Toys n Playthings

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2016 March No.6 5 Vol. 3

Independently audited Independently audited ABC circulation of 5,130 ABC circulation of 5,123 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015

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CONTENTS Regular 16 ary 20 Febru No.5 5 Vol. 3

TEAM TnP Group Editor Mirella Anstey mirella@lemapublishing.co.uk

Editor Mairead Wilmot mairead@lemapublishing.co.uk

Writer Rhys Thomas rhys@lemapublishing.co.uk

Group Advertisement Manager Ryan Horwood ryan@lemapublishing.co.uk

Media Solutions Manager

5

Leader - with Mirella Anstey

6

News - hot off the press

9

Quick Coffee Break - with West Design

10 Exhibition News - the latest on global fairs and shows 12 NEW Retail News - the latest from across the retail landscape 14 Movie News - the latest from the box office 16 Media News – the multimedia rundown

20 What’s New - new products that you need to get your hands on 26 Toy Talk – the retailers have their say 56 Trade Talk - we give suppliers a chance to talk business 69 NEW Spotlight - one new product, all the USPs explained 100 Licensing News – the hottest news from the toy licensing industry 104 Don’t Miss – unmissable products for all buyers and retailers 106 Step Back In Time – a slice of toy history from the industry’s longest running magazine

32 Games and Puzzles – a classic category in the midst of huge growth

Publisher

58 New York Toy Fair Review – reporting back from North America’s toy fair in the Big Apple

Production Director Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

P32

Features

Bradley Mason bradley@lemapublishing.co.uk

Mark Naish mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

P22

17 Media Charts - the latest kids’ TV viewing figures and toy TV advertising spend

60 Interactive and Talking Toys – walking, talking, interactive and popular 70 Outdoor Toys – top toys for every weather 92 STEM – all the fun of the classroom, without the teacher

Special Report Design and Production Marian McNamara marian@lemapublishing.co.uk

Managing Director Malcolm Naish malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

P60

18 Cover story – Mookie unveils its incredible augmented reality game Kazooloo - try it yourself with the free app 22 Retail Interview – TnP finds out more about AIS from the buying group’s Head of Toys Children’s Gifts, Miles Penhallow and what toys are currently catching his eye 30 Toy Trust - catch up with the latest events and fundraising efforts from the industry’s charity

P70 Circulation Manager Robert Thomas robert@lemapublishing.co.uk

Lema Publishing Ltd

PUBLISHING

1 Churchgates, The Wilderness, Berkhamsted, Herts, HP4 2UB Telephone: 01442 289930

At the heart of retail A member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation

Independently audited

Columnists 13 Shop Talk – Costume rentals make sense, but do rental toys? John Ryan asks the question 18 Media Whisperer – Clive Crouch explores what makes a character click 25 High Street Highs – Value: The Entertainer’s Marketing and E-commerce Director, Phil Geary looks at the power of this word 28 The Independent and Secret Supplier – Our enigmatic retailer lays his top picks from fair season on the table 68 TnP Ambassadors – our ambassadors test the toys you stock on your shelves 103 Licensing Opinion – Kelvyn Gardner explores why sports and toys team so well

ABC circulation of 5,123 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015

toysnplaythings.co.uk

Helping everyone sell more

LEADER Mirella Anstey

I

A member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation

Independently audited ABC circulation of 5,123 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015

PUBLISHING

At the heart of retail Also published by Lema Publishing

licensing T O D A Y

W O R L D W I D E

magazine

TableWare INTERNATIONAL

PICTURE BUSINESS

Featuring FRAMING BUSINESS

’ve never purported to be the most techsavvy of people, but even those of us who are a bit 1999 when it comes to devices and tech-speak like to muck about on tablets, phones, watches or whatever else these global giants throw at us. So, when I came across Mookie’s Kazooloo, I’ve got to confess to feeling a bit sweaty-palmed. Frankly, though, that was daft. The game is so easy to play and is a right old laugh – as all toys and games ought to be! Gamers are very impressed with the graphics — they are really special. But I think one of the best features is that the player plays against the graphics (if you see what I mean) and also you have to move, not just the screen, but yourself too, in order to win. A lot of consumers worry that kids spend time hunched over their tablets barely blinking developing a dowagers’ hump, or texter’s neck as it is becoming known as nowadays. Instead, Kazooloo requires extensive movement, thinking, co-ordinating and multi-tasking – all good things in my book! To learn more about Mookie’s Kazooloo (which also happens to be our cover star) turn to page 19. I always love to hear what you think about new products and lines, so please do get in touch with me (mirella@lemapublishing. co.uk) and let me know your views!

What a super year for movies — actually, over the past few years I feel that each year the box office becomes more exciting and more important. There had been a few years where the films were a bit soft, or perhaps a sequel didn’t guarantee a great toy line. But this year, and 2017 too, are really something else. The new Captain America is about to open — the Marvel juggernaut keeps thundering on much to the delight of retailers everywhere (and my boys too), then we have Finding Dory, Trolls, The Secret Life of Pets, Zootropolis, My Little Pony, Power Rangers. Then later on Star Wars Rogue One, Toy Story 4 and that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

Consumer knowledge of these movies is very high and so the toy line has a good launch pad, but nonetheless, it is still a tricky blighter to get right for retailers, which is the point eloquently made by my old mate, The Independent. Bravely, brazenly, maybe a little blinking-well foolishly, the retailer has put forward his top picks for the year, but explains that many of the decisions are instinctive. Our beloved Secret Supplier responds with his usual elegance and panache that frankly, it is the same for manufacturers too — but for them the risk and investment is a lot higher!

Let me know, whichever side of the fence you are on, what you think about these points.

Speaking from a consumer point of view – having watched the trailers to ALL of these movies, I am your ideal customer — we will be buying toys from each and everyone.

What can I say, the pull of fabulously funny trailers is powerful in our house!

If you would like to subscribe to any of our other market leading titles please call Robert Thomas on 01442 289930 or email your request to robert@lemapublishing.co.uk

The Secret Life of Pets is hotly anticipated

Will Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War be a winner?

Finding Dory is coming soon

Mookie’s Kazooloo features in this month’s cover story

NEWS Spin Master draws brand acquisition Spin Master has acquired the iconic Etch A Sketch and Doodle Sketch brands from The Ohio Art Company, including all brand-related patents, trademarks, tooling and inventory for the brands.

“We want to hear from inventors, creators and designers who love Etch A Sketch and Doodle Sketch,” said Anton Rabie, Chair and CoChief Executive Officer, Spin Master Ltd. “These toys have been popular for more than 50 years and we look forward to building on this foundation of fun and creativity.”

This announcement follows on Spin Master’s recent purchase of Editrice Giochi SRL, producer of games in Italy for more than 70 years, and Cardinal Games in 2015, a leader in toys and games for more than 60 years. Etch A Sketch and Doodle Sketch are now the latest additions to the company’s dynamic range of activities and games, which include Kinetic Sand, Headbanz and Sew Cool.

“We are always open to exploring new relationships and part of our success is seeing potential that others might overlook,” added Ben Gadbois, Global President and COO, Spin Master Ltd. “Etch A Sketch and Doodle Sketch have a long and trusted history with consumers and we’re proud to add them to our portfolio.”

Decade of growth for LEGO LEGO has continued its global expansion and reach, posting 19 per cent sales growth for 2015.

Sales growth was in the double digits in many of the construction toy company’s key markets, including its biggest market, the US, and in the UK, France, Brazil, China and Japan.

This growth was enabled by strong performance of new product innovations, with the company highlighting LEGO Dimensions, LEGO Star Wars, LEGO Ninjago and LEGO Elves, as core drivers, backed by continued high interest in core LEGO themes such as LEGO City.

Jorgen Vig Knudstorp, President & Chief Executive Officer called 2015 a “fantastic” year. He added: “Across the year we estimate that 100 million children had a LEGO experience - be it through playing with great LEGO products, in schools via LEGO Education materials or by participating in local community activities or receiving product donations driven by the LEGO Foundation across the world.”

TREND SPOTTING WITH THE TIA The US Toy Industry Association (TIA) experts unveiled key toy trends during North American International Toy Fair. Here they tell us about some of them

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Whether At the U.S. Toy Industry Association’s (TIA) North children American International Toy Fair, launch drones held just over a month ago in or bake New York City, TIA revealed this year’s top trends in toys alongside and games during one of the an adult in most popular sessions – the Toy the kitchen, Trends Briefing. Here they are: nearly all TECH: Drones, Robots the trends and Toys-To-Life speak to Tech is always trending in the the fact that toy aisle, and 2016 is no different.

This year, experts named drones, traditional robots and the toys-to-life toys can live category as the tech toys to alongside watch. Drones allow kids to do tech-based amazing things, such as launching multifunction nanodrones from ones in the the palms of their hands. The toy box hottest robots of the year will Adrienne be customisable and teach kids important concepts, including Appell, TIA

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PiXL is top pick Vivid’s PiXL has got off to a cracking launch. A collaboration with The Entertainer has put the digital emoji creator front and centre with consumers and to top it off, it scooped Best New Toy Award at Toy Fair 2016 in the Tech Toys category.

Speaking about the collaboration, Scott Norman, Buyer at The Entertainer said: “We are encouraged with early sales reads.

We launched PiXL in January in store and online, this included our well-known branded window displays and a bespoke PiXL character display unit. I’m looking forward to seeing the PiXL range become an established brand in the tech market.”

Did you know…

The GBG team at Rush Trampoline Park

Bouncing off the shelves Green Board Games’ new game BrainBox Bounce has been leaping off the shelves since its launch over February half term. The company teamed up with Rush Trampoline Park in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire to promote the game and so far, they say the response couldn’t be better.

A display consisting of the four BrainBox Bounce options were set up each day and the GBG team were on site to encourage children and parents to join in and play.

coding, engineering, problem-solving and building.

COVETED COLLECTABLES Collecting has long been a favourite pastime for children, but in 2016 you can expect to see these affordable and/or coveted toys everywhere. Collecting is an art form for kids who are on the hunt for the perfect item to complete their set. Collectables teach children patience and perseverance, organisation, and negotiation skills.

BRAIN BOOSTERS/ STEAM Educational toys are “STEAMing” ahead, and toys that teach or reinforce Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) continue to be top

MARCH 2016

The King and Queen of Belgium with Cartamundi CEO, Chris van Doorslaer

The first cards produced in the Turnhout appeared in the 18th century, and their production was the beginning of a business that eventually became Cartamundi.

It’s a royal flush!

Cartamundi welcomed two extra special guests to its home in Turnhout on 25 February, as their Majesties the King and the Queen of Belgium paid a working visit to the HQ as part of their visit to Antwerp.

Trudi Bishop, Head of Marketing and Licensing, Cartamundi, said: “It has been a great honour for Cartamundi to welcome the royal couple to its home town. We are delighted that the achievements of the company have merited this visit and fully intend to add to those achievements in the coming years.”

contenders in the toy market.

Brain-boosting playthings that fall into this trend also encourage kids’ proficiency in subjects beyond STEAM, such as language and history, and support children as they grow and gain new abilities.

ULTIMATE CREATOR The Ultimate Creator taps in to the full spectrum of children’s creativity. Toys and crafts in this trend teach kids to skillfully cook, design, build, grow, and create physical and digital masterpieces that they can proudly share with family and friends. Many teach techniques and skills that can be applied throughout life – including videography, sewing, dip-dyeing, crocheting, watercolor painting, laser cutting, embroidery, and more.

FAMILY MATTERS

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Educational toys are “STEAMing” ahead

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Millennial parents have grown nostalgic for their own childhood board games, puzzles and other traditional toys, and want to share in those unplugged experiences with their children. A growing number of toys incorporate technology while also promoting socialization, faceto-face interaction, and family bonding for all. Whether online or offline, these toys help bridge generational gaps by helping families create lasting memories through play.

Stay tuned for next month’s column, which will explore “Tech: Drones, Robots and Toys-toLife,” including product examples. To view the video from the Toy Trends Briefing, visit www.

ToyAssociation.org/Trends.

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NEWS

Winner! (From left) Shirley Price (TOTY Committee Chair), Geoffrey Greenberg (JustPlay Co-President), Mindy Corrill (JustPlay Senior Brand Manager), Bridget Russo (JustPlay Vice President of Product Development), Steve Pasierb (TIA president and CEO)

Top of the toys Doc McStuffins was the gal of the gala at the North American Annual Toy of the Year ceremony recently.

The awards were hosted by the US TIA and took place prior to the opening of the North American Toy Fair in New York.

Toy of the Year and Pre-school Toy of the Year went to Doc McStuffins Pet Vet Checkup Center from Just Play.

There were plenty of other winners on the night too with LEGO, Disney, Hasbro, Moose Toys, Spin Master, Learning Resources, FisherPrice and many more all being honoured.

Entertaining in 3D

To the power of four

Ever wondered how 3D printing works? Pop down to The Entertainer in Amersham. The toy shop has just introduced 3D printing to the store and for a mere £2.50, children can style and create a personalised name key ring using a Cube 3 printer.

This pilot programme is in partnership with Stratify.me and 3D Systems and takes 30 minutes to complete.

Speaking about the initiative, Phil Geary, Marketing and E-commerce Director at The Entertainer said: “We’re delighted to be trialling this new and innovative product in Amersham. We are already looking at the potential to work with licensors in the hope that we can roll out this exciting opportunity across more of our stores in the future.”

Shopkins Season Four is flying off the shelves with sales significantly up on season three.

Owned by Moose Toys and distributed by Flair, the latest line had added pets, or Petkins, to the range, adding to the toy’s collectability.

“The buzz surrounding Shopkins is incredible,” said Vicky Hill, Licensing Manager at Bulldog Licensing who represent the brand in the UK and Ireland. “The brand is absolutely sizzling at the moment and the release of this new range is only adding to the excitement!”

This popularity has been replicated in the licensing world and Bulldog Licensing has secured deals across multiple categories including party goods, apparel, nightwear and underwear, lunchware, tableware, drinkware and lighting and more.

Bing gets a boost Seven new licensees have joined FisherPrice and Ravensburger on the Bing consumer products programme.

The pre-school character’s UK CP roster has been ramped up by British studio Acamar Films and its licensing agent The Licensing Company (TLC).

HTI Group, Dreamtex, Blueprint, Spearmark TDP Aykroyds Roy Lowes and TVM Fashion Lab have all come on board, joining the hand-picked select group of companies already taking Bing to children 8

beyond the TV screen.

Partners to date include: Harper Collins for publishing; Egmont for Magazines; Immediate Media for CBeebies Magazines; Ravensburger for games; Woodmansterne for greeting cards; Rainbow Productions for Bing and Flop character costumes; Studiocanal for home entertainment, and Fisher-Price for carefully crafted toys.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

Disney appoints new CP head Disney has promoted James Pitaro, current co-Chair of Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media, to Chairman of the division following the departure of his co-Chair Leslie Ferraro.

The Walt Disney Company’s COO, Thomas O. Staggs said James “brings to this expanded position his keen eye for technological innovation and deep familiarity with the brands and franchises that continue to drive the segment’s growth.”

James said he was “incredibly honoured” to lead the team in building on “Disney’s record for consistently exceeding consumer expectations.”

Leslie has left to return to her roots in marketing and consumer engagement projects, with Disney as her first client.

New faces at Magformers Magformers has strengthened its UK sales team with the appointment of two wellknown and well-respected toy industry representatives. John White (top right) and Richard (bottom right) Greenwood are now both on board as National Account Manager (South) and Area Sales Manager (South West) respectively.

John White joins Magformers after 12 years at Mattel, where he worked on numerous accounts including Smyths, Toys R Us, Toymaster, Fenwick Group, CostCo and a wide range of independent stores.

Meanwhile, Richard Greenwood is a former national account manager with Revell and has also worked for companies including Dekkertoys, Pot Black Ltd and The First Years.

Speaking on his new role, Richard said: ”This is a thrilling opportunity to help build a new and very exciting brand in the UK and establish Magformers as a leading toy supplier to the UK trade.”

Richard and John join Chris Singleton (Area Sales Manager North & Midlands) to now give National UK coverage for Magformers.

John Gray seeks fresh challenge Toy industry stalwart John Gray is on the hunt for a new challenge in the trade. With 20 years of experience in various supply chain roles, he is a strategic and target-driven professional with a proven track record in leading teams to success.

With end-to-end supply chain experience in sales forecasting, demand planning, supply planning, customer order management and logistics, John is interested in a permanent or interim role within the industry.

If you’d like to get in touch with John, you can get hold of him on 07985 220327 and grayjohnuk@hotmail.co.uk.

MARCH 2016

COFFEE BREAK With a brand new LEGO licensed range for 2016, West Design is building on its ever expanding range. Jo Bray, Sales Manager, West Design takes two to catch up with TnP We’re fresh out of toy fair season now - how was retailer reaction to your latest and greatest launches?

We exhibited at both the London and Nuremberg Toy Fairs this year. It was our first time exhibiting at Nuremberg, and it definitely lived up to the hype – we have already re-booked for next year.

LEGO Stationery is a big new range for you this year. What does having a huge name like that add to your offering?

LEGO Stationery has been a great addition to our range. LEGO is obviously instantly recognisable and we are proud to be associated with such an iconic brand. For us, this new range is a completely different direction from the old stationery we were distributing. All products include official LEGO base plates enabling you to build on your pens, pencils, erasers and more with your normal LEGO bricks and Minifigures. You even get to build the ruler yourself from scratch!

You have lots of exciting new products for 2016, but which are you most excited about? We were awarded the exclusive European distribution for Creativity for Kids last year and there are some great new products such as Pom Pom Rug and the Light Up Heart.

What are your top three selling products currently?

The Fashion Headbands from Creativity for Kids must be owned by every child in the country by now! It is a consistent Top 10 product in Amazon’s Toys and Games. Number two would probably be the LEGO luggage tag. Although we have been selling it for a few years now, it is the must-have travel accessory. And finally, in at number three, would be our new colouring books which we have not even got stock of yet!

Tell us about your relationship with independent retailers and how you support them.

We try and work as closely as possible with the independents and value their business. We know from experience the importance of suppliers and the relationships. We employ a great sales team that covers the UK, and don’t use agents so that we can build a direct relationships with our customers. We do monthly newsletters offering promotions and competitions, plus quarterly promotional brochures to all our independent customers to ensure regular communication from us. We also actively support and sponsor retail shops.

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EXHIBITION

NEWS

Big Apple gets bigger The TIA has reported an increase in international attendance at the 113th North American International Toy Fair. In fact, there was a 16 per cent increase in overseas visitors to the New York based show.

The exhibition took place from Saturday 13 to Tuesday 16 February with organisers TIA reporting a nine per cent increase for overall attendees and 16 per cent for international visitors.

“From total attendance to the volume of international buyers to news media attention, our exhibitors consistently reported Toy Fair 2016 was a success and one of the very best shows they attend,” said Steve Pasierb, TIA president and CEO. The global toy industry will converge once again next year at the 114th North American International Toy Fair, taking place Saturday 18 February 18 through Tuesday, 21 February.

Organisers TIA reported a nine per cent increase for overall attendees and 16 percent for international visitors

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Xmas in May…

This year, the party themes will revolve around all things festive

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We’re all going to be rocking around the Christmas Tree at Toymaster’s May Show which takes place from Tuesday 17 to Thursday 19 May. Along with a cracking fair – all of the exhibition space is sold out by the way - the Toymaster team is always renowned for turning Harrogate’s Majestic Hotel into a central party hub for the toy industry. This year, the party themes will revolve around all things festive. The first night, dress-up night, has a Christmas theme while Majestic will host a New Year’s Eve Ball on the second evening of the show. So you’ve been warned… prepare your party ensembles now!

Visitor registration for this year’s event is open now to all independent retailers, regardless of whether they’re a member of the buying group or not. Visit www.toymaster. co.uk for more information.

Play date at nursery fair Harrogate’s International Nursery Fair 2016 is fast approaching. Taking place from Sunday 20 to Tuesday 22 March, the trade fair is set to attract retailers from around the country who are descending on the North Yorkshire town to see the very best in nursery products. Toy exhibitors include Casdon, Halilit, East Coast Nursery, Marbel, Hippychick, CloudB and more. A broad range of exhibitors covering everything from baby bouncers to nursery décor to toys will be on site over the three-day exhibition.

There will also be a seminar programme throughout the show in Hall H hosted by the Baby Products Association with speakers covering topics from China to intelligent retail.

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Nuremberg numbers up Nuremberg organisers have reported that visitors numbers to the show were up for 2016, with international attendees also increasing.

A total of 70,714 retailers, buyers, licensing executives, designers and more visited the Spielwarenemesse this year, and more than 41,000 of those made the trip from outside Germany. UK visitors made up over 2,000 of those, representing the sixth biggest international visitor base.

Of the attendees, 91.3 per cent were involved in purchasing decisions, highlighting the show’s position as an important destination for ordering and making firm buying decisions. In fact, almost 20,000 visitors said they will only visit Nuremberg Toy Fair this year.

Nuremberg Toy Fair will return next year from 1 to 6 February 2017.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

TOY FAIR 2017 DATES BACK TO NORMAL LONDON OLYMPIA TUESDAY 24TH - THURSDAY 26TH

A HUGE THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR STICKING WITH US IN WHAT WAS EXPECTED TO BE A CHALLENGING YEAR. THE S H OW WA S A G R E AT S U C C E S S T H A N K S TO A L L O U R EXHIBITORS AND VISITORS AND WE HOPE TO WELCOME YOU BACK NEXT YEAR.

THANK YOU.

RETAIL

NEWS

High street footfall takes positive step

Sainsbury’s says BOGOF to multi-buy promotions Sainsbury’s has put multi-buy promotions on the chopping block and will phase out BOGOF and similar deals by August. The supermarket chain says the promotions are “out of step” with modern shopping habits and that it will instead lower prices across its product offering.

New figures from Springboard have seen high streets report their first rise in footfall since 2013, excluding Easter spikes. Footfall in January was 1.2 per cent up on a year ago, significantly above the 2.2 per cent decline seen in December, and its best performance since January 2014, not counting Easter distortions.

The boost has been welcomed by the British Retail Consortium, but they called on the Chancellor to keep the momentum going by changing the business rates system.

“The improvement in shopper footfall witnessed in January provided a timely and welcome fillip to retailers at the start of the year,” said BRC Chief Executive, Helen Dickinson, “with retail parks once again recording a stellar performance. Indeed, this was the best overall footfall performance for two years, and well ahead of the three-month average.”

National town centre vacancy rates have also taken a dive at 8.7 per cent in January 2016, down from the 9.1 per cent rate reported in October 2015. This is the lowest point vacancy rates have been at since they began reporting the data in July 2011.

The Entertainer opens in Basildon A new The Entertainer store has opened in Basildon in the Eastgate Shopping Centre. The 3,000 sq ft location opened 27 February, with special appearances from LEGO Ninjago’s Kai and The Entertainer’s very own Jack, along with plenty of fun in-store demos of the latest toys, special promotions, and a charity trolley dash to benefit local Little Havens Hospice. As well as providing more choice for families at the popular local shopping destination, the new store has created nine new

jobs in the area. Eastgate Shopping Centre Manager, Ian Clark said the new shop would bring an “exciting new dimension to retail here.” The Entertainer MD, Gary Grant added: “Eastgate and the centre itself continues to offer a strong retail position for our store as it attracts large numbers of family shoppers who are demanding more toy shopping choice on the high street and within shopping centres. We look forward to bringing joy and wonder to the children of Basildon.”

TOYS R US DO GOOD Paul Mills-Hicks, Sainsbury’s Food Commercial Director, said the move would allow the retailer to offer shoppers better value in line with how they shop, which has “changed significantly in recent years.”

“By replacing multi-buy promotions with lower regular prices, we are making it easier for customers to buy the products they need, in the quantities they need, without having to buy multiple items to enjoy great value,” he added.

“Since we started simplifying our pricing approach we’ve seen a much greater variety of products in our customers’ baskets, signalling that they like the flexibility to make their own choices.”

There will be some exceptions, and Sainsbury’s will still run promotions on some items at points throughout the year.

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Toys R Us has teamed up with charity Save the Children to launch its new Play With Purpose fundraising campaign, aimed at bringing “purposeful play” to millions of disadvantaged children across the US. From now until 17 April, customers at Toys R Us and Babies R Us stores in Stateside can make cash donations to help meet the target.

The money will then be used to help support Save the Children’s other childhood development programmes, such as its Early Steps to School Success and SummerBoost Initiative, by providing opportunities and resources for kids in impoverished regions.

“To know that millions of children living in poverty do not have access to play – whether due to limited family resources or knowledge about the importance of play – is heartbreaking,” said Dave Brandon, Chairman and CEO Toys R Us, Inc. “Together with Save the Children, and with the support of our team members and customers nationwide, we will strive to ensure all kids are provided opportunities to play with purpose.”

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RETAIL

OPINION

Don’t buy, think rent!

S

taring in the window of a vintage retailer somewhere in Islington the other day, it was hard not to be struck by the sheer quantity of old toys that were on display. In its original box was a James Bond Corgi DB5, there were battered dolls and there was even a Trivial Pursuit game from the early 1980s (not very vintage) – back when the questions were harder, or so it seemed to your correspondent who first came across the game way back then.

The fact of the matter is that toys come and go in waves, much the same as popular music. Old toys (soldiers) never die, they simply retire and are ready to be brought out at any time, even when they are drawing their pension.

Which perhaps leads to a report called How We Shop Now, that has just been released by shopping centre giant Westfield. Among the trends that it highlights is that there is a growing demand to rent things.

This is renting in its broadest sense - from a posh bag to a bicycle and, moreover, shoppers are prepared to sign on the dotted line and subscribe to avail themselves of this kind of service. Follow this line of thinking and rather than seeing the shiny DB5 sitting unappreciated, unused and probably overpriced in the window of an Islington emporium, might it not be better for it to have serial owners and for all of them to have a little piece of joy?

Very possibly, and even if the thorny issue of taking care of a prized possession hoves into view, it must surely be better this way than waiting to see it sold off as part of a job lot when the store in question goes knocking on the door of the administrator.

But forget the toys of yesteryear for a moment, what about today? Would renting out toys – Rubiks Cubes, LEGO models of the Empire State building and suchlike, make any kind of sense? In this case, the first thing that would have to be assessed is whether there would be a demand for this service. Surely part of the thrill for a

Trivial Pursuit, a game that got the better of our columnist in the ‘80s

child in receipt of a new toy is that whatever the object in question, they own it.

But look at things this way — trends in toys wax and wane and you can only sell something that is in demand once. And as for ownership, how often have you observed today’s must-haves as tomorrow’s discarded trinket?

If, therefore, you were in a position to put a time limit on how long the potential buyer of a new toy in your shop could be in possession of it, wouldn’t it make sense to try and sell it again…and again? If a toy were to be lent in this manner for, say, around 40 per cent of its value, it is pretty obvious that selling and reselling three times would equate to additional money in the bank.

There may be a sense perhaps of pigs flying and cloudcuckooland at this point, but why not? You wouldn’t actually have to put all of the stock in your shop on sale on this basis, but it might work for a percentage of it and your store would certainly be different on the high street.

It might almost be worth doing this online and given that most of you have transactional websites, getting the message around about affordability and the ability to give your children more toys, one at a time mind, might prove compelling. Renting doesn’t have to be confined to the world of adults, it can work just as well when it comes to buying children’s toys.

