toynews issue 93 may 2009

84
INSIDE… TOYMASTER 2009 PREVIEW Full run-down of what’s what at this year’s extended retail event Issue 93 May 2009 STATE OF INDEPENDENTS Why things may finally be looking up for the indie sector LICENSING INTERNATIONAL The build up to next month’s big event taking place in Las Vegas MINOR MIRACLES A look at the latest products in the busy pre-school sector The toy industry’s highest circulation trade title Exclusive media partner

Upload: intent-media-now-newbay-media-europe

Post on 08-Mar-2016

299 views

Category:

Documents


14 download

DESCRIPTION

ToyNews magazine for Retail, Licensing, Distribution and Marketing

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

INSIDE…

TOYMASTER 2009 PREVIEWFull run-down of what’s what atthis year’s extended retail event

Issue 93 May 2009

STATE OF INDEPENDENTSWhy things may finally be looking up for the indie sector

LICENSING INTERNATIONALThe build up to next month’s bigevent taking place in Las Vegas

MINOR MIRACLES A look at the latest productsin the busy pre-school sector

The toy industry’s highest circulation trade title

Exclusive media partner

Page 2: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009
Page 3: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

I FEEL that the dress code for the Tuesdayevening at the Toymaster show is a little vaguethis year. It’s viking/casual. Does that mean onlythe one horn or is it just a bit of mild pillagingbut definitely no raping (does that require aguideline)? What’s the policy on longships?

Other than that it’s hard to find fault with theevent, which genuinely seems to get better everyyear. Even the fruity carpets and groundhog dayfeel of the Majestic Hotel cannot diminishenthusiasm for it. In fact, it’s not really aToymaster show anymore in the sense that anyretailer can attend and all independents shouldmake an effort to be there.

It’s difficult to believe they would come awayfrom it with nothing at all. Even if it’s only ahangover.

Many indies prefer it to the London Toy Fairbecause they know they will have access to thesuppliers they want to meet, suppliers who arethere because they want to do business withindependents and that’s a hugely importantfactor when so many feel excluded from some ofthe closed stands at the big shows.

More than just an order-taking show, it’s anopportunity to do some deals, share ideas, share afew drinks and put the toy trade to rights.

While dressed as a viking. Don’t miss it.Ronnie [email protected]

COMMENTNORDIC BUT NICE

Any retailer can attend,and all independentsshould make

an effort to be there

Adrian MilesAdvertising [email protected]

Lisa FosterManaging [email protected]

Katie RobertsStaff [email protected]

Dan [email protected]

Jon SalisburyEditorial [email protected]

Stuart [email protected]

Samantha LovedayLicensing [email protected]

Ronnie [email protected]

Intent Media is a member of thePeriodical Publishers Associations

Editorial: 01992 535646Advertising: 01992 535647

■ ToyNews circulation is 25.5%higher than its closest competitor.

■ ToyNews requested or paid forcirculation is 52.3% higher thanits closest competitor.

■ ToyNews has 100% named circulationand 0% duplication.

AUDITED CIRCULATION:Average Net Circulation: 6,069

July 1st 2007 to June 30th 2008.www.toynewsmag.com

16 News

19 Ludorum

20 Licensing International

LICENSING

FEATURES24 Indie upsurge

26 Toymaster preview

35 Pre-school toys

55 Action vehicles

61 Large dolls

66 Counter Insurgent

66 Price Check

67 Retail Charts

68 New Products

69 Hero Product

80 Toy Talk

82 Events/Features

RETAIL

REGULARS4 News

6 Appointments

8 Exclusive NPD analysis

10 Marketing spend data

12 Campaign of the month

Contents

Page 4: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

MAY 2009

STORM CLOUDS are gathering overMega Brands, with losses mounting inits latest quarterly results and somedownsizing seemingly an inevitability.

Its latest results showed a loss of$323.3 million for the quarter endedDecember 31st, 2008, compared witha loss of $66.2 million for the sameperiod the year before. One-timecharges totalled $234.4 million for thequarter.

Quarterly sales fell 21.6 per cent to$101 million from $128.8 millionduring the same quarter of 2007.

Mega Brands said goodwill chargesalso widened its 2008 net loss, whichincreased to $458.7 million from a lossof $97.1 million recorded in 2007.Charges totalling $404.5 millionincreased the loss by $11.05 per share.

Net sales slid 14.6 per cent in 2008to $447.7 million compared to $524.5million the year before.

“Instead of the turnaround weanticipated, the fourth quarter turnedout to be a disappointment,” MegaBrands chief executive Marc Bertrandcommented.

Attempts to raise much-neededcash by selling the company’s RoseArtstationery and activities division havecome to nothing, but the firm did

recently manage to secure anextended credit line.

The company says it had cash andcash equivalents of about $46 million(US) at the end of last month.

The UK division, however, is stayingpositive and is hoping that the firm’sfocus on lower price points will boostsales further.

“Mega UK is building from a solidfoundation in 2009 with a renewedfocus on enhanced value at key lowerprice points which we believe is theway forward in the current marketclimate,” said UK MD Dave Martin.

“Commitment to TV supportremains high for key brands as thecompany rolls out its new initiativesfor this year based around supportingcore brands, innovation and leveragingstrong licenses such as In the NightGarden, WonderPets and Halo fromMicrosoft.

“We have been delighted by thesupport of our retail partners and wehave a strong listings for 2009.

“We continue to show growth inour pre-school business and inMagnext for the first quarter of 2009plus with the major launch of BattleStrikers still to come, we are excited bythe opportunities we see ahead of us.”Mega Brands: 01844 350033

Worries mount as group losses increase in latest results ● UK boss remains upbeat

DATA FROM commercial propertyspecialist Daltons has shown asignificant upsurge in enquiriesabout toy retail businesses over thelast 12 months.

Both the number of toy businessesuploaded to the firm’s site and thenumber of search enquiries haveseen an increase. The number ofnew businesses available saw amonth on month increase of 366 percent from January to February.

The number of searches for toybusinesses has also increased by 384per cent from June 2008 to March

“We have noticed a big increasein both the number of toy shopsuploaded and in the number ofsearches for toy shops over the pasttwo months,” said Daltons’ digitalmarketing executive Emilie Corbillé.www.daltonsbusiness.com

TOYMASTER MANAGING directorRoger Dyson says this year’sHarrogate event will be the most openever and expects an influx of newattendees.

Once again this year’s show is opento all independent retailers as well asToymaster members and has alsobeen extended to include a dedictedModel and Hobby section for the firsttime.

Dyson told ToyNews: “Toymaster’schallenge in 2009 will be to better lastyear’s 25th Anniversary May Show.The good news is not only is the Mayshow still going strong it continues togo from strength to strength withmany first time attendees expected in2009.

“The importance of the ToymasterMay show for Toymaster members andindependent retailers cannot be

overstated and the fact that somemembers consider it more importantfor their business than the Toy Fairspeaks volumes. The Toymaster Mayshow remains the best opportunity forindependent retailers to view the keyranges from the majority of theirsuppliers at a single venue over athree day period at the optimum timeof the year for placing main season.

“Once again there will be countlesssupplier offers available for members,do not miss those offers that supportour catalogues or those that best suityour business.”

The show takes place at theMajestic Hotel, Harrogate from May19th-21st.Toymaster: 01604 674477

TOYMASTER READY TO WELCOME NEW FACES

Commitment toTV support

remains high as weroll out newinitiatives.

- Dave Martin.

HAMLEYS HAS decided to end itsinvolvement with in-storeconcessions to concentrate onexpanding its brand with stand-alone store openings.

The firm is pulling out of Houseof Fraser stores following the recentsuccess of store openings inDublin, Jordan and Dubai.

“Such is the confidence in thesuccess of the first three outletsthat we have decided that ourstrategy going forward is to solelyconcentrate our business model on‘big-box’ stores rather thanconcessions," said a spokesperson.

"Therefore, strategically we havemade the decision to close oursmall format concessions located inselected House of Fraser stores asthey are not able to replicate thetheatre and scale that Hamleysrequires.”

Hamleys endsconcessions

Tough times for Mega

4 NEWS

by Ronnie Dungan

Upsurgein toyretailerinterest

Page 5: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

MAY 2009

LEICESTER INDIE, Dominoes, has promisedto revamp its online offering following itsacquisition of Mail Order Express.

The deal sees the retailer take on the assetsof the well-established online toy seller, whichwent under two weeks ago.

A new-look Mail Order Express site with aDominoes home page will go live today andthere are further revamps planned as the firmlooks to improve its presence in the onlinearena.

There are plans to increase the rangeoffered and a 12,000 sq ft area of Dominoes30,000 sq ft warehouse will be devoted topacking and wrapping online orders.

“It was a very slick organisation that Paul[Watts, MOE MD] was running and we aimto make it even better,” Dominoes chairmanSteve Sansom told ToyNews.

Dominoes promises Express delivery

BOOKMARKUS TODAY

mobile.toynewsmag.co.uk

ALL THE LATESTNEWS & VIEWS

DIRECT TOYOUR MOBILE

PHONEWHEREVER

YOU ARE

UPPER DECK has vowed to bounceback after losing its Yu-Gi-Oh tradingcard distribution deal, following acourt victory for owner Konami.

A Dutch court of appeal rejectedUpper Deck International’s efforts tobe reinstated as the distributor of Yu-Gi-Oh in Europe and otherinternational territories following aDecember 12th decision to terminatethe contract.

Konami is alleging that UpperDeck has been involved in thedistribution of counterfeit Yu-Gi-Ohcards in the US. As a result UpperDeck’s European arm has distanceditself from the allegations directed atthe US business.

A California court in Februaryissued a preliminary injunctionagainst Upper Deck, halting its salesand marketing efforts for the Yu-Gi-Oh trading card game in the US.

“This is a terrific victory for thelegions of Yu-Gi-Oh TCG Duelistsworldwide,” said Kunio Neo,president of Konami DigitalEntertainment.

“Managing all aspects of the Yu-Gi-Oh TCG business directly - not justin Asia and North America, butglobally - will allow Konami Digital

Entertainment to strengthen andprotect the integrity of the brandthroughout the world.”

The reaction from European armUpper Deck International, however,points to its autonomy from the USdivision and says the ruling “does notcontain any reference to Upper DeckInternational BV (UDI) beinginvolved in any counterfeit activitiesas Konami has never filed anycomplaints against UDI regarding thismatter.”

Nico Blauw, CEO of Upper DeckInternational, told ToyNews: “It isunfortunate that this matter had to bebattled in court and likely we havenot seen the end of it either. We wereleft with no other option than to go tocourt since Konami, totally

unexpected,terminated ouragreement onDecember 12th. Ithad been Konami'sgoal, since a couple ofyears ago to run theYu-Gi-Oh TradingCard Game businessthemselves. It is veryunfortunate that aso-called ‘NorthAmerica matter’ hascaused thistermination.

“We have takenthe initiative toarrange a smoothtransfer with Konamifor the sake of thebrand, retail and endusers.

“We have enjoyed selling andmarketing the Yu-Gi-Oh TradingCard Game over the years and wehave been very good at it. We willcontinue to be linked to the Yu-Gi-Oh brand and are interested inmaking it a success as we hold adistribution agreement for toys acrossseveral countries in Europe, SouthAfrica and Israel.

“We have done an excellent job inexpanding our business in the past fewyears; now it is time to move on. Wewill focus our resources on launchingnew brands and developingestablished ones to entertain andeducate consumers while supportingthe business and building strongerpartnerships with retailers, licensorsand suppliers.”Upper Deck: 0118 929 8520

Upper Deck defiant after Yu-Gi-Oh loss

www.toynewsmag.com 5NEWS

by Ronnie Dungan

We have donean excellent jobin expanding

our business in thepast few years,now it is timeto move on.- Nico Blauw

European distribution deal scuppered by allegations of misconduct in the US.

Page 6: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

SPIN MASTER has boosted itsnewly formed entertainment division with the appointment ofJennifer Picherack.

The entertainment division,launched in October 2008, has hiredPicherack to work alongside EP MattWexler to develop and produceoriginal content for the division.

The pair are charged with thecompany’s television and feature filmdevelopment, production andacquisition activities.

Picherack will be based out of theToronto headquarters and joins withover ten years experience inchildren’s television entertainment.

Most recently the VP ofdistribution and sales operations atCookie Jar Entertainment, the newrecruit was also producer on thecritically acclaimed series JohnnyTest, as well as a creative executiveon Chop Socky Chooks, NaturallySadie and Radio Free Roscoe.

Having been acting sales andmarketing director at GMTV for thepast 18 months, Simon Poole has

been officially appointed to the role,joining the board of directors withimmediate effect.

During his time in the role, Pooleand his team have been responsiblefor increasing GMTV’s share of thetotal broadcast market. Across 2008,the channel’s advertising revenueincreased against a backdrop of amarket down circa four per cent.

ITV Global Entertainment’scommercial brands director, GustavoAntonioni has taken voluntaryredundancy from the firm.

Antonioni said that ITV hadrecently undergone a large scaleefficiency review, with his just one ofa number of roles across the companywhich were under consultation.

He stated in a letter that thedecision was a personal one and “inno way impacts or sets a precedentfor those who are currentlyundergoing consultations within theCommercial Brands Group”.

The merchandising and licensinggroup will continue to be headed upby Aysha Kidwai and the promotions

group will be overseen by CorinePouvreau Miles.

To coincide with the decision tobring licensing for Fifi and TheFlowertots in-house, ChapmanEntertainment has appointedNatasha Dyson to the newly createdrole of licensing manager.

Dyson joined the company from 19Entertainment where she workedindependently within the commercialdepartment to develop globallicensing programmes for ClaudiaSchiffer, Brand Beckham, The DavidBeckham Academy, Spice Girls andthe US TV show, So You Think YouCan Dance.

In addition Chapman has recruitedEmma Way as part-time legal affairsmanager alongside existing legalaffairs manager, Katie Errington.

Logistics specialist AmethystGroup has appointed a new businessdevelopment manager to handlebusiness development for toy clients.

Allan Fosbrook has joined after 25years in the electrical retail industryin order to bring his retail logistics

experience to the firm’s toy client-base, which includes VividImaginations, Bandai, Worlds Apart,Cesar, Ravensburger, Leapfrog andCharacter World.

The new recruit joins from a roleat LG Electronics, which he held forfour years and previous employersinclude De Longhi, Canon andSamsung among others. The firmhopes that Fosbrook will be able tounderstand client’s needs andtherefore tailor the services for thecontracts offered, thus offering abetter service.

Fosbrook said of his appointment:“I have been bought in by Amethystto work with prospective clients andby using my retail experiencedemonstrate to them that weunderstand their logistical needsclearly. Identifying from a retailer’sperspective that we recognise whatthe implications are if the goods arenot delivered on time and infull…every time. I am lookingforward to working with and growingthe toy side of the business”

FROM LEFT: Amethyst’sAllan Fosbrook, ex-ITVGlobal commercial brandsdirector, Gustavo Antonioniand new Chapman recruit,Natasha Dyson...

6 APPOINTMENTS

INDUSTRY MOVESA sales and marketing promotion at GMTV, a departure from ITV Global, new faces at Chapman Entertainment’s licensingand legal teams and a boost for production at Spin Master’s new entertainment division…

Page 7: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009
Page 8: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

MAY 2009

ACCORDING TO the BritishRetail Consortium UK sales fell 1.2per cent on a like for like basis fromMarch 2008 with someunseasonably warm weather thisMarch benefiting clothing, footwearand outdoor leisure sales.Comparisons are difficult thoughwith the differences between thewarm sunny weather this year andsnow and rain last year in the samemonth as well as the impact ofEaster moving dates.

With Easter falling in March in2008 and in April this year, it comeswith little surprise that the firstquarter of 2009 looks behind lastyear for the toy industry. However,April should be a telling month forthe industry to determine strengthof sales for the Easter period versuslast year. In the first quarter theaverage price, however, hascontinued to grow from £5.47 to£5.86 with a number of high priceditems continuing to perform wellespecially kids’ cameras.

Despite the economic conditions,some categories have managed thechanging market better than otherswith Building Sets, Outdoor &Sports and All Other Toysperforming better than the market.

Building Sets has benefited from arange of new items since the start ofthe year with the new Lego PowerMiners property continuing to showstrong growth. Some dry, warmerweather than expected in Marchhas helped the Outdoor category,with ride-on sales increasing six percent in March (compared to March2008) driven by Little Tikes and InThe Night Garden properties. The

All Other Toys categoryperformance has been driven byEducational & Musical Toys up 11per cent for the year to date.

Infant and Pre-school remainsthe biggest category accounting forjust under a quarter of the total toymarket in March with the Infant

category showing small growth forthe year to date driven by walkers,rattles and mobiles as well thestrong performance of Playskool andPlaymobil.

Action Figures is the third biggestcategory and the most heavilyreliant on licenses, reflected in itsstrong performers such as the newBen 10 Alien Force range andBakugan. Bakugan is now the

strongest performing new propertyacross toys so far this year and isnow within the top 25 properties.

A number of properties continueto perform well within the toymarket with Ben 10 and Star Warsin number one and two positions.Peppa Pig continues to make its way

up the rankings as does Barbie.Peppa growth, surprisingly, is notfrom Infant and Pre-school items,but from Plush, Arts & Crafts andGames & Puzzles items, whileBarbie has benefited from heavy PRaround the 50th birthday this year.

With Easter falling in April thisyear and some spring weather alreadyarriving there is optimism for the toymarket in the next few months.

Hope springs eternal

Despite the economic conditions, somecategories have managed the

changing market better than others withBuilding Sets, Outdoor & Sport and All OtherToys performing better than the totalmarket.

Top Five PropertiesMarch 20091. BEN 102. STAR WARS3. IN THE NIGHT GARDEN 4. THOMAS AND FRIENDS5. HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL

Best ItemProgression March 2009

Barbie Clean Up Pup(Mattel)A huge rise for Mattel’s Barbieline which is up a whopping 214places in the chart from 254 to40, thanks to some cannypromotional activity.

Best PropertyProgressionMarch 2009

MONSTERS VS ALIENSDreamWorks’ 3D animation hasbeen one of the highlightmovies of the Easter schoolholidays and this is reflected inits increased prominence as atoy brand.

08 NPD RESEARCH

UK Toy Sales(value, year to date)

March2008

March2009 -18%

Source: NPD

Mar 08: £5.86 Mar 08: £5.47

Sales Average Price

PropertiesRetail Sales Trends

Page 9: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

UK MARCH 2009 (£ SALES - VALUE) UK MARCH 2009 (UNIT SALES - VOLUME)

1 BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE 10CM FIGS BANDAI

2 STAR WARS CLONE WARS BASIC FIG 3.75" HASBRO TOYS

3 POWER RANGERS JUNGLE FURY FIGS BANDAI

4 KIDIZOOM CAMERA VTECH

5 BEN 10 15CM ACTION BANDAI

6 BEN 10 FIGS 10CM ASST BANDAI

7 CARS VEHICLE ASST MATTEL

8 STAR WARS CLONE WALKER LEGO

9 BEN 10 ULTIMATE OMNITRIX BANDAI

10 BAKUGAN STARTER PACK SPIN MASTER

UK YEAR TO DATE (UNIT SALES - VOLUME)

1 HOT WHEELS BASIC CAR ASST MATTEL

2 BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE 10CM FIGS BANDAI

3 CARS VEHICLE ASST MATTEL

4 POWER RANGERS JUNGLE FURY FIGS BANDAI

5 BEN 10 FIGS 10CM ASST BANDAI

6 STAR WARS CLONE WARS BASIC FIG 3.75" HASBRO TOYS

7 BEN 10 15CM ACTION BANDAI

8 SPEED RACER DIECAST VEHICLE ASST MATTEL

9 BAKUGAN BOOSTER PACK SPIN MASTER

10 ITNG MINI PLUSH ASST HASBRO TOYS

NPD Eurotoys is the Number 1information provider forMarket Research to the Toy Industry in Europe

Contact: NPD Eurotoys UK, Rosemount House, Rosemount AvenueWest Byfleet, Surrey, KT14 6LB. _ 01 932 355 580

UK YEAR TO DATE (£ SALES - VALUE)

1 HOT WHEELS BASIC CAR ASST MATTEL

2 BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE 10CM FIGS BANDAI

3 POWER RANGERS JUNGLE FURY FIGS BANDAI

4 CARS VEHICLE ASST MATTEL

5 BEN 10 FIGS 10CM ASST BANDAI

6 STAR WARS CLONE WARS BASIC FIG 3.75” HASBRO TOYS

7 ITNG MINI PLUSH ASST HASBRO TOYS

8 BEN 10 15CM ACTION BANDAI

9 BAKUGAN BOOSTER PACK SPIN MASTER

10 SPEED RACER DIECAST VEHICLE ASST MATTEL

1 BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE 10CM FIGS BANDAI

2 BEN 10 ULTIMATE OMNITRIX BANDAI

3 POWER RANGERS JUNGLE FURY FIGS BANDAI

4 KIDIZOOM CAMERA VTECH

5 BEN 10 FIGS 10CM ASST BANDAI

6 STAR WARS CLONE WARS BASIC FIG 3.75" HASBRO TOYS

7 BEN 10 15CM ACTION BANDAI

8 BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE 15CM DNA F BANDAI

9 BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE OMNITRIX BANDAI

10 FIRST STEPS BABYWALKER VTECH

NOTES: All participating NPD retail data suppliers provide weekly data via EPOS systems. NPD figures are not projected to represent non-participating retailers but provide 100 percent of the sales from participating stores. EPoS sample includes the following retailers: Amazon, Argos, Asda, Boots, ELC, Firebox, Freemans, Grattan, Hamleys, HMV, HalfordsLittlewoods, Mailorderexpress, Modelzone, Mothercare, M&S, Sainsbury’s, Shop Direct, Tesco, Toymaster, The Entertainer and WHSmith. The approximate coverage is of 60%

www.toynewsmag.com 09NPD RESEARCH

Retail Sales Trends

Page 10: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

MONTHSUB MARKETS

COMPUTER/ELECTRONICGAMES

TOYS & GAMES/PRE-SCHOOL/LEARNING AIDS

TOTAL (ALL)

YEAR ON YEAR DIFF %

£5,799,068.00 £4,400,716.00 £4,998,549.00 £5,130,915.00 £3,296,304.00 £2,914,853.00

£3,726,084.00 £3,294,410.00 £2,507,804.00 £1,466,612.00 £2,291,366.00 £4,747,943.00

£9,525,152.00 £7,695,125.00 £7,483,557.00 £6,597,527.00 £5,587,670.00 £7,662,796.00

30.82% 42.79% 93.96% 78.42% 4.62% -44.81%

APR-08 MAY-08 JUN-08 JUL-08 AUG-08 SEP-08SPEND* (£) SPEND* (£) SPEND* (£) SPEND* (£) SPEND* (£) SPEND* (£)

MONTHLY SECTOR SPEND

MARKETING SPEND ANALYSIS

10 ADVERTISING TRENDS

MONTHLY ADVERTISING SPEND (12M TO MAR ‘09) SHARE OF ADSPEND (12M TO MAR ‘09)

COMPUTER GAMES / ELECTRONIC GAMES 61%

TOYS & GAMES / PRE-SCHOOL / LEARNING AIDS 39%

TOTAL (ALL) 100%

COMPUTER GAMES/ELECTRONIC GAMES

TOYS & GAMES/PS TOYS & LEARNING AIDS

SECTOR SHARE

COMPUTER GAMES/ELECTRONIC GAMES

TOYS & GAMES/PS TOYS & LEARNING AIDS

Page 11: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

The spend data supplied to ToyNews islimited to press and TV (excluding allother media). This is because 90 per centof advertising spend in the toys, gamesand computer games category is in thesetwo media and the monitoring process isquicker so that the data provided is morecurrent than previously supplied (onlyone month in arrears). The press spenddata is discounted rather than ratecard.

Billetts captures approximately 20,000advertisements every day and its totaldatabase currently contains some 70million ads. It works with 180

advertisers spending over £3 billion. This enables it to predict, with a greatdegree of accuracy, the cost of each pieceof creative captured.

Its TV coverage monitors ITVLondon, Channel 4 and Channel 5(24/7) all ITV regional terrestrial and25 cable and satellite channels onrotation. Press monitoring includesnational dailies, national Sundays, 28key regional titles and around 350consumer and business magazines plussupplements, inserts, scratch cards, coverwraps and promotions.

£6,809,902.00 £16,364,029.00 £12,198,039.00 £1,668,673.00 £3,438,480.00 £4,372,130.00 £71,359,534.00

£10,419,021.00 £10,598,686.00 £3,327,662.00 £643,419.00 £1,451,574.00 £1,957,057.00 £46,416,900.00

£17,228,924.00 £26,954,760.00 £15,525,702.00 £2,266,651.00 £4,890,054 £6,329,188.00 £117,776,434.00

2.96% 14.25% 6.76% 8.53% -5.14% -13.86% 7.92%

OCT-08 NOV-08 DEC-08 JAN-09 FEB-09 MAR-09 TOTALSPEND* (£) SPEND* (£) SPEND*(£) SPEND* (£) SPEND* (£) SPEND* (£) SPEND* (£)

www.toynewsmag.com 11ADVERTISING TRENDS

TOP 20 ADVERTISERS (12M TO MAR ‘09)

COMPANIES PERCENTAGE OF CHANGEALL SPEND (YEAR-ON-YEAR)

NINTENDO 18.26% 27.41%MATTEL 9.63% -18.96%ACTIVISION 5.79% 100.89%UBI SOFT 5.60% 82.50%ELECTRONIC ARTS 4.34% -35.96%HASBRO 4.06% 8.46%CHARACTER OPTIONS 3.29% -28.29%ROCKSTAR GAMES 2.92% 1646.96%SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT EUROPE 2.79% -6.45%THQ 2.59% 34.90%MICROSOFT GAME STUDIOS 2.34% 1369.17%SEGA ENTERPRISES 2.26% 43.53%PLAYSKOOL 1.74% 60.26%KONAMI 1.66% 156.38%VIVID IMAGINATIONS 1.51% -55.14%TOMY 1.47% -37.79%BANDAI 1.41% 20.03%FLAIR LEISURE PRODUCTS 1.17% -2.76%DISNEY INTERACTIVE STUDIOS 1.05% 437.13%ZAPF CREATION 1.02% -31.24%

Billetts Media Monitoring is the fastest and most sophisticatedadvertising monitoring service in the UK that provides both

spend data and latest creative treatments.

To find out how BMM could benefit your business visit:www.ebiquity.com/uk/bmm

or email us at [email protected] (TOP 20) 74.92% 14.18%

TOTAL (ALL) 100% 7.92%

*Discounted

Our monthly marketing analysis page looks at TV and press advertising spend. The information from Billetts(formerly Thomson Intermedia) accurately monitors actual discounted spend across the media,as opposed toquoted ratecard figures and offers comparisons with rival sectors as well…

Page 12: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

MAY 2009

MORE THAN two decades after its arrivaland with countless toys sold through,Transformers has become one of the mostsuccessful entertainment franchises of alltime and woven into the global popculture. The June 24th release ofTransformers: Revenge of the Fallen, fromDreamWorks Pictures and ParamountPictures, in association with Hasbro willcreate a new level of interest in the brandand the accompanying widespreadlicensing programme, spearheaded by thetoy range.

