Merchandise drive continues to gain momentum in UK, Canada and Australia.
Brands With Influence is building on the momentum behind The Next Step brand following its BAFTA win, with a series of new products rolling out.
For the second year in a row, The Next Step picked up the BAFTA Kid’s Vote in the TV category at the ceremony earlier this month.
Its Wild Rhythm Tour has also been a success, making stops in the UK, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Australia and New Zealand this year.
In terms of merchandise, in Australia, licensing agents BWI and Haven have tapped apparel licensee Caprice which has developed a range of athleisure wear and accessories for a March 2017 launch at local retailer Big W.
Back in the UK, and BWI has a range of merchandise rolling out in time for Christmas. These include activity books from Igloo Books, calendars from Danilo and apparel from TVM Fashion Lab in Sainsbury’s.
In addition, the second issue of the Girls Love The Next Step magazine from Signature Publishing will arrive in December.
“As The Next Step fan base continues to grow, we are delighted to expand the licensed merchandise offerings, particularly when the offerings developed in partnership with our agents at BWI continue to capture the essence of the brand so perfectly,” commented Terri DiPaolo, president of Boat Rocker Brands, which owns The Next Step format.
The show ranks first in its time slot among all multi-channel broadcasters in the UK and wins its time slot against all competition (including terrestrial) for Children 4-15. The series averages 281,200 viewers and outperforms CBBC’s slot average share by 136% and its access prime time average share by 273%.
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