Category Archives: Retail

Poetic Brands debuts NFL collection at Primark

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A range of men’s T-shirts and sweatshirts from Poetic Brands, based on the American football league, NFL, will launch in Primark this month. The initial collection will be followed up with a larger offering to coincide with the Super Bowl event in February 2022.

Drawing on the rich history of American Football, the collection will feature the instantly recognisable logo of the NFL, as well as the branding of the popular teams that make up the league.

Founded in 1920, the NFL has become a key part of US heritage and culture and is celebrated throughout all states, having become the most popular spectator sport in the United States.

The popularity of American Football has spread worldwide, providing an extensive fanbase throughout the UK, so much so that international games are now played each year in leading London venues. The NFL London Games returned in 2021 and are being planned again for 2022.

Elliott Matthews, Director of Poetic Brands, says: “We’re really excited to launch the first range with Primark. NFL is an iconic brand, and with excitement gearing for the next Super Bowl early in 2022 and the London Games to follow, we’re sure the collection will be a bit hit with fans.”

 

Sony unveils new licensing collabs ahead of Ghostbusters: Afterlife release

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In advance of the Ghostbusters: Afterlife theatrical release on November 19, Sony Pictures Consumer Products (SPCP) is bolstering the Ghostbusters consumer products programme with a raft of new licensing collaborations. With merchandise and interactive experiences covered across all categories, including apparel, publishing, toys and collectables, home goods, seasonal, gaming, interactive games and more, the current Ghostbusters licensing lineup is the brand’s biggest CP programme of all time. In addition to the U.S., the brand can be found in hundreds of formats around the world, including the UK, Germany, Mexico, Japan and Australia.

“A cult classic and cultural phenomenon, the Ghostbusters brand has withstood the test of time reaching a myriad of fans, generation after generation around the globe,” says Jamie Stevens, EVP, Worldwide Consumer Products, Sony Pictures Entertainment. “We are excited to continue celebrating the famed franchise with the Ghostbusters: Afterlife release. Our partners have been fantastic at bringing the beloved brand characters and themes to life through movie-themed products and interactive experiences we are sure fans will never forget.”

All-new Ghostbusters: Afterlife licensee collaborations include the following:

  • A Ghostbusters’ capsule collection featuring apparel and footwear inspired by the film from streetwear brand A BATHING APE. The collection is now available in stores and at BAPE.com and US.BAPE.com.
  • An in-game integration by Halfbrick Studios launching late November in their title Jetpack Joyride.
  • Hasbro’s first-ever Ghostbusters HasLab project, which gives fans the opportunity to get their hands on a Ghostbusters Plasma Series Spengler’s Proton Pack. Visit the crowdfunding platform HasbroPulse.com to pre-order.
  • AR game Ghostbusters: Afterlife ScARe from Imprezario Entertainment, arriving 19 November.
  • Ghostbusters content to be included in Psyonix’s sports-action video game Rocket League. Details will be revealed on the Rocket League Twitter account and website on November 11.
  • “Ghostbusters: Afterlife: The Art and Making of the Movie”, published by Titan, available to pre-order now at Amazon.com.

SPCP is providing a one-stop-shop where fans can find all their favourite goods across every major product category at shop.ghostbusters.com for shoppers in the U.S., Canada, New Zealand and Australia and shop-ghostbusters.com for European shoppers.

Ghostbusters: Afterlife and classic Ghostbusters interactive games, apparel, footwear, collectibles, seasonal, home goods and more are available now:

