Tag Archives: jazwares

From the US | Jazwares unveils its Dino Ranch toy, plush, playset and vehicle line-up

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Jazwares has finally unveiled its highly anticipated Dino Ranch toy line, expanding on the dinosaur themed world of play from the popular animated series which has become the number one preschool show on US cable since it launched in January.

Items in the new range from Jazwares will be making their debut at online retailers such as Walmart.com, Target.com, and Amazon this autumn, with additional in-store listings with key retailers across the UK, including Kohls.

The new product range spans plush, assorted figures, feature vehicles, and play-sets, all based on the character, settings and story lines found within the hit CG animated series. Dino Ranch is produced by Industrial Brothers and Boat Rocker Studios and made its US debut in January this year on Disney Junior.

The series follows the Cassidy family as they tackle life in a fantastical “pre-westoric” setting where dinosaurs roam. The working farm is the ultimate playground for the tight-knit family: Ma (Jane), Pa (Bo) and their three adopted kids, Jon, Min and Miguel. Together they are in charge of rounding up, riding and caring for a lively herd of racing, roaring dinosaurs who are also their best friends.

“We’re thrilled to bring the world of Dino Ranch to preschoolers, and the entire team at Jazwares is ready to join the roundup of the ultimate prehistoric meets Wild West toy line,” said Laura Zebersky, president of Jazwares.

“Loveable, colorful, and full of surprises, this new line will transform playtime into a dino-driven world of adventure.”

Kate Schlomann, EVP brand management and content marketing, Boat Rocker Studios said: “We are delighted to see Jazwares innovative toy line finally launch. Jazwares is the perfect partner for Dino Ranch, and have transformed the onscreen characters into a fantastic product range with great play value, allowing kids to build out their very own Dino Ranch world.

“We’ve had lots of requests for toys on our social channels and cannot wait to see how fans react to them.”

The new Dino Ranch product line includes:

  • Dino-Mites Assortment ($3.99 MSRP): Create the ultimate playground with the Dino Ranch Dino-Mite egg blind figures, featuring 12 mighty mini dinosaur toys to collect.
  • Dino Ranchers 2-Pack Assortment ($8.99 MSRP): Bring home the adventure with the Dino Ranch 2-Pack featuring one Dino Rancher (Jon, Min or Miguel), plus their dino sidekick!
  • Dino Ranch 6 Figure Pack ($24.99 MSRP): The Dino Ranch 6 Figure Pack features all three Dino Ranchers along with their respective dino companions!
  • Dino Action Pack Assortment ($12.99 MSRP): Build out your own Dino Ranch with the Dino Ranch Action Pack Assortment, featuring an adorable 5-inch Dino Ranch facade, four 4-inch articulated dino figures, and four connectable fence pieces.
  • Deluxe Dino Pack ($14.99 MSRP): Saddle up and join Biscuit, the T-Rex and Angus, the triceratops at the Dino Ranch! The 5-inch feature dinos are the biggest ones at the Dino Ranch, the ranch and dinosaur sanctuary where Jon, Min, and Miguel live with Ma (Jane) and Pa (Bo!)!
  • Feature Vehicle Assortment ($12.99 MSRP): Ride along with Jon, Min, & Miguel with the Dino Ranch Feature Vehicle Assortment. Each 5” Dino vehicle has a unique feature and includes their Dino Rancher Figure sidekick!
  • Hatchery Playset ($19.99 MSRP): The Dino Ranch Hatchery Adventure Set is the perfect way to expand the Dino Ranch! It includes a light up Dino Egg Incubator, an Exclusive Mini figure, two Dino-Mites, plus six accessories.
  • Clubhouse Playset ($39.99 MSRP): Welcome to the Dino Ranch Clubhouse, the Dino Ranchers’ hangout spot! This large playset is modular and comes with 9 built-in features, as well as one dino rancher figure, two small dinosaurs, and one free wheel vehicle.
  • Plush Assortment ($6.99 MSRP): The Dino Ranch Little Plush Assortment features one of three soft and cuddly dinos. They look like they jumped right out of the show! Get to know Blitz, the lightning-fast velociraptor, Clover, the gentle brontosaurus, and Tango, the mighty triceratops.

