Entertainment Tie-ins / Licensing

STAMFORD, Conn. -- WWE and Vivendi Entertainment announced that Walmart will be the exclusive retailer for WWE Studios’ films. Vivendi Entertainment will continue to be WWE’s North American retail and rental distribution partner. 

MINNEAPOLIS -- Target's deal with Lady Gaga may have fallen through, but that doesn't mean the retailer has lost its ability to court the music industry. Case in point, the company announced yesterday that it is partnering with GRAMMY and Academy Award-winning singer and actress Jennifer Hudson for the exclusive, deluxe edition of her second studio album, "I Remember Me." The deluxe edition, including four additional new songs and bonus video material, will be available only at Target stores nationwide and on Target.com beginning March 22.

As part of the multimillion-dollar renovation and expansion of Power Plant Live! in Baltimore, The Cordish Cos. announced that entertainment concepts PBR Baltimore and The Baltimore Comedy Factory hosted grand openings the first two weekends in March. 

These latest downtown destinations join the recently opened Tatu Asian Grill in the restaurant, entertainment and office district that is now going on its 12th year of operations.

Redmond, Wash. -- Eddie Bauer and PlayNetwork have announced the launch of the Eddie Bauer Emerging Artist Program.

“The Eddie Bauer Emerging Artist Program was born from the spirit of adventure and discovery inherent in the First Ascent and Eddie Bauer brands,” said Kirsten Kinkead, multimedia producer at Eddie Bauer. “PlayNetwork is the ideal partner for this program because they have a true understanding of our core values and will translate that into media experiences that resonate with our customers.”

COLUMBUS, Ohio  -- Victoria's Secret announced that it has expanded its partnership with Major League Baseball Properties to include 12 new teams for its line of co-branded (VS) PINK merchandise. The spring 2011 collection will feature the Arizona Diamondbacks, Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics, 2010 World Series Champion San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers and Washington Nationals.

St. Louis -- Build-A-Bear Workshop is teaming up with Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth, TX to open a store on March 25. It will be the first Build-A-Bear Workshop store located inside a hospital.

PAWTUCKET, R.I. -- Hasbro announced that it has appointed Margie Chan-Yip to serve as VP global publishing. In her new role, Chan-Yip will be responsible for creating new and innovative ways to bring Hasbro brand stories to consumers worldwide, from traditional print to e-book formats.

NEW YORK – Leigh Anne Brodsky, president Nickelodeon Consumer Products has been selected for induction into the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA) Licensing Industry Hall of Fame. Brodsky joins a select list of only 36 inductees—including Charles Schulz and Jim Davis, both of whom she worked with earlier in her career—since LIMA began recognizing these giants in 1985.