Nelvana has signed an exclusive merchandising deal with Sears, Roebuck and Co. in the u.s. to promote Franklin, one of the prodco’s fastest growing character brands.

‘With the support of the Sears program and partnership, we expect the Franklin brand to generate over us$100 million in North American retail sales in 2000, and us$150 million worldwide by the end of 2001,’ says Michael Hirsh, Nelvana co-ceo.

The merchandising program offers Sears exclusivity on Franklin apparel and accessories in its more than 850 stores for the promotional period starting in summer 2000 and running through to spring the following year.

Nelvana is in negotiations with various Canadian retail outlets to carry the Franklin apparel line.

Samantha Yaffe