Toys n Playthings by Lema Publishing

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Helping everyone sell more

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CONTENTS Regular 7 Leader - with Mirella Anstey 8 News - hot off the press

017 May 2 No. 8 6 3 Vol.

TEAM TnP Group Editor Mirella Anstey mirella@lemapublishing.co.uk

Editor Mairead Wilmot mairead@lemapublishing.co.uk

Writer Rhys Thomas rhys@lemapublishing.co.uk

Group Advertisement Manager Ryan Horwood ryan@lemapublishing.co.uk

11 Quick Coffee Break – with Alison Downie, Global Licensing & Brand Director, HTI 12 Media News – the multimedia rundown

P21

13 Media Charts – the latest kids’ TV viewing figures and toy TV advertising spend 14 Movie News – the latest from the box office 18 Retail News – the latest from across the retail landscape 20 Toy Talk – retailers let us know what is selling well 24 What’s New – new products that you need to get your hands on 42 Spotlight on… Character Options – one new product, all the USPs explained 58 Watch Out For… – a round up of toys you really don’t want to be without

P26

60 Trade Talk – we give suppliers a chance to talk business 62 Licensing News – the hottest news from the world of licensing 64 Step Back in Time – a slice of toy history from the industry’s longest running magazine 65 Don’t Miss – unmissable products for all buyers and retailers

Publisher Mark Naish mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

Production Director Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

Design and Production Marian McNamara marian@lemapublishing.co.uk

Managing Director Malcolm Naish malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

Circulation Manager Robert Thomas robert@lemapublishing.co.uk

Features 30 Cars, Planes, and Trains – this classic play theme remains a favourite with kids of all ages 44 Tech Toys – the ever changing world of tech is transforming the toy aisle 52 Licensing Expo 2017 preview – your guide to the Las Vegas licensing show

Special Report 17 Cover story – VTech’s handheld KidiCom is a game changer 26 Focus on – TnP digs into Juratoys’ wealth of wonderful toys and beloved brands

P30

Columnists 15 NEW Media Analysis - Generation Media’s Alex TaylorSmith looks at the growing audience for kids’ content 22 The Independent and Secret Supplier – our columnists clash over competing with the nationals

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At the heart of retail A member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation

29 Retail Opinion – feeling down on discounters? They’re part of modern retail and there are lots of ways to compete says John Ryan 43 Media Whisperer – Kids are taking to YouTube in their droves, but parental guidance is advised says Clive Crouch 57 TnP Ambassadors – our ambassadors test the toys you stock on your shelves 61 Licensing Opinion – Kelvyn Gardner is gearing up for Licensing Expo this month

P52

Independently audited ABC circulation of 5,125 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016

FLIP COVER SPECIAL: Flip this issue over for your guide to this year’s Toymaster May Show

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Helping everyone sell more

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I A member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation

Independently audited ABC circulation of 5,125 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016

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n the past month or so, Team TnP and I have spent an inordinate amount of time talking about Toilet Trouble. And, of course, we aren’t referring to a dodgy curry we shared down Brick Lane but rather the splendid game those folks at Hasbro have come up with. In fact, the game has taken the world by storm so much so that CEO Brian Goldner told analysts just last month: “I never thought I would actually get to talk about this on an earnings call but, you know, Toilet Trouble is off to a very good Hasbro CEO start”! Brian Goldner And you know, with Toilet Trouble, Speak Out and Pie Face, and the various extensions and diversifications of those games, alongside classics such as Monopoly, it is little wonder indeed that the Hasbro Gaming business soared 43 per cent from last year. I think most of us would take that in our businesses, right? Another hot topic for us here has been Pokémon. Not only is there another new release for this power brand, Pokémon TCG: Sun & Moon – Guardians Rising, but the show is rating to massive numbers and my life is being dominated by the constant search for figures which I can’t find anywhere! I know our pals at TOMY are working their socks off to get the product out to all you retailers, and you in turn are selling it faster than you can get it. Just recently, I have searched high and low for a favourite Pokémon, Hawlucha, to no avail. And honestly, I have put the hard yards in and found nothing. But finally, a breakthrough — thanks to GameSeek — we are now proud owners of one Hawlucha… now I must find a Greninja! Other quirky products taking the toy Hasbro’s Toilet Trouble industry by is off to a good start storm right

Mirella now are fidget toys. You cannot walk down any Anstey high street in the country without seeing kids mucking about with them, and a few adults too, to be honest! These are great little craze toys that are really hitting it off with kids — mainly boys — and those retailers who are stocking are selling, and selling fast. Margins are great and volume is huge on

Mirella is on the hunt for a Greninja Pokémon. Let her know if you find one!

“

Taking the toy industry by storm right now are fidget toys

this — a real one to watch in the coming months. In fact, type fidget toys into Amazon and you get more than 17,000 hits — not exactly a quiet seller, eh?! It got me thinking about something I really enjoyed at London Toy Fair — Trends’ Thumb Chucks. Pocket money price, big addiction factor and lots of competition and tricks too — perfect! So, I am sure I will be hearing more about these great little toys (I love the spinner) — and look forward to seeing many of you at Toymaster and, of course, at Licensing Expo in Vegas as well — check out page 52 for our preview of the Licensing Expo and turn the magazine upside down to find out exactly who to see and what they are showing at the Toymaster Show in Harrogate — our preview is the best in class so enjoy every page!

”

We are big fans of Thumb Chucks from Trends

nEws Date with destiny

Bandai has a new general manager

+113

Nic Aldridge has been announced as Bandai’s General Manager. He stepped into the new role on 24 April, having previously been Marketing Director at GP Flair. “We are thrilled to be welcoming Nic to Bandai UK ltd at what is a very exciting time for us,” said Clive Smith, who steps up to the position of Managing Director. “Nic has many years of industry experience which we are sure will help us to meet our growth plans for the future.” Furthermore, Tess Parsons-Broome has recently been promoted to the new position of Marketing Manager. Clive added: “Tess’ work on Power Rangers over the past three years has been invaluable and this is a well-deserved promotion for her.”

The percentage Bandai’s Power Rangers line is up for March, according to NPD.

Disney and lucasfilm have announced Star Wars Forces of Destiny, a new initiative celebrating the stories of iconic heroes from across the Star Wars universe. An original series of animated shorts around three minutes long will explore all new adventures of key characters, including Rey, Jyn Erso, Princess leia, and others, ahead of books and a TV special later in the year. Kathleen Kennedy, President of lucasfilm, calls it “a fun new way for people to experience Star Wars”. Hasbro will create a line of toys Hasbro will also release a tied to the property, including role-play line, from Rey’s new Adventure Figures — a fusion Extendable Staff to a new between traditional dolls and electronic Bladebuilders Jedi action figures. Power lightsaber — both

Fact!

part of the Bladebuilders system.

Tomy welcomes Head of Marketing Nicola Jenkins has joined Tomy as Head of Marketing for the UK & Ireland. She joins from Electronic Arts Ltd where she was International Marketing Manager for eight years - working with The Sims, SimCity, Hasbro and Harry Potter among other franchises. “It’s an exciting time to be joining Tomy,” she said.

TREND SPOTTING Adrienne Appell, trend specialist at The Toy Association explores the Up & Active trend for 2017 At the North American International Toy Fair in New York City, the Toy Industry Association (TIA) announced the top US toy trends for 2017. Among them was Up & Active – toys that encourage kids to get up and move both indoors and out. “The North American toy industry is expanding the idea of Up & Active toys, creating innovative, engaging products that are not just about physical activity, but integrated into other types of play,” says Adrienne 8

Appell, trend specialist at TIA. “Tech and digital toys now have active components and traditional games are incorporating physical activity. Most importantly, these products help keep kids active while also engaging their creativity and fostering lifelong skills.”

“

Tech and digital toys now have active components

”

Here are a selection of Up & Active products new for this year: 4-in-1 Stroll & Grow Tek Trike from VTech: This stroller turned trike transforms from a classic stroller to training mode, trike mode, and final drifting mode. There is also an electronic panel with LED screen and content that teaches directions, road safety, and offers

toysnplaythings.co.uk

Alpha Group partners with Import Services

Simba Toys shareholder in Zimpli Simba Toys is now a major shareholder of Zimpli Kids. The partnership ﬁrst began in 2014 when Simba Toys became a distributor of Zimpli Kids products. Maximilian Stork, Senior Product Manager at Simba Toys said: “We are really happy to be part of the success story of Zimpli Kids. The last three years have been already a fantastic cooperation and now by becoming shareholder we are looking forward to working even closer on our common long term strategies.” Eejay Enyi, Sales Director at Zimpli Kids added: “For one of the largest companies in the toy industry to be major shareholder of Zimpli Kids is fantastic! We are thrilled to be working even closer with Simba to continue the success of Zimpli Kids.”

Adults are buying it for themselves NPD has released new stats claiming adults are now buying more toys than ever… for themselves. New research from The NPD Group reveals that British adults are powering growth in the toy sector by buying toys, games and collectables for themselves. Last year, one in every 11 toys sold was bought by a grown-up for personal use. This kidult market has grown 65 per cent in value terms since 2012. It increased by 21 per cent in 2016 alone, most prominently in the games and puzzles, building sets, and action figures categories.

role-play while evolving as the child ages. Think & Learn Teach ’n Tag Movi from Fisher-Price: This robot friend gets kids moving with three different modes of play and six interactive games that ask kids to act like animals, have a dance party, or follow directions. Movi also makes more than 60 different facial expressions. The Piki Piki Bike Toddler Ride On from Gallo and Spence Toys: This lightweight but durable pedal-free bike has three wheels for extra help with balance for younger riders. Disc Jock-e from Tucker Toys: This classic throw disc has a

May 2017

Alpha Group has brought Import Service on board to bring its toys to the UK and Ireland. The agreement will see Import Services provide “Our decision inbound shipping from Alpha’s Far East production centres, to work with customs clearance, storage, Import Services high volume order processing, is based on pre-retailing services and outbound distribution. their impressive “Our decision to work with knowledge Import Services is based on of UK retail their impressive knowledge of UK retail logistics,” said logistics,” Mark Hyndman, Country Mark Hyndman, Alpha General Manager, UK & Group Ireland, Alpha Group.

Nickelodeon honours MV Sports and more MV Sports, Sambro and The Entertainer were just a few of the partners who were honoured by Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products (NVCP) at the company’s annual UK Achievement Awards recently. Eight awards were handed out to Nick’s retail and license partners with MV Sports winning for Innovative Hard Line Product or Range with their Chase Cruiser receiving a special mention from the NVCP team. Licensee of the Year went to Sambro, while The Entertainer was named Retail Partnership of the Year in recognition of the support shown to Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. The Retail Campaign of the Year went to Asda for its PAW Patrol Summer event.

Bluetooth speaker that can sync music from a mobile device or computer. It can be used to play catch or as an outdoor speaker. Mighty Runner from Jakks Pacific: This treadmill for kids combines favourite games and technology with physical activity. Kids run and jump, grabbing coins while dodging obstacles. Slimeball Dodge Tag from Diggin Active: This two-player game has players throw soft, squishy balls at their opponent’s sticky target vests. The balls only stick to the centre of the vest. Arrow Smart-Kart from Actev Motors: It’s a smart car for kids with parental safety controls. It can be driven like a traditional ride-on or

“

These products help keep kids active while also engaging their creativity and fostering lifelong skills

”

adults can control it using WiFi. BeatMoovz from Dmet Products (UK, Character Options): This wearable lets kids – and adults – make music by moving. Each wristband has Bluetooth and an accelerometer and is connected to an app that has more than 400 sounds, or users can record their own. The wristbands create the sound chosen by the wearer at the pace set by their moves. Be among the ﬁrst to see the hottest new trends in toys and games – mark your calendar for the 115th North American International Toy Fair, taking place February 17-20, 2018 in New York City. Visit www.toyfairny.com to learn more. 9

news

Sambro’s best show yet Sambro is anticipating a record level of attendance at its trade event this year, as deal-seeking buyers from the UK and overseas prepare to head to its HQ in May. Buyers will be welcomed to the company’s head quarters in Bury, Manchester for the two-day show, which takes place 10-11 May. Carl Woodthorpe, Operations Director at Sambro and organiser of the trade event, said: “This year we are expecting a record number of visitors to attend our show. The trade show is popular with both UK and overseas buyers due to the sheer volume of exhibitors and exclusive

Epoch appoints Ray Hughes

“This year we are expecting a record number of visitors to attend our show.” Carl Woodthorpe, Sambro show-only deals available over the two days.” Visitors will be able to take advantage of seasonal and clearance deals from both Sambro and a host of manufacturers and wholesalers across 20 showrooms.

“I am delighted to be joining the Epoch UK and Ireland team.”

Ray Hughes has been appointed Business Development Manager for UK and Ireland at Ray Hughes Epoch Toys. Ray previously held Senior National Account positions at Vivid, Bandai and Mookie. “I am delighted to be joining the Epoch UK and Ireland team,” said Ray. “The business is growing rapidly, with some very exciting product and brand developments in the pipeline.” Epoch MD, Neil Bandtock added: “We are delighted to have Ray on board, he has just the right mixture of enthusiasm and experience to help us take the Epoch business forward even further across the UK and Ireland.”

The Entertainer expands in Cyprus The Entertainer is set to strengthen its business in Cyprus with franchise partner Ermes Group. Existing concessions in three Debenhams stores will be expanded, following strong sales and consumer reception, and the retailer will also open two new stores in Koriyos, Paphos and Apollon, Limassol. The new openings will bring The Entertainer’s tally of overseas stores to 11. Gary Grant, Managing Director and founder of The Entertainer, said: “We are delighted to have a firm relationship with a well-established and retail expert. Ermes Group are renowned for their retail acumen and were an appealing partner with many similar values to The Entertainer. The expansions of our unit space within three great shopping locations is very exciting and we look forward to growing our international business with our two new locations in Cyprus.”

Remembering Lolek Toy veteran Lolek Holzer has passed away. Peter Brown, Chairman of Flair, has fond memories of Lolek, with whom he worked as a young product manager at Mettoy on the wooden toy range and Bontempi organs. Here he remembers his friend: “It is with sadness that I report the death of Lolek Holzer. Perhaps not many people in the industry today will recall his name, but in the late 1970s and early 80s, Lolek Holzer was the Chairman and MD of ToyWorks,

a very substantial UK toy factory employing 400 people in Bideford Devon. Lolek was a delightful individual with an irrepressible spirit combined with a natural entrepreneurial flair. He loved to travel and inevitably he returned with new ideas and new products. ToyWorks eventually became Leisure Industries with a particularly successful business in snooker tables under the Pot Black brand. The business was later sold and Lolek retired in 1984.”

Catch the latest Esdevium is giving Pokémon fans plenty of new reasons - 140 to be exact - to get excited with the launch of Pokémon TCG: Sun & Moon – Guardians Rising. The brand new expansion to the popular trading card game introduces more than 140 new cards for fans to collect, including 12 rare PokémonGX cards and three super-rare full-art Supporter cards. Great news for fans, and better news for retailer as the Pokémon TCG continues to go from strength to strength.

140+

The number of new cards in the Pokémon TCG: Sun & Moon – Guardians Rising expansion toysnplaythings.co.uk

Coffee break Wow! Look at those fingers! WowWee’s Fingerlings, which are being distributed in the UK by Jazwares, are going down a storm with consumers. The robotic monkeys launched in April and were supported with a TV campaign, in-store demonstrations, social media and PR. What’s more, YouTube star Tiana from Toys andMe will be featuring Fingerlings on her channel this summer. The Fingerlings product range will also expand later this year to include playsets. Jazwares UK MD Jonny Taylor says: “We are thrilled to be working with WowWee Tiana will in the UK. They have a very feature strong product line-up this Fingerlings year. We are delighted with on her Fingerlings sales to date, consumer demand has been YouTube exceptionally strong.” channel this summer.

Fact!

Happy birthday Richard! A select group of toy industry veterans gathered on 29 March to mark the 92nd birthday of Richard Beecham. Richard, a true toy industry legend who only retired from the industry in 2008 when Flair was sold to Giochi Preziosi, celebrated with a special lunch organised by The Entertainer founders Gary and Catherine Grant. Among Richard’s guests were industry stalwarts Alan Hassenfeld, Ralph Erhmann, David Lipman, Phil Shayer, David Rourka, Michael Angel, Peter Brown, Alan Munn, Hugh Clarke, Jerry Reynolds and Gary and Catherine Grant. Richard’s four children, Robert, Clive, Claudia and Louise. Over a splendid lunch, the toy veterans shared many amusing anecdotes relating to Richard’s history.

May 2017

HTI’s Global Licensing and Brand Director Alison Downie tells us what is new for 2017, what sets the company apart from its competitors and more Tell us a little about what is new for HTI in 2017? HTI is introducing new Baby Annabell and BABY born dolls prams and pushchairs ranges for 2017. The brands join HTI’s existing portfolio of Chicco, Mamas & Papas, Peppa Pig and Disney dolls prams. With a multi-territory license partnership with Hasbro for My Little Pony roleplay toys, following the success of the Rainbow Dash Style & Groom, we’ve introduced the new pony character styling heads of Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy to the ‘styling stable’. There’s lots of new development with Teamsterz too and our popular range of PAW Patrol toys is bolstered with new character shaped cases featuring Chase, Marshall and Skye. Peppa Pig continues to be one of our best selling licensed ranges. New for 2017 we’ve developed a beautiful new Kitchen and a lovely interactive House Tea Pot Set. We know there’s some good innovation coming through from HTI. Yes, we’re constantly brainstorming new product ideas for all of our key categories and strive to inject innovation and brand DNA into as many designs as possible.

Pretend to Bee hires new sales manager Pretend to Bee has hired Kate Skitt as Sales Manager. She has over 16 years’ experience within the retail sector having worked for companies including M&S and Arcadia. Harrison Palmer, Sales & Marketing Director at Pretend to Bee said: “It’s brilliant to have someone like Kate joining the team. She has a wealth of experience not only in sales but has also worked in buying for some fantastic organisations. We look forward to working with her.”

How does HTI help retailers sell more? HTI offers retail partners, UK and internationally, a tool kit of artwork for promotional and POS materials as well as demo videos that can be used to support product displays in store and online and help to drive sales. We have also grown our UK design facility to ensure we can efficiently design and supply retailers with all supporting graphic marketing materials from catalogue pages, online landing pages and banner adverts to in-store posters and advertising artworks. And lastly, what sets HTI apart from the rest of your competitors? HTI is different to its competitors in that we have a broad portfolio of licenses across a breadth of different product categories from roleplay and musical toys, dolls prams and vehicles to wheeled toys, pocket money and bubbles. This diversity enables us to offer retailers some of the biggest brands in the market across several key categories.

MEDIA

news

Mattel hits YouTube Mattel Creations is looking to increase the presence of iconic Mattel brands on YouTube. The company has appointed ProjectFirst in Russia and Little Dot Studios in France to manage adsupported video on demand platforms and grow channel subscriber numbers. Barbie, Hot Wheels and Monster High will all see activity aimed at growing the brands’ respective channels, while new digital channels will be developed for Thomas & Friends. Alex Godfrey, Director Content Distribution, Home Entertainment & New Media Distribution, Mattel Creations, said: “Both these appointments are strategically important to us to help maintain a robust, always-on digital presence in countries where the correct localisation of our content will allow us to grow exponentially.”

30 years of heroics Fireman Sam is celebrating his 30th anniversary in style, thanks to Mattel. A UK marketing campaign highlighting the preschool property’s milestone will be joined by Sam’s first theatrical release with the hotly-anticipated movie Fireman Sam Alien Alert coming to cinemas nationwide. There is also a search for real life heroes with the Golden Helmet Awards. The awards will help

All about Bear Platinum Films and Bear Grylls Ventures are teaming up on an exciting new children’s entertainment brand, Young Bear Grylls. Described by Platinum Films CEO, Nigel Stone as “action-packed, inspiring and fun with a good dose of mischief”, an animated adventure series based on the TV survival guru is currently in production. The TV and accompanying merchandising programme will be rolled out by the newly formed joint venture company YBG Films Limited. Bear Grylls said: “Young Bear Grylls is all about bringing the spirit of adventure and exploration to young kids in a way that fires their imagination, and brings out the survivor in them all.”

encourage children to act out their own adventures and be their own hero, as well as celebrating real life heroes in their local community.

Elena hits newsstands Issue one of the Elena of Avalor magazine from Panini UK hit newsstands in March. Based on the hit Disney Junior and Disney Channel animated series, each issue of the new monthly, 36-page magazine is packed with a variety of stories, puzzles, crafts, competitions and fun learning activities. The launch issue included 70-plus stickers, which can be used in the magazine, and was cover-mounted with a stunning Tiara, bracelet and clip on earrings. Cheryl Davenport-Thomas, Product Marketing Manager at Panini said: “We are delighted to be working with Disney on the new Elena of Avalor magazine which is jam-packed with engaging creative that will both educate and entertain. The strong editorial and retail marketing support makes a great launch platform for the magazine.”

Two billion views Zimpli Kids has hit an impressive two billion views on YouTube. Videos featuring the company’s Gelli Baff and Slime Baff products have gone down a storm since the company started its YouTube campaign in October 2015. Currently they are averaging 5.5 million new views per day — that’s over 60 new views every second — with 900 YouTube partners all over the world. The company says this huge YouTube traction is pushing sell through to unbelievable levels and as the views continue to rise, so do worldwide sales: they were 300 per cent up (Jan-Dec 2016) on 2015 and are still growing.

toysnplaythings.co.uk11

MEDIA

8000

CHARTS

7000 6000 5000

What next?

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Housewives Children March 16 vs March 17

Mar-16

Mar-17

elcome to the Media Report for March 2017. This month we are reporting on viewing levels for Boys 4-9 years, Girls 4-9 years and Housewives with Children Pre-School. Looking at the viewing levels for the boys we can see that Pop is market leader followed by Nick Junior. Most of the stations are down, overall shortfall is 33 per cent. Nickelodeon Junior is the only station that has not lost ground compared to March 2016. One of the biggest falls is Nicktoons followed by The VE WE HA ME Cartoon Network. There appears OR SO to be a general decline for this SAID F THE target market with regards to TIME IF NS DO NOT watching television. We have STATIO E THEIR said for some time if the stations CHANGAMME do not change their programme PROGRULES, schedules, audiences will fall. SCHEDNCES WILL The situation for the girls is very much UDIE the same: overall the market is down by A ALL 47.9 per cent compared to March 2016. F Nickelodeon Junior is market leader followed by Pop and Disney Junior, but there is no good news here. Disney XD is down by 79.5 per cent and Channel 5 is the only station showing an increase. Again, programming is the main issue. We can safely say that the viewing landscape is going through some serious changes. There are many other ways for this target market to entertain themselves, and looking at the figures TV may not be their first choice. Although we are not showing viewing levels for the older profile, we can say viewing for this group is also down. So, this decrease is across the board. The viewing levels for Housewives with Children are down, but only by 8.3 per cent, which in the context with the other target markets, is not so bad. Nickelodeon Junior is market leader, followed by Pop and Disney Junior. ITVB is down by over 30 per cent, which is disappointing. Let’s hope this situation for all the target markets improves in the coming months, or is this the start of a decline in viewing levels generally? In the reported expenditure for the top 10 spenders, we see for the first time in many months Mattel UK Ltd in first position with Hasbro in second place. We can see that Hasbro has spent £1m less in March 2017 than March 2016. This group is down by 34.4 per cent compared to March 2016. Overall the reported expenditure is down by 42.6 per cent when compared to March 2016. Next month we will look at the older end of the Kids market and Housewives with Children.

“

8000 7000 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0

Boys 4-9 TVRs March 16 vs March 17

Mar-16

Mar-17

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Girls 4-9 TVRs March 16 vs March 17 Mar-16

Mar-17

March 2016 Toy Company TV Expenditure

March 2017 Toy Company TV Expenditure

Company Name

TV Expenditure

Company Name

TV Expenditure

Flair Leisure Prod Ltd Vivid Imaginations Ltd Panini John Adams Leisure Ltd Spin Master Toys Ltd LEGO UK Ltd Tomy UK Ltd Character Options Ltd Mattel UK Ltd Hasbro UK Ltd

284,603 352,380 476,343 540,563 547,184 674,977 799,351 885,678 1,015,771 2,678,526

Playmobil UK Ltd Bandai UK Ltd Vivid Imaginations Ltd MGA Ent VTech Electronics Ltd Flair Leisure Prod Ltd Spin Master Toys Ltd LEGO UK Ltd Hasbro UK Ltd Mattel UK Ltd

218,037 197,820 237,772 259,813 439,427 592,727 590,207 633,320 1,372,492 1,563,519

For more information on viewing levels please contact Mike Penfold. mike@globalmedia.me.uk Tel: 01494 763178. All graphs and information supplied by Global Media Services

toysnplaythings.co.uk

MOVIE

NEWS

League of their own

Mighty debut The Power Rangers movie made a mighty $59.2 million on its opening weekend, as movie goers big and small headed to the cinema in their droves for the Rangers’ latest adventure. Earnings of $40.5m in studio Lionsgate’s domestic US market was topped up by a promising $18.7 from international cinemas, including in the UK, Canada and Hong Kong. With the film opening in France, Italy, Spain and arguably one of its biggest markets where the series originated, Japan, a few weeks later, the movie looks set to smash its roughly $100m budget.

First look at The Last Jedi Disney has given fans their first look at Star Wars: The Last Jedi, which hits cinemas 15 December 2017. A teaser trailer and the first official poster were unveiled at Star Wars Celebration, a fan event for lovers of all things Star Wars, which took place 13-16 April in Orlando, Florida.

Ralph’s back! A sequel to Walt Disney Animation Studios’s Wreck-It Ralph was given an official title at ComicCon in March. Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2 is the followup to the 2013 original, which was tipped for an Oscar in the Best Animated Feature category that year. John C Reilly and Sarah Silverman will reprise their roles to voice the two main characters, Ralph and Venellope von Schweetz, when the movie hits UK cinemas next March.

Warner Bros. unveiled the first full length trailer for its upcoming Justice League movie — and fans went wild. Following on from the action in Batman v Superman, Bruce Wayne is inspired by Superman’s selfless act and enlists the help of his newfound ally, Wonder Woman, alongside Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash to battle an even bigger threat. One fan on Twitter wrote: “I’ve just seen the Justice League trailer and I’m already way too excited”, while another incredibly enthusiastic moviegoer was already marking a special occasion: “24-hour anniversary of the Justice League trailer! Still cannot stop watching it!” Helmed by Batman v Superman director Zack Snyder, Justice League will hit UK cinemas 17 November 2017.

Spidey hits the web A second trailer for Spider-Man: Homecoming has given fans a fresh look at the all-swinging, all-dancing Marvel superhero. Played by newcomer Tom Holland, who made his debut in the red and blue suit in Captain America: Civil War, the Sony Pictures/ Marvel Entertainment coproduction has set fans’ adrenaline pumping. The two-minute teaser was viewed 18 million times in less than three days, boding well for the movie’s cinematic release this July!

