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Miniso Outlines Plans to Become Global Powerhouse

Miniso revealed plans to become the world’s largest IP design group. The company plans to achieve world dominance through product innovation, store expansion, and brand building, said Jack Ye, the company’s founder. Miniso currently has more than 7,000 stores worldwide in more than 111 countries.

Miniso’s plan was announced at the company’s Global Brand Strategic Upgrade Results Launch Conference 2024 in Shanghai. “Interest-driven consumption” is the key to Miniso’s growth, Ye said. Miniso plans to cater to consumers’ emotional needs and desire for self-expression, which the company says is the future of global consumption. Miniso currently fulfills this need through the Global IP Collection Store, with licensed products as part of its offerings, marketing, and specialty pop-ups.

Miniso has partnered with more than 150 IPs, including Harry Potter, Disney, Sanrio, Barbie, and Snoopy. The licensed items have boosted sales to over $10 billion while setting new sales records. Miniso offers more than 10,000 new licensed items and has sold over 800 million licensed products.

The company’s licensed products include blind boxes, plushes, fragrances, travel accessories, and a pet line. Miniso has added two new shopping experiences: Miniso Land, an IP collection store in Shanghai, and Miniso Friends. Miniso Friends is targeted at Gen Z with a focus on plushes, blind boxes, and pets with a smaller footprint at 600-800 square meters. “As the highest-level store format of Miniso, the Miniso Land Global Flagship Store not only embodies the brand’s vision but also marks the milestone of Miniso’s global channel upgrade,” said Jeff Kou, Vice President and Chief Growth Officer of Miniso Land.

Meanwhile, the company has invested in the Marriage and Maternity Incentive Scheme, a program meant to improve the care of women and newborns, and the MINISO Pet Protection Foundation, founded last December in partnership with the Beijing Loving Animals Foundation. Miniso hopes these initiatives and partnerships with global partners will spread its “joy philosophy” worldwide.

Exclusive: Wyncor Taps Industry Vet Steven Sandler as Chief Commercial Officer

Wyncor is eyeing future growth with the addition of Steven Sandler as its Chief Commercial Officer (CCO).

The industry vet joins the company from Funko where he recently served as Vice President of Sales. In his new role, Sandler will spearhead Wyncor’s commercial strategy, focusing on driving global growth through strategic planning, revenue generation, sales and marketing leadership, and customer experience enhancement.

In just two years, Wyncor has brought to market a number of brands, including Miraball, Magic ReClay, SwopPop, Mon Ami, and OozySqueezy. The company holds global licensing rights from major toy and entertainment companies, including Paramount, Hasbro, and The Emoji Co., and produces products under popular brands like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Transformers, Miraculous, and more.

"[Steven's] extensive experience and deep understanding of the toy industry will be invaluable as we continue to expand our presence globally. The CCO role is pivotal to ensuring our commercial success, after a major demand from our customers."

— Julian Jacob, CEO, Wyncor

Sandler’s career spans more than 40 years of experience in the toy industry, including roles at JA-RU, Jada Toys, and Hasbro.

“Wyncor has quickly made an impressive impact at retail, offering cutting-edge products that feature iconic global brands from leading entertainment studios,” Sandler says. “I’m excited to join the team as we continue to push boundaries in the toy industry. Wyncor is poised for even greater success, and I’m eager to help lead the charge.”

Steven Sandler is Wyncor’s new CCO | Source: Wyncor

Founder and CEO Julian Jacob agrees, noting that the company’s products and partnerships have already lead to rapid expansion at retail.

“Despite being a young company, Wyncor has already achieved tremendous success,” Jacob adds. “We are now exporting millions of toys to over 40 countries and are featured in more than 15,000 retail locations worldwide.”

Source: Wyncor

Wyncor products are carried at Amazon, Kohl’s, Target, Walmart, and other retailers in the U.S. International retail partners include Smyths Toy Superstores, Carrefour, and Rofu.

Outside of toys, Julian Jacob can be seen as a “shark” on the M6 TV series Qui veut être mon associé?, the French version of Shark Tank and Dragon’s Den.

Moose Toys, e.l.f. Beauty Bring XOX Kweenies to Roblox

Moose Toys and e.l.f. Beauty have teamed up to bring XOX Kweenies online for an interactive experience.

The companies hope their collaboration and unique in-game experience will encourage players to celebrate their authentic selves through self-expression.

Crafted by Gamefam, Roblox’s first professional developer, users can complete four interactive quests in Roblox’s existing game, e.l.f. Up!, and in-platform game Bayside High School. Rewards include branded makeup items, exclusive outfits, and character interactions. Gamefam previously brought Moose Toys online before, introducing Goo Jit Zu and Magic Mixies to Roblox.

