Spread Group links with Peanuts Worldwide for print-on-demand babywear

Spread Group and Peanuts Worldwide are kicking off the new year with a range of baby products and designs. The collection will be offered across the whole of the EU and the UK, and will feature the lovable beagle Snoopy on baby-grows, tiny t-shirts and warm hats.

Sven Burscher, Spread Group’s Head of Licensing, says: “This partnership expands Spread Group’s offering with lovely designs for the Peanuts baby demographics. It gives the brand and its fans the option of print-on-demand, which offers a range of designs in a style, size and colour to suit them. Peanuts has positivity associated with the brand we are very excited to have Snoopy and the gang in our portfolio!”

Tara Botwick, Vice President of Territory Management, EMEA for Peanuts Worldwide, adds: “We are looking forward to growing our baby offerings in Europe, as we know that parents and grandparents want to share their love of Peanuts with the next generation. Expanding our print-on-demand business is important as we continue to reach new audiences and Spread Group is a key licensee in that category.”

Spreadshirt’s Marketplace will also host a showroom of the designs featuring Charles M. Schulz’s classic characters. More designs will be added as they come on-stream, and the collection will also include apparel for teenagers and adults.

 

Peanuts Worldwide taps brand executive and licensing expert Tim Erickson as Executive Vice President of Brand

Peanuts Worldwide has appointed the consumer products and brand executive, Tim Erickson as its Executive Vice President of Brand, Peanuts Worldwide, a role in which he will oversee the team managing the brand’s global licensing business.

Working alongside the family of Peanuts creator, Charles M. Schulz as well as WildBrain’s content and management teams and the brand’s co-owners, Sony Music Entertainment (Japan), Erickson will help sustain a global licensing approach that remains true to the heritage of the Peanuts brand.

Within his remit, Erickson will over the opening of new licensing, partnership, and retail opportunities, as well as support brand marketing and leverage new content launches. The plan is to expand the global presence of the Peanuts brand as it approaches its 75th anniversary in 2025.

Based in New York, Erickson reports to Eric Ellenbogen, CEO of WildBrain, the majority owner of Peanuts.

Ellenbogen said: “I’m delighted that Tim has joined the team at this important moment for the Peanuts brand. The response to our original series The Snoopy Show and Snoopy in Space on Apple TV+ and to our ‘Take Care With Peanuts’ initiative has been nothing short of fantastic.

“With lots more new content rolling out worldwide in the coming years in partnership with Apple TV+, the Peanuts gang has never been more popular. Working in tandem with our Peanuts content team, Tim will bring a breadth of experience at the intersection of family entertainment and consumer products that makes him the ideal person to lead the evergreen Peanuts licensing business.”

Erickson brings more than 20 years’ experience in consumer products and brand building to the role, having worked for global leaders in the space including Twentieth Century Fox, DreamWorks, Disney, and LEGO. He most recently held the position of Chief Operating Officer at the media company GoldieBlox, creating innovative STEM-focused brand experiences for girls through consumer products, retail and storytelling, as well as overseeing the company’s business development and operations.

Erickson said: “As a lifelong Peanuts fan, I’m elated to join Peanuts Worldwide. I’ve long admired Charles Schulz’s storytelling, both personally and professionally, so I look forward to engaging with the team and our partners to continue telling meaningful Peanuts stories through content, products and experiences that will engage fans for generations to come. I’m so excited about the opportunity to connect the Peanuts content pipeline with fan engagement around the world.”

The UK’s Cribstar and Vintage Supply among wave of European partners for Peanuts Worldwide

The UK’s own baby and kidswear brand, Cribstar and the adult fashion brand Vintage Supply are among a suite of new European partners to sign up with Peanuts, expanding the IP’s activity across fashion, accessories, homewares, and gifts for kids and adults.

