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Toy firm Playmonster appoints Hollie Holmes as global head of licensing

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The international toy firm, Playmonster, has appointed a new global head of licensing in the form of Hollie Holmes, an industry expert boasting more than 20 years experience of the consumer products business.

In her newly created role, Holmes will oversee the company’s global licensing business with an emphasis on the development and expansion of new IP across new and existing categories. Holmes will report to Scott Flynn, vice president of sales and marketing at PlayMonster.

Over her 20 year career to date, Holmes has secured partnerships with a number of leading global entertainment, gaming, celebrity, influencer, toy, automotive, and pop culture culture brands. She has a long history of developing and maintaining strong executive relationships and is a collaborative partner.

“Hollie brings vast experience and demonstrated success in building strong licensing programs that impact business in a meaningful way,” said Flynn. “It’s a whole new level of focus for us that we expect will not only amplify our existing portfolio but open more doors to exciting new opportunities.”

Most recently, Holmes served as senior director of strategic development: Global Licensing Acquisitions and Entertainment Partnerships at Mattel, where she was responsible for entertainment partnerships and license acquisitions across Mattel’s global portfolio, including those for its iconic brands – including Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Fisher-Price.

She oversaw the acquisitions for hundreds of licenses each year, negotiating and executing agreements with partners, and evaluating and acquiring new content in various stages of development.

Tim Kilpin, president of PlayMonster, said: “Hollie is one of the most widely respected and visionary executives in the licensing industry today, and we couldn’t be happier that Hollie chose to continue her career with PlayMonster.”

Holmes said: “Working with Tim previously at Mattel was an incredible experience, and I’ve always known I wanted to work with him again. Scott, and the entire PlayMonster team are innovative, fun, known as a great partner, and incredibly agile, which I’ve learned brings the term “moving quickly” to a whole new level.

“I’m thrilled at the opportunity to help expand our focus and accelerate growth for the PlayMonster team.”

PlayMonster is continuing to build its portfolio of brands and content-driven IP across categories, strengthening its activity not only in core categories but incrementally with the introduction of new business lines, including Koosh and BriteBrush, that significantly scale the company’s growth and leadership position.

Funko sees record first quarter as games, plush, and Loungefly all achieve sales growth

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Funko has seen record first quarter net sales increases across both its US and European markets, reflecting what the pop culture specialist has cited as ‘broad-based strength across geographies, products, and channels.’

Net sales grew 38 per cent to $189.2 million compared to $136.7 million in the first quarter of 2020. The firm also saw the number of active properties increase by 12 per cent to 762 from 681 the year prior, with net sales per active property increasing 24 per cent.

US sales grew 39 per cent to $136.5 million, while Europe saw its net sales increase a full 55 per cent to $39.8 million. Other international regions saw a more modest growth of two per cent to $12.9 million, but Funko has highlighted the ongoing disruptions that many of those regions are experiences due to Covid-19.

Funko’s Pop! branded products grew 33 per cent while net sales across its Other segment – meaning non-figure products – increased by 52 per cent, led by Loungefly branded products which grew 82 per cent in the quarter. Funko has also been strengthened by its recent developments in games and plush.

Direct-to-consumer sales increased more than 160 per cent driven by continued strong demand on the Company’s Funko and Loungefly e-commerce sites, while 66 per cent of the company’s sales were attributed to evergreen content.

“Improving consumer demand in the US and Europe contributed to broad-based strength within our brands, products and distribution channels, leading to a record first quarter,” said Brian Mariotti, chief executive officer.

“Throughout the pandemic, our teams have maintained a relentless focus on delivering innovation and engaging with our fans around the world, positioning the business to drive topline growth as the demand environment strengthens.

“In the first quarter, this enabled us to achieve sales growth of 38 per cent, strong Adjusted EBITDA margins and a substantial increase on the bottom line.

“We are confident that our innovation pipeline, strategic focus and experienced teams will enable us to deliver continued growth and expansion in the dynamic macro environment. We’re investing behind our key strategic priorities and expect to achieve topline growth of 33 per cent to 38 per cent in 2021, above our previously stated range, while also driving increased profitability.”

On a brand basis, Pop! branded products grew 33 per cent to $150.3 million, reflecting strong growth in the US and Europe. Loungefly branded products grew 82 per cent to $24.5 million. Both brands generated strong demand in the US and Europe, as well as strength across our direct-to-consumer channels.

