Laura Freedman-Dagg appointed Head of Retail, Licensing, by Global Licensing Group

Global Licensing Group has appointed Laura Freedman-Dagg to the newly created role Head of Retail, Licensing.

Prior to taking maternity leave, Laura held the position of event manager, Brand Licensing Europe, where she was integral in growing the trade show’s retail proposition, successfully attracting an increasing number of high-quality European retailers to attend the event each year.

In her new role as Head of Retail, Licensing, Laura will work across the business’s global event portfolio, including Licensing Expo, the European and North American Brand & Licensing Innovation Summits and Brand Licensing Europe, to continue to deliver incredible content and meaningful meetings for retailers and exhibitors.

“The new Head of Retail role reflects the continued investment from Informa Markets to focus on driving retail attendance at our industry-leading licensing events,” says Anna Knight, VP, Licensing.

“We know from talking to our customers that meeting and engaging with retailers is a huge priority for them, hence our introduction of many new initiatives over the last few years, including the Retail Mentoring Programme, Retail Trends Lounge with exclusive content sessions, VIP matchmaking concierge service, category specific show features (publishing, heritage and interiors and gaming) and the focus on location based experiences planned for Licensing Expo 2022.

“Equally, retailers also rely on our events to facilitate introductions between them and brand owners. As BLE event manager, Laura nurtured incredible relationships with key retailers, and I know she’ll continue to deliver ROI for them and our exhibitors and partners.”

Laura Freedman-Dagg added, “It’s brilliant to be back working with the Global Licensing Group. I loved developing the BLE retail proposition, and to be able to recreate that globally across our other event brands will be fantastic.

“One thing I’ve learnt over the years is that the retail buying calendar isn’t homogenous so it’s important that the whole portfolio of Global Licensing Group events can deliver value when – and where – it’s needed. Not only do we have world-class events already scheduled in the calendar, but we also have the reach and flexibility to innovate and introduce new, creative solutions.

“Our ethos has always been to stay close to our customers (retailers and exhibitors) so that we can understand what the market needs from us and act quickly to deliver it. This role will allow to us to do this even more effectively.”

Palace creates Elton John capsule skatewear collection

London-based skateboarding and clothing brand Palace has created a special licensed Elton John capsule collection with the icon himself, celebrating his legacy and his legendary music career.

The capsule drop includes a retro velour tracksuit with ‘EJ’ Elton and Palace branding, in white or navy with lurex side strips; a knitted jumper featuring Elton’s image, and a selection of T-shirts in short and long-sleeved versions, with archive images from such legendary performances as his landmark gig at LA’s Dodger Stadium in 1975.

In addition to the apparel collection, Palace has produced a special Elton John board and a rug that bears a Palace-doctored woven image of Elton at the keys, on stage at Dodger Stadium. The collaboration was brought together by Bravado, Universal Music Group’s leading brand management company.

Elton John says: “I’m so excited about my forthcoming collaboration with Palace. I’m always looking to the future, but the range brings back some fantastic memories – it really captures the essence of youth and freedom from my time on the road in the 1970s. I’ve never been a skateboarder but that’s not going to stop me wearing the lot.”

The collection launches in the UK on Friday 11 March at 11am GMT, in-store and online, and online in the EU at 12pm CET.

In the US, the collection goes live the same day online at 11am EST and 8am PST, in-store in New York at 11am EST, and in LA at 11am PST.

The collection launches in Japan, in-store and online, at 11am JST on Saturday 12 March.

Bicycle Playing Cards launches limited-edition Smiley deck

Bicycle, the bestselling playing card brand in the world, is launching a Bicycle x Smiley Collector’s Edition. The commemorative decks are part of Smiley’s 50thanniversary takeover with Bicycle and other major brands incorporating the trademark “smile” image into established products.

The limited-edition deck features a design created by world-renowned graffiti artist, André Saraiva, who transformed Smiley’s original “Take the Time to Smile” campaign Smiley icon into the design for this premium Bicycle playing card deck.

Each capsule edition Bicycle x Smiley Collector’s Edition playing card deck features a foldout image of the iconic “Smiley” and a unique number out of 9,999 limited-edition card decks.

Bicycle x Smiley Collector’s Edition playing card decks will be available for $49.99 at select Nordstrom locations throughout the United States as well as at Nordstrom.com. The collectible Bicycle x Smiley Collector’s Edition playing card decks will also be available at major retailers in Germany, Spain and France.

