MGM Consumer Products Announces Three New Product Collections as Part of Dramatically Expanded Pink Panther Licensing and Merchandising Program

Business Wire, Dec 9, 1998

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 9, 1998--

New Pink Panther a Big Hit With Top Name Licensees - From Nicole

Miller and Kathrine Baumann to Fossil and Vandor

MGM Consumer Products today announced several new major strategic partners who have signed on to develop Pink Panther merchandise as part of the Studio's new push behind the classic property. In a departure from traditional character licensing, three distinct product collections will emerge in the Fashion, Gift & Collectable, and Junior's arenas, targeting adults and teens with a wide array of exciting, hip, retro designs.

Top name licensees Nicole Miller, Kathrine Baumann, Winterland, Vandor, Fossil, Norcom, and Exquisite are introducing product inspired by the ultra-suave Pink Panther, which is fast becoming one of the hippest, most active properties in the licensing world.

About a year ago, MGM began a relaunch of the pop culture icon, Pink Panther. Building on the character's unique adult appeal as a sophisticated swinger and the ultimate hipster, MGM developed a new logo "Pink Panther - the Color of Cool" and a design program that tapped into the popularity of 60's retro as evidenced by the rebirth of the martini lounge and flower power, as well as the success of films like Austin Powers.

"The Pink Panther is truly a unique pop culture icon, different from most entertainment characters. We worked hard to develop a licensing program that's as cool as he is," said Doug Gleason, Senior Vice President - Worldwide Sales and Marketing for MGM Consumer Products. "We're delighted that a number of key partners have embraced our strategy of targeting adults and teens with hip, trend-conscious product."

The Fashion Program will primarily target women, 25-50 and secondarily men, with high profile fashion apparel and accessories. Product will be available at high-end specialty stores and department stores such as Macy's, Bloomingdale's and Barney's. Award-winning designer Nicole Miller will unveil a line of women's silk scarves, men's silk ties, and other accessories featuring a custom Pink Panther design. While Miller has designed product for studio stores in the past, this is the first time she is incorporating an entertainment property into her own collection.

"Pink Panther is a pop icon and has a distinct character and style. I had fun using him as part of my printed silk scarves, ties and accessories," said Nicole Miller.

Other licensees in this category include Kathrine Baumann, who will introduce a limited edition, hand-beaded purse shaped like Pink Panther's mischievous face, as well as lipstick holders, compacts and atomizers. Baumann's purses have become collector items among the rich and famous, selling for thousands of dollars.

The Gift & Collectible Program will feature a wide assortment of gifts, stationery and other products that tap into adults' fondness for the character, as well as the "Color of Cool" design sensibility. Vandor is introducing a lively and imaginative collection of products, including picture frames, cookie jars, salt and pepper shakers, a soap dish, toothbrush holder, mugs and tumblers. Fossil is introducing a limited edition line of wrist watches featuring Pink Panther, in silver or sterling, that come packaged in a collector's tin, and Te Neus is developing a broad line of calendars. Exquisite will unveil a line of Pink Panther silk ties and boxer shorts. Retailers being approached include department stores and specialty stores such as Border's, Barnes & Noble and Book Star.

The Juniors Program is a line of fun, fashionable products including apparel, accessories and back-to-school items. Norcom is producing diaries covered in fuzzy pink faux fur, memo pads, book covers, notebooks, assignment books and pencil packs. Winterland will be introducing a cool new line of fashion tops and T-shirts for men and women. This product line is targeted to young retail outlets such as Wet Seal, Hot Topic, Rampage and Gadzooks, as well as Junior's departments at Macy's, Nordstrom and J.C. Penny.

The new Pink Panther 60's retro look, with its homage to the Mod era with Carnaby Street as the epicenter, has been a big hit in the U.K. market. Q-Stat has developed stationery and school supplies and Prelude has developed a fun, funky line of Pink Panther bath and beauty products, including bath salts and foam, body lotion and body glitter all with pink fur packaging.

In a move to gain exposure with young tastemakers in the worlds of fashion, film, music and sports, MGM Consumer Products has also struck a deal with Chupa Chups, the trend-setting lollipop maker. Each year Chupa Chups chooses a pop icon to feature on their product, and for 1999 it will be the Pink Panther. For the campaign, Pink Panther and the Color of Cool designs will be used on the Fantasy Ball gum lollipop and pink lemonade-flavored Crazy Dips, along with 24 different collectible stickers. Also included in-pack are winning game pieces for the "Win a Cool Crib" sweepstakes, with a Grand Prize consisting of an I Mac computer, TV, VCR, stereo, bean bag chair, lava lamp, spending cash and more. 1st prizes are bean bag chairs, 2nd prizes are lava lamps and 3rd prizes are Pink Panther punching bags. An instant-win sweepstakes will also be offered on specially marked packs, with a Grand Prize vacation for four to Hollywood.