Glu Mobile Signs WWE License for Mobile Games

Glu Mobile signs a multi-year deal with World Wrestling Entertainment to develop mobile games, further distancing itself from the celebrity licensing that once was its core business. Glu, which earlier this year reached an agreement for a Major League Baseball-licensed version of its Tap Sports Baseball, will release the WWE title in 2018. Glu will join a crowded roster of WWE-licensed mobile games that already includes Take-Two Interactive (WWE SuperCard card-based game), Scopely (WWE Champions puzzle-based title) and Warner Bros.( WWE Immortals fighting title). Sega also has WWE Tap Mania in development.

For Glu Mobile, the WWE represents another turn away from celebrity licensing. Other than games featuring Kim Kardashian and Chef Gordon Ramsey, Glu has struggled with the celebrity genres. The company scaled back on celebrity licensing earlier this year after three titles – Katy Perry Pop, Britney Spears: American Dream and Nicki Minaj: The Empire – weren’t commercially successful in 2016 (Inside Licensing March 17).

Contacts:

World Wrestling Entertainment, Jess Richardson, VP Licensing, 203-328-2539, jess.richardson@wwecorp.com

Glu Mobile, Chris Arkhavan, Chief Revenue Officer, 415-800-6100.

Gloria Vanderbilt Expanding in Licensing

Gloria Vanderbilt is coming back in fashion via licensing. The brand, owned by Ones Jeanswear, has agreements with Jachs Inc. for activewear that will be sold through Costco starting in 2018 and with 18 Rocks for leggings that will target mid-tier retailers. There also will be a separate 18 Rocks “Glow by Gloria Vanderbilt” leggings for drug stores. The Kersheh Group also signed on for lounge and sleepwear. There are existing agreements for the brand in eyewear, luggage and fragrances.

Contact:

The Brand Liaison, Stephen Heller, Pres., 855-843-5424 x702, steven@thebrandliaison.com

The Kersheh Group, Samir Kersheh, Pres., 514-337-4175, skersheh@thekershehgroup.com

Executive Changes

Jason Reiser, ex-Vitamin Shoppe, appointed Chief Merchandising Officer at Dollar General effective July 12, replacing James Thorpe, who is retiring… Thomas Merrington, Peter Rabbit Brand Mgr. at Penguin Ventures, advances to Creative Dir… Karen Lyon, ex-Swarovski, appointed VP of Marketing at Life is Good… Rick Greenberg, ex-Shelcore Toys, named Pres. of R/C car supplier Carrera America.

Kohl’s Launches Exclusive Marvel Activewear Collection

Kohl’s, broadening its reach with Marvel properties, launches a multi-licensee exclusive Hero Elite merchandising effort in men’s and women’s activewear. The line includes about a dozen Spider-Man juniors and junior plus-size sports bras, capris and graphic tank tops from Her Universe,   Captain America and Spider-Man men’s t-shirts, shorts and hoodies from Hybrid Apparel; and Spider-Man and Captain America boys t-shirts, shorts and swim suits from Mad Engine.

Contacts:

Her Universe, Ashley Eckstein, CEO, 310-497-0715, aeckstein@heruniverse.com

Hybrid Apparel, Derrick Baca, EVP Global Licensing, 714-947-8347, dbaca@hybridapparel.com

Mad Engine, Carolyn Foreman, VP Licensing, 858-558-5270 x8815

Kohl’s, Amy Kocourek, EVP Merchandising, 262-703-7000,amy.kocourek@kohls.com