By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Above photo by Hans Olav Lien SHEIN and Authentic Brands Group have announced a major strategic partnership involving the US fashion brand Forever 21. The deal is between SHEIN and SPARC Group Holdings II LLC, which is the direct parent company for Forever 21, and combines one of the world's leading online retailers with one of the … [Read more...] about Mergers: SHEIN Buys Interest in Forever21 Parent Company SPARC
Retailers
Who’s News: Macy’s Names Massimo (Max) Magni As Chief Customer and Digital Officer
By Allison WatkinsonTLL ReporterMacy’s, Inc. has announced the appointment of Massimo (Max) Magni as its new chief customer and digital officer. Founded in 1858, Macy's Inc. is a U.S. department store chain that currently operates an extensive ecommerce business alongside numerous brick-and-mortar retail locations across the country. In his new role at Macy's, Magni will guide … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Macy’s Names Massimo (Max) Magni As Chief Customer and Digital Officer
Concept One Releasing Magical Harry Potter Backpacks
TLL Staff Concept One Accessories will be releasing a line of backpacks, perfect for carrying your wand and other school supplies, for LA retailer Fred Segal. The new line of backpacks are being produced in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products for release on Aug. 15, 2023. The line features a range of cross body and mini backpacks designed to give … [Read more...] about Concept One Releasing Magical Harry Potter Backpacks
Licensing Expo: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
By Gary Symons & Allison Watkinson The Licensing Expo is the world's largest trade show and conference for the licensing industry, so it comes with a wide selection of great opportunities and equally great challenges. On the bright side, new ideas, deals and educational opportunities for this complex and fascinating industry. On the more challenging side, aching … [Read more...] about Licensing Expo: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Amazon Rolls Out Shocking eCommerce Tech Inside Video Games and TV Shows
Amazon Meeting Shoppers Where They Are, With Products They Already Want By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Amazon has launched two new technologies, allowing shoppers to buy products directly from video games and TV shows. In doing so, the online retail giant is creating a vast array of new, direct-to-consumer licensing opportunities ... but it may also be threatening other … [Read more...] about Amazon Rolls Out Shocking eCommerce Tech Inside Video Games and TV Shows
Afro Unicorn Secures a Magical Licensing Partnership
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The apparel and accessories brand Afro Unicorn has secured Magical Beauty, LLC as a new global licensing partner. Afro Unicorn is a fully-licensed character brand created by CEO and entrepreneur April Showers with the mission to increase representation and self-esteem for women and children of color. “I am extremely proud of what Afro … [Read more...] about Afro Unicorn Secures a Magical Licensing Partnership
Authentic Brands Working With Global Citizen to End Extreme Poverty
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The global brands company Authentic Brands has committed to help Global Citizen's mission to End Extreme Poverty NOW. Global Citizen is the world’s largest international advocacy organization, while Authentic Brands Group is a global brand development, marketing, entertainment, and digital platform. Authentic is also the owner of many of … [Read more...] about Authentic Brands Working With Global Citizen to End Extreme Poverty
Marks & Spencer Pilots Virtual ‘Try-On’ Technology From Zyler
The UK retail chain Marks & Spencer has debuted a new technology allowing users to virtually try on clothing. The new tech was developed by partner Zyler, and has been rolled out in Marks & Spencers outlets in Oxford Circus and Harrogate, both in London. The feature was trialed with the clothing brand Jaeger. "The introduction of this technology provides a … [Read more...] about Marks & Spencer Pilots Virtual ‘Try-On’ Technology From Zyler
Who’s News: Toho Announces New Hires To Guide eCommerce Expansion
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Toho International has appointed Kristin Parcell as general manager and Stacy Burt as director of marketing to lead the studio's e-commerce expansion. Parcell (above left) and Burt (above right) will be responsible for building a scalable e-commerce fandom platform for Toho’s Godzilla franchise and the studio's portfolio of anime … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Toho Announces New Hires To Guide eCommerce Expansion
Shoppers Ignore Downturn, Notch Record Spending for Black Friday
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Online shoppers thumbed their noses at inflation and a looming recession, setting a new record for online Black Friday spending. Figures from Adobe Analytics showed US consumers spent a record $9.12 billion while online shopping Friday, an increase of 2.3% over last year, and surpassing the previous online Black Friday record of $9.03 … [Read more...] about Shoppers Ignore Downturn, Notch Record Spending for Black Friday