Dreamtex partners with Universal Brand Development for home décor collection

Home textile specialist Dreamtex has collaborated with Universal Brand Development to add Universal’s globally popular franchises to its portfolio. The collaboration will bring new home décor collections to the market across a variety of brands, including Jurassic World, Illumination’s Minions, as well as DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls and Spirit.

With Universal set to release blockbuster movies Jurassic World Dominion and Illumination’s Minions: The Rise of Gru in summer 2022, the new products will come at an ideal time to capitalise on high consumer awareness and demand for film merchandise. Dreamtex intends to capture the action of these eagerly anticipated cinema releases within its home textile ranges, bringing famous characters and their adventures to life in fans’ bedrooms and living rooms.

Dreamtex has already begun working on the collections and there has been a great response within the industry, with buyers registering their interest. The new designs and products are set to launch as early as this spring.

Dreamtex Ltd launches Bluey bedding produced in first partnership with the Better Cotton Initiative

The boutique bedding specialist Dreamtex Ltd has partnered with the Better Cotton Initiative for the first time as it prepares to launch its new, sustainably focused Bluey bedding in time for autumn 2021.

Its partnership with the initiative is reflective, says the company, of its commitment to sustainability in licensing and within the bedding industry. The BCI is a global not-for-profit organisation recognised as the largest cotton sustainability programme in the world. It has been formed in order to improve the global cotton production industry and the environment, and as a means to safeguard the future of the sector.

The popular preschool property, Bluey will adorn the first roll-out developed in partnership with the BCI, marking what Dreamtex has billed as a ‘welcome addition to the preschool bedding portfolio.’ Available in single size and made from 100 per cent BCI cotton, the launch duvet focuses on character artwork from the series.

Jo Duckworth, director of Dreamtex Ltd, said: “The team has been excited to bring Bluey homewares to the UK for a long time now. We all know how popular the TV series is in Australia and it’s no surprise it is performing so strongly on CBeebies since making its on-air debut earlier this year. We’re looking forward to bringing in the collection of Bluey bedding, cushions, blankets and towels later this year.

“We’ll be supporting the new collection with PR and influencer gifting to spread the joy of Bluey and her family, and to also promote the introduction of BCI cotton into our manufacturing as we strive to deliver on our commitment to sustainability in licensing.”

Dreamtex Ltd launches Bluey bedding produced in first partnership with the Better Cotton Initiative

The boutique bedding specialist Dreamtex Ltd has partnered with the Better Cotton Initiative for the first time as it prepares to launch its new, sustainably focused Bluey bedding in time for autumn 2021.

Its partnership with the initiative is reflective, says the company, of its commitment to sustainability in licensing and within the bedding industry. The BCI is a global not-for-profit organisation recognised as the largest cotton sustainability programme in the world. It has been formed in order to improve the global cotton production industry and the environment, and as a means to safeguard the future of the sector.

The popular preschool property, Bluey will adorn the first roll-out developed in partnership with the BCI, marking what Dreamtex has billed as a ‘welcome addition to the preschool bedding portfolio.’ Available in single size and made from 100 per cent BCI cotton, the launch duvet focuses on character artwork from the series.

Jo Duckworth, director of Dreamtex Ltd, said: “The team has been excited to bring Bluey homewares to the UK for a long time now. We all know how popular the TV series is in Australia and it’s no surprise it is performing so strongly on CBeebies since making its on-air debut earlier this year. We’re looking forward to bringing in the collection of Bluey bedding, cushions, blankets and towels later this year.

“We’ll be supporting the new collection with PR and influencer gifting to spread the joy of Bluey and her family, and to also promote the introduction of BCI cotton into our manufacturing as we strive to deliver on our commitment to sustainability in licensing.”

Toikido and Dreamtex cosy up for Among Us bedding and homewares

The boutique bedding specialist, Dreamtex Ltd has partnered with Toikido to launch a licensed homewares collection based on the globally popular video gaming franchise, Among Us.

