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AR Discs is bringing Universal DreamWorks characters into the collectable augmented reality market

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Augmented Reality has found its way into the hobbies and collectables market, thanks to an innovative new partnership between Universal DreamWorks and the tech toy developer, AR Discs.

Characters from the hit film franchises such as Shrek, Trolls, How to Train Your Dragon, Kung Fu Panda, and more are among the first to make the leap into the tech-collectable field thanks to a global licensing partnership with NBC that sees AR Discs launch into the market with clout.

A series of collectable discs, AR Discs make use of augmented reality via the free corresponding app to spring to life. Users simply hover a smart device over each disc to see its character come to life in high definition content. The range has been launched to bridge the gap between virtual and physical play.

Not only can AR Discs be collected in an album and traded with friends, but the interlocking discs can also be used to create 3D models and displays.

The new range now marks its entry to the market armed with a global licensing partnership with NBC Universal, celebrating 25 years of DreamWorks Animation, the studio behind some of the world’s biggest animated feature films, including Shrek, Trolls, How To Train Your Dragon, Kung Fu Panda, Boss Baby, Madagascar, Home, The Croods, and Abominable.

Each AR Disc is emblazoned with an image of a DreamWorks character and features embedded augmented reality content which comes to life through the free app.

William Byron, director at AR Discs Ltd, said: “We are very excited to launch AR Discs and be part of the new generation of toys that bridge the gap between virtual and physical play.

“Kids are seeking more of an experience from their collectibles today. By creating engaging content that users can experience through the app, we’re breaking the mould whilst respecting and encouraging traditional hands-on-play.”

There are 80 DreamWorks AR Discs to collect, including two gold limited editions. AR Discs are sold in a Starter Pack containing a colourful Collector Folder and two Discs (RRP £8.99) and Single Packs (RRP £1.99), are suitable for ages six and upwards.

Launching with the DreamWorks license this November, AR Discs Ltd will be following up with more licensed products in 2021 with partnerships with the Royal Air Force and Nickelodeon already in place.

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.

Coolabi’s Clangers eyes new global ventures with Jetpack Distribution worldwide deal

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The independent kids and family content distributor, Jetpack Distribution, has acquired the worldwide rights to Coolabi Group’s popular pre-school stop motion animated show, Clangers in a deal that includes three seasons of the BAFTA-winning show that currently airs on CBeebies in the UK.

The new partnership covers all audio-visual rights for territories worldwide, excluding the UK, Australia and China and arrives as part of Coolabi’s ongoing mission to extend the pre-school brand across the international scene.

The Clangers are a family of lovable, pink, mouse-like creatures who live out in space on their Little Blue Planet. The planet’s surface is peppered with holes topped with metal dustbin lids, which flip open with a ‘Clang!’ to reveal steps down to their home beneath the surface of the planet which contains a series of interconnecting tunnels and caves.

Co-produced by CBeebies, Coolabi Group and Smallfilms, the all new episodes have been animated by Factory (Scream Street, Newzoids)  in the UK.

Jetpack CEO, Dominic Gardiner, said: “Clangers has a timeless magic. It’s truly delightful for young children and their parents. As well as being highly entertaining and making them laugh, it’s helping children appreciate important developmental aspects such as team work.

“Quality content for children is imperative right now. As parents and professionals, we hugely value shows made with heart and soul which nourish young viewers.”

Allison Watkins, director of licensing and TV distribution at Coolabi, commented: “Dominic and his amazing team at Jetpack are recognised as being one of the best children’s content distributors in the world and we are delighted to have the Clangers join their family.”

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

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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+.”

Warner Animation expands feature film partnership with Dr Seuss to detail new projects

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Some of the most iconic stories and characters of Dr Seuss’ popular books will be finding new life on the screen thanks to an extended partnership with Warner Animation Group, the animated film production arm of Warner Bros Pictures.

Under the new partnership, Bad Robot Productions has been tapped to adapt Oh, The Places You’ll Go for the big screen, marking the award-winning production company’s first foray into feature animation. The feature will see J.J Abrams serve as producer, alongside Bad Robot’s head of motion pictures, Hanna Minghella.

On top of this, Thing One and Thing Two – the popular characters from The Cat in The Hat – will have their own shot at the silver screen with an original feature length animated adventure under the working title Thing One and Thing Two. The film is currently scheduled for 2026, while Oh, The Places You’ll Go is set for 2027.

