Rumors of an official merchandising deal for a Fifty Shades brand surfaced months ago, and this week TMZ claimed that Fifty Shades-themed lingerie, sleepwear and clothing will be coming to a store near you very soon.

Three separate companies have confirmed licensing deals with author E.L James to sell the first-ever official Fifty Shades branded apparel line: A company called HYP will be selling hosiery, garters, and tights; FREEZE Clothing will be selling the knits, tees, and hoodies and Briefly Stated will sell daywear, loungewear, sleepwear and underwear.

TMZ claimed that Fifty Shades-themed lingerie, sleepwear and clothing will be coming to a store near you very soon

E.L. James – who earns almost $1.5 million a week from the erotic books – signed a deal with independent agency Caroline Mickler earlier this summer, giving Mickler the responsibility for building the brand worldwide.

Caroline Mickler told fashion blog fashionista.com: “The market’s interest in Fifty Shades of Grey as a brand is enormous.

“With continuing book sales and a film version keeping awareness high, we expect this property to make a very strong showing in a number of licensed categories over the coming months.”

A Facebook poll today put Batman star Christan Bale as favourite to play billionaire Christian Grey in the movie of the book ahead of Robert Pattinson and Magic Mike star Matt Bomer who has been the favorite for the role since Universal Pictures acquired the rights.