Tag: toy

  • Lego to build $1-bln toy plant in Vietnam

    Lego to build $1-bln toy plant in Vietnam

    Danish toy company Lego Group will build a $1-billion plant in the southern province of Binh Duong in the second half of next year.

    It signed a memorandum of understanding Wednesday with the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park Joint Venture Company to build the plant, its sixth globally and first carbon-neutral one.

    The project will be its second Asian factory after it opened one in China in 2016. Lego has achieved double-digit growth in the region since 2019.

    Demand is now on track to outstrip supply from its Chinese plant in the mid to long term, Lego’s Chief Operations Officer Carsten Rasmussen said.

    “Growth in China and Asia is fantastic and we can see that over time that we will need more capacity,” he said, pointing to a growing middle class and high number of births in the region compared to more mature European and North American markets.

    The move is the latest in Lego’s decade-old strategy of placing production close to key markets, which has helped rein in costs and shield it from external factors.

    “It gives us shorter delivery time to our customers and make us able to react quickly on demand but it of course also makes us more resilient,” Rasmussen said.

    Lego’s products are sold in over 130 markets.

  • Hamley’s set to be sold to Indian Toy Retailer

    Hamley’s set to be sold to Indian Toy Retailer

    Toy retailer Hamleys is set to have its fourth owner in 15 years since it was taken private by an Icelandic investor.

    According to multiple Indian news media reports, Reliance Retail is in the final stages of negotiations with China’s C.Banner International, which has been trying to find a buyer since last October, after three years of ownership.

    C.Banner bought the business in 2015 for US$130 million, but has struggled to produce a profit. The company reportedly lost $15.6 million in 2017 on sales down 2.5 per cent to $86.5 million.

    Sources in India are speculating Reliance Retail will pay between $36 and $50 million, representing a substantial loss for C.Banner on exiting the brand.

    Reliance Retail, a subsidiary of the giant Indian conglomerate Reliance Industries, is in acquisition mode as it tries to expand its business by 30 per cent annually for a decade, an ambition on a scale probably only realisable in India right now. As at the end of last year it operated 9907 stores across 6400 Indian cities with a combined retail area of more than 21 million sqft. Its retail licenses and partnerships include Marks & Spencer, Diesel, Steve Madden and Kenneth Cole.

    “Due diligence for the Hamley’s deal is at an advanced stage,” a source told Money Control, itself a subsidiary of Reliance Industries. “Reliance Retail is aggressively pursuing the deal.”

    Reliance Retail is already the Indian licensee of Hamley’s and operates 50 stores under the banner, representing the toy brand’s largest market by store numbers. There are plans to open 150 more.

    Toy retailer Hamley’s was founded in 1760 as Noah’s Ark. It has about 129 stores globally, including a Regent Street, London flagship and stores in China, Germany, Russia, South Africa and the Middle East. A foray into Vietnam in 2015 ended in failure, however the company still sells toys online there.

    If the acquisition proceeds, it will help boost Reliance Retail’s portfolio. “Reliance can scale up Hamley’s business with its capabilities in supply chain management and strong distribution network.”

  • Mattel to launch BTS doll this summer

    Mattel to launch BTS doll this summer

    Toy retailer Mattel has announced a comprehensive, worldwide licensing agreement with popular South Korean boy band BTS. The creative collaboration will debut the first-ever line of BTS fashion dolls this summer. Under a multi-category license with BTS under its label, Big Hit Entertainment, Mattel will create dolls, collectible figures, games, and more. The collaboration will launch with a toy line created to resemble the band’s seven members – RM, Jin, Suga, J-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook – styled after their looks from the YouTube record-breaking “Idol” music video.

    “BTS is a pop-culture music phenomenon that transcends age, culture and language, and through this partnership, Mattel will offer a new way for millions across the world to engage with the band,” said Mattel’s SVP & global brand GM Sejal Shah Miller.

    “Partnering with established franchises that have global appeal is a cornerstone of our strategy and given our creative expertise, we are perfectly suited to create products celebrating BTS”.

    The BTS fashion dolls were unveiled at this week’s Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair.