Moonbug and Jazwares launch Squishmallows-inspired animated YouTube series Squishville

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Jazwares and its Kellytoy subsidiary are expanding the world of Squishmallows with the launch of a new animated YouTube series Squishville, developed in partnership with Moonbug Entertainment.

The original content, produced by the award-winning global entertainment company behind CoComelon, will kick off with the launch of its first episode on June 26th, with new episodes released every Saturday through to October this year.

This new development for the franchise follows hot on the heels of the retail debut of Squishville, a line of Squishmallows-inspired collectable plush and soft fabric play-sets and accessories. The range arrived in stores earlier this year.

Since launching in 2017, more than 86 million Squishmallows have been sold with the brand expecting to reach its 100 million milestone in the next couple of months. The debut of Squishville comes at a time when the popularity of Squishmallows is at an all-time high, having exploded into a TikTok toy sensation with more than 2.8 billion organic video views.

Squishville will follow the adventures of characters Fifi, Lola, Cam, and Winston as they take on Squishville with a few of their friends like Jeanna, Sharie, Leonard, and Hans.

“The launch of Squishville speaks volumes to the growth in popularity Squishmallows has had  over the last year,” said Laura Zebersky, president of Jazwares. “With original animated content, fans can now engage with the Squishmallows Squad and experience their adorable, colorful personalities like never before.”

Jazwares takes first steps into pet toy market with Wham-O licensed toys for our furry friends

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The global player in toys and licensing, Jazwares, is making new tracks in the pets market through a partnership with Anjar & Becker Associates that will see the firm launch a range of Wham-O licensed toys for our furriest of friends.

Scheduled to launch online and at brick and mortar retailers across the US next autumn, the new line will mark Jazwares’ first entry into the Pet Toy category, as the Wham-O products join upcoming pet costumes in building out the company’s pet product offerings.

Wham-O has produced some of the most recognisable and classic American toys like Frisbee, Superball, Hula Hoop, Slip ‘N Slide, Hacky Sack, and Boogie Board for nearly 75 years. Together with Jazwares, it is now bringing its roster of brands to a playful and durable range of pet toys.

The collection will include both traditional toys like balls, discs, tug toys, and plush, as well as new innovations in the pet space.

“Wham-O toys has been at the center of active play for families across America for decades and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to help extend its iconic brands to new products for our four-legged friends,” said Michael Rinzler, executive VP/partner, Jazwares.

“As we continue to grow Jazwares offerings beyond our core toy and collectibles business, we look forward to bringing our innovative, quality approach to consumer products into the pet category.”

Jonathan Becker, president of Anjar Co, added: “We’re excited to partner with Jazwares to extend the iconic Wham-O brands into the Pet Toy category. Jazwares has a reputation of bringing creativity, innovation and quality toys to all their brands, and I’m confident that’s what they’ll do for the Wham-O brands for pet toys. This opportunity will benefit pets and their owners everywhere and encourage active play all day.”

Todd Richards, president of Wham-O, said: “Wham-O has long been associated with active play and carrying our brand over to the pet world seems like a natural extension of our brands’ image. Thanks to Anjar and Becker Associates, we at Wham-O are thrilled about this exciting partnership with Jazwares.”

This news continues Jazwares’ expansion into new product categories and follows on the heels of Jazwares’ recent announcement about its forthcoming entry into the costume segment.

Jazwares moves into North American costumes sector with major Marvel partnership

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Jazwares has entered into a multi-year partnership with Marvel to produce a new line of costumes and costume accessories, marking the company’s expansion into the costumes sector.

The range is scheduled to hit retailers across North America in 2022 and will include an assortment of officially licensed costumes, costume accessories, and pet costumes from across the Marvel Universe films, TV series, and comic books.

Jazwares will be adding additional licenses to its new costumes segment in the coming months.

With Jazwares’ Marvel costume line, fans of all ages can transform into their favorite Super Heroes including characters from classic Marvel properties, Marvel’s TV and film roster, Deadpool, Spider-Man, X-Men and more.

“Marvel has been a defining force in the entertainment and comic landscape for decades, and we are ready to take play to a whole new level by helping fans transform into their favorite signature Super Hero looks that are perfect for Halloween, Cosplay, or everyday fun,” said Judd Zebersky, CEO, Jazwares.

