In episode 489 of Total Retail Talks, Editor-in-Chief Joe Keenan interviews Paul Weingard, president and CEO of Schylling, the iconic toy company marking 50 years in the industry this year. Listen in as Weingard provides an overview of the company's history and current business (1:30), his 18-year career at Schylling (3:25), and how the brand stays relevant in the fast-moving toy industry (5:45). He discusses the need for products to appeal to both children and their parents as well as retail partners (7:40), balancing nostalgia with innovation during product development (9:25), and why Schylling believes analog sensory play continues to resonate in a digital age (12:25).

In addition, Weingard discusses the growing "kidult" trend and surge in adult toy collectors (14:40), how small, independent retail partners enable strong customer feedback loops (18:20), and future growth opportunities for Schylling, including launching new brands and innovative products (21:20).

Paul Weingard is an accomplished executive with extensive experience in product development and design leadership. Since 2008, Paul has served as president and previously as vice president of product development at Schylling Inc. From 2005 to 2007, Paul held the position of vice president of product development at Oregon Scientific, a member of IDT Group, and from 1998 to 2005, served as senior director of design at Hasbro. Paul earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Design from the University of the Arts.