Show News: Industry news from Craft Focus magazine

Female empowerment revitalises architecture & design scene

The panel discussion 'Women Leaders in Design: A Conversation with By Design TV' with Esha Gupta, founder and publisher of Design Pataki from India, Molly McGowan, partner of Ennead Architects from the USA, and Shida Salehi, founder and managing director of Customs Bureau from the UK, made it very clear: the international architecture and design industry benefits from female entrepreneurial spirit and leadership. On the one hand, the three pioneers stand for fascinating new projects and unique spatial designs with emotional added value. On the other hand, they convince with a strongly collaborative and inclusive leadership style. A mixture that invigorates the entire industry and is ground-breaking for the next generation.

Posted: 18 September 2023

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Tourism brings cheer to the British economy

As we enter autumn and the start of a new school year, tourist resorts around the UK are counting the profits after another booming staycation season. Chief amongst these chosen destinations for holiday makers was the South-West* of England, home to the most important regional event of the trade show calendar, Giving & Living - taking place 14th to 16th January, Westpoint, Exeter.

Posted: 14 September 2023

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That's a wrap at Autumn Fair!

Thousands of retailers including Sainsbury's, Next, Dunelm, Boots, Ocado, Waterstone's, Osprey London, Brand Alley, Tropic Skincare, Scribbler, Clintons, Oliver Bonas, Fenwick Ltd, Cardzone, Lakeland, M&S, Matalan, Pengethley Garden Centre, Aldi, Tesco, TJX Europe, Toys R Us, The Works, WHSMITH, and The Walt Disney Company,to name a few, converged at the NEC Birmingham from the 3rd – 6th September to shop the show for their next bestsellers across a huge breadth of product categories within Home, Gift and Fashion. Many enjoyed special features including the New Product Showcase and the Gift Of The Year Showcase which took centre stage in Hall 6 as well as an insightful and visual content programme on the Inspiring Retail Stage & Moda Catwalk.

Posted: 11 September 2023

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Top Drawer Announces a host of new and exclusive brands

Retailers are in for a treat this September, as Top Drawer prepares to open the doors to its biggest collection of new and exclusive brands to ever attend the A/W show. Over 35% of the exhibitors will be making their show debut this season, bringing both a dynamic new energy and a wealth of exciting products to Olympia London; from cutting-edge technology to one-of-a-kind crafts and artisanal goods, there's something for everyone to discover - here are just a few of the new names that visitors will be able to meet:

Posted: 7 September 2023

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CHSI Stitches developments

Plans for CHSI Stitches, the UK's trade show for the creative craft industry, are well underway for 25-26th February 2024 at the NEC, Birmingham. This year the experienced event organisers, ICHF Events, have announced an extended partnership with Sarah Hurley from the Sarah Hurley Academy. The multi-year partnership brings creative business education to the CHSI Stitches programme of events through Sarah's new 'Sarah Hurley Academy,' launched in 2022

Posted: 7 September 2023

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A New World of Collectibles with Crayola®

Hunter Price International has unveiled a new product concept which will bring children's imagination to life through enchanting worlds of collectible eraser characters. The innovative Crayola ImagiPals will hit UK and European retail markets later this year. The leading creative product developer's new creation will inspire children's imagination and creativity as they use Crayola ImagiPals to tell stories, act out scenes, and create unique little worlds.

Posted: 5 September 2023

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Inspiration flows on day one at Autumn Fair

Drawing buyers from across the UK, Ireland and across the globe, the leading wholesale marketplace for home, gift and fashion, Autumn Fair opened Sunday with a spectacle of newness and source of inspiration from over 500 exhibitors. Buyers from Homebase, Graham & Green, The Royal Shakespeare Company, The Card Shop, Mothercare, Paper Tiger, The Olive Branch, Wilkies, John Lewis & Partners, Mooch, The Cotswold Shop, Ashwood Nurseries, and many more flocked to the show enjoying a host of special features including the New Product Showcase, Connect Buyers Lounges, and captivating fashion brought to life on the Moda Catwalk.

Posted: 4 September 2023

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Digital Academy invites you to a panel discussion with women in the design industry

Women's power is at work in the next episode of the Digital Academy: three top international designers and architects share their views on the challenges, opportunities and successes of women in architecture and design-related fields. Esha Gupta, Founder and Editor, Design Pataki, India, Molly McGowan, Management Partner, Ennead Architects, USA, and Shida Salehi, Founder and Principal, Customs Bureau, England talk about their different experiences and share their requirements for the future. The discussion will be hosted by Mike Chapman, co-founder and executive producer of the television series ByDesign TV.

Posted: 1 September 2023

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Autumn Fair opens this Sunday!

Autumn Fair, opens this weekend and is the UK's leading wholesale marketplace for home, gift and fashion, hosting over 500 exhibitors and thousands of inspirational new products vying to be retail's next bestsellers ahead of the industry's most profitable time of year. Leading retailers including Aldi UK, John Lewis, B&M, Boyes Stores, Marks & Spencer, British Garden Centres, Card Factory, Dobbies Garden Centre, Harrods, Holland & Barrett, JoJo Maman Bébé, Matalan, New Look, Next, Sainsburys, Squire's Garden Centre, The Works, Toys R Us, TJX, Dunelm, Homebase, Home Bargains and many more, have joined the new connections programme Connect @ Autumn Fair. With this, the latest insights and trend-led content, plus the new responsible sourcing show Source Home & Gift, visitors will be taken on a voyage of discovery. Source Home & Gift has a compelling line-up of over 300 audited, quality global manufacturers who pride themselves on responsible manufacturing and sustainable production. Buyers attending the NEC this September will be dazzled by the combined 800 exhibitors, spanning across 6 halls, shaping a must attend Autumn Fair and Source Home & Gift this season.

Posted: 1 September 2023

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Start Planning for h+h americas 2024

Save the date! Since the dates for h+h americas 2024 have been bumped to earlier in the year, you actually have a little less time than usual to plan to attend. h+h americas has become the home for the creative arts. The team set new records in 2023, with 34 per cent more exhibitors and attendance from more than 2,500 creative arts professionals from 22 countries around the world. Mark your calendar for May 1st to 3rd, 2024, to meet again in Rosemont, IL!

Posted: 29 August 2023

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