Tag Archives: The Point 1888.

The Point.1888 appoints sub-agent Playology to expand programme for TV’s The Raccoons

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The Point.1888 has signed Playology International as a sub-agent for Canada to explore new and existing licensing opportunities and partnerships for The Raccoons.

Playology is charged with delivering a licensing programme that will capitalise on the recent resurgence that the TV series has seen, with fans eager for more access and products from the much-loved Canadian show.

This will support The Raccoons’ return to TV after the announcement that the series is being remastered prior to being released on DVD and Blu-Ray, as well as streaming services.

Created in 1985, the animated television series follows the day-to-day life of raccoons Bert, Melissa and Ralph, their friend Cedric Sneer the aardvark and his dad, Cyril Sneer, and their adventures in the Evergreen Forest. For two decades, it engaged the imaginations of families in 180 countries all over the world.

Olivia Wiggett, Associate Commercial Manager at The Point.1888, says: “Many of our team go way back with Playology’s co-founder Jacqueline Vong, and we’re thrilled to finally have the chance to work with her. Playology has a fantastic reputation, and its brand portfolio compliments The Raccoons perfectly. We are certain they will be an amazing partner for the brand in its home country, Canada.”

Jacqueline Vong, Co-founder of Playology, adds: “Growing up in Canada with The Raccoons as a staple on TV and having the opportunity to work on the brand now is a full-circle moment. We can’t wait to introduce The Raccoons to a new generation and their fans again!”

 

 

The Point.1888 signs three new world-famous artists and designers

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The Point.1888 is starting 2022 with some new colour, pattern, and impact thanks to the signing of three renowned artists as new clients: Ben Eine, Emily Burningham and Real Hackney Dave.

They will be joining The Point.1888’s existing book of artists and designers which includes leading British interior design brand MissPrint and award-winning artists and designers Rachel Ellen, Jimbobart and I Like Birds as they continue to meet the growing demands from consumers for products that express their personalities and inject colour and life into their homes.

Known for his iconic use of type, Ben Eine is a world-famous grafitti artist whose work can be found on the streets of London, LA, Mexico City, Paris, Tokyo, Dublin and Stockholm. He has collaborated with Banksy and his work was once given to Barack Obama as a gift from the British Prime Minister.

Dave Buonaguidi, AKA Real Hackney Dave, is a London-based artist known for making work that creates a reaction by combining the visual and verbal language of advertising and propaganda with unique imagery and materials of found objects and ephemera. He is best known for printing his bold trademark pink typography onto vintage maps and photographs and even makes art out of decommissioned hand grenades and 1000lb bombs.

London-based print designer Emily Burningham has a passion for pattern and colour and has featured in Liberty, House & Garden and Ideal Home, among others. Her sophisticated designs explore the relationship between distinct eras of art and design.

Both Ben and Emily have previously benefited from brand licensing activity, having worked with Paul Smith and Louis Vuitton; and Liberty, Waterstones and Paperchase respectively.

During the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021, The Point.1888’s artist and designer clients saw soaring interest in their designs and a multitude of deals including placement on Fy for MissPrint, Thermos for Rachel Ellen, and a homeware deal for Jimbobart. The Point.1888 also signed new sub-agent deals for I Like Birds in Japan, as well as sub-agents in Iberia and the US for Jimbobart.

Janine Richmond, Head of Product & Brand at The Point.1888, commented: “Artists have been an important focus for The Point.1888 for many years, not least because of their ability to respond quickly to new consumer desires and trends. For example, MissPrint’s bold colourways and nod to the biophilic trend was of great appeal to consumers wishing to bring nature indoors.

“Thanks to our talented team of specialists and our keen eye on retail trends, we’ve been able to bring our clients great success over the past few years and we’re confident we can build long-term, sustainable partnerships with Ben Eine, Real Hackney Dave and Emily Burningham too.”

Conversations with first-phase partners for the artists are underway.

The Point.1888 launches dedicated retail services arm

Moonbug Entertainment brands to arrive front-of-store in Asda this Christmas

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Just weeks after The Point.1888 announced a record-breaking 66 new licensees across EMEA for Moonbug Entertainment’s leading IP CoComelon, the superbrand has secured a prime spot in Asda stores nationwide, for a dual-branded activation focusing on children’s brands Blippi and CoComelon.

