The new partners are VMC for a range of apparel accessories such as hats, gloves and scarves; Toybrokers for a craft product that lets Gogo’s fans make a rubbery pencil topper; Lightbody for celebration cakes; and Titan for a monthly magazine that is due to launch in September.

Gogo’s other licensees include Bacup for footwear, Sambro for stationery, Portico for greetings cards, Pyramid for posters, Roy Lowe and Sons for socks, Infocado for calendars, Zap for bedding, Halsall for wheeled toys, Poetic Gem for apparel, MV Sports and Leisure for plush, Alpa for back-to-school and giftware, Vogue for lunch boxes and bottles, Winning Moves for top trumps and Penguin and Random House for publishing.

The brand is the No. 1 selling toy collectible in the U.K., according to agent Bulldog Licensing.

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In 2009, Toys“R”Us made a number of brand acquisitions, including eToys.com, babyuniverse.com and Toys.com, as well as obtaining the exclusive rights to FAO Schwarz. The retailer opened FAO-branded boutiques in stores. For the Christmas shopping season, TRU launched close to a 100 Holiday Express pop-up stores in malls and shopping centers.

Additionally, Toys“R”Us expanded its operations, opening seven new “R” Superstores in the U.S., bring the total to 26, and the first Babies“R”Us store in Hawaii, as well as new international stores through wholly owned and franchise markets. The retailer also continued converting existing stores into a side-by-side, combined toys and baby products format. These stores now total 64.

“Our strong financial results for fiscal 2009 reflect the ongoing successful execution of our long-term strategy,” says Jerry Storch, chairman and chief executive officer of Toys“R”Us. “The Toys“R”Us brand is unique and robust, and we were able to build momentum throughout the year by focusing on our core strengths and by being innovative in our offerings to customers. The continued integration of our toy and juvenile businesses and our focus on differentiated product offerings have helped drive our growth. Also, throughout the year, we continued to open new stores nationally and internationally, and to convert others to our side-by-side format. We are grateful to our customers and to our business partners who are supporting our growth as the world’s leading specialty retailer of toys and baby products.”

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The toy range is slated for a 2011 rollout at mass retailers, as well as toy specialty, catalog, Internet and department stores. Each product will be packaged with information on the importance of child-driven play and ideas for parents and caregivers.

“Exploration through play is integral to children’s healthy development, allowing them to interact with the world, practice problem-solving skills and discover their interests and passions,” says Lesli Rotenberg, PBS’ senior vice president for children’s media. “PBS is dedicated to helping guide preschoolers through the milestones of early childhood, ensuring every child has an opportunity to reach his or her full potential. Parents have told us that they expect to find PBS wherever there is a learning opportunity for their children, and we are pleased to have found the right partners to extend our mission.”

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The latest licensees include:

• TV Mania, Collective Brands, Mlab Concepts and Aykroyds for apparel
• Simon & Schuster U.K., Egmont U.K. and Egmont VGS, Random House and Alligator Publishing for publishing
• Herding Heimtextil for bedding
• Trends International, Alpha U.K., Paperline Designs, Union-Transit Company for stationery
• Procos for party paperware
• Pyramid International for posters and badges
• Sandylion for accessories
• Rubies for dress-up
• Toyster for puzzles
• Vast Sky for backpacks

The film has already signed Spin Master as the master global toy partner for action figures, vehicles and role-play items; Paramount as global DVD partners; and THQ as global interactive games partner.

The Last Airbender hits theaters on July 2.

In MTV Networks International news, the following programming sales were made: “MTV Unplugged,” featuring Katy Perry, to Switzerland’s SF; Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Global Edition” to Iceland’s 375 Media; “The Hills” and “My Super Sweet 16” to Ireland’s TG4; “American Mall” and “Rocko’s Modern Life” to Denmark’s DR Ramasjang; “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” and “TDS Global Edition,” both one-year extensions, to French-speaking Africa’s Canal Plus Horizons; “The Troop,” “Double Dare,” “El Tigre,” “SpongeBob SquarePants” and “Avatar: The Last Airbender” to Georgia’s Teleimedi; “Mind of Mencia” (seasons 1 to 4), “Trigger Happy TV” (season 3) and “Dave Attell” to Sky Mexico; “Jackass” to Panama’s TVN; and “Rugrats,” a renewal, to Ecuador’s Ecuavisa.

