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PLAYMONSTER ANNOUNCES EXPANDED SALES TEAM

Four Key New Appointments Bolster Team Driving Significant Growth

Across Mass, Specialty and E-commerce

 

BELOIT, Wis. (September 8, 2022) — PlayMonster Group LLC is pleased to announce several key appointments, marking an expansion of its sales team that supports the company’s rapid growth across key categories. Appointments include:

  • Walker Mitchell, Vice President National Account
    Walker, based in Bentonville, AR, brings vast toy industry account leadership, coming to the PlayMonster team most recently from Buffalo Games and previously in key roles with Mattel, Ravensburger, Disney and Hasbro.
  • Jillian Rautenstrach, National Account Manager
    Jillian joins PlayMonster with over 15 years as a top performer in the toy industry, having most recently served at Mattel for ten years.
  • Rebecca Kirschner, National Account Manager
    Rebecca joins PlayMonster with more than ten years of toy industry experience, having worked previously with Melissa and Doug and formerly Schylling.
  • Amy Nguyen, eCommerce Merchandising Manager
    Amy joins PlayMonster from wPromote and Spectrum Brands and will focus on expansion of the company’s eCommerce presence.

 

Jena Smart, National Accounts Manager, will also take on new responsibilities, leading PlayMonster’s efforts in the expanding specialty channel.

 

With a strong 2022 performance and a dynamic new range of 2023 product launches showing in retail previews, PlayMonster is continuing to actively expand its footprint in new spaces and channels, both in the US and globally.

“Our sales team is deeply committed to our partnership across all of our diverse retail channels,” says CEO Tim Kilpin. “We’re incredibly pleased to welcome the new team members and their added strengths to help maximize opportunity and growth across key accounts.”

For more information, visit playmonster.com.

 

About PlayMonster

PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives of all ages by delivering great play value through designing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative and fun toys, games and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes popular brands and products such as Koosh®, Playskool, Spirograph®, The Magical World of Disney Trivia, “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti®, plus 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, THINGS…®, Farkle, Five Crowns®, Colorforms, Fashion Plates®, Latchkits®, Snap Ships® and the recently acquired Ann Williams Group including Loopdedoo®, Craft-Tastic®, Craft Crush™ and Sticker & Chill™.

 

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Contact:

Lisa Wuennemann
PlayMonster Group LLC
(800) 524-4263
lisa.wuennemann@playmonster.com

Allison Yakeley
Beacon Communications (on behalf of PlayMonster)
ayakeley@beaconmediagrp.com

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SPIROGRAPH CONTINUES TO INNOVATE AND INSPIRE CREATIVITY WITH NEW SPIROGRAPH 3D, SPIROGRAPH MANDALA MAKER AND LICENSED SPIROGRAPH CYCLEX

Spirograph Mandala Maker Lifestyle Image For Press Scaled

BELOIT, Wis. (September 6, 2022) — The classic way to create countless amazing designs, Spirograph, has delighted millions and inspired generations of artists for over 50 years by turning a blank page into a beautiful work of art. Hasbro, a global play and entertainment company and PlayMonster are excited to announce Spirograph is taking its classic spiral-design sets to new heights of creativity with a suite of exciting new launches this fall, including Spirograph 3D, the Spirograph Mandala Maker, Spirograph Cyclex Clips and Spirograph Cyclex Studio bringing much-anticipated licensed characters into the line for the first time!

Spirograph 3D | $14.99 | Ages 8+

Combining time-tested creativity with 3D fun, Spirograph 3D allows young artists to create amazing art that pops right off the paper! Make endless dimensional designs that will dazzle your eyes!

 

Spirograph Mandala Maker | $24.99 | Ages 8+

Inspired by the popular Mandala trend that has enchanted millions, Spirograph Mandala Maker invites artists of all ages to create beautiful large-scale Spirograph artwork using the interchangeable Mandala wheel, adding countless mandala patterns to create endlessly beautiful and captivating works of art.