And what about the phenomenon of the generous brand which is also a hot topic? The brand, in this case, is your shop, your business. And being generous can mean anything from offering free pieces of cake to those visiting your shop to giving a fixed amount of every sale made to a kid’s charity.

This is about creating a halo of respectability for your enterprise – you really do care and to use a horribly clichéd phrase, it means giving something back. This has about it a schmaltzy feel, but it could work as a means of getting philanthropic footfall.

But if not, why not combine being a generous brand with renting?

Put the two together and you can bathe in the admiration of your peers for doing the right thing, while making a little extra money and getting a few more shoppers through the door. This really would be something and would amount to a serious departure both in terms of your business model and the way in which others view you.

John Ryan is Stores Editor at Retail Week. He has worked for the magazine for more than a decade covering store design, visual merchandising and what makes things sell in-store. In a previous life he was a buyer.

MARCH 2016

Leading retail expert John Ryan examines the growing trend of renting goods and muses the possibilities of this working in the toy sector

MOVIE

NEWS

The saga continues Cameras started rolling in a galaxy not so far, far away in February as Star Wars Episode VIII entered principal photography at Pinewood Studios.

Filming began as Disney CEO Bob Iger revealed Star Wars: The Force Awakens has made more than $5b globally - $2b at the box office, and $3b from licensed products, including toys.

Slated to release 15 December 2017, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson are among the actors returning for the next instalment in the saga. They will be joined by franchise newcomers Benicio Del Toro, Laura Dern and Kelly Marie Tran. Iger also revealed that production is already underway on Episode IX, coming in 2019.

Decade high for DreamWorks DreamWorks Animation’s profits soared in the fourth quarter of 2015, with revenue hitting its highest point for more than a decade. The studio reported revenue of $319.3m in the three months ending December 2015, a leap of 36.3 per cent on the same period in 2014. Profits were also significantly boosted, with earnings of $42m marking a huge increase on the $54m loss in the same quarter in 2014.

The company’s movie business was also up 11.5 per cent thanks to its hit 2015 release Home. The positive shift was bolstered by the studio’s TV business, which more than doubled on the previous year to $104m. A recent coproduction deal with DHX Media will see 130 TV episodes from DreamWorks, and a strengthened bond with Netflix to develop more content for streaming.

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Oscar win for Disney Disney Pixar’s Inside Out was named Best Animation at last night’s Academy Awards beating stiff competition from the likes of Aardman’s Shaun the Sheep Movie and marking a four-year streak of Oscars for Disney, In his acceptance speech, Co-Director Pete Docter said: “This film was really born from watching our kids grow up, which is not easy. Anyone out there who’s in junior high, high school, working it out, suffering – there are days you’re gonna feel sad, you’re gonna feel angry, you’re gonna be scared.” Praised for its handling of real world issues, Inside Out was also nominated for Best Original Screenplay.

Deadpool pulls in punters Rom-coms are the traditional winners over the Valentine’s Day weekend, but Deadpool changed that this year. The irreverent Marvel flick continued the strong run of superhero movies with a fourth-wall and box office-breaking opening weekend. It broke US records as the biggest February opening weekend yet, making it 20th Century Fox’s biggest debut. Combined with the record-breaking $135 domestically, the movie also hit top spots iin 60 territories, bringing its international total to a whopping $ $260m. After its second weekend, the anti-hero held strong at tthe top of the chart, passing $490m in receipts globally.

Buzzing for Transformers T There’s lots of buzz surrounding a new Transformers spin-off – to c centre on popular Autobot character Bumblebee – a fan favourite, p particularly in toys. The off-shoot is one of three Transformers movies sstaked out for June release windows between 2017 and 2019. The B Bumblebee movie will release in June 2018, sandwiched between two m mainline entries in the movie franchise: Michael Bay’s Transformers 5 5, coming June 2017, and the follow up in June 2019. Speaking to the H Hollywood Reporter, Paramount Pictures chairman and CEO Brad G Grey said the franchise’s individual characters were “big business” and sshould be highlighted.

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LEGO and the LEGO logo are trademarks of the LEGO Group ©2016 The LEGO Group

BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE and all DC characters and elements © & ™ DC Comics. (s16)

T U O !

W NO #76046 -of High Justice: Heroes h Battle Sky Hig

#76045 -ite Interception Krypton

#76044 -f the Heroes Clash o

NEW BATMAN V SUPERMAN Sku’s launch - 1st March

w e n ts se

3

ready for the BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE theatrical movie on the 25th March

MEDIA

NEWS

Over the moon!

Coolabi’s much-loved Clangers has won the 2016 Broadcast Award for Best Pre-School Programme in a glittering award ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House. The win comes shortly after the stop-frame animation was handed the 2015 BAFTA for Best Pre-School Animation. The hit show has not been off air since launch, and currently occupies the CBeebies 6pm bedtime hour slot, where it’s achieving its highest-ever ratings.

LEGO on an adventure LEGO is building on its partnership with the biggest property in the galaxy in the new Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures, a new animated comedy TV series debuting on Disney XD this summer.

Jill Wilfert, Vice President, Licensing and Entertainment, LEGO Group said: “The show masterfully combines the rich heritage of storytelling, great characters, action and adventure in a galaxy far, far away with the creativity, imagination and humour that only LEGO Star Wars can deliver.”

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Not using digital? That’s nuts!

The digital world is changing how we live, how we communicate, and how we discover. This is no less true for our youngest generations, with children as young as two learning to use digital devices daily. As the digital space grows, the size of the audiences using social media has reached vast proportions: it is estimated that more than half of UK children are on social media, and YouTube has grown to 40 per cent reach among 6-14 year olds. With such big audiences, digital media is a space that can no longer be ignored.

When it comes to finding your target audience, digital media gives unparalleled access to reaching new customers. Red Squirrel Digital has been helping toy manufacturers to enter this new digital world by developing innovative ways of reaching an array of audience targets, from the kids themselves through to the parents, grandparents and other gifter audiences. The digital process provides the ability to use behavioural insight targeting to understand the right time to reach customers at the buying stage and allows tracking of all actions including precise ROI on spend.

Find out how Red Squirrel can help develop your digital strategy, reach new audiences and generate a strong ROI for your spend, visit www.redsquirreldigital.com or call 020 7759 7333.

Five stars for Hama The Good App Guide has given the Hama Universe app five stars for its fun factor and ease of use, and four stars for skills development.

Distributed in the UK by DKL, the bead brand has made the jump to digital to bring kids the first app of its kind: a virtual universe where they can choose from a selection of pegboards and bead colours to create virtual bead designs.“The app was a real hit with all of our testers and they all wanted to return to it after their first play,” said the experts at the Good App Guide, which includes TnP TV regular Dr. Amanda Gummer. Farel Williams, Marketing Executive at DKL, added: “It’s great to have The Good App Guide’s seal of approval for the Hama app. The review highlights that the app promotes creative and developmental play in the same way as the traditional Hama bead sets.”

toysnplaythings.co.uk

MEDIA

Up and down we go

W

elcome to the January 2016 Media Report, we are reporting on Boys 4-9 and Girls 4-9 years and Housewives with Children.

When we look at the chart we can see straight away that Pop is market leader by a healthy margin, followed by Nick Junior and The Cartoon Network. Others stations that are worth mentioning are Disney Junior and Kix — both are doing well. The total viewing for the Boys is up by 14.9 per cent.

The good news is that the girls viewing levels are up by 10.7 per cent, with Nick Junior as market leader followed by Tiny Pop and Disney Junior. It’s interesting to see that Pop does not do so well for girls, Channel 5 however does show a small increase.

The Housewives with Children viewing levels are up by 6.9 per cent with Nickelodeon Junior market leader and ITVB in second place, however ITVB is showing a decrease in viewing of some 14 per cent. Disney Junior and Tiny Pop, on the other hand, are doing well here. The other stations are bumping along with some small increases and decreases.

In terms of reported expenditure for the various toy companies there is a massive increase when compared to January 2015. Looking at spending in January 2015, it’s interesting to see expenditure from the first to last company staircases down in a gentle manner.

When we look at 2016 we see that Hasbro are reported at £2m then the next figure is reportedly £784,908 for Flair Leisure.

TV revenue is down by 13 per cent for January 2016 and if you take the ITV figure out then it’s closer to 18.9 per cent. It’s interesting that SkyMedia is breaking even for January but the rest of the market is down by over 50 per cent.

Looking at the brand count for January there is little difference between 2015 and 2016. It would appear that Hasbro has just increased their expenditure on their products across the board.

The next issue we will look at the older end of the kids market and Housewives with Children – Pre School.

CHARTS

4000 3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0

Housewives & Kids TVRs January 15 vs January 16

Jan-15

Jan-16

7000 6000 0 5000 0 4000 0 3000 0 2000 0 1000 0

Boys 4-9 TVRs January 15 vs January 16

J Jan-15 15

J Jan-16 16

8000 7000 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000 1000 0

Girls 4-9 TVRs January 15 vs January 16

Jan-15

Jan-16

Jan 2015 Toy Company TV Expenditure

Jan 2016 Toy Company TV Expenditure

Company Name

TV Expenditure

Company Name

TV Expenditure

Character Options Ltd LEGO UK Ltd Flair Leisure Prod Ltd Hasbro (UK) Ltd Vivid Imagination Ltd Mattel UK Ltd Leapfrog Toys (UK) Ltd Schmidt Spiele Brainstorm Ltd IMCToys Uk Ltd

£581,718 £541,818 £478,961 £192,972 £179,760 £171,381 £122,850 £87,387 £84,552 £58,944

Hasbro (UK) Ltd Flair Leisure Prod Ltd LEGO UK Ltd Character Options Ltd Vivid Imagination Ltd Mattel UK Ltd Spin Master Toys Ltd Golden Bear Prod Ltd Epoch UK MGA Ent

£2,080,965 £784,908 £406,270 £399,899 £375,605 £296,586 £246,909 £225,887 £185,152 £185,546

For more information on viewing levels please contact Mike Penfold. mike@globalmedia.me.uk Tel: 01494 763178.

All graphs and information supplied by Global Media Services

SEPTEMBER SE S EPTEM PTEMB PT EM E MB BE ER 2013 20 2 013 13

17

MEDIA

OPINION

Making it interesting How do you keep a character engaging?

Clive Crouch asks the question…

T

he front cover of Time magazine has produced some classic images over the years. It sits alongside Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe images in shops and galleries, such is its standing. Last month the front cover of Time pictured a curvy black silhouette with long blonde hair; almost unmistakably Barbie at 57.

Barbie made her first catwalk outing at New York Toy Fair in 1959 and a lot has been written about her future by people closer to her than me.

Animation and physical toys can be kind to our heroes and heroines, the most simple consideration is that they have to remain interesting, to avoid a slow passing away.

Recently, two people who touched the lives of children, with very different connections, both passed away - David Bowie and Terry Wogan.

Bowie happened to be a big SpongeBob fan. He watched Mr SquarePant’s show with his daughter for over 10 years.

Bowie wrote the original music for the SpongeBob stage show and guest starred as the voice of Lord Royal Highness in Sponge out of Water.

As a broadcaster, Terry Wogan was the front man of Children in Need; reaching out to families and children with a style that no one will ever emulate. Children are not accustomed to losing heroes in this way.

Children establish their play heroes from a very young age, perhaps even before they know the meaning of the word. They can form an early attachment to the classic super hero, with its powerful imagery emanating from comics and cartoons, that continues into

“

adulthood. Consider two alternative words which may better describe the relationship between young children and their toy heroes and heroines, “affinity - a natural liking, inclination to a person or thing”, and “association – a friendship or companionship, which may not last”. Those last four words are really important, they are almost true. The association that young children establish with their heroes and heroines, they leave behind as they grow up for the next wave of new borns.

Literature plays a big part in establishing these relationships; Thomas the Tank Engine (now Thomas and Friends) was 70 last year. The Reverend Awdry penned 26 books that have sold over 50 million copies. By comparison in the digital era Michael Acton Smith launched Moshi Monsters 59 years after Thomas and has 90 million users worldwide.

Time helps to identify the difference between these two properties, they both have a role to play in children’s play between appearing very worthy and right, or very worthy and interesting.

Last year The Sunday Times published the Top 50 Children’s Books of Modern Times. It featured A.A. Milne’s The House at Pooh Corner, followed by The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe with Harry Potter in third while Raymond Briggs’ The Snowman was placed at number 28.

Published in 1978 and adapted into one 26-minute animation, The Snowman was broadcast on the fledgling Channel 4 on 26 December 1982. Briggs brought The Snowman to life without any words, in book and film, then added the music score Walking in the Air. Back to the league of super heroes, not The Hulk or Spiderman, but super heroine Barbie. What Barbie has achieved since her birth year is a huge success story in itself, and Barbie’s legacy in image and sales may well be a reasonable indicator for her prospects at the age of 60.

From January 2016, Mattel have decided to make Barbie a lot more interesting. Barbie Petite, Barbie Tall and Barbie Curvy will be available alongside Barbie Original.

The availability of three new Barbies is no longer about being virtuous and right, it’s about being more interesting.

I know when I’m having a chat in the pub I don’t want to talk to the bloke who is always right, I want to talk to the bloke who is always interesting.

Let’s hope it is that simple for Mattel.

Recently, two people who touched the lives of children, with very different connections, both passed away

”

Clive Crouch can be contacted on: www.clivecrouch.com, info@clivecrouch.com, mobile: 078 31 670 453

18

COVER FEATURE MOOKIE

It’s a play revolution!

Mookie’s Kazooloo launches this month – we take a closer look at one of the brands to watch for 2016

M

ookie is excited to launch their new virtual reality gameboard Kazooloo this month. The augmented reality toy is set to hit shelves across the UK with a huge launch campaign perfectly in time for the Easter holidays.

and Kazooloo DMX which sees children combat against robots and machines. Both items have an RRP of just £14.99, making them one of the most affordable tech products on the market.

Download the Kazooloo app, open Crazy mode and scan the board image below to see how the game works for yourself!

Changing reality Prepare for another play level

Kazooloo uses augmented reality to bring animated creatures to life in the real world. The board acts as an anchor for the app, allowing the creatures to understand and interact with the layout of the room and their surroundings.

As a result Kazooloo can offer incredibly absorbing gameplay that will keep kids completely engrossed. Kazooloo is compatible with Apple and Android smartphones and tablets.

Speaking about the new launch Gemma Lewington, Marketing Manager at Mookie said: “We are very excited to launch Kazooloo and truly believe it will be one of the big brands in 2016. The high quality graphics and captivating gameplay means it targets boys aged seven A new augmented reality boardgame to 11 perfectly. Kazooloo Campaign launches in time for Easter Vortex and Kazooloo DMX Smart technology used during play are just the start; we have Augmented reality bring game to life a lot of great ideas being Targets boys aged seven to 11 developed which will build Supported by heavyweight TV campaign the Kazooloo brand further in 2017.”

Kazooloo allows children to open up another dimension where they can battle against monsters and robots by scanning the Kazooloo board with their smartphone or tablet. Players become immersed in the Kazooloo world as it blends seamlessly with our own reality, leaving children unsure as to what is real and what isn’t. The aim of the game is to destroy and defeat the enemy using a range of different weapons; however kids must keep moving as the monsters will fight back.

Kazooloo will be launching with two SKUs. Kazooloo Vortex, where children battle against dragons and monsters,

What is it?

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

MARCH 2016

“

We are very excited to launch Kazooloo and truly believe it will be one of the big brands in 2016

”

TV advertised The launch will be accompanied by heavyweight TV advertising which will continue to run throughout the year.

This will be supported with a full digital campaign, in store FSDUs, magazine cover mounts and PR activity. Try Kazooloo for yourself today. Download the Kazooloo app from the app store and scan the Kazooloo board on this page to play the demo.

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WHAT’S Brand spanking new launches from top toy companies to help you sell more!

Robot wars MOOKIE 01525 722 722 www.mookie.co.uk Mookie are set to launch Big Robots this autumn/winter. Big Robots are remote control battling robots which fight against each other until someone is victorious.

The controls have motion sensing capability through the use of accelerometer technology; this means that any movements children make will be replicated by the robots. This offers incredibly entertaining gameplay as kids get absolute control over their robot that will punch and attack exactly as they do.

Big Robots can move in any direction and spin 360 degrees on the spot as well as react to opponent attacks with their own personal trash talk. Each robot has an LED health bar that shows just how far away they are from defeat. Big Robots will be sold in pairs, so they are ready to battle straight out of the box.

Traditional wooden toys have been a firm favourite with Tobar customers for years. At the London Toy Fair and Spring Fair visitors were impressed with the quality of these products, the detail in the design and decoration make them stand out. Each one truly represents our passion for sourcing outstanding products that will help our customers increase their sales 20

”

Big Robots will be launched with a heavyweight TV campaign, digital marketing, instore support and PR activity

It’s all about the new TOBAR

”

01603 397 105 www.tobar.co.uk Tobar’s team has designed some stunning new traditional wooden toys to add to their classic collection including beautifully painted Tea Sets and Cake Stands which include tempting pastries, puzzles and novelty lines which will entertain and remain a family favourite for years and years.

New lines include: Cupcake Watch – a beaded bracelet with a large mock watch face featuring a cupcake design. Owl Miragescope allows kids to peer through the owl’s lens to see a kaleidoscopic view of the world. Wooden Slot and Build Daisies is a model kit made up of 42 wooden discs, each one decorated with a vivid and colourful design. Kendama Is a wooden design based on the traditional Japanese toy. The aim of the game is to catch the ball in one of the cups or on the spike. Also look our for the Wooden Flower Cake Stand and Tea Set and the Wooden Woodland Puzzle.

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NEW

Rock on!

JUMBO GAMES 01707 289289 www.jumbo.eu

Wasgij Destiny 16: Old Time Rockers! is the latest instalment from Jumbo Games. The 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle depicts a brightly-coloured rock festival taking place as Justin Kidd and the Piledrivers rock out to a sold-out stadium crowd in the 80s.

But that’s not the image puzzlers will piece together! Puzzlers have to piece together how the image and the characters will look in the modern day.

So why is Wasgij so popular with puzzlers? With traditional jigsaws the puzzler builds the image that they can see on the box – but with Wasgij they have to build an image that is different to that shown on the box, using a few clues and their imagination. There are five addictively unique concepts for puzzlers to choose from; Original, Destiny, Mystery, Imagine…? And Back To…? and each is very different from one and other.

Wasgij puzzles are numbered specifically to their concept, so puzzlers see them as being hugely collectable. Keeping up-to-date with the latest Wasgij releases allows retailers to keep up with the demand.

Adventure time PLAYMOBIL 01268 548 111 www.PLAYMOBIL.co.uk PLAYMOBIL is launching a host of new themes this March including the new Hospital range – the Furnished Children’s Hospital is perfect for little carers to treat sick children. Help is on its way with the Ambulance, equipped with lights and siren sounds.

With the new Adventure Treehouse range, adventurers can shelter bear cubs in hidden caves while catching game for supper. Finally, join Major Tim Peake with your own space exploration! The Space Rocket Launch Site set features flashing rocket boosters and a working countdown. Or, hop on-board the Space Shuttle, with flashing rocket boosters and space sound effects.

Let me take a selfie WORLDS APART 0845 602 2119 tradeenquiries@worldsapart.com Set to hit toy aisles worldwide from July with a heavyweight marketing campaign, SelfieMic features a selfie stick with a working karaoke microphone, ear piece and music app. Children record their own voice or lip sync to their favourite songs and create music videos on their smart phone to share with their friends. WorldsApart will also be extending the range in 2017 including a new partnership with Disney.

We’re delighted with the reaction we’re getting for Selfie Mic… it’s the one to watch for this Christmas!

”

Making a splash EPOCH MAKING TOYS 08435 574062 http://sylvanianfamilies.net/uk Sylvanian Families is expanding its range of seaside products this March.

A standout product is the new Seaside Ice Cream Shop, which complements the existing products in the range including the Splash and Play Whale.

The Seaside Ice Cream Shop comes complete with Amelia Sandy, the Striped Cat Mother, and more than 25 pieces – including various flavours of ice cream.

Other new March releases include the Secret Island Playhouse, Seaside MerryGo-Round, Seaside Treasure Set, Seaside Friends Set and the Girl’s Swimwear Set. The shop is connectable with other products in the seaside range including the Seaside Cruiser Houseboat and Seaside Restaurant as well as the new Bakery and the Boutique which is due out in June 2016.

MARCH 2016

21

RETAIL INTERVIEW AIS

Play days!

Miles Penhallow is the Head Children’s Toy and Gift Buyer forr le the AIS buying group. We catch up with him to find out a little ye more about AIS and what toys and brands are catching his eye this season Miles, please tell us a little about the AIS group – it’s not just toys, right?

toy trade for quite some time. How did you get started?

No, absolutely not. Associated Independent Stores (AIS) is the largest independent, non-food buying group of its kind in the UK with a combined membership turnover of around £1.9 billion. Its independent department store and specialist retail members operate more than 600 outlets across the UK, Ireland and the Channel Islands.

AIS exists to improve its members’ profitability, though the association itself is nonprofit making. Formed over 30 years ago by the merger of two separate buying groups, AIS has grown and evolved with its members in the fast-changing retail environment. Today’s organisation is efficient and innovative, with a strong sense of mutual advantage for members and suppliers alike.

I joined my family retail business, a small department store in Bicester, in 1987 and was responsible for buying toys and nursery. Following seven years working with Youngsters, a specialist toy buying group, I was offered a position with AIS to form a new toy buying division alongside Joyce Daly who retired in 2014.

And Miles, while you have been with AIS for some years, you’ve been in a the

22

“

What an exciting year ahead!

I would expect sales of Shopkins, Paw Patrol and Star Wars to continue to prosper

”

And then AIS asked you to set up the toy side to their group. Tell me a little about the beginnings?

As a result of members’ requests, AIS launched its own toy division in June 2008 under the name plaY-room. In addition to AIS department store members, plaYroom recruited independent toy retailers and garden centres to strengthen the membership.

Miles tell us a little about your role?

As Head of Toys and Children’s Gift, I am responsible for liaising

with our preferred suppliers to maximise the trading benefits we can offer to our members. I coordinate two import programmes a year working closely with our import partners SMF Ltd. Regular communication with our toy buyers is also important and regular meetings, store visits and previews are always planned into my calendar year.

Your member numbers are growing too, aren’t they?

Yes, we currently have 80 members with over 200 outlets between them, having started with just 14 department stores in 2008. SMF Ltd is our largest member with both their own stores, trading as Toy Town, and concessions in eight of our AIS department stores including

Did you know...

Associated Independent Stores (AIS) is the largest independent, non-food buying group of its kind in the UK with a combined membership turnover of around £1.9 billion.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

It’s showtime!

If you would like to attend the AIS show on 12th and 13th April, register for FREE by visiting: www.independenttoyandgift.co.uk

to great new ssales opportunities presented by b 2016 ranges. With TV programme or film prog support I would include sup Teletubbies, The Tel Secret Life of Pets, Sec Finding Dory, Batman Fin v Superman and Trolls in this category.

Tr In addition, we have seen strengthening se of o ranges from companies such as c Spin Master, Flair, MGA and Mattel.

A few years ago the trade y was lacking new girls’ lac collectable properties collect but this year we are spoilt for choice with wit my personal favourite being bein Num Noms from MGA Entertainment.

Entertain

Jarrolds is an AIS member

Arnotts in Dublin. Many of our stores have been nominated for, or won Toy Industry Awards including SMF, Jarrold & Sons, The Morley Group, W J Daniel & Co and Boswells of Oxford.

Our membership is very eclectic but is comprised of good retailers who sell toys. Our latest addition is Westmorland Ltd who own a large visitor centre in Cumbria, several forest shops and even motorway service stations.

But what is the benefit of becoming members, or put another way, how do you support your retailers?

We offer central invoicing to our members with over 130 key toy suppliers and ensure that we collect all the available settlement discounts on their behalf.

In addition, we negotiate better terms and group rebates, as well as numerous promotional activities throughout the year.

Members also benefit from access to our import programmes, branded clearance and a programme of in-store activities.

We also provide each member with regular turnover reports showing their own buying against the whole membership by supplier.

plaY-room works with all the top brands – tell us about your partnership with suppliers.

MARCH 2016

It is perhaps not surprising that our largest supplier in 2015 was LEGO, but we have also enjoyed watching hing the distribution of smaller companies grow and nd flourish amongst our membership bership such as Bigjigs, Depesche, pesche, Keycraft and Schleich. ich.

2016 is shaping up to be a good year. What sort of things have you seen that you feel will have real impact this year?

Yes - what an exciting year ahead!

I would expect sales of Shopkins, PAW Patrol and Star Wars to continue to prosper in addition

Can any supplier sup partner with AIS?

“

I still believe products to us are dreams to children

”

We believe b li that h we are already working with the best suppliers in the toy trade but are always looking for new supplier partnerships. Each new plaY-room supplier has to have the approval of our Retail Strategy Committee which is represented by our key members. We would rather work with less suppliers and be

Hopes are high for The Secret Life of Pets

23

Batman v Superman is a film which could make a big impact

Did you know... the AIS show will be the first time in 2016 that buyers will be able to see LEGO, Hasbro, Mattel, Character Options, Flair, MGA and Spin Master all under one roof

Mr Minion was on site at AIS 2015

important to them than dilute our members’ business amongst too many suppliers.

And what about retailers?

How can they become members?

We welcome approaches from bricks and mortar retailers who have a minimum of three years trading history. We believe that any retailer buying more than £50k of toys at cost per annum would benefit from being part of a buying group. We work with all our members to build their businesses whilst never forgetting whose business it is.

There are some important shows coming up that retailers should know about, aren’t there?

We host two import shows, with over 500 lines on offer in each programme, offering higher margin product to our members and a domestic supplier show each year. We are fortunate to

have the use of our own exhibition centre conveniently placed in the heart of the Midlands close to the motorway network.

Our April show on 12 Tuesday and 13 Wednesday is open to all independent toy and children’s gift buyers and will be the first time in 2016 that buyers will be able to see LEGO, Hasbro, Mattel, Character Options, Flair, MGA and Spin Master all under one roof.

The theme of this year’s show is Games and exhibitors will offering Show Stopper product offers, which are only available at the show, to entice visitors.

Miles, you’ve been in the business just shy of 30 years? Tell me what keeps you in this business.

The people. We are fortunate to work in a really friendly trade.

Once people start working in the toy trade they tend to stay. The trade is very vibrant with so many new products launched every year. My own children are now all

PAWPatrol is an AIS favourite

“

grown up but I still believe

products to us are dreams to Our children.

April show on 12 and 13 next for April is open What’s plaY-room? to all We are developing gifts that independent are bought for children but are not essentially toys under toy and a sub-section of plaY-room children’s called Giftbox. These products gift buyers

”

help to address the toy margin issues faced by our members.

MILES SAYS… We believe that any retailer buying more than £50k of toys at cost per annum would benefit from being part of a buying group.

24

Alan Simpson of SMF ToyTown with TnP’s Malcolm Naish

toysnplaythings.co.uk

HIGH STREET

HIGHS

The value of good value This industry is not neatly packaged. It’s a challenging place and competition is everywhere but high street toy retailers have armourey in their back pocket. They don’t just sell toys, they sell an experience, they sell value and they sell expertise.

