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Q4 HIGHLIGHTS
Bear necessities
Right: Tikiboo’s Care Bears range has proved a hit.
A carefully selected portfolio of properties makes up Bulldog Licensing’s focus for Q4. Bandai kicks off in October distributing the new Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir master toy line from Playmates. The series has continued to be a strong performer over lockdown, featuring consistently as a top rating show for both Pop and Disney Channel. Softlines for the brand also continue to sell in good numbers in the UK. Basic Fun’s Care Bears toy line recently launched in the UK to a strong reception, mirroring the stellar US performance, where product hit stores a few weeks earlier. The classic property continues to show significant growth for adults and children, with the Tikiboo athleisure range proving a huge hit in 2020. Bulldog has more high-profile fashion collaborations lined up. Posh Paws will be launching its new toy line for Sesame Street in 2021 including feature and basic plush ranges, while – following the launch of apparel lines in 2019 – ROUTE 66 has continued to build with strong sales across a range of retailers. Bulldog has partnered with a diverse range of licensees which will be launching products from accessories to car cleaning fluids. Finally, Kindi Kids has cemented its position as one of the top new preschool properties this year. The licensing programme is also rapidly growing to include categories from publishing to toy, stationery and home. Most will launch next year, with major retailers predicting the brand will be in their top three for preschool in 2021.
Street smarts As UK and Eire agent for Sesame Workshop, Bulldog Licensing will include the mega entertainment brand on its virtual booth at Festival of Licensing. Above: Sesame Workshop As well as Posh Paws having pancreated a global initiative European rights to new plush, called Caring for Each Other Whitehouse also has amusement as the pandemic unfolded. plush rights. In addition, new product launches through 2021 include dress-up and new homewares. On broadcast kids will see Sesame Street spin-offs on Tiny Pop this September. Cookie’s Crumby Pictures features Cookie Monster in various film parodies where he uses executive functioning skills - patience, focusing and memorisation - to solve problems. In Super Grover 2.0, the resident superhero uses his powers of investigating, observing and reporting to solve problems and help others. Earlier this year, Sesame Workshop created a global initiative called Caring for Each Other, producing critical public health messages for kids and their families. The initiative included animated PSAs that Tiny Pop ran on broadcast, via social media and on its website. Elmo’s Playdate also debuted, keying off the ubiquity of video conferencing and using it to help friends stay connected.
With the Brand
Below: The G2 Esports brands has made the move into apparel.
Another sponsor of Festival of Licensing, Brandgenuity has partnered with Unilever, to represent the Heartbrand ice cream portfolio. Licensed product will feature assets from the portfolio including favourites Cornetto, Twister, Calippo and more. Bro Licensing will develop apparel ranges for young adults to launch in 2021, while Sabor will focus on Algida branded apparel and nightwear for the high
street in the Italian market. Meanwhile, G2 Esports has welcomed two new licensees. Difuzed has signed up for a line of apparel which will have multiple design drops, while The Koyo Store is on board for a range of collectable logo and player cards, pins, keychains and coins. The NFL Players Association in Europe has also welcomed two new partners. Dein Design will produce mobile phone cases, while Butterfly Effected has launched mobile themes across all Android mobile theme stores. Panini has released the 2020 NFL/NFLPA sticker book collection at Asda, Sainsbury’s and WH Smith stores across the UK. Below: 2021 marks the 70th anniversary of Dennis.
Menace magic This October, just in time for Halloween, kids can become their favourite mischief-maker with a new Dennis and Gnasher: Unleashed nightwear range from Aykroyds. Plus, new episodes of the TV show will premiere on CBBC in the UK this winter. For Christmas, H&A’s creative range of Beano products – which includes everyday essentials, play cosmetics, health and beauty and hair care – will launch exclusively in Boots. In addition, Rachel Lowe’s collection of puzzles, board games and card games, plus Park Agencies’ range of adult and kids tees and sweats will also launch. Looking ahead, Beano has signed a number of new licensing deals for 2021 and the 70th anniversary of Dennis. Arthouse Limited is creating a collection of wall coverings and home décor items including wall clocks, paper-based lampshades and cushions. Signature Gifts has renewed its deal to create personalised Beano annuals and gift items, while Book Week is set for another bumper year with Rubie’s launching a range of dress-up at retail. Full details on Dennis’ 70th celebrations and more partners will be announced soon.
LICENSING SOURCE BOOK EUROPE 2020
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