The Toy Industry Foundation collected thousands of dollars worth of brand-new toys and games for children in need at the close of ToyFest West on March 11, according to the Toy Industry Association. This year marked the Foundation’s first time as the official partner for the Western Toy and Hobby Representatives Association’s annual Las Vegas show.
Month: March 2015
Buffalo Games to Expand National Geographic Channel’s Brain Games
Buffalo Games will develop adult and family board games and card games based on the National Geographic Channel series, Brain Games. The Joester Loria Group served as the exclusive licensing agency behind the deal.
The initial product offering will require that players complete a series of challenges and experiments intended to test all aspects of their brain. The five different categories of questions will include mind vs. body, illusions, language, logic, and head-to-head challenges. The game will launch at key specialty retailers this holiday season and expand to mid-tier and mass accounts next spring.
GUEST COMMENTARY: Feds to Ban Kids’ Soft Plastic Toys for No Good Reason
by Jeff Stier, senior fellow, National Center for Public Policy Research
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) wants to hear from you.
The agency has extended its comments period until April 15 as it considers a rule that would regulate a range of chemicals within a group called phthalates. These chemicals, among other purposes, keep plastics from shattering when bent, and play a useful role in a range of consumer products.
Matt Sweeny Joins KidStuff PR
KidStuff Public Relations has hired Matt Sweeny as a full-time employee in its Wisconsin office. He will manage shipments of samples from the company’s office as well as coordinate shipments sent by clients, manage the image library, help respond to reporter inquiries, manage clients’ media coverage, and update the company’s website, among other duties.
Lego Friends to be Final Room Theme at Legoland Hotel at Florida Resort
A Lego Friends suite was unveiled as the last of the four highly themed room designs for the new Legoland Hotel at Legoland Florida Resort. The life-size replica of the children’s sleeping area of the room includes a bunk bed with a trundle bed, TV, Lego models, and a treasure chest. SGA Production Services created the replica, closely following the plans for the actual hotel rooms.
Disney Consumer Products Launches Multi-Platform Keys to the Kingdom Campaign this Fall
Disney Consumer Products will launch Keys to the Kingdom, a multi-platform experience that will drive awareness and excitement for new Disney Princess product offerings across multiple categories at retail. Disney Princess fans will have the opportunity to unlock music videos, special content, and app extensions through activations across retail that celebrate the inner qualities of the Disney Princess characters. Read More…
Toys “R” Us Inc. Provides TRU Transformation Strategic Update
At presentations today for investors, industry analysts, and the media, Toys “R” Us Inc. provided an update on its strategy to improve the company’s operational performance, as it continues its work to position the business for long-term profitable growth.
Falcon and Loki Join Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes
Two familiar faces from the Marvel Universe—one friendly, the other slightly less so—make their way into Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes (2.0 Edition) today. Fans will be able to purchase figures for Falcon and Loki, who join a variety of Marvel super heroes, Disney fan favorites, and more to create all-new adventures.
NRF Survey Says Consumers are on the Hunt For Candy, Spring Apparel this Easter
The average person celebrating Easter this year will spend $140.62, an slight increase from last year’s $137.46, according to the National Retail Foundation’s (NRF) Easter Spending Survey conducted by Proper Insights & Analytics. Total spending is expected to reach $16.4 billion, including purchases of apparel, decorations, gifts, candy, food, and flowers.
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LEGO Ninjago Kicks Up the Fun with Shadow of Ronin
LEGO Ninjago: Shadow of Ronin is available now from Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, TT Games, and The Lego Group. Available in all major retail stores across North America for the Nintendo 3DS and the PlayStation Vita, the game is based on the LEGO Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu TV series.