By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Pokémon Company International says it will acquire Excell Brands, its largest U.S. distribution partner, marking a significant strategic shift. Excell Brands is a leading U.S. distributor and category management service provider of trading cards and collectibles. While Excell has enjoyed a long and fruitful partnership with Pokémon, it … [Read more...] about Pokémon to Acquire Its US Distribution Partner Excell Brands
Pokémon
Snore With Snorlax As Mimaru Hotels Expand Its Pokémon Rooms
By Allison Watkinson TLL Staff The Mimaru hotel brand has just announced it will be renovating and expanding its popular 'Pokémon Rooms', so aspiring trainers can kick back and relax after a hard day trying to catch 'em all. Mimaru is a leader in Japan for apartment-style hotels, and is owned by Cosmos Hotel Management, which has held a licensing deal with Pokémon for … [Read more...] about Snore With Snorlax As Mimaru Hotels Expand Its Pokémon Rooms
Licensing Drove the Toy Industry’s Resurgence in 2025
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The retail research company Circana found the U.S. toy industry has returned to positive growth after two years of decline. Circana’s data shows that total annual dollar sales grew by +6%, as average selling price (ASP) rose +4%. Most importantly, the number of units sold also increased by 3%, despite fears in early 2025 that … [Read more...] about Licensing Drove the Toy Industry’s Resurgence in 2025
Hershey’s Kisses and Pokémon Launch Collectible Chocolates
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Hershey's is partering with the Pokémon Company International to introduce special-edition Hershey's Kisses with collectible foils that feature licensed Pokémon art. With 151 distinct foil designs, the co-branded candy collection features all of the Pokémon from the franchise's original Kanto region. Each milk chocolate Hershey's Kiss is … [Read more...] about Hershey’s Kisses and Pokémon Launch Collectible Chocolates
Pottery Barn Kids Debuts Pokémon Home Collection
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Pottery Barn Kids has launched a partnership with the Pokémon Company International for a licensed collection inspired by the entertainment franchise. The products from Pottery Barn Kids offer a variety of designs that span back-to-school accessories, bedroom decorations and playroom furnishings. This includes a range of bedding, backpacks, … [Read more...] about Pottery Barn Kids Debuts Pokémon Home Collection
Pokémon and Overtime Team Up for the Pokémon Playoffs
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Pokémon Company International and Overtime have teamed up for a collaborative collection of professional sports jerseys and lifestyle apparel. Set to debut during the upcoming Pokémon Playoffs on February 18, the partnership will feature custom-designed Pokémon jerseys for all eight of the Overtime Elite basketball teams. Licensed … [Read more...] about Pokémon and Overtime Team Up for the Pokémon Playoffs
McDonald’s and Pokémon Launch Happy Meal Partnership
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter McDonald's and Pokémon have launched a licensing partnership that offers Pokémon trading cards with each McDonald's Happy Meal. Featuring four limited-edition box designs, each licensed Happy Meal includes a poster, a sticker sheet and a Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) booster pack. The exclusive box designs feature art of popular … [Read more...] about McDonald’s and Pokémon Launch Happy Meal Partnership
Crocs Announces New Pokemon-Themed Classic Clogs Collection
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Pokémon and Crocs are launching a new Pokemon-themed Crocs classic clog pack. The licensed Crocs collection features the distinct colors and imagery from the popular Gen-1 Pokemon characters: Gengar, Charizard, Snorlax, and Jigglypuff. The Gengar version comes in a dark purple hue with graphics that mimic the ghost-type Pokémon’s mischievous … [Read more...] about Crocs Announces New Pokemon-Themed Classic Clogs Collection
Pokémon Expansions and Collections for May 2024
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter and TLL Staff The Pokémon Company International has announced several new expansions to its plush, fashion, outdoor, trading card game (TCG) and ecommerce offerings during May 2024. The brands' recent consumer product expansions include the international launch of the Pokémon Soda Pop Plush collection and the debut of a new fashion and outdoor … [Read more...] about Pokémon Expansions and Collections for May 2024
Post Malone Headlining Pokemon 25th Anniversary Concert
Pokémon is in a licensing frenzy this year as the company celebrates its 25th anniversary, and this week announced it has come to an agreement with Universal Music Group to have Post Malone star in a video and concert. The Pokemon Company International broke the news as musician-slash-Pokemon-fan Malone made the announcement on a YouTube video.Taking place on Feb. 27—better … [Read more...] about Post Malone Headlining Pokemon 25th Anniversary Concert