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Sanrio recently signed another deal with long-time partner, the Royer Group. Together they will produce Charmmykitty shoes, a division of the Hello Kitty brand. The shoes will hit stores in 2012.

Organizers from the Licensing International Expo recently announced a list of 90 new brands and exhibitors, most notably the popular iPhone game, Angry Birds from Striker Entertainment. Nearly 300 companies will exhibit at the show, which takes place June 14-16 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.

Internationally renowned children's charity Kids in Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.) is coordinating relief efforts in the wake of the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and 23-foot tsunami that struck Northern Japan, leaving half a million homeless. The organization is asking retailers and manufacturers to provide donations of desperately needed new products, and for the public to provide monetary support to the long-term relief effort, by visiting www.KIDSdonations.org or calling 212-279-5493.

9Threads website was selected from nearly 3,500 entrants as one of five finalists for the coveted SXSW Interactive Awards in the Business category. The SXSW Interactive Awards are widely recognized as "the Oscars of the Web world"—the industry's most sought-after accolade.

For the last 25 years, SXSW has provided a venue for showcasing independent film, original music and in the last 14 of those years, SXSW has served as the country's premier platform for emerging technologies, particularly in the digital sphere.

New York Kids Market Week, for the permanent kids and accessories showcase located in Manhattan, begins today, March 21 and runs through March 25. Although the showrooms are open year-round, market week visitors will enjoy special promotions and discounts, including free shipping and merchandise deals, as well as other incentives, like complimentary breakfast and snacks throughout the day. For a list of brands and more information, visit www.nykidsmarket.org.

Children's Place Retail Stores named Michael Giannelli, a former designer for Gap Inc.'s kids, baby and body brands, as head designer for the seller of children's apparel, according to the Wall Street Journal. Giannelli worked at Gap for 18 years, most recently as vice president of Gap Body. For 12 years, he designed children's apparel and non-apparel for Gap Kids and Baby Gap. According to the article, Children's Place President and Chief Executive Jane Elfers said the hiring was very strategic, as strengthening the retailer's merchandise is the company's "number one key initiative."

New mom Jessica Dunne has recently been appointed as the executive vice president of Mom and Babies. In her new role, Dunne will establish and grow the Disney Baby brand with new moms in mind.

Turner CN Enterprises has made a slew of deals with more than 60 partners for the licensing of Generator Rex in the Americas, Europe and the Middle East. Products include apparel, posters, a magazine, stationary, backpacks and accessories.

Universal and Walmart announce their partnership to release merchandise centered around the upcoming movie Hop, due to be released April 1. Merchandise ranges from Hop-themed Easter baskets to candy, toys, activities and apparel. Gary Severson, senior vice president of home entertainment at Walmart U.S. stated, "This is the first time we've worked with a licensed property to brand an important seasonal event in Walmart stores."

At Playtime New York, held from March 5-7 at 82 Mercer in Soho, exhibitors were met with 25.21 percent more traffic than the previous year, totaling 1,632 visitors. The first day was the busiest, bringing in 49.3 percent of the traffic, while the following two days were evenly attended. The level of participants also grew, showing a 14 percent increase over last year. Playtime organizers expect continued growth for the July 30 to August 1 show.