Category Archives: Highlight

Brand Licensing Europe announces fashion as main theme for 2022

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This year’s theme for Brand Licensing Europe, taking place on 20-22 September at ExCeL London, will be fashion. Visitors and exhibitors will be able to enjoy interactive features showcasing some of the biggest fashion licensing deals over the past year.

 

The fashion theme will weave its way throughout the event, including:

  • High-end product showcases on display close to the catwalk and in the main entrances, featuring products modelled in the catwalk shows
  • The License Global Theatre is moving back to the show floor for 2022 and will include several sessions and two keynotes dedicated to fashion
  • Products of Change make a very welcome return to Brand Licensing Europe and will be a powerful driver behind communicating the importance of sustainability in fashion

Ten 15-minute fashion shows will hit the central catwalk across three days, themed around key licensing categories. Retailers, designers and manufacturers can expect professional, expertly made-up and choreographed models (covering both kids and adult ranges) to be featured as brands’ collections are displayed on the catwalk.

The catwalks will cover multiple categories, including: Collabs, Food & Beverage, Footwear, Kids, Sports & Athleisure, Sustainability and Culture & The World.

Each show will also be live-streamed across the show floor and in both the central boulevard and West Podium at ExCeL London.

Anna Knight, SVP of Licensing, Informa Markets, says: “From Primark x Greggs, H&M x Keith Haring Mark II and Natural History Museum x Fat Face, to Selfridges opening as a fully-functioning online retailer in the Metaverse and amazing in-store experiences popping up all over the world, fashion is an incredibly exciting space to be in right now. The impact it can have on brands, and brands can have on it, is endless.”

For more details, enquire here.

 

VeryNeko unveils Disney Women’s Empowerment collection

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For the first time (in forever), online retailer VeryNeko has collaborated with four of its ambassadors; @disneymadmum, @kateballamy, @abritofcharlie, and @krystaleverdeen to launch a bespoke Disney Princess collection centred around women’s empowerment.

Now live on VeryNeko.co.uk, the new range features four mini collections, each focusing on a chosen Disney Princess: Cinderella, Rapunzel, Belle and Ariel.   

The mini collections are made up of three items; a printed t-shirt, a printed hoodie or sweatshirt, and a reversible bucket hat, all uniquely designed in the iconic colours of each princess. 

To see the full collection, visit Disney Princess Collection | VeryNeko

Sproutl forms strategic partnership with Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

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Sproutl, the new curated online gardening marketplace with a mission to make gardening easy, is to form a strategic partnership with the world-famous plant science institution, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. 

Alongside Sproutl becoming an official stockist of Kew’s merchandise and brand partners’ products, the partnership will include the launch of co-curated ‘Kew X Sproutl collections’ later this summer. By combining Sproutl’s technology platform with Kew’s vast scientific and horticultural expertise, the partnership will bring Kew plants directly into people’s homes for the first time. 

During the pandemic, the number of gardeners in the UK rose by three million. Nearly half of these new gardeners are under forty-five and are therefore digital natives. The partnership between a tech startup and the world’s most famous science and horticulture institution will bring Kew directly to both lovers and visitors of the gardens as well as a new and rapidly expanding demographic of younger gardeners. 

Anni Noel-Johnson, CEO & co-founder, Sproutl, says: “Sproutl is so proud to be partnering with RBG, Kew. This partnership is the perfect marriage of a tech startup with the world’s most famous science and horticulture institution. This will allow Sproutl customers to access Kew’s branded products and help introduce a new audience to Kew. We are also excited to be launching new co-curated Kew x Sproutl collections later in the year.”

Sproutl was created in 2021 to take the pain out of online selling for horticultural suppliers and integrates with their systems. Sproutl manages logistics, packaging sourcing, delivery, online marketing, and customer services, allowing independent local garden centres, shops and nurseries to effortlessly develop their online presence and reach new national audiences.

Kew is famed for its 260 years of plant science expertise and outstanding plant collections, making it one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Kew Gardens is also a Unesco World Heritage Site and major international visitor attraction with over 2.5 million visits every year .

