6 minute read
Retail Round-up
In-store stars
From licensees launching concept stores and successful collaborations being expanded, through to George @ Asda making a major statement with Netflix, innovation at retail continues to prosper, as LSB discovers.
Fabric Flavours opens London concept store
Baby and kids brand, Fabric Flavours has opened a two-storey concept store in Hampstead, North West London. The store stocks the full Fabric Flavours collection including signature licensed tees, hoodies, joggers, swimwear and jackets, as well as bags, caps and beanies. In addition, there is also a comprehensive range of Micro scooters and Frog bikes, as well as custombuilt velorooms where children can try them out, which were built in collaboration with Four One Four Skate Parks. The concept store – which is located in Cricklewood Lane, NW2 and is by appointment only – was previously a DIY and paint shop which was built circa 1920 and underwent extensive refurbishment by Fabric Flavours. The original staircases were removed and replaced by reinforced walk-on glass to provide a glimpse into the Velorooms below, while the original concrete floor was polished and restored to its former glory.
Above: The concept store was previously a DIY and paint shop.
George @ Asda teams with Netflix
George at Asda has launched a major new collaboration with streaming platform, Netflix.
The partnership currently includes
Squid Game,
Stranger Things, The Above: The collaboration marks a first for Witcher, Money Heist, Asda and George in how it has presented Sex Education, Emily in product in-store to customers. Paris and Cobra Kai among others.
George will also be adding more titles in future product drops and refreshes.
Product available includes clothing, footwear, accessories, stationery, mugs, board games and collectables, marking a first for Asda and George in how it has presented product in-store to the customer.
The concept store in Milton Keynes is offering a front of store experience, changing rooms and product areas which include the full breadth of product available. There will be 12 stores which will also offer a multiproduct format, plus a further 38 stores stocking clothing and accessories.
George is supporting the partnership through various marketing channels including working alongside influencers and promoting the collaboration on its social media channels. It also had a home page banner on George.com to take over the website to support the launch. Further activity around the Netflix partnership is also currently being planned.
Little Home at John Lewis adds Harlequin brand
A range of bedroom textiles and accessories for children has been launched in a new creative collaboration between Little Home at John Lewis and the Harlequin brand.
New for SS22, the retailer has added to its existing collection with the brand’s Just Keep Trucking design.
Children can join the ride over mounds, under bridges and across roads, with primary coloured diggers and sports cars and everything in between, popping off a neutral background. Items in the range include bed linen, curtains and accessories.
Funko heads to Dubai
Right: The store is a significant step in expanding Funko’s channel network outside of the US. Funko is bringing the United Arab Emirates a one-stop retail shop destination for pop culture and lifestyle merchandise.
Monkey Distribution has been appointed as the franchise operator of the store which is located in the newly constructed Dubai Hills Mall.
The new outlet will enable visitors to experience Funko products including Pop!, Gold, Loungefly and Funko Games.
“The opening of Funko's first franchise location in the metropolitan city of Dubai is a significant step in expanding our channel network outside of the US,” said Andy Oddie, md of Funko EMEA. “The growth we are experiencing across the world is clearly indicative of the extraordinary demand for our products. By introducing stores outside of the US, we are creating a unique shopping destination for Funko fans and pop culture enthusiasts."
Right: The new line has been inspired by the Barbie Extra bold fashion dolls.
Below: Artestar brokered the deal between the Keith Haring brand and H&M. Below: The new flavours further expand on the successful Iceland and Barratt relationship.
River Island unveils second Barbie collab
River Island is continuing its collaboration with Mattel and Barbie, launching a second collection called RI x Barbie Just Be Extra. The new kidswear collection has been inspired by the Barbie Extra bold statement fashion dolls, with a range of apparel which includes playful and over the top slogan t-shirts and matching lounge sets among other items. The Just Be Extra collection marks the second collaboration for the brands, following the sell-out success of their first partnership. The collection campaign also includes an influencer takeover on River Island’s social channels.
New Keith Haring drops in H&M
Fashion retailer H&M has launched its second streetwear collection featuring iconic artworks by Keith Haring, in a deal brokered by Artestar.
The first range featuring prints inspired by the artist – who was a fixture of the underground art scene in New York during the 1980s – launched in 2021 to much acclaim.
The new collection – which has been inspired by ‘passion and playfulness’, key elements of Keith’s timeless visuals – features a selection of relaxed tees, shirts, joggers and hoodies in muted colours, along with trainers and accessories.
New additions for the second drop include a printed pile jacket, underwear and a slip-on canvas sneaker.
American sportswear and footwear retailer, Foot Locker has welcomed its first president of global brands – appointing a former Hasbro executive to the role.
Samantha Lomow previously served as president of branded entertainment at Hasbro and brings with her over 25 years of experience across consumer products, entertainment and licensing.
In her new role at Foot Locker, she will oversee its
global brand portfolio and operating divisions
across North America, EMEA and APAC. She will work closely as part of the exec team to advance Foot Locker’s long-term strategies to position it for continued innovation, growth and profitability.
Iceland underlines licensing commitment
Iceland is continuing to build its presence in the licensing space – expanding its partnership with The Point.1888 on its exclusive Barratt ice cream range. A new selection of classic sweet flavours have joined the range including Dolly Mix, Cherry Cola Bottle, Giant Strawberries, Wham Rocket, Milk Teeth and Refreshers, as well as Mini Poppets ice cream bites in mint and salted caramel flavours. The new flavours are an expansion of the original range, created in 2020 and follow further growth in 2021, where eight skus were added to the ice cream range including Cola Bottles, Foam Banana, Milk Bottles and Sherbet Fountain. There were over 3.4 million units of the ice cream sold in 2021.
