Tag Archives: news

McDonald’s taps into growing appetite for licensing with Joester Loria Group

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The Joester Loria Group has partnered with McDonald’s Corporation to develop a portfolio of collaborations and collections of licensed products aimed of the McDonald’s brand lover across the globe.

The fast food restaurant brand has a long history of partnering with leading fashion brands and retailers which dates back to the 1980s. Last month, the corporation introduced its Golden Arches Unlimited online store, offering a selection of items and seasonal products.

“McDonald’s has been ingrained in the fabric of culture for years, and there’s a long history of fans wearing our brand with pride,” said Jen Landolt, senior director, global marketing at McDonald’s Corporation.

“We look forward to collaborating with great brands to deliver product that celebrates McDonald’s heritage and deep emotional connection with our customers.”

Joester Loria Group will work closely with the McDonald’s global marketing team to tap into the brand’s unique cache, popular characters, and iconic brand campaigns, with a focus on fashion, accessories and collectibles for adults. 

Look for episodic campaigns, pop up events, unexpected mash-ups and great product to launch in 2020.

Magic Light Pictures and Merlin Entertainments are bringing Zog to Warwick Castle

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Magic Light Pictures has teamed up with Merlin Entertainments to bring a new 3D interactive Zog trail to Warwick Castle.

Due to launch at the historic venue this Easter, the trail brings to life the world of Zog the lovable dragon – first created by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler – with a host of activities for kids that mirror Zog’s own lessons at dragon school.

From soaring over the top of the Castle mound without actually leaving the ground, to testing out the Roar-o-meter at Bear Tower and helping kids to capture a princess, children will collect a stamp at every task. A final challenge will see them join in with Sir Gadabout’s school for ambitious knights and will be followed with a meet-and-greet with Zog himself.

Based on the million-selling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Zog premiered on BBC One on Christmas Day 2018. It follows the tale of a keen but accident-prone dragon who gets into all sorts of mischief while at Dragon School, and was the fourth-highest rated programme on the day, achieving 8.8m viewers (including repeat).

The sequel, Zog and the Flying Doctors, has recently been announced as the Christmas 2020 collaboration between Magic Light and BBC One.

Daryl Shute, brand director, Magic Light Pictures, said: “We are delighted to partner with Merlin Entertainment to bring Zog to their fantastic venue. Warwick Castle is the perfect setting for dragons, princesses and heroic deeds. Our close collaboration is creating a truly special experience for kids that allows them to step into the magical world of Zog and live the story for themselves.”

Liam Bartlett, operations director for Warwick Castle, added: “We’re thrilled that Zog is flying in to Warwick Castle – it’s going to be roar-some. The interactive trail is great for kids of all ages, and supports the key messaging from the storybook itself around tenacity, persistence and rising to the challenge.

“It’s a fantastic addition to the Warwick Castle experience and shows once again why we’re a leading attraction for families from across the UK and beyond.”

Book series that educates children through classic literature BabyLit jumps into licensing with ThinkTank Emporium

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The US book publishing house Gibbs Smith has partnered with The ThinkTank Emporium to begin development on an animated series and licensing programme for its bestselling babyLit and Little Leonardo book series.

Written by Jennifer Adams and illustrated by Alison Oliver, the BabyLit classics series consists of 30 board books aimed at kids from birth to three years old. It aims to teach developmental concepts through the lens of classic literature.

Take, for example, Pride and Prejudice. The book helps children count to ten through plot developments of the novel, beginning with One English Village, Four Marriage Proposals, Nine Ballgowns, and Ten Thousand Pounds.

Throughout the series, quotes from the original classics are often included next to the concepts. The BabyLit classic series extends to gift merchandise as well with totes, buttons, dolls, puzzles, and a memory matching game.

The BabyLit series currently has more than 50 titles in print, and over 2 million copies in sales. The books have been extremely popular at all levels of retail, including Costco, Target, Barnes & Noble, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and many independent bookstores and gift shops.

Meanwhile, the Little Leonardo Series teaches STEAM concepts to kids aged four to eight, focusing on how STEAM affects every day life and introducing real life examples of STEAM heroes from history.

