Tag Archives: US

Emoji renews slate of US licensing partners as Retail Monster continues to grow the brand

Posted on by

The Emoji Company has renewed a slate of US licensees across apparel, accessories, health and beauty, and fabrics in a sweep of deals brokered by the brand’s North American licensing agent, Retail Monster LLC.

Under the renewed partnerships, Emoji licensed product will continue to be developed and rolled-out by ASO, American Marketing Enterprises and Briefly Stated, David’s Textiles, Decopac, and Isaac Morris Limited, ensuring the brand’s continued presence in sleepwear, fabric, cake decorations, apparel, and more.

Michael Connolly, founder and CEO of Retail Monster, said: “The Emoji brand has proven universal, with Emoji licensed products having become staples at across retail and e-commerce 365 days a year. Even in a year full of uncertainty, Emoji- the Iconic Brand and our partners continue to deliver.”

Marco Huesges, founder and CEO of the Emoji Company, added: “We have the strongest and most collaborative partners in the business. Each of these partners has been committed to ongoing innovation and new product development, and has had best selling SKUs for years across retail. Coupled with our extensive portfolio of Emoji – the Iconic Brand licensees, we remain confident the best is yet to come.”

These renewal partners are part of a stable of licensees, which includes: Alcove (Vitamins); Aristocrat (Gaming); Bentex Group, inc. (Kids apparel); EVZ Inc. (E-commerce); Fast Forward (bags), Handcraft (underwear), and more. In addition to these US licensees, Peter Noonan of NPZ Consulting Inc. works in tandem with Retail Monster to oversee the brand’s Canadian licensees.

Partners in the Canadian market include Brand Partners Group, Centura, Isaac Morris, Regal Confections, and more.

Heritage month | The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh partners with US toy firm Open the Joy on curated children’s kits

Posted on by

The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh has partnered with the emotional intelligence and educational toy company, Open the Joy, to launch a new product range based on the museum’s exhibit XOXO: Love and Forgiveness.

Under the new partnership, Love and Forgiveness Boxes are going to be available in Target stores across the US from June 21st this year, drawing on teachings from the popular Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh exhibit that made its debut back in 2014 and has continued to inspire children and families since.

Open the Joy provides curated kits filled with therapeutic and educational experiences for children, with products designed to bring fun and entertainment through a variety of hands-on and off-screen activities that develop motor skills, reduce stress, build confidence, and provide bonding opportunities for families.

“We are so excited to have a product on the shelves at Target nationwide. This is an  opportunity to spread the mission of Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and bring kids and families a hands-on experience that promotes letting go and embracing love,” said Jane Werner, executive director of Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.  

The origin of Open the Joy began when its founder, Shalini Samtani’s daughter was diagnosed with a one-in-a million rare disease. While the doctors were caring for her physical health, Shalini had to search for play options that were therapeutic and  educational.

“We have taken lessons learned from some of the hardest moments in life and transformed them to create products and experiences that help kids develop, heal, and grow,” said Samtani, Open the Joy founder and CEO. “By expanding our line into Target we are able to reach a larger audience, and by working with Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh we can take their expertise in social and emotional learning and share it with even more kids and families.” 

The development of the product has taken place over the past few months. It is part of a larger product line from Open the Joy, that includes The Kindness Mission Box, The Anger Management Box, and the My Gratitude Box. Each kit is designed to build  emotional intelligence for kids through play.

Every kit contains hours of hands-on activities that can be done alone or in collaboration with a caregiver. They are recommended for ages four through to 12.  

“It is very exciting to have a nationwide toy launch based on one of our exhibits,” said Anne Fullenkamp, senior director of design at Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.

“We love seeing kids playing and learning when they are at the museum interacting with our  art and exhibits. Launching this product with Target and Open the Joy lets us share that  experience with even more families.” 

Heritage month | The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh partners with US toy firm Open the Joy on curated children’s kits

Posted on by

The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh has partnered with the emotional intelligence and educational toy company, Open the Joy, to launch a new product range based on the museum’s exhibit XOXO: Love and Forgiveness.