Bob stays Bob Iger was due to bow out from his position at the head of Disney next year, but will now stay on until at least summer 2019. The Disney Chief Executive extended his contract to July 2019 in March, after earlier this year telling investors he was willing to stay on if they decided it was in the company’s “best interests”. He said his position was one of “tremendous privilege” and that he is “honoured to have been asked to continue serving as CEO”. Orin Smith, Independent Lead Director of the Disney board, said Bob’s track record and vision made the decision to keep him on “obvious” as the board looks for his successor.

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media

Analysis

Little people, big power! A

the cost to reach a unique percentage becomes s of April 2017, the BARB population of more expensive. (Source: Kantar, 2017. Data: 1st Kids 4-15 in the UK reached 9,000,000 for Jan – 26th March. Channel Mix based on natural the first time, thus making the audience of delivery.) children in the UK comparable to that of There is of course the potential to increase the entire population of London! the coverage of a TV campaign by looking to BARB collects data from 5,500 homes across other channels outside of the 18 Kids commercial the UK, which collectively represents the viewing channels, and invest in the likes of family movies behaviours of the UK’s 26m TV households, in one of on larger channels such as ITV2, Channel 4 and the most robust television panels in the world. Sky Movies. However, we must consider that When we look at the data in more detail (see additional media is vital to reaching audiences below table), we can see a reported seven per after the point where an incremental cover point cent increase in the number of Children 4-15 from is more cost effective across other channels over 2012 (8,421,000 to 9,009,000 this year). While the TV. percentage split between Boys and Girls is almost This is where Generation Media’s bespoke exactly 50:50, by looking at the age breakdowns we planning tool ‘The Media Aggregator’ (TMA) can see that all key target audiences Children 4-6, comes into play. This tool, alongside a number Children 7-9 and Children 10-15 have all increased of various elements, answers from 2012. (Source: April two key questions facing BARB, 2017. Audience sizes in the industry today, whether April of each corresponding The audience sizes investment should be made year). for communications is larger away from TV (this is when These figures should 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017than ever before, with an the cost of the alternative AV provide confidence that 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 media is comparable to TV) and there is opportunity to, in additional 588,000 children secondly, if so, how much of part, contribute to a growing than in 2012 our traditional TV budgets toys and games industry, but Apr-13 Apr-14 Apr-15 Apr-16 Apr-17 Apr-13 Apr-14 Apr-15 Apr-16 Apr-17 we should consider also reignite assurance to 8421 8507 Kids 4-15 8730 Kids 4-15 8717 8903 Kids 4-15 8421 Kids 4-15 Kids 4-15 8717 Kids 4-15 Kids 4-15 8903 Kids 4-15Once 9009 9009 investing? marketers 8507 that Kids 4-15 the audience 8730 Kids 4-15 2217 Kids 4-6 2262 Kids 4-6 2395 Kids 4-6 2404 Kids 4-6 2476 Kids 4-6 2419 0.091114 2217 Kids 4-6 2262 Kids 4-6 2395 Kids 4-6 2404 Kids 4-6 2476 Kids 4-6 there is ‘permission’ to spend, 2419 0.091114 sizes for communications is larger than ever before, 2043 Kids 7-9 Kids 7-9 2127 Kids 7-9 Kids 7-9 2148 Kids 7-9 Kids 7-9 2165 Kids 7-9 Kids 7-9 2270 Kids 7-9 2339 0.144885 0.144885 2043 2127 2148 Kids 7-9 2339 the system 2270 will recommend with an additional 588,000 children than in 2012.2165 4161 Kids 10-15 Kids 10-15 4118 Kids 10-15 4187 Kids 10-15 Kids 10-15 4148 Kids 10-15 Kids 10-15 4157 budget Kids 10-15split 4251 4251 0.021629 0.021629 a unique media For those who read last month’s article, we 4161 4118 Kids 10-15 4187 4148 4157 Kids 10-15 2012 2013 2014 Kids 2015 commercial 2016 2017 based on variables identified highlighted that airtime remains in the briefing process. the most cost efficient means of reaching children. information on While this stillApr-13 remains, we Apr-14 must remember Apr-12 Apr-15 that the Apr-16 For more Apr-17 Kids 4-15 platform 8421 Kids 4-15 8507 Kids 4-15 8730 Kids 4-15 Kids 4-15 8903 our Kids 4-15 9009 how TMA works, please can only reach a maximum c. 80 per8717 cent of Kids 4-6 2217 Kids 4-6 2262 Kids 4-6 Kids 4-6 2404 Kids 4-6 2476 Kids 4-6 0.091114 contact myself 2419 or another children across traditional Kid’s 2395 commercial channels Kids 7-9 2043 Kids 7-9 2127 Kids 7-9 2148 Kids 7-9 2165 Kids 7-9 2270 Kids 7-9 2339 0.144885 member of the4251 GM 0.021629 team. At Kids 10-15 which point, there is risk ad wear4148 outKids 10-15 as Kids 10-15alone.4161 4118 Kids 10-15 4187of Kids 10-15 4157 Kids 10-15

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BARB Reported Universe Sizes

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Kids 4-15 Kids 4-6 Kids 4-15 Kids 4-6 Kids 4-15 Kids 4-6

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Kids 7-9 Kids 7-9Kids 10-15 Kids 10-15

Kids 7-9

Kids 10-15

Generation Media is the UK and Ireland’s largest independent media buyer of toys and games advertising. Visit generationmedia.co.uk or call 0207 307 7900 to learn more.

May 2017

2017 2017

Alex TaylorSmith of Generation Media tells us the UK kids population has reached 9,000,000 for the first time

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COVER FEATURE VTECH

To the max! VTech has created a new handheld device for kids — packed full of great play value and super features. TnP learns more...

Tech’s brand new smart device maintain control.” says: “KidiCom™ MAX will be on TV from for kids is about to hit retail and While we know that a great deal of play September and throughout peak season, already consumers are chomping is motivated by the fact that children targeting children 4-9 the campaign will at the bit to get their hands on it! It allows want to behave like adults, VTech’s achieve over 900 TVRs. kids as young as four to communicate research and insights have shown With children with others on a parentally pre-approved that the same is true when it comes continuing to screen list by text and voice message, as well as to the appreciation and embracing stack and 82 per cent play games, make video clips and of gadgets, of kids aged 4-9 now “There has take photos. technology and watching YouTube* we been a very Rebecca Lazarus, Senior Brand digital play too. will reach them on this positive VTech Manager explains what the Rebecca says: channel with engaging reception identified KidiCom™ MAX does: “KidiCom™ “VTech identified pre-roll content around from all that children MAX features a 5” capacitive that children the key half term week.” retailers touch screen and functions using want gadgets VTech is certainly want to the new an Android operating system. just like their upping the ante when gadgets just KidiCom Using the wireless connection, parents, so have it comes to quality like their Max. Previous success in this children can send and receive transferred the technology — this parents area will ensure that this next text and voice messages with smartphone product is sure to be a Rebecca Lazarus pre-approved family and friends. technology into Christmas winner! generation handheld device “More than just a a children’s toy for children will get full messaging device, ensuring it has distribution.” children can take the durability Graham Canning, VTech’s photos and videos, required for this sector, Sales Director play a variety of fun, while maintaining the and age-appropriate important features. learning games with Technology can play an popular characters. important role in helping children Children can listen develop socially when used in to music, watch moderation. The KidiCom™ MAX their favourite allows children to be part of the cartoon shows broader digital conversation and and browse the stay in touch with their family but internet through in a safe and fun environment.” the kid-safe, The product really is a parent-controlled great and tough bit of kit, browser!” but what is VTech doing The safety to put it in the hearts element and and minds — and of parental course hands — of tiny controls are consumers up and down essential and something the country? Well, that really helps to push a top heavyweight consumers over the line campaign is being when making a purchase. rolled out! Rebecca VTech has gone to great lengths to ensure that the KidiCom™ MAX is as safe as possible. Rebecca explains how: “Parents are able to manage the apps Contact VTech that are downloaded, add Tel: 01235 555 545 pre-approved websites to Web: www.vtech.co.uk the kid-safe browser and set usage time limits on the device allowing parents to

Did you know...

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Hang tough!

KidiCom™ MAX is a super tough design that has an anti-shock construction, and features a protective bumper and shatter safe screen.

*Source: GB Youth TGi 2016r2 Autumn Audience Kids 7 – 9 years old

MAY 2017

Retail

news

Toymaster joins BLE retail programme A fresh host of retailers have signed up for Brand Licensing Europe’s Retail Mentoring Programme this year, including the Toymaster buying group. Professionals enrolled on this year’s course, which is now CPD accredited, come from a number retail categories and departments, including buyers, marketeers and designers from toy, gift, apparel and leisure. Joining Toymaster, Big Four supermarket chain Morrisons is also on board, alongside teams from The Entertainer, Sainsbury’s Tu and Tesco, among others. Tesco’s Head of Licensing, Rachel Wakley praised the course for offering “unique insight into the world of licensing that is impossible to get anywhere else”. “This year, we have worked hard to recruit retailers in new categories and in so doing have also seen growth in the number of designers, marketers and merchandisers joining the programme. It’s the most diverse line-up we’ve seen for a number of years,” said Anna Knight, BLE Brand Director. “We would urge any retailers who are looking to learn more about licensing to sign-up before it’s we reach capacity — which seems imminent.”

It’s magic! Disney Store recently celebrated its 30-year anniversary, marking the historic grand opening of the original Glendale, California store in 1987. From that original location, Disney Store has expanded to operating 340 stores worldwide and ecommerce sites in 10 countries. “For 30 years, Disney Store has helped fans and families around the world make Disney magic a part of their daily lives,” said Paul Gainer, Executive Vice President, Disney Retail. “We have continued to evolve and address not only the needs and interests of guests, but also the growing slate of Walt Disney Company brands and franchises, including Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars. We look forward to the future as we continue to deliver

the very best of Disney at retail.” In commemoration of this milestone, a new line-up of limited edition 30th anniversary products was launched, featuring highlyanticipated collectables and a special anniversary Disney Tsum Tsum set. In-store celebratory events and activities also took place on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 April, when guests were able to see some of the best memories from the last 30 years and learn a dance routine to a specially recorded 30th anniversary Disney Store song.

99p Stores enters administration Discount retailer 99p Stores has been placed into administration by Poundland, which bought the rival chain in a £55m deal less than two years ago. After the buyout, Poundland set about transferring the property leases of the 252 99p Stores it bought and rebranding the locations under its banner for a consistent presence on the high street. But around 60 stores were found to occupy conflicting positions with nearby, existing Poundland outlets, and deemed unprofitable. They were held under old leases in a shell company with a view to offload to other retailers.

Mayor champions indies Amazon teams with Digital Kids Show Amazon is joining forces with The Digital Kids Show this year as its official retail partner, making it simple for visitors to make purchases from exhibitors on the show floor. Exhibitors that sell product on the online marketplace will be able to take advantage of a QR code system, letting consumers scan and add the products to their shopping baskets in one simple step.

Sadiq Khan has championed independent retailers and family-run businesses in London, warning steep hikes in business rates could force them out of business and leave the capital’s high streets empty. The Mayor of London said tax increases pose a “clear and present risk” to businesses in the city and threaten the “very nature of London’s high streets”. He added: “What we need is full devolution of business rates to London with genuine protections in place so we can safeguard businesses that are part of the fabric of what makes London such a vibrant, diverse and successful city.”

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Tesco-Booker deal faces criticism Tesco’s £3.7 billion bid for wholesaler Booker has raised “major concerns” from one of its biggest shareholders, who said the price was too high. Nick Kirrage, fund manager for Schroders, which has a 4.5 per cent stake in the supermarket, told the BBC he saw a “struggle to create value”. He said that Booker’s recent success and ballooning profits had given it a premium price tag that was only merited if its bottom line continues to rise at a consistent rate. Tesco boss Dave Lewis, who has turned the supermarket’s fortunes around since joining in 2014, said he remained “completely committed” to the merger. A Tesco spokesperson said in a statement: “Since announcing the transaction the majority of our top 10 shareholders have chosen to increase their shareholding in Tesco and we hope to convince all our shareholders of the merits of the transaction.”

Toymaster welcomes 10 garden centres Toymaster has welcomed 10 garden centres to its buying group, ahead of the upcoming annual May Show in Harrogate. Joining the toy buying group are garden centres from across the country, including: Woodthorpe Hall Garden Centres Ltd/ Brigg Garden Centre, North Lincolnshire; Arcadia Garden Centre, Middlesbrough; Chapel

Garden Centre, Lincolnshire; East Durham Garden Centre, County Durham; Gilberdyke Garden Centre, East Yorkshire; Hornsea Garden Centre, Hornsea; Irton Garden Centre, North Yorkshire; Rotten Garden Centre, Bedfordshire; Towneley Garden Centre, Lancashire; Woodthrope Garden Centre, Lincolnshire.

Amazon buys Godalming says retailer Souq.com goodbye to toys

Heartwarming thank-yous have been pouring in on the Facebook page of The Toy Box Goldalming, which closed its doors for the final time in March. The independent toy shop was opened in 2009 by Steve Mohair and wife Tracey in tribute to their infant son Marcus, who tragically died in a car crash. After announcing the shop was to close on Saturday 18 March, locals who saw the toy shop as a town institution left comments to thank the team for their cheerful service and the memories. One local said: “You will be missed and your shop will be missed. Thank you for being there for the time you were.”

May 2017

Amazon has closed a deal to buy the Middle East’s biggest online retailer, Souq.com. Souq sells a vast selection of product categories, including toys and infant products, with more than 8.4 million products on offer. Amazon’s Senior VP Russ Grandinetti said the acquisition was a natural move, as both retailers “share the same DNA” and are driven by “customers, invention and long-term thinking”. He added: “Souq pioneered ecommerce in the Middle East… We’re looking forward to both learning from and supporting them with Amazon technology and global resources.” Ronaldo Mouchawar, CEO and Co-Founder of Souq, said the move is “a critical next step in growing our e-commerce presence on behalf of customers across the region”. Pictured: Amazon’s Russ Grandinetti and Souq CEO Ronaldo Mouchawar shake on the deal

retail

opinion

Toy talk Retailers are important to us here at TnP. We love chatting to them each month to get industry insights into what is selling well and we ask some key questions...

Brian Buckby

Ross Poulter

Blewetts of Hayle Toy Shop, Cornwall

Automattic Comics & Toys, Corsham, Wiltshire

Brian jokes he’s “just settling in” after 36 years serving shoppers in the Cornish town of Hayle. He tells TnP they’ve just had one of their best Easters in recent memory - and for once a spot of overcast weather was a welcome way to get half-term customers through the door

The pop culture fans at Automattic are in the know when it comes to Star Wars and the latest sci-fi buzz. They sell a winning mix of toys and comics for fans young and old What can you currently not keep on your shelves? Pokémon has been huge for us. We sell the TCG with booster packs, tins and starter packs, plus plush and other licensed merchandise like caps and scarves. LEGO is always strong and Star Wars figures sell nicely, too. Ty’s Teenie Tys and Beanie Boos have also been a big hit recently, and we’ve found them to be particularly popular with girls. What’s the key price point for you at this time of year — and what do purchases tend to be for? The vast majority will fall between around £2.50, which is enough for kids to pick up a mini figure or pack of collectable cards, and £20, which will net you a decent sized LEGO set or multiple collectables. We do have adult customers too, and they’ll typically spend a little more on board games and collectable figures. Do you sell anything that’s not a toy but works well with your product mix? We do good business with our comic books. We have everything from DC, Marvel and Dark Horse to Image.

Bill Deakin Silly Billy’s Toy Shop, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire Bill and the team mark their 20th anniversary this month — congratulations from Team TnP! What toy/range/license can you currently not keep on your shelves? LEGO is a staple, and Sylvanian Families have always been great sellers for us — particularly after the resurgence under Epoch, which do great POS. We also started doing their Aquabeads this year which are doing nicely. Fidget Spinners is a new one — we bought in a massive

TnP loves to hear your views. This month we chat with retailers around the country to see what is selling, what key price points work for them and more

What toy/range/license can you currently not keep on your shelves? We have a great Sylvanian Families display in the window currently and we’re selling an awful lot of that. Little Live Pets from Character are doing really well, as is Trolls, LEGO and Playmobil. Everything seems to be selling nicely at the minute. What’s the key price point for you at this time of year — and what do purchases tend to be for? Customers were buying quite a lot for Easter. You’re looking at around the £10 mark as the sweet spot, and the Toymaster half price sale we currently have going on is always good to get people into the shop and spending. Do you sell anything that’s not a toy but works well with your product mix? We do sell some bits that aren’t toys, but mainly I’d say it’s stuff for the beach. Bodyboards have been doing well thanks to the bright and sunny weather we had over the Easter school break.

amount of stock over Easter — and that’s going well. Peterkin’s dolls and the Jamie Raven Magic Sets from Paul Lamond are also doing good business. What’s the key price point for you at this time of year - and what do purchases tend to be for? Anything up to £30 is our ideal window. At that price point we can afford to experiment with fresh brands and stock, taking some risks while remaining competitive and making our margin. But it has to be quality or we won’t carry it. Do you sell anything that’s not a toy but works well with your product mix? We do a good range of party bags and the novelties to fill it, mainly from PlayWrite. We also have a selection of posters, so if we can’t for whatever reason carry the toys of a top film we can at least offer kids a poster instead.

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ManDy MiDDleTon Toys n Tech, Carlisle

Tweet Talk

Owners Mandy and Martin are celebrating the second birthday of Toys n Tech in June. Mandy has a background in teaching, but several years working at a local Hawkin’s Bazaar Christmas pop-up gave her a love of retail and she just had to open her own shop

Share your thoughts with us and keep up to date with all things TnP on Twitter @toysnplaythings

What can you currently not keep on your shelves? Oh, we have a few things that are going really well. Fidget Cubes and Spinners are popular, as is Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty. Playfoam from Learning Resources has been selling really well with the local school children. What’s the key price point for you at this time of year — and what do purchases tend to be for? It’s around the £5-10 mark, although recently we had the kids come in with their Easter money. Before that, Playfoam became a real craze in the local playgrounds, and there was a chain reaction of schools getting into it and coming into the shop to buy it. It’s great! Do you sell anything that’s not a toy but works well with your product mix? Yes, we do quite well with balloons. We have Balloominate balloons which light up, and Balloonatune, which light up and play music. Do you keep up with YouTubers and social media inﬂuencers, and do you find more customers are buying products they discover through these channels? I don’t watch them, but the kids certainly do. Thumb Chucks is the most recent example, with kids buying them to try out the tricks and tips they saw on YouTube. It’s definitely bringing more kids into the shop.

saBrina caroe Treasures of Wetherby, West Yorkshire With free expert gift wrapping and popular loyalty reward scheme, all in service of providing a magical shopping experience, Treasures offers plenty of reasons for Wetherby locals to drop by What toy/range/license can you currently not keep on your shelves? Oh there’s lots! Character Options’ Little Live Pets are doing fantastic, particularly the Surprise Chicks. I think they worked well for Easter and have been popular outside of that too. Another good one from Character on the creative side has been Cra-Z-Sand — the full range has been great. VTech’s Switch & Go Dinos have been really popular too. LEGO Batman and Spider-Man sets have also been big hits from a licensed toy perspective. And not forgetting PAW Patrol on the licensed side — we sell quite a lot of the full range. Do you sell anything that’s not a toy but works well with your product mix? Depesche’s range of stationery and arts and crafts isn’t exactly a toy, but it is very, very popular.

MAY 2017

THE INDEPENDENT

OPINION

Grocer misconduct Deals with grocers and multiples are all part and parcel of the toy industry, but don’t be surprised when independents question the logic, says The Independent

though is when I am almost forced into making a decision by whatever ridiculous situation some of my suppliers present me with. I like to think I am easy to work with, although I concede that this may not be the opinion of everyone on the other side of the table. But I would enjoy a good argument with any supplier who said I made things unusually awkward for them. I work hard, run a tight ship, try to do things right, give the best customer service possible and hope that this gives me enough VOLUME: competitive 1) Pokémon Sun & Moon Boosters – Esdevium advantage to 2) LEGO Batman Minifigures – LEGO succeed and 3) Hot Wheels Basic Vehicles – Mattel survive. But boy, do some VALUE: suppliers 1) Pokémon Sun & Moon Boosters – Esdevium make this 2) Pokémon Sun & Moon Tin – Esdevium unbelievably 3) LEGO Batman Minifigures – LEGO difficult!

his year is turning out to be another one filled with difficult decisions. I know we could say this of any year in business, but things are more difficult from every aspect than when making money was, dare I say it, easy. We are well into this year, and it feels like the difficult decisions we made are turning out to have been for the best, even if they were not what I wanted for my business. The thing that makes it bad

Best sellers:

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If you make a decision that puts any of your customers on the back foot then it needs to be questioned and challenged

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I mean this in the most respectful way possible of course, but some of the decisions you make, or requests you cave in to, are simply ridiculous. You may be able to justify any decision you make, but if you make a decision that puts any of your customers on the back foot then it needs to be questioned and challenged. The examples I can think of are endless. One large toy

Spin Master played a fair game Zoomer Dog (right) as far as The independent is concerned

THE SECRET SUPPLIER

Problem or opportunity? Our Secret Supplier sympathises with the tough trading conditions — but asks if The Independent could learn something from deals the majors cut?

end of trading practices which reflect the reality of the structure of the toy industry today. It is worth briefly looking at the dynamics of the US toy market, where three major retailers effectively dominate the Look at the likes of LEGO market. One and Hasbro… surely these US supplier companies lead the industry in told me unless he had all supporting their huge range of three retailers great brands to the advantage on board he of all retailers? could not

n a difficult year it is not surprising The Independent should take a pot shot at his suppliers. The reality, of course, is his suppliers face similar difficulties, but on an even bigger scale. The Independent is at the blunt

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toysnplaythings.co.uk

company launched a series of collectables a couple of years ago in a large grocer, while in another larger grocer a number of leading toy companies had BOGOF deals on their latest figures and fashion dolls. It seems some suppliers have half their range at 25 per cent off for key movie launches, and others in any retail flyer at any point in the year. And I've heard that one company has given a sixmonth launch of its new Marvel collectable range to a large grocer! Please note, there are plenty of times throughout the year I see exclusive products, promotions and the like that don’t bother me. If I spent my time studying every retailer with lower prices or access to lines that I can’t buy, then I would never get any work done. But I am not targeting decisions that make perfect sense. I recall a number of years ago, Smyths seemed to go heavily with Spin Master’s Zoomer Dog. We were asked about Zoomer by our customers and we happily sent them to Smyths, able to say that on this occasion, they were the only

successfully launch a new product into the market. Here in the UK, thankfully, we are not as account dependent as the US. But it does perhaps explain why some suppliers have a reputation for incentivising key retailers with shelfgrabbing, consumer offers. Look at the likes of LEGO and Hasbro, the industry’s largest suppliers, in this regard. Surely these companies lead the industry in supporting their huge range of great brands to the advantage of all retailers? To be a successful independent in today’s market is without doubt a huge challenge. But a few independent retailers do meet that challenge and The Entertainer and Smyths are the obvious and largest examples (if we can still call them independents!). The Entertainer has grown on

MAY 2017

retailer to have this particular line. It worked in everyone’s favour: Smyths were able to sell what can only be guessed is a very large number of those toys, and we were able to be fair and sell some stock to this customer before they headed off to Smyths to buy Zoomer and finish off their shopping. I have no problem with this, but what I do have a big problem with is when a core line or range is given to someone else, and independent retailers are almost told with a smile: “Oh, you can’t have this for a month because such-and-such has it for launch.” It makes me feel like the supplier has zero grasp on how daft and out of touch with current trends this makes our customers think we are, and it drives their custom elsewhere. There is no comeback from any supplier for doing these deals with retailers with no care or thought for smaller businesses. But to make things worse, and to get back to my earlier point about difficult decisions, the suppliers

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I am not targeting decisions that make perfect sense

the back of a very selective high-margin product range and excellent high street store locations, backed up by a highly ethical trading philosophy and supported by a talented and enthusiastic management team led by Mr Grant and his two sons. Smyth’s have boldly gone for a larger format with considerable success, and they backed their Suppliers impressive UK growth face similar with highly creative difficulties, but marketing and media on an even support. In addition their bigger scale highly intelligent and persuasive management team have been able to encourage suppliers to provide significant retailer support to their advantage. Both of these retailers are now

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seem simply dumbfounded when I tell them that I will be limiting my range and my spend with them because, as far as I'm concerned, they are dangerous they are to trade with. The looks and comments I have had would astound you. It could be likened to a greedy kid stealing your last Rolo, then giving you a funny look as you tussle with him to get it back. I find the whole scenario odd to say the least, and thought I would make an effort to highlight the impact of some stupid decisions that go on in this industry. The situation that comes up regularly is as follows: Me: "Did you see the promotion on your stock in that retailer?" Supplier: "Oh, I can’t discuss other retailers’ promotions or pricing with you." Me: "That's ok, but I just wanted to let you know that we will be pulling away from you as we don't feel it is safe to trade with someone as dangerous as you as it leaves us exposed." Supplier, with a blank expression: "Oh, umm, hmm, well I don’t think that is the right decision for your business." Me: "Didn’t realise I asked you to comment."

giants in our industry and have been successful when other national retailers have struggled. We know that The Independent is a very intelligent and aggressive entrepreneur, with both the desire and ability to continue to grow his retail business. So would it be worth his while to study these competitors to see if there are any lessons to be learnt? Then he might realise that his supplier problems are opportunities to be resolved.

WHAT’S N Brand spanking new launches from top toy companies to help you sell more!

It’s a pirates’ life for me SPIN MASTER

01628 535000 www.spinmaster.com Set sail with Pirates of the Caribbean figures and playsets from Spin Master, the ultimate toy line for kids ages four to seven, and help Captain Jack Sparrow defeat his old nemesis, the terrifying Captain Salazar, and escape from the Devil’s Triangle. From the blockbuster series comes the Silent Mary Ghost Ship. Kids can help Captain Jack Sparrow take on Salazar and his ghostly vessel as it terrorizes the dreaded Devil’s Triangle with real wave-like movements, featuring plenty of swashbuckling action and ship-wide pushbutton features. There is plenty of action of Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Ship playset. Jack’s ship comes with a removable, firing cannon and an enemy ghost shark to attack with cannonballs. The ship’s real wave-like movements give kids the sense that they’re sailing the high seas. Also look out for the Pirates of the Caribbean Figure and Deluxe Accessory Set. Each set includes a 3” figure, ship and deluxe battle accessory. There will also be some pocket-money Mini Battle Figure packs and Two Pack Action Figures available to stock.

That’s magic!

PAUL LAMOND GAMES 020 7254 0100 www.paul–lamond.com Now available is the fantastic new Jamie Raven Magic Range from Paul Lamond Games! The exciting Magic Range developed by the Britain’s Got Talent phenomenon features four mind-blowing sets each covering a different genre of magic: Card Magic, Magic of the Mind, Street Magic and Sleight of Hand. The talented magician, who wowed audiences and judges alike with his extraordinary magic skills on the 2015 series of Britain’s Got Talent has teamed up with Paul Lamond to help budding magicians achieve their magical potential.

Did you know… The Jamie Raven Magic Sets do not contain paper instructions but each features a secret web link where Jamie teaches the tricks and offers valuable performance tips. 24

Fact! Spin Master has a range of action figures and role play toys to support the May release of Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge, Disney’s fifth instalment in the popular liveaction franchise.

