Out with the old and in with the new – 2020 is nearly upon us. PartyWorldwide.net grabs five minutes behind the scenes with Vicki Hamilton, marketing manager at Rubie’s Masquerade (UK) to find out the highs of 2019 and the plans for 2020 – according to Vicki’s vision:
Vicki – Seasons Greetings, just about, how is your year closing out?
“It’s been a year of change at Rubie’s so we were delighted to report double-digit growth in October vs. 2018. We’ll be ending 2019 on a high.”
Frozen 2 is now upon us – is it looking as big as Frozen 1, or time to let it go?
“Early indications are that it’s performing well and with movie launch now upon us, we’re expecting a substantial uplift as a new generation of little ones become immersed in the Frozen world.”
What else has been of particularly pleasing performance for you in 2019?
“Marvel Endgame just went from strength to strength – and in Thanos we found our first universally popular dress-up villain since Darth Vader.”
And the big one, Halloween, how did that perform, against expectations?
“We had a great October all round but we’re already looking forward to 2020 – especially as Halloween will fall on a Saturday.”
You’re learning fast, given that it’s your first year at Rubie’s HQ. How have you settled in?
“It’s been a steep learning curve! While I have many years experience, none of them have been in licensing or dress-up – so I’ve had to re-learn my vocabulary and get to grips with a lot of complexity. What’s great, though, is bringing a different point of view to the table – and being surrounded by so much colour and imagination.”
Where will we see Rubie’s on the New Year trade show trail?
“You’ll find Rubie’s at Spielwarenmesse in January as usual, but we’re looking a little differently at how we do things in the UK. I can’t share details yet, but I’m excited…”
Great – and what can people expect to find on those stands – many new products?
“We have got some terrific stuff in development across the board. Rubie’s new design team is working hard on both innovation and renovation to make the whole portfolio sparkle.”
So your overall prediction for the costume and party trade in 2020?
“Retail will continue to evolve at pace, and we are adapting our strategy to ensure that wherever our consumers are shopping, we have a Rubie’s offering to suit them. E-commerce and value is our biggest prediction for growth, but we have significant plans to support and nurture our bricks and mortar retailers who are the bread and butter of our business.
