Sanrio Announces New Licensing Agreements

Sanrio, the global lifestyle brand best known for pop icon Hello Kitty®, has announced new licensing agreements for 2015. The global lifestyle brand continues to enjoy a timeless, multi-generational appeal through the enduring popularity of their most beloved character, Hello Kitty and many more Sanrio characters. The agreements reinforce Sanrio's strategy to broaden its product offering while delivering unique designs and products that cater to specific segments of Sanrio's broad fan base.

Collaborations: In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Little Twin Stars® characters, Sanrio will be partnering with American Greetings Properties on its iconic brand, Care Bears. This partnership was originally launched in Japan with an assortment of lifestyle products and an experiential pop up cafe, and will be making its way to the U.S. this Holiday 2015. The program will kick off with a fashion collection designed by JapanLA Clothing Company featuring Little Twin Stars and Care Bears together in a series of cute and whimsical graphics.

Expanding into the Food Space: Sanrio introduces some new food products, including Hello Kitty Kikkoman Soy Sauce Dispenser bottle which makes its debut in the U.S. this summer. Pillsbury will introduce Hello Kitty Pillsbury refrigerated cookie dough to stores across the U.S., just in time for Back to School 2015. Exclusive SPAM® Hello Kitty musubi kits are available on the Hello Kitty's Supercute Friendship Festival tour.

Digital: PicCollage, the most popular collage-making photo app, will be releasing Hello Kitty sticker sets globally in June on iOS and Android. PicCollage has over 90 million users.

For Juniors:
Vinca Whimsical laser-cut jewelry in birch wood, a broad selection of acrylics, as well as a dose of unexpected edge in the form of holographic iridescent acrylic necklaces embellished with a variety of gunmetal, silver-plated and gold-plated chains. The collection will include bangles, earrings, necklaces, rings and will feature characters Hello Kitty, Little Twin Stars, My Melody®, Badtz-Maru® and Chococat®.

Brick Brick Hello Kitty and friends Keroppi, Chococat, Badtz-Maru, My Melody and Little Twin Stars will be featured on kids and adult fashion caps with Brick Brick's signature interchangeable front plate for easy customization and unique looks.

The Classic Brand A new collection of Hello Kitty junior sportswear from The Classic Brand is curated for the modern woman on-the-go. With luxury fabrications and on-trend silhouettes, The Classic Brand offers a comprehensive apparel collection to suit every style and occasion.

For Kids:
Vaultz-Idea Stream Look for Hello Kitty on premium lockable storage solution cases including pencil boxes, binder pouches, electronic cases and storage cases. Products will be available at select retail stores starting for Back to School 2015.

Kid O Specialty line of infant and kids toys featuring Hello Kitty. Thoughtfully designed with a clean and modern aesthetic, Kid O toys engage and stimulate children via a rich variety of shapes, colors, and sizes, allowing for endless possibilities of open-ended and creative play.

About Sanrio
Sanrio is the global lifestyle brand best known for pop icon Hello Kitty, who is celebrating her 40th Anniversary this year. Home to many endearing characters including Chococat, My Melody, Badtz-Maru and Keroppi, Sanrio was founded on the 'small gift, big smile' philosophy - that a small gift can bring happiness and friendship to people of all ages. Since 1960, this philosophy has served as the inspiration for the broad spectrum of unique products and experiences. Today, more than 50,000 Sanrio-branded items are available in over 70 countries and upwards of 15,000 U.S. retail locations including department, specialty, national chain stores and over 80 Sanrio boutiques. For more information please visit www.sanrio.com and www.facebook.com/hellokitty.

Media requests: Orsi Public Relations
Dyann Hawkins/Janet Orsi (323)874-4073
dyann@orsipr.com/janet@orsipr.com