Bringing colour to life TRENDS UK 01295 768078 (National accounts) 01353 724140 (Wind Designs: Independents) www.trendsuk.co.uk Trends UK is introducing two new colour collections: Metallic and Day Glow, to the popular Paint Sticks range from Little Brian. Paint Sticks from Little Brian twist up and down just like a glue stick to paint with ease. The super silky Paint Sticks have strong vibrant colours and can be used on all sorts of surfaces including paper, card, canvas and wood.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

NEW Slime time! ZIMPLI KIDS

Fact! Each Slime Blaster gun comes with enough powder for 200+ slime shots, for lots of outdoor fun.

01254 460006 www.zimplikids.com Zimpli Kids have an exciting new product joining their outdoor range - the award-winning Slime Blaster! Why soak your friends in water when you can blast them with slime? Simply load the Slime Blaster gun tank with water and the pre-measured magic slime powder; shake to make the gooey slime, then fire! Each Slime Blaster gun comes with enough powder for 200+ slime shots, for lots of outdoor fun. Just like the entire product range the Slime Blaster powder is stain free, non-toxic, environmentally safe and non irritant. Even before the launch of the Slime Blaster, it was awarded Toy Fair Best New Outdoor Toy 2017, believed to be one of the hottest products over the coming year.

Buckets of fun A.B.GEE OF RIPLEY 01773 570444 www.abgee.co.uk For 2017, A.B.Gee of Ripley has a fantastic new range of sand and water tables with sturdy designs, which are sure to be popular with children of all ages. Offering hours of yearround indoor and outdoor playtime fun, each table is great value for money and comes complete with a full range of play accessories. A.B.Gee also has a comprehensive range of outdoor, sand and water product lines, with favourites like Nerf Super Soakers from Hasbro, buckets and spades, sand moulds, rakes, balls, water pistols, kites, paddling pools, Iinflatables and many more. The company carries a superb range of buckets and spades, for example, all available in a wide range of colours, sizes and designs from the traditional red, green and yellow to beautiful marble effects. Look out for the eye-catching, bold and colourful Frog and Pirate outdoor designs, sure to inspire children’s imaginations and role play. A.B.Gee also offers bespoke designed FSDUs, available free of charge with orders of £250 or more of outdoor stock from the comprehensive 60-page outdoor catalogue. Retailers can choose from two fantastic bespoke FSDU designs, both standing 1.4m tall.

Walk this way MARBEL

0845 6000 286 www.marbel.co.uk The VW Walker from Hape is an ultra stylish yet adorable edition to the toy box to get children up on two legs and discovering the world. Choose from two classic designs including the VW Campervan and the VW Beetle, available in either red or blue. The Hape VW Walker makes the perfect companion for any baby from 10 months +. With a 2 in 1 design, this stylish motor on wheels works perfectly as either a walker or pram. With adjustable handles and brakes, the walker grows along with your little one as it adapts to your child’s progress. With safety at the heart of everything Hape do, parents can be assured that their children are safe with rubber non-skid wheels to help keep the learner driver under control, without destroying the flooring, suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

SPONSORED FEATURE FOCUS ON JURATOYS

Solved! Janod’s excellent wooden puzzles are playful and intelligent. They have an uncompromising approach for making every moment a learning moment: push, fit, build, draw, create, listen, imitate… and grow!

On your bike! Janod’s balance bikes and trikes are solidly made and help kids develop co-ordination, and they are beautifully designed to boot.

Blast off! Janod’s iconic magnetic rocket is designed to help kids with hand to eye co-ordination – the challenge is to fit the pieces together in the right order. High-quality wood ensures that this sturdy and well-crafted piece stays in the family for eons.

Top Picks Juratoys highlight some of Janod’s hottest toys of the moment

Cool kitchens Any houseproud parent would love to have these stunningly cool and retro looking kitchens in their homes! Sturdy, gorgeous and packed full of play value, these role play ranges are real winners.

Roll up, role up! Juratoys commitment to outstandingly designed role play toys is demonstrated perfectly in this topclass grocers – with plenty of accessories included.

The Best of Brands All of the Juratoys brands offer something special and unique within the major play categories they operate. Here is a snapshot...

Janod was founded in 1970 and creates, develops and distributes wooden toys with a contemporary lifestyle design, making it distinguishable from others. For more than 40 years it has developed products in Jura, Eastern France, with its own design team. In addition to being immediately recogniseable, Janod toys also includes a little something extra, a sense of French “je ne sais quoi”... that represents Janod’s uniqueness and its signature! Kaloo offers little ones a soft and enchanting world that meets their needs in terms of learning, health and safety. For more than 16 years, Kaloo has been specialising in soft toys and bedding accessories. Kaloo is now available in over 40 countries.

Alex Toys mission is to provide high quality, innovative and trend-leading toys for infants to tweens that encourage exploration, foster creativity, build confidence, and introduce valuable skills that can last a lifetime. Award-winning ZOOB building sets, can move after they are put together, allowing for truly interactive creations. The Air Warriors range is a diverse line of premium, active play toys ranging from dart blasters to water blasters.

Backyard Safari is the leader in essential field gear for outdoor role play and exploration.

RETAIL

OPINION

Dealing with discounters S

o things are going along fine and then suddenly recently seen sales climbing (in spite of Kindles and they’re not. Everything you took more or less for suchlike) as they concentrate on providing an offer that granted has been turned on its head and you the discounters cannot match. might be inclined to think that the end is nigh. That, But can this same approach be readily adopted by or a version of it, might be the thought process if you independent toy retailers and the smaller chains? The happen to be a toy retailer facing the onward march of answer is, of course it can. New toys appear all the the discounters. time and are sold at a high margin. This is not the stuff A new breed has appeared that seems to have the of which discount offers are made. High margins and ability to offer many of the things you do, but to offer low(er) prices are essentially incompatible. them at a lower price. If you were a shopper what would There is also the matter of environment. Most you do? You’d head off to discountland, of course. shoppers visiting, say, B&M or Home Bargains, would And there is a perfectly good reason why the likes of readily admit that no kind of experience is involved. You B&M and Home Bargains are able to do this. They may head to shops of this kind because they are cheap and not have the same depth of offer the store reflects this – it’s no frills you do, but where they stock an item retailing. they do so in depth across multiple Yet, ask any adult or child A lot of moaning outlets, which means that they buy visiting Hamleys why they are takes place about in bulk. This, to an extent, underlines and it will be much less discounters, but there have there why suppliers may be willing to to do with price and a lot more always been stores that sell concerned with experience. give them elbow room and run the things at a lower price – it’s But what about suppliers that risk of compromising relationships with independents, even if the latter break the unspoken contract part of being a market have substantial shops. The power that binds them to non-discount economy of bulk purchasing should never be operators? There are, in fact, underestimated. plenty who are indeed supplying Things, however may not be quite a desperate as the off-price merchants, but the smart ones will be might at first appear. Yes, seeing that which you have offering different ranges to the discounters from that sold previously at full margin on offer elsewhere for which they sell in to high street indies and chains. a steal is irritating, but what’s on offer is frequently Nothing wrong with this and if you happen to spot yesterday’s news. And the point is that it’s a bit like something that has been sold to you on a promise that it shopping in an outlet centre. Yes, the products may will not be undercut elsewhere (this should be in writing) be attractive but toys are as subject to the vagaries of then two options are open. The first is to return the fashion as, well, as fashion. merchandise, while the second is to demand some The other thing that’s worth bearing in mind is that kind of rebate that allows you to operate on a others in other sectors have confronted exactly the level playing field. same situation. If, for instance, you happen to be in the If this is adopted as a sufficiently robust business of selling books, an outfit called The Works modus operandi suppliers will, over time, has been an apparent thorn in the side for some years. respect this and those that don’t should be Or so it seemed when it first made an appearance. The ditched, whatever the products that they Works is a shop in which cut-price volumes are on offer. have. Many of them are out of copyright and therefore open A lot of moaning takes place about the to be printed and reprinted by whoever chooses to do activities of discounters, but there have so. There are also remaindered books, print overruns and always been stores that sell things at a these too are offered at a low price. If you go looking lower price — it’s part of being a market for the latest bestsellers or anything even remotely economy. Focus, therefore, on making your specialist, best look elsewhere however. range different from the rest and on having The threat from the The Works therefore turned stores that are good places to be and out to be more perceived than actual and the likes of things will turn out better than might Waterstones and Daunts, mainstream booksellers, have be imagined.

“

”

Will toy shops adopt the futuristic look and feel of Apple stores?

There’s more to life than moaning about retailers just around the corner who have cheap toys, says John Ryan

John Ryan is Stores Editor at Retail Week. He has worked for the magazine for more than a decade covering store design, visual merchandising and what makes things sell in-store. In a previous life he was a buyer.

MAY 2017

FEATURE

CARS, PLANES AND TRAINS Toy State

Top Gear Whether it’s a car, a plane, a truck or a train — vehicles have always been a favourite with the toy buying public. TnP finds out more…

t’s not hard to see why cars, trucks, planes and trains are such a favourite in the UK. Heck, the country nearly came to a standstill when BBC’s Top Gear was in turmoil. Ultimately, it’s a classic category and one that sells. Picking up on this point, The Sales Partnership’s James Triptree — who distribute Bruder toys in the UK — says: “It is what all kids see in everyday life, and they Kids like to associate visually with these vehicles.” pretend they are Agreeing, Revell’s in control and Country Manager UK & Ireland, Jamie Mabbs these toys give a credits parents’ passion lot of room for for vehicles for helping to drive the category — imaginative play pardon the pun. Michael Angel, “It also promotes Toy State imaginative play,” he points out. “Something parents are in favour of.” This is something Toy State’s UK and Ireland Country Manager Michael Angel agrees with: “Kids like to pretend they are in control and these toys give a lot of room for imaginative play. They see cars and trucks on the road every day and also featured on many of the kids TV programmes.

“

It’s great fun for a kid to bring the action they see onscreen to their home during playtime.” Mattel’s Director of Mattel’s Hot Wheels Brand Activation Wendy is celebrating its 50th Hill rightly points out anniversary in 2018 that vehicles are part of a classic play pattern that has stood the test concept of speed and movement of time. which appeals the most?” “Vehicle play encourages That might be in part, but another imagination and storytelling as well category appeal is that it is ripe for as the challenging vehicle play of licensing. Just look at the excitement building tracks and configuring rapidly building for Disney’s Cars 3 stunts and challenges.” due to hit UK cinema screens in July In fact, one of the most globally this year. With scores of licensees recognised vehicle brands — Hot already on board, including Mattel Wheels — celebrates its 50-year and Revell to name a few, the entire anniversary in 2018, surely testament vehicles category is sure to benefi t. to vehicle play being a star attraction “Defi nitely!” agrees Michael. for retailers. “A strong licensing programme is essential for success in vehicle Just like mum and dad categories. At Toy State, in addition Part of the appeal of this category is to our industry-leading flagship Nikko its familiarity — kids are surrounded and Road Rippers brands, we have by vehicles all day, every day. an exciting portfolio of licensed toys So do kids just want to be like mum featuring popular global lifestyle and and dad? We posed the question to entertainment properties such as our suppliers. Cat, Hot Wheels, Marvel, DC Super “Kids always want to emulate Friends, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, their parents,” agrees James, DC Batman and Barbie. “ “and this is certainly part Fresh product, coupled with buyer of the appeal.” demand for all things with wheels and Jamie, on the other engines, means retailers won’t find hand, agrees in part but their shelves full for long. asks: “perhaps it’s the

Did you know…

Look out for… Revell’s Junior Kit range Revell 30

of easy to build Cars 3 vehicles with lights and sounds. They also have a range of brand new vehicles from the forthcoming Star Wars Episode 8 movie release, again, with lights and sounds!

toysnplaythings.co.uk

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FEATURE

CARS, PLANES AND TRAINS

Monster trucks KD UK 01727 827194 www.kdplanet.com/uk KD UK will be entering and reigniting the boy’s toys collectable category with the launch of its new Monster 500 vehicle range this July. The new diecast collectable vehicle range features five Monstrous teams: The Driving Dead, Lunatic Legends, The Expert Mentals, Freak Force and Animal Asylum. Monster 500 has 30 ghoulish character vehicles to collect, such as Evil Clownevil, Drac Attack and Captain Heinous from Uranus. Additional products in the collection will include large Monster 500 vehicles with lights and sounds, associated track sets and the Dragster Dungeon car storage carrier, which also includes an exclusive car.

Fun on the farm TOMY 01392 281928 www.tomy.com The Johnny Tractor and Friends collection from Tomy’s John Deere range has seen huge expansion for 2017 propelling beloved Johnny Tractor as the farming hero for toddlers. John Deere Monster Treads from Tomy combines the power of John Deere with cool monster truck styling. Hero product for 2017 is Lightning Wheels.

Nitro powered HASBRO 020 8569 1234 www.hasbro.com Nerf Nitro is a unique new line of blasters and launchable foam vehicles that features the power and performance of Nerf. Kids can blast into overdrive and create their own exciting stunts by firing foam cars from the blasters. The sets include the Throttleshot Blitz, Longshot Smash, MotoFury Rapid Rally and FlashFury Chaos.

Let’s fly away! ALPHA ANIMATION 01293 804599 www.auldeytoys.us Alpha Animation expands its pre-school offering for 2017 with Super Wings product, following the launch of the popular, action packed preschool animation series on Cartoonito in February. The Super Wings collection will consist of over 10 different product lines featuring star hero Jett and his friends across transforming vehicles, RC toys, feature playsets, electronic toys, ride-ons and more. Transform-a-bots are Super Wings figures that transform from a plane to a robot in just three easy steps. The Transform-a-bots are also available as collector packs allowing young fans to recreate their favourite missions. These sets include mini-figures with characters from the airport crew. Key products in the range are the Transforming Planes, these have excellent play value with over 10 articulations to transform from jet to robot. The range will also include Jett and Dizzy remote-control Dance ‘n’ Transform vehicles. The hero line is the World Airport playset.This ultimate playset for pre-school boys and girls features a large 35-inch scale set and includes electronic sounds and lights plus many features for children to recreate their favourite Super Wings scenes and missions. This playset includes mini-transforming characters Jett and Donnie, which can attach to the fly-bar and spin to circle the World Airport before they come in for a landing.

Trucking ahead BRUDER

01491 412415 (The Sales Partnership) www.bruder.de Bruder has launched two new tanker 1:16 scale truck models for little fans of trucks. The MACK Granite tanker truck is Bruder’s most recent addition to the MACK fleet, with an appealing combination of a cab with chrome-look features and a fully functional tank. The MAN TGS is the perfect all-round vehicle. The model’s fully functional tanker body also brings about a host of new functions for young tanker truck drivers, just like the MACK. Kids can fill the tank with water, build up pressure using the manually operated, compressed-air pump and operate the locking lever to drain the water through the hose using the draining unit. Bruder also offers a new truck tanker trailer, which is an ideal supplement to perfectly match these appealing tanker trucks and forms vehicle combinations with a length of almost one metre. These models are also compatible with the light and sound module, as well as Bruder’s numerous toy figures, which can be positioned in the cab or climb the vehicle.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

FEATURE

CARS, PLANES AND TRAINS

Drive on! Toy State 020 8440 5060 www.toystate.com Toy State, has developed a range of exciting new R/C and lights and sound vehicles featuring popular heroes from Marvel©. These new collectables are packed full of innovative features, detailed design and colourful characters to make tracking down the bad guys even more exciting. The new Marvel Web Wheelie™ RC is a territory exclusive vehicle, designed for imaginative games at high speed. Helping Spider-Man catch his super villain has never been so much fun. Kids can use the controller to show off impressive moves like popping a wheelie, 360-degree stunt spins and even light up the rear wheels while driving!

Kids aged sixplus will feel their Spidey senses tingling with this action-packed car, available this spring. With the new Marvel Hero Rider™, kids can get ready to join the action with a collection of hero-inspired, motorised action vehicles. A territory exclusive, fans can choose from two of their favourite Marvel heroes, Spider-Man and Hulk, then let their imagination go wild with realistic sounds that bring battles to life in seconds. Suitable for ages threeplus the Spider-Man model is available

from spring and Hulk from autumn 2017. Kids can go off the track and hunt down the villains with new Marvel Rumble To The Rescue™ range. These territory exclusive motorised vehicles feature Captain America, Rocket Raccoon and Spider-Man. Fans aged three-plus will become immersed in their favourite characters’ latest adventures, with rumbling action, realistic ignition and horn sounds, when products launch this autumn.

Construction RC Dump Truck™ Sonic Racers™ Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Ages: 3+

Available: Autumn 2017 The lowdown: Experience the intensity and thrill of race car driving in the palm of your hand. Sonic Racers™ features lights and realistic engine sounds. Activate the fun with a short push of a button to rev up the engine.

Ages: 5+ Available: Autumn 2017 The lowdown: These full-function remote control Cat® machines are designed to bring the construction site to your backyard! Scoop up and load gravel, sand or loose dirt with motorised dump bed and shovel. Featuring 2.4GHz for maximum performance and multi-player fun!

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Air Elite 115 Race Set Ages: 8+ Available: Autumn 2017 The lowdown: Get ready to race! Master your skills, create custom race tracks and challenge your friends with the Air Elite 115 Race Set.

1:16 Scale Rescue Series™ Mini Countryman WRC UK Police Ages: 8+ Available: Spring 2017 The lowdown: Cruise around town keeping the streets safe in these policethemed remote control vehicles. Press the button to activate the realistic lights and sirens and send out the alert that help is on its way!

Extreme Actio n™ Vampyra™

Ages: 3+ Available: Spri ng 2017 The lowdown: Motorised vehic les with extreme action and themed m usic! Check out the new flapping w ings of Vampyra™.

Web Wheelie™ RC Spider-Man Ages: 6+

Available: Autumn 2017 The lowdown: Pop a wheelie with Spider-Man as he controls the full-function driving action. Also features 360-degree spinning action, and rear wheels that light up when driving.

MAY 2017

FEATURE

CARS, PLANES AND TRAINS

In the driving seat REVELL

01296 660291 www.revell.de/en Kids big and small will be thrilled by the new range of vehicles from Revell. To mark this summer’s blockbuster family film release, the award-winning Revell Junior Kit range is extended with the children’s licence, Cars 3. These newly tooled, easy-to-assemble construction toys for ages four-plus bring favourite characters from the movie to life with light and sound, the option to change the car‘s expression, moveable bonnet and realistic race and sound bites. Large parts are simply connected by plastic screws and child-friendly tools. Once completed, each model kit transforms into a durable, fully functioning toy. Revell Control Junior has extended its pre-school brand with some fun new RC models, including a Dumper Truck, Concrete Mixer, Towing Service and Police Car! Few parts, easy assembly, sturdy construction and lots of fun make them the perfect introduction to the world of RC for children ages two and over. Virtual reality is the new buzzword in RC technology. The Revell Control X-treme VR Racer has won a prestigious Nuremberg Toy Fair award in the Teenager and Adults category for bringing VR to the model car racing scene. Other new RC cars include an attractive range of Mini RC Cars for ages 3 and over, plus off-road racing fun with 4WD RC Cars, Crawlers and Trucks.

Racing ahead SIMBA SMOBY 01274 765030 www.simba-dickie.com When it comes to cars, Simba Smoby is racing ahead with the release of two blockbuster movie ranges. Ahead of the Cars 3 film debut in July, there is a full range of radio control cars including Lightning McQueen and new characters from the film start with the 1:32 scale, then rev up to 1:24 scales and end at a 1:16 scale that is packed with show-stopping features. At the 1:24 scale, the RC Turbo Racers are a great option for fans of the license. Launching this month, Lightning McQueen, Cruz and Jackson are all available with full driving function, a turbo speed function and multi-directional control. For a bigger driving thrill, the RC Feature Lightning McQueen is 1:16 scale, and comes complete with light and sound effects, a drift function, donut spins feature and smoking function so kids can burn rubber on the track! Transformers: The Last Knight releases in cinemas 23 June, and will be supported by a must-have range of die-cast, radio control cars and feature mechanic. Robot Warriors include light and sound and can transform from vehicle into robot form and features Bumble Bee and Barricade. Ultimate RC Bumble Bee is a larger 1:12 scale and transforms from an RC vehicle into Bumble Bee Robot using a smartphone app.

Fast track to fun MARBEL 0845 6000 286 www.marbel.co.uk Hape’s railway sets have received acclaimed reviews for transforming traditional train sets into visually stunning, fun, and energetic toys that are right up to date. Over time, parents can extend the railway sets, starting small then adding extras along the way so the train sets grow with little ones. A an array of different sets will suit your child from 18 months. The rainbow coloured railway sets are an interactive, musical and unique experience. Exploring their way through the bead maze and solving the shape sorter before they cross. Take the bumpy road across the tambourine track plays melodies as the train glides along. For railway enthusiasts who are little older and love something a little more traditional. Then the Classic Railway sets are full of suspension bridges, stations, rail crossings, train bell signals and much more. Hape’s newest editions, includes the award winning Mountain Mine, capturing the energy and life of a real life working mine. With multi-level play, enjoy a huge array of interactive experiences including: waterfalls, tunnels, cranes, conveyor belts, repair stations and obstacle bridges. Watch as the cogs start to turn and the work begins.

Taking off LITTLE TIKES 0845 0533 333 www.littletikes.co.uk Little Tikes Wheelz is the innovative range of fast and fun vehicles. This exciting line includes the Tyre Twister RC, the biggest, wildest tyre ever, all powered by an RC car! Alongside this is the My First Flyer for children aged four-plus. It is the only helicopter for pre-schoolers that flies, turns and lands with one-touch control.

Kit cars LEARNING RESOURCES 01553 819 380 www.learningresources.co.uk Kids can build a sports car, airplane or tugboat with 1-23 Build It!, a new addition to Learning Resources’ best-selling STEM range. Easy to assemble, mix-and-match pieces provide STEM challenges for children as young as two. Chunky pieces snap together easily and are perfectly sized for little hands. Once complete, designs can be tightened using the character screwdriver and then used for imaginative play scenarios.

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Alpha Animation & Toys

mark.hyndman@alpha-animation.com www.auldeytoys.us

FEATURE

CARS, PLANES AND TRAINS

In the driving seat CHICCO 020 8953 6627 www.chicco.co.uk

The right team! HTI

01253 775544 www.htigroup.co.uk Teamsterz is HTI’s own extensive range of collectable die-cast vehicles, garages and playsets, light & sound vehicles and track sets. The brand will be supported by a multi-platform marketing campaign from 2017 including a new consumer website to build awareness and drive sales at retail. New for 2017 is a range of new 4” die-cast vehicles, introducing a brand new size to the die-cast vehicles market. An existing extensive range of 3” scaled die-cast vehicles is kept fresh with the launch of new designs twice a year, such as a 4x4, Pick-Up Truck, Sports Car, GT Racer, Dump Truck and Cement Mixer to name a few. All Teamsterz die-cast single vehicles are available on blister card or in window box with CDU. The 3” range comprises twin, 5 and 10 Pack lines as well as a 12 Pack that includes 3 Limited Edition designs. Also on the Teamsterz 2017 starting grid, HTI introduce the exciting new category of Teamsterz Light & Sound. Comprising 10 different themed chunky vehicles each with its own unique light and sound effects, moving parts, opening doors and play accessories, the range provides fantastic play value. Products include a Fire Engine, Garbage Truck, Rescue Helicopters, themed 4 x 4s, Tow Truck and a Skip Lorry. A number of new exciting track sets, garages and car transporter carry cases, all supplied with cars, combine quality manufacture with imaginative vehicle play patterns. The new Mobile Police Break Out Play Set is a mighty police truck carry case that transforms into a thrilling jail break concept with lights and sounds, a helipad, working lift, jail barrier, 3 vehicles (villain and police car and helicopter), an escape ramp and launch ramp. A wide range of Teamsterz pocket money priced vehicles and playsets supports the range.

020 8643 0320 www.flairplc.co.uk From the ever-popular world of Shopkins comes the new Cutie Cars collection. Series 1 of the new range has 37 freewheeling diecast cars for fans to collect and drive their new mini Shopkin around. All they have to do is lift the removable roof, put the mini Shopkin in and drive!

Trains, planes and automobiles JUMBO GAMES 01707 289289 www.jumbo.eu

Jumbo Games will be launching its Disney Cars 3 Game & Puzzle range this month, ahead of the highlyanticipated movie release in July. The Disney Cars 3 Piston Cup Race Game, a key highlight in the range, features a rotating racetrack, miniature Cars character figurines and electronic Piston Cup model with sound animations, offering children hours of fun-fuelled entertainment. The range will also include the Giant Floor Puzzle, 4in1 Bumper Pack, 4in1 Shaped and Puzzle & Colour box set.

Firing on all cylinders CHARACTER OPTIONS

Driving collectability GP FLAIR

Bobby Buggy is the remotecontrolled car that can cover any terrain. With the ability to move in four different directions, Bobby Buggy can take on anything, with big wheels allowing it to jump over all obstacles in its path. Billy Bigwheels is an off-road car that can take on anything. The large wheels can cover all terrains and the intuitive wheel-shaped remote control allows children to turn Billy Bigwheels as if it were a real car. Meanwhile, the Fiat 500 R/C car is based on the real-life sports car!

0161 633 9800 www.character-online.com

Tough trucks FUNRISE 01908 555640 www.funrise.com The Tonka collection by Funrise comes with a range of vehicles perfect for tough little kids. The Tonka Tinys collection is a favourite. Also in the lineup for Tonka is a full range of miniature die-cast vehicles. For action on a larger scale, the Tonka Mighty Fleet range is perfect for imaginative play.

The hugely popular Cars Piston Cup Race Game is making a return this summer from Character Options. July will see the release of the hotly anticipated Cars 3 film and the Cars 3 Piston Cup Race Game features two slot-style tracks and buttons which players must use to frantically race Lightning McQueen and new challenger from the film, Jackson Storm, to the finish line in order to win the Piston Cup. In the pre-school portfolio, the new Mini Vehicles are available for Peppa Pig and soon will be available across Postman Pat, Teletubbies, Scooby-Doo and Fireman Sam licenses. Available in assorted styles, the chunky, free-wheeling vehicles have familiar characters fixed inside for pre-schoolers to have endless adventures with their favourite friends.

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BBB>9I #*'! ,

BBB>BI 02&-% Highly detailed replicas of game vehicles Included battle action light & sound module recreates game sound effects Durable ABS parts simply snap together â&#x20AC;&#x201C; no glue, no mess! Parts are pre-coloured â&#x20AC;&#x201C; no painting required! Includes Spartan figures Each kit is made up of 40-50 parts Sticker sheet included Detailed instruction manual Revell GmbH, Unit 10, Old Airfield Industrial Estate, Cheddington Lane, Tring, HP23 4QR. For trade enquiries tel: 01296 660 291, Email: ukbranch@revell.de ÂŠ 2017 Revell GmbH. A subsidiary of Hobbico, Inc.

