Big Tent signs 2 manufacturers for Habbo Hotel

New York— Home-décor manufacturer The Betesh Group and accessories company Worldwide Dreams have both signed multiyear deals to produce merchandise based on the Habbo Hotel Internet property.

Big Tent Entertainment is handling the North American licensing rights for the Sulake Corp. property. Habbo Hotel, a colorful, multi-dimensional virtual Internet community, debuted in 2000 and launched in the United States in 2004. Site visitors create their own personalized online character, called a Habbo. The Habbos are based in a hotel, where users can play games, talk with other characters, decorate their own rooms and more. The interactive site is targeted to the elusive tween and teen market, kids 13 and older.

Funhouse, the home-furnishings arm of The Betesh Group, plans to make a variety of products featuring the Habbo property, including inflatable and metal furniture, beanbag chairs, storage items, chairs, sofas, night stands, chaise lounges, hampers, storage chests and bins, pillows, curtains, bed canopies, wall décor and more. Many of the designs will mimic the virtual furniture that Habbos can purchase to set up their hotel rooms. Retail prices range from $19.99 to $59.99 for furniture and $9.99 to $19.99 for room accessories.

Funhouse is targeting Internet retailers, specialty shops and mid-tier stores, and the products should ship this spring.

Worldwide Dreams plans to create a line of bags and accessories including luggage, backpacks, handbags and cell phone holders. Price points range between $5 and $50, and the product is set to launch in fall 2006 at mid-tier retailers.