Voyado, the Swedish retail technology platform, has unveiled new research into UK consumer spending habits, revealing a strong preference for in-store shopping across the UK's leading retail brands.
The study, which surveyed 2,000 UK consumers, highlights the continued appeal of physical stores, even with a flourishing e-commerce landscape.
According to the research, John Lewis and Next are among the few retailers where online preference exists, with 17 percent of consumers opting for digital shopping. At Marks & Spencer, 45 percent of shoppers prefer in-store visits, while UK supermarket clothing brands F&F Clothing from Tesco (50 percent) and George at ASDA (42 percent) see significantly more engagement in physical retail spaces than online.
Posted: 8 April 2025
Independent retailers will stock more adventure-inspired accessories, opulent vintage pieces, natural goods and playful nostalgic items this year, according to the 2025 forecast from online wholesale marketplace Faire.
Faire's newly-released report examined thousands of product searches from the independent retailers using the platform across the world to identify the products that are expected to see a surge in demand in 2025 and the four consumer trends behind their growing appeal:
Victorian noir
It found a growing appetite for bold, indulgent décor and accessories among Faire's retailers, influenced by period dramas and the rejection of pared-back minimalism, was contributing to a rise in searches for shop owners looking for 'burgundy', 'mirrors', and 'brocade' on the platform.
Posted: 31 March 2025
Contemporary fashion and lifestyle show Scoop has announced an exciting move to Olympia National Kensington, London for the upcoming SS25 show, taking place 13-15 July 2025.
A beautifully renovated heritage building with a serious design pedigree, having housed iconic fashion events over its 100-year history, Olympia National Kensington will provide the perfect backdrop for Scoop to expand their repertoire of emerging and exclusive designers in a more elevated and spacious venue.
Scoop's Founder and Managing Director Karen Radley says, "We're always seeking the new, and our new home will soon unveil its most beautiful incarnation yet. We can't wait to welcome you to this exciting new chapter!"
Posted: 31 March 2025
As the June 2025 deadline for the European Accessibility Act approaches, Nexer Digital has launched a new campaign, I Matter Too, to raise awareness about the importance of inclusive online experiences.
The campaign aims to encourage online retailers to act now and embrace digital accessibility as a core part of their strategy, not just to meet legal requirements but to go beyond compliance and deliver true inclusivity.
I Matter Too sheds light on the barriers faced by people with disabilities in accessing digital services, apps, and platforms, tools that have become essential to daily life.
The campaign video, central to the initiative, highlights real stories from individuals who have struggled with inaccessible technologies and services.
Posted: 17 March 2025
Robin Valley, a sustainable jewellery brand founded by husband-and-wife duo Liang Zhang and Wanchong Chen, has opened its first physical store in Manchester's Arndale Centre.
The business completed 54 transactions on its opening day, with takings of over £1,000.
The opening marks a significant milestone in the business's rapid growth since it secured a £15,000 Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank's Start Up Loans programme in 2023. In doing so it crossed a milestone of £1bn of Start Up Loans financing for start up and early stage businesses.
With a strong focus on sustainability, Robin Valley is known for its crafted wooden fashion jewellery, designing and selling earrings, necklaces, key chains and more.
Posted: 10 March 2025
British walking stick specialist Classic Canes has announced a forthcoming change of ownership. From 1st June 2025, Classic Canes will be owned by its long-term supplier, Gastrock of Germany.
Classic Canes' managing director and co-owner Charlotte Gillan said, "My parents and I are delighted to have accepted an offer for Classic Canes from our long-term suppliers and close personal friends, the Gastrock family of Germany. Hans and Elke Gastrock and their children, Peter and Sara, share our commitment to excellence in design and quality and they are the perfect people to supply our customers in Great Britain and beyond."
Gastrock was established in 1868 and has passed through many generations of the same family. The company manufactures high quality wooden walking sticks in Germany to this day and is also an established international wholesaler.
Posted: 4 March 2025
Source Fashion, Europe's leading responsible sourcing show, has concluded another successful edition, welcoming a 32 percent increase in visitor numbers.
Now in its 3rd year, the event continues to serve as a vital platform for retailers, brands, and wholesalers seeking ethical and responsible manufacturing partners from around the world.
Across the three day event, sourcing, designing, sustainability and buying teams from John Lewis, Harrods, NEXT, ASOS, Joseph, New Look, Reiss, Gant, Stella McCartney, Fortnum and Mason, French Connection Hunter Boots, Sophia Webster, Lulu Guinness, River Island, The Saville Row Company, Barbour, Channel, Claires, Hunter Boots, Lucy & Yak, ME + EM, Charlies Tyrwhitt, Birkenstock, Boohoo, QVC and Yours Clothing and many more attended.
Posted: 26 February 2025
The Giftware Association (GA) announces Sarah Ward has stepped down as CEO, creating a pivotal opportunity to move the association forward.
Tom Jones, CEO of the British Allied Trades Federation (BATF), will step in as interim CEO, ensuring continuity and supporting the GA's mission to serve its members during this critical time.
The giftware industry is undergoing significant change, with new opportunities and challenges emerging daily. At this critical juncture, the GA remains committed to its mission of providing resources, connections, and advocacy to help members thrive in a competitive global marketplace. With a renewed focus on inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability, the GA aims to drive growth and continued success for the industry and its members.
The GA would like to extend its gratitude to Sarah for her leadership and the valuable contributions during her time as CEO.
Posted: 21 February 2025
Hyve Group, a global leader in events and exhibitions, has announced the exciting co-location of Autumn Fair and Glee at the NEC Birmingham. Autumn Fair will take place 6th – 9th September 2026 and Glee will take place 8th – 10th September 2026.
This strategic move by two industry-leading trade exhibitions unlocks multiple benefits for their respective sectors, creating a stronger, future-proofed platform that supports the long-term retail growth and successes of the industries they represent.
Sitting alongside Autumn Fair, the UK's leading home, gift, and fashion exhibition with a four-day content programme, Glee, the premier event for the garden retail sector, will continue as a dedicated three-day showcase for the garden, leisure, and pet industries.
Posted: 18 February 2025
Scoop opened its doors at Olympia West today, creating a dynamic showroom environment filled with an electric atmosphere, setting the stage for a season of style and discovery. Visitors eagerly arrived to be among the first to explore over 250 designer collections, including Fabienne Chapot, Isabelle Blanche, Sophie + Lucie, Sitting Suits, and many more. Independent retailers—including Young Ideas, Pamela Shiffer, Anne Furbank, Domino Style, Cream, and Cordelia James—as well as a host of Irish retailers, including Nu Chic, Sorrento, Rococo, Macbees, Ribbon Rouge, and Sybil, explored the expertly curated selection of designers.
Posted: 10 February 2025
