Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!
Happy Bloomin' Birthday to Phil Bloom!
You wouldn't be reading the Bloom Report today if it weren't for Phil's vision back in 1998 to create a weekly report summarizing and linking to the latest news from the toy and game industry.
News tells us what happened. Community helps us understand why it matters. To me, that's what Phil created. The Bloom Report has never been just a collection of headlines; it's been a way for the toy and game industry to stay connected. On his birthday, that feels like the perfect sentiment to celebrate.
Since I've been asked literally hundreds of times about Phil's iconic sweater, here's the story. Phil's lovely wife, Ethel, bought it for him at JCPenney in 1994. And, being the good-humored person he is, Phil got a kick out of toy inventor Justin Disco photoshopping that famous sweater onto me. I proudly "wear" the sweater and do my best to carry on Phil's legacy.
Some people have asked about Julien Sharp's article from last week, so here it is again: Asmodee's Julien Sharp: Where Is Board Gaming Headed Next?
Finally, we extend our congratulations and best wishes to ASTRA Executive Director Sue Warfield on her next adventure. Sue has been a passionate advocate for the specialty toy industry. We also wish Kathy Trivisonno every success as she steps into the role of Interim Executive Director. We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with ASTRA in this exciting new chapter.
Celebrating the People Behind the Power of Play,
Mary and the POP Team
P.S. Today (July 30th) is the final day to submit a nomination for the TAGIE Awards. Take a few minutes to recognize innovative designers, manufacturers, retailers, suppliers, PR professionals, and marketers. There is no cost to nominate, so don't wait!
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Philip Bloom - The Man in the Iconic Sweater Reveals Almost All
The following article is republished from a July 2020 edition of the Bloom Report
Hi Phillip, thanks so much for taking time to chat. To get started, can you share what exactly do you do in the industry?
After many years as a retailer (Bargain City, Yankee Dep. Stores, Circus World Toy Stores, Toys R Us), for the past 22 years, provided the Toy Industry with all our industry news and information via “the Bloom Report”, a website that has over 8,000 subscribers in 29 countries.
What is your claim to fame in the industry?
Fame? No fame! Just a desire to be a part of a great industry and provide a meaningful service.
Cartoon Lovers, Lexophiles & People in Need of a Smile!
Cartoon of the Week: Another wonderful cartoon submitted this week! Thanks to Leslie Scott for sharing.
Do you have a cartoon, quote or a joke to share? Send it to Mary.
Memorable Quotes: "Knowledge is power." — Francis Bacon
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!

The Toy Association™ is advising members of several significant trade developments that impact toy imports, including new Section 301 tariffs that took effect July 24, a proposed tariff increase on certain Canadian imports scheduled for August, and a new tariff in effect on Brazil imports.
Learning Resources, the Vernon Hills toymaker that successfully brought down the Trump administration’s 2025 tariffs in a seminal Supreme Court decision, is once again suing the federal government over its latest round of sweeping global tariffs.
The company saw revenue up nearly 9%, with Monster Jam and PAW Patrol (and its upcoming film sequel) driving sales.
The Pokemon Company is firing on all cylinders at the moment and new data reveals that they made a staggering $15.7 billion in retail sales in 2025.
"So many new games are being released today that the market has become saturated", Atalia said. "Shops no longer have the space, the time or the cash flow to stock all the games arriving each week."
The company agreed to a proposed freeze until June 2027, unless a judge issues a ruling before then on a lawsuit blocking the deal.
Vietnam's SConnect has been ordered to take down all videos of the copycat wolf-family toon from online platforms.
Microschools, inclusive classrooms, expanded STEAM instruction, and rising demand for social-emotional learning are changing the education market.
Sales of a three-decade-old card game called Magic: The Gathering have been booming. ‘It is a mega franchise,’ Hasbro’s CEO says.
Algorithmic changes have pushed brands to spend more of their influencer budgets on budding creators with tiny followings.
Faire Trend Expert Hannah Wall shares data-backed insights into what's selling best for retailers across the globe.
