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Tag: toys

  • Toys“R”Us Asia brings smiles to kids and families in China through their record-breaking Children’s Day Toy Festival

    Toys“R”Us Asia brings smiles to kids and families in China through their record-breaking Children’s Day Toy Festival

    Celebrating Children’s Day with families and kids across China, through a vast offering of experiential offsites, special promotions and exclusive toy ranges, Toys”R”Us Asia announces a record-breaking Y-o-Y sales growth of over 25% in China, on the first weekend of June.

    The strong business results for Toys”R”Us Asia in China on June 1 can be attributed to millions of happy in-store customers, as measured through a record-breaking number of transactions. Kids and families got to enjoy a significant increase in exclusive product ranges offered through Toys”R”Us China’s vast network of over 180 permanent stores and over 100 experiential offsites, set up specifically to celebrate Children’s Day.

    Nicholas Green, Managing Director of Toys“R”Us China, said, “Toys“R”Us is the ultimate destination for kids of every age. Our top priority is to support families with fun and interactive shopping experiences so they can access the very best products for entertainment and learning. The recent record-breaking business results for Toys“R”Us China over the weekend of International Children’s Day is a strong sign that customer demand in this market is on the rise and is a testament to the company’s success and growth, both in the offline and eCommerce space. We plan to open over 50 new stores in China in 2019 alone, and we are confident that our offering to customers will only continue to strengthen.”

    Andre Javes, President and CEO of Toys“R”Us Asia, commented, “In the coming year, Toys“R”Us Asia is planning to open over 65 stores across Greater China, Japan and South East Asia, to meet the growing demand for imaginative and educational play. We will be rolling out even more immersive experiences and inspiring content to showcase the infinite possibilities of toys – offering up the most relevant toy choices for every development stage of childhood.”

    At the end of the previous fiscal year, Toys”R”Us Asia posted strong business results, as well as growth in their STAR CARD loyalty program and several investments in new stores, store renovations, eCommerce and IT infrastructure.

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  • Toys ‘R’ Us returning to Australia with online focus and small-format stores

    Toys ‘R’ Us returning to Australia with online focus and small-format stores

    Toys ‘R’ Us and Babies ‘R’ Us are returning to the Australian market through an exclusive licensing agreement with Hobby Warehouse.

    The agreement allows Hobby Warehouse to sell through the Toys ‘R’ Us and Babies ‘R’ Us websites in Australia and New Zealand, including private label products owned by parent company Tru Kids Brands – such as Fastlane, Imaginarium, Koala Baby, and Koala Kids. This is the first time Toys ‘R’ Us and Babies ‘R’ Us have had a presence in the New Zealand market.

    Launching on June 12, the offering will initially be online-only, but Hobby Warehouse plans to launch smaller-format ‘experience centres’ for Toys ‘R’ Us and Babies ‘R’ Us beginning in 2020.

    “We are delighted to bring the much-loved brands of Toys ‘R’ Us and Babies ‘R’ Us back to Australia and introduce them to New Zealand,” Hobby Warehouse chief executive and Toys ‘R’ Us Australia director Louis Mittoni said.

    “Our mission is to encourage children to engage with as many forms of play as we possibly can. Hobby Warehouse is a digital native with a keen understanding of how to accelerate and match the requirements of the modern shopper.”

    Tru Kids executive vice president of global licensing and general counsel James Young said that Mittoni and his team have a strong digital vision, and understand the heritage of the Tru Kids brands, as well as how to evolve this heritage for the modern consumer.

    “This is an exciting milestone for our company as we continue to grow Toys ‘R’ Us and Babies ‘R’ Us around the world,” Young said.

    The Toys ‘R’ Us Australia management team. Left to right: Toys ‘R’ Us marking manager Tristan McLindon, Toys ‘R’ Us Australia director Louis Mittoni, Mittoni Pty Ltd general manager Lian Yu and Toys ‘R’ Us Australia chairman Kevin Moore

    Tru Kids Brands president and chief executive Richard Barry confirmed in February that the company had begun discussions with partners in Australia, and that the brand would focus on serving customers through all retail channels.

