The Toy Universe Magazine — Edition 8 by thebuggreport

Edition 8

THE

ORIGINAL

MAGNETIC CONSTRUCTION

BRAND

PROUDLY SUPPLIED BY

WWW.JOHNCOPRODUCTIONS.COM

FROM THE EDITOR

WELCOME TO THE TOY FAIR! Welcome to Edition 8 of The Toy Universe Magazine, featuring at this year's Toy Hobby & Licensing Fair hosted by the Australian Toy Association in Melbourne. 2023 had some great features in The Toy Universe throughout the year including Zuru Toys, Build-ables by BMS Brands, Cubeez by HeadStart, a 50th Anniversary Celebration for Hunter Leisure and to round out the year, Clixo by Divisible By Zero. Late in 2023 we published an article from The Toy Association which included the Q4 Toy Trends Update which highlighted the trends to watch out for over the holiday season, which included Cool to be a Kidult, Conscientious Consumers, Playing it Smart and Pop Culture at Play. The Toy Association will host their annual "Toy Trends Briefing" virtually on February 8 to provide insight into the trends predicted to drive toy and game sales throughout the year and into the 2024 holiday season. Looking at the trade events calendar for 2024 and some times will be different this year with the New York Toy Fair skipping a year to return from 1-4 March 2025 and the Toy Hobby & Licensing Fair in Melbourne being held in February instead of March. Spielwarenmesse (Nuremberg) was once again held in late January/early February and then in April we will see the Los Angeles Spring Previews which will also return later in September as well. We also have the ATA MidYear Toy Preview in late June.

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

EDITION 8 — FEBRUARY 2024

There are a number of events and awards that will take place at this year’s fair including the Gala Dinner, 25 Year Club, Product of the Year Awards, Environmental and Sustainability Award, Judges’ Choice Award, Kids’ Choice Award, Licensed Property of the Year and the Rising Star Award. Keep an eye out for the winners to be announced! Hopefully 2024 will offer a good year for toys and things will improve in the economy as well as increased optimism heading into 2025. Based on the trends from 2023 it would be reasonable to expect similar trends this year including sustainability, inclusivity, learning and nostalgia. We hope that you enjoy the fair this year and please consider visiting The Toy Universe website and subscribing to our updates which focus mainly on the Australian Toy Industry.

Advertising — bookings@thetoyuniverse.com.au Feedback — editor@thetoyuniverse.com.au Media — media@thetoyuniverse.com.au The Toy Universe has been compiled as a guide to toys and other related matters. The views and opinions provided are based upon the views and opinions of our writers. In no way is The Toy Universe a factual guide to toys and/or other related matters. The Toy Universe does not take responsibility for how the information provided is used by its consumers.

INSIDE THIS EDITION WELCOME TO EDITION 8 CONNETIX — RESEARCH AND WISDOM

JOHNCO — MAGNA-TILES ARRIVE IN AUSTRALIA!

JASNOR AUSTRALIA — MARKET WRAP

ZURU TOYS — MARKET WRAP

IMC TOYS — MARKET WRAP

AUSTRALIAN TOY ASSOCIATION — WELCOME TO TOY FAIR

MOOSE TOYS — MARKET WRAP

AXIS TOYS & GIFTS — MARKET WRAP

STORIES FROM GG'S TOY BOX — MY FIRST BROWN PAPER BAG

JUST PLAY — JUST PLAY EXPANDS INTERNATIONAL TEAM

www.thetoyuniverse.com.au

MARKET WRAP CONNETIX RESEARCH AND WISDOM www.connetixtiles.com

Connetix BOTH RESEARCH AND WISDOM DEMONSTRATE THAT CHILDREN THRIVE WHEN PROVIDED OPPORTUNITIES TO ENGAGE IN OPEN-ENDED AND MEANINGFUL PLAY Both research and wisdom demonstrate that children

It therefore comes as no surprise to learn that

thrive when provided opportunities to engage in

CONNETIX have amassed a loyal and valued retail

open-ended and meaningful play. The CONNETIX

network, with over 1300+ resellers in 80 countries

brand is wholeheartedly driven by this, recognising

across the globe. Among this, the team are proud

that a child’s world is best understood through the

to celebrate their network of local retailers on

“power of PLAY”, and play is their greatest learning tool

home soil as they attend the upcoming Australian

throughout the formative years. The CONNETIX range

Toy, Hobby & Licensing Expo. CONNETIX are

of innovative, engaging and durable magnetic tiles

renowned for exhibiting a captivating and

help children to unlock their creativity and nurture

interactive stand at leading toy fairs across the

their development, all while having fun!

world and are thrilled to showcase the magic of CONNETIX to the Australian public.

