Event will include exclusive content and expert advice for retailers at all experience levels.
In a busy week for Festival of Licensing, the four-week virtual event has confirmed its retail programme, full of exclusive content and expert advice for retailers of all experience levels.
Three industry partners will deliver on demand, never before seen content including:
Trend Bible Mini-Series – aiming to enable retailers to learn how to use trends to spot the early signs of change and ensure they are in the best position possible to engage future consumers with relatable messages and the right products and services at the right time.
Buyers Eye, led by Julia Redman – who will identify how retailers can enter the world of licensing, make it work for them and help build growth across the product category.
Kids Industries, led by Gary Pope – presenting five short mini-documentaries (seven minutes each) delivering usuable insights, plus unveiling primary research undertaken specifically for the Festival which explores consumer attitudes to the new retail landscape from France, Germany, Spain, Italy and the UK.
“The changes to the retail landscape are seismic and families are feeling the pinch,” said Gary Pope. “But entertainment is the thing that, in times of difficulty, keeps a family together so there are reasons to be cheerful, it’s just a case of knowing where to look for them. The Kids Industries’ series will share never-before-seen fresh data and insights that are applicable and usable in the ever-changing world of retail and licensed product.”
Festival of Licensing is also hosting ‘Ask Me Anything’ live sessions enabling retailers to ask a panel of experts anything they need to know about brand licensing and retail. European experts include:
- Julia Redman, retail expert, Buyers Eye, buying and sourcing consultancy
- Ruth Golightly, head of buying – children’s clothing, Asda/George
- Angeles Blanco, licensing executive
- Dave Collins, co-founder, PowerStation Studios
- Bethan Garton, commercial director, The Point.1888
The one-hour sessions will run as follows:
Europe: Tuesday October 6 and Thursday October 8 from 11-12pm BST;
Americas: Tuesday October 20 and Thursday October 22 from 11-12pm PST.
Dave Collins, co-founder of PowerStation Studios, commented: “Retail needs to evolve from stock show room to an experience environment wrapped in brand narratives. I will be talking to retailers about how they can use blended digital and physical experiences that can drive footfall and increase basket spend.”
Retailers already registered to attend Festival of Licensing include Asda, Zara, Target, C&A, Selfridges, Tesco, Walmart, Forbidden Planet, Pottery Barn, Calzedonia, Oasis, Cath Kidston, Hamleys, Moonpig, Next and The Entertainer.
European retailers from Ann Summers, Asda George, Bubblegum, character.com, Dreamland, El Corte Ingles, Halfords, Joanie Clothing, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Morrisons Nutmeg, Sainsbury’s Argos, Sainsbury’s Tu, Selfridges, Tesco, The Entertainer, The Very Group and Vendula London are also taking part in the 2020 Retail Mentoring Programme.
Anna Knight, vp, Informa Markets’ Global Licensing Group, continued: “When it comes to educating, informing and supporting European retailers who work across the licensing category, we take that role very seriously and, given the challenges many retailers are facing as a result of the pandemic, it’s more important than ever for us to play our part by sharing useful content and valuable advice that can help them in their jobs and careers.”
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