Properties with roots in the world of interactive online and console gaming are increasingly extending their brands into the trading card game (TCG) category, often in co-branded versions with leading players in the space, but also in straight licensed editions. These expansions take the IPs into a high-interest realm with a lot of crossover in […]
Archive | Licensing
Extreme Refreshment
Ice baths, cold water therapy, and contrast therapy, which combines cold-water or ice baths with saunas, have collectively been increasing in popularity over the past few years to become one of the top wellness trends globally in 2025. This is true for ice baths in particular. Wellness spas are adding ice baths to their offerings, […]
Starting the Semester in Fashion
As another school year begins, the Nikes and Adidas of the world are releasing fresh new items as part of their new and ongoing deals for collegiate sportswear and related merchandise. At the same time, streetwear and other fashion labels outside the realm of traditional collegiate licensing are increasingly pairing with universities for new fashion-forward […]
Rubbing Shoulders with Plush Greatness
By Karen Raugust on September 4, 2025 in Accessories, Character/Entertainment, Licensing, Toys/Games
An article last week in The New York Times detailed how Disney theme parks’ adult superfans are embracing shoulder plush of Disney characters as their go-to accessory during their visit. The product was introduced in 2018 with a Baby Groot version, according to the article, and there will be 45 different versions across all the company’s […]
Women’s Sports Reach New Merch Milestones
Interest in women’s sports remains strong, as does demand for merchandise tied to women’s leagues, teams, and athletes. But product supply, variety, and quality continue to lag behind the men’s game. A few key milestones in the past year have contributed toward reducing some of these deficits, however: In July, the Orlando Pride of the […]
Boosting Refillable Beauty Products
Refillable cosmetics, fragrances, and other beauty items have been available broadly for close to five years as the beauty industry looks to satisfy younger consumers’ desire for more sustainable options in a traditionally not very eco-friendly category, as well as meet their internal ESG (environmental, social, and governance) goals. The segment is gaining adherents—especially in certain […]
Clomping Through an Era of Clog Collabs
Crocs announced a long-term license with the National Football League this week, marking the first time the league has partnered with the footwear brand. Branded shoes and Jibbitz charms for 14 teams will launch first, followed by products for the other 18 teams; other categories such as bags will roll out later. This is just […]
Taking a Gamble on Licensed Casino Games
Anyone who has been to Licensing Expo in Las Vegas has likely noticed the important role licensed properties play in slot machines, with examples on display throughout the casinos. Recent announcements illustrate the importance of licensing in not only slots but all forms of casino gaming, as IPs already established in this sector expand into […]
They May Be Corny, But They’re No Joke
As consumers in the northern hemisphere anticipate the approach of autumn, peak season for hayrides, apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and other agri-entertainment, it seems like a good time to take a look at a somewhat under-the-radar but not uncommon form of experiential initiative—namely, the corn maze. For consumers, seeing their favorite characters or other IP […]
Fine Art Meets Fashion Retail
The fashion industry has been turning more and more often to art and artists for new apparel collections that grab consumers’ attention. One segment within that sphere that has been expanding of late consists of pairings of classic fine artists, licensed through their estates or museums that hold artworks of theirs, with fashion retailers. A […]