 

Spirograph Cyclex Clips and Spirograph Cyclex Studio | $5.99 and $24.99  | Ages 5+

Spirograph is now available on-the-go for even more fun with Cyclex Clips, featuring popular characters from kids’ favorite movies and shows! Clip your favorite character on a backpack or gym bag to show your love, then unclip to use the Spirograph drawing tool whenever you feel crafty! With a special Cyclex drawing tool that combines the wheel and gears together, Spirograph Cyclex Clips make drawing fun and easy for kids 5+.

“As Spirograph products continue to be enjoyed by artists and craft enthusiasts alike, our passionate team of product designers are excited to innovate and introduce new ways for Spirograph fans to create,” says Lisa Wuennemann, vice president of marketing at PlayMonster. “We have more exciting ways to design and play on the way, so please stay tuned!”

For more information on the latest products from PlayMonster and Spirograph, please visit https://www.playmonster.com.

 

About PlayMonster

PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives and strives to keep play alive for all ages by delivering great play value through designing, manufacturing and marketing innovative and fun toys, games and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes popular brands and products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti®, plus THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Farkle, Five Crowns®, Spirograph®, Colorforms, My Fairy Garden®, Fashion Plates®, Latchkits®, Snap Ships®, Koosh® and the recently acquired Ann Williams Group including Loopdedoo®, Craft-tastic®, Craft Crush™ and Sticker & Chill™.

About Hasbro

Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) is a global play and entertainment company committed to making the world a  better place for all children, fans and families. Hasbro delivers immersive brand experiences for global  audiences through consumer products, including toys and games; entertainment through eOne, its  independent studio; and gaming, led by the team at Wizards of the Coast, an award-winning developer  of tabletop and digital games best known for fantasy franchises MAGIC: THE GATHERING and  DUNGEONS & DRAGONS. The company’s unparalleled portfolio of approximately 1,500 brands includes  MAGIC: THE GATHERING, NERF, MY LITTLE PONY, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH, MONOPOLY, BABY ALIVE,  DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, POWER RANGERS, PEPPA PIG and PJ MASKS, as well as premier partner  brands. For the past decade, Hasbro has been consistently recognized for its corporate citizenship,  including being named one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by 3BL Media and one of the World’s  Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute. Important business and brand updates are routinely  shared on our Investor Relations website, Newsroom and social channels (@Hasbro on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.)

© 2022 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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For More Information, Please Contact: 

 

Lisa Wuennemann
PlayMonster Group LLC
(800) 524-4263
lisa.wuennemann@playmonster.com

 

Allison Yakeley
Beacon Communications
(on behalf of PlayMonster Group LLC)
ayakeley@beaconmediagrp.com

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DUDE PERFECT IS BACK TO SHOW OFF EXCITING NEW WAYS TO KOOSH WITH PLAYMONSTER’S KOOSH FLIX STIX

Dudeperfect Koosh Playmonster

Koosh Flix Stix invites fans to test their skills head-to-head

BELOIT, Wis. (August 29, 2022) — “Easy to pick up, hard to put down” once again drives the incredible success and popularity of Koosh with the new launch of the highly-anticipated Koosh Flix Stix. Hot off the heels of an incredible year in 2021, Koosh has been flying off shelves, as well as around rooms and in backyards everywhere! The brand looks forward to bringing even more excitement to Koosh fans as they launch Koosh Flix Stix with everyone’s favorite dudes, Dude Perfect.

It’s all in the flick; it’s all in the wrist!  With its lacrosse-inspired scoop and pass-and-shoot play pattern, it won’t just be sports fans who will enjoy Koosh Flix Stix play with endless hours of fun for family and friends to test their skills and go head-to-head.

Fans can’t get enough Koosh, or the YouTube mega-star group Dude Perfect who has accumulated a mass following of over 50 million subscribers and engaged millions of their loyal fan base in last year’s wildly successful #KooshChallenge. Fans can expect another action-packed year of trick shots and incredible stunts featuring Koosh Flix Stix.