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Alan Hassenfeld is the chairman of the executive committee and former chairman of the board of Hasbro, while the late Stephen Hassenfeld was chief executive officer and chairman of the board until 1989. The Hassenfeld’s initiated significant changes in partnerships through licensing, making Hasbro one of the top toy licensing partners for many entertainment and brand companies today. The toy company touts more than 250 licensees across all categories for its properties, including G.I. Joe, Transformers, Milton Bradley, Parker Brothers, Playskool and My Little Pony. In addition, Stephen Hassenfeld founded The Hasbro Children’s Foundation in 1984.

“Stephen and Alan transformed their family’s Rhode Island toy company into a global marketing powerhouse, along the way garnering Wall Street’s respect for toy companies,” says Charles Riotto, president of LIMA. “They also share LIMA’s commitment to integrity in business and to giving back to the communities and consumers who support our business. LIMA is proud to honor them as licensing industry pioneers at Licensing International Expo this June.”

The ceremony will take place on June 8 at the LIMA Opening Night Awards Party at Licensing International Expo, held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

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Isaac Larian, the toy maker’s chief executive officer, had contemplated an IPO a few years ago, but plans were nixed because of the toy maker’s court battle with Mattel over the Bratz dolls, according to Bloomberg.

In other MGA news this week, Giochi Preziosi has signed on to distribute the Moxie Girlz doll line in Italy, France, Greece and Turkey.
Also, Terri Maccarrone was appointed to lead the company’s specialty toy division, which will offer a wide assortment of toys and gifts from its Little Tikes, Moxie Girlz, Zapf, Rescue Pets and others.

In February, MGA announced plans for a 10th anniversary Bratz dolls edition to roll out in August. The new line comes while both MGA and Mattel await a ruling from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals regarding the 2008 decision by a federal jury to grant Mattel control of the doll line and $100 million in damages.

Earlier this year, MGA Entertainment launched two new fashion doll lines—Moxie Girlz and BFC, Ink. Both brands are supported by an expansive licensing program, including apparel, cosmetics, home décor and gift items.

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In addition, the workshops plan to stock exclusively licensed Zhu Zhu Pets merchandise. This summer, company-owned stores worldwide will also carry the motorized hamsters.

Up until now, the Zhu Zhu Pets were sold in the U.S. at retailers such as Toys“R”Us, Target and Walmart.

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Highlights included:

• Hasbro (master toy licensee) for action figures, role play and preschool toys, board games and puzzles
• VTech for electronic learning products
• Mega Bloks for construction toys
• Silverlit for radio-control vehicles
• Diamond Select for minimate figures
• Cardinal Games for classic games and puzzles
• Monogram for desk accessories, book ends, paperweights and stationery items
• Basic Fun/Good Stuff for amusement toys, key chains and party goods
• Sideshow for high-end collectibles, statues, busts and dioramas

Iron Man 2 hits theaters on May 7. “The Super Hero Squad Show” premiered this past fall on the Cartoon Network in the U.S. The series features popular Marvel characters such as Iron Man, Hulk, Wolverine, Thor, Fantastic Four and Captain America.
Marvel Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company.

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The assortment will include 3-and-a-quarter-inch figures of The A-Team and villains, 12-inch B.A. Baracus and Hannibal Smith collector figures with voice chips and the classic A-Team van. The toys will hit retail this summer, coinciding with The A-Team’s release on June 11. The film stars Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper and others.

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Released to the mass retail market in 2009, Gogo’s Crazy Bones has quickly attracted a fan base in the U.S., U.K., Spain, Germany, Canada, South Africa, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Benelux, Australia, New Zealand and the Nordics.

“We are looking forward to working alongside Martomagic and PPI to create an extraordinary and entertaining children’s property with unique storylines and memorable characters that will appeal to the property’s established international fan base and attract new audiences around the world,” says Ira Levy, Breakthrough’s executive producer and co-founder.

Gogo’s Crazy Bones is licensed by Bulldog Licensing Limited in the U.K. and by Joy Tashjian Marketing Group in North America.

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The latest signings include:

• Accessory Innovations for tote bags, wallets, bag clips, messenger bags, cross-body satchels, key chains and bookmarks (U.S.)
• Bif Bang Pow for figures and bobbleheads (worldwide)
• C&D Visionary for stickers, patches, magnets, buttons, key chains and (non-lenticular) bookmarks (U.S.)
• Fundex for games, co-branded games and puzzles (worldwide)
• Genki Wear for fragrances (U.S.)
• Hallmark for greeting cards and other social expressions (U.S.)
• Harper Collins for an original novel (worldwide)
• Jerry Leigh for fashion T-shirts and hoodies (U.S.)
• LTL Prints for removable wall art (North America)
• Philcos for fashion T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, mood jewelry, blankets, headwear, glassware, buttons and wallets (Canada)
• Rubies for costumes, masks and accessories (U.S./Canada)
• Rock Paper Pencils for lenticular journals, bookmarks, pens and stationery (U.S.)
• Storm City for a video game (worldwide)
• Scorpio for posters (U.S.)
• Sticker You for stickers, decals, static clings and appliqués (U.S.)

