All Artwork ©SEPS

2016 Licensing Show

Traffic Steady!

The consumer decided to spend again in May! May retail sales numbers were up 1.3% over April and showed a 2.5% increase over May of 2015. The retail sectors showing the strongest growth were home improvement and garden with an 8% increase and sporting goods, hobby and craft with a 7% increase. Department stores once again were in the negative numbers reflecting a 4% decrease. Hopefully this positive spending trend will continue through the summer.
 
We exhibited at the 2016 Licensing Show in Las Vegas and we were pleased with the traffic and the quality of the attendees. Those attending understood the licensing process and came to do business. We felt there was an increase in international attendees which worked out well for us.

We had positive meetings with attendees from Asia and Europe which we are confident will materialize into  licenses soon. We also had great meetings with existing licensees and discussed new programs and line extensions. We are busy following up with these requests, which will also generate additional business.
 
Curtis was also nominated by Lima for the Best Licensed Promotion for 2015.  The promotion nominated was Butterball‘s Throwback Thursdays Thanksgiving Campaign which featured “ Freedom from Want” on 3.5 million turkeys and generated $75 million at retail.

We made the finalist and attended the awards party at the show. Unfortunately, we lost to Disney and one their Star Wars promotions. We felt honored to be a finalist even though we lost. I think Disney is an up and comer in the industry and will benefit from the the exposure!
 
We also had interest and follow-up requests in several categories for Kim Parker and Mort Kunstler.

We are hopeful that this interest with materialize into licensees for these properties.
 
Patton Picture Company has been successful placing Kim Parker art in several major retailers around the country.  As soon as the ship dates are confirmed, we will let you know the specific retail stores and art selected.
 
We are done traveling for the summer. If you did not attend the licensing show, please feel free to reach out to us with your wish list or to further discuss your needs.

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