Over three quarters of all stands are already secured for Scotland's Trade Fair Spring which takes place from 21st-23rd January 2024 at the SEC, Glasgow. With a healthy re-booking, on top of what hopes to be one of the busiest tourist seasons ever, the Show is looking to be a smasher of a Show. The Show will feature the best of what Scotland has to offer in terms of gifts, homeware, fashion, textiles, jewellery and crafts. A clearer identification system for Scottish producers will also ensure easier navigation around the show.
Posted: 13 October 2023
Just Around the Corner (JATC) SS24 saw the show's debut in Wapping's Tobacco Dock event space. 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. Buyers from independents and keys alike came out in force and perused the products on show, which included over X40 brands new to JATC...
Posted: 11 October 2023
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
The Giftware Association is thrilled to announce a new and mutually beneficial partnership with the prestigious Hilton Hotel Group. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the company's ongoing efforts to provide unparalleled benefits to its esteemed members. The Hilton is a globally recognized hospitality brand known for its exceptional service and luxurious accommodations. Through this exciting collaboration, valued members will now have access to exclusive discounts, complimentary access, and special offers at the following Hilton sites: Hilton Birmingham Metropole, Hilton London Olympia and Hilton London Canary Wharf.
Posted: 2 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
Leading online packaging supplier, Kite Packaging, has added a new, hamper-sized eCommerce box to their range due to growing demand. Designed with a crash lock base and adhesive peel-&-seal strip, this eCommerce-ready packaging facilitates quick assembly to support efficient pack and dispatch. It also comes with a tear strip for effortless unboxing to enhance end customer satisfaction. This new size is larger than the standard market offering, offering versatility, and provides ample space to accommodate both small and bulky items – particularly beneficial for businesses with a large product profile.
Posted: 27 September 2023
Spring and Autumn Fair and Glee, owned by Hyve Group, has announced that its connections programme Connect will not be running in 2024, while the business collaborates with the industry and key partners to create better shows and experiences for the future. Exhibitors have been contacted with full details on the adjustments to fees and contract details relating to both Spring and Autumn Fair 2024.
Posted: 26 September 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
Textile designer Fiona Ross, the proud owner of Candy Coated Accessories, located in the North East of Scotland, advises on why investing in wool accessories this winter is better for the environment than quick-fix acrylic accessories from the highstreet. Fiona's top reasons why... 1. Wool is Biodegradable As a natural fibre, it breaks down quickly unlike synthetic fibres making it a much better choice for the future of our planet. 2. Wool is an all-natural product Sheep are part of the natural carbon cycle, consuming the organic carbon stored in plants and converting it to wool. Half of the weight of wool is pure organic carbon. So you can buy wool with a clean conscience knowing that your beautiful scarf or cosy hot water bottle cover supports carbon reduction.
Posted: 20 September 2023