Under the partnership, Dreamtex will be launching Among Us themed bedding, blankets, towels, and cushions later this year, all of which will celebrate and reflect the style of the hit spaceship survival game. Among Us has become a runaway gaming sensation over the past year, recognised for its cast of characters and gameplay centered around deception.

The Dreamtex collection will incorporate 2D characters graphics from the game along with their classic phrases.

“The sell-in so far has been phenomenal with orders already covering the majority of Dreamtex’s customer base,” said Anthony Duckworth, MD of Dreamtex Ltd. “Among Us is already proving to be one of our biggest success stories. It is a must-have brand that can only get stronger through 2021 and beyond, and we will endeavour to maximise all retail opportunities with our innovative approach to product development and design.

“We are delighted to be working with the team at Toikido and excited to have added Among Us to our growing portfolio of gaming brands. We know that Among Us merchandise is in high demand and we are thrilled to be playing our part in the game’s licensing story.”

Darran Garnham, founder of Toikido, added: “We are delighted to bring Toikido and Dreamtex together on this project. Dreamtex’s quality, design, sourcing, and ethical standards are phenomenal, as is their passion for Toikido’s vision for the AmongUs brand.”

Dreamtex Ltd is an award-winning, privately owned UK company offering a bespoke approach to licensed merchandise. The company was founded and is owned by Anthony Duckworth, Andrew Downie, and Jo Duckworth who together bring extensive local knowledge and expertise to the home textile category.

Meanwhile, headquartered in London, Toikido has an ecosystem across licensing, gaming, music and entertainment that aims to react quickly in bringing brands to market. Its partnership with Innersloth Games was devised to bring its flagship gaming brand, Among Us to the toys, apparel, and homewares space for fans across the globe.

Toikido supports UKIE’s ongoing #RaiseTheGame Diversity Pledge.

BBC Studios details raft of UK licensees for Bluey as the pre-school series lands on Disney+

BBC Studio’s popular pre-school animated series, Bluey is making its mark on the UK consumer products space with a new raft of licensees spanning toys, apparel, bedding and accessories as the series makes its arrival on Disney+ this year. Bluey has already been met with a ‘phenomenal response’ in Australia and the US.

Global master toy licensee, Moose Toys, will debut Bluey plush and plastic toys at UK retail in autumn next year, where it will hope to mirror the success it has found in the US and Australian markets, where products have been selling at a record rate.

Lucy Wynn-Jones, head of licensing, Europe, Moose Toys, said: “We are thrilled to bring our toy range for the much-loved Bluey series to fans in the UK. We have no doubt that the toys will be loved by kids big and small.”

The master toy range will coincide with the launch of a line of puzzles from Ravensburger, while a selection of softline partners has also been lined up for the UK. TDP & Aykroyd will deliver on nightwear, swimwear and essentials, Dreamtex will develop bedding and home textiles, William Lamb will launch footwear and bags, and Roy Lowe & Sons will serve up socks.

Rikesh Desai, licensing director for merchandise, partnerships and interactive, BBC Studios, said: “The response to Bluey in Australia and the US has been phenomenal and we’re very excited to introduce the brand’s licensing portfolio to the UK hot on the heels of its arrival on Disney+.”

Six new licensing deals takes Peaky Blinders into new categories for Q4 ‘retail boost’

Endemol Shine Group, alongside the brand owner and production company Caryn Mandabach Productions, has detailed a suite of six new licensees – spanning a new and varied product range –  inspired by the multi-award-winning hit series Peaky Blinders.

It’s believed by the licensing unit that the new products across multiple consumer categories will provide a ‘much-needed boost to the retail industry for Q4’ and have been billed as perfect additions to any Peaky Blinders fan’s Christmas lists.

Already an existing licensee, Half Moon Bay, who have a successful range of glassware, will be launching a premium range of mugs, shot glasses, whiskey stones and hip flasks inspired by the property.

Meanwhile, Kimm and Miller is launching a range of crafted, bespoke gift sets which will include tea and ceramic mug gift set and a whiskey fudge tin gift set. Both ranges will be available in major retailers in AW20.

