Registration for People of Play’s (POP) Inventor Pitch & Innovation Conference is now open. POP invites companies in the toy and game industry to attend the conference at the Embassy Suites in Rosemont, Illinois, from Nov. 7-9.
The event, deemed the world’s largest and longest running toy and game inventor pitch and innovator conference, will feature more than 100 product acquisition executives. Attendees can pitch, learn, and network at the conference, which is sponsored by Mattel and more. Additional sponsors will be announced at a later date.
Conference participants can pick from four tracks: New Inventor/Innovation Track; Professional Inventor Track; Product Acquisition Executive; and Design Student.
Tickets also include entrance to The Toy & Game Innovation Awards (The TAGIEs) on Nov. 8. The gala celebrates the achievements of toy and game industry members. Other POP Week events include the Young Inventor Challenge and PlayCHIC on Nov. 9 and the Chicago Toy & Game Fair from Nov. 9-Nov. 10.
Sharon Price John, President and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop, will serve as the Welcome Keynote Speaker. Additional Keynote Speakers include Dougal Grimes, Leah Zalinski, Rachele Harmuth, and Amy Friedland.
With Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC) in full swing, several companies have debuted new collectibles, toys, and toy-adjacent products. Hasbro has unveiled several such products that tap IPs like Star Wars, Marvel, and G.I. Joe.
There were two Marvel products revealed at SDCC. | Source: Hasbro
The Star Wars: The Black Series Strap & Battle Droid was among the debuts. | Source: Hasbro
A multipack of Transformers action figures is on display. | Source: Hasbro
Among the products guests have previewed are new G.I. Joe Classified Series action figures, including Edward “Starduster” Skylar,” and the new G.I. Joe Assault Copter Dragonfly (XH-1) HasLab. It also debuted the action figure-laden Transformers Legacy United Dinobot Dinoking Multipack.
The G.I. Joe Action Marine Sniper is among Hasbro’s action figure-heavy SDCC showcase. | Source: Hasbro
Other products getting the spotlight includea Star Wars: The Black Series Stap & Battle Droid, as well as a Marvel Legends Series Marvel’s Sentinels and Marvel Legends Series Kang The Conqueror collectible.
The toy industry and its adjacent partners are buzzing with news. The Toy Book’s Daily Pulse serves up bite-size nuggets of industry updates to keep you in the know and on the #pulseofplay. Dive into today’s headlines and click the links for more details.
Paramount, Hasbro Debut New Transformers One Trailer
Transformers One is the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, better known as sworn enemies, but once were friends bonded like brothers who changed the fate of Cybertron forever. Transformers One features a star-studded voice cast, including Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Steve Buscemi, with Laurence Fishburne, and Jon Hamm. Learn more about the film in the September issue of The Toy Book!
TOYS:
Melissa & Doug Launches Ocean Easy-Fold Gym for Babies
Expertly crafted with child development in mind, the brand’s first-ever play gym is the latest addition to its existing collection of infant and toddler toys that inspire learning and skill-building at every stage. Melissa & Doug conducted extensive research with parents to understand their needs and solve pain points they encountered with existing play gyms. Learn more…
ICE SPICE | Source: Funko
Ice Spice Gets the Funko POP! Treatment
Available exclusively at Funko.com and the Ice Spice Official Music Store from July 31 to August 8, the POP! of the GRAMMY-nominated rapper is sure to add a dash of nostalgia to fans’ music collection. The POP! Rocks Vinyl figure is approximately 3.25 inches tall. Learn more…
LICENSING:
Keanu Reeves’ BRZRKER Gets a Consumer Products Program
Last year, Boom Studios appointed IMG to develop BRZRKR’s global licensing program. Timed with SDCC, partners have been revealed, including action figures and collectibles with artist Todd McFarlane’s McFarlane Toys; toys and collectibles inspired by internet culture with Youtooz; bullion, collectible coins, and miniatures with RJ Bullion; and board games and collectibles with Iconiq Studios. Additionally, Medicom, Diamond Select Toys, Prime 1, and Bellfine will develop a range of toys, action figures, and collectibles based on the franchise. The BRZRKR licensing program also includes a metal poster collection with Displate, featuring some of the series’ most iconic visuals. Learn more…
Cloudco Inks New Care Bears Plush Deals
Cloudco Entertainment, the owner of the beloved Care Bears brand, inked new plush partnerships with Simba Dickie Group (EU), Dan Dee International (seasonal plush for the U.S. and Canada), and Grupo Ruz (Mexico).
