Continuing strong sales, key licensee renewals, new launches, high-visibility promotions, new television shows and much, much more. That’s the outlook for 2013 for The Cat in the Hat.
Already a star of publishing, films, and his own show, appearing on CiTV, The Cat in the Hat has not only the highest UK consumer recognition of any Dr. Seuss character but is one of the world’s best-known children’s brands. Now independent licensing company Rocket Licensing, which manages European licensing for Dr. Seuss’s legendary Cat in the Hat on behalf of Dr. Seuss Enterprises L.P., has announced plans for 2013 that will boost awareness to even greater levels.
Promotional activity planned or already in progress includes the availability of 1.2 million Dr. Seuss books and a wide range of Dr. Seuss activity packs on Emirates Airlines flights from October 2012 until June 2013. Waterstones, meanwhile is to create Seuss-themed décor for store re-fits during 2013.
Among existing retail successes are The Cat in the Hat children’s t-shirts and baby grows from Fabric Flavours Product; the Five Mile Press range of floor puzzles, flip and flash pads and lacing cards; the Hype range of greeting cards, gift-wrap and minicards; characterful and creative kids stationery from Roger Le Borde; and the Paul Lamond Games’ range of children’s floor puzzles.
The successful launch of Watermelon’s Dr. Seuss children’s t-shirts and pyjamas at Marks and Spencer for the autumn season will be followed by further product as will Manhattan Toys’ hit range of Dr. Seuss baby accessories, including The Cat in the Hat rattle ring and stacker and The Cat in the Hat plush and puppets.
And that’s not all. New apparel launches are planned for over the coming year. They include exclusive The Cat in the Hat t-shirts from Blues clothing, and a dress-up range from VMC, all of which are set to take the famous feline into some of the UK’s biggest stores in 2013.
Charlie Donaldson, Joint Managing Director of Rocket Licensing, says: “The high level of awareness and affection that adults and children have for this timeless, always on-trend character makes him ideal for a wide range of categories. 2013 promises to be a very busy year for The Cat in the Hat, for Dr. Seuss Enterprises and for Rocket!”
