Industry news GUS FINK STUDIOS APPOINTS JOE DAVIES AS UK DISTRIBUTOR Joe Davies has been appointed by Star Link Global Group as exclusive UK distributor for the renowned US artist Gus Fink Studios brand of licensed plush, resin and accessories. A full launch collection, including a large selection of on trend plush debuted at NEC Spring Fair in February, featuring some of Gus Finks most loved characters, such as Numb Bunny, Agony Ann, Skellbo, Grim the Stitchy Bear and Devil Doo. Hailing from Pennsylvania Gus Fink has a unique talent of bringing together the weird and wonderful, with a touch of darkness, combining his art with a playful mindfulness and very unique style. The range will be available to order from the Manchesterbased importer at the NEC and consists of plush toys, bag clips, key rings and resin figures. Each item is collectable, with swing labels telling the story of each character. Dana Davies, CEO of Star Link Global commented, “Gus Fink is hugely popular and successful in the US, and we have been looking for some time for the right distributor to take the brand forward into the UK. The range is perfect for independent retailers and with their great reputation for service and experience with the independent gift trade, Joe Davies is the perfect partner for us.” Paul Hooker, Managing Director at Joe Davies commented, “We are delighted to be representing Gus Fink Studios, and our customers will love the fun plush collection, it’s a great impulse purchase, is very collectable and right on trend for the UK market.” For all enquiries regarding Gus Fink Studios at Joe Davies or to place orders please contact Joe Davies on +44 (0)161 975 6300 or visit www.joedavies.co.uk Catch up on all the latest in our news round up LICENSED TOYS AND BUILDING SETS LED THE WAY IN 2024 The British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA) and Circana presented their annual industry insights at London’s Toy Fair. Held at Olympia London from the 21st to 23rd January 2025, unveiling a whole host of positive trends gleaned from the previous 12 months’ sector-wide performance. While the UK economy may have continued to present a challenging picture during 2024, figures released by Circana show that the UK toy market remained resilient, generating £3.4billion in overall sales, which was bolstered by a surge of Christmas sales (up 51 percent) in the week leading up to Christmas. While sales in 2024 may have been down by 3.7 percent, several toy categories achieved growth in 2024, adding to the positive trajectory. The Building Sets Super Category was up by 6 percent, which resulted in it achieving the highest category share of the toy market last year, driven by The LEGO® Group performance, while Vehicles and Soft Toys also outperformed the market. Vehicles have been on the rise in the last 12 months, including the popular Monster Jam from Spin Master Toys, which has outperformed total Vehicle growth. Boosted by top toy blockbuster movies, sports, and video games, Licensed toys continued to play a key role in shaping market dynamics during 2024. Licensed toys occupy 35 percent of overall total market share, up by 3 percent, thanks to the likes of Lilo & Stitch, UEFA, Despicable Me/Minions, Bluey and Sonic. As for the Top Properties spots, Star Wars topped the list followed by Pokemon and Marvel. Meanwhile, Lilo & Stitch led the Top Gaining Properties list followed by LEGO Botanicals and LEGO Icons. Retailing at £8.57, the Squishmallows Plush 8” Assortment retained its position as the top-selling item in 2024 for the second-year-running. This highlights the enduring appeal of soft toys for UK consumers and emphasises the importance of accessible pricing within the toy market. The latest figures also show that MrBeast Lab, the Wicked Movie, Unicorn Academy and Squish-a-longs to name a few, were among the top new launches within the total market. The Wicked Movie was also highlighted as gaining new property traction, thanks to the widespread appeal and success of the recent hit movie. www.toyfair.co.uk INDUSTRY NEWS 9
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