Disney has made significant progress in expanding its licensed products across various categories, including fashion, home goods, toys, electronics, and food. The consumer products division in China accounts for nearly half of the entire Disney China workforce, highlighting the company's strategic focus on this market.
In China, Disney faced challenges in securing TV broadcasting rights, leading the company to shift its emphasis to consumer goods as a key growth strategy. By licensing its iconic characters through fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) channels, Disney aims to boost brand awareness and penetrate the Chinese market effectively.
The company operates with a localized approach, adapting its global business model to suit China’s unique market conditions. As Han Gang, CEO of Disney Greater China Consumer Products, noted, "No entertainment company can make money by selling content to TV stations in China." Therefore, Disney prioritizes its consumer products division in the region.
Currently, Disney has over 100 authorized dealers and more than 5,000 retail counters across China, each showcasing the brand’s characters in an open and widespread manner. Lai Ying Fang is one of the largest authorized dealers for Disney baby clothing, holding a dominant share of the domestic market. The company has been collaborating with Disney for over two decades and has built a strong presence in the sector.
Lai Ying Fang reported revenue of around 1 billion yuan last year, with its own brand accounting for about 50% of sales. The company also represents other international brands like Pigeon and Barbie, with Disney making up approximately 20% of its annual revenue. Sales of Disney baby clothes have grown by over 20% annually through this channel.
According to Lin Lihui, an associate of Lai Ying Fang, Disney plays a crucial role in their business. Through the company's stores, Disney can reach second- and third-tier cities, driving consistent growth. However, Disney’s licensing fees are relatively high—typically around 7% to 8%, compared to 3% to 5% for other brands. This means that if a product is expected to sell for 1 million yuan, the guaranteed fee would be 80,000 yuan. If sales exceed the target, additional fees apply.
Disney also conducts thorough market evaluations before approving licenses and tailors its strategies based on regional differences. Despite the potential for high returns, some domestic licensees have struggled to turn a profit due to high costs and limited retail experience. As one insider put it, "Many people are attracted to the Disney brand, but it’s not easy to succeed within two years."
Disney maintains a dynamic list of authorized dealers, regularly adjusting its partners based on performance. While most are stable, some are replaced if they fail to meet standards.
However, Disney’s aggressive expansion strategy has led to internal conflicts. With high expectations for growth, the company has focused on niche product categories and faster development cycles. This has sometimes created competition among licensees, especially when different versions of the same character are licensed to multiple parties.
To address these issues, Disney has started focusing more on supporting its licensees. Annual exhibitions bring together multiple brands, allowing for a one-stop shopping experience. Licensees pay rent based on the space they occupy, and this collaborative approach helps attract more consumers.
During peak seasons, Disney actively partners with major retailers like Walmart, Carrefour, and Tesco to help licensees secure better retail placements. These efforts aim to strengthen the overall distribution network and improve visibility.
With over 3,000 licensees globally and more than 100,000 products in circulation, Disney continues to see significant potential in the Chinese market. How it balances expansion with local adaptation will determine its success in becoming the world’s largest licensee.
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