Our thanks go out to Michael Cicharski for forwarding us an email he recently received from Toys R Us UK regarding the Transformers Generationsand Marvel Universe figures.  Michael email themlast week to find out why his local store had not had any new stock and this was their reply.

"Thank you for your email regarding Marvel Universe and Transformers Generations figures, I have contacted our buying department and they have advised that we have no further orders in place for both of those ranges and that they are being discontinued.

I am afraid we have sold through the remaining stock of the transformers Generations figures throughout our stores nationwide. With regards to the availability if the Marvel Universe figures we do have a lot of stock available in other stores, if there are any specific figures you are looking for we can attempt to locate them and have them transferred to Merry Hill.

Once again thank you for taking the time to contact us,

Yours Sincerely

Toys "R" Us Customer Service

Michael contact Hasbro UK's customer service team regarding whether this was a general discontinuation or whether it was just Toys R Us stopping stocking the figure, but they have thus far declined to comment.

Rumour - Has Toys R Us UK Dropped the Kre-Os?

This is just a rumour at the moment, as we are trying to get an official comment from Toys R Us or Hasbro, but it appears that Toys R Us may have dropped the Kre-O line ... either that or it's just the Toys R us near us.

When I visited our local TRU a few weeks back there was a large range of Transformers products, the newly launched Kre-O range was positioned right at the entrance.  Roll on a few weeks and they are no-where to be seen, their spot replaced by CARS.

A visit to the "boys toys" isle was one area of the previous Transformers stock replaced with Power Rangers, and the second area halved in space, with a Buy One get One Half Price offer on.  There was also more Grimlock's then even Simon Furman would want.

I wondered around the store checking for signs of Kre-O's.  Would they be in the Lego section .. no.  Would they be in the discount section .. no.  They were no-where.

So, have you spotted any Kre-O's in stores near you recently?  Do you work for Toys R us can official comment on the situation.  Let us know.

ToyNews has had a chance to sit down with Foye Pascoe, Country Manager UK & Ireland for Hasbro.

You can read the interview in the latest edition of ToyNews Magazine

Hasbro UK are recruiting for a telesales staff at Stockley Park.  If you think you may be interested get in touch with them, and let them know who referred you :-)

Here is the job description

Hasbro is looking to recruit a Telesales Executive at the Stockley Park offices.

The position is a 12-month fixed term contract and the main purpose of role is to take ownership (under direction GSM) of the full Hasbro toy and game product portfolio in designated Orders Direct account base to achieve company set sales and profit targets.

Specific responsibilities/tasks:

• Work with GSM to create, implement and monitor full year account business plans
• Manage 100 accounts with T/O of £5k - £15k.
• Create a call plan and complete daily / weekly sales reports to highlight productivity.
• Maintain the Orders Direct base and keep track of all call backs and telephone appointments and agreed actions.
• Execute and monitor agreed promotions within the business plan
• Attend trade shows in the UK and Ireland where appropriate
• Conduct data analysis to support business planning
• Monitors, record and reports back on key competitive activity with recommendations as necessary
• Build an effective business partner relationship with key Orders Direct accounts
• Fully network across internal customers, e.g. Operations, Marketing and Finance to maximise account serviceability and growth opportunities.·    Monitor stock availability and take initiative to address any issues
• Handle day to day routine account requests and follow up

Knowledge and Skills required

1. Evidence of influencing and negotiating skills to achieve results (both internally and externally)·
2. Good communicator (written and verbal) including active listening ability and presentation skills·
3. Numerate, ability to analyse data and sales information
4. Results oriented
5. Good prioritisation skills
6. Adaptable and demonstrates flexibility
7. Shows enthusiasm and passion for sales Experience
8. Graduate calibre
9. Up to two years exposure in sales environment
10. Minimum of Intermediate level working knowledge of MS Office including Outlook
11. Excellent excel skills
12. Ability to drive and travel in the UK/Ireland

Behaviours/Competencies required

Desirable:

• Degree (preferably business related)
• Commercial background with sales exposure·
• Working knowledge of SAP

If you would like to apply for this position please send your CV to careers@hasbro.co.uk 

Hasbro UK have a job going with a 9 month contract to cover maternity leave.  Here is the advert which is for a Business Account Manager.

