Panini has revealed more details of its deal with Games Workshop to bring Warhammer stickers and trading cards into independent retail.

Following Better Retailing breaking the news in December, Panini product marketing manager Jessica Bell said stores can expect to see the Warhammer 40,000: Warriors of the Emperor sticker collection land in stores in spring, with the trading cards due in autumn.

“There has always been a strong synergy between Panini and Warhammer fans, and it felt like the right time to kickstart conversations and get the teams together to explore opportunities,” she said.

“Panini and Warhammer fans share a love for collecting, and we are thrilled to be given the opportunity to work on such a popular project.”

Panini wrestles exclusive WWE rights from Topps

The news comes in the same month the publisher announced record sales of its latest Premier League release, the Official 2022 sticker collection, featuring 20 Premier League clubs, as well as celebrated legends and next-generation stars.

Head of marketing for sport Chris Clover told Better Retailing: “We have created an explosive start to the 2022 Premier League sticker collection by launching slightly later than last year, and landing high-visibility marketing and sampling initiatives through the back-to-school period.”

“National newspaper inserts, sampling at schools, a hard-hitting TV and digital advertising campaign, and magazine cover-mounting are good examples of this.

“We have also had a positive response to our partnership with West Ham and England [football] star Declan Rice.”

OPINION: Retailers face double threat of cheap digital newspaper subscriptions and delivery chaos – Neville Rhodes

He said independent retailers had the largest share of supply, took promotional albums in “record numbers” and were the driver as to why the collectables giant printed more stickers than usual in the product lifecycle on the back of its post-Christmas launch.

Clover added: “This Premier League sticker collection looks set to be the highest-selling collection launched in the UK in a generation, so retailers should support it right the way through spring and summer to maximise the opportunity.”

Starter packs are priced at £3.99 RRP, and sticker packets at 70p RRP.

Read more news and advice about the newspaper and magazines category and click here for the latest ABC circulation figures