    Prior to its demise, Toys ‘R’ Us was the largest toy retailer in the country with a market share of over 20 per cent, according to IBISWorld senior industry analyst Kim Do.

    The retailer will be returning to a very different market, however, with its collapse changing the way consumers shop for toys.Adtech Ad

    “The company’s decline… accelerated the rate at which department stores and online-only retailers have captured market share, as consumers have shifted their spending away from industry retailers,” Do said.

    The shift away from physical retail, and towards a more online-centric offer, should make the retailers re-entry smoother.

    “Previously, the Toys ‘R’ Us and Babies ‘R’ Us business model in Australia was focused primarily on large physical retail stores which had high fixed costs and extended periods of relatively low sales due to seasonal factors,” said commercial advisor Kevin Moore, who helped negotiate the agreement.

    “Going forward, the business model for Australia and New Zealand will be online focused, with smaller and fewer physical ‘experience centres’ that allow children and their families and friends to see and touch our products.”

    According to IBISWorld data, the toy and game retailing industry is expected to see a revenue drop of almost 16 per cent over 2019, with the market expecting to generate around $740 million – down from the $880.2 million seen in the prior year.

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  • Kidsland launches FAO Schwarz store in Beijing

    Kidsland launches FAO Schwarz store in Beijing

    China’s largest toy retailer and distributor Kidsland has introduced FAO Schwarz, an international toy brand store with 157 years of history, in its first Asian flagship store.

    The FAO Shwarz Beijing flagship is located inside the Kidsland flagship store at China World Mall in a prime shopping and lifestyle district.

    Staff wearing soldiers’ uniforms from Grimm’s Fairy Tales are positioned at the entrance to greet and escort customers into the 30,000sqft store, interacting with customers throughout the shopping experience. The store also features “toy demonstrators” who invite customers to play with the toys. The “Toy Soldiers” and demonstrators are overseas-trained and make up 20 per cent of the staff.

    Founded in 1862, FAO Schwarz is one of the oldest toy stores in the world. The brand returned to New York last November with a new 20,000sqft flagship at Rockefeller Center in Manhattan.

    Kidsland has a comprehensive online and offline integrated sales network within China. In December it counted 257 independent stores in 44 cities within the region, along with 519 self-operated consignment counters and 931 distributors covering more than 3000 additional points of sale. Kidsland also represents multiple brands in operating 18 online stores in China.

    “The introduction of FAO into China reflects our confidence in the potential of the Chinese economy and market development,” said chairman and CEO of Kidsland Lee Ching Yiu. “We believe there is strong demand for quality toys among families and young people, so this is an important advantage for Kidsland to provide quality experiential retailing there. In this way, we hope to serve as a bridge, enabling Chinese consumers to experience the latest and best toys in the world.

    “FAO Schwarz plans to open a large flagship and several medium-sized stores in China in the next two years. We will also establish a kidsland experiential retail flagship store, and in the coming one to two years, we will open a mid-sized kidsland retail store to bring an enriched retail experience to wider spectrum of the public.”

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  • Zephyr Toymakers Pvt Ltd: Raising children to be future-ready through play

    Zephyr Toymakers Pvt Ltd: Raising children to be future-ready through play

    Zephyr Toymakers Pvt Ltd is India’s largest indigenous toy manufacturing company and parent to the most well-known toy brands ‘Mechanix’ and ‘Blix’. The company endeavours to encourage kids to be innovators of the future. All their products serve the purpose of being fun as well as educative.

    Zephyr stands by the motto to make your kids future ready. They believe that there are two types of people, ‘Technology creators’ and ‘Technology Consumers’. Majority of today’s population of young adults fall under the latter category, where they are consuming technology created by Gen X to simplify the chores.

