Category Archives: Lifestyle

SEGA and Medal Dash team for Sonic the Hedgehog themed virtual run

Posted on by

SEGA of America, Inc. and Medal Dash have announced a new partnership to launch Sonic fans into action in real life, with the ability to earn limited-edition, officially licensed ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ Finisher Swag on the virtual run platform.

Sonic fans can join the Blue Blur anytime and anywhere by running, walking, or hiking 5K, 10K or 13.1 miles via the Medal Dash platform through December 31, 2022. Participants can zoom through neighbourhoods, a favourite trail or even on a treadmill — the Sonic the Hedgehog x Medal Dash event can be completed in one day or split up collectively over multiple days.

“Sonic never shies away from a race, and this was the perfect chance to put participants’ speed to the test toward a fun, health and wellness cause,” says Michael Cisneros, Manager of Licensing at SEGA of America. “We’ve partnered with Medal Dash to make Sonic fans a part of the action while promoting staying fit and having fun in communities across the country.”

Once Sonic fans have crossed the finish line, they can share their accomplishment by either posting their results on the Medal Dash Facebook group, sharing them on Instagram using #medaldash or uploading them to Sonic.MedalDash.com. SEGA and Medal Dash will even help participants celebrate in style with a limited edition ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ hand painted die-cast medal, keepsake bib and tech t-shirt shipped for free right to their front doors. A portion of the proceeds from this event will go to Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organisation assisting one in seven Americans every year.

“We’re always looking to partner with iconic characters to get new and returning event participants excited for our events, and as one of the most iconic speedsters around, Sonic was a no-brainer,” says Tim Herr, Medal Dash Co-Founder. “Participants of all fitness backgrounds can take part, and can even split up their distance goal across multiple days to allow maximum flexibility to stay fit and have fun in the process.

“These events give fans a chance to win some swag from their favourite brands, connect with fellow Sonic fans across the world and join a lively community of 125,000+ Medal Dash participants to cheer you on at the ‘finish line’ virtually, so everybody wins!”

Fans can dash into action and sign up for Medal Dash’s ‘Sonic Challenge’ today at Sonic.MedalDash.com.

 

Kids’ brand Afro Unicorn inks new partnerships

Posted on by

With a mission to provide a platform to uplift, promote and remind children of colour how special they truly are, Afro Unicorn founder April Showers has announced today the expansion of her lifestyle brand for kids (ages 2–12), with new licensing partners signed and a retail launch planned this year.

Afro Unicorn was established in 2019 with the ethos “representation matters”, and incorporates the brand values – “unique, divine, magical” – that every child of colour needs to be reminded of. Showers launched her concept with a direct-to-consumer programme of apparel and accessories, featuring the unicorn characters Unique (the leader), Divine (the motivator) and Magical (the persuader).

With a rapidly growing awareness across social media, Showers has organically grown a solid young fan base for Afro Unicorn, eager to engage with her brand and messaging. Most recently, she has signed multiple licensing partners, including H.E.R. Accessories (accessories), Jay Franco (bedding), MAD engine (apparel), Unique (party supplies), Handcraft (underwear), Silver Buffalo (drinkware) and Centric (sleepwear).

In the party supply category, Afro Unicorn will be one of the first (if not the first) from a black woman-owned brand. A range of products will begin rolling out this year with holiday-themed products also planned for Q4 2022.

Additional key categories in the works for the brand include publishing, toys, and animated content, among others. 

“Our goal from the beginning has been to give girls of colour a unicorn that represents them and encourages them to embrace their uniqueness, love themselves, and be empowered to go out into the world and trailblaze,” says Showers. “We have been so fortunate to holistically create a buzz around Afro Unicorn early on, catching the eyes of such accomplished black women as Tiffany Haddish and Alicia Keys, who have all promoted Afro Unicorn because of its authenticity. We want all of our products to speak directly to the underrepresented black woman and child, and we are thrilled to work with our licensing partners to create products that accomplish that mission.”

 

TOMS and Peppa Pig team up for kids’ shoes capsule collection

Posted on by

Hasbro has unveiled three new kids’ shoes through its TOMS x Peppa Pig collaboration, which are available now for purchase at footwear retail speciality channels and online at https://www.toms.com/us/kids/shoes. Every shoe purchase gives back one-third of profits to efforts around the world that are creating positive change.

