allegedly... T
he old chestnut of retailers retrospectively applying additional discounts appears to be rearing its head again. The guilty party on this occasion has blamed the move on “a clear downturn in trade” and a need for “increased promotional activity to stimulate
trade in the fourth quarter”, but as usual, the suppliers have been given no choice in the matter, as they have been informed that the discount is to be automatically deducted from all orders arriving after 2nd October. I’m sure everyone will be hoping that this is an isolated incident and not the start of a more widespread trend....
If you’ve skipped straight to this section (many people tell me they head straight for the gossip...), may we refer you to an article in our world news section which covers the recent ‘Think Asia Think Hong Kong’ symposium. Your columnist attended the morning session of this prestigious event, which certainly threw up some thought-provoking nuggets to chew over. Perhaps the most disconcerting was the news that the latest Chinese five year plan calls for the minimum wage to be increased by 13% per annum for each of the next five years. Allegedly was sitting next to Li-Lo Leisure’s Laurence Gilbert, and the look on his face when this was announced was a picture. So for those retailers and suppliers desperate for some respite from rising manufacturing costs in China, it seems to be something of a forlorn hope for the foreseeable future. That said, given the percentage of toys manufactured in China, the vast majority are at least in the same boat (and if any retailer tells you otherwise, you can perhaps take it with a pinch of salt...). And if, by chance, you are a UK toy supplier hoping to grow your business in the Asian market, the extra money this development will put in the hands of Chinese consumers certainly won’t hurt your prospects....
The Licensing Awards was, as ever, a triumph on many levels. As a networking opportunity for the licensing community, it is unparalleled. Despite the fact it had moved to a Tuesday night (from its traditional Thursday slot), few seemed to curb their enthusiasm for partying hard. Host Gregg Davies did a sterling job; he pinpointed the mood of the room quickly, receiving a loud cheer when he announced – without a trace of irony – “let’s get this over with quickly so we can start the drinking.” Sadly he didn’t quite succeed in his aim; the awards, as per usual, went on too long. The winners were the traditional mix of thoroughly deserving and ‘open to debate’ (a full list of winners is listed in our Licensing World section on page 48).The honorary achievement award was given posthumously to John Sinfield, to whom Mike Redfern paid a very moving tribute. Once the business end of proceedings was over, the mingling and gossiping swung into full force. Amongst the (repeatable) snippets I picked up was the news of Anna Hewitt’s move to Walker Books, with Natasha Dyson taking her former role at Coolabi. Kate Schlomann has joined Fremantle, whilst Katy Sorkin will shortly be returning to
82 Toyworld
work in the Nickelodeon UK office. There were some very interesting rumours about potential developments at Hit, although nothing we can print just yet. But watch this space, as a resolution appears to be getting closer....
The Pop TV sales contract will be moving from Dolphin TV to Sky in January 2012....
Paul Fogarty will shortly be leaving Tomy for pastures new....
The first major salvo in the inevitable Pre-Christmas price ‘war’ was fired by Argos, with its ‘Big Woohoo’ campaign, which included a TV ad highlighting a ‘3 for 2’ offer across a wide range of toys in the middle of September. And so it starts....
Treasure Toys recently changed its twitter account, after receiving a few suggestions that its original @TIToys could potentially be misconstrued. The company’s new Twitter moniker is Ti_Toys, which will hopefully stop the sniggering at the back....
You have to feel sorry for Toys R Us, whose name once again cropped up in the papers for all the wrong reasons when the case of former employee Paul Hopes returned to the headlines last month. The ‘lady’ on whom Mr Hopes lavished money and gifts has been ordered to pay back £1.7m, although the media doesn’t specifically mention what percentage of the money will find its way back to its rightful place in Toys R us’ coffers. Let’s hope it’s a significant amount....
Wilton Bradley’s Richard Greenwood will shortly be participating in a charity cycle ride in aid of St Luke’s Hospice. The ‘Tour de Moor’ is an arduous 35 mile ride, starting in Plymouth, heading into the heart of Dartmoor, before looping round a couple of Tors and returning once more to Plymouth. Richard has set up a Just Giving page for anyone who wants to donate to this worthy cause:
http://www.justgiving.com/Richard-Greenwood2
I’m going to confess, I rarely watch TV shopping channels. But when toys are making an honorary appearance, I occasionally make an exception. And if someone I know is presenting, it makes for even greater viewing pleasure. So congratulations to Flying Toys’ David Rawlins, who recently appeared on the Ideal World shopping channel. Not only was it his debut TV performance, complete with live and unscripted conversation, but there was also the unpredictable nature of the Radio Control product he was demonstrating to take into consideration. But if David was nervous it certainly didn’t show, and the show appears to have been a success all round, as the channel is discussing a series of additional one hour shows in the run up to Christmas. David, if you need an agent....
Tickets are now available for The Southern Light Fund Quiz. The popular annual charity fundraiser will be returning to Chelsea Football Club on Thursday 17th November 2011, and you can purchase tickets by calling Ian Hyder on 020 7607 6411 or emailing ianh@max-
This month Toyworld will be....
Visiting Brand Licensing (and trying to cram 50 or so meetings into 3 days) - Partying with the Moshis – Trying to guess the Dream Toys ‘Hot Dozen’ – Getting up at the crack of dawn to head to Dream Toys – On the lookout for the best new products being launched for Spring / Summer 2012
Next month’s edition will be published on 1st November.
publishing.co.uk . Incidentally, if anyone has a spare place on their team, I’m usually quite good at the music round. Alternatively, is there anyone out there interested in forming a team of toy boys and girls to challenge the intellectual might of the licensing industry? Email me (
john@toyworldmag.co.uk) if you’re up for it....
Many of you will remember the popular toy trade press editorial team of Andy Myall and Odette Williamson. Those of you who lost touch with them after they left the toy industry last year might be interested to know that they got married last week. To each other! Here’s a picture of the happy couple. Congratulations from all at Toy World!
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