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AUTHENTIC BRANDS SIGN LONG-TERM AGREEMENT FOR CHINA, HONG KONG, MACAU AND TAIWAN
Authentic Brands Group has announced the signing of a long-term license agreement with Tristate Holdings Limited, a longstanding ABG partner and recognized global leader of premium brands, to become the core licensee and operator for Reebok in China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. With the Reebok agreement, ABG expands its current relationship with Tristate, who is the operator for other key ABG-owned brands including Nautica and Spyder. Tristate will take on the Reebok branded retail stores, e-commerce operations and wholesale distribution in China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. The license includes footwear for men, women and kids as well as sportswear, outerwear and activewear for men, women and kids. “We are thrilled to build on our longstanding relationship with ABG,” said Peter Wang, Chairman and CEO of Tristate. “Reebok is a highly sought-after brand, and we are confident in its direction under ABG’s ownership and strategic development worldwide. We look forward to bringing Reebok, a brand with incredible heritage and strength, into our 35-plus years’ experience of managing premium brands in the region.” “Having worked together for several years, we have established a trusted relationship with Tristate and are thrilled to continue our joint success as they take on the role of Reebok operator within Greater China,” said Jamie Salter, Founder and Chairman of ABG. “Securing an expert operating partner in the region has been a strategic focus in order to solidify the brand’s position within this crucial market.” The agreement becomes effective upon the completed transfer of ownership of the Reebok brand from adidas to ABG. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2022.
SUSTAINABILITY AWARD ADDED TO B&LLAS
The new accolade will recognise and reward the sustainable credentials of a brand licensed product or range. Entries can be for a single product or range, of any type. It can involve collaborations, but a brand license (non-entertainment) has to be part of this. The product or range must have been on sale or visible in the UK between 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021, though it can have had a presence elsewhere in the world, too. Products/ ranges can be entered into this award as well as into another category. Like the other B&LLAs 2022 categories, entry for The Sustainability Brand Licensed Range is completely free of charge. The Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards 2022 will take place on Wednesday 27 April at an afternoon event at the Hilton Park Lane, London.
ANIMAL PLANET EXPANDS
IPR Licensing and Animal Planet UK, a member of the Discovery, Inc. family of brands, have recently announced an expanded licensing partnership in the UK. The expansion includes six new partners to IPR’s licensing roster. The new apparel licensing partners include product ranges across adults, kids and baby sustainable apparel from Poetic Brands with exclusive retail collections in development for 2022, complemented with hosiery from Roy Lowe & Sons. Additionally, Crackerjack will launch a natural beauty, bath and gift product line. A new deal with Danilo includes a 100% recycled and recyclable greeting cards range and wrap. Assured Products have launched a range of pet hygiene products for domesticated animals and family pets. Benross will launch a line of projectors, torches and lighting, plus a playful pet grooming range including hair dryers for pets and grooming tables. These new partners join existing licensees Biobuddi, DC Thomson, Mojo Fun and Prime 3D covering UK consumers the chance to explore the world of animals. Tina-Louise Foster at IPR Licensing, commented “Animal Planet is a much-loved brand with a mission to engage and excite audiences who are passionate about wildlife and protecting wild spaces through compelling storytelling. The ranges being developed by these new licensees will do just that, with every product telling a story.” Ian Woods, SVP International Consumer Products at Discovery added “We are thrilled to welcome these new partners to the Animal Planet UK licensing programme. We know that families will love the innovative ranges and the products will inspire children to discover more about the animals and the world we share.”
