Source: Basic! Fun/The Toy Book

Independent toy stores and specialty retailers will have greater access to products from K’NEX, Lincoln Logs, and Tinkertoy beginning this fall.

Basic Fun! inked a new distribution partnership with Kroeger Inc. for its K’NEX division and its related brands. K’NEX has been a staple in the construction category since 1992 with its distinctive rod and connector building system winning fans among kids and adult builders alike. The company was acquired by Basic Fun! in 2018.

“We are pleased to be represented by Kroeger in the North American specialty and independent markets and are impressed by their strong distribution capabilities in these retail channels,” says Basic Fun! CEO, Jay Foreman. “We are excited to be able to re-establish these products within the market segments that have helped make these iconic brands household names.”

Source: Basic! Fun/The Toy Book

Related: Backstory: Jay Foreman, from the Boardwalk to Basic Fun!

Lincoln Logs are an American classic that kids have enjoyed for more than 100 years. Originally launched in 1916, the real wood log sets come in collectible tins and heritage packages. Similarly, Tinkertoy has been a staple of toy boxes since its rods, spools, and flags were first introduced in 1913.

According to Kroeger President Grant Chapman, K’NEX and its brands will be reintroduced to the specialty market through appearances at upcoming trade shows.

About the author

James Zahn

James Zahn

James Zahn, AKA The Rock Father, is Editor-in-Chief of The Toy Book, a Senior Editor at The Toy Insider and The Pop Insider, and Editor of The Toy Report, The Toy Book‘s weekly industry newsletter. As a pop culture and toy industry expert, Zahn has appeared as a panelist and guest at events including Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC) Wizard World Chicago, and the ASTRA Marketplace & Academy. Zahn has more than 30 years of experience in the entertainment, retail, and publishing industries, and is frequently called upon to offer expert commentary for publications such as Forbes, Marketwatch, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, USA Today, Reuters, the Washington Post, and more. James has appeared on History Channel’s Modern Marvels, was interviewed by Larry King and Anderson Cooper, and has been seen on Yahoo! Finance, CNN, CNBC, FOX Business, NBC, ABC, CBS, WGN, The CW, and more. Zahn joined the Adventure Media & Events family in 2016, initially serving as a member of the Parent Advisory Board after penning articles for the Netflix Stream Team, Fandango Family, PBS KIDS, Sprout Parents (now Universal Kids), PopSugar, and Chicago Parent. He eventually joined the company full time as a Senior Editor and moved up the ranks to Deputy Editor and Editor-in-Chief.

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