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Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!

Happy Bloomin’ Friday!

Toy Fair New York is just one week away! Have you secured your tickets to the many events?  
 
What goes together like chocolate and peanut butter? NYTF events POP Pub Night at Connolly’s AND Inventor Night – press release next week! Sneak peek via Tim Walsh’s post and our feature article below. Enjoy networking, catching up with friends AND seeing magic up close, puzzles and more! Your $20 ticket supports the Young Inventor Challenge, helping inspire and empower the next generation of toy and game creators. Click HERE!
 
Last Friday we were part of the day long (and night!) Spielwarenmesse’s Game Inventor Convention. We will share more details in an upcoming tBR issue!

Thank you for reading the Bloom Report here or on the Bloom Report 24/7 News Feed! You can support our work and help your business by advertising and/or setting up a POP profile.

Onward and upward,

Mary and the POP Team

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Nic Jones on The New Front Door to Play Innovation

How creators are turning community, content, and commerce into a powerful new route to market

From Idea to Store
By 2030, global social commerce is forecast to exceed $8 trillion (Yahoo Finance). TikTok Shop alone generated $26 billion in sales in just the first half of 2025, a 136% year-on-year increase. In the west, 70% of people search on social media for toys.

This is fast becoming a fundamental shift in how audiences discover and buy products; people are now encountering ideas through stories, videos, and communities. Social media is no longer just where fans hang out, it’s where they shop.

For inventors and creators, this isn’t about turning into influencers. It’s about understanding that the same platforms used to showcase creativity can now be used to sell it. Whether you design games, toys, or collectible items, social commerce gives you the tools to connect directly with fans and convert enthusiasm into sales. READ MORE

Inventor Night: A 50-Year Toy Show Tradition

The creative community closely tied to the toy industry has gathered on the first Sunday night of Toy Fair since the 1970s — a tradition that began informally at the bar of the Gramercy Park Hotel and was later brought to prominence by Mark Setteducati.

In 2003, Inventor Night NY moved to the Cottage Chinese Restaurant, where Mark hosted the first of what would become many magical evenings. The gathering quickly expanded beyond inventors to include magicians, artists, puzzlers, and creative minds from around the world. Over time, Mark Mitton, Robert Fuhrer, and Alex Fuhrer joined as co-hosts, helping the tradition grow and flourish.

In 2026, Inventor Night NY evolved once again, teaming up with Mary Couzin’s legendary People of Play (POP) Pub Party for one epic evening celebrating inventors, magicians, and creative chaos.

READ MORE

Cartoon Lovers, Lexophiles & People in Need of a Smile!

Cartoon of the Week: Another wonderful cartoon submitted this week! Do you have a cartoon, quote or a joke to share? Send it to Mary.

Memorable Quotes:  "I don’t want to talk to you no more, you empty-headed animal food trough wiper! I fart in your general direction! Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries!"  -French Soldier (John Cleese) in “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” 1975

Toy Industry Word of Day:  If you can think of a toy/game industry word not in our POPDictionary, add it and we will connect it to you POP profile, feature it here in an upcoming week and on POP's homepage!

Happiest of Birthdays to our colleagues celebrating birthdays this past week

Joe Barron
Gene Hackman
Jessica Salonna
Ruel Gaviola
Damien Crocker
Michael Gramelspacher
Anubhav Gond
Ana Maria Dinu
Jacqueline Vong
Mark Dodson
Robert Stull
Hidde van Dijk
Alex Yeager
Domenic Bettini
Sid Sackson
Joe Hout
Mario Pasin

 

Financial, Legal and Tariffs

Smart Toys and Games acquires Recent Toys International

Acquired in Q4 2025, Recent Toys brings consumers brain-teasers and puzzles that are smart, collectible and built to last.

Walmart Joins Tech Giants With $1 Trillion Market Valuation

Walmart crossed above $1 trillion in market value on Tuesday, becoming the first traditional retailer to hit the milestone.

GameStop Looking for Acquisition

An acquisition would put the company’s $8.8 billion in cash and short-term investments, which it accumulated by issuing shares at meme stock valuations, to work.

IDW Sales Down 12.5% in Fiscal Year

Despite the sales drop, losses were $1.4 million, nearly identical to the losses in the previous year.  Cutting inventory write-offs helped improve margins as sales declined.

