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STATE OF THE NATION: Corporate
The buzz of the biz We may have only just started a New Year, but the licensing business is already shaping up to make 2017 another cracker. From new companies opening their doors through to evergreen brands breaking records, the year is off to a strong start. LSB takes a look at some of the latest happenings.
SEGA enters record books
SEGA’s recent fine art exhibition which took place as part of the 25th anniversary celebrations for Sonic the Hedgehog has scored a Guinness World Record. It has been recognised as the ‘largest fine art exhibition dedicated to one video game character’, further highlighting the popularity of Sonic and underlining what has been a strong year for the brand. Nine artists from around the world produced a total of 25 pieces of fine art, including sculptures, metal-work and paintings inspired by their love of Sonic the Hedgehog, and how the character has been an influence on their lives. The exhibition ran at Castle Fine Art Gallery on South Molton Street, London. Right: The Sonic fine art exhibit was a record breaker.
Coach on board with Felix
Royal waves
Historic Royal Palaces is looking to expand its licensing programme having enjoyed a successful 2016. The independent charity – which looks after the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Banqueting House, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace and Hillsborough Castle – has earmarked a number of areas of particular interest for new business. These include table-top (especially chinaware), luxury toiletries, home fragrances, garden-wear and accessories, heritage food and drink, as well as gifting ranges. Last year, Historic Royal Palaces welcomed GP&J Baker to its portfolio, while celebrating B&LLA Award success for its Hobbs’ spring 2016 collection. High-end jewellery licensee, Clogau, also ran a marketing campaign which included a photo and filming shoot across the palaces.
Universal goes direct Effective from January 1, 2017, NBC Universal has moved to direct management of its business in the UK and Ireland. This will be followed up by direct management in France, Benelux, Germany, Italy and Iberia from July 1, 2017.
Luxury fashion brand Coach has launched a new collaboration with DreamWorks’ Felix the Cat property. The partnership launches as CPLG embarks on an extensive lifestyle driven licensing programme for the brand across EMEA and North America. The Coach collaboration includes 16 lines across women’s ready to wear, handbags, jewellery and soft accessories, all featuring the character. It has launched across 13 global flagship stores, online at Coach.com and high profile department stores such as Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom. The range has already garnered celebrity fans, with actress Chloë Moretz pictured with one of the handbags.
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LICENSING SOURCE BOOK EUROPE 2017
Inset: HRP licensee Clogau shot some of its spring 2016 marketing campaign across the palaces.