UK deals were secured by 9 STORY BRANDS, 9 Story’s dedicated brand management and consumer products division and RETAIL MONSTER LTD., 9 Story’s UK-based licensing agent
9 Story Brands and Retail Monster Ltd. are pleased to announce the expansion of the global licensing program for their new animated series Karma’s World from Karma’s World Entertainment and 9 Story Media Group. New partners in the UK include KIDdesigns (Consumer Electronics), Poetic Brands (Apparel, Outerwear and Swim), Cooneen by Design (Nightwear and Underwear), Roy Lowe & Sons Ltd. (Hosiery) and Egmont (Magazines, Colouring and Activity Books). The new UK partners join a growing list of licensees for Karma’s World which include Mattel (global toy), Scholastic (global publishing) and Universal Music Group (global music), as well as Isaac Morris Limited, Hybrid Apparel, Franco Manufacturing Co., Crayola and many others in North America which were announced in fall of 2021.
Karma’s World, which premiered globally on Netflix on October 15, follows 10-year-old Karma Grant, an aspiring musical artist, and rapper with big talent and an even bigger heart. Based on a concept from Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges, every episode is infused with hip-hop music, streetwear fashion, and original choreography. The series focuses on themes of self-expression, identity, leadership, creativity, and the importance of community. A second season launched on March 10, 2022. Through strategic licensing agreements, 9 Story Brands aims to bring the story and messaging of Karma’s World to life. Retail Monster Ltd. Is the licensing agent for the UK and Ireland, and will be introducing consumer products in 2022.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with so many best-in-class licensees in the UK,” said Kristin Lecour, Co-VP of Consumer Products for 9 Story Brands. “The response to the series from audiences around the world has been incredibly moving and it will be exciting to see Karma’s World jump from the screen to shelf later this year.”
Gemma Witts, Managing Director of Retail Monster commented, “We are so excited to be partnering with 9 Story and Karma’s World Entertainment on this property. Karma’s World is so fresh and relevant to kids today, and we have had an overwhelmingly positive response from retailers and licensees. We cannot wait to bring great products and retail activations to life that reflect the incredible DNA and integrity of this special property. It is an absolute privilege for us to be working on Karma’s World.”
Karma’s World recently partnered with UK based magazine Cocoa Girl, as a sponsor of the magazine’s first-ever Cocoa Kids Fest event which took place last fall in Dulwich, London. The event was attended by almost 4,000 people and included messaging from Chris Bridges, a Karma’s World based rap workshop, onsite signage, Karma’s World goodie bags and Karma’s World t-shirts worn by event staff. As a follow up to the event, Karma’s World took over the cover of Cocoa Girl’s November issue along with a feature interview with Chris Bridges.
About 9 Story Brands
9 Story Brands is the dedicated brand management and consumer products division of 9 Story Media Group, a leading content creator, producer and distributor of kids and family focused intellectual property. 9 Story Brands builds international entertainment brands for kids, with expertise across creative, brand marketing and licensing. 9 Story Brands manage merchandising rights for top children’s properties including Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Clifford The Big Red Dog, Colorforms, Wild Kratts, Super Why! and Karma’s World.
About Retail Monster
Retail Monster Ltd. is a global brand extension and licensing company that develops and delivers family brands to retail shelf for Intellectual Property Holders, Retailers, and Product Suppliers alike, through our best-in-class retail relationships, and extensive expertise and capabilities within Licensing, Creative, Marketing, and Sales.
About Karma’s World Entertainment
Karma’s World Entertainment, founded by Chris Bridges, is an entertainment media company dedicated to helping kids develop self-esteem, healthy living, creativity and leadership skills through fun music and problem-solving educational programs, with an appreciation for diversity.
About Chris Bridges
Chris Bridges, sometimes professionally known as “Ludacris” is a successful actor, producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist as well as one of pop music’s most successful recording artists. Chris currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia. His love for his community led him to found The Ludacris Foundation (TLF), in 2001. This nonprofit organization seeks to inspire youth through education and memorable experiences and to uplift families and communities, while fostering economic development. For more information on TLF check out theludacrisfoundation.org.