Genius Brands Builds Out Llama Llama Retail Program

Genius Brands International is expanding the retail program for its popular preschool brand Llama Llama with the appointment of new licensing partners to introduce consumer products this year.

Three new licensees have come on board for the Llama Llama retail program: Core Home, for a range of hydration and feeding products; Everyday Kids, for children’s bedding and home décor; and SPIRIT!, for a book and plush set that will be exclusively available at retailer Five Below’s stores as well as online.

Llama Llama is based on the best-selling book franchise by Anna Dewdney. Seasons one and two of the Netflix original series, which feature Jennifer Garner in the lead role as Mama Llama, are available worldwide in 20 different languages.

“Consumer-products licensing is a crucial component to the success of our business model,” said Genius Brands’ chairman and CEO, Andy Heyward. “Lloyd continues to do an amazing job bringing in more and more licensees across our brands, and we will feel the results as products are now rolling out to retail. All of us at Genius Brands are fortunate to be a part of such a uniquely special brand as Llama Llama and to work with the extraordinary creative vision of Anna Dewdney’s husband, Reed Duncan, and our multi-Emmy Award-winning producing partner, Jane Startz.”

Lloyd Mintz, senior VP of Genius Brands, said, “Llama Llama is not just a publishing success but a hit on Netflix, and we’ve experienced strong demand from licensees and retailers to provide new opportunities for them to engage with the brand. With strong sales now appearing across multiple products already at retail, we could not be more pleased with the growth of Llama Llama as we gear up with many more initiatives and consumer products coming to both stores and online throughout next year.”

“Core Home is proud to be partnering with Genius Brands to create a dynamic collection of Llama Llama branded drinkware, food storage and lunch-to-go using the fun and playful characters of the series,” stated Alan Bram, president of Core Home.

“We pride ourselves on delivering fun, colorful, quality products for everyday kids, and we are thrilled to collaborate with Genius Brands to create a new line of bedding for the classic and beloved brand Llama Llama,” commented Vik Patel, VP of Everyday Kids.

“With Llama Llama’s roots in publishing and growing appeal to families, we are excited to add this brand to our line of exclusive affordable mini-book and plush box sets, which include other A-list and evergreen brands,” added Mike Nordin, senior VP of client service at SPIRIT!