These toys will find their way into stores and under trees this season.
CHITAG Fair continues to position itself as more than a two-day consumer event by giving exhibitors access to months of integrated marketing opportunities before the show floor even opens.
As parents grow wary of addictive apps, Tonies has partnered with Hasbro to turn Monopoly, The Game of Life, and Guess Who into games kids can enjoy without screens.
Harry Pearson on a swaggering cavalier's card game that was streets ahead of its time.
Ernest Gary Gygax (1938–2008) was an influential American game designer and author, renowned as the co-creator of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) and a pioneer of the tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) genre.
The announcement reminded him of the conversation he and Kathy had at New York Toyfair earlier this year about circularity in the toy industry.
Pleasant Rowland started American Girl with an educational mission, not a toy-industry playbook. Decades later, the company remains one of the most successful toy brands ever created.
Released by Mattel in 1976, the Sunshine Family Farm expanded the wholesome, back-to-basics lifestyle that defined the Sunshine Family toy line.
“Delicious.”
The vending machine is available now at mass retailers.
Fresh off the debut of a new 'Avengers: Doomsday' trailer, Disney Consumer Products is giving fans a peek of the film's first toys.
Goliath Games brings more literary faves to its collection with a board game inspired by ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses.’
The US-based Studio Ghibli Fest began in 2017 and, as Ghibli films continue to attract new fans of all ages, it keeps growing.
Atari boss Wade Rosen said the company hopes to bring the 'spirit of our iconic brand and games to a new medium.'
Whereas Barbie was more of a meta-commentary on feminism and misogyny, this trailer shows that Matchbox The Movie goes a more Fast & Furious-inspired action-movie route.
Gosling had previously expressed interest in the role as far back as 2022, and earlier this year, acknowledged that “discussions have been had" with Marvel Studios.
Kevin Feige and writer-director Ryan Coogler confirmed on stage that a third Black Panther film is in the works. Better yet, it'll feature the son of T'Challa as the Black Panther.
The new series, promising a new chapter of friendship, adventure and self-discovery, will be premiering in early 2027 exclusively on YouTube and features an all-new theme song.
Tickets go on sale on 7th August for The Transformers: The Movie's remastered 4K 40th anniversary theatrical return, featuring a never-before-seen chapter after the credits.
The all-new Skullector dolls reimagine horror legends, monsters and pop culture icons through the unique lens of their signature aesthetic.
Take a trip to Camp Crystal Lake and face off against Jason Voorhees as he joins the roster of the Hellbreak TCG.
The latest booster set introduces Black cards, a new top rarity, and some of CookieRun: Kingdom’s biggest characters.
WildBrain and Mercis BV expand their relationship with location-based entertainment rights for Miffy and Friends.
“When do you start filming?” asked the star, who appeared in a new gray costume and endured a barb from Paul Rudd during Marvel's high-profile panel.
The upcoming Adult Swim animated Rick and Morty spinoff President Curtis has been renewed ahead of its series premiere.
Pablo Sanchez and the Backyard Kids are coming to the small screen via 20, 11-minute episodes of Backyard Sports: The Animated Series.
Hulu has given the green light to three extended-length episodes of 'Futurama' and released a new trailer for Season 14
'Star Trek: Scouts' second season on YouTube to premiere on Star Trek Day, Sept. 8.
Pokemon has turned Pikachu into a plush so many times that it’s beyond impressive that, after 30 years, it still keeps finding new and unique ways to do it.
In Jumanji: Open World, the avatars somehow find themselves in the real world. There are dangers that they can't even begin to fathom lurking around each corner — but thankfully, they can respawn.
Today, ATLUS and Hiya Toys announced the newest character to join the Hiya Toys EXQUISITE BASIC series, Fox from Persona 5 Royal!
Start Licensing will be representing the book series The Café at the Edge of the Woods which has already achieved global success with the first two books selling more than 180,000 copies.
The London premiere marked the first time a Talking Tom theatrical experience has been showcased on the big screen.
