Toys in the News: 2-28-2014

By TDmonthly Staff
February 2014

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_{Toys in the News is updated Mon-Fri at 9:15 am PST}
Mattel to buy Mega Brands to build up against Lego. February 28, 2014 — Mattel Inc, the world's No. 1 toymaker, offered to buy Canada's Mega Brands Inc for about $460 million...

At Hasbro, Girls Toys Become a Big Market. February 28, 2014 — Shortly after joining toymaker Hasbro (HAS) as a senior executive more than a decade ago...

CEO Confirms Bandai Toys For Disney's 'Big Hero 6' Movie. February 28, 2014 — In a busy booth full of Power Rangers, Tamagotchis and Moxie Dolls I squeezed...

2014 Toy Fair: Here’s the Toys Your Kids Will Want This Year. February 28, 2014 — Every February, Toy Fair comes to New York City. This trade show allows all the toy companies from around the world...

Lego expects to keep on outperforming toy market. February 27, 2014 — Denmark's Lego increased sales and operating profit by 10 percent in a sluggish global...

Why Barbie Can’t Save Mattel. February 27, 2014 — Things aren't looking too great for traditional toy makers like Mattel and Hasbro...

License To Brand: When It Comes To Licensed Products Brands Need To Always Be On Their Game. February 27, 2014 — Please forgive the long winded title as perhaps I was in a verbose kind of mood when scribing the title...

Bleak Retail Reports Continue With Sears and Best Buy. February 27, 2014 — Sears Holdings announced dismal fourth-quarter earnings on Thursday, which included a holiday season...

Are Interactive Toys Interfering With Child Development? February 25, 2014 — It's common to find a child talking to his Lego figures or Barbie dolls, but it’d probably knock...

Five retail trends to watch in 2014. February 25, 2014 — More than 2,000 local retailers, developers and franchisees gathered at the Gaylord National last week...

5 Awesome Toys Controlled by Apple iPhones. February 25, 2014 — More than 30,000 attendees crowded last week's American International Toy Fair, hosted by the Toy Industry Association...

Hasbro CEO Sells Stock Near Record High. February 24, 2014 — Two Hasbro insiders, including the chief executive, turned Play-Doh into real dough by...

The business of play: inside the weird world of Toy Fair 2014. February 24, 2014 — The business of toys is one of endless reincarnation. Barbie will always totter on slender legs...

Millennials are the key to saving retail. February 24, 2014 — Millennials, or the approximately 82 million Americans born between 1985 and 2000, are coming of age...

Amazon may start selling other retailers' products. February 24, 2014 — E-commerce giant Amazon.com is reportedly in talks to feature other retailers' products on its site...

Who You Gonna Call? All The New LEGO Sets From Toy Fair. February 21, 2014 — LEGO is huge right now. From the gigantic success of "The LEGO Movie," to their partnership with "Star Wars," Marvel and DC movie...

Barbie’s Swimsuit-Issue Appearance Pays Off for Mattel. February 21, 2014 — Barbie’s controversial appearance in this month’s Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue has turned...

The 10 Best Toys From The 2014 Toy Fair. February 21, 2014 — We've said it before, and we'll say it again: Every toy does not need an app! So once again...

Pogo Sticks of Doom and Other Gems From a Massive Toy Fair. February 21, 2014 — The Toy Fair is exactly what it sounds like. It’s been going on for 111 years, and it’s huge...

Toy Fair 2014: Winners of Space.com's Space Age Toy Awards. February 21, 2014 — From a build-it-yourself UFO to a robot that can balance a can of soda, 2014's Toy Fair..

7 STEM Toys That Put Barbie to Shame. February 21, 2014 — Among the piles of plush toys, dolls and cars on display at the 2014 International American Toy Fair...

Toy Fair 2014 in Pictures: LEGOs, Power Rangers, and More. February 21, 2014 — The Toy Industry Association's Toy Fair expo is in New York this week, with hundreds of companies showing off the gadgets...

Infantino teething toy recalled over choking risk. February 21, 2014 — Toy maker Infantino is recalling 191,000 teething toys sold exclusively at Target because a child could potentially choke on one of its parts...

