Despite the fast-growing incidence of new initiatives focusing on the plus-size and extended-size women’s apparel and accessories markets over the past several years, there is still a need for more fashionable choices for consumers at both the higher and lower end of the size spectrum. As a result, general-market fashion retailers and brands continue to […]
Archive | Licensing
Sticking to the Message
Characters and other imagery associated with instant messaging apps have given rise to a number of licensed product initiatives, many of which have become strong programs globally in terms of retail sales. Such initiatives can be organized into three major groups: Proprietary characters created by messaging apps. LINE Corporation oversees a wide range of products […]
Supporting Self-Care
Self-care is an approach to wellness in which consumers purposefully take time to foster a positive mental, physical, and emotional state. It is a way to de-stress from a busy life, reduce anxiety, improve mood, avoid health-care issues, and ultimately enhance happiness and productivity. Practitioners stress that it is not a selfish lifestyle; rather, it […]
Compound Interest
Two of the top-of-mind trends in the toy industry over the past two years have been mini collectible figures, especially in blind boxes, and compounds in the form of slime, sand, dirt, and ooze. More recently, those two trends have come together, as low-priced, collectible minis are not just packed in blind boxes but encased […]
Collaborators Journey to Japan
High-end fashion labels from Japan, typically streetwear-focused, have become among the most frequent partners for global lifestyle collaborations involving characters, celebrities, corporate trademarks, artists, and fashion and luxury labels. Some of the most active Japanese brands in this space include: A Bathing Ape/BAPE. Founded in 1993, this brand and its various sub-brands are prolific participants […]
Tempted by Tasty Alternatives
Burger King revealed last week that it is testing the Impossible Burger, a plant-based meat substitute, as a potential addition to its menu. This is the latest example—and one of the most high-profile—of food and beverage marketers embracing products that can serve as replacements for meat and other staples. These items are meant to appeal […]
Beauty Contest
Just in the last week, three celebrity makeup artists have entered or expanded their presence in the competitive beauty and wellness space, announcing new retail-exclusive licensing or collaboration deals: Sir John, best known for his work with the likes of Beyoncé and Kim Kardashian, paired with South African retailer Woolworths Holdings for a limited-edition collaboration. […]
Toy Testers Give Rave Reviews to Licensing
Kid influencers specializing in toy and children’s product reviews and unboxings via their own YouTube channels and other social media platforms have gained significant followings, with the top examples generating more than 10 billion views and amassing more than 10 million channel subscribers. Some “best of” lists name more than 100 different personalities playing in […]
Rethinking for the Long Run
Designer Isaac Mizrahi and New Balance just debuted a collection of footwear and apparel exclusively on QVC, while Mattel’s Barbie’s just launched its latest capsule with Puma, in honor of the doll’s 60th anniversary. These initiatives are reminders of how sportswear companies with roots in athletic footwear have, over the past decade, expanded their realms […]
A Collection of Museum Collaborations
Designer collaborations encompassing apparel, accessories, and footwear involve a variety of licensed properties, from characters and sports leagues to corporate brands and celebrities. Museums have been less frequent players, aside from a few key institutions. But more and more, museums with a range of specialties are pairing with fashion labels in a number of ways: […]