Category Archives: Retail

Startup CircuitMess launches STEM-based Batmobile in partnership with Warner Bros Consumer Products

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Croatian startup CircuitMess has announced a licensing deal with Warner Brothers and its Kickstarter campaign for the CircuitMess Batmobile, designed to teach children aged seven and up about engineering and autonomous driving.

“The CircuitMess Batmobile is a smart robot car that drives around autonomously using AI and machine learning,” says the startup’s CEO and founder Alber Gajšak. “We’ve created this gadget in cooperation with Warner Bros, and we’re the only country in the region that has landed a global contract for a product this complex.

“I see this as a first step towards turning CircuitMess into a Croatian LEGO for STEM toys and revolutionising STEM education. My goal is to create products that will show the average consumer that learning about electronics and coding doesn’t have to be boring or complicated.”

“CircuitMess is truly inspiring,” says Francois Simonetta, Vice President at Warner Bros Consumer Products EMEA Agents. “Turning toys into elaborate STEM kits that teach both electronics and coding is a great way to encourage kids to learn STEM by doing what is most natural to them: playing. We are excited that the CircuitMess Batmobile is their next and greatest STEM kit so far.”

CircuitMess has developed numerous educational products that encourage kids and adults to create rather than just consume. This includes MAKERbuino, a DIY game console,  MAKERphone, a DIY mobile phone, and STEM Box, a STEM projects subscription. The company has delivered more than 50.000 devices to customers all around the globe since its launch in 2017.

“We love the kits that we’ve been able to create for the crowdfunding community and want to continue to offer products to them first,” says Alber. “With three successful Kickstarters that have raised more than $850k in total, we have been able to get proven interest and traction for our special kits and deliver exciting projects to people all over the world.”

The Batmobile kit is designed for anyone 7 and older and comes with complete instructions. The tasks include: learning how autonomous vehicles work, how to code a microcomputer, how computers track objects, and developing your own computer vision algorithm.

The CircuitMess Batmobile Kickstarter is available for pre-order now and will have a starting price of US $99. For more details, visit the Kickstarter page or the CircuitMess website.

 

The Snowman and Fox’s Biscuits come together for Christmas

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Penguin Ventures (part of Penguin Random House Children’s) has partnered with Fox’s Biscuits to launch The Snowman Biscuit Selection tin in time for Christmas this year.

The Snowman Biscuit Selection tin brings together two iconic British brands that are synonymous with the festive season:  Fox’s and The Snowman, Raymond Briggs’ timeless picture book and a much-loved animated film.

The tin features an iconic illustration from The Snowman and provides a perfect gifting opportunity as families get back together for Christmas gatherings this year.

“We’re delighted to have Fox’s on board as an official Snowman licensee,” says Anna Metcalfe, Hardlines category manager for Penguin Ventures. “The Snowman and Fox’s Biscuits are both an intrinsic part of the British Christmas, and The Snowman Biscuit Selection tin will add some extra magic to families as they enjoy watching the film or reading the book this Christmas.”

Containing some of Fox’s best-loved biscuits, including a Chocolately Fudge Sundae in a specially designed Snowman foil wrapper, the festive biscuit selection offers families a new and delicious way to enjoy The Snowman this Christmas.

 

 

Spin Master champions new League of Legends Collection

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Leading global children’s entertainment company Spin Master has launched the first of its collection as the global master toy licensee for Riot Games’ League of Legends, the most-played PC game in the world.

A mainstay in the multiplayer online battle arena, League of Legends is a team-based strategy game in which two teams of five powerful champions face off to conquer the other’s base. Players choose from over 150 champions to make epic plays and take down towers as they battle their way to victory.

“We are honoured to debut the first of our League of Legends collection, delivering to fans their favourite champions in action figure form and bringing the excitement of the renowned game to the toy aisle,” says Chris Beardall, Spin Master’s President of Toys and Chief Commercial Officer. “Our assortment of core and collector figures deliver innovation, meticulous attention to detail and enhanced collectability for the massive international League of Legends fan base both on and offline – and this is just the beginning.”

