Entertainment Tie-ins / Licensing

Target is working its way across Canada beginning this week by hosting special events in 20 cities to build interest in the planned opening of 124 stores in 2013.

EMERYVILLE, Calif. — The LeapPad2 has received 20 awards from U.S. organizations that include Dr. Toy, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, Parents' Choice Foundation and Time to Play, as well as key awards in the U.K. and Canada, according to LeapFrog Enterprises. It has been selected as a top toy by more children, parenting and industry experts and retailers than any other kid’s tablet, rendering it the most recognized kid's tablet of the year leading into the holiday season.

MT. ARLINGTON, N.J. — Looking to capitalize on the trend of personalization in time for the holiday season, M&M’s is offering customers who personalize their M&M’s new packaging options and product formats that they can order online.

Customers can go to Mymms.com, and get creative with their personalized chocolate gift-giving by choosing from iconic "m" acrylic containers, re-sealable stand-up bags with keepsake scoops, holiday stockings, teddy bear gift sets and an upscale gift box with a magnetic closure.

NEW YORK — Victoria’s Secret returned to Manhattan in a big way this week with the reopening of a flagship store in Herald Square that was expanded to 8,000-sq.-ft.

The opening comes just in time to allow Victoria’s secret to capitalize on holiday sales in New York as local demand tends to be complemented by an influx of foreign tourists. On hand for the reopening of the newly expanded and now largest flagship store in the world were Victoria's Secret Angels Adriana Lima, Miranda Kerr, Candice Swanepoel and Lily Aldridge.

BANNOCKBURN, Ill. — Italian food company Barilla has partnered with the U.S. Ski Team's Mikaela Shiffrin, who will don the Barilla logo on her helmet.

The 17-year-old recently secured third place at the slalom in Levi, Finland, and is considered a serious contender for the World Cup Nov. 24, in Aspen, Colo., as well as the 2014 Olympic games to be held in Sochi, Russia.

NEW YORK — The late Russ Berrie, former CEO and chairman of Russ Berrie & Company, and Judy Ellis, founder of the nation’s first baccalaureate program in toy design, are the newest inductees to the Toy Industry Hall of Fame.

Established in 1984, the Hall of Fame comprises 59 individuals who have been previously recognized for their significant contributions to the growth and success of the toy industry. Berrie and Ellis were nominated from within the toy industry and selected by a vote of TIA members and previous Hall of Fame honorees.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Dick’s Sporting Goods has announced its first-ever "Get Winter Ready" consumer promotion.

Dick’s has teamed up with The North Face and Columbia Sportswear as part of the program's sweepstakes, and will be giving away two one-of-kind prize packages. One includes a chance to join professional skier Tom Wallisch at the Winter X Games in Aspen, Colo., and the other offers a VIP experience at the 2013 FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup in Park City, Utah.

New York – Gap is feeling the love this holiday season.