“'EPL' film tie-ins in stores”

Posted: 04 Aug 2010 02:41 AM PDT

Eat, pray, love and buy, buy, buy.

The buildup to the Aug. 13 film adaptation of "Eat Pray Love," starring Julia Roberts, has spilled over into a massive merchandise campaign that includes clothing, furniture, jewelry, candles and scents.

Companies including the Republic of Tea and Fresh have partnered with Sony Pictures Entertainment to offer consumers goods inspired by the movie and the hugely popular 2006 memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert (subtitled "One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia").

"Women around the world have embraced this story and are eagerly awaiting the movie," says Marcia Maizel-Clarke of Dogeared Jewels & Gifts, which is offering a line of earrings, necklaces, bracelets, journals and bookmarks.

"The book, the locations, and the emotional journey of Elizabeth Gilbert inspired us."

Children's movies are almost expected to have toy and clothing tie-ins. For adult films, it's an evolving trend. Dogeared created jewelry linked to this summer's "Sex and the City 2."

If you really want to experience EPL, Borders is partnering with Sony Pictures and STA Travel for a contest to win a 21-day trip to Italy, Bali and India.

The Eat Pray Love logo is ubiquitous in the marketplace:

The Republic of Tea's Eat Pray Love Tea is a combination of flavors derived from the book's three destinations: blood oranges from Italy, Indonesian cinnamon and Indian black tea.

Cost Plus World Market's licensed products include leather journals, prayer beads and clothing.

HSN will offer a shopping event Friday-Sunday with products themed to Italy, India and Bali.

Sue Wong's fashion collection is inspired by Indian and Indonesian culture.

Fresh's eau de parfum collection features fragrances inspired by the book.

Borders will give away 20 signed copies of the book in a Twitter campaign.

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