Toys “R” Us Canada Enters Restructuring Process Under CCAA

The troubled Canadian retailer has opened a restructuring website.

Spain Aims to Ban Social Media for Children Under 16, Prime Minister Says

The announcement is part of a broader push by countries to curb access to online platforms for minors. It also points to Europe’s stricter approach to regulating social media.

38 percent of game industry leaders impacted by U.S. tariffs

The State of the Game Industry reports US-based tariffs are impacting 38 percent of business leaders in the game industry, affecting financial decisions.

Final Tally on Diamond's Chapter 11 Fees

The grand total is nearly $18 million, all money that won’t be available to pay publishers and other creditors.

Stories, Comments, and Advice

Exclusive: Gen Media on ad targeting

Generation Media's Business Director, Chris Sear, examines an age old dilemma: who toy marketers should tailor ads towards for maximum reach and results.

Get involved in Toy World’s Science and Nature feature

Work is now underway on the March edition of Toy World, which will include a comprehensive feature on Science and Nature.

Get involved in Toy World's Action Vehicles feature

Work is now underway on the March edition of Toy World, which will include a comprehensive feature on Action Vehicles.

Little-known facts about the Ken doll

I found out something the other day that I did not know. The Ken doll has a full name. Ken, who just marked his 65th birthday, is Kenneth Sean Carson.

“We released nine games in 2025 and only one was a flop”: French publisher Super Meeple on how avoiding overproduction is proving a recipe for success -

Super Meeple, which releases its own designs as well as localising major titles such as Ark Nova and Gaia Project, says it is planning a "downward trend" for the number of games it releases each year in order to help each title stand out in an increasingly competitive market.

“Our business has exploded in a positive way”: Meeples Group moves from start-up to scale-up with huge warehouse expansion -

Company co-founder Floris Toorenburg told BoardGameWire the company handled 14-times the number of orders in December 2025 that it did 12 months earlier.

Math Teacher Becomes UK Scrabble Champ, Reveals the 2-Letter Words Experts Use to Win

Math teacher Natalie Zolty became the top female Scrabble champion in the UK and shared her top tips and 2-letter words for budding players.

History and Nostalgia

Flashback: International Toys and Tech from 2001

A look at some internationally-made toys and tech from 25 years ago.

Electronic Guzzlers from Ideal

Released by Ideal in 1980, Electronic Guzzlers was a line of motorized toy vehicles that used ordinary tap water as “fuel.”

Jetsons Fun Pad from Milton Bradley

Released in 1963 by Milton Bradley, The Jetsons Fun Pad Game took a location directly from the animated television series and adapted it for family game play.

How Action Man got his famous gripping hands

As the iconic toy turns 60, designer Bob Brechin tells the story of one of its best known features.

Tonka Dioramas

Introduced in 1974, Tonka Dioramas were a line of hobbycraft kits that presented historical American scenes as self-contained display models rather than standalone vehicles.

Why the Muppets Have Continued to Grow for 50 Years

Learn why 50 years after "The Muppet Show" debuted, the puppets continue to expand their fandom in popular culture.

Licensing and Entertainment

Jasmine From ‘Aladdin’ Joins American Girl’s Disney Princess Line

The American Girl doll line is adding another iconic animated Disney character to its lineup Tuesday — with more on the way.

Crunchyroll raises subscription prices for Fan, Mega, and Ultimate Tiers

The Fan tier jumps from $7.99 to $9.99, Mega increases from $11.99 to $13.99, and Ultimate rises from $15.99 to $17.99 per month. The new prices will take effect in the next billing cycle after March 4.

The ‘Invincible’ Universe Expands with 18 Licensing Partners 

Skybound Entertainment expands the ‘Invincible’ universe ahead of its Season 4 and video game release with 18 new licensing partners.

Sirius Rolls out ‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ Tabletop Dice Sets

Sirius is joining forces with Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast to launch new dice sets inspired by 'Baldur’s Gate 3.'

Kayou Reveals ‘My Little Pony’ Sweepstakes, New Cards

Kayou brings Equestria adventures to fans with new trading cards and a sweepstakes inspired by the ‘My Little Pony’ universe.