Customers can sign up to be the first to receive updates on the new Kew X Sproutl Collection. 

Cry Babies Magic Tears launches on Netflix

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Fans of leading doll brand Cry Babies Magic Tears now have even more options to follow their favourite characters’ adventures as IMC Toys has secured a global deal with the world’s leading entertainment streaming service, Netflix.

Full episodes of the popular animated series will be available to stream in homes in 24 languages and over 190 countries where Netflix operates.

The Cry Babies Magic Tears animated series originally launched in the UK on IMC Toys’ YouTube platform, Kitoons, in 2018, alongside the successful launch of the Cry Babies Magic Tears collectible line at retail; an extension of the popular Cry Babies brand. The new Netflix deal builds on the momentum the brand has garnered since entering the market and offers viewers 400 minutes of content that will be released between two seasons this year, the first on 18 April and the second in autumn.

“IMC Toys couldn’t be prouder to be part of Netflix’s content offering,” says Raquel Roca, Communication Manager, IMC Toys. “Our aim is to always provide the best possible experience for our consumers and this premiere on Netflix gives our fans even more accessibility to the content they love.
“Cry Babies Magic Tears is a global brand, and Netflix is the perfect platform to allow kids around the world to enjoy our amazing series and share the positive messaging it brings to our viewers.”
Cry Babies Magic Tears are cute little babies with big personalities. They live in an imaginative world where tears are magical and carry special powers that are used to overcome challenging situations. The series, which is designed for children aged three to six, uses each episode to instil positive values in an interesting and engaging way through content. Viewers will be able to enjoy the best of the best from Cry Babies Magic Tears seasons two and three.
This premiere on Netflix is the latest in a lineup of deals that IMC Toys has concluded with television and streaming entities across the globe, including Nick Junior (UK), Gulli (France), Disney (Spain), Frisbee (Italy), Togo (Germany), Telekids (Holland), RTL (Croatia) and Televisa (Mexico). All of which serve the goal of bringing fans into the world of Cry Babies Magic Tears and making the brand an international powerhouse for both children’s entertainment and toys.

For more information on Cry Babies and other ranges by IMC Toys, contact info.uk@imctoys.com

Mighty Jaxx debuts new phygital F1 collectibles

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Culture company Mighty Jaxx (the Worldwide Exclusive Collectible Partner for F1) is back with a new edition of AllStars collectibles, inspired by the popular sport. Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Valtteri Bottas and more have all received the star treatment with a number of fresh looks.

Launching to the public on April 21, the AllStars F1 collectibles feature this season’s 20 drivers in their official race suits, with each athlete holding a removable team emblem.

Sculpted and designed by acclaimed studio YARMS, every 8in premium vinyl figure features geometric planes and clean contours that capture each likeness in a timeless, minimal style, while the phygital collectibles go beyond the track via unique digital experiences.

Single driver collectibles are $159 USD, team bundles (two drivers) are $318 USD.

Any purchase made between launch and April 23 (9am ET) will receive an exclusive, metal commemorative print. Team bundle orders also receive commemorative prints.

Via the AllStars’ Xtended Xperience®, fans can digitally authenticate their collectibles, tap into gamified offerings, showcase their pieces and customise digital displays through various skins.

Jesper Poulsen named general manager of Bravado

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Universal Music Group’s (UMG’s) leading merchandise and brand management company, Bravado, announced today that veteran industry executive and Epic Rights co-founder Jesper Poulsen has been named general manager.

Poulsen joins Bravado’s executive management team and will play an integral role in continuing to develop the company’s global merchandise strategy in the everchanging landscape of the music and fashion industries. He will oversee day-to-day operations of both Bravado and Epic Rights. Poulsen is based in Los Angeles and reports to Bravado’s president, Matt Young.

Matt Young says: “As we continue to execute our global brand strategy, aligning the power of Epic Rights more closely with Bravado exponentially enhances the reach, capabilities, and depth of how we service our artists and their fans around the world. Jesper has a wealth of experience and his leadership across the Bravado ecosystem will only supercharge our capabilities.”

