92-93-95 - LSB SOTN Retail Roundup_muk.qxp_NEW LSB 2008 GRID 20/09/2018 17:37 Page 95
Below: Forbidden Planet marks 40 years this year.
STATE OF THE NATION: SCHOOLERS
Uniqlo launches second collab with Sanderson
Forbidden Planet hits 40 Pop culture retailer Forbidden Planet has marked its 40th anniversary. The original store on London’s Denmark Street was one of the first in the UK to stock movie merchandise, and it quickly became renowned for hosting signings with some of the greatest names in comics, books and film. These included the likes of Douglas Adams and Stan Lee, as well as Terry Pratchett, Stephen King and Neil Gaiman among others. To mark its 40th, Forbidden Planet created a range of souvenir merchandise, using the classic Brian Bolland ‘People Like Us’ artwork. Products include a tote bag, coasters, mugs and t-shirts.
Uniqlo has launched a second collaboration with British heritage interiors brand, Sanderson. The autumn collection follows on from the success of the Studio Sanderson Summer Collection, which was released by Uniqlo in April. The autumn release introduces Sanderson florals across a 25-piece casualwear collection for women and girls. Signature Sanderson designs are featured across dresses, t-shirts and shirts and are now available in over 1,900 Uniqlo stores around the world and online. Below: Sanderson florals have made their way into Uniqlo.
The Entertainer continues global expansion
Toy retailer The Entertainer is expanding into its seventh international territory after securing a partnership with retail start-up Axiom in Kosovo. The deal saw The Entertainer open its doors for the first time this summer in the country with a store in the premium shopping destination Albi Mall. Local businessmen Taulant Rexhepi and Hekuran Neziri – who head up Axiom – contacted The Entertainer to discuss the opportunity of working together, having identified a gap in the market. The Entertainer currently has 145 shops in the UK, plus 20 international stores through its partnerships.
Argos saddles up
A new and exclusive collaboration between the UK’s leading road cycling publications Cycling Plus and largest digital platform BikeRadar – both Immediate Media brands – has launched at Argos. The partnership – developed and managed by specialist brand extension and licensing agency three60brands – utilised the team of experts from the titles to create a range of three road bikes, under the Argos-owned ‘Challenge’ brand. The bikes have a bespoke frame and fork design that blends comfort and speed, with price points of £199.99, £249.99 and £329.99.
Oasis goes Wild with NHM
The Natural History Museum has launched its first ever licensed women’s fashion collection – teaming up with high street name Oasis on a 34-piece range. Called Wild and Wonderful, the Natural History Museum x Oasis collection is inspired by the work of some of history’s most celebrated naturalists. The graphics that have provided the designs have been inspired by a wide variety of illustrations, many of which are housed within the Museum’s rare books library. The collection includes dresses, shorts, tops, skirts and accessories such as bags and footwear. It is also accompanied by bespoke branded carrier bags and swing tags in-store featuring artwork from the collection. Above: Oasis gets Wild and Wonderful with NHM. LICENSING SOURCE BOOK EUROPE 2018
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