TDmonthly 2014 Toy Fair Retailer Report. February 19, 2014 — Today is the last day of the 2014 American International Toy Fair, and our retailer reporters have been busy telling us about all of their favorite products on the show floor...

Tech transforms playtime at Toy Fair 2014. February 19, 2014 — The annual Toy Fair show in New York City offers a glimpse at how technology influences tomorrow's toys...

Toy Fair 2014: Lite-Brite and other vintage toys stage a comeback. February 19, 2014 — "Turn on the magic of colored light," beckoned the commercial for this toy. Ring a bell? If you guessed Lite-Brite, you're right...

2014 American International Toy Fair. February 19, 2014 — 15 images of products on display at Toy Fair 2014 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center...

We Took Pictures of Everything at Toy Fair 2014 (Basically). February 19, 2014 — Toy Fair – two innocent words that simultaneously conjure up feelings of excitement and disappointment in a single moment...

Hasbro aims to make 3D printing child's play. February 19, 2014 — The prospect of children printing their own Transformers and My Little Pony toys is a step closer...

Mattel's Latest Affront To Little Girls: Entrepreneur Barbie. February 19, 2014 — “We just didn’t sell enough Barbie dolls.” That’s what Mattel CEO Bryan Stockton said in an earnings call...

Mattel moves into Marvel universe, displays Disney, Monster High, Batman and more merchandise at Toy Fair 2014. February 19, 2014 — Among the biggest companies displaying at Toy Fair 2014 was Mattel, featuring new and upcoming products...

Demographic Shifts Contribute To The Changing Face Of Retail. February 19, 2014 — So far this year, retail chains have announced some heavy cuts. J.C. Penney said it would close 33 stores...

Retailers report tomorrow, but it won't be pretty. February 19, 2014 — It's the retailers turn for earnings. Wal-Mart (WMT) and Nordstrom (JWN) report tomorrow morning and afternoon...

Retailers using smartphones to track shopper movements, preferences; privacy groups concerned. February 19, 2014 — Should shoppers turn off their smartphones when they hit the mall? Or does...

Toys ‘R’ Us: Your future is now. February 19, 2014 — In the run-up to Christmas 2013, Wayne, New Jersey-based Toys ‘R’ Us, made a massive...

TDmonthly's Comprehensive Coverage of the American International Toy Fair 2014. February 16, 2014 — The 2014 American International Toy Fair started today, Sunday, February 16. TDmonthly Magazine's reporters are at the fair, bringing our readers updates of new products, toy videos, and industry news each day. You can see the results of our continuous coverage here.

Day 1 - TDmonthly's Live Retailer Reporter Coverage of American International Toy Fair 2014. February 16, 2014 — 2014 American International Toy Fair opened this morning at the Javit's Center in New York City, and our retailer reporters are already chiming in with some of their favorite moments at the show. Check their favorite new toys and pictures from the show here.

111th American International Toy Fair Opens Today in New York City. February 16, 2014 — New York City was transformed into a magical playground this morning when hundreds of thousands of innovative playthings were unveiled at the opening of the 111th American International Toy Fair – the largest toy marketplace ever held in the Western Hemisphere – taking place February 16-19, 2014...

NRF unveils 2014 economic forecast. February 14, 2014 — Retail industry sales (which exclude automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) will increase 4.1% in 2014, up...

Old LeapFrog's New Tricks Can't Compete with Real Tablets. February 14, 2014 — Shares of LeapFrog (LF) opened lower on Thursday after posting uninspiring quarterly results...

Yomega and YoYoJam Team Up to Launch Joint Product Line. February 14, 2014 — Leading yo-yo companies Yomega Corp. and YoYoJam Inc. have teamed up to develop and market a line of high-performance plastic yo-yos. The agreement blends Yomega’s 30-year leadership in yo-yo marketing and distribution with the innovation and precision of YoYoJam’s uniquely constructed product line, according to a press release.

