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STATE OF THE NATION: CORPORATE Below: Little Brother Books has sold over one million annuals this year.
Growth for Little Brother Books Little Brother Books has sold over one million annuals so far in 2018. The success has been notched up across brands including L.O.L. Surprise, CBeebies, Minecraft, Little Mix, WWE and Shoot among others. “As many publishers, licensors and retailers will know, surpassing one million annuals sold in a single year is a big statement to the trade and demonstrates our commitment and experience within the category,” said Matthew Reynolds, md at Little Brother Books. “We pride ourselves on offering our licensors and retailers a proven promotional package that their customers will want year after year. “We have many new ideas to keep this momentum going for LBB in 2019 and beyond, which we look forward to working with our licensors and retailers on.”
Gemma’s indie focus
As part of its increased focus on independent retailers, Gemma International has launched a new trade store especially for the sector. The new store will enable customers to place product orders online at their convenience, with the assurance that orders will be processed within 48 hours of receipt. New and existing independent customers – including those that formerly ordered Gemma’s popular licensed character greetings via Is It Art – are invited to sign up via trade.store@gemma-international.co.uk. In addition, Gemma’s newly appointed independent sales team and dedicated head office-based customer service team are available to answer any queries.
Below: The Rubik’s Happy Meal promotion is running across Europe.
Rubik’s clicks with McDonald’s
Rubik’s has secured a major Happy Meal promotion with McDonald’s. The multi-territory promotion – brokered by The Marketing Store for master licensee The Smiley Company – is appearing in restaurants across Europe, Scandinavia, Middle East, Africa and North America. It rolled out first in France in the summer, before launching in other territories from August through to November. The Happy Meal box will be transformed from its traditional shape into a cube shape to mirror the Rubik’s Cube for the duration of the campaign. Children will have a choice of four different bespoke Rubik’s Cube toys; including square 2x2 cubes and rectangular 3x2 cubes as well as rounded versions of these, with a total of 12 different toys to choose from. The promotion will also feature a product mash-up between Rubik’s and a major Hollywood animation film studio’s properties appearing on the toys.
Prop stars Rhino Rugby has launched its annual search for rugby’s greatest grassroots prop, with the winner set to be crowned at Twickenham later this year. Three finalists will receive a VIP Varsity Match experience, bespoke Rhino Prop Star trophies and customised hoodies among other prizes on offer. “Rhino's Prop Star competition is a further indication of its commitment to grassroots rugby and their brand credentials,” said Ian Downes, md of Start Licensing, which represents the brand. “Rhino Rugby is all about technical excellence and reliable performance - these are good qualities to translate into licensed products. “Rhino Rugby sponsors the Varsity Matches at Twickenham and are involved throughout rugby supplying clubs, national teams, colleges and universities. It is a brand making good progress, but also a brand that has solid credentials.” Above: Rhino has good qualities to translate into licensed products.
Bioworld Merchandising acquires Vandor
Bioworld Merchandising has acquired licensed home products company, Vandor. The move means that Bioworld can now expand into new categories, with Vandor specialising in lines including drinkware, sculpted collectables, kitchenwear and home décor. “We were impressed by Vandor’s reputation for creating unique/differentiated high-quality products, and we’re excited about our growth in the housewares and home business,” said Raj Malik, Bioworld’s ceo. “This strategic acquisition is consistent with our mission to continue to expand our business into new licences, channels of distribution, and international markets while continuing to bring an unparalleled consumer experience across all our product categories.”
LICENSING SOURCE BOOK EUROPE 2018
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