Source takes a look back at the big stories you were reading in 2020.
It’s been the strangest of years… from the excitement of welcoming in a new decade in January and the possibilities that would bring, to coming to terms with changes, restrictions and challenges brought about by a global pandemic, the likes of which we never thought would be faced in our lifetimes.
One thing that has, at least, remained constant throughout the year is that LicensingSource.net has continued to bring the licensing industry news, views, opinion and the odd dose of light hearted fun.
We’ve rounded up some of the top stories that you were reading in 2020.
January
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex to trademark their brand – trademarking of ‘Sussex Royal’ prompts speculation of branded products roll out.
The Rise of Skywalker heading for $1 billion at the box office – the Walt Disney Company also confirms 2019 releases reached $13.15bn at global box office.
MDR Brand Management brings back The Wombles – major relaunch aims to inspire and mobilise a new generation of environmental enthusiasts.
M&S collab with Roald Dahl and Natural History Museum revealed – co-branded kidswear collection launches in stores and online.
February
Jazwares teases new Blackpink toy line – Bravado appoints company to create toy and collectable range for hit K-pop girl group.
Disney scores with UEFA on new Playmakers initiative – new grassroots programme aims to get girls across Europe into football.
UK’s ‘most loved’ retailers revealed – Amazon tops BrandVue listing followed by Aldi, M&S Simply Food, Apple and IKEA.
March
Netflix underlines CP importance as it bolsters team – former Nike and Disney exec, Josh Simon, joins as vp of consumer products for streaming giant.
Licensing vibes from Toy Fair New York 2020 – Sharon Weisman gives her view on what went down across the four-day show.
LEGO teases Super Mario collaboration – Nintendo and LEGO both tease short clips on social media confirming the partnership.
Pyramid International welcomes Martin Withers – former Spearmark exec takes on the role of sales director at the company.
April
ViacomCBS Consumer Products unveils new EMEA team structure – Simon Leslie on board as vp Southern Europe and MENA as team structured into three geographic territories.
Laura Ashley brand handed a lifeline – expansion of portfolio of licensees will be among focuses for new owner of British lifestyle brand.
“In time we can rebuild the profits. We can’t replace the people we lose” – Primark has been “squarely in the path of this pandemic” says ceo; commits to paying extra £370m to suppliers for outstanding stock.
“We need to work together to get through this” – Danilo, Misirli, Blueprint, Vivid Toys, Character World, Redan and Amscan share their views on how COVID-19 has affected business in LicensingSource’s first industry meet up.
May
Licensing Link Europe adds trio of new partners for Van Gogh Museum – Blueprint Collections, Signare Tapestry and Bespoke 77 Innovations join growing licensing programme.
Retail begins to outline re-openings, but Primark keeps its powder dry – John Lewis and Next among retailers confirming plans for easing out of lockdown, but no details yet from Primark.
Licensing Expo organiser confirms trade show will not run in 2020 – Global Licensing Group plans multi-platform events for remainder of 2020.
Kids Insights: The impact of coronavirus on UK children – company also highlights five trends based on the changes it is seeing in its data.
Disney: ‘We can emerge from this disruption in a strong position’ – Disney has repeatedly shown it is “exceptionally resilient” says ceo, as company estimates COVID-19 impact on operating income at Parks, Experiences and Products segment was $1 billion in latest results.
Rubie’s Costume Company files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy – New York-based Rubie’s Costume Company has filed a voluntary petition under Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code in New York.
June
Costume change as Rainbow Productions confirms new owner and md – David Scott retires from the business, with Simon Foulkes taking up the reins as new owner and managing director.
The VOD squad marches on thanks to Tiger King and The Mandalorian – new Entertainment On Demand service from Kantar shows 52% of new subscriptions in three months to April were for Disney+, but Tiger King comes top as most enjoyed content.
The Entertainer welcomes Geoff Sheffield as buying director – the move comes as Stuart Grant takes up his new role as group sourcing director.
Riverside Brands named exclusive licensing agent for Rugby League World Cup 2021 – agency – headed up by Ashley Holman – has been tasked with creating innovative third party collaborations and licensing agreements for tournament.
‘Licensing industry can help drive the Black Lives Matter movement forward’– “We are in the great position to be able to send messages through our expertise” says London Entertainment Inc’s Saphia Maxamed.
Global sales of licensed goods up 4.5% to US$292.8 billion – sixth consecutive year of growth in 2019 sets solid foundation for industry ahead of pandemic, says Licensing International’s annual survey.
July
Becky Langer joins The Point.1888’s commercial team – popular executive joins the agency as senior commercial manager from Hasbro.
97% of gamers say playing games benefits their mental health – new research reveals the positive impact video games are having on the nation’s wellbeing.
MDR Brand Management to build on Amy Winehouse’s legacy – agency teams with late singer’s family, while brand extensions will also support the work of the Amy Winehouse Foundation.
Why kids – and brands – are flocking to Animal Crossing – Kids Insights’ latest Trend Alert On-Track report shows that 1 in 5 Animal Crossing players are making offline purchases based on the game.
