The Zelfs to star in store events across the UK

Character Options is hosting a weekend of fun at all four Hamleys stores across 9-12 August 2013, to mark the launch of The Zelfs.Zelfs300

The activity coincides with a month of fun in independent stores, with competitions, sampling and photo opportunities taking place throughout the UK.

The Zelfs are the new collectable dolls that have already received considerable media attention following Hamleys’ Christmas in June event. As one of its most important launches of the year, Character Options has put in place a full multimedia schedule of marketing that has already seen the launch of a collectors magazine, girls press features, competitions and a heavyweight TV advertising campaign.

The activities also includes delivering an experience at retail with staff wearing Zelfs wigs and t-shirts, displaying highly-visible POS and standees, while also sampling to the target market. In addition, the firm has launched a national Create a Zelf competition. Forms will be available in store with coveted prizes of complete sets of the  dolls.

Andrea Smith, Character Options’ brand manager, said: “The Zelfs has already got off to a great start with sales far exceeding expectation in the first week on shelf. We are ramping up the activity and taking the Zelfs to the heart of the high street with highly visible events. The sampling and giving out of collector’s posters is also a key part of the strategy as we know that these dolls are so adorable that once a girl has one she will want to collect them all.”

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Smurfs to tour UK’s Smyths Toys Superstores

Jakks has confirmed a series of Smurfs costume character visits to a host of Smyths Toys Superstores across the UK this Summer. jakkssmurfs300

To support the launch of the Jakks Master Toy line across stores nationwide, Papa Smurf will be making exclusive appearances at ten Smyths Toys Superstores across the UK during August supported by a range of in-store promotional activities. The tour will commence this Saturday, 10 August, at the new Smyths Toys Superstore in Maidstone and culminate in Barnsley on 8 September.

Ken Goodison, marketing director at Jakks Pacific, said: “Costume character tours are a fantastic medium through which to engage consumers with the brand in this big Smurfs year. The visual impact of having Papa Smurf in stores as part of a dedicated Smurfs campaign over the key summer holiday period is certain to raise awareness of both the classic and movie toy lines which roll out across all stores this month.”

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