“Gaming has been and continues to be an incredible way to authentically and directly connect with our community of passionate gamers by meeting them exactly where they are,” says Patrick O’Keefe, Chief Integrated Marketing Officer of e.l.f. Beauty. “Roblox thrives on self-expression and creativity, making it the perfect stage to bring our bold, inclusive and expressive products to life and put an experience behind them. Working with Moose Toys and Gamefam has created a connection between beauty and play that will surprise and delight!”

“Gamefam created an incredible opportunity to expand our audience with e.l.f Cosmetics, a like-minded brand that focuses on disruptive marketing and self-expression that’s a perfect match for Kweenies” adds Liz Grampp, Vice President, Global Marketing Communications of Moose Toys.

The experience launched on Saturday, Nov. 2; e.l.f. Up! and Bayside High School activation is free. Fans can experience the interactive world of XOX Kweenies at roblox.com.

Surge Inks Licensing Agreements For Toxic Waste Candy

Surge Brands has inked numerous licensing agreements worldwide for Candy Dynamics’ Toxic Waste Hazardously Sour Candy brand, which includes the iconic Drums, Sour Smog Balls, Slime Licker, Atomz, Nuclear Fusion, and more.

In the U.S., Surge has signed agreements with License 2 Play for compounds, slimes, and dough; Super Retro Brands for boxer shorts; Bohbah for boba tea; Rocket Fizz for soda; Incredible Novelties for squishy toys; Mary Mack’s for snow cone machines; and Flix Candy for energy drinks. Centric Beauty is also expanding its existing Toxic Waste line to include nail polish accessories, bath bombs, soap, and shampoo.

Since embarking on a licensing program with Surge in 2021, it has become increasingly evident just how important it was for the Toxic Waste brand to expand into licensed products. The response from both the licensing and retail communities worldwide and our legions of fans is evidence of just how popular our line of sour candy and the characters behind them have become. We welcome our new partners to the Toxic Waste family to create more fresh and zany products in the years to come.”

— Laura King, President of Candy Dynamics

Internationally, Surge has made deals with Whatever Brands for soda and ice pops in the U.S., Canada, and South America and Casdon Limited for playsets in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Surge Brands’ sub-agent for U.K. and Europe, Caroline Mickler Licensing, has signed partnerships with CRC Innovations for dessert syrups, ice pops, and fizzy drinks; Manchester Drinks for slush drinks; Us4Slush Limited for slush machines; Fizz Creations Limited for at-home slush machines; Cracker Jack Limited for lip balm and other beauty products; and Licenco for carbonated beverages in the Nordic countries.

“From new licensing and retail partners to new product categories, our goal is to keep discovering unique ways to deliver the Toxic Waste experience to its massive global fan base clamoring for more,” says Ari Freedman, Vice President of Surge Brands. “We look forward to furthering our relationship with Laura and Candy Dynamics as we strategize together to take Toxic Waste to the next level!”

Toxic Waste is currently available at mass market and specialty retailers in the U.S.

Relevant Play Offers New Mad Mattr In-Store Demo Display to Independent Retailers

Relevant Play has a new in-store display for Mad Mattr. The in-store demo allows consumers to experience the super soft dough-like material, offering hands-on interaction through a compact display and maximizing shelf space.

The demo display is designed for retailers. The compact and durable display allows vendors to create an eye-catching presentation that is easy to clean. Shoppers who can experience Mad Mattr’s unique texture are more likely to purchase it.

Relevant Play is shipping displays to vendors now. New customers can order the in-store demo with a $350 minimum order; existing customers will receive a display with a $500 minimum order.

The in-store demo includes one printed display, a PlayTray, two sets of extruders, two brick makers, and one 10-ounce bag of Mad Mattr. Additional sample bags can be purchased at 50% wholesale price.

Source: Relevant Play

Mad Mattr is an award-winning material that easily shapes and molds. Relevant Play says it never dries out and is easy to clean up. The non-toxic material is wheat, gluten, and casein-free. You can learn more about Mad Mattr and its parent company, Relevant Play, online at relevantplay.com.

Play Is for Everyone: Ageless Innovation Adds To Its Age-Inclusive Game Lineup with TABOO

TABOO Charades is the latest game to be reimagined by Ageless Innovation.

Ageless Innovation is a company with a mission to modify popular games to be more approachable to older adults. The partnership aims to enhance the lives of older adults by offering age-inclusive features within generationally-loved board games.

