Every once in a while, licensing initiatives come about that seem to be wholly new, at least within their segment of the licensing business. While it is always difficult to determine whether something is really a “first,” here are a few examples from recent months that are innovative in some way: Christian Dior Paris paired […]
Archive | Licensing
Sweet Charity
One result of consumers’ growing demand for retailers and marketers to make a positive pro-social impact is that non-profit groups are assuming a higher profile in the licensing business, especially over the past two years. They have always had a presence, of course, both as licensors and as promotional partners, but their involvement is slowly […]
More Merch for Furry Family Members
Based on the continuous stream of new deals announced over the past several years, the pet industry would appear to be bursting at the seams with licensed products. But there always seems to be room for more properties in this category, driven by a vast landscape of consumer pet owners who are willing to spend […]
Never Drink Alone
The food and beverage sector remains one of the most active categories in the licensing landscape, with no let-up in sight, and the beverage half of the equation has been particularly busy in 2022. While licensing and collaborations involving beverages are not new by any means, there is more white space for licensors to make […]
Jazzed About Jeans
Denim sales have been on the rise in 2021 and 2022, with individual companies at all price points reporting jumps in sales in the category. That growth is likely to last, analysts say. Research and Markets, for example, estimates that the denim jeans market worldwide will reach $76.1 billion by 2026, up 32.8% from $57.3 […]
Turning Up the Music
Musical instrument, equipment, and accessories brands used by professionals and amateurs alike have long been active in the business of licensing and collaborations. While they continue to represent a small part of the corporate licensing landscape overall, several new licensing deals and agency representation agreements announced over the last few years suggest that their presence […]
It’s All Relative
Celebrities are increasingly getting their family members involved in their product collaborations, in part as a way to broaden their demographic appeal and/or establish authenticity with demographic groups beyond their core fan base: Established jewelry designer and occasional Shark Tank cast member Kendra Scott partnered with her three sons for her first men’s and gender-neutral […]
Orchestras Score with Gamers
By Karen Raugust on August 8, 2022 in Cultural, Experiential licensing, Interactive gaming, Licensing, Music
In its July 2022 listing of the 20 best video game soundtracks of all time, British classical music radio station Classic FM said, “Video game music is one of the most exciting areas of contemporary music, with composers like Austin Wintory, Jessica Curry, and Nobuo Uematsu winning fans the world over with their game soundtracks.” […]
In It To Win It
Sales of tabletop games and puzzles in the U.S. grew 14.4% in 2021 versus 2020, according to NPD Group research conducted for the Toy Industry Association. That was on top of a 32.5% increase during the peak lockdown year of 2020. While sales are unlikely to maintain these lofty growth rates in 2022, marketers and […]
Accessibility: Making a House a Home
By Karen Raugust on August 1, 2022 in Demographic groups, Diversity/Inclusion, House and home, Licensing, Retail
Marketers have been expanding their offerings of merchandise designed for consumers with disabilities, especially in categories such as apparel and Halloween costumes, over the past three years or so. Licensed and collaborative examples have occasionally been part of the mix as well. The idea is to create solutions that are accessible, but also stylish and […]