“Our mission is to make it better to be a player,” says Ashley Maidy, Head of Global Consumer Products at Riot Games. “This involves extending the joy of our League of Legends IP into the real world through a variety of products including toys and collectibles. We are excited for players to see more of the Spin Master collection in the coming months.”

The Fall 2021 League of Legends Collection includes 6” Collector Figures, 4” Core Figures 5-pack, and 4” Core Figures. To mark the launch, Spin Master teamed up with two renowned toy photographers, Mitchel Wu and Jax Navarro, to create dynamic imagery to honour the champions and highlight the authenticity of the figures.

Spin Master is best known for award-winning brands PAW Patrol, Bakugan, Kinetic Sand, Air Hogs, Hatchimals, Rubik’s Cube and GUND, and is the toy licensee for other popular properties. Spin Master Entertainment creates and produces compelling multiplatform content, stories and endearing characters through its in-house studio and partnerships with outside creators, including the preschool success PAW Patrol and nine other original shows along with multiple short-form series, which are distributed in more than 190 countries. The Company has an established digital games presence anchored by the Toca Boca and Sago Mini brands. With close to 2,000 employees in 28 offices globally, Spin Master distributes products in more than 100 countries.

Founded in 2006 by Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill, Riot Games is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. In 2009, Riot released its debut title, League of Legends, to worldwide acclaim. League has gone on to be the most-played PC game in the world and a key driver of the explosive growth of esports. Riot continues to evolve the game while delivering new experiences to players with Teamfight Tactics, Legends of Runeterra, VALORANT, League of Legends: Wild Rift, and multiple work-in-progress titles, while exploring the world of Runeterra through multimedia projects across music, comic books, TV, and more.

 

 

Touchland teams up with Disney for pop art inspired collaboration

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Cult favourite hand sanitiser brand Touchland has partnered with Disney for a Mickey Mouse-themed four-piece limited edition collection.

The whimsical new range features four of Touchland’s Power Mist Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer scents – Aloe You, Pure Lavender, Citrus Grove and Unscented – with each Power Mist featuring a custom-designed Mickey Mouse wallpaper sticker that appears through the bottle. The quad comes in a customised gift box that features a multi-coloured pop art carton with centre sliding panels,

“We’ve married pop art with pop culture for a truly magical collection,” says Andrea Lisbona, founder and CEO of Touchland. “Our team thoughtfully designed each bottle and outer package, making it the perfect gift or collectible for Disney lovers. Our goal was to create a colourful, museum-worthy work of art!”

The limited-edition collection features Touchland’s award-winning Power Mist Moisturizing Hand Sanitizers, which are created with a pulveriser spray system that ensures the fast-evaporating formula is evenly distributed across your hands without leaving sticky residue. The fan favourite sanitiser also contains nourishing ingredients such as aloe vera and essential oils to keep hands soft, smooth and moisturised.

 “We are beyond thrilled that Touchland’s first collab is with Mickey Mouse, a globally recognized icon, and we are so grateful to the team at Disney for helping to bring this masterpiece to life,” says Lisbona.

Touchland has been making waves throughout the beauty industry since 2018, quickly rising in popularity through their social media following and celebrity fan base, and the brand and its products regularly go viral on Instagram and TikTok. All Touchland products are vegan and cruelty free, as well as free of triclosan, parabens and other harmful ingredients.

The Disney Power Mist collection is available now at Touchland.com, and online and in-store at Neiman Marcus, priced at $45 USD.

Bulldog signs up MoYou and The Hut Group to create new Care Bears products

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Bulldog, which manages the Care Bears licensing programme in the UK, has brought on board two new licensees to create offerings based on the loveable, huggable bears.

