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Jan 21 2013
Women’s Industry Group to Launch
A women’s networking group will debut at the next month’s Juvenile Products Manufacturers’ Association Summit. The organization, open to women in all areas of the juvenile product industry, will focus on offering mentoring, educational programs and networking opportunities. The name of the organization will be revealed at the Summit’s tea meet-and-greet scheduled for Feb. 4 […]
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Jan 14 2013
Nintendo Developing New Pokemon Games
Nintendo plans on releasing new video games “Pokemon X” and “Pokemon Y” in October on its Nintendo 3DS system. The games will be the basis for a new consumer products program, which will include trading cards and a toy line. “We brought Pokemon into an entirely new dimension, and we’re incredibly excited to bring ‘Pokemon […]
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Jan 14 2013
Toys “R” Us Suffers Sales Decrease During Holidays
The toy store company revealed last week that its December sales were down from last year, in both international and domestic markets. In December in the U.S., sales decreased by 1.8 percent over 2011, with the total sales for the year being down 1.9 percent. And in the international market in December only, sales were […]
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Jan 14 2013
Universal Announces Partnership with Uglydoll
Universal is teaming up with Pretty Ugly LLC to represent the digital realm of Uglydoll, which includes apps, widgets, games and virtual goods. Illumination Entertainment, part of Universal Pictures, is also developing a feature film with the Uglydoll characters. “Uglydoll is a beloved brand and a household name around the globe,” says Stephanie Sperber, president […]
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Jan 14 2013
Ascena Retail Appoints Dirk Montgomery as CFO
Ascena Retail Group Inc., owner of tween chain Justice, has named Dirk Montgomery executive vice president and chief financial officer, effective Jan. 16. Montgomery, whose resume includes a stint as executive vice president and chief value chain officer of Bloomin’ Brands, succeeds Armand Correia, who will be retiring after 21 years with the organization.
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Jan 14 2013
Fisher-Price Recalls 800,000 Baby Sleepers for Possible Mold.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in association with Fisher-Price Inc. of East Aurora, NY, has announced a voluntary recall of about 800,000 Newborn Rock ‘n Play Sleepers. Mold can develop between the removable seat cushion and the hard plastic frame of the sleeper when it remains wet or moist or is infrequently cleaned, posing […]
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Jan 14 2013
Kevin Strawbridge Named EVP of Marketing and Technology at Dallas Market Center
Last week, Dallas Market Center announced that Kevin Strawbridge has been named executive vice president of marketing and technology. Strawbridge will be responsible for integrating marketing and technology efforts and enhancing the digital marketplace for Dallas Market Center. “He will lead the marketing and technology strategy to further establish Dallas as a marketplace with cutting-edge […]
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Jan 14 2013
JPMA is Honored with Pepperpot & Achievement Awards
JPMA was honored at the 44th Annual Public Relations Society of America Philadelphia Chapter’s Pepperpot & Achievement Awards. The association received first place in both the Marketing Communications and Public Service Announcement categories for its baby monitor safety campaign and PSA. The Pepperpots recognizes the best public relations campaigns from the Philadelphia region.
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Jan 14 2013
Target Names New a Senior VP-Creative
Target has hired Todd Waterbury, a longtime creative director at Wieden & Kennedy as its Senior VP-Creative. Waterbury will work with the retailer’s agency and internal creative teams and lead the brand’s creative direction. Previously, the exec worked for Uniqlo as the Japanese brand’s creative director for North America. Waterbury is the first hire Target’s […]
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Jan 7 2013
Saban Brands Delves into the App World
Saban Brands is revealing four new mobile games based on Paul Frank, Power Rangers and new licensing properties for the company. “Saban Brands is experiencing tremendous growth in the digital arena, with plans to deliver to consumers a steady stream of new games, new intellectual properties and new strategic collaborations that bring together and amplify […]
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Jan 7 2013
Floppets to Add Licensing Partners
The children’s brand, which features Floppets animal figures that kids can attach to their fingers, necklaces, backpacks, pencils and more, is looking to expand its licensing range for the new year. “If the brand fits our brand, we are always open,” says Damien Cahill, operations director of Floppets UK and Europe. The brand has already […]
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Jan 7 2013
Doc McStuffins on Rating High
Disney’s newest preschool animated series, “Doc McStuffins,” which follows a girl named Doc who can speak with and heal toys, has been a hit in the U.K. and in the US. The show is ranked No. 1 in the U.K. and is the No. 1 preschool launch in the history of cable television. Due to […]
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Jan 7 2013
Five Infant Deaths Prompt CPSC to Sue Manufacturer of Nap Nanny and Chill Infant Recliners
The Consumer Safety Commission (CPSC) has filed an administrative complaint against Baby Matters, LLC, of Berwyn, PA, the manufacturer of Nap Nanny and Nap Nanny Chill infant recliners. The complaint alleges that recliners contain defects in the design, warnings and instructions, which pose a substantial risk of injury and death to infants. CPSC is aware […]
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Jan 7 2013
PPR in Talks to Sell Redcats to Alpha Fund
PPR, the Paris-based owner of the Gucci brand, said it’s in talks to sell the children’s and family division of its Redcats unit in a deal valued at $156 million as it disposes of retail assets to focus on luxury and sports brands. Negotiations are being held with buyout firm Alpha Private Equity 6. Redcats’ […]
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Jan 7 2013
Bridget Kelly joins Elegant Baby
Former Pottery Barn Kids designer and founder of The Little Acorn, Bridget Kelly, is partnering up with Elegant Baby to design its seasonal lines. The mid-range line will include bath items, softer blankets and knit toys, an expanded selection of Baby’s First products and will feature a more sophisticated color palette.
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Jan 7 2013
NYIGF and CRAFT promote Made in the USA product
To keep up with the increasing demand for “Made in the USA” goods, the New York International Gift Fair is partnering up with the Craft Retailers’ Association for Tomorrow to develop criteria for the fair’s Handmade in USA products. Products that fit the criteria will be highlighted by special signage and graphics, making it easier […]
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Dec 17 2012
Wheat Gets New Rep
Tiny Ginger and Lynn Meyer Showroom will represent Wheat, a children’s fashion brand from Denmark, this season. Wheat children’s line originated in 2002 by designer Charlotte Galsgaard. The line has been in the U.S. since 2010. The collection will be available through Lynn Meyer and Tiny Ginger’s showroom located at 34 West 33rd St. Room […]
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Dec 17 2012
Elegant Alliance
Elegant Baby is collaborating with Bridget Kelly, founder of The Little Acorn and former Design Director of Pottery Barn Kids. Kelly will design Elegant Baby’s seasonal collections which will be premiering at January Market 2013. The new collections include novelty bath goods, blanket fabrications, knitted blankets and toys.
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Dec 17 2012
VTech Teams Up with Disney
VTech is partnering with Disney to bring new e-books and videos to the InnoTab 2 and Storio 2. Novel content will be from popular Disney shows and films such as Jake and the Never Land Pirates, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Lilo and Stitch, Tangled, The Lion King, and Finding Nemo. Currently, these titles will be available […]
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Dec 17 2012
The Snowman Joins Penguin
The publishing company acquired full ownership rights of Snowman Enterprises, which entitles Penguin to handle all TV, digital, film, publishing and merchandise rights to the classic character, the Snowman. More than 8.5 million copies of Raymond Briggs’ book have been sold worldwide, and it is written in 15 languages. “The Snowman’s enduring appeal is testament […]