, tells ToyNews: “Since Schleich began manufacturing toys, the company’s core values have never wavered. Our toys are truly global and require no instructions or set up. What’s more, children across the world instinctively know how to play with them anywhere they like; meaning that with Schleich, anywhere really is a playground.

“We believe that the global consumer is once again embracing these qualities and recognises the true play value of the world of Schleich.

This is a major reason why communicating the history and longevity of the brand to them in one co-ordinated worldwide message is important to us.

“Our products are the same the world over and have the same global appeal whatever the market, so our message to each territory remains constant. For this reason, marketing is co-ordinated internationally from Germany and we have one communications agency to deliver that message to the consumer.”

That 75th anniversary message is to be delivered through the media but most of all through Schleich’s retail partners, who will be working closely with the firm throughout the year.

programme to mark the 75th anniversary and celebrate the company’s history. We hope that our retail partners will really embrace the occasion.”

Our products are the same the world over and have the same global appeal whatever the market, so our message remains constant. We have one agency to deliver that message to the consumer.

Alexander Schönfeld, Global Brands and Marketing Gary Wilmot, head of UK sales, explains: “Over recent years the Schleich POS and retail partnership programme has really taken off. Our shelving and display systems are second to none and are instantly recognisable in stores throughout the UK and overseas. This year the display and POS possibilities are to be ramped up further with a special worldwide signature shop decoration

The new 75th anniversary kits are designed to enhance the buying experience for the consumer. Central to the theme will be the zebra and the zebra design, which will appear on selected materials alongside a 75th jubilee symbol and will become the anniversary icon. With the zebra comes the Schleich Plane – also in zebra livery – which launches as the anniversary unfolds.

The firm’s aim is to have September 2010 proclaimed as the month Schleich is in toy shops across the globe. The marketing materials will be available as single items or in tiered packs for in-store and POS decoration. There will be ceiling hangers, posters and flyers, plus a ceiling hanger with zebra print Schleich plane, to be flown above the products in participating stores. All are designed to complement the display shelving and POS systems already in-store.

As an added incentive, Schleich’s new POS, together with its existing standard sales aids, can be used to decorate display windows, providing the opportunity to participate in an international shop window contest.

The anniversary year will see a worldwide drive to communicate its message to the consumer, with the ultimate aim to increase awareness and drive footfall into stores globally.

This commitment to in-store display means the 75-year-old is looking pretty good for its age.

MAY 2010

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THE GLOBAL FORCE $1.5 BILLION global retail sales.

Over 100 Ben 10 episodes on Cartoon Network & terrestrial TV. TOP TOY property for 2009*

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Win the chance to have a Hunumgousaur costume character meet and greet customers in your store!

Go full force with BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE’s most powerful alien

The mighty Humungousaur is a firm favourite with fans of the No.1 show on Cartoon Network BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE. Kids will be making a beeline towards this massive alien on your shop floor if you can answer the following question:

WHICH OF BEN’S ALIENS CAN GROW TO 60 FEET TALL?

The costume will be managed by specialist costume character company Rainbow Productions and will be handing out Ben 10 Alien Force stickers and tattoos to kids.

Artwork can also be provided for posters and instore promotions – so enter now for your chance to win!

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The winning retailer will get to choose which lucky UK store will benefit from the increased footfall and consumer frenzy created by the entertaining appearance of a giant Humungousaur costume character handing out freebies for one day in-store between July & December.

WIN

Send your answer, name, company name and address to: toynewscompetition@intentmedia.co.uk by Friday May 28th

HERO108

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GENERATOR REX

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SECTOR GUIDE PRE-SCHOOL

Minor miracles Pre-school is one of the most competitive sectors in the toy market. The last year has seen a number of new licensed properties hitting the market and along with the more traditional offering, there is a wide range of products for retailers to choose from. ToyNews finds out what’s in store for the coming months…

MATTEL

2010 SEES a number of new innovations in the Fisher-Price core range as well as an array of licensed items, each supported with marketing campaigns combining print, TV, sponsorship, online and PR. In autumn a new construction system, Trio, joins the pre-school range. Trio features a range of play packs including connectable bricks, sticks, panels, figures and vehicles, designed specifically for small hands.

The basic play packs come with easily attachable parts that click and hold together, from a plane or house to a range of bugs.

The Trio Building Set with Storage features 100 pieces including parts such as wheels, chassis and figures for endless creations, as well as a durable tub for convenient storage. As preschoolers develop, the Basic Trio

MAY 2010

01628 500000

collection can be used with the City collection, which includes even more parts for creative, open-ended play.

Following the spring launch of Fisher-Price’s range of Thomas and Friends Take n Play die-cast vehicles and play-sets, the second half sees the launch of the Fisher-Price Thomas and Friends Trackmaster collection. The Trackmaster Engines feature a range of characters and collections at varying price points, from the free-wheeling Construction Vehicle Assortment, for push-along play, to the motorised Big Friends Assortment, which move along on their own.

An extensive range of Trackmaster play-sets will showcase key scenes from Thomas’ world. The lead play-set in the collection is the Zip n Zoom Logging Adventure. The set allows kids to recreate Thomas’ adventures from

the Misty Island Rescue DVD, which launches in October 2010. With an impressive footprint, the set is the ideal environment for kids to use with the Trackmaster engines.

Autumn will also see new additions to the Take n Play range of die-cast vehicles and two new play-sets, including the Knapford Station Play-set and the Misty Island two-in-one Adventure Play-set.

New introductions will be made to Fisher-Price’s infant range. The Roll n Racers range brings vehicle play to life for toddlers, featuring a collection of play-sets and an assortment of racing cars that come with rattle sounds and a roller ball for bat-at play.

A key item in the line, Roll n Racers Spinning Speedway features a ramp that cars roll down into the light-up spinning disk, while activating sounds,

music and flashing lights. The cars race around the speedway until the spinning action spills each vehicle onto the exit ramp to go again.

The Sit to Stand Activity Arch Lion joins the Go Baby Go collection this autumn and is ideal for growing tots.

There is a range of activities on the lion’s legs and sitting babies can play with a bat-at ball, sliding ladybird, flipping bug and spinning flower. As the child becomes more mobile, there are more activities on the lion’s back along with lights and sound effects.

The world of the Little People continues to expand this year with the new Wheelies range for autumn. The key play-set in the collection, the Stand n Play Rampway stands two-feet tall with places for tots to play on both sides and twists and turns and tunnels from top to bottom. Wheelies join the

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SECTOR GUIDE PRE-SCHOOL

www.toynews-online.biz

classic items including the Racin’ Ramps Garage, Busy Day Home and Animal Sounds Farm.

The Imaginext series of play-sets and figures provides boys with roleplay in a range of themes, from city to seas and space. The second half sees Imaginext take to the skies with Sky Racers. The range includes an Aircraft Carrier, Large Plane and an assortment of small Sky Racer Planes with figures.

Big Foot also joins the range in the second half. Featuring R/C technology, the remote control allows boys to walk Big Foot backwards and forwards and control his tummy, mouth and hand to make him laugh, chew, burp and even throw a ball.

Autumn sees Fisher-Price launch a collection based on CBeebies show Guess With Jess. The series follows Postman Pat’s side-kick Jess and his

animal friends as they search for answers to science and nature-led questions. Key item in the collection, Yippety Yeah Jess, dances and sings his signature ‘yipperty yay hooray’ song.

The more his head is petted, the more the cat will speak and move.

The Winnie the Pooh range sees the launch of Tigger Chase for autumn. The interactive toy features three modes of play allowing pre-schoolers to chase after him as they try to loop rings over his tail. Infant play-sets also continue to be a focus for autumn with the Wonder Woods Garden and the Spin n Ride Ferris Wheel. Feature plush Magic Rattle Pooh is also refreshed for 2010, showcasing classic Winnie the Pooh styling and will receive marketing support throughout the year.

2009’s Mickey Hot Dog Dancer is in the spotlight again this year. Mickey

tells jokes, says phrases and encourages kids to dance to the Hot Dog song from the show. Hot Dog Mickey is joined by new additions to the collection in autumn. Two new camping themed play-sets also support the summer tentpole.

Playhouse Disney’s Handy Manny is still performing well and the 2009 hero product in Fisher-Price’s range, Lets Get to Work Manny, remains a focus this year and is joined by Manny’s On The Go Workbench in autumn. The new play-set includes everything kids need to build their own motorcycle and Manny offers words of encouragement as they build.

3rd and Bird continues to be a focus in autumn with new items helping to bring to life the stories of Muffin, Samuel, Rudy and friends. The Communitree Play-set comes with Mr

35

and Mrs Lovebird’s home, Rudy’s trailer, Quinn’s Windmill and Missy’s Pear. Pre-schoolers can send Muffin down the track and around the tree for their own 3rd and Bird adventures.

New to the Waybuloo range in the second half is the World of Nara Playset. Packed with imaginative play, the set features the Pipling’s homes and comes with four different peeka spots and three levitation areas. Basic and feature plush will also remain in the spotlight throughout the year.

It’s a big year for Dora the Explorer as the property celebrates its tenth anniversary. New items for autumn include the We Really Did It Dora doll, which features four modes of play, the signature tune and the doll will teach kids the Dora dance.

There will be marketing support across all licences throughout the year.

MAY 2010

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SECTOR GUIDE PRE-SCHOOL

BANDAI 08456 028782

September will see Bandai launch its range of Tinga Tinga Tales toys. Aimed at three to six-year-olds, Tinga Tinga Tales is inspired by African folktales. The range includes Colour Transformation Bath Squirties, 15cm Beanies, Four in One Collectable Figure Set, 30cm Musical Plush, Monkey Feature Plush and Watering Hole Play-set.

The Noddy range consists of an R/C Car with Noddy figure, which drives forwards, backwards and round corners.

A range of 30cm My Friend Plush Characters includes Noddy, Tessie, Bumpy Dog and Mr Plod. Finally, there’s a Motor Mix Vehicle Assortment with Noddy’s Car, Monster Truck, Helicopter and Plane, each with a Noddy figure.

The line-up will be supported with a range of on channel marketing, on-air promotions and competitions.

TOMY 020 8722 7300

HASBRO

Play-Doh Fun Factory celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2010 and Hasbro is launching a commemorative Fun Factory Set in spring. The set has a longer handle for extruding and a new dial full of shapes. In autumn, the firm will introduce the Mega Fun Factory, featuring interchangeable stamping wheels and motorised conveyor belt.

New to the In The Night Garden range is PJ Igglepiggles and Igglepiggle and Upsy Daisy Tea Party Set. The Playskool Explore N Grow range sees new products including Musical Gear Centre and Push N Stack Gears.

Hasbro will re-launch some old favourites this year with the Weebles Treehouse and Gloworld, which includes Lullaby Gloworm, Gloworld

RE:CREATION 0118 973 6222

020 8569 234

Music and Lights Play Mat and a 2-in-1 Firefly Mobile.

In the Toy Story 3 range, Hasbro is launching a range of Mr Potato Head products including classic Mr and Mrs Potato Head, along with Mr Potato Head dressed as Woody and Buzz.

Finally, there are new offerings from the Tonka Chuck and Pals range. The Tonka Chuck World Deluxe Stunt Assortment is a playground where a motorised Chuck performs stunts in the construction themed play-set.

Tumbling Interactive Chuck will also join the range, featuring sensors that are activated when kids pick Chuck up, push him around or put boulders in his bed. Chuck responds with phrases corresponding with each action.

JUMBO 01707 289289

LEGO 0753 495000

Lego Duplo has expanded its line-up with a new learning set – Play with Numbers. The set includes bright colourful bricks along with a building booklet.

Lego Ville continues to be a primary growth driver for the range. This year’s Construction theme has a greater focus on vehicles and new introductions. Both the new Front Loader and Dump Truck feature a construction figure and accessories.

All the new sets are compatible with existing ranges.

Also new are more realistic farm animals and Duplo figures including Grandma, Grandpa and little girl. The 2010 Farm assortment has more lower price points. Big Farm brings new dimensions, including a farmer family, animals and a barn. The set also includes a tractor, milk container and six of the new animals.

SCHLEICH 01279 870000

The Play to Learn range has expanded again. The Pic n Pop toy is suitable for children aged 18 months and over and comes with five coloured balls.

Toddlers press the buttons to launch a ball from the chute, then roll over the balls to pick them up again. Pic n Pop will be supported with TV campaigns throughout autumn.

Mr Colour Maker, available from June, is an electronic colour mixing toy. The toy comes with three primary colour pots, which kids can mix without mess. Hold a colour pot over Mr Colour Maker and it lights up. You can then add colours, mix with the brush and the toy tells you what colour has been created.

With three modes and 50 sayings, Mr Colour Maker is suitable for ages two to four. The toy will be supported with a TV advertising campaign.

MAY 2010

The Sprig range is growing with new play-sets including Sprig Hollow, Moto Patrol and Princess lines.

The Sprig Dolphin Explorer Boat play-set includes an Adventure Guide with removable hat and backpack, waterproof boat, small dingy boat and two dolphins.

New for Re:creation this year is the YBike, a new balance bike made for toddlers. The YBike helps a child develop balance and reduces the need for stabilisers for a first bike.

The bike is designed in bright colours and the front wheel is further forward, allowing for a bigger turning circle. Stability is tested through two back wheels and the large design helps clear obstacles and produces a safer ride on uneven surfaces. The bike is made of injection-moulded parts to eliminate weak points.

Launching in autumn/winter for kids 18 months and over, is the Jojo range.

Hide and Seek Jojo features voice customisation and sound effects. The Jojo Car features music, flashing headlights and wobbly wheels.

Jojo Stick To Me has sensors to help it move, avoiding obstacles. The range will be supported by TV advertising, marketing and PR. Jumbo also offers games and puzzles from two licences – Guess with Jess and Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom. Products include Activity Floor Puzzles, 35-piece Puzzles and Ben and Holly’s Lotto Game. Jumbo has also increased its licensed range with Fireman Sam and offers a range for Peppa Pig. Finally, Grow with Jumbo focuses on stages, not ages. Each puzzle includes certificate and stickers.

Pre-school children learn through play and with Schleich’s figurines, the roleplaying aspect allows them to build and create 3D fantasy worlds.

The Wild Life range remains one of the firm’s most popular lines for preschoolers. Children can learn about familiar UK wild animals such as hedgehogs, foxes, squirrels and deer with the Forest Life figures, but also the less well-known creatures like okapi, bison and bald eagles.

The introduction of many new baby animal figures makes complete family groups, which provide more educational value.

Finally, Schleich offers retailers POS programmes with backlit displays and eye-catching sales materials.

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SECTOR GUIDE PRE-SCHOOL

LEARNING CURVE 01271 336155

VIVID

01483 449944

MEGA BRANDS 01844 350033

Die-cast Chuggington characters are available in single and twin packs and kids can transport them in the 3D Wilson Carry Case.

The Trainee Roundhouse Play-set contains four engine bays, launcher, turntable and an engine. The Repair Shed Play-set includes scanner, tilter, chug wash and engine. The Training Yard Play-set features spiral track, accelerator, sounds and an engine.

The Thomas Wooden Railway System has new characters, vehicles, express coaches and carriages.

The new interactive Talking Thomas speaks and has other lights & sounds.

Toby’s Windmill Story Pack comes with Toby, barrel car and flour, bridge and track, windmill and barrel loader.

The 65th Anniversary Thomas and Bertie Story Pack launches in July alongside Thomas Carry Case Playmat and the Racing Down the Rails Set, a 29-piece set.

Vivid’s new pre-school licence, ZingZillas, is due to launch in July. The Sing Along Microphone is TVadvertised along with the Big Zing Guitar, which includes three songs from the show and ten sounds and phrases. The Banana Phone features 20 sounds and phrases and a phone charm.

The Zingzillas puzzle range includes four jigsaw and ten jigsaw varieties.

The Zak on Tour Game challenge kids to load Zak up with instruments before he pops up and drops them. Also available is a range of plush, the Soft Toys include all four band members, as does the Talking Zingzillas range.

Squeeze the plush’s tummies to hear character sounds and phrases. TVadvertised Play and Groove Zingzillas which feature songs from the show and dances are available too.

The Musical Backpack Assortment comes with adjustable straps and the Zingzillas theme tune. The Poseable Zingzillas figures feature a range of accessories. The TV-advertised lights and sound Big Zing Play-set is fully interactive. Place the figures on the stage to hear them perform the theme tune. Includes Zak poseable figure, the Coconut Clock and the Beach Byrds.

Fifi and the Flowertots continues with TV-advertised feature plush, Tumble Tot Fifi this autumn/winter.

MECCANO 01844 278888

SPIN MASTER 08708 508408

FLAIR 0208 643 0320

WORLDS APART 0800 389 8591

Moon Sand is aimed at four to seven year-olds. The substance is easy to shape and mould and never dries out.

There will also be new packaging which offers closeable, stackable storage and moulded sand trays in the larger play-sets.

The Sea Princess – Princess Friends includes a Mermaid figure, four moulds and two colours of Moon Sand. The larger Princess Chariot includes moulds to make dolphins, sea hoses and fish and comes with a chariot and cart.

The Moon Sand Construction range features three play-sets – Road Crew, Demolition and Sky Crane. Each set contains several colours of sand, a tray or playmat, figure, vehicle and a range of accessories.

All vehicles have real working features including jack hammer, back hoe, excavator and wrecking ball.

Remarkables Colour and Draw Activity Mats are offered in Thomas & Friends, 3rd and Bird and unlicensed versions.

Also available in the Remarkables range are Disney Princess and Toy Story washable colouring books and a Toy Story 3 Book and Mat pack.

Disney Dough launches with Disney Princess and Toy Story Dough Topper Assortments, Cutter Sets and Extruder Sets. More lines will launch in autumn. Cars and Handy Manny items are also planned. Dough sets in Postman Pat, Chuggington and Thomas and Friends are available.

Doodleez allows the mess-free creation of tactile art and the Thomas and Friends and 3rd and Bird Play Boards come with themed stencils.

Plasticine offers pre-school products including Eight Colour Packs and Wacky Wheels.

Also available are Magnetic Playsets, Fold and Go Easels and Mini and Mega Doodle Fun.

Marking the beginning of the firm’s new active range for kids, the Waybuloo Interactive Mat is an electronic floor mat. Featuring four interactive activities, each game button is symbolised by one of the characters and each introduces their own game.

Also new is the Waybuloo Pop-Up Ball Pit. This provides a safe and secure play area for babies and when used with play balls, kids can improve hand-eye coordination. Finally, new to the range is the Waybuloo Feature Chair, which features motion sensors in Yojojo’s drums that detect drumming action.

The Interactive Mat will be supported with TV advertising this autumn/winter and all three products will be accompanied by PR and marketing support.

The Kids Play range from Meccano brings together vibrant colours, inventive designs and robust construction pieces suitable for children from two years of age.

The Train Tool Box is a new addition and comes with over 40 flexible parts, big bolts and nuts, stickers and sets of eyes to customise the models. Three variations can be created using a screwdriver, which is built into the model while the box transforms into a train carriage.

The Kids Play range also features a menagerie of animals from a bee, frog and bird in the Mini Assortment Set, a caterpillar and ladybird as well as the dog and snail sets which each create three model variations.

The Kids Play Tractor Set contains vibrantly coloured parts and pieces to build two model variations including a cartoon style figure and a trike.

All of the sets include a full colour step-by-step instruction leaflet to help aid construction.

MAY 2010

Spin Fifi by her arms to hear her shriek. Play catch to hear her giggle and shriek again.

Roary the Racing Car is also continuing with the TV-advertised Loada Race Day Truck this autumn/winter. The push-along truck opens up into a diagnostic centre play-set. The truck features 12 sounds and phrases. The Friction Car line welcomes new character Conrod for autumn/winter, based on Australian champion Craig Lowndes.

Vivid is launching two new Timmy Time TV-advertised lines in July. The Timmy Play Train features train and character sounds and the Sing and Dance Timmy sings and dances to two Timmy Time music tracks, in his cap, trainers and medallion. The Magic Sound Scribbler launches in July.

Characters come to life as Scribbler recognises each one drawn.

Vivid’s Disney plush continues with Winnie the Pooh plush, and Flopsies still selling well. The range of styles, sizes and price points and the line plan are being expanded to include Mickey Mouse Club House and Toy Story.

2010 marks the 25th anniversary of Mega Bloks and the firm has secured the Thomas and Friends licence. In July, Mega launches Thomas and Friends construction play-sets. The range will include new themes and destinations, and also celebrate the anniversary with a sense of nostalgia.

