US Participation In Spielwarenmesse Rises

U.S. companies ranked No. 7 on the list of exhibitors making the annual trek to Nuremberg, Germany, for the international toy fair. In the January event, 576 first-time exhibitors participated, and U.S. attendance spiked 10%, according to Christian Ulrich, board spokesperson at Spielwarenmesse eG.

“The big American retailers such as Target and Walmart had intensive conversations with the teams from our HQ,” said Thomas Eichhorn, managing director of Germany’s MGA Zapf Creation.

More than 57,500 attendees from 126 countries gathered for the 74th Spielwarenmesse, the world’s largest toy trade fair. The event featured 2,362 exhibitors from 71 countries, each presenting their latest new products and innovations across nearly every category of play imaginable.

Organizers noted the expanded category selection and new hall arrangement led to increased booth activity and activations from exhibitors of all sizes.

“The continuous marked improvement in content at the Spielwarenmesse was clearly appreciated,” Ulrich said. Next year, Spielwarenmesse celebrates its 75th birthday when it opens its doors from Jan. 27–31, 2026.

Mattel Launches LEGO Competitor

At the Spielwarenmesse toy fair, Mattel announced its plans for the Mattel Brick Shop, a competitor to LEGO bricks in the toy building sets category.

The company said Mattel Brick Shop will incorporate features, materials and techniques that inspire people to try something new. The brand will offer creative, sturdy and easy-to-follow builds, as well as an opportunity for post-build customization at competitive prices.

Mattel Brick Shop’s inaugural product is scheduled to hit stores in May, and new building sets will be released on an unspecified timeline in the coming years. Mattel’s building blocks and sets segment is currently centered on its Mega Bloks line. The company has partnered with several top franchises, including Pokémon and Hot Wheels, in its building sets segment.

Mattel said in its latest annual report that competition in the toy segment is rising as the industry is trending toward shorter life cycles for individual toy products, driven by consumers using more sophisticated technology. Additionally, competition is influenced by the fact that a small number of retailers—some of which offer and promote their own private-label offerings—account for a large portion of overall toy sales.

Construction Toys Market Set To Grow Through 2032

The construction toys market is forecast to expand to $25.6 billion annually by 2032, according to research from Global Market Insights Inc.The market is projected to experience a consolidated annual growth rate of 6.5% through 2032.

This growth can be attributed to rising disposable income and spending on toys. In 2023, the construction toys market was valued at $14.6 billion. As parents become more conscious of the developmental benefits that toys can offer, the demand for construction toys that foster learning, creativity and cognitive growth is surging.

The construction toys market is divided into several key product types, including building blocks, construction sets, themed construction toys, magnetic construction toys and others.

Building blocks are cherished for their ability to enhance spatial awareness, stimulate problem-solving skills, and ignite creativity.

These toys continue to be a favorite choice for parents and educators alike due to their proven contributions to children’s cognitive development.

In terms of material, the construction toys market is categorized into plastic, metal, wood and other materials. The plastic segment

accounted for 41% of the market share in 2023 and is projected to grow at a steady annual rate of 7% from 2024 to 2032.

Plastic construction toys are particularly favored for their

durability, lightweight design, and resistance to breakage, making them perfect for active play. This material allows for extended play sessions without worrying about damage, making it an ideal choice for both parents and children.

The United States remains the largest market for construction toys, holding a significant 82% market share in 2024. The demand in the U.S. is fueled by the easy accessibility of construction toys through online platforms and specialized toy retailers. Consumers can compare various products, read reviews and make informed decisions from the comfort of their homes.

Asheville HobbyTown Not Reopening After Hurricane

Due to a lack of lease options, loss of funding, and damaged inventory, the HobbyTown store in Asheville, North Carolina, won’t reopen after Hurricane Helene.

Owner Robert Barrett announced on the store’s Facebook page that the challenges were insurmountable.

“It’s with a heavy heart that I must inform all our great Asheville Customers that factors including lease options, withdrawal of a partner, lack of funding, loss of inventory, and other issues will preclude us from reopening,” Barrett wrote. Other stores in the same shopping plaza, including GameStop and Rent-A-Center, will also remain closed.

Barrett will continue to operate the HobbyTown location in Johnson City, Tennessee. Hurricane Helene struck the Southeast in September 2024, causing more than $78 billion in damage.

In Memoriam: John Saurman

Stevens International President Alan Bass announced the passing of a beloved member of the Stevens International staff, John Saurman, 60.

“John worked for Stevens since 2019 and was a constant source of light throughout the building. Always with a smile on his face, John loved his ice cream, his 76ers, and his Eagles and was never afraid to make his passion known to all. He treated his work family like his actual family and was always happy to see everyone each day. Even amidst the most difficult days of his battle with lung cancer, John was constantlyoptimistic and looking forward to the next day. While we will miss John dearly, we will always remember him fondly as a member of the Stevens family.”

In Memoriam: David Gray

DU-BRO President Bryan Bychowski announced the passing of David Gray, a longtime DU-BRO employee, AMA Hall of Fame Member, and friend, who passed away on Feb. 14, 2025.

“Dave Gray had a lasting impact on DU-BRO Products as well as the RC hobby industry. Many know that Dave Gray invented the first RC helicopter, which still resides in the Smithsonian Institute, but Dave’s contributions didn’t end there. Dave had not only built but invented many machines and processes for DU-BRO Products that are still used today to make parts for the RC model industry. Dave truly was an inventor and mechanical genius. His influence and work will continue to be felt by future generations of modelers and DU-BRO employees.”