The Licensing Letter

Gifts/Novelties

NYTF18: Blind Bags, Glitter & Poop

This last week saw the latest iteration of New York Toy Fair and offered a clear formula for success in toy aisles this coming year—if a toy or game includes one or more of the following fads, it might sell: (1) low-price collectible with blind packaging, (2) "cute" sparkles and magic, or (3) "gross" material like poop, slime, and dirt. Retail sales of licensed toys and games … [Read more...] about NYTF18: Blind Bags, Glitter & Poop

Award-winning Toys & Games

At the 18th annual Toy of the Year Awards, the Toy Association honored the top toys, games, and licenses according to votes cast late last year. Toy of the Year: Fingerlings, WowWee USA and L.O.L. Surprise!, MGA Entertainment (tie) License of the Year: Star Wars, Disney Consumer Products & Interactive Media People’s Choice: Mystery Minis, Funko Action Figure of the … [Read more...] about Award-winning Toys & Games

The Rise of Video Games

The creeping influence of video game brands on the floor of the New York Toy Fair hints at the emergence of a new powerhouse player in licensing. What's more, the branded toys and games emerging from this space have broad appeal to both children and adults. Retail sales of licensed merchandise based on video game/interactive/online-based properties amounted to $61 million in … [Read more...] about The Rise of Video Games

Spending Up as Love Sets In

The NRF estimates that just over half of U.S. adults will celebrate Valentine's Day this year by buying a gift for a significant other, friends, or pets—reaching $19.6 billion in spending, up from $18.2 billion in 2017. Those 25–34 years-old will be the biggest spenders, with an average bill of $202.76. By product category, a total of $4.7 billion will be spent on jewelry … [Read more...] about Spending Up as Love Sets In

Tis the Season to be Creepy

By Karina Masolova, karina@plainlanguagemedia.com This Halloween season is expected to generate a record $9.1 billion in spending with 72% of American adults celebrating, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). Costumes make up the largest share of spending, coming in at an estimated $3.4 billion in total. Pets aren't left out—about 10% plan to dress their furry … [Read more...] about Tis the Season to be Creepy

Store Check: Kino’s (a.k.a. Blind Box Heaven)

By: Karina Masolova I visited another bookstore for our store check feature, and this time, it's a specialty Japanese retailer in midtown Manhattan. The chain bookstore has 12 locations in the U.S., including two recently opened shops in Texas. The fastest-growing region in the U.S. for interest in Japanese-origin properties is the Midwest, and the strongest demand for the … [Read more...] about Store Check: Kino’s (a.k.a. Blind Box Heaven)

Valentine’s Day Goes to the Dogs

This Valentine's Day, consumers are expected to show less love at retail, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). Following a decade-long trend of increased retail sales, U.S. consumers are expected to spend an average of $136.57 for a total of $18.2 billion—down from 2016’s record-high of $146.84 and $19.7 billion, respectively. The number of people surveyed who … [Read more...] about Valentine’s Day Goes to the Dogs

Halloween Spending Up; Entertainment Tops Costume Choices

By Karina Masolova Halloween spending is expected to reach an all-time high this year, according to the National Retail Foundation (NRF)'s Halloween Spending Survey; total spending is expected to reach $8.4 billion, up 21.7% from $6.9 billion in 2015. The last time sales came close was in 2012, at a previous high of $8.0 billion. Over 171 million Americans expected to celebrate … [Read more...] about Halloween Spending Up; Entertainment Tops Costume Choices