The money will be spent on remodeling to accommodate expanded merchandise assortments and a broader merchandise mix, as well as for certain other customer service improvements.
All are getting expanded merchandising, from key chains and lunch boxes to puzzles and CD-ROM's, as the licensing of children's book characters becomes a story in itself.
Earlier this year, Delta revamped its online Marketplace, smoothing the purchase process and expanding the merchandise to include everything from a ¾-pound tin of Godiva chocolates (8,500 miles) to laptops (285,000 miles).
Ms. Stewart, who is chairwoman of the company she founded in 1997, said that the company would focus on expanding its merchandising division and its international growth.
Lee was impressed with how the bootstrapped studio has carved out a definite identity of characters, and sees potential in the franchise expanding to merchandising, tv and other platforms, similar to the way Rovio has expanded its Angry Birds empire.
In 2001, SpongeBob SquarePants signed a marketing deal with Target Corporation and Burger King, expanding its merchandising.
The show signed a marketing deal with Target Corporation and Burger King, expanding its merchandising, and SpongeBob's popularity translated well into sales figures.
This week the company will vastly expand the merchandise people can order decorated with their photos.
After their enormous success on mobile devices, the birds expanded to merchandise, and a film is in the works.
Vision Quest expanded its merchandise to include DVD's, games, home theater and stereo equipment and cellphones.
