Every once in a while, we like to get out of the office and do some window shopping. Have requests for a future store check? Contact the editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com with the stores you'd like to see in the New York City area. This month, we checked out a confectionery retailer that seeks to indulge pop culture trends as well as a sweeth tooth. Founded in 2006 by … [Read more...] about IT’SUGAR NoHo: Pink, Sweet & Raunchy
Gifts/Novelties
Living Coral: 2019 NSS, NY Now & Surtex Edition
Contact the editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com CORAL, as in: Conscientious, Organized, Retro, and Animated Living. From the floor of the 2019 National Stationery Show (NSS), Retail Renaissance NY Now, and Surtex, TLL brings you the latest in home, stationery, and surface design trends. This year, all three shows were held simultaneously in New York City's Jacob Javits … [Read more...] about Living Coral: 2019 NSS, NY Now & Surtex Edition
Ruth, Ross & Rogers: America’s Top Personalities
Contact the editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com Americans can't seem to get enough of the three R's—Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG), The Joy of Painting's Bob Ross, and the host of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, Fred Rogers. They're calm, they're kind, and they're what we need right now. First things first, let's not take this out of proportion. All together, … [Read more...] about Ruth, Ross & Rogers: America’s Top Personalities
Retail Sales of Licensed Gifts/Novelties, U.S. & Canada
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)