Gift Focus inc Attire Accessories - Page number 8 - May/June 2021

8 Industry news FANATTIK OPENS NEW HEADQUARTERS Following a year of rapid growth Fanattik, the award-winning pop culture specialist, has moved to new premises. The new Fanattik HQ not only provides more warehouse space, much needed after eight consecutive years of growth, but also allows the company to welcome new team members. The new offices will also make way for a social media studio and showroom. Anthony Marks, managing director, said, “Despite an initial downturn as the world came to a halt in March 2020, the rise in online shopping and a thirst for nostalgia coupled with the launch of our new in-universe collectibles has resulted in significant year on year growth of over 200%.” Anthony and Louise Marks, the husband-and-wife duo behind the Cheshire-based business, wanted the space to encapsulate the Fanattik spirit, which is why the new offices also include an arcade machine, signed movie posters and celebrity fans on the walls and a bar area. There are also plans for a gaming and movie screening zone. Fanattik, already a licensee for many of the leading video game and film studios, will be announcing several new high-profile licensing deals in 2021 as well as a major expansion to its Universal Studios license. Fanattik creates gift, home décor, drink/barware and collectibles and is geared up to supply every level of the European gift trade. As well as retro titles with multi- generational appeal their portfolio also includes product from four upcoming Netflix series as well as what will be the biggest blockbuster of 2022, Jurassic World Dominion. Luiz Ferreira, head of sales, says, “With the cancellation or postponement of most of the trade shows we are inviting retail buyers who would have normally visited our stands to contact me to arrange video meetings. Not only do we have upcoming licensed ranges to discuss but our existing portfolio contains almost 100 iconic titles from the world of entertainment.” JOE DAVIES IMPLEMENTS RETAILER SUPPORT FOR A RETURN TO TRADE Joe Davies has announced extra help for independent retailers in preparation for a return to more normal trade. In addition to the upcoming ‘At Home’ Spring Fair, the company is giving an extra 30 day’s credit on all deliveries to independent retailers throughout March. The company’s standard terms are end of month following month of delivery, with the extra help meaning that customers will have up to 90 days to pay. Paul Hooker, commercial director, says, “We are delighted that a return to normal trade is in sight for April. The aim of the offer is to allow our customers the chance to order up with confidence, take delivery of their stock, and be ready to trade the moment the doors open. At the end of previous lockdowns we have been very busy, the last thing we want is for our customers to be waiting for deliveries after they have opened.” Paul explains, “Everyone could do with a little extra help at the moment and the fairest way was to extend terms for everyone and the offer falls perfectly for our ‘At Home’ event. We’ve refurbished the showrooms and have all the safeguards in place you would expect. There are already lots of bookings for next week and everyone here is really looking forward to seeing our customers again.” The company has already launched over 1700 brand new lines for 2021 and everything will be available to see and order at the show. www.joedavies.co.uk Catch up on all the latest in our news round up NEW PARTNER JOINS CARE BEARS LINE-UP European agency, Bulldog Licensing, has announced a new licensing partner for CloudCo’s heritage children’s animation, Care Bears. Somerbond is on board to create a range of ladies’ nightwear. Care Bears has seen strong sales across its adult offering recently, following fashion collaborations with Dolls Kill, Irregular Choice, Tikiboo and Bershka. Bulldog licensing continues to roll out a cross- category programme for the much-loved brand, featuring apparel, accessories and home. The children’s programme is underpinned by strong ratings for the Care Bears Unlock the Magic show, airing on Pop. This content will soon be bolstered by new music videos being released by digital partner, Moonbug. The new licensees join a robust licensing programme, including a newly launched range from Master Toy partner, Basic Fun, which has seen a strong launch in the UK, along with a number of other best in class licensees including Dennicci, Bioworld and Park Agencies. Rob Corney, MD, Bulldog Licensing, says, “Care Bears may be nearly 40 years old, but it remains as popular as ever among generations of fans. The original fans are still embracing the brand and we’re looking forward to adding new lines with these two new partners to expand the offering for them.”