Top Stores Join BLE Retail Program

Asda, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Claire’s Accessories U.K., Lloyds Pharmacy, Matalan and Stanfords have joined existing participants J Sainsbury, Boots, Lakeland, Blue and Mothercare in the 6-month program–the only one of its kind in the U.K.

Now in its sixth year, the Retail Mentoring Program is an initiative that gives buyers a wider understanding of the licensing business. Nominated retailers take part in workshops and seminars, including the LIMA Licensing Essentials Course and Spring Fling in May in partnership with the Licensing Industry Merchandisers' Association U.K. The program culminates at BLE in October.

“We launched the Retail Mentoring Program back in 2010 to bridge the gap between buying professionals and licensors,” says Darren Brechin, event director, BLE. “Six years on, we are still welcoming new retailers which demonstrates the need for such a unique initiative.

“The Retail Mentoring Program has been a real help to our buyers in understanding how the licensing world works,” says John Carolan, head of buying, childrenswear, Sainsbury’s. “It also gives them an insight into what they need to take forward to be a successful childrenswear buyer.”