Category Archives: Highlight

Loot Crate to launch 60th anniversary Sanrio crate as the subscription box specialist details raft of partnerships

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The pop culture subscription box service, Loot Crate, is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the world-famous Sanrio with the launch of a special October Anniversary themed Sanrio Crate. The limited edition crate will feature new and exclusive Hello Kitty and Friends collectables and gear.

To celebrate a successful six decades of the company and its portfolio of globally revered characters, including the likes of Hello Kitty, Mr Men, and more, the October Anniversary crate includes a Loot Crate exclusive Hello Kitty Cake Figure, a Loot Crate exclusive Jewellery Pouch and a host of other items each showcasing 60 years of Hello Kitty and Friends.

Sanrio Crates start at $39.99 plus shipping and handling.

The partnership with Sanrio is the latest in a surge of new and classic properties to extend their relationship with the subscription box specialist. This November will see the firm launch its Elder Scrolls crate, featuring officially licensed collectables, gear, apparel, and more all based on the hit gaming franchise Elder Scrolls.

Meanwhile, earlier this month, Loot Crate detailed its latest partnership with Disney to launch a limited edition Pixar crate, featuring wares from the likes of Toy Story, The Incredibles, Up and more. The run of three limited edition crates will enable fans to unbox the new Disney and Pixar goods while celebrating the magic of Pixar’s films and characters.

WildBrain CPLG and Star Trek warp into digital wall art with BeArty

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The entertainment, sport, and brand licensing agency, WildBrain CPLG has secured a deal with the tech company BeArty to launch a new digital wall art range inspired by the iconic sci-fi franchise, Star Trek. The deal was brokered by WildBrain CPLG on behalf of ViacomCBS Consumer Products.

The new partnership will witness the launch of a collection of digital wall art that fans can display on their Smart TVs. Through BeArty’s Vizzio Art software, consumers can navigate thousands of artwork options through its mobile app. The new Star Trek offering will feature hundreds of images from the franchise. It will be available to subscribers from this month.

John Taylor, VP Northern Europe and MD UK, Eire and France at WildBrain CPLG, said: “Star Trek has a hugely loyal and wide fan-base and this innovative new partnership with BeArty gives those fans an exciting opportunity to access their favourite artwork in an affordable and accessible way.

“We look forward to seeing fans around the world replacing their blank TV screens with eye-catching Star Trek ships in their homes and offices.”

Patrick Ashworth, founder and CEO of BeArty Ltd, added: “BeArty is excited to launch this new platform, which will allow fans to experience Star Trek all day long. With the large and growing wall decoration market, and the widespread use of smart phones and Smart TVs, it is finally time to make a real impact in the market and make art available to everyone and empower them to change their wall décor in just a couple of clicks.”

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

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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.”

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

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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.”

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”

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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.

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.”