Heathside Trading and OddBalls join growing licensing programme for beloved brand

Leading licensing agency Bulldog Licensing, which represents Sesame Street in the UK on behalf of the global impact non-profit Sesame Workshop, has announced two new deals for the much-loved brand as Sesame Street continues to grow its presence on screen, on digital platforms and at UK retail.

Heathside Trading and OddBalls are the latest partners to join the fast-growing Sesame Street licensing campaign.

Heathside Trading, which specialises in branded toys and games, collectibles, drinkware and gifts, will be producing a wide range of Sesame Street gifts and novelties, including mini figures, 2D keychains, 3D bag clips, drinking bottles, bobblehead figures and die cast figures.

Aimed at children and parents, and multi-generational Sesame Street fans, the line will be launching at gift shops, toy shops and online, in a deal brokered on behalf of Heathside by Kirsty Guthrie of KJG Limited.

OddBalls, a major name in underwear design, sportswear, clothing and accessories, will be producing Sesame Street underwear and pyjamas for both children and adult fans.  The new range will be launching through multiple online outlets, including Amazon and myoddballs.com.

Both of these new lines will employ designs inspired by Sesame Street’s colourful characters, along with the brand’s positive messages about laughter and learning engaging fans of all ages while delivering on its mission to help children grow smarter, stronger and kinder.

Sesame Street is a key focus for Bulldog in the UK. Working on behalf of Sesame Workshop, the agency has announced numerous deals for Sesame Street as it continues to grow its presence at UK retail. These two latest deals, join Just Play’s master toy programme and a rapidly growing pre-school licensed product range at all major retailers. Sesame Street also has strong nostalgia appeal,  inspiring successful ranges of apparel, badges, embroidered patches and more.

This strong retail and licensing performance comes at a time when Sesame Street programming is enjoying a hugely successful and growing broadcast and digital reach on Amazon Kids+, Tiny Pop, Channel 5’s Milkshake! pre-school programming block, and a YouTube channel attracting an incredible 94 million annual views in the UK and Ireland, as well as a strong social media presence.

Max Nelson from Heathside Trading, says: “It’s amazing to think that four  generations have grown up with Sesame Street’s wonderful characters and positive messaging and that it continues to delight new fans. We’re thrilled to be part of the Sesame Street licensing programme and have no doubt that our range of brand-inspired gifts and novelties  will find a ready and enthusiastic reception from fans of all ages.”

Matthew Gibson, head of partnerships & licensing, OddBalls, says: “Laughter, learning, beloved characters and  iconic imagery are what Sesame Street has been about for over 50 years and still is about today. It’s an evergreen brand that always appeals. We’re thrilled and privileged to be bringing our expertise on apparel design and manufacture to this collaboration with Sesame Street.”

Bulldog MD Rob Corney adds: “So many licensees respect and admire the Sesame Street brand – most of them grew up with it and it’s now a hit with their kids! It’s no surprise that it has attracted such leaders in their fields as Heathside Trading and OddBalls, both of which have excelled themselves in bringing this loved and admired property to appealing ranges of gifts and apparel.”

Heathside Trading Ltd to develop mini-figures, keyrings, drinking bottles – and more!

Independent licensing agency Bulldog Licensing, which manages UK licensing for Care Bears™ on behalf of Cloudco Entertainment, the owner of the Care Bears franchise, has announced a major new deal for the much-loved property in the EMEA market.

Heathside Trading Ltd, which specialises in branded toys and games, collectibles, drinkware and gifts, will be offering a wide range of Care Bears toys, gifts and novelties, including mini figures, 2D keychains, 3D bag clips, drinking bottles, collectable chocolate, bobblehead figures and die cast figures.

Aimed primarily at the Kidult market, the line will be launching at gift shops, toy shops and online with a limited range in Q4 2024, full range Q1 2025.

The deal was brokered on behalf of Heathside by Kirsty Guthrie of KJG Limited.

Heathside Trading Ltd is an important addition to the Care Bears licensing programme, which is managed in the UK by Bulldog Licensing. It was founded in 2006 to specialise in the purchase and sale of branded merchandise of all descriptions. Today Heathside boasts a strong reputation for quality merchandise and distribution that has made it the preferred partner for many major brands across multiple product categories.

