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Samko & Miko Toy Warehouse Files for Bankruptcy

Samko & Miko Toy Warehouse, formerly based in Ontario, has filed for bankruptcy. Dodick Landau has been appointed as Trustee for the bankruptcy proceedings.

Samko & Miko got its start more than 60 years ago. The company was known for its seasonal warehouse sales and traveling pop-up stores offering discount toys to Canadian markets. Danbury Global and A.D. Hennick & Associates are liquidating the remaining inventory through an online auction opening to the public today.

There is over $850,000 at retail of brand-new toys, games and books to be sold in one day.

— Jon Ordon, CEO of Danbury Global

The auction will run from May 16-23 and features an extensive selection of products across numerous categories, including outdoor activity toys; baby and toddler products; action figures; animals; trucks; blocks; dolls; arts and crafts; board games; books; and more. The products available come from well-known titans in the toy industry such as Mattel, Hasbro, Crayola, and others.

Additional information about the auction can be found on the official webpage. All items are being sold without reserves, so the highest bidder will take all. “With well over 40,000 toys and 20,000 books, this is a great opportunity to stock up with gifts for your kids, or to buy items for resale,” says Alex Hennick, President of A.D. Hennick & Associates.

Boat Rocker Selects Firefly Brand Management as U.S. Licensing Agency

Global entertainment company Boat Rocker has named Firefly Brand Management as its U.S. licensing agency.

Firefly Brand Management will represent several of Boat Rocker’s scripted and classic brands, including Orphan Black, Orphan Black: Echoes, Beacon 23, Big Comfy Couch, Danger Mouse, Rainbow, and Count DuckulaI. Firefly will also have a growing list of additional brands to represent through new IP and Boat Rocker’s back catalog.

We’re delighted to team up with Firefly and know our properties are going to be in the best hands. With great connections across licensing and retail, they have built up an excellent business with both well-known brands and also in developing niche IP.

Kate Schlomann, Executive Vice President, Head of Content Marketing, Brand Partnerships & Communications, Boat Rocker

Boat Rocker’s licensing expansion doesn’t stop with Firefly. The company has also appointed Kirsty Guthrie of KJG to manage and seek new partners within the UK and Europe for science fiction brands such as Orphan Black and Orphan Black: Echoes and Beacon 23; kids brands such as Dino Ranch, The Next Step; and classics including Danger Mouse and Rainbow.

Boat Rocker’s offerings span various genres. The company has an animation studio as well as talent management through Untitled Entertainment.

Firefly has seen previous success promoting entertainment properties such as Bob Ross, Paul Frank, and Emily the Strange.

“[Boat Rocker has] an extraordinarily wide range of entertainment properties that lend themselves to multiple categories, and we are excited to have the opportunity to represent them,” says Cynthia Modders, Firefly’s Founder.

Build-A-Bear, Paramount Pictures Collaborate for ‘IF’ Products

Paramount Pictures and Build-A-Bear Workshop teamed up in celebration of the upcoming feature film IF, directed by John Krasinski.

IF fans will discover an array of exclusive merchandise and outfits inspired by the movie at workshops nationwide. From the IF Blue Plush, and the IF “We’re Always Here” T-Shirt, available both individually and as part of the Happy Hugs Teddy Bear IF Gift Set, to the cozy IF PJ Sleeper, also available in the Pawlette Plush IF Gift Set, there’s something to delight every fan.

In addition, starting May 16, select Build-A-Bear Workshop locations in Culver City, California; American Dream in East Rutherford, New Jersey; and Blue Water in the UK will transport visitors to the fantasy world of IF.

In these stores, guests will also encounter a heartwarming message encapsulating the essence of IF: “Imaginary Friends Made Here.” This resonant phrase mirrors the film’s central themes of friendship and wonder, setting the stage for a magical journey.

IF, directed by John Krasinski, will be in theaters May 17.

As part of this nationwide celebration, Build-A-Bear Workshops will host an extra-special Heart Ceremony, personally crafted by Krasinski. This unique experience allows guests to select a satin heart, make a wish, and witness the enchanting moment as their new furry friend springs to life before their eyes.