“People are realising that it’s never too young to start putting things in front of toddlers that are a little more meaningful, that have more levels,” said Suzanne Gibbs Taylor, creator of the BabyLit series and publisher/chief creative officer at Gibbs Smith.

“After the success of our books, the natural extension of the brand is to explore television opportunities. We are very excited to see what can be developed for BabyLit.”

Announcement of the partnership was made jointly by David Wollos and Joan Luks for The ThinkTank Emporium and Gibbs Smith, Publisher.

“We are pleased to be working with Gibbs Smith to bring the BabyLit and Little Leonardo series to a global audience via media platforms and licensed product opportunities. The sheer potential in all these areas for these properties is a wonderful asset for ThinkTank and its strategic relationship with Gibbs Smith,” said Wollos.

Rolling Stone joins forces with Elysian Brewing Co to launch Elysian Rolling Stone Lager

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Rolling Stone, the famed music industry publisher has joined forces with Elysian Brewing Company, a brewery that is rooted in music and art, to produce Elysian Rolling Stone lager, a high-end beer that embraces the spirit of music.

The new lager will debut this Saturday, February 1, at the Rolling Stone Live: Miami Big Game Experience, and will roll out to beer-lovers across the US in April this year.

The Rolling Stone collaboration is a milestone in craft brewing, and the first time the music publisher has put its iconic name on a craft beer. Both companies are rooted in their respective histories and constantly push to change and reinvent with the times.

“This one’s for the rebels. Those with wandering souls who aren’t afraid to be their truest selves while pushing boundaries in search of authentic art and discovery,” said Elysian Brewing co-founder, Joe Bisacca. ​

“​The Elysian brand was built on music and that gritty, unapologetic form of expression which is in our blood. It fuels us to keep experimenting and spread love back to those that inspired us. And what better way to do that than with our friends over at Rolling Stone?”

The Seattle-based brewery built its brand on music and wanted a beer that ‘expressed the sensation that sparked fire in its soul.’

“The fact that Elysian has supported and been inspired by music and musicians since their beginnings makes this partnership a natural fit for Rolling Stone,” said Gus Wenner, president and COO, Rolling Stone. “We’re excited and proud to share our first venture into craft beer with our readers – we put a lot of passion into this project and we know they’re going to love it.”

Elysian’s approach to making beer is based on experimentation, collaboration and boundary-pushing, a brewing approach, the company has said, aligns with Rolling Stone’s editorial bent.

The brewery is proud of its culture of broad acceptance, and has long sponsored, supported, and actively participated in community events and celebrations that bring people together.

The Elysian Rolling Stone Lager will be the exclusive beer for the Rolling Stone Live: Miami event. It will be integrated throughout the event at all bars, displays and bottle service tables.

Funko bolsters its EMEA marketing team following a year of growth across the region

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Funko has bolstered its EMEA marketing team with a triple hiring for 2020, welcoming a new PR manager, marketing manager, and brand marketing manager to the team.

After another year of growth for the company throughout Europe, Funko has completed its EMEA marketing team with three new hires. Based in London, the team will implement marketing and PR plans to support its catalogue of products throughout key European regions.

Heading up PR is Angela Lee, who joins from Premier, where she served as account director working on publicity strategies for consumer entertainment properties with the likes of Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox, Entertainment One, Rakuten and Hearst Live. Lee will be leading on the brand’s PR strategy through consumer and trade media relations, publicity activations and supporting influencer engagement.

Meanwhile, a new marketing force comes in the form of Chris Barnett who joins from Entertainment One where he managed UK retail marketing for popular preschool brands Peppa Pig, PJ Masks, and Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom.

Prior to this, Barnett was a buyer for the F&F menswear clothing range at Tesco across the UK and Central Europe, before joining the Tesco licensing team to develop the licensed personalised home and gifting proposition. He will be principal to marketing initiatives for leading retailers in the UK.

Finally, Liz Simpson will be spearheading brand marketing. She joins from Unilever where she led key strategic initiatives for global brands, driving innovation, market development and digital transformation, across the world’s leading FMCG products in homecare, beauty and personal care.

Previously, she worked for Unicharm, delivering marketing strategies and award-winning marketing campaigns in the Australian market. Simpson will be integral to marketing activations for Funko’s portfolio of sub-brands and its new categories being released this year.

