Disney Merges Ad Sales and Promotions Teams
The Walt Disney Company merged its advertising sales and promotions teams for its kids- and family-focused television, online, radio, and publishing businesses. The newly integrated sales structure-Disney Media Advertising Sales and Marketing Group-will be led by Tricia Wilber, who was named executive vice president of the group. She will report to three business unit leaders: Rich Ross, president, Disney Channel Worldwide; Steve Wadsworth, president, Walt Disney Internet Group; and Russell Hampton, president, Disney Publishing Worldwide.
DC Comics Legends Star in Boutique
Warner Bros. Consumer Products, on behalf of DC Comics, opened its first DC Superheroes boutique in Jakarta, Indonesia, in a deal with PT. Daliny Guna Usaha, a private partnership serving as an authorized retailer. This boutique, and three others opening in surrounding areas, will feature apparel and accessories starring characters such as Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, and Hawkman.
Soul Industry Taps Hot Kids? Brands for Apparel Lines
Soul Industry is coming to market with a line of LEGO and Sesame Street apparel. The LEGO apparel line will be sold in upscale U.S. boutiques such as Kitson Kids, Fred Siegel, and Planet Blue. The Sesame Street Premiere collection will include everything from woven shirts, T-shirts, cargo pants, hats, and jeans for kids to select products such as beanies, funky belts, and track jackets for adults. Each article has a trademark delicate embroidery and embellishment to make it unique to the line. First products will be on shelf at boutiques and specialty stores by mid-May.
Magazine Inspires Greeting Card Line
Johnson Publishing Company partnered with American Greetings on its first-ever line of Ebony greeting cards timed with Black History Month. The Ebony Inspirations cards debuted at select Wal-Mart stores, as well as at other chains including Jewel-Osco, CVS, Eckerd, Rite Aid, and Kmart. The cards reiterate the positive and inspirational spirit of Ebony magazine and include a variety of notable African-Americans, including baseball player Jackie Robinson; abolitionist Frederick Douglass; feature performer Josephine Baker; musical legend Duke Ellington; and Ebony magazine founder, the late John H. Johnson. Ebony and American Greetings will continue their partnership by introducing a co-branded line of greeting cards for various occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and simple thank yous. Licensing agency TurnerPatterson brokered the deal.
Mattel Takes Lead Position on SPG
DIC Entertainment appointed Mattel master toy licensee for its 'tween property, SPG: The Slumber Party Girls. Mattel will develop a broad line including dolls, accessories, playsets, and DVD games for 2008. DIC and partners also will develop the merchandise program in additional key categories, including publishing, home entertainment, apparel, interactive, accessories, and novelties.
In other Mattel news, Barbie joins forces with Crest on a Barbie Crest oral-care line featuring toothpaste and Zooth manual and power toothbrushes. Additionally, Hot Wheels Zooth toothpaste will continue to be available, along with a complete new line of Zooth manual and power toothbrushes.
Burger King Supports Chub City and Groovy Girls
Burger King has something for both boys and girls this month with QSR promotions for Chub City and Groovy Girls. Kids will receive one of four Chub City premiums including a Street Ride, Rollin' SUV, Shift Launcher, and Pedal Launcher, each to come with decals that allow kids to customize their Chub City toy.
United Media to Rep Publishing Property
United Media signed on to represent publishing property "Fancy Nancy" in a deal with HarperCollins. As licensing agent, United Media will build a licensing program for preschoolers and their families, as well as children ages 5 to 7, with an initial focus on dress-up, role-play, toys, and games. As the program begins to unfold, opportunities also will be available in apparel and domestics. "Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy," the follow-up to the blockbuster title, will be released March 27, 2007, and an additional 13 titles are slated for publication over the next few years.
Cartoon Network Characters in a Partying Mood
Cartoon Network Enterprises is bringing its characters, both current and those under development, to everyday and seasonal social expression products via a deal with Hallmark Cards Inc. The multi-year, multi-property deal covers all Cartoon Network original properties for ages 6 to 11 with products such as greeting cards and party supplies appearing on shelves in 2007.
In other Cartoon Network news, Pressman Toy Corporation will create puzzles, games, and card games in the U.S., UK, and Canada for Ben 10. A Ben 10 3-D puzzle will be available in UK shops in June 2007. This will be followed in the autumn and winter by a Ben 10 Total Transformation board game, and a Master Your Powers Ben 10 interactive DVD game featuring scenes from the show. The toys will be distributed in the UK through Pressman Toy International Ltd.
iToys Takes Lead on Doodlebops
Cookie Jar Entertainment named iToys the North American lead toy licensee for The Doodlebops, with a line of musical instruments, microphones, dance mats, and role-play toys just a few of the categories that will anchor the preschool line this fall. In addition, a complete line of consumer products including DVDs, music CDs, books, games, costumes, apparel and accessories, and domestics will begin hitting the market this summer.
Laura Ashley Lends Name to Footwear
Ashko Group will create a line of girls' slippers and flip-flops as the result of a deal with Laura Ashley, Inc. The flip-flops will launch in spring with many unique materials and treatments.
Marathon Media Spies International Growth
A&A Global Industries signed a Pan European licensing deal with Marathon Media for Totally Spies! The deal will allow A&A to create novelties, stickers, and temporary tattoos for coin-operated vending machines. First product will hit in the third quarter with new launches going forward.
Execs on the Move
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