TheVitality Rankings, the annual index of UK retail centre health released by Newmark Retail'sLondon-based strategic consultancy and analytics team, has revealed that luxury shopping destinations thrived in 2023, with Sloane Street, Chelsea and Knightsbridge rising to the top 10.
The Vitality Rankings of 1,000 UK retail centres analyses a range of relevant factors, including retail unit vacancy rate, the change in vacancy rate, space being adapted for other uses, shopper spend per annum and footfall figures. The rankings have been released since 2014.
Cambridge has regained the top spot for the first time since 2019, the last ranking before the pandemic's impact on the high street, due to the return of tourists, students and shoppers.
Posted: 13 June 2024
Workplace gifting start-up Thankbox is marking Mental Health Awareness Week by donating 20 percent of each sale to Mental Health UK throughout May, to help people suffering from a range of issues such as depression and anxiety.
The Edinburgh-based online card and cash collection service, which marks its fourth anniversary this month, said it was prompted to make the gesture after research revealed an explosion of people suffering from social isolation and loneliness as a result of remote working.
The company, founded and run by husband-and-wife team Valentin and Tsvetelina Hinov, is partnering with Mental Health UK and has pledged to donate funds worth a fifth of every sale made.
Posted: 15 May 2024
Owen Barry has recently launched a wholesale website.
The company has designed the trade site exclusively for its valued customers, making it easy and convenient to use anywhere and anytime.
Once signed up, you will be able to see offers, new season collections, new colours, prices, real stock availability, forward ordering, tracking orders, and overall ease of use.
Showcasing sheepskin, leather and cowhide interiors, handbags, outerwear, and accessories.
Owen Barry Ltd, is a renowned manufacturer based in Street, Somerset, celebrating 75 years of heritage, craftsmanship, and commitment to sustainable practices.
Founded by Owen Barry in 1948, the company has remained a beacon of quality and tradition in the sheepskin, leather, and cowhide industry.
Posted: 1 May 2024
Hart Shoreditch is delighted to unveil its new partnership with Soapsmith, a contemporary bath and body care brand renowned for its craftsmanship and devotion to natural fragrances inspired by the essence of East London neighbourhoods.
As part of this collaboration, Soapsmith has created a bespoke 'Brick Lane' collection of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, with its very own personalised scent, only available at Hart Shoreditch.
Inspired by Soapsmith owner Samantha Jameson's personal journey in East London, the collaboration embodies the hotel's commitment to celebrating local culture and communities, routed in craftsmanship and sustainability.
By sourcing new products locally, Hart Shoreditch actively contributes to inclusivity, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment amongst local business owners.
Posted: 29 April 2024
Art licensing and design company The London Studio has announced the appointment of Jess Brown to the role of Licensing Manager with immediate effect. She will report to founder and Director of The London Studio, Soula Zavacopoulos.
In her new role Jess will be spearheading new licensing opportunities for The London Studio properties, as well as sourcing new licensing deals for The London Studio's Artists Collective – made up of over 100 artists from across the globe and ranging from emerging new talent to established names.
Jess will initially be focussing primarily across two key areas for The London Studio: greetings cards and giftware.
Posted: 24 April 2024
Messe Frankfurt Medien und Service GmbH (MFS) is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Founded in 1984, MFS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Messe Frankfurt and now consists of two areas: Fairconstruction and Media Services. The lasting success of the Group's very first subsidiary is founded on providing exhibitors with the best possible visibility through stand construction and marketing services.
Posted: 18 April 2024
Wholesale marketplace Faire has facilitated 400,000 product orders from 50,000 retailers across the UK since its launch in the market just three years ago. Since 2021, Faire has helped establish 200,000 new relationships between British brands and retailers. The platform, which connects independent retailers with unique and exciting independent brands, now has a retail customer base that totals four times the number of stores across the UK's four largest supermarket chains combined. Jeff Kolovson, co-founder and COO of Faire, said: "It's been a phenomenal three years for Faire in the UK.
Posted: 9 April 2024
The Somerset Toiletry Co. is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024, commemorating a successful quarter-century within the gift industry.
To mark this significant milestone, Sakina Buoy is thrilled to announce its '25 for 25' campaign, a series of charitable initiatives.
Over the course of the year, staff across The Soap Bar Cafe, the head office, warehouse, and factory teams will undertake 25 acts of kindness, ranging from charitable donations to community projects.
Over recent years, the company has given local homeless charity BillyChip space to grow and, recently, has become a corporate friend of SWALLOW Charity, which supports individuals with learning disabilities.
Posted: 4 April 2024
The recently launched SmartMax 'My First Build & Drive' took the top spot in three different categories of the Loved by Parents Awards including Best Stimulative Toy 1-3yrs, Best Construction Toy 1-3yrs, and Best Innovative Toy 2024.
With an age range of 18 months to 5 years, the award-winning toy gives children an early introduction to the amazing world of magnetism.
Engaging little minds for hours on end, it is no surprise it was a hit with both the judging panel and the public during the voting stage.
SmartMax's My First Build & Drive takes children on a creative journey.
A 2-in-1 playset, toddlers as young as 18 months can build and play and pre-schoolers from the age of 2-5 can enhance their skills.
Posted: 21 March 2024
Despite a festive spending slowdown, the GCVA, in collaboration with Global Data, reveals a compelling shift in shopping habits during the holiday season.
Their nationally representative survey of 2,000 consumers indicates that over 20 million gift cards were exchanged during Christmas 2023, with nearly a third (31 percent) of respondents receiving one.
Interestingly, almost a quarter (24 percent) of those surveyed received more gift cards than in previous years.
Younger generations emerged as the primary recipients, with an astonishing 50 percent of those aged 16-24 unwrapping the gift of a gift card, compared to 18 percent among the 55-64 age group.
The research also showed diverse reasons why gift cards are a popular choice.
Posted: 18 March 2024