BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Evergreen Concepts has been signed to develop a "full array" of consumer products based on the Alvin & the Chipmunks characters, as well as for a soon to debut preschool version of the property.

Under contract from Chipmunks creators Bagdasarian Productions, Evergreen is developing a retro-styled merchandise program that already includes licensees Junk Food for T-shirts and loungewear, Mamiye Brothers for children's sportswear, and American Greetings for collectible Christmas ornaments. Evergreen is seeking licensees in other categories such as accessories, sleepwear, stationery and watches.

"Given (the property's) history and renowned popularity, Alvin & the Chipmunks make for a fantastic retro licensing program since some adults remember Alvin from the '60s and other adults Alvin & the Chipmunks from the '80s," said Melissa Segal, Evergreen's co-founder. "Their distinctive voices are one of the most instantly recognizable icons of pop culture."

Also part of the Chipmunks' re-emergence is the release during 2004 of "Little Alvin & the Mini-Munks," a feature length DVD starring the Chipmunks as preschoolers. For that version of the property Evergreen is "looking to partner with companies that "are known for creating innovative, quality preschool product," according to Segal.

The Chipmunks made their debut in 1958 with the Christmas-themed "The Chipmunk Song." In 1961, the property made the jump to television