Category Archives: Entertainment

Sketchers steps into the world of Dr Seuss as new collection kicks off with the Cat in the Hat

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Sketchers is stepping into the fantastical world of the author Dr Seuss with the launch of a new, fully licensed Sketchers x Dr Seuss collection. The new range captures the essence of Dr Seuss stories, kicking off with the world famous characters and designs from his classic series, The Cat in the Hat.

The new multi-year partnership has been launched globally, designed to bring the colourful world of Dr Seuss to life in wearable, designs for adults and children.

“Dr. Seuss is one of the world’s biggest cultural icons – read, shared and celebrated by millions since the 1950s. And now his legendary characters and vivid designs are here to walk the walk, in the spirit of his great talk,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers.

“We’ve taken our most popular footwear styles and have infused them with Dr. Seuss’s one-of-a-kind designs, delivering the unique charm that only he can offer – even creating matching pairs that parents and their kids can wear together.”

Starting with the legendary The Cat in the Hat, the Sketchers x Dr Seuss collection will launch with popular styles from Sketchers Street, Bobs from Sketchers, and Sketchers Kids featuring the Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 and Thing 2, and the story’s vibrant colours and patterns.

Future collections are planned with characters and designs from many other classics, including Green Eggs and Ham, One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, and Oh, the Places You’ll Go as well as How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The collection will launch in the US, Canada, and Europe this September before rolling out worldwide.

“Skechers is the ultimate family brand for every age – and their broad, dedicated fanbase is a perfect fit for the millions who love Dr. Seuss around the world,” said Susan Brandt, president of Dr. Seuss Enterprises.

“Their innovative spirit, vivid styling and comfortable footwear designs make stepping out in Dr. Seuss even more fun. We look forward to every chapter of this partnership, as Skechers unveils a new Dr. Seuss adventure with each new collection.”

Sketchers steps into the world of Dr Seuss as new collection kicks off with the Cat in the Hat

Posted on by

Sketchers is stepping into the fantastical world of the author Dr Seuss with the launch of a new, fully licensed Sketchers x Dr Seuss collection. The new range captures the essence of Dr Seuss stories, kicking off with the world famous characters and designs from his classic series, The Cat in the Hat.

The new multi-year partnership has been launched globally, designed to bring the colourful world of Dr Seuss to life in wearable, designs for adults and children.

“Dr. Seuss is one of the world’s biggest cultural icons – read, shared and celebrated by millions since the 1950s. And now his legendary characters and vivid designs are here to walk the walk, in the spirit of his great talk,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers.

“We’ve taken our most popular footwear styles and have infused them with Dr. Seuss’s one-of-a-kind designs, delivering the unique charm that only he can offer – even creating matching pairs that parents and their kids can wear together.”

Starting with the legendary The Cat in the Hat, the Sketchers x Dr Seuss collection will launch with popular styles from Sketchers Street, Bobs from Sketchers, and Sketchers Kids featuring the Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 and Thing 2, and the story’s vibrant colours and patterns.

Future collections are planned with characters and designs from many other classics, including Green Eggs and Ham, One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, and Oh, the Places You’ll Go as well as How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The collection will launch in the US, Canada, and Europe this September before rolling out worldwide.

“Skechers is the ultimate family brand for every age – and their broad, dedicated fanbase is a perfect fit for the millions who love Dr. Seuss around the world,” said Susan Brandt, president of Dr. Seuss Enterprises.

“Their innovative spirit, vivid styling and comfortable footwear designs make stepping out in Dr. Seuss even more fun. We look forward to every chapter of this partnership, as Skechers unveils a new Dr. Seuss adventure with each new collection.”

The Very Hungry Caterpillar extends its partnership with Action for Children

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The Very Hungry Caterpillar is extending its partnership with the UK kids’ charity, Action for Children, with a special growing pack for new subscribers to the organisation that will include a host of gardening projects for youngsters.

