With more online stores coming soon.

For the first time the public is able to purchase authentic Tour de France bikes and accessories inspired by the world’s most iconic cycling event and brand.

More info contact info@pixelelves.com/moda.

Interbike September 2010 — Las Vegas

Interbike in Las Vegas! North America’s largest cycling trade show is off to a terrific start with lots of enthusiasm throughout the aisles.

Cycle Force Group has launched its line of Tour de France licensed bicycles, accessories and parts. The line looks awesome and reaction to the line and brand has been terrific.

I am here to look for licensing partners for the Tour in apparel (heritage and casual cycling), endurance supplements, skin care and other relevant product categories.

See the action at the booth, number 1250!

MODA In Mexico

Sept 2010: Mexico/Yucatan/Akumal: A visit to the Riviera Maya Beach Villas….This was not a business trip, au contraire, but any travel provides another perspective on consumers and spending. Wearing MODA’s hat (and a hat was required at all daylight hours) as licensing agency it was clear that “experience” is trumping product purchases.

One flies to Cancun airport to get to Akumal. Considering the economic times, or perhaps because of it, the airport seemed quite busy during a time that is considered ‘off season’. Ages ranged from college age to seniors…and all chose to spend their money on the travel experience.

The town of Akumal, originally a sleepy fishing village known only to scuba divers, now nestled between hotel resorts manages to keep its small town flavor. It also offers a great example of the best mobile and remote working can offer. I had great internet connection throughout my stay.

Despite the media news, I found the locations safe, with much to see and do; interacting with the Mayan people who are deservedly proud of their culinary and cultural heritage and eager to share it with visitors to this region that is now called Riviera Maya.

I have to admit I didn’t spend much time in stores (though I did purchase a most amazing handbag from Hacienda Monte Cristo’s designer). Instead I did what most others were doing and that was having “experiences” visiting Mayan ruins, snorkeling in caves called Cenotes and tasting local food at different restaurants.

The REAL experience however was the luxurious time spent at the Riviera Maya Beach Villas. Each Villa was meticulously designed and built by Udi Saly to take full advantage of the ocean views; his requisite exquisitely placed lap pools for each villa adds to the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces; a perfect flow from floor to floor including a signature roof space that serves a myriad of functions from pure escape to after dinner drinks and star gazing. Each Villa offers privacy and is executed to a scale that is both generous and intimate.

The villas are decorated by Liz Conover in an elegant style that marries luxury with humor and pragmatism but make no mistake…a perfectionist’s attention to detail from colorful silk throws, exquisite use and choice of tiles, marble and wood, unexpected chandeliers setting the stage for a long soak in a Jacuzzi, comfortable furniture to the elegant bed linens and towels.

To get a glimpse of this wonderfully appointed, located, relaxing place and the luxurious time I had at Villa Zen del Mar on private Jade Beach (swimming everyday in a gorgeous lap pool, yoga every morning, one hour massages in the spa palapa adjacent to the pool and delicious nouveau Mexican cuisine prepared each evening) please go to www.AkumalBeachVillas.com.

In addition to “experience” being a consumer driver, another observation during my short stay was meeting a growing international group of innovative, adventurous, creative types investing in real estate and living in places like Akumal, Vallodolid and Merida in the Yucatan.

Observations from this trip: consumers are seeking experiences such as travel and I strongly believe they will also gravitate towards products and retailers that are “experiential”; luxury spending is linked to travel, real estate and home décor. Mobile working is ‘working’!

Next On the Road: Interbike in Las Vegas; Brand Licensing Europe – London.

MODA at Interbike Sept 22nd – 23rd 2010

Scott Todd of MODA Licensing is heading out to Las Vegas for the Interbike Show on September 22nd to help with the launch of our new line of Tour de France bikes, accessories and parts by Cycle Force (booth # 1037)!
Other Tour de France licensees exhibiting their 2011 product include Headsweats (booth # 1400), Suntech Optics / Ryder (booth # 2859) and DeFeet (booth # 3032).
If you would like to find out more about Tour de France licensing opportunities please contact Scott at (212)-687-7640 or via email at s.todd@pixelelves.com/moda to set up an appointment.

MODA and UNICEF at BLE Sept 28th – 30th 2010

MODA Licensing is scheduling appointments for UNICEF at Brand Licensing Europe. If you are looking for a new children’s brand that stands apart from current offerings, then please visit us to learn more.

UNICEF, (United National Children’s Education Fund) a first time exhibitor, will take this opportunity to unveil the platform for a global licensing program designed to further commercialize the brand and create a dynamic and profitable licensing business that will drive traffic, engage consumers and generate revenue for licensees, retailers and help to fund/support UNICEF’s mission.

With strong worldwide awareness, 90%+ in most markets, UNICEF is a “borderless” brand that will resonate with consumers of all ages and backgrounds globally, locally and regionally. Our licensing brand platform (multiculturalism, connecting children with children, global and cause) provides differentiation that retailers and consumers are seeking.

UNICEF is already a proven success in the commercial arena enjoying a leading market position globally in the humanitarian cards and gifts business.

Available product categories for children include: Toys, Apparel, First Aid, Eyewear, Books, Software, Video games and Juvenile products.

Please contact us to set up at appointment or stop by our booth #CO53 to learn more about how UNICEF can improve your business and the lives of children.

Sharon Summer- T +1 212 687-7640 ext: 216
s.summer@pixelelves.com/moda
or
Alicia Rodriguez- T +1 212 687 7640 ext: 210
a.rodriguez@pixelelves.com/moda

FMI 2010

FMI May 2010

I recently attended the FMI 2010 Show (Food Marketing Institute) in Las Vegas, the largest and most comprehensive food industry event in North America. The show was touted as a big success with attendance up and most attendees full of optimism.

People were talking about brand loyalty being critical to food retail and the importance private label store brands have in the market especially when shoppers have to make their grocery dollars go farther. In fact, I was informed that 97% of shoppers will purchase the same amount or more private brands in the grocery store in 2010 / 2011. These facts are real and add a sense of panic to brand owners and licensees who are vying for shelf space.

Competing with other brands is one thing but competing with your retailer is another and brand owners are looking for solutions that will maintain and increase their marketshare. There is no easy solution here but it seemed that product differentiation, creativity, customer service and speed to market was the buzz coming out of the show. Being a step ahead of the retailer by offering something unique that fills consumers’ wants and desires will help brand owners maintain brand loyalty and hopefully increase marketshare.

MODA was at the show launching a line of licensed America’s VetDogs® dog treats by Bil-Jac — to much success. Attendees seemed to really understand that by purchasing a package of America’s VetDogs® dog treats they were giving back to an amazing organization that supports our American disabled veterans and heroes (differentiation) by providing soldiers with service dogs that allow them to re-enter domestic life with dignity and a sense of purpose (unique). Bil-Jac also stepped up to the plate and saw the immediate opportunity by landing a national retailer to roll-out the VetDogs® dog treats in August 2010 (speed to market).

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