Founded in 2012 by Zvika Givli, Mukikim is a privately held toy company that sells its wares worldwide to specialty toy retailers, education markets, museums, national parks, attractions, theme parks, gift stores, specialty catalogs, and internet retailers. Zvika Givli has experience running businesses in Israel and China and he now lives and works in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with his wife and two daughters. Mukikim currently offers ten unique product lines for a range of ages including the excellent ‘e-bird’ series—simple robotic toys that soar through the air like actual birds and entertain both children and cats immensely. Zvika Givli recently took the time to discuss his company and his hopes for its future:
Meagan Meehan (MM) of Entertainment Vine: When was Mukikim started and why was that specific name chosen?
Zvika Givli (ZG): Mukikim was established in 2012. The name is a mispronounce of the word ‘Raisins’ in Hebrew
MM: Right now, how many toys does Mukikim offer? What are your age ranges?
ZG: Sixty unique toys for ages from 3-99 years!
MM: How do you think up ideas for your products? For example, do you ever work with inventors?
ZG: We use children focus groups, office focus groups, and we do work with inventors.
MM: What are some of your most unusual products? Which are most popular?
ZG: Rock N Roll It – flexible, portable piano keyboards and drums & SpyX lines
MM: To date, what has been the most rewarding part of working with Mukikim?
ZG: Dynamic and flexible working environment… A small start-up company based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
MM: Where do you hope the company will be in ten years?
ZG: Major global company in the Toy & Gifts industry. In the short time the company has been established we have grown two-fold each year. This year may be the exception as projections are already running very much ahead of that pace.
MM: What advice would you give to someone who is striving to enter the toy/games industry?
ZG: Keep on being creative and proactive. Our model of offering many categories gives us diversity in the market. Our products appeal to a very wide range of consumers and people (primarily children) with varied interests.
MM: Are there any upcoming events that you would like to mention?
ZG: We will exhibit at ASTRA and all major Toys & Gifts trade shows in North America.
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To learn more, visit the Mukikim website.
