The Licensing Letter

Department Stores

Care Bears Bring The Love To Global Partnership With MINISO

By Gary Symons TLL Editor inChief MINISO, the China-based retailer known for its trendy and affordable products, has announced a global partnership with Care Bears. The collaboration is set to enchant fans worldwide with an expansive Care Bears-themed product line, adding a sprinkle of nostalgia and joy to MINISO's offerings. Care Bears from Cloudco is, of course, a … [Read more...] about Care Bears Bring The Love To Global Partnership With MINISO

Latest Data Predicts a Not So Merry Xmas For Toys, Retail

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The licensing industry should lower expectations for the coming holiday season, as retail sales fell slightly in October, and toy sales are down overall. The US Commerce Department reported retail sales fell slightly in October by 0.1%. That's not great, but the good news is that economists were expecting a greater decline, based on … [Read more...] about Latest Data Predicts a Not So Merry Xmas For Toys, Retail

Travis Kelce Scores With Frozen BBQ Meal Entrees at Walmart

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Kansas City Chief's star tight end Travis Kelce—aka Taylor Swift's boyfriend—has a new line of frozen BBQ dinners at Walmart. Kelce is said to love Kansas City barbecue almost as much as certain pop stars, as it's rumored he can often be found at Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que enjoying the burnt ends or meat-packed Z-Man … [Read more...] about Travis Kelce Scores With Frozen BBQ Meal Entrees at Walmart

JCPenney Launching Mexican Cookery Set With Chef Jenny Martinez

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The retail chain JCPenney is offering a new collection of Mexican-inspired cookware developed in partnership with chef Jenny Martinez. The affordable new collection, called Mesa Mia is now available in JCPenney stores and online. “JCPenney is more than a department store for me,” Martinez said. “Growing up, my mom would always take us … [Read more...] about JCPenney Launching Mexican Cookery Set With Chef Jenny Martinez

Macy’s to Offer New Collection From Gap in First Ever Collaboration

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Macy’s and Gap are launching an exclusive new collection of sleepwear, underwear and intimates in the companies' first collaboration. “We are thrilled to launch this collection of Gap sleepwear and intimates exclusively at Macy’s and to extend our customer reach,” said Gap president, Adrienne Gernand. “This launch is an opportunity to … [Read more...] about Macy’s to Offer New Collection From Gap in First Ever Collaboration

Who’s News: Macy’s Names Massimo (Max) Magni As Chief Customer and Digital Officer

By Allison WatkinsonTLL ReporterMacy’s, Inc. has announced the appointment of Massimo (Max) Magni as its new chief customer and digital officer. Founded in 1858, Macy's Inc. is a U.S. department store chain that currently operates an extensive ecommerce business alongside numerous brick-and-mortar retail locations across the country. In his new role at Macy's, Magni will guide … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Macy’s Names Massimo (Max) Magni As Chief Customer and Digital Officer

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

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

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

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