Redlands Distribution has hired Vicki Marler-Hausen of Elmer Marketing to spearhead the marketing and PR for the company’s portfolio of internationally recognised brands, including FAO Schwarz and Discovery.

Marler-Hausen will take on the role of marketing consultant in the UK and will liaise closely with Redlands’ CEO Mark Handley and the ThreeSixty Group on promoting the FAO Schwarz collection and Discovery/Discovery #Mindblown Science and STEM ranges. 

In addition, she will also explore PR opportunities for Sharper Image R/C and robotics and the store’s now iconic BigPiano. Her remit will cover the management of the company’s marketing calendar, trade show attendance, advertising, PR events and social media to help deliver creative campaign initiatives and develop interactive experiences at retail for UK consumers.

Mark Handley, CEO, Redlands Distribution, said: “We are entering an exciting time at Redlands as we grow our retailer partnerships and raise awareness of our fantastic catalogue of exclusive brands in the UK and Ireland. Since launching the flagship FAO Schwarz store in Selfridges last October, and seeing the incredible reaction to our in-store theatre, we are now looking to expand our retail presence and are also keen to bring even more innovative and fun brands to the UK market. 

“I am therefore delighted to welcome Vicki to the team and know that her many years of experience within the toy industry will help open more doors and enable us to put effective marketing plans in place.”

Marler-Hausen added: “I have been blown away by the impressive retail space for FAO Schwarz in Selfridges and also by Mark’s enthusiasm, passion and ambitious vision for Redlands and its amazing toy ranges.  I am delighted he has invited me to be part of his UK team and I cannot wait to get started on campaign ideas for these famous brands.  Anyone wishing to contact me to discuss opportunities can email vicki@redlandsdistribution.com.”