Industry news from Attire Accessories magazine

Urgent call for retailer take-back schemes to tackle textile waste crisis

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

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Luxury retail destinations thrive as large retail centres continue recover

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

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ACID announces new CEO

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

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New designers exhibit at Pure London

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

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GCVA appoints Dr Hannah Shimko as Managing Director

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

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Thankbox marks Mental Health Awareness Week

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

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Autumn Fair and Faire partner to simplify buying for retailers

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

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ACID CEO Dids Macdonald recognised on Women in Trades Association Powerlist 2024

ACID CEO Dids MacDonald has been recognised on the Women in Trades Association Powerlist 2024.

The Trade Association Forum (TAF), the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) joined forces to champion the role of women in trade associations and celebrate their achievements.

TAF, FSB and CBI are led by strong female champions and are supported in their respective organisations by brilliant women at all stages of their careers.

In a joint statement they said: "It is our shared ambition to support our own staff and other inspirational women in trade associations to be powerful advocates for diversity and inclusion in their sectors and more widely to support and encourage female business leaders and entrepreneurs."

Posted: 2 May 2024

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Owen Barry launches wholesale trade website

Owen Barry has recently launched a wholesale website.

The company has designed the trade site exclusively for its valued customers, making it easy and convenient to use anywhere and anytime.

Once signed up, you will be able to see offers, new season collections, new colours, prices, real stock availability, forward ordering, tracking orders, and overall ease of use.

Showcasing sheepskin, leather and cowhide interiors, handbags, outerwear, and accessories.

Owen Barry Ltd, is a renowned manufacturer based in Street, Somerset, celebrating 75 years of heritage, craftsmanship, and commitment to sustainable practices.

Founded by Owen Barry in 1948, the company has remained a beacon of quality and tradition in the sheepskin, leather, and cowhide industry.

Posted: 1 May 2024

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Autumn Fair launches new business pavilion

Autumn Fair has announced the launch of a New Business Pavilion designed to support small businesses and the next generation of makers and creators, helping put their products on the map.

100 New Business Pavilion ready-to-exhibit entry level price packages are available and include space at both Autumn Fair taking place from 1st – 4th September 2024 at NEC Birmingham, and Spring Fair from 2nd – 5th February 2025.

As the indispensable destinations for buyers to explore a wealth of new and captivating products from the most coveted brands in retail, the packages have been curated to give retail's future leaders a chance to reach a new marketplace, learn from seasoned businesses, and be part of the future of retail with Spring & Autumn Fair.

Posted: 24 April 2024

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