Mega will provide Thomas building toys for children aged one and over.

The 2010 Thomas and Friends Threein-one Buildable Assortments include Thomas Load n Go, James on the Move and more Thomas themes.

The Buildable Character Assortments will feature all the favourites and the play-set builds will include new destinations – A Busy Day at the Quarry, Thomas at the Sodor Fair and Cranky the Crane. Each set connects to build a Thomas world.

The two-in-one Buildable Thomas, can be Thomas or a train station.

Compatible with all other play-sets.

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Step Start Walk ‘N’ Ride

Weebles Musical Treehouse

Chase Me Critter

Musical Gear Center

Press ‘N’ Pop Shapes

00 80022427276 Hasbro Customer Service Number. © Hasbro 2010. All rights reserved.

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GOLDEN BEAR 01952 671338

New for 2010 is the Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom range from Golden Bear including Little Castle Magical Play-set.

Fluttering Wings Holly features phrases and fluttering wings. The range also comprises talking plush, Gaston’s Cave, mini soft toys and pullbacks.

This year also sees new arts and crafts ranges including Waybuloo. The range offers dough sets, art sets, sticker sets and magnetic picture build.

Peppa Pig also offers arts and crafts with Sketchy Fun, Magnetic Sticker Machine, felt sets and Colour-in Peppa.

New items in the Peppa wooden range include a Learning Frame, Castle Blocks, Peppa and George Characters and George’s Space Rocket.

New members join My 1st Talking team – Marty Mixer and Tommy Truck.

The new Timmy Time wooden range includes a Learning Frame, Dominoes and the Timmy Time Teaching Clock.

HTI New for autumn/winter, HTI presents Winnie the Pooh role-play toys and sets.

Working closely with Disney Consumer Products, the toys have been designed with close attention to brands and character relevance. The firm has created a Kitchen Play-set with an opening oven door, play sink and 14 other accessories.

A Tea Set comprises everything necessary for a tea party picnic in Hundred Acre Wood, with the added benefit that all accessories can be packed away in to the uniquely moulded hunny pot. The new range also includes a Musical Vacuum Cleaner with tooled 3D Pooh sculpture that features the theme tune, fun sound effects and flashing lights.

HTI offers a range of Peppa Pig roleplay sets, outdoor toys and dolls prams and pushchairs. The Peppa Pig Kitchen Play-set with sounds, Peppa Pig Supermarket Play-set, Princess Peppa Musical Light-up Dressing Table, Nurse Peppa’s Medical Set and Tea Party Picnic Set are all part of the range and many feature sounds, the theme tune and still graphics from the series.

01253 778888 HTI is also launching a range of Chuggington wheeled toys.

The ten-inch bike is supplied with a zip-up saddle bag, while the Three Wheel Scooter features a horn. New for autumn/winter 2010, the firm will unveil a range of Handy Manny pre-school wheeled toys including a ten-inch bike with opening tool box at the rear.

HTI also offers Baby Annabell and Baby Born wheeled toy ranges. With many items incorporating a baby carrier seat, preschoolers can transport their dolls wherever they go.

The range includes bikes, trikes, scooters, skates, protection and a battery-operated motorbike. The toys also feature a lamb bag, based on the doll’s own toy.

HTI’s Roary the Racing Car wheeled toys and inflatables include a battery operated Roary Racing Car single seater ride-on.

Meanwhile, the firm also continues to enjoy success with its range of Fifi and The Flowertots wheeled toys, summer inflatables, musical toys, outdoor furniture and dolls prams and pushchairs. The range includes a Fifi Guitar, Big Band Set and Keyboard.

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GREAT GIZMOS 01293 543221

Great Gizmos has added to Zoob with a new Zoob Junior range for preschoolers. The modelling system features five coloured plastic pieces that snap and pop together in 20 ways. Modelled on the nucleotides that make up DNA, Zoob movement mirrors the natural mobility of people, animals and machines.

Zoob Junior is aimed at three to sixyear-olds and has larger pieces than traditional Zoob. The junior version is also slightly softer and easier to manipulate. Zoob is dishwasher proof.

Zoob Junior is available as a 15piece box set and a 30-piece set which comes in a storage bag making it ideal to take out. Also available is Junior Zoomer, which enables kids to create a simple car.

Great Gizmos has a line-up of other pre-school toys such as a traditional wooden range plus classic and contemporary ride-on vehicles.

LEAPFROG 01702 200244

ORCHARD TOYS 01953 859525

MARTIN YAFFE 01706 717800

UNIVERSITY GAMES 01359 243900

My Own Leaptop is a pretend computer, which allows kids to choose and download songs for their own custom playlist, explore six learning activity stations and personalise emails.

Parents can connect to the online Leapfrog Learning Path for customised learning insights and ideas to expand the learning.

The toy is appropriate for children aged two years and over, features a British voice and teaches children about animals, basic computer introduction, letters, phonics and pretend play.

Of the seven products launched by Orchard Toys this year, five are designed to appeal to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) age group.

Two games are designed around nursery rhymes: Row, Row, Row your Boat and The Wheels on The Bus. If You See a Crocodile helps kids aged three-plus to develop colour matching, speaking and listening. The game links with early learning goals in creative development.

Round and Round is designed for three to six-year-olds and has four red, green and yellow, chunky 3D buses with coloured passenger cards.

Nursery Rhyme Four in a Box comprises four progressive jigsaw puzzles with four, six, eight and twelve thick, easy to grip pieces. The puzzles help kids with matching skills.

Once Upon a Time Dominoes help develop observational skills as tots match the fairytale characters illustrated on the domino tiles.

Born to Play will roll out its new Bob the Builder range featuring interactive vehicles, play-sets, plush and building-based items.

Born to Play will launch plush lines, play-sets and a ride-on in the autumn under new master toy licence, Zigby.

Two new wheeled items join the Fisher-Price Grow With Me collection – The Grow With Me Trike and My First Bike. Helmet and pads are available.

New sports and plush join a range of skateboards, skates, bikes and trikes in the LazyTown line-up.

Timmy Time has joined the licensed portfolio and the range offers rubber balls, soft play balls and a hopper.

Waybuloo’s line-up includes furniture, play balls, wheeled and wooden toys.

Explorers Wanted is the new theme from Dora the Explorer and is incorporated into the wheeled and furniture ranges.

Me to You has also been incorporated into a furniture range.

The Five Little Monkeys Jumping on The Bed game features a springloaded bed that can flip monkeys off at any moment.

In the colourforms sets, are Fun Pockets for The Gruffalo and The Very Hungry Caterpillar, featuring vinyl images that can be placed and replaced on background scenes.

For both licences, there are Colorfelts sets using character images made of felt which are stuck onto felt boards with a scene from the story.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Magnetic Adventures set comes in a tin box with flexible magnetic printed pieces with background scenes.

The Gruffalo Rhyming Card Game is two card games in one box. From The World of Eric Carle are two games, the ABC game and the 123 games.

MAY 2010

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MV SPORTS 0121 748 8000

MV’s pre-school range features licences including Fireman Sam, Bob the Builder and Thomas & Friends. The firm has revived each range with new concepts.

The Thomas & Friends fully refreshed line-up of trikes, tri-scooters and bikes has been boosted by the Full Steam Ahead range, which generates engine sounds as it is ridden.

Bob the Builder has been refreshed to match the new CGI style guide. The hero product is the secret tri-scooter which comes equipped with authentic Bob the Builder collectable toys.

The Fireman Sam range is led by a working Fire Extinguisher tri-scooter and is enhanced with a broader range complete with light and sound sirens.

The In The Night Garden range continues and the 3rd and Bird line features a driven series consisting of a trike, tri-scooter and electronic ride-on among others.

VTECH

Storio is a children’s ebook reader with three modes. The system comes with a Toy Story 3 cartridge, with eight additional titles available. Storio also includes parent-friendly features.

The MobiGo Touch Learning System is a portable unit delivering gaming with age-appropriate learning with Shrek the Fourth Game, and six additional Learning Games available.

Kidizoom Videocam features LCD screen, 4xzoom, shutter button and function selector. along with video effects and face tracking technology.

Kiditalkie is VTech’s new walkie talkie product with a range of 1km. The

01235 555545

product features 70 messages, wishes and e-cards.

The Toy Story 3 range includes the Buzz Lightyear Digital Camera, a two megapixel camera with distortion effects. The Buzz Lightyear Star Command Laptop features Buzz Lightyear’s voice.

Also new is the Buzz Lightyear Talk and Teach Phone, featuring voice changing effects. The Buzz Lightyear Learn and Go is a handheld toy that enables kids to interact with Buzz.

The Disney Princess Digital Camera stores 500 photos with a 2x digital zoom and two megapixel camera.

PAUL LAMOND GAMES 0207 254 0100

DKL 01604 678780

JOHN CRANE 01604 774949

Paul Lamond has two pre-school ranges. The first is the Chimp and Zee range, which, having launched in 2009, now consists of nine games and six puzzles and has been licensed to the US, Australia, France and Scandinavia and there are three other deals in negotiation. New games for 2010 include Heads in the Sand, Jolly Holidays and Trolley Dash.

The second range is the licensed pre-school line-up, where major licences are The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Gruffalo. This year, Paul Lamond is launching a new 4:1 Gruffalo Puzzle as well as a Gruffalo Memory Game.

Wonderworld wooden toys enable kids to enter the realms of pretend play. The Wooden Kitchen range has a variety of appliances such as washing machine, cooker, fridge, microwave and sink that come with accessories.

For boys of three and over, Wonderworld offers wooden work benches and tools. The Wonder Work Bench is a freestanding bench with integral vice, tool holder and tools.

The vice and nuts include a safety mechanism to stop over tightening.

The Work Bench n Box is a compact bench with accessories, which can be turned into a toolbox.

Also suitable for pre-schoolers, the Viking Toys offer non-toxic plastic vehicles which are smooth to touch and without sharp edges. Viking toys will endure rough play indoors and out and are dishwasher safe.

The centrepiece of the Safari collection by Tolo is the Safari Car. Decorated with camouflage, it has room for a First Friends driver and a place on the back for injured animals.

Animals in the collection include a pink elephant, a lion, a hippo, a crocodile, a giraffe and a snake, all with classic Tolo clicking bodies and poseable limbs for added play value.

New animals for this year include a chimp, tiger and a leopard.

Completing the Safari collection is Safari Boy and Safari Girl. The boy is in a camouflage outfit complete with pith helmet, while the girl is dressed in a citrus coloured holiday outfit and modern camcorder.

MAY 2010

WOW TOYS 020 7471 0980

Wow will be extending its range of pre-school toys this year and soon to be launched are Bath Time Pals, which have had a full colour makeover and new packaging.

Suitable from 12 months and over, there are four different Bath Pals to collect – Sally Squirt, Sammy Scrambler, Super Sub Sophie and Freddie Flyer. Each has a wind-up motor and can be played in or out of the water. Once wound up these toys can travel up to five metres on the floor. They are also fully submersible and cannot be overwound.

The toys appeal to children from 12 months old, but research has shown they also appeal to older preschoolers. More toys are planned for launch this September.

MAPS TOYS 01438 776006

Now in its second year in the UK, Squashblox grows with a child from birth. The construction cushions turn from a soft playmat for new babies to a toddler-sized play fort in seconds.

The range was designed by a parent tired of sofa cushions being turned into play areas. The flap design on the cushions allows young builders to make sturdy structures complete with tunnels, windows and doors. The set folds down into a neat stack for easy storage.

Will Sharman, head of sales says: “It looks like 2010 will be another record year for Squashblox, but we’re confident our production this year will keep up with demand – we hated having to disappoint retailers and parents alike.”

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MOOKIE 01525 722722

GIBSONS GAMES 020 8661 8866

THE PUPPET COMPANY 01462 446040

MARBEL 01208 873123

The Scramble Bug is a unique ride-on suitable for children aged one to three-years-old. The ride-on enables a toddler to develop the necessary pushing and steering skills required to move up onto a tricycle. The Scramble Bug also moves in all directions and has hi-tech styling inspired by insect anatomy.

The ride-on is foldable in three simple actions and stores so can be taken anywhere. No assembly is required and the Scramble Bug has coated wheels for a quiet ride. The product is safe, reliable, durable and portable. The ride-on is available in blue, lilac, orange and yellow.

My World pre-school puzzles were designed with child psychologist Dr Amanda Gummer. All puzzles match early years goals and are made in the UK from 100 per cent recycled board.

New titles include Head and Tails Jobs, where kids mix and match eight puzzles of everyday jobs. Pieces are interchangeable and are available as two and three-piece versions.

My Town has six interchangeable pieces in this 30-piece puzzle to create different scenes with the town puzzle filled with shops and streets.

Above and Below, In the Country is a 30-piece jigsaw which takes a closer look at nature and creatures above and below the ground.

My Body explains about different parts of the body and features facts as the pieces of the 36 and 40-piece puzzles are put together.

Each puzzle includes hints and tips for parents, helping to get the most from the puzzle by suggesting activities and offering advice on ways to develop kids’ skills.

The Puppet Company designs and manufactures many products, including finger, hand and large body puppets. A range of its collections are suitable for the pre-school market. My First Puppet is a series of characters in velour fabrics, suitable from birth.

The collection of CarPets are suitable for a small child’s hand. Ideal for car journeys and travelling.

The Hide Away collection includes animals such as a bear that lives in a honey pot and a rabbit that lives in a lettuce. Rabbit in the Lettuce features seven pieces including a glove puppet, a plush lettuce and six mini beasts. The leaves are attached with Velcro and can be pulled down to reveal the mini beasts. The set is packaged in an acetate box.

The Marbel catalogue includes a range of products with an emphasis on educational values. From expanding children’s creativity to the development of social skills, Marbel carries over 300 pre-school items.

The K’s Kids selection is designed for babies and toddlers. The safest materials are used to create toys that are educational and fun. Originality of concepts is also an area the firm excels in, with a focus on product development with a team of child development experts and parents.

The Plan Toys pre-school range continues to expand and in 2010, Marbel will release 20 new products.

The range improves basic skills – dexterity, motor skills, spatial perception and hand-eye coordination. The toys use preservative free, sustainable rubber wood painted with non-toxic lacquers.

RAVENSBURGER 01869 363800

FIESTA CRAFTS 020 8804 0563

BIGJIGS 01303 250400

JOHN ADAMS & TOY BROKERS 01480 414361

Ravensburger is launching the Discover and Develop games and puzzles range. Using guidance from Early Years Teachers and drawing on its heritage in pre-school games and puzzles, the new range combines play with education. The eight puzzles and eight games target key stages.

The puzzle range marries favourite subjects with educational themes.

TItles include Nursery Rhymes, Look and Find Farm, Shaped Tractor and Trailer, Fairytale Castle and The Animals Come in Two by Two. Also available is a bright and colourful Alphabet Puzzle and a Jigsaw Clock, both of which come with activity sheets.

The games encourage children to develop new skills through play. The designs include Checkout Chase and Dodge a Dinosaur, Pack Your Bags, Tip the Ship and Fun on The Farm.

My Cool School helps pre-school children familiarise themselves with nursery and school routines. It also provides an opportunity for kids to improve social skills as they act out school situations with friends. The soft school playhouse with classroom, playground and dining room folds away into a satchel for storage.

The playground includes a slide, the classroom has interchangeable lesson cards with words in four languages, the alphabet, numbers and simple arithmetic, and characters can walk through doors. My Cool School comes with four soft toy pupils and a teacher to go in the rooms.

The Bunny Family Holiday pullalong car and caravan features a zipopen caravan with bed, kitchen and lounge. Holding the carrot on the cord, kids can take the toy anywhere, with toys stored inside the caravan.

MAY 2010

The Baby Bigjigs range features 50 fully tested ideas to keep kids entertained.

The Duck Block Cart is a pull-along toy painted in citrus shades, which houses a collection of building blocks of varying shapes and sizes, allowing for a range of different game play with one toy.

The Build Up Train is well balanced and has three interlinked carriages and a pull-along cord. The train also features removable passengers and parcels in the carriages.

Designed specifically for under threes, the Baby Bigjigs range includes old favourites and newcomers from shape sorters and puzzles to baby gyms and ride-on toys.

My First Crafts is a range of four new kits offering an introduction to crafts for children aged three years and over. The kits have been designed to encourage creativity, interaction and coordination, while helping develop fine motor skills.

Fishy Danglers are wall hangings with a nautical theme. Children decorate card characters with googly eyes, sequins, shapes and tissue paper and then use string to hang the designs.

The Looney Fruits kit allows kids to decorate and design eight cards. With wobbly arms, and features to stick on, kids can create a range of characters.

Funny Bean Bags includes four little beanbags, which can be turned into characters using felt shapes.

Animated Animals are created by attaching a head, tail and legs with poppers. Kids colour the animals in and add googly eyes.

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TREASURE TROVE 01285 762039

Scrunch-bucket, Didicar and Bilibo are design led, pre-school products that grow through word of mouth and remain popular for Treasure Trove.

The repackaging of the Italian manufactured Quercetti brand is now almost complete. Sales of newly packaged lines have outsold previous styles by as much as three to one.

Brio is introducing two new Freight sets for the second quarter of 2010, with the Rail and Road sets, which were shown in Nuremberg for the first time, shipping in the fourth quarter.

HABA 0161 304 9555

FARAWAY MAGIC 0845 459 3079

Faraway Magic is a new company to the marketplace, offering a range of fresh play ideas.

Sprudels are bath bombs that fizz, release a fragrance and colour the bath water. Inside the Sprudel is a Bath Bean. Once placed in water, the beans dissolve to release sponge characters in a range of themes.

Magic Socks are one-size-fits-all socks that begin their transformation in water. The socks are originally compressed into a tiny tight package, but once water is added, the socks expand to their full stretchy size.

Magic Towels are similar to the Magic Sock range. Inside the tightly packed parcel is a whole face flannel in bright designs.

LE TOY VAN 020 8979 2036

IMC TOYS 0904 720908

Leading in IMC’s pre-school range is the selection of Mickey Mouse Club House toys. Harmonicas, drums, recorders, keyboards and a guitar are offered with lots of interactive features. Also available is a workbench, featuring Mickey’s electric screwdriver. Finally, there is a Mickey Mouse Animated Story Teller, which sees Mickey sing and dance his way through a selection of eight songs and eight stories.

Winnie the Pooh musical instruments include drums, recorders, harmonicas and an electric keyboard with a follow-me mode and a microphone. There is also a Winnie the Pooh story-teller with eight songs and tales.

New to the IMC portfolio is Handy Manny, and products include drums, harmonica and a xylophone.

Dora the Explorer’s range includes walkie talkies. Also available is a keyboard, guitar and microphone.

IMC’s Soft R/C Cars introduce children to the world of remote control toys. The soft cars include a remote control and sound effects.

BEST YEARS 01327 262189

RAINBOW DESIGNS 0870 7587700

The Book Friends collection from Rainbow Designs brings characters from classic and contemporary storybooks to life.

Eric Hill’s pup Spot celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and to mark the occasion, Rainbow has launched a range of plush toys. The line includes a 40cm Large Spot, a 15cm Spot Beanie and a 30cm Hand Puppet. Also available are cloth, buggy, board and activity books.

Elmer the Patchwork Elephant is available as a large 30cm soft toy and a 30cm soft toy, which are accompanied by a selection of board books and a paperback storybook.

New for 2010 is a 28cm Colour Me Elmer toy.

The lead character of Roald Dahl’s The Enormous Crocodile is transferred to toys with a 30cm Enormous Crocodile soft toy.

Finally, the Stripy Horse is available as a 30cm soft toy, partner to the Who Are You, Stripy Horse storybook and the second title Look Out, Stripy Horse.

KIDDIMOTO 01749 871175

Joining Haba’s wooden construction range this year, the Effect Building Blocks Zoolino set is a piling zoo with large pieces. Themed around crocodiles, bears and a host of other creatures living in zoos, each animal is constructed with a number of pieces, each with a different feature from pegs to bells and kaleidoscopes.

Also new is the multi-functional Play Bench Ballino – a wooden bench with large wooden balls. Guide the balls in loops, roll them along or hammer them into the bench.

The firm’s wooden plug and pile toys include The Puzzle Stacking Game Land of Dragons set, which can be combined with the firm’s range of building blocks and has an assortment of shapes to thread onto pegs. Similarly, the Little Garden Pegging Game has a selection of shapes to thread and create a colourful garden with sunshine, flowers and butterflies.

