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Happy Bloomin' Friday!
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Mary and the POP Team
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Carve Communications’ Toy Experts Scott Goldberg and Amy Friedland Talk about The New Value of PR and How It Can Help Expand Consumer Visibility in an AI World
EARNED MEDIA IS TRANSFORMING AI!!!! Yes, it’s true!
FACT: Over half of consumers (52%) replaced traditional online search with generative AI tools like Chat GPT, Bing Copilot, Google Gemini, Claude and Perplexity.
FACT: OpenAI, the creators of ChatGPT, recently launched Instant Checkout which allows users to make purchases directly via ChatGPT. It’s likely no coincidence that Walmart reported that 20% of their referral traffic comes from ChatGPT. AI-chat is definitely starting to influence how consumers shop online.The click-to-buy stage in digital shopping is coming to a slow death.
FACT: A study found that 95% of AI citations come from unpaid media sources, and 85% of those are earned media placements.
How is that for bold facts?! Those stats alone should make you think, “Do I have the right marketing plan and budget allocation in place to reach today's consumer NOW?” READ MORE
People of Play™ Announces Speakers for 2025 Global Inventor Pitch & Innovation Conference
Ryan Hamilton, CEO of Plus-Plus USA, talks being proactive, concerning toy trends and more!
Hi Ryan, I'm looking forward to seeing you next week at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair! Thank you for taking time to answer some questions. For starters, what do you do in our industry?
I’m the CEO of Plus-Plus USA and the Head of Product Development for the Plus-Plus global brand, which is based in Denmark.
What is it about the Toy and Game Industry that you love?
I love what I get to do every day, but I have to say it’s the people. From our own Plus-Plus team to the global toy industry, the people that make it all special. Every trade show feels like a fun reunion!
What is your claim to fame?
Most recently, I’ve become known for my tariff poem video and other LinkedIn video posts about the retail store my family and I started last summer. But I’m most proud that the first product I designed from scratch and that is patented in my name, HEXEL, won a TOTY this year in the Specialty category. 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: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.” - Steve Jobs
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!
Brian Turtle
Will Sakran
Leslie Pierson
Greg Walsh
Tanya Thompson
Brent Hieggelke
George Ditomassi
Kate Hunt
Aarti Chapman
Amparo Serrano
US President Donald Trump has praised an "amazing" meeting with China's Xi Jinping, following a series of announcements bridging trade between the world's largest economies.
The Toy Association™ is closely monitoring major global trade and tariff developments, including those in China, Southeast Asia, and Canada, that may affect toy industry operations and costs.
Hasbro and Mattel chiefs say retailers have accelerated holiday orders significantly, after waiting to assess tariff impacts.
The U.S. Senate has passed a bipartisan resolution on Thursday that would have the effect of ending the global tariffs President Trump enacted in April, including tariffs on imported games and toys, according to The Hill.
Teal Group says momentum has continued into 2026 with record first half sales, up 34% on H1 FY25, reflecting the immediate impact of strategic investments made in FY25.
The company and its founder, Ty Warner, have been awarded a U.S. patent for Beanie Bouncers, a four-inch line of soft, kinetic collectibles that merge the bounce of a spring with the signature charm of Beanie Babies.
The settlement amounted to $39,000, awarded by a mutually agreed judgment of the court, to cover costs, expenses, and attorney fees paid by Upper Deck.
Toca Boca World and Piknik drove growth while trade policies and late resets caused issues in the toy department.
Target Corp. said on Oct. 23 that it will eliminate 1,800 corporate roles, or 8% of its headquarters workforce, in its largest restructuring in years, a move designed to streamline operations and reduce costs as it battles waning sales and investor skepticism.
The company said it's cutting roles in order to help make the company leaner and less bureaucratic, while it looks to invest in generative AI.
A psychologist explains how mystery collectibles – where you don’t discover what you have bought until you open the box – activate the adolescent brain’s reward
Deals with Netflix, CBS and 3,600 theaters are part of what’s making A PAW Patrol Christmas Spin Master's biggest launch yet.
From Santa's sleigh direct to your lounge room.
With over 350 million children and rising global demand, India’s toy industry is stepping beyond playtime.
Netflix engaged with toymakers 12-18 months ahead of the movie’s release, The Hollywood Reporter is told. None seemed all that interested.
Pop Mart's Labubu sparked a global craze. Can crochet toys now step into the spotlight, blending comfort, craft, and the handmade creator economy to capture kidults?
In an era marked by economic uncertainty, shifting demographics, and digital transformation, one consumer group is reshaping the global toys and games industry: kidults.
Denys Fisher was running a company making weapon components when he had his Eureka moment.
After we announced the sale of Toy World to Lewis Business Media, my phone didn’t stop pinging for days with lovely messages from industry friends and colleagues.
The November issue of Toy World is available in print and online, bringing readers the latest news, views and insight from the Toys & Games industry.
In tandem with the ongoing success of the Kidult category, Toy World's second standalone Kidult supplement features a wealth of product information, business insights and opinion.
For most people Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is simply a niche fantasy table-top game. But around tables cluttered with dice, maps and character sheets, players are doing far more than playing. They’re engaging in leisure.
