Sometimes it seems as if every licensing deal these days takes the form of a capsule collection or limited edition, as licensors and licensees look to test a concept, reduce their risk, and generate excitement. But good old-fashioned brand extension is alive and well in many categories. Take the automotive industry as an example. This […]
Archive | Licensing
Blurred Lines
A new consumer-directed pop-culture event, Play Fair, will be held for the first time alongside this year’s New York International Toy Fair in February. Presented by Lego and Nickelodeon and organized by the Toy Industry Association and LeftField Media, the event will allow families and collectors to see exhibits and displays, listen to authors and […]
Cooking with Cannabis
Celebrities have been at the forefront of licensing in the emerging consumer marijuana industry, with musicians leading the way. It is starting to look as if celebrity chefs will drive the next wave of branding activity in this sector. Recent chef-related ventures tied to cannabis and cannabis-infused edibles have taken many forms: Mindy Segal, cookbook […]
Connected Kids and the Dangers of Data Collection
Data breaches involving children’s toys and content have been in the news in recent months. These incidents serve as a reminder to the licensing community of the need for adequate protections when entering the fast-growing world of connected products for kids. In recent examples, hackers were able to: Infiltrate VTech’s Learning Lodge app store, allegedly […]
Pro Athletes’ Goal: Menswear Deals
Through social media, television exposure, and paparazzi pictures, many major league athletes have become known for their fashion sense off the field. As a result, several current and former athletes have entered the men’s apparel category, mostly through direct-to-retail licensing deals and often with a focus on tailored suits and related accessories: Former NFL defensive […]
Sparking Creativity Through Consumer Products
Much of the merchandise being given a high profile at retail this holiday season is connected to the Maker movement, loosely defined as a community of do-it-yourselfers of all ages, from artists and crafters to tech-driven inventors, engineers, and programmers. Maker-associated product categories currently being featured in stores of all types include: Maker-labeled goods. Barnes […]
Reflections on Retail Exclusives
The continuing importance of retail exclusives involving licensed properties—particularly celebrities and designers—is evident in stores of all types this holiday season. Outside of the entertainment realm, the licensed products most likely to be granted significant space at the front of the store or in other high-traffic areas, or to be featured in a window display […]
Some Thoughts on Star Wars
Visits to a wide range of retail stores in New York and the Twin Cities in December confirmed the degree to which Star Wars is dominating shelf and floor space this holiday season. Not surprisingly, Star Wars products prevail at mass chains, including storewide at Target and in Walmart’s toy department (with Star Wars and […]
True Colors, Part 2
If you’ve done any holiday shopping this year, you certainly have noted the prominent and often vast displays of adult coloring books in stores of all types. Nearly every publisher seems to offer at least one adult coloring book, with more to come. Less than a month ago (November 19), we noted the rise of […]
Chinese Children Cherish Licensed Publishing
By Karen Raugust on December 10, 2015 in Character/Entertainment, International, Licensing, Publishing
Three of the seven best-selling children’s book series in China at the moment are based on licensed properties, and they may not necessarily be the ones you would expect. Two are tied to global brands. China Children’s Publishing offers books based on the mobile game Plants vs. Zombies, licensed by Electronic Arts’ PopCap Games division, […]