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Hawkin’s Bazaar announces expansion plans
GP Flair to distribute Rev Racerz in 2017
The company will exclusively distribute Colorific’s Rev Racerz brand, with the first toys launching in the New Year. Rev Racerz opens up the world of micro motorbike racing for kids, as they choose their bikes before reaching scale speeds of 450 kmph with the pushpower motor. Fans can rev by hand or use the Launcher for extra-easy release. Racing, jumping and stunts are all possible, while the motorbikes themselves are highly collectible. The initial launch series will include a variety of bike designs and launcher packs, plus ready to go playsets such as the Launch ‘n’ Loop and Dash ‘n’ Smash Tracks. Nic Aldridge, marketing director at GP Flair, said: “We are delighted to be enhancing our 2017 portfolio with Rev Racerz. We are already previewing the brand to retailers for the coming spring listings, and the response has been extremely positive. Having already achieved great success in Australia, we are looking forward to unleashing the excitement that goes with it to kids in the UK too.”
BrickStix sells out in a week
The first BrickStix shipment into the UK sold out in less than a week. After being a hit at retail in the US, Little Concepts has now brought the product over to the UK. Luke de la Mare, co-founder at Little Concepts, commented: “After previewing the product at Toy Fair, we knew we had a strong product. So many retailers are looking for that complementary add-on sale for Lego and Megabloks. The product is simple in its design with some really strong themes, and the pick-up price point ensures quick turnaround on the shop floor. Our last shipment landed in the UK in late August in time for the back to school season.” Little Concepts will be showcasing BrickStix and the retail display options, including full FSDUs and CDUs, at Autumn Fair on stand 5A65.
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The retailer plans to expand across 50 stores in five years. The chain was among a list of high street retailers that fell into administration in 2011, but the company was later bought by management with private equity backing. It has now made a turnaround by no longer depending on the Christmas peak, and has introduced classic brands such as TY Beanies, Hornby and Star Wars toys. Last year, the company’s turnover was at £14.1m. David Mordecai, head of Hawkin’s Bazaar, commented: “The opportunity is potentially much greater, but we don’t want to open 20 stores in year as that would make it quite unstable”. The company will begin the expansion with 10-12 Christmas pop-up shops, with some potentially becoming permanent.
Rainbow Colours signs deal with QVC
Finalised in July, Rainbow Colours has secured an export contract to the US with the global TV retail giant. The company, which produces colour-coded educational musical instruments, also has a deal lined up with Modern Brands to distribute its products in the Australian market. On top of this, it is set to complete its first order for piano mats for Aldi in Spain. Toy World spoke to Chris Poole, Rainbow Colours’ managing director, to find out more about the company’s increasing overseas presence: “Our deal with QVC resulted in 3,000 units sold in seven minutes, which was amazing, and we have a reorder of 10,000 units for November,” Chris explained. “As for our deal with Modern Brands, one of Australia’s biggest retail distributors, we’re still engaging in talks, but the deal is looking like it will go ahead. “We’ve seen a significant boost in overseas business after securing new orders at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in January,” he continued. “Most of our clients are actually in the US, Switzerland and Belgium. We also have new products launching in November, including a kalimba and a recorder, which we have also secured overseas orders for.” On top of this, the company is also in the process of becoming a Toymaster approved supplier. Products are set to appear in the buying group’s next catalogue, and the company is looking to exhibit at the Toymaster show in Harrogate next May.
The Puppet Company unveils new developments
The Puppet Company has recently launched its newest Sea World collection, as well as the new Hatching Dragon eggs. The company has also unveiled its Dressed Animal collection, in time for the festive season. To support the developments, The Puppet Company has appointed bumpPR to handle all its media relations. The team at bumpPR will be in charge of increasing brand awareness and securing exposure in front of the brand’s key audiences, as well as setting up exciting projects with some of the UK’s leading parenting bloggers. Managing director Peter Lockey commented: “This is such an exciting time to be a part of The Puppet Company. We can’t believe how far the business has come since we started, and we have no doubt that bumpPR will excel in communicating our love of puppetry to our consumers and retailers alike. We’re very excited about what’s ahead.”
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