Professional Documents
Culture Documents
W H E R E V E R Y O U A R E
T V
P R O M O T E D
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01 TN161.indd 1
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02 TN161.indd 1
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www.toynews-online.biz
27 Tech it or leave it
We look at how indies
can embrace a digital
offering without losing
their identity
33 Toymaster round-up
We take a look at what
some of the exhibitors
will be showcasing at this
years Harrogate show
40 ToyShop UK Debates
This month, independents
lock horns over the
somewhat thorny issue of
suppliers selling direct
Indie hotspots
This month, weve trawled the UK and Ireland to find out which cities are
brimming with physical independent toy stores, and which areas are in
desperate need of High Street specialists. Read on to find out if youre
living nearby one of our toy retail hotspots
22/04/2015 18:31
20/04/2015
17:22
CM
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04 TN161.indd 1
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WELCOME
Follow us @toynewsonline
CONTENTS
Regulars
Samantha Loveday
Editor
06
08
08
11
12
15
40
42
74
sloveday@nbmedia.com
Billy Langsworthy
Deputy Editor
blangsworthy@nbmedia.com
Robert Hutchins
Staff Writer
News
Campaign of the Month
Playtime
NPD Analysis
Industry Movers
Industry Opinion
Toy Shop UK
Good Toy Guide
Jon Salisbury
rhutchins@nbmedia.com
Jodie Holdway
Sales Manager
jholdway@nbmedia.com
Features
19 ToyNews Women of
the Year 2015
44 Toy Trust Update
55 Sector Guide: Dolls
61 Sector Guide: Action,
Building, Blasting & More
Carole Eagles
Account Manager
ceagles@nbmedia.com
James Marinos
Production Executive
jmarinos@nbmedia.com
Licensing.biz
47 News
Tom Carpenter
Designer
Pre-school
(sponsored
by VTech
Baby)
51 News
52 Pre-school opinion
tcarpenter@nbmedia.com
Mark Burton
Managing Director
mburton@nbmedia.com
COMMENT
Street smarts
The ToyShopUK
members have
been particularly
vocal this month,
focusing on the
issue of suppliers
selling direct.
May 05
12/08/2014 16:23
22/04/2015 15:56
NEWS
06 TN161 News_Final.indd 1
22/04/2015 18:26
NEWS
distributor so we can
focus on some new
product development.
The R/C market is
substantial and growing
but also it is very
fragmented. There are a
plethora of new brands
that dont really have a
common purpose, USP or
brand identity across their
range. We have also seen
a lot of activity from the
introduction of drones and
this has stimulated the
overall market.
We can see TX Juice as
the number two RC brand
in Europe.
The firm believes its
dedicated tech team, Wow
Labs, has given TX Juice
the edge over competition
due to the cutting edge
Disney/Pixar.
2015 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved. Licensed by Hasbro.
07 TN161 News_Final.indd 1
Evans continued: We
are excited to launch in
a few of our prestigious
department stores here
in the UK, along with
launching Bonnie and Pearl
into the Middle East.
2015 is all about
building great business
relationships with
several new retailers,
ensuring our dollies have
lots of new families by
Christmas 2015.
Bonnie & Pearl:
0844 800 1910
Sales@Cartamundi.co.uk
Ph: +44 1286 511 522
www.shuffle.cards
22/04/2015 17:50
World of Warriors
This autumn, Mind Candys digital gaming hit World of Warriors makes the leap to collectable toys, and GP
Flair has masterminded an extensive marketing campaign to help the range on its way
CONTACT
www.flairplc.co.uk
TV
From launch to December this year, over 1,000
TVRs have been committed to the World of
Warriors brand, concentrating on all aspects of
the range including collectables, action figures
and role-play. TVCs that bring the digital world
into the real world will be seen across all the
major boys channels.
Playtime
This month we examine
the different genres of
programming that mums
with kids between nought
to three (HWCH0-3)
watch within a month
(March 1st - 31st 2015).
Of all the programmes
HWCH0-3 watched in
March, nearly a quarter
of viewing was spent
watching entertainment
shows (23.5 per cent)
including programmes
such as Family Guy on
BBC3, Jeremy Kyle on
ITV and Simpsons on C4
and Sky 1.
As may be expected
among HWCH0-3,
childrens programmes
are the second largest
portion of their total
viewing (16.6 per cent)
with 65 per cent of mums
DIGITAL MARKETING
Capturing the imaginations of digitally active kids will
be essential to the brand that started life in the app
landscape. Both pre-roll campaigns and immersive
microsite activity is already in place to launch from
early autumn onwards. And as the relatively new
phenomenon of unboxing videos continues to prevail
in the world of kids media, Flair plans to tap into the
approach using YouTube and social media to ramp up
the desire to collect among youngsters.
KIDS PRESS SAMPLING
Sampling is key to Flairs strategy, and a boys magazine
covermount in late July will be kicking of the firms
World of Warriors press campaign. The initiative will
be followed with takeovers, interactive adverts and a
nationwide election to determine the ultimate warrior.
IN STORE ACTIVITY
Phase one of the brands in-store activity will be the
introduction of a full-scale POS programme, including
fully loaded FSDUs, complete with substantial sampling
stock for retailers. Diorama displays will also be
available to add to the shop floor theatre. Phase two
will commence with retailer battle days and costume
visits from the two lead characters, Gunner and Crixus.
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2
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a: Lon
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1
08 TN161 COTM/Playtime_Final.indd 1
www.toynews-online.biz
22/04/2015 16:05
4/14/15
9:09 AM
Discover
An introduction
to hands-on
Toymaster Show
The Majestic Hotel, Harrogate,
12th - 14th May 2015
educational toys
from pocket
money prices!
LER 2817
09 TN161.indd 1
15/04/2015 14:16
think it make it
even bake it
info@alphabetpie.com
www.alphabetpie.com
Available in the UK
from 30th April 2015
10 TN161.indd 1
21/04/2015 16:05
NPD RESEARCH
Properties
SPEED CHAMPIONS
PORSCHE ITALIA GT2
Sales
UK toy sales
(value, year-to-date)
YTD
2014
YTD
2015
+6%
Source: NPD
1LEGO MINIFIGURES
1LEGO MINIFIGURES
2.
3.
LEGO
LEGO
JAKKS PACIFIC
2.
SHOPKINS 2 PACK
FLAIR
3.
4.
LEGO MIXELS
LEGO
4.
SHOPKINS 2 PACK
FLAIR
5.
MATTEL
5.
LEGO MIXELS
LEGO
6.
LEGO
6.
ESDEVIUM GAMES
7.
TOPPS
7.
HASBRO
8.
SHOPKINS 5 PACK
FLAIR
8.
HASBRO
9.
HASBRO
9.
HASBRO
HASBRO
Notes: All participating NPD retail data suppliers provide weekly data via epos systems. NPD figures are not projected to represent non-participating retailers but provide 100
per cent of the sales from participating stores. Epos sample includes the following retailers: Amazon.co.uk, Argos, Asda, Boots, Debenhams, ELC, Firebox, Freemans, Grattan,
Halfords, Hamleys, HMV, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Mothercare, Next, Play.com, Sainsburys, Shop Direct, Tesco, The Entertainer, Toys R Us, Toymaster, WHSmith, Wilkinsons.
NPD estimates that the epos now accounts for 78% of the total toy market.
www.toynews-online.biz
11 TN161 NPD_Final.indd 1
TOPPS
MATTEL
PANINI
22/04/2015 16:17
APPOINTMENTS
Industry moves
Toy invention company, Carterbench enters a new chapter as MD Rob Kay retires, Epoch appoints a new
sales manager for the East and South East and Jumbo Games eyes further expansion with a new hire
12 May
12 TN161 People_Final.indd 1
KIDICRAFT
The team has
promoted
KRISTINA
HOLDEN
to operations director
with the remit to focus
on customer service and
supply. Holden has been
welcomed to her new
position by the firms owner
and MD, ROY GREENWOOD
as the company continues
its efforts to grow the
business this year. Holden
has been commended
for her fundamental
contributions to the
business in its history.
