Day three of Licensing Week Virtual was both informative and fun. Attendees spanning all facets of the licensing industry joined a retro-inspired virtual chat session moderated by License Global’s Bibi Wardak on the dynamic topic of licensing within the apparel category – the largest product category, accounting for 15.1 percent of the licensed merchandise market share, according to Licensing International’s latest global survey.

Bioworld Merchandising’s Jason Mayes answered questions and shared his insightful tips, including the top three best-practices for licensing in the exciting apparel product category.

Mayes shared the following top three best-practices.

Mayes also shared the pitfalls licensing professionals should avoid when working in this segment.

“In the new landscape, brand owners need to be cognizant of their partners,” says Mayes. “Too wide of segmentation between partners can lead to fragmentation in design and messaging. This also can stifle speed-to-market. A ‘fully-vertical’ manufacturing and licensee partner can add agility and synergy needed in this demanding retail climate.”

Mayes stressed the importance of information-gathering via social media and knowing your fan base, especially in the pop culture segment.

“Our consumer-engagement model creates holistic fan insight covering all pop-culture fan segments,” Mayes told chatroom participants. “That means one-on-one conversations with the consumers driving the trends. The data goes directly to our 150-plus product experts to create seamless cohesion from brand owner to product development to retail to consumer.”

To connect with Mayes and learn more about apparel licensing, please register for Licensing Week Virtual and use our Matchmaking Service. Visit Bioworld’s website for even more!