The tween accessories retailer now expects to shutter 291 locations, including namesake and Icing stores, down from at least 700 announced last month.

Roblox has become the go-to destination for people of all ages to connect, learn, and play. 

*** The above posted after tBR circulated on September 5th ***

A 127-page ruling lands a blow against Trump’s trade policies, but tariffs remain in play — leaving toymakers stuck in the ring.

New platform features include bulk listing options, enhanced brand protection to keep counterfeit products out, and a Smart Assit that can support users 24/7.

Trump's removal of duty-free shipping for low-value packages from overseas will hit small and medium-sized businesses with steep trade war costs. 

If the Supreme Court upholds the ruling, President Donald Trump would lose some, but not all, of his broad tariff powers.

A federal appeals court last week ruled most of President Donald Trump’s global tariffs are illegal, undercutting his expansive trade policy.

that Blend Entertainment, Social Media, and Commerce.

The list, curated by Argos's toy experts following months of analysis, features a mix of the 20 most innovative, exciting and sought-after toys of the year.

U.S. consumers plan to spend an average of 5% less compared to the year-ago holiday season, as Gen Z pulls back on the budget.

Kids crave the spectacle and community of watching films in theaters much more than older demos do, a new NRG study finds.

The design, a blend of delicate features and bright, pastel colors, quickly found a home with Chinese toymaker Pop Mart, which has produced and marketed every Labubu release exclusively since its inception.

Enter the world of cats and cute plush toys—two phenomena that have captured the hearts of millions worldwide.

While backpacks, pencils, and laptops are non-negotiables, toys—especially those tied to learning or stress relief—are playing a bigger role in the back-to-school season than ever before.

A variety of reasons have been posited as to the motivations behind the rise of the “kidult” toy consumer, from feelings of nostalgia or belonging to tactile distraction to preferred home decor.

Market growth is fueled by rising disposable incomes, eco-friendly trends, nostalgia-driven demand, and the seamless integration of digital and physical play. 

Labubus are seemingly everywhere these days, defying the odds in a challenging economy. But what exactly are Labubus, and why should we care?

It’s been a busy week at Toy World Towers. It feels like things are returning to normal levels of busy / crazy after the gentler pace of summer.

View of Cinderella's Castle in the Magic Kingdom at Disney World, with flowers in the foreground in Orlando, in November 1971.

Toy World spoke to Addo Play’s David Martin and Mary Price about plans to re-establish the Meccano brand as a key player in the Construction category, and other brands that will be on show in LA this month.

Rick Derr takes a look at what has been happening at indie retail over the past few months, as we reach the halfway point of the year.

Paul Weingard, president and CEO of Schylling, provides an overview of his 18-year career at Schylling, and how the brand stays relevant in the fast-moving toy industry.

It's been a banner year for John Hendrick and his Dublin-based comic shop Big Bang Comics. It just moved to a new location on August 2, a space that's big enough at 8,200 square feet that its first location could fit in its new comic section alone.

LeapFrog’s latest innovation, LeapMove, proved a hit with families this back-to-school season, after the brand staged a high-energy, two-day activation at a popular UK shopping centre, giving retailers and consumers a glimpse of its sell-out potential ahead of Christmas 2025.

Courtney John is a finalist in a global competition that will see mascots join the mission.

Batangas-based fashion designer Juan Gabriel Buenabajo brings the rich heritage of pukpuk — a traditional Filipino metalworking technique from Pampanga — into the vibrant world of art toys

- the first American to win the competition since its inception in 1866.

Play-Doh was originally a wallpaper cleaner. Back in 1912, the Cincinnati-based Kutol Products Company made a soft, doughy compound designed to lift soot from walls. It worked like a charm… until homes switched from coal...

Brian Washington — vinyl collector and commercial artist — explores examples of classic children’s vinyl that blend music, storytelling, and learning.

Released by TOMY in 1987, the Strolling Bowling game let kids take the fun and excitement of bowling with them wherever they went.

The design is picking up so many votes on the site that it might actually make it through the threshold to earn a review from Lego.

When loaded with beads, Jewel Magic produced “oodles of baubles ‘n bangles” at the turn of its handle.

PhatMojo has signed global toy rights to Grow A Garden, the gardening-themed Roblox phenomenon that recently set the highest concurrent player record in video game history.

BBC Studios is financing and licensing the movie with theatrical distribution through Walt Disney Studios.

The brand-new line channels Free Fire’s signature look and feel, and reflects PMI’s attention to quality and detail, while capturing the distinct Battle in Style spirit fans know and love.

*** The above posted after tBR circulated on September 5th ***

“Smarty Pants” is a potty training toy, shaped like a toilet paper roll with large eyes and a small mouth.

