Moonbug Appoints Ashley Maidy Managing Director of Consumer Products, Expands to Latin America

Moonbug Entertainment, a division of Candle Media, has named Ashley Maidy its Managing Director of Consumer Products. 

In the role, Maidy will lead Global Consumer Products for CoComelon, Blippi, and other Moonbug franchises. Maidy will connect licensing and retail partners to fans worldwide, and develop product strategies for Moonbug brands across consumer goods, publishing, live events, and experiences. She will report to René Rechtman, Founder and CEO of Moonbug Entertainment.

What makes Moonbug shows like CoComelon and Blippi so special is their ability to inspire kids to learn and grow while having fun. Millions of families around the world have fallen in love with these stories and characters, resulting in passionate fandoms.
– Ashley Maidy, Managing Director of Consumer Products, Moonbug

Maidy has more than 25 years of experience in the entertainment and gaming industries. She previously served as Global Head of Consumer Products at Riot Games and led partnerships with Call of Duty, Skylanders, and Candy Crush, at Activision Blizzard. Maidy has also worked on various film and TV properties at Fox Family Worldwide and Sony Pictures Entertainment, and was part of the executive team that launched the billion-dollar Spider-Man film franchise.

“Consumer products are instrumental to how we engage with fans, as more and more families want to bring the Moonbug stories and characters they love into their daily lives,” Rechtman says. “Ashley understands how to build deeper connections with fans. It shows in her track record of building global franchises for some of the most iconic games and movies in the past two decades. Her vision and expertise will bring our consumer products offering to the next level.”

The kids’ entertainment company has also established Latin American headquarters in Miami, while naming Manuel Reveiz as Head of Distribution & Partnerships, LATAM. 

In his role, Reveiz is responsible for building Moonbug’s presence in Latin American countries, connecting shows like CoComelon, Blippi, and Little Angel to families across the region, forging new partnerships, and amplifying existing partnerships. He will report to Nicolas Eglau, Moonbug’s Managing Director of EMEA, APAC, and Global Distribution.

Previously, Raveiz spent 15 years at Paramount, where he most recently served as Vice President of Sales. He also expanded distribution for digital native video services including Amazon, Apple, and Mercado Libre, and existing multichannel video programming distributors including Movistar, Millicom, Liberty, and DIRECTV.

Latin America is a key priority for Moonbug, and Manuel has the track record we need to chart our growth in the region. His wide network and industry expertise will help us build new partnerships and expand existing ones across all markets.
– Nicolas Eglau, Managing Director of EMEA, APAC, and Global Distribution, Moonbug

To learn more about the company and all its new adventures, visit moonbug.com.

Talkin’ Toys: Billy Corgan and Chloé Mendel

Last fall, The Toy Book cracked open the scrapbook for The Toys & Games That Shaped the Industry, a collection of photos, anecdotes, and archival materials shared by some of the biggest voices in the toy business. But those memorable toys and games shape everyone — forever bringing joy to kids and families — and impacting the lives of countless creatives.

Ahead of this week’s debut of Billy Corgan’s Adventures in Carnyland, an 8-episode unscripted series now streaming on The CW app, I caught up with Corgan, frontman of The Smashing Pumpkins and owner of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA), and wife Chloé Mendel, CEO of Madame ZuZus for some insight into the toys and games that were important to them growing up and are important to them now, as parents.

Talkin’ Toys

Billy Corgan’s Adventures in Carnyland is directed and produced by Brian Volk-Weiss of Nacelle, the multifaceted toy and entertainment company behind The Toys That Made Us, A Toy Store Near You, and the interconnected Nacelleverse comprised of Biker Mice From Mars, RoboForce, Sectaurs, Power Lords, and other rebooted toy brands.

According to Corgan, the idea for the series spawned after a rep from Nacelle reached out during the height of the pandemic inquiring about rights to make action figures inspired by NWA wrestlers. Could that deal still happen? Stay tuned to The Toy Book to find out!

Bandai Namco Releases New Tamagotchi Connection Devices

Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America has relaunched the Tamagotchi Connection, a virtual pet device that can pair with other Tamagotchi Connection devices. First released in 2004, it is returning for a new generation of kids to enjoy with friends.

The Tamagotchi Connection features a virtual pet for kids to interact with, which grows differently depending on how a kid takes care of it. They can feed it, play games with it, provide a cure if it gets sick, and help it develop into a great virtual pet. When kids pair their Tamagotchi Connection with another device, their characters can become friends, exchange gifts, play games, get married, and more. Kids and their friends can also raise several generations of Tamagotchis after connecting devices.

As kids nurture their pets, either with friends or on their own, they can meet more than 50 characters, collect more than 150 items, play more than 10 mini games, buy new food using Gotchi Points, and unlock special items.

Kids can choose from six different Tamagotchi Connection designs, including Rainbow Sky, Bubbles, Clear Retro, and Ice Cream, and match their best friend’s shell. The Tamagotchi Connection True Friends Set includes two devices, Blue Graffiti and Pink Graffiti.

