Page 14 - Toy & Hobby Retailers Magazine Feb-Apr 2020

LICENSING NEWS
FROM INSIDE THE LICENCE
TOP POSTS
THE MOST LIKED POSTS ON @TOYHOBBYRETAILER INSTAGRAM DURING
THE PAST MONTH
1“Our whole industry is about kids and it’s great to give something back, what a great cause.” Following the success
of the @rednoseaustralia Wags
the Dog partnership between @ headstart_toys, @bigwaustralia and @ thewiggles, Headstart has presented the $90,922.68 donation to the charity.
2@lego among new
stores opened at Sydney Airport was the 10th
most read story on the #ToyHobbyRetailer website in 2019.
3@disney and @moose_toys on board for Bluey was
the third most read story on the #ToyHobbyRetailer website in 2019.
VTech and Netflix launch Toot-Toot Cory Carson
VTECH partnered with streaming service Netflix to launch a children’s animated series based on VTech’s Toot-Toot Drivers line.
Toot-Toot Cory Carson launched on 04 January and follows the story of kid car Cory Carson on his adventures.
Created by Kuku Studios – the studio behind other children’s films including Ratatouille, Wall E, Finding Dory, and Incredibles 2 – Toot-Toot Cory Carson is aimed at children two and up.
Later in 2020 VTech will launch a range of products based on the six main characters in the show.
The interactive, electronic vehicles will feature light-up character face buttons, motion sensors and action buttons that have different effects for each vehicle. These will trigger the voices and sounds effects from the characters in the TV series, making them instantly identifiable for children.
To support the show, VTech will roll out a comprehensive marketing campaign which will include TV advertising in 2020. ❉
Bonds and BBC team up for Bluey apparel
BBC Studios in partnership with Bonds launched the first line of Bluey children’s apparel in January.
The range includes zip wondersuits, sleep sets, t-shirts and stretchy chesty singlets with all items featuring hand drawn designs.
Bonds head of marketing Kelly McBride said that the business wanted to capture the essence of the show in the apparel.
“Our team wanted to create designs that reflected the fun, playfulness and adventurous spirit of the show. We hope our range is as lovable and endearing
as Bluey, Bingo, Bandit and Chilli themselves,” she said.
“We’re thrilled to bring the first range of Bluey apparel to fans with this fun and playful collaboration with Bonds,” added BBC Studios ANZ licensing manager Nicole Chungue. ❉
14 TOY & HOBBY RETAILER FEBRUARY / MARCH / APRIL 2020