Archive for December, 2010
| Newer Entries »This post was written by Elizabeth A. Reid
AutoOcar to Develop First Bluetooth-Controlled Die-Cast Car
Wednesday, December 15th, 2010
Beanstalk, a global brand-licensing consultancy, has secured an agreement on behalf of Ford Motor Company, with AutoOcar, Ltd., a company specializing in Bluetooth solutions, to develop the first Bluetooth-controlled die-cast car.
The Ford premium Bluetooth enabled die-cast car range, which can be controlled remotely via Bluetooth by iPhone and Android phones, will launch at retail early next year across Asia, Europe, and North America. The models will include the Ford Focus RS500, Ford Fiesta, and Ford Mustang GT at 1:43 scale. Software will be downloadable from the AutoOcar portal, Android’s Market, and the Apple iTunes Store.
Image Credit: The Ford Focus RS500 Car from www.focusrs500.com
Tags: AutoOcar Ltd., Beanstalk, Bluetooth, die-cast, Ford Motor Company
Posted in Licenses, New Products, News | No Comments »
This post was written by Elizabeth A. Reid
The Canadian Group Releases Justin Bieber Games and Puzzles
Wednesday, December 15th, 2010
The Canadian Group has become a “belieber” and has introduced board games and puzzles featuring pop star Justin Bieber, as part of a licensing agreement with Bravado.
The Canadian Group’s products—available now at mass market, toy, drug, online, and music retailers—include two board games, Always Be Mine and Backstage Pass, as well as 100- and 300-piece standard and poster puzzles. The 100- and 300-piece puzzles are available in three-title assortments and include bonus collectible photo cards. The deal is for North American distribution.
Tags: Bravado, Justin Bieber, The Canadian Group
Posted in Licenses, New Products, News | No Comments »
This post was written by Elizabeth A. Reid
Madagascar Gets Touring Stage Show
Tuesday, December 7th, 2010
DreamWorks Theatricals and Broadway Across America have partnered to launch “Madagascar Live,” DreamWorks Theatricals’ first-ever live family touring show. The companies expect the show to visit more than 70 cities across the United States, beginning this January.
The 90-minute stage show will feature popular characters from the Madagascar series of movies, including Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the Hippo, King Julien, and the Penguins.
“Madagascar Live” is being directed by Gip Hoppe, director of “Dora the Explorer Live.” Kevin Del Aguila is writing the show, while David Gallo is serving as the show’s scenic designer, Gregg Barnes is the costume designer, and Joel Someillan and George Noriega are the show’s composers and lyricists.
For more information about “Madagascar Live,” visit www.madlive.com.
Tags: Broadway Across America, DreamWorks Theatricals, Madagascar Live
Posted in News | 1 Comment »
This post was written by Elizabeth A. Reid
Blip Toys Introduces Squinkie Doos
Monday, December 6th, 2010
Blip Toys has introduced a new addition to its Squinkies brand: Squinkie Doos. Squinkie Doos are just like Squinkies: small, squishy, and collectible, encased in a plastic toy bubble. But, each of the new Squinkie Doos has a mane of colorful hair that kids can play with.
Figure packs include three Squinkie Doo characters. The small Squinkie Doos Salon & Spa Playset includes two Squinkie Doos and hairstyling accessories such as a swivel chair, blow-dryer and hand mirror, and brush. The play set is a hairstyling center and a Squinkie Doo dispenser—the bubbles go in the salon dome and come out after twisting the dial. After the Squinkie Doos have popped out of their bubbles, they can enjoy their spa experience.
Squinkie Doos are now available at Toys “R” Us stores nationwide. They will be arriving at other retailers throughout this month.
Tags: Blip Toys, Squinkie Doos, Squinkies
Posted in New Products | 1 Comment »
This post was written by Elizabeth A. Reid
CPSC Approves Plan to Publish Consumer Safety Complaints on Website
Friday, December 3rd, 2010
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has approved plans to publish consumer complaints about product safety hazards at www.saferproducts.gov. Beginning in March, the website will collect and post complaints that are sent in by consumers, government agencies, health care professionals, interest groups, and attorneys. Previously, before the passage of CPSIA, federal law required the manufacturer’s consent before information on product-related injuries was released to the public.
Each database entry is expected to include a description of the harm or risk of harm, a description of the product, the manufacturer’s name, the poster’s contact information (which can be kept private), and an affirmation that the complaint is truthful. After the complaint is approved and published, the manufacturer will be forwarded the complaint and will have 10 days to respond to it. If the complaint is proven to be inaccurate, the commission could edit or remove it from the website.
Because public postings can impact a company’s reputation and brand, the Toy Industry Association (TIA) requested that the CPSC take steps to verify that the information is accurate before posting. TIA is also asking that the CPSC beta test the database’s full posting and verification process. The plan was passed with a 3-2 vote.
Tags: Consumer Product Safety Commission, CPSC, CPSIA
Posted in News | 1 Comment »
This post was written by Elizabeth A. Reid
Wild Creations Named “Fastest Growing Company in South Carolina”
Friday, December 3rd, 2010
Wild Creations was named the 2010 Fastest Growing Company in South Carolina for their whopping 313 percent average growth. The company was founded in 2007 by Rhett Power and Peter Gasca, and carried one core product: the EcoAquarium. Today, Power and Gasca oversee 80 warehouse employees who package over 80 SKUs to more than 2,000 retailers, including Brookstone, Hallmark, and Learning Express.
According to The Post and Courier, eligible companies “had to be operating for more than three years, have more than $3 million in annual revenue, and be headquartered in South Carolina.”
For more information on Wild Creations and its product lines, visit www.wildcreations.com.
Tags: Wild Creations
Posted in Financial | 1 Comment »
