toynews january 2011 issue 113

INSIDE…

SPRING FAIR PREVIEWA look inside the toy hall atNEC for next month’s big show

Issue 113 January 2011

GET SET FOR OLYMPIAThe countdown to thismonth’s Toy Fair starts here

KNOW YOUR WRITE Copywrite Designs on movingits stationery lines into toys

WHICH ONE DID YOU GET?Which of our two special SpinMaster covers did you receive?

The toy industry’s highest circulation trade title

Exclusive media partner

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Through the magic ofpublishing we are broadcasting our January issueto you live in December and it’s not evenChristmas yet.

Which means many of you, especially our retailreaders, will still be hard at it at the coal facewhen you read this. Many of you may even, Isuspect, be in a similar frame of mind to our ownman at the Front, our Counter Insurgent who, ifyou read this month’s missive (P54) seems tohave gone totally Tonto. I know it has been cold,but drinking an anti-freeze/screenwash cocktailhas to be a no-no at any time of year my friend.

Lay off it, Counter. It’s the pressure you see. Cramming all those

sales in the last four weeks of the year may begood for the Q4 balance sheet, but it isn’t goodfor the nerves.

And there’s not much respite. Show seasonfollows hard after Christmas and in this issue wehave our Spring Fair preview, which has grownyear on year, in line with the show’s increasedimportance to the toy trade. So of course, thisyear is our biggest ever build-up for the NEC toyand gift showcase.

Also this month, Spin Master is our cover star,but there are two cover executions available toenable it to show off its entire range of Zooblescollectables, which are currently proving to bemuch in demand for the firm and hit UK shelvesin January. Look out for both versions.Ronnie [email protected]

COMMENTPRESSURE MOUNTS

Spin Master is our coverstar, but there are two

versions, to show off itsentire Zoobles range

18 News

20 CopyWrite’s designs on toys

LICENSING

FEATURES23 SPRING FAIR 2011

24 Floor plan

26 Exhibitor list

27 Spring Fair preview

53 News

54 Counter Insurgent

54 Price Check

55 Retail Charts

56 New Products

57 Hero Product

RETAIL

REGULARS4 News

8 Exclusive NPD analysis

10 Media Tracker

12 TV ratings

6 Appointments

15 Campaign of the Month

Contents

Emily BriggsSales [email protected]

Katie RobertsDeputy [email protected]

Dan [email protected]

Jon [email protected]

Stuart [email protected]

Samantha LovedayAssociate [email protected]

Ronnie DunganManaging [email protected]

Intent Media is a member of thePeriodical Publishers Associations

Editorial: 01992 535646Advertising: 01992 535647

■ ToyNews circulation is 15.9% higherthan its closest competitor.

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■ ToyNews has 100% named circulationand 0% duplication.

AUDITED CIRCULATION:Average Net Circulation: 6,043July 1st 2009 to June 30th 2010.

www.toynews-online.biz

DO YOU NEED A PROFESSIONAL SALES AGENT?

Chris BullockEmail me at : [email protected] phone me on: 07775 753076

I have worked in the Toy Industry for 25 years in salesand management, (20+ years for the market leader).

I am now looking to represent manufacturersas an independent Sales Agent / Consultant.

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WITH SALES growing by 30 percent this year, Re:creation believes itsinvestment in new product is aboutto take it to another level.

Sales surged by over 30 per cent to£11.5 million for the first sevenmonths of 2010.

The firm says the growth wasdriven primarily by a more focusedsupport of key brands includingRazor, the Lego-licensed range, andits portfolio of pocket money toys,with particular emphasis oninnovation within the brands.

Strong sales have also beendelivered through the firm’sexpansion in the gift sector, within

which it holds licences for MontyPython, Stylophone and PyramatGaming chairs.

Re:creation has also recentlyexpanded into the back to schoolsector with a range of bags andaccessories under the Smash brand.

“Three years ago we looked at thebusiness, we recognised the merit in

us developing our own lines. We’vehad a fair amount of focus on our in-house portfolio that we can sell on aglobal market and we’ve got verystrong partnerships going forward,”said managing director Nick Joslin.

“2011 is where the fruits of thatwill be seen. We’ve opened a HongKong showroom and that changesthe scope of what we can do. We’reno longer just a distributor.”

To support this growth,Re:creation has recruited a numberof new employees including KatyFletcher, Alex Kovacevic, and MaryCaptieux on the brands team. Thefirm has also created a new projectsdivision headed by David Woodman.Re:creation: 0118 973 6222

Three years agowe recognised

the merit in developingour own lines

Nick JoslinMD, Re:creation

4 NEWS

by Ronnie Dungan

MATTEL’S HOT Wheels brand haslinked up with the British RacingDrivers Club (BRDC) for a numberof sponsorship deals and cross-promotional activities.

The year-long partnership kickedoff with the Gold Headlinesponsorship at the BRDC Awards,held at the Savoy in London.

The new promotional partnershipforms part of an extensive marketingprogramme – ‘Hot Wheels For Real’.Up-and-coming BRDC motor-racingdrivers will play a leading role in the2011 brand campaign as they mentorfour competing teams in a HotWheels competition.

The multi-level programme willalso include record-breaking stunts,celebrity endorsement, experientialinitiatives and impactful “money-can’t-buy” activity that will allowfans to get a sneak peak at the worldof elite racing at Silverstone.

BRDC club secretary, StuartPringle commented: “Britain’s racingdrivers continue to dominate ininternational motor sport and thefuture looks extremely exciting forSilverstone too. The BRDC is

delighted to have teamed up withHot Wheels for an initiative whichwe very much hope will encouragethe next generation of would-beWorld Champions toward the sport.”

Mattel marketing director, EricaZubriski, added: “We are delightedto be working with the BRDC andSilverstone. For over 40 years HotWheels has been delivering thrillingvehicle experiences to generations offans and this partnership willresonate with a whole new audience.2011 will be a big impact year for thebrand delivering break-frameinitiatives and mass-awareness on ascale never before seen.”Mattel: 01628 500000

Mattel links with drivers club

Nick Joslin: Confident about2011 for Re:creation

Investment in product development starting to bear fruit for buoyant Re:creation, as sales soar in 2010

“We’re no longer just a distributor”

Thispartnership will

resonate with a wholenew audience.Erica Zubriski, Mattel

Marketing Director

by Ronnie Dungan

JANUARY 2011

A NEW report into online toyretailing by content providerBrandbank, rates Amazon asproviding the best overall toyretailing experience, ahead of ELCand Argos.

While the report credits the threewith the best performance, no singletoy offering came out withparticularly high marks based on itssystem of rating across a number ofdifferent criteria and the overallverdict was ‘could do better’.

The report concluded that therewas “great scope for toy retailers toenhance product display andusability to improve the purchasingenvironment for consumers”.

All retailers provide the basicelements of search boxes, allowingconsumers to browse the website’sproducts, and also zoomfunctionality, enabling customers tozoom into product images.

The websites scored highly onmaking it as easy as possible forconsumers to complete purchases.Ease of purchase was measured by

analysing the entire process. Featuressuch as visibility and availability of‘buy now’ buttons and the number ofstages in the purchasing process wereused as measurement criteria, as wasthe overall usability of the finalcheckout system.

However, there were many otherbasic elements which variedsignificantly between retailers, saysthe survey.

Product images are one major areawhere some retailers could improve.The high ranking retailers included

multiple, high resolution productimages, often demonstrating theproduct in a lifestyle setting.However, other websites fell down inthis area, showing only one, oftenlow-res, product image.

There is also a clear opportunityfor toy retailers to make use of moreadvanced, rich media features suchas quick-view boxes, video and 360-degree image rotation. On the mostpart, these extra features are notutilised despite their ability toimprove the purchasing experience.

TOYMASTER HAS confirmed that nextyear’s show will be back at its“spiritual home” at the Majestic.

Following last year’s tragic fire atthe Harrogate hotel, which forcedToymaster to hurriedly book theHarrogate International Centre, theshow will return to its traditionalhome at the Barcelo Majestic on May17th-19th 2011.

“Toymaster is pleased to announcethat the 2011 May show will bereturning to its spiritual home,”Toymaster managing director, RogerDyson told ToyNews.Toymaster: 01604 674477

Toymastercomes home

Amazon tops online poll

www.toynews-online.biz 5NEWS

by Ronnie Dungan

HAVING MADE huge strideswith its toy offering recently,Wow Stuff is continuing itsexpansion with a new US office.

The firm expects the US to accountfor 15 per cent of its global sales inyear one and forecasts that it will beits largest single market in three years– six to seven times the size of theUK and three times as big as itsEuropean business. The firm is alsotargeting Japan and China.

Kenny McAndrew, director of newproduct development, said: “We havejust launched our office in LosAngeles and this will help drive NPDalongside our UK and Hong Kongoffices. The team there perfectly fits

our culture here in the UK andwe’re very lucky and privileged

to have them join us. No doubtthough our most talked about new

developments are the six newblockbuster toys we have shown underprivate viewing to major retailers inNovember.

“These toys are unlike anything thetoy industry has ever seen before. Anyretailer who attended our previewswill testify that each of the toys aregoing to sell in the same quantity asDave the Funky Shoulder Monkey –over 255,000 pieces in the UK alone –which we are happy for anyindependent data body to conductdue diligence to confirm.”Wow Stuff: 0870 0546000

Company continues expansion with new base in LA, whichis expected to make up 15 per cent of global sales

Wow Stuff opens US office

by Ronnie DunganYOU CAN now follow ToyNews viaour brand new Facebook page, aswell as our existing Twitter(@toynewsonline), RSS, mobile anddaily email services.

In addition, we’ve plugged Twitterand Facebook Like buttons into allour online articles, so you can shareToyNews content with colleagues andfriends with ease.

It’s all part of our goal to makeToyNews available across as manychannels as possible, deliveringmaximum convenience to readersand extra value to advertisers.

In addition to its print publicationand website, ToyNews magazine isalso available as a digital PDF thatcan be read in any web browser,greatly extending its monthlycirculation, particularly ininternational markets.

With this latest expansion into theworld of social networking – andwith apps for iPhone and Androiddevices in the pipeline – ToyNewswill further consolidate its position asthe leading news source for theglobal toys industry.www.toynews-online.biz

Follow ToyNews onFacebook and Twitter

Online toy retailers scrutinised across a number of different criteria for new report

JANUARY 2011

Vivid has appointed Neil Bandtockas managing director of Vivid UKwith effect from this month.Bandtock was a member of Vivid’soriginal team in 1993 and during his17 years in the company, has operatedas commercial director on their toy,FOB, gift and MGA (Bratz) divisions.

Paul Weston, Vivid’s CEOcomments: “Neil brings a wealth ofexperience to his new role, not just insales and marketing, but also inmanaging key distributor andlicensing partnerships, and will play akey role in the further developmentof our business in the UK.”

Nick Thomas now assumes therole of UK commercial director withfull responsibility across toy, FOB andCrayola divisions. Completing therestructure of the UK sales team andreporting into Thomas, GerbieQuilter has been promoted to salesdirector of the toy division, and Steve

Alexander to sales director of theCrayola division. Both werepreviously general sales managers oftheir respective divisions.

Weston continues: “Nick, Gerbieand Steve have all earned theirstripes at Vivid over many years andwill continue to bring great strengthand focus to these key areas of thebusiness.”

Re:creation grew its revenues by 30per cent in the first seven months of2010. To support this growth, the firmhas recruited new talent includingKaty Fletcher, Alex Kovacevic, andMary Captieux on the brands teamand has created a new projectsdivision headed by David Woodman.

Maxine Rushton has joinedoutdoor toy specialist, Hy Pro, asnational accounts manager.

Rushton moves to the firm fromChitech, and previous to that, sheworked at Raleigh.

Bandai has hired Mischief PR towork on all its product ranges fromDecember onwards concentrating onboys’ ranges Ben 10, Power Rangersand Armouron, girls' range Harumikaand licensed pre-school range TingaTinga Tales.

Mischief will also offer supportacross all other product rangesincluding Tamagotchi, Badge IT, andPopPixie. The team will be headed upby creative director, Dan Glover andwill focus on consumer and trade PR.

Bandai's marketing director, DarrellJones commented: "2011 is set to be avery busy year for Bandai with somegreat new products hitting the marketacross all our ranges.

“We look forward to working withMischief to maximise the PR andmarketing opportunities across allranges. Toy Fair 2011 will kick offwhat is set to be an exciting year and partnership".

FROM LEFT: Vivid Imaginations’Steve Alexander, NeilBandtock, Gerbie Quilter andNick Thomas and far right,Maxine Rushton from Hy Pro.

6 APPOINTMENTS

INDUSTRY MOVESReshuffle at Vivid Imaginations as Bandtock takes the reins, Re:creation supports growth with new recruits and projectsdivision, Hy Pro hires National Account Manager and Bandai takes on Mischief for trade and consumer PR…

Discover the latest toys, gadgets and partyware and over300,000 new product launches

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YOUR YEAR STARTS HERE• 3,000 exhibitors• 500 NEW exhibitors• 300,000 new product launches• 12 buying sectors• Over 1,000 exclusive exhibitors

MORE THAN JUST AN EXHIBITION• NEW Toy demo area sponsored by Wind Designs and Intertek• FREE Seminars and previews to benefit your business• FREE Parking• FREE Catalogue at the show• Exclusive show only offers

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VOLUME GIFT & HOME KITCHEN DINING & HOUSEWARES GREETINGS & STATIONERY GIFT & HOME ART & FRAMING DESIGN-LED GIFTSWELLBEING TOYS, GADGETS & PARTY OUTDOOR LIVING FESTIVE FLORAL & FIREWORKS FASHION JEWELLERY & ACCESSORIES THE JEWELLERY SHOW

QUOTE

PRIORITY CODE

SFTOYN

JANUARY 2011

OCTOBER SALES have continuedto grow in the traditional toymarket for the UK, although at aslightly slower pace than inSeptember. Value sales were up 11per cent for the month, togetherwith the same increase in volume.

Only two super categories areshowing declines in October 2010with action figures and games &puzzles down year-on-year.Categories driving growth in themonth are plush and building sets,which are the two top performersgrowing at 28 per cent and 26 percent respectively.

Plush growth continues to bedriven by the special featurecategory but traditional plush is alsogrowing versus last October at 12per cent. Within traditional plushwe have seen growth from moretraditional children’s favouritesWinnie the Pooh and Peppa Pig, butalso a new entry from Zingzillas.

Building sets continue the stronggrowth the category has seen all yearand licences have had quite a bigimpact with Halo Wars, Toy Storyand Harry Potter joining Star Wars asthe top licenses in building sets.Although standard building setsmake up the lion’s share of value,the junior category is also growingstrongly, with Mega Bloks Build andCreate Junior the top property there.

Toy Story is the top property inthe total market for the month ofOctober, as it has been in recentmonths since the release of ToyStory 3. There is now such a large

number of Toy Story items in themarket, it will be hard to see anyother property coming close by theend of the year, especially with theDVD now on the market for therun-up to Christmas.

The toy market year to date hasnow exceeded pre-recession sales(YTD October 2008) in both valueand volume which is veryencouraging and sets the market upwell for the key period of the year.Along with the top performingcategories we are now starting tosee growth from other areas of the

toy market that have seen moredifficult times.

“Consistently strong categoriessuch as building sets and plushcontinue to grow but areas thathave seen declines, such as youth

electronics are now in positivegrowth again” said Jez Fraser-Hook,director of NPD Group’s toybusiness in the UK.

“The Toy Story impact can also beseen by positive growth withinlicences which are starting to gainshare in the market again after atough time.”

Construction and plush rule,but green shoots elsewhere

Consistently strong categories such asbuilding sets and plush continue to

grow but areas that have seen declines arenow in positive growth again. The Toy Storyimpact can also be seen by positivegrowth within licences.

Top 5 propertiesOctober 20101. TOY STORY2. PEPPA PIG3. BARBIE4. VTECH BABY5. BEN 10

Best ItemProgression October 2010

Guess Who Extra(Hasbro)The latest edition of the gamehas shot up the charts fromnumber 262 to 54…

Best propertyprogressionOctober 2010

AnimagicVivid’s animated plush brand isincreasing in popularity, movingfrom number 59 to 32…

08 NPD RESEARCH

UK Toy Sales(value, year to date)

2009 2010 11%Source: NPD

Oct 09: £8.15 Oct 10: £8.12

Sales Average Price

PropertiesRetail Sales Trends

UK OCTOBER 2010 (£ SALES - VALUE) UK OCTOBER 2010 (UNIT SALES - VOLUME)

1 KIDZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA VTECH

2 ZHU ZHU HAMSTER PACKS ASSORTMENT CHARACTER

3 FIRST STEPS BABYWALKER VTECH

4 MINIFIGURES 2010 ASSORTMENT 1 2 LEGO

5 STAR WARS REBEL TROOPER/SNOW TROOPER BATTLE PACK LEGO

6 CARS CHARACTER ASSORTMENT MATTEL

7 NEBULUS FOLDING SCOOTER H GROSSMAN

8 HOT WHEELS BASIC CAR MATTEL

9 BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE 10CM FIGURES BANDAI

10 BAKUGAN STARTER PACK SPIN MASTER

UK YEAR TO DATE (UNIT SALES - VOLUME)

1 OFFICIAL FIFA STICKERS PANINI


3 MINI FIGURES 2010 ASSORTMENT 1 2 LEGO

4 MATCH ATTAX CARDS TOPPS


6 PLAY DOH SINGLE TUB ASSORTMENT HASBRO

7 MATCH ATTAX ENGLAND CARDS TOPPS

8 MATCH ATTAX EXTRA 20 TOPPS

9 GOGO’S CRAZY BONES EXPLORER PACK MAGIC BOX

10 BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE 10CM FIGURES BANDAI

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 MINIFIGURES 2010 ASSORTMENT. 1 2 LEGO


3 BEN 10 UA 10 CM ASSORTMENT BANDAI

4 PLAY DOH SINGLE TUB ASSORTMENT HASBRO

5 BAKUGAN BOOSTER PACK SPIN MASTER


7 LITTLEST PETSHOP GET THE PETS SINGLES HASBRO

8 MATCHBOX 1 75 MINATURES MATTEL

9 GIANT PLUSH ASSORTMENT VIVID IMAGINATIONS

10 GOGO’S CRAZY BONES SUPERSTARS MAGIC BOX

1 KIDZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA VTECH

2 FIRST STEPS BABYWALKER VTECH

3 BARBIE PUPPY SWIM SCHOOL MATTEL

4 MINIFIGURES 2010 ASSORTMENT 1 2 LEGO

5 GIANT PLUSH ASSORTMENT VIVID IMAGINATIONS

6 KIDIZOOM VIDEO CAMERA VTECH

7 MINIBLOKS TUB ASSORTMENT MEGA BRANDS

8 BARBIE FASHION FAIRYTALE MATTEL

9 BEN 10 ULTIMATE ALIEN 10 CM FIGURES BANDAI

10 TOY STORY 3 DELUXE BUZZ JET PACK MATTEL

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.toynews-online.biz 09NPD RESEARCH

Retail Sales Trends

10 STATS

JANUARY 2011

THE FINANCING models forproduction in the children's sectorhave come under tremendouspressure both in the UK andinternationally.

