All I want for Christmas… is the Mariah Carey Holiday Collection

Mariah Carey has launched her very first Holiday Collection, announcing the news with a commercial shared across her social accounts. The range will be available in the US at Target and Wal-Mart, while fans can shop the collection now at MariahCarey.com.

Developed in partnership with NECA, the range is inspired by Mariah’s record-breaking classic “All I Want for Christmas Is You”, and the popular song title, as well as animated versions of Mariah and her beloved dog Cha Cha, are incorporated throughout the designs.

“I’m not sure if you’re aware but Christmas is kind of my thing,” she says. “Putting together this line was so much fun because I added my own festive spin to traditional holiday merchandise. I worked on it all year long and now it’s finally time to share my holiday collection with you all. Merry Christmas!”

The collection ranges from cosy – including blankets, throw pillows, socks and slippers – to festive, with pet outfits, stockings, an ornament, a plush Mariah and Cha Cha, holiday cards and an extensive wrapping-paper kit.

Mariah Carey has consistently dominated the airwaves with 19 Billboard Hot 100 #1 Singles and more than 200 million albums sold to date. Mariah’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is not only a 6x platinum song, but also a worldwide phenomenon that is played year-round and even more heavily during the holiday season.

NECA (National Entertainment Collectibles Association) is a leading creator, marketer and global distributor of licensed consumer products based on some of the world’s most recognisable movies, video games, comic books and pop culture influences. The NECA group of companies includes game developer and publisher WizKids, urban vinyl icon Kidrobot, and Joseph Enterprises, Inc, the creator of Chia Pet, The Clapper and other iconic American Products.

DC FanDome exclusives and new ‘The Batman’ merch available now

Hot on the heels of a record-breaking DC FanDome, DC and Warner Bros Consumer Products have revealed more products inspired by DC Super Heroes.

Multiple retailers including the DC Shop and Walmart have unveiled toys, collectables and apparel, with the DC Shop offering more than 60 exclusive DC FanDome 2021 graphics with the potential for fans to choose from more than 270 different products.

Fans are getting a first look at the new The Batman merchandise. LEGO’s The Batman collection is available for presale exclusively at Walmart.com and features three new building sets. Meanwhile, manufacturer McFarlane Toys Collectibles has debuted a lineup of collectables related to The Batmanmovie. The Batman, The Riddler and Catwoman are all available to pre-order for $19.99.

The Batman Batmobile by Hot Wheels (pictured) is a collectible replica of Batman’s newest vehicle from the highly anticipated film. This 1:10 scale Ultimate edition features movie-accurate graphics, LED lights, smoke and flame FX from both the hood and the rear, detailed exterior and interior, a Batcave-inspired plinth, and a posable Batman figure behind the wheel. It boasts high-tech features such as light and sound effects and working suspension, as well as a diorama plinth.

Puma and Warner Bros Consumer Products have dropped five PUMA Suedes, each tied to a specific DC character, designed by award winning comic artist Jen Bartel. She took her inspiration from The Suicide Squad to create sneakers for King Shark, Harley Quinn, Peacemaker, Polka-Dot Man, and Bloodsport.

Tango Hotel is releasing a limited-edition clothing collection featuring key artwork from Batman: The World, DC’s new 184-page hardcover anthology book. Apparel collections from Extra Butter and Meshika Hats have also dropped.

DC FanDome shattered last year’s viewership with 66 million views worldwide to date from the streaming event on October 16. The virtual event drew fans from around the world to immerse themselves in the DC Multiverse with exclusive first-looks and behind-the-scenes previews from highly anticipated feature films, live-action and animated television series, games, comics, home entertainment releases and more.

 

 

Sakar International and SEGA of America mark Sonic’s 30th anniversary with new line of wheeled goods

Sakar International and SEGA of America have today announced a partnership to expand Sakar’s line of licensed wheeled goods and accessories with Sonic the Hedgehog, as part of the iconic video game character’s 30th anniversary.

