Appoints new international agents to expand global reach

Leading children’s and family entertainment producer and rights management company Coolabi is further expanding the reach of its hit property Scarlett & Crimson, signing Rudolf Stein and Grace Cole as new UK licensing partners and appointing new international agents for the brand. Following the huge success of Scarlett & Crimson products at retail in Boots and Superdrug stores in the UK, Coolabi has appointed Rudolf Stein as hair and fashion accessories licensee for the brand. Rudolf Stein’s success with strong high street accounts including Claire’s Accessories and Top Shop, as well as with other key tween and teen retailers, sets an excellent precedent for the new Scarlett & Crimson range, launching this Autumn. Coolabi has also signed an agreement with leading health and beauty producers Grace Cole for toiletries including hair care, bath and body products which will launch this autumn.

Expanding the property’s global reach, Hip Designs Ltd has been appointed as licensing agent for Benelux, RMP Licensing for France and Gorian has been renewed as the agent for Scarlett and Crimson in Germany and German-speaking territories. Hip Designs Ltd and RMP will work with Coolabi locally to develop and execute a brand strategy to develop and grow Scarlett & Crimson for the first time in France and Benelux, while Gorian will continue to expand the existing program.

Anna Hewitt, Head of Licensing, Coolabi said: “Scarlett & Crimson will continue to be a major brand for us in 2011 and we are excited to be taking the licensing program into brand new territories worldwide as well as signing new licensing partners in the UK. The new products will be a great addition to the current ranges we already have available at retail.”

Sarah Duncan, CEO, Rudolf Stein said: “Scarlett & Crimson is a wonderful addition to our portfolio. Teens / tweeners have a relatively limited retail offer to choose from and we are very excited at the prospect of developing a wonderful range of fashion accessories to build on the significant success already enjoyed by this property.”

Tracy Mort, Managing Director, Grace Cole said: “It was love at first sight with the Scarlett & Crimson license – they charmed us completely with their positive attitude and individuality. The whole team has really got behind the brand and our bath and body range looks exceptional. We can’t wait to launch the products to retailers at the Spring Fair this week – we’re anticipating phenomenal success for S&C this year.”

Co-owned by Coolabi and creator Ged Backland, the Scarlett & Crimson brand has shown growing appeal among teen and tween girls thanks to its themes of strong individual style, deep friendship and being your own person. The brand is enjoying success in both the UK and North American market where key categories in development include perfume, bath and body, gifting and accessories, stationery and apparel.