Cody Simpson Gets His Toys ‘R’ Us Moment

Cody Simpson appears on the cover of the Toys

It’s been a busy week for Cody Simpson. The tween dream from Australia released a new single, “So Listen,” a collaboration with the hip-hop star T-Pain, and is in the studio wrapping up his first album. And he announced plans to join Big Time Rush on its summer tour. Next on the 15-year-old Simpson’s ascension to pop idol: the cover of a Toys “R” Us catalog.

In addition to being a popular singer with millions of fans, and one who’s helped sell millions of copies of conventional magazines like Teen Beat, Bop and J-14, Cody Simpson is a popular brand as well, with 16 licensing deals for a wide array of products. Toys “R” Us is putting his face of on the cover of its annual catalog, which comes out on Friday, to promote an exclusive line of dolls, clothing and accessories.

“We are thrilled to serve as the ultimate Cody Simpson destination,” said Lisa Harnisch, general merchandising manager of toys at Toys “R” Us, which is planning in-store appearances with the singer this spring. “We want to have everything the tween girl really craves.”

The toy line was introduced in December by a small toy company called the Wish Factory, based in Montclair, N.J. Fashion dolls came first, followed by singing dolls that played clips from two songs, either “On My Mind” or “iYiYi.” More toys are planned, according to Wish Factory, including a singing microphone with a karaoke mode for singing duets with the singer.

The toy line has been a hit for his legion of fans, who were creating their own Cody Simpson merchandise and bringing their handmade T-shirts and jewelry emblazoned with his name and likeness to his mall appearances, said Sara Nemerov, senior vice president for consumer products and brand licensing at the Warner Music Group, the parent company of the singer’s label, Atlantic Records.

“It’s just another aspect of what we’re doing with Cody as a music artist, another branch of his brand,” said Chris Stang, vice president of marketing at Atlantic Records, which is gearing up for a busy year of promotions for the singer. Beyond his appearances on the shelves of Toys “R” Us, his debut album, which is yet to be titled, will be released this summer from Atlantic, and his tour starts on July 5 in Columbus, Ohio.


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