New Product Toys
Kess Launches Its First Collectibles, Love Em’s
Kess, a third-generation toy and game company dedicated to reinventing classic toys, announced the retail launch of its first collectible toy, Love Em’s. Made with proprietary Drop Dot material and slow-rising foam, series one  will roll onto store shelves nationwide beginning early May 2019 with characters such as a unicorn, cactus, puppy, and pineapple.   “The retail launch of Love Em’s is an exciting step for Kess,” said Alex Kessler,…
cobra-kai
Licensing
Sony Kicks Cobra Kai Season 2 Product Line into Gear
The next season of the hit YouTube Premium series Cobra Kai airs April 24. In preparation, Sony Pictures Consumer Products (SPCP) has unveiled a multi-category licensing program. Spencer’s Collab Spencer’s will serve as the exclusive brick-and-mortar hub for all Cobra Kai needs in the U.S. and Canada. Select products arrived in Spencer’s stores on April 22. Featuring a roster of licensees and first-ever product categories, the newly reimagined franchise will allow fans…
wish-me-zoonicorns-expands-at-retail
Licensing Toys
Wish Me Zoonicorns Expands at Retail, Abroad
After a successful e-commerce launch of plush by Jay@Play through DTR advertising, Zoonicorn announced its interactive Wish Me Zoonicorn will soon be available through additional retailers nationwide.   Amazon, Target, Meijer, Walmart, Cracker Barrel, and other retail locations will carry the line nationwide beginning this fall.   The Zoonicorn Booth will be #A134, and Jay@Play will be located in Booth #L194 at the Licensing Expo, June 4-6, Mandalay Bay Las…
tetris-hello-kitty
Licensing New Product
Tetris Goes Kawaii with Hello Kitty
Sanrio and Tetris announced a multi-year partnership to collaborate on games and merchandise.   Their first entry brings Tetris and many of the Sanrio characters together in a new online game set to debut June 3. In addition, the companies will introduce a new co-branded style guide at Licensing Expo, June 4-6 in Las Vegas, which will be available for interested licensees worldwide, in categories such as apparel, cosmetics, stationery…
Entertainment News
The Build-Up Continues: Minecraft Movie Sets Date for 2020
The Minecraft movie has officially set a premiere date.   On March 4, 2022, the film will become a reality. Fans have anxiously awaited the announcement since production was first announced in 2014. Dates have previously been tossed out since Warner Bros. acquired the rights to the film in 2014—around the same time Minecraft creator Mojang was acquired by Microsoft. It’s original release date had been set for May 24,…