PERRY ELLIS INTERNATIONAL, INC.: has named Mary Gleason as president of licensing for the company, effective yesterday. In her new role, Gleason is in charge of growing the company’s $23 million licensing business through expansion into new product categories and markets. Perry Ellis International has more than 150 licensees, which generate some $500 million each year in wholesale sales. Gleason joins Perry Ellis from Exeter Brands Group, a Nike subsidiary.
PANERA BREAD: is dangling a sweet incentive for kids to visit its restaurants—free lunch. To introduce its new Panera Kids menu, the Richmond Heights, Mo-based cafe is offering free downloadable coupons at Panera.com/kids for a free kids meal. Consumers can redeem their I’m taking Mom to lunch at Panera bread coupon at bakery cafes nationwide on Wednesday. Online materials support.
JAKKS PACIFIC, INC.: has signed a multi-year master toy licensing agreement with HIT Entertainment to manufacture and market products for the children’s property Barney. Under its Child Guidance preschool division, the company will develop toy products in a variety of categories, including learning toys and plush. The first wave of Barney products is slated to hit retail stores in spring 2007.
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