Hot Topic hot on movie merchandising
Trendy teen retailer Hot Topic is banking on the popularity of the upcoming animated movie The Book of Life to drive sales of an exclusive merchandise offering inspired by the 20th Century Fox and Reel FX Animation Studios film.
The movie arrives in theaters October 17 and Hot Topic in partnership with Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products has introduced a graphically-stunning limited-edition collection of fashion apparel inspired by the fantasy-adventure film.
“The beautiful costumes and striking scenery in The Book of Life provided the perfect inspiration for a collection that celebrates Mexican culture – past and present – with a bit of rockabilly style our customers will be really excited about,” said Cindy Levitt, SVP of merchandising and marketing at Hot Topic.
The product line includes curious sounding item such as a Land of the Remembered Circle Skirt for $32.50, a La Muerte Print Dress for $44.50 and a Ombre Land of the Living Tank Dress for $29.50. Some other items include a Black Sugar Skull Embroidered Button Cardigan for $39.50, a La Muerte Retro Goddess Dress for $49.50, an Evening Skyline Circle Skirt for $32.50 and a Maria Embroidered Floral Off-Shoulder Dress for $49.50.
The merchandising initiative is similar in concept to a program Hot Topic undertook earlier this year with the release of the Disney film Maleficent featuring Angelina Jolie as the dark anti-hero. The retailer introduced a line of apparel inspired by imagery from the film when it was released in April.
The upcoming The Book of Life movie hits theaters in time for Halloween and features the voices Channing Tatum, Zoe Saldana, Diego Luna, Ron Perlman, Ice Cube and Danny Trejo and music from the likes of Radiohead, Biz Markie, Mumford & Sons and Us the Duo.
“The Book of Life is going to be nothing short of a spectacular visual feast. Hot Topic captured the same artistic spirit and successfully translated quality graphics and animated costumes into a wearable fashion collection,” said Roz Nowicki, EVP of global sales and retail at Fox Consumer Products. “This partnership contains something really special to excite and engage fans around the globe who wish to express themselves in such a festive and fashionable way.”
As for the movie, it chronicles the journey of Manolo, a young man who is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart. Before choosing which path to follow, he embarks on an adventure that spans three fantastical worlds where he must face his greatest fears.