As I write this week’s Blog, it’s finally raining here for the first time in months, serving as a handy reminder that the glorious summer of 2026 is almost over. With kids going back to school next week, the countdown to Christmas will soon begin in earnest. There are just 119 days to go until the big day, which will start to fly by from here on in.
On which note, there’s still time to be part of the bumper October edition of Toy World… if you move fast! This issue will include an extensive BLE preview featuring all the leading Kids & Family brand owners, a round-up of the hottest new licensed product launches and a golden opportunity to showcase your latest and greatest Q4 lines to retailers as we enter the golden quarter. It’s going to be an epic issue, so get in touch to secure one of the last few remaining slots. More details here.
Meanwhile, it’s been a busy week in the toy community, with plenty of breaking news stories. After nearly four years with Jumbo Group, we announced exclusively that Jacqueline Taylor-Foo has decided to leave the company. Jacqueline unsurprisingly wants to be closer to home to spend more time with her younger son as her eldest departs for university and she is currently exploring her options. As Jacqueline departs, Bethan Garton will take over the role of Commercial Director for the UK and Ireland at Jumbo in September. We wish them both all the best.
TGJones owner Modella Capital has emerged as the latest potential suitor for Poundland, as the chain’s owner Gordon Brothers prepares to launch a sale process. There is undoubtedly some logic to the link, as Modella purchased Dealz, Poundland’s former sister chain in Poland, several months ago. However, at this stage, the rumour appears to be speculative, and it could even be a case of Gordon Brothers trying to drum up interest from other potential buyers. I have also picked up an intriguing rumour that Dutch discount retailer Action could be interested in acquiring Poundland – that would certainly be a fascinating twist. Action is said to be Europe’s fastest-growing discount retailer, operating over 3,000 stores across 15 European countries. It is often mentioned by specialist toy retailers in these territories as being a major disruptor, so whether its’ arrival in the UK would be a good thing or not is up for debate.
Elsewhere, those lovely, friendly people at Jellycat are continuing to keep the lawyers busy: their recent court defeat by Keel Toys hasn’t deterred the company from pursuing a host of retailers over alleged acts of infringement, with Morrisons the latest business to be targeted, joining the likes of Hamleys and Next in the firing line. Aldi has already pulled a line it was accused of copying, and it will certainly be worth keeping an eye on what happens with the remaining outstanding cases.
If you’re heading to LA in the next few weeks, here’s a date for your social diary – the first-ever official toy trade LA football match will be taking place on Sunday 13th September, featuring a host of well-known toy names from the UK and international market.
Read the rest here.
