18-21_Industry Roundtable.qxp_NEW LSB 2008 GRID 10/01/2023 10:10 Page 1
INDUSTRY ROUNDTABLE
New year message Marianne James
Andrew Carley
Jon Spalding
Inset: The arrival of the Barbie movie this summer will be a huge ‘pop culture’ moment for consumers.
Kate Schlomann
LSB chats to four senior executives – Marianne James, vp EMEA and Asia Licensed Consumer Products, Hasbro; Andrew Carley, director of global licensing, BBC Studios; Jon Spalding, head of UK consumer products and hardlines, EMEA, Mattel; and Kate Schlomann, evp brand management and content marketing, Boat Rocker – about the year just gone, the year ahead, retail opportunities, the challenges and the positives.
How was 2022 for your business? What were some of the key highlights? Marianne: “2022 was a year of change and focus on our new Blueprint 2.0 strategy, emphasising fewer, bigger, better brands to generate meaningful consumer interest and deeper retail engagement, while putting purpose at the centre of everything we do and the products we deliver.” Andrew: “Bluey continues to exceed all expectations. 2022 was Bluey’s first full year at retail in the UK and while the product range remains tight it’s driving very strong momentum. Categories across ancillary toy and apparel are beginning to build significant presence at retail paving the way for a very exciting 2023. 2022 also saw the launch of Bluey across almost all European markets, led by France, Italy and Spain, while the CP programme is in its second full year
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LICENSING SOURCE BOOK EUROPE 2023
in the US. Hey Duggee also continues to command shelf space in a very competitive market – no mean feat for a 7+ year old property.” Jon: “2022 was a transformational year for Mattel’s consumer products business - as a licensing business within a global toy company there are so many great opportunities to integrate as a business, across retail and marketing and as we move into 2023 we have an exciting new approach on how we bring our brands to life for the consumer. Our franchisefirst approach has accelerated with the announcement our first-ever theatrical live action Barbie movie (coming in July) which will be a huge pop culture moment for consumers, plus the return of Monster High with two new films and an animated series. As we move into 2023, we are excited to bring Barbie, Monster High and Hot Wheels programmes to retail and, of course, continuing our story on Thomas & Friends and Fireman Sam.”