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”.