We ask the group licensing director for his big brand picks for the year.
We’re now into February, and some of the key trends, brands, films and retailers to watch for this year are starting to make themselves known.
But what does the licensing industry itself think?
We gave them the chance to gaze into their own crystal ball and tell us their views on what will be the big brands and trends making an impact on retail shelves in 2017.
Today, Patrick Bailey, group licensing director, Blues Clothing.
“Notwithstanding the well documented political changes and financial challenges that are already affecting many UK businesses in the UK and set to continue over the next 12 months, we do have reason to be positive from a licensing perspective.
“Babywear will continue to look at expansion in licensing, with some great properties such as VW, super heroes, Snowman, Pacman and Mr Men giving freshness to the market. Disney should be able to continue to be the key player in this area. Tiny Tatty Teddy will remain strong.
“Baby Thomas made a strong debut in 2016 in the baby retail space and looks set to have a long-term presence. Paddington will work well in what is the year of the second movie release. Watch out for other well-known properties to appear in the babywear space in 2017.
“Established preschool properties such as Peppa Pig, PAW Patrol and Thomas will be the backbone in this area and should continue to drive the bulk of the business, with Disney also continuing to be relevant. It will be an important year for two re-launched brands – Bob the Builder and Teletubbies – and it will be interesting to see how they will re-establish, in what is a completely different market to the days when they dominated the preschool area. One to watch in this area is Hey Duggee, which had a positive sell-through in Q4 2016.
“My Little Pony will continue to have a strong presence in all age groups and will be well supported by the 2017 movie release. Super heroes will continue to be popular throughout all of the age groups and genders with some great movies and TV helping to drive sales including Wonder Woman, Star Wars, Transformers and Justice League to name just a few.
“Maybe more for 2018, but PJ Masks looks like it will be interesting for the younger super hero space. Gaming will continue to bring in very important revenue, with Call of Duty already being successful on many platforms, including adult apparel. Microsoft’s planned launch of Halo on children’s apparel during the year will certainly be one to watch out for.”
This feature originally appeared in the spring 2017 edition of Licensing Source Book. Click here to read the full publication.
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