10-11 LSB 2020 SOTN CORP.qxp_NEW LSB 2008 GRID 07/07/2020 11:24 Page 10
STATE OF THE NATION: CORPORATE
Difuzed brings to life Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Difuzed is continuing its successful relationship with Ubisoft and Assassin’s Creed, readying a new collection for the eagerly awaited upcoming instalment of the video games franchise. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is launching in time for Christmas 2020, focusing on an epic journey where Viking and Norse mythology are brought to life in 9th century England. In turn, Difuzed has brought the world of ancient warriors to life in a contemporary collection of t-shirts, hoodies, beanies, baseball caps, bags, backpacks, wallets, jewellery and wristbands for men and women. The collection has proven so popular that EMP – one of Europe’s leading ecommerce companies in rock and entertainment merchandising – posted an exclusively designed t-shirt on its social media challenges on May 1 and it immediately became its bestselling t-shirt for three weeks in a row. The post reached over 234,000 people and had more than 10,000 interactions in the first week alone. The Assassin’s Creed Valhalla collection – which will hit retail alongside the game – is one of the largest created by Difuzed in its history with the franchise.
Above: The Assassin’s Creed Valhalla collection is one of the largest created by Difuzed in its history with the franchise.
The Point.1888 scrums down
Toy Aid raises over £140,000
The British & Irish Lions has appointed The Point.1888 to create a range of new products for the tour to South Africa in 2021. Two licensees are already on board – underwear supplier, OddBalls, Above: Two licensees are and Game on Glove, which will already on board with the Lions programme. produce a range of supporters’ merchandise. The Point.1888 will also be considering categories including kids and adult apparel, fitness accessories, publishing, charity partnership ranges, fashion accessories, experiential, homeware, stationery, gifting and collectables. “We are very excited to be collaborating with one of the most iconic brands in sport,” said Will Stewart, md of The Point.1888. “Next year’s summer of sport is set to be the most meaningful and memorable ever, and we couldn’t be more overjoyed to be partnering with the Lions for this tour.”
The charitable initiative set up by Wow Stuff’s Richard North and Joel Silverman from KidsKnowBest, Toy Aid has raised £143,075 as part of Global’s Make Some Noise. The aim of the initiative was to raise money for charities that support disadvantaged children, young people and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Companies across the toy and licensing industries have pledged support via monies from the sale of ‘Toy Aid-able’ toys, video games and entertainment products, as well as licensing fees and business services. Joel, ceo and co-founder of KidsKnowBest, commented: “Now Toy Aid is complete, I really hope everyone has positive times ahead and the toy industry as a whole is remembered for the support they gave in a time of need for many families. “I never in my wildest dreams thought this would reach £10,000, so to raise over £140,000 is just fantastic.” Above: Toy Aid has raised £143,075.
Grants available for small businesses
Licensing International has launched the Small Business Global Grants Fund, designed to help small business employers in the licensing sector which are struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund will provide $5,000 grants (in local currency) to as many Above: The programme is small employers internationally as possible to create and maintain safe, healthy and sustainable being funded by donations work environments in response to the global pandemic. made to Licensing The programme is being funded by donations made to Licensing International’s foundation with International’s foundation. companies able to contribute in two ways: by purchasing an ad in the 2020 Licensing International Excellence Awards programme or by making a direct donation. Further details can be found at www.licensinginternational.org with the deadline to apply being September 15, 2020. The news comes as Licensing International revealed that global sales revenue of licensed merchandise and services grew to $292.8 billion in 2019, a 4.5% increase over the $280.3 billion generated in 2018.
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LICENSING SOURCE BOOK EUROPE 2020