Nodding to the kid-favourite Peppa Pig series, the playful TOMS x Peppa Pig capsule collection evokes classic fun with design details inspired by the joy and adventure of Peppa Pig and friends through optimistic sun daisy prints and chambray details.

In Tiny and Youth sizes, the TOMS classic kids’ Alpargata shoe is given a tiny daisy embellishment and a print inspired by the world’s cheekiest little pig. In Tiny sizes, the shoemaker’s classic Cordones Cupsole sneaker takes a cute twist with a print inspired by the much-loved TV character. Prices start at US$ 34.95.

BBC Studios signs new UK partners for Bluey and Hey Duggee

Posted on by

BBC Studios has signed UK licensing deals for Bluey and Hey Duggee for health and beauty products and wheeled toys, as Bluey is named the UK’s number one new toy property for 2021 by NPD.

New deals with H&A and MV Sports will see both properties expand in the UK and follow the recent announcement of agreements with Danilo, Amscan and Character Options for Bluey.

Mandy Thwaites, Director, Magazines & Consumer Products, UK Division at BBC Studios, says: “We’ve been extremely busy behind the scenes with Bluey and Hey Duggee and it’s great to see the interest both properties are generating. Personally, it was a real highlight to attend London Toy Fair and we had so many lovely conversations about the brands. It’s clear that our top dogs have great appeal across preschool audiences and people really connect to their warmth, inclusivity and humour.

“I’m excited to welcome H&A to our fabulous roster of partners and can’t wait for fans to see a great range of Bluey and Hey Duggee bath products on shelves. MV Sports has been a wonderful partner for Hey Duggee wheeled toys and are adding to that range as well as launching Bluey products in the UK. I’m also pleased to share details of further Character Options arts and crafts product lines for Bluey in addition to the deal we announced in December.

“Finally, I’m delighted to hear that Bluey has been confirmed as the number one new property in the UK. The buzz around the brand is phenomenal and it’s really capturing the hearts of the public – and we’re having so many fascinating conversations with potential and existing partners about what we can do to create innovative, sustainable and engaging products for fans of the show.”

Details of the new partnerships are as follows:

H&A, the UK’s number-one supplier of kids’ licensed toiletries, has signed an agreement with BBC Studios to produce health and beauty products including bubble baths, foams, bath bombs, shower gels, soaps and shampoos as well as bathtime accessories for both Bluey and Hey Duggee.

Livy Coare, Licensing and Marketing Manager at H&A, says: “H&A has a long-standing history with BBC Studios and we are thrilled to be working with them again to develop creative and innovative products across both Bluey and Hey Duggee. We are aligned with the BBC in our strategy to further develop sustainable products for kids’ bath time, and will be working closely together to execute exciting new product development.”

MV Sports, the UK’s leading designer of licensed wheeled toys, has agreed a deal to produce a range of Bluey branded bikes, trikes, scooters, ride-ons and accessories. MV Sports is an existing partner of BBC Studios; it already holds the license for Hey Duggee wheeled toys and has recently unveiled additions to the product range.

Phil Ratcliffe, Joint Managing Director, MV Sports, says: “We are delighted to be working on such a prestigious preschool property. Bluey already has a very strong pedigree of sales in other markets which we hope will be exceeded in the case of our UK range of wheeled toys.”

In addition to the recently announced deal for Bluey licensed Weebles toys, BBC Studios has agreed a licence for Character Options to produce activity-based arts and crafts products including colour-your-own backpacks; tabletop easels; craft sets; paint-up plaster figure sets; and scribblers. The new arts and crafts range is set to launch in A/W 2022.

 

MasterChef serves up tea-licious partnership with Akbar Brothers

Posted on by

Banijay Brands has partnered with one of the world’s largest tea producers to inspire a collection of tea blends designed to win over any MasterChef judge.

The partnership will see Sri Lanka’s Akbar Brothers create a unique collection of teas that aim to capture the sense of flair, creativity and quality that the MasterChef brand is known for.

