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Article Archive: Licensed Products
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The Controversies Surrounding Ariana Grande's Wicked Movie 2024
The film adaptation of Wicked, featuring Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, has been a focal point of public discourse, not only for its artistic endeavors but also for a series of controversies that have emerged throughout its production and release. Casting Controversy Upon the 2021 announcement of Ariana Grande's casting as Glinda, the decision was met with skepticism from fans of the original Broadway production. Many questioned Grande's suitability for the role, given her prominence in the pop music industry. Addressing these concerns, Grande acknowledged that, from an outsider's perspective familiar only with her pop career, such doubts were understandable. She emphasized her roots in musical theater, including her Broadway debut in 2008's 13: The Musical, and expressed a commitment to authentically portraying Glinda...
12/1/2024
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Why Did Fans React So Negatively To Ariana Grande's Casting As Glinda
When Ariana Grande was cast as Glinda in the upcoming Wicked film adaptation, the announcement was met with mixed reactions from fans. Several factors contributed to the skepticism surrounding her casting: Pop Star Image Many fans primarily associate Grande with her successful pop music career, featuring hits like "7 Rings" and "Side to Side." This association led to doubts about her ability to embody a beloved musical theater character such as Glinda...
12/1/2024
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How Did Ethan Slater's Ex-Wife Lilly Jay Respond To The News Of His Relationship With Ariana Grande
Lilly Jay, the estranged wife of actor Ethan Slater, has publicly addressed the news of his relationship with pop star Ariana Grande, expressing feelings of betrayal and concern for her family's well-being. Public Statements In July 2023, following reports of Slater's involvement with his Wicked co-star Grande, Jay conveyed her sentiments to Page Six, stating, "[Ariana’s] the story really. Not a girl’s girl. My family is just collateral damage."...
12/1/2024
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Fans Of Wicked And Ariana Grande Have A Variety Of Themed Merchandise To Choose From
Fans of Wicked and Ariana Grande have a variety of themed merchandise to choose from, ranging from apparel to collectibles. Here's a curated selection: Wicked-Themed Merchandise: Apparel: The official Wicked store offers a range of clothing items, including the Unisex Distressed Clock Tee and the Unisex Logo Pullover, allowing fans to showcase their love for the musical...
12/1/2024
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New Toys
Hatchimals Alive: Mystery Hatch Pufficorn Features: This interactive toy comes with mist, lights, and sounds, providing an engaging unboxing experience as children hatch their own Pufficorn. Availability: Released recently, it's available on Amazon...
12/1/2024
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LEGO Distributors
A Comprehensive Guide to Finding LEGO Wholesalers and Alternative Suppliers Finding a comprehensive list of LEGO product wholesalers or distributors can be challenging due to the proprietary nature of LEGO's distribution network and the requirement for business licenses to access wholesale pricing. However, there are known distributors and alternative channels...
10/1/2024
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Hasbro and Mattel: A Look at Two of the World's Largest Toy Companies
The toy industry is a vast and dynamic marketplace, with a multitude of brands offering a diverse range of products to children and adults alike. Two of the largest and most well-known players in this industry are Hasbro and Mattel. Both companies have been around for decades and have established...
2/15/2023
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Mattel and Disney Frozen Dolls 2023
Mattel unveiled a new and re-imagined line of Disney Princess and Disney Frozen dolls. From beloved Princess characters such as Rapunzel and Jasmine to Frozen characters Anna and Elsa, the new line of dolls celebrates the magical stories of Disney with unrelenting attention to detail and best-in-class design features. The full collection,...
1/11/2023
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Toys in the News 1/20/2023
Black Eyed Peas Are Plopped into Legal Battle with Pooping Unicorn Toys Billboard Is ‘My Poops’ Too Similar to Black Eyed Peas’ ‘My Humps? 3 bookmark_border share more_vert...
1/11/2023
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Toys in the News 12/7/2022
A New American Girl Doll Book Is Causing Controversy for Discussions of Gender JUST PLAY SIGNS SWEET DEAL AS MASTER TOY LICENSEE FOR HASBRO'S ICONIC EASY-BAKE BRAND ICv2 Hasbro Announces 'Magic: The Gathering' Fireside Chat 5...
12/1/2022
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Mattel Toys News 11/16/22
Here’s Why Mattel (MAT) Detracted in the Third Quarter Toymaker Mattel agrees to pay $3.5 million SEC fine for misstatements in 2017 earnings Oct 21 bookmark_border share more_vert...
11/16/2022
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Mattel Announces Second Quarter 2022 Financial Results Conference Call
Jul. 6, 2022-- Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) today announced that it plans to release its second quarter 2022 financial results on Thursday, July 21, 2022 at approximately 4:05 p.m. Eastern Time. Following this, Mattel will host a conference call webcast at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The webcast and accompanying slides will be available on Mattel's Investor Relations website, https://investors.mattel.com. To...
7/7/2022
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Toys in the News 07/25/2022
Toys R Us locations will open inside Macy's stores nationwide Akron Beacon Journal Spin Master inks licensing deal for toys based on Disney series Kidscreen2 bookmark_border share more_vert...
