Universal Studios has ridden new Harry Potter attractions, like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter which opened in Orlando last sum- mer, to increase its theme park profits 38%. Theme park revenues rose to $735 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, according to Comcast financial reports. … [Read more...] about Harry Potter Drives Theme Park Profits
TLL
Knights Joins Hanes
HanesBrands agreed to acquire Knights Apparel, a leading seller of licensed collegiate logo apparel, from affiliates of Merit Capital Partners. Knights sells apparel representing 400 of the largest U.S. colleges and universities, primarily to mass merchant retailers. The company complements Hanes’ Gear for Sports division, which is a leading seller of licensed collegiate … [Read more...] about Knights Joins Hanes
Trisha’s Southern Home
Country music artist, cookbook author and Food Network star Trisha Yearwood is moving out of the kitchen with her first line of furniture, Trisha Yearwood Home Collection, in partnership with Klaussner Home Furnishings. The line, described as “combining warm, southern style with a classic twist,” will debut at the High Point International Market in High Point, N.C., next … [Read more...] about Trisha’s Southern Home
Restaurants Put Licensing on Menu
A number of restaurant companies have brought in new executives to expand licensing revenues. Examples: Johnny Rockets promoted James Walker to President Development & Operations to grow the Johnny Rockets at Home business, which licenses the brand for consumer products. At Focus Brands, Cinnabon President Kat Cole was promoted to Group President of the parent company with a … [Read more...] about Restaurants Put Licensing on Menu
Toy Fair 2015: New Toys Promote Engagement and Smart Play; Big Licensors Dominate the Licensing Action
The static, one-size-fits-all toy of the past won't do; today's toys need to be dynamic, adaptable, and suitable for creative play. Accordingly, user engagement, smart play and interactivity were the primary themes of the new products on display at this year's New York Toy Fair, including licensed toys. There were 3 variations on these themes. 1. Build-Your-Own Like last year, … [Read more...] about Toy Fair 2015: New Toys Promote Engagement and Smart Play; Big Licensors Dominate the Licensing Action
Who’s News
Bob Chapek, a 22-year Disney veteran, is moving from President of Disney Consumer Products to Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, effective immediately. While DCP has yet to name a successor, insiders believe that current executive VP of global licensing has the inside track. Kim Marie Song has been hired as National Strategic Sales Manager of MAC Group and will focus … [Read more...] about Who’s News
Japan: Licensing By Property Sector
Sluggish GDP growth and falling retail sales limited licensed retail sales in Japan to $10.1 billion in 2013, according to TLL's International Licensing Report. That’s a very modest growth rate. And projections for 2014 are not expected to be a whole lot better. Here’s an overview of licensing sales performance in Japan by property sector. Entertainment/Character: 39.1% Some … [Read more...] about Japan: Licensing By Property Sector
“Cinderella” Tie-In Campaigns Targets Women of All Generations
Women apparently never outgrow the desire to feel like a princess. At least that’s the message retailers JCPenney and Kohl’s are promoting as part of a multi-generational approach to tie-ins with Disney’s live-action “Cinderella,” which is due in theaters March 13. JCP created a commercial specifically for the Feb. 22 Academy Awards telecast showing a woman in several JCP … [Read more...] about “Cinderella” Tie-In Campaigns Targets Women of All Generations
Licensing of Entertainment Properties for Virtual Reality Products
Hollywood is getting into virtual reality. VR was all the rage at the Sundance Film Festival in January, where festival goers reportedly waited in line for hours to experience the VR flight simulator “Birdly.” And this was just one of almost a dozen VR displays at Sundance, most of which used the pricey and cutting edge Oculus Rift “head-mounted display” to create their … [Read more...] about Licensing of Entertainment Properties for Virtual Reality Products
Cosmetics Counter
Some cosmetics, skincare and fragrance deals backed by big names: Actress Eva Mendes is working with Maesa and Walgreen’s on an exclusive cosmetics line. The Circa line strives to appeal to a multicultural market, with 133 SKUs designed for a wide range of skin tones. Model Rosie Huntington-Whitely debuted her first fragrance, for British retailer Marks & Spencer. Rosie … [Read more...] about Cosmetics Counter