Zavvi launches limited edition, exclusive Pokémon Explorer clothing and accessories collection

The UK online retailer, Zavvi has partnered with the Pokémon Company International to launch an exclusive, limited edition and fully licensed Pokémon Explorer clothing collection. The new range takes inspiration from the anime IP and the ‘sense of adventure’ felt when players explore the outdoors with Pokémon GO.

Designed as an ode to Pokémon GO’s enduring effect on audiences across the world, the Zavvi Pokémon Explorer range is targeted at avid wanderers, and is billed as ‘perfect for trainers setting off into the wildlands of their region to find coveted Pokémon.’

According to the team at Zavvi, the range ‘draws inspiration from the simplicity of the outdoors,’ combining natural and earthy tones with ‘utility themed garments’ emblazoned with some of the most iconic Pokémon characters. T-shirts, hoodies, and military style jackets in the collection feature the likes of Bulbasaur, Charmander, Evee, Snorlax, and Pikachu.

The partnership will also see the launch of a limited edition selection of accessories, including a cap, bucket hat, and a backpack featuring a woven Pikachu Scouts-inspired patch, ‘perfect for venturing out into the wilderness.’

There will also be two limited-edition Zavvi x Pokémon handcrafted canvas high-top designs, featuring Charizard soaring over a mountainous landscape on a white background.

The new merchandise will be available to purchase from 12pm on 25 August 2021, exclusive to Zavvi.com.

Katy Perry releases new single featuring Pikachu as part of ongoing Pokémon 25th celebrations

Pokémon’s 25th anniversary celebration continue with as the recording artist, Katy Perry releases her new single and video, Electric, starring non other than the franchise’s best-loved character, Pikachu.

Perry created the track especially for Pokémon 25: The Album, which will be released this autumn by Universal Music Group’s Capital Records. Katy’s collaborators on the song include The Monsters & Strangerz and Jon Bellion – who teamed up with her on “Daisies,” a song from her new album, SMILE – and Bruce Wiegner.

 

The official video for “Electric” received a YouTube Premiere with a fan watch party earlier this week. The clip follows Katy and Pikachu as they take time out to enjoy nature and reflect on how they have evolved over the years. After a day of exploring, the pair stop at a lighthouse to meditate. Falling into a reverie, they’re taken back in time to the earliest days of Katy’s career.

Thanks to encouragement from her friend Pichu, Katy goes from busking at a farmer’s market to her first club performance.

“When I visited the Pokémon Café while touring Japan, I got so nostalgic. It took me back to my junior high years. So when I got the call to be a part of the 25th anniversary celebration alongside Post Malone and J Balvin, I was elated,” said Katy Perry.

“The song’s themes – resilience, igniting your inner light – have guided my life and also parallel Pokémon’s story and characters. Pikachu is the evolved form of Pichu, so in the video, you see the younger version of me with Pichu and myself in the present day with Pikachu. We both evolve, yet retain a sense of playfulness.”

Colin Palmer, vice president or marketing, The Pokémon Company International, said: “Katy Perry has created a vibrant anthem to help us celebrate 25 years of Pokémon with ‘Electric,’ an amazing song about recognizing one’s own journeys and evolving. We also hope fans around the world enjoy seeing Pikachu team up with Katy in the music video for ‘Electric,’ which is a wonderful visual accompaniment to the inspirational song.”

A playful Electric-themed merchandise collection was also unveiled this week.

It’s all part of P25 Music, a yearlong music campaign from The Pokémon Company International in partnership with Universal Music Group. Fans can keep up with the latest news for P25 Music and more celebrations across the franchise on Pokémon’s 25th anniversary website at Pokemon.com/25.

The Pokémon Company expands it D2C platform Pokémon Center into Canada for the first time

The Pokémon Company International is taking its direct to consumer platform into new international territories, having confirmed the expansion of its official e-commerce arm, the Pokémon Center, into Canada for the first time.

Recognised as a premier destination for official Pokémon merchandise, the online platform was previously limited only to the US.

PokemonCenter.ca. will now offer a variety of Pokémon merchandise, including Pokémon Trading Card Game and items unique to the site such as figures, imported plush, apparel and accessories, home decor, kitchenware, outdoor gear, and more. It will also feature collaboration items with the likes of Funko and Kotobukiya.

“We are thrilled to bring Pokémon Center to our fans in Canada, giving them additional ways to express and celebrate their Pokémon fandom through premium merchandise,” said Cindy Ruppenthal, director of e-commerce at The Pokémon Company International.

“Pokémon Center has something for every type of Trainer – whether it’s to play, collect, decorate, or wear – and we look forward to seeing even more Trainers enjoy these offerings.”

In celebration, Pokémon Center customers in the US and Canada will receive a Pokémon TCG promo card, featuring Special Delivery Pikachu, at no additional cost with any eligible purchase, while supplies last.

The Pokémon Company International teams with children’s retailer Z for first apparel collection

The Pokémon Company International is teaming up with the high street children’s retailer Z to launch a special apparel collection in Z stores and online from today.

The Z Pokémon collection marks the first collaboration between the two companies and comprises 10 pieces across daywear, nightwear, and accessories for both boys and girls, including the latest on-trend lenticular designs. It will be available in all of the over 360 Z stores across France, Italy, and in other Z territories including Belgium.

Part of the Kidiliz Group, Z specialises in fashionable and fun clothing for children aged 14 and younger.

Already a strong merchandising plan is in place for the launch, including window takeovers and in-store Point of Sale from August 12 to 31, 2020. Z will also feature the Pokémon collection on its webstore, with a dedicated banner on the homepage, and will be communicating the launch across its social channels and offering its customers the chance to win some exciting Pokémon prizes.

Mathieu Galante, licensing director EMEA for The Pokémon Company International, said: “We are delighted to be working with Kidiliz and their extremely popular and well-established Z stores to bring this colourful new collection to the high street. It’s a further testament to the continuing and expanding fashion appeal of Pokémon.”

Pokémon’s collaboration with Z is the latest in a recent string of high street retailer partnerships for children’s apparel across France and Italy, following successful ranges at La Compagnie des Petits and IKKS, plus global giants Zara Kids and H&M.

Further Pokémon activity includes the recent announcement of a selection of additional games including New Pokémon Snap for Nintendo Switch, a photo-snapping adventure through unknown islands that is a contemporary update of the 1999 game; Pokémon Café Mix, available on Nintendo Switch and mobile devices, is a fun puzzle game set in a café visited by Pokémon.

For younger children, the Pokémon Smile app is a unique, new mobile experience that makes brushing your teeth a fun activity and encourages kids to develop good brushing habits.  Finally, the forthcoming Pokémon UNITE will be the first strategic Pokémon team battle game.