Character World Brands’ Dan Appleby on looking forward to a healthy summer, magic movie moments and stock levels returning to more normal levels.
As we start the long awaited switch into summer, LicensingSource.net asks a selection of licensees what their trading expectations are for the season, how sell-through is going in their sector, if stock levels are beginning to open up and what situation they would like to be in entering Q3.
Today: Dan Appleby, sales director, Character World Brands.
“We are feeling optimistic and looking forward to a healthy summer. We’ve seen success on seasonal product favourites such as towelling, and our new product and brand launches are off to a flying start. We are expecting continued success from our amazing entertainment and gaming portfolio, as well as key magic moments from theatrical releases such as the recent phenomena Super Mario Bros. Movie and the upcoming slate of The Flash, Barbie, Transformers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
While all retail had a challenging time through Covid, we are now seeing stock levels return to a more normal level. There’s been a positive shift and things have changed as they will continue to do, but we are optimistic about the future.
We would hope for a Q3 that brings a stability to the industry, helped by (fingers crossed) a healthier economy. The reality is that it is going take time for the UK to readjust and maybe longer for other territories, but we have every confidence this is a case of when, and not if.
Times are tough for consumers and businesses, but we do know that licensing is an incredibly resilient sector during tough times if we all continue to support one another.”
This feature originally appeared in the summer 2023 edition of Licensing Source Book. To read the full publication, click on this link.
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