LicensingTo give fans of all ages a fully immersiveTransformers experience, Hasbro, togetherwith its toy development team, DigitialMedia, and Entertainment and Licensinggroups, has pulled together acomprehensive program that will offer awide range of products across all majorlifestyle categories. More than 230licensees worldwide are signed includingActivision and Glu Mobile (video andmobile gaming), Harper Collins(publishing), Rubies (dress up), Smith &Brooks (apparel), GB Eye (posters) andAlpha (back-to-school) to name just a few.All of these licensees will be bringing theirown marketing and PR campaigns to thetable which will dovetail nicely intoHasbro’s own toy campaign centred aroundthe film.

MarketingThe franchise is the key focus withinHasbro’s boys toys range in 2009, with afull marketing campaign to reflect this. Theonslaught started at the beginning of theyear but the heavyweight media campaignkicks off on May 30th to celebrate the toylaunch and continues through toChristmas Day. The media mix includeskids consumer print, PR, POS,collector/fan focused activity and TV.

TVThe TV campaign will focus on all keysegments within the toy line whichincludes core action figures and role play.Special promotions are also plannedincluding a tour of the Bumblebee Camaroseen in the film.

Though the toys launch one month priorto the movie release, select retailers willpre-sell key items from May 1st. These areOptimus Prime (Leader), Bumblebeehelmet, Bumblebee arm blaster along witha special Preview wave of Deluxe featuringBumblebee and Soundwave. Althoughretailers can pre-order, the items will notship until the May 30th on-shelf date.

In addition to Hasbro and other licenseemarketing campaigns, Paramount Pictureshas a stellar line-up of promotionalpartners on-board to promote the filmbeginning in late-May, including GeneralMotors and LG Mobile Phones.

Hasbro’s extensive range of Transformers toys will beboosted next month by the release of the second film.Prior to that, Hasbro is cranking up demand with anumber of marketing initiatives including print, PR andTV among other things. ToyNews has more details…

12 CAMPAIGN OF THE MONTH

TransformersHasbro

Page 13: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009
Page 14: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

The 6th

1-2-3 July 2009 Sheffield UK. The UK’s premier meeting place for the children’s media and entertainment industries

Register now for the 6th Showcomotion Children’s MediaConference at www.showcomotionconference.com.Special delegates rate for LIMA members £190 + VATFull corporate rate £235 + VAT.

It’s time we all got together – don’t miss it! For up-to-date information visit www.showcomotionconference.com

Why attend? � Best place in the UK to get advance information ontrends in the kids’ marketplace � Inform your business strategy in the faceof economic pressures � Benefit from getting together with colleaguesfrom TV, interactive, games, publishing, toys and licensing to collaborateand learn from each other � Great workshops, sessions, previews, researchand fantastic speakers � The chance to network with EVERYONE from thekids’ content and play industries.

KeynoteAnnouncedPeter SalmonDirector, BBCNorth

cc

Page 15: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

The UK’s only dedicated monthly licensing coverage

News • Media • Opinion

With the show rapidly approaching,ToyNews reports on how LicensingInternational’s move to the entertainmentMecca is winning over the critics…

Las Vegas TurnaroundPages 20-21

It’s only been on air a short time, butalready Chuggington, and its ownerLudorum, is making an impact on themarket. ToyNews finds out more…

Steaming upPage 19

Entertainment Rights snapped up byBoomerang, Fifi licensing heads backto Chapman, Disney Princess aimingfor the top in China, WBCP’ssuperhero plans…

NewsPages 16-17

Page 16: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

MAY 2009

IS THERE ANYTHING left to say about LicensingInternational’s move to Las Vegas which hasn’t alreadybeen said, both in this publication and in other media?

Since the venue switch was officially confirmed earlylast year, many opinions have been expressed, taking inpretty much the entire gamut of emotions. If I wasAdvanstar I’d be sick of explaining all the benefits of theMandalay Bay to a trade which, for the most part,seemed unwilling to listen.

But that was at the beginning.Now that the expo is just over four weeks away, it

seems to be a different story. For a start, there’s moreinformation available now about what the showfloor willlook like. Details are coming through of new features –such as the daily runway show for firms to displayapparel and accessories, screening suites and theexpansion of the interactive area – and fears of bigcompany stayaways have been allayed (major namessuch as Disney, Hasbro, Mattel, Nickelodeon, Fox,Universal, Warner, Hit, Lego and Cartoon Networkamong others have all pledged support).

On top of this, over 85 first time exhibitors will berocking up, a tremendous achievement considering thecurrent economic issues. In fact, it could be argued thatthe move to Vegas is happening at just the right time forthe show. The extra interest it has generated may haveconvinced more people to make the trip; if it hadremained in New York, how many people would havechosen to stay at home because they thought they’dseen it all before?

Georgiann Decenzo and her team at Advanstar –including those based in London – seem to haveanswered every negative question that’s been thrown atthem about the show with a positive answer.

There will be things we miss about NY, but the JacobJavits Center and its leaking ceiling won’t be one. And ifAdvanstar can make the expo a hit in Las Vegas inrecession hit 2009, just imagine how good it’s going tobe in 2010 when we’re starting to come out the otherside, and beyond.

Samantha Loveday [email protected]

COMMENTTHE ROAD TO MANDALAY

Now that the expo is justover four weeks away,

there’s a sense ofexcitement about Vegas...

16

AFTER MONTHS ofspeculation about its future,Entertainment Rights now has anew owner, after BoomerangMedia acquired it last monthalong with subsidiaries ClassicMedia and Big Idea.

Boomerang was formed toacquire and manage IP across allmedia by Eric Ellenbogen andJohn Engelman, in partnershipwith private equity firm GTCR.The duo founded Classic Mediaback in May 2000, before sellingthe company to ER in 2007.

The acquisition is the firstmajor transaction for the group,which in partnership with GTCRis planning to invest up to $200min equity capital to build leadingfranchises.

“John and Eric haveexceptional track records inentertainment, not to mention ahistory with most of the

company’s leading brands,”said Deborah Dugan, CEOand president of ER. “Backedby GTCR’s successful history

of building industry leaders,the company is poised for its

next phase of growth.”Ellenbogen added: “We’re

happy to be back again with ourfriends and former colleaguesat Classic Media, Big Idea(Veggie Tales) and nowEntertainment Rights. Withthe support of GTCR we

have the opportunity to buildupon what we started here nine

years ago.”The ER team was attending

MipTV in Cannes when the newsbroke, showcasing new propertyTinga Tinga Tales, plus Guess withJess, feature length animated filmKung Fu Magoo and new series

Casper’s Scare School.ER: 020 8762 6200

THE LICENSING rights for hit pre-schoolshow Fifi and the Flowertots will revert back toChapman Entertainment from May.

Target Entertainment Group hadrepresented the property since 2004, signingover 50 licensing deals in the UK and sellingthe series to broadcasters in over 162territories. TEG will continue to handle thebrand in terms of international TV sales.

“We have had tremendous successlicensing Fifi and the Flowertots and have beeninstrumental in supporting Chapman to helpbuild the brand,” commented Helen Howells,global brand director at TEG. “We’ll be sadto say goodbye to Fifi but appreciate now is agood time for Chapman to take overmanaging the property in-house.”

Target is due to reveal details about itsown in-house brands later this year atMipcom Junior.TEG: 0870 164 7474

Former Classic Media owners snap up firm and its subsidiaries...

by Samantha Loveday

Chapman takes back Fifi licensing

LICENSINGNEWS

Boomerang sweeps into save troubled ER

Page 17: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

WARNER BROS ConsumerProducts is looking to build on thesuccess it enjoyed last year withBatman, focusing its attention onmaximising the commercial potentialof the superheroes within the DCComics Universe.

The Dark Knight was a majorproperty for WBCP in 2008, and thisyear new TV series The Brave and theBold will be arriving to feedconsumer demand further. On top ofthis, the firm will be working up toDC Comics’ 75th anniversary in2010, with plans already underway.

“Our goal is to assert DC Comicsas the home of the greatestsuperheroes across the whole of theEMEA region,” Bruno Schwobthaler,senior VP of sales and businessdevelopment at WBCP EMEA said.“Led by Batman and includingSuperman, Wonder Woman, GreenLantern, Plastic Man, Supergirl,

Justice League and The GothamGirls, to name a fine few, DC Comicsoffers the broadest portfolio of iconiccharacters appealing to all age groupsand genders. The potential forproduct development across allcategories is vast.”

Superheroes, believesSchwobthaler, are more appealing inthe current economic climate andhistorically they have always donewell in difficult times as consumerslook to brands with a heritage thatthey can trust.

“It is a combination of multiplefactors [superheroes’ timeless

appeal],” he said. “Firstly, the focusby the owners of superhero propertiesto deliver a more compellingconsumer proposition.

“Secondly, the increasedsegmentation that has takensuperheroes outside of the usual ‘toysfor boys’ strategy, but has added newdemographics, partners and productcategories. We have worked withD&G on Batman and Superman,Armani partnered with WB for TheDark Knight and we are working withDiane von Furstenberg on WonderWoman,” Schwobthaler concluded.WBCP: 020 7984 5563

MAY 2009

www.licensing.biz 17

JUMBO PIECES TOGETHERPOTTER DEALPuzzle specialist Jumbo Games hasinked a new licence with WarnerBros Consumer Products to produceHarry Potter puzzles and brainteasergames. The new range will belaunched this summer to coincidewith the cinema release of HarryPotter and the Half-Blood Prince.Jumbo: 01707 289289

VIVID READIES ICARLY LINEVivid Imaginations is planning tolaunch its range of iCarly productsthis summer. The initial collectionwill include four and a half inch vinylfigures of Carly and her friends,which come with interchangeablefashions and accessories; iDollMicros which clip onto a backpack;an iMicrophone that plays two tunesfrom the show; and an iWebplannerwhich enables fans to set apassword to access secret storagecompartments for photos, letters andstationery. More products will bereleased in the run up to Christmas.Vivid: 01483 449944

EGMONT ROLLS OUTPLAYHOUSE DISNEY TITLEBoasting an initial print run of100,000, Egmont has launchedPlayhouse Disney. Aimed at two tofour year olds, the title will drawheavily on content from the channel’sfour main properties – Mickey MouseClubhouse, My Friends Tigger &Pooh, Handy Manny and LittleEinsteins. Each issue will have aneducational theme.Egmont: 020 7761 3500

WIZARD CONJURES UPBEANO DEALA selection of well-known charactersfrom The Beano and The Dandyhave been licensed to Wizard Toys,which will be creating a line ofShrinkles products on behalf of DCThomson. The print sheets can becoloured in, baked in the oven andshrunk in size, allowing the user tomake the likes of key fobs, badges,figurines and fridge magnets.www.dcthomson.co.uk

IN BRIEF

Disney Princess aiming for the top in ChinaDISNEY CONSUMER Products islooking to make Disney Princess thenumber one franchise for young girlsin China and has a number of plansalready in place.

Guenther Hake, head of DCP inGreater China, believes that DisneyPrincess offers a great opportunity forthe firm in the territory because ofthe brand heritage and the rich backcatalogue of stories.

“We felt that little girls in Chinastill had so much more to explorewith our Princesses,” Hake explainedto sister title Licensing.biz.

“There is immense heritage withthe property; Snow White and theSeven Dwarfs was the first animatedfeature to be shown in Shanghai in

1937 and our Princesses were onlyofficially introduced to audiences in2002,” he continued.

“Our home entertainment grouphas a vault of wonderful PrincessClassics that will be released as part ofa platinum release schedule to allowlittle girls all over China to experiencethe stories on the small screen.”

DCP has launched the biggestintegrated franchise campaign ever inChina for Disney Princess, supportedby TV, DVD, publishing, online, music,live entertainment and retail concepts.DCP: 020 8222 1000

by Samantha Loveday

LICENSINGNEWS

APPAREL • ART & DESIGN • ENTERTAINMENT • FOOD & BEVERAGES • PUBLISHING • SPORTS • TOYS & GIFTS

Visit www.licensing.biz to register for the Daily News Digest and Newsflash services

FOR EVERYONE IN THE BUSINESS OF LICENSING

BOOKMARK US TODAYmobile.licensing.biz

ALL THE LATESTNEWS & VIEWS

DIRECT TO YOURMOBILE PHONE

WHEREVERYOU ARE

WBCP eyeing super 2009After success of The Dark Knight, plans are now afoot tomaximise the DC Comics portfolio...

Page 18: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009
Page 19: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

FOR A brand which has only beenon air for just over six months,Chuggington has certainly made itsmark. A bit like its owner, Ludorum,which was only formed in 2006. Butboth company and brand are flying atthe moment.

Shortly after Ludorum was set up,the creative team started work ondeveloping what it wanted to be amajor 21st Century train-basedproperty that had the potential tobecome a global franchise. Cbeebiescame on board in 2007, withChuggington airing on September29th 2008 on BBC2 in the UK,followed by a launch onto Cbeebieson January 5th 2009.

“Audience ratings have reachedover 550,000 individuals on somedays and in February, Chuggington wasthe number one show on Cbeebies 16out of 22 days,” Julian Day,Ludorum’s VP of UK licensing tellsToyNews. “The show is the thirdhighest rating series on Cbeebiessince the channel began.”

Ludorum is now aiming to repeatthis success across the globe. As ofApril 8th, Chuggington has launchedin six countries – Germany, Australia,Canada, France and Ireland (as wellas the UK) – however the series hassold to 145 territories worldwide andwill arrive in almost all of themthroughout the course of the year.

Day continues: “The early ratingsdemonstrate that the show has been

as successful in the three foreignlanguage markets which we areairing in, as it is in English speakingcountries. We are looking forward toChuggington’s launch into Japanfollowing the multi-rights agreementwe’ve just signed with FujiTelevision Network. Chuggington isthe first new western property thatFuji have acquired for over tenyears, which is a great achievementand underlines the internationalappeal of the brand.”

Now it’s established on screen, thenext step for Chuggington is, ofcourse, the licensing programme.Ludorum has already got several keypartners in place – RC2, CharacterWorld, Aykroyd & Sons, Halsall andGemma International – while it hasalso been building a strong networkof international agents to support andmanage the brand globally. Ludorumis now eyeing up the interactive andlive events areas.

A good indicator of consumerreaction to Chuggington has been the

DVD sales, with the first titlenotching up week one sales of 13,187when it was launched at the end ofMarch, making it the highest newentry for that week.

Of course, getting Chuggingtonestablished as a property is only halfthe battle; Ludorum now has thetask of keeping its profile high inwhat is a particularly challengingsector of the market.

“We’re story arching and scriptingseries two, which will be another 26 x

ten-minute episodes for delivery inearly 2010,” says Day, “and we’recurrently considering how the seriescan develop through to series three,which is posted for delivery in 2011.New character developments areunderway and we will also bebuilding out the Chuggington World.

“2010 through to 2012 will see asignificant roll out of product acrossall categories of toy and licensedrights including a major publishingprogramme. Crucially, we arecommitting in excess of $2.5 million

to a major online programme whichwill see the launch of a fullyinteractive Chuggington virtual world.This will be a very importantcompanion piece to the televisionseries and to the overall enjoyment ofthe Chuggington experience.”

Plenty to keep the Ludorum teambusy going forward, then, but Day isconfident that all their hard work willpay off; in five years time he wantsChuggington to be seen as “a majorglobal franchise that has successfullyraised the bar in every aspect of theproperty and to have a show that willcontinue finding new audiences for along period of time”.

Day believes that Chuggington cango on to join that elite group ofevergreen brands, but he knows therewill be hard work on the way andthat it needs considerable investmentin the best creative people andcommercial partners.

“We hope the show can make avery strong connection with itsaudience and [it can be anevergreen] because it has beencreated to offer entertainment andsocial values that are universal, butabove all very well executed.

“Competition means we have tocontinue raising the bar oneverything we are offering ouraudience through this property andour audience and parents must beable to recognise this,” Dayconcludes.

Full steam ahead

2010 through to 2012 will see asignificant roll out of product across all

categories of toy and licensed rightsincluding a major publishing programme.

Julian Day, VP of UK Licensing, Ludorum

MAY 2009

www.licensing.biz 19LUDORUM LICENSING

Since launching on BBC2 last September, Ludorum’s Chuggington property has already built up a healthy fanbase. Now, with a consumer products programme ready to roll out in earnest, the company is aiming to grow itsexisting success even further. Samantha Loveday reports...

Page 20: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

20 LICENSING US EXPO PREVIEW

SINCE ADVANSTAR confirmedthat Licensing International Expowould be moving from New York toLas Vegas, I’ve written countlesswords on the subject. Opinions havebeen mixed from the start, but, havingseen the plans for the show when theAdvanstar US team came to Londonrecently, it’s evident they’ve gone allout to silence the doubters.

Las Vegas is the trade show capital– indeed it hosts a number of thelargest expos in the world – and, withthe current economic situation onthe minds of many, it could be arguedthat the intrigue over the new venuehas made the show even more ‘mustattend’ than usual this year.

In 2008, approximately 25,000visitors from more than 82 countriesheaded to the expo to see 600exhibitors and over 6,000 properties.Advanstar Communication’sexecutive VP Georgiann Decenzo isconfident the 2009 event will be justas successful. “[Registration numbers]change on a weekly basis, but rightnow we have over 85 new exhibitorswho have signed on for the show andwe are expecting over 500 exhibitorsin total,” she tells ToyNews. “Ourshow floor will be made up of 20 percent new exhibitors this year.”

And these new firms come from avariety of sectors, too – Nintendo,FitzRoy Media, Liverpool FootballClub, Electronic Arts and Konami toname just a few. Plus, many of themajor exhibitors you would expect tosee are also returning, including FoxStudios, Universal, Mattel, Hasbro,Nickelodeon and Disney.

“We are delighted by the fact thatso many of our top tier companieswho are the face of Licensing Showare returning this year despiteeconomic hard times,” says Decenzo.“And that fact that we have so manynew exhibitors excites us as well.This year’s show promises to serve asa barometer of consumer sentiment

moving forward and we areencouraged by the buzz surroundingso many of the exhibitors going in.”

The move to Vegas has alsoenabled Decenzo and her team topack in a variety of new features –including daily runway shows,screening suites and an improvedinteractive area – by investing themoney they’ve saved on costs backinto the event.

“Las Vegas is the trade showcapital, they cater to the show and

the exhibitor’s needs,” Decenzoconcludes. “New York is the capitalfor many things; trade shows is notone of them.

“Nowhere else in the world canyou find the hottest properties andbrands of 2010 and beyond underone roof and we look forward towhat this year’s show will uncover.”

For further details on LicensingInternational 2009, head to theofficial website atwww.licensingexpo.com.

This year’s Licensing International Expo has been the subject of many column inches since the move to Las Vegaswas revealed last year. But it’s more than just the venue which has changed. Samantha Loveday finds out morefrom Advanstar’s executive VP Georgiann Decenzo about the many new features which have been packed in...

The Vegas Years

If you are involved in the licensingbusiness, or considering getting into it,

you have to be at Licensing InternationalExpo. This market is worth $191 billion atretail globally.

Georgiann Decenzo, Advanstar

MAY 2009

This year, the Brand LicensingEurope team will be out in force atLicensing International Expo,supporting its US sister show as itmakes its debut in Vegas andpromoting the global marketing andexposure opportunities offered byboth shows.

Of course, the team will also belavishing attention on its exhibitorsand members of the newly-launchedGlobal Partner Programme, includingthe likes of 4 Kids Entertainment,BBC Worldwide Licensing, TheBeanstalk Group, Hit Entertainment,ITV Global Entertainment, LegoGroup, MGL, Preziosi Group, RainbowSpA, 20th Century Fox and VickiThomas Associates.

The team will also be hosting itsmuch-loved annual Brand LicensingEurope party. For more informationabout Brand Licensing Europe or tomeet up with the team in Vegas,contact event manager Jon Gibson on+44 8956 2663.

BLE 2009 IN VEGAS

Page 21: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

www.toynewsmag.com 21US EXPO PREVIEW LICENSING

MAY 2009

“I’m looking forwardto LicensingInternationalbecause - if the fairsare anything to go by- the mood will beindustrious andfocused. We know

we’re facing difficult times, but thisserves to make licensors, licenseesand retailers more creative andresourceful than ever before.”

Clare Piggott, VP Consumer Products,Nickelodeon UK

“I’m really looking forward topresenting latest developments on ourkey brands on the internationallicensing stage. The show provides uswith a platform to communicate all ourkey messages, I’m confident it’s goingto be great for the business.”

Bruno Schwobthaler, SVP Sales &Business Development, WBCP EMEA

“I’m looking forwardto it; to creating abuzz with our veryown Vegas-stylebrands such as theglamorous StrictlyCome Dancing(known

internationally as Dancing with theStars) and the wild abandon andadventure of Lonely Planet. The expois well respected and vital in terms ofus securing innovative new globaldeals, but I hope we’re able toexperience both the business andpleasure sides of the trip.”

Neil Ross Russell, MD, Children’s &Licensing, BBC Worldwide

“I’m most looking forward to what thenew venue can bring to the show,attracting new visitors and potentialopportunities for our brands. TimmyTime, Wallace & Gromit and Shaunthe Sheep are the key focus, but wewill also be introducing newcharacters and shows that the studiois working on.”

Helen Neno, Aardman Animations

“From Rainbow’spoint of view, webelieve the show willbe a goodopportunity for theindustry to re-groupand move forwardpositively and, as a

Las Vegas virgin, I’m looking forward tovisiting this amazing place.”

David Scott, Managing Director,Rainbow Productions

“I’m looking forward to seeing thereaction of licensing partners to ournew approaches to family favouritessuch as Coronation Street,Thunderbirds, Emmerdale, Carry On,I’m A Celebrity and Dancing on Ice.Plus, I can’t wait to share more goodnews on Bella Sara.”

Aysha Kidwai, Director ofMerchandising & Licensing Worldwide,ITV Global

“Vegas is full offirsts for us, all ofwhich we are veryexcited about; ourfirst major outing asE1 Licensing, ourfirst time exhibitingat the US show and,

of course, our first opportunity to hitthe Las Vegas strip.”

Andrew Carley, Head of Licensing &Merchandising, E1

“Licensing International will offer usan opportunity to showcase oursuccessful brands to an internationalaudience. I expect the mood to bepositive and forward looking.”

Mark Hurry, Director of Legal andCommercial Affairs, PPC

“We are looking forward to sharing thenew developments on all our keyproperties – Mr Men and Little Miss,Noddy, Olivia, Paddington Bear andThe World of Eric Carle – with tradepartners from all over the world.”

Bettina Kockeler, VP, Licensing Sales,UK & EMEA, Chorion

“This is an adventurein many ways with avery seriousunderlying purposeand, for the first timein many years, alevel playing field isoffered in terms of

location logistical insight.”

Stephen Gould, Senior Consultant, RDF Rights

“LicensingInternational Expo isimportant for us as acompany in order tomeet both new andexistinginternational agentsand distributors – a

big focus for us at the show is onLatin America.”

Valerie Fry, Director of Licensing,Chapman Entertainment

“In a nutshell,working withpartners old and newon our top TV showsDinosaur King,Chaotic and Yu GiOh, all successfulshows with high

performing trading card games andtoys which target differentdemographics.”

Sandra Vauthier-Cellier, ManagingDirector, 4Kids Entertainment

“Having the show and a large numberof attendees staying under one roofwill make partying, sorry, I meanholding meetings so much easier andthe joys of trying to find a NYC cabwithin a five mile radius of the Javitswill not be missed.”

Tim Juckes, Category Director, CPLG

“I’m looking forward to seeing if theknowledgeable and courteous natureof New York cab drivers extends as faras Vegas.”

Rob Corney, Managing Director,Bulldog Licensing

“I’m really looking forward to meetingup with some of the key licensees whoare currently hunting down a licence forPlatinum Films’ hit show Planet Cook.As the TV series features a lot of magic‘adventure dust’ being sprinkled, thereis no better place than glitzy PlanetVegas to announce the appointment ofPerformance Brands as the worldwidelicensing agent for Planet Cook.”

Mike Clark, Performance Brands

“I am looking forward to going to LasVegas as I think the venue will create anew dynamic for the Expo. The showprovides a great opportunity for the FMElicensing team from around the globe tomeet with current and prospectiveclients, and with each other.”

Lucy McCredie, Interim VP BrandLicensing & Retail, FremantleMediaEnterprises

“I’m excited aboutthe new venuedespite the fact thatthe Javits is aboutfive minutes from myoffice. It’s a greatchance to meetcurrent and new

Thumb Wrestling Federation licenseesin one location.”

Larry Schwarz, TWF

“I see it as a good opportunity toshare experiences from around theworld and how licensing is helpingall those involved in this sector to, atleast partially, hedge the economicdownturn.”

Hakan Durdag, ELC

“Everyone being in one place duringthe day and in the bar at night.”

Morten Geschwendtner, Kidz Ent/EEMC

“I’m looking forward to seeing, firsthand, the buzz and sense of greatanticipation that the new location isundoubtedly creating manifest itself inwhat is an utterly reinvigorated show.”

Keith Pashley, Managing Director, TheKeith Pashley Project

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO ABOUT THIS YEAR’S SHOW?

Page 22: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

For more informationplease contact: Jenny [email protected]

+44 (0) 207 693 0993

#1 UK TOY PROPERTY!#1 SHOW ON CARTOON NETWORK

49 episodes created, additional episodesin development

LIVE ACTION MOVIE BEN 10 ALIEN SWARMDUE NOVEMBER 2009

VISIT TURNER CN ENTERPRISESAT THE LICENSING SHOW, LAS VEGASSTAND #2426

*NPD March 2009

Page 23: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

Don’t miss your chance to win an in-storevisit from Humungousaur – he will be readyfor action, saving the world, oh andentertaining hoards of excited children…

WINWin the chance to have aHumungousaur costume charactermeet and greet customers in yourstore! Go full force with Ben 10

Alien Force’s most powerful alien.

The mighty Humungousaur is a firm favourite with fans ofthe no. 1 show on Cartoon Network Ben 10 Alien Force.Kids will be making a beeline towards this massive alien onyour shop floor if you can answer the following question:

Answer the question correctly – send your answer, name, company name & address [email protected] by May 31st 2009

BAKUGAN™ BEN 10™ THE SECRET SATURDAYS™

Question: Which alien can increasein both body mass and size?

Options: 1) Swampfire 2) Spidermonkey 3) Humungousaur

The winning retailer will get to choose which luckyUK store will benefit from the increased footfall andconsumer frenzy created by the entertainingappearance of a giant Humungousaur costumecharacter handing out freebies for one day in-storebetween July and December.

The costume will be managed by specialist costumecharacter company Rainbow Productions and will behanding out Ben 10 Alien Force stickers and tattoosto kids. Artwork can also be provided for postersand instore promotions - so enter now for yourchance to win!

TM & © 2009 CARTOON NETWORK. © Spin Master LTD/Sega Toys. BAKUGAN andBATTLE BRAWLERS and all related titles, logos, and characters are trademarks of Spin

Master LTD. All Rights Reserved. Nelvana is a trademark of Nelvana Limited.

Page 24: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

WHO COULD have foretold that inthese most difficult of times, whenjobs are under threat, banks are beingpropped up by tax-payers’ money andeven TV chefs are on their uppers,that it would be independent toyretailers that would be thriving?

Even allowing for the fact that toystend to weather the rough seas of arecession better than many luxuryproducts, at a time when consumersare more price-driven than ever, whowould have given the indies much ofa chance against the majors whowere keen to discount toys to drivefootfall and sales of grocery items?

