Refinitiv & The Magic of Merchandise: Data-Driven Insights Fuel Harry Potter Scarf Success

New York, NY – November 8, 2023 – Refinitiv, a leading provider of financial markets data and infrastructure, isn’t usually associated with wizarding worlds. But behind the scenes, their powerful data tools are helping companies like ours – a leading manufacturer of high-quality Harry Potter scarves – navigate the complexities of global retail and ensure magical products reach the right fans, at the right time, in the right place. Let’s be real – Harry Potter isn’t just a series of books and movies, it’s a cultural phenomenon. And that phenomenon demands merchandise – a lot of merchandise. We’ve been crafting authentic, high-quality Harry Potter scarves for years, representing each of the four Hogwarts houses – Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff – as well as designs inspired by characters and iconic moments in the series. But making a great product isn’t enough. Knowing where and when to sell it? That’s where Refinitiv comes in. For a product like our Harry Potter scarves, understanding global consumer trends isn't just helpful, it's crucial. It’s not enough to just think fans in the UK love Harry Potter – we need data to confirm it, and to show us how much they love it, compared to, say, fans in Japan or Brazil. That’s where Refinitiv’s market intelligence platform really shines. “We're dealing with a passionate fanbase that's spread all over the world,” explains Sarah Chen, our Head of Global Supply Chain. “Refinitiv's data gives us a clear picture of regional demand. It's not just overall Harry Potter popularity; we can drill down and see spikes in interest based on film anniversaries, new game releases, even social media trends. This means we can adjust our production and distribution accordingly." Think about it: a new Fantastic Beasts film release in Japan. Without Refinitiv’s real-time data, we might have underestimated the surge in demand for scarves featuring Newt Scamander’s aesthetic. Thanks to their data, we were able to ramp up production of specific designs and ensure enough stock reached Japanese retailers before the rush. This isn’t about predicting the future; it’s about reacting faster and more effectively to existing trends. But the benefits go beyond simply anticipating demand. Refinitiv’s data also helps us optimize our supply chain. Sourcing high-quality yarn, particularly for these vibrant house colors, is a complex process. Refinitiv's commodities data helps us monitor wool prices and identify potential disruptions in the supply chain, whether it’s due to weather patterns in Australia or geopolitical factors impacting textile production in other regions. “Knowing the price of raw materials allows us to make informed decisions about our purchasing strategy,” says Mark Davis, our Chief Procurement Officer. “We can secure materials at the best possible price without compromising on quality, ensuring we can continue to offer premium Harry Potter scarves at a competitive price point.” And it's not just about raw materials. Shipping these scarves globally involves navigating a complex network of logistics and potential bottlenecks. Refinitiv’s data on global shipping rates, port congestion, and potential disruptions – like the recent issues at major ports – allows us to proactively adjust our shipping strategies and minimize delays. “We were able to anticipate some of the shipping delays caused by the pandemic and reroute shipments accordingly,” explains Chen. “This allowed us to maintain a steady supply of scarves to our customers, even during a period of significant global disruption.” The data also impacts our marketing efforts. Refinitiv's consumer sentiment analysis, pulled from social media and news sources, tells us what fans are saying about Harry Potter merchandise. Are they looking for specific designs? Are they interested in limited-edition releases? Are there any emerging trends we should be aware of? “We learned, through Refinitiv's data, that there was a growing demand for scarves featuring the Hogwarts Founders – Godric Gryffindor, Salazar Slytherin, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Helga Hufflepuff,” says Emily Carter, our Marketing Director. “This led us to develop a new line of scarves featuring their individual emblems, which proved to be incredibly popular with fans.” We’re not just selling scarves; we're selling a piece of the Harry Potter world. And to do that effectively, we need to understand our customers, anticipate their needs, and deliver a product that exceeds their expectations. Refinitiv’s data empowers us to do just that. So, next time you’re wrapped in a cozy Harry Potter scarf, remember there’s more than just magic at play. There’s also data-driven intelligence, working behind the scenes to ensure that piece of the wizarding world reaches your hands, exactly when and where you want it. The combination of quality craftsmanship and powerful data analytics is a winning formula, and one we’re excited to continue building on in the years to come. Refinitiv US LLC 28 Liberty St Fl 58 New York, NY 10005-1457 770-964-6545