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Art Ask Agency reports ‘excellent worldwide sales’ of Kare Design’s Pets Rock wall art collection

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The Barcelona based Art Ask Agency is reporting ‘excellent sales results worldwide’ for the initial launch of a collection of Pets Rock wall art launched earlier this year by the home decor licensing partner, Kare Design.

Pets Rock is a brand centered on a cast of quirky artistic characters from the worlds of music, film, history, and fashion that have lent themselves to the home decor market across a wide age group and range of territories.

The Kare collection includes glass framed wall art, acrylic wall art and canvas prints. Since its launch, Art Ask Agency has cited ‘excellent sales results worldwide.’ Kare Design GmbH is a recognised name in the home decor market with more than 200 shops in 50 countries.

‘The Kare brand symbolises furnishing ideas which are unique, non-conformist and authentic. Since 1981, the company has been surprising its fans worldwide with an incomparable and inexhaustible variety of new furniture, lighting and furnishing accessories, all expressing an intense passion for design,’ read a statement from the firm.

“Having Kare Design GmbH for a partner for Pets Rock is a great combination. Both stand out from the crowd and are very authentic,” said Maria Strid, owner of Art Ask Agency.

In addition, Pets Rock has recently launched a new style guide, The Love Book, with themes of positivity, love, hope and happiness because “life is better together”.

The new guide features rainbow-coloured assets and is available to licensees in addition to The London Book style guide. Both style guides compliment the quirky Pets Rock characters from the worlds of film, fashion and music.

The first licensee to launch the new style is Teneues Books with their second Pets Rock book launch planned for September 2021 in all distribution channels.

Queer Eye and Dorel Home support Pride Month with Ali Forney Center donation

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The hit TV series Queer Eye is showing its support of Pride Month by donating a portion of proceeds from sales of its Dorel Home furniture line to The Ali Forney Center for the entire month of June.

Launched exclusively to Walmart last year, the Queer Eye Collection of furniture arrived off the back of the successful reboot of the hit TV series from Scout Productions. As the collection prepares to celebrate its first anniversary this July, the branded furniture – designed with Dorel Home via a partnership brokered by IMG – has debuted two new collections.

These new additions ‘mix modern industrial charm with uplifting vibes’, featuring stylish items for inside the home and a brand-new outdoor collection for the summer.

For the month of June, Queer Eye and Dorel Home will donate a portion of proceeds to The Ali Forney Center and will outfit the AFC Harlem Drop-in Center and housing sites located in New York City with furniture pieces in an effort to add comfort to safe spaces.

The Ali Forney Center is dedicated to protecting LGBTQ+ youth from the harms of homelessness and empowering them with the tools needed to live independently. It has grown to become the largest agency dedicated to LGBTQ+ homeless youth in the country, assisting over 2,000 young people per year and providing over 70,000 meals annually.

“It was important for us to commemorate Pride Month in a way that helped make a tangible difference for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly for at-risk youth,” said Claudia Grundman, senior director of brand management of Dorel Home.

“That is why we’re so proud to partner with The Ali Forney Center whose core mission is to protect vulnerable LGBTQ+ youth from the perils of homelessness and to empower them with the tools to live independently. We are humbled to join forces with this inspiring organization.”

Alexander Roque, president and executive director of Ali Forney Center, said: “Queer Eye is a force of nature on the small screen that’s helping to expand representation of the LGBTQ+ community in a positive way.

“Partnering with Queer Eye feels like a natural coming together of two entities focused on creating a brighter future for the LGBTQ+ community. It’s an exciting collaboration and one we’re very glad to be part of.”

The Queer Eye team, added: “One of the great ways to feel good is to give back. The Ali Forney Center is a non-profit focused on at-risk LGBTQ+ youth. They do real work, affect real change and we’re proud to be associated with them.”

He’ll have a Caninety Nine, please! Battersea launches a new ice cream range just for dogs

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The UK’s 160 year old animal charity, Battersea is demonstrating its flair for canine cuisine with the launch of an ice cream range specially made for dogs.

Surprisingly not called Caninety Nine, the range is made using real fruit puress and includes Strawberry and Apple & Banana flavours, and has been produced by Jude’s, Britain’s first Carbon Negative ice cream and desserts specialist. The deal was brokered by Battersea’s brand licensing agent, The Point. 1888.

Under the partner, five per cent of the sale proceeds of the range will be invested back into the animal charity.

