Reeves International to Distribute makedo
Australia’s makedo has announced that it has appointed Reeves International, Inc., as its exclusive U.S. distributor. Designed by Melbourne-based industrial designer Paul Justin, makedo is a reusable connector system that enables people to reuse and create things with found materials. It facilitates construction with everyday materials including cardboard, plastic, and fabric to create new things-from cufflinks to costumes, rocket ships to furniture, stage sets to temporary shelters. Makedo freeplay kits comprise makedo connectors, hinges, and construction
tools in a recycled cardboard tube. They are available in kits for one, three, 10, and 30. makedo also offers five “make and find” kits that invite kids to make a robot, a car, a dollhouse, a flower pot, and a playhouse. makedo will be available at retail in July 2010.
Todd Parr Teams with Stouffer’s, Habitat for Humanity
Stouffer’s teamed up with Todd Parr, the author and illustrator, to create a new children’s book called Let’s Fix Dinner, which will be released in August 2010. They’ve also teamed up with Habitat for Humanity to help those a little less fortunate be able to experience the many benefits of family dinner. All net proceeds of the Let’s Fix Dinner book will be donated to Habitat for Humanity.
For every book purchased, Stouffer’s will donate the net proceeds, $4/book, to Habitat for Humanity, with a guaranteed minimum donation of $125,000 up to a maximum donation of $200,000.
The Let’s Fix Dinner book will be available for pre-orders in
April on letsfixdinner.com and will ship in August. The book was edited, published, and printed by SupperTime Entertainment.
Schwinn to Ring in Brand Relaunch
Schwinn, the iconic American bicycle brand, is inviting the nation to “go for a ride” as part of a major brand relaunch and integrated national advertising/marketing program. The multimillion dollar campaign, which launches nationwide this week, includes national television and print advertising, and support programs at retail as well as user-friendly online and mobile touch points that simplify the bike-buying and bike-riding experience for consumers. The campaign’s
thematic centerpiece is the wholesome, nostalgic appeal of the Schwinn bicycle bell, providing what Schwinn believes is a call to action to reconnect with what’s important in life.
The multi-faceted campaign will also utilize a wide range of digital strategies, all of which will direct consumers to a website www.rideschwinn.com, which provides simple tips on finding
the right bike, as well as “where to buy” details. Schwinn’s digital campaign will also include display and social media, as well as a downloadable application for mobile phones that will provide riding and fitness tips along with local route information.
Developed by Cossette New York, the campaign will be featured in print publications that include Family Fun, Parenting, Shape, and Working Mother. Additionally, 30-second television spots will run on targeted national networks.
LIMA Announces Excellence Award Nominees
The International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA) announced 75 nominees for the annual LIMA International Licensing Excellence Awards, recognizing the industry’s best and most successful licensed properties and products from the past year. Awards
in seven categories plus the License of the Year Award will be announced at LIMA’s Opening Night Awards Party on June 8 during Licensing International Expo 2010 in Las Vegas. Nominations were solicited from across the licensing industry and winners will be chosen by a vote of the LIMA membership.
Sixteen awards will be presented to top licensees and properties in seven categories: Art, Character, Corporate, Film/Television/Entertainment, Sports, Licensed Promotions, and Retailer. In addition to acknowledging the Best Brand Program of the Year in the Character, Corporate, Entertainment, and Sports categories, awards for Best Licensee-Hard Goods and Best Licensee-Soft Goods will be presented. In the Art category, best program and
best licensee will be recognized. Each winner will receive the etched-glass trophy sporting the LIMA logo.
For a complete list of the nominees in each award category, please visit the LIMA website at www.licensing.org.