Falling revenues hurt thebroadcaster, lower licence fees hurtthe studio/producer and distributor.And broadcast time remains aperishable commodity.

In children’s television most of thecontent can be recycled across aplethora of delivery systems fromCBBC to Bin Weevils. What goes onbehinds the scenes manifests intothe viewing experience; driven byrights, windows and licence fees.

This funding challenge iscompounded by the fact that showshave a long shelf life. Broadcastersare reducing the size of theiracquisition budgets, but maintainingthe same output and number ofshows, because networks are happyto return the popular ones.

So let’s return to those fundingmodels and see on a local basiswhat the upside could be forchildren’s programmes fromAdvertiser Supplier Funded (ASF).

Ad funded was reported to beworth £15m in 2010 across allgenres to the indie programmesector; forecast to grow to £22m in2011 (according to Kremplewood.)

Before we consider the activity inthe children’s sector just pause for aminute and ask yourself what showshave you watched that are visiblyASF and where the brand hasregistered its mark with you?

For the purpose of this article let’sassume that kids are much smarterthan us adults and can identify andengage with brands that have anASF role in children’s programmingfar more readily than we do in adultshows. In principle the theory thatASF could provide a lucrative newroute to funding can only beachieved within the rules and

regulation, before addressing thecreative challenge.

Advertisers using TV know thattelevision remains the mostpowerful medium in the world, theyare keen to innovate and lookbeyond spot advertising andsponsorship and consider ASF.

The opportunity to take up apiece of the programme rights, thatin turn allows an advertiser to createmore brand visibility with a show,and take the message across theline in a more immersive style. Thisopportunity remains an attractiveproposition. However, given theaforementioned challenges, is ASFtoo much work for too little return?

This column does not run enoughspace for me to debate the set ofdo's and dont's that apply acrossEurope; it is not my intention tododge that issue and I will furtheropen the debate next month.

To set the scene in the context ofthis feature a brief precis of therules from the regulator OFCOMpaints the picture.

“The brand is prohibited from anydirect product refrences and fromany involvement in the editorial,aside from the break bumpers at thebeginning, and end of the show andin the ad break bumpers, thebumpers are resticted to not allowany ‘call to action’.”

These rules are not meant to beany kind of deterrent, in fact theregulator handles ASF very muchlike a ‘sponsored programme’. Themost difficult aspect in anycommercial message associatedwith editorial rests in theinterpretation. The challenge forbrands considering ASF is tomaintain their creative energy andcontinue to innovate.

Media tracker

By Clive Crouch

BehindTHE SCREEN

[email protected] 670453

MARKET VALUE YEAR TO DATE (OCTOBER)

SOURCE: NPD/TOYNEWS

£1.76BN

£1.58BN2009

£1,800,000,000

£1,200,000,000

£500,000,000

2009 vs 2010

2010

TOP LICENSED TOYS YTD OCTOBER 2010 (BY VALUE)

1 STAR WARS 2010 LEGO

2 CARS CHARACTER ASST MATTEL

3 BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE 10CM FIGS BANDAI

4 SW LUKE’S LANDSPEEDER LEGO

5 OFFICIAL FIFA STICKERS PANINI

6 TOY STORY 3 TALKING FIG ASST MATTEL

7 TOY STORY 3 JET PACK BUZZ MATTEL

8 BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE 15CM FIGS BANDAI

9 WOODY AND BUZZ RESCUE LEGO

10 FIREMAN SAM VEHICLE & ACCESS CHARACTER

SOURCE:

www.toynews-online.biz 11STATS

TV insight from former GMTV veteran, Clive Crouch; toy market value;channel splits and comparative market data on all manner ofentertainment products….

JANUARY 2011

AMAZON CHILDREN’S BOOKS

1 GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS 2011 GUINNESS

2 THE UGLY TRUTH: DIARY OF A WIMPY KID JEFF KINNEY

3 ZOG JULIA DONALDSON

4 TOP GEAR OFFICIAL ANNUAL 2011 BBC

5 I SHALL WEAR MIDNIGHT TERRY PRATCHETT

6 BEANO ANNUAL 2011 DC THOMSON

7 LEGO OFFICIAL ANNUAL 2011 LEGO

8 ALIENS LOVE PANTA CLAUS CLAIRE FREEDMAN

9 SIMPSONS ANNUAL 2011 MATT GROENING

10 THE GRUFFALO JULIA DONALDSON

SOURCE: AMAZON

UK WEEKEND BOX OFFICE (26TH-28TH NOV 2010)

1 HARRY POTTER/DEATHLY HALLOWS WARNER BROS

2 UNSTOPPABLE 20TH CENTURY FOX

3 LONDON BOULEVARD ENTERTAINMENT

4 DUE DATE WARNER BROS

5 THE AMERICAN UNIVERSAL

6 DESPICABLE ME UNIVERSAL

7 GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET'S NEST MOMENTUM

8 3-D JACKASS PARAMOUNT

9 SKYLINE MOMENTUM

10 MACHETE SONY

SOURCE:UK FILM COUNCIL

CHANNEL SPLITS

SOURCE:

VALUE% SHAREOCTOBER 2010

TOTAL 100.0

GROCERS 36.4%

SPECIALIST & MIXED 63.6%

VOLUME% SHAREOCTOBER 2010

TOTAL 100.0

GROCERS 56.0%

SPECIALIST & MIXED 44.0%

AVERAGE SELLING PRICEFOR TOTAL TOYS*OCTOBER 2010

TOTAL £8.12

GROCERS £5.28

SPECIALIST & MIXED £11.74

63.6%36.4%

44.0%

56.0%

£11.74 £5.28 £8.12

JANUARY 2011

The top-performing children’s TV shows on terrestrial and multi-channel....

Top programmes12 AIRTIME STATISTICS

1 14:47 BERNARD CBBC 206 14.6 2

2 16:32 SPORT RELIEF DOES WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS CBBC 205 13.5 5

3 18:10 MACKENZIE FALLS: SEASON FINALE DISNEY CH. 196 10.2 2

4 9:11 PHINEAS AND FERB CITV/ITV 196 16.4 55

5 8:41 SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS CITV/ITV 185 16.1 80

6 8:58 THE SUITE LIFE OF ZACK & CODY CITV/ITV 180 13.2 16

7 12:55 SARAH JANE ALIEN FILES CBBC 177 11.9 14

8 16:29 TRAPPED: EVER AFTER CBBC 169 13.0 22

9 9:01 TRACY BEAKER RETURNS CBBC 169 13.4 189

10 17:49 THE BIG PERFORMANCE CBBC 165 8.9 9

TIME TITLE/DESCRIPTION CHANNEL OOOs % AIRINGS

SHOWS ACROSS ALL TIMES NOV 10

1 16:29 TRAPPED: EVER AFTER CBBC 258 14.3 4

2 17:46 SARAH JANE ALIEN FILES CBBC 238 11.8 4

3 17:16 THE SARAH JANE ADVENTURES CBBC 229 14.0 24

4 17:18 SCOOP CBBC 205 10.8 3

5 16:31 THE SLAMMER CBBC 195 12.6 6

6 17:45 THE BIG PERFORMANCE CBBC 191 9.5 4

7 17:00 THE STORY OF TRACY BEAKER CBBC 190 11.9 40

8 17:02 EVERYTHING'S ROSIE CBEEBIES 184 10.1 4


10 8:25 DANI'S HOUSE CBBC 178 12.6 12


SHOWS ACROSS ALL TIMES YTD NOV 10


2 18:10 MACKENZIE FALLS: SEASON FINALE DISNEY CH. 196 10.2 2




6 8:32 BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE CITV/ITV 164 15.1 6

7 9:00 POWER RANGERS RPM CITV/ITV 161 11.6 27

8 8:29 BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD CITV/ITV 160 14.4 16

9 9:01 AARON STONE CITV/ITV 157 12.1 13

10 10:31 FILM: THE BFG (1989) CITV 156 10.3 2


COMMERCIAL MULTICHANNEL SHOWS (ALL TIMES) NOV 10

SOURCE: INFOSYS/BARB. NOTE: THESE CHARTS ARE BASED ON AVERAGE PERFORMANCE




4 7:44 NODDY IN TOYLAND FIVE 135 9.9 17

5 8:40 PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR CITV/ITV 125 12.1 4

6 7:40 MILKSHAKE MONKEY FIVE 123 9.8 15

7 8:06 HORRID HENRY CITV/ITV 122 12.4 3

8 8:00 FIFI AND THE FLOWERTOTS FIVE 120 11.3 23

9 8:26 PEPPA PIG FIVE 107 12.9 57

10 8:41 SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS ITV1 104 8.3 6


COMMERCIAL MULTICHANNEL SHOWS (ALL TIMES) YTD NOV 10

Sales Hotline 01869 363800 | [email protected]

Crazy Cats in the Potting Shed : 500 pieces14135

Me to You Cottage : 1000 pieces19247

The Milkman : 500 pieces14167

The Bizarre Bookshop : 1000 pieces19226

Carnaby Street : 2 x 500 pieces14066

Rose Cottage : 1000 pieces15585

Puzzle Store™ 17949

l li | l bSee the new 2011 range at Toy Fair Stand B156 and Spring Fair 5C1

500 to 32,000 piece jigsaw puzzles featuring Softclick Technology

ensuring a supreme fi t

The complete portable puzzle workstation

JANUARY 2011

IN ADDITION to classic Lego building sets,Lego Ninjago introduces collectible spinners andcards bringing a social experience toconstructable play.

There are various sets and spinners/cards tocollect within the assortment, all at price pointsto encourage trial of the range.

It will be supported by a powerful integratedconsumer marketing programme designed tocapture the imagination of boys aged six-plus.

AdvertisingIn December 2010, a teaser campaign wasintroduced to drive brand awareness prior tolaunch through a mix of media. This highlightedthe mystery and secrecy apparent within thetheme’s storyline.

From 17th January 2011 almost 1,000 TVRsshowcasing both the spinners and playsets willrun across key kids satellite and terrestrialchannels. Aside from TV, Lego will beadvertising the mysterious Ninja eyes teaserimage in over 1,460 sites across the UK andDublin. This will be followed by cinemaadvertising throughout Vue Cinemas from 11thFebruary to support the launch of the new YogiBear movie.

The advertising plan will be strengthened by abespoke sponsorship campaign with Swapit toengage target boys and highlight thecollectability of the brand.

PRWorking with Future Publishing, creative activitythroughout the year has been negotiated in Nitromagazine including a series of take-over issues,advertorials, posters, full page competitions andthemed interactive puzzles and feature scenes.

A media relations campaign will also be

implemented throughout the year by Norton andCo to communicate the new collection, and theNinjago concept across kids’ media anddedicated kids’ pages in the national andconsumer press. New Media assets will also beuploaded to key social networking sites toenhance brand visibility across all age groups.

Brand Ambassador ProgrammeNorton will also execute a brand awarenessprogramme to encourage boys to experience andunderstand the brand ethos. To promotetalkability and brand authority, Lego Ninjago hasteamed up with the United Kingdom Martial ArtsAssociation to set the Spinjitzu Challenge in asearch for Ninjago’s ‘Master Spinners’. TargetingUKMA classes across the country in a search forLego Ninjago Brand Ambassadors, each class is toreceive Lego Ninjago sets and a SpinjitzuChallenge brief, whereby the classes will be askedto create a two minute Lego Ninjago battlesequence which they will then record and submitto the Lego Ninjago microsite. The winning classwill be crowned as brand ambassadors with one‘chosen’ pupil as the overall Master and, amongstother prizes, will win a trip to Lego HQ in Billund,Demark to meet the team behind Lego Ninjago todiscuss the brand.

EventsThrough a roadshow programme running fromEaster 2011 the world of Spinjitzu will bebrought to life amongst target audiencesthroughout malls and family festivals/showsduring school holidays. Ninjago’s ‘MasterSpinners’ will also attend key events to performtheir winning routine.

OnlinePesky ninjas will be dominating homepagetakeovers on key kids and toy retailer sites. Inaddition to this online activity, a bespokeNinjago website is in development –www.ninjago.com – for fans to learn all about themysterious, ancient martial art, plus answerquizzes and play games.

In-store With all new launches, a substantial in-storepresence has been secured via a wide variety ofpoint of sale materials to captivate the audienceand take them to a new level of Lego play andengagement. This includes end-caps, freestanding units and model tubes, designed toshowcase the new Lego Ninjago brand. Retailstaff will be sporting branded t-shirts plus therewill be branded stickers and brochure giveawaysmade available.

January 2011 sees the launch of abrand new theme, Lego Ninjago,within the Lego portfolio. It offerschildren aged six and over anentirely new experience that bridgesphysical action play, Lego productbuilding and interactive on-lineexperience, with a Ninja theme…

LegoNinjago

www.toynews-online.biz 15CAMPAIGN OF THE MONTH

Leading stationery licensee, CopywriteDesigns, talks to ToyNews about its plans fortoy retail distribution…

NewsPage 18-19

Disney unveils Tron product range, Golden Bear onboard for Driver Dan, Zodiak takes on Little Princess,Mega Brands links with EA, JCB prepares for furthergrowth, Peppa goes to the US …

Copywrite’s 2011 plansPages 20

The UK’s only dedicated monthly licensing coverage

News • Media • Opinion

JANUARY 2011

DISNEY HAS unveiled its product range to complement newfilm, Tron: Legacy.

The collection includes a mix of toys, dress-up, computerperipherals and electronics, plus fashion, beauty and stationeryitems. Licensees include Spin Master, H&A and Guillemotamong others.

The toy line will include action figures featuring impulseprojection technology, which brings the characters to life byprojecting digitised, illuminated faces onto the helmet, just asin the film. The range features mini, 3.75" and 7.5" actionfigures. Core and Deluxe vehicles will also be launched, aswell as the Tron Zero Gravity Light Cycle which features six-foot light-emitting trails and Air Hogs technology allowing itto be driven on a wall or upside down.

Meanwhile, H&A has developed a range of beautyproducts, launching in January 2011, including wash bag giftsets and re-charge bath and shower gel. The DVD launch ofTron: Legacy is pencilled in for spring/summer 2011.Disney: 0208 222 1000

Disney eyeingnew Legacy

18

THE LICENSING programme forTwofour54’s pre-school property Driver Dan’sStory Train is up and running, with mastertoy and home entertainment partners comingon board.

In a deal brokered by UK licensing andmerchandising agent, Aoh!K Commercial,Golden Bear will develop a range of toys,including plush, plastic and electronic, aswell as 3D plush hot water bottle cases and3D pyjama sets. The range is due to launchin autumn/winter 2011.

In addition, Golden Bear will develop alimited range of arts and crafts products,including mechanical drawing devices andfelt kits.

The first range of Driver Dan toys willform a key part of Golden Bear's presence atToy Fair at the end of January.

Universal Pictures InternationalEntertainment has also been appointed DVDpartner in the UK and Australia. The firstDVD will be released in 2011.

“It’s a great start for the brand in its leadterritories,” said Aoh!K’s Andrew Kerr.

“Golden Bear and Universal are categoryleaders who will bring a level of excellence tothe key product offering for consumers.”

Wayne Borg, COO at Twofour54, added:“Our aim with the brand was to demonstrate to the Middle East mediaindustry how to build a global children’sbrand and create a successful businessthrough 360-degree exploitation of the IP.”Aoh!K Commercial: 01789 417719

ZODIAK RIGHTS has scoredthe global rights to hit pre-school property, Little Princess,created by The IlluminatedFilm Company.

The firm is now looking tosecure international sales forthe third series, as well as givethe licensing programme aboost. Little Princess currentlyairs on Five’s Milkshake in theUK, as well as on numerous channels acrossthe world.

“Little Princess is already a well known andwell loved character around the globe,”commented Matthew Frank, CEO of ZodiakRights. “We are extremely excited to be partof one of the most exciting children’sproperties on the market and are confidentthat through our expertise we can add furthervalue to the brand.”

Iain Harvey, producer at The IlluminatedFilm Company, added: “I’m delighted to beworking with Zodiak Rights on taking LittlePrincess on further adventures and to pastures new.”

Zodiak Rights holds all future internationalbroadcast rights (excluding Japan and Korea)and all licensing and merchandising rights(excluding publishing) to Little Princess.Zodiak Rights: 020 7013 4347

Golden Bear on boardto rev up Driver DanTwofour54 appoints master toy, while Universal Pictures alsopledges support

by Samantha Loveday

Royal appointment for Zodiak Rights

LICENSINGNEWS

ENTERTAINMENT ONE'S Peppa Pig is set to air in the USfollowing a deal with Nickelodeon.

A new half-hour series of the Astley Baker Davies show isbeing planned on Nick Jr. Peppa Pig currently airs as aninterstitial series on the channel in the territory.

“We are confident that Peppa will be as popular withchildren and families in the US as she is in the UK, creatingopportunities to further expand the franchise around theworld,” said Darren Throop, CEO of Entertainment One.EOne: 020 7907 3797

Peppa Pig isUS bound

JANUARY 2011

www.licensing.biz 19

FLAIR PICKS UP JUNGLEJUNCTIONFlair is due to roll out vehicles andplay-sets based on Disney's JungleJunction from autumn 2011, after itsecured the master toy rights for the UK and Republic of Ireland. The show currently airs onPlayhouse Disney.Flair: 0208 643 0320

SALES SPIKE FOR LATESTTHOMAS AND FRIENDS DVDHit Entertainment is celebrating thesuccess of its latest Thomas &Friends DVD, Misty Island Rescue,after it became the biggest sellingweek one pre-school title of 2010.Released on October 11th, the title'sweek one sales were up seven percent on the previous major release,Hero of the Rails. Sales hadincreased to a further ten per centlead on last year's figures, threeweeks later.Hit Entertainment: 020 7554 2566

CPLG TAKES FLIGHT WITHBRITISH AIRWAYSLicensing agent CPLG is looking forpartners across all categorieshaving signed up British Airways.Sectors being eyed up includegames, publishing, art, accessories,toiletries and gifting, as well astravel and pampering experiencesand fitness. In addition to thetraditional retail routes, licenseesmay also have opportunities for in-flight sales and online.CPLG: 020 8563 6400

ALLIGATOR BOOKS SNAPSUP THE BRAVE AND THEBOLDLaunching at Spring Fair in February2011, Alligator Books is planning aline of Batman: The Brave and theBold activity pads, sticker booksand colouring books for the UK. Thefirm signed a deal with DCEntertainment for the rights.Alligator Books: 020 8371 6622

IN BRIEF

Mega Brands links with EA

JCB WILL be aiming to make furtherin-roads into the pre-school and boyssectors in 2011.

Spring/summer 2011 will see thelaunch of the new My 1st JCBpackaging and styling, led by mastertoy partner Golden Bear. Newcharacters Marty Mixer and TommyTruck will be introduced in a varietyof vehicle sizes, with further vehiclesets, role-play and fresh characterslaunching later in the year, supportedby a full schedule of TV advertising.

Additionally, new licenseeInspirationWorks is due to roll outeducational electronic toys fromautumn/winter 2011.

In addition to toys, the pre-schoolbrand will also see new productlaunches in the back to school,bedding, clothing, accessories,

footwear, furniture, greetings,publishing and toiletries categoriesamong others.

