FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME), together with Sears Holdings have partnered for the North American launch of the Japanese character Rebecca Bonbon, created by the original Hello Kitty designer Yuko Shimizu.

The agreement will bring an initial launch of roughly 320 different Rebecca Bonbon products across the US and Canada in both Sears and Kmart, starting August 1. The products, aimed at tween and teen girls, will cover a range of categories including apparel, outerwear, headwear, accessories, bags, cosmetics, sleepwear, home décor, plush and pet products.

FME and Sears Holdings are working towards a long-term strategy for the Rebecca Bonbon brand with new product development already taking place for the holiday 2010 and spring 2011 collections for both the Sears and Kmart brands.

Acquiring the exclusive Rebecca Bonbon rights from Crown Creative in 2008, FME represents the brand in the US, EMEA, Latin America, and Asia Pacific (excluding Japan, Korea and China) and is currently expanding the licensing program worldwide.