Fans asked to vote to save favourite token from the chop with new Facebook campaign lNew mover also set to be introduced
by Samantha Loveday
THE FATE of the eight classic Monopoly tokens such as the Scottie dog, race car and top hat is in the hands of consumers, after Hasbro launched a worldwide vote to determine which one will be eliminated from the game.
To make sure their favourite token remains a part of the board game, fans are being encouraged to vote at
Facebook.com/Monopoly. Voting started on January 9th until February 5th. When the vote ends, Hasbro will permanently remove one of the classic tokens and replace it with one which reflects the interests of today’s Monopoly players.
Fans can again vote on Facebook for which new token they would like to see added to the game, choosing from a diamond ring, guitar, toy robot, cat or helicopter.
Monopoly games with the new token will arrive on store shelves in mid to late 2013. In addition, Hasbro will issue a special Classic Monopoly Golden Token Edition that will include gold-coloured versions of all eight classic tokens, as well as the five new tokens included in the vote. This will be available from March.
“The tokens are one of the most iconic parts of the Monopoly game, and we know that people often have their favourite one,” commented Eric Nyman, SVP and global brand
08 February
We can’t wait to see which iconic piece will ‘go to jail’ and which new token fans will choose to become part of the game. Eric Nyman, Hasbro
leader for Hasbro Gaming (above). “When we decided to replace one of the tokens in the game, we knew we had to involve our fans in the process. “We can’t wait to see which iconic piece will ‘go to jail’ and which new token the fans will choose to become part of one of
the world’s most popular games.”
The iron, race car,
thimble, shoe, top hat and battleship tokens were among the original set of movers introduced in 1935. The Scottie dog and wheelbarrow were added in the early 1950s. Hasbro: 020 8569 1234
Flair eyeing up top five position
FLAIR IS heading into 2013 eyeing up a 14th year of successive growth. Giochi Preziosi Group was ranked at number six in NPD's October listing of total toy manufacturers, with the company looking to move up to number five by the end of 2013. The firm is making a heavyweight investment in the pre-school sector, with the introduction of lines based on Tree Fu Tomand a major pre- school girls brand, as well as the expansion of the Hello Kitty pre-school line. The company is also confident of strong sales
within the boys category, with new brands Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and The Trash Pack having got off to a strong start in 2012. It will also be looking to grow the Monsuno and Gormiti lines further.
There will also be fresh brand introductions within the girls sector, as well as extensions to the Sylvanian Families collection and feature plush, while further growth is being
earmarked within arts and crafts (Flair is number one in craft kits). Flair: 020 8643 0320
Mattel: Delighted with 2012 but there is more to come
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MATTEL'S new UK VP and country manager, Dominic Geddes has told ToyNewshe is excited about the opportunities presented by the firm’s portfolio this year – but admits that a key
challenge is keeping pace with how the consumer wants to shop.
Geddes said that given the economic challenges last year, he was delighted with Mattel’s performance. “Monster High, Hot Wheels and WWE have all seen double digit growth, and Fisher-Price has shown solid single figure growth as well,” he said. "The fashion doll market has been extremely competitive in 2012, but we have been really pleased with Barbie’s performance – she is currently the number four property (source: NPD October 2012)for the total market compared to number seven in 2011.”
GEDDES: Delighted with performance
Geddes’ highlight, however, was Thomas & Friends, stating that the acquisition of Hit represented a great platform for growth. “Like any business and industry, it’s about keeping ahead, keeping brands relevant and appropriate and
maximising opportunities,” he said. “One of the key challenges is keeping pace with the changing demands of how the consumer wants to shop.” Mattel: 01628 500000