As the U.S. population grows older, more adults are seeking out brain-training games to maintain and improve their memory and mental acuity. Younger consumers are also turning to such games, often in app form, to help them reduce anxiety, increase focus, or simply perform better at work or school. Not surprisingly, the growth of brain […]
Around The World In Three Days
Last week’s Licensing Expo once again underlined how globally connected the licensing business has become. Properties from outside the U.S. and Canada commanded an ever-higher profile at the show, continuing a growth trajectory that has been ongoing for several years: A half dozen territories hosted large multi-exhibitor pavilions. Examples included Korea (with properties such as […]
Swimming With The Stream
By Karen Raugust on June 15, 2015 in Celebrity, Character/Entertainment, Content, Digital, Licensing
One of the most notable new wrinkles at last week’s Licensing Expo in Las Vegas was the presence of the major streaming platforms, with YouTube, AwesomenessTV, and Amazon Studios all first-time exhibitors. They were talking to attendees about the potential for financing and distributing content, as well as providing a showcase for the licensors of […]
Up To Their Own Devices
Smartphone- and tablet-related licensing activity has mostly been focused on accessories, such as protective cases and ear buds, and content in the form of streaming video or apps. When it comes to the devices themselves, consumers have typically made their purchase decisions based on the strength of the device maker’s and/or the service provider’s brand. […]
Ordering In
Home meal delivery services and diet plans have seen a sudden rush of interest from licensors this year. Three of the recent launches involve celebrities and rely heavily on organic foods, juices, and/or cleansing: Beyoncé paired with 22 Days Nutrition in conjunction with the latter’s new delivery service offering cleansing products and protein bars. The […]
The Rise of the Athleisure Class
The emergence and growth of the “athleisure” category within the women’s fashion industry—consisting of clothing that is appropriate for everything from working out to running errands to casual social outings—has been a well-documented trend over the past couple of years. And licensing has had a role in several of the highest-profile launches, especially within the […]
Star Search
The celebrity-licensing world—already crowded with actors, musicians, athletes, reality stars, designers, stylists, and more—continues to expand, with licensees and retailers casting a wider net to find personalities from untapped realms. Some of the new or emerging sectors that have inspired licensing deals, mostly within the last year or so, include: Florists. Thierry Boutemy, a floral […]
Putting Pen to Paper
Stationery companies have struggled to stay relevant as personal communications have moved away from paper, first to e-mail, e-cards, and e-vites and now to social media platforms such as Snapchat and Instragram. As a result, marketers of cards and other paper products are taking steps to lure consumers back to traditional greetings and notes. One […]
A Tale of Two Art Shows
Artists often seem to weigh the positives and negatives of SURTEX versus Licensing Expo as if they are similar opportunities, with the main difference being their respective locations in New York and Las Vegas. And it is true that there is some crossover between the two when it comes to the artists exhibiting. But a […]
Color My World
The coloring book industry, generally a low-margin business that is not at the forefront of trends, has been part of two notable and high-profile developments of late. First, within the last year, augmented reality and user-generated content have come to the business in a big way, with strong ties to licensing. Crayola’s Color Alive includes […]