By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Kirkland's, Inc. has announced a major new strategic partnership with Beyond, Inc.'s Bed Bath & Beyond brand. The deal is aimed at rejuvenating the iconic retailer through a neighborhood store strategy, and includes a major financial investment from Beyond. This collaboration will see Kirkland's Home locations serve as the … [Read more...] about Bed Bath & Beyond Signs Second Strategic Partnership in a Week
News & Trends
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
Who’s News: Miraculous Appoints Global Head of Consumer Products
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Miraculous Corp has appointed Roz Nowicki as the company's global head of consumer products for the Miraculous franchise. In her new position at Miraculous Corp, Nowicki will be responsible for spearheading the company's expansion initiatives for the Miraculous IP across consumer products, gaming, promotions and live … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Miraculous Appoints Global Head of Consumer Products
Who’s News: CHITAG Appoints New Members to Advisory Board
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter People of Play (POP) has announced that three new industry professionals have joined the Chicago Toy and Game group’s advisory board. The three new members of the CHITAG group’s advisory board are Tara McGrath, Amy Friedland and Mike Bisogno. “Tara, Mike, and Amy bring inventor relations, marketing, PR, and even more visionary and ideation … [Read more...] about Who’s News: CHITAG Appoints New Members to Advisory Board
People of Play Reveals Speakers Lineup at Inventor & Innovation Conference
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Toy inventors can get the opportunity of a lifetime, as People of Play’s Inventor & Innovation Conference kicks off on November 6. Registered inventors can make appointments now with representatives from more than 80 toy and game companies including Disney, Mattel, Hasbro, Spin Master and Moose Games. This year’s conference, … [Read more...] about People of Play Reveals Speakers Lineup at Inventor & Innovation Conference
Live Entertainment Company TEG Appoints Shane Harmon as MD-Experiences
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Shane Harmon has been named Managing Director of Experiences for TEG, a global leader in Live Entertainment, Ticketing and Technology. Harmon is an experienced executive in the sports and entertainment sectors, and joins TEG with more than 25 years of experience in the industry. Harmon most recently worked as the Chief Executive at … [Read more...] about Live Entertainment Company TEG Appoints Shane Harmon as MD-Experiences
Authentic Brands Group and Saks Global Announce Joint Luxury Venture
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Authentic Brands Group and Saks Global are expanding their partnership with a new joint business venture called Authentic Luxury Group (ALG). The new joint venture will leverage the combined capabilities of Authentic's licensing expertise and Saks Global's e-commerce and retail presence to further expand Authentic’s portfolio of luxury brands. … [Read more...] about Authentic Brands Group and Saks Global Announce Joint Luxury Venture
Who’s News: Sesame Workshop Promotes Hallie Ruvin and Aaron Bisman
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Sesame Workshop has promoted Hallie Ruvin to SVP of communications & public affairs and named Aaron Bisman as the new SVP of Marketing. In her new position at Sesame Workshop, Hallie Ruvin will be responsible for managing the organization's global communications initiatives. This includes providing leadership and oversight for Sesame … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Sesame Workshop Promotes Hallie Ruvin and Aaron Bisman
Gucci Claims $14 Million in Damages Over Lord & Taylor Counterfeits
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The iconic fashion house Gucci is seeking $14 million in damages, accusing retailer Lord & Taylor of "willfully" promoting and selling counterfeit goods. Gucci originally sued Lord & Taylor in 2023, but in its claim for damages, the company says Lord & Taylor has also failed to defend itself in court, leading the fashion … [Read more...] about Gucci Claims $14 Million in Damages Over Lord & Taylor Counterfeits
Board Game Trade Show SPIEL Essen Sets Attendance Record
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief If anyone thought the days of board games were numbered, they haven't been to SPIEL Essen recently. SPIEL Essen is the world's largest public, business-to-consumer fair for board games, and for the first time the event was completely sold out every day. Over the four-day show approximately 204,000 people from around the world … [Read more...] about Board Game Trade Show SPIEL Essen Sets Attendance Record