CELEBRATE 20 YEARS OF RILAKKUMA USA TOUR

Exclusive to this tour, Rilakkuma lovers will have the opportunity to purchase exclusive Rilakkuma merchandise! More info can be found here! Next stop is in San Francisco!

The Crossing at East Cut
Left Side of The Crossing
June 30th - July 2nd, 2023
11AM - 7PM

Furby Is Back! Hasbro Announces The Toy’s Iconic Return With A Fresh New Look

Furby Features Over 600 Responses, Including Phrases, Songs, Lights and More…

So as Furby Would Say in Furbish – "Dah-No-Lah" [Party Time]!

 

PAWTUCKET, RI – June 2023 – The wait is over… the furb-nomenon that took over the world has returned. Today, Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS), a global leader in play, announced that the next era of the cute, cool, and weird Furby interactive toy hits shelves just in time for summer. A new generation of kids can discover their own curious little creature and kindred spirit, that’s sure to be their next BFF. With a history of disrupting pop culture and the toy aisle, Furby reminds kids that they can be their hilarious, wacky, perfectly imperfect selves, because that is what makes them – and the world – a little more special. Furby is available now in two new colors, Purple and Coral, on Amazon and will be at all major retailers starting July 15.

"Following its craze-inducing launch in 1998, Furby has taken the world by storm, impacting every corner of the culture zeitgeist, from music to television and film," said Kristin McKay, vp & general manager, Hasbro fashion & preschool. "For the brand’s 25th anniversary, we wanted to ignite the same excitement for this new generation by harnessing Furby's power of nostalgia while giving Gen Alpha everything they crave.”

This incredibly interactive toy friend features 5 voice activated modes and over 600 responses to discover, including lights, sounds, and 10 unique songs.  Want to speak a secret language that only you and your bestie can understand? Feel like breaking out into a random dance? Need a moment to just pause everything, chill out and recharge? Furby does all of that and so much more. Tell Furby what you want to do with 5 commands – “Dance Party,” “Copy Cat,” “Tell My Fortune,” “Let's Chill,” or “Lightshow” – for an un-fur-gettable time that matches any mood or vibe.

 

“Over the past few years, we’ve done a lot of research to understand what kids would want to see in a new Furby,” said Kristin McKay. “Through this research, kids told us that it was important for Furby to be their ultimate best friend – a furry companion to do all the things a BFF would do, like dance to music, share fortunes, meditate, mimic each other in silly voices, and even put on a light show, and that’s exactly what we created.”

 

Furby also responds to hugs, pats, belly tickles, shaking, and feeding of its pretend Pizza Charm, yum! Kids can care for Furby by feeding them, combing their furhawk, and dressing them up with the included clip-on beads and fashion accessories. Don’t forget to comb and style that iconic fur for even more best friend moments. The more playtime with Furby, the more fun they can unlock.

 

During a time of major digital disruption in the late 90s, Furby instantly became one of the toy world's biggest and most iconic launches, with over 40 million units globally in the first three years. With realistic ear wiggles, iconic expressive eyes, and even its own language called Furbish, Furby was more than just a toy... it was a personality meant to make you believe it was alive. It sparked a collector craze which drove auction prices above retail prices and was even banned from the National Security Agency (NSA) premises in Maryland. Furby was cool, cute, and loveably weird – a combination that kids and the world needed. Over the years, Furby has remained a unique symbol of self-expression for fans across the globe due to the immense and growing fandom that has taken Furby from just a toy to an imaginative brand and lifestyle. Early reads from consumers and retailers on this newest iteration of Furby are very positive and show us that fans are just as excited as we are!

Jada Toys Returns To Event Scene With The Debut of Pink Slips

Introducing Pink Slips, the new collection of collectible die-casts and RC’s to join the Jada Toys lineup

 

CITY OF INDUSTRY, CA (June 2023) -- Debuting on July 8th at the Homecoming event, Jada Toys introduces Pink Slips, a new line of premium quality and inclusive die-cast collectibles.  This debut marks the latest addition to the extensive product offering from Jada Toys.