“Koosh is once again lined up to be a must-have toy of the year. Our renewed partnership with Dude Perfect and the successful launch of Koosh Flix Stix continue to prove that adults and kids of all ages enjoy Koosh’s immersive play and are ready to take it to the next level,” said Lisa Wuennemann, VP Marketing at PlayMonster.

Get your Koosh Flix Stix at Target now; ages 6+, MSRP $29.99.  Watch for Dude Perfect’s AWESOME content across their channels. #KeepItKoosh

 

For more information, visit https://www.playmonster.com.

 

Koosh is a trademark of Hasbro. © 2022 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved.


About PlayMonster

PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives and strives to keep play alive for all ages by delivering great play value through designing, manufacturing and marketing innovative and fun toys, games and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes popular brands and products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti®, plus THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Farkle, Five Crowns®, Spirograph®, Colorforms, My Fairy Garden®, Fashion Plates®, Latchkits®, Snap Ships®, Koosh® and the recently acquired Ann Williams Group including Loopdedoo®, Craft-tastic®, Craft Crush™ and Sticker & Chill™.

 

About Hasbro

Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) is a global play and entertainment company committed to making the world a  better place for all children, fans and families. Hasbro delivers immersive brand experiences for global  audiences through consumer products, including toys and games; entertainment through eOne, its  independent studio; and gaming, led by the team at Wizards of the Coast, an award-winning developer  of tabletop and digital games best known for fantasy franchises MAGIC: THE GATHERING and  DUNGEONS & DRAGONS. The company’s unparalleled portfolio of approximately 1,500 brands includes  MAGIC: THE GATHERING, NERF, MY LITTLE PONY, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH, MONOPOLY, BABY ALIVE,  DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, POWER RANGERS, PEPPA PIG and PJ MASKS, as well as premier partner  brands. For the past decade, Hasbro has been consistently recognized for its corporate citizenship,  including being named one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by 3BL Media and one of the World’s  Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute. Important business and brand updates are routinely shared on our Investor Relations website, Newsroom and social channels (@Hasbro on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.)

© 2022 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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For More Information, Please Contact: 

 

Lisa Wuennemann
PlayMonster Group LLC
(800) 524-4263
lisa.wuennemann@playmonster.com

 

Allison Yakeley (on behalf of PlayMonster)
ayakeley@beaconmediagrp.com

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PLAYMONSTER’S CRAFT-TASTIC SELECTED AS FINALIST FOR 2022 TOY OF THE YEAR AWARD

Scavenger Hunt Potions2

Craft-tastic Nature: Scavenger Hunt Potions in the running for 2022 Specialty Toy of the Year; Voting open now to fans and members of the public

 

 

BELOIT, Wis. (August 18, 2022) — PlayMonster Group LLC is excited to announce that Craft-tastic Nature: Scavenger Hunt Potions has been named a finalist for the 2022 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards, the industry’s most prestigious honor, in this year’s Specialty Toy of the Year category.  Loved by both kids and parents, this popular activity kit is well known for the fun and creativity it inspires, along with a true appreciation for the wonder of nature.

The TOTY Awards, administered by The Toy Association, are frequently referred to as the “Oscars” of the toy industry, and finalists are announced from a field of hundreds of nominations. Finalists are determined by elite members of the toy industry, including retail buyers, industry influencers, academics, media and more.

Craft-tastic Nature: Scavenger Hunt Potions

Adventure out into nature with Scavenger Hunt Potions! Go outside and collect magical, natural ingredients, then combine them to create special magic potions! There are enough materials to make seven potions—and the bottles can be reused again and again! Make a Sunshine Potion, Rainbow Potion or create your own Nature Potion! This kit is perfect for getting children out into the environment and appreciating their natural world. Instructions come with 7 potion recipes and space to write in your own.