Although The Entertainer has over 120 stores in their remit, they understand the importance of value to customers.

“

We need to recognise the customer’s transactional needs like product, price and convenience, but we also try to recognise their emotional needs

Everything has a value Shops are no longer just competing on product or price, customers expect more and they will go to where they get the most hallowed of all consumer wants – value.

But how do customers perceive value?

“There is much more to value than price alone,” says The Entertainer’s Marketing & E-commerce Director Phil Geary.

“Customers apply value to the entire shopping experience so the expertise of our store teams has a value, our demonstrations and allowing children to play with the product has a value, our delivery options provide them with a value of shopability, such as our free 30 minute click and collect.” But importantly, Phil adds: “We need to recognise the customer’s transactional needs like product, price and convenience, but we also try to recognise their emotional needs.”

It is more than price

”

When it comes to The Entertainer defining values, Phil says it is quite simple to them: environment, expertise, service, ease of shopping experience, range and price. “Our purpose is to ensure the wonder of childhood is a right not a privilege,” he adds. “We enable parents access to an in-store environment that encourages imagination and play. It’s more than just price.”

And while it is all well and good upholding these principles, the skill is communicating them to customers.

The Entertainer is aware of this and when TnP asked Phil how the company communicates value versus price, he used an example of the company’s latest Penny Sale TV advert where they managed to demonstrate value with regards to price and promotion but at the same time communicate

the value of children and parents playing together.It was the advert’s key message.

The skill then lies in selling product, not just on price, but on the allimportant value aspect too.

“We do this by focusing on our expertise,” explains Phil. “Expertise in toys, expertise in playtime and expertise in unlocking imaginations and helping unleash creativity.”

The Entertainer also unleashes other useful sales tools such as the 30 minute click and collect, their high street locations for convenience, having a large range of toys and being able to provide specialist advice and help.

The Entertainer’s Marketing & E-commerce Director Phil Geary tells us why value is such a key word in the company’s dialogue

Customers come first every day But let’s not neglect price either, you can have the whole package but if you’re selling at the wrong price, you might as well forget it.

We asked Phil if The Entertainer are always the lowest on price. He told TnP: “Many multi-category retailers use the toy category as a loss leader at certain times of the year, but as we are not in the business of selling £10 notes for a £5 I would have to say that no we are not always the cheapest but do we offer the best value to the customer all year around. Yes, we absolutely do.”

We asked…

Is value, not price, ultimately the best way to win in business?

It depends how you define value but there will always be those who just shop on price alone, but customers also want more from their shopping experience and at The Entertainer that’s what we work towards every day – we want to be the best loved toy shop.

25

RETAIL

OPINION

Toy talk

TnP loves to hear your views. This month we chat with retailers around the country to see what is selling well and how they are finding consumers on the ground

Retailers are important to us here at TnP. We love chatting to them each month to get industry insights into what is selling well and we ask some key questions...

ALISON ILSLEY Osborne & William, Dedham, Essex

SIMON ADAMS

Alison ran a successful website which sold baby products, but when she saw a vacant shop on her local High Street five and half years ago she decided that it would be the ideal way to give back to her community and also expand her business. She specialises in traditional and educational toys.

Toytown Woodbridge, Suffolk

Why did you decide to sell more traditional lines?

I looked at the consumers in my area and saw that they were more of a ‘yummy mummy’ type of clientele. I also decided that rather than compete with the huge Toys R Us or grocers in the local area, I would offer a different sort of product. We are more of a discovery toy shop – in that people come in and look around and see things that are a little more unusual which may be new to them.

Which brands and products do well for you?

Ty’s Beanie Boos are a great seller for us. The little ones come in with their pocket money and collect them all – they have their own little following! I do well with pocket money and very well with Arts and Crafts. We’ve also had a Bigjigs revival recently which I am really pleased about.

Which brands really support you and do you enjoy working with?

I work really well with Melissa & Doug and their products sell consistently well in my store. I am on first name terms with most of the team there – even in credit control! I know they get a lot of flak for the credit terms but it has been most helpful to me – I welcome it!

They even credit me for products which I open up to play, which is a real bonus for me as this is the best way for me to sell product. They are the only brand that works with me on this and I appreciate it.

RICHARD HARDING Puff’s Toyshop, Wymondham, Norfolk Puff’s has recently become a member of Toymaster and owner Richard is really excited about the new opportunities this brings. He is a big fan of Toy Talk, and flicks straight to this page in TnP each month!

Collectables have been huge lately. What ranges are going good for you, and do you think there is room for more growth?

Shopkins is something we’re doing more of now, working closer with Flair as a Toymaster member it’s a very popular range. Zomlings was good for us, and we’ve just got Mixels and LEGO Minifigures in which we’re hoping will see really well. The local middle school is also mad about Pokémon cards right now, so we’re selling plenty of those.

26

Simon is a veteran toy retailer with nearly 30 years under his belt. With his own shop Toytown heading into its second year, Simon says he’s never let internet retailing affect him, aiming to be as good if not better than the online marketplaces.

Collectables have been huge lately. What ranges are going good for you, and do you think there is room for more growth? We do well with collectables. Shopkins was the big one last year and LEGO Minifigures continues to sell. The new range that seems to be doing very good for us is Star Monsters, and we also sell a good amount of a range called Frogs & Co, which are little blind bag frogs with a jelly feel.

What’s selling well in general? Character Options’ Teletubbies range has done really well since it relaunched, which we’re happy with. Anything TY seems to be the strongest seller at the moment - Beanie Boos in particular.

What is your local area and high street like? Is it a good place for retailers? It’s a good place to be: the high street is always busy and we were happy with the takings last year so business is going well.

Which brands do you love working with and why?

Epoch are great with Sylvanian Families. Character are good too; we had the rep around yesterday which was good having reps visit keeps the communication going between us and our suppliers which is important. Orchard Toys are great too, with very nice products ad great margins. In fact, everyone we work with is pretty good!

What’s selling well in general?

We’ve recently started stocking Orchard Toys for the first time, and they’re going remarkably well for us. We’ve also just got in Character Options’ Little Live Pets. We have a great Little Live Pets butterfly display in the window and we’ve already sold out and re-ordered! We continue to sell an awful lot of the stalwarts like Bigjigs Wooden Rail and Sylvanian Families too.

What is your local area and high street like? Is it a good place for retailers? Parking is a bit of a bug bear but all the shops are full - we actually could do with moving to larger premises, but can’t find anywhere - so it’s a good place to be.

Which brands do you love working with and why? As a new stockist, I’ve been very impressed with Character Options, which sent us lots of display stuff off the bat that has really helped to drive sales. I’ll give a mention to Epoch too. Their rep Sarah is great, and she recently dropped some Sylvanian Families goodies in to give out as freebies with a purchase - our customers have gone wild about it.

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THE INDEPENDENT

OPINION

Hot or not?

Now that things have quietened down, our columnist gives us his take on what he thinks will make an impact in 2016

S

o, the fairs are over and my spring/ summer 2016 orders have been placed and are mostly in stock now and selling quite well (lucky me).

Although I might be opening myself up to being wrong, here is what I think will make an impact this year.

The easiest way to do this is to start with movies, and as far as 2016 goes this should be a great year for movie product. My top picks have to be Finding Dory and Secret Life Of Pets. Finding Dory is slightly easier for me to put forward simply because of the success of Finding Nemo a number of years ago, but this still never guarantees good sales, as has been proven in the past with sequels. I do, however, have a really positive feel for this one, and think it could be very strong from launch until Christmas.

I have seen the product range from Bandai who hold the master license and it

Best sellers VOLUME: 1) Shopkins 2 Pack - Flair 2) Minifigures - LEGO 3) My Little Pony Fash’ems - Character Options VALUE: 1) Shopkins 12 Pack - Flair 2) Paw Patrol Vehicle - Spin Master 3) Shopkins 2 Pack - Flair

is fantastic. As always they seem to do an amazing job in their product ranging and I take my hat off to them for executing this movie product so well, as they also did for Big Hero 6 last year.

Secret Life Of Pets is another favourite of mine. I have watched the trailer for this movie (it would be embarrassing to say exactly how many times) and have laughed more every time I have watched it. I love that people will see their own pets’ traits in the characters, and how we may even see a bit of our own personalities in some of the animals (for me it would be the cat in the fridge). Spin Master have the master license for this range and, once again, have executed it really well.

I have also seen the Ty Beanies for Secret Life Of Pets and they have done a superb job here also. Good things to come.

I also feel there are a large number of other movies that will give much needed boosts to toy sales, such as Batman v Superman, Zootopia, Jungle Book, Angry Birds, Ghostbusters and Star Wars Rogue One. There is plenty to fight for with toy sales and no reason (other than our wonderful friends the majors coming out with every movie launch at 25 per cent off) to think there isn’t money to be made here.

As for other toy properties, I can see Paw Patrol and Shopkins dominating the top sellers lists for the next while. The sales we

did in 2015 were massive but we are set to beat these numbers in 2016.

It will also be nice to see product in stock for Blaze. I was extremely disappointed to see that only some retailers were given product in 2015, and we had a huge number of customers asking for this, so it should be a nice addition to the pre-school market.

The big gap for me is in the boys section.

I wonder if Batman vs Superman can capture this market as it is such an adult movie. I know that adult movies still seem to translate into toy sales, but as far as I am aware there hasn’t been anything this dark released so far.

It will be extremely interesting to see what happens here.

The only thing I have to say is that Mattel have done a great job with their range, and their pricing is re-aligned in the market place. Kudos to them.

The last property I want to mention is the release of Teletubbies. In my opinion this is a plush range, but Character Options have done an amazing job of both their plush and plastic toys, it will be interesting to see what the demand is.

And finally, for stand alone product — I have an early pick for huge demand later on in the year, and that is for Hatchimals from Spin Master.

We will wait and see if I get one right!

THE SECRET SUPPLIER

The not so secret life of The Independent!

TnP’s Secret Supplier applauds our man in retail for putting his money where his mouth is, but it’s not always as easy for the manufacturers to pick a winner!

W

hen it comes to picking the winners from our friends in Hollywood, the only certainty is that there is no certainty (perhaps with the exception of Star Wars).

It is brave, therefore, for The Independent to lay bare his choice of hot picks and, in gambling terms, he certainly has laid all his cards on the table. But is he right?

Picking winners is a black art and even when a movie ticks all the boxes, there is no certainty that it will deliver hot retail sales. Indeed last year there was one such movie, which despite huge accolades, was a dog at retail.

The Independent rightly notices that the common thread behind these movie-related toy ranges are highly reputable companies like Bandai and Spin Master who have an enviable record in delivering merchandise. And of course these companies have every reason to make movie licenses work because they will have risked huge up front royalty payments, tooling and inventory commitments for what could be a relatively short lived property. Hence the compelling need for wide and heavy distribution which inevitably involves

28

The Independent’s dreaded supermarkets, who will make a real merchandise splash at discounted prices. The more successful the movie the wider and heavier the distribution, as Star Wars so amply demonstrates.

But for the industry as a whole these movies are a terrific asset creating much needed excitement backed by a steady flow of new innovative product into the general toy scene with innovative displays and consumer promotions.

But a word of caution to The Independent; movies are great but TV is even better! Successful TV series will deliver great sales over a much longer period as compared with movies. Teletubbies and Ben 10 are brilliant examples of the power of TV. And another word of caution to Mr Independent. Movies and hot licenses are great but remember over 60 per cent of toy sales are nonlicensed and it is products like Shopkins which drive huge sales over several years without the backing of a movie or TV series.

But he has rightly highlighted a very important part of our industry, let’s hope for all our sakes that The Independent comes up trumps!

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CHARITY

NEWS

Trust in toys The Toy Trust is catching up with itself after a busy fair season and there’s a lot to report with up coming events, charity work and individual endeavours. So take time out with a coffee and see what’s happening...

Giving the Gift of Play This year the Toy Trust will be giving children the gift of play.

Giving the Gift of Play was chosen as a theme by the committee because the toy industry contributes so much to the positive play experiences of children all over the world. East African Playgrounds (EAP), based in Uganda, has been chosen as the main overseas beneficiary for 2016 with a pledge of £60,000 from the trust. The money will fund 13 new playgrounds in refugee camps, local early childhood development and nursery centres, and schools and will impact more than 20,000 children throughout that time. As well as the overseas support, the Toy Trust has made a strategic decision to provide specialist play equipment through UK children’s hospices.

Fancy a challenge?

There are just a few spaces available in the Toy Trust’s annual Big Challenge. So don’t delay in booking your position on the starting line.

Remember there is something for everyone, you can run, ride, walk or even fall for the Toy Trust’s good causes. ● An 80 or 50 mile return bike ride round Cambridge ● A half marathon ● 10km run ● 10km family walk ● 10km family bike ride ● Or for the daring, a sky dive!

This year’s event will be for a new joint cause; Giving the Gift of Play. If you want to find out more or register your place just email Matt@btha. co.uk. The Toy Trust would also like to thank their official sponsors Seven Towns, Generation Media, Import Services and Evolution PR.

30

One man and his bike!

The Toy Trust would like to extend a special thank you and congratulations to Hasbro’s Andrew Brown who recently raised over £10,000 for the Toy Trust.

Andrew cycled the length of New Zealand with only himself for company. While we were all eating Christmas dinner he faced 120 miles of mountainous terrain!

Here are some facts and his personal diary: Calories burned – 79,000 Miles ridden - 1,105 miles Height climbing - 58,000ft (that’s Everest, twice!)

Top speed – 51mph Revolutions of the pedals - 492,016 Tyres punctured - one - remarkable!

Media Auction a success The Toy Trust Committee would like to thank the generous media partners who took part in the annual Media Auction. A fantastic £67,900 was raised and donations of airtime, digital space, trade pages and catalogue slots created a bumper list of lots to bid for. Of course the help of Jeff Taylor of Arena Azure in securing the items is invaluable and once again he did us proud.

New for this year was that exclusive last remaining stand at the Toymaster Show in Harrogate, and well done to Flying Gadgets for secure the space, we all look forward to seeing you there!

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FEATURE

GAMES&PUZZLES

Ahead of the game A toy category as popular and enduring as games and puzzles never stands still.

TnP takes a look at the new products and developments set to spur the sector to further success in 2016

A

fter a stellar performance in 2015, the ever popular, ever versatile games and puzzles category is heading into 2016 with real momentum. The category saw phenomenal growth of eight per cent in value over the past 12 months, according to NPD, and with Hasbro’s hit game Pie Face winning the Toy of the Year Award and dominating the Christmas charts, the past 12 months has seen this category hitting new heights and making headlines for all the right reasons.

Across the board, games and puzzles suppliers are reporting growth and strong sales. Esdevium Games enjoyed a record year in 2015, underlined by the success of its core properties, including Pokémon and Dobble, and Marketing Manager, Ben Hogg, says the outlook for 2016 is “very positive”.

“Our range is better than ever and the results from 2015 put us in a much stronger starting position,” he says pointing to the evolution and growing breadth of product in the games and puzzles market as a key component to its success. He says that consumers are now buying these products “for all kinds of new audiences”, from families and kids, to adults and for parties.

Jumbo Games is another company heading into 2016 with real momentum. MD Stewart Middleton revealed to TnP that the company is already off to a “great start” in the first eight weeks of 2016. “We’ve opened up a large number of new accounts and are 10 per cent up year on year,” Stewart adds. “In 2016 we are planning significant growth from new ranges and a re-focus on our Wasgij and Falcon de luxe puzzle brands.”

“

We

don’t necessarily market our games as educational, but parents realise the benefits that all games can offer Diversity is key Diversity and flexibility has been the Simon ace up this category’s sleeve when it Pilkington, comes to maintaining relevance and John Adams popularity. Whether bringing a top

”

Retailer comment...

Caroline Anstey, Imagine Toy Shop, Holmfirth “Without a doubt, in-store demonstrations have helped boost my sales of games - they just don’t sell in the same quantity without it. I started with Esdevium’s Dobble game, and I reckon I had a 75 per cent success rate with customers who saw a demo; I must have sold at least 1,800 of them so far. If customers aren’t familiar with a game’s concept, demonstrating in-store helps explain and showcase the fun. It really helps shoppers to ‘get it’.”

32

The start of each year is always a strong period for Jumbo’s adult market, with dreary weather and darker nights making puzzling the perfect way to relax.

“For children’s puzzles and games, it’s pretty steady all year round, so making sure we continue to focus our marketing activities and product launches around seasonal dates is a priority.”

license to life with a twist on a familiar play pattern, or rejuvenating a classic brand with some tabletop innovation, the offering and audience is continually in growth.

One major development in this space is the use of games and puzzles as educational devices. With STEM cropping up more and more in playground conversation and online, this category has become a stand-out candidate for parents looking to supplement their kids’ school work, or give them a leg up early on in life.

“Learning through play is regarded highly by parents,” explains Keith Graham, CEO of Green Board Games, which continues to lead the charge in learning through games with its

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popular BrainBox games brand.

“Products that encompass learning and enjoyment have an advantage within the market, as anything that helps children develop outside of the classroom is a unique selling point in itself. All of our products have educational values, our production and design team carefully select which topics we know consumers want and need.”

Even games and puzzles that aren’t specifically designed with an educational slant are great for promoting social skills, and that always proves a hit with parents, says John Adams MD, Simon Pilkington.

“We don’t necessarily market our games as educational, but parents realise the benefits that all games can offer,” he explains. “Whether it’s as simple as learning to take turns with

fun action games, or encouraging more strategic thinking and problem solving with games like Othello and of course the Rubik’s Cube.”

John Adams made a splash with its new games earlier this year, with a great response to its new Soggy Doggy and Silly Sausages games. Simon says “the signs for 2016 so far are very encouraging,” and that expansions to its classic lines will also “help to ensure yet another year of growth.”

Orchard Toys

Demonstration game A classic Christmas purchase, all agree that games and puzzles receive a big boost over the festive period. But many suppliers have been working hard

Esdevium

NPD Top 5 items in Games and Puzzles by value in sterling ● Pie Face Game - Hasbro ● Monopoly (Standard) - Hasbro ● Trivial Pursuit Family Edition Board Game - Hasbro ● Rubiks Cube - John Adams ● The Logo Board Game - Vivid Imaginations

to stimulate sales all through the year, to great effect.

For John Adams, TV is a key driver, “with strong TV and advertising campaigns at key times throughout the year", says Simon.

Green Board Games also gives its games the TV treatment, as well as offering plenty of additional material to help promote and showcase its ranges in-store. “We offer CDUs, giant BrainBoxes, posters, samples, and most recently have introduced How to Play videos that have worked extremely well,” explains Keith.

In-store demonstrations are always a great way to sell more and Esdevium has had great success with its demo initiatives.

“We do offer POS solutions for stores in the form of FSDUs for some of our games,” Ben adds.

And Jumbo has the lot, as Stewart explains: “We have wide range of POS available that will benefit retailers and help our product stand-out off the shelf. Whether it’s Shelf Strips, Wobblers, Header Cards or Shelving Units – we’ve got it all!

We have invested in video content that explains the unique concepts of our key Adult Puzzle brands.”

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33

FEATURE

GAMES & PUZZLES

Top banana BANANAGRAMS 020 7298 9500 www.bananagrams.com Bananagrams – the anagram game that drives you bananas – is celebrating its 10th Bananaversary by launching two brand new games: Bananagrams Party and My First Bananagrams.

The exciting new Bananagrams Party features 13 Party Power tiles. Each player races to complete their word grids but now faces challenges and forfeits throughout the game! From balancing the pouch on your head, to completely destroying an opponent’s word grid, the all-new Party Power tiles add an energetic and hilarious new dimension to the classic game. No two rounds will ever be the same as players mix up whichever Party Power tiles they like.

A new title for the younger, greener player is My First Bananagrams.

The iconic Bananagrams pouch is now a ripening green and, in response to customer requests, contains colourful lower-case letter tiles. The collection of fun games within caters to a wide range of reading abilities. There are 10 curriculum-based mini games for early learners, and word game challenges which grow in difficulty as the child’s skill level advances. This culminates in a simplified version of Bananagrams, and introduces children to the classic game that sees players racing to complete their own word grid. My First Bananagrams uniquely includes new double-tiles with vowelteams, word families and digraphs. This makes it the perfect game for children as they learn to read and spell.

Block party BIGJIGS TOYS 01303 250400 www.bigjigstoys.co.uk Bigjigs Toys offers a brilliant range of fun and traditional wooden games and puzzles for retailers.

The puzzle collection is packed full of colourful engaging puzzles categorised according to the age or piece count.

Each and every puzzle is made with chunky wooden pieces that are generously sized to make it easier for little hands to lift and grasp.

With a new addition for 2016, the Farm cube puzzle joins the popular collection of cube puzzles including safari, animal and dinosaur.

The popular games collection offers something for everyone, from miniature skittles to travel games and outdoor games to board games. The colourful and engaging games are sure to provide amusement and learning as youngsters play on their own or share the fun with friends and family. New to the Bigjigs Toys games range this year are two new stacking games.

The Stack a Cat and Stack a Stick games are sure to keep children entertained, and both have been tested for educational and play value.

34

OAP and glory!

TOMY 020 8722 7300 www.tomy.com At London Toy Fair, Tomy announced that there would be a strong commitment to the family game sector in the immediate future.

Hero product Greedy Granny from Tomy Games will launch in July, supported by a heavyweight family-focused marketing campaign with TV (250+ TVRs), cinema advertising (1.5m impressions), online video and social, and traditional media promotion.

Gameplay involves stealing biscuits from a sleeping and fiercely protective greedy Granny. A random response mechanism means that players are never quite sure whether Granny will sleep through as they steal her biscuits or wake up and give them a shock!

Also new is pop-up Darth Vader, which will exploit the mega-launch of the next Star Wars film in A/W and is based on the 25-year-old success story that is Pop-up Pirate. Further range extensions and new packaging will be released from Tomy throughout 2016.

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FEATURE

GAMES & PUZZLES

All fun and games DRUMOND PARK 01473 322 000 www.drumondpark.com

Drawn to fun CHEATWELL GAMES 02392 524 098 www.cheatwell.com Pass The Pen, a new family game from Cheatwell Games, has already generated exceptional interest and pre-orders at Toy Fair and Spring Fair. It’s a delightfully simple idea with a devilish twist – players pick a card and roll the dice to determine what they’ll be drawing, then sketch the image whilst the nib of the pen slowly retracts before disappearing completely. Fellow players need to guess what they’re drawing – if they can’t then it’s time to pass the pen to the next player, who finishes the drawing while the original drawer sits that round out. Pass The Pen is coming this June.

Also joining the Cheatwell range for 2016 is Telepaths, the matching game of crazy connections and logical links. Do players know their teammate well enough to be able to come up with the same words when shown a picture? What about when shown a word? Their progress around the board relies on their telepathic communication (or perhaps it’s familiarity?).

Telepaths is also available in June.

For pre-schoolers comes a cooperative storytelling game, Tell-a-Tale. The wooden base comes complete with a double sided backdrop, four sturdy wooden dice and up to 24 play pieces. Players take it in turns to roll the dice and use them to decide what happens to the characters, who they can introduce, move or remove from the scene. Tell-a-Tale strengthens creative thinking, problem solving and verbalisation, while introducing younger children to the joy of storytelling in a non-competitive environment. There are three themes, Pirate, Fairy Tale and Farmyard, all featuring a range of fun characters, and will be available in March.

With more new games slated for later in the year, 2016 is going to be a winning year for Cheatwell’s retail partners.

36

Drumond Park’s brand share in children’s games rose by 22 per cent during 2015. Building on this success, more children’s games will be launched this year.

In Pickin’ Chickens, pre-schoolers have a card with four chicken images on it. They spin the rotating pasture base, and when it stops, they pick a coop, and an image is revealed. The aim is to be the first to collect four chickens, but beware… the Fox jumps up randomly, Jack-in-the-Box style, from his tree trunk lair!

Stoopido is the game of 1000 silly faces. Everyone dons plastic glasses, the dice is rolled, the players race to be the first to make their choice of the relevant colourful cardboard appendages (eyes, noses, ears and hats), which they then hang on the glasses of an opponent. The game ends when there is only one player left with gaps on their glasses.

With the arcade style Crazy Claw tabletop game, players take turns to use the giant claw to catch a ball and open it up to see what image is on the token inside. The winning player is the first to collect the tokens which match the pictures on their prize card.

Dig In is the game of frantic finding fun. The concept of the game is to be the first player to collect all six items pictured on your card. There are 144 sturdy plastic pieces in the bowl – that’s 36 everyday items, with each one in four different colours.

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FEATURE

GAMES & PUZZLES

Are you ready for timeline challenge?

ESDEVIUM GAMES 01420 593593 www.esdeviumgames.co.uk After record sales in 2015, Esdevium Games has another busy year in store with a host of exciting new releases and promotions.

Already underway is the new Timeline Challenge promotion. The Timeline Challenge rules are similar to that of its predecessor, the Dobble Challenge, where independent toy stores are tasked with selling 100 or more units of any combination of the five Timeline games before February 2017. Every unit sold earns the store a £1 bonus. The challenge is exclusive to UK bricks and mortar independent stores, and Esdevium hopes it will encourage demonstrations of the game in-store. Esdevium will provide each retailer that takes the challenge with 48 demo samples of the game to give customers a taste of the fun! To provide even more retailer incentive, Esdevium will offer the participating store that sells the most games 48 free copies of the brand new Timeline British History Edition, set to launch later in 2016.

Esdevium’s range of Disney licensed games will see a number of exciting new additions in 2016, including two very special licensed versions of the Dobble Card Game: Star Wars Dobble and Cars Dobble. Introduced in 2011, Dobble has been a smash hit for Esdevium and fans will be delighted to hear licensed versions for both Star Wars and Cars are soon to be available, with the latter being a development for the younger Dobble Kids format.

Esdevium will also reveal a brand new Star Wars version of their 2015 hit picture-trivia game Disney Pictopia.

Star Wars Pictopia will closely follow the award-winning gameplay of Disney Pictopia, quizzing players on their knowledge of images from the legendary movie franchise.

Both games will be supported by a comprehensive marketing plan with exposure from online TV advertising, wide-reaching reviews and demonstrations at events across the entire Q3-4 period.

38

Brainy bunch GREEN BOARD GAMES 01494 538 999 www.greenboardgames.com Green Board Games has a raft of product set to entertain the whole family, including further development and extension of the award winning BrainBox range.

New titles recently launched at Toy Fair 2016 include, BrainBox English, Transport and Predators. Extending the BrainBox phenomenon further, GBG has developed a brand new concept – BrainBox Bounce! The range consists of four titles: Mr Men, Little Miss, Animals and Dinosaurs.

This new BrainBox Bounce game has a twist: all players pick a card at the same time, study the front until the youngest player shouts stop! and then passes the card to the next player. Play is then bounced from player to player as they take it in turns to answer question one on their card. Any incorrectly answered cards must be placed in a pile, then each player in turn must answer question two, and so on until only one player remains. Whoever collects all the cards from that round is the winner.

Proving extremely popular are the pre-school BrainBoxes that launched in late 2015: First Numbers, First Letters and First Colours.

Following their huge success, this range is extending with two further titles for 2016, First Animals and First Animal Homes, along with two jigsaws, Alphabet and Numbers.