    Zephyr Toymakers focuses on to develop logical thinking skills as well as teaching children as young as ten years how to program. The point is to curate products that help the child to learn the fundamentals of how a machine works as well as to develop curiosity and problem-solving skill. By keeping the above-mentioned points in mind, Zephyr with its wide range of toys focuses on to develop Problem-solving skills, Critical thinking skills, Creative thinking skills, Ability to learn and adapt Interdisciplinary skills and Social skills. In simple terms give the children the skill sets to adapt to the future and make the most of this fast-changing scenario and the forever changing world.

    Since tomorrow is unknown, one cannot fathom the skills a child will need then but the skills that will help them learn those necessary skills needs to be learnt today. Thus, Zephyr invests in manufacturing products that help the child in early learning. They are more involved in STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and other toys that are designed to enhance cognitive development in children at a young age.

    Zephyr’s most popular toy brand ‘Mechanix’ specifically helps a child develop design thinking skills and problem-solving skills. For instance, when a child is playing and making a ‘Mechanix’ model they will encounter situations where they might get stuck and realise, they cannot do what they anticipated to do next. This encourages them to think around the problem and find a new way to go ahead on their own.

    ‘Blix’ by Zephyr is an amazing new system that develops and explains the technical part of engineering to kids as young as a 10-year-old. It basically allows the kids a backdoor entry into the high-tech engineering that is put in to build a motorcycle, a car or even a remote control. They learn the technicalities of how gears and circuits work to change speed, direction and create interesting motions. This allows the kids to learn how a circuit or a gearbox works and inspire them to always rebuild something out of their imagination using the same parts.

    ‘Mechanix’ and ‘Blix’ being Zephyr’s popular toy brands they also offer a variety of board games. Memory Skill, Dog and the Bone, Alien Invasion, Oranges and Lemons to name a few. These are basically two-player games which help kids learn how to make a choice and decide the next move by analysing the information they already have. Other than this, Zephyr has games like Doctor sets, Discover India and Teaching Aids that include Alpha Numero Board and E- Circuit Sets. The only mission Zephyr toys have is to impart learning through play.

    Moiz Gabajiwala, CEO at Zephyr Toymakers Pvt Ltd quoted “At Zephyr, we believe that in today’s age of fast learning and exposure, it is important we introduce kids to correct and productive tools that aid in developing their personality. It is important to share the responsibility towards a child’s development by developing toys that provide not only hours of productive work but also instill in them the skills during their formative years to help them thrive”.

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  • 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.”

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  • Build-A-Bear to open more stores in next 10 years in India

    Build-A-Bear to open more stores in next 10 years in India

    For more than 21 years, U.S. based personalized experiential toy retail brand Build-A-Bear has been sharing hearts and bear hugs globally, and after a long wait, Tablez – the retail arm of LuLu Group International, has launched the first Build-A-Bear store in India, at Toys”R”Us, Phoenix Marketcity in Bangalore. Build-A-Bear is a global customized stuffed-animal retail entertainment brand that 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.

    On this special occasion, Adeeb Ahamed, MD, Tablez said: “The Build-A-Bear concept is a one-of-a-kind retail experience, and we are thrilled to open the first store in Bangalore. Build-A-Bear is synonymous with creativity and novelty for children. I am sure that each child that enters our store will cherish their experience and leave with an indelible memory.

    “From standalone stores to shop-in-shop formats, Build-A-Bear is ready to reach out to families and kids in India and help loved ones create memories and spend more time together. We plan to open 20 standalone stores of Build-A-Bear across key cities in India over the next 10 years, along with shop-in-shop formats across all our Toys”R”Us stores as well.”

    Dorrie Krueger, Build-A-Bear Workshop Chief Strategy Officer, said, “Together with Tablez India, we are excited to open the first Build-A-Bear store in India and continue to expand into this important global market. We look forward to introducing the Build-A-Bear brand and sharing the joy of making a new furry friend with millions of families.”

