By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Pokémon Company International says it will acquire Excell Brands, its largest U.S. distribution partner, marking a significant strategic shift. Excell Brands is a leading U.S. distributor and category management service provider of trading cards and collectibles. While Excell has enjoyed a long and fruitful partnership with Pokémon, it … [Read more...] about Pokémon to Acquire Its US Distribution Partner Excell Brands
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Canada’s Hot Fashion Brand Aritzia Acquires Fred Segal
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Canadian fashion giant Aritzia has leveraged its continued strength to acquire the U.S. brand Fred Segal, as well as the lease for its landmark location on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. Aritzia Inc. announced the acquisition of Fred Segal on Thursday, but did not reveal any financial terms for the deal, which sees a venerable fashion … [Read more...] about Canada’s Hot Fashion Brand Aritzia Acquires Fred Segal
Pittsburgh Penguins Welcome Mr. Rogers to the Neighborhood
TLL Staff The Pittsburgh Penguins have waddled into Mr. Rogers neighborhood, with a new themed collaboration during an upcoming game at PPG Paints Arena. The Penguins and Fred Rogers Productions announced Thursday the creation of 'Mister Rogers' Neighborhood Day', scheduled for March 1 when the team faces the Vegas Golden Knights. The partnership will feature co-branded … [Read more...] about Pittsburgh Penguins Welcome Mr. Rogers to the Neighborhood
High Liner and Guinness Release Pub-Worthy Seafood Line
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter No one knows pub grub like the Irish beer brand Guinness, who has now partnered with Canadian seafood producer High Liner Foods for a fish 'n' chips and battered shrimp. High Liner and Guinness say their goal is to "bring the ultimate pub experience straight into homes" with the launch of Sea Cuisine Guinness Battered Fish Strips and … [Read more...] about High Liner and Guinness Release Pub-Worthy Seafood Line
Hasbro Secures Magical Harry Potter Toy License Starting in 2027
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Hasbro has announced a multi-year licensing partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products to become the global primary toy licensee for Harry Potter beginning in 2027. The deal covers products inspired by both the Harry Potter film franchise and the upcoming HBO Original Harry Potter series. Hasbro plans to develop a range … [Read more...] about Hasbro Secures Magical Harry Potter Toy License Starting in 2027
Kayou Debuts at Toy Fair New York, Previews U.S. Expansion Plans
TLL Staff Kayou, a Chinese collectible trading card company, made its official debut at Toy Fair New York earlier this month, using the occasion to announce a slate of new licensed products and IP partnerships as part of its broader push into the U.S. market. The company, which describes itself as China's top trading card brand, showcased new releases and upcoming product … [Read more...] about Kayou Debuts at Toy Fair New York, Previews U.S. Expansion Plans
Amazon Ends Ring-Flock Safety Partnership After Super Bowl Ad Backlash
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Super Bowl XL certainly generated its share of controversy, including the debate over the half-time show featuring Bad Bunny and a catastrophic game for the New England Patriots, but for the licensing industry, the big news was the cancellation of a licensing deal between Amazon's Ring platform and Flock Safety. The backlash from a … [Read more...] about Amazon Ends Ring-Flock Safety Partnership After Super Bowl Ad Backlash
Spin Master Wins TOTY Toy of the Year, Bluey Named Top Toy License
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The toy industry celebrated its most innovative products at the 2026 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards on Tuesday evening. The event also raised more than $1 million for The Toy Foundation, which delivers play to children in need. Nearly 800 toy and play professionals gathered at Pier Sixty in New York City for the annual gala, themed … [Read more...] about Spin Master Wins TOTY Toy of the Year, Bluey Named Top Toy License
Kraft Heinz Pauses Split As CEO Insists Problems Are ‘Fixable
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief U.S. food giant Kraft Heinz has halted its plans to split the mammoth corporation into separate companies. CEO Steve Cahillane announced the changes, saying the pause is necessary due to deteriorating market conditions in the food industry as a whole. However, Cahillane also insists the problems are "fixable and within our control." Kraft … [Read more...] about Kraft Heinz Pauses Split As CEO Insists Problems Are ‘Fixable
Grocers Risk Alienating Shoppers with Overt GLP-1 Labelling, Analyst Warns
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The rapid appearance of GLP-1-inspired ready meals on UK supermarket shelves this January has drawn comparisons to past trend-chasing moments, and a caution from retail analysts that grocers may be squandering a larger, more durable opportunity by marketing too narrowly. "Grocers must expand GLP-1-inspired ranges to highlight the … [Read more...] about Grocers Risk Alienating Shoppers with Overt GLP-1 Labelling, Analyst Warns