The pair make up two new UK additions amid a long list of European partners that include the likes of the Dutch beachwear brand Shiwi, Eastpak who will be delivering a collection of Peanuts backpacks and travel bags, and Leomil who has signed up for a girls and women’s footwear range across the Benelux region.

Meanwhile, WildBrain CPLG’s Germany, Austria, and Switzerland team has extended its PUMA partnership with a second collections of kids’ footwear, apparel, and accessories scheduled for a worldwide launch this month. The premium pet food brand, Platinum has also been signed for a promotional deal, featuring Snoopy as its brand ambassador.

In Spain, Andres Gallardo has launched its second handcrafted Peanuts collection, Dime Que Me Quieres has debuted a handmade artisan jewellery range, and Zara Home has introduced a new line of babywear, towels, homeware, and accessories at its stores. In Greece, meanwhile, Giovas is to launch bags and accessories in a new back-to-school Peanuts collection.

Over in Italy and WildBrain CPLG’s local team has secured a deal with MyBeautyBox which saw the monthly makeup subscription service dedicate its June mystery box to Peanuts, while publishing partner Foto Edizoni is adding Peanuts comic strips to its monthly crossword magazine. It is also launching a bi-monthly Peanuts themed kids and teen crossword magazine.

In France, the Parisian fashion design studio, Sandro has launched a Peanuts men’s capsule collection, while the local fashion brand Cyrillus has unveiled a baby and children’s collection. In Central and Eastern Europe, MPTECH has been signed for stationery and back-to-school items with the first collection launching for back-to-school 2021.

On top of all of this, the licensing agency has also secured the Nordic representation rights for the brand, effective from July 1st this year.

Tara Botwick, senior director, territory management EMEA for Peanuts Worldwide, said: “A key part of our Peanuts brand strategy is ensuring we’re continually innovating and reaching our fans in unique ways. This latest wave of licensees and distinctive new collection launches promises to offer consumers of all ages some really fun and creative ways of engaging with Snoopy and the gang.”

Maarten Weck, EVP and managing director at WildBrain CPLG, added: “The timeless Peanuts brand continues to prove its enduring popularity among a broad range of consumers, retailers and licensees across Europe and beyond, as demonstrated by these latest product ranges from both new and long-term partners.

“With the European licensing programme continuing to diversify and gain further momentum, it’s also fantastic to extend our remit and represent the brand across the Nordic market, which offers significant potential for additional growth.”

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

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.

World Earth Day: Peanuts launches eco-sustainable apparel collection with Vayyu

WildBrain CPLG has secured a new partnership between Peanuts Worldwide and the luxury eco-sustainable lifestyle brand, Vayyu to introduce the firm’s first licensed apparel collection, featuring the classic Peanuts characters.

The range has launched today (April 22) to mark World Earth Day, the wide-reaching celebration and commitment to environmental protection, with a line of sustainable apparel spanning t-shirts, jumpers, vests, and hats for both men and women. The range will be available at select retailers as well as vayyu.com.

The Peanuts x Vayyu collection will feature garments designed by students from Nottingham Trent University in the UK, following a fashion design competition supported by Peanuts Worldwide and Vayyu. It saw final year students in NTU’s BA Fashion Design course challenged to develop a unisex collection called ‘Snoopy Just Got Green’ to embody Vayyu’s ethos of design responsibility and sustainability.

The students were tasked with bringing their ideas to life through the colours of nature and the characters of Snoopy and the much-loved Peanuts gang.

Over 50 students took part in the competition, and the designs were judged by the university’s lecturers as well as representatives from Peanuts Worldwide, Vayyu and WildBrain CPLG. Competition winner Alex Bolton, as well as runners up Tom Chin and Alice Doyle, will see a selection of their designs included as part of the new Vayyu x Peanuts collection, and stocked at a Vayyu pop-up shop in London his summer and also at NTU’s store.

The students also receive a set of the final collection garments featuring their respective designs, a percentage of the net profit from sales made of their designs and work experience with Vayyu.

