Tag Archives: pet products

Jazwares takes first steps into pet toy market with Wham-O licensed toys for our furry friends

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The global player in toys and licensing, Jazwares, is making new tracks in the pets market through a partnership with Anjar & Becker Associates that will see the firm launch a range of Wham-O licensed toys for our furriest of friends.

Scheduled to launch online and at brick and mortar retailers across the US next autumn, the new line will mark Jazwares’ first entry into the Pet Toy category, as the Wham-O products join upcoming pet costumes in building out the company’s pet product offerings.

Wham-O has produced some of the most recognisable and classic American toys like Frisbee, Superball, Hula Hoop, Slip ‘N Slide, Hacky Sack, and Boogie Board for nearly 75 years. Together with Jazwares, it is now bringing its roster of brands to a playful and durable range of pet toys.

The collection will include both traditional toys like balls, discs, tug toys, and plush, as well as new innovations in the pet space.

“Wham-O toys has been at the center of active play for families across America for decades and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to help extend its iconic brands to new products for our four-legged friends,” said Michael Rinzler, executive VP/partner, Jazwares.

“As we continue to grow Jazwares offerings beyond our core toy and collectibles business, we look forward to bringing our innovative, quality approach to consumer products into the pet category.”

Jonathan Becker, president of Anjar Co, added: “We’re excited to partner with Jazwares to extend the iconic Wham-O brands into the Pet Toy category. Jazwares has a reputation of bringing creativity, innovation and quality toys to all their brands, and I’m confident that’s what they’ll do for the Wham-O brands for pet toys. This opportunity will benefit pets and their owners everywhere and encourage active play all day.”

Todd Richards, president of Wham-O, said: “Wham-O has long been associated with active play and carrying our brand over to the pet world seems like a natural extension of our brands’ image. Thanks to Anjar and Becker Associates, we at Wham-O are thrilled about this exciting partnership with Jazwares.”

This news continues Jazwares’ expansion into new product categories and follows on the heels of Jazwares’ recent announcement about its forthcoming entry into the costume segment.

Fred & Ginger pack Popeye punch into pet products portfolio

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The design-led pet product specialist, Fred & Ginger has signed up to create a range of pet treats and accessories based on the classic animation brand, Popeye. The deal was brokered by Bulldog Licensing, the European licensing agency for the property as it continues to grow its consumer products portfolio in the UK.

Fred & Ginger is set to create a full collection of feeding mats and bowls, pet beds, toys, accessories, collars and leads, along with a range of treats, including Easter eggs and advent calendars, as well as pet snacks inspired by the iconic strong man.

Having recently celebrated its 90th anniversary, Popeye remains a popular brand in the UK and the world, with a social presence of 9.8 million fans. The TV show is broadcast on Pluto TV (Theatrical Cartoons, YouTube Shorts, additional Popeye Cartoons). 

The latest deal joins an expanding licensing programme, with two new deals announced at the end of last year, Ecell and Ideal Home Shopping for tech accessories and crafting lines respectively. Additionally, both Fashion UK and Bro Global have renewed their deals for the iconic character.

The offering now spans a range of categories including apparel, accessories, dress-up, and Bulldog plans to further strengthen the portfolio in the near future.

Rob Corney, MD, Bulldog Licensing, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Fred & Ginger on board. The team has a robust experience in creating excellent licensed ranges for pet owners, and we’re excited to see their new creations for Popeye as the brand continues to delight fans throughout the UK.”

UK charity Guide Dogs joins Bulldog Licensing portfolio with pet and consumer products plans

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Guide Dogs, the UK charity established to support people with sight loss to live actively and independently, has joined the Bulldog Licensing portfolio as it looks to build a consumer products campaign around its well-respected name.

Building on the charity’s reputation for raising puppies to become life-changing partners, the licensing programme will target dog owners with high quality pet products, training aids, and pet travel accessories. Outside of this core area, the programme will also bring to market a range of items including collectable toys, apparel, and accessories.

The product range will be aimed at dog lovers across the nation to include gifting, collectables, and stationery, all of which will focus on the dogs, trained by the Guide Dogs team of experts, to make life-changing differences to visually impaired people throughout the UK.

Guide Dogs was recently named the sixth most popular UK charity in a YouGov poll and is the largest provider of services for children and young people with a vision impairment. Guide Dogs has an unparalleled reputation for canine care and expertise as the world’s largest breeder and trainer of dogs, making it the perfect brand for dog lovers nationwide. 

Rob Corney, MD, Bulldog Licensing, said: “Guide Dogs does some incredible work helping people with visual impairment to lead happy, independent lives safely through their incredible dog partnerships, which gives them a special place in the heart of the UK population.

“We’re excited to start building a range of products for Guide Dog owners and trainers themselves, as well as our nation of dog lovers.”

Simon’s Cat slinks into Lidl with new pet product range

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The hit animated brand Simon’s Cat has partnered with the leading European retailer, Lidl, for a branded range of pet products, including scratchers and beds for cats. Owned by the global content creator, Endemol Shine Group, the Simon’s Cat brand boasts a fanbase of some 7 million Facebook fans, 2 million Instagram followers, and more than 1 billion views on YouTube.

The latest partnership sees Simon’s Cat branded products launch in Lidl stores this summer in the US and across 16 territories in Europe. Products include a scratcher and bed for cats, each in three different colours. The deal also features a bespoke piece of animation created by the Simon’s Cat team exclusively for Lidl.

The deal was negotiated by Simon’s Cat’s German licensing agent Lizenzweft.

Jane Smith, group director, brand licensing and gaming, Endemol Shine Group, said: “Lidl has a fantastic reach across Europe and in the US and we expect Simon’s Cat merchandise to be a very popular with their customers. These products are the ideal way for fans to bring their love for the cheeky cat into their own home and share the joy with their own pet.”

Simon’s Cat features the antics of a mischievous white cat and his long-suffering owner Simon and was created by award-winning illustrator, animator and director Simon Tofield. First seen on YouTube in 2008, the Simon’s Cat brand enjoys international success across multiple categories including gaming, publishing and apparel. There have been more than 80 million digital sticker downloads and in excess of 18 million mobile gaming downloads with further titles in development.

The last year alone saw the launch of the Baby Simon’s Cat campaign and the sell-out success with its first range of Teespring plushies; a brand new book Simon’s Cat It’s a Dog’s Life which brings everyone’s favourite feline back to the page, with a canine twist; the rollout of the hit mobile game Simon’s Cat Dash in China; and continued international growth with further agent appointments in the Nordics and CEE, and Southeast Asia.