Tag Archives: Pop Culture

Funko EMEA appoints regional sales director to spur its ‘phenomenal European takeover’

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The pop culture specialist, Funko has bolstered its EMEA sales management team with the appointment of the former MGA Entertainment sales director, Karen Athill.

Joining the European arm of the US headquartered collectables specialist, Athill takes on the role of regional sales director, where she will lead the regional sales team as Funko continues what it has dubbed its ‘phenomenal European takeover.’

During her tenure at MGA Entertainment, Athill helped to spearhead the company’s growth within the UK through a vastly successful sales strategy for brands like LOL Surprise, Rainbow High, Little Tikes, Baby Born, and Baby Annabel.

Prior to this role, she headed up sales for the UK at Rubie’s – the world’s largest manufacturer of licensed costumes and accessories – where she delivered multi-channel strategies across their vast portfolio of products in both hard and softlines.

Athill said: “I’m delighted to be joining the Funko family. Its huge range of license partnerships offer unlimited opportunities and I’m thrilled to be working on such a diverse product range spanning multiple categories.

“Additionally, the ongoing portfolio expansion (Loungefly to name just one) make this an exciting time to be a part of the business. It’s great to be back in a cross-category environment and I cannot wait to be working with the talented Funko team and look forward to supporting our EMEA retailer partners towards further growth.”

Malcolm Ottley, vice president of sales at Funko (EMEA), added: “We are delighted to have been able to secure someone with Karen’s proven experience to help strengthen our retailer relationships throughout the UK, France and Iberia regions.

“Karen will lead our sales teams in those regions, further enhancing our strategic partner relations and continuing to drive our category expansions across our Pop! collectibles, toys, games and softlines through our thriving Loungefly business.”

Shelf space is the final frontier as Playmobil and ViacomCBS launch the Starship Enterprise

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Shelf space: the final frontier. Oh yes, it’s happened; toy maker Playmobil is bridging time and space to release the fruits of a new collaborative alliance with ViacomCBS, for a whole new voyage for the Starship Enterprise this September.

Yet another play for the kidult and collectors space – following a very successful Back to the Future range of vehicles and play-sets, and the teased The A-Team collaboration – the Star Trek universe has joined forces with the German toy company to deliver The 70548 Star Trek – USS Enterprise in toy form.

The new launch – the first Playmobil model of the Starship Enterprise ever developed – is not approaching this collaboration lightly, boasting authentic details and numerous features to inspire fans. In fact, this one-metre long Constitution class vessel promises ‘plenty of mesmerising detail’ that will make it ‘the pride of the Starfleet.’

The Starship Enterprise will be displayed using the specially designed mounting, while lights, sounds, and other technical features will all star alongside a unique AR tie-in app which will act to expand the authentically detailed Star Trek experience ‘much further than the physical product.’

The ship arrives with a total of seven crew members from the original cast, including the first Playmobil Mr Spock, all of whom fit into their traditional places on the bridge of the Enterprise.

“To explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilisations, to boldly go where no one has gone before… And now, with the authentic U.S.S. Enterprise and original crew from Playmobil, there will be plenty more space adventures to come,” read a statement from the toy company.

The Star Trek – USS Enterprise will launch worldwide on September 8th this year.

Funko eyes international growth after record second quarter and major executive moves

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Funko’s president, Andrew Perlmutter is to be appointed the firm’s new CEO as Brian Mariotti transitions to the newly created role of chief creative officer, detailing the top level moves the same week the firm delivered ‘its largest topline quarter in company history.’

Last week, the pop culture specialist revealed that second quarter net sales had increased a massive 141 per cent to hit $236.1 million, with ‘broad-based strength’ in all of its markets, particularly Europe where sales increased 393 per cent.

In the firm’s move to maintain its creative leadership in the pop culture consumer products market while positioning itself for long-term growth, it has now detailed its executive leadership transition.

The changes are expected to come into effect from January 3, 2022, allowing both leaders to ‘uniquely contribute to the next phase of Funko’s growth.’ As COO, Mariotti will be able to concentrate on the creative decisions at the company, overseeing product innovation, fan engagement, business development, M&A, and Funko’s Digital product line.

