Wal-Mart will have exclusive merchandising rights to products derived from the Kim Possible cartoon, thanks to a deal with Disney.  From back-to-school until December 2003, items such as Kim Possible lunchboxes, clothing, action figures, and DVDs will be available only in Wal-Mart stores.  The only items free from the exclusive deal are the Tokyopop Kim Possible comics (see 'Tokyopop Announces Two More 'Cine-Manga''), Kim Possible soundtrack CD, and the Buena Vista Games Gameboy Advance game.

Wal-Mart plans to market the merchandise on its in-store TV network, Wal-Mart Television, from July 28th until August 24th.  They will also run ads on the Disney Channel for their September 6th 'Retailtainment' festivities, as well as launch a strong media campaign for the video and DVD release of the Kim Possible compilation on September 2nd.

This exclusive arrangement between Disney and Wal-Mart follows a decision by Disney to get out of the retail arena (see 'Disney Yanks Its Chain').  Wal-Mart is also following a trend of receiving exclusive product rights, having made a deal with Mattel for exclusive rights to the Barbie Birthstone Collection, coming to stores in November 2003.