adidas and Arsenal have recently launched a collection in collaboration with Transport for London (TfL) to celebrate the historic connection between the football club and the London Underground. The range, now available, celebrates Arsenal station – the only Underground station to be named after a football club, following its change from Gillespie Road in 1932. This came after lobbying from visionary manager Herbert Chapman, who wanted to make it much easier for supporters to instantly know how to get to see the team and to cement the identity of the club into the local area. The collection is inspired by the seat pattern or “moquette” which appears on the Piccadilly line trains that run through Arsenal Tube station and the bold and disruptive all over print is seen on the prematch jersey and warm top, which the players will wear to warm up in ahead of games between now and the end of the season. There are five pieces in the range which also includes a youth jersey – matching the adult shirts - as well as a reversible padded vest and pants – both of which have navy base colour, and subtle Arsenal tube station sign off. Warren Macdonald, Area Manager of Arsenal station on the Piccadilly line, said: “It’s fantastic that adidas and Arsenal have teamed up with Transport for London for this new pre-match range which reflects the story of Arsenal Tube station and the Piccadilly line moquette. “Arsenal station has had a deep relationship with the football club for almost 90 years and there is nothing quite like the atmosphere and excitement on a match day. I look forward to seeing fans passing through the station wearing this eye-catching new pre-match range on their way to and from the stadium.” As part of the campaign, adidas has also teamed up with London-based artist and Arsenal fan Reuben Dangoor to create and design a special, limited-edition Oyster card. Consumers can have the chance of claiming the card, which is pre-loaded with £15, by purchasing an article in the range via the adidas app. There is also a chance to win one via a first-come-first-served free to enter opportunity to adidas Creator Club members. Reuben Dangoor, artist and Arsenal fan, said: “Arsenal is the only football club to have a tube stop named after it. Originally known as Gillespie Road, it was renamed in 1932, as the stop ran close to the former ground; Highbury. The Finsbury Park stop is also the most frequently used by match day fans travelling to The Emirates Stadium. “To celebrate this link, I wanted to depict the old and new stations – from 1932 to 2022 and I’m hoping fans really like the product range and the Oyster card I’ve created.” “Jo Edwards, Global Head of Licensing, TSBA Group said: “We are delighted to have partnered with adidas and Arsenal to bring this collaboration with the TfL brand to life. Using the moquette seat pattern from the Piccadilly line as the focal point of the apparel collection, it resonates perfectly with Arsenal – both the football club and the tube station – and showcases the versatility of TfL’s brand and creative assets to create stand-out product. We look forward to seeing it being worn by players and fans at upcoming Arsenal matches.” “Julie Dixon, Head of Customer Information, Design & Partnerships at Transport for London (TfL) said: “It’s been great to collaborate with adidas and Arsenal on this new pre-match range, which reflects our iconic Piccadilly line moquette. Arsenal Tube station has had a deep relationship with the football club for almost 90 years and for staff and fans alike - there is nothing quite like the atmosphere and excitement on a match day. We look forward to seeing fans around the world wearing this eye-catching new prematch range.”
HUNTER INTRODUCES KILLING EVE LINE
Launching February 2022, Hunter are introducing a new capsule collection in collaboration with BBC Americas and Sid Gentle Films BAFTA, Emmy and Golden Globe-winning television series Killing Eve, inspired by the spirit of the show and its iconic style moments, in a partnership facilitated by IMG. A global phenomenon, Killing Eve is broadcast to more than 140 countries. The limited-edition capsule features two new designs for the brand, The Hunting is a mid-calf style boot available in Black and Olive and The Chasing is a knee-high style, available in black, olive and camel colourways. The designs marry style with functionality and have been crafted to embrace the outdoors and exploration of the unknown – reinterpreting the tough, daring and bold themes of the show to create something that could be worn in its cinematic world.
LINE OF BATH AND BODY CARE FOR ANNE KLEIN
WHP recently announced that it has entered into a long-term licensing agreement with A. P. Deauville to launch a line of bath and body care products for the Anne Klein brand. With product shipping shortly, Anne Klein Bath & Body products will be carried in select department stores, e-commerce and specialty retailers throughout the United States and Canada. “With self-care at an all-time high, we are thrilled to be partnering with A.P. Deauville to bring to life an elevated bath and body collection for the Anne Klein brand in one of the highest growth sectors of the beauty market,” said Stanley Silverstein, Chief Commercial Officer at WHP Global, owner of the Anne Klein brand. “As we kick off the new year, we remain committed to expanding Anne Klein’s product assortment and offering customers a new way to experience and incorporate this timeless brand into their everyday lives.” Anne Klein’s Bath & Body collection features a full line of women’s bath, body care and spa products including a range of restorative body washes, exfoliating scrub and lotions, radiant face cream and cleanser, liquid hand soap, calming bubble bath, and more. “We are excited to partner with WHP to bring a new and significant category to the iconic Anne Klein brand, which serves the needs of millions of women around the world through timeless, elegant style,” said Fred Horowitz, Chairman & CEO at A.P. Deauville. “With the addition of personal care products, Anne Klein can further empower its customer whether they are starting or ending their day with a restorative and nourishing experience that only the Anne Klein Bath & Body line can offer.” Anne Klein is an iconic legacy women’s fashion brand founded in 1968, serving women around the world with classic American style. The brand’s namesake, Anne Klein herself, formed the brand to create elegant sportswear for women and revolutionize the way that women think about and buy clothing. Now owned by WHP Global, the Anne Klein brand continues to outfit the women who make an impact on the world, with products being sold throughout North America and China. WHP Global is a leading New York based firm that acquires global consumer brands and invests in high-growth distribution channels including digital commerce platforms and global expansion. WHP owns Anne Klein, Joseph Abboud, Joe’s Jeans, William Rast, Lotto, Toys R Us, Babies R Us, Geoffrey the Giraffe and more than 20 additional consumer brands in the toy and baby categories. Collectively the brands generate approximately $4 billion in global retail sales. The company also owns WHP+, a turnkey direct to consumer digital e-commerce platform for brands, with full in-house operations including technology, data analytics, logistics, creative and digital marketing and WHP Solutions, a sourcing agency based in Asia.