7/7/2022
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Toys in the News 07/21/2022
Silicone Baby Toy Bear Activity Toys Recalled Due to Laceration Hazard; Manufactured by Konges Sløjd Denmark A/S Consumer Product Safety Commission3 bookmark_border share more_vert Mastermind Toys Launches Exclusive Namesake Private Brand...
7/7/2022
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Toys in the News 06/08/2022
Where to get ‘Jurassic World Dominion’ toys, LEGO® sets, apparel and more before the movie’s premiere Mattel Continues Its Efforts To Be Greener By Expanding Its Toy Recycling Program Hot Toys and Hasbro Releases Its...
6/1/2022
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Man In The Arena: Tom Brady" Now Streaming On Disney+ And Hulu
For a limited time, Man in the Arena: Tom Brady is now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu, marking the show’s availability across all three services of The Disney Bundle. Starting today, Disney+ and Hulu subscribers can access the first nine episodes of the ESPN+ documentary series in which Tom Brady shares a...
4/1/2022
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Disney+ Original Shorts “Ice Age: Scrat Tales” Trailer Available Now
Disney+ has released the trailer for “Ice Age: Scrat Tales.” “Ice Age: Scrat Tales” is a series of six all-new animated shorts starring Scrat, the hapless saber-toothed squirrel of the “Ice Age” adventures, who experiences the ups and downs of fatherhood, as he and the adorable, mischievous Baby Scrat, alternately...
4/1/2022
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Toys in the News 04/17/2022
Jurassic World Dominion Mattel Toys Available For Pre-Order Screen Rant5 Opinion bookmark_border share more_vert The Inevitable McFarlane Toys Blackest Night Figures Are Nearly Here Superherohype.com11...
4/1/2022
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Diamond Announces Top Products for January 2022
JANUARY'S COMIC BOOKS In total, Image Comics had eight of January's ten best-selling comics through Diamond. Other titles in the top ten include Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples' long-awaited Saga #55 (#2); Stray Dogs: Dog Days #2 (#3), the Nocterra Special (#4); Gunslinger Spawn #4 (#5); King Spawn #6...
3/1/2022
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Toys in the News 03/28/2022
Brick by brick: How Lego continues to build a toy empire Retail Dive Can You Give Your Kids The Old Toys You Saved From Childhood? Scary Mommy bookmark_border share more_vert...
3/1/2022
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TIMELESS SPIROGRAPH BRAND EXPANDS WITH THREE NEW PRODUCTS IN 2022
Fans Of All Ages Will Be Wowed By New 3D Play, Mandala Designs, and Licensed Disney Editions From the Team at PlayMonster PlayMonster introduces 3D play, sets and clips inspired by various The Walt Disney Company franchises, and trending Mandala designs to captivate children and adults of all ages. Developed...
2/1/2022
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The Drama in the 2021 People’s Choice Awards....
The Weeknd previously sneak dissed Justin Bieber in one of his tracks before, and Justin has returned some shots on Instagram live. Their history is not totally bleak as the two have been pictured multiple times together smiling and seemingly enjoying their time, but that is not to say that the hatchet is completely buried between the two. Although their escapades with Selena Gomez was more than a few years ago, and the dating life of each celebrity shows how quickly these men move on, publicly there has been no attempt from either party to clear the air even when both men decided to snub the 2021 Grammy Awards...
12/1/2021
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Mattel's CEO Ynon Kreiz attended a White House roundtable meeting with President Biden
Mr. Kreiz further noted that Mattel is on track to achieve its highest full-year growth rate in decades. On its third quarter 2021 earnings call, the company raised guidance for the third time this year for both Net Sales in constant currency and Adjusted EBITDA for the full year in 2021. The company expects net sales this year to increase by approximately 15% in constant currency and Adjusted EBITDA to be in the range of $900-925 million. The company reiterated that guidance at today’s Nasdaq 45th Conference, which can be viewed here...
12/1/2021
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IMDb TV Celebrates the Holiday Season With Play-Doh Squished
IMDb TV announced an all-new family competition special, Play-Doh Squished, hosted by Sarah Hyland (Modern Family). The one-hour, holiday-themed special premieres exclusively Friday, December 10 on IMDb TV, Amazon’s premium free streaming service. From Amazon Studios, Entertainment One (eOne), and Hasbro, Play-Doh Squished features three teams of two kids and...
11/1/2021
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PAW Patrol® is on a Roll with Second Movie, PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie™, Greenlit by Spin Master E
Nickelodeon and Spin Master Entertainment Also Announce New PAW Patrol Spin-Off Series for Television TORONTO and HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Nov. 3, 2021 /CNW/ - Following the global success of PAW Patrol: The Movie™, Spin Master Corp. (TSX: TOY) (www.spinmaster.com), a leading global children's entertainment company, announced today that it is producing a second big screen feature, entitled PAW Patrol: The...
11/1/2021
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JAKKS Pacific Launches New Toy Line This Week for Disney’s “Encanto”
The line coming to retail on Oct. 3 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...