In fact Heathside’s major product categories include, but are not limited to, toys & games, homeware, stationery & books, and health & beauty products. The company has established access to markets in the UK, Europe, and further afield.

The new Care Bear lines will employ designs inspired by the iconic Care Bears rainbow colours and characters, along with the brand’s uplifting messages of love, caring and friendship, which resonate with fans worldwide.

Care Bears continues to show incredible growth more than forty years after the property first appeared on greetings cards and inspired a plush range. The brand has continued its upwards trajectory with further strong growth in 2024 and huge retail traction across multiple categories, ranging from plush through to apparel, accessories and homewares, making Care Bears one of the must-have brands in the UK for both its core market of young girls and a significant young adult market.

Max Nelson from Heathside Trading Ltd, says: “It’s been a real privilege to work with a brand that is known and loved by so many generations – and still attracting new fans: its characters and colourful designs are the perfect style inspiration for the toys and gifts we specialise in. We’re looking forward to a great response to this range from Care Bears fans of all ages”.

Charlotte Payne, Director of International Licensing from Cloudco Entertainment, says: “This is another big win for the Care Bears licensing programme: a range of appealing, fun products from a respected company in its field that perfectly captures the joy and vibrancy of the property. We’re delighted to be working with Heathside Trading”.

Bulldog MD Rob Corney adds: “Momentum behind the Care Bears brand just keeps ramping up! Heathside Trading has done a great job of bringing this positive, fun property to a diverse selection of toys and gifts with strong multi-generational appeal. I’m sure consumers – and retailers – will welcome these new ranges with enormous enthusiasm”.

Popular brand inspires fashionable footwear, umbrellas, jewellery, accessories and much more coming in 2024

Bulldog Licensing, one of the licensing industry’s leading agencies, has announced two new partners for the phenomenally successful Magic Mixies property from innovative toymaker Moose Toys.

William Lamb Group, a major name in footwear for over 130 years and an expert in design to delivery production is planning a range of footwear, bags, purses and accessories for the Magic Mixies brand. Launching initially with a retail exclusive bag in Spring 2024, the full range of products will be in development later in the year.

Additionally, Imagine8, which specialises in manufacturing licensed character merchandise and offers a comprehensive supply chain solution for the world’s leading children’s brands, will be developing Magic Mixies jewellery and accessories. They will be launching with a retail exclusive cap and sunglasses in Spring.

Both ranges will be aimed at the children’s and tweens’ market, making full use of the colourful characters, logos and imagery that have strengthened the success of the Magic Mixies brand in the toy and plush space.

Sandra Vanstan, head of licensing, William Lamb Group, said: “This innovative and colourful toy brand has clearly caught the imagination of kids everywhere and is perfectly positioned to bring its magic to many licensing categories, We’re enormously excited to be taking Magic Mixies into footwear, umbrellas and more in which we are certain the brand will enjoy even more success.”

Norman Thompson, managing director, Imagine8, said: “Bringing together the massive appeal of Magic Mixies with our own expertise in licensed character merchandise is a great opportunity to extend this popular property into new categories. Jewellery and accessories are perfect for Magic Mixies and we’re delighted to have been chosen to bring these key products to retail across the UK.”

Magic Mixies is also a hit on streaming services too. The Magic Mixies series, which Initially launched on YouTube and Kidoodle TV in May 2022,  followed by a global launch on Netflix in early 2023, is boosting an already phenomenally successful brand within and beyond the toy category that made it famous.

Nightwear from Aykroyds TDP, and publishing lines from Curious Universe appeared in 2023 and will soon be joined by insulated, reusable containers for healthy food and drink from DNC, a Bath Potion gift set and Popping Bath Crystals from Kokomo and, along with the new ranges from William Lamb Group and Imagine8.

Many more licensing extensions have been signed or on the way. Bulldog is in advanced discussions with several partners across secondary toy, arts and crafts and activity, publishing, home and further soft lines, with new announcements expected shortly.

Bulldog and Moose Toys are building on Magic Mixies’ astonishing strength at retail, which has shown incredible growth since it first launched, supported by a strong marketing support.

