Back in December of 2019, Hasbro announced that they would begin phasing out plastics from all new toy and game packaging across its portfolio of brands. Their goal was to eliminate virtually all plastic components, including polybags, elastic bands, shrink wrap, window sheets and blister packs from … Read More
As I walked through Target this past weekend to do a retail audit for one of our clients, I noticed their seasonal collection of outdoor and summer-themed products under their private label brand, Sun Squad. I don't usually put too much energy into evaluating retailer brands, but … Read More
As we continue to refine our philosophies and approach to the design of packaging programs for licensed brands, we take into consideration the questions asked by licensed brand owners and licensee partners alike. Their questions reveal the challenges they’re facing as their needs and the retail environment … Read More
Some licensed product packaging programs are underachievers. They consist of very little in terms of package design assets and they offer very little direction with regard to standardization. The licensed brand owner doesn’t give packaging much thought or concern because they’re extremely product-focused. And they don’t realize … Read More
As the purpose and functionality of a licensing program style guide evolve to better serve both licensed brand owners and licensee partners, we see a shift in the questions we’re asked most often by our clients. Their questions shed light on the challenges they’re facing as the … Read More
Angry Birds are finally flying high in the real world thanks to the brand licensing partnership between Rovio and Capsule Skateboards. The collection includes seven different gnarly skate deck designs across five explorer boards and two cruiser boards, which are all inspired by the Angry Birds mobile … Read More
When consumers make purchases in retail environments, they're usually making up their minds in as little 10 to 20 seconds – according to research conducted by consumer behavior experts. They also ignore up to 2/3 of competitive products in the process. These statistics show just how difficult … Read More
Licensed products always get into trouble if they're not performing well. Even more so now, as retailers have become more discerning with regard to the brands they'll purchase for their store shelves. This got me thinking about more than the design development work we do for our toy … Read More
Although there are anniversary celebrations for licensed brands every year, there seems to be an exorbitant number of brands hitting major milestones of late. And many seem to be happening next year – enough to prompt Licensing International to refer to 2023 as the “Year of the … Read More
One thing I could never overemphasize is the importance of establishing a perfect fit between licensed brand and licensee partner. Every licensed brand owner should pursue “perfect fits” rather than granting a license to anyone who would be willing to enter into an agreement and emblazon their … Read More
If you want to engage the Design Force team and put more than three decades of expertise to work for your brand...