In another update for the month-long virtual celebration of the global licensing industry running throughout October, Festival of Licensing has detailed its retail programme, a track that will feature exclusive content and expert advice for retailers at all experience levels.

The programme will deliver content from the likes of Trend Bible, Buyers Eye, Kids Industries, and an Ask Me Anything live session that will feature a line up of European industry experts.

The Trends Bible Mini Series will enable retailers to learn how to use trends to spot the early signs of change and ensure they are in the best position to engage future consumers with relatable messages and the right products and services at the right time, while Buyers Eye, led by Julia Redman will see the industry expert draw on her experience at some of the UK’s biggest names to outline the licensing opportunities open to retailers. She will identify how retailers can enter the world of licensing, make it work for them and help build growth across the product category.

Next up, Kids Industries, led by Gary Pope, will present five short mini-documentaries that deliver usable insights and include the unveiling of primary research specifically undertaken for Festival of Licensing that explores consumers 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 Asda, 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 6 October & Thursday 8 October from 11-12pm BST
• Americas: Tuesday 20 October & Thursday 22 October from 11-12pm PST

Dave Collins, co-founder of PowerStation Studios, said: “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, said: “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.”