MAM
Seminar on pester power influence of kids in purchase decisions on Friday
MUMBAI: Mind Space Events (India) is organising a marketing seminar on Pester Power: The Increasing influence of Kids in today’s buying decisions in suburban Mumbai on 24 January. This is the first of the series of Continuous Marketing Education programmes to be conducted by Mind Space.
Pester Power deals with the level of influence children have on purchase and brand decisions in personal and household consumables. Cars, computers, refrigerators, microwaves and televisions, are just some of the items where children directly or indirectly contribute to brand choice.
The seminar will also address issues connected to understanding and harnessing Pester Power. The seminar will unveil market trends; give insights into domestic competitive issues and business concepts, while initiating exchange of views, exploration of ideas and opinions.
The faculty for the seminar includes ad guru Alyque Padamsee, Turner International MD Anshuman Misra, Godrej & Boyce executive VP Anil Mathur, Pepsi Foods Executive VP Marketing Sudhanshu Goyala and Lowe Lintas India National Creative Director R Balakrishnan [Balki].
Mind Space claims to be dedicated to the education & relearning of entry level brand managers to help them think like brand entrepreneurs.
Brands
Funskool India crosses US$40 million turnover in FY 2025-26
Toy manufacturer posts steady growth despite global headwinds.
MUMBAI: Funskool India has played its cards well turning challenges into steady growth while keeping the fun alive in the toy business. The country’s leading toy manufacturer has reported a turnover of $40 million in FY 2025-26, demonstrating resilience in a difficult global environment. The company recorded an average growth of 14 per cent over the past two years, with exports growing at a healthy 19% year-on-year.
While domestic business grew at a modest single-digit pace, Funskool saw encouraging traction in key categories such as Fundough (dough) and Handycrafts (arts & crafts).
Funskool India Ltd. CEO K.A. Shabir said, “We successfully navigated the challenges posed by US tariffs last year and continued to grow both our export and domestic businesses. Given the ongoing geopolitical situation in West Asia, we are currently working with a moderate growth outlook of 12–15 per cent, with plans to revisit our targets after Q1 once the situation stabilises.”
He highlighted strengthened partnerships with global companies including Spin Master (Canada), Moose Toys (Australia), Melissa & Doug (USA), Asmodee (France), Learning Resources (USA), and Buffalo Games (USA). The expansion of the company’s Goa plant is progressing and is expected to be completed by the end of the current financial year.
Looking ahead, Funskool expects a significant shift in domestic growth momentum for FY 2026-27, driven by new categories such as friction vehicles under the brand “BlazeTrix”, remote-control cars under “VoltRush”, and the addition of popular licences like Paw Patrol.
In an industry where playtime never stops, Funskool has shown that even in turbulent times, a smart strategy and strong partnerships can keep the business ticking along nicely. As it gears up for the next financial year, the company appears well-positioned to build on its solid foundation and bring even more joy to children worldwide.
