Stellar Partners teams with BuzzFeed to develop branded stores in U.S. airports

Leading U.S. airport retailer Stellar Partners, Inc. and digital media company BuzzFeed have entered into an exclusive agreement to bring premium news convenience stores to airports across the United States. The partnership will tap into BuzzFeed’s consumer insights to elevate the merchandise strategy. 

The first two BuzzFeed stores will open in the spring of 2022 in LaGuardia Airport’s newly built Terminal C.

“We are incredibly proud of this collaboration to develop exciting retail stores that bring the power of BuzzFeed news and entertainment to airports nationwide,” says Stellar CEO Padraig Drennan. “Stellar’s retail expertise combined with BuzzFeed’s trendsetting appeal will help redefine newsstands and convenience for the modern traveller.”

“We are thrilled to build a long-term partnership with Stellar and extend the BuzzFeed brand to airports across the country,” adds BuzzFeed’s SVP of Consumer Products, Melanie Summers. “We’ll utilise our data-driven research and insights to give consumers a curated travel experience with the products they want most.”

Travelers at LGA will be able to quickly grab travel supplies, snacks, magazines, beauty and lifestyle items, and more while speeding through self-checkout. While travelers are browsing, they will be able to see the latest news and entertainment provided by BuzzFeed on monitors throughout the store. Stores will also support local businesses and carry products for purchase that will vary by region.

The new LGA news convenience stores and partnership with BuzzFeed represent Stellar’s vision to introduce new and exciting concepts to airports. These locations will be the latest in Stellar’s portfolio of news convenience stores across 21 U.S. airports.

FaNaTtiK expands its licensing deal with Yu-Gi-Oh!

Award-winning collectible and gift specialist FaNaTtiK has secured a three-year extension to its long-standing licensing agreement with the hit brand Yu-Gi-Oh!, covering additional new products and territories.

Yu-Gi-Oh! has been entertaining and engaging audiences globally for over 25 years through its Manga, TV series (with over 900 episodes), three feature films, consumer products, hit mobile games Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links and Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel, as well as the immensely popular Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME. 

“Some Anime brands may come and go but Yu-Gi-Oh! is an evergreen with a passionate fan base that appreciate the gifts and collectibles we have created over the years,” says Anthony Marks, M.D., FaNaTtiK. “We look forward to creating many more fan focused products featuring this global IP over the next three years and beyond.” 

Jennifer Coleman, Vice President of Licensing and Marketing at Konami Cross Media NY, says: “FaNaTtiK is a tremendous partner for the Yu-Gi-Oh! brand. Its wide range of unique gifts and collectibles have delighted fans in the European market. We are excited to extend our relationship with FaNaTtiK to include even more products we believe will continue to impress fans. FaNaTtiK’s passion and understanding of the Yu-Gi-Oh! brand shines through in what it creates.”

FaNaTtiK will be supplying the North American, UK, Europe MENA and Australasian markets via its own offices and network of distributers. As well as the vibrant independent trade where Yu-Gi-Oh! thrives, the company will have products that appeal to all levels of pop culture retailers, from online to supermarkets, with a wide spectrum of retail price points and limited-edition pieces.

 

Playmates Toys and Paramount Consumer Products reveal first look at Star Trek: Prodigy action figures

Playmates Toys and Paramount Consumer Products have revealed a first look at the action figures from the Paramount+ animated series Star Trek: Prodigy.

Star Trek: Prodigy follows a motley crew of young aliens who must figure out how to work together while navigating a greater galaxy, in search for a better future. These six young outcasts know nothing about the ship they have commandeered – a first in the history of the Star Trek franchise – but over the course of their adventures together, they will each be introduced to Starfleet and the ideals it represents.

Produced by Nickelodeon Animation Studio and CBS Studios, Star Trek: Prodigy is currently available to stream exclusively on Paramount+ and will debut on Nickelodeon in the U.S. later this year.

At launch, the new toy line will include the following Star Trek: Prodigy characters:

  • Dal R’El figure with Murf
  • Gwyndala
  • Jankom Pog
  • Hologram Janeway
  • Zero
  • Rok-Tahk (coming early 2023)

These five-inch, 1:14 scale figures will feature 14 points of articulation and come packaged in a brand-new blister pack style designed exclusively for the Star Trek: Prodigy toy line.

“We are excited to be bringing Star Trek: Prodigy toys and accessories home to families for the first time. This new lineup we are unveiling is highly focused on playability — we want kids to take the toys out of the packaging and engage in imaginative play as if they were part of the Star Trek world themselves,” says Karl Aaronian, senior vice president, Playmates Toys.

The action figures will be available at online retailers beginning in October 2022 and on store shelves in spring 2023. New Star Trek: Prodigy ships, vehicles and role play toys will be available later in 2023.

HERSHEY’S KISSES x Glamlite cosmetics collection debuts today

The Hershey Company and cosmetics brand Glamlite have teamed up to launch a special makeup collection on Valentine’s Day, February 14.

