TLL Staff
WildBrain CPLG is turning the high street green this festive season with a huge slate of holiday deals for the Dr. Seuss character The Grinch.
The global licensing agency has partnered with rights holder Dr. Seuss Enterprises for several new product releases based on the classic children’s book How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The product lines are slated for release across the United Kingdom and Europe over the holiday season.
Fans of last year’s sell-out adidas Originals x The Grinch Forum Low shoe collaboration will be delighted that it’s returning this season with an expanded range. A new Grinch shoe as well as a new junior version will be available globally at adidas stores and online.
Two additional Grinch-inspired designs featuring How the Grinch Stole Christmas! characters Max and Cindy Lou will be released exclusively into Footlocker stores this December worldwide, alongside a junior version of the Max design, and apparel including T-shirts and a hoodie featuring the much-loved Grinch characters, available worldwide.
Wildbrain has also worked with British retailer Primark to launch its largest-ever Grinch range extending into stores globally for the first time. The retailer’s collection spans family pajamas, snuddies (aka hooded blankets), Christmas jumpers, gifting sets, health and beauty, tree decorations, pet accessories plus confectionery from licensees including Brand Alliance, Brand International, Fashion UK, H&A, Modern Gourmet Foods, Fizz Creations, Roy Lowe and Character World. Over 100 skus have now launched into stores globally.
As well, Primark stores in Manchester, Edinburgh and Birmingham in the UK also featured Grinch-themed café activations, with a menu featuring festive food for fans to enjoy.
In Europe, Wildbrain has managed to bring a number of new licensees on board for Germany, including Sockswear for a How the Grinch Stole Christmas! socks advent calendar range for kids and women.
United Labels has signed up for a range of apparel, accessories and home items, whileTex-Ass has a line of slippers launching this month.
In Italy, Sabor srl is set to launch branded apparel and accessories this year in its first ever deal for How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, with items going into Calliope and Terranova shops, while major Italian retail chain Yamamay will feature a collection of Grinch pajamas and socks for men, women and kids in its 487 stores.
John Taylor, VP Northern Europe at WildBrain CPLG, says the Grinch has become an evergreen licensing opportunity in the territory, thanks to its continuing popularity.
“Our long-standing relationship with Dr. Seuss Enterprises continues to delight Grinch fans, with retail partners and licensees across the UK and Europe looking to tap into this well-loved family-favourite IP,” Taylor said. “Seasonal licensing opportunities are becoming a staple of the calendar, with retailers coming on board in a significant way. With these new deals building on an already considerable presence for the brand, 2023 looks to be an even bigger and greener celebration. Happy Grinchmas!”
Wildbrain CPLG has also signed several other renewal agreements, underscoring the year-on-year popularity of the franchise. Those include:
H&M has followed its 2022 collection with an extended range of apparel and accessories, plus the addition of new categories including beauty.
Licensee LPP has also renewed their deal which now includes expanded categories—homeware, health and beauty—launching into retailers including Sinsay, House, Cropp and Reserved in their stores across Europe from November.
The UK is also going to see another bumper ‘Grinchmas’ with a renewed presence across multiple
partners.
Brigit’s Bakery’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! afternoon tea bus in London is available for extended dates from November until January, following the huge success of last years’ activation in December 2022, which sold out within a week.
Long-standing partners returning with products launching into multiple UK retailers this winter include Brand Alliance and Park Agencies for adult apparel, H&A for health and beauty products, Crème Dor for confectionery, plus Dreamtex for homeware.
Additional licensees who have renewed their partnerships this year for the UK include Cribstar for baby sleepwear, Fashion UK for kids’ apparel, TJ Morris for apparel, home, gifting and confectionery, and RMS for toys and games. Fizz Creations have also returned with a gifting range, Solent Brands have launched a reusable bag collection, with Cooneen & Misirli returning to the market with Grinch-themed nightwear. Blues have re-launched their highly successful range of baby apparel, alongside Rubber Road with a gifting collection and plush from Aurora.
Inditex is also rolling out products across Europe this year including family pajama sets in Lefties in Spain and Portugal, kids apparel online in Zara, and a wide range of products launching in Bershka globally including adult tees, sweaters, accessories, tote bags, headbands and jewellery.
Finally, the publishing retailer Thalia has also launched an extended range with new designs for their gifting collection in stores across Europe.
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