    Build-A-Bear is a global brand that kids love and parents trust for fantastic family experiences. 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 freedom 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 guest promises to care for their new furry friend once they are given the birth certificate. This signature ceremony brings each stuffed animal to life in a personal way, further ensuring a greater attachment.

    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 180 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.

    Further, a Build-A-Bear shop-in-shop format will follow in Vega City Mall, Bangalore; City Centre Mall, Mangalore and Phoenix Marketcity, Pune. 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.

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  • 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.

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  • Slime found to contain toxic levels of boron

    Slime found to contain toxic levels of boron

    Scientists have discovered potentially dangerous levels of boron in children’s slime. On Wednesday, Seoul National University scientists from the school’s Institute of Health & Environment wrote in a scientific journal that 25 out of 30 slime toys they analyzed were found to contain boron levels that exceeded the European Union limit of 300 milligrams per kilogram (2.2 pounds).

    The 25 products were found to contain around 1,000 milligrams per kilogram on average, while one product was found to exceed the limit by seven times.

    While boron, which gives slime its gooey consistency, is naturally found in food like nuts and used in medicine, high doses or exposure may lead to possible disruptions in metabolism, stunted development and infertility.

    There are currently no domestic regulations on boron limits in toys.

    The new findings are throwing parents into a panic, given slime’s massive popularity. Videos of Korean YouTubers playing with slime have garnered millions of views, while over 100 slime cafes have also popped up.

    “My kids are already obsessed with slime toys,” wrote one mother in a blog on Thursday. “We need regulations quickly, but nothing is being done.”

    “I banned slime from our home some time ago,” wrote another. “Though my kids like them, the slime toys are just balls of germs that my kids touch over and over again, absorbing the bad chemicals into their hands.”

    This is not the first time that slime has been under fire for containing hazardous substances. Last year, the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards found that 76 of 190 slime products it tested contained unsafe substances including methylisothiazolinone and chloromethylisothiazolinone, which can cause respiratory issues.

    The agency has since ordered a recall for the unsafe products.

  • FAO Schwarz Hong Kong store opens

    FAO Schwarz Hong Kong store opens

    New York toy retailer FAO Schwarz has opened a private, invitation-only store in Hong Kong, designed by Studio X. The 1150sqft FAO Schwarz Hong Kong store which quietly opened last month is a prototype retail concept for Asia where the company can test design elements and store features before it opens public stores in Mainland China and beyond.

    FAO Schwarz is the oldest toy store brand in the US and a New York City icon frequently referenced in popular culture with scenes in movies such as ‘Big’ in which Tom Hanks famously danced across the store’s giant floor piano. That store closed in July 2015, its turnover no longer sufficient to meet the high rentals of Manhattan, but the legend has lived on.

    Parent ThreeSixty has opened a new store in New York this year and early this month said it planned aBeijing store. The prototype FAO Schwarz Hong Kong store is located inside the newly opened ThreeSixty Group Hong Kong office, which was also designed by Studio X.

    A spokesperson for Studio X said the design is centred around the toy brand’s philosophy “Return to Wonder”, offering “a sense of theatre and occasion that the original New York store was renowned for”. Key design features include many of the original store’s memorable elements such as the giant floor piano and clock tower.

    Studio X oversaw the whole design, including visual merchandising, custom graphics and the shopfront. The company will work with FAO Schwarz to develop further flagship stores across the world next year.

    Studio X was founded in 2016 by Rufus Turnbull and Sam Bradley with a vision to offer a fresh approach to commercial design. Its clients include Ikea, Swire Properties, K11 and Aromatherapy Associates.

    View the gallery below (7 images) :

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  • 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.”

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  • Iconic Toy Store FAO Schwarz to Open in Beijing

    Iconic Toy Store FAO Schwarz to Open in Beijing

    Heritage toy store brand FAO Schwarz is headed for Beijing after relaunching in New York City. The original store, which featured in Hollywood movies such as Tom Hanks hit “Big”, closed its flagship near Central Park, unable to meet rising rental costs. Its current smaller location under new owners ThreeSixty stands to benefit from significant nostalgia for the old store amongst New Yorkers.

