Even in death, Grumpy Cat is still grumpy. There’s something comforting about that, isn’t there? Even from the little kitty cat afterlife, Grumpy Cat (OK, actually her owner) is suing people for selling knockoff Grumpy Cat merchandise. Grumpy Cat Limited, the business set up for all things GC, is going after online retailers selling items…
Read MoreAuthor: Brendan Menapace
SnugZ USA Recapitalizes With Tower Arch Capital
SnugZ USA, West Jordan, Utah, announced that it has undergone a recapitalization with Tower Arch Capital. “SnugZ has grown to become a leading player in the promotional products industry, starting with lanyards and identification products, and expanding into personal care and premium gifting,” Brandon Mackay, president and CEO of SnugZ USA, said in a press…
Read MoreStar Wars Fans Are Upset About Merchandise Lacking Female Character (Again)
Disney, the “Star Wars” franchise’s new intergalactic overlords, held its third annual “Force Friday” merchandising event. This time it was to hype up the upcoming “Rise of Skywalker” movie, “The Mandalorian” streaming series and the “Jedi: Fallen Order” video game. The merchandise haul was huge, but there was one glaring omission that reminded fans of…
Read MoreLakers Fan Responds to NBA China Controversy With Planned T-shirt Giveaway at Staples Center
One LA Lakers fan is fighting back against the NBA’s bizarre China controversy by starting a GoFundMe campaign for T-shirts that say “Stand With Hong Kong,” which he wants to hand out before the Lakers-Clippers game on Oct. 22. Sun Lared, the campaign’s founder, set an initial goal of $20,000 for the shirts. He’s already hit $40,000 in donations…
Read MoreSlayer’s Retirement Plan Is to Become a Lifestyle Brand
Metal pioneers Slayer are in the final stages of a farewell tour that’s already seen the band move $10 million in merch. Where the story gets really interesting, though, is Slayer’s real-time transition from a working band to what its merchandising people are calling a “legacy” band. And also the idea of a Slayer-themed restaurant in the style of Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville brand…
Read MoreBella+Canvas Introduces Direct-to-Consumer Retail Channel
Bella+Canvas announced that it launched a direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform. Previously, Bella+Canvas apparel was only available via wholesale channels, but now end-buyers can directly purchase blank men’s and women’s styles from a curated assortment of products. The company said it will start online, but plans to open pop-up physical stores starting next year…
Read MoreDisney Triples Down on ‘Star Wars’ Branded Merchandise for ‘Force Friday’
Disney has never been shy when it comes to self promotion. There’s a reason everyone wore watches with Mickey Mouse on them for decades. Now that the Star Wars franchise is down with the Mouse, we’re not only seeing a lot more content than when George Lucas was solely in charge, but also a corresponding…
Read MoreInstagram’s New Selling Feature Reminds Users When Merch Drops Happen
The hype beast market for exclusive merchandise drops, made popular by the likes of Supreme, is growing. Social media is the primary way fans find out about these blink-and-you’ll-miss-it drops, too. So, Instagram’s (read: Facebook’s) decision to let brands notify people of their incoming drops is a logical next step in the modern apparel and…
Read MoreGenumark Acquires Rightsleeve as Its Founders Focus on commonsku
Genumark, Toronto, announced that it has acquired Rightsleeve to strengthen its position in the Canadian branded merchandise market. “Although both companies are based in Toronto, there is virtually no overlap in client accounts,” said Mark Freed, president and CEO of Genumark. “What we do share is a similar philosophy and business orientation, which focuses on…
Read MoreAlaska Airlines, SFO Airport Join Fight Against Single-Use Bottles
Having a reusable water bottle is the future, whether you’re ready for it or not. Thanks to college campuses and national parks, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to get your…
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