Hasbro Partners with Legendary Entertainment for Street Fighter Line

Action figures, toys, and collectibles support the movie’s theatrical release.

The LEGO Group Unleashes Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles BrickHeadz

For the first time in more than a decade, The LEGO Group is launching a new building set featuring the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT).

Super7 Takes Flight with International Sesame Street Figures

Super7's Sesame Street collection expands with Big Bird’s international cousins.

Striking Gold: Agoro Pioneers in the High-End Space with Precious Metal Collectibles

Nearly two years post-rebrand, Agoro continues to create a new market for itself.

Tree Town Toys to Launch Peanuts-Themed Toys This Summer

This summer, Tree Town Toys will launch Peanuts-themed versions of its Yes & Know books and the SpinAnimator Studio.

Matchbox: The Movie to premiere on Apple TV

The new live-action feature from Apple Original Films, inspired by Mattel’s iconic die cast vehicle brand, is set to premiere on 9th October.

Teddy Mountain & Zoonicorn LLC Launch Licensed ‘Zoonicorn’ Plush Line

The new line will be based on the plush seen in the animated series.

Spin Master Partners with Universal for New Horror Trading Card Game

Spin Master and Universal know how to create great licensed products, but their latest joint endeavor is especially killer. 

FIT and X Tracks to Host Licensing Summit

The event explores how IP drives growth across toys, gaming, anime, beauty, and consumer products.

Super7 Debuts New Green Day ReAction Figure

Super7 is teaming up with Green Day for a second action figure inspired by the band's second album, Kerplunk!

Handstand Kitchen Expands Bluey Collection with New Cooking and Baking Sets

New items debut at Toy Fair New York ahead of a broader rollout tied to Holiday 2026.

Mattel’s Ken Makes High-Profile Super Bowl LX Debut in Expedia’s New Campaign, “Going Places with Ken”

The spot will run in pre- and post-game placements in the U.S., and a 30-second spot during the game in Canada and a 20-second spot in Mexico.

Mattel’s American Girl and Disney Consumer Products Renew Multi-Year Licensing Agreement for Disney Princess and Disney Frozen Franchises

Mattel announced the American Girl and Disney Consumer Products multi-year licensing agreement renewal for the Disney Princess and Disney Frozen franchises, extending a collaboration that brings Disney stories to life through American Girl’s signature dolls and accessories.

Mattel Gives Collectors First Look at Upcoming DC Comics Figures

The DC Comic universe is changing as the toy license moves from McFarlane Toys to Mattel at the end of the year.

Tracie Laymon To Write & Direct Live-Action ‘Tony The Tattooed Man’ Movie For Mattel Studios

The filmmaker behind recent SXSW prize-winner Bob Trevino Likes It, has been enlisted to write and direct a live-action Tony the Tattooed Man feature for Mattel Studios.

Pokemon 30th anniversary special video to feature at the Super Bowl

The Super Bowl is happening this Sunday and all the large companies will be peddling their wares including Nintendo who is expected to release a trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.

LEGO to Launch ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Building Sets

The LEGO Group is partnering with Netflix to launch its LEGO KPop Demon Hunters collection, with the first set launching this summer.

Hasbro Signs Licensing Deal for Voltron Live-Action Movie Toys

Action figures, toys, and more return to the toy aisle in anticipation of the feature film.

Surge Brands Names First Licensing Partners for Crazy Aaron’s

Crazy Aaron's is teaming up with new brands to launch licensed products, including Brand Partners Group, Highlights, and Townley Girl.

Topps returns with Match Attax Extra 2025/26

UEFA Club Competitions Edition, to be released on 12th February, delivers updated squads, new transfers, managers and expanded UWCL representation.

Peppa Pig reveals that George is moderately deaf

New episodes mark a defining moment in the characters' narrative evolution and reflect real-life experiences of deaf children.

7-Eleven Releases Sanrio x Rody Plush Collection

The new line is available ahead of New Year celebrations.

WildBrain Expands Pokémon's Global Reach with Pokémon FAST Channel

Newer audiences in the U.S. can now find the original animated series on LG Channels, The Roku Channel, and Vizio WatchFree+.

