Simpsons stores coming soon to China

The first global outlets of the United States animated sitcom 'The Simpsons,' are scheduled to open in Beijing and Shanghai in the first half of this year. The Beijing store will be the first bricks-and-motar Simpsons store in the world, and it will open in March in Sanlitun, a popular fashion destination in the capital. The second store will be launched in Shanghai in June, according to Godsick. The two stores will be licensed to sell the Simpsons series of products, and those owned by its partners. Fox launched Simpsons' products by collaborating with fashion brands two and a half years ago. It started to team up with Chinese brands one and half years ago and decided to open physical stores in China last year to tap the growing interest, demand among Chinese consumers. The decision to launch themed stores for the 27-year-old television show was based on its familiarity among Chinese audiences and the success of the Simpsons products. Chinese consumer product market is gradually becoming a hot-spot for International movie and television producers. Even the Walt Disney Co has chosen Shanghai to open its first Disney flagship store in the Chinese mainland. Derivative products of Star Wars have created about $30 billion worth of business, and in 2013 and 2014 alone, it generated Disney about $4.6 billion, the China National Radio reported.