Caran d’Ache x Keith Haring Collab Wins At B&LLAs
The Caran d'Ache collaboration with Keith Haring won the award for the Best Brand Licensed Gifting...
Craft Focus magazine is a bi-monthly trade publication for the craft industry, distributed to Art & Craft shops, Toy shops, Model shops, Haberdashers and Needlecraft retailers.
Each issue contains detailed information on upcoming trade shows and reviews many new and innovative products, enabling retailers to make informed and profitable buying decisions for their business. Find out more about the magazine here.
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Caran d’Ache x Keith Haring Collab Wins At B&LLAs
The Caran d'Ache collaboration with Keith Haring won the award for the Best Brand Licensed Gifting...
Autumn Fair and Faire partner to simplify buying for retailers
Autumn Fair, retail's leading seasonal showcase for the home, gift and fashion...
ACID CEO Dids Macdonald recognised on Women in Trades Association Powerlist 2024
ACID CEO Dids MacDonald has been recognised on the Women in Trades...
Brand & Lifestyle Licensing Awards 2024: The Winners
The winners of The B&LLAs 2024 were announced on 25th April at a glittering awards event, held...
What a show season it has been. The team reported back positively from Spring Fair, a buzzy show with a bustling stationery and craft presence. I enjoyed my time at CHSI Stitches - it was great to chat to so many of you and be able to touch the products on offer – pictures just don’t do them justice! If you couldn’t make the events, please do catch up in our show news.
This issue, we have a preview of the London Stationery Show. As a stationery addict, it’s always highlighted on my calendar, plus I just love the Business Design Centre and its prime location in Islington. Do check out who will be attending and make a note of the stand numbers ahead of the day to make sure you don’t miss out! And please do pick up a copy of the magazine!
I have enjoyed liaising with numerous candle making companies this issue and have put together a three-page feature dedicated to the craft on page 73. There’s complete kits, wax options and stunning vessels whether you’re thinking of stocking the individual candle making components or the box sets! As well as this we have our summer product showcase, a focus on needlecrafts and of course, plenty of crafting and gifting inspo for dad this Father’s Day.
Rachel Westall, Editor
PS. If you have any news you would like to submit to this site or Craft Focus magazine, please email editor@craftfocus.com
Rachel x
Colourful DK is a brand-new, fun mid-range double knit yarn from Cygnet. From toys, to homeware, to garments, there's no end to the things you can create with this versatile yarn. With a starting rainbow pallet of 12 colours and easy-care instructions, you're sure to find something perfect for your next project. The RRP is £1.99- £2.20. For further info, visit: www.cygnetyarns.com
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Local gift cards are driving spend in high streets and downtowns around the world, says fintech Miconex as it shares key insights from its local gift card programmes in the UK, Ireland, Canada and the USA. The range of independent businesses which accept Miconex's local gift cards – usually alongside a range of national brands – makes the cards unique in the sector. A typical 50 percent, and up to 100 percent, of its local gift cards are redeemed with independent shops, restaurants and venues. Retail was top for redemptions of local gift cards in 2023 in the UK. Primark, M&S, Boots, Argos, TK Maxx, Next, Sainsbury's, John Lewis, Dunnes Stores and Aldi were within the top national retailers. New national retailers including Co-op, Smyths Toys and Lidl joined the economy boosting local gift card programmes in 2023.
Martin McTague, National Chair, the Federation of Small Businesses, looks into the impact of cybercrime on small businesses. The Federation of Small Businesses' (FSB) research into business crime unveils a distressing landscape for small businesses in England and Wales, compounded by a surge in both physical and cybercrimes over the last two years. Cracking the Case, published in December, estimates that 81 percent of small businesses have been impacted by at least one crime since January 2021. This a significant increase from the 49 percent reported between 2017-2019. The financial burden of traditional crime is considerable. More than half of these businesses (56 percent) have faced losses exceeding £1,000, while 33 percent have incurred losses of up to £1,000. The situation is worse for one in ten businesses, who have lost over £10,000.
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