Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!
Happy Bloomin’ Friday!
Can you believe summer’s almost gone? Before LA Previews took over our calendars, late August used to mean squeezing in those last bits of summer fun. Now it’s all about gearing up for a busy season ahead! I can’t wait to see everyone in just a few weeks. In the meantime, here’s a handy list of LA events courtesy of the Toy Association.
On the list is our second annual Laugh Factory event! Get your tickets right now because there is only one show and it is Rubee Tuesday - a super popular night at the Laugh Factory! If you have questions, ask David Fuhrer, Bob Fuhrer or me.
Registration is Open for November's POP Week and WishList Weekend!
Connect, pitch and learn at the Inventor Pitch and Innovation Conference
Celebrate innovative colleagues at the TAGIEs
Encourage a creative kid to enter the Young Inventor Challenge
Kick off the holidays and be a part of WishList Weekend - regoister to exhibit at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair! Meet consumers, influencers, media and trade in one place!
Thank you for reading the Bloom Report here or on the Bloom Report 24/7 News Feed! Please support our work by advertising and/or setting up a POP profile.
Mary and the POP Team
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Investment bank Raymond James & Associates, Inc., has submitted its final request for compensation to the federal bankruptcy court supervising the Diamond Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Jazwares and Build-A-Bear asked the court on Friday to dismiss their dispute with prejudice, which means it cannot be refiled.
The US is investing $8.9 billion into Intel, but most of the funds come from money that the government was supposed to pay the embattled chipmaker anyway.
Democratic state representative Jason Morgan's new bill would create a US$13-million fund to support PBS and local public broadcast stations.
The earnings improvement was primarily the result of a more than $70 million reduction in general and administrative expenses, which the company attributed to the expenses of going public last year.
Company leaders told investors Thursday that total net revenue for the first half of the fiscal year was up more than 11% to $252.6 million.
Five Below’s second quarter results spotlighted a resilient consumer, as comparable sales surged 12.4% year over year.
Best Buy surpassed revenue and earnings expectations for its most recent quarter, but stuck with its full-year forecast, citing tariff uncertainty.
Without efforts to adjust to the new U.S. tariffs, Games Workshop would experience a $16.1 million impact to profitability in its next fiscal year, CEO Kevin Rountree said in the report.
Action figure toys market thrives on licensed hero media, appealing to both nostalgic adult collectors and discerning parents seeking developmental, safe products.
One family-run business, which expects a 30 percent revenue loss this year, won't have enough inventory for the holiday season.
Kerry Addis and her father, Dana Silva, were in China visiting factories in April when they woke up to the news that threatened to devastate their family board game business.
Suppliers, partners and investors said the eCommerce platform resumed making “fully-managed” shipments, the Financial Times reported Tuesday (Aug. 26).
Trump also said that airplane parts were a key leverage that Washington has to counter Beijing’s grip on rare earths.
President Donald Trump said taxes on massive tech companies like Facebook, Google and Amazon are designed to "discriminate against" American technology.
Canada made the announcement Friday, though the 25% counter-tariff on autos, steel and aluminum remains.
Consumer spending helped push the number higher, rising by 1.6% compared to an initial 1.4% estimate.
While travelers are required to declare the items they purchased abroad, it’s hard for customs agents to determine if clothing worn by a traveler, for example, is new, according to the report.
The average 12-month expectation for inflation jumped to 6.2% this month from 5.7% in July, the Conference Board found in a consumer survey.
The U.S. and European Union shared an updated trade framework on Thursday, granting businesses some much needed clarity.
According to Bloomberg, the phenomenon is exemplified by Australian influencer Sam Todd, who travelled to Tokyo chasing vintage fashion—and secretly hunting for a fluffy Monchhichi keychain.
Each year, Fall Toy Preview sets the course for the future of play — not for this holiday season, but the next one.
Mania over "blind box" shopping is catching on across the Chinese economy with everyone from travel agents to supermarkets offering their own versions.
Some owners compare the dolls, including the hit Labubu, to children – driving a splurge in spending.
