Hello Kitty, The Simpsons in Partnership
Sanrio, Inc., and Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products announced a partnership for a design collaboration featuring Hello Kitty and The Simpsons. The two pop culture brands are partnering to introduce a product line in 2014 in celebration of two milestone anniversaries: the 40th anniversary of Hello Kitty and 25th anniversary of The Simpsons.
Consumers can purchase items from the product line during back to school 2014.
Diono, Little Tikes in Partnership
Diono, a car seat and travel accessory manufacturer, is introducing a new line of products stemming from a collaborative partnership with Little Tikes, a division of MGA Entertainment. The seven-year international licensing agreement will feature a broad range of juvenile products, including more than 50 new items spanning from car seats and strollers to travel accessories and gear.
The new juvenile line, featuring a variety of product designs and price points, will be available in early 2014 at major retailers nationwide and in key international markets.
JTMG Signs Wild Grinders
The Joy Tashjian Marketing Group (JTMG) has been named exclusive licensing agency by Wild Grinders, LLC and Home Plate Entertainment for its animated series Rob Dyrdek’s Wild Grinders. JTMG will immediately launch the licensing program for the series, which will debut its full second season on Nicktoons in 2014.
WBCP, Hello Kitty Partnership
Warner Bros. Consumer Products EMEA, in partnership with DC Entertainment announced a new brand collaboration between Sanrio’s Hello Kitty and DC Comics Super Heroes. Warner Bros. Consumer Products is now working with licensees and retailers to develop the product line. Products targeting girls, women, and collectors will launch in 2014 with heroic Hello Kitty appearing on apparel, accessories and footwear, stationery, publishing, personal care, promotional products, and food products.
Deals for WWE
WWE announced the following licensing agreements. Aquarius will create a line of accessories for men and boys for the U.S. market. Swappz, a division of Goldy Toys Partnership, will create a branded app-based novelty toy with augmented reality technology and 3-D object recognition. SG Companies will create a line of sleepwear for the U.S. as well as a line of footwear for the U.S. and Canada.
Global Pursuit Signs Tumbleweed & Dandelion
Global Pursuit Co., Ltd., the worldwide consumer products licensing, marketing and brand equity company, has been appointed the global licensing agent for Venice Beach, Calif.-based designer Lizzie McGraw and her Tumbleweed & Dandelion lifestyle brand.
Global Pursuit will be charged with developing a worldwide licensing and merchandising campaign for the designer’s Tumbleweed & Dandelion brand, focusing on key lifestyle categories, including home décor, furniture, home office, candles, and other accessories. Global Pursuit anticipates products to begin rolling out at retail in late 2014.
Sanrio, Baby Trend Deal
Sanrio and Baby Trend have signed a licensing agreement to produce Hello Kitty baby gear. The Hello Kitty line of products from Baby Trend will include a variety of juvenile gear priced from $24–$299. This collection will be launching in select mass retailers nationwide, and will expand to e-commerce sites and specialty stores over the course of the next year.