News

Fred Segal Continues International Expansion

Iconic, Los Angeles based experiential retailer Fred Segal announces today it continues to expand internationally and will open a new location in South Korea in Q1 2021. Fred Segal is partnering with Hanwha Group to open a location in Seoul within the Galleria Luxury Hall, South Korea’s preeminent department store featuring the world’s leading luxury brands. The Galleria Luxury Hall is a flagship store situated in a well-known and high-traffic shopping area, raising Fred Segal’s profile within one of Korea’s largest metropolitan centers. “We’re excited for Fred Segal to launch at Galleria Luxury Hall, one of the world’s most prestigious retailers, offering customers in South Korea a unique shopping experience that captures the style and culture of Los Angeles,” said Jeff Lotman, Chairman and Owner of Fred Segal . “With more store openings in North America that will be announced soon, this deal solidifies Fred Segal’s position as a global brand with an enormous growth trajectory.” Fred Segal’s innovative and forward thinking approach to retail and unique understanding of the Los Angeles scene has made the company appealing to international brands who are looking to diversify their offerings and attract new customers. “Galleria Luxury Hall is the first exclusive retailer of premium brands in Korea,” said Brian Pang, Senior Vice President of Galleria. “We know Fred Segal will exceed the expectations of customers who are looking for a new and innovative retail experience.”

Rolling Stone Signs Bulldog

Bulldog Licensing has been appointed as the European licensing agent for Rolling Stone. Established for 50 years, Rolling Stone spans print, digital, social and events, and is now looking to leverage its brand, develop products and reach its extensive audience in new ways. In the US, the Rolling Stone licensing programme is already underway with brand owners, Penske Media Corporation already working with licensees including Anheuser-Busch’s brewery Elysian Brewing for a Rolling Stone Lager, publishing deals with Alfred Publishing, Sellers Publishing, and Meredith, puzzles and games from Spinmaster companies and location based experiences including the Rock Room on Holland America Line ships and the Rolling Stone Bar & Grill at LAX airport. Discussions are already well underway with licensees across a diverse area of products with announcements expected very soon.

Golden Goose & Men’s Health Gifting

Men’s Health new toiletry gift sets lead into Christmas In a deal brokered by licensing agency Golden Goose. Two major retailers have committed to ranging the new toiletry gifting developed by the most recent licensee to join the Men’s Health licensing programme, Thumbs Up UK. The new range consists of body washes, deodorants and shower gels enhanced with accompanying gifting products such as a sports bottle, sports earphones, and sports armband, providing a gifting opportunity for the growing number of regularly exercising consumers. The ranges will go on shelves in Superdrug from August and Primark from October this year. The new range isn’t the only positive news to come from the Hearst owned title: Men’s Health UK page views rose by 84% (year-on-year) to 11.5M during the month of May alone, with more than 4.8M unique users looking for online fitness and nutritional advice. Not surprisingly, this increased traffic also led to a sales spike for the well-established Men’s Health home fitness range at Argos.

Carry On Licensing

Sterling Media Marketing has announced the entire Carry On series exclusively available for licensing and merchandising opportunities. A partnership for Carry On cleaning has been signed with Duo Max, and a Carry On Cruising announcement will be made shortly.Britain’s longest running film series with 31 films, Carry On has £80m adjusted box office takings, with millions of viewers especially around Christmas.

Unique Product Line for Masterchef

Gander Group and Endemol Shine North America, producers of the hit culinary competition series Masterchef on FOX announce a partnership for a series of branded kitchen products exclusively for the casino industry in the U.S. market. The one-of-a-kind product line to include cookware, bakeware, appliances and gadgets will be offered exclusively to casino guests to create a new Masterchef experience in the kitchen. “I speak on behalf of our clients and Gander Group team when I say we are more than thrilled to be partnering with this incredible brand,” adds Gander Group CEO Josh Blake. “Home has taken on a new meaning for all of us over these last few months, and we look forward to being able to create cookware that can inspire creativity and elevate homecooked meals.” “We are thrilled to be partnering with the fantastic team at Gander Group to bring high quality and unique Masterchef cookware, kitchen tools and textiles, barware and appliances to the casino market,” said Amber Sheppo, SVP, Licensing, Endemol Shine North America. Dorel Home, the home furnishing segment of Dorel Industries has partnered with Queer Eye creators Scout Productions Inc. to create a fashion-forward furniture collection inspired by the hit Netflix series, in a deal brokered by IMG. Launched after the recent debut of the seven-time Emmy Award winning series fifth season, the Queer Eye furniture collection features unique products that are stylish and affordable for fans. The new line debuted exclusively on Walmart.com in North America and features updated-industrial designs for living room, bedroom, office, dining room, and outdoor patio spaces. The Netflix series introduces audiences around the world to a modern aesthetic, diverse perspective and the Fab Five: Antoni Porowski (Food & Wine),Bobby Berk (Interior Design), Karamo Brown (Culture), Jonathan Van Ness (Grooming) and Tan France (Fashion).

Queer Eye-Inspired Furniture Line

Renewal for Route 66 Partnership

Tempting Brands and Primetta announce that this year they are celebrating their 25th year of partnership with a renewal of the Route 66 License Agreement for eyewear in Germany with another 5 years. Route 66, the longest running successful license since 1995, will continue to ensure widespread availability of Route 66 sunglasses and reading glasses at virtually every gas station, amusement parks, airports shops and sport goods retailers in Germany in the coming years. For the last 25 years Primetta has steadily grown the Route 66 sunglasses range and with the renewal of the License Agreement they will carry on with the expansion .With a unique combination of powerful brands and popular price points, Primetta has been an

important player in the eyewear German market since 1928.

