Sony Music Entertainment Launches Global Merchandising Venture

Sony Music Entertainment (SME) has announced the launch of a new global media, branding, design and events company through a strategic investment in Ceremony of Roses (CoR), a boutique merchandising company founded by music and fashion entrepreneur Brad Scoffern. 

“Brad and his team at Ceremony of Roses have proven to be an incredibly creative force in developing futuristic branding and merchandising services for artists,” says Rob Stringer, chairman, Sony Music Group. “We’ve been huge fans of his work with Golf Wang and what Ceremony of Roses has developed for its cutting-edge roster of front-line talent. I look forward to joining forces to bring innovative ideas and concepts to our artists as extensions of their music talent.” 

The new company will maintain the Ceremony of Roses brand and work with artists across the music and entertainment industry. The merchandise and branding company is already home to artists including Adele, Olivia Rodrigo, A$AP Rocky, Baby Keem, Rex Orange County, Dominic Fike, Cordae, AG Club and more. It will represent SME’s new flagship global merchandising arm, led by Scoffern and Mary Healy, partner, chief business officer, Ceremony of Roses.  

Sony Music’s merchandise businesses around the globe will become part of the new Ceremony of Roses worldwide team. SME’s New York-based Thread Shop division represents artists including The Beatles, Camila Cabello, Jimi Hendrix, Maluma, Led Zeppelin, Lil Nas X, P!nk, Rosalia more, will remain as a brand under the Ceremony of Roses banner. 

“I’m beyond excited and truly honored to be working with Rob Stringer and the entire Sony Music team,” says Scoffern. “I’m delighted to be working with a team that shares our artist-first approach in supporting creative talent. By joining Ceremony of Roses’ expertise in merchandising with SME’s global reach, roster and resources, we are set up for an exciting new chapter of growth. CoR was founded with the goal of enabling and expanding authentic fan/artist connections beyond a tour tee, and through working with incredible artists and mentors, especially Tyler, the Creator and Christian Clancy, I have learned the value of fan engagement and the unique role merchandise and branding plays in this relationship. I look forward to helping the artists we work with build on the amazing advancements happening in the space today to deliver incredible experiences and products across all touchpoints with their fan base, regardless of where they are or how they buy.” 

The new company will focus on a range of artist merchandise and manufacturing efforts, including managing and developing artist-backed brands such as Macklemore’s Bogey Boys and Kehlani’s TSNMI. Ceremony of Roses will also continue to support festival partners Golden Voice and Live Nation and maintain a roster of management clients.