Brand Licensing Europe transitions to an all-virtual event for 2020 – four-week global Festival of Licensing will run online from October 6-29, Informa Markets confirms.
August
Dreamtex, V&A and Harrogate Tipple among UK winners at the 2020 Licensing International Excellence Awards – The Very Hungry Caterpillar at the RHS also honoured at virtual awards ceremony.
Families in lockdown: how family life has changed due to the pandemic – Creature Media finds out from children and parents just how lockdown has affected family life in major new research.
Historic 20th Century Fox brand comes to an end – Disney has now rebranded both the famous film studio and its TV studio.
Why the art of schmoozing is more important than ever – The licensing industry is built on relationships, but the pandemic has meant our traditional networking opportunities – trade shows, business meetings, summits, social events – have been replaced with Zoom calls and virtual events. But, as Sharon Weisman explains, this doesn’t mean the art of schmoozing is dead, it’s just evolving.
Rubie’s Masquerade and Bristol Novelty to merge, Holly Oldham departs business – as the party and dress-up industry shakes itself off from lockdown, Rubie’s Masquerade and Bristol Novelty have confirmed the merger of their operations and office functions.
September
The Licensing Awards 2020: The finalists – top brands, products and retailers ready for glory at this year’s special virtual extravaganza.
Sarah Jester takes on new Bioworld International role – popular former Primark licensing coordinator strengthens licensee’s headcount.
Freemans relaunches as digital department store – new brands added; Disney and PAW Patrol among licensed offer; collaboration launching with Julien Macdonald later in 2020 as retailer rebrands.
Emily Aldridge takes on new Abysse role – former GB eye executive has taken on a new role as head of global licensing at Abysse.
The B&LLAs and The Licensing Awards to go digital for 2020 – licensing industry will be brought together for virtual ceremonies on November 9 and December 16 respectively.
Graham Saltmarsh to lead Licensing International UK – former licensing and retail director at Turner takes the helm of UK arm of trade association.
The Light Fund unveils dedicated face coverings – FOCO launches three-pack of face coverings with proceeds raised from the sale going directly to industry charity.
October
Sustainability in Licensing Conference to run digitally across two days – jam packed agenda of top speakers confirmed for inaugural conference, which is being staged digitally on November 24-25.
“I’ve seen the benefit that licensing can bring to brands” – Banijay Brands’ Jane Smith talks building consumer engagement, Peaky Blinders, MasterChef and adapting for the future.
How Fruit of the Loom is successfully marrying innovation and heritage – director of licensing, Mandy Emedi talks collaborations, anniversary editions and why heritage runs deep at Fruit of the Loom.
Disney reveals key changes to further boost direct to consumer strategy – reorganisation of media and entertainment businesses follows rapid success of Disney+.
“More than ever, we need a message of positivity” – Festival of Licensing’s Europe week opens with a feel-good keynote from The Smiley Company and insights from Eastpak, Pull&Bear and Hering.
Five ways the pandemic has changed how we shop online – insight from The Very Group shows how consumers have ordered different items, browsed at different times and increasingly used mobile apps.
The new kids on the licensing block: finding the right software solution – thinking of using a software solution? Golden Goose md Adam Bass gives us a tour of the available options.
“There are still big unknowns, but licensing is a resilient business” – key Hasbro executives – including Casey Collins and Marianne James – discuss being mindful of the needs of consumers, new content and the return of location-based entertainment.
Help Our NHS Heroes raises over £14.5k for NHS Charities Together – Poetic Brands and Pogo Group thank all the licensors which supported the campaign.
Cover stars: how face masks became the new must-have licensed accessory – Source finds out how face coverings are helping to provide licensees with an incremental revenue stream at a much-needed time.
November
Primark sounds warning note of losses due to lockdowns – retailer currently has 19% of total retail selling space temporarily closed, with this set to rise to 57% from November 5.
‘Toy retail is essential’ BTHA and TRA tell Boris Johnson – open letter to the Prime Minister calls for toy retailers to be added to the essential retail list during lockdown.
Laura Kelly takes on new Vanilla Underground role – former Fashion UK executive becomes brand marketing and licensing manager at online licensed merchandise specialist.
How TDP Textiles has been forging ahead through 2020 – Source chats to head of licensing, Dean Greasley, and Lorraine Westbury, director of corporate social responsibility, about the licensee’s ethical approach to business and how 2020 has been.
Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards 2020: The winners – industry gathers virtually to see Product, Property and Retail winners crowned, as well as the 2020 Brand Licensing Ambassador.
December
Big retail names in the running to acquire Arcadia brands, including Primark owner – major US name, Authentic Brands Group, also tipped to have interest in Arcadia and Debenhams.
The Licensing Awards 2020: The winners – industry comes together virtually to celebrate and honour Product, Property, Retail, Marketing and Honorary Achievement winners.
MDR Brand Management acquires Click! Licensing Asia – acquisition creates ‘most comprehensive’ pan-Asian solution for brand owners and their IP assets, says company.
Licensing Expo and BLE confirm new 2021 dates and multi-platform format – Licensing Expo dated for August 10-12, while BLE will run from November 17-19; both will have in-person and online experiences.
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