Welcome to What’s Pop’n V23! We’re stepping into October with big news — showroom season is officially here. Our Cape Town showroom is about to open its doors, and for the first time ever we’re adding a Johannesburg showroom in November. That means even more opportunities for our retail partners to come see the latest and greatest from Solarpop in person. Be sure to reach out to your account manager to book your visit — you don’t want to miss this?
And speaking of big news, Dr Squish has officially squished its way into South Africa with a launch that’s nothing short of amazing. Kids everywhere are already getting their hands glittery with the DIY Squishy Maker and bouncing into fun with the brand-new Putty Buddies. Our marketing campaign is in full swing too — from social media buzz to influencer magic and even a Disney advert lighting up screens, we’re rallying children across the country to create their very own squishies. It’s colourful, it’s creative, and it’s only just the beginning.
🎶 TOP OF THE POPS: Shadows in the Séance 👻✨
This month’s track drifts straight from the spirit world. Inspired by the haunting mystery of Mysterium, Shadows in the Séance blends eerie whispers, echoing piano, and a pulsing undercurrent that feels like the house itself is breathing.
It’s the perfect soundtrack for late-night game sessions where every clue counts and every glance could hide a secret. Just like Mysterium, the song invites you to lean in, trust your intuition, and piece together the puzzle — one spectral hint at a time.
So dim the lights, shuffle the cards, and let Shadows in the Séance set the mood. Because in this game, the answers are never shouted… they’re whispered. 👁️🎵
🏛️ More musical marvels on the way — stay tuned!
Pre-Orders Expiring
Pre-Orders Expiring
Catch pre-orders closing next week and take advantage of any pre-order incentives that may be on offer for them!
The festival of games is back — and this year it’s bigger than ever.
Oktober Game Fest is Solarpop’s largest clearance sale of the year!
From warehouse overflows to unbeatable clearance deals, shelves are stacked high with family favourites, party starters, and epic strategy titles. Whether you’re stocking up or hunting down that must-have grail game, now’s the time to load up for less.
Just like the Oktoberfest we know and love, it’s all about abundance and celebration. Gather your crew, raise your glasses, and join the feast of games and bargains.
📆 Promo runs 26 September – 16 October.
Don’t miss your chance to save big at the OKTOBER GAME FEST! 🥨🍺🎲
Renowned expertise giving us the inside track into the world of Trading Cards Games & Accessories!
Hello Planewalkers!
Last week Wizards of the Coast announced several new releases, with a focus on 2026. Let’s take a closer look at what is coming for the remainder of this year, and next year.
Special Final Fantasy Holiday release – on sale 5 December.
For all the chocobo fans, you can look forward to adding this special Bundle and Scene Box to your collection.
Pre-orders for this special set are now available on our website.
Lorwyn Eclipsed (January 2026)
For the first time in eighteen years, Magic returns to the fan-favourite setting of Lorwyn and Shadowmoor. Personally, I have always been a big fan of faeries so this set is one I’m very excited about! Pre-orders for this expansion are now available on our website.
Secrets of Strixhaven (April 2026)
Class is back in session! It’s been only a few short years since we were introduced to the world of Arcavios and what lessons will be taught this time at Strixhaven University?
Marvel Super Heroes (June 2026)
More Marvel Magic as the five-year collaboration between Marvel and Wizards of the Coast brings us another exciting cross-over.
The Hobbit (August 2026)
2023 went down in history as Magic’s best-ever year, all thanks to the Lord of the Rings Universes Beyond set. We are travelling back to Middle-earth and perhaps this time we will see a dedicated Smaug dragon card.
Reality Fracture (October 2026)
Not much has been revealed about this mystery set, only that we can expect a villain like no other...
Star Trek (November 2026)
What better combination for fans of sci-fi and fantasy than a Magic: The Gathering and Star Trek crossover, in the same year that Star Trek is celebrating its 60th anniversary!
