May 2-9, 2025
Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!
Happy Bloomin' July Fourth Friday!
Ringo Starr is turning 85 years old. How can that be? I think a lot of what happened in Ringo’s life has parallels to our industry – especially now. In a NY Times article this week they said he is still musically curious and loves what he is doing. He recently released a country album. Toy and game people are curious and certainly love what they are doing – no one ever really leaves our business and many never retire. Per the article, John, Paul, George and Ringo — none read music. In our industry, we don’t follow ‘sheet music’, we create as we go. Sheila E. said Ringo was a generous collaborator, just as many are in our industry. Alan Hassenfeld once told me he was very happy when his competitors did well, because it made the industry better and stronger. Ringo was intrepid. He spent three years in the hospital as a child, during which time a music teacher gave him a set of drums to keep him occupied. He became one of the greatest drummers of all time, in part because he was selfless and served the song to entertain. Toy people are intrepid and serve play to entertain.
If you have an open position at your company, please send me a link or information. We are posting open positions to our POP Classifieds to help colleagues looking for work full or part time.
Registration is Open for November's POP Week
- 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 by taking a booth at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair! Meet consumers, influencers, media and trade.
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
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Person of the Week - Wild Republic's Vishnu Chandran
My Grandpa and Grandma were and are my Guideposts
Hi Vish, I’ve really enjoyed your posts on LinkedIn—they’re always thoughtful, fun and inspiring. Thank you for sharing your family’s story and your work in our industry with our readers.
I’m the ring‑tailed ringleader who dreams up critters you can cuddle, then rallies factories, forests, and finance so every plush pal pays rent to Mother Earth.
What is it about the Toy and Game Industry that you love?
It’s the only business where “monkeying around” is literally on the org‑chart and laughter is a leading KPI. We regularly use our toys to talk through situations in meetings.
What is your claim to fame?
Being the first to turn recycled plastic bottles into stuffed animal penguins—then letting kids name them.
Greatest win so far?
Witnessing my grandfather receive the Champion of Sustainability award from the Toy Association for his life’s work.
What keeps you up at night?
Wondering whether capybaras need pajamas. Read More...
Person of the Week - SAGA Alliance's Greg Benassar
Empowering Pop Culture and Game Innovators
Hi Greg! We met when you were at BOTI, then you went on to Asmodee in several roles and now you've cofounded Saga Aliiance and acquired Heathside Trading. What is a common thread in all your roles?
I try to turn great ideas into great products—ideally while working with nice people.
What is it about the Toy and Game Industry that you love?
Creativity, passion, and lack of standardization like in other industries where you have proper schools and degrees to obtain to get the job. It makes our industry more diverse and open to change.
What is your claim to fame?
Other people should answ`er that one. I would hope my reputation as an honest and passionate person, treating well people should they mean business or not.
Do you have a mantra that you live by?
"Be yourself; everybody else is already taken." -Oscar Wilde
What has kept you motivated to stay in the toy industry?
I could not see myself doing anything else. It’s more than a job, it’s a lifestyle.
Financial, Legal and Tariffs
Financial Reporting, Tariffs
on CNN - he fears tariffs' devastiation on holiday inventory.
Trends, Lists, Market Research, and State of the Industry
according to the latest Consumer Price Index from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s 22 times the national inflation rate.
Stories, Comments, and Advice
Hannah Wakeman, from the West Midlands region of England, took to her TikTok channel, @cleaningwithhan_, to share a glimpse of the special game she discovered her 10-year-old son playing.
History and Nostalgia
Toru Iwatani left an indelible mark on gaming history with the creation of Pac-Man. Here are 8 interesting facts about the visionary behind the iconic arcade classic.
Licensing and Entertainment
In reaction to this announcement, Nigel Cook, vice president, Brand Commercialisation and Retail, Disney Consumer Products, explained how the franchise is positioned for long-term cultural relevance and commercial success.
People of Play
America’s top producer of children’s art supplies still creates most of its products in the northeastern U.S. But while that keeps it mostly insulated from tariffs, getting there wasn’t an easy process.
Associations, Foundations, Shows, Awards, Events, and Festivals
explores the lifestyle brand tokidoki’s journey from a small startup, featuring artwork from Simone Legno, to a collaborative multimillion dollar company.
Companies and Brands
Compete to see who can eat the most mini marshmallows in one turn — all with very tiny, very silly fake hands.
Gaming: Digital, Video, Hardware, and Development
It’s been nearly eight years since Super Mario Odyssey, and now we know what that team has been up to, as Nintendo has officially revealed that the developers of Donkey Kong Bananza are the same team that made Odyssey.
Highlighted Press Releases
($100/week/press release in this highlighted section and on newsletter sent Friday)
Two Hands Are Needed To Count Out Newest Roster: Cocosmile Cups, EyeConnect Crafts, Igloo Books, JoPat Games, Kandico, Make Music Count & Seaper Powers Thousand Oaks, CA (July 1, 2025) – What d…
Safety and Regulatory
Character.AI has also received tough questions about safety from lawmakers, and one advocacy group said earlier this year that AI companion apps should not be used by kids under 18. Even for adult users, experts have raised alarms about people forming potentially harmful attachments to AI characters.