Rob Corney, managing director, Bulldog commented: “The phenomenal success of Magic Mixies continues, both for the retail property and for the growing number of licensing extensions it inspires through partnerships with leaders in their field like William Lamb and Imagine8. We’re thrilled to welcome these high-quality partners to a campaign that is getting more exciting by the day.”

Lucy Wynn-Jones, licensing director, Moose Toys, added: “These important additions to the licensing campaign fuel the growing popularity of the brand and fans’ desire to share their love of all things Magic Mixes.. With retail demand high, a hit streaming show and more licensee announcements on the way,  our partners continue to build on the momentum of Magic Mixies.”

Concept One and Little K Clothing join enormously successful UK licensing campaign

Independent licensing agency Bulldog Licensing, which manages UK licensing for Care Bears™ on behalf of Cloudco Entertainment, the owner of the Care Bears franchise, has hailed the continuing licensing growth of the brand in the UK with new agreements in accessories and apparel.

Concept One Accessories, the premier resource for licensed fashion and entertainment accessories, is planning a line of Care Bears accessories including bags, purses, headwear, scarves, and gloves. Aimed at both children and adults, the line will be launching at retail this October.

Meanwhile, Little K Clothing, a maker of unique clothing in beautifully soft jersey fabrics, is producing a range of handmade Care Bears children’s apparel including dresses, leggings, jumpers, shorts, and tops. The range will be exclusively available from the Little K website later this year.

Both lines will employ designs inspired by the iconic Care Bears rainbow colours and characters, along with the brand’s uplifting messages of love, caring, and friendship, which resonate with fans worldwide.

Care Bears continues to show incredible growth more than forty years after the property first appeared on greetings cards and inspired a plush range. The brand has continued its upwards trajectory with further growth expected in 2024.

Concept One and Little K are joining a flourishing licensing programme for one of the world’s best-known and best-loved family brands, one that sees huge retail traction across multiple categories, ranging from plush through to apparel, accessories, and homewares, making Care Bears one of the must-have brands in the UK for both adults and kids.

As Care Bears’ UK agent, Bulldog Licensing has welcomed a wide range of partners. Recent launches include jigsaw puzzles from Gibsons Games, a range of collectible pin badges and keyrings from Louis Kennedy, which have so far raised over £250K for Young Lives vs Cancer, embroidered badges from Pawprint Trading, and candles from Flamingo Candles.

Charlotte Payne, Director of International Licensing from Cloudco Entertainment says: “The enduring appeal of Care Bears across generations is stronger than ever. These partnerships with Concept One and Little K underscore the brand’s ability to attract wonderful partners in key categories. Care Bears’ message of love, empathy, and caring for others remains timeless and resonates with consumers and licensees alike.”

Bulldog MD Rob Corney adds: “It’s going to be another busy year for the Care Bears brand as it continues to build on its success across many categories – with a lot more to come. It’s already one of the hottest brands in both pop culture for young adults and for the primary girls’ market and we’re delighted to welcome Concept One and Little K as licensing partners. These two companies both enjoy a strong reputation and that will further enhance the UK licensing campaign for this iconic brand.”

Iconic character comes to iPhone cases – with many more launches on the way.

Bulldog Licensing, the leading licensing agency which represents Popeye in the UK on behalf of brand owner King Features Syndicate, has announced a new deal for the iconic brand with Skinnydip, a renowned supplier of fun and quirky accessories, clothing and lifestyle products. The deal comes in the year Popeye celebrates 95 successful years.

Recently launched on the Skinnydip site is the Popeye x Skinnydip London collab featuring the original classic Popeye and girlfriend Olive Oyl, and (of course) Popeye’s trusty can of spinach on cases ready to adorn iPhones across the UK. Much more is on the way; this agreement extends to apparel, accessories, gifts, stationery, and health & beauty products,

Popeye is one of the world’s best-known brands, with a strong appeal to people of all ages for nearly a century. His signature muscle-enhancing diet of spinach and his catchphrases “I Yam What I Yam” and “Well Blow Me Down!“ have inspired thousands of comic strips, hundreds of books, and over 600 episodes of cartoon content, not to

mention songs, posters, films and much more.

