Craft Focus - April/May 2020 (Issue 78)

The paper trade Announcing new dates, we can’t wait for the 10 th anniversary of London Stationery Show. Find out what the 2020 event has in store for craft retailers this September  Due to the evolving Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and current government advice, Ocean Media Group has confirmed its decision to postpone London Stationery Show which was due to take place in April. The new date is 11 th September, 2020 and the show will still take place at its usual venue, the Business Design Centre in Islington, London. All existing registrations will remain in place for the rescheduled date and pre-registration will stay open to enable visitors to register for fast-track entry on arrival at the event. Event director, Alex Butler commented, “Whilst we’d have loved for the show to take place next month, at this present time our number one priority is the health and well-being of our visitors, exhibitors, staff and their families. We’re very sad to have to postpone but in light of the current pandemic and clear government guidelines re-scheduling is the best course of action.” This one-day show format will be for 2020 only, and the 2021 edition of London Stationery Show will run as usual over two days. About the Show Attracting some of the UK’s biggest retailers, influential buyers and brands across stationery, gift and fashion, London Stationery Show will return this September with a mix of new and established paper and writing instrument suppliers. “We’re thrilled to celebrate our birthday with one of the best line-ups we’ve seen in our 10-year history,” says Hazel Fieldwick, the show’s event manager. “Buyers will be able to source new and original products, be inspired and get up-to-date with the latest industry developments, all in one day. Stationery is a core product for many retail stores; it’s an everyday essential, an on-trend impulse buy, a stylish gift or a carefully chosen personal accessory. The variety of products on show reflects this widespread appeal and offers visitors a depth of choice.” In addition to over 50 first-time exhibitors and more than 100 regulars, the show’s LaunchPad competition will also return with six new hopefuls. Having already garnered approval from this year’s retailer judges, the LaunchPad finalists will be hoping to break into the stationery market. The winners for 2020 are My Happy Journal, O What A Feeling, Pencil Me In, Port West Stationers and Wrag Wrap, with Love Writing Co. selected as the show team’s own choice. Each company has been awarded with a free stand at the event. THE FACTS London Stationery Show 11 th September, 2020 Business Design Centre, Islington stationeryshowlondon.co.uk If you have any questions you can contact the London Stationery Show team at stationeryshow@oceanmedia.co.uk For more information visit: stationeryshowlondon.co.uk 51 PREVIEW