The independent French agency, Sagoo has partnered with the French arts and crafts specialist, Graine Creative to produce five new kits for older children, based on the hit Japanese character brand Rilakkuma.
The deals adds to a rapidly growing portfolio of consumer products for Rilakkuma – the world’s most relaxed bear cub – in Europe, which already includes homewares from Blanc Cerise, and stationery, bags, accessories, and gift ranges from Blueprint Collections.
The Graine Creative range will initially launch with three products, including a crochet kit, aimed at children aged ten and over. The set includes everything needed for tweens to create crochet versions of Rilakkuma and his friend Kiiroitori.
Meanwhile, the new eraser set is aimed at children aged eight and over and includes plasticine and modelling tools to allow children to create Rilakkuma inspired designs, before baking them in the oven to transform them into erasers. Finally, the FIMO kit for children aged 14 and upwards, allows fans to create Rilakkuma characters to make into keyrings, brooches and various other accessories.
Rilakkuma is one of the top three most popular Kawaii characters in the world and since its launch by San-X in Asia in 2003, the relaxed bear has exploded in popularity and amassed over $2.5 billion in retail sales in Japan alone. The brand is recognised and loved throughout the world and has 359,000 fans on Facebook. Rilakkuma recently also became a star of Netflix, with 13 x 11’ stop motion animations available to watch on the SVOD channel.
Veronique Pichon, president, Sagoo, said: “Rilakkuma is growing in popularity throughout Europe and we are delighted to be partnering with some best in class licensees to bring the brand to retail. We are thrilled to be working with Graine Creative and are looking forward to further growing the consumer products programme throughout the territory.”
Music icon and Rocket Man, Elton John is to be celebrated on a new commemorative coin courtesy of The Royal Mint. Available from today, the design is the latest addition to The Royal Mint’s new Music Legends series.
With a career spanning more than 50 years, the new coin to celebrate Elton John’s legacy has been designed by artist Bradley Morgan Johnson. Featuring unmistakable Elton John iconography, Bradley has used musical notes to create an image of glasses and a straw boater’s hat, inspired by one of Elton John’s most iconic looks. A Union Jack flag background punctuates the design.
The commemorative coins will be available to purchase in Gold proof, Silver proof and Brilliant Uncirculated editions with prices ranging from £13 for the Brilliant Uncirculated coin up to £64,950 for a Kilo Gold proof coin.
The Royal Mint has developed advanced striking and tooling techniques for the high end, premium coins in this collection. These designs feature a pulsating star pattern in the glasses’ lenses and a high relief finish on the hat, glasses and bow tie that further enhance the appearance of each coin.
Elton John said: “It really is a fabulous honour to be recognised in this way. The last few years have contained some of the most memorable moments of my career, and this is another truly humbling milestone on my journey.”
Clare Maclennan, divisional director of commemorative coin and The Royal Mint Experience, said: “Elton John is without a doubt a British music legend and is recognised as one of the most successful singer-songwriters of his generation. We are delighted to honour Elton’s significant contribution to British music on a UK coin.
“This is the second coin in The Royal Mint’s new Music Legends series, marking the work of our exceptional British musicians.”
In addition to the coin collection, The Royal Mint and Elton John are also working together to create a special one-off collector’s piece, which will be auctioned later this year. The unique coin will help raise vital funds for the Elton John Charitable Trust at a time when the wider charity sector has been hit with a reduction in donations.
The collaboration was brought together and facilitated by Bravado, Universal Music Group’s leading merchandise and brand management company.
