The Licensing Letter

Industry Trends

Licensed Cannabis the Next Big Thing

This year’s Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition New York (CWCBExpo NY) welcomed a disparate crowd as businesses sought to stake a claim in an industry estimated to be worth $5.7 billion in the U.S. in 2015, according to ArcView Market Research and New Frontier. While TLL estimates place retail sales of licensed legal cannabis at less than 1% of all industry sales, … [Read more...] about Licensed Cannabis the Next Big Thing

How Do Millennials Use Their Mobile Devices to Shop?

By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Almost all of this year's TLL Annual Licensing Business Survey respondents used two "M" words, often in the same sentence, when talking about key long-term trends in licensing and retail. And while they said it in different ways, they all made basically the same points: Millennials are the socio-economic group currently wielding the most influence … [Read more...] about How Do Millennials Use Their Mobile Devices to Shop?

Earnings Scorecard: Winners & Losers of the First Quarter

By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. This month, the nation's largest retailers posted their earnings for the first quarter of 2016. And the numbers confirm what we already know: These are tough times for the retail industry. But just how tough are they? While the monster losses by Macy's, Target, Kohl's, Nordstrom and others stole the headlines, they belie the strong performance … [Read more...] about Earnings Scorecard: Winners & Losers of the First Quarter

Topps Hits a Hot Market Home Run

By Glenn Demby A Topps official described it as “the perfect storm.” 285-pound Mets pitcher Bartolo Colon is a beloved player with a cult following who also happens to play in New York. And he picked the perfect time to strike his blow—a Saturday evening game on national TV airing just a few minutes after the Kentucky Derby. But while luck played a part, Topps’s spectacular … [Read more...] about Topps Hits a Hot Market Home Run

Which Brands Are Best At Engaging Their Customers?

By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. The phrase "consumer engagement," kept coming up in this year's TLL Annual Survey, especially when respondents identified the key trends shaping licensing. "It's all about connecting with consumers and forging an emotional and day-to-day relationship so that your brand becomes part of their lives," according to one respondent. So, who does the best job … [Read more...] about Which Brands Are Best At Engaging Their Customers?

Lady Gaga and Elton John Become the Latest to Launch a Macy’s Exclusive

By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Limited-edition celebrity lines are an old hat for Macy's. But the upcoming Love Bravery line set to debut at 150 stores next week is a bit different. The exclusive apparel and accessories collection comes from not one, but two, slightly offbeat celebs who don't normally do many of these deals—Lady Gaga and Sir Elton John. Love Bravery is also a … [Read more...] about Lady Gaga and Elton John Become the Latest to Launch a Macy’s Exclusive

Tom Brady Noses Out Peyton Manning for Top Player Merchandise Sales

By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Peyton Manning may have retired with a Super Bowl ring but he was unable to overtake his career-long rival Tom Brady at the cash registers. The NFLPA announced that Brady led all NFL players in merchandise sales for the year, Manning's last as a pro. Peyton had to settle for the second spot. The NFLPA Top 50 list covers physical and online retail … [Read more...] about Tom Brady Noses Out Peyton Manning for Top Player Merchandise Sales

Giorgio Armani Becomes Latest High Profile Fashion Designer to Go Fur Free

By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Respondents to TLL's Annual Licensing Business Survey have waxed poetic about the need for personal connection between brand and customer for years. But while the objective remains the same, the tactics are changing. Forging personal connections now requires engagement at the community level. "Today's consumer judges brands not just by quality but the … [Read more...] about Giorgio Armani Becomes Latest High Profile Fashion Designer to Go Fur Free