In Memoriam: Beth Schlansky, Licensing and Retail Veteran

Beth Schlansky, a pioneering determine within the licensing trade, handed away peacefully on July 29, 2024, at Columbia Presbyterian Hospice in New York Metropolis on account of problems from most cancers. She was 70 years outdated.

Schlansky started her profession in Macy’s Government Coaching Program, the place she honed her expertise within the shopping for workplace and discovered the shop line. In 1979, she joined the company workplace of British American Tobacco U.S. (BATUS), the place she sourced dwelling items for main retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, Marshall Discipline’s, Gimbels, and Kohl’s. Her position concerned intensive worldwide journey, notably in Europe and Asia.

In 1986, Schlansky was recruited by Spencer Items, the place she acknowledged the rising potential of licensing. She grew to become one of many nation’s first Vice Presidents of Licensing for a retailer and was an early adopter of Direct to Retailer licensing contracts. Her modern strategy led to quite a few profitable licensing ventures.

Schlansky additionally contributed considerably to Licensing Worldwide (previously LIMA), the main commerce affiliation for the worldwide model licensing trade. She served on its Board of Administrators, was a LIMA Retail Officer, and have become the primary Charity Chairperson, the place she helped inaugurate the Licensing Business’s Charity focus, The Gap in The Wall Gang Camp, based by Paul Newman.

In 2006, she based her personal firm, Beth Schlansky, Inc., providing licensing and consulting providers to licensors, producers, and retailers. Her experience facilitated quite a few profitable licensing offers throughout numerous industries.

Schlansky is survived by her husband, George Velasco. She was predeceased by her dad and mom, Morris and Lilian, and her beloved canine, Anna.

Providers will probably be held on Friday, August 2 at 1 p.m. ET at Frank E. Campbell Funeral Chapel, 1076 Madison Ave. New York, NY 10028.

The household has requested no flowers, and asks mourners to think about a donation to the Carl Schurz Park Conservancy the place Beth has a bench devoted to her pups Ana and Myra.

“My backyard is a block away and transports me to a world of nature’s magnificence!”
— Beth Schlansky