“We are honored to continue our partnership with the Care Bears brand to bring their cherished characters and timeless messages of love and caring to our broad audience,” says Menal McGrath, Senior Vice President of Global Licensing at Dan Dee International. Dan Dee’s Care Bears plush products will start launching in early 2025.
Dark Horse, Wizards of the Coast Ink Publishing Deal
Dark Horse Comics and Hasbro’s Wizards of the Coast will launch a new publishing line in 2025, with comics and graphic novels expanding the worlds of Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering. The officially licensed publishing program will feature original stories based on the fantasy roleplaying and trading card games.
“Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering are two legendary games with incredibly strong fandoms and world-building gameplay,” says Marianne James, Senior Vice President, Licensed Consumer Products at Hasbro. “We are dedicated to expanding these universes through unique brand offerings and world-class partnerships, ultimately bringing players and fans alike new, exciting ways to engage with these iconic franchise brands. From this licensed publishing program with Dark Horse Comics, we anticipate a lot of excitement to come with new artwork and creative storytelling.” Learn more…
RETAIL:
POP MART Reveals Plans for San Diego Store
POP MART will open a new store in Westfield UTC in San Diego on August 3. The store marks the retailer’s first location in San Diego and its sixth store in California. The opening coincides with the annual Comic-Con International: San Diego, celebrating pop culture with exclusive content and merchandise. Learn more…
GAMES:
Miraculous Corp, Nex Bring Miraculous Active Runner Game to Nex Playground
Miraculous Ladybug: Paris Dash will be initially available later this fall in the U.S., exclusively on the award-winning Nex Playground console (reviewed at The Toy Insider).
“With sophisticated design and easy set-up, Nex Playground transforms living rooms into an active digital playspace for families,” says Julian Jacob, COO of Miraculous Corp. “We are confident that our Miraculous fans across the globe will be delighted to stand in Ladybug’s shoes as they move their bodies and use arm gestures to save Marinette’s beloved city of Paris from evil villains.”
The Op Games Releases Yahtzee: My Melody in Collaboration with Sanrio
Join My Melody from Hello Kitty and Friends on a fun-filled adventure with Yahtzee: My Melody. With custom-designed dice, adorable artwork, and a custom My Melody dice cup with a bow on her hood, this Yahtzee will delight fans of all ages. Learn more…
Rainbow’s Mermaid Magic (from the Creator of Winx) Heads to Netflix
Dive into the enchanting underwater world of Mertropia with this visually stunning series that advocates for the protection of our oceans and sea life. Mermaid Magic spreads essential pro-environmental messages for both children and their parents, encouraging everyone to take even the smallest actions to make a difference. The series debuts August 22 on Netflix. Learn more…
PEOPLE:
Lansinoh Welcomes Julie Kelly as President for North America
Kelly brings a wealth of knowledge with over 20 years of experience in consumer packaged goods marketing, sales, product development, and general management to the Lansinoh team. Her valuable insights combined with her ability to build and execute on a clear vision equip her to drive incremental growth for Lansinoh in the U.S. and Canadian markets.
CandyRific Names Shayne Quinn as Executive Vice President of Sales
Quinn comes to CandyRific with 25 years of candy industry experience. At CandyRific, Quinn is responsible for leading the entire sales organization, as well as its broker network. In his previous positions in the industry, he has managed all classes of trade including food, drug, mass, value, specialty, and broker relationships.
Hasbro is in the midst of a multiyear turnaround, and with second quarter earnings that beat estimates, the company’s efforts look to be paying off.
Following this morning’s earnings release and call, I caught up with Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks by phone for a deeper dive into how the company is reshaping its business to embrace consumers of all ages in new ways with a refreshed focus on play.
TB
On the earnings call this morning you noted that 60% of Hasbro’s revenue comes from consumers ages 13 and up and that “play is aging up and going more international, more digital, and more direct.” How does that break down?
CC
Wizards of the Coast skews older, and many of our board games skew older, and then we have our collector business. Many companies are just now waking up to the power of the fans and the importance of the “kidult” audience that we’ve embraced for years.
G.I. Joe is back on the scene as a growing brand fueled by adult collectors. | Source: Hasbro
TB
That audience is powering a lot of direct-to-consumer (DTC) business for the entire industry, and Hasbro Pulse is a prime example of that. Are you able to speak to the size of DTC for Hasbro?