Commemorative Coin Collection:
£5 Brilliant uncirculated coin cover Rocket Man – £13
£5 Brilliant uncirculated coin cover Dodgers Stadium – £15
£5 Brilliant uncirculated coin cover Illustration – £15
£5 Brilliant uncirculated coin cover The Very Best Of – £15
Half Ounce Silver Proof Coin- £60
One Ounce Silver Proof Coin – £90
Two Ounce Silver Proof Coin – £180
Five Ounce Silver Proof Coin – £485
Quarter-Ounce Gold Proof Coin – £555
One Ounce Gold Proof Coin – £2,195
Two-Ounce Gold Proof Coin – £4,310
Five-Ounce Gold Proof Coin – £10,695
Kilo Gold Proof Coin – £64,950
Save the Children Patron Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, has marked the end of Save the Children’s successful Save With Stories initiative with a reading of Thomas and the Royal Engine.
The video has been shared on Save the Children UK’s Instagram page and is the final installment of the fundraising initiative which has seen over 70 well-known faces reading an array of bedtime stories. As well as keeping millions of families entertained during lockdown, the initiative has helped to raise funds for the charity’s Emergency Coronavirus Appeal.
The appeal has so far raised £1.4m to support families in the UK and around the world, those whose lives have been devastated by the pandemic.
The Princess Royal became the Patron of Save the Children in 2017 after serving as President since 1970. She chose to read Thomas and Friends: The Royal Engine, a story which sees Thomas overcoming various obstacles to get The Fat Controller to collect an award from the Queen.
The Princess Royal said in her video: “It has been my pleasure to read this book to you today, one I enjoyed when I was young.”
Having travelled to over 20 countries with Save the Children The Princess Royal goes on to note that “there are many more similarities than dissimilarities particularly amongst the things that children enjoy, and story-telling is very high on that list.”
Following the success of the US campaign led by actors Jennifer Garner and Amy Adams, Save the Children Ambassador Poppy Delevingne launched the UK version of Save With Stories in mid-April at the height of lockdown.
The Princess Royal joins niece-in-law Meghan Markle, who marked her son Archie’s first birthday with a reading of Duck! Rabbit!, and an array of other famous faces from the world of film, TV, theatre, music, fashion and beyond, who have all taken part. Amongst the names are actors Paul Mescal, Helen Mirren, Kate Winslet, Michael Ward and Benedict Cumberbatch, singers Rita Ora, Liam Payne and Jade Thirlwall, presenters Fearne Cotton and Jon Snow, activists Sinead Burke and George the Poet and Oscar winner Rachel Shenton, who signed a Peppa Pig story.
Save the Children UK ambassador Poppy Delevingne added: “It is an honour to have The Princess Royal reading the last book in our Save With Stories initiative. I was so delighted to launch the campaign here in the UK, not only to raise money for those so badly affected by the pandemic but because all these joyful readings have offered children and parents alike some respite and enjoyment during lockdown.”
Gemma Sherrington, executive director of fundraising and marketing at Save the Children said: “We are thrilled that Save With Stories has captured the imagination of families across the UK over these past 11 weeks. It feels right that after 50 years of support for Save the Children it is Her Royal Highness who read the last story. We are incredibly grateful for her unwavering support.
“We must also thank all of our famous friends who have brought these stories to life every day, along with all the publishers for providing the incredible array of books, and most importantly all those who have generously donated money to help us support the millions of vulnerable children here in the UK and across the world who are feeling the impact of Coronavirus.
“What started as a simple idea to entertain families across the country and raise money for children around the world has turned into an incredible shared experience and the money raised by Save with Stories will be vital for families in the UK who continue to face severe hardships including food poverty and a lack of essential items.”
In the UK, Save the Children is supporting families with a new emergency grants programme – providing household items and help with bills to families in crisis. And around the world Save the Children is working to keep essential programmes going – whether through strengthening infection prevention control in a child-friendly space, making sure health facilities have the right supplies or ensuring education programmes can continue remotely.
Save With Stories has been supported by the publishing community, with Scholastic, HarperCollins Children’s Books, Andersen Press, Walker Books, Egmont and inclusive children’s bookshop, Little Box of Books, supplying books from their libraries to be featured as part of the initiative.
