Tag Archives: gb eye

MGM powers up Vikings: Valhalla licensing programme following successful Netflix debut

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On the heels of the recent Netflix series debut of Vikings: Valhalla, MGM is building momentum for the legendary brand with an action-packed licensing programme spanning all merchandise categories. 

Following on from the immense success of Vikings, which transported viewers to the world of Viking warrior Ragnar Lothbrok, and garnered an incredible 625 million cumulative views across its six seasons and 89 episodes, MGM Television’s Vikings: Valhalla is the newest chapter to thrill the franchise’s army of fans.

Set 100 years after the original series, it dramatically tells the stories of the most famous Vikings who ever lived: Leif Erikson and his sister Freydis, Harald Hardrada and Norman King William the Conqueror. Vikings: Valhalla Season One premiered on February 25 and ranks #1 on the Netflix Top 10 for the week of 2/28 with 113.38M hours viewed, making the Top 10 in 90 countries. The series garnered 80.5M hours viewed during its first two days the week prior, bringing it to an impressive 194M hours viewed in its first nine days.

For the original Vikings, MGM created a global licensing programme featuring more than 30 licensees across apparel, collectibles, publishing, novelty, and gaming. Now, MGM is building an expansive licensing programme for Vikings: Valhalla, with an extensive list of partners already signed on for the journey.

New products, available in the US and Europe, span all categories  and include apparel and accessories from Hot Topic, C&A Modas, Marketing Licensed Products, Hybris Productions, TatooedNow!, Nastrovje and Ecell Global. Viking-inspired costumes are also available from Fungilobal Development, along with collectibles, toys/games and decor from GB Eye and Winning Moves International.

These products are all designed with colours and styles specific to each Viking “clan,” making it a true Viking experience for fans of the hit series. MGM is also planning to expand Vikings: Valhalla’s international presence with new partners in South America and Brazil.

Robert Marick, Executive Vice President of Global Consumer Products and Experiences at MGM, says: “The franchise has such a dedicated fan base and we look forward to expanding our licensing programme to create exciting new products that allow people to unleash their inner Viking.”

 

The Pokémon Company is taking over Harrods’ toy floor in 25th anniversary celebrations

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The Pokémon Company International is taking over Harrods’ toy floor for a month-long activity built to celebrate the brand’s 25th anniversary this year.

From July 27th, Pokémon fans will find themselves immersed in a distinctive branded area in the iconic London department store, featuring digital screens and displays themed with 24 Pokémon characters from all eight of its regions, along with – of course – Pikachu.

Themed activities will enhance the experience through a range of Pokémon product across toys, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, stationery, and accessories.

Alongside toys from Jazwares distributed by Character Options, including popular lines Pokémon Carry Case Playset, My Partner Eevee and Snooze Action Snorlax, fans can find lamps from Teknofun, bespoke prints from GB EYE, collectables from Wand Company and bags, backpacks and wallets from Difuzed.

As well as the latest Pokémon TCG expansion, Shining Fates, fans can discover the unique board game Pokémon TCG Battle Academy.

Mathieu Galante, licensing director (EMEA) for The Pokémon Company International, said: “As consumers return to shops, we wanted to provide an uplifting Pokémon experience to thrill and excite Pokémon’s many fans of all ages, so we are delighted to be returning to Harrods’ iconic store for a special 25th anniversary pop-up.

“Our previous collaborations have been hugely successful, and we hope that Pokémon fans old and new find something to inspire them over the coming month.”

The pop-up continues the collaboration between Pokémon and Harrods following two previous month-long promotions at the store: in May 2019 to promote the launch of the hit live-action movie POKÉMON Detective Pikachu, and in February last year for the launch of the latest video games, Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, which became the fastest-selling Nintendo Switch titles ever.

Global demand for anime ‘shows no signs of slowing’ as Crunchyroll details international licensing deals

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The global anime brand has detailed a full slate of new licensing partnerships across its library of anime series including Jujutsu Kaisen, Bananya, and the Crunchyroll Original series, The God of High School, that sees it span multiple categories across multiple markets.

The roll out arrives in the midst of what Crunchyroll’s head of consumer products, John Leonhardt has described as a market with no signs of slowing down.

