Latest news with #Hasbro
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Parents are bracing for sticker shock at the toy store—here's what's driving the price hike
If your usual Target run or Amazon order has started to feel… a little brutal, you're not imagining it. Toy prices jumped a staggering 2.2% between April and May 2025—the biggest monthly spike on record, according to the latest Consumer Price Index from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's 22 times the national inflation rate. So what's going on? One word: than 75% of toys sold in the U.S. are made in China. And with new import tariffs—some as high as 145%, currently paused at 30%—the toy aisle is taking a direct hit. Families are feeling it, big-time. Why? Three words: tariffs, tariffs, tariffs. Toy industry giants like Mattel and Hasbro are raising prices—sometimes by over 30%—to offset the tariffs. Meanwhile, smaller toy stores are scaling back, closing locations, or skipping new product launches Toy giants like Mattel and Hasbro have started raising prices by up to 30%, while smaller shops are scaling way back—closing locations, delaying product launches, or focusing only on bestsellers. In response, parents are pivoting. Fast. Retailers are seeing clear trends: Families are gravitating toward lower-cost classics: puzzles, sensory toys, plushies. Pricey items like $75 block sets are sitting on shelves while $30 stuffies fly. More families are hitting consignment stores, organizing toy swaps, or leaning on Buy Nothing groups. As toy shop owner Amy Rutherford told The Washington Post, 'We're doubling down on what we know will sell. No risks this year.' Related: Fisher-Price recalls more than 250,000 stroller toys due to choking hazard Toys aren't just a holiday line item—they're building blocks for development. Research shows that play (especially open-ended and pretend play) helps kids build cognitive, emotional, and social skills. So when families start scaling back out of necessity, the impact isn't just on the toy shelf—it can ripple into how kids experience creativity and connection. And once again, moms are absorbing the emotional labor of trying to make magic happen while the system works against them. Whether you're prepping for birthdays, back-to-school, or the holidays, here are some budget-friendly ways to keep the fun going: Choose open-ended toys. Magnetic tiles, blocks, and craft supplies stretch farther than toys with one function. Think secondhand first. Check out Kidizen, GoodBuy Gear, or local consignment stores. Lean into DIY sensory play. Rice bins, water beads, or dried beans can entertain toddlers for hours. Swap with your circle. Host a neighborhood toy swap or join a local gifting group. And remember: some of the best play is totally free. Blanket forts. Nature walks. Silly storytime voices that leave your kid in giggles. Related: Mom unboxes her 30-year-old Toy Story toys—and her toddler's joy is straight out of a Pixar movie This isn't just about imports and inflation. It's about how moms are expected to quietly stretch every dollar, fill every gap, and make childhood feel magical—even when policy decisions make that harder than ever. So no, your child doesn't need 30 dolls. But they do deserve a society that doesn't treat their joy like a luxury item. This season, let's redefine 'enough.' It might be fewer toys, a favorite plushie, or an afternoon where you both disappear into a blanket fort. Whatever it is—it counts. And you're doing just fine. Sources: Toy prices are rising at record pace amid new tariffs. June 24, 2025. The Washington Post. Toy prices are rising at record pace amid new tariffs. Consumer Price Index News Release. May 2025. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Consumer Price Index News Release. The power of play: A pediatric role in enhancing development. September 2018. American Academy of Pediatrics. The power of play: A pediatric role in enhancing development. Economic hardship and child development. 2022. Society for Research in Child Development. Economic hardship and child development.