Chow Mezger, MD of Jude’s, said: “As a family of dog-lovers we are delighted to launch Ice Cream for Dogs so now the whole family, including the pooch, can enjoy our utterly delicious ice cream. Our family Jack Russell Tinker loved being chief taste tester and we’re pleased to say that Ice Cream for Dogs has her full approval.

“Working with Battersea has also been fantastic, and we couldn’t be more proud to support their vital work to help dogs and cats everywhere.”

Sarah Van Kirk, licensing manager at Battersea, added: “Battersea is delighted to be working with an innovative and environmentally conscious UK based company like Jude’s. We’re really excited about this collaboration with royalties from each product going directly towards the care of dogs and cats.”

The Point.1888 looks to create new products based on the gaps it sees at retail; rather than what it thinks the brand’s target demographic might like. This supports a higher chance of retailer buy-in and a better sales performance. In 2020, it delivered record-breaking sales using this approach in Iceland for an ice cream range inspired by the iconic sweet brands of its client Barratts.

Gabbi Langdorf, senior international and brand manager at The Point.1888, said: “We love working with brands with purpose and are thrilled that such an innovative product will be raising funds to help support Battersea’s important work. The timing of the launch couldn’t be better – long may this great weather continue.”

The ice cream range is now available to buy from Ocado.

Italy’s Marco Verratti takes feline form to join 44 Cats campaign ahead of UEFA European Football Championship

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The Italian footballer and national team champion, Marco Verratti is taking on a new feline appearance ahead of the upcoming UEFA European Football Championship, through a new partnership with the country’s own animation studio, Rainbow and its popular 44 Cats franchise.

Verratti has signed a new contract with the Make a Wish Italia Onlus, the local Make a Wish Foundation, in which the football star will feature – in cat form, no less – alongside the four protagonists from 44 Cats, on a customised Italian flag designed for this year’s major tournament.

The initiative, dubbed Italia Gattastica, will see the character Gatto Marco join the line up of Lampo, Milady, Pilou, and Meatball on a flag that will be sold to fans ahead of the Euro tournament this year. The revenues from the sale of the limited edition Italian flag – now available on Rainbow’s Amazon store – will be donated to the Make A Wish Italia Onlus.

“I’m really happy to kick off this project. The day I was asked to join this adventure my thoughts immediately turned to my children, who are huge 44 Cats fans,” said Verratti in human form.

“It was fun and stimulating to work with serious and very professional companies like Rainbow and Vanquish. Now I hope that the little fans of Buffycats and now also of Gatto Marco will like it, because during the next European Championships we will need the support and cheer of everyone. Go Azzurri! Go 44 Cats!” 

New content, contests and special activities will be rolled out for the entertainment of fans during the European Championship on all 44 Cats social networks.

Produced by Rainbow in collaboration with Antoniano and Rai Ragazzi, 44 Cats is an animated hit series that has been conquering fans worldwide. The Italian-made preschool series is a mix of action, comedy, friendship and original music, that has become a global phenomenon with record ratings since its debut in November 2018 on Rai Yoyo.

44 Cats is on air in over 100 countries and in more than 20 languages. Populating the soundtrack of the series is a run of original songs performed by Antoniano, Italy’s most famous Piccolo Coro.

Animaccord partners with Havaianas to launch Masha and the Bear flip flops to global markets

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Animaccord, the studio behind the global hit animated series, Masha and the Bear has partnered with Alpargatas, the parent company of the Brazilian fashion brand Havaianas to launch a new, officially licensed collection of flip flops.

The first licensed baby Havaianas hit the market in early Q1 this year, rolling out to the Asia Pacific region, with further distribution to Europe, Latin America, and other territories in the second quarter of the year. The collection will be available both online and in selected stores across the markets.

Maria Fernanda Albuquerque, Havaianas global communication director, said: “Kids licenses are a great opportunity for Havaianas to be connected with a younger target. Now, with Masha and the Bear in our portolio, we expect to go even further in building our strenght amongst this target.”

Manaf Hassan, sales director at Animaccord, EMEA and Americas, added: “We are very excited about this partnership. Being loyal to the brand and owning several pairs of Havaianas flip flops, just like most of us do, makes this partnership special for myself as well. This success story is just another proof that Masha and the Bear is a great match for iconic fashion brands, alike Havaianas.”

