Bulldog Licensing secures deal with the plush specialist to develop ranges throughout EMEA
Bulldog Licensing, Sesame Workshop’s agent for the UK and Eire, has secured a deal with plush specialist Posh Paws and parent company Whitehouse Leisure, to create a wide range of feature and basic Sesame Street plush for retail in the EMEA region. Whitehouse Leisure will also be developing plush ranges for amusement channels.
Over 50 years since its launch, Sesame Street remains a favourite brand in the UK. The property has four series airing on leading commercial preschool broadcaster, Tiny Pop. Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck launched in 2018, and the channel has since complemented the show with Elmo’s World, which debuted in January 2020, before Cookie’s Crumby Pictures and Super Grover 2.0 joined the portfolio this autumn.
Sesame Street is already one of the most beloved evergreen properties in the UK, and the new plush range from Posh Paws will build on the brand’s strong character appeal. Featuring interactive Elmo and Cookie plush alongside a wide range of basic plush characters, Posh Paws will support the product launch with a heavyweight marketing and PR strategy featuring TV, print and digital campaigns including a focus on opportunities to work with key influencers in the pre-school area.
Posh Paws joins a licensing programme for Sesame Street which is showing huge growth across multiple categories. The successful, long-established adult apparel lines were recently joined by accessories and homewares ranges. Meanwhile, the children’s programme is experiencing robust revenue growth across apparel, accessories, toys and home, with multiple new product launches planned over the coming year.
“As retailers everywhere look to build on their portfolio of great classic properties, Sesame Street offers something for everyone; from the fans who have followed Cookie Monster and friends from the outset over 50 years ago, to the new generation discovering the delights of Sesame Street and their favourite furry red monster Elmo for the first time,” says Rob Corney, MD, Bulldog Licensing.
Lauren Shipman, Brand and Marketing Director at Posh Paws International adds: “We’re delighted to be partnering with one of the world’s best-loved brands in Sesame Street. The characters have entertained and educated generations of children and continue to be a staple for kids and adults everywhere. We look forward to continuing the strong growth the brand is seeing across retail with new and innovative product ranges to appeal to fans everywhere.”
