The Licensing Letter

Footwear

M&A Watch: Fashion Forward

Authentic Brands Group makes a successful $340 million bid for Nine West Holdings. Under the terms of the agreement, ABG will control all licensing partnerships and marketing plans for both the Nine West and Bandolino brands. Marc Fisher Footwear will operate the business' operations and Signal Products will oversee the handbag and SLG businesses. Perry Ellis Intl. is going … [Read more...] about M&A Watch: Fashion Forward

Roundup: Promotional Partnerships

Real Madrid's official console partner is Xbox. To celebrate, Xbox will host a series of events at Microsoft Stores throughout the U.S. during Real Madrid’s U.S. Summer Tour. Betty Boop is the new face of Foulbi Co., Ltd.'s J-esthetic—over 100 esthetic salons and day spas. The campaign includes a commercial as well as print and digital ads. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. … [Read more...] about Roundup: Promotional Partnerships

Retail Sales of Licensed Wearables Up in Every Territory in 2015

By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Worldwide retail sales of apparel/accessories/footwear tied to licensed properties were up a robust 3.9% at just below $66.1 billion in 2015. Wearables is a bellwether of overall licensing business due not only to its size, but because it provides an outlet for so many of the industry's most important property types including fashion, … [Read more...] about Retail Sales of Licensed Wearables Up in Every Territory in 2015

Apparel Fuels 3.1% Growth in U.S./Canada Fashion Licensing—Global Growth Is Even Higher

Growing competition; continued decline in the brick and mortar backyard; currency devaluation in Europe and Asia; a fourth quarter retail fiasco. 2015 was a tough year for the fashion industry. Yet, for all of the challenges, fashion licensing prospered in not only in the U.S./Canada but worldwide, according to The Licensing Letter’s Annual Licensing Business Survey. Global … [Read more...] about Apparel Fuels 3.1% Growth in U.S./Canada Fashion Licensing—Global Growth Is Even Higher

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

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

Licensee Accusation: Asics Deliberately Tried to Drive Us Out of Business

By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. What Happened: Asics gave Windsor Financial Group, LLC, financing and exclusive rights to open and operate 13 Asics stores, including flagships in Boston and New York. The deal was supposed to run for 20 years but a couple of years in, Asics terminated the agreement. As a result, Windsor had to close the stores and eat the millions of dollars it had … [Read more...] about Licensee Accusation: Asics Deliberately Tried to Drive Us Out of Business

Adidas Re-Ups with Indiana University for $53.6 Million & More

By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Updated Sept. 8, 2015 Indiana University Athletics' new $53.6 million apparel deal with Adidas is believed to be the fifth richest in all of college athletics. Key terms: Eight-year extension of current agreement through 2024; Adidas $6.7 million annual commitment to IU Athletics (as compared to $3.7 million under the previous agreement); Adidas to … [Read more...] about Adidas Re-Ups with Indiana University for $53.6 Million & More

Olsen Twins Bring Secondary Fashion Label In-House

By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Although the "overworked intern" lawsuit is getting all the headlines*, the business move the Olsen twins just made may be a lot more significant in the long-term. Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen have decided to bring their Elizabeth & James fashion brand in-house. The Olsens launched Elizabeth & James in 2007 as a contemporary spinoff of "The Row," … [Read more...] about Olsen Twins Bring Secondary Fashion Label In-House