Playmates Toys has named Diamond Comic Distributors – the leading U.S. distributor of pop-culture merchandise – as its exclusive distributor to service the specialty market nationwide.

“We are gratified by the trust Playmates has placed in us,” said Diamond Vice President of Purchasing Bill Schanes. “We look forward to helping grow and distribute Playmates' diverse and successful lines to our U.S. account base."

"With powerful entertainment brands iCarly and Shrek, 'gotta have' pop icon Michael Jackson, the irresistible Rainbow Brite and urban vinyl-influenced gaming media brand Hero:108, we think the Diamond alliance is a perfect match to achieve our objective of strong placement at influential trend and entertainment venues," said Lou Novak, President Playmates Toys.

"Playmates furthers our goal of providing superior service through broad product offerings” added Roger Fletcher, Diamond’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “This agreement will help us deliver diversified retailer merchandising options that drives consumer traffic and sales."

Source: Diamond Comics