Ages 4+

MSRP  $19.99

playmonster.com

Vote for Craft-tastic Nature: Scavenger Hunt Potions for Specialty Toy of the Year HERE! Voting for TOTY 2022 will close on September 2, 2022.

 

“We are honored and excited to have been selected as a finalist for the TOTY Awards,” said Wendy Hartling, Director of Activity Toys. “2022 has been a tremendous year for Craft-tastic and the entire PlayMonster activities line, and being named a finalist is an indication of the hard work and creativity of our entire team. We are thrilled to be recognized as the gold standard in toys by the industry and consumers alike.”

The TOTY Awards will take place on September 20th in Dallas, TX, where winners across 17 categories of play, as well as the coveted “Toy of the Year” award winner and the “People’s Choice” winner (based solely on consumer votes), will have their names called in what promises to be the most exciting TOTY Awards yet.

For more information about Craft-tastic Nature: Scavenger Potions, and other award-winning Craft-tastic items, visit playmonster.com.

 

About PlayMonster

PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives and strives to keep play alive for all ages by delivering great play value through designing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative and fun toys, games and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes popular brands and products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti®, plus THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Farkle, Five Crowns®, Spirograph®, Colorforms, My Fairy Garden®, Fashion Plates®, Latchkits®, Snap Ships®, Koosh®, and the recently acquired Ann Williams Group including Loopdedoo®, Craft-Tastic®, Craft Crush™ and Sticker & Chill™.

 

###

 

For More Information, Please Contact:

Lisa Wuennemann
PlayMonster Group LLC
(800) 524-4263
lisa.wuennemann@playmonster.com

Eva Sofia Flores
Beacon Communications (on behalf of PlayMonster)
eflores@beaconmediagrp.com

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A NEW GENERATION OF CRAZY FAMILY HUMOR: JEFF FOXWORTHY’S RELATIVE INSANITY GAME 2ND GENERATION IS OUT!

Ri2

BELOIT, Wis. (August 16, 2022) — Featuring the iconic humor of American comedian Jeff Foxworthy, PlayMonster is bringing fans of the original Relative Insanity party game a brand-new edition with all new set up and punchline cards to bring out the comedian in you and your friends!

Folks, there’s a brand-new generation of exciting Relative Insanity questions and punch lines ready for your next big game night! Based on the original Relative Insanity game, which was named a 2019 Toy Of The Year Finalist, Jeff Foxworthy’s brand-new Relative Insanity 2nd Generation party game brings all-new content with the same hilarious moments to bring on some crazy family humor between 4 to 12 players.

For new players, the gameplay is easy to pick up! Here’s how you play:

  1. Read a setup card aloud, like: “From across the room, my sister texted me …”
  2. Then, everyone else chooses one of their punch line cards to finish the phrase.
    1. “This is not my happy place.”
    2. “Our gene pool needs some chlorine.”
    3. “Would it look too obvious if I offered Dave a breath mint?”
  3. And then the reader picks the funniest reply and gives that player the card!
  4. The player with the most setup cards at the end of the game is the winner!

Each Relative Insanity 2nd Generation game comes with 400 punch line cards, 100 setup cards and official rules. Now available on Walmart.com, and soon at Meijer and Fred Meyer retailers. Foxworthy’s newest party game invites 4-12 players (ages 14+) to bring out their comedic chops and have a grand time!

For more information on Relative Insanity 2nd Generation and other PlayMonster products, please visit www.playmonster.com.

About PlayMonster

PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives and strives to keep play alive for all ages by delivering great play value through designing, manufacturing and marketing innovative and fun toys, games and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes popular brands and products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti®, plus THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Farkle, Five Crowns®, Spirograph®, Colorforms, My Fairy Garden®, Fashion Plates®, Latchkits®, Snap Ships®, Koosh® and the recently acquired Ann Williams Group including Loopdedoo®, Craft-tastic®, Craft Crush™ and Sticker & Chill™.

