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Below: The successful Bing toy line has been further bolstered by 8th Wonder and MV Sports.
STATE OF THE NATION: PRESCHOOL & NURSERY
Bing’s toy bonanza Acamar Films’ hit preschool show Bing is proving to be just as popular at retail as on screen, with recent NPD data listing it in the top ten fastest growing toy licences from January to June 2020 in the UK. Golden Bear’s initial toy line for autumn/winter 2019 proved to be the company’s fastest selling range in years. This has resulted in Golden Bear doubling the number of lines, while key retailers have doubled their listings going into autumn/winter 2020. New lines will include a Bing Lights and Sounds Train, new mini play-sets, plush, figurines and role-play items. In addition, 8th Wonder’s first range has 11 lines including games, puzzles, shape sorters and pull-along stacking toys. A soft launch with Very and Next proved very positive, while all three lines included in Aldi’s special buy toy event in March sold out. Expanding again for autumn/winter, lines will be available from Amazon, Asda, Argos, Very, Aldi and B&M. MV Sports will launch with three lines in autumn/winter 2020. A Bing Balance Bike, Tri Scooter and 12’ Bike will be available from B&M, Very and Aldi.
Frugi teams with National Trust National Trust has joined forces with ethical and organic children’s clothing company, Frugi, for a new range of outdoor clothing and accessories. Inspired by the National Trust’s ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities and the many woodlands in the charity’s care, the exclusive range includes everything a little explorer needs, according to Frugi – whether they’re building dens, on a welly wander or going on a scavenger hunt. Designs have been inspired by classic woodland creatures and the iconic symbols of the National Trust including the acorn and oak leaf. The organic and recycled clothing and accessories is aimed at children from 0-10. “After such a disruptive year for many children, spending time in nature in their garden or parks has proved how important it is for children to engage in nature and the environment around them,” commented Hugo Adams, ceo of Frugi. “Frugi is proud to support Above: The Frugi designs have the National Trust in been inspired by classic inspiring children to love the woodland creatures and National Trust symbols. great outdoors.
Paddington perfection Rainbow Designs has revealed a new range of preschool toys based on the new TV series, The Adventures of Paddington. The new range – developed by Phat Mojo and distributed in the UK by Rainbow Designs – has been designed to engage a new generation of fans discovering Paddington for the first time thanks to the TV show.
Arriving in October, the range will feature a deluxe Paddington plush, standing at 33cm tall and wearing his famous red hat and Above: Rainbow Designs is aiming to duffle coat with real inspire preschoolers with the new range. toggles, which can be removed for extra play value. The range will also feature collectable 22cm soft toys of Paddington wearing his coat and hat and Paddington in his pyjamas, as well as Paddington figurines with movable arms, in outfits from the series, and a Double Decker Play Bus set. Zara Grindrod, sales director at Rainbow Designs, said: “The new Adventures of Paddington toy range is all about inspiring preschoolers, igniting their imagination and encouraging learning through play by re-enacting Paddington’s adventures, as well as creating their own escapades with Paddington.”
Tonies welcomes Peppa Pig Children’s audio system creator, tonies, has teased several big launches ahead of the festive season, with the first being preschool favourite, Peppa Pig. Launching on October 22, the Peppa Pig Tonie aims to engage children in the world of the characters with over an hour of audio. This includes nine stories – such as Peppa Goes on Holiday and George and the Noisy Baby – with a full cast of voices, music and special effects from the TV series. “We are delighted to announce this latest addition to the Tonie Family, which is sure to excite children and fill their homes with even more audio joy this Christmas,” said Manon Sel, tonies’ UK gm. “The characters of this hit series join our evergrowing line up of both licensed and Tonie-owned figures and bolster our range of audio content.” Over 14 million Tonies and 1.5 million Tonieboxes have been sold across Europe since the launch. The brand also has plans to expand into the US. Above: The Peppa Pig Tonie is the first of several big launches for the company.
LICENSING SOURCE BOOK EUROPE 2020
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