“Our latest roundup of deals demonstrates that there is an anime for every fan – from the adorable Bananya, to The Junji Ito Collection of spooky stories or the high-energy sports series Haikyu!! to the Shonen-Jump hit series Dr. STONE, just to name a few,” he said.

Crunchyroll’s European office has secured key deals with partnerships including Captain Tsubasa, My Hero Academia, One Punch Man, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, and Great Teacher Onizuka, among others.

“Crunchyroll has been the world’s best home for anime for more than a decade and represents titles that can drive success to your category,” said Waell Oueslati, director of acquisitions and licensing EMEA at Crunchyroll. “We deliver strong merchandising programs for key IP in the year ahead.”

Among Crunchyroll’s latest round of international and domestic licensing partnerships, the firm has tapped Buffalo Games to develop puzzles and Japanime Games to develop board game titles for Bananya, while Black Clover has been signed to Japanime Games for board game, Trademark Productions for apparel, Traly Group for pins, and Tsume Art for figurines.

Burn the Witch was recently granted to Kitsune Statue for figures and statues, while Cardcaptor Sakura was signed by Fukuya USA for plush. Dr. STONE, meanwhile, was signed by Youtooz, Inc. for Figurines and Haikyu!! was granted to Trademark Products for apparel.

Elsewhere, Jujutsu Kaisen was recently granted to Trends International for posters, and to Zumiez for skateboards and accessories. In Europe, the official French manga publisher will produce a school diary.

Mobile Suit Gundam was granted to Loot Crate for the Mobile Suit Gundam Loot boxes, Princess Connect Re:Dive was recently launched as the newest title from Crunchyroll Games and was granted to Ripple Junction for apparel, and That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime was offered to Trademark Products for apparel and Youtooz, Inc. for figurines.

The God of High School the action-packed Crunchyroll Original series animated by MAPPA was granted to GB eye for beverage, housewares and home decor, to Great Eastern Entertainment for apparel and accessories and to Youtooz, Inc. for figurines, while the Junji Ito Collection was recently granted to Pyramid International for stationery and home decor.

European specific deals have also been closed for Captain Tsubasa which is partnering with Rhinoshield for phone accessories, Barrado Toys for plushies for France and Spain, and with Funko for Pop! figures.

My Hero Academia will extend its current product range with Studio JG for stationery and accessories in Poland, Barrado Toys for plushies for France and Spain, Jacob Company for back to school accessories, Rhinoshield for phone accessories and Aymax for homeware for Benelux

One Punch Man was recently granted to Indiego Distribution for apparel in the UK, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is now in partnership with Bioworld for apparel, and Great Teacher Onizuka is now in partnership with Abysse for gift and collectibles.

Crunchyroll’s global consumer products team provide anime fans worldwide with the best in fashion, home goods, lifestyle and more, managing rights for more than 350 anime series for more than 100 licensees.

Crunchyroll serves more than 100 million registered users and four million subscribers in more than 200 countries and territories. Crunchyroll’s robust online community also includes more than 50 million followers across social media.

GB eye acquired by Abysse Corp as the European fan merchandise specialist positions for global growth

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The European fan-focused merchandise specialist, Abysse Corp has acquired the UK posters and fan merchandise specialist, GB eye in a multi-million pound deal.

The move will combine Abysse Corp’s global presence with GB eye’s extensive local production, manufacturing expertise, and market knowledge, while strengthening the goal to create ‘the best fan-focused products.’

GB eye is recognised as one of ther UK’s market leaders in the production of posters and fan based merchandise since its establishment in 1986. The firm currently boasts over 100 licenses as well as significant agreements with key UK retailers.

Meanwhile, Abysse Corp has enjoyed substantial year on year growth since its inception in 2003. The acquisition will now offer Abysse Corp further distribution into the UK, Europe’s largest market for licensed products.

At the same time, GB eye’s range will now have access to a new level of worldwide distribution. The merger will also offer new warehousing and manufacturing capabilities in the UK and across mainland Europe, helping the team circumnavigate the restrictions imposed by Brexit.