"Due to maternity leave, the UK sales department based at Stockley Park is seeking a business account manager to join its existing team. 

The purpose of this role is to support the team in driving sales through accounts to achieve company sales and profit targets. 

The successful candidate will be responsible for implementing and monitoring account current business plans, along with a section of the product portfolio.
The candidate will be required to influence and negotiate with the account to maximise sales, and execute and monitor agreed promotions within the business plan.
The role requires the employee to network across external customers and internal contacts and monitor stock availability as well as handling day to day account requests.


The successful candidate will be of graduate calibre, ideally with experience of working in the toy industry or in a FMCG/consumer durables UK market place.
Candidates will possess a minimum of two to four years experience in sales, along with an excellent understanding of account systems, processes and trading tactics.


The ability to use influencing and negotiating skills to achieve results is essential, along with clear persuasive communication.

The firm is seeking a numerate individual who has the ability to analyse data and sales information.
The ability to be adaptable and be prepared to be flexible covering a variety of work within the team during the cover period is also necessary.


The successful candidate must be result oriented, and possess good prioritisation skills. An adaptable and flexible manner is essential for this role, and candidates must be able to demonstrate enthusiasm and passion.
Excellent understanding of account systems, processes and trading tactics is essential, along with exposure to trade marketing.
Candidates must possess intermediate level knowledge of MS Office including Outlook and Excel, and have the ability to drive and travel in the UK/Ireland.

Closing date: 11th September 2009

Interested parties should send a CV with a covering letter stating why they are suitable for this position and post it to:

Hasbro International,
Human Resource Department,
2 Roundwood Avenue,
Stockley Park,
Uxbridge,
Middlesex,
UB11 1AZ.

Alternatively you can e-mail your CV to: careers@hasbro.co.uk

Please quote the job title.

Earlier in the week we received our copy of Toy News magazine, which this month featured Transformers Revenge of the Fallen as it's Campaign of the Month.  Here's what the magazine had to say.

Hasbro's extensive range of Transformers toys will be boosted next month by the release of the second film.  Prior to that, Hasbro is cranking up demand with a number of marketing initatives including print, PR and TV amoug other things.  ToyNews has more details ...

MORE THAN two decades after its arrival and with countless toys solf through, Transformers has become one of the most successful entertainment fanchises of all time and woven into the global pop culture.  The June 24th release of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures, in association with Hasbro will create a new level of interest in the brand nad the accompanying widespread licensing programme, searhead by the toy range.

Licensing

To give fans all all ages a fully immersive Transformers experiece, Hasbro, together with its toy development team, Digital Media, and Entertainment and Licensing groups, has pulled together a comprehensive program that will offer a wide range of products across all major lifestyle categories.  More than 230 licensees worldside are signed including Activision and Glu Mobile (video and mobile gaming), Rubies (dress up), Smith & Brooks (apparel),GB Eye (posters) and Alpha (back-to-school) to name just a few.  All of these licensees will be bringing their own marketing and PR campaigns to the table which will dovetail nicely into Hasbro's own toy campaign centred around the film.

Marketing

The franchise is the key focus within the Hasbro's boy toys range in 2009, with a full marketing campaign to reflect this.  The onslaught started at the beginning of the year but the heavyweight media campaign kicks off on May 30th to celebrate the toy launch anc continues through to Christmas Day.  The media mix includes kids consumer print, PR, POS, collector/fan focused activity and TV.

TV

The TV campaign will focus on all key segments within the toy line which includes core action figures and role play.  Special promotions are also planned including a tour of the Bumblebee Camaro seen in the film.

Though the toys launch one month prior to the movie release, select retailers will pre-sell key items from May 1st.  These are Optimus Prime (Leader), Bumblebee helmet, Bumblebee arm blaster along with a special Preview wave of Deluxe featuring Bumblebee and Soundwave.  Although retailers can pre-order, the items will not ship until the May 30th on-shelf date.

