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
The year 2025 certainly began on a high note for the UK's only festive trade show – Harrogate Christmas & Gift – as exhibitors and visitors turned up in large numbers to not only see the latest products the industry had to offer; but to celebrate a few important milestones too. Next year, Harrogate Christmas & Gift will take place at the Harrogate Convention Centre from Sunday 11th to Wednesday 14th January 2026.
Posted: 13 February 2025
As the doors close on the 75th edition of Spring Fair, the UK's largest retail trade show for Home, Gift & Fashion, the NEC Birmingham has been buzzing with energy, innovation, and meaningful connections. Over four days, more than 38,000 retail buyers and industry professionals gathered to discover the latest trends, meet suppliers, and be part of the ever-evolving retail landscape.
Posted: 10 February 2025
New designs from Heritage Crafts in time for Valentine's Day. Since 1987 Heritage Crafts has worked with talented artists to produce highly detailed cross stitch designs which are a joy to stitch. All of the cross stitch designs cater for everyone, male and female, from young children and beginners to expert stitchers. From coasters to cards the designs are sure to please.
Posted: 6 February 2025
For two decades, the Stitching 4 All & Craft4Crafters Show has been the beating heart of textile artistry and creative expression in the South West. This March, it returns to Westpoint with more grandeur than ever before, promising a spectacular showcase of crafts, textiles, and big-name talents in the crafting world. Whether you're a seasoned stitcher or a curious newcomer, this event is your chance to immerse yourself in the best that the global crafting community has to offer.
Posted: 4 February 2025
Harris Brushes' Hobby & Craft collection is a top quality range of artistic brushes to help your customers with creative tasks. From upcycling, or simply to help with detailed areas of larger decorating jobs, the collection includes the Seriously Good Artist paint brushes 11 Pack and 10 pack, great for painting detailed and intricate areas, as well as Seriously Good Fitch paint brushes 3 Pack, for use when painting detail on furniture and other hobby projects.
Posted: 31 January 2025
Spring Fair, the UK's largest retail trade show for Home , Gift & Fashion at the NEC in Birmingham, opens on Sunday 2nd February celebrating 75 years heritage as well as double digit growth in exhibitor numbers for this year's show, delivering unmatched newness, diversity and inspiration. The Show will open with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 9am with Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen
Posted: 30 January 2025