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Smiffys lands Masha and the Bear costumes and tableware through Lisle Licensing deal

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The party and fancy dress specialist, Smiffys has been named the costume and tableware partner for the popular children’s animated IP, Masha and the Bear. The partnership arrives via a deal brokered by Lisle Licensing, the UK licensing agency for Masha and the Bear.

The popular animated series has become a firm favourite with children across the world, and now, thanks to Smiffys latest signing, will be able to delight in a range of officially licensed costumes, scheduled to launch at the start of 2021.

This will be followed by the roll-out of a range of Masha and the Bear tableware. Both will be made available across the UK and Europe.

Smiffys has long been recognised as a leading supplier of fancy-dress costumes, wigs, accessories and make up. The company, originally founded as R H Smith & Sons (Wigmakers) but now more commonly known as Smiffys, is a family-run company and has been in business since 1894.

The firm is proud to design all of its costumes and accessories “in-house” in the UK.

Amazon launches dedicated eco-friendly shopping platform to the UK and Europe

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Amazon has launched a new dedicated ‘eco-friendly’ shopping platform to help consumers in the UK and Europe find household products that are driving the sustainability movement forward. The platform lists more than 40,000 items that will carry certificates from the likes of Fairtrade International and the Carbon Trust.

The move has been made as a means of enabling customers to pick products on their environmental merits. It follows Amazon’s recent step forwards in the sustainability drive, when it launched its Climate Pledge Friendly label in September this year.

The online goliath has come under fire for its use of excessive cardboard and other packaging materials, and last year faced burning criticism for using new-style packaging that could not be recycled. The new scheme has been billed as its own step to ‘lessen the company’s impact on the environment.’

The dedicated section of the website will house products badged with a special logo from any of the 18 independent certification schemes. These logos will be shown in shopping results, with extra sustainability information on the product page.

The platform was launched in the US in September and is being rolled out this week to the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. It supports Amazon’s wider commitment to reach the Paris Agreement 10 years early and be at net zero carbon by 2040.

Bravado partners with Alibaba to bring its artists’ merchandise to Chinese consumers

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Bravado, the merchandising and brand management arm of Universal Music Group, has partnered with Alibaba Group today to launch a new means of bringing music artists’ merchandise and collaborations to Chinese consumers.

Under the new partnership, Bravado will launch its own store on Tmall Global, the largest cross-border business-to-consumer marketplace in China, where it will showcase merchandise from a portfolio of international recording artists, ranging from Tupac and Guns N’ Roses, to The Rolling Stones, Bob Marley, and Taylor Swift.

Swift will be the store’s first featured artist, while other collections and collaborations will be added each month.

The store launch will be the first time that merchandise from Taylor Swift’s most recent album, folklore, will be available in China. In addition, Swift will debut her newest collection exclusively on Tmall Global during Alibaba’s 11.11 Global Shopping Festival, giving Chinese shoppers access to it for two full weeks before anyone else in the world.

The collections will also be offered through Alibaba Group’s Hey Box, one of the most powerful marketing channels for new products.

In addition to this, the store will showcase a different featured artist each month, offering a specially curated range of products inspired and influenced by each featured act. These will include new and exclusive products and seasonal ranges, to coincide with album releases, tours, classic catalogues and other product innovations.

Universal Music China together with Bravado will work closely within Tmall Global and Alibaba’s ecosystem to help expand fan reach and interactivity through its technology and entertainment channels.

In recent years, Bravado has successfully leveraged merchandise as a platform to elevate artists’ individual brands and helped nurture new relationships with fans. The company’s partnership with Tmall Global will enable artists to share their full lifestyle experience, including collaborations into fashion, art and design alongside music projects.

“We’re extremely pleased to partner with Bravado to give fans in China the opportunity to connect with these remarkable musicians,” said Emma Lee, head of fashion for Tmall Global and Kaola, Alibaba Group.

“Through this partnership, Chinese consumers will be able to access exclusive merchandise from their favorite international recording artists that we know they will enjoy.”

John Habbouch, GM and CFO, Bravado, added: “At Bravado our mission is to amplify artist initiatives and create moments and experiences beyond music. This partnership with Tmall Global, in conjunction with our colleagues at Universal Music China, will provide both international and domestic artists with opportunities to engage more deeply with fans in China, and to continue to reach new consumers and audiences around the world.”

Reality Gaming Group partners with Herotainment to bring Smighties to blockchain collectables and gaming space

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Reality Gaming Group has partnered with the New York entertainment company Herotainment to create a digital, blockchain-fueled collectables range based on Smighties.

The digital experience, called Smighties Universe, will enable fans to collect and trade digital versions of their favourite characters for the first time, as they build their own Smighty Hotel with themed rooms, or customise their characters with limited-edition accessories.

