Tag: Jazwares

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Squishmallows fans can now slip into the world’s most iconic 13-hole footwear! Berkshire Hathaway’s Jazwares, one of the world’s leading toy companies, and Crocs, a global leader in innovative casual footwear, are partnering to bring everyone’s favorite ultra-soft plush, Squishmallows, a full line of unique Crocs™ shoes and Jibbitz™ charms. Combining Squishmallows colorful personality with cute and comfy styling, the collection features three vibrant designs available now at your favorite Crocs retailer and online on Crocs.com.

This new collaboration with Crocs is such an exciting way for fans to step into style and show off their love of Squishmallows at the same time. This truly diversifies and elevates our offering for the brand to a new level that will connect with consumers of all ages,” said Gerhard Runken, Executive Vice President of Brand & Marketing, Jazwares.

Matias Infante, Crocs’ Vice President of Global Marketing, added, “This partnership brings together two iconic brands that are passionate about celebrating the spirit of fandom. Like Crocs, Squishmallows has become a beloved staple for those seeking style and comfort. We can’t wait for our fans to experience the ultimate in cozy comfort with this exciting new collection.”

© 2024 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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In 2024, Berkshire Hathaway’s Jazwares, a leading global toy company, has emerged as a standout performer within Berkshire’s consumer products group. Jazwares reported a remarkable 20.3% revenue increase in the first half of the year. Acquired through Berkshire’s October 2022 takeover of Alleghany Corp., Jazwares is the creative powerhouse behind Squishmallows, the world’s number one toy.

The consumer products group encompasses a diverse range of businesses, including recreational vehicles (Forest River), apparel and footwear (Fruit of the Loom, Garan, Fechheimer, H.H. Brown Shoe Group, and Brooks Sports), high-performance batteries (Duracell), custom picture framing (Larson-Juhl), and jewelry (Richline).

The group’s revenues grew by $137 million (3.9%) in the second quarter and $278 million (4.0%) in the first six months of 2024 compared to the same periods in 2023. This growth was driven primarily by higher revenues from Forest River, Jazwares, and Brooks Sports.

© 2024 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Berkshire Hathaway’s Jazwares, a leading global toy company and renowned game studio, has partnered with Sony Pictures Consumer Products to launch the official Cobra Kai: Karate Legends gaming experience on Roblox.

Timed to coincide with the season six release of Cobra Kai on Netflix this summer, Cobra Kai: Karate Legends on Roblox allows players to build and level up their own dojo, training to become the best karate sensei. Players can explore a vast open map set in Cobra Kai’s San Fernando Valley, complete missions to recruit characters from the show, learn epic karate moves, and challenge others in tournaments. The game aims to capture the thrilling action and martial arts of the series.

Judd Karofsky, Executive Vice President at Jazwares, expressed excitement about the project, stating, “Jazwares Game Studio has a proven track record of bringing some of the world’s biggest entertainment franchises to life on Roblox, and we’re thrilled Cobra Kai: Karate Legends is joining the ranks. We’re huge Cobra Kai fans and have focused on creating an authentic experience that captures the heart-pounding action of the series.”

Cobra Kai: Karate Legends, developed by Jazwares Game Studio, will also offer players the chance to purchase virtual merchandise to customize their Roblox avatars. For added excitement, the Cobra Kai Johnny Lawrence figure, available for a limited time at Target stores, includes a virtual code for an exclusive in-game item.

Stacey Kerr, SVP of Worldwide Licensing at Sony Pictures Entertainment, remarked, “We’re looking forward to working with Jazwares Game Studio to bring the Cobra Kai universe to a new generation of fans. This collaboration helps us deliver an immersive gaming experience that will excite fans for the upcoming season.”

All six seasons of Cobra Kai are now streaming on Netflix, with the sixth and final season having premiered on July 18.

© 2024 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Berkshire Hathaway’s Jazwares, known for the popular Squishmallows, has partnered with Paramount Global, a leading media and entertainment company, to release a new line of toys, costumes, and accessories based on some of Paramount’s most iconic franchises.