Bringing the worlds of confectionary and cosmetics together, the fun new range features five eyeshadow palettes inspired by the chocolate brand’s flavours: Milk Chocolate, Special Dark, Milk Chocolate with Almonds, Cookies ‘n’ Crème and Lava Cake. Each palette comes in a resealable collector’s bag and features six ultra-buttery and highly pigmented shades.

The five eyeshadow palettes retail at US$18 each. Additionally, the range includes four scented lip glosses (retailing at US$28/set of four) and a makeup sponge shaped like a HERSHEY’S KISS (retailing at $8 each).

Fans can purchase a bundle of all the products for US$125. In addition, there is a limited-edition collector’s HERSHEY’S KISSES PR box available, which retails for US$145.

The products are available online at www.glamlite.com today, February 14, from 8am PST.

This spring, the items will be available for purchase at the HERSHEY’S Chocolate World store locations in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Times Square in New York City, and Las Vegas, Nevada, as well as at www.shop.hersheys.com.

All products are cruelty-free and vegan.

 

Hello Kitty partners with eyewear brand For Art’s Sake

Sanrio has announced a new collaboration with U.K. eyewear brand For Art’s Sake, with the release of two unique styles of sunglasses and jewellery gift boxes in selected stores across China.

The limited-edition collection features iconic Hello Kitty details and nostalgic shapes, and with only 300 pieces of each style made, the collection is sure to be sought after by the brand’s many fans.

“Welcoming 2022 in style, we are extremely excited to announce our collaboration with Sanrio centered around the iconic and loveable Hello Kitty,” says Xiwen Zhang-Makridis, Creative Director, For Art’s Sake. “For the past five years, For Art’s Sake has striven to produce unique designs, handcrafted from luxurious materials, using innovative technology and bold details. So it only seemed natural to work with the Hello Kitty team and produce an exclusive and collectable collaboration, one of which features two totally unique styles.”

Available in three different colourways, Kitty One and Kitty Two sunglasses are accompanied by either a limited-edition 18-carat gold plated eyewear chain or bracelet and come presented in an opulent pink gift box, signed by Hello Kitty herself in the form of a golden bow. The gift box contains a secret jewellery compartment for storing your bracelet or chain, as well as the exclusive Hello Kitty x For Art’s Sake hand-made faux leather eyewear case.

The collection is available from I.T, PUYI Opticals and Shanghai Code Opticals.

To find out more about the collection, click here.

 

ZAG signs global licensing deal with PMI for Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir

Animation studio ZAG has signed a global licensing agreement with Tel Aviv-based PMI for a line of collectibles, impulse, stationery and school supplies for the global hit series Miraculous – Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir. 

The new merchandise is scheduled to hit shelves in summer 2022. The announcement was made today by Julian Zag, EVP, Global Operations and Head of Consumer Products, ZAG.

The multiple award-winning Miraculous has attracted a massive fan base across the  globe. Miraculous fandom spans more than 120 markets worldwide with four seasons of the series now on air that regularly attract number-one ratings (and a fifth in production), mobile games, the first branded game on the Roblox platform with over 300 million gameplays, a new console game in the works, and the upcoming US$100M+ animated feature.

PMI has mapped out a line of toy products befitting the Miraculous superheroes, including Ladybug and Cat Noir, who will be the main focus of PMI’s extensive line of stampers, toppers, coin purses, key chains, plush backpacks and pencil cases, as well as Matchify card games and other stationery and school supplies.

“We are delighted to finalise our agreement with PMI, a market leader with a unique distribution advantage, reaching multiple points of sale from newsstands and kiosks, to mass market retailers,” commented Julian Zag.

“With season four of the series now available across the globe, and our US$100M+ animated feature coming out this year,  they are the ideal partner to work together with ZAG to bring this extensive line of products to our fans across the globe who are clamoring for more ways to engage with the brand.”

ZAG Games signs deal for first official Miraculous Ladybug console game

 

 

Jada Toys releases collectible “The Batman” Die-cast Batmobile with Figure

In celebration of the upcoming feature starring the Caped Crusader, manufacturer of premium collectibles Jada Toys has released a 1:18 Die-cast Batmobile, a replica that pays homage to the vehicle seen in the highly anticipated The Batman film.

Produced in collaboration with Warner Bros. Consumer Products and DC, the new Batmobile collectible takes its styling cues directly from the film and features angular lines, a detailed interior, and working lights, doors and hood.

The Batman 1:18 Batmobile Die-cast Car and 3″ die-cast figure is available for presale now on Jada Toy’s direct-to-consumer platform Jada Next Level.

Next Level provides a destination for collectors and fans to keep up to date with new releases of unique and limited-edition products, while also providing them access to exclusives and first-to-market products. Through their free subscription and newsletter, collectors can opt in to being among the first to be in on fandom news and releases.

“The Batman” 1:18 Batmobile Die-cast Car debuts on March 15, in line with the film’s release on March 4 in North America and international release beginning March 2, 2022.