People Of Play

Kess partners with Square Enix to launch a ‘Final Fantasy’ tabletop collection, featuring new board games and collectible dice.

BBC reveals the seven new YouTube kids channels it teased last month

 A prank channel, a parenting hub and a microdrama series for The Next Step are on the way as the pubcaster makes a major commitment to the online platform.

Review: This Is Your Grandparents’ ‘Muppet Show,’ Fortunately

Nobody put too much thought into reinventing the gonzo variety classic for its revival. That’s what makes it a delight.

People of Play

Disney names parks boss Josh D’Amaro as its next CEO to succeed Bob Iger, effective March 18

Disney has named Josh D'Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, as its next CEO, succeeding Bob Iger and clinching a closely watched succession race.

University Games’ Bob Moog honoured with IDIOT Award

University Games' President, Bob Moog, was awarded the prestigious IDIOT Award at this year’s UK Toy Inventors’ Dinner.

The LEGO Group Welcomes New Chief People Officer

She will take over the position from Loren I. Shuster, who will assume the role of Group People Advisor to The LEGO Group’s CEO, Niels B. Christiansen. 

WildBrain CPLG Appoints Marie Kopp As Vice President, Asia-Pacific

The former Hasbro executive leads licensing growth across APAC and MENA, excluding Greater China.

Loungefly Names Jessica Kong as General Manager

Loungefly is welcoming Jessica Kong as its newest General Manager, who will oversee the company's global brand development.

People on the Move: Buffalo Games Hires Thor Ritz

To Lead Game Development Across Buffalo Games and Gamewright's Portfolio

Inventions made by kids that are genius

Not every brilliant mind walks in with a title. Curiosity might open the door instead, followed by restlessness, then a stubborn question: why must it stay broken?

Paramount Appoints Paul Southern as EVP of Consumer Products

As Executive Vice President of Consumer Products, Southern will be overseeing the company's licensing and retail strategy.

Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment Appoints New, Returning Members to Board of Directors

Cristina Liquori of The LEGO Group and is returning for a second term while Tracy Warshauer of Spin Master will join for her first term on WiT’s board of directors.

How a NASA engineer accidentally invented one of history’s most iconic toys | CNN

Dr. Lonnie Johnson has developed everything from stealth bombers to deep-space probes, but he discovered his most famous invention – the Super Soaker – on accident.

Companies and Brands

UK retailer Game closing remaining standalone stores

UK retailer Game is closing its remaining standalone stores and will now operate as concessions within House of Fraser and Sports Direct stores.

Crayola outlines strategy to double UK business over next three years

Crayola's commitment to the UK market answers the call to help parents and educators nurture creativity in children.

Cloudco Entertainment Expands Care Bears Toy Line Through New Global Collaborations

New partnerships introduce plush, interactive play, collectibles, and more.

Madame Alexander Displays Dynasty of Dolls at Spielwarenmesse

Madame Alexander is returning to Spielwarenmesse this year to showcase the “Best of Madame Alexander” from its century of doll-making. 

WoodMee Expands Modular Building System Through Kickstarter Launch

The campaign introduces a series of buildable beings that combine WoodMee’s natural wooden components with a flexible connector system, allowing builders to create figures that can be reimagined, rebuilt, and customized over time.

The LEGO Group Adds An Orange Cat to Its IDEAS Collection

This purr-fect feline will begin to ship on March 1.

People Of Play

The party game from Jelly Jelly Games makes its English-language debut this month.

Lagoon launches Pundamental range from Jelly Armchair

The Pundamental range joins the University Games portfolio to offer amusing and giftable products for the whole family.

Goliath Previews Fall 2026 Lineup

The company expands its portfolio on core brands, new collectibles, and sensory-led innovation.

EXCLUSIVE: YuMe Introduces Smart Machine 

The plug-and-play solution turns retail space into sales with zero inventory risk.

Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Co. Brings Innovative Plush to Toy Fair 2026

BHTB, located at Booth 2565, will feature their “curated ecosystem” of heritage plush, custom developments, licensed programs and more all aimed at meeting the demands of global retail.

