Hasbro launches its first-ever subscription service in April with the Gaming Crate, priced at $49.99 per crate, plus shipping. Each box includes three curated games that are new to the Hasbro Gaming portfolio. The crates fall into two themes: Family, which offers games designed to be played together by kids and adults, and Party, which contains games geared towards adult game … [Read more...] about M&A & New Media
Articles
A Budding Business
The 4th Annual Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition in NY took place last week, and the buzz is substantially dimmer. Compared to last year, the crowd was more sophisticated, knowledgeable, and connected. But as the cannabis industry becomes more settled, it's also becoming clear that (consumer products) licensing is not going to be a significant player anytime … [Read more...] about A Budding Business
Tuning In To Entertainment
Cartoon Network's first album release, Steven Universe Soundtrack: Volume 1, debuted in the top ten on five charts, including No. 1 on top of the Billboard independent albums chart, No. 2 in soundtracks, No. 3 in digital albums, and No. 22 on the Billboard Top 200. The company is looking to announce other Cartoon Network and Adult Swim albums in the upcoming months. "Music … [Read more...] about Tuning In To Entertainment
Up 7.6%, Entertainment/Character Leads 2016 Growth
In 2016, entertainment/character was the fastest-growing of all the major property types TLL tracks through its Annual Licensing Business Survey. Retail sales of entertainment/character-based licensed merchandise were up a stunning 7.6% to reach almost $12.8 billion. The rate of growth was slightly down from 2015, when retail sales grew 8.0% to reach almost $11.9 … [Read more...] about Up 7.6%, Entertainment/Character Leads 2016 Growth
Store Check: Licensed Offerings at B&N
I visited a local Barnes & Noble this week, one of the "last remaining massive bookstores" in the city, at Union Square, New York. It's a bookstore, but I'm not checking out the books. One of the biggest growth areas for the chain bookseller is toys, games, and gifts/novelties. Here's a look at the licensed options that B&N was pushing last week: It's Father's Day on … [Read more...] about Store Check: Licensed Offerings at B&N
Snacking on Branding
Fans will be able to snack on Shopkins macarons, enjoy a Shopkins manicure, play with their favourite characters, check out the full European line in Shopkins World Vacation, enjoy photo opportunities, and more. The Parisian-themed, limited-time pop-up shop—Shopkins Macaron Café—opens in New York City from June 17–19. Moose Toys will be there to celebrate the collectibles … [Read more...] about Snacking on Branding
What Spinners Spell Out for the Future of Play
Fidget spinners are blowing up around the world, but they're not here to stay. I predict that they will go quietly into the night by the end of the year. Interestingly, at Licensing Expo in Vegas, the general mood on the floor seemed unimpressed. We're not likely to see officially licensed options appear on shelves, although there is no indication that they would fare poorly. … [Read more...] about What Spinners Spell Out for the Future of Play
Who’s News
Sony Pictures Entertainment’s consumer products division is establishing a Shanghai-based licensing office with Sabrina Gu leading direct deals in the territory as Director Consumer Products China. Gu continues to dual-report to Joseph Liao, CMO Beijing, and Jamie Stevens, EVP Worldwide Consumer Products. Disney Chairman & CEO Robert Iger resigns from the White House … [Read more...] about Who’s News
Licensing Expo: Focus, Digital & More
To TLL's North American readers, welcome back from your long holiday weekend. This last week we saw 5,000 brands at the 2017 Licensing Expo in Las Vegas. Perhaps because of the date shift—the show landed a month earlier this year—there was noticeably less foot traffic on the floor for all three days. Every year, I get asked, "What were the top brands?" The answer this year the … [Read more...] about Licensing Expo: Focus, Digital & More
Upcoming Features on TLL
As we head off to Licensing Expo, here is a breakdown of what we're planning for the rest of the year. Expo Breakdown TLL is going to be at Expo—booth #G-71—this year, and we're still taking appointments; spots are limited. Contact Jen to make an appointment at the booth, take a custom tour of the Licensing Data Bank, and get exclusive show discounts. We'll also be handing out … [Read more...] about Upcoming Features on TLL