Shopkins Swap-kins Parties Gather Fans Across the U.S. at Toys”R”Us® Stores Nationwide on Saturday, August 15
Moose Toys, one of the fastest growing toy companies in the U.S., announces the first-ever nationwide Shopkins™ Swap-kins experience for fans across the country to gather at their local Toys”R”Us® store to swap characters, build their collections and celebrate the biggest tiny toy on the market. Shopkins is a breakthrough collectible line of cute characters inspired by items found in grocery and department stores – from Apple Blossom and Kookie Cookie to Vicky Vac and Casper Cap. Over 65 million Shopkins have been sold worldwide and the adorable, pocket-sized toys have quickly become playground currency.
Shopkins collectors are encouraged to bring their Shopkins collections and join the Shopkins Swap-kins experience on Saturday, August 15, 2015 from 12 to 2 pm at all Toys”R”Us stores nationwide, where they will have the opportunity to meet fellow fans, trade characters with other attendees, participating in a coloring activity and receive an exclusive collector’s poster and trading cards in a fun and engaging setting that is all about play*. Shopkins fans everywhere are invited to join the conversation and share their swaps on social media using #ShopkinsSwap.
“Shopkins is a global phenomenon with a passionate fan base,” said Paul Solomon, Co-CEO of Moose Toys. “We look forward to celebrating the Shopkins craze with unique experiences for our loyal fans. Like Shopkins, swapping parties will engage and connect collector communities nationwide.”
Top toy YouTube channel, DisneyCarToys, which reaches over two million subscribers, will host the Shopkins Swap-kins party at the Toys”R”Us Times Square flagship store in New York City on August 15 from 12 to 2pm. For the first time, fans can meet Sandra and “Spidey” from DisneyCarToys at the event. Sandra and “Spidey” will sign autographs, take photos with fans and hand out a Special Event New York Apple Blossom Shopkins character that was specially created for the Toys”R”Us Times Square event**. There were only 800 New York Apple Blossom Shopkins created globally, so fans who receive the character will receive an extremely rare addition to their collection.
“We are beyond excited to finally meet our fans for the first time ever,” said Sandra, host of DisneyCarToys. “Our followers are dedicated Shopkins fans, so we couldn’t think of a better opportunity to thank them for their support and celebrate the success of a brand that has inspired so many of our videos!”
The Shopkins craze has skyrocketed since the brand launched in 2014 and has continued to grow in popularity with each new season. The line now offers over 420 characters and playsets in multiple categories, including grocery, fashion, stationary and housewares, all of which inspire imaginative play among kids. Additionally, the collectability of Shopkins encourages social play, as fans trade characters among friends and work together to grow their collections.
Moose Toys is keeping the Shopkins craze alive by marketing in a way that is relevant to kids through a unique multifaceted campaign, including both digital and traditional channels. Partnering with relevant YouTube influencers, Moose Toys helped introduce the blind bag phenomena with the element of surprise that Shopkins embodies.
Shopkins by the Numbers
Over 100 million characters sold, to date, worldwideShopkins is the fastest-growing brand in the overall doll category (year to date)***Shopkins is the number one property within the Playset Themed Figurines & Accessories (2015)***Shopkins has the number three best-selling item among all toys in the U.S. (year to date)***Over 30 million views of the Shopkins YouTube webisode series, to dateOver 400 million views of Shopkins fan videos on YouTube, to date****Over 147,000 fans and followers on Shopkins social media channels Limited Edition characters (normally retailing from $2.99 and up) retail for upwards of $1,800 each on resale sites
Toys”R”Us continues to offer the largest selection of Shopkins products, including items that can’t be found anywhere else, such as the highly sought-after Fashion Boutique Playset and the Blue XL Shoppin’ Cart, as well as licensed items.
“Since arriving in Toys”R”Us stores last August, Shopkins emerged as a strong seller and we are excited to offer our customers the first nationwide event to experience this hot property alongside fellow fans,” said Melody Young, Vice President, Divisional Merchandising Manager, Toys”R”Us, U.S. “We truly value the partnership we’ve developed with Moose Toys over the years, as we are committed to bringing innovative, appealing and highly collectible toys to market.”
Shopkins was awarded the Toy Industry Association’s 2015 Girl Toy of the Year. For ages five and up, Shopkins is available at trusted retailers, ranging in price from $3.49 to $34.99. Through several licensing partnerships, consumers can also purchase other Shopkins goods, including games, backpacks, apparel and plush toys.
*Giveaway quantities are limited and will be provided to event attendees on a first come, first served basis. No rain checks.
