The brainchild of a Los Angeles television producer, Glendora, CA-based
PixelBlocks makes its premiere this September with a colorful
new construction system. “We’ve had an amazing response so far,” says company
President Aaron Rincover. PixelBlocks’ five partners include a toy storeowner,
computer programmer, and Rincover, who has a background in architecture
and design. Despite an enthusiastic response at the major Toy Shows, Pixleblocks
has no plans to expand into licensing. “We’re leaving the creativity up
to the kids,” says Rincover.
What is a PixleBlock? We asked him the same thing…
Changing Channels
Aaron Rincover
PixelBlocks LLC was formed nine months ago by five industry veterans;
[the toys] were invented by a Los Angeles television engineer, Jay Simmons.
Jay had difficulty drawing and thought if he could just take the “pixels”
of color out of a TV screen, he could put them together to create images.
Our company was formed around the idea of being able to create what is
in your imagination. We developed PixelBlocks as a way for children and
adults to express themselves, and the patented connections and extensive,
vibrant color palette provide an outlet for limitless creativity. PixelBlocks
were designed as a physical “pixel,” if you will, representing the dots
on a TV or computer monitor.
PixelWorld Pets
The Time is Right
Right now, we are primarily focused on the independent and specialty
toy markets. PixelBlocks will also be appearing in the Arts and Crafts
market, as well as museum and science shops. We feel there is a gap between
current technology and physical play, and the time is right to offer an
innovative block product.
We have been reaching out mainly through toy shows and fairs. Already
this year we’ve been to Nuremberg, New York and the Pomona toy show, all
with an overwhelming positive response.
PixelBlocks
Selling In
The initial PixelBlocks line will be arriving at retail outlets in September,
but the entire range of products have been selling “in” extremely well.
Most retailers have ordered the entire line, from 200-block individual
color sets to the 2800-block deluxe set and every SKU in between.
PixelWorld Tops
Light at the End of the Tunnel
Although we are certainly faced with a demanding retail climate, toys
still represent over a $20 billion industry. Like many, we fear the great
discounting giants are affecting the specialty market’s ability to stay
competitive. But with Arts and Crafts as one of the market segments that
saw a substantial increase in 2002, and with Learning Toys as one of the
“hot” categories right now, we are optimistic about the success of PixelBlocks,
despite any economic slowdown. We know that “depth of play” and a creative
play experience are important to parents.
