24-25_27 LSB Feedback.qxp_NEW LSB 2008 GRID 20/09/2018 15:56 Page 25
LICENSEE FEEDBACK
Tim Rudd-Clarke, licensing director, Gemma International
“Exciting - we have just launched Studio by Gemma our premium licensed range, and have launched our trade website, supporting our independent sales team. We think in these challenging times, you need to innovate and adapt. So we have also made a point of producing Studio by Gemma, in the UK, and we believe will help Brexit proof our business, and wow have those lead times come down. Focus - again, I think the last quarter and beyond needs clear vision about how licensing, principles, licensees and retailers are going to work together to give consumers what they want and when they need it. I sense there is a lot of playing safe at the moment and I do think opportunities are being missed by some retailers. Long-term value (sorry, I’m cheating here) - I see a lot of chasing volume and quick turnover promotions on my travels, which can be great, and in Q4 2018, I am sure there will be plenty. However, it's important to remember the value of licensed brands, and again here at Gemma, we like to think that we a have a duty of care, and recognise the extra value in licensed brands, over generic products.” Above: In challenging times, you need to adapt and innovate, says Gemma’s Tim.
Tracey Devine, head of licensing and marketing EMEA, Rubie’s Masquerade “Exciting times ahead. Why – coupled with some hot new licences and a change in channel strategy/marketing and product development, Q4 trading sees the first real season where all of these will start to gel together.” Above: Exciting times ahead, says Tracey.
Phil Ratcliffe, sales and marketing director, MV Sports
“Challenging, cautious, optimistic. Challenging because of the Above: MV’s Phil says retail/market landscape including the company has an closures and restructures. Cautious “amazing” product line-up into 2019. because some customers are keeping stocks tight amid market uncertainty and optimistic because we have an amazing line-up of products/licences for 2019, some of which will be shipping in Q4.”
Laura Bull, marketing manager, Posh Paws International
“Winnie the Pooh – the buzz around the Disney movie Christopher Robin was unbelievable; product was flying off the shelves before the film was even released. We have high hopes for Winnie the Pooh and all his friends in Q4.”
Above: Posh Paws’ Laura has high hopes for Winnie the Pooh and his friends following the release of Christoph er Robin.
Emma Weber, international licensing director, Vivid “Nella, growth and TRU. We are expecting to see growth across the Vivid business through our own IP brands such as Animagic Woofles and Waggles, along with Crayola and Games, as well as building on the global launch of Nella which is seeing great success in International markets including the US. Our hope is to replace the lost TRU business by year-end.” Above and right: Vivid’s Emma is expecting to see growth across the business including with Nella.
Richard Radford, head of licensing, Bioworld International
“So many opportunities – not only from a property and product point of view here at Bioworld, but also from a company expansion angle, too.”
Left: Bioworld’s Richard believes there are many opportunities out there.
LICENSING SOURCE BOOK EUROPE 2018
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