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Why Diddl is the big cheese in the UK...

For over a decade, Thomas Goletz has been drawing Diddl the mouse and Depesche’s cute mouse has been a familiar character in Germany. Now 13 years old, Diddl is hitting the shelves in the UK and his popularity is growing rapidly around the globe. Less than a year ago, the phrase “I collect Diddl”, needed an explanation as to what Diddl was. Now nearly everyone knows his name. In just a short time, Diddl has gone from being a small selection of products in a few shops nationwide, to a mighty mouse in several shops per county carrying a whole range of the white mouse and his friends.

Diddl’s number of friends is growing almost as fast as his popularity. One of the earliest to be added to the gang was Diddlina, followed by the little teddy Pimboli, and Ackaturbo the raven. These four characters, with their unusual names and cute characteristics, seem to be the most popular of Goletz’s creations. Over the past year or so, the gang has expanded – Wollywell the black sheep of the nation, Galupy the horse, Mimihopps the fox rabbit, and Vanillivi the lucky white sheep. These newer characters are an instant hit and their new products are must-haves for collectors. Their new ranges are appearing in shops and look to be as popular as Diddl’s older friends.

Part of Depesche’s success of launching in the UK, is that everything is so different to anything we’ve seen before. Goletz is famous for his amazing backgrounds, made up of different watery colours and paint splotches and he uses so much colour and detail in his work. Plus his characters are so unusual with their over-exaggerated characteristics, such as Diddl’s oversized feet. The characters have so much personality and everything about them is fun and colourful.

The quality and range of different products is a huge factor in the popularity of Diddl. Diddl’s most sought after products are the plush. Manufactured in many different sizes, some with window suckers or key rings, soft and cuddly Diddl is a popular choice with collectors. A recent change in Diddl plush is the new ‘super soft’ material which makes Diddl and friends even more huggable. But it’s not just plush that Depesche produce – there are so many different products being continually introduced which makes adding to your collection even easier! From pens, notepads and stationery, cushions, clothes and backpacks, plus jewellery, fragrances, hair accessories, to wrapping paper and gift boxes, snow globes and figurines, plus a lot more! Diddl comes in every shape and size which adds to the irresistibility!

Diddl’s website (www.diddl.com), is always ever-changing, just like the products. There are always a couple of great competitions, new games, recipes and activities to do, plus a preview of all the new Diddl products available to retailers. There is always something new to do which help make collectors feel more connected with the company.

The Company also has stands at the UK Trade fairs at the NEC and it is always the most stunning and most beautifully decorated area of the whole 20 Halls. The staff are always friendly and helpful and with new products surrounding visitors, it’s hard to leave. Depesche have a large stand at the NEC and despite it’s size, it is always packed full of new products to amaze.

One of the most special thing about Diddl and his friends, is that they aren’t in every gift shop like other collectibles. There are around 50 shops in the UK at the moment which stock Diddl products and sometimes it’s necessary to go out of the way to find a Diddl retailer. But that is also one Depesche’s most fun strategies. Many companies have their products everywhere, from little gift shops to large chain stores whereas Depesche have only a few retailers per county in the UK, most being in small collectibles and gift shops, where the staff really know what’s what about the lines they stock. This makes shopping fun, a good day out and a wonderful feeling when you find a great purchase.

As well as the few collectibles shops in the UK, Diddl is also sold in a huge concept shop in Nottingham. Under the roof of 19 Wheeler Gate is a world where everywhere you look, Diddl is there. With a room for Diddl, and a separate room for Pimboli, every product imaginable is arranged beautifully on the shelves, in the window, and on stands. It’s impossible to come out empty handed and if you’re a collector of Diddl, it’s a must to visit! The colourful and fun world of Diddl is reflected in the Diddl shop. Even if you live a long way from Nottingham, it is well worth the journey.

With the increasing popularity in Britain, the Diddl range is going to be BIG! With very few products in the UK like it, Diddl is going to take the country by storm!