As the June 2025 deadline for the European Accessibility Act approaches, Nexer Digital has launched a new campaign, I Matter Too, to raise awareness about the importance of inclusive online experiences.
The campaign aims to encourage online retailers to act now and embrace digital accessibility as a core part of their strategy, not just to meet legal requirements but to go beyond compliance and deliver true inclusivity.
I Matter Too sheds light on the barriers faced by people with disabilities in accessing digital services, apps, and platforms, tools that have become essential to daily life.
The campaign video, central to the initiative, highlights real stories from individuals who have struggled with inaccessible technologies and services.
Posted: 17 March 2025
Stamp Addicts has been very busy over the last six months locating new venues and increasing visitor numbers for the Stamperama and Crafterama events. New events coming up this year include Southampton, Bolton and Port Sunlight (formerly the home of Happy Stampers Festival). The focus is to create fun and friendly shows for all retailers to be able to reach crafters at an affordable cost - with prices from as low as £25 per square metre.
Stamperama are art stamp and paper craft retail events and Crafterama are mixed craft events which include paper crafts, soft crafts, resin art, diamond art, beading plus more – all crafts are welcome.
Posted: 13 March 2025
h+h cologne 2025 proved once again from 7th to 9th March why it is the central trade fair highlight of the textile handicraft industry. After three successful trade fair days around 300 exhibitors from 39 countries are looking back on an impressive event full of innovations, exchange and inspiration, but also successful business deals. Sustainability was a central theme this year: Fabrics made from algae or mushrooms and modern production techniques that were exhibited in the Green Zone underlined the industry's creative power.
Posted: 11 March 2025
The NY NOW 2025 Winter Market, held from February 2 – 4, 2025 at the Jacob Javits Centre, concluded with remarkable success and showcased a modern blend of programming, activations, and panels. Bringing together iconic brands, emerging designers, and influential buyers from around the globe, the event solidified its longstanding reputation as the premier wholesale trade show for gift, home, and accessories. This year's Winter Market introduced a reimagined three-day format that included an extraordinary lineup of exhibitors as well as dynamic discussions and engaging activations. From immersive tours to insightful fireside chats and panels, attendees participated in empowering educational sessions and hands-on opportunities to network, connect, and learn.
Posted: 6 March 2025
After a five-year hiatus, Martha Stewart and Marquee Brands, the global brand accelerator and owner of the Martha Stewart brand, are returning to the crafting world with a line of multi-surface acrylic paints and accessories. The high-quality collection was developed in collaboration with Plaid Enterprises, the company behind industry-leading brands such as Mod Podge and FolkArt. It is designed to empower crafters of all skill levels to create home décor, gifts, and other artistic projects with confidence and ease.
Posted: 4 March 2025
Leading European stationery manufacturer, STABILO, has launched its latest brand campaign, 'Start Beginning' to inspire its audience to undertake new beginnings. The brand campaign will launch on Wednesday 26th February, across STABILO's own website and social media channels, as well as through video on demand activations. STABILO wants to encourage people to seize the day! The beginning is a significant moment in every process, be it putting pen to paper, paintbrush to canvas, or foot to running track.
Posted: 27 February 2025
The local retail trade has come to a turning point: Whereas online giants dominate the market, small and medium-sized businesses are battling for visibility, viability and relevance. However the challenges also present an opportunity – and that is precisely what h+h cologne 2025 is picking up on. From 7 to 9 March 2025, Cologne will become the hub of the textile handicraft industry, where everything revolves around innovation, inspiration and new perspectives.
Posted: 25 February 2025
The Giftware Association (GA) announces Sarah Ward has stepped down as CEO, creating a pivotal opportunity to move the association forward.
Tom Jones, CEO of the British Allied Trades Federation (BATF), will step in as interim CEO, ensuring continuity and supporting the GA's mission to serve its members during this critical time.
The giftware industry is undergoing significant change, with new opportunities and challenges emerging daily. At this critical juncture, the GA remains committed to its mission of providing resources, connections, and advocacy to help members thrive in a competitive global marketplace. With a renewed focus on inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability, the GA aims to drive growth and continued success for the industry and its members.
The GA would like to extend its gratitude to Sarah for her leadership and the valuable contributions during her time as CEO.
Posted: 21 February 2025
BAFTA-winning filmmaker, journalist, and bestselling author Stacey Dooley has joined forces with Papier to launch an exclusive six-week limited-edition stationery collection. Timed to coincide with Mother's Day, the collaboration draws inspiration from Stacey's heartfelt reflections on motherhood, as captured in her forthcoming book, Dear Minnie. The collection launches on Tuesday 18th February 2025 and celebrates the timeless power of storytelling and meaningful connections.
Posted: 20 February 2025
Hyve Group, a global leader in events and exhibitions, has announced the exciting co-location of Autumn Fair and Glee at the NEC Birmingham. Autumn Fair will take place 6th – 9th September 2026 and Glee will take place 8th – 10th September 2026.
This strategic move by two industry-leading trade exhibitions unlocks multiple benefits for their respective sectors, creating a stronger, future-proofed platform that supports the long-term retail growth and successes of the industries they represent.
Sitting alongside Autumn Fair, the UK's leading home, gift, and fashion exhibition with a four-day content programme, Glee, the premier event for the garden retail sector, will continue as a dedicated three-day showcase for the garden, leisure, and pet industries.
Posted: 18 February 2025