The videos are currently available on Save the Children UK’s Instagram and Facebook pages. To donate visit savethechildren.org.uk/savewithstories or you can text STORIES to 70008 to give a one-off donation of £5*.
All money raised will support the most vulnerable families in the UK and around the world, helping to provide supermarket vouchers, essential household items, virus protection and early learning packs.
Art Ask Agency has partnered with the Italian intimates retailer, Yamamay to launch the first stage of its Pets Rock collection of nightwear and loungewear in over 500 stores in Italy and worldwide, as well as online.
June witnessed the launch of the summer range with maxi t-shirts and short PJs. The winter range, to be launched in September, will included warmer nightwear for the whole family. The collection carries the signature comical and light-hearted feel that the Pets Rock brand is known for across the globe.
“These characters, that combine two apparently different universes, the animal world and the one of celebrities and VIPs, create an ironic effect that plays on a subtle humour, typically British, that we are sure that our Italian and foreign customers will appreciate,” said Gianluigi Cimmino, CEO of Pianoforte Holding – Yamamay.
“When we were offered this collaboration, we thought it would be perfect for our audience, and it seems that now it will be even more: after such harsh times, we definitely need to add to our days a bit of lightness, positivity and humour.”
Kate Polybank, managing director of Takkoda, Pets Rock, added: “We are excited to be working with Yamamay on this fun collection. Who wouldn’t want these items to snuggle down in at home? Thanks to the expertise of Yamamay the products will surely be a great success.”
Established in 2001, Yamamay is an Italian brand that has become a world leader in the underwear and beachwear markets, developing a network of over 700 stores worldwide. Its product range includes underwear, lingerie, corsetry, swimwear, nightwear, clothing, and accessories, all of which offer customers an internationally renowned level of glamour and elegance.
WildBrain Spark – the digital media division of WildBrain – has been appointed by Benesse Corporation to manage the English-language channel and content for its popular edu-tainment pre-school brand, Shimajiro on YouTube.
Shimajiro is an educational character and learning buddy famous across Asia. Under the new partnership, WildBrain Spark will look to grow the presence of the brand’s English-language content with a focus on the UK, US and the wider English-speaking global market.
Benesse Corporation has been creating educational and publishing content for the past 30 years, with the aim of making early childhood learning fun for kids and easier for their parents and guardians. The content explores Shimajiro’s life as a pre-schooler and the lessons he needs to learn on a daily basis.
As with any toddler, Shimajiro needs to acquire social skills such as empathy for others, playing in groups and helping around the house. However, the series also focuses on teaching physical skills such as brushing your teeth and washing your hands. There is a mixture of both live-action and animation in the show, creating a balance between learning with Shimajiro and also learning real life issues.
Rachel Taylor, commercial director at WildBrain Spark, said: “As we continue growing our connections with brand owners all around the world, we’re very much looking forward to working closely with the Japan-based Benesse Corporation to grow their Shimajiro brand in key international markets.
“Shimajiro’s success in educating young viewers in a fun and accessible way makes it a perfect fit for the WildBrain Spark network and we look forward to bringing the English-language content to new preschool audiences.”
Daisuke Tebayashi, director of global business development division at Benesse Corporation, said: “Shimajiro has delighted kids and parents in Asia for years. We are excited to be launching him to the global English market. The last few months have shown all parents around the world the importance of learning at home, and this is something we are experts at.
“With its history of brand building, WildBrain Spark is the ideal match for our digital-first strategy, and we are excited to be making this move into new markets.”
Gaumont, the film company and producer of the award-winning Narcos series and the upcoming animated series, Do, Re, & Mi, and High in the Clouds, is expanding its animation and family efforts with the appointment of Michelle Sullivan.
Sullivan most recently served as development executive for Amazon Studios, where she helped develop and oversee the production of Amazon Kids Originals scripted animated series, including Clifford The Big Red Dog, Click Clack Moo, and Bookaboo. Prior to that she led the National Geographic’s kids and family digital initiatives.
