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State of the nation: Corporate Right: VMC is once again making knitted accessories in the UK.
VMC casts on
The sound of knitting machines is returning to VMC Accessories, with the company taking the decision to begin manufacturing knitted accessories in the UK once again. Following a seven-year break, the company’s md Andrew Clowes attributed the decision to “the need for fast response coupled with a weak £pound”. Most knitted product will continue to be sourced from overseas, however UK knitting provides a strong USP for the business. It enables faster sampling, as well as the ability to complete orders quickly in reaction to sales during the season. VMC initially found success producing hat orders in response to market demand from some of its existing retailers at the end of last year. Andrew added: “We are now geared up to knit accessories all year round.” VMC has over 40 licensed properties in its portfolio including Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, PAW Patrol and Pokémon.
Get Happy
Happy Ink has secured a brace of key deals for its quirky Hamsta World brand. First up, an extensive Italian licensing campaign is set to introduce the property to the territory. Happy Ink has appointed Maurizio Distefano to manage the brand in Italy as it looks to further growth its international recognition. On top of this, the brand will also launch in the US via a collaboration with well-known industry name Brad Bushell. Brad is a familiar face in the US licensing arena. He is the former svp at United Media, while he also served as vp international licensing at Paws, Inc., the owner of the Garfield comic character property, where he led an international network of agents.
Growth for Gemma
Gemma International continues to expand its licensing roster, signing three major brands so far this year. The company will be creating greeting cards, balloons and partyware for Care Bears, while cards, gift packaging and partyware are on Above: Care Bears is one of the way for Miraculous: Tales of Gemma’s recent signings. Ladybug & Cat Noir, following a deal with Bulldog. Meanwhile, the preschool side of the portfolio has been bolstered with the addition of eOne’s PJ Masks. Cards and gift packaging will launch from July, while a party range will arrive from September.
News in Brief
l The Royal Mint has grown its popular Beatrix Potter collection, adding four new designs: a coloured Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Button, Tom Kitten and Jeremy Fisher. l Studio 100 has acquired a majority 68% interest in German brand management and media company, m4e AG. l Misirli has enjoyed a successful debut for its new luxury sock brand, Finch & Belle. The range covers four categories – occasion, city, active and casual – and while the majority of the Finch & Belle product is unlicensed, Mickey Mouse does feature in a subtle lurex embroidered design. l Britain’s Imperial War Museums are expanding into the US market, with Spotlight Licensing and Brand Management on board to grow the programme. Spotlight will be highlighting the brand on its stand at Licensing Expo in May (A196). l The licensing programme for HEAD Sport continues to grow, with the brand securing a multi-year global partnership with tennis practice wall manufacturer, REBO. The UK-based company will be developing and marketing a range of HEAD branded REBO walls across the globe. l The Molang brand has secured a 14-month deal to take over the children’s areas at Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports. Running until late April 2018, the children’s play areas will show Molang episodes throughout each day. In addition, children will also get the chance to play and explore the Molang app on a number of iPad stands. l BolognaFiere – the organiser of Bologna Licensing Trade Fair and Bologna Children’s Book Fair – is to launch a new copyright trade show in New York in 2018. The as yet unnamed show will be dedicated to publishing and international rights and licensing and will take place from May 30 to June 1 2018 at a ‘midtown Manhattan’ location. l Cartoon Network has confirmed a number of new UK apparel and accessories partners for The Powerpuff Girls. Bioworld Europe, H&A, Trademark and Imagin8 are all now on board. The news follows the unveiling of fashion label Fyodor Golan‘s autumn/winter 2017 collaboration inspired by the trio. l Dreamtex has welcomed Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir to its portfolio, as well as expanding its Power Rangers collection with the introduction of a new movie-themed line. l Rocket Licensing is marking 60 years of The Grinch this year with a raft of activity. Q4 celebrations will include an anniversary logo and targeted marketing. A new Grinch style guide has launched, while new products will be launching from the likes of Cooneen, Misirli, BC International, Park Agencies, Somerbond, Smiffy’s, Dreamtex, Design Group International and Brand International Group. A limited edition version of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas will also arrive in the autumn from HarperCollins. LICENSING SOURCE BOOK EUROPE 2017
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