The Gift Card and Voucher Association (GCVA) has released comprehensive research findings revealing the impressive engagement levels of UK consumers with loyalty schemes.
The survey, conducted over 1,000 UK consumers and insights from 36 GCVA member organisations, highlights that loyalty scheme participation remains robust across all age groups. 94 percent of those aged 66 and over are engaged in at least one scheme, alongside 81 percent of young adults between 18 and 25. Schemes also appeal to those on both high and low incomes, with 96 percent of those with a household income of over £75,000 actively involved in such schemes.
Posted: 24 June 2024
Iconic high-street stationer Ryman has opened a new Ryman Design Store in Edinburgh, Scotland. The store is the latest addition to a growing number of Ryman Design stores across the UK, following the opening of the London Bishopsgate in June 2023, and London Marble Arch and Birmingham Grand Central stores later last year. Located in Edinburgh's St James Quarter, the store is a one-stop shop for stationery enthusiasts and professionals looking for unique, high-quality products.
Posted: 20 June 2024
Over half of all clothing thrown away ends up in landfill – that is 53 tonnes of textile waste, which takes up 5 percent of all landfill space. The fashion industry is also responsible for 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emission. So, what can be done to reduce this negative environmental impact?
Sustainability experts from BusinessWaste.co.uk are calling on retailers to implement take-back programs for unwanted clothing to help combat textile waste – just like the current take-back scheme for electricals operating across the UK. An old clothing take-back initiative comes amid growing concerns about the sustainability of current practices in the textile recycling industry, as highlighted by the Textile Recycling Association (TRA).
Posted: 17 June 2024
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
Visitor registration has opened for Brand Licensing Europe 2024 as organisers ramp up celebrations for the show's 25th anniversary. European brand licensing professionals including retailers, manufacturers, brand owners, agents, service providers, marketers and designers are invited to secure their free pass to the three-day event now at https://utm.io/ugO2o . BLE is Europe's leading event for licensing, brand extension and collaborations and takes place slightly earlier this year from 24-26 September at ExCeL London.
Posted: 11 June 2024
ACID has announced the appointment of Laura Newbold Breen as its new Chief Executive Officer.
With a background in IP, Laura will open a new chapter of growth, development, and innovation for ACID.
ACID is dedicated to safeguarding the original work of creators, providing robust support and advocacy to ensure their intellectual property rights are protected. The organisation's approach has been a trailblazer in the IP landscape, establishing it as a trusted ally for designers, IP creators, and entrepreneurs.
Dids Macdonald OBE., ACID's Co-founder said, "I am confident that Laura will bring a wealth of experience and a dynamic vision to ACID. With her impressive experience in intellectual property, including leadership roles in the famous "Trunki" brand, she is well-equipped to build on ACID's legacy."
Posted: 4 June 2024
The Gift Card and Voucher Association (GCVA) has announced the appointment of Dr Hannah Shimko as its new Managing Director.
Dr Shimko brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role, having served as Chief Executive Officer at the Online Dating and Discovery Association and Head of Policy and Communications at The Heritage Alliance.
Dr Hannah Shimko's selection for this pivotal role was based on her extensive skills and experience in managing the diverse activities of trade associations. Her track record of successfully leading teams, growing memberships, and championing initiatives aligns seamlessly with the GCVA's vision for the future.
Commenting on Dr Shimko's appointment, Siobhan Moore and Adam Hobbs (GCVA Executive Co-Chairs) stated, "Hannah's skills and experience were just what we were looking for."
Posted: 20 May 2024
The winners of the Stationery Awards 2024 were announced Tuesday 14th May at the close of the first day of London Stationery Show at the Business Design Centre. There were over 70 products nominated from 40 different brands, from the well-established to newbies on the scene. Judged by an independent panel of leading retailers, across 12 distinct product categories, the awards recognise the greatest product innovations in the stationery sector.
Posted: 17 May 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
Cinnamon Aitch has become synonymous with beautiful, contemporary greetings cards and is loved for its hand-made ranges.
The company has launched 30 new gorgeous designs to its best selling range Primrose Hill.
This popular range goes from strength to strength as the love for the sensitive, hand painted images knows no bounds!
All printed on heavy weight, textured FSC board and supplied with a bespoke printed envelope, all Cinnamon Aitch cards and gifts continue to be designed and entirely made in the uk, with love.
All the cards will be exhibited at PG Live, stand 231 at the Business Design Centre, London in June.
Posted: 6 May 2024
