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3977* visitors attended Brand Licensing 2006 earlier this month – an increase of five per cent on 2005 and a sure fire signal that Brand Licensing is more than back to its best. Retail accounted for the biggest leap in visitors, with an increase of 62 per cent overall, and a growth of 76 per cent from the major multiples. Woolworth’s, Tesco, Marks and Spencer and BHS were just a few of those sending large teams of buyers to the show. John Lewis, Laura Ashley, Primark, TK Maxx and Ann Summers/Knickerbox were among a long list of first time visitors from the retail sector. “We’re thrilled with the increase in the numbers of buyers and stores attending Brand Licensing this year,” commented Event Director Jessica Blue. “Over the last 11 months, we have invested a vast amount of effort and resources into raising awareness of the show among retail and introducing features and attractions to the show with specific appeal for buyers." “We appointed a Retail Relationship Manager, extended the Hosted European Buyer Programme, held a series of face to face meetings with key buyers, refined our database, launched the Retail Lounge (sponsored by BBC Worldwide and Alliance Atlantis) and hosted a series of exclusive presentations alongside NPD and the British Retail Consortium at the event. It was an intensive campaign, but we’re proud to see that it’s paid off and we look forward to making an even bigger impact in 2007.” Brand Licensing exhibitors also enjoyed a significant increase in the number of international visitors. Figures rose by 12 per cent overall, to account for 20 per cent of the total visitor base; and visitors from continental Europe also rose by 12 per cent, to make up 15 per cent of all attendees. There was also a 57 per cent increase in distributors, wholesalers and importers attending, a three per cent increase in attendees from sales promotion, advertising and design agencies, and a ten per cent increase in European licensee visitors. Visitors also expressed increased interest in many exhibitor categories, including entertainment/character properties (12 per cent), art and design (two per cent), Icons (14 per cent), music (two per cent), fashion (seven per cent) and personalities (six per cent). Notes to editors:
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