Since coming on board as Master Licensing Agency for Moonbug’s portfolio of brands in EMEA* last summer, the brand licensing specialist has sought to leverage CoComelon and Blippi’s popularity with children by bringing the brands closer to their audience across a broad range of categories, including clothing, puzzles, arts and crafts, games, and outdoor, to name just a few.

As part of a special activation arranged by The Point.1888, George at Asda has been given an exclusive style guide to create market-leading products for CoComelon and Blippi. The products include branded daywear and nightwear clothing, accessories, bags and footwear, and will be on sale across 453 Asda stores. In addition to the activation, there will also be a TOY FSDU included.

The full branded cross-category activation commences today in storefront mobile event units. Having seen huge success with CoComelon and Blippi earlier this year at Easter, this new activation is welcomed by for Asda and George. The retailer will be supporting this new and exclusive promotion with POS activity and marketing.

“When it comes to the launch of soft lines across Blippi and CoComelon, the George and Asda buying teams have been excellent supporters of the Moonbug brands,” says Hannah Stevens, Head of Retail at The Point.1888. “It had a strong apparel launch in Q2 and has carried lines throughout the year so it seems fitting that it should end the year with a bang. George at Asda will have a fantastic range of products and designs available for their customers in the lead-up to Christmas.”

Jenna Perry, Buying Expert at George at Asda commented: “We’re really excited to partner with The Point and Moonbug to bring this collaboration to the market across George and Asda. Blippi and CoComelon resonate well with our preschool customer and this launch will be great to showcase the licenses just in time for Christmas.”

“At Moonbug Entertainment we pride ourselves on developing world-class partnerships with retailers that share our vision in creating amazing products that bring joy to kids and families,” adds Ryan Gorman, Global Head of Retail Development and Marketing. “The partnership with George at Asda is a prime example of best-in-class collaboration. We are elated to work together with the entire team at Asda to bring joy to all families this holiday season.”

*With the exception of CoComelon in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, which are represented by Super RTL.

 

The Point.1888 launches dedicated retail services arm

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The Point.1888 has launched a new business arm, Spotlight.1888, dedicated to helping brands and licensees with retail services, and retailers with licensing strategy.

Based on an extension of its market leading retail-first model – whereby The Point.1888 creates new products for its brands based on the gaps it sees at retail as well as what it thinks the brand’s target demographic might like – Spotlight will work directly with retailers and brands to help them fill the gaps themselves using the agency’s retail team expertise.

The new business comprises a dedicated account team, with a mix of buyer experience across a number of retailers (Harrods, John Lewis, Sainsburys and Kingfisher, to name a few), along with dedicated licensing retail professionals.

Heading up the new business arm will be The Point.1888’s Head of Retail, Hannah Stevens, who has been working on the idea of Spotlight.1888 for many years alongside leading retail expert and Managing Director Will Stewart.

“We are constantly discussing with retailers, licensees and brand owners the different ways to activate licensed brands at retail and are delighted to finally provide an official channel for this, in the form of Spotlight.1888,” says Hannah. “There couldn’t be a better time to launch, and the full team will be at BLE to discuss our approach with any prospective licensees, retailers or brands.”

Spotlight.1888 is the second new business The Point.1888 has launched this year. Story.1888, which launched in August, provides clients with creative services such as product branding and style guides, product marketing, strategy, content creation and campaign management.

To hear more about Spotlight.1888, visit stand C183 at BLE or contact the team at spotlight@thepoint1888.com.

The Point.1888 jumps on board with new client Flip Out

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Flip Out, the UK’s leading trampoline and adventure park operator, is to embark on its first ever brand licensing programme with the help of its new agent The Point.1888.

With 27 sites across the UK offering slides, free running, inflatables, assault courses, synthetic ice rinks, bumper cars and crazy golf, Flip Out has amassed a huge fanbase. It hopes to use brand licensing to boost engagement and generate new revenue opportunities.

The Point.1888 was Flip Out’s first choice thanks to the agency’s knowledge and experience working with some of the world’s biggest brands in sport and kids entertainment, such as Team GB, British & Irish Lions, CoComelon, Moomin and Blippi.

