Just Born Retail Group Hires Brand Activation Consulting for Licensing

BETHLEHEM, Pa., Oct. 29, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Just Born Retail Group, the retail division of iconic candy manufacturer Just Born Quality Confections, has finalized a multi-year agreement with Brand Activation Consulting (BAC) to serve as the candy brand's national licensing agency, effective October 30. The retail division selected BAC through a competitive process due to their extensive experience working with retail businesses.

Just Born Retail Group offers merchandise representing the popular PEEPS®, HOT TAMALES®, MIKE AND IKE® and GOLDENBERG'S® PEANUT CHEWS® brands through three brick and mortar stores, an online shop and placement within other national retailers. Through the partnership with Just Born Retail Group, BAC will develop an enhanced licensing program.

"We see great potential in expanding our merchandise and partnerships through licensing opportunities with BAC," said Kimberly Stiele, Managing Director of the Just Born Retail Group. "We strive to continually deliver new and innovative products to our fans and know that the creativity, shared values and successful track record BAC brings to the table will benefit us greatly."

New Jersey-based BAC has more than 20 years of licensing experience with a focus on bringing exciting and innovative merchandising strategies, ideas and products to retail companies. BAC boasts an impressive portfolio featuring retail development within business categories including: confection brands, television shows, fast food chains and children's toys. 

"Just Born Retail Group has an extensive background manufacturing iconic candy brands and our background is a natural fit to elevate their retail division," said Bob Traub, Principal at Brand Activation Consulting. "We know our expertise will propel the Just Born Retail Group into a dynamic future."

The retail branch has implemented successful co-branding initiatives with several major companies including top movie franchises and specialty retailers. For the past 12 years, Just Born company's worked with Lisa Marks Associates, Inc. (LMA) who helped to develop and launch the company's foundational licensing program. Earlier this month after a sweet tenure together, LMA and Just Born Retail Group decided to part ways at the conclusion of the current term as the Just Born Retail Group embarks on a new path toward direct sourcing of retail programs.

About Just Born Retail Group:
Just Born Retail Group creates products that shoppers of all ages will love, featuring all of their favorite Just Born brands including PEEPS®, HOT TAMALES®, MIKE AND IKE® and GOLDENBERG'S®  PEANUT CHEWS®.  In addition to great tasting candy, Just Born offers an array of high-quality branded items such as apparel, accessories and gifts. Visit the PEEPS & COMPANY® online store or one of three retail stores located in Center Valley, PA, National Harbor, MD and the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN. Just Born branded products can also be found at retailers nationwide, including in popular candy and toy chain stores.

About Brand Activation Consulting:
Brand Activation Consulting, a full business development agency, is focused on driving revenue and increasing marketing touch points for commercial brands via various business models including; launch strategy, retail development, sales, strategic partnerships, licensing, joint venture / acquisition and business planning. Principles, Bob Traub and Michelle McLaughlin, have held various executive positions successfully nurturing entertainment and blue chip brands to commercial success in U.S. retail and abroad. BAC provides strategic and tactical services to our roster of clients; Build-A-Bear Workshop, Mattel Asia, A+E Networks, Little Pim, Reckitt Benckiser and Groovio.  Each project is approached with one simple philosophy, "All brands are not created equal and strategy is everything." 

SOURCE Just Born Quality Confections