“As a leader in the playing card market, Bicycle continues to leverage its platform to innovate and grow with strategic partnerships, like this one with the Original Smiley brand,” says Tricia Bouras, CEO, USPCC. “Our partnership with Smiley demonstrates our leadership and commitment to providing new products to card players and collectors across the globe.”

Bicycle recently launched its first-ever NFT “Genesis Collection,” featuring the brand’s iconic cards transformed 1000 years into the future by artist Adrian Valenzuela.

“Smiley is the original brand for spreading happiness and positivity, which makes a partnership with Bicycle such a natural fit,” says Lori Heiss-Tiplady, SVP Toys & Publishing, Smiley Company. “As the leading maker of playing cards in the world, this much-loved brand has also brought smiles to the faces of millions of people, providing them with many happy hours playing games with friends and family.

“Creating products that provide magical moments for people is something both Smiley and Bicycle are proud of, and this limited-edition set of playing cards created in honour of our 50th anniversary will encourage people to take the time to smile with its beautiful design and surprise Smiley paper engineering.”

 

Blu Goblin to launch replica Bullseye trophy in support of the Stroke Association

The next drop from Blu Goblin will be a limited-edition replica of the Bronze Bully Trophy from popular TV game show Bullseye. The launch is to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the show and to support the Stroke Association.

Bullseye fans, darts enthusiasts and trophy collectors from around the world can order their limited-edition replica Bronze Bully from later this month at www.blugoblin.com. Crafted from polystone resin and painted, each replica comes with an individually numbered Certificate of Authenticity, and is delivered in a bespoke presentation box.

A Louis Kennedy innovation, Blu Goblin creates limited-edition, exclusively licensed collectible models, replicas, figures and art, from nostalgia to modern day, across the worlds of entertainment, sport and gaming. Proceeds from every single transaction raise money for good causes.

In the early days of developing Blu Goblin, Louis Kennedy approached Bulldog Licensing to discuss opportunities from the portfolio of brands it represents, including Bullseye.

Vicky Miller, Licensing Director at Bulldog Licensing, says: “We loved the Blu Goblin model as soon as we saw it. Creating high-quality, limited-edition products for fans and supporting incredibly important causes at the same time is a winning combination. We are thrilled to be working with the team to launch this very special Bronze Bully, a super, smashing, great way for fans to celebrate 40 years of their favourite gameshow!”

A key feature of the partnership is to raise funds and awareness for the Stroke Association, a charity working across the UK to support people to rebuild their lives after stroke. For each Bronze Bully sold, Blu Goblin will donate 10% of the sales to the Stroke Association.

Saul Heselden, Head of Corporate Partnerships at the Stroke Association, says: “Stroke strikes every five minutes in the UK and it changes lives in an instant. Our much-needed specialist support, research and campaigning are only possible with the generosity of our supporters.

“We’re thrilled that Bulldog Licensing and the Blu Goblin team have worked together to support the Stroke Association through the sale of limited-edition replicas of Bronze Bully. The funds raised will go a long way in supporting our work to rebuild even more lives after stroke.”

Tracey Richardson, Licensing and Partnerships Director at Louis Kennedy, adds: “I recommend all Bullseye fans, darts enthusiasts and Stroke Association supporters visit www.blugoblin.com now, where they can sign up for our Newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram, to ensure they are the first to know when the limited-edition replica Bronze Bully trophy is available to order.”

Blu Goblin launched on 2 March with framed limited edition prints inspired by the recent Tokyo Art and Photography exhibition at the Ashmolean Museum. Future campaigns include a Beano Chess Set, Dennis 70th anniversary statuette and Danger Mouse 40th anniversary figurine collection.

Louis Kennedy launches DTC platform to raise money for good causes

Precious Moments revs up its licensing programme with Mad Engine deal

Precious Moments has announced the addition of Mad Engine Global as a key licensing partner for a full range of Precious Moments apparel and accessories.

The deal, brokered on behalf of Precious Moments by Spotlight Licensing and Brand Management, is a strong strategic partnership that aims to keep the cherished brand fresh and relevant for current fans while also appealing to new audiences who may be discovering it for the first time.

“We are thrilled to be working with such an iconic brand as Precious Moments. Nostalgic ‘feel good’ properties are in demand with our junior and young adult consumer, so we can’t wait to put our fun twist on apparel and accessories and bring it to retail,” says Cindy Levitt, SVP Licensing, Mad Engine Global.

With a brand history spanning more than four decades, Precious Moments is a widely recognised part of pop culture and the diverse range of Precious Moments products planned by Mad Engine reflects the many ways Precious Moments’ brand appeal spans generations, with products for everyone from infants and young children to teens and adults.

