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View the latest issue of Gift Focus for FREE!

 
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Gift Focus is the UK's leading trade title aimed at gift and homewares bricks & mortar and online retailers.

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July/August 2024
 
A New Dawn  
 
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know that for the first time in more than a decade, Labour has seized power from the Conservatives, with Keir Starmer named as the UK’s new Prime Minister. During the build-up to the election, all political parties were keen to peddle their plans to revitalise the economy, and that included revitalising the high street. Labour set out a five-point plan, which included elements such as replacing business rates and rolling out banking hubs, with Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves pushing Labour’s commitment stating, “Labour will breathe new life into our high streets.”  

Now that Labour has emerged victorious, we’re hopeful that they hold good to their manifesto promises and that independent retail will benefit from the election, with the party prioritising our industry and seeing the benefit in the local high street and the sense of community it instils in an ever-invading sea of chain stores.   

Don't forget to check out our amazing features on: Christmas, Halloween, toys and games, and home accessories sectors!

Louise x
 
Two For Joy Illustration licensed for exclusive collection of greeting cards
 
Two For Joy Illustration licensed for exclusive collection of greeting cards
 
Two For Joy Illustration, an independent publisher of distinctive greetings cards that is represented by art licensing and design company The London Studio, has been licensed by Otter House to produce an exclusive capsule collection of greeting cards.

The collection will be based on Two For Joy Illustration's Bookish range of luxury greetings cards. Inspired by the beauty of classic book covers, each Bookish card is intricately designed with hand-drawn typography and illustration and has a beautiful coloured inside print, matching the design.

Two For Joy Illustration is the brainchild of Louise Richardson, who runs her business from her little studio in Suffolk. Louise is a digital illustrator whose style is notable for beautiful, playful illustrations, paired with hand-drawn typography.

Read more......
 
St. Eval unveil new Sand Dune Collection
 
St. Eval unveil new Sand Dune Collection
 
Encapsulating the serene beauty of the Cornish coast and countryside, St. Eval are thrilled to announce their new Summer collection, Sand Dune. Nestled on their farm in North Cornwall, St. Eval are unique scent seekers who sustainably craft candles and home fragrances inspired by their close affinity with nature. Proudly B Corp certified, St. Eval incorporate a blend of traditional and contemporary crafting methods to prioritise sustainably and maintain their superior mark of quality.

Read more......
 
Sue Ure, a leading name in artisan pottery, is at Top Drawer in September 2024
 
Sue Ure, a leading name in artisan pottery, is at Top Drawer in September 2024
 
Sue Ure, a leading name in artisan pottery, is thrilled to announce the participation of both her brands Sue Ure Maison and Sue Ure Ceramics at the UK's premier design-led trade fair Top Drawer, from 8-10 September 2024 at London Olympia. Sue will debut a new collection, of meticulously crafted ikebana, rice and dipping bowls. She will also be adding a beautiful new duck-egg blue glaze. A vibrant new addition to her Maison range are colourful mini-dishes/saucers, that coordinate with the existing Ambit range.

Read more......
 
Help in a crisis
 
Help in a crisis
 
Employees and workforces across the UK are feeling the strain of the cost of-living, with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) finding that nearly half of households throughout the country have experienced their living costs increasing compared to the previous month. Not only can this have a huge impact on expenses for commuting but can have a significant knock-on effect on mental health and morale. This is where employers and businesses can support their workforces during these difficult times to help keep morale and well-being boosted, as well as providing options that can help relieve some of the financial pressure that they're under. Before providing solutions to the issue, it's important to understand the reality of this crisis and how the ripple effects impact millions of workers in the UK. The rise of consumer goods and services by 9.6 percent in October 2022 and the inflation rate staying at 4.2 percent exiting December 2023 means that workers are forced to reevaluate how they manage their money and the resources available.

Read more......
 
Hyve Group launches Curate/Create proposition at Pure London
 
Hyve Group launches Curate/Create proposition at Pure London
 
Hyve Group is excited to announce the return of Pure London x JATC and Source Fashion in February 2025, marking a significant step forward in the evolution of connecting its fashion events and launching the overall Create/Curate proposition, designed to inspire better buying whilst empowering responsible production.

Pure London x JATC and Source Fashion unite again at Olympia London from the 9th – 11th February 2025, together emphasising the importance of both creation and curation in the business of fashion. Create your ranges at Source Fashion, or Curate your in-store collections at Pure London x JATC.

For over 30 years, Hyve has been at the heart of the UK fashion buying community, creating unforgettable fashion experiences and opportunities.

Read more......
 
Celebrate the future of garden retail at Glee's 50th anniversary exhibition
 
Celebrate the future of garden retail at Glee's 50th anniversary exhibition
 
The garden retail industry's most anticipated event, Glee, is poised to mark a monumental milestone as it celebrates its 50th anniversary this September (10th – 12th, NEC Birmingham).

However, this year, Glee not only celebrates half a century at the pinnacle of garden retail but also ushers in a new era with its return to a September dateline, based on comprehensive industry feedback.

Glee has long been a beacon for the garden retail sector, fostering growth and innovation. This year's shift to a September date is a direct response to extensive consultations with industry stakeholders, ranging from independent retailers to large-scale suppliers. The feedback highlighted the need for a timing that aligns more closely with the industry's evolving buying cycles and seasonal preparations.

Read more......
 
Gift of the Year Awards 2025 launches
 
Gift of the Year Awards 2025 launches
 
The Giftware Association is thrilled to announce the launch of the Gift of the Year Awards 2025, marking another year of celebrating excellence in the UK gift industry. With over 80 esteemed judges from various sectors of the industry already committed, this year's competition promises to be the most prestigious yet.

Entering the 2025 Gift of the Year Awards early provides unparalleled opportunities for PR and marketing coverage. Early entrants enjoy extended visibility, allowing them to maximise the benefits of being nominated. The competition's enhanced media presence means products and brands get noticed sooner, increasing the chances for significant promotional impact.

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...

18-19 Aug 2024 - Scotland's Trade Fair Autumn
SEC, Exhibition Way, Glasgow, G3 8YW
www.scotlandstradefairs.com

1-4 Sep 2024 - Autumn Fair 2024
NEC Birmingham, B40 1NT, UK
www.autumnfair.com

1-4 Sep 2024 - Source Home & Gift
NEC Birmingham, North Ave, Marston Green, Birmingham, B40 1NT
www.source-homeandgift.com

3-4 Sep 2024 - INDX Toy & Gift
Cranmore Park in Solihull, Cranmore Avenue, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands, B90 4LF
www.indxshows.co.uk

8-10 Sep 2024 - Top Drawer London
Olympia London, Hammersmith Rd, London, W14 8UX
www.topdrawer.co.uk

10-12 Sep 2024 - Glee
NEC Birmingham, North Ave, Marston Green, Birmingham, B40 1NT
www.gleebirmingham.com

10-11 Sep 2024 - INDX Homewares
Cranmore Park in Solihull, Cranmore Avenue, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands, B90 4LF
www.indxshows.co.uk

11-12 Sep 2024 - London Packaging Week London
ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London, E16 1XL
www.londonpackagingweek.com

14-15 Sep 2024 - The Big Christmas Press Show
Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, London, N1 0QH
www.cijgroup.co

24-26 Sep 2024 - Brand Licensing Europe
ExCel London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London, E16 1XL
www.brandlicensing.eu