This autumn, Sonic fans can speed into action and adventure with hoverboards, scooters (manual and electric), four-wheel ride-ons and skateboards (manual and electric) all inspired by the beloved hedgehog. Additionally, Sonic-themed helmets and other protective gear will be available for purchase.

“Sakar International is looking forward to helping SEGA celebrate Sonic’s 30th anniversary with products that allow young fans to be active and expand their imaginations,” says Ralph Sasson, COO at Sakar. “Sonic is one of the most iconic gaming franchises and we’re excited to bring these products to an entirely new generation of fans.”

To further celebrate Sonic’s landmark anniversary, Sakar will create a variety of Sonic-inspired video game accessories and youth electronics including speakers, headsets, keyboards, mouse pads, charging stations, gaming furniture, walkie talkies, box kits, telescopes, binoculars, role-play electronic kits, wearable VR goggles, alarm clock radios, microphones and karaoke machines, among other consumer goods.

Sonic the Hedgehog-themed wheeled goods and accessories will begin racing into Walmart and other retailers across the US this holiday season.

Headquartered in Edison, NJ, with additional offices in Canada, Latin America, Australia, Hong Kong and China, Sakar International is a leading provider of consumer electronics and accessories. The company licenses over 40 major entertainment and corporate brands and is the parent company to Vivitar, a full-spectrum consumer tech company specialising in the production of cameras, camcorders, mobile accessories, and health and wellness products.

 

Funko turns Christmas Pop! in exclusive Hallmark and Walmart gifting and wrapping partnership

Funko is expanding across the seasonal aisle this year thanks to an exclusive partnership with the US retailer Walmart that will see the pop culture specialist release Pop! inspired Hallmark ornaments and wrapping paper in time for the Christmas and holiday season.

Hallmark has been a staple of the holiday product roll-out across the US since 1910. This year, it will join the pop culture explosion by partnering with Funko to deliver a 2021 ornament collection featuring Pop! versions of celebrated characters from TV, comic books, films, and more.

“The Funko team is always working on new and exciting product ideas to delight our fans. We’re excited for holiday shoppers to experience this upcoming season in Funko style with new décor that fits perfectly around your Christmas tree or on your mantel,” said Andrew Perlmutter, president at Funko.

“We’re excited to share this collection with our dedicated fanbase and reach new pop culture enthusiasts through an expanded holiday program for the most wonderful time of the year.”

Nicole Reid, vice president of ornaments and gifts at Hallmark, said: “For decades, Hallmark has designed and sold licensed ornaments and gifts for people like us who love a pop of culture in our homes and on our Christmas trees, whether that’s a favorite character from a comic book or even a nostalgic video game from our childhoods.

“Hallmark and Funko are excited to join forces and bring the Pop! versions of these popular licensed characters to add to fans’ trees this holiday season.”

Funko will also be debuting a range of Christmas and holiday season wrapping paper, all featuring pop culture icons in the Pop! styling. Available at Walmart this autumn, Funko’s debut line of wrapping paper will feature iconic TV shows, comic book characters, video games and more.

Funko’s holiday collection will also include advent calendars, games, mugs and more.

TikTok and Walmart debut new livestream shopping service ‘shortening distance from inspiration to purchase’

The social media platform TikTok has pioneered a new method of online shopping, having partnered with the US retail giant Walmart to launch a new shoppable livestream capability for its users to engage with.

The new in-app shopping tool was piloted last week when Walmart hosted a one-hour livestream session that enabled customers to shop for Walmart fashion items featured by ten TikTok creators, without having to leave the app.

The event marked the first time that TikTok has hosted a shoppable livestream in the US, reports the Retail Gazette. Now finished, customers can still head to Walmart’s TikTok page to shop the featured items. The event allowed app-users to tap on items worn by influencers in order to add them to their shopping carts.