The initiative will see the inclusion of a bug hotel, how to make a bird feeder, and grow your own lettuce and cress projects for all newly subscribed families. Those subscribers will also gain access to exclusive online The Very Hungry Caterpillar activities, incorporating crafting, growing, and cooking challenges based on what they are nurturing from The Growing Challenge.

Families who make a one off donation will be sent digital copies of the pack.

The new initiative emphasises The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s key values such as to inspire, explore, grow, educate and go green, and offers educational play activities for the many children whose usual pastimes have been restricted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Action for Children is promoting The Growing Challenge across its social media platforms and online.

The newest initiative is an extension of the partnership Rocket Licensing – the UK licensing agent for The Very Hungry Caterpillar – already has in place with Action for Children, having organised the popular The Giant Wiggle with The Very Hungry Caterpillar for the past seven years and having raised in excess of £300,000.

Over recent months, Action for Children has been working to support families who, before Coronavirus hit, may have already been struggling to feed their children, but have now lost their income overnight, leaving them frightened and vulnerable. The charity’s Emergency Appeal in response to Covid-19 has already helped support over 10,000 children and young people, and a new digital parenting site has been launched to support parents adapting to the challenges presented as a result of the pandemic. 

Published over 50 years ago, The Very Hungry Caterpillar is still a firm favourite among families worldwide, and over 160 million of the Eric Carle books have been sold worldwide. The multi-award-winning title now has 32 carefully selected licensing partners in the UK, in a robust programme curated by Rocket Licensing.

Charlie Donaldson, joint MD, Rocket Licensing, commented: “We are really pleased to be able to further support this wonderful charity through their work with The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Having launched at the beginning of the month, we have already seen a very positive response to the campaign and I’m sure the worldwide recognition of this literary classic will help to leverage Action for Children’s work and support them in raising valuable funds.”

Ellen Smyth, innovation manager, Action for Children, added: “We’re very excited to be exploring new and innovative ways to fundraise with The Very Hungry Caterpillar. It’s a brand our supporters know and love.

“Since the Covid-19 crisis hit, Action for Children has supported thousands of children and young people, and brilliant partnerships like this one help us continue to be a vital lifeline in our communities for children all over the country.”

The Very Hungry Caterpillar extends its partnership with Action for Children

Posted on by

The Very Hungry Caterpillar is extending its partnership with the UK kids’ charity, Action for Children, with a special growing pack for new subscribers to the organisation that will include a host of gardening projects for youngsters.

The initiative will see the inclusion of a bug hotel, how to make a bird feeder, and grow your own lettuce and cress projects for all newly subscribed families. Those subscribers will also gain access to exclusive online The Very Hungry Caterpillar activities, incorporating crafting, growing, and cooking challenges based on what they are nurturing from The Growing Challenge.

Families who make a one off donation will be sent digital copies of the pack.

The new initiative emphasises The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s key values such as to inspire, explore, grow, educate and go green, and offers educational play activities for the many children whose usual pastimes have been restricted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Action for Children is promoting The Growing Challenge across its social media platforms and online.

The newest initiative is an extension of the partnership Rocket Licensing – the UK licensing agent for The Very Hungry Caterpillar – already has in place with Action for Children, having organised the popular The Giant Wiggle with The Very Hungry Caterpillar for the past seven years and having raised in excess of £300,000.

Over recent months, Action for Children has been working to support families who, before Coronavirus hit, may have already been struggling to feed their children, but have now lost their income overnight, leaving them frightened and vulnerable. The charity’s Emergency Appeal in response to Covid-19 has already helped support over 10,000 children and young people, and a new digital parenting site has been launched to support parents adapting to the challenges presented as a result of the pandemic. 

Published over 50 years ago, The Very Hungry Caterpillar is still a firm favourite among families worldwide, and over 160 million of the Eric Carle books have been sold worldwide. The multi-award-winning title now has 32 carefully selected licensing partners in the UK, in a robust programme curated by Rocket Licensing.

Charlie Donaldson, joint MD, Rocket Licensing, commented: “We are really pleased to be able to further support this wonderful charity through their work with The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Having launched at the beginning of the month, we have already seen a very positive response to the campaign and I’m sure the worldwide recognition of this literary classic will help to leverage Action for Children’s work and support them in raising valuable funds.”

