BABY SOPHIE LA GIRAFE® TURNS 63 Cult baby teething toy Sophie la girafe turns 63 in 2024. With a heritage spanning six decades, Sophie la girafe® has become a true icon and invaluable asset with families around the world, trusted by millions of parents to soothe gums and bring joy to little ones. Staying true to her history, Sophie la girafe® is still produced traditionally in France. Using the same method since 1961, Sophie is made following a closely guarded process involving 14 manual operations. A classic, cross-generational toy, Sophie la girafe® remains the world’s bestselling award, winning teething toy and for very good reason! Made from 100 percent natural rubber derived from the sap of the Hevea tree, Sophie’s flexible, renewable, natural materials and food grade non-toxic paint mean she is the safest and most natural teething toy. With a long line of celebrity fans, Sophie has truly earned her place in the hall of fame and in 2021 entered the Grevin in Paris! Sophie la girafe® is designed to stimulate the five senses helping with baby’s development along with soothing teething pains. She is soft and supple, with a delicious scent, this teether has many parts to chew on and features a variety of differing textures. Thanks to its compact form, this teether makes it easy for the littlest of hands to grab and manipulate. The range has grown over the years and now caters for baby’s every need, with products being sold in beautiful packaging they instantly become the perfect gift for your little one. WHOLESALE MARKETPLACE FAIRE ACHIEVES STELLAR SUCCESS IN FIRST THREE YEARS 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, and more than 20 of its UK-based brands have turned over £1 million in revenues. 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. Despite a challenging economic climate, the independent retail community is resilient and we’re so proud to be part of the journey for so many inspirational British businesses.” Setting itself apart from other wholesale offerings, Faire uses a data-driven approach to level the playing field for smaller, independent retailers by offering net 60 payment terms and free returns on opening orders, eliminating inventory risk and providing access to capital - benefits that were previously only available to the largest retail chains. For brands looking to sell their products and grow their reach, the platform provides powerful sales, marketing, and analytics tools, so sellers can simplify their wholesale business and focus on making great products. Proving the strength of consumer appetite for independent retail in the UK, Faire recently conducted a piece of research that revealed nearly 80 percent of UK adults believe communities across the country would benefit from more independent businesses. A further two thirds (58 percent) said independent shops are an important contributor to local economies, and more than 35 percent said they think shoppers are more likely to spend in independent stores over bigger brands. Kolovson added: “We’re firm believers that the future of retail is independent, and it is clear that a significant proportion of British consumers feel the same way. In recent years, we have seen a huge surge in demand for unique and bespoke products. In fact, our ‘Not on Amazon’ filter is one of the most popular functions on the website, because both retailers and consumers are increasingly seeking out new and differentiated merchandise. We believe there is even more opportunity for both brands and retailers to capitalise on this growing consumer appetite - and we are here to help them on that journey.” www.faire.com 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. Bottles are 100 percent recyclable as well as vegan friendly, with absolutely no animal testing and natural ingredients crafted to nourish and care for all skin types. By joining forces with Soapsmith, Hart Shoreditch not only enhances the guest experience but also contributes to charitable causes, with Soapsmith donating 10 percent of their proceeds to a range of impactful organisations, from beauty banks to women’s shelters as well as regular donations to their local hospital, Whipps Cross and Homerton Hospital. www.hartshoreditch.com INDUSTRY NEWS 9
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