Latin music sensation Marc Anthony is coming to a store near you.
The popular recording artist has inked a deal to develop an entire licensed product line – from toys to apparel – including plush dolls, action figures, eyewear, sport coats, watches, headwear and jeans.
The New York City native whose first two albums, “Otra Nota” and “Todo a Su Tiempo,” went platinum and whose current hit pop song, “I Need to Know,” rules most of Billboard’s charts, signed an exclusive agreement with Signatures Network Inc., a leading entertainment merchandise company whose clients include Britney Spears, Madonna, Celine Dion and The Beatles.
“Latin music and artists have never been so hot, and Marc Anthony is at the forefront of the explosion,” said Rick Fish, VP of Artist Relations for the San Francisco-based SNI.
“His fans are looking for ways to share experiences with him on a more personal level than purchasing a CD or attending a concert.
“Through Anthony’s program, we will develop merchandise that mirrors his flair and offers his fans new and exciting ways of sharing his spirit and style,” Fish added.
Rene Dvalery, the licensing manager at SNI, said the first part of the Anthony program would include putting out “fan appreciation” items, such as posters, key chains and other gadgets and trinkets.
The second phase of the program includes apparel, collectibles and toys.
“Marc Anthony has superstyle. He’s always dressed in sporty suits. Very stylish and put together,” Dvalery told The Post.
The company is in the process of signing licensing deals with various manufacturers for an entire fashion collection – including suits, ties and shirts – that Dvalery said he hopes will launch in high-end department stores.
He said he hopes to have all agreements completed within two months.
As for the toys, Dvalery said he’s looking at the obvious – dolls and gadgets that play music.
“Dolls that have computer chips with Marc Anthony songs programmed, pens and little computers that have Marc Anthony songs – a room alarm with his music.
“There are a gazillion fans out there who would love to have those products,” said Dvalery.
SNI is hoping to latch on to the Latin music craze that has set the music industry on fire in the last few years.
In 1999, Latin music sales saw an 8 percent increase, while the value of those sales rose 10 percent to $626.7 million – up from $570.8 million in 1998.
Those figures represent some 4.3 percent of the $14.6 billion U.S. music market, according to the Recording Industry Association of America.