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Toys ‘R’ Us, unifying Japanese biz with ventures in China, SE Asia

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Toys ‘R’ Us, unifying Japanese biz with ventures in China, SE Asia

Toys ‘R’ US, an American toy and juvenile-products retailer headquartered in in the New York City metropolitan area, is unifying its Japanese business with its ventures in Greater China and Southeast Asia.

Under a new joint-venture agreement with Hong Kong-based Fung Retailing Limited, Toys ‘R’ US Japan that operates 160 stores in the country will be consolidated into Toys ‘R’ Us Asia.

Andre Javes, president of Toys “R” US Asia Pacific, will continue to oversee all operations of the combined businesses, as well as Toys “R” US Australia.

The combined business will now be roughly 85% owned by Toys’R’ US, with the remaining percentage held by Fung Retailing. The two have been working together in the region since 1985.

Toys ‘R’ US Asia  and its subsidiaries operate 223 stores in Greater China and the Southeast Asia markets. This includes stores in Brunei, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. Toys ‘R’ US Asia also licenses an additional 34 retail locations in the Philippines and Macau.

The combined company’s headquarters will be located in Hong Kong while a regional office will continue to operate in Kawasaki, Japan.

According to the toy retailer, the consolidation will allow the company to streamline operations and accelerate innovation. A strengthened focus on Asia-Pacific operations in particular makes sense for Toys ‘R’ US, as the region has been a source of growth for the company.

 

Three day CBME enters last day today

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Three day CBME enters last day today

At a well-attended function, UBM India launched the 5th edition of the uniquely positioned Children, Baby Maternity Expo India 2017 (CBME India) on Tuesday (11th April) at the Bombay Convention and Exhibition Centre, Mumbai.

 The inaugural ceremony took place in the presence of key dignitaries, Anuj Jain – vice president – Brainbees Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (FirstCry); Rajesh Vohra – MD, CHICCO; Naresh Khattar – MD, MEEMEE; Yogesh Mudras – MD, UBM India and Abhijit Mukherjee – Group Director, UBM India, amidst a sizeable industry gathering. Also present were retailers, service providers, business investors, and franchisee seekers.

Speaking at the inauguration of CBME India 2017, Mr. Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, UBM India said, “The domestic baby, maternity and childcare products market was considered to be a niche industry from an Indian perspective. However, with an increase in disposable income of parents, a change in their consumer habits and a renewed focus on child safety and well-being, this high potential industry is now ready for a major growth spurt that will transform it into an independent and thriving industry.

An increasing media exposure, awareness amongst women, the culture of malls and online shopping have provided a platform to the branded segment to launch and position their offerings to India’s affluent consumer base. And yet, apart from conventional practices, stringent rules relating to infant care that rightfully exist, sometimes create a paucity of information and availability of novel products in this segment.”

The show has brought together more than 100 exhibitors and over 350 major Indian and global brands.  The expo included world-renowned brands like Chicco, MeeMee, Mother Touch, Sunehri Exports, Cozy N Safe, Florite Baby, Hiplik, BabyCenterIndia, Pooja Creation, Adore Baby, Kaboos, Sebamed, Tiny Bee, Rikang, GAIA Skin Naturals amongst others.

Enthusiastic participation from nine countries including China, Australia, Vietnam, Thailand, US, UK, Canada, Singapore and Italy for the first time are providing Indian manufacturers with insights into the latest trends and technology, according to industry observers.

The largest children, baby and maternity product business expo in India, the CBME India offers unrivalled business opportunities for local and global manufacturers, and sellers of baby products to connect, network and conduct business.

An exhaustive spectrum of quality, technologically-advanced and aesthetically pleasing baby care products, toys, baby food, kids wear, maternity products, organic clothing, nutraceuticals, ergonomic furniture, stationery, infant safety technology, brain development tools and more were on display.

Most significantly, the event is well-supported by key associations such as the Toy Association of India (TAI), an apex body of the toy fraternity in India representing over 500 industry members; the All India Association of Industries (AIAI); the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) and the Indian Importers Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IICCI).

Adjacent to the expo, a two day conference was organised to deliver unique and innovative value propositions to exhibitors and visitors alike. Day 1 focused on the subject of ‘Intellectual Property Law and Licensing’.  A panel discussion on what licensors should expect from the licensees in India and vice versa was held. It also discussed ways to raise awareness of the lucrative benefits of licensing to the Indian business community.

Day 2 witnessed a Fashion N Kids Conclave that veered on innovations, quality control and technology in the kids wear segment. Topics of discussion included  ‘Kids wear: An emerging sector in Textile industry in India’, ‘Role of Viscose in kids wear’, ‘Quality control issues in kids wear’, ‘ Innovation in Diaper Technology for kids’, ‘Innovation in Garmenting Techniques’ and ‘Use of Dyes & Chemicals in kids wear’. Panel discussions, presentations and Q & A sessions were also part of Day 2.