Under this multi-contract agreement, Jazwares will gain global master rights to produce a wide array of products, including figures, toy vehicles, dolls, plush items, and playsets for Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Additionally, Jazwares will hold the North American rights to create costumes and accessories for not only Avatar but also other popular Paramount properties such as Dora, SpongeBob SquarePants, Star Trek, and Yellowstone.

The new product lines are expected to hit retail shelves in 2025.

“Joining forces with Paramount combines the world’s most beloved entertainment franchises with Jazwares’ unparalleled ability to authentically translate IP across toys and costumes like nobody else in the industry,” said Judd Karofsky, Executive Vice President of Jazwares. “This is an amazing collaboration for Jazwares – to expand our portfolio with some of pop culture’s most iconic stories and characters into products we know fans are going to love.”

Lourdes Arocho, Senior Vice President of Consumer Products & Experiences at Paramount, added, “Jazwares has a proven track record of taking culture-defining brands like Avatar: The Last Airbender and other Paramount franchises and creating outstanding products for consumers to connect with. We are eager to get these product lines of toys and costumes into the hands of fans everywhere.”

© 2024 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Berkshire Hathaway’s Jazwares, known for the popular Squishmallows, has entered into a multiyear global toy licensing agreement with Scottgames, LLC to create a toy line inspired by the Five Nights at Freddy’s survival horror video game & film franchise. This new collection will bring the game’s immersive settings and characters to life through a diverse range of toys, set to launch at mass retail in 2025.

The product line will include character figures of various scales, detailed playsets, plush toys, pet toys, unique collector’s items, and more, allowing fans to engage with the franchise in new and exciting ways. Judd Karofsky, Executive Vice President of Jazwares, expressed excitement about connecting with fans and expanding the Five Nights at Freddy’s universe beyond the screen.

Russell Binder, CEO of Striker Entertainment, highlighted the franchise’s growth into a top media brand over the past decade, attributing its success to a strong fanbase and the steady release of new content. Binder believes Jazwares, being fans themselves, will deliver high-quality, innovative products that will resonate with both new and existing fans.

© 2024 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Berkshire Hathaway’s Jazwares, a prominent global toy company, and the maker of the toy sensation Squishmallows, is reinforcing its UK leadership team by appointing Lucy Whitamore as Sales Director, UK, and Adelle Engelbrecht as Operations Director, UK.

Lucy Whitamore, who transitioned from Tesco to Jazwares in 2019, has consistently showcased her commercial acumen and talent. In her new capacity, Lucy will spearhead the UK and Ireland sales team across all Jazwares brands, driving the formulation and execution of sales strategies aligned with the company’s regional growth objectives. Lucy expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Leading such an exceptional team is truly a privilege, and I eagerly anticipate steering our continued success and expansion in 2024.”

Adelle Engelbrecht, who joined Jazwares in 2020, has played a pivotal role in the company’s rapid growth trajectory. As Operations Director, Adelle will oversee customer operations, warehouse management, and inbound/outbound logistics teams, focusing on strategic growth initiatives and implementing process enhancements to optimize productivity and efficiency. Adelle shared her excitement, stating, “I am thrilled to extend my journey with Jazwares, leveraging past achievements alongside an outstanding team. Over the past few years, we have doubled our UK team and achieved remarkable success across our brands while fostering strong partnerships across all business domains. I am eager to continue this upward trajectory into 2024 and beyond.”

Holly Oldham, Managing Director of UK & European Distributors, lauded the promotions, stating, “As we advance on our growth trajectory in the UK, we are scaling up, and I cannot think of two individuals better suited to lead the charge than Lucy and Adelle. Both possess a fervent passion and unwavering motivation, making them ideal candidates to drive our continued success in the region.”

© 2024 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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In a groundbreaking collaboration, global toy giant Jazwares, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, and the company behind the beloved Squishmallows, is joining forces with international fashion brand H&M to unveil an exciting apparel and accessories line inspired by the iconic plush phenomenon.

The collection is set to debut online on December 7, with a global in-store release following on December 21. This marks the inaugural partnership between H&M and Squishmallows, propelling the plush sensation into the realm of high-fashion and solidifying its status as a premier global lifestyle brand.

“Squishmallows is loved by many kids around the world, and we are so excited to be offering a unique collection to all Squishmallows fans,” enthuses Sofia Löfstedt, Head of Creative and Design at H&M Kids.