10/1/2021
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Mattel Announces Global Licensing Agreement for Disney and Pixar’s Upcoming Feature “Lightyear”
“We’re thrilled to further our ongoing collaboration with Mattel and bring even more products and experiences to life that delight millions of fans around the world through Pixar Animation Studios’ unique brand of storytelling,” said Josh Silverman, EVP Global Third-Party Commercialization, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. “With ‘Lightyear,’ there is an incredible opportunity to celebrate everyone’s favorite Space Ranger – along with a new cast of characters – through new and exciting toys, play experiences and more.”...
10/1/2021
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Toys in the News 9/01/2021
Moose Toys launched Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron, an interactive toy created to put magic into kids' hands. The product is available for pre-sale online...
9/1/2021
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DesignerCon Returns to Anaheim in Partnership with Popshop Live: Tickets on Sale for the Largest Art
Tickets for this exciting return to a live show are on sale now, and fans are already buzzing about the event. From November 12th-14th attendees will once again be able to roam the halls of the largest art and toy convention in the United States, filled with highly anticipated limited drops. DesignerCon is known for their wide variety of pop culture collectibles, art, and exclusive experiences. In line with current trends DesignerCon is developing mind blowing NFT programming to include exclusive drops and funpacks. Superstar artist Greg Mike takes the helm as this year's featured artist, designing all 8 collectible badges for 2021. Not only that, but many fan favorites are back including the return of MEDICOM TOY from Japan with US exclusives only available at DesignerCon and so much more!...
9/1/2021
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Mattel and MGM to Develop Polly Pocket Action Motion Picture: Lena Dunham
“Polly Pocket was responsible for countless hours of childhood escapism for me – Polly gave me a tiny world of magic and autonomy to narrate, so it's pretty poetic to be tackling these same ideas now as a director collaborating with the brilliant Lily Collins, Robbie Brenner, Mattel and MGM. I'm so thrilled to bring to bear both my love of this historic property and also my deep-seated belief that young women need smart playful films that speak to them without condescension,” said Dunham...
7/1/2021
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Mattel Introduces Crossed Signals™ to Iconic Games Portfolio
New Fast-Paced, Electronic Light and Sound Matching Game Now Available Mattel introduced Crossed Signals, a fast-paced, electronic light and sound matching game for players age 8 years and older. Crossed Signals is the newest game to join the Mattel Games lineup, which includes UNO®, Pictionary®, Magic 8 Ball®, Rock...
7/1/2021
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American Girl Celebrates 35 Years of Making Herstory and Empowering Girls
American Girl, a cornerstone in the Mattel (NASDAQ: MAT) portfolio of purposeful brands, kicks off its yearlong 35th birthday celebration with the reintroduction of its original historical characters—Samantha Parkington™, Kirsten Larson™, Molly McIntire™, Felicity Merriman™, Addy Walker™, and Josefina Montoya™. Since 1986, the cherished brand known for helping girls grow up with confidence and character, has created engaging heroines who have transported millions of girls back in time—from 1774 to 1944—through books and stories teaching courage, compassion, confidence, and resilience. Now, these same characters are about to inspire a new generation to make their own positive mark on the world...
5/1/2021
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Glo Pals Is Introducing Sesame Street Characters Light-up Toys
What began as a college senior project has led to an innovative startup company working with Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street, to light up lives through creativity and technology. Hagan Walker and Anna Barker were budding entrepreneurs in Mississippi State University's Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach when they hit on an innovative technology that generated light when mixed with liquid. They leveraged the discovery to create colorful cubes that, when dropped in liquid, light up in bright festive colors. The pair received customer feedback from an appreciative mom, who used the cubes to create a soothing and happy environment for bath time for her autistic child. Since then, the innovators have repurposed the cube technology into Glo Pals that inspire imaginative learning and sensory play...
4/1/2021
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Mattel to Develop Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots Live-Action Movie -- Universal Pictures
Mattel will develop Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots®, the classic tabletop game featuring battling robots, into a live-action motion picture. Mattel Films is working with Universal Pictures and Vin Diesel’s production company, One Race Films, on the project. Diesel will also star in the film. Mattel Films will produce the project alongside Diesel and Samantha Vincent (“The Fast and the Furious” franchise) from One Race Films. Ryan Engle (“Rampage,” “The Commuter”) penned the screenplay for the action adventure, which follows a father and son who form an unlikely bond with an advanced war machine. Kevin McKeon will lead the project for Mattel Films...
4/1/2021
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Hasbro Partners With Roblox to Bring Roblox Immersive Digital Worlds to Life
Global play and entertainment company Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) announced its official partnership with Roblox Corporation (NYSE: RBLX), a global online platform bringing millions of people together through shared experiences, to introduce a range of Roblox inspired NERF blasters representing some of the most popular experiences on the Roblox platform. In addition, Hasbro has developed a Roblox version of its iconic MONOPOLY board game (MSRP: $19.99), which is available now for pre-order on Hasbro Pulse for fans aged 16 and older in the U.S. and Canada and at Big Bad Toy Shop...