MasterChef: The Champions Collection will be available for tea drinkers worldwide with blends such as Ceylon tea, Earl Grey, Moroccan Mint, Jasmine green tea, Rooibos Orange, Masala Chai, and more.

Alice Bernardi, Director of International Brand Licensing at Banijay Brands – which represents the MasterChef brand internationally – says: “Akbar Brothers is a market leader in driving sustainable practices and renowned for creating high-quality products. This is a partnership that fits perfectly with the MasterChef identity, promoting the core values at the heart of the brand. We hope that millions of MasterChef viewers worldwide can now sit back and enjoy the show with a cup of tea from the Champions Collection.”

“We are delighted to bring this collection to market with blends that we have perfected since 1907,” adds Akbar Brothers Director Mansoor Akbarally. “Every tea in this unique collection is held to the highest standard with the MasterChef seal of approval.

“MasterChef is renowned as a premium brand and one synonymous with quality and integrity, which marries perfectly with our company’s values as one of the largest tea exporters in the world.”

Akbar Brothers delivers leading environmentally sustainable practices, with its tea production facility the first in Asia to reach a net-zero carbon footprint through carbon insetting, certified by The Sustainable Future Group.

To find out more about MasterChef: The Champions Collection, contact the team at info@mastercheftea.com.

The Point.1888 doubles Moomin UK licensing programme with raft of new partnerships

Posted on by

The Point.1888 has announced a raft of new Moomin licensees for the UK market, including The Hut Group and Moonpig.

Since announcing its partnership with Moomin Characters Ltd and Rights & Brands in January 2020, The Point.1888 has focused its retail-first brand extension model to widen both retail and licensing partners on the much-loved heritage brand.

The last two years have been hugely exciting for the Moomin brand, from celebrating their 75th anniversary to launching their ABC initiative, a literacy programme to help develop young readers and writers. This initiative has been hugely successful and will be the basis of a touring exhibition, with the first stop being held at the Eden Project this February half term.

The Point.1888 has now added new partners to the licensing programme, covering a broad range of categories and distribution channels including, but not limited to:

The Hut Group for a DTR consisting of apparel, homewares, furniture, stationery & paper goods, own brand, and collaborations

Fashion UK for kids’ and adult daywear, hosiery, and accessories

Denicci for baby and kids’ day and nightwear

Aykroyds for nightwear, swimwear and underwear

William Lamb for footwear, bags, purses, wallets and umbrellas

Moonpig for personalised POD greeting cards

IAMFY for prints, cushions, and throws

PSTR for print on demand art prints

Heart & Soul for celebration crackers

Artisiana Miniatures for miniature figurines

Potato Cellar for tote bags via Etsy

The Point.1888 has worked alongside Moomin Characters to grow the depth of distribution over the past two years, with licensing deals ranging from a partnership with Oxfam to HMV cross-category activations, through to new lines with dedicated partner Truffle Shuffle for key trade events.

2021 also saw the launch of new babywear SKUs within ASDA George, and new ladieswear lines.

Katie Wilkinson, Head of Publishing & Operations at The Point.1888, says: “We are so privileged to work with Moomin Characters and Rights & Brands on Moomin. It’s a brand whose values are more relevant today than ever before and that chimes so clearly with us as a business and individuals.

“The love for Moomin from both retailers and licensees is palpable and we are excited for how much there is in the pipeline for this brand.”

The Point.1888 secures 7 more licensees for Percy the Park Keeper

JAKKS Pacific announces new Sonic the Hedgehog 2 toys and costumes

Posted on by

JAKKS Pacific and Disguise have announced a new line of toys and costumes launching in spring 2022 in celebration of Paramount Pictures’ feature film, Sonic the Hedgehog 2.

The new line of merchandise from JAKKS is set to include action figures, playsets, vehicles, plush toys and other collectibles just in time for the film’s international release.

Disguise, the costume division of JAKKS Pacific, will also be designing and manufacturing costumes and accessories inspired by characters from Sonic the Hedgehog 2, which will be available to fans this autumn.