Eva Verhaak, head of strategic marketing and sales, commented: “I am beyond thrilled the marketing team is now complete with an arsenal of new talent, from all different backgrounds of expertise to help continue our growth across EMEA.”

The team can be contacted at:

angela.lee@funko.com (PR Manager)

chris.barnett@funko.com (Marketing Manager)

liz.simpson@funko.com (Brand Marketing Manager)

GB eye grows European presence with new office and largest showcase to date at Nuremberg Toy Fair

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The poster and gift supplier, GB eye Ltd is expanding its European presence with the opening of its new office and the launch of its new giftware product ranges.

Operating from its first overseas office in Antwerp, Belgium, GB eye Europe BV will now allow the company to enhance its trade relationships – many of which have been establish over the last 30 years  – and bring them closer to key customers and new markets.

As part of its focus on engaging with European customers, GB eye is exhibiting for the fourth time at the International Toy Fair in Nuremberg this year, with its largest investment in stand space and widest presentation of product on display to date.

The firm will be presenting its latest ranges across its pan-European licensing portfolio, including Pokémon, Dragon Ball, PlayStation, Bravado, Fortnite and a host of Warner Bros. properties, directly to trade retailers and distributors.

The company’s investment in on-trend and pop culture innovations is further complemented by a new eco-range, set for launch in Q2. The hotly anticipated range includes a collection of reusable responsibly sourced tote bags, drawstring bags and drinks bottles to compliment the recently launched carabiner mugs.

Danny Whiteley, international sales director at GB eye, said: “This will be our fourth year exhibiting at Nuremberg Toy Fair and it has fast become a key date in the calendar in terms of significantly growing our European footprint.

“Coupled alongside our new European office based in Antwerp, this show comes as part of an exciting time for everyone at GB eye and I’m happy to say that we are set to have a very strong show, with the appointment calendar already looking full to bursting.”

Charlie Chester, managing director at GB eye, added: “Opening GB eye Europe BV will help us to deliver on our aims and expand on our pan-European licence portfolio, this strategy and the launch of our eco products in 2020 means we have a busy and exciting year ahead.”

From wellbeing to rock ‘n’ roll: How jigsaw puzzling has reinvented its own image

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It’s indisputable that jigsaw puzzles today aren’t what they used to be. And we can all breathe a sigh of relief for that, because if there was ever a sector in need of a real shot in the arm, it was one such as this.

A sector formerly soaked in cliché, it’s only really over the course of the last decade that jigsaw puzzling has managed to shake off the stereotype of its appearance of being all rather twee. Today, and thanks to an injection of fresh blood and a reconfigured way of looking at the sector, jigsaw puzzling really has become the new rock ‘n’ roll.

Just look at what the likes of Gibsons, Jumbo, Wrebbit, or Kidicraft have achieved in the space in the last few years, bringing in innovation and a wealth of accessible, popular, and ultimately powerful licenses, combined with innovative new slants on the puzzling hobby – be that 3D puzzling, or mystery images – that has brought the sector roaring into a new lease of life.

If further proof was needed, observe the partnership that Gibsons itself embarked upon when it partnered with the electro- pop band Metronomy in October last year to supply a licensed puzzle range as part of the group’s merchandise offering. Puzzling has learned how to be cool, and we’ve suddenly got an audience of youths keen on tapping their contactless cards on a sector that is now doing all it can to offer them what they want.

Even the old school rockers have been getting in on the act. 2019, afterall, witnessed the music merchandise specialists Plastic Head launch into the heavy metal album cover puzzle space under its Rocksaws arm, bringing artwork from the likes of Iron Maiden (among plenty others) into the category.

Yes, 2019 was the year in which jigsaw puzzling finally became appealing. So what can the sector achieve in 2020? Well, with its rise in popularity, so too has come an increase in research into the positive effects that the hobby can have on the individuals most partial to piecing them together. And it turns out, there’s a great deal more depth to the adult puzzling market than bringing in a few of those more off-the-wall licenses.