Under the new partnership, Love and Forgiveness Boxes are going to be available in Target stores across the US from June 21st this year, drawing on teachings from the popular Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh exhibit that made its debut back in 2014 and has continued to inspire children and families since.

Open the Joy provides curated kits filled with therapeutic and educational experiences for children, with products designed to bring fun and entertainment through a variety of hands-on and off-screen activities that develop motor skills, reduce stress, build confidence, and provide bonding opportunities for families.

“We are so excited to have a product on the shelves at Target nationwide. This is an  opportunity to spread the mission of Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and bring kids and families a hands-on experience that promotes letting go and embracing love,” said Jane Werner, executive director of Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.  

The origin of Open the Joy began when its founder, Shalini Samtani’s daughter was diagnosed with a one-in-a million rare disease. While the doctors were caring for her physical health, Shalini had to search for play options that were therapeutic and  educational.

“We have taken lessons learned from some of the hardest moments in life and transformed them to create products and experiences that help kids develop, heal, and grow,” said Samtani, Open the Joy founder and CEO. “By expanding our line into Target we are able to reach a larger audience, and by working with Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh we can take their expertise in social and emotional learning and share it with even more kids and families.” 

The development of the product has taken place over the past few months. It is part of a larger product line from Open the Joy, that includes The Kindness Mission Box, The Anger Management Box, and the My Gratitude Box. Each kit is designed to build  emotional intelligence for kids through play.

Every kit contains hours of hands-on activities that can be done alone or in collaboration with a caregiver. They are recommended for ages four through to 12.  

“It is very exciting to have a nationwide toy launch based on one of our exhibits,” said Anne Fullenkamp, senior director of design at Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.

“We love seeing kids playing and learning when they are at the museum interacting with our  art and exhibits. Launching this product with Target and Open the Joy lets us share that  experience with even more families.” 

Route 66 expands its UK presence with Iconospheric and Assured Products partnerships

Posted on by

Route 66 is continuing to build its presence across the UK and Eire having landed two new licensing partners in the home decor and stationery, and car care product markets.

Brokered by the brand’s UK and Eire licensing agency, Bulldog Licensing, the latest partnerships will see Iconospheric develop a collection of print on demand wall art, apparel and accessories, home decor, gifting, and stationery, while Assured Products will launch car care products like cleaners, polishers, screen wash, and de-icers, and more.

These latest additions join a growing roster of licensees for the US lifestyle property that already boasts more than 750 products available in more than 100 countries. The property has experienced a strong start to its UK fashion launch with Brand Alliance, while Bulldog is now extending its licensing programme with partners across ancillary categories.

Relatively new to the UK, Route 66 – a brand that celebrates the legendary highway that once linked Chicago to the American West – is recognised around the world. Its wealth of designs include over 360 original, iconic artworks and more than 125 photos under the Route 66 style guide.

Rob Corney, MD, Bulldog Licensing, said: “Iconospheric and Assured Products are perfect partners for the Route 66 brand and we’re really excited to see the products they create as leaders in their respective fields. The Route 66 brand has a huge appeal across generations as a symbol of freedom and adventure, which is particularly poignant at this time.

“Route 66 is established throughout a wide range of territories and is already a €30 million retail brand. We are looking forward to extending that success in the UK market.”

Warner Bros. Consumer Products appoints Samantha Bushy as VP of North America and head of eCommerce

Posted on by

Warner Bros. Consumer Products has appointed the eCommerce veteran, Samantha Bushy to the role of vice president of North America and head of eCommerce.

The move comes as Pam Lifford, president of Warner Bros. Global Brands and Experiences details the company’s strategic vision of strengthening its direct to consumer and commerce abilities. Through the appointment of Bushy, the firm will “leverage her vast experience” and the insight, expertise, and leadership that she brings with her to the role.

Bushy will be responsible for the overall strategic direction, growth, and development, consumer and category strategy, and retail and licensee relationship management for WB’s Consumer Products unit in the US and Canada. In addition, she will be the lead executive on e-commerce initiatives globally.

Before joining Warner Bros. Bushy was head of eCommerce, global marketplaces with Apple Inc where she was responsible for driving eCommerce business strategy and establishing differentiated customer experience for its global marketplace business on Amazon.