With 120 days to go, John Lewis has released a list of the toys it considers will be best sellers this Christmas.
The animal has come as a surprise to experts, who now have to rethink how these armoured dinosaurs evolved.
How to Win at Checkers, How to Beat Grandad at Checkers, Play Winning Checkers. These are the titles of just a few of the books from Alfred C. Darrow’s checkers library, which recently found a new home at The Strong Museum.
As I begin a new decade of my life, I’ve become more aware of the toys that model real-world “adulting.”
A story in The New York Times about a U.S shoe company and its challenges with tariffs after having located production in Brazil underscores the crushing impact of the current situation on a small company.
When it comes to mitigating tariffs, retailers don't have a one size fits all solution. A look at Abercrombie & Fitch, Five Below and Best Buy's plans.
The trade war hit the businesses hard, though analyst suggests they faced challenges before Washington’s duties.
Visitors to the Natural History Museum over the weekend of 15-17 August, saw the much-loved Dobble Dinosaurs game arrive, complete with the Dobble mascot in tow.
Released in 1976, Tomy’s Spars & Stripes was a new “unsinkable” sailboat that actually sailed. It offered toy sailors ages 7 and up the clean, distinctive design of a classic 12-meter racing yacht, completed with adjustable sails, weighted keel, and automatic steering.
In 1960, Ohio Art released the Mechanical Hi-Way Road Set, a playset that combined wind-up vehicles with a multi-level metal track.
Released by Ideal in 1967, Rock Paper Scissors was a board game adaptation of the classic hand game, played with levers, cards, and coloured game boards.
The nostalgic wave sweeping through collector markets has transformed childhood memories into lucrative investments.
“Danger, Will Robinson.”
The post-merger leadership team is looking to achieve US$2 billion in cost savings and wants to rip off the bandaid with this workforce reduction.
It will cultivate talent from across the Kansai region to help mitigate rising costs stemming from the anime industry's growing labor shortage.
ACTF will distribute the live-action comedy from Easy Tiger Productions and animated sitcom from Media World Pictures.
The streamer has set an October 3 launch date for this 2D toon based on a series of bestselling children’s fantasy books by Michael Buckley.
This popular NBC live-action series ran from 1982 to 1986, with David Hasselhoff headlining all four seasons as Michael Knight, a crime-fighter who works (and banters) with an artificially intelligent supercar named KITT.
Oddly enough, our first real look at the show’s Pennywise comes our way today courtesy of two action figure reveals from McFarlane Toys.
Walker announced his departure on social media Monday, writing in an Instagram post that “me and baby broke up.”
The streaming giant also announced a slate of kids video games based on IP from Dr. Seuss and 'Paw Patrol.'
The NFL player popped the question to the pop star in a rose garden, which was revealed on social media on Tuesday. The pair has been dating since late summer of 2023.
The dealmaking comes as the runaway sensation lands on the list of the streamer's most-watched English-language films of all time — a feat few could have imagined.
The comedian had joined the NBC late night series as a featured player for season 50.
Adult Swim announced Thursday that the absurdist animated series is set to return with its third season on Oct. 5.
Designed to capture the magic and wonder of Polly Pocket, this limited-edition Alex and Ani collection features three of the beloved brand’s most iconic compacts.
The news comes after the departure of cast members Devon Walker and Emil Wakim, as well as writers Celeste Yim and Rosebud Baker, ahead of Season 51.
Nintendo says that “Nintendo Stars Inc. aims to expand the number of people who have access to Nintendo IP through cooperation with partners around the world, and strengthen the relationship between Nintendo and its customers.”
The general premise revolves around My Melody, a sweet little bunny who runs a bakery with her best friends, Piano-chan (a non-verbal pink sheep) and Flat-kun (a talkative blue mouse).
According to the Hollywood Reporter, it scored big, raking in $18 to $20 million from 1,700 North American theaters.
