LOS ANGELES, June 8, 2004 -- After focusing their successful business on developing and manufacturing licensed products and items such as plush figurines and numerous other novelty items, Applause LLC announced today a major new strategy shift in business and philosophy.
Effective immediately, Applause, LLC will say goodbye to their 22 year old relationship and partnership with Disney, and will instead concentrate on developing exclusive properties and proprietary brands such as their Dream Pets, as well as focusing their energies growing their portfolio of existing characters that have more exclusive distribution. These include such well known brands as The Simpsons, Snoopy, Curious George and Raggedy Anne and Andy to name a few.
With the early success of their own newly re-launched phenomenon, Dream Pets, Applause "Chief Dream Officer," Bob Solomon stated, "It's time to focus on characters and properties like our Dream Pets because we can completely control their distribution and destiny. We are so passionate about the product, that it only makes sense to put 100% of our efforts behind it. Additionally, with brands such as The Simpson's, Snoopy and Curious George, we are able to offer greater growth opportunities for our business, thereby enabling Applause the ability to bring exciting new products to the marketplace."
After a 22 year relationship with Disney, the decision did not come easy. "The Disney characters have played an important role in both personal and business affairs," noted Solomon. "The characters are near and dear to my heart. Developing products for the Disney brand enabled us to combine our passion for plush and our love of the Disney characters into hundreds of successful consumer products. Ending this relationship marks the conclusion of a long chapter, and while unfortunate, the financial benefits enable us to initiate the next generation of Applause properties and products."
With the re-launch of the Dream Pets, Applause intends to shift its emphasis on licensing and developing the Dream Pets nationally and worldwide. The vintage toy characters were a worldwide phenomenon in the 1960's and 1970's, and they have just begun to infiltrate the U.S. market once again, as well as their birthplace, Japan. "Our partnership with Sega Toys Co. marks the beginning of a global launch of the Dream Pets brand once again," says Solomon. "We are excited about the unlimited possibilities that the Dream Pets will bring in the future."
About Applause:
Applause LLC is in the business of bringing smiles to people's faces. Specializing in the design, manufacturing and international distribution of high quality, innovative plush, collectibles and gift items, Applause LLC creates products for all ages.
