BLE Grows Retail Program

The six-month long program will see retailers from Boots, BHS, John Lewis, Lakeland, New Look, J Sainsbury and Tesco take part in a series of workshops and seminars, including the Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association’s Licensing Essentials Course and Spring Fling this month in the U.K. Participants will also shadow a licensor and host licensors in return, with the program culminating in attendance at BLE, taking place October 15-17 in London.

''We have joined the program as BHS Childrenswear is looking to increase its mix of licensed product,” says Caroline Scott, senior buyer, children's nightwear, BHS. “It is, therefore, important that there is a greater understanding of licensing at all levels to ensure we ultimately buy great licensed product.''

Since it was first introduced in 2010, the Retail Mentoring

“Retailers see the value of licensing very clearly now,” says Darren Brechin, event director, BLE. “Understanding our business helps them to make stronger decisions so they are keen to help junior buyers and buyers who are new to licensing get to grips with the way the licensing industry works. We are delighted to welcome BHS and Lakeland to the program this year and look forward to working with all the buyers who are taking part over the next six months.”