The British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA) is delighted to announce that Toy Fair 2023 has sold out four months ahead of the show opening, with all exhibition spaces including the Greenhouse, now with waiting lists. The prestigious annual show, which is back for its 69th year, is taking place from the 24th-26th January 2023 at Olympia London. With 250 exhibiting companies in attendance, occupying the Grand and National halls on both levels, the toy industry is gearing up for one of the busiest shows to date!
Posted: 12 September 2022
As we head into the 'Golden Quarter' and retailers start gearing up for their Christmas merchandise displays, plans for the next edition of Giving & Living are well under way and a host of suppliers are lining up to join the premier Coastal sourcing event in the UK buying calendar. Running from 15th-17th January 2023 at Westpoint, Exeter, Giving & Living is a very important trade event for home and giftware in the south-west of Britain, covering more coastal regions than any other exhibition.
Posted: 8 September 2022
Thousands of retailers visited Autumn Fair, the UK's wholesale marketplace for Home, Gift, Fashion and Sourcing, yesterday at the NEC Birmingham to source new products from hundreds of exhibitors as well as enjoy a host of insightful and educational talks and inspirational catwalk shows. The show floor was buzzing throughout the day, and feedback from exhibitors highlighted the volume of quality orders being placed while visitors were delighted to discover so many exciting new brands and products.
Posted: 5 September 2022
Driven by a fresh directive as part of a broader strategic approach to maximise consumer awareness of its key lines ahead of the key Christmas buying period, Bath-based toy company Curious Universe is excited to launch its #SummerRocks campaign. The Instagram based campaign aims to celebrate all the fun of the summer season whilst also providing parents with creative and hands on activities to keep kids entertained over the summer holidays. The activation – which involves a mixture of family and parent influencers as well as some kidfluencers - focuses on a selection of the company's most fun and creative rock painting kits offering a variety of themes - including the Dazzling Rock Painting Kit, Galaxy Rocks Kit and the stunning Mandela Stones Set. The campaign will see influencer families sharing their rock painting creations via a their social platforms over the coming weeks, providing their followers and parents with summer holiday activity ideas as well as showcasing the wide range of results that can be achieved with the rock painting kits.
Posted: 1 September 2022
Gleener Inc. - a leader in sustainable housewares - has announced the company's expansion in the UK/Europe with the opening of a UK office. Gleener is an innovative, eco-minded, and buzz-worthy brand offering best-in-class products that really work. Its FUNctional, sustainable products have won design and innovation awards, earned prestigious publicity, and been spotted in the hands of countless celebrities and influencers. It's a certified women-owned business with a firm belief that small actions can lead to big change.
Posted: 30 August 2022
Spectrum Noir, the creator of premium but affordable art materials, is launching an exciting new lifestyle colouring sub-brand called Colorista. The brand, which has positivity, individuality and creativity at its core, will launch alongside its exclusive Make Your Mark social media campaign. Featuring a unique 10-week prompt programme of colourful fun, Make Your Mark aims to ignite inspiration and imagination among its diverse community. To join in the fun of the campaign, participants can interpret words such as 'Rituals' and 'Happy' and reflect this in a piece of work produced in their own individual styles. For a chance to feature on the brand's social media channels, creators can tag @Colorista.offical and #MakeYourMark
Posted: 25 August 2022
From 4th – 7th September at NEC Birmingham, Autumn Fair's Design & Source sector will bring the international sourcing market to the UK with a spotlight on ethical and sustainable manufacturers from all over the world. With the first ever Zimbabwean pavilion confirmed, other represented countries include China, Ghana, India, Nepal, Pakistan, South Africa, Tunisia, and Turkey. Design & Source is where a product's journey starts and this September's showcase combines product categories including home textiles, contemporary gifts, artisan products, as well as tableware and kitchenware.
Posted: 23 August 2022
Graphic design and illustration brand, Snowtap, has signed a deal with leading stationery and gift licensee, Blueprint Collections, to create a range of social stationery and gifts to launch in spring 2023. The news comes shortly after Snowtap was shortlisted for the Henries 2022 greeting card awards. The new range will feature the beautiful artwork from Snowtap, which includes illustrations in watercolour, line drawing and hand-drawn typography, with witty and motivational puns. The art takes inspiration from the natural world, and features a range of animals. Items in the Blueprint offering are set to include mugs, pencil cases, notebooks, pens, sunglasses cases, drinks bottles and more
Posted: 18 August 2022
The Creative Retail Awards and Save The High Street (SaveTheHighStreet.org) have formed a partnership to promote the importance of design and display in independent retail, with Save The High Street becoming sponsor of the Best Independent Store category at the 2022 Creative Retail Awards. The Creative Retail Awards is a dynamic and exciting annual event that recognises and rewards innovation and excellence in retail, leisure, and hospitality design, display and experience. The Awards span a number of disciplines including store design, surfaces, omni-channel, technology, sustainability, lighting, and more.
Posted: 16 August 2022
ExaClair Limited, the UK distributor for the Avenue Mandarine brand, has announced a new Masks to Sew Kit with wild animal designs. This new creative box contains all the material needed to create three fun wild animal masks - elephant, tiger and giraffe. The pre-cut felt shapes together with the punched sewing lines make it easier for younger children to learn how to sew. The plastic needle prevents little fingers being injured and the large eye makes it simpler for youngsters to thread it. The small shapes are made from self-adhesive felt to make it easier for youngsters to decorate their masks.
Posted: 11 August 2022
