62-63-65-66-67-69 Licensee Feedback (SL - final).qxp_NEW LSB 2008 GRID 22/09/2025 19:35 Page 1
LICENSEE FEEDBACK
Back d fourth LSB catches up with a selection of licensees across key categories to find out their summer successes and what they see as the highlights and challenges as we enter the ‘golden quarter’ of 2025 and their main goal for 2026. OraRuth Rother, head of marketing, Craft Buddy “At Craft Buddy, summer 2025 has been one of our most successful yet, driven by four standout launches in the first half of the year: Crystal Art Above: OraRuth Rother. Below: The Grinch is one Wildlife Buddies, the Harry Potter of Craft Buddy’s new licences. Crystal Art Sticker Album, our preschool debut Crystal Art Junior, and the Disney 2-in-1 Crystal Art Pin Badges. We also secured two exciting new licences – Care Bears and The Grinch – both included in our AW/Christmas line-up and already well received by retailers. As we enter the peak trading season, the key focuses are on the first Disney Crystal Art Advent Calendar which offers a unique creative countdown, alongside the five-piece The Grinch collection and launches of both our gifting and stocking filler Care Bears line-up and new format Mirror Buddies. Looking ahead, 2026 promises to be an exciting year as we welcome new licences - that include Hello Kitty and Friends, the kawaii-inspired brand Fuzzballs, and the evergreen Hasbro portfolio (including Peppa Pig, My Little Pony and Transformers). Our 2026 goal is to reinforce Craft Buddy as the go-to brand for crafting, creative gifting, family entertainment and kidult collectability. We’ll achieve this by building on our trusted licensing portfolio, expanding with fresh new partnerships, and driving innovation, sustainability and product diversity - all underpinned by our values of creativity, collectability and self-expression.”
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Inset: Rainbow Designs is introducing its Bing product in time for Q4. Below: Zara Grindrod.
Zara Grindrod, brand and sales director, Rainbow Designs “This summer has been a fantastic one for Rainbow Designs, with strong demand across our classic ranges including Paddington, Peter Rabbit and Disney’s Winnie the Pooh. It has also been particularly exciting to introduce some fresh ranges in time for Q4 - Mr. Men Little Miss, as well as the preschool favourite Bing. As we approach the all-important Q4, our focus is on meeting demand, particularly for Christmas must-haves such as our Adventures of Paddington range, and ensuring smooth delivery for our retail partners. The challenge is always balancing supply with demand during this peak season, but our team is committed to delivering the quality and reliability that retailers and consumers expect from Rainbow. Looking ahead to 2026, we have some major milestones and launches on the horizon. We’re thrilled to be introducing Pembe the Pink Cat’s first collection, along with some very exciting new additions to our major licensed ranges. 2026 will also mark Rainbow Designs’ 55th anniversary, which makes it an incredibly special year for us.”
Zoe Ryan, head of marketing, Fizz Creations “This summer has been all about digital gaming wins – from the continued success of Tetris and Pac-man to the global buzz around our Pac-man Plug & Play launch. As we head into the golden quarter, we’re excited by the momentum but also mindful of the challenge to keep the energy high in a busy gifting season. Looking ahead to 2026, we can’t wait to level up even further with an expanded line-up of digital games – think Pac-man, Tetris, Galaga, Street Fighter, Commando, Asteroids, Missile Command, Assassin’s Creed – plus some fresh fun with The Grinch and ICEE. Big year incoming.”
LICENSING SOURCE BOOK 2025
8 – Above: Zoe Ryan.