Topps has joined forces with VeeFriends, the brainchild of entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk, in an exciting new venture into the non-sports trading card market. This fresh partnership will see the introduction of a new line of Topps Chrome cards, bringing a unique twist to the world of collectibles. This move is part of Topps and parent company Fanatics’ strategy to expand beyond the realm of traditional sports cards, following successful collaborations with industry giants like Disney and Marvel.
VeeFriends, known for its captivating characters and positive messages promoting kindness and growth, has garnered a devoted following. Now, these iconic characters will be featured on Topps Chrome cards as part of a multi-year partnership. New York Comic Con will be the stage for the grand debut of the VeeFriends cards, where attendees can get an exclusive first look at this thrilling collaboration.
The synergy between VeeFriends and Topps Chrome marks the second partnership between Vaynerchuk and Fanatics. Building on their previous collaboration in 2021, VeeFriends and Fanatics brand zerocool launched the first VeeFriends trading cards. With the addition of Topps to this partnership, the brand is poised to reach an even wider audience with its new line of Chrome cards, showcasing beloved characters like Notorious Ninja and Patient Panda.
Kelvin Smith, Senior Vice President of Global Licensing and Partnerships at Fanatics Collectibles, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We’re thrilled to be expanding our partnership with VeeFriends. This collaboration aligns with our dedication to serving fans and collectors, and we are excited to work with Gary and his team once again.”
The foray into non-traditional cards is a deliberate move by Topps to engage new collectors and venture into uncharted territory. VeeFriends President Andy Krainak views this collaboration as an opportunity to extend the brand’s reach, remarking, “Having VeeFriends characters showcased on Topps Chrome products not only elevates our brand, but also enables us to tap into innovation, global distribution, and a higher level of credibility as we continue to grow.”
With 283 unique characters, VeeFriends is committed to fostering community through various mediums, including stories, games, events, and collectibles. By partnering with Topps, the brand aims to attract younger collectors and explore new markets. Krainak highlighted the significance of this collaboration in allowing kids and families to engage with VeeFriends characters through diverse channels like trading cards, comics, and animations, emphasizing the power of storytelling brought to life by Topps in the trading card space.
The launch at New York Comic Con is a strategic move to introduce VeeFriends to a diverse audience of collectors. Despite the event not being solely focused on sports cards, the appeal of VeeFriends’ characters, animations, and collectibles transcends age barriers, making it a perfect platform for this highly anticipated debut.
For Topps, the partnership with VeeFriends represents a pivotal moment in their expansion into the non-sports trading card market. With recent collaborations with entertainment giants like Disney, Marvel, and Lucasfilm, Topps is making significant strides in diversifying its offerings and tapping into the entertainment-focused card sector. Kelvin Smith hinted at more exciting developments in the non-sports card space, signalling a promising future for Topps in this arena.
The collaboration with VeeFriends not only injects fresh creativity into the trading card landscape but also cements VeeFriends as a prominent player in the collectibles market, offering fans novel avenues to connect with their beloved characters. As the VeeFriends-Topps Chrome line makes its debut at New York Comic Con, it is poised to captivate fans, kids, and collectors alike, setting the stage for a new era of collectible card excitement.