RIP - Rest in Play - Remembering Those that have Passed
If you know of a colleague's passing, please send us information so we may share with our readers.
who began his career in the comics industry at the age of 14 and later became Editor-in-Chief of Marvel Comics, died on June 30, 2025, of esophageal cancer.
Worldwide Magazines Weekly Top Stories
Some Added Friday Morning Chicago Time. Check Back for Complete Lists.
Toy Trade Monthly & Special Issues
The July issue of Toy World
Casual Game Insider Summer 2025 issue
The Toy Book’s Specialty Toys & Gifts Issue
CreativePlay Retailer June issue
Toy World's Kidult Supplement issue
The Toy Book’s 2025 Licensing & Entertainment (+Baby!) Issue
The Toy Insider’s 2025 Spring & Summer Gift Guide
The Bugg Report issue 50
edplay June issue
Adventure Media & Events (US)
Top 10 Toy Industry Moments That Made June a Blockbuster (The Toy Book)
From the Editor: Red, White, and Bruised (The Toy Book)
The Best Travel Toys for Kids (to Help You Keep Your Sanity) (The Toy Insider)
Must-Have Merch for Your ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ Watch Party (The Pop Insider)
YuMe Toys Bolsters Executive Team to Drive Global Growth (The Toy Book)
Designer Toy Art Festival Brings Independent Toy Culture to Philadelphia (The Toy Book)
Miniso Expands Presence in Asia with Two Immersive Stores (The Toy Book)
A Bloom in Building Toys: The LEGO Group Reveals Two LEGO Botanicals Sets (The Toy Book)
Chuck E. Cheese Launches Chuck’s Arcade (The Toy Book)
Masters of the Toy-Verse: Mattel Revives the Fright Zone Set (The Toy Book)
Toyworld (UK)
People who need people… it’s the Friday Blog!
The July issue of Toy World is out now
Heathside and Kaleidos Creative announce distribution partnership for Europe
Lego posts strong profits and record sales in UK
New data-led specialist agency, Storytime Media, officially launches
Wow! Stuff’s Dolores Deluxe Puppetronic wows at Jurassic World Rebirth premiere
Moose Toys appoints Ben Krenz as new global GM for Games
LeapFrog introduces LeapMove
The Kidults return with annual awards and updated celeb judging panel
ChillFactor keeps it cool at Foodies Festival Nottingham
Licensing.biz Powered by Toyworld
MGA’s Miniverse and Universal launch new Jurassic World Rebirth-inspired dinosaur collectibles
Disney’s Nigel Cook on the long-term potential of the Stitch franchise
Smiffys signs licensing deal for Dragon Ball Z
Disney Store opens at Westfield White City
Dogs Trust partners with IPR Licensing to unleash new opportunities
Brandmate rebrands as Brandmania following successful show
Mattel and Amazon MGM Studios to present Masters of the Universe keynote at BLE
The Entertainer set to lead Care Bears product expansion
Hasbro announces Magic: The Gathering Secret Lair x Sonic the Hedgehog collaboration
Cartoon Network reveals more details on The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball
ICv2: The Business of Geek Culture (US)
- Seven Cards Get Banned in 'Magic: The Gathering's' Standard Format
- Wizards of the Coast Updates Deets on 'Magic: The Gathering - Edge of Eternities'
- Rolling for Initiative -- Was I Wrong about 'Final Fantasy'? Yup!
- Two New 'Warmachine' Command Starters Incoming
- The Pokemon Company International Launches New 'Team Rocket Tins'
- Games Workshop Reveals New 'Warhammer: Age of Sigmar' 'Spearhead' Set
- Arcane Tinmen Will Release New 'Dragon Shield' Matte Dual Sleeves
- 2025 Origins Awards Winners Revealed
- Alliance Entertainment Announces Two Exclusive Distribution Agreements
- Legend Story Buys Savage Feats Production Company
Nación Juguetes (Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Chile & Spain)
Global Toy News
The Bugg Report (Australia)
ZURU Launches Slime Mart in Australia: A Bold, Collectible Take on Slime Play
Warner Bros Discovery Global Consumer Products Team up with dusk for a Limited-Edition Collection Inspired by Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
Authentic Brands Group Appoints Tim Derner as Global Head, Marketplaces
The Bugg Report Magazine Edition 50
The Toy Universe (Australia)
The Wiggles in Wagga Wagga
A History of Aaron Tompkins and Toedesign
The Toy Universe Magazine Edition 16
Celebrating 25 Years Sourcing Eco-Friendly Toys & Puzzles
Gearing up for a Hollywood Ending
The U.S. Toy Industry Grapples with Trump, Tariffs, and Uncertainty
The Disappearing Middle: The Mid-Size Toy Distributor Is Vanishing. Adapt Or Be Forgotten.
Greetings from the Heart of the US Toy Industry — Chicago!
hobbyDB
Adding Price Points for NFT Drops
How ABREX makes its Skoda models
Funko’s San Diego Comic-Con 2025 Exclusives!
10 Valuable Jurassic Park and Jurassic World Collectibles
BoardGameWire
Toy Store (Italy)
TAGIE Awards 2025, nominations for the awards open
Video of the Week
The Cat in the Hat | Official Trailer
