The good news for Adidas is that sales of brand products in the fourth quarter increased 11% thanks to double-digit sales growth in the sport performance training and running categories. Adidas Originals and Adidas NEO product sales also jumped more than 10% during the quarter. Reebok sales grew by a more modest 1%. Overall, Adidas’s sales for the year are up by 6%. The bad … [Read more...] about Adidas Sells More, Makes Less
Fashion
Left Shark Hits Shelves
Less than a month after her attorneys put Shapeways’s unlicensed Left Shark figurines out of business, Katy Perry (Bravado Intl. Group Merchandising Services) has launched her own, official products featuring the choreographically clutzy fish that became an instant Internet sensation during the Super Bowl halftime show. There are two official Left Shark offerings: a print … [Read more...] about Left Shark Hits Shelves
Fifty Shades of Green
Lingerie company Bluebella had never done a licensing deal before deciding to make a pitch for Fifty Shades of Grey lingerie. They got the license and created two lines: The F&F featuring soft pinks and silk trims for the mainstream play on the conventional love story part of the plot; The bondage-inspired Black Label line pick up on the story’s kinky side. Both … [Read more...] about Fifty Shades of Green
Classic Character Capers
Classic entertainment characters just keep chugging along. Some recent deals involving retro TV and other classic entertainment brands: Sony Pictures Consumer Products is conjuring up a licensing campaign tied to the 50th anniversary of classic Barbara Eden-Larry Hagman sitcom, "I Dream of Jeannie.” Products reportedly include a video slot machine from IGT; a commemorative … [Read more...] about Classic Character Capers
Knights Joins Hanes
HanesBrands agreed to acquire Knights Apparel, a leading seller of licensed collegiate logo apparel, from affiliates of Merit Capital Partners. Knights sells apparel representing 400 of the largest U.S. colleges and universities, primarily to mass merchant retailers. The company complements Hanes’ Gear for Sports division, which is a leading seller of licensed collegiate … [Read more...] about Knights Joins Hanes
Trisha’s Southern Home
Country music artist, cookbook author and Food Network star Trisha Yearwood is moving out of the kitchen with her first line of furniture, Trisha Yearwood Home Collection, in partnership with Klaussner Home Furnishings. The line, described as “combining warm, southern style with a classic twist,” will debut at the High Point International Market in High Point, N.C., next … [Read more...] about Trisha’s Southern Home
“Cinderella” Tie-In Campaigns Targets Women of All Generations
Women apparently never outgrow the desire to feel like a princess. At least that’s the message retailers JCPenney and Kohl’s are promoting as part of a multi-generational approach to tie-ins with Disney’s live-action “Cinderella,” which is due in theaters March 13. JCP created a commercial specifically for the Feb. 22 Academy Awards telecast showing a woman in several JCP … [Read more...] about “Cinderella” Tie-In Campaigns Targets Women of All Generations
Cosmetics Counter
Some cosmetics, skincare and fragrance deals backed by big names: Actress Eva Mendes is working with Maesa and Walgreen’s on an exclusive cosmetics line. The Circa line strives to appeal to a multicultural market, with 133 SKUs designed for a wide range of skin tones. Model Rosie Huntington-Whitely debuted her first fragrance, for British retailer Marks & Spencer. Rosie … [Read more...] about Cosmetics Counter
Ralph Lauren Bucks the Buck
Conventional wisdom says that the strong dollar is making it harder to sell luxury fashion goods abroad. Or is it? Ralph Lauren reported weaker than expected third quarter earnings, but while U.S. sales flattened out, total growth in international sales revenues topped double-digits (in current currency), thanks to robust performances in both Europe and China. RL is taking … [Read more...] about Ralph Lauren Bucks the Buck
A Niche of Their Own: Touch by Alyssa Milano Is Catalyst For Fast-Growing Off-field Licensed Women’s Sportswear
Women represent the most dynamic seg- ment of the off-field sports apparel market. Women make up nearly half of all self-identified MLB fans and 44% of NFL TV viewers. More women watch the Super Bowl than the Oscars. Not surprisingly, women’s interest in sports is translating into growing sales of licensed women’s sports apparel. Today: Women are the single fastest growing … [Read more...] about A Niche of Their Own: Touch by Alyssa Milano Is Catalyst For Fast-Growing Off-field Licensed Women’s Sportswear