WSJ spoke with Build-A-Bear Workshop CEO Sharon Price John to learn how the company has grown beyond its brick-and-mortar stores and finally found success in the “nostalgia economy.”

Diamond declared that it holds $47,395,014 at book value in consignment inventory, an amount that makes it clear why the publishers are crying foul at high volume at Diamond’s attempt to appropriate it.

The Canadian retailer has suddenly closed dozens of stores amid news of unpaid rent and supplier lawsuits, with many of those cases tied to the sudden demise of toy and game distributor Everest Toys.

Amazon said that it is cutting roughly 16,000 jobs across its global workforce, marking one of the largest headcount reductions in the company's history.

After three consecutive years of decline, the global toy industry staged a strong comeback in 2025, delivering renewed growth driven by pop culture relevance, licensed products, and increased engagement from teens and adults.

From global trends to face-to-face conversations, trade shows remain essential to growth in the toy industry.

2025 was “The Year of Tariffs,” marked by a schedule of reciprocal tariffs imposed by the U.S. government on major manufacturing and sourcing locations worldwide.

License Global is in Germany, to delve into kids’ play and toy trends on display in Nuremberg, where the focus is on Creative Mindfulness and how AI Loves (to) Play.

This has been a very strange week for me. Traditionally, I would have joined the tens of thousands of people from the global toy community who have been congregating in Nuremberg.

Women in Toys' Ruth Handler Mentorship Program helps open doors for mentees, enabling them to achieve their goals and make lasting impacts.

Shop owners say the frowning toys - originally made in error - are resonating with young workers.

In this issue, Toy Book spins the globe for new innovation and some "Monster" mayhem!

The frolicking play of horses and zebras might look wild and fun, but research has shown that it is neither frivolous nor a luxury of youth or good times - writes Professor Daniel Rubenstein.

From China to ASEAN, Asia’s influence on toys, trends, and collectibles is growing — and it’s growing fast.

For this month's Talking Shop feature, Toy World spoke to indie retailers about the best-sellers of Christmas 2025 and their hopes for the year ahead.

International Toy Fair Season Hails a New Era of Innovation and Fun

From backroom board games to global fantasy giant, Warhammer has propelled maker Games Workshop into the big league, with hopes Washington D.C. will be its next conquest.

Loops Lab Owner Yona Segev explains the process behind the tuneful tech, which turns playtime into a music class.

For Episode 1 of This Podcast Needs A Name, host Leo Allentuck sat down with two people who have every reason to feel like they’ve “figured it out”

Toy business owners face a unique mix of creativity and commerce every day, from designing playful products to managing real-world costs, margins, and growth decisions.

What if the simplest solution to so many modern childhood struggles is… more play?

Released by Mattel in 1983, the Barbie Bubbling Spa playset depicted a miniature spa environment designed around relaxation and pampering for Barbie and her friends.

Mondo’s latest release is bound to make ‘90s nostalgia fans heh-heh with excitement!

Nicolas Ricketts looks at vintage games that mimic the excitement and action of hockey.

“You’ve never seen a train like this.”

Horizon Group USA has announced that it has secured global distribution across key markets in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Nordics.

Mattel reintroduces Thomas the Tank Engine with a modernized design rooted in classic train culture.

Hasbro expands its popular brands with a new lineup of toys inspired by the Netflix film ‘KPop Demon Hunters.’

As Spielwarenmesse 2026 kicks off, Mattel is unveiling all of the KPop Demon Hunters toys, dolls, and collectibles on the way this year.

Branded stationery, journals and more will include seasonal launches featuring characters from the hit Netflix film.

The company continues its mission to bring the "joy of assembly" to kids and collectors.

Lego Smart Play continues to expand the Lego Star Wars galaxy with five new sets revealed at Nuremberg Toy Fair, all available from March.

The line-up contains two expansions, adding new playable villains and stories to the Disney Villainous gameplay.

The trailer also showcases some of the power-ups that Mario and Luigi will have access to in the movie.

Funko has announced a partnership with BBC Studios and has revealed the all-new Pop! Vinyl Bluey range inspired by the popular animated TV series.

The deal supports category expansion following New York City debut and ongoing international growth.

The global licensing agreement brings character plush to convenience, grocery, and entertainment venues.

Tokyopop expands its collection of licensed products with new merchandise inspired by the ‘Spy x Family’ anime series.

Available next month, the brand-new Winterspell set for the Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game focuses on winter-fun activity following the mystery and intrigue of Whispers in the Well.

The launch is designed to harness fan enthusiasm for the magic of Harry Potter with a fresh format designed for display and interaction.

