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FEATURE
AUTUMN FAIR
Monster offering
The pigger, the better
WILTON BRADLEY
Hall 5 Stand D12-E13
01626 835400 www.wiltonbradley.com
Hall 5 Stand B48-C49, B50-C51 Gearing up to the fabulous X Factor show this autumn, Wilton Bradley is looking forward to a fantastic fourth quarter with the X Factor XF1 and XF2. The XF1 is a microphone speaker with Bluetooth connectivity, branded in the black and red X Factor logo. Cost effective with a high spec including an echo function, it comes with speaker stand, play, pause and skip buttons, and runs for up to three hours on one charge. The X Factor XF2 is a sophisticated microphone speaker which includes voice-changing modes, echo function and a micro SD/USB Charging/USB Port. The X Factor logo wraps around the speaker box on the front of the microphone, turning this into a fabulous portable karaoke machine. New looks and colourts are also coming to the existing Mi-Mic range. Monster Smash Ups, the award winning remote control range, will be joined by a fourth character, Black Widow. The trucks have even more impact as the body of the truck now fully explodes when they collide. Other line extensions include a Battle Pack with two trucks, four interchangeable characters and chassis.
Look out for Wilton Bradley has joined forces with YoYoFactory to act as exclusive UK distributor for its expert line of Yo-Yos with something for every level of player. Another TV-inspired line is the GBSB range of Sewing Machines inspired by the Great British Sewing Bee TV show.
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Wilton Bradlery has also had great success with the electric ride-on category. This year it introduces a Police Car and a Range Rover.T he Viper pedal go kart, the vintage Xootz Retro Racer and the JSF Urban Sprinter Electric Scooter will all be at the show with new additions.
WINNING MOVES 0207 298 9515 www.winningmoves.co.uk
The top ranked Pass the Pigs family of travel and pocket games just got ‘pigger’! To add to the original Pass the Pigs come Big Pigs. Now bigger and wilder, these touchy-feely piggies are perfect for all ages and occasions. Suitable for family, friends, teens and kids, they are playable in the bath and love a party. Players can squeak or squirt their pair of porkies and throw them to score points depending on how they land: will they get a Mixed Combo, Leaning Jowler or will they be Pigging Out or Makin’ Bacon? The first one to score 100 points wins. The range includes Giant Pass the Pigs and Pass the Pigs Party. Endless fun for all the family to get involved in!
Show offers! Visit the Winning Moves stand to take advantage of a number of show offers. There’s a free game with every order placed at the show, 5 per cent off £500 orders and 10 per cent off £1000 orders placed at show, with one-drop delivery.
Baby love MARBEL 0845 6000 286 www.marbel.co.uk
Hall 5 Stand B30 Be sure to visit Marbel at Autumn Fair for a closer look at its ever-growing selection of brands and product releases. Favourites include Kathe Kruse, the producers of lovingly crafted children’s dolls and toys for over 100 years. The brand offers an extensive selection of childhood companions for those special first moments. Hape’s Infant Toys continue to stimulate babies’ senses. From mobiles and gyms to rocking horses Hape caters for children of all ages. Meanwhile, Relevant Play’s unbelievable dough is forever expanding. The Mad Mattr super soft modelling compound now offers the Quantum Pod in a personal portable case.
toysnplaythings.co.uk
FEATURE
REMOTE CONTROL
Control freaks TnP learns more about the product innovation coming through the RC category in 2018, and how the popularity of hobby-grade kits and vehicles are driving toy sales
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hether it’s taking to the skies with high-flying drones or skimming across all terrains with the latest off-road RC cars, the remote control market is storming ahead. With VR technology, auto-hover and drive functionality, and the latest in long-life batteries, innovation is keeping this ever-popular segment fresh, and driving sales. Tobar has seen sales of its RC range thrive over the past year, growing by almost a third. “The RC market has been doing very well for us recently,” says Tobar CEO David Mordecai. “We’ve seen a 30 per cent increase YOY across our diverse range of remote control items. We’ve always strived to bring in quality items in this range as the consumer is quite discerning in this aspect, and of course we provide quality at a very good price.” David notes that the spell of good weather the UK has been basking in has also helped buoy sales of outdoor toys, but keeping things fresh in this fast-moving market also comes down to product innovation. App-enabled extras like video streaming and recording has been one of the biggest movers of high-end drones over the past few years, and it’s had a welcome knock-on effect in the toy market. “Live video streaming is where the current emphasis lies,” says Jamie
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Spin Master
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The possibilities are endless really, especially with many people now wanting to code and self-build their RC products
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Jamie Mabbs, Revell
Toy State
Mabbs, UK Country Manager, Revell. “But, the possibilities are endless really, especially with many people now wanting to code and self-build their RC products.” The RC toys category has gained additional traction thanks to the burgeoning market for hobby-grade RC vehicles. Largely aimed at older teens and adults, the success of drone racing leagues and self-build, highpowered RC cars has trickled down into RC toys, with parents sharing their hobbies with their children. With NPD earlier this year revealing nearly 10 per cent of all toys are bought by adults for themselves, David says that far from being just another statistic, this has had a visible, positive impact on Tobar’s sales: “As Tobar has seen rising purchases YOY of RC and drones by adults, we believe this has Wilton Bradley had a positive
impact on sales for kids’ toys overall.” Revell has experienced a similar phenomenon. “Older users who have found success with more sophisticated RC products are more likely to seek out suitable versions for younger siblings,” says Jamie. He believes after sales support is vital for retailers to maximise the opportunities in this cagtegory. “We ensure all products are supported with informative demonstration videos while also covering the key price points demanded by the consumer,” says Jamie. And with a team covering the entire British Isles, retail partners are never far away from merchandising and sales support — and the expertise to showcase these products at their best.
