All Artwork ©SEPS

April Showers Bring Increased Consumer Confidence

The US Census released March 2017 retail sales results which showed  a decrease of 0.2 percent for the previous month and a 5.2% increase over March 2016. The first quarter sales were up  5.4% over the same period in 2016. Non-Store retail sales were up 11.9% during Q1 2017.The consumer confidence index for March was 125.6 which represents the highest level recorded since December 2000. These levels are largely due to improved personal finances.
 
Hopefully this will translate to increased retail activity as the weather breaks and many move outside to prepare for summer.
 
On April 23, CBS’s Sunday Morning show, featured “The Dugout" by Rockwell during a segment on the Chicago Cubs and one of the iconic painting’s models.

It is always nice to see our illustrations on a National stage which helps bring more awareness to our Brand.
 
As part of their May American Art auction, Sotheby’s will be auctioning Norman Rockwell’s  “First Flight” on May 23rd.

These auctions continue to get a lot of National attention and it is always interesting to hear the winning bid. Art prices are on the upswing so we could see a larger than expected price.
 
We are also happy to have a new apparel license, Blackstone Design in the UK. This new partner was brought to us by our agent in the UK. We will keep you posted on their project as their line develops.
 
The Licensing Show in fast approaching and we look forward to seeing many of you in Las Vegas. We will be in the same spot L214 and will have several new designs and ideas to share. If you would like to schedule a specific time to meet, please give me a call or email. Until then, let us know if you are looking for a specific design and we will be happy to do a search.
 

Mike Waldner | Director of Licensing
1100 Waterway Boulevard | Indianapolis , IN 46202
phone (317) 489- 6973 | mwaldner@curtislicensing.com
Curtis Licensing | The Saturday Evening Post