To lend more perspective, the Cool Kids Fashion India event highlighted premium kids fashion accessories and clothing (age 0-14 years) from both well-known & emerging designers, brands and manufacturers. The Innovation Product Corner showcased creations that highlighted design excellence, product safety, innovations and much more.

 

WIDDOP in a pact with RSPCA to launch an exciting licensed gift collection

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WIDDOP in a pact with RSPCA to launch an exciting licensed gift collection

WIDDOP and Co. has entered into a partnership with the RSPCA to launch an exciting licensed gift collection that embraces the rich heritage of the UK’s leading animal welfare charity.

The range which made its official debut at Spring Fair earlier this year, is due to hit the shelves in the next couple of months, in time for the important Father’s Day gifting occasion. Designed with a unisex appeal, the collection is aimed at animal lovers of all ages. Its strong, traditional look is thanks largely to the wealth of archive material that the RSPCA has made available to the designers at WIDDOP and Co.

The range of wall prints, drinkware, stationery and pick up gifts reflect the originality of the distinct design style and are all packaged in premium quality, branded gift boxes.

Enthusiastic about the range, Stephen Illingworth, Product Development Director at WIDDOP and Co. said, “Gifts for animal lovers have always been an important part of our offering at WIDDOP and Co.
Working with the RSPCA adds a rich vein of beautiful heritage designs that lend themselves ideally to our products and packaging.”

Ellen Camillin, Licensing Manager at the RSPCA is delighted with the partnership averred, “WIDDOP and Co have sympathetically used illustrations from our archives to produce a range of very special gift items.

“This is a quality range which reflects the almost 200-year history of the charity and we look forward to seeing our first heritage collection products hit the shelves,” she ends.

 

 

King in works for new mobile game

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King in works for new mobile game

After taking the world of mobile gaming by storm with hits like Candy Crush Saga and Bubble Witch Saga, Stolkholm-based King is now working on a mobile spin-off for Activision Blizzard’s celebrated FPS franchise Call of Duty.

Since last year, speculations have been high and the new job listings on the company’s site further says that King was acquired by Activision Blizzard in 2015 in a deal of $5.9 billion.

Details about the project are still not available as the company is still prototyping the phase of development.

“We are a new King team, located in Stockholm, Sweden, and we’re working on an exciting new project. The team is adapting one of the most iconic game franchises of all-time: Call of Duty, to become a mobile experience. This is a rare and exciting opportunity. Our challenge as a team is to create a Call of Duty experience on mobile that will strive to transform the best console experience fans know and love, while also breaking new ground for mobile and redefining the genre.

Our approach and ambition is to be fresh, social, and highly accessible, while providing a very authentic game experience. The team will prototype extensively, have the freedom to think outside the box, and be encouraged to stretch their expertise in ways to create surprising results,” says the company’s website.

Even though Activision Blizzard has in the past released some mobile titles on the franchise like Call of Duty: Strike Team, Call of Duty: Black Ops Zombies, it is anybody’s guess to see King’s take on it.

 

Vera brand appoints Spotlight Licensing and Brand Management Inc as its representative

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Vera brand appoints Spotlight Licensing and Brand Management Inc as its representative

Vera design brand has appointed Spotlight Licensing and Brand Management Inc to represent it for a wealth of licensing opportunities.

The Vera brand is a celebration of the lifework of the artist and entrepreneur Vera Neumann who built her brand and cross-licensing empire by making her artwork accessible to everyone through a wide range of products.

As global agent for the Vera brand, Spotlight Licensing will oversee existing licensees such as Duck River Textiles, Liberty Pro Co, Mann & Bros, Metropolitan Museum of Art and Upper Canada Soap while also working to expand the brand into new and complementary product categories.

“It’s a great privilege for Spotlight Licensing to be chosen to represent such a historic and beloved brand,” said licensing agent, Carole Postal.

“Vera’s colourful designs which the Spotlight team had the great pleasure of reviewing thanks to VNIP’s extensive and beautiful digital design archives offer a timeless appeal that works just as well on cellphone cases, modern luggage and today’s home textiles as the beautiful vintage scarves and other items still cherished by collectors,” she added.

 

Harper Collins signs 6-year deal with Vivendi for publishing rights of Paddington 2

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Harper Collins signs 6-year deal with Vivendi for publishing rights of Paddington 2

Harper Collins Children’s Books has signed a six year deal with Vivendi for the world publishing rights for the Paddington sequel Paddington 2.

Following the successful release of the Paddington movie by Studiocanal, a Vivendi subsidiary, in 2014, Vivendi had taken full ownership of the Paddington brand worldwide.

‘The deal marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Paddington’s history, forming a partnership of media and content creation that will introduce Paddington to a new generation of readers on the global stage,’ reads an issued  statement.