FOR AGES

Spotlight on CHARACTER OPTIONS Cut it, create it, show it! With the Cutie Stix Cut & Create Station from Character Options, kids can create customisable jewellery, nail art, and fun figures out of colourful two-sided beads. Check out its key features ur Cutie Simply choose yo Stix design

CREATE IT! Create necklaces, bracelets, and more by using th e threader

Use the coring unit to core the beads

ix t the st u C ! T CUT I e beads t a e r c o t

r off you w o h S IT! igns. Be s SHOW e d y r e jewell ďŹ nished esigner! d n w o your

Contact Character Options Tel: 0161 633 9800 Web: www.character-online.com

MEDIA

OPINION

Safety first Y

ouTube is supposedly the number one interpretation may be subjective but going from safe to family app for children. Juxtaposed to restrictive is a clear softening of the warning. that, YouTube also runs content that is YouTube is passing over the responsibility to parents most definitely not suitable for children. to self-regulate their content. This issue has created a huge amount of comment This system still depends on the parents to not and not surprisingly parents are concerned and only hit the button, but also to report the unsuitable unhappy to leave their children alone watching content to YouTube. Any video that has been flagged YouTube. as unsuitable will subsequently not be available to view. Therein lies a familiar problem that stretches The theory is fine but in practice the current method from parental control to content regulation to can hardly be called safe. I do not know how many hits YouTube’s responsibilities. Between those three the restrictive button has had, or how many parents parties there are a lot of responsibilities to address. have reported YouTube. A further control mechanism There are thousands of available to YouTube is voice videos on YouTube using child recognition. These systems have an I have previously favourites such as Frozen advanced software spec and can pick and Minions along with Doc out inappropriate words rather than been called to the McStuffins, Thomas, Peppa rely on parents who will not always Southwark Bridge offices Pig and many others. These be watching simultaneously with their of Ofcom to answer may, at first, appear and young children. advertisement content even sound like the genuine After parental control and YouTube versions of the respective controls, we have Ofcom. matter… I would programmes. However, they Ofcom regulate the content of all choose not to repeat such television are not! The videos are filled and radio in the UK. The an experience with inappropriate themes Ofcom Broadcasting Code is the which are definitely not safe main code relating to broadcast for young minds. The copy is in content. Compliance with the codes extremely bad taste and YouTube especially bear is important and Ofcom can impose penalties and responsibility to ensure that content is safe for sanctions for non-compliance. Ofcom published two young viewers. cases this year of broadcasters found to be in breach of The very bottom right corner of a YouTube protecting children; they make interesting reading. screen page hosted a button called restricted One of those was London Live who broadcast mode; however YouTube has changed that to read an edition of Trigger Happy TV, a hidden ‘restrictive’. camera prank show originally broadcast Restrictive serves only to cause confusion on Channel 4 between 2000 and 2003 when compared to the clarity of the previous at 9pm. While London Live is not aimed option. This matter gets even worse with at children the show was transmitted the knowledge that the original YouTube between 6am to 8am, at a time when content message button used to say safe. The children could have been watching unsupervised. Ofcom found a clear breach of Rule 1.3, which states ‘children must be protected by appropriate scheduling from material that is unsuitable for them’. I have previously been called to the Southwark Bridge offices of Ofcom to answer advertisement content matter broadcast on breakfast TV post the Clearcast Copy Clearance process. I would choose not to repeat such an experience.

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Clive Crouch www.clivecrouch.com, info@clivecrouch.com, mobile: 07831 670453

MAY 2017

How safe are your kids when watching YouTube? And is the onus on them or you to protect children from unsavoury content? Clive Crouch asks the question…

FEATURE TECH TOYS

VTech

Star tech

It’s making our everyday lives easier and packing more value into toys than ever before. Technology is here to stay in the toy aisle. TnP finds out how lower costs and better user experience makes now the best time for retailers to invest in tech toys

ech toys have become a constant topic of discussion in annual trend forecasts, as toymakers look to bring the latest innovations from Silicon Valley to the toy aisle. With consumers demanding more for their money, toymakers are turning to technology to add value, novelty and longevity to their products, blurring the lines between traditional toy categories.

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Technology has made vast improvements in ease of use and cost, making the tech category more affordable and user friendly Gemma Lewington, Mookie Toys

Technology has become such a fundamental part of our everyday lives, you may even be reading this issue of Toys n Playthings on your tablet, smartphone or laptop. And just as kids love to emulate mum and dad with dress-up, role-play toys and ride-on cars, as technology becomes even more engrained in the way we live our lives, kids want in on the action. Gemma Lewington, Marketing Manager at Mookie Toys says it’s “inevitable that tech will continue to integrate itself further in children’s toys”, and KD UK’s MD, Seth Bishop agrees. “All children are exposed and aware of digital devices including those of their parents and the marketing messages of the adult world,” says Seth. “As new innovation arrives for adults, demand is created among

WowWee

kids for a version for them, and where appropriate and as long we can deliver it with all appropriate child protections, the Kurio brand will provide the demanded digital solutions for kids.” Clementoni’s UK Country Manager Shahbaz Khan says a big chunk of its business is driven through its educational tech lines, targeting children as young as six months. “We have seen significant growth over the last 12 months, so much so that Clementoni has invested heavily into new technology and innovation for our 2017 launches,” he tells TnP. “The opportunities that technology presents certainly make product development interesting. There is a lot we can offer children in technology that can help development and interaction, but at the same time we are mindful that parents are still looking for traditional and core educational play. Our products also have multiple levels of play – for example our Evolution Robot can be played manually or alongside an app.”

toysnplaythings.co.uk

KD UK Vivid

We asked… What unique play experience are you bringing to market with tech toys in 2017?

“For 2017 we will be launching Hyper Drone Racing, which takes the race track to the sky with the most high tech drone racing available. Hyper Drone Racing comes with two game modes, Race and Battle. In Race mode pilots must navigate their drone around a customisable racecourse. In Battle mode pilots purely compete to shoot their opponent before they get hit themselves.” The future’s bright Likewise KD UK has been “delighted” with the performance of its tech toys over the past 12 months, says Seth, who adds 2017 is shaping up to be even better. Mookie has been on the forefront of tech play for many years, with AR games, app-enabled plush and more. This year the company is delving even deeper into the segment in a new partnership with Silverlit. Gemma explains: “Mookie Toys have become the official distributor for Silverlit for 2017, which sees us offer a wide range of remote control drones, helicopters and cars as well as robotic and pre-school lines.”

Time to act Not all toy retailers have made the leap into tech toys, perhaps feeling the complexity and price point of early innovations wasn’t for them or their customers. But with vast leaps in accessibility and cost leaving those sticking points in the past, now is the time to jump in. “In recent years technology has made vast improvements in ease of use and cost, making the tech category more affordable and user friendly. As a result of this it has opened up the category to a much wider market,” says Gemma, who points to Mookie’s launch of My First Drone as a prime example of this. “This is a great demonstration of how technology is being used to make tech products more user friendly. My First Drone has been designed for

MAY 2017

Gemma Lewington, Mookie Toys

“New for 2017 is our Aura Gesturebotics Drone. Developed by robotics specialists Locorobo and using communication technology evolved from US military application, the unique technology feature of Aura is the replacement of the traditional remote control handset with a wearable control module and glove that allows the user to fly the Aura with simple hand gestures and movements.” Seth Bishop, KD UK

children as young as four years. It uses a simple take off and landing function, as well as auto hover to ensure it can be easily controlled by even the most unexperienced pilots.” Seth adds that as the segment grows in popularity “it’s hard to perceive toy tech taking a step backwards”. Meanwhile Shahbaz tells us:

“

We expect our best ever year in tech Seth Bishop, KD UK

“Technology is a part of everyday life for children and the appeal is definitely starting younger. Tablets and smartphones and app-based learning are frequently used by babies and schools use more educational technology now in class than ever before, so children are growing up with technology as the norm. Because of this, it is important all retailers offer choice for consumers – whether that be traditional play products or interactive technology and electronics.”

Help is on hand With ongoing success and huge potential, tech toys are expected to continue making waves at retail — and suppliers are, as ever, on hand to help. Mookie will be backing its launches with extensive 360° marketing support. “We utilise TV advertising at key periods of the year — especially the build up to Christmas — heavyweight online activity taking advantage of changing media consumption trends, and in-store display, offering retailers effective store presence,” Gemma says. Meanwhile, Seth says: “In 2017 our Kurio and Aura brand products will be very well supported with national TV campaigns, on line advertising, PR, influencer marketing campaigns and experiential activity. We have multi-layered programmes designed to ensure consumers will be looking for our tech toys. At retail level we are developing counter top and free standing displays for Kurio products as we believe a strong in store brand statement is a key component of letting customers know a store is a serious retail destination for tech toys.”

LeapFrog

FEATURE TECH TOYS

Chip off the old block! WOWWEE 0203 598 0272 (Jazwares) www.wowwee.com

Flying start MOOKIE TOYS 01525 722722 www.mookie.co.uk Mookie’s partnership with Silverlit has got off to a flying start, with strong support from retailers in the build-up to the key A/W period. Silverlit is an expert in the RC market, with innovative, pioneering and high quality designs. Mookie is offering Silverlit on a domestic basis for the first time, with a range of remote control cars, helicopters and drones. For 2017, Mookie will be launching two new hero lines from Silverlit: Hyper Drone Racing and My First Drone. Both will be supported with TV advertising as well as heavyweight online and PR campaigns working with key influencers and bloggers. Hyper Drone Racing allows players to take the race track to the sky, with an immersive adrenaline fuelled drone racing experience. Hyper Drone Racing comes with two game modes, Race and Battle. In Race mode pilots must navigate their drone around a customisable racecourse, flying over the base station and round obstacles. The base station tracks race position and lap times, providing sound feedback through the controllers, and players can shoot opponents mid race to gain a key advantage. In Battle mode pilots purely compete to shoot their opponent before they get hit themselves, or team up and take on the base station. Up to eight players can play at once and each drone is equipped with altitude lock allowing even beginners to enjoy the excitement of Hyper Drone Racing. My First Drone allows for children as young as four years old to take to the sky, safely and successfully piloting their own drone. My First Drone is designed to be extremely simple to use and can be operated with just four buttons. Press the take-off button and My First Drone will take to the skies. Once air born an auto-hover feature ensures that the drone remains steady in the air avoiding obstacles. One button is used to rotate the drone, making it easy to steer in any direction. Once ready to land, the land button will safely return the drone to the ground. The controller comes complete with speakers and sound effects which help bring it to life.

Smart tech SMART TOYS AND GAMES 01903 885669 www.geosmart.eu Introducing GeoSmart the future of geomagnetic play. One of the stand out products is the remote controlled Mars Explorer, which contains 51 pieces of exciting colours.

WowWee’s new 2017 tech toys, robots and consumer entertainment products are designed to excite, delight, teach and wow! Distributed in the UK by Jazwares, products will be launched with marketing, TV and PR support. CHiPPiES are a pack of playful, interactive RC puppies that love to show off their many tricks. The remote control can be used to make the CHiPPiES dance, sing, chase its tail, or roll. For kids that want their very own loyal henchman to help carry out their mischievous schemes, Turbo Dave is their own personal Minion! Turbo Dave responds to hand gestures and can even navigate your room. Meet The BotSquad! Introducing two interactive robot construction vehicles that put the fun into getting it done! GRiP is a hardworking, interactive bot that’s a jack-of-alltrades. Kids can build into GRiP’s truck bed with the included bricks, which is also compatible with all major brands, and with Grip’s bright LED eyes, no job site is off limits. Joe-Plow is a fast-talking, hard-working bot that takes on big jobs with a can-do attitude. Got a path to clear? Grab JoePlow’s remote and get it done. Stuck in the mud? Hook onto his tow and away you go! And with his bright LED eyes, no job site is off limits.

Be kurious KD UK 01727 827194 www.kdplanet.com/uk KD UK’s Kurio range will see the launch of several new products from summer 2017. The Kurio Watch 2.0 is an updated version of the original, with six colour changing watch bands available to help make each watch unique to the user. Also launching this summer is the Kurio Snap, the first portable photo booth for kids. Another highlight of the Kurio range is the Kurio Tab Advance. The Kurio Tab Advance comes with 16 GB of memory, more space for apps, photos and videos. The Kurio Smart 2 in 1 comes with detachable keyboard, meaning it can be used for everything from homework to play. The Microsoft Windows operating system and huge 32GB of internal memory are complemented by programmes such as Word, Excel, Powerpoint and more, allowing children to do all of their school tasks with ease.

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Tech Toy Transformations For AW 2017

7N <YF[4S[ 4S=P2 Upgraded with double the content!

Put a twist on learning

Play Play Pla y in ten modes to learn letters, to numbers n umbers and animal facts. a

1 3 2

B. TYNP7"i3 /P.7LL"Y H.78Y Rewriting the future of learning

Upgraded with LCD touch screen

Magically transforms from a laptop into a touch screen tablet!

Now teaches spelling as well as letters and numbers.

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Easy-hold stylus teaches pencil grip

Order now 01235 555545 Or visit leapfrog.co.uk 6P2 .GCR(TQI 6GEJ 6Q[U CFXGTV X KPFF

Feature Tech Toys

Leap into learning LeapFrog

01895 202840 www.leapfrog.co.uk LeapFrog creates award-winning products designed to help children to reach their full potential through exciting and engaging content. All LeapFrog’s toys are educator-approved, child-tested and follow national standards, including British spelling, phonics and pronunciations. Scribble & Write now features our favourite learn-to-write character, Mr. Pencil! Children can trace onto the screen and follow Mr. Pencil’s guidance with the LeapFrog Mr. Pencil’s Scribble & Write, as he teaches them how to form upper and lower case letters, numbers and shapes. The system now also guides children on how to spell early words and includes a free play creativity mode. An easy-hold stylus helps develop motor skills for good pencil control while a touch screen ensures instant accurate feedback. Dynamic, levelled play means each child will

Ready for a close up? Learning Resources 01553 819 380 www.learningresources.co.uk

Zoom in on STEM learning toys with Zoomy 2.0, a handheld digital microscope to encourage children aged 4+ to take a closer look at the world. Compatible with a computer or laptop via USB, it offers up to 54x magnification, encouraging investigations of objects in greater detail than ever before!

Feel the difference Trends UK

01295 768078 www.trendsuk.co.uk Trends UK is launching the new VR Real Feel Racing created by VR Entertainment Ltd. The technology puts players inside the action like never before because the virtual reality headset links with the racing style steering wheel. Featuring a 42mm lens headset that harnesses the power of Apple or Android smartphones to deliver pixel-popping graphics in stereo 3D and a patented Bluetooth steering wheel with Max Force Feedback, players can steer, accelerate, brake and change the view with the steering wheel. VR Real Feel Racing will launch from mid-May 2017.

automatically have the right amount of challenge. The LeapFrog Leaptop has been upgraded with double the content! The 2-in-1 LeapTop Touch Laptop pretend laptop and tablet now has 10 modes of play, perfect for teaching letters, numbers, early vocabulary and animal facts. As a laptop children can play on full a-z and 1-10 keyboards, exploring the alphabet and animals with the keyboard keys, playing games to learn fun animal facts, and exchanging emails with Scout and Violet. When they close the lid of the laptop it magically transforms into a tablet, as the screen spins round to become a touch screen ready for playing in five additional modes. The 2-in-1 LeapTop Touch Laptop can also be personalised so children can learn to spell their name and includes a convenient carry handle.

Just what DOC ordered Clementoni 020 3206 1101 www.clementoni.com Clementoni is bringing robotics to the pre-school category for the first time with the brilliant DOC. DOC is the first ever game that brings children closer to educational robotics in a fun and creative way and will accompany the child as they learn logical reasoning and problem solving skills, letters, numbers, colours and the names of animals. Children learn through play by programming commands from game cards and watching DOC go – a great way of also enhancing eye-hand coordination and fine motor skills and DOC will help them along the way too! Nominated for a Licensing Award with Science Museum, Clementoni also continues its strong STEM offering with the all new Evolution Robot. Children can programme the robot to pick up and transport objects and enhance gameplay and interaction with the compatible free app. The app allows a further five different play modes: Programming, Real time, Self-learning, Dancing and Memo! Evolution Robot is the third Robot in the range following big success in 2016 with Cyber Robot and Mio.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

FEATURE TECH TOYS

Feel the drone Meet force Arakno… ALPHA ANIMATION 01293 804599 www.auldeytoys.us New for summer 2017 Alpha Animation & Toys brings an exciting new drone collection called Drone Force, the first line of RC Drones designed specifically for the younger flight enthusiasts, aimed at ages 6+. The core DNA of these creatureinspired drones is a durable, “Exoskeleton” cage for maximum crash protection. This unique collection consists of five lines. The Stinger, an alien drone, is perfect for indoor flying. Arachno Fury is the spider that flies. Raptor Strike is a distinctive drone that is capable of dual missile fire and can launch missiles in flight using its infrared targeting; and the Angler Attack features breathing and flash lighting luminescent LED and glow effects. Leading the range is Morph Zilla. This ape inspired multifunctional drone delivers innovative design and functionality. He can drive in ape motion before morphing into action and flying in drone mode. It is simple and easy to use, and transforming between drive and fly mode is just one click, he can also perform acrobatic flight stunts via its stable and intuitive flight control.

VIVID IMAGINATIONS 01483 449944 www.vividtoysandgames.co.uk Vivid’s Arakno boasts over 50 interactive features including movement, sounds, moods, modes and lights which help to bring this awesome arachnid to life. He has LED pixelated screens for eyes and the four different modes of play are each depicted by different colours with protect, scuttle, game & play mode to choose from. Set Arakno into scuttle mode and he will move along the floor. Or hang him up from his web to protect your room. In protect mode when Arakno detects any movement he will suddenly drop down, sounding an alarm to warn off any suspecting trespassers. Arakno also has four spider-themed games ready for you to play! There’s Catch the Fly, Web Spider Fly and Fruit Fly Machine, plus Arakno’s favourite, Swat It.

All singing and dancing CHARACTER OPTIONS

Your new friend VTECH

01235 555 545 www.vtech.co.uk Kidizoom Flix is a new, friendly and fun alien friend who can who can detect faces and give funny alien responses. Customise Kidizoom Flix by changing its eyes or background colours to make its appearance unique, or use the detachable flexible tripod to attach it anywhere. Kidizoom Flix has a camera with a rotating lens, to capture pictures and videos and is packed with lots of other interactive features. Set Kidizoom Flix to Guard Mode, where it will act as a detective when it notices movement, signalling to intruders that it will start capturing photos or videos as evidence. This year will see the Kidizoom Action Cam get even better with the new 180° rotating lens that will give a greater variety of action shots and videos. The new Action Cam 180° will still come with all the same accessories, including various mounts and the waterproof case. Amalgamating the huge success of VTech’s cameras and watches with the biggest property in the UK in 2016 (NOD EPoS retail tracking), the new Star Wars licensed products are set to be top sellers this year. The on trend product designs of the Star Wars Camera Watches include exciting features such as Star Wars mini games, signature sound effects and Star Wars themed 3D style clock faces or add themed effects to the photos and videos that are captured.

0161 633 9800 www.character-online.com BeatMoovz is the amazing new sound bands which will have everyone moving in time to create the beat! The movement-activated instrumental gadget is worn on the hands and ankles allowing budding dancers to produce music, rhythm, beats and more. From dancing over to singing: the new Rocket Singing Machine is a portable wireless Mic and Speaker that lets you sing anywhere! On connecting via Bluetooth the wireless singing mic amplifies the user’s voice and plays their music through the built in speaker, and singers can then control the volume and echo. What’s more, the Rocket Singing Machine can be connected to Apple’s Siri so kids can ask it questions from up to 10 meters away and listen as the mic projects the answer!

PREVIEW

LICENSING EXPO

Dr Who Funko x Playmobil

Best bet What: Licensing Expo 2017 Where: Mandalay Bay Convention Centre, Las Vegas When: 23-25 May, 2017 Why: 480+ exhibitors and 5,000+ brands

Big brands, big deals and big opportunities — if you’re in the licensing business, Licensing Expo 2017 is an unmissable event. TnP found out more from some of the top exhibitors

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ou won’t find the biggest winners at Some of the slots or even the biggest retail round the roulette initiatives are wheel in Las Vegas this month. No, the real winners will be at born from the Mandalay Bay Convention conversations Centre, as Licensing Expo 2017 that started in opens its doors between 23 Vegas and 25 May for another year of big business. There you’ll find Katie Ball, BBC more than 485 exhibitors from Worldwide across the globe, showcasing thousands of the world’s hottest properties, brands and character licenses. For the toy industry in particular, Licensing Expo marks the beginning of many profitable, best-selling lines. With companies like Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, BBC Worldwide, Bulldog Licensing, Warner Bros. and more in attendance, it’s truly the place to get in on the ground floor with the hottest kids’ licenses around — and, as Nick’s Marianne James says, “a look ahead to what will be making a splash in market across the year”. Pre-school will be big focus for Nickelodeon this year, says Marianne who is VP Commercial Partnerships, Consumer Rusty Rivets Products and Experiences at Nickelodeon UK & Ireland. “We have our largest ever pre-school slate including proven hits such as PAW Patrol and Blaze and the Monster Machines,” she says. “In terms of impact, we have massive expectations for Rusty Rivets, produced with Spin Master

”

Entertainment, which premiered on Nick Jr. UK in March as the channel’s most successful launch to date.” Alongside new property Nella the Princess Knight and all Nick’s evergreen brands, it’s not surprising Marianne and the Nick team see Licensing Expo as the perfect place to “see innovative product lines and properties, to be inspired and meet with partners”. For Graham Saltmarsh, Director of Licensing UK and Nordic, Cartoon Network Enterprises, Turner, Ben 10 and The Powerpuff Girls, two properties that “are captivating a whole new generation of boys and girls”, will be stars of the show. And it’s not just signing new toy and consumer product deals that makes the trip to Vegas valuable for the Turner team. “It’s also a chance to find out what’s hot from a global perspective and see how merchandise roll-out strategies interlock with broadcast plans,” Graham says.

Retailers take note

The meat of Licensing Expo is in the deals signed between licensors and licensees, but there’s plenty for retailers to sink their teeth into. Staying up to date with the latest brands and hottest licenses can make all the difference for retailers, and those at the show are in the know. “Those that attend from UK retail can be the first to see properties and brands what’s new at Licensing Expo 2017 and trending over the next

18-24 months,” says Katie Ball, Retail Partnerships Manager at BBC Worldwide. “I’ve often noticed that some of the biggest retail initiatives are born from conversations that started in Vegas.” With Go Jetters, Hey Duggee, Mr Tumble and Doctor Who to name just a few, toy shop owners know just how strong BBC Worldwide’s brand perform at retail. The good news? “We’ll be announcing new partners, launching into new categories and into new retailers shortly,” Katie says. And Vicky Hill, Licensing Director at Bulldog Licensing agrees. The licensing agent has been behind some of the biggest programmes of the past years, with Shopkins and Miraculous just two of its most recent hits, and Vegas is where much of the action begins. “Vegas is a great opportunity for retailers to catch up with all licensors and agents, understand their upcoming releases and franchise plans, and start their own planning for activations well in advance,” says Vicky. “With the studios presenting their slates, there’s often information shared in Vegas that you won’t see anywhere else!” Powerpuff Girls

5,000+ 52

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PREVIEW

LICENSING EXPO

Stay tooned CARTOON NETWORK ENTERPRISES 020 7693 1088 www.cartoonnetwork.co.uk

Stand: D170 Cartoon Network Enterprises will be returning to Licensing Expo in 2017 to showcase its thriving, diversified brand portfolio, which is anchored by the relaunch of the beloved Ben 10 franchise around the world. The global consumer products program for Ben 10 will be launching in late spring, anchored by Global Master Toy partner Playmates Toys. Key announcements, including the addition of new licensing partners, will be made for many of its adored brands. With The Powerpuff Girls successfully returning in 2016, Cartoon Network will continue to grow the franchise, captivating a new generation of fans. Additional franchises that will be highlighted include popular Cartoon Network brands Adventure Time, The Amazing World of Gumball, We Bare Bears and Steven Universe, as well as Adult Swim’s critically-acclaimed series Rick and Morty.

Think ink INK GROUP www.inkgrp.com

Stand: C204 Ink Group will present a typically diverse and interesting range of projects at Licensing Expo. The Mojicons is the new show that reveals the behind-the-scenes world of the internet. ZAFARI is the creation of animation visionary David Dozoretz and tells the story of a group of friends who inhabit a land where all the resident animals have been magically born with an amalgamation of varying skins, making each individual truly unique. BRIO is one of the most recognisable toy brands in the world. Brand awareness is particularly strong in the four Nordic markets, the UK, US, Germany and France and finally, Beat Bugs is an animated family series inspired by the music of the Beatles.

Pre-school paradise NICKELODEON & VIACOM CONSUMER PRODUCTS 020 3580 2000 www.nick.co.uk

Stand: O180

World renowned BBC WORLDWIDE 020 7612 3000 www.bbcworldwide.com

Stand: N204 International Emmy and BAFTA Award winning Hey Duggee is a beautifully animated series devised by award winning Studio AKA. In the UK, multiple license partnerships include Master Toy partner Golden Bear, Penguin Random House publishing under the Ladybird brand, Immediate Media for magazines and much more. Other toy partners for European territories to be announced shortly. Go Jetters is the first geography pre-school TV series of its kind. Key licensees for the brand include Fisher Price as Global Master Toy, alongside publishing from Penguin, magazines from Immediate Media, puzzles and games from Ravensburger, and much more. BBC’s Doctor Who is the longest-running sci-fi television series. Key products for the brand include the Twelfth Doctor’s Second Sonic Screwdriver from Master Toy partner Character Options, plus new articulated figures, and the Tenth Doctor’s TARDIS playset. Funko Pop Vinyl figures continue to perform globally alongside the new Funko x Playmobil figures.

The UK Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products team attends Vegas with their largest pre-school portfolio, composed of established hits and properties launched on Nick Jr. over the last few months. Upcoming programming plans for pre-school powerhouses PAW Patrol, Shimmer and Shine and Blaze and the Monster Machines will be revealed at the show, alongside retail promotions and new style guides for each. The team will also be taking partners through plans for their newest pre-school properties, Rusty Rivets and Nella the Princess Knight. Rusty Rivets debuted in the UK in March as NVCP’s best ever launch on the channel. Also sure to be a hit with NVCP’s audience and partners, Nella the Princess Knight debuts in the UK in May following a fantastic US launch. With Vivid signed on as Master Toy partner, Nick is keen to add UK partners across all categories with product set to launch in 2018. Looking beyond pre-school comes a brand new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series, set to debut on TV in 2018.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

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Preview

Licensing Expo

Ahead of the game SEGA

020 8996 4568 www.sega.co.uk

Stand: C214 SEGA will be showcasing the continued expansion of one of its most iconic brands, Sonic The Hedgehog, alongside the European launch of the second season Sonic Boom. Already a ratings winner in the US, the global hit TV series is ‘back to kick more bot’ this year across Europe. The new season will roll out this year across international broadcasters in key markets and is supported by a new range from master toy partner TOMY. As pioneer of videogame entertainment, SEGA will also be promoting the SEGA retro collection, which features the classic consoles SEGA Master System, SEGA Mega Drive/ Genesis and the SEGA Dreamcast as well as an evolving catalogue of classic game titles such as Streets of Rage and Golden Axe. The Retro program also covers SEGA’s hugely successful current-gen console titles, including Yakuza 0, Valkyria Chronicles, and Bayonetta. SEGA is fortunate to work with some of the best licensees in the industry and is always on the lookout for new partners interested in creating high quality products inspired by some of the best modern action and strategy games available. Amscan, Koch and Gamestop are the latest partners working on a range of exciting new products that will be available this summer. And keep an eye out for SEGA’s new customisable range later this year!

