On the Foster's front, Cartoon Network Enterprises has licensed the rights for the animated program to four new partners, looking to help imbue a variety of products with the cartoon's memorable humor and style. CNE has signed deals with Horizon Imports (hosiery), the Design International Group (stationary), Freeze (t-shirts) and Boston America (personal care); each of which the marketing and merchandising division has high hopes for.
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Also, Freeze will design a line of junior's and tweens t-shirts for mid-tier and mass retailers. Freeze, a privately held fashion company, is a full-service apparel company that sells, manufactures and distributes licensed, non-licensed and private label sportswear to retail customers nationwide.
"Since its launch, Foster's apparel and accessories have resonated with juniors and tweens because of the funny and relatable characters and visually-distinctive style featured in the show," Christina Miller, Vice President of Consumer Products for CNE, stated. "With the high-quality partners we've selected, we're looking forward to expanding the product offering and deepening the connections fans have with the brand, making Foster's everybody's best friend forever."
Design International Group (D.I.G.), a 2003-founded company that designs, produces and distributes stationery, school accessories and craft items for school age children will manufacture stationary items. There are currently plans on the table for D.I.G. to debut notebooks, pens and more. Boston America, who provides the specialty market with licensed tinned candies, cosmetics and other accessories, has signed on to create lip balms and tinned mints featuring Bloo, Cheese and their friends. All deals are designated for distribution in the U.S. market.
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When it comes to Ben 10, Cartoon Network is still going strong in its promotion of the boys' adventure tale. CNE in particular has tapped C-Life Apparel for an original line of beachwear. The new line of Ben 10 items will be available as soon as this coming Spring season, which will certainly be available at mid-tier retailers in time for fans of the television animation to hit the beach. C-Life is part of the C-Life Group, an apparel specialist that enjoys a broad network of retailer accounts.
Getting down to specifics, C-Life will give fans the opportunity to hit the beach with any part of a full line of board shorts and rash guards featuring all of their favorite alien characters from the Cartoon Network cartoon. Ben 10 licenses have built up into a considerable force over the past year and a half, and the seasonal addition of C-Life's swimwear ensures that the popular animation remains in mind year-round.
"As the popularity of Ben 10 continues to grow on our air and at retail, we are constantly looking for new and fun ways for our fans to experience the brand," Miller commented in a recently issued press release.
"C-Life's creative approach to boys' swimwear is a great fit for us and this spring's launch is a perfect extension of our soft lines program."
About Cartoon Network Enterprises: Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE), the global branding and merchandising arm of Cartoon Network, is charged with building consumer product franchises for Cartoon Network, its brands and characters from the channel's growing library of award-winning, original programming. CNE also works to secure and support long-term licensee partnerships across all key merchandising categories.
About Cartoon Network: Cartoon Network (www.CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in more than 91 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s ad-supported cable service offering the best in original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families. Overnight from 11 p.m.-6 a.m. (ET, PT) Sunday-Thursday, Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34.