On the heels of latest ONS statistics showing a 0.5 percent rise in retail sales volumes in April, after a fall of 1.2 percent in March, FSB Policy & Advocacy Chair Tina McKenzie urged SMEs to have their say on FSB's Future of the High Street survey. She said: "These statistics prove the enduring potential of our high streets. A rise of 0.8% in sales in the three months to April 2023 tells us that our traditional high street still holds its own in the business arena. It's a feather in the cap of the nimble high street retailers that stay one step ahead of market shifts and trends.
Posted: 4 October 2023
ACID's trailblazing work and ongoing campaigning has been a game changer in championing designers and the importance of their intellectual property rights' protection. This has influenced and brought about positive change in the legal and political landscape. The Design Economy is one of the success stories of the UK contributing nearly £100 billion to the UK's GVA and the protection of its intellectual capital is critical. In its 25th year, they want to shine a light on, and celebrate with everyone the huge success that has been achieved since the organisation was co-founded by Dids Macdonald (a designer maker) and Simon Clark (an IP lawyer and Partner of Bristows). From a round table action group it has grown to be a key influencer in design law reform over many years.
Posted: 2 October 2023
The Giftware Association, the leading trade association representing the gift and home industry, has announced a significant partnership with Birmingham Mind, a prominent mental health charity serving the community with a wide range of support services.
This collaboration aims to create a positive impact by raising awareness of mental health issues within the industry and promoting mental wellbeing among its members.
The giftware industry has always been committed to enriching people's lives with thoughtful, meaningful gifts and home products. As the sector thrives, The Giftware Association recognises the importance of prioritising mental health and supporting the overall wellbeing of individuals working within the industry.
The GA has recognised this by creating a Wellness category within its Gift of the Year competition.
Posted: 25 September 2023
The warm weather couldn't deter eager crowds of buyers from visiting Top Drawer at Olympia London last week, with the season's biggest trend-led retail event closing its doors on a high, having delivered a 10% increase in attendee numbers vs. the same edition last year. Strong pre-registration was reflected in the breadth of visitors across the past 3 days, with a veritable who's who of retailers present, including from the likes of Anthropologie, Argos Asia, ASDA, Avoca, Blue Diamond Garden Centres, Burford Garden Company, Capital Gardens, Card Factory, Cardzone, Clintons, DFS, Dunelm, FatFace, Fenwick, Fortnum & Mason, Frasers Group, Fron Goch Garden Centre, Garsons, Graham and Green, Habitat,
Posted: 20 September 2023
French designer eyewear brand, bloobloom launches an exciting virtual try on option on their website.
bloobloom has a huge variety of sunglasses and glasses in different styles and colourways. The new AW23 collection will have 26 new styles, with 6 new models already launched and the virtual try on will give bloobloom's consumers the opportunity to test out the new innovative shapes.
bloobloom has its core classic collection from the Traveller to the Londoner, with the different styles varying from a circular shape to square. The virtual try on will allow the shoppers to test which model best suits their face shape and ensure they choose their most desired pair of glasses.
Posted: 12 September 2023
Retailers are in for a treat this September, as Top Drawer prepares to open the doors to its biggest collection of new and exclusive brands to ever attend the A/W show. Over 35% of the exhibitors will be making their show debut this season, bringing both a dynamic new energy and a wealth of exciting products to Olympia London; from cutting-edge technology to one-of-a-kind crafts and artisanal goods, there's something for everyone to discover - here are just a few of the new names that visitors will be able to meet:
Posted: 7 September 2023
Drawing buyers from across the UK, Ireland and across the globe, the leading wholesale marketplace for home, gift and fashion, Autumn Fair opened Sunday with a spectacle of newness and source of inspiration from over 500 exhibitors. Buyers from Homebase, Graham & Green, The Royal Shakespeare Company, The Card Shop, Mothercare, Paper Tiger, The Olive Branch, Wilkies, John Lewis & Partners, Mooch, The Cotswold Shop, Ashwood Nurseries, and many more flocked to the show enjoying a host of special features including the New Product Showcase, Connect Buyers Lounges, and captivating fashion brought to life on the Moda Catwalk.
Posted: 4 September 2023
Women's power is at work in the next episode of the Digital Academy: three top international designers and architects share their views on the challenges, opportunities and successes of women in architecture and design-related fields. Esha Gupta, Founder and Editor, Design Pataki, India, Molly McGowan, Management Partner, Ennead Architects, USA, and Shida Salehi, Founder and Principal, Customs Bureau, England talk about their different experiences and share their requirements for the future. The discussion will be hosted by Mike Chapman, co-founder and executive producer of the television series ByDesign TV.
Posted: 1 September 2023
Independent award-winning jewellery retail business Bradley's Jewellers York has updated its Eco Rocks brand with the new Eco Rocks Colour Editions Collection of fine jewellery set with synthetic coloured stones and laboratory-grown diamonds.
Following the success of its first foray into laboratory-grown diamond jewellery, Bradley's Jewellers York has created a debut line of three-stone rings, each one set with a laboratory-created coloured stone solitaire flanked by two laboratory-grown diamonds.
Posted: 22 August 2023
Just Around the Corner (JATC) SS24 saw the show's debut in Wapping's Tobacco Dock event space. The new venue received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback from attendees, and the show organisers couldn't be happier. The venue's stunning aesthetics, a series of stunning wood beamed halls with oodles of natural light with excellent accessibility for both buyers and brands all connected with an outdoor courtyard housing JATC's baristas serving up their complimentary delectable treats for everyone to savour throughout the day. Footflow was in line with last season, whilst remaining consistent, many exhibitors commented on quality over quantity. Buyers from independents and keys alike came out in force and perused the products on show, which included over X40 brands new to JATC which included Mitchell and Ness, Beaumont Organic, Milly Grace, Face Junkie, Margaret Dabbs, Great Plains London, Miss Sixty, P448, Mou, Nine West, Scholl, Sloggi, Free People.
Posted: 27 July 2023
