Tom Punch is the managing director of Haven Licensing. He will be joining a panel of other industry experts representing the Licensing Industry Merchandisers Assocation (LIMA) to speak about the value of licensing and how retailers can use this knowledge to drive their business.

RB: Briefly (in one or two points) explain what you'll be speaking about at the Conference?
TP: Entertainment brands can be a massive driver of a product, or a retailers sales, when used as a promotional tool.  This can be either driving sales at retail (to assist the companies sales), driving a point of difference for a major retail partner, or to add some fun, and cut-through in the marketing of your product.

RB: Why do you believe this/these topic(s) are important and relevant to retailers?
TP: In an ever-competitive retail environment, is is as important as ever to ensure that your sales are strong, customers are choosing your products over the competition, and you retailer is getting traffic driven to their store.  Tying in with a brand that is know and loved by kids and adults, can be a very effective way to do this.

RB: Can you provide comment about the current state of the Australian retail sector and ONE tip you'd give to retailers.
TP: Good products are selling, and good brands are driving sales!  Kids connect to their favourite brands, and it can be a very powerful tool to grab that demographic and drive sales.  My tip is that if you are going to be involved with a kids brand, commit, and really use it in all facets of your marketing for the most impactful results!

Register here to attend Retail 2012 Expo & Conference to see Tom Punch live.