Retailers can stock these licensed collectibles, dolls, plush, and more.
Funormous is partnering with the Octonauts to develop a line of licensed inflatable products inspired by the undersea preschool series.
The Panini America and Major League Wrestling trading card collection features wrestlers and autographs. Killer Kross and more are pictured.
Beginning Fall 2027, Mattel will launch an all-new line of AAA action figures inspired by the promotion's legendary stars, iconic masks, and vibrant storytelling, bringing the excitement of lucha libre to fans of all ages.
The Laughing Place interviews the Hasbro Star Wars team at San Diego Comic-Con 2026 about the reveals for The Black Series and The Vintage Collection during their panel at the annual Southern California pop-culture convention.
It has emerged that popular doughnut company Krispy Kreme, is teaming up with The Pokemon Company to produce doughnuts based on beloved Pokemon.
John Hight, the former executive producer and vice president of World of Warcraft, is stepping down from his role as Wizards of the Coast president.
The Board of Directors has appointed Kathy Trivisonno as Interim Executive Director, effective Friday, July 24, 2026, to ensure continuity of operations and member services while the board conducts a national search for Astra’s next Executive Director.
Fred Rogers Productions appoints award-winning producer Benjamin Lehmann as its first-ever Vice President of Production.
New Women Innovators of Play documentary short offers an inside look at the artists behind Magic: The Gathering, encouraging aspiring creators to imagine their own path into the industry.
Julie Masino faced backlash online when the company tried to shed its old-timey image. David Deno, a former chief of Bloomin’ Brands, will take over.
The Toy Association’s Board of Directors, chaired by Geoffrey Greenberg, co-CEO of Just Play LLC, has appointed Sanjay Luthra, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Mattel, Inc., to join the board and named Tania Lundeen, senior vice president of global sales & licensing at Ty, Inc., and Billy Lagor, president of toys & board games at Hasbro, Inc., to the Board of Directors’ Advisory Committee.
Perner brings more than 15 years of international experience in the consumer goods sector. Before joining Jazwares, he held senior leadership positions at Playmobil, Nokian Tyres, Arla Foods and Aramark.
Recent data shows that Adidas and LEGO dominated social mentions and engagement throughout the tournament, thanks to a series of activations in and outside stadiums.
Sky Castle Toys is bringing sticker collectors more designs and display options with its latest Sticki Rolls offerings.
The new Smart Play sets come with motion sensors, lights and sound. But does the legendary building system actually need this digital upgrade?
CMON’s board had planned to transition the company's titles such as Massive Darkness and Super Fantasy Brawl Reborn into “high-quality digital assets” through the investment, saying the move was necessary for it to "continue to be relevant in the games industry and to expand the group’s revenue stream".
In partnership with Creasey’s Department Store, The Entertainer’s full range of toys, games and collectibles will arrive in Guernsey for the first time.
Every Inkee product is tested, developed especially for children, made from high-quality materials and designed in a modern, trend-conscious style.
Mattel is recognizing the WNBA standout Angel Reese with a new doll that celebrates her game-changing impact on and off the court.
Kicking off Thursday, August 6, the broadcast marks the latest milestone in the brand’s cultural resurgence, introducing a new era of competitive Hacky Sack.
Global superstar Olivia Rodrigo surprised 100 fans at an intimate event inside Licorice Pizza Records in LA, marking the beginning of a worldwide Lego Editions x Olivia Rodrigo Vinyl Hunt.
Playmobil has teamed up with children’s author and presenter Maddie Moate and child psychologist Dr Amanda Gummer to help families rediscover screen-free play.
A collection for Strawberry Shortcake's animal companions arrives next spring.
The agency represents the brand across key U.S. territories with dedicated showroom space.
The new campaign is all about embracing the throwback – except this time it's not being subtle.
Possessive consumers don't like when their favorite brands make big changes.
The annual collectible is available this year in multiple hairstyles and skin tones to better reflect Barbie's fan base.
