Royaltie$, February 2014

New Friends, New Locations, ALL NEW ADVENTURES! BRAND-NEW

preschool series coming to

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Nickelodeon’s brand-new preschool series featuring the iconic Dora character in new adventures, with new friends and a new curriculum!

Get ready for the biggest news in preschool for 2014 - DORA & FRIENDS!

• U.S. SERIES PREMIERES AUGUST ‘14 • U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCTS LAUNCH SUMMER ‘14 • UNPRECEDENTED CONSUMER AND RETAIL MARKETING SUPPORT

CONTACT US licensing and retail information contact:

nickdomesticcp@nick.com

International licensing information contact:

nickinternationalcp@nick.com

© 2014 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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trends • product • property • style • licensing • brands

Vol. 9, No. 1, February 2014

What’s New at Toy Fair 2014 Pet Category Continues to Grow

Licensors Move to Beat of Music Fans

©1996 Kazuki Takahashi ©2011 NAS • TV TOKYO

Roy_2.indd 1

North America: Jennifer Coleman at jcoleman@4kmedia.com • 00 1 212-590-2100 Europe: Sandra Arcan at saukar255888@konami.com • +44 1753 271 721

www.yugioh.com 2/4/2014 9:22:35 AM

FEBRUARY 2014 Vol. 9, No. 1

Features

12 HONG KONG LICENSING SHOW A SUCCESS

by Christopher Byrne

14 FASHIONS GET FIT AND DIGITAL

by Jennifer Lynch

16 PRODUCT PRESENTATION: FASHION LICENSING

by Jennifer Lynch

18 IT’S A DOG’S LIFE: PET CATEGORY SEES GROWTH

by Nancy Lombardi

20 PRODUCT PRESENTATION: PET PRODUCTS

by Nancy Lombardi

22 LICENSORS MOVE TO THE BEAT OF MUSIC FANS

by Jennifer Lynch

24 PRODUCT PRESENTATION: MUSIC LICENSING

by Jennifer Lynch

26 WHAT’S NEW AT TOY FAIR 2014

Compiled by Nancy Lombardi and Jennifer Lynch

Departments 4

Observations & Opinions

8

Real Deal

6 10 34 38

The TICKER

Royaltie$ Marketplace: The Wizard of Oz You’re Hired

Calendar of Events

ON THIS PAGE FROM THE TOP: BEATS ELECTRONICS LAUNCHES MUSIC SERVICE; H&M’S OLYMPIC APPAREL CAMPAIGN; WICKED WITCH OF THE WEST FROM TONNER DOLL; SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS FROM MEGA BRANDS; NERF DOG TOY FROM LITTLE GIFTS, INC. ON THE COVER: FENDER T-SHIRT BY LUCKY BRAND; DOGFISH HEAD’S GRATEFUL DEAD AMERICAN BEAUTY ALE; ONE DIRECTION MIDNIGHT MEMORIES ALBUM COVER; KNITTING FACTORY T-SHIRT; RAPPER 50 CENT’S SMS AUDIO LIMITED-EDITION STAR WARS-BRANDED HEADPHONES; ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME LOGO; CONVERSE CHUCK TAYLOR ALL STAR BLACK SABBATH SNEAKER COVER BY JENNIFER LYNCH

C

FEBRUARY 2014 • VOL. 9, NO. 1

The Continued Growth of Online Sales

PUBLISHER ANDY KRINNER ANDY@ANBMEDIA.COM ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER BOB GLASER BOB@ANBMEDIA.COM

hallenging is the word that best describes the current state of

the toy industry. There is a lot of grumbling behind closed doors about everything from the state of retail to how ef-

fective licensing is.

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR DONNA MOORE DONNA@ANBMEDIA.COM

by Andy Krinner

Let’s begin with retail. Like much of the country, the climate at retail has been very

chilly and this cold snap doesn’t seem to be ending anytime soon. This isn’t a new sce-

nario. It’s been quite a few years since manufacturers and retailers weren’t largely dependent on their Q4 sales to make an otherwise flat year a good year. The only change

CONTROLLER MARY GROGAN MARY@ANBMEDIA.COM EDITOR IN CHIEF JIM SILVER JIM@ANBMEDIA.COM

is that now, Q4 is no longer a lock bet as we witnessed this year. Overall, shoppers waited

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR NANCY LOMBARDI NANCY@ANBMEDIA.COM

accounted for 35 percent of the online increase, which is a 40 percent increase over 2012 as

EDITOR LAURIE LEAHEY LAURIE@ANBMEDIA.COM

for deep discounts at the very end of the season before they made their buys.

The only bright spot in this icy retail landscape is online shopping. Depending on the source, online shopping rose between 11 percent and 18 percent over 2012. Shopping on mobile apps

EDITOR AT LARGE CHRISTOPHER BYRNE CHRISB@ANBMEDIA.COM

Benchmark. It seems that consumers have fully embraced online shopping. They also realize

ASSISTANT EDITOR JENNIFER LYNCH JENNIFER@ANBMEDIA.COM

well, according to IBM’s year-end retail online index, which is based on its Digital Analytics

that a little knowledge goes a long way in getting the best deal and that’s a wonderful advan-

tage during economic uncertainty. Websites such as aNb Media’s www.TimetoPlayMag.com

with its price comparison tool and free app (Shop for Kids by TimetoPlayMag.com) were

found to be very useful tools for savvy consumers this year. Close to 18 percent of total toy sales were online in 2013, an increase of more than 100 percent over 2012. Our web traffic was

up a whopping 60 percent over 2012. Coincidence? I don’t think so.

Switching gears, licensing still holds a firm grasp on toy sales. There was an interesting mix of fresh players blended in with the usual suspects in 2013. The problem is whether a

license has enough meat on the bone for the second- and third-tier manufacturers to take it on. Bottom line costs are forcing many manufacturers to steer clear of licensing unless they

have a big piece of it. As for retail, they are hesitant to support anything unless it has some

serious traction and exposure. Unfortunately that strategy creates over exposure for the hot licenses and consequently a quick demise for a once-promising property. Maybe it’s time

to rethink that plan. Going deep on a handful of licenses only limits the window of oppor-

tunity to grow a property. Perhaps a wider array of licenses with fewer SKUs would stop the merry-go-round effect of licensing at retail. If not, I’m sure that online retailing will create more opportunities for licenses to be nurtured and cultivated.

4

WEB MASTER ERIK KIECKHAFER ERIK@ANBMEDIA.COM WEB CONTENT MANAGER BRENDAN SANABRIA BRENDAN@ANBMEDIA.COM PUBLIC RELATIONS REPRESENTATIVE JOSSLYNNE WELCH LITZKY PUBLIC RELATIONS, 320 SINATRA DR., HOBOKEN, N.J. 07030 (201) 222–9118 EXT. 13 • JWELCH@LITZKYPR.COM

INTERESTED IN A SUBSCRIPTION? CONTACT SUBSCRIPTIONS@ANBMEDIA.COM

ANB

MEDIA, INC.

229 WEST 28TH STREET, SUITE 401, NEW YORK, NY 10001 PHONE: (646) 763–8710 • FAX: (646) 763–8727 ROYALTIE$ is published three times per year by aNb Media. Copyright 2014 aNb Media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the U.S.A. ROYALTIE$ is a registered trademark of aNb Media. Opinions and comments expressed in this publication by editors, contributing writers, or solicited or unsolicited documents are not necessarily those of ROYALTIE$ management.

ROYALTIE$ FEBRUARY 2014

www.aNbMedia.com

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A RECAP

OF I NDUSTRY

HEADLINES

• For More News, Visit www.aNbMedia.com

• Sign up to Receive FREE Weekly News Alerts

WWE LAUNCHES FIRST 24/7 STREAMING NETWORK

WWE Network, the first-ever 24/7 streaming network, will launch live in the U.S. on Monday, February 24, featuring all 12 WWE live pay-per-view events—including WrestleMania—valued at more than $600 per year for $9.99 per month with a six-month commitment. WWE Network will also include original programming, reality shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more than 1,500 hours of video on demand at launch.

Fans can subscribe to WWE Network beginning at 9 A.M. EST on Monday, February 24 at WWE.com.

A limited-time free one week trial will also be offered to fans. WWE Network, the first 24/7 network delivered directly to fans through digital distribution, will be available on desktops and laptops via WWE.com. WWE Network will also be available through the WWE App on Amazon’s Kindle Fire devices; Android devices such as Samsung Galaxy; iOS devices such as Apple iPad and iPhone; Roku streaming devices; Sony PlayStation 3 and Sony PlayStation 4; and Xbox 360. Availability on additional devices, including Xbox One and select smart TVs, will follow this summer.

WWE Network will also offer fans a second screen experience for all original programming and live events via the WWE App, similar to the interactive fan experience currently available for flagship TV programs Raw and SmackDown.

WWE is collaborating with MLB Advanced Media (MLBAM) to deliver the 24/7 WWE content. MLBAM will provide its technology services, including video streaming infrastructure, application development, and operational support for reliable cross-platform distribution. WWE Network is expected to launch in the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the Nordics by the end of 2014/early 2015.

LICENSING EXPO AND MAGIC MARKET WEEK ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC ALLIANCE

Licensing Expo and Magic Market Week have announced a new collaboration to cross-promote attendance at the complementary trade events in 2014. As a comprehensive apparel, footwear, and accessories trade event in North America, Magic unites influential fashion retail decision makers and leading and innovative fashion brands. Magic Market Week connects more than 5,000 fashion brands with more than 65,000 visitors, across one million square feet of exhibit space, twice each year. Licensing Expo, which represents the $230 billion licensing and brand extension market, draws more than 5,000 fashion, character, entertainment, art and consumer brands from 420 exhibitors and more than 15,000 attendees. Through the newly established alliance, Magic Market Week will introduce Licensing Expo exhibitors to current and emerging fashion trends, while Licensing Expo will promote and inform Magic Market Week exhibitors and attendees of licensing and brand extension opportunities. The new collaboration will also provide cross-promotional opportunities via direct mail and electronic marketing, editorial content and co-hosted seminars.

Magic Market Week will take place February 18–20 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

Licensing Expo will also be held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas June 17–19.

BLACK + DECKER MODERNIZES BRAND IDENTITY

Black + Decker introduced a new global brand identity for its consumer-branded power tools, outdoor power equipment, and home products.

Lippincott, a global brand strategy and design consultancy, worked extensively with Black + Decker employees, customers, end-users, and other key stakeholders to research the 100-year-old Black + Decker brand’s essence, which they described as “Powering People.” Black + Decker will launch a new logo, products, and marketing campaigns to modernize the brand.

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ROYALTIE$ FEBRUARY 2014

CARTOON NETWORK AND LEGO CREATE MIXELS

Cartoon Network and The LEGO Group announced in summer 2013 that they will jointly produce a new global entertainment franchise. Launching this spring, Mixels will feature animated content (primarily shorts), a digital gaming experience, a collectible building toy concept, and more.

Animated content will air on Cartoon Network and on cartoonnetwork.com featuring the Mixels creatures that can mix and combine with one another in creative and unpredictable storylines. A collectible portfolio of low-priced mini building sets will launch in three waves throughout 2014. An app-powered gaming experience will also be introduced.

