One of the editors of The Licensing Letter was recently at a party on the Universal Studios backlot when some fellow guests began, by their own admission, to "geek out" over the distant spires of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which is under construction for a planned opening next year. The attraction, based on the J.K. Rowling books and Warner Bros. movies, is expected … [Read more...] about Licensing to Theme Parks Builds Revenue & Brand Exposure
Articles
TLL Survey: Fashion Licensing Grows 3.4% in 2014; Apparel, Accessories Strong, E-Commerce Inches Up
The competition is brutal but fashion licensing continues to thrive both worldwide and in the U.S./Canada, as documented by The Licensing Letter's Annual Licensing Business Survey. Global Sales Up 2.4% Global retail sales of licensed fashion goods grew 2.4% in 2014. Although it might sound like a modest increase (especially when you consider that 2013 growth was 2.5%), fashion … [Read more...] about TLL Survey: Fashion Licensing Grows 3.4% in 2014; Apparel, Accessories Strong, E-Commerce Inches Up
Who’s News
Phil Knight steps down as Chairman of Nike after 40+ years and recommends current CEO Mark Parker as his successor. The Walt Disney Company taps company veteran Christine M. McCarthy to replace Jay Rasulo as chief financial controller and names Kevin Mayer chief strategy officer. Lucas Church, chairman of Endemol Shine U.K. and the Endemol Shine Group commercial board is … [Read more...] about Who’s News
Licensing Trends: What’s Feeding the Food Binge?
The eating and drinking-related segments continue to represent the growth area in corporate licensing. Respondents to The Licensing Letter’s Annual Licensing Business Survey cite the following factors as driving the steady growth of food, drink and restaurant licensing. On the demand side: Changes in eating habits, like “grazing,” or consuming 5 to 6 light meals per … [Read more...] about Licensing Trends: What’s Feeding the Food Binge?
Coming Video Games More Original; Sequels & New IP Ripe for Licensing
The video game industry, like the movie business, relies heavily on sequels and established franchises to fill its coffers. It takes only a glance at the roster of top-selling titles to tell why: In games, like movies, sequels sell. Vintage Games & Their Progeny Dominate 2014 The NPD Group's ranking of Top 10 video game titles for 2014 contains two Call of Duty titles … [Read more...] about Coming Video Games More Original; Sequels & New IP Ripe for Licensing
Literary License
Those looking to license great works of literature for consumer products might want to contact Kick Design. The Kurt Vonnegut Jr. Trust hired the brand strategy agency to license the American author’s Slaughterhouse Five, Sirens of Titans, Mother Night, and other great works for fashion and accessories, home, social expressions, spirits, apps, novelty and gift and other product … [Read more...] about Literary License
Jockey Jumps Into Stores
Having long ago made the leap from underwear to socks, Jockey International is now ready to move into shoes via its new licensing deal with The Eastman Group. Athleisure is the focus of the new line, which will include slippers, flip-flops, and casual shoe styles for men and women. Those shoes will use advanced materials to regulate temperature, cooling in warm weather and … [Read more...] about Jockey Jumps Into Stores
Rihanna Teams for Temporary Tattoos
Speaking of tattoos, pop star Rihanna is teaming with jewelry designer Jacquie Aiche on a collection of jewelry-inspired black and gold temporary tats. The collection, which retails for $19, is being sold exclusively on Aiche’s website. It comes in a seven-sheet set that includes cuticle and knuckle wraps, a DiY chain set, arm bands and chains. The pair is also planning to … [Read more...] about Rihanna Teams for Temporary Tattoos
Tattoo-inspired Home Decor
Alternative tattoo artist Paul Booth launched a limited-edition wall sconce collection available exclusively on his PaulBoothBrand.com website. The deal is small but it may be a harbinger of where art licensing is heading. Tattoo art has an originality and strong lifestyle appeal, especially but not exclusively to millennials, according to experts. … [Read more...] about Tattoo-inspired Home Decor
Ellen DeGeneres Debits Lifestyle Site
Talk TV queen Ellen DeGeneres—ranked America’s favorite TV personality for the past three years by The Harris Poll—became the latest celebrity to launch a website lifestyle collection. eD, on eDbyellen.com, includes home goods, apparel and accessories priced from $25 to $395, all with DeGeneres’s signature casual but tailored and detailed style. Although currently available … [Read more...] about Ellen DeGeneres Debits Lifestyle Site