More Retailers & Overseas Visitors at This Year’s BLE

LONDON: Last month’s Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) drew in 7,164 visitors, with an increase in overseas visitors and a 28 percent rise in retailers, according to event organizer Advanstar.

The show took place in London from October 7 to 9, with event floor space totaling 7,338 square meters. Of the 306 exhibitors, 88 were new. Additionally, exhibitor numbers increased for all three BLE zones: Brands & Lifestyle was up 25 percent from 2013; Art, Design & Image had a 9 percent growth; and Character & Entertainment saw a 4 percent year-on-year increase.

This year’s Retail Mentoring Programme was also the biggest since launching five years ago, with attendance from 50 individual buyers from ten of the major U.K. retailers. The session now officially forms part of Tesco’s training program for buyers.

Darren Brechin, BLE’s event director, said: “We couldn’t be more thrilled with this year’s event. There was a buzz on the show floor from the minute the doors opened each morning until the lights went off and the show closed. Our key objective for 2014 was to deliver more qualified buyers, and we were looking to increase retail visitors by at least 10 percent, so to witness a staggering 28 percent increase in retail attendees has surpassed all our expectations. We are in a fast-paced and exciting industry, and this year’s show was a true reflection with so many new properties, and many well-loved favorites, brought to market to explore the endless opportunities licensing offers. We are looking forward to an exciting and busy year ahead.”