Attendees from a host of leading toy and licensing companies joined The Entertainer senior leadership team at the event.

Pokémon Trainers can expect to find these at retailers worldwide this summer.

Rainbow Designs Care Bears Baby collection will introduce three classic bears and blend the appeal of the original ’80s characters with the needs of modern infants.

Funko's France Football Federation Pop! collection and Pop! Mystery Horror vinyl figurines will be available to collectors and fans later this year.

Tomy is entering into a licensing agreement with All3Media International to bring The Traitors to life across a comprehensive games portfolio in territories accross the globe including the UK.

Toy World caught up with Gill Archer of Disney Consumer Products EMEA and Nicolas Houssin from Mattel EMEA, to hear about plans for the new movie and toy range.

PhatMojo’s toy line, launching in Q3, will give fans new ways to collect, trade and show off their favourite Brainrot characters beyond the game.

Under a series of major new agreements, EXG Pro will expand its licensed portfolio across its core accessories range with iconic Universal franchises.

The company will show its new lines in Booth No. 235 at the Javits Center.

New international representation, more than 20 licensees, and a growing adult appeal position the classic brand as a modern lifestyle property.

EXG Pro is partnering with Universal Products & Experiences to create new licensed products inspired by the studio’s pop-culture powerhouses.

Seasoned Global Executive, Nicolas Lev, joins PMI to help drive commercial scale and international expansion.

At this year's Spielwarenmesse, Ms. Aditi Prasad, Co-Founder of STEM Play Labs, showcased next-generation, screen-free learning innovations that redefine how children play, learn, and engage with the world.

Mr. Konno apparently retired from the Kyoto-based company in July 2025 and he started out as a designer and assistant director on beloved Nintendo games such as Super Mario Bros 2 and Super Mario Bros 3.

Mattel brings Eternia to Nuremberg Toy Fair with a first look at its upcoming Masters of the Universe: Chronicles action figures.

The new Catan On the Road game delivers the core Catan experience in a compact card format that’s easy to learn, quick to play and ideal for travel.

GPI is joining forces with China’s Kawakids to strengthen both companies’ footholds in the global production market. 

CMON announced more IP sales could be on the way alongside making an apology for the delays to its outstanding crowdfunds.

Ravensburger is set to produce an exclusive range of puzzles and games inspired by the popular farm and farm shop.

The move responds to demand from independent toy retailers and will offer improved access to brands such as Zuru, empowering the indie sector.

The new Lego Botanicals Flower Wall is a customisable floral display, with a trellis system featuring modular capabilities and rearrangeable flower elements.

Mattel Brick Shop will collaborate with three new partners, Lamborghini, Aston Martin and Toyota, in 2026.

At Spielwarenmesse, Epic Story Toys will showcase its largest slate to date, including new properties, products, and partnerships.

The growing toy company is poised for major international growth.

The Airfix line-up for 2026 will see the introduction of new gift sets, multi-pack sets, classic kits and more.

The popular TikTok-based brand and creator of the Comfort Keychain is looking for a new business owner.

The growing company expands its portfolio and builds momentum, speeding across specialty retail and beyond.

The Greatest Show on Dirt Roars Toward Becoming a Billion-Dollar International Lifestyle Brand

In 2025, Bricks & Minifigs celebrated the opening of its 300th retail location, doubling its total store count from just two years earlier.

More than two decades since its debut, the Warrior Cats franchise has continued to prosper and it’s ready to pounce on its next chapter.

In digital age, spiritual practices are evolving as various apps and devices now digitise rituals like incense burning, Buddhist chanting.

A new line launches in March, joining the existing large-size assortment at retail.

The tabletop sports line debuts with Powershots Strike Soccer.

New Dice Set Line Features Six Different Colorful Designs

Twist and turn tactile problem-solving into a platform for play and learning.

Each kit captures the character of real flowers and is designed to be painted, personalised and displayed, making a mindful project, a thoughtful gift or a lasting piece of home décor.

This pull-apart plush helps kids process big feelings.

McDonald's has confirmed it will be reviving one of their most beloved Happy Meal toy concepts: The Changeables.

ON TOP strengthens European position through strategic partnership with Beehub and investment in physical sourcing infrastructure

Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. announced the latest DRAGON BALL Game Project “AGE 1000” at the “Dragon Ball Genkidamatsuri” event held on Sunday, January 25, 2026.

The series of developer-led spotlights packed with major game launch announcements from across Blizzard’s universes.

Two GameCube games are featured on a Walmart ad that have not been added to NSO, or even officially announced: Metroid Prime 2: Echoes and Pikmin 2.