Net sales of other branded products increased 41 per cent to $14.3 million driven by board games, plush and action figures.

Finnish brand CupofTherapy secures Hot Topic retail partnership for Mental Health Awareness Month

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The Finnish lifestyle brand CupofTherapy is drawing attention to the importance of wellbeing and mental health this Mental Health Awareness Month thanks to a new retail partnership with Hot Topic.

Under the new partnership, more than ten t-shirt designs taking inspiration from the artwork of CupofTherapy will launch to the Hot Topic website as part of a deal brokered by CupofTherapy’s North American agent, FanGirl Consulting and Brand Management.

The Finnish brand aims to introduce important themes of wellbeing and mental health through its distinctive and approachable animal figures. Its drawings and thoughtful messaging are developed as a combined effort by psyhotherapy professionals Antti Ervasti and Elina Rehmonen, alongside the internationally recognised artists and illustrator, Matti Pikkujämsä.

CupofTherapy carries the mantra ‘mental health made visible’ as it looks to encourage people to reflect on their life and find comfort, encouragement, and joy in simple things, as well as acknowledge the importance of dialogue around important mental health issues.

“We’re excited to work with Hot Topic on a retail program to further mental health awareness,” said Anita Castellar, CEO of FanGirl Consulting and Brand Management. “After the year that we have all been through, a cup of therapy is in order for all of us.”

Swizzels cooks up a treat in cookie mix partnership with Food Innovations Baking Group

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The British sweet manufacturer, Swizzels, has teamed with Food Innovations Baking Group to launch a Giant Drumstick Squashie Cookie mix, bringing the Original Raspberry and Milk Drumstick and Drumstick Original flavours to a new market of sweet-toothed fans.

The cookie mix is now available at B&M stores nationwide, targeting Squashies fans across the country, or any one looking to jazz up their celebrations this summer with personalised cookies. The mix is baked with with Original Raspberry and Milk flavoured Drumstick Squashies, and comes with Drumstick Original flavoured icing.

The range has been developed to tap into the demand for giant cookies that, according to Food Innovations, has been growing here in the UK.

Sarah-Louise, marketing manager at Swizzels, said: “Drumstick Squashies is our best selling product, so we’re thrilled to have combined it with a cookie mix, allowing fans to enjoy Squashies in a new, fun way.

“The personalisation element also makes it perfect for so many celebrations – whether it’s a birthday, anniversary or even a gender reveal party, it’s a great alternative to a celebration cake.”

Clare Boothman, brand and licensing manager at Food Innovations, said: “Giant cookies have increased in popularity and this collaboration with Swizzels’ Drumstick Squashies is a winning combination. They look fantastic on fixture and the kits are consumer friendly to make for all ages. We are receiving amazing feedback from consumers on this product as it allows them to show their creative side.”

Swizzels is the UK’s largest family-owned independent sugar confectionery business and one of the few confectionery companies to still manufacture sweets in the UK.

The company makes a range of well-known products including Love Hearts, Refreshers, Drumstick Lollies, Rainbow Drops, Double Lollies, Squashies and Fruity Pops.

Adidas and Timex Group partner to launch Adidas Originals branded watches in 2022

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The international watchmaking company, Timex Group, has entered into a global licensing agreement with Adidas to design, manufacture, and distribute watches under the Adidas Original brand.

The collection is scheduled to hit the market at the start of next year and will look to blend Timex Group’s heritage in watchmaking and design with Adidas Originals’ street culture inspiration. The portfolio of watches will also draw attention to the brand’s focus on sustainability.

“We could not be more excited to welcome Adidas into our portfolio of brands,” said Tobias Reiss-Schmidt, president and CEO of Timex Group.

“There are few truly iconic brands, and Adidas, with its rich history and authentic style, is at the very top of the list. We see a strong and increasing interest in watches among young Millennials and GenZ, and we look forward to introducing our Adidas Originals watch collection to this next generation of consumers.”

The range will be sold across Adidas owned stores, affiliates and e-commerce, and through Timex Group’s global distribution network.

Gucci to launch special collection based on hit anime series Bananya in Crunchyroll partnership

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The global anime streaming brand, Crunchyroll has landed a new fashion collaboration with Gucci to launch a selection of special items featuring characters from the original Japanese anime series, Banyana. The anime follows the lives of a cast of tiny cats who live in bananas.

The special items created by Gucci include seven womenswear items – four G Loved base short-sleeve cotton t-shirts and three felted cotton sweatshirts, that are adorned with the playful Bananya characters.

