Two Cool Cats

By Sarah Mandel -- Gifts & Decorative Accessories, 6/30/2003

Two Cool Cats

Max & Lucy take a big leap from stationery to licensing.

Shortly after founding their stationery company five years ago, Russ Haan and Mike Oleskow took in two cats, Max and Lucy. The two felines have since been immortalized as the namesakes of a line that is characterized by sleek illustrations paired with minimal text. The simplicity of the Phoenix-based company's designs is mirrored by its division of labor: Oleskow focuses on the business side of things while Haan is the company's creative source. From the start, their distinctive product made an impression on a not-too-easily-impressed industry, as evidenced by the 14 LOUIE Awards they've garnered to date.

About a year ago, Max & Lucy entered the licensing arena with serious intent, refocused its direction, and began to scale back its own stationery operations. Today, Max & Lucy designs are popping up all over on products from such companies as InterArt, Silvestri, 6th Avenue Books, Garven, and Cedco. Upcoming products will include baby clothes (Springs), rubber stamps (Stamps Happen!), photo albums (Thompson Products), pajamas and boxers (Wormser), and digital content for cellphones (Moviso). Max & Lucy is definitely the cat's meow. Contact them at (877) 975-5050.

	< Buy the Book. Holiday gift book is one of a series, the others being It's a Treat to Have a Friend Like You, Mom, You're one-of-a-kind, and Bzzz...You're my Honey. 6th Avenue Books, (800) 222-6747
Spice World. Salt and pepper set is but one of the many offerings available from this vendor, which has also released a martini and pet collection, with kitchen and mug collections to come in 2004. Silvestri (800) 776-7161 >
	< In the Bag. Not only does this licensee offer gift bags and wraps, there are also die-cut gift tags and holiday shirt boxes available. Garven, (800) 342-7836
A Little Song and Dance. This elf card, one of many stationery offerings, continues inside with the word "cheer." Interart/Sunrise, (800) 457-4045 >
	< The Cat's Meow. Invite your customers to spend the year with two familiar faces. Those with allergies, or just crazy for canines, can opt for the dog calendar counterpart. Cedco, (415) 458-2000.