Tommy Hilfiger goes ’90s and ’00s retro in ViacomCBS partnership

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The Tommy Hilfiger brand has partnered with ViacomCBS Consumer Products to launch a new capsule collection under the banner A Blast from the Past, tapping into Tommy Jeans’ long history of pop culture collaborations featuring characters and logos from Nickelodeon and MTV.

In a deal brokered by WildBrain CPLG, the partnership will witness the launch of a range of t-shirts, sweats, and hoodies all in a unisex style. The collection will be available across Tommy Hilfiger retail locations, on tommy.com, and through wholesale partners globally.

A Blast from the Past will feature a range of micro-capsules that bring a playful streetwear vibe to the classic oversized and bold colourways that Tommy Jeans fans recognise of the brand, fused with pop culture icons from the late ’90s and early ’00s.

Beavis and Butthead, Garfield, MTV, Ren & Stimpy, and SpongeBob SquarePants will all play starring roles in the collection.

Each micro-capsule remixes the heritage Tommy Jeans flag in unique and surprising ways, such as weaving Beavis and Butt-Head within its red and white blocks or using it as a pattern to fill the MTV logo, adding a fresh twist on timeless favorites.

The deal was brokered by WildBrain CPLG, one of the world’s leading entertainment, sport, and brand licensing agencies.

“There continues to be significant consumer demand, particularly among young adults, for high-end fashion collaborations that utilize retro brands and bring with them a sense of fun and nostalgia,” said Matt Tobia, senior sales manager at WildBrain CPLG.

“This partnership between Tommy Jeans and ViacomCBS Consumer Products is perfectly positioned to meet this demand, as it combines ViacomCBS’s impressive portfolio of iconic TV brands with Tommy Jeans relaxed ’90s aesthetic. We also couldn’t think of a better pairing for our first time teaming up with Tommy Jeans.”

Up to 70 of the UK’s shopping centres face closure and redevelopment due to shifting consumer habits

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Around 70 shopping centres across the UK are facing the threat of closure owing to the longer lasting impact of the coronavirus pandemic and the lean into online shopping over the past year.

Reports suggest that over-expansion of retail space must also be factored in when assessing the current health of the UK’s shopping centre sector, with the future of some ten per cent of the UK’s 700 shopping centres now in the balance. It is believed that a number of the centre built in the 1970s and ’80s will be at least partly redeveloped into homes, offices, or for other uses.

According to a Local Data Company (LDC) analysis of centres in England, Scotland, and Wales, at least 30 shopping centres in the UK are now at a minimum half empty, including five that are now more than 80 per cent vacant. A further 34 have between 40 per cent and 50 per cent of their shops vacant, with at least 10 shops in them.

Shopping centres across the UK have been dealt a blow by the coronavirus pandemic that has not only seen forced lockdowns shut major retail destinations like themselves, but has also driven consumers to online shopping, as well as a new preference for staying local in the midst of social restrictions.

“There’s no doubt that the Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated many of the challenges we were seeing across the physical retail environment, with shopping centres having been particularly exposed to categories in decline, such as fashion and casual dining,” LDC commercial director Lucy Stainton said.

It’s according to the head of retail research at Knight Frank, Stephen Springham, that 10 per cent of the UK’s shopping centres are no longer viable. Springham also believes that a further 20 to 30 per cent will need a ‘significant overhaul’, with shops retained, but large portions of each given up for homes, offices, and other uses.

A number of the UK’s shopping centres already set for development include the likes of Nottingham’s Broadmarsh, where demolition starts this month, Stockton’s Castlegate, the Riverside Centre in Shrewsbury, the Chilterns Centre in High Wycombe, and Nicholsons in Maidenhead.

The world’s only Harry Potter flagship store opens its doors in New York

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The doors to the new flagship Harry Potter store in New York have finally been opened to the public, greeting fans with a 220-pound model of Fawkes the Phoenix, and a host of magical creatures and hand-made props.

Billed as an ‘immersive retail experience’ for the Harry Potter global fan base, the Harry Potter New York store finally opened its doors to the public last week, wowing them with themed retail zones, including an area inspired by the Dark Arts, complete with Voldemort’s horcux, Nagini, bursting through the ceiling.

The world’s only Harry Potter flagship store boasts 15 of these themed areas to explore, playing host to thousands of products. Fans found themselves immersed in areas inspired by Honeydukes to find Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans and Chocolate Frogs, before stopping under the Dirigible Plum tree to find their favourite creature soft toy.

Customers were even invited to step into Hagrid’s boots to see how they measure up and duel other customers at the store’s interactive wand table.

