Build-A-Bear’s ‘after dark’ sexy animals sparks outrage

This is em-bear-assing. Build-A-Bear’s stuffed animals targeting “kidults” — with some dressed in bikinis and others wearing a Hugh Hefner-style robe while pouring champagne — has led some critics to slam the child-friendly company. The St. Louis, Mo.-based toy company rolled out the risque accessories for their stuffed bears as part of a Valentine’s Day … Read more

Mastermind Toys stopped accepting gift cards on Dec. 24 — when most cards were still wrapped

Riverview father Rudy Walters is speaking out after Mastermind Toys stopped accepting gift cards effective Christmas Day — with signs posted on their storefronts only days before. Walters said the move raises questions about the value of gift cards and about consumer protection when a company such as Mastermind Toys heads toward bankruptcy. “I would just like to see some more … Read more

Magnetic balls sold at Walmart recalled as ‘ingestion hazard’

Magnetic ball sets sold online by Walmart have been recalled for being an “ingestion hazard” for children. The Relax 5mm Science Kit, Large Hematite Magnets Magnetic Stones Building Blocks do not meet the federal regulations for magnets, according to an alert from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The spherical magnets, sold online exclusively by … Read more

Mastermind Toys customers warned to use gift cards by Dec. 24 as company is set to change hands

Mastermind Toys shoppers have less than a week to redeem store gift cards.  The Canadian toy retailer announced earlier this month that it had signed an asset purchase agreement with Unity Acquisitions Inc.  Mastermind filed for creditor protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCCA) on Nov 24. Customers are now being told their gift cards will not be honoured … Read more

Barbie maker Mattel to make American Girl doll live-action movie

“Barbie” may soon be joined by another Mattel doll on the big screen. The toy company is developing a live-action film based on its American Girl doll line, Mattel announced Wednesday. “American Girl” will be produced by Mattel Films, Paramount Pictures and Temple Hill Entertainment, the production company of “Twilight” and “The Fault in Our Stars.” … Read more

Toymaker Hasbro will cut 900 jobs in addition to earlier layoffs

Hasbro said on Monday it would cut another 900 jobs globally, nearly a year after the toymaker announced it would reduce 15 per cent of its workforce amid weaker sales. Hasbro had said in January it would cut about 1,000 full-time positions. On Monday, the company said it had already cut 800 jobs. Hasbro had employed … Read more

Hasbro slashing 900 jobs as high inflation takes bite out of toy sales

Hasbro said Monday it would cut another 900 jobs globally, nearly a year after the toymaker announced it would reduce 15% of its workforce amid weaker sales. Hasbro had said in January it would cut about 1,000 full-time positions. On Monday, the company said it had already cut 800 jobs. At the end of 2022, Hasbro had employed about 6,490 people … Read more