Toys & Games Investigated
FAO Schwarz today has announced its plans to offer even more ways for shoppers in the U.S.A to buy from its eclectic mix of extraordinary playthings this Christmas. Whilst millions enjoy a unique experience at the famous New York and Las Vegas stores, customers will soon be able to buy from 585 dedicated FAO Schwarz-branded boutiques within Toys “R” Us. Its e-commerce site, FAO.com, has also been relaunched.Continue Reading
The famous FAO Schwarz gets taken over by Toys R Us. There’s further goings on in court in the case over Bratz. Bandai looks to Poland for future expansion. An Irish toy firm goes into liquidation and there’s office job cuts at Hamleys.
Tony Page, the former Woolworths managing director, is attempting to raise funds for a “land grab” of vacant ex-Woolworths stores. [Informer: Toys 'n' Playthings]
Atomic Sports, the Irish outdoor toy firm, has gone into liquidation with debts of €650,000. [Informer: Toy News]
Chorion has revealed a number of new partners for its Mr Men Show brand. Including a deal with Martin Yaffe to produce licensed versions of hair-dyers and food processors. [Informer: Licensing.biz]
Bandai announces it will open offices in Warsaw, Poland this summer in a bid to expand into Eastern European markets. [Informer: Toy News]
MGA made an emergency appeal to stop the transfer of its Bratz assets to Mattel, with an allegation of racial discrimination. [Informer: Toy News]
The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has started to source licensees for London 2012 branded toys, games and other associated products. [Informer: Toys 'n' Playthings]
FAO Schwarz, often described as the USA’s oldest toy retailer, has been acquired by Toys R Us for an undisclosed sum. [The Toy Detectives article in full]
Hamleys parts company with two senior directors as part of a restructure of its head office, which could also result in a third of its staff being made redundant. [Informer: Toys 'n' Playthings]
Mattel UK appoints Erica VanKamp as its new director of marketing for the UK and Ireland. [Informer: Toy News]
Gormiti will be the subject of a part-work collection now that a deal has been signed between De Agostini and Gormiti brand owner Giochi Preziosi. [Informer: Licensing.biz]
Mattel revved up for the start of Formula Hot Wheels season on Cartoon Network. [Informer: Toy News]
FAO Schwarz has been acquired by Toys R Us for an undisclosed sum.
Both FAO Schwarz stores in New York City and at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas will continue to stay open and, Toys R Us stated, that jobs will be offered to existing staff at both these stores. Toys R Us will run the FAO Schwarz e-commerce and catalog operations. All merchandising, management, distribution and marketing operations will immediately be taken over by Toys R Us.Continue Reading