2021 Mid-Year Preview by The Bugg Report

Mid-Year Preview Directory

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From the Editor

The ATA’s Mid-Year Preview is a platform for distributors, wholesalers and importers to promote their products to NSW and other Australian buyers in the Industry. It’s a great opportunity to provide attendees with the chance to touch and feel products that weren’t yet available at the Melbourne Toy Hobby & Licensing Fair and provide buyers with the opportunity to discover new products, receive end-of-year discounts and top-up for the Christmas buying season.

Whilst we have yet again seen an in-person event have to be cancelled due to the ongoing challenges that are faced globally, it is positive to see so much great work being done across the industry. All things considered, I think that the way the industry has been able to adapt and continue to innovate throughout the past 18 months is great. Let’s hope that moving into the second half of 2021 and into 2022 that we see more normality come back and things can proceed with more certainty in the future.

We hope you enjoy this Guide to the Mid-Year Preview, find some great new products to sell and have worthwhile meetings with the 2021 exhibitors. We look forward to, hopefully, seeing the industry back together for the 2022 Toy Hobby & Licensing Fair and 2022 Mid-Year Preview.

Managing Director — Tony Bugg tony@buggsolutions.com.au

Editor & Designer — Matthew Bugg matt@buggsolutions.com.au

Published by Bugg Marketing Solutions info@buggsolutions.com.au

PO BOX 491, Berwick VIC 3806

Advertising — bookings@buggreport.com.au

Feedback — editor@buggreport.com.au

Media — media@buggreport.com.au

www.buggreport.com.au

The Bugg Report has been compiled as a guide to retail, sports, lifestyle, toys, licensing and/or other related matters. The views and opinions provided are based upon the views and opinions of our writers. In no way is The Bugg Report a factual guide to retail, sports, lifestyle, toys, licensing and/or other related matters and does not take responsibility for how the information provided is used by its consumers.

Welcome to the Mid-Year Preview

THE AUSTRALIAN TOY ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL TRADE FAIR FOR NSW

The ATA and our members were so excited to be hosting the first face-to-face industry event in over a year however due to the current outbreak in Sydney, we have once again taken the event online. ATA’s members provide the best and most innovative product to the industry and therefore we encourage all retailers to still connect with the exhibitors to source new items for your stores and enhance the Value of Play for children and families Australia wide. At this years’ Fair we had more exhibitors than ever before and this shows just how keen industry is to get back together to network, buy and sell.

This guide, proudly supported by The Bugg Report, is your handbook to who was exhibiting at the Fair as well as some of the exciting products that they couldn’t wait to share with you. For those retailers that book a meeting with any of the exhibitors between the 30th June and the 6th July, you will go into the draw to win from a prize pool worth over $2,400! The more meetings you have, the more you will get the chance to win.

So start booking your meetings today!

Alice Sanderson Executive Manager Australian Toy Association

Virtual Remote Raffle

THE ATA IS THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE A VIRTUAL “REMOTE RAFFLE”

The ATA is thrilled to announce a virtual “remote raffle” to encourage meetings between retailers and exhibitors in place of the Preview at Rydges.

The prize pool is worth over $2,400, thanks to the following very generous exhibitors — VR Distribution, Squatter®, Theatrix, Impact Merch., UGears Australia, Winning Moves, Bensons, U. Games, Happy Planet Toys and Piggy Paint.

To be in the running to win, all you need to do is schedule a meeting with a Preview exhibitor between the 30 June – 6 July.

1 meeting = 1 entry, so start scheduling all those meetings!

Winners will be contacted by the Australian Toy Association in the week beginning the 12th July, and prizes will be sent out shortly after.