4/1/2021
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Betty Crocker with Barbie Dream Gap Project to Empower Girls
Driven by the belief that the kitchen is the original lab, where culinary science and personal expression fuel confidence and creativity in all makers, Betty Crocker introduces the BettyLab. Through this platform, Betty Crocker, along with a number of innovative partners, will offer resources, ideas and inspiration for people to learn and explore in their own kitchens. For its first initiative, Betty Crocker is partnering with Barbie and the brand’s Dream Gap Project initiative, another cultural icon that shares a commitment to helping children reach for the stars...
3/1/2021
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Jazwares Extends Wildly Popular Squishmallows® Brand With The Launch Of Squishville
Jazwares along with Kellytoy, a subsidiary of Jazwares, is building on its hugely successful plush brand Squishmallows® with the launch of an all-new colorful and squishy brand extension called Squishville™. Select items are available now at Amazon and Hot Topic, with additional rollout at Claire's this month, Walmart in April and Target in June, the addictively squeezable Squishville plush expand the globally beloved Squishmallows universe, turning playtime into the squish-venture of a lifetime. Due to high demand, Jazwares is working with retailers to replenish stock so more fans and parents can access the products. Squishville is also available now across major retailers in the UK including Argos, Asda, Tesco, The Entertainer and Smyths...
3/1/2021
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Marvel Captain America of the Railways LGBTQ
"Throughout the group’s journey, they’ll discover everyday people from all walks of life who’ve taken up the mantle of Captain America to defend their communities, beginning with Marvel’s newest hero, Aaron Fischer!" Marvel said. Aaron is inspired by heroes of the queer community: activists, leaders, and everyday folks pushing...
3/1/2021
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Hasbro vs Mattel, who has the leading edge in 2020?
Hasbro's market cap value as of 11/22/2020, stands at $12.75 billion, while Mattels’ is only at $5.23 billion. The history of Hasbro To better understand Hasbro and Mattel and to determine which one has the leading edge in 2020, it is necessary to delve into...
12/1/2020
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Press Release: Cabin Fever, Ninja Turtles, Nothing from Something Among Virtual Experiences
ree Video Q&A Streamed Live On Twitch, YouTube, Facebook! Purchase Live Video Chats, Recorded Videos, Signed Photos During each session, the celebrities will participate in a FREE live moderated video Q&A, followed by one-on-one video chats, recorded videos and autographs. Sessions are accessible to virtual attendees on their computer and mobile devices...
11/1/2020
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Barbie Toy Sales Surge as New Content is Released on Netflix, The NPD Group Says
The second-season Netflix (NFLX) release of “Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures” in March 2020, and the movie, “Barbie Princess Adventure,” in September 2020, have lifted the number of hours watched of all Barbie releases on Netflix through September. Toy sales have followed suit, as sales of the Barbie property has trended similarly to the rise in time spent watching Barbie titles, according to The NPD Group...
11/1/2020
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Hasbro Reports Third Quarter 2020 Financial Results
Third quarter 2020 revenues were $1.78 billion, down 4% on a pro forma basis. Revenue grew 9% in the U.S. and Canada segment and 7% in the European region; revenue grew 50% in ecomm channels globally. eOne TV and Film revenue decline reflects entertainment delivery delays due to live-action production shutdowns and the ongoing, gradual return to production...
10/1/2020
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Hasbro Releases a New Line of G.I. Joe Action Figures
The G.I. Joe brand has been with us for about 56 years, and Hasbro continues to launch more exciting action figures in this line up. With the return of classic characters like Road Block, Duke, Scarlett, and the infamous Cobra Commander, our children will have a lot of playtime on their hands in the coming months...
9/1/2020
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Moonbug has acquired two successful kids programs
Moonbug Entertainment Ltd. has acquired two of the world's most successful kids programs to become the world's largest digital kids media company. CoComelon, the world's most-viewed YouTube channel with over 3.5 billion average monthly views, is about relatable family experiences that help kids constructively interact with daily routines–making parents' lives easier. Blippi is a...
8/1/2020
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Hello Kitty – a cat on life support?
Hello Kitty has been a doll icon for the past forty years but her reign may slowly come to an end unless some fearless knight comes riding to her rescue...
11/1/2015
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Top-10 Most-Wanted Licensed Toys
From construction sets to sticker puzzles, check out the Top-10 licensed toys according to retailers interviewed by TDmonthly...
6/1/2015
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The Western Toy Market
This review of 2014 will look at the two largest toy markets – the United States and Europe; for the latter, the focus will be on the four keystone countries France, Germany, Spain and the UK...
2/1/2015
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Top-10 Most-Wanted Licensed Toys
Almost half of the retailers surveyed by TDmonthly Magazine in May 2014 told us that they carry little to no licensed toys. Those that did, however, reported lots of success with offerings from LEGO...
6/1/2014
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 Are Fashion Dolls Old Hat?
Fashion Dolls have dominated the U.S. doll market since Barbie came onto the scene back in 1959 and they have reigned pretty much without challenge since then...
6/1/2014
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 Disney – is Infinity leading the way?
Disney is the largest media conglomerate in the world and its avowed goal is to be a major player in every sphere of endeavor in which it operates. The company is engaged in four distinct Segments and is dominant in three of them. The question is – what about the fourth?...
