Captain America : The Winter Soldier Premiere

 Hi Readers,

The London Premiere of Captain America : The Winter Soldier was on March 20th at Westfields London.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier is scheduled to be released in various international markets on March 26, 2014, after the London Premiere on March 20th at Westfields London

Nick Fury (Samuel. L .Jackson, Captain America (Chris Evans) & Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson)

"After the cataclysmic events in New York with The Avengers, Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, is living quietly in Washington, D.C. and trying to adjust to the modern world. But when a S.H.I.E.L.D. colleague comes under attack, Steve becomes embroiled in a web of intrigue that threatens to put the world at risk. Joining forces with the Black Widow, Captain America struggles to expose the ever-widening conspiracy while fighting off professional assassins sent to silence him at every turn. When the full scope of the villainous plot is revealed, Captain America and the Black Widow enlist the help of a new ally, the Falcon. However, they soon find themselves up against an unexpected and formidable enemy-the Winter Soldier."

Lego Brick Show moves to Excel, London

Hi Readers,

Just a quick post to correct some details that I gave to you in my last post regarding the Lego Show.

The show 'Brick 2014' has moved to ExCeL London. Due to a huge demand for tickets meant organisers of the iconic event need more exhibition space.

Originally set to take place across the river at The O2 in May, the show is now 4 times the size in the space at ExCeL London

It is no longer taking place in May, but now in November. and they have also added a 4^th day. Now running from November 27^th to 30^th 2014, it will be a fantastic event in the lead up to Christmas.

The huge demand for tickets and space required to accommodate the expected attendance has forced the organisers to move the show to allow more visitors the chance to see as much LEGO as possible and spend the day building, creating and having tons of fun!

ExCeL is an international exhibition and convention centre situated in the heart of London's Royal Docks and within easy reach of central London. The venue is part of a 100 acre campus, which includes 2 onsite DLR stations, and easy access to the Jubilee Line and London City Airport and has lots and lots of parking too!

If you want to go to this show, I suggest booking tickets as soon as possible.

 Further information and advance tickets are available from www.thelegoshow.com and www.axs.com

Never Grow Up

The Peddler

Up & Coming

Hi Readers,

In this blog I am covering a couple of new product launches for you to check out, as well as a couple of upcoming TV licenses that will surely look familiar, and a nod to the Lego show at the O2 this May.

LeapFrog launches LeapPad2 Custom Edition

Leapfrog has unveiled a customisable extension of the number one selling kids' tablet, LeapPad2.

LeapPad 2 with customisable covers & wallpapers

This is now available in retailers in the UK for kids aged 3-9 years. It allows your child to customise their own LeapPad in more than 100 different ways. It comes with 10 interchangeable sticker skins, some which are pre-designed, and others that you can colour in yourself. As well as 11 digital wallpapers to choose from. It also has a built0in front-and-back cameras and video recorders, a music player, motion sensor and a 4GB memory. This product gives you everything you get from a LeapPad 2, with the addition of allowing your child to put their own personal stamp on it ; encouraging their creative skills, and developing their unique personality.

IMC introduces Teutans

Quake,Muz,Zed,Levo,Wom & Kral

 Teutans are a new collection of action figures, offering six different characters. These figures are able to shoot balls or missiles from their mouths for a new playing experience. 

The Base Pack includes a part of one Teutan, 2 enemies, or 'Badulls', 5 balls or 2 missiles, as well as a net which can be used as an environmental element. Game-play is simple, kids load the Teutans with balls or missiles and press their back legs to blast them out towards the Badulls. This takes me back to when me and my brother would place toy soldiers around the room, and using a bouncy ball to try and knock each-others soldiers down. 


The figures do also include electronic dot sensors, which allows interaction with tablets and smart phones through a gaming app. Here, kids can continue with the six Tetuans through a shoot-'em-up game, interacting between the real action figures and the game.

Clangers

Clangers 2014 Style

These little guys are coming back to the televison screen. With an upcoming series on CBeebies, Character Options has secured UK distribution, and global (excluding US) manufacturing rights for plush and playset beased on this new television series.These new products will be launch in Autumn Winter 2015.

