Entertainment Tie-ins / Licensing

An amazing variety of people shop at Walmart stores, which is understandable given the company’s often cited statistic that 140 million people visit its stores weekly. This diversity of customers is one of the things that makes Walmart unique as this video from singer Jessica Frech cleverly illustrates in a light-hearted way. Click here to watch.

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif.  — Leading footwear retailer Skechers USA has announced that it has signed a licensing agreement with Street Flyers LLC to produce sporting goods and safety gear collections for children and young adults. Both collections are planned to launch in toy and mass market retailers throughout the United States and Canada in spring 2012.

Pittsburgh -- Dick’s Sporting Goods announced Tuesday that it will celebrate the grand opening of its tenth Alabama store, which opened at Jubilee Square in Daphne, Ala.

The chain’s celebration, spanning June 3-5, will feature appearances by college and professional football players and a professional bass angler, as well as a variety of giveaways.
 

MONTREAL — Mega Brands announced that it has extended its licensing agreement with Hit Entertainment to  develop construction sets based on Thomas & Friends.

Under the expanded contract, Mega Brands is granted the global rights to create all-new construction toy sets based on the exciting world of Thomas & Friends, including new iconic characters and Island of Sodor destinations straight from the popular long-running television series, according to a press release.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target announced that it is partnering with soprano singer, Jackie Evancho, for the exclusive, deluxe edition of her first full-length studio album, “Dream With Me.” The deluxe edition, which includes four additional new songs, is currently available for pre-order at Target.com, and will be at Target stores nationwide beginning June 14.

WAYNE, N.J. — Toys"R"Us announced that it will open Cars 2-inspired “racetrack” boutiques in nearly 1,300 toy stores across the globe in time for the June 24 release of the feature film.

The company is opening the in-store boutiques in the United States on June 1 and will open additional boutiques internationally to coincide with the movie's release in each respective country. Toys"R"Us has also launched a dedicated Cars 2 website at Toysrus.com/Cars2.

At Promenade Shops at Centerra, in Loveland, Colo., dog owners will attend the sixth annual Paws on the Promenade outdoor dog expo on May 21. Held in the Main Plaza of the shopping center, the event features dog-related vendors, contests, giveaways, entertainment and refreshments.

Colorado has long been known as a dog-friendly state, and the Promenade has leveraged the focus on dogs to forge a relationship with its customers and their pets.

MONTREAL — Mega Brands has entered a deal with Saban Brands to develop construction toys based on the kids' action series "Power Rangers Samurai," the latest Power Rangers franchise.

The Mega Bloks Power Rangers Samurai construction toy sets will launch in spring 2012, Mega Brands said. Mega Brands chief innovative officer Vic Bertrand said the new toys will offer fans "an engaging and immersive building experience."

New episodes of the "Power Rangers Samurai" series premiere Saturdays at noon on Nickelodeon.