1/1/2014
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 Action Figures in the Doldrums
Action Figures represent about 6% of the U.S. toy market and are completely dominated by Hasbro. This is how the picture has developed since 2007...
11/1/2013
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Happy Birds: May the Force be With You!
Latest data from The NPD Group, a global information company, reveals Angry Birds Star Wars as the best new toy license in the big five* European toy markets in 2013 so far (year to date July 2013)...
10/1/2013
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 Construction Toys - LEGO vs. Everyone Else
The construction toy category continues on its phenomenal growth path. This is extraordinary because all the other toys – with the exception of the Electronic Learning segment of Preschool – continue to flag...
8/1/2013
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 Top-5 Most-Wanted Licensed Toys
In a May 2013 survey, TDmonthly Magazine learned that many specialty retailers are still reluctant to carry licensed products...
6/1/2013
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 How is the toy space shaping up for 2013?
few days ago, TDmonthly ran an article "2013 Toy Fair – a Review by Lutz Muller" in which I reported the impressions that five national buyers for very large retail chains, three from the U.S. and two from Europe, took away from Toy Fair. I just now went back and asked them how they saw things shaping up for the leading North American public companies for 2013...
3/1/2013
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 Movies and Toys 2013
Movies are big business. Here are the box office estimates over the past few years...
2/1/2013
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 Rovio – Birds and Piggies Eat Competition
It does not happen too often that an unknown software company from a small European country becomes a major force in the toy space in one year. But this is exactly what happened in the case of Rovio...
11/1/2012
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DISNEY TO ACQUIRE LUCASFILM LTD.
ontinuing its strategy of delivering exceptional creative content to audiences around the world, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) has agreed to acquire Lucasfilm Ltd. in a stock and cash transaction. Lucasfilm is 100% owned by Lucasfilm Chairman and Founder, George Lucas...
10/1/2012
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 20 Top-Selling Mass-Market Toys
You may sell specialty, but it's important to watch the mass-market to keep abreast of new trends. See our list of mass-market best-sellers, updated weekly...
10/1/2012
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20 Top-Selling Mass-Market Toys
You may sell specialty, but it's important to watch the mass-market to keep abreast of new trends. See our list of mass-market best-sellers, updated weekly...
8/1/2012
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 Licensed Toys
Summer blockbusters and Saturday morning cartoons are a much-loved part of summer vacation - but most parents aren't as keen on all that screen time...
6/1/2012
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 Top-10 Most-Wanted Licensed Toys
When TDmonthly Magazine interviewed retailers about their best-selling licensed toys, three of the 12 we spoke with said that they don't sell licensed products at all...
6/1/2012
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 News from The NPD Group - The Hottest New Things for Kids
Following are the results from The NPD Kids Industry Data Service (KIDS) survey that was fielded for four weeks in February 2012 in response to the unaided, open-end question: , "What would the kids you know say is the hottest new thing these days?"...
3/1/2012
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 Top-10 Most-Wanted Licensed Toys
In late Spring 2011, TDmonthly interviewed 12 retailers about their best-selling licensed toys. There was one property that was mentioned almost across the board: Star Wars...
6/1/2011
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 The Battle Over Bratz
Now that MGA has full control of the Bratz brand again, CEO Isaac Larian is ready to get back in the game...
4/1/2011
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 Disney and Warner – who is winning?
In September 2009, just after the acquisition of Marvel by Disney, I suggested that this acquisition was a defensive move from the side of Disney because they saw Time Warner encroaching upon their territory. Where are the two companies now, 16 months later?...
2/1/2011
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 Which Movie-Themed Toys Will Rock 4Q
You could not imagine the toy department in any major retailer without LEGO Star Wars, Iron Man action figures, Hannah Montana fashion dolls...
9/1/2010
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 In This Issue
See brief article summaries for this summer's August issue of TDmonthly Magazine...
8/1/2010
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 Top-10 Most-Wanted Dolls
A recent survey conducted by TDmonthly Magazine polled 43 retailers nationwide about the sales in their doll departments...
7/1/2010
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 LEGO and Star Wars Prepare for Stardom
There's no shortage of Star Wars toys and novelties this year — lightsaber chopsticks, anyone? Mattel gets WWE figures into the ring to fight, while Bachmann Trains hits the tracks with large-scale sets...
5/1/2010
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 Toys in the News: 4-30-10
Electronic Arts EA Play is set to release a number of games for Hasbro’s Littlest Pet Shop brand this fall. EA has already launched an interactive website, Littlest Pet Shop Online...
4/1/2010
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 Toy Fair 2010: Toys With the Most Buzz
Zhu Zhu Pets, TIA’s Toy of the Year Award winner for 2010, stands poised to cause quite a squeak this year with its expanded product line. The Zhu Zhu Wild Bunch from Cepia adds a skunk and bunny to the line of hamsters, and the new Hamster Babies promise even more cuteness...
3/1/2010
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 Toys in the News: 1-27-10
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Regal Lager Inc., has announced a voluntary recall of about 1,100 CYBEX Strollers in the United States and 90 in Canada because when opening or closing, the hinge mechanism may amputate a child's fingertip...
