The Licensing Letter

Ecommerce

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

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

Update: Trademark Filings Reveal Kanye West’s Licensing Strategy

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief New trademark filings by Kanye West may help reveal the music star's long-term goals, particularly after he terminated his licensing relationship with Gap Inc. According to a report from the entertainment gossip show TMZ, the rapper's company Mascotte Holdings has filed trademarks for a variety of apparel items, including jackets, hats, … [Read more...] about Update: Trademark Filings Reveal Kanye West’s Licensing Strategy

Walmart Releases Top Toy List for Xmas 2022

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Walmart has given wannabe licensees a cheat sheet for Christmas, listing its choice for the top 55 toys for 2022. Walmart's 2022 Top Toy List is released every year to help families making decisions on their Christmas shopping, but it's also a great tool for licensees looking for their next big deal. This year's Top Toy List highlights 55 … [Read more...] about Walmart Releases Top Toy List for Xmas 2022

Crunchyroll Acquires North America’s Largest Anime Retailer

The anime streamer Crunchyroll has completed a strategic acquisition of Right Stuf, considered the largest retailer of anime products in North America. The Sony-owned streaming service announced on Aug. 4 that it had purchased Right Stuf, just ahead of the company's annual Crunchyroll Expo event. Pricing and other terms were not disclosed publicly. The Right Stuf acquisition … [Read more...] about Crunchyroll Acquires North America’s Largest Anime Retailer

Character Licensing: Pokemon Getting a Poetic Apparel Collection

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The specialist apparel licensee, Poetic Brands, has partnered with ASOS to design and manufacture a Pokemon-themed apparel collection. The collection features t-shirts, dresses, hoodies, knitwear, shorts, a denim jacket, denim short dungarees, swimwear and accessories. “We are thrilled to launch this '90s inspired cross category collection … [Read more...] about Character Licensing: Pokemon Getting a Poetic Apparel Collection

GAP Partners on New Lines for Eyewear, Home Products

The fashion outlet Gap has announced two major new partnerships for branded eyewear and kids' home products. The eyewear deal sees Gap partnering with the global eyewear company De Rigo, launching their first collection of Gap-branded sunglasses and optical glasses. "As a champion of individuality, Gap embodies a sense of modern American optimism that celebrates what it means … [Read more...] about GAP Partners on New Lines for Eyewear, Home Products

Technology: Walmart Expands Its Metaverse Ambitions

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Walmart is placing its bets on metaverse technologies as it announced the acquisition of an AR developer, and launched new augmented reality shopping experiences. The latter initiative sees Walmart updating its customer shopping app with two new augmented reality (AR) solutions, which are rolling out this month on its iOS app. The new feature … [Read more...] about Technology: Walmart Expands Its Metaverse Ambitions