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
Archive
Canada’s Hot Fashion Brand Aritzia Acquires Fred Segal
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Canadian fashion giant Aritzia has leveraged its continued strength to acquire the U.S. brand Fred Segal, as well as the lease for its landmark location on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. Aritzia Inc. announced the acquisition of Fred Segal on Thursday, but did not reveal any financial terms for the deal, which sees a venerable fashion … [Read more...] about Canada’s Hot Fashion Brand Aritzia Acquires Fred Segal
Pittsburgh Penguins Welcome Mr. Rogers to the Neighborhood
TLL Staff The Pittsburgh Penguins have waddled into Mr. Rogers neighborhood, with a new themed collaboration during an upcoming game at PPG Paints Arena. The Penguins and Fred Rogers Productions announced Thursday the creation of 'Mister Rogers' Neighborhood Day', scheduled for March 1 when the team faces the Vegas Golden Knights. The partnership will feature co-branded … [Read more...] about Pittsburgh Penguins Welcome Mr. Rogers to the Neighborhood
High Liner and Guinness Release Pub-Worthy Seafood Line
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter No one knows pub grub like the Irish beer brand Guinness, who has now partnered with Canadian seafood producer High Liner Foods for a fish 'n' chips and battered shrimp. High Liner and Guinness say their goal is to "bring the ultimate pub experience straight into homes" with the launch of Sea Cuisine Guinness Battered Fish Strips and … [Read more...] about High Liner and Guinness Release Pub-Worthy Seafood Line
Yo Gabba Gabba! Expands Licensing Program with New Product Partners
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Yo Gabba Gabba! is expanding its licensing program across multiple consumer product categories in the United States and Canada, building on renewed interest in the children's franchise. The announcement follows the January 30 launch of Season 2 of Yo Gabba GabbaLand! on Apple TV, which features musical guests including Santigold, Ziggy … [Read more...] about Yo Gabba Gabba! Expands Licensing Program with New Product Partners
Hasbro Secures Magical Harry Potter Toy License Starting in 2027
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Hasbro has announced a multi-year licensing partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products to become the global primary toy licensee for Harry Potter beginning in 2027. The deal covers products inspired by both the Harry Potter film franchise and the upcoming HBO Original Harry Potter series. Hasbro plans to develop a range … [Read more...] about Hasbro Secures Magical Harry Potter Toy License Starting in 2027
Kayou Debuts at Toy Fair New York, Previews U.S. Expansion Plans
TLL Staff Kayou, a Chinese collectible trading card company, made its official debut at Toy Fair New York earlier this month, using the occasion to announce a slate of new licensed products and IP partnerships as part of its broader push into the U.S. market. The company, which describes itself as China's top trading card brand, showcased new releases and upcoming product … [Read more...] about Kayou Debuts at Toy Fair New York, Previews U.S. Expansion Plans
Hermes Bags Continue to Outperform the S&P 500 As Investments
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief My investment advisor wants me to throw money at gold, Nvidia chips, and renewable energy stocks. I told him I'm going all in on Berkin and Kelly bags from Hermes. Why? According to the latest report on the value of high-end fashion, big ticket items that are also difficult to acquire can literally be better long-term investments than … [Read more...] about Hermes Bags Continue to Outperform the S&P 500 As Investments
Amazon Ends Ring-Flock Safety Partnership After Super Bowl Ad Backlash
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Super Bowl XL certainly generated its share of controversy, including the debate over the half-time show featuring Bad Bunny and a catastrophic game for the New England Patriots, but for the licensing industry, the big news was the cancellation of a licensing deal between Amazon's Ring platform and Flock Safety. The backlash from a … [Read more...] about Amazon Ends Ring-Flock Safety Partnership After Super Bowl Ad Backlash
Spin Master Wins TOTY Toy of the Year, Bluey Named Top Toy License
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The toy industry celebrated its most innovative products at the 2026 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards on Tuesday evening. The event also raised more than $1 million for The Toy Foundation, which delivers play to children in need. Nearly 800 toy and play professionals gathered at Pier Sixty in New York City for the annual gala, themed … [Read more...] about Spin Master Wins TOTY Toy of the Year, Bluey Named Top Toy License