Real Madrid's official console partner is Xbox. To celebrate, Xbox will host a series of events at Microsoft Stores throughout the U.S. during Real Madrid’s U.S. Summer Tour. Betty Boop is the new face of Foulbi Co., Ltd.'s J-esthetic—over 100 esthetic salons and day spas. The campaign includes a commercial as well as print and digital ads. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. … [Read more...] about Roundup: Promotional Partnerships
Entertainment/Character
The State of Licensing In Mobile
Sanrio and Bandai Namco Entertainment team up for Hello Kitty ♥ PAC-MAN, a mobile game app and a limited edition merchandise collection including t-shirts, caps, socks, tote bags, pins, and collectible figures. SEGA Networks and WWE partner for WWE Tap Mania, a worldwide mobile game app that features a roster of past and present WWE Superstars facing off in the ring in … [Read more...] about The State of Licensing In Mobile
Top 20 Preschool Properties in the $12.8 Billion Industry
The preschool market is one of the most stable we track, compared to other property types and product categories. In 2016, licensed retail sales of preschool brand-based, preschool-oriented merchandise grew 6.7% to reach almost $12.8 billion. Although all-ages brands like sports-based properties and Star Wars have made inroads into licensed preschool merchandise, … [Read more...] about Top 20 Preschool Properties in the $12.8 Billion Industry
Experiential Roundup
Nickelodeon and Spin Master take Paw Patrol to Visionworks locations as part of a back-to-school initiative. Kids who have completed their annual eye exam get a free gift, which includes a Paw Patrol activity sheet, crayons, stickers, and a character mask. Beginning this July, the retailer will also debut it first-ever kids’ line of Paw Patrol frames, designed and distributed … [Read more...] about Experiential Roundup
Store Check: Kino’s (a.k.a. Blind Box Heaven)
By: Karina Masolova I visited another bookstore for our store check feature, and this time, it's a specialty Japanese retailer in midtown Manhattan. The chain bookstore has 12 locations in the U.S., including two recently opened shops in Texas. The fastest-growing region in the U.S. for interest in Japanese-origin properties is the Midwest, and the strongest demand for the … [Read more...] about Store Check: Kino’s (a.k.a. Blind Box Heaven)
Tuning In To Entertainment
Cartoon Network's first album release, Steven Universe Soundtrack: Volume 1, debuted in the top ten on five charts, including No. 1 on top of the Billboard independent albums chart, No. 2 in soundtracks, No. 3 in digital albums, and No. 22 on the Billboard Top 200. The company is looking to announce other Cartoon Network and Adult Swim albums in the upcoming months. "Music … [Read more...] about Tuning In To Entertainment
Up 7.6%, Entertainment/Character Leads 2016 Growth
In 2016, entertainment/character was the fastest-growing of all the major property types TLL tracks through its Annual Licensing Business Survey. Retail sales of entertainment/character-based licensed merchandise were up a stunning 7.6% to reach almost $12.8 billion. The rate of growth was slightly down from 2015, when retail sales grew 8.0% to reach almost $11.9 … [Read more...] about Up 7.6%, Entertainment/Character Leads 2016 Growth
Snacking on Branding
Fans will be able to snack on Shopkins macarons, enjoy a Shopkins manicure, play with their favourite characters, check out the full European line in Shopkins World Vacation, enjoy photo opportunities, and more. The Parisian-themed, limited-time pop-up shop—Shopkins Macaron Café—opens in New York City from June 17–19. Moose Toys will be there to celebrate the collectibles … [Read more...] about Snacking on Branding
M&A: Coach, Pokémon & DHX
DHX Media acquires the entertainment division of Iconix Brand Group for $345 million, which includes a both an 80% controlling interest in Peanuts and 100% of Strawberry Shortcake. The remaining 20% interest in Peanuts will continue to be held by members of the family of Charles M. Schulz. The transaction is expected to close on or around June 30, 2017. The deal will give the … [Read more...] about M&A: Coach, Pokémon & DHX
Entertainment in Experiential & Social
Sanrio joins forces with Snapchat to bring over 30 character stickers to the app, including Hello Kitty, My Melody, Badtz-Maru, Chococat, and Keroppi. The month-long partnership coincides with Sanrio Character Ranking 2017, an annual competition where fans get the chance to vote for their favorite Sanrio character. Each sticker used will count as a vote for the chosen … [Read more...] about Entertainment in Experiential & Social