EXHIBITORS

EXHIBITORS

Australian Toy Distributors

Corinne/Scott O’Rafferty

P: 02 9668 9800

E: sales@australiantoydistributors.com.au

W: www.australiantoydistributors.com.au

Bensons Trading Pty Ltd

David Peel

P: 03 9369 9929

E: david@bensonstrading.com.au

W: www.showbags.com.au

Big Balloon

Caroline Seal

P: 03 9020 1358

E: info@bigballoon.com.au

W: www.bigballoon.com.au

Big Wheel Toys

Cameron Stewart

E: sales@bigwheeltoys.com.au

W: www.bigwheeltoys.com.au

BMS Brands

Nic Rhodes

M: 0432 397 733

E: nic@bmswholesale.com.au

W: www.bmswholesale.com.au

Centy Trading & Distribution Co.

Tony Singh

M: 0433 174 346

E: tony.singh@centytrade.com.au

W: www.centytoys.com

Early Life Projects

Kirsty Assad

P: 02 8667 5325

E: kirsty@earlylifeprojects.com

W: www.earlylifeprojects.com

Funrise Australia Pty Ltd

George Khoury

M: 0409 031 223

E: georgekhoury@funrise.com

W: www.funrise.com

Geomagworld Aus

Andrew McDougall

P: 02 4340 2833

E: andrew@akmtoys.com.au

W: www.geomagworld.com

Happy Planet Toys

John Elliott

M: 0438 224 224

E: admin@happyplanettoys.com.au

W: www.happyplanettoys.com.au

Headstart International

Neil McMullen

P: 03 8574 4400

E: neil.mcmullen@headstartint.com

W: www.headstartint.com

Impact Merch.