ACKERMAN
INTERNATIONAL
The UK
distributor
for The Irish
Fairy Door Company has
welcomed a new sales
manager for the North
POUNDSTRETCHER
The discount retailer
is continuing its plans
for growth with the
appointment of a new
head of marketing. CARL
SUTTON has taken up
the newly created role,
following 13 years at Wilko
where he was responsible
www.toynews-online.biz
22/04/2015 18:28
4/20/15
1:06 PM
CM
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theirishfairydoorcompany
@irishfairydoor
13 TN161.indd 1
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14 TN161.indd 1
21/04/2015 15:21
OPINION
Looking at recent
developments, it appears
that drone delivery will
be common place by the
end of this decade from
Amazon at least. Whether
that will prove to be a cost
effective quick service or
an over-priced gimmick
remains to be seen, but
Steve Reece runs a leading consultancy delivering consumer research and manufacturing sourcing services to toy and game companies. Contact him via www.KidsBrandInsight.com.
Magic moments
Niamh Sherwin Barry explains the mantra behind The Irish Fairy Door Company and reveals
why the product has been a hit with children and adults alike
WHEN WE spotted the
recent news story about a
Somerset council planning
to tear down some of the
400 plus fairy doors that
had appeared in their local
woods, we didnt just see
this as the perfect time to
launch in the UK.
Yes, it was an ideal
platform for us to offer to
re-home evicted fairies and
to engage with outraged
fairy-fans. More than that,
we saw it as a great opener
to a much-needed wider
discussion on the power of
belief and magic in play.
It is this which is central
to everything we do here
at The Irish Fairy Door
Company.
The imagination is an
extremely powerful and
responsibility of making
decisions, which we think
is both very powerful and
super-important.
Once these decisions are
made, the key in the bottle
is left out beside the fairys
door. The next morning
when the child sees that
the key is gone and that
their fairy has arrived,
picked it up and moved in,
the imagination explodes.
From that moment on,
they know that theres
a magical little fairy
living behind that door.
Communicating with the
fairy becomes part of daily
life, creating play patterns,
imagining adventures,
creating stories its truly
quite magical what these
fairy doors can achieve.
Niamh Sherwin Barry is director of The Irish Fairy Door Company. The Irish Fairy Door Company products are distributed in the UK exclusively by Ackerman International. All trade
enquiries: enquiries@ackermanintl.co.uk or 01279 408 208.
www.toynews-online.biz
15 TN161 Opinion_Final.indd 1
May 15
22/04/2015 16:15
OPINION
The Bananagrams
Challenge is the
culmination of years of
hard work and dedication in
getting our game to market
and, more importantly,
getting it played by the
right audience: kids.
Its exciting to think that
15,000 children in 500
schools in the UK are now
playing Bananagrams.
We decided to run the
first ever Bananagrams
Challenge in the UK for a
number of reasons.
Firstly, I live here and my
own children went through
the British school system,
so it felt like the natural
launch-pad. Secondly,
the size was important
when configuring the
play aspects. Capping the
Going forward, we
will definitely grow The
Bananagrams Challenge
and open it up to more
schools in the UK. Now we
have a really firm grasp on
whats involved, we feel we
can only go from strength
to strength.
Licence to thrill
Elfie Knapen, VP promotional services for Cartamundi, discusses the delights and difficulties
of producing attractive licensed product at retail
IM RESPONSIBLE for
developing and rolling out
Cartamundis promotional
services strategy with
the company purpose in
mind: Sharing the magic of
playing together.
I work closely together
with the other VPs, VP
consumer products
(retail) and VP games
manufacturing services,
both to broaden and
strengthen our offer in
promotions.
That means making use
of our network with game
developers to introduce
new game mechanics in
promotional offerings and
making use of our network
with licensors and game
brands to launch licensed
and branded promotions.
In addition licensed
programmes ensure high
quality and engaging
content and imagery, in line
with consumer trends.
The main challenge is
the obvious one: to get all
parties aligned.
16 May
16 TN161 Opinion_Final.indd 1
www.toynews-online.biz
22/04/2015 16:14
YO U R F R I E N D F O R E V E R
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21/04/2015 15:09
20 TN160.indd 1
18/03/2015 14:08
Sponsored by:
Since we published our first ever Top 100 Women in Toys listing last year, we have been inundated with
requests to find out when we would be running it again. Well, here it is. From managing directors, inventors
and sales executives, through to PR, marketing, creatives, licensing and media specialists and retailers, our
top 100 for 2015 are all inspirational and influential individuals - who just happen to be female
Angela
Affinita, Head
of Creative &
Production,
Disneymedia+
Sarah Allen,
Head of PR,
Mattel
Sharday
Awori,
Account
Director,
Norton & Co
Christine
Baxter,
Exhibition &
Special Events
Manager,
BTHA
Rosie Bayles,
Director
of Media &
Licensing,
Bandai
Nicola Bergot,
Commercial
Director,
Flair
Sue Barratt,
UK sales,
Melissa &
Doug
Michele
Bates,
MD,
Evolution PR
22/04/2015 17:45
Sponsored by:
Caroline
Brotherton,
Director,
H Grossman
Ali Brown,
Marketing
Manager,
Orchard Toys
Lauren Byrne,
Senior Brand
Manager,
TOMY
Rebecca Clark,
Brand
Manager,
Toys,
Re:creation
Lauren
Coombs,
Head of AV
Engagement,
Generation
Media
Nancy Davies,
Sales
Director,
Interplay
Marian Davis,
Marketing
Manager,
MGA & Zapf
Creation
Tracey Devine,
European
Marketing
& Licensing
Director,
KD UK
Nieve
Cavanagh,
Marketing
Manager,
Hasbro
20 May
Frances Cain,
Owner of A
Girl For All
Time and WIT
UK Chair
Among her many notable
accolades, Cain is the
owner of an internationally
successful brand A Girl For
All Time and is also the
UK Chair for the Women in
Toys organisation. Cain has
been praised for countering
the gender neutral debate
with a range which actively
seeks out to prove that
being feminine and being
intelligent are not mutually
exclusive. A pleasure to
work with, especially when
she is so passionate about
the integrity and quality of
her product.
Robyn
Cowling,
Licensing
Director,
Underground
Toys
A popular figure in the toy
and licensing industries,
Cowling has been with
Underground Toys from the
very start and is described
as a big cog in the
Underground Toys wheel.
As licensing director, she
is responsible for getting
the firm exciting new
licensing deals. Cowling
also heads up the product
development team, who are
busy working on new lines,
as well as the expansion
into new categories like
homewares in the US.
Sabine Dix,
National
Account
Manager,
Trends UK
Dix has held influential
sales roles at companies
including Spin Master,
Tomy, MGA and currently
at Trends UK for the past
two years. Colleagues
mentioned her cheerful
outlook, enthusiasm for
products and her ability
to get positive results.
Her communication is
impeccable, her product
knowledge outstanding
and she provides fantastic
service for both customers
and business partners,
according to her nominator.
Sally Carnall,
Marketing
Manager,
Epoch
22/04/2015 17:45
Emma Eden,
Marketing
Manager,
Spin Master
Kathryn Elliott
(Ludlam),
Brand
Manager,
Character
Options
Ludlam has been with
Character Options for six
years and is a most valued
member of the marketing
team. She knows her
brands inside out and
applies great attention to
detail in creating rounded
marketing campaigns.
Brands in her portfolio
include Chillfactor, Little
Live Pets and Ugglys Pet
Shop, bringing them all to
market from a standing
start. Most of all, her
likable, sunny disposition
is infectious making her a
pleasure to work with.
Caroline
Fosbury,
Founder,
Fosbury PR
Vicki Elmer,
Product
Manager,
Bandai
Katy Fletcher,
Brand
Manager,
Re:creation
Lucie Follett,
Creative
Director,
Arklu
22/04/2015 17:45
Sponsored by:
Amanda
Gummer,
Director,
Good Toy
Guide
It would be difficult to find
someone more dedicated
to the UK toy industry
than Dr Gummer, according
to her nominator. She
is passionate about the
importance of toys and
play in a childs life and
regularly appears on TV,
radio and in the print
media championing the toy
industry. She is described
as the heart and soul of
Fundamentally Children
and Good Toy Guide, having
taken it from a concept
through to the thriving
business it is today.
