2018 saw a record take up by UK buyers from a cross section of retail.
Brand Licensing Europe has opened applications for this year’s Retail Mentoring Programme, following a record take up by UK buyers from a cross section of retail in 2018.
The programme aims to educate retailers about the benefits of licensing – which include new customer acquisition, increased customer loyalty, the opportunity to stock wider and exclusive product ranges, and enhanced margins and profitability – and helps them make more informed decisions when negotiating licensing deals and discovering new brand partners.
Delivered through a series of seminars, workshops and 1-2-1 consultancy sessions, the £499 programme is CPD-accredited and delivered free of charge to qualifying retailers.
Participants receive a place at the LIMA Licensing Essentials Course and Spring Fling in May; an invitation to judge the product categories for The Licensing Awards; a place at the Retail Mentoring Programme’s closing conference; access to exclusive retail content at BLE; and a full day with a licensor to help them understand licensing from the brand owner side.
“With bottom lines getting squeezed and competition fiercer than ever, retailers are under increasing pressure to differentiate themselves by delivering products that consumers love, want and can’t buy anywhere else – this is where brand licensing can help, by leveraging loyal fan bases for retailers to tap into,” said Anna Knight, event director for BLE.
“By enrolling in our Retail Mentoring Programme, retailers gain a better understanding of what brands are a good fit for them through a range of practical, hands-on events that are designed to immerse them into the world of licensing and really get under its skin. We know how time-poor buyers are, and this programme has been designed to be as productive as possible and deliver maximum return on their time.”
Sophie Ironman, junior merchandiser essentials at Nutmeg Clothing, added: “I thought the programme was very insightful and, although I did have some knowledge of the licensing world before, it became clear that there was still so much to learn. I still found it beneficial covering the basics at the start and then different topics thoughout.
“The BLE event at the end made it all come to life and was the most enjoyable part as I was able to team up with some of our suppliers to make it really relevant to my day.”
Last year, 54 buyers from 18 retailers completed the programme – an increase of 29% and 20% respectively. Participating retailers included Asda George, Beija London, Character.com, FatFace, Halfords, Hamleys, John Lewis, M&Co, M&S, Matalan, Morrisons Nutmeg, Nichole de Carle, River Island, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, The Entertainer, TruffleShuffle and Toymaster.
Retailers can apply to take part in the programme online by clicking on this link.
Brand Licensing Europe 2019 will take place from October 1-3 at ExCeL London.
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