Product ranges in planning include apparel, activity products and trampolines, and key to the strategy will be Flip Out’s ability to get kids, teens and families away from their screensand having fun in an active way. This is much needed following the release of research earlier this year which showed a 100% increase in kids’ screen activity compared with the same period in 2020.

Hannah Stevens, Head of Sports and Retail, at The Point.1888, says: “We are acutely aware of how the world is progressing as we all spend more time than ever glued to screens. This has also been a major factor in the struggles of retail as people choose to shop online rather than on the high street. Flip Out has a huge opportunity to reverse this trend by using products to entice people to get out and be more active, experiencing more of real life.

“Flip Out is more than a trampoline park; it’s a space to get lost in and explore, with everything from Ninja obstacle courses to Cyber Towers. Combined with its electric urban identity, you really are taken on a complete adventure. It is this purpose, authenticity and creativity that we find incredibly exciting and why Flip Out will be able to deliver incredibly powerful products.”

“The Flip Out brand is focused on getting young people and families active and having fun,” says Richard Beese, Co-Owner at Flip Out. “Our parks offer a range of activities to appeal to all ages and we believe this partnership with The Point.1888 will enable us to deliver these benefits to a wider audience.”

 

Percy The Park Keeper partners with the National Trust for nationwide winter trails

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This winter, 121 National Trust gardens and parklands across England, Wales and Northern Ireland will be inviting families to step into the wonderful world of Percy the Park Keeper, thanks to a new agreement signed by the brand’s licensing agent The Point.1888.

In partnership with the best-selling author and illustrator Nick Butterworth, the Percy the Park Keeper Winter Wander at National Trust sites will introduce children and their families to the busy park keeper and his animal friends.

Running from Saturday 4 December until Sunday 30 January* the self-led trail will invite families to join Percy’s team as he races to get the park and its animals ready for winter. After reading Percy’s handwritten note, families will help find Percy’s equipment and enjoy activities and games as they complete the trail. They’ll also be a prize to collect and a photo opportunity with Percy and his friends at the end.

This is a significant agreement for Nick Butterworth’s brand licensing programme with The Point.1888 to bring his portfolio of literary brands to life as consumer products and programmes. As well as Percy the Park Keeper series, the portfolio includes the hugely popular children’s books My Dad is Brilliant, My Mum is Fantastic, My Grandma is Wonderful, My Grandpa is Amazing, and the Altogether Now series. Nick has sold over 20 million books in more than 35 languages, with Percy the Park Keeper selling more than nine million copies in partnership with HarperCollins.

Olivia Wiggett, Associate Commercial Manager at The Point.1888, says: “Nick’s books, with their ethos of caring for each other and the world around us, were of great support to so many people during lockdown and now that restrictions have eased and children and families can go out once more to explore, we’re delighted that Percy the Park Keeper will be right alongside them. This deal is incredibly important to the programme and there are many more exciting plans to come.”

Commenting on the appointment, Nick Butterworth said, “I am absolutely delighted that Percy and his animal friends are partnering with the National Trust this winter. The houses and gardens of the National Trust are inspirational places and good for the soul. As parents and grandparents we have found ourselves lost in a world of imagination in the wonderful grounds. So much so that sometimes we have actually been lost, but there aren’t many better places to be! The past 18 months have been very difficult for so many people and also the National Trust. To be part of something that supports the National Trust, that gets people outdoors and spreads some happiness this winter is terrific.”

Lucy Footer, Creative Programming Manager, National Trust, added: “We are thrilled to be bringing the magic of Percy’s world to National Trust places this winter. The Percy the Park Keeper winter wander will take place across 121 of our properties including parklands like Percy’s, gardens, landscapes, and coastal sites in our care, bringing delight to families across regions and countries.

“Since we announced the trail, it has become clear how well-loved Percy is particularly amongst our garden and ranger teams and of course our visitors. The Percy stories have even inspired one or two of our staff to become National Trust rangers themselves!

“The world of Percy is gentle and kind and through the stories we’re invited to help Percy solve problems, care for nature, notice what’s around and of course have fun, helped by his animal friends. It’s in this spirit that we will engage families and visitors of all ages through the winter wander experience, and we cannot wait to welcome them”.

*Dates may vary across National Trust properties

 

The Point.1888 prepares for stellar performance with new client Moulin Rouge

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The world-famous Parisian cabaret Moulin Rouge has appointed The Point.1888 to expand the brand into licensing.