Poulsen adds: “I want to thank Richelle Parham and UMG’s leadership team, Matt Young, and, of course, the team at Epic Rights, for this opportunity. Having been mentored by Dell Furano, I’m proud to continue to evolve what we started almost 10 years ago with Kym Furano and Phil Cussen. It’s an honour to work with so many incredible artists and their teams to reach their fans all over the world. It’s an exciting time to be in the artist services business and look forward to what’s ahead.”

Poulsen’s career in artist brand development, consumer products and fan experiences started at Signatures Network, where he supported the company’s growing wholesale business and digital strategy. In 2008, through acquisition, he joined Live Nation Merchandise where he held the position of Brand Manager, helping oversee relationships such as KISS, Aerosmith, Def Leppard, Led Zeppelin, and ZZ Top. In 2014, Poulsen, together with Dell Furano, Kym Furano and Phil Cussen, launched merchandise and branding company, Epic Rights.

Bravado acquired Epic Rights in 2019 with a roster that includes KISS, AC/DC, Def Leppard, David Bowie, John Lennon, Aerosmith, Bob Dylan and the Woodstock Festival among others. Poulsen in his new role will maintain the individual brand identities of both Epic Rights and Bravado, supervising the expert teams of both divisions.

Kokomo teams with Barbie for Primark beauty collection

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Award-winning licensed toiletry specialist Kokomo has debuted a collaboration with the iconic Barbie brand across a new Health & Beauty range.

The brands have collaborated on a dynamic, inclusive, and inspiring collection for consumers, that celebrate diverse dolls, iconic Barbie logos and graphics, and encompass the Kokomo brand missions; ‘Be Kind to Your Mind’ and ‘Just as You Are’.

The collection of 17 products launches exclusively at Primark across accessories, skincare and cosmetics and is available in-store now. The range has been designed to provide a one-stop-shop for adult Barbie fans with items ranging from £1.50 – £7.00.

Laura Jealous, Kokomo’s Sales & Marketing Director, says: “We are delighted to be working with Mattel on such an iconic brand with an important message to inspire and empower. Working together we have designed a beautiful collection of Health & Beauty products which we can’t wait to see in stores.”

Visit the Kokomo website for more details: https://www.kokomostudio.com/home/

Hasbro and Falcon’s Beyond among brands bringing LBE experiences to Licensing Expo

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Licensing Expo, produced in partnership with industry trade association Licensing International, returns to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center this May 24-26 with a location-based experiences (LBE) theme that draws on consumers’ growing interest in immersive, IP-based experiences.

Of the 200+ exhibitors confirmed to date, with more signing on daily, many brands are showcasing their foray into LBE at Licensing Expo in search of new licensees, manufacturers, and retailer partners that will help bring their IP-based experiences to life.

Hasbro, Falcon’s Beyond, NAFTOS, and Feld Entertainment are among the brands that have revealed extensive LBE plans for the May event, transforming their booths into an IP-based destination that will capture attendees’ attention. From turning show attendees into NFTs and transporting guests into imagined worlds to a VR battle arena, this year’s event is gearing up to be highly interactive and trend-driven in order to provide a more seamless experience that facilitates new IP discovery.

“We landed on the theme of location-based experiences in order to strategically align with society’s transition from product-focused to experience-centric behaviors,” says Anna Knight, SVP of the Global Licensing Group, organisers of Licensing Expo. “More than ever before, people develop profoundly strong connections with the brands and content they engage with daily; LBE enables IP-owners to foster an even deeper connection that lays the groundwork for a loyal fanbase. We’re so excited to showcase the power and potential of LBE and be a catalyst for its adoption across the globe.”