Sally Hunter,
National
Account
Manager,
VTech
Hunter started in the toy
industry working for her
dads company - Hunter
Toys - before moving to
Peterkin and then on to
VTech in 2008. Over the
past seven years, she has
worked on and developed
many accounts, buying
groups and agents,
boasting vast experience
with all channels from
grocers, variety stores and
toy specialists, through to
FOB business. The life and
soul of any function, Hunter
is well liked and respected.
Charlotte Le
Rougetel,
Founder,
Circus
Hayley
HanwellHolland,
Export
Manager,
John Crane
Hanwell-Holland looks
after the entire export
department at John Crane
with her responsibility
ranging from finding
agents and distributors in
the main countries of the
world, to pricing, costing,
understanding market
drivers and the actual
contct with the agents
offices. She also assists
in many other areas of
the business from HR to
organising events, all with
a smile and a joke ... even
when it comes to putting up
with MD Jonathan Thorpe...
Majen Immink,
Head of
Toy Fair
Operations &
Sales, BTHA
Immink has been described
as like a swan during her
first Toy Fair in charge
this year. She kept her
cool during an incredibly
stressful few days and
made Toy Fair a pleasure to
be part of, said one exec.
On top of the usual show
stress, Immink also had to
deal with the 2016 date
issue, which she did in a
cool, calm and professional
way. Creative, organised
and thinks strategically and
skilfully on all matters, Toy
Fair is in safe hands.
Ruth Leonard,
Director of
Marketing &
New Business
Development,
Carte Blanche
Leonard has been in the
licensing and toy industry
since 2003. She has worked
across a wide portfolio of
brands including Disney,
WWE, Marvel and more
recently Moshi Monsters.
In the last 12 months,
she has been responsible
for the marketing and
development of the Me to
You, as well as developing
the licensing-in portfolio
for Carte Blanche. She has
secured deals with Syco,
BBC Worldwide and Saban
Brands among others.
Lindsay
Hardy,
Marketing
Director,
Trends UK
Hardy has been a leading
figure in the toy business
for many years. She
has played a key part in
launching huge brands into
the UK and was part of the
core team that set up Flair
and turned it into a major
success. Now part of the
Trends UK team, Hardys
experience in the business
is a big benefit, supporting
the growing company. She
is also one of the loveliest
people you could wish to
meet, delightful to work
with and inspiring people to
achieve the best they can.
Claire
Johnston,
Head of
Marketing,
Learning
Resources
Johnston joined Learning
Resources in 2014 and
has made an immediate
impact initiating strong
communications and
encouraging staff
into specialist roles. A
consummate networker,
Johnston is on the BTHA
committees for PR and
Toy Fair. Passionate about
education and community,
she is also a school
governor, business mentor,
fete organiser and regularly
participates in charity
events. Busy lady.
Gemma
Lewington,
Marketing
Manager,
Mookie
Lewington joined Mookie
in August 2014 to oversee
and run all of the firms
marketing campaigns.
Since her arrival, she has
launched TP Toys first ever
TV campaign, as well as
showcasing the future of
the firm with an impressive
Toy Fair stand. This year
will see Lewington launch
Pebli Town, Story Stars,
Fluffimals and 3D Maker,
with her putting together
Mookies biggest ever
marketing campaign in
company history.
Wendy Hill,
Director
of Brand
Activation,
Mattel
Hill has played a major role
in the toy industry since
she started at Mattel over
a decade ago. She has
risen up through the ranks,
working on Fisher-Price and
Hot Wheels brands, and
has reached her current
position through her strong
vision, tireless drive and
can-do attitude. Recent
successes include the
Fisher-Price Discover Your
Way campaign and a high
profile partnership with The
Daily Mail for Scrabble. Hill
is certainly an incredible
ambassador for Mattel.
Susan
Journeaux,
Marketing
Services
Manager,
Flair
Journeaux came from
a retail and marketing
background when she
joined Flair in 2003. She
has developed her skills
in a number of areas and
is an acknowledged guru
in many. If anyone needs
practical help or advice on
exhibitions, POS, websites,
catalogue and advertising
design, showroom displays
and graphics, Journeaux
can organise anything,
anywhere and probably
get it cheaper, too. A born
multi-tasker.
Michelle
Lilley,
Marketing
Manager,
Little Tikes
Directing high impact
campaigns, Lilleys tenacity
is widely recognised by
the industry and media
contacts alike. She had
only been at the firm for
a matter of months when
she managed to get a Cozy
Coupe on BBC Breakfast
during Toy Fair. Forging
relationships with brands
such as Butlins and getting
Little Tikes into several of
its biggest UK resorts with
Tikes Towns, shows Lilley
really makes big ideas come
to life for her brand.
Kristina
Holden,
Operations
Director,
Kidicraft
Holden has very recently
been promoted to
operations director
at Kidicraft, focusing
on customer service
and supply. Boss Roy
Greenwood commented:
Kristina has made a
fundamental contribution
to the business and this
appointment is just one of
the steps in our continued
growth plans. Holden - who
worked on the expansion
of the Primo range - added:
I am very much looking
forward to helping to drive
the business forward.
Aoife Lawler,
Founder,
Irish Fairy
Door
Company
One half of relative
newcomer to the toy
industry, The Irish Fairy Door
Company, Lawler launched
the business with childhood
friend Niamh Sherwin-Barry
(more on her later) 18
months ago. The duo have
already sold more than
150,000 fairy doors globally
and built up a strong social
media following and fan
base. Lawler is the creative
one, coming up with the
stories and play ideas which
are delivered weekly to
fairy door owners.
Gillian Logan,
Founder,
Skinny
Sketcher
22/04/2015 17:45
Kirsty
Mackenzie,
Marketing
Manager,
Flair
Mackenzie has made a
major contribution to Flairs
success in pre-school,
creative play and now girls
brands since joining the
company in 2010. Prior
to this, she held roles at
Vivid and Woolworths
in the entertainment
merchandise area. Quietly
determined, astonishingly
well organised and totally
focused on what needs
doing, Mackenzie is calm
and collected under
pressure, and highly valued
by her colleagues, both old
and new.
Rena
Nathanson,
CEO,
Bananagrams
Emily
Maclennan,
Category
Director,
Worlds Apart
Passion, unbridled
enthusiasm and an
incredible commitment to
get the job done are just
some of the attributes
Maclennan shows as
category director,
responsible for new
product launches. Her
ability to present, influence
and win support from
colleagues, retailers and
licensors alike is absolutely
proven, together with her
remarkable capacity for
managing multiple projects
at once - all with two active
under ten year olds.
Christine
Nicholls,
Vice
Chairman,
Golden Bear
Foye Pascoe,
General
Manager UK &
Ireland,
Hasbro
Alicia
Peyrano,
Founder,
Little Citizens
Boutique
www.toynews-online.biz
Hayley
Macleod,
UK Retail
Sales
Manager,
Cartamundi
Macleod began an eventful
year at Cartamundi with a
much deserved promotion
from national account
manager to UK retail sales
manager. She has played a
major role in the successful
launch and continuing
expansion of the Shuffle
range, which now boasts
18 games with more on
the way. Macleod offers
a strong background in
sales, with previous roles
including international
sales manager for Flair and
national account manager
at Vivid Imaginations.
Nicola Mellor,
Brand
Manager,
MGA
Franka
Mulgirigama,
National
Account
Manager,
Mattel UK
Now managing the Toys
R Us, Smyths and The
Entertainer accounts at
Mattel, Mulgirigama started
her toy industry career
at Hasbro in 2001. She
spent five years with the
company before moving
on to Mega Brands in
December 2006, where
she handled a number of
different ranges including
the iconic pre-school
building block range, Mega
Bloks. She moved over to
Mattel following on from
its acquisition of the firm in
February 2014.