“We have teamed with industry-leading licensees to bring the Beastly merchandising program to life for this much-anticipated summer film,” says Liz Kalodner, executive vice president and general manager of CBS Consumer Products. “The licensing and retail programs will give fans the opportunity to extend their enjoyment of the film into their everyday lives.”

Beastly, which stars Vanessa Hudgens and Alex Pettyfer, will hit theaters on July 30 in the U.S. and Canada.

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The toys from Spin Master will include Viking and dragon character packs, feature-based action dragons, battle and collapse play sets, Hiccup’s dragon battling sword, Viking battle pack role-play pieces, flying dragon toys, roaring plush dragons and dragon eggs and active volcano play sets.

“It was a year ago this month at Toy Fair when Walmart, DreamWorks Animation and Spin Master first came together to discuss the possibility of creating an exclusive line of toys around this film,” says Laura Phillips, vice president of toys at Walmart U.S. “We are excited to bring the family adventure to life through play and moms will be excited by the great quality and value that we are offering.”

How to Train Your Dragon hits theaters on March 26.

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The toy line from Jakks Pacific includes dolls, toys and activity items. Walmart will initially carry a small doll assortment, which includes three soft dolls, styled to portray particular moments in the books. The range will retail from $7.99 to $19.99. CDI, a part of the Jakks’ group, will also create role-play items, including dresses, a tiara, ballet slippers, purse with gloves and a cake decorating set. Disguise, another Jakks’ division, will design Pinkalicious Halloween costumes.

Other licensees include:

• Fundex for card and board games and co-branded Uno and Scrabble Jr. games
• Ceaco for 24- to 100-piece puzzles
• Madame Alexander for collectible dolls

The Joester Loria Group represents Pinkalicious’ consumer products program. The book series is written by Victoria Kann.

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Ten new characters will be introduced, along with a refreshed look to its existing dolls—Cloe, Yasmin, Sasha and Jade.
“We are proud to be celebrating 10 years of success with Bratz, our No. 1 girls’ lifestyle brand,” says Isaac Larian, chief executive officer of MGA Entertainment. “We will continue the celebration with a mix of new products not only in this milestone year, but well into the next decade and beyond.”

The new Bratz line announcement comes while both MGA and Mattel await a ruling from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals regarding the 2008 decision by a federal jury to grant Mattel control of the doll line and $100 million in damages.

Earlier this year, MGA Entertainment launched two new fashion doll lines—Moxie Girlz and BFC, Ink. Both brands are supported by an expansive licensing program, including apparel, cosmetics, home décor and gift items.

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Syfy Kids, targeted to 2- to 17-year-olds, will feature content across multiple platforms in science fiction, fantasy, mystery, paranormal and action/adventure. Worldwide Biggies has signed on to launch the banner’s first mystery-adventure series “Dr. What.” The property will initially roll out through six animated shorts on the network and www.syfy.com. Meanwhile, THQ is collaborating with Syfy to create new concepts and IPs, as well as develop its video game franchises into multi-platform properties such as de Blob.

“The kids business is an important growth area for Syfy, enabling us to tap into a whole new generation of young consumer who are born with built-in digital DNA and highly-active imaginations that seek out the best in innovative, interactive story-telling experiences,” says David Howe, president of Syfy. “Under the new Syfy Kids’ banner, we’re committed to delivering the very latest in cutting-edge, immersive kids’ entertainment that’s designed and built from the get-go to live and breathe across multiple media platforms.”

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Mattel’s WWE range includes a FlexForce action figure range, Superstar rings, ring action megaphone, motion-activated tough talkers and an Electrovision WWE Championship belt with a spinning LED bar and the ability to play music. Wrestling superstar Triple H participated in a special toy launch event on Friday to kick off NY Toy Fair.

For HIT Entertainment’s Thomas and Friends, Fisher-Price is releasing a Trackmaster Zip, Zoom and Logging Adventure play set, featuring a motorized Thomas engine, a zip line and logging mill, as well as a Rescue from Misty Island play set and the Follow Me Thomas range of preschool toys. Thomas and Friends is celebrating its 65th anniversary.

The Disney Consumer Products’ Toy Story 3 line, which will hit stores this summer in time for the movie’s release (June 18), will include Buzz Lightyear deluxe role-play accessories with Buzz signature phrases and action sounds. Another Disney offering will include Dance Star Mickey that walks, talks and dances.

