The U.S. Commerce Department released its first estimate for Q4 GPD, which increased at an annualized rate of 2.6%—and consumer spending, which was up by 3.8% and saw its fastest growth rate in over a year. A successful holiday season, however, means that retailers are also having trouble restocking shelves. A report from the Wall Street Journal suggests that businesses are … [Read more...] about Retail Sales, Partnerships & M&A
Retailers
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Outpace Expectations
More than in any other season, the share of licensed retail sales during the end-of-year holiday shopping period is the highest of the year. Look out for TLL's Annual Licensing Business Survey to hit your inboxes to share your perspective on how well (not not) 2017 went—but in the meantime, we look back on the general retail market. Considering that current estimates peg … [Read more...] about U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Outpace Expectations
174 Million Americans Make the Biggest Black Friday Yet
Karina Masolova, karina@plainlanguagemedia.com The largest, most anticipated shopping event of the year has come and gone—a week of sales centered around Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. Overall, the National Retail Federation (NRF) estimates that over 174 million Americans shopped during the five-day holiday weekend. On average, shoppers spent $335 on … [Read more...] about 174 Million Americans Make the Biggest Black Friday Yet
In & Around 34th Street
By: Karina Masolova, karina@plainlanguagemedia.com I try to trek down to 34th St. Herald Square, in central New York City, every once in a while. As we enter the holiday shopping season, there were some interesting licensed retail activities in and around town. The newest addition to Herald Square is the Build a Bear Workshop. The central attraction is the retailer's three … [Read more...] about In & Around 34th Street
Mass Channels Lead Corporate TM/Brand-based Licensed Sales
By: Karina Masolova, karina@plainlanguagemedia.com As noted in our lead story, the reason why royalties for trademarks/brands are historically lower is, in part, a consequence of many licensed goods being sold through the mass retailer channels. So while the low overhead in these stores brings prices (and royalties) down, the difference in profits compared to other channels is … [Read more...] about Mass Channels Lead Corporate TM/Brand-based Licensed Sales
Licensed Home-related Goods Up 3.4% WW in 2016
By Karina Masolova, karina@plainlanguagemedia.com Retail sales of licensed home furnishings, housewares, and domestics grew by 3.4% globally, according to The Licensing Letter's Annual Licensing Business Survey. Growth was largely thanks to returns in consumer confidence and economic stability. Retail played a strong role in supporting the growth of a wide variety of brands, … [Read more...] about Licensed Home-related Goods Up 3.4% WW in 2016
Toycos Detail Q3 Declines
Toys 'R' Us' bankruptcy is one reason for the hiccup to bottom lines of major toy companies, but they're also reporting soft interest in licensed products. Hasbro's revenue rose by 7% to reach $1.8 billion in Q3 2017. The toyco adjusted its projection for Q4 2017, lowering expectations to 4–7% growth over the same period last year. Despite an increase in gaming and franchise … [Read more...] about Toycos Detail Q3 Declines
Economics of Licensing
As long as we're keeping track of the licensing industry, we also have to recognize it's size—and it turns out that it's a small world after all. In 2016, licensed retail sales in the U.S./Canada made up just 0.005% of all retail sales. But while the fraction is small, the growth rate of licensed sales has consistently outperformed general growth. On the right, we … [Read more...] about Economics of Licensing
Retailer Alert: Holiday Sales, TRU & New Innovations
The economists have weighed in, and it looks like holiday sales will be strong this year. Deloitte projects that holiday sales between November and January will rise 4% to 4.5% from a year earlier to as much as $1.05 trillion. Online sales will rise at a much faster pace, gaining 18% to 21% to as much as $114 billion, or 11% of the total holiday retail sales. AlixPartners … [Read more...] about Retailer Alert: Holiday Sales, TRU & New Innovations
The Future of Ecommerce is In-store
By Karina Masolova, karina@plainlanguagemedia.com With traditional retail business models crashing down, and ecommerce on the rise, retailers will need the power of brands to thrive. Two dominant trends emerge when looking at the future of retail: retail-tainment and omnichannel. Despite the rise of ecommerce, shoppers still prefer to see, touch, and experience products. … [Read more...] about The Future of Ecommerce is In-store