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View the latest issue of Craft Focus for FREE! |
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Just a reminder that you can view the latest issue of your favourite craft trade magazine for FREE.
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Craft Focus is the UK's leading trade title aimed at craft bricks & mortar and online retailers.
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Enjoy, keep safe and well and please accept our sincere best wishes from everyone here at Craft Focus! |
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| August/September 2025 |
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The heatwave has brought much optimism to the UK. As well as Wimbledon, the UEFA Women’s Euros and the chorus of Wonderwall being sung around the UK’s big cities, we’ve had quite an exciting few months! According to the British Retail Consortium, “UK Total retail sales increased by 3.1 percent year on year in June, against a decline of 0.2 percent in June 2024.” Plus, rumours are that the next set of results are set to exceed once again. Fingers crossed.
This issue, we have a focus on cardmaking, stamping and embossing – there’s plenty of crafting essentials to keep you stocked up for the rest of the year. Talking of cardmaking, we took time out to chat with Joyce Kudehinbu, founder and director of Quadrigloo and the company’s innovative square-shaped glue stick! I never knew how much I needed one and now I can’t live without it! Genius!
As much as I wish it could be warm and sunny all year round, I can’t ignore the glints of sequins and glitter arriving daily in my inbox. And so, we have the first part of our Christmas features - expect chunky knit patterns and festive cross stitch kits galore!
Finally, if you’re heading to the NEC this September for Autumn Fair, enjoy! We do have a preview, so take a look to plan your trip accordingly – there’s some great suppliers you won’t want to miss!
Happy reading,
Rachel x |
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| SPRING FAIR & THEO PAPHITIS ANNOUNCE 12 NEW #SBS WINNERS FOR 2026 INITIATIVE |
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Spring Fair, the UK's home, gift, and fashion trade show, is delighted to announce the 12 new winners of its continued partnership with retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis and his #SBS Small Business Sunday initiative. Each winner will receive a free exhibition stand within the #SBS Village at Spring Fair, taking place on 1 - 4 February 2026 at the NEC Birmingham.
Read more...... |
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| BACK TO SCHOOL WITH ARTISTRY JUNIOR |
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The debut Artistry Junior collection has arrived in Tesco stores nationwide. Artistry Junior aims to inspire, engage and nurture creative talent in children. The first ever collection includes water bottle tumblers filler with stationery goodies, stacking finger crayons and teddy shaped highlighters, as well as high quality bumper craft kits and sets. Artistry Junior is part of the arts and craft brand Artistry, which launched in 2024 and had huge success with its sell out marker pens which went viral across social media, with fans raving about the quality and value.
Read more...... |
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| Shaun the Sheep turns 30 & launches nationwide knitting campaign |
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Shaun the Sheep, the iconic stop motion character created by Aardman, appeared on screens in 1995's Wallace & Gromit: A Close Shave, to critical acclaim. To mark some 30 years of Shaun's madcap adventures and worldwide entertainment, Aardman has teamed up with British Wool, Campaign for Wool and Craft Forward to unveil a global knitting and crafting initiative with purpose. Brilliant!
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| Ryman offers ultimate All-in-One School Stationery essentials |
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Some 28% if parents say they find it difficult to afford uniforms and back to school supplies according to YouGov data, and it's safe to say that for many parents searches and purchases begin well before the end of the school year, with a noticeable spike in activity in July before the summer break even starts, retailers and Google Trends reports.
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| ZEBRA PEN CONTINUES TO STRENGTHEN ITS UK TEAM |
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Japanese writing instruments manufacturer, Zebra Pen, is delighted to highlight the appointment of three new team members as it seeks to accelerate its growth further across the UK. Having recently moved from Snopake Brands, Sarah Carnell-Grist has taken on a new National Account Manager role within the company. By bringing a wealth of experience with her, which includes over a decade at STABILO, Sarah will be focused on developing the business' commercial and educational channels.
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| Toy Fair shows strong sales momentum for 2026 |
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Toy Fair will return to Olympia, London from 20th to 22nd January 2026 for its 72nd show. With approximately six months to go, demand for exhibition space is already very high, driven by a strong returnee rate and keen interest from new applicants. The popular Gold Zone, which houses the smallest stands- and often is the spot to find hidden treasures- is already sold out, and there is limited space available across both levels in the rest of the halls.
Read more...... |
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| Forthcoming Events |
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Please note: All dates are subject to changes, contact organisers for more information before making arrangements. To view more events, please visit the events page on our website...
7-10 Sep 2025 - Autumn Fair 2025
NEC Birmingham, B40 1NT, UK
www.autumnfair.com
14-16 Sep 2025 - Top Drawer London
Olympia London, Hammersmith Rd, London, W14 8UX
www.topdrawer.co.uk
20-23 Nov 2025 - Knit + Stitch Harrogate
Harrogate Convention Centre.
www.knitandstitchshow.co.uk
1-4 Feb 2026 - Spring Fair
The NEC, Birmingham, North Ave, Marston Green, Birmingham, B40 1NT
www.springfair.com/welcome
6-10 Feb 2026 - Christmasworld
Messe Frankfurt, Ludwig-Erhard-Anlage 1, 60327 Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
christmasworld.messefrankfurt.com
6-9 Feb 2026 - Creativeworld
Messe Frankfurt, Germany
creativeworld.messefrankfurt.com
26-28 Feb 2026 - Paperworld India
Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai
paperworldindia.in.messefrankfurt.com |
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