Matt Walter

P: 02 9481 7344

E: matt@impactmerch.com.au

W: www.impactmerch.com.au

Jasnor (Australia) Pty Ltd

James Thurlow

P: 03 9562 9900

E: jthurlow@jasnor.com

W: www.jasnor.com

Jedko Games

Bob Davies

M: 0419 543 007

E: jedkobob@yahoo.com.au

W: www.jedko.com.au

Johnco

Steve & Claire Ball

P: 02 9452 5819

E: info@johncoproductions.com

W: www.johncoproductions.com

KAPLA

Dania Waples

M: 0432 750 284

E: kapla.au@kapla.com

W: www.kapla.com

Kidzwiz

Meyer Diamond

M: 0413 743 456

E: meyer@kizwiz.cool

W: www.kidzwiz.cool

Modern Brands

Elizabeth La Cava

P: 02 9907 5255

E: elacava@modernbrands.com.au

W: www.modernbrands.com.au

MJM Australia

Jacques Levy

M: 0418 368 662

E: jacques@mjm-australia.com

W: www.mjm-australia.com

Plum Play

Ben Randall

P: 02 8968 2200

E: aussales@plumproducts.com

W: www.plumplay.com.au

Paperlight Group

Leon Li

M: 0450 365 168

E: leon@paperlight.com.au

Piggy Paint

Tanya Georgie

M: 0400 422 599

E: tanya@piggypaint.com.au

W: www.piggypaint.com.au

Rainbow Pacific

Murray Forbes

M: 0407 029 269

E: murray@rainbowpacific.com.au

W: www.rainbowpacific.com.au

Smarter Puzzles

Warwick Pulley

M: 0449 785 539

E: info@smarterpuzzles.com

W: www.smarterpuzzles.com

Smart Toys Trading

Sales Customer Service

P: 1300 846 838

E: info@smarttoystrading.com.au

W: www.smarttoystrading.com.au

Squatter®

Richard Lloyd

M: 0419 135 581

E: richard@squatter.com.au

W: www.trade.squatter.com.au

▶ CLICK HERE TO BOOK VIDEO MEETING ◀

Toy Revolution

Peter Bando

M: 0401 793 950

E: peterbando41@gmail.com

Theatrix Magic Stuff

Marc Benjamin

M: 0415 966 069

E: magic@theatrix.com.au

W: theatrix.com.au

▶ CLICK HERE TO BOOK VIDEO MEETING ◀

UGears Australia

John Huckel

M: 0419 818 983

E: john@ugearsaustralia.com.au

W: www.ugearsaustralia.com.au

U. Games Australia

Melissa Hamilton

P: 02 9436 1016

E: info@ugames.com.au

W: www.ugames.com.au

Ventura Games

Nick Farago

P: 02 9517 2288

E: info@ventura.com.au

W: www.ventura.com.au

VR Distribution

VR Sales Team

P: 08 8234 1355

E: sales@vrdistribution.com.au

W: www.vrdistribution.com.au

Winning Moves

Jae Morgan

P: 02 9437 3713

E: jae.morgan@winningmoves.com.au

W: www.winningmoves.com.au

Yipose Trading Company Pty Ltd / Pink Poppy

Pina Pirrello

P: 02 9748 0922

E: order@yipose.com.au

W: www.yipose.com.au

▶ CLICK HERE TO BOOK VIDEO MEETING ◀

Zimbler Pty Ltd

Joel Zimbler

P: 03 8481 1000

E: sales@zimbler.com.au

W: www.zimbler.com.au

POSTERS

NOTEBOOKS

MUGS

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CONTACT US TO LEARN ABOUT OUR NEW AND CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES!

Toy Revolution - Price List June 2021

Science & Play Spot....$9.25

Armpool

Mit002 $12.50 18 to CTN

BA5003 $23.90 5 to CTN

BH636 $23.90 4 to CTN

MH003 $18.50 16 to CTN

MH001 $9.45 18 to CTN

830672

Finger Puppets 50loose in poly bag .... $82.50 = $1.65 each

Hedgehog Bristle bricks

Hedgehog Bristle bricks

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Finger Puppets (FP50)

Toy Revolution - Price List June 2021

Eco- friendly recycled shiny finish

SE1 Space Explorer - $12.50

SE2 Space Explorer Space Ship - $15.50

SE3 Space Explorer - $18.50

SE4 Space Set - $29.90

All come with batteries included

Magnetic Pads

Apple (sold in 4's, red only) - $7.50

Mid-Size Paddings - Red - $12.50

Lavender - $12.50

Hot Pink - $12.50

Pacific Blue - $12.50

Large Size (sold in 4's) - Black - $18.50

Pacific Blue - $18.50

Large Mag-Pad Dots - Blue - $18.50

Red - $18.50

Medium Mag-Pad Dots - Blue - $14.50

Red - $14.50

8882a - Double Sided Pad - One side maths, other side lower-case alphabet $23.50

Cartoon Large Pad w/coloured letters - $16.25

Neo Cube Multicolour - $15 50

Magnetic Alphabet and letters Kit 216 pieces + Pad brush and pen$23.90

All in cases

Toy Revolution

Peter Bando - Director - 0401 793 950

P O BOX 796 Rose Bay

Sydney NSW 2029 Australia

E: peterbando41@gmail.com

ABN 722705656604

Finger puppets piece set - $9.30

LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS

MARKET WRAP

#1 Brand to Stock

Yipose Trading Company, also known as Pink Poppy, has become the #1 Childrenswear Supplier of fashionable Dress Ups, Party Costumes, Hair & Jewellery accessories, Bags, Beauty Cosmetics, Giftware’s, Room Décor, Novelty, Educational Play Toys, and Stationary in AUSTRALIA. Established over 30 years ago, Pink Poppy is renowned for its magical sparkle and shine and is universally cherished by little girls and boys worldwide.

Pink Poppy’s SS21/22 Collection, including the licensed brands; Disney Frozen 2, Disney Princess, Barbie, Polly Pocket and Disney Pixar Toy Story, are must-have brands for retailers to stock. All limited edition collection are designed with diverse and quality-made products, with everything Princesses, Mermaids, Ballerinas, Unicorns, Fairies, Dinosaurs and Pirates, a few of the signature themes!

Pink Poppy’s B2B wholesale e-commerce platform is your destination for everything Pink Poppy.

