DKB Toys & Distribution has been appointed as the UK distribution partner for toy brand Melissa & Doug, encompassing over 2,000 UK customers from summer 2021 onwards.
Melissa & Doug will continue to service key customers directly, with DKB picking up the extended customer base.
DKB will have full domestic stock of all Melissa & Doug skus which will be fully integrated onto its new website, which is launching soon.
In addition, DKB will support the partnership by expanding the field sales team, focusing primarily on independents, while the company will also represent Melissa & Doug at future trade shows.
“I am absolutely delighted to work with Melissa & Doug, a brand which will be at the forefront of our fantastic offerings at DKB,” commented Chris Lohmeyer, md of DKB. “Our partnership will be mainly focused on independent customers, giving them the best service and good stock levels of key products all year round via our website and Khaos system.”
Grant Gie, international sales director at Melissa & Doug, added: “The decision to execute a hybrid model was simply based on serviceability – DKB’s set up offers Melissa & Doug’s customers full flexibility when ordering across our 18 toy categories – 24 hours a day 365 days a year.
“I was very impressed with DKB’s commitment to delivering our brand and products wider and deeper than ever before in the UK. Their ambition matched ours, as demand for our product continues to go from strength to strength. We’re one united team across two companies, with one strategy and growth goal for the UK business and we’re very much looking forward to a successful year ahead.”
Melissa & Doug made a significant investment in its first ever UK and global TV and digital advertising campaign earlier this year. Coupled with the new distribution partnership, the toy brand is aiming to continue momentum and growth via its cross-channel POS during the rest of 2021 and beyond.
