24-25_27 LSB Feedback.qxp_NEW LSB 2008 GRID 20/09/2018 15:56 Page 24
LICENSEE FEEDBACK
Three little words It’s the most wonderful time of the year – and arguably the most important for the licensing business. But what three words come to mind when thinking Q4 trading in 2018 and why? We asked some key names for their feedback.
David Wootliff, commercial director, Pyramid International
“Opportunity, opportunity, opportunity… Given the current market conditions, uncertainty around Brexit, falls in the key trading currencies and the non-stop closures of high street retailers, it is easy to become defensive and look at the negativity of the market, Above: It’s all about the but knowing that we all will opportunity for celebrate Christmas and look Pyramid’s David. for bargains and great value for money opportunities we need to look at how we can service the retail sector, look at alternative channels and drive sales for Q4. Having some of the best licences out there certainly helps - Harry Potter is flying, I’m looking forward to Marvel’s Venom and Disney’s Wreck It Ralph’s next adventure. We’re seeing huge opportunities with gaming licences, both retro and new titles and we have a fantastic licence in the works that by the time you read this will be out there, friends don’t lie…”
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LICENSING SOURCE BOOK EUROPE 2018
Kate Austin, md, DJ Murphy “Full of opportunity. Q4 presents us with great opportunities for our licensed products. We are continuing to see growth and an expanding retail base both in Above: Q4 is full of the UK and overseas for our opportunity says DJ Murphy’s Kate. 2018 launch L.O.L. Surprise and this is set to continue into Q4. At the same time we are bringing a new Christmas special to the market which we are very excited about and which offers further opportunity to grow the L.O.L. brand. We’ll also, of course, be working hard in Q4 to cement plans for new licensed properties. It’s an exciting end to the year.” Right: All eyes will be on which retailers benefitted from the closure of Toys R Us stores in the UK earlier this year.
Darran Garnham, ceo, MTW Toys
“Who took TRU? It will be interesting to see how much, and where, the Toys R Us spend will shift. It’s all to play for.” Left: It’s all to play for, says MTW Toys’ Darran.