TDP Textiles’ Dean Greasley talks introducing babywear, new properties and further growth.
While the licensed preschool apparel category is a healthy one, it is not without its challenges.
Uncertainty around Brexit, cautious retailers and lack of shelf space are all concerns, however key new and established properties are causing excitement and appetite for product seems undiminished.
PreschoolNews caught up with some of the key licensees in the space to find out how 2018 was and how 2019 is shaping up.
Today: Dean Greasley, head of licensing, TDP Textiles
“2018 was frustrating as we know we had the right properties and products. The main challenge was dealing with the lack of credit insurance across some major customers in the retail sector. While still facing similar issues, 2019 has started with great promise and we’re better placed to deal with what is the new ‘normal’… that is to say, constant change!
PAW Patrol, PJ Masks, Hey Duggee and Bing are all strong. A big plus is that some of the real classics from Disney and Warner Bros. are performing very well, too. We also have high hopes for new properties such as Top Wing.
Brexit itself has obviously created much uncertainty for everyone, however, what is even more of a problem is people’s fear of it and change in general. Fear can cripple our ability to make decisions and, while bad decisions can be very damaging, no decision is a much worse position to adopt.
Preschool is important to us and generally in good shape. It will continue to grow if people are prepared to commit to things early enough to have an impact for this year. We’ve worked hard to break into new categories – daywear and babywear: now we have the rights for the best properties on these, I’m looking forward to us converting these into meaningful growth.”
This feature originally appeared in the March/April 2019 edition of Progressive Preschool. To read the full publication, click on this link.
