The Joester Loria Group

Top Trends from Toy Fair 2013

Posted Feb 22, 2013 | Tags: JLG, The Joester Loria Group, toy fair, Trade Shows

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Last week more than 1,000 exhibitors from around the world gathered in New York City for the 11th annual American International Toy Fair. Organized by Toy Industry Association (TIA), the show took place at the Jacobs Javits Convention Center from February 10th through 13th. The TIA’s more than 500 members account for approximately 85% of the annual U.S. domestic toy market of $21.87 billion.

The Joester Loria Group attended the event and saw a number of key trends that are impacting the toy industry:

*Retro Toys- Oldies but Goodies! Toys with vintage or retro styling, most-loved toys and games of generations past make a comeback.

*Pop Culture- Reality TV shows that celebrate creativity and talent are featured in toy lines, games and DIY crafts.

*Construction- Construction sets designed for kids of all ages and interests. According to NPD Group point of sales data, the building sets category grew nearly 20% in 2012 and will increase even further in 2013.

*Digital Play- Games and activities that offer virtual experiences designed for today’s tech-savvy kids. Manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to infuse the latest innovative technology into toys of all kinds to create a more interactive experience.

*Robots- The new plush? Not just cute and cuddly, but now your favorite pets can eat, sit and even pee on command.

*Portal Games – where a figurine acts as a game cartridge to develop one-of-a-kind game play, is a model that is continuing to thrive. Building off the “Skylanders model”, various entertainment properties are entering this space, with game play ranging from preschool to high school.

*iPad / iPhone Integration – Various companies are building in docks for a Smartphone or Tablet. Offering a digital / interactive approach to normal play time. Fisher Price had a castle that utilized a tablet as a motherboard, bringing the play set to life!

*Motion Sensor – The major players in the figurine space have taken geek chic to a new level. Motion sensors are being incorporated to enhance game play by bringing your action figure and/or doll to life.

Several of our clients also showed their latest licensing developments in the toy category at the show.

What To Expect at Toy Fair 2013

Posted Jan 31, 2013 | Tags: animal planet, annoying orange, JLG, Licensing, Mythbusters, The Joester Loria Group, the world of eric carle, toy fair, trade show

Toy Fair 2013, one of the largest and most important international toy trade shows, will take place from February 10 through February 13 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. Several Joester Loria Group clients will be presenting their latest brand licensing extensions in the toy category at the show. We’re excited to share this sneak preview of what you can expect from our clients at Toy Fair:

▪ The Bridge will be showcasing the latest Annoying Orange products including Talking Plush, Talking Plush Clip-Ons, Talking Keychains, Talking Collectibles, Mini Figures, Talking Playfaces and Talking Target Game (Dart Board) at booth 4B2 on the fourth floor.

▪ Play Visions also will present its latest Annoying Orange assortment of pens, motion stickers and tattoos at booth 477.

▪ Sakar will display Annoying Orange iPhone cases, headphones and iPad cases at booth 1731.

▪ Bendon Publishing will showcase Animal Planet color and activity books and flashcards at booth 5717.

▪ H.I.S. Juveniles will display Animal Planet car seats, stroller toys, neck pillows, travel blankets and bath toys at booth 5741.

▪ The Poof Slinky booth will feature MythBusters science activity kits that follow a “trial and error,” hands-on format, allowing kids to “bust” myths related to everything from aviation to air pressure at booth 1977.

▪ MythBusters The Game will be on display at the Wonder Forge booth 2761.

▪ Kids Preferred will be showing the full range of The World of Eric Carle infant developmental toys and plush at booth 2167.

▪ Mudpuppy will feature the full range of World of Eric Carle wooden magnetic sets and puzzles at booth 6305.

▪ University Games will highlight The World of Eric Carle puzzles and games at booth 1661.

▪ The World of Eric Carle Storytime Pal and Book Buddy will be shown by Zoobies at booth 1063.

Annoying Orange Wraps Up Toy Fair With More Media Attention

Posted Feb 17, 2012 | Tags: annoying orange, branding, JLG, Joester Loria Group, Licensing, licensing trends, partnership, press, toy fair, trends

Toy Fair is always an important source of new trends and toys can be the centerpiece of many licensing programs. The 109th Annual American International Toy Fair ended February 16th with the most notable trend being online apps transforming into physical toys.

Annoying Orange is said to be a notable force in what Newsweek is calling “the year of the app.” We look forward to sharing more about this license soon.