By Karina Masolova Reported third quarter (3Q) sales from toy giants Hasbro and Mattel exhibited an interesting break along gender lines, with boys' toys outperforming girls' amidst depressed worldwide sales thanks to unfavorable exchange rates. More gender balance may be on the way, however, with the girls' market expected to get a boost from the first interactive Barbie doll … [Read more...] about Mattel, Hasbro see Q3 Retail Sales Split Along Gender Lines
Toys and Games
The Colorforms Revival: A Convergence of the Business & Social Trends Driving Licensing
Colorforms is the perfect paradox. In an era of computer gaming and digital toys, the new Colorforms that hit the shelves of Toys 'R Us this week is unapologetically low-tech and faithful to its 64-year-old roots. Equally paradoxical is how the relaunch of a brand as old-fashioned as Colorforms reflects so many of the trends driving modern licensing. Brand Revival: … [Read more...] about The Colorforms Revival: A Convergence of the Business & Social Trends Driving Licensing
Little Figures Headed to the Big Screen
Germany's venerable Playmobil toy brand is headed to the movies. Leading European production company ON Entertainment, with partners Wild Bunch and Pathe, has started production on a $75 million franchise-based movie called Playmobil: Robbers, Thieves & Rebels. Variety reported that the film was snatched up by a flurry of international distributors at the Toronto … [Read more...] about Little Figures Headed to the Big Screen
Licensing By The Numbers
Scandal Costs VW $10 Billion in Brand Value Earlier this year, the VW brand was calculated to be worth $31 billion, the third most valuable auto brand in the world. But the recent emissions scandal has tarnished the "people's car" company's longstanding reputation for reliability and trust. By the time the dust settles, VW is expected to lose an estimated $10 billion in brand … [Read more...] about Licensing By The Numbers
Are Licensed Toys in Fast-Foods Kids’ Meals an Endangered Species?
This week, Wendy's announced that it will no longer offer licensed toys as part of its kids' meals. In so doing, Wendy's became the third fast-food chain since 2011 to discard the proven business model of using licensed toys in kids' meals to generate buzz and restaurant traffic. What's going on? Licensing Toys for Kids' Meals In 1973, the now defunct Burger Chef became the … [Read more...] about Are Licensed Toys in Fast-Foods Kids’ Meals an Endangered Species?
Hulk Car Races Across Retailers’ Holiday Toy Lists
On the evening of Labor Day, 105 days before Christmas, Toys ‘R’ Us unveiled its Holiday Hot Toy List for 2015, and was quickly followed by Target and Kmart. It wasn’t, however, the earliest “hot holiday toys” proclamation. That distinction went to Walmart, which dropped its list just before the end of August. When helping shoppers build their holiday lists, apparently, you can … [Read more...] about Hulk Car Races Across Retailers’ Holiday Toy Lists
Licensed Products Figure Prominently in Season’s First ‘Hot Toys’ List
By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Yesterday, 105 days before Christmas, Toys 'R' Us unveiled its Holiday Hot Toy List for 2015. As you'd expect, licensed brands from Disney, especially Star Wars, figured prominently, capturing four of the coveted "Fabulous 15" spots. At least six of the Fab 15 were licensed, including (in the order listed by TRU): Doc McStuffins Take Care of Me … [Read more...] about Licensed Products Figure Prominently in Season’s First ‘Hot Toys’ List
Disney’s ‘Star Wars’ Merchandising Campaign: Bigger & Earlier than Anything Before
The timing between movie release and merchandising is a perennial challenge in movie licensing. Historically, merchandise associated with an anticipated blockbuster appears on store shelves around six weeks before release. But several of the entertainment executives we interviewed last spring for The Licensing Letter's 2014 Annual Licensing Business Survey predicted that this … [Read more...] about Disney’s ‘Star Wars’ Merchandising Campaign: Bigger & Earlier than Anything Before
Disney Opens 15 Week Merchandise Window for Star Wars
By Marcy Magiera When The Licensing Letter spoke to entertainment executives for our Annual Licensing Business Survey back in the spring, several sources predicted that movie-based licensed merchandise this fall would begin to appear in stores earlier than ever, with end-of-year movies loading merchandise into stores as soon as September. The expected leader of that trend: … [Read more...] about Disney Opens 15 Week Merchandise Window for Star Wars
Japanese Phenomenon Poised to Enter U.S. Market
By Marcy Magiera Yo-kai Watch is arguably the hottest kids' property in Japan. Now the franchise, about a young boy who uses a special watch to summon spirits who are causing pesky problems for people, is about to hit the U.S. In November, Nintendo will launch a Yo-kai Watch game for its handheld 3DS, about the same time that Viz Media's Perfect Square imprint will introduce … [Read more...] about Japanese Phenomenon Poised to Enter U.S. Market