Bushy has also worked in global business planning and strategy roles at Nike, Pacific Gas and Electric, as well as managed client services and corporate sponsorships for the New England Patriots.

Bushy’s appointment is effective immediately.

US: Sesame Workshop builds global toy portfolio with MasterPieces Sesame Street partnership

Posted on by

The iconic pre-school property, Sesame Street is continuing to grow its international portfolio of toy partners, having signed a new partnership with the US games, puzzles, toys, and crafts specialist, MasterPieces.

The new MasterPieces Sesame Street products will begin to appear on shelves across the US this summer with a raft of launches designed to engage children in original craft activities, memory games, and classic card games designed to entertain and educate young minds.

MasterPieces is a staple of the US toy industry, having successfully delivered puzzles, toys, games, and more to the market for 25 years. It’s partnership with Sesame Workshop will see licensed product featuring a cast of popular Sesame Street characters, including Elmo, Oscar the Grouch, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, and more.

David Rolls, president of MasterPieces, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Sesame Workshop. Together, we’ve been able to create some of our most captivating and fun, educational products that all feature many of the tremendously popular characters, including Elmo, Oscar the Grouch, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, and more.

”For over 50 years, Sesame Street, produced by the nonprofit organization Sesame Workshop, has delivered not only school-readiness lessons promoting literacy and numeracy, but also age-appropriate guidance on healthy habits, self-expression and self-regulation, empathy, friendship, and much more.

“Sesame Workshop’s mission is to help kids grow smarter, stronger, and kinder, and that means nourishing the mind and body,” said Gabriela Arenas, vice president of licensing, North America, Sesame Workshop. “We’re pleased to be working with MasterPieces to bring fun and engaging activities to children and families.”

The new Sesame Street products include craft kits such as the Sesame Street Garbage Truck ( a DIY wood paint kit featuring Oscar the Grouch), the Sesame Street Best Friends Character Bank, and the Sesame Street School Bus. In games, MasterPieces will launch the Grouchy Old Oscar card game, Elmo & Friends Matching Game, and Sesame Street 3-in-1 Educational Card Games.

Joe Boxer readies for US re-launch with Iconix Brand Group and PPI Apparel

Posted on by

Iconix Brand Group has signed a new five-year licensing agreement with PPI Apparel Group to be the new exclusive underwear and sleepwear licensee for a re-launch of the Joe Boxer brand across the US. PPI Apparel will design and manufacture Joe Boxer underwear, intimates, loungewear, and sleepwear for men, women, and children.

The first Joe Boxer collection from PPl Apparel Group will make its exciting debut for the Spring 2021 season. The new line will reflect the Joe Boxer brand’s goal to make everyday fun and everyone smile.

Made to embody the energy and quirkiness that the Joe Boxer brand is well known for, the new underwear assortment includes well priced basics in an array of solids, prints and patterns with imaginative concepts.

“We chose to partner Joe Boxer with PPl Apparel Group because of their deep expertise and capabilities in the underwear and sleepwear category,” said Bob Galvin, chief executive officer and president at Iconix Brand Group, Inc. “We look forward to collaborating with Panties Plus Inc. on developing and growing Joe Boxer’s offering.”

The new collection of Joe Boxer underwear for the family will be the first category to launch at Department Stores and Online Specialty destinations, with planned expanded distribution in Q3 of 2021. PPl Apparel Group will continue to roll out Kids sleepwear and loungewear assortments for the 2021 back to school and holiday seasons.

Abe Hanan CEO of PPI Apparel Group, added: “As a company that manufactures over a dozen different licensed brands we are honored and excited to partner with Iconix in the relaunch of this consumer brand.

“It is not often in licensing that you have the opportunity to work with a brand that’s DNA is our product category expertise. When you think of the world and heritage of Joe Boxer you think of Underwear and Loungewear.”

Joe Boxer is one of almost 30 consumer brands owned by Iconix Brand Group, Inc. The brand management company owns, licenses and markets its brands through a network of leading retailers and manufacturers that touch every major segment of retail distribution in both the U.S. and worldwide.