By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The National Retail Federation predicts holiday spending will grow by 2.5 to 3.5% in 2024, boosting U.S. spending to almost $1 trillion. The NRF says the increase will equate to spending of between $979.5 billion and $989 billion in total holiday spending in November and December, compared with $955.6 billion during the same time … [Read more...] about NRF Predicts US Holiday Spending Close to $1 Trillion
Economy
Special Report: TikTok Shop Takes Shoppers ‘From Content to Cart’
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief There's a saying in the media that argues, "content is king." According to the social media giant TikTok, that saying may also apply to retail. On Sept. 12, TikTok released a statement that promises to change the world of retail and advertising forever, while sending chills down the spines of retail giants like Walmart and Amazon. It will … [Read more...] about Special Report: TikTok Shop Takes Shoppers ‘From Content to Cart’
Macy’s to Offer New Collection From Gap in First Ever Collaboration
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Macy’s and Gap are launching an exclusive new collection of sleepwear, underwear and intimates in the companies' first collaboration. “We are thrilled to launch this collection of Gap sleepwear and intimates exclusively at Macy’s and to extend our customer reach,” said Gap president, Adrienne Gernand. “This launch is an opportunity to … [Read more...] about Macy’s to Offer New Collection From Gap in First Ever Collaboration
Analysis: Is India the Best Toy Manufacturing Alternative to China?
By: David Salvaraj Courtesy of Global Toy News There are currently three major toy manufacturing countries: China, India, and Vietnam. In this article, David Salvaraj (david.selvaraj@source4india.com) makes the case for his country, India as the world’s next big toy manufacturing hub. David, a familiar face at global trade shows, is an experienced India Toy Consultant for … [Read more...] about Analysis: Is India the Best Toy Manufacturing Alternative to China?
Kid’s Channel Pash Expands on Amazon Prime to France and Poland
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Less than a year after its launch, the Prime Video kids' channel Pash is expanding into the France and Poland markets. Pash is a joint effort by Studio 100 Media and ZDF Studios, and offers viewers a wide selection of kids & family programs. The Pash channel became available in France on March 8, and in Poland on March 20, carrying a … [Read more...] about Kid’s Channel Pash Expands on Amazon Prime to France and Poland
TLL Survey: Last Chance to Win Cirque Tickets or Amazon Cash!
Survey Respondents Get Free Copy of $429 Report, With Chance to Win Draw Prizes As Well If you've got 10 minutes free this weekend, make sure to fill out the 2023 Royalty Trends Survey for a chance to win some valuable prizes. The deadline to complete the licensing survey is end of day on Monday, April 17. The Royalty Trends Report is due for publication on May … [Read more...] about TLL Survey: Last Chance to Win Cirque Tickets or Amazon Cash!
Licensing Survey: We Want to Hear From You For 2023 Licensing Survey
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Licensing Letter is launching its annual survey of the licensing industry, and we want to hear from you! So much so, that we're increasing the available rewards for those licensing pros who take the time and trouble to fill out the annual survey. We know your time is valuable, so this year, anyone who fills out the survey and … [Read more...] about Licensing Survey: We Want to Hear From You For 2023 Licensing Survey
Disney is Restructuring and Laying Off Staff: Six Takeaways From the Earnings Call
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Disney is the world's largest studio and the largest entertainment licensor, so what happens at Disney affects everyone in the licensing industry. News the Magic Kingdom has announced 7,000 layoffs and a major restructuring of the entire company is cause for concern ... but there's good news in the latest earnings call as … [Read more...] about Disney is Restructuring and Laying Off Staff: Six Takeaways From the Earnings Call
Shaky Recovery Continues for Global Box Office Revenues
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Global cinema box office revenues have bounced back by 27% over 2021, but the $26 billion tally is still far short of pre-pandemic levels. Gower Street Analytics released its final estimate for global box office returns, up to Dec. 31, 2022. The result of $25.9 billion is not only a major drop from pre-pandemic revenues, but also … [Read more...] about Shaky Recovery Continues for Global Box Office Revenues
North American Toy Revenue Flatlined in 2022
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A report from NPD Group shows growth in the North American toy sector has stalled, after two record breaking years. “After three record-breaking years for the toy industry, 2022 was a challenging year. U.S. consumers were forced to endure significant economic headwinds stemming from inflation and adverse macroeconomic factors,” said … [Read more...] about North American Toy Revenue Flatlined in 2022