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View the latest issue of Craft Focus for FREE!
 

View the latest issue of Craft Focus 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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October/November 2024
 

Summer came and went pretty fast, I’m sure you’ll all agree! The weather was temperamental and retail was fair. According to the Office of National Statistics, retail sales volumes (quantity bought) were estimated to have risen by 0.5 per cent in July 2024, as people opted for the high street rather than the beaches and parks.

Moving on, you may have already started your Halloween displays and the planning for the Golden Quarter. If you’re still in need of topping up your stock rooms, do check out our products features that are jam packed with craft kits, embroidery hoops, art supplies and cross stitch kits. I’ve also picked my top 15 festive items your customers are sure to love. If that’s not enough, we have a feature dedicated to patchwork and quilting, and I for one would love to try my hand at this skill. Snuggling up under one of your own creations or gifting a special keepsake would be a wonderful feeling, I’m sure.

Enjoy the issue!

Rachel 

 
Visitor registration for Toy Fair 2025 is now open
 
Visitor registration for Toy Fair 2025 is now open
 
Visitor registration is now open for Toy Fair 2025 , the UK's largest trade show dedicated to toys, games, and hobbies. The three-day showcase will be held from 21st to 23rd January 2025 at Olympia Events in London, spanning both the lower and upper levels of the Grand and National Halls, as well as a section of the Upper West Hall.

Read more......
 
ExaClair Ltd
 
The British Toy & Hobby Association Ltd
 
Reframing the framing business
 
Reframing the framing business
 
A breakthrough business in an industry that has barely changed in centuries, Pop-up Frames launched their small pop-up frames last year which feature on Create & Craft TV. They 're sold online and offline at a RRP from £5 through various independent retailers and galleries across the UK. Pop-up Frames is now launching their Medium and Poster self-assembled framing kits which can be cut into 38 different sizes from 21cm up to 92cm using just a pair of scissors, and then assembled in a few minutes and hung without damaging the wall. The RRPs are from £7 and £12.50 respectively.

Read more......
 
Pentel uk to offer plus corporation products
 
Pentel uk to offer plus corporation products
 
Pentel (Stationery) Ltd. is delighted to announce a strategic new product launch that will enable the company to extend further its offering in UK and Ireland stationery markets. From 1st September 2024 Pentel will distribute a specially chosen selection of products from PLUS Corporation, the world's third largest stationery company. PLUS Corporation has 45 subsidiaries around the world and is the parent company of Pentel Co. Ltd., whose headquarters are also based in Japan.

Read more......
 
ICHF
 
FAS
 
Jakar's 75th anniversary
 
Jakar's 75th anniversary
 
This year, Jakar proudly celebrates 75 years of business, noting a remarkable journey of resilience, innovation, and family dedication. The company was founded in 1949 by Lydia Sacki, who fled Nazi Germany and rebuilt her life in England. Starting from her kitchen table, Lydia began trading drawing instruments, toys, and cuckoo clocks while caring for her husband, who had multiple sclerosis, and raising their two sons. A key figure in Jakar's early days was lodger Julius Kaufmann, who helped establish important connections in the toy industry. To honour his contributions, the company name "Jakar" was formed from his initials.

Read more......
 
Spring Fair 2025 Announces #SBS Small Business Sunday Winners
 
Spring Fair 2025 Announces #SBS Small Business Sunday Winners
 
Spring Fair, which celebrates its 75th anniversary at the NEC Birmingham on 2nd – 5th February 2025, is delighted to announce twelve new winners of Theo Paphitis's #SBS Small Business Sunday initiative who each receive a free stand at the February show. Since 2018, the TV dragon and #SBS Small Business Sunday creator and Spring and Autumn Fair have joined forces to support start-up businesses. Together they have worked with over 60 SMEs, playing a vital role in their future success.

Read more......
 
Get Inspired with the h+h americas 2024 Lookbook!
 
Get Inspired with the h+h americas 2024 Lookbook!
 
Get Inspired with the h+h americas 2024 Lookbook! Download the 'It's for YOU!' Lookbook now and get inspired by the industry's best ideas, products, and innovations. Whether you're a passionate maker, retailer, or designer, this guide is packed with insights to spark your creativity. Discover the latest craft trends, top exhibitors, and creative highlights from North America's biggest craft event, h+h Americas.

Read more......
 
Forthcoming Events
 
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...

12-14 Nov 2024 - Gifts & Lifestyle Middle East
Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE
www.gifts-lifestyle-middle-east.ae

12-15 Jan 2025 - Harrogate Christmas & Gift
Harrogate Convention Centre, King's Rd, Harrogate, HG1 5LA
www.harrogatefair.com

12-14 Jan 2025 - Giving & Living
Westpoint, Exeter, EX5 1DJ
www.givingliving.co.uk

21-23 Jan 2025 - The Toy Fair
Olympia, Grand & National Halls
www.toyfair.co.uk