Kids can also continue to experience the magic of the movie after the end credits by visiting Build-A-Bear Workshop locations or buildabear.com

Hasbro Promotes Casey Collins to President of Global Licensed Consumer Products and Partnerships/Alliances

Hasbro has promoted Casey Collins to President of Global Licensed Consumer Products (LCP) and Partnerships/Alliances, effective immediately.

In his new position, Collins will spearhead the management of Hasbro’s strategic partnerships with various partnerships, including Frito-Lay, LEGO, McDonald’s, Mattel, Miniso, NBCUniversal, Netflix, and more. He will also oversee the company’s global LCP business.

Harbro looks to further its position as the partner of choice for top licensors and retailers worldwide. With Collins in his new position, the company aims to leverage its extensive network of partnerships to drive growth and innovation across key categories.

Protected: Another test post to schedule

ABC Kids Expo: Dr. Lisa Brands to Display First Baby JP Toys

The Dr. Lisa Brands Co. will showcase the first infant toys in the Baby JP line at ABC Kids Expo this month. The sensory toy line, inspired by artist J. Pierce’s street art and designs, will aid kids as they learn and grow.

The toys from the Baby JP line, set to debut in the fall, are some of the first products to launch since the Dr. Lisa Brands Co. expanded its licensing and infant product reach. Last year, J. Pierce and the Dr. Lisa Brands Co. unveiled a partnership for numerous licensed products. This includes sensory-based infant toys, impulse items, fashion dolls, seasonal dress-up products, stationery, coloring and activity items, home décor, and backpacks.

Art by J. Pierce | Source: J. Pierce

“Through my art, I want to evoke happiness,” Pierce says. “It’s so rewarding to extend its meaning through these toys. I’ve loved working with Dr. Lisa’s team to develop the Baby JP line and am truly blessed — it’s just the beginning.”

“As a mother, I am a big proponent of toys that encourage the development of tactile and fine motor skills, touch and feel, and other senses,” says Dr. Lisa Williams, CEO, The Dr. Lisa Brands Co. “The bold, fun, and colorful patterns of J. Pierce’s artwork check the box for visual stimulation, and we’ve incorporated elements to engage other core developmental skills.”

“We have collaborated with J. Pierce on previous projects and are huge fans of his modern contemporary art style,” says Lee Clemons III, Executive Vice President of Sales, Licensing and Partnerships for The Dr. Lisa Brands Co. “In developing our infant toy sensory collection, J. Pierce and his artistic abilities were a perfect match to our vision. We are proud to partner with J. Pierce to bring sensory engagement to infant categories with his unique usage of colors and patterns with his Baby JP brand appealing to both millennial and Gen Z parents and parents-to-be.”

The Dr. Lisa Brands Co. will be located at Booth 575 during the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas from May 15-18. Visitors can also pick up a copy of the 2024 edition of The BIG Toy Book at ABC Kids Expo, while supplies last!

Mattel Opens Mission: Play! Family Entertainment Center in Abu Dhabi

Mattel has opened the first-ever Mission: Play! family entertainment center in Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with iPS Operations, a division of Al Hokair Group.

Mission: Play! by Mattel offers a physical and digital play experience to kids of all ages, interests, and skill levels. The family entertainment center (FEC) includes three zones inspired by popular Mattel brands: Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Mega Brands. Located at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island, the center covers 4,000 square meters within the venue. In addition, there is a dedicated event space, celebration rooms, a cafe, and a retail store featuring Mattel toys and exclusive merchandise.

Attendees can enjoy Barbie-themed attractions. | Source: Mattel

An immersive experience with Hot Wheels. | Source: Mattel

Kids can enjoy rides and attractions. | Source: Mattel

Mission: Play! features Mega and other brands. | Source: Mattel

“We are proud to be launching our Mattel Centre at The Galleria, the leading lifestyle destination in Abu Dhabi,” says Roger Houben, CEO, iP2Operations. “Mission: Play! by Mattel complements this experience with elevated entertainment experiences under the motto ‘Think Big, Play Bigger!’”