  • Tablez to launch Build-A-Bear in India

    Tablez to launch Build-A-Bear in India

    To meet an ever-increasing demand for an engaging retail environment, Tablez India announces the partnership with Build-A-Bear, a global experiential retailer. U.S.-based, customized stuffed-animal retail-entertainment brand Build-A-Bear aims to reach as many as 9 million households in the top 15 cities in India by 2025. Besides standalone stores, shop-in-shop formats of Build-A-Bear would be launched within Toys“R”Us as part of Tablez, the retail arm of LuLu Group International.

    Adeeb Ahamed, MD, Tablez said, “The Build-A-Bear concept is a one-of-a-kind retail experience, and we are thrilled to bring it to India. We believe that children who come to our stores will be able to enjoy a different shopping experience that includes participation in creating stuffed animals of their own choice.”

    He also added, “At Tablez, we are continuously striving to meet the increasing demand for high-quality specialty toys, and we look forward to opening more Build-A-Bear and Toys”R”Us stores across India, as our company continues to grow.”

    On this occasion, Dorrie Krueger, Build-A-Bear Workshop Chief Strategy Officer, said, “We look forward to embarking on this new partnership with Tablez India and helping establish and grow the Build-A-Bear brand in this important global market. As our international franchise portfolio continues to expand, we are further assured that the hug of a teddy bear is understood in any language.”

    Established in 1997, Build-A-Bear has helped millions find their own meaning in a new furry friend. The brand has nearly 500 stores worldwide, and more than 175 million furry friends have been made globally in its 21-year history. Build-A-Bear helps guests mark special occasions, start friendships, and inspires people to make their own adventures. At Build-A-Bear, one is empowered to feel that anything is possible.

    The ‘Choose Me’ wall at every Build-A-Bear store is where the empowerment journey begins as each guest chooses an unstuffed animal to bring to life. Accessories give customers the reins to customize their creation. The heart ceremony is where one can add special wishes to their friend. During the stuffing process, a heart is placed in the bear along with special wishes, and the guests promises to care for their new furry friend. This signature ceremony brings each stuffed animal to life in a personal way, further ensuring a greater attachment. Guests find meaning in each of the animals designed – they are friends, playmates, heroes, look-a-likes and evidence of special memories. Dogs, cats, bunnies and even unicorns complement the timeless teddy bear to ensure there’s a furry friend for everyone.

    Tablez launched the first Toys“R”Us store in Bangalore in 2017. Before end of 2018, 4 stores will be operational, and another 20 stores are expected to be launched in 2019. In February 2019, Build-A-Bear will be launched as part of Toys“R”Us in Phoenix Marketcity, Bangalore. Further, a Build-A-Bear shop-in-shop format will follow in Vega City Mall, Bangalore; City Centre Mall, Mangalore and Phoenix Marketcity, Pune. The 20 additional standalone stores of Toys”R”Us are expected to be launched in major locations starting January 2019. Build-A-Bear plans to expand to as many as 65 shop-in-shop format stores and 20 standalone stores in India over the next 10 years.

  • Lego opens its first official store in Thailand at Siam Paragon

    Lego opens its first official store in Thailand at Siam Paragon

    The first certified Lego Thailand store has opened at Siam Paragon in Bangkok. The Danish building-toy manufacturer says the move is part of the brand’s strategic plan for Asian expansion. The new 170sqm Lego Thailand store has opened in a “co-sharing” partnership with DKSH (Thailand) Ltd. It  offers more than 300 Lego toys, 32 of which are exclusive to certified, branded Lego outlets.

    Lego Singapore GM for emerging Asia Atsushi Hasegawa said Thailand is an attractive market for Lego. “The country has an established economy, a large population and an established retail industry … We expect to see faster growth in Asia, including Thailand, and sustainable growth in Europe and America.”

    Hasegawa added that Lego’s targeting of the Asian market recognises that it is home to more than half of the world’s children. While Asia still has a low base for Lego toys compared to many established markets in the West, the company is seeing an opportunity to boost its sales by five or six times in the region.

    Gallery below (6 images) :

    According to Hasegawa, the company’s initial priority is not to increase the number of Lego stores, but to deliver the right brand experience to children at the right locations.