Mattel will also be celebrating the 10th anniversary of Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer with the release of the We Did It! Dora doll, featuring the “We Did It!” song and dance.

Meanwhile, at NY Toy Fair on Friday, Barbie’s 125th and 126th careers were announced—news anchor and computer engineer, respectively. Over the past couple of months, fans voted at www.barbie.com/vote, choosing from an architect, computer engineer, environmentalist, news anchor or surgeon. News Anchor Barbie will be available this fall. She will be dressed in a pink suit with black accents and will come with a news folder, camera and a microphone. The release of computer engineer Barbie will follow in winter 2010. Pre-orders are being taken now at www.mattelshop.com.

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The new partnership will see production of original multimedia entertainment for distribution online, on-air and on other digital devices. A range of licensed merchandise will also be developed, which will be sold outside of Build-A-Bear Workshop locations. The products will include DVDs, accessories, apparel and books.

“We are excited to be working with A2 Entertainment to enhance our licensing program and to expand our entertainment offerings,” says Maxine Clark, Build-A-Bear Workshop founder and chief executive officer. “Together, we will provide imagination, creativity, empowerment and fun to Build-A-Bear Workshop guests. By partnering with A2 Entertainment, we are creating a top entertainment brand as we engage guests both in our stores and at home.”

This past holiday season, ABC Family aired a Build-A-Bear production, called “Holly and Hal Moose: Our Uplifting Christmas Adventure.” A2 Entertainment plans to produce other original programming for the brand, along with tie-in consumer products.

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Here are some of the toys that will be highlighted:

• Beyblade: Metal Fusion battle top assortment (ages 8 and up, $7.99)
• Furreal Friends Gogo My Walkin’ Pup (ages 4 and up, $59.99)
• Iron Man 2 remote control walking figure (ages 4 and up, $49.99)
• Littlest Pet Shop Online dancing pet (ages 8 and up, $24.99)
• My Little Pony Mermaid Castle play set (ages 4 and up, $39.99)
• Star Wars all-terrain armored transport (ages 5 and up, $99.99)
• Strawberry Shortcake Berry Sweet Style play set (ages 3 and up, $19.99)
• Transformers Battle Ops Bumblee action figure (ages 5 and up, $59.99)

Meanwhile, in celebration of Monopoly’s 75th anniversary, Hasbro will feature Monopoly: Revolution Edition, which is made up of a round game board and electronics. The new Monopoly game and toys above will hit retail this fall.

“Hasbro remains focused in 2010 on providing our consumers with great value and quality and delivering immersive brand experiences based on our incredible brand portfolio,” says John Frascotti, Hasbro’s global chief marketing officer. “We continue to emphasize innovation at every turn as we re-imagine and re-invent several of our core brands while also creating new brands and experiences that children and families will enjoy again and again.”

NY Toy Fair will be held Feb. 14 to 17 at the Javits Center.

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The LEGO Construction Zone, which will reside within the 8,000-square-foot Atlantis Kids Adventure, is inspired by LEGO’s latest line of under-the-sea quest for treasure construction toys. The area will include thousands of LEGO bricks and a wall covered in a LEGO base plate, which kids can build directly onto. The kids’ club will also offer LEGO fans a number of hands-on activities, as well as a sign-up for a premium LEGO building experience.

“What child doesn’t dream of his role-play adventures as a hero coming to life in the real world?,” says Michael McNally, director of brand relations, LEGO Systems. “In partnering with Atlantis Paradise Island, we can offer families a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring the fun, fantasy and thrill of the playroom to a very real, tangible and memorable vacation experience.”

Meanwhile, the kids’ club will also host the world’s first LEGO Atlantis Fantasy Camp this summer. A sweepstakes tie-in with Toys“R”Us and JetBlue Airways will send 10 winners to the event in July.

Atlantis Paradise Island, located in the Bahamas, is the flagship resort of Kerzner International.

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FAO will carry Greenzys plush toys from Kids Preferred, featuring characters—Peat the Penguin, Yew Yew the Panda, Willow the Elephant and Violet the Giraffe. The “Greenzys” book from DK Publishing is written by Danielle Mentzer (“Plucked Duck” and “Santa Claus Brothers”) and illustrated by Cris de Lara. A portion of every Greenzys purchase will aid the Environmental Media Association. In addition, in honor of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day (April 22), each Greenzys toy purchased between April 5 and Dec. 31 will support the Arbor Day Foundation by planting trees in U.S. forests. Following the exclusive launch at FAO, the product is expected to expand into other domestic and international retailers.