Etienne’s Corner
Hear from Solarpop’s resident expert in Board Gaming & Miniature Gaming!
Howzit folks!
I’m excited to use this newsletter to spotlight a brand-new product that’s set to be a fantastic addition to Star Wars: Unlimited. As with many trading card systems, the entry barrier can sometimes feel steep or confusing. Fortunately, Fantasy Flight Games has developed a highly intuitive starter product designed to help new players find their footing in the Star Wars: Unlimited universe.
This carefully curated, self-contained gaming experience is the perfect introduction, especially for those who are less familiar with trading card games. With clear instructions and a labelled game board, your first match will run smoothly so you can focus on the fun!
And what better backdrop than the legendary Battle of Hoth from The Empire Strikes Back? This two-player starter set walks you step by step through the basics of the game in one of the most iconic Star Wars settings. Choose your side:
Command Darth Vader’s Imperial forces as they march on Echo Base
Lead Leia Organa’s Rebel defenders as they fight to hold their ground
Each pre-built, ready-to-play deck is packed with unforgettable characters and moments from the Hoth conflict, letting you and a friend recreate the epic battle while learning how to play.
The Star Wars: Unlimited – Intro Battle: Hoth set will be arriving in our market this November, so keep an eye out at your favourite retailer.
May the Force be with you!
Terry's Corner
Insights from our expert in Role-Playing Games & Specialty Board Games
Celebrate Spooky Season with the Month of Darkness from Renegade Games
I love Halloween. As a lifelong horror fan, it’s the one piece of American culture I’m happy to welcome into our little corner of Africa; I can let my goth-punk flag fly and no one looks at me weirdly for decorating my house with skulls. It’s a love that’s shared by the wonderful people over at Renegade Game Studios, publishers of the World of Darkness roleplaying games, Vampire: the Masquerade, Werewolf: the Apocalypse, and Hunter: the Reckoning.
With free pre-written stories, a plethora of supplemental guides and game tools, and even some live plays on Renegade’s dedicated Twitch channel, the Month of Darkness is Renegade’s celebration of all things dark and spooky.
Whether you’re a storyteller or a player, a newcomer to the World of Darkness or a longtime resident, or even if you’re none of the above and are just looking for something new and different for your table, this is the best time of year to dive into the World of Darkness. Check out the official Renegade Games Website and the October issues of What’s Pop’n for more info.
Stefan's Corner
Mariska’s Corner
Hear from our resident toy and lifestyle product expert!
Calling all Puzzle Lovers 🧩
Our cute Spy guy range and Trefl puzzles have officially landed — from 500 pieces all the way up to a mind-blowing 9000 pieces! We have a selection of pictures sure to delight from cute animals, scenic landscapes to famous landmarks, there is something for everyone.
Whether you're a casual puzzler or a hardcore enthusiast, we've got the perfect challenge waiting for you.
Dive into beautiful designs, traditional and crazy shapes of quality pieces, and hours of fun.
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Marketing Content
Push your marketing to new levels with the content library.
📂 UNLOCK YOUR NEXT BESTSELLER 💥📸
Ready to turn browsers into buyers? The Solarpop Marketing Library is your secret weapon — loaded with high-impact visuals, campaign-ready assets, and plug-and-play social content built to boost your brand.
💡 Plan a showstopping shelf display? 💬 Want scroll-stopping posts for your feed? 🎯 Need promo graphics that actually drive sales?
It’s all there — easy to access, easy to use, and updated with every major launch.
🚀 Start your next in-store or online push with assets that work as hard as you do.
As the year draws to a close, please take note of our upcoming annual festive break:
Annual Closure: Thursday, 18 December 2025
Reopening: Monday, 5 January 2026
Our team will be unavailable during this period, with final operations wrapping up on the morning of 19 December before we close for the holidays. Normal business will resume on 5 January 2026.
We encourage you to place any urgent orders well in advance to ensure smooth fulfilment before the break.