Ready for launch ITV Studios GE 020 7157 3693 www.itvstudios.com

Stand: F196

Miraculous brands Bulldog Licensing 020 8325 5455 www.bulldog-licensing.com

ITV Studios Global Entertainment (ITVS GE) will be heading to Licensing Expo 2017 with a portfolio of ITV-owned and third-party properties such as Thunderbirds Are Go, Robozuna and Watership Down.

Masked heroes Entertainment One 020 3714 7984 www.entertainmentone. com

Stand: G196 Entertainment One (eOne) brings its strong line up of award-winning global entertainment properties to Licensing Expo 2017, including Peppa Pig, PJ Masks and Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom.

Stand: D214 Bulldog Licensing is presenting a plethora of top properties at Licensing Expo. The Bulldog team will be based at the Moose Toys stand, D214. Shopkins from Moose Toys is the number one fastest growing girls’ toy brand globally. UK revenue hit $125million in 2016 alone. With over 210 licensing partners internationally, Shopkins consumer products features in over 60 countries. Partners include Gemma, Topps, Danilo, Winning Moves and more. Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir is the animated superhero phenomenon featuring the action-packed adventures of Marinette and Adrien. Master Toy partner Bandai says sales are extremely strong, supported by a huge marketing programme. Other partners include Rubies, Gemma, Igloo Books and more.

Powerhouse properties

Warner Bros. Consumer Products 020 7984 6100 www.warnerbros.com

Stand: N180 Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) heads into Licensing Expo 2017 with a powerhouse slate. Offerings include DC’s portfolio of film, television and animation, J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, and such animation favourites as Looney Tunes and the Hanna-Barbera franchises. WBCP and The LEGO Group continue to build on their longstanding partnership to create cool and collectable products for The LEGO NINJAGO Movie, from Warner Bros. Pictures and Warner Animation Group, and LEGO System A/S, hitting theatres 22 September.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

S R O D A S S A B AM

Super furry animal! Two-year-old Beau has a new best friend in the shape of Chelford’s iPlush! Dad Simon tells us why it’s already a firm family favourite My two-year-old daughter, Beau, has more soft toys than you can shake a stick at — and so when I came home with Chelford’s new iPlush toy, my other half was in two minds as to whether we should give it to her or not. But, she needn’t have worried because this toy is unique and brilliant — so dad is not in the dog house after all! From Beau’s point of view, it’s more than just a soft toy. The toy is an inflatable, wrapped in the softest plush you can imagine — very tactile and just what my little girl likes to cuddle up to. But the great bit that she really "The inflatable stuffed animal is an ingenious idea and our loves is that it’s iPlush Giraffe has been sturdy beyond my expectations! Our inflatable, which kids are pretty umm...rambunctious..?...in their play with him and he is holding up well!" GadgetFamily means she can bounce about on it

What Amazon customers say:

Uber buy Austin is 22 months old and his new favourite toy is Fisher-Price’s Go Jetters Vroomster. Dad Kevin tells more... “Austin is crazy about the CBeebies show Go Jetters. In fact even his older brothers enjoy it. But since it is something he really loves I bought him the Vroomster, which comes with a Xuli figure. It is super sturdy — it gets thrown about a treat but has survived intact! The sounds and lights are really terrific and he presses the button constantly! All up, I think very good value – I bought it from Toys R Us for about £25 — I’ll probably buy the other figures too."

MAY 2017

to her heart’s content. My partner loves it because the storage aspect is sorted — it doesn’t take loads of room because you just deflate it and then inflate it. Also, the plush exterior is machine washable, so it gets shoved in the washing machine when Beau is at playgroup on a Friday, and by the time she comes home it is fresh and clean and ready to play with. The inflation part is no trouble at all. It comes with a pump (essential in my view, as to be honest, I think that without it people might not be bothered to pump it up), and it really is super easy. You just need to make sure that there is plenty of air in the extremities and then you cap it off and slip the plush suit on. Super easy, great toy and I think a really clever idea which is a brilliant present!

Go, go Power Rangers Five-year-old Latimer loves Bandai’s Red Ranger from the movie. He says: “My brothers and I are mad about Power Rangers and because I was Pupil of the Week at school my mummy bought me Red Ranger. It’s a new one from the movie — and if I am really good at half term my dad has said I can have the Red Ranger Sword. I am going to be extra good now.”

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MAY 2017

TRADE

OPINION

Trade talk

TnP loves to hear your views. This month we speak to key wholesalers and suppliers to learn what’s on their minds. We explore the hottest topics.

This month, Team TnP catches up with some of the industry’s finest to discover their thoughts on social media influencers and creating a toy buying buzz MARK HYNDMAN SUZIE HOWES Head of Licensing & Marketing, Rainbow Designs What sort of impact on sales do YouTube influencers have and is this type of marketing a long term strategy? It is not just YouTubers but all the social media influencers that need to be considered and strategically planned in as part of a marketing mix. Many bloggers and vloggers today have big audiences, and their opinions on products are proving influential. It is difficult to quantify the exact increase in sales solely from this type of activity, but used in a structured way to complement other marketing activities, it provides an important but relatively low cost boost to the PR mix and plays a valuable part in product awareness. How do you pump up excitement outside of the obvious seasonal opportunities such as Christmas and summer holidays? There really are gifting occasions right across the calendar now, so there is always an opportunity to create excitement for products. We have a diverse portfolio of licensed classic character toys that range from birth all the way through childhood so whether it be for birthday presents, a traditional toy for a new born or an alternative gift for Easter, there is always a fit. More specifically though, a new movie or TV series is also great for boosting sales outside of the traditional seasonal peaks, and the new Paddington 2 Movie due out later this year is certain to promote a real retail buzz around the new movie product range. Which of your products are getting a great reaction from retail? We really have been delighted with the response across the board to all of our new lines launched this year. However, stealing the show are the two new feature plush from the Paddington Movie collection: Cycling Paddington and Dancing Paddington, both of which will star in TV commercial airing AW17 with 500+TVRs. We are also very excited about the reaction to out new TV Peter Rabbit Range.

General Manager UK & Ireland, Alpha Animation & Toys What sort of impact on sales do YouTube influencers have and is this type of marketing a long term strategy? It should definitely form part of an overall campaign, as the one thing YouTube influencers do achieve is immediate cut through to your target audience. A recent vlog we ran secured in excess of 150,000 views in 48 hours! Although great for brand awareness, the 64k question is assessing a direct correlation with sales at retail. My view is this is an area that could quickly become saturated. Pre-roll and TrueView should still play a part in building a strong digital campaign. How do you pump up excitement outside of the obvious seasonal opportunities such as Christmas and summer holidays? Given that the summer period is renowned for being a quiet time as kids are off school, some of the key ways to create excitement and theatre is with in-store demos, as we have just done with The Entertainer. We had kids queueing up for two hours at a recent event! Advertising in the digital space is now just as important as spot TV advertising and at Alpha we will be investing heavily in this area. Which of your products are getting a great reaction from retail? Our key launches for AW17 are Super Wings, Drone Force and Infinity Nado and we are experiencing a fantastic reaction to all three!

MARTIN GROSSMAN Managing Director, H. Grossman What sort of impact on sales do YouTube influencers have and is this type of marketing a long term strategy? We have our television adverts up on our YouTube channel and they get loads of likes and shares. From this we do find that influencers pick up our products and run with them. They often post videos on the site. How do you pump up excitement outside of the obvious seasonal opportunities such as Christmas and summer holidays? Social media helps, along with other promotions, but kids rule the roost on toys and if they like what we are doing then we are onto a winner, and if they don’t then they don’t buy and nothing will move them. Which of your products are getting a great reaction from retail? This year has been really great for our products with many new lines selling well. Also, surprisingly, we have seen an upsurge in some of our more traditional lines. The good old Alien in Goo Egg is still one of our top lines, as well as the new Grow Aliens. On the larger Ozbozz products, the My First Scooter and the new Light Burst Scooter are performing extremely well.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

LICENSING OPINION KELVYN GARDNER

See you in Vegas I

t’s feeling like summer is upon us early this year. To some extent this is caused, as usual, by British Summer Time, but for licensing folk, the effect has been underlined by the bringing forward of our biggest international annual event, Licensing Expo Las Vegas. Expo has taken place during the month of June for almost its entire history, but for 2017 it will move back to 23, 24 and 25 May. This looks a radical change of the best part of a whole calendar month over recent years, though those of us a bit longer in the tooth will recall starts in the first week of June in the past, so not such a big shift after all. I reckon though, that we should all just reflect once more on the value of this huge event. Our own London show, Brand Licensing Europe, in October, is itself a huge event of international repute. Expo remains, nonetheless, the single biggest gathering of international licensing executives in the world, and has a packed agenda to reflect that. Expo has the biggest exhibition, of course, with more floor space and more exhibitors than any other licensing show. Expo is home to the LIMA-curated Licensing University, again the widest, most

diverse programme of educational content, keynote addresses and professional presentations that you could find anywhere. You can also begin your formal matriculation for LIMA’s coursework in Licensing Studies Certificate if you so wish, taking in the Licensing University’s offerings. Remember that though Expo itself officially runs Tuesday through Thursday, the whole week now is packed with licensing activity. The eve, Monday 22, has increasingly seen major licensors carve out time

“

I’ve lost count of the number of opportunities that I have found at Licensing Expo

”

for their big-footprint presentations, which will be even more timely for the retail markets’ autumn/winter range updates given the earlier dates of the event. This year there has been a real effort to coordinate these gatherings. It’s impossible to avoid all clashes if you are a retailer or licensee with a broad portfolio of licenses, simply because all the big names claim their place in the Nevada sun, but it will be easier.

Attendees will hear all the news from NBC Universal, Disney, Paramount, Sony, Warner Bros, Nickelodeon and DHX, and from the big brand outfits like Saban, Beanstalk, Iconix and many more. Expo will give you the first real looks at properties debuting for autumn 2017 and beyond. You can also take in the fun opening night party, your first chance to network with peers, and you should not miss the LIMA Licensing Excellence Awards, free to attend, and with lots of UK nominees vying for the big international prize and the kudos to be gathered with it. The sheer number of licensing executives in the city for the best part of a week also provides unrivalled opportunities to finally meet people who have, to date, been email addresses, telephone correspondents, or LinkedIn contacts. Convinced? As a last point, I have to say that I’ve lost count of the number of opportunities that I have found at Licensing Expo simply by bumping into contacts in the corridors and aisles, in the cafes and bars, even in the hotel elevators, during and immediately around the show. More than ever, you need to know what’s happening in licensing. Las Vegas in May is the place to achieve that goal.

Licensing Expo is go this month, and it is the place to be for everyone who is anyone in the industry. LIMA MD Kelvyn Gardner talks us through why is it a mustattend date in the diary

LIMA the trade association for the licensing business www.licensing.org/uk email rbeaird@licensing.org

MAY 2017

Brought to you by

licensing T O D A Y

W O R L D W I D E

“We’ll be advertising through TV, print and digital platforms, as well as an extensive programme of blogging and unboxing videos to make sure everyone knows about Tiddlytubbies toys.”

pERFECTLY TiDDLY Retailers are readying themselves for the July launch of Character Options’ latest Teletubbies range — Tiddlytubbies. Tiddlytubbies made their ﬁrst appearance in the new Teletubbies series, created by DHX Media, in November 2015, and have since become ﬁrm favourites with their pre-school audience. Charlotte Hill, Senior Global Brand Manager at DHX Brands, said: “2017 is a momentous year for the Teletubbies as the brand turns 20, making it a really exciting time for the launch of the new Tiddlytubbies toys!”

mark Hunt, marketing manager, Character options

sweet smell of success MGA Entertainment’s collectable brand Num Noms has doubled its number of licensing partners around the world. The mix, match and stack novelty line has attracted 40 new licensees, bringing the total number of crosscategory partners to 80. Among the latest to sign up to the programme are Sakar, for electronics in the US, UK and France; Amscan for partyware in select European territories, Australia and New Zealand; Winning Moves for toys and games in the UK and Italy; and DC Thomson and Kennedy Publishing, which are both on board for publishing in the UK. “From the ﬁrst Num Noms licensed products — apparel, sleepwear and select accessories — to hit retail in fourth quarter 2016, through today, the brand continues to exceed our expectations, appealing to a wide consumer base of young girls, collectors and others with a keen appreciation of whimsy,” said Juli Boylan, Global Head of Licensing, MGAE, who announced the new partnerships.

mattel scoops Warner award Mattel has been named Licensee of the Year by Warner Bros Consumer Products EMEA. The company honoured its best-in-class licensees at a recent summit in London. Mattel scooped top prize in recognition of its dedication to creating retail speciﬁc consumer offerings across a range of properties, including Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and DC Super Hero Girls, and its role in developing a joint framework that has ensured commercial growth and the positive extension of the long-standing partnership with WBCP. For the second year running Primark was named WBCP EMEA’s Retailer of the Year.

“All of our partners play a vital role in delivering our world-class brand licensing programmes.” Julian moon, senior Vice president, Warner Bros. Consumer products EmEa

Vroom, vroom! A Disney Pixar Cars 3 range has been added to DKL Marketing’s Scentco line – and its available for pre-order now! David Allan, Sales and Marketing Director at DKL, says: “Scentco Scented Stationery did amazing throughout 2016 with record high sales. Launching the Cars 3 license is very exciting as we have already had a huge interest from trade. We are working on other Disney licences to keep the momentum going.” Cars 3 scents include Blackberry, Pineapple, Cherry and Cola. Hama Beads will also be releasing a range of Cars 3 licensed products which will be ofﬁcially announced soon.

Licensing

Twirlywoos nest in Twirlywoos teamed up with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds to help support the launch of their Wild Challenge over the Easter holidays. The RSPB Wild Challenge is a free online awards scheme that encourages everyone to go out and get closer to nature. By completing fun activities, participants can discover the wildlife in their own back garden.

news

Debbie Walker, Twirlywoos Brand Manager at DHX Media, said: “The UK has around 250 different species of bird, so it is understandable that people struggle when it comes to their bird knowledge. However, you don’t need to know everything about birds in order to appreciate all that’s great about them.”

Did you know… DHX Media commissioned research of 2,000 UK adults and discovered that many British parents are struggling to identify the nation’s birds for their children, while nine in 10 said that they want their children to learn more about birds and British wildlife.

Spin Master has brought CPLG on board to manage the newly launched CPLG are looking to Hatchimals licensing expand the Hatchimals programme. The agency will brand into apparel, represent Hatchimals home, stationery, food, across the UK, France, and health and beauty. Germany, Benelux, Italy, Iberia, Central and Eastern Europe and the Nordics. CPLG say they are looking at expanding the brand into all markets including apparel, home, stationery, food and health and beauty. “We are thrilled to be working with Spin Master to represent Hatchimals, a truly magical toy,” said Peter Byrne, CEO, CPLG. “We look forward to launching new creative product ranges across all target categories, opening new retail distribution for the brand and increasing retail presence for all species and characters living in Hatchtopia.”

Did you know…

Thomas treats travellers A giant 6ft tall, 7ft long chocolate sculpture of everyone’s favourite blue engine, Thomas, surprised travellers at King’s Cross station over the Easter bank holiday weekend. The chocolate Thomas sculpture weighed 140kg and took 250 hours to build by three master chocolatiers. A total of 100kg of chocolate was used to create the masterpiece, which is equivalent to 50,000 chocolate buttons.

Topps is on a mission Topps has launched a brand new Marvel trading card game, Marvel Missions. The collection, which went on sale from 30 March, also includes an overlay of cards from Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, which was released in UK cinemas on 28 April 2017. The collection features popular iconic Super Heroes from the Marvel Universe, including Iron Man and Captain America.

Hatchimals licensing has now hatched

240 The number of cards in the new Marvel Missions collection

Peter Rabbit’s minty fresh The Royal Mint has added four new designs to its Beatrix Potter collection for 2017. The 50p coins, finished in full colour, will be released over the course of 2017 to supplement the 2016 collection that celebrated the much-loved author’s 150th anniversary. The 2016 collection was hugely popular and sold out within days from The Royal Mint website. The 2017 collection, developed in collaboration with Penguin Random House — publisher of Beatrix Potter’s Tales — will once again kick off with a famously cheeky character from Potter’s books, Peter Rabbit himself.

TNP

LOOKS BACK

Step back in time A rather personal look back through time beginning with May 1987, 1997, 2007 and 2012 by TnP Founder and MD Malcolm Naish May 2012 Volume 31 Number 8

Introducing The New Pre-School Learning Robot

Advertised

May 2012 • Super fit Jon Diver of the Character Group undertakes a bike ride on the road from Paris to London. All for charity! • I am sad to mourn the passing of a true toy legend — Joe Brewer. He had spent his entire career in the toy trade working with such names as Mettoy — Corgi and Bluebird Toys. He had strong Hong Kong connections dealing with all the top major buyers. • Lisle Licensing sign up the Trash Pack from Moose Toys. • Our Independent is delighted with sales from The Avengers which was all down to the film success in the UK. • Our Toy Watcher columnist is impressed with Joe Kissane’s car registration, KI55 ANE. He suggests it might be better to have KI55 ASS, evidently untraceable when speeding.

May 2007 • I attend the funeral of Tom Cassidy — another legend of our industry and the creater of Casdon. Tom was a true one-off and great company. From small beginnings after the second world war he created a fantastic toy company that remains a great success to this day. • Sid Hyde takes over the reins at VTech again — he first ran the UK for them in 1987. • Lifetime Achievement awards are given to three people. Hilary Page — the creator of Kiddicraft and John Hales and Christine Nichols of Golden Bear. • Tony Strodder is organising a second Hong Kong cricket match following the success of the January match. This will be in the Autumn against an Australian 11.

May 1997 • Hamleys buys Toy Stack from David Fogel for £8.7 million. This comprises £7.7 million cash plus £1 million in shares. Well done

64 1

David and well done Hamleys. • Toy Options buy Downpace — primarily a gift company that is well established in the gift industry. • Tamagotchi is racking up the sales giving the toy industry a huge fillip for summer. • Kevin Jones and Graham Spark buy Robeau from Paul Caspari. • Toymaster increase members’ sales by six per cent with business handled by the group up by 1.4 per cent, despite the loss of Beatties which accounted for 4.4 per cent. • We include a Time-Warner supplement on Batman celebrating his continuing popularity within the toy industry. • Bandai call off their proposed merger with SEGA.

May 1987 • I write that I hope Maggie’s election victory might trigger off better toy sales that appear a little flat at the moment. • Tonka Toys are in negotiations to buy Italian die-cast company Burago and Bluebird Toys announce the acquisition of Peter Pan Playthings for £3.5 million. • A Steiff teddy bear sells for £8,800 — a record back in 1987. • The second North v South footy match ends in a defeat for the North – 2-1. Mark Dixon nets a brace. Played at Luton Town we raised £24,000 for charity. What a shame these matches no longer take place in the UK! • Dekkertoys suffer a fire that completely destroys the factory and warehouse. Within three weeks it is business as usual with great credit going to Gary Conrad and his staff. • Just some of the character licenses being offered to the toy trade back in 1987 were Harry and the Hendersons, Ghostbusters, James Bond and Puddle Lane. • Our front cover for May was Hornby’s Pound Puppies.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

Test a publisher’s statement of circulation. In today’s business climate you can’t afford not to. Our ABC Certificate provides accurate, independently verified circulation figures, giving you confidence in your advertising investment.

If you want to reach 5,125* total average net circulation, then call Ryan Horwood on 01442 289945 or email ryan@lemapublishing.co.uk *. Circulation figure relates to period from 1st July 2015 to 30th June 2016

For more information visit www.abc.org.uk or email info@abc.org.uk

Toys house advert.indd 1

03/03/2017 17:14

DON’T MISS…

We bring to the fore a selection of the hottest and newest products that will help you sell more. Buyers and retailers, get in touch with your sales contact now!

Product: Baby Huggles Changing Mat Company: Casdon Tel: 01253 608 428 Web: www.casdon.co.uk

Product: Playfoam Go! Company: Learning Resources Tel: 01553 819 380 Web: www.learningresources.co.uk

Product: Magic Maths Company: Orchard Toys Tel: 01953 859 525 Web: www.orchardtoys.com

MAY 2017

Product: Host Your Own Quiz Night Company: Cheatwell Games Tel: 02392 524 098 Web: www.cheatwell.com

Product: Fisher-Price Shimmer & Shine Teenie Genies Company: Mattel Tel: 01628 500 000 Web: www.mattel.com

Product: UNSC Warthog Company: Revell Tel: 01296 660291 Web: www.toysnplaythings.co.uk/qaoxa

Product: The Sensory Discovery Robot Company: Infantino BKids Tel: 07557 640 097 Web: www.bkids.eu

Product: Skip Hop Fill Up Bee Fountain Company: Skip Hop Tel: 01582 434250 Web: www.skiphop.com

Product: Turbospoke Company: Mookie Tel: 01525 722 722 Web: www.mookie.co.uk

toysnplaythings.co.uk

Helping everyone sell more

Exhibitors Guide 2017

Toys and Playthings Template.indd 1

04/04/2017 17:00:44

CONTENTS 017 May 2 No. 8 6 3 Vol.

TEAM TnP

Leader - with Mirella Anstey

Toymaster May Show - your guide starts here

Exhibitor List – all this year’s fantastic exhibitors and

Group Editor Mirella Anstey mirella@lemapublishing.co.uk

The Majestic P5

P14

where to find them 10

Toymaster Talk – Toymaster retailers tell us what’s selling and why membership is so key to their success

Editor Mairead Wilmot mairead@lemapublishing.co.uk

Writer

discuss why the May Show is unmissable 14

Toy Galaxy, who celebrate their 10th anniversary in 2017 17

Ryan Horwood ryan@lemapublishing.co.uk

Publisher

Cover Story – Worlds Apart hits a high note with its new Spin to Sing game

18 Mark Naish mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

Retail Interview – TnP caught up with Bhav Patel, MD of Toymaster retailer

Rhys Thomas rhys@lemapublishing.co.uk

Group Advertisement Manager

Suppliers Say – Toymaster suppliers

P17

Exhibitor Guide – Plan your trip to Harrogate with an advanced look at who’s exhibiting and what they’re showing

Production Director Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

Design and Production Marian McNamara marian@lemapublishing.co.uk

Managing Director Malcolm Naish malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

Circulation Manager Robert Thomas robert@lemapublishing.co.uk

Lema Publishing Ltd

PUBLISHING

1 Churchgates, The Wilderness, Berkhamsted, Herts, HP4 2UB Telephone: 01442 289930

At the heart of retail A member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation

Independently audited ABC circulation of 5,125 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016

Mirella Anstey

ay is when things start to really hot up — and I don’t just mean in terms of the weather! It’s when the crème de la crème of the independent trade in the UK and Ireland gather together at the Toymaster May Show. The buying group’s showcase has guaranteed its spot on independents’ must-do list by uniquely mixing great brands, excellent team experience and a good old fashioned jolly, all to help retailers make their businesses an even greater success and, ultimately, to sell more toys! For retailers it really is a great time of year to finalise Q4 selections. So many of the key brands are in attendance and one can gain a true picture of what products are out there and evaluate them side by side. Crucially though, everyone has about half a year’s trading under their belts and has a better understanding on what might lay ahead — partly based on

toysnplaythings.co.uk

what the majors will be going big on too. Additionally, the Toymaster team are all on hand to give you advice on different aspects of toy retail — be it the theatrical and experiential side of things such as character appearances, displays and point of sale, to social media, understanding forthcoming licences or even advising on stock and helping build lasting relationships with agents and suppliers. I would urge everyone to take advantage of this wealth of experience — they are experts and want to help you sell more! Let’s not forget though, they really know how to have a good time too, and for many the show isn’t just about the nuts and bolts of business, it’s also about having a good time, letting your hair down and retailers and suppliers having a bit of fun together. So, here’s to good business and seeing you all up at the show — I must sort out my fancy dress outfit!

Helping everyone sell more

@PlaymobilUK Phone: 01268 548111

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PREVIEW TOYMASTER

“

The May Show has always been a show for orders, and from a supplier’s point of view, this is business and money counts Ian Edmunds, Toymaster

What: When: Where: Who:

Toymaster Show Tuesday 16 to Thursday 18 May The Majestic, Harrogate More than 100 top toy suppliers and numerous retailers who are ready to buy

May the toys be with you Harrogate becomes the UK’s very own toy town in May as key retailers from the UK and Ireland descend for the Toymaster Show. This year, more than 100 key suppliers will be in town to take their orders – TnP catches up with some of them

f it’s top quality toy suppliers and retailers who are ready to buy that you are after – Toymaster’s May Show is probably where you should be. The annual event takes over Harrogate’s Majestic Hotel each year and 2017 is no different. From Tuesday 16 to Thursday 18 May, more than 100 suppliers will set up camp in the north Yorkshire town and joining them will be hundreds of Toymaster members ready to place orders.

MAY 2017

Let’s do business “We try to ensure that everyone at the May Show has everything they need to do real business,” Toymaster’s MD Ian Edmunds recently told TnP. “Our members know what we have coming throughout the year, our prepared third and fourth-quarter promotional plans, and all of these things help with decision making - and ordering. The May Show has always been a show for orders, and from a supplier’s point of view,

PREVIEW TA Toy LK

TOYMASTER

“This year is definitely shaping up to be our best year yet and we are really looking forward to exhibiting for the first time since our rebrand. Toymaster has always been a fantastic show to exhibit at and it’s great to meet the Toymaster members and independent toy retailers. We hope to secure more Toymaster distribution and are confident our Sensory Toy Collection is the perfect line for retailers this Christmas!” Gary Wood, UK Country Manager at Infantino BKids

“

Flair has a great heritage with independents. The independents have always been important to us, and they are a significant part of our annual business

this is business and money counts. “But it’s more than that. The independent retailers that come each year know their stuff and they aren’t afraid to speak their mind. You can get some very honest feedback, and if a retailer knows they can get a comparable product elsewhere for a better price or margin, they’ll say so.” Ian also warns that Toymaster retailers will let you know if they don’t like something. “They will be vocal on packaging and price points - important things,” Ian told us. “If a supplier takes orders at the show then they know they have

Don’t miss… Epoch in the Billiard Room. The team will be launching the newest products from both Sylvanian Families and Aquabeads at Toymaster. The star product of the new Sylvanian Families range is the Starry Point Lighthouse, while Aquabeads has had a complete rebrand with new gender-neutral packaging.

