Tag Archives: toys

Character Group reports “very strong first half year performance” as turnover grows 44 per cent

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The Character Group has reported a “very strong performance” for the half-year ending February, 28 2021 with a turnover increase of 44 per cent to £74.5 million, and underlying pre-tax profit of £6.1m.

The toy firm has attributed the successful first half year trading to the strength of its portfolio of brands, with expectations for growth to continue through the second half of the financial year, and beyond Christmas 2021. The group has seen success in building sales growth momentum across both the international and domestic markets.

Goo Jit Zu is penetrating all major international markets, with distribution already achieved in more than 40 countries. The Character Group’s other major brands (Peppa Pig, Pokémon, Little Live Pets, Shimmer ‘n Sparkle InstaGlam, Stretch Armstrong, Fireman Sam, Scooby Doo) are also exceeding expectations.

In addition, there has been a focus on developing a sustainable, eco-friendly range of products over numerous brands with the new “World of Licensed Wood” range. This now includes a comprehensive selection of figures, vehicles and playsets. Licences within the range currently include Peppa Pig, Disney Princess and Fireman Sam.

There is also an Eco-Plush multi-licensed collection, which is being enthusiastically embraced by the industry and consumers alike.

Meanwhile, a partnership with Moonbug Entertainment has seen the creation of a master toy line for the new pre-school property, My Magic Pet Morphle – a range that will launch later this year.

The statement issued by The Group today ended with an outlook for the second-half of the financial year: “In the shorter term there are challenges, with the underlying delays at ports, shipping shortages and opportunistic pricing on freight rates (all principally fall-out resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic) and mounting pressure on the costs of production in China.

“However, with the substantial increase in Group sales in the first half, we have continued to see a strong performance from sales of our product portfolio in all our territories from the commencement of the second half of the year. This growth is forecast to continue through to and beyond Christmas 2021 and we are on target to deliver the best performance in a calendar year in the Group’s history.

“By working tirelessly and in close partnership with our customers, suppliers and brand owners, our personnel have delivered a seamless, efficient and safe transition from the old to the new “normal”.  Every one of our team members has played a significant role in this achievement and, on behalf of the Board and all the Group’s stakeholders, the Group wishes to express their gratitude to them.”

Adidas and LEGO build on creative partnership to introduce a new ZX 8000 ‘Bricks’ Collection

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Adidas and The LEGO Group have extended their partnership to launch a new ZX 8000 ‘Bricks’ collection of footwear, building on the pairing that previously introduced the landmark A-ZX series.

Bringing the globally renowned Danish toy brand’s signature aesthetics to one of Adidas’ most iconic styles, the collection marks the next stage in a partnership inspired by the two companies’ shared passion for creativity.

The footwear collection plays host to six sneakers, each made up in one of the primary LEGO colors: Red, Green, Yellow, Blue, Black, and Grey. Boasting a classic construction based on the original ZX 8000 material composition, each pair in the collaborative ‘Bricks’ offering features a mesh upper matched with synthetic suede overlays, a ghillie lacing system, and a TPU heel counter which playfully emulates the texture of LEGO bricks.

Accompanying the launch of the collection is a playful campaign which follows the journey of the ZX 8000 silhouette as it is constructed piece by piece by LEGO minifigure engineers.

The Adidas Originals and the LEGO Group ZX 8000 ‘Bricks’ collection arrives on May 7th and is available in adult and junior sizing through adidas.com/LEGO and select retailers.

Nintendo, Sonic, and Disney Princess help Jakks Pacific to “an excellent” Q1 2021

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An “excellent beginning” to 2021 has seen net sales at the international toy maker, Jakks Pacific increase 26 per cent for the first quarter of the year, to $83.8 million compared to the $66.6 million of the same period last year.

The results, the company has been quick to point out, mark the highest year over year first quarter sales growth since Q1 2015, with “significant improvement in sales, gross margin, adjusted net income, and adjusted EBITDA.”

The results, stated Jakks Pacific’s chairman and CEO, Stephen Berman, are reflective of the efforts that the company has made to “broaden its product line, reduce its operating costs, and cut interest expense.”

“During the quarter, we drove double-digit sales increases in all of our toy divisions: Boys, Girls and Seasonal. We saw strong sales of products tied to video games, including Nintendo, Sonic the Hedgehog and Apex: Legends, a near doubling of sales in Disney Princess, solid initial sales of Raya and the Last Dragon, and continued strength in Black & Decker,” said Berman.

“We also registered strong sales of our own brands such as Perfectly Cute and Redo Skateboards. These sales gains easily offset the expected sales decreases we saw in Frozen, Frozen 2, and Fly Wheels.

“We are especially pleased by our continued success in reducing our operating costs, as reflected by our strong increase in gross margin and lower SG&A costs. Looking toward the balance of the year, we expect to continue to benefit from lean retail inventories and lower operating costs.

“Our retail POS trends remain positive, and we have a well-balanced line of new and continuing products planned for the holiday season. As we have for our 27-year history, we will focus on proven play patterns and our partnerships with world-class license partners and highly recognizable brands.

