Craft Focus - Feb/Mar (Issue 71)

Running each February at NEC Birmingham, CHSI Stitches is one of the industry’s most influential trade occasions. The three-day show has been an essential destination for more than four decades and this year, visitors will get the chance to see and touch more than 100,000 products, many of which will be available for the very first time. Taking place at the start of the buying cycle, the 2019 edition will feature more than 200 exhibitors across the art, craft, needlecraft, fabric and hobby sectors. Around 8,000 retail buyers are expected to attend, from independent shops right through to multiples, manufacturers and wholesalers. “We are delighted that so many craft industry figures are coming to CHSI Stitches in February,” says Dominic Fleming, show director. “Visitors will get exclusive access to some vital data and expert advice to benefit their businesses, deepening their understanding of customers and the retail landscape and making the show a must for everyone in the creative craft industry. ICHF’s mission is to have a crafter in every household and by supporting the industry we are getting a step closer to that goal.” Exclusive research ICHF will also release the second Craft Report this year. The inaugural report featured prominently in 2018 and provided exclusive industry insights and trend predictions. The 2019 study will feature entirely new research and will be presented once again by retail expert Linda Jones. The 2018 version was based on data collected frommore than 3,000 respondents across the UK, and focused on subjects like increasing customer spend, marketing opportunities, the importance of social media, the new face of craft and how to be a source of customer inspiration. It was With more than 100,000 products on display, CHSI Stitches is a one-stop shop for craft retailers. Read on for your essential show guide focus on craft THE FACTS CHSI Stitches 17 th -19 th February 2019 NEC, Birmingham +44 (0)1425 277 988 info@chsi.co.uk chsi.co.uk Opening times: Sunday: 9am-6pm, Monday: 9:30am-5:30pm, Tuesday: 9:30am-4pm “ICHF’s mission is to have a crafter in every household and by supporting the industry we are getting a step closer to that goal.” Dominic Fleming, show director, ICHF Events. “In such a vibrant and ever-changing marketplace, robust and reliable market research plays a key role in understanding consumer behaviour.” Linda Jones, partner, Linda Jones & Associates craft focus 53