Popeye is not only ingrained in pop culture he has become one of the most recognisable and beloved characters in the world. Now, with his 95th birthday in 2024, Bulldog Licensing plans to build on the already strong Popeye licensing programme within the UK.

Skinnydip launched its first phone case design in 2011. Since then, it has evolved to become a go-to destination for female Gen-Z clothing and accessories. Today it serves up unique, witty and stand-out products to an ever-growing community of customers, influencers and celebrities around the globe through Skinnydiplondon.com, its two standalone stores and over 200 stockists worldwide The company has also collaborated with a wide range of household-name entertainment brands.

Bulldog’s Licensing Director Vicky Miller says: “The humour, striking designs and amazing levels of awareness that Popeye can boast have come together in a witty and wonderful selection of cases that will add originality and humour to every iPhone. It’s a great tribute to Popeye as he turns 95 from a company that is a leader in its field.”

Hanna Netherway, Licensing Manager at Skinndydip, says: “Popeye and his signature look and style have been world-famous for 95 years and are still instantly recognisable today. It’s great to be working with Bulldog on this amazing property. Inspired by a true cartoon great, these Popeye iPhone cases really pack a punch!”

New role will enhance approvals and creative process for multiple brands

Bulldog Licensing, one of the licensing industry’s leading agencies, has announced the promotion of Licensing Approvals Coordinator Rocio Fernandez to a new role. With immediate effect she is taking on the key post of Creative Executive reporting to Senior Creative Manager Sole Slater.

In her new role Rocio will be taking on a higher share of approvals in the Bulldog portfolio, including Care Bears, Magic Mixies and Totally Spies. She will now work across their internal marketing and be actively involved in the creative processes.

After only two years with Bulldog, in her first job in licensing, Rocio has quickly established herself as a hard-working member of the Bulldog team with a clear vision of the creative needs of clients. As Sole Slater says: “Rocio has made a strong impression at Bulldog as a helpful and proactive member of staff with a strong understanding of the licensing business. Having no prior industry experience, she has come so far and has become an integral part of the team. This promotion is both good for the continuing growth of Bulldog Licensing and well deserved.” 

Rocio Fernandez adds: “I’ve enormously enjoyed my first two years with Bulldog and am greatly looking forward to being able to expand the skills I can offer this innovative and exciting agency in my new role.”

Enduring appeal of fan-favourite series inspires multi-category campaign

Bulldog Licensing, one of the licensing industry’s leading agencies, has announced its appointment by brand owner Banijay Kids & Family, part of media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay, as licensing agent for the much-loved, classic crime-fighting franchise, Totally Spies!

Produced by Banijay Kids & Family label Zodiak Kids & Family France, Totally Spies! originally ran from 2001 for six seasons, hooking a generation of fans with its iconic aesthetic and powerful female leads. A new series has been confirmed, introducing the brand to a whole new generation of fans. It will launch from next 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.

The initial focus for Bulldog will be on a strong adult nostalgia market keen to revisit an entertainment classic. Some of the early categories targeted will be apparel (daywear and nightwear), fashion accessories, tech products, health & beauty and stationery. Licensing industry interest is already strong with the brand receiving a very positive reaction at BLE from visitors to the Bulldog stand.

Rob Corney, MD of Bulldog Licensing, says: “Totally Spies! remains a fan favourite – and that comes as no surprise. Its humour, invention and themes of teenage girls working together to fight crime while trying to live normal lives were ahead of their time and still appeal now. After a great reaction at BLE we’re expecting to be discussing product with potential licensees very soon!”

Roubina Tchoboian, Head of Global Licensing, Banijay Kids & Family says: “Totally Spies! is an iconic brand which has been generating significant interested from licensees, particularly with the return of the franchise from next year. With a broad demographic of consumers, from the core 6-9-year-old audience for the new series, through to Gen Z and millennials eagerly anticipating its return, we are delighted to have Bulldog Licensing on board to supercharge the brand’s licensing programme.”

Totally Spies! follows the adventures of three teenage girls from Beverly Hills, who live a double life as undercover agents fighting crime, while trying, not always successfully, to live normal lives as students. The upcoming series follows Sam, Clover and Alex, as they move to a new city and take on a fresh crop of villains. The show enjoys enduring appeal among adults who fell in love with the original action, gadgets and missions, alongside young audiences who also enjoy the show’s wit, invention, and positive messages about friendship and teamwork.

