PARTY NEWS
NEWS UPDATE Industry positive ahead of 2023 Industry execs are hopeful that despite a challenging economic climate, and continuing supply issues, the year ahead will be strong overall. As a fresh set of challenges face the party industry, including supply problems with helium, many are diversifying product offerings. Jonathan Grassi, vice president of Grabo Balloons, explained: “The year 2023 will be an important year, probably of changes, caused by the limitation of the use of helium for which we have equipped ourselves properly. We will present at Spring Fair our drop bases, a real base that allows most of our air balloons to be inflated and placed on this base becoming stand-up balloons.”
Others have high hopes for new ranges and milestones. Tony Lewis, Disguise’s director of sales and marketing, commented: “2023 is an incredible year for Disney with their 100th anniversary, Frozen 10th anniversary and two highly anticipated movies in June and November so it should be very promising. Let's go for 2023.” The nature of the party industry will keep consumers spending, said Mark Brett, sole UK agent for Boland: “Despite all the travails facing the marketplace, we still see growth and development within the party market. The consumer will still spend on having a good time. That may mean cutting back but within the retail market place the consumer can create
their own fun for not a great deal of money. And fun is something we all crave for.” Key events are also still bringing in sales, said Elliott Peckett, director of Smiffys: “There will inevitably be some caution on the high street and online across the UK in 2023, but less so in the EU, US and Australia who are all coping better economically. “However, key seasons seem to be holding up well – on top of our record 2022 Halloween performance, we have had a superb pre-sell for Halloween 2023 across all markets, and Carnival in Europe is back with a bang. World Book Day in the UK will be the first since 2020 to not have been impacted by Covid restrictions and pre-sales are strong on the back of that.” Sergio Battaner, sales and marketing director, Palmer Agencies, summed up: “2023 comes with a fresh set of cost-ofliving challenges but, once again, we’ll aim to be resourceful, savvy and clever enough to offer value for money, new ideas and super customer service.” Left: (l to r) Sergio Battaner, Jonathan Grassi, Elliott Peckett and Mark Brett. Industry execs remain confident going into 2023.
Rubies expands Nordics and Benelux teams Following the recent acquisition of a new central European warehouse and further expansion of its distribution network across Europe and the Nordics, Rubies is growing its team to match unprecedented demand. Lisbeth Hagen Skadhauge joins as senior account manager for the Nordics, while Arjan Driessen is welcomed as head of sales for Benelux. Between them, the two new starters will be responsible for a large proportion of Rubies’ sales and distribution operations within the central and northern Europe markets, aiming to expand and build new relationships with customers and licensors alike. Lisbeth will be based in Rubies
Copenhagen office and will report into Ian MacCrimmon, head of sales Nordics. Lisbeth will be responsible for growing existing accounts while developing partnerships with new clientelle. Joining with a wealth of experience, Lisbeth is a well-respected and experienced senior manager, who has previously worked for Disney and Funko. Arjan Driessen will be based in the Venlo offices in the Netherlands and will report directly to Graham Gardiner, commercial director. Arjan has a successful track record with key retailers across Europe for a large toy company, Playgro. Graham Gardiner, commercial director – UK, central, eastern and northern Europe, commented: “As our European market demand continues to grow at an extraordinary rate, we are happy to welcome on board two specialists within the region who will be able to match that business requirement with exuberance and a passion for customer relationship management and development. “Both Lisbeth and Arjan bring with them years of experience in market analysis and sales growth and are a perfect fit for team Rubies.”
Opposuits launches licensed onesies Opposuits is adding a brand new collection of licensed Sesame Street and Nintendo-themed onesies under its Suitmeister brand. The cosy and comfortable jumpsuits are perfect for lounging around the house, running errands, or even as a fun and unique outfit for a night out. Featuring favourite Sesame Street characters such as Elmo and Cookie Monster, as well as Nintendo characters like Mario and Luigi, the collection is made with soft and high-quality materials.
Left: Lisbeth and Arjan join Rubies as the European market demand continues to grow.
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18/01/2023 21:32