Latest Company News & Highlights
April 5, 2024 | Take a look below for a roundup of the latest news and product launches from a variety of companies, including Hasbro, TCG Toys, The Toy Coach, and more.
Hasbro, Horizon Group USA Ink Play-Doh Licensing Partnership
Hasbro has signed a licensing agreement with Horizon Group USA to expand upon the Play-Doh brand’s portfolio with complementary products. Beginning in January, Horizon Group will produce and globally distribute Play-Doh air-dry clay, hands-on craft kits, and alternative compound products.
The Toy Coach Launches New Course Platform
Azhelle Wade, aka The Toy Coach and founder of the Toy Creators Academy, launched a new website with several courses and programs to help individuals break into the toy industry. The programs include the Toy Creators Academy, the Toy and Game Idea Starter Guide, a Toy and Game Idea Bootcamp, and the just-launched Table Top Game Design Masterclass. And upcoming Women in Toys, Licensing and Entertainment (WiT) Pitch Prep series will be also be available starting April 15 to help inventors get ready for WiT Empowerment Day, taking place on May 22 during Licensing Expo.
Lindsay Karbum Joins TCG Toys as Vice President of Global Sales
TCG Toys has appointed Lindsay Karbum as vice president of global sales effective immediately. Karbum joins the Toronto-based company as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. In her role, Karbum will be responsible for driving and growing TCG’s key product categories, including SURE-LOX puzzles, Imaginmats play mats, FleXfigs collectible figures, and other key brands with an omni-channel strategy.
BBC Studios Promotes Murilo Hinojosa as Vice President in Latin America
Effective immediately, BBC Studios has promoted Murilo Hinojosa to vice president, consumer products & commercial partnerships, Latin America. Hinojosa will continue to oversee and provide strategic licensing planning for Bluey in Latin America, as well as Doctor Who, Top Gear, Hey Duggee, and BBC Studios’ factual umbrella brand BBC Earth, the home of shows such as Blue Planet II, Frozen Planet II, and upcoming Blue Planet III.
PMI Kids’ World Secures Global Licensing Deal with Minecraft
PMI Kids’ World has signed a worldwide licensing agreement with Minecraft. Through this strategic partnership, PMI will create a range of Minecraft-themed impulse, plush, collectibles, and stationery products launching this summer.
Bandai Launches Ultraman Collectibles Ahead of Show’s Netflix Release
Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America, master toy licensee for Ultraman, has launched a new line of collectibles based on the property ahead of the Ultraman: Rising animated film, slated for launch on Netflix on June 14. The collection includes 5-inch, 6-inch, and 12-inch figures, as well as 2-inch blind box collectibles.
Basic Fun! Launches Littlest Pet Shop ‘Year of the Bobble’ Campaign
In celebration of Littlest Pet Shop’s return to retail this year, Basic Fun! has launched the "Year of the Bobble" campaign. Debuting last week with a pop-up performance at Toys "R" Us at Macy's Herald Square, Macy's flagship location in New York City, the “Bobble to the Beat” social media campaign encourages kids to showcase their dancing skills wherever they are, featuring custom choreography alongside an original Littlest Pet Shop brand anthem.
Want to be included in a future news roundup? Email The Toy Association’s Maddie Michalik with your company news.