By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief There are many industries that have suffered through the pandemic, but the toy industry is not one of them. According to in-depth research released by The NPD Group, toy sales soared once more in the first half of 2021, despite a very strong showing in 2020. The NPD Group typically examines 12 global markets, and says this year the toy … [Read more...] about Toy Industry Sizzles As Pandemic Smolders
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Forever 21 Tries To Enter China Market For Third Time
The fashion brand Forever 21 is rebooting its efforts to establish a presence in China, according to a story broken by Women's Wear Daily. This is the third time Forever 21 has tried to enter the Chinese retail market. The first time was in 2008, but the attempt was short-lived and unsuccessful. The company tried again in 2011 but pulled out in 2019 after disappointing revenue … [Read more...] about Forever 21 Tries To Enter China Market For Third Time
New CEO Coming To Funko, Amid Record Revenues
The leading pop culture consumer products company Funko today announced its executive leadership transition plan, which includes the appointment of Andrew Perlmutter as CEO. Funko says the transition plan is designed to maintain Funko’s creative leadership in the consumer product and licensing sectors, while positioning the company to deliver long-term growth and shareholder … [Read more...] about New CEO Coming To Funko, Amid Record Revenues
Barbie Honors Frontline Heroes With New Program
In real life, heroes usually don't wear a cape, and they don't have super powers. What they do have is selflessness, persistence and courage, like the many thousands of frontline medical workers who have risked their own lives to care for COVID-19 patients, and distribute lifesaving vaccines to hundreds of millions of people. Toymaker Mattel is now recognizing their … [Read more...] about Barbie Honors Frontline Heroes With New Program
Spy Ninjas Signs Publishing Deal With Scholastic
The Youtube sensation Spy Ninjas has signed a publishing deal with Scholastic for the U.S. and Canada, in a deal brokered by exclusive agent Surge Licensing. Spy Ninjas is a sometimes hilarious and always action packed serial drama that currently racks up about 400 million monthly views, and has more than 38 million subscribers. The show features Chad Wild Clay, Vy Qwaint, … [Read more...] about Spy Ninjas Signs Publishing Deal With Scholastic
HRH Queen Elizabeth II Launches Royal Dog Treats
Given the British Queen's love of Corgis, wasn't it just a matter of time before she launched her own royal line of dog treats? The 95-year-old monarch has given her approval for a line of canine snacks, called Game Bones, which are made with game meat from the grounds surrounding her Sandringham estate in Norfolk, England, and flavored with royal venison. The treats come in … [Read more...] about HRH Queen Elizabeth II Launches Royal Dog Treats
Cosmo Partners on New Tanning Line
DEVOTED CREATIONS AND COSMOPOLITAN PARTNER TO LAUNCH A NEW SUN CARE AND SELF-TAN COLLECTION ACROSS EUROPE AND THE US: COSMOSUN BY COSMOPOLITAN The popular magazine and media brand Cosmopolitan has partnered with 25-year sun care industry veteran Devoted Creations to launch CosmoSun by Cosmopolitan, a luxury sun care and self-tan line. “Cosmopolitan’s audience has always had a … [Read more...] about Cosmo Partners on New Tanning Line
Toy Industry Not Doing Enough For Sustainability
A whitepaper published by sustainability consultant Sonia Sanchez says most toy companies are doing little or nothing to prevent ecological harm from the products they produce.Despite a massive upswell in consumer awareness of the need for sustainable products, the report Changing the World Toy by Toy says 81 per cent of producers are doing little or nothing to improve product … [Read more...] about Toy Industry Not Doing Enough For Sustainability
New Hires For Jazwares Costume Play Division
Jazwares, a global leader in toys and licensing, today announced the formation of the Costume Play division, a new department that will focus on the development of licensed costumes for consumers of all ages. Led by costume industry veteran Stephen Stanley, the division will bring stylized features and innovative fun to costumes that will allow consumers to transform into … [Read more...] about New Hires For Jazwares Costume Play Division
Crown Royal Lights Up Deal For Grilling Products
Crown Royal, the world’s best-selling Canadian whisky brand, is partnering with premium-grade wood product maker Walters Falls Wood Products Inc. to launch a premium whisky barrel wood-smoking product line. The licensing agreement was brokered by global brand extension licensing agency, Beanstalk. The new line of premium barbecue smoking products will include chips, chunks, … [Read more...] about Crown Royal Lights Up Deal For Grilling Products