Licensing Show buzz

The 2008 Licensing International Expo is set for June 10-12 at the Javits Convention Center in New York. Pre-show news indicates that the juvenile segment will be well represented at the show, with many agencies seeking licensees for their properties in categories such as plush, toys, apparel and room décor. Here’s a quick preview from a few of the companies schedule to attend.

Care Bears and Strawberry Shortcake will make announcements about master toy partners. Plans for Care Bears include the Pink Power Breast Cancer Awareness Care Bear, which will be available at Target this fall. One dollar from the sale of each bear will be donated to breast cancer research. Strawberry Shortcake will get a new look. American Greetings Properties’ roster also includes the Sushi Pack, Twisted Whiskers, Madballs and classic Holly Hobbie, which is seeking licensees across all key categories.

Aurora World is seeking licensees for its YooHoo plush. The toys are popular items at specialty retailers and Aurora said it expects to sell its 1 millionth YooHoo by the end of the year. The company is seeking licenses in categories including clothing, lunch boxes, computer and board games, puzzles, stationery and back to school.

4Kids Entertainment will feature licensing initiatives for several of its properties including Cabbage Patch Kids, which is celebrating its 25 anniversary in 2008, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Dinosaur King, Monster Jam, Jim Henson’s Pajanimals and Viva Piñata, among others. Around 115 million Cabbage Patch Kids have been sold since its launch in 1983, and to commemorate the milestone, limited-edition 25th Anniversary kids will be available at retail this fall.

Big Tent will unveil developments for its key properties such as The Wiggles, Discovery Kids, Miffy and Friends and Domo. New licensees for The Wiggles include Just Me Music (music),Kelly Toys USA (plush for Six Flags Theme Parks and sporting goods for traditional retail distribution) and Ty’s Toy Box (apparel). Big Tent Entertainment is continuing to seek licensees in the categories of sleepwear, backpacks, lunch kits, electronic learning aids, puzzles and games.

King Features will focus on licensing programs for several brands including the preschool series “SeeMore’s Playhouse.” King Features is backing the property with a licensing and merchandising program that focuses on products for children and parents. Licensees are sought in core categories such as apparel and accessories, health and wellness and toys and interactive games.