Build-A-Bear Workshop’s 400 stores will host a lineup of visiting entertainment/characters licenses well into next year. In residence now, ahead of the July 10 theatrical release of Minions, from Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment, are Kevin, Bob, and Stuart. In August come four dolls from MGA Entertainment’s Lalaloopsy. Entertainment One’s Peppa Pig will be in … [Read more...] about Build-A-Bear Lines Up Licensees
TLL
Nike Scores NBA Deal
As expected, Nike will replace Adidas as the National Basketball Association’s official on-court apparel provider, starting in the 2017-2018 season. The eight-year deal is reportedly valued at $125 billion a year, or $1 billion in total. That’s an estimated 245% more than Adidas paid. Of course, Nike is already an NBA licensee and, according HoopsHype, has endorsement deals … [Read more...] about Nike Scores NBA Deal
Will Jurrasic World Hatch Licensing Success?
Few things drive sales of licensed toys, apparel, etc., like a blockbuster movie. And at $208.8 million in North America and $524.1 globally, no film has ever grossed more in its opening weekend than Universal’s Jurassic World. Within days of Jurassic World’s June 12 opening, FX networks picked up the TV rights to the dino-sized hit. Of course, all of this is music to the ears … [Read more...] about Will Jurrasic World Hatch Licensing Success?
Global Retail Sales of Licensed Goods Rise 2%, Reach $158.8 Billion in 2014
Worldwide retail sales of licensed merchandise increased 2% to $158.8 billion in 2014, as compared to $155.8 billion in 2013, according to The Licensing Letter's Annual Licensing Business Survey. The increase was fuelled by strong sales in the U.S., U.K. and Asia, which offset the stagnation or decline in other big markets in and outside Europe. Results by … [Read more...] about Global Retail Sales of Licensed Goods Rise 2%, Reach $158.8 Billion in 2014
Who’s News
John Kristick, Global CEO of GroupM ESP leads the company’s new ESP Properties and ESP Brands, which serve sports and entertainments rightsholders in identifying and negotiating partnerships. ESP Brands is managed regionally by North American CEO Bryce Townsend. Sebastian Nystrom moves to Head of Strategy for Finnish grocery retailer S Group, from Head of New Products/Brand … [Read more...] about Who’s News
10 Things about the Current State of Art Design Licensing You Need to Know
If you couldn't make it to last month's SURTEX conference in NYC, here are key takeaways about the current state of licensing of surface designs for home goods, fashion, paper and other goods, courtesy of consultant Jeff Grinspan who put together the conference program: Although the industry is more competitive than ever, it's also rife with opportunity; More retailers are … [Read more...] about 10 Things about the Current State of Art Design Licensing You Need to Know
Klum Speads Color From Down Under
Heidi Klum is ready to import her colorful line of men’s underwear, HK Man, to the U.S., she told WWD in a recent interview. HK Man was launched in Australia and New Zealand and is currently available in the U.S. online via www.heidiklumintimates.com. The site also teases a pending expansion of Klum’s lingerie brands to Europe. Bendon manufactures HK Man, as well as Heidi Klum … [Read more...] about Klum Speads Color From Down Under
Madonna Takes Hard Candy Global
Speaking of fitness-inspired licensing deals, Madonna will expand her Hard Candy Fitness brand with help from Epic Rights, just signed for global merchandising and branding programs. Hard candy Fitness operates luxury fitness clubs in Moscow, Sydney, Mexico City, Rome, Berlin, Toronto, and other big cities around the world. … [Read more...] about Madonna Takes Hard Candy Global
Jillian Michaels Gets a New Licensing Agent
Trainer and life coach Jillian Michaels, from NBC’s The Biggest Loser, signed with Shark Branding to license her brand for categories including swimwear, eyewear, fragrance, cosmetics, skincare, hair care, food appliances, and household cleaning products in North America. Shark Branding will work with Michaels’s company, Empowered Media, to ramp up licensing activity in North … [Read more...] about Jillian Michaels Gets a New Licensing Agent
Larger Fashion Lines a Plus for Retailers
Demand for plus-size women’s clothing is expected to increase strongly through 2019, according to researcher Ibis World, due to factors including rising per capita disposable income, a decline in healthy eating, greater designer collaboration, and greater availability of premium products. The trend is showing up in licensing: In November, plus-size fashion retailer Torrid will … [Read more...] about Larger Fashion Lines a Plus for Retailers