Autumn Fair, opens this weekend and is the UK's leading wholesale marketplace for home, gift and fashion, hosting over 500 exhibitors and thousands of inspirational new products vying to be retail's next bestsellers ahead of the industry's most profitable time of year. Leading retailers including Aldi UK, John Lewis, B&M, Boyes Stores, Marks & Spencer, British Garden Centres, Card Factory, Dobbies Garden Centre, Harrods, Holland & Barrett, JoJo Maman Bébé, Matalan, New Look, Next, Sainsburys, Squire's Garden Centre, The Works, Toys R Us, TJX, Dunelm, Homebase, Home Bargains and many more, have joined the new connections programme Connect @ Autumn Fair. With this, the latest insights and trend-led content, plus the new responsible sourcing show Source Home & Gift, visitors will be taken on a voyage of discovery. Source Home & Gift has a compelling line-up of over 300 audited, quality global manufacturers who pride themselves on responsible manufacturing and sustainable production. Buyers attending the NEC this September will be dazzled by the combined 800 exhibitors, spanning across 6 halls, shaping a must attend Autumn Fair and Source Home & Gift this season.
Posted: 1 September 2023
While exploring the British Isles and discovering its hidden treasures onboard Ambience, guests will be encouraged to join crafting workshops throughout the sailing, with accomplished tutors including Julie Peasgood of Supercraft Cruises. Both experienced crafters and beginners are encouraged to take part in the impressive schedule of interactive workshops taking place during the 10-night trip, which will feature sessions creating jewellery, personalised cards and notebooks, ornaments, trinket boxes, wreaths and more – guests will learn the top tricks of the trade from the best in the business.
Posted: 29 August 2023
Save the date! Since the dates for h+h americas 2024 have been bumped to earlier in the year, you actually have a little less time than usual to plan to attend. h+h americas has become the home for the creative arts. The team set new records in 2023, with 34 per cent more exhibitors and attendance from more than 2,500 creative arts professionals from 22 countries around the world. Mark your calendar for May 1st to 3rd, 2024, to meet again in Rosemont, IL!
Posted: 29 August 2023
Dedicated to sourcing sustainable alternatives to traditional methods of production, design and packaging, Curious Universe announces a new line of licensed Squishmallows Arts & Crafts products for 2023. With multiple industry accolades under its belt, including Toy of The Year 2022, Squishmallows continues to be an incredible success story that is now set to take the world of Arts & Crafts by storm. Incorporating a host of cute, colourful Squishmallows styles the new collection from Curious Universe will include a Crystal Creations Carry Case, Crystal Creations Folder and a Colour and Carry Activity Kit, alongside multiple new designs within the Kaleidoscope branded collection.
Posted: 24 August 2023
A small family company, Mouseloft has been designing and making its own pocket money kits in Cheshire since 1996. New for 2023, Mouseloft is excited to launch one new design in the Make Me For Christmas Range, entitled: Moose. And, three new designs in the: Stitchlets for Christmas Range - including a jolly penguin design. All kits contain: aida fabric, threads, needle and instructions!
Posted: 22 August 2023
The British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA) is delighted to announce that Toy Fair 2024 has sold out five months ahead of the show opening and will expand into the Upper West Hall to accommodate the growing demand for space. The UK's largest toy, game and hobby trade show, which will be celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2024, will take place at Olympia London from the 23rd-25th January 2024. More than 200 exhibiting companies will be occupying the Grand and National halls on both levels- and now also part of the Upper West Hall. One of the stands to occupy the Upper West Hall will be TOMY who are returning to the show in 2024.
Posted: 21 August 2023
Renowned for its inspirational and insightful content, Autumn Fair has announced this year's focus will be on home & gifting trends and sustainability with dedicated days for each. Visitors to the show, taking place from the 3rd – 6th September at NEC Birmingham, are invited to attend trend workshops with leading global futures agency TrendBible, sustainability sessions with Products of Change, as well as presentations offering trade show advice for new businesses, how to navigate through challenging economic times, and motivational masterclasses – all taking place on the Inspiring Retail Stage & Moda Catwalk in Hall 8 which will also host the high energy trend-led catwalk shows.
Posted: 19 August 2023
After the triumphant launch of LEGO Stationery 2.0 in early 2022, Manuscript Pen Company, the exclusive distributor, teamed up with Ryman Stationery as a supply partner to further expand the collection and introduce a new range in the British market for their back-to-school campaign. To mark this occasion, Manuscript is thrilled to announce the launch of an exciting Back to School Campaign. The campaign will feature an amazing competition offering participants a chance to win the ultimate LEGO® back-to-school bundle, valued at over £100, as well as 25 instant win prizes, including LEGO® Gel Pen and minifigure sets.
Posted: 17 August 2023
This autumn, now in its 16th year, this award winning event brings together more than 200 of the most talented makers and designers from across the UK including printmakers, ceramicists, jewellery makers, textile and glass artists, metal workers and silversmiths as well as furniture and lighting designers. Each of the exhibitors has been specifically selected for their outstanding craftsmanship and talent.
Posted: 15 August 2023
Exacompta, a leading European manufacturer of office supplies and thermal reels, is pleased to announce a licensing partnership with SumUp, the global fintech. A new Exacompta SumUp co-branded reel has been developed to be compatible with the SumUp printer and card reader bundles, but also to reinforce the sustainable development commitments of both companies. This Exacompta-SumUp reel, produced in France at the Exacompta plant in Breteuil, will have no core, no plastic packaging, no phenol, is FSC®-certified (FSC-C002321), and complies with all local and European regulations and is now available.
Posted: 10 August 2023