The Licensing Letter

Retailers

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

Food & Beverage: Corona Opening a Beer Store With a Difference

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief There are beer stores, and then there's Corona's version of a beer store. Corona's parent company AB InBev has announced the European launch of its online Corona lifestyle store, in collaboration with sports and lifestyle retail company Cube Partnership. The deal was brokered by IMG, AB InBev’s exclusive licensing representative in … [Read more...] about Food & Beverage: Corona Opening a Beer Store With a Difference

Hot Topic Screams Into The Metaverse For Roblox Halloween

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The entertainment and music retailer Hot Topic is taking its first steps into the metaverse with a special Halloween event for fans. Hot Topic, a leading omni-channel merchandise destination, announced the launch of Halloween-inspired virtual items on the metaverse platform Roblox. "For Hot Topic, Halloween is a lifestyle, not just a day," … [Read more...] about Hot Topic Screams Into The Metaverse For Roblox Halloween

TLL Exclusive: SPLiCE Says Landmark Ruling An Existential Threat to Licensing Industry

Black + Decker and Walmart Lose Appeal in Class Action Lawsuit Main Takeaways: Black + Decker and Walmart are successfully sued for selling a coffeemaker that was branded by Black + Decker, but manufactured by licensee Applica Consumer Products SPLiCE contends the ruling could “potentially undermine the licensing industry as a whole” SPLiCE Corporate Counsel warns, “If … [Read more...] about TLL Exclusive: SPLiCE Says Landmark Ruling An Existential Threat to Licensing Industry

Book Licensing: New Snacks For a Very Hungry Caterpillar

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Ella's Kitchen in the UK just landed its first ever licensing deal, and it's a doozy. With the help of agency Rocket Licensing, Ella's Kitchen Brands will create a range of kids' snacks based on Eric Carle’s classic literary tale, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The new product line is set to launch this autumn. Ella’s Kitchen is planning … [Read more...] about Book Licensing: New Snacks For a Very Hungry Caterpillar