Must-attend show Much like the retailers, suppliers aren’t at Toymaster to waste time either. It’s a crucial date in their diary too. “It’s a must-go show! It’s where peak begins and for our independent trade, it’s where we write the business for the remainder of the year,” says Bandai’s Head of Sales Amy Davolls. In fact, given that it’s an order taking show, Amy says Bandai encourages buying by offering show deals across its ranges. “The deals we offer are all to try and give the independent retailer a true point of difference from the nationals as we move forward into the silly season. That may be in-store POS, a GWP or a price promotion.” It’s a similar story for Worlds Apart with Head of Sales Tony White saying the show offers the industry an opportunity to “reflect on the first half of the year and to set the course for year end and peak trading". Tony says that the Worlds Apart team enjoy that Toymaster is an order taking show. “It’s still exciting

Nicola Bergot, Flair

Did you know… Bandai is excited to show off its Miraculous range. “The brand has launched incredibly well and ratings on POP achieving over 100k kids 4-9 on some episodes and season two due on Disney later this year, we cannot wait to ‘get our spots on’ with the members!” says Head of Sales, Amy Davolls.

something worthwhile. Our members are buying with their own money. They aren’t spending a corporate budget, but investing their own profit. "And the business isn’t just done between nine and five, there’s plenty of time to have frank and open discussion for the benefit of both sides.”

to be able to ‘scratch the pad’ – we all love taking orders and we can be confident that the members will have full availability of new product launches and TV lines. It’s especially important this year as we are now partnering with Click Distribution who will look after all orders to Toymaster members for us.”

toysnplaythings.co.uk

Rapid fire

Watch out for…

QUESTION!

The Shopkins Cutie Cars from Flair. The company will also be introducing Series 8 of Shopkins with a number of fabulous new playsets!

additionally: “It’s a great time of year to be taking orders because, if we can deliver the orders by the end of August, we can chase for follow up orders nearer to Christmas.”

Show time!

Perfect timing The timing of the May show is ideal for Flair, says Commercial Director Nicola Bergot, because it gives them the opportunity to: “properly show our brands for the year in a much more ‘finished’ state which enables our independent retailers to select ranges with more confidence ahead of the main season.” Flair has great heritage with the independent retailer, says Nicola. “The independents have always been important to us, and they are a significant part of our annual business. As owners of their own businesses, they are closer to their customers, so it is always good to hear what they have to say!” Another company who praise Toymaster for the amount, and quality of retailer, at the show is Interplay. UK Sales Manager Gareth Jones says he and his team are: “likely to see more independent retailers than at any other trade show, and over three days the majority of all Toymaster members will have visited our stand.” And all this adds up to sales, which is a definite appeal because it helps Interplay plan its stock intake says Gareth, but

May 2017

“

It’s still exciting to be able to ‘scratch the pad’ – we all love taking orders and we can be confident that the members will have full availability of new product launches and TV lines

Does the social aspect of the show strengthen working relationships, in your opinion?

“The social aspect certainly helps to strengthen working relationships. For many it is a case of meeting friends from both sides of the fence, and it’s great to be able to combine work with having fun.”

Toymaster members will be more than familiar with the iconic Sylvanian Families and Aquabeads from Epoch, which is just how Epoch likes it because Marketing Manager Yuki Otsuka Tony White, Worlds tells us Toymaster is one Apart of the best shows for brands like Epoch. “The independents are our key customers and we really value their Gareth Jones, ability to showcase the wide range of our brands,” says Yuki. “They’re really Interplay important business partners to have due to their high brand loyalty, which continues to help us grow in this very competitive market.” Given that Yuki is right, this is a competitive market, having a social show like Toymaster makes the doing business a bit sweeter. Don’t forget that Toymaster always host one hell of a party which is free for everyone to attend! On the Tuesday night, there will be a good old knees up – so make sure you don your best fancy dress ensemble. “It’s all about fun on the Tuesday night,” Ian tells us. And the traditional black tie event will take place on the Wednesday night which will be a masked ball this year. As always, TnP will be at the show, so make sure to say hello as we do our rounds. You’ll find a snapshot of the products "You can get some very honest feedback at available at Toymaster, and if a retailer knows they can get a Toymaster over comparable product elsewhere for a better price or the following margin, they’ll say so.” pages.

Ian Says...

PREVIEW TOYMASTER Supplier Name

Ackerman John Adams Alex Brands Juratoys Alpha/Banaghan/Irish Fairy Door Artstraws Ashwood Autoculture Bandai Bd Property (Think Distribution) Bertoy Big Potato Bigjigs Infantino Bkids Bladez Brainstorm Casdon Character Cheatwell Games Clementoni Click Distribution Coiledspring Games John Crane Creative Models Depesche Dkl Dracco Eduk8 Engino Epoch Esdevium Flair Funko Uk Funrise Galt Games Workshop A.B.Gee Gemma Geomagworld Gibsons Golden Bear Great Gizmos Green Board Grossman Halilit Hasbro Hobby Company Hornby Hobbies Hti Imc Hexbugs (Innovation First) Interplay Jakks Jumbo Kayes

Location

Marquee Marquee Marquee Marquee Carriage Suite Marquee Marquee Marquee Marquee Marquee Marquee Marquee Carriage Suite North Lounge South Lounge Marquee Drawing Room Marquee Marquee Marquee Marquee Carriage Suite Marquee Marquee Marquee Marquee Marquee Carriage Suite Billiard Room Marquee South Lounge Ballroom Marquee Marquee Marquee Marquee Marquee Marquee Marquee Marquee Marquee Marquee Reception Room Marquee Ballroom Marquee Carriage Suite Marquee Marquee Carriage Suite Marquee Marquee Marquee Carriage Suite

Supplier Name

Inspiration Works T/A Kd Uk Keel Kidicraft K'nex Paul Lamond Le Toy Van Leapfrog Learning Resources Lego Magformers Marbel Marvin's Magic Mattel Melissa & Doug Mga Entertainment Mookie Mv Sports Orchard Padgett Papo Peterkin Playmobil Posh Paws Puppet Company Rainbow Designs Ravensburger Re: Creation Revell Royal Brush Sales Partnership/Bruder Schleich Simba Smoby Smart Spin Master Suncrest Tactic Tobar Tomy Trends Ty University Games Usborne Vivid Vtech West Design Wicked Vision Wild Card Games Wilton Bradley Wind Designs Winning Moves Worlds Apart Wow Zapf

Location

Carriage Suite Marquee Marquee Carriage Suite Carriage Suite Carriage Suite Drawing Room Carriage Suite Billiard Room Carriage Suite Carriage Suite Carriage Suite French Restaurant North Lounge North Lounge Carriage Suite Billiard Room Carriage Suite Carriage Suite Carriage Suite Billiard Room Carriage Suite Carriage Suite Carriage Suite Carriage Suite Carriage Suite Carriage Suite Ballroom Ballroom Carriage Suite Carriage Suite Carriage Suite Ballroom Ballroom Ballroom Ballroom Ballroom Billiard Room Ballroom Drawing Room Ballroom Ballroom Carriage Suite Drawing Room Ballroom Ballroom Ballroom Drawing Room Ballroom Drawing Room Marquee Drawing Room North Lounge

toysnplaythings.co.uk

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RETAIL

OPINION

Toy talk TnP Talks to Toymaster retailers about what is selling well for them and they tell us if the future is looking bright...

STUART HARPER

RICHARD HARDING

Harper’s Toymaster, Middlegate, Penrith

Puffs Toyshop, Wymondham, Norfolk

Stuart’s family run business has been trading for more than 45 years, welcoming generations of tourists to the beautiful Penrith with a range of toys for all weathers What’s currently selling like hot cakes for you? We’ve been a little quiet, but that should pick up now we’re coming into holiday season. Tourists are very important to my business, and we stock a broad range for those visiting the town. What I sell all depends on the weather. If it’s nice out then it’s Swing Ball from Mookie, Moon Balls, badminton sets and paddling pools. If it’s a bit grey, then it’s board games. Rubik’s Cube in particular has been very popular lately, too. What’s the most beneficial part of being a Toymaster member? I’ve been a member for a long time, and its the access to suppliers which is the biggest gain for us. The window promotions are a huge bonus, too - it’s brilliant if you think how well they keep things refreshed and staying up with the latest brands. What will you be looking for at the Toymaster show in May? Something really different and exciting. We always find something that fits those two words at the May Show. Does the future look bright for your business? Yes, and being a Toymaster retailer plays a big part in that. Like I say, with tourists coming into town I should have a good season ahead of me.

PHIL HEATH Heath’s Toymaster, Barrow, Cumbria One of the original Toymaster members and a May Show veteran, Phil is looking forward to catching up with fellow members in Harrogate this month What’s currently selling like hot cakes? The major craze for us right now is the fidget toys, the spinners and the cubes, alongside Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty. What’s the most beneficial part of being a Toymaster member? We’ve been a Toymaster member since the start, 27 or 28 years this year, and the best things for us have always been the negotiating terms and the catalogue — in fact all the promotional materials they provide. The annual meetings and May Show are also great ways to network, which is incredibly important. What will you be looking for at the Toymaster show in May? Historically we do a lot of buying at the show. We always find 10

TnP loves to hear your views. This month we speak to Toymaster members to learn what’s selling well and why membership is invaluable

Puffs joined the Toymaster group just over a year ago, and owner Richard says membership has paid dividends already, paving the way to more stock choice and more sales What’s currently selling like hot cakes for you? Perhaps unsurprisingly fidget spinners have been the latest craze for us, although Pokémon is ticking over really nicely as well. I started stocking Ty at Toy Fair in January and those have been a hit with our shoppers. It’s a similar story with Playmobil — we’re selling bucketfuls. What will you be looking for at the Toymaster show in May? I’ve always visited the show, even before I became a Toymaster member, but being a member makes the show even more pleasurable and worthwhile. It’s nice to have a room at the Majestic, right in the heart of things. One thing I am looking forward to is the new Little Live Pets Ladybugs from Character Options — they look tremendous, and a great extension to a range we already do well with.

something there that gives us a point of difference. Having the chance to talk with suppliers is invaluable, and its brilliant to chat with fellow members and learn how they’ve overcome the same challenges we come up against. Does the future look bright for your business? I’m always positive; always a cup half-full man. It will be challenging, no doubt, but Toymaster makes a big difference. Absolutely, no doubt, 150 per cent in my mind, being a Toymaster member helps us survive and thrive. What licenses do you have high hopes for in 2017? and even beyond We don’t do tons of licensed product, but we do well with the evergreens — WWE wrestling and things like that.

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Top dog

Tweet Talk

Toymaster’s mascot Toby is always out and about at members’ stores across the UK and Ireland. Don’t forget that any member can take advantage of a visit from the lovable pup, sure to bring a smile to customers’ faces

Share your thoughts with us and keep up to date with all things TnP on Twitter @toysnplaythings

Toby enjoyed a puppet show at Caball Toymaster, Co. Kerry

GERARD GOURLEY Toy Hub Direct, Dunblane, Perthshire A rugby player in his spare time, Gerard is all about tackling challenges head on, both on the pitch and in business. The team have just opened their second store in nearby Bridge of Allan and are gearing up for a busy and successful 2017 What’s currently selling like hot cakes for you? Games have been going really well, particularly the pick-up and play games like Esdveium’s Dobble, Bananagrams’ games, Happy Salmon, and Top Trumps from Winning Moves. Fidget toys are the latest craze, so we’ve sold plenty of cubes and whirlers too. What’s the most beneficial part of being a Toymaster member? In truth, we take advantage of everything. It’s staggering to think of the different skill sets the Toymaster team has, and we really use it all. Centralised invoicing is excellent, as are the catalogue and FOB programme. An overlooked thing that’s just as valuable is being able to pick up the phone and call them for advice on anything. They’re always there, always able to help, and they’ll even step in, in the unlikely case of a dispute. What will you be looking for at the Toymaster show in May? I’ll be curious to see how the suppliers tackle the fidget market, which has really exploded. I have some idea of the companies that may have something good for that in production — and I’ll be heading straight for them! Does the future look bright for your business? We must think it does as we’ve just opened our second store! The new location is in Bridge of Allan, so only five or six miles down the road from our original Dunblane shop, but the difference in clientele is huge. I’m just looking at the first sales data as it’s coming in and the differences are incredible really. Definitely opens things up for us.

MAY 2017

NEWS

SPECIAL

Toymaster is a key event for us as it’s the first opportunity for us to present finished product across our TV lines as well as an ideal opportunity for us to present our mid-season launches. Steve Asbey, Manager UK Sales, Mattel

Toymaster is a great opportunity to meet independents and showcase our new products and best-selling lines. We are continually growing in this market as we have an offering of quality, educational toys and games that perform very well in a range of independent settings. Chris Beardmore, UK Retail Sales Manager, Learning Resources

“ All of my agents will attend the show and the overall views I receive tend to be very informative ” I find the feedback from the members invaluable as it is from a variety of independent retailers who work closely with their customers at grass roots level. They have a very hands-on point of view, investing their own cash in product selection. Quite often they can pick up on trends way before some of the majors can. All of my agents will attend the show and the overall views I receive tend to be very informative. Stuart Crawford, Sales Controller, MV Sports

Suppliers Say... TnP wanted to know why Toymaster is such an unmissable show for suppliers — so we asked them! Here is what they had to say

“ It is an important show for the members as it sets up the rest of their year and gives them a chance to see what is on offer ”

The Toymaster Show is always a great event for us. It’s great to see all the members and showcase our catalogue lines and show deals. It is an important show for the members as it sets up the rest of their year and gives them a chance to see what is on offer. We enjoy having the time to talk to everyone and plan activity for the upcoming months. It’s also nice to catch up socially and have a few drinks! Judith Dayus, Co-Founder, Great Gizmos

Galt will always support a Toymaster event. The show at Harrogate is a must for us, bringing together so many of our important customers!

For Winning Moves, the Toymaster Show is a great destination to meet and greet our valued members, showcase our brand new products including licensed releases, allowing us to share our excitement about new lines and discuss promotional opportunities. Kay Thompson, Head of Sales – UK Retail, Winning Moves

John McDonnell, Managing Director, Galt

toysnplaythings.co.uk

“ It is a show where retailers come

prepared to commit to product ranges and promotions for the remaining part of the year including the all important Christmas peak season” The Toymaster Show provides us with the opportunity to meet all of the membership in a single location across a number of days. Away from their businesses they are able to give full attention to the exciting new product launch and promotional activity that we are presenting. It is a show where retailers come prepared to commit to product ranges and promotions for the remaining part of the year including the all important Christmas peak season. This year we are launching our new Grow and Craftivity Ranges from Creatvity for Kids and if initial feedback is anything to go by we are looking forward to a really successful show this year. Mark Jeffries, Head of Sales, West Design Products

Toymaster is a fantastic window for suppliers to meet the independent toy retailers and gauge how the market is shaping up for the year. It also gives us an opportunity to showcase our products for the run into Q4. Rob Sherlock, National Accounts Manager, Esdevium Games

As well as seeing so many Toymaster members together, it’s a ‘people’ show as well - a great opportunity to build relationships. Mark Jones, Head of UK Sales, Cheatwell

We are really looking forward to exhibiting again this year. Independent toy retailers are essential to the continuing success of both the MGA Entertainment and Zapf Creation brands, continuing our partnership with Toymaster is therefore instrumental to ensuring support for our brands going into the key Christmas sales period and beyond. Marian Davis, Marketing Manager for MGA Entertainment and Zapf Creation UK

“ It’s a great opportunity to

showcase our extensive adult and children’s ranges ”

The Toymaster Show is absolutely unmissable for us, with so many indies under one roof it’s a great opportunity to showcase our extensive adult and children’s ranges, showcase our large range of new autumn/ winter launches, talk AW cat lines, gather feedback and have a catch up with the retailers! Be sure to visit us in the marquee. Victoria Allen, Account Manager, Jumbo Games

MAY 2017

PREVIEW TOYMASTER

Toy Galaxy was shortlisted at the 2016 TRA Awards

Reach for the stars! Bhav Patel is celebrating 10 years since he opened the first Toy Galaxy. From a single shop in Barnet to a chain of four local stores, he tells TnP how Toymaster helps him stay competitive and why 2017 is the year of the Fidget toy Bhav, thanks for taking the time to speak with us. We hear you and the Toy Galaxy team are celebrating a milestone this year? The business does in fact celebrate a great milestone this year. Ten years ago, I saw an opportunity in the area of Barnet where an already established traditional toy shop had closed it doors. Having already amassed some experience in the toy trade through my parents, I decided to use this knowledge and open what was the first Toy Galaxy store.

“

We’ve benefitted greatly from our time with Toymaster

How have things changed in that time? Over the past 10 years, a lot within the industry has changed and with that, Toy Galaxy too has evolved. The ranges we stock, the brands we have taken on, all work hand in hand with what our customers locally are looking for. The look and overall feel of the stores remains the same, which is not a bad thing. Our customers have grown to expect range, value and service from us, and they continue to get that in a traditional toy shop setting.

You have four shops in and around North London. How are they performing so far this year? This year has so far treated us well. Trade to date has been good and Easter, albeit later than last year, has traded up on a like-for-like basis. It is a positive start to the year given the price rises and the supply issues for some key licenses.

How does stock vary between locations - even ones that are relatively nearby? Stock between locations can vary a

Top three licenses PJ Masks is a hit

PJ Masks PAW Patrol Pokémon

toysnplaythings.co.uk

We asked…

Why would you recommend joining Toymaster? The access to a number of larger suppliers is a key benefit, but the help, support and guidance you get not only from Toymaster themselves but other members is invaluable. The key thing is that they are approachable.

How do you get the word out to customers that Toy Galaxy is the place to visit - particularly in the bustling capital?

lot. A range of toys make up our core products, which will go everywhere, but beyond that it is down to space or demand. Certain brands do really well in some locations and in others gather dust. We monitor these stocks closely and rotate them to ensure they are always in the right place at the right time. Space is always the biggest challenge, but local demand supersedes everything and thankfully we can be quick to react to these localised demands.

“

Certain brands do really well in some locations and in others gather dust… Thankfully we can be quick to react

PAW Patrol is a favourite

Marketing is always tricky in such a busy city and having originally come from a marketing background I know ever so well how costly certain activities can be. We naturally use social media, but for us our primary method is working within the communities we serve. At Christmas, we often distribute catalogues to customers locally which helps remind customers during the busy period that we are there. With the help of Toymaster and the catalogue they produce, it brings in more footfall.

Tell us more about how you interact with your community. Working closely with the local community not only reminds people of our presence, but we can give back to the community that keeps our business going on the high street. School fêtes, fundraisers, local charities and work placements are just a few things we do to give something back.

Talking of community, you’ve been a Toymaster member for some time now. What made you decide to join the buying group? I initially joined Toymaster almost nine years ago now. I was fairly new to the industry at the time but upon leaving Youngsters and weighing my options, Toymaster seemed

MAY 2017

to be the option that best fit my business. After speaking to them extensively, it was apparent that Toymaster’s focus was solely on the retailer and the assistance, marketing and FOB programme offered all further highlighted this. It was a great choice and I’ve never looked back.

How would you say it has benefitted your business in that time? We’ve benefitted greatly from our time with Toymaster. As an independent retailer, it has given us the platform to work with larger suppliers on better terms, which is essential in the industry. We have a constant flow of marketing material to keep our in-store marketing activities parallel with suppliers’. This in its most successful form is the Toymaster window which works really well and gives our stores a professional window. The FOB programme has also been a key tool for us as it has given us a range of products over the years with improved margins which has been invaluable.

Helping one another to succeed as a group, but also as individuals is key to Toymaster. Does this drive and attitude make membership invaluable to you? This is one of the key parts of Toymaster. Each member store maintains its own level of individuality and, more importantly, control. Yet collectively, the support is there for members to speak, seek advice and also collaborate to push their businesses forward. The offer and advice I myself have got from fellow members in itself has been invaluable and Toymaster offers many platforms to encourage members to speak with one another.

Talk to us about some of the products that are selling well for you at the moment? What are your customers loving? Currently we are selling a lot of Fidget spinners. This current craze

PREVIEW TOYMASTER

4…

the number of Toy Galaxy stores, found in Barnet, Witney, Harrow and Ealing seems to be all over the country and demand for stock is at it’s highest. With very low price points, it offers great value and is encouraging repeat and multiple purchases. We have also recently introduced Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty and the demand for this has been overwhelming. MGA Entertainment’s L.O.L Surprise! Dolls are also doing extremely well currently - but demand is outstripping supply so it is naturally a shame to have to turn customers away at this time of year!

Have you noticed demand for any products in particular increasing recently? The most requested line has been fidget spinners which seems to be the item all kids (and some adults) just have to have. With so much product variation available, it is encouraging multiple purchases which is great. We’ve had a few requests for bows recently, which I MGAE's L..O.L. Surprise is a favourite

Pokémon is selling well for Toy Gakaxy

hear is down to a certain young lady reviewing toys online.

We know you are currently overhauling your website. Anything you can tell us about that? The development of our site has been a long time in the making as it is something I want absolutely right when we launch. It is planned to be fully active by the end of the summer with a full launch planned for September. Our website should be a good reflection of not just our range but also offer the same service our customers expect instore.

Competing with grocers and nationals leaves many indies under pressure. How does Toymaster help you go toe to toe with big competitors?

“

It is always hard to compete with the big retailers on price. With the help of Toymaster and the terms they have negotiated, it allows us to at least receive improved terms and margins. With that said, the onus is always on the retailer to bring added value to their shops, and for us it is about range and service. For that a customer may be willing to walk into our shop to get guidance on their purchase. Toymaster’s FOB programme also not only offers greater margin to retailers on key brands but there is also a large unbranded range which I believe adds the core range of an independent toy shop.

The onus is always on the retailer to bring added value to their shops, and for us it is about range and service

And finally, what is your top tip for making the most out of Toymaster 2017? My top tip for 2017 would be to engage more with your customers in-store. There are a number of marketing activities by suppliers taking place, so try to get involved and participate in your own stores by doing events, demos or even simply continually updating window displays. Keeping an eye on movie launches or new product releases and tying them in together in-store will make your business more relevant to customers.

If you had to name one supplier whose product range you are loving at the moment, who would it be? Currently I would have to say Green Elephant Trading and their range of Aarons Thinking Putty. The range is extensive and also fascinating when you get them out and use it.

Did you know… Toy Galaxy is currently overhauling its website, with plans to launch this September. Although currently not a major part of the business, Bhav says: “It’s an area where we do see ourselves getting involved in more in the long run.”

toysnplaythings.co.uk

TOYMASTER COVER FEATURE

On song Worlds Apart has a new game that is sure to get families in a spin!

Did you know...

offers something different to the orlds Apart’s brand consumer and stands out in the family new game, Spin to Sing games sector.” offers hilarious fun for all So, how do you play? Players spin the family! the microphone to select a performer The game is the home talent show who has to sing to one of the tracks where the best performer wins. As the on their phone through the games category is really growing free Spin to Sing and competition is hotting up, the game app. Each Worlds Apart team knew they fellow player could really add something scores your special to this sector. performance Senior Brand Manager, Spin to and at the end Logan Stone says: “It’s Sing really sets of the game, the no surprise that toy itself apart from performer with the companies are looking other games highest average score to expand into the currently on wins! Performance jeopardy cards games category — it’s offer in that it Spin to Sing is add a hilarious twist to each a market that continues merges trend innovative, fun performance and at the end of to grow from strength and completely each game, the winner is awarded and technology to strength. However, different to with a ‘best bits’ photo montage Logan Stone what we feel is most what’s currently through the app — just like a real important is not to just available in the talent show! ‘be there’ for the sake family games Logan insists that the app really of being there. We market. Retailers adds to the playability of the wanted to add newness should invest game. She says: to the games category in Spin to “Spin to Sing and we Sing because really sets feel that of its unique itself apart Spin to offering as from other Sing well as the fact games currently really that it merges on offer in that it performance merges trend and with technology technology to and trends, create a game which proved that is fun, to be a winning accessible combination for and SelfieMic. shareable for all

Get in a spin now!

WORLDS APART

“

”

Senior Brand Manager Logan Stone says Worlds Apart will have a heavyweight TV campaign running throughout autumn/winter for Spin to Sing, as well as a consumer PR campaign from July. the family. What makes it so special is the app. We haven’t added an app for the sake of it. The Spin to Sing app completely enhances the game play, allowing the user to perform to their favourite songs, capture their ‘best bits’ with live performance selfies, score the performances and then share their Winner’s Journey on social media.” The game will be backed by a heavyweight TV campaign along with PR and digital marketing from July 2017. There are hopes that the hard-hitting campaign will go viral. Logan says: “The past few years have shown how viral games can be. We have built on this theme not only through our digital marketing, but also through the product itself and how intrinsically shareable it is. The fact you can save your Winner’s Journey photo montage as a video file and then share it on social media means we will be constantly encouraging our consumers to do so.” And the influencers will be key in this as Logan explains: “Our digital marketing will then encourage this further through vlogger outreach, a social influencer campaign and social advertising that uses engaging, hilarious video content to direct consumers to purchase with our key retailers in just one click.” And Worlds Apart have a proven success with this strategy with SelfieMic. Logan adds: “Social media marketing worked phenomenally well in reaching our audience, building brand awareness and most importantly, driving consumers to purchase at retail — so we will be looking to replicate this with Spin to Sing.”

Worlds Apart Tel: 0845 60 22 119 Web: worldsapart.com

PREVIEW TOYMASTER

Game on! JUMBO GAMES 01707 289289 www.jumbo.eu

Marqu

Jumbo Games will be showcasing its full range of adult and children’s puzzles & games at this year’s Toymaster show, including over 50 new product releases that are available to order now and check out at the show. Jumbo are continuing to lead the market by showcasing over 30 brand new adult puzzles that you can order now! Jumbo’s, UK number one selling adult puzzle brand, Wasgij, continues to celebrate its 20th anniversary and to commemorate this milestone, Jumbo have released ten brand new puzzles. Highlights include the anniversary inspired Special Edition Wasgij Original 27: The 20th Party Parade and Wasgij Christmas 13: Turkey’s Delight! 1,000-Piece puzzles that both include a free 1,000-piece puzzle. Other key products include the Wasgij Original 26: Master Chief Chef!, and Wasgij Back to…?: Barbers and Beehives! 1,000-piece puzzles. Don’t forget to check-out the Wasgij Retro range, that are the very first Wasgij Original, Destiny and Mystery puzzles, re-released for new fans and collectors. Other adult portfolio highlights will include the 20 new releases in Jumbo’s Falcon de Luxe range, that saw a 26 per cent increase in sales throughout 2016! New additions include the Falcon de luxe ‘Santa’s Christmas Helpers’ 1,000-Piece Puzzle, including a free 1,000-piece puzzle and the 200XL ‘The Christmas Journey’ puzzle. As well as showcasing their Falcon Christmas puzzles, the additional 18 new releases will cover the traditional Falcon themes across varying piece counts from 200XL to 1,500 and up to 4x1,000-pieces. To complete Jumbo’s adult puzzle offering, you can check out the 100+ new Jumbo Premium Collection puzzles that were released earlier in the year, as well as 10 new Jan van Haasteren puzzles and Jumbo’s number one selling

All about entertainment

ee Puzzle Mates jigsaw accessories range. Available to order now, Jumbo’s Jumbo Games has over 50 new product releases exciting new to order at the show Disney Cars 3 range races off with the funfuelled Piston Cup Race Game! The game features a highly entertaining and engaging rotating race track and sound activated Piston Cup .In addition, the range will include the Giant Floor Puzzle, 4in1 Bumper Pack, 4in1 Shaped and creative Puzzle & Colour box sets – offering retail and consumers a variety of movie related products. Having already launched the new Peppa Pig Puzzle & Colour and Foam Bath Puzzles earlier this year, Jumbo will be adding two brand new games to the range; Flip & Find Matching Game and Giant Muddy Puddles Floor Game. Jumbo’s Thomas & Friends Foam Floor Puzzle and Foam Bath Puzzles have been incredibly well received this year and will be a big focus for the company at the show, while Jumbo’s Bob the Builder range continues to grow, with the new Puzzle & Colour, Foam Bath Puzzles and now with the Large Foam Floor Puzzle adding to the existing 9in1 Puzzle Bumper Pack, 4in1 Shaped Puzzles, 35-piece puzzles and Giant Playing Cards.

