Global retail sales of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles exceeded $1 billion in 2014, according to a Viacom International Media Networks executive at a Nickelodeon-Viacom Australian media event. “Turtles are a bigger consumer products success story than we ever imagined,” said the exec. The company also has aggressive plans to keep Turtles momentum alive in 2016, including a second … [Read more...] about Ninja Turtles Tops $1 Billions
TLL
Menswear Thriving on E-commerce
Who would have guessed? The fastest growing category of e-commerce sales is menswear. According to the research firm IbisWorld, between 2010 to 2015, online sales of menswear grew an average 17% per year, highest of any category studied. Only seven other categories had double-digit average annual growth: Groceries: 16.7% Shoes: 13.6% Health products, vitamins, supplements: … [Read more...] about Menswear Thriving on E-commerce
Who Owns the Left Shark?
The loveable, rhythmically challenged “Left Shark” who stole the show during the Katy Perry Super Bowl halftime performance is at the center of a legal battle. Perry claims the dancing (and we use that term loosely) sea creature is her copyrighted intellectual property and sued Shapeways for selling Left Shark figurines without a license. Shapeways backed down but doll … [Read more...] about Who Owns the Left Shark?
Harry Potter Drives Theme Park Profits
Universal Studios has ridden new Harry Potter attractions, like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter which opened in Orlando last sum- mer, to increase its theme park profits 38%. Theme park revenues rose to $735 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, according to Comcast financial reports. … [Read more...] about Harry Potter Drives Theme Park Profits
Knights Joins Hanes
HanesBrands agreed to acquire Knights Apparel, a leading seller of licensed collegiate logo apparel, from affiliates of Merit Capital Partners. Knights sells apparel representing 400 of the largest U.S. colleges and universities, primarily to mass merchant retailers. The company complements Hanes’ Gear for Sports division, which is a leading seller of licensed collegiate … [Read more...] about Knights Joins Hanes
Trisha’s Southern Home
Country music artist, cookbook author and Food Network star Trisha Yearwood is moving out of the kitchen with her first line of furniture, Trisha Yearwood Home Collection, in partnership with Klaussner Home Furnishings. The line, described as “combining warm, southern style with a classic twist,” will debut at the High Point International Market in High Point, N.C., next … [Read more...] about Trisha’s Southern Home
Restaurants Put Licensing on Menu
A number of restaurant companies have brought in new executives to expand licensing revenues. Examples: Johnny Rockets promoted James Walker to President Development & Operations to grow the Johnny Rockets at Home business, which licenses the brand for consumer products. At Focus Brands, Cinnabon President Kat Cole was promoted to Group President of the parent company with a … [Read more...] about Restaurants Put Licensing on Menu
Toy Fair 2015: New Toys Promote Engagement and Smart Play; Big Licensors Dominate the Licensing Action
The static, one-size-fits-all toy of the past won't do; today's toys need to be dynamic, adaptable, and suitable for creative play. Accordingly, user engagement, smart play and interactivity were the primary themes of the new products on display at this year's New York Toy Fair, including licensed toys. There were 3 variations on these themes. 1. Build-Your-Own Like last year, … [Read more...] about Toy Fair 2015: New Toys Promote Engagement and Smart Play; Big Licensors Dominate the Licensing Action
Who’s News
Bob Chapek, a 22-year Disney veteran, is moving from President of Disney Consumer Products to Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, effective immediately. While DCP has yet to name a successor, insiders believe that current executive VP of global licensing has the inside track. Kim Marie Song has been hired as National Strategic Sales Manager of MAC Group and will focus … [Read more...] about Who’s News
Japan: Licensing By Property Sector
Sluggish GDP growth and falling retail sales limited licensed retail sales in Japan to $10.1 billion in 2013, according to TLL's International Licensing Report. That’s a very modest growth rate. And projections for 2014 are not expected to be a whole lot better. Here’s an overview of licensing sales performance in Japan by property sector. Entertainment/Character: 39.1% Some … [Read more...] about Japan: Licensing By Property Sector