FAIRE EXPANDS SUPPORT FOR NEW UK INDEPENDENT RETAILERS AFTER HELPING 500 STORES OPEN Aspiring UK retailers have the chance to set up shop for the first time this year, thanks to a unique programme and new contest from global wholesale marketplace Faire, which has helped 500 independent retailers open stores across the country since 2022. Faire, which connects hundreds of thousands of independent retailers with 100,000 independent brands across the world, plans to expand its pioneering Open with Faire programme in the UK over the next 12 months. More than a third of Britons (38 percent) told Faire that they dream of running their own shop, but a lack of financial support and a fear of failure were the biggest barriers to making that dream a reality. In response, Faire is launching its first UK contest to help two aspiring retailers open their dream store. The winners will be awarded £5,000 to spend towards inventory on Faire, to stock their stores ahead of opening day. After completing an application, a shortlist of five retailers will be selected by judges: • Rebecca Morter, founder & CEO of Lone Design Club • Andrew Goodacre, CEO of British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA) • Wilfred Emmanuel Jones MBE • Charlotte Broadbent, Faire’s Country Lead for the UK Each finalist will be featured on Faire’s Instagram account, to over 750,000 followers. Every like they receive on their feature post will count as a vote, and the two retailers with the highest number of votes will win (£)5,000 in inventory funds. Designed to bolster the growth of the independent retail community and make opening a retail business easier than ever before, Open With Faire offers new shop owners up to £20,000 in credit to stock their shelves ahead of opening day, with no added interest or fees and net 60 day payment terms. With limited funding options available to small business owners, generating enough capital to cover all opening costs can be challenging. This programme helps ensure shop owners can open with the merchandise they need to attract customers from day one. Globally, Faire has provided $100 million in inventory credit across the US and Europe since 2021 through Open with Faire. “We are all about levelling the playing field for customers and making opening a retail business as seamless as possible,” said Ami Vora, Chief Product Officer at Faire. “Open with Faire is an extension of our core business model and by providing access to the inventory our customers need to get started, we’re not just offering financial support, we’re investing in the dreams and ambitions of future business owners.” www.faire.com/en-gb/open-with-faire 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 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. The benefits of being shortlisted have never been more significant. The Gift of the Year Awards now enjoys a robust presence at every major trade show, both nationally and regionally. This expanded exposure ensures that shortlisted products receive year-round visibility, providing unmatched opportunities to connect with new customers and partners. Speaking about their experience of their awards: “Being recognised by Gift of the Year boosts brand visibility and credibility, opens doors to new customers, and increases sales. The awards also reaffirm the quality of our products with existing customers.” - House of Marbles “The Gift of the Year Awards is an incredible platform to showcase the creativity and innovation of those within the gifting and licensing industries and to help products reach new markets.” - Kimm and Miller (UK) Ltd The Gift of the Year Awards, organised by The Giftware Association, is a cornerstone of the UK gift industry, highlighting the best products and innovations. The competition brings together suppliers, retailers, and industry experts to celebrate outstanding achievements and foster growth and collaboration. For more information and to enter the Gift of the Year Awards 2025, please visit www.giftoftheyear.co.uk 12
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