This is the second Mission: Play! entertainment center to open so far. The first location opened in Berlin in 2022.

“At Al Hokair Group, we are always looking for new and innovative ways to bring families together and provide them with memorable experiences,” says Mishal Al Hokair, Deputy CEO, Al Hokair Group. “Mission: Play! by Mattel aligns perfectly with our vision and will be a huge success at The Galleria as a destination for families from all over the region.”

The center will operate under the lease with Al Maryah Retail Company, asset manager of The Galleria.

“The addition of this extraordinary destination complements our world-class entertainment offering and will significantly enhance leisure and entertainment options for the Abu Dhabi community with more exclusive brands and first-to-the-region concepts,” says Mark Ruffley, CEO, Al Maryah Retail Co.

To learn more about Mission: Play!, visit thegalleria.ae/en/play/mission-play-by-mattel.

Heathside Trading Inks Licensing Agreement with Ubisoft for ‘Rabbids’

Heathside Trading is partnering with video game publisher Ubisoft to create a line of products inspired by the Rabbids franchise.

The Rabbids are bizarre creatures that seek fun through different worlds and dimensions. These cheeky creatures are unpredictable, bringing chaos wherever they go. The collection will include rubber minifigures, squishy figurines, 2D and 3D keychains, die-cast vehicles, and more. The Rabbids lineup will also include surprise toys featuring the iconic creatures.

Another great classic brand will be introduced to our pop culture range. Rabbids is one of those brands everyone wants to work on from a great team at Ubisoft and Beanstalk.

— Darren Epstein, New Products Manager for Heathside Trading

The agreement was brokered by Kirsty Guthrie of KJG Ltd. for Heathside Trading and Tinderbox, the specialist digital division of Beanstalk.

Heathside Trading’s most recent licensing deals include a deal with ITV Studios for action figures, Millimages for Molang toys and collectibles, and more.

Magna-Tiles Debuts Interactive Studio at Museum of Discovery and Science

Magna-Tiles, the brand known for its magnetic building sets, has a new studio space in the Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The STEM-forward kids museum houses the studio, which is complete with five stations offering little visitors different opportunities for educational fun. The Magnetic Marvels station introduces the concept of magnetism, while the Colorful Discoveries station offers guests the chance to see the interplay between light and color. Engineering Excellence offers kids an introduction to form, structure, and physics, while the 3D Build Extravaganza puts the onus on hands-on building. Finally, the “Garage” Shop features a large magnetic garage and refrigerator door.

The museum is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. | Source: Magna-Tiles

“This one-of-a-kind space was designed specifically for our fans — our future architects, designers, astronauts, and engineers,” says Magna-Tiles Senior Vice President of Marketing Michael Scheffki. “It’s a place where they can be creative. It’s a place where they can dream.”

The studio is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more about the brand’s exhibit, visit the Magna-Tiles Studio site.

Fisher-Price Launches New Wooden Toy Line

Mattel’s Fisher-Price brand is launching a new line of wooden toys.

Fisher-Price boasts a large portfolio of toys for kids across various age ranges, including licensed offerings such as a Darth Vader robot, football-themed Little People figures, and more. The company’s newest line features a classic toy material: wood.

The new wooden toys include playsets, stacking toys, and more. | Source: Fisher-Price

A contemporary take on the classic wooden toy, this new collection includes wooden toys made from FSC-certified sources. The collection features Wooden Stacking Blocks for kids ages 18 months and up, a Wooden Music Table for kids ages 2 and up, a Wooden Toolbox Set for kids ages 3 and up, and more.

Beyond colorful fun, the new toys are designed to encourage the development of fine motor skills, sharing, and creative play. The full collection includes even more stacking toys, activity toys, playsets, and musical toys. Each toy was tested in the Fisher-Price Play Lab for kid approval.

The Fisher-Price Wood toys are available exclusively at Walmart, both online and in-store.

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