The Pokémon Company International has announced that they have hired Monika Salazar as the Director of Licensing for the English branding area which includes the Americas, Australia and New Zealand. She will be responsible for the merchandise licensing program with strategic planning, business development, sales and marketing.

"The Pokémon brand has an incredibly enthusiastic and passionate global fan base," Salazar said. "I look forward to creating new and innovative ways for fans to share their love for Pokémon."


According to her LinkedIn profile, the position is responsible for the: "Drive expansion of consumer goods licensees, categories and target audience segments. Create best-in-class product for the Americas and Australia/New Zealand. Build a team of category experts. Partner with video game, trading card game, online trading card game, and television animation teams to elevate the brand experience across consumer products. Collaborate with retail development to offer innovative exclusive and non-exclusive programs. Make fans happy."

Source: http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2015-01-08-pokemon-company-international-hires-hasbro-vet-as-director-of-licensing

In a press release from the McDonald's Corporation's head office in Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo from President and CEO Sarah El Casanova on December 25th, 2014, it was officially announced that a Pokémon themed Happy Set would begin being sold nationwide in Japan for a limited time starting January 2nd, 2015 at participating locations.

8 separate toys will be distributed during two different time periods in January. Starting January 2nd, 2015, Pikachu's Volt Attack (ピカチュウ ボルトアタック), Fokko's Fire Ring (フォッコ ファイヤーリング), Harimaron's Log Ride (ハリマロン ログライド) and Mega Lucario's Double Wave Spinner (メガルカリオ ダブルはどうスピナー) will be available. Starting January 9th, 2015, Keromatsu's Bubble Disk Shooter (ケロマツ あわディスクシュート), Mega Lizardon X's Fireball (メガリザードン X ファイヤーボール), Dedenne's Flower Ride (デデンネ フラワーライド) and Dancing Yancham (ダンシングヤンチャム) will be available.


Videos and a commercial featuring Abareru-kun from Pokémon Get TV will begin being shown on the McDonald's website and on TV starting January 2nd, 2015.

Pokémon Tretta and Pokémon Scrap Special Gifts

As an added bonus, on January 2nd, 3rd and 4th, 2015, those that purchase a Happy Set will also receive a 1 of 3 special Pokémon Tretta's: Pikachu, Xerneas and Yveltal. On January 10th, 11th and 12th, a Pokémon Scrap serial code card will be distributed with each Happy Set purchased.


Source: http://www.mcd-holdings.co.jp/news/2014/promotion/promo1225a.html

On November 21st, 2014, Toy R Us revealed that the Lucario amiibo would be exclusive to their store and would retail for $13.99 + tax. Many people pre-ordered the amiibo due to its limited run and exclusivity with Toys R Us. On December 19th, 2014, Toys R Us had a technical problem and canceled all of the pre-orders. Unfortunately not everyone will get their pre-orders reinstated automatically due to legal reasons with which method of payment they used to pre-order the Lucario amiibo and Toys R Us has sent out emails to those affected.

Pre-Order Cancellation Reinstatement via Credit Card Email

"We are reaching out today regarding the recent cancellation that has occurred with your online order. Unfortunately, there was a processing error that caused your order to erroneously cancel. However, we want you to know that your order has been reinstated. We thank you for your patience as we work to remedy this situation. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused."

Pre-Order Cancellation via PayPal or Gift Card Email

"We are reaching out today regarding the recent cancellation that has occurred with your online order(s). Unfortunately, there was a processing error that caused your order(s) to cancel. Legally, we cannot reinstate your order(s) however we are working to put a process in place that will allow you to purchase these items within the week. We will be reaching out to you as soon as we have specifics and appreciate your patience and understanding. We sincerely apologize for this cancellation and the inconvenience it has caused and will be in touch shortly."


Those that did not get their pre-order reinstated were sent a promotional code so they could re-order the Lucario amiibo online for $10.99USD. The Lucario amiibo will also be available for purchase in-store at Toys R Us locations starting in February of 2015 but supplies are limited.

About Lucario

Lucario can track a form of energy called an aura, given off by all living creatures. Lucario is the only known Fighting- and Steel-type Pokémon and evolves from Riolu during the day when its happiness is high enough. Lucario specializes in attacks that use aura energy, like Dark Pulse, and its can't-miss move, Aura Sphere.

• Lucario is fighting type Pokémon, making him perfectly suited to battle as an amiibo.
• First appearing in the popular Pokémon Diamond and Pearl game series, Lucario continues with strong presence in key Pokémon games such as Black and White, and X and Y.
• Most currently, Lucario returns as a fighter in Super Smash Bros. for 3DS and Wii U.
• Unlike the other characters, Lucario's power grows as his damage percentage increases, which will certainly add a new dimension as you level up with your amiibo!

Source: http://www.toysrus.com/buy/amiibo/lucario-amiibo-nvlcaaat-54369136

The Red Nendroid (ねんどろいど レッド) that was available as a special order in Japan earlier in 2014 is now available for purchase at the American Pokémon Center website. The Nendoroid: Red Posable Figure costs $49.99USD plus tax and shipping.