Ellen Smyth, innovation manager, Action for Children, added: “We’re very excited to be exploring new and innovative ways to fundraise with The Very Hungry Caterpillar. It’s a brand our supporters know and love.

“Since the Covid-19 crisis hit, Action for Children has supported thousands of children and young people, and brilliant partnerships like this one help us continue to be a vital lifeline in our communities for children all over the country.”

Selfridges launches Project Earth a sustainability campaign to change the way people shop by 2025

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Selfridges has launched its new sustainability initiative, Project Earth, a commitment from the retailer to change the way we all shop by 2025. It builds on the steps that Selfridges has taken over the last decade to put sustainability at the centre of its business.

Through Project Earth, the department store aims to help customers change the way they shop in three ways: by addressing the materials used in products, launching and exploring new retail models such as repair and resell, and engaging with teams, partners and customers to inspire a shift in mind-sets.

The company will work with over 300 brand partners and be supported by the Woodland Trust and WWF to kickstart an eight-week campaign of experiments, innovations, and conversations across all of its stores and online. Selfridges has underlined its dedication to reinventing retail.

Underpinning Project Earth is a broader commitment to Science Based Targets and to achieve Net-zero carbon by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement. Project Earth will be supported by a programme of events and activities to engage with issues, amplify conversations and challenge mindsets by exploring the most exciting ideas in sustainability with some of the most influential thinkers in the space.

There will be a series of 13 talks, takeovers and screenings with 10 partners such as How To Academy and Intelligence Squared and more than 20 events engaging with stories, brands and services to engage customers with the future of shopping.

Alannah Weston, Selfridges group chairman, said: “For the last decade we have taken ground-breaking steps to put people and planet at the heart of our business, embedding sustainability alongside creativity. Project Earth is not only our bold, new commitment to stretching environmental targets, it is about imagining new ways to do business, within the next five years.

“Since Project Ocean in 2011, Selfridges has been focused on changing mindsets around sustainability both inside our industry and in conversation with our customer. Out of the global pandemic has come an understanding of how fragile and complex our systems are, but also how our planet and people can benefit if we act collectively with a shared purpose.

“Now more than ever we must double down on our efforts to reinvent retail with sustainability at its heart and a way of working which is regenerative for humans and nature. Achieving our ambitions won’t be easy, but we are in a unique position to be able to work with our team members, partners and customers to co-create change and explore possibilities for a sustainable future.”

Anne Pitcher, global managing director of Selfridges Group, added: “In a way we never could have predicted, the cycle of consumption has been broken by the pandemic marking a moment of change in our customers to a more considered mindset and requiring us to set new expectations for retail.

“We firmly believe evolving the way we do business and supporting change in the way people shop is essential to building a more sustainable business. Selfridges has the platform to change how shopping is done wrapped up in the destinations, experiences and inspiration customers want from us. And the tough, stretching targets we have set ourselves underpin our commitment to change our business and our ambition to imagine and create a sustainable future for our customers.”

Selfridges launches Project Earth a sustainability campaign to change the way people shop by 2025

Posted on by

Selfridges has launched its new sustainability initiative, Project Earth, a commitment from the retailer to change the way we all shop by 2025. It builds on the steps that Selfridges has taken over the last decade to put sustainability at the centre of its business.

Through Project Earth, the department store aims to help customers change the way they shop in three ways: by addressing the materials used in products, launching and exploring new retail models such as repair and resell, and engaging with teams, partners and customers to inspire a shift in mind-sets.

The company will work with over 300 brand partners and be supported by the Woodland Trust and WWF to kickstart an eight-week campaign of experiments, innovations, and conversations across all of its stores and online. Selfridges has underlined its dedication to reinventing retail.

Underpinning Project Earth is a broader commitment to Science Based Targets and to achieve Net-zero carbon by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement. Project Earth will be supported by a programme of events and activities to engage with issues, amplify conversations and challenge mindsets by exploring the most exciting ideas in sustainability with some of the most influential thinkers in the space.