Holly Oldham,
Head of
Licensing
EMEA,
Rubies
Linda
Osbourne,
Founder,
KidzKreations
Emma Owen,
PR &
Promotions
Manager,
LEGO UK
A popular executive in
the toy, fancy dress
and licensing industries,
Oldham works with Rubies
extensive portfolio of
licensed character dress
up. Over the past year, she
has been focused on driving
the success of Disney
lines - with a particular
emphasis on Frozen - as
well as Teenage Mutant
Ninja Turtles among others.
Continuing to build Rubies
presence in the industry, an
international growth focus
for the business is next up.
Wendy
Phillips,
Founder,
Toy Safety
Experts
Phillips is an extremely well
respected expert in the
toy safety field, as well as
taking on the Convenorship
of the European Working
Group for Mechanical and
Physical Properties of
Toys. Phillips has been very
proactive on the Committee
(CW/15) for many years
and has made a significant
contribution to the field
of toy safety. She also
took time out last year to
educate delegates at our
Inventors Workshop in toy
safety legislation.
Ying
Pickavance,
Senior
Category
Manager,
Hy-Pro
Pickavance joined Hy-Pro
in 2010 as product
manager to develop
the wheeled brand Zinc.
Responsible for sourcing,
product development
and marketing, she has
helped Zinc grow into a
leading brand which now
has distribution around the
world. Her colleagues say
that she is a team player,
great fun to work with and
always goes the extra mile
in everything she does, is
constantly in demand and
copes well under pressure.
Katherine
Pierce,
Senior
Marketing
Manager,
Jumbo Games
Pierce has been working
for Jumbo Games since
2011 and has over 16
years global brand and
product management
experience. During her
time at the firm, she has
successfully secured a
wealth of licences including
DC Comics, Looney Tunes,
Furchester Hotel, Game of
Thrones and Thunderbirds
among others. She is
currently spearheading
the quirky General Election
campaign with Wasgij
puzzles and Dave Wasgij.
May 23
22/04/2015 17:45
Sponsored by:
Julie Pittilla,
Founder,
Pittilla PR
Sally
Plumridge,
International
Marketing
Director,
LeapFrog
The list would not be
complete without Sally
one of the toy industrys
most experienced, talented
and well respected
marketeers, said one
of the execs who put
Plumridge forward for the
listing. She certainly boasts
a wealth of experience
gained from senior
management positions
held at companies such as
Mattel and Tomy Europe. At
LeapFrog, she is responsible
for international marketing
and product, heading up a
team of six people.
Alex
Ratchford,
General Sales
Manager,
MGA
Julie
Reynolds,
Administrator,
Flair
Charlotte
Roberts,
Administrator,
plaY-room
Maxine
Rushton,
General Sales
Manager,
MGA
Frederica
Scott
Vollrath,
Marketing
Director,
Oxford Games
Leslie Scott,
Founder,
Oxford Games
Lin Sherlock,
AVP Buying,
TK Maxx
24 May
Susan Pope,
Founder,
Product
Matters
Gerbie
Quilter,
Sales
Director,
Vivid
Mamta
Singhal,
EUROMEA
Project Quality
Engineer,
Mattel
An engineer, inventor
and charismatic business
woman, Singhal is not one
to be afraid of a challenge.
She joined Mattel in 2013
and covers Europe, the
Middle East, Africa and
Russia and reports into the
LA head office. In 2007,
Singhal was a finalist for
UK Young Women Engineer
of the Year and for the last
three years has been the
global judge for Institution
of Engineering and
Technologys Innovation
Awards.
Helen
Ramdhian,
Senior NAM,
Flair
Lesley
Singleton,
MD,
Playtime PR
22/04/2015 17:46
Andrea Smith,
Brand
Manager,
Hasbro
Rebecca
Snell,
Head of
Marketing,
LEGO UK
Mandy
Victory,
Business
Development
Manager,
Flair
Linzi Walker,
Trading
Manager,
Toys &
Nursery,
Argos
Judith Stark,
MD,
Halilit
Jacqueline
Taylor-Foo,
UK Sales
Director,
Spin Master
Taylor-Foo started her
sales career at BMW/Rover,
Coca Cola and LOreal,
before joining the toy
industry in 2001 at Mattel.
She then moved to Zapf
Creations, before joining
Spin Master in 2006 in her
current role. A driven and
motivational team leader,
Taylor-Foo has excellent
sales and negotiation
skills, ensuring that Spin
Masters brands such as
Flutterbye, Meccano and
the successful Paw Patrol
are always at the front of
retailers priorities.
Emma Weber,
Licensing
Director,
Vivid
Alice Taylor,
CEO,
Makie Lab
22/04/2015 17:46
FAMILY-FUN
TRIVIA GAME!
1000
AVAILABLE IN JUNE!
Coronation St & ITV Studios Ltd (2015).
Licensed by Granada Ventures Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Jumbo Games, 2 Carters Row, Hatfield Park, Hatfield, UK, AL9 5NB
Telephone: 01707-289289 Email: uk.saleshotline@jumbo.eu www.jumbo.eu
26 TN161.indd 1
15/04/2015 14:05
Digital revolution
On a High Street where Click and Collect sales are at an all time high, its hard to ignore the growing
importance of e-commerce for todays consumer. Robert Hutchins explores how the humble independent
toy store can embrace a digital offering without selling their souls
is an omnichannel anyway
and how does it sell toys?
Clare Rayner is the
founder of the annual
Future High Street Summit,
the Retail Champion and an
avid campaigner for High
Street prosperity.
In a position that sees
her work closely with
independent retailers,
Rayner believes its
through embracing the
e-tailer movement that
High Street stores stand
the best chance of a
prosperous future.
It is essential in this
day and age for any
serious business to have a
digital presence, she tells
ToyNews. Particularly for
toy shops, where the end
22/04/2015 17:42
22/04/2015 17:42
TV ADV
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22/04/2015 18:01
INDIE MAP
In south Manchester,
around seven independent
toy shops have closed
down in the last three
years and there arent
that many toy shops in
north Manchester either,
Alexander tells ToyNews.
Its strange because
were no worse for major
competition than anyway
else in the country. Maybe
the recession hit the north
much harder than in other
parts of the country.
The same can be said for
some of Scotlands major
cities, with Glasgow and
Edinburgh only boasting
a cluster of independents
each, while other areas like
Aberdeen, Inverness and
Dundee are slim when it
comes to indie toy specialists.
The reason, according to
the owner of Dunblane-based
Toy Hub Helen Gourley, may
be due to shopping habits
being vastly different in
Scotland than in other
parts of the UK and Ireland.
Ive lived down south
before and the weather
here is much worse, says
Gourley. The weather is so
much better down south so
youre more likely to have
a walk round the shops. Up
22/04/2015 18:29
INDIE MAP
www.toynews-online.biz
May 31
22/04/2015 18:29
Coiledspring Games
@coiledspring
@coiledspringgames
New Sorgenfresser
Juniors: Betti, Bill & Flint
www.coiledspring.co.uk
Call 020 3301 1160 for more information
NEW FOR
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DESIGN
32 TN161.indd 1
16/04/2015 14:32
TOYMASTER
Harrogate highlights
The annual Toymaster show is perfectly timed for both suppliers and independents to have a mid-year
catch up, and is one of the biggest order writing shows in the calendar. ToyNews takes a look at what
some of the suppliers will be displaying, while also asking for their best show memory
THE TOYMASTER Show is
something of a right of
passage to any newcomer
to the toy industry.
Unlike any other trade
show in the business, its
popularity is underlined
by how quickly it sells out
every year. In 2013, the
show sold out in just two
weeks, with Toymaster
confirming the sell out in
mid January. Then, in 2014,
it took just seven days.
The affection for the
three-day event which will
be held once again in The
Majestic Hotel, Harrogate
stems both from the sheer
amount of business that is
done there and the social
aspect. Previous evenings
at the venue have included
James Bond fancy dress,
MIKE HARTSHORN
NATIONAL ACCOUNT
MANAGER, JUMBO GAMES
What will your company be
showcasing?
