The NRF estimates that just over half of U.S. adults will celebrate Valentine's Day this year by buying a gift for a significant other, friends, or pets—reaching $19.6 billion in spending, up from $18.2 billion in 2017. Those 25–34 years-old will be the biggest spenders, with an average bill of $202.76. By product category, a total of $4.7 billion will be spent on jewelry … [Read more...] about Spending Up as Love Sets In
Stationery and Paper Products
Top Trends for the $27-30 Billion Back-to-school Season
Here's what to expect from this year's back-to-school season. Rosy estimates place retail sales at their highest levels yet. This year's K-12 back-to-school season is expected to generate $27 billion in retail sales in the U.S., according to Deloitte. The season alone is estimated to generate 50% of all school-related spending for the year by 29 million households. Estimates … [Read more...] about Top Trends for the $27-30 Billion Back-to-school Season
Apparel Fuels 3.1% Growth in U.S./Canada Fashion Licensing—Global Growth Is Even Higher
Growing competition; continued decline in the brick and mortar backyard; currency devaluation in Europe and Asia; a fourth quarter retail fiasco. 2015 was a tough year for the fashion industry. Yet, for all of the challenges, fashion licensing prospered in not only in the U.S./Canada but worldwide, according to The Licensing Letter’s Annual Licensing Business Survey. Global … [Read more...] about Apparel Fuels 3.1% Growth in U.S./Canada Fashion Licensing—Global Growth Is Even Higher
‘Homegating’ Drives Sales of NFL-Licensed Products
By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Americans still love watching football with friends but consumption patterns are changing. The TV is slowly but surely eclipsing the stadium as the viewing venue of choice. And as it does, tailgating in the parking lot is giving way to "homegating" in the living room. Seven of 10 fans would rather get together with friends at home to watch the game than … [Read more...] about ‘Homegating’ Drives Sales of NFL-Licensed Products
By the Numbers: Slowdown in Back-to-School Spending
By Glenn Demby The general slowdown in retail is expected to affect back-to-school spending on both licensed and unlicensed goods, according to a new NRF survey: $24.9 billion: Expected amount of total back-to school spending $630.36: Average amount family with kids in grades K-12 is expected to spend for apparel, electronics and other school needs (down from $669.28 in … [Read more...] about By the Numbers: Slowdown in Back-to-School Spending
Throngs Discuss Thrones
Game of Thrones, the highest rated show in HBO history, set the social media universe ablaze with the plot twists in its fifth season finale June 14. Despite the controversial developments, the publicity can only be good news for licensees. New products headed to retail include a new collector’s edition of the book Game of Thrones: A Pop-Up Guide to Westeros, packed with a … [Read more...] about Throngs Discuss Thrones
Sega Expands Sonic Boom
Sega of America unveiled a host of new licensing and promotional deals involving its Sonic Boom game property, including: World Tech Toys for remote- controlled helicopters; Bulls I Toy for erasers, stickers, trading cards and other novelties; teNeues Publishing Group for wall calendars; Rubie’s Costume for costumes; Bakery Crafts/Jack Guttman for cake decoration kits. … [Read more...] about Sega Expands Sonic Boom