In a recession that even seasonedanalysts are struggling to make senseof, few would have forecast a positiveresult for any independent retailsector, let alone toys.

But the disappearance of Woolieshas transformed the toy retaillandscape and with it, the fortunes ofmany independents that had hithertostruggled. Supermarkets are notdevoting more space to toys so theindies are picking up the business. Allof a sudden, a sector that has been indecline for some years, has a realchance to thrive again.

TRA chairman Gary Grantbelieves it is the product profile thatwas particular to Woolworths thatthe indies have been able tocapitalise on.

“For the average low-pricedWoolies purchase, people are notgoing to Toys R Us for that amountof spend,” he says. “Sure, TRU isprimed to pick up the Christmas andgift shop and as for Argos, well theycan’t cope with the collectiblebusiness, but they’re great if you wanta Fisher-Price garage.

“There are elements of thebusiness where the independents arebest-placed to achieve sales. Batman,Ben 10, Crazy Bones and so on, that’swhere the indies pick up business.”

Duncan Conner MD of Bus StopToy Shop in Larg, Scotland has seena noticeable upswing in sales sincethe demise of the retail chain.

“We’re only in year three and priorto the closure of our localWoolworths, we were running ataround a 30 per cent improvement onyear two. That’s increased to around60 per cent in the first three months

of the year, so it would be fair to saythat Woolworths’ closure has addedaround 30 per cent to our turnover,so far. I should point out that we’re avery small business and that thisdoesn’t represent any vast sum ofmoney in January and February.

“The school Easter holiday willprovide a good yardstick as towhether the growth will be

maintained. It’s hard to imagine thatthe growth won’t continue in themedium to long-term – the loss ofWoolworths has left us with a 20-mileradius with no other shop selling asignificant amount of toys.”

Alan Caswell from The ArcadeToy Shops in Dudley, adds: “We areslightly ahead of last year and aregetting asked for lots of items that weno longer stock because of the likesof Woolworths, perhaps it’s time torestock certain items again.”

On the supplier side, the positivitytowards the indies is echoed byJumbo MD Gray Richmond, whosays: “We have had a very strongstart to the year with the indies, thebest we have seen for many years.Without doubt they are benefitting

It was only just over a year ago when the independent retail sector was in disarray following the closure ofYoungsters. For many, the future was looking decidedly bleak. Fast forward 12 months, however, and things arestarting to look a lot more positive. Optimistic even. Ronnie Dungan talked to retailers and suppliers to find out thecurrent state of play for independent stores…

Staying alive

There are elements of the businesswhere the independents are best-

placed to achieve sales. Batman, Ben 10,Crazy Bones and so on, that’s where theindies pick up business.

Gary Grant, The Entertainer

MAY 2009

24 FOCUS INDEPENDENT RETAIL

Page 25: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

from Woolies demise and it seems asthough they are really gaining somemomentum. Toymaster, in particularseems to be really taking advantageof the current climate.”

Graham Canning, sales director atVTech, has seen a rise in sales ofbetween 10 and 15 per cent with hisindie accounts.

But is all this a mere blip or canthe independents really hold theground they have taken this year?What do the specialists need to do toreinforce their position and ensurethey keep this extra business?

“Make sure their presence isknown to consumers in the townsand areas that had Woolworthsstores. Make sure they are in stockon key lines and there is depth ofrange in their stores,” says Canning.

“I believe the independent sectorneed to maximise their locations onthe High Street and be perceived tooffer the ‘value’ that Wooliesoffered,” says Michael Halpern,national accounts controller at MegaBrands. “This needs to becoordinated if possible through thebuying groups. I am sure manysuppliers would be willing to help.”

For Mike Walls, sales director atHalsall, it’s in-store where the battleis won or lost for the indies:

“We would wish to see the Indiesbeing more proactive in marketingand driving their business. Visitingtheir stores needs to be habitual forfamilies. They need to reinforce thisas a good thing. The store needs tobe exciting for a kid and offer valuefor money to the parent.”

This shift in the balance of toyretailing has proved to be good newsfor certain suppliers which are seeing

their products exposed to a range ofnew customers.

“Flair, Galt, Trends, Ravensburgerand DKL are all doing well,” saysGary Grant. “And in many cases theWoolies customers are being exposedto their products for the first time.

“The ranges that Woolies werestrongest at, are the ones the indieswill pick up. The indies have gotgreat product knowledge.”

And the other thing the majorityof indies now have is terrific buyinggroup support from Toymaster andAIS: Extremely efficientorganisations which make it possiblefor many indies to survive when theymight not have otherwise. A lot ofretailers find it impossible to run theirbusiness without them.

But it is horses for courses and notall retailers are fans. Some preferbeing able to run their businessestotally autonomously.

“A group makes you lazy,” saysArcade’s Alan Caswell, a formerYoungsters member. “I have enjoyedgetting back to the basic skills ofnegotiations and choosing carefullywhat to buy and who to deal with.”

“We are proudly, totally,independent,” echoes Bus Stop’sDuncan Conner.

“As times gets tougher, the simpleprinciples of running small retailbusinesses are amplified. Those indiesthat survive will be the ones thatcontrol outgoings and buy smart.”

It was ever the case. But theupheavals of the last few monthshave given many toy independentsthe opportunity to do more thanmore than merely hang on. For thefirst time in a long time they nowhave the opportunity to thrive.

MAY 2009

www.toynewsmag.com 25FOCUS INDEPENDENT RETAIL

I believe the independent sector needsto maximise its locations on the High

Street and be perceived to offer the ‘value’that Woolies offered.

Michael Halpern, Mega Brands

Page 26: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

Hit the North26 SPECIAL

MAY 2009

MATTEL01628 500000Mattel will showcase its newautumn/winter ranges at this year’s showincluding the new Waybuloo line basedon the forthcoming CBeebies show.

Barbie will introduce a range of featurecharacter dolls and plush from theupcoming animated action movie Barbie& The Musketeers. Also available will be anew version of Barbie’s Camper and theShower & Show Horse and Doggie Park.Plus the Polly Pocket Rollercoaster Hotel ,a new range of High School Musical minicharacter dolls, the Baby Sneezes dollfrom My Baby and the new DisneyPrincess doll line.

In boys, a popular theme returns to HotWheels with the Shark Bite Bay track set,and this will feature alongside the ColourShifters Garage. From Matchbox. There isalso big news in the form of Rocky theRobot Truck. Fisher-Price introduces thecolourful Pink Bounce n Spin Zebrapresenting a new take on the item andnew infant block range, Stack n Surpriseas well as revealing news from electronicsrange Kid Tough.

From Radica, U-Create enables kids tobe their own music producer, while a raftof new games launches includingPictionary Man and My First Mr MenScrabble will also be showcased.

HASBRO020 8569 1234The Hasbro stand can be found on thestage in the Ballroom. The boys rangeswill feature new offerings from Star Wars,Marvel, GI Joe and Transformers. Hasbrohas worked with Toymaster to createwindow kits for 250 stores on June 22nd,to support the launch of the Transformersmovie range in time for the release ofTransformers: Revenge of the Fallen onJune 26th. The firm will also be focusingon the launch of the new GI Joe toy range,based on the new movie set for releaseon August 14th.

The Star Wars brand is this year beingdriven by the Star Wars: Clone Warsanimated series. The new range offigures, vehicles and role-play sets will

follow on from last year’s Clone TrooperHelmet. Marvel’s fan-favourites -Wolverine, Super Hero Squad, Iron Manand Spider-man – will also get brandsupport as the new animation launches.

Centre stage for games is taken byHasbro’s Family Games Night In initiative,scheduled for mid-September to mid-October. For Hasbro’s pre-school brands,Playskool, Clipo and Play-Doh will berevealing new lines. The company willalso feature the introduction of Time toSleep Iggle Piggle from the In the NightGarden series.

Biscuit My Lovin’ Pup, will be back witha host of FurReal friends, and joiningthem in the girls portfolio will be newproducts from My Little Pony, Littlest PetShop and Baby Alive.

At the show, Hasbro will be launchingOrders Direct, a new initiative for UKToymaster members. Following its launchin Ireland, the dedicated personaltelephone service will be developed tosupport and enhance the work of the UKkey account managers.

BANDAI01489 790944Bandai will be showing a full range ofproducts across its key brands includingPower Rangers, Pokémon, Tamagotchi,and Ben 10. Also on show are three newbrands aimed at different sectors of thegirls market.

Star Friends is a large multi-functiondoll with virtual pet interaction. KeyTweens is a new mini doll range withplay-sets and Harumika is the latestfashion, arts and craft toy.

HALSALL01253 778888Halsall will once again have many of theindustry’s biggest brands on its standthis year, as well as some top-sellingeveryday lines. Special product andprice promotions will also be available.

With distribution rights on a portfolioof branded merchandise, the companywill be showing a new selection of MegaBrands products, including Mega Bloks,licensed Mega Bloks (Dora the Explorer,

Wonder Pets and Cars), constructionbrand Pro Builder, transforming NeoMachines, TV-advertised Streetz andMagnext as well as Battle Strikers.

The company’s Mattel DI offeringencompasses brands such as Toy Story,Hot Wheels, Dora and Fisher-Price –Infant, Laugh n Learn, Pre-School andLittle People. The Hasbro FOB selectionwill offer Transformers, Star Wars, PlaySkool and MB Games. There will also beopportunities on Tomy’s FOB range acrossTeletubbies, Thomas and Tomy’s pre-school items.

The new Digital Blue range of digitalcameras and MP3 players includeslicences such as High School Musical,Hannah Montana, Disney Princess, Carsand, launching at the show, Lego. TheGrosvenor collection offers licensed toyswith bubble bath, shower gel and bodyglitter. Licences include ITNG, Toy Story,Transformers, High School Musical andHannah Montana. Grosvenor also offersTooth Tunes.

AMAV creative arts and craftsmerchandise will include the new range ofEco-Craft Kits, a comprehensive range ofFunbricks and other craft items.

SPIN MASTER08708 508408Spin Master will use Bakugan as its mainshowcase at the Toymaster show.Following a start to the year which hasseen both TV show ratings and consumersales rising, Bakugan also became the UKtop toy of 2009. Triple winner in the US ofthe prestigious Toy Of The Year, Boys TOTYand Property of the Year, Bakugan hasnow been confirmed in the UK as thenumber one new property of the year todate (NPD) and entered the Top 20properties list for 2009 for the UK (NPD).

The full range of products will beexhibited including the extended rangesof Moon Sand and Tech Deck, and thenew art and craft additions of Paperoni,Bendaroos and Glo Doodle.

LEGO01753 495000Power Miners is a new IP from Lego,created to combine fantasy role-playwith Lego building.

Each of the six vehicle sets is packedwith action features including theopportunity to create different modelswithin the larger sets.

Lego Star Wars has become thesecond biggest franchise for Lego UK.2009 celebrates its tenth anniversarywith special edition sets including theDarth Vadar TIE Fighter. The universehas expanded with the introduction ofnew models based on the Star Wars: TheClone Wars CGI series.

Lego Indiana Jones showcases a rangeof play-sets in 2009 depicting scenestaken from the three classic originalmovies and sets based on more recentfilm The Kingdom of The Crystal Skull.Fight on the Flying Wing and ShanghaiChase sets are available at launch, withfurther products, including Temple ofDoom Play-set, introduced from August.

Bionicle enters its ninth year in 2009and the new storyline introduces newcharacters, the Glatorians. The Bionicleaction figures offer a unique buildingexperience, distinct character and design,high-tech features and weapons featuringfiring ammunition.

Lego City continues to offer boys agedfive-plus classic themes. Offering multipledetails, the new Construction and Farmthemes introduce children to a realisticrole-play experience.

New to the Lego Technic range are theBulldozer, Tractor, Go-Cart, Rally Truck,Hauler and Quad Bike. Each hasinstructions for secondary models andcan be powered by the range’s powerfunctions, including gears, cross-axles,motor, battery box and cable.

The trade is off to Harrogate’s Majestic Hotel again for the Toymaster gathering, open toall independent retailers and this year extended to include a model and hobby section.ToyNews has the low-down. Oh, and don’t forget your Viking helmet…

Page 27: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

www.toynewsmag.com 27SPECIAL

MAY 2009

MEGA BRANDS01253 775629Mega Brands will take a section of theHalsall stand at the Toymaster event.Not only will Mega have a large rangeon show, it will also be offering retailerspromotions on both the MagNext rangeand Battle Strikers – the new take onthe classic spinning top toy.

Battle Strikers was first unveiled atLondon Toy Fair in January aided byBritain’s Got Talent winner and streetdancer, George Sampson. Not only didGeorge spin and move like a BattleStriker, he also played with themagnetic, controllable andcustomisable toys during his three-hourstint on Mega’s stand – admitting ‘I’mlovin’ it’ in a TV interview.

Special collectible packs andtournament sets will be on offer withinthe range, will it is anticipated that thecollectability, customisation andtournament-play features will furtherdrive the interest of boys aged fromeight to 12.

A heavyweight TV campaign and PRactivity will surround the launch.

CHARACTER OPTIONS0161 633 9800The HM Armed Forces collection will bejoined by Peppa Pig and Postman Patfor pre-schoolers, Hannah Montana andHigh School Musical for tweens and theLet’s Cook Range for girls and boys agedfive and over.

After months of preparation, by thetime members arrive at the show, theHM Forces range will be on sale and theconsumer marketing underway.

This collection represents Character’slargest-ever undertaking and there isextensive product development in thepipeline. Joining the action figures andvehicles will be role-play and outdoorequipment.

Alternatively, a range of pre-schoollicensed toys are also available with thePostman Pat Special Delivery Servicecollection and Peppa Pig’s PrincessPeppa’s Palace and Sir George and theDragon play-set.

Continuing the licensed theme, HannahMontana and High School Musical seenew musically inspired lines. New to theHSM range is the Stage Star AmplifierMicrophone, while the Hannah Montanarange will include electric key boards,guitars and more.

The Let’s Cook Collection allows kids tomake smoothies and ice-lollies with theFruit Factory, mini cakes with the FondantCake Bakery and sweets with the newSweet Boutique range.

VIVID IMAGINATIONS01483 449944Vivid’s new boys brand Dinosaur King hasenjoyed a strong start to the year andwith GMTV and Jetix programming untilDecember, this looks set to continue. TheCard Swiper and two-pack figurescontinue to be the key volume drivers.

In October, Disney’s 3D release of ToyStory hits cinemas and members will beable to buy Vivid’s toy range at the show.

Toymaster’s Star Trek movie toypromotion should be in-store while theshow is on. The key item is the StarshipEnterprise and the Bridge Play-set.

Animagic’s big success from lastChristmas, Honey My Baby Pony, isjoined by Peanut the Puppy and Smudgethe Kitten in a TV-advertising push inautumn. Also new for autumn is theCBeebies show, Timmy Time, which willhave a full toy line supporting, in-storefrom July the range will have TV supporton key lines Night-Night Timmy andTimmy’s Nursery Play-set.

Key Crayola items at the show will benew autumn TV-advertised 3-in-1 Sticker Studio,Design-A-Bagand GlowStation whileperennialsIlluminationStation,Spinaroo andDoodle Daisywill continue to

be supported.

MARTIN YAFFE01706 717800Born to Play will exhibit products from itsspring/summer and autumn/winterranges at the show, with the main focuson the autumn/winter lines.

Spring/summer products include theThomas & Friends Sand and Water Depot,Ben 10 Inflatable Chair and the In theNight Garden Boat Rocker, which is areplica of Igglepiggle’s boat.

Key autumn/winter products includethe Bob the Builder Splasher Play-set withfigures, the TV-advertised Fireman SamActivity Fire Station, Fireman Sam Jupiter-Ride-on with sound helmet and FrictionJupiter with Lights and Sounds, and theHSM Hairdryer and Popcorn Maker.

Products from new master toy licencesPinky and Perky and Harry and Toto willalso be on display along with key plush,plastic and inflatable lines from existinglicences Bob the Builder, Fireman Sam,Little Princess, Thomas and In the NightGarden. Furniture including the newCharacter Stools will also be on displayfrom a range of licences including DisneyPrincess, In the Night Garden, Dora theExplorer and Thomas and Friends.

VTECH01235 555545VTech’s stand will be three times as largeas last year. The firm is expandingV.Smile with V.Smile Motion, theeducational games console with wirelessmotion controller. V.Smile Motionteaches spelling, languages and maths.

The gaming system featuresproperties like Dora the Explorer andThomas & Friends.

Kidizoom Pro builds upon Kidizoom tooffer ages five-plus a Multimedia DigitalCamera with a two mega pixel camerawith 2x zoom and storage for 500images. Features video function, MP3player, games, SD card-slot for memoryexpansion, dual viewfinder, durabledesign, changeable face-plates andinstant mode selector.

View your pictures on-the-go withnew Kidilook. Transfer photos fromKidizoom or connect it to a PC via USBto upload pictures. Motion sensoractivates random picture mode. Storesup to 100 pictures.

Animal Fun is new to VTech Baby.

Five products are being launchedincluding Baby Bounce Time Turtle, amotion sensitive turtle. This characterasks toddlers to find colours, numbersand shapes by bouncing.

Baby Bounce and Ride Giraffe is an LCDscreen with light-up animal buttons,introducing letters, numbers, animals andobjects. Featuring melodies that increasein tempo as they pedal faster, rewardingphrases, interactive activities and sing-along songs.

My First Light Up Camera is a pretendcamera with viewfinder window and light-up LED display teaching numbers andobjects through two modes of play.

MECCANO01844 278888The most recent robot in the Spykeefamily is Mini Vox, a voice controlledrobot, with eight voice orders includingmovement, dance and attack. Mini Voxmakes multicolour facial expressionsand is suitable for age seven and over.

New to the UK are Meccano’s MicroKits. Four models – a bi-plane, racer,helicopter and F1 car – are offered as a12-piece assortment together withcounter display unit. Suitable for eightyears plus. Also new is the Metal RobotAssortment, sets to build mini and largerobots. Packed in a tin, these robots aresuitable for children aged eight-plus.

Meccano’s Design vehicleconstruction sets are suitable for boysaged eight-plus. The new Design RCConcept Car contains parts to buildthree vehicles and is set for release thisyear. The pack includes a remote controlwith all functions.

Meccano’s Tuning RC Carbon Style Caruses a nuts and bolts constructionsystem based on new parts in flexiblemetal for children eight and over.Features R/C system and parts for three

models. Feature light and soundsystems with special effects and a choiceof rock or R ‘n’ B music.

Encouraging dexterity and problemsolving in kids aged four-plus, the Buildand Play range features flexible and rigidparts. Latest editions include a Tractor,Helicopter and Bug Car, which each makemultiple vehicles and characters.

LEAPFROG01702 200244My Pal Scout is a plush puppy fusinglearning and playtime for kids aged 12months plus.

The puppy uses technology to becomea child’s personal customisable learningfriend. By connecting the toy to theinternet, parents can download theirchild’s name, favourite colour, animal,foods, songs and activities. Four activepaw triggers allow the variety ofexperiences to be played back introducingbabies to numbers, letters, emotionalskills and daily routines.

My Pal Scout will help develop socialand communication skills. Available ingreen, My Pal Scout, and violet, My PalViolet, the products link to the LeapFrogLearning Path and are the first productson the learning journey that continueswith Tag Junior, Tag Reading System andLeapster2 Learning Game System.

RE:CREATION0118 9736 222Re:creation’s range of eco friendly toysSprig is designed for the pre-school childand harnesses the natural kinetic energyof push and pump action play to generatelights and sounds – all without batteries.

Made from Sprigwood, a child-safe bio-composite of recycled wood andreclaimed plastic, the Sprig range getskids engaged in active, imaginative play.Suitable for age three-plus.

Re:creation will be expanding itsHorrid Henry toy range to include updatedbest sellers from 2008 plus new productsincluding the TV-advertised Purple HandGang play set and a new range of HorridHenry 5” action figures.

Say it. Play it. Warp it. The Yada YadaYada voice recorder can morph your voicewith the warp dial. Record and play yourvoice, music or just about anything. YadaYada Yada will be TV-advertised regularlythroughout the year. Age seven plus.

Zeebeez are explosive pocket sizedtoys. Another full year of TV ads in 2009,along with the launch of line extensions ishoped to continue its success.

Page 28: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

28 SPECIAL

MAY 2009

WORLDS APART0800 389 8591Worlds A part will have the Dream Towncollection on show. With four role-playstructures for autumn, including CrystalCastle, which has already been awardeda Best New Girls Toy accolade from theBTHA at Toy Fair, plus a new concept forboys called Gaskett’s Garage. Bothstructures have a range of accessoriesincluding a ride-on vehicle made ofdecorated MDF.

Dream Town presents a safe yetinnovative choice for the large priceditems. Plus the range of accessoriesgives other friends and family theopportunity to contribute to the gift.

Also on show will be the ReadyRoomrange of bedroom furniture andaccessories, which sees the introductionof Toy Story characters for autumn. Bothranges are to be supported by autumnTV-advertising and a PR campaign in thepre-Christmas selling period.

ESDEVIUM01420 593 500Chaotic integrates face-to-face game-play with an online experience. With aseries on Jetix, the TCG is being furthersupported with a TV campaign throughEsdevium Games. Print activity runningacross older kids print media will featurealongside targeted PR.

March also saw the launch of a UKlocalized version of ChaoticGame.comwhich allows players to play the gameconventionally, and upload cards tovirtual decks and battle online.

Pokémon TCG saw a strong upwardsales trend in early 2009. The secondPlatinum release, Rising Rivals, will bereleased in May in conjunction with avideo game of the same name scheduledfor May 22nd. Historically, video gametie-ins have driven strong performancefor TCG, and Platinum has alreadyperformed well in territories it has beenreleased in.

Speciality board games continue in2009, led by titles such as Carcassonne,Ticket To Ride, and The Settlers of Catan.Driven by word of mouth, the portfolio isexperiencing sustained sales across abroad market. In addition, the Rocketheritage board game brands continues.

SCHLEICH01279 870000Schleich’s figures are modelled true-to-nature and hand-painted. With threelaunches each year, there is a constantfeed of characters and creatures to keepup with collector demand.

The World of Elves with its fantasyfigures sees the arrival three new SunElves; Sura on horseback, Yasira floatingon a lily pad and Nimsay with golden

wings. There is a range of Sun Elves andShadow Elves with two dwellings.

The World of Knights includes knightson horseback, soldiers with axes,princesses and damsels in distress. Thereare battering rams, catapults and aKnights Castle. New for 2009, is Xarok, aknight on horseback with dagger raised

and waiting in the shadows, his latestopponent Zahor.

Schleich also has a range of real lifethemes including Farm Life, Wild Life,Forest Life, Dinosaurs and the World ofAmerican Frontier.

The company is also offering a timelimited marketing initiative to new andexisting retailers which includessubsidised shelving systems, a vendormanaged inventory tool and point of salemarketing materials.

RC201271 336155In 2009 Learning Curve launches theThomas Wooden Railway System TalkingRailway Series, which uses new EngineRecognition Technology to activate over200 personalised phrases (when usedwith Talking Railway engines) from the FatController at Talking Railway Seriesdestinations. Each engine features a goldmagnet connector to differentiate it fromregular engines. They also includepersonalised gold name plates andEngine Recognition icons on their baseand interact with the traditional enginesby triggering non-personalised messagesto enhance the play experience.

RC2 will be launching two major TalkingRailway launch deals at the show, offeringover £180 and £100 of free stockrespectively with three shelf strips and aninteractive POS unit.

RAVENSBURGER01869 363800Ravensburger will showcase its range ofpuzzles, games and Christmas gift ideasat Toymaster.

With sales thriving in the independentsector, the firm is confident that newintroductions and existing ranges willmaintain demand throughout 2009.

Joining the children’s puzzle range willbe new product designs based on TVseries Wonder Pets, 3rd & Bird and

Disney’s Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Thecompany is also working on puzzles andgames for Ice Age 3 and Toy Story.

Amongst new Puzzleball designs willbe the Historical World 540-piece and the960-piece design The World, which wonan award as one of the Best New Toys atToy Fair 2009. Also, on show will be theChristmas themed 2D and 3D puzzles.

Santa’s Christmas Supper 1000-pieceLimited Edition puzzle is a richlyillustrated design. The company hopesthis will echo the success of itspredecessors. Also on show will be the60-piece Christmas Puzzleball and newfor 2009, a children’s 200-piece puzzleentitled Santa’s Christmas Wonderland.

FLAIR020 8643 0320The latest addition to Sylvanian Familiesis the Sylvanian Caravan, designed to betowed by the Family Saloon Car. The retrostyled holiday home has everythingneeded for a holiday. Also for autumn isthe Marita May Pleasure Boat, an old-fashioned wooden boat which unfolds tocreate different decks and play areas.

Gormiti Series 2, with the release of 35new figures and play-sets, has raisedenthusiasm for Gormiti again with recordsales predicted for 2009, aided by TVseries Atomic due for launch in summer.

Flair’s creative play range sees theaddition of the Disney Princesscollection. Sparkling Tiaras and anEnchanted Jewellery Box are simple,mess-free kits requiring minimal adult.

GX Racers are 1:64 scale cars, whichachieve extreme speeds and performunique stunts. The Tight Rope TerrorStunt Set, has a unique ability oftravelling between tracks along a tightrope. New play-sets will be availablefrom autumn, all with TV support.

Plasticine has recently seen thelaunch of four new pocket money play-sets for younger children to sculptanimals and vehicles.

In addition, visit Flair’s stand for aspecial promotional offer.

HORNBY01843 233500The Cornish Pullman set recreates thosedays when travelling in the Pullman Carswas reserved for rich and famous. Thelocomotive and cars are in the traditionalcolours and the set includes an oval trackwith siding and a MidiMat.

The City Industrial set includes a 4-wheel locomotive, a selection of wagonsplus a small coach. The oval of track withsiding means wagons have to be shuntedto and fro allowing them to be droppedoff and picked up.

The layout of both tracks can beextended by adding Hornby Track andAccessory Packs, available separately.

The Digital Overdrive Scalextric systemenables multi-car racing with lanechanging, allowing multiple cars to raceon any lane with the ability to block andovertake opponents. Digital Overdrivecomes complete with two Ferrari F430Super Resistant supercars, lane changetrack section, two hand throttles anddigital powerbase.

Street Mayhem is for the youngerdriver. At 1/64 scale, Micro Scalextric isan introduction to Scalextric. StreetMayhem offers two-car racing and comeswith three street cars - Audi TT, PorscheBoxster and Nissan 350Z, Chicane andcrossover crash zone track sections, twohand throttles and powerbase.

MV SPORTS0121 748 8000The In the Night Garden range iscomplemented by a My First multi-character range. Also in pre-school areThomas & Friends, Bob The Builder andFireman Sam. Each wheeled range hassomething distinct and is backed withmarketing and promotional support.

An expanded Ben 10 range is offeredfor 2009 with the Alien Force line,including the Omnitrix Scooter, and a 3Deffect Skateboard. Look out for TVcampaigns on the Ben 10 MonsterScooter and Omnitrix Scooter.

Transformers: The Revenge Of TheFallen launches this year and MV hasdeveloped a wheeled range, some ofwhich feature lenticular graphics.

The Barbie Beauty Secrets Range ofwheeled toys and cosmetics will also beTV-advertised this summer and autumn.

The firm will also expand its plushportfolio with Gogo’s Crazy Bones. Thefour-inch characters feature zippedpocket with two collectables. Six andeight-inch plush are also available incounter display units.