The GB eye Board of Directors said in a press release issued this week that “after 35 years in the business, we are delighted to announce the sale of the company to Abysse Corp.

“We are leaving GB eye in good hands. This was incredibly important to us. Abysse Corp is the perfect fit and has a like-minded business strategy with the ability to identify forthcoming trends and create high quality products for any pop culture fans.

“Abysse Corp plans a smooth continuation of the business by adding the highly regarded GB eye brand to its existing global distribution network. The growth potential of the combined group is very exciting and we strongly believe that this is great news for all the GB eye staff as the business continues to go from strength to strength.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to thank licensors, customers, suppliers, and of course our many loyal staff members who have worked tirelessly over the years to make GB eye the successful business it is today. We wish you all the success in the future.”

Xavier Sartoris, Abysse Corp president, said: “The integration of GB eye is a fantastic opportunity to onboard a well-trained and very professional team. The two companies are really complementary and it is a great step to add GB eye’s production facility to ours in France.

“Local production and a strong domestic distribution is certainly the reason why both companies show such an amazing resilience in the covid time.”

Following the acquisition, the group will employ almost 300 staff and expects a consolidated turnover close to €60 million for 2021.

GB eye acquired by Abysse Corp as the European fan merchandise specialist positions for global growth

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The European fan-focused merchandise specialist, Abysse Corp has acquired the UK posters and fan merchandise specialist, GB eye in a multi-million pound deal.

The move will combine Abysse Corp’s global presence with GB eye’s extensive local production, manufacturing expertise, and market knowledge, while strengthening the goal to create ‘the best fan-focused products.’

GB eye is recognised as one of ther UK’s market leaders in the production of posters and fan based merchandise since its establishment in 1986. The firm currently boasts over 100 licenses as well as significant agreements with key UK retailers.

Meanwhile, Abysse Corp has enjoyed substantial year on year growth since its inception in 2003. The acquisition will now offer Abysse Corp further distribution into the UK, Europe’s largest market for licensed products.

At the same time, GB eye’s range will now have access to a new level of worldwide distribution. The merger will also offer new warehousing and manufacturing capabilities in the UK and across mainland Europe, helping the team circumnavigate the restrictions imposed by Brexit.

The GB eye Board of Directors said in a press release issued this week that “after 35 years in the business, we are delighted to announce the sale of the company to Abysse Corp.

“We are leaving GB eye in good hands. This was incredibly important to us. Abysse Corp is the perfect fit and has a like-minded business strategy with the ability to identify forthcoming trends and create high quality products for any pop culture fans.

“Abysse Corp plans a smooth continuation of the business by adding the highly regarded GB eye brand to its existing global distribution network. The growth potential of the combined group is very exciting and we strongly believe that this is great news for all the GB eye staff as the business continues to go from strength to strength.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to thank licensors, customers, suppliers, and of course our many loyal staff members who have worked tirelessly over the years to make GB eye the successful business it is today. We wish you all the success in the future.”

Xavier Sartoris, Abysse Corp president, said: “The integration of GB eye is a fantastic opportunity to onboard a well-trained and very professional team. The two companies are really complementary and it is a great step to add GB eye’s production facility to ours in France.

“Local production and a strong domestic distribution is certainly the reason why both companies show such an amazing resilience in the covid time.”

Following the acquisition, the group will employ almost 300 staff and expects a consolidated turnover close to €60 million for 2021.

GB eye expands its partnership with The Pokemon Company for new product ranges across Europe

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Prints, posters, and giftware specialist, GB Eye has inked a new deal with the Pokemon Company International to expand its licensed gifting offering in the build up to Christmas with new products across mugs, framed prints, posters, gifts, and a soon-to-launch eco-range.

The move capitalises on key consumer trends and interest as the newly tailored product range serves the company’s growing European retail network for Q4 and into 2021.

Leading the charge is the hotly anticipated Pikachu Gift Box which according to the firm has already seen ‘huge pre-orders placed by numerous retailers’ in order to meet the current consumer demand for the Electric-type Pokemon.

