Viral sensation The Annoying Orange is ripening for retail as leading entertainment management and production company The Collective announces a merchandise collection set for this fall. Foundation apparel and accessories partners for Orange’s first licensing program include Hybrid Apparel and Accessory Innovations, which have signed on to develop collections for young men and juniors. The deal was brokered on behalf of The Collective by The Joester Loria Group, licensing agent for The Annoying Orange brand.
Created by Dane Boedingheimer, the web series stars a comical Orange who enjoys heckling his produce pals (and other nearby objects) with puns and jokes. Its dedicated YouTube channel has racked up more than 700 million views as of July 2011. Its official website, www.annoyingorange.com, generates nearly 4 million page views each month. “The Annoying Orange is a true phenomenon, maintaining its position as the number-one web series for nearly two years. With millions upon millions of fans engaged online already, we are now looking to provide them with the gear and merchandise, like the new lines from Hybrid and Accessory Innovations, to enjoy the brand beyond YouTube and its web site,” says The Collective’s Michael Green. The Collective is also developing an animated series set for 2012, to be produced by Conrad Vernon (Shrek, Monsters vs. Aliens) and written by Tom Sheppard (Coyote Falls, Back at the Barnyard).
Product designs for the debut line will feature the juicy stars and comedic content straight form the series. Hybrid will present a variety of apparel, including tees and fleece, that will be available at specialty retailers such as Hot Topic and Rue 21, and JC Penney where it will launch as amid-tier exclusive in October. Accessory Innovations will introduce a line of headwear and cold weather accessories in time for Holiday 2011, with bags and accessories to follow in spring 2012. The launch will be supported in part by a multi-platform marketing campaign beginning this fall.
