April 6, 2018
Dualstar Consumer Products launched the mary-kateandashley brand exclusively in all 92 Wal-Mart stores in Germany. The move is the largest single product launch in Wal-Mart Germany's history. Wal-Mart Germany will launch the European-inspired designs from the brand for toddlers and young girls ages 2 to 8 and 'tweens/teens/juniors ages 10 and up with a target of ages 10 to 16. The mary-kateandashley brand also offers lifestyle and entertainment products for girls of all ages. Future plans include a launch in Japan later in the year. The fashion and lifestyle brand also will appear on the pages of OTTO in August, one of Germany's largest mail-order groups.
Arthur Takes Over CFO Post at TRU
Raymond Arthur will succeed the retiring Louis Libschitz as CFO of Toys "R" Us. Arthur has been with the company six years and was named president of Toysrus.com in 2002.
Nick News
Upper Deck will began shipping its first-ever Nickelodeon collectible trading card set
MeadWestvaco Inks Deal with Engelbreit
MeadWestvaco will collaborate with Mary Engelbreit on a line of social stationery including the brand's treasured and timeless illustrations, from the line of "Mary Engelbreit Classics" including Mary's alter ego character, Ann Estelle, to fresh new designs. Fashion tablets with envelopes, notecards, journals, address books, magnetic memo pads, memo trays, thank you notes, chalkboards, mugs, and nesting boxes will be showcased at the National Stationery Show in May.
Ohio Art to Distribute Magna Doodle Line
The Ohio Art Co. will market Magna Doodle products worldwide with the exception of Japan and Korea as part of a new deal with Pilot Pen Corporation of America. Magna Doodle joins Ohio Art's other classic drawing brand, Etch A Sketch. Magna Doodle recently celebrated its 25th anniversary with nearly 68 million units sold since its introduction in 1978.
Creative Brands Group Signs on Surfer
Creative Brands Group Inc. signed on to represent Hawaiian teenage surfer Bethany Hamilton for all future publishing and licensing opportunities. Hamilton began her surfing career at 11 only to have her arm severed in a shark attack two years later. Hamilton has chosen to use her experience to help others overcome adversity and partnered with CBG, "a team that shares her vision for inspirational and message-based products," says Roy Hofstetter, business manager for Hamilton.
Who's Tops on the Street?
Sesame Workshop continues to support its 35th anniversary celebration with a sweepstakes from June through October where fans can vote for their favorite Sesame Street Muppet. Winners will receive that character's themed prize, all donated by Sesame Street sponsors and licensees. Entry forms are available at www.sesamestreet.com/35. Participants will get to see which characters are leading the voting competition, with live results available on the site. Six winners in the U.S. and three in Canada will be randomly chosen, and each will receive one of the donated prize packages themed around Elmo, Grover, Bert & Ernie, Oscar, Cookie Monster, and Big Bird.
Enesco Founder Honored
Eugene Freedman, founding chairman of Enesco, received the Herbert Hoover Humanitarian Award from Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). The award recognizes outstanding leadership and support for educational and youth development programs, especially for boys and girls from disadvantaged circumstances. Previous recipients of the award include President Dwight D. Eisenhower, President George H. W. Bush, General Colin Powell, and the Honorable Jack Kemp.
Course Offered by Nonprofit Insiders
A team of nonprofit experts, including Michelle Alfandari, president of MODA International Marketing and Licensing, will lead "Licensing for Nonprofits" on Thursday, June 17, at The Yale Club. The course is designed to benefit the novice and experienced by providing an insider's view of the licensing industry, a structured program for assessing licensing potential, and critical advice on developing or expanding a licensing program. Registration is $595; more information is available at www.causemarketingforum.com or at (866) 205-8480.
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