Gulf Business
a day ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Riyadh lands its first official Monopoly board game
Image: Supplied Saudi Arabia's capital has just passed 'Go' for one of the world's most iconic board games. Riyadh Monopoly , the city's first official edition of the world's best-selling board game, was officially unveiled on Thursday at the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), turning skyscrapers, heritage sites and infrastructure projects into tradable tiles. The launch, hosted at the KAFD Conference Centre, brought together senior figures from government, business, education and culture to celebrate what organisers called a 'storytelling platform' for Riyadh's transformation. First launched in 1935, Monopoly has sold over 275 million copies and holds a Guinness World Record as the best-selling board game in history. Riyadh now joins the ranks of global cities, including Dubai, with custom editions. The game will be available in stores across the Kingdom from September 2025. This edition of Monopoly is licensed by Hasbro and produced by KEAD Entertainment. 'Riyadh Monopoly reflects our goal of making big, strategic projects accessible and engaging to all ages,' said Mazroua Al-Mazroua, chief marketing and experience officer at the King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD DMC). 'As the leading destination for international and local businesses in Saudi Arabia, we are creating new opportunities for the next generation to thrive.' More than just a novelty, Riyadh Monopoly is being positioned as a cultural artefact: one that captures the Kingdom's economic ambitions, youth demographics and growing global visibility. With over half the city's population under the age of 20, the game's developers see it as both an educational tool and a piece of national branding. 'This colourful board game captures the city's energy and ambition,' Al-Mazroua added. 'It's a fun way for families and friends to connect with Riyadh's heritage and its exciting future.' Featured landmarks include KAFD, key government entities, and prominent schools such as the British International School Riyadh (BISR). 'We're thrilled to be featured on the board,' said Anna Power, Principal at BISR Diplomatic Quarter. More than just a game The move also reflects Saudi Arabia's broader cultural shift. In line with its diversification goals, the Kingdom has rapidly emerged as a hub for leisure and entertainment. Sharif Hamad bin Majed Alowaishiq, founder and chairman of the Saudi Youth Society, said the game offers a rare blend of education and civic pride. 'This is a brilliant platform for young Saudis to engage with their culture while dreaming big. New generations can see the city's stunning transformation, with important investment in both urban development and cultural preservation.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Is Hasbro Stock Outperforming the S&P 500?
With a market cap of $10 billion, Hasbro, Inc. (HAS) is a game, intellectual property (IP), and toy company. Based in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, the company operates through four segments: Consumer Products, Wizards of the Coast, Digital Gaming, and Entertainment. Companies worth $10 billion or more are generally described as 'large-cap' stocks, and Hasbro fits this criterion perfectly. The company delivers play experiences to kids, families, and fans worldwide through a range of products, including physical and digital games, video games, and toys. Tesla's Robotaxis Reportedly Sped and Veered Into the Wrong Lanes. Does This Crush the Bull Case for TSLA Stock? 1 Dividend Stock to Buy Yielding Over 7% Ditch Big Tech and Buy These 3 Popular Stocks in 2025 Instead Our exclusive Barchart Brief newsletter is your FREE midday guide to what's moving stocks, sectors, and investor sentiment - delivered right when you need the info most. Subscribe today! Hasbro stock has dropped 2.4% from its 52-week high of $73.46. Shares of HAS have gained 17.4% over the past three months, outperforming the S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 5.5% rise. Longer term, HAS stock has climbed 28.2% on a YTD basis, whereas the SPX has risen 3.6%. Additionally, shares of Hasbro have surged 20.7% over the past 52 weeks, surpassing the SPX's 11.4% return over the same time frame. The stock has been trading above its 50-day moving average since late April. Also, it has climbed above its 200-day moving average since early May. Shares of Hasbro jumped 14.6% following the release of its strong Q1 2025 results on Apr. 24. Quarterly Revenue rose 17.1% year-over-year to $887.1 million, surpassing Street expectations. The performance was driven by a 46% surge in the Wizards and Digital Gaming segment, which offset declines of 4% in the Consumer Products segment and 5% in the Entertainment segment. Its adjusted EPS came in at $1.04, marking a sharp 70.5% increase from the prior year quarter and exceeding analyst expectations by 55.2%. In contrast, Planet Fitness, Inc. (PLNT) has underperformed HAS stock on a YTD basis, rising 6.7%. Although shares of PLNT have soared 43.8% over the past 52 weeks, outpacing HAS stock. Due to Hasbro's outperformance, analysts are strongly optimistic about its prospects. The stock has a consensus rating of 'Strong Buy' from the 11 analysts covering it, and it is currently trading below the mean price target of $75.55. On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Sign in to access your portfolio
Geek Tyrant
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