MAY 2010

The Nursery Set is a new addition to Le Toy Van’s dollhouse range. Featuring a baby complete with accessories, the set can be bought as a stand-alone set or a doll’s house accessory.

Wearing a soft fabric outfit, the poseable baby comes with a pink wooden buggy and high chair, along with a foldout changing mat.

The buggy features working wheels, an adjustable hood covered with gingham cloth, a mattress and a cosy blanket. The high chair has a removable tray and comes with a bowl and baby bottle. The set is suitable for children aged three and over.

The doll’s house range encompasses a range of products including 12 dolls’ houses, 15 room sets and numerous dolls and accessories.

Best Years has introduced a Fair Trade range of soft toys. Hand-made by a workers’ cooperative, the cotton crochet toys are suitable from birth and machine washable. Realistically priced, the range starts from £2.10 for vegetable and cake rattles, but it also features some toys including the large Stegosaurus.

Best Years has no minimum order quantity and many items can be ordered in single units.

Kiddimoto has launched a range of wooden balance bikes. The firm has been working with the Somerset branch of the Pre-School Learning Alliance, to explore and improve the well-being of under fives. The result is the Heroes range of Kiddimoto bikes.

The Heroes collection includes officially licensed rider replicas of motor racing world champions. Each bike features the rider’s colours, number and their signature.

The range comprises 15 race replicas of World Champions from the past 50 years including James Toseland, Carl Fogarty, Troy Corser, Mike Hailwood, Micky Hayden, Kving Schwantz and Barry Sheene. The riders are supporting the new bikes.

The full range is based on four motorcycle designs of Chopper, Scooter, Superbike and Scrambler. They don’t have pedals or brakes, but allow the child to control their own movements, helping them to progress to a bicycle or motorcycle without needing to use stabilisers first.

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Best in show The annual May Toymaster show at the Magestic Hotel in Harrogate is nearing and will be open to all independent retailers. ToyNews finds out about the products that will be on show this year and the special offers that will be available to visitors…

MATTEL 01628 500000 Mattel will showcase its autumn/winter range at the Toymaster show and will unveil several new lines and share marketing plans.

This year, Mattel continues to focus on core brands with Barbie introducing new innovation to products as well as a first in Barbie entertainment, with Barbie starring as herself in a fashion-themed animated DVD set in modern day Paris – Barbie in a Fashion Fairytale.

Hot Wheels will launch Battle Force 5, a new CGI animated TV series with Cartoon Network as well as the return of Formula Hot Wheels.

Fisher-Price will celebrate its 80th anniversary with a strong new brand campaign as well as the introduction of a range of character licences, which add to the brand’s core portfolio.

The entertainment portfolio will see Mattel capitalise on a range of properties, including Thomas and Friends, which will celebrate its 65th anniversary this year with new product innovation.

Further additions will be made to the Toy Story action figure collection as well as extension into other categories from games to vehicles.

Scrabble will also welcome a new edition to its stable plus there will be some new games launches. With lots more including Disney Princess, WWE, 3rd and Bird, Dora and Matchbox.

HASBRO 020 8569 1234 New for boys is the Beyblade range. The Beyblade: Metal Infusion line allows kids to collect, customize and compete with a new, metal gear system and the launch of an online virtual battle component.

The sequel to Iron Man hits the big screen this year along with a toy range including the R/C Walking Iron Man, featuring lights, sounds and projectiles.

The Star Wars General Grievous Lightsaber allows the two Lightsabers to be connected to the wheel and spun 360 degrees to recreate the General Grievous’ signature move in the Clone Wars animation and films.

Hasbro will also be offering a range of Toy Story games including the Toy Story 3 Buzz Lightyear Space Shooter and Toy Story twists on Hasbro classics such as Bullseye Buckaroo, Buzz Lightyear Operation and Toy Story 3 Connect 4.

New to the adult games portfolio, Trivial Pursuit: Bet You Know It introduces coloured chips to the game, so players can bet on whether opponents will be able to answer questions. 2010 is also the 75th anniversary of Monopoly and to celebrate, the firm is launching Monopoly

Revolution, including a new round game board and an electronic game unit that keeps track of players’ locations.

Hasbro is also celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Play-Doh Fun Factory.

To mark the occasion, the firm will launch a commemorative play-set in spring with the Mega Fun Factory to follow in autumn.

New to the In The Night Garden line is PJ Igglepiggle with slippers and lantern.

Pre-school also sees the launch of Gloworld this year, including the classic Lullaby Gloworm, Gloworld Music and Lights Play Mat and a 2-in-1 Firefly Mobile.

The Furreal Friends range has been extended with Gogo My Walkin’ Pup, featuring sounds and actions. Baby Alive Bouncin’ Babbles also features sounds.

The girls portfolio also includes the relaunch of Strawberry Shortcake, including products such as the Lemon Spa Salon play-set and a 5-inch Deluxe Doll.

RE:CREATION 0118 973 6222 Re:creation will showcase a range of products across its key brands including Razor, Battle Machines, Lego, Horrid Henry, Impulse and Phlat Ball.

Razor will introduce new ride-ons including Siege Caster Scooter, PowerWing, a Hello Kitty licensed E100 Scooter and Pocket Mods. Five TVadvertised lines include PowerWing, Spark, RipRider, Siege Caster Scooter and Ripstik.

New to the R/C category is Battle Machines, a laser tag game. All vehicles include lights, sound effects and movement that mimic video game play.

Available as a twin pack, up to six vehicles can battle at one time.

Supported by a TV campaign in autumn/winter with 500 TVRs. New Lego lines available include the City Lights range; Policeman, Fireman and Construction Worker themes, plush lines, zipbins and playmates.

Re:creation also has a range of impulse category lines, including five TVadvertised ranges in 2010, constant range refreshes, new licences and a variety of price points.

As master licensor of Horrid Henry toys, the firm will also be offering a range of products at low price points starting at just 99 pence, encouraging children to be Henry and focus on the essence of the character – mischievousness.

Phlat Ball is the evergreen sports toy that transforms from a disk to a ball when thrown. Spring/summer sees introductions of new licences including Toy Story and Ben 10: Alien Force, supported by TV advertising from August.

VIVID IMAGINATIONS 01483 449944 The Toymaster Show will see several new ranges on show for the first time. BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing DVD and Role-play Set will debut on UK shelves in August supported by TV advertising.

Also new will be the JLS collection. The initial doll collection will be available instore from early October and will be on strict allocation.

The BBC and Vivid will support ZingZillas with marketing. Toymaster members will be participating in a promotion from late summer for the ZingZillas toy range in-store and the full range will be on show at Harrogate.

Shrek Forever After and Toy Story 3 are Vivid’s main summer movie licences and the ranges will be on show at the Toymaster Show. Also on show will be Klip Kitz for the Toy Story 3 and Cars licences, which are both supported with TV in Q4.

Animagic has over five supported lines for the Christmas season. Also new for girls will be new TV lines for Teeny Little Families and Twilight Ponies.

Finally, Crayola has nine TV supported lines for Christmas. Key new products include Doodle Penguin, Paper Fantastic, Magic Light Brush and Glow Dome.

Harumika is a DIY dress-up kit combining art and craft with fashion. The kits allow users to create their own line of bespoke couture designs. New sets are now available.

Tinga Tinga Tales made its CBeebies debut in February and Bandai’s toy line includes 15cm beanie toys, plush with sound, Monkey Feature Plush, a Watering Hole Play-set, bath figures and collectable figure sets. All items launch in September.

October will see the launch of Ben 10 Ultimate Alien where kids discover the true identity of Ben Tennyson. Bandai will be releasing a new toy line including action figures, role-play toys and vehicles.

Also on display will be the new line, Armouron. The lightweight suit of armour combines construction with role-play, allowing children to attach pieces together using Snapperons to create their own armour. Due to launch in August, four SKUs will be available by the end of the year.

SPIN MASTER 08708 508408 At this year’s Toymaster show, Spin Master will be focusing on its boys properties, Bakugan, Tech Deck and Air Hogs along with its arts and crafts lines, including Moon Dough, Moon Sand, Paperoni and Bendaroos.

Visitors should attend the Spin Master stand for deals and promotions.

VTECH 01235 555545

BANDAI 08456 028782 Bandai will showcase its full product offering at the Toymaster show from its ten-strong portfolio, including Ben 10, Power Rangers, Pokémon, Tamagotchi, Harumika, Keytweens, Star Friends and Tinga Tinga Tales.

VTech will be showcasing a range of products including Kidizoom Videocam, an addition to the Kidizoom range. Also Storio, the animated children’s E-book Reader and eight additional Storybook Cartridges. Storio allows kids to watch stories, play reading games or learn with the story dictionary. Mobigo Touch Learning System is a touch screen portable educational gaming system, allowing children to tap, flick, spin and drag the screen to interact and learn.

The Toy Story 3 range will also be available to view at the show, including the Buzz Lightyear Digital Camera, a two-

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megapixel camera with photo distortion effects, Toy Story characters and frames.

Other products include Buzz Lightyear Star Command Laptop, Buzz Lightyear Learn and Go and Buzz Lightyear talk and Teach Phone.

The VTech Baby Bathtime range includes VTech Baby Octobubble Orchestra, featuring bubble-blowing technology. The toy creates bubbles as the melodies play and babies can interact with the animal piano keys to learn animals, musical instruments and shapes.

Other products in the range include VTech Baby Sing and Splash Fish, VTech Baby Bath Friends Turtle and VTech Baby Splash and Sing Submarine.

The firm will be continuing the V.Smile Motion and Kidizoom ranges with five new V.Smile Motion Learning Games and Kidizoom Plus. The improved Kidizoom Plus features a two-megapixel camera with 2x digital zoom, a larger 256 MB storage and improved photo editing and morphing. Now with a built-in demo to encourage sales in store.

LEARNING CURVE 01271 336155 Learning Curve introduces new train play with the Chuggington Interactive collection, launching in August. The line is based on the series from Ludorum.

A wireless network between every engine and Train Stop allows each piece to communicate to others. Engines recognise and greet one another and acknowledge where they are on the track.

As new engines and stops are added, they are recognised by existing engines.

Interactive product components in the range include eight single car engine packs and two twin packs: Dunbar with Flatbed and Irving with Hopper Car. Train stops are also available.

The line also includes two complete train sets. Each includes engines, track, buildings and an interactive engine. The Bridge and Tunnel Starter Set features a figure-of-eight layout, drawbridge, tunnel and an Interactive Brewster engine. Based on 2010 series tie-ins, the All Around Chuggington Train Set incorporates a deluxe Trainee Roundhouse with Vee, three Train Stops and Interactive Wilson.

The interactive range can also be extended with two connectable Track Packs: Straight and Curve or Elevated.

Die-cast engines include Wilson, Brewster, Koko, Old Puffer Pete, Dunbar, Zephie, Hodge, Frostini and Action Chugger. Calley’s Fire and Rescue Cars, Irving’s Rubbish and Recycling Cars, Mtambo’s Safari Cars, Frostini’s Ice Cream Cars and Hodge with Popcorn Car are all available as twin packs.

The Trainee Roundhouse Play-set recreates a key location from the show and contains four engine bays and a

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launcher, which also activates the doors.

The set includes a rotating turntable and features a die-cast Koko engine.

The Repair Shed Play-set includes a chug scanner, tilter and Chug Wash and a die-cast Brewster engine.

The 3D Wilson Carry Case holds up to 17 trains, features free-rolling wheels.

Finally, the Training Yard Play-set with Loop features a spiral track with an accelerator and a 360-degree loop. The set features sounds from the series and includes a die-cast Wilson engine.

JUMBO GAMES 01707 289289 Jumbo will have an extensive range of products on display at Toymaster, including the launch of some adult puzzles including the i-spy range. Around Britain, The Things You Love to Hate and Ladybird Christmas Puzzle.

The firm will add to its adult puzzle range with two i-spy puzzles. Each one contains cards with illustrations from the puzzle, so once it has been completed, the player must find the selected illustrations in a game of i-spy.

Also launching at Toymaster is the new Around Britain range with two 1,000 and two 500-piece puzzles, featuring illustrations from around Britain. Jumbo will also showcase the new range of puzzles The Things You Love to Hate.

There are two scenes in the range, British Summer Holiday and About Animals, picturing comical drawings.

A 780-piece Ladybird Christmas Puzzle with classic illustrations and book covers from the vintage Ladybird books will also launch at Toymaster. Plus, Jumbo will add to the existing Falcon range with licensed puzzles to celebrate the Carry On film series, including a 1,000-piece puzzle and a puzzle in a tin.

Jumbo will also showcase the limited edition Destiny puzzle Wasgij Coronation Street from the best-selling Wasgij range as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations, featuring two puzzles allowing users to puzzle the box image as well as the solution by predicting what the future holds for characters on the box.

Grow With Jumbo is developed according to stages rather than ages and offers an educational range of puzzles for pre-schoolers.

The firm also has a range of licences across its pre-school puzzle market, including Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom, Handy Manny, Guess with Jess, Peppa Pig, Horrid Henry and Fireman Sam. For older kids, Jumbo has signed up licences including Harry Potter, Toy Story 3, Disney Princess and Cars for puzzles, as well as selected Wiz Around musical floor puzzles.

JOHN ADAMS & TOY BROKERS 01480 414361 John Adams and ToyBrokers is hoping to write all its autumn/winter orders for Toymaster members at the show for a number of ranges including many new and TV-advertised lines along with special show deals.

Total Action Football is a tabletop game with a simple control system, allowing players to pass, trap or shoot the ball.

Suitable for two to four players aged six and over.

Cross Stitch Craft includes 11 projects, including photo frames, key chains and bracelets. Includes instruction booklet.

The Fuzzy Felt 60th anniversary Set is a limited edition set containing two large format boards, 500 pieces and a storage drawer. Retails at around £14.99.

Kitchen Chemistry helps kids understand science with 40 experiments.

Includes wipe-clean activity mat and spot the hazards safety poster.

Science FX contains 20 effects that work like magic, like the Bernoulli Balls that rise and hover on their own. Aimed at age seven and over.

The New Scotland Yard Crime Scene board game puts players on the evidence trail in London. Includes UV light, magnifier and evidence decoder devices.

Finally, the New Scotland Yard Forensics Kit uses forensic techniques to examine evidence at four crime scenes.

Includes finger printing, chromatography, hair and fibre testing, handwriting analysis and impression reveals.

ESDEVIUM GAMES 01420 593500 Esdevium Games will be showing its range of games and collectables at the show. Highlights and key show specials include the launch of the new Pokémon TCG release HeartGold/SouldSilver Unleashed. Hot on the heels of the video game, the set benefits from the marketing surrounding that release. As with every set, Unleashed includes booster packs, theme decks and poster packs.

Also from Esdevium is the new Yoyofactory FSDU, which merchandises the Yoyofactory range. The Yoyofactory range features innovative technology and delivers modest retail prices. The FSDU is free with a package deal that gives a range from the £2.99 FireDog up to the £14.99 Velocity.

The Fundex range of games includes wooden-boxed classic games and a line of Dominoes sets. A key product is the Mexican Train Tin. Finally, the Cobi building sets are fully compatible with other leading brands.

Esdevium is offering some show specials on the range, which includes themes such as Small Army, Romans and Barbarians

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and Action Town. Price points range from £4.99 for 60-piece impulse purchase boxes up to £79.99 for 1,000-piece sets.

HTI 01253 778888 HTI will be offering special show product and price promotions to Toymaster members at this year’s show.

With distribution rights on a portfolio of key products, HTI will be showing a selection of Mega Brands products such as Mega Bloks, Halo Wars and Thomas and Friends. Along with TV-advertised range, Dragons Universe and Battle Strikers, including the new Metal XS range. All Mega Brands ranges will have introductory discount deals at the show.

HTI’s Mattel DI offering encompasses key brands such as Hot Wheels and Fisher-Price Infant, Laugh ‘n’ Learn, PreSchool and Little People.

The Hasbro FOB selection will offer Transformers, Play Skool, MB Games and Play Doh. There will also be opportunities on Tomy’s FOB range across Thomas and Friends and pre-school items.

The Digital Blue offering includes Toy Story, Disney Princess, Cars, Disney Fairies and Lego while Grosvenor offers licensed toiletry toys. Brands include ITNG, Toy Story, Doctor Who and Cars.

Discount deals will be available on a range of Hello Kitty play-sets and figures from Blue Box as well as a range of Tonka light and sound lines from Funrise.

HTI’s Toymaster show offering will also include new Toy Story sports toys, such as cricket, golf, baseball, basketball and bowling as well as Toy Story and Cars bubble machines from SCS, all available with special show free stock deals.

Also on offer from HTI is a selection of its own toys including Silver Cross, Mamas and Papas and Peppa Pig dolls prams and pushchairs, plus Postman Pat, Fireman Sam, Bob the Builder and JCB vehicles. There are also role-play toys from Hello Kitty, Peppa Pig, JCB and own brands, Teamsterz and Smart as well as Toy Story wheeled toys.

over 75 miniature sea-themed animals, from dolphins and whales to sharks and seals is available across confectionery and blister packs. A Turtle Island Hut with an exclusive Mum and Babies family completes the spring line-up.

Puppy In My Pocket continues with a fifth series. Following Pocketville Fashion School play-set launch last autumn, girls will have the opportunity to add more fashion puppies to their collections as all new blister packs include outfits. To continue the fashion theme, two new boutique play-sets are being introduced which come with one exclusive Puppy and six designer or High Street fashions.

Jungle In My Pocket is being refreshed for 2010 to include a selection of snow animals under a sub-brand of Winter Friends. A highlight of this range is the super furry Mum and Babies packs, which includes adorable penguin, reindeer, polar bear and snow leopard families.

Pony fans will also see a second series of figures on the shelves now.

Other highlights in Corinthian’s portfolio include Ben 10 Alien Force Marbz, new Disney Princess figures in the Disney MicroWorld range and MicroStars.

Corinthian will be making a big splash at Toymaster with the official unveiling of Ocean In My Pocket family. A series of

development team. The object is to jump on the pump until the Pumpaloon reaches full height and blows its whistle to confirm which is first.

The Best of British is a sister product to the Logo board game. Players have to answer questions about the quirky things that make Britain British.

Wordsearch is the multi-player version of the word game. Up to four players can vie to find words in one of 40 pre-printed puzzles, rotating the board so everyone has a turn at seeing the puzzle.

Countdown is a new take on the TV show.

Animatazz is a kit allowing kids to make their own animated movies. The box contains everything needed to create bendable figures. You can then photograph the characters in a number of poses to make a movie and upload it to the web.

Finally, Articulate now has a twin, Articulate Your Life, with new categories about life and lifestyle, home, work, holidays, entertainment and more.

MV SPORTS 0121 748 8000 The Goochicoo doll range launched in 2009 and the original series of 16-inch characters are joined this year by a new 14-inch Luvables collection and a range of new 10-inch Talkback Tots. The Luvables range has six role-play functions with a kissing and cuddling role-play pattern.

Each doll comes with a pet. Talkback Tots, allow girls to record a message and play it back in a Goochicoo doll voice. All three ranges will be TV advertised from autumn.

MV’s Fluffy Gardens range includes 3inch mini gift sets, 4-inch collectables and 6-inch talking characters that recite phrases from the show.

The Gogo’s Crazy Bones range of plush characters come with a complement of two collectable Crazy Bones inside a zipup compartment. The range consists of 4inch Clippers, 6-inch Reversers and a new pocket money 3-inch series, all available in counter display units.

The character wheeled toy range also combines licences with product innovation. The Secret Scooter concept has been rolled out to encompass characters such as Thomas, Bob, Star Wars and Moxie Girlz. Each scooter has a drawer containing authentic collectables and will be TV advertised this Christmas.

Also on offer from MV is the Hedstrom range of swings, slides, trampolines and multi-plays and the Kickmaster kids football range.

DRUMOND PARK 01506 855577

CORINTHIAN 01494 462640

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Drumond Park is launching more new titles this year than ever before. The purpose of the Don’t Laugh game is to make your opponents laugh, with assistance from the chipmunk voice changer which also emits electronic burps, giggles, farts and shrieks.

Pumpaloons is a pre-school exercise game, created by the firm’s in-house

RAVENSBURGER 01869 363800 Ravensburger will be unveiling a number of new launches at the Toymaster show.

The Toy Story range includes a giant floor puzzle, four in a box jigsaws, an XXL 100piece jigsaw, a Lost and Found Game, a Giant Picture Card Game and Memory.

Also new from June will be an addition to the Puzzleball range – a 40-piece 3D spaceship depicting Buzz Lightyear.

