Independent licensing agency Bulldog Licensing, which manages UK licensing for Care Bears™ on behalf of Cloudco Entertainment, the owner of the Care Bears franchise, is seeing continuing licensing growth of the brand in the UK, with new agreements in both accessories and apparel.
Little K Clothing is producing a range of handmade Care Bears children’s apparel including dresses, leggings, jumpers, shorts and tops. The range will be exclusively available from the Little K website later this year. Meanwhile, Concept One Accessories is planning a line of Care Bears accessories including bags, purses, headwear, scarves and gloves. Aimed at children and adults, the line will be launching at retail this October.
Both lines will employ designs inspired by the iconic Care Bears rainbow colours and characters, along with the brand’s uplifting messages of love, caring and friendship, which resonate with fans worldwide.
Care Bears continues to show growth more than 40 years after the property first appeared on greetings cards and inspired a plush range. The brand has continued its upward trajectory with further growth expected in 2024.
As Care Bears’ UK agent, Bulldog Licensing has welcomed a wide range of partners. Recent launches include jigsaw puzzles from Gibsons Games; a range of collectable pin badges and keyrings from Louis Kennedy, which have so far raised over £250K for Young Lives vs Cancer; embroidered badges from Pawprint Trading, and candles from Flamingo Candles.
Commenting is Charlotte Payne, Director of International Licensing from Cloudco Entertainment. “The enduring appeal of Care Bears across generations is stronger than ever. These partnerships with Concept One and Little K underscore the brand’s ability to attract wonderful partners in key categories. Care Bears’ message of love, empathy and caring for others remains timeless and resonates with consumers and licensees alike.”
Bulldog MD Rob Corney adds: “It’s going to be another busy year for the Care Bears brand as it continues to build on its success across many categories – with a lot more to come. It’s already one of the hottest brands in both pop culture for young adults and for the primary girls’ market and we’re delighted to welcome Concept One and Little K as licensing partners. These two companies both enjoy a strong reputation – one that will further enhance the UK licensing campaign for this iconic brand.”