This special limited-edition figure captures the spirit of the Pokémon Trainer at its best! You can change Red's expression with three different faces for the right look! Includes a body, three faces, six arms, six hands, three legs, hair and hat, three Pokémon friends: Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle, a Poké Ball, a Master Ball, a backpack, and a base with stand. You can customize Red's look!

• The spirit of the Pokémon Trainer in a posable figure!
• Limited edition collectable figure
• Comes with three unique expressions and three Pokémon friends!
• Includes a body and three legs with six arms and hands plus hair and hat Change pose and details so Red is just right!

Source: http://www.pokemoncenter.com/Pok%C3%A9mon-Center-Nendoroid-Posable-Figure/dp/B00OBSNQM6

The official Japanese Pokémon website has revealed that a set of Cosplay Pikachu Plushies will be available for purchase at the Pokémon Centers starting December 20th, 2014 for 1800yen each. Pikachu Rock Star (ぬいぐるみ　ハードロック), Pikachu Belle (ぬいぐるみ　マダム), Pikachu Pop Star (ぬいぐるみ　アイドル), Pikachu, Ph. D. (ぬいぐるみ　ドクター) and Pikachu Libre (ぬいぐるみ　マスクド) will all be available.


Source: http://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2014/12/141205_p02.html

Over-Lap has announced a new book called the Pokémon Card Game Illust Collection (ポケモンカードゲーム イラストコレクション). The book features the history of the Pokémon Card Game from its debut in 1996 up to the present day XY series. The book will cost 2000yen plus tax and is 192 color pages. The ISBN-10: 4865540199 and the ISBN-13: 978-4865540192.

Book Features:

1. Over 200 carefully selected card illustrations are in the book from the more than 8,000 cards that now exist.
2. Learn how to draw Pokémon taught by a Professional: The process of how to draw illustrations for the Pokémon Card Game
3. Two Card Exclusive for the book: Rayquaza and Dress-up Pikachu Pikachu
4. Interview featuring the Creative Team: Mitsuhiro Arita (有田満弘), Kagemaru Himeno (姫野かげまる氏), Ken Sugimori (杉森建氏), Junichi Masuda (増田順一氏) and Ishihara Tsunekazu (石原恒和氏) [SIC]

Source: http://over-lap.co.jp/book/card/ and http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/4865540199/

To celebrate the launch of Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire, beginning on November 1st, 2014, a new campaign called Pokémon Scrap (ポケモンスクラップ) will begin. Pokémon Scrap is a vouchers system and cards are included with certain physical real world Pokémon products which can be redeemed for virtual item unlocks that can be used in ORAS. Players can begin to collect the required scrap card serials starting on November 1st, 2014 but they can only be entered for redeemable ORAS codes from December 1st, 2014 until April 30th, 2015. Players can begin to collect over 50 different Scrap Cards. Players need to register on the official campaign site and enter their email address in order to participate.

How to Use Pokémon Scrap Cards

On the back of each scrap card is a unique serial code that can be entered on the official Pokémon Scrap campaign site. One you register the serial number, the next tier level is unlocked. Not every tier level contains an unlockable gift though. However, you won't get just one mythical Pokémon. As you collect the scraps, you'll receive up to three mythical Pokémon and five items to help you on your adventure! At each gift tier, a unique Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire serial code will be given which player can use to unlock the gift in the game.


To avoid confusion, 0 (zero), 1 (one), B (Letter), I (Letter), O (Letter) and V (Letter) are not used in any Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire serial codes. If a code is incorrectly entered ten times, players will be locked out temporarily for 24 hours before they can try again.

Unlockable Gifts

Each gift needs a certain number of scrap card codes entered to unlock. Shaymin requires 1, Nugget requires 3, Super Potion requires 5, Keldeo requires 7, Luxuy Ball requires 10, Rare Candy requires 13, Victini requires 16 and the Master Ball requires 20 codes.

Eligible Items

The following product will contain Pokémon Scrap cards with serial numbers. Each product contains only 1 serial code.

• Gaia Volcano and Tidal Storm XY TCG Booster Packs - Available starting on December 13th, 2014
• PokéPan ORAS Strawberry - Specially marked packages starting November 1st, 2014
• Pokémon Vegetable Snacks
• Pokémon Tretta Strengthening Power Set 10 Pack- Available starting on December 26th, 2015
• 3D Pencil Case - Available in early December
• Pokémon Seasoning Mini Pack and Pokémon Curry Pork and Sweet Corn
• McDonald's Happy Sets January 2015
• Namco Arcade Shops - December 5th, 2014 until January 20th, 2015

McDonald's January 2015 Happy Set - Pokémon Scrap Special Gifts

As an added bonus, on January 10th, 11th and 12th, 2015, a Pokémon Scrap serial code card was distributed with each Happy Set purchased.


Source: http://www.pokemon.co.jp/ex/pokescrap2014/

The publisher OverLap has revealed the Pocket Monsters Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire Official Guide Book: Complete Story Walkthrough / Complete Zukan Guide Book (ポケットモンスター オメガルビー・アルファサファイア 公式ガイドブック 完全ストーリー攻略ガイド・完全ぜんこく図鑑完成ガイド). Both books will be released in Japan after the release of Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire and will help players with tons of information on the games. Each book contains a special code to unlock things in the game.