1/1/2010
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 Toys in the News: 12-30-09
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Dorel Juvenile Group, has announced a voluntary recall of about 213,000 Safety 1st Disney Care Center™ Play Yards and Eddie Bauer Complete Care Play Yards...
12/1/2009
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 Hasbro Faces Big Threats on the Gaming Field
Back in April, I said in this space: “Hasbro’s board game business declined last year despite strong demand for the category. I predict this will happen again in 2009 and 2010.”...
12/1/2009
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 Video Games: Year-End Projections
February 2009 was the last month in which the video game industry in the United States showed growth. That is why everybody was eagerly anticipating September as the first month in which this negative spell would be broken,...
11/1/2009
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 Holiday Price Wars: Toys for $10 and Under
Wal-Mart, Target, Kmart, Toys “R” Us and other mass merchandisers have embarked on their usual seasonal price cuts on toys and other items for holiday sales...
11/1/2009
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 New Trading Card Games Make “Magic”
Good friends. Fantastic images. Evolving play. Collectible card games have quite a draw. Experts in competitions and novices hanging with friends both come for quick fixes of addicting games...
10/1/2009
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 Private Labels Are Coming to Toy Land
A Nielsen report from late November 2008 states that sales of private-label brands in the United States in all categories grew to $81 billion in 2008, a 10.2 percent year-on-year increase versus 2007...
10/1/2009
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 Toys in the News: 9-29-09
The Toy Industry Association and American International Toy Fair were honored at Trade Show Executive Magazine's "Gold 100" awards recognizing the largest U.S. trade shows...
9/1/2009
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 Disney Makes Defensive Move With Marvel Acquisition
The news that Disney was acquiring Marvel hit the entertainment industry like a thunderbolt. Yes, there had been plenty of rumors about a large Disney acquisition, but the betting by insiders had been on Electronic Arts...
9/1/2009
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 Liv and Moxie Girlz Gang Up on Barbie
For decades, Mattel’s Barbie reigned supreme in the fashion doll world, until the saucy upstart Bratz from MGA Entertainment made its appearance in 2001 and challenged the queen...
8/1/2009
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 From the Big Screen to the Toy Aisle
Just as a movie starring an A-list celebrity will bring in big bucks opening weekend, toys tied to famous licenses can also have smashing premieres. Experts warn, however, that it’s important to be smart when buying...
6/1/2009
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 Top-10 Most-Wanted Licensed Toys
In April 2009, TDmonthly surveyed specialty toy retailers around the country about their sales of licensed product. Here are the top-10 best-selling licensed toys...
6/1/2009
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 Economy Puts Toy Sales on Clearance
January typically accounts for about 5 percent of yearly toy sales. If these first 31 days are any guide for the future, we are looking at a really difficult year...
2/1/2009
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 Hollywood ToyBoy: Partnering Up in a Recession
As everyone with a checkbook knows, money is tight, and despite government intervention, the recession isn’t going away anytime soon. Does this mean sad times for the movie and toy business? Hardly...
2/1/2009
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 Harry Potter Movies Will Lead in Toys
Most of the very successful toys in 2008 were driven by movies — “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” “The Dark Knight,” Wall-E” and “Iron Man” – and it hence behooves us to look at what films are awaiting us this year and next...
1/1/2009
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Even Video Games Can’t Win Against Crushed Economy
The NPD numbers that came out for the video game space in October did not make for nice reading. After a disappointing August, September recorded negative growth rates for all three main categories: software, hardware and accessories...
11/1/2008
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 In This Issue
Ready to watch? Check out TDmonthly’s toy video demos, with highlights on one of our featured categories...
7/1/2008
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 What Not to Turn Down in a Downturn
Tempting as it may be, a potential economic downturn is not the time to turn tail and run. As my Granddad always told me, “You’ll never win the kitty if you sit out the hand.”...
7/1/2008
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 Hollywood ToyBoy: The French Connection
“Why did it have to be the French?” Yeah, yeah ... we all joke about Parisians’ rich food and snooty attitudes, but who doesn’t want to see the City of Lights? Me, that’s who...
7/1/2008
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 Toys in the News: 7-31-08
Christmas decorations, handbags, food and apparel are likely to face prices hikes of up to 15 percent for the holiday season...
7/1/2008
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 Yesterday’s Marketing is Dead: Part 3
Today, we're witnessing a collage of poor marketing that seemingly duplicates one another's unoriginal poor marketing. The culprit? Platitudes.....
6/1/2008
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 TDmonthly’s Top-10 Most-Wanted Licensed Goods
Most of the 50 specialty retailers who spoke with TDmonthly Magazine revealed that licensed products — more common in the mass market — make up at least 1 percent of their merchandise.....
6/1/2008
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Indiana May Trump Iron Man at Toy Sales
When I first wrote about toy-related films roughly six weeks ago, I overlooked the fact that there is yet another entrant into the toy sweepstakes — “Wall-E” by Pixar.....
6/1/2008
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 Yesterday's Marketing is Dead: Part 2
The reason most strategic advertising and marketing does not work today is that most companies’ inside reality and outside perception do not match...