Each design includes a unique password for kids to unlock a special item for their character: Blue Graffiti and Pink Graffiti devices unlock pencils; Ice Cream characters get an ice cream; the Bubbles devices unlock a soda; Clear Retro characters get a waffle, and Rainbow Sky devices unlock an umbrella.

The new devices are available to preorder on Amazon and will release on July 9.

Neopets Selects PhatMojo as Master Toy Licensee

Neopets has inked a master toy licensing deal with PhatMojo, brokered by Mix Licensing Group and Carlin West Agency. The partnership will result in plush, figures, collectibles, and other nostalgic favorites from the online game.

At Licensing Expo, taking place from May 21-23 in Las Vegas, attendees can look forward to an immersive journey through the World of Neopets. Highlights include a first look at the PhatMojo toy line, officially licensed merchandise, and exclusive giveaways. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet Aisha, Neopets’ official mascot, and snap a photo at the Character Parade or Neopets Booth No. B188. 

The PhatMojo partnership marks the latest milestone in Neopets’ expanding licensing program, which has seen strategic alliances with industry heavyweights such as Upper Deck, What’s Your Passion, and Hot Topic, among others. From trading card games to energy drinks, Neopets merchandise spans a wide range of products, catering to the diverse interests of its fanbase.

Since its launch in 1999, Neopets has been a cultural phenomenon, boasting a dedicated community of fans and a virtual world known as Neopia. However, it wasn’t until the new leadership team, led by CEO Dominic Law, took over last July that the brand experienced a significant resurgence. With a focus on community-driven initiatives and strategic partnerships, Neopets has evolved from an online game into a multi-entertainment company.

“Our licensing partners have helped us push the envelope as a brand, and breathe real life into our digital game and characters,” says Law. “There is so much lore and thought put into the Neopets world, and showcasing in this way at Licensing Expo for the first time is a natural next step for us as a brand to tell our story.”

Visit Neopets at Booth No. B188 at Licensing Expo. For more information and to join the Neopian adventure, visit neopets.com and follow the brand on Instagram @neopetsofficialaccount.

Bandai Namco Opens First Retail Store at American Dream

Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America (BNTCA) will host the grand opening of its first-ever retail store at the American Dream mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey on May 31.

The new retail space within the American Dream complex will be a hub for anime toys and collectibles, offering a diverse range of products from various Bandai brands. From Bandai Hobby and Tamagotchi to Tamashii Nations and Anime Heroes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

Visitors can expect an extensive selection of merchandise featuring anime series such as Gundam, Dragon Ball, One Piece, Naruto, Spy x Family, Demon Slayer, and more. There will also be full-size statues at the front of the store for photo ops. 

Attendees at the grand opening event on May 31 will have a chance to meet PAC-MAN in person following the ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

For more information and updates, visit americandream.com.

Mojang Studios’ ‘Minecraft’ Secures New Licensing Deals, Celebrates 15 Years

Minecraft has a whole portfolio of new licensing partners, with products from home decor to oral care.

Mojang Studios’ hit video game Minecraft is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. The Minecraft brand has come far since its indie beginnings and is continuing to expand with new licensing partners lined up ahead of Licensing Expo.

Dynacraft will develop Minecraft-inspired bikes. | Source: Dynacraft

New partners for the brand include Colgate for oral care; PEZ for collectible candy; Igloo for coolers; Felt Right for home decor; Give and Go for cookie and structure kits; Krusteaz for Buck Wild Savory Snack Mix; Bright Matter Books for workbooks; Go-Gurt for yogurt; Dynacraft for bikes; DK Children for the Minecraft Ideas Book and the Minecraft: Official Pop Up Book; and Secretlab for a new Enderman gaming chair skin and Wolf lumbar pillow.

A Minecraft apparel collection from Justice is coming to Walmart. | Source: Justice

Minecraft has also teamed up with Walmart for products from several licensing partners, such as an apparel collection from Justice. 

“Over the past three years, we have been working tirelessly to rapidly ramp up Minecraft’s consumer products business with fresh and relevant products by focusing our efforts on category expansion, retailer relationships, and international growth through our agent partnerships with Retail Monster, CAA, and Merchantwise,” says Federico San Martin, Global Head of Consumer Products for Minecraft.

Mojang Studios released the first version of Minecraft in 2009. The game has since become a genre-defining survival crafting and creative construction experience. It’s been regularly updated since its release, including following Microsoft’s purchase of Mojang Studios in 2014.

The newest licensing deals join Minecraft’s existing partners, including LEGO, Mattel, Hasbro, and more. As the brand gears up for the 2025 release of the live-action A Minecraft Movie, it hopes to continue expanding its licensed offerings.

Visit Minecraft in Stands No. J110 & J112 at Licensing Expo to explore new product collaborations.

Toysmith, Anne McGilvray & Co. Join Forces to Supercharge Specialty Market

Toysmith, a distributor of toys and gifts for more than 40 years, is once again partnering with Anne McGilvray & Co., a women-led group representing more than 100 brands.