  • Epic Gameslaunched a Ghostbusters: Afterlife Fortnite in-game integration, where fans completed a series of movie-themed quests in order to unlock a free Ghostbusters back bling.
  • DecoPaccake kits, cake toppers and decoration kits are now available on Amazon.
  • Disguise (the costume division of JAKKS Pacific) costumes, costume accessories and inflatables are available online and at major retailers.
  • Doumakrelaunched limited-edition Campfire Stay Puft and Mini Stay Puft marshmallows. Find nationwide retail locations at https://www.campfiremarshmallows.com.
  • Forbidden Planet has a full assortment of apparel and accessories inspired by the film at www.forbiddenplanet.com.
  • Home décor throws and pillows by Francoare available on Amazon.
  • Funko’s Ghostbusters: Afterlifeassortment includes ten Pop! vinyl figures, all available now for pre-order at Amazon.
  • Giftable keepsake ornaments and itty bittys from Hallmarkare on sale at www.hallmark.com.
  • KIDdesignsdeveloped a line of youth electronics now on sale at Amazon.
  • The largest and most detailedLEGO Ghostbusters ECTO-1 ever created is available at major retailers and at www.lego.com.
  • Mad Engineapparel for the entire family can be found at Walmart.
  • Reebok’s full-familyfootwear and apparel collections is available globally at www.reebok.com/ghostbusters.

Worldwide, numerous licensees are offering gifts, novelties, apparel, accessories, costumes and home goods including: Furyu (Japan); Brand Alliance (UK); The Hut Group (UK); R.H. Smith & Sons / Smiffys (UK); and Walmart de Mexico.

ViacomCBS teams with Asda Opticians for film and TV-branded eyewear

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ViacomCBS Consumer Products UK has announced a new partnership with Asda Opticians and optical wholesaler Alexander Parker Ltd to launch branded optical ranges for spectacle wearers of all ages. The new collections will include branded glasses showcasing some of ViacomCBS’s most iconic properties including PAW Patrol (produced by Spin Master Entertainment), SpongeBob SquarePants and Paramount movie classics such as Grease and Baywatch.

This first-time partnership with Asda Opticians comprises of two ranges of colourful eyewear for kids and adults which are rolling out across more than 130 Asda stores across the UK. The “Kids”collection, featuring Nickelodeon properties such as children’s favourites PAW Patrol, launched this autumn with SpongeBob SquarePants launching on 30 January 2022. The “In the Movies” adult range also launched this autumn and spotlighted some of Paramount Pictures’ classic movies including Grease, Footloose, Top Gun and Baywatch.

The “In the Movies” collection is priced at £80 for one pair, even if lenses need to be varifocal or if consumers need to have thinned lenses. This range also includes sun tints for adults; a second pair includes buy2 save £40 pricing. The “Kids” collection is free with an NHS voucher*, and any of the kids’ frames can be used for prescription sunglasses for just £15.

*NHS vouchers for glasses will only be issued following an eye test if a prescription is required. For more information, visit www.opticians.asda.com.

 

All I want for Christmas… is the Mariah Carey Holiday Collection

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Mariah Carey has launched her very first Holiday Collection, announcing the news with a commercial shared across her social accounts. The range will be available in the US at Target and Wal-Mart, while fans can shop the collection now at MariahCarey.com.

Developed in partnership with NECA, the range is inspired by Mariah’s record-breaking classic “All I Want for Christmas Is You”, and the popular song title, as well as animated versions of Mariah and her beloved dog Cha Cha, are incorporated throughout the designs.

“I’m not sure if you’re aware but Christmas is kind of my thing,” she says. “Putting together this line was so much fun because I added my own festive spin to traditional holiday merchandise. I worked on it all year long and now it’s finally time to share my holiday collection with you all. Merry Christmas!”

The collection ranges from cosy – including blankets, throw pillows, socks and slippers – to festive, with pet outfits, stockings, an ornament, a plush Mariah and Cha Cha, holiday cards and an extensive wrapping-paper kit.

Mariah Carey has consistently dominated the airwaves with 19 Billboard Hot 100 #1 Singles and more than 200 million albums sold to date. Mariah’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is not only a 6x platinum song, but also a worldwide phenomenon that is played year-round and even more heavily during the holiday season.

NECA (National Entertainment Collectibles Association) is a leading creator, marketer and global distributor of licensed consumer products based on some of the world’s most recognisable movies, video games, comic books and pop culture influences. The NECA group of companies includes game developer and publisher WizKids, urban vinyl icon Kidrobot, and Joseph Enterprises, Inc, the creator of Chia Pet, The Clapper and other iconic American Products.

