The Material Girl apparel collection, designed by Madonna and her daughter Lourdes, will roll out to approximately 200 Macy’s stores and www.macys.com in August in time for back-to-school. Additional categories will also launch, including footwear, handbags and jewelry, as well as a fragrance in 2011. The line will retail from $12 to $40.

The direct-to-retail deal with Macy’s includes the option to launch additional brands with MG Icon.

“We believe that Material Girl will be a dynamic exclusive brand for Macy’s and we look forward to working with Madonna, Lourdes and the Iconix team,” says Jeff Gennette, Macy’s chief merchandising officer. “Madonna is a fashion icon who can bring a new dimension to our juniors customer. Material Girl will enhance the excitement of fast fashion at Macy’s.”

In the joint-venture deal between Iconix and Madonna, MG Icon will develop and seek out business opportunities in the U.S. and worldwide, including the creation and acquisition of brands. MG Icon will be 50 percent owned by Iconix and 50 percent owned by an entity controlled by Madonna and Guy Oseary.

“Madonna is a legend in the world of music, fashion and entertainment and now with her deep involvement in MG Icon we will be able to leverage her vision into consumer products globally,” says Neil Cole, chief executive officer and chairman of Iconix Brand Group. “Our strategy is to introduce brands formed through the joint venture in multiple countries and organically expand worldwide.”

Iconix Brand Group consumer brands include Candie’s, Bongo, Badgley Mischka, Joe Boxer, Rampage, Mudd, London Fog, Roca Wear and Starter. The company also owns an interest in the Artful Dodger, Ed Hardy, Ecko, Marc Ecko and Zoo York brands.

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In addition, the partnership gives Simon & Schuster worldwide rights to a non-fiction title by Duff about the challenges children face when parents divorce. The book will be available in spring 2012.

“Hilary Duff is a multi-talented international sensation and we are positive her leap into young adult books will be an incredible success,” says Justin Chanda, vice president and publisher of Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. “‘Elixir’ is a smart, unique page-turner, and we are thrilled to be able to give Hilary’s fans the opportunity to connect with her in an entirely new way.”
The deal was brokered by Rob Weisbach Creative Management on behalf of Duff.

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TCNE will be responsible for product licensing and home entertainment for “Total Drama Island,” “Total Drama Action,” “Total Drama World Tour” and “Total Drama Season 4.”

“Total Drama Island” became Cake’s best-selling property of 2008 and the most-watched program on Cartoon Network by 11 to 16 year olds. Three 26-episode seasons have now been produced with each season supported by unique multiplatform games, a Web site and competitions that are all tied into weekly episodes.

“‘Total Drama’ has an authentic and compelling cast, extremely hilarious challenges and off-screen multiplatform elements where tweens can get more involved,” says Jason Rice, director of licensing (Russia, Africa, the Middle East and Israel) and live events for TCNE. “We’re thrilled to be developing an innovative merchandise program focusing initially on soft lines, publishing, DVD and promotions targeting boys and girls ages 8 to 13 years.”

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Twentieth Century Fox, Walt Disney Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Universal Pictures and Warner Bros. have signed on to offer their high-definition movies for purchase and rental on the Playstation Network. Content will first be available in the U.S., followed by launches in the U.K., France, Germany and Spain.

“Securing high-definition content from these studios is another significant milestone further validating Playstation Network as a complete entertainment network in the home,” says Peter Dille, senior vice president of marketing and Playstation Network for SCEA. “Playstation Network is the first and only service to deliver high-definition home entertainment from all six major studios, directly to consumers for download. Playstation Network continues to offer the most comprehensive catalog of HD movies to Playstation Network members that realize the wide-ranging entertainment power of the PS3 system.”

Titles already available include Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, Up, G-Force, Star Trek, District 9, Inglourious Basterds, Couples Retreats, The Hangover and Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.

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The deal will see products featuring CN’s Adult Swim series “Aqua Teen Hunger Force,” “Robot Chicken,” “Metalocalypse,” “The Venture Bros.,” “Freaknik,” “Squidbillies” and “The Drinky Crow Show.”

“This licensing deal with Cartoon Network represents a lot of ‘firsts’ for MusicSkins—our first network TV deal, our first animation artwork licensing and our first foray into a new market sector, the adult television-viewing audience,” says Jed Seifert, MusicSkins’ executive vice president. “Adult Swim already has a dedicated fan base in the 18 to 34 age bracket. We’ll be offering the first—and only—skins that feature the cool characters and scenes from all of their favorite programs.”