“We’ve shortened the distance from inspiration to purchase by making it shoppable,” Walmart chief marketing officer William White said via a blog post on the retailer’s website.

“The TikTok community will be able to tap on a product when they see a Walmart fashion item they like during the event. This makes it easy to add the item to their cart and check out, all while doing what they love – enjoying fun content from their favourite creators.

“We’re excited to engage with TikTok on this new experience and learn what’s possible for shopping on a platform that brings its community so much joy. We can’t wait to see what we learn. And we can’t wait to see what you like, comment on, share – and shop – from the show,” White added.

TikTok and Walmart debut new livestream shopping service ‘shortening distance from inspiration to purchase’

The social media platform TikTok has pioneered a new method of online shopping, having partnered with the US retail giant Walmart to launch a new shoppable livestream capability for its users to engage with.

The new in-app shopping tool was piloted last week when Walmart hosted a one-hour livestream session that enabled customers to shop for Walmart fashion items featured by ten TikTok creators, without having to leave the app.

The event marked the first time that TikTok has hosted a shoppable livestream in the US, reports the Retail Gazette. Now finished, customers can still head to Walmart’s TikTok page to shop the featured items. The event allowed app-users to tap on items worn by influencers in order to add them to their shopping carts.

“We’ve shortened the distance from inspiration to purchase by making it shoppable,” Walmart chief marketing officer William White said via a blog post on the retailer’s website.

“The TikTok community will be able to tap on a product when they see a Walmart fashion item they like during the event. This makes it easy to add the item to their cart and check out, all while doing what they love – enjoying fun content from their favourite creators.

“We’re excited to engage with TikTok on this new experience and learn what’s possible for shopping on a platform that brings its community so much joy. We can’t wait to see what we learn. And we can’t wait to see what you like, comment on, share – and shop – from the show,” White added.

National Hot Rod Association speeds into collectables space with Castline and M2 Machines partnership

The National Hot Rod Association is speeding into the collectables aisle thanks to a new partnership with Castline that has witnessed the launch of a series of NHRA diecast collectable toy cars under the M2 Machines brand name. The new range made its retail debut at the US retail giant, Walmart earlier this month.

The NHRA is the world’s largest motorsports sanctioning body. Since its inception in 1951, the National Hot Rod Association has been the preeminent force in the world of drag racing and hot rodding. The NHRA fields race cars with over 11,000 horsepower that reach speeds of over 330 mph in just under four seconds.

Next year, the NHRA will mark its 70th anniversary.

“Castline Inc. and the M2 Machines brand is excited to be partnering with the NHRA,” VP of design, Sean Taylor said. “Having seen my first race at Pomona Raceway a 14-years old, I have been a lifelong NHRA fan. It is a dream come true to bring my passion for racing and its history into my M2 Machines designs.”

The nine-piece collection of vehicles will each be uniquely wrapped and skinned in NHRA branding. The series will feature a 1956 Ford F-100 Tow Truck, a 1957 Chevy Bel Air Gasser, a 1957 Chevy Sedan Delivery, a 1965 Ford Mustang Gasser, a 1966 Dodge Charger Gasser and 1969 Chevy COPO Camaro. The release will also feature three hard to find chase pieces that will keep collectors on their toes to hunt down.

Each individual piece will include nearly 30 individual parts as M2 prides itself on offering enthusiasts the most detailed and accurately replicated diecast models on the market in 1/64th scale.

“We are so excited to be working with Castline on a NHRA diecast collectibles program,” said Andrew Lieb, president of JRL Group. “NHRA continues to build on the relationship with fans that start when they are kids and we want fans of all ages to experience the high octane NHRA brand through a wide variety of Official Licensed Products.”

The NHRA licensing program continues to expand with a focus on lifestyle products such as apparel and accessories, home decor as well as items for the garage for the auto enthusiast such as automotive accessories, automotive tools, appearance and other automotive related products.