For older boys, early 2011 will seethe launch of a new JCB boys styleguide, aimed at four to eight-year-olds. Master toy partner in this area,HTI, is planning vehicles, ride-onsand role-play toys for launch duringthe year. Further releases in the I

Love My JCB DVD series by GoEntertain will further bolster thelicensing programme.

Moving into live events, and a newinteractive JCB Young Drivers Zoneopens in the spring at Willows FarmVillage in Hertfordshire. Otherexperiential partners for JCB includeDiggerland and Legoland Windsor.JCB: 01889 593499

MEGA BRANDS has signed a globalmulti-year deal with Electronic Artsto develop construction toys based onthe Need for Speed video game.

Mega Bloks Need for Speedconstruction toy sets will combinethe engaging and immersive contentof the video game franchise with thecore play pattern of building vehicles.

The line is due to launch insummer 2011 and is targeted at bothbuilding fans and collectors,including vehicles and play-sets.

Vic Bertrand, chief innovationofficer, Mega Brands, commented:

"We're thrilled to be partnering with EA to create the firstconstruction toy line based on theNeed for Speed franchise.

"Whether it's realistic drivinggames or over-the-top pursuits, Needfor Speed has attracted millions offollowers worldwide. We look forwardto bringing this world to life throughMega Bloks by offering fans anaction-packed building experience."

Keith Munro, VP of marketing,Need for Speed, added: "For over 16years, Need for Speed has been at theforefront of contemporary automotive

culture. We are committed todelivering unique and funexperiences to our fans whether it'sfeeling the rush of a cop pursuit at200 mph or custom building yourown race machine.

"Now, through our partnershipwith Mega Bloks, everyone will beable to create their own customizableNeed for Speed experience."Mega Brands: 01844 350033

by Samantha Loveday

LICENSINGNEWS

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JCB digging in for further brandgrowth in pre-school and boysBrand recieves makeover ● additional toy lines on way ● live events join line-up…

JANUARY 2011

INTERNATIONAL GREETINGSacquired Copywrite Designs in 1998to bolster its licensed stationery andbags business.

Turns out this was a good move forthe firm – which was originally set upas a gift wrap manufacturer in 1979 –as Copywrite is now one of theleading stationery suppliers in thebusiness. It currently works with 20brands and around ten licensors, thebiggest of which is Disney.

Big successes in 2010 included ToyStory 3, Peppa Pig and DisneyPrincess, along with growth in theolder age groups with classicproperties such as the Muppets andMinnie Mouse. Best selling productsinclude sets such as the CompleteArt Pack, plus value items like fold-

out filled pencil cases and stationeryfilled backpacks. And 2011 is shapingup to be just as busy, brand managerDan Grant (pictured) explains.“Spongebob Squarepants is joining theportfolio, plus we’ll be working with

some brand new licencesincluding BBC pre-school

brand ZingZillas,developing arange of arts,crafts andcreative playitems. For thetween girlswe’ll have a

range of fashionstationery for Pink Cookie,

while movie releases Transformers 3

and Cars 2 will be complemented byranges aimed at boys and includingelements of the themes from bothfilms. Major launch for all theseranges will be Spring Fair.”

In terms of retail distribution,Copywrite already has a strongplatform. Its key retail partners arethe likes of Tesco, Asda, Toy R Us,WH Smith and Poundland, whichdrive big volume opportunities. 2010also saw the firm begin to trade morewith online retailers. A key drive for2011, however, is to exploit thepotential at toy retail even further.

“The toy retailers have always beenan important part of the CopywriteDesign business – we already workwith the likes of TRU, Smyths,

Hamleys and The Entertainer,” Grantcontinues. “However, the potential towork with toy retailers more is veryattractive, especially as stationerylaunches closely follow toy launchesat retail, so the impact of having bothcategories in store in the same periodcan be massive.

“We also work alongside a numberof licensors supplying gift withpurchase items as part of toypromotions. With items such as ourart packs becoming more popular,there is a good opportunity to sellthese alongside toys. The crosscategory offering is certainly an areawe would be keen to exploit further.”

And there are many benefits fortoy retailers in stocking Copywrite’sproducts too, points out Grant. “Weoffer a full range of price points fromimpulse and pocket money items tolarger gifting products, allowing theretailer to sell something for everyoccasion. Plus, we hold many of thesame big licences as the toy suppliersand the look of the stationery lines isvery in keeping with the toys.”

While things are going well forCopywrite, there are still a number ofchallenges to overcome, says Grant,including maintaining margin whileproduction costs are rising and retailprices are falling. “We believe this iswhere licences can assist in offeringan alternative to just selling on priceand turns the product offering intosomething more premium.”

Overall though, Grant is confidentabout 2011: “The key objective hasto be to successfully bring the newlydeveloped ranges to market on timeand create a buzz among retailers,licensors and consumers. In such atough environment every sale countsand that is dependent on everyaspect of the business pullingtogether and delivering to the best ofour abilities.

“Ultimately, growth on 2010 has tobe the goal and with a strong licenceand product portfolio on offer webelieve this is possible,” he concludes.

The Write stuff

The potential to work with toy retailersmore is very attractive, especially as

stationery launches closely follow toylaunches at retail, so the impact of havingboth categories in one store in thesame period can be massive.

20 LICENSING SUPPLIER PROFILE

Having established itself as a key stationery supplier in the licensing industry, Copywrite Designs is now looking towork more closely with toy retailers. Samantha Loveday found out about the company’s plans for 2011 and beyond…

More toys than ever forNEC’s big spring showcaseTHIS YEAR’S Spring Fair boasts itsbiggest ever toy industry presence,including a new productdemonstration feature.

The toys, gadgets and party sectorin Hall Five will feature more than250 suppliers of products rangingfrom wooden toys, plush, puzzles andgames, to dress-up items, electronicgadgets, outdoor toys and balloons.

New for the 2011 edition of thefair will be a large Toy Demo Area inHall Five, sponsored by WindDesigns and Intertek. Six 30-minuteslots per day will give exhibitors thechance to demonstrate their latestproducts and encourage visitingretailers to test and interact withinnovative new toys and gadgets.

Toy firms attending the showinclude Ravensburger, Great Gizmos,Wilton Bradley, Smiffys, Rubies,

Pioneer, Amscan, Aurora, Ty, PaulLamond Games, Dowman Imports,Out of the Blue, Millars Ark Toys,Lanka Kade, Gibson Games, KeelToys, Brainstorm, Flying Toys, JohnCrane, House of Marbles, Steiff,Tobar and Interplay.

In addition, Hornby has returnedafter a number of years’ absence. Thefirm. which is a licensee for theLondon 2012 Olympics, will presentall the latest lines from its Corgi,

Hornby, Scalextric and Airfix brands.Some 40 new exhibitors will join

Spring Fair for the 2011 event,including The Royal Mint, TheSource and Teddy Mountain. Avariety of international suppliers willalso be in attendance, such as:Thanks a Million, Elf on the Shelf,Paper Magic, Melissa & Doug, BBS ,Widmann, Folat, Givi Italia,WinnieEmm and Handelshaus Legler.Emap Connect: 08445 888 071

WHEN: Sunday February 6th toThursday February 10th 2011.Hall One opens February 6th

WHERE: NEC Birmingham UKwww.springfair.com

Spring FairThe Facts

It’s...Well, it’s a list of who’s in thetoy hall...

Exhibitor listPage 26

Page 27-44Preview

Find your way round Hall Five with ourhandy map...

Floorplan

Full company by company run-downof what’s on offer in Hall Five...

JANUARY 2011

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26 SPRING FAIR 2011 EXHIBITOR LIST - HALL 5

AM International Agencies 5C29A.B Gee 5A42AA Publishing 5C80Advansys 5H60Alandra Products 5F44/G43Alpha Toys 5B32Alsuna 5A50Amerang 5D32Amscan International 5C44/D43/D40/E41Anker International 5F27Antony Nunn Agencies 5B63Armadillo Imports 5B37Ashton Pitt 5J70Asobi 5B41Aurora World Uk 5E32/F31Award Publications 5A58B + J Distribution 5J66/K65Bbs Srl 5E62/F63Bbtradesales 5B42Bellco (Sports) 5C15Bigjigs Toys 5A11Bladez Toyz 5A66Bluw 5E51Body Republic 5H70Bounce Sales & Marketing 5B15Boxer 5B27Brainstorm 5A61Bristol Novelty 5B60/C61Brookite 5A10Bukowski Bears UK 5C36Bv Leisure 5E77Carta Mundi (UK) 5A36Cassidy Brothers 5D55Cesar UK 5E09Channel Island Toys 5D29Charlie Bears 5C66Charlie Crow Costumes 5B35Cheatwell Games 5A06/B07/B06Childs Play International 5A14Clever Box Club 5A60ACoiled Spring Games 5D11Crafty Kids 5B41Creative Conceptions 5A54Creative Party 5F74Crimson Foxx 5J75Cuckoo 5A80Dal Negro Spa 5J69Deb Canham Artist Designs 5C08Deluxebase 5A70Desk Top Trading 5D63Discount Radio & Watch Co 5J60/K60/L61DKL Marketing 5C38Double G 5B61Dowman Imports 5A04/B05Eastern Treasures Europe 5B64Eb Brands UK 5C71Ecotronic 5C05The Elf On The Shelf 5E71Eqd 5B19Ernest The Bear Productions 5C11Esdevium Games 5F67Everearth 5B12

Everts International 5E50/F51Expo World Asia 5A16Fiesta Crafts 5A59Flair Leisure Products 5C19Flying Toys 5A41Folat 5D75Four Trading 5A40/B39Fun Collectables 5B21Fun Shack (UK) 5C62Funtime Gifts 5E78Funtosee 5F53Gear For Games 5E67George Street Clothing 5E65Gibsons Games 5A05Gift House International 5E46Ginger Fox 5C13Givi Italia 5D71Glitter Body Art 5H54Goldbug Europe 5B43Gotz Dolls Of Germany 5B63AGreat Gizmos 5D58/E59Grossman 5F50/G45Haba UK 5D10Halilit 5D05Handelshaus Legler Ohg 5D08Hansa 5C02/D03Harmax Products 5K73Heaton Party Company 5F72Hermann Teddy 5C06Hippychick 5B82Holland Publishing 5B56Hornby Hobbies 5B55House Of Crafts 5A68I.T.I (UK) 5E52Ian Latimer Enterprises/Latimer Of Bewdley 5A18Indigo Worldwide 5D81Insect Lore 5C04Instant Gifts International 5A78/B79Interplay (UK) 5A65Intertek Labtest 5J74Jack In The Box 5C27/C24James Hamilton Grovely Puzzles 5B08John Crane 5A39John Hinde UK 5C58John Hornby Skewes & Co 5D07Jolly Wodgers 5F65Jumbo Games 5B52Kayes Of Cardiff/Bruder-Falk 5C20A/C23Lanka Kade 5A55Le Toy Van 5A49Leg Avenue 5B30/C31Licence@Design 5C33Lifemax 5D12Light A Lantern 5J68Liscot International 5J77Little Wigwam 5J73Lucy Locket 5C47Main Sauce Productions 5E76Manhattan Toy Europe 5E48/F49Marbel 5A26Margarete Steiff 5E20/F21

Mask-Arade 5K71Melissa & Doug 5C21Merrythought 5C43Mesmereyez 5J80Millars Ark Toys 5A30/B31Mint Concepts 5E35Mookie Toys 5D72Moulin Roty (UK) 5D39Mumbo Jumbo Toys 5D38/E39Music Sales Group 5A01New Temptations 5H78New-Ray Toys Company 5A16Night Sky Lanterns 5J72Now Group UK T/A Alcosense 5H56Oaktree UK 5H35Oasis Art And Craft Products 5C60Octopus Jewellery 5B57Odeon International Licensing 5G39Olko 5E34Orange Tree Toys 5B04Orchard Toys 5B59Out Of The Blue 5G70/H71P R Books 5H66Paladone Products 5F47Palmer Agencies 5D30/E29Pams The Party Specialists 5C30/D31Paper Magic Group 5G69Paper Projects 5C49Papo UK 5B62Paul Lamond Games 5E58/F59Peers Hardy (UK) 5A45Perfect Wishes 5C67Perkins Group Services 5E07Pioneer Europe 5F60/G61Pizzazz 5J67Plast 5K66Poplar Linens Trading Company 5C17Premier Halloween 5E01Priddy Books 5B20Professor Puzzle 5B16Quay Imports 5A63Rasta Imposta 5C74Ravensburger 5C01Ravensden 5D04/E05Ready 2 Go 5K69Rebel Toys 5A20Recreation 5C50Richard Edward 5H58Royal Party Fireworks 5D50Rubies Masquerade 5A21Sawley Fine Arts 5B01Schleich UK 5A60Science And Nature 5B37Scream Wholesale 5B69Seatriever International 5J61Shiner 5D51Simplex Marketing 5J76Sky Lanterns 5K75Smiffy's 5E04/F05Spencer & Fleetwood 5B26Spike Leisurewear 5D15Spirit Of Air 5D35

Spot On Gifts 5D49Stands Out 5D23Star Cutouts 5A38Star Images Enterprises 5D66/E63Stepping Stones Marketing 5B75Strawberry Design & Marketing 5J82Tantrix UK 5B25Tapball (UK) 5H50Tarema 5D67Tasma Products 5B49Teddy Mountain UK 5H69Teleview Marketing Group 5B45Thanks A Million 5F33The Diabolical Gift People 5F77The Green Board Game Co 5A09The House Of Puzzles 5B24The In Thing 5B11The Kidz Painting Party Company 5H52The Little Experience 5D69The Marant Toy & Gift Co 5A63AThe Noble Collection UK 5D18/E19The Playwrite Group 5B36/C37The Puppet Company 5A73The Royal Mint 5B10The Rub Down Transfer Co 5J71The Source 5F57The Wand Company 5K77The Wandering Monkey Co 5B13Thumbs Up (UK) 5C20Timberkits 5B71Tinytodds 5C57Tkc Sales 5E30Tobar Limited 5D26/E27Toysmart 5J63Tractorland 5A62Traditional Garden Games 5D09Travis Designs 5D25Trimex UK 5C32Trousselier 5C26Ty UK 5D20/E21U Import Corporation 5B40/C41Unique Party 5D60/E61University Games UK 5A46Viva Beads / Launch Products 5D37Walltastic 5B14Webbs World 5F38Whiz, Bang, Wallop 5E74Wicked Costumes 5G62Widmann 5E60/F61Wild Republic (UK) 5C40/D41Wilton Bradley 5G60/H61/G58/H59 Wind Designs 5B65Winnie Emm 5B46Winning Moves Uk 5D61Wow Stuff 5E30Wow Toys 5A44Zeon Character 5C10Zeon Tech 5C14ZFL Group 5J65

EXHIBITOR STAND EXHIBITOR STAND EXHIBITOR STAND EXHIBITOR STAND

JANUARY 2011

www.toynews-online.biz 27SPRING FAIR 2011 PREVIEW

“2011 is an exciting year with thelaunch of our new brand Eureka,” saysNick Saunders, sales director atBrainstorm. “Eureka is a range of fun,educational and interactive productsthat will be first showcased at Toy Fairand Spring Fair.”

The Eureka range will feature a 2-in-1 Globe – earth by day, space by night.The 22.8cm daytime globe showspolitical boundaries and naturalfeatures, such as lakes and rivers.Explore the night sky with theilluminated night globe, which shows

key stars and constellations. Anadvanced light-sensor automaticallyturns on the LED illuminationwhenever the room darkens,transforming the earth globe into acaptivating map of the stars.

New to the firm’s Fact FindersWheels of Knowledge range, is MostDeadly. Featuring 40 of the mostdeadly animals in the world, such asthe Great White Shark, Indian Cobraand Saltwater Crocodile, the wheelgives facts about each animal and toptips on how to avoid the creatures.

Licensed collectables will behigh on the agenda for Flairat Spring Fair with the launchof new figures and accessoriesfrom three film releases;Pirates of the Caribbean4, The Smurfs 3D andHorrid Henry.

From Pirates of theCaribbean 4, detailedand fully articulatedfigures will be released in twowaves. There are ten tocollect and new Battle Packassortments will include afigure and accessory whilefeatures for each set will be revealedby a backlight LED. The hero itemhowever, will be the Queen Anne’sRevenge Ship, a detailed ship withworking features such as projectilecannons, retractable plank androtating battle platform.

The Smurfs will benefit fromrenewed recognition as new film TheSmurfs in 3D is launched in August.Flair has an assortment of 6cmarticulated figures in single and twinpacks and 20cm and 30cm plush toysalong with Rock N Roll Clumsy, a25cm feature plush, which sings anddances to the theme song.

Horrid Henry has a new film forsummer. With it comes a host of newproducts including a Horrid Henry Yo-yo complete with lights and sounds,

a Voice Changer andMake your Own Slime

Pots. Also available areWalkie Talkies and jokeand prank kits.

Collectables forgirls include PopPals, the take-along characters

that can be hungfrom a bag and the

Hello Kitty plush linewhich will be refreshedwith new designs.Alternatively newKookoo Birds will

present a quirky plush choice. The15cm Talking Plush will lay an eggwhich contains a KooKoo baby andthe series of Mini KooKoo Birds havetheir own Kalls.

Flair will also launch a new conceptcalled Fuzzoodles – an activity wherekids can make fuzzy characters thatcan be bent into shape andpersonalised with the googly eyesand accessories provided. Gummi X isa play station for boys with theequipment to make edible bugs.

Finally Rolobox is a kit which turnsa box into a pull-along toy using a re-usable wheel kit. The wheels andaxles attach easily to any size ofcardboard box, with chunky nuts and bolts which children can get togrips with.

BRAINSTORM 5A61

Ravensburger saw its best sales ofadult puzzles ever in 2010 and the firmplans to maintain this momentum byintroducing over 40 new titles for 2011,along with Puzzle Store, the all-in-onejigsaw workstation.

Ravensburger puzzles aremanufactured in the firm’s own factory,ensuring ultimate quality control andsturdy dust-free pieces that fit onlywhere intended. Ravensburger’s UKdevelopment team works extensivelywith British artists to create newdesigns based on popular licences andthemes, and these are combined withbestsellers from its internationalcatalogue to give a range of images.

Licensed titles for 2011 include1,000-piece designs based on classic

Star Wars, Me to You, Top Gear andWinnie the Pooh. Also new are titlesdepicting cartoon comedy, nostalgia,country cottages, British butterfliesand detailed images ideal for the mostavid puzzle fan.

Puzzle Store is Ravensburger’scomplete puzzle workstation. Suitablefor up to 1,000-piece puzzles, itincludes a strong board to assemblethe puzzle on, plus five integral traysfor sorting and storing pieces. Oncepuzzling is finished for the day, theassembly board is placed on top of thesorting trays and the Puzzle Store issnapped shut to keep everything in.The carry handles make it easy tomove around and it is slim, so can fitunder most sofas, or against a wall.

Jumbo Games will be showcasing anew range of adult and children’sgames and puzzles at Spring Fair. Thefirm offers adult puzzles including theFalcon and Wasgij range and will beadding to these and introducing thenew Smart Games range.

