A hale and hearty Santa Claus, age 80, graces one of Gibson’s newest holiday assortments. The company has expanded its licensed Coca-Cola collection to include an open stock assortment of dinnerware and serveware featuring illustrations of Santa Claus that first appeared in Coca-Cola advertising 80 years ago. The collection includes melacore plates, serving bowls and platters, as well as double-wall plastic and glass tumblers, porcelain mugs, and various accessories, many of which feature the famous Haddon Sundblom illustrations that gave rise to the modern interpretation of St. Nick. Although Gibson has featured the Sundblom Santa on its dinnerware before, this is the first time these illustrations have been featured comprehensively.
“We’re very happy to incorporate these classic images in the new line,” said Michael Kinsler, vice president of merchandising. “You can trace the origins of Santa Claus as we know him to 1931 when Coca-Cola began a new holiday advertising campaign. So Santa is turning 80, and this is Gibson’s way of saying ‘Happy Birthday.’”
The new collection also includes melacore plates and tumblers featuring the popular Coca-Cola polar bears who starred in a commercial known as “Northern Lights.”
The collection is targeted at all channels of distribution and will be available in the fourth quarter. Suggested retail prices for both the Santa-themed and the polar bear designs range from $2.99 to $4.99.