The Light Fund raises £325,000 in 2018 and annual Southern Quiz takes place.
2018 has been another strong year in the UK licensing industry – despite a challenging retail environment, licensees and licensors have been experimenting with new routes to market and new retail names have emerged.
Brands from the digital world have been making an impact, plus it’s been a record year for fundraising for industry charity, The Light Fund, and Brand Licensing Europe said farewell to London’s Olympia on a high.
We are highlighting some of our most read stories and articles of the year in the lead up to Christmas.
Today: November and December
November
View our gallery from The Light Fund quiz night – The winners, the losers and everything in-between.
Host of licensed names win at Progressive Preschool Awards – That’s Not My…, Peppa Pig and Roald Dahl among winners at the big event.
The Snowman stars for Barbour in Christmas drive – New film uses real life people to depict the impact that The Snowman has had on one family.
Vivid Toy Group acquired by games specialist, Goliath – Licensed toy company acquired from Privet Capital for an undisclosed sum.
Aardman becomes employee-owned business – Co-founders create new trust to hold the majority of the shares on behalf of the workforce.
Host of licensed names star in Dream Toys 2018 – L.O.L. Surprise, Monopoly Fortnite, Harry Potter, PAW Patrol among brands named.
‘Don’t obsess about retail decline’ – Look for those who share the wider vision of customer importance and product quality, says Richard Hollis.
Argos: Fortnite effect sees gaming product sales soar – Retailer launches ‘Year in Tech’ to see which trends have swept the nation in last 12 months.
Tesco names Fantastic Beasts, L.O.L. as Xmas picks – Licences are both among retailer’s top toy picks for the festive season.
Amazon reveals ‘biggest ever’ Black Friday event – 10 days of deals running from November 16; pop-up experience returns to the UK.
Aldi marks Mickey Mouse at 90 with new ranges – Value retailer adds to licensed lines with ‘Happy Birthday Mickey’ collection.
December (to Friday December 21)
Changes at CPLG as Peter Byrne departs – Maarten Weck named executive vice president and managing director of CPLG.
Harry Potter, Fortnite most sought after Christmas gifts online – Analysis from gift and gadget retailer Hawkin’s Bazaar highlights key licences.
“Licensing is a way of connecting the generations” – Licensing and range manager Helen Lynch on the brands performing well at Home Bargains.
Harry Potter, Fortnite top Danilo’s 2019 calendar chart – Liverpool, Manchester United also top picks in football/sports calendar listing.
Universal Brand Development honours UK partners – Accolades handed out at bi-annual UK Key Partners Day across all categories.
Primark adds ‘practically perfect’ Mary Poppins line – Apparel, accessories and homewares launch ahead of hotly tipped new movie.
Amazon.co.uk reveals Christmas top sellers – Monopoly Fortnite, LEGO Harry Potter and L.O.L. Surprise all starring for retailer.
John Taylor becomes CPLG UK managing director – Agency also promotes Slawomir Ekiert to md for Central Eastern Europe and Nordics.
“We’re ready to bring Moshi back to retail” – Mind Candy’s ceo Ian Chambers talks to The Source about the return of Moshi Monsters.
George at Asda hits high note with The X Factor apparel – New girls’ range arrives in top 33 stores as well as online.
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