Observations & Opinions Back to Normal

BY BOB GLASER

Here we are more than 3 years later from the onset of the COVID pandemic, and it seems like business is nally getting back to pre-pandemic ways of operating. Yes, there have been in-person trade shows over the last few years, but as we get further and further away from the pandemic, we return to the “way things used to be”. Many of us will be gathering in Columbus, OH for the annual ASTRA convention (my favorite trade show every year) or in Las Vegas for the annual Licensing Show. Movies with toy licensing are spread throughout the 2023 release schedule. Earlier this year, Guardians of the Galaxy ruled the box o ce for several weeks. Disney’s e Little Mermaid opened at the end of May. ere is nally another Indiana Jones movie scheduled for release this summer. Spider-Man, Transformers, and Barbie all have movies debuting this year as well (by the way, how about that industry shaking news of Mattel and Hasbro working together on a few licensing deals? Exciting!) What all this means for the toy industry is more opportunities to sell more products. As we get back to the “way things used to be”, hopefully consumers embrace the opportunity to feel comfortable once again going to a movie theater to be one of the rst to see the new blockbuster. is can then translate into consumers, particularly children, wanting to play with the characters and toys they saw in said blockbuster.

June 2023 · Volume 18, No. 2

Publisher Bob Glaser Bob@TTPM.com

Vice President, Advertising & Sales

Donna Moore

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Controller

BOB GLASER, PUBLISHER

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Another indication of how things are getting back to the “way things used to be” are with our TTPM events. Live events obviously took a hit during the pandemic, but we here at TTPM are seeing a renewed interest in companies wanting to show their products to the media, and in uencers, at our events. Our next event is scheduled for September 13th here in New York City. I look forward to talking with many of you at the trade shows this month about exhibiting at our upcoming TTPM Holiday Showcase. Your only chance to see some of the Fam uence Talent Management in uencers will be at our event. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to meet with and discuss opportunities to work with these in uencers who are the new gatekeepers when it comes to promoting toys and moving the needle regarding sales.

Toys & Family Entertainment (TFE) is published three times per year by aNb Media. Copyright 2023 aNb Media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photography, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the U.S.A., TFE, TFE Licensing, and Specialty Emporium are registered trademarks of aNb Media. Opinions and comments expressed in this publication by edtiors, contributing writers, or solicited or unsolicited documents are not necessarily those of management

What’s Trending?

These trending lists are based on aNb Media’s consumer website, TTPM.com, and related YouTube channels. TTPM’s Top Trending Lists are generated by the number of views for that item across toy, baby, and pet categories. Here are the lists of top trenders as of May 20th, 2023.

Top 10 Trending Toys

Care Bears Surprise Figures Peel N’ Reveal Assortment

Basic Fun!

Monster High Draculaura

Gore-ganizer Playset

Mattel

Dog Man Flip-O-Rama Game

University Games

Jurassic World Dino Trackers

Track ‘N Attack Indoraptor

Mattel

Castle Panic and My First Castle Panic

Fireside Games

Disney Princess Core Dolls

Mattel

New 2023 Rainbow High Dolls

MGA

Airport Play Mat Set

Madzee Toys

Mini Mix or Match Dinosaurs and Micro Mix or Match Vehicles

Popular Playthings

Learn ‘N Balance Set

Little Partners

Top 5 Trending Baby

Mōmi Baby Bottle

Mōmi

Mochi Teething Toys

Toys by People

ECO Big Sensory Ball

Miniland

Take Me With You Zebra

VTech Baby

Playskool Little Wonders Shelby

Snail and Otto Owl

PlayMonster

Top 5 Trending Pet

Slow Treater XL

AquaPaw

Level 2 Dog Puzzle

Potaroma

4-in-1 Feline Fun Cat Toy

L'Chic

Gator Scratch Mat For Cats

Hartz

Gone Fishin’ Cat Toy

Hartz

Dallas Total Home & Gift Market Preview: First Show of the Summer Presents InDemand Products, Unique Finds, and Engaging Events to Empower Retail

e Dallas Total Home & Gi Market taking place June 21-27 will be the rst trade event of the summer season and will welcome retail decision makers from around the world, Dallas Market Center has announced. e show will feature important new brands and collections, artisan items, inspiring special exhibits, and exciting events. “ e rst show of the summer means the rst opportunity for retailers and designers to discover new products and place orders,” said Cindy Morris, president and CEO of Dallas Market Center. “It’s critically important for buyers to be here rst for the new collections, one-of-a-kind pieces, and top sellers. We also know that retailers are seeking a single location for inspiration and ordering across many di erent product categories, which is why we are anticipating a strong show.” Pre-registration, which is the exclusive method to receive a FastPass for quicker entry, is now available at dallasmarketcenter.com

