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Gift Focus magazine
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View the latest issue of Gift Focus for FREE!
 

View the latest issue of Gift Focus for FREE!

 
Just a reminder that you can view the latest issue of your favourite gift/homewares trade magazine for FREE.

Simply Follow this link

You can also read any of our previous issues by following this link

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

When making enquiries to our advertisers, do please mention us. Don't forget to visit our social media channels to spread the word and interact with others.

Enjoy, keep safe and well and please accept our sincere best wishes from everyone here at Gift Focus
 
May/June 2024
 
Bestselling gifts 

While March saw the onslaught of corporate campaigning around International Women’s Day, June is Pride month in the UK, and needless to say the same marketing wheels will be put in motion to capitalise on yet another very important advocacy day. But has the meaning of these events been lost as they become yet a money maker on the retail calendar? I delve into this subject further in my blog, where I also look into how you can be a genuine and authentic ally.  

Of course, it’s not just the special days that get the tills ringing. There are perennial bestselling giftware items that any savvy retailer has in their arsenal. Baby gifts top the lot when it comes to an industry sector that will always yield results – even a global pandemic can’t halt the onslaught of new births! – while eco-friendly offerings continue to please the ever growing environmentally aware consumer.

Enjoy the issue!

Louise x
 
Stationery Awards 2024: The Winners
 
Stationery Awards 2024: The Winners
 
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.

Read more......
 
GCVA appoints Dr Hannah Shimko as Managing Director
 
GCVA appoints Dr Hannah Shimko as Managing Director
 
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."

Read more......
 
Shop local
 
Shop local
 
Local gift cards are driving spend in high streets and downtowns around the world, says fintech Miconex as it shares key insights from its local gift card programmes in the UK, Ireland, Canada and the USA. The range of independent businesses which accept Miconex's local gift cards – usually alongside a range of national brands – makes the cards unique in the sector. A typical 50 percent, and up to 100 percent, of its local gift cards are redeemed with independent shops, restaurants and venues. Retail was top for redemptions of local gift cards in 2023 in the UK. Primark, M&S, Boots, Argos, TK Maxx, Next, Sainsbury's, John Lewis, Dunnes Stores and Aldi were within the top national retailers. New national retailers including Co-op, Smyths Toys and Lidl joined the economy boosting local gift card programmes in 2023.

Read more......
 
Hart Shoreditch announces new partnership with East London artisan soap maker, Soapsmith
 
Hart Shoreditch announces new partnership with East London artisan soap maker, Soapsmith
 
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.

Read more......
 
Owen Barry launches wholesale trade website
 
Owen Barry launches wholesale trade website
 
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.

Read more......
 
Autumn Fair and Faire partner to simplify buying for retailers
 
Autumn Fair and Faire partner to simplify buying for retailers
 
Autumn Fair, retail's leading seasonal showcase for the home, gift and fashion industries, has announced an exclusive partnership with Faire, Europe's leading wholesale marketplace.

Faire will help hundreds of exhibiting brands take orders on its platform from retailers attending the show. This collaboration will bridge online and offline wholesale for the first time in the UK and simplify the buying process for up to 20,000 independent retailers.

Retailers at Autumn Fair will gain access to Faire's extensive global network of brands, helping them to discover products, streamline their buying process and benefit from 60-day payment terms available on Faire. Faire will also be offering new retailers a 50 percent discount on their first order to help them easily shop at the show and beyond.

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...

4-5 Jun 2024 - Progressive Greetings Live
Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington, London, N1 0QH
https://www.progressivegreetingslive.com

11-12 Jun 2024 - Exclusively Show
Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington, London, N1 0QH
https://www.exclusivelyshows.co.uk

26-6 Jul 2024 - New Designers 2024
Business Design Centre, 52 Upper St, London, N1 0QH
https://www.newdesigners.com
 
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11 (MPU) - Everything else!
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