Spring Fair, the UK's largest and most inspirational retail marketplace for Home, Gift and Fashion, closed on a high after four days of intensive buying, creativity and fun, and now looks ahead to its 75th anniversary in 2025. From Sunday to Wednesday, the UK's longest serving retail show attracted thousands of buyers from retailers including John Lewis, Asda, Fortnum & Mason, Tesco, Aldi UK, Elphicks, Cards Galore and more.
Posted: 15 February 2024
A new study with 100 senior executives who work for fashion brands and retailers in the UK, US and Australia, by Aquapak Polymers Ltd, reveals that the majority (88 percent) plan to stop plastic in packaging altogether.
Some 8 percent are planning to abolish plastic within the next 12 months, 14 percent within one to two years, 19 percent within two to three years, 30 percent within three to four years and 28 percent within four to five years.
Almost half said that they are extremely concerned about their business' use of polybags such as carrier and garment bags, the majority of which are used for merchandise bought on-line, and the damage they cause to the environment.
Posted: 5 February 2024
A host of designers addressing sustainability with innovation and originality will join the international fashion talent presenting their latest collections at Scoop.
Scoop Founder and Managing Director, Karen Radley said, "Scoop always presents the cutting-edge of international fashion talent and that includes designers addressing sustainability through innovation of design, materials, and production. Visitors will uncover an array of exciting collections at the show this season with passion and a story to tell behind their collection."
Sneakers brand, MoEa redefine the way fashion goods are produced by creating a collection from innovative leather alternatives made from bio-based, animal free and recycled materials that are both luxurious and durable.
Posted: 2 February 2024
Significant show of support in drive for people to choose local and to help businesses in their communities thrive during festive period and beyond.
Sales of gift cards designed specifically to lock spending into local economies across Scotland have topped £1m for the first time.
Corporate orders - mainly rewards for staff - have made up half of the sales of Scotland Loves Local Gift Cards across the country throughout 2023. Cards can be spent with both national retailers and independent businesses.
The gift cards are an extension of the wider Scotland Loves Local initiative. the drive spearheaded by Scotland's Towns Partnership (STP) and supported by the Scottish Government.
Posted: 1 February 2024
Manchester-based giftware importer and distributor Joe Davies has announced that it is to become a 100 percent employee-owned business.
The shareholding of the business will be held by the Joe Davies Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) for the benefit of all employees.
The existing management team remains in place, headed up by CEO Steve Davies, it was Steve's great grandfather Joe that set up the business 105 years ago.
Davies commented; "I'm very proud to be able to say that the transition of the company to a 100 percent employee-owned business will see Joe Davies being run, and owned, by the very people that make Joe Davies what it is."
Posted: 30 January 2024
Ethical jewellery Lily Arkwright has opened a new Birmingham showroom in the Mailbox, the UK's largest mixed use destination outside of London and an ideal landmark showroom.
Voted as one of Birmingham's best breathing spaces, Mailbox boasts unrivalled accessibility to canal side dining and some of the city's best retail and leisure amenities, providing an exclusive sense of community for Lily Arkwright's clients.
The opening of the Birmingham showroom in February 2024 marks a significant point in Lily Arkwright's expansion plans.
After years in the pipeline, Lily Arkwright is thrilled to see an instant response to this exciting next step, with appointments being booked at record rate.
Posted: 30 January 2024
British accessories label Katie Loxton makes its jewellery debut for SS24 with a capsule collection of 18k gold PVD coated waterproof jewellery. Designed to be collected, gifted and treasured, the range is made to withstand the test of time, with two-year colour warranty included - offering waterproof, sweatproof and life proof designs.
Katie Loxton's 82-piece jewellery edit is a collection that is fully stackable and created with layering in mind. Ranging in price from an accessible £16.99 to £29.99, the collection is the perfect addition to the brand's covetable collection of handbags and accessories. The expansion into a jewellery range allows customers to completely accessorise their outfit in the brand's signature affordable luxurious style.
Posted: 29 January 2024
Top Drawer S/S24, the first sourcing event of the year for the UK's retail industry, closed its doors last week following three days of successful, vibrant trade at Olympia London; having delivered a show that was 10% larger than 2023, it also benefited from a second successive year of visitor growth following a hugely successful acquisition strategy that resulted in thousands of new faces on the show floor, with 35% of them never having attended previously. The international flavour of recent editions also continued, with over 40 countries represented across the three days including the likes of Argentina, Australia, Bermuda, Canada, Chile, Greece, Iceland, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Africa, Turkey and the United States.
Posted: 24 January 2024
The inaugural Pure London x JATC show, the London festival of fashion, taking place from the 11-13th February 2024, is set to shine with a line-up of glamorous collections across womenswear and jewellery.
Welcoming an increased number of dynamic brands, the announcement has set the stage for the UK's most comprehensive fashion show where retailers can discover everything under one roof, at the iconic Olympia London.
In Woman, Simply Divine specialise in beautiful occasion dresses designed for proms, bridesmaids, special events and bespoke bridalwear.
A feast for the eyes, the collection features embroidery, lace, embellishment, and corsetry in every shade of colour in styles designed to flatter and showcase.
Posted: 22 January 2024
Spring Fair has announced that British fashion and textile designer and pioneer Dame Zandra Rhodes will take to the Inspiring Retail Stage for a fireside chat with retail analyst Natalie Berg, exploring her remarkable journey in design, leadership, and innovation.
The Fabric of Success: Dame Zandra Rhodes on Reinventing Fashion and Retail Leadership will take place at 12.30pm on Wednesday 7th February in Hall 2 within Moda, Spring Fair's trusted fashion destination.
Delving into her origin story, the evolution of British fashion, and her role in home furnishings, discover how her style and daring collaborations shaped her brand, drove innovation and legacy.
This session is a must-watch for those interested in the intersection of retail creativity, industry advocacy and the cultivation of female leadership in retail.
Posted: 15 January 2024