The Moulin Rouge, named after the iconic red windmill on its roof, has a rich history spanning over 130 years. Its revue show Féérie is enjoyed by 600,000 guests every year, while its dazzling universe has inspired countless books, experiences, and movies, including Baz Luhrmann’sMoulin Rouge! (2001).

By teaming up with The Point.1888, Moulin Rouge will use brand licensing to extend its brand’s territory and boost engagement with its loyal fans.

The Point.1888 follows a retail-first model, whereby new products are created based on the gaps it sees at retail alongside what it thinks the brand’s target demographic might like, an approach that resonated with Moulin Rouge. The brand has thousands of stories to tell and The Point.1888’s intention is “to ensure that the new products and experiences developed tell these stories, and encapsulate the glitz and glamour of the much-loved brand”.

Commenting on the appointment, Rosanna Cousins, Retail Manager at The Point.1888, says: “Moulin Rouge is all about storytelling, and this ultimately is what we do here at The Point.1888. We help brands tell their stories, so to work with a brand with such creative flair and history is a real privilege.”

Eloïse Daire at Moulin Rouge added: “We immediately liked the innovative, retail-driven approach of The Point.1888. They were quick to grasp the objectives and challenges for our brand in the UK and proposed an interesting vision for our target demographics. We’re looking forward to developing inspiring new Moulin Rouge products and experiences along with them.”

Team GB to present Day 1 keynote at Brand Licensing Europe

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Fresh from securing 63 medals at Tokyo 2020 this summer, Team GB will present the opening day keynote at Brand Licensing Europe in November when British Olympic gold medallists Tom Daley and Charlotte Worthington will talk about their journeys to the 2020 Summer Olympics.

BLE – the meeting place for the European licensing industry – takes place in-person at ExCeL London from 17-19 November followed by an online event on 30 November to 1December. Visitors can register for a free ticket now at www.brandlicensing.eu

The Team GB keynote will take place on Wednesday 17 November at 4pm (GMT) in the Platinum Suite of ExCeL London, and open with the Olympians’ personal accounts of their experiences before, during and following their gold-medal-winning performances at this year’s 2020 Summer Olympics.

The first Team GB diver to win four Olympic medals, Tom Daley will appear by live video link from Canada. BMX Freestyle gold medallist Charlotte Worthington will appear in person alongside Tim Ellerton, Commercial Director of Team GB, and Will Stewart, Managing Director of The Point. 1888 (one of Team GB’s brand licensing partners).

A panel session will follow, featuring all four speakers and covering: how Team GB are building the brand to inspire future athletes and sports fans; how will Paris 2024 be a new milestone for the Team GB brand and its athletes?, and Team GB’s unique approach to brand licensing with sports and fan communities in mind.

Charlotte Worthington will join The Point. 1888 on their stand for a meet-and-greet following the presentation at 5pm.

“The brand licensing stories behind Team GB and our British Olympians are fascinating for retailers, licensees and consumers at any time, but this year – when the pandemic delayed the 2020 Summer Olympics by 12 months – they are particularly compelling,” says Informa Market’s VP of Licensing Anna Knight.

“How do you extend your campaigns while also ensuring they have the same impact with consumers? How do you maximise the window of opportunity when an athlete strikes gold? And how do you prep for something that’s three or four years ahead?

“BLE is truly honoured to have two of this summers’ most popular and inspirational Team GB Olympians participate in what will no doubt be an exceptional keynote at the event next month.”

“The Tokyo Games were a sporting event like no other and the postponement to a year later created some complicated challenges, not only for the athletes but also off the field of play in the commercial and licensing world,” says Tim Ellerton, Commercial Director of Team GB.

“Our ability to come together and find creative solutions for our partners and licensees played a huge role in ensuring that when the Games arrived we had everything in place to provide the athletes with the best possible platform to go and perform. We’re very excited to join the panel on the day and provide an insight into what was another fantastic Olympic Games for Team GB.”

Please note, attendees must pre-register for Brand Licensing Europe to ensure a seat.