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The Licensing University runs from June 6 to 9 and includes a free keynote session held on June 8, the opening of Licensing International Expo in Las Vegas. The conference program will kick off with a pre-show state-of-retail session and tour led by Carol Speickerman, a Bentonville, Ariz.-based retail consultant. Program highlights will include getting a brand ready for licensing, retail strategies beyond the top 10, new property introductions, using demographic trends to grow licensing business and deal structures in the interactive gaming and mobile world.

“Licensing University 2010 is our most diverse conference program to date, with many sessions focusing on emerging trends and business opportunities that the licensing community needs to understand in order to grow and thrive,” says Charles Riotto, president of LIMA. “Whether you’re new to licensing or a veteran licensee or licensor, retailer or manufacturer, there are sessions tailored to your needs, many of which are eligible for credit under our Certificate of Licensing Studies program.”

For a complete session listing of Licensing University 2010, visit university.licensingexpo.com. Contact Christina Attardo for more information at cattardo@licensing.org or call 646-744-3741.

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Hybrid Apparel is currently testing BSA-branded men’s, women’s and children’s apparel at 20 Target stores. If successful, the line will launch nationally at Target. Hybrid’s other retail partners include Walmart and Kmart.

This spring, Walmart will offer personalized fleece blankets from Manual Woodworkers and Weavers, where customers can visit an in-store photography kiosk and customize the product with Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Eagle Scouts designs, as well as with personal photos.

In addition, Camfour is producing a special-edition Ruger 22 rifle to roll out this spring at independent sporting goods and specialty stores, as well as Bass Pro Shops and Cabella’s.

Other partners include:

• Lladro for a 9-inch by 4-inch collectible “Classic Scout” porcelain figure, featuring illustrations by Norman Rockwell and the uniform worn in the 1970s (available now at Lladro Boutiques, www.lladro.com and select retail stores)
• W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery for six pocketknives, featuring the BSA logo on the handle and steel blade (April)
• Taylor Brands for the Schrade Old Timer and Schrade Uncle Henry pocketknife collection in a variety of styles, including collector’s tin (available now at specialty stores, mass market, regional chain and national chains)
• Sykel Enterprises for a 48-inch by 60-inch fabric print (available now at Walmart, Mary Jo’s Cloth and Hancock Fabric, as well as fabric stores and online)

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A number of new international product deals have been signed by NVCP.

In the U.K., NVCP has added Lightbody Celebration Cakes for live-action series “iCarly.” Following an initial launch at ASDA, the cakes are now hitting major U.K. supermarkets. Themed lunchware from DNC is also arriving at ASDA, followed by other retailers this spring.

Other deals include Compagnie Européenne des Parfums for Dora the Explorer bath products, including shower gel and shampoo in France (now through end of 2011); and Tex-Ass for SpongeBob SquarePants boxer shorts in Austria, Germany and Switzerland (July).

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“‘Mr Men and Little Miss’ continues to be a hit on television, the Web and now on iPhone and we are thrilled to work with AT New Media to take the brand into the exciting world of gaming and interactive platforms to expand the fans’ opportunities to have fun with these beloved characters,” says Bettina Koeckler, senior vice president of licensing at Chorion, EMEA.

Mr Men and Little Miss recently released their first iPhone and iPod touch apps, scrolling books from Scrollmotion.

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The cookware collection, retailing from $19.99 to $34.99, features a cast-iron comal and reversible skillet, an aluminum paella pan, an 8-quart stock pot and 3.4-quart and 5.5-quart calderos.

“We are thrilled to partner with Ingrid on a line of cookware that captures her youthful attitude and colorful personality,” says Greg Cairo, division president, Groupe SEB USA, parent company of T-fal. “The Simply Delicioso collection brings Ingrid’s Latin passion for food and entertaining to a broader audience eager to introduce new flavor to their kitchens.”