“We are thrilled to be expanding our business, and ready to bring Jazwares’ iconic innovation, value and quality to the costume category.”

The Marvel costumes collection joins Jazwares’ impressive portfolio of iconic pop culture brands including Pokémon, Fortnite, Halo, All Elite Wrestling, Roblox, and collectibles brands Domez and Zōteki.

Jazwares moves into North American costumes sector with major Marvel partnership

Posted on by

Jazwares has entered into a multi-year partnership with Marvel to produce a new line of costumes and costume accessories, marking the company’s expansion into the costumes sector.

The range is scheduled to hit retailers across North America in 2022 and will include an assortment of officially licensed costumes, costume accessories, and pet costumes from across the Marvel Universe films, TV series, and comic books.

Jazwares will be adding additional licenses to its new costumes segment in the coming months.

With Jazwares’ Marvel costume line, fans of all ages can transform into their favorite Super Heroes including characters from classic Marvel properties, Marvel’s TV and film roster, Deadpool, Spider-Man, X-Men and more.

“Marvel has been a defining force in the entertainment and comic landscape for decades, and we are ready to take play to a whole new level by helping fans transform into their favorite signature Super Hero looks that are perfect for Halloween, Cosplay, or everyday fun,” said Judd Zebersky, CEO, Jazwares.

“We are thrilled to be expanding our business, and ready to bring Jazwares’ iconic innovation, value and quality to the costume category.”

The Marvel costumes collection joins Jazwares’ impressive portfolio of iconic pop culture brands including Pokémon, Fortnite, Halo, All Elite Wrestling, Roblox, and collectibles brands Domez and Zōteki.

Jazwares extends Epic Games partnership for Fortnite toys and collectables through to 2025

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Jazwares has signed a new licensing partnership with Epic Games, extending the toy company’s current Fortnite deal through to 2025 and expanding upon its range of toys and collectables.

The deal, brokered by licensing agency IMG, will start from January 2022 and will see Jazwares become the exclusive toy partner for Fortnite four-inches and under action figures and their compatible play-sets, vehicles, accessories and more.

Jazwares will also continue to produce new R/C vehicles, all of which will be compatible with its full four-inch action figure line, and plush in varying sizes. Also in 2022, fans can expect a new lineup of highly detailed two-inch action figures with multiple points of articulation and accompanying play-sets, vehicles and accessories to build out their world of Fortnite in miniature scale.

The multi-year deal extends Epic Games and Jazwares’ successful three-year partnership.

Since 2018, Jazwares and Epic Games have worked together to bring the Fortnite universe into the real world for fans in over 50 countries, launching more than 350 toys and collectibles at retail that allow fans to interact with their favorite characters and experiences from the game in a brand new way.

“These toys and collectables have opened up the action-packed world of Fortnite, adding a whole new level of detail that fans can connect to like never before,” said Laura Zebersky, president, Jazwares.

“Through the continually evolving four-inch action figure universe and now the new two-inch range, we are expanding collectability to help fans build out the world of Fortnite. We are thrilled to be bringing these new, detailed micro scales to life for the first time, and look forward to working closely with Epic Games to continue growing fans’ Fortnite collections.”

In addition to the new items being released in 2022, Jazwares has unveiled new action figures, R/C vehicles and more, set to rollout at retail through 2021.

The Pokémon Company celebrates ‘significant increase in sales’ of TCG and Jazwares toy line

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The Pokémon Company is celebrating a ‘significant increase in sales’ of its Pokémon Trading Card Game and extensive toy range from Jazwares across the European markets, despite all of the challenges that retail has faced at the hands of the Coronavirus.

According to figures recorded by the NPD Group Toys retail tracking service, sales figures increased in the UK, France, Germany, and Benelux during 2020 for the Pokémon TCG and toys from Jazwares. Year-on-year sales for Pokémon continue to outperform the market trend—a regular achievement for the brand in recent years.

Pokémon was the number one NPD toy property in France up to week 49 in 2020, finishing the year in third place overall with a total growth of seven per cent.

Remaining the number one Strategic Trading Card property in Europe, according to NPD, Pokémon sales continued to rise in key territories with YOY growth of 15 per cent in the United Kingdom, six per cent in France, and 28 per cent in Benelux.