 

The Point.1888 to represent Moonbug Entertainment’s Little Baby Bum in EMEA

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Moonbug Entertainment has signed with The Point.1888 to represent another brand within its portfolio, Little Baby Bum, a fun and educational show for babies featuring classic and new nursery rhymes. It is the #2 nursery rhymes channel on YouTube (following another Moonbug Entertainment property, CoComelon, in the top spot) with 99 million subscribers, and has achieved over 4bn views this year alone.

The Point.1888 commenced programmes for other Moonbug Entertainment brands including CoComelon, Blippi and Morphle in May of last year and has since secured 66 licensees across EMEA with the help of its sub-agent partners.

Collectively, Moonbug Entertainment receives over 7+ billion monthly views and operates the largest network of kids’ channels on YouTube, encompassing 235+ million subscribers. Its beloved kids’ brands are available on over 100 platforms globally, including major on-demand streaming giants such as Netflix, Apple TV, Sky and Hulu.

“We are really looking forward to representing this new brand alongside our other Moonbug Entertainment properties,” says Olivia Wiggett, Associate Commercial Manager at The Point.1888. “Little Baby Bum is extremely popular with the younger years and will benefit so much from having a booming licensing programme in place. The opportunities really are endless.”

“As with our other Moonbug Entertainment properties, we shall make use of our fantastic sub-agent partners to ensure we have best-in-class support on the ground across EMEA for retailers and licensees. In fact, we already have retailers asking us how this property can become part of their future calendar of events and product buy-ins.”

Simon Philips, Managing Director of Global Consumer Products at Moonbug Entertainment, commented: “The results The Point.1888 has achieved in such a short space of time for CoComelon, Blippi and Morphle have been nothing short of incredible. Not only does its retail-first model work, but the team also recognises that each of our brands has its own values and serves a very different audience and so the licensing programmes must be carefully designed around that. Given this approach and understanding, I have every confidence in their plans for Little Baby Bum and am delighted to have them involved.”

Established in 2014, The Point.1888 delivers retail-focused brand extension programmes by creating new products based on the gaps it sees at retail, rather than what it thinks the brand’s target demographic might like. This supports a higher chance of retailer buy-in and a better sales performance.

The Point.1888 to represent Moonbug Entertainment’s Little Baby Bum in EMEA

Posted on by

Moonbug Entertainment has signed with The Point.1888 to represent another brand within its portfolio, Little Baby Bum, a fun and educational show for babies featuring classic and new nursery rhymes. It is the #2 nursery rhymes channel on YouTube (following another Moonbug Entertainment property, CoComelon, in the top spot) with 99 million subscribers, and has achieved over 4bn views this year alone.

The Point.1888 commenced programmes for other Moonbug Entertainment brands including CoComelon, Blippi and Morphle in May of last year and has since secured 66 licensees across EMEA with the help of its sub-agent partners.

Collectively, Moonbug Entertainment receives over 7+ billion monthly views and operates the largest network of kids’ channels on YouTube, encompassing 235+ million subscribers. Its beloved kids’ brands are available on over 100 platforms globally, including major on-demand streaming giants such as Netflix, Apple TV, Sky and Hulu.

“We are really looking forward to representing this new brand alongside our other Moonbug Entertainment properties,” says Olivia Wiggett, Associate Commercial Manager at The Point.1888. “Little Baby Bum is extremely popular with the younger years and will benefit so much from having a booming licensing programme in place. The opportunities really are endless.”

“As with our other Moonbug Entertainment properties, we shall make use of our fantastic sub-agent partners to ensure we have best-in-class support on the ground across EMEA for retailers and licensees. In fact, we already have retailers asking us how this property can become part of their future calendar of events and product buy-ins.”

Simon Philips, Managing Director of Global Consumer Products at Moonbug Entertainment, commented: “The results The Point.1888 has achieved in such a short space of time for CoComelon, Blippi and Morphle have been nothing short of incredible. Not only does its retail-first model work, but the team also recognises that each of our brands has its own values and serves a very different audience and so the licensing programmes must be carefully designed around that. Given this approach and understanding, I have every confidence in their plans for Little Baby Bum and am delighted to have them involved.”

Established in 2014, The Point.1888 delivers retail-focused brand extension programmes by creating new products based on the gaps it sees at retail, rather than what it thinks the brand’s target demographic might like. This supports a higher chance of retailer buy-in and a better sales performance.