“JAKKS Pacific is proud to celebrate the release of the new feature film Sonic the Hedgehog 2 with an all-new line of memorabilia commemorating the Blue Blur’s next great adventure,” says Craig Drobis, Senior Vice President of Marketing at JAKKS Pacific, Inc. “With new waves of collectible action figures, cool new playsets, multiple sizes of plush toys, and an all-new radio-controlled Sonic Speed RC, there is something for every Sonic fan and collector.”

“We’ve seen such a great response from fans to the Sonic the Hedgehog products created by JAKKS Pacific, and we’re thrilled to continue working with them to celebrate Sonic the Hedgehog 2,” adds Alex Gomez, Director of Licensing & Partnerships for Sonic the Hedgehog. “We hope that fans of the Blue Blur will see the collection as a testament of our appreciation and create memorable Sonic experiences with the products for years to come.”

Through the collaboration, Sonic and JAKKS will launch the following new merchandise items:

  • Figurines – An all-new line of 4-inch figures including Dr. Robotnik, Sonic, Tails and Knuckles will be available at retail. Ages 3+
  • Plush Toys – The 9-inch plush assortment is based on fan favourite characters from the movie, Sonic, Tails and Knuckles, and will be available on shelves and online this spring. Additionally, a new 13-inch Sonic Plush will also be available exclusively at Target this spring.
  • Sonic Speed RC Set – The new Sonic Speed RC lets fans recreate the action from Sonic the Hedgehog 2. This set will be available at retail and includes an iconic ring-shaped controller for forward motion, turns and spinning action. The RC lights up when you select Turbo mode for that extra boost. The 6-inch scale articulated Sonic figure is removable. Ages 4+
  • Costumes and Accessories – Disguise has developed a range of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 costumes and accessories in Toddler, Child and Adult sizes, a dress version of Sonic and a Child accessory kit. All styles are coming to retail in stores and online this autumn.
    • Toddler – The Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Toddler includes a super soft jumpsuit with white sleeve cuff detailing, a soft headpiece with Sonic’s signature quills and an attached clear vinyl visor that can be worn up or down.
    • Basic Costume – Sonic Basic is a comfy hooded jumpsuit costume featuring a hood with the stiff felt ears and classic Sonic quills.
    • Classic Costumes – Sonic and his friend Tails both come in a Classic style version. Both costumes have a comfy hooded jumpsuit of velvet minky material with dimensional ears, embroidered eyes and quills for Sonic and a hair tuft for Tails.
    • Sonic Dress Costume – Disguise has also created a dress version of Sonic. This super soft dress with lightning detailing on the skirt comes with a pair of glovettes and a cute headband with Sonic’s signature quills and ears.
    • Sonic Deluxe Costume – This super soft jumpsuit with a detachable tail featuring a detailed Sonic headpiece with attached ears and inflatable quills to give this costume a true movie feel. Also includes a pair of Sonic gloves.
    • Sonic Accessory Kit for Children – The accessory kit comes with a headpiece with ears, inflatable quills, gloves and a pair of red foam shoe covers with lightning bolts.
    • Sonic Adult Unisex Jumpsuit – An extremely soft velvet minky hooded jumpsuit with Sonic’s signature quills and dimensional ears.
    • Hooded Jumpsuits – Disguise will also launch two Fancy Dress styles in the UK and US for Tails and Sonic. These comfy hooded jumpsuits feature stiff felt ears and classic Sonic quills. Stitched tails at the back give the Tails costume an authentic look.

 

Bugatti partners with Bytech for first electric scooter

Posted on by

Luxury sports car marque Bugatti has joined forces with Bytech to launch its first electric scooter, in a deal brokered by IMG. The new state-of-the-art model was revealed at the CES 2022 expo, attended by prominent technology companies from around the world.

Available in blue, black and silver, the electric scooter includes a 700w maximum motor power, nine-inch run-flat tires, three speeds with cruise control, and a 36v/10ah battery. The scooter is constructed with a magnesium alloy frame.

Eli Mizrahi, Business Development Executive at Bytech, says: “We are excited to partner with such an amazing brand that represents luxury, elegance and top quality in a growing industry yearning for enhanced design and improved performance. Focusing on rider safety, we have also incorporated the evolving needs of the consumer through innovative technologies.”