Shehnaz Safiuddin, Vice President, Product and Marketing for Precious Moments, says: “Mad Engine is known as an industry innovator and trend-setter. We are excited to work with their artists and designers to leverage our highly recognisable characters and storied brand history to create fashion-forward products appealing to younger consumers as well as great-looking apparel and accessories that longtime fans and collectors will love.”

Mad Engine has been granted rights to utilise iconic Precious Moments branding and art on apparel for all ages and accessories such as backpacks, caps, hats, tote bags, hair accessories, and cold weather gear. Mad Engine will sell Precious Moments products through U.S. and Canadian retailers starting in June 2022. Worldwide print-on-demand and merchandise-on-demand programmes will also be available.

Animal Adventure inks new licensing partnership with Sophie la girafe

Animal Adventure and its affiliate Dan Dee International (jointly Animal Adventure), and licensing agency Anjar & Becker Associates have announced a new licensing agreement with DELISO S.A.S. for the premium infant brand Sophie la girafe.

Sophie la girafe is the best-selling teether in the world generating $100M+ in annual retail sales. Animal Adventure plans to market an extensive line of plush, feature plush, mobiles, activity mats, storage cubes, rockers, rocking horses, soft chairs, stroller toys, baby wedges and seasonal products in the U.S., beginning in summer 2022.

“We’re pleased to be partnering with Sophie la girafe, one of the world’s most trusted infant brands and a great fit with our Animal Adventure business,” says Mark Matheny, Head of Licensing, Animal Adventure. “Animal Adventure is known for creating wonderful baby products through a thoughtful, trend-driven approach, and we’re excited to build a Sophie la girafe line that looks beautiful and leverages the unique position which the brand holds for parents and infants,”

Andrew Hogan, Licensing Director, Animal Adventure, adds: “As a parent, having confidence in the products that I give my child is so important. Sophie la girafe was the first brand that my child was introduced to and has been trusted by parents around the world for generations.

“This partnership via Anjar & Becker Associates will bring elevated and innovative new products to parents and gift-givers, allowing infants to experience the Sophie brand in new and exciting ways.”

“We’re very excited that we could bring Sophie la girafe and Dan Dee/Animal Adventure together for this expansive licensing deal,” says Patti Becker, CEO of Anjar & Becker Associates. Sophie is a very special brand, and we know it’s in good hands with Dan Dee and Animal Adventure. They make beautiful plush, and we’re excited to have them join the family of Sophie licensees.”

For more information on Anjar & Becker Associates, visit: www.Anjar.com and www.BeckerAssociates.com.

 

The Light Fund announces Master Sponsors for English Channel Relay fundraiser

This summer, on a day between the 30th of June and the 3rd of July when the weather conditions are right, two boats of six swimmers will be racing each other across the English Channel to France in aid of The Light Fund charity. All the participants will be from the licensing industry, trying to be first to make it from Dover to the French coast – a 21-mile journey that could end up closer to 40 miles if you include tidal shifts.

The Light Fund has attracted a large and growing number of sponsors and donations for its forthcoming English Channel Relay fundraiser, and it can now proudly announce the Master Sponsors – the two groups that have taken on the biggest sponsorships available for this year’s Light Fund challenge.

Playmates Toys and Wow! Stuff have both guaranteed five-figure sums to support the pivotal role of the two pilot boats transporting, supporting and protecting both six-member swim teams during the relay.

A Light Fund spokesperson says: “For over 55 years, Playmates Toys’ commitment to quality and excellence in the design, development and marketing of character-rich toys has inspired imaginative play for generations of children worldwide. Wow! Stuff is a name globally synonymous with toy innovation for licensed brands. The names of both Master Sponsors will now appear on the two vessels: Pilot Boat Optimist and Pilot Boat High Hopes.

“The Playmates Toys and Wow! Stuff sponsorships won’t just support the hire of the boats, they will pay for the pilot, crew, observers, Channel Swimming & Piloting Federation (CS&PF) registrations and access to the internal marina at Dover as well as pick-up collections, car parking and – of course – a licence for swimming across the busiest shipping channel in the world – with around 1,000 vessels per day in transit.

“Both sponsorships also include a more-than-generous donation towards this year’s Light Fund Challenge target of £250,000, which will be shared by principal beneficiary the RNLI and a number of other organisations and projects supported by the charity that is inspired, and run, by the licensing industry.”