The Goochicoo licence is a new conceptin interactive dolls, combining nurturingplay with a sense of fun. Each 16-inch dollhas seven interactive features, and comeswith a bright outfit and accessories.

Page 29: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009
Page 30: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

30 SPECIAL

MAY 2009

DRUMOND PARK01506 855577Like the Rubik’s Cube, the new Rubik’s360 requires skill, dexterity and logic. Theobject is to get the six coloured ballsthrough two inner spheres to thematching coloured domes on the outersphere where each is locked into place.Like the Cube, there is a knack, but it cantake any number of tries andperseverance. Suitable for age eight-plus,launching July.

Logo is a new family game for age 12-plus, launching September. The gameharnesses the corporate identities andbrand images of many UK and

international bluechip companies. Thegame features 500question cards,ranging from full andpart logo andproduct recognition,to questions aboutfictional brandsfeaturing on soapsand questions under

such headings as animals and relatives.Pig Goes Pop is for age four and over,

and launches in September. The gamerequires kids to feed the pig with therequisite number of hamburgers on thethrow of a dice. Eventually, the ever-expanding pig will explode. His tail is thenrewound and the next round commences.

GOLDEN BEAR01952 671 338The My 1st JCB collection will be extendedto include lines based on the constructionvehicles including the Mini JCB Pull Backsand sees the introduction of FreddieFastrac also new to the talking range.New vehicles also include Elvis Excavatorand Talking Max.

The Peppa Pig range has grown toinclude new wooden products. The rangewill reflect themes from the series such asGrandpa Pig’s boat and train. Existingitems continue including the Peppa PigBath Set, Step and Learn and the PeppaPig Draw and Drive.

The Thomas and Friends rangecontinues and new character Victor will beintroduced from summer. The TalkingThomas & Friends range remains.

Golden Bear is also launching Shaunthe Sheep gifts to complement the toyrange. The collection will feature plushwith message t-shirts and other gifts.

Bouncing Lola is the new addition tothe Charlie and Lola range. Bouncing Lolasees the character playing on a spacehopper. Squeeze her foot and she movesaround saying four phrases. The dolls andwooden ranges continue.

CORINTHIAN01494 462640Corinthian is the stand to visit if you’relooking for sub £10 ranges of collectablesthis year. The mainstay of the portfoliocontinues to be In My Pocket, with Puppy,Jungle and Pony figures. The DisneyMicroWorld collection sees many ofDisney’s favourite characters appear inminiature form across a number of figurepacks, including Winnie the Pooh, Mickey

Mouse and WALL-E. Also on show will bethe new Ben 10 Micros series, theinteractive plush line SnugglePets, and anew collection of Stink Blasters figures.

ORCHARD TOYS01953 859525Orchard Toys manufactures all of itsproducts in Britain using 100 per centrecycled board.

The firm’s latest game Lucky Ducky isaimed at children four years and over. Theyoungest player starts by spinning thespinner, which shows numbers betweenone and ten. They then have to saywhether they think the number on theface down duck will be higher or lowerthan the number indicated on the spinner.

If they guess correctly, they get to keepthat lucky ducky, if they don’t, it is

returned to the pile.There are 40 ducksdepicting brainsurgeons, pirates,aviators and citygent ducks. Thisgame will helpdevelop early mathsskills; colour andpattern matchingskills and speaking

and listening skills.The recently launched Great Britain and

Ireland Map and Poster is for ages five to11. As kids assemble the 150 pieces in thispuzzle (88 x 61 cm) they will uncover lotsof places, features, foods, animals andmore. The puzzle comes with an evenbigger poster (96 x 68 cm).

GREEN BOARD GAMES01494 538999Green Board Games will be showing itsrange of BrainBox games among others atthe Toymaster Show. The BrainBox rangehas something for everyone with subjectslike football, dinosaurs, the world andeven a fun-filled maths version.

Also the firm will launching a newproduct, Green Cards. These are playingcards manufactured using 50 per centrecycled pulp, printed using vegetablebased inks and wearing the FSC mark.

There will be a special offer forToymaster customers who place an orderat the show, details of which will be sentwith invitations prior to the show, andToymaster customers already receive adiscount on all orders.

PAUL LAMOND020 7254 01002009 marks the 25th anniversary of thePaul Lamond brand and to celebrate this,the company has launched a pre-schooleducational range under the Chimp andZee brand consisting of six games andfour puzzles.

In the existing pre-school area PostmanPat has been updated to Postman PatSDS and there are three Gruffalo products– two puzzles and a snakes and ladders.The children’s range has six new RainbowMagic puzzles, an updated Famous 5range and the Fundex Skill and Actiongame When Pigs Fly.

The family area sees the addition ofCavophony, a game of noisy charades,

plus In a Pickle and luck of the Draw, twoAmerican games. There is alsoRevelations, the game where the sins arerevealed, but not the sinner.

Family puzzle additions includeWhere’s Wally, Ale Baird’s ImpossiblePuzzles and three dragon puzzles fromThe Dragon Chronicles.

The Murder Mystery Dinner Party rangesees the return of Inspector McClue in AVintage Murder, while the McNaughtyrange is extended with Sexual Secretsand Legless joining the Paul Lamondveteran, Pass-Out.

CASDON TOYS01253 766411New for 2009 will be a number of CasdonClassic creations. The Postman PatSteering Wheel simulates driving Pat’snew modernised van. The toy featuresPat’s voice and many sounds includinghorn, revving engine, gear change andbraking, flashing indicators and theSpecial Delivery Service theme tune. Canbe used at home or in the back of the car.

Continuing its reputation ofreplicating the adult world, Casdon will

also be revealing,The GeorgeForeman Toy Grill.This includes animitation side hotplate and comeswith sizzling

sounds and various pieces of play food.The real Foreman grills are known fordraining fat from the food as it cooks.This functionality is simulated by thechild pressing a large button and waterdripping into the tray below, which is apatented feature.

The firm’s new play food includesminiaturised food items, which allowchildren to simulate shopping andcooking experiences. They includerecognisable Birds Eye and Baxtersbranded boxes and tins.

GREAT GIZMOS01293 543221The Power collection has two new themesjoining the range, Power Lights and PowerCircuits. Each kit introduces children tothe principles of electronics through arange of projects.

The new Kidzlabs Fun Mechanics kitsinclude seven different projects and eachshows children how to combinemechanisms to form working mechanicaldevices while discovering principles suchas friction, forces and mechanics.

The Green Science range in theKidzlabs collection launched in 2008

and has three new additions. Kitsinclude the Weather Station, PotatoClock and Water Filter.

There are many new items featuring inGreat Gizmos’ portfolio this yearincluding new additions to Pink Poppy,the accessories collection.

This year at Toymaster, retailers will besupported by many offers across theportfolio.

TREASURE TROVE01285 762039The Toymaster show presents manyretailers with their first opportunity to seewhat’s new from Treasure Trove in 2009.

Aside from line extensions, this is thefirst time the firm will be exhibiting majorbrands Breyer and Safari at this show.

The outdoor brand Explore and theactivity brand Grow-a-Heads are alsobeing shown for the first time.

The new packaging look for theQuercetti brand will also be on show,along with seven new additions to theSticky Mosaics line.

The firm’s business director ElizabethNield points out: “We have productsretailing below £5 in all areas of ourrange, ensuring a variety of year roundsales options.”

In addition, there is a five per centdiscount on all orders placed at the showand discounts as high as 26 per cent onselected Breyer Horses, Sticky Mosaicsand Bamboo Games products.

Nield continues: “Treasure Trove isgoing all out this year to ensure retailersand consumers alike can get qualityproducts they can afford from us. StickyMosaics is the must-have line from us thisyear. We have seen sales double in thelast 12 months and this is sure to be amajor category for us this autumn.”

JOHN CRANE01604 774949 Ten new building blocks will tower atJohn Crane’s stand as the firmintroduces Stack Up from BranchingOut. The colourful stacking toy includesten blocks, each featuring a numberfrom one to ten and an image of a junglecharacter.

The animals include a zebra, giraffe,dolphin, penguin, elephant, monkey,hippo, frog, lion and bear. The amountof animal characters on each block alsodenotes the number not only allowingfor counting and ordering games, butensuring mathematical vocabulary too.

Any retailers who drop by the standcan also see some TOLO new additions,including the Silly Shapes Shape Sorter.This first shape sorter has alien-likecuddlies made from plush fabric.

Page 31: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

www.toynewsmag.com 31SPECIAL

MAY 2009

BRAINSTORM01200 445113Brainstorm is the UK distributor ofSmartlab. All kits include books to tieinto the science behind each toy.Remote Control Rocket; Voice ChangerKit and The Double Security Sage areincluded in the range.

Three boxed sets join The OriginalGlowstars Company brand. GlowSuperstars feature over 500 stars andshapes, the Glow Solar System Kitincludes hundreds of stars and GlowCreations Draw and Glow Projector allowkids to create stickers and add glow inthe dark highlights. The Glow 3D rangeadds new licences, Disney Tinkerbell andBarbie.

Natural History Museum Earth Globecontains a modern globe and poster.Animal Detective is an animal spottinggame with inflatable animal globe and 68clue cards. The Tyrannosaurus Rex Scanlooks at a dinosaur skeleton. Glow 3DDinosaurs feature three styles.

Each Zipbin comes with a toy and haszips allowing the chest to open into aplaymat. Zipbins are available in threesizes and a variety of themes and shapes.

The new line of Uncle Milton Star Warsscience toys distributed in the UK andRepublic of Ireland by Brainstormincludes The Force Trainer; The OpticalCommand Unit; The Darth Vader RoboticArm kit; Naboo Sea Creatures Habitat;Jedi Telescope; Jedi Projector and TheMustafar Volcano Kit.

INTERPLAY01628 488944Girls’ science, Technokits and a collectionfor boys will all be high on the agenda forvisitors to the Interplay stand.

The Girls’ Wild Science kits will besupported with new ads for Luxury SoapScience. The range delivers educationalplay to girls aged seven to 12 mixingaroma science with creativity as theylearn how to make fizzy bath bombs,designer soaps, scents and Pot Pourri.

Another TV line will be the newTechnokits for Girls which introduce themto light refraction and simple motorisedmechanics whilst creating something todecorate a bedroom. There are two tochoose from, the Solar Powered RainbowMaker and the Solar Powered ButterflyTechnokit. The Technokit Flight CommandPowered Hovercraft is new for boysalongside a new licensed collection ofscience hobby kits with the introductionof the Dangerous Books for Boys ScienceDiscovery Kits.

JUMBO GAMES01707 289289Jumbo is launching six new adult puzzles.New puzzles from the vintage Ladybirdbooks and illustrations including a 1,000-piece puzzle and two 500-piece products

with images entitled War Time. Also newis a 1,000-piece puzzle called SeasideAntics from postcard artist Donald McGill.

Jumbo has expanded its Peppa Pigrange to include Peppa Pig Story Puzzle,Peppa Pig Bumper Pack and Peppa Pigelectronic game. The portfolio ofchildren’s licensed properties includes MrMen, Fireman Sam, Teletubbies and Bigand Small. Jumbo is distributing plush forthe pre-school property, as well aspuzzles and games.

Puzzle Extra launched last year andnew licences include Ben 10, Clone Warsand High School Musical and a newconcept Puzzle Extra Mini’s.

Jumbo has signed the licence for HarryPotter puzzles and games and will belaunching the first products in July. It willbe launching products for the next threemovies. There will be three brainteasergames and three puzzle images.

Meanwhile, the contents of I Learn hasbeen developed in collaboration withteachers and educational theorists andhas three ranges aimed at different ages.

MAPS TOYS01483 776006Following on from the success of theBuild-it with Bob and Squashbloxconstruction sets, Maps Toys continues itstheme of construction, educational andcraft toys with the launch of five newranges at the Toymaster show.

Yummy Dough is a baking mix whichcan be moulded and eaten cooked orraw. The dough feels just like regularmodelling clay and is easily shaped andmoulded. With a cookie mixture taste,Yummy Dough combines creativity andcooking. Safe and made from highquality ingredients.

Magic Fish kits let you hatch and thencare for a family of ornamental fish. MyLittle Sandbox are themed play-sets

based around sand pits containing realsand. Toobeez are giant construction kitsfor creating life-size structures in thehome or garden. Finally, ChristmasVillage is a seasonal craft set thatenables you to make your own card lightup Christmas Village.

BRIO01509 643850The Brio range has expanded on allfronts, with the Disney Mickey MouseClubhouse and My Friends Tigger & Poohranges expanding the market by bringingnew consumers into the wooden pre-school sector, Brio Stacking and Pull-along toys, across both animal andvehicle themes, and baby toys combiningplush and wood for 0-12 months.

IMC TOYS01904 720908IMC Toys will have on show a cross-section of its licensed product rangewhich is split into four main categoriesincluding action toys, pre-school, gamesand arts and crafts

Action toys feature Ben 10 WalkieTalkies and Laser sets, Power RangersJungle Fury Mega Laser Set and the TV-advertised Intercom Mask, plus Spider-man and Toy Story R/C vehicles.

The pre-school category includesWinnie the Pooh and Mickey Clubhouseelectronic musical items all with easy touse learning. The games offering includesBen 10 and Clone Wars licensed itemsincluding Guessing Games, Clone WarsCruiser Attack and the popular electronicRepaiR2 D2.

Arts and Crafts includes Ben 10 andClone Wars licensed Drawing Projectors,while Magnetic Boards will be on showalongside the new Tattoo and Stickermachines in both licences.

Additional items featured will be arange of Barbie electronic musicalinstruments and the R/C TV-advertisedBaxter the Dog.

In total for 2009 IMC Toys will haveproducts supported by 15 toy licencesand will have four items included in thisyear’s Toymaster catalogue.

MARBEL01208 873123Marbel will be returning to the Toymastershow for the third year.

The firm added over 80 new productsin January, including lines from the PlanToys and I’M Toy ranges. All the woodentoys featured on the stand are producedfrom sustainable wood sources andfinished with non-toxic, preservative freepaint. New products will also be featuredfrom the K’s Kids, L’Atitude Enfant,Musical instrument and Eitech MetalConstruction ranges.

HALILIT01254 872454Halilit offers a wide range of musicaltoys and instruments and 2009 sees theintroduction of fresh new packaging. All instruments use professional qualitycomponents such as real drum skinsand xylophones and glockenspiels areelectronically tuned for accuracy.

Bathtime toys, infant and pre-schoolranges have grown extensively with theaddition of Blue Box and Talentoyproducts. Key classic lines include theWind-Up Musical TV, shape sorters andstacking cups.

The Sensory Ball range sees theaddition of a Glow in the Dark version andnew bath games and a Spaceship withinFloating 3Ds enhance the bath range.

Featuring at the show will be Interstar,which is enjoying a renaissance. This lineis also in the Toymaster catalogue.

GIBSONS GAMES020 8661 8866Gibsons will be showing a selection ofgames and puzzles, including two linesin the Toymaster catalogue: the GibsonsLimited Edition Christmas jigsaw puzzle,and the My World children’s puzzles. Members placing orders will be able totake advantage of special offers.

The My World puzzles are made onrecycled board in Britain. They havebeen created with child psychologist, DrAmanda Gummer, linking them to theEarly Learning Goals and NationalCurriculum. The My World range consistsof eight puzzles and each box features aslot within the lid allowing children topost pieces back into it.

The range of adult puzzles sees thelaunch of six new titles in spring, as wellas the 60+ jigsaws launched in January.

This includes National Trust puzzles,Beautiful Britain jigsaws and SweetMemories – four new puzzles showingconfectionary brands of the 1940s, 50s60s and 70s.

BROOKITE01837 533152009 sees the arrival of licensedproducts – Ben 10, Star Wars and Disneyfeature on a range of items includingkites, frisbees, flying gizmos, umbrellasand windmills. The core range of kitescontinues to have new products added:the Mini Butterfly range and the quirkyLadybird Assortment are selling well.

The Funtrix range of Diabolos,Juggling Balls, Pois and Devil Sticks areavailable on a display stand featuring ascreen with in-built DVD.

MOOKIE01525 722722Thomas the Tank Engine is the latestbranded Swingball from the firm, whilethe range of Smart trikes will be on show.

Mookie will be hosting a new range ofspring/summer garden lines from Ecoiffierincluding lawnmowers, tractors, bucketsets and sand and water play.

The firm is launching Peppa Pigpocket money items, while a ten-inchwheeled bike, all-surface playgroundballs, trike with canopy, sit n bouncehopper and the five in one rock n ride onare also in the range.

Page 32: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

32 SPECIAL

MAY 2009

THE PUPPET COMPANY01462 446040The Puppet Company has designed over800 different puppets including finger,glove and body puppets.

Many of the puppets have full workingmouths and hands and some like the

Large Birds andSockettsinclude sound,but never withbatteries.

Thecompanysupplies arange of pointof sale standswith smallfootprints, but

can hold up to 35 glove puppets in thespace of a carpet tile.

New puppets for 2009 include a TreeStump House containing six fingerpuppets of European animals, walkingfinger puppet dogs in kennels and a rangeof large full bodied African animals. Pricedto allow a 2.3 retail margin.

TOBAR0844 573 4299Tobar has been supplying toys and giftsto a wide range of retailers since 1973.With over 1,000 products in the currentrange, including pocket-money toys,games, puzzles, books, crafts, stationaryand jokes, there is plenty to appeal tomost toy and gift traders.

Tobar sends out regular new productupdates throughout the year to highlightnew ranges and seasonal products, andthe website can be used for ordering 24hours a day.

GB EYE0114 276 7454From GB Eye’s core product of posters,there features a range of licences fromBen 10, Hello Kitty, Bakugan, Peppa Pig,Dora the Explorer, Cars, Princess, Fairies,Transformers, Thomas and Friends, HighSchool Musical 3, Hannah Montana, Inthe Night Garden, Mr Men & Little Miss,Winnie the Pooh, Power Rangers, TheSimpsons, Spongebob Squarepants andPokémon to all the latest football stars.

There is also a wide choice ofeducational poster titles with counting,times tables, alphabets, colours andforeign languages and other formats tochoose from including the 3D posters.The firm also has a full range of badgepacks and button badges. These rangefrom the top brands to quirky designs likeI Love Pink and It’s All About Me.

There are also framed mini posters,classic Disney prints, 30x30 canvas andpostcard packs – all for less than £10. GBoffers a full range of display solutions forevery format listed, all available free onloan when taken fully stocked.

BLADEZ TOYZ023 92 658 255Bladez Toyz is making its debut into theworld of licensing with the launch of theTerminator Salvation range of R/C flyingtoys. Kicking off the range are the Hunter

Killers, artificially intelligent autonomouswar machines. They feature six-waydirectional control, a combat laserfunction, Terminator sound effects andaerial searchlights.

The Terminator Hell is a skull shapedtwo-channel Micro Terminator with LEDeyes and combat function for up tothree players. The Resistance Hell isalso available. To recreate the ultimatebattle, Bladez will be launching theTerminator vs Resistance Combat Pack.The Combat Pack can be sold asindividual items or as part of a combatbattle set. Each pack includes aTerminator Skulled helicopter andresistance helicopter, equipped with on-board laser function. The accompanyinghandsets feature battle sounds and atrigger to fire the infra-red laser.

Resistance Hell is a three-channelMicro Terminator featuring LEDsearchlights and combat function for upto three players.

Finally, Bladez has produced theTerminator Target Set. Boys can fireinfra-red lasers at a revolving Terminatortarget with flashing lights.

WOW TOYS020 7471 0980Wow Toys will be showcasing a numberof new additions to its pre-school lines.Best Buddies are a new concept to therange – brightly coloured, detailed figureand animal play friend sets, girl and boythemed, which can also be used withother toys from the range. Ideal forimpulse buying, treats and party bagsthere are currently six Best Buddiesavailable, with a further six setsavailable from September.

New vehicles include Robin’s MedicalRescue, a friction powered ambulancethat comes with a fully working X-ray,stretcher, wheel chair, paramedic andmother with injured boy. The firm is alsointroducing Mix ‘n’ Fix Mike, a cementtruck with an automatic revolving mixer,operated by a removable constructionfigurine that comes with a detachablebollard. Wow’s Rock ‘n’ Ride Ralph, apush-along quad bike set, comes with asafari man and elephant companion.

DKL01604 678780DKL is UK distributor of Corolle Dolls,Wonderworld Wooden Toys, HamaBeads, Viking Plastic Toys and Sigikidnursery toys.

This year Corolle has expanded itscollection. New to Babicorolle are ragdolls. There are also additions to the MonPremier range, new Calin Dolls and freshLes Classiques dolls, while Miss Corollehas a revamped Vanilla Blonde Doll.

Wonderworld’s eco range will seeadditions including the Eco Town Gamecomplete with houses, trees, bicycle,recycle bin and rain water tank.

The new two-storey, Modern House isequipped with furniture with a set ofthree family dolls. This year, the MiniVehicles Range will see the new Mini Taxiand Mini Sport and the new Mini Garage.

Hama offers a range of bead craft kits.It has a range of accessories, assortmentsof beads, pegboards and design booklets.New to large gift sets are Disney Cars andWoodland Friends. Also available now arethe new Lacing sets.

Viking Toys has expanded its Chubbiesplastic vehicle line. 2009 also sees theintroduction of Flexi Cars.

INSPIRATION WORKS01727 735071InspirationWorks will show a plethora ofproducts on the newly appointed SalesPartnership stand.

With a wealth of licences already, thefirm is adding to its portfolio with DisneyPrincess and Disney Fairies, In My Pocketand Postman Pat.

“The independent sector are stillextremely important to us,” says DaveMartin, commercial director. “Whilst wewill continue to supply the majors directlyon FOB terms, Sales Partnership willfurther develop the IW business throughtheir tremendous network of independentand domestic customers. This partnershipenables us to offer the independentsgood margins on key licenses in keyelectronic categories.”

Products include Disney Princess’ MyFavourite Friends and Magical SecretBook; Disney Fairies Friends Connect; InMy Pocket Mega Quiz and Postman PatAdventure World and First Laptop. Thereare also some new additions to thePeppa Pig range.

LE TOY VAN020 8979 2036Le Toy Van will be exhibiting many newproducts at the Toymaster show,including the Budkins, a collection of10cm high, wooden fully poseablecharacters that are scaled to fit Le ToyVan painted wooden play sets. Budkinsare sold individually and selected linesare also packaged in sets of three.

Detailed fire engine and fire stationsets, along with a hospital andambulance, are just some of the new LeToy Van play-sets. The Honeybake rangewill be bolstered by a new wok set. Thegarage range features a new garage anda car play mat.

Tutti Frutti House is one of three newpainted wooden doll’s houses, in additionto seven new furniture setscomplemented by the doll’s house playmat and a new family of dolls.

With 12 houses and 15 furniture sets,Le Toy Van’s selection of doll’s housesand furniture includes a range of sizesand options, from fully furnishedcottages up to large manor housesready to furnish.

UNIVERSITY GAMES01359 243900The company will have a variety ofproducts on its stand.

These will include Splatter Mat, anactivity mat for children that instantlychanges colour with heat; three VeryHungry Caterpillar Colorforms Stick-Onitems, a 3D Deluxe Play-set, a ColorfeltsPlay Board and a Fun Pocket; TotallyGross, where children learn things fromall areas of science by answeringquestions, doing activities andperforming labs; plus Sort it Out, agame where you put things in order.

Murder Mystery Mansion and triviagame Smart Ass will also be displayed.

LEARNING RESOURCES01553 762276New to Pretend & Play is Sliceable Fruits& Veggies, while the Bakery Set bringseducational play to cooking, introducingmaths, measurement and fine motorskills, encouraging shape recognition.

A number of other games will also beshowcased by the firm. These includetwo new Smart Games – Road Block andmaze game Subways.

The Smart Games collection offers 12themed challenges, ranging frompuzzling positioning with pirates tomaze mysteries with mummies.

Each self-checking game demandslogic and concentration. Games aremeant for one player and feature abooklet or cards with up to 60challenges.

Page 33: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009
Page 34: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

Jumbo Games Limited, 2 Carters Row, Hatfield Park, Hatfield, AL9 5NBT: 01707 289289 E: [email protected] W: www.jumbo.eu

Peppa Pig - Astley Baker Davies/E1 Entertainment 2003. THE MR MEN SHOW™ DILLYDALE™ Copyright © 2009 THOIP (a Chorion company). All rights reserved. Fireman Sam © 2009 Prism Art & Design Limited© 2009 HIT Entertainment Limited. Teletubbies TM Ragdoll Worldwide Ltd.

Products are not to scale

Page 35: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

THE PRE-SCHOOL market wasworth around £260m in 2008 withsales flat year on year, while theaverage price declined marginallyfrom £9.56 in 2007 to £9.23.

Woolworths’ demise will impactthe pre-school category significantlyin 2009 as it was the number tworetailer with over ten per cent shareof the category in 2008 (NPDConsumer Panel). In particular, theloss of Woolworths will impact thepre-school boys markets that weremore reliant than girls on the retailer.

So far this year, pre-school saleshave continued to grow in thegrocers’ channel.

Licences are important to the pre-school market with licensed items onaverage more expensive thanunlicensed. Top licences are Thomasand Friends and In The Night Garden,which ranked number one andnumber two respectively. However,the fastest growing licences so far in2009 include Roary the Racing Carwith five per cent growth, andPostman Pat, making a resurgence

with three per cent growth for theyear to date.

Pre-school licences are verycompetitive with many around for

years, as well as new ones introduced.Compared to other Europeancountries, the UK counts a widervariety of pre-school licences, allwanting a piece of the pie. Thelargest new property in pre-schoolover the last year was Little Einsteins,with the Little Einsteins Rocketperforming well.

For the year to date March 2009,the top seller in total pre-school is

Vtech’s V.Smile Learning Systemfollowed by LeapFrog’s Leapstershowing how important the Pre-school Electronic Learning sector hasbecome. There is only one new itemin the top ten for the year to date –Hasbro’s In The Night Garden UpsyDaisy and Bed at ten.

Within the pre-school market,figures and play-sets have seen thestrongest growth, with characterssuch as Peppa Pig and new Playmobilranges driving sales. In addition, thekitchen and food role play categoryhas also seen a rise and now accountsfor over ten per cent of all pre-schoolsales, driven through own label andFifi and the Flowertots items.

However, this is balanced out bysome traditionally strong growthareas such as electronic learning andvehicles (the largest sub-category)declining. Looking at the total pre-school market, Mattel is the numberone manufacturer, but Playmobil hasseen some strong growth in the lastyear with its Recycling Truck beingthe best selling item so far in 2009.

Woolworths’demise will

impact the pre-schoolcategory significantlyin 2009 - it was thenumber tworetailer in 2008.

(source: NPD)

Pre-school Toys Product Category Performance

MAY 2009

Little wondersThe £260m pre-school sector is the toy market’s most fiercely-contested battleground, dominated by licences and TV propertiesand notoriously difficult to second guess. Certain perennials still sellstrongly but there’s continual development of characters and playpatterns, which make for a lively and vibrant market segment. NPD offers some analysis on its current condition…

SECTOR GUIDE PRE-SCHOOLwww.toynewsmag.com 35

YTD Mar ‘08 YTD Mar ‘091. VEHICLES 24.5 23.1 2. FIGURES & PLAY-SETS 20.2 20.4 3. KITCHEN & FOOD 7.8 10.7 4. ELECTRONIC LEARNING 10.7 9.5 5. ALL OTHER ROLE PLAY 9.0 9.5 6. ALL OTHER PRE-SCHOOL TOYS 11.3 9.4 7. LEARNING TOYS 4.5 5.8 8. BATH TOYS 5.2 5.3 9. MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS 2.4 2.9 10. TALKING & SOUND 3.1 2.5 11. PUSH & PULL 1.3 1.0

Page 36: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

36 SECTOR GUIDE PRE-SCHOOL

MAY 2009

Meccano has introduced new modelsinto its Kids Play range created todeliver robust construction play forchildren aged two years-old and above.With an assembly system specificallydesigned for younger children, the rangefeatures big bolts, large screws andflexible and strong pieces for easy andquick construction.

