After an illustrious 32-year career in toys, Neil Shinner will retire as CEO, UK and Europe for Moose Toys in June, as Emily Maclennan takes the helm. Neil Shinner A highly respected and established leader at Moose, Neil has been instrumental in developing the capability of the UK and European teams, supercharging the company’s growth over the past five years as CEO. Neil started his career at Worlds Apart, which he was leading in 2018 when it was acquired by Australian toy company, Moose Toys. While at the helm of Moose, the UK office has been recognised as one of UK’s Best Workplaces by Gr ..read more

In the latest set of results from Hasbro, the company points to “solid progress in our turnaround efforts” in the first three months of the year. In the first quarter of 2024, overall revenue for Hasbro Inc declined by -24%, driven primarily by the sale of the eOne film and television business; excluding this divestiture, revenue declined by -9%, with growth in the Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming segment (+7%) and Entertainment (+65%) offset by declines in Consumer Products (-21%). Adjusted operating profit of $148.6m (+$101.4m compared to the same period in 2023) and adjusted operati ..read more

University Games held a Sales conference dedicated to The Learning Journey division, designed to provide support for retailers and establish the brand in the UK market.  University Games As the new The Learning Journey range hits shelves this month, University Games’ Sales team is ready to provide its retailers with top-tier support and all the insights they need to make this range a huge success. The Learning Journey, now a division of University Games, has been designing and manufacturing children’s interactive educational products for over 30 years and offers a range of high-quality ..read more

Under the renewed agreement with Sega, Heathside will produce Sonic the Hedgehog toys, collectibles and gifts, introducing additional products to the range. The company has renewed an existing established agreement with Sega and has added additional products into the Sonic the Hedgehog collection. Heathside has announced that Sonic products will include board games, slime, 2D keychains, chess sets, surprise eggs, resin figures, collector chocolate with collector cards, stick ons, pull backs, head on high bounce balls and more. The agreement was brokered by Kirsty Guthrie (KJG) for Heathside. T ..read more

Wow! Stuff is launching a number of new additions and updates to its Harry Potter collection of toys and gifts this year. Officially licensed by Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products, the collection is aimed at kids, adult fans and collectors. Headlining the collection are the Lumos wands, made from resin for realism and incorporating Wow! Stuff’s eponymous app technology. This year, all new and existing Lumos wands will work with the free and newly updated Wow! Stuff Light Painting bonus app for day and night light painting features. Wow! Stuff’s head of Technology, Dr. Graeme Tayl ..read more

Mattel saw a marginal decline in Net Sales in Q1, but reduced its Operating Loss significantly and has reiterated its 2024 guidance. For the first quarter 2024, Mattel’s Net Sales were down 1% as reported and in constant currency, versus 2023’s first quarter. Reported Operating Loss was $36m, an improvement of $80m. Net sales in the North America segment increased +2% as reported and in constant currency, driven by growth in Vehicles (primarily Hot Wheels) and Action Figures, Building Sets, Games, and Other (primarily Action Figures), partly offset by declines in Infant, Toddler, Pre-School (p ..read more

The new Decora Girlz brand is set to release a collection of 5″ and 11″ colourful dolls featuring their own style, super soft hair and an array of accessories to play with.  John Adams is celebrating its first big launch of the season as the firm reveals a huge marketing drive on the highly anticipated Decora Girlz dolls collection. Created by Cepia, the brand benefits from global marketing support for all territories and launches in the UK this week. The Decora Girlz are a bright, colourful and super-quirky group of tween friends who love to dazzlemand decorate themselves in the bright ..read more

Described by Eolo as the ultimate revolution in electronic pets, Pixel Hugs combines plush with a range of new electronic features. Developed by Eolo Toys and its world-class design partner ToyZone, Pixel Hugs is billed as the newest sensation in the world of electronic pets, combining the latest technology with the timeless plush feature. More than just an ordinary puppy toy, Pixel Hugs is a new interactive best friend for kids. Inspired by the latest trends in video games and the pixel aesthetic that is currently very popular among kids, these puppies have been designed to become new family ..read more

Rainbow Designs has announced the expansion of its Key and Nationals Account Team, as it welcomes Kristina Sundby to the Rainbow family. Kristina Sundby immigrated to the UK from Norway in 2020, and joins the team as a National Account manager, bringing strength and depth to the team with over seven years of retail experience in categories including party and celebrations. Rainbow Designs‘ licensed character ranges, that include Paddington, Harry Potter, Peter Rabbit and Disney’s Winnie the Pooh and The Lion King, give Kristina plenty to get excited about this year. “I’m eager to embark on my ..read more

The agreement between the two companies will see Rubies returning as Hasbro’s sole dress-up licensee in EMEA to bring to life popular licences including Transformers and Power Rangers. Rubies is expanding its portfolio once again with the announcement of a partnership with Hasbro. The licence agreement will see Rubies returning as the sole dress-up licensee in EMEA for Hasbro, bringing to life some of its most popular franchises, including Transformers and Power Rangers. From nostalgic childhood favourites to fresh content through theatrical and streaming platforms, the initial focus will be ..read more