Dress up specialist Smiffy’s makes a move into the toy sector with the launch of its new Time 4 Fun range. The collection includes a wide range of light-up and novelty accessories, plus pocket money items, jokes, magic tricks, outdoor, girls and boys-themed toys.
Wham-o Europe and Grant & Bowman reveal new venture Goldfish & Bison. As well as the Wham-o range, the firm will offer Laser Pegs, Canadian creative play brand Bojeux, French games from Megableu and equestrian property JJ.
Hasbro confirms that classic ‘90s plush Furby will be returning later on in the year.
Marvel’s Avengers Assemble smashes the $1 billion threshold at the global box office, becoming the first Marvel Studios film to do so.
JUNE
Vivid announces plans to launch Little Mix dolls in time for Christmas 2012.
JULY
AIS Play-room reveals a new look and name for its Play-room at the Park event for 2013. The show will now be known as Independent Toy & Gift.
Pocket money distributor The In Thing says that it has enjoyed 12 months of consecutive growth, thanks to strong performances from Moshi Monsters and Skylanders toys.
Robert Mann (above)re-emerges in the business as the new president of Toystate Europe. The company is looking to significantly expand its presence across key territories.
135 walkers successfully complete the Toy Trust Three Peaks Challenge – scaling Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis – raising over £130,000 for the industry
AUGUST
The London 2012 Olympics gives the toy business a summer lift, with LEGO Team GB Minifigures and Golden Bear’s plush mascots proving particularly popular.
Peter Andre helps LeapFrog launch the LeapPad2 and Leapster GS at Oxford Street’s John Lewis.
Harrods refurbishes its toy area for the first time in over 20 years, investing millions of pounds in the refit. The new Toy Kingdom(below) consists of six different worlds across 26,000 square feet.
EDF Energy says there are ‘no immediate plans’ to turn its Zingy mascot into a toy line. This is despite huge demand from consumers after the character became an internet star. The popular little character featured in the company’s TV advertising campaign.
Vivid Imaginations founders Nick Austin (right)and Alan Bennie (left)pick up Lifetime Achievement Awards at the BTHA Industry Day. In addition, the event also saw former Tomy CEO Robert Mann receive the Toy Trust Outstanding Achievement Award.
Spanish toy firm Famosa is to open a new subsidiary in the UK. Industry veteran Paul Fogarty assists with
Toy firms urge the Government to help them spot and cull counterfeit products. Firms including Wow Stuff and Innovation First argue that it currently takes too long to hold knock-off manufacturers, distributors and retailers accountable.
The Entertainer sees sales rise 12.3 per cent in the second quarter of 2012, and confirms it will open 15 stores this year – three more than it had originally planned.
MGA Entertainment withdraws a $10 million lawsuit it had filed against pop star Lady Gaga. MGA had taken the quirky star to court seeking damages, after her team allegedly stalled production of a Lady Gaga licensed doll during the approvals process.
LEGO delivers “exceptional” financial results during the first half of 2012 thanks to stellar sales of its new LEGO Friends girls’ line. Sales in European markets rose, net sales grew 24 per cent year on year to £974 million and operating profit leapt 41.7 per cent to £306.8 million.
charity. The funds are used to help build an orphanage in Malawi. Also, nine riders covered 240 miles on a bike ride from London to Paris. This raised over £30,000 for The Fence Club.
Argos pledges to
become the UK’s leading toy retailer.
the start up, before being confirmed as UK country manager. Alison Hubbard becomes head of marketing, Simon McCrickard, UK sales manager and Justin Richardson, UK operations manager.
Hamleys gives its world-famous Regent Street store a makeover.