By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief (Photo credit: Licensing International) Global sales of licensed products and services grew by 3.7% to $369.6 billion in 2024, according to a summary of Licensing International’s 2025 Global Licensing Industry Study. The findings were announced today ahead of the Licensing Expo in Las Vegas, with Licensing International President Maura … [Read more...] about Expo News: Global Brand Licensing Sales Reach $369.6 Billion in 2024
Economy
Analysis: Brands Are Losing Customers. Here’s How to Win Them Back.
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief It's a tough time for brands who depend on their customers' steadfast loyalty to keep the revenue flowing. Two major trends have erupted over the past four years that are straining the relationship of trust and loyalty between brands and their followers. And both of those trends are coming to a head this year. One of them is a … [Read more...] about Analysis: Brands Are Losing Customers. Here’s How to Win Them Back.
The Brands and Categories Being Hit by ‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Stock markets are in free fall globally, while top brands grapple with the fallout of new US trade tariffs announced by President Donald Trump on April 2. The tougher than expected tariffs are expected to impact on several sectors crucial to the global licensing industry, including the categories of toys, consumer electronics, … [Read more...] about The Brands and Categories Being Hit by ‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs
OECD Report: Tariff Trade Winds to Slow Global Economic Growth
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The global economy is in for a rough ride as US trade tariffs are expected to cause a widespread decline in GDP growth. The OECD (the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, representing the world's richest economies) headed their interim report in March with a photo of a ship being battered by heavy seas (above), a metaphor … [Read more...] about OECD Report: Tariff Trade Winds to Slow Global Economic Growth
NRF Predicts 2024 Holiday Spending to Reach New Record
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The National Retail Federation projects average consumer spending over the 2024 holidays will reach a record $902 per person. The NRF bases that number on the average expected spending for gifts, food, decorations, and other seasonal items, with figures coming from its annual consumer survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics. … [Read more...] about NRF Predicts 2024 Holiday Spending to Reach New Record
NRF Predicts US Holiday Spending Close to $1 Trillion
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The National Retail Federation predicts holiday spending will grow by 2.5 to 3.5% in 2024, boosting U.S. spending to almost $1 trillion. The NRF says the increase will equate to spending of between $979.5 billion and $989 billion in total holiday spending in November and December, compared with $955.6 billion during the same time … [Read more...] about NRF Predicts US Holiday Spending Close to $1 Trillion
Special Report: TikTok Shop Takes Shoppers ‘From Content to Cart’
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief There's a saying in the media that argues, "content is king." According to the social media giant TikTok, that saying may also apply to retail. On Sept. 12, TikTok released a statement that promises to change the world of retail and advertising forever, while sending chills down the spines of retail giants like Walmart and Amazon. It will … [Read more...] about Special Report: TikTok Shop Takes Shoppers ‘From Content to Cart’
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
Analysis: Is India the Best Toy Manufacturing Alternative to China?
By: David Salvaraj Courtesy of Global Toy News There are currently three major toy manufacturing countries: China, India, and Vietnam. In this article, David Salvaraj (david.selvaraj@source4india.com) makes the case for his country, India as the world’s next big toy manufacturing hub. David, a familiar face at global trade shows, is an experienced India Toy Consultant for … [Read more...] about Analysis: Is India the Best Toy Manufacturing Alternative to China?
Kid’s Channel Pash Expands on Amazon Prime to France and Poland
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Less than a year after its launch, the Prime Video kids' channel Pash is expanding into the France and Poland markets. Pash is a joint effort by Studio 100 Media and ZDF Studios, and offers viewers a wide selection of kids & family programs. The Pash channel became available in France on March 8, and in Poland on March 20, carrying a … [Read more...] about Kid’s Channel Pash Expands on Amazon Prime to France and Poland