Four of the major U.S. mid-tier and mass retailers are launching new beauty concepts, three this month and one in the fall. All have in common a focus on younger shoppers, synergies between in-store and online executions, and an emphasis on products for consumers of all ethnicities. The goal is to capture new consumers at […]
The Numbers Are In
The toy industry is having a good year in 2021, as measured by the major public toy companies’ quarterly results to date. Some observers had thought industry growth would slow in 2021 after a significant bump in dollar sales in 2020, fueled by the need to keep families occupied during the COVID lockdowns. In addition, […]
Hitting the Beach
It’s summer, and that means fashion collaborations focused on sand and surf. Some of the clothing brands that have tied in with surf-related properties for beach apparel and accessories collections this year include: Wrangler, which launched a collaboration last month with Billabong. The assortment consists of a range of summer and back-to-school items for young […]
Offbeat Treats
The trend for bizarre flavor combinations has extended into the ice cream space. This includes limited-edition novelties created through partnerships pairing corporate owners of food brands with smaller specialty ice cream marketers known for their unusual flavors: The latest iteration involves Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, a brand of the Kraft Heinz Company, in a collaboration […]
No Animals Were Harmed
As young adults and other consumers become increasingly concerned about the environment and make their purchase decisions accordingly, marketers of apparel, accessories, and footwear are touting a growing number of vegan products. These are made of natural materials or recycled synthetics in lieu of leather and other animal-based components. Vegan footwear in particular is starting […]
The Ball Is In Collegiate Athletes’ Court
College athletes have been able to capitalize on their names, images, and likenesses (NIL) for less than a month, as the NCAA, on July 1, suspended its NIL rules. They are quickly taking advantage of the new opportunities. The process of getting to this point began back in 2009 when former UCLA basketball player Ed […]
Tea Time
By Karen Raugust on July 22, 2021 in Character/Entertainment, Experiential licensing, Food/Beverage, Licensing
Traditional English-style afternoon teas tied to characters (and sometimes other properties) have represented a growing piece of the experiential-licensing landscape since the mid-2010s, at least in some parts of the world, with a particularly notable burst of activity beginning in 2019. Even during the pandemic, at least between lockdowns, a few licensed afternoon teas were […]
The Doctor Is In
In February of this year, Eastman Kodak licensed Dealmed, a medical supply manufacturer and distributor, for a line of Kodak-branded infrared thermometers. The products, which allow for accurate, non-contact temperature readings, are available in the U.S. and South American markets. Thermometers are likely to remain in demand post-pandemic. Not only are they perennially necessary for […]
Now Hear This
By Karen Raugust on July 15, 2021 in Character/Entertainment, Consumer electronics, Content, Licensing
Kids’ audio is hot, with everything from podcasts to musical albums on the rise. One of the most active areas within this sector consists of a growing number of low-tech, screenless audio players designed to allow young children to control what they listen to independently and safely in a closed eco-system. The proliferation of these […]
Designer Drinks
Celebrities of all types have been increasingly active in the alcoholic beverage space, entering into licensing agreements, short-term collaborations, and joint ventures, as well as launching their own companies, to create new brands of beer, wine, and spirits. As fashion designers have expanded their businesses well beyond couture and ready-to-wear into a broader lifestyle positioning, […]