It all follows some record results for Funko who has seen its flagship Pop! Brand grow 137 per cent on strong evergreen product sales, while Loungefly led its non-figure product sales which itself saw an increase of 136 per cent.

Further and more long-term growth is now fully on the cards for Funko as the firm readies to see Perlmutter take on the CEO role. Having first joined the company as senior vice president of sales in 2013, he was promoted to president in 2017 where he currently has oversight over key strategic and operational functions.

“I’m incredibly proud of what we have accomplished at Funko,” said Mariotti. “We built a small company into the leading pop culture platform, offering our fans across the globe a way to interact and connect with some of their most beloved icons.

“This transition will allow me to remain closely involved with the business while focusing more exclusively on the creating and fan-centric areas I am passionate about.”

On the company’s record Q2 financial results this year, he added: “Our teams delivered the largest top line quarter in company history.

“Second quarter net sales more than doubled versus a year ago and also eclipsed 2019 levels, reflecting broad-based strength across our products, channels and regions.

“We are pleased with our strong year-to-date performance in 2021 and our ability to deliver against our core operating and growth strategies despite the challenges of the pandemic.

“As we approach the second half of the year, we are continuing to navigate the uncertain macro environment, while remaining focused on delighting and engaging our fans around the world.”

Perlmutter, added: “I am honoured to assume the role of CEO in January, while maintaining the longstanding and fruitful partnership Brian and I have enjoyed for many years.

“With the transition, we plan to continue to pursue a four-pillar approach that focuses on leveraging our core Pop! Platform, driving additional revenue streams through product diversification, accelerating growth on our direct-to-consumer channel, and expanding our international business.”

Licensing 360 celebrates 20 years of Wet Hot American Summer with Monzo and Bioworld

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The US comedy, Wet Hot American Summer, starring Paul Rudd, Bradley Cooper, and Amy Poehler, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year with the launch of a new range of nostalgic, collectable merchandise.

In new deals brokered by Licensing 360, Rusted Wave and the film’s producers have partnered with Mondo and Bioworld to create a unique new collection of posters and apparel, spanning t-shirts, hats, jackets, bags, and more.

“With these anniversary pieces, our goal is to showcase the iconic scenes, phrases, and moments of the film that fans remember deeply and want to own through merchandise,” said Stephanie Kupperman of Licensing 360.

Eric Garza of Mondo, added: “Wet Hot American Summer is an iconic film with an unbelievably stacked cast, so to celebrate its anniversary, we wanted to give fans a fun, high-energy poster that reminds them of not only the Camp Firewood shenanigans, but maybe even of their own summer camp experiences. Artist JJ Harrison delivered on all fronts.”

Bioworld will develop a full collection of Wet Hot American Summer merchandise including tees, hats, jackets, lounge pants, bags, and water bottles. The collection will initially be available on Dumbgood.com, a direct-to-consumer site blending streetwear and pop-culture that is a part of Bioworld’s best in class consumer engagement model.

“We are pleased to offer fans this Wet Hot American Summer collection,” said Bioworld’s Paul Beck. “This is well overdue for fans, so we think they will leap at the opportunity to collect the pieces.”

To inquire about becoming a Wet Hot American Summer licensee please email stephanie@licensingthreesixty.com or visit the website, licensingthreesixty.com

Games Workshop sees full-year profits spike 69 per cent as staff receive £5k bonuses

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A big spike in profit over the last year, confirmed plans to expand in China, and a bonus of £5,000 to each member of staff compound another successful end of year for the UK-based tabletop gaming brand, Games Workshop.

In its trading update issued this week, the tabletop figures retailer confirmed that each of its around 2,600 staff will receive £5000 in shares under its profit-share scheme following a profits spike at the company of 69 per cent to hit £151 million.

The share bonuses, issued to staff in May this year, are in total worth £12 million, marking a £10 million increase on the £2 million awards given to staff in the previous year. Meanwhile, senior executives will share an extra £1.1 million bonus pot, marking a £300,00 increase on the year before.

