April Showers | Source: Just Play

Afro Unicorn is on a roll!

Following deals with Dan Dee International and Walmart this year, April Showers’ growing brand is headed to the toy department — and in a big way. Just Play inked a deal with Afro Unicorn to serve as its master toy partner. Under the new agreement, Just Play holds global rights to create and distribute toys in a variety of categories, including figures, dolls, playsets, collectibles, roleplay, plush, activities, novelties, construction, and more. Additionally, the partnership includes collaborations with Shrinky Dinks, the classic brand that Just Play acquired a few years ago.

“Just Play’s experience in bringing diverse and inclusive products to the toy aisle makes them the perfect partner for Afro Unicorn,” says Afro Unicorn Founder and CEO April Showers. “I knew Just Play was the right partner when I turned over an Ada Twist, Scientist toy and saw the Just Play logo on the back. Their history of building inclusive brands aligns with my passion and mission to elevate black stories and inspire future generations to dream big!”

Related: Stay on the Pulse of Play with ‘The BIG Toy Book’ in 2023

Afro Unicorn offers a variety of lifestyle products, including apparel, accessories, and party supplies. The brand’s mission is to “inspire and remind girls that they are unique, divine, and magical.”

“April is a dynamic creator with passion, energy, and hustle,” says Sunny Lauridsen, senior vice president of brand strategy at Just Play. “At our first meeting, we knew we had to be a part of April’s vision. It is a privilege to be her partner on Afro Unicorn and to bring these beautiful characters to life in toys.”

The companies state that they are “aligned in their vision to uplift, inspire, and to advocate for women of color to achieve greatness.”

Just Play’s Afro Unicorn line will hit retail in 2024.

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.

archivearrow-chevron-downarrow-chevron-left-greyarrow-chevron-leftarrow-chevron-rightarrow-fatarrow-left-blackarrow-left-whitearrow-right-blackarrow-rightarrow-roundedbookscalendarcaret-downclose-whiteclosedocumenteditorial-archiveeyefacebook-squarefacebookfilesgifthamburgerheadinghearthomeinstagram-squareinstagramlatestlinkedin-squarelinkedinmailmedia-inquiresmessagenewsopen-boxpagination-leftpagination-rightpauseplayprintproduct-archiverecent-productssearchsharesort-filterspotifysunteamtiktoktime_purpletimetrendingtvtwitter-squaretwitteryoutube