KPop Demon Hunters' final challenge was to surpass Red Notice, the 2021 heist movie starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Gal Gadot, and Ryan Reynolds, the previously most-watched record holder, with more than 200,000,000 cumulative views on Netflix.
A24 released a series of images on Tuesday for season 2 of Hazbin Hotel, Vivienne Medrano's fan-beloved, adults-only animated musical series about a princess of Hell trying to redeem its denizens and get them into Heaven.
The collection features fan-favorite characters in two of TeeTurtle’s best-selling formats, Cloudheads™ and Reversible Plushies, blending iconic Sesame Street designs with TeeTurtle’s signature style.
Available now, Carrera RC has launched a new range of budget-friendly 1:50 scale Mini RC models based on fan-favourite Mario Kart characters.
Each episode blends music, interactive activities, and storytelling with early STEAM concepts to encourage little learners’ curiosity and creativity.
Pixar Animation Studios has storytelling down to a science. This fall, it’s sharing its unique formula of artistry, problem-solving, and technology in a new exhibit at Ohio’s Center of Science and Industry (COSI).
Mister Rogers, Sesame Street, and HPC highlight how licensing and live events connect beloved characters with new generations of fans.
World Poker Tour has a licensing ace up its sleeve. The global tournament is partnering with Genco International on a multi-year deal to create branded, competition-ready poker products.
While annual revenue is at an all-time high, Japanese studios are racking up significant costs from production delays and outsourcing talent.
With major Canadian carriers removing Family Channel and Family Jr., the channels are "no longer commercially viable" and will be shut down in the coming months.
Longtime Shout! acquisitions exec Jordan Fields and FilmRise head of content Jonitha Keymoore have both been tapped to work as SVPs of content acquisitions.
The young, Beijing-born artist launches her new character, KeyA, through the massive art toy retailer, bridging luxury art collaborations with collectible culture's next evolution.
Evan Schweitzer, 16, was only five or six years old when fidget spinners became a world-wide fad.
This five-hour licensing event will take place during the LA Fall Previews toy market on September 10.
The winners of the 2025 American Manga Awards, organized by Anime NYC owner LeftField Media and Japan Society, were announced in a ceremony at Anime NYC in New York on August 21.
The partnership sparks imagination and builds reading confidence by blending play, literacy, and innovation in early childhood programs.
With the dog days of summer behind us, FAN EXPO held its fourth Chicago area show on August 15-17, 2025 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.
If your company is showcasing 2026 products in Los Angeles this fall, don’t miss your chance to meet with The Toy Association’s trends team during LA Fall Preview® Market Weeks (September 8–19).
Toy industry professionals are encouraged to make the most out of their time in Los Angeles by taking note of this information.
Tee up with industry friends for an evening of friendly competition, casual networking, and giving back at The Toy Foundation’s Golf & Give FUNdraiser, taking place Tuesday, September 9 at Topgolf El Segundo during The Toy Association’s LA Fall Preview® Market Weeks.
It wouldn’t be Gamescom without the Gamescom awards and Nintendo has scooped up a couple of awards this year with Best Gameplay award going to Donkey Kong Bananza.
While they are the currently announced games from Capcom, hopefully the development studio will have a couple of surprises to get gamers excited.
Autumn Fair has unveiled a suite of enhanced, highly interactive workshops, a brand-new content pre-registration system and one-to-one mentoring sessions.
The launch of the DreamToys list, which has traditionally been through a media event in the run up to Christmas, will benefit from a reimagined approach this year.
The Disney Store at Westfield White City offered makeovers, face painting and interactive photo opportunities, plus curated shopping to ensure the magic will continue at home.
The annual celebration will take place at the Hilton London Metropole in December as Fence Club members and guests enjoy an evening of good cheer all while supporting the charitable work of the club.
Essex-based father and son Paul and Ethan Foster’s unique creation claimed victory over more than 200 entrants to win the UK leg of the world's largest travelling car show.
For one day, Aug. 30, families can hop aboard select Astoria route departures between 11 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. for a day of music, dancing, character meet and greets, photo opportunities, and special giveaways.