Games Workshop has been at the forefront of a surge in demand for tabletop gaming and RPG gaming over the last few years. While it was forced to close its 523 stores during lockdowns due to the pandemic, its online engagement, online events, and online sales helped buoy the company through the tough trading period.

As a result of consumer demand for escapism during the pandemic’s various lockdowns, and the retained audience that had turned to the hobby sector for entertainment, Games Workshop has seen its full-year pre-tax profit rise 69 per cent to nearly £151 million, while revenue came in at £353 million.

With another successful year under its belt, the retail brand has begun eyeing international expansion, detailing its plans to roll out hundreds of products across China, following delays at the border.

Chief executive, Kevin Rountree said that while China and Japan are ‘not significant contributors’ to the company’s performance yet, the firm ‘remains focused on sharing our passion for Warhammer to more people in these countries as well as the rest of Asia.’

Geek Retreat moves into Dumfries and stays on track to open 60 stores by end of 2021

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The geek culture retailer, Geek Retreat, is continuing on its ambitious plans for the UK with the successful launch of its new store in Dumfries, bringing its total numbers of shops around the country to 28.

Situated on Church Crescent and providing five local jobs, the new Geek Retreat store – a geek culture retailers, gaming cafe, and events space rolled into one – aims to offer a safe and friendly environment ‘where people can gather and enjoy shared interests.’

The retailer aims to provide for all fanbases within the geek culture community, from Marvel and Magic the Gathering to Yu-Gi-Oh, Warhammer, and Pokemon, as well as traditional board games. Visitors will also be able to enjoy a full menu with vegetarian, vegan, and kids’ options all developed in partnership with the food service firm, Booker.

The Geek Retreat has previously outlined the importance it places on providing an inclusive, welcoming, and social environment for its more vulnerable customers such as those with autism or with mental health issues. The retailer has a national partnership with the National Autistic Society, while the Dumfries store locally supports The D&G Queerier, LIFT D&G, and Dumfries Gamers.

Samuel Glendinning, franchise owner at Geek Retreat Dumfries, said: “We are excited to have opened our doors and be bringing something new and different to the Dumfries Town center and to the local community. A safe and inclusive place to play, relax, have fun and make friends, where they can share their love of all things geeky from anime and manga to trading card games such as Pokemon and Magic:The Gathering.”

Emma Harper, MSP for South Scotland, added: “The opening of the unique Geek Retreat store and café in Dumfries is great news. The store proposes to offer a safe, friendly environment where people can come and enjoy their shared gaming interests as well as traditional board games.

“It is also extremely welcome that Geek Retreat provides an inclusive, welcoming, and social environment for more vulnerable customers, like those with autistic spectrum or with mental health or anxiety issues. Geek Retreat has a national partnership with the National Autistic Society, and locally supports The D&G Queerier, LIFT D&G and Dumfries Gamers.

“I have no doubt that Geek Retreat will be an invaluable asset to Dumfries and I encourage all with gaming interests to pop in and see what it has to offer. I am looking forward to going along for myself in August.”

Geek Retreat is now on track to open 60 of its planned 100 new stores on high streets by the end of 2021, creating 360 jobs around the UK.  The franchise is on track to meet its previously announced target of a total of 100 new stores in 2022.

Its growth is echoed by the increasing popularity of boardgames, card trading and tabletop games which make up an industry worth £8 billion in the UK and is predicted to grow by 3.1 per cent annually over the next three years.

Peter Dobson, chief executive of Geek Retreat, said: “The success of the Dumfries store is another step in the growth of the Geek Retreat franchise. The Geek Retreat proposition and unique culture has proved particularly resilient during the pandemic and has shown us how important it is for people to have a safe please to visit and to share their interests with friends as part of a community.”

All stores commit to a COVID-19 secure environment, with strict social distancing and hygiene measures in place, to give customers extra piece of mind that they can visit in confidence.

