30-31 LSB 2020 Retail Round up.qxp_NEW LSB 2008 GRID 07/07/2020 21:50 Page 31
RETAIL ROUND-UP
Skinnydip bedding line makes John Lewis debut
The new Skinnydip homewares line is already proving popular with customers at John Lewis, having launched exclusively with the retailer in June. The range of bedroom décor – which has been created by textile specialist Ashley Wilde, following a deal brokered by Attachment Licensing – has kicked off with duvet and pillow cases, with cushions also due to launch. Items feature the prints and embellishments which Skinnydip has become known for including palm leaves, peaches and cherubs. “We wanted to bring some light-hearted fun to the bedroom with a range of bright, bold and quirky designs,” commented Zoe Stewart, John Lewis Partner and buyer of decorative bed linens, on The Evening Standard. “As soon as we saw the brand we loved it. It’s something different to what we have seen before and wanted to share this element of fun with our customers.” Charlotte Clisby, md licensing at Attachment, added: “We are Above: Homeware is a natural fit for the Skinnydip brand. incredibly excited to have partnered Skinnydip with Ashley Wilde to develop this brilliant range. “Homeware seemed such a natural fit for Skinnydip and something their audience was excited for. The reaction from customers since we launched exclusively with John Lewis has exceeded expectations and we are keen to explore what else Skinnydip can do in this space.”
The Entertainer opens first Far East store Below: Plans are in place for further
expansion across Malaysia before Christmas.
Ambitious toy retailer, The Entertainer has further expanded its international presence, opening its first store in the Far East. Working with Kim Hin Joo (Malaysia) Bhd as its franchise partner for the territory, The Entertainer has opened its first store near Kuala Lumpur and plans are already in place for further expansion across Malaysia before Christmas with two more stores confirmed. The Entertainer operates in ten other territories across the globe and the move into the Far East is a significant one for the group, with international expansion being key to its long-term growth strategy. “We are extremely excited to have taken The Entertainer into the Far East and it marks a significant milestone for our global expansion strategy,” said Gary Grant, founder and chief executive of The Entertainer. “We are working with a great partner who has extensive knowledge of the category and the region and we are confident that The Entertainer will achieve great things in the Far East.” The toy retailer has also welcomed a brace of new hires during lockdown – Geoff Sheffield has joined as buying director, while Pablo Badia is now country manager for POLY, its chain of 44 toy stores in Spain.
Pineapple x The Next Step clothing dances into Next
Boat Rocker Studios’ successful tween dance drama, The Next Step, has landed online at UK fashion retailer Next, with the co-branded Pineapple X The Next Step girls dance wear range. The range features seven skus, including bra tops, leggings, hot pants, cropped t-shirts and a hoodie. The collection is proving to be popular and exceeding sales Above: The Pineapple x TNS range expectations across the full has been selling well for Next. range. Currently leading skus include the pink crop t-shirt and black leggings. The Pineapple x TNS range initially launched last October following the ongoing success of The Next Stepthemed workshops held at Pineapple’s famous Covent Garden studio. Products were available from Pineapple’s store and its online web shop. “We are delighted with the performance of the Pineapple x The Next Step exclusive capsule collection of girls’ clothing, which is exceeding all expectations,” said Debbie Moore, ceo of Pineapple Dance Studios and designer of the Pineapple x TNS range. “It was a natural progression to place the collection with Next online, where our bestselling women’s and girls’ wear have already been selling well for a year.” Kate Schlomann, evp brand management and content marketing at Boat Rocker Studios, added: “The Next Step and Pineapple Studios have fantastic synergy making perfect partners. We are delighted that Next have listed the range, and its early success is testament to the power of the partnership and popularity of both brands.”
LICENSING SOURCE BOOK EUROPE 2020
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