Two new characters, a caterpillar anda ladybird (£6.99 each), join the range,both with seven to 14 parts to build onemodel and will be available fromspring/summer.

A new Kids Play Large Assortment willalso be available. Featuring the snake,butterfly and penguin, each set buildsthree models and retails at £7.99.

Sue Barratt, country manager,Meccano Toys UK, comments: “All thecore values of Meccano are present inthe Kids Play range, which offers highquality components and innovativeconstruction sets that challenge childrenas young as two years to createsomething for themselves.

“Kids Play is a great introduction toMeccano for both toddlers and parentsand the carefully considered price pointsoffer excellent value for the consumerand retailer too.”

All of the sets in the range containflexible and strong parts, a set of eyesto give personality to the characters anda step-by-step coloured assemblyinstruction leaflet and tools.

The Fisher-Price Stack n Surprise rangeincludes blocks featuring motorisationand rewards. A key item, Song andSmiles Silly Town, comes with eightblocks, which tumble down to activatemusic and light.

Fisher-Price has recreated Bounce ‘n’Spin Zebra in pink for the Go, Baby, Gocollection in autumn. Other new pinkitems including a Laugh & Learn PinkChair, the Brilliant Basics ActivityCentre and the Soothe & GlowSeahorse are also supported.

3-in-1 Smart Sports and SmartPlayground deliver active learning in aplug n play format. Smart Playgroundfeatures ten learning activities using aninteractive activity mat. 3-in-1 SmartSports connects directly to the TV andcomes with three interchangeablepieces of wireless sports equipment.

Little People continues its 50thanniversary celebrations with specialedition play-sets in autumn,showcasing the farm and school-house

in retro take-along boxes. Fisher-Priceis partnering with a parenting title tomark the occasion with a sponsorshipprogramme and extensive PR.

Imaginext also remains in thespotlight with Ocean, City and LostCreatures themes engaging boys withchunky play-sets and accessories.Autumn sees the arrival of spacethemed items including TV driver, SpaceShuttle. Kid Tough Camera sees a newintroduction for autumn supported bymarketing including TV and a prime-time Milkshake sponsorship.

The Fisher-Price character brandportfolio benefits from the addition ofnew licences this year includingWaybuloo. The launch collection willfeature plush, play-sets and puzzles.

The character brand line-up alsoincludes Disney and Nickelodeonlicences ranging from Handy Manny,Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and LittleEinsteins to Dora the Explorer and GoDiego Go.

MATTEL 01628 500000

MECCANO 01844 278888

The Clipo Hippo is a new addition to theClipo range, which encourages childrento get creative with play. The hippo isperfect for stackable, moveable buildingand toddlers can attach their Clipocreations to the head, back or free-rolling wheels of the hippo and a drop-slot in the hippo’s mouth encouragesput-and-take play. 20 tactile Clipo piecesare included and stored inside.

Also in the range for 2009 is thecolourful Clipo Creativity Table play-setwith 25 pieces.

The table features textured surfacesfor anchoring creations, movingplatforms, a shape sorter, a drop slotand built-in storage.

It is a base for toddlers to create anddiscover, and is also compatible with allClipo creativity sets (each soldseparately).

A Clipo collection is easily expandableand can be topped up with the ClipoMini Bucket or Clipo Big Bucket.Featuring 30 shapes, the Clipo MiniBucket comes in vehicle or farmassortments. The Big Bucket consists of50 coloured Clipo blocks

Little boys can get to grips withhands-on action with Helmet Heroes.Each set features a helmet and amicrophone so they can hearthemselves broadcast their adventures.

Whether they are chasing after thebad guys with the police set or zoomingaround an F1 circuit with the racing set,each collection comes complete withover 30 phrases and an interactivehandheld device.

Motorbike Cop and Race Car Driverwill be joined by new Police Cruiser andMotocross sets later in the year.

HASBRO 020 8569 1234

Mega Bloks, a leading brand in pre-school construction, is driving categorygrowth with innovation this year. The 3-in-1 Play n Go Table is the flagship linefor Christmas. The all-in-one setincludes 20 blocks, building plates,decorated wall-plates, a car and afigure. It is also easy to fold for storageand portability.

The Scoop & Dump Truck isdesigned for combining role-play andbuilding with a sturdy, freewheelingtruck that provides easy loading and

unloading. Tots can role-play with theincluded construction worker figurine,while parents can enjoy the scoopingaction when its time to tidy up.

Play n Go Rescue Truck and Play nGo Recycle Truck are sturdy, easy touse vehicles, ideal for teaching tots topress, push and pull and guaranteed tobuild on hand-eye co-ordination skills.Kids can transform the fire engine intoa fire station and the recycle truck intoa recycling centre. Each play-set comeswith a figurine.

MEGA BRANDS 01844 350033

Page 37: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009
Page 38: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009
Page 39: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

VTech has expanded the V.Smile brandwith V.Smile Motion. Targeted at agesthree to seven, the motion activatededucational gaming system willencourage children to get active as theyinteract with TV and film charactersincluding Dora the Explorer.

VTech Bugsby Reading Systemfeatures the Bugsby magic sensor pen,which reads the stories aloud andinteracts with different elements on thebook pages. Each book comes with itsown story cartridge. There will be fiveadditional book titles availableautumn/winter for three to six year olds.

Kids aged three-plus can viewpictures on-the-go with new Kidilook.Transfer photos from Kidizoom orconnect it to a PC via USB to upload

pictures using the supplied photomanaging software. It also features aclock mode and motion sensor activatesrandom picture mode and triggers otherfun effects.

There is a new line of pre-schoolproducts which feature characters fromIn the Night Garden. There are fourproducts including the Explore & PlayLearning Table and Sort & Learn PinkyPonk. The Spin & Discover Gazebo is forchildren aged six months plus. 3Dcharacter buttons introduce colours,numbers and characters throughphrases, sounds and questions.

VTech Baby Puppy is for 18-36 montholds. Use the bone shaped infra redcontroller to direct his movements andhe will follow you around the room.

VTECH 01235 546700

Sprig toys are moulded usingSprigwood, a durable, child-safe, bio-composite material made from recycledwood and reclaimed plastic.

Sprigs Discover Rig (£49.99) comeswith adventure guide Cap Faraday andcan seat up to three adventure guides.When the Discover Rig is pushed usingthe handle, it triggers the generator tofuel the lights and sounds.

The Side Kick Rally Racer has guideRudi Tootin on board to help drive

imaginative play. Side Kick vehicles arepump powered, the revving actionbrings Rudi’s headlight to life.

The Eco-truck Dump Truck (£12.99)has a realistic mechanical dumpingaction and a locking truck bed, pushand grab handle and flip open cab.

The Eco-truck Excavator comesequipped with mechanical scoop androtating chassis, easy push handle anda flip open cab, while Eco-truck Loaderhas a mechanical scoop with lift action.

RE:CREATION 0118 973 6222

www.toynewsmag.com 39SECTOR GUIDE PRE-SCHOOL

MAY 2009

Bandai’s newestlicence acquisition,aimed atthe pre-schoolmarket, seesthe return ofNoddy to screensand shelves up anddown the country. Asofficial distributor,Bandai will supply anew range of plushcharacters,vehicles and play-sets, to tie in withthe new Noddy in Toyland TV showwhich began airing last month.

The 15 and 30cm plush characters,Noddy in Toyland Friends and My FriendAssortment, each contain a range ofcharacters from the new TV show, andare sure to prove popular among infants.

The new Noddy Motor Mix vehiclesfeature a combination of plane,helicopter and monster truck, eachcomplete with a Noddy figure. Theremote control Noddy Car drives forwardand backwards and plays Noddy’sfavourite tune and has lights for safedriving in Toyland.

2009 sees Noddy celebrating his 60thanniversary, with celebrations takingplace across the year culminating inNovember.

BANDAI 08456 028782

Yo Gabba Gabba is based oninteractive music and dance which notonly appeal to kids, but hasestablished a cult following with DJs,celebrities (Jack Black) and adults.The property includes simple yetimportant life lessons, whileencouraging kids and parents todance and sing along. Soft plushcharacters, collectable figures and aGroovin’ Guitar round up thiscolourful range from Spin Master.Showing on Nick Jr. every day, YoGabba Gabba, season 2 will be on airfrom May.

SPIN MASTER 08708 508408

The Tomy Discovery range has toys forbabies through to toddlers, which areinteractive and engaging for children,encouraging learning through play. Withthe launch of a new product, thesupport of a dedicated website and a TVand online advertising campaign, thisrange is now set to grow further.

Launching in autumn/winter, theMagical Melody Maker (£29.99), forchildren aged 18 months plus, is aninteractive and watch-me musical toythat brings music to life in a new anddifferent way.

There are five musical instruments,each with their own tune. By placingeach instrument on to the magicalstage, the orchestra will begin and theinstruments will dance. Each time a newcharacter is introduced to the stage themusic will change to incorporate the

new instruments. There are five differentmelodies to choose from – eachinstrument will play its own melody.

Still available in the Tomy Discoveryrange is the Forget-Me-Not Photo Album(£19.99) – a butterfly shaped albumthat holds eight pictures of baby’s lovedones, and allows family and friends torecord a message to accompany theirphoto. Also available is the DiscoveryDome Deluxe (£39.99) – a colourful andinteractive playhouse packed withdevelopmental activities for toddlers todiscover.

The Tomy bath time range – Aqua Funwill also be broadening with the launchof Aquachangers – a racing car thattransforms when submerged in water.For children aged two years and olderthere are two cars to collect which willretail from £7.99.

TOMY 020 8722 7300

Page 40: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

Upper Deck is now branching into pre-school products for the first time. Aspart of an expansion strategy, UpperDeck will launch the first in a line ofpre-school products with a movingpuzzle. Scrolly Puzzle is designed forthe littlest of hands with easy to scrollwheels on each corner that move theimages on a puzzle screen. This uniqueand self-contained puzzle with no

pieces to lose will feature pre-schoollicences. The product is a safe, strongand wipe-clean puzzle for childrenaged three years plus with sevendifferent puzzles to create.

Scrolly Puzzle was launched acrossEurope in March featuring Disneylicences Disney Princess, My FriendsTigger and Pooh, and Mickey MouseClubhouse.

UPPER DECK 0118 9298520

Princess Peppa’s Palace folds out toreveal a banqueting hall, other roomsand accessories. It features King andQueen thrones, beds, table, chairs, anoven and cauldron and an exclusiveguardsman to protect the family.

The Sir George and the Dragon Play-set – also new – includes movingfigures and a treasure chest.

Elsewhere, the Postman Pat DeluxeSDS Sorting Office Play-set includes ahandle operated parcel conveyor, ahand operated lift to the heliport,trolley, parcels, x-ray machines andsorter unit, plus Postman Pat, Jess andBen Taylor figures.

The set also features real machinerysound effects.

CHARACTER OPTIONS 0161 633 9800

The Jumbo portfolio includes PeppaPig, Mr Men, Fireman Sam, Teletubbiesand the new pre-school show Big andSmall, for which it is distributing plushtoys, as well as puzzles and games.

Wiz Around is a new puzzle rangewhich sees a floor puzzle become amusical activity. Wind up the figure,place it on the track and watch it whizaround as the music plays. It includes18 to 48 pieces depending on thelicence and age range.

Peppa Pig is the star of the show inJumbo’s new game, Peppa Pig Tumble& Spin. Up to four players can join in.

The range of games Jumbo producesinclude Dominoes, Peekaboo andJumbolino. Earlier this year, it launcheda line of educational games called ILearn developed in collaboration withteachers. The range is characterised byextensive, educational contents attunedto the basic knowledge children need tomaster. There are three ranges.

JUMBO 01707 289289

40 SECTOR GUIDE PRE-SCHOOL

MAY 2009

The Thomas Jumbo Roll & Go Art Desk isa ten metre Activity Roll packed withThomas images for children to colour in.

With a jumbo art desk that rolls up foreasy storage, the pack also comescomplete with eight crayons and six bigtip marker pens.

The Bob the Builder Travel Art Easelfeatures a whiteboard, chalkboard andslide out tray to keep everything tidy.The set also includes crayons, markerpens, and chalks. There is a stamp padwith two stamps, as well as 12 activitysheets with pictures of Bob and friends.The easel can be folded away andstored in the carry case.

The Little Princess I Want My PicnicFelt Fun set includes a board and picnic-themed felt shapes.

Also available in the range is the IWant My Scribble and Sketch for girlswho can colour in the Little Princesspictures on the art desk with thecrayons and markers included.

New World Toys has a range of MrPotato Head products to get little onescreative with the changeablecharacters. The chunky Wooden Jigsawpuzzles see Mr Potato Head take onnew roles as a policeman, a spaceman,and a surgeon.

The Chunky Wooden Inset Puzzlesallow kids to pull out the shapes, andthen figure out where they fit, whilelearning about the world around them.Available as letters or numbers to helpdevelop basic skills, there are also theBody Parts and the Professions puzzles.

SAMBRO 0161 707 5333

Halsall presents a new range of PeppaPig role-play sets and wheeled toys forautumn/winter, in addition to existingDolls Prams, Pushchairs and Patio Set.The Kitchen Play-set is a kitchen unitfeaturing interactive sound effects. Thekitchen includes pancakes and inviteskids to cook. Junior cooks can wash-upin the sink with running water.

The Peppa Pig Supermarket Play-setincludes trolley, moving conveyor belt,weighing scales, cash register andgroceries to bring a role-play pattern tolife. The Princess Peppa Dressing Tablewith light-up mirror features sounds andthe theme tune and includes a hair dryerand accessories. Peppa’s Medical Set,meanwhile, features Nurse Peppa andincludes a stethoscope, blood pressure

monitor, syringe, medicine, spoon,scissors and tweezers.

Also new for autumn/winter is arange of Wonder Pets musical andwooden toys. The firm has developed aline featuring the three centralcharacters. Many designs are relevant toobjects and play patterns in the series.

The Wonder Pets Activity Cubeprovides five pre-school activities inone, while the wooden Track Setincludes the three characters and fourlocations with the Sky Boat foradventures. The Five Pad Drum Set,Guitar, Keyboard with Microphone andWooden Musical Centre features fivedifferent instruments in one.

For boys, the battery operated Roarythe Racing Car single-seater ride-onprovides sounds and phrases. Theinflatable line includes the Big ChrisPool featuring petrol pump shower, aSlip n Slide Race Track Water Slide withracing car play mats, a three-piece poolset, ball pool and bouncy castle.

The Fifi and the Flowertots rangeisgrowing. All featuring the famous floralcharacter that pre-school fans willinstantly recognise, new items includethe musical Beauty Parlour DressingTable and the Garden Party MusicalRide-On, which features a scene ofmoving 3D characters, as well asmusical sounds and phrases.

The firm also provides a range of Dorathe Explorer musical and wooden toysand dolls prams.

HALSALL 01253 778888

Page 41: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

The Tag Reading System is aninteractive learn-to-read system forchildren aged four to eight years. Sinceits introduction, the Tag reader andbooks have won more than 35 awardsworldwide. Following on its heels is thenew toddler-sized book explorer, theTag Junior book pal, available thissummer. The Tag Junior system,specifically designed for little hands,helps youngsters who are discoveringbooks to build a lasting interest inreading. Classic books, favouritecharacters and original titles make upthe seven-book library.

Tag Junior pal is a character-basedhandheld device that interacts withspecially printed board books. Bytouching the base of the book palanywhere on any page, children canhear each page read aloud, hear soundeffects and listen to music. Children getto set the pace as they discover readingand gain confidence.

Leapfrog and Disney ConsumerProducts have announced their first co-developed product, the start of a

planned line that expands the existingrelationship. Zippity leads kids througheight learning games using aninteractive mat for lower-bodymovement and a tummy-high giantjoystick, or bopper, for upper bodyaction. The system comes with afoldable mat and bopper, whichinteracts wirelessly with the console.

The onboard learning games featurePlayhouse Disney characters inanimated sequences. Each gamefeatures two levels of play: Mickey Saysfocuses on maths skills; Super Sleuthson the Case focuses on problem-solvingwith Tigger and Pooh; Tool Box Beatfocuses on music and phonics; andRocket’s Musical Mission focuses onmusic, art and culture with the LittleEinsteins.

The range can be expanded with threeadditional options also featuring Disneycharacters, Disney Princess and Disney-Pixar Cars and a game based on the film,The Princess and the Frog. As with allLeapFrog products, the Zippity system ison the LeapFrog Learning Path.

Crayola Beginnings will launch threenew items from July. Color Me A Song,the first ever TV-advertised Beginningsline (250 TVRs from July), enablestoddlers to create music with scribbles.They can interchange up to fourinstruments and the music tempo willchange based on the speed ofcolouring. Beginnings will also see thelaunch of two Winnie the Poohcolouring books.

The Fifi and the Flowertots toys linecontinues to grow. Available from Julyand TV-advertised Tickle ‘n’ Giggle Fifigiggles and wiggles when you tickleher tummy and toes. Also availablefrom July is Fifi’s Cook ‘n’ Clean play-set. Role-play baking with Fifi andPoppy in the kitchen and watch thecakes rise in the oven before washingup the pans in the sink.

Roary also sees new additions. TV-advertised and available from July,Crazy Stunt Roary uses newtechnology. Wave the flag over Roary to

rev him up and the faster you wave,the further he goes. Set up the stuntramp and watch Roary race up andover the ramp and smash through thecrash wall. Also available and TV-advertised this autumn/winter isDeluxe Silver Hatch Race Track.

This autumn/winter the firm is alsolaunching a range of toys based onAardman’s Timmy Time. Available fromJuly and TV-advertised is the NurserySchool Playset, including Timmy andYabba poseable figures, a water-revealeasel and lots of other toys. Also TV-advertised is Night Night Timmy.

The plush collection also includesTimmy & Friends eight-inch soft toys;the Talking Timmy & Yabba who baaand quack when their tummies aresqueezed; giant talking and non-talking Timmy plush; Backpack Palsand the Timmy Backpack. Alsoincluded are Jigsaws, Timmy’s Pop-UpGame, Timmy’s Click Camera andPoseable Figure triple pack.

VIVID IMAGINATIONS 01483 449944

LEAPFROG 01702 200244

After over 18 months developmentincluding focus groups and parenttesting, Paul Lamond launched its pre-school range of educational games andpuzzles at the London Toy Fair.

Under the brand name Chimp and Zee,there are six games and four puzzles.The gameplay of all the products hasbeen thoroughly tested.

The strap-line ‘Have fun with Chimpand Learn with Zee’ shows the approachthe firm is adopting. This is a rangewhich aims to help children developskills through play.

The products feature thick pieces,glitter on the print and the firm reportsthat the reaction at Toy Fair, and since,has been above expectations withorders placed from indies by mid-March.

The firm has also licensed the rangeto Pressman Toy in US, which showed itat New York Toy Fair with considerablesuccess. Paul Lamond believed 18months ago that there was a gap in themarket for a fresher, more up-to-datepre-school educational range and it saysthat the reaction to the Chimp and Zeerange proves it right.

PAUL LAMOND GAMES 020 7254 0100

The colourful Pet Chase Pullalong seesdog chasing cat, cat chasing mouse andmouse wanting the cheese. The skyblue mouse, custard yellow cat andbright pink, patch-eyed dog are madefrom soft plush fabric and run onwooden wheels. The cords connectingthe animals have connectors which canbe taken apart and reconnected withthe animals in any order.

The Bunny Family Holiday Pullalongfeatures a family of rabbits embarkingon adventures with the family car andcaravan in tow.

Made from soft bright fabrics withwooden wheels, the caravan includesbeds, kitchen and lounge area whichcan be accessed through the pull downside and will stimulate a child’simagination and language skills.

Older pre-school children are alsocatered for with two new voicerecording talking puppets – Lippy Lionand Snappy Shark, that allow childrento dictate what they have to say.Squeeze a paw or fin to record yourmessage and then operate the puppet’smouth to hear it speak for itself.

FIESTA CRAFTS 020 8804 0563

www.toynewsmag.com 41SECTOR GUIDE PRE-SCHOOL

MAY 2009

Page 42: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

42 SECTOR GUIDE PRE-SCHOOL

MAY 2009

Extending the company’s Take AlongThomas collection, RC2 has introduced arange of limited production die-castmetallic engines under the LearningCurve brand. On track are single enginesRosie and Oliver, with Molly and Nevillesets featuring additional detachabletender available from June.

The new Thomas Face Carry Caseincludes storage space for up to 20engines in this colourful hold-all withchunky carry handle.

Bringing Thomas and his friends tolife, the Talking Railway System usesnew Engine Recognition Technology toactivate over 200 possible personalisedphrases when used with Talking Railwayengines from the Fat Controller atTalking Railway Series destinations.

Launching in September, the ThomasWooden Talking Railway Series willinclude familiar characters Thomas,Edward, Toby, Rosie, Emily, GordonJames and Percy; each of which aregreeted by name by Sir Topham Hatt as

they pass through various destinations.Travelling through the Stop & Go Signal,Engine Recognition technology enableseach engine to be greeted by the FatController with phrases and instructions.

Each engine features a gold magnetconnector and also include personalisedgold name and Engine Recognition iconson their base. They can interact with thetraditional engines by triggering non-personalised messages.

The new Cranky The Crane destinationincludes car and cargo, raise and lowerwinch mechanism and an attached officewhere engines are greeted by the FatController as they pass by.

Based on The Great Discovery DVDadventure, The Great Discovery Set is aninteractive play-set including exclusiveTalking Railway Series Morgan’s Minedestination and Great Waterton Stationto encourage role-play. In addition, twoTalking Railway Series engines, Thomasand Stanley, travel around the 34-piecewooden track.

RC2 01271 336155

The new My 1st JCB collection includesmore lines like Freddie Fastrac withunique phrases including ‘Ready FreddieGo.’ The rest of the range continues withJoey JCB, Larry Loadall, DougDumptruck, Rex Roller and Roxy Robot.The characters also feature as new miniJCB pullbacks.

Later this year will see Talking ElvisExcavator. As King of the Quarry hefeatures phrases, sounds, lights and pulllever scoop. Also new is the Max. Withflashing lights and five phrases such as‘I don’t do slow old chum’, just pull Maxback and watch him go.

The Peppa Pig range has beenextended to include new woodenproducts. The range will reflect storythemes from the animation such asGrandpa Pig’s Boat and his train.

Timmy is a character from the Shaunthe Sheep programme, and Cry BabyTimmy cries and shakes when youremove his dummy. Place his dummyback in his mouth and he will suck away.

Both Shaun the Sheep and Timmy areavailable in different styles.

Charlie and Lola will continue onscreens in 2009, and Golden Bear hasadded new products to the range.Bouncing Lola is new to the plushcollection and won Best Toy in the plushcategory for 2009 at Toy Fair. BouncingLola sees the character playing on herorange Space Hopper. The Charlie andLola dolls continue and 2009 sees theintroduction of Sizzles the Dog.

The Talking Thomas & Friendscollection has many play opportunities.Each engine has seven phrases uniqueto their character, which are activatedwith a button on the engine. They canalso hear the engine’s own noise andsee their eyes move as they push themalong the floor.

Victor is new for 2009 in the smallerrange. Many of the other productsincluding the Deluxe Drive Away Activityset, and Crash 'n' Bang Thomascontinue for 2009.

GOLDEN BEAR 01952 608308

Branching Out from John Crane has arange of new additions. Firstly there isthe Little Cottage. The attached gardenfeatures a comfy bench to rest uponand an apple tree.

The Acorn Garage has three storeys,petrol pumps on-site and a car wash.Also for boys, as they get to grips withwalking and balancing skills is a newCar Walker with stacking bricks.

Following on from the push-alongbikes in 2008, there is a blue model

planned. The addition of a MonkeyTrike completes the sector for the firm.

John Crane has also added new traypuzzles. There are alphabet puzzles,teaching children about upper andlower case letters, and vehicle traypuzzles with chunky pieces that can beplayed with independently of thepuzzle and also be used as templatesto draw around. A new texture puzzlefeatures fabric related to differentanimals’ fleeces beneath each piece.

JOHN CRANE 01604 774949

Marbel stocks arange of productswith substantialemphasis oneducation.

K’s Kids was re-launched in October 2008. Originalityof product concepts is an area therange focuses on, with a strongemphasis on product developmentwith a team including psychologists,child development experts andparents. Concepts originated by K’sKids have won a number of awards.The Hungry Pelican provides childrenwith a friendly play mate who teachesmental and physical skills.

The Plan Toys pre-school rangecontinues to expand and in 2009Marbel is releasing 20 new products.The line is developed to improve thechild’s basic skills including dexterity,motor skills, spatial perception andhand-eye co-ordination amongstothers. The range features thoughtprovoking products usingpreservative-free, replenishablerubberwood and painted with non-toxic lacquers and finishes. The newBuild ‘n’ Roll and Construction Setshave been introduced. The Plan BuildImagination features ten products,which are interchangeable and can beused to create an all-round learningexperience.

MARBEL 01208 873123

The Splatter Mat is an activity mat foryoung children that instantly changescolour with heat. Warm water will do thetrick but warm hands and feet andsunlight work.

The Splatter Mat is composed ofseven foam Splatter Pieces that fittogether like a puzzle, so children cancreate a different shaped, giant splatterevery time they play.

The firm is also joining The VeryHungry Caterpillar 40th anniversarycelebration by introducing three newColorforms Stick-Ons items to its rangeof products based on the World of EricCarle – a 3D Deluxe Play-set, a ColorfeltsPlay Board and a Fun Pocket. Theseactivity sets allow children to create theirown scenes and tell their own stories,encouraging creativity and imagination.

Each of the five games in the World ofEric Carle range redefines play throughlearning with the Ugames Play’n LearnSystem. Each game focuses on at leasttwo different areas of educationaldevelopment including pre-readingskills, imagination, numbers, socialskills and coordination. The systemhelps parents choose games that areappropriate for their child’s level ofdevelopment and prepares children forschool and playgroups. POS material isavailable for both the Splatter Mat andThe World of Eric Carle Ugames Play’nLearn System.

UNIVERSITY GAMES 01359 243900

Page 43: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009
Page 44: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009
Page 45: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

www.toynewsmag.com 45SECTOR GUIDE PRE-SCHOOL

MAY 2009

Born to Play began 2009 with new pre-school licences including Harry andToto. The first master toy products hitshelves in autumn/winter and include afast/slow car, melamine, beanies and afeature plush.

Also new is master toy licence Pinkyand Perky. Products available include anR/C car with radio, walkie talkieheadset, joke set, voice changingmegaphone, inflatable chair andbeanies with sound.

The new LazyTown range includesplush with sound, beanies, wheeledtoys including scooters and bikes andoutdoor play items including Go Godiscs, foam balls, hoppers and tennisracquets.

