Following up on the KRE-O theme from our last news story, Hasbro Inc have issued the following press release regarding the Kre-o brands presence at SDCC
The KRE-O Brand from Hasbro “Builds” a Major Presence at Comic-Con International and Unveils New STAR TREKTM and TRANSFORMERS Building Sets
Teaser Trailer for KRE-O STAR TREK Digital Short Produced by Bad Robot Also Unveiled in Anticipation of Premier Pop Culture Event in San Diego
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Hasbro, Inc. (HAS) is set to arrive at the 2012 International Licensing Expo in Las Vegas on June 12 to showcase its global mega brands, including TRANSFORMERS, NERF, MY LITTLE PONY, LITTLEST PET SHOP, MONOPOLY, PLAYSKOOL and G.I. JOE. Ranked as a top 10 global licensor based on annual retail sales, Hasbro is continuing to expand its worldwide licensing programs, invest in resources and talent and generate incremental revenues from merchandise, digital gaming, box office and television programming.
“Hasbro continues to accelerate its retail footprint based on highly innovative and on-trend licensed merchandise and supporting programs that resonate with today’s global consumer,” said Simon Waters, Senior Vice President, Global Brand Licensing and Publishing at Hasbro. “Our track record and relationships with retailers and licensees worldwide has positioned the company to become the preeminent provider of immersive lifestyle brand experiences for the entire family.”
This year’s show lineup underscores Hasbro’s global momentum at retail through key licensing categories including apparel, publishing, consumer electronics, digital gaming, home, food, and toys. Brands such as BATTLESHIP, TRANSFORMERS, MY LITTLE PONY and LITTLEST PET SHOP are also anchored by major motion picture releases as well as hit television programming created by Hasbro Studios and broadcast on more than 30 networks in more than 160 countries.
TRANSFORMERS
Hasbro's iconic TRANSFORMERS brand has become one of the most successful entertainment franchises of the 21st century and features the heroic AUTOBOTS and the villainous DECEPTICONS engaged in an epic battle on multiple story telling platforms including film, television, digital gaming, publishing and theme parks. Hasbro provides its broad TRANSFORMERS fan base with high value, age-appropriate merchandise including digital gaming, toys, apparel, sporting goods and more.
MY LITTLE PONY
The MY LITTLE PONY franchise continues to be a worldwide favorite with fans of all ages, largely fueled by the global popularity of the MY LITTLE PONY: FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC animated series which airs in more than 160 countries and is also available on iTunes as well as Netflix. The extensive merchandising program reaches across all major categories including apparel, publishing, toys and accessories.
LITTLEST PET SHOP
Ranked as one of the toy industry’s top brands for girls as well as one of the hottest lifestyle properties, the demand for LITTLEST PET SHOP remains strong in 2012 with licensed products in more than 20 categories, including apparel, accessories, publishing and domestics. The momentum will continue to roll throughout the year as tween girls eagerly await the launch of the new Hasbro Studio animated comedy series that centers on the life of a fun-loving, human character, Blythe and the adventures of the pets that she cares for at the LITTLEST PET SHOP. The series is slated to premiere later this year in the U.S., with expected international expansion to follow.
NERF
Hasbro continues to expand its NERF franchise through targeted social media campaigns, cutting-edge technology and captivating competitive events. With more than 60 licensees signed on, the No. 1 blaster property will expand its presence in a host of licensing categories, including sporting goods, electronics, accessories and apparel. The NERF brand provides fans with the ultimate in exciting, high-action gear for competitive play with key collaborations such as the Nike and NBA All-Star Kevin Durant program, as well as the edgy fashion statements created by Second Chance and No Fear in Europe.
About Hasbro
Hasbro, Inc. (HAS) is a branded play company providing children and families around the world with a wide-range of immersive entertainment offerings based on the Company's world class brand portfolio. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its global customers with well-known and beloved brands such as TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, NERF, PLAYSKOOL, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY. The Company’s Hasbro Studios develops and produces television programming for markets around the world. The Hub TV Network is part of a multi-platform joint venture between Hasbro and Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), in the U.S. Through the company's deep commitment to corporate social responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to build a safe and sustainable world for future generations and to positively impact the lives of millions of children and families every year. It has been recognized for its efforts by being named one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” and is ranked as one of Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s “100 Best Corporate Citizens.” Learn more at www.hasbro.com.
© 2012 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved
HAS-LIC
Editors’ Note: Licensor ranking based on License Global! Top 125 Global Licensors, May 2012.
Rumour - Has Toys R Us UK Dropped the Kre-Os?
This is just a rumour at the moment, as we are trying to get an official comment from Toys R Us or Hasbro, but it appears that Toys R Us may have dropped the Kre-O line ... either that or it's just the Toys R us near us.
When I visited our local TRU a few weeks back there was a large range of Transformers products, the newly launched Kre-O range was positioned right at the entrance. Roll on a few weeks and they are no-where to be seen, their spot replaced by CARS.
A visit to the "boys toys" isle was one area of the previous Transformers stock replaced with Power Rangers, and the second area halved in space, with a Buy One get One Half Price offer on. There was also more Grimlock's then even Simon Furman would want.
I wondered around the store checking for signs of Kre-O's. Would they be in the Lego section .. no. Would they be in the discount section .. no. They were no-where.
So, have you spotted any Kre-O's in stores near you recently? Do you work for Toys R us can official comment on the situation. Let us know.
Fun Publications have sent out the following email regarding them now selling off spare stock which include this years Transformers Animated Botcon set. Here is a copy of the email
"We have a
very limited number of BotCon items that were left over after we
finished shipping and replacing all of the problem pieces. We keep
items in reserve in case they are damaged in shipping. However, these
BotCon items are the last of the last so when they ship, we will not
have anything to replace them with if there is a problem. We have
checked these items to make sure there are no factory mistakes.
2011 TF Botcon Leftovers-
2011 BotCon T-shirt (Medium) 1 pc$20+shipping
Transformer Magazine 40th Edition (August/September 2011) 1 pc $10+shipping
2011 BotCon Animated Autotrooper Souvenir #2-3 pack (1 pc) $89+shipping
2011 BotCon Animated Sideswipe & Toxitron Souvenir #1-2 pack (1 pc) $89+shipping
2011 BotCon Animated Shattered Glass: Thundercracker & Galvatron Souvenir #3-2 pack (1pc) $92+shipping
2011 BotCon Boxed Convention Set Stunticons: The Con is On! (1 pc) $315+shipping
2011 BotCon Loose Polybagged Stunticons: The Con is On! (1 pc) $210+shipping
One other non-Botcon item:
KRE-O TRANSFORMERS OPTIMUS PRIME Construction Set (1 pc) $59.99+shipping
"