About Jeff Foxworthy

Jeff is one of the world’s most respected comedians. He’s the largest-selling comedy-recording artist, a multiple Grammy Award nominee and bestselling author of more than twenty-six books. He’s hosted or starred in five TV series and was also a part of one of the most successful comedy tours of all time, The Blue Collar Comedy Tour. And let’s not forget he’s given families more jokes than they know what to do with…

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For More Information, Please Contact: 

 

Lisa Wuennemann
PlayMonster LLC
(800) 524-4263
lisa.wuennemann@playmonster.com

 

Allison Yakeley (on behalf of PlayMonster)
ayakeley@beaconmediagrp.com

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PLAYMONSTER APPOINTS AMY GRACZYK AS CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER

Hr Person 01

Company expands focus on globally structured growth initiatives

BELOIT, Wis. (July 6, 2022) – PlayMonster is pleased to announce the appointment of Amy Graczyk to the new role of Chief People Officer. A cross-functionally talented leader with global expertise across multiple industries, Graczyk brings a specialized focus on supporting organizations and high-performance teams amidst transformational growth.

In her role, she will oversee setting and implementing strategic HR direction in people, culture, organizational structure, diversity, and inclusion across teams globally.

Graczyk brings over 25 years of experience in leading and advising organizations on talent development, culture, employee engagement, change management, technology implementation, as well as developing and delivering human capital HR strategies and solutions.  She most recently served as Chief People Officer with Vericity Inc., the parent company for Fidelity Life & eFinancial and previously spent fifteen years successfully leading organizational development at Kraft Foods.

“Joining Play Monster presents such an exciting opportunity with a global future: one to help further shape the company’s culture, where joy is reflected not only in its products – but in the work environment, too.” says Graczyk. “My passion is working with teams collaboratively to help drive results, and what’s happening at PlayMonster is incredibly dynamic and exciting to be part of.”

Tim Kilpin, Chief Executive Officer at PlayMonster says: “As we continue to grow PlayMonster as a fast-paced and globally structured organization, people, talent, and organizational excellence remain a top priority, with employees being our most valuable asset.  Amy brings tremendous value in her leadership approach, and we are delighted to welcome her to the team.”

For more information, please visit www.playmonster.com.

 

About PlayMonster

PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives and strives to keep play alive for all ages by delivering great play value through designing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative and fun toys, games, and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes popular brands and products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti®, plus THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Farkle, Five Crowns®, Spirograph®, Colorforms, My Fairy Garden®, Fashion Plates®, Latchkits®, Snap Ships®, Koosh®, and the recently acquired Ann Williams Group including Loopdedoo®, Craft-Tastic®, Craft Crush™ and Sticker & Chill™.

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For More Information, Please Contact:

Lisa Wuennemann
PlayMonster Group LLC
(800) 524-4263
lisa.wuennemann@playmonster.com

Allison Yakeley
Beacon Communications (on behalf of PlayMonster)
ayakeley@beaconmediagrp.com

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PLAYMONSTER DEBUTS NEW CRAFT-TASTIC NATURE SERIES FOR SUMMER EXPLORATION

Nature Line

Nature and Crafting Unite with these Imaginative New Crafting Projects

 

BELOIT, Wis. (June 22, 2022) — PlayMonster embraces outdoor exploration and crafting in 2022 with the new Craft-tastic® Nature line. Families can embark on immersive craft experiences using simple crafting prompts and natural ingredients along with the supplied materials to reveal magical projects that can be displayed at home. The collection includes eight unique crafting projects, for families and kids ages 4 and up. This line launches exclusively at Michaels stores across the US and on Michaels.com. These include:

Craft-tastic – Scavenger Hunt Potions | $19.99 each | Ages 4+ (with help) 

Search outside and gather the ingredients listed on each page of the Scavenger Potions Book to make 7 unique potions with magical abilities! Go on a scavenger hunt for ingredients, discover magic outside, then display your finished creations on the magical leaf stand!

