CATCH I N G U P WI T H MATA LA N
Destination
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rom September, the options at retail for licensed preschool product are set to get even greater, as Matalan opens the doors on its new-look Character Shop. The ambitious retailer already has a successful Disney business – with licences including Disney Classics, Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, Bambi and Dumbo – but it will now expand this, adding a number of new licences into the mix. For launch, it will be covering over 30 licences including preschool favourites such as PAW Patrol, Peppa Pig and Tatty Teddy. All licensed clothing – from tiny baby up to age 16 years – will be
Left: Childrenswear buyer Kate Callender says that Matalan has planned significant growth for its layette and preschool ranges.
offered including layette, apparel, nursery, accessories and footwear. On top of this, there is also a move to work more collaboratively with the homewares team to offer a cohesive range across kitchen and dining, stationery, gifting and toys. Special ‘character zones’ instore will be given the full POS treatment to offer a shop-in-shop feel, while the character branding will also carry through online. “We want to add excitement and pace change into our customers’ journey throughout the kidswear
As it lifts the lid on its new-look Character Shop, Matalan is aiming to own the family value retail space and its licensed preschool offer will play an important part. Already boasting a thriving Disney business, new properties including PAW Patrol and Peppa Pig are due to be introduced across its stores from September. PPS catches up with the team behind the ambitious plans to find out more. department and we feel a licensed character shop will offer a new and fun shopping experience,” Kate Callender, childrenswear buyer at Matalan explained. Kate has bought Disney direct to retail licensed product for over seven years during her time at
Inset: Some of the Matalan team behind the Character Shop. From left: Amy Jones, trainee buyer; Rachel Hesketh, trainee merchandiser; Kellie Donaghy, assistant merchandiser; Laura Kay, assistant buyer; Denille Halsall-Rooney, assistant buyer. PROGRES SIVE PRESCHOOL
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30/08/2016 11:39