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RETAILER BYTES
Joanne Burns, assistant buyer on babywear, Marks and Spencer:
“It is all about the classics, but done beautifully or with a bit of quirkiness. Peter Rabbit and Paddington are two great examples of this. They are both fantastically strong properties with a classic ‘handwriting’ that resonate with such a wide segment of the population.”
Sara Allbright, buyer of gifts and candleshop, John Lewis:
“There is an appetite for design-led brands that have a freshness in their aesthetics as well as how their designs are applied to products. Two great examples of this are Yvonne Ellen and Emily Coxhead of The Happy News. Both are new to licensing, but their work has a sincerity that the public respond too. We are all looking for authenticity in design and the products we are buying.” Above: John Lewis’ Sara Allbright (right) with colleague Rosy Bick.
Julia Redman, head of buying kidswear, Kylie, menswear and homeware, M&Co:
“It has been a standout year for Peter Rabbit, the traditional design for newborns has been outstanding. The joy it is totally appeals to the older consumer while the youngsters Above: M&Co’s respond positively to its clean, Julia Redman. healthy image. Guess How Much I Love You and The Gruffalo have also been strong for us, while higher up the age groups, gaming properties, such as Pokémon and Minecraft have done well. And it is two way sequins everywhere.”
Claire Loxley, senior buyer, Mothercare
“Peter Rabbit, Peppa Pig and PAW Patrol are all doing well for us. Parents are looking for classic toys, while very traditional play is also popular, such as the Little Senses range from our Above: Mothercare’s Claire Loxley in full judging mode. ELC brand. The classic brands always perform well for us heading into Christmas, while we have a Snoopy range coming for spring/summer 2019 and That’s not my…”
Natalie Ackerman, licence manager, Tesco F&F Clothing
“JoJo Siwa has been a really good success for us, as well as Avengers Infinity War on daywear. In preschool, it’s Peppa Pig and PAW Patrol. We’re looking at what we can do differently, such as including DC Comics licences in our baby events. Above: Tesco’s Natalie We have our eye on a number says brands such as emoji of girls’ collectable brands such are doing well. as emoji, L.O.L. Surprise and Pikmi Pops; we worked with emoji on its Chessington World of Adventures initiative in the summer, launching a collection of childrenswear with a swing tag mechanic. We have some great licensed activations coming up for Christmas and the New Year, too.” Inset: There is interest in brands that tap into the healthy eating scene, like Joe Wicks.
Harrison Roberts, merchandising development assistant, Forbidden Planet:
“One trend is to go back to the older retro properties, especially those that tap into the nostalgia of the 80s, such as classic PlayStation – think neon, think punk rebellion. On the contemporary rebellion front, it’s Rick and Morty all the way.” Above: Forbidden Planet’s Harrison Roberts and colleague Sarah Sullivan.
LICENSING SOURCE BOOK EUROPE 2018
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