RUBIE’S & WARNER
The Hobbit is also on track to be a best seller as the second movie in Peter Jackson’s trilogy The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug hits the big screen in December. We’re also working on lots of new lines for DC Comics Super Heroes that will be launched in 2014 - watch this space…
How long have Rubie's and Warner been working together? Can you talk me through the background to the relationship? Chris Isitt: Rubies and WBCP have been working together for almost 15 years. The US deal was extended in 1999 starting with the DC Comics Super Hero and Hanna Barbara portfolios and Harry Potter was soon added. We now carry almost 500 WB lines covering movie, animation and television properties.
Chris, I understand that in the UK WB is your biggest licensed relationship? Isitt: That’s absolutely correct, both in terms of the number of WB lines that we carry and the amount of revenue generated. It’s a relationship that has grown year on year since the outset and we work together to indentify opportunities and proactively target and strive for growth.
Are you looking to grow this at all? Isitt: Yes, and there are always plenty of opportunities. The new content coming from the studio presents a constant source of inspiration for our design team and in the periods between movie events we delve into the vast WB studio archive - an Aladdin’s Cave of some of the most iconic and recognisable entertainment characters of all time. Paul Bufton: Fancy dress is a very British phenomenon, we really do
www.toynews-online.biz
and television properties from Batman, Superman, Harry Potter through to Scooby-Doo, Looney Tunes, The Flintstonesand The Jetsonsthrough to Beetle Juiceand The Wizard of Oz, which celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2014.
love any excuse to don an outfit and pretend to be someone else. In the UK, fancy dress isn’t confined to Halloween, although that’s a key selling period for us. Kids birthday parties, stag and hen parties, World Book Week, music festivals, sports events like the marathon - they all present sales opportunities and as such dress-up is a year round revenue stream.
How many WB lines do you have in your portfolio? Isitt:We now carry almost 500 WB lines in our portfolio covering movie, animation
What are some of your best sellers – both in general and in 2013 so far? Isitt: DC Comics Super Heroes – especially Batman and Superman and in adult apparel Supergirl and Batgirl. We sell virtually equal quantities of both characters for adult and kids. Harry Potter is still a best seller for Book Week.
What new lines should we be on the look out for? Isitt: The Man of Steel Superman line is certain to be a hit this quarter as the buzz builds around the DVD launch in Q4.
In terms of retail, what kind of feedback do you get on your WB dress-up? Isitt: Retail feedback is overwhelmingly positive and consistent across the board. From independent toy and fancy dress stores to the majors like Argos, Tesco, Asda and Toys R Us, WB dress-up is viewed as the go-to superhero portfolio that consistently delivers, built on a 15-year track record.
Are there any particular times of year when sales are stronger? Isitt: Q4 is strong due to emphasis from toy retail and, of course, Halloween that is becoming increasingly stronger for licensed properties and Book Week in March.
Do you work with other WB licensees to cross promote products? Bufton: Yes, absolutely. WB champions cross-divisional working as a way of enhancing the profile of its brands and maximising
resources. We’re often presented with opportunities to work on cross promotions with other divisions within the business, the theatrical team, home video or the interactive division for example. These can involve anything from providing costumes for promotional give-aways to being part of out-of-category promotions at retail.
What do you look for in a good partner? Isitt: Someone who looks good in a Superman costume and a wig… But seriously, commercial astuteness and a strong understanding of retail; a willingness to work together; on-going investment in their franchises; and an openness to going the extra mile.
What makes the Warner/Rubie's relationship work so well? Bufton: The Rubies/WB relationship is a global relationship that is nurtured at a local and regional level. Both teams take genuine pride and ownership of the business. The depth and the heritage of the WB archive also allows us to keep our ranges fresh and appealing to both men, women and children of all ages.
What would you most like to have achieved with the partnership by the end of this year? Isitt: Another year of growth with record numbers is our ambition.
Where do you see the partnership going in the future? Will you still be working together in five, ten years for example? Bufton: This is a relationship that will go from strength to strength, anchored by our collective commitment to embrace new franchises from the studio and exploring new channels.
Finally, tell me something I don't know about the other person..? Isitt: Paul is a great chef. Bufton: Chris’ favourite tipple is Grey Goose.
October 51
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100