This week, Wendy's announced that it will no longer offer licensed toys as part of its kids' meals. In so doing, Wendy's became the third fast-food chain since 2011 to discard the proven business model of using licensed toys in kids' meals to generate buzz and restaurant traffic. What's going on? Licensing Toys for Kids' Meals In 1973, the now defunct Burger Chef became the … [Read more...] about Are Licensed Toys in Fast-Foods Kids’ Meals an Endangered Species?
Articles
Full Licensee Roster to Back N.A. Launch of Japanese Anime Hit
BY MARCY MAGIERA Yo-Kai Watch, the hottest kids’ property in Japan over the past 18 months, will land in North America on Oct. 5, when cable’s Disney XD will begin showing the animated half-hour five days a week. The TV premiere marks the beginning of a licensing campaign that will see a legion of mischievous Yo-kai spirits unleashed across video games, comic books, toys, … [Read more...] about Full Licensee Roster to Back N.A. Launch of Japanese Anime Hit
Hermès & Apple Team Up for Next Gen of Apple Watch
By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. The Apple Watch is getting a makeover for its one-year anniversary in the form of new fashion accessories the most spectacular of which will be designed by Hermès. The Apple Watch Hermès, which goes on sale in October, will have the same body and dimensions as before. But the ugly duckling face will be replaced by a fashion swan, namely three signature … [Read more...] about Hermès & Apple Team Up for Next Gen of Apple Watch
Who’s News
Two months after the death of longtime CEO Satoru Iwata, Nintendo names Managing Director Tatsumi Kimishima as his successor. Licensing veteran Simon Kay launches a new brand extension and marketing consulting firm SNK Consulting. Sears Holdings names former Disney and Belkin Intl. executive Tom Park as President of its brands business units Kenmore, Craftsman and … [Read more...] about Who’s News
California Surfing Brand Quiksilver Files Chapter 11
By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. California surfing and skateboard clothing chain Quiksilver Inc. became the latest retailer to file for bankruptcy. The company began licensing the Quiksilver brand in 1976 for wetsuits, helmets and other clothing for "mountain and ocean lovers" and rode the surfing and skating fashion wave of the late 1990s and early 2000s to expansion along with brands … [Read more...] about California Surfing Brand Quiksilver Files Chapter 11
How the NFLPA Is Changing the Pro Sports Licensing Game Plan
Dallas Cowboys fan Joseph Hernandez was standing in his driveway waiting for his Uber car to arrive. He knew the driver was bringing his advanced copy of the brand new EA Sports' Madden NFL 16 that he had ordered through Uber’s special one-day promotion. But he didn’t know about the passenger. So when the GMC Yukon pulled up and former Cowboys’ linebacker Bradie James stepped … [Read more...] about How the NFLPA Is Changing the Pro Sports Licensing Game Plan
Hulk Car Races Across Retailers’ Holiday Toy Lists
On the evening of Labor Day, 105 days before Christmas, Toys ‘R’ Us unveiled its Holiday Hot Toy List for 2015, and was quickly followed by Target and Kmart. It wasn’t, however, the earliest “hot holiday toys” proclamation. That distinction went to Walmart, which dropped its list just before the end of August. When helping shoppers build their holiday lists, apparently, you can … [Read more...] about Hulk Car Races Across Retailers’ Holiday Toy Lists
‘Days’ Marks 50 Years with Photobook
By Marcy Magiera There was a time, pre-selfie, when Americans commemorated the days of their lives with the family photo album. Daytime TV families the Bradys, the Hortons and the DiMeras of fictional Midwestern town Salem are about to again be captured the old-fashioned way in the "Days of our Lives: 50 Years" official photobook, to be published Oct. 27 by Sourcebooks for the … [Read more...] about ‘Days’ Marks 50 Years with Photobook
Branded Bud
By Karina Masolova Following in the footsteps of so many rock bands, Metallica has partnered with Budweiser to launch a limited edition line of branded beers in Canada. A run of over 91,000 black cans featuring the band's logo will be sold in cases of 15 and 24. The beer is brewed in Canada by Labatt. Freebies were handed out to fans during Metallica's two shows in Qubec City … [Read more...] about Branded Bud
Xcel Designs Nimble Supply Chain for Stores
By Marcy Magiera Xcel Brands, owner and licensor of the Isaac Mizrahi, C. Wonder, H Halston and Judith Ripka fashion brands, is experimenting with new ways to help retailers manage inventory. Under its new Quick Time Response supply chain program, Xcel will design and manage the manufacturing of products under the IMNYC (Mizrahi), H Halston, and C. Wonder Limited brands for … [Read more...] about Xcel Designs Nimble Supply Chain for Stores