Product category performance in 2017 was influenced by two key factors: property type and retail channel. Products were likely to do best if they were: (1) based on entertainment, fashion, or sports properties; and (2) sold online or via value, dollar/discount, and/or grocery channels. Conversely, products were most likely to struggle if they were: (1) based on art … [Read more...] about Worldwide Retail Sales of Licensed Merchandise, by Product Category
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Deal Sheet — 3/7/2018
Quick Navigate Properties Available or Recently Assigned, U.S. Licenses Recently Granted, U.S. Intl. Properties Available or Recently Assigned Intl. Licenses Recently Granted Archived Deal Sheets Properties Available or Recently Assigned, U.S. *Extension or renewal. Property (Description)Categories AvailableLicensing Contact Bonwit TellerLuxury brand founded … [Read more...] about Deal Sheet — 3/7/2018
M&A: Toys & Entertainment Edition
Ubisoft acquires 1492 Studio, a French video game development house specializing in free-to-play episodic and interactive stories on mobile. eOne buys out the remaining 49% stake in The Mark Gordon Co. that it didn't already own in a deal worth $209 million. As part of the deal, founder Mark Gordon joins eOne as Chief Content Officer. Spin Master acquires plush manufacturer … [Read more...] about M&A: Toys & Entertainment Edition
Fashion Rumble in Eyewear & Fragrance
Both the FTC as well as EU antitrust regulators have closed their respective investigations into a proposed $58.49 billion (€48 billion) merger between eyewear giants Essilor and Luxottica. The EU said that it "coordinated closely" with the FTC on the case, unconditionally approving the merger and stating that the deal would not harm competition. French-based Essilor controls … [Read more...] about Fashion Rumble in Eyewear & Fragrance
Who’s News—3/5/2018
Are you hiring—or being promoted, changing jobs, retiring, launching a new company, or otherwise changing your employment? Email Jen at jen@plainlanguagemedia.com and we'll announce the news in our next issue of Who's News. Blizzard Entertainment appoints Daniel Siegel to the newly created position of Head Esports Licensing. Siegel will help drive extended investment in the … [Read more...] about Who’s News—3/5/2018
Deal Sheet — 2/28/2018
Quick Navigate Properties Available or Recently Assigned, U.S. Licenses Recently Granted, U.S. Intl. Properties Available or Recently Assigned Intl. Licenses Recently Granted Archived Deal Sheets Properties Available or Recently Assigned, U.S. *Extension or renewal. Property (Description)Categories AvailableLicensing Contact Little League Baseball and … [Read more...] about Deal Sheet — 2/28/2018
Worldwide Retail Sales of Licensed Merchandise, by Property Type
Download an image of this chart here. Retail Sales of Licensed Merchandise, by Property Type, Worldwide, 2016–2017 Note: Numbers may not add up exactly due to rounding. (Figures in Millions) Property TypeRetail Sales, 2017Retail Sales, 2016Change, 2016-2017Share, … [Read more...] about Worldwide Retail Sales of Licensed Merchandise, by Property Type
NYTF18: Blind Bags, Glitter & Poop
This last week saw the latest iteration of New York Toy Fair and offered a clear formula for success in toy aisles this coming year—if a toy or game includes one or more of the following fads, it might sell: (1) low-price collectible with blind packaging, (2) "cute" sparkles and magic, or (3) "gross" material like poop, slime, and dirt. Retail sales of licensed toys and games … [Read more...] about NYTF18: Blind Bags, Glitter & Poop
Award-winning Toys & Games
At the 18th annual Toy of the Year Awards, the Toy Association honored the top toys, games, and licenses according to votes cast late last year. Toy of the Year: Fingerlings, WowWee USA and L.O.L. Surprise!, MGA Entertainment (tie) License of the Year: Star Wars, Disney Consumer Products & Interactive Media People’s Choice: Mystery Minis, Funko Action Figure of the … [Read more...] about Award-winning Toys & Games
The Rise of Video Games
The creeping influence of video game brands on the floor of the New York Toy Fair hints at the emergence of a new powerhouse player in licensing. What's more, the branded toys and games emerging from this space have broad appeal to both children and adults. Retail sales of licensed merchandise based on video game/interactive/online-based properties amounted to $61 million in … [Read more...] about The Rise of Video Games