Smiley World is literally bringing smiles to faces across Europe in a licensing activation with retail giant ECE Marketplaces. ECE is bringing SmileyWorld to 94 of its shopping centres across Germany, Austria, Poland and Italy…. . . . read more
NRF Says Holiday Revenues Up 14.1%, Smashing Expectations
January 17, 2022
Consumers defied expectations as retail sales soared in November and December by 14.1% to $886.7 billion over the holidays. That figure dramatically beats out the National Retail Federation’s forecast and set a new record, despite challenges… . . . read more
Christmas Retail: Black Friday Shoppers Down Slightly From 2020
December 9, 2021
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The National Retail Federation says the number of Black Friday shoppers was down slightly this year, but roughly in line with the average over the past four years…. . . . read more
Squishmallows Hits 100 million Sales, Launches Licensing Program
December 7, 2021
Jazware’s Squishmallows plush line has hit an impressive milestone with 100 million units sold, triggering several new licensing partnerships. Jazwares and its Kellytoy subsidiary are now teaming up with several “best-in-class licensees” in a bit to… . . . read more
Analysis: The 2021 Hot Toy Lists and Licensing
December 6, 2021
By Richard Gottlieb CEO, Global Toy Expert What are the “hot toys?” That is a question that I get each year starting in October. Various hot toy lists come out each year from a host… . . . read more
The Point.1888 Unveils Retail Services Arm ‘Spotlight.1888’
November 15, 2021
The Point.1888 continues its strategic expansion this month, announcing the creating of a new business division called Spotlight.1888. While The Point.1888 continues to focus on licensing, this new division is dedicated to helping brands and… . . . read more
Retail Licensing: Toys R Us Returning to UK Through Licensing Deal
November 3, 2021
The dedicated toy store Toys R Us is coming back to the UK through a licensing deal between parent company WHP Global and Toys R Us ANZ. Through the agreement, Toys R Us ANZ acquires… . . . read more
Streaming Wars: Netflix Fires Back At Amazon With Walmart Merchandise Deal
October 13, 2021
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The world’s leading streamer Netflix has signed a key deal with retail giant Walmart to market merchandise based on popular shows on its service. Experts in the licensing… . . . read more
Amazon Unveils Top Toy List For Xmas 2021
September 17, 2021
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Amazon made a list, checked it twice, and issued its top toy list for the holidays, which you can buy online whether you’re naughty or nice. Amazon says… . . . read more
Brand Central Announces E-Commerce Division
August 30, 2021
The global licensing consultancy Brand Central announced this week the launch of its new e-commerce division through a partnership with LA-based e-commerce platform provider, The Missing Piece. The move comes as brands and retailers have shifted… . . . read more