GBG’s pre-school puzzles cleverly combine the gameplay of BrainBox with the satisfaction of completing a jigsaw puzzle. Each card shows an illustrated letter with three questions on the back about the image shown. If the answer is correct, a card can be put in place so beginning to lay the puzzle is underway.

Continuing to make travel fun, GBG has added Story Cards to its travel game selection. These wonderfully illustrated cards are full of characters, places and things that may happen in a story, enabling each one to become a different adventure. Children are able to build simple sentences and create unique stories, time after time.

This year looks for incredibly exciting for Green Board Games.

With demand for its product ranges rapidly increasing, it seems there is a real hunger for a “play together, learn together” approach to fun and educationally linked off-the-computer-time activities!

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200XL

OVER 40 NEW RELEASES THROUGHOUT 2016!

500

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CONTACT YOUR JUMBO SALES REP FOR MORE INFORMATION Jumbo Games &DUWHUV 5RZ +DW¿HOG 3DUN +DW¿HOG 8. $/ 1% 7HOHSKRQH (PDLO XN VDOHVKRWOLQH#MXPER HX www.jumbo.eu

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GAMES & PUZZLES

Game on!

JOHN ADAMS 01480 414361 www.johnadams.co.uk

Square deal IT’S A PUZZLE THING 07967 638865 www.itsapuzzlething.co.uk Cross Squares is an addictive new game of skill, luck and strategy for all the family. Players match all the touching colours to make squares and show everyone who’s boss! The game consists of 50 crosses of assorted colour variations, and with a different layout every time, no two games are the same. It’s fun, compact and easy to play making it ideal for travelling over the summer holidays. It can be played on any flat surface, crosses all languages and doesn’t require a board.

Designed, manufactured and packaged in the UK, Cross Squares is made of acrylic with childfriendly inks, making it robust, practical and safe.

It’s a great game for all ages and abilities and can be used to educate and train methods of strategy and forward thinking. Cross Squares is for one to six players, ages six to 106!

John Adams is expanding its well established games portfolio in 2016 with a range of exciting and innovative new products. With rave reviews coming out of the Toy Fairs, the super speedy reaction game Silly Sausage looks set to be a ‘wiener’. Suitable for solo or competitive play, the aim of the game is to twist, shake, stretch and poke to keep up with Silly Sausage as he shouts out his instructions. Featuring g 10 meaty y games, Silly Sausage is sure to provide e hours of family fun. Can you beat the banger?

Joining the company’s action gamess portfolio is the super cute Soggy Doggy, gy, including Soggy Doggy in his bath, one e grooming brush, one shampoo spray bottle and one game board with four game pieces, four tokens and a dice.

Players must race around the board washing and grooming Soggy Doggy, but watch out… if they get wet when the doggy shakes, it’s straight back to the start. The first person to make it round the doggy basket wins. Perfect for kids aged four years and over.

Also in action games, kids will have a whale of a time with Splashy the Whale, e, a friendly whale who eats anything he finds out at sea. Players must take turns to remove objects from his mouth with their fishing rod as he bobs up and down, but they must be careful, as he’s ticklish! If players tickle Splashy’s tongue he will squirt them with water and they must return the item they removed. The person who can remove the most items is the winner.

Splashy the Whale comes complete with a motorised Splashy, 13 pieces of sea debris and a fishing rod.

Puzzle addicts and Rubik’s fanatics will love the new Rubik’s Spark, an amazing new electronic cube that includes six challenging games to test players’ memories, speed, dexterity and logic; its Rubik’s as you’ve never seen it before! The Rubik’s Spark features a unique new dimension of games control - simply tilt and turn the cube and enjoy an interactive experience guided by LED lights. The spark even contains special sensors so it knows when and where the lights are moving as you rotate the cube.

Puppy power SPIN MASTER 01628 535000 www.spinmastertoys.co.uk Spin Master continues to see year-on-year success with its stable portfolio of games including its number one seller Hedbanz. The popular range of What Am I? quick question games now boasts three lines - Hedbanz, Disney Hedbanz and Hedbanz Adults - to cater to families and children alike. In 2016 the consistently successful performance of Hedbanz will be supported with a strong TV campaign running through the fourth quarter.

This spring PAW Patrol fans will be delighted to see the launch of 14 new products including more pre-school games and an array of different types of puzzles, adding to the phenomenal success of its existing range of toys, plush and pre-school games.

The PAW Patrol Pups in Training game will bring home the action and adventure from the cartoon series, allowing children to get behind their favourite pups! PAW Patrol followers will also be excited to know that the new range will include a selection of lenticular, wood, super-3D and foam puzzles, as well as action games such as tic-tactoe, pop up and memory match. There will be something for everyone!

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Our contact in UK : Stephen Richardson, SJR Associates Phone number: +44 7850 779 797 E-mail: sales@sjr-associates.co.uk Address: Romford, 45 Links Ave, Gidea Park, Essex RM26NH, UK

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GAMES & PUZZLES

A jumbo offering JUMBO GAMES 01707 289 289 www.jumbo.eu Jumbo Games produces the hugely popular brands such as Wasgij, Falcon de Luxe, and Jan van Haasteren, as well as the top selling jigsaw puzzle accessories range, Puzzle Mates.

Jumbo’s Wasgij puzzle range continues to go from strength to strength, and 2016 is set to be a great one! The latest puzzles to be released are the Destiny 16, Mystery 12 and Imagine…? which are already proving extremely popular at retail. Smaller piece counts have also been released this year, with 54, 150 and 300-piece offerings that are ideal for firsttime puzzlers.

But Jumbo isn’t stopping there. June will see the launch of three new 1,000-piece puzzles across the Original, Back To…? and Christmas concepts, with this year’s Christmas Wasgij being a special edition 2x1000-piece puzzle.

Falcon de luxe is celebrating its 40th Anniversary this year and Jumbo is commemorating this landmark year with over 45 brand new releases. Jumbo’s Falcon de luxe range is known for producing some of the most picturesque and beautiful illustrations and eyecatching photographs across popular themes such as Nostalgia, Scenery,

On the road to success ORCHARD TOYS 01953 859 525 www.orchardtoys.com Educational games and jigsaws manufacturer Orchard Toys has added six exciting new games and jigsaws to its offering.

Giant Railway is a fun, railway-themed jigsaw that interlinks with its bestselling puzzle Giant Road, Giant Town and all the extras packs. Children can build multiple railway tracks with the 22 interchangeable track, station, train and character pieces.

The Giant Railway jigsaw is also supported by the launch of three interchangeable expansion packs, Station, Junctions and Airport, which are all compatable with the Giant Road System.

The expansion packs contain add-on pieces to the Giant Road, Giant Town and Giant Railway jigsaws, extending the play value and providing opportunities for imaginative play.

Woodland Party is a beautiful and colourful 70-piece jigsaw, depicting an enchanted woodland.

Once the jigsaw is complete, parents can use the included talk about guide to encourage discussion and imagination.

Meanwhile, Where Do I Live? is a fun lotto of animals of the world.

Animals, Transport and many more.

Listening to its customers, Jumbo has produced varying piece counts within the range, including 200 Extra-Large pieces, 500, 1,000, 1,500 pieces and multiples in a box.

There really is something for everyone in the range this year.

To complement Jumbo’s own-brand range of adult jigsaw puzzles, is an exclusive Jan van Haasteren puzzle range, which, like Wasgij, is hugely collectable because of its unique style of bright and colourful illustrations.

There are over 50 puzzles in the range, across a variety of piece counts from 54 to 5,000 pieces, with new additions being released throughout 2016.

For fans of Jan van Haasteren, Pieces of History is a range that will be perfectly suited to them. Looking back thorough historical times, the range features some fantastic illustrations from the Stone Age, the reign of Rome, Medieval Times, and Viking invasions to the latest release, the Pirates 1,000-piece puzzle.

For all the adult jigsaw puzzles Jumbo produces, there’s a Puzzle Mates accessory that has been specially designed to meet consumers’ needs. Everything a puzzler needs from building, sorting and storage solutions can be found in the Puzzle Mates portfolio and the Portapuzzle Deluxe and Puzzle&Roll items continue to prove popular choices.

The big kahuna THAMES AND KOSMOS 01580 212000 www.thamesandkosmos.co.uk Thames and Kosmos now distributes a growing selection of Kosmos in the UK, including firm favourite titles like Lost Cities and Ubongo, with brand new games from popular author Klaus Teuber are set for release in the summer. As these euro-style games grow in popularity, there’s something for everyone, with genres ranging from fantasy to family friendly.

There are some exciting additions for 2016 including Legends of Andor: Journey to the North and a relaunch of an old favourite, Tally Ho!, along with a selection of brand new titles from popular authors such as Phil Walker-Harding and Rudiger Dorn.

Imhotep, written by Walker-Harding, requires players to weigh up the options to either get their own building stones into place or thwart other players’ attempts. Whereas Smugglers, written

by Klaus and Benjamin Teuber, is a funny, family game asking who is the sneakiest and most skilful smuggler!

Thames and Cosmos are also distributing a selection of the classic Kosmos two-player series. Titles available include Kahuna, a battle of dominance on an archipelago consisting of 12 islands, the popular card game Lost Cities, and a relaunch of The Rose King, a dynastic struggle for control of the English crown!

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FEATURE

GAMES & PUZZLES

Back with a bang

Can you toss a sprout?

RE:CREATION

LANTERN COUNTY

01189 736 222 www.recreationltd.co.uk

01590 642 026 www.lanterncounty.com

Re:creation unveiled new games Dynamite Dare and Electronic Spy Code at Toy Fair to mark the company’s first return the games category since the company launched Cranium in the 2000s. These exciting skill and action games feature strong themes and will receive major TV support as well as extensive PR backing throughout the year.

Dynamite Dare introduces players to life in the Wild West as they attempt to protect a gold mine from whacky thief Black Bart as he plans to steal the treasure with the help of dynamite. As players take turns to pick plugs they must attempt to defuse the bomb against the clock. Pick the wrong plug and the bomb will explode. Dither too long and again the bomb will explode and all is lost. Winners in each round can add a gold bar to their collection. The winner is the player with the most gold by the end of the game. This game offers edge of the seat action for all the family and is designed for players from the age of four.

Electronic Spy Code capitalises on a fascination with spy devices and tricks as players attempt to get their hands on the treasure within a locked safe. Using clues given via a spy listening device players use their powers of deduction to work out the code to crack the safe. This game of skill is perfect for up to four players aged six years to adult.

Re:creation also recently announced a new partnership with Goliath Games to bring its hilarious Who Tooted? game to the UK. Packed with lighthearted fun and toilet humour, Who Tooted? has already proven highly successful in both the Netherlands and in the US where it launched in autumn 2015. The game, which includes mini whoopee cushion style play pieces, sees players attempt to work out who tooted through guessing and bluffing.

The Sprout Tossing Game is here!

Promising to provide hours of family fun, this is a game for all ages — any time of the year.

Sprout Tossing teaches hand eye co-ordination kids while encouraging them to play together.

There is a lot of mischief in the design and artwork, with memorable bits of wit in the script.

You can’t toss a sprout and not laugh!

The game has many dimensions, it improves family bonding, crosses age and social barriers, and gives everyone the opportunity to express the togetherness and friendship of us all. Importantly, the game has a charity element.

Sprout Tossing inventors invite fans of the game to help buy Christmas presents in aid of the Honeypot Children’s Charity, which supports young carers.

Meanwhile, The Happy Acorn Club is a free website for the under fives and their parents. It will have cartoon pictures, posters, picture books, games, music, and dances. This fun site will open the doors to a better quality of life, and help our little acorns to grow into mighty oaks. But don’t forget Sprout Tossing - this game defines the word ‘sprout,’ which is to shoot forth, to grow and our children are our sprouts.

It’s a hoot!

LE TOY VAN 020 89792036 www.letoyvan.com New for 2016 in the Peilou collection is the beautiful Chouette’ Owl Puzzle, which comes in Le Toy Van’s lovely water-based paints that are safe for youngsters. Little ones can mix and match the six removable pieces of this first puzzle toy, which comes complete with wooden tray, and is ethically made of solid and sustainable legal wood. Tested for children from 12 months the puzzle is sold in a cute little window box to increase impulse buy in gift and toy retailers, complete with a very affordable price point.

Other gorgeous puzzles from Le Toy Van include the Woodland Puzzle, a chunky wooden puzzle with 16 pieces illustrated with forest creatures.

It comes complete with a wooden-based board tray to sort and store the pieces. Plus there’s the Birdy 3 Piece Puzzle, which is an ideal first puzzle for little hands.

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DISCOVER FUN AND GAMES FOR 2016

www.ravensburger.com/uk Tel: 01869 363800 sales@ravensburger.com r.com

FEATURE

GAMES & PUZZLES

Licensed to game WINNING MOVES 0207 298 9507 www.winningmoves.co.uk

Big picture puzzling TREFL 07850 779 797 (UK dist. SJR Associates) www.trefl.com Trefl is the biggest jigsaw puzzle manufacturer in Central Europe, with two factories located in Poland, selling its products to more than 50 countries worldwide. Trefl’s range in 2016 includes over 500 SKUs in nearly 20 jigsaw puzzles lines. On top of these, Trefl has an extensive range of board games, playing cards and arts and crafts items. In the new Panorama Puzzles 1000, specially selected artworks attract with high resolution imagery and depth of colour. Trefl achieves premium quality by using thick cardboard, a special nonreflective layer, and ensuring that puzzle pieces fit perfectly together.

Winning Moves welcomes the new highly anticipated addition to the Top Trumps family, Top Trumps Match, The Crazy Cube Game! The all new Match is launching with a magical Disney Princess edition and the Earth’s mightiest heroes, the Avengers. Players aim to be the first to match five of their favourite characters in a line. But wait… the game’s not over just yet. Don’t forget the mystery Top Trumps! Will your opponent trump your line with their steal card? Or will you conquer the game?

From a galaxy far, far away comes the Top Trumps Quiz! Players battle the force with 500 questions to test their knowledge around all the unforgettable moments from the Star Wars saga.

Drawing a winner VIVID 01483 449 944 www.vividtoysandgames.co.uk Crayola is game on for 2016 with three exciting new games. For fast fingers on the move, 3,2,1 Draw! is perfect for on the go fun, with a variety of play options in one pack-away set. Inspiration dice generate ideas for drawings so kids can play on their own or challenge family and friends to guess their sketch. It’s up to players what they draw, but they’re against the clock as the Pipsqueak pen has a fun sand timer attached.

Action packed Scribble Scramble is a frantic team game for four to eight players who have to guess it before it disappears! Players pick a Scribble card, start drawing on the board, then race against the moving Scribble Scramble unit to decipher their team’s doodle before it disappears. The quicker a team guesses the more points they get!

The ultimate family board game designed to test players’ creative streak, Doodle Delirium is a fun filled adventure against time, with creative challenges to complete on the Doodle Delirium board including Paper Mashups, Model Madness, Scribble Riddles and Doodle Dummies! The hilarious doodling, modelling and guessing game is for ages six plus.

Thunderbirds Are Go will also be introducing a range of puzzles in 2016 at a number of price points.

Included in the range will be a feature puzzle that comes with 3D glasses so that when the puzzle is completed fans will see the Thunderbirds vehicles flying at them!

46

Visit Peppa’s friends and leave the wellies behind in the new Peppa Pig Junior Monopoly! Players drive their car from house to house and see what surprises Miss Rabbit has in store, or what treats can be found in Mr Fox’s Van, as they get the perfect introduction to the world’s favourite board game!

For those who love shopping, Shopkins is the hottest new super cute characters for kids to collect. In Shopkins Guess Who the classic guessing game meets the world of Shopkins.

Packed with 48 different colourful characters from season one, Players have to guess where Gran Jam loves to hang out, who D’Lish Donut’s BFF is, what Lippy Lips’ favourite hobby is and who the exclusive and limited edition characters are!

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FEATURE

GAMES & PUZZLES

Sing when you’re winning

Having a gas

ACCENTUATE

Mattel continues to provide fantastic entertainment for the whole family with an impressive portfolio of games from staple favourites to exciting new launches.

This autumn/winter sees the introduction of Gas Out, providing hours of laughter for the whole family. Be the last player to pass Guster the Gas Cloud without him passing wind and win!

Players take turns playing Gas Out number cards in their hand and pressing Guster as many times as shown. If Guster passes wind during their turn, they’re out! Special game-changing Gas Out cards like Skip and Reverse add even more fun to the game.

Bounce Off, the ultimate in head-to-head competition, sees the launch of Bounce Off Rock n Rollz, a fun new version of the classic that features a game tray that rocks and rolls. In teams of one or two players, each team picks a card for their relevant colour and bounces the ball onto the board to form the shape shown on the card. Shifting weight and a tilting board add a fun and challenging element to the game.

Number one card game UNO*, is supported with a digital marketing campaign called Wild4UNO, to communicate the new customisation feature through an engaging Facebook campaign. A strong product range for autumn/winter includes the TV advertised UNO Wild Jackpot that creates suspense, randomisation and unpredictability. Other UNO classics within the range continue including UNO Cards Get Wild and UNO Junior.

Scrabble*, the number three in Total Family Games, continues to remain a popular choice for fun mind and educational challenges. A strong range for full year includes Scrabble Original, Scrabble Junior, Scrabble Travel and Scrabble Deluxe. *NPD Data – January 2016

0330 400 4162 www.accentuategames.com Accentuate, the hilarious guess-the-accent party game backed by BBC Dragon Peter Jones, now features 90 different quotes from famous movies. Players pick a card then read that movie quote aloud in a randomly selected accent. Teammates have just 30 seconds to guess the accent, and can now earn points by also by identifying the movie, and its year of release.

The new game is compatible with the existing

Film Quotes Expansion Pack, which features a completely different set of 90 movie lines. To keep the game challenging and broaden its appeal, the quotes have been taken from a spread of movies spanning eight decades from My Fair Lady to Ghostbusters, The Devil Wears Prada to Back to the Future.

Accentuate is also compatible with the brand new Song Lyrics Expansion Pack, which has just launched. The musical bolton is an energetic new way to extend the gameplay, and features 90 different lyrics from an array of famous songs spanning six decades, players win points not only by guessing the accent, but also for correctly identifying the artist and song.

MATTEL 01628 500000 www.mattel.com

World of discovery

Do the twister

BERTOY

CARTAMUNDI

+32 3 777 05 33 www.bertoy.com

01268 515 522 www.cartamundi.com

For kids aged five plus with a little world explorer hidden inside, the new Crocodile Creek puzzle will definitely tick all the right boxes. The fabulous box contains not only an amazing 100-piece puzzle, but also 20 figurines and a mini booklet filled with animal trivia.

Once the puzzle has been made, kids can connect the animals to their correct habitat by placing the figurines on the right continent. They can even take a peek inside the booklet to learn even more about all the different animals of the world! The Crocodile Creek Discovery Puzzle is the epitome of learning made fun. The puzzle introduces children to a variety of creatures in the animal kingdom, while discovering all the different continents across the globe at the same time.

The puzzle is also available in a Europe version, where kids can travel to Paris and climb the Eiffel Tower or drive a double-decker bus through the crazy streets of London. The world is your playground with this Crocodile Creek Discovery Puzzle!

Cartamundi is a leading name when it comes to playing cards and card games, designing and producing everything from the traditional pack of cards to stylish designer-created decks, plus games based on famous entertainment names to games with downloadable extras.

Among Cartamundi’s most innovative consumer offerings is the Shuffle concept, which brings together card games, downloadable apps and famous brand names. Two recent additions to the line are brandnew versions of classic Hasbro games in card format.

Shuffle Subbuteo allows players to pass, tackle and beat the goalie (or try to save the ball). But this card-matching game is also about timing moves, choosing tactics and outwitting opponents.

Like the classic game, Shuffle Twister invites players to move their hands and feet to various coloured dots.

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FEATURE

GAMES & PUZZLES

Kids will be hooked!

DKL 0160 4678 780 www.dkl.co.uk

Bear necessities CLEMENTONI 020 320 613 www.clementoni.com Clementoni continues its UK license for popular Cartoonito show Masha and The Bear in 2016 across puzzles and educational toys.

Clementoni brings the license to life with the Giant Interactive Mat, a 24-piece puzzle which forms a huge 70x100cm playmat with which children can interact using the electronic pen. Also available is the Quizzy, an entertaining card game with more than 200 educational quizzes to answer. Both products are a great way of teaching shapes, colours and encouraging creativity.

Created by award winning animation company Animaccord, Masha is a very curious little girl with lots of energy who can’t stand still. Her restlessness and curiosity are the reason for many of her adventures with The Bear.

The Bear is a big-bellied, big-hearted guy who enjoys his peace and quiet but this all changes when Masha enters his life and he soon discovers that whenever she isn’t around he misses her and looks forward to their next adventure together.

Scratch Traditional Toys, distributed by DKL, has launched several exciting new games and puzzles for 2016. The new Sardines Fish Game is beautifully designed and offers lots of play value. With magnetic fishing poles, children will have plenty of fun trying to catch more fish than their opponent. The Fish Game also includes two scoreboards for kids to hang the fish they have caught and tally up their score. Also new from Scratch is the retro Tin Pinball Game available in a Circus or Pirate theme. The classic game is a compact size and is packaged in a convenient hanging box.

The bestselling Scratch Magnetic Darts will continue to be popular this year. Available in large or small sizes, the fun dart games are a fantastic option for children aged five plus, and come packaged in a fun tube that also include enough darts for two players. Each dartboard is reversible with two games on each side for maximum play value! For retailers there is also the must-have Magnetic Darts FSDU, which holds 20 large dart games, 24 small dart games and one demonstration game for children to play with in-store. Once children begin playing with the darts, they will be hooked!

From DKL’s educational range Miniland is the new On the Go range of travel games. New for 2016 is the Discover Science CDU which holds a fun collection of 16 science-themed games.

The four styles include Space Trip, Check Up Scanner, Sea Mystery, and Evolution. Each game is foldable and each includes magnetic game pieces that are perfect for children to play with on the go! DKL support Scratch and Miniland with full marketing campaigns including in-store events, planograms, PR and social media activity.

Ups and downs EDUK8 01434 672336 www.eduk8worldwide.com The exclusive range of Giant Outdoor Playmat games from Eduk8 are award winning and great fun for all the family. Available as Snakes and Ladders or Ludo game mats, each mat measures 180 x 160cm and includes a unique large Dice Dome - just push the button at the top of the dome to roll the dice and never lose dice again!

Winner of a Toy Fair 2016 Best New Speciality Toy award, both playmats are water and heat resistant with UV protection, making them perfect for outdoor or indoor play. The playmats are suitable for two to four players aged three and above. In fact, adults can have as much fun as children playing these games – so great, all year round family fun.

The Giant Outdoor Playmats join an exclusive range of over 200 educational resources from Eduk8.

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New for 2016

Game On!

9 Made using responsibly 9 9

sourced wood Designed in Great Britain Tested for play and educational value

BJ795 Stack a Cat

BJ796 Stack a Stick

bigjigstoysltd @bigjigstoys www.bigjigstoys.com

FEATURE

GAMES & PUZZLES

Off the rails fun FLAIR 0208 643 0320 www.flairplc.co.uk

Jurassic puzzle GALT TOYS

Flair has a fine portfolio of fun-filled, competitive games, including classic action games for all the family, and a traditional range of wooden games featuring the favourite Thomas & Friends.

Perfect for children aged 18 months+, the Thomas & Friends collection of quality wooden games includes both new and familiar play concepts that will enhance learning while playing. Choose from a wonderful Sodor version of noughts and crosses with Tic-Tac-Toe, while a Wooden Clock Game comes complete with 12 double-side self-correcting puzzle pieces, two jumbo time-dice and a clock stand. Learning to tell the time has never been so much fun.

For enhancing a child’s colour matching skills and fine motor control, there’s the Colour Stack Game. Roll the dice to choose a colour and then remove a matching block from the stack. It’s harder than it looks!

For a hilarious family game of chance that involves egg thieving and chicken screaming, Squeaky Chicken will have a player’s nerves on edge. The aim of the game is to take as many eggs as you can from the coop without waking up the chicken. Every time an egg is taken the chicken will give a little squawk.

0161 428 9111 www.galttoys.com Galt Toys has launched six new puzzles, including two for its pre-school range and four 100 piece puzzles with beautiful illustrations for older children.

The pre-school range of 4 Puzzles in a Box, featuring either Dinosaurs or Fairies, each contain four colourful scenes with a different amount of pieces to encourage the development of matching and sorting skills. The puzzles range from 12, 16, 20 and 24 pieces, and have bright designs to help stimulate a toddler’s sensory and cognitive development. Suitable for children aged three plus years.

The four new 100 Piece Puzzles are beautifully illustrated, depicting four fun scenes including: Dinosaurs, Pirates, Princesses and Safari. Each puzzle comes with a full size poster of the picture to follow, and with so much going on in each scene children will return to them time and time again.

It’s all kicking off...

GIBSONS 020 8661 8866 www.gibsonsgames.co.uk Gibsons 221B Baker Street game challenges players to solve individually written cases by travelling around the streets of Victorian London searching for clues. Following on from the success of 221B, the company has recently announced that the retro game Wembley will be relaunching this year. The packaging has undergone a complete redesign and the new edition takes players back to the 100th anniversary of the FA Cup to vie for the title of Champion.

Wembley will be available from April

Games galore!

LEARNING RESOURCES 07872 337 302 www.learning-resources.co.uk The perfect family game for chocoholics and baking fans, Brownie Match will get kids practising their numbers and counting without even realising they are learning. A total of 16 brownie pieces are cooled and ready to be removed from the baking tray with the plastic spatula.

Players take turns spinning the spinner and flipping the brownie they think hides the matching number. From stealing brownies to missing a turn, the game is likely to take unpredictable twists and turns!

Kids can join the adventure

52

2016. Gibsons’ Snakes & Ladders and Ludo game is perfect for little ones who enjoy a board game. Gibsons has combined the two family favourites in a delightful set with a woodland twist. With a double sided board, this set provides great value for money.

in Alphabet Island where players race to match upper and lowercase letters - but watch out for the hungry shark, or they’ll lose a letter! With an illustrated game board, plastic shark model, 28 lowercase letter discs and 26 game cards, players need to collect the most letters to win! For an added challenge, players can flip the lowercase letter discs over to reveal picture words, and match beginning sounds to uppercase letters.

In Wave of the Wand – A Cinderella Game, kids can become a princess for the day. With a flick of the wand-style dice shaker, players can win colour tokens for their castle. Fun for all of the family, children will develop early learning skills as they transform their tokens and reach the clouds above the castle. The first player to transform all of their colour cards wins the famous glass slipper!

Hungry puppies are running wild in the park with Ready, Set, Woof! The race is on to match the colours on the randomiser to the corresponding puppy on the illustrated game board. When a puppy is found the winner can feed it a bone – the first player to give away all of their bones wins. As a younger take on the popular Robot Face Race game, it doesn’t involve any reading, so is perfect for boosting concentration and building colour recognition skills in early learners.

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d ful an r u o l â&#x20AC;&#x153;Co tive.â&#x20AC;? addic orfolk.