There are also new products fromexisting master toy licences Bob theBuilder, Fireman Sam and Little Princess.New for spring/summer is Dancing Bob,who moves and shakes to music. Thereis also a new melamine range and patioset. Autumn/winter will see theintroduction of a Wrist Intercom set, newadditions to Snap Trax and a newcollection of vehicles and figures.

The DanJam range for Bob isrefreshed with new mini woodenvehicles Scrambler and Packer.

New build it products includeworkbenches and characters Scoop andScrambler. With 40 assorted tool piecesand a reversible base, Bob’s TumblingTool Tower has six activities.

New CGI Fireman Sam programminghas inspired Wind-Up Floating Neptune,new for spring/summer and comes witha Penny figure. Autumn/winter sees thearrival of a Dress Up Set.

Little Princess begins the year with aGreenhouse Playset; three pack ofbeanies; four-inch foam balls and newmelamine-ware. In autumn/winter thereare extensions to the plush range;Topsy/Turvey Little Princess; Dress MeLittle Princess; Gilbert Backpack; Pramwith Gilbert and character stool. Therange includes a wooden Pull-a-longScruff with moving legs and ears; a TeaSet and a Theatre Play-set.

The first Fisher-Price wheeled toyslaunch this year and include the GrowWith Me 3-to-2 Wheel Scooter and BriteRider Scooter for spring/summer andthe Grow With Me Trike forautumn/winter.

Products from Wonder Pets areavailable from autumn/winter, includingMy First Bike, three wheel scooter, trikewith parent pole and fun rider.

There are extensions to the In theNight Garden outdoor range with theBoat Rocker, the crazy golf set and aninflatable sand and water play centre.

New additions to the DanJam rangeinclude the 2D Stacking Ninky Nonk;pull and play wooden toys; 2D woodenstacking toys; a xylophone and a pop-out playset. Also new is the SpinningGazebo and Tombliboo Collapsible.

A range of furniture is available thisyear including Mr Bump and Little MissSunshine fold-up chairs, desk and stool,toy box, and storage, from new licenceMr Men. Character stools are availablein a range of designs including Mr Men,Bob the Builder, Cars, Disney Princessand Little Princess.

There is also new furniture availablefrom In the Night Garden, DisneyPrincess, Disney Fairies and Thomas andFriends.

The wooden range from DanJamfeatures Mr Bump’s Domino Run;wooden characters with sound and the2D character play-sets and wobblers invarious characters.

In the Thomas and Friends rangeDanJam has added a large chunkyStacking Thomas, Stacking James andthe Stack ‘n’ Turn Fat Controller.

MARTIN YAFFE 01706 717800

Offering big Lego bricks for small hands,Lego continues to deliver the originalbuilding experience for pre-schoolersthrough its Duplo ranges. With educationaland developmental benefits, Lego Duplocontinues with itssuccessful formulaof providing pre-schoolers agedtwo to five withstrong iconicmodels fromeveryday life.

Duploencourageschildren to usetheir imaginationand explore theworld aroundthem throughengaging themedplay-sets. Researchshows that mumsalready trust the Duplo brand andappreciate the high quality and appeal ofthe range. 2009 sees a strong above-the-linecommunication strategy and brand PR

campaign including the launch of an onlinecampaign targeting mums and gift-givers,designed to directly drive purchases.

The Lego Duplo brand has expanded itsrange with a collection of colourful zoo-

themed sets includingPolar Zoo and Feeding

Zoo. Designed toencourage both roleand repetitive play,the penguins in thePolar Zoo can bepushed down thechute, while thepolar bear and itscub can be fed fishby the zookeeper.Driving around in hisoff-roader, thezookeeper in the

Feeding Zoo makessure the elephant,

giraffe, crocodile, lions andlion cub get just what they need whilevisitors enjoy a day out watching theanimals. All of the new sets are compatiblewith existing Lego Duplo ranges.

LEGO 01753 495000

MV has a wide range of pre-schoolcharacter wheeled toys. The In the NightGarden collection of ride-ons andwheeled toys includes sit and rides,trikes, bikes and scooters incorporating3D moving characters, music andfeatures from the show.

Boys’ trio of Thomas, Bob andFireman Sam will welcome new conceptslike the Thomas Full Steam Ahead rangeincorporating sound sensors wherebythe faster the child travels, the fasterThomas’ engine sounds become. Andnot forgetting Bob the Builder, who for2009 sees a new range complete withon-board toolbox and tools. The FiremanSam rangecomplementsthe new CGIseries.

Barbiewheeled toyswill also be TV-advertised insummer andautumn.

MV SPORTS 0121 748 8000

Learning Resources’ newPretend & Play Bakery Setbrings education to cookingwith perfect resultsguaranteed. This setintroduces early maths andstrengthens fine motor skills,stirring up imaginative play,encouraging shaperecognition and alsointroducing measurement.

The firm also welcomestwo new additions to thePretend & Play range for2009. The Birthday Setdelivers a ready-made party.Everything for the specialoccasion is included.

The Fishing Set is packedfull of fishing tools includinga fishing jacket, plenty of baitand the opportunity to catchthree different fish. Childrencan reel in hand-eye co-ordination and size andcolour attributes skills.

LEARNING RESOURCES 01553 819382

Worlds Apart experienced growth insales of its licensed ReadyBeds lastyear, with like-for-like figures up 33per cent. And with the addition thisyear of the popular Mr Men licence tothe My First ReadyBed range, therange is growing further this year.

Suitable from two years, the MyFirst ReadyBed is designed as atransition from a travel cot. The all-in-one solution comprises mattress andcosy duvet in one package. Safetyfeatures include a built-in inflatableheadboard and air bumpers down theside for added security and so littleones can’t roll out. The bed inflates inminutes with the easy to use pumpand the carry case makes itconvenient to carry about.

The built in cover can simply beremoved for washing.

Also available in pre-schoollicences such as In the Night Garden,Thomas the Tank Engine and PeppaPig, Worlds Apart will support its MyFirst ReadyBed range with ongoingPR and marketing activity throughoutthe year.

WORLDS APART 0800 389 8591

Page 46: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

46 SECTOR GUIDE PRE-SCHOOL

MAY 2009

IMC Toys has developed products underthe Story Teller and Pre-school MusicalInstrument categories for the Winnie thePooh licence. All products areexclusively designed for the brand andbring learning features to children withproducts such as The Keyboard withStand and Stool, which helps children tolearn music through multiple functions.The keyboard also converts into a desktop. The Musical Mat features tendifferent pre-recorded melodies,six sound instruments and aneasy-to-clean surface.

Under the Story Teller category,IMC Toys offers Winnie StoryTeller Stories and Songs witheight songs and eight adventures,with the original voice of Winnieand popular songs adapted toeach character.

Under the Mickey Mouse ClubHouse licence, IMC Toys also has a

range of musicalinstruments with soundstaken from the show,including the Electric Guitarwith lights and sounds andthe electronic keyboard.Under the Story Tellercategory, the firm offersMickey Story Teller Sings &Dances that moves while itsings or when it tells eightadventures about theMickey Mouse Club House.

2009 will also see thelaunch of Soft R/C Cars, a

range of simple function radio controlledsoft-to-touch cars, developed forchildren from two years old. The range ismade up of four different items with acartoon-style design. Characters includea fire engine, a police car, a taxi andSpeedy the racer. Each vehicle has lightsand sounds, there are no sharp pointsand all vehicles are rounded, smoothand flexible.

IMC TOYS 01904 720908

The Original Glowstars Company’s extra-large,daylight visible Glow 3D room decorations aresuitable for children of all ages, makingreassuring bed-time companions.

Sweet Dreams Glow 3D Sun and Moonfeature a smiling face by day and a glowingdecoration by night.

Disney Princess and Winnie the Poohdecorations are bright and colourful by day, butat night-time, when the lights go out, theyproduce a glowing display. Brainstorm’s Glow3D range benefits from the addition of three

new licences for 2009 including DisneyTinkerbell, Hello Kitty and Barbie.

Also new is Zipbin, the toy chest that doublesup as a toy. Each themed bin has four zipsallowing the chest to open up into a playmatand when playtime is over, it zips back up into astorage box.

Zipbins are available in three sizes – mini,small and medium – and in a variety of themesincluding dinosaur, cars, dolls house and fairycastle. Shaped Zipbins include Country Stable,Train Depot and Wheelie.

BRAINSTORM 01200 445113

Wonderworld is a designer andmanufacturer of wooden toys,combining classic and contemporarydesigned toys made using itstrademark smooth textured wood withbright colours and tactile fabrics.

The firm has created toys tostimulate a child’s developmentalneeds from birth to six years. Forinstance the bead frames will improvemotor skills, cognitive developmentand hand-eye coordination and thevehicles collection with help stimulateimagination and independent play.

For children aged three plus, the firmoffers a range of wooden workbenches

and tools. The Work Bench n Box is acompact workbench complete withaccessories, which can be flipped overthen turned into a carry-along tool-box.

Viking Toys also offers a host ofvehicles and trucks for young children.The product portfolio is ideal forplaygroups, nurseries and pre-schools.They come in a variety of sizes andcolours, from Super Trucks to MiniChubbies. All suitable for indoor andoutdoor play and dishwasher proof.

New this year, the Fire Engine Sorterwill stimulate role-play scenarios andtheir new Flexi Cars range which bringsnew colours and vehicles.

DKL 01604 678780

Pre-school children can collect andcreate their own farmyard with theFarm Life characters from Schleich.The hand-painted livestock includecows, horses, pigs, sheep and goats,while no farmyard would be completewithout the farm cat, chickens andcockerel.

None of the farm animals need everget cold and wet, with a stable for thecows and sheep and a spaciousstable with top and bottom openingdoors for the horses. A barn willprovide storage for hay and straw,while the family pet rabbit has its ownhutch and run.

A 4x4 vehicle complete with driverand horse box will be essential formoving the animals around the farmand taking the horses to market – orfor a more traditional farm a horse-drawn transporter provides a vehiclefor the farmer to move his stock fromA to B.

Schleich has also introduced a newPOS programme with shelvingsolutions and new sales materials.

SCHLEICH 01279 870000

The Playmobil 1.2.3range of products isaimed at younger agegroups and the piecesare less articulated,making them ideal forlittle hands to hold. Thenew range enhances thecurrent offering, withvariations on existingproducts.

There is a new puzzleintroduced to the range:Wild Animals. The puzzle(around £12.99) haseight large pieces andthe sun can be turnedaround to show themoon once night falls.

The Playground(around £9.99) comeswith mother watchingover her two childrenenjoying the rides in theplayground. The little boywhooshes down theslide, while the little girlrocks back and forth onthe large friendlydinosaur.

Finally, the mother isout enjoying some freshair with her baby,wrapped up in the pram(around £4.99).

PLAYMOBIL 01268 548111

Page 47: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009
Page 48: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

© Hasbro 2009. All rights reserved

Big Buckets SRP £14.99

Mini Buckets SRP £9.99

Creativity Table

SRP £24.99

Stack, clip and create with Clipo! Clipo is a sensational creation system for little hands and big imaginations! From simple stacking to their own designs, Clipo’s possibilities grow with your child.

• Heavyweight TVR campaign beginning in the Summer Holidays

• Strategic TV and online partnerships

• New packaging A/W 2009

new Clipo Hippo SRP £22.99

Page 49: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

www.toynewsmag.com 49SECTOR GUIDE PRE-SCHOOL

MAY 2009

Italian Toy Manufacturer Quercettiappointed Treasure Trove as itsdistributor for the UK & Ireland in 2000.Classics such as Saxoflute, MagneticLetters, Georello Gears and MarbleRuns, continue to be mainstays of manyretailers ranges. Following the globaleconomic pressures of the last year,suddenly ‘Made in Europe’ is back invogue and Treasure Trove and Quercettiare really capitalising on this. Newpackaging has also improved productpresentation at point of saleemphasizing the Italian flag.

With the KGOY (Kids Getting OlderYounger) effect still as strong as everTreasure Trove sees the pre-school

sector as critical to both its ongoingsuccess.

The Scrunch-bucket concept,launched in 2004, continues and there isnow a Scrunch-ball and, new for 2009,the Scrunch-Double Digger, a pair ofcompact, light, robust and brightlycoloured sand diggers. All products inthe Scrunch line retail below £7.

Didicar was introduced in 2007 and isthe powered ride-on with no power.Children sway from side to side whilewiggling the steering and off they go.Didicar comes with colourful stickersenabling children to customise theirvehicle such as Pretty Princess orStorming Racer.

Treasure Trove’s new musical toyRainbow Bells comes in large and minisize. The eight tuned, numbered andcoloured metal bells have perfect pitch.They come with a music sheet andadditional music can be downloadedfrom Treasure Trove’s website. RainbowBells can be played solo or in groups.

Grow-a-Heads are based on theclassic seed in a potato head, and areavailable with various accessories tocustomise them.

In addition, Treasure Trove hasrecently taken on the Safari line ofreplica animals which is in stock alreadywith new display material available laterin the year.

TREASURE TROVE 01285 762039

The Wheelybugs from Hippychick featuresimple lines and vibrant designs with sturdywooden frames and a padded layer of spongecovered with tough polyurethane for the seat.

The Wheelybugs use multi-directionalcastors to offer easy manoeuvrability andlimitless mobility.

This sustains the child’s interest for longer,helps develop spatial awareness andencourages them to use a greater variety oflower limb muscles.

An easy grip handle bar also means theWheelybug can be used as a push along toywhen toddlers are taking their first steps.

Unlike many ride-ons, the large Wheelybuglasts from toddler to school age. The producthas a great unisex appeal, making them idealtoys for nurseries and playgroups, especiallyas they always look as good as new.

Available in two sizes, there are five styles;the ladybird, bee, cow mouse and tigerdesigns. Suitable for one to five year olds.

HIPPYCHICK 01278 434 440

Le Toy Van has launched Budkins,friendly, bendy wooden characters forsmall hands and big imaginations. Withover 60 different types, each fullyposeable 10cm character comes wearingits own fabric outfit. These charactersare scaled to fit Le Toy Van paintedwooden play-sets, making them ideal ascollectables.

From the working world to the realmsof fantasy, the Budkins will inspirechildren’s imaginations. With footballers,fire fighters, farmers and constructionworkers through to knights, cowboys,monsters and princesses being just afew of the characters available, theBudkins range has something for everychild. Budkins play-sets include fireengine and fire station sets, hospital andambulance sets, construction and farmvehicles among many others. All Le ToyVan painted wooden toys are designedin the UK and manufactured inIndonesia.

LE TOY VAN 020 8979 2036

Sales of Best Years knitted toyscombine tactile and machine washablefabric and funky retro designs makingthem popular both with parents andtheir children.

Retail prices are around £12.99.Now with the introduction of the

owls, mice and crocodile, sales are setto climb even further. The owls, withtheir velour beaks and feet and theircoordinating mice arrived in April, andthe addition of a knitted crocodile to sitwith the existing T-Rex and Stegosaurusis sure to make a big impact.

Best Years has no minimum orderquantity and welcomes all enquiries.

BEST YEARS 01327 262189

The new ColouredBuilding Blocks Maxi fromHaba are solid beechwood blocks in primarycolours. The set features54 blocks, containingtriangles, spires, bridgesand slats and comes in atwo-handle fabric bag forstorage and transport.

Suitable from one toeight years, theconstruction blocks aredesigned to last.

As pre-schoolspecialists, Haba knowsthat babies and toddlersare fascinated by wheelsand its new range ofPushing Vehicles is madefrom beech wood, thebrightly coloured Locolinohas a trailer transportinga spinning drum with apeephole and akaleidoscope.

Also in the PushingVehicle range is TonyTractor – robust andperfect for small handswith eccentric placementof wheels causing it tojiggle along and TerryTrain with two wagons,squeakers and bells.

HABA 0161 304 9555

Page 50: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

50 SECTOR GUIDE PRE-SCHOOL

MAY 2009

Mookie is launching newPeppa Pig pocket moneyitems including 20Ozrocket bubbles, 12cm softball, kaleidoscope,spinning tops, flying discs,windmill, bat & ball setsand a xylophone.

The pocket moneyrange will run alongsidethe existing Peppa line ofVinyl playballs, trike withfoot rest, ride on, scooterand deluxe sit n ride on,which will be boosted byseveral new itemsincluding a ten-inchwheeled bike, large andsmall all surfaceplayground balls, trikewith canopy, sit n bouncehopper and a 5 in 1 rock nride on – a chunky walkerfor small children thatcombines as a sit-on toyfor toddlers.

Mookie’s core range isnow listed in all majorretailers and the firmcontinues to support itsline-up with an ongoingPR and marketingcampaign.

MOOKIE 01525 722722

Kiddimoto has launched the new Scooter, designedaround the retro looks of the iconic sixties ‘Mod’Lambretta and Vespa scooters. Aimed at two to sixyear olds, all Kiddimoto wooden balance bikes are aproven learning platform designed to teach childrenthe art of balance and co-ordination at an early age,bypassing the necessity for stabilisers that canoften hold back motor skills development.

All Kiddimoto bikes are constructed fromrecyclable natural birch plywood and are safe as aform of supervised educational play.

The bikes have no pedals or brakes, aredecorated with child safe paint, are CE approvedand made to a British design. The new Scooter ispriced at around £89.99.

KIDDIMOTO 01934 733 654

Suitable for 18 months up, GreatGizmos’ traditional wooden puzzlescome in six different designs to improvedexterity, hand-eye coordination andshape recognition. Each puzzle hasbetween nine and 15 chunky piecesthemed around Farm Animals, Transport,On the Farm, Fruits and Vegetables andtwo additional puzzles with picturesfrom everyday life to encourageinteraction and conversation.

The creepy, crawly Clacking Caterpillarand Squeaky Train is a pull-along toy,

while for a more educational angle theA-Z Alphabet Blocks feature letters andpictures. Also to challenge youngchildren’s knowledge and awareness is arange of colourful wooden shape sortersand stackers.

Appealing to older pre-school childrenis the Wooden Dollshouse with its rangeof wooden accessories. The Dolls housefamily and furniture for the kitchen,lounge, bedroom and bathroom can bepurchased separately or as a completespecial offer set.

The new Thomas & Friends Fold and GoEasel from Flair is a versatile easelfeaturing a chalkboard or use the pensprovided on the wipe-clean board orclip a colouring sheet to the easel. TheEasel has sliding drawers to store themarker pens, crayons, chalks andsponge included and folds flat forstorage. The Fold and Go Easel is also

available in Peppa Pig and In The NightGarden versions.

The Thomas 123 Dough Play-setcomes with its own Thomas-shapedstorage case and moulding tools.Young children can learn to count withthe number moulds and tubs ofcolourful dough and use stampsfeaturing Thomas, James and Percy.

FLAIR 020 8643 0320

Wow has extended its range with theintroduction of Best Buddies figure andanimal sets.

There are six different sets to collect,each containing a figure and an animalwhich can be combined with other toysfrom the Wow range.

Whether it’s a fireman rescuing acat, an alien on a space mission, or afairy and her unicorn pet, they aredesigned as treats for pre-school boysand girls.

Wow will be launching a further sixBest Buddies later this year.

WOW TOYS 020 7471 0980

GREAT GIZMOS 01293 543221

Page 51: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009
Page 52: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

For more information call 01279 870000or email [email protected]

Schleich believes in the power of imaginationand puts the emphasis on creative, natural play

which can be seen across its entire portfolio

Each range Schleich offers inspires children of all ages, inviting them with itsdetailed figures of characters and nature, to immerse themselves in worlds thatcan be created over and over again. Children use the figures to learn about the

world around them in the most natural way – with their own imagination!

Page 53: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

ONE OF SCHLEICH’S MOSTPOPULAR RANGES WHICH ISADORED BY CHILDREN,IS THE EXQUISITE ANDINTRICATE WORLD OF ELVES.

As in all fairytales, there is a fine line between

good and evil and each character from the World

of Elves collection represents either Sun Elves or

Shadow Elves – equally awesome with their

friendly or fearsome façades.

Spring sees the arrival of three new Sun Elves;

the beautiful Sura on horseback, Yasira floating

on a lily pad and the adorable Nimsay, with her

beautiful golden wings. With a Summergreen Elf

House, Shadow Rock Elf House and Oracle plus a

host of accessories, the World of Elves provides the

perfect gift that will be collected and added too for

many years to come.

WIN SUN ELVES, THEIR HABITATSAND BOOKS FROM THIS BEAUTIFUL

COLLECTION WORTH £500 RRP.

Question: What is the name of the book whichtells the story of the World of Elves?

Answer can be found at www.schleich-s.com

Answer the question correctly – send your answer, name, company name & address [email protected] by May 31st 2009

win

Page 54: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009
Page 55: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

www.toynewsmag.com 55SECTOR GUIDE ACTION VEHICLES

Action stationsThe action vehicle market continues to grow, with micro-technology allowing for enhanced features in R/C modelsand flying toys in particular, while licences continue to lead the way in the die-cast sector. ToyNews finds out aboutthe latest releases…

Hot Wheels will launch Formula HotWheels this year, a major marketingcampaign celebrating the essence of thebrand with a programme of speed,power and performance tapping intoboys’ love of competition. Themarketing programme includes a kidsTV partnership, online, PR and in-storeactivations to bring Hot Wheels to life.

Product launches add momentum tothe campaign including the deco-transforming Colour Shifters, withspring and Christmas TV-driver tracksets. Colour Shifters are 1:64 scalevehicles, which change colours in warmand cold water. Unique memory paintensures the paint job stays true, evenwhen dry. TV-drivers featurecustomisation stations.

There are additions for the collectibleTrick Tracks line, which featuresinterconnectible stunts and vehicletricks that can be joined any way. And,for Christmas, a popular theme makes acomeback in a track set, providing aslice of Great White Shark action.

Animated series, The Brave and Bold,will engage younger Batman fans. Thenew collection delivers vehicle play in

the form of the Sky Shift Batmobile,which transforms to crime-fighting jet inseconds. The product will be supportedby a marketing programme.

Now in its third year, Disney Pixar’sCars latest introductions, the TractorTippin track set and Minis Race n RescuePlayset, will be joined by a new track set.

New to the Matchbox Mega Rigs linewill be the Mega Rigs Pirate Ship. Thischunky ship, complete with accessories,can be constructed and deconstructedto create around 30 different ships andis suitable for land and water play.

Rocky the Robot Truck now comes tolife with interactive sensors andmotorized movement. The vehiclespeaks over 100 phrases and tells jokes,he can dance, light up his headlightsand he snores. Rocky is supported witha TV campaign, sponsorship activity andextensive PR.

The Imaginext line from Fisher-Pricealso continues to grow. Springintroductions include the OceanSubmarine featuring roll-along wheelsand figure activated torpedoes and theImaginext Helicopter.

Autumn sees the introduction ofspace-themed items including TV driver,the Imaginext Space Shuttle. Includinglights and sounds, the figure activationpoints extend the solar panels, lift theshuttle on to the launch pad and openthe cockpit to find the moon vehicle.The shuttle detaches from the spacedock for role-play action.

MATTEL 01628 500000

Corgi’s James Bond range is a selectionof the most popular vehicles featured inthe films. For Daniel Craig fans, both theCasino Royale and Quantum of SolaceDBS are available in a Showcase Fit theBox Scale (£4.99). The new Daniel CraigEra set is available from May (£30).

The Pierce Brosnan Era set is alsoavailable (£30). For those who are moreinterested in the specific cars, the AstonMartin Vanquish and the BMW 750i areavailable in 1:36 scale (£13.99), alongwith the Showcase Fit the Box ScaleAston Martin Vanquish (£4.99).

For fans of the classic films, the BondLotus Turbo is available in a 1:36 scale,(£13.99); the Roger Moore Era set andthe Sean Connery Era are both priced at£30, while Little Nellie is also availableas a Showcase Fit the Box Scale (£4.99).The Gyrocopter and Rolls Royce are

available in 1:36 Scale (£13.99).The Colin McRae Tribute Collection

will feature 14 of the most importantcompetition cars of his career. Eleven ofthe bespoke cars created for the rangewill require new tooling with aninvestment of nearly £250,000.

Highlights from the range include the707 LHT Mini Cooper and the TalbotSunbeam TI, a reproduction of Colin’sfirst ever rally car from the 1986 ScottishRally championships (due in November).

In 2010 and 2011 the range willcontinue its progression throughMcRae’s career, creating modelsincluding the Subaru Legacy 2000ccTurbo, a replica of the Subaru Imprezawhich took him to glory in the 1995World Rally Championship and the ColinMcRae R4, designed and tested by theman himself.

CORGI 01843 233502

The Transformers hit the road this yearwith new Robot Powered Machines(RPMs). These non-converting vehicleswill allow kids to recreate classicchases between the Autobots andDecepticons on the ConstructionDevastator Showdown Track Set. TVads will be screened this autumn andwww.transformers.com will belaunched later in the year.

When the Transformers charactersare in disguise they take on the form ofsome iconic vehicles, like the ChevroletCamaro Concept, Ford Mustang andGMC Topkick. For the first time ever,Hasbro offers Mini Vehicles of some ofTransformers models. Collect all MiniVehicles and re-enact some of thescenes from the new film either on thefloor or on the new Track Set.

The Mini Vehicles robot version ofthe character is featured on the

underside of each vehicle so kids canidentify what it would look liketransformed. There will be 12 minivehicles including Optimus Prime/SemiTruck, Bumblebee/Camaro andBarricade/Mustang.

The Mini Vehicles Battle Packsinclude two Mini Vehicles allowing youto play out battle scenes from themovies. There are eight different battlepacks to collect.

Created for the new TransformersRPM’s line of Mini Vehicles, theTransformers RPMs ConstructiconDevastator Showdown Track Setprovides fast, Mini Vehicle play within aTrack Set by leveraging the battle anddrama featured in the new movie. Thetrack will bring Devastator to life andenable fans to re-enact the climacticmovie battle between the Autobots andConstructicon Devastator.

HASBRO 020 8569 1234

MAY 2009

Page 56: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

56 SECTOR GUIDE ACTION VEHICLES

MAY 2009

Bladez Toyz Salvation range is set tocontinue with the recent TerminatorSalvation movie licence. Two neweditions are the Salvation Micro andSalvation PRO.

The Salvation Micro is a microhelicopter featuring six-way directionalcontrol and a tri-band function enablingthree pilots to fly simultaneously. Thecopter features flexible foldable rotorblades, stability bar with self-rightingsystem, durable body and comes withboth spare tail and main rotor blades.The Salvation Micro has a quick chargesystem (15 mins) and extended flight timeof ten minutes using the Li-Po battery.

The Salvation PRO helicopter is theTop Gun of the range. Featuring a tri-band switch, it allows up to three pilotsto fly in formation as a squadron withLED strobe lighting.

Britains’ spring range sees another newselection in 1:32 scale. Five tractormodels are launching, includingadditions to the Massey Ferguson, JCB,Ford and Case IH stables.

A highlight of this season’s launch isthe New Holland T6070 (£14.99). Withthe latest electronic conveniences andpush-button simplicity, the T6070 waslaunched in 2007 with a list of standardfeatures, including 360 degree Horizoncab and semi-powershift transmission.

In 1:32 scale agricultural vehicles,Britains extends its choice with twonew offerings – the JCB 416 Farmaster(£24.99) with an additional silage forkand the Bobcat S300 Skidsteer (£9.99).The compact Bobcat with heavy dutytyres and vertical path lift arms is the

answer to every loading requirementwhere space is at a premium, provingagility is no issue for this four wheeldriver in agricultural or constructionarenas. Britains’ reproduction deliversall the detail of the original.