Cartoon Network Studios will drive all narrative, animation, and digital content.

Cartoon Network Enterprises will handle Mixels character Zorch Mixels non-toy licensed merchandise. The LEGO Group will focus on Mixels toy design, manufacturing, and distribution as well as licensed LEGO Mixels publishing to support the property. Mixels was developed through a collaboration between Cartoon Network and The LEGO Group. The property was developed by a multinational team of designers and Have extra Donate it Your excess animators from the U.S. and Denmark.

MAKER STUDIOS AND WILL.I.AM TEAM NEW ENTERTAINMENT PLATFORM

FOR

Maker Studios has announced a partnership with musician will.i.am to launch an online video platform. Under the terms of the agreement, will.i.am will produce original content focusing on his own creative projects and intitatives. Content will also highlight affiliated artists such as YouTube’s 8-year-old rapper Baby Kaely, recording artist Cody Wise, and The Voice UK runner-up Leah McFall. The multi-platform initiative includes one-off videos, music videos, documentaries, short films, and long-form films, as well as behind-the-scenes content. The content will stream on will.i.am’s YouTube channel, and will include e-commerce and interactive mobile components.

inventory?

to K.I.D.S.

product can put smiles on faces!

Donating your excess apparel, shoes, toys, books and juvenile products can provide your company with a generous tax deduction and and replace despair with dignity. Fill out the donation form online at www.KIDSdonations.org or call 1-800-266-3314.

ROYALTIE$ FEBRUARY 2014

7

LEGO AND FOX

The LEGO Group announced a new partnership with Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products to produce a construction set and licensed LEGO minifigures inspired by The Simpsons. In addition, Fox is scheduled to air a special LEGO episode of The Simpsons in May, featuring Springfield and its cast of characters in LEGO form. Now available in LEGO stores and via the LEGO Shop at Home catalog and website, the construction set will recreate the iconic Simpsons family house in LEGO form. Also included in the construction set is the entire Simpson family: Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie along with neighbor Ned Flanders. A separate line of 16 LEGO The Simpsons minifigures will launch in all mass toy retailers in May.

PROFLOWERS AND WARNER BROS.

ProFlowers, one of the nation’s largest online fresh flower retailers, has teamed up with Warner Bros. to become the official floral partner of the reality series The Bachelor. ProFlowers launched with an exclusive Bachelor Bouquet of red roses. Inspired by the series’ rose ceremony seen at the end of each episode, the bouquet is made up of 24 long-stemmed red roses and features five sparkling rhinestones.

SYNERGY LICENSING AND THE BRAND LIAISON

Synergy Licensing and The Brand Liaison announced a new collaboration agreement between the two agencies that will focus on key initiatives and brand expansion opportunities. This new relationship will allow both agencies to provide a broader range of services to their existing and future clients.

Initial collaborative efforts will center on expanding the licensed offerings for the 13-year-old Loudmouth brand, which has evolved into a lifestyle brand both on and off the golf course.

AALMG SIGNED TO CREATE BELLAGIO COLLECTION

Bellagio Resort & Casino announced the hiring of All-American Licensing & Management Group (AALMG) to develop a licensing program that will bring the Bellagio Collection of luxury-branded products to retailers across the country. The assortment will include a variety of products such as bedding and bath, furniture, lighting, jewelry, and apparel.

MARVEL, AERIA IN MOBILE GAMING DEAL

Marvel Entertainment has teamed up with developer Aeria Mobile to launch X-Men: Battle of the Atom for free download for iPhone. Featuring original art by Marvel artists and stories adapted by X-Men writer James Asmus, the new free-to-play card battle game (CBG) stars Uncanny X-Men in a battle across time and space. Relive 50 years of X-Men as they call on past and future allies to combat dangerous villains.

UBISOFT, TETRIS IN DEAL

Ubisoft and The Tetris Company announced a partnership to develop the Tetris franchise for digital channels on Xbox One and the Sony PlayStation4.

The Tetris franchise celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2014 and has sold hundreds of millions of units worldwide across more than 50 different platforms since its launch in 1984. Tetris-branded products are available in more than 50 languages and in 185 countries around the world.

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ROYALTIE$ FEBRUARY 2014

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HALLMARK AND SARAH JESSICA PARKER

Hallmark Cards has introduced a new range of greeting cards, stationery and gift wrap from actress Sarah Jessica Parker (pictured at product launch). Parker worked with the creative team at Hallmark to develop the design themes, which reflect her personality, and set the editorial voice of the cards. There are currently more than 70 cards for birthday, friendship, love, thank you, congratulations, wedding, and baby. The range also includes note cards, stationery, gift bags, and boxes in two coordinated collections.

The collection launched exclusively at Hallmark Gold Crown stores last month, with additional seasonal collections planned for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, graduation, and holiday.

HGTV LINE OF BABY FURNITURE

HGTV Home announced the launch of its HGTV Home Baby furniture collection, which is now available for purchase exclusively in 86 Buybuy Baby stores in the United States. The first two offerings in the furniture collection—Grayson and Hayden—feature gender neutral options that will complement any nursery décor. The lines are designed to easily transition as the child grows from baby to young adulthood. Beanstalk is HGTV Home’s exclusive licensing agency. Bassett is the furniture licensee.

JOE DIMAGGIO AND WHITE COFFEE

A licensing arrangement between Joe DiMaggio, LLC and White Coffee Corporation has produced a lineup of specialty coffee blends and introduces Joltin’ Joe. Joltin’ Joe teams with White Coffee to present three new blends: a Signature Medium Blend, a Signature Decaf, and an Espresso. Joltin’ Joe coffee is available in whole bean and ground in 12-ounce bags and single-serve cups compatible with Keurig machines. Products will be available in outlets nationwide.

WILD PUMPKIN AND CHUPA CHUPS

Wild Pumpkin Licensing has been appointed exclusive licensing agent for Chupa Chups, the lollipop brand, for Australia and New Zealand. Wild Pumpkin is planning to roll out a program over the course of a three-year deal in which they will secure and manage licensees across a range of lifestyle categories, such as apparel, cosmetics, fashion accessories, footwear, and housewares.

Within these categories, the program will target primarily teens.

IDW PUBLISHING AND ROVIO

Rovio Entertainment has teamed with IDW Publishing to created a new line of comics based on sensation, Angry Birds, which is scheduled for release in June. The world of Angry Birds and its popular characters such as Red, Chuck, Bomb, Stella, Matilda, King Pig, and more, form the basis for an unending series of adventures.

DUNKIN’ DONUTS AND WHITEWAVE FOODS

Dunkin’ Donuts has partnered with WhiteWave Foods to create a line of branded coffee creamers in the U.S. The new line of coffee creamers will feature four varieties: Original, Fat-Free, Extra Extra, and Unsweetened. They will be available at grocery outlets and club stores nationwide. Dunkin’ Donuts’ packaged coffee, distributed by Smuckers, has been available in select grocery stores nationwide since 2007.

ROYALTIE$ FEBRUARY 2014

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Warner Bros.’ The Wizard of Oz

A

BY JENNIFER LYNCH

dopted from L. Frank Baum’s novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, first published in 1900, the 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz, takes viewers on an adventure through the mythical world of Oz and follows the journey of Dorothy and her dog Toto as they try to find the Wizard and get back to Kansas. Along the way they are joined by a unique band of misfits—Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion—all of whom are also hoping the Wizard can solve their own problems. Of course, in the end, they learn they hold the power (and some ruby red slippers) to solve their problems. The film also marked a memorable moment in film history as Dorothy moves from the sepia-colored world of Kansas to the Technicolor world of Oz. But while Dorothy might have had to go to Oz to find the Wizard, this year consumers can avoid runins with the Wicked Witch of the West and still experience Dorothy’s journey down the Yellow Brick Road. August 2014 marks the official 75th anniversary of the film’s theatrical release, and Warner Bros.

Consumer Products and its licensees have wasted no time rolling out products and initiatives to commemorate the film. As of last August, the studio had already estimated around $25 million would be spent on marketing, advertising, and promotional efforts for the anniversary.

Last fall, consumers were treated to multiple sightings of Dorothy, Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and Toto from Halloween costumes to a 47-foot hot air balloon in the 87th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. And this year, initiatives continue to rollout.

Upwards of 80 licensees comprise the property’s current licensing program, and in the coming months initiatives will feature the whimsical characters everywhere from Dylan’s Candy Bar to the toy aisles with master toy partner Jazwares along with Mattel, Madame Alexander, and more.

Multiple partners will also support Warner Bros.’ collaboration with Habitat for Humanity for the There’s No Place Like Home campaign. The year-long program launched in September 2013 with a digital fundraising campaign. Throughout 2014 the campaign will feature several themed initiatives and events supporting Habitat for Humanity’s work to create safe and affordable housing in partnership with low-income families.

A sampling of licensing partners supporting the campaign include Madame Alexander, Bakery Crafts, Merlin Entertainment, Hallmark, Workman Publishing, Westland Giftware, Café Press, Trendsetters, Harper Design, Tonner Doll, Thomas Kinkade, and Jersey Jack Pinball. Each will donate product for the tiered-level reward program, with additional partners being added throughout the campaign.

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ROYALTIE$ FEBRUARY 2014

Fun Facts

• It took 22 men one week to make 40,000 artificial flowers for the poppy field scene in the film.

• The Munchkins were originally only scheduled for three weeks, and they ended up working for two months.

• Many of The Wicked Witch of the West’s lines were cut from the film after children were carried out of the initial premiere for it being too scary.

• The entire Munchkin soundtrack was pre-recorded except for two sentences.

• Last fall, contestants on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars competed in an Oz-themed competition to kick off the anniversary celebration.

Mattel

Mattel is expanding its The Wizard of Oz Barbie collection with new dolls available timed to the film’s 75th anniversary, including Dorothy, Glinda the Good Witch, The Wicked Witch of the West, Scarecrow, Tinman, and Cowardly Lion (pictured). Mattel has also reimagined classic characters with The Wizard of Oz Fantasy Glamour Dorothy and The Wizard of Oz Fantasy Glamour Wicked Witch of the West for collectors.

USAopoly

Rubie’s Costume Co.

Rubie’s Costume Co. has new lines of specialty costumes set to hit the market in 2014 for kids and tweens as well as a recently announced new The Wizard of Oz pet costumes collection. Tin Man toddler costume is shown.

Produced by USAopoly, under license from Hasbro, Inc., and in conjunction with WBCP, the new Monopoly: The Wizard of Oz 75th Anniversary Collector’s Edition salutes the iconic film. The game board features a four-sided 3-D pop-up center showcasing pivotal movie plot points, a design that transforms from sepia to color, and classic movie icons have replaced the traditional Monopoly tokens. The game is for ages 8 and up.

Tonner Doll Company

In celebration of the 75th anniversary, Tonner Doll Company presents a new, limited-edition collection of Oz collectibles dolls and accessories. Each 19-inch collectible is highly articulated with hand-painted features and a fashionable take on costuming from the film. The dolls also feature two new head sculpts crafted special for use in this celebratory collection.

