Fat cat Garfield will grow a bit more this year with new direct-to-retail deals in Europe and Asia, a new licensing agent in Japan, and stepped up activity in the U.S.
Licensor Paws Inc., is taking Garfield direct-to-retail with new programs with Original Marines in Italy, Undiz in France, and C&A and Rei do Mate in Brazil.
In Japan, Tohokushinsha Film Corp. is its new agent.
U.S. activity includes a new musical stage play, merchandise tied to the 30th anniversary of TV special Garfield’s Halloween Adventure and a campaign with school fundraiser Great American Opportunities.
Garfield creator Jim Davis identified Latin America, China, India, Japan and the U.S. all as key areas of growth. Garfield enjoys licensing and newspaper syndication in 111 countries, TV in 211 territories, and 17 million fans on Facebook.