NEW KODAK LICENSE IN INDIA
Bengaluru-based leading accessories maker Georgian Enterprises has announced its licensing partnership with Kodak for the Indian market with two new Magnetic wireless chargers compatible with Apple’s iPhone 12 & 13 series. The new Magnetic compatible wireless chargers cater to those needing high-speed wire-free charging while at home, office or on the road. Excited over the new partnership with Kodak and its debut into the accessory market, Ajesh George, MD at Georgian Enterprises said, “We are very happy with our new licensing partnership with Kodak and moving ahead, we are confident to grow multifold into the premium smartphone accessories market. Kodak is one of the world’s most trusted brands and through this partnership with Kodak we will be able to utilize our strong expertise and relationships within the mobile accessories industry to ensure that every product meets the incredibly high standard that Kodak is known for and benefits the Indian consumer. Along with the new Kodak Magnetic Chargers, there will be many more exciting offerings in the weeks and months to come ahead. The new Kodak Magnetic Wireless Chargers are well suited for those who intend making work from home convenient or are seeking comfortable smartphone use whilst traveling.” The partnership was facilitated by Indian brand licensing agency LicenseWorks. Rishabh Singla, Managing Partner at LicenseWorks commented, “Kodak is an iconic brand that consumers know and trust, this is a win-win partnership. We believe there is a significant opportunity for manufacturers and retailers to tap into the brand equity and worldwide exposure of the brand and we are evaluating bringing more Kodak products for Indian consumers.” “We are excited to announce this licensing agreement with Georgian Enterprises to further expand Kodak’s consumer electronics presence in the Indian market,” said Clara Fort, Vice President of Global Brand Licensing for Kodak.
NEW FRIDA KAHLO GIFT LINES AT SPRING FAIR
Barcelona based Art Ask Agency report that the Frida Kahlo licensing program continues to grow and they are pleased to announce the launch of the newly developed food gifting lines by UK licensee Infinity Brands at Spring Fair. The first launch includes four biscuit food gift packs, with innovative flavours and six different boxes of chocolates, all decorated with Frida Kahlo assets. In addition to these SKU’s, new lines of gift tins filled with hot chocolate, teas and biscuits will be launched in the next few months. “We are very much looking forward to launching our new range of beautiful Frida Kahlo biscuits and chocolates at Spring Fair. We have beautiful biscuit gifts filled with indulgent pure butter biscuits including Eton Mess and Chocolate & Rose. Our chocolate range includes luxurious sea salt & caramel fudge, dark chocolate ginger and milk chocolate almonds,”commented Darren Rickless, Managing Director Infinity Brands. “There is good interest from buyers at department stores, garden centres and gift stores for these lines. Comfort items married with the “love yourself” values of the Frida Kahlo license. A perfect match,” continued Maria Strid, Owner Art Ask Agency. Further Frida Kahlo licensees exhibiting at this edition of Spring Fair are Sass & Belle, Talking Tables, Temerity Jones (Sifcon), Flame Tree Publishing, Customworks Ltd, Socksmith and Signare, giving the Frida Kahlo license good visibility at this key tradeshow.
LGBT+ HISTORY MONTH COMES TO NATIONAL MUSEUMS LIVERPOOL
This February, National Museums Liverpool (NML) are marking LGBT+ History Month with a range of events, activities and new online content – exploring the untold stories of LGBT+ people across the Liverpool City region and beyond. With events ranging from a panel discussion exploring religion and LGBT+ lives, to interactive story time sessions for families with the fabulous Mama G, National Museums Liverpool aim to highlight key issues and stories from across the LGBT+ community. The programme of events includes Queer Creatives: Art and Activism – featuring three local creatives who use their work to amplify the voices of LGBT+ people. The work of one of these artists, Ben Youdan, was recently targeted in Liverpool City Centre as part of a recent spate of homophobic and transphobic incidents across the city. Meanwhile, the Christianity and LGBT+ Lives panel discussion will showcase a range of life experiences from LGBT+ Christians. The LGBT+ Histories hub on the NML website gives visitors the chance to delve into insightful interviews, opinion pieces, art history and hidden stories – from an interview with Police Officer Christian Owens about his experience of transitioning whilst working in the Police force, to the hidden histories of gay seafarers and sexuality in the ancient world. Claire Benjamin, Head of Learning and Participation at National Museums Liverpool, said: “Liverpool’s LGBT+ history is long and diverse – the city has been at the epicentre of some of the most important leaps forward in the struggle for LGBT+ rights, including the first legal same sex marriage in a place of worship in 2012. Despite landmark moments such as these, there is of course still progress to be made and the city is still reeling from a series of homophobic and transphobic attacks in 2021.” “We are so excited to be able to showcase a series of contributions from members of Liverpool’s LGBT+ community, responding artistically to the important people, places, and events in their lives. From the links between religion and sexuality in one of our live panel discussions to exciting new online content, we hope that everybody can find something to inspire them throughout February.”