 Sega Reveals Sonic Boom

Tails, Sonic, Knuckles, Amy

 Sonic Boom is a new branch of the Sonic universe and will launch its first CG animated television series along with new video games and a new toy line. The television series will debut on Cartoon Network in the US and on Canal J and Gulli in France during the 2014/2015 season. Tomy will be taking on the merchandising  and global licensing programme, and work on toys ranging from figures and plush to vehicles and novelty items. 

The Lego show is moving to London, after two years in Manchester, in May with its biggest show ever.
It will be held at the O2 from the 9th-11th May 2014. This three day show will be the largest display of fan models in the UK and is the only show in the country to feature the best Lego fan builders and professional Lego artists.

Further information and adnvance tickets are available from www.thelegoshow.com and www.axs.com

Skylanders - The Story So Far

Skylanders was launched in October 2011m and has become a billion dollar franchise. It is the most successful toy to use Augmented Reality, where toys can come alive. Activision recently revealed that, since launch, the Skylanders series has grossed more than 2 billion dollars worldwide, with an estimated 175 million individual toy sales. The latest edition of the franchise, Skylanders: Swap Force, launched last October, and has already proved to be a strong addition to the franchise. But before looking too much into that, lets look back at the history of this very successful franchise.

The series so far

Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure

Spyro's Adventure Wii Video Game

This is where the skylanders adventure started back in October 2011, and a revolution in toys and video games was born. As of June 3rd 2012, the game had been the top-selling console and handheld video game worldwide for the year. As well as reported sales of over 30 milion Skylanders toys, and sales had exceeded $500m by the end of the year. 

'The Skylanders adventure stars here! The evil tyrant KAOS is threatening to destroy Skylands. Only you can bring the Skylanders to life - unlocking their special powers and abilities - by placing them on the portal of power!'
                        
                                   ~ http://www.skylanders.com/uk/en/video-games/skylanders-spyros-adventure

Skylanders Giants

Giants Wii Video Game

Skylanders: Giants was released in October 2012 and was a direct sequel to the first game. It features larger Skylander 'Giant' characters along with new game-play mechanics. This was the final Skylanders game to be owned by Vivendi before Activision became an independent company in July 2013. This game introduced over 40 new toy figures, with the original games characters being forward compatible. Although, there are also new versions of these characters called 'Series 2' which has more powerful attributes than the originals. A new series of figures called 'Light Core' were also introduced, which glowed when put on the portal of power. By the end of 2012, the Skylander franchise had become the first kids' video game to cross the $1b mark in just 15 months of retail.

'Thousands of years ago, the Giant Skylanders fought epic battles in Skylands, but were banished to Earth. With a new threat looming, it's time to bring them back to join forces with the Skylanders to defeat KAOS. Only you can put them on the Portal of Power™ to unleash their strength in the ultimate battle to save Skylands!'

~ http://www.skylanders.com/uk/en/video-games/skylanders-giants

Skylanders Swap Force 

Swap Force Wii Video Game

The latest edition to the franchise was released in October 2013, developed by Vicarious Vision, and published by Activision. A new ability for the character in this version was to be able to jump, and the game boasted a new range of swappable figures. It also saw a new Portal of Power, which is only sold as a starter pack. This was added due to the new technology required for the Swap-Force characters to work properly. The 16 new characters have top and bottom halves that can be separated from each other, and recombined with the halves from other characters; allowing a large range of possible combinations.

'Embark on an exciting new adventure with the Skylanders and the SWAP Force. For generations, the SWAP Force protected the volcano that replenishes Skylands’ magic. That is until an epic battle caught them in an eruption that blasted them apart, sent them to Earth and gave them the ability to swap powers. Only you can mix and match their tops and bottoms, put them on the new Portal of Power™ and save Skylands.'

~http://www.skylanders.com/uk/en/video-games/skylanders-swap-force

Now, with the next installment on the horizon, the Skylander franchise has made $2bn in revenue at retail to date. I will make sure to keep you updated on any future developments on this hugely successful toy range.

Never Grow Up,

The Peddler

Toy Industry Awards

Hi Readers,

Every January the British Toy and  Hobby Association (BTHA) Toy Fair is held in London. From the 21st -23rd, Kensington Olympia held this amazing event, where many exhibitors showed their new first end products for 2014. I was very pleased to get to go to this event, the atmosphere at these kind of exhibitions are always amazing, and lots of fun. There is far too much to see in three days alone, and the whole occasion is one massive whirlwind. The exhibitors list included the likes of Lego, Hasbro, Mattel, V-Tech & Leapfrog, to name but a few well-known companies.