CC
We haven’t revealed the size of the business, but it was our fastest-growing channel last year. In general, it’s a pretty significant channel. Walmart, Amazon, Target, and Smyths are huge and important but the biggest growth channel is DTC.
If you look at some of the others in our space, such as LEGO and Games Workshop, those companies are driving growth in the industry with the uniqueness of products at higher price points.
TB
I noticed there wasn’t much discussion on the call this morning about the licensing business outside of digital gaming, which has been a win. How is the outbound licensing business that was outlined during Blueprint 2.0 starting to pay off for Hasbro?
CC
I’d say so far, so good.
Littlest Pet Shop is driving a heck of a lot of upside for our licensee, Basic Fun! They’ve been a great partner and we expect that to continue.
When we think about out-licensing we think about smaller companies with great expertise to take over brands that don’t meet our internal thresholds for sales of $50 million, $100 million, etc. That can be a nice business for the right company.
Source: Basic Fun!/Hasbro
TB
You mention Basic Fun!, and some recent headlines have raised a few eyebrows as to how those relationships might work if a licensee were to run into trouble. Basic Fun! is reorganizing — and it seems they’ll be fine — but there have been some rumblings that other companies of similar size may also be teetering on the verge of some issues. How do you deal with that?
CC
You have to keep the portfolio balanced and don’t put all the eggs in one basket. The right partner can help grow a brand or a business, but if something happened, we could pivot quickly. With Basic Fun!, they’ve pre-paid guarantees for the year and I’ve heard that their financing has been shored up. They’ve been great to work with and many of their best-selling toys are Hasbro brands.
Peppa Pig is a global brand with fans everywhere. | Source: Hasbro
TB
One area of growth in the toy industry that we’ve been covering extensively is location-based entertainment (LBE). Having spoken to other members of your team regarding recent efforts, such as the opening of Planet Playskool and The Gameroom powered by Hasbro in New Jersey, what are your thoughts on this side of the business and where it could go?
CC
One of the biggest surprises since becoming CEO is discovering how much LBE is driving things. Right now, we have somewhere between 100-125 locations welcoming 55 million visitors each year. Within the next 3-4 years we’ll have around 350 locations bearing the Hasbro name or our brand names. There are quick-service restaurants like we did in Hong Kong with Transformers; bar and gaming concepts; and even cruise ships and hotels in the works. This is branding gold and a new revenue stream.
Hasbro partnered with LEGO to get Transformers back into the building and construction aisle. | Source: LEGO
TB
Shifting back into the core toy and game business, with all the discussion about the teens, tweens, and adult consumers, how is your team working to develop new play experiences and reach kids, particularly those in the 5-10 range?
CC
Going all the way back down to 2-year-olds, that’s a kids’ first handshake with our brands. We need to make sure that there are great partners in place and innovation happening [Note: PlayMonster currently markets much of the Playskool portfolio]. Birth rates are down in much of the world and kids are getting choosier. It’s really important to understand the kids of today and what they need.
At the same time, it’s not realistic for us to operate in every category, and that means doing large partnerships with LEGO or Mattel so that we always have a position in those aisles.
Furblets are a $10 toy versus the $60 standard Furby. | Source: Hasbro
TB
Finally, I’d like to talk a little bit about price perception. In recent years, the prices of toys have gone up and many consumers feel that they’re simply too high — and this includes a lot of products from Hasbro. How are you addressing this?
CC
Pricing needs to cover the gamut. Early on when I joined the team, we were way overfocused on creating products in the $25-50 dollar range. We needed to refocus and start creating more products below $20 and even in the $10 range. We’ve done this by driving better supply chain optics to create value and by working with retail partners to create programs that deliver maximum impact.
Looking ahead, we’re leaning into improved customer insights, using more design resources, and creating products at lower price points from the start. It’s “design-to-value.”
We have a new version of Jenga coming out later this year or early next year that’s a better product, easier to use, and cheaper. We’re now replicating that approach across Hungry Hungry Hippos, Candy Land, and Monopoly.
We’ll do the same across all of our brands and categories down the line.
Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC) is underway, and the LEGO Group has made its presence known with a massive space-themed booth display.
The booth will offer visitors the chance to view never-before-seen LEGO sets, build their own themed creations, and acquire con-exclusive merchandise. Some of the sets on display are based on IPs such as Star Wars, Super Mario, and Minecraft.
