Kids channel Nickelodeon has announced an alliance with Global-QVC Solutions, an e-commerce provider for television networks. The two parties will develop and operate a new e-commerce store for Nickelodeon Online.

The Nickelodeon Shop will launch this spring at http://www.nick.com and http://www.nickjr.com. Consumers can purchase Nick-branded products based on the network's most popular series. It is expected that the site will also help drive demand at retail stores by showcasing the hottest Nick merchandise.

Nickelodeon series that are being pushed through this promotion include Rugrats, SpongeBob SquarePants, Blue's Clues and Jimmy Neutron. Nickelodeon Online will oversee the creative direction and marketing of the online store, while Global-QVC Solutions will develop and operate the store, including technology, inventory management, fulfillment, customer service and merchandising.

The aim, says Nickelodeon, is to combine Nickelodeon's knowledge of kids and kids' entertainment with the e-commerce expertise of Global-QVC Solutions. Nickelodeon's US television network claims to be seen in more than 85 million households and has been rated at number one cable network for six consecutive years. Global-QVC Solutions is an outsource solution provider for e-commerce, serving broadcast networks and cable channels. The company provides website design and development, customer service, fulfillment and merchandising for both direct response campaigns and online retail stores.