Totally Spies! has sold to 220 territories and is available in 60 languages, with an impressive 1.25 million subscribers, 2.1 billion views and 351 million hours streamed on YouTube alone. The show also has 1.4 million Facebook followers worldwide,

New products for adults from TruffleShuffle and Pawprint Family arrive at retail

Bulldog Licensing, the leading licensing agency, which represents Sesame Street in the UK on behalf of non-profit organization Sesame Workshop, has announced the imminent arrival at retail of two new ranges to build on the brand’s significant presence across UK retail and which underline the enormous appeal of the brand to the fast-growing adult market.

TruffleShuffle, a leading name in exclusive retro t-shirts, men’s, women’s and unisex clothing, cool gifts and accessories, and Pawprint Family, which supplies patches and pins of fan-favourite characters, have both announced new Sesame Street collections for adults.

TruffleShuffle’s new Sesame Street collection launched on 23 June and highlights some of the best-loved characters from the show. Focusing on summery good vibes, t-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, mugs and tote bags in bright, bold colours in a washed style effect come together in a collection whose design highlights kindness, togetherness, and friendship – all core brand values for Sesame Street. Further additions to the range are planned throughout the year.

Pawprint Family’s new Sesame Street collection of pin badges and embroidered patches launches later this summer via its online store and other online sales channels. The new collectible range features single characters and group poses of well-known, much-loved Sesame Street characters, allowing collectors to use the badges to personalise garments, bags and accessories – or just about anything.

The upcoming debut will coincide with Pawprint Family launching over 200 new lines to the website as well as the annual Golden Ticket Giveaway competition. There are ten prize bundles up for grabs in the Golden Ticket Giveaway and each one is worth over £400. Each bundle includes prizes from well-known brands as well as the brand-new Sesame Street collection.

It’s no surprise that Sesame Street can boast such a strong appeal to the adult market. Generations of fans have grown up with the show and the brand, whose heritage stretches back through more than 50 successful years. Sesame Street remains relevant and popular today.

Sesame Street is also one of the best-known and best-loved children’s brands in the world, engaging fans of all ages, while delivering on its mission to help kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger and kinder. It’s hardly surprising, therefore, that 95% of UK parents are aware of the Sesame Street and over a million people in the UK follow the brand on social media. Bulldog Licensing Group MD Rob Corney says: “The strength of Sesame Street across a multitude of media platforms and at retail is a testament to its continuing relevance and enduring appeal across multiple generations, including a very receptive and enthusiastic adult market. TruffleShuffle and Pawprint Family are respected and popular names in their field, and we’re delighted to be partnering them as we continue the successful expansion of Sesame Street into carefully chosen adult-focused product lines.”

Key licensing partners appointed as pre-school show is sold into multiple territories

Bulldog Licensing, one of the licensing industry’s leading agencies, has announced continuing licensing growth for Odo, the lovable little owl with BIG ideas, whose adventures are already a hit on Channel 5’s pre-school service Milkshake! in the UK and have now been sold to broadcasters around the world.

Odo is also spreading his wings in the world of licensing – beginning with publishing. The first two English-language book titles from Pan Macmillan launched in March, and a further two titles will publish later this year.

The first two titles – Odo ‘Super Owl!’ and Odo ‘The Egg’ – invite children to join Odo and his friends in their adventures at Forest Camp in warm and funny picture book stories that help to build self-confidence and empathy in pre-schoolers, just like the TV show.

Based on the brand’s core values of tolerance, acceptance and gentle lessons in social justice, the books in this new series include a special spread at the back with reading tips for parents and carers, as well as offering questions and prompts to encourage conversation about the books, the characters and key themes.

‘Super Owl’ has already been very well received by the pre-school audience – notably as part of the Milkshake! Mornings live book readings for kids at Parkdean Resorts, the UK’s largest holiday park operator. Readings of the books will also be featured in an upcoming season of Story Den on Milkshake!