Playmates Toys and Wow! Stuff are in distinguished company. Some 70 other businesses working in the licensing industry have supported the swimmers with sponsorships varying from hundreds to thousands of pounds – and covering everything from drinks bottles to deep sea water training, towels to film and drone technology.

The money raised and pledged so far has taken the two teams almost two-thirds of the way to their target of £250,000 – which will be a record for any single Light Fund challenge.

The generosity of all the companies backing the cross-Channel swim will be saluted both on and beyond the day of the swim itself. Every sponsor will be namechecked in a special thank-you video that will be among the highlights of this year’s Licensing Awards ceremony.

With only four months until the English Channel Relay takes place, there are still many sponsorship opportunities available. Interested parties can find out more about corporate sponsorship options here. Individuals are very welcome to donate via the event’s Just Giving page, where you can also follow the teams preparing for the big day. There’s also an Instagram feed and a Facebook page containing team photos and updates.

On the day itself a limited-access live feed is also planned in tandem with GPS trackers on each pilot boat: watch out for announcements on how to follow the challenge as it happens.

Michael Chan of Playmates Toys says: “We jumped at the opportunity to give our backing to this extraordinary challenge and play a role in bringing essential support to these two brave and committed teams. It’s a real honour to be a Master Sponsor for the licensing industry’s biggest charity challenge of the year.”

Richard North, CEO, Wow! Stuff, says: “When we heard that the licensing industry was supplying two teams to do a relay swim across the Channel we thought two things: ‘Are they mad?’ and ‘How can we help?’ The Light Fund helped the toy industry initiative ToyAid, which Joel Silverman and I set up during the height of the pandemic. This is Wow! Stuff’s thanks for that involvement and our commitment to be with the mad team of Light Fund swimmers every step – or stroke – of the way.”

As Stephen Gould, who will be captaining one of the two teams, says: “Without the dozens of sponsors and hundreds of smaller donations from so many people in the licensing industry this wouldn’t be happening. If you’ve backed us already, our sincere and grateful thanks. If you haven’t as yet, there are many more opportunities to support our teams and the many very worthwhile causes backed by the licensing industry’s very own charity.”

The Light (Licensing Industry Giving Help Together) Fund was born when a group of like-minded people from the UK licensing industry came up with the idea to form a committee to help those less fortunate than themselves. The Light Fund is a registered charity, which raises monies to fund worthwhile charity projects that help children, women and men. Since its inception, back in 2004, The Light Fund has raised over £1.7 million and funded hundreds of different charity projects.

https://www.lightfund.org

 

Louis Kennedy launches DTC platform to raise money for good causes

Louis Kennedy has launched a direct-to-consumer online platform for ethically produced licensed collectables, with proceeds going to good causes.

Blu Goblin will offer premium limited-edition, exclusively licensed collectible models, replicas, figures and art across the worlds of entertainment, sport and gaming, with each collection having been created to celebrate a specific event, anniversary, launch or major milestone.

The first collection, now live, is a range of five framed prints inspired by the highly successful 2021/2 exhibition, Tokyo: Art and Photography, supporting the work of the Ashmolean Museum.

The selection of prints covers a wide range of Japanese themes from classic cherry blossom and Geishas to architecture, transport and caricature. Limited to just 250 per design, they are printed on the world’s first acid-free digital fine art paper made from 90% bamboo and 10% cotton fibres, a natural and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional paper. The handmade gallery frames are FSC certified and made from solid wood from sustainable sources, with no veneers, MDF, or any other type of reconstituted materials.

Declan McCarthy, Head of Publishing and Licensing at the Ashmolean, says: “The Ashmolean is delighted to be working with Start Licensing and Blu Goblin, to be part of the launch of this exciting initiative. We are very proud of these limited edition prints, not only because they are beautifully crafted and ethically sourced, but that they will help to support our work and mission.”

Blu Goblin was born as a direct result of two pilot programmes instigated by Louis Kennedy during the lockdown in 2020, the first being Thank You Baked Potato. Sold exclusively online from a dedicated eCommerce page with a three-week pre-sale window, and with promotion via Matt Lucas’ own PR channels and Twitter feed, proceeds went to Feed NHS.

The second programme was a collaboration with BBC Children in Need and BBC Studios. A collection of seven limited-edition Pudsey bears sold exclusively direct-to-consumer on BBC CiN’s website, with promotion via BBC CiN Digital Channels. All proceeds went to BBC Children in Need.

Grant Morgan, CEO of Louis Kennedy, says: “The world has changed dramatically, as have consumer habits. Brands must now demonstrate that they care and stand for more than just profit. Consumers want the brands they love to commit to positive social and environmental impact, to make a meaningful contribution to the quality of their lives, while also helping others. Charitable causes benefit from perfectly matched brand partnerships which bring PR, donor acquisition and most importantly funds to deliver their services.”