Jan. retail sales take a hit from Mother Nature. February 14, 2014 — Consumers leveled off post-holiday shopping and spending in the beginning of the year due in part to severe winter...

Retail and financial trade association form cybersecurity partnership. February 14, 2014 — Retail and financial trade associations have banded together to combat cyber crime in wake of the Target data breach...

Hasbro Unveils ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy’ Marvel Legends Action Figures. February 14, 2014 — The cast of Guardians of the Galaxy have stepped into a lineup once again, this time for a Toy Fair 2014...

Mattel Signs New Five-Year Deal to Produce WWE Toys. February 14, 2014 — Mattel will enter WWE’s ring for another five years, with the world’s largest toymaker pinning...

Retail Sales Were Bad — What Now? February 14, 2014 — As retail sales numbers continue to slump, retailers have been trying to lure wary consumers...

New York City Will Focus its Spotlights on Toys and Games This Week at the 2014 American International Toy Fair. February 13, 2014 — The world has been focused on play this month – first the Super Bowl, then the Winter Olympics, and next the opening on Sunday of the 111th American International Toy Fair! The 2014 Toy Fair will be the largest toy show ever held in the Western Hemisphere with an anticipated 30,000+ attendees and a record-breaking 410,000+ net square feet of exhibit space – the equivalent of more than seven football fields filled with hundreds of thousands of toys! “TIA is proud to welcome back to Toy Fair buyers from more than 7,000 retail outlets around the globe,” Bossard said. “Together, the exhibitors, buyers, licensors, entertainment executives, and other play industry professionals represent over 100 countries – and all are eager to see what’s new and what’s hot in the world of toys and games.” The four-day show abounds with world-class educational programming covering topics such as play in the 21st century; toy safety; development, production, and marketing advancements; and doing business in the global toy marketplace. Toy Fair will break new ground this year with the introduction of ShopToyFair365, a free e-commerce tool that empowers buyers and sellers anywhere in the world to connect and do business online before, during and after the show, according to a press release.

Disney Sued Over 'Toy Story 3' Evil Stuffed Bear Character. February 12, 2014 — Disney Enterprises has been taken to Texas federal court by a trademark owner who objects to the "Lots-O'-Huggin'" stuffed bear...

Why Animation Is Killing The Toy Industry. February 12, 2014 — The returns for Hasbro and Mattel, two of the world’s biggest toymakers...

The Trouble with Toys. February 12, 2014 — The least plausible moment in "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty"—a generally implausible...

Other toy makers are looking to build on success of 'The Lego Movie'. February 12, 2014 — The $69-million opening of "The Lego Movie" last weekend has Hollywood film studios scanning...

JAKKs Pacific Has Finally Turned the Corner. February 12, 2014 — JAKKs Pacific is a leading designer and marketer of toys and consumer products with a wide range...

LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. Has a Lot to Prove This Week. February 12, 2014 — LeapFrog Enterprises reports quarterly results after the market closes on Wednesday. Investors in...

Gains From Monopoly And My Little Pony Not Enough To Help Hasbro Overcome Declines From Marvel Toys. February 11, 2014 — For toymaker Hasbro HAS +6.73%, girls continue to rule, as sales from female-focused products like Furby and My Little Pony...

Activision Gains After Strong Q4 Results But Challenges Lie Ahead. February 11, 2014 — Activision Blizzard’s stock gained 8% in after hours trading as the company once again beat market expectations...

ALEX TOYS®, POOF-SLINKY® and ZOOB® Come Together Under New Collective Brand Identity. February 6, 2014 — ALEX TOYS®, POOF-SLINKY® and ZOOB® announced today the formation of ALEX BRANDSTM, a family of brands that includes some of the most iconic names in the toy industry, including ALEX TOYS®, POOF®, SLINKY®, SCIENTIFIC EXPLORERTM, IDEAL® and ZOOB®. The ALEX BRANDSTM mission is to provide high quality, innovative and trend-leading toys for infants to tweens that encourage exploration, build confidence, and introduce valuable skills that can last a lifetime, according to a press release.

