On the heels of a third-season pickup of The Fairies by Australia’s Channel 7 and Nickelodeon Oz, the preschool brand is expanding its retail reach across the country.

The third season of the girls live-action show, featuring sets designed by New Zealand’s Weta Workshop, will go into production in February 2009. ABC Commercial has picked up the distribution rights and Haven Licensing has been tapped as the property’s new licensing and marketing agent.

After a successful launch of The Fairies flagship shop in Adelaide, with more than 150 Fairy products as well as a Fairyland studio, which hosts dance lessons, birthday parties and school holiday events, The Fairies stores are now rolling out franchises across Australia. A Sydney store is opening in March 2009 and an additional nine stores are set to open by June 2009.