Nex Playground CEO David Lee on the kids gaming console that outsold Xbox.

The layoffs appear to have impacted staff working in QA.

Nintendo has revealed a lot more about the upcoming Virtual Boy collection which will be part of the Nintendo Classics range.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg claims losses within the division have likely peaked.

It has now been confirmed that The Disney Afternoon Collection is coming to Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on 26th February.

The company which was founded by Keiji Inafune and titled Comcept has now officially closed for business.

Nintendo revealed a whole host of information about the upcoming creative title Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream which launches on the Nintendo Switch on 16th April.

SEGA has announced today that the long-awaited Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage will launch for Nintendo Switch 2 on 26th March.

Data from the 2026 State of the Industry survey offers insights into the sentiment surrounding unionization across the U.S. video game industry.

We’re certain you’ve spotted them by now – 3D printed toys. Thanks to this technology, toy R&D has never been simpler. If you can dream it in a 3D-modeling program, you can bring it into reality. Enter ZB Designs, a toy business founded by entrepreneurial couple Zack and Berkley Bailey. After attempting multiple products and selling at farmer’s markets, local markets, and anywhere they could pitch a tent to display their wares, the Baileys found their calling in the form of cute and collectible toys that wiggle and wave!

In order to keep up in the ever-shifting toy landscape, one must always keep their fingers on the pulse of culture but simultaneously keep a healthy dose of invention and creativity. Few can ride this delicate balance like Funtazma, parent company of the beloved plush line Moosh-Moosh. Through close observation of trends, Funtazma has brought highly successful plush brands to the retail market with expediency.

From grassroots beginnings in Atlanta educational facilities and community afterschool programs, Make Music Count – the incredible music-based STEM toy – is now making its debut at the Atlanta, Dallas and Las Vegas Gift Markets, as well as Toy Fair 2026 at Booth 6439.

Beverly Hills Teddy Bear (BHTB) Company will showcase its complete, multi-tier plush platform at its Toy Fair Booth 2565 in New York, highlighting a curated ecosystem of heritage plush, trend-driven brands and programs, custom development, and licensed programs designed to serve today’s fast-moving global retail environment.

It’s all fun and games until someone ends up in a lawsuit.

The Toy Association™ has announced that Peter Feldman, acting chair of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), will be the keynote speaker at the “Toy Safety & Legislative Update” during Toy Fair®.

The global toy industry is gearing up for Toy Fair®, set to take over the Javits Center in New York City in just a few weeks.

Industry professionals at Toy Fair next month can find the company at booth No. 6238.

In continuing Richard Gottlieb’s legacy and supporting students at his alma mater, the University of Richmond, Gottlieb’s family is inviting the toy community to consider making a donation through The Toy Foundation’s website.

The Ultimate Media Experience, Carve-X @ Toy Fair gives reporters, producers, creators and industry experts access to the newest and hottest toys, games, and more in an intimate and immersive setting.

Innovation, Networking, and Celebration in Nuremberg

The awards recognize the top selling toys, properties, and manufacturers across the United States, Europe, Canada, Brazil, and Mexico.

Tourism Board says procession of 12 floats will feature dozens of performing groups, expects event to draw 100,000 people.

A long list of more than 20 titles has been whittled down to six challengers for this year: Galactic Cruise, Luthier, Shackleton Base, Speakeasy, Thebai and Thesauros, all of which have been released in Germany since Spiel Essen last October.

From rhino-sized Rhyhorns to worm-like Diglett, visitors to PokéPark Kanto will roam a forest populated by lifelike Pokémon statues when the attraction opens.

The 2026 auction saw airtime, print and digital media slots donated by leading children’s media channels such as Toy World, SuperAwesome and BBC Studios.

The 72nd annual Toy Fair returned to Olympia, London, welcoming back more than 250 exhibiting companies.

Series launches, franchise expansions, and a licensing portfolio are shared at Nuremberg.

The non-profit organization supports collaboration, visibility, and the sharing of insights across the global toy and games industry.

An innovative game concept, the quality of workmanship and attractive market potential – all these criteria are combined in the product ideas that were honoured on the second day of Spielwarenmesse.

As the show opens this week, don't forget to check out Toy World's stand-alone supplement previewing the Spielwarenmesse in Nuremberg.

This year's As d'Or sees Flip 7, Rebirth and Toy Battle fighting it out for the main prize, with Arcs, Civolution and Ants competing for the expert game award.

A penciler and inker whose career included lengthy runs on The Incredible Hulk, Spectacular Spider-Man, and Rom, died on January 23, 2026, at the age of 89.