Entertainment Tie-ins / Licensing

Here’s a good idea for retailers looking to bring a sense of newness and a treasure hunt atmosphere to stores. Sign exclusive agreements with known and emerging designers or upscale brands during limited duration merchandising events as a means to achieve differentiation. Sound familiar?

Target pursued this concept more than a decade ago with general merchandise and earlier this year observed the 5th anniversary of the Go International designer program with a collection of products from past designers.

Chicago-based General Growth Properties is kicking off back-to-school shopping with two promotional programs – Shop til You Rock and Family Recess.

Shop Til You Rock, a music-inspired mall tour that empowers teens to look and feel like rock stars, is back for its second year. Teens are invited to watch live performances by some of today’s hottest bands, participate in exclusive activities and take advantage of special mall offers, prizes and sweepstakes, including a chance to win valuable shopping sprees and a gaming system.

NEW YORK — Gilt Groupe, an online retailer that specializes in selling sought-after brands at discounted prices to its 3.5 million members, has partnered with Banana Republic to offer its members exclusive access to select pieces from the retailer's upcoming "Mad Men" collection.

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Staples announced that Rico Rodriguez, of TV's "Modern Family" will star in the retailer's new back-to-school campaign. 

"Staples is the top destination for back-to-school shopping with great deals all season long," said Jevin Eagle, EVP merchandising and marketing for Staples. "We have amazing deals and a huge selection of school supplies and technology for students."

NEW YORK — Reality TV star Audrina Patridge will continue her partnership with Iconix Brand Group and will appear in a television commercial for the company's Bongo brand, which is sold exclusively at Kmart and Sears.

A new infant through tween apparel line from Gwen Stefani called Harajuku Mini for Target is slated to hits stores this fall, according to various media reports of an interview the singer did with Women’s Wear Daily. Prices are expected to range from $3.99 to $39.99.

Stefani already has an adult line of clothes called Harajuku, so it’s not like Target is taking a flyer on a completely unknown commodity.

TOPEKA, Kan. — Payless ShoeSource announced that Sierra Kusterbeck, lead singer of alt-rock band VersaEmerge, will be the face and voice of the retailer's new, exclusive teen brand, Brash.

SAN ANTONIO — H-E-B announced that Jennette McCurdy, co-star of Nickelodeon’s "iCarly," will star in its new "Gear Up for Back-to-School" ad campaign. The campaign launched Wednesday and runs through Aug. 31 in Texas.