A jam-packed marketing calendar and new products will launch in celebration of the iconic toy’s milestone
Just Play UK is marking the 80th anniversary of its beloved Slinky toy this year with a host of marketing activity and exciting new products.
“Slinky is one of the most iconic toys within the Just Play portfolio,” said Amy Saunders, UK Country Manager, Just Play UK. “And with the brand marking this all-important chapter, we’ll be investing heavily in marketing to highlight the toy to ensure it not only has its moment but that it continues to delight a whole new generation of kids.”
The company is marking the brand’s milestone anniversary with a jam-packed marketing calendar. Among other activities, the occasion will be celebrated by influencer-led virtual fun and festivities, with family channels challenging one another to set the record for most consecutive steps descended by a Slinky. Plus, there will be paid media, social media support, consumer press placements and more.
To date, over 250 million Slinkys have been sold globally, with Slinky celebrating many accolades along the way
Since first capturing imaginations in 1945, Slinky has become a staple of childhood play and pop culture, but its story began as a happy accident. In the 1940s, naval engineer Richard James was working when he knocked over some springs and observed their “walking” movement. The toy first went on sale at Gimbels department store in 1945, where all 400 units sold out in just 90 minutes.
This classic toy, with its iconic helical shape that allows it to walk down stairs, continues to captivate audiences young and old. To date, over 250 million Slinkys have been sold globally, with Slinky celebrating many accolades along the way.
In the year 2000, Slinky was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame. More recently, Slinky was honoured as one of Hamleys’ Top 100 Toys of All Time. Slinky also features in the Guinness Book of World Records. On 18th February 2014, on BBC’s The One Show, a record of 30 steps was set for most stairs descended by a Slinky.
“Our product development team has been working on some exciting extensions to the range, too,” Amy added. “Already the Slinky range includes Disney Toy Story Slinky Dog and this year will see a plush version of Disney Toy Story Slinky Dog added to the lineup. Plus, Slinky will soon be available in a hilarious new format. Slinky Challenge is the very silly, family-friendly game that invites teams of two – each team joined by a Giant Slinky – to race against one another to get a disc to travel across the Slinky first by jumping and wriggling their hips.”