The partnership will allow both companies to grow in the specialty toys and gifts market. Together, they will collaborate to provide customers with access to a wide range of products and services. The duo previously partnered in 2020.

Toysmith serves more than 15,000 independent retailers and more than 150 key accounts across the country with a diverse portfolio of specialty toys and gifts.

This collaboration represents a significant step forward in our efforts to deliver exceptional products and experiences to independent retailers and key accounts across the country.
– Max Wunderle, Chief Commercial Officer at Toysmith

Anne McGilvray & Co. has helped small businesses thrive for more than 45 years by providing access to specialty industry vendors, professional sales representatives, and industry knowledge.

“Together, we will continue to uphold our commitment to excellence and deliver exceptional value to retailers and consumers alike,” says Liesl Ludwig, CEO at Anne McGilvray & Co.

For more information, visit toysmith.com and annemcgilvray.com.

Spielwarenmesse Expands Show Floor for 2025

Spielwarenmesse eG is preparing for next year’s Spielwarenmesse, which will run from Jan. 28-Feb. 1 in Nuremberg, Germany. The international trade show features the latest and greatest in toys and games. In 2025, those toys and games will see a shake-up in hall placement designed to open up more space for growing product categories and provide improved organization.

We have analyzed each one of our 13 product groups to ensure they are perfectly positioned. With the new allocation and expansion of the halls, we are ensuring that Spielwarenmesse remains fit for the future and offers improved benefits to visitors.
Christian Ulrich, Spokesperson of the Executive Board at Spielwarenmesse eG

The new floor plan will incorporate Hall 3C into the show for the first time, where products in the “Baby and Infant Articles” and “Lifestyle Products” categories will be on display. From there, it’s a short distance to Halls 1, 2, and 3.

Hall 2 will now host the “School Articles, Stationery, Creative Design” product group.  “The cancellation of Insights-X has led to high demand from exhibitors in the stationery sector who now wish to present themselves at the Spielwarenmesse,” says Florian Hess, Member of the Executive Board at Spielwarenmesse eG. 

Hall 7 will see some changes in layout for improved product synergy. Spielwarenmesse eG reports it’s considering desires to have the “Model Railways and Model Construction” product group closer to the “Technical Toys, Education Toys, Action Toys” product group. In the future, Hall 7 will also host the “Sports, Leisure, Outdoor” (Hall 7A) group and “Services for Trade and Industry.” 

Next year’s Spielwarenmesse will continue to build upon previous years, expanding and welcoming additional products to the Nuremberg Exhibition Center.

“The changes are aimed at further increasing the appeal of Spielwarenmesse and promoting synergies, but also at highlighting opportunities for expansion that will provide the best possible trade fair experience for all participants,” says Christian Ulrich, Spokesperson of the Executive Board at Spielwarenmesse eG.

ZipString Names Chandler Wilkins Director of Sales

ZipString, the brand behind a gravity-defying gadget of the same name seen on Shark Tank, has named Chandler Wilkins its Director of Sales.

Wilkins most recently held sales management positions in the software industry. Before that, he served as a Latter-day Saint missionary in Brazil and earned a degree in Supply Chain Management from Brigham Young University, where he studied with ZipString Co-Founder, Austin Hillam.

No one resembles the phrase — ‘if there’s a will, there’s a way’ — better than Chandler, making him a perfect fit for a company on the way up. Considering that we hand-made our first 4000 products in my family’s basement, it’s been a dream come true to have reached the point where ZipString is now manufactured in China and sold internationally, and Chandler’s expertise in sales and supply chain management will play an important role in that growth.
– Austin Hillam, Co-Founder, ZipString

“In some ways, we can be considered the toy industry’s equivalent to a garage band becoming rock stars, since our roots began in a basement,” says Stephen Fazio, Co-Founder, ZipString.

Learn more about the Georgia-based company at zipstring.com.

Dan Dee International Inks Global Master License Agreement with Smoko

Plush company Dan Dee International is partnering with lifestyle brand Smoko.

The collaboration between the two companies will bring Smoko’s unique style to a line of plush, collectibles, decor, and seasonal items. Smoko’s style is best noted by the simple smiling face on boba, dumplings, potatoes, cats, and other objects and creatures. 

Smoko’s imaginative designs and commitment to quality resonate deeply with our own values, making this collaboration a natural fit. We look forward to leveraging our manufacturing expertise to bring Smoko’s beloved characters to life across a wide variety of product classifications, delighting fans worldwide.
— Menal McGrath, Senior Vice President for Global Licensing at Dan Dee International

“Their reputation for excellence in toys and decor manufacturing aligns perfectly with our commitment to deliver products of the highest quality to our customers,” says Jeff Yen, Co-Founder of Smoko. “Together, we are excited to introduce a new dimension of fun and creativity to the world of toys and decor.” 

The licensing agreement was brokered by Evolution USA, Smoko’s global licensing and brand management agency.

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