The Licensing Letter

Retailers

NRF Says Holiday Revenues Up 14.1%, Smashing Expectations

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 from inflation, supply chain disruptions and the ongoing pandemic, NRF said this week. The number includes online and other non-store … [Read more...] about NRF Says Holiday Revenues Up 14.1%, Smashing Expectations

Christmas Retail: Black Friday Shoppers Down Slightly From 2020

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. The NRF says nearly 180 million Americans shopped during the five-day holiday shopping period from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday, according to the annual survey released … [Read more...] about Christmas Retail: Black Friday Shoppers Down Slightly From 2020

Squishmallows Hits 100 million Sales, Launches Licensing Program

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 make Squishmallows one of the fastest growing global lifestyle brands for fans, families, and collectors around the world. … [Read more...] about Squishmallows Hits 100 million Sales, Launches Licensing Program

Analysis: The 2021 Hot Toy Lists and Licensing

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 of experts. The problem with these lists is that “hot” is never really defined. It can mean that it is a good toy, an in-demand toy, or both (the two, as we all know only too well, don’t always … [Read more...] about Analysis: The 2021 Hot Toy Lists and Licensing

The Point.1888 Unveils Retail Services Arm ‘Spotlight.1888’

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 licensees with retail services, and retailers with their licensing strategies. It is the second time this year the agency has announced … [Read more...] about The Point.1888 Unveils Retail Services Arm ‘Spotlight.1888’

Retail Licensing: Toys R Us Returning to UK Through Licensing Deal

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 the exclusive license to run both digital and physical retail for both the Toys R Us brand and for Babies R Us. Toys R Us ANZ currently runs the Australian ecommerce websites for both brands after … [Read more...] about Retail Licensing: Toys R Us Returning to UK Through Licensing Deal

Streaming Wars: Netflix Fires Back At Amazon With Walmart Merchandise Deal

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 industry believe the move is partly a long-planned expansion of Netflix's already announced Consumer Products strategy, but also a response to moves made by competitor Amazon … [Read more...] about Streaming Wars: Netflix Fires Back At Amazon With Walmart Merchandise Deal

Amazon Unveils Top Toy List For Xmas 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 its Toys We Love list is the longest its ever compiled, and it includes more than 70 family-friendly products that are found exclusively on Amazon. Many of those are new entrants in the toy … [Read more...] about Amazon Unveils Top Toy List For Xmas 2021

Brand Central Announces E-Commerce Division

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 massively toward e-commerce, a trend accelerated by pandemic restrictions in 2020 and continuing into 2021. Brand Central says the … [Read more...] about Brand Central Announces E-Commerce Division

Forever 21 Tries To Enter China Market For Third Time

The fashion brand Forever 21 is rebooting its efforts to establish a presence in China, according to a story broken by Women's Wear Daily. This is the third time Forever 21 has tried to enter the Chinese retail market. The first time was in 2008, but the attempt was short-lived and unsuccessful. The company tried again in 2011 but pulled out in 2019 after disappointing revenue … [Read more...] about Forever 21 Tries To Enter China Market For Third Time