Within the fast-paced and competitive toy industry, CONNETIX has quickly received global attention,

CONNETIX are proud of the strong partnerships

experiencing exponential growth since launching in June

they have built with retailers through maintaining

2019. The versatile and dynamic product was thoughtfully

open and consistent communication, ensuring

brought to market by Australian founders, Brea Brand and

a balanced pricing model and having planned

Dave Alexander. Complementing one another’s expertise,

approaches to annual sales. With excellent

Brea is a master’s qualified early childhood educator, with

communication, The Sales Team have their

a primary teaching background and Dave is a mechanical

finger on the pulse ensuring stock is readily

designer with finance and entrepreneurial experience.

available. Offering a personal and supportive

Alongside the duo, the ever-expanding CONNETIX team

touch, the CONNETIX Customer Support Team

is proudly made up of a number of early childhood

are always at hand for support and information,

educators, women in leadership roles and like-minded

with a priority of maintaining a high level

parents, who all share a collective passion for the product.

of customer service and nurturing retailer

The company demonstrates an unwavering dedication

relationships. The CONNETIX website features

to their staff and retailers alike, commonly attributing

a store locator sending valued business to local

their positive team ethos as simply “the CONNETIX way”,

stores, as well as offering resellers access to

setting the benchmark for progressive businesses.

world-class marketing strategies.

EDITION 8 — FEBRUARY 2024

With a strong business method, combined with a

Coupling the developmental and educational benefits

talented and devoted team, CONNETIX has enjoyed

of play is at the very centre of the business. When

outstanding success within the industry, receiving

engaged with CONNETIX, children freely explore

countless coveted awards and nominations in

a wide spectrum of developmental tasks like fine

2023 alone. Naturally appealing to the consumer,

and gross motor skills, spatial awareness, hand-eye

the high achieving 120 Piece Pastel Creative Pack

coordination, creative and flexible thinking, as well as

took home the Made for Mums 2023 Toy Awards

social and emotional perception.

Editor’s Choice award, a Dad’s Choice award and three Loved by Parents awards. Amongst other

As an accredited STEAM certified product, CONNETIX

favourites in the catalogue, the 50 Piece Rainbow

effortlessly encourages exploration of concepts of

Transport Pack and the 212 Piece Rainbow Mega

gravity and motion, magnetism, reflections and

Pack both secured 2023 Creative Play Awards.

refractions, shape and pattern recognition, construction,

CONNETIX were also honoured with three Toy

and engineering – the learning possibilities are endless.

Shop UK — Independent Toy Awards in their

Understandably, CONNETIX is widely utilised as an

respective educational, special needs and STEAM

educational resource in early childhood and primary

categories. Further receiving a stamp of approval as

school settings, as well as allied health practices.

an educational resource, CONNETIX were recently

Offering versatile, engaging and diverse learning

named Best STEM/Educational Range in the

modalities certainly optimises educational outcomes

Progressive Preschool Awards.

and is an essential and practical tool for educators.