N Tony,

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Cross Squaresâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Colourful Addiction â&#x2014;? An addictive new game of skill luck and strategy for all the family. â&#x2014;? Match all the touching colours to shows whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s boss and create a square. â&#x2014;? Different colour variations on the cross pieces. â&#x2014;? A different layout every game. â&#x2014;? Made in acrylic so robust, practical and safe. â&#x2014;? 1-6 players. Ages 6-106! â&#x2014;? Can be played on any ďŹ&#x201A;at surface, and doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t require a board. â&#x2014;? Fun, Compact and easy to play. â&#x2014;? Designed, manufactured and packaged in the UK.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great as you can play the game in any language as its just colours.â&#x20AC;?

Marilyn Kent.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The family love it as grandparents and grandchildren can play together.â&#x20AC;?

Caroline, Cornwall

create visibility

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FEATURE

GAMES & PUZZLES

Something special for little ones GOLDEN BEAR 01952 608 308 www.goldenbeartoys.com The In the Night Garden Pick ‘n’ Place Wooden Puzzle includes six chunky pieces designed for little hands, each shaped as a different character from the popular TV show. The pieces must be slotted into the correct place, helping to develop manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination skills.

The Wooden Dress up Mr Tumble aims to get little ones mixing and matching. An entertaining and fun puzzle, children can create their favourite interchangeable Something Special characters. Something Special Roll and Play is also perfect for early learning. The plush cube contains a bell which gently sounds when the cube is rolled and comes complete with 36 activity cards. Children roll the cube, pick up a card and follow the fun instructions. Great for either multiplayer or individual play, each card relates to either emotions, numbers, recognition, colours, Makaton signs or activities.

Golden Bear’s Something Special portfolio is set to expand further this autumn with the new Mr Tumble Fun Felts. The set comes complete with over 50 colourful felt characters, outfits and accessories to choose from, helping to encourage youngsters to experiment with creative play.

The Sooty Mischief and Magic Set is designed to cause mayhem.

Available from July, the set includes a magic Sooty hand puppet dressed in a fun magician’s outfit, as well as wand, colour-changing hanky, whoopee cushion and a book of mischief and magic ideas.

Start your engines GREAT GIZMOS www.ggtrade.co.uk 01293 543221 Great Gizmos offers a huge variety of games and puzzles for children. From American company Fat Brain Toys is an inspiring collection of toys, games and puzzles for children of all ages. Shift creativity into high gear with Mod-Mobiles, switch and swap the colourful foam pieces to create all sorts of vehicles and race them for hours on end.

Young minds will revel in stacking and toppling with Tobbles, six uniquely weighted pieces that balance, nest, spin and tower for endless play time.

Peek-A-Doodle Doo is a charming game designed to improve concentration and memory skills.

The WWF Miombo Tumble Tower is made of FSC wood from well managed forests and features patterns from Africa’s Miombo woodlands including a giraffe, zebra and cheetah. The 48 wooden blocks are built into a tower with children taking it in turns to remove a single block.

For games to help with memory, the Reptiles Memory Match contains 24 wood tiles that feature images of reptiles from across the globe that must be paired up in order to win. For puzzles to keep kids entertained for hours, the WWF 1,000 Piece Puzzles are available in an amazing eight themes: Panda, Owls, Marine, Wild Cats, Tigers, Penguins, Birds and Wolves.

Party time!

HASBRO 020 8569 1234 www.hasbro.co.uk In the Monopoly Empire game, players can own the world’s top brands.

After choosing one of the uniquely branded tokens, players move around the board, and start building their empires, with new movers and brands introduced for spring 2016. The game is a race to the top as players buy their favourite brands - including Nerf, Transformers, Levi’s, and more - one by one and fill their towers.

Opponents collect rent from their rivals, and the higher their tower, the more they can charge. The first player to fill their tower with billboards wins!

It’s not a party without a piñata! In the exciting and colourful Pop! Pop! Piñata game, players take turns hitting the button on the base to send the disk spinning upward toward the donkey piñata. A gentle hit releases a few prizes for the player to collect, but here’s the catch: a hard hit will pop open the piñata releasing all of the prizes, but that also means that all players can race to collect the prizes. The player with the most prizes wins.

In the new Simon Air Game, classic Simon gameplay gets a modern twist with touch-free technology. Players can play solo against the new Simon Air Game, or team up with a friend and work together

54

to remember the sequence, repeat the pattern and conquer the Simon Air Game. If the pattern is repeated incorrectly, a buzzer will sound and signal the end of the game. The player with the highest score is the winner! The Simon game senses every hand motion and registers correct sequences.

The new Bop It game prompts kids to Hammer It, Sing It, Selfie It and more with 10 new voice commands. Players must react to each command and perform the action as they seek to beat the Bop It. The Bop It game is an electronic unit that includes three games, each of which can be played in solo or social mode. Classic highlights the traditional Bop It, Pull It and Twist It game play, Action features the 10 new unique ways to game via the motion sensor technology, and Beat Box is a sound-based gaming mode for gamers.

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RETAIL

OPINION TnP loves to hear your views. This month we speak to key wholesalers and suppliers to learn what’s on their minds. We explore this month’s hottest topics.

Trade talk

This month TnP caught up with some of the industry’s finest to find out their views on the hottest toy topics

TRUDI BISHOP My guess is that the LeapFrog brand could disappear

”

Head of Marketing and Licensing, Cartamundi UK Which retail initiatives really impressed you recently?

The Entertainer’s 3D printing in store. It’s at the pilot stage but the idea is that kids can style and create a personalised name keyring for £2.50. It’s fun, educational and unusual.

Competition laws aside, tell us your thoughts on the loosely-rumoured Mattel/Hasbro merger? Would this benefit the industry, or otherwise?

It would certainly shake things up a bit — if it were to happen — though for good or ill, I really couldn’t say.

And what about your thoughts on the VTech and Leapfrog news – if this goes ahead what impact do you think this will have on retailers, and the industry at large?

This wasn’t surprising news. In fact, it looks like a full acquisition, my guess is that the LeapFrog brand could disappear. That would be a pity, not just from a brand diversity standpoint but from a personal one: LeapFrog gave me my first senior post, and are very innovative.

Working with the master toy partner instore is always a huge appeal as we know it drives sales

”

STEVEN RUSSELL Senior Marketing Executive, Jumbo Games Which retail initiatives really impressed you recently?

‘2 For’ offers work well for us across our adult puzzles with Wasgij and our children’s licensed portfolio as it incorporates multiple licences across our key selling concepts i.e. Puzzle & Colour, Bath Puzzles. The ‘Gift with Purchase’ initiatives that retailers run are appealing to both consumers and manufactures.

Working with the master toy partner in-store is always a huge appeal, as we know it drives sales of our puzzles/games through cross-category partnership. We’ve seen strong sales across our Peppa Pig puzzles with initiatives like this.

MICHELE MARZILIANO UK and Ireland Country Manager, Clementoni UK Ltd Competition laws aside, tell us your thoughts on the loosely-rumoured Mattel/Hasbro merger? Would this benefit the industry, or otherwise?

The impact of this potential merger could change the toy industry. Not sure how this will directly impact our business as with the exception of Fisher-Price, both companies are not directly in competition with us.

And what about your thoughts on the VTech and Leapfrog news – if this goes ahead what impact do you think this will have on retailers, and the industry at large?

This merger was a surprise for us. I’m sure VTech will gain market share but I’m not sure about the future of LeapFrog.

Let’s get back to product, which of your hero products are retailers buying into at the moment?

Our best product at the moment is Create your own Crystal – the sell through everywhere is impressive.

In terms of trends at the moment, which categories have you noticed selling well?

Without doubt, our Scientific range. We had an incredible year and 2016 has started really strong.

Which of your hero products are retailers buying into at the moment?

Wasgij jigsaw puzzles continue to drive strong sales for us – demand is always high for the latest releases as they are an addictively collectable twist to traditional jigsaw puzzles. Our DINO 3D Puzzle Models have been really well-received. Retailers have really got behind our new Peppa Pig ‘Party Time Race’ Game that’s launching in June, it’s a simple pre-school board game appealing to boys & girls.

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The impact of this potential merger could change the toy industry

”

Xxxxx

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MILLIE SIBLEY Marketing and Sales, Lanka Kade Which retail initiatives really impressed you recently?

We recently created a range of POS materials available to all of our stockists for free to add to their display when merchandising. The collection is designed to unify the Lanka Kade range and build a strong in-store presence to support sales.

The range includes shelf edges, window stickers and various sizes of fair trade posters and logos.

Which of your hero products are retailers buying into at the moment?

We are renowned for our Deluxe Natural Wood Noah’s Ark – handcrafted from sustainable wood by skilled artisans in Sri Lanka. At Toy Fair we launched a Junior version available with natural and painted characters at a lower price point.

This has been extremely popular with our independent retailers – it was also shortlisted for Gift of the Year 2016 in the Eco Friendly category!

In terms of trends at the moment, which categories have you noticed selling well?

Overall, we’ve noticed consumers moving away from plastic toys towards traditional wooden toys that are built to last. Our vast range of natural wood painted animals has received a great reception. The chunky, bright animals made from sustainable rubber wood with the colourful designs are a great pocket money toy and lots of people collect them!

The buzz around the new Finding Dory film is really building

NIKKI SAMUELS Licensing Director, SAMBRO Which retail initiatives really impressed you recently? Schleich’s dedication to creating an allencompassing POS was really impressive.

Their iconic products already have great on-shelf impact but with the addition of innovative POS such as TV screens, the brand really comes to life in store.

Competition laws aside, tell us your thoughts on the loosely rumoured Mattel/Hasbro merger? Would this benefit the industry, or otherwise? I cannot see this ever happening and I certainly don’t think it would be of any benefit to an industry as competitive and diverse as ours.

And what about your thoughts on the VTech and Leapfrog news – if this goes ahead what impact do you think this

MARCH 2016

”

will have on retailers, and the industry at large? I think this is a great move for two very like-minded forward thinking companies. By combining their brand portfolio they will strengthen their presence both here and abroad, and I think that we could all expect even more innovative products across a wider age range.

Let’s get back to product, which of your hero products are retailers buying into at the moment. The buzz around the new Finding Dory film is really building and the March airing of the trailer will drive demand even further. We have seen a great response to our arts & crafts range and bags so are looking forward to capitalising on the film’s success.

In terms of trends at the moment, which categories have you noticed selling well? Fashion-led products are extremely popular across all ages and so our bags are consistently exceeding all expectations. We have so many different styles and licenses, retailers can cherry pick diverse collections from backpacks, EVA, wheeled bags purses and more.

57 2

REVIEW

NEW YORK TOY FAIR

The big fair The 116th North American Toy Fair wrapped up mid-February and with a 16 per cent increase in international attendance, it’s a fair continuing to make a global impact

T

“

he thing about North There are America is that people want to do suppliers I business there, which see here that is undoubtedly why the North just don’t American Toy Fair reported a 16 exhibit at per cent increase in international attendance this year. The fair London or wrapped up on February 16, four Nuremberg days after its opening and there was no shortage of UK exhibitors and I can catch up with and visitors gracing the aisles.

Everyone from The them in New Entertainer’s Buying Director York Stuart Grant to GP Flair’s MD Simon Hedge to Mookie’s Stuart Grant, Director Guy Orr were seen The Entertainer walking the aisles and everyone was there for a reason – business.

“There are suppliers I see here that just don’t exhibit at London or Nuremberg and I can catch up with them in New York,” Stuart told TnP as he darted to a meeting.

“For us, it’s a relationship-building show.”

Likewise, Mookie’s Guy Orr and Product Strategy Manager Claire Olewink were at the fair.

Claire told TnP: “We’re here looking for new products and to

”

58

meet some of our partners who are showing our products here.”

Guy added: “There is huge opportunity here if you get it right, it’s about finding the right people and the right product.”

GP Flair’s MD Simon Hedge also highlighted the importance of tracking down and uncovering the right products. Simon explained that from his perspective he sees the North American Toy Fair as giving a “good insight into future potential properties and future innovation”.

There was also a fair share of UK exhibitors on the show floor.

Casdon are familiar faces at the fair having exhibited there for many years. MDs Phil and Peter Cassidy told TnP: “New York is a good show for us and we meet a lot of valuable buyers,” with Phil adding: “Dyson is our bestselling line here.”

Meanwhile, TnP also caught up with The Irish Fairy Door Company’s Chief Storyteller Niamh Sherwin. License 2 Play distribute the brand in the US and Niamh was onsite to meet with retailers.

“The US is the biggest market in

the world,” she told TnP. “We had a real breakthrough last year with a huge amount of growth and we hope to continue that this year.

There has been super retail reaction to the brand so far.”

Also citing the US as a vitally important market was Alex Saussol, Vice-President with Dragon-I. In fact, Alex told TnP: “The US is our largest market, we need to be here in New York. It’s a great opportunity for us to meet buyers in the US – we have to remind them what is hot and new.”

Along with their Talking Tom and Friends range, Alex cites DragonI’s latest toy to market as one to watch. The company has developed the IP for Princess Katie, a fullyautomated doll that dances in time to any music you play.

“She is extremely unique, you can create your own princess ballet!” added Alex.

Acknowledging the US is a “tough market to enter”, TIA’s President Steve Pasierb explained to a press briefing that it is the TIA’s aim to “grow the show, particularly internationally” while

toysnplaythings.co.uk

WE ASKED… Liz Ireland, CoFounder Bigjigs Toys about how the North American Toy Fair went for them. This is what she told us: “Based on the leads we received and the orders we walked away with, we have had the best NY Toy fair to date. Our new products were very well-received. We invested in a new display stand in 2015 and this received many positive comments regarding the professional merchandised display. Our US business is growing across the retail and educational sectors in Canada and the US and New York has given us a very good start to the year.” he also revealed that the Javits Convention Center is set for a revamp with one million sq ft due to be added in 2017.

“We, at least, want to give people the opportunity to enter the market.

We want to give companies a leg-up and an opportunity to be heard and display their products,” he said.

“Efforts are being made to bring more people from the UK to the show. Our companies are going to grow by being more international and we want to help companies enter the US toy market.”

Galt is one of the UK companies who has been a exhibiting at the fair for over 20 years, most recently on their own stand.

MD John McDonnell explained it is vital for the company to have a presence there. “It is the largest market in the world bar none so we have to be here,” he told TnP, adding that Galt’s Marbel Run, Playnest and Ambi range all sell well stateside.

Games company Big Potato also attended. Tris Hyatt-Williams explained their reason for attending was they had heard “lots of really successful games are showcased

MARCH 2016

there that never make it out of the USA because the US market is so big they don’t need to worry about the rest of the world. So we went out there to find some gems.”

He added a further reason for visiting was to support Bananagrams in their tenth anniversary celebrations.

Bananagrams’ Rena Nathanson said the fair is a “key date in our calendar – not least this year as we’re celebrating ten years of Bananagrams! We had a very busy and successful show and look forward to returning again next year.”

With increased attendance and a concerted effort from organisers to encourage more international exhibitors, we don’t think Bananagrams will be alone in returning.

Did you know…

The dates for next year’s North American Toy Fair have been announced. It will once again take place at Javits Convention Center from Saturday 18 to Tuesday 21 February.

“

There is huge opportunity here if you get it right, it’s about finding the right people and the right product

Guy Orr, Mookie

”

On trend…

The top five trends announced at the fair were: ● Tech including drones, robots and toys-to-life ● Family Matters including board games, crafts and more ● Ultimate Creator including stop-motion technology and videography sets; food and baking sets; jewellery making, building sets ● Brain Boosters/Steam including toys that teach or reinforce the principles of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) ● Coveted Collectables including novelty toys; highquality miniature versions of existing lines; franchise collectables

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FEATURE

INTERACTIVE TOYS

Golden Bear

Talk of the town Interactive and talking toys are harnessing technology to great effect, bringing innovative new product to market for the most tech savvy generation yet.

TnP explores this year’s incredible walking, talking, interactive marvels

P

ixar’s Toy Story struck such a chord with kids big and small when it hit cinemas more than 20 years ago with its depiction of a world that kids have always dreamed of — a world where their toys really are alive. With advances in technology and the innovation coming through to the latest ranges in 2016, that dream is closer than ever to becoming a reality.

The walking, talking toys hitting the shelves this year are the most magical and startlingly realistic yet.

From Character Options’ award winning Little Live Pets range, which brings animal magic to a whole range of fantastic creatures, to Dragon-I Toys’ Katie the Magical Dancing Princess, hailed “the most innovative girls’ item this year” by one trade show visitor, interactive and talking toys are leading the charge in innovation.

This is also a category that lends itself incredibly well to licensing, with some of the leading suppliers and manufacturers in the sector taking the magic from favourite kids’ TV series, movies and books, and injecting it into a diverse range of products across the toy spectrum.

Rainbow Designs MD Anthony Temple explains says that the appeal here is “very much about the child

60

being able to interact with their favourite characters from the publishing of entertainment worlds”.

Interactive magic Golden Bear is a leading name in the talking and interactive toys space, and Senior Licensing and Marketing Manager, Katherine Pierce says things are only going to get better from here on out.

“We’re very pleased with how our interactive and talking toys across our whole portfolio have performed over the last year - and we’re looking forward to an even more exciting 2016,” she says.

With new additions to Golden Bear’s hugely popular licensed Twirlywoos range launching earlier this year, and making waves already, Katherine says that the key to a winning toy in this category is simplicity.

“The new Run-along Fun Sounds Twirlywoos launched at the start of the year and got a great response at Toy Fair,” she says. “They are perfect for interactive play, as pre-schoolers can simply press the Twirlywoo’s hands and watch them come to life as they replicate the iconic Twirlywoos’ run and signature sounds from the show.”

“

Most of For Anthony interactive and talking toys “is most definitely a growth our product range is aimed category in the toy market”. Building the fantastic reception of its predominantly on Talking Paddington last year, Rainbow at preDesigns is upping the ante in the schoolers, coming months. which is a time “2016 is going to be even stronger in a child’s life for us,” Anthony tells TnP. “We are when they are bringing to market a number of interactive and talking plush including developing the award winning Whizzpopping language skills, BFG, Talk to Me Paddington and which talking Sensory Miffy.” and interactive Speaking to the toys can help right audience aid

”

Katherine Pierce, Golden Bear

Rainbow Designs

Many toy categories straddle the boundaries between age groups, but interactive and talking toys speak louder to younger children.

For Golden Bear, Katherine says: “Most of our product range is aimed predominantly at pre-schoolers, which is a time in a child’s life when they are developing language skills, which talking and interactive toys can help aid.”

“We will be stepping out of the pre-school arena with our interactive Voice Activated Walking Fuse and Pogo form our new Oddbods range, which launches later in the year, aimed at children aged four to nine-years-old.”

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FEATURE

INTERACTIVE TOYS

HAVE A BALL WITH KATIE! +852 3571 9198 www.dragon-itoys.com A new doll sensation is here!

Katie the Magical Dancing Princess has reinvented the category as the world’s very first fully automated dancing princess.

Presented during the Hong Kong, Nuremberg and New York Toy Fairs, this item went under a storm the most innovative girls item this year and will be a must have around the world this Christmas. Katie was designed in conjunction with the famous toy inventor Mark Tilden (Robosapien), and has a truly unique play pattern which allows for the Princess to listens to music and dances along to any tune. Kids can play music from any device, make their own, or even sing and their Princess will come to life and dance along. Dragon-I didn’t stop there, the doll is completely interactive and can be programmed with dance routines where kids can create the rhythm by clapping. Each doll is

Engaging play GOLDEN BEAR 01952 608 308 www.goldenbeartoys.co.uk Golden Bear is expanding its extensive interactive and talking toys portfolio with exciting new licensed products for 2016.

The Run-along Twirlywoos have joined Golden Bear existing Twirlywoos portfolio, based on the CBeebies hit show, and are perfect for interactive play. Pre-schoolers can simply press the Twirlywoos’ hands and watch how they replicate the Twirlywoos run and signature sounds from the show. Launching later this year are the Oddbods Voice Activated Walking Fuse and Pogo, part of a new range based on the hilarious new Oddbods TV series currently airing on CiTV and Boomerang.

The Oddbods feature plush walk as kids talk and include a voice changer that converts fans’ voices into Oddbods speak!

Designed with Hey Duggee fans in mind, Super Duggee is a new talking plush complete with superhero outfit and cape.

Inspired by a popular ‘superhero’ episode from the CBeebies series, Super Duggee even makes superhero sounds; simply press the badge on his chest and listen.

The stories of Messy goes to Okido - the popular CBeebies TV show and bi-monthly magazine - are being brought to life by Golden Bear with the Musical Activity Messy Monster.

Children can squeeze Messy’s hand to hear his catchy phrases and the theme tune from the new TV show and watch his cheeks softly glow. Climb on board the In the Night Garden Musical Activity Pinky Ponk - which launches in July 2016 based on the popular In the Night Garden TV programme.

Following the massive success of the Ninky Nonk Musical Activity Train, the Pinky Ponk comes complete with Upsy Daisy, Iggle Piggle and Makka Pakka figures. Perfect for Something Special fans is the new Mr Tumble’s Car. The car comes complete with a Mr Tumble figure. Adding to this excitement will be the new Justin’s House playset which launches in July.

3 62

customisable with free decorative stickers and as we have seen this item is a whole lot of fun when kids try to create a princess ballet.

Commencing in July across the UK, there will be a massive TV campaign ramping up in November for the Christmas push.

Katie will be available in all good retailers and for more information email the team at Dragon-I Toys: contact@dragon-itoys.com.

Chatter boxes RAINBOW DESIGNS 01329 227 300 www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk Rainbow Designs is excited to be launching a number of interactive and talking toys for 2016. Rainbow’s Paddington Bear toy collection just got chattier with the arrival of two talking plush toys that follow on from the hit movie Paddington and the phenomenal success of the first Talking Paddington toy.

My Name is Paddington is an adorable 21cm soft toy which talks and growls when his tummy is squeezed. The Talk To Me Paddington features five different phrases including ‘Good afternoon I’m from darkest Peru’ and features a recording function which is activated by squeezing Paddington’s right paw. Kids can record their very own phrase and hear Paddington repeat it back.

This year is the centenary of Roald Dahl’s birth and to celebrate Rainbow Designs has launched a fabulous new collection featuring Dahl’s most famous characters. The new, funpacked Whizzpopping BFG, produces eight different hilarious whizzpopping sounds when you press his tummy, and has already won a Best New Toy Award at Toy Fair. Alongside the Whizzpopping BFG comes a stunning new collection of soft toys featuring the storyteller’s most renowned characters including Matilda, the BFG and Willy Wonka.

In addition to these fantastic talking character plush products Rainbow is also launching an interactive Miffy designed to help children learn about the body. Sensory Miffy is a pre-school toy based on the hit Tiny Pop series Miffy’s Adventures Big and Small.

Pre-schoolers simply touch Sensory Miffy’s hand, foot, tummy, ear, mouth, eye or head and Miffy will name the body part. Sensory Miffy also plays the theme tune from the animated series when the button on her dress is pressed.

toysnplaythings.co.uk

FEATURE FEATURE 1ST QUARTER RANGES INTERACTIVE TOYS

Perfect pets CHARACTER OPTIONS 0161 633 9800 www.character-online.co.uk

Baby talk MGA ENTERTAINMENT/ ZAPF CREATION 01908 268480 www.mgae.com / www.zapf-creation.com Baby Annabell will offer brand new dolls and accessories in spring, focusing on all the caring, nurturing and interactive aspects of the role-play between a mother and a baby.

For younger Baby Annabell fans, the my first Baby Annabell range will see new additions such as the new my first Baby Annabell Newborn Doll and Little Lamb with Lullaby function. My first Baby Annabell Doll and Brother Doll, complete with a new easy fit romper are also new to the range this season. The core Baby Annabell range will see a design refresh in deluxe and classic fashions, as well as smaller accessories like tights, socks and shoes.

Plus the Baby Annabell Changing Bag, including changing mat, nappy, teething ring and bottle is the perfect accessory for when Baby Annabell is out and about!

BABY born is heading into 2016 with new products across the my little BABY born and core BABY born ranges. Zapf Creation is also celebrating a very special birthday as the iconic BABY born doll turns 25 this year.

BABY born has been on the wish list of little ones for years and will celebrate the milestone with new products and campaigns throughout 2016. The core BABY born range is also making waves with a brand new BABY born Smart Potty with removable duck seat and various sound effects. Also new for spring is a range of bathroom accessories including bathrobes, pyjama sets and even little shoes.

For smaller BABY born fans, the my little BABY born Hold My Hands doll is a perfect first toy for any newborn with in-built melody functions that activates when you touch its hands, encouraging development of motoric and sensory skills in babies and young children.

4 64

With Little lives Pets and Teksta in its portfolio, Character Options is a first call when it comes to interactive toys this year.

Interactive Toy of the Year, Little Live Pets, will welcome more pets to the range and later in the year will see the launch of the Adopt a Friend puppy who promises to jump firmly into children’s hearts.

Spring brings a new range of dancing Mice, fabulous swimming Turtles and Tweet Talking Birds with playsets and habitats that make the nurturing experience all the more realistic. There’s also the delightful Tweet Talking Duck and Baby. In summer new Jumping Frogs add to the amphibious line up with multiple colourways.

Recently unveiled is the cutest Little Live Pet ever - Adopt a Friend! First in the range is a puppy that just wants to be loved. Each new puppy must be named by his new owner and adopted as their own with the certificate in each box to prove it! A new evolution of Teksta pets will also arrive this year with a next generation Voice Recognition Robotic Puppy and a brand new talking Toucan in late summer, adding to the current line-up of Jumping Teksta Newborns which includes a cute blue puppy and pink kitty.

Howdy partner CHICCO 020 8953 6627 www.chicco.co.uk Chicco’s innovative Rodeo can be used as a rocking horse, sit and ride toy or interactive activity centre to provide hours of fun. The character comes to life thanks to interactive sensors, which activate moving eyes and neighing sounds. In addition, when little ones feed Rodeo his tasty carrot, his jaw will move up and down to create the illusion of chewing.

The bright and cheerful 3-in-1 Shopping Trolley is the perfect toy to help get little ones on the move. It also features a removable basket, which means they can always take their shopping with them on the go.

Bear hug CLEMENTONI 020 320 613 www.clementoni.com Clementoni is putting a strong focus on the infant market in 2016 with its Baby Clementoni range aimed at the baby and pre-school market.

Launching for A/W will be Sandy Cuddle and Learn Bear, an interactive development plush for babies six months plus. The product will be TV promoted and parents can also download an app which brings Sandy to life on screen.

Children can learn their ABCs and numbers as well as develop their hand-eye co-ordination.

With the popularity of Clementoni’s Baby T-Rex, the company is introducing a pink version of the hugely successful toy for 2016, which is perfect for babies of 12 months and older. Baby T-Rex Pink will also be TV advertised and comes complete with a rattle that interacts with Baby T-Rex to make her move.

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FEATURE FEATURE 1ST QUARTER RANGES INTERACTIVE TOYS

Mane attraction DKL 01604 678 780 www.dkl.co.uk The 10” plush horse from Breyer Model Horses, distributed by DKL, sighs when her mane is brushed, whinnies when she gets a shot, swishes her tail when her hooves are brushed and more! The set comes complete with an ear light, syringe, grooming brush, hoof pick and stethoscope. Packed full of features at a competitive price, the vet set is a great value item which children will adore. The Breyer range is supported by a full marketing campaign, including PR and social media, in-store events and more!

