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  • LEGO x Pokémon Is Official | Toy Talk Newsletter

LEGO x Pokémon Is Official | Toy Talk Newsletter

PLUS: Toys Get Smart—And 3D Printed

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Welcome to Toy Talk, your essential newsletter for toy eCommerce professionals.

Editor’s Pick 🌟

Are your PMax and Search campaigns working against each other, or in perfect harmony? Fospha's groundbreaking PMax & Search Playbook proves the hidden power of their combined force, revealing the secrets to maximizing your ROI.

  • The PMax & Search Power Couple: Discover the optimal budget split between Performance Max and Google Search, driving maximum ROAS and unlocking unprecedented growth.

  • Convert More Customers, More Efficiently: Learn winning creative strategies that make every ad dollar count, turning clicks into conversions with precision.

  • Real Blueprints from Industry Leaders: See how brands like Samsonite and END. Clothing are turning these insights into tangible, scalable growth.

Gain the competitive edge you need in the Google advertising space. Understand the true impact of your PMax and Search campaigns and outperform competitors with the latest data.

Expert Insights 🧠

Opportunities Amidst Trade Shifts

With U.S. toy sales surpassing $30 billion, it’s tempting to view the market as secure. But behind the strong numbers, cracks are forming. Trade tensions and shifting tariff policies threaten to disrupt margins and slow down launch cycles. At the same time, Europe—representing 25% of the global toy market—offers an open lane for expansion. For brand leaders, this moment is less about reacting to problems and more about rethinking where and how growth can happen.

Toy brands have always thrived on seasonal precision, but rigid timelines no longer serve in a supply chain environment where delays of 10–20% are becoming standard. Building flexible go-to-market plans—with staggered rollouts and adaptive promotional windows—isn’t optional; it’s a resilience strategy.

Europe presents a compelling opportunity—but only if brands localize meaningfully. A one-size-fits-all campaign won’t resonate across cultures. Brands should pair regional market research with partnerships—European content creators, trade events, and localized narratives that tap into parental values and play cultures.

Digital platforms are no longer just channels; they’re ecosystems of play. TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and kid-safe communities are powerful spaces for storytelling, user-generated content, and co-creation. The most successful toy brands won’t just advertise—they’ll listen, play along, and build community in real time.

Sector Spotlight 🎥

TOY INDUSTRY TRENDS

The piece provides a sneak peek into the most anticipated toys of 2025, as identified by parenting experts. It highlights trends such as DIY fashion, arcade-themed gadgets, and nostalgia-inspired toys. This insight is vital for parents and industry professionals aiming to stay informed about upcoming popular toys and market shifts.

TOY INDUSTRY COLLABORATION

LEGO and The Pokémon Company announced a first-time collaboration, set for a 2026 release, bringing Pokémon to life using LEGO bricks. This partnership merges two iconic brands, offering fans a chance to create and play with new Pokémon-themed sets, expanding their experience in unique ways.

TOY COLLABORATION

ColourPop celebrates the 30th anniversary of Disney Pixar's Toy Story by launching a new makeup collection. This collection includes products adorned with Toy Story-inspired shades, featuring items like eyeshadow palettes, lip masks, and glossy lip options. It's a creative homage for beauty enthusiasts and Toy Story fans alike, demonstrating the blend of entertainment and cosmetics.

3D PRINTING INNOVATIONS

The MakerWorld 'CyberBrick' toy system by Bambu Lab introduces 3D-printed models with smart and customizable features, like a forklift and soccer bot, designed to engage users through coding. This Kickstarter-funded project highlights the growing intersection of digital technology and educational play, catering to a tech-savvy audience seeking STEM learning tools.

BRAND COLLABORATIONS

Disney marks 30 years of "Toy Story" through strategic collaborations with brands like Mattel, Adidas, and Ray-Ban to launch themed products that cater to nostalgic consumers and younger audiences. Integral to Disney's marketing strategy, these partnerships leverage the iconic legacy of "Toy Story" across various platforms, including new digital content and theme park celebrations. By tapping into nostalgia while unveiling fresh collaborations, Disney solidifies its brand relevance and broadens its consumer base.

Influencer Corner 📣

Optimization Hub ⚙️

CHECKOUT OPTIMIZATION

Checkout optimization is critical for reducing eCommerce cart abandonment, with best practices including transparent upfront costs, diverse payment options, and a smooth guest checkout process. High cart abandonment is linked to hidden fees, complex navigation, and lack of trust signals. Implementing clear, secure, and streamlined checkout processes increases conversion rates significantly.

SEARCH INNOVATION

Generative AI is transforming consumer decision-making by aiding complex choices like luxury trips and financial investments through recommendations and comparison tools. Brands can gain competitive benefits by integrating AI in search strategies, focusing on Google's E-E-A-T principles, and utilizing AI for content creation and optimization. Early adoption of AI-driven strategies enhances brand discovery and engagement in a digitally evolving marketplace.

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