    DKSH’s director of commercial development Arden Feschuk said the company expects the Lego Thailand store will achieve THB100 million (US$3.05 million) in sales in its first year. There is also a plan to expand the number of Lego-certified stores in Thailand later.

    “During the first year of opening, more than 400,000 people are expected to visit the store, with Thais accounting for 60 per cent and foreigners 40 per cent. Due to the company’s one-price strategy, exclusive Lego sets will cost the same here as they do in neighbouring countries.

    “Due to this, Lego fans will no longer have to go overseas to buy Lego products. Also, new collections will be launched at the same time as in the US and Europe”.

    Sixty per cent of Lego’s Thailand sales are currently brought in via distribution in department stores, while more than 15 per cent is derived from specialist toy stores.

  • World’s first Nerf experience centre coming to Marina Square in 2019

    World’s first Nerf experience centre coming to Marina Square in 2019

    Shopping mall Marina Square has been chosen as the venue for the world’s first Nerf family entertainment centre. The Nerf Experience Singapore will open in the second half of next year, following a licensing agreement between Kingsmen Creatives subsidiary Nax Singapore and the Nerf brand’s parent Hasbro who will co-conceptualise, create, build and operate multiple Nerf experiences across Asia Pacific. Nerf is a collection of toys, mostly foam-firing plastic guns.

    Plans are underway to translate the Nerf brand values into a vast play experience occupying an 18,000sqft space on the ground level of Marina Square. Nerf Experience Singapore will feature multiple activity zones that promote active play and teamwork.

    CEO of Marina Square Lim Hock San said “Marina Square is positioned as a family mall in the city. The injection of the Nerf experiences fits our overall positioning and strategy to provide more activity-based experiences for the whole family. We believe the concept will be a great draw for both locals and tourists, creating much life and energy in the Marina Centre precinct.”

    Group CEO of Kingsmen Andrew Cheng said Nerf Experience Singapore is designed to be a year-round family destination and Marina Square is an excellent launchpad for the attraction.

    “Our goal is to create a brand of unique participative experiences that guests of any age can enjoy and will want to return to. With families constantly on the lookout for things to do together, we are confident that our offering of adrenaline-filled fun, coupled with enriching experiences will be a hit.”

  • Hamleys no longer under ownership of China’s C.banner

    Hamleys no longer under ownership of China’s C.banner

    Toy retailer Hamleys looks likely to be sold by Chinese owner C.banner International. The company has launched a strategic review of options for Hamleys’ future after receiving several expressions of interest from would-be buyers. C.banner International has owned Hamley’s for just three years, but the Chinese company has suffered a massive decline in its share price leading to an aborted bid for UK department store House of Fraser.

    At the time the Hong Kong-listed company planned a share issue to raise funds to acquire House of Fraser, it expected to receive between HK$2.40 and $3 per share. In August, when it dropped the plan, its shares were trading at 71 cents and today they are trading at just 56 cents each.

    The prospective bidders have not been named and talks are at a preliminary stage. C.banner has appointed Vermillion Partners to oversee discussions.

    In the year to December 31, Hamley’s recorded a loss of £12 million, a heavy reversal from a profit the previous year of £2.6 million. Sales fell 2.5 per cent to £66.3 million.

    But the company said it was on track to return to profitability and during the first eight months of this year it achieved 2.7 per cent like-for-like sales growth.

  • Asia’s Largest Toys & Games Fair Opens

    Asia’s Largest Toys & Games Fair Opens

    The HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair and the Hong Kong International Stationery Fair opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The four-day fairs will continue through 12 January and gather a total of more than 2,900 exhibitors from all over the world to showcase a wide range of innovative and smart products to global buyers.

    The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has organised close to 120 buying missions from 65 countries and regions, with some 9,000 buyers from around the world to visit and source at the three fairs. These include department stores, specialty stores and retail chains such as Toys”R”Us, Hamleys from the United Kingdom, Tomy Company Ltd. and Aeon Stores from Japan as well as Shinsegae Co. Ltd. from Korea. Besides, buyers representing e-tailers like JD.com, Suning Redbaby and beibei.com from the Chinese mainland and local enterprises including Watsons and Ocean Park offer ample business opportunities for the exhibitors. To facilitate different sourcing requirements, the fairs continue to feature the hktdc.com Small Orders zone with its Online Transaction Platform (https://smallorders.hktdc.com) and offer on-site business matching services.

