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Tag: Andy Mooney

  • Disney & Payless ShoeSource join hands for character-based footwear range

    Disney & Payless ShoeSource join hands for character-based footwear range

    MUMBAI: Disney and Payless ShoeSource have announced their plans to develop their first ‘direct-to-retail’ licensed footwear collection. The multi-year deal will bring together the Payless and Disney design teams to create a special line of fun, high-quality footwear styles featuring Disney and Disney Pixar characters. Payless will source, market and sell the line through its nearly 4,600 store chain and on Payless.com.

    Payless has sold Disney-themed footwear and accessories for several years; however, the two companies will now work more closely on shoe design, creative direction and retail marketing.

    As a result of this collaboration, the character styles will include: Disney Princess — Disney’s $3.4 billion girl’s lifestyle brand, Power Rangers, Winnie the Pooh and an assortment of Disney Pixar characters from The Incredibles and Finding Nemo. The first products are currently scheduled to be in stores in Spring 2007 with an expanded line in time for next year’s back-to-school season, states an official release.

    “Payless is ideal for our first direct-to-retail footwear collaboration because the company is well-aligned with Disney’s goal to create quality, on-trend products for kids and families,” said Disney Consumer Products chairman Andy Mooney. “Being closely involved with the shoe design process is a significant step for us, and we plan to have a truly integrated relationship with Payless, the nation’s leading footwear retailer, from creative to point of sale.”

    “Payless’ mission is to democratize fashion and design in footwear and accessories for the family and this new Disney collection will platform us to achieve our mission,” said Payless ShoeSource CEO Matt Rubel. “Payless is the number one footwear retailer for kids’ shoes; Disney is a premier kids’ brand company. Together, we’ll create a fun, exciting and creative line that will inspire kids, while allowing parents to pay less.”

  • Disney in merchandising overdrive for new preschooler shows

    Disney in merchandising overdrive for new preschooler shows

    MUMBAI: With the trend in licensing moving toward younger ages, The little big Mouse is not one to be left behind. The Walt Disney Company through its merchandise division Disney Consumer Products is gearing up for a marketing blitz to strengthen its preschool portfolio.

    Disney Consumer Products (DCP) merchandise will feature elements of the interactive learning specific to the shows. Little Einsteins and My Friends Tigger and Pooh will kick off in spring 2007, focusing on different aspects of early child development and combine to address the needs of the “whole” child. Disney Consumer Products (DCP) merchandise will feature elements of the interactive learning specific to each show.

    “Parents have enjoyed Mickey and Pooh for years, and now a new generation of preschoolers are being introduced to these characters with a fresh CG-animated look. Little Einsteins rounds out a very strong preschool block that blends entertainment with education,” said DCP chairman Andy Mooney. “Retailers are also seeing potential in these shows and clearing shelf space based on the strength of Playhouse Disney as a preschool platform.”

    Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (MMCH), which premiered in May on Playhouse Disney channels and Disney Channels around the world — the first-ever same-day global launch of Disney Channel programming. The show focuses on problem solving and early math curriculum. 

    MMCH toys will launch this Fall with all other product categories launching in spring 2007. The toy line from licensee, Character Direct, will feature interactivity and gadgets direct from the television series, as well as new technology and innovation. Name That Song Mickey is a key item in the line – the product features a wireless piano combined with a soft Mickey plush that interactively teaches kids music through numbers.

    Little Einsteins which premiered in October 2005. The show, which fosters creativity through music and art, began debuting around the world, most recently in Australia and New Zealand and will next launch in France, India and Taiwan. DCP will launch a broad cross-category assortment of product in spring 2007.

    My Friends Tigger and Pooh will premiere in spring 2007, wherein the show teaches life lessons, such as friendship, as well as early earth science. Tigger and Pooh are “Super Sleuths” and the audience helps them solve mysteries in the Hundred Acre Wood. A licensing program is currently in development for mass and mid-tier retail distribution for spring 2008.

  • Disney Publishing Worldwide names Hampton as president

    Disney Publishing Worldwide names Hampton as president

    MUMBAI: R Russell Hampton Jr., has been named president of Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW). The announcement was made by Disney Consumer Products chairman Andy Mooney.

    Hampton will be replacing Deborah Dugan who announced her resignation earlier this week. In this capacity, he will be responsible for overseeing DPW’s various book imprints and magazines around the world. Based in New York City, he will report to Mooney.

    Mooney said, “Russell is taking over Disney Publishing at a time when its reputation for creating exciting new entertainment is flourishing. His leadership in turning Baby Einstein from a small video company to a significant multi-media infant developmental brand is well suited to overseeing DPW’s positive momentum.”

    Hampton was named executive vice president of DCP’s global Home and Infant business in 2005 in addition to being general manager of The Baby Einstein Company, which he held since 2001 when The Walt Disney Company (TWDC) bought it.

    “I’m honored to be given the responsibility of overseeing a division of The Walt Disney Company, which has such a rich history of extending and creating great stories for families around the globe,” said Hampton.

    Disney Publishing Worldwide celebrates its 75th year in 2006 and is the largest publisher of children’s books and magazines in the world, selling 160 million books in 2005 and publishing 222 million magazine copies. DPW also publishes Family Fun magazine and the new Wondertime magazine for adults.

    “The Disney treasure chest of characters and stories is much fuller today thanks to Deb’s oversight. The comic book series W.I.T.C.H. that has sold over 20 million copies and became a TV series and the creation of the Disney Fairies franchise are just two examples of Deb’s legacy at Disney Publishing,” said Mooney.

    Previously, Hampton served as vice president of strategic planning and corporate development for TWDC. He joined TWDC in 1996 as manager of strategic planning.

    Before joining Disney, Hampton was vice president of J.P. Morgan & Co. in New York.