By Allison Watkinson TLL Staff The Mimaru hotel brand has just announced it will be renovating and expanding its popular 'Pokémon Rooms', so aspiring trainers can kick back and relax after a hard day trying to catch 'em all. Mimaru is a leader in Japan for apartment-style hotels, and is owned by Cosmos Hotel Management, which has held a licensing deal with Pokémon for … [Read more...] about Snore With Snorlax As Mimaru Hotels Expand Its Pokémon Rooms
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Macallan and James Bond Prove That Good Scotch, Like Diamonds, Are Forever
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The famed Macallan Distillery has released a new single malt Scotch whisky honoring the 55th anniversary of "Diamonds Are Forever," proving that some things — like 007's taste for fine spirits — are indeed forever. The Macallan Diamonds Are Forever 55th Anniversary Release, available starting Thursday at $750, continues the … [Read more...] about Macallan and James Bond Prove That Good Scotch, Like Diamonds, Are Forever
Licensing Drove the Toy Industry’s Resurgence in 2025
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The retail research company Circana found the U.S. toy industry has returned to positive growth after two years of decline. Circana’s data shows that total annual dollar sales grew by +6%, as average selling price (ASP) rose +4%. Most importantly, the number of units sold also increased by 3%, despite fears in early 2025 that … [Read more...] about Licensing Drove the Toy Industry’s Resurgence in 2025
Who’s News: Paramount Names Paul Southern as Executive VP of Consumer Products
TLL Staff Paramount, a Skydance Corporation, announced today the appointment of Paul Southern as Executive Vice President, Consumer Products, effective immediately. Southern brings more than 20 years of experience in global licensing and commercialization strategies for major entertainment franchises to his new role. He will oversee Paramount's consumer products business and … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Paramount Names Paul Southern as Executive VP of Consumer Products
Surge Brands Unveils More Gooey Goodness for Crazy Aaron’s
TLL Reporter Surge Brands has announced the first U.S. licensing partners for Crazy Aaron’s, the innovative sensory play brand behind Thinking Putty, Land of Dough, and Slime Charmers. Crazy Aaron's was founded in 1998 by Aaron Muderick, a former software engineer who began experimenting with putty as a creative pastime for kids. Muderick began by producing small batches of … [Read more...] about Surge Brands Unveils More Gooey Goodness for Crazy Aaron’s
Hasbro Named Toy Maker For Upcoming Street Fighter and Voltron Films
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter U.S. toymaker Hasbro has signed two key licensing deals to produce toys for the upcoming Street Fighter and Voltron films. The Street Fighter movie is scheduled to debut in cinemas on October 16, while the live action take on the anime classic Voltron does not yet have a date for its premiere. Hasbro this week announced its licensing … [Read more...] about Hasbro Named Toy Maker For Upcoming Street Fighter and Voltron Films
Who’s News: RWS Global Adds Kathy Bagshaw and AJ Gardner in Key Roles
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter RWS Global has appointed two senior leaders as the company continues to scale its entertainment production and operations for parks and destination partners worldwide. Kathy Bagshaw joins as Senior Advisor, Operations, where she will focus on strengthening operational delivery across major parks, including work with Merlin … [Read more...] about Who’s News: RWS Global Adds Kathy Bagshaw and AJ Gardner in Key Roles
All Hell Breaks Loose With Spin Master’s Haunting New Trading Card Game
A new era of horror is coming to tabletop gaming as Spin Master announces the release of a new trading card game called 'Hellbreak'. The new game from Spin Master and Universal Products & Experiences was created in tandem with the legendary game design team at Ghost Galaxy. The collaborators say Hellbreak will give horror fans and TCG (trading card game) players alike a … [Read more...] about All Hell Breaks Loose With Spin Master’s Haunting New Trading Card Game
Panini Signs Trading Card Deal With High School Football Star
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief In a move that would have been unthinkable prior to changes in the laws applying to Name, Image and Likeness licensing, Panini America has signed an NIL agreement with high school quarterback Keisean Henderson. The world’s largest sports and entertainment collectibles company has signed Henderson to an exclusive, multi-year … [Read more...] about Panini Signs Trading Card Deal With High School Football Star
Who’s News: Disney Names Josh D’Amaro As Its Next CEO
Caption: Josh D'Amaro (right) has been named as the new CEO at The Walt Disney Company, while Dana Walden will take on the newly created role of president and Chief Creative Officer. Photo courtesy of Disney. By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Walt Disney Company has chosen Disney Experiences chairman Josh D'Amaro to replace outgoing CEO Robert (Bob) … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Disney Names Josh D’Amaro As Its Next CEO