Madame Alexander

Madame Alexander is celebrating the film’s 75th anniversary with commemorative product for 2014, including a limitededition The Wizard of Oz 75th Anniversary Collection of eight-inch figures. Madame Alexander also brings the “steam punk” aesthetic to its new, limited-edition line of The Wizard of Oz 16-inch dolls. Pictured here is Steam Punk Glinda the Good Witch.

Tervis

Steam Punk Glinda the Good Witch

Tervis’ The Wizard of Oz collection is launching with four designs, including a sequin Ruby Slipper, Good Witch-Bad Witch, and “We’re not in Kansas anymore.” Tervis’ glassware keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold and has a lifetime guarantee, says the company.

ROYALTIE$ FEBRUARY 2014

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W

Hong Kong Licensing Show A Success

BY

CHRISTOPHER BYRNE

ith a 15 percent jump in exhibitors over 2013, the 2014 Hong CITV. Similarly, Chhota Bheem from Green Gold Entertainment boasts an Kong Licensing Show included more than 700 brands and audience of 34 million kids, broad distribution on Cartoon Network and properties from 19 countries and regions and posted a five Disney India as well as a vibrant licensing program that includes selfpercent increase in visitors marking a new record for attendance. branded stores, according to Green Gold Entertainment.

The show included many familiar global brands such as Warner In addition to these and many others, the show also included a Lifestyle Bros., BBC Worldwide, and art branding company tokidoki as well as Pavilion showcasing luxury brands; sports brands ranging from Arsenal FC regional powerhouses such as Green Gold Animation, one of the largest to Spalding and the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil; and a special area called content providers in Asia. the Hong Kong Creative Gallery, which showcased Attendees interviewed over the course of the more than 40 locally developed characters and designs. three-day show had positive responses, noting that Concurrent with the Licensing Show, the Hong it was an ideal platform for launching and expandKong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) ran the ing opportunities in Asia. Blake Harrington of Asian Licensing Conference featuring extensive California-based Maui & Sons noted that the show workshops with key licensing figures from around the was effective for them to find opportunities in world, with a focus on the growing Asian market.

Mainland China and other parts of Asia, where the Among the speakers were Charles Riotto, presicompany does not already sell directly. He added dent of LIMA; Dan Amos, head of new media for that the 34-year-old lifestyle brand resonates Tinderbox; Alessandro Traverso, COO of Outfit7; tokidoki Karl Lagerfeld was on display at the around the world with its relaxed beach-inspired Claire Gilchrist, vice-president of Mattel Brands conHong Kong Licensing Show last month. look, its logo, and its shark character. sumer products, Asia Pacific; and Darran Garnham, The art brand tokidoki also used the show as a stage for entering Southeast chief licensing officer for Mind Candy. The sessions covered all aspects of Asia, Japan, and Singapore, according to chief creative director Simone the licensing process from properties to expanding within Asia to the chalLegno, who on the first day of the show was highly optimistic about the lenges and opportunities of new media applications. opportunities there and the company’s focus on expanding into Asia. He The conference was also included as part of the curriculum of a new noted that in 2015 the brand would be celebrating 10 years and given its his- program in licensing created by the Hong Kong School of Professional and tory it has a stronger platform than ever for expansion. Like Maui & Sons, Continuing Education with LIMA and designed to continue the underLegno stressed tokidoki’s strength as a lifestyle brand, pointing to its bag deal standing of licensing and licensing practices in Asia. with Le Sportsac as one of its most successful licensing endeavors. For 2014, The emphasis on education and understanding the licensing process has the brand is introducing a collection inspired by Karl Lagerfeld, including a been a major factor in the growing sophistication of the licensing business portrait of the designer as only tokidoki could do it. And, when pressed, in Asia in recent years.

Legno suggested that there might be another tokidoki collector Barbie in the In particular, Hong Kong as a licensing market has been growing works. Despite the controversy the original one touched off when the media since the early 1990s, according to the HKTDC. The Licensing Show misjudged it with the label of “Tattoo Barbie,” the doll was a success. was established in 2000 and the Asian Licensing Association was Certainly one of the more compelling reasons to visit this show is to get formed in 2011. While the U.S. and other markets are still tremendousa sense of the number of characters that are huge hits internationally but ly important, the Chinese market continues to grow. The Chinese marmay be unknown in the U.S. Seoul-based Iconix Entertainment’s proper- ket for licensed goods had an annual growth rate of more than 29 perties Pororo the Little Penguin, Tayo the Little Bus, and others are beloved cent a year between 2005 and 2010, according to the HKTDC, and it in Asia and parts of Europe and are featured in solid toy and soft goods continues to develop with the increasing demand driving the Hong lines. The CGI-animated Pororo the Little Penguin saw a significant Kong-based licensing industry—and providing more reason than ever expansion last year when it began airing on Disney Channel Asia and not to miss this important—and effective show.

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ROYALTIE$ FEBRUARY 2014

These one-day events give exhibitors the opportunity to showcase products in front of key media, encompassing print, broadcast, and online news outlets as well as the most influential parenting bloggers. TimetoPlayMag.com will also unveil its coveted Most Wanted List and the hottest trends and properties for the season.

Spring Showcase

Holiday Showcase

Thursday, May 1 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Altman Building 118 W. 18th Street, New York, NY

Tuesday, October 1 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Metropolitan Pavilion 125 W. 18th Street, New York, NY To reserve your space today, contact

Bob Glaser 646.763.8720 bob@anbmedia.com Roy_13.indd 1

Donna Moore 646.763.8718 donna@anbmedia.com 2/4/2014 9:33:03 AM

L

Fashions Get Fit and Digital

ast year sneakers around the globe got a boost. And this isn’t referring to sales, but rather the wedge style, popularized by designer Isabel Marant, that took the streets by storm. Thus far, the trend is still lingering in 2014 and while it might not be a trend related to licensing per say, it is a strong example of just how much performance and activewear are making their way into high-end fashion. Clothing and footwear that was once reserved for the gym, has become fashionable.

Activewear Sees Boost

BY JENNIFER LYNCH

fashionable. Of course, fashion fades, and with it Juicy Couture’s sales.

But in late 2013, ABG acquired the fashion brand from Fifth & Pacific with the goal to not only bring the brand back to the forefront of American consumers’ minds but also take it to the next level by growing internationally. Thus far, ABG has already signed a retail exclusive with Kohl’s in the U.S. and announced a partnership with Folli Follie to be the exclusive European wholesale distributor and retailer for Juicy Couture.

Opportunities for licensing in this niche have opened for both high-end fashion houses and entertainment groups to create unique partnerships that go outside the norm, from Stella McCarthy (for adidas) to DC Comics. Last year, Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) and DC Entertainment teamed up with Under Armour for the Under Armour Alter Ego collection. “[The collection] taps into the transformative strength and inspiration of DC Comics superheroes such as Superman, Batman, The Flash, and Wonder Woman,” says Patti Buckner, vice-president, apparel & accessories, domestic licensing, WBCP. “The partnership was very natural because athletes perform feats of physical and mental strength that are truly heroic, and as we knew, superhero activewear can be inspiring.”

Last fall, The NPD Group reported that activewear sales were growing at a faster rate than apparel, with a seven percent growth rate versus apparel’s one percent growth, when compared to the same January to August time frame of the previous year. While the overall move to get consumers up and active has contributed to the growth, according to the report, another main contributor is consumers’ desire to simply appear active.

“Activewear is an interesting space,” says Rachel Terrace, senior vice-president of brand management at Beanstalk. “In the past, it felt a little more niche and utilitarian. But now, the cuts, silhouettes, and materials along with the Under Armour Alter Ego— Iron Man rise of the Lululemons of the world have made it more fashionable and trendy to walk around in these types of Moving hand in hand with this rise in fashion-forward activewear is clothes for everyday wear.”

While many licensors have tested the waters in footwear over the years its convergence with technology, or rather all of fashion’s convergence (mostly recently seen in the Rick Owens x adidas collaboration on the run- with technology. Last month marked the International Consumer ways of Paris Fashion Week), more are now moving into the activewear Electronics Show (CES), at which tech companies and media converged space as the category grows. And new activewear collections are cropping to check out the latest and most-talked about innovations in technology. up from H&M with its new H&M Sport line, which stems from its deal to Among the most buzzed about topics at this year’s show were “weardress the Swedish Olympic team, to Kate Hudson, who launched Fabletics ables,” or fashions that feature built-in technology.

“We’re living in a world where consumers want access to data 24/7 with online subscription fashion retailer JustFab. and the most logical way to deliver that experience is to, over time, inte“There is a real trend to do what brands like Victoria’s Secret Pink and Lululemon have done with non-technical athletic,” says Nick Woodhouse, grate the technology into fashion,” says Hilary McGuiness, director of New Devices, Intel. “People want to wear these devices; it’s part of who ABG. “There is a huge business opportunity there.”

Yet, before there was Lululemon and Pink, there was Juicy Couture, they are. And we believed that it was really important to start working making it acceptable to throw on a velour tracksuit and still be considered with the fashion brands so it gives people something to wear that’s inno-

Tech to Wear

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ROYALTIE$ FEBRUARY 2014

vative, smart, but it also looks good.”

At CES, Intel announced a unique collaboration with fashion house Opening Ceremony, luxury retailer Barneys New York, and the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) to not only bring to market fashionforward wearable technology, but also increase dialogue between the fashion and tech industries. As part of the collaboration, Intel has already tag-teamed with Opening Ceremony to create a new smart bracelet that will make Intel’s technology easily accessible to consumers in a stylish, wearable format.

Another collaboration announced at CES that brings together connected fitness leader Fitbit with women’s fashion designer Tory Burch. Again aiming to make technology and fitness a bit more fashionable, the new Fitbit Flex collection will include pendants, bracelets, and wristbands designed to hold the Fitbit Flex activity tracker. “The fusion of fashion into technology will be an important part of the widespread adoption of wearable technologies, like Fitbit products,” said James Park, CEO and co-founder of Fitbit in a press release on the collaboration. “From the beginning, our success has come not only from offering innovative technology, but from our attention to design, taking into consideration that one-size does not fit all–so partnering with Tory Burch makes perfect sense.”

Fashion Gets Digital

Also redefining the fashion experience are mobile and digital brands. Beanstalk’s client, Bag Snobs, is an example of a fashion blogger brand that’s evolved from digital into physical

screenshots of Covet Fashion app

with credibility. Working with Beanstalk, Bag Snobs will launch into handbags this spring, with future plans to extend the brand into additional categories. “Bag Snobs in particular developed an incredible following, not just high fashion editors, but everyday women across America and worldwide who look to them for their fashion sense and their editorial eye,” says Beanstalk’s Terrace. “They’ve become a brand in-and-of themselves. And there is now the ability to launch a fashion brand, and hopefully fashion empire, starting with an accessories category as opposed to core apparel.”

Established fashion brands are also turning toward the space for new opportunities to collaborate via e- and m-commerce partnerships in addition to in-store strategies. Recognizing just how immersed the average consumer, and more specifically the female consumer, has become in the digital landscape, these brands are seeking new ways to interact with this consumer in this space.

