Laurie Schacht, from The Toy Insider, shows The Early Show‘s Harry Smith some of the hot toys for this holiday season.
Calico Critters Redesigns Website
Calico Critters’ website, www.CalicoCritters.com, has re-launched with a new design. On the new website, children enter the world of Cloverleaf Corners by following the village path, passing critters that respond to the touch a computer mouse. The re-designed website includes more than 100 different activities such as coloring pages, word finds, and recipes. The website also includes a link to the Calico Critters YouTube page, which has 20 different videos featuring the animal families.
Mattel Donates $1.85M to Otis College
At the Omni Los Angeles Hotel last Tuesday, Mattel, Inc. donated a $1,850,000 gift to the Otis College of Art and Design, during the school’s annual “Otis Report on the Creative Economy of the Los Angeles Region.” The 2009 report, Unleashing L.A.’s Creative Potential, discusses the state of creativity in business and the workplace. Mattel International President Bryan Stockton, who is also a member of the Otis Board of Trustees, presented the gift to Samuel Hoi, president of the college. The donation will be used to support Otis student scholarships, the art and design curriculum, and efforts to enhance the facilities.
The Toy Book’s Toy Report 11/10/09
CHA Board of Directors Announced
The new board of directors for the Craft & Hobby Association (CHA) has been elected. For the 2010 term, Michael (Mike) McCooey, president and CEO of Plaid Enterprises, was re-elected as board chairman; Larry Olliges, president of Dees’ Crafts, was re-elected as vice chair; and Mark Peters of iLoveToCreate, a Duncan Enterprises Company, was elected as secretary. David Murray, vice president of ACTIVA Products, Inc., will fill the board vacancy created by the resignation of Sara Naumann.
Target Entertainment Group Signs First Licensee for Brit Chicks
Target Entertainment Group has signed Prosperity Industrial as its first licensee for Brit Chicks. The Hong Kong-based manufacturer will produce beaded craft items, including beaded jewelry kits, spray pens, spray tattoo pens, spyro art and stencil sets, paper styling kits, and scrapbooks. The licensing deal gives Prosperity Industrial worldwide rights, excluding the UK.
I-Star Appoints Snuggie Toys Founders as VPs
I-Star Entertainment, LLC has appointed Snuggie Toys’ founders and executives, Alex and Stuart Kessler, as executive vice president and vice president of sales, respectively. As part of the appointment, I-Star now controls some of Snuggie Toys’ products including its NFL and NFL Rush Zone licensed products, Colorforms, Max & Ruby products, Franklin Record and Play lunchbags and plush, Wittle Bittles plush characters, Pet Rocks items, Lunch N Fun products, Pro-Tabletop Sports (PTS) products, and Casper products.
FAO Schwarz Auctions Packages for Toys for Tots
FAO Schwarz is a hosting a special online auction of four exclusive packages, called experiences, for fans of Muppet Whatnot, Barbie, LEGO, and the FAO Schwarz brand. All of the proceeds from the auction will benefit the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. Online visitors to www.FAO.com can bid to win one of the four packages through December 10. The highest bidder of each package will receive a keepsake in addition to the prize.
Mega Brands Settles Lawsuits with Former Rose Art Owners
Mega Brands has settled a legal battle with the Rosens, the former owners of Rose Art Industries. Under the terms of the settlement, Mega Brands will receive approximately $17.2 million, and the Rosens will give up additional claims that totaled approximately $54.8 million.
Toys “R” Us’ 3Q Store Sales Down Nine Percent
Toys “R” Us, Inc. has announced that its fiscal sales for the third quarter at comparable stores fell 9 percent. The company attributes the decline to weak video game-related sales and a shift in the timing of its “Big Book” holiday promotional advertisement guide.