Ordering is easier than ever with over 1200+ products available, including indent ranges, current stock and licensed brands. Allowing retailers to login 24/7 anytime, anywhere & on any device.

www.pinkpoppy.com.au

MOST WANTED

INTRODUCING KIDZWIZ

Meyer Diamond and Paul Carton have joined together to introduce some very exciting ideas and have secured exclusive new lines

Kidzwiz is a toy distribution and development company with exclusive and innovative offers. With many years toy experience Meyer Diamond and Paul Carton have joined together to introduce some very exciting ideas and have secured exclusive new lines

The Kidzwiz offer includes full service logistics with expertise in processing, packaging, EDI and Scanpacking, warehouse system integration and more. Kidzwiz continues to strive to bring the best available toys and licenses with the most competitive pricing to both local and international markets.

Kidzwiz will be launching a new Fisher Price Sensory line in July. This category has long needed Fisher Price to guide consumers to trusted, reliable products from the World’s most trusted baby brand. Kidzwiz are releasing a selected range now and will be adding new releases every few months. This Sensory range will keep Children entertained, while helping to develop play and hand–eye coordination and help to develop fine motor skills and discover the world of play and the sense of touch.

In addition to this, Kidzwiz have secured Bendon Publishing, which is the USA’s leading producer of colouring and activity books, bringing characters to life with creative, hands-on products that encourage imagination and fun. Bendon is committed to growing right alongside your child, delivering continual new activities. The Kidzwiz launch will include the TS SHURE range of Wooden Magnetic Puzzles, Magnetic Dress-Up Dolls and Magnetic Tins & Games.

Further exciting news is the acquisition of the LEAP YEAR PUBLISHING RANGE. Their slogan “Value Without Compromise” aptly describes this range of Stationery, Books & Flashcard, Art & Activity, Toys & Party, with a huge selection of Crayons, Chalk, Glue, Activity Books, Travel Tins, Dough Activities and sets. The range even includes Seasonal item’s like The Grinch, Rudolf and Springtime Friends.

HEADSTART LAUNCHES NEW RANGE OF RYAN'S WORLD BLASTERS

Available at Australia’s Big W and Target USA... PLUS free Mobile Game — Ryan’s Dart Tag

For anyone who has grown up watching the rise (and rise!) of phenomenally successful kid toy reviewer-turned-YouTube superstar, Ryan Kaji, the launch of Ryan’s World Blasters across Australia and the USA, through Australian toy company HeadStart — and available at Australian Big W stores and Target USA — is exciting news.

And, with the Ryan’s World YouTube channel averaging 25 million views per month in Australia alone (January-March 2021), that’s a BIG audience of local fans who clearly agree with the Ryan’s World website claim — that this is “The best in children’s entertainment. Period.”

Since launching Ryan’s World as a four-year old toy reviewer in 2015, Ryan’s YouTube channel has had more than 1.5 BILLION views (lifetime) in Australia alone — making the launch of this fun toy range a reason for families to celebrate.

With the Ryan’s World range of Blasters available at Big W stores in Australia and Target USA in June — plus a brand-new feature video premiering on Ryan’s World YouTube channel on June 24 — toy fans can try the toys for themselves AND see how Ryan makes Blasters a part of his own fun-filled days.

BUT WAIT... THERE IS MORE!

Ryan’s Dart Tag — mobile game: this brand-new game is FREE to download from June 20 — to make dart-firing fun very handy. The download of this exciting new mobile game, Ryan’s Dart Tag, will be ready to reach devices from June 20 — putting free phone fun at the fingertips of Ryan’s World fans.

Whether downloading the free Ryan’s World mobile game for digital fun, or choosing the action-packed real-world adventure of the new Ryan’s World Blasters range at Big W in Australia, as well as Target USA, HeadStart is in front for fun.

VTECH ON BOARD AS GLOBAL LICENSING PARTNER FOR BLUEY

BBC Studios has agreed a multi-territory licensing deal with VTech to produce electronic role play toys, further expanding its global licensing portfolio for the multi-award-winning children’s TV property Bluey.