Last year, digital gaming company Crowdstar

launched a new type of social game for fashion fans called Covet Fashion, in which users dress virtual mannequins in designer apparel and accessories, enter daily look contests, and build dream wardrobes. While Crowdstar has previously specialized in social fashion games for girls, what distinguishes this one is its real-world fashions. “We wanted Covet Fashion to reach an older audience and to achieve that we knew we needed a sophisticated look that would target our audience, which is age 25 and up,” says Blair Ethington, vice-president of Covet Fashion. “And since these are real designer clothes, they represent real trends in the marketplace, which helps to create a closer tie between the experience in the game and the real world.”

What Crowdstar also found was this not only added more value to the time that users were spending within the game, but it also added more value to the brands whose fashions the app featured. The app’s average users spends 30 minutes a day within the app, with more active daily users averaging an hour and a half. “The repetition of seeing product within the game is ultimately going to have a much larger impact on a user’s brand recall,” says Ethington. Thus far, Covet Fashion has already teamed with such brands as Rachel Zoe, BCBGMaxAzria, Cynthia Rowley, J Brand, Happy Socks, and more.

The Future of Fashion

While these trends are just a sampling of what’s happening in the world of fashion, it is evident that innovation is in the drivers seat. And while what exactly this means for licensors is yet to be fully realized, the open collaborative landscape is certainly one to watch.

ROYALTIE$ FEBRUARY 2014

15

FASHION LICENSING

BY JENNIFER LYNCH

From brands seizing opportunities in activewear to incorporating technology and digital into their strategy, fashion is a space that is not only poised to grow but also one that continues to offer licensing opportunities. Below is just a sampling of some of the deals taking place in the space.

AUTHENTIC BRANDS GROUP

Kohl’s and Authentic Brands Group announced plans to bring lifestyle brand Juicy Couture apparel, fashion accessories, and home collections to Kohl’s stores nationwide and Kohls.com, beginning in fall 2014. The Juicy Couture at Kohl’s collection will include women’s and girls’ apparel, footwear, handbags, and fashion jewelry as well as bedding and home accessories. The collection will be supported by an omnichannel marketing campaign.

SEQUENTIAL BRANDS GROUP

DVS bags, backpacks, and accessories will launch this fall through a new license signed with Aquarius. The product launch will target retailers in the skate specialty arena, parallel with footwear distribution. The deal was brokered by Sequential Brands Group in conjunction with DVS Footwear International.

PVH CORP.

PVH Corp. has entered into a license agreement with Axis Golf Pty., under which Axis Golf will market and distribute men’s sportswear, golf apparel, and related accessories under the IZOD brand in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and other South Pacific islands. The initial term of the license agreement runs through December 2018. IZOD products will be sold at Golf World and Golf Mart, owned by an affiliate of Axis Golf, and into selected golf retail, sports retail, department stores, and IZOD stores to be operated by Axis Golf. The license permits Axis Golf to distribute belts, headwear, watches, umbrellas, and flip flops purchased from other licensees of IZOD across the region.

HASBRO

This spring, Hasbro will launch a My Little Pony fashion collection for girls at United Colors of Benetton stores worldwide. The collection will be targeted to the brand’s core consumer—girls ages 3–5. In the past few months Hasbro has also teamed with Andrea Crews for a capsule collection for concept shop Colette, in celebration of the brand’s 30th anniversary, as well as with designer Alice Vandy for a Top Shop exclusive collection. A dress from this collection is pictured on the right.

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WARNER BROS. CONSUMER PRODUCTS

Aéropostale, Inc., partnered with Warner Bros. and Pretty Little Liars costume designer/stylist Mandi Line last month to launch an exclusive Pretty Little Liars Collection by Aéropostale. The collection will feature outfits based on the personalities and distinctive styles of Aria, Hanna, Emily, and Spencer, the fashion-forward characters of the popular Warner Horizon Television-produced drama series on ABC Family. The collection launched timed to the show’s fourth season premiere on January 7. The collection will also be incorporated into the characters’ wardrobes throughout the season.

FOX CONSUMER PRODUCTS

Joyrich presents a second collaboration with The Simpsons to celebrate the show’s 25th anniversary for spring/summer 2014. The collection follows the success of the first limited-edition Joyrich Simpsons collection, which sold out in pop-up shops throughout Japan. Combining street style and classic animation this collaboration will be available in the U.S. and worldwide in Joyrich stores and online at JoyrichStore.com. The collection features street-inspired fits with Bart Simpson prints, such as varsity jackets, oversized tees, sweats, and accessories ranging from snapbacks to fanny paks.

H&M Go Gold Collection

H&M

To celebrate the collection designed by H&M in collaboration with the Swedish Winter Olympic team for Sochi 2014, H&M Sport has created a special capsule collection inspired by the Swedish Olympic outfits. The Go Gold collection is made up of functional sports garments and casual items that are made for layering. Selected pieces from the collection have also been tested by the Swedish Olympic team.

CHEROKEE USA

Cherokee, Inc., acquired the worldwide Tony Hawk and Hawk signature apparel brands from Quiksilver, Inc., for an all-cash purchase price of $19 million. The acquisition closed on January 10, 2014. The brand will continue to be exclusively licensed in the U.S. to Kohl’s with Tony Hawk clothing and accessories sold in stores and online.

SHOPBOP

Online high-end retailer Shopbop teamed up with spinning studio SoulCycle for an exclusive line of activewear to help bring Soul to the masses. The collection, which launched last month on Shopbop.com and at SoulCycle’s 83rd Street studio in New York City, is a 13-piece line that includes T-shirts, tank tops, sweatpants, and hoodies, featuring pops of neon color, skulls, and SoulCycle logo treatment.

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17

I

It’s A Dog’s Life: Pet Category Sees Growth BY

NANCY LOMBARDI

t’s a dog’s life. At one time, that phrase would have signified a negative existence filled with hard work and tough living. Now, it’s come to symbolize the life of the pampered pet as American consumers now feel that their pet is part of their family. As a result, many animals (most notably dogs and cats) are receiving better quality food and better healthcare than many humans. While the recession proved harsh on humans especially on the food and healthcare fronts, things improved significantly for those in the animal kingdom as spending rose. The American Pet Products Association (APPA) reported that U.S. spending on pets in 2013 will have an estimated total of $55 billion, up from $53 billion in 2012 and $50 billion in 2011.

While the statistics for pet spending from the Little Gifts, Inc., APPA encompasses food supplies, medications, vethas the license for erinarian care, grooming, and the purchasing of aniNerf pet products. mals such as dogs, cats, birds, horses, fish, and other assorted reptiles and small animals, those interviewed for this piece focused primarily on toys and food for dogs. The reason is most of the opportunity in pet licensing is centered around dogs simply because nearly 60 million U.S. homes own a dog, compared with 6.9 million that own a bird, according to the APPA. Dogs are fun to play with while birds, fish, and reptiles don’t do a whole lot. Those interviewed say that as consumers nested at home and observed “staycations” during the recession, their dogs, and to a certain extent cats too, benefitted by getting more play time with their owners.

“An extra goody for the pet can always be afforded even in the worst of times because dogs are members of the family,” says Daphna Straus, vice-president of business development for The American Kennel Club, (AKC), Inc.

If a pet is considered part of the family, it’s obvious that the owner will choose products that match the owner’s beliefs for their human family.

Healthy Lifestyle

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And, as more Americans are eating healthier they want their pets (especially their dogs and cats) to do the same.

“There has been growth in premium foods,” says Helene Gordon, senior director of licensing and retail development for the ASPCA. “Pets are living longer and people want to take care of them.”

It was a sentiment expressed across the board as manufacturers cited healthy ingredients and even vitamins for pets as key areas of growth. One example is Jakks Pacific, which has the Kong license for treats under its Jakks Pets division. The company is focusing on natural ingredients such as pumpkin and coconut.

Discovery recently signed deals with Premium Pet Health for treats and Food Science for vitamins. “Both are higher-end products because the ingredients are made from real meats,” says JP Stoops from Discovery. “Vitamins and supplements are a big area of growth for us. People want to take care of their pet like they take care of their child. It’s not just about giving the pet good food but wanting to give it supplements, too.”

The Global Pet Expo, March 12–14 in Orlando, Fla., has expanded the natural product section of the show, according to Andy Darmohraj executive vice-president and COO of APPA. “The section has quadrupled in the past three years,” he says. “There has been a lot of interest in it and it’s not just food and treats. It’s also focused on items such as natural kitty litter.”

Discovery is one company that will develop waste bags and dispensers, environmental litter, and natural stain and odor products.

While the overall pet category is growing, the licensed segment is facing challenges. All cited the same few issues with regard to pet licensing.

The pet category offers very thin margins for retailers so the two big retailers—Petco and PetSmart—are manufacturing many products directly, especially licensed goods. The reason for this is obvious—both retailers are

What Works in Pet Licensing?

looking for a point of differentiation. Petco and PetSmart both declined an interview.

Manufacturers interviewed say in order to meet standards for quality and safety, licensed character goods have to be made to very specific standards, which are costly.

Does a consumer really want to pay extra for the licensed character chew toy, for example, when the goal is for the dog to slobber all over it? Some also argue that consumers don’t want to see their favorite characters chewed up. Plus, dogs are not requesting a specific character on their toy the way a child would. So, with these facThe American Kennel Club is introducing a line tors, the demand just isn’t there. of treats for dogs with As a result, manufacturers are focusing Pet Brands, Inc. Also available from Pet more on generic characters for a dog to gnaw Brands are rawhides, on such as a squirrel or a duck. Also, manutreats, jerkys, and toys. facturers are focusing more on color and design in non-licensed products so the item fits in with a consumer’s home décor as it is left laying on the living room floor.

Licensing is working for consumables. Pet toys, for example, tend be purchased three or four times per year, according to manufacturers, but treats may be purchased twice per month or even more often.

“PetSmart has licensed GNC for a line of vitamins and supplements,” says Grant Adkins, vice-president of marketing for Jakks Pets. “That’s a repeat purchase as are treats that are purchased every two to four weeks.

It’s better to license a consumable.”

Of course, there are certain licenses that are a natural fit for pet toys such as Peanuts and Nerf. “Snoopy is a dog so it makes sense to license it into this category,” says Lexi Mitz, head of toys and retail for Peanuts.

Woodstock, a bird, is another natural as Fetch. . . for Pets is currently developing a line for Peanuts featuring both characters. Charlie Brown will also be included in the line. He is used to being chewed up and spit out by life, so a dog toy may be fitting for him as well.

Hasbro’s Nerf brand stands for action, adventure, and outdoor play so this property is a natural for dog toys, says Daniel Troiano, co-CEO

of Little Gifts, the Nerf pet toy licensee.

“Dog toys are about function,” Troiano says. “But as the humanization of pets continues and people spend increasing amounts of money on their pets, they look for brands that they have an affinity for.”

Nerf is a brand that appeals to men as well as to kids who do account for some of the purchasing decisions in the category.

