Gatineau, Quebec, February 6, 2012 -- Embarking on an exciting new collaboration for its National Merchandise Program, Parks Canada is pleased to announce it has awarded a Merchandise License Agreement to Cotton Candy Inc. and creative partner Roots Canada to manage the sales and complete supply-chain process of its merchandise program, following a public tendering process.
“We are very pleased to be working with two excellent Canadian companies, Cotton Candy Inc. and Roots Canada,” said Parks Canada CEO Alan Latourelle. “Making souvenirs available to visitors will strengthen the connections that Canadians and international visitors alike have made to our nation’s treasured places. The availability of a unified merchandise line will also help raise awareness of Parks Canada programs and services.”
The new agreement will harness the winning product design and retail industry expertise of Cotton Candy Inc. and Roots Canada to build quality products with market appeal that reflect the values of Parks Canada. The official merchandise will be available at national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas, as well as online, in time for the visitor season in spring 2012.
“Cotton Candy is immensely proud to be working alongside Parks Canada in their continuing efforts to protect and promote our country’s greatest natural and historic treasures,” said John Houlding, President of Cotton Candy Inc. “In partnership with Roots Canada, Cotton Candy will develop a unique line of products which will showcase the Parks Canada emblem and embrace the spirit of Canada’s beautiful national parks and historic sites. We consider it an honour to be asked to help grow the Parks Canada brand and we are elated at the prospect of doing so.”
As part of its involvement in the program, Roots will play a central role in designing the merchandise. The products will range from custom apparel (such as T-shirts, hoodies, toques, scarves and caps) to Canadian-made Roots leather goods (such as accessories and bags). Roots will begin carrying the merchandise in 2012 with a full rollout of products online and in its stores next year.
“As a company that has always celebrated and been inspired by Canada’s physical beauty, Roots is thrilled to be part of this new initiative with Parks Canada and Cotton Candy,” said Roots Co-Founder Don Green. “We look forward to this program paying tribute to our country’s rich heritage and incredible wilderness sites and national parks.”
The revenues from retail sales of official merchandise in outlets at Parks Canada places will help support the protection, presentation and education activities in those places. The royalties from the Licence Agreement will be used to support Parks Canada programs.
Parks Canada works to ensure Canada’s historic and natural heritage is protected and, through a network of 42 national parks, 167 national historic sites, and four national marine conservation areas, invites Canadians and people around the world to engage in personal moments of inspiring discovery at our treasured natural and historic places.
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Information:
Media Relations
Parks Canada
819-953-8371
www.twitter.com/parkscanada
