Stranger Things Season 5 Collabs
This November, the awaited Season 5 of Stranger Things was released. Fans of the franchise waited in anticipation for the new season, as it has been around 3 years since the last season was released. Netflix could not handle the influx of fans, some even reporting that it had crashed while trying to watch the series. Apart from becoming one of the most popular Netflix series ever, Stranger Things has brought about many interesting collaborations. Its collaboration with brands show how merchandising for film and television has become an important piece in connecting with consumers.
No Boundaries x Stranger Things
Product Image via Walmart
The franchise collaborated with Walmart’s private label, No Boundaries. This brand caters to a younger, Gen Z audience. The brand regularly incorporates a multitude of products for everyone. The collection included jackets, shirts, and jewelry that relates to the show. Some of the items were also an homage to character’s outfits. The products also included patches, allowing customers to customize the clothing. Many fans went to social media to announce the collaboration, going to Walmart to show the items that were up to sale. I find this collaboration important as it is a big franchise creating a collection that is very accessible to a large audience. Their clothing is also inclusive, as it usually ranges from sizes XXS- 5X.
Converse x Stranger Things
Images via Converse
Stranger Things also collaborated with Converse, bringing in a new shoe collection. The collaboration includes 8 unique designs, with references to the show printed around some of the shoes. The collaboration was a success, with fans praising the designs and comparing it to other shoe brand collaborations. 2 of the most popular and most anticipated designs were the Stranger Things Chuck 70 and Stranger Things Weapon, which are currently sold out on the site. The 2 designs were marketed as limited edition, collectible designs.
Wrangler x Stranger Things
This was a big, limited edition collection, in which 19 different clothing pieces were released. This is an interesting collaboration as the companies had previously collaborated for a Hellfire Club collection in 2020. The collaboration mixed modern designs with retro 80’s designs reminiscent of the setting of Stranger Things. They also included copies of wardrobe pieces straight from the characters and many of the products are named after them. The campaign for the collaboration included a photoshoot with a retro aesthetic, the products shown like vintage magazine advertisements. I love this creative choice as it is a reference to old Wrangler advertisements.
Global X Stranger Things
Lastly, we will talk about the creators innovative decision to create a news station in partnership with a U.K media company for the franchise. Back in Hawkins, one of the characters named Robin hosts a radio station called “The Squawk” in which she shares daily news to the town and also sends secret messages to the rest of the main characters. In this same way, the Duffer Brothers created a radio station that plays 80s throwback songs and hits for fans to tune in. The radio station is available throughout the day and has 2 different hosts who have their own segments. Behind this broadcasting, there is also secret messages that fans have used to decipher information about the storyline. Online, this has helped fans create theories and possible endings for the final season. This is a great idea as radio has been theorized to decline for advertisement purposes yet Stranger Things has been able to revive its usage through this station.
References
Blair, Adam. “Walmart Zeroes in on Gen Z with Private Label Apparel Relaunch.” Retail TouchPoints, Retail TouchPoints, 14 June 2024, www.retailtouchpoints.com/features/news-briefs/walmart-zeroes-in-on-gen-z-with-private-label-apparel-relaunch.
Shoshan, Sylvia. “Get the Hawkins Look With This Wrangler And Stranger Things Collaboration.” Hypebae, Hypebae, 13 Nov. 2025, hypebae.com/2025/11/wrangler-stranger-things-netflix-collaboration-release-date.
Radio, Inside. “Meet ‘The Squawk,’ The Retro Station Promoting ‘Stranger Things.’” Inside Radio, Inside Radio, 2 Dec. 2025, www.insideradio.com/free/meet-the-squawk-the-retro-station-promoting-stranger-things/article_23ee92d5-5e95-4d7d-ae4b-68ac9434f04e.html.