In addition to Hasbro and other licensee marketing campaigns, Paramount Pictures has a staller line-up of promotuonal partners on-board to promote the film beginning in late-May, including General MOtors and LG Mobile Phones.

Hasbro UK Are currently recruiting for an Account Licensing Manager for the UK and Eire.  You can find the full spec below.

Company: Hasbro
Contact: HR
Email: careers@hasbro.co.uk
Location: Stockley Park, Heathrow
Salary: £38,000 + Bonus + Car Allowance + Excellent Benefits

Account Licensing Manager (UK & Eire)

Hasbro is a worldwide leader in leisure time entertainment products for children and families. Our large portfolio of toys and games has brought joy to millions of people for almost a century. We’re looking for a self-motivated, focused individual to maximise sales in our out-licensing division, looking after the publishing, greetings and back-to-school categories.

The role is to:

· Develop and manage licensing relationships with publishing, back to school and greetings companies utilising Hasbro-owned trademarks and brands to generate revenue

· Achieve budgeted sales revenue and royalty advances through effective management of accounts

· Prepare accurate and timely budget projections and re-forecasts

· Research and present new product ideas to existing and new partners as well as retailers

The person will have:

· Previous experience and knowledge of the publishing industry in a sales oriented role

· Analytical skills with the ability to forecast and meet realistic targets

· An enthusiastic and results oriented attitude

· The ability to think creatively and solve problems

· Excellent communication skills

This is a rewarding opportunity to work with leading brands in a fun and fast-moving environment. If you think you’re the perfect addition to our team, send your CV and covering letter to: careers@hasbro.co.uk or post to: Human Resources Department, 2 Roundwood Avenue, Stockley Park, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB11 1AZ. Closing date for applications: 30th March 2009

In a quick update on the closing of the private area section of the Hasbro stand at the British Toy Fair, it appears that the leak which lead to the closure of the private area containing G.I-Joe: Rise of Cobra and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen movie figures / videos may not have involved a leak of the Transformers items!  Word has reached us that a G.I-Joe leak cause Hasbro US to pull the plug on the display to stop any further leaks from occurring.

Its still unclear as to what the actual leak was (video, images or information) and its unlikely that we will ever find out.  However if we hear any more we will be sure to bring you further updates on this story.

Hasbro is looking to recruit a senior brand manager for its Transformers range.

The firm is looking for someone to take the reins on the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen toy line is released alongside what is expected to be the biggest summer movie of 2009.

Transformers: RoTF is expected to build on the success of the movie year 2007, when Transformers became the number one boys toy and licence.

Hasbro is looking for an exceptional individual who can not only work closely with Paramount pictures, UK retail, Hasbro sales teams, media and PR agencies in the UK but also support a global marketing drive.

Transformers is not just a movie line: the range also consists of Universe and Animated lines, contributing to its 25-year success.

The ideal candidate will have significant relevant experience, ideally in a kids or entertainment role.

Experience in budget management is required as the role has a large A&P. The successful applicant will also need to have strong management skills to enthuse the sales team.

Hasbro is looking for somebody with trade appreciation of the UK retail scene and a person who is self-motivated, highly organised and ambitious with high energy.

Applicants for the role should have a long-term strategy and short-term pragmatism outlook and have a knowledge of media, creative, promotional and PR agencies.

Finally, the right person for the job will need to be a team player.

Please forward your CV and covering letter to careers@hasbro.co.uk

Just a quick reminder that the Transformers Prize-Draw give-away held on HasbroToyShop ends tomorrow.  The three prizes up for grabs are hand painted resin hard-copies of Supreme Roll-Out Optimus Prime, Leader Class Bulkhead and Deluxe Cybertronian Megatron.

For more on Transformers Animated check out TransformersAnimated.com.

We'd previously been told about an official press release being sent out regarding the Hasbro ToyShop competition to win Transformers Animated hard-copy figures by Daniel Sharp, and we've now received an official copy of the press release.