LBE-activations confirmed to date include:

Hasbro, Inc booth #A159 & Hasbro Experience booth #A143

  • At Hasbro’s Experience booth, the company will be previewing the Transformers: VR Battle Arena with Meta4 Interactive which enables players to play as a TRANSFORMERS robot in a VR world. Players can choose from heroic Autobots such as Bumblebee and Optimus Prime or Decepticons such as Megatron and Soundwave. Once inside the game, each player will become a part of a legendary battle.
  • Hasbro will also be showcasing inspiration from other LBE initiatives around the world with a sampling of mini experiences inspired by:
    • The My Little Pony & Transformers Hotel Collection, Shanghai. The first of its kind, a Transformers and My Little Pony-themed Hotel outfitted with a Family Entertainment Center, is opening in Shanghai in Q4, 2022. The Hotel features 46 themed rooms in the collection.
    • Monopoly Life-sized and Top Hat Restaurant & Bar, London. Guests immerse themselves in the world-famous game of Monopoly to compete in challenges, build houses, charge rent, escape jail and even control London’s waterworks as they travel around the life-sized board earning as much money as they can.
    • Nerf Challenge, North America (touring). The ultimate Nerf playground is currently touring North America. Among the many interactive activations to experience are Tryathlon, Nerfhoop Doubleshot, Colossal Football, Field Goal, Dodge Blast, Strange Cargo, and much more. With thousands of blasters and millions of darts, this immersive experience is every NERF fan’s dream come to life.
    • NAX, Singapore. The NERF Action Xperience family entertainment centre brings the NERF brand to life through fun-filled experiences in an indoor arena packed with multiple-themed activity zones, incorporating NERF sports and blasters that are directed towards igniting adrenaline, inspiring empowerment and fostering connections.

Matt Proulx, VP, Location Based Entertainment, Hasbro, says: “The demand for authentic, engaging, and exciting experiences has never been higher; fans of all ages can now uncover new ways to connect with the brands they love. We’re excited to demo the Transformers: VR Battle Arena with our partners at Meta4 Interactive at our booth this year. We’ll also be giving visitors a chance to sample other activations around the world, taking inspiration from our Monopoly Life-sized in London, Transformers & My Little Pony-themed Hotel in Shanghai, not to mention what’s fueling Nerf. We hope everyone can stop by and have a glimpse into the potential of LBE

Falcon’s Beyond, booth U188

  • At Falcon’s Beyond’s booth, guests will experience immersive and interactive technologies like no other through a tour of Falcon’s X-Lab. The X-Lab will offer a 20-minute demonstration of a handful of Falcon’s ground-breaking products by appointment. These include SpectraVerse™, Falcon’s Vision®, ON!X™ Theater, and other exciting, themed attraction systems leveraging real-time gaming technologies and metaverse integrations.

“We have already helped many of the world’s most iconic brands connect with their audience to build fandom at a whole new level,” says Cecil D. Magpuri, CEO of Falcon’s Beyond. “We cannot wait to showcase our experiential entertainment innovations and new themed destinations in development that will enable brands to take the connection with their desired audiences to new heights well `beyond’ what they could ever imagine.”

NAFTOS, Lobby Display near Entrance D, Executive Suite D101

  • Licensing Expo newcomer NAFTOS, an industry leader in minting 2D, 3D, and 3D interactive NFTs, takes the mystery out of digital collectibles by showcasing actual NFT creations on the exhibition floor at the entrance of the show, booth D3. Companies interested in learning more about NFTs and the Metaverse for their brands can schedule an appointment with NAFTOS at Executive Suite D101 on the show floor.

Barry Rosenbaum, CEO and President of NAFTOS, comments: “We are honoured to become a key exhibiter at the Licensing Expo to showcase our expertise in NFTs and the Metaverse. Our highly experienced team employs the newest technology to create dynamic interactive NFTs, unlike any others.”

Feld Entertainment, booth A209

  • This year, Feld Entertainment will have the Grave Digger® Simulator Ride Experience, created in partnership with DOF Robotiks. This stand-alone attraction allows attendees to experience what it is like to take a ride in a Monster Jam truck. The simulator offers a range of movement on a 6-axis platform featuring pitch, roll and yaw movements. The realistic motion is combined with exciting video delivered through VR headsets, which makes it an unforgettable ride.