Smart Games is a line of gamesdesigned for all ages three and overwhich require logic and problemsolving to complete. The gamesrange in difficulty and each hasvarying levels within it, allowing all toget involved with the brain games.

Jumbo is celebrating the 35thanniversary of the Falcon range in2011. New puzzles will be added tothe existing ranges depicting scenesof traditional country life, transport,cottages and animals. Plus, the firmhas added two new licences, CarryOn and Shoot and will be launching1,000-piece puzzles for both brandsas well as 250-piece puzzles in aretro puzzle tin.

Jumbo will also be launchingFalcon’s Around Britain – a series that

showcases illustrations from aroundBritain by different artists.

The range of Wasgij puzzles will beexpanded in 2011 across the Original,Destiny and Mystery lines with newinclusions; The Wasgij Office Destiny,Wasgij Mystery Sale Mayhem andWasgij Original Car Boot Sale. Plus,there will be a Wasgij Spin and Shoutgame as well as the introduction of anew Carry On Wasgij puzzle.

In 2011, the company will belooking to cement its position in thechildren’s games and puzzles sectorwith new products and concepts forkey licences. Jumbo produces puzzlesand games for Peppa Pig, Ben &Holly’s Little Kingdom, Fireman Sam,Horrid Henry, and Disney Princess.

New products include the DisneyPrincess Magic Wand Game and thepuzzle and colour concept acrossvarious brands. Jumbo is also lookingto extend its educational range, Growwith Jumbo, with two new step-by-step puzzles and the Grow withJumbo Market Sweep Lotto game.

JUMBO 5B52

RAVENSBURGER 5C1FLAIR 5C19

JANUARY 2011

28 SPRING FAIR 2011 PREVIEW

The John Crane stand has a host ofnew products at Spring Fair but mostnotably, a whole new collection.Tidlo, or Tidlo Timeless Toys, to give itits full title, is the culmination ofmany years product development atJohn Crane.

The collection is fullymerchandisable by retailers, who canrequest free point of sale with ordersat Spring Fair to help actively selltheir new Tidlo section in-store.

The Tildo range incorporates ahost of ride-on toys including the RedScooter and Motorbike for boys andthe Lemon Scooter for modern girls.

Each ride-on vehicle comes in highgloss paint with easy grip handlebarsand pneumatic tyres to ensure a safeand comfortable ride.

Alternatively the RainbowRecorders and Rainbow Maracas,appear on a retailer stand for an

impressive in-store display. Thesecolourful instruments are tuned sothey can be used in school forlessons and clubs.

The new Daisy Tabletop Kitchenhas daisy detailing set on a backdropof pinks and natural wood. The set iscompleted by the addition ofaccessories including pans, spoonsand salt and pepper shakers. Plus,when playtime is over, everything canbe folded away and stored, as theproduct becomes half the size.

Furthermore, there is a seasonaladdition to the range, as the NativitySet is launched. All made from woodit comprises all the figures requiredfor a depiction of the holy scene.

The launch of Tidlo will be backedby a PR and marketing campaignincluding consumer advertising,promotions via schools plus anumber of social media strategies.

JOHN CRANE 5A39

New Cuddles by Fiesta Crafts is arange of puppets, squeakers andpyjama cases launching this month.Featuring farmyard animals includingsheep, cow and duck, toddlers willsnuggle up in the warmth of the softCuddle material. The animal toys arefully machine washable.

Cuddle Puppets are ideal for babiesand tots to interact with and beentertained. Made with super softfabric, there is the choice of a duck,sheep, rabbit, chicken, mouse andteddy bear.

Squeekaboos have been a strongseller in 2010. Made from super softfabrics, they are the ideal size for tots.They squeak, jingle and crinkle and are

ideal for playing peek-a-boo games.The new 2011 Cuddles range includesa duck, sheep, rabbit and mouseCuddle Squeekaboo, available at£6.99. All Squeekaboos come with aspecial gift tag.

Cuddle Pyjama Cases are aconvenient storage tool combined witha plush toy. Also made with super softfabric, choose from the sheep ormouse at £17.99 each.

Besides these Cuddle toys, a newproduct range is planned for 2011,including Doowell magnetic colour-ingames and educational charts, GreatEscape puzzles, Doorway Theatre andhand puppet sets, plus a selection ofpocket money toys and gifts.

Gibsons has launched 50 new puzzledesigns for 2011. There are someclassics from artist Thomas Kinkade,as well as a National Trust imagedetailing an interior view of a statelyhome. The firm has also extended the‘Memories of’ range includingHandbag Revelations depicting itemsfound in a handbag during the 1940s.

Retailing under £10, Gibsons PartyGames aim to bring back a bit of‘good old fashioned’ family fun, Thefirm has re-launched children’sfavourites from the 50s and 60s withan added active twist. The games willsee children race around, challengetheir memory and use theirimagination. Shopping Madness,Railway Romp and Donkey Derby areall flexible games offering easy orharder play options. Packaged in

retro style tins and suitable for fiveyears and over.

Gibsons is also launching twoadditions to its My World range forkids. My Lotto is a multi culturalgame with facts about othercountries and cultures. My Dominoesfeatures jungle animals. Both containhints and tips for parents, and a slotin the top so children can post thepieces and help with putting away.

Thinking about Christmas 2011?Pass the Pud is a new beat-the-burpteam game. Presented in an acetatecube, the game includes a jinglingpudding. Nerves are tested asplayers answer questions from fivecategories, passing the pud to avoidthe burp. To win players must avoidbeing caught with the pud and collectthe most sixpences.

GIBSONS GAMES 5A05

FIESTA CRAFTS 5A59

Schleich has many new figures andplay-sets in its Nature and Historyranges including animals fromaround the world and heroes fromthe past.

The fantasy world of Bayala alsohas some new figures. For the boysthere are six new Arelan Heroes,each with an animal companion andthe Bayala wedding figures andaccessories are also new.

Schleich is also introducing somesmall scenery packs which make anintroduction to the brand. Pricedideally for the gift trade, there are anumber of themes to choose fromranging from Dogs and Cats to anArelan Camp Fire.

Kids instantly understand theconcept of Schleich's figures whichcombine nature and fantasypromoting imaginative play withoutthe need for instruction.

SCHLEICH 5A60

Building on the success of its WildScience for Girls range, visitors toSpring Fair will be able to seeInterplay’s Wild Science brandextension which brings all elementsof Cosmetics Science, targeting thepre-teen market.

With several kits to choose from,girls will be provided with all theyneed, including an instructionbooklet, to make a host ofcosmetics from shampoos and bodygels, to face masks and body mists.

Also targeting the pre-teen girlsmarket, Interplay is launching arange of craft kits.

The projects included in the newaddition kits create professionalquality jewellery introducingpotentially a lifetime hobby for girlsof all ages.

The collection also includesprofessional card making and otherhome craft kits for girls.

INTERPLAY 5A65

JANUARY 2011


As part of the London 2012merchandise programme, WinningMoves has launched the first of itsLondon 2012 Top Trumps range withan Olympic Legends pack.

The new Olympic Legends TopTrumps pack features some of thegreatest sporting heroes in thehistory of the Games. Many starsappear in the pack; from Usain Boltto Chris Hoy.

The pack has already provedpopular since it first went on sale atthe opening of the first London 2012official store in St Pancras Station – itsold out within weeks of the opening– and has since proved to be a topselling product in the store.

The new London 2012 store alsosells the Olympic Legends pack as

part of its line-up of licensedproducts. Pictured with his pack, isPaul Deighton, CEO of LOCOG, withmascots Wenlock and Mandeville atthe opening of the store.

The Olympic Legends Top Trumpspack is the first of a line-up ofOlympic and Paralympic-themededitions to be launched. Others in therange will include Team GB, BritishLegends and a London 2012 GoldMedallist edition for Christmas 2012.

In addition to the Top Trumpsrange, plans are underway toproduce an Olympic Sports version ofthe Top Trumps Tournament game,along with several unique London2012 versions of Monopoly, the firstof which will be launched at the Toyand Spring Fairs in 2011.

WINNING MOVES 5D61

LOCOG's stand at Spring Fair will takeup nearly 500m2, will feature productsfrom across the London 2012 productrange and will enable retailers toengage with the whole line of London2012 licensees and product.

2012 has already been described asthe ‘year of two Christmases’ witharound £1billion worth of London 2012merchandise sales expected, as thefirst peak in the retail calendar.

There will also be special guestappearances by VIPs of the sportingworld including LOCOG chairman

Sebastian Coe and gold medallisttriple jump legend Jonathan Edwards.

Toy and gift licensees on the stand,displaying London 2012 productsinclude: Golden Bear, Winning Moves,Hornby, Hy-Pro, Icon Live, Awnhill,Touch of Ginger.

With its online store up and running,two dedicated retail shops open at StPancras International and Paddingtonstations, 37 licensees signed up andaround 500 products available up anddown the High Street, London 2012plans are developing strongly.

Esdevium Games has a lot to offer atthis year’s Spring Fair. Fisher Priceclassics have been strong since itsrelease in autumn. The toysentertained a whole generation ofchildren and now they are back toentertain another. Packaging featuresoriginal logos and boxes while alsobringing them into the 21st century.

Cobi has a number of themesincluding Small Army, which shows avariety of military vehicles and play-sets, including Navy ships. ActionTown includes police, fire engine andconstruction vehicles. Esdevium’slicensed Cobi range has also seenstrong sales and features theMcLaren racing cars, the Renault F1team and the Boeing Aircraft models.

The latest addition is Cobi Knights,which shows full battle scenes,fortresses, horses and variouscampsites. Cobi is compatible withother toy building bricks.

Also on show will be the newPokemon: Black and White tradingcard game. The TCG follows the newrelease of the Pokemon video gamefrom Nintendo with the cards basedon the new characters.

Esdevium Games is able to providenext day delivery as well as offeringsmall quantity orders where often,other distributors will not. Thecompany distributes for Hasbro andMattel, making games such asBoggle Flash and Apples to Applesavailable to all customers.

ESDEVIUM GAMES 5F67

Spring Fair 2011 will see Marbelreturn to Hall Five with its awardwinning wooden Wendy housestand. This year’s show will see thecompany feature over 100 newproducts, including additions to thePlan Toys, I’M Toy, Hape, Educo,L’atitude Enfant ranges and evensome new brands.

New products from the Plan Toyspre-school, activity, dollhouse andPlan city ranges will all be on show.It will also be the first time forretailers to catch a glimpse of thefull range of Hape and Educowooden toys. There are over 50 newproducts, ranging from woodenpuzzles to racing cars producedfrom sustainable bamboo.

As always, Marbel’s staff will beon hand throughout the shows toanswer any questions.

MARBEL 5A26

Haba will have a new range ofmusical instruments on show atSpring Fair this year, which combineits wooden toys with sound.

From Rattling Shakers to MagicalSound Flutes, Haba’s new musicalcollection is designed so that thevolume is suitable for smallchildren. Each instrument isdesigned to encourage children toexperiment with sounds and effects.There are lots of individualinstruments to choose from plustwo Sound Workshops available –small and large, which containeverything needed to exploresounds, chimes and tunes.

The Big Sound Workshop ispacked with a small orchestra,containing 12 pieces, also all madeof beech wood. This set has theaddition of castanets, acousticblocks and a rainmaker.

HABA 5D10

LOCOG 6D14/E15 & E14/F15

JANUARY 2011


In the pre-school educational Chimpand Zee range, Paul Lamond islaunching two new games – Dodgethe Dino and Who’s the Princess –and three craft/activity sets themedaround dolls, ponies and on safari.

In pre-school licensed games andpuzzles Gruffalo’s Child, Mr Men andDear Zoo join the existing Gruffalo,Very Hungry Caterpillar and TingaTinga Tales ranges along with newScooby Doo games.

Humpty Dumpty’s wall game andMeerkat Mayhem join Hot Potato,Jumping Monkeys and Chairs in theskill and action range.

This year Paul Lamond is alsoadding to its range of family/adult

games. Atmosfear returns for its 20thanniversary and the companylaunches Fatal Attraction, a game ofmagnetic chaos.

The firm is also introducing twoBBC games, Just a Minute, whichcelebrates its 60th anniversary thisyear as a radio game show and QI theBoard Game.

In the puzzle ranges, Paul Lamondis unveiling a range of 3D kids titleswhich come with necessary glasses.In 1,000-piece puzzles, there are newranges including three Viz Puzzles.

Finally, for immediate delivery, PaulLamond has four new low-price pointtravel/party games (two card-basedand two dice-based).

PAUL LAMOND 5E58-F59

Richard Edward launched a brand ofits own called Redwood Card in 2008.Since this time, the company hasbought to market a number ofproducts following the sustainablevalues of the brand promise – a betterway to play.

The range includes Green Cards,playing cards which were createdusing original illustrations and madefrom 100 per cent sustainable andrecycled materials.

Redwood continues to create andbuild a stable of classic games,innovated through design, andmanufactured with sustainable andethical considerations.

Happy Families is a new, up to dateversion of the classic game. The gamefeatures characters reflecting modernday life, which people can identifywith, from Mrs Strike, the footballerswife, to Master Law the Lawyers son.

The illustrations are original, handdrawn and produced using sustainableproduction methods and paper.

Redwood Cards also has a range ofstandard playing cards with a lowerprice point for more traditional cardplaying use. Featuring sustainablematerials and UK production,Redwood playing cards are producedin a red or blue design and areindividually packaged in their owntuck box.

Visitors to Spring Fair have thechance to join the growing numbers ofgift shops and suppliers around the UKand Europe which stock the products.

This time next year, Richard Edwardwill have a new product, so keep youreyes open for new projects on thehorizon for Redwood Cards. The firm isalso currently working towards a newoffer, which will be disclosed nearerthe time of launch.

Bladez Toyz was,for the secondyear running, theonly company tohave an R/Chelicopter shortlisted in DreamToys in 2010. Theeasy to flyBladez Micro,which wasshortlisted inDream Toys2010, has been atop selling linefor the firm.

Bladez Toyzhas grown overthe last fouryears to becomea market leaderin designing andsupplyinginnovative RC helicopter toys. Theproduct range is positioned to appealto both children and adults, suited toall budgets and skill levels.

The G-Bladez gyro range is set tocontinue during 2011 with bothindoor and outdoor Gyro helicopters.The benefits of the toys include autostability and precision control, easeof flight, ultra manoeuvrability and arobust design. The helicopters aremade from toughened aluminium,collapsable blades and fitted with adirectional Gyroscope.

Bladez Toyzhas alsointroduced newin-storeconcessions forlivedemonstrations,allowingconsumers tointeract with theproducts. Thisprovides theopportunity tospeak with demostaff, see theprecisionstability andhover control ofthe productsfirst hand, or tryout the stunt carin the dedicated

demo bowl.At Spring Fair 2011, at 12.30pm

every day in the live toy demo area,Hall 5, Bladez will be demonstratingits products for 30 minutes andvisitors can also compete on acompetition course where there willbe free stock giveaways.

POS material can be provided, inaddition to high res images andproduct videos. Whether you are asmall independent, multinational, oronline retailer, Bladez Toyz has theexperience and resources to supportyour business.

BLADEZ TOYZ 5A66

RICHARD EDWARD 5H58

The latest inspiring additions to the4M Craft and Science Kits collectionwill be unveiled at Spring Fair.

In the science and educationalsector the Green Science SolarRobot kit teaches kids the basicprinciples of solar energy, electricityand mechanics through play, whilemaking a robot which can performsimple tasks.

There are also some new craftkits such as Origami Lights andMould and Paint Fridge Magnets, aswell as some environmental projectsaimed at both girls and boys, suchas the Green Creativity Trash Robotkit, which turns rubbish into anenvironmental project.

GREAT GIZMOS 5D58/E59

Create stories with Rory’s StoryCubes – a pocket-sized storygenerator. Roll the dice, start with‘Once upon a time’ and use theimages to tell a story. The cubes aresuitable for all ages –kids or adults– and are guaranteed to get thecreative juices following. The gamecomes in CDUs of eight units andretailers receive a free set of dice.

Purrfect Puzzles are 1,000-piecejigsaws. Made in the Netherlandsthe glare-free pieces are thick anddurable with smooth edges that fittogether well.

There are 16 images initially inthe range. Each one shows the workof famous artists including RachelArbuckle, Achim Bednorz and pre-Raphaelite paintings including TheLady of Shallott by John WilliamWaterhouse and Ophelia by Sir JohnEverett Millais from the Tate Gallery.

COILEDSPRING GAMES5D11

JANUARY 2011


Having achieved record sales overthe last two years, Orchard Toys islooking forward to Spring Fair.

Orchard Toys MD, Simon Newbery,says: “We are thrilled at the way thecompany has performed over the lasttwo years, and despite the continuedeconomic uncertainty, we believe thatthis year is going to be even better.

“With an SRP for our children’sgames, puzzles and activities ofbetween £4 and £15, we believe thatwe are ideally placed to have an evenbetter share of the market this year.”

Along with existing lines, thisyear’s Spring Fair stand will showcasenew products such as the double-sided Little Puzzle range, as well asrecently launched games Head,Shoulders, Knees and Toes and Jack

and Jill Game and the jigsaw puzzleThe Animal Games. There are alsoseven new games and jigsaws,currently under wraps.

2010 was also a good year forawards with Practical Pre-School GoldAwards for Round and Round andFairy Tales, a Right Start Silver Awardfor Pop to the Shops and a Top ToysGold Award for Little Puzzle range.

Newbery continues: “I am happy tobe able to say that at the time thispublication went to press (December2010) the footings for our new factoryextension were already in place.When finished, in mid 2011, the newextension will add over 50 per cent tofactory capacity. The additional spacewill ensure we pack and despatchorders even more efficiently.”

ORCHARD TOYS 5B59

Mookie hasdesignedCreateaway,based ontraditional playvalues. Withinterchangeableaccessories, theCreateawayEasel, folds upfor easyassembly andstorage. Suitablefor ages three-years plus.

Tailball is anew range ofproducts fromthe makers ofSwingball.Designed as a progression toshuttlecock play, each item featuresthe Tailball streamer, which stabilisesflight. Each Tailball comes in its ownprotective container and will beavailable in two sizes.

Games include Tailball Back PackAttack, Two-in-one Dart Attack, TailballExtreme, Tailball Light, Tailball Flyerand Tailball Rocket.

The Scuttlebug and Scramblebugfrom Funtastic are folding tricycles forone to three-year-olds. The inspirationis from insects – ladybirds, beetles,bees. With the three-step foldingaction, both ranges are available in a

variety ofcharacters.

UrbanX aresafe children’sbikes, carts andcars. TheproductscomplimentSmart Trike andwill launch inspring/summer,along with newlines.

Mookie’sPeppa Pig rangecontinues and2011 sees thelaunch of newplay balls andride-ons.

Mookie now has distribution ofYBike. The balance bike has beendeveloped to help improve motordevelopment, co-ordination andbalance. The YBike makes thetransition to riding a bike easier forchildren as young as two. The newYBike Extreme will be coming soon.

The launch of the Mookie R/C rangeintroduces an indoor and outdoorbrand. All Titan family helicopterscome with a gyroscope control. Thehelicopters are available in three sizes:Titan Nano, Titan Mid and Titan Grand.The Titan Helicopters will be availablein stores across the UK from 2011.

