27-28-29 Retail Roundup_muk.qxp_NEW LSB 2008 GRID 22/09/2020 14:20 Page 29
RETAIL ROUND-UP
Argos eyes Christmas Argos – which revealed earlier in the summer it would stop publishing its catalogue after almost 50 years - has unveiled its list of top toy predictions for Christmas 2020. An animatronic doll of The Child from The Mandalorian – affectionately known as Baby Yoda, the diminutive star of the popular Star Wars spin off on Disney+ – is expected to be one of this Christmas’ biggest hits. Meanwhile, the collaboration between Nintendo and LEGO on the Super Mario Starter Course has also made the list, giving fans the chance to recreate the iconic platform games in physical form, collecting Above: Argos has revealed its top toy picks for Christmas 2020. coins and squashing enemies. Other licensed brands making the list include L.O.L. Surprise and PAW Patrol. “With so much time spent inside during lockdown, the nation has rekindled its love for toys, turning to them now more than ever to keep themselves entertained during what has been a difficult time for many,” said Juliet Ward, head of toy buying at Argos. “When we craft the list of our top toy predictions for the year, we always try to accurately gauge the ‘toy crazes’ that are set to make thousands of wish lists. This year it’s heartening to see so many toys that will encourage families to spend time together.” Below: The Matalan launch was supported with an influencer campaign.
Mothercare’s sustainable model
Matalan’s Elmer success
Maternity and nursery retailer, Mothercare has unveiled its new ‘more sustainable’ business model, which is due to launch later this year. The new model has been created as part of a plan to ‘modernise and improve’ its commercial relationships, as a result of ‘constructive discussions’ with international franchise and manufacturing partners. The new ‘more sustainable and less capital-intensive’ business model aims to improve pricing and quality for franchise partners, while reducing financial and operational risk for manufacturing partners. The new set-up will see franchise partners paying suppliers directly for products and in doing so removing any ‘timing mismatch’ and improving Mothercare’s working capital requirements. Expected benefits of the new arrangement include improved pricing for franchise partners, which in turn should ‘better incentivise retail sales growth and assist manufacturing partners in reinstating credit insurance for future seasons’. The update also revealed the contracts had been finalised for the ten-year appointment of Boots UK as Mothercare’s UK and Republic of Ireland franchise partner..
Elmer the Patchwork Elephant‘s licensing agent, Metrostar and licensee, Paul Dennicci have delivered a new first for Elmer with the launch of the classic character’s latest babywear range at Matalan. The range comprises four pieces including a bodysuit, vest set, dress and bib and features stylish on trend monotone graphics alongside Elmer’s signature colourful patchwork. Andersen Press, through partner License to PR, supported the launch with a coordinated campaign, inviting a select group of influencers to post pictures of their little ones wearing the range. Plush from Rainbow Designs, cards from Hype and a puzzle from Ravensburger also featured. The campaign reached over 324,000 people. Claire Potter, md at Metrostar, added: “Elmer’s messages of friendship and inclusivity are more important and relevant than ever. They mandate us to ensure he is accessible to all, while delivering high quality consumer products. The range at Matalan is an important step in that endeavour.”
Amazon sales soar Amazon continues to be one of the companies prospering during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the retailer reporting its Q2 sales soared by 40%. The retailer saw sales for the second quarter ending June 30 grow by 40% to $88.9 billion – analysts’ estimates had been $81.24 billion. Meanwhile, net profits for the period doubled to $5.2 billion. The company also confirmed that it spent over $4 billion on incremental COVID-19-related costs during the quarter. These included adding additional safety measures at its numerous warehouses and facilities, buying personal protective equipment for its workers and paying a $500 million ‘thank you bonus’ to logistics and delivery drivers. In a statement, Jeff Bezo, ceo and founder of Amazon, also said that the company created over 175,000 new jobs since March. It is looking to bring 125,000 of those employees into regular, full time positions.
LICENSING SOURCE BOOK EUROPE 2020
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