Fundex preps 'El Chavo' toys
By Staff -- Playthings, 10/9/2008 9:05:00 AM
NEW YORK—Spanish-language media company Grupo Televisa S.A. and licensing agent United Media have tapped Fundex Games for a toy line based on the animated version of GT’s popular sitcom El Chavo.
Beginning December 2008, Fundex Games will release a 4-ft. El Chavo toy end-cap which will initially include plush, games and puzzles at a major mass retailer. El Chavo DVDs from Xenon will also be added to the property's product offerings following the toy launch.
The end cap program will be featured at 350 Spanish-focused stores nationwide, complete with in-store signage. The specific stores involved in the program were not announced.
“Adapted from Mexico’s longest running television show, El Chavo’s new, animated series resonates strongly with Hispanic families in the U.S.,” said Chip Voigt, CEO of Fundex Games. “We are thrilled to offer a new toy line that brings Hispanic generations and families together to celebrate the El Chavo phenomenon among its adoring fans.”
El Chavo is the leading sitcom for kids 6-11, adults 18-34 and adults 18-49 on U.S. Spanish-language cable channel Galavision. It consistently ranks within the top five Spanish language programs broadcast on cable in the U.S. according to Nielsen Media Research. The new El Chavo animated series launched in the U.S. on Jan. 20, 2008, with 52 episodes airing on Univision. Its second season began last month.
