Merchantwise is partnering with Walker Productions and Lupus Films – the team behind We’re Going on a Bear Hunt – to represent the brand across Australia and New Zealand.
Caprice Australia is leading the launch of the local licensing programme, with branded infant and toddler apparel launching for the first time in the local retail markets from July this year.
Merchantwise is currently appointing partners for a range of consumer products to launch across Australia and New Zealand throughout 2023 and 2024.
Since its release in 1989, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt has sold over 14 million books worldwide, with 1.4 million of those copies having been sold in Australia alone.
Michael Rosen’s retelling of the story has exceeded over 17 million views on YouTube and due to the success of the book, a 30-minute animated TV special was created. Produced by Lupus Films (The Snowman and The Snowdog) and Walker Productions (Tilly and Friends), the special was watched by over eight million viewers at launch on Channel 4 in the UK and has aired every year thereafter.
The TV special has also been available in the US since 2017 and has enjoyed sales globally to ABC in Australia, Canal+ and France Television in France, SVT in Sweden and NHK in Japan.
“We are thrilled to be representing We’re Going on a Bear Hunt across Australia and New Zealand,” commented Kerryn McCormack, md at Merchantwise. “Caprice Australia is already on board with an exciting infant and toddler apparel collection, and we are looking forward to appointing consumer products partners for this beautiful and timeless property.”
Pindy O’Brien, international licensing and market development director at Walker Books, commented: “We are extremely excited to be partnering with Merchantwise for this timeless property. Their expertise and knowledge of the market will accelerate its success. We are thrilled with Caprice’s appointment.”
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