Discover and Develop is Ravensburger’s new pre-school games and puzzles range targeting key development stages. Among the titles is On Safari, Tip the Ship, The Animals Came in Two by Two and Nursery Rhymes.

Jolly Octopus is the company’s new 3D action game, which will be backed by a TV campaign in the autumn. The game is developed especially for the UK market.

Also on show will be Puzzlestore, Ravensburger’s new jigsaw sorting, assembly and storage solution. The all-inone workstation combines a board for assembling puzzles with trays for sorting the pieces. The lid snaps shut to keep everything secure until next time.

Finally, the firm will be showing its special Christmas product releases at the show. These include the latest in the Limited Edition Christmas puzzles, Santa’s Flying Visit, a 240-piece Puzzleball and new 60-piece Puzzleballs designed to decorate a Christmas tree.

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MECCANO 01844 278888 The Xtreme range of off-road racing vehicles combines plastic and metal parts assembled using a threaded construction method requiring no nuts. Models feature sounds, pull-back motors, power motors and remote controls. The Xtreme 4x4 vehicle comes with over 110 pieces to construct two variations and a remote control to manoeuvre the vehicle across different terrains. Available from June.

Also new is the Rescue Team range for kids aged five and over. The collection consists of four emergency vehicles and figures including a Fire ATV with Fireman, Police Car with Policeman and a Police Helicopter and a Fire Truck, both including two figures. Each set features the new clip system and is available from June.

The Construction range will see a new addition with the glittery pink tool box.

The box will contain pink parts and stickers to customize the vehicles.

The latest addition to the Build and Play range will also be on display at Toymaster. The new Tipper Truck contains over 120 parts to build five models. The new Train builds up to six distinctive model variations by twisting, clipping and screwing the colourful parts together. The kit comes with over 130 coloured pieces and is suitable for children aged five and over. Available from June.

Meccano is supporting the launch of the Xtreme range with a consumer TV advertising campaign. All new models will be supported with PR activity and a new website listing the entire range with links to full stockists.

INTERPLAY 01628 488944 Many of Interplay’s ranges are supported with TV campaigns throughout the year.

The firm will also have three Toymaster catalogue products on display and a show offer for visitors.

The new Wild Science for boys range features Slime, Rocket Balls, Wild Physics and Cool Chemistry. Both the boys and girls ranges will be supported by TV campaigns from August to December. The entire range has been overhauled with new packaging.

MAY 2010

The Ant-o-Sphere allows kids to explore the working of an ant colony by creating different environments within interconnecting spheres. Available in four pod kits and TV advertised.

Finally the new 4D Cityscape Jigsaw Puzzles are based on two famous cities, London and New York, the puzzles have three dimensions of width, height and depth plus the fourth dimension of time.

Using a timeline poster, puzzlers can recreate an exact replica of the skyline for any given time.

WOW TOYS 020 7471 0980 This year, there will be three launches from Wow and the firm will exhibit products from its spring/summer, late summer and autumn/winter ranges.

Spring/summer lines include Stanley Street Sweeper, Alfie’s Animal Adventure and the new Special Edition Cars. The late summer launch will unveil the new Bath Toy range in new packaging. Most toys are suitable for play both in and out of the water, due to hidden wheels attached to friction motors.

The new fantasy range will include Ronnie Rocket, a friction powered pullcord space rocket and Pippa’s Princess Carriage, a push-along princess pumpkin carriage. Wow is offering a time limited marketing initiative to new and existing retailers, which includes subsidized shelving systems and point of sale marketing materials.

MARTIN YAFFE 01706 717800 Toymaster members at the May show will be able to see the latest developments and concepts under Born to Play’s new Zigby, Timmy Time and Me to You licences, as well as extensions to its evergreen property portfolio.

Key lines on display from the spring/summer offering include Waybuloo wheeled toys, Ben 10 play balls, refreshed Dora bikes and trikes and the Fisher-Price Grow With Me range.

Sand and Water depots, outdoor sport sets and wheeled lines across Bob, Thomas, LazyTown, Ben 10 and In the Night Garden also feature, alongside Waybuloo and 3rd and Bird wooden puzzles and pocket money play items.

The forthcoming autumn/winter range includes Load Up Muck, Read Along Bob and Remote Control Scoop under master toy licence, Bob the Builder. Plush and play-sets feature for Zigby and there will be new Waybuloo and Timmy Time lines.

Refreshed Dora furniture, new Thomas tables and stools and new Me to You furniture items will all feature too.

FLAIR 0208 643 320 This year, Flair’s stand will be located in the South Lounge, where visitors will find a range of show offers and promotions exclusively for independent retailers.

Gormiti is a collectable range and offers a number of foil bags to choose from. Figure collections can then be enhanced with a number of play-sets, including the Mystical Altar of Life, which is key for the figures that utilise the microchip technology. Stand the special figures on the Altar and the character will say secret phrases. Also available are many action figures including the 12cm deluxe Lords with moving arms and legs.

The Gormiti collection is continually expanding with new figures and play-sets each season, including the upcoming Supreme Luminous Play-set with four eyes of life. The brand is also supported with TV advertising PR campaigns.

The GX brand will introduce new GX Moto for 1:64 action on two wheels in autumn, following the spring launch of GX Skate. Also new for boys will be Zibits and Creepy Crawlers, activity brands for boys.

For girls, Sylvanian Families continues and Flair will be displaying a round-up of the new autumn/winter themes including the Field View Windmill and the Regency Hotel. Each theme will have key hero items, which will feature in the TV ads, along with smaller accessory sets.

Disney Fairies has a wide range of products from Flair including micro, mini and fashion-sized dolls. Set around Tinker Bell and her adventures in Pixie Hollow, each collection has a range of fairies to choose from, such as the five mini Magic Glow Fairies with glowing wings.

Creative Play has a selection of new craft sets to choose from including licensed, generic, pre-school and older boys and girls. Key lines are Zubber, String World and Twist and Spin.

MOOKIE 01525 722722 The range of Smart Trikes will be available as the new Smart Trike Reclines TV campaign runs from May to June. Also new to the range is the Zoo Collection, which is available in a variety of colours inspired by the natural world, animals and creatures. The range has all the

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aspects of the original Smart Trike, with upgraded features.

Swingball will be on show with the latest new edition of Tailball range.

Tailball is a new take on the traditional bat and ball game, with a ‘tail’ design making it easier to hit. Both Swingball and Tailball will be supported with TV throughout May. Mookie will also be TV advertising the new Urban X Shox and Stride scooters throughout May. Other wheeled toys in the range include the Scuttle and Scramblebug ride-ons. A range of characters is targeted to the one to threeyear-old market.

Mookie has also introduced the Street Cruz range of scooters – Mini, Lightning and Extreme.

The Peppa Pig range will be boosted by the addition of a 12-inch bike and a light and sound sit n ride. Other sit n ride products include the Fisher-Price ride-ons with a range of characters and themes and a Racing Ride-on from Ecoiffer.

Mookie will be hosting a new range of spring/summer garden lines alongside its core generic range and continues to support its outdoor toy range with ongoing PR and marketing activity.

BRAINSTORM 01200 445113 Mostaix is a new range of art and craft products where kids make mosaic style pictures using a real-size pattern. Using small plastic tiles kids can build up pictures, graded to their age and ability.

The snap-in pieces stay in place without glue or ironing. The range is available in three sizes and in 18 styles.

The Original Glowstars Company brand has new additions including the Astro Projector Torch, with three domes to project space. The Glow Solar System is now packaged in a clamshell pack and the Glow in the Dark Pens add highlight to pictures. Pink Glitter Stars are also new.

Brainstorm has added licensed metallic stickers and foam room decorations.

Stickers feature Hello Kitty, Hannah Montana and Jonas Brothers. Hannah Montana is new to the Glow 3D range.

Citiblocs are wooden construction blocks, cut from sustainably managed forests. Citiblocs are available in packs of 50, 100, 200 and 300 blocks.

New to Zipbin is a range of play mats.

Themes include space, dinosaur, farm, road and wild animal. Large play mats are double-sided and mats include two toys and are supplied in counter top or floor standing displays.

The Remote Control Rocket and Human Body Smartlab kits have new packaging.

3 Maps in 1 is new to the Fact Finders range. An automatic system allows three maps to be stored in a tube. The display system means maps can also be hung on the wall or held open on a desk.

New to the Natural History Museum licence are Picture Viewers. The pocketsized viewers are available in two styles, Wildlife and Sea Creatures. Each viewer includes three discs with a total of 24 animal photographs.

Uncle Milton has new additions to the Star Wars science brand including R/C Lightsaber Room Light, Mini Lightsaber

Tech Lab, Death Star Planetarium and Holographic Animation Lab.

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construct and create a stream of bubbles with the Bubble Robot or invest in the Spy Science Alarmed Safe Money Box. All ranges are supported by PR and Toymaster retailers will be supported by offers across the portfolio.

PAUL LAMOND 0207 2540100

GOLDEN BEAR 01952 608308 Golden Bear’s stand at the Toymaster show will include new products and ranges including the Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom range. As master toy licensee, the range comprises of various plush and plastic products and showcases The Little Castle Magical Play-set, which opens to reveal six rooms and includes characters from the show.

The My 1st Talking JCB range has introduced two more characters into the team – Marty Mixer and Tommy Truck. The collection has also extended further with wooden jigsaws, puzzles and dominoes.

This year also sees the launch of new arts and crafts ranges including the Waybuloo range, featuring colouring sets, dough sets, stick-on felts and art sets.

The Peppa Pig range includes Mini Sketchy Fun, Colour In Peppa Hand Puppet and Felt Sets.

To add to the In the Night Garden collection, a new range of rattles, harnesses, travel mats and snuggle buddies have been introduced.

Shaun the Sheep continues and the range includes plush and gifts for all ages.

The firm has also unveiled a new Timmy Time wooden range.

The Thomas and Friends collection of engines will also be appearing at the Toymaster show.

Paul Lamond will exhibit its full range of games and puzzles, including the Chimp and Zee pre-school range. The firm is offering 15 per cent off if the whole Chimp and Zee range is ordered.

Also on show will be the pre-school licensed puzzle, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Gruffalo. customers will also receive 12 Postman Pat Dominoes when they order six Postman Pat Snakes and Ladders and six Postman Pat Games.

A further offer of six Yes No games will be offered on all orders over £500.

THE PUPPET COMPANY 01462 446040 The Puppet Company is showing four new ranges at the Toymaster Show this year.

Giant Bird puppets are made from bright day glow materials, which have been specially designed and woven for the range. The Ostrich and Flamingo have really long legs and the Dodo is designed with striking colours. Stock is available from the end of July with a retail price of around £29.99.

Time for Story puppets featuring witches, a wizard, kings, queens and many more are also due mid-summer. The characters are dressed in detailed costumes but kids have full access to the arms and body.

Wilberry is the brand name that The Puppet Company uses for any non puppet products and this year sees the launch of two new ranges of plush under this brand.

Wilberry Woof is a range of plush dogs and Wilberry Fun is a new budget priced range of Rag Dolls. Both soft toy collections have the same finishing and attention customers have come to expect from the puppet ranges.

GREAT GIZMOS 01293 543221 The Green Science range in the Kidzlabs collection has new kits including Solar Rover, Eco Science Toys and Dynamo Robot. The Dynamo Robot is a build-yourown automaton project, which turns everyday items into a robot.

Great Gizmos has also added a new Green Creativity series, which delivers eco-friendly messages. There are five kits enabling users to decorate a canvas bag, create greetings cards and gifts from recycled paper, turn plastic bottles into a light or create a plastic bag monster.

In addition, other KidzLabs kits include science and activity titles. Build a Robotic Hand with gripping movements, or

TREASURE TROVE 01285 762039 Treasure Trove has this year taken extra space at the Toymaster show to exhibit a greater range of products.

Sticky Mosaics is now in its fifth year with Treasure Trove and has become one of the company’s key lines. Products such as tiaras, door plaques and memo boards will be shown, demonstrating how the range works in 3D as well as 2D. Geomag has new product and packaging and joins Uberstix in Treasure Trove’s construction category. The TV

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promoted Uberstix offers a range of products and over half the offering retails at under £10.

The Breyer collectable horses range is spearheaded by product licensed from the TV show, The Saddle Club. Horses and riders are also available in Stablemates scale. The range will be TV advertised by Treasure Trove in the fourth quarter.

Brio Railway offers retailers the generic wooden railway brand and Treasure Trove is actively promoting awareness of the brand to young mothers.

helicopter virtually indestructible. The Bladez 4x4 Monster Truck can perform stunts including 360-degree wheelies, spins, inclines and jumps. The Bling Truck comes with LED flashing lights on both its wheels and its body.

The firm has also been appointed as the exclusive licensee for the Terminator Salvation movie and produced a limited edition range of flying products to accompany the Terminator movies including the Combat Hunter Killer, which allows three players to shoot lasers at each other in an aerial dogfight.

Bladez offers retailers a full support package to assist with sales and an after care service. This includes promotional images, DVDs customer service help line, instructional videos and linkages with future promotions.

All the wooden toys featured on the stand are produced from sustainable wood sources and finished with non-toxic, preservative free paint. New products will also be featured from the Safsof outdoor toy range, Crea-T-shirt, K’s Kids, Latitude Enfant, Musical Instrument and Eitech Netal Construction ranges.

SCHLEICH 01279 870000

GIBSONS 020 8661 8866 Toymaster show highlights from Gibsons include Hare and Tortoise, a classic game with a new look, which will be supported with marketing and PR and inclusion in the Toymaster catalogue.

Another highlight from the Toymaster catalogue is the 2010 Limited Edition Christmas Puzzle. Painted by Marcello Corti, it’s a festive scene entitled Santa’s Little Helpers and will be released in July.

Also on show will be Bingo, which has been given a fresh look, bigger box and new components such as wipe clean cards. Beetle Drive also now has extra play sheets and fundraising tips for running a charity drive.

There are six new 1,000-piece puzzles released this month, including Invitation to Dine, The Old Watermill, A New Arrival, Holiday Holdups, September Sortie and Dawn Chorus. Each is made using thicker, recycled board and will be on display at the show.

Gibsons will also display its recent puzzle launches at the show including Toy Box Memories from the Robert Opie Collection, National Gallery titles, Cutty Sark and Flying Scotsman and new titles in the My World range of kids puzzles.

BLADEZ TOYZ 02392 658255 The Bladez range has expanded to include the G-Bladez helicopters with built-in gyroscope to give extra flight stability. The products feature toughened aluminium bodies which make the

ORCHARD TOYS 01953 423422 DKL 01604 678780 DKL will be showing all its key brands at the Toymaster show. Hama products include Toy Story, Disney Fairies, Ben 10 and generic lines across all price bands.

Corolle offers dolls from birth-plus, twoplus Dolls, Fashion Dolls and interactive dolls with a collection of outfits.

Wonderworld’s wooden toy range includes Mini Vehicles, pull-alongs, kitchens, doll houses including the Eco House and lots more. There is also an Eco Range of products now available.

Viking’s collection of colourful plastic toys that are dishwasher proof include Chubbies, large vehicles and the new Large Garage packed with features.

Sigikid Nursery range includes soft toys, bags, nursery toys and more. All brands are supported by PR campaigns and in store material is always available.

MARBEL 01208 873123 Marbel will be returning to the Toymaster show for the fourth consecutive year this May. The firm is looking forward to developing and creating new relationships with Toymaster members.

Marbel added 100 new lines in January, with offerings from Plan Toys and I’M Toy.

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Orchard Toys has 40 years experience in designing and manufacturing games and puzzles for children aged 18 months to 12years-old. In that time, the firm has grown from a small cottage industry to a firm, which employs 50 people.

With over 100 products in its range including Tummy Ache and Insey Winsey Spider, the firm continues to launch around a dozen new games and puzzles every year.

Orchard Toys’ emphasis is on producing British made, bright, durable products from 100 per cent recycled board. The firm has a solid list of bestselling items, which it builds on each year with prices ranging from £4 to £15. All products are packaged in colourful boxes.

Schleich will be showing its latest launches including new animals and wildlife and an extension to the fantasy collection, Bayala.

The range features elves, dragons and unicorns, plus a new tribe for autumn called Arelan. Also new to the collection will be the Tinuveel Elf Riding Set, which combines characteristics from both aspects of the Bayala lands. The set includes an elf, saddle, horse gear and reins for the unicorn that also fits all the middle-sized Farm Life horses.

There are many additions to Schleich’s other play worlds, including new figures and play-sets in the Wild Life range. The firm is also launching the Schleich Plane, which connects one land with another and portrays the traditional fixed wing prop plane commonly seen in the widest regions of Africa, the Australian Outback and the Plains of South America.

Schleich is offering a worldwide signature display system to new and existing retailers in celebration of its 75th anniversary later this year.

GREEN BOARD GAMES 01494 538999 Green Board Games will be exhibiting a range of products including new introductions and old favourites.

The BrainBox range continues to grow with new titles joining including All Around the World and Animals. Brainbites and Joggle will also be featured along with Elmer Snap Cards, Square Up and other established titles.

There will be offers available for Toymaster customers placing an order at the show. Details will be sent with invitations prior to the show.

COILEDSPRING 08704 461515 Coiledspring will be exhibiting a range of games at Harrogate. Pengaloo is a children’s memory game and Match of The Penguins is a fast playing card game for children aged six years and over.

DO YOU NEED A PROFESSIONAL SALES AGENT?

Chris Bullock Email me at : Chris.D.Bullock@googlemail.com Or phone me on: 07775 753076

I have worked in the Toy Industry for 25 years in sales and management, (20+ years for the market leader).

I am now looking to represent manufacturers as an independent Sales Agent / Consultant.

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Regatta is a yacht racing card game featuring little wooden yachts. Kakuzu is multi-player Sudoku. Players compete against opponents while solving a Sudoku grid together.

New customers to Coiledspring will be offered a starter pack deal to get them up and running with the best sellers.

Ark, some pull-back racers and some redesigned castles.

The firm will offer a range of show deals including five per cent off all offers placed at the show.

IMC TOYS 01904 720908

CASDON TOYS 01253 766411 Casdon will offer all its role-play toys at the show. With record sales of items such as the Post Office Kit, Dyson Vacuum and the Chip and Pin Till, the firm will expand the range further.

New introductions include the expansion of the Henry and Hetty lines into a Sit and Ride Toy and a Cleaning Trolley. The new Fruit and Veg basket will add to the play food range and is a colourful mini shopping basket complete with an array of fruit and vegetables.

Casdon will also introduce the Sat Nav Steering Wheel, which gives a number of verbal commands, such as turn left, turn right, speed up and slow down, all prompting the child to replicate these commands. Depending on the child’s actions, the Sat Nav will give a positive or negative response. The Steering Wheel comes with sounds including horn, revving engine, gear change and braking.

Additional features include flashing indicators and an illuminated speedo.

IMC has new products on show at Toymaster in the Ben 10, Barbie, Power Rangers, Disney Princess, Clone Wars and Gormiti ranges.

The firm has introduced a range of Toy Story 3 lines including the Intergalactic Drive Thru Game, Toy Story Air Hockey and the TV-advertised Buzz Lightyear animated Story Teller.

IMC will also exhibit its new range of collectables, Solar Friends. This range of pocket-sized Disney characters aimed at young girls will be launched with a TV ad campaign, which will run through the fourth quarter.

Following on from Baxter, the amazing fetching dog, IMC is adding a new puppy to the family. Pipi drinks from his bowl and what goes in, must come out… Pipi will be the subject of a TV ad campaign.

Finally on show will be the IMC lines included in the year’s Toymaster Christmas catalogue, which will be available to order. In addition, IMC will be offering some exclusive show deals.

For children, Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed board game has a spring-loaded bed.

The Great Explorations range of starts, planets and asteroids are all glow in the dark thanks to Glominite.

The puzzle range includes Impossibles, which have no straight edge and include additional pieces. Murder Mystery involves solving clues.

Two pre-school licences, The Gruffalo and The Very Hungry Caterpillar have creative play-sets within the Colorforms brand, Fun Pockets and Colorfelts sets are also available for both licences. The Gruffalo Rhyming Card Game is two card games in one box.

LITTLE STAR CREATIONS 020 8498 7226 Little Star Creations is exhibiting for the first time at the Toymaster show, with its range of products including licensed character headphones designed for young kids. Since its launch in April 2009, key licences signed include Peppa Pig, Bang on the Door, Dora the Explorer, ittle Princes, Mr Men, Ben 10 and Spongebob Squarepants.