According to TPCi’s own EPOS tracking service, which began in Germany four years ago, 2020 registered the best like-for-like retailer sales since tracking began, and Q4 was up a staggering 319 per cent against the same period in 2018.

Meanwhile, Jazwares launched an extended range of new products for 2020 which proved popular among kids and fans, and resulted in a 36 per cent uplift in sales across Europe. Its Advent calendar sold out well before the start of December, and the Pokémon Carry Case Playset sold out in the UK.

Also new for 2020 was the launch of  Pokémon TCG Battle Academy, the first board game adaptation of the TCG, combining strategic Pokémon TCG gameplay within a classic family game experience.

Battle Academy won the Best Game category in the 2021 US Toy of the Year Awards.

Mathieu Galante, licensing director EMEA for The Pokémon Company International, said: “In what has been an extremely challenging year for retail, we are delighted that Pokémon has performed so strongly and helped to provide a welcome diversion and entertainment.

“Appetite continues to grow for our innovative range of best-in-class products, reflecting Pokémon’s widespread appeal and innovation which keeps it fresh, relevant and in-demand. 2021 is our 25th anniversary, and we have a whole host of exciting celebratory plans in place for this landmark year.”

Simon Benton, VP Pokémon TCG Sales Europe, added: “Pokémon TCG sales were beyond expectations in 2020, with four significant markets enjoying their best-ever years. Our hugely popular Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield Series expansions maintained a high profile throughout the year. The launch of the Battle Academy board game brought an added new dimension to Pokémon’s TCG appeal.

“2021 is off to a fast start despite European retail lockdowns, with January EPOS sales figures higher than any we’ve seen before. The recently launched and highly anticipated Shining Fates expansion, featuring 100 all-important Shiny cards, is set to be another big hit; we’ve already had to instigate reprints to keep up with the huge demand at preorder.

“It’s a great start to what’s set to be an exciting year of special promotions and activity to celebrate Pokémon’s 25th anniversary.”

Pokémon was first launched in Japan in 1996 as a role-playing game for Nintendo’s Game Boy system and reached the United States and Europe in 1998-99. It has since grown into one of the most popular entertainment properties in the world, encompassing video games, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, mobile games and apps, animation and movies, Play! Pokémon competitive events, and licensed products.

It is one of the most successful video game franchises of all time with more than 368 million video games sold worldwide. In addition, more than 22 billion TCG cards have been shipped to 77 countries in 13 languages, while the mobile game sensation Pokémon GO has received more than one billion downloads globally since launch in 2016.

More than 1,000 episodes of the animated TV series span 23 seasons, licensed for broadcast in 176 countries and regions in more than 30 languages.

Jazwares extends its UFC partnership to bring Conor McGregor and Jorge Masvidal into the ring

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The global toy company, Jazwares, has extended its partnership with the world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation, UFC, to launch a new range of collectable figures courtesy of Ringside Collectibles.

Under the latest deal, popular UFC fighters Conor McGregor, Jorge Masvidal, Amanda Nunes, Francise Ngannou, Israel Adesanya, and Urijah Faber now join the line-up.

The UFC Ultimate Series limited-edition figures by Jazwares have been billed as ‘the most detailed, realistic, and sophisticated representations of UFC athletes’, allowing fans and collectors to re-create the thrill of fight night with the UFC articulated fighter figures.

Each fighter features character-authentic details including tattoo-like-details, weight class body types, and realistic facial expressions. The 6.5-inch UFC collectibles come with two sets of removable hands and two removable heads. They also come with a fighter-specific flag, UFC champion belt, or other unique fighter accessories.

This new collection comes after the first launch featuring current and former UFC champions including UFC lightweight champion Khabib “The Eagle” Nurmagomedov, UFC light heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones, former light heavyweight and heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier, former featherweight champion Max Holloway and UFC lightweight Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone.

Pokémon celebrates 25 years with toy collabs, new content, and a music programme led by Katy Perry

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The Pokémon Company International is celebrating its milestone 25th anniversary with a wide-ranging raft of new partnerships, product roll-outs, and activations that includes special anniversary merchandise from licensees such as Jazwares, Mattel, Funko, and The Wand Company.

New product from its portfolio of global partners will coincide with landmark partnerships and the franchise’s first venture into the music business that sees the firm team up with Universal Music Group to work with some of the biggest artists in the space to launch its project P25 Music.