The pet category, as is the case with most consumer products categories, is shopped primarily by women. The woman in this category either has grown children or never had children. The pet fills that void of a “baby” to care for. So these pet moms shop seasonally as they would for a child, buying toys for their dog during holidays and its birthday. We all know how “moms” like to spoil their “babies.” It’s a habit that bodes well for this category.

Stats on Pets in 2013 According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly three quarters of U.S. households own pets. There are about 218 million pets in the U.S. On average, each U.S. household spent just over $500 on pets. Expenditures on pets include pet food, pet purchases, supplies and medicine, pet services, and veterinarian services.

According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 32 percent of dog owners take their pets with them in the car when they are away for two or more nights.

Number of U.S. Households that Own a Pet (in the millions) Bird

6.9

Cat

45.3

Dog

56.7

Horse

2.8

Freshwater Fish

14.3

Saltwater Fish

1.8

Reptile

5.6

Small Animal

6.9

Source: APPA

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Pet Licensing BY

NANCY LOMBARDI

The pet category saw tremendous growth over the past few years, as Americans increasingly see their pets as members of the family. However, licensing in this category has been a challenge as retailers operate on very thin margins and are increasingly manufacturing products themselves. Health conscious consumers are extending that lifestyle to their pets resulting in an increase in all-natural foods and vitamins. Shown here is a sampling of some of the latest products in the pet licensing category.

TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX

Hartz has signed a deal with Twentieth Century Fox for a line of The Simpsons dog and cat toys. The line features each of the key characters across a number of products. One example is The Simpsons Bottle Heads. These toss-and-retrieve toys hold empty plastic bottles that create a sound that dogs gravitate toward. The toy is predominantly made of ballistic nylon material for prolonged use. These are available as Bart, Maggie, and Marge.

For cats, there’s The Simpson’s Burlap Buddies. These 3.5-inch miniature plush toys are filled, and are refillable with catnip. In addition, the burlap material offers the dental benefit of helping clean the cat’s teeth. These are available as Bart, Lisa, and Maggie.

HASBRO

Hasbro has partnered with Little Gifts for a line of Nerf-branded dog toys. Designed to get dogs and their owners outside and active, the line includes an extensive assortment of tugging toys (one is shown here), a squeak toy shaped like a Nerf football, a tennis-style ball for fetch, and a nylon flying disk.

DISCOVERY’S ANIMAL PLANET

The Animal Planet Pet Toys Plush Three-Pack Assortment feature three Animal Planet Plush Buddies, which are constructed of a soft polyester material and feature an integrated squeaker to call your pet to play time. The items, from Merch Source Pets, are designed for indoors or weather-protected areas. Shown here is the four pack, which includes a plush animal toy, braided cord toy with attached tennis ball, braided rope with knots on each end, and a squeak toy.

Also available are the Animal Planet Three-Pack Large Dog Toys, which feature a stylized snake, tiger, and squid. Also from Merch Source Pets, these items are designed for use indoors or in weather-protected areas. The items are machine washable.

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ICONIX

Iconix’s Peanuts brand is working with Fetch. . . for Pets on a line of Peanuts-branded dog toys.

The line is expected to include five-inch plush figures of Snoopy, Woodstock, and Charlie Brown.

There will also be tennis ball body toys designed like Snoopy, Woodstock, and Charlie Brown and a ring-style teether toy featuring Snoopy and Woodstock.

AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is introducing a line of treats for dog with Pet Brands, Inc. The DentaCare Daily Oral Care treat (shown here) is yogurt flavored with peppermint and parley oils. It is designed to remove tartar build-up when chewed. Also available from Pet Brands are rawhides, treats, jerkys, and toys. All are branded AKC.

KONG

Jakks Pacific’s Jakks Pets division introduces a line of pet treats and chews based on the 35-year-old Kong brand. Jakks Pets’ Kong line offers premium Kong-branded pet treats and chews that are made from all-natural ingredients and contain no wheat, corn, soy, or animal by-products. The line of healthy snacks for dogs are recommended for treating, training, and rewarding.

BIG TENT ENTERTAINMENT

Big Tent Entertainment announced that it has signed a licensing agreement with Kelly Toy for a line of Domo-licensed pet products. The line is expected to be at retail in late 2014.

The new deal will offer pet toys (plush, rope/pull toys, and balls), pet beds, and pet Tshirts featuring Domo. Products will be available throughout the U.S. and Canada in pet stores and wherever pet supplies are sold. The deal continues Big Tent Entertainment’s relationship with Kelly Toy, which currently manufacturers and distributes Domo-branded plush for the amusement industry.

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T

Licensors Move to the Beat of Music Fans

BY JENNIFER LYNCH

echnology has made how fans experience music a much more complex and 360-degree experience, and it has opened up new options in licensing.

Half the battle is working with artists that know themselves. “Artists now know themselves better than we ever hope to,” says Sara Nemerov, senior vice-president and head of global consumer products and brand licensing, Warner Music Group (WMG). “They also know their fans.” And to ensure product adheres to the image they project to fans, musicians are becoming much more hands on in deciding whom they collaborate with, as well as presenting their own ideas to licensors and licensees, particularly established artists. The Grateful Dead, for example, works actively with WMG. “[Its] ever-growing style guide is a labor of love for all of us: the band, management, and my team,” says Nemerov. “Finding new ways to tell their story and communicate that message is one of the most exciting roles of my job and they support my team through the process.” Last spring, The Dead teamed up with social merchandising company The Hundreds to create an apparel and accessories collection that combine the iconic motifs associated with the band with The Hundreds logo. Live Nation Merchandise (LNM) has also launched successful programs in adult beverages for KISS with KISS Destroyer Beer and KISS Zin Fire Wine along with AC/DC’s wine, beer, and energy drinks, says Janet Dwoskin, vice-president, licensing, LNM. But while more established acts have a large library of music and imagery to work with, younger bands must take a slightly different approach. And one avenue younger artists are using to tell their story is social media. “One Direction has shown the true power of social media,” says Mary Kean, director of licensing, Global Merchandising Services.

“From the very early days of the X Factor when the fans first discovered them, their popularity grew organically from fan to fan. . . Their movie, This is Us, plays it out perfectly—fans are constantly shown texting and posting and a One Direction concert is a sea of girls with their phones in the air recording the shows.” The band currently has a robust licensing program that ranges from apparel to accessories, electronics, and more.

As any licensor will tell you, the key is to be where the consumers are.

But that is easier said than done. From iTunes to Spotify to Pandora, and more, music fans have multiple ways to not only reach their favorite artists but also access new artists and music daily.

While none would argue the power of social media, new music today

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is also constantly at fans’ fingertips. “The digital era has, on one hand, broadened the palettes of the music consumer,” says Brad Spencer, director of brand strategy, Knitting Factory. “But on the other hand, it is now an overcrowded space for the consumer to navigate. It can be difficult to maintain their attention with just one act or just one brand.”

This has opened the gates for licensors to not only focus on the artists themselves but also take a broader approach. As Spotify announced its plans to begin merchandising, Beats Electronics, makers of Beats by Dre, launched its own digital music service, Beats Music. And if its lauch is any indication—gated admission after excessive demand led to connectivity issues—it may be the next big thing to evolutionize music.

While there will always be a certain level of demand for product targeting fans of a specific artist, there is evidently an increased demand for product recognizing music as a whole. “What we’re seeing now is the interest in genres, whole eras of music, and capturing that in product,” says Michael Carlisle, partner, Wildflower Group, which handles licensing for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Carlisle says Rock Hall will be closing on an apparel and accessories deal that utilizes Rock Hall graphics that speak to the different genres highlighted through its exhibits. Likewise Fender recently appointed Beanstalk to aid in the brand’s overseas expansion. “History plays an essential role in our overall global licensing initiatives,” says Brian Tedeschi, director of business development, Fender.

“When we strategically pursue partners, they must possess a clear understanding of the overall music landscape, but more importantly, they must understand Fender’s historical impact on the evolution of modern music.”

Opportunities are even arising to evolve iconic music venues into lifestyle programs that pay homage to their musical roots. The Knitting Factory, for example, which has expanded over the years to own multiple entertainment venues under its banner and label, recently launched a line of T-shirts that utilize its archives of show posters from its Hollywood and New York locations. “People who know Knitting Factory like it because of what it’s represented from the beginning, which is genre diversity,” says Spencer. “You can talk to rap fans, rock fans, and all have a story about Knitting Factory. It’s an asset to us now, because it is more about the genre and the history of these music brands and less about specific acts.”

While it’s hard to tell where music fans will be listening in the future, what is evident is music licensors will constantly need to hone and evolve their strategies, both big and small.

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Untitled-4 1

2/4/2014 9:52:54 AM

Music Licensing

BY JENNIFER LYNCH

Music licensing is shifting in tune with consumer demand. While some music licensors are tightening their reigns honing in on genres rather than individual artists, other larger music licensors are looking for more unique licensing opportunities.

Global Merchandising Services

The Cortina Leomil Group has partnered with Rich Footwear Group to create a line of footwear featuring British boy band One Direction for the U.S. and Canada. The deal was negotiated by One Direction’s worldwide merchandising agent, Global Merchandising Services. Cortina launched the brand in Europe and South America earlier this year, with Rich Footwear planning to bring the line to retail in North America in fall 2014. The footwear will be targeted to tweens.

SPOTIFY

Last month, Spotify announced a partnership with Topspin that would allow artists to display their own merchandise, such as T-shirts, vinyl, posters, bundles, and more, to all their fans and followers on the music streaming service. Up to three items of merchandise can be listed within Spotify at any given time.

PERRYSCOPE PRODUCTIONS

Sakar International will launch a new line of audio and electronics accessories that pay homage to some of the biggest names in the music business. The initial collection, launched worldwide in conjunction with licensor Perryscope Productions, features classic artists such as Foreigner, Genesis, The Band, The Police, and Pink Floyd and the famous rock festival, Woodstock. The products, featuring retro-style cassette-tape packaging, include ear buds, over-the-ear headphones, Bluetooth speakers, cases for iPhone, iPad, Samsung MP3 players, tablets, and smartphones, and computer accessories such as USB flash drives, mice, and keyboards.

FENDER

Fender has launched a new licensed apparel collection with Lucky Brand, and is supporting the line with a sweepstakes for music fans. The new line, which is now available in Lucky stores and online, features men’s and women’s tops and denim, as well as children’s tops. Pictured left is a T-shirt from the collection.

CREATIVE ARTIST AGENCY

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, has published What Does the Fox Say?, a picture book written by Ylvis and based on the duo’s song The Fox. Simon & Schuster has acquired North American rights. The deal was brokered by Creative Artists Agency.

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BEATS ELECTRONICS

Beats Electronics launched its new music streaming subscription service last month in the U.S. Developed and led by a team of music executives, Beats Music sets out to deliver a personalized and curated listening experience. At launch, fans are invited to a free trial, after which a $9.99/month subscription fee will apply. The service will be available on iOS, Android, and WindowsPhone as well as via the web. Fans can stream their music or download to listen offline.