These two new films mark the latest additions to the growing slate of animated projects that Warner Animation Group and Dr. Seuss Enterprises are developing together that builds out an extensive Dr. Seuss animated universe. The collaboration merges the worlds of Dr. Seuss with some of the most creative and visionary Hollywood storytellers and artists.

Other current projects in development include the The Cat in the Hat feature film that will kick off the new Dr. Seuss movie slate in 2024, with Erica Rivinoja (South Park, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2) and Art Hernandez (Planes, Planes: Fire and Rescue) on board as directors. 

Additionally, Warner Bros. Animation’s hit Netflix series Green Eggs and Ham, another joint project, was renewed for a second season.

Susan Brandt, president of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, said: “Warner Animation Group truly understands the timelessness of Dr. Seuss, the incredible impact of the characters and stories, and how to translate the magical appeal to truly come to life on screen. With the amazing talent they are bringing to these projects, we are looking forward to bringing Oh, The Places You’ll Go! and Thing One and Thing Two to fans in a way that will delight them, capture their imaginations, and inspire them to read and re-read the stories.

“We are also looking forward to collaborating with the incredibly talented Erica Rivinoja and Art Hernandez who we know will make magic with Cat in the Hat.”

Allison Abbate, EVP, Warner Animation Group, added: “We are so thrilled to expand our creative partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises and are even more excited about the expansion of this slate of films.

“Our The Cat in the Hat is off to a terrific start with the incredible Erica Rivinoja and Art Hernandez at the helm. Oh, The Places You’ll Go! is one of Seuss’ most enduring masterpieces and its profound and poignant message resonates with fans of all ages.

“We are thrilled to be working with Hannah and J.J. at Bad Robot to bring this cultural touchstone to life on the big screen.  And what could be more fun than to create an original story for Thing One and Thing Two? These two delightfully enigmatic characters will help us explore the magical world that Ted Geisel created with “The Cat in the Hat” and we can’t wait to jump in.

“This partnership with Susan Brandt and DSE is a perfect fit for WAG and our ongoing vision to produce iconic animated features based on beloved IP.”

Barbie, Star Wars and LEGO Super Mario among leading licenses in Amazon’s top toys for Christmas

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Classic and retro licenses including Barbie, Star Wars, Back to the Future and Super Mario have been billed among the top picks for predicted best-selling toys this Christmas by Amazon UK, proving the might of nostalgia in 2020 as we head into the critical Christmas shopping season.

Amazon.co.uk is betting big on some of the biggest franchises in the world of children’s entertainment this year, listing Mattel’s Barbie, Spin Master’s PAW Patrol, and MGA Entertainment’s LOL Surprise alongside the likes of Star Wars The Mandalorian, Back to the Future, and the innovative new collaboration between LEGO and Nintendo for LEGO Super Mario.

In fact, Amazon points out that Star Wars continues to be among the top searched keywords for toys on its UK platform, and suggests that ‘kids can’t get enough of the Disney+ original series, Star Wars The Mandalorian. It’s to that end that Star Wars The Mandalorian Bounty Hunter Transport Starship has been listed as a potential best-seller this year, available exclusively on Amazon.co.uk.

The Child Animatronic Edition AKA Baby Yoda also takes a top for most lovable character.

Meanwhile, the VTech Kidizoom in red is another Amazon exclusive. A child friendly camera that includes video editing, the HD camera comes with 20 virtual backgrounds, and includes six games.

“We know Christmas is going to be a little different this year, and at Amazon, we are doing everything we can to bring the magic of the festive season to our customers,” said Naman Agarwal, head of vendor management for toys at Amazon.co.uk.

“The joy of being with friends and family, in person or virtually, will be the greatest gift of all, and we’re predicting that the bestselling toys will be those that can bring people together. No matter the celebration, we are making a big effort to deliver smiles and make Christmas extra special.”

Amazon’s full list of top toys for Christmas 2020 is:

The Barbie Fresh ‘n’ Fun Food Truck – Mattel


LOL Surprise OMG Remix Plane – MGA Entertainment


LOL Surprise OMG Remix Honeylicious Fashion Doll – MGA Entertainment


Squeakee Interactive Balloon Dog – Moose Toys


Uno Showdown – Mattle Games


KidiZoom Studio – VTech


Star Wars The Mandalorian Bounty Hunter Transport Starship – LEGO


Star Wars The Child Animatronic Edition – Hasbro


Back to the Future DeLorean Toy – Playmobil


PAW Patrol Dino Rescure Dino Patroller Motorised Team Vehicle with Exclusive Chase and T-Rex Figures – Spin Master


Present Pets – Spin Master


Super Mario Adventures Starter Course Interactive Figure and Buildable Game – LEGO

High street fashion retailer H&M to close around 250 stores as it sees shoppers move online

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The high street fashion retailer, H&M has confirmed its plans to close down around 250 of its stores across the globe next year, following the surge of consumers moving to online shopping at the hands of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Retail Gazette reports that the Swedish retail giant stated that around one quarter of its more than 5,000 stores worldwide will have the chance to renegotiate or end their leases next year, allowing the company to shut down some stores in the process.