”We’re delighted to be welcoming fans to Harry Potter New York for a completely new shopping experience,” said Sarah Roots, EVP Warner Bros. Worldwide Tours and Retail. “Not only will visitors find the largest range of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts products under one roof, they will also get to discover up-close some of the hand-crafted props that were seen in the films, use our unique photo opportunities and experience the incredible theming throughout the store.”

Harry Potter New York has a virtual queueing system in place. When customers visit the store, they will scan a QR code to join a virtual queue and return when notified. Harry Potter New York is open from 10am to 9pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 7pm on Sundays.

Cath Kidston partners with Moomin Characters for new summer range of clothing, bags, and accessories

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The British lifestyle brand, Cath Kidston has partnered with Moomin Charatcers to launch a new Moomin range for summer 2021, refreshing its archive prints – linen sprig and mushrooms – for a collaboration that celebrates ‘love and looking after one another.’

The new products range includes fashion for adults and children, from print dresses and pyjamas to Breton tops and embroidered shirts, as well as a selection of rucksacks, tote bags, and accessories. Stationery, water bottles, travel cups, and lunch boxes will all be available, as well as beakers and plates for children.

The colour palette for the collection is a ‘summery yellow and pink’, and the main characters featured are Moomintroll, Moominmamma, Snorkmaiden and Little My. The range boasts a strong floral theme, with characters depicted gardening, wearing traditional Scandinavian flower crowns, and enjoying meadows full of bright blooms.

Cath Kidston’s creative director, Holly Marler, said: “Nature was such an important inspiration to Moomin creator Tove Jansson – her illustrations are full of magical flowers, fascinating plants, and mysterious forests. We’re delighted to present this collection which takes its cue from Tove’s love of all things floral to celebrate summertime in bright, blooming colours.”

The price range of the collection begins at £7 for a Cath Kidston x Moomin pen and goes up to £75 for a patterned sleeveless midi shirt dress.

The Cath Kidston x Moomin range will be available to purchase from Cath Kidston 180 Piccadilly and cathkidston.com from 21st June.

Silvergate Media picks up bilingual picture book series ¡Vamos! for kids animated TV

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Silvergate Media has acquired the rights to the award-winning, bilingual picture book series, ¡Vamos! with plans to develop the property into an animated series for children and families.

Written and illustrated by the award-winning Mexican-American author Raúl (González) the Third, ¡Vamos! is a series of imaginatively drawn picture books for children, with colors by Elaine Bay, that are told in a combination of both English and Spanish. The series is published by Versify, an imprint of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt publishers.

The first book in the series, ¡Vamos! Let’s Go to the Market, follows the urban adventures of a Coyote, Little Lobo, and his dog Bernabé as the pair make a series of madcap deliveries at a market near the U.S. Mexican border. It became a critical and commercial hit on its publication in April 2019 and was followed by ¡Vamos! Let’s Go Eat the following year, which tells the story of a group of luchadores, professional wrestlers, awaiting battle who are delivered their pre-match meals by Little Lobo and his dog.

The picture books have been greeted with so much enthusiasm that publishers Versify have created a World of ¡Vamos! publishing line with three early readers, two board books and a further picture book in the pipeline.

Silvergate’s Kurt Mueller, who serves as executive producer for many of the company’s highly acclaimed series including Hilda, Octonauts and Chico Bon Bon, will produce the series in partnership with Raúl the Third.

“We’re thrilled to be collaborating with Raúl, a true generational talent, and the fine folks at Versify, to bring ¡Vamos! to TV audiences,” Kurt Mueller, EVP Creative Content, Silvergate Media said. “The books offer a seemingly infinite cast of characters and situations that celebrate frontera culture through a singular artistic lens. Every densely illustrated page is a season’s worth of great TV.”

Raúl the Third, Creator of ¡Vamos!, added: “The response to ¡Vamos! in the past two years has been incredible. It’s such a personal project for me as the stories, locations and characters were based on my own childhood experiences, so I’m really thrilled that kids around the world will be able to enjoy these adventures on screen as much as I enjoyed bringing them to life in the books.”

The founding editor of Versify, Kwame Alexander, who is producing for his Big Sea Entertainment, along with partner, Arielle Eckstut, said: “¡Vamos! struck a chord with young readers immediately and we have no doubt that an animated series will take the franchise to new heights. Silvergate Media has a strong reputation for producing high quality, original programming based on graphic novels and picture books so we can’t wait to see what the new series will bring.”