Entertainment Tie-ins / Licensing

An Asian brand whose characters were originally created for use as emoticons on a mobile messenger app has opened its first store in North America.     Line Friends, whose characters include whimsical-looking bears, ducks, bunnies and more, has opened a 4,628-sq.-ft. flagship in Manhattan's Times Square as part of the company's global expansion efforts.  It currently operates 84 locations in 11 countries around the globe.   

J.C. Penney has entered into an ambitious partnership with a Lifetime reality fashion show.    The department giant has launched the first-ever "Project Runway" brand, with the collection inspired by the popular show and its design contestants. Currently available in over 500 Penney stores and online, the line made its debut with a summer preview collection featuring designs inspired by season 15 winner Erin Robertson, with the full assortment planned for Sept. 8.     

Trending Stores: No two stores are exactly alike at Warby Parker. But the popular eyewear company’s new store in Los Angeles, above, is a particular standout for its celebration of Hollywood’s moviemaking history. The store combines Warby Parker’s signature library-style design and fixtures with such location-specific elements as a classic movie theater-styled marquee with rotating titles, a Hollywood-themed mural, and a display of movie clapboards behind the checkout.

Adidas has upped its game with a store that celebrates the heritage and vibe of its Venice Beach, California, locale.     The company has opened a 5,900-sq.-ft. store on Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice Beach, dedicated to its Originals brand. The store combines such classic lines as Stan Smith with new ones such as NMD. The space will also house immersive events and installations on a regular basis in order to encourage localized experiences, create community among streetwear lovers and connect with local culture enthusiasts.

Walmart’s technology incubator — called Store No. 8 — is on the hunt for cutting edge virtual reality (VR) solutions.   

Hoping to woo electronics shoppers away from Amazon’s Prime Day, Newegg is planning its own shopping extravaganza.   For the third year, the electronics e-retailer will hold its annual "FantasTech" sale. The three-day event, which kicks off on July 11, will feature will offer “deep discounts” on hundreds of products across all tech product categories.   

To be competitive, retailers must have a strong digital marketing strategy to be seen and heard, attract new customers, and build stronger relationships with existing ones. Spending on digital advertising is on the rise. In 2017, U.S. digital advertising is on pace to surpass expenditures on TV ads. Globally, more than 40% of media advertising budgets in certain markets are devoted to digital marketing, according to media company Magna.