The aesthetically pleasing and vibrant tiles invite

As a toy that grows with children as they learn and

children to create masterpieces. With no limitations

develop, CONNETIX tiles are an exceptional choice for

for our youngest entrepreneurs — castles,

families and educators alike, offering an ever-expanding

spaceships, animals, puzzles or even boardgames

and compatible range to allow for bigger builds and

are all within the realm of CONNETIX. Available

to grow collections over the years. To further elevate

in three captivating colours — vibrant Rainbow,

interactivity and to extend the scope of play, CONNETIX

earthy Pastel and dazzling Clear, CONNETIX

continues to design expansion and speciality packs to

magnetic tiles immerse little minds at first sight.

meet the needs of the growing market. www.thetoyuniverse.com.au

Most famously, the Ball Run Pack features clear fluted tubes, S bend tubes and special effect stair soundscape tubes for children to build their signature tracks and watch the actionpacked, zooming fun! With vehicle enthusiasts in mind, the Transport Pack includes rubber wheels and a unique bevel design to explore concepts of movement and motion building cars, trucks, motorbikes and so much more.

Featuring stunning content, inspirational

The CONNETIX team of ‘play experts’ truly delight in seeing the creative ways families play together, all around the world. With a strong social media presence, eye-catching content and an impressive following, the CONNETIX Social Media team have built a passionate, inspiring and expanding community online. Engaging with consumers across all platforms (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Linked In and Pinterest), CONNETIX have over 430,000 followers on their @CONNETIX_tiles Instagram and just under 60,000 fans on their Facebook page.

As proud Australian business owners

videos and ideas, it’s no surprise CONNETIX have an interactive and play-obsessed audience, sharing their creative builds at #connetixtiles. The exquisite combination of colours and all the ingenious creations really do need to be seen to be fully-appreciated!

and parents with first-hand experience, all CONENTIX magnetic tiles have been manufactured with safety at the forefront. Made from non-toxic ABS plastic, free from BPA, lead and phthalates, and manufactured with ultrasonic welding and rivets, CONNETIX are internationally safety rated. With an exceptional brand, operating with a

VISIT US AT THE AUSTRALIAN TOY HOBBY AND LICENSING FAIR

family focus and lots of heart, it’s no wonder

STAND H21

to expand their growing product line, reaching

EDITION 8 — FEBRUARY 2024

CONNETIX is making big strides in the toy industry. This year will see CONNETIX continue new markets across the globe — all whilst remaining champions of play-based learning!

Visit us at Stand A40 at the Australian Toy Fair Melbourne 11-14 February 2024

NEW products and NEW brands

For more information or distribution opportunities email

sales@modernbrands.com.au

1300 675 772

modernbrands.com.au

MARKET WRAP JOHNCO MAGNA-TILES® AMERICA’S #1 MAGNETIC BUILDING SETS BRAND

Magna-Tiles Arrive in Australia! MAGNA-TILES®, AMERICA’S #1 MAGNETIC BUILDING SETS BRAND, BRINGS ITS AWARD-WINNING RANGE TO AUSTRALIAN TOYBOXES

MAGNA-TILES, the original magnetic building brand, has finally arrived in Australia. Fresh from success at the prestigious 2023 American International Toy Fair and the honour of receiving the Toy Foundation’s 2023 Preschool Toy of the Year Award (TOTY) for the Downhill Duo Set, MAGNATILES® sets are the perfect gift to make playtime fun. MAGNA-TILES® sets are not one-and-done toys , as they provide meaningful play experiences and countless hours of safe, enriching, screen-free fun. MAGNA-TILES® sets grow with your child, whatever their stage of development, and foster cognitive, physical, social and emotional development through play. As children build their MAGNA-TILES® creations, their creativity and imaginations are sparked and they’ll develop important everyday life skills – all while having fun! MAGNA-TILES® sets were originally invented by an educator, for educators. From those humble beginnings in the classroom back in 1997, the creative, colourful MAGNA-TILES® sets have earned their place as the favourite magnetic building sets brand for millions of families across the world - and an essential learning tool for growing minds. An interactive, dynamic building set range designed for little hands and big imaginations. 12

EDITION 8 — FEBRUARY 2024

Check out these cool new sets that you won’t find from any other magnetic building brand. These innovative toy sets are all fully compatible and make great gifts! THE MAGNA-TILES® STORY MAGNA-TILES® is both the original and America’s #1 Magnetic Building Sets brand. Since first being introduced in the classroom 25+ years ago, the MAGNA-TILES brand has built a solid reputation as a leading innovator and provider of education, enrichment and meaningful play – play which is fun and engaging, child-led, developmental and experienced-based. The MAGNA-TILES stamp on each piece ensures you have the original, highest quality and most trusted magnetic building brand in your home. “We are a passionate and purpose-driven team, working to redefine meaningful play experiences and push magnetic construction forward,” says MAGNA-TILES President Michael Valenta.