Ageless Innovation makes adaptiations for the older adults playing the game, while keeping it fun for all ages. | Source: Ageless Innovation

The TABOO Charades game will let the older adults in your life enjoy game night just as much as they used to. | Source: Ageless Innovation

Some adaptations in Ageless Innovation games include easy-to-grasp pieces, easy-to-read content, and intergenerational storylines.

TABOO Charades is part of Ageless Innovation’s growing collection of Joy For All products. Hasbro’s TABOO joins a solid lineup with games and products like Trivial Pursuit, Scrabble, and animatronic pets.

TABOO Charades, as well as the other officially licensed Ageless Innovation games, are part of Ageless Innovation’s Reach Out and Play Program, a nationwide initiative that aims to create meaningful social connections for older adults by bringing people of all ages together through the power of play.

According to a recent study from AARP, 66% of older adults surveyed expressed the importance of gameplay in forming connections with peers and reducing stress, boredom, and loneliness.

As loneliness and social isolation among older adults continues to surge, it's more important than ever that we continue engaging this often-underserved community in a meaningful and joyful way, and our incredible and expanding partnership with Hasbro allows us to do just that.”

—Ted Fischer, CEO and Co-Founder of Ageless Innovation

Alongside other games Ageless Innovation has added to its portfolio, TABOO Charades is available now on Amazon. It will be available at most major retailers in early 2025. For more information about this company’s mission and other products, visit joyforall.com or agelessinnovation.com.

AGELESS GAMES TABOO CHARADES

Ageless Innovation has partnered with Hasbro to make the latest age-inclusive game: TABOO Charades! This game is good for the whole family, with special adaptability to be fun and accessible for older adults.

Product Facts

MSRP:
$24.99

Age:
13-103

Manufacturer:
AGELESS INNOVATION

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Basic Fun! Emerges from Chapter 11 Reorganization

Following an October 21 update filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Delaware confirming the plans of its reorganization under Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code, Basic Fun! says that it has “emerged from the process well-positioned for the future.”

The Florida-based company and its subsidiaries plan to move forward with plans to expand product offerings in the months and years ahead powered by $65 million in “new and existing” financing from the company’s lenders and founders.

I am incredibly appreciative of the tremendous efforts made by our team to get us to where we are today. I also sincerely thank our customers, licensors, suppliers and partners in the 60+ countries where we operate for their unwavering support, which was instrumental in achieving today’s positive and successful outcome. Our team looks forward to continuing to work with our partners around the world building our businesses and continuing to bring our iconic, innovative and renowned brands to millions of consumers globally.”

— Jay Foreman, Basic Fun! Founder & CEO and the company's largest shareholder

According to Basic Fun!, the company’s sales are set to grow 30% year-over-year in 2024.

The company says that it met all financial obligations and kept its business moving without interruption during the reorganization process.

Mondo Launches The Real Ghostbusters Action Figures, Screenprint Poster

If there’s something a little strange in the neighborhood — call the Ghostbusters!

This Halloween, the candy is not the only thing that’s fun-sized. In honor of the classic film’s 40th anniversary, Mondo is releasing the first-ever licensed line of The Real Ghostbusters figures at 1/12 scale — each packing a powerful proton punch. With a new Ghostbusters screenprint poster and more The Real Ghostbusters figures on the way, this collection is full of spooky fun that every fan will love.

Dr. Venkman ain't scared of no ghost. | Source: Mondo

A Slimer is a Ghostbusters best friend. | Source: Mondo

All hail the real pumpkin king of Halloween. | Source: Mondo

These mini ghouls will definitely fit in the containment unit! | Source: Mondo

Mondo’s kicking off its Real Ghostbusters 1/12 Scale collection with Dr. Peter Venkman. Dr. Venkman never leaves home without his trusty proton pack, and he carries his particle thrower and ghost trap to catch any lurking haunts. Each Ghostbuster comes paired with an iconic goblin from the film, and Dr. Venkman is followed by the tiny spooky spectral Slimer. Complete with swappable hands and portraits, this doctor ain’t afraid of no ghost that comes his way.

Just in time for the spooky season, the Dr. Venkman figure is accompanied by the evil ghost of Halloween, Samhain. The 1/12 scale version of the pumpkin-headed poltergeist will only ever be available in the Peter and Samhain Collector’s Pack, so fans should catch and contain this collectible while they can.

Each Real Ghostbusters 1/12 Scale series figure was designed with fans in mind. Legendary sculptor and designer Alex Brewer brought the Ghostbusters to life — or, in some cases, the afterlife! He worked alongside Mark Bristow (Paint), Jordan Christianson (Packaging Art and Design), and LordBobasaurus (Photography) to create the collection of every Ghostbuster-lover’s dreams.

