Back-to-school shopping—including school supplies and electronics—is expected to grow dramatically in the ecommerce channel in 2016, mirroring the growing channel share for ecommerce in licensed product sales overall, as consumers shop for savings. While back-to-school shoppers are still heading primarily to bricks-and-mortar stores, they are increasingly purchasing … [Read more...] about Shopping for School Supplies, Electronics Moves Online
Apparel
Stephen Curry & His Warriors Top NBA Sales List
By Karina Masolova Reigning NBA MVP Stephen Curry and defending NBA Champion Golden State Warriors reigned as No. 1 on the NBA's most popular jersey and team merchandise lists for the 2015/2016 season. The team's NBA Finals 2016 win landed them on the top of the popular team merchandise list for the first time since January 2015. See the results below, which are based on … [Read more...] about Stephen Curry & His Warriors Top NBA Sales List
The NBA & Its Licensees Woo the Female Fan
By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. As in the other pro sports leagues, the NBA and licensees are investing heavily in the female market. Women now account for 38% of the league's fan base and 40% of its licensed apparel purchasers. True, only 10% of those apparel products are actually for females, but that ratio has tripled since 2012. "The NBA has been working with its partners to … [Read more...] about The NBA & Its Licensees Woo the Female Fan
Rihanna Shows Strength for Puma, Foot Locker
By Marcy Magiera In the competitive world of licensed athletic gear, pop singer and fashion icon Rihanna is riding the demand for athleisure apparel to go toe-to-toe with some of the biggest athletes in the NBA. Athletic retailer Foot Locker on Friday posted its highest quarterly net income ($191 million, up 3.8%) and earnings per share ($1.39) in the company's history, but … [Read more...] about Rihanna Shows Strength for Puma, Foot Locker
Professional Bull Riders Take Licensing by the Horns
By Marcy Magiera This new wine really carries a kick. Two Horns red, a 2012 blend of California-grown Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Cabernet, is the official wine of Professional Bull Riders (PBR), the world's premier bull riding organization. Produced by Gold River, Calif.-based CORDELINA Wine Company and and distributed across the Midwest, Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions … [Read more...] about Professional Bull Riders Take Licensing by the Horns
Lady Gaga and Elton John Become the Latest to Launch a Macy’s Exclusive
By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Limited-edition celebrity lines are an old hat for Macy's. But the upcoming Love Bravery line set to debut at 150 stores next week is a bit different. The exclusive apparel and accessories collection comes from not one, but two, slightly offbeat celebs who don't normally do many of these deals—Lady Gaga and Sir Elton John. Love Bravery is also a … [Read more...] about Lady Gaga and Elton John Become the Latest to Launch a Macy’s Exclusive
Giorgio Armani Becomes Latest High Profile Fashion Designer to Go Fur Free
By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Respondents to TLL's Annual Licensing Business Survey have waxed poetic about the need for personal connection between brand and customer for years. But while the objective remains the same, the tactics are changing. Forging personal connections now requires engagement at the community level. "Today's consumer judges brands not just by quality but the … [Read more...] about Giorgio Armani Becomes Latest High Profile Fashion Designer to Go Fur Free
St. Patrick’s Spending to Reach $4.8 Billion
A robust 55% of Americans, or 133 million people are planning to indulge in the Irish spirit on Thursday according to the National Retail Federation’s St. Patrick’s Day consumer survey conducted by Prosper Insights and Analytics. On average, they’ll spend $35 in grocery stores, restaurants and stores selling green merchandise. Although not as high-profile as other holidays, … [Read more...] about St. Patrick’s Spending to Reach $4.8 Billion
Store Check: Target at Culver City, CA
By Marcy Magiera A week before Disney’s Zootopia scampered into theaters accompanied by predictions of a $67 million opening weekend, limited merchandise was on the shelf at Target stores. A local Target in Culver City, Calif., gave the new IP a toy aisle endcap, sparsely filled with small action figures, playsets and plush. It was unclear whether the selection was already … [Read more...] about Store Check: Target at Culver City, CA
Toys/Games, Food/Beverage & Apparel Lead Growth on Products Side
For the second straight year, toys/games was the fastest growing product category, posting an 8.1% increase. Growth in toy and game merchandise has mirrored (and fed off of) the success of the entertainment/character property type over the past three years. As in 2013 and 2014, connection to “A-list” entertainment properties like Frozen, Star Wars and Minions drove growth in … [Read more...] about Toys/Games, Food/Beverage & Apparel Lead Growth on Products Side