Licensing Expo Hosts 5,000 Brands Discussing Tariff Impact, Retail Trends

Trade shows and expos like the Licensing Expo serve as dynamic platforms that amplify the network effect, where the value of participation increases as more exhibitors, buyers, and industry professionals join, fostering sustainable business growth. The Licensing Expo 2025 highlighted current industry concerns, prominently tariffs, which continue to create uncertainty for brands, manufacturers, and retailers, affecting pricing, inventory, and consumer purchasing patterns. Discussions at the Expo and a related Modern Retail town hall revealed that tariffs have led to consumer shifts, such as increased spending on affordable products and concerns over counterfeit goods, while sales data and customer reviews are key indicators used by brands to gauge consumer sentiment. Industry leaders emphasized that retail is evolving beyond transactions to focus on emotional connections and cultural relevance, with younger consumers seeking products that combine emotional resonance, experience, and affordability. Legal strategies like force majeure clauses are being explored to mitigate tariff impacts, reflecting ongoing efforts to navigate and adapt to global trade challenges. Overall, these events underscore the interplay between network effects, evolving consumer behavior, and external economic pressures shaping the retail and licensing landscape today.