“Frozen” was a licenser’s dream and a big reason that U.S. retail licensed toys sales grew 7% in 2014 ($5.7 billion), according to the NPD Group. But expectations for 2015 are even greater, thanks to a quartet of Hollywood blockbusters that have enormous potential for licensed toys and other merchandise. Here’s a rundown of each film by release date and the toy licensing partners lined up…
Bugs Back in Jordan’s Court
February 16, 2015
Nike’s Jordan Brand and Looney Tunes licensor Warner Bros. Consumer Products are poised to relaunch the iconic Hare Jordan campaign for the Air Jordan franchise’s 30th anniversary. Hare Jordan products will start hitting retail in the spring…
Using Licensed Properties to Make New Licensed Properties
February 2, 2015
It’s a toy! It’s a movie! No, wait, it’s a toy! … It’s common for entertainment properties to spawn toys and for toys to spawn entertainment properties. Less common is for entertainment properties to inspire toys, which then inspire new entertainment properties, which then, in turn, inspire new toys…
LICENSED PRESCHOOL mERCHANDISE
Digital Gains as DVDs Decline; Toys Remain Firm 45% of Market
January 19, 2015
Digital products, including educational and gaming apps and e-books, held an estimated 8% share of retail sales of licensed preschool products in 2013, up from 5% in 2012, according to TLL’s new report, “The Global Market For Licensed Preschool Properties”…
LIcensInG by The nuMbers
More Preschool Properties Originating Outside U.S.
January 5, 2015
The $10.6 billion worldwide preschool sector was one of the first within entertainment/character licensing in which properties originating outside the U.S. became part of global culture (see pie chart, below), according to The Licensing Letter’s just-published all-new 2nd edition of “The Global Market for Licensed Preschool Properties”…
LICENSING BY THE NUMBERS
Disney Consumer Products Revenues Expand When Frozen
December 1, 2014
Revenue at Disney Consumer Products (including merchandise licensing and the Disney retail stores) increased 12% to $3.985 billion for the year ended Sept. 27, 2014, compared to the prior year. Operating income for the unit was up 22% to $1.356 billion over the same period…
GOOD-FOR-YOU LICENSING
Fighting Obesity In the Produce Aisle
December 1, 2014
With an increasing societal focus on health and wellness and a desire to combat childhood obesity, entertainment/character licensors are interested in associating their properties with the produce category, and vice versa…
Entertainment
Zag Zigs with Saban
November 17, 2014
Zag Animation Studios is formed by Saban’s Haim Saban, Zag Entertainment founder Jeremy Zag, director Chris Columbus and 1492 Pictures producing partner Michael Barnathan. Saban Brands will handle licensing and merchandising, with 10 family films in development…
Health & Beauty Aids
BeFit Nutriceuticals
November 17, 2014
Most of the licensing activity in the fitness category lately has been around tech devices (Fitbit, Case-Mate, Garmin’s Vivofit), fashion designers (Tory Burch and Rebecca Minkoff), and entertainment properties (The Biggest Loser)…