9 Story Brands and HappyNest Entertainment Appoint Retail Monster to Drive UK Licensing and Retail Programme for Paris & Pups
9 Story Brands and HappyNest Entertainment have appointed Retail Monster as the UK consumer products licensing and retail agent for Paris & Pups, as the brand begins its global licensing rollout. The announcement marks an exciting next step in the consumer products strategy for the hotly anticipated digital-first series.
With a global publishing rollout from Scholastic, and master toy launch from Playmates in 2026, the momentum continues to build around the brand. Retail Monster will drive the UK licensing and retail strategy, securing key categories including Fashion and Accessories, Back to School, FMCG, and more.
Launched in September 2025 on YouTube with weekly episodes, Paris & Pups has quickly amassed more than 25 million views across the platform.* The series follows the lives of Paris Star and her five fabulous pups, the Sweetie Squad, at The Fabuluxe Hotel, where they spread kindness, confidence, and STARKLE wherever they go. Targeted at kids with a sweet spot of 5-8 year-olds, and inspired by Paris Hilton and her pups, the series celebrates friendship, fun, and embracing your inner Star!
Kristin Lecour, VP Consumer Products at 9 Story commented: “Paris & Pups represents an exciting milestone for us as our first digital-first property, and we’re thrilled to see the brand gaining momentum as it begins to expand internationally. We’ve had a long and trusted relationship with the Retail Monster team, and we couldn’t ask for a better partner to lead the UK strategy. Their passion for the brand and deep retail experience make them a natural fit as Paris & Pups continues to connect with fans and partners around the world.”
Hannah Redler, VP Brand Licensing and Retail Development Retail Monster commented: “Retail Monster has enjoyed many years of working with the 9 Story team, and we are utterly thrilled to be partnering on Paris & Pups. The brand has the perfect blend of loveable characters, positivity and compelling play patterns that truly resonate with today’s kids. With key trade shows ahead, we absolutely cannot wait to get started!”
Paris & Pups is developed and produced by Paris Hilton’s next-gen media company 11:11 Media; HappyNest Entertainment, a joint venture from UTA and Stampede Ventures; and 9 Story Media Group, a leading creator, producer and distributor of kids and family content. Retail Monster also leads licensing efforts in the U.S. with 9 Story Brands overseeing licensing across all other international markets.
About Retail Monster
Retail Monster is a global licensing agency, specialising in developing and delivering family brands to retail and consumers, serving intellectual property holders, retailers, and product suppliers. Leveraging their top-tier retail relationships and extensive expertise in licensing, creative, marketing, and sales, Retail Monster ensures the successful placement and promotion of brands that surprises and delights fans and consumers.
About 9 Story Media Group
9 Story Media Group is a leading creator, producer and distributor of kids and family-focused intellectual property, now part of Scholastic’s portfolio. Its award-winning animation studio, Brown Bag Films, is recognized around the world for best-in-class brands such as Doc McStuffins, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Octonauts, Wild Kratts, and Blue’s Clues & You. The company’s international distribution arm, 9 Story Distribution International, represents 5,000 half-hours of animated and live-action programming, seen on some of the most respected international channels and platforms. Its in-house consumer products division, 9 Story Brands, builds international entertainment brands for kids, with expertise across creative, brand marketing, and licensing. www.9story.com
About HappyNest Entertainment
HappyNest is an independent, franchise-first kids and family entertainment media company that forms strategic partnerships with best-in-class talent to create and produce the next big kids franchises. HappyNest incubates and funds new, original IP for kids and families to engage with across diverse media verticals.