VTech’s initial range for Bluey will feature popular characters from the worldwide hit series and lines include electronic books, role play watches and a phone. Product is expected to launch at retail in both Australia and USA for Q3 2022, followed by future roll outs in the UK, France, Canada and New Zealand.

Andrew Barrett, Director of Product Development and Licensing at VTech, says: “We are delighted to be partnering with BBC Studios on this beautifully crafted show. Its focus on imaginative play combined with adventurous storytelling fits perfectly with our ethos of play, learn and develop.”

Julie Kekwick, Senior Licensing Manager at BBC Studio, added: “Our new partnership with VTech symbolises a significant extension of our Bluey franchise, joining our other global partners such as Penguin Random House and complementing the highly successful Moose Toys, master toy range.”

Bluey has won the hearts of kids and parents around the world since it first launched in Australia in October 2018 and is fast becoming a global hit, achieving outstanding ratings and attracting a multitude of best in class partners. In its home market, Australia, Bluey was the #1 children’s programme on

metro broadcast television in 2020 and is the #1 series ever on ABC iview with over 480 million views across series one and two.*

Bluey also won ‘Pre-School License of the Year’ for the second year in a row at the Australian Toy Association (ATA) Awards. In the U.S., Bluey is the #1 new license in the super plush category** and was the #2 top new growth property in 2020 for the total toy industry. Across Disney Junior and Disney Channel in Q1 2021, Bluey was the #3 most watched TV series with kids 2-5.***

While in France, Bluey is available on France Télévision’s free-to-air channel France 5 and their catch up kids platform OKOO. Toys from global master toy partner Moose are set to launch at retail in France in 2022. Bluey is also available on CBeebies in the UK, where it has become the top programme on the channel

since it launched in April. Its episodes constitute the top five most requested CBeebies episodes on BBC iPlayer. Toys from global master toy partner Moose are set to launch at retail in the UK in July.

Jointly commissioned by BBC Studios & ABC Children’s, Bluey is produced by multi-Emmy® award-winning Ludo Studio in association with Screen Queensland and Screen Australia. The series is distributed internationally by BBC Studios outside of Australia. BBC Studios has a global broadcast deal with Disney for Bluey and recently announced that the third season will debut on Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney+ in all territories outside of Australia, New Zealand and China.

CENTA IP APPOINTED AS LICENSING AGENT FOR BRAVE BUNNIES

Centa IP appointed the exclusive licensing agent for ANZ for the animated pre-school series BRAVE BUNNIES

BRAVE BUNNIES, a new 2-D digital animated pre-school series from Glowberry and currently airing on ABC Kids daily with catch up on iView, is a delightful show with a quality traditional feel, but with modern and highly relevant underlying themes of diversity and inclusivity that resonate strongly in today’s world.

Aimed at boys and girls 2-5 years old, BRAVE BUNNIES follows the exploits of two brave and curious bunny siblings who, together with their family of Brave Bunny explorers, journey throughout their world on their Bunny Bus in search of new friends and adventures. Bursting with curiosity, Bop and Boo – brave brother and sister – set off with Ma and Pa, and four wee Bunny Babies, on an adventure-filled road trip around their big Bunny World. As they explore, these BRAVE BUNNIES meet new friends, play new games, and learn new things!

Bop and Boo are cheerful siblings who are active and inquisitive, eager to explore the world, and make new friends. They always unite in a common goal of bunny-bravery, which means a special lifestyle game that allows each new discovery to develop in a safe and exciting way.

Ma and Pa are a bunny-brilliant active and loving modern parenting team. They are always supportive of each other, managing to find common ground in everything they do together. Both of them have a range of funny hobbies which make them recognizable and funny. Pa is a great inventor who originally created the Bunny Bus, loves cooking and making Bunny Sport all together with Bunny Ma. Ma loves painting, playing her ukulele and driving the Bunny Bus.

