Tag Archives: kiss

US rock band KISS back on the road with worldwide tour and global roster of licensing partners

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America’s platinum record selling rock band, KISS is hitting the road once again, continuing its End of the Road World Tour this year, and bringing with it a truly global licensing programme that spans multiple categories across international markets.

Headed up by the band’s exclusive global licensing agent, Epic Rights, a full roster of global partners makes up the licensing list as the rockers kick their worldwide parade back into action. The End of the Road World Tour launched in 2019 but hit the pause button while the world grappled with the coronavirus pandemic.

The tour will now set out to wow audiences in 2021 with rescheduled shows and new additional concert dates. And with the return of the show, comes the return of the band’s established merchandise machine. KISS continues to be among the most merchandised bands in history, and a pioneering force in the music merchandise and licensing industry. KISS branded merchandise is currently available in major retailers around the world, including Nordstrom, Macy’s, Urban Outfitters, Hot Topic, Torrid, Tilly’s, Pacsun, Cotton On, Target, Walmart, and more.

New KISS deals across the US include those with the likes of Dead Sled Coffee and its pre-packaged coffee, Robert Graham and a new fashion and accessories launch, and Lauren Moshi who will be deliver high-end apparel to the market. A line of seasonal apparel will also launch via Ugly Christmas Sweater for the 2021 holiday season.

Meanwhile, international partnerships include those with Brands for Fans and its KISS branded gin and dark rum launching in the UK this year, as well as Europe, Japan, and Australia; Metal Departments for real money gambling worldwide, Fexpro for apparel and accessories in Mexico, Central America, and South America, Konnekt for apparel and accessories in Japan, and EastPak for bags, backpacks, and accessories in the US, Europe, Middle East, Asia, and Canada.

“Our licensing partners from around the world continue to do an outstanding job collaborating creatively with us to further build our retail program,” said KISS.

“And we are eternally grateful to our legion of fans that continue to engage and support us, and we cannot wait to get back on the road this year with an explosive tour to remember! We’re pumped and can’t wait to celebrate the wildest and hottest show ever!”

Lisa Streff, EVP global licensing at Epic Rights, added: “KISS’ licensing program is hotter than ever. The band’s merch continues to grow bigger and better year after year into new and unique categories with expansion into new markets around the world, as well as the return of their highly successful global tour in this summer.

“The strong interest from our licensing partners worldwide, as well as the remarkable sell-in and sell through success at retail, is a testament to the never-ending strength of this evergreen giant.”

The complete list of new licensees for the KISS brand is as follows: 

Worldwide & International Deals: 

  • Metal Departments (real money gambling) – Worldwide
  • Brands for Fans (spirits) – UK, Europe, Japan, Australia
  • Absolute Garments (tops for H&M) – Worldwide
  • Bradford Exchange (collectibles) – United States, France, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand
  • Wren & Glory (fashion denim jackets) – Worldwide
  • Ropa Viva (apparel) – Mexico
  • Fexpro (apparel & accessories) – Mexico, Central America, South America
  • Gloria Jeans (apparel) – Russia
  • Konnekt (apparel & accessories) – Japan
  • Replay (apparel collection) – Worldwide
  • Eastpak (bags, backpacks, accessories) – Europe, Middle East, Asia, United States and Canada
  • Aquarius (playing cards, puzzles & board games) – US, Australia, New Zealand, Europe
  • Smartshake (protein drink shakers) – Worldwide
  • Shinko (t-shirts & tote bags) – Japan

 North American Deals: 

  • Dead Sled Coffee (brew-at-home coffee) – United States 
  • Robert Graham (fashion & accessories) – United States, Canada
  • Darring USA (denim & apparel capsule collection) – United States
  • Gotham City (wall art & calendars) – United States, Canada, Mexico
  • Ideastream (storage boxes) – United States,  Canada
  • Lauren Moshi (high-end apparel) – United States
  • My Custom Sports Chair (chairs) – United States, Canada
  • Ugly Christmas Sweater (seasonal apparel) – United States
  • Toynk (toys & games) – United States, Canada
  • J&F Design (plus-size apparel) – United States, Canada
  • Intimo (loungewear, sleepwear, accessories & bags) – United States

Renewed Deals:

  • Liquid Blue (apparel) – United States and Canada 
  • Fun.com (costumes) – Worldwide
  • UD Replicas (costumes) – Worldwide
  • Advanced Graphics (life-size cardboard cut-outs) – United States and Canada
  • Zippo (lighters) – Worldwide

Gene Simmons to take lead keynote at Licensing Leadership Summit 2020

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Gene Simmons, the world-renowned entertainer, entrepreneur, and co-founder of KISS will headline the Licensing Leadership Summit 2020 as the lead keynote speaker this year.

Simmons will once again take to the stage, this time to tantalise an audience with his insight and experience of more than four decades worth of licensing and merchandising knowledge.

Not only is Simmons is the co-founder of KISS, America’s number one Gold Record award-winning group of all time, but the brains behind the merchandise powerhouse that has driven more than $1 billion in retail sales of licensed consumer products for brands ranging from Gene Simmons Family Jewels to Rock & Brews, Erebus Pictures, Simmons Records, LA KISS and more.

He’s also engineered collaborations with best-in-class partners such as Archie Comics, Coca-Cola, Hello Kitty, Visa, USPS, Indy Car Series and more.

In his keynote, Gene Simmons: Creating a Brand, Simmons will speak candidly to the Licensing Leadership Summit audience about the launch of his newest branding empire and the secrets to leveraging a brand when you’re the star.

“Licensing is an ever-changing, multi-faceted industry that, if executed passionately and strategically, allows brands to showcase and monetise their style and personality,” said Simmons.

“I look forward to sharing my personal experience and lessons learned over my years mastering the art of this electric business with Licensing Leadership Summit attendees.”

Year-over-year, the business of brand licensing is continuously growing and evolving. According to the Licensing International Annual Global Licensing Survey, global retail sales of licensed merchandise and services grew to $280.3 billion in 2018.

The Licensing Leadership Summit is set to take place at the New York Hilton Midtown, March 16th to 17th, 2020 and will bring together more than 300 brand licensing and retail executives for two full days of networking and thought leadership.

To register to attend, please visit: LicensingLeadershipSummit/Register2020.

“We are honoured to announce that Gene Simmons will headline this year’s Licensing Leadership Summit,” said Anna Knight, vice president, Global Licensing Group.

“Simmons is truly a merchandising genius – as the driver of one of the biggest music brands of all time, the innovation behind and staying power of his brand is certainly one any business leader would want to emulate. His ability to take risks, foster deep and lasting brand growth and diversify across product categories is inspiring and will be an experience our attendees will take back to the board room.”

Additional keynotes and speakers at Licensing Leadership Summit include:

  • Research and analysis organisation, The NPD Group
  • 19 million subscribers strong YouTube star Steven John (Blippi)
  • Artestar
  • Beanstalk
  • Dependable Rights
  • Funko
  • Future State Brands
  • Google Shopping
  • JPatten
  • MoMa
  • NFL Players Association
  • Spin Master
  • Trevco
  • United Talent Agency
  • Viacom Nickelodeon Consumer Products
  • Viacom CBS Consumer Products
  • Zynga
  • And many more!

Confirmed attendees include executives from:

  • Beanstalk
  • Coty Inc.
  • Crayola
  • Major League Baseball
  • Mars Wrigley
  • Steve Madden
  • The Pokémon Company
  • Warner Bros.
  • Warner Media
  • And many more!