The Stitch Effect: The Key to Licensed Retail Success

Ever since he first crash-landed on the big screen in 2002, Stitch has captured the hearts of consumers and has become one of the most recognised Disney characters in the world. With the live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch scheduled for a May 2025 release, it’s safe to say that the adoration for Stitch is set to continue for years to come.

Within 24 hours Lilo & Stitch live-action trailer’s release, it reached 158 million views and has landed itself as Disney’s second most-viewed live-action trailer of all time. The viral buzz surrounding the movie is undeniable, and as the release date draws closer, demand for Stitch-themed merchandise is set to skyrocket.

Stitch lends himself favourably to the licensed toy sector, with Stitch-themed toys contributing significantly to the sector’s 8% growth in 2024. This trend highlights the increasing consumer appetite for licensed merchandise, positioning Stitch products as a strategic addition to any retail offering.

For retailers, now is the perfect time to stock up on Stitch products, and there’s no better partner than Paladone. Our diverse range of officially licensed lighting, drinkware and gifts cater to fans of all ages, from the original animated audience to fans only just discovering the fun-loving alien today.

Why Stitch Merchandise is a Must-Have for 2025

A timeless fan favourite, Paladone have taken inspiration from Stitch for a multitude of licensed products.

Let your customers design their own Stitch-approved homes with Paladone’s range of lighting solutions. Take your pick from:

• SquishyGlo Silicone Light: a soft, interactive light with tap-to-change brightness functions and an auto-off night mode.
• Shaped LED Neon Bulb: Available with and without a powered base for choice, the Stitch shaped filament-style LED inside the bulb is a modern take on the retro lighting trend.
• Stitch GloBuddies Light: Combining a 3D figurine with light-up features, this was shortlisted for Gift of the Year in 2024, reflecting its popularity among consumers and buyers.

 

Elsewhere in the home, help your customers with early morning wake ups (whether for school or work), with the Stitch Icon Alarm Clock – how likely are you to snooze when it involves saying no to the adorable alien? And Stitch is trickling into the kitchen with our out-of-this-world cookie jar and salt and pepper shakers. The cookie jar is a stand-out centrepiece for any fan’s kitchen, while the adorable Stitch and Pineapple salt and pepper shakers bring a playful touch to mealtimes.

Take a leaf out of Lilo’s lifestyle and set your customers up for a summer trip to the beach (or park) with a selection of Paladone’s outdoor-friendly products. Curate your shelves with the travel-essential insulated cup and straw or water bottle, and then toss in some waterproof playing cards for a splash of fun.

Beyond Stitch

While Lilo’s story kickstarted the franchise, Stitch pops up in a plethora of other visual media. His pink counterpart, Angel – also known as Experiment 624 – has become a notable character among collectors. Why not pair the Stitch GloBuddies Light with the Angel version on your store’s shelves or online store? Together they make an eye-capturing combination, perfect for grabbing customers’ attention. Pair her with either our mini collectible icon light or shaped mug, and you’ve got an Angel-themed collection ready to go.

What’s Next for Stitch?

With Stitch’s 25th anniversary approaching in 2027, there’s plenty of opportunities to fuel fan appetite after this year’s blockbuster release. Retailers partnering with Paladone can expect even more product innovations, in-store theatre solutions and more to keep the Stitch craze alive for years to come.

Explore our Disney Stitch collection on our trade website today.