I know this was now a couple of months ago now, but after this event, the Toy Industry Awards are presented following the first day of the BTHA. And I thought I would share with you some of the results, so you can see what makes it to be one of the best toys of the year for 2013. It might give you an insight into what to watch out for in the upcoming year.

Toy of the year

Teksta Robotic Puppy, Character Options

Teksta Robotic Dogs

 These robotic puppies lead the way in robotic interactive toys for kids. These little guys flew off our shelves at Christmas, and was a toy that was very much in demand. Coming in both blue and pink, and also now a Dalmatian version which was released just before Christmas, these guys really provide a lot of fun and entertainment. Touch sensors  means that they will react to your touch, as well as to its bone and ball, and they can learn neat tricks as you play with them. Looking into 2014, we can expect to see a Dino version of this toy, which looks like a lot of fun! Its no surprise this bagged Best Toy.

Supplier of the Year

John Adams

Congratulations to John Adams, they do a wide range of excellent toys from Puzzles and Craft Kits to Board Games, Construction and Science. They are brilliantly efficient, and always have stock of their great selling lines. A very much well-deserved award.

 Pre-School Toy of the Year

Toot-Toot Drivers Train Station, V-Tech

Toot Toot Drivers Train Station Set

 V-Tech always seem to get it spot on with their products. They're game is pre-school toys, and they play it incredibly well. The whole toot-toot range is a roaring success, and this is just one of the best in a very nice range of toys. Interactive sounds based on the child's actions, incorporating track and roads with push along cars, and adding in lights and music, makes this such a stimulating play-time for little ones. And like any train/road track, you can keep adding an adding; increasing the fun value for you child.

 Pre-School Licensed Toy of the Year

Doc McStuffins Doctor's Bag Set, Flair

Doc McStuffins Doctor's Bag Set

We have been seeing a lot more Disney in our children's television schedule now, with Jake & The Neverland Pirates, Princess Sofia, and Doc McStuffins. And they have all been very successful, Doc herself is one of the more popular characters with kids at the moment. This item in particular, we could not seem to stock enough off. A highly sought after product leading up to Christmas, this is a great gift for a little girl. The whole Doc McStuffins range in fact, seems to hit the nail on the head.

Fashion Doll of the Year

Monster High 13 Wishes Dolls, Mattel

Draculaura, Clawdeen Wolf & Frankie Stein

The Monster High doll range has certainly been giving Barbie a run for her money. An extensive range of dolls, which are eagerly collected by girls who aren't 'pink' enough for barbie, but are still interested in playing with dolls. With video games and animated films, this range is going from strength to strength, and 13 wishes is just the latest installment. Expect to see a lot more from Monster High in 2014.

Construction Toy of the Year

Friends Dolphin Cruiser, Lego

Lego Friends Dolphin Cruiser

The time when Lego does not win the Construction Toy of the Year is when I will eat my hat. Lego dominates this category in such a massive way, because everything they do is just awesome. The Friends series has been hugely successful in bringing in a female audience to their product. Of course girls played with Lego before, but the Friends characters, and their charming Heartlake City, really attracts their attention. This particular item was very popular in the lead up to Christmas.

Action Game of the Year

Gooey Louie, John Adams

 

Gooey Louie

Honestly, what sounds more fun then pulling bogies out of a guys nose, until his brain pops out? This game was around when I was a kid, and has resurfaced, and was very popular last Christmas. The combination of a sit-down game, with the grossness really attracted kids to this. I find a lot of toys come back around after a few year, and Gooey Louie is one of these. A simple game, with lots of fun, that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Lifestyle Toy of the Year

ChillFactor Squeeze Cup Slushy Maker, Character Options

ChillFactor Slushy Maker

We have only had these in since end of February, and despite the cold weather, these have flown out. A simple idea, with great effect. Genuinely easy to make as a home foodstuff, and the colours are so vivid and bright, Character have really made such a simple product into a great, and affordable thing, and this would make a nifty little Easter gift. I'm looking forward to stocking the ChillFactor range in 2014.

