MHS deal will bring Cranston Print Works’ licensing to Japan

-- Home Textiles Today, 8/12/2009 2:06:00 PM

Minneapolis -- MHS Licensing has partnered with SCT Inc, an international trading company based in Tokyo, to sub-represent Cranston Print Works’ 120-year-old archives in the Japanese market.

Cranston Print Works prints and patterns have been licensing in the United States for a range of products, including bedding ensembles, according to the company.

SCT specializing in the fashion and consumer markets and represents a number of properties in Japan, including Historic Royal Palaces, Royal Mail, Russian art, and overseas artists, as well as Japanese artists and illustrators worldwide.

“Despite the difficulties facing the market right now, we see great potential for Cranston and look forward to developing it into a major brand in the Japan market, rivaling the popularity once enjoyed by Liberty and Laura Ashley,” said Brian Gregory, an SCT principal.

Cranston will officially launch in Japan during the License Asia show in October. However, said Gregory, “We have already received strong interest from interior and bedding companies.”

Collectively, MHS Licensing’s artists generate nearly $100 million in annual sales through licensee partners, according to the company.