Latest Company News & Highlights
April 15, 2024 | Take a look below for a roundup of the latest news and product launches from a variety of companies, including FAO Schwarz, Steiff, WiT, and more.
WiT Launches New 2024 WiT Foundation Scholarship; Announces Empowerment Day Speakers
Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT) launched the new 2024 WiT Foundation Scholarship, an application-based scholarship open to female students. The scholarship includes a financial award of $5,000, a one-year WiT membership, career-focused programming, enrollment in WiT’s Ruth Handler Mentorship Program, access to internship and job postings, and more. Click here to learn more.
WiT also announced the lineup of speakers for its Empowerment Day, taking place Thursday, May 23 during Licensing Expo at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Click here for the full agenda and announced speakers and mentors.
PMI Kids World Secures Exclusive Global Collectibles Deal for Fuggler
PMI Kids World has signed an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement to expand the Fugglers brand with collectibles, keychains, stampers, pencil toppers, advent calendars, and more. The line will be available this winter.
Steiff Expands Brand Presence with 140th Anniversary Campaigns
Following the company’s logo update last year, Steiff is launching a new brand presence and specific campaigns for individual product lines "Friends," "Originals," and "Editions." The umbrella brand campaign celebrates the 140-year heritage of Steiff's iconic Teddy bears in a journey through time, while the campaigns for the "Friends," "Originals," and "Editions" product lines emphasize their unique features and positioning.
Hasbro, Playmates Toys Enter Partnership for Power Rangers Product
Playmates Toys has signed a deal with Hasbro to produce and distribute Power Rangers product, starting with the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers toy line in 2025. As part of the agreement, Playmates holds licensing rights to develop additional cross-category Power Rangers products, including action figures, blasters, plush, role play, vehicles, and accessories.
Mattel Appoints Brian Fitzharris as General Manager of Fisher-Price
Mattel has appointed Brian Fitzharris as senior vice president and general manager of Fisher-Price, effective April 22. Fitzharris will lead the Fisher-Price infant and toddler core brands and serve as leader of the company’s East Aurora, New York campus.
Moose Toys Launches Despicable Me Toy Line
In collaboration with Universal Products & Experiences, Moose Toys has launched a toy line based on the biggest global animated franchise in history, Illumination's Despicable Me. The collection features action figures, playsets, and collectibles, and is available ahead of the theatrical release of Illumination's Despicable Me 4 on July 3, 2024.
WHP Global Signs Partnership with WHSmith for Toys "R" Us Shop-in-Shops in the UK
WHP Global, parent company of Toys "R" Us, signed a long-term licensing agreement with WHSmith as the exclusive shop-in-shop partner for Toys "R" Us in the UK. Under the terms of the agreement, WHSmith will have the exclusive license for Toys "R" Us shop-in-shops, including opening 30 new shops this summer.
FAO Schwarz, enCourage Kids Launch Plush Bear for ‘Send a Smile, Send a Bear’ Program
FAO Schwarz and enCourage Kids have designed and created a new plush bear for the enCourage Kid Foundation's “Send a Smile, Send a Bear” program. As one of enCourage Kids Foundation's cornerstone programs, the organization delivers stuffed animal bears nationwide to help pediatric patients navigate the stress of treatment, illness, and hospitalization. FAO Schwarz's new Teddy will be available at the iconic FAO Schwarz store in New York City and FAO.com. Retailing at $45, a portion of the proceeds will go to the enCourage Kids Foundation.
Want to be included in a future news roundup? Email The Toy Association’s Maddie Michalik with your company news.