I was in the checkout line the other day, when the cashier mentioned how much she liked my Batman t-shirt. The more I wander the streets and the malls, the more people I see wearing comic book and television properties on their chests. Hasbro wants to make sure everyone can get their hands on its property by announcing it is rolling out its properties to adorn apparel.
“We’re working with highly creative apparel companies that have designed some amazing Hasbro-branded graphic and vintage tees that will appeal to both fashion- and value-conscious consumers,†said Mary Lasell, Director of Soft Goods Licensing at Hasbro. “We express ourselves through what we wear, so whether you’re looking to make a fashion-forward statement, seeking an easygoing casual look or outfitting your kids for back-to-school, there will be an array of Hasbro-infused apparel items at retail stores worldwide that will immediately resonate with men, women and children.â€
The obvious properties to hit store shelves first will be Transformers and G.I. Joe, but look for Tonka, Monopoly, and the Littlest Pet Shop to join the lineup. The clothing line is just the first step, as Hasbro plans to unveil more licensing deals soon.
From the press release:
Following are select Hasbro licensees that are working to create, market and distribute innovative, stylish and functional tees for men, women and children:
TRANSFORMERS
This summer, the colossal battle between the AUTOBOTS and the DECEPTICONS continues when “ROBOTS IN DISGUISE†once again invade movie theaters around the world. Alongside the new live-action movie TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN set to debut on June 24, 2009, graphic t-shirts will land at retail worldwide from the following licensees: Bravado (U.K., Ireland); CIE DND (France); Jem Sportswear* (U.S.); Kmart* (Australia); Li & Fung USA (U.S.); Marks Manufacturing (Philippines); Marks & Spencer* (U.K, Ireland); Smith & Brooks (U.K., Ireland); Shanghai Metersbonwe (China); Streetwear (U.S., Canada); and Up Sky (Hong Kong).
G.I. JOE
In 1964, the introduction of Hasbro’s G.I. JOE line created the “action figure†category. Since then, the G.I. JOE property has evolved, delivering a unique brand of action for each new generation. This summer, fans of all ages will see the G.I. JOE franchise taken to the next level with the major motion picture release of G.I. JOE: THE RISE OF COBRA, on August 7, 2009. In conjunction with the film, consumers will also be able to suit up in a wide variety of t-shirts from Falcon Trading (Philippines); Fortune Fashions (U.S.); Jem Sportswear* (U.S.); La Polar S.A. (Chile); Streetwear (U.S., Canada); Up Sky (Hong Kong); and Wilson Imports (U.K., Ireland).
LITTLEST PET SHOP
LITTLEST PET SHOP continues to stand its ground as one of the fastest growing brands among girls and just as they simply can’t get enough of the pets, the same goes for LITTLEST PET SHOP fashion. Girls will have plenty to be excited about this year with new tees from Danman S.A. de C.V. (Mexico); Fortune Fashions (U.S.); Industrias St. Jack’s S.A. de C.V. (Central America); Lunender S.A. (Brazil); Smith & Brooks (UK, Ireland); Carel (France); Sahinler (Spain); TV Mania (Germany); and Van der Erve (Poland).
TONKA
TONKA has been at the center of boys’ play for more than 60 years. Like the trucks, the graphic t-shirt lines coming to market will also be tough and durable from 80s Tees (U.S., Canada); Completely Independent (U.K., Ireland); Famous Forever Clothing (U.K., Ireland); and Mad Engine* (U.S., Canada).
MONOPOLY
As the best-selling board game in the world, MONOPOLY has earned its place in popular culture and licensees are counting on many of the 200 million MONOPOLY game owners wanting to wear what they play in the form of graphic t-shirts from Famous Forever Clothing (U.K., Ireland); Fortune Fashions (U.S); Global Licensing (U.K., Ireland); Mad Engine* (U.S., Canada); and Streetwear (U.S., Canada).
