In this ultra-competitive and over-stored environment, where brands can be found at every level of distribution, and consolidation leaves fewer and fewer retailers to sell, how can one stand out from the pack? Are there other possibilities for distribution beyond the major retailers? Perhaps the way to market is not where you think.

Exploring these alternative channels of distribution and possibilities for licensed product therein will be the focus of Licensing University’s session titled Targeting Specialty Retail: Hidden Opportunities at this year’s Licensing Expo. Held on Tuesday, June 21, 2016, from 1:00 to 2:15 p.m., the session will be moderated by Melissa Fraley Agguini, executive director of products, retail and licensing for Colonial Williamsburg.

Agguini will be joined by her colleagues John Jankowich, senior buyer of Cracker Barrel Stores (one of the largest specialty gift retailers in the nation), Eric Flanigan, vice president of Aramark (one of the largest specialty park and destination operators), and Polina Rey, vice president of Joester Loria (one of the nation’s premier licensing agencies) to explore alternatives to big boxes and the specialty retail sector. The panel will answer questions such as: What does a retailer look for in a licensed brand? How can one win space on the shelf? What kinds of brands are appropriate for parks and destinations, and is there room for co-branding? As a brand owner/licensor, what are some case studies of winning retailer pitches?

For more information on the 2016 Licensing University sessions, sponsored by the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA), or to learn more about the panelists, click here.