The countdown is on to Licensing Expo in May, with the first keynote to be confirmed seeing executives from major retail names Walmart, Primark and MINISO unite to discuss the future of retail.
The session – The Future of Retail: Trends, Technology and the Evolving Consumer – will take place on Tuesday 20 May in the License Global Theatre at Licensing Expo.
The panel will include Brittany Smith, vp of merchandising, toys at Walmart US; Sarah Jackson, global director of licensing at Primark; and Ada Dou, evp and chief product officer at MINISO and will be moderated by Marianne James, svp of global licensing at Hasbro.
The conversation will explore the accelerated pace of change retailers are facing driven by macroeconomic shifts, evolving consumer expectations and rapid technological advancements as they leverage the licensed consumer product model to disrupt the status quo and stay ahead of the curve. The panellists will also discuss the growth of new consumer demographics, the rise of omnichannel strategies and the increasing influence of AI in decision making.
“Retail is the heartbeat of licensing, it is where brand recognition meets tangible consumer experiences,” commented Amanda Cioletti, vp content and strategy, Informa Markets’ Global Licensing Group, which organises Licensing Expo. “As companies expand their licensing presence at retail, they create new touchpoints that connect with audiences in meaningful ways, through innovative product collaborations, exclusive collections or strategic in-store experiences.
“Highlighting companies with adaptive licensing programs that are reshaping how consumers engage with brands in everyday life will inspire new ideas and offer tangible examples of success in the ever-changing licensing landscape. This is a cannot-miss panel and a rare chance to hear from the biggest retailers direct.”
Brands already signed on to exhibit at Licensing Expo include Amazon, Bandai Namco, BBC Studios, CAA, Crayola, Crunchyroll, Hasbro, Jazwares, LEGO, Minecraft, Moonbug, NASCAR, Paramount, Pokémon, Riot Games, Sanrio, SEGA, Sony Pictures and 200+ more.
The show runs from 20-22 May at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. For more details, and to register, simply click here.
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