Meanwhile, a “Greenzys” preschool series is in the works. The property is also supported by an interactive Web site at www.greenzys.com.

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In the new role, Dickson will oversee management of Jones Apparel Group’s wholesale and retail businesses globally. The company’s licensed brands include Givenchy (costume jewelry), Dockers (women’s, infants’, toddlers’ and boys’ footwear) from Levi Strauss & Company and Rachel Roy (apparel). The company also licenses out its own brands, including Jones New York, Anne Klein New York, Nine West, Gloria Vanderbilt, l.e.i. and Evan-Picone.

Besides Mattel, which he joined in 2000, Dickson also worked for Bloomingdale’s and Estee Lauder.

“We are delighted to have someone with Richard’s experience and exceptional talent join our company,” says Wesley Card, chief executive officer of Jones Apparel Group. “Richard has a proven record of success and brings extensive marketing and retail experience from a wide range of industries. We are excited to welcome Richard to our company given his achievements in breathing life and new relevancy to iconic brands. I am confident that he will be a wonderful addition to our talented team at Jones.”

Meanwhile, Card’s title will change from president and chief executive officer to chief executive officer. Dickson will report to Card.

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From now and throughout February, FAO Schwarz’s Fifth Avenue store in New York City and www.fao.com are featuring Clifford the Big Red Dog merchandise. Scholastic plans to donate 10 percent of the net proceeds from the sale of any Be Big Clifford plush to the Be Big Fund at the HandsOn Network. In addition, the NYC flagship store’s windows will be decorated with Clifford Be Big-themed displays and on Feb. 11 the retailer will host a Be Big party, where guests will enjoy a special reading of Norman Bridwell’s “Clifford the Big Red Dog” by Sherri Shepherd, co-host of “The View.” The celebration will also include costume appearances and a make-your-own Valentine activity for kids.

“We are delighted to be once again working with FAO Schwarz to celebrate what it means to Be Big this Valentine’s Day with Clifford the Big Red Dog,” says Leslye Schaefer, senior vice president of marketing and consumer products for Scholastic Media. “For more than 45 years, Clifford’s big sense of love and kindness has resonated with parents and children and we look forward to sharing that message with FAO Schwarz customers.”

The second annual Be Big in Your Community Contest kicked off last month on Martin Luther King Jr. day. Kids, along with teachers, parents and community leaders, are encouraged to submit a big idea demonstrating Clifford’s big ideas—share, play fair, have respect, work together, be responsible, be a good friend, help others, be truthful, be kind and believe in yourself. Children will have the opportunity to win $75,000 in community grants to be used toward implementing their big idea. This year’s contest has been expanded to include an extended entry window and the total grant of monies from $50,000 to $75,000.

HandsOn Network is working with Scholastic to organize in-school events throughout the month of February. American Family Insurance is the campaign’s first sponsor. More information about the campaign can be found at www.scholastic.com/cliffordbebig.

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Bloomberg reports Giochi Preziosi may be in talks with a number of banks and the company could be valued at approximately €1 billion ($1.4 billion). No other official details have been released.

Giochi Preziosi is owned by the founding Preziosi family and private-equity firm Clessidra SGR SpA. The company created the Gormiti action figure line, which has since expanded into a TV series, “Gormiti: The Lords of Nature Return!,” which premiered last fall in the U.S. and most European territories. It is co-produced by Marathon Media and Giochi Preziosi. The brand has led to an extensive licensing program, including video games (Konami), publishing (Egmont) and outdoor toys (Mondo SpA).

Licensing and merchandising for the Gormiti brand is managed by Marathon Media in France and by Giochi Preziosi for all other territories through a network of agents. Zodiak Entertainment handles all international TV and home entertainment rights for the series.

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The toys will include mini figures, swamp figures that come in ooze-filled containers, a Shrek Ogre Attack ball, dolls and talking plush. Playmates Toys is the master toy licensee for the fourth film installment.

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BBC Worldwide announced five licensees for its new preschool series, “ZingZillas,” Aykroyds and TDP for nightwear and underwear, Smith and Brooks for outerwear, Christy’s for dress up, H and A for toiletries and Pyramid for posters. Vivid is the master toy licensee.

Another, BBC/Vivid pairing has resulted in what could be a showstopper for Christmas—A Strictly Come Dancing kit containing music, dress up and scoring paddles.

Elsewhere, Bandai is winning over girls with its Harumika and key chain dolls, Jumbo unveiled a more extensive line of Disney puzzles and Re:creation showed off its new line of LEGO lamps.

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