The summer 2024 edition of the Licensing Source Book is now available to read online – along with a special publication celebrating the success of global lifestyle property, Squishmallows.
While we’re not entirely sure where the sun has been recently – or how long its long awaited comeback will last – as we enter the summer season, it seems there has been a general steadying of the licensing ship.
Speaking to licensees across all categories for this issue, while the challenges in supply chain, shipping and the cost of living remain, for the first time in a while the majority have been upbeat, optimistic and, dare we say, excited for the remainder of the year and what’s to come.
A lot of this is coming from some upcoming major movie releases, plus a summer of sport – including the Paris Olympic Games and the men’s Euros tournament, which should bring the feelgood factor back (crosses everything). One apparel licensee told us that you can feel there is “more energy and excitement at retail”; another is building on an already strong order book and that sell-through has been “buoyant”; another that sell-through is “showing resilience”; and yet another who is quietly confident that business will be “revitalised” as the year progresses.
Two brands in particular which are certainly doing their bit at exciting retail are Squishmallows and Disney’s Stitch, and we are celebrating both in this issue. We spoke to Tony Youngman, director UK retail at Disney Consumer Products EMEA, Primark’s director of licensing, Sarah Jackson, and a collection of licensees (111-125) to find out what they believe have been the drivers behind Stitch’s resurgence.
Meanwhile, our special standalone Squishmallows publication celebrates the success of the global toy property and the strides it is making in the licensing sphere.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a summer issue without highlighting Licensing Expo (59-77), while we have also been honouring the achievements of the brand and lifestyle sector at the B&LLAs 2024 (93-103).
Even with the contrary nature of the British sun, we do seem to be feeling brighter as an industry, and long may that continue. The LSB team will see you in Las Vegas (where the sun definitely will be shining!).
Want to read more news like this? Simply sign up to our daily digest by clicking here. You can also follow @LicensingSource on Twitter and @licensing_source on Instagram.
