Entertainment Tie-ins / Licensing

NEW YORK — New York & Company and actress Eva Mendes announced that they have signed a multi-year agreement to collaborate and create a co-branded seasonal capsule collection available at New York & Company (NY&C) stores nationwide and online beginning fall '13. Additional terms of the deal were not disclosed. The to-be-named label will feature apparel and accessory items inspired by Mendes' own personal style and red carpet looks.

WAYNE, N.J. -- Toys"R"Us announced that it will be the first retailer in the United States to offer Fisher-Price's Octonauts toys.

NEW YORK — With Toy Fair happening now in New York City, the Toy Industry Association has revealed what it believes are the top toy trends for 2013. 

MINNEAPOLIS — Target has teamed up with Justin Timberlake to offer a deluxe exclusive edition of the superstar’s highly anticipated third studio album, “The 20/20 Experience.” Featuring two bonus tracks, “Dress On” and “Body Count,” the Target exclusive album is available now for pre-order. The album will be in stores and on Target.com when the CD is released on March 19.

NEW YORK — Saban Brands that Fisher-Price Inc., a subsidiary of Mattel, will be the global master toy licensee for the company's newly announced Julius Jr. property. Julius Jr. is an animated preschool series slated to launch on Nick Jr. in 2013, and is inspired by the Paul Frank family of characters and its iconic monkey, Julius. Fisher-Price plans to produce a full range of products including playsets, plush, role play toys and more for the global marketplace.

OTTAWA, Ontario — PlaSmart Inc., the Ottawa-based global toy distributor, announced that its brainteaser game PerplexusTM Epic was named the 2013 Game of the Year last night by the Toy Industry Association.

The Toy of The Year (TOTY) award is the latest accolade earned by PerplexusTM Epic, which also received the PTPA (Parent Tested Parent Approved) Media Seal of Approval, among others.

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Sears is headed to the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival this month to showcase its new lines of outdoor living furniture, patio sets and Kenmore grills.

CLEVELAND -- American Greetings has launched a new mobile app that lets users send personalized greetings featuring digital versions of its Taylor Swift line.