Our Primary Science range
is most popular amongst
Toymaster members; this
year were showcasing
the new Telescope and
Binoculars, plus well be
reminding members of
our existing bestsellers.
www.toynews-online.biz
33 TN161 Toymaster_Final.indd 1
CHRIS BEARDMORE
UK RETAIL SALES MANAGER,
LEARNING RESOURCES
May 33
22/04/2015 17:54
A-MAY-ZING
TOYS AND GIFTS
N
E
Dis W
tributio
Lin n
es
RETROcts
Produ
We have a fantastic range of NEW and BEST SELLING items for 2015.
sales@tobar.co.uk
www.tobar.co.uk
15/04/2015 14:22
TOYMASTER
JOSHUA FARLEIGH
MANAGING DIRECTOR,
FLYING GADGETS
RICHARD WELLS
SALES DIRECTOR,
PAUL LAMOND GAMES
What will you be
showcasing?
We are very excited to
be presenting our range
of new licensed puzzles
including Minions, Clangers,
Star Wars, Stickman,
Shopkins, Twirlywoos,
Miles from Tomorrow
and Star Wars: The Force
Awakens, as well as POS
solutions to help members
add some theatre in-store.
Games continue to be a big
focus for us going forward
and we will TV advertise
three this autumn/winter:
www.toynews-online.biz
35 TN161 Toymaster_Final.indd 1
ADRIAN MAYES
GENERAL SALES
MANAGER, RE:CREATION
of the best business
writing shows of the year.
In general, it is very well
supported by Toymaster
members, but it was a
brilliant idea to open
the show up to other
independents.
What is your best
Toymaster memory?
Toymaster always falls
around my birthday so
there are usually a few
good evenings to be had.
important to us the
independents are
particularly good at
knowing their customers
and knowing what makes
them tick.
DEREK SCOTT
GENERAL SALES MANAGER,
RAVENSBURGER
May 35
22/04/2015 17:14
TOYMASTER
SUZIE HOWES
HEAD OF MARKETING,
WINNING MOVES
ROGER MARTIN
MD,
COILEDSPRING GAMES
Eaters continues to
build, and Schmidt have
introduced junior versions
of characters Betty, Bill
and bestseller Flint.
we can support
the retailers
more. This is the
perfect venue.
How important are the
indie toy stores to you?
The independents are
very important to us as a
business. With products
such as Top Trumps, the
independents allow us
to get a broad spectrum
of titles out in the
marketplace and into the
consumers hands. Whilst
the majors all battle it out,
ZARA GRINDROD
SALES DIRECTOR,
RAINBOW DESIGNS
How important are the
indie toy stores to you?
They are very important,
especially to a company
like us where we have a
mix of licensed and niche
products. The indie stores
are set up for exactly that
kind of product mix.
Best Toymaster memory?
Having a conversation with
one of our longstanding
customers and only
realising who it was halfway
through because her
costume was so fantastic.
NADIM LAPEROUSE
MD,
WOW TOYS
36 May
36 TN161 Toymaster_Final.indd 1
22/04/2015 17:06
PLG
New Games1 advert Toynews 2015.indd 1
37
TN161.indd
14/04/2015
15/04/2015 10:06
14:18
TOYMASTER
DAVID MORDECAI
CEO,
TOBAR
DISCOVER
MICHELE MARZILIANO
UK & IRELAND COUNTRY
MANAGER, CLEMENTONI
CM
MY
10580
Minions 80pc
CY
CMY
www.ravensburger.co.uk
Sales Hotline 01869 363800
38 TN161 Toymaster_Fianl.indd 1
als!
22/04/2015 17:18
TOYMASTER
ROB SHERLOCK
KEY ACCOUNT
MANAGER, ESDEVIUM
What will your
company be
showcasing?
Pokmon TCG, where
our sales grew 64 per
cent in 2014 and are
looking on target for
50 per cent further
growth in 2015, Disney
Pictopia Trivia game
and, of course, Dobble
which sold over 80,000
pieces in 2014.
Will you be running
any show offers?
Yes, many offers with
free stock offerings on
Disney Games (buy six
get two free), Rocket
Games (buy eight
get four free) and an
exclusive Pokmon
product just for
Toymaster members.
DAVID BRAMFORD
SALES DIRECTOR,
CHARACTER OPTIONS
What will you be
showcasing at
Toymaster?
Character will be
showcasing our core
ranges, while also
highlighting our key
new launches such
as Yummy Nummies,
Ugglys Pet Shop, The
Clangers and the new
Peppa Pig Once Upon
a Time collection.
Tournam
dates 18ent
Sept 3 th
1s
Oct 2015 t
Best Toymaster
memory?
Toymaster show
evenings definitely
register. The
Toymaster show is
the friendliest show
of the industry where
we can do some great
business for the rest
of the year.
Rugby World
Cup 2015
Shaun the Sheep
Large Toy 45cm
Character Options
calendar and it seems
unimaginable for us
not to attend.
How important are
the independent
toy stores to your
business?
Toymaster, and indies
in general, have been
the cornerstone of
our business and
have always been
amazing supporters.
Its important that
we maintain and
support the traditional
High Street toy
store for our future
generations.
What is your best
Toymaster memory?
Colin Rossiter,
our national sales
manager, dressed as
Loopy Loo at one of
the shows fancy dress
evenings.
Available
to order
now!
Rugby World Cup 2015 Shaun
the Sheep Window Stick-Ons 23cm
39 TN161 Toymaster_Final.indd 1
22/04/2015 17:15
INDEPENDENT SURVEY
Follow us @toyshopuk
FOR
Toytown
Daeron McGee
As long as they do not undercut their retailers, or try to
poach the customers by deliberately targeting them with
online special offers, then no problem. If the suppliers support
their retail outlets, then the retail outlets will support the
suppliers. However, if the suppliers misuse this arrangement,
then they should expect to be dumped by the retailers.
40 May
Final Frontier
Julian Shelford
It may help them to understand the dynamics of selling
to the end consumer and the difficulties the retailer has in
supplying stock, especially when it gets to certain times
of the year. Some of the suppliers have their own stores
already. There are so many lines out there to choose from,
its unlikely that every supplier would become a retailer.
The market is strong but my advice to suppliers would
be have a go if you are strong enough, if not leave to us
hardened retailers.
Duplay
Liam White
www.toynews-online.biz
22/04/2015 16:03
INDEPENDENT SURVEY
World of Bears
Paul Pimlott
Suppliers do not operate under the same terms as bricks
and mortar stores, so they can compete on price and
postage, while trying to enforce MRRP on retailers. This
is a conflict of interest. The end result is the closure of
High Street.
www.toynews-online.biz
AGAINST
ImagiDo!
Janis Phillimore
I would be happier for suppliers to sell directly to
consumers if the prices were fair. I have seen suppliers
selling their products on Amazon for less than they
sell them to me at trade price. How can I compete with
that? I dont think its healthy for me as a retailer to be in
competition with my supplier. By doing this, they also drive
down the value of their own goods. Surely it would make
more sense for the suppliers to stick to selling in bulk and
leave us retailers to sell to the consumer?
Models R Go
John Guiver
Suppliers who compete with the very retailers they
supply are beneath contempt in my opinion because
they are abusing their position and the wholesale deals
they receive from manufacturers. These deals are
supposed to ensure that the supplier grows and supports
the distribution network through retailers to the end
customer, not to short cut the process and sell direct
at virtually trade price. Unfortunately this is a growing
trend facilitated by greed and the internet. I will now only
purchase from such suppliers where they are selling direct
at MRRP and charging for shipping.
Hal Whittaker
Stuart Andrew
In todays world of greed, it may be considered acceptable
but it is morally wrong. If you are wholesale, you sell to
trade not retail. Retailers have to live with putting their
own mark up on top of the trade price, it should be the
same for manufacturers. It is sheer greed to take both
wholesale and retail mark up and sometimes undercut
their own manufacturers RRP by doing offers that the
retailer cannot compete with. Retailers are proving to be
nothing more than a showroom for internet sellers and
manufacturers to sell their products from.