    Benjamin Chau, Acting Executive Director, HKTDC, said: “The three fairs are presenting a comprehensive line-up of innovative products, including STEM toys that strengthen the learning of science, technology, engineering and mathematics for youngsters. Together with various licensed products, toys that incorporate Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies, smart baby products as well as stationery items, the fairs will surely satisfy the sourcing needs of global buyers.”

    Asia’s largest toys & games fair features a record of 2,100+ exhibitors

    The 43rd edition of the HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair features a record of more than 2,100 exhibitors from 42 countries and regions, forming the largest event of its kind in Asia, and the second-largest in the world. Among the many exhibitors are newcomers from Bangladesh, Bulgaria and Denmark.

    Six group pavilions from the Chinese mainland, Korea, Spain, Taiwan, the UK, together with the “World of Toys” pavilion featuring mainly European exhibitors, are mounted at the fair this year to present a wide variety of toys and games from around the world. Among them, the UK pavilion has doubled its exhibition space with 17 exhibitors, offering buyers more selections. The signature Brand Name Gallery gathers over 220 renowned brands from 15 countries and regions, such as 4M, Bburago, Eastcolight, Hape, VTech, as well as new exhibitors including the Japanese building block brand nanoblock.

    The Smart-Tech Toys zone showcases various toys and games applying innovative technologies, such as the increasingly popular AR and VR technologies and products operated via mobile apps. As the demand for STEM toys grows, a new STEM Toys Products Display is set up at the fair to help visitors check out the latest educational toys. Two new zones, Pet Toys and Fireworks, also debut at the fair. Pet Toys zone showcases toys and daily supplies for pets, while the Fireworks zone introduces display shells, firecrackers, toy fireworks as well as stage fireworks suitable for use in different events.

    Concurrent Baby Products Fair to maximise synergies

    Now in its eighth edition, the HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair hosts a record of about 540 exhibitors from 27 countries and regions, with first-time exhibitors from Qatar and Turkey. This year, the Korea pavilion gathers 32 exhibitors, an increase of more than 80 per cent compared with the last edition. Brand Name Gallery features close to 50 renowned brands from 14 countries and regions, including Biba, Evenflo, Joovy and Pali. Another fair highlight, Baby Tech zone, gathers 22 exhibitors of trendy products including those that incorporate high tech and smart home elements. Other special zones include Disposable Baby Products, Baby Learning Toys, Baby Food and Healthcare Products, Baby Bedding Items and Furniture, Baby Fashion Avenue, Baby Gift Sets and Souvenirs, Feeding, Nursing and Maternity Products, Nursery Electrical Appliances as well as Strollers and Gear.

    Diversified events to unveil industry trends

    A series of industry events are organised during the fair period. This year’s Hong Kong Toys Industry Conference (10 January) adopts the theme of “Grasp the Chance: What’s New in the Market and Our Industry?” to explore trends and opportunities in the global market and especially the Chinese mainland market. Seminars featuring industry experts include “STEM Toys – Next Big Wave” (9 January), “A Closer Look into the Key Influencers in Baby Product Trends” (9 January) and “The New Epoch of Virtual Toys” (10 January) to help the industry keep abreast of the latest trends.

    To provide more promotional channels and facilitate industry cooperation, a number of product demonstrations and launch pads, as well as buyer forums are organised. The Hong Kong Toys and Baby Products Awards 2017 Presentation Ceremony takes place this evening, followed by tomorrow’s winning products presentation. The Awards honour outstanding toys and baby products with exquisite designs, creativity and high quality, as well as promote the industry’s distinguished achievements. The winning products are on display at Hall 3F-G concourse during the fair period, promoting innovative designs to global buyers.