To mark its seventh annual Creepy Doll Contest, the History Center of Olmsted County is inviting its vintage toy dolls to act as "amateur curators" and roam freely through its collections.
The 1964 Johnny Seven toy line of playsets and facsimiles of military equipment from Topper Toys was marketed exclusively to boys.
'The Care Bears Movie' director Arna Selznick and 'Looney Tunes' voice actor Eric Bauza look back on 40 years of animated caring and sharing.
Released by Ideal in 1954, Robert the Robot was one of the earliest mass-produced toy robots in the United States and the first to be made of plastic.
It’s Olympic skiing, Barbie-style!
Also going to the highest bidder last week: items from ‘I Dream of Jeannie,’ ‘Star Trek,’ ‘Get Smart,’ ‘The Munsters’ and more.
From Tomb Raider to Splinter Cell, Netflix has been steadily churning out animated series based on video game franchises.
Starting in January, after the Egghead Island arc wraps up, the anime will be going on a three-month break until April, when the Elbaph arc will begin.
Blokees is bringing Jurassic World Terraventure to the UK in January, adding pocket-sized products for children and Kidults to the market.
Hot Wheels has expanded its Formula 1 collection with the Scuderia Ferrari HP and the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One team.
Basic Fun! has been named exclusive distributor for Fashion Angels in the UK & Amazon EU to drive growth and renewed excitement at retail.
Target Darts has announced a licensing collaboration with Disney to develop a new range of cutting-edge products inspired by the Star Wars franchise across the EMEA region.
New partnerships with global brands together with the strength of its own catalogue have reinforced steady growth at puzzles and games company, Educa Borrás.
The LEGO Group is setting sail with a new LEGO Ideas set inspired by 'The Goonies,' and it's worth its weight in gold.
The 1:64-scale die-cast celebrates the comedian's 1976 Tour and is available exclusively at live shows.
Tonies and Hasbro level up Toniebox 2 by bringing classic board games to the new Tonieplay gaming platform.
The new brand blends nostalgia and innovation with durable, family-friendly radio-control vehicles.
Arcade1Up is partnering with Nickelodeon to bring a bit of Bikini Bottom to kids' bedrooms with a new SpongeBob claw machine
Sony/Crunchyroll’s release of Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, has pushed the film across the century mark globally, reaching $108M this weekend.
Netflix has set March 10, 2026 for the Season 2 premiere of One Piece.
After years of animosity, Netflix and AMC Theatres might be reaching a détente.
Launching in July 2026, the collaboration will feature Playmobil figures of WWE Superstars including Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley and Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan – bringing the thrill, drama and storytelling of WWE into the hands of children, families and collectors worldwide.
"Sing the 50 United States!" will go on sale June 2, just in time to help celebrate America’s 250th anniversary
Infantino's Grinch Collection brings Who-Ville charm to families with baby and toddler products, like blankets, plush, tumblers, and more.
This year’s Rising Stars will be honoured during the Hall of Fame Induction and Global Rising Star Awards on 3rd December 2025, at Gotham Hall in New York City.
The company named Carmen Flores the senior vice president of e-commerce and digital experiences.
Katie Bird and Sarah Nevin have been appointed as senior National Account managers for MGA Entertainment's UK sales team and will contribute to the growth of the company's valued partnerships.
She redefined children’s media—and built her empire—by centering empathy. Now she’s channeling that same ethos into activism.
Genna Rosenberg is a 30-year toy, licensing and entertainment industry executive, focused on the intersection of social impact, consumer products and business strategy. She is also a major foodie!
The former Mattel and WildBrain executive leads creative strategy across toys, fashion, and entertainment.
With the voting deadline fast approaching, Toy Association members are encouraged to help decide the 2026 Toy Industry Hall of Fame inductees by submitting their ballots by Friday, October 31.
Taking place November 5 to 9 at the Embassy Suites in Rosemont, Illinois, the event unites inventors, students, designers, and industry leaders for four days of educational sessions, networking, and pitch opportunities.
Mayor Stephens to Open Fair with Highlights Including The 20thth annual Young Inventor Challenge®, Revealing of The Toy of The Year Awards (TOTY) finalists and more.
SETI publishers Czech Game Edition and Germany-based HeidelBÄR Games scored a double win on the night, having also seen their Matúš Kotry-designed title Little Alchemists take home the best children's game award.
The groundbreaking fan celebration will bring Barbie’s universe to life through immersive activations, inspiring speakers, and unforgettable experiences.
Simba Smoby Toys UK is celebrating after another successful showcase of its leading pop-culture brand, Jada Toys, at MCM Comic Con London.
2026 marks a new era for Spring Fair, with an expanded footprint, a re-energised visitor experience and a bold new programme.
Game Guru, the brainchild of Krishna Yadlapalli of Booghe Toys and business partner Faheem Badur, opened its doors on Friday 24th October to a warm reception.
With 220,000 people from all over the world, the Spiel Essen gaming event has surpassed the previous visitor record set in 2019.
The deadline is approaching for toys to be sent, which will be distributed to many of the deserving children’s charities which the Fence Club supports.
