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RETAILER BYTES
Owen Delahaye, founder, Geek is Chic: “You cannot ignore the popularity of Rick and Morty with their craziness being spot on for these crazy times we are currently living in. Gaming is bound to gain more traction, with high hopes for the new Fallout Above: Owen Delahaye with Chloe Weston of game and Resident Evil. Geek Universe. I am also sensing people are latching onto retro film properties – influencer PewDiePie has even predicted that Starship Trooper is ripe for a comeback.”
Tracey Stevens, buying administrator, The Entertainer:
“This is most definitely a ‘collectables’ era – L.O.L. Surprise being a prime example. I predict we will see a lot more licensing action on the Squidgies front as kids love them. We also are seeing great traction from Nickelodeon’s Slime. It appeals as it is such fun and a great reason get messy.” Left: (second right) Tracey Stevens with The Entertainer colleagues (left-right) Lauren Skeath, Clare Davis and Anna Shepard.
Scott Macrae, buyer of men’s, women’s and kids’ footwear and accessories, Asda:
“One trend that is set to grow and grow is the integration of technology into product design as this is the key way of licensed properties to engage with the consumer. We stock a range of wine where the wine label comes to life using AR. Wouldn’t it be great if on a pair of children’s trainers that by pointing a phone at them you could have Mickey Mouse sitting on your foot talking to you? It will come. Above: Scott Macrea is predicting more Disney certainly looks set for a interconnectivity great 2019 with its full roster of between technology and multi-generational films, such as product design. Toy Story 4 and Aladdin. Harry Potter is set for further growth, you cannot deny the impact Primark has had in re-establishing this as a popular property that also appeals to adults. The outsider this year though has to be Love Island, who could have foreseen the extent of its popularity?”
Inset: The trend for Japanese and Korean design brands, such as Molang, cannot be ignored says Pippa.
Pippa Woods, brand licensing manager, Tesco:
“PJ Masks is selling well for us, helped by the fact that there is lots of content to draw on as well as the innovations in the toy products. Harry Potter is a strong property, doing well for Above: Tesco’s Pippa Woods. us on stationery. On the newer front, LEGO Unikitty is going well and will likely grow while the trend for more Japanese-influenced design brands, such as Pusheen, Molang and Hamsta World cannot be ignored. Meanwhile, classics are doing well, which bodes well for the new live action Disney Dumbo film that is out next spring.”
Abi Wilson, buying manager, Sainsbury’s:
“It is about having fun – the rise of the llamas, unicorns are still going strong (helped by Fluffy from Despicable Me 3) and now sloths (Zootropolis will have helped on this score). It is not just about having the right properties, but the techniques too, whether with reversible sequins, embroidery, applique – it is all about giving value and appealing to the discretionary spend.” Left: Sainsbury’s Abi Wilson.
LICENSING SOURCE BOOK EUROPE 2018
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