Cats vs. Pickles Plush Toys Now Available in U.K.
The runaway YouTube hit Cats vs. Pickles is looking to leverage its massive success in the US as it prepares to launch its IP in the U.K. this year with a line of plush toys.
The toys will be available in the U.K. through Paul Fogarty’s TWO IN 1 Direct with a range that spans more than 100 different styles of Cat and Pickles collectable plushies, Kitty Condo Habi-cats, themed special editions, Jumbo Plush, character pillows, and more.
The full launch follows a soft launch for the brand in the U.K. with a limited rollout just before Christmas that the company says showed ‘an impressive response,’ amid reports of some retailers selling 1,500 units within just a few weeks.
Demand for Cats vs. Pickles merch has been high in the US, driven by a large catalog of online content created by Cepia, which says short form video content on YouTube has generated more than 110 million views from a global audience, with more than 16 million views in the U.K. alone.
“Cats vs. Pickles is a long-term brand with much more to come from the range later in the year, including licensing,” said Fogarty. “Cepia will be supporting the collection with a comprehensive and heavy marketing schedule, including TV, pre-roll and influencer activity. It’s going to be big.”
Reebok and Universal Brand Development launch Kung Fu Panda footwear and apparel
Reebok’s collection of Kung Fu Panda footwear models will embody unique themes from the franchise, its hero Po, and the styles and teachings of the supporting cast of characters.
Laughing Cow Celebrates 100th Anniversary With Licensed Product Launch
Laughing Cow is one of the world’s oldest and best known cheese companies, known in modern days for its wide change of cheese-based snacks.
This year Laughing Cow will celebrate a century of successful growth with a new collaboration with the popular prints and merchandise specialist, Iconospheric.
In a deal brokered by The Laughing Cow’s licensing agency, Pink Key Licensing, Iconospheric has launched a collection of gifts, homewares, prints, and more depicting the 100-year-old food brand. The current range from Iconospheric includes mounted prints, greeting cards, tote bags, mugs, and a range of apparel.
More than 30 SKUs make up a collection designed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of The Laughing Cow brand, drawing on the both its vintage and modern appeal with a mix of graphics.
Richard Pink at Pink Key Licensing, who brokered the partnership, said: “We couldn’t be happier about this new partnership. Iconosphric’s product quality is superb and its fantastic to have an all year round on-line destination for anyone who is fan of products carrying the beautiful Laughing Cow artwork.”
Subway sandwich brand looking to expand licensed footprint
Broad Street Licensing Group has signed on to help expand the licensed products portfolio for Subway, one of the world’s largest fast food chains.
The well-known Subway sandwich brand is looking to expand its licensing footprint across the globe, and Broad Street Licensing Group has been appointed to represent the brand, with the new partnership focusing on the creation of Subway-branded licensed products in the food and lifestyle spaces.
“Our collaboration with Broad Street Licensing Group enables us to connect fans to the Subway brand in new and unexpected ways,” said Mike Kappit, chief operating and insights officer at Subway. “With BSLG, we will grow our presence beyond our natural borders into other retail environments and strengthen our positioning as a food and lifestyle brand.”
Bill Cross, SVP of business development at BSLG, added: “Subway is an iconic brand known throughout the world for customised, delicious subs made with quality and fresh ingredients. Through our work with Subway, we will highlight the restaurant’s iconic image along with its fresh, high-quality ingredients to bring fans licensed food and lifestyle products.”