    International Stationery Fair brings in innovative items

    The 17th Hong Kong International Stationery Fair, jointly organised by the HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd., features five themed zones, including DIY Supplies, Gift Stationery, Kids & School, Pen & Paper and Smart Office. Over 250 exhibitors from 18 countries and regions are showcasing art supplies, kids’ stationery, school stationery supplies, paper products and printing, office supplies, DIY supplies, promotional stationery and more.

    The challenges and business opportunities of the stationery industry under the digital age are spotlighted at today’s seminar “Unfold Opportunities for Retail Digital Age” with representatives from DimBuy and Pinkoi sharing their insights. Another key seminar tomorrow, “A Glimpse into the Forthcoming Design Trend”, will analyse stationery design and market trends. Heavyweight speakers include the “Stationery King”, Masayuki Takabatake, the three-year winner of the Japanese variety show “TV Champion”; an expert from one of Japan’s biggest stationery brands KOKUYO; and a moderator from city’super.

    Joint Opening Ceremony with Licensing Show

    The HKTDC Hong Kong International Licensing Show (9-11 January) is taking place alongside the Toys & Games Fair, Baby Products Fair and International Stationery Fair, generating more cross-sector business opportunities. A joint opening ceremony for the Toys & Games Fair, Baby Products Fair and International Licensing Show was held this morning, officiated by the Honourable Gregory So, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, HKSAR Government; Li Jiangang, Deputy Director General, Department of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs, Ministry of Culture of the People’s Republic of China; Benjamin Chau, Acting Executive Director, HKTDC; Lawrence Chan, Chairman, HKTDC Toys Advisory Committee, and Tommy Li, Chairman, HKTDC Design, Marketing and Licensing Services Advisory Committee.

  • Asia’s Largest Toys Fair to Open Next Week

    Asia’s Largest Toys Fair to Open Next Week

    The 43rd HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, the eighth HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair and the 17th Hong Kong International Stationery Fair are set to open at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) next week. Starting on 9 January and continuing through 12 January, the three fairs will feature more than 2,900 global exhibitors showcasing a dynamic range of innovative and high tech products.

    Hong Kong’s major export products, including toys, are still being affected by the lacklustre global economy. Speaking at today’s press conference, Benjamin Chau, Acting Executive Director, HKTDC, said that Hong Kong’s exports of toy products reached HK$33.8 billion in the first 11 months of 2016. He also noted that the toy industry is the only sector reporting a higher reading in the HKTDC Export Index for the fourth quarter of 2016, indicating growing confidence about the performance of toy exports in 2017. On the other hand, the Christmas sales performance recorded increases in major traditional markets such as the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany, as well as emerging markets including the Chinese mainland, Mexico, Chile, Hungary and the Czech Republic. Mr Chau added that under the mainland’s “Two-child Policy”, new opportunities are expected to emerge in the coming years for the toy and baby product markets on the mainland since the number of births is likely to rise considerably.

    “STEM toys – that strengthen the learning of science, technology, engineering and mathematics – as well as licensed products and toys applying virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies are becoming more and more popular,” Mr Chau said. “Hong Kong companies can look into and explore these products.” He highlighted that the Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair gathers a wide range of products from around the globe. The hktdc.com Small Orders zone in the fair, along with the HKDC Small Orders Online Transaction Platform and business matching service offered by the HKTDC, will facilitate product sourcing and building business connections.

    Asia’s largest toys fair draws record exhibitors

    The HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair will gather a record of more than 2,100 exhibitors from 42 countries and regions, with first-time participants from Bangladesh, Bulgaria and Denmark. The event is the largest of its kind in Asia and second-largest in the world.

    Five group pavilions will be featured in the fair this year, including the Chinese mainland, Korea, Spain, Taiwan and the UK, along with a “World of Toys” pavilion showcasing mainly European exhibitors and a global range of toy and game products. This year, the UK pavilion has doubled its exhibition space with 17 exhibitors, offering buyers more selections. The signature Brand Name Gallery will return with more than 220 renowned brands from 15 countries and regions. Among them will be 4M, Bburago, Eastcolight, Hape, VTech, as well as new exhibitors including Japanese building block brand nanoblock and Portuguese brand ELOU for educational toys made with cork.

