December 03, 2008

By By Robert Thompson, Toronto

Warner Music Canada has inked a deal with music merchandising company Philcos Enterpriser Ltd. that will see it offer sales, manufacturing and distribution for a variety of clothing and other items relating to the record label's artists.

The deal, which was announced today, is effective immediately, according to Warner Music Canada, and includes all artist-related merchandise outside of music. Philcos, based in Mississauga, Ont., was founded in Toronto in 1985. The company distributes to more than 2,500 outlets. Warner says the agreement allows the label to more effectively market artist merchandise alongside their music and therefore "making greater contributions to the growth of an artist's career."

"Philcos has a long history in the merchandise sector in Canada and their expertise will help us better service the fans of Warner artists," Steve Kane, president of Warner Music Canada, said in a statement.

The initial list of artists whose merchandise will be marketed by Warner Music Canada includes The Academy Is, Armor For Sleep, Carolina Liar, Eric Clapton, Die Mannequin, Cute Is What We Aim For, Death Cab For Cutie, The Flaming Lips, Gnarls Barkley, The Grateful Dead, Gym Class Heroes, Missy Higgins, Eric Hutchinson, Mastodon, Jason Mraz, My Chemical Romance, Panic At The Disco, Paramore, Shinedown, The Spill Canvas, Taking Back Sunday, Serj Tankian, and Meaghan Smith.

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