Craft and hobby retailers, for the most part, have seen positive sales results during the pandemic, which has spurred consumers to try new DIY pastimes and/or renew their interest in past creative hobbies. Crafts and DIY activities had already been on the upswing for some time before the crisis began, thanks in part to the […]
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Collaborations Honor Black History
By Karen Raugust on February 18, 2021 in Art, Demographic groups, Design and content themes, Fashion, Licensing
Black History Month in February of each year has not traditionally maintained as high a profile within the consumer product and collaboration space as Hispanic Heritage Month, which takes place in September and October and has increasingly been seen as a time for licensors and their partners to create themed collections. IP owners and brands […]
To Promote, or Not To Promote
When the COVID-19 pandemic began, many companies put their plans on hold for product launches, marketing and media campaigns, publicity, and the like. But some have decided that an uninterrupted presence in consumers’ minds will help position them for success, or at least survival, once the peak of the crisis has passed. They have therefore […]
Influencing the Craft Category
Social media influencers specializing in handmade crafting and inspiration have, not surprisingly, had a growing presence in the licensing business. They mostly maintain a tight focus on crafting supplies, although some have extended into a few adjacent categories as well. Examples include: Lauren Riihimaki, or LaurDIY. Key licensees, brokered by The Brand Liaison, include Plaid […]
From Platform to Product
The role of Internet- and mobile-based content distribution and social media platforms in the licensing business traditionally has been twofold. First, the sites provide distribution and awareness for licensable properties. Second and more recently, they have been offering assistance and guidance to help the IP owners they distribute launch their own licensing efforts. A third […]
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 […]