MoYou will be creating a collection of Care Bears-inspired nail products, including children’s and adult nail art stencil plates, a nail art scraper, a nail art stamper, and nail polish. Meanwhile, The Hut Group has signed on to design a wide range of products inspired by Funshine Bear, Bedtime Bear, Love-a-Lot Bear, and their friends. The offering will span apparel, homewares, accessories, electronics, collectibles, and furniture with collections already available on the likes of www.zavvi.co.uk

“The strong values at the heart of the Care Bears, inclusive of sharing, caring, and kindness, are what ensures the brand remains relevant throughout generations of children and adults,” says Sophie Yates, Licensing Executive at Bulldog Licensing. “The two new partners will expand the product offering for the many fans with a number of brand-new designs. We look forward to seeing the upcoming collections on shelf very soon.”

Care Bears – as well as a stable of other iconic entertainment brands including Holly Hobbie, Madballs and Twisted Whiskers – is owned by Cloudco Entertainment, formerly American Greetings Entertainment.

 

 

Yahoo Ryot Lab, Charli Cohen and Selfridges create virtual 3D experience for limited edition Charli Cohen x Pokémon collection

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To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Pokémon, Yahoo Ryot Lab – Yahoo’s immersive storytelling production house – has partnered with Selfridges and London-based fashion designer Charli Cohen to launch Electric/City, an innovative “cyberpunk” online shopping experience. The collaboration gives fans exclusive access to browse and buy limited-edition garments from the Charli Cohen x Pokémon range, as well as an exclusive Charli Cohen digital-only range.

The digital environment enables fans to discover the Charli Cohen collections through an immersive, 360-degree video experience, where shoppers can explore within a “cyberpunk” take on fashion capitals around the world, decorated with neon signs inspired by and celebrating the iconic Pokémon character, Pikachu. Hotspots within the virtual world will enable fans to buy items from the Pokémon physical collection to be delivered to their home.

Working in collaboration with Charli Cohen, as well as partners BlockV, Wolf 3D and Aircards, Yahoo Ryot Lab has created an additional bespoke digital Charli Cohen collection, separate from the Pokémon collection, for fans to purchase exclusively in the 3D, immersive virtual store that can be accessed in browsers across mobile and desktop at ElectricCity.co. Digital Charli Cohen garments purchased in Electric/City will be redeemed into an account-secured web-based digital wallet, provided by BlockV, that will enable them to be on show for new owners across different digital platforms.

The Charli Cohen x Pokémon physical collection unlocks:

  • Snapchat: Fans can celebrate the 25th anniversary using an exclusive snap lens attached to every garment

The Charli Cohen digital garments unlock:

  • ReadyPlayerMe: Fans can create their own avatars with Charli Cohengarments to view in AR and share socially, as well as being able to use the wider Charli Cohen collection for their virtual avatars across 500+ other virtual platforms, including VRChat, Somnium Space and Mozilla Hubs.
  • Snapchat: Fans can alsodigitally wear a Charli Cohen outfit with an AR body tracking Snapchat lens.

“We are focused on helping creators and brands bring their immersive experiences to life across the metaverse,” says Sam Field, Director of Creative Technology, EMEA at Yahoo. “Over the last 18 months, we’ve seen huge consumer demand for immersive experiences. For Electric/City, we’ve built what we call a Brandiverse: a hybrid of emerging technologies that create immersive brand experiences at scale. This project combines 3D virtual environments, 4K video streaming, 3D design software for digital clothing, motion capture, blockchain-enabled digital collectibles, augmented reality and more. As an industry rooted in innovation, our Brandiverse is a natural fit for fashion brands – embracing the power of immersive storytelling to allow people to explore their identity through fashion in new ways and throughout their physical and digital lives. The combination of The Pokémon Company International, Charli Cohen’s focus on tech-inspired fashion, and a retail powerhouse like Selfridges makes for an incredibly exciting collaboration.”