Date change announced for

Licensing Japan

Organised by Reed Exhibitions Japan Ltd. and supported by: Character Brand Licensing Association (CBLA), the show will now be held with even more grandeur. Over 1,800 properties from 200 exhibitors will be showcased.

To boost the licensing business after the coronavirus suspension, leading licensors have already confirmed their participation as exhibitors including: Gaia (The Walking Dead, CupOfTherapy, Probity Europe), Green Camel, (Rilakkuma), Capcom (Monster Hunter, Resident Evil, etc.), Fuji Television Network (Chuggington, Pa Rappa the Rapper, Gachapin & Mukku, etc.), Sekiguchi (Monchhichi etc.), Fujiya (Peko, milky, etc.), etc. Besides these, companies with various ranges of properties will also be present: from fashion brands (Anap.) to art/design properties (Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, V&A etc.). Many international exhibitors, including those in the Korea Pavilion and Taiwan Pavilion, are also expected to exhibit. Increasing numbers of licensees visit Licensing Japan each year.

Those in attendance include decision makers from product planning/sales promotion departments of various manufacturers and retailers. In addition, visits from corporate public relations departments have been increasing recently, confirming the trend that characters/ brands are used for corporate branding. With quality exhibitors and visitors, Licensing Japan has established itself as the best platform for the business of licensing in Japan and Asian markets. The online Matching System, introduced two years ago, enhances networking opportunities. 1,010 appointments were fixed through the system in 2019, and even more business negotiations are expected to be conducted this year for merchandising/collaboration.

The show will be held inside CONTENT TOKYO 2020, the largest, comprehensive show in Japan, covering all categories of content market, such as film, TV, animation, game, music, publishing, etc. This brings synergy to Licensing Japan. www.content-tokyo.jp/en/

There are just a few exhibiting spaces left, so if you are interested, please visit www.licensing-japan.jp/ex_en/ visitor-eng.licensing@reedexpo.co.jp +81-3-3349-8507

Omnichannel Retail Lines for Real Madrid

Real Madrid CF has announced an expansive omnichannel retail program, inclusive of an all-new official online store, the relaunch of three official stores in Madrid, and a new Flagship Megastore at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. Real Madrid has partnered with Legends, a premium experiences company with global expertise across merchandising, sales, partnerships, planning, technology, and hospitality, to manage all merchandise operations. This new partnership between Legends and Real Madrid will further develop relationships with fans and deliver a seamless and integrated experience that truly represents the Real Madrid brand across all online and retail physical touchpoints. It will also play an important role in the commercial growth and brand development strategy of the club, where Legends and Real Madrid share the same vision for delivering a modern omnichannel experience. As part of the Club’s international growth strategy, the new official online store, will include premium and exclusive Real Madrid merchandise for fans of all ages. The e-commerce platform will be available in eight different languages and features innovative design elements, an exceptional user experience, and will serve fans around the world. The new official online store is innovative, leveraging modern technology and infrastructure to allow Real Madrid to integrate e-commerce experiences directly into any of its digital channels. The official online store is a key pillar in Real Madrid’s digital strategy that puts the fan experience squarely at the center of the business. A true omnichannel experience is a fundamental part of the strategy, and the partnership with Legends takes a major step toward the vision of a comprehensive shopping experience, online and in stores, for all Socios, Madridistas, and fans around the world to find their favorite official products. The comprehensive retail program will promote relevant offers in a seamless purchase experience, whenever and where ever fans

Chupa Chups Keeping it Chill in Summer

Toyo beverage, headquartered in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, will launch Chupa Chups chilled cup drinks. The milk based chilled drinks have been developed under license of Perfetti Van Melle and will be available in the Convenience stores, Merchandise stores and Drug stores across Japan. Comments the company: “We have decided to make this collaboration since we both provide customers deliciousness, fun and gladness. Furthermore, Chupa Chups has a high brand awareness and anyone from any generation has enjoyed a Chupa Chups sometime in life. We wanted to give Chupa Chups a unique image with the delicious taste of the real lollipop, and the result has been this unexpected and tasty Chupa Chups’ drink.” go to engage with the team. The Real Madrid Flagship Megastore will open its doors as part of the ongoing state-of-the-art transformation of the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, and will be a revolutionary shopping experience for Socios, Madridistas, local, and international fans visiting the stadium. Later this year, Real Madrid will open an interim Megastore at the stadium, which boasts two floors on the south side of the stadium. With exclusive product assortments, customization stations, and a new range of leisurewear and team products, accessories, and the widest selection of Real Madrid technical product, the Megastore will provide a one-of-a-kind experience for fans. Additionally, Legends will reopen three Real Madrid official stores in downtown Madrid, with the latest Real Madrid kit and training wear, adult and kids’ apparel, footballs, scarves, gifts, and more. The official team stores are in El Carmen, Gran Via, and Arenal, with additional official stores located in Barcelona and Mexico.

It’s a Southern Thing Lending a Hand

It’s a Southern Thing (IAST), a popular media channel and lifestyle brand that celebrates the uniquely authentic Southern experience, is doing its part to support communities across the country during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic crisis by hosting an online charity auction to benefit World Central Kitchen (WCK). It’s a Southern Thing, a brand of Red Clay Media, now reaches 62 million users nationwide, serving up relatable humor, inspirational people and compelling yarns that portray the South for the culturally rich, diverse, down-home place it is. Together with VIP Partnership Group—which works with Hollywood’s biggest studios to offer screen-used film and television memorabilia and collectibles— IAST is launching an eBay-hosted charity auction, running July 7-14, with 50% of the proceeds benefiting WCK. WCK uses the power of food to heal and strengthen communities through times of crisis and beyond. WCK has transformed the field of disaster response to help devastated communities recover and establish resilient food systems.