The Joester Loria Group has been appointed to represent global QSR juggernaut McDonald’s, marking the chain’s return to a broad outbound licensing program after an absence of more than 15 years.

A selection of licensed products – primarily apparel and collectibles – will be available later this year and there will be a “heavy focus” on collaborations, says Joester Loria SVP James Slifer. McDonald’s has a long history partnering with fashion brands dating to the 1980s.

McDonald’s currently has one licensee, Funko, which has vinyl figures.  Joester Loria and McDonald’s global marketing group are also developing pop-up events featuring the brand’s characters.

The news of JLG’s appointment follows the launch late last year of the Golden Arches Unlimited online store, which offers a mix of lifestyle products featuring the brand including loungewear, socks, hoodies, tote bags, umbrellas and more. McDonald’s also brought back some classic Happy Meals toys in November as part of a four-day promotion at its restaurants