Craft Focus - Feb/Mar 2020 (Issue 77)

Crafting the future More than 6,000 craft buyers will head to Birmingham this February for the 2020 edition of CHSI Stitches. Read on for your essential show guide THE FACTS CHSI Stitches 16 th -18 th February 2020 The NEC, Birmingham info@chsi.co.uk chsi.co.uk Opening times: Sunday: 9am - 6pm, Monday: 9:30am - 5:30pm, Tuesday: 9:30am – 4pm  “The 2020 show offers independent retailers and trade buyers the chance to test , touch and experience the latest pr oducts, take part in free seminars and workshops and get vital industry insight.” – Simon Burns, ICHF Taking place over three days this February, CHSI Stitches will return with more than 300 exhibitors and over 100,000 products from the industry’s leading craft suppliers. This will be the show’s 42nd year, and organiser ICHF is promising visitors a full programme of free education and a keynote seminar revealing the results of the latest Craft Report, an independent study that is fast becoming the show’s focal point. The popular catwalk area will feature garments made using fabrics, yarns and haberdashery on display at the event, while the rebranded Trending Now section will draw visitors’ attention to the latest craft launches. Once again, Bright Sparks will showcase the work of new designers and cutting-edge products from across the world. “CHSI Stitches is the meeting place for the craft industry,” explains Simon Burns, managing director at ICHF Events. “The 2020 show offers independent retailers and trade buyers the chance to test, touch and experience the latest products, take part in free seminars and workshops and get vital industry insight. CHSI Stitches brings together more than 6,000 craft buyers and innovative suppliers from across the world. It is a celebration of our industry and we are looking forward to our 42nd year.” VITAL RESEARCH The Craft Report will return for its third year in 2020. Now firmly established, the presentation will provide up-to-date trend data for exhibitors and visitors. Fresh lines of research have been added, including concerns about the environment, world trade, sources of inspiration, the power of influencers, the importance of innovation, wellbeing and the new generation of crafters. “Some of these topics were touched on lightly last year but were of such interest that we are developing the research further, drilling deeper and monitoring changes over the last 12 months,” adds Simon. “Other areas will provide brand-new vital insight into craft audiences, enabling the industry to be better equipped to grasp opportunities and try new initiatives.” The latest data has been gathered from qualitative interviews, focus groups and quantitative questionnaires across a combined sample of 3,000 UK crafters. SHOW STATS • More than 200 exhibitors. • Over 50 per cent of UK craft businesses represented, with a combined spend of 407m. • Nine out of 10 visitors have the power to make buying decisions, and 75 per cent are owners or directors. • Buyers from 35 countries worldwide. 43 CHSI STITCHES