Tag Archives: lead

Spielwarenmesse 2022 cancelled

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Following the cancellation of Toy Fair New York, there was more disappointing news for the international toy sector today with the announcement that the 72nd Spielwarenmesse International Toy Fair in Nuremberg, Germany, will not be taking place.

After weeks of speculation, organisers Spielwarenmesse eG confirmed that the show, slated for 2–6 February, is officially cancelled. As an alternative, exhibitors, specialist retailers and media representatives can meet up on the Spielwarenmesse Digital platform.

“We have fought hard to be able to hold the live event and we received strong support initially from toy markets worldwide,” said Christian Ulrich, Spokesperson of the Executive Board at Spielwarenmesse eG. “A large number of suppliers without international distribution networks appealed to the organisers even in December to continue with the fair, which is so important to international business.

“In the last few days, conditions have been deteriorating and, due to the rapid growth of the Omicron variant, the situation with the pandemic is now markedly different. In response to this a large number of Spielwarenmesse exhibitors, out of concern for the health of their teams, cancelled their stands. The Spielwarenmesse thus no longer looked capable of providing its customary broad overview of the international toy market. A further complication was that it was no longer possible to plan ahead with any certainty because it was possible at any time that the event could be cancelled by the authorities.

“We regret having to make this decision and are grateful to everyone who remained committed to a physical trade fair to the very end,” concluded Ulrich.

A multifunctional platform is available both for exhibitors and for visitors: thanks to Spielwarenmesse Digital, they will still have networking opportunities and the facility to discover the latest trends, within the original timetable of the trade fair.

BREAKING NEWS: Brands & Retail UK Pitch Smarter Conference postponed to 24 February

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Ryan Beaird, Event Director of the first Brands & Retail UK conference (sponsored by Fabacus), has confirmed there is a revised date for the event. The conference will now take place on 24 February 2022 (9am till 6pm) at the British Library (venue unchanged).

The event party will also be taking place on the evening of 24 Feb 2022 at the Ivy Club from 6pm onwards and tickets are now open to the wider licensing industry priced at £75 each.

“I know this has been a very difficult time for companies and their staff so the brands and myself agreed the event should move to late February, which has been a popular decision,” says Ryan.

“All the brands taking part have supported the change of date and I am delighted to confirm the lineup for the conference has not changed. I am also very pleased Warner Bros will now be taking the final slot and closing the event for us.”

The Retail Buyers panel is also unchanged with Ruth Golighlty (ASDA George), Karen Hewitt (character.com) and David Lucas (Studio Retail) answering the audiences’ questions.

Stephen Phipson, CBE CEO of MAKEUK.org, will also deliver the keynote for the new date as well.

“Visitors’ safety was always on my mind and I think we will be in a better position later in February,” concludes Ryan. “I look forward to seeing everyone on the 24th Feb – fit and healthy”.

The event is free for Licensees and Retail Buyers – visit www.BrandsRetail.eventbrite.co.uk

Consultants and service providers are welcome to book a ticket to the networking party at the Ivy Club and watch the Retail Panel and keynote from 4pm. There will be a coach taking attendees to the Ivy club at 6pm.

Ryan can be contacted at by email at Ryan.Beaird@BrandsRetail.uk

Toy Fair New York cancelled

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The Toy Association, producer of Toy Fair New York, has announced the cancellation of Toy Fair New York, originally set to take place, February 19 to 22, 2022 at the Javits Center in New York City.

“Key to our efforts these past two weeks has been the balance of some 700 remaining committed toy manufacturers saying they need and want Toy Fair 2022 to build their businesses, weighing that against those departing and seriously on the fence, and needing to provide a sufficient quantity and quality across the retail buying community necessary to deliver a positive experience,” said Steve Pasierb, President & CEO of The Toy Association. “As that balance has shifted, we are obligated to make the best decision in everyone’s interest no matter how heartbreaking for so many and potentially damaging some business’ future prospects. The wide range of other events that occur across New York City during Toy Fair week are now also impacted.”

Toy Fair New York has a 117-year unparalleled track record of success. It remains The Toy Association’s responsibility to protect business rights, promote toy companies, advocate for members, and help members sell more product – which includes delivering a worthwhile investment in a quality, essential trade event.

“Certainly, there are legitimate concerns around the pandemic that has guided thinking,” added Pasierb. “Many are saying they are very comfortable with being at the Javits Center and at the show given strict health and safety protocols in place, while travel concerns and for some, staff absences due to illness at home, rightfully weigh on their minds.”

With about 700 toy manufacturers who remained committed to exhibiting at Toy Fair, “constant, unfounded rumors” on social media and elsewhere defied The Toy Association’s best efforts to sustain the show amid global uncertainty surrounding the pandemic.

Pasierb concluded: “Delivering a best-in-class next Toy Fair for all the varied audiences it serves so well is now our focus. We will be working with all exhibitors on next steps to unwind February 2022 and build a solid base for visitors from across the world to again experience Toy Fair.”