Complete Story Walkthrough	Complete Zukan Guide Book
Release Date: November 22nd, 2014 832 A5 Pages ISBN-10: 4865540059 ISBN-13: 978-4865540055 Price: 1400yen + tax Contains 3 QR Codes for three Secret Bases created by: Junichi Masuda, Shigeru Ohmori and Shigeki Morimoto	Release Date: December 5th, 2014 1040 A5 Pages ISBN-10: 4865540067 ISBN-13: 978-4865540062 Price: 1850yen + tax Contains serial code to unlock 2 Master Balls

Sources: http://over-lap.co.jp/book/oras/ and http://blog.over-lap.co.jp/bunko/?p=6211

The Pokémon Company International announced a lot of new license deals with merchandise companies today in Europe. Below is the press release with the full details.

European Licensing Programme takes shape with new team at The Pokémon Company International

Evergreen brand going strong with the launch of Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire on November 28, multimillion-euro marketing campaign planned, and numerous licensees on board London, UK—October 6, 2014—The Pokémon Company International announced today several new deals with European licensees. Ten new deals have been confirmed with players as diverse as:

· Arguydal: Food & Drinks
· Aventure Diffusion: Footwear
· Bon Bon Buddies: Confections
· Cartorama: Back-to-School Supplies
· Fashion UK: Apparel
· GB eye: Posters, Wall Art & Accessories
· HORI: Video Game Accessories
· RDS Industries: Video Game Accessories
· Vadobag: Back-to-School Supplies
· Winning Moves: Board Games

These new European licensees join existing partners such as global master toy partner TOMY, whose range includes figures, feature figures, role play and plush, Ultra PRO for trading card game accessories, Sun City for apparel, CTI for bedding, and CyP for back-to-school supplies.

The recent wave of partnerships was spearheaded by a newly established European Market Development team at The Pokémon Company International in London, responsible for licensing, retail, and brand promotions across the continent. The team is headed by Mathieu Galante and has just been expanded by the arrival of Samantha Mortimore and Romina Ialongo. The team will be meeting prospective partners throughout the Brand Licensing Europe 2014 expo at The Pokémon Company International Stand (F070).

“Following the enormous success of Pokémon X and Pokémon Y, which launched on Nintendo 3DS a year ago, and the subsequent introduction of the latest Trading Card Game generation, Pokémon TCG: XY, we’re enjoying a large resurgence in sales and interest in the brand. And across CITV, Netflix, and Disney XD and on iTunes, the TV show is being watched by a huge and ever-growing following,” said Marketing Director Anthony Cornish.

“The newly expanded Market Development team, based in our European headquarters in Chiswick, has been hard at work bringing on board new partners, and we’re very excited to announce the first wave of new partners who will help us bring world-class consumer products to our passionate fans,” added Mathieu Galante, Senior Manager of Marketing Development.

The expansion of the European licensing programme follows a period of growth for the Pokémon brand globally. Pokémon has enjoyed a stellar year following the launch of Pokémon X and Pokémon Y in October 2013 with combined sales of nearly 12 million copies globally in the first four months. Today it is one of the most successful video game franchises of all time, with more than 260 million games sold worldwide since its launch in 1996.

The Pokémon Trading Card Game perennially remains the market leader in trading card games worldwide—more than 21.5 billion cards have been shipped to 74 countries in 10 languages. Recent NPD reports from the UK market have suggested that sales of the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) have risen in 2014 by 51%. New Pokémon TCG expansions launch regularly throughout the year, and the next expansion, Pokémon TCG: XY—Phantom Forces, is set to hit stores in early November.

Future projects for The Pokémon Company International and its partners include the launch of the much anticipated video games Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire for the Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 2DS systems on November 28, 2014 . This title is a fresh take on Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire, which launched in 2003 and were fan favourites for the Game Boy Advance system. The launch will be supported by a multimillion-euro marketing campaign.

The Pokémon Company International will be exhibiting at BLE this year at stand F070.

The official Pokémon Center Online has announced its Halloween Collection for 2014. Four Halloween themed plushies have been released.




Pumpkaboo Halloween Poké Plush (Standard Size) - 6 1/4" - $14.99 - Pumpkaboo is round and orange and also just a little bit spooky! This Pokémon Center original is the perfect companion for chill fall nights.

Gourgeist Halloween Poké Plush (Large Size) - 14 1/4" - $34.99 - The biggest Pumpkin Pokémon is the best: Gourgeist becomes the plush of the season! This Pokémon Center original is the perfect companion for spookiness and haunted rooms.


Pikachu Halloween Poké Plush (Standard Size) - 6" - $14.99 - This Halloween Pikachu is ready to rock! This Pokémon Center original brings guitar attitude to your fall nights.

Dedenne Halloween Poké Plush (Standard Size) - 7" - $14.99 - The Antennae Pokémon Dedenne makes sure that the signal comes through! This Pokémon Center original is the perfect companion for fall nights.

Source: http://www.pokemoncenter.com/Halloween-Collections/b/10106854011