Chewing the fat UNDERGROUND TOYS 01708 372 727 www.underground-toys. com Interactive toys are commanding more and more shelf space each year.

Technology is creeping into anything and everything, and no one knows it more than Underground Toys.

Underground Toys’ Roar and Rage Chewbacca from its action talking plush range for Star Wars, takes the interactive toy to a whole new level.

This 16” fluffy toy combines awesome animatronics with the original and iconic Chewbacca roars and growls from the classic movies. At the press of a button, Chewie gets more and more angry before fans’ eyes – and the angrier he gets, the more animated he becomes! With his mouth wide open, and his growl getting louder, Chewbacca also shakes his head with fury. Roar and Rage Chewbacca is a firm favourite from the Underground Toys animatronics range, providing fun, interactive play for all Wookie fans.

Lightsaber Battle Yoda is another popular interactive toy from Underground Toys’ animatronic Star Wars range. Green 16” Yoda features facial and arm movements while swishing his illuminated lightsaber. The toy features original phrases and sound effects from the classic movie, making him a perfect movie buddy. BB-8 and R2D2 animatronic plush characters are set to join the Underground Toys family this year in an exciting extension to the range.

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Rough and tumble GP FLAIR 0208 643 0320 www.flairplc.co.uk GP Flair is bringing a new name to the world of youth electronics this year as Bamboom makes an appearance. Bamboom the humanoid rough and tough robotic buddy offers a brand new interactive and responsive experience for kids, with more than 100 actions and reactions, plus six interactive modes of play to master. This robotic toy is programmed for interactive play like no other with Tarzan, Rumble, Tumble, Boogie, Zen and a built in room defender ability.

First it’s time to rumble and the aim is to train Bamboom to be fit for battle.

Bamboom comes into his own in Rumble Mode where the aim is to train him to be fit for battle. He will throw punches and rolls backwards, pounding his arms on the ground, if kids manage to hit him. During Tarzan Mode, Bamboom performs a swinging action and can do a front somersault. In Boogie Mode it’s time to dance and beatbox. When he is tired from performing all those activities, Bamboom will go to sleep in Zen Mode. Finally Bamboom will watch his owner’s domain and guard it from trespassers, scaring intruders away. Launching in autumn, Bamboom is so much more than any interactive robotic toy and has to be experienced to fully appreciate this next generation in the youth electronic market. With this in mind media visits, consumer shows and other experiential marketing will be added to the traditional marketing levers of TV and digital Pre-roll. Bamboom joins other interactive toys in the GP Flair portfolio such as a new Interactive Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mikey toy and favourites from the world of Emotion Pets and Doc McStuffins.

New tricks SPIN MASTER 01628 535 000 www.spinmastertoys.co.uk Spin Master’s pre-school property PAW Patrol continues to be a hit in 2016. The Lookout playset was one of the best selling PAW Patrol items in 2015 and features a removable light-up badge with real phrases from the show. Preschoolers can call the included Chase to the Lookout, where he can go up the lift and down the slide into his police vehicle.

Additional Action Pack Pups and Basic Vehicles can be collected to recreate scenes from Adventure Bay. The new Real Talking Plush features key character phrases which are activated by pressing the badge on the front of the pups uniform. The assortment will feature popular characters Everest, Rocky and Zuma, while Everest, Marshall and Skye will also be available as solid lines for online. The new Real Talking Plush will be available from July. Spin Master will also be launching a new ‘wow’ talking TV advertised item for Christmas 2016.

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Hear me roar!

GP FLAIR (JUST PLAY) 0208 643 0320 www.flairplc.co.uk Popular characters from TV shows Kate and MimMim and The Lion Guard come to life with interactive plush from Just Play.

Kate and Mim-Mim launched on CBeebies in August 2014 and has been hugely successful. The series features feisty five-year-old Kate and her toy rabbit Mim-Mim, who travel to a fantasy world of Mimiloo where Mim-Mim becomes a larger than life friend. The Just Play master toy collection will launch this year and the interactive Magic Twirl Mim-Mim is bound to be a favourite and ultimate companion for any fan, with its multiple phrases which are activated when he is twirled around, just like in the show.

The eagerly awaited new Disney Junior animated TV movie, Lion Guard: Return of the Roar, and the Lion Guard series, launches in spring and will be followed in autumn with an innovative master toy line from Just Play. The Leap N Roar Kion plush features 10 character sounds, including his trademark roar. Kids can pull Kion back onto his hind legs to make him pounce forward, and with a motion sensor included in his nose, Kion will roar as kids pass him by!

Leap N Roar Kion and Magic Twirl Mim-Mim will both feature in their own TV commercials for autumn.

Hanging out VIVID 01483 449 944 www.vividtoysandgames.co.uk Nocto is the light-up teenage bat with ‘batitude’, boasting over 50 interactive features. Just like all typical teenagers he likes to hang around, sleep and listen to music, but he’s also prone to some serious mood swings. Nocto has six different moods and modes, each with associated light colours, expressions, sounds and movements - and enemies beware as he will sound the alarm in protect mode when he detects intruders! Look out for Nocto hanging in-store from July.

Crayola’s Easy Animation Studio allows children to create their own animated videos up to 12 times faster than traditional stop-motion animation. Kids can colour their character, pose the mannequin and capture it on their device with the free app. They can then add songs or even their own voice to help bring the animation to life. The app easily guides kids to amazing results to show-off and share with their friends!

MARCH 2016

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TNP

AMBASSADORS

Kurio-ser and curiouser!

This month one lucky TnP Ambassador gets his little hands on KD’s Kurio 2.

Latimer is nearly four and lives in Essex with his parents and two younger bothers.

His dad, Kevin, tell us how the little fella got on atimer really enjoys playing and watching videos with me on my iPad and so I was keen to explore the possibility of him having his own tablet. There are a lot of kids tablets out there, and grown up ones too that people very often buy for their kids and I wasn’t sure where to go and what to buy. I did know though that I did not want to spend many hundreds of pounds on something that would inevitably be dropped on the floor a dozen or so times a week. What appealed to me with the Kurio is that it is a tablet for both adults and little ones.

It looks good and is quite streamlined – which I like – but it feels sturdy and strong. Coupled with the rubber bumper, it holds up to life with a three or four year old pretty well!

The tablet has some great games pre-loaded and he has been rally enjoying playing them. I was a little worried about the safety side of

L

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“

There are a lot of kids tablets out there, and grown up ones too that people very often buy for their kids and I wasn’t sure where to go and what to buy

”

it – you hear a lot of negative and worrying things on the news and read about it in the papers every day too – so I paid special attention to the claim that Kurio 2 was the safest on the market. I can’t say if it is more or less safe than anything else out there but I was very satisfied with the parental controls for time spent on the device, in-app purchasing restrictions and barriers to the web in general.

Latimer is very happy with the pre-loaded apps – I think it will take quite a while for him to play them all, pick his favourites, exhaust them and then start asking for more apps, so in this respect I think it represents good value and a sort of parental respect from the manufacturer.

I can access my Google apps (mail, YouTube and so on) with the tablet, which I really like as well, it’s good as the tablet is not only for kids. Also, because it is an Android profile, I can switch very easily from

Latimer’s profile to mine (which allows me to control what he does on his profile) and it does this very smoothly.

Kurio 2 also has a couple of cameras – one front, one rear – which, while they are not up to the standard I would expect on my own tablet, I think for a little boy of my son’s age it is perfect acceptable – and he’s had fun taking pictures. It’s actually a nice way to see the world as he views it.

So, as a dad, do I like the Kurio 2?

Yes, I absolutely do. I think it looks great, does plenty of things that are age-appropriate and makes him feel like a grown up. But all this is at a great price – around £89!

But the final verdict has got to go Latimer. “Yes, I love it. It does what I want and my brothers aren’t allowed to play with it because it’s just for big boys”! Or at least that’s what he thinks, but his two-year-old brother does indeed have a go on it when Latimer is out and about!

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Spotlight on Vivid Create emojis in seconds with Vivid’s PiXL!

PiXL Generation 2 bumping into stores AW16

Create on-the-go using only your character with no need for Wi-Fi or app

Launching with heavyweight avyw TV, instore PO POS and viral YouTube camp campaign

Brand new colourways ays for all 6 characters s

Store over 100 of your own creations

Bump PiXL’s together to swap & share creations… and unlock secret animations

FEATURE

OUTDOOR TOYS Plum Products

The great outdoors According to NPD, the outdoor category grew by four per cent in 2015 and as the green shoots of spring start to appear, there has never been a better time to look at what the category can bring to your shop

P

roduct innovation and clever marketing from toy companies and retailers means the outdoor category is now as diverse as ever, encompassing everything from a traditional bicycle to a familyfriendly grow kit to bubbles – and it sells all year.

One size fits all The beauty of outdoor products is that they sit comfortably within a variety of retail outlets from indies to garden centres.

One company who recognises this is Plum Products and Managing Director Mark Wilson told TnP that they work hard to make life easy for retailers of all sizes.

“The size and scale of our outdoor products means that retail display and merchandising is inevitably going to be challenging,” says Mark.

“Garden centres in particular present an opportunity to showcase our products in the most beneficial way and we are currently trialing a number of options for the new spring/summer season.”

Mark adds: “A number of our outdoor lines are specifically

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designed to fit into one retail box in store. Alternatively through our dropship programme, retailers can list all of our content and we will ship directly to the consumer while taking responsibility for all the logistical and after-sales issues.”

Like Plum, Great Gizmos’ Brand and Marketing Manager Sarah Dayus says this is front of their minds and with their outdoor ranges “performing increasingly well year-on-year” they have some creative display solutions for their Geospace line.

“We have two brilliant car display solutions which allows the cars to be stacked high! Geospace is a mixture of hanging and boxed products but they don’t take up too much room!”

When asked how a retailer with a smaller shop can showcase outdoor products in all their glory, Katy Fletcher Re:creation Ltd’s Brand Manager – Outdoor, suggested: “Retailers can consider products that are folding or compact in style which can be merchandised on shelf. We’ve invested substantial time into developing packaging that clearly and concisely communicates product benefit to the consumer." Picking up

“

With a customer base ranging from independents to the grocers, we have developed a range of solutions to ensure that our products are accessible to all consumers Mark Wilson, Plum Products

”

Great Gizmos

Did you know… Funrise is going to sell more than 50,000 bottles of solution for the first time this year…. and the bubble machine at Toy Fair lured in Spice Girl Mel C’s daughter who didn’t want to leave the stand!

toysnplaythings.co.uk

“

Did you know…

Kiddimoto enjoyed 15 per cent growth in 2015 and anticipate 2016 to be a stronger year. the point, MV Sports and Leisure’s Assistant Product Manager Lauren Foulds explains that they too have solutions for independents.

“We stock a vast array of wheeled and outdoor products, not all of which are stocked or promoted by the majors. There is scope to pick out products which are not heavily promoted and there is always the opportunity to bundle products together such as wheeled toys, helmets and accessories to create an exclusive offer."

The Little Tikes brand benefitted from a strong year in 2015 with growth of eight per cent, and the company is very in tune with helping retailers make the most of their space as Marketing Manager Michelle Lilley explains: “In-store display has been a big focus for us in recent times with new items such as the Cape Cottage and water tables being specifically designed in space-efficient packaging to support on-shelf display. Alongside POS solutions and our new catalogues, all accounts should be able to get involved in such a key season.”

Diverse products As mentioned, outdoor toys are no longer just about bikes and trampolines, there is a myriad of different products which neatly fit in the category.

“The outdoor category has always performed well for Interplay,” says Gareth Jones, UK Sales Manager with Interplay. “Our evergreen brand My Living World has current year-onyear growth is 24 per cent, which we're happy with. My Living World kits are not only stimulating and fun but also help develop an understanding of the natural world.

The products in the range are popular among nature lovers.”

Funrise is another company whose product is testament to the fact that the outdoor category encompasses a wide range of toys. Funrise’s Director David Martin told us, "I’ve got a bulging order book for Gazillion Bubbles

Our evergreen brand My Living World kickstarted the company 18 years ago and has shown steady growth since its launch.

The current year-on-year growth is 24 per cent, which we are very happy with

”

Gareth Jones, Interplay

Re:creation

Interplay

– over £1m as of today.” David added that Funrise’s Gazillion Tornados and Bubble Robots, not to mention tens of thousands of bottles of Gazillion premium solution, are flying out the doors. “Gazillion is classed as a spring/summer product, but we’re now getting listings year-round because you can play with bubbles indoors too.”

With more choice than ever before, and more creative solutions to displaying product, outdoor products have never had such a good excuse to be indoors.

Get outside in any season The adage of old may have been that outdoor toys only sold well in spring or summer but with the weather playing ball (pardon the pun), sales have been steady year round.

“Spring is always a good selling time for Kiddimoto,” said Marketing Manager Tracey Newton. “Of course, the last quarter in the run-up to Christmas is also key from a gifting perspective. We now have a range of Kiddimoto products that can suit all types of budgets, with the addition of our pocket money accessories.”

Top 5 items in Outdoor & Sports Toys by value in sterling ● Smart Trike 4 in 1 Trike Asst Mookie Toys ● Nerf N Strike Elite Modulus Blaster - Hasbro ● Lt Cozy Coupe 30th Anniversary - MGA Entertainment ● Razor E100 Electric Scooter As - Re:creation ● Nerf N Strike Elite Strongarm Blaster - Hasbro Outdoor and Sports Toys category up 4% in £value

MARCH 2016

Kes-Vir Incontinence Swimwear • The swimsuit has waterproof swim pants made from breathable PU coated polyester.

• Chlorine resistant and UVF 50+.

• The leg cuffs and waistband are adjustable with a pull of the elastic tape.

• Available in 6 sizes from age 3 to 14.

• Machine washable and quick drying.

Our range of swimwear includes: Boy’s Swim Trunks; Boy’s and Men’s Swim Wrap shorts; Girl’s Waterfall swimsuit; Men’s Swim shorts and Ladies sash swimsuit.

For more details: contact Daksha on 01189560295 or enquiries@kesvir.co.uk Visit our website: www.kesvir.co.uk’

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FEATURE OUTDOOR

Fly away Reach for the stars

PETERKIN UK LTD 0116 254 3645 www.peterkin.co.uk

AUTEL ROBOTICS +86-755-86722460 www.autelrobotics.com Autel Robotics X-Star is a sophisticated yet amazingly easyto-fly quadcopter that is designed for superb aerial imagery.

The 4K camera, integrated with a three-axis stabilized gimbal, can record crystal clear Ultra HD videos or take 12 MP photos. Powered with intelligent flight control and auto-pilot functions, flying will be fun and worry-free. The quadcopter is positioned precisely through dual satellite navigation systems in combination with Starpoint indoor positioning system, keeping your flight safe and sound. Born to explore, the X-Star lets you embark on new journeys like you’ve never imagined.

Autel Robotics is based in Shenzhen, China and also has established offices in the United States and Germany, to bring together a diversified team of brilliant minds with the same passion: the passion to enrich our lives through innovation.

At Autel Robotics, they explore the world of science and technology with a goal to find simple, reliable and creative solutions for people around the globe.

After successfully acquiring and integrating Brookite into the range in 2015, Peterkin’s product development team have been busy and are now ready to move into 2016 with a new, updated look for the brand and with some great new product introductions.

The new branding is a subtle, but significant move that incorporates a new logo, updated packaging, with clearer guidance on age suitability and suggested flying conditions, plus improved product specification, to maximise the satisfaction of the kite flying experience.

The Brookite range is also being significantly enhanced by the introduction of licensed kites. This exciting new development means that the likes of PAW Patrol, Blaze, SpongeBob SquarePants and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, to name just four, will be flying high above the skies of the UK and Ireland in 2016 and beyond.

As well as the licensed introductions, there are some great new Stunt kites, which will complement the existing best sellers, such as the Harrier and Hunter Stunt kites and the Shark, Skybird, Skyray and Spooky Bat fun kites.

The Harrier and Hunter are both dual line Stunt kites that fly through the air at awesome speeds and are extremely reactive – the perfect combination for adrenalin seeking kite flyers!

For those who prefer things to be a little more sedate, Shark, Skyray and Spooky Bat are all single line kites with great designs – easy to fly, so perfect for all the family!

The Brookite range covers everything from zip up pocket kites, to quad line power kites and is the “one stop shop” for all kite requirements.

Forever blowing bubbles FUNRISE 01908 555640 www.funrise.com Outdoor activities from Funrise come in different shapes and sizes, from bubble gadgets and machines to super strong steel trucks for Tonka tough kids.

The Gazillion Bubble Flash Gun is the perfect handheld blaster and shoots out a Gazillion bubbles plus light flashes for an amazing display at the pull of a trigger.

Added to this is the Handheld Hurricane that produces a barrage of bubbles in seconds.

Kids can get ready for continuous bubble action with the Bump-n-Go Bubble Bot that moves across the floor on its tracked wheels and will crank out hundreds of bubbles along the way. Fill the tray with Gazillion green solution and watch the bot go into a bubble frenzy! The Gazillion Tornado and Monsoon add to the bubble machine collection and are ideal for outdoor parties! This year Gazillion will benefit from TV advertising and a full marketing plan of digital and kids press, ensuring brand awareness is at its height as the warmer months approach.

Taking Tonka to a new level is the plan for the Funrise team with a choice of tough vehicle options for kids to choose from.

Tonka Steel is the perfect way for kids to enter a whole world of construction play. These rough and ready vehicles are made from real steel and include a variety of cranes and trucks to choose from.

The Tonka Steel Dump Truck features a vibrant yellow tipper for holding mud, rubble or other toys plus chunky tyres so going off road won’t be a problem. To help move any troublesome dirt the Tonka Bulldozer looks just like the real thing and has a plough at the front and real working tracks to help with movability.

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Number 1 for Outdoor Play TRAMPOLINES | SWING SETS | CLIMBING FRAMES SAND & WATER PLAY | OUTDOOR TOYS | ROLE PLAY sales@plumproducts.com | 0344 880 5301 plumplay.com

FEATURE OUTDOOR

Think green LITTLE TIKES 0845 0533 333 www.littletikes.co.uk Little Tikes is excited to be starting 2016 in an extremely strong position, after a year which saw them continue to perform well in garden play and sell-out across a number of key products.

Playhouses remain a core area, and this year sees Little Tikes continue to drive this category forward with the launch of the brand new and unique Go Green Play House.

This modern playhouse is filled with earth-friendly features and activities for children from two years – designed for the ultimate in eco-fun – while aiming to teach children about the environment and the importance of thinking green for the future.

Little Tikes

continue to dominate the ride-on category with Trikes and the launch of the 5-in-1 Deluxe Ride and Relax Trike.

This has all the fantastic features of the 4-in-1 trike with innovative extras including a three-position reclining seatback, height adjustable canopy and perfect fit technology which means the soft and stylish seat is movable with the flip of a switch.

Adding to the active outdoor play portfolio, the new Spinning Seas Water Table gets little ones to find their sea legs by making waves with the interactive ferris wheel, launch balls into the central tower and use the water mover to keep things afloat.

This enhances the existing and award-winning water play toys including the Anchor’s Away Pirate Ship and Fish ‘n Splash Water Table and the award-winning sand pits including the hero Turtle Sandbox.

Bringing innovation to the bestselling My First Slide range is a new Wet & Dry First Slide feature which includes a 10-foot vinyl slip mat and hose attachment to turn your backyard in to a water park.

The licensed outdoor ranges from Better Sourcing and Imperial Toys are growing in 2016 with inflatable ball pits, sports balls and in-line skates. Imperials bubble blowing range, featuring the push along Cozy Coupe Go Bubbles complements the hero Cozy Coupe range – including Dino and Lady Bird - which has scooped a total of four industry awards in the past year, including Best Outdoor Toy at Toy Fair’s Best New Toy Awards.

With over 10 variations to choose from, the biggest selling car in the UK remains iconic in the garden (and home) as ever with onein-four kids now driving a Cozy Coupe.

Hit the road in style MV SPORTS 0121 748 8000 www.mvsports.co.uk MV Sports outdoor range is set to reach new heights; fortified with the addition of eight must-have licenses, plus refreshment to another seven properties and two completely new brand launches. The two flagship pre-school brands Thomas & Friends and Peppa Pig have had a makeover for 2016. Each range has a selection of bikes, trikes, scooters, ride-ons and helmets for a brand new generation of fans.

Joining this dependable duo in the pre-school arena is are returning classics; Bob the Builder, Noddy and Teletubbies. Spearheading the new Teletubbies range is the brand new Po scooter and Po helmet based on the one used by Po in the show.

MV also has two new essential additions to an already formidable pre-school line up.

The first is an all-new range of bikes and ride-ons based

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on the fastest growing pre-school property of 2015; Paw Patrol.

The second is a wheeled toy and inflatables range based on this summer’s sensational Disney Pixar movie Finding Dory.

Shopkins is already a massive girls’ toy phenomenon, and early sales reads indicate that MV’s range of wheeled toys is flying of the shelves. Later in the year MV Sports will be launching a range of Trolls wheeled toys in anticipation of the exciting new DreamWorks movie in October.

For older boys, sales for the unstoppable trio of Star Wars, Batman and Avengers will explode due to three exciting blockbuster film releases this year. The highly anticipated Batman v Superman movie is just around the corner and a new range of bikes, skateboard, helmets and scooter will be flying onto shelves.

MV also has two new own brand ranges. The Electrick and Twista ranges are both very diverse and between them encompass powered urban vehicles and trendy tripod scooters.

With summer fast approaching MV’s own outdoor play brands, Hedstrom and Kickmaster have attracted great interest especially with Hedstrom’s fantastic new display packaging and Kickmaster’s expansive Euro-ready range of training sets, goals, target shots and backpack goal sets.

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Po d inspired y safety t helmet

3D Po Helmet

+Q Î P

Realistic Po Scooter as on TV!

Po’s P ’ Scooter Scooter with sounds

TELETUBBIES and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of DHX Worldwide Limited. © 2016 DHX Worldwide Limited. All Rights Reserved.

Time for tubby sales!

www.mvsports.com

0121 748 8000

FEATURE OUTDOOR

It’s a jungle out there CHICCO 020 8953 6627 www.chicco.co.uk Chicco’s Fit ‘n Fun combines motor development and new skills with social play allowing children to not only improve balance and coordination, but also enhance their self-esteem and self-confidence too. New to the Fit ‘n Fun range is the Jungle Rugby: a 3-in-1 toy which encourages motor and socialising skills through three different play modes. The rugby match format, training mode session and stacker toy function work together to create a fun filled toy that any budding rugby fans will love.

Home sweet home SIMBA SMOBY 01274 765 030 www.simbasmoby.com Smoby’s 2016 range sees new products being launched, all available through Simba Smoby’s market leading dropship home delivery system. Smoby’s new Gardening Table creates the perfect environment for green-fingered little ones to cultivate their own perfect garden. Featuring a planting bed, climbing wall and numerous pots and tools this is a fantastic centre for budding horticulturalists. Well known for its high quality French-made garden playhouses and slides, Smoby adds an entry level to both collections with the Pretty House and XS Slide this year. The Pretty House is a stylish playhouse that is comfortably big enough for three to four kids, features front and back doors, sliding window shutters and is made from durable UV resistant plastic. The new XS Slide is 90cm long and features non-slip steps and UV resistant plastic as well as Smoby’s unique water slide feature.

The popular Smoby trike range is expanded with the new Baby Balade that can be used as a safe and robust push-along for younger infants or a pedal trike for older kids.

Featuring detectable push handle with storage pouch, footrests, safety harness and sun canopy, the Baby Balade is available in both blue and pink versions.

Also new for 2016 is a great range of retro licensed farm rideons. These great tractors and farm vehicles replicate classic designs from Fendt and Porsche and have a fantastic agrarian appeal for kids of all ages.

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Jump for joy PLUM PRODUCTS 0344 880 5301 www.plumplay.co.uk Plum’s innovation in outdoor toys continues into spring/summer 2016 as the brand strengthens its core outdoor categories with a range of new product launches.

Plum has reengineered the traditional trampoline to launch the latest addition to its strongest category.

The Latitude Trampoline has curved enclosure uprights, a contemporary monochrome colour scheme and a unique, easy-to-assemble construction. With its thickest grade steel, longest springs, Springsafe enclosure and zipless entry door, the Latitude Trampoline is designed for safety, style and performance.

Plum’s popular Toddlers Tower Climbing Frame has been revamped for 2016. The Toddlers Tower is specifically designed for pre-schoolers, with lower climbing platforms, curved edges and handgrips.

The updated tower has a revamped baby swing seat with soft polyhemp ropes and an adjustable lap belt, as well as updated accessories including a postbox, ringing bell and beeping steering wheel.

Also new for 2016 is the Plum Wooden Growing Swing. The innovative swing can be extended from baby height to a full height frame and back again, simply by adding or removing the leg extensions.

Plum’s Growing Swing includes a 3-in-1, animal themed swing seat that can be adapted from baby stage to toddler and child stage as children’s confidence grows.

Plum’s Metal Climbing Dome is an exciting addition to its existing range of metal play equipment. The feature-packed dome has a climbing rope, rungs and play platform and is compatible with a number of upsell options, including fabric packs and slide.

As part of its recent marketing and brand development, Plum has ambitiously been updating all of its content for 2016 and can now offer retailers updated, higher quality cut-out photography, stunning lifestyle photography and new product video.

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#1 Toy Property in the UK*

Our NEW outdoor range for Spring 2016!

Water tables full of creative fun for a splashing good time!

Constant air inflation.

Get ready to bounce and play!

Slide â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;n glide for the ultimate summer time fun!

Imaginations In Motionâ&#x201E;˘ Call us: 0845 053 333 www.littletikes.co.uk

Email us: UKlittle.tikes@mgae.com MGA Entertainment UK Ltd, 50 Presley Way, Crownhill, Milton Keynes, MK8 0ES

*NPD UK June 2015

FEATURE OUTDOOR

Family fun JOHN ADAMS 01480 414361 www.johnadams.co.uk John Adams Leisure Ltd continues to expand its INTEX outdoor toys range. Brand new for 2016, the Rainbow Ring Play Centre is perfect for outdoor family fun. The brightly coloured centre features a water slide, wading pool and water sprayer. The Rainbow Ring Play Centre also includes three fun games to play; a ring toss game, a ball roller game and a ball game complete with six Fun Ballz.

Dinosaur fans will love the Dinoland Play Centre.

This Jurassic-themed Activity Centre boasts a moveable dino arch sprayer which easily connects to the garden hose, as well as fun dino hoops and a volcanic ball roller game.

Perfect for exhilarating pool play, the Water Gun Plane Ride-Ons feature a propeller style plane design and include a toy water gun for squirting. The Puppy Dog Ride On is also joining the INTEX ride on portfolio for 2016. Featuring heavy-duty handles for additional durability, this perfect puppy pool accessory is ideal for children aged three years and over.

A new twist on an old classic, the INTEX beach balls have had a makeover for 2016. The refreshed 24” Aquarium Beach Balls feature cool, characters that inflate inside the ball and the updated 42” Jumbo Balls are bigger than ever.

Bash ‘em, whack ‘em and watch them come back for more! The large, durable and interactive weighted 3D Bop Bags are great for kids. The airfilled punch bags are made from hard-wearing vinyl, feature a water-filled base for safe play and come in a range of bright and colourful designs.

