Less than 50 jobs were slashed at store locations, and about 100 positions were eliminated at the retailer’s Christmas Tree shops, reports CNBC. Employees who were affected were largely part of the field support team, which helps staff stores. The retailer had faced declining same-store sales for seven consecutive quarters and has cut back on newer store openings.

“We were able to reassign many of those impacted by this realignment to other available store and corporate roles, but ultimately we had to reduce our headcount,” a spokesperson for the company said in a statement, according to CNBC. “This decision was a difficult but necessary step, and we are committed to treating all associates across the organization fairly and with respect.”

CNBC reports that the company plans to replatform its website, focus on data-driven personalized marketing, improve its merchandise and develop a better operating structure.

Drew Barrymore Flower Home collection items will start at $18. The 200-plus-piece collection includes a vast array of products such as throw pillows, a pink velvet sofa, painterly ceramic vessels and a scallop-edge headboard.

“I’ve been saying I wanted to go into home and design for 20 years because it’s really where my life and my passion lies,” Barrymore tells People. “Now, finally, finally we’re here!”

“I always thought I loved flowers because of E.T.,” continues Barrymore. “I tell Stephen Spielberg I love hearts and flowers because E.T. had a big, red beating heart, and I would always bring him flowers.”

Drew Barrymore Flower Home is available at Walmart.com, Jet.com and Hayneedle.com.

Parker has teamed up with New Zealand-based Invivo Wines for two new labels, due out this summer. A Sauvignon Blanc and a rosé will be the first releases from the line.

“We want this wine to be 100 percent Sarah Jessica Parker,” says Rob Cameron, winemaker, Invivo. “So other than selecting the base wines for a Sauvignon Blanc and rosé, I’ll be taking a back seat and letting her create the blends.”

“I am a true wine lover, and I love including wine in family dinners and occasions with friends, so this is a very exciting and fun project for me,” says Parker. “I’m so looking forward to every single stage of the creation.”

Cupcake is a rescue service dog with more than 820,000 followers on Instagram.

"We are extremely excited to join hands (and paws!) with Cupcake,” says Sumedha Saraogi, director, global business, Quinces Entertainment International. “Cupcake’s Chronicles is so loved and revered in the Social Media space because of the strong positive message that she brings to the world. We are glad to be able to help Cupcake in increasing her online paw-print and introduce the world to a brand new format of their favorite Cupcake's Chronicles content–her very own YouTube Vlog channel!” 

“This agreement with Quinces will be key in growing the Cupcake’s Chronicles brand to even greater heights all over the world,” says Cathy Malatesta, president, Lawless Entertainment.

Baby accessories company Milk Snob has announced a collection featuring Cloudco Entertainment’s Care Bears. 

The Milk Snob x Care Bears collection consists of Milk Snob’s signature 5-in-1 cover and separate blanket.

“We are so excited to introduce our Milk Snob x Care Bears collection,” says Robert Prinzo, head, global licensing, Cloudco Entertainment. “This collaboration allowed us to co-create something special for both mom and baby and celebrate more than 35 years of heritage.”

The Milk Snob x Care Bears collection is on MilkSnob.com and available via retail outlets throughout the U.S. and Canada.

TF1 Licences has been appointed as licensing agent for children’s animated series “Super Wings” in France.

“The TF1 Licences teams are very happy with the relationship of trust established with Alpha right holder and marked today by the management of Super Wings' promotional rights and products,” says Marina Narishkin, director, TF1 Licences. “It is an iconic brand for very young children that enriches our youth offer. We will be committed to developing the brand's image and notoriety in France with event product releases.”
 

"We are very pleased to have developed a long-term strategic partnership with the TF1 group, which is supporting us in the development of the Super Wings brand in the TFOU box, accompanied by a large-scale digital system, and it is quite natural that we wanted to entrust the representation of licensing rights to TF1 Licences,” says Antoine Erligmann, vice president, international, media, TV & consumer products, Alpha Group. “We are convinced that TF1 Licenses, through its position as market leader, its expertise and its ability to enhance the value of the brands it represents, will enable us to accelerate the development of the brand in France.”