The footage from Marvel Animation's new show begins by telling fans that, despite putting out animated shows like Marvel's What If...? and Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man(a personal favorite), this new series is definitely not for kids.

The movie is expected to deliver a lot more views in mid-May than staying in the crowded late October frame. Deadline states that research screenings have been strong for the sequel.

There's a ton of cards to check out, but as head designer Mark Rosewater told a group of journalists at a special press preview event attended by Polygon, this is just the beginning of an even bigger team-up.

This partnership marks Craft Buddy’s first move into kawaii pop-culture lifestyle licensing, a category that continues to show strong global growth.

A board game of epic battles inspired by the Star Wars galaxy, Star Wars: Battle of Hoth thrusts players into command of the Imperial Army or the valiant Rebel forces.

Consumers can showcase their love for the HUNTR/X superstars with collectibles inspired by the girl group. The Rumi, Mira, and Zoey figures feature their signature looks from the film, one-of-a-kind personalities, and demon-hunting weapons. 

The cutest Mogwai from Gremlins gets a 1,125-piece LEGO makeover, complete with poseable features, film-inspired accessories, and plenty of ’80s nostalgia for adult collectors.

The brand’s expansion includes digital-first shorts, scripted television, and a live-action VFX feature led by award-winning creator Chris Dicker.

The First Dinosaur has secured Crave as a Canadian streamer and is looking for more distribution partners.

Mattel has revealed that the second doll in the Darkness Descends collection will be Ursula from The Little Mermaid. The doll will be released on September 8.

The upcoming animated film was revealed at Destination D23, as well as new castings for the 'Zootopia 2.'

According to Disney, here is the film’s official logline: “Ice Age: Boiling Point is a dinosaur-and-lava-filled madcap adventure that takes Manny, Sid, Diego, Ellie, Scrat and the rest of the herd to visit never-before-seen corners of the treacherous Lost World.”

Potsy Ponciroli was asked about the status of the movie and said: “I have turned in a first draft, which was very well received, and I’m on a second draft and I’m about 95% done with that so we’re moving in the right direction.”

The move puts the family movie from Cal Brunker in a richer place on the calendar since there isn’t a kids film in mid-August.

The popular video game franchise will become a live action film through the deal, which Paramount CEO David Ellison calls a "dream come true."

While fans count down to the new movie’s release, they can re-visit the original “Toy Story” on the big screen, which is returning to theaters Sept. 12 in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the fan-favorite film’s premiere in 1995.

Character Options has been appointed as the exclusive UK distributor for the collectible lifestyle brand Kimmon, which is expected to bring fresh energy to its portfolio. 

Blokees’ licensing made the jump to light-speed at this year’s Disney Toy Expo. In Thailand, the brand previewed its first Star Wars figures, starring characters from throughout the saga. 

The platform has expanded its deal with Sesame Workshop amid huge viewership gains.

After working as a consultant for Heathside since February, Nic Aldridge will take on the roles of global head of Khadou and group head of Marketing.

This is O’Neil Mabile, our Associate Art Director who has been with The Op for 7 years!  🥳 What's your favorite part of your job?

Roberto Stanichi takes the wheel as Chief Global Brand Officer, with Jamie Cygielman and Ted Wu stepping into expanded roles — all while Lisa McKnight prepares for her next chapter.

The senior vice president and general manager of Fisher-Price brings a unique perspective to the toy industry.

Louise O'Connor spent 25 years at Rare but will now work to foster 'connection, collaboration, and momentum' within Xbox Game Studios.

Toy World is pleased to announce the promotion of Caroline Tonks to the position of editor, Toy World and Licensing.biz.

Plus, 15 ex-EA and Cliffhanger Games developers have landed at Wizards of the Coast to work on an untitled project. 

Marking its first ever promotional collaboration with the toy shop chain, The Pokémon Company International has partnered with The Entertainer on a major summer takeover.

This year’s ceremony will induct 33 new honorees, including winners for Best Slot Car, Novice Model Brand of the Year, and a lifetime achievement award for a model car entrepreneur.

The TIGA Games Industry Awards 2025 celebrate the video games industry with a ceremony honoring the creative, technological, and business excellence in game businesses of all sizes.

This year, more than 200,000 visitors are expected at the leading trade fair for board games. Around 890 exhibitors from 51 countries will present their new and classic products at Spiel Essen.

Mattel and Family Entertainment Live expand the tour with a new truck, fresh stunts, and international stops.

When asked about the dolls’ authenticity, the fair said attendees should ask vendors questions about Labubus and other products to make sure they meet expectations. 

