GBI secures Enesco as master gift partner for From Frank

By Robert Hutchins

Gift item will include mugs, coasters, notebooks, desk plaques, tote bags, clocks, wall art pet bowls, pet canisters and more, with product available in time for Christmas 2015.

Genius Brands International has signed Enesco as the master gift partner for its populr property, From Frank.

According to the firm, the agreement will 'significantly broaden the retail presence of the From Frank brand' and will see the firm develop  range of traditional gift products featuring the anthropomorphic witticisms of its canine and feline themed images.

Gift item will include mugs, coasters, notebooks, desk plaques, tote bags, clocks, wall art pet bowls, pet canisters and more, with product available in time for Christmas 2015.

"You don't have to be a dog or cat lover to appreciate the infectious humour and good-natured advice that From Frank conveys," said GBI's president of global consumer products, Stone Newman.  

"Enesco instantly recognised that the humour of From Frank, a leading greeting card card line, would easily and organically translate to a broad range of gift products. We look forward to collaborating with Enesco to further the reach of the From Frank brand through a broader array of products based on the same great humour that has been a proven market leader since debuting as a greeting card line in 2013." 

Kathi Lentzsch, Enesco's chief merchandising officer, added: "The fun and humor synonymous with the From Frank brand align nicely with Enesco’s creative vision for introducing contemporary products that speak to today’s consumer, reminding them to take life a little less seriously and, ultimately, making them smile.

"From Frank complements a number of Enesco’s popular brand product lines and augments the humour and fun of our current gift offerings.”

A 2015 Wall Calendar and 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzles (Calendar Club); and pins, stickers, air fresheners, and magnets (Hot Properties) are under development. GBI is also currently in discussions with partners to develop pet products, stationery, party supplies, apparel, accessories, plush, novelty and more.

“We could not be more excited than to have a best in class partner like Enesco to help facilitate Frank’s goal of making humans smile,” said brand owner and founder Kate Smith.

“These categories were a high priority for Frank because he knows that mugs, notebooks, and other gift items are seen and used by human’s daily so this opportunity to bring a smile to humans everywhere made this the perfect partnership for us as we grow the brand.”