BANDAI NAMCO Europe announces new licensing partnerships

BANDAI NAMCO Europe has signed new licensing deals in EMEA for the global hit fighting-game series TEKKEN.

The new deals cover apparel (Difuzed, Fashion UK, EMP), partworks (Planeto de Agostini), figurines (Pure Arts, First4figures, Numskull) and vinyl records (Laced Records).

BANDAI NAMCO Europe serves as the Headquarters of BANDAI NAMCO Holdings Inc. for mainland Europe and ANZ, which is known for creating and publishing many of the toy and entertainment industries’ top franchises, including PAC-MAN, TAMAGOTCHI, GUNDAM, TEKKEN and DARK SOULS.

The Pokémon Company is taking over Harrods’ toy floor in 25th anniversary celebrations

The Pokémon Company International is taking over Harrods’ toy floor for a month-long activity built to celebrate the brand’s 25th anniversary this year.

From July 27th, Pokémon fans will find themselves immersed in a distinctive branded area in the iconic London department store, featuring digital screens and displays themed with 24 Pokémon characters from all eight of its regions, along with – of course – Pikachu.

Themed activities will enhance the experience through a range of Pokémon product across toys, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, stationery, and accessories.

Alongside toys from Jazwares distributed by Character Options, including popular lines Pokémon Carry Case Playset, My Partner Eevee and Snooze Action Snorlax, fans can find lamps from Teknofun, bespoke prints from GB EYE, collectables from Wand Company and bags, backpacks and wallets from Difuzed.

As well as the latest Pokémon TCG expansion, Shining Fates, fans can discover the unique board game Pokémon TCG Battle Academy.

Mathieu Galante, licensing director (EMEA) for The Pokémon Company International, said: “As consumers return to shops, we wanted to provide an uplifting Pokémon experience to thrill and excite Pokémon’s many fans of all ages, so we are delighted to be returning to Harrods’ iconic store for a special 25th anniversary pop-up.

“Our previous collaborations have been hugely successful, and we hope that Pokémon fans old and new find something to inspire them over the coming month.”

The pop-up continues the collaboration between Pokémon and Harrods following two previous month-long promotions at the store: in May 2019 to promote the launch of the hit live-action movie POKÉMON Detective Pikachu, and in February last year for the launch of the latest video games, Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, which became the fastest-selling Nintendo Switch titles ever.

Sagoo signs fashion brand Difuzed for Rilakkuma apparel, fashion bags and more

The fashion and lifestyle brand Difuzed has partnered with the independent licensing agency Sagoo to launch a range of apparel for kids and adults, as well as fashion bags, backpacks, and accessories, inspired by the Japanese character brand, Rilakkuma.

The new line will include tech accessories including phone cases and tablet and laptop covers and sleeves featuring the popular bear character and his friends. The complete range will retail throughout Europe.

Launched in Asia in 2003, Rilakkuma embodies relaxation and a stress-free lifestyle. The chilled-out bear cub quickly became popular in Japan, Asia and the US as it began life as an illustration on products such as stationery. The licensed merchandise quickly grew, and to date, 5.8 million of the Rilakkuma story books have been sold, while the new apps launched monthly have over half a million members. In total, over 20,000 Rilakkuma products have launched in Japan.

Now a Netflix star and hugely popular on social media, Rilakkuma is beginning to see the same trajectory of success throughout Europe and leading licensing agency, Sagoo, is partnering with best in class licensees to build a robust consumer products offering in the territory.

Jeremy Orriss, licensing director of Difuzed, said: “We are very happy to be part of the lovely Rilakkuma family and we are confident that the cooperation between Difuzed and the Sagoo team will be stress-free just like Rilakkuma and it will create great results. We cannot wait to develop Rilakkuma apparel and accessories collections and have them in retailers all around Europe.”

Veronique Pichon, president, Sagoo, added: “We’re excited to welcome Difuzed on board for the rapidly growing Rilakkuma brand. The property is showing signs of the same popularity in Europe as it has enjoyed in Asia and the US, and these new lifestyle products will be perfect for the Rilakkuma fans.”