5/1/2008
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'08 Films are a Match for Merch
This year brings an unprecedented lineup of films designed to affect toy sales — seven in the action figure arena and two in other toy categories:...
5/1/2008
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Video Games are Nothing to Cry Over
Analysts have been crying “woe is me” all week, looking at the April numbers for video games from the NPD Group and lamenting that the end is nigh...
5/1/2008
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When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get an Endcap
There is little doubt that things are tough in toy land. By the end of April, my retailer panel reported declining sales by 5 percent over all categories compared to the same period last year...
5/1/2008
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 Boost Store Traffic With Evergreen Toys
Some of today’s hottest evergreen properties are celebrating milestones in their brand heritage with creative marketing plans and new products, manufacturers told TDmonthly Magazine...
5/1/2008
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 Branding Toys Isn’t a Game
Kids are growing up faster, drastically shrinking the shelf life of toys and challenging manufacturers to create innovative items that capture interest quicker and earlier...
4/1/2008
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 Yesterday's Marketing is Dead: Part 1
Dramatic social, economic and technological forces have transformed our modern day business culture so it barely resembles that of yesterday...
4/1/2008
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Which Movies Will Win?
Consensus among my retailer panel and the buyers I speak with has it that the nine movies in the table below will be instrumental in providing growth in a variety of toy categories this year.....
4/1/2008
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The Babes Keep Battling
Last month I reported on a change hitting the fashion doll aisles. Jakks Pacific’s Hannah Montana was teaching the two reigning queens, Barbie by Mattel and Bratz by MGA Entertainment, that there was a new kid on the block...
3/1/2008
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The Battle of the Babes
Last year marked, for the first time in years, a real change in the fashion doll category — the ascent of Hannah Montana...
2/1/2008
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 Toy Sleuth: Partying With Plumbers
Super Mario Brothers? Yup. That little animated plumber just keeps on chuggin’. Mario’s everywhere. So without further ado, TDmonthly Magazine’s January Toy Sleuth looks at the wide world of new Mario toys...
1/1/2008
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 Six Predictions for the Toy Industry in 2008
Here’s a glimpse of what the toy industry can expect in 2008 — a year of increasing costs and decreasing demand that may favor innovation within the specialty market, but squelch risk-taking in the industry overall...
1/1/2008
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 Hollywood ToyBoy: Walt Goes Wild
“Get thee to a toy store!” I yell at my assistant as she brings me my mocha latte. “I can’t keep track of all of this.”...
11/1/2007
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 How to Create a Licensed Character
It’s tough to create a character that connects with fans and successfully draws them to theaters, bookstores and Sunday comics...
10/1/2007
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 How to Find and Develop a License
With thousands of available properties, from cartoons to comic books to big-screen icons, finding the right licensing match for your company and your target consumer requires research and patience...
10/1/2007
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 Hollywood ToyBoy: Cartoon Network
My ol’ pappy used to say, “Nothing creative ever comes out of a committee.” And since Hollywood is one big committee ... where does that leave everyone who depends on its toys?...
9/1/2007
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 Sports Action Figures Cast a Spell
Sports fanatics don’t just go out and wear their favorite team jerseys or add to their baseball card collection anymore. Sports action figures are becoming a popular way for fans to support their local teams on and off season, sources told PlayZak, and just as kids are with Pokémon, many have to collect them all...
9/1/2007
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 Becoming Ubiquitous
If you have a scintillating character you know would be a great licensed product, how do you go from idea to reality?...
9/1/2007
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 Marvel-ous Heroes Conquer Toy World
Characters new and old still drum up business in some parts, and manufacturers keep tuning in to toons and film stars to determine their next licensed steps...
6/1/2007
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 Foreign Is Fresh for Kids' Licenses
Whether it’s the lure of something new and different or what’s popular on television at the moment, foreign licensed products are hot commodities in the toy industry...
6/1/2006
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 Little Kids Duplicates Success
James Engle, a Hasbro veteran, established Little Kids in 1989, with 12 years experience in sales and marketing...
4/1/2006
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 Tween Boys Have Riot
A new tween boy brand called Riot Media Inc. is set to rule tween boys' world...
11/1/2005
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 Sports Licenses Score Big With Boys
From NASCAR to the NFL, sports licenses hit a home run with boys of all ages. In a recent License Tracker survey conducted by KidzEyes and Funosophy Inc., 3,700 boys ages 6 to 17 were asked to rate 21 of the top boy licenses on the market, including several sports licenses, in terms of popularity for holiday gifts...
10/1/2005
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 Hands on to Sales
So how can parents and store owners fight the humungous amount of advertising dollars pushing licensed toys?...
8/1/2005
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 Selling Kitty … or Not
With licensed products ranging from stationery to bed sheets to electronics devices, it seems safe to say that Hello Kitty fever continues to rise. Yet, while Sanrio dealers should be happy to sell the popular product, some are grumbling...
8/1/2005
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Toy Fair 2005: Licensed Products
The following product summaries were mainly supplied by manufacturers, who selected their top product per product category to highlight in 2005...