Glowberry, and their co-production partners Anima, have developed 52 episodes for Season 1. Even before the 1st season started airing, Season 2 comprising a further 52 eps was already in development, reflecting the licensor’s commitment to the property.

BRAVE BUNNIES licensed products are set to roll out from Easter 2022, with Spin Master leading the charge as the property’s global master toy licensee. The firm will develop a range of pre-school toys based on the series.

Gail Mitchell, CEO at Centa IP, said “We’ve been delighted at the strong start the show has had on ABC Kids, rating in the top 10 multichannel report regularly. We hope that, by following the example of Bop and Boo, our audience will be able to interact easily and happily with all kinds of kids, know how to deal with feelings and emotions and make their first independent decisions.”

Centa IP has already signed its first licensee with Five Mile Press taking the license for sticker and activity, colouring, novelty, flap books and educational formats.

BRAVE BUNNIES has a complimentary and comprehensive digital content plan also in development. At MIPCOM in October 2020, BRAVE BUNNIES was the second most viewed show in the MIP Junior Screenings Library (and number one in its preschool target-demo), and unsurprisingly interest is brewing in the licensing arena.

Sergey Molchanov, CEO at Glowberry, said: “We have taken a lot of care to ensure that BRAVE BUNNIES has received the best quality treatment from the off, and we are delighted to maintain that standard across our key commercial partner appointments. We’re grateful for the support and the broad positive response to our property, and we’re just getting started.”

Glowberry Publishing is a Ukrainian creative production house, that creates high quality content for kids and families all over the world.

Centa IP is now looking to secure ANZ licensing partners in all major product categories. Please get in touch with Vincent Jones to discuss how you can hop on the Brave Bunny Bus!

For more information on BRAVE BUNNIES and the ANZ licensing program, please contact Vincent Jones at Centa IP at vincent.jones@centaip.com.

Learn more about the show at www.BRAVEBUNNIES.com

SESAME STREET'S 51ST SEASON LAUNCHES ON ABC KIDS THIS JUNE 28

Additional celebrity guests in Season 51 include Billy Porter, Stephen and Ayesha Curry, Issa Rae, Kelsea Ballerini and Maggie Rogers

Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organisation behind a half century of awardwinning children’s television, will launch Sesame Street’s 51st season on ABC Kids on Monday 28th June 2021 at 9.30am, and will also be available on ABC iview and the ABC Kids app.

“We’re proud to announce our newest episodes of Sesame Street, designed to entertain and educate kids as we help them build curiosity, creativity, and persistence – an especially crucial focus as families continue to face unprecedented challenges,” said Dr. Rosemarie Truglio, Senior Vice President, Curriculum and Content, Sesame Workshop.

Sesame Street’s latest season marks the beginning of a two-year curriculum focused on playful problem-solving, designed to build critical thinking skills in young children and better equip them to handle challenges in school and beyond. As Sesame Street Muppets, human cast members, and guest stars alike face obstacles – while building a castle, staging a circus, fixing the inner workings of a grandfather clock, and more – they approach these problems with curiosity, creativity, and perseverance, together using phrases and corresponding gestures as starting points in finding solutions: I wonder…? (pointer finger to temple); What if…? (pointer finger to chin); and Let’s try! (pointer finger in the air).

A new anthem – “I Wonder, What If, Let’s Try” – performed by celebrity guest Hailee Steinfeld, brings this curriculum to life and makes its season debut on ABC Kids daily from June 28th. The anthem will appear in Sesame Street episodes throughout the year.

Additional celebrity guests this season include singer Maggie Rogers, actress Issa Rae, NBA player Stephen Curry and his actress wife Ayesha Curry, actor Billy Porter and country singer Kelsea Ballerini, taking part in Street Stories and other segments throughout the season.

Sesame Street content continues to be available via ABC Kids each weekday morning at 9.30am. The episodes are also available any time on ABC iview and the ABC Kids app.

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