 

 

WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences to launch most robust Batman film product collection in over a decade

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In celebration of the upcoming cinematic experience created by director Matt Reeves, WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences has revealed the largest collection of Batman film products in over a decade, with partners worldwide launching The Batman fashion, accessories, beauty products, toys and collectibles.

Batman influenced the latest style statement of French fashion house Lanvin, who for the first time in the character’s more than 80-year history, has dedicated a collection to DC’s iconic Super Hero and his on-again/off-again antagonist, Catwoman. First seen on the runway during Paris Fashion Week, the collection will be available online and in select Saks Fifth Avenue stores starting March 2 and on saks.com on March 15, in line with the film’s release on March 4 in North America and international release beginning March 2, 2022.

To celebrate the film’s debut, Saks Fifth Avenue’s iconic New York Flagship store will design custom window displays transporting shoppers directly into Reeves’ version of Gotham City. Inside, guests can peruse a bespoke pop-up shop showcasing The Batman-inspired apparel from EleVen by Venus Williams, Maison Labiche, and Lanvin as well as accessories, beauty products, toys and collectibles. The exclusive merchandise collection will also be available to shop online on saks.com.

“WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences’ mission is to engage fans with our iconic characters and stories and excite them for new content releases. The Batman is hotly anticipated and will be complemented by imaginative, authentically crafted new products and experiences for fans worldwide,” says Pam Lifford, President, WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences. “This is the first solo Batman theatrical release in more than a decade, and this powerful new story inspired even more ways for fans to engage and celebrate this iconic DC Super Hero.”

Warner Bros. Consumer Products’ expansive ‘The Batman’ collection features products across multiple categories, and includes:

  • Fashion and footwear from Lanvin
  • Apparel from Carhartt and TomboyX
  • Activewear from EleVen by Venus Williams, available from Saks Fifth Avenue, Tennis Warehouse and internationally at Zalando
  • A training collection from PUMA
  • DC Shop merchandise including apparel, sporting goods and more, available to order from 1 February
  • Fashion and footwear styles for adults, juniors and kids from national retailers and specialty stores including Target, Walmart, and others. International fashion partners include Zara, Carrefour, and Tealer
  • Accessories from Boxlunch, Fast Track, Accessory Innovation, Funko, Manly Bands, Pull & Bear, Global Junk Brands, Mobyfox and Zara. Fossil will drop The Batman x Fossil capsule collection, including collectible watches, jewellery and leather goods
  • Beauty products from House of Sillage, Emily Heathe and Dr Squatch
  • Toys and collectibles from Funko, Spin Master, McFarlane, LEGO and Hot Wheels
  • Adult’s and children’s costumes from Rubies
  • Limited edition Oreos emblazoned with The Batman emblem.

 

Kidscreen Summit live event postponed until July

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After carefully considering the impact of the Omicron variant on the industry’s ability to travel internationally and meet in person at this time, Kidscreen has decided to postpone Kidscreen Summit 2022, which was set to take place as a live event in Miami from February 14 to 17, until July 18 to 21.

Kidscreen Summit Virtual will still move forward as planned from March 7 to 11, and all attendees who are registered for the live event will also have access to this digital companion event.

“We recognize that it’s not the same experience as meeting in person, but our hope is that it still helps people make and maintain industry connections in Q1,” says Jocelyn Christie, Kidscreen’s SVP & Publisher.

All existing live event registrations and sponsorships will be transferred to the rescheduled event in July. Kidscreen has posted an FAQ page at summit.kidscreen.com/2022/postponement to answer some of the initial questions attendees may have, and its Customer Care team is standing by at customersupport@kidscreensummit.com to provide more info.

Registration is currently open for both Kidscreen Summit Virtual and the rescheduled Kidscreen Summit live event, and more information can be found online at summit.kidscreen.com.

Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards 2022 open for entries

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The Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards are back for 2022, and are now open for entries

The event – now in its seventh year – will take place on Wednesday 27 April, at an afternoon event at the Hilton Park Lane, London.

The deadline for nominations and entries across all categories is Tuesday 8 March, 2022.

The B&LLAs 2022 will look to reward brand and lifestyle licensing activity which has taken place in the UK between 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021, across Product, Retail and Property categories. In addition, the Brand Ambassador Award will also be presented to a special individual (brand owner, licensor, retailer, licensee or supplier), acknowledging their contribution to the brand licensing sector.

The entry and nomination process for all categories is free and via online submission – all the forms can be accessed from the dedicated B&LLAs website by clicking here.

Brand Licensing Europe returns as the headline sponsor of the Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards, while trade body Licensing International will once again be lending its support.

A number of stellar names have also pledged their support as sponsors including MDR Brand Management, The Point.1888, CAA-GBG, WildBrain CPLG, Pink Key Licensing (Pringles), Start Licensing, Golden Goose, Discovery Consumer Products, Erve, Dependable Solutions, Poetic Brands, H&A, Beanstalk, Metrostar, TSBA, Brandgenuity and BrandComply.com.

For ticket and table information for The B&LLAs awards event, please click here.

