Mattel, Inc. enjoyed a wildly successful year in 2020, producing many of the top selling toy brands globally, and riding a large increase in toy spending during the pandemic to one of their best revenue years of all time. As well, the definitive retail industry research company The NPD Group has now named Mattel's Barbie brand as the 2020 top global toy property of the year, … [Read more...] about Barbie Named Top Global Toy Brand For 2020
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US Toy Industry Enjoys Boom Times in 2020
One industry that proved itself immune to the COVID-19 virus is the toy sector, which saw a staggering 16 per cent increase in revenue in 2020. According to a report by The NPD Group, US toy sales generated $25.1 billion in 2020, an increase of $3.5 billion. One interesting data point is that the number of unit sales for the year were flat while the average selling price … [Read more...] about US Toy Industry Enjoys Boom Times in 2020
Lego and Universal Music Group Launch Music Video Maker
In yet another example of how the world of music licensing has evolved over the past two years, LEGO and Universal Music Group (UMG) announced on Jan. 26 the launch of LEGO VIDIYO, "a playful and innovative music video maker experience designed to celebrate and expand children’s creativity and passion for music." The companies say in a joint statement that LEGO VIDIYO is a … [Read more...] about Lego and Universal Music Group Launch Music Video Maker
Who’s News: The Point.1888 Continues to Expand
Licensing and branding firm The Point.1888 has successfully navigated the COVID-19 pandemic so successfully that it's now in the fifth phase of corporate expansion, with five new key hires. The Point.1888 says the expansion, which will involve new roles in the Commercial, Product Development, Marketing and Legal divisions, is an exciting new stage but also very much a necessity … [Read more...] about Who’s News: The Point.1888 Continues to Expand
UFC Names Panini America Exclusive Collectible Global Trading Card Partner
UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization, has entered into a new, multi-year licensing agreement with Panini America, the world’s largest licensed sports and entertainment collectibles company. The partnership, negotiated by IMG, grants Panini America the rights to become UFC’s official and exclusive collectible trading card partner. “We are thrilled to welcome … [Read more...] about UFC Names Panini America Exclusive Collectible Global Trading Card Partner
Fortnite on Licensing Binge With New Game Characters
The wildly popular Fortnite video game has made an art form of incorporating popular celebrities or movie characters into its game play, and over the past week has outdone itself. Thanks to a trio of new agreements, Fortnite players can dress their game avatars as their favorite soccer (football) players from around the globe, go on the hunt as The Predator, or relentlessly … [Read more...] about Fortnite on Licensing Binge With New Game Characters
Funko Opens Virtual, COVID-Safe Showroom
It's been a difficult year for B2B marketing teams when virtually every trade show and conference in the world has been canceled due to COVID-19, but Funko has found a way by launching its own "digital showroom." Funko Europe, the pop culture product company, this week opened the doors to its first-ever virtual showroom, featuring more than 400 products for 2021. Normally the … [Read more...] about Funko Opens Virtual, COVID-Safe Showroom
Debra Valencia Creates Shibori Bedding for Spectrum Home
Designer Debra Valencia has created an all new collection of Shibori style bedding for Spectrum Home Textiles in a deal brokered by The Brand Liaison, Valencia's exclusive licensing agent. Valencia has spent years mastering the ancient Japanese hand dyed textile tradition of Shibori, studying under the guidance of a master instructor in Japan, and has personally created dozens … [Read more...] about Debra Valencia Creates Shibori Bedding for Spectrum Home
Licensing Monster “Mobile Suit Gundam” Airing on Crunchyroll
The anime network Crunchyroll began airing "Mobile Suit Gundam," the original series within the iconic Gundam franchise, as one of its library of more than 1,000 Gundam titles, opening up more opportunities for licensees. The Crunchyroll consumer products team currently manages the international merchandise rights for five Gundam titles with North American licensees … [Read more...] about Licensing Monster “Mobile Suit Gundam” Airing on Crunchyroll
Poetic Brands Creating Licensed Apparel and Face Masks for Na! Na! Na! Surprise
Following the enormous success of LOL Surprise and LOL Surprise OMG dolls from MGA Entertainment, Poetic Brands has snapped up a licensing deal with the toy giant for its latest collectible doll range, Na! Na! Na! Surprise. The specialist apparel licensee is working on a range of children’s apparel, outerwear and swimwear, nightwear and essentials based on the new property … [Read more...] about Poetic Brands Creating Licensed Apparel and Face Masks for Na! Na! Na! Surprise