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Licensing News - August 2005

Boyds Bears Joins Forces with the American Cancer Society

8/31/05 - The Boyds Collection Ltd. is proud to announce that the company has entered into an agreement with the American Cancer Society to produce an exclusive, limited-edition plush teddy bear for incorporation into the American Cancer Society's 2006 Daffodil Days fundraiser.

Daffodil Days benefits the Society's ongoing fight against cancer. Daffodils are considered to be not only a sign of spring, but also a bright symbol of hope that cancer can and will be conquered. Since 1973, American Cancer Society Divisions across the United States have offered bunches of these cheerful, bright yellow blooms to raise funds for cancer research, education, and programs for cancer patients and their families. The idea of incorporating a collector-quality Boyds Bear into Daffodil Days first came about in 2004 when the Society's Pennsylvania Division approached Boyds, a Pennsylvania-based company, with the idea that offering one of the plush animal and giftware company's world-famous and widely loved bears would increase contributions for their "Bear and a Bunch" promotion. Contributions for 2005 were five times more than those received in 2004, with requests for the bears coming from all over the country

"After seeing the huge positive impact that including a Boyds Bear in the Pennsylvania program made, we knew this could be the start of something huge," said Jan Murley, chief executive officer of Boyds. "We are always pleased to put the quality, popularity and power of the Boyds brand to work for a great cause whenever we can. All of the folks at Boyds are very excited over the prospect of helping in the fight against cancer in a big, national way.

"The American Cancer Society is pleased to collaborate with Boyds Bears," said Thomas G. Burish, PhD, chair of the American Cancer Society's national board of directors and provost of Notre Dame University. "Through the Boyds exclusive, limited-edition bear, this year named 'Flowers R. Hope,' the American Cancer Society's Bear and a Bunch promotion will help us continue to raise the level of awareness about the importance of colorectal cancer screening tests in communities nationwide."

Boyds' exclusive, 2006 limited-edition bear is a 12-inch tall, oatmeal-colored plush bean-filled bear with green eyes featuring a specially-designed yellow, green, and red plaid neck ribbon and daffodil. It also includes American Cancer Society embroidery on each of its footpads. The Bear and a Bunch package will be available during traditional Daffodil Days campaigns in March to coincide with the first day of spring. Pre-orders for the Bear and a Bunch will be taken in January and February.

8/31/05 - Over the past 20 years, Mary Lake-Thompson and her husband Richard Thompson have turned a once small card company into a nationally known high-end giftware company, whose products have gained the attention of the likes of Oprah Winfrey and Eddie Bauer as well as top-end gift catalog companies. Mary's many products have recently inspired a Japanese mega- merchant to license her products for a retail shop soon to open in a Tokyo.

Mary comes up with a design and works together with a graphic artist, the design is applied to gift items, then marketed through licensing contracts, catalogs, retail stores, and trade shows. On her products being recognized by Oprah, Mary said, "Being on the O' list is a big thing in the gift world. It was fun. We provided a number of our items for review and one of my daughter's designs was selected for the catalog, which is in August's issue."

8/30/05 - Laila's, Inc. has added Lucelle Raad to its roster of artists. Born and educated in England, Raad moved to South Africa in her early twenties. There, she took up painting under the tutelage of commercial artist Dorothy Shaw. Eventually she relocated to Clemson, South Carolina. Raad, who works in acrylic, employs a palette that is bright and active. She concentrates on movement and action rather than precise detail, and her bold brush strokes possess a sketch-like quality. In her more than twenty years of painting, she has self-published upwards of 100 limited and open edition prints. In the series available from Laila's, Raad captures the Wonder of Children in colorful, evocative paintings of children at play, at the beach, the playground, the ball park - wherever kids gather to play together. Lucelle Raads new collection will be featured in the supplement soon to be released by Laila's. For more information, call 1-800-263-6176

8/28/05 - W.Va. - Tiffany and Co. has sold its Judel Products division in Harrison County to St. George Crystal Ltd. Terms of the sale weren't released Friday. The sale will allow the retention of up to 75 jobs at the Salem plant, Gov. Joe Manchin said. Tiffany bought Judel Products in 1992. Judel produces hand-blown glass products for homes and restaurants, including stemware, barware, Christmas ornaments and bowls.

"This strategic move combines the strengths of St. George Crystal - quality product, superior distribution capabilities and strong customer service - with the strengths of Judel, a diverse and loyal customer base and a quality handmade product," said David Rifenburgh, president of St. George Crystal. St. George Crystal, based in Jeannette, Pa., is the largest US manufacturer of lead crystal giftware and stemware.

8/27/05 - Annalee Mobilitee Dolls has launched the Annalee e-Tailer Partnership Program (AePP), designed to target the changing shopping habits of its customers. According to Annalee CEO Dave Pelletier, "This is a major new direction for Annalee that is moving the company back to a place of prominence in the gift industry. Our brand is getting attention, and our Vice President of Sales and Marketing Bob Watson and his team are making great strides in 2005. We are already faced with limited quantities in our most popular lines for the 2005 Christmas season."