Starter marks its 50th anniversary with Pull&Bear collab

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To mark sports brand Starter’s 50th anniversary, Iconix Europe LLC, the European arm of global brand management company Iconix Brand Group, has teamed up with Inditex’s youth fashion brand Pull&Bear to present the Starter x Pull&Bear Autumn/Winter 2021 capsule collection.

The range combines streetwear with athleisure sportswear and is aimed at a younger fashion-forward demographic. A prominent two-tone theme runs throughout the collection, showcased in a two-tone denim jacket, a patchwork shirt and an oversized cardigan finished with a logo patch.

The centrepiece of the offering is the Starter classic varsity jacket, which has been updated with multiple embroidered Starter 50th anniversary logo patches.

Other standout pieces include a tone-on-tone raincoat with an oversize fit, and faux shearling in the form of a pull-over with a pouch pocket and a second version with a zip fastening, which give a nod to the latest trends. The collection also offers sweatshirt and jogging trouser co-ords, all of which feature pile embroidered logos.

To complete the look, Pull&Bear has developed a comprehensive selection of accessories, including baseball caps, beanies and socks.

The collection will be available in Europe/UK markets, both online at pullandbear.com and in a selected group of stores.

 

 

Hunter collaborates with Disney to create Mickey Mouse inspired capsule collection

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Hunter has collaborated with Disney to create a capsule collection inspired by the playfulness of Disney’s best known character.

Designed for the great outdoors, the collection includes reimagined best-selling rain boot styles, bags and accessories for women, men and kids featuring Mickey Mouse illustrations and an eye- catching take on Hunter’s red box logo.

Iconic styles from Hunter such as the Original Tall, Short and Chelsea boots feature a Mickey Mouse 3-D stamp. The Play boot for both men and women features an all-over print inspired by Hunter’s red box logo. For kids, boots are available in vibrant colourways including pink shiver, borealis blue and aurora orange and feature the takeover logo design.

Accessories including umbrellas and backpacks for both adults and kids feature the logo print in a range of colourways. The collection also includes versatile phone pouches, available in three colourways and incorporating the unmistakeable ear silhouette synonymous with Mickey Mouse.

Launching globally on November 15, the collection will be available to buy from Hunterboots.com and selected stores including Harrods, Nordstrom, ISETAN and Zalando.

 

Casely launches limited-edition collection with Van Gogh Museum

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Casely has launched a collaboration with the world-renowned Van Gogh Museum to present a limited-edition collection of tech accessories, in a deal brokered by IMG. The collaborative products will showcase prominent paintings from Vincent van Gogh.

“Our products are staples in everyday life and we’re thrilled to add beauty to the tech world with this collection,” says Casely CEO Mark Stallings. “We want this collaboration to be a celebration of such a wonderful artist, and a celebration that his legacy continues to live on today.”

Almond Blossom, Sunflowers, Landscape with Houses and Head of a Skeleton with a Burning Cigarette are featured in the collection, bringing Van Gogh’s timeless artwork to a modern canvas.
“A phone is nowadays probably the most gripped, held and used product during the day. Vincent’s art being represented on a phone cover is bound to inspire people to learn more about that particular work or about the painter,” says Van Gogh Museum Business to Business Manager Laurine van Rooijen. “Through our wonderful partnership with Casely, we hope to inspire people in their everyday life with Vincent’s art and his view on the world.”

The collaboration marks the first time officially licensed Van Gogh Museum phone cases will be sold in the United States. The products are available now at getcasely.com/collections/van-gogh, with sizes ranging from the iPhone 6 to the iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Tech-accessory retailer Casely, founded in 2017 by sister and brother Emily and Mark Stallings, supports charitable organisations with a portion of profits from each sale.

 

Zavvi launches exclusive Stranger Things collection ahead of the new season

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Ahead of the new season of Netflix hit Stranger Things, online retailer Zavvi has released a new instalment of exclusive merchandise inspired by the show, with everything from t-shirts to denim jackets and tote bags up for grabs.

To reflect the conflicting worlds of the town of Hawkins and The Upside Down, the team at Zavvi have created ‘fan clubs’ for both El and the Demogorgon. Designed using iconic characters and scenes from throughout the series, the clubs are reflected through the aesthetics of the range, including design and colour palette.

