Entertainment Tie-ins / Licensing

The Walt Disney Company said it would enter China in 2015 with a new retail location planned for Shanghai that measures 10,800-sq.-ft. on a 53,000-sq.-ft. site in the heart of the city’s financial district.
Disney currently operates 340 worldwide locations but until this week’s announcement in Shanghai had steered clear of opening stores in mainland China.

Arkansas is home to some fine barbeque establishments, but Sam’s Club home state was shut out last week when the top prizes were handed out in the retailer’s third annual National BBQ Tour.

Gillette has kicked off its official partnership with Movember by inviting men and women to join Team Gillette, and enlisted Kate Upton as team captain.

The star-studded lineup of Movember supporters also includes Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews, New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz, New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola and New England Revolution defender Kevin Alston.

Wayne, N.J. -- Toys “R” Us 2013 holiday marketing plans include  a new TV campaign that will feature a group of real-life children from local New York charities who think they’re going on a field trip, but actually are going to a Toys “R” Us store where they are given free rein.

Featured at the end of each TV commercial and throughout many of the company’s print and online marketing vehicles, is the hashtag, #WishinAccomplished.
 

Target is enlisting Jonna Mendez, a former CIA officer, who will serve as a “Kids’ Gift Detective.” Inspired by her years of CIA experience, Mendez will offer online tips and techniques via a video series at ABullseyeView.com where she works with popular mom bloggers.
 
In addition, Target will offer a dedicated kids’ gifts page on its website and will launch a digital gift catalog in early November.
 

New York – Tiffany & Co. is relaunching its Tiffany.com e-commerce site. The site includes enhanced zoom capabilities and several expanded sections.

Blue Book, the company’s collection of couture jewels, is showcased with scenes from the Tiffany Workshop where they are created, as well as an expanded engagement section with a gemologist’s video and review of Tiffany’s quality standards.

Hasbro’s brand initiatives for the 2013 holiday shopping season are resonating with consumers and retailers globally as the company saw revenues and earnings grow in the third quarter.

The company’s net revenues for the third quarter increased 2% to $1.37 billion, compared to $1.35 billion in 2012. Adjusted to exclude pre-tax restructuring and other charges, net earnings for the quarter increased 5% to $172.5 million, or $1.31 per diluted share, versus $164.9 million, or $1.24 per diluted share, in 2012.

Guitar Center is preparing to unveil a new Serato-branded digital music area in its Brooklyn store location at an all-day red carpet event open to the public on Oct. 24. The new Serato-branded digital music area will offer DJs and aspiring music producers a place to try out the latest products.

The launch coincides with the expansion of Guitar Center's Music Mentor program, which offers customers free lessons and instruction for top DJ and digital music products, as well as the completion of an extensive renovation to the Brooklyn, N.Y., store on Flatbush Avenue.