The Licensing Letter

Retailers

Afro Unicorn Secures a Magical Licensing Partnership

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The apparel and accessories brand Afro Unicorn has secured Magical Beauty, LLC as a new global licensing partner. Afro Unicorn is a fully-licensed character brand created by CEO and entrepreneur April Showers with the mission to increase representation and self-esteem for women and children of color. “I am extremely proud of what Afro … [Read more...] about Afro Unicorn Secures a Magical Licensing Partnership

Authentic Brands Working With Global Citizen to End Extreme Poverty

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The global brands company Authentic Brands has committed to help Global Citizen's mission to End Extreme Poverty NOW. Global Citizen is the world’s largest international advocacy organization, while Authentic Brands Group is a global brand development, marketing, entertainment, and digital platform. Authentic is also the owner of many of … [Read more...] about Authentic Brands Working With Global Citizen to End Extreme Poverty

Marks & Spencer Pilots Virtual ‘Try-On’ Technology From Zyler

The UK retail chain Marks & Spencer has debuted a new technology allowing users to virtually try on clothing. The new tech was developed by partner Zyler, and has been rolled out in Marks & Spencers outlets in Oxford Circus and Harrogate, both in London. The feature was trialed with the clothing brand Jaeger. "The introduction of this technology provides a … [Read more...] about Marks & Spencer Pilots Virtual ‘Try-On’ Technology From Zyler

Who’s News: Toho Announces New Hires To Guide eCommerce Expansion

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Toho International has appointed Kristin Parcell as general manager and Stacy Burt as director of marketing to lead the studio's e-commerce expansion. Parcell (above left) and Burt (above right) will be responsible for building a scalable e-commerce fandom platform for Toho’s Godzilla franchise and the studio's portfolio of anime … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Toho Announces New Hires To Guide eCommerce Expansion

Shoppers Ignore Downturn, Notch Record Spending for Black Friday

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Online shoppers thumbed their noses at inflation and a looming recession, setting a new record for online Black Friday spending. Figures from Adobe Analytics showed US consumers spent a record $9.12 billion while online shopping Friday, an increase of 2.3% over last year, and surpassing the previous online Black Friday record of $9.03 … [Read more...] about Shoppers Ignore Downturn, Notch Record Spending for Black Friday

Retail Trends: Christmas a Bit Less Merry in 2022

NPD Report Says Wary Consumers to Reduce Holiday Spending By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The NPD Group predicts that Christmas stockings will be a little less full, and the stack of presents under the tree a touch smaller this year. The NPD's annual report on retail, 2022 US Holiday Purchase Intentions, says consumers generally plan to spend less this year than in … [Read more...] about Retail Trends: Christmas a Bit Less Merry in 2022

Roast Beast Sauce and Who Hash Available at Dr. Seuss eCommerce Site

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter  Jade City Foods and Dr. Seuss Enterprises have launched a co-branded e-commerce website for their limited edition Grinch-themed product line. The products in the licensed collection include coffee, hot chocolate, matcha, and hot sauce featuring characters from How The Grinch Stole Christmas! such as the Grinch, Max, and Cindy-Lou Who. … [Read more...] about Roast Beast Sauce and Who Hash Available at Dr. Seuss eCommerce Site

Minecraft Fans Get New Merch Through Licensing Deal With Smiggle

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The video game franchise Minecraft has released a limited-edition accessory line with the retail brand Smiggle. The deal between Minecraft and Smiggle was brokered by licensing agency Merchantwise on behalf of the Minecraft brand. Merchantwise focuses on gaming, digital, and entertainment licensing for the Australia and New Zealand … [Read more...] about Minecraft Fans Get New Merch Through Licensing Deal With Smiggle

The Florence by Mills Brand Launches Fashion Collection on ABOUT YOU

By Allison WatkinsonTLL Reporter IMG has signed an exclusive licensing deal between the fashion brand, Florence by Mills, and the ecommerce platform, ABOUT YOU. Established by actress, producer, and entrepreneur Millie Bobby Brown in 2019, the Florence by Mills brand specializes in skincare and color cosmetic products that are easy to use and affordably priced. The … [Read more...] about The Florence by Mills Brand Launches Fashion Collection on ABOUT YOU

NECA & Walmart Launch Digital Collectibles Platform

AutoT Portal to Launch With Exclusively Licensed Lithographs by Artist Bob Ross By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Walmart has taken a bold step into the world of digital collectibles, partnering with NECA to launch a new platform called AutoT. The National Entertainment Collectibles Association and Walmart have already created what they say is a "first of its kind … [Read more...] about NECA & Walmart Launch Digital Collectibles Platform