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NEWS The Entertainer rocks with spring competition for families The Entertainer last month launched The Entertainer Rocks, a competition that encouraged families to head outdoors in the search for special pebbles this spring. The Entertainer Rocks is a nationwide competition that encouraged families to explore their local areas and enjoy some spring fun together, with the chance of winning a £20 gift card to redeem at The Entertainer. Until 30 April, children across the UK were tasked with finding their town’s special pebble, which featured the retailer’s iconic brand character Jack. By simply returning the stone to their local store they received a prize. With pebbles hidden in 171 towns and cities, each home to an Entertainer store, searchers had to be eagle-eyed as there was just one pebble to find in each location. The competition offered a great opportunity
for locals to come together to seek out the limitededition stone and win exclusive prizes. Gary Grant, founder and chairman of The Entertainer, said: “We’re continually exploring new ways in which we can encourage families across the UK to spend time together and explore the great outdoors, so we hope our visitors enjoyed The Entertainer Rocks activity together this spring.”
“We’re continually exploring new ways in which we can encourage families across the UK to spend time together and explore the great outdoors, so we hope our visitors enjoyed The Entertainer Rocks activity together this spring.”
Oscar collaborates with Squishmallows
Care Bears head to Primark and Home Bargains
Oscar, the Smyths Toys Superstores’ animated icon, is adding another single to his growing discography by collaborating with toy company Jazwares. The video for his new single, Welcome to Squishville, takes viewers through his journey through the town, where he meets with a selection of Squishmallows favourites. This single follows Oscar’s success on YouTube (which boasts more than 35 million views) where he often collaborates with other celebrated characters. Oscar is signed to Sony Music’s Magic Star label. This pop-inspired number sees Oscar break out his guitar-playing skills. The song details Oscar’s adventures in Squishville, and his connection to each of his new friends. In the video, Oscar performs Welcome to Squishville in front of a crowd of his new pals, including Squishmallows favourites Cam the Cat, Fifi the Fox, and Lola the Unicorn. Oscar cruises around Squishville on a levitating platform, before encouraging the Squishmallows to join him. Jazwares marketing director Alexandra Painter said: “This collaboration is a testament to the phenomenal growth in the popularity of Squishmallows. We are thrilled to welcome Oscar to perform in our beloved Squishville. Welcome to Squishville is an unbelievably catchy pop song from Sony Music that perfectly captures the positive and inclusive values of Squishville by Original Squishmallows.” She added: “Teamed with the music video, produced by Moonbug Entertainment, Oscar’s new single provides an opportunity for fans to engage with Squishville and the Squishmallows Squad in a whole new way.” Welcome to Squishville is the latest in a series of singles from the animated singing sensation.
Sambro has developed a new range of Care Bear baby plush toys, which have launched in Primark and Home Bargains. The range, designed to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the property, will see thousands of units delivered across selected Primark and Home Bargains stores. Care Bears celebrates its 40th anniversary with collaborations spanning multiple categories, including fashion, accessories, homeware, cosmetics, games, crafts, seasonal, travel and the metaverse. The Care Bear baby plush range will feature a choice of five plush Care Bear characters including, Cheer Bear, Wish Bear, Bedtime Bear, Share Bear and Sunshine Bear. Each bear has its own unique colour, belly badge and rattle in its tummy, making it an ideal comforting and sensory toy for babies. Collette O’Kane, Sambro chief operating officer, said: “The Care Bears resonate with fans of all ages, and we love hearing that fans who grew up with the brand 40 years ago are now introducing their own children to the Care Bears.’’
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The Entertainer donates during Autism Week The Entertainer, the familyowned high street toy retailer, partnered with the National Autistic Society (NAS), the UK’s leading charity for autistic people and their families, to support World Autism Acceptance Week last month. To mark the event, The Entertainer donated 10% of all profits of Ready Steady Dough lines sold both in-store and online at TheToyShop.com to the NAS during the week. The Entertainer has an Autism Friendly Award from the NAS for its commitment to supporting autistic
customers and their families, and offers a quiet hour each morning across its 184 stores, in which music is paused and lights are dimmed where possible, to create a calming environment. Mark Campbell, CEO of The Entertainer, said: “We’re continually exploring new ways in which we can make The Entertainer stores a happy, safe and comfortable place for autistic customers.’’
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