Bluey billed “most important preschool IP since Frozen” as Stor SL readies merch portfolio for UK, Ireland, and EMEA

Bosses at the global product manufacturer, Stor SL have hailed BBC Studios’ preschool property, Bluey “the most important property since Disney’s Frozen” as it prepares to launch a portfolio of more than 50 licensed items to the UK, Ireland, and EMEA markets in the coming months.

The range, spanning drinkware, lunch bags, plates and bowls, cutlery, bottles, and more will be made from sustainable and eco-friendly materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, and porcelain and will add natural fibres to traditional plastics to reduce the percentage of plastics by up to 30 per cent.

Stor will also be offering tailor-made options to retailers who request an exclusive line.

Valentin Ortiz, CEO of Stor SL, said: “In my view, Bluey is without a doubt the most important pre-school property since Frozen. It has been a real phenomenon in Australia and the USA and is becoming a huge global hit. Our retailers, customers and Stor local office directors have been asking about this opportunity and we are proud to work together with them to develop our Bluey range.”

Anita Majhu, senior licensing manager, BBC Studios, added: “We are delighted that Stor is joining our raft of world-class partners for Bluey. This partnership offers a fantastic opportunity to reach fans across the UK and Ireland and EMEA markets.

“Stor’s commitment to sustainability also complements BBC Studios’ work in this area and we welcome bringing Bluey products to market that are responsibly sourced.”

The Bluey line of product from Stor will complement extensive launch plans for Bluey licensed product across UK and EMEA driven by ‘exceptional TV ratings’ and led by a comprehensive toy programme.

First launched in Australia in October 2018, Bluey is quickly becoming a global hit, achieving ‘outstanding ratings’ and attracting a multitude of best in class partners.

In its home market, Bluey was the number one children’s programme on metro broadcast television in 2020 and is the number one series of all time on ABC iview, with over 480 million views across series one and two. The property also won Pre-School License of the Year for the second year in a row at the Australian Toy Association (ATA) Awards.

Meanwhile in France, Bluey is available on France Télévision’s free-to-air channel France 5 and its catch-up kids’ platform OKOO. Toys from global master toy partner Moose is set to launch at retail in France in 2022.

The series is also available on CBeebies in the UK, where it has become the top programme on the channel since it launched in April. Its episodes constitute the top five most requested CBeebies episodes on BBC iPlayer. Toys from global master toy partner Moose will launch at retail in the UK in July.

BBC Studios has a global broadcast deal with Disney for Bluey and recently announced that the third season will debut on Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney+ in all territories outside of Australia, New Zealand and China.

Thermos warms up for new kids range with Rachel Ellen

Thermos, the 117 year old brand known for keeping drinks and soups hot while on the go, is expanding its presence in the children’s space with a new range developed in partnership with the award-winning greeting card and stationery designer, Rachel Ellen.

Forged by Rachel Ellen’s licensing agent, The Point. 1888, the partnership will see the Rachel Ellen brand apply its designs to Thermos’ popular children’s products, including insulated bottles, food containers, and lunch bags.

This deal marks the first partnership that The Point.1888 has secured for Rachel Ellen since starting with the brand in late 2020. Having developed an in-depth retail and category strategy aligned to Rachel Ellen’s brand vision, The Point.1888 embarked on a search for licensee partners who would make a good fit, produce high quality products and also wouldn’t conflict with the brand’s own award-winning ranges.

It is hoped the partnership will bring a lot of benefits to both partners: strengthening the affiliation Rachel Ellen’s fans have with the brand and also helping Thermos to develop its kids range in the UK.

Janine Richmond, senior commercial manager for Home at The Point.1888, said: “Thermos was one of the first contacts we presented to Rachel Ellen. Having first met the Thermos team when I joined The Point.1888 in 2018, I understood which licenses were most likely to appeal and so could envisage a Rachel Ellen range being a fantastic addition to its collection.

“We know there is demand from Rachel Ellen’s existing customer base for kids lunch products and with the conversations with retailers already in full swing, we can see a great opportunity to broaden the offering and open new doors.”

Rachel Church, the creator and lead designer for Rachel Ellen, added: “Thermos is such an iconic brand, and its products are fantastic quality, so useful and we feel it’s perfect for our demographic. Seeing my designs on new products is always exciting, especially on great products and ones that I would buy myself. The initial concepts are looking vibrant and colourful and I can’t wait to see the finished product.

“I’m also so grateful to The Point.1888 for making it happen. It has been very refreshing and uplifting to start working with them – they are all so positive, informative and thorough which is wonderful, and it’s nice to feel valued.”

James Sheldon, trading manager for Thermos UK, said: “We are delighted to be working with Rachel Ellen. We were looking for opportunities to expand our kids range and instantly saw the synergies between the two brands. The designs are colourful, fun and exciting and we’re really looking forward to seeing them on our products.

“ThePoint.1888 saw the potential in linking Thermos UK and Rachel Ellen together and have been fantastic to work with, enabling the development of the relationship and making the entire process seamless.”