NEWS
Toy retail should be excited about Frozen, says Disney
By Billy Langsworthy
IT HAS already gone down as a huge hit in cinemas, but Disney believes Frozen will be equally as successful in the toy sector. Frozen– Disney’s highest
grossing animated film of all time – is already on the shelves of toy shops, but Simon Philips, executive vice president and general manager, Disney Consumer Products at The Walt Disney Company EMEA, says there is much more to come. “Frozenis a phenomenon,” Philips told ToyNews. “It has been, and continues to be, an incredible movie and you’re lucky to find products in retail at the moment. As soon as it hits the shelves, it gets sold out. “We have a lot of plans
on Frozen, plans that will take us well into 2015 and
“We have a lot of plans on Frozen, plans that will take us well into 2015 and beyond,” says Simon Philips, vice president, consumer products
Disney film scheduled for 2015. Philips added: “If I was a
toy retailer, I’d always be excited about the Disney Classic business, the Minnie and Mickey business. “When I look at our girls business, Princesses continues to be one of these franchises that just connects really well with the core fans, the girls, as well as the mothers. “Cinderellawill come out in the spring of 2015 and it’s a live action film. I saw a little bit and I was watching with a big smile on my face because it’s a story we all know but this movie is phenomenal. “It has the opportunity
for us to bring a fresh new take on Cinderella to girls around the world. That’s very exciting. “Given the cycle that
beyond. Toy retailers should be really excited to see what we’re doing.”
Elsewhere, Philips
believes the Disney Classics range should
remain on the radar of toy buyers, along with a re- invention of an iconic
toy buyers buy in, this should be on the radar at the moment.” Disney: 020 8222 1000
She Who Dares returns to Downton Abbey Success of official game has allowed for follow-up Compendium of Parlour and Card Games
By Billy Langsworthy
SHE WHO DARES UK plans to launch a Downton Abbey branded Compendium of Parlour and Card Games this year.
The company released the official Downton Abbey game just before Christmas 2013
IN BRIEF
MEGA BRANDS ADDS SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS The Mega Bloks licensed construction portfolio will be expanded later this year with the introduction of Nickelodeon’s Spongebob Squarepants. A raft of new products were showcased in Nuremberg and US Toy Fair last month, with the full line due to hit retail shelves in the autumn. Mega Brands: 01844 350033
www.toynews-online.biz
CHARACTER OPTIONS BECOMES CLANGERS MASTER TOY
Coolabi has signed up Character Options as the new master toy partner for The Clangers. The firm has the UK distribution and global (excluding US) manufacturing rights, and will roll out plush and play-sets for autumn/ winter 2015. Character Options: 0161 633 9800
TRUNKI ADDS BRACE OF HELLO KITTY DESIGNS Ride on luggage specialist Trunki has sealed a deal with Sanrio for two new Hello Kitty designs. The fresh lines will launch in the UK in early spring, during the celebrations for the brand’s 40th anniversary, and will include the world’s first ever sparkle Trunki suitcase. Trunki: 0117 9543 050
MICKEY AND MINNIE RIDE INTO COZY COUPE LINE Little Tikes has teamed up with Disney to add Mickey and Minnie Mouse products to its Cozy Coupe range, available exclusively at Argos. The products feature ears, a working horn, 360- degree spinning tires and a storage area, while the Minnie version boasts polka dots and a pink bow. Little Tikes: 01895 202840
SORGENFRESSER SCOOPS TOY FAIR EDITORS’ CHOICE Sorgenfresser Worry Eaters from Schmidt picked up the Editors’ Choice award at Toy Fair in January. More than 300 broadcast, national, local and trade journalists chose their top three toys on display at the event, with the Coiledspring distributed line coming out on top. Coiledspring Games: 020 3301 1160
March 39
and it is the only official product in its class. The new game is expected soon and is already available for pre-order for retailers. “The idea is to get people back to playing traditional family games as an alternative to switching on the television,” said Rachel
Lowe MBE, managing director of She Who Dares UK. “The Victorian concept is
a great way for Downton fans to get a feel for the period in which the hit- series drama is set and to have fun.” The Downton Abbey Compendium of Parlour
Games and Card Games is due to reach stockists prior to the start of the next series of the show and can be ordered from She Who Dares directly via the Destination website. She Who Dares/Destination Board Games: 020 3468 3056
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