8/22/05 - AF Lighting, a division of Interline Brands, will launch The Candice Olson Collection at the Las Vegas World Market next January. Interior designer Candice Olson is known in the United States and Canada as the host of HGTV's Divine Design. "To me personally, Candice Olson epitomizes what today's fashion is about in home furnishings," said Kit Bolliger, vice president of sales, home furnishings division of AF Lighting, adding she contacted Olson's licensing office on a "hope and a dream." As it turned out, Bolliger's timing was right on track. Olson has been personally involved since step one. "Candace has designed this collection from the line art to the final sample," Bolliger said. "These are her pieces - the only thing we are doing is providing the manufacturing."

Encapsulating a modern, luxurious feel, The Candice Olson Collection will launch with approximately 100 to 120 designs, including table lamps, floor lamps, sconces, chandeliers and standalone pieces that are accessory and lighting combinations. "It's not limited to contemporary or traditional - its upscale elegance with a little bit of both," Bolliger said. "Uniquely, it can go into multiple design statements." Retail prices will range from $99 to $500.

AF Lighting is planning for four launches a year. Also in 2006, Candice Olson will debut upholstered furniture, accessories, case goods, area rugs, tabletop and fabric. Olson will be present for the initial lighting launch in January. "Just to give you an idea of the popularity of this collection, we don't have the samples generated and we have retailers contacting us for exclusivity," Bolliger said. "This is unbelievable. I've been in the business for a long time, and I've never seen anything like it."

8/16/05 - Frank Fenton, historian, past president and past chairman of the board of the Fenton Art Glass Co., died Aug. 9. He was 89. A graduate of Marietta College in Ohio, Mr. Fenton and his brother Bill assumed leadership positions at Fenton when their father and uncle died in 1948. Mr. Fenton most recently worked as a historian for the company, which marked its 100th anniversary this past spring. A lifelong resident of Williamstown, W. Va., Frank Fenton was active in many community organizations. Mr. Fenton is survived by his sons, Frank, Tom, Mike and George; as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The Thomas Kinkade Co. partnered with Youtopia Lifestyle Products on a range of health and beauty products due on shelves in spring 2006. The line will include fine fragrances for the body and home, personal care lotions, soaps, potpourri, and room sprays. Products will be available as single items and gift sets packaged with the vision of Thomas Kinkade's artwork.

8/10/05 - Ross-Simons is "drastically reducing" its tabletop business, according to Charlie White, vice president of marketing. The Cranston, R.I., specialty retailer's 2004 tabletop sales were $29 million. Sales "have declined year over year," White said. "Twenty years ago, tabletop comprised over 70 percent of our sales. As of last year it was less than 30 percent." Jewelry will make up the difference, he added. "Jewelry has carried Ross-Simons in the transition. It has become the driver of our sales." Ross-Simons is not abandoning the tabletop category. "We're looking at categories - like gifts and collectibles - that complement jewelry," White said.

8/09/05 - Mary Engelbreit Studios signed three new licensing agreements. For fall 2005, uclick mobile will create mobile phone greetings, wallpapers, and screensavers featuring Engelbreit's art, including some seasonal designs. Arden Jewelry will produce pins, jewelry, watches, bookmarks, tins, key rings, and photo holders. Erker's Fine Eyewear will make high-end reading glasses and accessories to be sold through optical shops and book, craft, and gift stores in early 2006.

8/09/05 - Meredith Corporation inked a deal with QF Industries to design, manufacture, and distribute a line of Better Homes and Gardens Home Decor Fabrics. The fabric line will launch with five collections of coordinating prints and textured solids that have been reviewed and approved by the decorating editors of Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest magazines. These lines will be made available at retail and to manufacturers for home furnishing products including bedding, drapery, tabletop, bath, decorative pillows, and futons, among others.

8/1/05 - Build-A-Bear Workshop and the National Football League (NFL) are introducing a line of officially licensed NFL merchandise for stuffed animals. On August 4, the authentic clothing will roll out in all Build-A-Bear Workshop stores in the United States and on the web.

The new line will feature authentic bear-sized NFL uniforms and sweatshirts for all NFL teams. The new merchandise is designed with authentic detail; the bear-sized uniforms and sweatshirts include the genuine logos and patches featured on each team's uniform. The uniforms are $15 and sweatshirts are available for $8. Each Build-A-Bear Workshop store in the U.S. will carry merchandise for teams in their area.

"We are thrilled to be a partner with the National Football League and to launch this new product line for our stuffed animals," said Maxine Clark, Founder and Chief Executive Bear of Build-A-Bear Workshop. We have many guests who have purchased our other officially licensed sports merchandise and have requested that we offer NFL uniforms as well. Through the partnership with the NFL, we will be able to reach out to more guests and provide them a fun and interactive way to show their love for the game!"

In celebration of the official NFL Kickoff Weekend, from September 8-12, Guests can visit any Build-A-Bear Workshop store in the U.S. and enter for a chance to win four tickets to the NFL Pro Bowl in Hawaii and a $100 Build-A-Bear Workshop Bear Buck$ gift card. In addition, Guests that purchase a NFL uniform on this weekend will receive a free officially licensed NFL keychain. See store for details. Certain restrictions apply.

"We are pleased that our fans will now be able to have their favorite NFL teams' uniform available on the popular Build-A-Bear Workshop stuffed animals," said Leo Kane, NFL Senior Director of Consumer Products.

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