Bulldog Licensing Announces Plans for Licensing Expo

Classics, comedy greats, kids’ favorites, publishing hits, toy sensations and more.

License Global, Content Editor

May 20, 2024

4 Min Read
Care Bears, Bulldog Licensing
Care BearsBulldog Licensing

Bulldog has announced plans to showcase Care Bears, Magic Mixies, the Me to You character brand, Sesame Street, Totally Spies franchise, children’s publishing brand, That’s Not My … and Mr. Bean.

Care Bears continues to show growth more than 40 years after the property first appeared on greetings cards and inspired one of the most successful licensing programs of all time. The brand has continued its upward trajectory with further strong growth this year. This can be attributed to its clear and relatable brand identity. The Care Bears have grown through various looks and styles, but the rainbow colors, loveable characters and unique belly badges, along with the core messages of kindness and caring, remain the same.

Bulldog is also building on the success of Moose Toys’ Magic Mixies toys range, which began with the Magic Mixies Cauldron. This toy comes with a spell book and everything else needed to mix a potion to create an interactive magical Mixie pet. The range has been a runaway hit since launch, and now is the inspiration for a variety of licensed products.

All products are aimed at the children’s and tweens’ market and are designed using the comprehensive Magic Mixies style guide, making use of the colorful characters, logos and imagery that have underpinned the brand’s success in the toy and plush space.

Nightwear, publishing, food and drink containers, bags and accessories are just some of the Magic Mixies-inspired products available at retail, and many more licensing extensions are signed or in the works.

Since 1995, Carte Blanche has partnered with best-in-class licensees to bring to market best-selling Me to You products across many categories, including apparel, print on demand, food, gifting and nursery – selling over 8.5 million licensed products in 2023.

Now Bulldog is taking Me To You’s signature character, Tatty Teddy, and the nursery property, Tiny Tatty Teddy, to the next level. Recent licensing deals include Brand Threads for nightwear, Pawprint Family for patches and pins and Craft Buddy for arts and crafts kits, while a network of international agents is now working with Bulldog to build on the brand’s strong presence in international markets.

Sesame Street is one of the best-known children’s brands in the world, engaging fans of all ages while delivering on its mission to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger and kinder.

Sesame Street is a key focus for Bulldog in the U.K. Working on behalf of the global nonprofit organization, Sesame Workshop, the agency has announced numerous deals for Sesame Street as it continues to grow its presence in U.K. retail.

Produced by Banijay Kids & Family label, Zodiak Kids & Family France, an animated spy-fi series for teens and tweens, Totally Spies!, originally ran from 2001 for six seasons, hooking a generation of fans. A new series has been confirmed, introducing the brand to a new generation of fans. It will launch later this year around the world with co-producers, Gulli (France) and Discovery Kids LATAM. It will also air across EMEA and the U.S. with Warner Bros. Discovery.

Bulldog Licensing has also been appointed by children’s entertainment powerhouse, Banijay Kids & Family, as the U.K. licensing agent for Mr. Bean – the comedy character that has been popular for nearly 35 years in live-action and animated formats, both on TV and in films.

Bulldog Licensing will be building on Mr. Bean’s existing licensing presence and pursuing new and expanded opportunities in kids’ and adults’ markets, focusing on both the iconic original series and the highly popular animated series. Imagery from live and animated formats will inform a licensing campaign that will target multiple categories, including homeware, stationery, T-shirts, toys, collectibles, bags, greeting cards and more.

Published by Usborne, That’s Not My… is a best-selling book series for babies and toddlers and a gifting favorite for newborns as their first book. Featuring bright pictures, with patches of different textures, the books are designed to develop sensory and language awareness. There is also a little white mouse for children to spot on every page.

The humor, bright colors and distinctive That's Not My… illustrations have inspired a delightful range of babywear/accessories, kidswear, apparel, footwear and luggage from some of the U.K.’s major names in licensed apparel. That’s Not My… recently launched at retail in the U.S. Bulldog will be targeting a wide range of categories ranging from toys and apparel to nightwear and games, while continuing to build on the already established U.K. licensing program.

“Vegas has arrived at a perfect time for Bulldog,” says Rob Corney, managing director, Bulldog Licensing Group. “With exciting new signings like Totally Spies! and Mr. Bean to introduce and momentum continuing to grow behind established hits like Care Bears and Sesame Street, this is a great opportunity to highlight our strong brand portfolio and success to an international audience.”

About the Author

License Global

Content Editor, License Global

License Global is the leading news source for the brand licensing industry, delivering award-winning editorial content including news, trends, analysis, and special reports about the global consumer product and retail marketplace.

Through its print edition, website, daily e-newsletter and event publications, License Global reaches more than 150,000 executives and professionals in all major markets. The magazine also serves as the official publication for the sector’s trade events, which include Licensing Expo, Brand Licensing Europe, France Licensing Day, Licensing for Retail, Licensing Expo Japan, Licensing Expo Shanghai and the Licensing Leadership Summit.

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