Guests will get to view never-before-seen LEGO sets. | Source: The LEGO Group
“After over 20 years of showcasing at San Diego Comic-Con, we wanted to wow fans yet again and worked hard to create a brand-new experience that offers something for everyone,” says Beth McKenna, Head of U.S. Marketing at the LEGO Group. “Space is an endless playground for imagination and storytelling; we are hoping to capture that playground spirit right here at Space Station 8R1CK5.”
Cra-Z-Art recently showcased its new Disney Crystal Surprise toy at Sweet Suite, “The Biggest Night of Play” thrown annually by our sister publication, The Toy Insider. The line features small, collectible figures of stylized Disney characters.
Kids can collect several small, crystal-like Disney figures. | Source: Cra-Z-Art
Kids can unbox more than 12 different Disney figures — including Stitch, Disney Princess Belle, Minnie Mouse, and Mickey Mouse — and each figure has a crystal-like appearance. The Disney Crystal Surprise balls also include additional surprises such as small accessories.
Cra-Z-Art displayed the collection alongside two large versions of Disney Crystal Surprise characters, Stitch in with sunglasses and Minnie Mouse in a pink sparkly dress.
G.I. Joe, Furby, and Play-Doh were second quarter heroes for Hasbro.
On the surface, an 18% decline in revenue and a 20% drop in Consumer Products sales don’t look good, but for Hasbro, these Q2 numbers reflect changes in the business amid a positive outlook and strengthening of the company’s core focus leading to updated full-year guidance.
The Rhode Island-based toy and game maker reported revenue of $995 million in Q2 as it turned a profit compared to a loss in the same quarter last year. The bulk of the revenue loss came from the exit of the eOne business and a shift in entertainment timing. Excluding this, revenue dipped 6%. Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming grew 20% in Q2.
We delivered a solid performance in games and digital licensing and substantial margin improvement this quarter. Hasbro is emerging as a more profitable, agile, and operationally excellent company delighting fans of all ages through the magic of play."
In the Consumer Products segment, Hasbro says that Furby, Play-Doh, and G.I. Joe performed well in the quarter and that it looks forward to growth in Beyblade and Transformers in the back half of the year. Beyblade is in the midst of an extensive update led by Beyblade X while September’s theatrical release of the Josh Cooley (Toy Story 4)-directed Transformers One is set to reinvigorate the Transformers brand amid its 40th anniversary celebration.
The launch of Magic: The Gathering’s Modern Horizons 3 set and growth in Licensing and Digital Gaming revenue behind Monopoly Go! and Baldur’s Gate 3 fueled the 20% revenue spike in the Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming Segment. The company also notes that Magic drove a 3% gain in tabletop gaming revenue while operating profit spiked 74%.
While the Entertainment segment saw revenue fall off a cliff — a 90% drop — post-eOne, it swung to an operating loss of $1 million compared to $324 million during Q2 last year.
By the Numbers:
Operating profit was $212 million with a 21.3% margin, including $37 million in intangible amortization related to eOne. Adjusted operating profit rose to $249 million, with a 25% margin, driven by a favorable business mix, supply chain productivity, and reduced costs. The company achieved $40 million in net cost savings and approximately $90 million year to date, aiming to meet its full-year savings goal. Hasbro’s inventory fell 51% from the previous year, with Consumer Products inventory down 55%. Reported net earnings were $0.99 per diluted share, with adjusted net earnings of $1.22 per share. The company raised its full-year guidance and paid $97 million in cash dividends to shareholders. The Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.70 per common share payable on September 4, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 21, 2024.
Hasbro leadership will host an earnings call this morning. Stay tuned for updates…
The LEGO Group recently launched the first LEGO sets inspired by the survival video game LEGO Fortnite. Families can now preorder four sets, including the LEGO Fortnite Battle Bus, LEGO Fortnite Supply Llama, LEGO Fortnite Peely Bone, and LEGO Fortnite Durrr Burger.
The Supply Llama set comes with several accessories. | Source: The LEGO Group
The Durrr Burger set is 193 pieces. | Source: The LEGO Group
The Supply Llama set is designed for kids ages 12 and up. The 691-piece set is $39.99 and comes with accessories like a Grappler, Rough Ruby, Backpack, Good Luck Charm, Dynamite, Slap Juice, and Slurp Juice.