Wind Designs specialises in sourcing,marketing and distributing activeproducts. The firm offers over 1,000SKUs, including licensed propertiessuch as Toy Story, Cars and Ben 10.

Wind Designs supplies a widecustomer base including independentstores, department stores, onlineretailers and buying groupsthroughout the UK and Ireland.

The range includes flying, throwingand pocket money toys, water pistols,yoyos, juggling equipment, unicycles,kites and more.

The firm has exclusive distributionrights for a number of different brandsincluding Zing Air, Oz West, AirHunterz, Djubi, Flexifoil and Eolo Sport.Wind Designs is also an authorised

distributor for Hasbro’s Nerf and SuperSoaker ranges.

Spring Fair will see the firmdisplaying its product line-up for 2011.Following its launch at Autumn Fair,Zing Air now has new additionsincluding the Super Stomp Rocket,Double Shotz and Benda Blaster.

The Air Hunterz ZX Crossfire is ahigh-tech launcher which fires foamZartz rocketz and the stick anywherefoam Zartz dartz up to 55’ in the air.

Also on display will be the Oz Westimpulse products including the PopBallz and Pop Shotz. The new Nerf2011 Super Soaker range will also beon hand.

Wind Designs is also sponsoring theToy Demonstration Area in Hall five.

WIND DESIGNS 5B65

MOOKIE 5D72

Casdon Toys will be exhibiting itsarray of role-play toys for thesecond year running at Spring Fair.The firm will be revealing new boxdesigns that will help drive retailsales and enable the products tostand out on the shelf.

The firm is introducing sub brandssuch as Little Helper, Little Shopperand Little Driver giving the range amore parent and child friendlyappearance. The new packagingincludes information on the benefitsof Casdon Toys in respect to theireducational properties, visualstimulation, hand-to-eye co-ordination, problem solving andimproving motor skills etc.

With this revamped look Casdonis hoping to break further into thegift market, with lines such as theDyson Replica Vacuums, Henry andHetty Replica Vacuums, Henry andHetty Cleaning Trolleys, Pick n MixSweet Shop’s and Post office Sets.Casdon will be offering a number ofnew lines and details will be givenat the show.

CASDON 5D55

Green Board Games has named theBrainBox brand as the essence of its business.

The firm has rebranded allproducts to reflect this, which canbe viewed at the trade fairs.

The firm is also celebrating its20th anniversary in 2011.

New products on stands willinclude new BrainBoxes on subjectssuch as World History from the firstAboriginal settlers in Australia to theMoon Landing to the developmentof the internet. Olympian Sportstraces the history of the Olympics,the events and athletes involved. Anadditional pack of 20 cards for theWorld BrainBox is also available.

Other new products includeBrainLinks, a series of eight cardgames, which help children aged 11and over learn about subjects suchas digestion and the solar system.An Elmer lotto game, the DoubleBrain Game, all the new games fromMindware in the USA including PickMix and a new range of Colour andLearn books can also be seen.

GREEN BOARD GAMES5A09

JANUARY 2011


University Games has announced itwill launch three new games in 2011.

Mr&Mrs travel edition is launchingin February and is a portable versionof the best-selling board game Mr &Mrs. Based on the TV series, thegame’s questions are intended totease out gems of information onsubjects from fellow players that youmay not expect.

Michael Jackson’s King of Poplaunches in the spring. Players of thegame can attempt to transformthemselves from unknown singer topop star in less than an hour.

The new licensed game is triviaand task-based and includes fourstages – first players have to pass theaudition and then meet their agent.From there players will sign a record

deal and finally book a worldwideconcert tour.

Adrian Whyles, MD of UniversityGames UK, comments: “We arehonouring Michael Jackson’s talentand passion for games by producinggreat products that share his zest forentertainment with his fans.”

5 Second Rule will launch in July2011. It should be easy to name threebrands of chocolate. But how easy isit when under pressure in just fiveseconds? With no time to thinkplayers give answers thatimmediately spring to mind. Theunique twisted timer adds to theexperience, whilst bonus squares anddanger zones add to the pace of play.Players race to be the first to reachthe finish line, by being calm.

UNIVERSITY TOYS 5A46

The Tardis will be landing at theGrossman stand at the NEC as thecompany announces the addition of DrWho to its range of licensed products.Dr Who is one of BBC Worldwide’sflagship brands.

The Dr Who pocket money rangeincludes water wrigglers, high bounceballs, fizz pods etc. The outdoor rangefeatures sleeping bags, chairs and aunique Tardis with a twist. Howeverthe hero products will be the largeDaleks and Cyber men selling ataround £30. The new range is set tolaunch in conjunction with the nextseries of Dr Who in spring 2011.

There is also a strong emphasis onthe existing licences which includeHello Kitty, Star Wars, Ben 10 UltimateAlien, Spongebob Squarepants, Dorathe Explorer, Zhu Zhu Pets and Mylittle Pony.

The patented Ozbozz range hasbeen revamped to include new MyFirst Scooters, new cosmic lightscooters and new lightning strikescooters which will be backed with aTV advertising campaign for 2011.

And finally the new Scorpion rangeof outdoor products will be launched.This range will targeted towardsslightly older kids.

Following a phenomenal Christmasseason, the SillyBandz brand will seenew designs and products for 2011.

The colourful rubber bands aremade of silicone and moulded into awide range of shapes includinganimals and objects. New designs arebeing released constantly, along withlicensed designs including a range bypop singer, Justin Bieber and a rangebased on Marvel Comics.

SillyBandz is the brainchild ofRobert Croak, CEO of SillyBandz inthe US, who has seen his company'sannual sales soar from a fewthousand pounds to £66million.

Despite a wide range of copycatbrands from competitor companieshitting the market very quickly,SillyBandz says it remains theoriginal range on the market.

SillyBandz is exclusivelydistributed in the UK and Europe byDevon-based entrepreneurs JohnClarke and Jeremy Woolf of LaunchProducts, the people who broughtthe Slanket across the Atlantic.

Talking about the ongoing successof SillyBandz John Clarke says:“Sometimes you come across aproduct which you just know will be ahit, this was the case with SillyBandz. As soon as I saw them, I hadto have them.”

Launch Products is now releasingthe latest SillyBandz productSlapWatch – the craze of the eightiesis back. Slap Watches is a rangesilicone watches that snap aroundthe wrist. They will be available fromspring 2011 and come in nine colours.

LAUNCH PRODUCTS 5D37

GROSSMAN 5F50/G45

The Puppet Company designs andmanufactures many differentpuppets, including finger puppets,hand puppets and large bodypuppets. Its collections incorporatedomestic and wild animals, fairytalecreatures, as well as many peoplepuppets. All share the sameattention to detail, quality fabricsand value for money. The firm is alsothe UK distributor for the LivingPuppets collection.

Puppets are now regarded as abeneficial aid to support learningand language development ofchildren of all ages and are usedextensively in schools and earlyyears settings as a valuableteaching aid. The Puppet Company’spuppets retail in a variety of outletsincluding toy shops, gift shops,zoos, theme parks and gardencentres and its various price pointsenable good POS. More importantly,the puppets encourage creativity,performance, learning and play.

THE PUPPET COMPANY5A73

Wow will be unveiling a range ofproducts at Spring Fair this year,with an increase in existing ranges.Included in the line-up is a pushalong Space Buggy, spaceman andalien friend and also a Knight andDragon toy with a push-alongchariot, catapult and boulder.

Other new toys include Roll-it-Riley, a friction-powered steam rollerwith mix ’n’ match faces and a roller,Police Plane Pete, with rotatingpropellers, and Jess ‘n’ Jake’sPlayground, a set with figures, a seesaw, slide and roundabout.

Mario’s Pizzeria, will also make itsdebut, a working pizza restaurant,which includes an oven with push-to-bake button, pizza delivery trikeand a Spin the Chef feature tochoose different pizza toppings.

Visitors to the Wow stand will beinvited to see the new in-storepromotions, which include brandedand ready to roll-out shop-fits.

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JANUARY 2011


Hama has new products for 2011including licences such as Cars andWinnie the Pooh, with box sets to tiein with new films in 2011. Hama has arange of generic bead kits includingBallerina and Fashion Girls. Themedkits also include sets for boys, suchas Construction Vehicles and Pirates.2011 will see the launch of mobiles,3D sets, activity boxes, jewellery setsand new seasonal items.

For 2011 Corolle has expanded itscollection with new dolls includingentry price point products. TheBabiCorolle range for birth plusfeatures new soft dolls, while theMon Premier range for 18 months andover has a new Tidoo Bath Baby andentry price point Calin doll. Fashionsand accessories and are available.

The Les Classiques range includesnew interactive dolls and outfits, forages two and over. The Camille andChloe Ballerina are continuing in theMiss Corolle collection, with newdolls and fashions for 2011.

Best seller for Wonderworld in2010 and going into 2011 was themini vehicles range, which includes aFire Engine, Police Car, Taxi andSports Car, and the new entry pricepoint boxed Baby Vehicles.

The role-play range includesproducts such as the Modern House,Cooking Centre, Shop, Sink andWashing Machine and more.

The Softwood Nursery Range fromWonderworld is for babies from birth,featuring beepers and rattles etc.

DKL’s plastic toy range – VikingToys – are safe toys that offer insideand outside play and are dishwashersafe. The Chubbies vehicles featuremany modes of transport, from carsand planes to emergency servicesvehicles and will continue in 2011.

The Viking 2011 range alsoincludes the Jumbo (25cm) vehiclesand water play toys such as the ferrycomplete with four cars. Viking Citycontinues in 2011, which incorporatesa garage with working functions.

DKL 5C38

In January 2011, Asobi will celebrate itssecond birthday. Known for its ecofriendly line of products, the firm isnow also distributing other ranges.

In September 2010, Asobi signed adistribution agreement with Baghera –a French company renowned for itsline of retro metal pedal cars. Withover 1,000 regular customers in Franceand over 600 in Germany, Bagheraappointed Asobi as its exclusivedistributor for UK and Ireland.

Emmanuel Nouveau from Bagherasaid: “We are very pleased to workwith Asobi. Thierry Bourret, his teamof agents and John Lewis the nationalaccount manager will help us developsales in UK and Eire.

“The immediate effect of having aUK-based distributor on the Bagherarange is that delivery times are greatly reduced as the stock will bevery shortly available for delivery from Warminster.”

From this month, Asobi willexclusively distribute Boikido in UKand Ireland. Boikido has beenpreviously represented in UK byMarbel which gave up the range in2009 to concentrate on its own brand.The range features wooden toys whichare educational and at the same timefun for children to play with. Thecolours and themes stimulate the childto flow with his or her imagination.

And finally, from this month, Asobiwill also distribute the Marc Vidalrange. Marc Vidal is the creator of arange of pocket money toys andgames packaged in a retro style.Although the packaging is mostly inFrench, the range has been wellreceived and is widely distributed inthe US, Australia and Japan. In the UKsome discerning retailers had alreadyfound the range and were orderingfrom France. Having a distributor in theUK will enable the brand to grow.

Several new developmental activitytoys for babies and toddlers to add tothe award winning TAF Toys ranges,will be launched on the Halilit stand,as well as new childrens’ musicalinstruments and new water play toysfrom the brand, Edushape.

TAF Toys will be launching theFour Seasons Mat, a colourful,adaptable padded play mat, suitablefrom birth, with raised side panelsdesigned to look like pages of a babybook. Also new is the SpringtimeMobile, a wind-up cot mobile thatplays calming music, while threebutterflies move. The new Car WheelToy is designed to keep toddlers incar seats entertained when on themove, with car related activities.

Symphony Flowers are also newand include a choice of three musicaltoys designed to be held by kids’hands, or attached to arched playmats, cribs or strollers, using the

flexible clips. Finally, the StrollerWheel Toy is a toddler-sized multiactivity steering wheel, that fits mostpushchair bumper bars.

Designed to encourage a love ofmusic from an early age, the range ofchildren’s musical instruments fromHalilit will be extended, with thelaunch of a new toddler’s drum, madewith professional grade skin.

A new stackable, water play toy,the Water Whirly, will be launched toadd to the ranges of bath and waterplay toys from Edushape, whichincludes squirters, fishing sets,sorters, assorted foam shapes toencourage creativity and wet andstick floating foam building sets.

Also on the Halilit stand will bethe classic construction toy, Interstar,a coloured linking constructionsystem with easy to connect pieces,which encourages development oflogical thinking skills.

HALILIT 5D05

ASOBI 5B41

Hornby holds the licence to developand market a range of productsassociated with the London 2012Olympic Games and ParalympicGames. The firm was granted alicence by LOCOG to produce acollection of products across Corgi,Hornby, Scalextric and Airfix.

Frank Martin, chief executivesaid: “This is a great honour forHornby and an importantdevelopment for the group. We aredelighted to have been granted alicence to develop a range ofproducts linked to the 2012 LondonOlympic Games and ParalympicGames – the world’s largest sportingevent. We have some very excitingplans that we are developing withLOCOG to create officialmerchandise that will demonstratethe best of London and the Games.”

Both Corgi and Hornby brandslaunched products into the marketin 2010. Throughout 2011 furtherproducts will launch to encapsulatethe spirit of the event.

HORNBY 5B55

Retailers can look forward to a hostof new ranges from The In Thing in2011. The firm specialises in thedistribution of the latest pocketmoney lines and the latest crazes.

As it does every year, the firm willbe attending Spring Fair with anumber of major lines includingGogo’s, Yu-Gi-Oh, Club Penguin,Moshi Monsters, Gelli Baff, Webkinz,Match Attax and many more. Thelaunch of Toonz Series 2 is alsoimminent, as well as Spinners.

Retailers can place orders withThe In Thing between 8.00am and5.30pm Monday to Friday or orderonline at www.TheInThing.com24/7, and if they order before4.30pm, the items will bedispatched the same day for nextworking day delivery.

THE IN THING 5B11

JANUARY 2011


Cherry Tree Hall isthe latest additionto Le Toy Van’sdoll’s houserange. At 92cmhigh and 66cmwide, it is thelargest doll’shouse that thefirm has everproduced.

The paintedwooden threestorey doll’s housefeatures openingshutters andwindows,removable roofpanels and chimney stacks to reveala spacious loft area and intricatestaircases that double up to act asroom dividers.

Finished in magnolia with lightpink and blue detailing, Cherry TreeHall features a blossom motif andcentral arched windows, along withdetailed floral side window boxes. Itis scaled for Le Toy Van’s existingrange of dolls and furniture, all ofwhich are sold separately.

2011 will also see the launch ofmany other new Le Toy Van products;including Appleby House, anotheraddition to the doll’s house range.

Other new products includeEmerald Castle, which features an

angled towerstructure, a re-designed CamelotCastle and twonew Budkin knight characters.

The London Busis a new Budkinsvehicle set. With aBudkin Bus Drivercharacterincluded, thedouble deckerpainted woodenbus has room foranother 11 Budkinpassengers and aremovable roof

and top floor for easy play access.Other new products include a

range of new Budkins charactersincluding fairytale, wedding andpirate ranges along with a re-designed Phantom Ghost Pirate Ship.

Le Toy Van’s wildlife range will seethe launch of a new farm play-set,Pippin Farm and two new paintedwooden wild animal sets. TheHoneybake range will be joined by anew three-tiered cake stand and asliceable chocolate cake.

The firm will be exhibiting all itsnew products at Spring Fair alongwith existing core ranges. It willalso be debuting many freemerchandising options.

LE TOY VAN 5A49

At Spring Fair 2011Margarete Steiff ispresenting a range ofproducts for babies madeof organic cotton.

Babies explore their toyswith all their senses andoften subject them to a lotof wear and tear. Steiffplaces an emphasis onchildren only coming intocontact with safe, high-quality materials, whichcan be seen with theorganic cotton baby line.All of the materials usedare stringently tested forallergens and otherharmful substances.

This year, the companyis extending its organiccotton baby line to includetwo new characters –Sniffy Mouse and HoppelRabbit. Both are availableas cuddly toys, musicalmobiles, grip toys or comforters inblue or pink, which are available invarious sizes from 12 to 28 cm.

Steiff has formulated strictguidelines for the production of babyitems. The organic cotton is processedto the highest quality, withoutpesticides or optical brighteners. Thelow-impact dyeing process has noallergenic components.

The cotton is woven at Steiff’s owntextile factory, Steiff Schulte inDuisburg, which allows the companyto control all stages of production. Theorganic cotton is certified inaccordance with GOTS (Global OrganicTextile Standard). In addition, all Steiffbaby products are Ökotex-certified andtested by LandesgewerbeanstaltNürnberg (LGA).

Besides being a dress-up business,Smiffy’s also offers a range ofproducts including pocket moneynovelties for kids. Smiffy’s Funtimerange has over 350 leisure productsto choose from, all at pocket moneyprices, from carded jokes to facepaints and light-up toys to hats.

Spring Fair 2011 will see Smiffy’sdedicate an area of its stand to theFuntime brand.

The range of squeezy monstershas been a top seller throughout2010 and 2011 and the firm is lookingto continue this trend with six morecollectable characters being added tothe range in 2011.

A new range of toys and noveltiesincludes silicone waterproof watches,spaghetti heads, double-ended lasersword, and more, all of which will beavailable to see and try at Spring Fair.

Richard Pickworth, leisurecontroller, Smiffy’s comments: “Ourrange of pocket money toys aregreat; they are not only affordablebut superb quality and completelydifferent to what the rest of themarket has to offer.

“Spring Fair is a great opportunityto meet customers, old and new, aswell as giving us a fantastic platformto showcase our new ranges for theforthcoming season.”

SMIFFY’S 5E04/F05

MARGERETE STEIFF 5E20/F21

Cartamundi has a new range of cardgames to add to its existing retailcatalogue. The new productsinclude licensed titles such asPhineas & Ferb action game andplaying cards for the Disneyseries; Harry Potter and the DeathlyHallows Part 1 Playing Cards,featuring images of all the keycharacters from the film and aRapunzel gift set tin and pairs game.

CARTAMUNDI 5A36

Flying Toys will be showing itscustomers a new generation ofSilverlit gyro helicopters, sourcedfrom the manufacturer who startedthe indoor micro chopper crazesome years ago.

Following the successfulintroduction of its establishedinexpensive two and three-channelindoor infra red helicopters, FlyingToys is confident its latest choppercollection will continue to provepopular for 2011.

Visitors to the company's standin February 2010 will have seen thesensational Silverlit Heli-Racercombo, combining a remote controlcar and three-channel chopper inone package.

See a selection of new Silverlitready to fly remote controlaeroplanes and helicopters on offerat the forthcoming Spring Fair.

Flying Toys additionally offers anexclusive collection of outdoor andpocket money products fromleading manufacturers around theworld including, Quercetti, DeRuymbeke, White Wings, Lanard andthe Kite Factory.

FLYING TOYS 5A41

JANUARY 2011


‘China Direct’ pricing is closer thanyou think, according to Russimco

In these challenging economictimes, price is king. The consumer isparticularly sensitive to price, thus ifa significant reduction in cost pricescan be achieved, the opportunity hasto be grasped.