The exciting MAGNA-TILES® range includes unique sets like: MAGNA-TILES® Downhill Duo 40-Piece Set Buckle up! The award-winning MAGNA-TILES® Downhill Duo set features fully magnetic figures, dashers, ramps and roads - to make play a rollicking, rolling adventure. Construct a thrilling mega-ramp, create competition with a side-byside race or simply cruise along rolling hills.

MAGNA-TILES® Builder – 32 Piece Set Watch your child’s imagination and STEAM learning soar to new heights with the fan-favourite Builder set, only from the MAGNA-TILES brand. Extend and swivel the first-ever magnetic Crane to move Bricks around your MAGNA-TILES creation.

MAGNA-TILES® Dino World XL – 50 Piece Set Surprise the little palaeontologist in your life with the BIGGEST thing in magnetic construction! The new Dino World XL set has it all. Kids can create the BIGGEST builds in pre-history!

(02) 9452 5819 info@johncoproductions.com www.johncoproductions.com

www.thetoyuniverse.com.au

NEW

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INSIDE! SUPER SOFT

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SEE THE RANGE AT TOY FAIR STAND A01

MARKET WRAP JASNOR AUSTRALIA VISIT JASNOR —STAND B40 www.jasnor.com

Jasnor Australia

HOME TO ICONIC BRANDS & CHARACTERS Jasnor is a leading distributor and manufacturer of popular licensed toys and gifts, offering an extensive lineup of highly sought after brands across multiple product categories which include pre-school toys, gifts for baby, infant feeding, plush and stationery collections. Their distribution and manufacturing portfolio includes iconic brands and characters such as Pusheen the Cat, Bluey, Disney Baby, Squishmallows, Miffy, Deddy Bears, Sesame Street and more. Renowned for offering evergreen brands, Jasnor’s 2024 product line up at Toy Fair will include many familiar faces plus they are excited to showcase their growing collection of pop culture fan favourites to satisfy collectors of all ages! From surprise mystery plush and vinyl figurines, to stationery essentials and practical accessories, to the softest plush friends to cuddle and collect, Jasnor is your destination for the most coveted brands in pop culture. Straight off the success of Deddy Bears, Jasnor and Innov8 Academy are delighted to bring to market “Kreepy Katz”, with six frightening felines to collect, including Katty and Kitty, the super rare siamese twins. Each Kreepy Kat comes with their own Vaccine Card! Kreepy Katz are a must-have for cat fanatics! Each Kat is crafted from super-soft plush and just like with Deddy Bears, there are three separate formats in the collection: 4 inch Blind Bags presented a CDU containing six assorted backpack clips; 12 inch Kreepy Katz plush, presented in an open branded kitty litter tray complete with a vaccine card; and 12 inch / 30cm plush, housed in a cardboard branded cat carrier with handle. With names like McScratcherson, Fungus and Frankenkitty, lovers of creepy cute and girly goth are sure to be itching and scratching to collect this latest plush phenomenon! Visit Jasnor at Toy Fair to see the launch of this kreepy collection, plus witness the much-anticipated launch of Deddy Bears, Series 2! 16

EDITION 8 — FEBRUARY 2024

Adding to the collectible craze is a new range from Pusheen the Cat. Just when you thought she couldn't get any sweeter, Pusheen has arrived as a range of freshly picked fruity treats, including Blind Box Surprise plush, soft and squishy plush, some even scented, and a fresh range of stationery and accessories. Unbox with Pusheen with series 21 of the ever-popular of miniature blind box plush toys, featuring the adorable internet sensation tabby as refreshing fruits, from colourful, soft watermelon slices to kiwi fruit, juicy bunches of grapes, and more of your favourite produce! Team the plush treats with on trend stationery and accessories including a backpack, drinkware, pens, pencil cases and notebooks, sure to delight Pusheen fans of all ages. Squishmallows are soft, cute and ultra-squeezeable! It’s no secret that this plush brand has turned into a global phenomenon with fans of all generations collecting the plush that makes you feel all warm inside with just one squish. Jasnor have recently joined the Squish Squad, distributing a cute collection of stationery and gifts to accompany the plush already in market. The newest 2024 collection, arriving in June, features a Cottage character style guide and sees familiar Squishmallow friends transformed into a curated collection of must-have items including notebooks, pencil cases, pens, stickers and even snack pots, a lunch bag and water bottle. If your customers are Squishmallow obsessed, be sure to stop by Jasnor’s stand to secure your stock.