The firm will also be showcasing other products including licensed children’s gift height charts containing magnetic play pieces and stickers. Also on show will be a range of colouring and activity and sticker books featuring licences such as Little Princess, Bang on The Door and Super Why. The firm also has a new range of Waybuloo Creativity Packs including stickers and a selection of other cut-out and pop-out activities.

Green, Blue Lagoon and Princess Pink, with a couple of colour changing boxes Ballistic Blue to Planet Purple and Cosmic Yellow to Galactic Green.

Gelli Baff now also has a counter top version called Gelli Play, which is a smaller amount of Gelli Baff designed for counter tops, retailing at just £1.99.

Toonz are small, colourful collectable figures, with 3D holographic faces so their expressions change as you move them around. Retailing at 99-pence for a pack of three Toonz, three stickers and one checklist. With 40 characters to collect, each in four different colours, the 160 Micro Monsters are being supported with a TV campaign, as is Gelli Baff.

Also on show will be Gogo’s Crazy Bones, Match Attax, Gelli Baff, Uglydolls and many others.

TRENDS UK 01235 838600 Trends will support the new Blast Lab range, based on the BBC TV series presented by Richard Hammond. The Trends range includes six items being launched in the second half of 2010. The range will be supported by TV advertising.

The firm will also be showing new items within its long established National Geographic range as well as previewing a new range of puzzle and game products under a new National Geographic Kids licence, based on the children’s magazine, plus new introductions within the company’s Haynes Automotive range and the TV-advertised game WobBally.

LE TOY VAN 020 8979 2036 Le Toy Van will have a range of new products on display at the Toymaster show including the Monte Carlo Sports Cars Set, a collection of six hand-finished, painted wooden cars in slimline window box packaging.

Budkins, the bendy range of poseable wooden characters, will be joined by many new products this year including a Police Van Set. The range of characters includes everyday life, pirates, fairytale, knights, fantasy and historical. Various free merchandising options are available.

Other new Budkins play-sets include a Princess Tower, Retro Racing Cars, a Convertible Car, a Castle and a Tractor and Trailer set. Budkins are suitable for kids aged three and over and are supported by the new website at www.budkins.com Le Toy Van’s doll’s house range will see some new accessory sets including a nursery set complete with a baby, a pet set with a dog and cat and a dress-me-up doll, complete with wardrobe and outfits.

The Honeybake range sees the addition of a birthday cake, ice creams and a fancy tea set.

Other new additions to the Le Toy Van range include a new shape sorting Noah’s

MAY 2010

WINNING MOVES 020 7298 9500

UNIVERSITY GAMES 01359 243900 Family board games Smart Ass, Big Brain Academy and Sort it Out are featured as recommended stock lines after a strong performance last year. Sort It Out also won US Game of the Year and there is a Sort It Out Junior coming in autumn.

Mr and Mrs and a new questions edition of Who Wants to be a Millionaire Classic will also be on offer. In addition themed travel games in tins are being introduced in a choice of categories including entertainment, sport and a set just for children.

The new TV quiz show, Pointless, has its board game published this autumn.

The new strategy game, Callisto is also available to order. Find It is the tubular, hidden objects game, available in three different editions, Glitz&Glamour, Kids and Sports.

Winning Moves has taken on the exclusive distribution of Bananagrams and all its fruity Friends. The range now includes Appletters and Pairs in Pears.

Also new to the range is FIFA Top Trumps Tournament that will have a TV campaign starting at the end of May and running to mid July. This is the first of several TV campaigns being produced by Winning Moves in 2010.

The other campaigns to be run at Christmas include ads for the Dragon’s Den Board Game, Top Trumps Tournament and one other major licence to be confirmed later in the summer.

THE IN THING 0845 365 3030 The In Thing specialises in pocket money lines and playground crazes. On show at the Toymaster show will be Gelli Baff, which has had another strong year with the colours introduced. Gelli Baff turns water into colourful goo and then back into water again. The main colours available are Lava Blast (red), Swamp

BIGJIGS TOYS 01303 250400 Bigjigs will be showcasing the Bigjigs rail range at the Toymaster show this year.

One of the best selling products, which will be on show is the Train Set and Table.

Built to just the right height, the set is designed like a miniature town. The track rises to form viaducts and take the train up over roads, forests and ponds before going through tunnels.

A fireman and fire engine are included in the set, as are a helicopter and helipads, cars at the petrol station, a boat on the lake and local shops. The set is compatible with all other leading brands and each piece in the set is moveable.

Designed for children aged three and over, the Bigjigs Rail range is fully tested and features old favourites and play-time newcomers alike. Includes a range of products from train set starter kits to stations, cranes and coal mines.

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Gelli Baff International Development Manager

National Account Manager

Location: Accrington (Postcode: BB5 4LQ)

Location: Accrington Office based – Full time (Permanent)

Parameters of the role are:

Requirements:

• Research and identify international sales opportunities for the brand Gelli Baff into both the toy & educational sectors • Organise the participation in the international sales activity at key international sales events (may require some European and Worldwide travel) • To provide organisational and control support to the MD, ensure the efficiency of the International sales function of Gelli Baff

In order to succeed in this challenging National Account Manager Role you will need to possess a genuine passion for sales. The following attributes are also essential: • Demonstrable track record of sales into premium retail channels (Toy desirable) • Engaging nature, at ease in client facing scenarios • Specific experience of dealing with top retail chains will be a distinct advantage • A target-driven, results focused approach • Entrepreneurial spirit • Exceptional work ethic • An appreciation and interest in children’s toys would be beneficial

Details The position is ideally full-time, Mon-Fri 9.00am to 5.30pm. Preferably will be office based but may consider working from home for the right candidate. A competitive basic salary plus uncapped commission structure is available.

If you believe you have the necessary skill sets and experience to confidently carry out this role, please email your CV including current salary expectations to Mr P Jackson at Paul@theinthing.com

Details The position is ideally full-time, Mon-Fri 9.00am to 5.30pm There will be a competitive base salary plus commission Send your CV via email to jobs@theinthing.com

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence!

To find out more about our expanding company and brand Gelli Baff please log on to the website: www.gellibaff.com

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WIND DESIGNS 0844 257 1180 Wind Designs supplies a range of juggling equipment, children’s and sport kites, unicycles, yo-yo’s, plus wind and flying toys. The firm also has sole domestic distribution rights for many of the ranges including Funtrix and Zing Air. Toymaster will see the firm exhibit a range of new lines including Ben 10 Alien Force toys, which feature LED Light Discs and Shaped Kites. The range of Toy Story flying toys includes a Helix Flyer and Key Ring Kite.

The new Zing Air portfolio includes Zartz, a soft flying dart set; Helirang, an indoor helicopter boomerang and the Zyclone Blaster.

New products in the Funtrix range include a new Juggling Set, featuring Pois, Juggling Balls and Diabolo and a new yoyo set, both featuring DVDs with tricks.

Special toy packages with up to £60 worth of free products will be available at the Toymaster Show, including selected products from its most popular ranges such as Zing Air, Funtrix, Nerf and Aerobie, kites and flying toys and yo-yo packages.

SAMBRO 0161 707 5555 Sambro will make its debut at this year’s Toymaster Show and will exhibit its expanding Thomas and Friends Arts n Craft range, including a dough range, a Travel Easel, Pocket Money colouring sets, Painting and Stamping sets and Activity art centres.

Also on show will be licensed pocket money toys, arts and crafts, homewares and stationery.

The Thumb Wrestling Federation Toys will see new characters and collector cards and will be backed with a TV ad campaign. Also on show will be a Disney stationery range including Toy Story 3 items. Finally a range of licensed Pinball Machines include Spongebob Squarepants, Transformers, Batman, The Joker, Tom and Jerry and Scooby Doo.

RAINBOW DESIGNS 0870 758 7700 On display from Rainbow Designs at the show will be the My First Paddington range, featuring a ‘123…abc…fun to learn with Paddington’ ethos.

New to the collection are four new wooden toys, the Picture Blocks, Word Activity, Peg Puzzle and Dominoes. Every toy in the range features illustrations of Paddington Bear.

Also on show will be the new Very Hungry Caterpillar wooden toys, which bring Eric Carle’s characters to life. The toys include the Word Activity, Peg Puzzle, a Wooden Pull-along and Dominoes.

Completing the set is Rainbow’s new Colour Me Caterpillar toy, the Colour Me Soft Book and an array of plush and developmental toys.

HALILIT 01254 872454 Halilit is introducing the new TAF Developmental Toy range featuring a Catch Me Car, Activity Dolls, Action Balls, Musical Dolls and Sorters, and padded play mats. There’s also a 4-in-1 Walker.

The Catch Me Car has a driver and makes different sounds and plays music as it moves across the floor. The Infant Car Toy is an activity centre with colourful soft dolls with stretchy legs, a mirror and a crinkly moon.

The TAF products feature a strong musical element. The Jazz Sisters, Symphony Flowers and World Music Dolls play music from classical orchestra, rock and jazz to reggae. The Touch Mat was recently awarded Best Toy in the Preschool category at Toy Fair.

Halilit will also be exhibiting a number of additions to its children’s musical instrument range at the show, including a tuned Wooden Drum, a Twist and Shake Rainmaker, a Baby Tambourine and a Recorder.

The Interstar Construction System features coloured, easy to link Interstar Rings. Finally the new Water Wand is being added to the Halilit Bath Toy Range.

EARLYBIRD TOYS 01536 401128 Earlybird Toys is the retail division of Agenta Marketing. The firm will be offering Toymaster Show visitors a range of special offers.

Particular emphasis has been put on the Toymaster stores’ more popular products from Earlybird Toys as well as an introductory offer to the firm’s new and exclusive range of branded products. The firm will also launch its new brochure at the show and will have many offer items on display.

Among the offers is the Dantoy plastic kitchen role-play sets, which include a Dinner set, Breakfast set, Baking set, Pots/Pans/Sieve set, Coffee set and Tea set. The company will also be featuring the sand and water display mix.

Earlybird Toys will be showing its exclusive branded play foods from Tanner, which will have products including Pepsi cans, Knorr soup tins, Vittel water bottles, Persil and Ariel washing powders and many other British branded goods, which will all be offered at a competitive introductory price.

A selection of special promotional prices will be on offer from Wader on garages, toy trucks, kitchen role-play and other product ranges.

The company’s promotional offers will be available at the show for order and immediate dispatch.

KRIYA 01702 449635 Mighty World will be the main attraction on the Kriya stand. The firm takes themes such as emergency vehicles, adventure, construction and town life and combines them with imaginative play.

In the World of Adventure, kids can follow Megan, Tom and friends. Central to the theme is the Complete Base Camp set, featuring 110 pieces. The set includes a truck, trailer, horse and horsebox, canoe, tent and camping out supplies.

There are many other sets to choose from including a 25-piece Marine Research Unit and Tom’s 15-piece ATV Adventure with its yellow quad bike and four interchangeable wheels.

Town Life recreates familiar themes such as a Summer BBQ, the Farmer’s Market or an Equestrian Weekend.

The range will be supported by PR, the creation of a new collectors’ club, and an in-store competition for kids and the Mighty World website.

In addition to Mighty World, Kriya will be exhibiting new items from its recycled range, made from recycled plastic and presented in recycled packaging. Also on show will be the licensed Ford and Volvo vehicle collection together with Kriya basic and pocket money ranges.

PAPO 01564 784969 Papo characters and animal figurines include Knights, Tales and Legends, Fantasy, Pirates and Corsairs, Historical Characters, Cowboys and Indians, Wild and Farm Animals, Horses, Sea Life, Prehistoric and more.

The firm constantly increases its ranges, releasing more than 120 new items this year. All the themes will benefit from new figurines and there will be new ranges on offer also.

As first time exhibitors at Toymaster, the firm is welcoming new members to its stand to discuss its new collection and plans for the future.

BROOKITE 01837 53315 Skateboards are a new venture this year for Brookite. Designed and developed by experienced boarders, these complete boards include the Venom Web as an entry level board for youngsters. Venom Spider comes in at the next level and the

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Venom Mecha is a pro level board with a high spec making it stronger and lighter for those with plenty of experience.

Among the new kits, there is a range called Sealife featuring a Starfish, Octopus, Jellyfish and Clown Fish, all with strong graphics and retailing at under £7.

The Air Bear has been in the Brookite range for many years and this year is joined by Air Piggles, with the same parachute concept, but now featuring a pink pig taking flight.

The Eolo range has been extended to include Ben 10 Alien Force products including shaped kites, diamond kites, key-ring kites, mini kites, glow helis and light discs.

There is also a range of pop-up kites that spring into shape in two seconds.

Also new is a range of Disney swimming gear – goggles, swim floats and snorkelling sets plus the Disney Wall Walkers, which, when thrown against a window or wall, walk down themselves.

Brookite is also now stocking a comprehensive range of Aerobie products from the award winning Pro Ring through to the Dogobie.

DOWMAN SOFT TOUCH 01487 840124 Dowman is further developing its five-aDay Friends plush toy range in the UK and Europe. Retailing from £3.99 to £7.99, the pocket money range is aimed at all ages.

The range is centred around fitness and wholesome, healthy living. Children will easily recognise the five characters, helping with collectability.

New characters will be added from time to time and Dowman is able to supply counter and floor standing display units free of charge.

SALES PARTNERSHIP 01491 412415 Pressman Toy International is launching two new ranges, the Dual Vision Puzzles and Race n Chase Games.

Dual Vision Poster Puzzle is a 2D puzzle, which turns into a 3D poster. With Dual Vision powered by Tri-D technology, the puzzle pops out in 3D when you look at it through the glasses included. Once the puzzle is completed, it should be wiped with the glue included to turn it into a poster. Licences include Disney Cars, Belle, Rapunzel, Mickey Mouse Club House, Toy Story 3 and Chuggington.

Race n Chase is a 2-in-1 floor puzzle and motorised race game. Players must race to beat the other characters to the end of the puzzle. The pieces have numbers on the back designed to make the game quick to set up, but the puzzle can also be made without looking at the numbers for classic puzzle play. Licences include Disney Cars, Belle, Rapunzel, Mickey Mouse Club House, Toy Story 3 and Chuggington.

The new Quickshot Game has self loading hand controllers, making it a faster game and is available in two licences, including Ben 10 and Bakugan.

The Sales Partnership Distributors will also be showing new products from InspirationWorks including TV-advertised lines from Peppa Pig including Fun

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Phonics and the newly launched Guess with Peppa game.

Pressman Toy continues to offer Triominoes, Ben 10 Jigsaw puzzles, classic games and dominoes.

New licences for 2010 in pre-school electronic include Waybuloo and Fireman Sam and new TV-advertised lines from Disney Princess and Scooby Doo. Also on show will be new electronic products from Postman Pat and Puppy in My Pocket.

Henley Imports will be showing the new Bright range of R/C, battery operated and radio controlled cars. Highlights include an Audi 1:10 R8, XTRM 1:10 Monster Truck and three Mudslinger Jeeps. Also on show will be novelty items including Running Hamster in a ball and Happy Hamster in a wheel and Chuckle Buddies rolling, laughing animals.

Bontempi has added new products to its pink i Girl range, including a new pink four-piece drum set. There is also a new musical baby selection, styled in Italy at competitive pricing.

MANTIC GAMES 0115 933 8444 Mantic Games recently launches its Undead range. Its goal is to offer a wide range of delicately crafter miniatures to the hobbyist allowing consumers to build armies. Both the Undead and Elves ranges in the offering so far have a range of price points from £8 for a set of ten figures such as the Incredible New Ghouls, up to £30 for the Warhost, which includes 52 plastic figures and a war machine. Both ranges will be on offer at the show and visitors may also get to see the Dwarves range, available from June.

Mantic is keen to develop partnerships with retailers and assist them in growing the range in store and has no intention to open its own stores.

To complete the range, Mantic will launch its first two paint sets at the show.

The Undead Paint Set will include six warpaints, a brush and ten figures, while the Mantic Paint Set will include nine warpaints, a brush and three different sprues with figures.

The full Mantic range will also be available in a retailer friendly FSDU to create maximum visual impact.

AMERANG 01903 765496 Amerang supplies a range of products including toy and collectable die-cast vehicles, radio control models, plastic and wooden construction kits and an array of licensed merchandise.

At Toymaster, the firm will present a range of micro helicopters from Heng Long, starting at £19.99 for a threechannel model. Also in the range are some models with gyro, making for a smooth, accurate flight. This option is available with strobing lights and searchlight. To complete the range, there is a full R/C Military helicopter, also with added lights.

The firm will also be showcasing the Hobby Engine range of R/C vehicles, covering everything from boats, to construction vehicles, to tanks and a flying UFO. A strong product within the

MAY 2010

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range is a two-foot long fire engine, which replicates the real thing down to the water firing action.

On the die-cast side, the firm will present the range from Mondo Motors, with products to suit a range of budgets from £2.99. These include replicas of Italian cars, appealing to children and adult collectors.

Amerang will offer customers show deals across the range, with strong margins for retailers.

TAREMA 07860 760050 Tarema is adding new products to its craft range with Metallic Wrist Bracelets and Sand Art Jewellery. The sets have their own workstations for easy storage and display of the finished products.

Also new is the Football Scrapbook, allowing kids to make a complete record or memento of their chosen team.

New smaller sets have been added to the art sets, covering retail points from £5.99 to £19.99 with sets containing mixtures of crayons, paints, pastels and felt pens.

The R/C cars feature new licences and continue to offer good value. New low carriage paid orders are now in place to enable retailers to order less products more often.

comes in packs to suit all tastes. Hobby kits provide everything needed for a variety of projects. There are flowers, beetles, dinosaurs, emergency vehicles and construction vehicles.

The Free Style kits can build a LaQ collection, with packs from 100 to 1,000 pieces, while the Expert kits offer 2,400 to 5,000 pieces. Prices start from £2.49 through to £229 for the largest Expert set.

ALPHA TOYS 00353 67 63800 Alpha Toys will show Siku, Kids Globe Farming and Bullyland at the Harrogate show.

Siku is launching the 1:50 Farmer range with a Fendt Tractor and a Krampe Tipping Trailer. There are also new releases in the blister series and a Ropa Sugarbeet Harvester in 1:32.

The first two items in the 1:50 Farmer is the opening offering for 2010 that will later include tractors in John Deere, Massey Ferguson and New Holland. To go with these tractors are a Fortuna Twosided Tipper, Fendt Baler, Joskin Silage Trailer and also coming in September will be the 1:50 Claas Combine Harvester. The May release will include a John Deere 8430 and Twin Axle Fortuna Trailer which will be on display at the show.

The collectable figurine range from Bullyland has a large licensed range and will feature Toy Story 3 later in the year.

Kids Globe Farming will introduce Wooden Farm sheds and accessories, which will include a new Horse Stable and Pig Shed later this year.

KETTLER 01527 591901 ZAPPIES 0208 133 6151 Zappies is a British distributor, which will be showing many new and exclusive products at the Toymaster show, including the Paper Jamz range from Wowwee.

Launching in June, Paper Jamz Guitars are light and thin with no strings.

Innovative technology allows kids to strum tunes by touch alone by running their fingers over the printed strings, frets and neck of the guitar.

Five Paper Jamz guitar designs will be available at the time of launch. Each is decorated with detailed graphics and feature three different licensed songs. The range will be boosted with the introduction of Paper Jamz Drums. These will be a few centimetres in depth, featuring colourful graphics and will make drumming anywhere easy. A Paper Jamz Amp will also be available in August.

Another range on show will be the new building system from Japan, LaQ. LaQ

The showcase product from Kettler at the Toymaster Show in May will be the Kettquad. The Kettquad is the latest development in the Kettler Go Kart Range and offers off-road capability due to its huge, specifically designed pneumatic tyres.

Other features include a no shift reverse gear, disk break and a scratch and UV ray resistant steel frame.

Also on display will be the Nitro Extreme and Suzuka Air Go Karts, both are to be included in the ROI catalogue.

WILD REPUBLIC 020 7785 7140 Wild Republic offers animal related learning products that convey an educational message while still allowing children to play. A range of products is available from plush to puzzles to paint and play.

New for this year are Chompers, in a range of dinosaur and animal styles. Kids

can chomp away while learning about the animals. Mongo Grinders are skateboarders, with a range of designs.

The glow-eyed Lemur, Bush Baby and Owls are also continuing to sell well. The Hanging Monkeys have got bigger and now come in a 55cm size as well as the 43cm versions.

Tumblers are 15cm plush, which are also finger puppets. The RSPB Birds feature sound and the Natural History Museum range continues and now features over 40 new varieties of birds.