 

 

 

 

JAKKS Pacific launches new toy line for Disney’s ‘Encanto’

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Leading toy and consumer products manufacturer JAKKS Pacific has announced the launch of its new line of toys developed for the upcoming theatrical release of Disney’s Encanto, which is set to hit movie theatres worldwide on 24 November.

A heartwarming story of a young Colombian girl faced with being the only member of her family without magical powers, Encanto is set in a fictionalised Colombia and will feature eight original songs in Spanish and English by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

JAKKS is launching a global line of products that celebrate the entire family ensemble, key moments, music and room environments, allowing kids to play out their favourite parts of the film with their favourite characters.

The line coming to retail on 3 October features interactive playsets including the Magical Casa Madrigal, Singing Mirabel and Magic Butterfly doll, Sing and Play Mirabel doll, Mirabel and Isabela fashion doll assortment, Mirabel’s Musical Accordion, 7” key character plush assortment and character role play dresses. The product assortment plays original scores from the upcoming movie and includes interactive elements that bring the plot of the movie to life.

“We are beyond excited to launch our new toys for Encanto at retail this week,” says Lisa Tauber, SVP of Marketing at JAKKS Pacific, Inc. “We took great care to embody the authenticity and magic of the film when creating these products. From the singing Mirabel dolls to the Magical Casa Madrigal playset, JAKKS has developed a magical toy line with several surprises in store for the kids.”

JAKKS Pacific items for Encanto are designed for children ages 3 and up. Additional products will be featured in future waves coming next year.

Crayola to launch Bluey-themed merchandise in deal with BBC Studios

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BBC Studios has agreed to a multi-territory licensing deal with Crayola for stationery, arts, crafts and colouring packs, further expanding its global licensing portfolio for the multi-award-winning Bluey. Crayola joins a growing roster of top tier Bluey licensees including Moose Toys, Penguin Random House, VTech and Stor.

The first Crayola products to hit the shelves featuring Bluey – a six-year-old Blue Heeler Dog who loves to play – will be Giant Colouring Pages, which will be available at Walmart in the US in time for the holiday season.

In addition to the US, the licensing deal covers Canada, Australia and New Zealand as well as the UK, where the range will be available in January 2022.

Bluey has won the hearts of kids and parents around the world since it first launched in Australia in October 2018 and has become a global hit. In the UK, it was the most viewed show on CBeebies in August, while in the US, across Disney Junior and Disney Channel in Q2 2021, the show was the number-one most watched TV series among kids aged 2-5. Bluey has also won multiple awards, including the International Emmy Kids Award in the prestigious Preschool Category in 2020, and four Kidscreen Awards in February this year.

For Warren Schorr, Vice President, Business Development and Global Licensing, Crayola, the partnership is an ideal way to showcase the company’s mission of inspiring artistic creativity in children – which they have done for more than 100 years. “We know that parents value creative and imaginative play, which we can enable and enhance by offering the best products with the best partners,” he says.

Suzy Raia, Senior Vice President, Consumer Products and Business Development, BBC Studios – Americas, adds: “This is a pivotal moment for our beloved preschool brand Bluey as we bring iconic brands like Crayola to an expanding portfolio of licensees that broaden the world of Bluey at retail. Crayola is a natural fit and extension of Bluey’s brand, promoting creativity and imaginative play for preschool children.  I know children and their parents will be delighted to see these brands come together.

Bluey is produced by multi-Emmy® award-winning Ludo Studio for ABC Kids Australia, co-commissioned by ABC Children’s and BBC Studios, and distributed internationally by BBC Studios outside of Australia.

 

Toys R Us is planning a major return to the US in Macy’s shop in shop partnership

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Toys R Us is preparing for its latest reincarnation, this time through a major new partnership to launch shop within shop concessions in more than 400 Macy’s stores across the United States.

Revealed earlier this week, Macy’s Inc has teamed up with WHP Global to bring the Macy’s and Toys R Us brands together, delivering an expansive assortment of toys and games both online via macys.com/toysrus as well as in Macy’s more than 400 stores across America.

