Retailer Media caught up with Sidharth Taparia, CEO & Founder, VoxPop Clothing – a brand that provides authentic licensed products and has partnerships with Walt Disney, Warner Brothers, HBO, Tom and Jerry, Barbie and Yash Raj among others.

Taparia is of the opinion that it is not-so-easy for licensees to retail offline, reason being piracy, pre-conceived notion of distributors and loopholes in distribution channel.

 What is the current scenario in licensing kids’ apparel segment?

In a candid conversation, Mohini Binepal, Head- Retail, Ruosh, asserted that shoes in shades such as tan and brown will be the talk of the town. Also, she talked about how Indian men are opening up to invest a hefty amount on shoes.

Tell us something about the operational model of the brand.

The Retail Media interviewed Sanjeev Wadhwa, Managing Director, Fisher & Paykel India, to talk on the brand’s operation in India, its absence on online portal, the prospects of alliance with Real Estate developers and plans to venture into the fast-growing market of kitchen appliance.

Designer Ritu Beri recently showcased her ‘Baby Beri’ collection at India Kids Fashion Week 2015. In a tête-à-tête with Retailer Media, she talked about the inception of Baby Beri and the evolution of kids fashion segment from unorganised players to brands.

How has kids fashion industry evolved over the years? Any factors affecting this change?

Founded by Karan Behal, CEO - MTC Ecom, PrettySecrets.com is all set to take the industry by storm with his concept of portraying lingerie not as a mere necessity but as a part of lifestyle.

In a candid chat with Retailer Media, Karan spoke about breaking the monotony of standard black, white and nude colours, lingerie as a functional product and the growing need for style statement in this space. Also, he emphasised on why a 50-year-old man should decide what a 25 something lady will wear.
 

The 6th generation entrepreneur Saurabh Gadgil, Manging Director, P. N. Gadgil Jewellers Pvt. Ltd believes that jewelry market is evolving and liberating from the constraints of region and communities. 

How would you analyse the jewelry market in India and what changes have you observed in past few years?

What is the current scenario in licensing industry in India?

Licensing is in its early embryonic stage in India and can be valued at not more than 450 million $s at retail across all forms of licensing. Local Indian content stayed on top with Chotta Bheem continuing to be the biggest kid’s entertainment property.  While India started out as a traditional entertainment licensing economy, the past few years have been interesting with new genres like Sport, Digital, Celebrity licensing emerging and making its presence felt in the market.

Tell us about the brand’s journey so far?

Jade Blue, the brand created in 1981, caters demands for men’s formals & casuals and is based out in Gujarat. Being into the market of men’s apparel, we are well aware of the verve of market, the future predictions, colour trends. Talking about Jade Blue, I can say that the any product of this brand has potential to give tough competition to any national or international brand, be it in terms of pattern, colour contrast, quality of fabric.

What is the USP of the brand?

In an interaction with Retailer Media, Kunaal Kumar, Owner, Modern Bazaar – a Delhi-based chain of departmental stores, talks about how the attitude of brands change driven by the count and performance of retail stores.

How has been the market from Modern Bazaar’s perspective?

While licensing industry is growing by leaps and bounds, the bottlenecks including weak legal framework are holding back genuine players in the field, says Saugato Bhowmick, Senior Vice President – Consumer Products, Viacom 18. 

Are kids’ channels driving the licensing industry?

In the digital era, comic characters have stepped out of the pages and taken the licensing route to cater to the millennial youth. Retailer media interviewed Nitin Kalra, Director, AI Licensing India Pvt Ltd, to know his viewpoint about the potential of comic licensing and the market acceptance.

What potential does the market of India hold for licensing and merchandising of comics?