- Playing into Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary this year, Build-A-Bear Workshop has expanded its partnership with Sanrio. The retailer will launch a limited-edition Hello Kitty DIY plush in stores in the coming weeks, as well as open a Build-A-Bear x Hello Kitty and Friends Workshop at LA’s Westfield Century City mall in November that will offer a range of exclusive make-your-own versions of Sanrio characters and host all-ages fan events.
- US agency Hero NXT (the licensing division of Hero Brands) has signed a deal to move characters from dress-up game app The Frobelles (pictured) into animation, toys, apparel and beauty products, with a focus on the UK and US markets. This brand was founded by mother-daughter duo Yvonne and Alyssa Ottley to fill a gap in the gaming space, which lacks characters who have authentic Afro hair. To date, the app has 100,000 downloads on GooglePlay and the Apple AppStore, and it landed a spot in the UK’s popular Startups 100 ranking for 2024.
- British wholesaler Heathside Trading has signed a licensing deal with WildBrain CPLG to launch new Strawberry Shortcake and Teletubbies toys and collectibles in the UK and Europe next spring. Products will include vinyl, mini and micro figures, backpack clips, clip-on plush, trading cards, 2D keychains and luggage tags, adult dinner sets, silicone lights and hand warmer plush sets.
Newsletter