Phat Kandi joins curated Japan-inspired line up as HMV marks 100 years with pop culture store launches

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The British alternative fashion brand, Phat Kandi, has been selected as one of the chosen few independent labels to supply HMV as it marks its 100th year in retail with the launch of ten new pop culture stores across the UK.

The initiative will see HMV launch a raft of specially curated stores offering the latest in kawaii or Japanese pop culture inspired products, all of which will be supplied by independent and up and coming brands. Product collections will range from fashion and accessories to imported Japanese foods and more.

The running theme throughout the curated collection housed within these ten new locations will be the essence of pop culture today.

Established in 2019 by its creative director, Mel Williams, Phat Kandi has been developed a brand aimed at ‘bitter sweet misfits,’ an audience she describes as ‘the dreamers, the rule breakers, and the overlooked,’ as a place where they can ‘feel at home.’ With a love of  all things Japanese, and inspired by the fashion tribes of Harajuku, Mel created a brand combining her distinctive hand writing, illustrations and her fashion design experience.

“I’m super happy to be part of HMVs exciting new pop culture concept stores. We’re a perfect fit for their customers who want something alternative to the norm. Concept stores like this are well over due for the UK high street, consumers are screaming out for freshness, new offerings and up and coming brands which is what HMV are delivering,” said Mel.

“I’m looking forward to growing with the HMV tribe, as well as adding new categories to our fashion range.”

Phat Kandi have also landed two US stockists: Hot Topic, Dolls Kill, EMP ( Europe) as well as a licensee partnership across sportswear during what Williams has described as a “very exciting time for Phat Kandi.”

“Even through a pandemic we’ve managed to survive and grow, and we’re only just warming up. My vision for Phat Kandi is to become a global brand, the go to place for alternative products, then open our own concept stores in London, Japan and LA,” she continued. “I totally believe the vision will become a reality one day.”

The first HMV store under the new initiative is now open in Solihull offering Phat Kandi limited edition fashion pieces such as tees and bucket hats. Nine more concept stores will be opening across the UK each month from September.

Phat Kandi joins curated Japan-inspired line up as HMV marks 100 years with pop culture store launches

Posted on by

The British alternative fashion brand, Phat Kandi, has been selected as one of the chosen few independent labels to supply HMV as it marks its 100th year in retail with the launch of ten new pop culture stores across the UK.

The initiative will see HMV launch a raft of specially curated stores offering the latest in kawaii or Japanese pop culture inspired products, all of which will be supplied by independent and up and coming brands. Product collections will range from fashion and accessories to imported Japanese foods and more.

The running theme throughout the curated collection housed within these ten new locations will be the essence of pop culture today.

Established in 2019 by its creative director, Mel Williams, Phat Kandi has been developed a brand aimed at ‘bitter sweet misfits,’ an audience she describes as ‘the dreamers, the rule breakers, and the overlooked,’ as a place where they can ‘feel at home.’ With a love of  all things Japanese, and inspired by the fashion tribes of Harajuku, Mel created a brand combining her distinctive hand writing, illustrations and her fashion design experience.

“I’m super happy to be part of HMVs exciting new pop culture concept stores. We’re a perfect fit for their customers who want something alternative to the norm. Concept stores like this are well over due for the UK high street, consumers are screaming out for freshness, new offerings and up and coming brands which is what HMV are delivering,” said Mel.

“I’m looking forward to growing with the HMV tribe, as well as adding new categories to our fashion range.”

Phat Kandi have also landed two US stockists: Hot Topic, Dolls Kill, EMP ( Europe) as well as a licensee partnership across sportswear during what Williams has described as a “very exciting time for Phat Kandi.”

“Even through a pandemic we’ve managed to survive and grow, and we’re only just warming up. My vision for Phat Kandi is to become a global brand, the go to place for alternative products, then open our own concept stores in London, Japan and LA,” she continued. “I totally believe the vision will become a reality one day.”

The first HMV store under the new initiative is now open in Solihull offering Phat Kandi limited edition fashion pieces such as tees and bucket hats. Nine more concept stores will be opening across the UK each month from September.

