10 CARE BEARS
Sharing the Love A true heritage brand with multi-generational appeal, Care Bears is an iconic 1980s toybox staple that now spans animation, digital, toys, games, apparel and more. With the 35th anniversary of the brand in 2017, it’s a busy time ahead for these loveable bears.
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irst introduced by American Greetings in 1982 through consumer products, greeting cards, and later an animated CGI television show, Care Bears is a true evergreen brand with over $4 billion in retail sales since 1982. And although its primary audience is children aged two to six years old, the brand appeals to parents, grandparents, teens and tweens. “Care Bears is special because of the emotional connection the brand has with parents who grew up with these lovable, huggable bears,” says Janice Ross, Head of Global Licensing at American Greetings Entertainment, the intellectual property and outbound licensing Above right: Dennicci’s baby range has been a huge success for Mothercare. Below: Care Bears collectibles have really taken off around the world.
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❤ CPLG Territories:
Benelux, Iberia, GAS, UK & Eire
division of American Greetings Corporation. “And we’re always so touched when we hear from parents who are delighted to pass along that deep connection and share their favourite Care Bear with their kids.
Care Bears for baby In 2016, Dennicci launched their hugely successful Care Bears classic babywear as a trial with Mothercare. Consumer feedback praised the design, with comments such as: ‘Just love the design. It’s gorgeous. When she has outgrown it I will keep it for memento in her memory box’ and ‘Brings me back to my childhood. Definitely worth buying’. Following this trial, Dennicci has now opened the retail distribution on these products with Tesco taking stock at the end of 2016 and more confirmed orders in SS17 across grocery, high street and specialist retailers.
With a 98% brand awareness and a high level of trust among mums with children under six, today’s fans are falling in love for the first time with these colourful bears, just as mum did back in the 1980s. “The animated Care Bears content has been updated with an all new look, feel and storylines to entertain and engage today’s younger generation,” says Ross. “The Netflix Original Series Care Bears & Cousins, launched in November 2015 and has had an incredible reception.” The brand also has a robust social media following, has more than 40 million views of new and classic videos on YouTube, almost half a million fans on Facebook, an engaged and fashionforward Instagram
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