The sudden closure of Everest Toys is forcing a swift realignment of the North American specialty industry, particularly in Canada.

Genco International, the new parent company of Kroeger Marketing, inked a non-exclusive distribution agreement with Faber-Castell to distribute a variety of its products, including Creativity for Kids arts and crafts kits, to retailers across Canada.

This partnership with Faber-Castell strengthens our ability to deliver well-made, trusted creative products to Canadian retailers and consumers. We’re focused on making it easier for families, educators, and retailers across the country to access fun and creative tools that support hands-on learning and creativity.”
Grant Chapman
— Grant Chapman, COO of Kroeger Marketing

Kroeger will begin distribution across select, pre-approved retail channels beginning in September. A wider rollout is expected by January 2026.

“Genco and Kroeger Marketing bring strong relationships and proven experience in the Canadian market,” says Scott Flynn, CEO of Faber-Castell. “They will be an important additional partner in expanding our reach where we have not traditionally been present. Together with our broader network of partners, this relationship strengthens our ability to bring Faber-Castell’s award-winning product lines to even more Canadian families, educators, and retailers.”

The new deal ensures access to Faber-Castell and Creativity for Kids products across Canada during back-to-school season and into the holidays.

About the author

James Zahn

James Zahn

James Zahn, AKA The Rock Father, is Editor-in-Chief of The Toy Book and Co-President of The International Toy Magazines Association (ITMA). He is also 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), New York Comic Con, 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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