Also endorsed by the NHM is a range of dinosaurs with many breeds to collect.

PLAYMOBIL 01268 548111 Playmobil will focus on five ranges at this year’s show. These include the Fire Brigade theme, complete with flashing lights, fire hoses and Firemen.

The new Mega Construction range includes mega dump trucks, mobile cranes and haulage plants. The Safari range includes animals and scenes from the plains of Africa. Sets include a Care Station, a Coast Guard Boat and the Getaway Amphibious Vehicle.

The School Building and Sports Hall feature in the School range. The new Dragon Knights range features large dragons, a Castle and Dungeon, firing catapults and LED lances.

Each range is backed by TV and press advertising and a PR campaign.

LEARNING RESOURCES 0845 241 0484 The new coin value game, Money Bags, includes a game board and spinner, four game markers, die and play coins, helping to improve coin recognition, addition, subtraction and equivalency skills.

Pretend and Play Pizza Shop Set includes a range of toppings which fix to the pizza base with hook and loop fasteners, an apron and a pizza box. The game helps to build language, social and fine motor skills.

Also appearing at Toymaster will be the Playfoam range, re-mouldable sculpting beads, which can be squashed and started again. The non-drying formula means it won’t stick to materials. Varieties include glittery sparkle sets and the creativity kit containing accessories to decorate any Playfoam model.

RUBIES 0800 169 1736 Rubies is returning to this year’s Toymaster show with a range of licensed and generic dress-up lines for 2010.

As part of its growing licensed portfolio, Rubie’s will be showcasing the properties including Toy Story, Batman, Star Wars, Disney Princess, Minnie Mouse, Alice in Wonderland and more. To support the range, the firm will be running a show promotion where retailers can earn free stock of the Disney Face Paint sets.

With Christmas orders starting to come in, Rubies will also be running a promotion on Nativity and Christmas dress-up, available only for the duration of the show.

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00 80022427276 Hasbro Customer Service Number. Š Hasbro 2010. All rights reserved.

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Top gear Hot Wheels still rules the roost in terms of units shifted, according to NPD, but across the board, vehicles remain a favourite for boys and girls with strength in depth from smaller volume items such as licensed die-cast up to high ticket R/C lines. ToyNews highlights new offerings in the vehicles market for 2010...

SPIN MASTER 0870 850 8408

Now in its 11th year, 2010 sees more additions to the Air Hogs range of R/C vehicles and flying machines.

Laser Zero Gravity is a fully functional R/C car that can drive on the floor, up the wall or upside down.

Laser-guided control means it will go wherever it is pointed. It also glows in the dark.

Also, new from Air Hogs is the Vectron Wave, a hand-size UFO equipped with a state-of-the-art level sensor, which can detect objects below it and will automatically adjust its height accordingly to hover above them.

The saucer does not need a remote control and is guided simply by a wave of the hand.

FLAIR

GX Racers and new GX Moto have successfully been leading Flair’s foray into the action vehicles market.

The Monster Loop Jump Set features a challenging jump with a loop-the-loop and moveable, height adjustable stunt ring for the bike to jump through, while the GX Moto Double Blaster Mega Race Set features a jump ramp and dual mini motorbike launcher, the two GX motorbikes and riders included can be used to challenge players to the most extreme jumps while trying to remain on two wheels.

LEARNING CURVE/BRITAINS

Britains’ new line-up of 1:32 scale diecast miniatures includes 12 new models to add to the tractor range, with additions to the Massey Ferguson, Case, John Deere and New Holland factions.

Highlights include the John Deere 8295R and 8345RT Tractors, exact replicas of the OEM’s new R series which are the latest upgrades for both the wheeled and tracked versions. A new Massey Ferguson 7480 Tractor, Case IH Puma 225 CVX Tractor and Case

0208 643 0320

GX Racers can run over tightropes, performing spins, flips and drifts, defying gravity and jumping up to tenfeet in the air. They feature interchangeable, stylised speed and stunt gyros, with different car paint designs unique to each set to drive collectability.

Supported by major TV campaigns, the GX collections (which also include GX Skate) offer a wide range of price points and include speed, stunt and multi-pack assortments of cars and bikes and feature sets.

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IH Magnum 335 Tractor have all been given a faithful reproduction at a competitive price, making the models an impulse buy or starting point for a Britains collection.

Introduced in 1972, the John Deere 7520 Tractor has been down-scaled.

The new replica captures the essence of the leading 4WD paramount in large acreage farming.

Britains’ classic Steiger Panther is a reproduction of the 1976 III Series,

unveiled as a new generation of Steiger 4WDs in 1976. Production of Steigers was taken over by the company Case and to reflect this move in the market, Britains has created an imitation of the Case IH Steiger 535 Tractor.

In 1:32 scale agricultural vehicles, Britains extends its range with three new offerings. The Case IH 8120 Combine Harvester reflects the detail and performance of its life-size counterpart, while over in the New Holland stable, the CX8090 Combine Harvester and BB9080 Big Square Baler echo some of today’s most popular farm machinery.

In 1:16 scale, the BIG Farm models are reproduced in sturdy plastic, boasting flashing lights and engine sounds. Two new radio controlled vehicles – the Case IH 140 and New Holland T6070 Tractors reatil at around £39.99 each.

They also feature chunky tyres, realistic under-bonnet-detail, cab detail, moveable parts and real steering.

Each R/C model is on a different frequency so they can be played with simultaneously.

MATTEL 01628 500000

This year sees Formula Hot Wheels return, and the launch of original animation Hot Wheels animated TV series Battle Force 5.

Battle Force 5 is slated for UK broadcast from June on Cartoon Network. Featuring CGI animation, the show, which has already launched in the US on Cartoon Network delivers racing action with fantasy vehicle adventures.

The animation follows the antics of a group of elite drivers in five different vehicles as they work together in a fantasy world to save earth from a galactic predator. The range of toys includes vehicles, figures and track-sets.

Building on the success of 2009’s launch, which saw over 60,000 boys sign up, Formula Hot Wheels returns.

Formula Hot Wheels 2 Turbocharged will see kids earning points to help their team win four races to be screened on Cartoon Network. There will be four new teams based on 2010 die-cast product, a refreshed website and four planned races throughout the year, all with a brand new twist.

Spring saw the launch of Colour Shifters Power Creatures, featuring unique memory paint, and TV driver the Octobattle Play-set. Autumn will add another key play-set to the line-up. Kids can perform their own colour shifting experiments in a mad scientist’s laboratory with The Dr Bones Colour Lab. Featuring three new ways for kids to transform their wheels, including a launch and loop sending cars through a water splash.

The robot theme for the popular Trick Tracks starter sets are launched in the autumn. TV driver is the Bionic Bash play-set.

Hot Wheels will be supported by a full marketing campaign throughout the year.

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RE:CREATION 0118 973 6222

Re:creation’s Battle Machines brand will be supported by one of the biggest TV campaigns the firm has ever undertaken.

All vehicles in the range include infrared lasers and sound effects that mimic the feel of computer gaming.

Each pack contains a set of two highlystyled American muscle cars, equipped with bonnet mounted laser cannons and rear sensors.

The goal is to shoot your opponent until their vehicle is disabled, using the radio controller to manoeuvre the vehicle strategically into a position where it can tag the enemy.

The built-in Shield level indicators show when the vehicle has been hit.

The first and second hits will stop the car in its tracks and trigger damage sound effects. The third and final hit will activate out of control driving and explosive sound effects.

Players can choose one player mode or battle up to six vehicles at once.

HASBRO

KRIYA 01702 449635

HTI

01253 778888

HTI’s own Teamsterz and Roadsterz brands offer extensive ranges of diecast, radio control, special feature and plastic vehicles as well as new racing track sets.

The Teamsterz City range features real-life replica cars, motorbikes, trucks, aircraft and emergency rescue vehicles and play-sets. The Teamsterz Nitro Racer range has edgy designs and radio control quad bikes and buggies while the Teamsterz Farm offering takes its inspiration from hard working agricultural vehicles.

HTI also provides an extensive selection of JCB battery-operated construction vehicles combining functional and detailed styling with lights, sound and vibrating motion.

The range of The Simpsons action vehicles have all been designed exclusively with Twentieth Century Fox. New Bart and Homer Simpson Micro Speedster Vehicles have full function control.

The Simpsons Radio Control Skateboarding Bart is inspired by the Bart skateboarding sequence in the popular Simpsons Movie, with an articulated Bart figure that allows players to alter his position into different boarding poses. The radio control hand set controls Bart’s direction and speed and can add spinning tricks.

The Simpsons full function Radio Control Car is an exact replica of the family’s pink motorcar and features all the Simpsons family members.

The vehicle collection within Mighty World’s emergency series features a fire truck, police truck, patrol car and ambulance. The freewheeling vehicles, many with battery powered light and sound features, are available as standalone pieces or complete accessory sets.

Larger trucks come with parts than can be interchanged with other vehicles to make them custom built.

More action vehicles are available for other themes such as the Construction Truck or the Adventure SUV and All Terrain Quad Bikes.

Finally, within the Town Life collection is a Weekend Warrior Four Wheel Drive.

0208 569 1234

IMC Tonka is Hasbro’s resurgent brand for this year. New products for 2010 include the Tonka Garage Ricochet R/C Vehicle which arrives in the autumn. The double-sided stunt vehicle can tackle virtually any terrain. The machine’s Monsterlift Suspension Technology can lift the vehicle into monster truck mode. It comes with a three channel remote and a 9.6V battery charger.

The Tonka Garage Mod Machines DX14 Semi-Hauler vehicle is a 14-inch terrain tackling vehicle, which features a twospeed removable motorised engine with sound effects that can fit into any of the other vehicles in the Mod Machines system.

The Mod Machines DX9 Assortment is a line of nine-inch customisable vehicles

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featuring a backwind chassis. The assortment includes three types of truck: a pickup, baja or jet engine. Each vehicle in the assortment is compatible with the Mod Machines DX14 Semi-Hauler.

The DX5 assortment vehicles feature multiple accessories, including tyres, tank treads and light racks. Kids can choose an ATV, UTV or 4x4 vehicle.

Each vehicle in the assortment is compatible with the DX14 Semi-Hauler and have removable motorised engines.

More akin to the brand’s traditional tough image, the TS 4000 Dump Truck features the trademark Tonka yellow, signature grill and sturdy design.

Lastly there are three die-cast garage assortments – Deluxe, Standard and Standard Two-Pack.

This year will see the launch of two new R/C cars into the IMC Range.

The Soft R/C Car is aimed at the younger remote control enthusiast aged from two-to-five years.

The cars are soft to the touch making them tough but also protecting any surface they may crash into. The cartoon like designs feature a fire engine, police car, taxi and a hot rod. All the designs have lights and sound effects (with volume control). The remote is easy to use and has big buttons to make it easy for the youngest child to operate.

The second of the vehicles being launched this year is the I-motion R/C. Two designs of futuristic racing cars are

01904 720908 available, both of which are controlled by a wireless steering wheel remote.

Two paddles on the steering wheel operate backwards and forwards while all you have to do is turn the wheel as you would an actual steering wheel to send the car careering round corners.

Building on the success of Mickey Mouse Club House, IMC is launching Mickey’s R/C car into the range. This is a model of the car featured in the TV show and includes an articulated Mickey sitting behind the wheel.

For the older child IMC has two alternatives in the shape of a 40cm Mega Spiderman car plus a Gormiti R/C Quad Bike featuring the Lord of the Earth.

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BLADEZ 02392 658255

FLYING TOYS

Revell’s extensive range of Slot Cars and die-cast continue to add new marques and models.

Brand new (1:32) Slot Cars include the Porsche 550 Spider, BMW 320 and McLaren M6A. The Opel Ascona 400 and NSU TT also make their debut later this year – this extensive range continues to go from strength to strength.

TOMY

Tomy’s new Tomica range is a whole city’s worth of toys complete with trains, tracks, roads, cars and helicopters.

Tomica is a massive success story in its native Japan, with whole stores devoted to the Tomica world. From July 2010, the phenomenon will be hitting UK stores.

The range is built on two themes, Hyper City, which is based on real life cities and features everyday sights such as petrol stations, train stations and car parks, and Hyper City Rescue which is Tomica’s futuristic ‘protective force’.

Tomica will launch with 28 products priced from £2.99 to £69.99, including vehicles, trains, accessories, destinations and play-sets – encouraging parents to make year round purchases to add to their child’s collection.

For Hyper City sets, kids can choose between two City Trains, the CT1000 or CT2000 (RRP £9.99), both of which run on the signature Tomica blue tracks. The Hyper City Rescue range has its own trains complete with uniformed action

MAY 2010

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Silverlit has added 20 new products to its Flying Toys range.

Four new micro choppers were distributed to the independent toy trade in February, including the tiny two channel Hugo that has been recognised as the smallest remote control helicopter in the world by The Guinness Book of Records.

The new Insecta Grasshopper, Air Bullet and Skywave Rider represent the latest generation of Silverlit three channel choppers with robust construction, detailed injection moulded bodies and switchable LED lights.

A new range of semi-scale four channel choppers allow the pilot to not only takeoff, hover, descend, steer left and right, proceed forwards and backwards, but to fly sideways too, with the more sophisticated helicopters featuring electronic gyros for added stability.

There are a number of changes to the Flying Toys collection for 2010, many of the earlier items have been discontinued.

In addition, products are now presented in new Power in Air packaging.

The lightweight Flying Fortress plane with four engines – Speedy Plus, is a favourite with R/C enthusiasts while specialist model press contributors favour the V-Jet which features innovative swing wing facility, allowing it to transform from an aeroplane into a helicopter in flight.

Marvel-licensed lines from Silverlit, include the Spiderman Insecta, Iron Man 2 Skybot and two special customised styles of ducted fan Thunder Jets.

Following the Heli-Mission swat truck, selected by The Gadget Show as its top flying toy for 2009, the new Heli-Racer combines an R/C car and three channel chopper in one.

New from Bladez, the Combat Hunter helicopter has combat lasers and aerial searchlights for night missions.

It also features rotating thrusters and folding feet. The combat functions enables up to three helicopters to fire infrared lasers at one another and when hit three times, the opponent’s helicopter will spin out of control.

The Bladez Monster Truck is one of the largest R/C vehicles available according to the firm, with monster tyres and independent wheel control giving a zero turning circle. It can perform a number of stunts including 360-degree wheelies, spins, steep, inclines and jumps.

0208 722 7300

figures, the HCR Fire Liner (RRP £12.99) and the HCR Patrol Liner (RRP £12.99), which features a detachable patrol buggy.

There are three vehicle mulitpacks for Tomica’s roads, all priced at around £9.99.

The Honda set features four replica Honda cars, and for Hyper City Rescue you can choose between the Police set with helicopter, van, motorbike and futuristic spider vehicle and the Fire set, with red helicopter, fire engine, hovercraft and tank.

The Mega Station play-set (GRP £69.99), combines trains and cars with an electronic crossing station. Trains fly around the track, then automatically stop to let cars drive through the level crossing and up the ramp. When the cars have moved, the train starts up again.

Tomy is planning a massive consumer campaign including experiential marketing with a nationwide Tomica Bus Tour, heavyweight PR and TV advertising.

The TV campaign will run throughout the second half of the year targeting boys’ channels and achieving over 400 TVRs.

BANDAI January saw Bandai introduce new action vehicles for both of its core boys’ brands – Power Rangers and Ben 10.

The new Power Rangers RPM collection launched in January ahead of the 17th instalment of the Power Rangers saga which continues on TV this spring.

It features a combination of new collectable action figures and vehicles including Racing Performance Cycles which come complete with a fully poseable Power Rangers action figure and transform into three modes of play – Cycle, Slider and Zord; and the DX Vehicles with action figure.

Two toys in one, the DX Vehicles offer more battling options transforming from vehicle to zord mode

08456 028782 and can be combined with the battlized figures (sold separately) to create more complex vehicles.

Debuting this spring, Bandai has launched a new Ben 10 Alien Force range including the Chamber Battle Vehicles.

Players can place a figure in the vehicle and battle with another. The player whose figure pops out of the car first is the loser. Also out, are the Ben 10 Alien Swarm Cycles with water firing action.

Autumn will see Bandai releasing a new action vehicle to coincide with the new Ben 10 Ultimate Alien series.

Both brands continue to be supported by a multi-touch point marketing campaign including TV, trade advertising, PR, online and consumer print.

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CORGI Corgi adds to its collection of replica vehicles with new additions based on well-known rally cars.

The Vauxhall 1.3 Sport Group A from the 1988 Lombard RAC Rally in 1:43 scale, is based on the car made famous by legendary rally driver, Harry Hockly. It retails at around £19.99.

Chrysler’s Sunbeam WRW 29S – Works Development Car was initially a prototype intended to take over from the Group 1 Avenger as a club man customer car, but evolved into a rally vehicle and was driven by Henri Toivonen and Rosemary Smith. The 1:43 scale model captures the prototype’s original features from its first competitive entry in 1978.

The Ford Anglia 105E made its international rally debut in the 1959 RAC rally, where it exceeded expectations to

MECCANO

Meccano’s Xtreme range launches in June alongside a host of popular motor vehicles in the existing lines.

The range includes a Buggy, a Dragster, a 6V Power Motor vehicle and the Xtreme 4x4 which was awarded Best Building Set at Toy Fair 2010. The 4X4 set comes with over 110 pieces to construct two unique model variations and a remote control to manoeuvre the vehicles. Models are available across a range of price points, from £5.99 to £49.99.

Meccano is supporting the launch of this range with TV-advertising across children’s TV channels; consumer PR activity and a new website listing the entire range with links to full stockists.

In the Tuning range the R/C Carbon Style Car contains all the Tuning spirit condensed in one vehicle set. There are

MAY 2010

01706 717800

01843 233500 finish 20th. The 1:43 scale vanguards model includes chrome grille, jewelled headlights and rear-view mirrors.

The 1991 Ulster Rally is remembered as one of the competitions most thrilling finales with Bertie Fisher’s Ford Sierra Sapphire Cosworth 4X4 overcoming close rivals Russell Brooks and Colin McRae to take the chequered flag. The 1:43 scale model features original bodywork and a working suspension.

The Ford Lotus Cortina MKII used in the 1968 London to Sydney Marathon and driven by Roger Clark and Ove Anderson, highlighted the supremacy of the 1968 Ford Lotus Cortina MKII, driven

by Europe’s finest rally driving team, which raced to victory. The limited edition 1:43 scale vanguards model features original bodywork and signature grille.

Based on the new Bob the Builder series, Ready, Steady, Build!, Martin Yaffe has a range of new interactive and pocket-friendly vehicles.

The line-up includes interactive Load Up Muck, who helps little builders to recognise shapes and colours; a range of themed mini play-sets, featuring vehicles, play mats and accessories; remote controlled Scoop; Friction Scratch, and the small tracked Digger – with an extendable arm, wind-up pneumatic drill and articulated scoop attachment.

Figure and vehicle play-sets of LazyTown favourites, Sportacus and

Stephanie, appeal to girls and boys alike. The figures feature 12 points of articulation. Also available are pullback vehicles – a skateboard for Sportacus and scooter for Stephanie.

CBeebies favourite, Zigby, loves wet and wild adventures aboard his trusty canoe, which has been brought to life by Born to Play. The new Canoe Crew play boat features a wind up propeller, which, when turned, sends the crew whizzing off downstream; there’s also a freewheel mode for when Zigby and friends run aground. Figures include Zigby, McMeer and Bertie.

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three different R/C vehicles to build and kids can choose either rock or hip-hop to play and can add sound effects of screeching tyres and a roaring engine.

Also included is neon lighting under the frame of the car and flashing headlights as well as flaming stickers, back fin, chrome parts and rims. Retails at around £44.99.

The Tuning R/C Red Hot Racer has two models to build – a racing car and a roadster. The set includes stickers, back fin and chrome rims.

The Tuning R/C Sound System allows kids to connect their MP3 player to the car.

There are three R/C vehicles to build with quality speakers to hear the MP3 choice or pre-recorded rock or hip-hop music. There is also neon lighting under the frame of the car, flashing headlights and lights around the speaker. Retails at £59.99.

REBEL TOYS Maisto-TECH radio control and Maisto die-cast add to their line-ups for 2010.

The Maisto-TECH R/C range kicks-off with the Gadget Show-featured Rock Crawler. It has articulated suspension and is fitted with three motors – two for driving and one for steering. The Rock Crawler has a tri-channel controller and is ready-to-run with a rechargeable battery pack and charger.

