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Pip the cat makes debut in market-leading girls’ magazine
Top character brand Pip has made an appearance in the latest edition of Sparkle World, the UK’s No. 1 multi-character magazine for Primary school aged girls, which hit the shelves on July 21st.
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Pip’s appearance in Sparkle World is set to be the first of many, with publishers Redan already working on new content featuring the little black cat. The magazine has a readership of approximately 200,000 and is available across the UK through outlets such as newsagents, supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol stations. Pip also appears in Easy Peazy magazine, another popular publication for young girls, and has proved to be a big hit with readers.
This is just the latest success for Pip – the character started life on greetings cards and is still a huge presence in the greetings sector; Pip won ‘Best Cute Range’ at The Henries Awards 2010 and appears regularly in the ‘What’s Hot’ section of Progressive Greetings, with retailers praising the brand’s ability to appeal to adults and kids alike. The cards are currently available in a vast range of outlets across the UK, including Fenwicks and Harrods, as well as on the Web via Moonpig.com and through Pip’s dedicated website at www.pipthecat.com, where cards and branded stationery are available. It’s not just the UK where Pip is proving popular, with massive sales being reported in Russia, France, Germany, Finland, Italy, Switzerland, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Australia. |
Pip’s success has also spread into the licensing sector and agent KGM Licensing has recruited a wide variety of partners across a range of different sectors. These include Bluebird Brands, which has launched a range of mugs, coasters, purses, wallets and umbrellas that are set to go on sale through TK Maxx stores nationwide, whilst Alligator has a license for gift bags and boxes and Raiseprint is producing Pip fridge magnets. Shreds is also on board for a variety of products aimed at 2 to 4 year olds, such as aprons, mini tote bags, giftpack melamine sets and lunchbags, which are selling well through outlets including Amazon and Harrods.
“Children love Pip so he makes a perfect fit for Sparkle World,” says Kirsty Guthrie, from KJG Ltd, “the brand now has a significant presence across greetings, publishing and merchandise and this just keeps on growing - we expect to be announcing details of new agreements soon.” |