YouTube Math Star Intros New Fantasy Chess Game for Kids. February 5, 2014 — Patrick Jones, a Vanderbilt math instructor whose math channel has over 80 million views on YouTube and is one of YouTube’s top math educators, has just published a video on YouTube explaining the math concept behind Yamie Chess: The Adventures of Tigermore and the Mind Angels, a new educational game that uses a fantasy world to teach kids K-8 basic math concepts through chess play (see video). Yamie Chess was developed in collaboration with 2-time United States chess champion, Jennifer Shahade, who is considered to be the strongest American-born female chess champion in history. Yamie Chess is made in America.

Kindle Worlds Expands – Amazon Publishing Announces New Licensing Agreements with Hasbro, Inc. and Warner Bros.Television Group’s Alloy Entertainment. February 5, 2014 — Today, Amazon Publishing announced that Kindle Worlds has reached licensing agreements to open up seven new Worlds, including Worlds based on Hasbro’s iconic G.I. JOE brand, and Warner Bros. TV shows Veronica Mars and Pretty Little Liars’ spinoff Ravenswood...

Early Holiday Sales Results Suggest Retailers' Price Cuts Causing Bleeding At Bottom Line. February 5, 2014 — The final tallies for Holiday Season 2013 are starting to trickle in. Indications are that...

Retailers, this is the trend to watch: Webrooming. February 5, 2014 — While retailers are focusing on their online offerings, they shouldn't ignore their...

Why Toy Startup GoldieBlox's Historic $4 Million Super Bowl Ad Win Matters. February 4, 2014 — If you paid extra close attention to the commercials during Sunday’s Super Bowl...

'Lego Movie' built to be a better toy film. February 4, 2014 — Toy movies occupy a spot on the respectability meter somewhere between talking dog films...

Warner Bros. Taps JAKKS Pacific to Bring ‘The King of Monsters’ to Life with Toys Inspired by Legendary Pictures’ Upcoming Theatrical Release of Godzilla. February 4, 2014 — With a nearly 60 year heritage, Godzilla and his trademark ‘roar’ are recognized throughout...

Hasbro Unveils New Transformers: Age of Extinction Optimus Prime Figure. February 4, 2014 — Now that we’ve all had a moment to process last night’s Optimus-Prime-riding-Grimlock trailer for Transformers: Age of Extinction...

Godzilla, The Hobbit, 300 and DC Super Heroes Part of Warner Bros.’ Toy Fair Lineup. February 4, 2014 — While they are keeping most of the movie products hidden as far as images go...

RealTimes Products LLC Announces New York Toy Fair Debut of 'theMultiples'™ - Promoting Multiplication Literacy in Children. February 4, 2014 — RealTimes Products LLC announces the debut of 'theMultiples'™ and its "Times Table Dinnerware" at the New York Toy Fair...

Sales Of Barbies Collapse. January 31, 2014 — Mattel shares are down as much as 9% on news that the company's toy...

Batman, ‘Godzilla,’ ‘The Hobbit’ Ready to Play at Toy Fairs for Warner Bros. January 31, 2014 — With “Godzilla” out in theaters this May and “The Hobbit” franchise ending the run of the trilogy at the...

Toy Maker Wins Small Business Super Bowl Contest. January 31, 2014 — A small business that makes toys for girls will have its 30 seconds in the spotlight...

Nuremberg Toy Fair Images. January 31, 2014 — The Nuremberg International Toy Fair 2014 is the worlds biggest toy fair and is opendend to visitors from January 29 to February 3...

STEM Is Taking Over the 2014 Toy Fair! January 31, 2014 — What do you think of when you hear the word STEM? Maybe the stem...

‘Star Wars Rebels’ LEGO Sets Reveal New Looks at the Millenium Falcon-esque “Ghost”. January 31, 2014 — The other day ‘Star Wars Rebels‘ lifted the veil just high enough to introduce us to the...

The Latest Video Game Consoles Have Launched – Now What? January 31, 2014 — The PS4 and Xbox One were released during the second half of November and racked up worldwide sales of 4.2 million and 3.9 million units by end of the year...