KessCo Announces Licensing Partnership with SEGA of America and Sonic the Hedgehog

KessCo, a third-generation toy and game company, announced a licensing partnership with SEGA of America, Inc and the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, marking Kess’ rst national licensing agreement with SEGA of America. e partnership will o er Kess the opportunity to feature the iconic Blue Blur and the beloved franchise across a variety of tabletop games, card games, and outdoor play items in 2024. “As an avid Sonic fan myself, I am extremely excited and proud to announce our newest licensing agreement with SEGA of America,” said Alex Kessler, CEO of Kess. “Licensing has become an important part of our growth strategy, and our customers have been asking for Sonic-branded products from us for years. We look forward to continuing to grow our games category through this recent license acquisition, while introducing licensing to our popular outdoor range for the rst time.”

Mediawan Kids & Family Partners

with Licensing Works! to Launch Merchandising Program for ‘The Little Prince and Friends’ Preschool Series

Mediawan Kids & Family , in collaboration with La Succession Saint Exupery-d’Agay, has selected Licensing Works! to manage the merchandise licensing for its new animated television series, e Little Prince and Friends. is groundbreaking preschool series featuring all-new adventures based on the beloved characters from the timeless masterpiece and best-selling novel ever published is produced by Method Animation in coproduction with Bidibul Productions and LPPTV, with the participation of France Televisions, WDR, TVGlobo and RAI Kids.

Jazwares Named Master Toy Licensee for Sanrio Global Sensation Hello Kitty and Friends in NA

Jazwares, a leading global toy company, announced that it has entered into a multiyear North America master toy licensing agreement with Sanrio to create a toy line inspired by Hello Kitty and Friends. One of the world’s most famous icons, Hello Kitty debuted nearly 50 years ago and remains a pop culture mainstay beloved by fans across generations. Capturing the brand’s core values of friendship, kindness, and inclusivity, Jazwares’ Hello Kitty and Friends toy line will embrace Sanrio’s signature kawaii style and the playful, colorful nature in a wide range of toy products across multiple categories. is agreement also includes Net ix sensations Aggretsuko and Gudetama brands as well as hundreds of beloved Sanrio characters. Ami Amis Wave 2 is launching in April at major retailers and online.

Mattel and Hasbro Enter into Mutual Licensing Agreements

Hasbro, Inc and Mattel, Inc have announced that they have entered into multi-year licensing agreements to create co-branded toys and games from some of their most popular brands. Hasbro will create Barbie branded Monopoly games launching in fall 2023. Mattel will produce Transformers branded UNO games, slated for release later this year, and Transformers branded Hot Wheels vehicles, set to debut in early 2024. Hasbro and Mattel are launching this collaboration against the backdrop of two major theatrical releases this summer, with Hasbro’s Transformers: Rise of the Beasts from Paramount on June 9, 2023, and Mattel’s Barbie from Warner Bros. on July 21, 2023.

Disguise Announces Worldwide Multi-Year Licensing Agreement with MGA Entertainment

Disguise, Inc, world leader in costume design and manufacturing, has announced a new multiyear contract with MGA Entertainment (MGA), one of the largest and fastest growing toy and entertainment companies in the world, to design, manufacture, and distribute costumes and dress up accessories across the globe for MGA’s hottest brands, including L.O.L. Surprise!, Rainbow High, Little Tikes, and Bratz. Disguise’s exceptional attention to detail and unwavering commitment to quality make them the top choice to elevate these brands to the next level in costumes and dress-up. ese innovative designs are certain to delight both kids and collectors alike, providing them with the opportunity to dress up as their favorite characters from two of MGA’s globally popular brands.