The souped-up player rolls out in Canada first on September 15, featuring 12 new licensed games and experiences.
Hasbro Pulse has revealed a fresh line-up of role-play gear and collector figures across the Marvel Legends and Star Wars Black Series, including the Wolverine Premium Roleplay Mask inspired by Deadpool & Wolverine.
Marshmallow Madness from PlayMonster is an easy-to-play game for friends and families looking for fun, screen-free options that deliver simple, shareable and laughable moments.
A description on Eilish’s website says the music artist designed the deck, which features “colours, symbols and numbers that showcase her artistic aesthetic, printed on 300-gram premium card stock”.
Lego’s record sales prompt expansion in Asia, with new stores in India and a factory in Vietnam, aiming to tap into the growing middle class.
During the Hasbro Panel at Fan Expo Canada 2025, brand team members announced the hottest new products based on Marvel and Star Wars™.
This collaboration emphasizes both brands’ commitment to expanding their collection of licensed partnerships embedded in pop culture, inviting fans to unbox six new L.O.L. Surprise! Tots.
AI-powered tools, expanded fulfillment to major metro cities, and new incentives equip Marketplace sellers to grow faster and reach more customers.
The anniversary set introduces premium replicas of the first Hot Wheels cars from 1968. With 16 original vehicles, collectors can collect well-known cars like Beatnik Bandit, Ford J-Car, Hot Heap, Silhouette, Cheetah, and more.
Following the success of its viral vending machine playset, Melissa & Doug is launching a new version of the toy — now carrying cosmetics.
In collaboration with The Walt Disney Company, the LEGO Icons Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Ship set features details and designs inspired by the Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise.
The new deal ensures access to Faber-Castell and Creativity for Kids products across Canada during back-to-school season and into the holidays.
This latest batch of releases includes three Dr. Seuss games developed exclusively for Netflix: Dr. Seuss’s Horton!, Dr. Seuss’s The Sneetches and Dr. Seuss’s Red Fish, Blue Fish.
In a report by MobileGamer.Biz, developers at Candy Crush maker King said that AI adoption, which was mandated by Microsoft, is being met with skepticism.
Capcom fans have been asking for a new Dino Crisis games or alternatively remakes for years now and according to Capcom-insider Dusk Golem they’ve attempted to do it but their results lead to it being canned.
Rock legends Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley spoke with Screenrant about their gaming experiences and the numerous times KISS has been featured in the industry.
As Embracer issued an absurd number of mass layoffs, project cancellations, and divestments across its portfolio, Crystal Dynamics conducted job cuts in 2023 and early this year.
Diablo developers have assembled 'one of the largest wall-to-wall unions' at Blizzard Entertainment.
The game follows Bratz Pack members Cloe, Yasmin, Sasha, and Jade as they explore cities like London, Tokyo, Milan, and their hometown, Stilesville.
Rec Room calls the job cuts a 'business necessity based on the financial trajectory of the company.'
Last month, Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier claimed that Sony Santa Monica's next project is "not a new IP", fuelling speculation that the studio has been working on a new God of War game.
This special LEGO controller will apparently be given away with LEGO purchases of $130 or more starting from 8th September.
That’s according to the game’s newly published box-art. A release date for Yooka-Replaylee has yet to be announced.
It seems that they have been distributed randomly with some smaller developers able to get them and some AAA publishers who have yet to receive one.
Circana which tracks sales figures in the United States says that the Nintendo Switch 2 is currently 75% ahead of the unit sales.
With the 30th anniversary coming up, maybe we'll see a special logo... maybe it'll even be made by the original logo's creator!
This agreement reflects a shared commitment to delivering high-quality gaming experiences while honoring the original spirit of the titles.
Projected U.S. total spending on video game hardware, content, and accessories grew 5% to $5.1 billion when compared to a year ago, Circana reports. Year-to-date spending is now at $32.6 billion, 1% behind last year.
The updates consist approval of two final rules for toys, the withdrawal of certain pending regulations, pledging a dedicated focus on “real and substantial risk” and “uninterrupted agency operations,” despite changes at the Commission.
