03/02/2010 loss of Woolworths

While it is likely we haven’t yet seen the full impact of the closure – quarter one next year could see some suppliers feeling a negative impact, for example – it is widely believed that the licensing industry has coped well with the loss of Woolworths. “It’s been great to see our Woolworths contacts moving forward and bringing their invaluable expertise to new roles within the industry,” says WBCP’s Bufton. “Our business has accepted the unfortunate loss of Woolworths and have focused on bridging the gap with new retail partnerships which look incredibly promising.”

27/01/2010

“Woolworths’ decline has made everyone in the industry focus on the level of service we are offering retailers,” points out BBCW’s Ross Russell. “There is a shift towards really getting under the skin of retailers’ objectives and examining ways that we can help create in-store theatre, to drive footfall and impact sales.”

20/01/2010 losing the retailer had on the licensing business

While its troubles may have been well documented, when the news finally broke that Woolworths was going into administration – with the closure of its 800+ stores beginning after Christmas 2008 – it still came as a major blow to the licensing industry.

After all, the store was the largest retailer of licensed product in the UK. From toys and clothing, through to home entertainment, publishing and a variety of impulse purchase products, Woolworths stocked it all.