 

Craft-tastic – Nature Lantern | $19.99  each | Ages 8+

Kids can enjoy the Nature Lantern activity all year round! Bring nature indoors, using your own pressed leaves and flowers along with the fun decor included in the kit to make a beautiful piece for your space. Add a tea-light to illuminate the pretty colors and silhouettes for a magical nature glow!

 

Craft-tastic – Scavenger Hunt Journal | $19.99  each | Ages 6+

This journal is packed with hours of screen-free fun! Each page has a fun outdoor activity or scavenger hunt for you to sticker, color or do — be creative! Adopt a tree, earn badges, play games, learn new things and more! Search for things outside then personalize each page with the little treasures you find, right in your backyard!

Craft-tastic – Nature Inspired Accessories| $19.99  each | Ages 6+

Make pretty creations from nature and add natural elements to your style with found objects right from your backyard! Wear or share! A perfect gift for nature-lovers, this kit includes everything you need to create your own jewelry.

 

Craft-tastic – Enchanted Garden| $19.99  each | Ages 4+ (with help)

Create your own magical world filled with enchanting details! This plant and play Enchanted Garden is filled with everything you need for a nature-inspired magical experience. Just add water and watch your magical plants grow, plus add a sand playground for your enchanted animal friends to play in! The fun doesn’t stop there! Take it outside for more adventure or keep it indoors for continuous play.

 

Craft-tastic – Dino Garden| $19.99 each | Ages 4+ (with help)

Play with your dinos in the tall grass you grow yourself! Dig out fossils from the prehistoric sand pit. The fun doesn’t stop there! Take it outside for more adventure or keep it indoors for continuous play. This kit inspires creativity and imaginative play while learning a new skill.

 

Craft-tastic – Make a Butterfly House | $19.99 each | Ages 4+ (with help)

All the butterflies will be talking about this fun and functional Butterfly House! Simply attach the wooden panels together to create this cute shelter for your new friends. Place found leaves, sticks and flowers around the house to attract pretty butterflies. Decorate with leaves and flowers you find using the plastic needle and jute. Stick the printed acetate butterflies to the house or thread them onto your house.

 

Craft-tastic – Make a Bug Hotel | $19.99 each | Ages 4+ (with help)

Discover a fun and educational way to learn about bugs! This super cute Bug Hotel gives bugs and insects a place to rest and nest! Easily snap the wooden panels together and personalize it with fun water-proof hotel themed stickers. Fill it with leaves, stickers, flowers, and other found objects from nature. Attract a wide variety of little friends then learn about them in your identification guide booklet. Insects are an incredibly important part of our ecosystem — why not invite them in to stay?

 

For more information, please visit www.playmonster.com.

About PlayMonster

PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives and strives to keep play alive for all ages by delivering great play value through designing, manufacturing and marketing innovative and fun toys, games and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes popular brands and products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti®, plus THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Farkle, Five Crowns®, Spirograph®, Colorforms, My Fairy Garden®, Fashion Plates®, Latchkits®, Snap Ships®, Koosh® and the recently acquired Ann Williams Group including Loopdedoo®, Craft-tastic®, Craft Crush™ and Sticker & Chill™.

 

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For More Information, Please Contact:

Lisa Wuennemann
PlayMonster LLC
(800) 524-4263 x275
lisa.wuennemann@playmonster.com

Allison Yakeley
Beacon Communications (on behalf of PlayMonster)
ayakeley@beaconmediagrp.com

 

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PLAYMONSTER’S DARBY ZAHRADNIK JOINS AMERICAN SPECIALTY TOY RETAILING ASSOCIATION (ASTRA) BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Darby

New member of ASTRA’s Board of Directors looks forward to the “new normal” of the toy industry

BELOIT, Wis. (June 3, 2022) – PlayMonster is proud to announce Darby Zahradnik’s appointment to the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association’s (ASTRA) Board of Directors. This appointment supports the company’s continued commitment to serve specialty toy retailers in North America. Zahradnik will serve on the Board of Directors for a three year term, serving through 2025.