Huffy to Showcase Full Range of Kids’ Bikes and More at Toy Fair 2026

130-Year Leader in Affordable, Dependable Bikes to Feature New Grow Ride Move Kids’ Bike Line, Electric Green Machine, Scooters, Licensed Line and BMX

Labubu toymaker Pop Mart picks London as European headquarters in overseas push

CEO Wang Ning reveals firm’s latest expansion plan at Friday’s closed-door meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Target, Walmart usher in new CEOs

Michael Fiddelke reiterated his top priorities after taking on the position at Target. Meanwhile, Walmart’s John Furner paid tribute to his predecessor.

Goliath Games Brings New Tabletop Fun to Toy Fair

At Toy Fair New York, Goliath Games will preview new games that bring popular fandoms to players’ tabletops.

The Op Games Reveals New 2026 Titles and Partnerships

The Op Games comes to Toy Fair New York to showcase its 2026 line, featuring new games and licensing partnerships.

WildBrain Unveils Strawberry Shortcake Content and Toy Fair Activations

A refreshed take on the classic brand spans digital content, live events, and new licensing.

New "scary-cute" Skelekins by Prime Time Toys to debut at the Toy Fair!

Get a look at the new "scary-cute" collectible plush toys Skelekins by Prime Time Toys! They will make their debut at the Toy Fair this month! 

Rick Derr Discusses Learning Express Toys Lake Zurich Growth in 2025

Learning Express Toys Lake Zurich grew +9.1% in 2025, outperforming the total U.S. toy industry, which grew about 7% according to Circana.

Gray Matters & Asmodee Unveil Cross the Line with Live, Giant-Sized Gameplay at NY Toy Fair

The reveal takes place at the Asmodee booth #2015 on February 14 th & 15th, where entertainer Barry McLaughlin will host and play a giant, larger-than-life version of the game.

Gaming: Digital, Video, Hardware, and Development

The Nintendo Switch 2 has topped 17 million sales worldwide

For context, the original Switch sold 17.79 million units by March 2018—just over a year after it hit shelves on March 3, 2017. 

Xbox veteran Larry Hryb joins consulting agency Fractional

The nascent collective has broken cover after operating in stealth mode since October 2025.

Take Two has paused Borderlands 4 development for Nintendo Switch 2

It is not clear if the project from 2K Games is being scrapped entirely or if they are working with Nintendo to help them get the game up and running to a satisfactory state.

Nintendo says western sales of Nintendo Switch 2 have been weaker than expected

Nintendo has informed shareholders that while sales of the Nintendo Switch 2 have met the company’s expectations in Japan, they are weaker than the company had expected here in the west.

Nintendo Switch becomes the gaming giant's best-selling console ever

The success of the Switch was down to the innovative nature of the hardware, combined with strong games based on Nintendo's most popular characters.

Valve’s Steam Machine has been delayed, and the RAM crisis will impact pricing

You’ll have to wait a little longer for Valve’s new hardware.

Ghost of Yotei outperforms Tsushima to bolster Sony financials

On the hardware front, the PlayStation 5 has now sold-in over 92 million units worldwide.

Hello Kitty is coming to Overwatch in Blizzard and Sanrio's first collab

Included in the Overwatch Hello Kitty and Friends collaboration are six heroes cosplaying as famous Sanrio mascots.

Overwatch Spotlight news: Every big reveal from Blizzard's showcase

Overwatch turns 10 years old in 2026, and Blizzard Entertainment is celebrating that major milestone accordingly.

Nex Playground, a Motion-Tracking Gaming Console, Took Our Family Game Night to the Next Level

The gaming console launched in late 2023 and has been growing in popularity ever since—it even won a Good Housekeeping Parenting Award in 2025.

Highlighted Press Releases

MINDSCOPE PRODUCTS IGNITES TOY FAIR 2026 AT BOOTH 921

Mindscope Products returns to New York Toy Fair 2026 with two major launches that merge patented audio and video projection technology with imaginative, hands on play. Known for transforming everyday products into animated characters, Mindscope invites buyers and media to Booth 921 to experience innovation that instantly captures attention on shelf and on screen.

KIDS PREFERRED FEATURES NEW STAR WARS™ PRODUCTS AT TOY FAIR BOOTH 2927

Kids Preferred, a leading player in the toy and plush category for children and babies, is excited to attend Toy Fair this year at Booth #2927 and show off new products based on the galactic Star Wars™ brand, in collaboration with Disney Consumer Products.

