Sony Music to now sell The Beatles merchandise in North America

Sony Music Entertainment has announced the signing of a deal to be the exclusive North American provider of Beatles memorabilia. With this, Sony will develop new merchandise, licensing, retail and e-commerce opportunities for The Beatles in North America.

The move comes as part of Sony’s plans to strengthen its music merchandising market through its Thread Shop division.

As part of the agreement, Thread Shop will be working closely with Apple Corps to expand The Beatles’ brand presence in the US by creating new apparel, products, and collaborations.

Richard Story, President, Commercial Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, said, “More than a half-century after Beatlemania first broke out in the US, The Beatles remain an unmatched cultural force in our society. Their revolutionary achievements continue to inspire artists and thinkers across borders, cultures, and generations.”

“We are tremendously honored that they have entrusted The Thread Shop with their iconic brand, and we look forward to sharing their extraordinary vision with fans,” Story added.

Apple Corps Ltd was started by The Beatles in 1968 for overseeing the band’s creative and business interests.

Sony is also planning to launch a pop-up store in New York City for showcasing Beatles-branded merchandise during the second week of December. The pop-up will be showcasing new apparel designs as well as an assortment of licensed Beatles clothing, toys, and other branded products including turntables and a pinball machine, and more.

Thread Shop will also be operating the Beatles’ North American retail website. The Beatles’ new merchandise will be made available across The Thread Shop’s network of major retail chains and independent retailers.

Since 2013, the Beatles’ North American merchandise license has been held by Bravado, a subsidiary of Vivendi Universal Music Group.

Recently, Thread Shop also acquired the merchandise division of Araca Group, a theatrical production company that houses artists including P!nk, Sugarland, Shania Twain, and Led Zeppelin.