(New York, NY) January 25, 2011 – Recognizing the critical importance to its members to identify and understand retail trends, the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA) announced today that it is partnering with retail strategy firm newmarketbuilders to develop special events and provide advice, information and support to LIMA members.

As part of the relationship with LIMA, beginning today, newmarketbuilders President and CEO Carol Spieckerman will be a featured blogger on the LIMA website, providing actionable retail insights that will help members stay ahead of the curve.  Additionally, newmarketbuilders will assist LIMA in developing LIMA-hosted activities and events including a retail-focused special event tentatively scheduled for this spring in New York City, a retail themed keynote at Licensing International Expo 2011, and the annual retail tour at the Expo.

“We’re delighted to join with newmarketbuilders to dramatically expand the base of retail-centric knowledge and opportunities that LIMA currently offers its members,” says Charles Riotto, President of LIMA.  “newmarketbuilders has its finger on the pulse of the retail industry, and their extensive knowledge, experience and expertise will help LIMA members maintain an edge in the highly competitive retail landscape.”

newmarketbuilders works  with leading brands, suppliers and agencies  to build retail-centric strategies that focus and position companies for retail longevity. Carol Spieckerman, President and CEO of newmarketbuilders, has more than 20 years’ experience developing marketing and business development strategies across multiple retail tiers and categories. She is the author of Ready, Set, Whoa! Are you Really Ready for Retailers? and a regular contributor  to national news and industry publications on the subjects of retail and branding dynamics.

To view Carol Spieckerman’s inaugural posting on LIMA’s blog, please click on http://www.licensing.org/news/blog/retailers-are-brands. Visit the LIMA Blog at www.licensing.org frequently for insightful commentary and analysis from LIMA executives and guest bloggers.

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