New Licensees Sign on for Thomas & Friends

NEW YORK: HIT Entertainment has secured agreements with a number of new licensees to develop, manufacture and market new Thomas & Friends products in a variety of categories.

Added Extras will be creating a line of Thomas-branded health and beauty products, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap, body lotion, adhesive strips, wash cloths, bath caddies and soap dispensers starting in fall. Tara Toys is creating a line of arts and crafts that will include magnetic stampers, giant activity floorpads, Sit ‘n Play activity trays and 5-in-1 activity easels. The items will hit stores in fall.

The Tin Box Company is to launch a line of Thomas & Friends tin items such as buckets, catchall cases with lids, tin carry-alls and metal waste bins starting in spring. Think Wow Toys is rolling out branded pools, pool toys and accessories like goggles, swim vests and arm floaties that will be available for summer. The Toy Workshop is creating and distributing a line of wood room-decor items, including hangers and growth charts, book cases, clothing racks, benches and toy boxes. The line will be available to the specialty market only.

Meanwhile, Upper Deck is working on collectible trading cards that will include pop-up, sticker and temporary tattoo trading cards, targeted at the 3-to-6 set. The line will be available starting in June at mass and specialty retailers.

"Thomas is the number one preschool brand and we’re thrilled to align with these leading partners to expand the depth and breadth of the Thomas licensing program," said Gary Krakower, the senior VP of consumer products and live events at HIT Entertainment US. "When new licensees come aboard to work with Thomas, they know they are partnering with a brand that boasts a rich heritage and loyal fan base, and a property that continues to grow and innovate every year. I am confident that the products from Added Extras, Tara Toys, The Tin Box Company, Think Wow Toys, The Toy Workshop and Upper Deck will thrill and entertain Thomas fans throughout the U.S.”