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More Rastamouse toys on the way DHX Media looking at introducing “a wider range of gifting, novelty and interactive product” for hit show
by Dominic Sacco REGGAE kids’ character Rastamouse is planning to make a bigger impact at retail this year with more toys and gifts.
Brand owner DHX Media wants the pre-school children’s TV show to branch out even further, after seeing growth in 2012. “We’ve been very pleased with the growth of this brand, from licensing options and products, to the popularity of the show itself,” DHX Media licensing director Angeles Blanco told ToyNews.
“We will continue to work very closely with our current partners to maximise awareness outside of the TV show, and build relationships with
and novelty products) and GB Eye (posters, prints and badges).
DHX Media also has big plans for marketing the Rastamouse brand throughout the year, following school musical promotions and other events in 2012.
BLANCO: “Rastamouse is a property with huge scope”
consumers and fans, as well as looking for new partners extending licensing into further categories and promotions. This is a property with huge scope.
“Moving forward, we’re looking at further
promotions, a wider range of interactive product, fashion forward apparel, as well as more gifting and novelty.”
Ravensburger flies in for The Hive By Samantha Loveday
PUZZLE AND games firm Ravensburger has added hit pre-school property The Hiveto its portfolio. The firm has inked a deal to produce branded jigsaws for the UK market, with an option to take the products globally in the future. “We are delighted that we have added The Hiveto our product offering for 2013,” said Benn Bramwell, marketing manager at Ravensburger. “The characters in The Hiveare
IN BRIEF
JUMBO SIGNS TWO-YEAR FISHER-PRICE DEAL Jumbo is to launch a range of Little People games and puzzles, after striking a deal with Fisher-Price. The range will include a four in one shaped puzzle, a four x 20- piece puzzle assortment, giant playing cards and a floor game. It is due to launch in spring/summer. Jumbo Games: 01707 289289
210 February
NEW LICENSEES FOR THE TRASH PACK
Three more partners have come on board for The Trash Pack. Lisle
International Licensing has inked deals with E-max for a sticker collection and trading card game (launching in spring); DJ Murphy for a magazine (spring) and Rudolf Stein for collectable accessories. Lisle: 01937 586237
HIT BOLSTERS DAY OUT WITH THOMAS DRIVE Hit’s Day Out With Thomas programme has been given a makeover for 2013, which will bring the event in line with the CGI television series. A number of new activities will also launch, along with new
merchandise, a dedicated ticketing website and a national TV ad campaign. Hit: 020 7554 2560
STAR CUTOUTS SIGNS JUSTIN BIEBER
Star Cutouts has signed the worldwide licence for teen pop star Justin Bieber. The company will produce lifesize cutouts and face masks as part of the deal, with products being on show at Toy Fair. Other new licences recently added include Peppa Pig. Star Cutouts: 0161 344 5839
WINX CLUB VIRTUAL WORLD IN THE WORKS An online virtual world based on girls brand, Winx Club, is in development. Tsumanga Studios is working with Rainbow on the online game, which will be available on smartphones, tablets and PC/Mac web browsers. The full world will go live in autumn. Rainbow:
+39 0 71 7506 7500
www.toynews-online.biz The Hive jigsaws are planned
so entertaining and the scenes are so colourful; the puzzle development will reflect why the show is so popular with pre-school children.”
Mark Hurry, director of licensing at Space, added: “Ravensburger are a huge name in puzzles, so we are delighted to have them on board. They join at a time when The Hiveis bigger than ever – the level of interest we are handling is massive and reflects the fact that the market is crying out for a major new pre-school brand.
“The Hive is backed up by strong TV ratings and has a vibrancy that shines through on-shelf.” Space: 020 8891 1205
Ty UK is already on board
with Rastamouseplush, while MV Sports has the rights to produce official outdoor toys. Other licensees include Macmillan (books), PMS (plush, gift
“We’re launching an Augmented Reality issue of the magazine early this year,” added Blanco. “We are also developing a live show which will take Rastamouse onto the stage, offering our fans the opportunity to see Da Easy Crew performing around the country, building on the incredible response we have had at character appearances and events including Glastonbury.” DHX: +1 416 363 8034
Mr Men relaunches for 2013 by Dominic Sacco
SANRIO IS breathing new life into its Mr Men and Little Miss property with a relaunch for 2013.
The brand owner’s UK agent Fluid World says Mr Men and Little Miss
continues to see strong sales in books, while “other categories will grow significantly in 2013”, in line with new
partners, creative approaches and major retailer backing.
A statement sent to ToyNewsread: “Plans are now well underway to rekindle the public’s love affair with the
iconic brand. A new creative approach takes
consumers back to the heart of the brand using classic characters.” Fluid: 020 3058 1551
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