It also stated that it will be investing greater in digital and optimising its store portfolio to ‘react to the rapid changes in consumer behaviour that has resulted from the pandemic.’ This is all emerges as H&M sees sales continue to recover throughout September, yet still remain five per cent lower than the same period last year.

The retailer reported that its pre-tax profits fell to 2.37bn Swedish krona (£210 million) for the nine months to August 31, and that sales during the nine month period were “significantly negatively affected by the Covid-19 situation, particularly in the second quarter when stores were temporarily closed in most markets.”

H&M chief executive, Helena Helmersson has said: “More and more customers started shopping online during the pandemic, and they are making it clear that they value a convenient and inspiring experience in which stores and online interact, and strengthen each other.

“The substantial investments made in recent years have been very important for our recovery, and we are now accelerating our transformation work further to meet customers’ expectations. We are increasing digital investments, accelerating store consolidation and making the channels further integrated.

“To ensure that our offerings are relevant to customers and improve availability in all channels, speed and flexibility will be even more important in the future, particularly in the supply chain.

“Covid-19 has also highlighted the importance of sustainability. Demand for good value, sustainable products is expected to grow in the wake of the pandemic and our customer offering is well positioned for this. Through our work to become circular and climate positive we are increasing the share of sustainable and renewable materials and we are developing new revenue streams.”

Barratt and Icefresh retro ice cream launch brings joy to a locked down nation

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A licensing partnership between confectionery brand Barratt and Icefresh has surpassed sales expectations during lockdown, thanks to the launch of an ice cream range targeted at retro sweet fans.

The range of four ice lollies and an ice cream tub was made available exclusively at Iceland this summer, with ice cream versions of childhood favourites Fruit Salad, Dip Dab, Flump, Black Jack and Wham.

The partnership was brokered by brand licensing specialist, The Point.1888, which is now seeking new partners for the Barratt brand following the increased awareness that has been generated through the collaboration.

The fun-filled range entered all of Iceland’s more than 1000 stores nationwide from April 20th, a month into the UK’s lockdown experience. Once on sale the range repeatedly sold out, with more than 1.3m units sold in the first 12 weeks, despite the strict social distancing measures and without a significant launch investment.

Valeo Foods, owner of the Barratt brand, has stated its belief that the success was linked to ‘a strong national affection for a familiar British brand we have all grown up with’ and the fun and escapism it brings to consumers.

Russell Tanner, marketing and category director at Valeo Foods, said: “During a challenging time for the nation, the supermarket shop became the only time many people left their homes.

“The Barratt ice cream range became a sell-out success not just because of the fantastic lockdown weather, but because shoppers were seeking small and cost-effective ways to bring fun into their lives at a time when that wasn’t easy to come by.

“Although this was a brand-new product in freezers, buyers trusted the Barratt brand for a taste sensation that would help to infuse their lockdown summer with joy. As a result we’re thrilled to be emerging from a challenging trading period with an army of new and reinvigorated brand fans.”

Sarah Crimes, head of marketing at The Point.1888, added: “Against the backdrop of Covid, to reach this type of result is amazing and is a testament to the strength of the Barratt brand. As experts at bringing licensing partners together, we’re thrilled at a job well done and are now ready to take advantage of the increased interest in Barratt from retailers to explore more collaborations in the near future.”

Icefresh was responsible for translating Barratt’s range into the ice cream experience.

Lucy Wright, brand manager, said: “As we developed this new range we knew that sweet-lovers would be unforgiving of anything that didn’t truly recreate that joyful feeling of enjoying a sweetie in the playground. We kept coming back to the original sweets and refining the recipe until we were confident that we had a product that was completely true to the Barratt brand – for example, the Dip Dab ice lolly even comes with sherbet for dipping.

“Thanks to the strength of the Barratt fan base and the quality of the ice creams, this has been our highest performing licensed ice cream launch to date, with more than 1.3 million boxes of ice cream sold in the first 12 weeks.”