Randy Klein, Vice President of Licensing, IMG, adds: “This collaboration between Bugatti and Bytech further establishes Bugatti as an iconic 360° luxury and lifestyle brand. We are really excited to see the launch of this electric scooter and we have no doubt it will be very popular.”

Recognising safety as a first and foremost concern, the Bugatti electric scooter is equipped with cutting-edge technologies to ensure driver protection. For those purposes, the electric scooter features unique lighting functions. Its dual-turn signals are located on the ergonomic handle grips, as well as above the rear mudguard. Additionally, there are illuminated base lights on the sides of the deck, and a back “EB” monogram projection logo. It has a dual-braking system, a front left hand break lever and rear E-ABS electronic brake for added security and comfort.

The scooter is available in the US, Canada and Mexico.

The Pokémon Company unveils plans for Pokémon Day 2022

Posted on by
Beginning today, The Pokémon Company International is inviting fans around the world to get excited for this year’s Pokémon Day by unveiling news and events from across the franchise in the lead-up to February 27. These updates will be revealed globally on the brand’s official social media channels @Pokemon, and fans are invited to join the conversation with #PokemonDay.

Pokémon Day is an annual event marking the date – February 27, 1996 – that the first Pokémon video games, Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green, launched in Japan. Each year, fans celebrate their love for Pokémon as a community, and to help them celebrate, The Pokémon Company International and its partners are hosting a variety of fan-focused activations.
Pokémon Center, the online destination for official Pokémon merchandise in the US, Canada and UK will be celebrating by unveiling and releasing a variety of new products featuring fan-favourite Pokémon throughout this week. The introductions begin with the launch today of new custom skateboards in the US and Canada by industry craftsman, Bear Walker, featuring Mew and Gyarados (available while supplies last).
Fans around the world can also check their local Pokémon animation broadcaster and streaming services for Pokémon Day-related celebrations featuring classic episodes of the beloved series and movies. Curated collections of episodes and movies leading up to and on Pokémon Day are also available now for free on Pokémon TV. 
“The Pokémon fan community is one of the most passionate and dedicated in the world,” says J.C. Smith, Senior Director of Consumer Marketing for The Pokémon Company International. “We look forward to helping Trainers celebrate their love of all things Pokémon from the Pokémon Trading Card Game to the video games, mobile apps, animation and more every year on Pokémon Day.
“Following Pokémon’s landmark 25th anniversary in 2021, one day did not feel like enough for Pokémon Day 2022, so we invite fans to join us in a week-long countdown to February 27 and enjoy the daily surprise reveals and activations along the way.”

Bing extends partnership with Alton Towers Resort with new themed bedrooms

Posted on by

Acamar Films has shared a first look at the new Bing-themed bedrooms coming to CBeebies Land Hotel at Alton Towers Resort in March 2022.

The rooms, along with a brand-new Bing and Flop live show, are part of Acamar Films’ recently renewed long-term partnership with Alton Towers Resort and BBC Studios, bringing exciting new announcements to CBeebies Land for 2022.

The unique and colourful designs have been created especially for families with preschoolers and include a special interactive entertainment wall and lots of other toddler- friendly features.

From March, Bingsters visiting CBeebies Land Hotel will be able to enjoy the ultimate sleepover in the two new bedrooms. Guests at CBeebies Land will also be able to experience the brand-new Bing and Flop live show, which will be performed daily in the Big Fun Show Time, and Bing’s Sleepover will continue to delight overnight guests at the hotel.

Kirsty Southgate, Director of Experiential and Promotions at Acamar Films, says: “Announcing these new Bing experiences at Alton Towers Resort is a fantastic start to the year. We are thrilled to continue our valued partnership with the BBC and Alton Towers, and incredibly excited at this wonderful milestone in our Bing journey. We can’t wait to see Bingsters’ reactions following the first sleepovers in March.”
Larry Roles, Marketing Director for Alton Towers Resort, adds: “We are really excited to be adding the Bing bedrooms to our portfolio of experiences at the UK’s only CBeebies Land Hotel. We pride ourselves on providing truly immersive experiences for families to enjoy together and really captivate the imaginations of young fans. We’re sure both parents and children will love experiencing this fun new addition to the hotel and we cannot wait to see them being enjoyed by our guests.”