Sullivan will officially join the US team in August this year as VP, creative executive based in Gaumont’s Los Angeles offices. She will report to Terry Kalagian, SVP, creative development, animation and family and work alongside Kimberly Dennison, VP of creative development to source projects to be developed into animated and live action series.
“I am so excited to have Michelle Sullivan joining our team,” said Kalagian. “Her creative vision is aligned with Gaumont’s and the energy and expertise she brings to the group will further inspire us in our ongoing quest to develop meaningful stories and compelling characters.”
Among the upcoming series from Gaumont is the animated feature, High in the Clouds, developed together with Paul McCartney for Netflix.
The Independent Retailers’ Confederation, a group of multi-sector trade organisations representing over 100,000 indie retailers throughout the UK, has announced a special category in its search to find Britain’s Best Small Shop of 2020.
The Best Small Shops Competition relaunches post lockdown on Independents’ Day, Saturday 4th July, celebrating the return of Indie Retail to UK high streets and shopping parades. In a new award category for its annual search, judges will be seeking entries from independents that are demonstrating innovation to combat the impact of COVID-19.
“It is widely recognised just how challenging it has been for many independent retailers during the months of Covid-19 lockdown – those who have had to close their doors and those considered essential who were able to trade throughout,” said Mark Walmsley, chair of the IRC.
“The pandemic has not only brought about challenges such as reduced income but also extensive complexities resulting in the evident need for re-invention.
“We have witnessed and continue to see extraordinary examples of innovation and ingenuity in being able to adapt a business to continue trading in some form. This is unsurprising, given the agility and commitment of independent retailers to their local communities and, in this extraordinary year, it is something we are determined to recognise and celebrate.”
The annual competition highlights the best of Britain’s independent retail sector, celebrating the commitment and creativity of independent retailers and the central role they play in their local communities.
Previous winners have included Bristol-based delicatessen Papadeli, the 2019 winner, and The Mainstreet Trading Company, a combined bookshop, café, deli and homeware shop based in St Boswells, in the rural Scottish Borders, which won in 2018.
“Despite the challenging retail environment, there is bountiful evidence that people value and believe it is important to support their local independent retailers,” added Walmsley. “These shops are at the heart of communities up and down the country, offering a meeting place, not to mention choice, diversity, innovation and genuine customer service.”
Entries for all award categories in this year’s competition close on September 11th. For more information about the Best Small Shops competition, click here: bestsmallshops.uk
Toymaker Jazwares has joined forces with the global mixed martial arts organisation, UFC, to bring the world of this adrenaline fuelled sport to the action figures and role-play aisles. Available for pre-sale at Ringside Collectibles, the Jazwares UFC collectable line will be landing on Amazon in the coming weeks, and into Walmart stores from early August.
The collectables line features current and former UFC champions including UFC lightweight champion Khabib ‘The Eagle’ Nurmagomedov, UFC light heavyweight champion Jon ‘Bones’ Jones, and former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion ‘The Notorious’ Conor McGregor.
Additional fighters such as former light heavyweight and heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier, former featherweight champion Max Holloway and UFC lightweight Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone are also featured in the collection.
The UFC Ultimate Series limited-edition figures by Jazwares are billed as ‘the most detailed, realistic, and sophisticated representations of UFC athletes’. Each figure features the athlete’s true-to-life details including any tattoos, their respective weight classes and realistic facial expressions. These popular athletes also come with two sets of removable hands, each with UFC gloves, feature interchangeable heads and over 30 points of articulation.
“With an extensive roster of iconic UFC champions, this unveiling is unmatched. This new line of collectible figures will allow UFC fans, both kids and collectors, to engage and replicate the biggest UFC super-fight showdowns,” said Laura Zebersky, chief commercial officer, Jazwares.
“The collectibles celebrate the history and icons of the UFC today, and so we’re glad to bring this to life and offer fans authentic action figures that they can keep forever.”
