Coco Village Joins the Family of Children's Brands Under Industry Veterans Joe Mimran, Frank Rocchetti, Kartik Rathod, and David Lui 

TORONTO, April 15, 2024 — Mastermind Toys Inc. and a group led by industry veterans Joe Mimran, Frank Rocchetti, Kartik Rathod, and David Lui today announced their acquisition of Coco Village, a cherished brand originating from Quebec. 

Coco Village now joins Mastermind Toys Inc. and Rise Little Earthling, further expanding the group's portfolio in children's and family-oriented brands. This marks the group's first acquisition in Quebec, with a commitment to maintaining Coco Village's operations within the province. "We have always admired Quebec and the creativity of its people, which is vividly reflected in a brand like Coco Village," said Joe Mimran. "Acquiring Coco Village presents a fantastic opportunity for us to create meaningful synergies with our other brands that serve the same customer base. Coco Village products will soon be available in all 48 Mastermind Toys stores across Canada, and we are planning several more exciting projects in the months to come. We are committed to growing Mastermind's position as Canada’s premier specialty toy retailer.” 

All existing orders and pre-orders will continue to be fulfilled within the new structure. Coco Village's online presence as a leader in wooden toys and its direct-to-consumer business model will continue to be a focal point. Several new products are also set to launch in the coming months. 

“With the support of this robust new group, Coco Village, already beloved by hundreds of thousands of families across Canada and the United States, is poised for a bright future.” said Kartik Rathod, CEO of Mastermind Toys.  

About Coco Village  

Founded in 2018 by visionary parents, Coco Village addresses a previously unmet need in the North American market for minimalist and accessible children's toys and furniture. Recognizing a significant gap, Coco Village innovated to create simple, gender-neutral, and affordable products that resonate with modern consumers. Today, Coco Village is a globally recognized brand that is considered a cornerstone in the industry. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in the use of high-quality, eco-friendly materials and their dedication to developing sustainable products. At the heart of the Coco Village mission is a profound respect for the environment, aiming to secure a better future for the next generations. 

About Mastermind Toys 

Mastermind Toys is Canada's Authority on Play and is the country's largest specialty toy and children's book retailer, with 48 stores coast-to-coast and a wonder-filled website. It has a proud 40-year heritage of supporting kids, parents, grandparents, educators, and gift givers by offering a curation of toys and books that help with the development of a child's mind, body, and expression. Its purpose is to inspire generations of lifelong learners through the power of play, with a philosophy that "Play is Kids' Work." 

About Unity Acquisitions Inc. 

Unity Acquisitions Inc., established in 2023, is led by industry veterans Joe Mimran, Frank Rocchetti, Kartik Rathod, and David Lui. Renowned for their extensive knowledge and passion for retail, product design and branding. Unity recently acquired Kit and Ace and Casca Footwear. In addition to Unity, Joe Mimran and Frank Rocchetti oversee the growth of Tilley Endurables Inc., transforming it from a venerable hat brand to a comprehensive apparel brand, available in Canada, the US, the UK, and Australia. In 2020, they introduced Rise Little Earthling, an organic line for babies and toddlers sold across Canada and the US. Joe Mimran is the founder of Joe Fresh, and has also recently collaborated with Staples Inc. to create Gry Mattr by Joe Mimran, a collection of thoughtfully designed office and travel pieces. Kartik Rathod is the CEO of Mastermind Toys and has over 20 years of experience in retail, with a focus on optimizing brands, operations, and developing high performing teams. David Lui is the CEO of Kit and Ace and has over 30 years of entrepreneurial and retail experience with global brands. He is known for his award-winning brand transformations and has a strong passion for scaling businesses.