 

Pink Slips leverages Jada’s expertise in design, paint schemes, and finishes, transporting the brand to its iconic roots within car culture. The die-cast collection will be available in a range of finishes including candy, iridescent, and gradients that will ensure each one is as unique as the perspective car it represents.The sleek and stylish designs guarantee there is something for everyone!

Jada Toys has a decades-long history of being a juggernaut in the die-cast wheelhouse, amassing a devoted following of over 100K fans on social media. The brand remains a regular favorite at some of the world's largest car shows and conventions.

Partnering with Hoonigan, Toyo Tires, Inozetek, and Meguiars Jada: Homecoming takes place at Ancillary Studios in Costa Mesa, CA on July 8th from 4pm- 7pm PST. Car enthusiasts, industry experts, media personalities, and the general public will get to experience the latest trends in car culture first-hand. Leading the market in awareness and automotive trends, Pink Slips will continue Jada’s trend in innovation and creativity. 

“We’re thrilled for enthusiasts around the world to experience the contemporary concept of Pink Slips.” says Bill Simons, CEO of Jada Toys. “Each vehicle is a fresh take on the latest trends and we can’t wait for everyone to see the attention to detail and craftsmanship that goes into every model.”

A true testament to inclusivity and diversity in the car community, Jada is thrilled to partner with car enthusiast Angelina’s Dimova, also known as Angelina’s Garage , as the first ever Pink Slips ambassador. Wave one of the collection will include her ombre pink and blue Hellcat seen at many of the country’s largest car shows and conventions.

With an overwhelming response from retailers, Pink Slips will be available in the beginning of August at all Walmart, Target, Amazon across the country. To stay up to date on all upcoming releases visit Jada Toys social channels.

Social Handles:

Instagram: @Jadatoys

Twitter: @JadaClub

Facebook: @JadaToys

Neopets Hosts Fantastic Booth and Exclusive Party at San Diego Comic-Con!

Los Angeles, CA - (June 21, 2023) Neopets, the original virtual pet site that galvanized a generation of online gamers, is about to make waves at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con! Neopets is not only bringing a fantastic booth to San Diego: they’ll also be celebrating their devoted community with a once-in-a-lifetime Neopets Era Party that the Neopian Times will be writing about for decades to come!

Neopets will be setting up shop at San Diego Comic-Con from Wednesday, July 19th to Sunday, July 23rd at booth #1129. Attendees can purchase exclusive, never-before-seen merchandise, meet The Neopets Team, purchase bespoke art prints signed by a TNT artist, and connect with special guest Erinn Pascal, Editor of Neopets: The Official Cookbook. And for one night only, lucky fans will have an exclusive chance to experience Neopia like never before at the Neopets Era Party, an immersive community event at Deck665 on Friday, July 21st.

“We can’t wait to celebrate with our dedicated players and fans,” said Michaela Thompson, Chief Brand Officer, Neopets. “We are so indebted to our wonderful community who have supported Neopetsthrough the years; what better way to show our appreciation than to throw a Neopets SDCC party for the ages?”

The fully immersive throwback bash will time warp back to an era when dial-up internet, chat rooms and the Neoboards reigned supreme. Come party with The Neopets Team and connect with other fans in person as we celebrate the past, present, and future of Neopets with a live DJ, Neopian-themed food and drinks, photo-ops, and swag bags full of exclusive merch! General admission tickets can be picked up at the Neopets booth, but a select number of VIP Tickets will be available to win—giveaway details coming soon. Capacity is limited and general admission tickets will be admitted on a first come, first serve basis.

Neopets Era Party attendees can expect an authentic Neopian experience, complete with a sneak preview of what’s in store for the future of Neopets:
● Date: Friday, July 21, 2023
● Time: 7:30 - 11:30 PM (PST)
● Location: Deck 655 (655 W Broadway, San Diego, 92101)

“It’s been an incredible experience bringing the world of Neopets to our own through merchandising and we can’t wait to be able to take things even further with the Neopets Era Party,” said Carlin West founder & CEO of Carlin West Agency. “Having our partners all in one place to see the fan reaction in person is a worthwhile celebration on its own.”