UFC senior vice president, global consumer products, Tracey Bleczinski, added: “Jazwares is a great partner and UFC is pleased to offer fans this new line of limited-edition action figures to celebrate some of the greatest athletes and moments in UFC history.”
Today’s launch at retail includes the first wave of seven 6″ premium figures of iconic UFC athletes. Additional products will debut at retail in Fall 2020, including figures, plush, an Octagon playset and role play items such as the UFC Legacy Championship Belt.
The hit animated brand Simon’s Cat has partnered with the leading European retailer, Lidl, for a branded range of pet products, including scratchers and beds for cats. Owned by the global content creator, Endemol Shine Group, the Simon’s Cat brand boasts a fanbase of some 7 million Facebook fans, 2 million Instagram followers, and more than 1 billion views on YouTube.
The latest partnership sees Simon’s Cat branded products launch in Lidl stores this summer in the US and across 16 territories in Europe. Products include a scratcher and bed for cats, each in three different colours. The deal also features a bespoke piece of animation created by the Simon’s Cat team exclusively for Lidl.
The deal was negotiated by Simon’s Cat’s German licensing agent Lizenzweft.
Jane Smith, group director, brand licensing and gaming, Endemol Shine Group, said: “Lidl has a fantastic reach across Europe and in the US and we expect Simon’s Cat merchandise to be a very popular with their customers. These products are the ideal way for fans to bring their love for the cheeky cat into their own home and share the joy with their own pet.”
Simon’s Cat features the antics of a mischievous white cat and his long-suffering owner Simon and was created by award-winning illustrator, animator and director Simon Tofield. First seen on YouTube in 2008, the Simon’s Cat brand enjoys international success across multiple categories including gaming, publishing and apparel. There have been more than 80 million digital sticker downloads and in excess of 18 million mobile gaming downloads with further titles in development.
The last year alone saw the launch of the Baby Simon’s Cat campaign and the sell-out success with its first range of Teespring plushies; a brand new book Simon’s Cat It’s a Dog’s Life which brings everyone’s favourite feline back to the page, with a canine twist; the rollout of the hit mobile game Simon’s Cat Dash in China; and continued international growth with further agent appointments in the Nordics and CEE, and Southeast Asia.
The British and Irish Lions have detailed an agreement with the brand licensing specialist, The Point.1888, to help the rugby team create a range of new products for the eagerly anticipated Tour to South Africa in 2021. Since the appointment, two partners have already been secured.
The Point.1888 – which has extensive experience working in sports licensing – will now work to devise a multifaceted programme to help meet the Lions’ commercial objectives in the build up to and during next year’s Tour.
Targeting whole families across the UK, product categories to be considered for the licensing programme include kids’ and adult apparel, fitness accessories, publishing, charity partnership ranges, fashion accessories, experiential, homeware, stationery, gifting and collectible items.
“We are very excited to be collaborating with one of the most iconic brands in sport,” said Will Stewart, managing director of The Point.1888. “The British & Irish Lions is a true grassroots brand, with generation upon generation of brand love and affiliation from 1888 onwards.
“We are looking forward to delivering a tremendous programme of products which appeals to all fans and brings supporters and families together to cheer on the Lions. Next year’s summer of sport is set to be the most meaningful and memorable ever, and we couldn’t be more overjoyed to be partnering with the Lions for this tour.”
As proof of The Point.1888’s determination to help the Lions, it has already secured two partners which align to the brand and the programme’s mission: OddBalls and Games on Glove.
OddBalls is a underwear supplier for men, women and children, which raises funds for Testicular Cancer, while Game on Glove is to produce a range of supporters’ merchandise for fans to get behind The Lions during the tour, with accessories, sports equipment and more.
Tom Halsey, commercial director at the British and Irish Lions, said: “We are looking forward to continued growth of the Lions brand through our new partnership with The Point.1888. We are confident that they will deliver top quality, innovative products ahead of what promises to be a very special tour in 2021.”