Transformers has a massive collector fan base, and Hasbro wanted to do something special to celebrate this by offering a once in a life-time opportunity to win some awesome hand made figures of characters from the new Transformers: Animated series. These amazing rare figures will be displayed in unique collector cases and will only be available to win through a prize draw on HasbroToyShop.co.uk.
	This is the first time ever that Transformers figures have been displayed in this unique way. The figures up for grabs will be: • Megtron Deluxe • Leader Bulkhead • Roll Out Command Optimus Prime Transformers: Animated is a high-octane, animated action-adventure series based on the beloved 1980s ‘robots in disguise’ of toy and cartoon fame. The Autobots continue their battle against the Decepticons on Earth and this time they have human friends to help them in the search for the AllSpark, such as their energetic 8-year-old guide, Sari Sumdac.
The competition launches on Monday 25 August 2008 and will run until Sunday 14 September 2008. No purchase is necessary and the competition is open to residents in the UK, aged 18 years or over. The full competition Terms & Conditions are available on HasbroToyShop.co.uk from 25 August or by contacting Hasbro Consumer Affairs on 0800 2242 7276 If you want a slice of Transformers history make sure you log on!

Hasbro UK are giving you the chance to win one of three Transformers Animated handpainted resin hardcopy figure through hasbrotoyshop.co.uk. The promotion runs from the 25th August through to the 14th September and is only open to UK residents.

The figures are Leaderclass Bulkhead, Roll-Out Optimus Prime and Deluxe Cybertron Megatron.

Each figure is handpainted, made of resin (so can't transform) and comes in a nice display case. The items are 1 of a kind pieces and we hope to bring you more information on the promotion nearer the time. You can see the Hard Copy Prizes in our Auto Assembly 2008 gallery.

Basic Terms and conditions

You must be over 18, be a resident of the UK and purchase an item from the Hasbro Toy Shop between the dates stated above (when the competition is running).

Just a quick reminder to all fans, especially those in the UK, that Auto Assembly takes place tomorrow in Birmingham. The event, which is all set to break the UK attendence record for a Transformers Convention, is packed with 13 guests, a display of unreleased Transformers (from G1 to Universe), the first ever Hasbro UK apperance and display at a Transformers Convention as well as being filmed for the BBC Midlands and a DVD of unknown origin (though we have an idea of what it could be for).

The guest of honour is Dan Gilvezan, the voice actor behind Bumblbee in the original Transformers cartoon, as well as various other 80's cartoons such as Spider-man.

Hasbro have issued a press release regarding both Transformers Animated and the Transformers Universes Classics line during the British Toy Fair which is taking place right now in London England.

"2007 was a hugely successful year for Transformers, with a blockbuster movie supporting an ever popular toy range. 2008 is set to be just as exciting with the release of the new Transformers: Animated series. Hitting TV screens from march, it's a great twist to the classic story of the "robots in disguise"

Transformers will be exploding into living rooms across the country with the all-new Transformers: Animated series set to launch this Easter. featuring on Nickleodeon, fans everywhere will be treated with the next generation of the popular struggle between the Autobots and the Decepticons. The series will be supported by a whole new range of action figures in the style of the new cartoon with some familiar faces such as Optimus Prime, Bumblebee and Megatron. The full toy line will be available mid year.

Transformers: Animated is a high-octane, animated action-adventure series based on the beloved 1980s 'robots in disguise' of toy and cartoon fame. The Autobots continue their battle against the Decepticons on Earth and this time they have human friends to help them in the search for the AllSpark, such as their energetic 8-year-old guide, Suri Sumdac.

Also launching this Autumn / Winter is the Universe Toy Range which is set to capture the classic Transformers styling, going back to Generation 1 and the Beast Wars, bringing back your favourite characters to excite and inspire a new generation of Transformer fans.

2008 is going to be another big year for the 'robots in disguise' and fans are going to be with them every step of the way!

New Products Include:
Transformers AllSpark Blasters - £19.99
Movie Screen battles - £19.99
Legends AllSpark Battle Packs £5.99
Animated Range - £4.99 - £49.99
Universe Range - £2.99 - £39.99 "

Credit to Action-Figure.com for the report.