 

Tom Daley launches line of knitting kits on LoveCrafts.com

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The celebrity collection the nation has been waiting for is finally here: Made with Love by Tom Daley – a line of the Olympian’s very own knitting kits – is now available to purchase exclusively on LoveCrafts.com.

Tom hopes these kits will aid people’s mental wellbeing, giving the nation the chance to unwind and get rid of any stress or anxiety.

The designs include sweater vests, a bubble cuddle cardi, a colourful flamingo and a hat and scarf. Each kit contains everything you need to make your knitted creation and every little detail has been carefully considered. The designs use 100% merino wool, sourced from happy sheep, which, as Tom says, is “just so soft and squishy, like a warm cuddle.”

Everything in the box can be used again or recycled; even the instructions in the box are printed on a 10x10cm card, so purchasers can use it to measure their tension square. Designed for beginner knitters, the kits will help newbies learn new skills too, with helpful videos to explain new techniques along the way.

Tom says: “I do think I have crafting to thank for the way I was able to compete at the Olympic Games. During Covid, at the Olympics we couldn’t do anything, we couldn’t go outside, we couldn’t go and interact with anyone else, so we had to find something else to distract ourselves from it and honestly that was where my Olympic knitting project came about.
My baby, if you like, Made with Love by Tom Daley started on my Instagram. I started off learning to knit with kits and the fact I’ve been able to design some of my own and share my love of knitting with other people is super exciting. I didn’t want anything to be too difficult so they are very much on the beginner to easy scale. There are lots of different designs – we’ve got a Christmas jumper, a cardigan, a vest, we’ve got some flamingos, stockings, hats, scarves, and a blanket as well.
My next thing is the Minister of Knitting and I’ll get knitting and crafts into schools as part of the curriculum. I think it would be an amazing thing for kids to learn to unwind. I think people would really like it.”

You can listen to The LoveCrafts Show x Tom Daley here.

Keynote speaker and expert panel revealed for Brands & Retail Pitch Smarter Conference

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Ryan Beaird, Event Director of the Brands & Retail UK conference – sponsored by global technology business Fabacus – has confirmed the retail buyer panellists and keynote speaker who will close the event, which takes place at the British Library on 20 January 2022 (9am till 6pm).

“I am delighted to have the support of a great group of prominent licensing retail buyers,” says Ryan. “To confirm, we have Karen Hewitt, co-founder of character.com, Ruth Golightly from George at ASDA and, to round off the panel, David Lucas from Studio Retail. They will all bring a huge wealth of experience to the audience Q&A – and I look forward to hearing their thoughts on the retail industry for licensed products.

“I am also very grateful that Stephen Phipson CBE, the CEO of MAKEUK.org – the UK manufacturers organisation – will be the conference keynote speaker and will close the event. MAKEUK.org is the leading voice for UK manufacturers and I am sure the licensees attending will be interested to hear his speech.

“To confirm, the event is 100% taking place. We will adhere to the current government rules and for peace of mind for the attendees I have reduced the audience from 250 to 150, allowing people to spread out in the theatre if they wish – but as a result I now have a very limited amount of seats left.”

Brands Retail UK politely requests that all those coming take a Covid test before the conference and, in line with government guidance, masks will need to be worn inside the theatre during screenings.

The after-event party takes place from 6pm till 9pm at the Ivy Club. The Club is asking that attendees provide proof of a negative Covid test on entry and that masks are worn when entering the premises.

“I have put aside some tickets for consultants, service providers and agents that wish to do some networking in the evening and invite them to come along to watch the panel and keynote from 4:30pm. Tickets cost £75 each for the party, which runs from 6pm till late,” says Ryan.

“I want to thank all the brands taking part and also the event sponsor Fabacus for their continued support.”

The event is free for licensees and retail buyers. Limited tickets are available at www.BrandsRetail.eventbrite.co.uk

For more information visit www.BrandsRetail.uk or email Ryan.Beaird@BrandsRetail.uk

Zavvi launches exclusive Boba Fett collection

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Fans of the Star Wars spin-off The Mandalorian can get their hands on the limited-edition collection of Boba Fett merchandise, thanks to online retailer Zavvi. 

Launching worldwide in conjunction with the release of The Book of Boba Fett, the wearable memorabilia is emblazoned with the iconic Mandalorian helmet and Beskar armour, printed on a range of t-shirts and jumpers. 

The new clothing collection joins the existing Boba Fett products available on the Zavvi website, including homeware and action figures. 

The new and official Boba Fett collection is available to purchase Zavvi.com, with prices from £14.99.

Zavvi launches exclusive Boba Fett collection

Posted on by

Fans of the Star Wars spin-off The Mandalorian can get their hands on the limited-edition collection of Boba Fett merchandise, thanks to online retailer Zavvi. 

Launching worldwide in conjunction with the release of The Book of Boba Fett, the wearable memorabilia is emblazoned with the iconic Mandalorian helmet and Beskar armour, printed on a range of t-shirts and jumpers. 

The new clothing collection joins the existing Boba Fett products available on the Zavvi website, including homeware and action figures. 

The new and official Boba Fett collection is available to purchase Zavvi.com, with prices from £14.99.