Be sure to visit Jasnor at the Australian Toy, Hobby and Licensing Fair in February to see their comprehensive collection of in-demand iconic brands and characters.

EDITION 8 — FEBRUARY 2024

www.thetoyuniverse.com.au

MARKET WRAP IMC TOYS VISIT IMC TOYS —STAND B01 www.imctoys.com

IMC Toys Says Hello Australia! Rewind to August 2022, Spanish toy company IMC Toys announces the continuation of its global expansion with plans to launch an Australian subsidiary. The expansion strategy has led to operations in North America, Italy, France, UK, Germany, Portugal and Hong Kong. Entry into these new markets has allowed the team at IMC Toys to steadily increase its turnover by over 200% since 2010. IMC Toys is not a new player, the company was originally established in Spain as a distributor of toys back in 1981, then in the 2000s evolved and began producing its own brands. Today, IMC Toys has a successful portfolio of their own brands including Cry Babies, Baby Paws and PlayFun to name a few. With product on shelf in more than 80 countries, and a content led strategy which has seen content distributed in over 190 countries and produced in over 20 languages, the sky is the limit for IMC Toys.

A BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS

INTRODUCING YOU TO BABY PAWS

IMC Toys had a clear blueprint for success in Australia following the launch of its North American subsidiary only 5 years earlier, which had been supported by the global success of their range of Cry Babies dolls. The brand has dominated the doll aisle across multiple markets throughout Europe for years and has steadily gained significant market share in North America where it ranks as the 2nd most popular property in the Nurturing Doll category.

Baby Paws are the cutest new feature plush puppies which need to be cared for and nurtured. Take their dummy out of their mouth and watch them open their eyes for the first time and listen to their adorable puppy sounds. Each Baby Paw comes with its own personalised swaddle that doubles as a carrying bag, so you can take your soft and fluffy Baby Paw puppy everywhere you go!

MORE THAN JUST DOLLS!

Kids and families can enjoy awardwining games from PlayFun, including the super successful Truth Detector where players select a question and pick a friend or family member to interrogate. If they’re telling the truth, the detector will flash green, if the detector is not sure it will flash amber and the player must ask another question. If the machine catches someone lying, a siren sounds and the red bulb flashes! Each player loses a life with each lie, and whoever keeps the most lives wins!

Following the IMC’s successful 2023 re-launch of Cry Babies in Australia, the brand will continue with everyone’s favourite evergreen characters available in multiple formats and a new themed range in second half to coincide with the release of the 7th season of the Cry Babies Magic Tears animated series on YouTube. However, the team at IMC are most excited about their plans beyond the doll aisle in 2024, launching new brands and expanding into new categories, supported by their domestic wholesale partner — All Brands Toys.

EDITION 8 — FEBRUARY 2024

IT’S GAME ON WITH PLAYFUN

Plus much more! Visit us at Toy Fair Stand# B01 or contact via email info.australia@imctoys.com or salessupport@allbrandstoys.com

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UPDATE THE AUSTRALIAN TOY ASSOCIATION BY ALICE SANDERSON — EXECUTIVE MANAGER www.austoy.com.au

Australian Toy Association

WELCOME TO THE TOY HOBBY AND LICENSING FAIR! Welcome to the exciting month of Toy Fair! For those attending the international toy fairs before our Australian Fair, we wish you successful trips, and we hope the jet lag as you arrive at the Melbourne Toy Fair is manageable.

