March Spotlight on Toy Association Members
March 19, 2019 | This month’s Toy Association member spotlight features Funko, Funrise, Mattel, RedwoodVentures, Toysmith, and VTech.
Funko Unveils New Mobile App with Fan Favorite Capabilities
Funko, Inc. relaunched the Funko mobile application for iOS and Android. The new Funko app consolidates features from Stashpedia, a free collecting tracker app acquired by Funko. Fans now have one place to track their collections, display their wish lists, and browse a Funko catalog of more 17,000 items. Consumers can find product by filtering by brand, characteristic, exclusives, licenses, release year and retailer, and by scanning bar codes. The new app can be downloaded on Apple iOS and on Google Play.
Funrise Launches Adventurous Line of Toys Based on “Wonder Park” Movie
Funrise, Inc. announced the global retail launch of toys based on Paramount Animation and Nickelodeon Movies' feature film, Wonder Park. Funrise's comprehensive line of products based on the movie includes figures, playsets, plush, collectibles, and more. In addition to the film, Paramount and Nickelodeon have announced an animated TV series will debut on Nickelodeon in 2020.
Mattel Celebrates 60 Years of Barbie
Mattel, Inc. kicked off worldwide celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of Barbie by honoring the doll with the largest lineup of global female role models and taking the next step to close the Dream Gap by donating to organizations aimed at leveling the playing field for girls through the Mattel Children's Foundation. Additionally, the Barbie brand is celebrating and inspiring girls around the world by celebrating a variety of role models to inspire the next generation, hosting inspiring events for girls, and introducing commemorative product. More information about Barbie’s 60th anniversary celebration can be found online.
RedwoodVentures Appoints Gary King Executive Vice President, General Manager
Gary King has joined RedwoodVentures as executive vice president, general manager. In his new position, King will help the company optimize on global opportunities and deliver thought and action leadership across the RedwoodVentures marketplaces. RedwoodVentures’ entrance into the food category with the Foodie Surprise brand will be the first of many fun food initiatives for the company. Previously, King worked as general manager of Crayola, where he was responsible for the Walmart business.
Toysmith Welcomes Michael Keaton as New Chief Executive
Michael Keaton has joined the Toysmith team as its new chief executive officer. Keaton comes to Toysmith with extensive toy industry experience, having served as president of Schleich North America and in senior leadership roles at the LEGO Group. Michael currently serves on the board of directors for The Toy Association and the Canadian Toy Association.
VTech® Named Walmart's Toy Supplier of the Year
VTech® received the Walmart Supplier of the Year Award in the toy category. Walmart presented the award at its annual Supplier Growth Forum held February 26 to 27 in Rogers, AR. The Supplier of the Year Awards are presented to the leading supplier in each major product category within Walmart.. VTech's Explore & Write Activity Desk™ was named to Walmart's Top Rated for Kids toy list for 2018, the sixth consecutive year a VTech toy was handpicked by kids for a spot on the exclusive list.
Want to be considered for next month’s Member Spotlight? Email lchartorynsky@toyassociation.org with company news.