We asked... How are you bringing innovation to the RC category?
“Our new product, the RC Cyklone Amphibian is a unique three-wheeled car that drives on land and transforms to drive on water. These 2-in-1 RCs will be the rave as fans can do more with a single vehicle.” David Mordecai, Tobar “In addition to new and unique products, our existing vehicles, drones and helicopters are constantly evolving to incorporate the very latest available technology. Our soon to be launched motion controlled helicopter Red Kite is a good example of this.” Jamie Mabbs, Revell
toysnplaythings.co.uk
Feature
remote control
Xtrem control Trends UK 01295 768078 01353 724140 (Independents, Wind Design) www.trendsuk.co.uk Trends UK is introducing the new Guardian Bot into the Xtrem Bots range in the UK. With up to 20 different functions, spy function and 50 programmable actions, the new Guardian Bot also has an ultrasonic detector to warn of intruders in a room. Launched in the UK in 2017, the Xtrem Bots have proved very successful. The Xtrem Bots are operated with a remote control or hand gestures. Cool animated/LED facial expressions show the personality and moods of the robots. Easy to have fun with straight out of the box, they also have more advanced programmable features ensuring there is longevity of play. The Xtrem Bots offer fantastic value for money at affordable price points.
Battle bots Mookie Toys 01525 722722 www.mookie.co.uk Robo Kombat are awesome battling robots with power fists. They are the ultimate robot to battle with friends or battle with AI. Kids activate AI mode by battling their unmanned opponent and the robot will miraculously fight back. These amazing robots have a vast range of movements, including combo punch, complete with cool punching sound effects and LED illuminated eyes. Each pack includes two controllers and two very durable robots offering endless hours of fun. Robo Chameleon is a perfect companion for kids. This great remote control character has a threestep challenge to collect his food: move, aim and shoot its tongue out to snap up the bugs. He stores his food in his mouth, ready for the next game. Robo Chameleon includes RC Chameleon, four-direction remote control, magnetic food for collecting, cool LED illuminated body with multiple colour changing modes, realistic eyes and a tail that moves when he walks.
Ride the waves Tobar 01603 397 105 www.tobar.co.uk Switching terrains from land to water is no longer a problem for remote control lovers with Tobar’s RC Cyklone Amphibian! The 25.5cm-long body with its three-wheeled design will easily dash across most surfaces and reaches seriously fast speeds on straight flats. A quick twist of the wheels will deploy the retractable paddles, transforming the car into a hydro speedster that’s ready to race across the water. Adrenaline junkies will love the Amphibian’s ability of performing a range of manoeuvres including rapid 360-degree hydro spins on the water surface. The vehicle includes a built-in rechargeable battery, USB charging cable and operates on 2.4 GHz frequency.
“This is a seriously cool new vehicle in the RC world. Its sleek look and amphibious capabilities will be the envy of every kid on holiday this summer.” David Mordecai, CEO, Tobar
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Hands-on flying Revell 0845 459 0747 www.revell.de/en Sure to be in many Christmas stockings this year, the featurepacked three-channel Motion Helicopter Red Kite from Revell Control combines easy flying characteristics with flight that is literally controlled by the movement of your hand! Using a gamepad style controller with built-in motion sensors, Red Kite responds to the smallest movement of users’ hands for awesome flying fun. With one-touch rotor start, auto-landing plus auto-hovering, all coupled to a contra-rotating rotor system and six-axis gyro for stability, Red Kite is the perfect flying toy for aged eight-plus. Also hot for Christmas 2018, the new Fidget Runner is the very affordable electronics gadget that kids won’t be able to put down. This egg-shaped and sized mini car comes in a selection of colour styles, drives super-fast and features colour-changing LED light. Watch it perform death-defying stunts with ease. Kids can grab their hard hat as the new MHz RC Mini Construction Vehicle range launches, with four palm-sized vehicles to collect.
