Crunchyroll, the ultimate destination for anime fans globally, is launching the second annual Ani-May celebration with new activations across retail, digital, and streaming. This includes new and exclusive anime merchandise and activations at Hot Topic in the United States, Riachuelo in Brazil, and exclusive retail activations in EMEA among many others.
Veteran licensing executive Robert Marick, announced that he has launched M²G: Marick Management Group, which will focus on delivering outside-the-box product expansion strategies for global brands looking to scale their IP in unique and creative ways. Marick, who most recently served as the head of MGM Consumer Products, will lead a team that specializes in infusing product innovation and creativity into every aspect of their work, particularly in strategy and business planning, brand management, entertainment licensing, marketing and sales, and product category development. For those interested in learning more about the new consultancy, Robert Marick will be available at Licensing Show in Las Vegas from May 21st to May 23rd.
Iscream, a cherished lifestyle brand celebrated for its vibrant and imaginative products, is thrilled to unveil a dynamic new collaboration with The Kraft Heinz Company, launching at IT’SUGAR. Together, they introduce a captivating range of plush items inspired by childhood favorite foods from iconic Kraft Heinz brands, including KRAFT Mac & Cheese, Jet-Puffed, and Oscar Mayer. Available in April, these creations promise to enchant both young and old, infusing everyday life with a delightful touch of whimsy.
Hidden Pigeon Company (HPC), the dynamic new multiplatform kids and family content company that is furthering the reach of award-winning author/illustrator Mo Willems’s beloved character brands, has named Kristofer Updike, a veteran children’s entertainment executive with deep expertise in development and production, content creation, and more, Senior Vice President, Creative. Updike reports directly to CEO Karen K. Miller.
Respected toy industry legend Dick Keats, also known by his moniker Mr. Buddy-L, was recently announced to have passed away, aged 97. A Former Navy Seal and graduate of Brown University, Dick began worked at his father’s toy company BUDDY-L Toys right out of college. Since then, his effect on toys and licensing could not be understated.
WHP Global (“WHP”), parent company of Toys”R”Us, signed a long-term license agreement with leading global retailer WHSmith as the exclusive shop-in-shop partner for Toys”R”Us in the United Kingdom. Under the terms of the agreement, WHSmith will have the exclusive license for Toys”R”Us shop-in-shops in their High street stores, including opening 30 new shops this Summer.
Hosted by Cally Beaton, the Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards 2024 was attended by some 400 retailers, licensees and brand owners who shared in the joy as the worthy winners made their way to the stage to collect their trophies. Before the awards, revered fashion designer Jeff Banks – who described himself as a ‘humble tailor’ – captivated the audience with the story of how he turned his brand into a household name. The grand finale of the B&LLAs 2024 winners ceremony was the Brand Ambassador Award, which was presented to Louise French, svp of business development and operations at Beanstalk, for her continued contribution to this dynamic sector.
On Friday, May 10th at 9am PT, Mattel Creations, Mattel’s e-commerce and content platform for creators, collaborations, and innovators, will be releasing the newest Monster High Skullector set, The Addams Family 2 Pack, featuring Morticia and Wednesday Addams, based on The Addams Family animated movies. In collaboration with Amazon MGM Studios, Monster High is reimagining your favorite gothic, mother daughter duo from the Addams Family animated movies, just in time for Mother’s Day.
What do you get when you mix two popular sports activities that almost anyone can play? The product inventors at ABetter Design Company proudly announce the launch of its progressive new product Cornhole Shootout, a fusion of basketball and cornhole. The all-new indoor-outdoor game, Cornhole Shootout ($99.99 for 2-4 players ages 6+) is a combination of two fun activity games in one. Set up is like traditional cornhole, but this time, players take aim and can choose to shoot into elevated hoops that are strategically placed on the cornhole-style board. With precision and teamwork, teams can dominate the court and the board in a cool new twist on classic games.