Entertainment Tie-ins / Licensing

PASADENA, Calif. — The princesses may get most of the attention, but it's the villains that often become fan favorites. To capitalize on their popularity, Disney Store has launched an exclusive collection centered around some of its most iconic evil characters.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Jenn-Air, maker of luxury appliances, has launched a new blog to help consumers with their culinary, design and lifestyle needs.

M&M's ® is awarding fans with the ultimate upgrade, giving them the best seats at the Kentucky Speedway.

The "Official Chocolate of NASCAR" is giving four fans upgraded, M&M's ® branded lounge-style seats to watch the No. 18 Toyota car driven by Kyle Busch. The fans will also enjoy Sprint Vision handsets, personal servers and M&M's ®.

M&M's ®  will also offer fans the chance to enjoy ungraded seats at NASCAR races in Bristol, N.H. and Charlotte.

 

SAN DIEGO — Genius Brands International has named Sunscape Eyewear as an eyewear licensee for its Baby Genius brand.

The two-year agreement grants Sunscape rights to manufacture and distribute worldwide Baby Genius-themed eyewear for boys and girls ages 0 to 4 years featuring Baby Genius characters. Product categories include sunglasses, eyewear and eyewear accessories such as croakies and cases.

OMAHA, Neb. — Country music artist Kellie Pickler has been named the national spokesperson for the ConAgra Foods Foundation Hunger-Free Summer program. The joint effort between the ConAgra Foods Foundation and Feeding America helps provide children with access to nutritious meals, especially in the summer.

WAYNE, N.J. — Toys“R”Us has brought the excitement of "The Amazing Spider-Man" to its customers with a dedicated in-store boutiques and a special display at its Times Square location.

Now available at Toys“R”Us and Toysrus.com  are exclusive The Amazing Spider-Man items, including:

• The Amazing Spider-Man Sling & Soak Water Shooter from Hasbro              

Irving, Texas — Michaels Stores creative expert Jo Pearson will serve as one of three judges on TLC's new competition series, "Craft Wars." The show, hosted and executive produced by celebrity crafter Tori Spelling, premieres June 26 at 10 p.m. Eastern (9 p.m. Central time).

The Promenade Shops at Centerra – located in Loveland, Colo. – is featuring a repeat of its “Promenade Kid Days” this summer.

The 2012 iteration offers a lineup of educational and entertaining events for children of all ages, held every other Tuesday through Aug. 14.

Each day features themes with corresponding activities such as horse-drawn wagon rides, mini train rides, face painting, balloon art, painting classes and emergency vehicle tours.

All activities are free and open to the public.