Marketing: Industry news from Craft Focus magazine

JewelleryMaker invite you to be a part of their World Record Attempt

JewelleryMaker, the UK's only TV show dedicated to jewellery making is inviting jewellery makers of all abilities to join in with their record attempt of the most people making jewellery at one time in what they are calling The World's Biggest Make-A-Long (unofficial). There is still time to get involved but be quick... Good luck to everyone who is getting involved!

Posted: 30 May 2024

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40 years of Messe Frankfurt Medien und Service GmbH

Messe Frankfurt Medien und Service GmbH (MFS) is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Founded in 1984, MFS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Messe Frankfurt and now consists of two areas: Fairconstruction and Media Services. The lasting success of the Group's very first subsidiary is founded on providing exhibitors with the best possible visibility through stand construction and marketing services.

Posted: 18 April 2024

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Research shows a compelling shift in shopping habits over the festive season

Despite a festive spending slowdown, the GCVA, in collaboration with Global Data, reveals a compelling shift in shopping habits during the holiday season.

Their nationally representative survey of 2,000 consumers indicates that over 20 million gift cards were exchanged during Christmas 2023, with nearly a third (31 percent) of respondents receiving one.

Interestingly, almost a quarter (24 percent) of those surveyed received more gift cards than in previous years.

Younger generations emerged as the primary recipients, with an astonishing 50 percent of those aged 16-24 unwrapping the gift of a gift card, compared to 18 percent among the 55-64 age group.

The research also showed diverse reasons why gift cards are a popular choice.

Posted: 18 March 2024

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Social stationery deal for acclaimed artist partner of The London Studio

Designs by Emmy Lupin, an exciting and highly original artist represented by art licensing and design company The London Studio, have been licensed for a series of 2025 diaries and calendars to be launched across Europe by Dumont Kalenderverlag, one of the leading calendar publishers in Germany, in late 2024.

In total, Dumont commissioned 14 Emmy Lupin images for its 2025 social stationery collections.

Already available to the trade, the diaries and calendars will be on sale to the public, both online and at physical retail, including kiosks, groceries, card shops and department stores, across Europe from Q4 2024.

Dumont's strong presence in Germany and France means it is likely to see a particularly good response from these markets.

Posted: 13 March 2024

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Unleash Creativity this Easter with Décopatch

This Easter, Décopatch, the leading UK distributor for creative papier mâché shapes, is thrilled to introduce a trio of enchanting additions, promising to infuse your festive celebrations with creativity and charm.Crafting enthusiasts can now explore the art of decopatching with an exclusive pack containing 6 Cracked Eggshells, each possessing its own unique charm. For those seeking additional delight, the adorable baby lamb and the charming bell are available for individual purchase. Ideal for concealing treats, these delightful papier mâché shapes will add a touch of magic to your Easter decor.

Posted: 7 March 2024

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Scotland Loves Local Gift Card sales top £1m

Significant show of support in drive for people to choose local and to help businesses in their communities thrive during festive period and beyond.

Sales of gift cards designed specifically to lock spending into local economies across Scotland have topped £1m for the first time.

Corporate orders - mainly rewards for staff - have made up half of the sales of Scotland Loves Local Gift Cards across the country throughout 2023. Cards can be spent with both national retailers and independent businesses.

The gift cards are an extension of the wider Scotland Loves Local initiative. the drive spearheaded by Scotland's Towns Partnership (STP) and supported by the Scottish Government.

Posted: 1 February 2024

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Joe Davies to become 100 percent employee owned

Manchester-based giftware importer and distributor Joe Davies has announced that it is to become a 100 percent employee-owned business.

The shareholding of the business will be held by the Joe Davies Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) for the benefit of all employees.

The existing management team remains in place, headed up by CEO Steve Davies, it was Steve's great grandfather Joe that set up the business 105 years ago.

Davies commented; "I'm very proud to be able to say that the transition of the company to a 100 percent employee-owned business will see Joe Davies being run, and owned, by the very people that make Joe Davies what it is."

Posted: 30 January 2024

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Gemporia Craft Welcomes Sizzix to the HobbyMaker Family

Gemporia Craft, a leading name in the crafting industry, is thrilled to announce the newest addition to its family – Sizzix. This exciting collaboration marks a significant milestone for Gemporia Craft and brings together two powerhouse brands in the crafting world. Gemporia Craft is a leading provider of high-quality crafting materials and tools, committed to inspiring and supporting the global crafting community.

Posted: 4 January 2024

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ACID welcomes new COO

Anti Copying in Design (ACID) is delighted to announce the appointment of Laura Newbold Breen as Chief Operating Officer. Laura began her new role on 4th December 2023. Having previously been Head of Legal for Magmatic Ltd, which owned the Trunki brand prior to its successful transition to new ownership earlier this year, Laura brings a wealth of relevant experience through her incredible journey on the inside track of a company which, despite its incredible success, had to battle many copycat storms along the way. What better experience could she bring to ACID than being at the coal face of what many in the UK face.

Posted: 19 December 2023

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Sustainability centre stage at Paperworld Middle East

Sustainability takes centre stage at Paperworld Middle East and Gifts and Lifestyle Middle East trade fair. Green initiatives are high on the agenda at Paperworld Middle East and Gifts and Lifestyle Middle East, which took place in November at Dubai World Trade Centre. From fascinating panel debates around sustainability at the event's discussion platform, The Hub Forum, to Project Sustainability, a showcase of the most noteworthy eco products from across the exhibition, environmental awareness was at the forefront of the co-located events.

Posted: 14 December 2023

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