Cot N Togs
Sue Needham
They seem to want it all, wholesale and trade. We
are the shop front showing and selling their products
to the customer. Providing knowledge and passing on
information. We are then selling a product often tagged
with the company website for the customer to go to
directly. How long can this continue?
May 41
22/04/2015 16:03
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
This month, a young start-up toy retailer asks the Good Toy Guides head of retailer
relations, Lucy Moody, what they can do to make a splash in the toy market
in similar positions to
yourselves. We offer
support through the set up
of your store and can give
you as much advice as you
need. Take a look at our
retailer pages and stay in
contact with us online.
For now, however, I will
leave you with this parting
nugget of advice from the
renowned psychologists,
Pfeffer, Fong, Cialdini and
Portnoy: Research shows
that having independent,
expert commentary
is proven to increase
favourability ratings on
every scale in comparison
to a person or business
blowing its own trumpet
and is second only to
recommendation from a
friend or family member.
www.toynews-online.biz
22/04/2015 16:26
Winning
Moves full
43
TN161.indd
1 page ad Toy News.indd 1
10/03/2015
21/04/2015 11:16
15:54
This years Big Thames Challenge is in aid of Special Kids Going Places, and while
industry members are cycling, running, walking and swimming, heres what its
really all about. Three great causes with one common theme.
Cyclists Fighting Cancer (CFC) - www.cyclistsfc.org.uk
CFC enables children and young people living with cancer across the UK to regain
their physical fitness, strength and confidence by giving them new bikes, adapted
trikes, tandems, other equipment and support. The effects of the disease and
its treatments in children are numerous; amputations, balance issues, physical
weakness, coordination difficulties and lack of self esteem are just a few of the
most common side effects. CFC encourages cycling as the best form of exercisebased rehabilitation, especially for children, because it provides all these benefits in
a low impact, fun, sociable and exciting way.
Action for Kids - www.actionforkids.ritdns.com
Founded in 1991, Action For Kids began by raising funds for a child who needed a
wheelchair and has now helped thousands of disabled children and young people
and their parents and carers. The charity provides mobility equipment not currently
available on the NHS, such as customised wheelchairs that give the user comfort,
mobility and greater independence. Action For Kids also runs a Life and Work
programme providing young disabled people with tailored practical work experience,
everyday life skills and the confidence to become more independent.
Handicapped Childrens Action Group (HCAG) - www.chris624.wix.com/hcag
HCAG provides specialist equipment for children with disabilities, learning difficulties
and other special needs. The charitys principal aim is to provide the funding that
will help to give the disabled child independence and mobility. They strive to
give children the ability to join in with the activities of others their own age when
previously they have only been able to watch from the sidelines. The equipment
that HCAG provides is varied and includes powered and manual wheelchairs and
trikes, right through to specialist seating and sensory equipment.
And finally
Well done Mattel on their Guess the Weight of the
Easter Egg competition which raised 100.
And to Andy Clempson, also from Mattel, who raised
a further 100 in the Reading Half Marathon.
Dont forget to tell us about your Toy Trust
fundraising events!
www.toynews-online.biz
22/04/2015 16:12
Toys_News_Full_Page_May_17042015.pdf
17/04/2015
15:59
CM
MY
CY
CMY
46 TN161.indd 1
21/04/2015 15:17
46 TN161.indd 1
22/04/2015 18:03
News
Media
Opinion
22/04/2015 17:09
NEWS
Talking Chewbecca
roars into Underground
Toys Star Wars line-up
By Samantha Loveday
BUSY UNDERGROUND
Toys is looking to take
advantage of the current
Star Wars hype with the
launch of its new Medium
Chewbacca Talking Plush.
Loyal friend of Han
Solo, daring co-pilot of
the Millennium Falcon
and legendary member
of the Rebel Alliance, the
firm has immortalised
Chewbacca in nine-inch
plush format, significantly
bolstering its official Star
Wars collection.
The talking plush
features the iconic
Chewbacca roars taken
from the classic movie,
making the toy a musthave for any Star Wars fan
or collector.
Simply press his tummy
to hear him roar, but
www.toynews-online.biz
22/04/2015 17:02
62 TN161.indd 1
16/04/2015 14:18
o
m
H
r
!
e For
u
s
o
y
Y
C B e e bies T o
TV support ac
ro s s
the r a n g e
ve r
o
h
t
i
W
VRs
T
+
0
4,50
Hello, Im
Mr Tumble
Interactive
Mr Tumble
WOOF
WOOF!
Woof Woof
Duggee
Talking
Twirlywoos
Poseable
Talking Woolly
CM
MY
With fun
sounds and
phrases!
CY
CMY
Chatty
Bugbies
spi
Sweet Dreams
With Squidge
glow!
!
pop
Ninky Nonk
Musical Activity Train
50 TN161.indd 1
HEY DUGGEE TM and character logos TM & Studio AKA Ltd 2014.
Licensed by BBC Worldwide Ltd. BBC logo TM & BBC 1996.
21/04/2015 15:26
Sponsored by:
News
Opinion
Events
GALT AT TOYMASTER
Galt Toys will be
presenting Bird and Fish,
two classic bath toys
from the Ambi range at
Toymaster. Both are due
to launch in July and have
been created by British toy
designer Patrick Rylands.
The timeless toys won the
Duke of Edinburghs Prize
for Elegant Design now
known as the Prince Philip
Designers Prize in 1968,
and are making a comeback
by popular request.
www.toynews-online.biz
22/04/2015 17:56
NEWS
Comment
Imitation is not flattery
Rachel Jones, Totseat MD
and founder of SnapDragon
Monitoring, explains the
importance of trademark
protection and why
she is making tackling
counterfeiters easier for you.
THE FIRST counterfeit
Totseat I ever met made
my blood boil. It was
the fury at someones
audacity to copy it
and the horror that it
absolutely wouldnt
be safe to use. While
it looked good in its
packaging, the product
told a very different story.
The best part is that the
item had been seized at
Customs. In fact, if you
have registered your
trademark with them,
the brilliant CITEX unit at
HMRC keeps an eye out
for counterfeits for you.
Its an easy process and
for anyone importing toys
and nursery products it
is worth doing. They even
circulate the information
among their equivalent
units in the EC.
From identification and
confirmation that the
goods are counterfeit,
they arrange for their
destruction. In our
case, the local Trading
Standards office also
mobilised its counterpart
in the right region to
take action against
the importer. And take
action they did, thankfully
without involving us.
We had expected to
meet a counterfeit at
some point, thats why
we registered with CITEX.
For them and various
e-commerce portals, the
strongest part of our
armour is our numerous
trademarks. Simple to
manage, relatively cheap
to organise, registered
trademarks are worth
their weight in gold.
E-commerce portals
have to take down
www.toynews-online.biz
22/04/2015 17:47
OUT
NOW
Baby Peek-a-Boo
Where are
you?
Play Peek-a-Boo
with your little baby!
Introduces numbers,
body parts, foods
and feelings
Mummy,
lets play!
ToyTN161.indd
News Little Love
ad 0415 v1.indd 1
02
1
13-04-2015
04:45:16
PM
15/04/2015
12:56
54
TN161.indd 1
ZAPF_BabyAnnabellAd_ToyNews_May15d.indd
1
21/04/2015 13:28
15:55
21/04/2015
A staple of the industry, in recent years the doll sector has dipped a plastic toe in the worlds of technology,
education and, of course, hit licences. Billy Langsworthy looks at some of this years most interesting
additions. Those allergic to cuteness might want to look away now
VTECH
VTech made its doll debut
last year with Little Love
Baby Talk, a voice-activated
doll that learns more
phrases the more a child
talks to it.
The doll comes with 100
words, sings ten melodies,
speaks over 80 phrases and
also features real-life sound
effects, such as drinking
and giggling.
This year, VTech is
planning to expand the Little
Love collection with the
launch of Little Love Baby
Peek-a-Boo in spring, while
Little Love Learn to Walk will
then arrive in the autumn/
winter season.
www.toynews-online.biz
HTI
Bonnie & Pearl dolls come
in seven different colouring
options, complete with an
outfit, bed, soft pillow and
adoption certificate.
