It’s good news for The Emoji Company, who has returned from a busy Las Vegas Licensing Expo with news of further expansion to its plans for global domination, this time with the launch of the first Emoji branded store in China, and a new partnership with Ferrero to launch a second collection of Kinder Joy confectionery toys.
First up, Good Life Fashion, part of United Trademark Group has launched the first dedicated Emoji store in Chengdu in China. With a population of roughly 15 million people, the city of Chengdu is seen as one of the most important economic, commercial centres in Western China.
The Emoji Company has highlighted the market as ‘key in the retail strategy of any lifestyle player.’
Earlier of 2019 UTG and emoji company finalised a short list of locations for its first emoji retail store in China. UTG is one of the newest licensees to have joined the emoji brand universe.
“This is an excellent partnership and logical step for us to expand together with UTG into the apparel, footwear, bags and accessories categories,” said Marco Hüsges, CEO and founder of the emoji company.
“Valuable content is essential to drive any brand and our new fashion line will clearly make a statement to consumer in the Chinese market and influence the direction of the further brand development globally.”
Both companies are now evaluating other prime locations about its retail expansion and second store opening. UTG’s strong and directly controlled distribution network provides leverage for retail negotiations in prime markets and locations in every province in China. Both companies are also planning to cover market demand on the biggest e-commerce platforms.
Meanwhile, a sweet new partnership extension has seen the emoji company launch a second collection of Kinder Joy confectionery treats featuring emoji collectible toy figurines, through its partnership with Ferrero.
The deal was brokered by Bavaria Media, the emoji company’s agent. Under the terms of the partnership, Kinder Joy treats will include 24 different emoji collectable toys.
There will also be the possibility to listen to music on Ferrero magic Kinder App in line with the mood of each surprise.
A nine digit number of Kinder Joys will be available from May to August 2019 in the European and in Eastern European stores. The partnership will also be supported by an extensive online and offline marketing campaign including TV advertisements.
“We at the emoji company simply love Kinder JOY. Our long lasting partnership with Ferrero is both exciting and innovative. The latest series of Kinder Joy products includes a very cool collection of emoji collectable toys and a voucher to download music.,” added Hüsges.
“We feel this combination is the perfect symbiosis of treat, toys and music. This will be sure making kids and parents happy all over the world.”
Emoji is a registered trademark of the emoji company GmbH.