The U.K. licensee’s crafting products will now be available in the U.S. at Hobby Lobby and 17,000 independent retailers.

NORTH AMERICA–U.K.-based licensee Character World has secured its first distribution partner in the U.S. for its extensive range of licensed crafting merchandise.

Through the agreement with Darice, Character World’s products will now be available in 17,000 indepdent retailers throughout the U.S. The company is also working with Hobby Lobby to introduce its products into 800 stores.

“This is a great start to our plans to grow a global crafting division. Crafting is already well established in the U.S., so our new products have been well received,” says Danny Schweiger, co-founder and joint managing director, Character World. “We’re confident of achieving even further growth in North America and will also be targeting the Australian market and securing further penetration across Europe and the U.K., where crafting is experiencing significant growth.”

Additionally, Character World will continue to focus on growing its core licensed bedding and accessories business through increased category management and by working closer with retailers. The company will also focus on the growing its portfolio in the gaming segment.

Recent licensees secured by Character World include “Ultimate Spider-Man,” Cars 3, Despicable Me 3, Transformers, Wonder Woman, LEGO Batman, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, “Minecraft” and Moana, among many others.