Their Smighties characters can then be traded with friends before, eventually, they go head-to-head in a groundbreaking game for the genre.

Each Smighty character in the Smighties Universe will be tokenised into a Non-Fungible Token (NFT), which is secured and protected on the blockchain, providing documented ownership indefinitely. They cannot be copied, which makes them scarce and potentially valuable.

The Smighties Universe story will follow the Smighties journey to our planet and their place in our own history. At launch, there will be 136 distinct Smighties to collect, with different attributes including superpowers, strengths, weaknesses, favourite foods and birthdays.

The Smighties will be categorized by their rarity and the elements of earth, water, light, air and magic.

Limited edition Pods, each containing surprise, digital Smighty heroes, will be available for fans all over the world to buy from www.smighties-universe.com in November 2020. Once these limited edition characters have sold out, they will not be available to purchase again, except by trading with others.

To reserve an initial free collectible, fans can sign up now at www.smighties-universe.com.

Super Mario, Cocomelon, Back to the Future: Here’s the long list of all DreamToys 2020 picks for this Christmas

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This year’s long list of DreamToys – the predicted best-selling toys and games for Christmas 2020 – is a mix of ‘those that have kept families entertained over lockdown’ and boundary pushing innovation destined ‘to impress under the Christmas tree.’

Alongside the DreamToys Top 12 Toys for Christmas, the committee has released a fuller, longer list of toys and games that it believes will be topping wish lists across the country this festive season, featuring familiar names like Barbie an Peppa Pig alongside new lines such as Fifi the Flossing Sloth and Squishmallows.

Family favourites Scrabble, UNO, and Cluedo also make an appearance in time for the season.

Gary Grant, chair of the DreamToys selection committee, said: “2020 has been a challenging year for all, but toys have entertained and educated many during lockdown.

“This year’s list represents a mixture of those toys which have kept families company during these difficult times, and innovation which will impress under the tree. We hope toys will continue to bring joy to all families over the festive period – as they have always done.”

There are seven categories this year, each designed to highlight the wildly different and varied types of play that children can take part in.

Dolled Up:

Barbie Colour Reveal Mermaid Doll Asst – Mattel – £19.99

Cocomelon Bedtime JJ Doll – Bandai – £24.99

FailFix Epic Colour ‘N’ Style Makeover Pack – Moose Toys – £29.99

Hatchimals Pixies Crystal Flyers Assortment – Spin Master – £34.99

Kindi Kids Shiver ‘n’ Shake Rainbow Kate – Moose Toys – £39.99

L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. Remix 4-in-1 Plane Playset – MGA Entertainment – £89.99

L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. Remix Fashion Doll Asst – MGA Entertainment – £39.99

Luvabella Mealtime Magic – Spin Master – £64.99

 

Crafty Kids:

Aquabeads Star Bead Studio – EPOCH Making Toys

Cool Maker Go Glam Nail Salon Stamper – Spin Master

DOTS Rainbow Jewellery Stand Set – LEGO

Friends Jungle Rescue Base – LEGO

Gemex Deluxe Creation Station – John Adams

Kidizoom Studio – VTech Electronics

Stuff A Loons Maker Station – Character Options

The Original Spirograph Design Set Boxed – Flair Leisure Products

 

Licensed to Thrill:

Fortnite Battle Bus – Jazwares

Harry Potter Hedwig – LEGO

Jurassic World Epic Roarin’ T-Rex – Mattel

Marvel Bend and Flex (Asst) – Hasbro

Peppa Pig Peppa’s Shopping Centre – Character Options

Pokémon Carry Case Playset – Character Options

Star Wars 501st Legion Clone Troopers Set – LEGO

Star Wars The Mandalorian – The Child “Baby Yoda” – Mattel

Super Mario Adventures With Mario Starter Course – LEGO

 

Animal Farm:

Fifi the Flossing Sloth – Zuru

Hey Duggee Voice Activated Smart Duggee – Golden Bear

Little Live Pets Gotta Go Flamingo – Character Options

Present Pets (Asst) – Spin Master

Rainbocorns Wild Heart Surprise – Zuru

Smashers Dino Ice Age Surprise Egg – Zuru

Squeakee The Interactive Balloon Dog – Character Options

Sylvanian Families Adventure Tree House – Epoch Making Toys

 

Lockdown Showdown:

Cluedo Liars Edition Board Game – Hasbro

Dobble – Asmodee

Monopoly For Sore Losers – Hasbro

NERF Ultra One Motorised Blaster – Hasbro

Pensilly – Character Options

Pop Up Pirate – TOMY UK

Scrabble – Mattel

Super Mario Blow Up Shaky Tower – Epoch Making Toys

UNO Showdown – Mattel

Windy Knickers Board Game – John Adams

 

