Hot Topic 'Fosters' Success
By Karyn M. Peterson -- Playthings, 4/1/2007
Eduardo, Mac and Bloo are coming to a store near you! From May through July, all Hot Topic stores nationwide will offer exclusive Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends in-store boutiques featuring apparel (for babies, kids and adults), bags, decor, stationery, stickers and accessories (jewelry, buttons and patches) from licensees Mighty Fine, Logotel, Loungefly and H.E.R.
"Hot Topic is always looking for new and unique properties, and Cartoon Network had been a great partner in that endeavor," Russ Jimenez, marketing manager for the City of Industry, Calif.-based retailer, tells Playthings. He notes that each store will display Foster's window clings to draw shoppers, while Hottopic.com will offer email blasts and other promotions."We believe [the line] will appeal to the unique sense of humor and fashion of our teen and adult customers," he says. "Because of our strength in fashion and accessories, we're expecting those categories to do really well!"
"Expanding the relationship was a natural evolution for us," says Christina Miller, vice president of consumer products for Cartoon Network Enterprises, Atlanta.
"We introduced Foster's tees last fall, which were a success," she says. "With such a loyal, growing fan base for the show, we knew the time was right to launch a more comprehensive consumer products program."
Miller adds of the new line, "We are really excited. The products are so clever and so well designed that it will be hard not to want it all."