Crafted with the signature plush softness that defines Squishmallows, the 42-piece collection caters to kids and tweens and boasts a diverse array of apparel and accessories. From cozy slippers and pajamas to trendy t-shirts, dresses, ear muffs, and hoodies, the line encapsulates the essence of the huggable Squishmallows characters.

Each fashion-forward item embodies the distinct personalities of the lovable plush toys, ensuring that the collection is as irresistibly cuddle-worthy as the Squishmallows themselves. Notably, the H&M collaboration introduces ‘Rodry,’ a yellow bearded dragon Squishmallows plush sporting an all-new look.

“Partnering with H&M, a global force in fashion, allows us to authentically translate the world of Squishmallows into stylish apparel and accessories we know consumers will love,” affirms Sam Ferguson, Senior Vice President of Licensing at Jazwares. “We are steadfast in our vision to expand Squishmallows into a full 360-degree lifestyle brand and are eager for fans to add this epic collection to their wardrobes.”

In the past year, Jazwares has strategically worked towards elevating Squishmallows into a comprehensive lifestyle brand through collaborations with top-tier partners in the realms of fashion, gaming, and various lifestyle categories. This collaboration with H&M adds to the illustrious portfolio of over 70 best-in-class licensees, positioning Squishmallows as a cultural and fashionable force to be reckoned with. As the holiday season approaches, the Squishmallows x H&M collection promises to be a must-have for fans seeking to infuse their wardrobes with the charm and playfulness that defines the Squishmallows brand.

© 2023 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Berkshire Hathaway’s Jazwares, a prominent global toy company, has expanded its reach by acquiring Big Balloon, Australia’s leading full-service toy distributor. With over 12 years of experience, Big Balloon has played a crucial role in the Australian toy industry, fostering both big and small brands through strategic partnerships with major and independent retailers.

Judd Zebersky, the Founder and CEO of Jazwares, emphasized the significance of the Australian market, a thriving $1.7 billion industry. The acquisition of Big Balloon is seen as a strategic investment in Jazwares’ future global growth, establishing a strong foothold in Australia. Zebersky praised Chris Loverso, Co-Founder of Big Balloon, as an excellent manager and welcomed him and his team to the Jazwares family.

Jazwares Australia is poised to make a lasting impact on the toy industry, focusing on the company’s brands and business. According to Zebersky, the team’s dedicated approach will bring value to retail partners and consumers alike. Arthur Ferreira, Senior Vice President of International Sales and Marketing, highlighted the eight-year collaboration between Jazwares and Big Balloon, expressing the intention to strengthen local relationships with global licensing partners and enhance connections with end consumers.

Chris Loverso, who will now serve as Managing Director of Jazwares Australia, emphasized the natural evolution of the partnership, citing shared cultural alignment and a mutual passion for brands. Loverso sees the collaboration as an opportunity to leverage their extensive experience in the Australian marketplace to contribute to the growth of Jazwares brands and support longstanding partners in the region. The union of the two companies as team members marks a significant step forward in delivering value and expanding their market presence in Australia.

© 2023 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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Berkshire Hathaway, renowned for its shrewd investments and diverse portfolio, has found a jewel in Jazwares, one of the world’s fastest-growing toy companies.

This acquisition, as part of Berkshire Hathaway’s October 2022 takeover of Alleghany Corp., is proving to be a game-changer for the conglomerate, as it previously had little presence in the toys and games market. Notably, Jazwares is the creative force behind the toy sensation, Squishmallows—the number one toy in the world.

In the first nine months of 2023, the Jazwares acquisition has yielded substantial dividends for Berkshire Hathaway. The company reported revenues of an impressive $847 million, showcasing Jazwares’ significant contribution to the conglomerate’s financial performance.

Jazwares, a global toymaker with a reputation for innovation and creativity, has rapidly gained recognition in the industry. Squishmallows, the flagship product of Jazwares, have been a resounding success in the toy market. These adorable, soft, and huggable plush toys have become a phenomenon, sparking a craze among collectors and enthusiasts. The lovable characters have made their way into countless households, offering comfort and companionship, and even helping some individuals deal with stress and anxiety.

© 2023 David Mazor

Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell a stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.