Take to the skies! Vivid Imaginations 01483 449944 www.vividtoysandgames.co.uk Vivid continues to extend its distribution partnership with Sky Rocket Toys for 2018 with the multi-award winning Sky Viper range of products, currently the number one drone and flying RC brand in the US. Sky Viper Fury Stunt Drone features easy one-touch stunt controls and performs up to eight different stunts with new flight assist features for auto-take off, hover and land. Fly, stream and record in high definition with the Sky Viper Scout Video Drone complete with fitted camera to record HD footage that can be streamed directly to a phone to watch in real-time or recorded to Micro-SD (not included). All Sky Viper drones feature flight assist features with auto-take off, hover and land, which making flying a breeze!
Introducing our great range of best selling
Radio Control Cars
Drives, spins and climbs up to 45 o
Drives on land or paddles on water!
NEW 1:24 RC POLICE CAR
Call or visit our web site today! tel: 01603 397 105 email: sales@tobar.co.uk online: www.tobar.co.uk/rc-tech
AUGUST 2018
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FEATURE
STEM & STEAM
STEM power Growing awareness and a spotlight on STEM as a valuable way for kids to spend their playtime continues to see the category accelerate
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ust a few years ago, the acronym STEM had to be accompanied, in brackets, by science, technology, engineering and maths. It wasn’t a brand-new categorisation, but the ideas behind it hadn’t yet caught on in the mainstream. Today it plays a key role in the national curriculum, and parents are guiding their children towards these core four subjects to secure a better footing in the future job market. Incorporating the fundamentals of programming, internet architecture, renewable energy infrastructure and other hot topic issues facing future generations, making real learning fun and approachable for kids who otherwise might associate the learning opportunities with school has made STEM toys a lucrative category. Thames & Kosmos, which has been at the forefront of developing and selling STEM toys and playsets, has seen the category go from strength to strength. “STEM lines have been improving in sales for many years, and they continue to do so,” says Sales Director Joanna Drage. “There are definite trends within the category that vary from year to year, but the category is growing in size, partly to do with the need for scientists, and parents trying to improve their children’s future prospects by encouraging educational toys.” 72
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Both parents and teachers are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of STEM and this has really helped us drive sales Simon Tomlinson, Learning Resources
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Rising interest in computer and app programming has led to greater sales of coding kits for Thames & Kosmos, and Joanna reveals that the target age of these types of products is also getting younger, meaning a wider target audience, greater demand and bright prospects for future sales. It’s a similar story for Learning Resources. Simon Tomlinson, Head of Marketing, says that demand for STEM toys continues to accelerate, and with more competition and heightened expectations from consumers, innovation has been key to driving the company’s sales. But awareness with parents has also played its part in the growth of STEM playthings. “Both parents and teachers are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of STEM and this has really helped us drive sales,” says Simon, who believes the inherently playful nature of STEM learning makes it the ideal candidate for a winning toy. “The beauty of STEM based learning is that there is no right or wrong answer. Changing the thinking from ‘right answer versus wrong answer’ to ‘let’s try it this way’ is at
the heart of STEM and is very educational in nature. This approach to learning continues to give us a great opportunity to develop a wide range of innovative STEM based products to help develop critical skills in children as young as two years old.” But do STEM lines sell at Christmas, when the industry brings out its flashiest, feature-rich toys? It’s an emphatic yes from both Joanna and Simon. While lower cost items sell well year round, Joanna says Thames & Kosmos’ more expensive sets, like the RRP £200 Chem C3000, “will really pick up in A/W”. “Our products perform incredibly well at Christmas,” adds Simon. “The trick is to ensure that our products are fun, interactive and appealing whilst encouraging learning without the child even realising it. “A great example is our new range of science-themed collectables called Beaker Creatures, which uniquely combine the thrill of collecting with hands-on science experiments, building skills and sparking curiosity while being incredibly fun and desirable to young learners to have on their Christmas list.”
Fact! Learning Resources research shows 66 per cent of parents view themselves as the primary educator of their children, with a high proportion buying an educational toy in the past year
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