By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Walmart is placing its bets on metaverse technologies as it announced the acquisition of an AR developer, and launched new augmented reality shopping experiences. The latter initiative sees Walmart updating its customer shopping app with two new augmented reality (AR) solutions, which are rolling out this month on its iOS app. The new feature … [Read more...] about Technology: Walmart Expands Its Metaverse Ambitions
Retailers
Amazon Marks Prime Day With Dream House in London
Ecommerce giant Amazon is launching the Prime Day Dream House in London July 6, with a slate of entertainment to mark Prime Day. Prime Day has become a cultural and retail phenomenon, rivalling Black Friday and Christmas as one of the big shopping events of the year. Amazon’s annual Prime Day event takes place on July 12 and 13 this year, and offers millions of deals globally … [Read more...] about Amazon Marks Prime Day With Dream House in London
Food & Beverage: Hut Group Launches Collection with UK Confectioner Swizzels
The Hut Group, the renowned direct-to-consumer platform, has launched a collection with Swizzels Matlow for their portfolio of brands. Brokered by Blonde Sheep Licensing, the license includes multiple products including apparel, homewares, gift, and much more, and first launched in February with ranges on www.IWOOT.com, www.zavvi.com and www.veryneko.com sites. Swizzels is … [Read more...] about Food & Beverage: Hut Group Launches Collection with UK Confectioner Swizzels
Apparel Licensing: ZARA Launches Collection Based on Hit Video Game Cuphead
The best-selling video game Cuphead will be immortalized in a new fashion collection from Zara, the Inditex Group’s popular apparel retailer. The collection is being brought out through a deal between King Features Syndicate, a unit of Hearst and home to some of the world’s most popular entertainment characters. The deal is brokered by its local licensing agent in Spain, … [Read more...] about Apparel Licensing: ZARA Launches Collection Based on Hit Video Game Cuphead
Metaverse Licensing: Barbie Joins Collaboration With Forever 21 and VBG on Roblox
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The metaverse licensing company Virtual Brands Group is on a roll. After winning a coveted Licensing Excellence award for its collaboration with Forever 21 and Roblox, Virtual Brands Group and Forever 21 have landed a metaverse collaboration with Mattel's Barbie. The new limited-edition collection includes a range of on-trend vintage style … [Read more...] about Metaverse Licensing: Barbie Joins Collaboration With Forever 21 and VBG on Roblox
Smiley in Licensed Activation with ECE Marketplaces in Europe
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. From April 28 to May 7, visitors will find the Smiley icon, celebrating its 50 year anniversary across more than 350 activations taking place in … [Read more...] about Smiley in Licensed Activation with ECE Marketplaces in Europe
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