US toy giant Mattel has partnered with Sanrio to create a branding dynamo, combining the iconic Barbie line with the globally popular Hello Kitty brand for the first time. The two companies say they will collaborate on the development of a colourful and contemporary product line aimed at kids and adults that will span accessories, apparel, health and beauty, and footwear. The … [Read more...] about Cuteness Overload: Barbie Partners with Hello Kitty
Mattel
Dolls Help Drive Mattel Quarterly Revenue up 10% over Last Year
US toy giant Mattel reported a sterling quarter with revenues increasing by 10 per cent over the same period last year, despite challenges posed by COVID-19, and driven by a strong IP licensing portfolio. Mattel says the company’s net sales in North America increased 13 per cent over the prior year’s quarter, primarily driven by growth in dolls, action figures building sets, … [Read more...] about Dolls Help Drive Mattel Quarterly Revenue up 10% over Last Year
Who’s News: August 2020
Are you hiring—or being promoted, changing jobs, retiring, launching a new company, or otherwise changing your employment? Contact the Editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com to announce the news in our next issue of Who's News. Direct contact information is made available through TLL's Licensing Sourcebook Online (subscription required). Update: Aug. 18, 2020 Foot Locker … [Read more...] about Who’s News: August 2020
Retail Sales of Licensed Merchandise Based on $100MM+ Entertainment/Character Properties
This chart was most recencently updated November 2019 in conjunction with an analysis of entertainment/character properties generating more than $100 million in licensed retail sales in the U.S. and Canada. For more information on TLL's methodology, click here. … [Read more...] about Retail Sales of Licensed Merchandise Based on $100MM+ Entertainment/Character Properties
Who’s News: July 2019
Are you hiring—or being promoted, changing jobs, retiring, launching a new company, or otherwise changing your employment? Contact the Editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com to announce the news in our next issue of Who's News. Direct contact information is made available through TLL's Licensing Sourcebook Online. Viacom Intl. Media Networks Americas appoints Christian … [Read more...] about Who’s News: July 2019
Experiential Roundup: Garfield, Scooby-Doo, YooHoo & More
Contact the editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com Warner Bros. and Monlove are bringing Scooby-Doo and the gang on tour in 2020. The Canadian prodco is touring live show Scooby-Doo and the Lost City of Gold across 30 countries over 5 years. GarfieldEATS his way to Canada after the concept restaurant launched last year in Dubai in a partnership between Paws Inc. and venture … [Read more...] about Experiential Roundup: Garfield, Scooby-Doo, YooHoo & More
Show Me the Money: Toycos Report Depressed Sales FY2018
With a few exceptions, every major publicly-traded toyco reported a drop in sales of licensed toys/games. TLL breaks down how the year went for Mattel, Hasbro, Jakks Pacific, Lego, and Funko. The bankruptcy and subsequent liquidation of Toys"R"Us (TRU) stores (which immediately impacted the U.S., U.K., and Australia in 2017) remained a drag on 2018 performance thanks to store … [Read more...] about Show Me the Money: Toycos Report Depressed Sales FY2018
L.O.L. Surprise! Sweeps Toy & License of the Year Awards
This year, L.O.L. Surprise! by MGA Entertainment received the distinguished “Toy of the Year” and "License of the Year" awards at the 19th Annual Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards. MGAE took home two more awards in the Doll and Playset (tied) categories for a total of four honors. Lego tied for the most number of awards with four of its own: Collectible, Construction Toy, Playset … [Read more...] about L.O.L. Surprise! Sweeps Toy & License of the Year Awards
What’s the [Toy] Story? Same as Last Year, Just Better!
Contact the editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com Straight from the floor of New York Toy Fair, TLL brings you the latest and greatest in toy trends. They just happen to be the same as last year's—only more nuanced, thoughtful, and developed. The good news this year: No one's freaking out about the ability of America's largest toy retailer to actually pay its vendors. More … [Read more...] about What’s the [Toy] Story? Same as Last Year, Just Better!
Who’s News—October 2018
Are you hiring—or being promoted, changing jobs, retiring, launching a new company, or otherwise changing your employment? Contact the Editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com to announce the news in our next issue of Who's News. 10/16/2018 Universal Brand Development names Marisa Marti to the newly created role of VP Intl. Softlines for consumer products. Nickelodeon appoints … [Read more...] about Who’s News—October 2018