7/1/2005
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 The Hollywood Toyboy
So what’re the kids watching, gonna watch and don’t even know about yet? What’s in store for your store? Here’s the flash...
6/1/2005
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 Small Companies Enter Licensing Arena
Though licensed products have been hot for at least 20 years, gone are the days when only the oldest and largest toy companies had a shot at top titles. Today, fledgling companies are crafting toys that feature characters from hit shows like "SpongeBob SquarePants."...
5/1/2005
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 TDmonthly’s Top 10 Most Wanted Licensed Games
2004 was a banner year for child-driven movies and television shows. Characters from these stories have been ubiquitous, as their creators tackle every marketing corner available. Games provide a logical tie-in, resulting in a plethora of “must-have” licensed games for little ones...
4/1/2005
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 Todd McFarlane Opens Showroom and Store in Tempe, Arizona
In October 2004 Todd McFarlane, who has an 11-year history in the sports and movie licensing markets, held the official grand opening of a showroom and store in Tempe, Ariz. With Phoenix the hub of his business and his family living in the outlying area, Tempe seemed the most logical location...
1/1/2005
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 Jay and Silent Bob´s Secret Stash: Kevin Smith Opens Westwood Store
Bob Chapman, co-owner of the new Jay and Silent Bob´s Secret Stash in Westwood, Calif., has worked with cult figure and partner Kevin Smith for the last six years on movie licensing. He produces T-shirts and toys for the comic book market with Graphitti Designs, a business he started in 1982. Though he has friends in the retail business, Chapman never thought he would open a store...
1/1/2005
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Cast of Characters: Children Ages 5 to 8 Find Familiar Playmates
Article Synopsis With licensing agreements expanding to every facet of the toy industry, children aged 5 to 8 years old are delighting in toys with familiar faces.Hasbro has taken advantage of box-office hits by creating Shrek and Donkey dolls as well as The Incredible Mr. Incredible action figures.Popular items which...
1/1/2005
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 Getting the Word Out: Advice from MouseShoppe
MouseShoppe is an Internet-based store that carries low-end licensed Disney mechandise, while its physical counterpart, CharmingShoppe, is a brick and mortar store that sells high-end Disney collectibles. Strategically located near Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix may have an edge on her competitors, but even this experienced retailer must advertise to draw sales...
1/1/2005
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Monogram International: Batman Begins to the Future
Monogram International is known for movie collectibles; everything from items based on animated tales to their newest licensing contract with Warner Brothers for the live action film “Batman Begins.”...
1/1/2005
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 Three Things You Should Know to Protect Your Toy Designs
So, you’ve come up with the next best toy design since the Yo-Yo. Hello tropical adventures! But wait: The idea is so good that it’s bound to spawn similar designs from other well financed, but less clever, competitors. What can you do to protect your design?...
1/1/2005
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Plush Keep it Fresh Yet Familiar
While many toy makers are using licensed products to deliver soft, familiar pals to young children this year, others are reaching deeper into their imagination to create new friends from scratch. Either way, the following assortment of huggable buddies remain eye-catching and supportive, hard for young hands to resist...
1/1/2005
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Children´s Media: Taking the Movies Home
Today’s movies remain in audiences´ minds long after the final credits roll, thanks to hundreds of film-related licensed products available. According to Michael Redman, who tracks toy and video game trends for NPD Funworld, 25-30% of total toy sales are licensed product sales. The Licensing Letter puts the profit that film studios realize from licensing at $7.6 billion per year. Of course, this revenue is realized across hundreds of different products and categories. How do children choose which licensed products they want?...
11/1/2004
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Anime: Another World on Earth
The 2003 Academy Award for Best Animated Film went to “Spirited Away,” the Hayao Miyazaki feature about a young girl’s adventures in a fantasy world. The win bolstered the popularity of a phenomenon already embraced in the United States. Enthusiasm for anime and all things related isn´t going to subside anytime soon...
11/1/2004
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 TDmonthly's Top 10 Most Wanted Sports Action Figures
Every sports fan has fantasized about running towards the end zone to score the winning touchdown, delivering a bone-crushing blow in a WWE title bout, or hitting a grand slam in the bottom of the ninth to win the World Series...
11/1/2004
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Licensed Products Drive Back To School Market
Slip a Disney Princess lunchbox into the Spider-Man 2 backpack, throw in some Care Bears stationary and zip it up--the kids are ready for back-to-school. Licensed products are the hottest items on the market, and sporting the latest characters is a fashion must for mini trendsetters. Today the 3-5 year...
10/1/2004
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Delta Enterprise Brings the Magic Home
Delta Enterprise Corporation has built an imaginative world around its licensed characters. There´s a magical enthusiasm kids experience when they see Delta Enterprise´s licensed furniture...
10/1/2004
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LICENSED TOYS, CLOTHING & FURNITURE
dSit On Plush LumiSource is introducing a variety of plush furniture at Toy Fair, including: a Dolphin Chair and Whale Chair made of plush flannel, with a convenient flip-up storage compartment to store toys, books and more; a Cell Phone Chair ($140) , shaped like a cell phone,...
3/1/2004
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