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The latest partners include:

• Cra-Z-Art for art kits, including paint-by-number, pencil-by-number, fuzzy posters, craft kits, paints, pencils and a full line of art supplies (specialty and mass retailers)
• The Mountain for T-shirts, tank tops and dresses (specialty, mid-tier, department stores and mass)
• Saturday Knight Limited for home décor panels, curtains and bath towels, rugs and accessories (mid-tier, department stores and mass)
• KNG America for accent light boxes, lamps, home décor items and lenticular back-lit wall art (large retailers and specialty stores)
• Joanna Sheen for international distribution of CDs for paper crafts, scrapbooking and card making, featuring Thomas Kinkade images (online, TV infomercials, specialty and craft stores)
• International Greetings for paper and stationery products for fundraising activities (fundraising channels)
• Icon Shoes for shoes, handbags and small leather goods (mid-tier and department stores)
• Sherwood Brands for seasonal gift sets, baskets and containers (specialty, mid-tier, department stores and mass)

The new products are expected to be available this summer for some of the licensees. Others will be in stores by holiday 2010, as well as some later launches in 2011.

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The new footwear range is an expansion of Marvel’s relationship with Reebok, which began in spring 2008 with the launch of Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk children’s sneakers.

“The co-branded partnership with Reebok and retail support at Finish Line enables Marvel to further maximize the exposure of the brand and expand our presence in key distribution channels,” says Paul Gitter, president of consumer products for North America, Marvel Entertainment. “Based on the consumer reaction to our previous collections with Reebok, we are sure the new Spider-Man sneakers will be a hit with kids and parents alike.”

Marvel Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company.

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Disney is developing a 10-part “Tron” micro-series aimed at kids ages 6 to 14. It is slated to air fall 2011 on Disney XD.

The Tron property originally debuted as a Disney film in 1982. The new CGI-version Tron: Legacy hits theaters on Dec. 17.

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“Shoppers remain deal-focused and inclined to trade down among products and brands, but they are clearly ready to shop more and make some of the purchases they avoided during the recession,” says Frank Badillo, senior economist at Retail Forward.

Retail Forward’s numbers showed stronger-than-average results at apparel and accessory stores, followed by department stores and food, drug and discount stores. In February 2009, same-store retail sales posted a 0.4 percent increase, including Walmart.

Among the biggest gains: Zumiez (11.2 percent), Ross Stores (11 percent), Nordstrom (10.3 percent), TJX (10 percent), Neiman Marcus (6.2 percent), Buckle (5 percent), Macy’s (3.7 percent), Kohl’s (3.7 percent), Target (2.4 percent) and JCPenney (1.2).

Among the biggest declines: Stein Mart (-9.3 percent), Hot Topic (-7.0 percent), Stage Stores (-3.9 percent) and Duckwall-Alco Stores (-2.9 percent).

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Product partners include:

• Victoria Classics for coverlets, comforters, bed spreads, duvets, sheets, shams, toss pillows, drapes and curtains, window panels, and sheers and valances
• Natura World for natural, antimicrobial and sustainable comforters, mattress toppers, mattress pads and pillows
• Ginsey Home Solutions for select bath accessories, including toilet seats and versatile mats for use in the bathroom and throughout the home

“By providing consumers with smart solutions backed by education and design inspiration, HGTV Home products will help deepen the loyal relationship HGTV has with its viewers,” says Ron Feinbaum, executive vice president of business development for Scripps Networks. “These strategic partnerships will help drive future growth for the HGTV brand in the home and garden space.”

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The line will include branded sheets, duvets, shams, bedding and bath accessories, bath towels and rugs. The items will be available this fall at high-end department stores and specialty home retailers.

“We are excited about the opportunity to offer Kate Spade New York’s distinctive appeal to a broad range of consumers shopping for their homes,” says Joan Karron, executive vice president of CHF Industries. “The collection will include details that are synonymous with the brand, including fresh color, charming prints, classic fabrics and signature trims.”

CHF Industries’ other licenses include Donna Karan Home Collection, DKNY, Roxy, Quiksilver, Dockers, Daisy Fuentes and Umbra.

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Kohl’s nine new stores will be located in Maryland, New York, Oregon and Pennsylvania. In addition, the retailer plans to remodel 85 stores this year.

“We continue to bring customers new stores where they can enjoy Kohl’s great brands and tremendous values and invest in our existing store base—remodeling 85 stores, 66 percent more stores than last year—to keep the customer experience fresh and exciting,” says Kevin Mansell, Kohl’s chairman, president and chief executive officer.