Builders can re-create the restaurant mascot in LEGO Fortnite, Durrr Burger, with the new 193-piece set. Designed for kids ages 9 and up, the $14.99 set features detailed eyes, a tongue, and an olive on a toothpick.
The Peely Bone set is for builders ages 18 and up. | Source: The LEGO Group
Kids can build a LEGO Fortnite Battle Bus. | Source: The LEGO Group
The largest set in the LEGO Fortnite collection, Peely Bone, is for builders ages 18 and up. At 1,414 pieces, the collectible has moveable arms and accessories such as Peely Pick Pickaxe, Paint Launcher, and Banana Bag Back Bling.
The final offering in the current LEGO Fortnite collection is the 954-piece Battle Bus ($99.99). It’s a brick replica of the hot-air balloon from the game and has rolling wheels, a blue-and-yellow balloon, and a removable roof. The set includes Slurp Juice, Pickaxes, Grappler, and Slap Juice, as well as nine LEGO Minifigures: Battalion Brawler, Adventure Peely, Brite Bomber, Cube Assassin, Trespasser Elite, Raven, Meowscles, Drift, and Cuddle Team Leader. Builders ages 10 and up can fit the Minifigures in the bus.
Just Plays’ toy-collectible brand Doorables has debuted its second Star Wars series.
The initial Star Wars Doorables line was released early this year, and included plush and figures. Adding to Just Play’s lineup of hot Doorables collectibles, the new line includes the Ewok Village Galaxy Peek and a Star Wars Wide-Screen Movie Moments product, which includes a backdrop to recreate a scene from the franchise’s history.
The Ewok Village Galaxy Peek will be available for purchase at SDCC. | Source: Just Play
Other new Doorables products from Just Play include the Star Wars Doorables Galaxy Peek Series 2, the Star Wars Doorables Dark Side Collection Peek, a Jedi vs. Sith two-pack, a Phantom Menace Collection Peek, and a Doorables Hologram Collector’s set. The Dark Side and the Jedi vs. Sith products are available for presale now, and the Hologram Collector’s Set is available for purchase.
The Dark Side pack is currently available for presale on Amazon. | Source: Just Play
The line expands the reference material and product types of the Star Wars collectibles. | Source: Just Play
Just Play will have its own booth at this year's SDCC. | Source: Just Play
The Star Wars Doorables fall collection will debut and preview at Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC) this week. Just Play has a booth at this year’s SDCC inside the Lucasfilm Pavillion, at which guests can purchase a con-exclusive Star Wars Galaxy Peek.
A challenging year at retail continues for the toy industry but Mattel is fighting back while making strides in strengthening its business.
The house that Barbie and Hot Wheels built reported global net sales of $1.08 billion in the second quarter, a 1% slide versus the same period last year. Sales in North America fell 3%.
This was a good quarter for Mattel, where we achieved significant gross margin expansion, and growth in Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EPS. We further strengthened our balance sheet and more than doubled free cash flow in the trailing twelve-month period. Mattel is well positioned for the second half, with new product innovation and increased retail support. We are in a strong financial position to execute our strategy to grow our IP-driven toy business and expand our entertainment offering.”
Ynon Kreiz, Chairman & CEO, Mattel
Reported operating income was $83 million, an improvement of $20 million. Adjusted operating income was $96 million, an improvement of $21 million. Reported earnings per share were $0.17, an improvement of $0.09 per share, and adjusted earnings per share were $0.19, an improvement of $0.09 per share.
Mattel attributes its 3% sales dip in North America to declines in Infant, Toddler, and Preschool (primarily Preschool Entertainment, Baby Gear & Power Wheels, partially offset by growth in Fisher-Price), Dolls (primarily Barbie), and Vehicles (primarily Matchbox and Hot Wheels), partly offset by growth in Action Figures, Building Sets, Games, and Other (primarily Games).
In the international segment, growth was seen in Vehicles (primarily Hot Wheels) and Infant, Toddler, and Preschool (primarily Fisher-Price).
The company says that worldwide gross billings in Dolls fell 6% versus Q2 last year primarily due to declines in Barbie and Disney Princess and Frozen. Infant, Toddler, and Preschool dipped 4% due to declines in Preschool Entertainment, Baby Gear & Power Wheels, partially offset by growth in Fisher-Price.
Meanwhile, Hot Wheels fueled a 2% spike in gross billings for Vehicles while Games drove a 1% gain in Action Figures, Building Sets, Games, and Other.
