Ultra-cute, ultra-positive, and often-magical characters and images have permeated the toy industry and other categories of late and continue to represent a strong trend. Examples include unicorns in particular, as well as mermaids, rainbows, kittens, and the like. A newer, but already ubiquitous development consists of hybrids of some or all of the above, with […]
Archive | Character/Entertainment
Pretty as a Picture
The love affair between (mostly) classic characters and adult-focused cosmetics, lip care, and nail care products continues to intensify. More properties and more marketers—often of the niche variety—are entering into relationships to produce limited-edition beauty collections. Some recent pairings: • The latest collaboration for Hello Kitty, licensed by Sanrio, is The Crème Shop’s October 2018 […]
The Unicorns of the Sea
By Karen Raugust on December 13, 2018 in Character/Entertainment, Design and content themes, Licensing
At New York Toy Fair last February, one of the trends noted was the emergence of narwhals—members of the whale family with long, unicorn-like tusks—as a design and content trend. This was especially true in the plush category, as manufacturers looked to add new dimensions to the still hot but crowded world of unicorns. Since […]
Flipping for Pancakes
By Karen Raugust on December 6, 2018 in Character/Entertainment, Food/Beverage, Licensing, Promotion
Licensors are looking beyond yogurt shops, donut bakeries, and hamburger chains for character and entertainment tie-in partners in the QSR and restaurant world. Pancake houses seem to be a preferred destination in 2018: Universal Partnerships & Licensing, Illumination, and Dr. Seuss Enterprises paired with IHOP for Grinch-themed pancakes, French toast, omelets, and hot chocolate to […]
Playing to the Preschool Crowd
By Karen Raugust on November 8, 2018 in Character/Entertainment, Demographic groups, Experiential licensing, Licensing
The landscape of experiential licensing and promotions has diversified over the years, with licensors now highlighting their properties through signature hotels, escape room themes, blood drives, and much more, depending on the brand image and/or content associated with the IP. But when it comes to creating experiences for the preschool set, property owners tend to […]
Characters and Clothing Meet in Poland
Collaborations between classic characters and contemporary fashion labels are a global phenomenon. A recent case in point is Poland, where three high-profile examples involving global entertainment properties and local designers or fashion retailers have attracted attention this summer and fall: Two retail chains, Reserved and Sinsay, created clothing collections featuring the Pink Panther, in a […]
Expanding The Indie Comics Universe
Three independent comic book companies have recently announced new brand-extension ventures for their proprietary properties: Dynamite Entertainment said it was launching a high-end giclée art print program to debut in January. The first collectible prints will be based on Dynamite’s Vampirella, with other characters to follow. Dynamite ranks as the seventh largest vendor to comic […]
Child’s Play in China
By Karen Raugust on October 8, 2018 in Character/Entertainment, International, Licensing, Toys/Games
The escalating trade war with China is creating uncertainty for the global toy industry, with tariffs on toys, if they are implemented, potentially affecting the profitability of manufactured-in-China playthings in the U.S. market. But that isn’t stopping Western entertainment and toy companies from continuing to make inroads into the Chinese market by forging distribution, co-production, […]
Family Fandom
By Karen Raugust on September 17, 2018 in Character/Entertainment, Demographic groups, Infant products, Licensing
It wasn’t that long ago that a property associated with violence, swearing, and/or adult themes would be unlikely to find its way into the baby products category. But things have changed, as three recent deals illustrate: • Blizzard Entertainment licensed Líllébaby for baby carriers made of a printed fabric inspired by Battle of Azeroth, the […]
In Tune with the Times
By Karen Raugust on July 26, 2018 in Character/Entertainment, Demographic groups, Design and content themes, Licensing
The “girl power” trend in children’s media and entertainment has been ongoing for several years, but it continues to intensify and diversify, perhaps assisted by the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements. Some of the recent permutations include: Female superheroes assuming leading roles in film and TV. Some examples are original, including TV animation such as Nickelodeon’s […]