Ann Summers’ Leanne Oddy discusses what she’s learned from Festival of Licensing’s Retail Mentoring Programme.
Leanne Oddy is wholesale and third party commercial manager at Ann Summers and is one of the delegates on this year’s Retail Mentoring Programme, which is being run by Festival of Licensing.
Source found how why the company decided to get involved with the programme and what Leanne has got out of the experience.
Firstly, can you tell us a bit about your background?
I’ve always been in fashion retail. My last role was managing all franchise partners for Topshop/Topman. Last year I moved to Ann Summers as wholesale and third-party commercial manager, I look after all wholesale, marketplace and licensing partnerships.
Can you describe your current role, and where it sits within the organisation?
My role is to ensure that we maximise the potential of our strategic third-party relationships and continue to grow our reach to new customers. At Ann Summers we are the celebratory voice of all women who want to be strong, fun, sexy, smart, and empowered. We have over 87% brand awareness but in case you don’t know us, we are the largest high street retailer of lingerie and sex toys in the UK and no brand speaks to more women on a daily basis about sex and wellness than us.
Why did you sign up the Retail Mentoring Programme?
Licensing is such a big opportunity for us. I wanted to give myself the best foundations for looking at future options for the business.
What do you feel you’re getting out of it/learning?
I’m learning that the world of licensing is larger than I ever could have imagined! I’m now so much more aware of licensed products when shopping or in daily life. It’s definitely challenged me to think more outside the box and the potential of licensing.
What’s your favourite part to date?
I found The New Normal session that was part of the Licensing Essentials so useful – it sparked lots of ideas.
What challenges are retailers facing in 2020 and where do you see UK retail in 2021?
Honestly, it’s impossible to say. COVID has thrown us all a massive curve ball and it’s hard to predict where we’ll be next week, let alone in 2021.
How will you address these challenges and turn them into successes?
Our focus is on remaining agile. This enables us to ensure we can react quickly to changing trading conditions.
On a personal note, what are the key challenges – and most rewarding aspects – of your role?
There’s always so much going on – that’s the answer to both! It’s often hard to juggle all the projects and partners I work with, but it’s also so rewarding when you see the sales orders come in or a project come to fruition that improves our efficiency or drives sales.
Festival of Licensing’s Europe week runs from October 6-8. It’s easy to register – simply head to www.festivaloflicensing.com.
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