The trio of Frankfurt consumer goods fairs, consisting of Ambiente, Christmasworld and Creativeworld, impressively demonstrated that the entire global consumer goods industry was a guest at the fully booked Frankfurt exhibition grounds for five days. Even the rail strike could not dampen the success: "Mission accomplished! Together with around 5,000 exhibitors and participants from over 170 countries and regions, this top-class trade fair trio strengthens the consumer goods industry in uncertain times", summed up Detlef Braun, Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt.
Posted: 6 February 2024
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
A new exhibition Jay Blades presents Craftworks is proud to announce an exciting partnership with Cox London, an award-winning studio and workshop, that celebrates traditional craft within a thriving modern business. Cox London's exceptional craftmanship will be on display at the show with a dedicated space showcasing their artworks. Nicola and Chris will join many other industry experts on a series of panel events and seminars. The inspiring programme will be announced in due course.
Posted: 30 January 2024
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
Top Drawer S/S24, the first sourcing event of the year for the UK's retail industry, closed its doors last week following three days of successful, vibrant trade at Olympia London; having delivered a show that was 10% larger than 2023, it also benefited from a second successive year of visitor growth following a hugely successful acquisition strategy that resulted in thousands of new faces on the show floor, with 35% of them never having attended previously. The international flavour of recent editions also continued, with over 40 countries represented across the three days including the likes of Argentina, Australia, Bermuda, Canada, Chile, Greece, Iceland, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Africa, Turkey and the United States.
Posted: 24 January 2024
Rachel Watkyn has been awarded the OBE for services to Sustainable and Ethical Business Growth and Exports. Dragon's Den's most successful female entrepreneur, Rachel Watkyn, founder of Tiny Box Company, has been recognised for her tireless efforts to help businesses become more sustainable. Since it was founded Tiny Box Company has provided bespoke printed and plain packaging to over 200,000 clients, from cottage industries to large brand such as the BBC, Netflix and Boux Avenue.
Posted: 23 January 2024
With a new zones concept that promotes knowledge transfer and networking, across four new zones an event programme tailor-made to meet the needs of the retail trade and its partners awaits the visitors of h+h cologne from 22nd to 24th March 2024. One of the highlights is the Future Talents Day on the last day of the fair, which gives young talents the opportunity to present themselves to the international trade audience. Tickets for the trade show as well as for the Deep Dive workshops that enable the concentrated transfer of knowledge are available now.
Posted: 18 January 2024
Sarah Laker from Stationery Supplies in Marple, recently completed the remarkable achievement of being crowned Independent Retailer of the Year for the third successive year at the prestigious Boss Awards, held annually to recognise those that have excelled in the stationery office supplies industry over the past 12 months. In addition to the award, Sarah was highly commended in the Professional of the Year category, reaffirming her unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
Posted: 16 January 2024
Spring Fair has announced that British fashion and textile designer and pioneer Dame Zandra Rhodes will take to the Inspiring Retail Stage for a fireside chat with retail analyst Natalie Berg, exploring her remarkable journey in design, leadership, and innovation.
The Fabric of Success: Dame Zandra Rhodes on Reinventing Fashion and Retail Leadership will take place at 12.30pm on Wednesday 7th February in Hall 2 within Moda, Spring Fair's trusted fashion destination.
Delving into her origin story, the evolution of British fashion, and her role in home furnishings, discover how her style and daring collaborations shaped her brand, drove innovation and legacy.
This session is a must-watch for those interested in the intersection of retail creativity, industry advocacy and the cultivation of female leadership in retail.
Posted: 15 January 2024
Leger Shearings Group, famous for its escorted coach tours, has relaunched the craft holiday specialist Stitchtopia, a brand acquired with the acquisition of the assets of Arena Travel, a company that went into administration in 2022.Stitchtopia offers small group craft holidays, with a maximum of 18 guests, designed and led by crafting experts, including Hazel Tindall, the world's fastest knitter! Each holiday includes workshops where crafters can learn more techniques, try them out, improve their skills, and work on their own creative project. Crafts included are knitting, crochet, patchwork and quilting, embroidery, and textiles.
Posted: 11 January 2024