Buzzworthy | Community 3. Wonka Reboot Inspires Arm Candy, Sweet Suites 2023 was a big year for movie merch (hi, Barbie), and the holiday release of Wonka, a new musical about the eccentric candyman, spawned some interesting luxury collaborations with Fossil and a couple of upscale hotels. The Willy Wonka x Fossil collection includes two limited-edition watches, two bedazzled purses, a Golden Ticket keyfob and an assortment of specialedition jewelry pieces. Some of the items feature chocolate and Golden Ticket motifs, while others bear colorful fruit inspired by Wonka’s lickable candy wallpaper. Each comes packaged in its own Wonka Bar box with an official Golden Ticket certificate of authenticity. The film also inspired a pair of luxury hotel experiences, dubbed “Wonka’s Sweet Suites” and hosted by Booking.com. The whimsical accommodations – one in New York, the other in Los Angeles – featured edible amenities, life-sized chocolate confections and a chocolate bar bed topped with a marshmallow-inspired comforter and candy-colored pillows, as well as tickets to see Wonka in theaters. Image courtesy of Booking.com 4. Chipotle Car Napkin Holder The burrito broker’s merch game is always strong, and one clever new piece released late last year sold out within days, proving that Chipotle’s marketing program is on point. With a nod to customers’ social media posts about stashing extra Chipotle napkins in their cars, Chipotle Goods released a custom car napkin holder made of vegan cactus leather and designed to clip on the sun visor. Image courtesy of Fossil Images courtesy of Chipotle PPAI • MARCH 2024 • 77
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