Jeff Bialosky, Senior Vice President Global Partnerships, Feld Entertainment, says: “We are thrilled to have one of our Feld Entertainment location-based entertainment activations on site for attendees to experience during the upcoming LE. As a 2022 Industry Award nominee, Monster Jam continues to engage and entertain tens of millions of fans around the world. The Monster Jam Grave Digger simulator displayed and operating in Booth #A209 will give those who are brave enough to ride it the true feeling of being behind the wheel of a 12,000-pound, 1500 HP Monster Jam truck.”

In addition to these immersive exhibitor experiences, visitors can visit the new Sports Bar and Toy Café to discover new products and be inspired by best-in-class examples from both categories. Confirmed participants include:

  • Sports Bar: Major League Baseball Players, Inc., NFL Players Inc., NASCAR, NFL Int’l, WWE and Motul
  • Toy Café: Hasbro, Inc., Mattel, Inc., MGA Entertainment, Spin Master, WildBrain CPLG, Jazwares, Brand Activation Consulting
  • Art & Design Lounge: Art Brand Studios, Giordano Studios, Jewel Branding & Licensing, Inc., Mitchell Black Wallpaper, Tate & Co Licensing, Artestar

There are 200+ exhibiting brands confirmed at Licensing Expo this May 24-26, with latest names confirmed including Riot Games, Laika Studios, United Talent Agency, kathy ireland Worldwide, Amazon Studios, Konami Cross Media NY, MLB Players, Netflix, TSBA, Sesame Workshop, Thomas Global Media and more.

Registered attendees now have access to the event’s online platform and can begin sifting through discoverable IP and setting up meetings both online and for the in-person event.

Starting Lineup is back

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Hasbro, Inc., in partnership with global digital sports platform Fanatics, has announced the official re-launch of Starting Lineup, an iconic sports collectibles brand. Set to launch this autumn, the new product line will continue its legacy of bringing fans and collectors their favourite athletes in action figure form.

Starting September 22, products from the Starting Lineup brand will be available exclusively on Hasbro Pulse and across the Fanatics network of online sites, including Fanatics.com and official league stores.  

“We’re thrilled to be bringing back one of the most beloved sports collectibles brands of all time, Starting Lineup, and to be teaming up with Fanatics for its highly anticipated return this fall,” says Eric Nyman, President and COO of Hasbro. “The fast-growing sports collectibles category presents great opportunities to connect with fans of all ages, and we’ve got many exciting announcements to come from the brand in the months ahead.” 

Originally launched in 1988, the Starting Lineup brand developed a massive following by bringing enthusiasts figures of their favourite all-star players from a variety of sports for more than a decade. The return of the brand will introduce an all-new era of notable athletes to its classic heritage with figures featuring design like never before.  

“Hasbro’s Starting Lineup is an iconic collectibles brand, and Fanatics is thrilled to be the exclusive partner to help re-launch this historic product line and introduce a new generation of sports stars to fans and collectors everywhere,” says Jack Boyle, Fanatics Commerce Global Co-President of Direct-to-Consumer. 

For more information on the upcoming launch of the Starting Lineup brand, as well as a teaser trailer, visit Hasbro Pulse | Where Fans Come First.

 

Genius Brands expands Kartoon Channel! on Roku

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Following the success of the Kartoon Channel! app and content on the Rokuâ platform, Genius Brands International has announced that it will offer a dedicated Kartoon Channel! on The Roku Channel, further expanding the channel’s presence on Roku.

The Roku Channel reached U.S. households with an estimated 80 million people in Q4 2021. Users now have access to Kartoon Channel!’s full content slate of original programming and children’s brands, including Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger; the new fast-paced trivia original gameshow series for kids, KC! Pop Quiz, hosted by Nickelodeon star Casey Simpson, and Rainbow Rangers, as well as classics such as Baby Genius, Pac-Man and more.

“As we begin rolling out the new Kartoon Channel! Kidaverse, we’re excited to share that in less than two years we are fully distributed in the U.S., reaching millions of viewers across multiple platforms. We are now further enhancing our offering to consumers by bringing The Roku Channel on board as a media partner, significantly expanding our presence in the digital marketplace,” says Genius Brands’ Jon Ollwerther, President, Kartoon Channel!.