Wolverine World Wide has signed a multi-year contract with Russ Berrie and Company, Inc. to manufacture and market Hush Puppies branded plush toys.
“Hush Puppies is one of the world's foremost global footwear brands with one of the most well-loved icons in the world, the trademark Hush Puppies basset hound,” said Skip Zimmerman, President of the Hush Puppies Company, a division of Wolverine World Wide. “RUSS is a premier toy and gift company known for its creativity and quality. Through this partnership, we can extend the Hush Puppies brand worldwide.”
The global license agreement will allow the Hush Puppies plush program to be available through the vast network of Hush Puppies licensees in more than 130 countries. The plush will be distributed in the United States through the RUSS sales force to prestigious gift, specialty and toy stores.
“We are very excited to partner with such an established and reputable brand as Hush Puppies,” said Andy Gatto, President and CEO of Russ Berrie and Company. “In addition to creating huggable, plush versions of Hush Puppies trademark basset hound, our creative team is working on new designs for seasonal and holiday products that will appeal to consumers who associate the Hush Puppies brand with fun and style.”