The sunlight sweatshirt and short-sleeve t-shirt display the Bananya Bunch, the three younger siblings of Bananya. Tabby Bananya is featured with Bananya on a sugar pink hoodie and two short-sleeve t-shirts, which come in timeless black and lemonade colour options. The carefree and optimistic Bananya is featured on a sugar pink short-sleeve t-shirt and a mint green sweatshirt.

For women, there are two styles of trainers and a pair of slides that are all adorned with Bananya and Tabby Bananya. On the trainers, for both women and men, the two cats sit in their banana atop the Gucci green-red-green Web stripe. Meanwhile in jewellery, there is a coloured crystal and fabric brooch with the trio of cats that make up the Bananya Bunch, and one with Bananya on his own. A chain necklace in metal with gold finish featuring Bananya as a pendant fashioned out of crystals and enamel also features.

The Bananya series is produced by studio TMS Entertainment and both seasons can currently be streamed on Crunchyroll worldwide, outside of Asia.

Crunchyroll is a leading anime brand with more than four million subscribers and over 100 million registered users. The brand offers an anime library of more than 1000 titles and 30,000 episodes to more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.

Tonies to open exclusive pop-up in Harrods’ Fourth Floor Toy Department

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An exclusive Tonies pop-up is preparing to open at the world-renowned department store, Harrods and its Fourth Floor Toy Department this May 29th, welcoming kids and families to the world of the popular children’s audio player.

The pop-up will feature best-selling Tonies from the company’s collection of over 100 characters, including stories from the beloved author Julia Donaldson, such as The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom, and Stick Man, as well as the young, charming Zog.

Offering content to entertain and educate both infants and children of up to ten years old, the Harrods’ pop-up range will also feature childrens’ favourite, Peppa Pig, as well as a selection of Disney classics including the Lion King, the Jungle Book and Toy Story.

As well as an abundance of Tonies, a range of Tonies accessories will also be available at the pop-up, including the firm’s line of Tonie-Carriers with space to hold 20 of the Tonies figures, each available in six different colours.

Tonies has been active in the licensing space in recent weeks, having announced a new slated of characters to join its audio storytelling platform, including the likes of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Bob the Builder, and PAW Patrol. This week has seen the company detail a partnership with the BookTrust and the Life-changing Libraries initiative, created by How to Train Your Dragon author, Cressida Cowell to move the government to increase funding for primary school libraries.

Tonies library of licensed audio stories now span some of the biggest entertaiment franchises, from Disney and Universal, to Julia Donaldson and more.

Dan Dee International grows classic character plush range with Peanuts and Garfield

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Dan Dee International and its Animal Adventure subsidiary, leading names in plush, pet, baby, and home decor products, have enhanced their line-up of classic characters through partnerships with ViacomCBS and Peanuts Worldwide.

Under the new deals, Dan Dee has secured the North American license for an extensive range of plush, soft seating, and baby products based on the iconic Peanuts characters, Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang. In its deal with ViacomCBS, it has also secured the global plush license for the iconic Garfield IP.

 “We are thrilled to announce this agreement and join forces with Peanuts Worldwide,” said Peter Gainsley, president, Animal Adventure. “The team at Peanuts offers world-class creative and sales support to their licensing partners, and paired with the design capabilities at Animal Adventure, we are excited to bring a dynamic line of Peanuts products to market.” 

The Peanuts deal cements the existing long-standing licensing agreement held by Dan Dee for Peanuts seasonal product lines.

“Together, Dan Dee and Peanuts Worldwide have built hugely successful seasonal programs so we are delighted to offer a new line of everyday products to our customers under our Animal Adventure banner,” added Mark Matheny, head of licensing, Dan Dee.

“Dan Dee has been a great collaborator for our seasonal programs over the years,” said Lindsay Martinez, senior vice president, North American Licensing and Partnerships, Peanuts Worldwide. “Peanuts is excited to expand upon this relationship working with Animal Adventure to develop a unique, everyday range that fans of all ages will love.”

 Meanwhile, both Garfield and Odie will be moseying into the plush aisles of retailers across the globe as Dan Dee International introduces a range spanning everyday, seasonal, and animatronic plush through its partnership with ViacomCBS Consumer Products. 

“Garfield is a great fit with the broad capabilities and retailer relationships that Dan Dee has built over many years. We look forward to working closely with the world-class team at ViacomCBS to grow Garfield’s presence at retail in the coming years,” said Dan Dee’s Matheny.

