Boat Rocker Studios announced this week the signing of six new licensees in the US and Canada for its top-rated preschool show Dino Ranch. The galloping success of the series, set in what Boat Rocker jokingly refers to as a “pre-Westoric” family dinosaur ranch, has sparked intense interest across multiple consumer categories, allowing Boat Rocker to corral multiple deals in key areas, including apparel, home décor, timepieces and costume characters. The company says it is also working on more licensing deals it expects to announce in the near future. “There has been a phenomenal response to Dino Ranch on Disney Junior where it has been the number one preschool US cable show since its launch,” said Kate Schlomann, EVP Brand Management and Content Marketing at Boat Rocker Studios. “It’s not… . . . read more
Ricky Zoom In Season 2 As Licensing Accelerates
Hasbro’s Entertainment One (eOne) studio, is gearing up for the much-anticipated debut of Ricky Zoom’s season two through ViacomCBS Networks UK, Nick Jr. and Channel 5’s multiplatform pre-school brand, Milkshake!. The CGI animated series follows Ricky, a speed-loving, adventure-seeking, little red rescue bike who loves to zoom around the fictional British town of Wheelford, where the inhabitants get around on two wheels, rather than two feet. “We are thrilled to bring Ricky Zoom back to the number one channel for pre-schoolers in the UK with Milkshake! and Nick Jr.,” said eOne’s Monica Candiani, EVP of Content Sales, Family & Brands. “The show has had such strong success in the UK among young viewers, allowing us to secure a number of licensing partners across a variety of categories. We can’t wait… . . . read more
Yumi Tags Collaborations For Baby Food Licensing Opportunities
Collaborations Licensing announced this week its new partnership with Yumi, one of the most innovative baby and kids food delivery services currently in the market, as they expand their offering into new food and snack categories in 2021. Collaborations says Yumi is now the fastest growing baby food brand, and currently feeds more than 2 per cent of all babies in the United States by making it easier for parents to access organic, freshly-prepared, nutrient dense food for their children. From single-ingredient purees to finger foods and snacks, Yumi says each and every product features organic ingredients sourced from local farms, providing optimal nutrition for children, starting with their very first bites. “As we continue to build the business and unveil new, innovative products this year, we are excited to… . . . read more
Brentwood Repping Stride Rite In New Partnership
One of the world’s most venerable child’s footwear companies will be represented by Brentwood Licensing LLC, as Stride Rite looks to expand its licensing profile. Brentwood announced the deal April 29 that will see it launching a new campaign on behalf of Stride Rite, a shoe brand that is more than a century in the making, and specializing in products for infants, toddlers and older kids. Brentwood will primarily be looking for domestic licensing deals in the United States that “leverage the lifestyle and brand integrity of Stride Rite to complement the already established products at retail.” Founded in 1919, Stride Rite is a leader in the children’s footwear industry. With a rich 100-year history, Stride Rite delivers quality products with advanced and cutting-edge technologies. Stride Rite is distributed throughout… . . . read more
Care Bears Get Busy With Licensing Deals
The venerable Care Bears and brand owner Cloudco Entertainment have dived deep into the licensing pool and come up with a wide slate of deals in the apparel sector. Cloudco says it has signed a number of new partnership agreements in the apparel category. They include Bentex for kids apparel and swimwear; Centric for kids and adult sleepwear and hosiery; Freeze for adult apparel; Komar for kids sleepwear; Mad Engine for kids and adult apparel; Handcraft for packaged underwear; and Highpoint for hosiery. In the accessories category, Cloudco signed new deals with Concept 1 and H.E.R. In footwear, ACI will be developing Care Bears-inspired footwear for kids. “We’re thankful to all of our partners who have supported us in spreading sharing and caring across the globe, at a time when it’s… . . . read more
Big Week For Dr. Seuss: Three New Deals And An Anniversary
You just can’t keep Dr. Seuss out of the news lately. After getting political conservatives into a fluster last month after cancelling certain Dr. Seuss books for images now considered racially offensive, the children’s book brand has seen sales increases and this week announced three new deals. The first slate of deals, announced April 6, celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Dr. Seuss classic The Lorax, with a lineup of sustainable brand partnerships to further enhance the book’s strong message of environmental activism. “The Lorax has always been a beloved Dr. Seuss story and introduces children to why we need to protect our planet through a beautiful story,” said Susan Brandt, President of Dr. Seuss Enterprises. “We are proud to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the book in 2021 and… . . . read more
Deal With Cotton On and Douglas Makes Miffy a Happy Bunny
The popular children’s brand Miffy, from the line of books by Dick Bruna, is launching new lines of baby apparel and plush toys in collaboration with Cotton On and Douglas. The Australian fashion brand Cotton On will be producing four new lines of baby clothing from newborn up to 24 months, and priced competitively at between $14.99 and $19.99. The well known US plush toy producer Douglas will be offering up a variety of sizes and styles of Miffy plush toys that bring the iconic designs by Dick Bruna to life. From the classic colors Miffy is renowned for, to new twists on her fashionable outfit, to a meaningful mantra, Douglas says there is a plush bunny for little trend setters everywhere. Both collections are available for the Easter holidays,… . . . read more
Startup’s Sales Soar After Sesame Street Deal
The success of innovative startup company Glo underlines the critical importance of seeking out smart licensing deals with popular brands. Glo, a young company based in Starkville, Miss., recently signed a licensing agreement with Sesame Workshop for Glo Pals, an imaginative toy that brightens play and bath time for children, particularly those with autism. Glo Pals were recognized among best-in-class products as a Gold Award winner in the 2020 Mom’s Choice Awards. Glo began as a senior college project for its founders, but the concept was so successful it led to the launch of the company, working with Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind the perennially popular children’s show Sesame Street. Hagan Walker and Anna Barker were budding entrepreneurs in Mississippi State University’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach when they hit… . . . read more
Special Report: The Future of Hasbro
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The ‘Play and Entertainment’ conglomerate Hasbro has for the first time outlined its future plans in a live investor event, and as expected, the news will be game changing for the company and for its licensing partners worldwide. Sit down and grab yourself a coffee or tea, because it’s a LOT. At the core of the announcement, Hasbro has outlined its “strategic growth drivers” for the near and medium term, and has unveiled new product segments aligned to these drivers. In other words, the company is restructuring, and it’s doing so in ways that it feels will better prepare Hasbro for a rapidly changing environment. The new financial reporting segments are: Consumer Products, including toys and games; Wizards of the Coast (Wizards) and… . . . read more
Highlights Names M-Zone As North American Agent
The educational toy and literature company Highlights is kicking off its 75th year with the appointment of The-M-Zone as its North American licensing agent. The-M-Zone will pursue licensees and partnerships that will deliver content, product and experiences that engage, delight and foster joyful learning. “Partnering with The-M-Zone comes at an opportune time when children’s learning is being redefined, and content and experiences need to be more relevant,” said Lece Lohr, President of Highlights Consumer Business. “The-M-Zone will engage licensing partners, who will help us continue our mission of fostering curious, creative, caring, and confident children.” As Highlights gears up to celebrate its 75th anniversary, The-M-Zone will leverage Highlights’ world-renowned as a trusted family brand to expand its footprint into new content areas and product categories with the purpose of creating… . . . read more