Accessories, outfits and
furniture are also available
to inspire imagination,
innocence and friendship
among youngsters from
eight years old up.
Bonnie & Pearl will
be expanding its retail
business throughout the
UK, Europe and Middle East
from July 2015.
0844 800 1910
May 55
22/04/2015 16:24
TRENDS UK
Trends UK has the new
Disney Frozen Singing Plush
featuring Elsa and Anna.
Both stars of the hit movie
have been recreated with
beautiful vinyl heads and
huggable soft bodies.
TRAVIS DESIGNS
Travis Designs boasts
a wide selection of doll
outfits that match up with
the companys best-selling
girls dressing up costumes.
The dresses span all
CHARACTER OPTIONS
seasons and events with
designs including the
likes of a ballerina, Marie
Antoinette and even a
Medieval Queen.
01442 289898
VIVID
My Friend Cayla, the doll that
interacts via an app, will be given
a new outfit for next Christmas
and will benefit from enhanced
personalisation.
Also new is My Friend Cayla
Princess, which comes with a
bespoke princess-themed app
and accessories.
01483 449944
56 May
www.toynews-online.biz
22/04/2015 16:22
n Hors
Morga
FLAIR
With Doc McStuffins in its portfolio,
GP Flair has several new interactive
dolls and play-sets for fans of the
pint-sized doctor to play with.
Building on its success with
Disneys Doc McStuffins, Flair has
recently launched a School of
ook
ith B
na w
ily An
Saddle
-Up Sta
bles
22/04/2015 16:21
JOHN CRANE
Made with soft plush, the
Baby Annabell Walking Little
Lamb walks and can also
emit a cute baa sound.
The lamb is able to walk
unattended and has
ears that move up and
down while walking.
The lamb comes with
a feeding bottle and
makes noises when
drinking from it.
The Baby
Annabell
Interactive
Potty retails
at around
14.99,
HASBRO
My Little Pony fans are
catered for this year with
a series of new dolls based
on the hit brand.
The My Little Pony
Glamour Glow Rarity lights
up and comes with a
decoration for her horn.
Kids can decorate her with
the stickers and then
style her hair and tail
with the four hair clips.
Elsewhere, the
My Little Pony
Equestria
Girls Rainbow
Rocks Dolls
are stylishly
dressed
in ultrachic outfits
featuring candy
colours and a sassy
glasses.
Each doll boasts a
cutie splash, which are
unique designs similar
to the cutie mark on her
pony alter ego.
Finally, the My Little
Pony Equestria Girls
Rockin Hairstyles
Dolls come with outfits
and wings so that they
58 May
JC TOYS
are ready for the Rainbow
Rocks Mane Event.
Consumers can
accessorise each doll with
the included earrings to
polish off the Equestria
Girls rocker look.
020 8569 1234
www.toynews-online.biz
22/04/2015 16:18
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TINY_TEARS_TOYNEWS_2015.indd 1
21/04/2015 15:31
16/04/2015 10:18:43
DYNAMIC LIGHTS
AND SOUNDS
TEST HIS
BRAIN POWER
QUICK-WITTED,
SMART TALKING,
KNOW-IT-ALL!
ROBOTIC
MOVEMENTS
BATTLE I-QUE
AT GAMES
OOPS!!
I LAUNCHED
A TURBO!
HE KNOWS
MILLIONS
OF THINGS!
K I D SA F E
INTERNET
60 TN161.indd 1
PLAY ON LINE
OR OFF LINE
21/04/2015 15:47
Action heroes
Whether its collecting, building or simply all-out action, the market formerly known as boys boasts it all.
This month, Robert Hutchins investigates the products destined to keep kids playing with real tenacity
LEGO
LEGO enjoyed a vastly
successful 2014, fuelled
by the nations love for The
LEGO Movie.
The firm held five of the
top ten new toys for the
year, attributing its success
to not only the cinematic
release, but core lines
MATTEL
Its an impressive portfolio
from Mattel this year, with
some of the worlds most
popular boys brands and
licences, including Hot
Wheels, Disney, Star Wars
and Minions.
The number one boys
vehicle brand, Hot Wheels,
sees the launch of The
Connectors this spring, a
group of four boys with a
penchant for adrenalinefuelled adventures.
A series of 11 videos will
see The Connectors complete
Hot Wheels challenges to
inspire youngsters to become
track masters themselves.
The Hot Wheels brand
will be visiting key locations
across the UK this autumn
to give kids the chance to
race on Connectors themed
www.toynews-online.biz
May 61
22/04/2015 16:10
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VIVID
5-4-3- you know the rest...
Yes, Thunderbirds is back
and this season, Vivid is
launching a complete range
of figures, vehicles and playsets to celebrate its return.
The toys will be launching
in July and the range will
include 9.5cm articulated
figures of all the Tracey
brothers and the Hood
(each retailing at 7.99),
Thunderbirds vehicles
with sounds (9.99
to 16.99), Supersize
Thunderbirds Two playset (39.99) and the hero
product: the interactive
Tracey Island (79.99). A
Vehicle Superset and an
International Role Play
Uniform will also feature.
All the vehicles are
compatible with the Tracey
Island play-set, allowing
kids to play out scenes
from the TV series.
www.toynews-online.biz
HASBRO
Meanwhile, this spring/
summer sees Vivid
introduce the i-Que
Intelligent Robot.
Retailing at 64.99,
i-Que is a quick-witted,
smart talking braniac,
boasting jokes, trivia, sound
effects, quizzes and games
designed to entertain kids
and adults alike.
i-Que is also articulated
with a motorised waist and
a jittery thinking cap to
make him fun to watch.
Completing the line-up
is the artificial intelligence
racing system known
as Real FX (99.99). The
system is designed to
provide the most realistic
driving experience in RC
cars, with a modified
Sensor Track enabling kids
to create over 40 different
track layouts.
01483 449 944
May 63
22/04/2015 16:06
BANDAI
The Avengers collection
also features pocket money
outdoor items including
bubble wands, skittles and
more. Swimming masks
even allow kids to emulate
their favourite hero while
making a splash in the pool.
Sambro is expecting to
see demand for Minions sky
rocket this year, when the
Minions movie hits cinemas
across the UK.
POSH PAWS
With a stellar line-up of
blockbuster movies on the
way this year, Posh Paws
looks to position itself as
the key plush specialist for
all your cuddly Star Wars
and Avengers needs.
The Force Awakens hits
screens this December and
Posh Paws is excited to
launch its range of classic
Star Wars plush characters
including Yoda, Darth Vader,
Storm Trooper, Darth Maul,
Chewbacca, C3PO, R2D2
and more.
Posh Paws is also
celebrating the launch of
Marvels Avengers: Age of
Ultron with a collection of
plush Marvel characters.
The Marvel Superhero
64 May
KNEX
Squad collection features
Hulk, Iron Man, Spider-Man
and Thor and is available in
a variety of sizes.
For parents looking
for superhero toys with
pocket money prices,
Posh Paws offers both
Marvel Avengers and Star
Wars Mystery Eggs, each
including a key-chain
figurine, with six characters
to collect as well as a
sticker, tattoo and an
information pack.
Pre-school property Jake
and the Neverland Pirates
remains a popular line for
the firm with plush verions
of Jake, Izzy, Cubby and
Skully available.
01268 567 317
22/04/2015 16:00
Playmats
20
16 uniqueth
designs
Anniversary
Non slip and soft
to play on
20
20
th
Anniversary
th
Anniversary
1995
2015
Discover
the whole range at
www.letoyvan.com
01/04/2015 14:11
20
th
Anniversary
Downloadable
Free App
and PR support
65 TN161.indd 1
15/04/2015 14:38
GOLDEN BEAR
performance. With the
bungee launched FireTek
Rockets, kids can blast
rockets up to 75 metres
high and watch the light-up
action, while bow fans can
enjoy the Air Storm fireTek
Z-Curve Bow.
With Zonic blaze
whistling arrows, the
Z-Curve Bow can fire
missiles up to 40 metres.
Re:creation is
supporting the Air
Storm brand
this summer
with a 360
degree
marketing
campaign,
including
extensive TV
and online activity, as
well as a year round PR.