This print by Marie Bergson captures the fun of the Ghostbusters franchise. | Source: Mondo

Who you gonna call? | Source: Mondo

Stay Puft Marshmallow Man makes every decor better! | Source: Mondo

In honor of 40 years of Ghostbusters mayhem, Mondo collaborated with designer and illustrator Marie Bergson to create a new screenprint poster. The poster is full of colorful details from the series, like an ad for the Stay Puft Marshmallows and the Ectomobile in action. With a retro-inspired design and bright color scheme, this poster is a great way for fans to show off their love for the classic franchise.

Don’t be scared! The Peter Venkman 1/12 Scale Figure, Peter and Samhain Collector’s Pack, and Ghostbusters Poster are all available to pre-order on Mondo’s website.

People of Play Shares Event Lineup Details for Upcoming POP Week

People of Play (POP) has revealed its event schedule for the 22nd annual POP Week, an event where inventors, manufacturers, retailers, media, and consumers come together in Rosemont, Illinois, to celebrate, play, and discover the latest toy innovations.

From Nov. 6- 10, various industry-focused events will be held, starting with the Inventor Pitch and Innovation Conferences, which will run from Nov. 6-9. Over 80 product acquisition executives from over 50 companies worldwide will be looking for new toy and game ideas. On Nov. 8, the 17th annual TAGIE Awards Gala, hosted by Karri Bean, Senior Licensing Manager, at Disney Consumer Products, Experiences and Consumer
Products, kicks off at Joe’s LIVE Concert venue, where toy industry people will come together to celebrate the past year’s innovations. Mary Danby and Dan Romanelli will be honored as the Lifetime Achievement recipients, and Alan Dorfman will be honored as the Industry Game Changer.

On Nov. 9, there will be two events: the Play in Education (PIE) Conference and the 19th annual Young Inventors Challenge. The conference will bring together toy industry leaders and PIE experts to discuss the future of MESH. and STEAM– focused toys, while the challenge invites kids from all over the world to use their creativity and problem-solving skills to create the next big toy.

From Nov. 9- 10, the 22nd annual Chicago Toy and Game Fair (CHITAG) will be available to all to attend and enjoy! Highlights for the event will include The Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago, and NW Indiana cutting the ribbon to open the Fair with Rosemont’s Mayor Stephens, the Star Wars Character Lunch(Nov 10 only), the Duncan Yo-Yos pro champions and Illinois State Yo-Yo Contest, the Giant Jenga, Klask, Eat Your Words, and Flip7 tournaments, meeting with various toy developers and inventors, and much more. For more details on the fair’s events, as well as the other events during POP week, visit the CHITAG website.

Epic Build: LEGO Breaks Ground Innovation Campus

The LEGO Group is expanding its Billund Headquarters in Denmark with an Innovation Campus at Kløvermarken 31; the group broke ground on the site today. This will be the LEGO Group’s third campus in Billund. It follows the opening of the LEGO Campus in 2022 and the construction of the Kornmarken Campus, scheduled to open in 2025. LEGO has invested in The Stamp, a hub in Copenhagen. Located in Postbyen, LEGO plans to open this facility in 2027.

The 50,000-square-meter campus is the size of eight football fields. Of the 6,200 people employed by LEGO in Copenhagen, 5,900 people from 90 countries are in Billund. The Innovation Campus will occupy a greenfield site owned by KIRKBI A/S. The new building will be home to 1,700 employees in product marketing and development, gaming, product, and quality teams, including over 600 designers. It will hold the world’s most extensive library of LEGO elements with over 20,000 items in 70 colors.

The exterior of the Innovation Campus. | Source: The LEGO Group

The Brick Library at the Innovation Campus. | Source: The LEGO Group

An atrium in the Innovation Campus. | Source: The LEGO Group

LEGO bricks and sustainability play a significant role in the design, development, and construction of the Innovation campus. Employees occupying the building worked with CEBRA Architects over the course of 18 months in different stages of the building’s design. The LEGO Group plans on six overlapping modules with four floors, play zones, and atria. A PlayWay will move through the building to connect people and teams, while green spaces and increased natural light should encourage creativity. The building will be built from sustainable wood with FSC-certified timber. Construction will meet LEED Platinum standards.

“Innovation Campus will be an inspiring workplace that honors the modular design of LEGO bricks. With colleague input playing a key role in shaping the overall design, the campus will foster creativity, inclusivity, and the free flow of ideas,” said Julia Goldin, CPMO of the LEGO Group.

In addition to the company’s three headquarters campuses, LEGO has opened digital offices in Copenhagen, Billund, London, and Shanghai. The Innovation Campus is scheduled to open in 2027. For more information about LEGO’s plans for the future, visit lego.com.

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