An earned media campaign whetted the public’s appetite for the frozen treats. After samples were sent to journalists up and down the country, national coverage rolled in with more than 40 mentions secured across titles including The Sun, Daily Express, Metro and You magazine.

Meanwhile a colourful and creative social launch delivered exceptional ROI, with the product seen by 1.3m people and a quarter of a million video views tracked.

Iceland, it turns out, was equally as thrilled with the range performance. Sally Bentley, senior buyer, commented: “We always knew that Barratt and Iceland would be a great fit and as expected, the ice creams flew out of our freezers as fast as they came in. Our store staff were big fans of the range, and were outstanding advocates when it came to promoting the product in store.”

Discussions are ongoing to extend the range in 2021, with more exciting flavours and formats added to maintain consumer interest.

Killing Eve spies licensing opportunities with IMG and AMC Networks

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AMC Networks and Sid Gentle Films have appointed IMG as the exclusive worldwide licensing representative for Killing Eve, in a move that will bring the hit spy thriller show’s first consumer products to market through selective brand partnerships.

Produced by Sid Gentle Films and distributed by IMG’s partner company Endeavor Content, Killing Eve follows Eve Polastri (Sandra Oh), a smart British intelligence operative tasked with capturing the talented assassin Villanelle (Jodie Comer). The hunt results in a mutual obsession between the two and one heck of a game of cat and mouse.

The show’s notable storyline, contrasting female characters, and enviable fashion and style credentials have contributed to its global popularity and numerous Emmy, Golden Globe, and BAFTA award wins and nominations since its premiere on BBC America in April 2018. It recently racked up eight Emmy nominations for 2020 and is shown in more than 140 countries.

The new multi-year licensing partnership will see IMG, Sid Gentle Films and AMC Networks build a robust licensing programme of products, experiences and collaborations focused around themes fans love most about the show, including fashion, beauty, travel and games.

Sally Woodward Gentle, Killing Eve executive producer, Sid Gentle Films, said: “In Killing Eve, the sharpness of the dialogue, and the quality of the performances has always been matched by a strong aesthetic that informs every aspect of the series from the music to costume and production design.  We look forward collaborating with partners who understand the style and ethos of the series.”

Dario Di Zanni, head of franchise, AMC Networks, commented: “At AMC Networks, we’re very proud of the stories we tell and the relationships we develop with fans through those stories. We also believe fan affinity can be served and fostered through consumer end-points, both physical and virtual, that create spaces for personal expression and representation.

“Killing Eve is both a brilliant inspiration and canvas for all types of fan affinity, and we are excited to partner with Sid Gentle Films and IMG to expand the reach and success of such a pop culturally relevant and defining show.”

Sherikay Chaffee, vice president of licensing, IMG, added: “Killing Eve hits on multiple notes and nuances of human behavior that naturally translate into licensing. Aside from being one of the most popular and loved shows on TV, it’s also one of the most clever and stylish.

“The dual aspect and opposing nature between its two lead characters can be used to tell a story about a product. For example, the unconventional and the conventional, the good and the bad, and every degree in between.”

The merchandise and licensing rights for Killing Eve are owned by AMC Networks in North America and Sid Gentle Films for the rest of world.

Smiffys partners with Magic Light Pictures to launch Gruffalo, Highway Rat and Stick Man dress up

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The dress up and costumes specialist, Smiffys has struck upon a magical new partnership with Magic Light Pictures to develop a range of dress up costumes based on the popular book series from Julia Donaldson and Axel Sheffler, spanning The Gruffalo, The Highway Rat, Stick Man, Zog, and Room on the Broom.

The launch of the new licensed collection will kick off with the much-loved Gruffalo and a character costume that will wander into retailers in time for World Book Day 2021. The new toddler costume features a deluxe all-in-one fit with a novelty hood – billed as ‘perfect for any little one wishing to bring the literary character to life.’

Further Smiffys character costumes, all based on books by Donaldson and Scheffler, will launch later in the year, landing on the global stage in time for Australia’s own 2021 Book Week next year.

“We are delighted to be announcing this partnership; Julia and Axel’s work is renowned across the globe and has delighted children for nearly 30 years with her imaginative stories,” said Dominque Peckett, director at Smiffys.  

Aidan Taylor-Gooby, licensing manager at Magic Light Pictures, added: “Dress up is a crucial part of our licensing programme and always a fantastic product for us at key events like World Book Day, Halloween and Christmas. We’re really pleased to have found such a great partner in Smiffys who can deliver the great quality product that our consumers expect.”