The UK independent puzzle company, Gibsons – now in its 101st year of business in the games and puzzles space – suggests that with the recent wave of young adults looking for a ‘digital detox’ and respite from their constant encounter with digital devices today, puzzling has been highlighted as an ‘excellent way to relieve stress and focus on the present moment.’

On top of this, research is now showing the assessable benefits of puzzling for adults, and studies have shown that keeping the mind active with jigsaw puzzles can lead to a better quality of life and reduce the chances of developing certain types of mental illnesses, including memory loss and dementia.

According to Professor Zoe Wyrko of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, a consultant geriatrician, and a member of the expert team on Channel 4’s award winning TV show, Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds, it is the stimulation of multiple points of the brain that jigsaw puzzling engages that enhance an individual’s ability to focus.

“Jigsaw puzzles are an activity that can be enjoyed by all ages,” she states. “They give a person something to focus and concentrate on, both of which can improve wellbeing.

“Jigsaws provoke memories in different ways – the sound of pieces rattling in a box, the smell of a newly opened puzzle, and remembering the act of doing jigsaws with friends or family when younger. The pictures can spark conversations, reminding people of topics that may be long forgotten.”

The mental benefits of jigsaw puzzling is no new revelation, of course. Not really. There’s a reason that puzzling features so heavily among the play diet of children, for its encouragement and development of motor skills and co-ordination. But it is perhaps because of the surge in popularity of puzzling among adult audiences that it has been thrown back into the light today.

Research from 2017, carried out by the health and wellbeing platform Dr Newton, has detailed much of the science behind it, suggesting that ‘successfully placing a puzzle piece to create the wider picture encourages the production of dopamine – the neurotransmitter that regulates mood and affects concentration, motivation, memory, and motor control.’

Meanwhile, it’s an inescapable truth that approximately one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year, and in England, one in six people report experiencing a common mental health problem in any given week.

It’s a subject that Gibsons has been active in addressing, not only through a partnership with the charity MIND that saw the firm donate a portion of £10,000 to the organisation last year, but in the development and marketing of a new range of puzzles in its portfolio.

Kim Garrod, product development manager at Gibsons, tells ToyNews: “Our classic jigsaws are some of the best on the market and are loved by all traditional puzzlers. However, we’re well aware of the importance of mindfulness among a younger age group and wanted to launch a range of striking, design-led puzzles that don’t conform to jigsaw puzzle traditions.

“So, we’ve also focused on creating innovative puzzle boxes that stand out on shelf and jigsaw designs created by up-and- coming artists.”

The range is Gibsons’ White Logo Collection, a wave of 13 puzzles each featuring alternative imagery for the modern day puzzler, with seven new designs launched this year, including Punimals, a new launch illustrated by the celebrated artist, Katie Abey.

But Gibsons’ movement in the field of mental wellness doesn’t end there. In fact its new The Piecing Together Collection was created to provide those living with dementia, limited fine motor skills, or visual impairments with “a fun activity that can be enjoyed with a loved one,” tapping into the research that puzzling can aid cognitive dexterity in those suffering memory loss.

The launch was orchestrated following the recent statistic that some 850,000 people are estimated to be living with dementia in the UK.

Gibsons’ Garrod, adds: “The large, easy to handle pieces and beautiful images have been carefully designed to be age- appropriate for adults, yet accessible for all. There are ten designs available ranging from 12-24 pieces, and the puzzles can be completed inside the box, which provides a frame to work within.

“Gibsons’ goal was to create a puzzle that brings people together during these difficult times. We undertook the research to design this collection. This included care home visits, liaising with Age UK Centres and teaming up with Dr Zoe Wyrko.”

If Gibsons is now operating on two ends of the same scale – providing the youth of today with the mindfulness of puzzling with alternative launches by way of digital detox, as well as those living with dementia with specially curated images and puzzle pieces to evoke memories, then it is the entire spectrum that jigsaw puzzling as a hobby now spans.

From heavyweight licenses – such as the vibrant new DC Comics lines from Kidicraft, or the staggering design of the Harry Potter Wrebbit 3D puzzle range from Coiledspring – to launches from the elite
of rock music’s Hall of Fame, the puzzles sector is certainly in a state of evolution, and it looks like 2020 will be delivering some big innovation for its future, too.

