Harrogate Fashion Week's show dates for summer are 4th-6th August – three days of buying and sourcing new labels. This event has continued to grow, and the August event already has three full halls of classic and contemporary brands, with a fourth hall opening that joins seamlessly to the rest of the show, and gives a new second entrance. Now considered a major player in the fashion trade calendar with the largest collection of womenswear brands under one roof, including footwear and increasingly more accessory brands. Organisers Wendy Adams and Sarah Moody commented that Harrogate is extremely popular and loved by the buyers.
Posted: 27 June 2024
The Original Muck Boot Company commemorates its 25th Anniversary with the resilient community of the Isle of Muck, Scotland. For 25 years, The Original Muck Boot Company has been synonymous with waterproof reliability, crafting footwear designed for life's muckiest challenges.
Honouring its 25th anniversary, The Original Muck Boot Company embarked on a journey to the Isle of Muck to understand what Muck means to the community that lives and works in the muck every day.
These dedicated individuals challenge the elements with an unwavering spirit, relying on each other to sustain their community through crofting, fishing, education, and more.
Posted: 24 June 2024
The Gift Card and Voucher Association (GCVA) has released comprehensive research findings revealing the impressive engagement levels of UK consumers with loyalty schemes.
The survey, conducted over 1,000 UK consumers and insights from 36 GCVA member organisations, highlights that loyalty scheme participation remains robust across all age groups. 94 percent of those aged 66 and over are engaged in at least one scheme, alongside 81 percent of young adults between 18 and 25. Schemes also appeal to those on both high and low incomes, with 96 percent of those with a household income of over £75,000 actively involved in such schemes.
Posted: 24 June 2024
Over half of all clothing thrown away ends up in landfill – that is 53 tonnes of textile waste, which takes up 5 percent of all landfill space. The fashion industry is also responsible for 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emission. So, what can be done to reduce this negative environmental impact?
Sustainability experts from BusinessWaste.co.uk are calling on retailers to implement take-back programs for unwanted clothing to help combat textile waste – just like the current take-back scheme for electricals operating across the UK. An old clothing take-back initiative comes amid growing concerns about the sustainability of current practices in the textile recycling industry, as highlighted by the Textile Recycling Association (TRA).
Posted: 17 June 2024
TheVitality Rankings, the annual index of UK retail centre health released by Newmark Retail'sLondon-based strategic consultancy and analytics team, has revealed that luxury shopping destinations thrived in 2023, with Sloane Street, Chelsea and Knightsbridge rising to the top 10.
The Vitality Rankings of 1,000 UK retail centres analyses a range of relevant factors, including retail unit vacancy rate, the change in vacancy rate, space being adapted for other uses, shopper spend per annum and footfall figures. The rankings have been released since 2014.
Cambridge has regained the top spot for the first time since 2019, the last ranking before the pandemic's impact on the high street, due to the return of tourists, students and shoppers.
Posted: 13 June 2024
ACID has announced the appointment of Laura Newbold Breen as its new Chief Executive Officer.
With a background in IP, Laura will open a new chapter of growth, development, and innovation for ACID.
ACID is dedicated to safeguarding the original work of creators, providing robust support and advocacy to ensure their intellectual property rights are protected. The organisation's approach has been a trailblazer in the IP landscape, establishing it as a trusted ally for designers, IP creators, and entrepreneurs.
Dids Macdonald OBE., ACID's Co-founder said, "I am confident that Laura will bring a wealth of experience and a dynamic vision to ACID. With her impressive experience in intellectual property, including leadership roles in the famous "Trunki" brand, she is well-equipped to build on ACID's legacy."
Posted: 4 June 2024
In just two months' time the next edition of Pure London x JATC, the Festival of Fashion, will take over the iconic Olympia London.
Among the diverse and extensive showcase of exhibitors, Pure London x JATC will host a collective of new brands, some choosing the show as their launch pad and others as a platform to reconnect with the market and find new clients.
With 47% of exhibitors showing at Pure London x JATC for the first time this July, retailers and buyers can be inspired by new collections that will make their shops special and different, making it a must-visit show.
Posted: 28 May 2024
The Gift Card and Voucher Association (GCVA) has announced the appointment of Dr Hannah Shimko as its new Managing Director.
Dr Shimko brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role, having served as Chief Executive Officer at the Online Dating and Discovery Association and Head of Policy and Communications at The Heritage Alliance.
Dr Hannah Shimko's selection for this pivotal role was based on her extensive skills and experience in managing the diverse activities of trade associations. Her track record of successfully leading teams, growing memberships, and championing initiatives aligns seamlessly with the GCVA's vision for the future.
Commenting on Dr Shimko's appointment, Siobhan Moore and Adam Hobbs (GCVA Executive Co-Chairs) stated, "Hannah's skills and experience were just what we were looking for."
Posted: 20 May 2024
Workplace gifting start-up Thankbox is marking Mental Health Awareness Week by donating 20 percent of each sale to Mental Health UK throughout May, to help people suffering from a range of issues such as depression and anxiety.
The Edinburgh-based online card and cash collection service, which marks its fourth anniversary this month, said it was prompted to make the gesture after research revealed an explosion of people suffering from social isolation and loneliness as a result of remote working.
The company, founded and run by husband-and-wife team Valentin and Tsvetelina Hinov, is partnering with Mental Health UK and has pledged to donate funds worth a fifth of every sale made.
Posted: 15 May 2024
Autumn Fair, retail's leading seasonal showcase for the home, gift and fashion industries, has announced an exclusive partnership with Faire, Europe's leading wholesale marketplace.
Faire will help hundreds of exhibiting brands take orders on its platform from retailers attending the show. This collaboration will bridge online and offline wholesale for the first time in the UK and simplify the buying process for up to 20,000 independent retailers.
Retailers at Autumn Fair will gain access to Faire's extensive global network of brands, helping them to discover products, streamline their buying process and benefit from 60-day payment terms available on Faire. Faire will also be offering new retailers a 50 percent discount on their first order to help them easily shop at the show and beyond.
Posted: 3 May 2024