FremantleMedia Enterprises launches global brand across stores and online retailers in France

FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) today announced that it will be releasing a new range of licensed Rebecca Bonbon products across the retail market in France. Collections featuring the super-cute French bulldog character designed by Hello Kitty creator Yuko Shimizu will be launching in autumn and winter 2011, with more planned for 2012. Following on from the huge global success of the Rebecca Bonbon brand, EMEA activity continues apace with plush toys making their French debut at the end of September 2011 in Jouet Club, Relay, Geant, Casino and Super Casino stores. In addition to the plush line, a children’s apparel collection will be available, from stockists including Gemo, Chauss-prix, Chauss’expo, Styleco and Intermarche, as well as a range of Rebecca Bonbon mobile phone accessories and laptop cases showcased by Internity.

Further activity will take place in winter 2011 including the co-ordinated roll out of a new apparel collection for children and teenagers, a Rebecca Bonbon footwear line and an appearance by Rebecca herself at the ‘Cuisinez’ cooking trade show where she will be taking part in a cupcake cooking lesson.

Looking forward to 2012, FremantleMedia Enterprises will be unveiling further products from the global fashion brand including a charming collection of luggage, a range of apparel designed especially for adults and an educational board game, further highlighting the diversity of this global lifestyle and fashion brand.

Nathalie Delin, VP Licensing France, FME said: “I am delighted that the Rebecca Bonbon brand is enjoying such success. We are very excited about bringing the sophistication, fun and style of the brand to the retail sector in France, especially given that she is herself a French fashionista. The continued support from retailers is enabling Rebecca Bonbon to develop and produce more products and lines in order to keep up with the increasing demand for the brand that we have seen from both children and adults.”

Rebecca Bonbon is the hugely popular Japanese character created by the original Hello Kitty designer Yuko Shimizu. This adorable French bulldog and super cute fashionista from Paris currently resides in a plush NYC apartment overlooking Central Park. She lives a charmed life, with her days spent showcasing her chic outfits whilst walking through the park, shopping, and picnicking with friends. She loves all things sweet, especially bonbons, which is how she came to be affectionately known as Rebecca Bonbon.

FME has exclusively represented Rebecca Bonbon globally (excluding Japan and Korea) on behalf of Crown Creative since 2008. Across EMEA Rebecca Bonbon has more than 25 licensees creating branded products such as apparel, jewellery, bags, stationery, bedding, blankets, credit card holders, iPhone covers, home decorations and accessories. In the US, FME is in its second year of an extensive girls' clothing and accessory program with Kmart. The brand enjoys great success in Japan with over 50 licensees, and has recently launched the first of its products in the UK.