Anderson Entertainment eyes sci-fi cosplay move with Space: 1999 t-shirts

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Anderson Entertainment is helping the sci-fi fandom scene into hyperdrive with the launch of a range of cosplay t-shirts inspired by the crew uniforms worn in the live action classic, Space: 1999.

Founded by Gerry Anderson – the name behind iconic shows including Thunderbirds and Space: 1999, as well as the 2005 reimagining of Captain Scarlet, Anderson Entertainment has been eyeing strong partnerships and product roll out to expand its pop culture offering and growth its presence on a global scale.

The Space: 1999 cosplay long-sleeve t-shirts are replicas of uniforms worn by the crew on Moonbase Alpha. The collection has been designed to closely match the original outfits worn by the show’s cast. As in the show, the colours on the sleeves refer to the different ranks and characters in year one of the iconic 1970s Gerry Anderson series.

The collection begins with the black colourway for John Koenig, leader of Moonbase Alpha, and orange for Alan Carter, chief pilot. These will be followed by red (Main Mission/Command Centre) and purple (security staff).

The outfit’s move into the cosplay category comes hard on the heels of a new agreement with rightsholder ITV Studios, which allows Anderson Entertainment to expand its ranges of product derived from its classic brands. This agreement will enable a wide range of new and innovative products inspired by the best-loved Gerry Anderson creations.

The online Gerry Anderson store, whose existing range includes toys, apparel, model kits, gifts, calendars and homewares, is expanding its category offering significantly this year to meet demand. A major move into publishing, focusing on hardbacks, coffee table books, comic anthologies, series guides, audiobooks and more, is already under way.

Writer, producer, director, and MD of Anderson Entertainment, Jamie Anderson, said: “Gerry Anderson fans have been asking whether the stylish Space: 1999 look will be made available to wear for a long time. Well, the first-ever t-shirts in the classic style of the hit show’s uniforms are now on sale, with more designs on the way. We’re delighted with these designs – and we think the massive Gerry Anderson fanbase will be too.”

Anderson Entertainment is a content production company set up by the late Gerry Anderson, creator of Supercar, Fireball XL5, Stingray, Thunderbirds, Thunderbirds Are Go, Captain Scarlet And The Mysterons, Thunderbird 6, Joe 90 and The Secret Service, along with live-action productions Doppelgänger, UFO, The Protectors, Space:1999 and The Day After Tomorrow, as well as the more recent Terrahawks, Dick Spanner, Space Precinct, Lavender Castle and New Captain Scarlet.

MGM and NACON bring RoboCop back to video gaming with 2023 release RoboCop: Rogue City

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The film and TV studio, MGM has teamed with the video game publisher, NACON to launch a new RoboCop video game based on the first three films in the original RoboCop movie universe.

Titled RoboCop: Rogue City, the game will feature a new storyline and is currently being developed by the studio Teyon, the team behind the critically successful Terminator: Resistance. The game has a planned release date of 2023 across console and PC platforms.

A classic sci-fi adventure, RoboCop is regarded as one of Hollywood’s most iconic film franchises of all time. First released in 1987, the franchise continues to resonate with audiences around the world today. Celebrating its 35h anniversary next year, RoboCop enjoys a robust consumer products and licensing programme and boasts a strong legacy in the gaming space.

“We’re delighted to be teaming up with MGM to offer a new vision of a popular franchise that was created over 30 years ago,” said Alain Falc, CEO of NACON. “The game is the perfect fit to pursue our aim of offering different gaming experiences to the widest possible audience.”

Both NACON and Teyon will work with MGM to develop a gaming experience authentic to the RoboCop franchise. The original film follows the story of police officer, Alex Murphy who, when attacked by robbers is reconstructed by doctors who create an unstoppable crime-fighting cyborg.

“We’re very much looking forward to collaborating with NACON and Teyon to bring one of MGM’s most timeless IPs back to gaming platforms with a brand new story,” said Robert Marick, executive president global consumer products and experiences, MGM.

“The film is known for gripping action and complex storytelling, and we are excited for RoboCop fans to experience this first hand through the game.”

More information about RoboCop: Rogue City will be revealed in the coming weeks.