Launching with a movie tie-in programme, co-published by HarperCollins US and UK, to coincide with the Paddington 2 movie this Autumn, the partnership has created a strategic alliance of heritage and future vision. This will establish a worldwide brand loyalty for Paddington Bear.

Ann-Janine Murtagh, executive publisher at HarperCollins Children’s Books UK, averred, “We are proud to be both the original publisher of Paddington Bear and now exclusive global publishing partner of the Vivendi group.”

“We share their ambition to ensure that Paddington Bear builds an ever bigger fan base and continues to endear children worldwide. We have been privileged to publish Michael Bond on the HarperCollins list for nearly 60 years,” she added.

Paddington Publishing marks a key strand of HarperCollins’ future growth strategy and the publishing house is looking forward to work with Vivendi in the years to come.

DC Entertainment rolls out online programming with Warner Bros. Consumer Products

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DC Entertainment rolls out online programming with Warner Bros. Consumer Products

In a view to celebrate its DC Super Hero Girls brand throughout April, DC Entertainment has rolled out a series of special online programming along with Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

Particularly designed for the young readers, DC Kids Super Hero Month will bring to the fore new content across the official DC Super Hero Girls site, social media and app.

Also to involve more viewers, dedicated social media channels will be launched for Justice League Action and Teen Titans Go!

The programme will centre around Super Hero Training Camp exercises which will encourage kids to reach their best by using DC superheroes characters as inspiration with lessons focusing on kindness, friendship and more.

Retail partners include  will also take part in the promotion.

 

Mondo TV Iberoamerica in a deal with Mexico’s TV Azteca

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Mondo TV Iberoamerica in a deal with Mexico’s TV Azteca

Mondo TV Iberoamerica, part of Italy’s Mondo TV group, has entered into an agreement with Mexico’s TV Azteca’

This agreement will bring a number of its popular titles for broadcast across three countries in the newly launched channel A+. It is said that a final contract will be signed soon to cement the deal.

The partnership will bring Mondo TV hits including animated series Sissi the Young Empress, The Treasure Island, Angel’s Friends, The Drakers, Gormiti and Dinofroz and live-action tween/teen series Heidi, Bienvenida a Casa to viewers across Mexico, Guatemala and Honduras.

 

Avered Maria Bonaria Foria, GM of Mondo TV Iberoamerica, “We are proud to have reached this agreement with a partner as important as TV Azteca.”

“This strategic partnership represents a big growth opportunity for us in this key Mexican territory; it gives us the chance to reach a potential audience of 78 million families and represents a unique platform to reach the target of our derived products, as well as a challenging and innovative business model,” she added.

It is interesting to note that Mondo TV Iberoamerica has over 700 hours of animated content available with it for the Latin America and US Hispanic markets.

 

Warner Bros. honours number of its partners

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Warner Bros. honours number of its partners

 

At the recently held WBCP EMEA 2017 European Licensing Summit in London, Warner Bros. Consumer Products EMEA honoured a number of its best-in-class key partners.

Mattel won the prize for Licensee of the Year in recognition of its dedication to creating retail specific consumer offerings across a range of properties that include Batman v Superman and DC Super Hero Girls.

The Studio has also been praised for its role in developing a framework that has ensured commercial growth and the extension of the long-standing partnership with WBCP.

Julian Moon, senior vice president, Warner Bros Consumer Products EMEA, said, “All of our partners play a vital role in delivering our world class brand licensing programmes.”

“Our 2017 winners displayed a willingness to push boundaries both in terms of product innovation and the way that these products were marketed to consumers.These annual awards are a great opportunity to thank them for the value that they add to our business,” she added.

Meanwhile, for the second year running, Primark was named WBCP EMEA’s Retailer of the Year. It was commended for its focus on striving to be better more effective and to improve its product offering.

Primark has been praised for delivering powerful customer engagement programmes for Batman v Superman and year round activations for the Harry Potter franchise.

In a new for 2017, WBCP EMEA added the Promotion of the Year category, an award that was presented to Turkish Airlines for its Batman v Superman campaign.

With activations across 45 markets and multiple platforms, the Metropolis to Gotham adverts were watched by over 60 million fans online, setting a new benchmark for promotional partnerships at Warner Bros.

Beauty and The Beast named Disney’s highest grosser

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Beauty and The Beast named Disney’s highest grosser

Disney’s live action Beauty and The Beast has been named the studio’s highest grossing live action release.

After only 19 days since its debut the film has roped in £53.6 million in the UK and Ireland box office till date. The result also sees the film become the 20th biggest film of all time in the UK and Ireland box office.

After crossing £53 million, the film overtook Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest that had collected £52.52m and held the title since its release in 2006.

The latest Disney fare also opened with £19.7 million during its opening weekend, making it the 5th highest grossing three-day opening of all-time.

The film has in all collected $900 million with the US box office showing that the film has amassed $401 million.

 

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