Independent industry retailers and professionals play a crucial role in judging these awards, generously volunteering their time for assessment and deliberation. We express our gratitude for their contribution.

The Australian Fair is scheduled from the 11th to the 14th of February, promising an incredible showcase of toys, games, vibrant colors, and magic. We extend a warm welcome to our returning exhibitors and to those new to the Fair, may this mark the beginning of many more to come.

Following the awards, media coverage on Monday morning will amplify the event's exposure, reaching local and national audiences. The 25-year club function on Monday night provides a relaxed setting for members to catch up, welcoming new additions and commemorating those we have lost.

Throughout the week, there are numerous activities both during and after hours. The Gala Dinner on Sunday night marks the commencement of festivities at Crown Palladium. This annual awards ceremony celebrates industry achievements, introducing a new inductee into the hall of fame — an individual who, through determination and passion, has contributed significantly to the industry's longevity and success. The 2024 Rising Star Award will also be announced, with the finalists being Cristalle Sapieja of Let’s Play Games, Amy Lim of Jellystone Designs, Josh Bonello of BMS Brands, and Jesse Marios of Diecast Distributors Australia. Regardless of the winner, all four will join the ATA’s new Mentor/Mentee program, set to launch alongside the Fair. Other highlights include the announcement of Product of the Year, Environmental & Sustainability, Judges Choice, and Kids Choice Awards. Licensing partners will also be recognized for their outstanding marketing prowess with the Licensing Awards.

EDITION 8 — FEBRUARY 2024

As the fair concludes, Tuesday afternoon features the Women in Toys event with four inspiring guest panelists. Special thanks to our sponsor Jazwares for making this not-to-be-missed event possible. Throughout the Toy Fair week, don't forget to explore the ATA Learning Hub and enjoy the insights from our fantastic presenters. Without our exhibitors and sponsors, the Toy Fair would not be the unmissable event that it is and I would like to take this opportunity to give a special thanks to Bugg Media, Connetix, Hello Kitty and Friends, Jazwares, Just Kidding, Mumpower, Sanrio, The Walt Disney Company, Total Licensing and Warner Bros. for their support. Wishing everyone a successful Toy Fair! Alice Sanderson Australian Toy Association

Millions of Games Sold!

13,000+

4,000+

reviews

5,000+

9,000+

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MARKET WRAP MOOSE TOYS VISIT MOOSE TOYS —STAND A23 www.moosetoys.com

Moose Toys

MOOSE LETS LOOSE WITH BRAND NEW INNOVATIONS FOR 2024 Moose has once again taken center stage with an impressive lineup of new products for 2024. From the next iteration of global phenomenon Cookeez Makery, to the real magic of Magic Mixies and the ever popular Little Live Pets, Moose's commitment to innovation and creativity is more apparent than ever. COOKEEZ MAKERY – TOASTY TREATZ TOASTER The Toasty Treatz Toaster promises a delightful surprise for kids as they pop bread into the toy toaster's slot and slide down the handle. A sweet-scented plush friend emerges, each representing a unique breakfast treat. From Pnutty & Jam Tiger to Strudel Poodle, these 12 scented Toasty Treatz are irresistibly squishy and collectible. Lucky kids might even discover the ultra-rare Bluebunny Waffle!

The anticipation of which plush pet will pop up adds an extra layer of excitement for young collectors. And the best part? There's more to come in the second half of the Cookeez Makery lineup, promising even more surprises and innovation. MAGIC MIXIES – SHIMMERVERSE Global hit Magic Mixies, continues to evolve introducing the enchanting Shimmerverse series. Pixlings, the magical creatures within this shimmering universe, reveal themselves through a colorful potion activated by water, elixirs, and special ingredients. The dolls, including reimagined Marena and Faye, along with newcomers Pheona and Catlyn, captivate with their dazzling details and fashion-forward ensembles. But the magic doesn't stop there. Enter the Magic Mixies Minis, a new collectible line featuring 90 micro-sized Mixies. Each Mini Mixie belongs to one of five teams, adding an extra layer of excitement through features like glow-in-the-dark, UV reaction, cold temperature reveal, glow-in-the-dark charms, and water reveal for rainbow coloring. The possibilities are endless, with common, rare, ultrarare, and limited edition Rainbow Glow Mini Mixies waiting to be discovered. In 2024 Magic Mixies will continue to develop its compelling content slate enabling kids around the globe to become truly invested in this incredible, magical world with 15 new episodes arriving in June airing on YouTube, Netflix and 9Go! www.thetoyuniverse.com.au

