Lisle Licensing Seals Kate Smith Company Deals

Lisle Licensing, the recently-appointed sole U.K. licensing agent for U.S. brand Kate Smith Company, has signed three early deals for its client in the greetings card, online greetings and calendar categories. 

Lisle Licensing has secured an agreement with Hallmark as master greetings partner, who will see a comprehensive range of cards launch later this year. Moonpig has also been appointed as the online greeting card partner and will offer various Kate Smith Company lines. The range will also be extended in the coming months with designs that can be personalized. Lastly, Carousel Calendars will launch 2022 dated calendars and diaries. 

Lisle Licensing brokered all three licensees. Discussions are already taking place for gifting, stationery and additional categories.

"When we first set eyes upon Kate Smith Company and saw their success in the U.S. and Canada, we instinctively knew they had a fantastic future in the U.K. quite simply because of their humorous, cheeky and happy brand which will aspire to consumers here," says Francesca Lisle, managing director, Lisle Licensing. "We are thrilled that licensees agree with us and to have got them off to a fantastic start in key categories and strong partners."

"We're delighted to be working with Kate Smith Company and so excited about our partnership," says Jen Stephenson, licensing head, U.K., Hallmark. "Kate is a wonderful designer and we love her fun, funny, quirky and playful style. As soon as we saw her card designs, they made us smile, and we knew straight away her brand would be a perfect fit for Hallmark."

"We are delighted to be working with Kate and her amazing designs and captions," says Martin Rees-Davies, product, licensing lead, Carousel Calendars. "With the year that we have all had, I have no hesitation that the vibrant colors and designs will bring a much-needed smile to everyone's face."