News Jada Toys and Jazwares form partnership for UK and Europe Under the terms of the deal, Jazwares will have master distribution rights for Jada’s entire product offering to mass and specialty retailers. This includes Jada’s licensed diecast and radio controlled vehicles, as well as Metals diecast, a line of highly stylized, licensed diecast figures which come in 15.3cm, 10.2cm and 6.4cm scales. Bill Simons, CMO of Jada Toys, commented: “Jada has experienced growth in the US thanks to our best-in-class licences, collectibles and radio control vehicles. Our goal for 2017 is to continue our growth outside the US, becoming a global entertainment company with worldwide distribution. Partnering with Jazwares provides turn-key distribution of our entire line across Europe, a key step in achieving our international objectives.” New retailers interested in purchasing Jada merchandise through Jazwares can contact Daniel Sugrue, sales director at Jazwares via DSugrue@Jazwares.com
Little Brian appoints Trends UK as distributor The company will distribute the company’s Paint Sticks range in the UK. Lindsay Hardy, marketing director at Trends UK, said: “We’re very excited to be presenting this fun and innovative range, which children are familiar with from their classrooms, at retail. Painting without mess is a fantastic trade and consumer message”. Paint Sticks provide a clean and convenient way to paint with no need for water or mess. The solid paint sticks twist up and down, like a glue stick, and allow can be used on surfaces like canvas, wood, paper, card and even glass, drying within minutes of use. The range includes new Metallic and Day Glow products, along with the Classic Paint Sticks which launched last year. Lara Alcock, sales director at Little Brian, said: “We’re delighted to officially announce that we have appointed such a well-known and high quality distributor as Trends UK and really feel that the team can help us take the brand to the next level. “The contract with Trends ensures that we can further deliver on our objectives. We have some exciting products in the pipeline for 2017, which has started in the best way possible.”
Darrell Jones departs Bandai Darrell left his role as marketing director at the end of March, having joined the company in 1990 and initially working on the Nintendo video games business. When Bandai’s distribution agreement finished, he moved across to the toy division, working with Rosie Bayles as the company was about to launch Power Rangers. “I’ve worked with so many fantastic people during my 26 years at Bandai and have been very fortunate to be involved with some of the greatest brands – Power Rangers, Ben 10, and Tamagotchi to name a few”, commented Darrell. “I would like to thank the Bandai UK team who have become my second family. I am looking
forward to taking some time off to relax and spend time with my family before pursuing new challenges”. Darrell can be contacted at the following email address: darrelljones@gmx.com.
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Toymaster reassures suppliers over ownlabel programme Toymaster sent an email to suppliers confirming that it has no plans to develop an own-label programme. The email references an article in a rival toy magazine, in which The Entertainer CEO Gary Grant is quoted as saying that the retailer is planning to increase shelf space for own label toys and games in 2017, but “that this is not to the detriment of suppliers.” Toymaster managing director Ian Edmunds’ email states: “Unless they are expanding every store, I am not sure how this is physically possible – but I am sure Gary will find a way. Therefore, I thought it best to clarify Toymaster’s position with regards to its own label programme: we do not have one either in-store, in the planning stage or even in our list of the top 100 things to do to ‘Help Our Members Trade More Profitably’”. The email included an invitation to the Toymaster Brand Presentation on 29th March, as Ian went on to say, “We want to sell your brands, and work with you to promote your brands to our consumers. If you can spare the time to attend our presentation, I am sure you will find ways to partner with Toymaster.” The Entertainer’s expansion of its own-label programme over the past year has proved to be a controversial ove with some suppliers, and the email from Toymaster has helped to reassure those companies that Toymaster has no plans to follow a similar path.
MI PR appoints Ruth Leonard as marketing director In the newly created role, Ruth Leonard will be responsible for marketing, new business development and strategic communications. Ruth brings a wealth of industry experience to the role, having spent 15 years in senior management roles across marketing, brand management and public relations. The PR team, led by Julia Swan, director of Public Relations, will continue to support clients across trade, consumer, social and digital media. “Ruth is well known and highly respected in the industry and brings a fantastic skill set to the company,” said Jonathan Rose, managing director. “This new appointment will further strengthen the MI PR Global team and will positively impact our client base directly.” Ruth can be contacted on 07712 395414 / 01494 372130 and email: ruth.leonard@ miprglobal.co.uk.