Tracey Richardson, Director of Partnerships and Licensing at Louis Kennedy, adds: “The Licensing Industry has been extremely enthusiastic and supportive of Blu Goblin, especially considering that when I first started discussions back in the spring, the platform didn’t even have a name! The opportunity to create new products which add another dimension to the planned celebrations and demonstrate support for a cause close to the heart of the brand, were all reasons we’ve been able to deliver such a wonderful range of campaigns.”

Aiming to create a vibrant social following while building a rich user database, Blu Goblin will segment and deliver relevant messaging to a growing community of committed collectable enthusiasts, a plethora of fans of licensed brands, as well as an increasing base of existing Blu Goblin fans. Dynamic remarketing to these audiences, with information about current and future cross-sell collectable campaigns, will make Blu Goblin the ‘go to’ platform for limited edition, framed art, models, figures and figurines.

Coming Soon campaigns include the Beano and Dennis, Bullseye and Danger Mouse. Every Blu Goblin drop will be unique and availability will be strictly limited, through www.blugoblin.com.

 

 

Olive Oyl turns fashionista with Moncler Genius collection

King Features has announced its latest partnership for Olive Oyl. The animation icon features in the 2 MONCLER 1952 WOMAN Spring/Summer 2022 collection by Veronica Leoni, part of the fashion brand’s MONCLER GENIUS project.

Olive Oyl has been a groundbreaking female character since her debut in 1919. Veronica Leoni chose to feature Olive in her latest collection due to her “widely recognised confidence and humour”, selecting retro images of Olive to appear on a capsule of T-shirts and hooded sweatshirts.

“We are very happy to have secured this collaboration with such a high-end and innovative brand as Moncler and such an iconic character as Olive Oyl,” says Grazia Bussandri of Premium Licensing, King Features’ Italian agent, who secured the deal with Moncler.

“For decades, style makers around the world have been inspired by Olive’s confidence and glamorous self-perception,” adds Carla Silva, VP/GM, Global Head of Licensing, King Features, “but this capsule from Moncler is in a class of its own. The clever designs highlight what a dynamic individual Olive Oyl is and the characteristics that make her so appealing to fans and fashionistas alike.”

The capsule collection is available now on Moncler.com and in select Moncler boutiques.

Brand Licensing Europe opens applications for its Retail Mentoring Programme

Retailers are being invited to apply for a delegate place on Brand Licensing Europe’s popular Retail Mentoring Programme (RMP).

Applications are open now until Friday 22 April 2022.

The free-to-attend, CPD-accredited course is delivered through a series of seminars, workshops and 1-2-1 consultancy sessions between May and September 2022. It is now in its 12th year and boasts hundreds of alumni from the likes of Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, Selfridges, Halfords, Asda George, Ann Summers, River Island, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Toymaster, The Entertainer and Morrisons.

RMP delegates also benefit from:

  • Insight from best-in-class retailers, agents and brand owners on how successful licensing partnerships are delivered across a range of categories from apparel to homeware
  • Practical insights into building robust, timely and commercially viable licensing programmes
  • Understanding critical legal, technical, financial and licensing terminology
  • An invitation to join Li, an introduction to all of the key aspects of the licensing industry
  • Licensor sessions where retail delegates spend a day with leading brands to better understand what goes into a successful licensing partnership
  • Brand discovery sessions – find out who owns what brands and how to build relationships
  • Visual merchandising workshops – learn how to make consumer products stand-out online and in-store
  • Introductions to leading licensors and agents representing a huge range of the world’s most popular and well-known brands
  • Invitations to networking and social events within the licensing industry

Anna Knight, VP of Licensing, Informa Markets, says: “In theory, brand licensing, and the opportunities it offers to retailers, is a really simple proposition. In reality, it can be quite a complex business to get under the skin of. Through the BLE RMP, we help European retailers to better understand our business and provide them with the information and introductions they need to successfully introduce or expand their store’s licensing programme.

“Licensing means retailers can introduce branded consumer products onto store shelves, attracting more customers and increasing margins. It also means retailers can consider turning their own brand into a license, allowing it to expand into different product categories and demographics; something which Ted Baker, for example, has achieved successfully with accessories and health and beauty.”

To take part, retailers are asked to sign up on the BLE website and fill out the form or contact Keith Pashley on keith@thekeithpashleyproject.co.uk for more info.