The shop within shop Toys R Us concept will roll out nationwide in 2022.

“As a Toys”R”Us kid, I could not be more excited to bring this beloved brand that so many of our customers know and love into Macy’s online and to our stores across America,” said Nata Dvir, Macy’s chief merchandising officer.

“Our toy business grew exponentially in the past year, with many families looking to inspire their children’s imagination and create meaningful moments together. Toys”R”Us is a globally recognized leader in children’s toys and our partnership allows Macy’s to significantly expand our footprint in that category, while creating more occasions for customers to shop with us across their lifestyles.”

The Toys”R”Us experience at macys.com/toysrus lets shoppers search for products by age, toy type, character and brand. From perennial favorite toy cars and dolls to STEM-inspired products for creative learners, Macy’s expanded assortment of the most popular items, including products that highlight inclusivity, discovery and learning, will offer something for every parent and child.

Powered by Macy’s, ToysRUs.com will look to serve as the dedicated authority for all things toys and play, with immersive content that aims to connect consumers to the toy offering at macys.com.

Within Toys“R”Us shop-in-shops rolling out to more than 400 Macy’s stores nationwide in 2022, customers will be welcomed by Geoffrey the Giraffe before discovering and playing across dedicated sections by age, interest and category, with interactive experiences, activation centers and iconic elements throughout.

Yehuda Shmidman, chairman and CEO of WHP Global and Toys“R”Us, commented: “Our partnership with Macy’s marks the greatly anticipated return of Toys”R”Us in the USA, and changes the retail landscape by combining two beloved retail brands together for consumers across the nation in a completely innovative way. We’re thrilled to be launching this new partnership together with Macy’s.”

Founded by Charles Lazarus, Toys”R”Us became one of the world’s best loved toy stores and a globally recognised household name in the toy category. Today, Toys”R”Us has a vibrant business that generates more than $2 billion in global retail sales annually through nearly 900 branded global stores outside the US and e-commerce businesses in more than 25 countries.

Warner Bros.’ Batman vs Superman tops the John Lewis ten toys for Christmas list

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The Warner Bros. and DC Comics icon, Batman has swooped in on the first of the major retailers’ top Christmas toy predictions this year, having secured top billing within John Lewis’s Top Ten Toys for Christmas 2021.

It’s Warner Bros Consumer Products’ partnership with the leading hobby brand, Hornby’s own Scalextric that is tipped to excite Christmas shoppers this season, featuring not once but twice upon a list that otherwise sees licenses somewhat thin on the ground this year.

The Scalextric Batman vs Superman (exclusive to John Lewis) sits atop the list, followed by the retailer’s non-exclusive version. A read through the top ten, however, and it’s a sparse presence that the licensing department holds with the retailer’s selection this year.

A £59.99 Harry Potter Games Compendium features above the Tonies Soft Cuddly Friends – Hoppie Rabbit Audio Play line this year, while the seven items selected among this year’s top ten lean towards the traditional toy and play-sets trend, tipped to be a core element within the Christmas toy shopping scene this year by the retailer.

LEGO makes its appearance in the form of its LEGO Elf Clubhouse, while sustainability finds itself at the forefront as John Lewis places its FSC Wooden My 1st Train Set and FSC Wooden Waitrose Supermarket firmly within the top ten picks.

Elsewhere, Ravensburger secures two listing with its Space Puzzle and Gravitrax Pro Starter Extrme (another John Lewis exclusive), while the rundown is made complete by the Secret Garden Book and the Kaloo My First Doll.

Rachael Larkman, toy buyer at John Lewis, said: “This year we’ve seen a huge surge in the popularity of traditional toys and games that can be enjoyed by the whole family. We predict this trend will continue for Christmas 2021.

“The selection chosen by our panel includes toys suitable for all ages – a great variety that will guarantee excitement on Christmas day.”