SMS AUDIO

Rapper 50 Cent’s SMS Audio unveiled a new line of limited-edition Star Wars-branded headphones at the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show. Created in partnership with Lucasfilm, the Star Wars Street by 50 on-ear wired headphones series includes four models featuring Stormtrooper, Rebel Alliance, Boba Fett, and Imperial themes. Each includes a 3-D emblem on the ear caps depicting its respective character or theme and a Star Wars-branded removable cable, certificate of authenticity, and limited-edition Star Wars poster and stickers.

LIVE NATION MERCHANDISE

Live Nation Merchandise (LNM), in cooperation with DHX Media on behalf of the video game franchise Space Invaders, launched the deadmau5/Space Invaders co-brand program at Hot Topic in December with plans to roll out the program to additional retailers. LNM also says it plans to announce promotions to support the program in the coming months as well as grow the program from North America to other regions internationally.

BRAVADO

Converse, Inc., has launched the spring 2014 Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Black Sabbath sneaker collection featuring five new styles inspired

by Black Sabbath. The collaboration, which features the album artwork of four Black Sabbath records including Black Sabbath, Paranoid, Never Say Die!, and Vol. 4. The designs in the collection also feature special detailing such as stitched Black Sabbath logos and graphic lining. This is the band’s second collaboration with Converse. The collection will be available at select Journeys and independent stores as well as Converse retail stores and converse.com. The deal was brokered by Bravado, the licensing and merchandising arm of Universal Music Group.

KNITTING FACTORY

The Knitting Factory recently inked a deal with Art.com to create a line of posters and paper products based on its archives of show posters from both its New York City and Los Angeles venues. Product is expected to begin rollout in Q2.

THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has partnered with Creative Apparel Concepts to create a new T-shirt line featuring its inductees. The silk-screened T-shirts feature imagery and signatures from the inductees or their estate to capture each artist’s unique place in music history. Each shirt comes with a matching hangtag that features a brief summary of the inductee and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. At launch, the Inductee T-shirt Collection includes Blondie, Earth Wind & Fire, Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, Elvis Presley, The Who, and more.

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25

I

G e

Toy Fair 2014

COMPILED

BY

NANCY LOMBARDI

AND JENNIFER LYNCH

The following companies offer a sampling of some of the licensed products that will be on display at the Jacob Javits Convention Center at this year’s Toy Fair.

Mattel

Mattel’s latest doll line, Ever After High, follows the stories of the teenage sons and daughters of famous fairytales as they decide whether or not to follow in their parents’ fabled footsteps. The Ever After High Ever After Royals doll assortment features the Royal characters, including Apple White (daughter of Snow White), Briar Beauty (daughter of Sleeping Beauty), and more. The Ever After Rebels include Raven Queen (daughter of the Evil Queen), Madeline Hatter (daughter of the Mad Hatter of Wonderland), and more. Each doll comes with a doll stand, doll hairbrush, and bookmark that tells a unique character story. These dolls and others in the line are now available for ages 6 and up.

This fall Thomas & Friends TrackMaster motorized engines have been redesigned with enhanced speed, power, and performance to make engines go faster and climb higher. In the Thomas & Friends TrackMaster Avalanche Escape playset, Thomas charges up a steep 30-degree incline, crosses a gap in the tracks, then races down the mountain through a landscape of surprises. Trackmaster sets are for ages 3–6. This set will be available in August.

Based on the Paul Frank brand, Julius Jr., which airs on Nick Jr., follows the adventures of Julius and his friends.

Fisher-Price is launching a toy line for the series this year. In the Julius Jr. Rock ‘n Playhouse Box playset, skate up the ramp, dance on the light-up dance floor, ride the elevator that knows which floor you’re on, travel through the hall of doors, and more. The Julius Jr. Rock ‘n Playhouse Box can also connect to other Julius Jr. playsets. It is for ages 2 and up and will be available in June.

Mattel and Marvel will introduce a line of co-branded Hot Wheels cars and playsets featuring the brand’s most iconic superheroes. The Hot Wheels Marvel Character Car Assortment features Marvel’s most popular heroes and villains reimagined as a Hot Wheels Car. Hot Wheels Marvel Spiderman Trackset

Hasbro

Hasbro’s My Little Pony Equestria Girls dolls feature Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, and Fluttershy. Each has a rocker outfit and a rainbow-fied hairstyle to match.

Additional dolls will be available this fall, including fan favorite DJ Pon-3 doll, complete with signature headphones. Each doll is sold separately and is designed for ages 5 and up. My Little Pony Equestria Girls Super Fashion Doll features Trixie. Dressed in colorful, multi-layered fashions, each doll comes complete with a variety of accessories including a hair clip that girls can also wear and a musical instrument. Later in the year, girls can make music alongside the pop princess Twilight Sparkle or the rival Adagio Dazzling. The Equestria Girls line is for ages 5 and up.

My Little Pony Equestria Girls Rarity In the Sesame Street line, The Elmo Guitar lets toddlers sing along with Elmo to “This Old Man,” “Row, Row, Row Your Boat,” and “Elmo’s ABC Song,” or they can switch to free play mode. Tots can also switch modes to play a color game with Elmo. In the Sesame Street Hugs Forever Friends Assortment, Abby Cadabby plush wraps its arms around a child’s arm for a cuddle, or it can wrap around strollers and car seats. Elmo, Ernie, and Cookie Monster are also available; each is sold separately.

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Toy Fair 2014 Spin Master

Spin Master’s Ionix construction bricks shape-shift and change to become mini figures, action figures, weapons, gear, gadgets, and more. The bricks also snap together with Deluxe Toothless Set other leading construction systems. Utilize the Ionix bricks to bring your favorite Pokémon characters to life. With Ionix Pokémon mini-figure assortment, build Pikachu, Ash, and more characters using Ionix shape-shifting bricks, including the Pokémon-inspired shape-shifting, sphere brick. Or use the Ionix Pokémon Evolution Pack to build and evolve Pokémon characters through three stages of evolution.

Ionix also adds How to Train Your Dragon 2 construction sets, based on the anticipated sequel to the 2010 blockbuster movie from DreamWorks. Shape-shift and build your favorite dragons with new shape-shifting Ionix bricks. Recreate the adventures of Toothless, Hiccup, and their friends as they battle against new foes. The line includes Ionix Dragons mini-figure assortment and Ionix How to Train Your Dragon 2 Playsets (Mini Battle Playset and Deluxe Toothless Set). Items in the Ionix line are for ages 6 and up.

MEGA Brands

In the new MEGA Bloks Skylanders Swap Force Skylands Spinner Assortment, choose your hero and prepare to build, spin, and smash your way to victory with the Skylands Spinner. Assemble the spinner, choose one of four interchangeable battle tips to match your battle strategy, place your Swap Force hero on top and launch it into the Frost Guard Battle Arena. Direct your hero with your spinner controller and knock your opponent out of the arena to become the Skylands Spinner Champion. They are for ages 5–7.

MEGA will introduce an all-new SpongeBob SquarePants construction line worldwide this fall, which will SpongeBob SquarePants integrate detailed character designs and easy-build experiences with post-build action play. The line will feature collectible micro action figures, buildable vehicles, and feature-filled playsets.

Two new MEGA Bloks Hot Wheels Turbo Tubes will be introduced this fall. Build the iconic Hot Wheels cars that include custom parts for rebuilds, a collectible Team Hot Wheels figure, and unique storage tube packaging. New models include the 24Ours and Rodger Dodger cars.

Also hitting stores globally this fall are the all-new Buildable Power Rangers Super Megaforce Megazords from MEGA Bloks. The new assortment of three includes the Legendary Megazord, Q-Rex Megazord, and the Ultimate Legendary Megazord. The seven-inch Megazords are fully articulated for post-build action play.

For collectors, MEGA will also be expanding its Halo line with three new iconic vehicles to build, play with, and display in an all-new miniature scale. Each set is packaged in a Spartan helmet and includes a standard micro action figure to add to a MEGA Bloks Halo collection.

MEGA also launched Call of Duty Collector Construction sets last month. The main battle tank of the Heavy Armor Outpost is a direct fire, heavy armored vehicle that measures 12 by 5 by 4 inches and comes with a heavy machine gun and main cannon on a large rotating turret and tracks that spin. The buildable improvised outpost and the camouflage mesh canopy can attach to the heavy tank to offer protection for the troops. It comes with Captain John Price and a team of two other special-ops troopers with extreme poseability and highly detailed, authentic interchangeable accessories and weapons. This line is for collectors ages 14 and up.

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The Bridge Direct

StackDown Ring Playset

For the first time, the WWE Universe is coming to the construction toy aisle this spring for ages 6 and up. Kids can build, brawl, destroy, and rebuild the entire WWE StackDown Universe. Each WWE StackDown figure has a snap-fit design to brawl and pose with the most dynamic action. The WWE Universe is part of The Bridge Direct’s new C3 Construction brand that lets kids “Create, Construct, and Customize.”

The StackDown Ring Playset is the center of the WWE StackDown Universe where superstars John Cena and The Miz battle it out to become the ultimate StackDown Champion. Three C3 figures are included—John Cena, The Miz, and Referee—as well as tons of features, from the TitanTron screen to real working ring ropes. The set has more than 350 pieces. The Train ’n Rumble Playset recreates the WWE’s brawling action as superstars Rey Mysterio and Sheamus train to become the next WWE StackDown Champion. Experience the excitement as lockers slam, water coolers are thrown, and punching bags swing. The playset features two levels of action-play and more than 200 pieces, including a weight rack, bench press, brawlin’ dummy, and battle discs for ages 6 and up. With the WWE StackDown Undertaker’s Entrance Playset, the Undertaker rides his chopper through the gates and into the action, ready to become the next WWE StackDown Champion. Build the chopper, gates, and Undertaker pedestals, and then pay tribute to the Urn. The set comes with more than 120 pieces including swinging gates, flames, custom statue, and the Undertaker figure.

The WWE Starter Sets each include one superstar figure and more than 70 pieces to build. Authentic and unique accessories, such as Santino Marella’s Cobra Cage and sock puppet snake and Kofi Kingston’s ladders and chains, are featured in each set to bring the action to life. The collection includes four starter sets: High Flyin’ Sin Cara, Kofi Kingston with Ladder Match Set, Damian Sandow’s School of Hard Knocks, and Santino Marella’s Cobra Cage.

Cartwheel Kids

Cartwheel Kids is producing a range of products for the Nickelodeon preschool series Peter Rabbit.

The range, which is launching this fall at mass retailers, includes Hopping Peter Rabbit, a plush Peter Rabbit that dances to “The Bunny Shake” song from the series. It features two play modes and aids in basic beginner letters and numbers, with phrases such as, “B is for Benjamin” and “Three hops for my friend, Benjamin!”

It is for ages 2–5. Peter Rabbit Plush is also available, for ages 2 and up, in three versions: a seven-inch bean plush, a 12-inch plush, and a 12-inch talking plush.

The seven-inch plush will be available exclusively at Walmart this spring, while the 12-inch basic and talking plush will launch at mass this fall. Characters include Peter Rabbit, Lily Bobtail, and Benjamin Bunny.

