By: Karina Masolova, karina@plainlanguagemedia.com Kim Kardashian launches her first direct-to-consumer venture in the fragrance category under her KKW Beauty brand. The limited-edition fragrances are first come, first serve—but the star also plans to release new scents in time for Valentine's Day. Sales were exclusively digital, albeit with a small launch at e-commerce site … [Read more...] about Keeping Up With the Kardashians
Celebrity
Around the World—10/30/2017
Epic Rights and Pan Inc. will develop music artist and celebrity merchandising and branding opportunities in Japan together. Epic executives Lisa Streff and Dan Levin will manage the day-to-day business with Pan Inc. American eSports organization Cloud9 has raised $25 million in Series A financing from companies and parties including WWE, the Beverly Hills Sports Council, … [Read more...] about Around the World—10/30/2017
Roundup: Business & Legal
The parentco of Coach, Kate Spade New York, and Stuart Weitzman will re-brand itself as Tapestry effective Oct. 31, 2017. CEO Victor Luis told WWE that the shift reimagines Coach as a "true house of emotional, desirable brands," that will "extend into new categories and markets" within "the very attractive and growing $80 billion global market for premium handbag and … [Read more...] about Roundup: Business & Legal
A Budding Business
The 4th Annual Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition in NY took place last week, and the buzz is substantially dimmer. Compared to last year, the crowd was more sophisticated, knowledgeable, and connected. But as the cannabis industry becomes more settled, it's also becoming clear that (consumer products) licensing is not going to be a significant player anytime … [Read more...] about A Budding Business
TLL’s Guide to Celebrity-based Properties
This sector includes living actors, actresses, models, chefs, business executives, and others. (Musicians, athletes, and artists are categorized under “Music,” “Sports,” and “Art,” respectively.) While many celebrity-based deals include endorsements and promotional tie-ins, we look exclusively at the product licensing generated by these individuals. However, sometimes … [Read more...] about TLL’s Guide to Celebrity-based Properties
Looking Back: Brands Trending in 2016
As the top social media sites release their most popular 2016 posts, tweets, pins, etc., TLL breaks down the top trending brands this last year. Interestingly, the most trending topics don't necessarily perform well in licensing—see One Direction, which has virtually fallen off retail shelves—but there are some exceptions, such as Star Wars. The most popular YouTube video was … [Read more...] about Looking Back: Brands Trending in 2016
Licensing in the $40.4 Billion Theme Park Business
The amusement/theme park business is ramping up, and for licensed brands, it's only getting better. Global theme park spending totaled $40.4 billion in 2015, up 7.4% from 2014, according to the Intl. Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA). The IAAPA points to a 5.2% increase in attendance, the largest gain during the past five years, as the biggest reason for … [Read more...] about Licensing in the $40.4 Billion Theme Park Business
Licensed Fragrance Back on Track?
Since we last looked at licensed fragrances, the business has certainly changed—and it seems that it might be looking up, at least for established celebrities and fashion brands. Revlon finalized its purchase of Elizabeth Arden on Sept. 7, 2016, forming a beauty enterprise with net sales of approximately $3 billion worldwide. In the latest financial reports—Q3 ending Sept. 30, … [Read more...] about Licensed Fragrance Back on Track?
Trump, Hilary, and… Cannabis?
By Karina Masolova With election day fast approaching, there's another vote Americans are preparing to make. Nine states have ballot measures for cannabis legalization—a sector worth $60–100 million in licensed retail sales in 2015, according to TLL estimates. Although we've reported on the state of licensed cannabis products and accessories throughout the year—with 2016 … [Read more...] about Trump, Hilary, and… Cannabis?
TLL Survey: Nascent Digital Celebs Sector Rivals Entertainment/Character for Growth
Relative to the rest of licensing, retail sales of goods licensed by digital celebrities grew with the speed of a viral video in 2015, spiking 8% to approach $1 billion in 2015 according to The Licensing Letter's Annual Licensing Business Survey. The fledgling subcategory of the celebrity property type grew more during the year than any full-fledged property type except for the … [Read more...] about TLL Survey: Nascent Digital Celebs Sector Rivals Entertainment/Character for Growth