Craft Focus - Page number 35 - August/September 2021 (Issue 86)

35 PROFILE include helpful step-by-step tutorials and we use our social media platforms to showcase to our customers how easy it is to make our kits! Also, more and more of our kits have been designed with QR codes which link to step-by-step video tutorials. Craft has boomed over the last year! Have you noticed any new trends? We’ve found that floral-themed products and ‘back-to-nature’ projects have been really popular this last year, especially statement pieces such as wreaths. Kits also remain very popular for both gifting and self-gifting. We’ve discovered a shift in consumer mindsets and that crafters are seeking out more natural materials, such as our Birchwood. We’ve found this is due to customers becoming so much more conscious of authenticity, provenance and sustainability. How often do you launch new ranges? We’re constantly developing new ranges which we launch seasonally. How would you advise a retailer who is interested in stocking your products? The first steps for retailers would be to express their interest in opening an account with us and applying through our trade website: www.artcutstrade.com. Alternatively, you can contact us on +44 (0)1342 843 843 or via email: sales@artcuts.co.uk What sets you apart from your competitors? We strive to produce best in class products, and we never compromise on quality or design. We’re committed to supporting retailers and our growing network of semi-professional makers. We value building strong working relationships. We offer high quality, innovative products at a competitive price with consistent availability. As a family- run British business, we have full creative control from product concept through to production and by having this end-to- end process, we ensure swift and efficient product developments and a short supply chain. Do you visit any trade shows? Do you plan to visit any soon? Yes, we do. We would regularly be seen at London’s Top Drawer, Harrogate Gift, NEC’s Spring Fair, Scotland’s Trade Fair and NEC’s Stitches. Our committed shows for 2022 are Top Drawer, Spring Fair and Scotland’s Trade Fair (Covid-19 pending). How did business cope during the Covid-19 pandemic and what are your plans going forward? Like to most in the industry, we’ve had some significant impacts to the business during Covid-19. We applied all our focus and energies into our retail website, and we developed stronger engagement with our existing customers and widened our database significantly. One of the highlights was during last year’s lockdown when we were approached by John Lewis to develop an exclusive craft product range. This culminated a range of 12 craft kits which were launched in February 2021 as part of their spring/summer collection. These were very well received and we’re looking forward to continuing working with them this Christmas. What new products can we expect from you in the future? Our craft kit range is launching this July and we’ll be continuing to develop this with kits for Christmas and newness for spring/summer 2022. ARTCUTS +44 (0)1342 843 843 www.artcutstrade.com