
Global Merchandising Services Appointed Worldwide Licensing Agent for Iconic Southern California Alternative Lifestyle Brand “BlackCraft”
Los Angeles, CA – Global Merchandising Services “Global”, an award-winning music, celebrity, and lifestyle merchandising company, has been appointed the exclusive global licensing agent for BlackCraft, the iconic Southern California-born alternative lifestyle brand known for its bold designs and alternative ethos. This strategic partnership will expand BlackCraft’s retail distribution, introduce new product categories, and elevate the brand’s global reach, while expanding Global’s lifestyle brand client roster.
Founded in 2012 by Jim Somers and Bobby Schubenski, BlackCraft emerged from a Southern California attic with a $100 investment and a mission to inspire self-empowerment, self-expression, and personal freedom. Over the years, the brand has cultivated a dedicated following, and now with Global on board, BlackCraft is poised for its next evolution.
Bobby Schubenski, co-founder of BlackCraft stated: “Global has no better infrastructure on the planet, no better creative, and I am stoked to be working with industry specialists that equal my passion. Global are right in the thick of it, working with me, while letting me lead at the same time. Having Global’s team supporting my vision and playing to my strengths, while also taking care of my blind spots, is exciting. Global is a well-oiled machine that any clothing brand dreams of having.”
As part of the expansion, BlackCraft recently relaunched a highly anticipated exclusive men’s apparel capsule collection at Hot Topic, marking the first phase of a major retail rollout. The brand will see an expanded release at Hot Topic in fall 2025. Additionally, Spencer’s in the U.S. and EMP in Europe are among the growing list of retailers bringing BlackCraft’s designs to new audiences, with further partnerships to be announced soon.
Beyond apparel, Global will be partnering with best-in-class licensing partners across multiple categories, including footwear, jewelry, stationery, color cosmetics, food & beverage, and more. And BlackCraft’s highly anticipated collaborations with Ice Nine Kills and Famous Monsters will continue to fuel excitement among its loyal fanbase.
“BlackCraft’s unique aesthetic and passionate community make it a perfect fit for Global,” said Benny Lindstrom, CEO, Global Merchandising. “We are excited to support Bobby and his team in expanding the brand’s retail footprint and product offerings. With BlackCraft’s strong vision and our expertise in licensing and branding, the future looks incredibly exciting.”
In addition to its retail growth, BlackCraft has relaunched its e-commerce platform with a fresh redesign, expanded product offerings, and an ongoing slate of exciting drops. This partnership with Global ensures that BlackCraft’s signature style and message of self-empowerment will reach an even wider audience worldwide.
About BlackCraft
Spawned out of a Southern California attic in the summer of 2012, BlackCraft’s inception was the collaborative brainchild of Jim Somers and Bobby Schubenski. The duo began with a sparse one-hundred-dollar investment in their pockets and a singular idea to motivate people in a positive light outside of the realms of organized religion. An idea that has manifested and grown into a leading alternative lifestyle brand with millions of followers across ecommerce and social media, reaching people of all walks of life across the globe. We celebrate self-empowerment, self-expression, and all aspects of life that encourage personal freedom.
About Global Merchandising Services Ltd.
Global Merchandising Services Ltd is an award-winning music, celebrity and lifestyle merchandising company. Headquartered in London and Los Angeles, Global is a licensing powerhouse with world-class expertise in design, product development, branding, manufacturing, and direct sales. Global conducts business across all channels of retail distribution, live events, web shops, pop-up shops, sponsorships, endorsements, and third-party licensing. For more information: http://www.globalmerchservices.com/