BlackMilk to launch Birds of Prey range that takes inspiration from DC’s Harley Quinn and Black Canary

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Comic book fans and fashionistas are being given the chance to dress like the cast of DC Comics’ villains outfit, Birds Of Prey, thanks to a new DC-inspired collection from BlackMilk Clothing.​

No stranger to dropping licensed collections in a flash, BlackMilk Clothing’s latest range aims to recreate the look of the group’s lead character, Harley Quinn, via its signature collection of overalls, dresses, and outerwear.

Fans of the film will be able to shop a range of pieces inspired by the latest iterations of Harley Quinn and Black Canary, not just designed for the Cosplay market, but the fashion conscious, too.

Meanwhile, for the more old school DC fans, the collection will also include a range of pieces featuring popular characters from different eras including Wonder Woman, Superman, Batman, The Joker and others. The collection will be available to shop online via ​BlackMilk Clothing’s website this February.

Entertainment One partners with VisitEngland for Peppa Pig promotional campaign

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Entertainment One has secured a new partnership with the national tourism agency, VisitEngland, that will see Peppa Pig become part of a promotional campaign encouraging families to holiday in England.

Launching this week, the campaign drives visitors to a specially created Peppa Pig online hub on VisitEngland’s website. The microsite features 25 experiences for pre-schoolers and their families, all inspired by Peppa’s adventures in the show.

Young fans can view clips from the show by clicking on a Peppa Pig style map on the site. A children’s activity sheet and tick list will be available to download to inspire them to follow in Peppa’s footsteps as they take short breaks in England.

Working with Global, owners of Heart FM radio, VisitEngland is also promoting the campaign through a national radio competition voiced by Peppa Pig and her family. The campaign will be boosted from mid-February with paid for digital advertising.

“Peppa Pig celebrates the simple pleasures of family life and that theme is central to our campaign with VisitEngland. We’re absolutely delighted to be partnering with them on an initiative that will harness the brand’s popularity to boost tourism in England,” said Rebecca Harvey, eOne’s EVP of global marketing, family and brands.

“With a content pipeline of 381 episodes all focused on family life, there’s plenty of inspiration and we look forward to seeing families enjoying days at the beach, visiting castles, flying kites and, of course, jumping in muddy puddles just like Peppa and her family.”

Clare Mullin, director at VisitEngland, added: “We want to inspire young families to follow in the footsteps of their favourite character and go on fun filled year-round adventures across England.

“From getting outdoors to jumping in muddy puddles in thousand-year-old forests and camping under the stars at their first music festival; there are amazing family-friendly experiences right across the country. Capturing the imagination of Peppa Pig loving pre-school families can create long lasting memories that help boost regional tourism and build an emotional connection that will encourage them to explore their own backyard both now and in the future.”

The £650,000 campaign is expected to generate more than 225,000 additional overnight stays in England from families in 2020, adding a £16.5 million boost to the economy.

The family market represents around a third of the potential domestic tourism market in England. In 2018, British families took 15.3 million domestic breaks in England, spending £3.4 billion. VisitEngland is hoping that targeting the family segment can spread tourism’s economic benefits across more of the year, including off-peak periods.

 

 

Spin Master goes retro with Jaws, ET, and The Breakfast Club on National Puzzle Day

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Spin Master is celebrating National Puzzle Day today with the unveiling of a slate of new puzzles that will take fans back to the golden age of video rentals thanks to its latest retro offering.

The Breakfast Club, Jaws, and E.T. are each making their return to store shelves this year, as a line of retro-inspired puzzles each packaged in high-quality, plastic cases inspired and designed after Blockbuster’s old VHS cases.

Each features durable pieces that snap together firmly to ensure a most satisfying build. These puzzles feature vibrant art that pops, making each puzzle perfect for framing. Each Puzzle measures 18″ x 24″ when complete.

To celebrate National Puzzle Day, Spin Master is running a Twitter Competition all day giving followers the chance to win some Prize Puzzle Sets.

Gail Fisher, senior brand manager for Spin Master Games, said:” These long winter evenings and wet weekends are ideal for getting the family together to enjoy a bit of puzzle making. National Puzzle Day is the perfect day to bring puzzles to everyone’s attention.”