Best Retailer – Entertainment 2026

Sign Up for Updates

 
 

Banana Republic – The White Lotus

 

The Banana Republic x The White Lotus capsule is a standout retailer program that transformed a hit HBO series into a fully immersive, shoppable lifestyle experience. Developed with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products, the 24-piece exclusive collection brought the show’s Thailand resort setting to life through ultra-packable apparel and accessories featuring tropical prints, rich color stories, and premium fabrics, including sustainable European flax linen, lightweight cotton poplin, and 100% silk. Launched in March 2025 across Banana Republic stores and online, the program combined fashion, storytelling, and destination merchandising, supported by high-impact marketing featuring cast member Patrick Schwarzenegger. With accessible price points from $40–$300, the collection drove strong consumer engagement, social buzz, and in-store discovery while expanding The White Lotus beyond entertainment into everyday wardrobe moments. Its creative translation of IP into premium retail, elevated execution, and marketplace resonance demonstrate why Banana Republic’s program deserves recognition as an innovative, culturally relevant, and commercially compelling licensed retail activation.

Bloomingdale’s – PlayStation

 

Sony Interactive Entertainment, and the PlayStation brand, reinforced its status as a culturally influential entertainment name through a bold retail collaboration at Bloomingdale’s iconic 59th Street flagship, partnering with renowned designer Yinka Ilori. Known for his vibrant use of color, pattern, and storytelling rooted in joy and community, Ilori’s design language aligned naturally with PlayStation. Ilori transformed Bloomingdale’s exterior windows and façade with a striking floral-themed installation that continued throughout the store interior, creating a cohesive and immersive PlayStation-branded environment. Central to the activation was a Bloomingdale’s-exclusive capsule collection of PlayStation apparel and accessories designed with Ilori, translating the brand into a fashion-forward lifestyle expression. An interactive in-store pop-up featuring PlayStation 5 gaming consoles and lounge seating further invited consumers to play and engage. The collaboration demonstrated Sony Interactive’s ability to authentically extend its IP beyond gaming, setting a new benchmark for entertainment brands in premium retail.

CB2 – The White Lotus

 

The CB2 x The White Lotus collection is a standout retailer program that transformed the HBO original series into an immersive, design-forward home lifestyle experience. Developed with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products, the collaboration launched a 40-item exclusive assortment spanning furniture, bedding, tabletop, décor, and accessories inspired by the show’s Thailand setting and luxury resort aesthetic. Debuting in February 2025 in stores and online, CB2 translated The White Lotus narrative into sophisticated, globally influenced design through rich textures, sculptural silhouettes, and elevated materials that felt authentic to both the brand and the IP. The program was supported by destination merchandising and strong digital storytelling, driving discovery and cultural buzz among design-savvy consumers. Exceeding its overall strategic plan, the collection delivered strong marketplace performance while expanding The White Lotus beyond entertainment into the home category. Its creative interpretation, premium execution, and retail impact demonstrated why CB2’s program deserves recognition as an innovative and commercially compelling licensed retail activation.

Five Below – Wicked: For Good

 

Five Below’s Wicked: For Good program was a bold, industry-defining statement—its largest retail expression of a single IP ever—and a masterclass in creativity, innovation, and cultural relevance. With an eyecatching 16-foot presence in all 1,800 stores, the retailer transformed aisles into full-on destinations. The program not only elevated existing partnerships but sparked new ones, including LEGO and more. Fan-favorite products like Squishmallows, Tubbz ducks, Takis, apparel, and beauty flew off shelves. The magic extended far beyond stores with NYC and Philadelphia flagship takeovers, theater-adjacent moments, a customer email blast, homepage domination, and high-impact social videos. This was more than a program—it was a cultural event that was wildly embraced by shoppers and impossible to miss.

Giordano – KungFu Panda & Minions (Pacific Licensing Studio)

 

Giordano’s partnership with Universal and Pacific Licensing Studio began with Kung Fu Panda and has delivered strong commercial results across global markets. Launched in January 2025 for Chinese New Year, the collection featured impactful in-store executions and strong digital support, selling out within two months across 27 countries. Building on this success, Giordano introduced its first Minions apparel collection in summer 2025, supported by extensive ATL and BTL campaigns, mainstream media coverage, and key influencers. The collection sold out within the first month, exceeding expectations and leading to a second, streetwear-inspired Minions collection later in 2025. With proven demand and scalable execution, Giordano is set to launch the third and fourth Minions collections, including a movie and football-themed line timed for the upcoming World Cup.

Liverpool – Stranger Things

 

Liverpool, Mexico’s leading high‑end retailer with around 130 stores, partnered on a Stranger Things season five retail activation that delivered an immersive brand experience, connecting online excitement with in‑store engagement. A dynamic launch campaign boosted visibility across Liverpool’s digital ecosystem, supported by an influencer program that amplified conversation and inspired visits. Social content generated strong interaction and reinforced the collaboration. In‑store, the activation featured major category placements across apparel, a special capsule created with a Mexican designer, hardlines, homewear, accessories, and toys. The pop‑up space encouraged participation through live customization with charms, patches, and pins, while Liverpool’s gourmet area and restaurants launched a themed menu of more than twenty dishes inspired by the brand. Shoppers personalized their items, discovered exclusive food experiences, and shared the moment across platforms. The activation attracted steady traffic, created memorable touchpoints, and positioned Liverpool as a destination for entertainment‑driven retail.

Primark – Wicked: For Good

 

Primark’s Wicked: For Good collection was a standout retail success, delivering exceptional performance across all categories. Early in the year, Primark’s creative team partnered with Universal’s Design Studio to develop a bespoke asset pack that informed the entire 35‑piece range, complemented by custom packaging to further elevate the collection at shelf. Wicked: For Good became Primark’s top‑performing property in Q4 across health & beauty, toys, and gifting. A major highlight was the front‑of‑store takeover at Primark’s Westfield London location, which was positioned as a hero moment within the wider Wicked: For Good experience. Primark further amplified visibility through a dedicated lifestyle photoshoot featured across social posts, reels, and CRM, driving engagement and reinforcing the collection’s success.

Spirit Halloween – K-Pop Demon Hunter

 

Following Netflix’s release of KPop Demon Hunters and the rapid emergence of a passionate global fandom, Spirit Halloween quickly engaged Netflix to explore costume licensing opportunities. Recognizing consumer demand, the teams collaborated closely to accelerate approvals and mobilize manufacturing, compressing traditional timelines to deliver high‑quality costumes in time for Halloween 2025. Within days of launch, parents and fans documented discoveries and try‑ons across social platforms, validating the demand industry press had already identified as the catalyst for Spirit’s accelerated release. Even more extraordinary than the speed to market was the product itself: premium materials, construction, and meticulous attention to detail that authentically brought the characters to life and exceeded fan expectations. The initial online release in September 2025 sold out in just two hours, with in‑store inventory following within two weeks, underscoring both the cultural impact of the franchise and the strength of the licensing partnership behind it.

  • Copyright © 2026 Licensing International. All rights reserved.
  • Translation provided by Google Translate, please pardon any shortcomings

    int(227)