Fact!

No Lounrtgh e

MGA Entertainment 0845 0533 333 www.mgae.com

MGA Entertainment will be showcasing their portfolio of brands at the Toymaster May Show, offering visitors a chance to the see new lines for AW2017 and Christmas. L.O.L. Surprise! dolls arrived in the UK in February this year, and after taking the US by storm, have become the next collectable craze. Combining unboxing with the anticipation of surprise, each of the product’s seven layers reveals a different treat. Last year was an incredibly successful year for Num Noms. Continued development has already begun for 2017, starting with a Q1 launch of Series 3 and brand new Num Noms Lights. Centred around food and flavour, new themes for Series 3 include Marshmallows, Donuts, Fruits, Veggies, Candy and Fiesta Foods.

Be smart!

Ballroom

SMART TOYS AND GAMES 01903 885 669 www.smartmax.eu Smart Toys and Games will be at Toymaster with GeoSmart. Featuring bright colours, strong magnetic pieces and a patented double-safety system, GeoSmart offers safety and durability for endless creative play. Also look out for SmartGames. The awardwinning games have multi-level challenges from the very easy to the very challenging; perfect for players of all ages. There will also be new sets from SmartMax with the My First sets. My First: Animal Train set will enable little ones to build their very own train while gaining an understanding of magnetism. The simple, yet effective design enables children of all ages to engage with the product, and allows them to build their own unique train in a multitude of ways.

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50 years of fun JOHN ADAMS 01480 414361 www.johnadams.co.uk

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Did you know… All of the key new launches will benefit from TV advertising and a full PR plan. John Adams’ games portfolio alongside classic family favourites Triominos and Rummikub as well as the new Think Words Spin, offering a twist on the popular fast paced category word game, Think Words. The Rubik’s portfolio sees the introduction of Rubik’s Magic, a perplexing magic set featuring over 135 tricks. Rubik’s Magic will join the existing range, sitting alongside the collection of original cubes including the 3x3 and the Rubik’s 2x2.

A miraculous range BANDAI

Fact! The new Power Rangers

Bandai will be toy range will be showcasing its exciting available from July range of brands at this year’s Toymaster, including the all-new product line from the latest Power Rangers series, Ninja Steel. The new toy range will be available from July, covering a range of action figures, roleMarqu play toys and Megazords, all of which will be ee on display at the show along with a launch deal. In addition to this, the Power Rangers Movie product line will be on display, supported with a DVD show deal across key items. Girls action toy range, Miraculous, will be a highlight at the show with all-new products available to see.

DKL MARKETING 01604 678780 www.dkl.co.uk

John Adams Leisure will be showcasing a selection of its key ranges at Toymaster. The 2017 collection boasts over 20 new and refreshed product lines. For budding artists there’s a whole range of new craft products including Spiralite. This new addition joins the popular SuperGraph which makes drawing super easy! The company’s My Little Pony arts and craft range has also been refreshed for 2017 in line with the upcoming movie release later in the year. The collection now includes a restyled Paint & Style Pony, and refreshed Fuzzy Felt set. New additions include My Little Pony Jelly Stickers and the My Little Pony BLOPENS Creative Case. This sits next to the existing BLOPENS Animals Activity Set. Sprinkle Stix leads the company’s growing food craft collection and enables kids to create a sprinkle storm in the kitchen and make their own delicious, bite-sized treats! Following the huge success of Soggy Doggy and Silly Sausage, John Adams’ range of Ideal branded games is also set to grow in strength and volume this year. New for 2017 is Mr Bucket. Players must quickly scoop up the coloured balls and place them into Mr Bucket before he shoots them out again. Giggle Wiggle is sure to be a family favourite too! Starting from the bottom, players have to race to balance the coloured balls on his hands, as he twists and turns, dancing to the music. The new action games will join the

0208 324 6160 www.bandai.co.uk

Lots to see Marqu

DKL will be showing all of the quality brands they distribute including: Hama Beads with the new 3D Hama models. Disney licences with the new Cars 3 Sets and Scentco Scented Stationery, now one of the leading ranges with assorted generic and licensed pens, pencils, books and so much more. SmartLab with its key science products and the Squishy range of Human Body, Brain and more. Breyer Model Horses have new toy lines with a lovely Glittery Starry Night leading the way; Fashion Angels keeps on growing in popularity with its fashion led Sketch sets, Emoji Pads with Stickers, Tapeffiti coloured designed tape and so much more. Playmais Tubs, Creative Mosaic Sets all make amazing models at great price points and Scratch mix of wooden, traditional, retro and furniture all ensure that the DKL offering gives the retailer everything under one roof.

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Life’s a beach! ESDEVIUM

01420 593593 www.esdeviumgames.com

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Did you know… Toymaster will be the first public appearance of the brand new May expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game: Sun & Moon – Guardians Rising.

Esdevium is looking forward to the Toymaster May Show and will showcase a range of exciting special offers in Harrogate, including across key catalogue lines Dobble, the Pokémon Trading Card Game and Rory’s Story Cubes. The Dobble Card Game has been a big hit with Toymaster stores and the brand is set for further growth in 2017 with the new summer version, Dobble Beach, launching just before the Toymaster show! Dobble Beach features laminated cards for playing… you guessed it, at the beach, in the pool or even on rainy weekends away. Now is the perfect time for stores to take advantage of one of the two show special offers, including receiving a free FSDU and demo copies to give Dobble fantastic in-store

A fleet of toys BRUDER 01491 412415 (The Sales Partnership) www.bruder.de

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Bruder have lots to talk about at Toymaster. For 2017 the company’s in-house development department has added lots of new products. In the truck series they will be adding five, new MAN TGS trucks. In agricultural products, the renowned 3000 series has been enhanced by two tractors, the Case IH Optum and the Steyr Terrus. Meanwhile, the ambulance emergency services team is a great addition to the fleet of emergency service vehicles. And, the new Dodge Ram, an American pick up truck - available with or without horse trailer - represents an additional highlight.

presence. Another catalogue line, Rory’s Story Cubes has got off to a fantastic start to 2017 under the new stewardship of Esdevium. At Toymaster, Esdevium will offer stores a handy in-store display solution with a free CDU to display a range of different versions. Stores will simply need to ensure they buy enough stock to fill the CDU, which they can pick and choose as they see fit. Toymaster will be the first public appearance of the brand new May expansion for the Pokémon Trading Card Game: Sun & Moon – Guardians Rising. The new expansion introduces over 140 new cards, including 12 rare PokemonGX cards and 3 super-rare full-art Supporter cards! The Pokémon Trading Card Game has had an unprecedented start to 2017 with a huge surge in sales and has cemented its place as the no. 1 Game and Puzzles Property in the Toy industry.

All the fun of the fairy

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THE IRISH FAIRY DOOR COMPANY 00353 67 63800 (Alpha Toys) www.theirishfairydoorcompany.com Irish Fairy Door Company products transport children into a beautiful world of imagination allowing them to create a home for their fairies starting with an Irish Fairy Door and then decorating with the pretty range of accessories. The purchase of an Irish Fairy Door allows the child to access both live and pre-recorded video content on the app and website. They will also receive a weekly email with fun fairy facts, stories and activities. The company continues to innovate with new lines regularly added to the range.

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SPINNING RACE TRACK & SOUND EFFECTS!

IN CINEMAS JULY 14th!

GAME & PUZZLES AVAILABLE NOW!

CONTACT YOUR JUMBO SALES REP FOR MORE INFORMATION Jumbo Games, 2 Carters Row, Hatfield Park, Hatfield, UK, AL9 5NB Telephone: 01707-289289

Email: uk.saleshotline@jumbo.eu

www.jumbo.eu

Fab and fuzzy toys Interplay UK 01628 488944 www.interplayuk.com

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Following the strongest year ever with Toymaster members in 2016, Interplay will be showcasing a host of great new products at this year’s show. My Fairy Garden range has some exciting new additions such as Unicorn Garden, Fairy Watering Can, Fairies and Friends and Magic Bean Pots. My Fairy Garden playsets include collectable pieces and are designed to encourage a love of nature through play. My Fairy Garden is TV advertised on all major kids TV channels all year round to maximise brand awareness. My Fairy Garden sponsored Disney Junior’s Fairy Tale time in 2016 and Interplay is in the process of scheduling another huge sponsorship deal with a leading Kids TV channel this year, which will be announced soon. In its third year, the young and innovative children’s cosmetic brand FabLab, is enjoying its huge success. Following the amazing sell through of the Glitter Tattoos in 2016, Interplay

will be showcasing the brand new Glitter Tattoos and Sparkly Nails Mega Pack at Toymaster this May. FabLab will be promoted with a heavyweight TV campaign this year on all kids TV channels. Just like previous years, the brand will also be featured heavily on Pop TVs website and on mobile platforms with super engaging content of videos, competitions and games. Interplay will also be presenting the brand new and utterly beautiful My Mermaid Lagoon range which will also be heavily supported with TV this year. My Mermaid Lagoon products are collectable figurines and playsets that also include some creative elements such as moulding and sculpting the glittery magic sand. Following the soft launch in 2016, Fuzzikins Craft range has now secured its place on many shop shelves. The feedback and sales data have shown that the range particularly worked well in the independent market. The cute and fuzzy creatures of the Fuzzikins Craft world will appear on TV and other platforms from this autumn/winter period.

Mess free fun Golden Bear 01952 608308 www.goldenbeartoys.com

Golden Bear will be showcasing key items from its expanding portfolio at Toymaster. Leading the new introductions is Bush Baby World; a brand new cute and collectable concept for children aged five to nine years. The range of adorable Bush Baby plush features a unique patented system that enables children to wiggle the eyes and waggle the ears. Based on a new series of animated webisodes set for release in late spring, the Bush Baby World range launches in AW17 and also includes the Sleepy Pods which come complete with special Dreamstar Bush Baby plush. The hero product is the enchanting Dream Tree which is packed with features and has space to hang up to five Bush Baby Sleepy Pods. Turning the world of paint upside down is Paint-Sation, the new range taking the company into the arts and crafts arena in 2017. Paint-Sation uses unique anti-

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gravity technology, which means that even when it’s upside down, Paint-Sation doesn’t drip or spill. A strong new line up of In the Night Garden preschool toys includes a new Pull-along Ninky Nonk Wobble Train, a cute and cuddly Twinkling Lullaby Igglepiggle and My Friend Upsy Daisy plush as well as a Walking Makka Pakka soft toy. In the Night Garden Baby - a beautiful collection of nursery toys featuring the familiar and beloved characters Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy and Makka Pakka can also be viewed at the show. Driving forward the success of the newly refreshed Mr Tumble Something Special range the company will be showcasing the new Mr Tumble Adventure Track Set as well as a new feature plush in the form of Sing Along with Mr Tumble.

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Shine on Flair

So th Louu nge

020 8643 0320 www.flairplc.co.uk

Retailers won’t want to miss GP Flair at this year’s Toymaster as new launches from across the whole portfolio are unveiled. From the ever-popular world of Shopkins comes the new Cutie Cars collection. Each die-cast car comes with a matching mini Shopkins so fans can hit the ground running! The key collectable Single Pack line has 24 styles to collect across four different car models. Alternatively, there will also be the Cutie Cars 3-pack which has 12 different cars to collect and a diner playset with an exclusive Soda Buggy. As the next wave of Shopkins draws closer, visitors to Toymaster will have a sneak preview of the World Vacation range for autumn/ winter. Added to this will be the debut of the next license for the Happy Places brand! Since launch, Glimmies has been a dazzling discovery for retailers and consumers alike. With autumn launches on the horizon, Flair has an exciting array of new Glimmies lines with a great additional feature for retailers to experience. The new interactive feature will impress all as the new

Glimmies Rainbow Friends fairies will now interact when placed next to each other. Their light will change colour in a rainbow palette of colours as they recognise each other! The new larger and interactive playsets will also be on display for all to see; the Glimtree is a magical woodland home which lights up when Glimmies are inside, and the Glimwheel lets collectors take up to three of the fairies for a thrilling ferris-wheel ride. Retailers can also look forward to first sight of the Go Puppy Go plush pets! The super soft and cuddly puppies walk just as fast as their owners with no batteries required, and girls can easily detach the pets from the walking cradle so they can hold them in their arms. A Yorkie, Poodle, Bichon and Pomeranian all make up the exciting launch collection. Also at Toymaster will be the quirky kid-powered Peppy Pets range which has a brand new French Bulldog and Unicorn for retailers to meet. Plenty of excitement is also guaranteed for the Boys, Creative and Pre-school categories with brands such as Ben 10, IDO3D and Stickle Bricks all on display.

Mighty selection MARBEL

0845 6000 286 www.marbel.co.uk

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For a wide selection of toys for a variety of children’s markets, don’t miss the chance to get a look at some of the new exciting products Marbel has to offer. Including Hape’s all new and award winning Mighty Mountain Mine, part of a new range to the existing railway collection. Capturing the hustle and bustle of a real working mine, it brings train play to life. Jam packed with lifts, tunnels, cranes, bridges, waterfalls and much more. Known for its iconic range of micro sized building blocks, Nanoblock showcases its new addition to the Deluxe Series, the London Scene. Take in some of the best views of the city from the London Eye, Tower Bridge and Houses of Parliament. Another brand welcoming new designs this year is Comansi. The ranges include Fireman Sam and Thomas and Friends, some extremely familiar faces loved and recognised by many children up and down the UK. And for soft toys at their best, Kids Preferred provide superior quality and innovation, which can be seen in its exciting new ranges, such as Doug The Pug and Amazing Baby. Finally, check out Carioca, a specialist in the production of writing and drawing materials, which is launching an all new baby range for 2017.

Don’t miss this trick PAUL LAMOND GAMES 020 7254 0100 www.paul–lamond.com

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There will be a number of exciting new lines on show from games and puzzles specialist, Paul Lamond at the Toymaster Show this year. Along with Jamie Raven's Magic Range you'll find two fantastic family quiz board games: Now That’s What I Call Music and Who Dares Wins. New this year and now available are four family, fun Spicy Games: Salt & Pepper, Chilli Chilli, Sugar Cubes and Coffee Shop. Each of the games comes neatly packaged in its own condiment shaped jar and a counter top CDU containing a mix of all four games is available for this range. Silly Spaghetti, Colour Cube Sudoku and the Roller Coaster game are new titles that will also join Paul Lamond’s portfolio this autumn along with a brand new Murder Mystery Game; A Slice of Murder.

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Barbie brings diversity

Star attraction!

Drawi ng Room

Character Options 0161 633 9800 www.character-online.com

Did you know…

With a wide range of brands across all toy sectors, retailers at this year’s Toymaster Series 1 of Crossy show won’t want to miss the hot properties Road offers over 40 in the Character Options’ portfolio. The star attraction will be the launch of the iconic Disney and Pixar Crossy Road range, a brand new kids’ characters. The core collectable from Character Options and line is the Mini Figures Moose Enterprise. Series 1 offers over 40 Single pack which is iconic Disney and Pixar characters in an 8-bit blind boxed in a CDU pixelated style and the core line is the Mini making it perfect for Figures Single pack which is blind boxed in impulse buys. a CDU making it perfect for impulse buys. Alternatively the special 4-pack and 7-pack assortments include exclusive figures, with some hidden, heightening the collectability and adding some surprise fun! Also not to be missed is the iconic Gumball Machine Playset, just insert the token and, just like in the game, a mini figure will be dispensed. Little Live Pets are taking the nation by storm and the autumn launches will be at Toymaster for all to see. Available in a handy CDU, the Teeny Ladybugs scamper about just like the real thing and there are 12 styles to collect. For further play possibilities, there is the feature packed Teeny Ladybug playset. Retailers will also have first sight of the unique new Little Live Bizzy Bubs, the baby dolls that act and look so real! Each with their own distinctive look and personality there are four single pack dolls to collect including both walking and crawling varieties. The impressive new line up of games will also be exhibited at this year’s show. Boom Blast Stix has kids and adults alike stacking as many pieces as possible before they explode! Nerves will be pushed to the limit by the new Five Nights at Freddy’s game which brings one of the world’s most popular jump-scare mobile games to life in 3D form. Alternatively, the new FlipSlide game is sure to test the memory. Elsewhere in the portfolio, Mash’ems and Fash’ems continue to be major players in the collectable market. Thomas and Friends, Cars 3, Disney Emoji, Guardians of the Galaxy and DC Super Hero Girls have all joined the line-up, meaning that kids will be out in their droves to collect new characters! The excitement doesn’t end there as Character will also exhibit the latest in creative play. Cutie Stix is the all-in-one activity allowing girls to create crafty items such as bracelets, necklaces and more.

MATTEL

h Frenc t uran a t s e R

01628 500000 www.mattel.com Barbie will be introducing the exciting new interactive pet companion, Barbie DreamHorse. Barbie Fashionistas brings more diversity than ever before and girls will love the new additions to Barbie Dreamtopia. Barbie Dolphin Magic will enjoy a theatrical release before premiering on TV, and is supported by a toy line. The Barbie Camper transforms from RV to a playset and girls will love the new Barbie Pet Care Center Playset, while the Barbie Crimp & Curl Doll helps girls express their own unique style! The Barbie brand will be supported with dynamic marketing plans. Also look out for Enchantimals, DC Super Hero Girls, Monster High, Hot Wheels, Disney Pixar Cars 3, WWE, Justice League and the Fisher-Price range including BeatBo Buggies and Bright Beats Juniors, plus the Monsters range and more.

Magnetic! MAGFORMERS 08000 385195 www.magformers.co.uk

Carriage Suite

Award-winning new products, new in-store play tables and innovative new retail merchandising stands will all be available to see at Magformers at the Toymaster Show. Magformers commits heavily to retail PoS and other ways for retailers to showcase their products in store. This year, the company has added a new British-made corrugated card FSDU to its merchandising kit and this stand comes with a 10” video card on the header panel. Magformers will also be showcasing several new lines, including the Neon LED Set. Other key products include the 12-piece accessory boxes of popular shapes, plus the Monster Set Dino line.

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A real mouthful TOBAR

01603 397 105 www.tobar.co.uk

Best of Britains

Billiar d Room

TOMY

01392 281928 www.tomy.com

Did you know…

Tomy will be returning to Toymaster with Britains Tomy invested as a key focus, as well as showcasing new heavily in bringing properties Molang and Britains to life in Kazoops, the relaunch of Toymaster stores its toddler toy brand under the theme Toomies and, of course, “Build your Farm”. the ever expanding Pokémon range. Last year saw another huge expansion for Britains, which is set to continue in 2017 as the brand launches licensed hero products including the Kane Classic Trailer, on sale now, and the JCB Hydradig, set for release in July. The brand will also unveil a new line of implements including the eagerly anticipated NC Rear Discharge Manure Spreader and NC Power Tilt Dump Trailer 400. To support Britains Tomy has developed an exciting marketing programme. The launch of the new farm consumer catalogues will be available on Tomy’s stand, the release of the first Britains website, a busy editorial calendar on the Britains Facebook page and a very significant number of product reviews. Tomy is determined to continue its strong and successful partnership with Toymaster. Last year Tomy invested heavily in bringing Britains to life in Toymaster stores under the theme “Build your Farm”. Tomy supplied POS to all Toymaster stores and introduced the Farm in the Shop concept in selected flagship Toymaster stores. In spring 2017, Tomy will also host an exclusive promotion across Toymaster’s Facebook page offering followers the chance to win an exclusive Britains bundle featuring JCB Hydradig and JCB 3230 Fastrac Tractor.

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Being a leading wholesale supplier of toys, games, gifts and gadgets, Tobar has an exciting range of products being showcased at the Toymaster May Show. Take a chomp on the wild side with Bush Grub’s packs of edible bugs! They’re real insects that have been dried out and prepared for your palatable pleasure. Tobar has everything from scorpions encased in chilli white chocolate and mealworm lollies, to a real Bush Tucker trial - just like I’m A Celeb!. Next is Mouthfull, the laugh-out-loud party game with mouthpieces that make it challenging to speak coherently. Each player wears a mouthpiece that holds their lips wide open. With this in place, they then attempt to read phrases from cards that the other players must try and guess within the time limit. A game of tension, luck and plenty of mess, Cake Splat is the ultimate way to test your nerves. Simply set up the splatapult and load the throwing arm with the biggest whipped cream pie you can make. Players take turns to place their face in the hole, and as they press the button there’s a random chance that the throwing arm could trigger a splat! The Rock Crawler Junior is one of Tobar’s top remote control off-road cars, perfect for younger radio control enthusiasts looking for an entry level vehicle. This radio-controlled vehicle features front and rear suspensions, allowing greater manoeuvrability across the roughest terrain and it includes a tri-channel transmitter to allow up to three people to operate RC cars simultaneously.

All about baby ZAPF CREATION

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0845 0533 333 www.baby-born.com Zapf Creation will be showcasing its exciting new autumn lines at this year’s Toymaster. Autumn will see the launch of several new additions for Baby Annabell, including new themes and accessories. The core Baby Annabell family will welcome a refresh to the Baby Annabell Learns To Walk doll this autumn, as well as a brand new swimming themed doll. An adorable Sweet Dreams theme will reveal a new world of play with a range of accessories and friends, while new additions to the accessories and deluxe clothing ranges will also be a focus for AW2017. For autumn, the My Little BABY born range will see the introduction of a new feature doll, complete with voice activated functions.

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PokĂŠmon Sun & Moon Guardians Rising - Toys n Playthings.indd 1

11/04/2017 16:16:37

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All about the hits HTI

01253 775544 www.htigroup.co.uk

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HTI will once again have a presence at this year’s Toymaster show, offering some of the industry’s biggest toy brands and fantastic deals. There will be an excellent offer comprising a selection of domestically stocked toys across HTI’s licensed and in-house developed brands as well as branded ranges available from HTI’s distribution division including key lines and some special show opportunities with LEGO Storage. New Toymaster Catalogue lines from HTI include the PAW Patrol Skye Character Case. There’s also the new Peppa Pig House Tea Set which is modelled directly from the house in the TV series which little fans will instantly recognise. The Baby Annabell Roamer Pram is a classic dolls pram with a handy shopping tray, adjustable handle height and coordinating shoulder bag. A selection of Teamsterz, HTI’s own extensive range of collectable die-cast vehicles, garage playsets and track

sets, will also be on display at the show. On the Toymaster Show 2017 starting grid, HTI introduce the exciting new category of Teamsterz Light & Sound. Comprising 10 different themed chunky vehicles each with its own unique light and sound effects, moving parts, opening doors and play accessories, the range is sure to fuel little imaginations. There will be a representation of the firm’s top selling toys across popular brands including PAW Patrol musical, roleplay and battery operated bubble toys, as well as walkie talkies, My Little Pony roleplay toys and styling heads, Peppa Pig role-play toys, music and dolls prams, JCB vehicles, plus in-house scooter brand Evo. HTI will have a selection of their winning licensed pocket money toy and bubbles ranges at the show.

Don’t be cheeky! ORCHARD TOYS

ge Carriate Sui

01953 859525 www.orchardtoys.com

Be a ghost buster PLAYMOBIL 01268 548 111 www.playmobil.co.uk

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There’s something strange, in the Toymaster neighbourhood! But luckily your beloved Ghostbusters characters are here to “save the world in miniature”. Playmobil is heading to the Toymaster Show armed with your favourite Ghostbusters friends to help keep any ghosts at bay. Make sure you keep an eye out for all of the classic characters you fell in love with whilst watching the original Ghostbusters film (Raymond Stanz, Louis Tully and Egon Spengler to name but a few), plus a towering Stay Puft Marshmallow Man who is eight inches tall. Bring iconic scenes to life in front of your very eyes with a whole six sets that include the famous Firehouse Headquarters and Ecto-1 vehicle. When you head over to the Playmobil stand you will get to see first-hand how troublesome ghosts can be caught and contained in the “Ghost Containment Unit” (which lives in the basement of the firehouse) and may even have the chance to catch some ghosts of your own. Or perhaps you fancy taking on the greedy ghost Slimer as he tries to eat his way through the hotdog stand. With their own special stand, you’d be a ‘ghoul’ to miss out on trying Playmobil’s new fantastic Ghostbusters sets in person, at the show.

Orchard Toys are delighted to be introducing six new additions to their travel-size mini game range at the Toymaster show. These will be showcased alongside the rest of the Orchard Toys range, in particular their fun strategy game Cheeky Monkeys. Launched last April, the original six mini games were a great success for the brand. Based on traditional family favourites, the range gives six classic games, from snakes and ladders to happy families, a fun Orchard Toys twist: Little Bug Bingo, Animal Families, Spiders and Spouts, Animal Match, Jungle Dominoes and Llamas in Pyjamas. Cheeky Monkeys was launched this January with a bang, winning a Best New Toy Award in the Games category at London Toy Fair. This success has only continued, with waves of positive feedback from trade and consumers.

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Unmissable new launches

SCHLEICH

01279 870000 www.schleich-s.co.uk

Feeling retro WINNING MOVES 0207 298 9515 www.winningmoves.co.uk

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Immerse yourself in nostalgic glee with the Retro Top Trumps packs. The revived retro titles showcase all the original artwork from the 70s, 80 and 90s, and are presented in a newly designed cassette case. Displayed in a blue Retro CDU, each pack will feature its original production date – making it the perfect gift for someone special born in the same year.

Fact! Winning Moves have a Toymaster Show Offer receive five per cent off a £500 order or 10 per cent off a £1000 order. One-drop delivery, by end of June 2017 to qualify.

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Schleich will showcase new lines for Horse Club and Dinosaurs as well as preschool ranges Farm World and Wild Life at this year’s show. The pre-school offering for Farm World and Wild Life will expand for 2017. Key to each of the ranges will be brand new Starter Sets with the highlight for the second half of the year being a Croco Jungle Research Station, the ideal starting point for all new Wild Life adventures. This awesome playset includes a big crocodile skull and integrated secret hiding place, a research centre as well as a viewing platform. Alternatively, the Tractor with Trailer and Hay Conveyor will also make great additional purchases to the already loved Barn and Farm Buildings from the Farm World range. The Horse Club collection has received a great response from both retailers and consumers since its launch in AW16 and now the equestrian themed collection will offer even more play value as further horses and playsets are added. For Q3, there will be four more Horse Club playsets. In addition, the Riding School with Riders and Horses will be introduced to the Horse Club range this year. There will be some new horses arriving at the Riding School: alongside the horse stall with Lusitano mare, the Horse Club range will also be acquiring another set with Pintabian mare, foal and a horse groom. These playsets can be connected with each other via their paddocks, as well as with the Riding Centre set – creating a huge stable complex. Finally, the popular Dinosaur collection will see feathered prehistoric creatures stomp into the collection with a Feathered Raptors Set, complete with three dinosaurs, one of which has moveable arms and jaw. The Stegosaurus has also had a redesign and will be joined by Utahraptor and Acrocanthosaurus figures for 2017.