Rubies extends Fireman Sam license

Costume manufacturer Rubies has announced the continuation of its successful partnership with leading global toy company, Mattel, Inc., as they announce the extension of the Fireman Sam license.

The new deal signifies the strong relationship built over the years between Rubies and Mattel, as they look to expand their dress-up portfolio across EMEA.

With over 30 years of legacy, the Fireman Sam brand holds a special place in the hearts of millions of children and adults across the globe, with the series airing in over 100 countries. Rubies will continue to manufacture and distribute its current styles along with the addition of exciting new designs to the range for 2022.

Tracey Devine-Tyley, Head of Portfolio and Licensing at Rubies, says: “Our partnership with Mattel and its subsidiaries, responsible for the creation and continued success of the Fireman Sam brand over the years, is set to grow exponentially following this extension. The Rescue Team have been educating young children for over 30 years on the importance of teamwork and safety and we are proud of the values it upholds as they align with our own company morals which we wish to share and impart on our youngest audience, children.

“We are happy to be able to continue to provide youngsters with dress-up that encourages them to act in the heroic and ambitious way that the rescue team of Pontypandy do. Part of our company mission is to inspire children to be the best they can be with our costumes and therefore we are delighted to be able to continue doing this.”

Helen Genia, Head of UK Licensing and Hardlines EMEA Mattel Consumer Products adds: “Fireman Sam is an important piece of British pop culture and a much-loved character across toys, books, fashion, nightwear and dress-up. We are thrilled to expand the license with Rubies to offer children more role-play opportunities and bring to life the characters and world of Pontypandy through fantastic new dress up looks, allowing children to play out heroic adventures.”

Fireman Sam content has over 9.36bn global views to date on the official YouTube Channel and it is a top 5 preschool character brand in Europe, with 360 integration, including toy, consumer products, live events, and publishing.

The Fireman Sam show is produced by Mattel Television and WildBrain and distributed by WildBrain, and is available to watch in the UK on Cartoonito, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Milkshake (Channel 5) and Virgin Media, as well as networks across Europe, Middle East and Africa.

The official Fireman Sam costumes are available to order from Rubiesuk.com or from online stores including Amazon.

Creative Kids and Hasbro partner for innovative new Play-Doh products

Creative Kids, producer of interactive kids’ arts and crafts and STEM toys, has announced a new partnership with Hasbro to produce a variety of new Play-Doh branded products in 2022.

Through the multi-year, multi-national licensing agreement, Creative Kids and Hasbro will introduce a full line of Play-Doh toys with new twists in the Air Dry & Modelling Clay compounds space.

The partnership is a close collaboration between both Creative Kids’ and Hasbro’s product development and marketing teams. Together, the brands are working on a multitude of compounds new to Play-Doh products, including modelling clay and other assortments to offer new creative play experiences.

The first products will launch in Spring 2022 for all distribution channels and will be supported by a dynamic marketing campaign

“We are honoured to partner with Hasbro to help enhance and grow their iconic Play-Doh line,” says Daniel DeLapa, Chief Marketing Officer, Creative Kids. “We have been working on numerous new compounds and to have those innovations branded under the Play-Doh line is a dream come true.”

“Play-Doh has been Shaping Imaginations for generations of families by offering unique and engaging experiences for both kids and parents, for over 65 years,” adds Vice President, Hasbro Global Licensing, Jess Richardson. “This strategic partnership with Creative Kids allows the Play-Doh brand to expand upon that vision, offering kids exciting new innovative compounds to further unlock their creativity and imagination. Can’t wait to see the explorative fun these products will deliver.”

The first products in this new line will debut in the spring. For more information, visit CreativeKids.com.

Sony Pictures Consumer Products and Tockr team up for ‘The Wheel of Time’ inspired wristwatches

American watch brand Tockr has announced a new, limited series of “The Wheel of Time” inspired wristwatches.

With their luminous serpentine watch dials, the new unisex Tockr “The Wheel of Time” models channel the mystery and magic of the new fantasy series from Prime Video and Sony Pictures Television, available to stream now on Prime Video.

Tockr Founder Austin Ivey says: “We are so proud to be the timepiece licensee for ‘The Wheel of Time,’ and it is our hope that this is just the first of many exciting collaborations to come with Sony Pictures Consumer Products and Prime Video.”

Each watch is presented in a 42 mm stainless steel case and is powered within by a high-grade Swiss quartz movement. The solid case back bears a detailed engraving of “The Wheel of Time” logo and a unique serial number engraving.

A textured black silicone strap subtly mimics a serpent’s scales and adds a dramatic finishing touch, complete with a stainless-steel pin buckle engraved with the Tockr logo. Each wristwatch will come delivered in a custom “The Wheel of Time” branded leather pouch.

The watches are available for pre-order ($449 USD each)  exclusively at Tockr.com, shipping worldwide, with delivery in early 2022.