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
Europe
Electronic Arts Using Team Data to Upgrade EA Sports FC 25
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Video game giant Electronic Arts is taking full advantage of its sports licensing agreements to bring new features to its signature game EA Sports FC 25. The new edition of the game includes several dramatic improvements to the football (or soccer, if you prefer) video game. One of them, called FC IQ, is literally an overhaul of the game's … [Read more...] about Electronic Arts Using Team Data to Upgrade EA Sports FC 25
Gordon Ramsay Co-Develops Pro Quality Appliances With THOR Kitchen
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief THOR Kitchen and Gordon Ramsay have developed a line of pro-quality kitchen appliances for the home, that would be suitable for a Michelin-starred restaurant. THOR Kitchen is a global leader in high-performance kitchen appliances, with a mission to elevate home kitchens and empower home chefs to reach new culinary heights with … [Read more...] about Gordon Ramsay Co-Develops Pro Quality Appliances With THOR Kitchen
Getting to The Point.1888: The Will Stewart Interview
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The brand licensing agency The Point.1888 was founded in 2014, just one decade ago, but there’s a good argument to be made that it has the longest history in the entire industry. In fact, the numerals ‘1888’ refer to that history, as the original company was founded that year in the outskirts of London. “My great great grandfather … [Read more...] about Getting to The Point.1888: The Will Stewart Interview
Who’s News: Mattel Appoints Mara Verzé as Head of UK Consumer Products
TLL Staff Mattel Inc. has announced the appointment of Mara Verzé as the new Head of UK Consumer Products. Verzé brings a wealth of experience from her previous role at Authentic Brands Group, where she managed renowned brands such as Nautica, Nine West, and Forever 21 across the EMEA and India regions. Ruth Henriquez, Senior Director Licensing, Publishing, and … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Mattel Appoints Mara Verzé as Head of UK Consumer Products
Oasis Rocks Licensing With Global Merchandising Services
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief When Oasis kicks off its 2025 World Tour, its 'backup band' for licensing will be Global Merchandising Services. The award-winning merchandising company specializes in the music, celebrity and lifestyle categories. As the new global licensing agent for Oasis, Global will be charged with developing consumer product programs for retail, … [Read more...] about Oasis Rocks Licensing With Global Merchandising Services
SmileyWorld Collection on Shein Brings Happiness to Your Home
TLL Staff The global online retailer SHEIN has unveiled its second brand partnership with The Smiley Company, featuring the iconic SmileyWorld brand. "This exciting collaboration unveils a vibrant home and accessories line designed to infuse everyday fashion with a dose of positivity and fun," Shein says. Founded in 1972 by the French journalist and newspaper columnist … [Read more...] about SmileyWorld Collection on Shein Brings Happiness to Your Home
Feature: The Company Teaching the World to Smile
CEO Nicolas Loufrani Explains the Smiley Company's Largest Ever Expansion Plan By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Sure, the world may be going through a tough time, between a series of catastrophic wars, a recent pandemic, and looming threats to democracy, but Nicolas Loufrani says there’s still a lot to smile about. In fact, the CEO of The Smiley Company argues there’s … [Read more...] about Feature: The Company Teaching the World to Smile
Smart Move as Barbie Dumbs Down The Flip Phone
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief If you're tired of 24/7 notifications and text messages, Barbie has the phone for you. Human Mobile Devices, Europe’s largest smartphone manufacturer, has partnered with with Mattel to create the Barbie Flip Phone. The new phone caters to Gen Z and Millennials, who have been seen to decrease their time on social media in recent … [Read more...] about Smart Move as Barbie Dumbs Down The Flip Phone
Anthem Publishing the Official Pinch of Nom Magazine
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The Point.1888 has brokered a partnership between Anthem Publishing and the Pinch of Nom food brand for an official Pinch of Nom magazine. Pinch of Nom (PON) is a healthy eating and recipe brand that was launched in 2016 by Kate and Kay Allinson. The culinary brand focuses on providing its readers with healthy recipes, advice and support … [Read more...] about Anthem Publishing the Official Pinch of Nom Magazine