With consumer interest in the property growing fast, the UK licensing programme for Odo is now well under way, with a number of best-in-class partners appointed. They include Poetic Brands (apparel), RJ Bags, Roy Lowe (character socks) and Rainbow Productions (children’s characters for commercial events). And, of course, there’s the Master Toy partner, Wow Stuff, a byword for innovation and an award-winning partner to Tier One brands. The licensing programme is also beginning to roll out in key international territories.

The Bulldog-managed licensing campaign is building on the growing popularity of the beautiful 2D-3D animated series for pre-schoolers in which a little owl at the Forest Camp for Young Birds learns about friendship and self-belief among a diverse and delightful group of feathered creatures.

Season one airs on weekdays on Milkshake! in the UK. Season two is currently in development. Internationally, Odo has been sold to 145 countries and a large number of major broadcasters including Kika (Germany), RAI (Italy), ABC Kids (Australia), Canal+ (France), MiniMini+ (Poland), Warner Discovery (Latin America), Tencent (China), Knowledge Kids & TVO Kids (Canada) and many more. The show is already delivering very strong ratings across all the key channels on which it has launched.

Sophie Yates, Brand Manager at Bulldog Licensing, commented: “Warmth, humour and very engaging characters are combined with themes of creativity, imagination, kindness and friendship in this winning and delightful TV series. Odo is enjoying a very strong response from broadcasters and viewers – and we have no doubt this appealing and original character will be equally popular with licensees.”

Bulldog Licensing and Moose Toys announce success across licensing categories and on screen

Bulldog Licensing, one of the licensing industry’s leading agencies, has announced major wins in licensing, broadcasting and at retail for Moose Toys’ Magic Mixies.

New product launches and continuing success for both product sales and the new-to-Netflix kids’ show are boosting an already phenomenally successful brand, which continues to grow within and beyond the toy category – with more licensing extensions signed or on the way. At retail, nightwear pyjamas and onesies company Aykroyds TDP launched a successful range of kids’ nightwear through a number of retailers including George at Asda and Character.com. Meanwhile Kokomo, a market leader in the UK health and beauty market, will be launching a number of Magic Mixies ranges, including a Bath Potion gift set and Popping Bath Crystals, at the end of this year.

New licensing activity continues apace. Leading housewares specialist DNC is planning a spring/summer 2024 launch for its range of insulated, reusable containers for healthy food and drink and the first publishing lines, from Curious Universe, will be joining the programme when they launch later in 2023. Bulldog is now in advanced discussion with a number of partners across secondary toy, arts and crafts and activity, publishing, home and further soft lines, with new announcements expected shortly. Bulldog and Moose Toys are building on Magic Mixies’ astonishing strength at retail, which saw it hit the Number One Property spot in the Special Feature Plush listings in 2022 while, in the same period, the Cauldron was Number One Best Selling Item in the Special Feature Plush listings. In fact, the Mixies property saw a staggering 92% growth year on year in 2022 and 2023 has seen further success.

The New Magic Colour Surprise Cauldron entered the Special Feature Plush listing at number 8 in its launch month of February. The property has also had two top ten items in the Playsets, Dolls and Collectibles year to date chart including Number Two Property in the Special Feature Plush list and Number Three Property in Playsets, Dolls and Collectibles. And now there’s a content series, which has already had 17.5 million views on YouTube to date; it launched globally on Netflix on 3 April. In the show the adventurous Sienna accidentally finds an entrance to a mystical world that is inhabited by magical creatures such as Mixies and Mixlings. This activity builds on the incredible success of the Magic Mixies toys range, which all began with the Magic Mixies Cauldron. This special toy comes with a spell book and everything else needed to mix a potion to create an interactive magical Mixie pet. It has been a runaway hit since launch, both in its own right and as inspiration for licensed products.

Sophie Yates, Brand Manager at Bulldog Licensing, commented: “Magic Mixies is the latest Moose Toys original brand to take off beyond the toy aisle – and already one of the biggest. Its entertainment and licensing extensions have translated into incredible sales and helped fuel growth for the property. We’re looking forward to many more announcements in 2023.”

Lucy Wynn-Jones, Licensing Director at Moose Toys, added: “ We’re delighted with the phenomenal growth in popularity of the Magic Mixies brand. With retail demand still high, a hit streaming show and discussions under way with a number of potential partners about licensing in ever-more diverse categories, this is going to be a very busy year!”