Action Toy of the Year

Nerf N-Strike Elite Rapidstrike CS-18, Hasbro

Nerf Elite Rapidstrike

 Nerf, gotta love it. A big contender for the boys, and with the edition of their Rebelle range, girls are now getting in on the action. Shooting foam darts at your relatives when they least expect it never gets old , no matter how old you are. I've had a group of guys my age come in and buy a big Nerf gun each, just so they can take part in their very own sort of Laserquest - good times. Look out for the new Zombie range in Nerf, should be in stores now.

Innovative Toy of the Year,

Furby Boom!, Hasbro

Furby Boom with IPhone hatchling

Here is another toy that has been resurrected. When I first started selling toys 9 years ago, these guys were huge, now they are back again, and this time they work with your smart phone or tablet, and can even have babies hatch on them! These Furbies can change personality depending on how you interact with them, feed them lots, or pull their tail lots, see what emotions you can evoke! Expect to see the Furby back in stores near Easter time, along with their baby Furblings, which come at a much more friendly retail price.

Collectable Range Toy of the Year

Robofish by Zuru, Geemac

Clown Fish Robofish

Robofish, these guys are quite the craze at the moment. Pet fish you don't have to feed, what could be greater? With choice of colours of both fish and sharks, and usually under £10 its a nice pick up purchase, and for its cost, its a nice product. It looks impressive when its working, and you can buy a fish bowl set which can come with a little castle for decoration. I personally think these are very much a one hit wonder, and kids will lose interest very easily. They run on button cell batteries, which are never easy to work with. And although they are great in the bath, you cannot really have them on the go all the time, as they tire out within a couple of hours, after which you have to rest them, and are never really the same after.

Outdoor Toy of the Year

Smart Trike, Mookie

Mookie is known for its outdoor play toys, its most known product is probably Swingball, which I think most gardens have seen. The Smart Trike is great simply because you can transform it so that it develops along with your child. It has 3 different formations, dependent on how old your child is, so you only need to buy one trike to cover the ages 10 months to 24 months. Its also not overly expensive, and can be found in an array of colours.

 

 Board Game of the Year

 Monopoly Empire, Hasbro

 Monopoly, will this beast ever cease? Each year seems to bring round a new transformation of this classic game. This version is a much more simplified and shorter game from the original. No more hours upon hours trying to get the one property you need. The rules are simple: build your empire column first to win the game. Action cards can give you an advantage or hinder your opponents. I was outplayed at this by my 7 year old nephew...twice. Anyone can win, and it only takes about 20 minutes to play. Perfect!

That is it for the main awards for 2013! If you guys ever have any questions you want to ask me, do leave a comment and I will endeavor to answer them on one of my later posts.

Never Grow Up,

The Peddler

Introduction

Hi Readers,

Introduction

I've decided to start this blog to share my knowledge of the UK Toy Industry by reviewing the latest available products on the toy market, and to try and give you guys as much information on them as I can. 

In short, I intend to use this blog :

• To keep you in the know of up coming products
• Keep you in touch with latest releases, 
• Give you a bit of information on the suppliers themselves.
• Review new products
• Update you on any events or trends

As well as whatever else springs to mind!

About Me

My name is Aaron Peddle, and at the age of 23, (nearly 24!)  I have been in the toy retail industry for nearly 9 years. Most of my experience comes from selling on a shop-floor, though i have also dabbled in both the buying and merchandising of stock. I also go to the odd toy show, where I am treated to a sneak peak at future toy ranges and collections.

I personally love the toy industry just because of its epic diversity, and complete robustness. I will not say it has not been affected by the recession, but it has withstood it with great resilliance. Kids of all ages, as well as adults, love playing with toys, and they can bring a family together, and really spark the imagination in young kids. I work for an independent department store, and manage its Toy department, and I am pleased to say business is still strong. 

Toys offers the wonderful worlds of learning, imagination and fun to both kids and adults, and I think these are key fundamentals that will never change. It is so nice to see the pure delight in a child's face, as they run into the shop and just yell 'TOYS!'. 

I myself have a fondness of Lego, and Superheroes, and am not ashamed to say I would happily sit and play with these toys myself. We never really grow out of our toys, and I think we relish in sharing our experiences with our own children, and watch them revel in them and enjoy them just as much as we did.