Dion Vlachos, executive vice president, hardlines and retail, ViacomCBS, added: “Garfield is beloved by so many people around the world. Dan Dee’s dedication to quality and retail expertise is invaluable. They have tapped into the fans’ enthusiasm and created a new range of products that fans will love.”

Dan Dee’s Garfield products will be available from autumn 2021.

Global Merchandising Services appoints Adam N. Sokoloff as its vice president of retail, North America

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Global Merchandising Services, the award-winning music, artist, celebrity, and brand merchandise company, has appointed the licensing industry expert, Adam N. Sokoloff as its new vice president of retail, North America.

The licensing industry personality previously held the role of director of sales at Bioworld, a company with which Sokoloff spent 11 years in varying roles. As director of sales, Sokoloff worked to implement sales initiatives and programmes with key retailers to help build up the successful apparel business.

Sokoloff took up his role as vice president of retail for the firm on May 3rd this year. He will be based out of Athens, Georgia.

The move will expand Global Merchandising Services’ international reach, one that is operated out of the company’s headquarters in London and Los Angeles.

Global executes and delivers business through all channels of retail distribution, live events, web stores, pop-up stores, brand origination and development, sponsorship, endorsements, and third-party licensing. 

Acamar Films builds on UK licensing success for hit preschool IP Bing

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The popular kids’ property and pre-school series, Bing is continuing to expand its UK licensing programme, building on the success the IP has seen across the toys and wider consumer product space to date.

Last year, demand for Bing products enjoyed an 11 per cent year on year increase, while this year, Acamar Films – the London-based studio behind the IP – has welcomed strategic new categories to the portfolio, dialing the UK licensing programme up to 25 licensees in total.

Not only will 2021 Bing move into bathtime and dental products with Solent, but also launch onto the children’s audio system, Tonies, as the platform prepares to deliver an audio storytelling experience for all Bingsters, slated for a 2022 release.

It follows a string year of sales growth across Bing’s master toy range with Golden Bear, a line that saw sales increase 115 per cent year on year in 2020. Golden Bear will be expanding the collection with the introduction of Nicky, a new character from the latest series, as well as siblings Coco and Charlie.

New lines for Autumn/Winter include a musical dancing Bing and a large play-set of Bing’s House. For the very first time, bath toys will be available for Bingsters with the new wind up Bathtime Boat set to make a splash at retail.

Meanwhile, 8th Wonder boasts a raft of new wooden toys and games to add to their Bing range, marking the Bing Skittles and Carry Along House as high performers, while MV Sports will be widening its retail footprint with additional listings of its wheeled and outdoor toys.

In publishing terms, Bing continues to perform well for HarperCollins, who witnessed a 62 per cent year on year net sales growth in 2020 and has nine new titles scheduled for release this year.

Juliet Matthews, publisher, media and brands, HarperCollins Children’s Books, said: “Thanks to strong support across retail and increased range space, Bing’s backlist continues to perform well alongside exciting new titles such as Bing and the Fire Engine and the timely vaccination picture book with stickers, Doctor Bing. Our single sound novelty title The Rainybow Song is a stand out title, selling 1k copies consistently every week.”

Softlines have also expanded across daywear and outerwear from licensees Fashion UK and William Lamb. There will be a specific growth in girlswear to match the boyswear offering and new lines include dresses, sweatshirts, joggers, trainers and rucksacks.

“We are excited to see the growth of Bing across our girlswear, boys and unisex lines,” said Hannah Miles, joint managing director at Fashion UK. “The trend guide collections bring fresh opportunities to tailor creative to each retailer and offer gorgeous designs to our consumers and their Bingsters.”

Aykroyds and TDP continue to build their business year-on-year and Smiffys has introduced an additional girls’ dress up line to their range with Sula, which launched exclusively with Tu at Argos/Sainsburys ahead of World Book Day 2021.

Continuing the focus on Acamar Films’ direct-to-consumer relationships, e-commerce hub The Bing Store will be expanding its product offering further in 2021.

Louise Simmonds, head of UK licensing and merchandising at Acamar Films, said: “It is wonderful to see steady growth across our consumer product programme for 2021 and the support from our partners during such tough times.

“Bing’s timeless and relatable core values, alongside the growing audience engagement we are seeing across our content, digital and social platforms, provides a reliable and trusted foundation for the year ahead.”