Tiny Treats:

5 Surprise Mini Brands Mystery Capsule – Zuru

Bright Fairy Friends – Funrise Toys

Heroes of Goo Jit Zu – Character Options

L.O.L. Surprise! Remix Hair Flip Doll – MGA Entertainment

Rubik’s 3 x 3 Metallic Anniversary Cube – John Adams

Squishmallows 7.5” – Squad 4 Asst – Jazwares

 

Awesome Automobiles:

Back To The Future DeLorean – Playmobil

Barbie 3-in-1 DreamCamper – Mattel

Hot Wheels Sky Crash Tower Playset – Mattel

Laser Battle Hunters Vehicle – Character Options

Micro Machines World Super Van City – Jazwares

PAW Patrol Dino Rescue Deluxe Vehicle – Spin Master

PAW Patrol Dino Rescue Dino Patroller – Spin Master

Technic Fast & Furious Dom’s Dodge Charger Car – LEGO

Toot-Toot Drivers Twist & Race Tower – VTech Electronics

 

In a year which has also seen fewer holidays and more time at home, the importance of toys has come to the fore. A survey of 2,000 UK parents with young children (aged 10 or under), conducted by OnePoll on behalf of the Toy Retailers Association, has shown that this year has led to not only increased time playing with toys but also to parents growing closer with their children.

When asked if their children had played more with toys this year, 46 per cent of parents said that this had been the case and that it was a result of lockdown. 56 per cent of parents stated that they have spent more time playing with their children this year, and a striking 88 per cent of those said that the increased playtime had resulted in them growing closer to their children.

As Christmas approaches, toys seemingly remain at the forefront of children’s minds with 86 per cent of parents saying that their children either already have requested or are expected to ask for toys this Christmas. 82 per cent of parents said that they planned on buying toys this Christmas for their children, demonstrating that they remain the go-to gift for children across the country.

Emoji renews its collectable toy promotion with Greek F&B specialist Chipita

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The Emoji Company has renewed its partnership with the Greek food and beverage specialist, Chipita SA for a successful promotion that delivers a collectable Emoji toy with each pack of its Fineti dips and sticks products.

The renewal of the partnership was brokered by WildBrain CPLG, the Emoji company’s international licensing representative.

Fineti is a popular European chocolate confectionery brand that, established in 1990, has held a strong presence in the market for 30 years. The chocolate brand is currently marketed in more than 20 countries including Greece, Romania, and the Balkans.

The partnership with Fineti Dips and Fineti Sticks sees the introduction of collectable Emoji premiums with each pack, including erasers, sharpeners, sticky notes, and key chains featuring more than 10 designs.

“We are pleased to work with a company like Fineti and to be part of children’s everyday lunch, who will be able to enjoy the delicious taste of this product and will also have the opportunity to collect a bunch of emoji brand premiums for this back to school season,” said Marco Hüsges, CEO and founder, The Emoji Company.

Spin Master acquires Rubik’s Brand in move that strengthens its Games & Puzzles portfolio

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The global children’s entertainment company, Spin Master, has reached an agreement to acquire the London-based Rubik’s Brand Ltd, owner of the world famous Rubik’s Cube.

Invented by Ernő Rubik in 1974 and launched globally in 1980, the Rubik’s Cube became a worldwide  craze,selling hundreds of millions of units, and has inspired and challenged both young and old ever since. As a STEM-accredited puzzle, the Rubik’s Cube supports brain development and cognitive skills by allowing  children and adults to use their creativity, while developing and encouraging intelligence.

“The Rubik’s Cube is an iconic puzzle that has permeated pop culture and captivated fans for more than 40 years,” said Elizabeth LoVecchio, Spin Master’s vice president marketing, games. “We are excited for the opportunity to put our marquee innovation on the entire Rubik’s portfolio and expand distribution  through our global footprint.”

Erno Rubik, said: “It is really exciting that Spin Master will continue the legacy of the Rubik’s Cube and fulfill my vision of  nurturing smarter, future generations through play. We chose Spin Master because of  their long-term lens and character.”

Spin Master has been strengthening its position within the games category through acquisitions of new titles and innovative partnerships and collaborations. The Games & Puzzles category is one of the fastest growing super categories in 2020 with families spending more time at home.

Today, Spin Master is the third largest games company in the United States.

“There are many growth opportunities for Spin Master with the Rubik’s brand as we transition to a  blended model of direct sales in combination with existing partners globally,” said Anton Rabie, Spin  Master’s chairman and co-CEO. “Our games division has continuously grown over the past decade and is  a cornerstone of Spin Master’s diversified portfolio. The addition of the legendary Rubik’s Cube to our  roster of games is a historic moment and we are honored to continue the legacy.”

