ToyTopic – a new player within the toy market, headed up by licensing industry veteran Ashley Holman – has made its debut, revealing a strategic partnership with WowWee and a multi-territory licensing agreement with Hasbro.
Ambitious ToyTopic is also planning to open a new London showroom in October, as well as a large presence at Toy Fair 2022, while it has welcomed a new sales director in the shape of former Sambro International executive, Paul Cook (pictured right).
Having already established a successful relationship through WowWee distributing ToyTopic product internationally since last year, ToyTopic will market the entire WowWee portfolio (except for My Squishy Little Dumplings) in the UK and Ireland from spring 2022 onwards.
The extensive portfolio includes PinkFong’s Baby Shark, with further high profile brand announcements in the pipeline for AW22.
“WowWee is thrilled to be entering into this new partnership and believe that it is exactly what we need to grow our business in the UK/Ireland,” commented Michael Yanofsky, md sales at WowWee. “The experience, know-how and wisdom that the ToyTopic team brings to the table will provide a level of focus that is 100% centred around growing the WowWee product portfolio, distribution and overall presence in the UK/Ireland market. We look forward to what the future has in store.”
In addition, a multi-territory licensing agreement with Hasbro is also in place, which will see ToyTopic market licensed Peppa Pig toys.
Marianne James, vp EMEA and Asia licensed consumer products at Hasbro, added: “We’re very excited to be partnering with ToyTopic at a pivotal time for our beloved Peppa Pig. We’re looking forward to seeing Peppa come to life in the variety of innovative products that ToyTopic have developed, at the start of our long-term partnership.”
Ashley Holman (pictured left), md of ToyTopic, continued: “We are thrilled to have formed a strategic partnership with WowWee. An inspiring company and team, WowWee are the innovators of high profile and best-selling toys, that children and fans really love and aligns with the values we had for ToyTopic.
“I’m delighted that in a relatively short time, we have the opportunity to bring to market some of the most famous and iconic brands across the joint licensed portfolio. I’m pleased to welcome Paul Cook as our new sales director who is a fantastic addition to the company. With his wealth of experience, he is a real asset to the team, further enhancing our relationships with partners and retailers. With a boosted team and strong brands on offer, we are set for exponential growth in the business.”
Paul added: “I’m delighted to join ToyTopic at this exciting stage of the company’s growth. It’s a joy to work with the entrepreneurial ToyTopic team, developing and implementing strategies that will continue to expand the business.
“We already have an amazing line-up from our strategic partners WowWee and Hasbro licence agreement. I’m really looking forward to showcasing the high-profile brands and supporting our customers and retail partners.”
Ashley will continue to run Riverside Brands alongside ToyTopic.
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