The high powered Monster Drift R/C car has PVC tyres that allow the car to drift into corners and bends. It’s readyto-run and supplied with two fixed frequencies. Maisto-TECH also has the Audi R8 V10 in 1:10th and 1:24th scale and Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SV available in 1:24th scale, from May.

01482 887917 The Maisto die-cast collections have new releases in 1:18th and 1:24th scales including the Merc-Benz SL65 AMG, Datsun 240Z ‘71, Nissan 307Z, MercBenz CL63 AMG and Lamborghini Murcielago LP560-4. Some are available now with other stock to follow from June.

The 1:24th Assembly Line Kit collections include the Nissan GT-R ‘09, Buick Century ‘55 Police, Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 and Toyota Celica GT-S and Dodge Challenger in the Custom Shop collection.

The brightly decorated Hippie Line collection of VW Samba Vans and Beetles evoke the era of the Woodstock festival and are available in 1:24th scale and 4.5-inch pullback assortments.

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Dolly mixtures The large doll sector is somewhat over-shadowed by its older, sassier, sisters in the fashion doll market but it is still an extremely popular early toy for young girls. Interactive features continue to develop to create more exciting, lifelike dolls and for retailers the accessories are always a good way to create additional business…

HASBRO 0208 5691234

My First Sips ‘n’ Cuddles Baby Alive is a baby doll suitable for ages 18months and up.

The doll makes sipping and gurgling baby sounds when you move the bottle towards its mouth. It also features a sound box that can be safely removed so the doll can be machine washed. It comes in try-me packaging shaped like a carry cot.

Baby Alive will introduce three new dolls for autumn/winter.

Changing Time Baby drinks and eats when it is hungry and wees, too. Baby All Gone’s food and juice disappear when you feed it, and it giggles and sighs when it’s happy and makes feeding noises.

Bouncin’ Babbles can be activated in its cot packaging or with the touch sensor on its wrist and it will start to bounce up and down and giggle.

HABA Haba’s collection of large soft dolls has some new arrivals this year.

The 38cm doll range introduces Charlotte, a trendy doll wearing a fashionable blue skirt and tunic, plus a scarf and pink knitted bonnet.

Tomboyish Florentine has dungarees, pink cap, co-ordinating green bag and shoes and is an addition to the 30cm doll range.

The large 40cm Baby Doll Luca is the youngest new arrival with blonde hair and blue eyes.

Dressed in a bright stripy summer teddy with scarf and shoes. A dress set is available separately, which includes nappies, vests, rompers and hats.

All of Haba’s dolls have padded bodies and chenille hair, and while each is dressed in their own

JOHN ADAMS

01480 414361

Last year John Adams and Toy Brokers re-launched vintage doll brand Tiny Tears, with new packaging, updated models and a large range of accessories.

This year sees further range expansion, with the introduction of the ‘most advanced Tiny Tears yet’, plus more accessories and outfits.

Crawling, Talking and Crying Tiny Tears is the first crawling version of the doll and has flexible-multi-positional limbs for easy manipulation, and a head that moves to give natural positions when upright, on its back and for crawling.

The doll is engineered to give long battery life, estimated at four hours in continuous play. The 48cm part softbodied, electronic doll features three distinctive play/responsive positional modes, triggered either by button press or sound activation.

It is supplied with a long-sleeved baby grow, knotted hat, dummy with clip, feeding bottle, bib, and comfort blanket. It is available from June, retailing at around £44.99.

0161 304 9555 fashionable clothes, there is a range of other outfits for all occasions available separately. This includes football kits, ballerina costumes, party dresses and even pyjamas and dressing gowns for bedtime.

Classic Tiny Tears is the original feeding, crying and wetting doll, refreshed for 2010 and suitable for girls aged three-plus. It comes dressed in a pyjama set with a bib, feeding bottle, brush, dummy and nappy. Available now, the doll retails at around £26.99

Teeny Tiny Tears is the introductory doll of the range, retailing at around £21.99 and aimed at very young tots.

The basic doll comes in an all-in-one outfit and matching knotted hat, while the Deluxe Set, retailing at around £34.99 also includes a magic feeding bottle, fleece comfort blanket, sleeping bag, two-piece pyjama set and a detachable dummy.

DKL Corolle dolls range encompasses traditional and modern dolls for babies, preschoolers through to pre-teens.

The Les Classiques family are classical dolls ranging from 14 to 20-inch, both with and without hair, and come with accessories. There are a variety of interactive dolls and also wet and drink dolls. Emma and Paul are drink and wet bath babies. Julia has four features – giggling, crying, babbling and drinking a bottle. It comes with four accessories.

Also part of the Les Classiques range is Corolle’s Bébé Chéri doll. The size of a real three-month old baby girl, she

MATTEL 01628 500000

A new feature-rich large doll from the Fisher-Price brand My Baby will be launched this year.

Featuring motion recognition technology, My Baby Bounce and Play features more than 60 phrases and sounds. As girls play with the doll it will recognise and comment on the different playful poses such as bouncing, flipping, dancing and even hanging upside down.

It will be supported with heavy TV investment, a mum-focused press and online campaign and PR.

01604 678780 can be dressed in clothing for babies of that age.

A variety of outfits are available for all Les Classique dolls as well as accessories such as the floral canopy bed, floral print stroller and the baby nursery set.

The Miss Corolle range is aimed at children from threeto-five years. They feature vanilla scented skin and stunning facial features. Vanilla Blonde, Redhead and Brunette are dressed in outfits that are colourful and stylish. They have long hair for grooming and styling and shoes.

All ranges are supported by a comprehensive sales and marketing campaign and POS.

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FLAIR

Launched last year, Flair’s Cicciobello doll line has been added to with a new feature doll.

Cicciobello Tinkle Time has a rabbitshaped feeding bottle which can be used to top the doll up with water before it wees up to a distance of over one metre.

It comes complete with a feeding bottle, two nappies (which can be dried and reused), a towel and a bib. There’s also a range of accessory sets available. These include a selection of

MV SPORTS

0208 643 0320

outfits – some of which have matching shoes – which are compatible with both Tinkle Time and the Cicciobello Love ‘n’ Care set.

Also available is a new Cicciobello Travel Case, containing 14 accessories.

The doll also has its own Dinner Set featuring a bowl, fork, spoon and bottle, plus a table seat and bib to keep it clean.

The marketing strategy includes heavyweight TV advertising and consumer PR.

BEST YEARS Best Years claims its range of Rag Dolls is the most desirable and ethical range of dolls available in the market today.

They are 30-inches and are handmade by a Fair Trade workers co-operative using a range of fabrics and accessories.

MAY 2010

“In a world of mass-produced plastic dolls these Rag Dolls stand out not just for their fantastic design and use of fabrics, but also for their Fair Trade ethics,” says the firm. The dolls are available to buy as single units.

0121 748 8000

HTI

Goochicoo is MV Sports’ new soft and cuddly doll range.

Each doll incorporates interactive features that mimic the humour and cheeky behaviour of babies, with over 80 different characters to choose from.

The range includes 16-inch soft and cuddly deluxe dolls, where each character performs seven roleplay functions.

You can feed them, tickle them, wind them, play peepo with them and put them to bed. Bunny Girl, Kitty Cat, Little Lamb and Little Rascal also interact with their own pets.

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Fourteen-inch Luvable dolls give hugs and kisses to both their owner and their pets. Dolls available have names like Puppy Love, Bear Hugs, Seal with a kiss and Hugs and Kisses. Each doll has six interactive role-play functions and comes with a pet.

Talkback Tots are smaller 10-inch Goochicoo dolls that retail at a very attractive price point and allow girls to record a message and then hear it repeated in the voice of a baby Goochicoo doll.

All three ranges will be heavily TVadvertised this autumn.

HTI continues to consolidate its position in the dolls, prams and pushchairs market with premium Silver Cross and Mamas and Papas Junior collections.

The Silver Cross contemporary junior models are available in a new Pink Bubble fabric. The Silver Cross X4 Stroller has swivel wheels, rear wheel suspension, under-seat shopping basket, integral foot-muff and easily adjustable seat back.

The Classic Sleepover Pram System can be used as a front or wheel-facing dolls pram or pushchair, carry cot, a static bed or a high-chair with tray insert.

The Pop Duo Twin Stroller has sideby-side twin seats, swivel front wheels, 72cm handle height and an umbrella folding system for easy storage.

The Silver Cross Oberon Pram has had superstar kudos following the appearance of several nursery size

01253 775533 models, centre stage with Lily Allen at the recent Brit Awards. The pram features a hand-painted body and waterproof hood and apron.

The Mamas and Papas junior collection comprises a My First range of Pram, three-Wheel Stroller and Travel System, all supplied in a Pink Roundabout fabric design.

The deluxe X-Cel Pram comes with a parasol, shoulder bag, PVC rain-hood, under-seat shopping basket and has a black and white Mimi polka-dot design with red flower press-stud. Other models in this fabric include the 03 Sports Stroller, the Luna Single Pushchair and the Skate Pram.

Completing the collection is the Herbie Pram featuring a frame design that’s an exact replica of the nursery model in the same fabric design ‘Hot ‘n’ Bothered’.

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BANDAI

Star Friends are interactive dolls which Bandai launched last summer.

Aimed at girls aged three to five years, each 36cm doll comes complete with an outfit, star shaped bottle and a unique virtual pet.

If the baby is crying, the virtual pet will play her a lullaby or send her hearts and kisses to make her happy again. Choose the right action and she will laugh, giggle and sigh. The virtual pet also includes two games which allow users to play separately from the

LE TOY VAN Dress Up Wardrobe is a new addition to Le Toy Van’s dolls house range.

It features a wooden wardrobe painted to a glossy pink finish, a fully posable doll and a wide range of interchangeable outfits to suit many different occasions.

The wardrobe is made using rubber wood from responsible sources and features two hanging rails and four storage sections. It comes complete with wooden clothes hangers and a

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doll interaction.

As well as a complete line of themed accessories including Moon Bed, Changing Bag, Sleeping Bag and additional outfits, January saw the introduction of a new range of 12cm Plush Animals including a Unicorn and a Cat. The brand is supported by a marketing campaign including TV advertising, consumer print advertising in parenting press and girls magazines, PR and online activity.

JOHN CRANE The Lilliputiens Collection by John Crane features Baby Rose and Baby Chou, who come in flower shaped baby carriers, one green and one pink, with small handles for portability.

Made from cuddly plush fabric, the dolls will encourage role-play and imagination. Each doll wears pyjamas and sucks on a bottle in readiness for a

01604 774949 good night’s sleep. The dolls also come with a cuddly toy that matches each doll’s slippers.

Alternatively, Baby Zoe and Baby Chloe lay snugly in their baskets, each covered with a reversible quilt. Both dolls wear a nappy and pyjamas which are easily removable for dress-up play.

Plus their quilt forms a play mat too.

0208 979 2036 Perspex slide-on cover. Scaled for Le Toy Van’s larger doll’s houses, it can also fit in the smaller houses once the removable heart motif decoration is taken off the top.

At around ten-cm tall, the included doll is a perfect addition to the existing child dolls in the Le Toy Van doll’s house range. Highly tactile and posable, the doll has long brown hair with removable purple ribbons that can be used to alter its hairstyle.

The outfits are all made from real fabric and offer a wide choice of combinations, from skirts and shirts to jeans and coats.

The Le Toy Van doll’s house range encompasses 12 doll’s houses, 15 room sets and numerous dolls and accessories.

From the smaller play-sets to the larger houses, there are a number of price points to suit consumers and the range is highly suitable for effective window and instore displays.

MANHATTAN TOY Manhattan Toy has introduced two new doll brands, Cutie Cakes and Beneath the Leaf to its collection and relaunched its popular Lilydoll collection.

The three Lilydoll dolls have embroidered facial detailing, soft fabric hair and removeable outfits with a choice of three additional outfits to encourage classic fashion doll play.

Each doll comes packaged in an

020 8944 3160 open-face gift box that includes the story of Lilydoll as well as an individual story for the doll, attached to its wrist.

There are five different dolls in the Cutie Cakes range, each with a different ‘sweet’ theme and all are designed using high quality fabrics and detailing.

Manahattan is also launching five pets that live inside their very own bite-sized cupcakes.

MAY 2010

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“Toy specialists, whilst up 6% year on year, appeared to be split. The chains, such as Toys ‘R’ Us, The Entertainer, Toymaster and the like, grew sales as a group year on year, whilst the smaller independents had a tougher year.”

Source: NPD, February 2010

If you think you need a brand, contact...

Roger Dyson, Ian Edmunds or Colin Farrow Toymaster Ltd Victoria House, Newport Pagnell Road West, Northampton, NN4 7JJ

Tel: +44 (0)1604 674477 is a 100% Members-O Owned mutuality

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Dedicated monthly retail coverage

Retail Only News • Data • Opinion

Record windfall for Toymaster members

Hero Product Page 80 Mattel’s Hot Wheels Colour Shifters is this month’s highlighted product…

Huge rebate for Toymaster stores as indie sector capitalises on High Street changes

by Ronnie Dungan PROOF OF the independent sector’s good health and the robustness of the Toymaster buying group has come in the form of a £350,000 rebate to its members.

If you increase revenue and keep your costs in line the money flows in at the bottom Ian Edmunds, operations director Following on from a very profitable 2009, the group has returned £350,000 to members in the form of a Brand Enhancement Rebate. The rebate is for Toymaster Members to spend in a variety of ways to help enhance their store and the marketing of their business.

The amount equates to over 30 per cent of the fees paid by Toymaster members in 2009 and is also the largest amount returned to the Toymaster membership in any one year by the buying group.

Operations director Ian Edmunds told ToyNews: “At the end of the day we have managed to maintain our cost base and as you know, if you increase revenue and keep your costs in line, the money flows in at the bottom.

“As long as they spend it on their business and use it to improve it, members can spend it on what they like – painting the outside of the shop, decorating inside, advertising, distribution of catalogues. Anything and everything.”

Wetherby indie shuts up shop WETHERBY INDIE Horton and Hollander is closing after 62 years on the High Street.

Owner John Horton and his wife Kathleen have decided to retire and the premises have already been sold to a new business.

The couple’s online business Toys Express has also been sold to local firm Castlegate Stationery which has plans to open a toy shop in the town.

“The website side of the business has grown and grown since we started it six years ago,” said John Horton.

“We’ve got customers from Australia, Iceland and all over Europe so it made sense to sell that side of the business on to Castlegate separately.

“We’ve decided it’s our time to step down,” he explained.

Last year, the rebate was £250,000.

It is allocated according to store turnover.

Toymaster: 01604 674477

Hamleys orders Indian takeover HAMLEYS’ PLAN in India has now been extended to include 20 store openings over the next few years.

The firm will open 20 stores in India over the next six to seven years in partnership with Reliance Retail, which has a 20-yearfranchise agreement with Hamleys.

Hamleys will invest around Rs1.25bn (£18.3m) in the scheme and will open its next store in Chennai in the next few months, having already opened a 21,000 square feet store in Mumbai.

“The organised retail toy market in the country is close to Rs15bn (£220.5m) and Reliance Retail will be looking to have a sizeable share in it,” Bijou Kurien, president and chief executive lifestyle, Reliance Retail, commented.

Reliance Retail will stock Hamleys merchandise, but also products that are exclusively available to the UK retailer.

Hamleys: 0207 479 7317

Charts Page 79 This month’s retail charts feature: Play.com, The Entertainer, Amazon, Mail Order Express and NPD’s top licences....

New products Page 76 On their way this month are offerings from Brainstorm, Trampled Under Foot and The In Thing...

Events Page 90 All the latest trade shows to pencil into your diary...

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RETAIL ONLY

PRODUCTNEWS

The In Thing unveils latest pocket money toy for kids TOONZ ARE small (approx three-cm), colourful collectable figures with 40 different characters and four colour options for each character, giving a total of 160 to collect in series one. The 3D holographic faces allow the characters’ expressions to change.

Toonz Micro Monsters are backed by a TV campaign with Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network and POP

channels with 500-plus TVRs. At 99-pence for a pack of three Toonz with 3D holographic faces, three Stickers and a mini brochure, the collectables sit comfortably in the pocket money category.

The booster packs will be followed by a range of Toonz accessories retailing at up to a price of £2.50.

The In Thing: 0845 365 3030

Green Board Games signs Elmer the Elephant ELMER THE elephant was first brought to life in 1989 by authorillustrator, David McKee. The property has a wide range of licensed products and has most recently inspired Green Board Games to create its first traditional snap card pack.

With 52 illustrated cards including Elmer, Grandpa Eldo, Crocodile and Wilbur, this environmentally friendly deck can be used to play either snap or pairs. The game has a retail price of around £4.

Green Board Games: 01494 538999

Trampled Underfoot introduces new range TRAMPLED UNDERFOOT is launching a new Jumpking JumpPOD Select range of trampolines.

Available in 14, 12 and teninch diameter, the trampolines are an addition to the JumpPOD Classic and Deluxe models. The latest addition retails from £200. The ten-inch model retails at £199, the 12inch model is £239, and the 14inch version is priced at £279 comprising a really affordable range of integrated trampolines and safety enclosures.

MAY 2010

The JumpPOD Select range benefits from the same POD design features of the Classic and Deluxe models. Enclosure poles slot directly into the TriLayer sockets, eliminating the need for brackets and providing a secure and safer trampoline and safety enclosure.

The JumpPOD Select allinclusive family trampoline comes in one box for easy delivery. A cover and ladder can be purchased separately.

Trampled Underfoot: 01728 685800

Milton adds Star Wars

BRAINSTORM IS adding a range of new products to its Star Wars line including a Remote Controlled Lightsaber Room Light.

Kids construct their own Jedi Lightsaber and can then mount their creation as a room light on the wall. The light features eight colour effects and comes complete with a remote control to turn it on and off.

The Mini Lightsaber Tech Lab teaches children about the science of light and optics as they build the miniature 20cm version of the Lightsaber used by Anakin Skywalker. Choose from two different coloured crystals to customize the lightsaber. There are two lenses (focusing and wide-angle) to demonstrate the principles of optics.

The Death Star Planetarium is a table top Death Star, which opens up into a planetary projector to display the cosmos on the ceiling. Choose to view a map of the worlds that make up the Star Wars galaxy, or view the earth’s night sky.

The Star Wars: The Clone Wars characters come to life with the Holographic Animation Lab. Learn about the principles of a zoetrope, an invention that is 2,000 years old. The lab comes with ten animation disks, one side has characters from the film and the other side is blank to create your own moving pictures.

Brainstorm: 01200 445113

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HIGHSTREET COUNTER INSURGENT Dispatches from the retail front line...

SO HOW were Easter sales? I know it was an early one and the school holiday times were all over the place but it did seem quiet everywhere. March was a pretty crap month when compared with the start of the year, so maybe it is just a hangover from that?

Easter is a traditional time for TV campaigns to kick off, but if they happened, they didn’t work. I had the pleasure of seeing some toy adverts recently on the satellite channels, all of them involved a voice-over that shouted in an excited manner for boys or in a sweet, lullaby voice for girls’ toys and were over before I had a chance to work out what they were for. Yet, I am in the know, so to speak. The ten-second adverts had to be clear, concise and to the point – most

weren’t, instead they jumbled into each other.

Is this a case for quality over quantity? I know satellite is far cheaper than terrestrial TV, but it is quality that gets results both in placement and style of the advert. Maybe I am cynical, but when an ad campaign doesn’t work at all, you do start to wonder where the slots were, at what time and if at all.

The flicker generation doesn’t watch the adverts anyway. My daughter was watching some American show on one of the many kids channels last week and as soon as the ads came on it was a quick flick through about 20 channels to see if anything better was on (hard to imagine there wasn’t) before arriving back at the original channel the second the programme came back on.

So is anything working?

Chuggington seems to have

started well and hopefully this is a line that indies could use to prove to manufacturers that

The industry needs a craze.

The 99-pence lumps of plastic help but we need a good under

The industry needs a craze.

Something that offers kids great play value and fun, and has the right marketing support. we can get the big sales required. Is Ben 10 still the pick of the boys? And as for girls?

Now there’s a question.

£10 craze. Something that offers the kids great play value and fun, something that has the right marketing support

that will make the kids see it, and want it so much that they will save up for it. Mums and Dads are not contributing in anyway at the moment, if a child doesn’t have enough money, tough. They have to wait until they do.

Is that a bad thing? If a kiddie has had to save hard for something they will value it more, they will look after it and be proud to show it off to their friends and maybe a snowball will start. Anyone ready to step up to the mark?