Cartwheel Kids is also designing roleplay toys for Hello Kitty, Ever After High, and My Little Pony. With the Ever After High Magic Mirror, fans can ask the mirror a question and get a “Royal” or “Rebel” response. It includes secret drawers and two makeup color palettes (Royal and Rebel) and features magical sound effects. It is for ages 6 and up and will be available at mass retailers this fall.

Jazwares

Minecraft fans can bring home their favorite characters from the indie building video game in Jazware’s Minecraft toy line. Series 1 Minecraft collectible action figures include Steve, Zombie, Enderman, and Creeper. Each figure comes with accessories from the game such as a sword, pick axe, and a stone or grassy block. A deluxe Core Player Survival Pack is also available and includes a workbench, pick axe, sword, chest, torch, and Steve figure. All figures are for ages 6 and up. Also available is an assortment of Minecraft plush characters for ages birth and up. Baby Pig and Baby Mooshroom plush are in the Overworld Animal Mobs collection. The Overworld Mobs collection includes Creeper and Enderman. Fans can recreate the world of the video game at 1:16 scale with the easyto-build Minecraft paper crafts, available in 30-piece, 48-piece, and 90-piece kits.

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Toy Fair 2014 Blip Toys

Blip will launch its new Dancing Hello Kitty this fall. Attach Hello Kitty to any glass surface, or place her on the included stand, and dance along as the doll grooves to two songs. Hello Kitty features motion and touch activation and dances with or without sound. It is for ages 4 and up.

Blip Toys is expanding its line of Disney Princess Palace Pets with Magic Dance Pumpkin. Cinderella’s pet, Pumpkin, comes to life with this interactive, remote-controlled puppy. Magic Dance Pumpkin says more than a dozen phrases and sounds, follows movement commands from the light-up magic wand controller, and performs dance moves, including two pre-programmed sequences. It features soft fabric ears, removable fur cuffs, a stylish satin tutu, oversized plush tail, and a pearlized shimmer. It is for ages 4 and up and will be available this fall.

Saban Brands

Entertainment One

Entertainment One’s master toy partner Fisher-Price will launch new toys for Peppa Pig for 2014, including the Peppa Pig Singing Ballerina Peppa. This interactive plush Peppa is dressed as a prima ballerina. Give the soft friend a squeeze and Peppa will talk and sing a ballerina song.

In the Peppa Pig Peppa’s Ballet Bag playset (shown here), Peppa Pig and Candy Cat are getting ready for their big ballet recital. Help them warm up on the ballet bar and choose which of three tutus they will wear on stage. The set also features a mirror and everything stores inside the ballet bag. These toys are for ages 3 and up.

Trends International

Trends International will introduce The World of Eric Carle collection of stickers, sticker flip packs, and grab-and-go sets, which features 190 stickers, three play scenes, and six activity sheets. The World of Eric Carle licensing program is managed by The Joester Loria Group.

Digimon Fusion, the sixth installment of the Digimon franchise, is set to roll out globally later in the year.

The show premiered on Saban Brands’ five-hour kids programming block, Vortexx on The CW, in the U.S. in January. Featuring all-new Digimon action, the series follows Mikey, a human boy, who is transported into the digital realm and must team up with his new Digimon, or Digital Monster, friends before their world is deleted once and for all. The all-new Digimon Fusion product line will launch early this year, with Bandai serving as global master toy licensee. There will be a full consumer products rollout starting with toys, trading cards, and digital apps, with more categories to follow. Products will highlight the show’s core element of new powers allowing Digimon to combine and fuse their abilities, creating endless battle possibilities.

Julius Jr., Saban Brands’ animated preschool series inspired by the Paul Frank brand, will air daily on Nick Jr. starting this month in the U.S. and will premiere in international markets starting this fall. Fisher-Price will serve as the global master toy licensee for Julius Jr. The full consumer products rollout will start with toys, apparel and accessories, craft and activity, publishing, and roleplay. Product is expected to hit shelves beginning this fall, with more categories to follow.

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Cuddle Barn

The Cuddle Barn introduces Lil Bub, the female cat known for her “perma-kitten” appearance, ever-protruding tongue and wide eyes. Lil Bub is an internet feline sensation, and now a soft plush that fans, 3 and up, can take home.

Thinkway Toys

Thinkway Toys is extending its partnership with Universal for its Despicable Me franchise as well as with Disney for its Toy Story, Cars, and Planes Fire & Rescue properties. As of press time only Planes Fire & Rescue and Cars were ready to be highlighted. Thinkway Toys will release several new R/C toys as well as flying Planes based on the upcoming Planes Fire & Rescue film.

The movie is slated for release July 18, 2014, in North America.

Thinkway Toys has partnered with Disney to produce a line of R/C vehicles based on the popular Cars franchise. The line will feature several scales of R/C vehicles featuring Lightning McQueen and Mater along with other new items.

Two new Cars toys are expected to debut in spring 2014 with the rest of the line slated for fall.

TCG

TCG is taking on Grumpy Cat with an assortment of toy and gift items launching this spring, including a five-inch and 10-inch Grumpy Cat plush featuring one of her four favorite phrases. Give the interactive Talking Grumpy Cat’s paw a squeeze to hear authentic meowing, hissing, or growling from the real Grumpy Cat. Plush are for ages 4 and up.

4K Media

Through a licensing partnership with 4K Media, WizKids Games, the wholly owned subsidiary of Konami Digital Entertainment, welcomes the world of Yu-Gi-Oh! to its games. In HeroClix, Yu-Gi-Oh! fans can duel with HeroClix tabletop game, which uses miniature figures on a rotating base. The base tracks players’ progress and allows them to use special abilities without keeping score. Yu-Gi-Oh! HeroClix figures are fully compatible with HeroClix core rules. The Yu-Gi-Oh! HeroClix: Series One set debuted in January with a starter set that contains six collectible mini-figures, two exclusive maps, and more. The full Series One consists of more than 50 figures from the classic Yu-Gi-Oh! series, available this March as individually blind-boxed HeroClix mini-figures in gravity-feed displays.

WizKids will also offer a Yu-Gi-Oh! Series One Organized Play Kit for in-store Series 1-themed events. Yu-Gi-Oh! HeroClix: Series Two will arrive in May, adding more than 50 additional figures to the line. Series Two will be released as individual blind-boxed figures in a gravity feed along with an Organized Play Kit. WizKids will release Yu-Gi-Oh! Dice Masters in mid-2014. Yu-Gi-Oh! Dice Masters is a dice-building strategy game patterned after WizKids’ Quarriors game. Players build a team and battle for supremacy using custom Yu-Gi-Oh! dice representing characters from the classic animated series. The game will be available as a starter set that includes 44 custom dice, 38 cards, two dice bags, and a core rulebook. Supplementary dice will be available in a blind-boxed gravity-feed display.

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Toy Fair 2014

Sony Pictures Consumer Products

Sony Pictures Consumer Products (SPCP) launches a 30th anniversary merchandising program for the Ghostbusters film franchise in 2014. SPCP will launch an all-new program targeting the core fan base with products in categories such as apparel, toys, construction, collectibles, and publishing. SPCP has partnered with pop culture art gallery, Gallery 1988 to create a travelling art show designed by top artists which will include their interpretations of Ghostbusters over the past 30 years. Limited-edition screen prints and posters will be available during each stop of the tour, which will conclude at Comic-Con International in San Diego, Calif.

Licensees supporting the 30th anniversary program are Mattel, IDW Publishing, World Tech Toys, Quantum Mechanics, Factory Entertainment, Diamond Select, Medicom Toys, Mad Engine, Titan Figures, Uniqlo, Kaientai, and BCI. Partners such as Beeline, Ubisoft, GSN, Path, XMG, and IGT will be supporting with interactive gaming and slot machines as well as MDI with state lottery programs. In the collectibles category, pop vinyl collectibles from Funko and Underground Toys will provide novelty products.

Goldie

Goldie highlights the Transformers 30th Anniversary Figurines assortment at this year’s Toy Fair. This set of miniature figures includes favorite Transformers characters from the past 30 years, including the Prime, Movie, and Generation styles for fans ages 7 and up. The options include single-pack, three-pack, and five-pack sets.

McFarlane Toys

McFarlane Toys is creating a line of Ubisoft Rabbids action figures, plush, and novelty toys based on the Rabbids video game franchise and Rabbids Invasion, the 26-episode CG-animated television series, which debuted in August 2013 on Nickelodeon. The extensive toy line will start hitting retailers in spring 2014.

The spring product line includes Rabbids Invasion Plunger Blaster for ages 5 and up. Command your wacky army of Rabbids with 15 unique Rabbids sounds: Bwaaah, burp, fart, flush, laugh, and scream your way into the unpredictable Rabbid’s world. Once you’ve mastered the Rabbids language, put the Plunger Sound Blaster into prank mode and play a joke on unsuspecting friends.

Rabbids Invasion Sound and Play Action Figures Two Packs comes with play-action and assorted Rabbids sounds. Each figure has a hang clip that attaches to coats, zippers, backpacks, purses, and more.

The Rabbids two-inch collectible figures come in blind bag for ages 5 and up. Collect all seven Rabbids figures. Rabbids Mini Invasion Pack is a deluxe boxed set that collects six of the two-inch Rabbids collectible figures.

Rabbids Invasion Standard Plush are five whacky plush Rabbids with multiple costumes and facial expressions.

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Rabbids Invasion Plunger Blaster

Warner Bros. Consumer Products

Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) moves into Toy Fair 2014 with an extensive lineup of global licensees in support of the studio’s entertainment properties, milestone anniversaries, and upcoming theatrical debuts. The highly anticipated summer blockbuster from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures, Godzilla, leads the licensing lineup with support from master toy partner Bandai America Inc., and many more. The Wizard of Oz, which will lead WBCP’s milestone celebrations in 2014, will see licensing support from a number of cross-category partners this year. WBCP will also spotlight its DC Comics portfolio, including evergreen superheroes Batman and Superman, Looney Tunes, The Hobbit Trilogy, The Big Bang Theory, Harry Potter, and more rounding out the studio’s portfolio.

S-K Victory

Teen Pocahontas

After this year’s launch, S-K Victory’s Fairy Tale High line of fashion dolls will introduce new characters in 2014. Fairy Tale High is a place where fairy tale characters come together in a modern-day high school setting. Toting the latest accessories and sporting designer fashions and hip hairstyles, these are modern day teenage versions of favorite characters before they became the well-known storybook characters everyone knows.

New characters in the 2014 line include Teen Prince Charming, Teen Peter Pan, Teen Victoria the Wicked Witch of the West, and Teen Pocahontas (shown here in a rendered image). The four new characters join the current lineup of students, which includes Snow White, Rapunzel, Belle, Sleeping Beauty, Little Mermaid, Alice in Wonderland, Tinker Bell, and Cinderella.

The Fairy Tale High dolls are fully articulated and stand 11.5-inches tall. Designed for ages 3 and up, Fairy Tale High is licensed from The Toon Studio of Beverly Hills.

