Imax Halting Expansion of VR Centers

Imax is halting expansion of its virtual reality (VR) centers after finding the “economics not attractive enough” to warrant further investment, CEO Richard Gelfond told analysts. Imax will continue to test the seven existing centers, including the flagship that launched the concept in Los Angeles last year (Inside Licensing April 25, 2017). The Los Angeles facility features 14 VR 12×12-foot “pods” equipped with HTC Vive and StarVR headsets and licensed games such as “Star Wars: Trial of Tatooine” and “John Wicks Chronicles.” Of the seven centers open, only one has matched Imax’s revenue targets, Gelmond said. “I think the consumer reaction was extremely positive, but the numbers just weren’t there,” Gelmond said.

Contact:

Imax, Denny Tu, EVP Global Brand and Creative, 310-255-5000, dtu@imax.com

Report: Starbucks Nearing Licensing Pact for Retail Coffee Products

Starbucks is nearing a licensing agreement with Nestle to take over sales of its coffee products in grocery and other retail outlets, returning to a strategy it abandoned in 2011 when it took the business inhouse, according to a Bloomberg report. Starbucks parted with previous licensee Kraft Foods in 2011. Kraft, which took over the Starbucks grocery business in 1998 and built it from $50 million to $500 million in annual sales by 2010, later filed an arbitration complaint over Starbucks’ terminating the agreement. Starbucks agreed to pay Kraft $2.7 billion in 2013 to settle the complaint.

Contact:

Starbucks, Scott Maw, Chief Financial Officer, 206-447-1575

Executives

Former GB eye executive Max Arguile launches a consulting business, Reemsborko, focusing on anime and mobile and video game properties… Shane Mang, ex-DHX Media, named Executive Director of Global Consumer Products for The Jim Henson Company… Doug Howe, ex-Qurate Retail Group, named Chief Merchandising Officer at Kohl’s… Gail Mitchell, formerly VP  Licensing at Centa IP, named CEO, replacing Geoff Rosenhain….

Contact:

Reemsborko, Max Arguile, Owner, +44 7736 300253, reemsborko@gmail.com

Eric Carle Brand Returning to Beverages in the U.S.

The Eric Carle brand is returning to beverages in the U.S. under a licensing agreement with J.M. Smucker Co.’s R.W. Knudsen Family non-carbonated natural juice business. Sensible Sippers 4.23-ounce juice boxes will ship in July in three flavors featuring Carle’s art and characters tied to his Very Hungry Caterpillar book. Carle’s designs previously appeared in the U.S. on Whole Foods private label 365 Everyday Value children’s juices in 2014. Carle also has juice pacts with Cawston Press (UK) and Senjudo Corp. (Japan).

Contacts:

Joester Loria Group, Jacqueline DeMaio, Licensing Dir., 646-354-4514, jdemaio@tjlgroup.com

Smucker Natural Foods, Jake Calhoun, Marketing Dir., 330-684-6265, jake.calhoun@jmsmucker.com

Eddie Van Halen Seeks Licensing Deals

Killer Merch is representing Eddie Van Halen as the Van Halen frontman seeks licensing deals for the “Frankenstein” pattern on his guitars. Killer Merch began selling licensed hoodies, caps, flip-flops and leggings featuring the design through the musician’s online store about a year ago and recently began representing his patterns. The first products in bed and bath are expected to ship in Q4. Van Halen has trademarked the Frankenstein design, says Margo Ebs of Killer Merch. Eddie Van Valen has done a small amount of licensing in the past for the “Frankenstein” pattern, including a footwear deal with FEA Merchandising in 2009. Live Nation represents the Van Halen band for licensing.

Contact:

Killer Merch, Margo Ebs, margo@killermerch.com