Picking up STEAM K’NEX 01189 497000 www.knex.co.uk

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K’Nex is bringing STEAMagination to life in 2017 with innovative new products. Highlights will include new K’Nex STEM Explorations kits, out now, which allow children to explore STEAM skills while they play. The awesome K’Nex STEM Explorations Roller Coaster and K’Nex STEM Explorations Swing Ride allow children to explore the science of theme parks. Kid K’Nex will be available introducing construction play to children aged three-plus. All this and much more.

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A Fuzzi World of Fun and Imagination!

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Sponsorship Campaign Sept – Dec

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tel: +44 (0) 1628 488944 email: sales@interplayuk.com Interplay UK Limited, Unit D, Meter House, Fieldhouse Lane, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, SL7 1LW

Sponsorship Campaign July – Dec

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The lab is the place to be

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GALT TOYS 0161 428 9111 www.galttoys.com Especially for all budding young scientists, Galt Toys are delighted to introduce their exciting new Explore and Discover range featuring five great Lab Kits. Science Lab shows how to make a floaty ghost, test tube kaleidoscope and bouncy ball with instructions for 20 fun experiments! Rainbow Lab experiments with colour mixing and amazing jelly-like crystals, and

Glow Lab shows how to mould a slimy glow bug and make some cool glow glasses. The Magnetic Lab demonstrates how to perform miraculous magnetic tricks with nine fun experiments and the range is completed with Slime Lab showing how to create a glow-in-the-dark slimy alien as well as seven exciting experiments and a

16-page Lab Book. For children aged from five to eight years these kits encourage early STEM learning and scientific thinking while having lots of fun, encouraging children to explore the wonders of science and discover more about the world around them. All the kits are compatible with the national curriculum and include a full colour lab book with exciting and fun experiments.

Hot properties WORLDS APART 0845 602 2119 www.worldsapart.com

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Worlds Apart will be returning to Toymaster this year with a range of hot licences, new games and TV lines for 2017. Ahead of what is set to be a huge movie year, Worlds Apart’s licensed product range is brimming with the hottest properties across all its core categories. From feature tents and Readybeds to night lights and headphones – there are products available at every price point and licence, including My Little Pony, Cars, Spider-Man, PAW Patrol and Shimmer and Shine. Exciting new product launches include a Cars GoGlow Pal and Disney Princess GoGlow Magic – both of which will be TV advertised throughout autumn/winter ’17. New additions to its unique Headphone Hats brand will Spider-Man and Cars Lightning McQueen Headphone Hats, while its outdoor range will feature a new Mack Truck feature tent and Shimmer and Shine castle feature tent. Outside of licensing, Worlds Apart will also be showcasing its two new games at the Toymaster Show – Spin to Sing and Woofy Whoops. Bringing ‘newness’ to the games category, Spin to Sing merges singing and performance with technology and humour, making it a great party game this Christmas. Woofy Whoops is set to have kids wetting themselves with laughter, as they pat the dog until he can’t hold it in any longer. The slow motion ‘wee-play’ built into Woofy Whoops app is what sets this game apart in the market, adding a hilarious twist, ripe for social sharing. Both games will launch with heavyweight TV advertising, consumer marketing campaigns, influencer activity and social media marketing. The hugely successful SelfieMic will also be on show, with its second year tipped to be just a big as its launch year.

New launches! ENGINO 0800 988 7068 www.engino.com

Carriag Suite

Engino is launching two new ranges at Toymaster. The company is looking forward to presenting the entire Inventor and Discovering STEM range to members. Engino are a relative newcomer to the construction and science market and this show will be the first time Toymaster members will have seen the complete range together. There will be a show offer made available and members will have the opportunity to place orders directly with Engino or through Engino’s wholesaler distributor Kayes who will be sharing a stand. Engino will also be showcasing its exciting world of construction with the introduction of Qboidz. The Qboidz building system is designed for pre-school children based on the latest STEM principles. And best of all Qboidz is fully compatible with the Engino toy system. Engino are also launching STEM Heroes.

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Big names for little people!

New colours for old favourites!

Inventors of Fun & Play! Casdon Ltd. Cornford Road, Blackpool, Lancs FY4 4QW Tel: +44 (0)1253 766411 Fax: +44 (0)1253 691486 Email: toys@casdon.co.uk www.casdon.com

See us at the show in the marquee!

PREVIEW TOYMASTER

Must-haves from the Ballroom movies REVELL 01296 660291 www.revell.de/en

Keeping it real! A.B.GEE 01773 570444 www.abgee.co.uk

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A.B.Gee of Ripley have a comprehensive range of toys and games on display at the Toymaster Show, they offer all the benefits to independent retailers of being a Toymaster member. A.B.Gee will also be representing Make It Real at the Harrogate show, bringing the fantastic new creative range of Disney licenced Sketch books, light tables and Watercolours with many popular titles including: Beauty and the Beast, Descendants and Elena of Avalor plus Frozen, Disney Princess and more. A.B.Gee of Ripley offers a superb range of retail focused products, backed up by excellent customer service and really low carriage paid charges. They are the first choice in toy and hobby distribution, perfectly placed for the independent or larger retailer alike.

Revell is showcasing their latest ranges at Toymaster. The newly packaged Revell model kit range, structured into five different skill levels from beginners to professional modellers, is developed dramatically with leading licences including Cars 3, Star Wars and HALO. To mark this summer’s blockbuster family film release, the awardwinning Revell Junior Kit range is extended with the leading childrens’ licence, Cars 3. These newly tooled, easy-to-assemble construction toys for ages 4+ bring favourite characters from the movie to life with light and sounds, the option to change the car’s expression, moveable bonnet and realistic race and sound bites. Fans of all ages and abilities will be able to create a piece of their own Star Wars universe with model kits in Rogue One, Classic and Episode VIII packaging. For children aged 6+, the Build & Play Star Wars range of construction toys are easy to assemble - simply snap together and no glue, paint or tools are required. The Easykit Star Wars models are suitable for kids aged 8+ and collectors. A higher number of detailed, pre-painted kit parts are simply clipped together with no gluing required. To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the Star Wars Classic limited edition model kits are suitable for ages 10+ and fans and include basic colours, a paint brush and adhesive plus a reprint of the original film poster from 1977. The newly tooled HALO model kits are suitable for ages 8+. Featuring the most popular vehicles in the game, each durable pre-painted kit includes 40-50 parts with lights and sound.

Totally on trend TRENDS UK

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01295 768078 (National Accounts) 01353 724140 (Wind Designs: Independents) www.trendsuk.co.uk Trends UK and Wind Design are looking forward to showing at Toymaster on adjoining stands. From Zing Toys will be Thumb Chucks, the skill toy taking social media by storm while SpinZipz is the newest innovation Zing. Introducing the new Thomas & Friends ELAs, launch products include the Thomas Flip & Learn Phone and Thomas Learn & Play Alphaphonics. Peppa Pig fans can join in with Peppa Pig Laugh & Learn Alphaphonics and the new Peppa Pig Play Mat. Splashlings from TPF Toys is the perfect collectable range. Look out for the Splashlings 2-piece Collector Shells and the Splashlings Coral Playground set. Look out for Paint Sticks from Little Brian and much more.

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Over 100 New Products Available for 2017 Specialists in Wooden Toys

Come and see us at the Toymaster Show

32 High Park Road • Kew Gardens • Richmond • TW9 4BH • United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)20 8878 2133 | janod.com - kaloo.com - alexbrands.com

PREVIEW TOYMASTER

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Did you know… Playfoam has recently received the Good Toy Guide Recommended badge, scoring an impressive 14/15. The experts said: “Playfoam Shape & Learn Alphabet Set was a huge hit with our testers and brilliant for skill development too. They loved the feel of the foam and were very engaged with the activities, although the most popular part was probably choosing their favourite colour!”

Magnify the play LEARNING RESOURCES 01553 819 380 www.learningresources.co.uk Visit Learning Resources in the Carriage Suite at Toymaster May Show to discover exciting new educational toys and benefit from their exclusive show offer. The company’s popular Playfoam range will be displayed, including three new activity sets. The squishy-squashy sculpting material never dries out, is non-toxic and doesn’t leave residue on hands or surfaces. It’s currently subject of a social media craze across Instagram and Pinterest and is in high demand across the UK. Available in a variety of themes and pack sizes, Playfoam is loved by children of all ages! Best-selling pocket money lines will also be at the show including the company’s Primary Science and GeoSafari Jr. range. These ranges encourage an early love of science with exploration and discovery tools designed for children aged 3+. Jumbo Magnets, Magnifiers and Bug Jars are available in an attractive POP display, perfect for the independent retailer setting.

Perfect play VTECH 01235 555 545 www.vtech.co.uk

Drawi ng Room

Designs on plush RAINBOW DESIGNS

Carriage Suite

01329 227300 www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk

Hot new lines from Rainbow Designs will be on display at the Toymaster Show this May and there is plenty to be excited about! There are fantastic new feature plush lines in the Paddington movie and TV Peter Rabbit ranges as well as a beautiful new Elmer for Baby collection and a brand new range of craft products from The World of Eric Carle featuring The Very Hungry Caterpillar. In line with the new Paddington 2 movie set to premiere in November, Rainbow Designs is bringing two new fun-packed TV-advertised feature plush toys to their movie range. Youngsters will be able to dance along to the calypso rhythm with Dancing Paddington. The new Cycling Paddington will see the lovable bear having plenty of fun and adventures as he cycles around randomly on his red bicycle.

Visit the VTech stand at Toymaster to hear about Chase me Casey! This adorable little monkey skates across the floor, encouraging your child to dance with and chase them. As your child approaches Casey, sensors detect that they are near, making Casey respond with sounds and motion. Casey has five shape buttons that teach letters, numbers and more. Features two modes of play - catch me mode and dancing mode. Also look out for the Rock & Pop Turtle. This engaging little turtle spins around on the floor, popping balls while playing music, fun phrases and four sing-along songs that encourage your child to interact and learn. Placing the balls into the turtle’s tummy develops motor skills and triggers the turtle to spin around and pop out the balls. Pressing the buttons on the turtle teaches numbers, turtle facts and more through fun and encouraging phrases and sounds.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

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Revell GmbH, Unit 10, Old Airfield Industrial Estate, Cheddington Lane, Tring, HP23 4QR. For trade enquiries tel: 01296 660 291, Email: ukbranch@revell.de Â© 2017 Revell GmbH. A subsidiary of Hobbico, Inc. Â© & TM Disney Ltd/Pixar. All rights reserved.

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PREVIEW TOYMASTER

Just like mum! CASDON

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01253 608248 www.casdon.co.uk

Toymaster members and High Street toy retailers can stock the best in role-play toys for the little ones with Casdon. Casdon’s trusted brands such as Little Helpers and Little Shoppers combine household names with pretend playthings to bring replica kitchen appliances and role-play accessories to the playroom. Ensuring kids have playthings that are just like grown-ups is what Casdon does best! Which is why as times and models change in the real world, this firm keeps on top of the trend for pretend play. Casdon’s Morphy Richards range is the perfect partner to any pretend play kitchen. The Microwave, Kettle and Toaster Set comprises of a microwave with a realistic looking touch pad and lights, plus a kettle and pop-up toaster. Each set is ideal for children looking to create their own breakfast and looks just like the appliances mum and dad use! A huge social media programme reaching hundreds of thousands of parents is already well established and will continue with a strategic timetable of top influencers reviews throughout 2017, furthering the awareness of all the firm’s much-loved toys.

As seen on TV MOOKIE TOYS 01525 722722 www.mookie.co.uk

Carriage Suite

Mookie Toys will be presenting their exciting new 2017 lines as well as their already successful existing brands at this year’s Toymaster show. With nine new brands being showcased and a range of amazing show offers, Mookie Toys is a must-visit stand. All of Mookie’s new launches will be supported with TV advertising at key points throughout the year, with additional PR and online activity working with key influencers and vloggers. One of Mookie’s most successful brands; Swingball, has been completely rebranded for 2017, with all new product design, packaging, logo and TV advert. Arts & Crafts has become a growing category for Mookie Toys with a range of successful lines including 3D Maker and Fluffimals. For 2017, Mookie will be launching Spray Art, Fluffables, Plush Craft and Dream Stones. For 2017 Mookie has become the official UK partner for Silverlit. New for 2017 will be the launch of the fast-paced adrenaline fuelled Hyper Drone Racing and the innovative My First Drone.

Movie madness SIMBA SMOBY 01274 765030 www.simba-dickie.com

Carriage Suite

Simba Smoby has a whole line up of blockbuster movie toys to exhibit at this year’s Toymaster show. One of the most exciting ranges to look out for will be Cars. A full range of radio control cars including Lightning McQueen and new characters from the film start with the 1:32 scale then rev up to 1:24 scales, and end at a 1:16 scale that is packed with show-stopping features. Another blockbuster movie range on display from Simba will be Transformers. Transformers: The Last Knight releases in cinemas 23 June, and will be supported by a must-have range of die-cast, radio control cars and feature mechanic. Robot Warriors include light and sound and can transform from vehicle into robot form and features Bumble Bee and Barricade. Ultimate RC Bumble Bee is a larger 1:12 scale and transforms from a radio control vehicle into Bumble Bee Robot using a smartphone app. Consumers will be able to take photos and videos using the app, which they can upload onto social media.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

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building possibilities! LER 9217

Gears! Gears! Gears!ÂŽ Space Explorers Building Set

Discover the full range: LearningResources.co.uk 01553 819 380 Sales@learning-resources.co.uk

PREVIEW TOYMASTER

Bubbling up Good for games Marquee CHEATWELL GAMES 02392 524098 www.cheatwell.com Plenty of new lines as well as firm favourites will be on show at the Cheatwell Games stand at Toymaster. Soar-away successes at Toy Fair and Spring Fair were the brand new Round Tin Games. There are three fun titles, all super simple to learn with no complicated rules but plenty to keep your brain buzzing as you try to find missing If you’re animals in Silly Safari, learn to looking for talk like a Caveman or collect your Q4 sets of cards to Lift Off. stock then Available as solids or a mixed case, and of course, they check out come complete with board games Cheatwell’s very generous Tension, margins! For retailers looking Family for travel games, the Game Charades and Pod has landed – three tried and tested titles in a fantastic Pass the Pen. storage case that allows for easy dealing and cycling of cards. The range of boxed kids games includes Charades, Chattabox, Stand Up Sit Down and Kids Scavenger Hunt. Perennial favourites (and still best-sellers) Plop Trumps, Plop Trumps Extreme and FART! come in a 12 unit CDU offering over £80 of RRP in a tiny footprint. If you’re looking for your Q4 stock then what better than tried and tested board games including Tension, Family Charades and last year’s speedy scribes success story, Pass the Pen.

Fact!

FUNRISE

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01908 555 640 www.funrise.com

Larger than life bubbles and a whimsical new licence for pre-schoolers are just two of the many reasons to visit Funrise at Toymaster. After Gazillion’s success in 2016, Funrise has created bigger, better bubbles with a new Giant Gazillion collection that takes outdoor play to the next level for 2017. Still at affordable price points, the new lines include a Giant Bubble Mill; the ultimate large machine that blows giant bubbles. Coming complete with an 8 oz. bottle of Giant Bubble Solution, key features include a rotating wheel that blows giant bubbles continuously with no pump and no wait time. Alternatively look out for the Giant Bubble Palm Juggler or the Giant Bubble Power Wand for more big bubble fun! Also new from Funrise is the toy line created around the new Netflix original series, Luna Petunia. For autumn Funrise will feature the main characters and key moments from the show, including an assortment of figures, mini playsets, plush, large dolls and more! Rounding out the line is the key driver, the large Petunia Manor Playset, with exclusive figures. In addition to big bubbles and a brand new licence, the Funrise stand at Toymaster will be home to the expanding Tonka range. Returning to the Funrise portfolio last year, Tonka is proving to be the reliable brand of choice for many boys collecting toy vehicles of all sizes, from Tonka Tinys to the Tougher Tonka steel range.

Creativity at its best ARTSTRAWS 01792 796151 www.artstraws.com

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At the May Show Artstraws Ltd will be supporting Toymaster’s Independents Day and Black Friday promotions but as stock is very limited the offers will be on a first come first served basis. Of course, Artstraws will also have a couple of separate show deals available. Make sure you look out for the best sellers in the Creation Station arts & crafts range. The Creation Station spinner display has proven to be popular and highly profitable for independent retailers for more than 10 years now and although it’s not easy to update Artstraws Ltd do just that almost every year – this year it has been refreshed with eight new lines.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

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PREVIEW TOYMASTER

Exclusively designed THE PUPPET COMPANY

All about pop Carriage Suite

FUNKO UK 01708 372727 www.funko.com/europe

Funko UK, formerly Underground Toys Limited, will be showcasing a wide array of pop culture collectables and plush at Toymaster this May. Ranges on display include Pop! Vinyl Figures, Figure Sets, Pocket Pop! Keychains, Dorbz, Mystery Minis and Pop! Pen Toppers from popular licenses such as Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 2, Star Wars, Spider-Man, Disney, Rick and Morty, DC Comics, Harry Potter, Despicable Me 3 and the current hottest gaming license Five Nights at Freddy’s (FNAF). The new 1.5” blind-bagged Pint Size Heroes, dispensed from gravity fed boxes perfect for space saving, are available in licenses including Power Rangers, Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 2 and SpiderMan. A new range of 5” stylised Rock Candy figures continues to grow with latest editions including Harry Potter and friends plus Gamora and Mantis from Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 2. Also on display is the Marvel: Premium Talking Plush line - available in various sizes from 4” to 15” and the newest Funko Plushies, super-soft and adorable yet packing a punch with popular licenses including: Rick and Morty, Power Rangers, Harry Potter, DC Movies and many more!

01462 446040 www.thepuppetcompany.com This will be The Puppet Company’s eleventh year of exhibiting at the Toymaster show. The Puppet Company will be showing many new collections including the new Baby Monsters and Basic Birds. There will also be the highly popular Cuddly Tumms and new Large Creatures – and they do mean large! The Puppet Company is also introducing over 80 innovative styles of soft toys and animals into the Wilberry brand. From beautiful palm size animals that are very naturalistic and highly detailed to some that are really very quirky! They have exclusively designed ‘Wilberry’ floor display stands.

Fact! The new www.wilberrytoys.com website launches May Day.

Something for everyone POSH PAWS

Carriage Suite

01268 567317 www.poshpawsinternational.co.uk Posh Paws is excited to be showcasing some all-new movie plush, bestselling collectable ranges and some awesome new backpack designs. Highlights for visitors will include the in-demand Despicable Me 3 soft toy and backpack collection. The mischievous Minions are making a return to the big screen along with all the family and it is sure to be a hot property this summer. The film features character favourites Gru, Agnes and Fluffy, as well as all new characters and new minion outfits which is reflected in the Posh Paws’ DM3 Plush and Backpack range. Lightning

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McQueen will be racing his way back onto shelves this July in Cars 3. The Cars 3 Plush range from Posh Paws features Lightning McQueen, his closest pals and a new generation of racers. It goes without saying that the Tsum Tsum collectable craze continues and at the show Posh Paws will be revealing its all new characters ranges that will be launching over the coming months. Posh Paws also has a range of Spiderman product to support the blockbuster release of Spiderman Homecoming this July. From the big screen to the small screen the latest preschool brands Mickey and the Roadster Racers and Tangled the TV Series will be on show. Plus everyone‘s favourite characters will be back from Winnie the Pooh, Disney Princess and Mickey and Minnie. There really is something to suit every toy and gift operation.

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PREVIEW TOYMASTER

Go green for games GREEN BOARD GAMES

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01494 538 999 www.greenboardgames.com Green Board Games’ product range has significantly increased for Families, to be followed 2017. They have introduced well-known products from Fat Brain by Under the Sea, and Mindware which proved to be very popular with retailers at People at Work and the recent trade shows. Another two new games that caused a great introduction of Things deal of excitement on GBG’s stands are Froggy and Catch a Roo. that Go into the BB New entries into the world of the wonderfully addictive BrainBox Pre-school range, with a phonicinclude the licenses of Peppa Pig and centred, curriculum-aligned update of BrainBox Marvin’s Magic, while an updated ABC hot on its heels. 2016 welcomed the introduction of Roald Dahl BrainBox, including Flights of Fancy, known for their educationally focused The BFG, Matilda and Charlie and Peppa Pig and Marvin’s game ethic, to the Green Board Game family; this naturethe Chocolate Factory, will follow Magic have been added to embracing selection has provided an additional aspect to later in the year. Other additions to the BrainBox collection! the Play together, Learn together beat at the heart of all the evergreen BrainBox range are that Green Board Games do! Myths and Monsters and Animal

Did you know…

Grow your craft WEST DESIGN

01303 297 888 www.westdesignproducts.co.uk West Design products are Ballroom looking forward to showcasing their ranges at Toymaster. In particular, look out for the Grow range which helps youngsters connect with nature through creativity and care. Children can express their artistic side with these crafts while still learning how to tend to their growing plants. Indoor gardening is a delightful all year round hobby because it is not weather dependent. The whole range could be yours at only £370 Nett, that’s 53 per cent off and includes four Grow Lights and six of each Grow kits, a total of 58 products, plus a free FSDU! Meanwhile, Craftivity introduces a distinctive brand of craft experiences for aspirational tweens and teens, ages 12 to 16. No other craft brand gives girls quality components to make lasting gifts, keepsakes or fashion items. It inspires and empowers girls who want to learn new skills while creating beautifully finished projects. Presenting eight stimulating and trendy products that incorporate techniques including dip dying, macramé, decoupage and paper crafting activities. The whole range could be yours at only £400 Nett, that’s 55 per cent off and includes six of each kits, a total of 48 products, plus a free FSDU.

Do the robot CLEMENTONI 020 3206 1101 www.clementoni.com

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Clementoni will be showcasing their three hero categories at Toymaster this year - infant, STEM and puzzles. Strong focus is being placed on the infant category with Baby Clementoni and the 2017 line includes brand new Musical Elephant, a fun musical activity centre packed with songs and sounds that also helps development. Also new is Interactive Football Table, a 2 in 1 game that teaches first letters, numbers, shapes and colours and new words in English and in Spanish. Clementoni is bringing robotics to the preschool category with the brilliant DOC, teaching little ones in a fun and creative way. DOC will accompany kids as they learn logical reasoning, problem solving skills and more through play by programming commands from game cards. The range covers experimental and exploration products from Perfume and Crystal Labs to Human Body kits, plus the new Science Museum Aerodynamics Kit and Evolution Robot. New launches for children's puzzles are tied to popular licenses from Nickelodeon, Disney, Pixar and DreamWorks.

PREVIEW TOYMASTER

Get feisty! RE:CREATION LTD 0118 973 6222 www.recreationltd.co.uk Re:creation’s Toymaster Carriage line-up will feature Suite stand-out new product as well as evergreen strong performers. Visit the stand to meet the team and discover show discounts across the portfolio. With a strong track record in plush, Re:creation is welcoming two new brands to its portfolio. Feisty Pets have already proved an internet sensation – these ‘butter wouldn’t melt’ cute pets hide a darker side. Simply squeeze in the right place and their evil alter-egos appear complete with snarling fangs! Choose from six characters. For kids who love to perform, Talk Back Zoo puppet-style plush will be a popular choice.

Firm favourites H. GROSSMAN LTD 0141 613 2525 www.ozbozz.co.uk

Go to games RAVENSBURGER

Carriage Suite

01869 363 800 www.ravensburger.com

Ravensburger’s exciting new selection has every puzzle and game you need to complete your range. Amongst the many highlights for this season is the Cars 3 4-in-Box Puzzles, one of seven brand new Disney Cars 3 movie related jigsaw puzzles, all available six weeks before the film release in July. Look out for the PJ Masks 4-in-Box Puzzles, a must-have item for this very popular new property. Ravensburger will have three additional jigsaw puzzles and three children’s games to complete their PJ Masks range. Don’t forget the ultra-cool and very useful Graffiti Sneaker 3D Puzzle Pencil Holder. Once complete, this stunning 108-piece puzzle builds into a very handy desk tidy for everything from pencils, pens and craft items to make-up and paint brushes. Already planning for Christmas? Make sure you look out for Ravensburger’s Limited Edition 1000-piece Christmas puzzle; Which one’s Santa?. The highly detailed and captivating puzzle image is ideal to complete as a family in the lead up to Christmas, and will be the 21st Limited Edition Christmas puzzle. Not forgetting the BRIO My First Railway Beginner Pack which is the ideal starter set for young children aged 18 months and up.

Unmasking fresh lines GP FLAIR (JUST PLAY)

Grossmans will Reception be showing a Room wide variety of products at this year’s Toymaster including many pocket money items held at 2016 prices. Grossmans have introduced a revamped scooter offering with over fifty per cent of the range updated with new themes and new packaging. The Ozbozz brand is renowned for great outdoor products and this year sees a whole selection of new lines including the new Twist and Fold Scooter, available in three colourways, with four wheels and height adjuster which folds away. The Grow Alien range, a unique in-house design is another one to watch.

020 8643 0320 www.flairplc.co.uk

South Lounge

GP Flair’s Just Play Division has much to offer at this year’s Toymaster show. The PJ Masks master toy line-up has action figures of all the main characters, accessories and a whole range of vehicles. Autumn sees range extensions as well as new playsets. Just Play’s innovative master toy line for Disney’s The Lion Guard has of a variety of price points including foil bag minis and collectable figures and accessories. Also new for autumn is the TV promoted The Rise of Scar Playset, which comes complete with lights, sounds and multiple interactive features. The Disney Styling Heads collection will grow in autumn, when the Deluxe Belle and Rapunzel Styling Heads will join the line-up. Both styling heads have magical colour changing technology.

Lots to care about VIVID IMAGINATIONS 01483 449944 www.vividtoysandgames.co.uk

Carriage Suite

Make sure to drop by the Vivid stand at Toymaster to see Fluffy Goes Walkies. As well as going for a walk, Fluffy loves to bark! Also new is Penny, My Cute & Curious Puppy, she really listens to you and will tilt her head and wag her tail. This is the 35th anniversary of Care Bears so the year will be marked with birthday celebrations. With six Care Bears characters in the assortment, each medium sized Care Bear with DVD character comes with a full length ‘Welcome to Care-a-Lot’ episode DVD. Kids are still flipping for Flip-a-Zoo with four new 2 in 1 super soft and fun toys coming for AW17. New for Q4 2017 is Disney Emoji. Consisting of small and cute Disney collectable toys and adorable character plush. Each character comes with four different emoji expressions. Continuing their wishing spree in AW17 are the magical Genie Girls. Each Genie Girl has a secret colour change feature and there are lots of new Genies to collect in series 2. Your favourite characters have been ooshed with Ooshies. Collect all of your favourite DC, Marvel, Disney Princess, Disney Cars, TMNT and WWE characters, all to go on the top of your pencils. Look out for two new licences for AW – Dreamworks and Disney Pixar.

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