DILBERT'S ULTIMATE HOUSE
DUH! WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT?
In pursuit of finding true happiness and peace on earth for Dilbert and Dilbert-like individuals across the globe, cartoonist and visionary Scott Adams embarked on a journey to create "Dilbert's Ultimate House." Launched in September, DUH is a virtual web-based home that the famous icon of the workplace Dilbert, his fans, tech geeks, the environmentally conscious, and those who just plain love the comfort of a good sofa covet. For an extensive tour of DUH, go to www.Dilbert.com.
SUBWAY TAPS PEANUTS FOR LATEST PROMOTION
This November and December, Subway Restaurants will feature the popular Peanuts characters in a Kids' promotion across the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Close to 19,000 locations will participate, and Subway will offer one of four different sport-related Peanuts premiums along with the purchase of a Kids' meal.
NEXT STOP FOR PRECIOUS MOMENTS: BABY DEPOT
This January marks the kick off of Baby Depot's year long in-store and on-line sweepstakes celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Precious Moments. Winners will receive a complete nursery themed to the loving, caring, and sharing brand. Baby Depot will expand its Precious Moments product offerings in support of the promotion, increasing in-store brand presence.
THERE'S SOMETHING FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY AT FOOD NETWORK
Planet Toys International, Inc. has signed on as master toy partner for Food Network. With a target launch date in spring 2005, look for new role play items such as cookware, utensils, play food, chef attire and activity and party kits. Products will be featured in mass and specialty retailers.
PEPSI'S PEANUTS PROMOTION COLORS THE JAPANESE MARKET
Pepsi's latest Peanuts promotion launched this September in Japan. Attached to 1.5 liter bottles of Pepsi Twist, Pepsi, Diet Pepsi Twist and Diet Pepsi were Peanuts 3D crayons in two dozen colors. The promotion also included a mini hand bell on 500ml bottles of Pepsi Twist and Diet Pepsi.
MILESTONE BIRTHDAYS FOR RED-HAIRED DUO RAGGEDY ANN & ANDY
Popular doll and National Toy Hall of Famer, Raggedy Ann, will celebrate the ripe old age of 90 in September 2005. Younger brother Andy will celebrate his 85th. Product and promotional plans are in development.
DAILY JAKERS! BROADCASTS IN A NEIGHBORHOOD NEAR YOU
Due to popular demand, the new award-winning PBS series, Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks, has begun stripping in key markets across the U.S. including New York, Washington, Cleveland, and Nashville. Look for additional cities to join the bandwagon over the next few months.
LOOK FOR THE GREAT PUMPKIN AT WAL*MART THIS HALLOWEEN
On October 23, Wal*Mart will kick off a pre-Halloween celebration by offering its customers the opportunity to have their photos snapped in the Great Pumpkin Patch, made famous by Linus in the popular Peanuts primetime special, "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown." Also in October, the world's largest retailer will host a Peanuts-themed 5-A Day event in Super Wal*Mart Produce departments, with produce samplings, activity books and information on the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables. The Pumpkin Patch co-sponsors, FUJI Film, Wal*Mart Digital Photo Center, and licensees Loghouse Foods and Sam's Choice Beverages helped to bring this promotion to fruition.
BEATRIX POTTER GROWS AT RETAIL
Federated has expanded its Classic Beatrix Potter infant program for 4th quarter this year with the addition of infant gift sets from A.D. Sutton. The A.D. Sutton product joins Heyman's popular layette apparel, which debuted earlier this year. Also in Beatrix Potter news, Classic Beatrix Potter bedding soon will be available at Baby Depot.
RIDING ON THE POPULARITY OF THE MTA
The MTA has landed two new promotional partners. Recently, Land O Lakes cheese hosted a sweepstakes in tri-state area delis and grocery stores. Lucky winners received a free metro card ticket for a week or a month. Also on board is popular design outfit, DKNY. Look for spring shoes with Times Square station route indicators as a footbed design.
FLOWER FAIRIES BLOSSOMS INTO ALL NEW PROGRAM
An all new girl-targeted program is in development for Flower Fairies Friends, a brand extension of the successful art-based Flower Fairies property. Category opportunities include apparel, accessories, stationery, HBA, toys, dolls, bedding and room décor.
IT'S AN ENCYCLOPEDIA, CHARLIE BROWN!
This summer, Random House/Grijalbo Mondadori launched a successful newspaper promotion in Mexico, offering readers an opportunity to purchase an incredible fifteen volume Charlie Brown Encyclopedia set. Always a powerhouse in the publishing arena, the Peanuts offer was met with an incredible response rate.
MORE READING, WRITING AND… FUN! WITH ARTHUR THE AARDVARK
Redan Publishing recently launched a bi-monthly magazine featuring that lovable aardvark from PBS fame, Arthur. Every issue offers a collectible poster, exciting stories and interesting activities. The 16-page pull-out project book will keep children educated and entertained for hours.
Planet Toys International, Inc. has signed on as master toy partner for Food Network. With a target launch date in spring 2005, look for new role play items such as cookware, utensils, play food, chef attire and activity and party kits. Products will be featured in mass and specialty retailers.
