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.”

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.”