98-99-100-101 LSB 2020 M&H_muk.qxp_NEW LSB 2008 GRID 15/09/2020 10:38 Page 101
MUSEUM & HERITAGE FEEDBACK
Cathy Snow, licensing manager, RHS “Retail business at our gardens, both in the gift shops and plant centres, has been brisk – especially for all things garden-related. We have seen real growth across the majority of our gardening product licensees, too. The only licensees that have not returned higher royalties are those that were unable to import product because of the closure of factories in the Far East. However, luckily for the RHS licensing programme we have always worked with UK manufacturing licensees, as well as those who import products. Because of this the programme was well protected and the first two quarters’ revenue has barely been affected. As for the new partners we were talking to before lockdown, some went on working and we were able to continue negotiations, so we will have plenty of new deals and new products launching next spring. A few other new deals were delayed, but are still going ahead. We have even seen a number of new opportunities and approaches in the last few weeks. As LSB goes to press I can hint at a deal with a major grocer, which is hugely significant for the licensing programme. There is also one in the gardening Above: Gardening and growing enjoyed a huge boost in lockdown, benefitting product category, the RHS.
Marijn Veraart, licensing manager, Van Gogh Museum “The UK is a key market for us and we have been growing the licensing programme with Licensing Link Europe over the last 12 months. This year it has signed a number of licensees including Blueprint Collections (which has secured some great retail partners in the UK and Europe including John Lewis), Danilo, Floral Street Fragrances, Bespoke 77 and AC Jade. The Collective has also continued production development with ranges launching with Asos. The museum itself had to shut its doors in March, once mass gatherings were restricted in Holland. In addition, our live event partners had to close down including the Experience that was located on London’s South Bank. Despite the limitations, we can still continue to inspire people from a distance with the work and life of Van Gogh through our online channels. Even now that people can travel less easily, we keep in touch with millions of online followers. On social media, the Van Gogh Museum is the world's most engaging art museum. The museum re-opened in July, but we’ve reduced the numbers to 2,000 visitors per day, ensuring social distancing rules can be implemented. Our goals over the next few months are to secure retail listings with our partners, a focus on digital, particularly in the apparel space, plus we have Above: Blueprint Collections a drinks partner which we are has secured some strong retail excited about for next year.” partners for its new range.
which again is huge – probably our biggest ever licensing deal financially for the RHS – and then several smaller ones that strengthen our gift and homeware licensed product categories. And there may be a really interesting deal for wine lovers, too.”
Judith Mather, buying and brand licensing director, National Gallery Company “Demand for our licensed jigsaws (from Ravensburger and Flame Tree) soared during lockdown, which in turn boosted our digital sales of this category. Crafting activities (from DMC) were also popular, seeing YOY sales up 125%. New licensees Poetic Brands, Pure Jewels (fine jewellery), MLP (apparel) and Ecell (phone cases) have continued to develop product through the crisis. A DTR was secured with Pull & Bear, while the contract to supply our Delicious Art range to Boots and other retailers was extended for a further two years. Our international agent, Pepperbrands in Brazil, secured a new deal for hats in Mexico, while Alfilo, our master licensee in China, has developed 101 new skus over multiple designs and products. The National Gallery has an online booking system for free entry and paid for entry for the current Titian: Love, Desire, Death exhibition. This is aiding the social distancing in the Gallery. Capacity is greatly reduced and we can only currently trade on-site in one permanent store and the Titian exhibition shop. As to our focus in the Far East and going forward into Q1 2021, we would like to secure more fashion collaborations.” Right: Securing more fashion collaborations is one of the focuses for Judith. LICENSING SOURCE BOOK EUROPE 2020
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