SOCCER COLLABORATION FOR BOB MARLEY
Bohemian Football Club (Bohemian FC), in collaboration with the Bob Marley family and Bravado, Universal Music Group’s leading global merchandise division, recently announced the release of the Irish club’s 2022 away jersey. 100% fan-owned, Ireland’s oldest football club, Bohemian FC, pay tribute to Bob’s last ever outdoor concert, which took place in the club’s stadium, Dalymount Park, on July 6th, 1980. Bringing together two of people’s greatest loves, music and sport, the one-off jersey pays homage to ‘An Afternoon in the Park’, the famed Marley Dalymount concert, in its design. Featuring red, yellow and green details on the front, as well as the rear neck and sleeve trims, and an embroidered hem tag of the original concert ticket on the lower front – the exclusive shirt is available for pre-order now at www.marley-bohemianfc.com . Ten percent (10%) of the profits from the shirt will be used by Bohemian Football Club to purchase musical instruments and football equipment to provide to people in Asylum Centres across Ireland. This will be done in conjunction with club partners ‘Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland’ (MASI). Promoted and booked by the legendary, Pat Egan, it is reported that on the night of the famous concert, Bob affirmed his solidarity with Ireland from the stage. Correspondence from the weeks before the event state that ‘Bob Marley is very concerned over the ticket prices….he does not want them to be too high’. This resulted in a reduction in pricing prior to the concert being confirmed. Daniel Lambert, Bohemian FC, COO: “It brings me enormous joy to unveil this jersey today following years of work on the idea. The Marley concert at Dalymount is one of Ireland’s truly special musical events, his only ever Irish show and, sadly, his last ever outdoor one. His love of football is widely known to all, and that he played on our famous pitch before the concert, the same turf that some of the world’s best players have graced such as Pele, Best and Zidane is amazing.” Pat Egan, 1980 Concert Booker/Promoter: “I think this is a brilliant thing in terms of the memories of the day, the first major worldwide star to play an open air gig in Ireland. It will be an iconic shirt and help keep the Marley legend alive and well on our island. The day itself, to see him on stage in the stadium, with the huge church steeple in the background was out of this world.” Lucky Khambule, MASI Representative: “We at the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland are delighted to be part of this project with Bohemian FC. People in the Asylum system face many difficulties and being able to enjoy sport and music can truly brighten up days for adults and children alike.
ARTISTORY APPOINTS MARKETTCOM TO COVER UAE AND SAUDI ARABIA
Specialist in art and cultural licensing, Artistory continues to expand its global operation with the appointment of Markettcom agency. There is growing appetite for Western museums in the UAE following the opening of the Louvre in Abu Dhabi and the forthcoming Guggenheim opening in Abu Dhabi, which is scheduled for 2025. Markettcom will represent Artistory in the UAE and Saudi Arabia to work across licensing, LBE and estate development, to gain early entry into this expanding market. The addition of Markettcom gives Artistory representation in this new territory as well as in the UK, France, Spain, Italy, Benelux, Russia, North America, China, Singapore, S. Korea, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand. Markettcom is a media and licensing agency headquartered in Dubai with offices in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Lebanon, and Turkey, working closely with their partners and clients to grow their brand awareness and licensing business in the MENA region. “I’m excited about the new partnership with Artistory,” Amer Bitar, CEO at Markettcom Limited comments. “We are very pleased with our new licensing partnership with Artistory, and we are confident we can grow the art licensing market in the Middle East. Artistory is an artistic content creator, and we will be able to utilise our strong expertise and relationships within the licensing and retail industry in the Middle East to introduce great innovative designs in that growing market.” We’re thrilled to be working with Markettcom. It’s the perfect time for us to be expanding Artistory’s business in UAE and Saudi Arabia and with Amer’s background in art history, and extensive licensing experience, we couldn’t have found a better partner” commented Natasha Dyson, co-founder and licensing director at Artistory.