PRICE CHECK: MAY 2010

MAY 2010

Toy Story 3 Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Vivid

Moon Sand Sea Princess Chariot Spin Master

Fisher-Price Bubble Mower Mattel

The Wot Wots Spottywot Talking plush Hasbro

My First Scalextric Set – Mini Coopers Hornby

£44.99

£14.49

£17.99

£15.99

£33.99

£49.95

£14.95

n/a

n/a

£39.95

£49.99

£11.99

£24.99

£17.99

£39.99

£42.00

£18.25

£17.94

£17.99

£29.95

£55.00

n/a

£15.00

£18.00

£35.00

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RETAIL ONLY

www.toynews-online.biz

79

RETAILCHARTS WHSmith.co.uk 1

Lego Brickmaster Pirate

2

Rummikub Numbers

3

CHART DATE 14/04/10

The Entertainer

CHART DATE 14/04/10

Dorling Kindersley

1

Nerf N-Strike Recon CS-6 Double Your Darts

Tomy

2

Sylvanian Families Lakeside Lodge

Ben 10 Alien Force 15cm Figures

Bandai

3

Netball Set

TP Toys

4

Littlest Pet Shop Single Toys

Hasbro

4

Nerf N-Strike Raider Rapid Fire CS-35 Double Your Darts

Hasbro

5

Call ‘Em All Game

WHS

5

Forest Lodge

TP Toys

6

Lego Brickmaster Castle

Dorling Kindersley

6

Take Along Thomas – Tidmouth Sheds

7

Weird Science – Grow Weird Plants

Interplay

7

Hello Kitty Scooter

8

Top Cards Cluedo The Card Game

Winning Moves

8

Micro Scalextric Street Mayhem Set

9

Categorically Speaking

WHS

9

Fireman Sam Friction Venus

10 In the Night Garden Soft and Cosy Igglepiggle

Amazon

Hasbro

CHART DATE 14/04/10

Hasbro Flair

Learning Curve HTI Hornby Martin Yaffe

10 Quadpod

TP Toys

CHART DATE 14/04/10

Mail Order Express

1

Dr Who Matt Smith The Eleventh Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver Character

1

Wind Up Floating Neptune/Penny

Martin Yaffe

2

Bananagrams

Winning Moves

2

Fireman Sam Friction Action Jupiter

Martin Yaffe

3

Royal Navy HMS Illustrious Warship Gift Set

Airfix

3

Fireman Sam Five Articulated Figures

Martin Yaffe

4

Medical Carrycase

Peterkin

4

Craftsman Table and Two Chairs

Martin Yaffe

5

Star Wars Clone Walker Battle Pack

Lego

5

Fireman Sam Friction Venus with Penny

Martin Yaffe

6

Tag Reading System

Leapfrog

6

Fireman Sam Helicopter with Tom

Martin Yaffe

7

Star Wars Snowtrooper Battle Pack

Lego

7

Family Camper

8

Nerf N-Strike Maverick – Double Your Darts

Hasbro

8

Spongebob Squarepants Good Neighbours at Bikini Bottom

9

Butterfly Garden

Insect Lore

9

Fireman Sam Rescue Vehicle with Tom

10 Creator 626 Green Baseplate

Play.com

Lego

CHART DATE 14/04/10

Playmobil

Martin Yaffe

10 The Battle of Endor

Licensed Toys NPD

Lego

Lego

CHART DATE Feb 2010

1

Doctor Who 11th Doctor Crash Set

Character

1

Ben 10 Alien Force 10cm Figures

2

The Gruffalo Sitting 7-inch Soft Toy

Aurora

2

Star Wars 2010 Rebel Trooper and Snow Trooper

3

Nerf Clip System Darts Pack of 36

Hasbro

3

Cars Character Assortment

Mattel

4

Nerf Whistler Darts Pack of 36

Hasbro

4

Star Wars Clone Wars Basic Figures 3.75-inch

Hasbro

5

Nerf N-Strike Maverick

Hasbro

5

Ben 10 Alien Force 15cm DNA Figures

Bandai

6

Meerkat 8-inch Soft Toy

Aurora

6

Peppa Pig Beanie

7

Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster: Nugget

Character

7

Waybuloo Small Plush Assortment

8

Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster: Scoodles

Character

8

Winnie the Pooh Flopsies Assortment

9

Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster: Jilly

Character

9

Peppa Pig Princess Collection

10 Jigsaw Roll

Paul Lamond

10 Star Wars Saga Legends Figures 3 ¾-inch

Bandai Lego

TY Mattel Vivid Character Hasbro

MAY 2010

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HERO PRODUCT

Mattel Hot Wheels Colour Shifters Since launch last year, Hot Wheels Colour Shifters have made a big impact in the die-cast vehicles sector. This year sees the launch of two new TV-driven play-sets in spring and autumn, which are also backed with a continuing online initiative…

THIS YEAR sees the introduction of the Power Creatures line, which feature not just two, but four colour changes. Using warm and cold water the vehicles can be transformed to take on new designs.

Spring TV driver, the Octobattle playset, features a giant octopus that will attack cars with spraying tentacles and has a head that will explode when hit with a Power Creatures car. The play-set is followed up in autumn with Dr Bones’ Colour Lab which has a launch and loop with water splash transformation feature.

Both Colour Shifters play-sets will benefit from TV support, as well as an extensive PR programme which will include showcasing the product in communications for a major marketing campaign, Formula Hot Wheels 2. Over 60,000 boys signed up last year to the Formula Hot Wheels virtual racing club with more than that expected this year. Races will be screened on Cartoon Network and a refreshed website.

Members of Formula Hot Wheels will be able to purchase their team car in-store as part of a five-car pack, continuing to drive collectability for basic die-cast.

Both Colour Shifters play-sets will benefit from TV support, as well as an extensive PR programme.

Release dates: Octobattle play-set: OUT NOW Dr Bones Colour Lab: JULY PRICE: Octobattle play-set £16.99 Dr Bones Colour Lab £TBC CONTACT DETAILS: Phone: 01628 500 000

MAY 2010

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The place for business

RATES:

1/4 page: Annual charge £1,395 (minimum twelve months booking) Get your company featured: emily.briggs@intentmedia.co.uk T: 01992 535 647

Advertisers

ESDEVIUM GAMES

■ Character Costumes & P.O.S.

01420 593593

Rainbow Productions

SUPPLIER/MANUFACTURER

0208 254 5300

■ Point of Purchase Manufacturers Daytona Visual Marketing

01827 54551

■ Suppliers/Manufacturers Brookite

01837 53315

Cambridge Brainbox

01279 821 333

Esdevium Games

01420 593 593

Flying Toys

01702 295 110

Games Workshop

08700 134 411

Ideal Software

01767 689 720

Jumbo Games

01707 289 289

Logiblocs

01727 763 700

Maps Toys

01483 776 006

Plastics for Games

01728 745 300

Ravensburger

01869 363 800

Revell

01442 250 130

The Puppet Company

01462 446 040

Thumbs Up

0845 466 8880

Wow Toys

020 7471 0980

■ Toy Suppliers Carta Mundi

01268 511 522

Richard Edward

0208 311 8888

ESDEVIUM GAMES is well known in the UK toy trade as the go-to supplier for collectibles, from current hits such as GoGo’s Crazy Bones to evergreen brands like the Pokémon Trading Card Game.

Esdevium is also one of the world’s premier suppliers of board games, with a total range of roughly 6,000 titles. While the company supply all the traditional favourites, some of the most impressive growth in recent years has been in the specialty games category. The growing phenomenon of The Settlers of Catan was recently covered in The

Times and The Wall Street Journal.

Sales of Carcassonne have grown multifold over the past few years.

Other leaders in this phenomenon include Ticket to Ride and Smallworld to name a few.

Games such as these can be of particular interest to independent retailers, as their growing demand is not yet being met by the national chains.

Stocking a range of topselling specialty games gives the independent retailer a point of

difference and makes their shop a destination for people who are increasingly becoming more iinterested in these games.

As one of the world’s biggest games distributors, Esdevium keeps its fingers on the pulse of the games industry and is constantly adding new and interesting titles to its range.

Esdevium not only supplies these great titles, but also the knowledge and expertise to help retailers to define a range that works just right for them.

For further details please contact: Tel: 01420 593593

THUMBS UP SUPPLIER/MANUFACTURER

0845 466 8880 THUMBS UP (UK) LTD takes the ideas of tomorrow and turns them into exciting products today.

Always committed to developing and distributing the latest cool and innovative toys, gifts and gadgets, Thumbs Up (UK) Ltd has recently added even more innovative items to its line-up. The firm has a long established reputation for selling toys, novelties and an

exciting range of t-shirts and other garments. In addition to the great products acquired from partner companies, Thumbs Up also designs and develops its own in-house range, which cannot be found anywhere else. Among the exciting recent releases are the Boombox t-shirt and cushion, the AK47 Aqua Fire (a water gun licensed by the makers of the actual AK47) and the R/C

Helicopter Gyro Flyer, the latest in a long line of incredible Thumbs Up R/C products.

Situated close to several of the UK’s main transportation hubs, and with its own dedicated warehouse, Thumbs Up can quickly and efficiently

service customers throughout the world.

The company has also developed close ties with factories around the globe all of which, thanks in part to a program of personal inspections by Thumbs Up staff,

have exemplary manufacturing standards. With a fresh, dynamic modern business ethos – offering great products, fast turnaround times, ethical trading standards and the latest business technologies – Thumbs Up offers an unbeatable wholesale experience!

For further details please contact: Tel: 0845 466 8880

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Marketplace ■ Character Costumes & P.O.S.

■ Point of Purchase Manufacturers

■ Suppliers/Manufacturers

■ Suppliers/Manufacturers

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Marketplace

www.toynews-online.biz | Advertising: +44 (0)1992 535 647 ■ Suppliers/Manufacturers

■ Suppliers/Manufacturers

■ Suppliers/Manufacturers

■ Suppliers/Manufacturers

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Marketplace ■ Suppliers/Manufacturers

■ Suppliers/Manufacturers

■ Suppliers/Manufacturers

■ Suppliers/Manufacturers

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Marketplace

www.toynews-online.biz | Advertising: +44 (0)1992 535 647 ■ Suppliers/Manufacturers

■ Suppliers/Manufacturers

■ Suppliers/Manufacturers

■ Suppliers/Manufacturers

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Marketplace ■ Suppliers/Manufacturers

■ Toy Suppliers

■ Toy Suppliers

■ Toy Suppliers

95 TN104 ToyNews Footy Advert_final

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FRIDAY JULY 9 TOYNEWS FIVES RAISING MONEY FOR THE TOY TRUST

S D THEIR FAMILIE N A N E R D IL H C D E G DISADVANTAG IN T R O P P U S T S U TR GOES TO THE TOY Y R T N E Y R E V E £100 FROM

2009’s all-conquering Turner team with ToyNews Fives Cup

Grant & Bowman took the Plate home in 2009

GET YOUR KIT ON FOR THE 2010 TOYNEWS FIVES TEAMS FROM ACROSS THE INDUSTRY WILL GATHER FOR A CRACKING DAY OF FIVE-A-SIDE FOOTBALL ACTION

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TOY TALK

TOY TALK

Yet more from the Todhunter family, some cutting edge research, and further thoughts from our industry survivor...

TODHUNTER TIES THE KNOT

Jon SALISBURY Observations from a toy industry survivor....

TWO ITEMS recently caught my eye. First, the creator of the Sims video game franchise said that Nintendo’s Wii might not be a game console after all and, secondly, despite recession, toy stocks had been outperforming some video game stocks.

Microsoft and Sony greeted the arrival of the Wii in December 2006 with derision, saying that it wasn’t a rival to their platforms but what they didn’t acknowledge was that it might tap into the fresh markets of younger consumers and females.

The video game market is worth over $46 billion so the little old toy industry stands no chance of competing. Or does it? It was feared that consumer spending on toys would be hit by the recession but the performance of toy stocks recently tells a different story and they have even outperformed some video game stocks.

The market that the Wii has carved for itself will soon be the target of motionsensing products from Microsoft (Project Natal) and Sony (PlayStation Move) so the toy industry will be squeezed even more.

And it doesn’t stop there. Computer bloggers claim that Apple’s new iPad will become toy of the year. Sound ridiculous?

With video on YouTube of a one year old using an iPhone, you’d better think again. As adults upgrade their phones, there is evidence that they are handing them to their kids and, from there, it is a short hop, skip and a jump before they turn to an iPad. “By the time these kids reach middle school, they will have been using multitouch user interfaces almost every day for eight years or more,” says Mike Elgan of Computerworld. “The iPad platform will prove irresistible to everyone - especially the kids themselves.”

Again, the iPod provided the clues and has become a universally understood part of children's culture with hundreds of companies creating specific apps, making the device even more compelling to kids.

HANG ON a minute, this page is becoming like Todhunter Talk.

Not content with taking over our page last month, now we have exclusive pics of Kate Todhunter’s wedding. For which, of course, we beat off rival bids from Hello and OK! As you can see, a number of industry notables were present including Stuart Sadler previously of Toyworld, Andy Taylor of Ramsdens, agent Dave Ross, Roger Dyson of Toymaster and Gordon Walker of Conways.

The reception was at the Radisson Edwardian Hotel, Manchester and entertainment was supplied by the Bogus Brothers who are favourites at the Toymaster show and this year at the Fence Club.

AGENT PROFILE DONNA READ Who are your current clients?

I joined Halilit and Taf toys in February this year, my other clients include Norton Prams, Izziwotnot nursery furniture and bedding, Buggysnuggle Company, Hippychick, Sunshine Kids and Dandelion Clothing.

What ranges do you deal with?

I cover a broad spectrum mainly in the nursery industry. I like to market myself as a mini Mothercare. Companies like Halilit and Taf toys crossover into both the nursery and toy industry.

What regional area do you cover?

I cover the majority of mainland Scotland.

How many retailers do you deal with?

About 30 in nursery and the same again in toy, many of whom I haven't met yet with Halilit and Taf but I hope to meet them very soon.

MAY 2010

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

What do you enjoy most about being an agent?

For the first time in my sales career the buck stops with me and although in these difficult times it can be challenging, it is also very rewarding.

What car do you drive?

A Nissan Tino people carrier. I need it to carry my samples.

Where possible I try not to sell out of a brochure, I feel it is a very important part of the sales process being able to show product and demonstrate it to my customers.

What’s your selling secret/top tip?

My secret is something handed down to me by a manager many years ago. If you don't ask you don't get. After all, the worst thing that can happen is the customer will say no. My other is when selling to any customer always strive to meet their needs and exceed their expectations. It works wonders.

What’s your favourite service station?

That is a real challenge in Scotland, given that there are so few. I would have to say Perth, as it’s a great place to stop before heading up to Aberdeen or Inverness.

Do you have any funny/strange/ interesting stories from the road?

In my first year a lorry overturned in front of me (no one was hurt) and out spilled thousands of chocolate bars, the passers by were having a field day. I was very tempted but managed to resist. http://www.dragencies.co.uk

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TOY TALK

89

LUCKY SEVEN FOR STUDENTS DESIGN STUDENTS from the University of Lincoln recently pitched their ideas for new games to Mike Moody, CEO of Seven Towns, who judged a series of presentations by undergraduates from Lincoln’s BA (Hons) Design for Exhibition and Museums programme.

Working mainly in groups of two, students presented their game ideas to Moody and fellow games designer Bev Ross in the same way that professional developers would – facing a series of questions about the concept, design and commercial viability of their proposals.

Pam Locker, Principal Teaching Fellow at the University of Lincoln, arranged the visit, and said: “The students were presented with a brief giving them two weeks to design a game or toy that would retail for under £15. The product had to be engaging, colourful and easy to explain to children quickly. They then had to present their ideas to Mike and give feedback to his questions and comments.”

Moody said he was very impressed by the students’ ideas: “The standard of work was very good and the presentations were excellent. The students were clear-minded about what they were presenting and they had all tried to respond to the brief. The quality of their work was a credit to the university.”

The winning games design was Twisting Tables by Alice Tyler and Chris Mason, whose idea will be pitched to the professionals back at Seven Towns.

IT’S IN THE GENES BOYS NATURALLY gravitate towards cars and girls towards dolls from the moment they first crawl, a new study suggests.

City University researchers put a range of toys a metre away from 90 children - aged nine to 36 months - and recorded what was played with and for how long.

They found boys spent more time playing with cars and balls, while girls spent more time playing with the dolls.

Researchers said the study suggested there was an "intrinsic bias" in children towards gendertypical toys. They presented their findings at the British Psychological Society's annual conference in Stratford Upon Avon.

The team said its study was the first to have found such consistent and stable differences in toy choices between genders in children younger than 18 months.

A fellow researcher, Dr Brenda Todd, said: "We were surprised to find the differences so early."

But she added: "Children of this age are already subject to a great deal of socialisation, but these findings are consistent with the idea of an intrinsic bias in children to show interest in particular kinds of toys."

MAY 2010

My Favourite Things Samantha Eversfield, National Account Manager, Tomy UK

Favourite album: At the moment, Lungs by Florence and the Machine but I often dig out my Faithless CD's ------------------------------------------------------------Film: The Sound of Music. I have even been to Salzburg and sang Do Re Mi around the fountain.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Book: Anything by Martina Cole -----------------------------------------------------------------------------TV programme: Dragon's Den and The Apprentice ------------------------------------------------------------Magazine: Look. My attempt at keeping up with the latest trends.

-------------------------------------------------------------Holiday destination: The Algarve or anywhere that involves skiing down snowy mountains ----------------------------------------Pet: Micro Pets, of course!

-----------------------------------------Heroes: My parents ------------------------------------------Way to spend a weekend: Getting fresh air on my bike -----------------------------------------------------------------------------Game/toy: I loved my collection of Matchbox Cars as a kid. I still have them. All neatly organised in the Blue Carry Case.

--------------------------------------------Tipple: Vodka, Lime and Soda ---------------------------------------------Food: Italian ----------------------------------------------Piece of advice: Never, ever save anything for best.

------------------------------------------------

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FEATURE PLANNER

JUNE Girls Market Special ● Fashion Dolls ● Summer movies ● The girls’ market has been a tough sector recently as the market struggles to hold on to its fast-maturing audience. Our sector guide looks at the key products within and also at fashion dolls, with several promising new brands vying to mount a challenge to the dominance of Mattel’s Barbie.

Our Summer Movies feature includes all the major properties that will provide a boost to toy sales in the second quarter including Iron Man 2, Shrek Forever After and, of course, the big one, Toy Story 3.

Editorial deadline: Call for details

Advertising deadline: May 7th

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

TOYNEWS FIVES July 9th Powerleague, Barnet www.topcorner.co.uk

TOYMASTER MAY SHOW May 18th-20th Barcelo Majestic, Harrogate www.toymaster.co.uk

THE LICENSING AWARDS Thursday September 9th Lancaster London hotel www.thelicensingawards.co.uk

TOY TRUST TRIATHLON Saturday June 5th Rutland Watersports Centre www.btha.co.uk

BRAND LICENSING EUROPE September 29th-30th Grand Hall, Olympia www.brandlicensingeurope.com

CHINA TOY EXPO October 12th-14th Shanghai New International Expo Centre www.china-toy-expo.com

TOYZERIA November 25th - 28th Istanbul World Trade Centre, Turkey www.toyzeria.com

Got any events you would like to see added to the calendar? Email ronnie.dungan@intentmedia.co.uk

www.toynews-online.biz Editorial: 01992 535646 Advertising: 01992 535647 Intent Media is a member of the Periodical Publishers Associations

MAY 2010

ToyNews is published 12 times a year by Intent Media ~ Saxon House, 6a St. Andrew Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire SG14 1JA Fax: +44 (0)1992 535648 © Intent Media 2010 No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior permission of the copyright owners.

ISSN: 1740-3308

Circulation & Subscriptions AUDITED CIRCULATION Average Net Circulation: 6,011 July 1st 2008 to June 30th 2009, SUBSCRIPTIONS UK: £50 Europe: £60 Rest of World: £90 The international cost applies per subscription and covers airmail dispatch of 12 issues

To order your subscription via Visa, MasterCard, Amex Switch or Delta contact toy.subscriptions@c-cms.com or call 01580 883 848. Alternatively visit our website www.toynews-online.biz Subscriptions Manager - Hannah Short Hannah.Short@intentmedia.co.uk

Toy News_Layout 1 16/02/2010 10:41 Page 1

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