Entertainment Tie-ins / Licensing

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Shopping malls continue to be popular with consumers because they offer hands-on shopping experience, according to results of a new survey from Glimcher Retail Monitor. Consumers cite reasons such as ability to try on clothes and accessories (74%), the shopping experience (55%) and store variety (49%) for going to the mall.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Staples is not necessarily a name synonymous with home décor and specifically wall art, but the office products company is looking to change that with the launch of its Sports & Art Photo Gallery. 

Bloomington, Minn. -- Mall of America., the nation's largest retail and entertainment destination, has unveiled a new logo and tagline.  

ST. LOUIS — SpongeBob and Patrick are heading to Build-A-Bear Workshop thanks to an agreement between the retailer and Nickelodeon. Beginning Friday, May 17, customers will be able to make their own SpongeBob and Patrick dolls at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores throughout North America and on the retailer’s e-commerce site for $23 apiece.  

SpongeBob’s Bikini Bottom friends Sandy Cheeks and Gary the Snail will also be available as pre-stuffed minis for $10 each.

NEW YORK — The Fourth of July fireworks extravaganza is not the only patriotic item on Macy’s all-American agenda. The retailer is launching its American Icons campaign, featuring American-inspired merchandise, Wednesday, May 15.  

The campaign includes launch parties, “pop up” drive-in movies, cross-country road trips, Major and Minor League baseball events, grilling competitions, sweepstakes and a fundraising program to benefit America’s veterans. 

NEW YORK — Ann Taylor has partnered with celebrity Kate Hudson on an exclusive collection set to debut in Ann Taylor stores next week.

To mark the launch of the limited-edition collection, the retailer will host a White Party at Ann Taylor stores nationwide from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 22, where guests will be invited to shop the collection. 

The first clients to purchase a piece from the capsule collection during the in-store event will receive an Ann Taylor gift card, courtesy of InStyle.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target has become the latest retailer to get its geek on. The discount retailer has teamed up with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, in partnership with DC Entertainment, and will launch an extensive summer collection of exclusive Justice League merchandise. 

NEW YORK — Macy’s is getting help from singer, songwriter and dancer Usher in curating the concept, music and design of the 37th annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks. The retailer’s fireworks spectacular is the nation’ largest patriotic pyrotechnic display.