Fans will be treated to a fabulous blast of “Neostalgia” at the Neopets San Diego Comic-Con booth. The Neopets Team is excited to meet and greet fans at Booth #1129, which will be jam-packed with a variety of swag available for purchase, including:

● Neopets: The Official Cookbook by Andrews McMeel Publishing
● 3 Neopets-inspired energy drink flavours & custom Neopets slushie cup by G FUEL
● Neopets Tarot Cards by Geekify
● Three Neopets SDCC specific themed pins and a matching lanyard from What’s Your Passion
Jewelry
● Neopets Vaporwave Comic-Con t-shirts by H3
● Limited-edition Neopets art prints drawn by TNT Fae
● A variety of new Neopets holographic and die-cut sticker sets.

Fans can also visit the Upper Deck booth to purchase the limited edition Neopets Battledome trading card game promotional pack: a six-card set which includes two SDCC-exclusive cards.

For more information on Neopets, head to Neopets.com and join the community! Make sure to follow
the Neopets social channels to keep track of all upcoming Neopets events, including highlights from San Diego Comic-Con:
● Facebook: @Neopets
● Instagram: @NeopetsOfficialAccount
● Twitter: @Neopets
● TikTok: @OfficialNeopets

About Neopets
Neopets is an immersive, online virtual pet game in which players can adopt, customise, and interact
with Neopets in the vast world of Neopia. Known for its multi-generational, passionate community,
Neopets offers players a vast world of storytelling, collecting, pet care, and exciting social gaming
experiences. Since its launch in 1999, Neopets has galvanised unique adventures, games, stories, and
challenges for over 150 million players worldwide.

CultureFly Discontinues The Nick Box

CultureFly recently sent out an email (above) to current Nick Box subscribers. This is a total bummer for those of us that really loved the retro/nostalgia of the 90's early 2000's era of Nickelodeon. It's sad but at the same time the subscription box scene has not been to what it once was. CultureFly will still be making Nickelodeon items such as the Reptar figure collaboration with James Groman.

TAMAGOTCHI LAUNCHES NEW TAMAGOTCHI UNI WITH CHARLI D’AMELIO AS GLOBAL AMBASSADOR!

Everyone’s Favorite Virtual Pet Just Became More Unique, United, and Universal!

Irvine, Calif - (June 2023) The toy that sparked a worldwide virtual pet frenzy in the 90s is about to shake up the toy industry once again with an all-new device, Tamagotchi Uni, marking the brand’s first simultaneous global launch of core Tamagotchi! With over 91 million sales worldwide, Tamagotchi is now connecting fans globally, for the first time with a truly unique device created for the modern digital world, taking its brand transcending nurturing virtual pet experience to a whole new level.

Tamagotchi Uni allows fans to connect in a completely new way with the Tamaverse, the metaverse of the Tamagotchi world. Fans can now play together with the Tamaverse’s Tama Arena, Tama Parties, Tama Fashion, and Tama Travel features, opening up the fun to a global scale. Tamagotchi Uni is also chock-full of new features, allowing fans their own unique experience, including DIY activities, exploring with your character, and an in-device social platform.

Tamagotchi Uni personalizes the virtual pet experience like never before with endless character options, allowing Tamagotchi characters to now have different looks, personalities, and even hobbies! The ability to connect to Wi-Fi gives fans a chance to connect, customize their characters in unique ways, and have access to downloadable content and updates!

“Tamagotchi fans are always looking for new ways to personalize their experience while nurturing their character, and Tamagotchi Uni opens the door to endless possibilities to do so,” said Tara Badie, Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America, Senior Director Brand Strategy. “Not only are we thrilled to be able to give fans this opportunity, we’re excited to see them in the Tamaverse!”