With a clear influence from the 1980s era, the collection features distressed denim jackets, vintage graphic tees, and accessories such as blankets and stickers.  Emblazoned with illustrations of the Demogorgon, stills of Billy Hargrove and calls to find Will Byers, the new exclusive range will be available on Zavvi.com from 6 November 2021, with prices starting from £14.99.

Zavvi Stranger Things: Battle of the Fans Collection

 

 

Levenhuk launches new line of Optics with Discovery, Inc

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Levenhuk, one of the largest distributors of optical devices in Europe, has announced a new collaboration with Discovery, Inc on a line of telescopes, microscopes, binoculars, spotting scopes and weather stations. The line will be available Europea-wide, with a focus on markets including Russia, Spain, Italy, Hungary, Bulgaria, Poland and the Czech Republic.

“We constantly release new products for science followers aiming to fulfill their demands,” says Anton Epifanov, CEO at Levenhuk. “Partnering with an outstanding company as Discovery reflects our commitment to a green future and nature protection.”

“At Discovery, we partner with brands that share our mission of sparking curiosity and educating our global fan base,” says Helen Panayiotou, Licensing Manager, International Consumer Products at Discovery, Inc. “This line of optics with Levenhuk provides a range of high-quality, accessible products to amateur scientists and avid explorers across Europe.”

The Levenhuk Discovery optics range will include a total of 140 SKUs launching from October 2021. Select products will also include a range of knowledge books about space and the micro-world. The line is aimed at adult recreational users and will encourage consumers to explore and learn about the world around them. Retailers of the line include Technopolis (Bulgaria), AFD Genova (Italy), Skypoint (Italy), Telescopios Barcelona (Spain), Alza (Czech Republic), Mall (Czech Republic), Szolnoktavcso (Hungary), Edigital (Hungary), Euromega (Poland), Me (Poland) and Skynet (Poland).

Levenhuk operates an international chain of specialised retail shops called Zoom’n’Joy. The chain includes 81 stores located in 62 cities across Europe and Russia.

For more information about the Discovery, Inc line visit http://www.levenhuk.eu/discovery. 

Moose Toys fast-tracks licensing and entertainment programmes for global sales phenom Magic Mixies

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Moose Toys’ interactive Magic Mixies Magic Cauldron has eclipsed its previous smash-hit Shopkins to become the highest-grossing SKU per week in Moose Toys’ history.

The demand for the product has prompted the company to accelerate a global consumer products licensing programme with top agents in key territories, as well as a robust content plan via strategic entertainment partnerships.

“The worldwide excitement surrounding Magic Mixies has been extraordinary,” says Paul Solomon, co-owner, Moose Toys. “We planned an incredibly aggressive forecast, but sales have far exceeded what we imagined. We tripled our forecast knowing this product was going to strike a chord with kids and their parents. Seeing the response and faced with current shipping challenges, we mobilized quickly to find a work-around, even air shipping goods to meet demand.

“While we expect Magic Mixies to be available during the holiday selling season, given the velocity in preorder and early sales, we expect a complete sell-out.

“Magic Mixies will be the next mega franchise to launch from a hit toy. We’re looking forward to seeing the magic our partners bring to a vast array of consumer products through our world-class global licensing and entertainment programmes.”

In the month since its October 1 launch, Magic Mixies has consistently appeared as the number-one bestselling toy on Amazon and has been named on all major retailer top toy lists, including Walmart Top Rated for Kids, Target and Amazon’s Toys We Love. It has achieved nearly 100,000 units sold by online and instore retailers for the week of Oct 17 nationally, and won top toy accolades in France, Spain and Canada.

Moose Toys will kick off a “very robust” consumer product programme at Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) on November 17. A licensing agents announcement is forthcoming.

“Magic Mixies is a great example of how Moose Toys continues to diversify its brand portfolio,” says Menal McGrath, Vice President, Global Licensing, Moose Toys. “Magic Mixies has strong licensing appeal. Across the board and around the globe, reception to the brand has been so positive we fast-tracked the licensing programme for Fall/Holiday 2022.”