E-commerce furniture store Wayfair will open its first full-service retail store this fall.

The premiere Wayfair store will be at the Natick Mall in Natick, Mass., and will extend the way Wayfair customers shop for home and experience.

In addition to the Wayfair store, Wayfair will open four pop-up shops later this summer. The pop-ups will offer an immersive experience for consumers to interact with the Wayfair brand.

Visitors will be able to shop a curated selection of products for immediate, in-store purchase, including decorative accents, wall décor and seasonal pieces.

Surge Licensing has signed Good Smile Company as its strategic licensed partner for vinyl collector toy brand Thimblestump Hollow.  

A joint venture between The Good Smile Company and For Fans By Fans (formerly WeLoveFine.com) will now create an all-new line of premium collectible figures and toys, apparel and accessories all backed with a multi-event touring Thimblestump Hollow Fan Experience at major conventions throughout the U.S. 

Fans will be able to enter the world of Thimblestump Hollow at more than 20 conventions (including San Diego Comic-Con) and art shows, starting at Anime Expo in July. GSC will also be acting as the U.S. master toy and apparel partner, already launching Thimblestump product at WonderCon in Anaheim.

 “We are excited to bring the world of Thimblestump Hollow to a larger fanbase,” says Guy Brand, Good Smile Connect. “By being Thimblestump Hollow’s lead merchandiser and retail hub, we can create unique shopping experiences for all new customers.”

GSC throughout the year will be releasing new waves of blind box toys, plushies, squishies, apparel and accessories at fan cons, and later this year at specialty retail.

“Good Smile Connect is one of the most exciting and unique partners in the industry,” says Elan Freedman, vice president, Surge Licensing. “They are truly a remarkable ‘scaling’ partner, bringing Thimblestump Hollow directly to fans in the most engaging way possible. Good Smile is best known for its stunning work sculpting Japanese anime characters such as Nendroid and Figma product lines. In short, nobody knows how to build brilliant fan communities around brands the way Good Smile Connect does.”

King Features Syndicate, a division of Hearst, and Betty Boop proprietor Fleischer Studios, have announced that Toxicfox, a character personalization company in the U.K., has developed a unique line of product featuring Betty Boop.

The Betty Boop Personalized Character Collection allows users to transform their likeness into Betty Boop character art that can be printed onto items including mugs, suitcases, tote bags, apparel and more. Personalization options include hair and eye color, to facial expression, body type and outfit styles.

 “We are constantly looking for new opportunities and categories that will grow and enrich consumers’ brand experiences,” says Carla Silva, vice president and general manager, global head, licensing, King Features. “And Toxicfox’s innovative approach to personalized character products and utilization of new technology presents fans with an entirely new way to engage with Betty Boop.”

“We’re thrilled to be working with such a beloved and influential character,” says Clinton Njie, director, Toxicfox. “Betty Boop is a true icon, and we’re delighted to have created a full slate of products which places her fans at the heart of the brand experience.”

The Betty Boop Personalized Character Collection is available in the U.K. and Ireland at Toxicfox.co.uk and will come to the U.S this fall.

The campaign will run through April 24 and offer branded “Masha” display stands across 150 stores as well as meet-and-greet events with costume characters.

“‘Masha and the Bear’ and The Entertainer have had a close and fruitful collaboration since the range first launched in 2016, and this latest campaign marks the fourth in a string of successful campaigns,” says Mayur Pattni, U.K. marketing manager, Siso Toys U.K. “In September 2018, sales of ‘Masha and the Bear’ toys doubled at The Entertainer stores as a result of our autumn winter in-store activation, and we’re excited to replicate this success with this latest campaign.”

“‘Masha and the Bear’ is a well-loved property with some great content that children enjoy,” says Rebecca Naish, head, marketing and licensing, The Entertainer. “Animaccord have been a great partner over the last couple of years, and we are excited to be working together to bring Masha and the Bear to life in-store and online again this Easter.”