He also starred on 'I'm Dickens, He's Fenster' and 'Camp Runamuck' and wrote for nearly four dozen shows, from 'Hey, Landlord' and 'M*A*S*H' to 'MacGyver' and 'Full House.'
Worldwide Magazines Weekly Top Stories
Toy Trade Monthly & Special Issues
Toy World Augusut issue
Innovation Insider - Youth
The Toy Universe Australia Issue 17
The Toy Book — 2025 Action & Adventure Issue
The Pop Insider - Summer 2025
Casual Game Insider Summer 2025 issue
Adventure Media & Events (US)
Entertainment XTracks Sets Stage for Licensing Summit at LA Fall Previews (The Toy Book)
Mattel and Limited Run Games Unleash Retro-Inspired Video Game (The Toy Book)
This Little People Collector Set Adds Boy Band Beats to Playtime (The Toy Insider)
‘LEGO Masters Jr.’ Brings the Contest to a New Generation (The Pop Insider)
New Spirit Halloween Locations Coming Down the Tracks for 2025 (The Toy Book)
Gabby's Dollhouse Joins CAMP's Immersive Experience (The Toy Book)
Playmobil, Mattel Partnership Reveals Barbie Toy Line for 2026 (The Toy Book)
Surge Brands Expands Mister Softee with Licensing Partners (The Toy Book)
The CPSC Issues Safety Warning About Fake Labubu Plush Dolls (The Toy Book)
LEGO Study Finds Gender Bias Starts Early for Canadian Kids (The Toy Book)
Toyworld (UK)
All good things come to an end … it’s the Friday Blog!
Big Potato wins investment support
Simba Smoby debuts premium Majorette Collection Series
Brainstorm launches four new interactive Science Kits
Barbie and England Rugby’s Red Roses join forces
Get involved in the October issue of Toy World
Airfix releases new schemes for Heinkel He111 H-6
The Big Christmas Press Show 2025 spotlights UK toy brands
Wilton Bradley launches new Toyrific website
Etopia announces date change for Amazon Play to Win event
Licensing.biz Powered by Toyworld
Lamine Yamal and Erling Haaland Funko Pop! collectibles take to the pitch
Barbie joins the Playmobil world
Asmodee unveils Dobble: Quest For The One Ring
Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight set for 2026 release
Mattel details new animated content slate
Spin Master announces first ever original animated film
Revell outlines upcoming Click System model kit launches
The British Museum returns to Brand Licensing Europe
Mattel and Limited Run Games announce new retro-inspired game
AliLeo Media signs distribution deal for Sunwoo & Company’s new IP Supertrons
ICv2: The Business of Geek Culture (US)
- Horror Week 2025: 'The Witcher: Path of Destiny' on its Way
- Horror Week 2025: Celebrate Halloween with New 'Magic: The Gathering' Commander Event
- 'Dungeons & Kittens Starter Set' Heads to Retail
- Days of Wonder to Refresh 'Memoir '44'
- 'Magic: The Gathering - Festival in a Box' for 'MagicCon: Atlanta' Incoming
- Horror Week 2025: Building a Halloween 'Magic: The Gathering' Cube
- Avalon Hill Offers 'Talisman Nemesis: Call of the Hunt' Expansion
- Bo Jackson's Radioactive Hot Dogs Power Up with Ken Griffey Jr.
- ICv2 Interview: Tycoon Games CEO Dan Yarrington
- Ares Games Will Release 'Wunderwaffen'
Nación Juguetes (Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Chile & Spain)
Global Toy News
The Bugg Report (Australia)
The Toy Universe (Australia)
hobbyDB
David’s World in Miniature
Modelant or the fine art of Slot Cars
Top-10 Most Valuable Funko Jumbo Sized Pop! Figures
Top-10 Most Valuable Kotobukiya Bishoujo Figurines
BoardGameWire
Toy Store (Italy)
Video of the Week!
ARCO Official Trailer