The Peanuts x Vayyu collection and the NTU design challenge is part of Peanuts Worldwide’s “Take Care with Peanuts” initiative, a global multi-year enterprise encouraging everyone to take care of themselves, each other and the Earth. In honour of Earth Day, Peanuts Worldwide has also recently released its latest original short as part of the campaign titled “Take Care of the Earth: Choose to Reuse”.

Tara Botwick, senior director, territory management EMEA at Peanuts Worldwide, said: “With consumers looking to make more environmentally friendly choices, we knew that Vayyu’s commitment to creating ethical and sustainable products would make them an ideal partner to expand our premium apparel offering for Peanuts.

“What’s more, the Nottingham Trent University students have done a fantastic job at immersing themselves in the Peanuts archives and creating concepts that were focused on protecting the environment and natural world. The whole collection is timely, eye-catching and bold and we’re confident this is just the start on a successful long-term partnership with Vayyu.”

Chris Desai, founder and director at Vayyu, added: “With Peanuts being one of the world’s most iconic brands and Vayyu leading the way in sustainable luxury fashion, it’s hugely exciting to champion environmental conservation together. The remarkable ‘Take Care with Peanuts’ initiative shows how brands can lead the way in making this world a better place and as we continue driving sustainability in fashion, we’re proud to bring this new collection to market.”

As an organic sustainable brand launched in London four years ago, Vayyu was ranked the second most ethical company in the UK by the Good Shopping Guide 2018. The brand supports a number of global environmental conservation initiatives through its charity, the Vayyu Foundation.

With shared environmental values, Nottingham Trent University is one of the most sustainable universities in the world. It ranked third in the UK by the People and Planet University League, and fifth globally in the UI GreenMetric.

Peanuts Worldwide teams with PUMA for footwear, apparel, and accessories

Peanuts Worldwide is teaming with the sports company PUMA for the launch of a new line of footwear, apparel, and accessories aimed at kids and adults, all featuring the classic characters from creator Charles M. Schulz.

In a deal that has been brokered by WildBrain CPLG’s German team, the PUMA x  Peanuts adult offering will witness the launch of classic PUMA styles adorned with members of the Peanuts gang, including Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and Woodstock in basketball inspired scenes.

The clothing will bring a collection of tees, hoodies, and sweatpants for both men and women. The footwear includes the Future Rider and classic basketball style, the Ralph Sampson. Rounding out the adult items in the range are beanies and a backpack.

Meanwhile, the kids’ Peanuts collection encompasses visuals of the characters playing sports including baseball, football and more. In a variety of items for girls and boys, the collection features hats, backpacks, and classic T7 track suits. Key PUMA footwear styles including the Mirage Mox and Ralph Sampson will also be available in junior, preschool, and infant sizing.

Tara Botwick, senior director, territory management EMEA for Peanuts Worldwide, said: “The PUMA x Peanuts collaboration brings together two iconic and internationally loved brands. We’re confident both kids and adults will love the sportswear and accessories that mix PUMA’s distinctive styles with eye-catching Peanuts art in a line full of character, imagination and nostalgia.”

The PUMA x Peanuts collection is now available at PUMA.com and at PUMA stores and select retailers.

Peanuts Worldwide continues its 70th celebrations with new European and Middle East partners

As Peanuts continues to celebrate its 70th anniversary this year, its licensing agency, WildBrain CPLG has inked a new wave of deals across Europe and the Middle East, with new collections inspired by Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the Peanuts gang.

The swathe of new deals with take the Peanuts property into new partnerships across fashion, accessories, homewares and gifts for children and adults.

New collaborations in the UK include Cath Kidston for a Peanuts 70th anniversary collection spanning fashion, homewares and accessories; Vayyu for an autumn/winter fashion collection for men and women; Cribstar for its second Peanuts kids’ apparel collection; Flamingo Candles for a range of scented candles; and Bamford for adult watches.

