What are retailers and consumers looking for in licensed apparel ranges right now? What are the particular challenges suppliers are facing, and the opportunities still to be tapped? A brief interview with Nick Dierickx, license manager EMEA at Erve.
What, in your opinion, are the hottest trends in the licensed apparel space right now?
Nick: “We feel that anything that is anime and manga related is well sought after by our retailers. The best-known series are the easy ones to bring into retail, and the more niche IPs ride along on this wave. This is valid for both kids and teens.
Furthermore, the nostalgia trend is very much alive. Adults are going back to their youth and trying to bring their kids along in this direction. We can transform any license, older than 15 years, in this direction.”
What do you consider to be Erve’s biggest successes so far this year?
Nick: “Erve’s biggest success of 2024 is that we remain a healthy company with a stable turnover, an increasing customer portfolio and a growing business in the UK.
We’ve been established in Europe for almost four decades and still find new ways to be innovative, young and fresh. This constantly brings in new opportunities, which we take on board step by step.”
What do you consider to be the biggest challenges facing the licensed apparel market?
Nick: “The wide choice in new IP is overwhelming – we could be adding a new license to our portfolio every day. It seems like a good position to be in, and the challenging side is that we don’t want to have too many IP’s to offer. Focus and a clear vision will be good skills to own in 2025. Our portfolio is a healthy mix of character entertainment, anime, gaming, NFT’s, classics and not to forget: brands.”
Erve is confident that 2025 will be a good year – not only will the company benefit from having lots of movies, series, games and release which have a fixed position in its portfolio, but we’re also celebrating its 40th anniversary.
With retailers having a number of events which they can use as hooks for new licensed collections, Erve has good orders in the pipeline, both with existing and new customers, while its global expansion is continuing apace.
Our brands portfolio is also a good revenue driver and a category which Erve will be focusing on more going forward.
Join Nick and become part of the Erve team!
We’re on the lookout for new colleagues to join us! As a European leader in branded apparel, Erve (part of Erve Group) works to design and produce inspired collections for leading department stores and fashion retailers.
Check-out the vacancies and apply now!
About ERVE:
Erve is a European leader in character licences and brands. We produce branded fashion and apparel featuring TV, film, cartoon and video game heroes. As part of Erve Group, we have eight offices across three continents and we control the supply chain between raw materials and stores. Starting with our in-house design team and portfolio of licences – we source, produce, pack and transport collections at the request of major fashion retailers. With almost 4 decades in the industry, our dynamic team values growth, transparency and customer focus. Our exceptional quality and sustainable practices have earned us a reputation for excellence.
Follow us on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Erve company page
Media Enquiries Erve:info@erve.com