Metrostar, licensing agent for Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, has announced that two new licensees have joined the programme. Danilo will publish calendars, greetings cards, gift wrap and bags and Robert Frederick will create gifts, arts & crafts and stationery. Existing licensees are also busy working on new Elmer products. Amscan has renewed its dress up licence and Rainbow Designs is adding new lines to their Elmer portfolio. Paul Dennicci has also developed the first Elmer babywear collection for Primark.... read more
Posted: 21 December 2020
The British Hallmarking Council has updated its guidance on hallmarking requirements from 1 January, 2021, following Government advice. Obligations to recognise equivalent EU hallmarks will end in Great Britain. For the Northern Ireland market, EU hallmarks will continue to be recognised by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act. Any product already on the market before January 2021 will be legal under the same legislation. The question of the length of time this will be effective has not yet been determined and the council states it would be good practice to maintain records demonstrating that items being sold were on the market prior to 1 January, 2021.... read more
Posted: 18 December 2020
Eni jewellery has launched two new earring designs; the Chain Earrings and Unpaired Chain earrings.The long Chain Earrings, made from eco fine silver, are a statement piece that can be worn all day, with a nice volume to add bold detail to an outfit. The light, hollow earrings have a playful movement and are approximately 7.2cm in length.... read more
Posted: 16 December 2020
A new highlight feature has been added onto the B2B marketplace Nextrade, with suppliers now able to set up a virtual showroom that is directly connected to the Nextrade order system. Orders can be placed from the showroom without system interruption.Suppliers on Nextrade can now open an exclusive, virtual showroom with their own brand profile and highlights of their product range. According to Messe Frankfurt, the introduction of this feature is the B2B marketplace's answer to the growing demand for digital product presentations enabling spatial experiences in 3D.... read more
Posted: 14 December 2020
The Good Retail Awards are now open for entries. The awards celebrate retailers making a positive impact in the retail industry. The year 2020 has been a difficult year for all of us. It is the organisers hope that the Good Retail Awards 2021 can shine a light on those in our industry who have achieved success in spite of all the challenges faced this year.... read more
Posted: 7 December 2020
Drop ship gift supplier Personalised Memento Company (PMC) has been working hard in recent months to introduce personalisation preview with all its products. The company said, "Now trade customers can preview personalisation messages on the product pages of our trade portal. This can be easily integrated into any retail website too – a simple way to convert even more sales. With demand for personalised gifts snowballing, the consumer is more likely to purchase knowing how their gift will look."... read more
Posted: 4 December 2020
Following the cancellation of NEC Spring Fair, Gift Importer Joe Davies has announced a showroom event of its own. The Joe Davies at Home Spring Fair will take place every day from 1-12 February, 2021, at the company's spacious showrooms, including a special weekend opening on the 6th and 7th February.Paul Hooker, Commercial Director, commented, "We love exhibiting at Spring Fair, it really kicks the year off to a positive start and we are so sad not to be there. Following the huge success of our Autumn event, we will be having a Spring Fair 'At Home' of our own."... read more
Posted: 4 December 2020
HOMI, the lifestyle exhibition dedicated to lifestyle and home decorations, initially scheduled for January 2021, has been rescheduled to 5 to 8 September at fieramilanocity and Mico together with the Salone del Mobile. The new calendar will enable HOMI to continue in its work of transforming the event from a simple meeting between supply and demand into an international networking hub for the entire value chain. In expectation of the upcoming event, HOMI will continue to develop its digital project and stay close to businesses and professionals with its year-round visibility platform.... read more
Posted: 30 November 2020
Global fashion brand Boda Skins has released its 2021 plans, which include expansion into Asia, seasonal capsule collections, and a buy-back scheme to turn old jackets into reusable rucksacks. The Manchester-based brand founded by Nathan Alexander, which is renowned for its leather jackets and adored by celebrities, has also appointed a new senior management team to support its ambitious growth plans.Boda Skins is already a huge success in Europe, the United States and Australia, where its range is worn by thousands of customers and celebrities alike, including Khloe Kardashian, Olivia Palermo, and Hailey Bieber.... read more
Posted: 19 November 2020
WildBrain CPLG, one of the world's leading entertainment, sport and brand licensing agencies, has secured a deal between Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. and shoe and accessory brand Irregular Choice for a colourful collaboration inspired by the iconic Dr. Seuss book, The Cat in the Hat. Brokered by WildBrain CPLG, which represents Dr. Seuss Enterprises across EMEA, the deal will launch an adult collection that includes heeled shoes, boots, sneakers, bags and tights – all featuring the iconic Cat and Thing One and Thing Two from the famous picture book. The collection is now available worldwide on the Irregular Choice website and will also launch at Irregular Choice stores across the UK.... read more
Posted: 17 November 2020