Entertainment Tie-ins / Licensing

CENTURY CITY, Calif. — Fans of the "Ice Age" film franchise will find everything they need at Toys"R"Us ahead of the July 13 release of "Ice Age 4: Continental Drift." The retailer is set as the film’s exclusive toy destination in North America, featuring movie-inspired products and promotions that will launch on July 1. Teaming with Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products, Toys“R”Us will offer an extensive merchandising program, including a toy line from Just Play and The Promotions Factory.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — DSW is giving students at the Fashion Institure of Technology in New York City a chance to accelerate their careers. The retailer announced that is sponsoring "A Design Affair," a contest that will award one winner with a cash prize, intership and his or her shoes being sold at DSW.

Sparks, Md. -- Spice and flavoring company McCormick and Co. will open its first-ever retail location, McCormick World of Flavors, at Harborplace in Baltimore.

The 3,800-plus-sq.-ft. store will display McCormick’s full line-up of products along with interactive and educational displays. Visitors will be invited to chart their personal flavor profile and explore the origins of spices, among other activities. The space will also include a demonstration area where McCormick's own chefs and celebrity chefs will cook using McCormick flavors.

New York City -- The popular television talk show host and comedian Ellen DeGeneres said she was “proud and happy” that J.C. Penney remained committed to her after One Million Moms asked the retailer to dump her as a spokesperson because she is gay.

The group, a division of the conservative American Family Association, warned they would boycott J.C. Penney stores if the chain did not go along with their request.

DeGeneres addressed the issue on Tuesday at the taping of her television show. The show will air on Wednesday.

New York City -- Target Corp.’s launch of its latest limited edition collection, by designer Jason Wu, went off relatively problem-free compared with its Missoni launch last fall.

New York — J.C. Penney Co. on Friday said it fully backs its partnership with the popular television star and comedian Ellen DeGeneres. Its support comes after One Million Moms, an extension of the conservative American Family Association group, asked the retailer to dump DeGeneres as a spokeswoman because she is a lesbian.

For Valentine’s Day, mall owner General Growth Properties has challenged shoppers to power up their mobile devices to “search for the love” at a GGP mall. Effective Feb. 1, customers began entering the Where Is the Love? sweepstakes by finding and scanning love-themed QR codes hidden throughout participating GGP malls.

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. — Ahead of the toy industry's annual convention this February, The NPD Group has reported that U.S. retail sales of toys generated $21.18 billion in 2011 compared with $21.68 billion in 2010, a decline of 2%. 

NEW YORK — Macy's announced that it is celebrating Black History Month this February by honoring the 100th anniversary of the birth of artist Romare Bearden.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target has announced the names of the 50 recipients that were selected to receive a $100,000 grant to purchase much-needed resources and improve their learning environments. The $5 million donation from Target to K-through-12 schools in 31 states across the country is part of the company’s commitment to education, which includes plans to give $1 billion for education by the end of 2015.