LITTLE LIVE PETS – A DECADE OF DELIGHT Celebrating its 10-year anniversary, Little Live Pets continues to evolve into a powerhouse brand. New in 2024 is Needees, the attention-seeking and interactive flocked pets, which come with 13 realistic-looking characters, including a Limited Edition "Golden Duck" Needee. Responding to care with more than 50 sounds and reactions, these clingy companions can be clipped onto clothes or backpacks for on-the-go adventures. The My Baby Animal series introduces the lifelike interactive toy, Mango, a baby monkey with over 40 sounds and reactions. From feeding to swinging, Mango provides an engaging and adorable experience. The series also features My Really Real Puppy, capturing the essence of welcoming home a new puppy. With fur that looks and feels like the real deal, blinking eyes, and more than 50 sounds and reactions, these realistic companions come with their own pet carrier and adoption certificate. 36

EDITION 8 — FEBRUARY 2024

Heading into 2024 the Moose business continues to diversify, and is expecting huge things with the ever expanding gaming portfolio. Building on the success of perennial favorites like Spot It and Bananagrams, Moose introduces new additions like Six Second Scribbles and Worst Case Scenario. With Pickleball Blast and Throwdown Showdown joining the portfolio, Moose is creating a diverse and engaging gaming experience for kids of all ages. Moose remains dedicated to fostering creative play for all children, creating ‘wow’ moments, with new toys spanning numerous categories at multiple price points. By keeping a keen eye on market trends and demonstrating its deep understanding of what excites children, Moose continues to shape the future of play, bringing a signature creativity and innovation to children, whilst underlining their reputation as a pioneer in the toy industry.

MARKET WRAP AXIS TOYS & GIFTS SEE THE RANGE AT LIFE INSTYLE www.axistoys.com

Axis Toys & Gifts

PUBLISHER SASSI EXPANDS INTO ECOLOGICAL LIFESTYLE AND HOMEWARES RANGE Italian publisher Sassi has expanded into an animal-themed lifestyle range that encapsulates tableware, homewares and personal accessories. All created in an ecological manner. The range features eight animals: Elephant, Lion, Sloth, Dinosaur, Fox, Polar Bear, Octopus and Unicorn. Each is interpreted into their own selection of warm colours palettes to reflect their personality and provide a great choice for the home. The range will be available from April and includes a selection of silicone and rPET mealtime tableware and settings as well as lunchboxes in both composites, insulated lunch bags and two styles of stainless/thermos bottles, 3D backpacks – each with extra detailing to “bring them to life”.

EDITION 8 — FEBRUARY 2024

For those on the go, there is even a stroller organiser that folds with the stroller when at rest and for the reading corner an animal themed book rack and for play and storage, Sassi has created storage boxes, storage bins and even a pull together play mat. Come and view this range at Life InStyle: Stand 1712K from 17-20 February and we will have samples at Toy Fair. If you want to book a time to meet please contact — paulaopfer@axistoys.com

COLUMN STORIES FROM GG'S TOY BOX BY GRAHAME GRASSBY MY FIRST BROWN PAPER BAG

STORIES FROM GG'S TOY BOX MY FIRST BROWN PAPER BAG

At the end of our meeting, I dashed across the road to the Warwick Hotel where I was staying, stashed the brown paper bag in my room safe and dashed back to the Hilton Hotel lobby to be back in time for my next meeting. Later that evening when I returned to my room, I opened the safe, took out the brown paper bag and, sure enough, inside the bag was US$10,000 in $100 bills. I counted out every single one of those one hundred $100 bills, twice. I was once asked by an American entertainment company executive how did the ABC get paid its royalty advances out of Brazil when the payment of advances out of Brazil was not permitted by Brazil’s central bank. Well, this was one way: At the International Licensing Show when it used to be held in New York, a major licensee being appointed to represent Bananas in Pyjamas in Brazil met with me in the lobby cafe of the Hilton Hotel in 6th Avenue, took a wrapped brown paper bag out of her rather large hand bag, handed it to me and said to put it in my briefcase. She told me to keep it in my hotel room safe and that it was a payment to secure the representation rights for the Bananas in Pyjamas property for the territory of Brazil. This was the first and only actual brown paper bag that I ever received in my professional working career, and it did not disappoint. 42

