Craft Focus - Feb/Mar (Issue 71)

forecasting the trends they need from increasingly frantic and connected lives. That said, posting makes on social media is a growing trend in itself. The diversity in craft is continually growing and accessible activities that anyone can try, from needle felting to papercraft, continue to be popular. The Craft Report will be shedding more light on this and offering some valuable insights into how to make this work for within each individual business. We’re seeing many changes in the way retailers do business. Do you think trade shows are as important today as they have been in the past? Trade shows are more important now than they have ever been. In an age where remote working and digital technology means we connect less in person, CHSI Stitches represents an annual opportunity for the industry to come together. That’s why it has been going strong for 41 years. In addition to making those all-important face-to- face connections, the event offers visitors and exhibitors exclusive industry insights, powerful techniques to boost sales, a free programme of workshops to gain new skills to share with customers, live catwalk shows and of course, the chance to discover must-have products that have just been released. The event is where the craft industry’s media come to decide which items to feature in the coming months and is a vital sales driver for all retailers, so discovering and stocking these key products is imperative. What makes CHSI Stitches stand out from other shows? Our 41 years in the industry means we are the go-to show for the UK’s leading suppliers and retailers. Over the past four decades, the event has developed to reflect the changing face of craft, igniting conversations about where we move next. The Craft Report is one example of a major investment we have made, and we see it becoming an annual marker of where the industry is at. This knowledge is vital in a sector that has seen such major changes in recent years, from the diversification of end-consumers, particularly the increase in younger people engaging in craft, to the way people purchase. Trends such as mindfulness and stress reduction represent huge opportunities and the industry needs to be ready to respond. Our programme of education, from seminars to workshops, is free to attendees. Do you have any advice for visitors? Plan your visit carefully. We have so many exciting exhibitors representing the very cutting edge of the industry that it can feel a little overwhelming when you first enter the halls. Take a look at our website, decide on your ‘must-sees’ and make a beeline for those first. I’d urge all visitors to make the most of the vast programme of free training on offer. This is a huge opportunity to gain skills that can make a real difference to your bottom line. We also have a brand-new meeting planner tool this year, enabling you to pre- schedule time with key exhibitors. Pre-register for the show and you will be notified when the service goes live. Parking is free so there’s no need to watch the clock; take your time and you’ll get the most out of the day. How can exhibitors make the most of their experience? CHSI Stitches offers a chance for exhibitors to get their products in front of a keen and motivated audience of industry professionals that want to stock the very best products on the market. Spend time creating an exciting stand and encouraging customers to get hands-on with each product. Demonstrations are invaluable and allow visitors to take home techniques that will make them extra sales. Exhibitors will also have access to the meeting planner tool, allowing them to request and schedule appointments with buyers based on product interest. How would you say the craft industry is performing? The British craft sector is worth £4.7 billion per annum – that’s bigger than the UK music industry, and it continues to grow and diversify. We see buyers attending from all sectors, from high street and online retailers to major multiples and less obvious quarters such as garden centres, gift and lifestyle stores. Creativity is increasingly catching the attention of the younger generation, and this will only serve to drive further development of the industry. Our mission is to have a crafter in every household and CHSI Stitches is key in achieving this, offering something for anyone keen to discover new techniques while simultaneously broadening the market for craft businesses. CHSI Stitches takes place from 17 th -19 th February 2019 at NEC Birmingham. Visit chsi. co.uk for more information. 50 craft focus