FOB-UK is a new concept in directpurchasing from Russimco. It allowsretailers to buy sensible quantities ofgoods direct from China and achieveconsiderable savings.

FOB-UK has a large catalogue ofgift, toy, gadget and novelty productsthat are available from Russimco’sChina office. Lead times are sensible,testing certificates (whereappropriate) are supplied, minimumorder quantities are realistic. Thisallows customers to make significantcost savings, and get some of thebenefits that have previously onlybeen available to large retailers.

FOB-UK will be launching at SpringFair 2011.

ECOTRONIC/RUSSIMCO 5C05

Amerang is a distributor of toys,models and gifts, with experienceacross die cast toys and models, radiocontrol, wooden and plasticconstruction kits, and science fictionand comic-related collectables.

At Spring Fair the firm will beshowcasing the Bburago range, havingbeen appointed the exclusive UKdistributor from this month.

Bburago has a strong heritage in diecast models. The range covers an arrayof subjects in various scales, startingat pocket money prices for 1/43models, and moving through 1/32,1/24 and up to the larger 1/18 models.Bburago provides something forpeople of all ages whether it’s a smalltoy or a collector’s model.

As well as ready-made models,there is also a wide range of die castmodel kits available, in a number ofscales, covering road cars, motorbikesand supercars.

The Ferrari Race & Play collectionwill be a focus for Amerang in 2011.This is a range of toys, radio controlmodels and play-sets, all fully licensedin retail-friendly packaging, offeringgreat value for money. The rangebrings a range of supercars to themasses, with prices from £4.99.

Amerang has a wide range of radiocontrol products, including cars andtanks from XQ, helicopters from Syma,planes, boats and even UFOs. Aselection of these will be on display,with dedicated demonstration areas.

MumboJumboToys specialises inmarketing children's brands fromtraditional wooden toys to luxurybaby gifts. Most of the toys the firmsells are gift packaged which enableseasy display in store.

Some of Mumbojumbo’s popularbrands include Kaloo – a luxury babybrand; Happy Horse – soft toys froma Dutch design house; CrocodileCreek – indoor and outdooreducational toys with boutiquedesign style from an Americanmanufacturer; Rubbabu –indestructible and tactile rubber toysfrom an Indian company; Skipper –

traditional pond yachts and Heritagewooden toys from a British brand.

Also offered is Janod, a collectionof wooden toys combining Frenchstyle with contemporary design; Sevi1831 which features classic Italiandesign from an established woodentoy company and Bead Bazaar –beads and arts & crafts with vibrantstyles from the US.

Mumbojumbo Toys suppliesleading independent retailers only.The firm avoids mass channelretailers because it believes there isstill place in the world for fine thingsin fine places.

MUMBOJUMBO TOYS 5D38

AMERANG 5D32

Copywrite Designs is introducingfive new licences into its portfoliofor 2011.

For pre-schoolers Zingzillasprovides colourful arts and craftsitems. The world of SpongebobSquarepants is also brought to lifeacross arts and crafts and stationerytargeting a wide range of agegroups from kids to students.

Transformers 3 is released insummer 2011 and Copywrite hassigned as the stationery licenseesupplying a full range of schoolstationery, arts and crafts and filledbags for the property.

From a fashion perspective PinkCookie brings American Urban Chicdesign to a range of tweenstationery and filled bags. Andfinally an offering for the teen andadult female has been developedunder the Moomin licence, bringingback to life the classic Scandinaviananimated characters on a fashionfocused social stationery range.

COPYWRITE DESIGNS 5C46

Distributor Tick Tock Trading will beexhibiting at the Spring Fair toshowcase its flagship range, Shains– a line of customisable eco-trendyfashion accessories for kids, tweensand teens.

Shains come in a choice of 12colours and the tactile rubberShains include; bracelets, cuffs,necklaces, key rings and broochesinto which interchangeable lettersand themed icons are added.

The range offers consumers greatvalue for money and can bepurchased singly, or in kit form.Moreover, they are completelyenvironmentally friendly, as not onlyare the products made of recycledand recyclable materials, but so isall the packaging.

TICK TOCK TRADING 4H62

JANUARY 2011


At this year’s Spring Fair, Bluw islaunching two new toy brands –Eggbods and Air Hedz – both ofwhich will feature a number ofdifferent licences throughout 2011.

Eggbods are egg-shaped mix ‘n’match collectables. There is a rangeof different characters from thepiratical Captain Hard Boiled toBallerina Eggalina to FairyTinkershell. Each Eggbod has aninterchangeable head, arms and anaccessory, so children can swap theircollection around and create a load ofegg-centric combinations like FairyHard Boiled or Captain Eggalina. The

Eggbodz also have a wind-upmechanism to make them walk andmove their arms.

Inflatable Air Hedz sets come witha piece of huge inflatable headgearand an inflatable accessory. There aredressing-up kits for both boys andgirls, ranging from an alien head andhands to a pirate hat and cutlass to aprincess wig and wand. Kids can wearthem as part of an outfit or just withnormal clothes.

Bluw will also be launching newcollections of gifts includinginnovative new mugs, alarm clocksand wind-up toys.

BLUW 5E51

The latest addition to the Tantrixfamily of puzzles and games is TantrixMatch – a new set of puzzles whichcombines the spatial challenge ofTantrix, with the deductive logic ofpuzzles like Sudoku.

The set comes boxed with twelvepuzzle cards, an oval tray to play onand 13 tactile tiles. The aim is tocomplete the challenges using theclues given on each of the puzzlecards, while ensuring all touchingcolours match.

When not in use, everything can bestowed away inside the tray, makingit ideal as a travel companion, whileadditional sets of puzzle cards atdifferent levels of difficulty areavailable to extend the set too.

The rest of the Tantrix rangecontinues to sell well, with puzzlesand games available for one to four

players at various levels from easy toutterly fiendish, as do the company’stwo nature-based games by award-winning British designer John Yianni,Hive and Army of Frogs.

“I believe that the combination ofbeautiful playing pieces with a greatdeal of play and educational valuemakes our games ideal for thecurrent climate,” comments TantrixMD, Steven Trezise.

“After more than a decade oftrading, we remain true to our ethosof selling high quality, tactile puzzlesand games with long-term appealthat are equally at home in gift shopsand in toy shops.

“Our products are easy to demo,thus helping stockists to makeshopping fun for their customers andto generate sales whatever themarket conditions.”

TANTRIX 5B25

Founded in 1972 byindustry veteranHans Axthelm,Hansa Toymanufactures plushanimals. Holder ofa string ofinternationalawards, the firm isa supplier to manyzoos, wildlife parks,garden centres, Christmasdisplays,media events, photoshoots, exhibitions and more.

Ranging in size from four-inchesto four-metre display items, and inorigin from all over the world, eachof the items is designed with itsdistinctive character from portraitsof animals in their natural habitat.

Each animal’s fur is hand-trimmed, providing a natural layeredlook and feel that cannot bereproduced by machine. Hansa isconstantly striving to improve uponthe best raw materials – oftencustom-designing special fabrics forcertain designs – and upon thelatest manufacturing techniques.

Many of the larger items havelightweight steel frames, enablingthem to be sat upon or ‘ridden’. ToysThat Teach tags attached to the toysdescribe each animal’s habitat,lifestyle, gestation period, care ofyoung and eating habits.

HANSA 5C02/D03

New for 2011 is a range of OnceUpon a Time kites, featuring afriendly dragon, unicorn and aloveable furry monster – all easy tofly and suitable for children agedfour and over.

Brookite’s stable of Hobbyhorses – Brambles – feature a highquality fur head placed on a woodenpole with wheels and is whollymade in the UK.

Also now available are theBrookite Play Parachutes.Developed due to popular demand,the parachutes will provide hours ofoutdoor play at sensible prices.There are new windsocks, two hotair balloons and a host of otherproducts featuring in the cataloguefor the first time.

Other brands on display atSpring Fair include VenomSkateboards, Tacker SailingBoats, RC Helicopters, Disneyproducts, Aerobies and Funtrix.

BROOKITE 5A10

Salepoint will be exhibiting atSpring Fair for the first time in over12 years. Salepoint has been ashopfitting supplier to the toy tradefor almost 30 years, with a record ofup-market installations all aroundthe UK and Ireland. Salepoint hasfitted dedicated toy shops, as wellas toy departments in gardencentres and department stores.

Salepoint is a stockist of modularsteel shopfittings, as well as solidpine and chrome wire shelvingsystems. Many installations alsorequire bespoke joinery solutions ina range of finishes.

Often an infusion of brightcolours is exactly the right way topresent the right wow factor withina store. From a few bays of shelvingfrom stock to designed solutionspresented using 3D CAD softwareSalepoint has the answer.

SALEPOINT 2K19

Worldwide distributor of musicalinstruments, John Hornby Skewes,has a collection of products for2011, especially for fans ofSpongebob Squarepants.

Whether you want to copySpongeBob himself and try out theFlying V ukulele, blast out someoverdrive on one of the electricguitars through the SpongeBobBlaster Amp, or hit some rhythms onthe three-piece junior drum kit usingthe SpongeBob drumsticks, there isa large range to choose from.

Due to the success of the existingrange, JHS, along with Nickelodeon,has recently added a range ofpercussion instruments, includingshakers, maracas and tambourine.

The firm also offers full sizeelectric guitar outfits, newSpongeBob Guitar Straps andSpongeBob picks.

JOHN HORNBY SKEWES5B20

JANUARY 2011


Merrythought has handmade thequintessential English teddy bear forover eight decades from its originalShropshire factory.

The team will not only bedemonstrating its unique teddy bear-making skills throughout the week onthe Merrythought stand at SpringFair, but also displaying two newcollections of traditional teddy bearsand Limited Edition Collectables.

The 2011 range of Limited Editionthis year includes Oscar (pictured)and Cheeky Daffodil, who is the newaddition to the Cheeky Flower Series.

In addition, Merrythought islaunching a new TraditionalCollection and accompanyingcatalogue. This range of classic, non-limited edition bears and soft toys is

designed to appeal to those lookingfor a superior quality, mohair teddybear, entirely handmade in England.Characters such as Binky Bunny andAntique Panda are sure to capturethe hearts of children and adults,while Merrythought’s flagship LondonGold Mohair bear is also available.

Sarah Holmes, marketing managerat Merrythought comments: “We arereally looking forward to returning tothe Spring Fair and showcasing our2011 collections.

“I am particularly excited aboutour new range of traditional teddybears as we’ve worked very hard toput together what we feel is abeautiful collection of classic mohairbears which are good value andbeautifully made.”

MERRYTHOUGHT 5C43

Heaton Party offers a range ofproducts for children’s parties, from awide range of party products to luckybag toys. With a selection of partycostumes, hats, plastic and foil noisemakers, inflatables and much more.The firm says it can cater to everyparty need.

To add to its partyware, thecompany offers tableware rangingfrom Hello Kitty, Ben 10, Spiderman,Thomas & Friends, Tom and Jerry,Winx, Batman and more. The firmalso offers a range of games andjokes including Jobs dice, the ToiletTarget or a Guide to Use a Loo Brush.

HEATON PARTY 5F72

George Street Clothing will beexhibiting its four childrens-wearranges at Spring Fair 2011, includingits kids’ dress-up collection PretendTo Bee and its luxury collection ofgirls party-wear and dance-wear JustTu-tu Gorgeous.

Also the firm will be exhibiting itstwo new licensed properties forBBC’s Strictly Come Dancing andITV’s Dancing On Ice.

For Strictly, a range of party-weardresses for girls designed on thosefrom the show, and for Dancing OnIce, a range of girls ice skatingdress-up and dance costumes.

GEORGE STREET CLOTHING5E65

Rubie’s offers a range of dress-upfor parties, Halloween and alloccasions for all ages.

The firm will be showcasing itsextensive range at Spring Fair, withnew products and licences on show,as well as highlights of its existingdress-up and costume ranges.

Rubie’s has a range of licensedranges such as Harry Potter,Batman, Superman and Star Warswhich have strong heritage andappeal to both children and adults.

For 2011, the firm has a largerange of products and is supportinga number of key properties whichhave movies being released duringthe year, including; Tangled, Winniethe Pooh, Pirates of the Caribbean4, Green Lantern, Transformers 3,Cars 2 and The Muppets.

For Halloween, there is anextensive classic range of costumesand accessories. There are also anumber of licensed charactersavailable from film titles such as; A Nightmare on Elm Street,Beetlejuice, Friday the 13th, V for Vendetta and Texan Chainsaw Massacre.

Rubie’s Disney licence coversmovies and classic properties foradults and kids and has beenexpanded for 2011, including Tronand Tangled as well as thePrincesses, Fairies and Toy Story.

The firm also offers costumes forPlayboy, Lady Gaga, Avatar, SuperMario and Michael Jackson.

RUBIE’S 5A21

Established in 2009 by Lily Odogwu,Crimson Foxx is a supplier of toysand games for grown-ups. Its aim isto introduce consumers to anotherway of board gaming. One that ismore friend-focused than family.

The company’s games areinnovative, fun and work well asgifts, nights in with friends, or as anice-breaker at dinner parties.

Crimson Foxx aims to fill a gap inthe UK's board games sector thatmany other companies do not caterfor, by providing grown-up gamingthat is fun and edgy without beingtoo risqué.

CRIMSON FOXX 5J75 Contemporary graphics and a soft

colour palette, combined withrubber wood is designed to give thenew road range a stylish andmodern feel. The Bigjigs Roadcollection sees 19 new productslaunching in 2011, from packs ofroadway to starter sets and beyond.

The showcase piece of the rangeis the City Road and Railway set.Comprising of 103 pieces, the setlinks Bigjigs Rail with Bigjigs Road.

Also on offer is a railway station,a bridge, a level crossing, parkingspaces’ and not to mention all of thehouses, shops, people and more.

Look out for the ‘link items’ –feature pieces that allow theroadway to be linked to the railway.Bigjigs currently has seven linkitems on sale in the rail range sochildren can expand on the productsthey already have, and with new linkitems launching in the Bigjigs Roadrange the combinations are endless.

The new Link Item logo will bepresent on Bigjigs material, as wellas on packaging to inform retailersand consumers of the key features.

As with all of the Bigjigs ToysCollection, the new Road range isfully tested to EN71 Standard andfinished with non-toxic paints,stains and lacquers.

BIGJIGS 5A11

TAKEFUNSERIOUSLYOLYMPIA GRAND HALL 25TH – 27TH JANUARY 2011

PRE-REGISTER FORYOUR FREE VISITOR ENTRY BADGE

AT: WWW.TOYFAIR.CO.UK FROM 1ST SEPTEMBER 2010

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON EXHIBITINGAND SPONSORSHIP CONTACT:

SIMON PILLING, FAIRS AND EVENTS MANAGER, BYTELEPHONE: +44 (0)20 7701 7127

OR BY E-MAIL: [email protected]

UNFORTUNATELY MEMBERS OFTHE PUBLIC ARE UNABLE TOATTEND.

HOBBIES, GAMES AND TOYS FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES

Organised by:

FEATURINGCASSIDY•PLAYMOBIL•DKL

MARKETING•AMERANG•MV SPORTS• INTERPLAY•PAPO•ROKKA PLAY

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& MANY MORE

JANUARY 2011

SO, YOU must be delighted at theresurgence in fortunes of Toy Fair? Yes, I’m really looking forward to ToyFair 2011. The show has taken athird more space than last year andhas sold out two months quicker. TheBTHA has always tried to ensure theToy Fair stays relevant and thedecision to move venue, along withincreased excitement of exhibitors,has ensured that Toy Fair looks set tobe a very exciting show.

Did you expect to see such anincrease in exhibitors this year? Considering the response followingToy Fair 2010, I did anticipate astrong showing. Whilst on site, theteam was approached by a higherthan usual number of potentialexhibitors, but it is fantastic that theenquiries developed into bookings.

Is it purely down to the venue? The BTHA considers feedback fromexhibitors and visitors very seriously.When the opportunity arose to moveback to West London the council feltthe timing was right. Moving back toOlympia has had a very positiveimpact. Not only is it accessible, butthe natural light and space creates apleasant atmosphere which adds tothe buzz of the show. The otherfeedback was to move the show tomid-week dates and this timing seemsto have had a positive impact too.

Thanks also has to go to all theexhibitors that help to make Toy Fairlook fantastic every year and ensureit is worthwhile for buyers to attend.

Is exhibiting at Toy Fair now moreaffordable or have costs remainedthe same?Toy Fair rates vary year-on-year butdiscounts make exhibiting affordable.BTHA members are eligible for about20 per cent discount of the space feeand exhibitors who pay a deposit byApril 30th or pay in full by October31st will also receive rebates.

Last year the BTHA also said theywould share the profit of the showwith exhibitors attending in 2010 and2011, so many will have their profit

share from last year discounted fromtheir space rate in 2011.

How do you make sure the Gallerysection doesn’t feel like a separatepart of the fair? The Gallery will be a bustling areafull of big name exhibitors as well assome smaller firms. The press officehas been moved to the balcony andfollowing feedback about a lack ofspace to take a break, two sponsored(Turner and Toy Trust) lounges havebeen added. A new staircase in theGreenhouse area leads from thecentre of the Grand Hall groundfloor up to the Gallery.

What about the timing of the fair?Has the change of days made abigger difference to attendance? The move to a three-day mid-weekevent was carefully discussed beforegoing ahead. The change in format

has resulted in increased visitornumbers and has prompted a positiveresponse from exhibitors who feltthat the final day lacked atmosphereas a result of low attendance.

What feedback did you get fromretailers about the fair last year? We do appreciate that for someretailers the three-day format is tightfor visiting everyone. We try to helpas much as we can with this bygetting plans and exhibitor lists outearly to help with meeting planning.Having said that, overall thefeedback was positive. Retailers feltthe move to a three-day show meantthere was a real buzz at the event.

Any changes this year, apart fromthe additional space? There are a number of new featuresthis year. New to the show is the ToyLab Testing area, which will be open

on press day in the Greenhouse Areafor exhibitors to have their productstested and demonstrated by children.

Notable names retuning to theshow include MV Sports, PlumProducts and Hornby.

Registration has a new layout,further reducing queuing time, plus ifyou registered prior to November23rd a badge will be posted to you.

The BabyCentre has sponsored theground floor coffee lounge andInnovation First is sponsoring themain entrance.

Also look out for a change to theRelaxation Area, where free foot,Indian head, or back massages will be available.

Is there room for additionalexpansion next year? Do you expectfurther growth? There will be some scope foradditional stands as some of thestands can be reconfigured for 2012to open up more space. As standshad already booked it has beenimpossible to do this for the 2011 fairbut changes will be made for 2012. Iurge exhibitors wanting space at the2012 event to talk to us early.

2013 will see an increase in floorspace at Olympia, as the venue isbuilding a second level above theWest Hall. We would like to see ToyFair expand in 2013 to fill the newupper West Hall.

How much of a difference does itmake that the industry has seensome growth this year? In a difficult financial climate,suppliers can find it hard to justifythe cost of a trade show. We wouldsay during times of economicuncertainty, suppliers need to be seenby retailers more than ever to ensuretheir products are selected.