In her current role as Director of National Accounts at PlayMonster, Zahradnik oversees the specialty business. With time spent in corporate merchandising (Zales, Michaels), retail store management (Kohl’s, Sweet & Sassy), and as an independent sales representative (McManemin Companies), Zahradnik found her ideal role on the manufacturing side when she joined Ann Williams Group in 2014. After PlayMonster’s acquisition of Ann Williams Group in June of 2021, Zahradnik expanded her portfolio to include all PlayMonster brands, including PlayMonster’s classic play toys and games, including Koosh®, Spirograph®, Playskool® Little Wonders™, Latchkits®, Disney Trivia, and Five Crowns® in addition to Craft-tastic® and Loopdedoo®.

“It’s a pleasure to be in the company of outstanding leaders in the specialty toy business and to have the opportunity to give back to the industry that has provided me so much through the years,” says Zahradnik. “As the toy industry emerges from the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, our industry has adapted and evolved into a ‘new normal.’ We’re in a time of tremendous change, and I look forward to playing my part in this transition.”

As a Board Member, Zahradnik will work alongside other industry leaders in making key decisions that address the organization’s mission, strategy and goals.

Scott Flynn, Chief Commercial Officer at PlayMonster says: “Congratulations to Darby on this next step in her career. Darby’s experience and expertise in this critical channel of business will add tremendous value to the ASTRA Board of Directors, and further reinforces PlayMonster’s commitment and support to the specialty toy business.

For more information, please visit www.playmonster.com.

 

 About PlayMonster

PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives and strives to keep play alive for all ages by delivering great play value through designing, manufacturing, and marketing innovative and fun toys, games and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes popular brands and products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti®, plus THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Farkle, Five Crowns®, Spirograph®, Colorforms, My Fairy Garden®, Fashion Plates®, Latchkits®, Snap Ships®, Koosh®, and the recently acquired Ann Williams Group including Loopdedoo®, Craft-Tastic®, Craft Crush™ and Sticker & Chill™.

###

 

For More Information, Please Contact:

Lisa Wuennemann
PlayMonster Group LLC
(800) 524-4263
lisa.wuennemann@playmonster.com

Sierra Percy-Beauregard
Beacon Communications (on behalf of PlayMonster)
spercy-beauregard@beaconmediagrp.com

416.659.5807

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PLAYMONSTER CELEBRATES THE LEGACY OF DISNEY WITH KEEPSAKE TRIVIA BOARD GAME IN 2022

Disney Trivia Game 2022

34 Game Pieces and 2,000 Questions Come Together to Create

The Magical World Of Disney Trivia Game!

BELOIT, Wis. (May 26, 2022) — PlayMonster and Disney have collaborated to release The Magical World Of Disney Trivia game in 2022. Fans of all ages can go on an adventure through time, with 2,000 trivia questions spanning nearly 100 years of Disney history, from the very first Walt Disney production to the Disney and Pixar titles of today.

This high-quality collector’s board game makes the perfect gift or unboxing experience, with a premium black-on-black box with a matte finish. The inner lid features authentic original Disney and Pixar animation sketches together for the first time in any game, and the 3D game board reveals eye-catching, original artwork from the Disney archives. Golden game pawns are scaled representations of fan-favorite characters, hand-sculpted by master craftsmen, and five detailed, iconic story scenes that serve as destinations that players can travel to in order to complete their journey through time.

The Magical World Of Disney Trivia game is a perfect intergenerational experience, with two levels of play to ensure fun for kids and adults, ages 6 and up. Beyond the game itself, families can rediscover the joy of time together and celebrate their love for the vast catalog of Disney and Pixar movies and characters. The perfect addition to family game night or any Disney fan’s collection, The Magical World Of Disney Trivia Game is created for ages 6 & up and will retail for $34.99 USD.