Tech 4 Kids

Tech 4 Kids’ WWE Rumble Fists are oversized soft play John Cena, Dolph Ziggler, and the Rock fists that come with motion-activated sound effects for realistic roleplay. Prepare for the fight with your very own WWE Spar Bag, which comes complete with a full size John Cena graphic and a water-filled base. Each roleplay toy is sold separately.

Cardinal Industries

Cardinal Industries, which is celebratings its 70th anniversary in 2014, comes to Toy Fair with a selection of games and puzzles featuring classic play to the hottest licenses. Cardinal announces a new line of games and puzzles in partnership with Crayola (shown here). The line incorporates Crayola’s Color Wonder technology for the Color Your Own Puzzles featuring games with the Disney, Marvel, Mattel, Sanrio, Despicable Me, and Hasbro licenses.

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TIA NOMINATING COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES CANDIDATES

The Toy Industry Association’s (TIA) Nominating Committee has submitted the following candidates for consideration by the membership and election to the association’s board of directors for a two-year term expiring at the annual meeting in 2016.

• Drew Brazer, vice-president of sales, North America, LEGO • D. Hugo Malan, senior vice-president and president of sporting goods, Sears Holding Corporation • William To, president, VTech Electronics North America The proposed board members will be filling the seats of retiring board members Jay Foreman, president and CEO of The Bridge Direct/Acorn Management Group, and George Irwin, Toycoon of iToys USA, Ltd. and one seat that became open in accordance with Article 6.2 of the TIA by-laws.

Members of the TIA Board under consideration for re-election for a subsequent (third) term include Andrea Barthello, chairman and founder of ThinkFun, Inc.; William Beebe, managing director of Playmates Toys, Inc.; Sam Harwell, CEO of Big Time Toys, LLC; Shirley Price, CEO of Funrise Toy Corporation; and Robert Wann, CEO of Patch Products. Jeffrey Kennis, president of Enchanted Moments, Inc., will be considered for election for a subsequent (second) term.

The election of new board members will occur during the TIA annual business meeting that will convene at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2014, in Room 1E19 of the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

FUNRISE TOY CORPORATION

KATHY KAWK, VICE-PRESIDENT OF MARKETING

Funrise Toy Corporation announced at the end of 2013 the promotion of Kathy Hawk to the role of vice-president of marketing. Hawk will oversee all areas of marketing for Funrise, which will include supervising company and brand awareness, public relations, media relations, advertising, promotions, and social media. She joined the company in 2004.

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SABAN BRANDS

MICHAEL BAYER, SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT BUSINESS AND LEGAL AFFAIRS

OF

Saban Brands announced the appointment of Michael Bayer as the company’s new senior vice-president of business and legal affairs. Bayer will lead the global legal team at Saban Brands, focusing on entertainment efforts and working with executives from television production, network operations, worldwide distribution, and content acquisition and exploitation.

Most recently, Bayer served as executive vice-president of business and legal affairs for Image/RLJ Entertainment (RLJE), Robert Johnson’s publicly traded worldwide entertainment company with distribution rights to more than 5,200 titles.

Prior to that, Bayer worked in business and legal affairs at Paramount Home Entertainment, Four Square Productions, and MP3.com. He started his legal career at the law firm of Klinedinst, Fliehman, McKillop and Jones.

THE ELECTROLUX GROUP

CIARÁN COYLE, VICE-PRESIDENT AND HEAD OF GLOBAL BRAND LICENSING

The Electrolux Group announced the appointment of Ciarán Coyle as vice-president and head of global brand licensing. Coyle was previously president of Europe and Asia Pacific for the Omnicom-owned global brand licensing agency Beanstalk.

Electrolux says its brand portfolio has a value of more than $3 billion at retail. Besides Electrolux, the group’s portfolio includes more than 50 brands, including AEG, Zanussi, and Frigidaire.

During his 11 years at Beanstalk, Coyle has been responsible for the development of Beanstalk’s agency business in Europe and Asia Pacific, representing numerous global brands including Harley-Davidson, Jack Daniel’s, Stanley, Black & Decker, Procter & Gamble, Jaguar, Land Rover, and Volvo.

Coyle will be based at the group’s North American headquarters in Charlotte, N.C., and he will report to MaryKay Kopf.

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VARIOUS PROMOTIONS AT WWE

WWE announced changes to position itself for growth including the renegotiation of its four largest television rights agreements, the launch of the WWE Network on February 24, expansion in key international markets, distribution of content on emerging platforms, and new strategic partnerships. Michelle D. Wilson, George Barrios, and Stephanie McMahon have been promoted to lead WWE in the execution of these strategic growth initiatives.

Michelle D. Wilson, formerly CMO, has been promoted to chief revenue and marketing officer and will now oversee all of the company’s revenue lines and assume responsibility for WWE’s $900 million retail consumer products business. Wilson retains her current revenue-generating responsibilities for sponsorship sales, Pay-Per-View, and new business development and will continue to oversee all WWE marketing and corporate communications. Wilson is also spearheading the company’s efforts to launch the WWE Network and will continue to report directly to WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon. Casey Collins, executive vice-president, consumer products will report to Wilson.

George Barrios, formerly CFO, has been promoted to chief strategy and financial officer and will now oversee all of the company’s strategic planning processes and take over management of WWE’s day-today television operations. He will retain his management of financial planning and investor relations. With Wilson, Barrios is co-leading WWE’s television rights negotiations and will continue to report directly to WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon. Will Staeger, executive vice-president, television production will report to Barrios.

Stephanie McMahon, formerly executive vice-president, creative, has been promoted to chief brand officer and will lead WWE’s efforts to further enhance its brand reputation among key constituencies including advertisers, media, business partners, and investors. McMahon will also lead WWE’s targeted youth and moms marketing programs and will continue to report directly to WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon.

Kevin Dunn will serve as executive producer of all WWE programming, including Monday Night Raw, Friday Night SmackDown, WWE Main Event, and Total Divas and will continue to report to Vince McMahon.

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WALMART INTERNATIONAL DAVID CHEESEWRIGHT, CEO

Walmart Stores, Inc., announced that David Cheesewright will be promoted to president and CEO of Walmart International, the company’s second largest operating segment. Cheesewright, currently president and CEO of Walmart’s Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and Canada region, will report to Doug McMillon, who was named on November 25 to succeed Mike Duke as the company’s president and CEO. Both assumed their new roles on February 1. Walmart says Cheesewright’s successor will be named at a later date.

Cheesewright’s career spans more than 25 years across the international retail and manufacturing sectors. His Walmart career began in 1999 at Asda, the company’s UK operation, where he held leadership positions in operations, merchandising, logistics, strategy, and format development.

ICONIX BRAND GROUP

NATASHA FISHMAN, VICE-PRESIDENT GLOBAL BRAND MANAGEMENT

OF

AND

LEXI MITZ, DIRECTOR OF RETAIL

Iconix Brand Group announced that it has appointed Natasha Fishman vice-president of global brand management and marketing. Fishman will oversee Peanuts marketing on a global level, as well as driving brand cohesion across territories. In addition to managing and executing major brand initiatives, she will be responsible for developing creative marketing strategies to expand the classic brand’s reach to younger generations.

Fishman joins the company from HIT Entertainment, where she oversaw the company’s global digital media growth and facilitated brand integration across web, social, and mobile interfaces. She has also held brand and marketing positions at Sesame Workshop and Scholastic.

Additionally, Lexi Mitz, former director of hard goods, will move into the position of director of retail. Mitz will work as an ambassador for the Peanuts brand and its many licensees at major retailers, in addition to her ongoing role as head of kids products and toys.

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MARCH 5–7

Playworld Middle East

playworldme.com

Dubai Int’l Convention & Exhibition Centre

Dubai

12–14

Russian License Forum

licensingshowrussia.com

Crocus Expo Int’l Exhibition Centre McCormick Place

Moscow

Chicago

forumlicence.kazachok.com

La Halle Freyssinet

Paris

c2e2.com

McCormick Place

Chicago

9–12

12–14 13–18 24–27

APRIL

ToyFest West

Global Pet Expo

International Home + Housewares Show Bologna Children’s Book Fair

1–2

Kazachok Licensing Forum

25–27

Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo

7–10

8–10

MAY

MIPTV

London Book Fair

1

TIMETOPLAYMAG SPRING SHOWCASE

18–21

National Stationery Show

6–8 7–9

20–23

29–31

JUNE 8–11

11–15

10–12

17–19

29–7/1

JULY 2–4

24–27

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toyfestwest.com

globalpetexpo.org housewares.org

bookfair.bolognafiere.it

mipworld.com

londonbookfair.co.uk

ASTRA Marketplace

astramarketplace.org

Licensing International Expo

Earls Court

Jacob Javits Convention Center

sweetsandsnacks.com

Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3)

Palais des Festivals

nationalstationeryshow.com

Sweets & Snacks Expo

Origins Game Fair

Bologna Fair Centre

THE ALTMAN BUILDING

nationalhardwareshow.com

BookExpo America

Orange County Convention Center

TIMETOPLAYMAG.COM

National Hardware Show PlayCon

South Point Hotel

toyassociation.org

bookexpoamerica.com

originsgamefair.com e3expo.com

licensingexpo.com

Las Vegas Orlando

Bologna

Cannes

London

NEW YORK CITY

Las Vegas Convention Center

Las Vegas

McCormick Place

Chicago

Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

Jacob Javits Convention Center

Phoenix Convention Center

Greater Columbus Convention Center

Los Angeles Convention Center

Mandalay Bay Convention Center

Scottsdale

New York City New York City

Phoenix

Columbus

Los Angeles Las Vegas

Summer Fancy Food Show

specialtyfood.com

Jacob Javits Convention Center

New York City

Licensing Japan

licensing-japan.jp

Tokyo Big Sight

Tokyo

Comic-Con

ROYALTIE$ FEBRUARY 2014

comic-con.org

San Diego Convention Center

San Diego

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2/4/2014 9:40:12 AM

PROOF WE’RE AWESOME “25 Greatest Animated Series Ever” – Entertainment Weekly

“Mike Hale’s Favorite TV Show” – New York Times

“Best Kid’s Show of the Year” – New York Magazine

“The 25 Best TV Shows” – Slant Magazine

“Best Kids Shows” - iTunes

FANS LIKE US... A LOT #1 Show with boys 6–11 and boys 9–14* Primetime Emmy Award Winner (2013) 62 million fans tune in every quarter** 11 Million+ Facebook fans Attracting kids, tweens, young adults... pretty much everyone

TM & © 2014 CN.

*Cartoon Network Research based on Nielsen Media Research Data. Based on Live Plus Same Day data. Movies, specials and programs with less than 5 telecasts or 15 minutes in length were excluded.

Period: Total Year 2013 (12/31/12-12/29/13), Monday Nights 7P-9P. Cartoon Network vs. all competitive kids cable networks (Disney, Nickelodeon/Nick-at-Nite, Nicktoons, Disney XD, Nick Jr., Teen Nick, The Hub and Disney Jr.).

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**AYAKM Research based on Nielsen Media Research Npower data.

All data is Live+7 with a one minute qualifier. Period: Average of two quarters - (12/31/12 – 3/31/13) & (4/1/13 – 6/30/13).

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