Sky high adventure GREAT GIZMOS 01293543221 www.ggtrade.co.uk Great Gizmos offer a fantastic range of outdoor toys, including sky high rockets, pedal cars, ride ons for little ones and more. Blasting onto the scene is Geospace, a sky high collection of jump rockets that lets kids have fun indoors and out.

The patented thrust booster included in all rockets allows kids to shoot foam rockets up to 300 feet into the air. New for 2016 is exciting new rocket Bungee Blast. Load the foam rocket into the end of the blaster and be amazed as the elastic bungee cord inside turbo boosts the power for a super impressive rocket launch. It is available in Original, flying up to 150 feet and Mini, launching up to 75 feet. The Geospace Air Thruster is an aerodynamic rocket plane that will fly 50ft into the sky or for fast paced action on-the-go, the Pump Rocket Micro Wrist Shotz will make even James Bond envious of this convenient and inconspicuous device that attaches to children’s wrists and fires three mini rockets using a hand pump. Ideal for the girls aged three to five is the Classic Pedal Car in powder pink. This authentic looking vintage car is hand built in strong steel and very sturdy. The collection has been expanded further with the addition of the Ride On Aeroplane, Ride On Rocket and Ride On Retro Racers in green and red.

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Hop up, let’s limbo!

WORLDS APART 0845 602 2119 www.worldsapart.com Jump up. Get Down. Beat the Sweeper. Brand new for 2016, Worlds Apart has launched its latest game – LimboHop. The active game that gets kids moving, Limbo Hop is the newest addition to Worlds Apart’s KidActive range of games, aimed at encouraging children to be active and healthy.

From jumping and bending to ducking and diving, LimboHop will have kids working up a sweat and getting competitive as they challenge friends and family. A fun family game for children aged six and over and adults, LimboHop challenges you to limbo under or hop over the sweeper, flicking the score tabs as you go. The individual or team with the most score tabs at the end wins.

Ideal for playing indoors or outdoors, LimboHop also features three player modes for single, double or multi player fun for the most versatile game play.

Plus, it offers out-of-the-box play with no batteries required, and packs away for simple storage.

LimboHop launched in the UK earlier this year, with TV advertising from March-October, along with a digital marketing campaign to run throughout the year.

Fly like a real hero CHARACTER OPTIONS 0161 633 9800 www.character-online.com As spring is sprung, great super heroes will take to the great outdoors thanks to Character Options’ Flying Heroes.

Flying Heroes are the airborne hover figures with a proven play pattern that feature some of the most popular characters from DC Comics and Marvel. Available as Spiderman, Superman, Batman and Iron Man and new for spring, Batman v Superman versions released ahead of the new movie in March.

To see them fly like all you have to do is grip it, rip it, and launch the hero into the skies ready to save the world.

With all that power comes great responsibility and lots of practice too, but kids will soon master the technique. The harder they pull the cord of the hand launcher the faster the hero will spin, the higher he will fly and longer he will hover, reaching heights of over 3.5 meters.

Flying Heroes are available now and supported with TV advertising.

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Put a pl-ug in it

On yer bike

HIPPYCHICK

FISHER OUTDOOR

01278 434 440 www.hippychick.com

01727798340 www.fisheroutdoor.co.uk

Is it a dragon’s lair, fortress or a fairy hide out? All kids love a den – a secret space where they can let their imagination fly. Dens are great when they stay up but when they don’t the technical issue is obvious – the weight of the blankets is too great for the clothes pegs and string. There is a better way to build and Hippychick have found it – Pl-ug den building kits.

This brilliant den building system is made up of lightweight tubes and a selection of connector discs, rods, suction cups, clamps, pegs and hooks. These can simply and securely attach to anything either indoors or out such as tables, gates, walls and trees.

There are three kits to choose from: The Den Kit which includes the key Pl-ug components and is an ideal price point for birthday gifts, The Canopy Den Kit with yet more of the Pl-ug building essentials as well as ground pegs and a starry blue canopy that’s shower proof to protect from typical British summer weather, and The Ultimate Den Kit. The ultimate kit is for the serious builders out there, and comes with all the bits and bobs from the smaller kits with the addition of rods and bases for a completely freestanding structure.

Distributed by Fisher Outdoor, Early Rider is a British family business. From first walkers to first pedallers, they design products to get children cycling.

The Spherovelo is a unique push along ride on for 10-24 month olds. Meanwhile, The Bonsai is a wooden bike with all the performance benefits of an aluminum frame. It features a sealed bearing wheelset and aluminum steerer and headtube.

Meanwhile, not many balance bikes could carry off drop bars but with its diamond frame the Road Runner 14 does brilliantly. The lower center of gravity is a great confidence boost while the inclined position helps the rider too, allowing them to more freely push off and drive the balance bike.

MARCH 2015

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FEATURE OUTDOOR

Explore the world around you INTERPLAY 01628 488 944 www.interplayuk.com Interplay’s Lilypad Gardens, a Grow & Play themed playset has been awarded a Best New Toy Award 2016 in Creative Category by the BTHA. Lilypad Gardens is part of the new My Fairy Garden range.

My Fairy Garden includes five products that are all designed to encourage children to learn more about nature. The other products in the range are Fairy Flowerpot, Secret Fairy Door and Woodland Fairy Door. All these play sets include interchangeable and collectable pieces such as fairies, animal friends, fairy houses and accessories, and are delightful playsets full of magic and imagination.

My Fairy Garden brand promotes a positive and healthy lifestyle of getting outdoors and respecting our environment.

All of the playsets include interaction with nature; either by creating a garden or by learning about seasons and life cycles in nature.

Interplay’s evergreen My Living World is also a firm

All going swimmingly INCY WINCY 01189 560295 www.kesvir.co.uk In 2010 Kes-Vir Swimwear was born.

Kes-Vir Incontinence Swimwear was designed to provide fashionable as well as functional swimwear, providing adjustability, especially around the girth of the upper leg and around the waist, where snug fitting is crucial – to prevent leakage. It is also perfect for children who are not yet potty trained, but love swimming and splashing about in the pool.

In May 2012, Kes-Vir Boy Wrap Swim Shorts received second prize and Kes-Vir Girl’s Halterneck Swimsuit received third prize for the Look Good Feel Good Award, at the ACA and Promocon Conference in Brighton. It is promoted in the disability sector too and is very popular.

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favourite among nature and outdoor lovers. Packed full of supplies and equipment, plus highly informative guides written by TV nature specialist and wildlife authority, Nick Baker, these kits show children how best to investigate this secret miniature world just like the experts.

Following its hugely successful re-launch in 2013, Interplay has continued to add to the range; the latest addition is Instant Flower Press, which is the gold winner of the Creative Play Award 2015. With this kit, children can learn how to press beautiful flowers in seconds, rather than waiting the months required with traditional flower presses.

Bump that belly EDUK8 01434 672 336 www.eduk8worldwide. com Eduk8 Worldwide’s very popular Belly Bump Balls, featured on BBC Breakfast and loved by everyone, are fantastic fun.

These durable inflatable balls are a great way to encourage children to be more active.

Kids have a blast with these robust play balls that get them moving and laughing, bumping and bouncing off each other.

Available in two sizes, the junior ball measures 54cm and is suitable for children from age three to eight years. The larger ball measures 92cm and is suitable from ages six to 106. Sold in packs of two because one just isn’t enough.

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FEATURE OUTDOOR

Have you got the skills?

VIVID 01483 449 944 www.vividtoysandgames.co.uk

Practice like a pro with the all new Harry Kane football inspired toy range. The Skills Ball is designed to help budding footballers to develop touch, control and co-ordination skills essential for fast moving footwork. The Volley Blaster is a boot-shaped hand held device with a deployable ball to practice keepy-uppies. Once you’ve mastered the skill, try going freestyle by removing the detachable cord.

Launching later in the year is the Goal Blaster which is an interactive door-mounted goal allowing you to bring the penalty area to life in your own home. The Goal Blaster includes goal line technology and with over 15 sounds hears the crowd cheer as you score a sublime goal. All new for AW ‘16 is the Paper Plane Shooter. This motorised launcher lets you fire paper planes effortlessly and can be played both outdoor and indoors. With rapid fire mode you can launch up to five planes in quick succession and watch them soar up to 30 metres. Also included are 10 plane templates with easy to fold instructions. Meanwhile, Phlat Ball sees the introduction of the new V3 fusion colours and also available is the Jr. Neon. Wubble Bubble Ball is a super squishy ball that can be caught, wacked and even punched! Available with a pump and without pump. All Vivid outdoor brands will be supported with TV advertising.

To the land DKL 01604 678780 www.dkl.co.uk DKL exclusively distribute Miniland Outdoor Toys and Scratch Traditional Toys. New for 2016 from Miniland is the Giantte Moogy. The Giantte outdoor toy offers great value with three different features included in one product. The stacking cups double up as sand moulds, while the shape sorting blocks feature vents for water play. Also from Miniland is the new and improved Minimobil plastic vehicles. Redesigned for 2016, the bright and colourful CDU holds 15 assorted vehicles. The large Super Tractor from Miniland has also been updated for 2016 with vibrant new colours. Measuring 62 x 33 x 32cm, the Super Tractor is a large and sturdy vehicle which will enhance any outdoor toy offering. From the Scratch range of traditional toys is a fantastic range of outdoor kites. The fun kites are available in a Dragon, Mosquito, Shark or Owl theme and can be purchased in a 24-piece display.

DKL support Scratch and Miniland with high profile marketing campaigns which include dedicated planograms, bespoke visual merchandising and extensive social media and PR activity.

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Rip it up RE:CREATION LTD 01189 736 222 www.recreationltd.co.uk Razor is set to build on its category topping performance with the introduction of its new Power Core hub motor technology which will be applied to a new range of electric scooters, Ripstik Electric, as well as a new member of the Crazy Cart family – the Crazy Cart Shift.

Crazy Cart Shift will see riders use the steering wheel and variable speed accelerator pedal to achieve the trademark drifting action that fans have come to love and expect from Crazy Cart ride-ons.

Again powered by Razor’s new Power Core hub motor, the Razor Power Core E90 and Power Core E100 electric scooters offer doubled riding time and higher torque packaged in a lighter-weight, on trend design.

Due for a late spring launch, RipSurf is a new creation from Ali Kermani - the inventor of the Crazy Cart.

Set to revolutionise two-wheel transport, this unique ride-on employs caster-board technology to deliver a ride that promises the closest experience to real surfing but on land.

RipStik Electric drew much attention at Toy Fair. This lightweight ride features a Power Core hub motor and is powered by lithium battery. Speed is controlled with a handheld joystick-style controller and riders control direction using their body movement. Razor adds a spin to the heel wheels trend with Jetts. These onesize-fits-all, easy clip-on heel wheels are complete with spark cartridges so that wearers can create sparking action as they go.

Razor’s S Sport scooters have led the category as number one branded kick scooter in 2015 and this year the S Sport Spark is set to blaze a trail in the category too.

Razor will expand upon its Razor Junior portfolio in 2016 with the introduction of four new junior scooters. Incorporating Razor’s new tilt-toturn technology for easy riding and turning, the new T3 range of threewheeled scooters offers the opportunity to actually see the technology in action with its fun ‘window bubble’.

Following in the footsteps of 2015 light-up launch, Party Pop, pre-schoolers can now get their share of the pavement party action with Lil’ Pop and Lil’ Tek. Both feature funky light-up decks for tots who love to stand out.

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jack

Bells

u-hoots Bags Also available in...

skullz & dotty

The must-have range of 2016 accessorise and ride with style! nikki@kiddimoto.co.uk  +44 (0)1749 871175 Check out our new website www.kiddimoto.co.uk

FEATURE OUTDOOR

Max out the fun KIDDIMOTO 01749 871 175 www.kiddimoto.co.uk Kiddimoto is making a big noise for spring 2016. It’s time to hop on your bike and turn heads as you ride by.

Enjoy the great outdoors with the ever popular Super Junior Max from Kiddimoto, with an eye-catching makeover ready for spring 2016, it is now available in three new designs based on best-selling styles: Skullz, Dotty and Union Jack. The perfect lightweight metal balance bike Super Junior Max has an adjustable comfort seat and pneumatic tyres for a smooth ride.

Kiddimoto balance bikes allow children to develop crucial balance skills and steer at their own pace. Children who have had the privilege of learning on a balance bike will not need stabilisers when they progress to a pedal bike. Add a honk or a ring with the new Kiddimoto bells in small or large and horns in a choice of designs.

Every little rider is certain to stand out from the crowd with Kiddimoto in 2016.

Garden glory BIGJIGS TOYS 01302 240500 trade.bigjigstoys.co.uk

Bringing the fun back

Bigjigs Toys has a vast range of tough traditional outdoor toys designed for fun, active play sessions.

Youngsters can develop balance and climbing skills using good value sturdy rope ladders, flat or cradle swings or a popular wooden ride on balance bike.

Bigjigs also has entertaining wooden garden games.

Children can gain coordination skills with the brightly coloured croquet sets, tee off with the crazy golf set and achieve top scores with classic quoits. Pick up the pace and have a kick-about with the playballs or skip to the beat with the skipping ropes. Even when its raining outside, these toys are all suitable for use indoors too.

Bigjigs also has a range of gardening and adventure toys: a firm favourite are the bug boxes used for examination of tiny garden creatures. Use pretty flower press to preserve your favourite blooms. Or if getting closer to nature is proving difficult in an overgrown jungle of a garden, get the children involved in the big tidy up after the long winter by using the wheelbarrows, watering cans and various tools which make up the 38 piece range of gardening toys.

BLADEZ TOYZ 0239 2658 259 www.bladeztoyz.co.uk Bladez Toyz are widely known for their innovation and design, after building up the company from a small radio control helicopter business within the UK, to a now established company with distribution across the globe.

For the last few months, Bladez have been working on bringing the fun back into the world of drones. From gadget to high-spec quadcopters, Bladez have got you covered.

Introducing the new Cage Walker Drone, the ultimate indestructible quad capable of driving on the floor, up walls, and flying at the touch of a button!

Surrounded by a cage-styled suspension, the Cagewalker is a great indoor drone; the surround softly pushes the drone away from impact, making the drone bounce away from danger! Self-righting technology turns the drone back to an upright position, creating a longer lasting experience for the user.

This model will be available to order this summer.

Bladez are also introducing their very first FPV (first person view) drone, as well as the Bladez Vision; a competitively priced, video-capable drone, suitable for both teens and adults.

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HAVE A BLAST OUTDOORS! Visit - www.ggtrade.co.uk

01293 543221

Designed for children

by Nature Experts

W

Stay Ahead of the Field with My Living World!

O R LD

‘Ch ‘Championed Cha

by TV Nick Baker’ naturalist, Nic

Fascinating outdoor activities for kids with inquisitive minds!

tel: 01628 488944 NEW FOR

email: sales@interplayuk.com

2016 Livin ng My Living World FSDU FSD

...toys & gifts designed to inspire

www.interplayuk.com

FEATURE OUTDOOR

In full Flyte HY-PRO 01582 670 100 www.hy-pro.co.uk This is an exciting year for Hy-Pro as they expand their Flyte brand. The Flyte case scooter launched in 2015 with the original Midi Flyte, which combines the fun of a rock ‘n’ roll scooter with the functionality of both a compact piece of luggage and a pull-along trolley case. Designed for little adventurers aged four to eight, the Midi Flyte currently comes in five colourful designs and underneath each one is a PU foam case which has a might capacity of 25 litres. This spring will see the launch of the Mini Flyte, which follows the same successful format as the Midi whilst being ideal for tiny travellers aged two to four, with its smaller frame and 20 litre case capacity. It will launch with a whole new range of fun designs, such as Sid the Cyclops, and features a soft EVA foam case.

Not only will the younger kids be getting a range of Flytes, but the brand has plans for the teen travellers too! The Maxi model will be arriving later this year and will be a bigger, more grown up version so kids can keep scooting around the world well into their teens!

If that wasn’t enough, Flyte will be expanding on their standard case style and branching out into backpacks.

Sweet ride FAMOSA 07961 542363 www.famosa.es Feber has the ultimate car for kids! Cruise around in style in the super cool one seater Range Rover Sport which is powered by a six volt motor.

Complete with foot accelerator, electric brake and with a top speed of 5 km/h any child will love the ride! Forward and reverse gears also add to the driving experience. This cool car can also be controlled by mobile or tablet operating system using the suppported iOS or Android apps.

With realistic alloy wheels, wing mirrors and play seatbelts and the ever so popular red ‘sport’ bodykit, the Range Rover is a must have for any mini footballers or fashionistas.

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Need for speed H. GROSSMAN LTD 0141 6132 525 www.ozbozz.co.uk The Ozbozz brand is renowned for great outdoor products and this year sees a whole selection of new offerings including the Speedy folding scooters (with speedometer) in new colours. This great product won the Best Outdoor Toy Award in the Best New Toys section at London Toy Fair and was very well received. The Speedy is designed for those who want to know how fast they can go. In a variety of colourways the stand-out feature is the easy to read speedometer. Also new is the Galaxy Burst Scooter which has three fantastic light up functions to light up the deck and the sides or both. The new Defender scooter has a real solid feel with an amazing array of lights on the deck which stay on as long as you scoot.

There are new satchel scooters, complete with a handy bag which clips onto the front of the scooter. There is light up scooters of all types, a new pro scissor scooter and lots of great new styles across pogo sticks, quad boots, satchel skateboards and hog trikes. The best-selling Cosmic Light and Lightning Strike scooters have all been updated with brand new decks.

Torq is the range for expert scooter fans. For older children check out the brand new Mannix Stunt Scooter in a variety of colourways, designed to test those who have a little more expertise. The Pro range of pogo sticks is also around for those with a few tricks under their belt. For the colour conscious there is Elektra, a co-ordinated range across all outdoor items in bright neon colours. In the licensed ranges Minions are still popular across skateboards, helmets and scooters along with new licenses for the Secret Life of Pets from the same production team.

Ghostbusters is another mega movie license for HGL and will be across scooters, skateboards, pogo and other out door items.

Thunderbirds are Pogo with our new pogo stick. The multi-award winning My First Scooter has also been completely re-vamped with a new folding system and colourways. Also for younger children the robust Trail n Twist has a great new base design.

Feel the energy FLAIR 0208 643 0320 www.flairplc.oc.uk From GP Flair’s Energize range, there are two ways to jump and bounce; Zoingo Boingo and the 2-in-1 Jump Dancer. New for spring, the Zoingo Boingo is a variation of the traditional pogo stick. It pivots on a super bounce ball connected to handles with a robust stretchy cord.

The 2-in-1 Jump Dancer is a battery operated automatic jump rope which has two ways to play; hook one end to a door handle and you have a traditional skipping rope, or set it up to spin on the floor, where the aim is to hop over the spinning rope. With the football season in full swing, kids can train to become just like the footballing legend Lionel Messi thanks to Footbubbles. At the heart of this already successful brand are the Footbubbles Socks. Designed to look like Messi’s latest boots, the special fabric allows the wearer to play keepy-uppy with the unique bubble solution supplied.

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FEATURE OUTDOOR

Trailblazing toys TOY STATE 020 8440 5060 www.toystate.com As the seasons change from the winter to spring, outdoor playtime becomes a major focus for families. Toy State, the toy industry leader and innovator in licensed and highly stylised ‘Lights and Sound’ and Radio-Controlled vehicles, is trailblazing a path in this space.

The new Road Rippers Pro Truck is a perfect example of outdoor play at its best. These sturdy kid-powered farm tractors are great for play on any terrain. Complete with a detachable trailer and articulating loader, these trucks pack loads of playtime fun for children ages three and over.

Cat-branded construction machines have been a staple of outdoor play for nearly 15 years at Toy State. The Tough Tracks Construction Crew & Sand Set is equipped with a Cat wheel loader as well as a shovel and sifter. It’s a child’s perfect companion for beach or backyard play!

Want to catch some air? Nikko’s Air Racer drone is your ticket for flight! With a six-axis gyro to ensure incredibly stable flight, this drone accommodates all levels of flyer experience, from the beginner pilot to expert. Through its 2.4GHz technology, the Air Racer can be controlled from a range of over 50 meters.

Toy State brands are on the move! For more than 30 years, the company has been committed to bringing the ‘State of Imagination’ to children around the world. 2016 promises to be another exciting year with the debut of new product ranges featuring major brands, including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Barbie and DC Super Friends.

Mega impressive GOLDEN BEAR 01952 608308 www.goldenbeartoys.com Created for little hands with big imaginations, the My First JCB range from Golden Bear is a colourful, kid tough pre-school construction vehicle range based on real life JCB vehicles. Brand new for 2016, the Stacking Stanley Mega Truck is the largest in the Big Wheeler range at an impressive 44cm long.

The super-sized truck features six wheels and a pivoting chassis, as well as including five different shaped blocks perfect for learning about shapes and numbers. For more outdoor challenges, the Big Wheeler range also includes Joey JCB, Doug Dumptruck and Freddie Fastrack. These great push-along toys enable kids to create their own JCB adventures. Each character vehicle features chunky wheels and their own unique tools, perfect for outdoor or indoor play.

Gosh! That’s good TOBAR 01603 397 105 www.tobar.co.uk Tobar’s outdoor range has something for every customer including the new “Hop for GOSH” Space Hoppers, award-winning Bump N Go Bubble Train, retro toys like pogo sticks and space hoppers and skipping ropes. There’s enough here to bring a huge selection of outdoor fun and games to your collection with a wide variety that caters to almost everybody. Kick your outdoor ranges up a gear with action toys from Tobar.

Some of the best-selling products include: Hop for Gosh Space Hoppers, awardwinning Bump N Go Bubble Train, Bungee Bouncer, Space Hoppers – Giant , Retro , Junior and Rock N Hopper, Bubble Machine, Rainbow Streamer, Bubble Ray Gun, Wooden Skipping Rope, Laser Blasters, Pogo Stick and Flashing Skip Ball.

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Dream. Explore. Fly.™

THE HOBBYZONE®

SPORTSMAN S+ You know the cliché, “the hardest part of learning to fly is landing”. Not anymore. The Sportsman S+ is rewriting the book on RC piloting with SAFE™ Plus technology. Flying the Sportsman S+ feels just like learning with an instructor thanks to enhanced features that give assistance when pilots need it most.

When activated, Autoland will return the Sportsman S+ to its takeoff location and land the aircraft using GPS-enabled spatial recognition. You’ll still be able to influence the Sportsman S+ controls to avoid obstacles and to counter the effects of wind while SAFE plus takes care of the rest.

ENGINEERED WITH

Available in: Ready-To-Fly (HBZ8400UK) Bind-N-Fly (HBZ8480UK) (Transmitter not included) Wingspan: 1390 mm (54.6 inch)

• • • • • • •

AutoLand actively assists with landing with minimal to no pilot input Holding Pattern returns aircraft to a fixed point and flies in a pattern Virtual Fence keeps aircraft within a comfortable flying range and eliminates fly-aways Instant flight recovery with Panic Recovery Mode AS3X™ automatically counters the effect of turbulence Beginner, Intermediate, and Experienced modes make learning to fly easy Compatible with the EFC™-720p HD video camera (EFLA801)

Length:

908 mm (35.8 inch)

Flying Weight:

950g (33.5 oz)

Motor:

480 Brushless

Battery:

3S 1300mAh

Charger:

DC Powered 3S Balancing with AC Adapter

HobbyZone products are available from all good model shops. For details of your nearest dealer look on our website horizonhobby.co.uk, contact us by telephone: 44(0)1279 641097, or by email: sales@horizonhobby.co.uk. ©2015 Horizon Hobby, LLC. HobbyZone, the HobbyZone logo, SAFE, the SAFE logo, AS3X, EFC, Dream. Explore. Fly., Serious Fun and the Horizon Hobby logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Horizon Hobby, LLC. The Spektrum trademark is used with permission of Bachman industries, Inc. Glasair, Sportsman, the Glasair logo and the aircraft body designs are trademarks or registered trademarks of Glasair Aviation USA, LLC and are used with permission by Horizon Hobby, LLC. All other trademarks, service marks and logos are property of their respective owners. 48716

FEATURE OUTDOOR

A pod for all MOOKIE 01525 722 722 www.mookie-toys.co.uk Mookie’s outdoor brand; TP Toys has always be an innovator within the outdoor sector, offering superior quality and safety features through ingenious ideas. This year TP Toys is set to launch the second generation of its award winning 4-in-1 swing seat; QuadPod. The new QuadPod has been completely redesigned making it simpler to use and offering four perfectly dimensioned swing seats in one.

QuadPod is easy to change from stage 1 to stage 4 and is designed for children aged six months to eight years. It uses the new patented SwingSafe system which delivers excellent stability and a completely straight swing motion.

A redesigned tilting T-bar makes it simple to get children in and out of the swing while also keeping them secure when the swing is in motion. The QuadPod will fit all TP swing frames and most other frames.

TP Toys will also continue to offer an extensive range of outdoor toys. The revolutionary Genius Trampolines return in 2016, with patented SurroundSafe and Igloo Door technology. TP’s wood range continues to prove popular, TP’s wood is pressure treated with an environmentally friendly preservative meaning that it requires no additional treatment from customers and will stand the test of time. TP’s metal range has developed for 2016, with a range of new easy to merchandise all in one swing frames and a reinvented Explorer climbing frame which now comes with a play den included.

TP Toys is set to be TV advertised again in 2016, with a new range of adverts focusing on the brands key lines.

Jump for joy SPIN MASTER 01628 535000 www.spinmastertoys.co.uk Air Hogs’ new 360 Hoverblade is the perfect remote controlled toy to take to the skies both indoors and outdoors.

Throw it, spin it, fly it you’ve never seen anything fly like this before!

Throw the 360 Hoverblade and watch it come right back to your hand. Or make it hover in mid-air! Just use the simple control slider to increase power and watch it spin up. The Air Hogs 360 Hoverblade will be TV advertised over Easter.

Batman fans can now hit the streets of Gotham City in the Batman V Superman Official movie replica RC Batmobile. With brushed metal detail and responsive linkage steering, this authentic replica bursts off the screen and breathes life into all of the action-packed scenes from Batman V Superman. Spin Master are also very excited to be launching a range of premium and innovative trampolines as part of a distribution deal with Australian-based Vuly trampolines (www. vulytrampolines.co.uk). The revolutionary, and striking-looking Thunder uses leaf springs as opposed to traditional coil springs. With a range of price points and experiences to suit everybody – Spin Master are ready to bounce into this rapidly growing market, where safety, design and performance are of paramount importance.

Vuly trampolines will be available to buy in the UK from the end of May - just in time for half term and will start off with a core range of trampolines; including the Vuly Lite – the new standard in safety and performance, Vuly2 – the premium choice for safety and performance and the award-winning Vuly Thunder.

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Blast off!

HASBRO 020 8569 1234 www.hasbro.com Hasbro have an exciting line-up of blasters waiting to take the great outdoors by storm.

The Nerf Doomlands Vagabond Blaster takes imagination to the max. The world of Doomlands is set in the post-apocalyptic future of 2169, after a deadly asteroid hits Earth. Survivors must now fend off raiders and monstrous creatures with the Nerf Doomlands Vagabond! Features include pump-action blasting to unleash six darts in a row. Meanwhile, the Nerf Modulus Recon MKII Blaster is a fully customisable 4-in-1 blaster, compatible with the Nerf Modulus, so you can create even more combinations of your Nerf Blaster. The Nerf N-Strike Dual-Strike Blaster delivers the ultimate in blaster performance for Nerf battles. Head into battle with the Dual-Strike blaster from Nerf, and blast the competition with double the impact

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BEAT THE KEEPER AND SCORE THE PERFECT GOAL!