For more information, visit PlayMonster.com.

 

About PlayMonster

PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives and strives to keep play alive for all ages by delivering great play value through designing, manufacturing and marketing innovative and fun toys, games and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes popular brands and products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti®, plus THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Farkle, Five Crowns®, Spirograph®, Colorforms, My Fairy Garden®, Fashion Plates®, Latchkits®, Snap Ships®, Koosh®, and the recently acquired Ann Williams Group including Loopdedoo®, Craft-Tastic®, Craft Crush™ and Sticker & Chill™.

 

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For More Information, Please Contact:

Lisa Wuennemann
PlayMonster LLC
(800) 524-4263
lisa.wuennemann@playmonster.com

Sierra Percy-Beauregard
ChizComm (on behalf of PlayMonster)
Spercy-beauregard@chizcomm.com
416.659.5807

 

Posted on

PLAYMONSTER PARTNERS WITH VIACOMCBS TO LAUNCH NEW ADULT GAME IN 2022: CRIMINAL MINDS™ UNKNOWN SUBJECT

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Fans of the Popular TV Show can Race to Catch a Killer in this Fast-Paced Social Deduction Game

 

 

BELOIT, Wis. (May 23, 2022) – Fans of the popular drama TV show, Criminal Minds, can celebrate in 2022 as PlayMonster has entered into a strategic licensing agreement with ViacomCBS to launch Criminal Minds UNknown SUBject. Featuring characters and nail-biting crime-solving from the popular TV show, this social deduction, interactive party game challenges players to think like a criminal to catch the killer among them. Play as your favorite FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit agents to build a profile and catch the Unsub, or play as an Unsub and hide your crimes and escape the authorities. You can say anything you like, but will the others believe you? Table talk and collaboration is highly encouraged.

Criminal Minds has been entertaining fans for nearly two decades and fuels the passion of armchair detectives. This fast-paced social deduction game fuses the trend of true crime with one of the most popular shows in North America.

The perfect addition to any game night, Criminal Minds UNknown SUBject is a different game each time it’s played, with 8 character cards, 81 action cards, 12 special authorization tiles and a game board. This game is suggested for groups ages 14+ with an MSRP of $19.99. For more information visit Playmonster.com.

 

About PlayMonster

PlayMonster, a leading international toy and game company, believes in the power of play to make a positive difference in people’s lives and strives to keep play alive for all ages by delivering great play value through designing, manufacturing and marketing innovative and fun toys, games and activities. PlayMonster’s diversified portfolio includes popular brands and products such as “TOTY Game of the Year” Yeti in My Spaghetti®, plus THINGS…®, 5 Second Rule®, Relative Insanity®, Farkle, Five Crowns®, Spirograph®, Colorforms, My Fairy Garden®, Fashion Plates®, Latchkits®, Snap Ships®, Koosh® and the recently acquired Ann Williams Group including Loopdedoo®, Craft-Tastic®, Craft Crush™ and Sticker & Chill™.

 

About ViacomCBS

ViacomCBS Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAC; VIACA) is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Driven by iconic consumer brands, its portfolio includes CBS, SHOWTIME, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount+ and Pluto TV, among others. The company delivers the largest share of the television audience in the United States and one of the industry’s most extensive libraries of television and film titles. In addition to offering innovative streaming services and digital video products, ViacomCBS provides powerful capabilities in production, distribution and advertising solutions. For more information about ViacomCBS, please visit www.viacomcbs.com and follow @ViacomCBS on social platforms.

 

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For More Information, Please Contact:                                              

Lisa Wuennemann
PlayMonster LLC
lisa.wuennemann@playmonster.com

 

Sierra Percy-Beauregard
Beacon Communications (on behalf of PlayMonster)
spercy-beauregard@beaconmediagrp.com

 

To learn more about PlayMonster, visit playmonster.com