Entertainment Tie-ins / Licensing

New York - General, rather than ethnic-specific, product appeal is the key to growth in the ethnic cosmetics and beauty care market, according to a new report from market research publisher Packaged Facts, "The U.S. Market for Ethnic Cosmetics, Hair Care, and Beauty Products."

TROY, Mich., and BURBANK, Calif. - Kmart Holding Corp. and the WB Television Network today announced an exclusive integrated marketing campaign to launch five new Kmart back-to-school fall apparel collections and the WB's new season of shows. This marketing partnership is the first of its kind in which a major retail brand is working with a television network to jointly leverage their respective assets for cross-promotional purposes.

The sales trends in liquor merchandising -- exotic flavors, holiday gift packs, low-carb diets, and superpremium products -- are so promising it's almost scary.

LONDON - British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, better known as the Naked Chef, has agreed to be the face of supermarket chain Sainsbury's for another year.

LOS ANGELES - Wal-Mart is selling the world's first DVD player that can seamlessly skip over violence, swearing, nudity, and other potentially offensive movie content, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The $79 unit features technology by ClearPlay and is manufactured by Thomson, Inc. under its RCA brand.

HERSHEY, Pa. - Hershey Foods Corp. today announced a multi-year partnership with Thalia Sodi, the popular Latin singer and actress, as part of its strategy to tap into the fast-growing Hispanic market.

DALLAS - Hundreds of enthusiastic cyclists, community leaders, and cancer survivors converged on the Hyatt Regency Dallas today to celebrate the announcement by United Supermarkets and Market Street of the first-ever United Texas Tour planned for fall 2005.

NEW YORK - In what could be a 2004 version of "Toy Story," a group of toy manufacturers have decided to take a stand against Wal-Mart Stores by delivering fewer hot toys to the chain and having more exclusive launches at competitors, like Toys "R" Us, according to the Associated Press.