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LMA TO MANAGE SWEETHEARTS LICENSING PROGRAM
Sweethearts, the candy brand that has become synonymous with Valentine’s Day, recently announced a new licensing program to roll out during 2022. The licensing program is managed by Lisa Marks Associates (LMA), the long-term Licensing Agency for Spangler Candy Brands, owner of the Sweethearts brand. Sweethearts has joined forces with Crocs, Inc and Froot Loops to create co-branded items. Crocs will offer shoe styles for toddlers, kids and adults showcasing Sweethearts’ signature designs. The shoes and assortment of Sweethearts Crocs Jibbitz charms will be available at Footlocker, Shoe Palace, Finish Line, Champs, Eastbay and others as well as on the Crocs website and in Crocs stores and outlets. Froot Loops, has created new Froot Loops Sweethearts “Spread Love” Edition cereal. Froot Loops will deviate from its standard form, taking on heart-shaped cereal pieces with the classic Froot Loops flavor. The special edition will be distributed broadly at retail in leading mass and grocery stores starting this January. “Partnering with Sweethearts for Valentine’s Day is a natural fit for Froot Loops. Few things evoke nostalgia and delight like Sweethearts does. We hope that when customers try a bowl of the ‘Spread Love’ collaboration between Froot Loops and Sweethearts, the heartshaped cereal creates shared moments of joy,” said Laura Newman, Sr. Director of Brand Marketing for Kellogg Company. Other licensing partnerships will be announced throughout the year including collaborations with Centric Beauty, American Marketing Enterprises, Briefly Stated, Dan Dee, MTB, Bentex, Suburban Riot and Zuru. “For the past 15 years, we’ve been honored to work with the fabulous team at Spangler Candy Company, and most recently have been thrilled to develop the licensing program for the iconic and beloved Sweethearts brand, along with Dum-Dums and Necco,” said Lisa Marks, President of LMA. “The latest Sweethearts partnerships reflect the power of the brand as the original and authentic heart-shaped Valentine’s Candy, a 100+ year old classic American brand with multi-generational appeal and ubiquitous awareness.” “Our latest licensing program in conjunction with Lisa Marks Associates may be my favorite yet. It’s whimsical and embodies the spirit of Sweethearts in a very modern, relevant way. We look forward to exploring new ways for the brand to evolve with LMA,” said Evan Brock, Director of Marketing for Spangler Candy.
LICENSING INTERNATIONAL MENTORING PROGRAM
In honor of National Mentoring Month, Licensing International and their sponsor Octane5 have recently announced the licensing industry’s first ever global mentoring program, aimed at bringing the expertise of global industry veterans to young professionals. With an initial focus on regions including the United States, UK, France, Germany, Japan and China industry professionals and Licensing International members can now sign up to join the program directly at LicensingInternational.org. Following sign up, participants will be matched up by Licensing International with their mentor or mentee through the program. Licensing International’s new program will allow mentees to build skills and knowledge while working toward attaining career goals. At the same time, it will provide an opportunity for mentors to further enhance skills and knowledge areas through exposure to fresh perspectives. Most importantly, the Licensing International Mentoring Program aims to bring value and career growth to licensing experts of all levels across a multitude of businesses and categories. Participating mentees will have an opportunity to gain wisdom from an experienced professional, while mentors have the chance to invest in an up-and-coming professional who can benefit from their skilled guidance. “Knowledge sharing and mentoring are such powerful tools that have the potential to transform lives, and so we knew as industry leaders we wanted to create a platform to encourage just that,” said Maura Regan, President of Licensing International. “Our mentorship program will not only build meaningful connections between longstanding professionals and young newcomers, but also offer important opportunities for growth and development.” “When we connected with Licensing International to sponsor the upcoming mentorship program, we were delighted to be able to facilitate connections between professionals in our industry,” said Mike Dunn, Co-Founder and President Octane5. “Partnering with Licensing International allows us to offer a space where professionals new and old can form working relationships that otherwise wouldn’t be possible.”
PANINI PREMIER LEAGUE
Panini is off to a flying start with its Premier League 2022 sticker collection. The company is reporting that its online store sold out ‘in a matter of days’ and demand for the 2022 collection has been ‘unprecedented’ with sales considerably up year on year. Support from retail has been strong and Panini is already going back to production to print more. The collection features all 20 Premier League clubs, as well as legends and next generation stars. The starter pack, includes a sticker album and four sticker packs. Additional sticker packs are available. In addition, for the first time there is also a full digital version of the collection, which is available on the MyPanini Digital Collection app.