Meanwhile, the
Razor brand will charge
into the summer
with a host of new
electric scooters
and ride-ons.
Re:creation set
the tone earlier this
VTECH
This year has seen VTech
launch its brand new
Kidizoom Action Cam, billed
by the firm as the perfect
device for kids to capture
their adventures, wherever
they go.
Aimed at children
aged five and upwards,
the Kidizoom Action Cam
(49.99) allows youngsters
to take photos and videos on
the go and comes complete
with a waterproof case and
different mounts for bikes,
skateboards and scooters.
Kids can record their
action, then via the
screen on the back
of the camera
watch their footage
and view their
photos instantly.
Plus, the camera
offers the added
bonus of photo
effects and the
ability to create
stop motion videos.
If thats not enough,
later this year, VTech is
launching its Kidizoom
Smart Watch Plus for
kids aged five to 12
years old.
Priced at 39.99,
the watch does more
66 May
CHARACTER OPTIONS
than just tell the time. The
eight-in-one watch also
provides kids with hours of
entertainment, from taking
photos, videos and voice
recordings, to playing one
of four pre-loaded games.
Youngsters can now
connect their Kidizoom
Smart Watch to the VTech
Learning Lodge to download
additional games and watch
faces featuring favourite
licensed characters.
01235 555 545
www.toynews-online.biz
22/04/2015 16:01
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Toy News 1advert- product.indd 1
16/04/2015
15/04/201511:43
11:09
BLADEZ
Jazwares
reports that
Terraria is
performing
phenomenally
well and the
extensive new
range is a result
of increasing
demand.
Further boys
character
ranges from
the firm include
Adventure
Time, Plants vs.
Zombies, Teen
Titans Go! and
Flick-to-Stick
Bungees.
Meanwhile,
Jazwares Blueprints paper
craft range currently
features Avengers and
Teenage Mutant Ninja
Turtles sets.
This autumn/winter will
see the firm launch its Star
Wars collection, featuring
the likes of the iconic
Millenium Falcon. The Star
Wars Paper Craft Millenium
TOP RACE
Its a busy year in the UK
for Top Race, as the firm
continues to push its
latest line-up of land loving
vehicles and flying gadgets.
The firm is literally shifting
the earth this season
with its collection of RC
Excavators, including the
Three Channel Excavator
Construction Tractor
and the Seven Channel
Full Functional Excavator
Construction Tractor.
Detailed to look like the
real thing, the Three Channel
Excavator boasts RC forward
and backward movement,
while its excavator arm can
move up and down.
Taking to the skies, Top
Races drone selection ranges
from Mini quads with in-built
cameras to Fighter Jet-style
68 May
POKMON
drones. Leading the range is
the 3D Tumbling Ladybug Four
Axis Four Channel 3D Micro
Quad Copter. The mini drones
boast full movement and can
hover, ascend, descend, move
left, right, up and down and
perform 3D tumbling actions.
The Quad Cam Four
Channel Quad Copter
arrives with a built-in video
camera and boasts a sixaxis gyro system.
The firm also has the F22
fighter Jet Four Channel RC
Quad Copter (a fighter jet
styled quad), the TR-808
Mini Six Channel 3D Stunt
RC Helicopter and the Three
Channel Indoor RC Blimp.
With a charge time of
around 40 minutes, the F22
Jet can remain airborne for
12 minutes of flight time.
info@toprace.com
www.toynews-online.biz
22/04/2015 15:58
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LE TOY VAN
with which the robot can
chase, play with and guard.
With the Haynes Build
Your Own Engine Kits,
kids can build a fully
working combustion, V8 or
motorcycle engine.
The award-winning series
reproduces the noise of real
engines and comes with all
the parts, electric motor,
illuminated spark plugs and
a Haynes style manual to
build the sets. Suitable for
ages ten plus, the engine
sets are available from
39.99 to 49.99.
Also new this year, will be
the Haynes Build Your Own
FM Radio advent calendar,
offering kids the chance to
collect 24 parts each day to
build a working FM radio.
The calendar is available
from Trends UK for 19.99.
01295 768 078
SPIN MASTER
As Netflix prepares to
exclusively air a new
How To Train Your Dragon
TV series this summer,
followed shortly after by
CBBC and Boomerang,
Spin Master readies a host
of never before available
characters and figures
from the franchise.
The firms Dragons range
for 2015 features the new
Dragons Egg, the Bucket
of Dragons and a host of
Dragon Riders figures.
The Dragons Egg
contains four pocket-sized,
mini dragon figures, while
the Bucket of Dragons
offers a selection of 18
dragons and seven Vikings.
Elsewhere, for the first
time, kids can play with
their favourite Dragon and
Rider together, from Astrid
and Stormfly to Hiccup and
Toothless. Dragon Riders
come with the addition of
a Viking, their signature
weapon and the ability to
ride any dragon.
Fans will also be able
to re-enact Toothless
and Hiccups battle
against the
Armoured Dragon,
www.toynews-online.biz
JUMBO GAMES
Established in 1853,
the Royal Jumbo Group
is one of the oldest toy
companies in Europe.
Present day, and
the number two
manufacturer in the
childrens puzzle
market is presenting
a portfolio lined with
popular brands such as
Peppa Pig, DC Comics,
Frozen, The Good
Dinosaur and more.
Jumbo kicked-off 2015
with the announcement of
signing a European licensing
deal with Warner Bros. to
produce a series of Batman
and DC Super Friends games
and jigsaw puzzles.
As the hype around
the upcoming Batman vs.
Superman: Dawn of Justice
film begins to ramp up, the
firm is delighted to have the
Batman brand on board.
Key products launching
under the new licence
include Batman Giant
May 71
22/04/2015 17:10
FIZZ CREATIONS
TOBAR
Theres a wealth of boys
toys hitting shelves this
summer courtesy of Tobar,
from classic wooden
cars and truck to Zurus
RoboFish, Turtles and more.
Tobars wooden toy range
features retro designs,
aimed to appeal to both
pre-school children and
parents alike.
The collection includes
best sellers like the wooden
car transporter, bus, fire
engine, police car and
ambulance. Each includes free
spinning wheels combined
with classic designs.
And for car fans, Tobar
continues to deliver as the
UK distributor for Bburago, a
firm that has recently secured
an exclusive worldwide licence
deal with Ferrari.
72 May
HTI
Tobar has over 100
models in stock, including
Ferrari Signature series,
Ferrari Race and Play and
Ferrari Racing.
The team also introduces
a range of RC models
from Maistro and Syma,
featuring the Extreme
Beast and Quadcopter.
Completing Tobars
extensive portfolio, and
joining Zurus popular
RoboFish, are the new line
of Zuru Turtles.
The Turtles are launching
later this year and boast
lifelike movements and
bright colours.
Tobar claims the range
is a wonderful addition for
any retailer.
0844 573 4299
www.toynews-online.biz
22/04/2015 17:12
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Jon Salisbury
ALBERT EINSTEIN is
credited with the following
quote: Insanity: doing
the same thing over and
over again and expecting
different results.
It was in this vein
that analyst Quick Draw
Capital pondered Mattels
prospects before CEO Bryan
Stockton left the company.
Mattel repeats the
same mistakes over and
over and expects different
outcomes, said Quick
Draw Capital.
This time, the mistake is
solidifying the turnaround
management team out
of people who helped get
Mattel into the decline
theyre in now.
Peaks and troughs are par for the course for any
long-term toy brand, but when something in the wider
entertainment space like Frozen comes along,
there is bound to be an impact, says our columnist
Jon Salisbury has written about the toy business since 1985, editing magazines and running toy media events in New York and London.
He can be contacted at jonsalisbury@icloud.com or @JonSalisbury
www.toynews-online.biz
Editorial: 01992 535646
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visit our website www.toynews-online.biz Circulations Manager - Lianne Davey,
74 May
ldavey@nbmedia.com
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22/04/2015 16:07
Join thE
Pokmon
Party!
Samantha Mortimore
Market Development Manager
Top-rated TV show on
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21/04/2015 15:38
and
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k
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