    The acclaimed Smart-Tech Toys zone will feature a range of toys with innovative technology capabilities. Some of the exhibits have incorporated the increasingly popular AR and VR technologies in their designs, along with mobile apps to make products more interesting and interactive for users. To meet the growing demand for STEM toys in the market, a new STEM Toys Product Display area will be launched at the fair.

    Two new thematic zones, Pet Toys and Fireworks, will also be introduced this year. The Pet Toys zone will feature toys and daily supplies tailor-made for pets. The Fireworks zone will introduce festival fireworks, display shells, firecrackers as well as indoor and stage fireworks suitable for use in different events to industry buyers.

    One-stop sourcing at concurrent Baby Products and International Stationery fairs

    The HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair will be held alongside the Toys & Games Fair, featuring a record of close to 540 companies from 27 countries and regions, including first-time exhibitors from Qatar and Turkey. This year, the Korea pavilion will gather 32 exhibitors, an increase of more than 80 per cent compared with the last edition. Brand Name Gallery will feature close to 50 renowned quality brands from 14 countries and regions, while the Baby Tech zone, another highlight of the fair, will bring in 22 exhibitors to help visitors keep abreast of the high-tech product and smart living trends.

    The Hong Kong International Stationery Fair, jointly organised by the HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, will feature over 250 exhibitors from 18 countries and regions, including new exhibitors from Bangladesh, Finland, India, the Netherlands and Spain. Exhibitors will showcase the latest art and craft supplies, back-to-school items, paper packaging and printing goods, office supplies and gift stationery.

    During the fair period, a series of industry events will be organised. The influential “Hong Kong Toys Industry Conference 2017” will be held on 10 January under the theme of “Grasp the Chance: What’s New in the Market and Our Industry?”. Experts will explore the trends and opportunities in the global market, especially those related to the Chinese mainland. Other seminars include “STEM Toys – Next Big Wave”, “The New Epoch of Virtual Toys”, and “A Closer Look into the Key Influencers in Baby Product Trends”. Masayuki Takabatake, the renowned “Stationery King” from Japan and a representative from one of Japan’s biggest stationery brands KOKUYO, will deliver a seminar on “A Glimpse into the Forthcoming Design Trend”.

    A number of product demonstrations and launch pads as well as buyer forums that explore opportunities in emerging markets and seminars analysing retail opportunities in the digital age will be organised during the fair. These events will enable industry players to exchange market information and keep abreast of the latest design and product trends.

    Another highlight will be the “Hong Kong Toys and Baby Products Awards 2017 Presentation Ceremony” to be held on the first day of the fair (9 January), with a winning products presentation taking place the following day. The award aims to uncover toy and baby products with unique designs, creativity and high quality, as well as to celebrate outstanding achievements in the industry. During the fair period, the winning products will be displayed at the Hall 3F-G Concourse.

    Held concurrently with the Toys & Games Fair, the Baby Products Fair and the Stationery Fair is the HKTDC Hong Kong International Licensing Show, which is the largest of its kind in Asia, and second-largest in the world. It will feature more than 370 exhibitors from 12 countries and regions and showcase over 900 brands and properties. The four parallel fairs will create abundant trading opportunities for crossover business activities among the participants from various sectors.

  • World’s largest Lego store opens in Shanghai

    World’s largest Lego store opens in Shanghai

    On Wednesday, LEGO has opened its largest retail store in the world inside Shanghai Disneyland as the trial period of the amusement park is ongoing before its official opening on June 16.

    The store features a myriad of LEGO bricks from its walls and even in the floors with two giant LEGO dragons welcoming guests of all ages and sizes.

    According to LEGO China’s general manager Jacob Kragh, getting in the Chinese market is crucial for the company and stressed: “Because in China, we have many children that are still out there without having a good quality play experience, and this is the reason why we feel that in order to be successful in the long run, we have to make sure we reach more Chinese children.”

    LEGO has already been setting up its first Chinese factory in Jiaxing and it is expected to start operations in 2017. It had also started trials for the LEGO Discovery Center in April.

    Currently, LEGO has 250 designers on its slate and launched 350 different products throughout 2015.