Also attracting large retailer orders, says GB Eye, is the Eevee Gift Box. Both Gift Boxes come with their own exclusive pint glasses, exclusive full colour mug designs, two coasters and a unique collectable box, ‘which is sure to be snapped up swiftly by fans across the region.’

Ben Woodman, commercial manager at GB eye Ltd. said: “The demand we are seeing from retailers for our Q4 ranges is unprecedented considering the difficulties the industry has experienced this year and is a true testament to the quality of the product range that our design team have been able to produce to meet the insatiable consumer demand for Pokémon products. The outlook for 2021 is even more exciting with further activity planned for this hugely popular brand.”

GB eye launches new eco-friendly gifting range in partnership with local companies

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The posters and giftware specialist, GB eye Ltd is launching a new eco-range of sustainable gifts in collaboration with a local Sheffield manufacturer that will tap into some of the biggest IP of the moment, including Pokemon, PLayStation, Harry Potter and DC Comics.

The partnership is the latest move from the gifting manufacturer and distributor to expand its environmentally friendly ranges, tapping into the shift in consumer mindset for more sustainable products at retail. The new range focuses on reducing the carbon footprint from design conception to the end product.

GB eye is adopting a strategy to source local and reduce international manufacture and import.

The range is set to launch in mid-October with the introduction of the new stainless-steel water bottles. Made within a stone’s throw of the GB eye headquarters in the city of Sheffield, the water bottles will be available across a collection of licences including top tier names such as Pokémon, PlayStation, Harry Potter, and DC Comics, which will appeal to environmentally aware consumers.

Also joining the range in late 2020 will be the tote bag collection. Produced locally from natural fibres, the tote bags aim to help reduce the amount of single-use plastic bags used daily. With favourite names including Pokémon, DC Comics, Harry Potter, Dragon Ball and Stormtrooper, the tote bags will become a key product staple within the eco-range which will see further products join the collection in early 2021.

Nicola Hallam, head of product at GB eye Ltd., said: “The eco-range has been a core focus for us throughout 2020 as we continue to look at ways in which to reduce our carbon impact on the environment.

“Expanding our product ranges to include more sustainable products is the first step as we explore new ways to better protect the world around us. We look forward to adding to the collection in 2021 with further internationally recognised licensed names.”

The sustainable launch comes as part of a continued focus on GB eye’s environmental impact. The company has printed its extensive poster ranges on FSC-certified paper for over 12 years and is committed to making internal process changes where possible, to streamline design and sourcing processes, ensuring the drive to run on a zero-waste policy.

GB eye grows European presence with new office and largest showcase to date at Nuremberg Toy Fair

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The poster and gift supplier, GB eye Ltd is expanding its European presence with the opening of its new office and the launch of its new giftware product ranges.

Operating from its first overseas office in Antwerp, Belgium, GB eye Europe BV will now allow the company to enhance its trade relationships – many of which have been establish over the last 30 years  – and bring them closer to key customers and new markets.

As part of its focus on engaging with European customers, GB eye is exhibiting for the fourth time at the International Toy Fair in Nuremberg this year, with its largest investment in stand space and widest presentation of product on display to date.

The firm will be presenting its latest ranges across its pan-European licensing portfolio, including Pokémon, Dragon Ball, PlayStation, Bravado, Fortnite and a host of Warner Bros. properties, directly to trade retailers and distributors.

The company’s investment in on-trend and pop culture innovations is further complemented by a new eco-range, set for launch in Q2. The hotly anticipated range includes a collection of reusable responsibly sourced tote bags, drawstring bags and drinks bottles to compliment the recently launched carabiner mugs.

Danny Whiteley, international sales director at GB eye, said: “This will be our fourth year exhibiting at Nuremberg Toy Fair and it has fast become a key date in the calendar in terms of significantly growing our European footprint.

“Coupled alongside our new European office based in Antwerp, this show comes as part of an exciting time for everyone at GB eye and I’m happy to say that we are set to have a very strong show, with the appointment calendar already looking full to bursting.”

Charlie Chester, managing director at GB eye, added: “Opening GB eye Europe BV will help us to deliver on our aims and expand on our pan-European licence portfolio, this strategy and the launch of our eco products in 2020 means we have a busy and exciting year ahead.”