As Europe’s leading specialist inagricultural collectibles, Britains retainsthe unique position of being at theforefront of innovation in model designwhilst remaining true to its eighty-yearplus heritage.

With a constantly refreshed andupdated collection, which now alsoincludes Britains’ first 1:32 RadioControl model, the John Deere 7930(£69.99), there are choices forenthusiasts, as well as play value forchildren from three years and upwards.

Flying Toys is offering over 60 newaction vehicles from majormanufacturers this year. An exclusivecollection from Jamara includes theJamara 3 channel coaxial indoor microchoppers andlarger, moresophisticatedoutdoorhelicopters, highperformancemotorisedgliders, classicmonoplanes andaerobaticbiplanes. Onlinevideodemonstrationsfor the full rangeare now availableon the Flying Toyswebsite.

Flying Toys’fully functionalHeli Mission SwatTruckincorporates LED hazard lights, a siren,automatic opening roof doors and arising launch platform allowing thethree channel chopper to take off fromthe truck.

The Silverlit Skybot Attack flyingrobot set, features twin rotors on theirshoulders for vertical take off,combined with a third rear rotor to turn

them left or right. Two Skybots willchase each other around a room, whilstusing Infra Red Lasers to temporarilydisable their opponent.

Flying Toys’ Infra Red Jupiter FlyingSaucer is tiny, yetflies for tenminutes andfeatures colourchanging LEDlights. The trigger-operated launcherincorporates anadjustable launchplatform andallows the Jupiterto be charged andstored betweenmissions.

Finally FlyingToys’ ClassicSeries SopwithCamel capturesthe nostalgia of abygone age ofaviation with a

prefabricated biplane. For 21st centuryflying enthusiasts, the latest TurboExpress ducted fan-jet has beendesigned to resemble a futuristic jetfighter.

View Flying Toys’ new productpreview, together with all its currenttop sellers, online atwww.flyingtoys.com.

FLYING TOYS 01702 295110

RC2 01271 336155

Meccano is offering new additions toits Tuning range, which uses a nuts andbolts construction system based uponnew and innovative parts in flexiblemetal for children from eight years old.

The Tuning R/C Carbon Style Car(£44.99) will be the latest introductionand contains all the Tuning spiritcondensed in one vehicle set. Thereare three different remote controlledvehicles to build. Kids can choose fromrock or hip-hop and will hear the soundeffects of screeching tyres and aroaring engine. Neon lighting under theframe of the car and flashingheadlights as well as flaming stickers,back fin, chromed looking parts andchrome rims are also included.

The Tuning R/C Red Hot Racer(£29.99) is a vehicle with two differentR/C models to build – a racing car anda roadster. The set includes tuningaccessories such as stickers, back finand chrome rims. Both sets areavailable from autumn/winter.

The Tuning RC Sound System(£59.99) can be connected to an MP3player. There are three R/C vehicles tobuild and high quality speakers to heartheir music. The car also features neonlighting under the frame, flashingheadlights and flashing lights aroundthe speaker.

The latest bright blue R/C SoundSystem set will complete the range thisautumn/winter.

MECCANO 01844 278888

BLADEZ TOYZ 02392 658 255

Part of the newly launched HM ArmedForces range, the Royal Air Force FastAttack V.T.O.L Jet features aretractable landing gear and firingmissiles. The RAF Fast Jet Pilot isavailable separately.

The Army Tank has a rotating turret,rugged rubber tank tracks andopening equipment storage boxes. Anopening turret reveals hatches for twoaction figures – the Army Infantrymanand Army Mortarman, also availableseparately.

Sticker decals are included withboth Tank and Jet for livery addingauthenticity to the action.

HM Armed Forces is the firstMinistry of Defence range of licensedtoys and includes ten inch articulatedaction figures from the Royal Navy,Army and Royal Air Force, actionvehicles and a range of role-play toysand accessories.

CHARACTER OPTIONS0161 633 9800

Page 57: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009
Page 58: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

58 SECTOR GUIDE ACTION VEHICLES

MAY 2009

Tech Deck are the only miniatureskateboards on the market withauthentic licensed graphics. A selectionof new parks, boards and accessoriesare being introduced for 2009, whichwill be updated continually throughoutthe year with the hottest graphics fromthe world of skateboarding.

A new introduction is the Starter Sk8set – four pocket-sized ramps to collectfor finger-boarding.

The mini-ramps double as a storagebox and obstacle, and come with twocomplete boards and there’s also a newdeck-shaped storage/display case,which holds 16 boards and comes withone bonus board included.

To round up the range, there is aselection of new skate-parks to collectincluding the classic Half Pipe, completewith board, which measures animpressive 65cm in length.

The Maisto-Tech range of radio controlvehicles continues to expand itsoffering with the inclusion of an Off-Road collection in 1:14 and 1:16 scalefeaturing Hummer, Ford Raptor andJeep. The 1:14 scale offers ready-to-runfull-function R/C with steeringalignment, tri-band controller, four-wheel suspension and chunky off-roadtyres. These new models will beavailable from June onwards.

The R/C Street Troopers range is alsoexpanding to include the Shadow-2Xand Menace. The Shadow-2X is amotorcycle, which transforms into avehicle. The Menace consists of twopieces of radio control, a hauler andscout vehicle, the hauler having theability to fire disks from the front.

New colour graphics are alsoavailable for the Project 66 attackvehicle and PT-808 Robot versions.

The Maisto die-cast also boasts aselection of new models in both 1:18and 1:24 scales.

Notable new releases include theMercedes-Benz CL63 AMG, Nissan GT-R ’09, Ford Mustang GT ’67 Fastbackand 2010 GT convertible.

There is also the new Dirt Riderscollection in 1:18 and 1:24 scale.

This consists of a collection of four-wheel drive vehicles, designed to lookas though the models have been takenoff-road, complete with mud and dustmarkings. There are also extensions tothe Old Friends to include the FordMustang GT ’67 in 1:24 scale.

New to The Simpsons action vehiclesrange for autumn/winter are the Bartand Homer Simpson Micro Infra RedVehicles with full function control.Halsall will also provide the RadioControl Skateboarding Bart, inspired bythe Bart skateboarding sequence inThe Simpsons Movie in 2007, with anarticulated Bart figure that allowsplayers to alter his position intodifferent boarding poses.

The R/C handset controls Bart’sdirection and speed and even performsspinning tricks.

The Simpsons full function RadioControl Car features all the familymembers as well as a real soundinghorn and flashing headlights.

It was designed as an exact replicaof the family’s pink car.

Based on Europe’s number oneconstruction brand and inspired by thedistinctive yellow and black livery ofthe real life machines, Halsall alsoprovides a selection of JCB battery-operated construction vehiclescombining functional and detailedstyling with lights, sound and motion.

Halsall also has a selection of WWEvehicles. 1:30 and 1:20 scale replicaWWE Road Hog vehicles feature theJohn Cena track The Time Is Now aswell as wrestler phrases, light effectsand motion. The scale replica Dirt RacerBuggy and Monster Truck vehiclesprovide action-packed play.

REBEL TOYS 01482 887917

Four new vehicles have joined Born toPlay’s range for 2009. The Pinky &Perky Car features a two-wheelcornering feature, real working radioand removable vinyl figures of the twocharacters.

Fireman Sam and Penny’s lifeboat,Neptune whizzes across water, withPenny in the driving seat.

Splasher can help little Bob’s ‘Fix-It’whatever the terrain – push him onland and watch his friction poweredmotor get to work or twist his propellerlauncher and watch him take to thetask like a duck to water.

Finally, Harry and Toto are in thedriving seat of Born to Play’s new Pull-Back Car.

MARTIN YAFFE 01706 717800

IMC Toys has ahistory ofdeveloping anddistributingaction vehiclesand one of its

bestsellers is the 1/16 R/C Spider-manCar, designed to look like a concept carof the future. The car has full functionsfor turning and forward and reversedrive and comes with a Spider-manmodel built into the car.

Under the Toy Story licence, IMCoffers the R/C Space Ship, a radiocontrolled space ship with fullfunctions for turning, forward and

reverse drive. The space ship includesa hidden arrow shooter in the front ofthe ship, a button to fold and unfoldthe wings, and removable poseablefigures of Buzz and Woody.

IMC TOYS 01904 720908

SPIN MASTER08708 508408

Battle Deck is a collectable battleracing system. Each pull-back carconsists of three separate decks witha chassis, an engine and a bumperwhich can be clicked together tomake a custom car. The decks can beinterchanged to fit all cars.

There are eight individual BattleDeck cars (£4.99) with different racingabilities to choose from. Boys cancollect components to make theultimate battle vehicle and challengetheir mates on the Crash ‘n’ RunDodge Lane Changer Set (£19.99) orthe Radical Run Deluxe Set. Bothtrack sets come with two uniqueBattle Deck cars (£29.99).

TOMY 020 8722 7300

HALSALL 01253 778888

Page 59: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009
Page 60: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009
Page 61: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

MAY 2009

www.toynewsmag.com 61SECTOR GUIDE DOLLS

Doll DominationLarge dolls are becoming increasingly interactive and features including talking, feeding, drinking, lighting upand many more are keeping this traditional sector up-to-date and appealing. ToyNews finds out what’s new…

After being unveiled to retailers at thisyear’s Toy Fair in London, Bandai’s newrange of Star Friends dolls are set to hitthe shelves this summer.

Each Star Friend doll features manyfunctions and has its own star-shapedvirtual pet that can be used to interact

with the dolls, play games and musicand send messages.

There are two Star Friends to collect,while additional clothes sets are alsoavailable. The dolls will be supportedwith a marketing and PR programmeand in-store activity.

BANDAI 08456 028782

The most recent addition to the BabyAlive range is Better Now Baby.

Insert the thermometer into hermouth to see if she has a fever, thenhold the medicine spoon to her mouthand tilt it downward to see it disappear.Give the doll drinks from her sippy cupand she will wet her nappy.

Later in the year Hasbro willrelaunch the Original Baby Alive, thedoll that eats and poos. Following itssuccess two years ago, this doll hasbeen refreshed for 2009 with the newname Baby Alive Real Surprises.

Feed her or give her a bottle andthen change her nappy.

When Baby Alive is hungry you canmix up some of her special doll food.She eats and tells you if she likes itwith phrases like, ‘Mmm…good.’

She’ll even tell you when it’s time tochange her nappy.

After a busy day, the Baby Alive dollwill start to get tired.

These dolls will be featuring a TV-advertising campaign. Look out forBetter Now Baby in spring and BabyAlive Real Surprises this autumn.

HASBRO 020 8569 1234

Mattel is continuing to support the largedoll category with product introductionsto the Fisher-Price My Baby range. Thiswill be backed with a targetedmarketing campaign including TVsupport and a mum’s web/presscampaign, together with supportingcontent on the Fisher Price websitetargeting girls aged two and over.

The new autumn launch, meanwhile,is My Baby Sneezes.

The doll is all stuffed up and needsgirls to squeeze her tummy to make hersneeze. They then need to help her getbetter with the interactive thermometerthat checks her temperature, plusmedicine, measuring spoon and a boxof tissues.

MATTEL 01628 500000

Vivid has expanded its range of largedolls for autumn/winter 2009.

Kids can now look after Baby SweetTouch or have a pyjama party with PJSparkles. Vivid is supporting the wholerange with a TV and PR campaignstarting in July.

Too Cute Twins (£39.99) respond toeach other as well as the girl, with over100 combined phrases. Their heads andarms move and they respond to beinghugged and fed.

Baby Sweet Touch (£24.99) holdsyour hand and snuggles into yourshoulder. Place your finger in her handand she'll give it a squeeze. Place herbottle of milk in her hand and she willhold it while you hear her drink.

PJ Sparkles’ (£22.99) Heart, Tiara andBracelet light up. Her party dresschanges from day to night, from partydress into a pair of pyjamas.

PJ Sparkles also comes with abracelet, teddy and brush.

VIVID IMAGINATIONS 01483 449944

Page 62: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

The Corolle dolls range encompassestraditional and modern dolls for babies andpre-schoolers through to pre-teens. Thebest-selling dolls from Corolle in the UK arefrom their Mon Premier range. These 12”dolls are suitable for children aged 18-months plus and emit a vanilla fragrance.

The Calin and Tidoo babies feature abead-filled flexible body for easypositioning. Tidoo dolls can also bebathed. For role-play, Calin and Tidoo canbe paired with a range of accessoriesincluding a bed, stroller, highchair, mealtime sets and a fashion range.

The Corolle Les Classiques family has anarray of large dolls suitable for childrenaged two years and upwards. The dollsrange from 14-20”, both with hair andwithout. They come complete withaccessories for role-play possibilities.

In total, there are seven feature dolls:Emma and Paul are drink and wet bathbabies; Julia has four features, she giggles,cries, babbles and drinks her bottle andcomes with four accessories; while LiaInteractive has 16 features, she speaksdifferent languages and comes with potty,bottle and baby food.

Also part of the range is Corolle’s BébéChéri doll. She is the size of a three month-old baby and can be dressed in clothing forbabies of that age.

Finally, new to Corolle is Bébé Tresor andMarie. Bébé Tresor is dressed in a whiteand pink grow, with a dummy. She hasthree features so she can interact. Marie isan interactive, multi-lingual, 42 cm babydoll whose functions offer greater role-playappeal. Marie can speak six languages, shehas long hair and a feature that enableschildren to record messages and play themback. She comes with a hairbrush andnotepad. Marie has a sculpted face, softbody and authentic skin colouring. Themodern technology is combined with atraditional doll and Marie has a variety ofoutfits, available for all Les Classique dolls,as well as accessories such as a floralcanopy bed, a floral print stroller and ababy nursery set.

The Miss Corolle range is aimed atchildren from three to five years-old.

This collection features vanilla scentedskin. Vanilla Blonde, Redhead andBrunette have long shiny hair for groomingand styling.

Another part of the Miss Corolle rangeis the Les Cherie dolls. Suitable for agesfive and upwards, the Chloe and Camilleballerina dolls bear the Corolle stamp ofFrench style and attention to detail.

Corolle has designed clothes toreplicate those worn by young girlsincluding cropped trousers, jeans, dressesand tunic and wrap tops.

All ranges are supported by acomprehensive sales and marketingcampaign and POS is available.

62 SECTOR GUIDE DOLLS

Goochicoo is a new large doll rangethat is unique and cheeky. The brandinjects vitality into the sector with babycharacters designed to appeal tochildren and adults alike.

Each Goochicoo character is softand cuddly making it ideal as abedtime doll for girls aged two to six.Each doll has innovative features withits own changeable outfit andaccessories.

There are four dolls to choose from,each one in a bright and contemporaryoutfit with the ability to play peek-a-boo and giggle when tickled.

When bottle-fed, the dolls slurp,hiccup and burp before going to sleep,accompanied by baby snoring sounds.Every individual also comes completewith his/her own unique feature: forexample Little Star fancies herself as apop singer, Beauty Queen can’t stopadmiring herself in the mirror, whileKitty Cat and Little Rascal interact withtheir pets. The dolls will be displayedin colour presentation boxes.

The Goochicoo dolls will be TVadvertised this winter. See theGoochicoo characters atwww.goochicoo.com.

MV SPORTS 0121 748 8000

Halsall is launching new lines across itsMamas & Papas and Silver Cross Juniorcollections.

The new Mamas & Papas HerbiePram’s frame design is an exact replicaof the Mamas & Papas nursery pramwith the same fabric colourway Hot ‘n’Bothered. Featuring swivel front wheels,an under-seat basket and 74cm heightEva handle, thepram is intendedfor ages four toseven.

The Mamas &Papasautumn/winterjunior collectionincludes newmodels suppliedwith Bubble fabric.Designs include theNipi Buggy withdouble front swivelwheels, the superstream-lined threewheel 03 SportsStroller and thereplica Luna TwinPushchair withelevated tandemseats and quick release swivel frontwheels.

The X-Cel Pram is for girls aged five toten. On a folding sprung frame with 65-87cm adjustable handle height, it comesequipped with a coordinating parasol,shoulder bag, PVC rain-hood and underseat shopping basket. The Skate pramfeatures a tilt and reverse mechanism,which allows the flexibility to switchfrom pram to pushchair. Featuresinclude swivel front wheels, an under-

seat storage net and adjustable handleheight ensuring suitability for girls fiveto ten.

The Silver Cross Dazzle Stroller has asilver frame design, inspired by thenursery model, with Fuschia fabriccolour. Featuring a trigger style foldingmechanism, looped handles and aDazzle motif on the hood. It is aimed at

girls aged threeto seven.

The X4Stroller has twinfront swivelwheels and rearwheelsuspensionproviding all-terrain stylingfor girls four toeight years old.Features includean under-seatbasket, integralfoot-muff andadjustable seatback and hood,while a trigger-style foldingmechanism

enables compact storage. Apart from the Dazzle, all junior

models are available in the new TechnoFuschia fabric.

Halsall also offers the traditionalSilver Cross Oberon pram. The coach-built toy pram features a hand-sprungchassis, spoke wheels, polished enamelhand-painted body and waterproof hoodand apron. Supplied in a navycolourway, the pram is for girls aged fiveto 11 years.

HALSALL 01253 778888

MAY 2009

Finja has long rose-colouredhair and a basket of flowers.She wears a dress with leafdesign, hairband with aflower and cape. The 38cmsoft feature dolls havecheerful faces, colourfulclothes and chubby bodiesfor cuddling. Each doll haschenille hair and comes withcotton or polyester clothingand shoes.

With ten dolls to collect,there is a range ofcharacters from Lilli with herpink hair, Amelie with yellowhair and outfit, to Souri withher colourful sari, headdressand bead necklace. Thereare also boy dolls in thecollection from Lukascomplete with toy mouse, toPhil with his rucksack.Suitable for children of 18months upwards, all of thedolls are hand-washable.

Also in the Haba dollsrange is the Dolls Carry Cotwith canopy, blanket, pillowand carrying handles.

HABA0161 304 9555

DKL 01604 678780

Page 63: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

Baby Annabell responds to voices,turning her head towards you as youspeak and babbles, gurgles and sucksher dummy. The doll is suitable for agethree plus and is priced at £39.99.

My First Baby Annabell is a cuddlydoll for younger children. She has eyesthat open and close, and moveablelimbs and head and a brown-eyed babybrother, My first Baby Annabell Brother.Both come with baby grow and hat andare suitable for age one plus. Each arepriced at £14.99.

Another addition is My First BabyAnnabell with Tender Kisses (£24.99).She responds to touch, deliveringkissing, babbling and baby sounds whentouched on the lips, and giggles andsays Mama when held by the hand.

Baby Born dolls (£39.99) have ninefeatures without the need for batteries.Baby Born can eat special food, drinkand wet her nappies.

She has a Magic Potty with flashinglights and tune. She cries and is fullymoveable. Available in three versions –Girl, Boy or Ethnic Girl – Baby Born issuitable for children aged three yearsand over.

My Little Baby Born (£14.99) is foryounger children with a soft body, madefrom quick drying material. Suitable forage one plus.

My Little Baby Born Magic Bubbles(£29.99) performs swimming strokeswhen placed in water. New for 2009,she now blows bubbles and can wear asnorkel and mask. For children agedthree plus.

Sally theToddler doll (£24.99) is softbodied and life-sized. Standing at 63cmin height, she has blonde hair and hairaccessories. Sally also has a twinbrother, Sam. He has brown hair andsporty clothes. Both are suitable forchildren aged three and upwards.

Already Italy’s top feature doll and aretail success in France and Spain, theCicciobello large feature dolls will nowbe available in the UK market courtesyof Flair.

Cicciobello Love ‘n’ Care will cry andhis cheeks glow red – but it is up to his‘mummy’ to discover what is wrongand find the solution. Find the rightremedy to make him feel better – it

could be milk, juice, or he may needsome medicine. If all else fails, he mayneed an injection.

Once he is better, Cicciobello stopscrying, so give him his dummy andhe’ll fall asleep.

However, little girls can’t be toocomplacent because the secret ofmaking Cicciobello better is differentevery time.

FLAIR 020 8643 0320

ZAPF CREATION 01536 462 800

The classic Doll’s High Chair features adeep blue seat and tray, complementedby blue, sturdy feet that ensure the seatremains stable. Natural wood legs addextra style.

The Doll’s High Chair joins a growingrange of dolls accessories which includea pink Doll’s Swinging Crib, a RockingCradle complete with pink bedding and

a Doll’s Buggy featuring rose pink andnatural styling.

Also in the collection is the Doll’sBunk Bed. At over half a metre high,these natural wood and pink bunk bedsare suitable for most standard dolls. Thebeds can be parted and placed side byside, while there is white and colouredbedding to match.

JOHN CRANE 01604 774949

Best Years has announced the arrival ofits new, ethically sourced dolls. Eachdoll is hand-made and individuallysigned by the lady who makes it in a

South African factory, which seeks toimprove conditions of the community,which surrounds it. Each doll isdecorated with glitter and ribbons.

BEST YEARS 01327 262189

www.toynewsmag.com 63SECTOR GUIDE DOLLS

MAY 2009

Page 64: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009
Page 65: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

Counter Insurgent and Price Check…

High StreetPage 66

This month’s retail charts feature:Hamleys, Asda, WH Smith.co.uk, TheEntertainer, Amazon and Mail OrderExpress…

ChartsPage 67

New format plannedfor BTHA AwardsTHE BTHA has altered the formatof its Toy Retailer awards, creatingnew nationwide categories.

From next year, entrants to the ToyRetailer of the Year Awards willcompete nationally in like-for-likecategories. Previously thecompetition has been divided intoregional sections.

The new categories will be as follows:

■ Best small independent toyretailer (less than five stores)

■ Best large independent toyretailer (more than five stores)

■ Best national multiple toy retailer

■ Best toy department (grocer)

■ Best toy department(catalogue retailer)

■ Best online toy retailer

■ Best overall toy retailer for UKand Ireland

The entry process has been furtherrefined to allow self-nominations inaddition to nominations from BTHAmembers and agents. The openingdate for entries is May 11th 2009.

Any store that wishes to nominateitself for entry in any one of thecategories should email full contactdetails to Natasha Crookes who willbe sending out application formsfrom this month.

Nominated retailers will berequired to complete a detailed entryform and submit a series of images toreach the next stage. The finalistswill be announced before Christmas,

with the winners being unveiledalongside the Toy of the Year Awardwinners at the industry’s annual galaevening in January 2010.

“The changes we are introducingto the Toy Retailer Awards will makefor a fairer competition all round. Nolonger will we have instances of, for

example, a small independent goinghead to head with Tesco, or a branchof The Entertainer battling againstArgos: everyone will be competingon a level playing field,” commentedNatasha Crookes, director ofcommunications for the BTHA.BTHA: 020 7701 7271

Regional categories ditched in favour of new format based on store type and size...

Page 68New products

Find out whatnetworking eventsare coming up inthe toy trade…

EventsPage 82

Retail OnlyDedicated monthly retail coverage

News • Data • Opinion

On their waythis month areofferings fromHasbro,Re:creation,MV Sports,RC2 and WowToys…

by Ronnie Dungan

Roger Dyson with one of thisyear’s retail category winners...

Page 66: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

MAY 2009

Golden Balls Board Game Vivid Imaginations

Transformers AnimatedLeader – Megatron

Hasbro

20Q Version 2 Radica Games

My Living World Triop World Interplay

Barbie Thumbelina Blooming Doll

MattelSTORE

TOY

£34.99 £30.00 £7.74 £7.82 £19.99

£17.39 £26.09 £11.31 n/a £13.91

£9.74 n/a £9.45 £3.48 n/a

n/a £29.97 £9.77 n/a £9.68

£19.49 £19.99 £9.77 £6.79 £14.69

PRICE CHECK: MAY 2009

HIGHSTREET

COUNTERINSURGENT

66 RETAIL ONLY

Just recentlythe increase incold callinghas started todrive me mad.People comingoff the street

or phoning somewhere fromfar reaches of the globe.

These people think we haveso much time to waste,electricity, phones, mobilephones, legal help, businessrate reductions, and don’t getme started on internet searchengine performance.

All of these people are so(mock) surprised when yousay you don’t have time to talkright now. “Don’t you want tosave money sir?” is the stockanswer. Yes I would love to butthey just can’t equate thatevery minute talking to themcosts me money and moreimportantly, time.

The time I waste trying to bepolite to these people... Butsome deserve the short

answer I give them when theygo on and on and on….

For years I’ve had the PRSSociety bug me. They claim tocollect money in royalties forsingers and songwriters. Theyhave never proved to me, evenafter years of asking whetheranyone actually gets thismoney, but never mind.However, one of the staffdecided to put the call throughto me after telling the personon the end of the phone themusic he could hear in thebackground was a radio.

You know how theconversation started don’tyou? “How many people canhear that radio sir?” I knewwhat was coming so I said“one” and it was her radio. Iwas then told that if I walkedpast the person and couldhear the radio I needed alicence to do so.

I told him she was lockedaway in the stockroom andthat no one else went in there

and anyway my hearing isn’tthat good.

We argued for severalminutes about severalscenarios, did you know if youare in a work van with the

window down and a passer-byhears the radio in the cab youhave to pay for a licence? Or ifyou listen to Talksport, Radio4 or a station with no music,you need a licence to hear the

jingles in adverts? And themost stupid? Did you know ifyour phone rings and someoneelse hears it you need alicence? Bloody madness.

I was so pissed off with thisone that I didn’t give upwithout a fight and after 45minutes we reached anagreement where I paid afraction of what he wanted andhe had a very useful recordedtelephone conversation for‘training purposes.’

All of these people are(mock) surprised when you

say you don’t have time totalk to them right now.

Dispatches from the retail front line...

Page 67: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

MAY 2009

www.toynewsmag.com 67RETAIL ONLY

RETAILCHARTS

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

WHSmith.co.uk

Snowman puzzle Susan Prescott Games

Games Compendium WHS

Wooden Pirate Ship WHS

Risk: The World Conquest Game Hasbro

Scrabble Deluxe Mattel

Articulate Drumond Park

Absolute Balderdash 20th Anniversary edition Drumond Park

Bop It! Extreme 2 Hasbro

Bop It! Extreme 2 Pink Hasbro

Trivial Pursuit Deluxe Hasbro

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

The Entertainer

Ben 10 Alien Force 10cm Alien Collection Jetray Bandai

Speed Stacks Character Options

TP Forest Climber Set TP Activity Toys

Mixed Goods Digital Set Hornby

Metal Wheelbarrow Besteam

Gormiti Volcano Play-set Flair

Nerf N-Strike Switch Shot EX-3 Hasbro

12ft Emperor Trampoline TP Activity Toys

TP Crazy Wavy Slide Set TP Activity Toys

Ben 10 Alien Force Kevin Levin’s Action Cruiser Bandai

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Amazon CHART DATE14/4/09

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Mail Order Express

White Baby Born Boy Doll with Magic Potty Zapf Creation

ClickStart My First Computer Pink LeapFrog

Ben 10 Deluxe Omnitrix Bandai

Crayola Gigantic Colouring Book Vivid

Original Rubik’s Cube Drumond Park

Crayola Beginnings Farmyard Friends book Vivid

Rainbow Aquadraw Tomy

Bananagram Bananagrams

Gogo’s Crazy Bones Advance Special Edition Metal Tin Magic Box

Butterfly Garden Insect Lore

Republic Attack Gunship Lego

Animal Clinic Playmobil

Take Along Pirates Treasure Island Playmobil

Star Wars Clone Wars AT-TE Walker Lego

Mission 6: Mobile Command Centre Lego

Vet with Car Playmobil

Hot Wheels 12” Rev It Up Bike MV Sports

Imperial Dropship Lego

Bionicle Toa Undersea Attack Lego

Duplo Gravel Pit Lego

CHART DATE14/4/09

CHART DATE14/4/09

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Hamleys CHART DATE14/4/09

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Asda

Matt Nail Jazz Silverfern

Rockin Rabbit Hamleys

UFO Mini Infrared RDM

Metallic Nail Jazz Silverfern

50 Greatest Magic Tricks Marvins Magic

Infinite Bubbles Hamleys

Lights from Anywhere Junior Marvins Magic

Sticker Scratcherz Hamleys

AA battery four pack Energizer

Drawing Board Hamleys

Hot Wheels basic car Mattel

Turbo cars Asda

Power Rangers Jungle Fury figures Bandai

Mini Vehicles Asda

Mini Lying Animals Asda

Ben 10 Action Force 10cm Figures Bandai

Magic Writer Asda

Transformers Universe Legends Hasbro

Bean Bag Baby Asda

Disney Cars Character Assortment Mattel

CHART DATEMarch 2009

CHART DATE14/4/09

Page 68: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

MAY 2009

PRODUCTNEWS

MV SPORTS is expanding itsplush range with playgroundcraze Gogo’s Crazy Bones. Thecharacters have a secretcompartment inside containingthe highly collectable bones.

