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?
To Sell Shark Tank Goods, Cuban Makes Bet on
E-Commerce
Celebrity entrepreneur Mark Cuban is making a new investment in e-commerce, the fastest growing retail channel for licensed goods. Cuban's eponymous Mark Cuban Collection of products featured on the TV show Shark Tank debuted June 1 on Amazon.com, forgoing Walmart, Target and other large retailers.
The Mark Cuban Collection is in the Amazon Exclusives store, which stocks … [Read more...] about To Sell Shark Tank Goods, Cuban Makes Bet on
E-Commerce
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
Survey Delivers the Low Down on Dollar Store Shoppers
A new secret shopper survey brings to light the characteristics and habits of shoppers in one of the fastest-growing retail channels for licensed merchandise: dollar stores. Amid strong overall sales and earnings growth for channel leaders Dollar Tree and Dollar General (see related story), U.S. and Canadian sales of licensed merchandise in the dollar/value/off-price channel … [Read more...] about Survey Delivers the Low Down on Dollar Store Shoppers
Rihanna Shows Strength for Puma, Foot Locker
By Marcy Magiera In the competitive world of licensed athletic gear, pop singer and fashion icon Rihanna is riding the demand for athleisure apparel to go toe-to-toe with some of the biggest athletes in the NBA. Athletic retailer Foot Locker on Friday posted its highest quarterly net income ($191 million, up 3.8%) and earnings per share ($1.39) in the company's history, but … [Read more...] about Rihanna Shows Strength for Puma, Foot Locker
Can Movie Give a Lift to Angry Birds Licensing?
By Marcy Magiera Mobile game maker Rovio is counting on a new 3D animated movie to create a licensing lift beneath the wings of its Angry Birds franchise. The Angry Birds Movie will open May 20 in the U.S. and China, following its May 12 debut in other international markets. Angry Birds counts more than 3 billion downloads and 100 million-plus monthly active users, according to … [Read more...] about Can Movie Give a Lift to Angry Birds Licensing?
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?
Professional Bull Riders Take Licensing by the Horns
By Marcy Magiera This new wine really carries a kick. Two Horns red, a 2012 blend of California-grown Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Cabernet, is the official wine of Professional Bull Riders (PBR), the world's premier bull riding organization. Produced by Gold River, Calif.-based CORDELINA Wine Company and and distributed across the Midwest, Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions … [Read more...] about Professional Bull Riders Take Licensing by the Horns
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