Walmart’s McCall to Give PlayCon Keynote
The Toy Industry Association (TIA) announced that Scott McCall, Walmart’s senior vice-president of toys, seasonal merchandise, and celebrations, will deliver the keynote address at this year’s PlayCon.
McCall joined Walmart in 1993 and has served in numerous decision-making positions including DMM of toys from 2002–2007. McCall is once again working with toys.
PlayCon will be held May 6–8, 2013, at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa at Gainey Ranch.
HSN, HGTV Launch Partnership
Multichannel retailer HSN and HGTV, the home and lifestyle brand, announced the debut of HGTV HOME Outdoor Living, only at HSN. Launching across HSN and HGTV’s multiple platforms yesterday, HGTV HOME Outdoor Living will feature HGTV experts appearing on HSN, including designer John Gidding, star of Curb Appeal. The HGTV experts will offer advice and showcase an assortment of HGTV-curated outdoor products, including exclusive HGTV HOME-branded items.
The multi-year partnership is designed to leverage the full potential of the HSN and HGTV brands, with HGTV becoming the face for HSN’s outdoor living category. The partnership will include original content that will be integrated across the digital and on-air assets of both companies.
HGTV HOME Outdoor Living at HSN will feature products across various categories including outdoor equipment, plants, lighting, water accessories, outdoor entertaining, garden tools, and outdoor solutions. The HGTV HOME Plant Collection debuted on HSN on March 19, offering a variety of annuals, planters, and nutrients.
At launch there are extensive digital storefronts on both HSN.com and HGTVHOME.com. HSN plans to expand the partnership in the future to introduce HGTV HOME Outdoor Living branded products within additional home categories.
Beanstalk is HGTV’s exclusive licensing agency.
DHX Media Signs Icon Promotions in Russia
DHX Media has signed a multi-year merchandising and licensing representation deal with Russian agent Icon Promotions.
The deal encompasses kids TV properties such as Animal Mechanicals, Johnny Test, and the Richard Scarry collection, which includes Vintage Richard Scarry and Hurray for Huckle.
Hurray for Huckle currently airs on local broadcaster Carousel, Channel 1, while Johnny Test is broadcast on Cartoon Network Russia. Russian SVOD provider TVZOR also carries a host of DHX Media properties.