Hello Kitty is heading to Hollywood: the capitalist hellride thunders on!
After a torrent of tat – from toilet paper to tasteless jewellery – branded with Kitty’s likeness, the movie was inevitable. Allow us to burst the joy bubble
April 2015
Top clubs must invest 5% of TV income in grassroots – Labour manifesto
Labour has vowed to legislate if required to force Premier League clubs to redistribute more than £400m of record TV income to grassroots sport
January 2015
From dog food taster to eel ecologist: six jobs that are surprisingly enjoyable
If you’re dreading the return to work after the holidays, remember it could be worse. Six people talk about their jobs, from a dog-food taster to a hygiene technician who has to clear up crime scenes …
November 2014
Peppa Pig rolling in it as brand merchandising set to top $1bn this year
Entertainment One, which owns the rights to pre-school cartoon character, strikes deal with US distributor with Wal-Mart links
July 2014
A Lee Sharpe cardboard cut-out and a papal visit bus-pass: your weirdest memorabilia
They may not own up to any UKIP ties or teacake costumes, but our readers were happy to admit to owning an array of tat
September 2011
Bagpuss licensee to be sold for £4.2m
Coolabi – which licenses the distribution rights for the old, saggy, cloth cat and the Purple Ronnie card brand – looks set to be taken over by a venture capital group
April 2011
Happy Days actors are suing for merchandising revenue? What merchandise?
Sam Leith
Sam Leith: You'd think of £240m of Ralph Malph frightwigs were extant in the world, we'd have noticed them
How to get Hit Entertainment back on track?
The Thomas the Tank Engine owner is up for sale after a period of private equity ownership which failed to deliver. By Juliette Garside
Thomas the Tank Engine and Bob the Builder may part company in HIT sale
HIT Entertainment up for sale, although split between Thomas & Friends and Bob the Builder, Angelina Ballerina, Fireman Sam and Pingu is not the favoured option
September 2010
Why children's television has to rely on merchandising deals
The Simpsons is top TV brand of all time, says survey
July 2010
Media interview
HMV's Simon Fox on transforming a retailer into an entertainment superbrand
Chief executive wants to link live performances, ticketing, merchandising and digital products to enhance sales. By Alexandra Topping
April 2010
Hit Entertainment strikes a deal with lenders
The owner of Thomas the Tank Engine made the the deal after being forced to reduce the value of its assets by £326m. By Mark Sweney
June 2009
Simon Cowell and Philip Green to form entertainment business
Multibillion-dollar TV production, talent management and merchandising venture will be fronted by Cowell. By Ben Dowell
January 2009
Poor Christmas trading for Postman Pat company Entertainment Rights
Postman Pat rights owner Entertainment Rights has reported disappionting toy and other merchandising sales for the crucial Christmas period. By Stephen Brook
December 2008
In the Night Garden set to replace Winnie the Pooh as top UK infants' toy
Watched the show? Now buy the frying pan
October 2008
Thomas heads for China
Thomas the Tank Engine makes tracks for Chinese television
July 2008
BBC Worldwide to review children's strategy after £7.2m annual loss
A 'fundamental strategic review' of BBC Worldwide's kids' programming and merchandising business - home to the Teletubbies - has been announced. By Mark Sweney