The International Tokyo Toy Show has opened with a spotlight on AI-powered gadgets and products aimed as much at adults as at children.

Ace from Ramen Toy is on the ground at Tokyo Toy Show 2025 and has captured some incredible images of the Takara Tomy Transformers booth, which is packed with a wide range of product lines that highlight both nostalgia and innovation that the Transformers line is known for.

The energy was palpable. Hallways were jam-packed with people. Booths were overflowing with activity. Cosplayers filled every corner.

Take a look at some of the upcoming events happening during Enterainment X-Tracks.

This year’s LA Preview in El Segundo is shaping up nicely, with currently over 200 companies listed as Exhibitors and more registering every day.

For more than 50 years, Cinderella Castle has welcomed guests down Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom. During the “Beyond the Spires: An Insider Look at Disney Castles” panel at Destination D23, Imagineers looked back...

Following the runaway success of Wordle and Connections, The New York Times Games team has unveiled a tactile, domino-based puzzle that blends clarity, colour and clever design thinking.

a milestone that cements its status as one of the most iconic and enduring toys of all time. Since first capturing imaginations in 1945, Slinky has become a staple of childhood play and pop culture...

as part of its collaboration between "Sanrio Characters" and "SONIC & FRIENDS." Products featuring the five other illustrations will go on sale starting...

From the minds of Michael Harring and Kreature Kid comes Squeaks — the first figure in a new universe of monster misfits made for grown-up collectors.

The announcement demonstrates Tomy’s ambition to accelerate the growth of its UK toys and family games business over the next 12-18 months.

Airfix has re-introduced the British 105mm Light Field Gun, announced a new mould of the SLS Artemis Gift Set and re-released the Saturn V Gift Set.

Tickit has expanded its collection of sensory toys with three tactile, imaginative new products designed for toddlers aged 12 months and above.

With the relaunch of Easy-Bake and Playskool, consumers can reconnect with their favorite childhood toys.

The new LEGO Death Star set features more than 9,000 pieces and 38 minifigures.

It is possible that TCG influence over pop culture has reached a major turning point as the French President offered his thoughts on how proud he was to have France as the host nation for the Yu-Gi-Oh! World Championship 2025.

A week ago, the studio shared the news via its own YouTube channel. During the past seven days, multiple developers announced delays for their game and demo releases, directly mentioning Silksong's popularity.

Many franchises are launching comebacks as Battlefield, Borderlands, and Ghost of Yotei share sequels.

Ex-Brass Lion and Artifact 5 devs have formed HeartLoop Games, a new indie studio working on a roguelike fighting game.

Studio director Ed Daly explains how the newly-independent studio will chart a sustainable path forward after splitting from Sumo Group and making layoffs.

Playtonic has finally graced us with a release date for their reworking of the original Yooka-Laylee and it’s arriving on the Nintendo Switch 2 and other platforms on Thursday, 9th October.

The game will be released on September 4 at 7am PT / 3pm UK time and will be priced at $20 / £20.

The game will launch Sept. 9 across Steam and mobile platforms. It’s now available for pre-order on the App Store and Google Play and for wishlist on Steam.

Outright Games has released new footage and screenshots from "PAW Patrol Rescue Wheels: Championship," unveiling three new playable characters that will join the high-speed racing adventure this Halloween.

To celebrate Holiday 2025, three new Storybook Advent Calendars are launching in September to make sure the cheer lasts all December long. What’s more, Igloo Books has once again partnered with the ultimate storytellers for these special advent calendars: Disney! The three new styles launching for this holiday season are Disney’s Stitch Advent Calendar, Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas Advent Calendar, and Marvel’s Spidey & His Amazing Friends Advent Calendar ($31.99 each).

The rebrand captures Brilliant's forward-thinking strategic approach. It unifies performance marketing, PR, affiliate marketing, paid media, social strategies, earned and paid influencer, experiential campaigns, social shopping, and retail activation under one dynamic brand identity—a single, powerful voice for modern brand storytelling.

The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) formally published proposed regulations for Senate Bill 54 (SB 54), also known as the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act, and opened a 45-day public comment period.

A memorial and celebration of Sir Torquil Norman CBE, who passed away earlier this year, is to take place in London in November.

Richard Weintraub—known to many simply as Richie—passed away at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy as colorful, inventive, and unforgettable as the toys he helped bring to life.

Through his presentations at the GAMA trade show and his willingness to offer advice on any aspect of business, he did more to put the tabletop game industry, and possibly the comic industry, on a professional footing than any other individual of which I know.

Known for co-writing 'Evil Dead II' (1987) and executive producing the 'Hostel' franchise, has died. He was 67.