While the film is yet to hit cinemas, retailers will get their first taste of Paddington movie merchandise with Jasnor’s launch of the toy and plush range at Reed Gift Fairs Melbourne this August
Jasnor secured distribution exclusivity of the line because of its history with Paddington Bear products. The movie range includes a talking plush, beanies, card games and wooden activity toys.
“We’re very excited about the Paddington movie and seeing this much-loved bear being brought to life on the big screen,” says James Thurlow, sales and marketing director. “It adds new excitement to the brand and shares the classic character who is actually over 50 years old, with the new generation.
“Movies have the attention of a very captured and engaged audience, stirring emotions that make the experience memorable. So consumers, particularly kids, love to collect and bring home their favourite characters with them, and sales [of related merchandise] increase significantly while the movie is showing at theatres and after – particularly leading up to DVD releases.”
Paddington is based on the book written by Michael Bond. The film stars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Bonneville and is expected to be released in December.
“Paddington has always been a successful core brand for us. For the upcoming trade fair we expect retailers who support Paddington Bear to be excited about the ‘real-life’ Paddington coming to the big screen. We also expect new retailers to become supporters of Paddington on the back of the movie release.”
Stock is available from August.