“As 2021 unfolds, we expect to see a return to more normal patterns of shopping, gift-giving and celebrating Halloween. We believe we are set up very well for a year of increased sales, improved EBITDA and a strengthened financial position, which we expect to generate strong momentum and can position us well for 2022 and beyond.”

Net sales for the first quarter 2021 were $83.8 million, up 26 per cent versus $66.6 million last year. The increase was driven primarily by higher sales of products across the firm’s Toys/Consumer Products segment which were up 28 per cent globally.

Net sales of Disguise costumes were essentially flat compared to last year.

Jakks Pacific recently detailed an extension of its partnership with SEGA of America to expand on its already popular toy line based on the hit video game franchise, Sonic the Hedgehog. The firm also recently picked up the North America toy and dress-up rights to the upcoming PAW Patrol: The Movie, across both Jakks Pacific and its costume division, Disguise.

Spin Master is launching USA Skateboarding licensed Tech Decks as part of new sponsorship campaign

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Spin Master has underscored its ‘commitment to growing and celebrating the skateboarding culture’ on an international scale through its latest Tech Deck partnership, taking up official sponsorship of USA Skateboarding, the country’s national governing body for the sport.

The Tech Deck brand is recognised as a global leader in the fingerboard market, creating working replicas of skateboards that fans of the hobby ‘ride’ by mastering tricks and skills with their fingers. The brand has built a loyal following of skilled fingerboarders and collectors in the US.

Tech Deck has now joined forces with USA Skateboarding as the sport prepares to make its debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Games this summer. Tech Deck previously threw its weight behind the National Skateboard Championships here in the UK, where the sport has grown “substantial audience and participant numbers” since the on-set of the pandemic and the inclusion of the sport in the Olympics.

“Tech Deck and USA Skateboarding share a passion for and commitment to growing and celebrating the sport and culture of skateboarding,” said Chris Beardall, Spin Master’s president of toys and chief commercial officer.

“We are thrilled to be starting our sponsorship during such an exciting year as skateboarding debuts at the Olympics and reaches a whole new generation of fans.”

Josh Friedberg, CEO of USA Skateboarding, added: “The heart of skateboarding is fun, and no company embodies that better than Tech Deck. From the day we started our initial discussions, Tech Deck’s commitment to skateboarding culture and their natural fit into our existing initiatives made it clear that we had a great opportunity – we’re incredibly excited to have them as a partner in this historic year for skateboarding.”

Spin Master will be launching official USA Skateboarding Tech Deck fingerboards. With only 10,000 of these exclusive Tech Deck boards being made across three designs, the boards will be given to the USA Skateboarding Team to take to Tokyo in addition to limited quantities that will be available on the USA Skateboarding website and given away on Tech Deck social channels.

The Tech Deck brand will also be celebrating the inaugural year for the sport, activating on the ground in Kasama City, Japan where the US athletes will be stationed just prior to the games.

Later this year, the Tech Deck brand will also be a supporting partner of a skateboarding-focused STEAM curriculum for kids offered through Innoskate – a joint venture between the Smithsonian’s Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation and USA Skateboarding.

Mattel named global toy partner for new CG animated series Karma’s World

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Mattel has joined forces with 9 Story Media Group and Karma’s World Entertainment for a multi-year global licensing deal for the new CG animated series created by Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges, called Karma’s World.

The series is set to premiere on Netflix later this year, while Mattel will be rolling out a full line of toys for the franchise, spanning dolls and doll accessories, styling heads, role play, plush and more. The collection is expected to launch at retailers across the globe from autumn 2022.

“At Mattel, our purpose is to empower the next generation to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential and we take great pride in creating a portfolio of toys that reflects the world kids see around them,” said Nick Karamanos, senior vice president, entertainment partnerships, Mattel.

“We were inspired by Karma’s story, and message of self-empowerment, and look forward to introducing a line of toys that will bring her world to life for children across the globe.”

Kyra Halperin, co-VP consumer products, 9 Story, said: “We are thrilled to announce Mattel as our global toy partner for Karma’s World.

“We’ve been blown away by their passion for the brand and creativity in translating it to a range of must-have toys for fans of the series. With Mattel’s global reach for this age demographic and expertise in the doll space, we know they will develop an unrivaled program that will be loved by kids around the world.”

Bridges, added: “Karma’s World is an important legacy that I want to leave for my daughters. The world needs more positive portrayals of Black girls in pop culture. Mattel has really gotten behind Karma’s messages of empowerment, self-expression and using your voice to change the world, and I’m so excited for the impressive line they are developing to be available to kids everywhere.”

Created by multi-award-winning American rapper, actor, producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges (Fast and Furious Franchise, Fear Factor, Crash), Karma’s World was originally inspired by Chris’ oldest daughter.

The series follows 10-year-old Karma Grant, an aspiring musical artist and rapper with big talent and an even bigger heart. Every episode is infused with hip-hop music, streetwear fashion and original choreography. The series focuses on themes of self-expression, identity, leadership, creativity and the importance of community.