Legendary's Live-Action MAGIC: THE GATRHERING Movie Will Be Written By Noah Gardner and Aidan Fitzgerald — GeekTyrant
It looks like the long-gestating live-action Magic: The Gathering project is finally starting to take shape. According to Deadline, screenwriters Noah Gardner and Aidan Fitzgerald have closed a deal to write the feature film adaptation for Legendary Entertainment and Hasbro Entertainment. While representatives for both companies declined to comment, the attachment of Gardner and Fitzgerald marks a big development in Legendary and Hasbro's plan to kick off a Magic: The Gathering cinematic universe. The film was first announced in February as the starting point for a broader film and TV franchise built around the massively popular card game. As of April, BlackBerry filmmaker Matt Johnson was reportedly the top choice to direct the project, though it's unclear if a deal has officially gone through. Regardless, this latest update signals forward momentum on a project that fans have been waiting years to see materialize. First released in 1993, Magic: The Gathering has evolved into a full-blown cultural phenomenon. 'Marking Hasbro's first $1 billion brand, Magic: The Gathering is recognized as the world's first trading card game, having connected with more than 50 million fans worldwide since 1993.' Players assume the role of powerful planeswalkers who wield spells, summon creatures, and battle across fantasy worlds in an ever-expanding multiverse. That multiverse has grown far beyond the tabletop, with Magic embracing serialized storytelling through card sets, novels, and crossovers with iconic franchises like Dungeons & Dragons and The Lord of the Rings . The built-in lore makes the IP a prime candidate for an epic fantasy franchise, and one that could stand apart from the usual genre fare if handled right. Gardner and Fitzgerald previously teamed up with Hasbro on a now-shelved Power Rangers movie that had Jonathan Entwistle attached to direct. They also worked on The Trench , an abandoned Aquaman spinoff developed for Warner Bros. and DC with James Wan and Peter Safran, and were behind The Patient , a psychological thriller produced with Maximum Effort, Vertigo Entertainment, and 20th Century Studios. The gears are finally turning on this project and longtime Magic fans will be watching closely to see if this adaptation can cast the right spell. Source: Deadline
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Man stunned by 'rare' £2 charity shop find and it's worth a small fortune
Kev was amazed when he stumbled upon a "rare" find and he can't believe the hefty sum it sold for online Charity shops can often be gold mines for those with a keen eye for hidden gems, as one ardent deal-seeker recently found out. Rooting around the board game shelf at his local charity shop, one man struck upon something rather unexpected. Kev, as he simply goes by online, couldn't wait to share his thrift store haul on TikTok, buzzing about snatching up a bargain for a mere £2. He declared: "You're never quite sure what you are going to find when you walk into a charity shop. But this one definitely surprised me." Monopoly sets are a familiar sight in second-hand shops, but Kev highlighted that it's the lesser-known editions that merit attention. With its release stretching back to 1935, Monopoly has spawned well over a thousand special editions, creating an enticing challenge for collectors scouring for something distinctive. As he delved deeper, Kev admitted: "I've never seen this Littlest Pet Shop version before." Hasbro, which also oversees Monopoly, owns the Littlest Pet Shop, known not just for its toys but as an animated series too, reports the Manchester Evening News. The reason Kev was taken aback by his discovery was simple: "There's good reason why - it's a pretty rare game." He mentioned the critical step of verifying whether all necessary components are in place. Luckily for Kev, his due diligence paid off splendidly. Victorious, Kev confirmed: "There they are - the four playable pieces that this game comes with - as well as what looks to be the complete set." When Kev presented his unpriced treasure at the counter, he casually asked how much it might cost. The response from the staff member was music to his ears: "Games are usually £2," she stated. "I'll take that then," Kev exclaimed joyfully, before announcing: "There we go - board game secured for £2 - absolute bargain." Upon getting back, Kev checked the contents of the game and was pleased to find it was "fully complete" and in "really, really good condition". Kev noted: "The playable characters, the cards, the money - it even had the discard cards in there - this has not been played with at all." Everyone was eager to know the actual value of the game. Kev showed an eBay screenshot indicating a similar Monopoly set had recently sold for a sizable £115.12. "It's exactly the same," he underscored, then revealed further prices. He disclosed another version sold earlier fetched £73.08 and one piece from the game astonishingly went for £52. "Pretty crazy," admitted Kev, mentioning there were no exact matches of his version currently up for auction. With optimism, he said: "Fingers crossed I should be getting that £115 or maybe a bit more." Another individual stated: "That is absolutely crazy... great find." While a third praised his eagle eye: "Wow! I would have completely bypassed this, thanks for the tip Kev! Cracking find." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
