Nostalgic fan favourites

Fan Favourites: Three Unique Nostalgic Licenses Driving the Gifting Sector in 2022

Those of us in the licensing industry know that the nostalgia market has grown substantially in the previous decade. With modern life proving challenging in so many ways, people across the world are increasingly finding comfort in old favourites, including TV shows, films, and music from their childhood. This is driving retail sales across the board, with demand for licensed products from gift-givers and fans themselves at an all-time-high. Here, Konrad Hoeing, CEO of Aquarius, one of NMR’s flagship brands, explores some of the nostalgic brands that are driving the gifting sector right now.

KISS

The renowned American rock band, loved for its outlandish outfits, face paint, and breath-taking performances, KISS, is also witnessing renewed interest from its die hard following and new audiences alike. In 2019, the band announced its End of the Road World Tour to say a final goodbye to its global fans. With the tour still ongoing, the band’s exceptional fanbase has been responsible for the license booming in the last two years, with all KISS products personally approved by Gene Simmons.

Peanuts

Featuring beloved characters, such as Snoopy and Charlie Brown, the Peanuts comic franchise has seen significant growth in recent years. At the height of its popularity, Peanuts was read by a huge fan following, with a readership of 355 million across 2,600 newspapers. This means the, now retro, license provides consumers with the perfect gift for family members and friends who were originally captivated by Charles M. Schultz’s unique cartoon, made famous in the 1960s.

Gremlins

A perennial seasonal favourite for retailers around the Christmas period, the Gremlins has developed a strong following since it first hit our screens in 1984. The film’s unique take on the Christmas genre with its horror and comedy influences was unlike anything shown before when it first launched, and is one of the reasons the film remains a classic today. With original viewers now having families of their own, products featuring the film’s iconic character, Gizmo, offer the perfect gift for new and old fans alike. As consumers continue to rekindle past loves, nostalgic licenses, especially those with long-term, dedicated fans, will continue to grow. Not only do they provide an ideal option for giftgivers buying for colleagues, friends, and family, but they demonstrate the market’s continued shift towards comforting, nostalgic licenses over more modern alternatives.