The way consumers shop for gifts has changed forever. Personalisation, sustainability, and speed are no longer “nice-to-haves” — they are expectations. At the same time, brands with strong intellectual property (IP) are under pressure to unlock new revenue streams without compromising on quality, brand integrity, or customer experience.That’s where licensed print-on-demand (POD) comes in — and why 2025 is shaping up to be the year it goes mainstream.
At Star Editions, we’ve been quietly powering this revolution for more than a decade. As the trusted partner behind the official online shops for some of the world’s most beloved brands — from Mr Men and Miffy to The Snowman and Jim Henson — we know what it takes to bring licensed merchandise to life at scale. And in 2025, we believe the opportunity for brands to harness POD has never been greater.
The Trends Shaping Licensed Print-on-Demand in 2025
1. Personalisation and Gifting
Consumers increasingly want gifts that feel unique, thoughtful, and tailored. Search interest in “personalised gifts” has risen year on year, with spikes around key seasonal moments like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Mother’s/Father’s Day.
For IP owners, this presents a huge opportunity. A mug with a character is nice. A mug that can be customised with a name, date, or message? That’s unforgettable. POD makes this possible without upfront stock risks — every product is created to order.
2. Sustainability Is No Longer Optional
From Gen Z to baby boomers, shoppers want to know their purchases don’t cost the earth. Traditional merchandise often relies on mass production, excess inventory, and global shipping — none of which sit well with today’s eco-conscious customer.
Star Editions is committed to changing this. We’re working towards cradle-to-cradle certification and aiming to become the UK’s most sustainable T-shirt and gift business. Our POD model means no wasted stock, and we’re constantly refining our processes — from textiles and packaging to energy use — to reduce our footprint. For brands, this means you can grow your merchandise business while aligning with your sustainability values.
3. Direct-to-Consumer via Shopify
The global e-commerce boom shows no signs of slowing. But today’s consumers don’t just want to shop through third-party retailers; they want official brand stores where they know the product is authentic, high-quality, and directly tied to the IP they love.
That’s why every Star Editions store runs on Shopify — the world’s leading direct-to-consumer platform. With Shopify, we give brands full control over their customer experience, while handling everything behind the scenes.
The Star Editions Model: Total Fulfilment
For many brands, launching a merchandise shop can feel daunting. That’s why we created our Total Fulfilment model — a complete end-to-end service that takes away the complexity and risk.
Here’s what it includes:
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Store Design & Build – We design, build, and manage your official Shopify store, ensuring it reflects your brand’s identity.
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Product Development – From mugs and T-shirts to cushions, posters, and eco-friendly tote bags, we create merchandise that fans actually want to buy.
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Print-on-Demand Manufacturing – Every item is produced to order, with no minimums, no stock holding, and no waste.
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Copywriting & Merchandising – We create product descriptions that sell — optimised for SEO and designed to capture the spirit of your brand.
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Customer Service – Our UK-based team handles all customer queries, returns, and aftercare as though we are part of your brand.
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Fulfilment & Shipping – Orders are printed, packed, and shipped directly to the customer, quickly and efficiently.
In short: we do everything, so you can focus on your core business.
Proof in Practice: Brands We Work With
Star Editions already powers more than 30 official shops for global brands, including:
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Heritage & Classic Characters: Mr Men, Miffy, Peter Rabbit, The Snowman, Flower Fairies
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TV, Film & Entertainment: Jim Henson, Mr Bean, Teletubbies, Midsomer Murders
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Children’s Books & Characters: Gruffalo, Roald Dahl, David Walliams, Simon’s Cat
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Ethical & Eco Brands: Born Free, Swallowed a Fly, Love Your Location
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Pop Culture / Lifestyle / Art: Chupa Chups, Sanrio, Dave Thompson
These partnerships are proof of concept: licensed POD isn’t just a theory, it’s already working at scale for some of the world’s most recognisable names.
Why Partner with Star Editions?
There are many POD providers. But very few understand the nuances of licensed merchandise. At Star Editions, we bring together three critical ingredients:
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Licensing Expertise – We know how to work with IP owners, publishers, and agents. Brand integrity is always protected.
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Operational Excellence – With 15+ years’ experience in POD, we’ve refined our systems to handle everything from peak-season surges to one-off campaigns.
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Sustainability Focus – We’re actively working towards cradle-to-cradle and carbon-neutral operations, because the future of merchandise must be green.
Most importantly, we see ourselves as a true partner, not just a supplier. Your success is our success.
Looking Ahead: What 2026 Holds
We believe 2026 is the tipping point for licensed print-on-demand. As AI shopping recommendations, sustainability regulations, and consumer expectations converge, the brands that will thrive are those who embrace POD early.
Star Editions is already exploring integrations with platforms like ChatGPT, enabling consumers to discover personalised, licensed gifts in natural language conversations. This is the future of retail — and with our model, your brand can be part of it.
Let’s Talk
If you’re an IP owner, publisher, or brand manager wondering how to unlock new revenue streams without the headache of stock management, now is the time to explore licensed print-on-demand.
At Star Editions, we’re ready to design, build, and run your official store — handling everything from manufacturing to customer service, while you enjoy the results.
To learn more about how we can work together, visit StarEditions.com or get in touch with our team.
2025 is the year of licensed POD. Let’s make sure your brand doesn’t miss it.