Craft Focus - Apr/May (Issue 66)

Stitches is done and dusted for another year – how did the show go? CHSI Stitches was hugely successful this year. Industry feedback has been positive, with exhibitors enjoying a busy footfall and an increase in independent retailers and high street buyers throughout the three days. We were very pleased with the response to our changes at the show, including our new Presentation Theatre, catwalk and welcome team. We had some excellent influencers and trend- spotters speaking, which added value to those attending. Based on this year’s show, would you say the craft industry is in good shape? The show reflected an industry that is in great shape and ready to invest in new product development and marketing. We had some impressive stands and the atmosphere throughout the three days was of a highly professional and polished industry making new contacts and taking orders. The Craft Report generated a great deal of buzz – what has feedback been like? The Craft Report, a piece of brand- new research commissioned by ICHF Events, provided extensive insight into UK crafters and the wider industry. We had fantastic feedback and it was clear that independent, thorough research is of real value to the sector. It was very well-received by visitors and exhibitors. Our aim is for this to become an annual feature, with the findings presented exclusively at the show each year. Were there any surprising or interesting new trends this year? We saw a lot of new ranges on show for the first time. While trends are difficult to predict, there is no lack of product development in the industry, offering retailers something different for their customers. When will you begin work on next year’s show? We made significant changes and investment into the show this year, particularly in the content and staging of the workshops, catwalk and Presentation Theatre. Our work on next year’s show has already started and we will continue to invest in its development and establish new areas. SAVE THE DATE CHSI Stitches 2019 takes place from 17 th -19 th February at NEC, Birmingham. Go to chsi.co.uk for more information. show business Dominic Fleming, Head of Events at ICHF, looks back at this year’s exhibition highlights ON THE UP This year’s biggest trends, according to The Craft Report: • Home sewing • Fashion sewing • Crochet • Upcycling 30 craftfocus