The acquisition of Rubik’s Brand Ltd marks Spin Master’s 22nd acquisition since the company was founded  in 1994 and 12th since its initial public offering in 2015. The transaction is expected to close on January 4,  2021.

The Natural History Museum teams with the Wizarding World for Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature

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The Natural History Museum has teamed up with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to launch a new exhibition that brings together the magical creatures of the Fantastic Beasts franchise and wonders of life on Earth.

Called Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature, the exhibition was originally scheduled to open at the Natural History Museum in London in May this year, but was forced to reschedule due to the restrictions in place surrounding the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Under the partnership, the exhibition will explore how legends and stories have often been inspired by creatures found in the natural world, as well as the threats that they face. Visitors will be able to see the legendary beasts of JK Rowling’s Fantastic Beasts franchise, alongside specimens and historic objects from the museum’s own scientific collection.

The exhibition is now due to open on December 9th this year.

Clare Matterson, executive director of engagement at the museum, said visitors “will journey through magical realms and walk alongside some of the most fascinating creatures in the world”.

She added: “At the heart of this exhibition is a celebration of all the fantastic beasts we have the privilege of sharing our planet with, and the very real threats they face. Visitors will leave with a renewed love of the wonders of nature, and a revived urgency to help protect it.”

Disney’s first Mando Monday reveals swathe of new Mandalorian products, including a new scene-stealing The Child plush

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It was a new remote-control plush version of The Child – affectionately otherwise known as Baby Yoda – from Mattel that stole the show when Disney Consumer Products and Lucasfilm finally lifted the lid on a swathe of new Star Wars toys and products during its first ever Mando Monday this week.

Star Wars fans from across the globe tuned into a special Star Wars Mando Monday digital event yesterday (Monday, October 26th) where acting talent from Disney’s The Mandalorian, including Pedro Pascal, Carl Weathers and Giancarlo Esposito, revealed the latest products and digital content to arrive, inspired by the series.

However, it was Mattel’s new plush The Child that outshone them all, as the global consumer product event revealed the latest in products, games, and publishing to arrive from Disney Consumer Products and its global portfolio of licensing partners.

Mattel’s Real Moves Plush allows fans to assume control of the Child through the use of a wrist strap remote control unit featuring a joystick, in order to make him spin around, move his ears, head and arms, play hide and seek, make sounds and more.

The new launch was one among over 60 new toy product reveals that included launches from Star Wars licensing partners Hasbro, Funko, Sideshow Collectables, Bandai, Diamond Select Toy, and more. Mando Mondays is an all new global consumer products, games, and publishing programme that will debut new goods inspired by the Disney+ series every Monday from now until December 21st.

Products now available for pre-order include the Star Wars Retro Collection from Hasbro, the The Child Real Moves Plush from Mattel, a Mandalorian Flying with Blaster bobblehead from Funko and The Art of Star Wars: The Mandalorian from ABRAMS.

A new line of skateboards, accessories and apparel inspired by The Mandalorian are also available now from Element, and starting this week, new themed content is coming to multiple Star Wars games such as the recently launched Star Wars: Squadrons from Motive.

Speaking at the event, Paul Southern, senior vice president, licensing and franchise, Lucasfilm, said: “Today’s global digital event celebrates the first of many Mando Mondays to come.

“Over the course of the next eight weeks, we look forward to unveiling the widest assortment yet of highly anticipated products and digital content inspired by beloved characters and moments from The Mandalorian.”

Fans can check out the full list of products revealed on MandoMondays.com and catch a replay of today’s event on Star Wars YouTube.

Stay tuned to MandoMondays.com each Monday through December 21 for the latest new reveals, interviews, videos and more and join the conversation via social media with #MandoMondays.

Geronimo Stilton lands children’s notebook success with Italy’s Blasetti

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Geronimo Stilton has landed on a new range of kids’ notebooks courtesy of a new partnership between Atlantyca Entertainment and the Italian paper goods manufacturer, Blasetti. 300,000 units of the new Dinosaur and Dinomania themed notebooks have already been distributed across the region.

The limited edition collection is currently available across 2000 stationery stores throughout Italy.

The colorful animated covers feature pictures taken from a special style guide with the same title, inspired by the adventures of Geronimo Stilton on Meteor Island, the place where dinosaurs never became extinct.

The notebooks are intended for kids personal and school use, as well  as, for games and research when joining their favorite mouse journalist on great adventures.

Derived from an idea by Elisabetta Dami, Geronimo Stilton is the character for whom Atlantyca Entertaiment manages international publishing rights as well as the global animation and licensing rights for the IP.

The Geronimo Stilton book series, published in Italy by Piemme publishers, has become a global hit with over 161 million books sold worldwide and three animated series co-produced with Rai Fiction and distributed in over 130 countries.