Completing the UK line-up is Tatty Devine who will launch its second Peanuts-inspired jewellery collection, and BeArty who will launch a collection of digital wall art.

Next, and from Spain, Bershka is launching a fashion collection; Andres Gallardo is on board for a range of handmade jewellery; and Woodys has created a range of 70th anniversary eyewear featuring the Peanuts gang. Also in the region, Panapop has launched a range of accessories and watches, and fashion retailer Desigual launched an apparel collection for both kids and adults.

In Germany, new collections include MDM for 70th anniversary commemorative coins, and s.Oliver for a Peanuts women’s fashion collaboration. Together with Peanuts Worldwide, WildBrain CPLG executed a publicity campaign for Peanuts’ 70th anniversary in Germany which resulted in extensive broadcast, print, online and social media coverage.

For the Middle East and North Africa, Babyshop has created a themed children’s fashion collection.

Tara Botwick, senior director, territory management EMEA for Peanuts Worldwide, said: “It’s been an exciting year for Peanuts and it’s fantastic to see the continued expansion of the merchandise offering for fans across Europe and beyond.

“From on-trend fashion collections, through thoughtful gifts and luxury accessories, these new ranges offer something for Peanuts fans of all ages.”

Charles M. Schulz first introduced Charlie Brown to the world in the comics pages of seven American newspapers in 1950. In the following days and years, he was joined by friends Lucy and Linus, his sister Sally, and, of course, everyone’s favorite beagle, Snoopy.

Seven decades later, the Peanuts gang has left an indelible mark on global pop culture and this fall has seen an abundance of merchandise celebrating the brand’s 70th anniversary around the world.

Peanuts Worldwide continues its 70th celebrations with new European and Middle East partners

As Peanuts continues to celebrate its 70th anniversary this year, its licensing agency, WildBrain CPLG has inked a new wave of deals across Europe and the Middle East, with new collections inspired by Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the Peanuts gang.

The swathe of new deals with take the Peanuts property into new partnerships across fashion, accessories, homewares and gifts for children and adults.

New collaborations in the UK include Cath Kidston for a Peanuts 70th anniversary collection spanning fashion, homewares and accessories; Vayyu for an autumn/winter fashion collection for men and women; Cribstar for its second Peanuts kids’ apparel collection; Flamingo Candles for a range of scented candles; and Bamford for adult watches.

Completing the UK line-up is Tatty Devine who will launch its second Peanuts-inspired jewellery collection, and BeArty who will launch a collection of digital wall art.

Next, and from Spain, Bershka is launching a fashion collection; Andres Gallardo is on board for a range of handmade jewellery; and Woodys has created a range of 70th anniversary eyewear featuring the Peanuts gang. Also in the region, Panapop has launched a range of accessories and watches, and fashion retailer Desigual launched an apparel collection for both kids and adults.

In Germany, new collections include MDM for 70th anniversary commemorative coins, and s.Oliver for a Peanuts women’s fashion collaboration. Together with Peanuts Worldwide, WildBrain CPLG executed a publicity campaign for Peanuts’ 70th anniversary in Germany which resulted in extensive broadcast, print, online and social media coverage.

For the Middle East and North Africa, Babyshop has created a themed children’s fashion collection.

Tara Botwick, senior director, territory management EMEA for Peanuts Worldwide, said: “It’s been an exciting year for Peanuts and it’s fantastic to see the continued expansion of the merchandise offering for fans across Europe and beyond.

“From on-trend fashion collections, through thoughtful gifts and luxury accessories, these new ranges offer something for Peanuts fans of all ages.”

Charles M. Schulz first introduced Charlie Brown to the world in the comics pages of seven American newspapers in 1950. In the following days and years, he was joined by friends Lucy and Linus, his sister Sally, and, of course, everyone’s favorite beagle, Snoopy.

Seven decades later, the Peanuts gang has left an indelible mark on global pop culture and this fall has seen an abundance of merchandise celebrating the brand’s 70th anniversary around the world.