The Baby Safety Alliance is unveiling its 2025 Awards of Excellence, your family’s guide to this year’s safest, smartest, and most trusted baby and toddler products.
By delivering exciting RC play that is accessible to users with a variety of mobility and dexterity needs, this product advances industry standards and practices.
Schleich is teaming up with Toys “R” Us to open its first-ever concept shop inspired by its beloved fantasy toy series, Eldrador.
From the Town Plan to the Modern House, LEGO marks seven decades of creativity and connection.
Hunter Price International has unveiled details of its global partnership with Fuggler, the funny-ugly monsters which have been causing mayhem across the world this year.
The Big Toy Appeal is an annual initiative that aims to share Christmas joy with disadvantaged children across the UK.
This partnership will see Paladone bring to market iconic new formats reflecting Lego building bricks and Lego Minifigures.
The Carrera Hybrid racing system continues to evolve, introducing a new fleet of vehicles, additional track elements and a specially developed controller that features a built-in smartphone holder.
Scalextric is partnering with the RAC to create a play experience for young racing fans who can partake in a road rescue mission.
The LEGO Group kicks off the holidays early with festive pop-up events. Families in Chicago, IL, (Nov. 7-9) and Huntsville, AL, (Dec. 5-7) can stroll through a life-sized brick village with the launch of LEGO Holiday Lane.
The Samlerhuset Group is taking nostalgia to the next level by launching a new global brand dedicated to the future of the trade: ColleXable.
The campaign captures the joy of finding the perfect Christmas gift at Smyths Toys Superstores and will span TV, YouTube, social media and direct marketing.
As part of Amazon’s mass layoffs announced today, the company is making “significant” changes to its gaming division, including halting much of its work on first-party AAA MMOs, according to a memo from Steve Boom, VP of audio, Twitch, and games.
Almost half of those copies are being played on Switch 2.
The streaming giant recently explained it will be adopting a 'less is more' approach to its video game business.
Get ready to say “Wahoo!” this Thanksgiving! Today, Nintendo of America and Macy’s announced that a new Mario featured character balloon will make its debut in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
During the Halo World Championship livestream, Halo Studios announced Halo: Campaign Evolved, an Unreal Engine 5 remake of the first game's campaign.
WayForward has announced that they are in the midst of developing the next game in the long-running Shantae series.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons hasn't received a major content updates since November 2021, and many players resigned themselves to the fact that nothing else new would ever come to the game.
If a water bottle isn’t number one on your holiday wish list, then you clearly have never seen the offerings from Cocosmile Cups, an independent, woman-owned company that’s trying to make hydration time fun and easy for kids and parents alike. Cocosmile Cups thermoses are crafted with intention from BPA grade materials made safe for repeat use. Each cup is the perfect blend of ergonomic comfort for easy travel, carrying and drinking so kids won’t mind carrying their cup around on the go.
BBB National Programs’ Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU) has released the Generative AI & Kids Risk Matrix, a guide that offers guidance to help companies developing or using AI identify and mitigate risks that impact children.
George was an exceptional educator, scientist, astronomer, and inventor. He was innovative and inspiring to his students and peers. In 1992, he began work at Educational Insights, where he was actively responsible for product development and sourcing of educational toys.
Mr. Paolo Dimiziani passed away peacefully in his sleep the evening of October 5th, 2025, in Boulder, Colorado. He earned his MBA at the University of Buffalo and started his career in marketing for toy companies such as Marx and Fisher-Price.
Stuart is remembered as the person who designed Tiny Tears. He joined Cascelloid straight from school in 1953 and worked at the factory on Abbey Lane in Leicester as a modelmaker.
Worldwide Magazines Weekly Top Stories
Some Added Friday Morning. 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)
- 'Magic: The Gathering's' CFP Puts a Clock on Games of Commander
- New 'D&D' Head Brings 'Back' Key Talent
- 'Magic: The Gathering' Growth Accelerated in Q3
- Sirius Launching Metal 'Dungeon & Dragons' Minis Line
- Manufacturing Delays Impact 'Magic: The Gathering' 'Secret Lair' Releases
- WotC Plans 'Secret Lair: Avatar: The Last Airbender' Superdrop
- Upper Deck Settles Claim Against 'Disney Lorcana' Designer
- Big Increase in Toys 'R' Us Stores
- Upper Deck Plans to Continue 'Disney Lorcana' Suit
- SPIEL Essen Sets Attendance Record
Nación Juguetes (Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Chile & Spain)
Global Toy News
The Bugg Report (Australia)
The Toy Universe (Australia)
hobbyDB
BoardGameWire
Toy Store (Italy)
Video of the Week!
Full Steam Ahead: Restoring a Vintage Toy Train | American Restoration (S1)
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
It's Linkedin + IMDb and Searchable!
"I highly recommend that if anyone in this industry wants to be found, they join POP and fill out the skills and expertise section of their POP Profiles. I've had companies and a major media network reach out to me for a show based on my skills and expertise."
- David Yakos, Founder of Streamline Design and Owner of Salient Technologies
What are you waiting for? We've got the most powerful platform in our industry!
Join here: www.peopleofplay.com