Geared for children aged six to nine, Karma’s World is a coming of age story about a young Black girl finding her voice and using it to change her world.

The deal was brokered by 9 Story’s dedicated brand management and consumer products division, 9 Story Brands.

Kids audio platform Yoto partners with Ameet and LEGO for Duplo story cards

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Yoto, the audio platform for kids and firm behind the critically acclaimed and award-winning Yoto Player, has detailed a new  partnership with AMEET Publishing and LEGO Duplo.

Under the deal, AMEET will co-create a series of six new audio card packs to complement its well-established LEGO Duplo range. The new series will launch this June.

The new LEGO Duplo series of Yoto Cards will allow early learners to enjoy themes ranging from animals shapes, to mindfulness, using the colourful DUPLO bricks alongside the cards to heighten their imaginative play and motor skill development.

The Yoto Player is a screen-free, camera- and microphone-free connected speaker designed specifically for the use of children from three to twelve years old to safely control their listening by entertaining and educating them while reducing screen-time.

Ben Drury, CEO and co-founder of Yoto, said: “Allowing children to increase their creativity and imagination through play and storytelling is incredibly important for us at Yoto and so working with a like-minded company with the same core values as AMEET and the LEGO Group was a no brainer for us. This partnership is hugely exciting for us with lots more to come so watch this space.”

Dan Shepherd, international sales and marketing director from AMEET, added: “The Yoto cards will bring DUPLO stories, learning, and play to modern families through immersive audio experiences that encourage creativity and storytelling whilst promoting active, physical play. We are proud to partner with an innovative children’s platform like Yoto.”

The co-created audio cards will be available from June 2021.

Publisher World Book eyes toys, games, puzzles and more with JRL Group

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The Chicago-based international book publisher, World Book, is looking is making its move into the toys, games, puzzles, and science kits space with the appointment of the brand licensing agency, JRL Group.

Under the partnership, JRL Group will develop a strategic licensing programme that leverages the global recognition of World Book brand’s core values of delivering education in engaging, informative, and inspirational ways.

Recognised as a leader in reference and education publishing for over 100 years, World Book offers up to date and authoritative information on topics from STEM subjects to historical and current events. The publisher delivers its content to customers worldwide through various media, including online, audio, mobile, eBooks, and print.

“The World Book licensing program will use our trusted and recognized brand to introduce exciting new products that are kid-tested and parent-approved. We look forward to working with JRL Group to establish World Book as a premier licensed brand,” said Geoff Broderick, World Book President.

Initial product categories include Toys, Games, Puzzles, Science Kits, Telescopes, Globes, School Supplies, Publishing, Interactive Learning Aids, Educational Audio and Video products, and more.

“World Book is a name that is synonymous with learning and education. We are honored to have been selected to represent such an iconic brand,” stated Andrew Lieb, president of JRL Group.

“World Book’s world-renowned name, coupled with its extensive library of articles, illustrations, and content, make this licensing program a truly unique opportunity. World Book is positioned to provide supplemental learning products that reach beyond the classroom in fun yet challenging ways.”

Record quarter for Mattel as CEO Ynon Kreiz cites “exceptional results reflective of firm’s turnaround”

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Mattel has seen first quarter net sales up by 47 per cent year on year in what the toy maker’s chairman and CEO, Ynon Kreiz has called ‘another record quarter for the company’ with “exceptional results” reflective of the firm’s turnaround.

This marks Mattel’s third consecutive quarter of growing market share with results that have caused for renewed optimism in the success of the company to both ‘improve profitability and accelerate topline growth in 2021 and beyond.’

Kreiz has noted that while growth this quarter was “partially driven by year over year Covid-related comparisons” and lower sales in the same quarter the year prior owing to the onset of the pandemic, the toy maker believes its results overall are “attributable to the strength of brands, quality and breadth of product, and world class supply chain, as well as effective demand creation in partnership with its retail partners.”

Mattel saw net sales in North America increase 67 per cent as reported versus the prior year’s first quarter. This was driven by growth across its Dolls – including Barbie and Spirit – sector, as well as its Infant, Toddler, and Pre-school (including Fisher-Price and Thomas & Friends), Vehicles (including Hot Wheels), and Action Figures, Building Sets, Games, and Other (including Masters of the Universe, Jurassic World, Plush, WWE, and Mega).

Net sales in the international segment increased 30 per cent as reported driven by similar growth across the categories.

Decreases in net sales occurred across Mattel’s American Girl segment by 22 per cent.

Mattel has stated that its top priority continues to be the health and safety of its people, and at the same time, mitigating the disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic to the business.

Anthony DiSilvestro, CFO of Mattel, said: “Mattel delivered another outstanding quarter, and we are very pleased with our start to the year. Free Cash Flow improved significantly along with our Free Cash Flow Conversion rate, leverage ratio continues to come down, and the debt refinancing provides additional flexibility as we continued to make further progress towards our strategy to improve profitability and accelerate topline growth.

“We believe we are well-positioned to gain momentum for the full year. We are revising 2021 guidance to reflect our stronger-than-anticipated first quarter performance and updated outlook for cost inflation.”

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.