Domestic appliance brand Smeg celebrates 70 years of Peanuts with limited edition model

The Italian domestic appliance brand, Smeg, is marking the 70th anniversary of the world-loved Peanuts brand with the launch of a limited edition refrigerator. In a deal brokered by WildBrain CPLG, Smeg will now produce 70 Peanuts commemorative refrigerators, one for each year of the brand’s existence.

The limited edition model will take the form of Smeg’s own popular 1950s family mini fridge FAB10, which will feature an illustration taken from the Peanuts comic strip. It will depict Snoopy alongside his cherished doghouse along with his friend, Woodstock.

Each fridge in the series will be decorated with a silver plaque showing its unique product number.

The Peanuts refrigerator will be available at Smeg’s stores and subsidiaries across Europe from November, with a retail price of €1299. Smeg will support the launch through window displays, social media and influencer activity.

Tara Botwick, senior director territory management for Peanuts Worldwide, said: “With Smeg known as one of the most popular names in home appliances thanks to the brand’s iconic retro style, colourful designs and reputation for quality, they are an excellent company to create a memorable product for Peanuts’ 70th anniversary milestone.

“We look forward to seeing this eye-catching refrigerator take pride of place in the homes of Peanuts fans across Europe.”

Polish streetwear brand PLNY LALA marks 70 years of Peanuts with new collection

WildBrain CPLG is marking the 70th anniversary of the Peanuts brand through a new partnership with the Polish streetwear brand, PLNY LALA. Brokered on behalf of Peanuts Worldwide, the deal will see the launch of a range of sweatshirts, t-shirts, dresses, tops, and socks all inspired by Snoopy and the Peanuts gang.

The collection has been launched in anticipation of October 2, the official 70th anniversary of the date that Charles M. Schulz first introduced the world to the Peanuts characters when the comic strip made its debut in seven American newspapers. Since then, Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the Peanuts gang have gone on to leave an indelible mark on pop culture.

The new PLNY LALA range is part of a global campaign with licensors that will be rolling out from Peanuts Worldwide this autumn.

Tara Botwick, senior director, international territory management, EMEA at Peanuts Worldwide, said: “With a focus on empowering its customer base and taking a fresh, playful approach to its influential collections, we knew that PLNY LALA would be an ideal fashion partner as well as a tentpole licensee as we look to ramp up a wide programme for Peanuts worldwide and across the CEE territories specifically. It’s an exciting collaboration that we feel sets the tone for our ambitions in the region and globally.”

Elisa Minetti, creative director and designer at PLNY LALA, added: “I’m excited to be teaming up with WildBrain CPLG again and this time working with Snoopy and the Peanuts squad. Our collaboration emphasises the global trends that PLNY LALA is at the forefront of in the local Polish market.

“My creative process for the range has involved combining iconic Peanuts cartoon artwork, with streetwear for women who carry an inner girl flame, which has resulted in a collection that is ideal for a feisty LALA girl. This autumn, Peanuts celebrates its 70th anniversary of the first comic strip’s debut. Let’s continue this inspiring journey together.”

Now available to purchase exclusively in PLNY LALA’s stores and online at www.plnylala.pl, the launch is being supported by in-store POS, a dedicated website landing page, social media and influencer product seeding, a look book, and a pop-up store in Warsaw. Items in the collection are priced between 39.00 – 599.00 PLN and are offered in a range of sizes.

The new partnership bolsters existing Peanuts fashion offerings secured by WildBrain CPLG in Central and Eastern Europe, which include: Polish retailer Smyk for a DTR range which is now launching; LPP for teen and adult collections available at Reserved, Reserved Kids, House, Sinsay and Sinsay Kids; and a range from E Plus M which is being focused towards teens and adults.

Beyond fashion, Carbotex will soon launch its first range of Peanuts homewares, and ERT launched a range of mobile accessories earlier this year.