Kohl’s currently operates 1,067 stores in 49 states. Licensed product lines found at the retailer include Simply Vera Vera Wang, Food Network, LC Lauren Conrad and Avril Lavigne’s Abbey Dawn.

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The new fashion brands include Ellen Tracy for women’s better sportswear, Kouture by Kimora for young trendsetter apparel, Threads & Heirs for men’s casualwear and mstylelab for jewelry and hair accessories for young contemporary consumers. The home line expansions include multiple mattress styles for the Martha Stewart Collection and casual Latin-inspired dinnerware for Vida for España by Eva Mendes.

In other Macy’s news, the latest Kenneth Cole Reaction men’s sportswear line will be available exclusively this fall at stores within the U.S. and its territories.

The men’s collection will include denim, graphic tees and woven shirts—all targeting a young, casual and price-conscious demographic. The sportswear will initially hit 150 Macy’s stores and online at www.macys.com in September. The in-store rollout will see the apparel in Reaction-themed, shop-within-a-shop concepts. A further 550 store launch will follow. The sportswear range builds upon Macy’s current Kenneth Cole Reaction offerings such as footwear, outerwear, tailored clothing, dress shirts and ties, pants, bags and luggage, small leather goods, belts, men’s jewelry, sunglasses and fragrance.

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The limited-edition Abbey Dawn/Wonderland collection includes graphic tees and denim, featuring a combination of Lavigne’s rock and roll vibe and themes from the 3-D film.

Some highlights of the line, which retails from $28 to $54, include:

• T-shirt featuring the saying “At Least We Love Each Other” with spade and fleur-de-lis detailing
• cream pinstriped twill shorts with black suspenders and a pink bow
• hooded jacket with a “Shrink Me” silk screen
• pink printed silk tank dress with exposed zipper

Alice in Wonderland from Disney and Tim Burton hits U.S. theaters on March 5. Also in anticipation of the film, Disney Interactive Studios has rolled out an Alice in Wonderland video game for Wii, Nintendo DS/DSi and Windows PC.

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The Marvel x Airwalk range will feature a special collaborative logo, as well as aesthetics and designs that reflect both board sports and comic book art.

“Airwalk is a mainstay in the board and action sports world,” says Paul Gitter, president of consumer products for North America at Marvel Entertainment. “This collaboration will help expand Marvel’s presence in high-end retail stores and overall in the lifestyle category, and the collection will undoubtedly appeal to the influential and trend-setting youth consumer.”

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In the new role, Johnson will act as a go-between for Nick and Walmart, developing worldwide retail strategies for all NVCP properties.

He will be based in Bentonville, Ark., where the retailer is headquartered.

Johnson, previously served as vice president and general manager of the Global Walmart Team at DCP.

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According to the Wall Street Journal, Random House seeking potential buyers for two original works—a fantasy adventure and a horror thriller. In addition, the publisher has signed Stardock Corp. to develop a strategy game, called Elemental: War of Magic. The newspaper reports that Keith Clayton, Random House’s director of creative development, will lead the video game-focused team of 15 employees.

Random House is a unit of Germany’s Bertelsmann AG.

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The range will include bedding, bath and home spa accessories. The collection will debut at next week’s New York Home Fashions Market.

“London Luxury is a known market leader in the luxury home textiles market,” says Elizabeth Park, executive vice president of global marketing and general manager at Elizabeth Arden U.S. “Their expertise will serve as a perfect complement to our brand’s heritage, as we expand beyond the beauty aisle. We are thrilled to partner with London Luxury and look forward to a long and successful partnership.”

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Since its 2008 launch, Little Ewe has become one of the biggest names on Moonpig.com, worth an estimated £500,000 ($750,000) on that site alone, and also appears on greeting cards from Danilo and plush toys and gifts from Posh Paws, as well as featuring in a top-selling mobile download from Sharpcards. Little Ewe has a starring role in Moonpig’s multimillion pound TV ad campaign.

“It underlines Little Ewe’s enormous potential for generating revenue at retail and will send interest in the brand through the roof,” says Rob Corney, Bulldog’s managing director.

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Called “Alice’s” (an anagram of Claire’s), it will stock products designed especially for the film, such as miniature top hats, charm bracelets, striped knee socks and classic Alice bands. There will also be Mad Hatter tea party-inspired earrings and necklaces. Claire’s will also run themed promotions across its 955 European stores and has created a Web site to run alongside the launch.

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