There will be a series of 13 talks, takeovers and screenings with 10 partners such as How To Academy and Intelligence Squared and more than 20 events engaging with stories, brands and services to engage customers with the future of shopping.

Alannah Weston, Selfridges group chairman, said: “For the last decade we have taken ground-breaking steps to put people and planet at the heart of our business, embedding sustainability alongside creativity. Project Earth is not only our bold, new commitment to stretching environmental targets, it is about imagining new ways to do business, within the next five years.

“Since Project Ocean in 2011, Selfridges has been focused on changing mindsets around sustainability both inside our industry and in conversation with our customer. Out of the global pandemic has come an understanding of how fragile and complex our systems are, but also how our planet and people can benefit if we act collectively with a shared purpose.

“Now more than ever we must double down on our efforts to reinvent retail with sustainability at its heart and a way of working which is regenerative for humans and nature. Achieving our ambitions won’t be easy, but we are in a unique position to be able to work with our team members, partners and customers to co-create change and explore possibilities for a sustainable future.”

Anne Pitcher, global managing director of Selfridges Group, added: “In a way we never could have predicted, the cycle of consumption has been broken by the pandemic marking a moment of change in our customers to a more considered mindset and requiring us to set new expectations for retail.

“We firmly believe evolving the way we do business and supporting change in the way people shop is essential to building a more sustainable business. Selfridges has the platform to change how shopping is done wrapped up in the destinations, experiences and inspiration customers want from us. And the tough, stretching targets we have set ourselves underpin our commitment to change our business and our ambition to imagine and create a sustainable future for our customers.”

Debenhams puts liquidation firm on standby but insists it is “trading strongly”

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Debenhams has put a liquidation firm on standby to draw up contingency plans for the department store chain should it not find a solution to its current financial crisis. The company, which is now in administration, has hired Hilco Capital to undertake the task should an answer not be found.

The retailer has underlined that it is currently “trading strongly” and that having the firm on standby does not mean that a liquidation was likely. Last week, Debenhams said it would axe 2,500 more jobs on top of the 4,000 job cuts is announced in May this year.

Debenhams filed for administration in April – the second time in a little over a year – and is examining options to exit the process. These include the current owners continuing to run the business, a sale of Debenhams or a joint venture with new or existing investors.

If the administrators fail to find a buyer or new investment, Debenhams faces liquidation, a process that will put 14,000 jobs at risk.

As reported by the BBC, a spokesperson for the department store said: “Debenhams is trading strongly, with 124 stores reopened and a healthy cash position.”

Debenhams began reopening its shops in June after being closed since lockdown in late March to stop the spread of the coronavirus. The company was struggling before the pandemic, however, and had previously issued a strong of profit warnings. Ahead of last year’s administration, Sports Direct owner, Mike Ashley had proposed injecting £200 million in to the retail chain, an offer that was rejected as Debenhams entered a pre-pack administration which allowed it to keep trading.

Debenhams puts liquidation firm on standby but insists it is “trading strongly”

Posted on by

Debenhams has put a liquidation firm on standby to draw up contingency plans for the department store chain should it not find a solution to its current financial crisis. The company, which is now in administration, has hired Hilco Capital to undertake the task should an answer not be found.

The retailer has underlined that it is currently “trading strongly” and that having the firm on standby does not mean that a liquidation was likely. Last week, Debenhams said it would axe 2,500 more jobs on top of the 4,000 job cuts is announced in May this year.

Debenhams filed for administration in April – the second time in a little over a year – and is examining options to exit the process. These include the current owners continuing to run the business, a sale of Debenhams or a joint venture with new or existing investors.

If the administrators fail to find a buyer or new investment, Debenhams faces liquidation, a process that will put 14,000 jobs at risk.

As reported by the BBC, a spokesperson for the department store said: “Debenhams is trading strongly, with 124 stores reopened and a healthy cash position.”