This month, the four-inchClipper characters hit shelves,with a zipped pocket containingtwo Gogo’s collectables and a clipto hang it up. There are eightcharacters to collect, available inan assortment of 32 packed inshelf-friendly CDUs.

There will also be a range of six-inch reversible plush characters,each containing two authenticcrazy bones; turn them inside outto reveal the highly prized, ultra-rare characters. There are five tocollect within an assortment of 30inside a CDU.

Lastly there are eight-inch plushshakers, each containing threecollectables. There are fourcharacters containing an innerplastic shaker that can be used ingameplay, or as a storagecontainer. These are packed in acounter display unit with anassortment of 20 characters.MV Sports: 0121 748 8000

THOMAS & FRIENDS continues tobe a strong pre-school licence for RC2and the firm has added further newproducts this year.

The Learning Curve Take AlongThomas range is an open-ended play

system, bringingsets, destinationsand charactersfrom the animatedseries to life.

The newThomas FaceCarry Case is acolourful hold-allcomplete withchunky carry

handle, which holds up to 20characters.

Suitable for children aged from twoand a half years, all Take AlongThomas sets and vehicles are fullycompatible with the Take AlongThomas range.RC2: 01392 281900

RE:CREATION is entering thegames market with a unique newproduct for the Nintendo Wii.

Using unique lower body motionsensor technology, Re:creation’s jOGfor Wii means when a player runs, itsimultaneously makes the in-gamecharacter run for an enhanced levelof game immersion.

jOG utilises lower body motionsensor technology to measure stepsand translate them to movement ingame, not only making gaming a

more immersive experience, but alsogiving a gentle workout,contributing to therecommended 10,000steps per day.

New ConceptGaming’s MD, BrendanLudden, commented:“We are pleased to beable to offer the trade anopportunity to see – andexperience – jOG in action forthemselves.

“As well as clearhealth benefits backedup by independentresearch, jOG is greatfun to play with, andToy Fair gave us agreat opportunity todemonstrate this.”

jOG for NintendoWii is priced around £24.99. Re:creation: 0118 973 6222

MV joins theGogo’s craze

68 RETAIL ONLY

HASBRO’S latest movie licence is X-Men Origins: Wolverine, with the toyrange arriving this month to coincidewith the film’s UK premiere.

Wolverine was born with themutant ability to extend claws fromhis wrists, and now kids can becomethe hero with the new WolverineElectronic Battle Claw.

Simply slide your hand inside themoulded plastic glove and with a flickof the wrist the claws extend with

electronic claw-clashing sounds. Also new from Hasbro are the

Wolverine Action Figures. Thesethree 3/4” figures include Logan,armed with a sword and serioussideburns; Gambit is complete withstaff and a hand of cards; whileDeadpool has an arsenal of weapons.

The new Wolverine AnimatedFigures are poseable three 3/4” figureswith accessories such as Wolverine’ssnap-on claws, Iceman’s ice boardand Cyclops’ special eye blast.Hasbro: 020 8569 1234

Hasbro gets its claws out

All aboard for new Thomas lines

WOW TOYS has extended its rangewith the introduction of Best Buddiesfigure and animal sets.

The line features six different sets,each containing a figure and ananimal, which can be combined withother toys from the Wow Toys range.

The firm will launch a further sixBest Buddies later in the year.Designed for impulse buying, treatsand party bags, the product can bepresented in trays or are suitable forhook display.Wow Toys: 020 7471 0980

Wow launchesBest Buddies

Re:creation jogs intothe games market

Page 69: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

MAY 2009

AIMED AT girls aged six plus, Harumika issimple to use. There’s no need for a needleand thread or scissors and glue, all you needare some pieces of fabric which fix on to thethe silicon strip on the back of themannequins. Users simply tuck the fabricinside and they’re fixed.

The Harumika Starter Set will retail at£19.99 and will include two mannequins (onewhite, one pastel pink) and a wide variety offabrics, accessories and stickers.

The fabric collection features a range ofdesigns including polka dots, bright coloursand patterns; buckled, ruffled and velvet

belts; stickers of hearts, bows and flowers, andeven little charms.

Everything in the sets are reusable,meaning possibilities of customisation areendless, enabling the user to experiment withlayering, folding and twisting. Once users areready to show off their designs, they’ll be ableto upload them at the dedicated Harumikawebsite, www.harumika.eu.

MARKETINGBandai will be fully supporting the brand withTV advertising totalling 300 TVRs, consumerprint, online activity and PR.

Release date:July 2009

CONTACT DETAILS:Phone: 01489 790944Website: www.bandai.co.uk

Bandai’s new arts and crafts concept, Harumikais a simple to use fashion play-set which allowsgirls to use special mannequins to create anendless variety of new looks…

BandaiHarumika

www.toynewsmag.com 69HERO PRODUCT

Page 70: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

Advertisers

1/4 page: Annual charge £1,395 (minimum twelve months booking)Get your company featured: [email protected] T: 01992 535 647RATES:

Ravensburger has given

Marketplace a sneak preview of

some of its plans for

autumn/winter 2009. It remains

leaders of the licensed puzzle

market with a portfolio that

includes Star Wars, High School

Musical 3, In the Night Garden

(wooden puzzles), Thomas &

Friends, Bob the Builder,

Lazytown, Hello Kitty, Disney

Princess and Power Rangers.

However, other strong characters

are to join this impressive stable

for autumn/winter 2009.

“We continue to lead the way in

the category of licensed puzzles”,

says Tim Hall, Managing Director

of Ravensburger, “and are

delighted to be able to offer such

a strong range of merchandise.

Puzzles is a category that

continues to deliver a very good

profit level to all retailers who

devote sufficient shelf space and

keep in stock throughout the

year”.

Amongst new autumn/winter

introductions are products based

on Ice Age 3. This licence grew

with the second film, so

Ravensburger see it as a growing

phenomenon and its puzzles will

be launched in plenty of time to

benefit from the film’s pre-

publicity in the

summer.

In anticipation of

the relaunch of

Disney’s Toy Story,

Ravensburger has

developed a range of

puzzles and games

featuring favourite

characters from the

first two movies.

Also in the pipeline is a 1,000

piece puzzle based on gift market

favourite Me to You (Tatty Teddy).

The licence is already hugely

popular with women and girls

aged 12-plus, so Ravensburger is

confident it will prove to be a

popular addition to their already

buoyant adult puzzle range.

For further information on

Ravensburger products contact

01869 363800

■ Character Costumes & P.O.S.JellyHead 3D 0208 441 2158

Rainbow Productions 0208 254 5300

■ LicensingBig & Small 0208 337 7958

■ Point of Purchase ManufacturersDaytona Visual Marketing 01827 54551

■ Safety TestingSGS 0208 991 3410

STR 0118 939 8700

■ Suppliers/ManufacturersBachmann Europe 0870 751 9990

Cambridge Brainbox 01279 821 333

Creativity International 01323 485 550

Danbar International Ltd. 01707 260 111

Esdevium Games 01420 593 593

Flying Toys 01702 295 110

Fun Collectables 01494 562 727

Games Workshop 08700 134 411

Ideal Software +44 (0)1767 689 720

JC Games 01323 647 886

Logiblocs 01727 763 700

Maps Toys 01483 776 006

Plastics for Games 01728 745 300

Point Zero Games 01625 540 493

Ravensburger 01869 363 800

Revell 01442 250 130

SandPlay 0115 937 5147

The Puppet Company 01462 446 040

Thumbs Up 0845 466 8880

Voila (Agenta Marketing) 01536 401 128

WOW Toys 0207 381 2302

■ Toy SuppliersCarta Mundi 01268 511 522

Plastics for Games 01728 745 300

Richard Edward 0208 311 8888

Sambro International +44 (0) 161 707 5555

The place for business

RATES:RATES:

BROOKITESUPPLIER/MANUFACTURER01837 53315

Adrian Miles: +44 (0)1992 535 [email protected]

Brookite has been manufacturing

kites for over one hundred years

and during that time customer

service and quality workmanship

have always been of prime

importance. Over the years, many

things have changed both in the

kite industry and for Brookite but

it has always been able to

respond quickly to market trends

using the latest materials and

employing modern innovations

and technology. Operating from

an old corn mill in the heart of

rural Devon, Brookite has

remained a family business

throughout its long history with

the business passing down

through four generations so far.

For 2009 Brookite continue to

produce and import quality items

at sensible prices. This year sees

the arrival of licensed products –

Ben 10, Star Wars and Disney

feature on a whole range of items

including kites, Frisbees, flying

gizmos, umbrellas and windmills.

The core range of Brookite kites

continue to delight with new

products added all the time – new

for 2009 is the Mini Butterfly

range and the quirky Ladybird

Assortment.

The Funtrix range of attractively

packaged Diabolos, Juggling Balls,

Pois and Devil Sticks are available

on an exciting display stand

featuring a screen with a built-in

DVD.

For further details or to obtain a

current catalogue please call the

kiteline on 01837 53315 or e-mail

[email protected].

RAVENSBURGER LTDSUPPLIER/MANUFACTURER01869 363800

Page 71: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

Constantly

striving to offer more

services to our clients, we recently

began working with some high profile

Clients such as Warner Brothersand Disney

Consumer Products to provide lifesize plush

toys made in the UK by our own skilled

production team. This has proved a great

success offering our clients much

shorter lead times and first class

products.

WHAT GETS SEEN GETS BOUGHTCostume Characters � Point Of Sale � Props � Giant Promotional Plush

Event Management � Storage and Maintenance � Costume Hire

As

well as this, the launch

of our Event Management

Department will offer clients the

opportunity to have us maintain and

store your costumes plus organise

character appearances, arrange staff

and chaperones, storage and

cleaning in the UK and

abroad.

Not

forgetting what we do

best and that's to produce high

quality, long lasting character

costumes for hire, events, trade fairs

and promotions. Our clients include

Procter and Gamble, 4 Kids

Entertainment , Tesco, Asda,

and Motorola.

Contact - Kelli Bromley, Sales Manager

T: 0208 441 2158 M: 07760270209

www.jellyhead3d.co.uk [email protected]

■ Character Costumes & P.O.S.■ Character Costumes & P.O.S.

Marketplacewww.toynewsmag.com | Advertising: +44 (0)1992 535 647

■ Point of Purchase Manufacturers

Danny Smith

■ Licensing

Page 72: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

Marketplace

■ Safety Testing

Play with friends and family

Play with friends and family

at home or on your travels

at home or on your travelsPlay with friends and family

at home or on your travels

www.qbgame.co.uk

www.qbgame.co.uk

www.qbgame.co.uk

■ Suppliers/Manufacturers■ Safety Testing

■ Suppliers/Manufacturers

Page 73: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

Marketplacewww.toynewsmag.com | Advertising: +44 (0)1992 535 647

■ Suppliers/Manufacturers

■ Suppliers/Manufacturers

■ Suppliers/Manufacturers

■ Suppliers/Manufacturers

Page 74: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

Marketplace

������������ ���������������������������������� ������������ ����������� ������ ��������������������� ������������ �������������������������������������� ����������������

����������������� ������ ��� ��������������������������������������� ���� �� �� ������ � ����������� ����� ���� ��������� � ��������������������������������� �������������������������������� ��������������������� ��� �

������������ � ��������!�������������!� ���!� ����������������� ����!���������������������������

������������ ������������������� ������

�������������������

� !"#�$%& �'()%*�+#,■ Suppliers/Manufacturers■ Suppliers/Manufacturers

■ Suppliers/Manufacturers ■ Suppliers/Manufacturers

Page 75: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

Marketplacewww.toynewsmag.com | Advertising: +44 (0)1992 535 647

■ Suppliers/Manufacturers ■ Suppliers/Manufacturers

■ Suppliers/Manufacturers ■ Suppliers/Manufacturers

Page 76: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

Marketplace

■ Suppliers/Manufacturers

■ Suppliers/Manufacturers ■ Suppliers/Manufacturers

■ Suppliers/Manufacturers

Page 77: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

Marketplacewww.toynewsmag.com | Advertising: +44 (0)1992 535 647

■ Suppliers/Manufacturers■ Suppliers/Manufacturers

■ Suppliers/Manufacturers■ Suppliers/Manufacturers

Page 78: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

Marketplace

■ Toy Suppliers

■ Toy Suppliers

■ Toy Suppliers

■ Toy Suppliers

Page 79: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

Marketplacewww.toynewsmag.com | Advertising: +44 (0)1992 535 647

Advertisers Index■ Character Costumes & P.O.S.JellyHead 3D 0208 441 2158 [email protected] www.jellyhead3d.co.uk

Rainbow Productions 0208 254 5300 [email protected] www.rainbowproductions.co.uk

■ LicensingBig & Small 0208 337 7958 [email protected]

■ Point of Purchase ManufacturersDaytona Visual Marketing 01827 54551 [email protected] www.daytonavisual.com

■ Safety TestingSGS 0208 991 3410 [email protected] www.uk.sgs.com

STR 0118 939 8700 [email protected] www.struk.co.uk

■ Suppliers/ManufacturersBachmann Europe 0870 751 9990 [email protected] www.bachmann.co.uk

Brookite 01837 53315 [email protected] www.brookite.com

Cambridge Brainbox 01279 821333 [email protected] www.cambridgebrainbox.co.uk

Danbar International Ltd. 01707 260 111 [email protected] www.danbartoys.com

Esdevium Games 01420 593 593 [email protected] www.esdeviumgames.com

Flying Toys 01702 295110 [email protected]

Fun Collectables 01494 562 727 [email protected] www.fun-collectables.co.uk

Games Workshop 08700 134 411 [email protected] www.games-workshop.com

Ideal Software +44 (0)1767 689 720 [email protected] www.idealsoftware.net

JC Games 01323 647886 www.qbgame.co.uk

Logiblocs 01727 763700 [email protected] www.logiblocs.com

Maps Toys 01483 776 006 [email protected] www.mapsww.com

Plastics for Games 01728 745300 [email protected] www.p4g.co.uk

Point Zero Games 01625 540 493 [email protected] [email protected]

Ravensburger 01869 363800 [email protected] www.ravensburger.com

Revell 01442 250130 [email protected] www.revell.com

SandPlay 0115 937 5147 [email protected] www.sandcastlemoat.co.uk

The Puppet Company 01462 446 040 [email protected] www.thepuppetcompany.com

Thumbs Up 0845 466 8880 [email protected] www.thumbsupuk.com

Voila (Agenta Marketing) 01536 401128 [email protected] www.agenta.demon.co.uk/voila.html

WOW Toys 0207 471 0980 [email protected] www.wowtoys.com

■ Toy SuppliersCarta Mundi 01268 511522 [email protected] www.cartamundi.com

Plastics for Games 01728 745300 [email protected] www.p4g.co.uk

Richard Edward 0208 311 8888 [email protected] www.richard-edward.com

Sambro International +44 (0)161 707 5555 [email protected] www.sambro.co.uk

1/4 page: Annual charge £1,395 (minimum twelve months booking)Get your company featured: [email protected] T: 01992 535 647

RATES:RATES:RATES:

Marketplace

Page 80: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

TOYTALKLost parents, hero shopkeepers and yet more photo-based mischief....

If you fancy seeing yourself, your colleague or better stillyour boss here and winning a Kidizoom camera while you’reat it, send your snaps to [email protected] we will give it the makeover it requires.

The latest entry for ourKidizoom Frame a Colleagueis from Katie Kenworthy atRe:Creation who has sent ina pic of Lee Anne Neale forus to desecrate. So aKidizoom on its way to her.

But, who amongst you hasreally got the bottle to sendin one of their boss? Who isgoing to bring us the headof one of the industry’shigh-flyers? Come on, who’sfeeling brave/foolish?

WOW COULD BE HEROESEagle-eyed fans of cult show Heroes might havenoticed a great bit of product placement forWow Toys in a recent episode.

The firm’s Jonny Jungle plane is seen herewith ‘Baby Matt Parkman’ who has the specialability to make electrical items start up just bytouching them. Or stop, if he’s in a bad mood.

“They contacted us a few months ago, keento feature some of our toys in a few scenes ofepisode 20,” said Wow’s Tanya Laperouse.

MAY 2009

80 TOY TALK

TIGER FEATClearly, the tale of the womanthat climbed into a polar bearenclosure recently and narrowlyescaped with her life, was notnoticed by the guys at Trunki

(kids’ suitcases with wheels on)who somehow managed to getLongleat’s three year old Tigercalled Soundari to unwittingly dosome PR for the firm’s limitededition Tipu. You’ll see Trunkiboss Rob Law at various tradefairs. He’s the one with one arm.

MY No.1s

Sponsored by

Peter Burcham,Senior business accountmanager, Hasbro

Number one album:Kings of Leon - Only the Night------------------------------------------------------Film:Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels------------------------------------------------------Book:Bravo Two Zero------------------------------------------------------TV programme:Top Gear------------------------------------------------------Number one singlewhen you were born:Silver Lady by David Soul------------------------------------------------------Hero:Richard Branson------------------------------------------------------Thing to do at the weekend:Have a blast on my motorbike orwatch rugby------------------------------------------------------Gadget:Sky +------------------------------------------------------Tipple:Guinness

------------------------------------------------------Piece of advice:Never insult anyoneby accident------------------------------------------------------

FIT UP YOUR BOSS

Page 81: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

MAY 2009

81TOY TALK

CAN YOU HELP FIND RAINBOWBABY FIND HIS MUM AND DAD?TOYNEWS HAS had an unusual request forinfo about a sales agent called Rudi Cross, aspart of an ongoing paternity search.

In a letter to ToyNews, the partner of DavidStevenson has appealed for help in hisongoing search to find his real parents andbelieves a former toy industry sales agentcalled Rudi Cross, linked to a London toywholesaler called Hereward Trading, mayhold some answers.

The letter, from Julia Howell, reads: “I'mhoping that you or your readers may be ableto help my partner David Stevenson.

“David was found on a doorstep in a blockof flats in Golders Green, London inDecember 1960 when he was just a few hoursold. The police rescued him in response to a999 call. There was lots of media attention atthe time, the press having dubbed David 'TheRainbow Baby' as he was dressed in clothesof many different colours.

“No-one ever came forward to claim himand he was eventually adopted by a lovingfamily. David is now 48 and earlier this yearthe Daily Mail ran a fresh appeal for hisparents to come forward and I've beenhelping David follow up the leads.

“It's a very long story, but over the pastthree months we've come an incredibly longway, having found witnesses who have beenable to tell us that David wasn't left wherethe police found him and this newinformation has given us a very strong leadas to who David's father was.

“As a result, we are now very urgentlywishing to speak to anyone who worked atHereward Trading Co. Ltd, who were based onthe Euston Road in London in the 1940s-1960s. Hereward Trading was a toy wholesaledistributor.

“We are particularly hoping to hear fromanyone who remembers a sales agent by thename of Rudi Cross. Rudi was an Austrian-Jewish refugee who came to the UK in thelate 1930s and became a naturalised Britishcitizen. After leaving Hereward Trading, Rudiworked for Angel Toys (1962 onwards) - wehave spoken to his former colleagues but feelwe do need to speak to anyone who workedwith Rudi at Hereward.

“We understand that Rudi was very wellknown in the wholesale toy industry in the1960s and 1970s. He was a closeacquaintance of the famous Ally Gee ofTimpo Toys (in fact Ally was a witness atRudi's wedding).

“If you can help us get this message out totoy industry professionals we would be sovery grateful.”

Anyone with any information can visit awebsite at:www.therainbowbaby.blogspot.com or emailat [email protected]

HAVE A GO HEROIf you’re at a trade show and Monika Piotrowska fromFun Toys and Games in Portsmouth wants to come onyour stand, best let her on.

She has just fought off a man armed with a gunwho tried to rob her day’s takings. He walked into theshop and started asking about Spiderman Monopoly,then suddenly pulled out a gun from his bag, pointedit at her and said ‘open the till, love’.

So you would hand over the cash, right? NotMonika. Instead of giving him the cash she pushedhim away as she quickly tried to get out of the shop.

She told her local paper: “I could not believe itwhen he pulled out the gun. I said ‘What? I'm notopening my till. If you want money go to work’.”

“I grabbed the mobile phone and tried to dial 999.He tried to get into the till but I pulled out the key,pushed him into the shelves and walked quickly tothe door, but he grabbed my arm and we got into astruggle and I kicked him. There was no way I wasgoing to give him my money. We work so hard here Iwasn’t just about to give it away. My instinct wasn’tto be scared, it was to protect my business.”

Forget Golden Teddies, she definitely deservessome sort of award for that. No word on whether theguy got his Spiderman Monopoly though.

FLAIR DOES ITS BITFlair is getting into the fundraising spirit, enteringteams for all three of the Toy Trust’s sporting money-raising events.

A Flair team will be doing a parachute jump on May13th; the Big Kids Bike Ride on May 14th and thirdly,during June a team will be swimming 34km – the widthof the English Channel – which equates to 1,700 lengthsof the pool.

Flair boss Peter Brown said: “Flair has always beenkeen to support the Toy Trust but this year we feel wehave embraced the event whole heartedly. Not only willthis be profitable for the charity but we also view it as apositive team building experience.”

Oh and this is a pic of Flair’s Mark Hyndman in a ZorroSuit for Red Nose day for some reason.

CHOCKS AWAYNope it’s not an award from the Adam and the Ants appreciation society. Licensing industry favourite Stephen Gould isseen here being awarded the Memorial Trophy by the RAF, following his work on the brand’s merchandising and licensingprogramme during his time at 4Kids Entertainment.

The Memorial Trophy is named after the former director of Air Ministry PR and is awarded for the best interpretation ofthe Royal Air Force to the public, either during the previous 12 months or through constant effort over a number of years.

Previous recipients include James May in 2007 after he flew in an RAF Typhoon on Top Gear.Air Commodore Mark Roberts said: “The Royal Air Force has gained an immense public relations boost from Stephen's

insight and vision and is now positioned to take full advantage of licensing opportunities through the Royal Air ForceMuseum at Hendon and the Ministry of Defence at Whitehall.

“In all, Stephen has displayed in abundance the characteristics that the RAF looks for in its own people. His dedicationand tenacity has translated history and tradition into a modern and desirable premier brand and in so doing has clearlydelivered the best interpretation of the RAF to the wider public over recent years.”

BIG 20 FOR DKLDKL is celebrating 20 years in the toytrade.

Moving from Denmark in 1986, Kaiand Dorte Hawaleschka sawopportunities to develop a distributioncompany. In 1989 DKL was launched andintroduced the world to Hama Beadsand the now infamous Trolls.

“Who can forget those Troll charactersit was a wonderful craze that helped usdevelop the company further,” said KaiHawaleschka.DKL’s current portfolio includesleading brands, Hama, Corolle,Wonderworld, Sigikid and Viking Toys.Dorte added: “I have enjoyed my 20years and seen many changes and weboth look forward to growing thebusiness into the future”.

Can you help David Stevenson in his search?

Page 82: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

MAY 2009

82 FEATURE PLANNER

2009 FEATURE PLANNER

• Electronic learning

• Dress Up & Halloween

• Creative Play

JULY 2009

Editorial Deadline: May 8thAdvertising Deadline: June 17th

• Girls Market Special

• Fashion Dolls

• Magnetic • Summer Movies

Editorial Deadline: Call for detailsAdvertising Deadline: May 8th

JUNE 2009

Got any events you would like to see added to the calendar? Email [email protected]

SHOWCOMOTION July 1st - 3rdSheffield Media and Exhibition Centrewww.showcomotionconference.com

BRAND LICENSING EUROPE 09September 30th - October 1stGrand Hall, Olympia, Londonwww.brandlicensingexpo.com

TOY CON 09May 6th - 8thWigwam Golf Resort, Phoenix, AZwww.toyassociation.org

LICENSING INTERNATIONAL 2009June 2nd - 4thMandalay Bay Convention Centre, Vegaswww.licensingshow.com

PLAYROOM AT THE PARKApril 21st-22ndCranmore Park, Solihullwww.cranmorepark.co.uk

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

TOYMASTERMay 19th – 21st Majestic Hotel, Harrogatewww.toymaster.co.uk

AUTUMN FAIR 09September 6th - 9thNEC, Birminghamwww.autumnfair.com

Editorial: 01992 535646 Advertising: 01992 535647

© Intent Media 2009 No part of this publicationmay be reproduced in any form or by any meanswithout prior permission of the copyright owners.ISSN: 1740-3308

Intent Media is a member of the PeriodicalPublishers Associations

www.toynewsmag.com ToyNews is published 12 times a year byIntent Media ~ Saxon House, 6a St.Andrew Street, Hertford, HertfordshireSG14 1JA Fax: +44 (0)1992 535648 AUDITED CIRCULATION

Average Net Circulation:6,069 July 1st 2007 to June 30th 2008,

SUBSCRIPTIONSUK: £50 Europe: £60 Rest of World: £90The international cost applies persubscription and covers airmail dispatchof 12 issues

To order your subscription via Visa,MasterCard, Amex Switch or Deltacontact [email protected] call 01580 883 848. Alternatively visitour website www.toynewsmag.com

Subscriptions Manager - Hannah [email protected]

Circulation &Subscriptions

TOYNEWS FIVES July 10thPowerleague, Barnetwww.topcorner.co.uk/toynewsfives

Page 83: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009

TOYNEWS FIVES RAISING MONEY FOR THE TOY TRUST

TO ENTER NOW PLEASE CALL 020 7700 1888 OR VISIT WWW.TOPCORNER.CO.UK/TOYNEWSFIVES

FRIDAY JULY 10

TEAMS FROM ACROSS THE INDUSTRY WILL GATHER FOR A CRACKING DAY OF FIVE-A-SIDE FOOTBALL ACTION

£100 FROM EVERY ENTRY GOES TO THE TOY TRUST SUPPORTING DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES

� AT LEAST SIX GAMES PER TEAM � GOURMET BARBEQUE � TEAM AND INDIVIDUAL TROPHY PRESENTATIONS

GET YOUR KIT ONFOR THE 2009 TOYNEWS FIVES

Page 84: ToyNews Issue 93 May 2009