”

GOAL!

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IMPROVES SHOOTING ACCURACY AND BALL CONTROL TV ADVERTISED RANGE OF FOOTBALL INSPIRED TOYS GOAL BLASTER AVAILABLE IN JULY!

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SAVE! AVAILABLE FROM MAY

FEATURE STEM

STEMing ahead

Mum says…

Aoife is mum to Tadhg (5) and Cian (nearly 3), she tells us how she incorporates STEM and educational learning into play with her boys

There has never been a better time for retailers who stock STEM and Back to School products, TnP takes a closer look at the category

T

he key to making the entire educational experience something everyone relishes is making it fun. So fun, that sometimes, kids don’t even realise they are learning. This is where STEM toys and Back to School products step in.

Hot topic “STEM is definitely the hot topic at the moment and we are seeing an increase in sales across the board,” Jo Drage, Director at Thames & Kosmos tells us. “While educational kits have always been in the back of retailers’ minds, I think there is a higher demand from customers now.”

Agreeing, Chris Beardmore, UK Trade Retail Sales Manager with Learning Resources says: “It is becoming an important category with many retailers making the decision to stock STEM lines. STEM is currently a key focus in education as it is recognised there is a growing shortage of students leaving education with qualifications in the STEM field. In turn, there is now a growing demand from parents to find toys and games that support STEM learning at home.”

So this is all good news for the growing category and supporting

retailers to help spread the message is key too. Green Board Games is a leading supplier of educational products and Marketing Manager Karen Nunn says the company works tirelessly to support the retailer, from the POS packs, in-store support offered and promotions to TV, magazine editorial and social media campaigns. “We are very strong in the STEM arena, doing all we can to meet our mixed requirements of retailer needs," Karen says.

Building education Geomagworld’s Graham Farrow says that its construction products “allow children to get a great insight into creative building” and adds that the new Geomag Mechanics range means children can “explore real engineering and technical challenges, generating motion using the power of magnetism.”

“The STEM agenda is being driven by government, teachers and industry, all keen to see young people engage with their technological future. Retailers can play a key and profitable enabling role in this important category,” he tells TnP. Engino is another company which places great value in STEM

“

All our products are carefully designed and researched to ensure children can learn while having fun Julie Wilson, Eduk8

”

“Tadhg has started big school – as he calls it, so we are all about learning in our house.

He loves animals, so Green Board Games’ BrainBox On the Farm is a big hit and his younger brother Cian benefits from it too." products and their Discovering STEM range has outperformed expectations over the past 12 months says UK Sales Manager Fred Halliwell.

“Our Mechanics sets best encapsulate the STEM philosophy.

These sets cover the core subjects.

They all come with robust theory booklets complete with experiments and building instructions to make several models. The amount of play and educational value you get with these sets is unparalleled in the STEM category making these sets a perfect choice for retailers looking to take their first steps into the category.”

Keep it fun A key aspect of any toy, particularly those with an educational influence is that they have to be fun. Eduk8 Worldwide are very aware of this too asMD Julie Wilson explains.

“All our products are carefully designed and researched to ensure children can learn while having fun.

We make the learning process fun by turning it into a game, that children can enjoy whatever their ability level. We design all our products to be colourful and eye catching, and use attractive packaging too.”

Take a look at the following pages to get an insight into STEM. Learning Resources

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FEATURE FEATURE STEM TOYS BATH TOYS

What’s your code?

THAMES AND KOSMOS 0158 0212 000 www.thamesandkosmos.co.uk

Discover STEM EGINO 0333 200 0114 www.engino.com Renowned for their fantastic educational products, Engino showcases their hugely popular Discovering STEM range for 2016. As the name suggests, the Discovering STEM range focuses on the core subjects of the STEM curriculum with particular emphasis on the engineering and technology.

The range starts with the core sets which focus on particular subjects including mechanics, simple machines, Newton’s Laws, structures, architecture and renewable energy. Each set includes an extensive academic booklet unique to the subject which introduces the theory, contains experiments to try out, and detailed instructions to build several models. This range is topped off with the all-encompassing ‘Physics Resource Master Set.’ This includes all eight sets from the Discovering STEM range including the theory booklets meaning huge value for money.

2016 also sees Engino releasing their innovative Robotics ERP Pro line. This stunning product allows children to build and programme their own robots using different multiple methods and instruments.

Thames and Kosmos has one of the hottest STEM ranges right now, topics covered range from simple biology to complex coding and programming with everything else in-between. Want to learn about robotics and animal mechanics at the same time? Check out the Remote Control Machines Animals kit. Want to find out how electronic circuits work? Choose Electronics Learning Circuits.

Interested in coding and gaming? Code Gamer is the one for you.

For anyone who wants to spark an interest early in their children or grandchildren there’s Kids First Robot Engineer - this easy to build construction set offers a fun story and an engaging way to teach basic engineering concepts.

For those that already have a budding scientist wanting to explore further there is plenty to choose from including the 3D Microscope, Physics Workshop and brand new Triops! Part of the Nature Discovery range, children can watch in awe as the prehistoric crustaceans hatch, feed, change their armour and dart through the water.

There’s no missing coding and gaming at T&K, Robotics Smart Machines and Code Gamer both offer a fun way to learn about these important STEM subjects.

Learn by numbers EDUK8 01434 672 336 www.eduk8worldwide.com New and exclusive to Eduk8 Worldwide is their awardwinning range of large outdoor playmat games, which includes the very popular Large 100 Square. Winner of the Toy Fair 2016 Best New Speciality Toy award, children can learn the numbers from one to 100 and roll the dice to move their counter up the board. And the giant outdoor games have little sisters too – mini board games with dice domes are just as much fun, offer all the same features as their larger siblings, at fantastic pocket money prices. Eduk8’s large 90cm Resistance Parachute is a fun outdoor activity which not only encourages children to run, but also can be used to learn about the effects of forces, friction and air resistance. The nylon parachute attaches to a harness around your waist and chest and then expands as you speed up. As the chute expands, it creates drag, forcing you to work harder which, in turn, builds overall strength.

Prepare to NOV8

Feel the power

MGA

MAGFORMERS

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Project Mc2 is a team of four super-smart and seriously cool girls from MGA Entertainment who use their love of science and spy skills to undertake missions for top-secret organisation, NOV8 (that’s innovate!).

Backed by a major entertainment partnership with Netflix the Project Mc2 original series launched back in August 2015 and has been instrumental in building brand awareness.

The four core science-inspired characters, will continue to push a creative alignment with STEM subjects through the use of hands on experiments and creative learning themes.

2016 will welcome the Core Doll Assortment lines along with new Dolls with Experiments and innovative accessories including Project Mc2 Circuit Beats and Project Mc2 CO2 Rocket.

Magformers overriding commitment to producing exceptional and high-quality STEM toys really comes to life in its Deluxe Line and HiTech Line. Here, wonderfullyengineered boxed sets like the Power Gear Set introduce physics in motion. In all there are 60 individual pieces with gears and power blocks included to illustrate the principles of transmission.

For the ultimate building STEM experience, deluxe boxed sets like the Magformers Super Brain Set offers 256 pieces including pulleys, air blocks, wheels, axles, joints and characters.

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BIG MAGNETIC NEWS FROM GEOMAGWORLD! Geomagworld SA, the magnetic toys specialist, is a company where creativity is always at work.

We are launching new products in the Classic lines, Color and Panels and also in the recently introduced Mechanics range. Let yourself be â&#x20AC;&#x153;attractedâ&#x20AC;? by our ve to innovation, iinn nnov ovat atio ion, n quality t and d excitem emen e t. en drive excitement.

GEOMAG TV commercial AIR date March 21st to April 11th

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FEATURE URE FEATURE STEM TOYS OYS BATH TOYS

Supporting education GREEN BOARD GAMES 01494 538646 www.greenboardgames.com

Attractive toys GEOMAG G +41 916 961 740 www.geomagworld.com Geomag’s products allow children to explore how to build new and exciting structures using the power of magnetism. But their sets also encourage children to learn through play.

Children can use the rods and spheres to expore shape, space and colour, learning how geometric shapes fit together into two and three dimensional forms.

All this can be considered as STEM acitivities, where children learn about science, technology, engineering and maths in a fun way that replicates real life situations.

In addition, with the advent of the new Geomag Mechanics range, the sets encourage children to explore the world of engineering, from making a simple compass to more complex challenges that use magnetic forces to drive motion.

Underpinning Geomag’s innovative product is its focus on quality and its ongoing commitment to manufacturing in Europe. And now, with warehousing and distribution based in the UK, they are able to provide excellent support to all their customers. With low minimum order levels, rapid delivery and with creative marketing support, Geomag believe that together, they can make a real impact in 2016.

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The STEM arena is no stranger to the GBG team; having launched Green Board Education three years ago to utilise their expertise in meeting customer and consumer needs, both in the teaching profession at school and for families at home.

STEM oriented games and packs have been produced specifically to tie in with the requirements of National Curriculum for both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

BrainBox Science, Space, Maths and Inventions all utilise the classic BrainBox style 10 second memory game play, provide an enjoyable, pacey way to gain facts, enhance knowledge and spark fascination for subjects that may otherwise have remained dormant. BrainBox game play is loved for its simplicity; whether one player or six, ten minutes or an hour the “play together, learn together” Green Board Games’ philosophy is exercised and maintained.

Further supporting the BrainBox phenomenon are other engaging products such as Brain Links where one can gain a greater more in-depth knowledge of the Solar System, Digestion, Rock Cycle and Chemical Reactions with others.

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by Nature Experts

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FEATURE FEATURE STEM TOYS BATH TOYS

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Skilled play LEARNING RESOURCES 07872 337 302 www.learningresources.co.uk Learning Resources has launched a new range of STEM activity sets suitable for ages five and above. Designed to foster STEM learning at a primary level, each unique set focuses on a different skill set and includes illustrated activity guides and supplementary learning materials.

The STEM Robot Mouse Activity Set provides a unique introduction to concepts of coding, step programming and logic. The set encourages children to apply critical thinking skills as they programme Colby the mouse to navigate around the maze to find the cheese. Complete with 16 board pieces, 25 wall tiles, three tunnels, 22 maze walls and 10 double sided activity cards there are endless possibilities. Colby lights-up, makes sounds, and features two speeds along with colourful buttons to match coding cards for easy programming and sequencing. Add multiple players with Jack, the Programmable Robot Mouse, sold separately. Other activity sets include Force and Motion, Simple Machines, Magnets and Sink or Float.

You’re smart!

StikBots from Brainstorm are not only the UK’s first social sharing toy, the developmental and engaging benefits are endless. Exclusively distributed by the renowned educational specialist, StikBots has already won a Toy Fair Best New Toy Award in the Pocket Money category at London Toy Fair 2016.

StikBots are brightly coloured, easy to pose figurines. Their unique design allows for easy positioning on any flat surface thanks to their suction-cup hands and feet, and they can be posed in countless ways!

StikBots are more than a simple collectable character, however, thanks to the free app for iPhone and Android which enables children of all ages to shoot their very own stop frame animation videos quickly and easily.

Young minds flourish GREAT GIZMOS 01293543221 www.ggtrade.co.uk Great Gizmos have spent a lot of time creating a range of products that promote STEM skills; science, technology, engineering and maths. Young Minds is brand new from 4M for 2016. Safe, simple and easy to use, this range explores the principles of STEM while encouraging learning through play.

Discover simple machines and leverage with Construction Trucks. Mecho Claw Bot encourages children to discover the thrills of motorised mechanics with a realistic moving robot. Kidzlabs Balancing Robot allows kids to explore and experiment with the amazing science behind astonishing balancing acts.

Maths Monkey loves numbers and calculations. Ask a multiplication or addition question and the monkey has the answer. Kids can learn how to make a moving robot using solar panels and a motor with the Green Science Solar Robot. Put all the parts together and teach the robot to do simple tasks. It can be a friend as well as your helper!

DKL

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01604 678 780 www.dkl.co.uk

Green fingers

DKL distribute a fantastic selection of Back to School and STEM products from across Scentco Scented Stationery, SmartLab Science Kits and Miniland Educational.

The bestselling Scentco range is perfect for the Back to School period.

The extensive scented stationery range includes everything from the popular Smencils to Smens, Gel Crayons, Notepads and Pencil Cases! Children will love the vibrantly designed products and their delicious scents. Every scent across the range lasts for an incredible 2 years.

For the STEM category, SmartLab offers a number of exciting and educational products. As children pull apart the Squishy Human Body, Squishy T-Rex and more, they learn key scientific lessons as they go along.

INTERPLAY 01628 488 944 www.interplayuk.com All of Interplay’s products have been designed with the children’s education and development in mind, but three of Interplay’s ranges are ideal STEM products: My Living World, My Fairy Garden and FabLab. Interplay’s evergreen My Living World is packed full of supplies and equipment, plus highly informative guides written by TV nature specialist and wildlife authority, Nick Baker, these kits show children how best to investigate the secret miniature world just like the experts! My Fairy Garden promotes a positive and healthy lifestyle of getting outdoors and respecting the environment. All of the playsets include interaction with nature; either by creating a garden or by learning about seasons and life cycles in nature. Interplay has developed the unique Grow & Play concept in the My Fairy Garden toy range. The products in the range include: Fairy Garden, Lilypad Gardens, Fairy Flowerpot, Secret Fairy Door and Woodland Fairy Door.

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Covering STEM subjects Supporting KS1 and KS2 learning 120 Cards in each pack

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LICENSING

NEWS

Angry Birds spreads their wings Rovio’s Angry Birds Movie which opens in the early summer has an egg-cellent line-up of licensees with product hitting shelves post-haste.

Toy licensees include LEGO, which is releasing a line of six highly anticipated construction sets in April. Spin Master has also developed a range of action figures, vehicles and play sets that will see feathers fly in stores this spring. Other licensees include Hasbro for games and leading party goods designer Amscan. Commonwealth Toy and Novelty is producing plush for the United States, while Spin Master is Rovio’s plush partner for the rest of the world.

The book publishing programme for The Angry Birds Movie has also taken flight with HarperCollins developing an extensive programme in the United States and Centum Books in Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand as well as the United States. IDW are publishing comics globally, while National Geographic is also on board.

Fisher-Price blazes into action Fisher-Price brings Axle City’s greatest hero Blaze and his Monster Machine friends to life with the launch of its exciting new toy range.

Blaze and the Monster Machines roared onto TV screens in March 2015 and has since built a strong pre-school fan base.

“We are delighted to welcome Blaze and the Monster Machines to our Fisher-Price character brands portfolio,” said Wendy Hill, Director of Brand Activation at Mattel UK. “Blaze has a large fan base which is continuing to grow, and with new content launching in spring, we are very excited for the highly anticipated launch of the Fisher-Price toy line.”

Already in demand from consumers, the toy range includes key TV driver Transforming Blaze Jet, plus an extensive collection of vehicles, from the new Slam & Go trucks to Blaze bath toys.

Hasbro is on a Troll

Boj is on the newsstands Featuring the first Boj toy available to fans of the hit CBeebies show, Redan Publishing has launched Boj’s debut standalone Fun To Learn Bag-O-Fun magazine in the UK. The magazine launched on 11 February in Sainsbury’s, Tesco, WHSmith, OneStop as well as independent newsagents in the UK, with an Australia and New Zealand release set to follow in April.

After consistently being voted one of the top characters by readers of Fun To Learn Friends and Fun To Learn Favourites magazines, Boj was a natural choice for Redan’s next single-brand dedicated magazine according to Julie Jones, Joint MD of Redan Publishing.

Show creators Pesky Productions made a special unboxing video to celebrate the launch and have seen a spike in Boj’s social media sites since its release. The #BagOBoj campaign is garnering plenty of approving comments on Facebook and Twitter from parents!

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DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls sings and dances its way into cinemas later this year, and Hasbro has been signed as the master toy partner.

Hasbro will launch a programme including figures, plush, playsets, games and more. Also signed for toys and games are Ravensburger and Clementoni.

Ravensburger will introduce a variety of 2D and 3D puzzles as well as arts and crafts products. PanEuropean licensee Clementoni will celebrate Trolls by launching a wide range of beautiful puzzles of various piece counts, sizes and features, including glitter and velvet touch finishes.

Other global licensees across the categories will support the property with an extensive array of programmes, including Random House Children’s Books for book publishing; Hallmark for greetings cards; Franco Manufacturing Co., Inc. in the home category; Trends International for posters, calendars and stickers; H.I.S. International, a division of The Bentex Group for sportswear; and Procos for partywear.

Additional global licensees for Trolls across all categories will be announced throughout 2016.

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LICENSING

NEWS

Nick and Centum team up Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products has signed a new partnership with Centum Books as a publishing licensee in the UK and Ireland.

The deal will see Centum produce a range of story, colouring and activity books, as well as annuals, for some of Nickelodeon’s top properties, including Dora, Blaze and the Monster Machines, TMNT: Half Shell Heroes, Shimmer and Shine, SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and more.

Marianne James, Vice President, Consumer Products UK and Ireland and European, Retail Sales and Marketing, NVCP, said: “Centum Books have already impressed us with their creative ideas for bringing our properties to the printed page and I am sure that they will prove innovative partners producing books that Nickelodeon fans will love.”

Geoff Reynolds, MD of Centum Books added: “We are delighted to be partnering with the team at Nickelodeon across their extensive portfolio of children’s classic and well-loved characters, as well as exciting new brands including Blaze and the Monster Machinesand Shimmer and Shine.”

The partnership will run until December 2018.

Bursting on to the scene Hasbro has announced plans to relaunch Beyblade - in partnership with Sunlights and D-rights - with an all-new TV series, toy range, and other licensed consumer products.

A new range of Beyblade toys will be distributed in North America by Hasbro later this year, followed by a wider, international release in 2017. Branded as Beyblade Burst, the new toy range will feature a ‘burst’ element as well as folding in digital content and interaction in key markets.

This is the third generation of toys that Hasbro will back, having been the toy licensee in 1999 and 2008.

Under the (toy) sea Fisher-Price has signed a three year master toy renewal deal for Octonauts, Silvergate Media’s undersea pre-school adventure property.

Fisher-Price has been Silvergate’s toy partner for Octonauts since 2011, with the brand established as a leading pre-school toy property in the UK, United States, Europe, Australia, and Korea. A successful toy launch is underway in China, with Russia to follow this autumn.

Fisher-Price plans to launch over 20 new toys in 2016, based around a fantastic Year of Slime play pattern.

“We are thrilled to have renewed our partnership with Fisher-Price demonstrating our commitment to working with world-class partners to develop fantastic toys,” said Waheed Alli, CEO, Silvergate.

Ben 10 is back Recently relaunched by Cartoon Network, Ben 10 is back and he’s heading to Europe in a new deal between global master toy Playmates Toys and Giochi Preziosi Group.

GP has been signed as pan-European marketing and distribution partner for the upcoming new toy range, which is based on the reimagined Ben 10 animated series premiering internationally later this year, and in the US in 2017.

“We have always considered Playmates Toys a member of our extended business family and we are very pleased and proud to have been selected as their Ben 10 partner in Europe,” said Dario Berte, CEO, Giochi Preziosi. “Our past experience with Ben 10, our steadfast faith in Playmates’ ability to reinvent and reimagine the toy line and the chance to further strengthen our ties with Cartoon Network’s talented European team have given us great confidence in the potential of the new Ben 10.”

MARCH 2016

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LICENSING OPINION KELVYN GARDNER

Sporting chance LIMA MD Kelvyn Gardner explains why sport and toys will always s be a top team

I

spent some time last month at SMMEX, the when there’s a prospective 500-piece order at the sports marketing and merchandising show end of it. at Wembley. SMMEX has been around for According to LIMA research, sport is the fourth a number of years but 2016 saw the event largest licensing property sector in the UK stretch to two days. Sport is a significant part of (entertainment being, as ever, number one) with both the toy business and the licensing industry. retail sales value of around $800 million and a 7.5 From the lightweight plastic bats and balls per cent market share. This is a substantial business stocked by every toy shop, to sophisticated multialready, but I can’t help think that it has a long way rights licensed products like to go as sports clubs and governing Topps’ Champions’ League bodies become more sophisticated in Match Attax cards or Panini’s their approach Sport is a Euro Cup sticker collection, to licensing. significant part of both there are products and rights Sports clubs need to be careful galore. the toy business and the about how they handle this What you tend to see at development. licensing industry SMMEX are some of the If you consider that until the late newer ideas. I ran a couple of 1970s, top soccer clubs did not even licensing introduction seminars at the show, and brand their playing strip (unbelievable found inspiration, as I always do, in the number but true), and then take a look at where and diversity of small businesses intrigued the likes of Arsenal or Manchester City enough by the idea of licensing to come are now. along and try to see if they can learn This rubs off something useful and practical about it. on smaller sports As often happens with sports-related too where the merchandise ideas, many exhibitors administrators are have products that can either be switched on. My own licensed to others (often in the particular passion, form of some new technology Rubgy League’s or design) or that would also Warrington Wolves work by buying-in rights to has just gone through add marketing punch to a total re-branding. these new concepts.

This did not just cover This in itself can the club logo, but the bring mind-bending manufacture of newchallenges: I met style season tickets/ with one company passes, new bar and whose original sports entertainment options in clothing concept the ground, even a new had already taken £180,000 sound system large orders from to bring match days to some significant life. Needless to say, the sports brands. official club shop has Some of those been totally revamped brands really too. At the end of SMMEX didn’t want to have the I chaired a discussion manufacturer’s own brand panel with marketing on their order at all, while heads of other smaller sports: netball, athletics, the manufacturer handball and squash. sees this as key to All of them see a future were merchandise, produced his company’s in-house or through licensing, will be vital to them, development. but that establishing the brand vision must come first.

Quite a dilemma Good advice for any licensor.

“

”

LIMA the trade association for the licensing business www.licensing.org/uk email rbeaird@licensing.org

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DON’T MISS… We bring to the fore a selection of the hottest and newest products that will help you sell more.

Buyers and retailers, get in touch with your sales contacts!

Product: Push N Roll Company: Fiesta Crafts Tel: 020 8804 0563 Email: sales@fiestacrafts.co.uk

Product: My Paw Patrol Learning Blazon Company: KD UK Tel: 017 2782 7194 Web: www.kdplanet.com

Product: Tobar Robot Toothbrush Timer Company: Tobar Tel: 016 0339 7105 Email: sales@tobar.co.uk

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Product: Two-In-One Playnest Company: Galt Toys Tel: 016 1428 9111 Web: www.galttoys.com

Product: LEGO DC Super Heroes Company: LEGO Tel: 017 5349 5000 Web: www.lego.co.uk

Product: I-loom Company: Wooky entertainment Tel: 015 1494 3821 Email: oliver.williams@wookyeurope.com

Product: Speedy Scooter by Ozbozz Company: H Grossman Ltd Tel: 014 1613 2525 Web: www.ozbozz.co.uk

Product: Kinetic Sand Build Crash ‘em Cars and Bakery Boutique Assortment Company: Spin Master Tel: 016 2853 5000 Web: www.kineticsand.com

Product: My Little Pony Headphone Hat Company: Worlds Apart Phone: 084 5602 2119 Web: www.worldsapart.com

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LOOKS BACK K

Step back in time A rather personal look back through time beginning with March 1986, 1996, 2006 and 2011 by TnP Founder and MD Malcolm Naish

March 1986 • The Concorde buying group, by an 80 per cent margin decide to pull out of Toymaster. Reading between the lines, the rest of Toymaster are not very disappointed to see them go. Lindsey Clarke their Chairman had this to say “We have always seen Concorde as a leader and innovator and we see ourselves becoming even more dynamic in the future”. Concorde had 50 or so members. A few years later and Lindsey Clarke forms Gemma Greeting Cards.

• The Sunday Opening Bill has been defeated. I comment, “so much for progress!”

• A new bar in New York is catching on big time – The Toy Bar – stressed executives can put on their party hats, blow up balloons and bring along a favourite teddy, and those under extreme pressure, can be served their drinks in a baby’s feeding bottle. Sadly, it never caught on in the UK! • Neville Jennings is the new chairman of Toymaster.

Rather than appoint an outsider, the Board decided that Neville’s experience in all things toy related would more than compensate for any outside big hitter to steer the ship.

• Just to prove that we are in the vanguard of future business opportunities in the toy trade we run a seven-page feature on children’s books sold with tape cassettes!

• Tomy launch their Acorn Green range of plush which they believe represents a radical departure from traditional plush. Conservationist David Bellamy is brought in to help promote the range.

• A young David Allan joins Kiddicraft as their S.E. area sales manager – we won’t ask him what his starting salary was!

MARCH 1996 • Toys setting the pace in 1996 are Toy Story merchandise from Toy Options (Character Group), Corinthian’s football figures, Hasbro’s Action Man and Bandai’s ‘Power Rangers’.

• I enjoy a day out at the newly opened Legoland Park at Windsor. Hard to believe that that was 20 years ago!

• Hamley’s produce good results with operating profit

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up by 17 per cent to £6.4 million. Great news for shareholders with earnings per share up to 19.3 per cent.

• We publish a 28 page Games & Puzzles feature, proving not only how strong this category is, but also how strong Toys ‘n’ Playthings continues to be. Games companies mentioned who are still going strong today include Hasbro, Scrabble, Cheatwell, Orchard, Falcon/ Jumbo, Clemontoni, Ravensburger and, of course, Gibson Games.

MARCH 2006 • 2006 seems very flat at retail. Gary Grant tells us: “NPD is reporting a one per cent increase on the March period for 2005. I’d like to know who got the one per cent as I believe the market is several points down due to three reasons. The weather, Easter is three weeks later than last year plus a very flat industry.” However, Scoubidous and wrist bands at their peak were accounting for up to 20 per cent of Gary’s turnover.

• After several very good years, the BTHA announces that their Fun Day in aid of the Toy Trust has ended its run to be replaced by the Big Kids Cycle Ride and as we all know, what a huge success that has grown to become.

• That well-known toy man Barry Groves announces the creation of a new company – Posh Paws which is still going strong 10 years later, well done Barry and his team.

• Is it really ten years ago that Orchard Toys move from Nottingham to Wymondham, Norfolk? It must be so because we printed this item of news.

• Roger Aldis retires after serving Hasbro for 27 years, very few people today can boast of such loyalty.

Happy retirement Roger.

• With the forthcoming World Cup in June, footballbased toys and games are racking up the publicity.

• Woolworths report pre-tax profits down by 20.4 per cent. Like-for-like sales were also down by 3.9 per cent.

MARCH 2011 • We learn that Tomy have just tabled a bid for RC2. At a mere $640 million, the deal looks good for Tomy, greatly enhancing their global aspirations, particularly in the USA. Not expected to go through for a couple of months, as I’ve said before, “it came to pass”.

March 2011 Volume 30 Number 6

• We were all gutted at Toys ‘n’ Playthings to learn of the untimely death of Jon Sinfield, who along with his partner Chris Patrick were early licensing entrepreneurs with such licences as Garfield, Knightrider and Baywatch.

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