Debenhams began reopening its shops in June after being closed since lockdown in late March to stop the spread of the coronavirus. The company was struggling before the pandemic, however, and had previously issued a strong of profit warnings. Ahead of last year’s administration, Sports Direct owner, Mike Ashley had proposed injecting £200 million in to the retail chain, an offer that was rejected as Debenhams entered a pre-pack administration which allowed it to keep trading.

Rovio and Topgolf Entertainment launch Angry Birds into select venues

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Eagle, Birdie, the rarely scored Albatross, whatever term you’d like to use, Rovio Entertainment is looking to go the distance in a new partnership with Topgolf Entertainment Group to bring the Angry Birds franchise to select Topgolf venues this autumn.

The partnership marks a new first for both the Angry Birds IP and Topgolf and is aimed at ‘delivering humour and fun for families and friends,’ by utilising Topgolf’s exclusive Toptracer ball-tracing technology to blend the physical act of hitting a golf ball with the digital game play of Angry Birds.

Taking on a variety of challenges, Topgolf guests will be able to partner with much-loved Angry Birds characters including Red, Chuck, and Bomb to demolish virtual structures placed on the Topgolf targets.

“As a company deeply-rooted in innovation, creating new and dynamic experiences is something we consistently deliver, and we know Angry Birds will be a game-changing addition to our existing gaming collection,” said Dolf Berle, Topgolf Entertainment Group chief executive officer.

“With the Angry Birds’ loyal fanbase, this offering is sure to deliver on an experience that makes our Guests feel like they are part of the highly acclaimed mobile game.”

Angry Birds started as a popular mobile game in 2009 and has since evolved into one of the world’s most loved entertainment brands, covering games, blockbuster movies, animated series, location-based entertainment and more. In total, Angry Birds mobile games have been downloaded over 4.5 billion times.

“This experience perfectly embodies the Angry Birds brand in terms of its accessible fun and all-round irreverence,” said Ville Heijari, CMO of Rovio Entertainment. “Added to that, what Topgolf has developed with their Toptracer technology is highly innovative and aligns with the physics-based challenges that can be discovered in Angry Birds mobile games. The resulting experience is a familiar but uniquely branded experience that we’re excited for our fans to take a swing at.”

Rovio and Topgolf Entertainment launch Angry Birds into select venues

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Eagle, Birdie, the rarely scored Albatross, whatever term you’d like to use, Rovio Entertainment is looking to go the distance in a new partnership with Topgolf Entertainment Group to bring the Angry Birds franchise to select Topgolf venues this autumn.

The partnership marks a new first for both the Angry Birds IP and Topgolf and is aimed at ‘delivering humour and fun for families and friends,’ by utilising Topgolf’s exclusive Toptracer ball-tracing technology to blend the physical act of hitting a golf ball with the digital game play of Angry Birds.

Taking on a variety of challenges, Topgolf guests will be able to partner with much-loved Angry Birds characters including Red, Chuck, and Bomb to demolish virtual structures placed on the Topgolf targets.

“As a company deeply-rooted in innovation, creating new and dynamic experiences is something we consistently deliver, and we know Angry Birds will be a game-changing addition to our existing gaming collection,” said Dolf Berle, Topgolf Entertainment Group chief executive officer.

“With the Angry Birds’ loyal fanbase, this offering is sure to deliver on an experience that makes our Guests feel like they are part of the highly acclaimed mobile game.”

Angry Birds started as a popular mobile game in 2009 and has since evolved into one of the world’s most loved entertainment brands, covering games, blockbuster movies, animated series, location-based entertainment and more. In total, Angry Birds mobile games have been downloaded over 4.5 billion times.

“This experience perfectly embodies the Angry Birds brand in terms of its accessible fun and all-round irreverence,” said Ville Heijari, CMO of Rovio Entertainment. “Added to that, what Topgolf has developed with their Toptracer technology is highly innovative and aligns with the physics-based challenges that can be discovered in Angry Birds mobile games. The resulting experience is a familiar but uniquely branded experience that we’re excited for our fans to take a swing at.”