BRIGHT STRIPES OFFERS CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION AT TOY FAIR BOOTH #6319

When it comes to arts and crafts toys, there’s stiff competition – and yet Bright Stripes has cemented itself as a true disruptor since their relatively recent launch in 2019. The company quickly made a positive impression with parents and kids with their incredibly distinct branding, high-quality kits and thoughtfully novel ideas, appropriately bringing creativity to the art toy/activity space.

MONOGRAM INTERNATIONAL TO BRING BIG LICENSED NAMES TO TOY FAIR BOOTH #235

 Monogram International keeps a close eye on pop culture to deliver the characters and trends fans are most excited about. Toy Fair attendees are invited to stop by Booth #235 for a sneak peek at upcoming collectibles based on today’s most buzzworthy IPs that will thrill and delight fans of all kinds.

Safety and Regulatory

Toy Association Advocates for Science-Based Approach to California Microplastics Review

On January 30, The Toy Association™ submitted comments to the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) in response to the agency’s request for information regarding consumer products that contain or generate microplastics.

Five Below sued for selling knockoff Sonny Angel dolls

Five Below allegedly began selling knockoffs when the distributor turned down a partnership.

Associations, Foundations, Shows, Awards, Events, and Festivals

Class is in Session at Toy Fair® At Toy Fair®, education goes hand in hand with innovation. Beyond product discovery, the show offers a robust slate of educational programming designed to inform, inspire, and empower the global toy industry.
Exclusive: Toy Fair New York welcomes global toy community

As Toy Fair New York returns, Toy World speaks to The Toy Association to learn how the event will deliver even more opportunities for connections, product discovery and business growth.

The LEGO Group Partners with Bindi Irwin to Launch Animal-Themed Creativity Workshops Supporting Girls’ Empowerment

These workshops and LEGO’s study on animal bonds and girls’ confidence support the She Built That campaign.

Toy Fair exhibitors donate over 6,000 toys to Kids in Mind Trolley Dash

In its second year as the show’s official charity partner, Kids in Mind brought in more than 60 volunteers who collected a huge range of products.

Spielwarenmesse strengthens its global leading position

Success continued at Spielwarenmesse 2026, with visitor numbers remaining strong and statistics showing exhibitor satisfaction was high.

Toy Trust launches London to Paris cycle challenge

The Toy Trust is searching for 10 brave cyclists to take on its London to Paris cycle challenge in early June.

Voting Opens for The Pop Insider’s Collectors’ Choice Awards

Now open until Feb. 28, fans and industry can vote on the best merch of the year.

Retro toy fair returns to North East venue with 90 tables of nostalgia

Teesside Memorabilia, a nostalgia-themed event promising a day of fun and collectibles, will take place on Saturday, February 7, at The Hub in Middlesbrough from 10am to 3pm.

My intense week at the Nuremberg Toy Fair, from Toys to Books and Games

An intense, snowy week in Nuremberg has just concluded, and it has been a complete immersion in sharing new developments and spreading the word about the special connections between Toys, Books, and Games.

Engage with The Toy Foundation™ at Toy Fair®

From attending the Toy of the Year® (TOTY®) Awards fundraiser to donating product at the close of Toy Fair, there are multiple opportunities for every exhibitor and attendee to get involved and give back.

Worldwide Magazines Weekly Top Stories

Some stories added Friday afternoon. Check Back for Complete Lists.

Video of the Week!

POP Classifieds - Free and Easy

"I kept an eye on People of Play's Classifieds and now I work at TOMY!" -Jeff Hersheway, Digital Content Manager at TOMY International

Either post your job openings yourself (so easy!) to our POP Classifieds or send them to us to post for you. We all have colleagues looking now that would benefit.

You can also post IP and more to sell. We just posted a listing for US Utility Patent & Trademark: MOGO.

If you are looking for someone with particular skills and expertise, use POP's Advanced Search to fine that person or company you need!  

If you are not in the POP Directory, the largest searchable directory by skill, expertise and more, sign up!

Get Listed in the POP Toy Industry Database

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David Yakos, Founder of Streamline Design and Owner of Salient Technologies

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