Global Merchandise Slate Features New Licensees In Apparel, Collectibles, Costumes, Home Goods, Publishing, Beverages And More Ahead of Highly Anticipated Return of YouTube Premium Series
Select Products Arrive Exclusively at Spencer’s Retail Locations Nationwide April 22 while YouTube and Teespring to Launch New Online Fan Shop This Summer
CULVER CITY, Calif., – April 24, 2019 – As fans prepare for the return of critically acclaimed YouTube Premium series Cobra Kai April 24, Sony Pictures Consumer Products (SPCP) has unveiled a multi-category licensing program in support of season two.
Spencer’s, located in malls across the U.S. and Canada, famous for its attitude and celebration of pop culture through merchandise, will be the exclusive retailer for Cobra Kai. Select products arrive in Spencer’s stores April 22, in time for the season two debut. Featuring an all-star roster of licensees and first-ever product categories, the newly reimagined franchise will allow fans to engage with a wide range of products around the globe.
Spencer’s exclusive retail partnership kicks things off on May 6, with a limited edition in-store gift with purchase across all 680+ store locations. Featuring iconic show elements fans will get to choose whether their allegiance is to Cobra Kai or Miyagi Dojo!
Season two draws fans back into a reignited rivalry between the iconic characters from the legendary Karate Kid films, Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka). Based on Bananarama’s 1984 hit song “Cruel Summer” from the original film, season two’s theme will extend to newly licensed products from SPCP throughout the year, with partners such as IDW Publishing, Silver Screen Bottling Company, Funko and NECA, in addition to Bioworld Merchandising, Active Brand Commerce and Fifth Sun.
Giving fans direct access to shop official Cobra Kai and Karate Kid merchandise online, The Araca Group, which launched the Cobra Kai store in December 2018, has expanded the line of products in time for the new season. SPCP will also partner with Teespring and YouTube to develop an online destination that combines content and commerce for the first time, featuring a store link that will be visible on all Cobra Kai YouTube content pages, allowing fans to directly purchase products from apparel to home décor.
“Cobra Kai became an instant pop culture phenomenon with its debut last year, reconnecting fans to the Karate Kid brand they’ve known and loved for 35 years,” said Jamie Stevens, EVP Worldwide Consumer Products. “For the second season premiere, SPCP’s relationships with retailers like Spencer’s and Teespring, as well as our incredible licensee network, allow us to further connect with the devoted Cobra Kai fanbase through premium products that deeply resonate with their fandom and extend the property beyond the screen.”
“Spencer’s is excited to be selected as the brick-and-morter retailer to offer exclusive Cobra Kai products to loyal fans of the series,” said Holly Rawlinson, VP/GM Licensing and New Business, Spencer’s. “Spencer’s has always been on the forefront of pop culture and this retail partnership furthers our commitment to shoppers in offering the latest trends in apparel and accessories.”
For more information on official Cobra Kai products, visit cobrakaistore.com and spencersonline.com.
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About Cobra Kai Season Two
Season two brings fans back into the action with Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) after the shocking season one cliffhanger featuring the return of John Kreese (Martin Kove). When a new rivalry between opposing dojos is born in the aftermath of Cobra Kai’s controversial win at the All Valley Championships, Daniel realizes his next countermove is to open his karate training school called Miyagi-Do in honor of his mentor, Mr. Miyagi.
What was once a personal feud between Daniel and Johnny escalates beyond their differences to engulf their students, who, as teenagers, are already challenged to figure out who they are and who they want to be. Which path will they follow – Cobra Kai or Miyagi-Do?
About Spencer’s
Spencer’s is the ultimate destination to find the latest edgy, outrageous and unique accessories and apparel. For more than 70 years, Spencer’s has celebrated, embraced and created current trends through T-shirts, accessories, jewelry, drinkware and more. Founded in 1947 as a mail order catalog in Pennsylvania, the company opened its first brick-and-mortar store in 1963 and has since grown to more than 680+ retail locations in addition to an online presence. To find the latest products and styles, visit spencersonline.com to locate the nearest store.
About Sony Pictures Consumer Products
Sony Pictures Consumer Products (SPCP) is the licensing and merchandising division of Sony Pictures’ Motion Picture Group and Sony Pictures Television for Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE), which is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services, and technologies. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit https://www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions.html.
Media Contacts:
Ruth Devereaux
Sony Pictures Consumer Products
310-224-5330
Pamela Chinawah
B/HI on behalf of SPCP
310-694-3246
