ExaClair Limited, the UK subsidiary of the Exacompta Clairefontaine group, is thrilled to announce that they have been shortlisted at the upcoming 2025 European Office Product Awards (EOPA).
Following continued developments across their extensive global operations, they company has been nominated within the prestigious 'Vendor of the Year' Category.
Together with substantially enhanced drop-shipment capabilities and marketplace management systems, the group is further expanding its presence throughout various sectors, such as the hospitality industry. Meanwhile, new product innovations continue to drive sales across several stationery categories, including storage systems, luggage and pencil cases.
All the winners will be announced on the 11th of March at the EOPA Awards, which are held in Hotel Okura in Amsterdam.
Posted: 29 January 2025
The toy industry reunited at Olympia London for Toy Fair 2025, a dynamic three-day event that showcased the latest trends and innovations shaping the world of play. With more than 250 exhibiting companies unveiling thousands of new products, including trending categories such as collectibles, pocket money toys and licensed toys, the event was a true celebration of the creativity and ingenuity of the toy industry and a positive start to the year. It was an incredibly busy three days connecting exhibitors with high-calibre visitors including buyers, licensors, inventors, media and the wider industry, all under one roof, establishing new connections as well as building on existing relationships.
Posted: 24 January 2025
The British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA) and Circana presented their annual industry insights at London's Toy Fair, held at Olympia London from the 21st to 23rd January 2025. While the UK economy may have continued to present a challenging picture during 2024, figures released by Circana show that the UK toy market remained resilient, generating £3.4billion in overall sales, which was bolstered by a surge of Christmas sales (up 51 percent) in the week leading up to Christmas. While sales in 2024 may have been down by 3.7 percent, several toy categories achieved growth in 2024, adding to the positive trajectory.
Posted: 23 January 2025
The global spotlight is on India's textile industry, which skilfully weaves centuries-old traditions with cutting-edge innovation.
As one of the largest textile producers globally, India is poised to solidify its leadership amidst growing demand for sustainability, high-performance fabrics, and competitive supply chains. With the industry projected to grow to USD 350 billion by 2030 and expected to add 35 million new jobs, India's textile sector is at the forefront of shaping a massive economic and employment expansion.
India's textile industry, a cornerstone of the economy, contributes 2.3% to the GDP and employs over 45 million people directly, with an additional 55 million indirectly involved across the value chain.
Posted: 23 January 2025
Candlelight, a leading designer of candles, gifts, and home fashion is proud to announce an exciting new collaboration with Amefa in the UK, who distributes market leading brands, Amefa and Richardson Sheffield, to the catering and retail sector. This partnership represents a significant milestone for both companies as they come together to bring an exceptional range of products to a wider audience.
As part of this joint venture, Amefa GB's entire portfolio of products will now be available for purchase on the Candlelight website, offering customers an expanded selection of high-quality products from two trusted brands in one convenient location.
Posted: 17 December 2024
Retro trends, preppy and Brat Girl fashions and travel returning to pre-covid levels were among the biggest influences on our shopping habits.
That's according to John Lewis's annual trend report How We Shop, Live and Look, which looks at the products and trends that defined the past year.
'Social shopping' is definitely in fashion. One in five (19 percent) of the 1,996 customers surveyed said they have shopped more with friends and family this year, and nearly seven in 10 (68 percent) of them said they like to combine it with other activities like eating out. This tallies with John Lewis data, which shows that more than three quarters of a million more customers ate in its Place to Eat restaurants over the past year.
Posted: 17 December 2024
Fanattik the award-winning UK based pop culture brand has signed a multi-territory, multi-year deal with Fuzzballs to produce a wide range of gifts. The deal was brokered by Fuzzballs licensing agent Rocket Licensing.
Fuzzballs is a UK brand created in 2013 by artist Marc Sach and product can be found on sale in the likes of WH Smith, Scribbler, HMV, Toymaster stores, Forbidden planet and over 1,000 independent retailers worldwide.
"I saw Marc at Comic Cons up and down the country over the years selling Fuzzball product and the crowds swamping his booth were incredible, he has worked incredibly hard growing the Fuzzball fan base all over the world, we are elated to be part of the Fuzzball journey," says Anthony Marks. M.D. Fanattik.
Posted: 9 December 2024
Gift cards are proving to be a game-changer for retailers, offering a dual advantage of attracting new customers and driving incremental spend. Brands participating in multistore gift card schemes or offering their own gift cards are reaping the rewards, particularly from younger demographics like Millennials, who are embracing gift cards for their convenience and flexibility.
The latest research from the Gift Card & Voucher Association (GCVA) and Global Data highlights how gift cards are effective tool for channeling consumer behaviour by not only introducing new shoppers to brands but also encouraging them to 'upgarde' their purchase beyond the card's value.
Posted: 4 December 2024
Dulux announced their Colour of the Year as True Joy - and it's easy to see why! We all want happier, uplifting home interiors for 2025 and the colour yellow gives us a boost of positive inspiration ahead of the new year.
Amthal Karim, Head of Design at Furniture And Choice comments: "Dulux True Joy is an energetic shade of yellow with warm, golden undertones. The timeless charm of the colour of the year comes from its balance of dusky versus bright. True Joy is more vibrant than a mustard tone and has more depth and warmth than shades of lemon or canary yellow.
Posted: 18 November 2024
Christmas spending is set to hit £88.29bn this year as consumers boost spending on festive celebrations after years of Christmas cutbacks.
VoucherCodes.co.uk's Shopping for Christmas Report 2024 forecasts a 4 percent boost in sales this festive season, with consumers spending on gifts, food and drink, and holiday travel.
Whilst this rise comes partly from inflation, it's also driven by a 1.4 percent rise in sales volume year-on-year, as consumers have more money in their pockets to buy more items.
Whereas other European nations will see a decline in spend YoY, the UK is the only nation out of seven analysed to see a healthy boost in festive sales.
Posted: 11 November 2024