The latest edition is packed full of news, comment, views and interviews across all sectors of the licensing business, plus two special publications.
The Summer 2021 edition of Licensing Source Book is now available to read online.
As we passed the half way mark of 2021, the licensing business seems to have settled into the steady rhythm of its new ‘normal’. The re-opening of non-essential retail and the end of restrictions was warmly welcomed from all quarters and feelings on navigating the new landscape, while still challenging, are cautiously optimistic.
Indeed, a number of the licensees, licensors and agents that LSB spoke to for this issue reported ‘surprisingly’ strong starts to the year and there is definite positivity going into the second half. As one licensee told us, Covid took away the opportunity for people to do many things, but not the demand to do so.
Shipping has become the biggest talking point – lack of containers and significantly inflated prices are putting pressure on margins for licensees across all categories. Licensees are encouraging customers to place orders early and many confirmed to us that they are exploring all opportunities and possibilities with their supply chains to ensure stock is in place for the key Q4 period.
Stock this season is clearly going to be king, and one apparel licensee voiced their frustrations that, in effect, they’re in a similar position to this time a year ago – a bumper order book shows that demand for their product is clearly there and the outlook is positive, however, once again, it is factors beyond their control which are having a huge effect on getting product on to shelves.
You can find out licensees’ views by clicking here.
From a Licensing Source Book point of view, the second half of 2021 sees a return of our live events – our sister title, Progressive Greetings, kicked things off in July with the successful return of PG Live and it’s full steam ahead for The Licensing Awards in September and the B&LLAs in October.
It’s also encouraging that plans for Brand Licensing Europe are continuing apace and, in more good news, the popular character parade will be back. Another tick in the ‘normality’ box.
It goes without saying that we cannot wait for the industry to be back together again, celebrating everything that, collectively, we’ve been able to achieve during a period of such disruption. And that doesn’t seem that far away at all now.
Also in this issue, we find out more about Fashion UK Global Licensing’s European expansion, as well as interviews with Rainbow Group, Guru Studio and English Heritage.
Key licensors – Marvel, Hasbro, BBC Studios, Boat Rocker, Mattel and Magic Light Pictures – tell us about their year so far, while we get an international view from companies including Cyber Group Studios, Planeta Junior and ZAG among others.
This edition also comes with two special publications.
We celebrate 30 years of Sonic the Hedgehog, talking to SEGA about its plans to mark the milestone with new product at retail, plus gaming, animation and the movie sequel.
In addition, we take a closer look at the sporting brands in The Point.1888’s burgeoning portfolio – Williams Racing, Team GB, St Andrews Links and British & Irish Lions.
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