The boutique bedding specialist Dreamtex Ltd will be launching bedlinen, flannel blankets and a towel, all featuring the Shelby Company branding in a simple black and white design. Reversible bedding sets will be available in single, double and king sizes to cater for all ages.

In the entertainment space, Steamforged Games is bringing Peaky Blinders to table tops with an official card game, Peaky BlindersTM: The Card Game featuring the iconic characters that fans know and love. In the true spirit of the award winning TV drama, the game centres on bluffing and tricking your opponents and will be suitable for three to six players.

Following on from the success of the board game which sold out across multiple retailers, Just Media has developed a Peaky Blinders travel game which will incorporate elements of the current strategic board game, slated for release next year.

Fans will be finally able to host the ultimate Peaky Blinders themed party thanks to a range of party accessories that Smiffy’s will launch in time for Halloween, together with fancy dress outfits inspired by the main characters.

Funiglobal has also come on board as the international e-commerce destination for the Peaky Blinders fancy dress costumes for both Men and Ladies, available for our fans to buy in time for Halloween.

Other forthcoming products include the first licensed videogame, Peaky Blinders: Mastermind from Curve Digital which will launch on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC later this summer.

Jane Smith, group director, brand licensing and gaming, Endemol Shine Group said: “Landing deals with six new licensees demonstrates the strength of Peaky Blinders and its place in the market, and I am thrilled this popular brand shows no signs of slowing down. These latest products are for very different retail areas and without a doubt will bring something for every fan out there.”

Susan Waddell, commercial director, Caryn Mandabach Productions, added: “We are delighted that the fans of the show will now have an even broader range of officially licensed Peaky Blinders inspired products.”

Created and written by Steven Knight (Dirty Pretty Things, Eastern Promises and Locke), the multi-award-winning BBC One series is produced by Peaky Blinders official brand owner Caryn Mandabach Productions and Endemol Shine Group’s Tiger Aspect Productions.

Endemol Shine Group represent a range of global ancillary rights for Peaky Blinders which is distributed by Endemol Shine International across more than 183 countries and airs widely on Netflix internationally including the USA.

In July 2020 Endemol Shine Group was acquired by Banijay, creating the world’s largest international content producer and distributor spanning 22 territories with over 120 production companies and a multi-genre catalogue boasting over 88,000 hours of original standout programming.

Boat Rocker Studios signs raft of leading UK licensees for pre-school hit Love Monster

Boat Rocker Studios has detailed a raft of new licensees for its popular new pre-school series, Love Monster spanning nightwear, bedding, daywear, and dress-up and accessories.

Love Monster launched on CBeebies in January this year and already it has proved a hit among young audiences. Support for the series has now been highlighted through the signing of some of the licensing industry’s leading names across apparel, home textiles, and dress-up products.

Cooneen has signed for nightwear and underwear, Dreamtex for bedding and home textiles, Blues for daywear and swimwear, and Amscan International for dress up clothing and accessories. This A list roster of renowned partners are launching Love Monster ranges from autumn/winter 2020 and spring/summer 2021.

Kate Schlomann, executive vice president of brand management and content marketing, Boat Rocker Studios, said: “Children have taken Love Monster and his menagerie of cute furry friends to their hearts, and soon they will be able to get even closer to their Fluffytown heroes, with these delightful new ranges.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with these best-in-class companies to build Love Monster into a strong brand franchise.”

Love Monster, a quirky, 2D animated 54 x 7’ pre-school series which shares little life learnings from a unique monster with a huge heart, is based on the bestselling pre-school books by Rachel Bright, published by HarperCollins Children’s Books. The show is the result of a collaboration between BBC Children’s In-House Productions, Boat Rocker Studios and the Chinese production company UYoung.

Within the series, Love Monster searches for the right thing to do in a world in which he is one of a kind. Full of heart and helping pre-schoolers understand different emotions, Love Monster showcases the importance of kindness, empathy, connection and instinct. It currently airs weekdays in the UK on CBeebies and has reached over 4 million iPlayer requests since launch in January.

Boat Rocker Studios is managing the global content distribution and consumer products program for the franchise, excluding China and South East Asia which is managed by UYoung.