We are pleased for the wholeindustry that there has been growthsince the last Toy Fair and that isclearly reflected in the growth of nextyear’s show. We look forward tosupplying the industry with an upbeatand positive Toy Fair to help thatgrowth to continue.

After a successful return to Olympia last year, this year’s Toy Fair is even bigger, occupying more floor spaceand bringing well-known players back into the fold. ToyNews talked to Simon Pilling, BTHA fairs and events manager…

Moving back to Olympia has had a verypositive impact. Not only is it accessible,

but the light and space creates a pleasantatmosphere, adding to the buzz.

Simon Pilling, BTHA Fairs & Events Manager

West London massive

Pilling is lookingforward to an excitingToy Fair in 2011...

www.toynews-online.biz 47TOY FAIR 2011 INTERVIEW

JANUARY 2011

3L Plentyplay B20 Aardvark Swift Recruitment H20 Alpha Animation & Toys H65 Amerang Gallery 205 Artstraws C65 Aurora World UK H105 B Kids UK Gallery 185 BabyCentre B159 Bandai UK D35 Barnardo's B75 BBTradesales H30 Bigjigs Toys H39 Bladez Toyz Gallery 121 Bluw Group Gallery 179 Bontempi Comus UK B109 Brainstorm D2 Brite Power B65 British Toy & Hobby AssociationMembers' Lounge Gallery 150 Brookite Limited H69 Bureau Veritas Consumer Product Services UK F36 Butterick Company/Wallies H42 Carrera - The Hobby Company Gallery 109 Carta Mundi (UK) H1 Cassidy Brothers E30 Character Options E119 Cheatwell Games G19 Classic Signs and Design H90 Clementoni Spa Gallery 155 Click Distribution UK Gallery 199 Corinthian Marketing B149 Cuckoo F66 Dacta Gallery 125 DKL Marketing E66 Drumond Park B155 Dubreq D16 Earlybird Toys B60 East Coast Nursery B56 Ernest The Bear Productions F20

Esdevium Games E109 EverEarth H46 Fiesta Crafts F56 Fifth Wing Games B99 Flair Leisure Products E49 Funtime Gifts H15 Gateway Europe Gallery 189GB Eye F2 Gear for Games E160 Giggly Games H100 Golden Bear Products E69 Great Gizmos G20 Green Board Game Company E15 H Grossman E39 HABA UK F16 Half Moon Bay H96 Halilit (Marnita) E90 Hasbro UK E120 Hippychick H44 Hive Entertainment Gallery 141 Honey Furrari Gallery 159 Hornby Hobbies H52 HTI (Halsall Toys Europe) B100 Imagination Games UK & Europe E110 IMC Toys UK E129 Information Desk E70 Ingo Devices UK D19 Injusa F89 Innovation First International Gallery 165 Insect Lore F105 Inspired Gifts & Toys C59 Intelex H72 Intelligent Retail H40 Interplay UK B160 IQ Games Federal Gallery 167 James Galt & Co E9 John Adams F110 John Crane E20 Jumbo Games E46 KidKraft Netherlands D20

K-Play International Gallery 203 Lanka Kade B49 Le Toy Van E10 Leapfrog Toys (UK) B50 Learning Curve (RC2) F50 Learning Resources D36 Lego Company B70 M V Sports & Leisure B19 Main Sauce Productions B89 Maps Toys Gallery 129 Marbel F109 Marvins Magic H84 Meccano Toys (UK) B150 Melissa & Doug F40 Millhouse Manufacturing Design Gallery 137 Mondo UK E156 Mookie Toys E149 Museum of Childhood Display Gallery 190 NPD Group Gallery 128 Orange Elephant Gallery 197 Orchard Toys B12 Outstanding Map Distribution Gallery 163 Oxford Diecast Gallery 195 Padgett Bros (A to Z) F15 Pants on Fire Games Gallery 156 Papo UK G40 Paul Lamond Games E50 Peers Hardy Group B85 Playmobil (UK) Gallery 210 Plum Products G125 Pocketbond H22 Press Office Gallery 101 Professor Puzzle G46 Qatch Gallery 160 Rainbow Designs E40 Ravensburger B156 Re:creation Group B130 Red-Toolbox H86 Relaxation Garden Gallery 145 Revell & Co Gallery 215

Richard Edward D100 Rolly Toys F89 Sakar International G29 Save our Friends Gallery 161 Schleich B121 Scoobits Gallery 158 Seager Games SG Gallery 164 SGS United Kingdom Gallery 182 Simba Smoby Toys UK E140 Spin Master Toys UK E131 Stabilo International B95 STAR F106 Star Images D11 T.A.R.E.M.A. formerly Red Robin Toys F30 TCE Design t/a Top Century Ent. (UK) H36 The In Thing G36 The Puppet Company E16 The Sales Partnership E35 TKC Sales E99 Tomy UK Gallery 115 Toy Retailers Association Gallery 180 Toy Trust Coffee Lounge Gallery 170 Toymaster London Room ToyNews E2Trade Off Gallery 157 Treasure Trove Toys G10 Turner Media Innovations Lounge Gallery 135 UKiC G120 Ultimate Products G129 University Games UK F10 Vivid Toy Group E130 West Design Products B80 Wicked Vision E106 Wilton Bradley E89 Wind Designs H102 Winning Moves UK D17 Worlds Apart B40 Wow Toys G15 Wow Stuff G56 Zappies H99

EXHIBITOR STAND EXHIBITOR STAND EXHIBITOR STAND EXHIBITOR STAND

EXHIBITOR STAND

Rebel Toys GH1 ecoboo GH10 Clear & Blue Sky Industry Co GH12 Getretro.co.uk GH13 Faraway Magic GH14 Maxim GH15 Asholay Distribution GH16 Spinawina Products GH17 Loop Cards Publishing GH18 Educational Learning GH19 C G Greetings GH20 Magnet GH22 Kriya GH26 Award Publications GH27 Rokka Play GH29

EXHIBITOR STAND

ZooBooKoo International GH31 Intertek Testing Services (Leicester) GH32 Janod GH34 Little Pals GH37 Flaggo GH39 Little Star Creations GH4 Eurofins Laboratories GH40 Tiltyard Products GH43 Hong Kong Trade Dev. Council GH44 Liquid Graphic GH46 Vanguard Toys & Gifts Pty GH47 Toy Fair Best New Toys GH49 The Kidz Painting Party Company GH5 Pattni Imaginations GH50 Root 7 GH52

EXHIBITOR STAND

Glitter Mine GH53 Imaginell GH54 Green Lighthouse GH55 Cambridge Brainbox GH56 Asobi (incorporating Crafty Kids) GH6 Salepoint GH60 Annets Entertainment GH61 Wizard Limited GH62 Commotion Group GH63 Terox Toys GH65 Skipper GH66 MumboJumboToys GH67 Street Surfing GH69 Tykee Toys GH8 Chice Developments GH9

The Greenhouse - adedicated area of the fair forstart-ups, entrepreneurs andniche manufacturers.

The Exhibitors

www.toynews-online.biz 49TOY FAIR 2011 EXHIBITORS LISTS

F10

E11

E129

B156

E156

E160

E149

B155 B150B1

E1

F1

E120

G125

G120

G129

E130

E140

E119E131

B121B130B149

The BabyCentreCoffee

Lounge

1H

B160

50 TOY FAIR 2011 FLOOR PLAN

167 165 164 163 161 160 159 158 157 156 155Toy TrustCoffeeLounge

PressOffice

185189190195197199203

215

210

205

182 180 179

121 125 126 128 129

Press Office &

Photowall 109

Turner Media Innovations

Lounge

RelaxationGarden

137 141

BTHAMembersLounge

PrivateCatering

Area

Theatre

150

Organisers OfficeLift

115 115

The HenleySuite

GRAND HALLGALLERY LEVEL

Stairs toGround Floor





101

JANUARY 2011

WHEN: Tuesday January 25th to

Thursday January 27th 2011

WHERE: Grand Hall,

Olympia, London. W14 8UX

TIME: 9am – 6pm

WEB: www.toyfair.co.uk

TOY FAIR 2011:THE FACTS

Grand HallGallery Level

F50

E49E69

E30 E20

D11

F40

E46E50

E39

D36 D20

E35

D35

B40B50

H65

D19

D17

B20

H105

F106

F105 F89

H39 G36 G20 H15

G10

G29

F36 F30 F16

G19

F20

G15

F15 E10

E9E15

D16

B12

E16

F10

H1

F2

E2

E1

D2

G56G46 G40

F56

C59

C65

B60

E6609

10 E106

E99

D100

E90

E40

B70B100109

109

110

E89

B99 B95 B89 B85 B80 B75 B65 B56 B49

H52 H46H100

H96 H90 H86 H84 H72 H20144

H42

H40

H20

H36 H22H30

Entr

ance

Toym

aste

r Bu

yers

Lou

nge

CloakroomH99

H69

F66

Stairs to Gallery

Stairs to Gallery

Stairs to Gallery

Stairs to Gallery

Stairs to Gallery

B19

E70

GH49

Best NewToys

GH GH22 5

GH4

GH GH26 1

GH GH40 31

GH GH43 29

GH GH44 27

GH GH14 13

GH GH15 12

GH16

GH GH17 10

GH GH62 61

GH GH63 52

GH65

GH50

GH GH60 56

GH GH GH53 54 55

GH34 GH32

GH GH37 39

GH GH66 47

GH67

GH GH68 46

GH69

GH GH18 9

GH GH19 8

GH20

GH6

JANUARY 2011

www.toynews-online.biz 51TOY FAIR 2011 FLOOR PLAN

Floor Plan2011

is a 100% Members-Owned mutuality

If you would like more information, please either see us at

Toy Fair, Olympia (London Room)

or contact Roger Dyson, Ian Edmunds or Colin Farrow

on +44 (0)1604 674477

170 Members

300 StoresThe UK and Ireland’s largest

Buying Group forIndependent Retailers of Toys.

The only Buying Group witha High Street Brand.

New stores rechargeLego retail offeringLEGO HAS opened its first store infive years in Westfield, London andfollowed with another outlet inCardiff last month.

The West London-based store wasthe first shop Lego had opened in theUK in five years.

Its first retail store in Wales alsoopened last month, in Cardiff’s StDavid’s mall.

The openings are part of aEuropean expansion plan. Lego hassaid it plans to open 14 stores in

Europe by the end of the year and isworking to open between 60 and 70stores by 2015.

The Cardiff store covers 2,409square feet and will be Lego’s fifthstore in the UK.

SVP of Lego brand retail, SkipKodak said: “Our store at St David’swill enhance our consumers’ overallLego brand experience throughproduct variety, store design andregular hands-on family events.”Lego: 01753 495000

GROCERY GIANTS and specialistchains have once again signed up inforce for this month’s Toy Fair.

Alworths, Argos, Asda, Costco,Debenhams, Fenwick, Hamley’s,Harrods, Harvey Nichols,Mothercare, Next, ShopDirect, Smyths, Tesco,Toymaster, The Entertainer,Toys R Us, Waitrose andWH Smith are among theretailers that have already registeredfor Toy Fair 2011, which runs fromJanuary 25th-27th 2011 at Olympia’sGrand Hall in London.

The 2011 event is 30 per centbigger with over 200 stands on theshow floor. Exhibitor numbers arealso up by one fifth. Registration is

now open for visitors and themedia at www.toyfair.co.uk.

“As the UK’s onlydedicated trade event forthe toy industry, Toy Fair is a

big pull for retailers and ourexhibitors can look forward to

meeting this industry’s leading buyersnext January,” said Simon Pilling,BTHA fairs and events manager.Toy Fair: www.toyfair.co.uk

Retail OnlyDedicated monthly retail coverage

News • Data • Opinion

Retail signs up for Toy Fair

JUMBO HAS signed up with a newdistributor in Scotland for its gamesand puzzles range.

MD Moore will take up theposition with immediate effect,taking responsibility for all accountsin the region.

Gray Richmond, MD of JumboGames, commented: “We are pleasedto welcome MD Moore to the Jumbo

team. They have a wealth ofexperience selling Jumbo and Falconproducts so have strong knowledge ofour offerings and are in a greatposition to represent the company inScotland. We would also like tothank Preston Glover for his serviceto Jumbo – we all wish him well forthe future.” Jumbo Games: 01707 289289

New distributor for Jumbo

HOBBYCRAFT HASposted a pre-taxprofit increase of£5 million to £10.2 million for theyear to February 21st.

Revenues for the year were£84.4 million, up from £68.7million in 2009.

The news comes afterHobbycraft appointed a newchairman, with Superquinn’sSimon Burke recently joining theteam to work alongside CEO Chris Crombie.

During the financial year,Hobbycraft was bought out byBridgepoint in a deal reported tobe worth over £100 million.

In a statement on its website,Bridgepoint claimed: “HobbyCraftis capable of material furtherrollout in the UK to allow it totake share from smallerspecialists and generalistcompetitors alike, therebyconsolidating its dominantcategory leadership.” Hobbycraft: 01202 596100

Hobbycraftdoubles up

Hero Product goes to Leapfrog’sCount and Scan Shopper and Shapesand Sharing Picnic Basket…

Hero ProductPage 57

Featuring Play.com, WH Smith,Amazon, John Lewis and Mail OrderExpress...

ChartsPage 55

Page 56New products

Counter Insurgent muses about a ToyStory-esque Christmas scene...

CommentPage 54

This month sees new products fromSpin Master, Corgi and Circa Circa...

JANUARY 2011

Scrabble TricksterMattel

Kidizoom Video RecorderVTech

Zubber BandzFlair

HIGHSTREET

COUNTERINSURGENT

54 RETAIL ONLY

IMAGINE THEscene onChristmasnight. Thechildren areasleep and asthe house

goes quiet, the toys come tolife and explore their newsurrounds. The new toys finallyget to talk to the toys who arestarting to worry where theyare in the pecking order now.

They sit around talkingabout how they ended up inthe hands of their new owners.Glamour girl Barbie is upset: “Idon’t deserve to be used as aprawn in the supermarkets’fight.” “Pawn you idiot,”shouts out one of the Bratztrying to settle out of courtwith a good scrap.

Pinata Pete is being batedby Potato Head, who ispointing out the baseball batin the corner. Dave TheMonkey waves to everyone,while The Stig tries to beat the

best lap time on the Scalextric.Lightning is happy, he hassomeone to race against.

Harry and Voldermort battleit out with wands knowing thatthey can’t finish each other offuntil next Christmas, whileBrick Wars break out with Legotrying not to connect with theK’nex and Mega Bloks bricks.

Toys bought at a properprice mock the cheap toys:“You were cheap…you’re onlyhere because the parents weregetting a bargain.”

Wallace trys to keep Shaunin order while trying to keepPipi Max away from theChristmas tree lights. TheTransfomers untanglethemselves from the half-conversion they had been leftin and all the Lego Minifigureshelp Nerfy look for his bullets.Knowing only too well he willbe on the scrap heap withoutthem he tries to rememberwhich way he was facing whenthe kids rattled off 30 darts.

Orphan Peppa is looking fora mummy and daddy to adopther as parent pigs did notcome in the box. In the corner,Dora is asking Buzz “por quéestás hablando es el Español”and can’t understand how heknows what she is saying.

Some of the toys get lucky,and are taken to bed to get aglance at their new home. TheZhu Zhus scurry aboutwatching out for mousetrapsand the Sylvanians start tounderstand what it is like tohave six families living in one

home. In the boys’ room theXBox is still running, after theboy fell asleep while playingthe Lego Harry Potter game, tomake up for not getting any ofthe real thing.

However, little do any of thetoys know that come the endof January a raft of people whohad put them into their newowner’s hands will betray themand plot to replace them witheven faster Lightning, newtransforming robots andBarbie in the latest swim suitteaching a cat and a meerkatto swim.

The toys all sit aroundtalking about how they

ended up in the hands oftheir new owners.

Dispatches from the retail front line...

Little HettyToy Vacuum Cleaner

Casdon

Ben and Holly Little CastleMagical Play-set

Golden Bear

PRICE CHECK: JANUARY 2011

£20.00 £60.00 £13.00 £20.00 £30.00

£16.99 £44.94 £12.97 £19.99 £29.99

£19.97 £49.47 £12.97 £19.97 £29.97

£14.99 £29.99 £11.95 £21.90 £39.99

n/a £56.99 £14.00 £25.00 n/a

JANUARY 2011

www.toynews-online.biz 55RETAIL ONLY

RETAILCHARTS

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Amazon.co.uk

Brainbox All Around the World Card Game Green Board Games

Addictaball Large Maze Puzzle Game The Sales Partnership

Bananagrams Winning Moves

Harry Potter Hogwarts Game Lego

Kidizoom Plus Multimedia Digital Camera VTech

Haynes Combustion Engine Trends UK

Tension the Zany Crazy Naming Game Cheatwell Games

Plastic Sledge JPR Sledges

Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Character

Star Wars Luke’s Landspeeder Lego

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Play.com

Bop It new version Hasbro

Bananagrams Winning Moves

Crayola Friendship Bracelets Vivid

Doctor Who: 11th Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver Character

Hide n Squeak Eggs Tomy

Rubik’s Cube Classic Drumond Park

Weird Science Lab: Snow Factory Worldwide Co

Floating Origami Worldwide Co

Hello Kitty Rotator Creator Character

Nerf N Strike Raider CS-35 Hasbro

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

WH Smith CHART DATE29/11/10

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Mail Order Express

Lego Star Wars Brickmaster Dorling Kindersley

Pirate Island Compact Playmobil

Lego Atlantis Brickmaster Dorling Kindersley

Star Wars Rebel Trooper Army Pack Lego

Barbie Puppy Swim School with Pool Mattel

Nerf Dart Tag Darts Hasbro

Science Museum Technorobot Great Gizmos

Science Museum Buzz Wire Great Gizmos

Star Wars Snow Trooper Army Pack Lego

Lego Pirate Brickmaster Dorling Kindersley

Born to Play Fisher-Price Farmyard Playhouse Yaffe

Spykee the Wifi Spy Robot Meccano

Dareway 08 Gothic Ride-on Famosa

Dareway 08 Silver Ride-on Famosa

R/C Cargo Train with Light Playmobil

Lunch Box XB Pro RTR Electric 1:12 R/C Monster Van Tamiya

Diital 143 1:43 Mario Kart Wii Set Carrera

Born to Play In the Night Garden Pink Slumber Glo Bed Yaffe

Star Wars Super Deluxe Imperial AT-AT Hasbro

Born to Play In the Night Garden Slumber Glo Bed Yaffe

CHART DATE29/11/10

CHART DATE29/11/10

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

The Entertainer CHART DATE29/11/10

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Johnlewis.co.uk

Air Hogs Vectron Wave – Blue and black Spin Master

Lalaloopsy Bea Spells-a-lot Doll MGA

Moon Sand Sweet Delights Bake Shop Spin Master

Silver Cross Ranger Dolls Pram HTI

Star Wars General Grievous Spinning Lightsaber Hasbro

Bakugan 7 in 1 Maxus Dragonoid Spin Master

Real Construction Deluxe Workshop Jakks

Total Action Football John Adams

Little Tikes Premium Wood Kitchen MGA

Furreal Friends Gogo My Walkin’ Pup Hasbro

Maxi Micro Scooter Purple Micro Scooters

Furreal Friends Butterscotch Pony Hasbro

Honey Bake Kitchen Set Le Toy Van

Honey Bake Tea Set Le Toy Van

Storio Animated Reading System VTech

City Advent Calendar Lego

Giant Flamingo Puppet The Puppet Co

Infrared Heli Racer Silverlit

Great Dragon Castle Playmobil

Sylvanian Families Motorcycle and Side Car Flair

CHART DATE29/11/10

CHART DATE29/11/10

JANUARY 2011

PRODUCTNEWS

HARRY HILL’S TV Burp hasbeen adapted into a new boardgame. The cult comedy show haswon four BAFTA’s, three BritishComedy Awards and regularlytops viewing audiences of eightmillion.