    Beyond plans for China, ThreeSixty intends to open pop-ups in department stores both in the US and abroad.

    It faces the same competition from e-commerce and discount chains like Walmart and Target that toppled toy empire Toys R Us earlier this year.

    Chief merchandising officer David Niggli said the key to the new stores is experience.

    Attractions include magic tricks, certificates to “adopt” a doll and a Build-a-Bear Workshop.

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  • Fung Retailing boosts stake in reborn Toys R Us Asia

    Fung Retailing boosts stake in reborn Toys R Us Asia

    Fung Retailing has finally secured a deal to continue to operate the profitable Toys R Us Asia business. The privately owned Hong Kong business, which is separate to the listed Li & Fung, will boost its stake in Toys R Us Asia from 15 per cent to about 21 per cent, making it the retailer’s largest shareholder.

    The balance will be owned by Taj Noteholders representing a mixture of investment funds and financial institutions who have a stake in the collapsed parent company Toys R Us US.

    Toys R Us Asia has never been affected by the liquidation of the US business – it has been trading profitably under Fung Retailing direction and has even been expanding its store network while shops bearing the iconic banner have been closing in post part of the world. Last week it relaunched its store in Brunei.

    The new partnership between Fung Retailing and Taj Noteholders values the company at US$900 million.

    “This transaction is a significant step in separating the valuable and growing Toys “R” Us Asia operation from the rest of the business,” said an unidentified spokesman for Taj Noteholders in a statement.

    “The company’s growth prospects in Greater China, Japan and Southeast Asia are bright and we are excited about investing in and owning the company in partnership with Fung Retailing”.

    Pieter Schats, executive director of Fung Retailing, said that since introducing Toys R Us to Hong Kong in 1986, Fung Retailing has played an integral role in the successful growth and development of the business across Asia.

    “As a sign of the confidence we have in the management team and future success of Toys R Us in the region, we are pleased to increase our shareholding in the company, reflecting our commitment to support Toys R Us Asia in reaching new heights.”

    The company will continue to be led by its current president & CEO Andre Javes and his management team.

    Technology boost

    The new owners of Toys R Us Asia plan a “significant investment in technology” to boost the company’s infrastructure.

    “We are committed to remaining the leading specialty retailer of toy, education and baby products in Asia by driving innovation and quality through our products and services,” said Javes. “The conclusion of the sale process brings clarity to the company’s ownership and we look forward to strengthening and leveraging our partnerships with our vendors and commercial stakeholders. Our shareholders’ investment is a huge vote of confidence in our vision, our team and our winning model.”

    Toys R Us Asia operates more than 450 stores in Japan, Greater China and Southeast Asia, including Brunei, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. It also licenses more than 85 stores in the Philippines and Macau.

  • Toys R Us reopened in Brunei

    Toys R Us reopened in Brunei

    Toys R Us Brunei has relaunched its Mabohai Shopping Complex store. The reopening, after extensive redesign and renovation works, attracted long queues of shoppers hoping to pick up special deals promoting the event. Along with the reopening, the store has expanded its product range by 70 per cent.

    Toys R Us (Singapore) group country director Raymond Burt reassured customers the brand is “here to stay”.

    “We have been in Brunei for around six years and we have re-signed our lease here at Mabohai Shopping Complex. We have also reinvested in the store and spent quite a bit of money to bring the latest design of the market to the store. We have renovated the store with a layout that is segmented by age for children, to make it easier for customers to shop.

    “We have updated the design and signage as well as added elements of interactive play that we didn’t have before.”

    Toys R Us operates 67 stores in Asia and has 18 new stores planned for launch by the end of the year, the majority in China. It is part-owned by Fung Retailing and not affected – as yet – by the collapse of the company in the US.