PopSockets wants a bigger grip on the phone accessory market — and it's betting on limited-edition drops, TikTok videos and new products.
ZipString Aracna is a retractable string-launching web shooter, allowing users to launch, fly and instantly retract a glowing loop of string at speeds of over 35 mph.
Cloudco Entertainment and ZURU released the Sad Baby Care Bear Figures collection. The mini figures fit on keychains, bags, and more.
'The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns.'
Gaming publication Games Radar managed to catch up with Benjamin Evan Ainsworth who plays Link in the upcoming The Legend of Zelda Movie.
Many of you will have been enjoying your time with the fast and frantic Splatoon Raiders on the Nintendo Switch 2 and it seems you are not alone.
Capcom has confirmed this morning that the action-packed Resident Evil Requiem has now shifted over 8 million units.
'Only the survival of our studio would ever make us consider such a painful action.'
Crazy Taxi World Tour looks set to deliver a fast-paced and comedic experience as you travel around the west coast picking up zany characters and cruising the streets and taking in the sumptuous views.
Flagging Xbox sales have become the new normal for Microsoft.
Fall and Winter babies are in for a treat this holiday season, as are their newfound parents, when friends and family search for gifts from Playcor, the independent toy company founded by interior designer and mother Courtney Smithee. Playcor offers a thoughtfully designed range of toys for babies and toddlers with a very unique aesthetic unlike anything else in the market.
New tabletop games agency will connect intellectual properties, designers and publishers while providing crowdfunding strategy, interim leadership, inventor relations and designer representation.
As state legislatures across the country continue to introduce and advance policies affecting the toy industry, The Toy Association™ remains actively engaged on behalf of its members, monitoring legislation, advocating for practical outcomes, and providing timely guidance to help companies navigate the regulatory landscape.
Companies wanting to exhibit at the 2026 Chicago Toy & Game Fair (CHITAG Fair) still have the opportunity to take advantage of promotional programs designed to build awareness for their brands before the show opens on November 7 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL.
In response to two powerful back-to-back earthquakes that devastated communities in Venezuela on June 24, The Toy Foundation™ (TTF) is mobilizing to bring comfort, through the power of play, to children and their families.
The one-day only exhibition is coming to Coventry Transport Museum this summer bringing together models from seven decades.
The activation delivers the brand to fans and families with appearances, giveaways, and community initiatives.
The Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie pop-up shop at the Natural History Museum is open to the public now until 31st August.
MindWare is heading to Gen Con 2026 to offer attendees giant-sized games, hands-on demos, and exclusive pins.
The keynote will examine how a legacy brand like Harry Potter can maintain its cultural relevance, drive sustained consumer demand and continually unlock new revenue streams.
The Wizarding World has unveiled its plans for Back to Hogwarts 2026, with a wide range of events and activities taking place around the world to celebrate the annual fan tradition on 1 September.
Fantasy Flight Games also unveiled the game’s future roadmap and announced that the Galactic Championship will move to the Disneyland Hotel in May 2027.
Smoby brought its sustainable outdoor toy collection to life in a 100sqm branded activation space at the flower show.
Toy Barnhaus' Horsham store in the Swan Walk Shopping Centre remains closed following a glass panel collapsing from the centre's roof.
Sanrio’s Kuromi is making special appearances at KCON LA 2026, featuring first-of-its-kind activations, performances, giveaways, and more.
Luki Lab debuts a game room at the 2026 Lexus US Open of Surfing. Guests get to play with free toys, beat challenges, and win contests.
Worldwide Magazines Weekly Top Stories
Some stories added Friday afternoon. Check Back for Complete Lists.
Toy Trade Monthly & Special Issues
Adventure Media & Events (US)
Toyworld (UK)
Licensing.biz Powered by Toyworld
ICv2: The Business of Geek Culture (US)
Global Toy News
The Bugg Report (Australia)
The Toy Universe (Australia)
hobbyDB
Video of the Week
Matchbox The Movie — Official Trailer
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