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Some of the largest gaming brands in the world have confirmed their planned presence June 14-16 at the Licensing International Expo in Las Vegas. More than 17 interactive companies, including Activision, Electronic Arts, Capcom, Sony and the representatives from Angry Birds are slated to attend, said Liz Crawford, the show's director.

Mary Winters has been named Sales Executive for Zutano. Winters will be responsible for sales, merchandising, trade shows, territory showroom support and maintaining market weeks in the New York City showroom. She will be working closely with new and existing retail accounts to optimize product strategy and sales.

Prior to joining Zutano, Winters was the U.S. marketing and sales coordinator for women's clothing brand Lole, where she implemented the Canadian-based company's marketing plans and strategies in the States. She is a graduate of State University of New York at Albany.

National Geographic and Pottery Barn Kids are linking up to create an educational merchandising program designed to engage kids in the fields of science, nature and exploration. Starting April 21, Pottery Barn Kids will offer National Geographic-inspired products, including plush toys. Proceeds will go to supporting ocean conservation and research, and merchandise will be available in-store, online and through Pottery Barn's catalog.

Specialty stores helped bump overall retail apparel sales this March while department store sales fell, the Commerce Department reported. Overall retail sales rose by 0.4-percent in March for the ninth consecutive month. Chris G. Christopher Jr., senior principal economist at IHS Global Insight, said, "The improving job market and increased household income are helping retailers considerably."