Pop icon, Katy Perry, has been revealed as a premier collaborator on the new year-long music campaign that aims to celebrate the multi-media appeal that Pokémon has wielded since its launch in 1996.

The star-studded program will accompany fan-focused activations celebrating 25 years of Pokémon across the franchise’s portfolio of video games, mobile apps, animation, merchandise and more.

“Pokémon has been a constant in my life from playing the original video games on my Game Boy, to trading Pokémon Trading Card Game cards at lunch, to the adventures of catching Pokémon on the street with Pokémon GO,” said Katy Perry. “It is an honour to be chosen to help celebrate a franchise that has given me so much joy in the last 25 years, and to be able to watch it evolve in the ways it has provided that kind of electric joy for the kids in my life and around the world.”

Further details about Katy Perry’s participation, additional artist surprises, and more about the P25 Music programme will be announced throughout the year.

Meanwhile, and tapping into the concept of exploration of new worlds that has been at the heart of the Pokémon video game franchise since its launch in 1996, The Pokémon Company International is inviting fans to relive journey’s through the regions of the Pokémon world via a new website launch that will serve as the hub for all fan celebration activities as they are announced.

Building on its programme of collaborations for the year ahead, however, and The Pokémon Company International is partnering with the likes of Build-A-Bear Workshop, Levi’s, McDonald’s and more, while fans can expect special anniversary merchandise from partners including Jazwares, Scholastic, Mattel, Funko, Power A, and The Wand Company.

Additional partners and the means in which they will celebrate the milestone anniversary this year will be detailed throughout the year.

Of course, the celebrations wouldn’t be complete without fanfare for the cornerstone of the Pokémon brand, so The Pokémon Trading Card Game will be launching a special 25th anniversary-themed collection of Pokémon Trading Card Game cards later on in the year.

In the meantime, fans will be able to collect over-sized cards featuring Pikachu and first partner Pokémon from the various regions featured in the franchise.

According to The Pokémon Company International, the details revealed today ‘are a glimpse into what the world can expect from Pokémon in 2021.’ With 25th anniversary activations planned for Pokémon animation, video games, mobile games, and more, “fans have a year full of new journeys ahead.”

Toy and licensing powerhouse Jazwares makes top-level promotions and names Laura Zebersky new president

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The global toys and licensing powerhouse, Jazwares, has promoted Laura Zebersky to the position of president. The 15-year veteran of the toy industry most recently held the title of chief commercial officer, overseeing its global licensing, marketing, and sales efforts.

Judd Zebersky will remain as chief executive officer and the pair will continue to drive forward the success of the company together.

Laura Zebersky helped catapult Jazwares’ growth by driving global licensing, marketing, retail expansion and exponential sales. In 2017, she was a recipient of the prestigious Women In Toys Wonder Women Award, honouring top female executives, thought leaders, entrepreneurs and other change makers within the toy, licensing, and entertainment industries.

Judd Zebersky, CEO, Jazwares, said: “Laura is the most amazing business and life partner anyone could ask for. Her understanding of the toy industry and business savvy is unmatched. Partnering with Laura, now as president, the future success and possibilities for Jazwares are boundless.”

Jazwares has also announced the promotion of several management executives across the company.

Kelly Deen has been promoted to senior vice president of marketing and is credited for transforming the marketing and campaign strategy within the company. Deen joined Jazwares in 2019, bringing her experience and passion for the toy and entertainment category, and has led the team to drive tremendous results despite the challenges of the past year.

Previously, Deen led marketing and intelligence at tech startup, Magic Leap, and consumer marketing at Cartoon Network.

Additionally, Gerhard Runken has been promoted to senior vice president of brand for Jazwares’ boy brands and Kellytoy brands, including Squishmallows, Micro Machines, and Pokémon, among others.

Runken was previously the vice president of marketing and brand at Wicked Cool Toys prior to the acquisition in October 2019.

As Jazwares celebrates continued growth in Europe, Jonny Taylor has been promoted to senior vice president, Europe. Previously the managing director, UK and Nordics, Taylor established the UK office in 2012 and has managed the German office since February 2020.

In his new role, Taylor will continue to support development in these markets, while also focusing on growth in other key territories.