Winning Moves has workedclosely with licensor, AvalonEntertainment, to ensure thegame closely reflects the show.

Featuring challenges and triviaquestions, Harry Hill’s TV BurpBoard Game includes activitiesand question cards based aroundthe world of television. Playerstest their knowledge on TVstars, play a form of charades(with a TV Burp twist) andchallenge their channel-hoppingskills to see if they can beat theclock to find the item inquestion on the TV in real time.

Nik Battersby, head of productdevelopment, Winning Moves,said: “It’s been great fun takingTV Burp’s irreverent style andturning it into a family boardgame. TV Burp is a guaranteedlaugh, and this game gets all thefamily involved in being silly.”

Winning Moves: 020 7298 9500

CORGI HAS released a limited edition 1:43retro Ford Transit van. The van comes withsome dirty van graffiti writing on the sides,including ‘for sale, mop and bucket neverused’ and ‘clean me’.

Corgi’s marketing manager, Martyn Weaver,commented: “Corgi’s range of commercialvehicles have been popular for many years andthis ‘tongue in cheek’ model is a tribute to thewhite van man and those witty folk whomuddy their finger in the name of comedy.”Corgi: 01843 233502

ZOOBLES – THE new girls’collectable brand from Spin Master –is due to be unveiled in the UK thismonth. The world of Zooblesintroduces 150 different creaturesfrom lands such as Petagonia andundersea worlds like Seagonia, whichspring to life and transform intodifferent characters when placed ontheir magnetised ‘Happitat’.

When ‘petted’ the Zoobles react byblinking their eyes, wagging theirtails, wiggling their ears and more.

A multitude of Zoobles charactersfrom each of the worlds will beavailable, but regularly retired, toensure girls keep collecting.

Available initially in singles ordoubles (Twobles), along with a play-set, which includes an exclusive

Zooble, new characters will beintroduced throughout the year.

Zoobles will debut at Toy Fair inJanuary and the launch will besupported by a TV campaigndelivering over 1,000 TVRs aimed atgirls aged four to nine in the spring.

The brand will also be supported bymedia promotion and a PR campaignfeaturing product demonstrations andgiveaways. Girls will also be able totrack their collections onwww.zoobles.com.

Emma Eden, brand manager, said:“Across the trade everyone isextremely excited about the launch ofZoobles. Not only do Zoobles standout because of their outstandingdesign and unique transformation,but with over a 150 different Zooblesto collect, little girls are going to gocrazy for these cute characters.”

For ToyNews readers in January,there will be two different launchcovers to collect from the worlds ofPetagonia and Seagonia.Spin Master: 01628 535000

WinningMoves signsHarry Hill’sTV Burp

56 RETAIL ONLY

CIRCA CIRCA, the Brighton-basedboard games company, has launcheda Friends & Family edition of itsaward-winning About Time title.

With the strap-line ‘The GreatestGuessing Game Since Time Began’,the Friends & Family editionincludes new questions in a range ofsubjects, including popular culture,celebrity and iconic events.

The latest addition has a newspill-proof magnetic cardholder andeven simpler rules.

“We’ve launched the new editionin response to consumer demand,”said Joe Gill, director and co-inventor of the game.

“People loved our Classic editionand we learnt through them thatthere was an untapped demand for aversion that’s even more topical,with lots more questions aroundpopular culture and celebrity eventsof the 21st century. The new editionwill entice friends and family

members of all ages and should addto Christmas fun for everyone.”

About Time is a trivia gamespiced with chance, cunning andstrategy – while players move aroundthe board, they learn tidbits from sixcategories of knowledge.

The game is fast and the mini-rulecard lets players get started quickly,right from the first round and everyplayer or team plays in each round.Players are never wrong, but have toguess closest to the correct answer to win.

About Time is a family game fortwo to 24 players.Circa Circa: 07984 623159

Corgi introduces the classic Transit van

Spin Master unveils new girls’ collectable range

Circa Circa adds Friends & Family to About Time

JANUARY 2011

Count and Scan ShopperPARENTS CAN play shop with theirtoddlers using Count and Scan Shopper,a new interactive shopping game fromLeapFrog. Available from this month for£19.99, Count and Scan Shopper helpschildren shop, scan and discover foodwith pretend shopping play.

Suitable from two-years-old, theshopper develops the key learning skillsof number recognition, counting androle-play. The product allows childrento scan individual food items or theprovided shopping list, which revealsengaging, educational learningresponses to keep them entertained.

The shopper also plays learning songsand children can respond to questionsas they hold the scanner to any itemaround the house or store.

Shapes and Sharing Picnic BasketLeapFrog’s Shapes and Sharing PicnicBasket, also available from this month,encourages children to build motorskills as they sort, match, stack, emptyand fill the 14-piece set.

Priced at £19.99, the basket helpschildren learn how to share as well asnew shapes and colours whiledeveloping their interaction abilities.

Both new products will be supportedby a PR campaign targeting nationaland parenting press.

Release dates:SHAPES AND SHARING BASKET:January 2011 – £19.99

COUNT AND SCAN SHOPPER:January 2011 – £19.99

CONTACT DETAILS:LeapFrog: 01895 201533

LeapFrogPre-school shopping

www.toynews-online.biz 57HERO PRODUCT

LeapFrog’s pre-school shopping products, theCount and Scan Shopper and the Shapes andSharing Picnic Basket launch this month….

1/4 page: Annual charge £1,395 (minimum twelve months booking)Get your company featured: [email protected] T: 01992 535 647RATES:

The place for business

RATES:RATES:

MILLHOUSE HAS been designing

and manufacturing children’s toys

and furniture for the past 30 years.

In that time it has primarily supplied

to the education market; its high

quality products have made it the

premier choice for schools and

nurseries across the UK. All its

products are still made in the UK by

a skilled team of local craftsmen.

Utilising this extensive

knowledge and expertise, Millhouse

has developed its first retail range,

and in doing so, picked up ten toy

industry awards in 2010. Not bad for

a first attempt.

Millhouse prides itself on the use

of quality materials, solid

construction methods, the design of

safe, innovative products with

timeless appeal and a commitment

to sustainability.

“We are keen to speak with and

develop lasting relationships with

buyers, agents, retailers and

distributors throughout the UK and

abroad,” said Matt Brown,

managing director.

Millhouse will be exhibiting its

multi award-winning range of

children’s toys and furniture at Toy

Fair 2011, (London Olympia Grand

Hall: 25th-27th Jan 2011). Stand No:

137 (upstairs near the BTHA

Members Lounge).

MILLHOUSESUPPLIER/MANUFACTURER01526 351 919

Advertisers■ Character Costumes & P.O.S.Rainbow Productions 0208 254 5300

■ Suppliers/Manufacturers

Brookite 01837 53315

Cambridge Brainbox 01279 821 333

Esdevium Games 01420 593 593

Flying Toys 01702 295 110

Fun Collectables 01844 273 719

Ideal Software 01767 689 720

Jumbo Games 01707 289 289

Logiblocs 01727 763 700

Maps Toys 01483 776 006

Millhouse 01526 351 919

Plastics for Games 01728 745 300

Ravensburger 01869 363 800

Revell 01442 250 130

Thumbs Up 0845 466 8880

Wow Toys 020 7471 0980

■ Toy Suppliers

Cartamundi 01268 511 522

Richard Edward 0208 311 8888

WOWSUPPLIER/MANUFACTURER020 7471 0980

WOW TOYS is well known in the

toy trade for its durable range of

pre-school toys with features

and functions which don’t

require batteries.

2010 was a strong year for

Wow, which saw UK and

international sales rising; 2010’s

new Christmas toys were the

most well received new products

to date and have been a great

addition to Wow’s new Fantasy

toy range.

Aimed at

children aged 18

months to five

years, the Wow

range has been

developed to stimulate learning

through creative play and

discovery with colours, sounds

and mechanical features, helping

with early years development.

To achieve this, Wow remains

committed to innovation, design

and quality. The company excels

in product development and

understands instinctively the

ingredients that make great toys.

The toy range continues to

grow and develop with three new

product launches and a record

number of new products hitting

the toy shelves in 2011. After

over a decade of careful and

responsible manufacturing with

long-term partners, high

standards are guaranteed. Every

year it launches several new

marketing initiatives to support

retailers with the right tools to

guarantee successful sell

through. Full details of the range

can be found on the website.

For further information please

Tel: 020 7471 0980

www.wowtoys.com

CONTACT DETAILS:Tel: +44 (0) 1526 351 919Trade enquiries: [email protected] Press enquiries: [email protected]

Millhouse Manufacturing Design Ltd,Roughton Road, Kirkby on Bain,Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, LN10 6YLwww.millhouseathome.com

Marketplacewww.toynews-online.biz | Advertising: +44 (0)1992 535 647


■ Suppliers/Manufacturers■ Character Costumes & P.O.S.


Marketplace

■ Suppliers/Manufacturers■ Suppliers/Manufacturers

■ Suppliers/Manufacturers ■ Suppliers/Manufacturers

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ADVERTISINGTHAT WORKS!

To advertise here please contact

Emily Briggs:+44 (0)1992 535647

[email protected]


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64 TOY TALK

TOYTALKMore finger-pointing from MGA; top lip service from Flair and big news on Richard Greaves’ organ. Oh yes...

JANUARY 2011

CHRISTMAS BROUGHT us a wave of goodand bad news again and I will kick off thismonth with a tale of canny productdevelopment in the US.

Squinkies are going to be one of thehottest toys this year in the US says Toys 'R'Us CEO, Jerry Storch.

Described as small eraser heads figuresthat “girls just love”, Squinkies are great ascollectibles because you can get into thecraze at virtually any price level. You canstart with a small pack, buy houses and allkinds of things to play with your Squinkiesto interact with each other. And there arehundreds of them.

This really is a toy phenomenon at itssimplest, most base level, stripping out allneed for the technology or characterlicensing endorsement that might add USPsbut burden product development withconsiderable investment and cost that isinevitably reflected in the retail price.

Squinkies was born out of the developer,Blip Toys', correct call that the US consumeris under financial pressure like never beforeand is demanding affordability. “Demand istight,” says Laura Phillips, SVP for toys atWalmart. “Mom doesn’t feel bad. ‘I can getinto it and my child can really enjoy it,’” shesaid. “That matters in this economy.”

Always looking to steal a lead on thecompetition, one retailer in the UK seems tohave shot itself in the flipper. How manytimes have you been told that what toyretailers need is more in-store theatre? Well,it seems that you can take thing a bit too faras Hamleys discovered when it received ahail of abuse from animal welfare expertsfor treating animals like “living toys” afteradvertising an event as a Christmas treat forkids featuring live penguins.

Details of the event were quicklyremoved from its website. Hamleys wasalso planning a reindeer event.

What’s the old adage? Never work withanimals and kids?...

JonSALISBURYObservations froma toy industrysurvivor....

LARIAN LASHES OUTMGA boss Isaac Larian has accusedUS trade body, the TIA, of being a“puppet organisation” that is biasedtowards Mattel.

In an open letter to TIA presidentCarter Keithley, Larian questions theindependence of the trade body andsays MGA products have been giventhe “cold shoulder”.

The letters says: “MGA submittedLalaloopsy, together with other hotMGA products, to TIA - yet TIA failedto even nominate Lalaloopsy in anyof their awards categories.

“It seems ever since MGA wonback-to-back Peoples’ Choice Toy ofthe Year Awards for Bratz in 2001and 2002, MGA and its productshave been given the cold shoulderby TIA. As we all know, Mattel is thebiggest financial contributor to TIA

because of its sheer size. For manyyears, Neil Friedman was thechairman of the TIA Board ofDirectors; and now it is BryanStockton, another Mattel employee.

“We know that TIA changed itsrules at the urging of Mattel andscrapped the Peoples’ Choice Toy ofthe Year after MGA’s back-to-backwins. And as you know, for the pastnine years I’ve been asking TIA togive me a seat on its board. TIA hasgiven one excuse after another notto do this.

“TIA is supposed to be anindependent organization for thebenefit of all companies in the toybusiness. Is TIA independent? Howcan an organization such as TIA,with so many “experts”, miss thehottest toy of the year?

Dave Glicksman

Which clients do youcurrently represent?Bandai and DKL

What ranges or productsdo you sell?Action figures, craft, plastic andwooden pre-school toys.

What regions do you cover?London, South East andEast Anglia.

How many retailers doyou deal with?Approximately 85

What do you most enjoy aboutbeing an agent?Independence and being out andabout meeting people.

What car gets you around?It's a 'rep mobile' a Ford Mondeo,minus the coat hanger but with avery smart Chelsea FC tax disc

holder. Still saving up for theAston Martin Vantage.

What is your selling secret?Sort out customers problems overreturns, incorrect deliveries etc.It’s not just about the taking oforders. Remember you alwayshave to go back.

What’s your favouriteservice station?I’m not a fan of any of them reallybut of course on a long journeythey are necessary and expensive.

Any good stories?Many, many years ago I wasemployed by Tonka Toys and thecompany employed a well-knowntraining companywith sales training at theirpremises culminating in a coupleof days on the road.

Anyway, I had a gent from thetraining company who visitedaccounts with me for two daysand the morning of the secondday I told him we would have to

finish about 4pm as Tonka hadarranged tickets to take certainbuyers to an England v Brazilfootball match at Wembley and heduly noted this (mind you I thinkhe even noted the traffic lightchanges all day).

The following week ourindividual reports came into thesales director and I had one 'realnegative' in my training reportthat on that day I had seen fit tofinish work early! wouldn't mindbut I even bought him lunch thatday. That reminds me, did I claimfor that on my expenses?

AGENT PROFILE IN ASSOCIATION WITH

MyFavouriteThings

Katy Fletcher,Brand and MarketingCommunicationsManager, Re:Creation

Favourite album: Anything byCounting Crows-------------------------------------------------------------Film: It’s got to be the Pink Panther films------------------------------------------------------------Book: Sex, by Madonna. She’s my idol------------------------------------------------------------------------------TV programme: The Apprentice (AKA The Muppet Show)--------------------------------------------------------Magazine: Heat, I guess. I do liketo indulge in a trashy magazineonce in a while---------------------------------------------------------Holiday destination: Provence----------------------------------------------------------Pets: My labrador and my two guinea pigs-----------------------------------------------------------Heroes: The lovely Graham Canning------------------------------------------------------------------------------Way to spend a weekend: Walking in the Cotswold’swith my other half and our gorgeous labrador, with anice pit-stop pint of Hooky-----------------------------------------Game/toy: Top Trumps andBlow Off.Anything card based------------------------------------------Tipple: Red wine-------------------------------------------Food: Thai--------------------------------------------Piece of advice: Don’t over-complicate stuff, keep it plainand simple---------------------------------------------

JANUARY 2011

65TOY TALK

Clockwise from left: Peter Dibak, AndrewBrown, Peter Ridgewell. Nick Kneller PaulLavington and Ken Spencer.

FLAIR’S OUT OF FASHIONNO, IT’S not a reunion of Liverpool FC’s all-conquering 80s trophy-winningmachine. These six brave souls from Flair put their dignity on the line in Novemberfor a good cause, raising £535 for the Prostate Cancer Charity.

As part of the charity’s Movember campaign, each committed to revive the longlost gentlemanly art of growing a moustache. The men of Flair have spent a monthdealing with itching, embarrassment and for some extreme cases ofEisoptrophobia (that’s a fear of mirrors, word fans).

For more information on the impact that Movember is having, visit:http://uk.movemberfoundation.com/research-and-programs

Or to make a donation go to - http://uk.movember.com/donate/your-details/team_id/109450/

NOW HERE’S one we’ve never hadbefore. Richard Greaves, businessdevelopment manager for Halilit, is toperform an organ concert on 14thMarch 2011 in aid of the Toy Trust andDerian House Children’s Hospice inChorley, Lancashire.

Richard is a seasoned performer andhas been playing the piano and organsince he was a small boy stopping onlyfor meals and trade shows.

He explains: “I know that I can relyon my friends and colleagues in the toyindustry to donate generously to thesegreat causes even if they are unable toattend the concert.”

For more details, Richard can becontacted at: [email protected] orthrough his website: www.richard-greaves.co.uk.

And here he is giving it some on aHalilit glockenspiel.

GET BEHIND RICHARD’S ORGAN

JANUARY 2011

66 FEATURE PLANNER

FEBRUARY 2011 MARCH 2011

Got any events you would like to see added to the calendar? Email [email protected]

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Editorial: 01992 535646 Advertising: 01992 535647

© Intent Media 2011 No part of this publicationmay be reproduced in any form or by any meanswithout prior permission of the copyright owners.ISSN: 1740-3308

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PLAYWORLD MIDDLE EASTMarch 7th - 9th 2011Dubai International Convention andExhibition Centrewww.playworldme.com

BRAND LICENSING CENTRAL &EASTERN EUROPEMarch 7th - 8th 2011Corinthia Grand Hotel, Budapestwww.brandlicensing-budapest.com

TOY NEWS FIVESJuly 8th 2011Powerleague, Barnetwww.topcorner.co.uk

SPRING FAIRFebruary 6th - 10th 2011The NEC, Birminghamwww.springfair.com

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL TOY FAIRFebruary 13th - 16th 2011Javits Center, New Yorkwww.toyassociation.org

SPIELWARENMESSEFebruary 3rd - 8th 2011Nurembergwww.toyfair.de

TOY FAIRJanuary 25th - 27th 2011Grand Hall, Olympia, Londonwww.toyfair.co.uk

HONG KONG TOYS & GAMES FAIRJanuary 10th - 13th 2011 Hong Kong Convention & ExhibitionCentrewww.hktdc.com

Editorial deadline: Call for detailsAdvertising deadline: Call for details

The bumper February issue of ToyNews carriescompany by company guides on those exhibitingat London’s Toy Fair, as well as Nuremberg’sSpielwarenmesse. If you’re exhibiting at one, or bothshows call the team now to find out how you cansecure your firm’s inclusion.

The March issue carries a round-up of the 2011 tradeshows so far and the Toy Industry Awards.

Also included is a sneak peek at what the industryhas planned for its outdoor toys offering as thewarmer weather approaches. Finally, we find outabout the latest products in the science andeducational sector.

Show reviews Outdoor toysToy Industry Awards winnersScience & educational toys

Editorial deadline: January 14thAdvertising deadline: February 11th

Call Emily Briggson 01992 535647to advertise in the extra

circulation February trade

show special. Or emailemily.briggs

@intentmendia.co.uk

Nuremberg Toy Fair

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