EDITION 8 — FEBRUARY 2024

I’d never been in possession of such a large amount of cash before, especially not in US dollars, and I actually felt like I’d committed some sort of crime, which clearly I hadn’t. This feeling of being a criminal smuggler stayed with me all the way back to Australia, especially when I ticked the YES box on the Australian customs & immigration form that asked, “are you bringing more than AUD $10,000 cash back into Australia?”. At the Australian customs checkpoint, my heart beating like crazy, the customs officer said “so you have more than $10,000 in cash with you, Mr Grassby”, and I replied “yes I have $10,000 US dollars which is a payment to the ABC for a Bananas in Pyjamas deal we’ve done in Brazil.” “Congratulations and welcome home” the customs officer said smiling and waved me through. By Grahame Grassby

A1567 The Toy Universe

phone: 08 8277 0869

website: www.southernmodels.com.au

www.dbz.com.au sales@dbz.com.au 03 9388 9902

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Visit us at Stand B06 Zimbler has always been about quality, and the brands we represent reflect our dedication to that. For more information please call our team at Zimbler on 03 8481 1000 Email sales@zimbler.com.au website www.zimbler.com.au

MARKET WRAP JUST PLAY JUST PLAY EXPANDS INTERNATIONAL TEAM www.justplayproducts.com

Just P lay Expands International Team APPOINTS LAUREN AGIOSTRATITIS AS SALES DIRECTOR FOR AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND Just Play, a leading global toy company, is growing its international presence with the addition of Lauren Agiostratitis as Sales Director for Australia and New Zealand. Furthering the company’s strategic worldwide expansion, Ros Cilmi will transition to a newly created role developing direct and distribution partnerships across the Asia and Middle East regions. Agiostratitis comes to Just Play with nearly 20 years of experience across the wider Australian and New Zealand retail landscape. She began her career in toys and entertainment with leading games publisher, Ubisoft, where she spent 15 years, becoming Head of APAC Sales & Analytics. She then went on to join Hasbro as a General Sales Manager, where she spearheaded the company’s sales efforts in the Pacific region. “I have always admired Just Play’s ability to create high-quality products with strong play value across today’s top licenses,” said Agiostratitis. “With fantastic retail and licensor partnerships, and a robust plan to develop owned IP, I am excited to have the opportunity to build upon Just Play’s foundation that has been built in Australia and New Zealand.” With key appointments of seasoned talent Just Play continues to invest in developing and strengthening its international team and secure its position as a leader in the global toy industry. 48

EDITION 8 — FEBRUARY 2024

ABOUT JUST PLAY, LLC Just Play is a passionate toy company and global leader across a broad range of children's consumer goods including figures, playsets, dolls, plush, roleplay and dress-up. They create unique and innovative proprietary lines, as well as award winning products based on popular children's entertainment brands with best-in-class licensing partners. Just Play was founded by two toy industry veterans, Charlie Emby and Geoffrey Greenberg, in 2010 and has risen to a top 10 toy company according to NPD for the past 5 years. To learn more about Just Play's products, please visit www.justplayproducts.com or follow the company on Instagram (@JustPlayProducts) or on Facebook (www.facebook.com/JustPlay).

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LEONDA BY THE YARRA • Mystery Gift Bags • Fashion Show • Photo Booth • DJ + MC • Awards

• Accommodation partner close to venue • Ticket sales to be announced shortly • Sponsorship packages available • Workshops + Networking • Platinum Club Induction

SAVE THE DATE — OCTOBER 31 AND NOVEMBER 1

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