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.
Posted: 23 July 2024
Leading European manufacturer of pens, pencils, and other writing instruments, Stabilo, has announced a new partnership with Asda to stock its range of high-quality stationery. This exciting development marks a significant milestone for Stabilo as it expands its retail presence.
Shoppers can now easily access Stabilo's popular products from vibrant highlighters to precision pens, ensuring they have the perfect tools for school, office, and creative projects.
Stabilo will now be stocked in up to 462 Asda stores nationwide as well as online.
This new partnership marks Stabilo's move back into grocery stores and a look into the future plans of the brand as it looks to expand it grocery partnership network. Current stockists of Stabilo include independent retailers and news, books and convenience stores.
Posted: 15 July 2024
Smart Toys & Games has announced the acquisition of Wow Toys company.
Wow Toys, founded in 1996 by Nadim Ednan-Laperouse, is known for its high-quality pre-school range of vehicles and figures.
The range created with children in mind has no sharp edges, no small parts, no toxic materials and no batteries.
The highly designed range of over 70 vehicles and over 100 figures are fully interactive and the mechanisms include a flywheel and clutch system that provide easy interactive play with robust toys that can safely handle the most enthusiastic young children.
The range continues to be supported by retailers across the world and loved by parents looking for premium quality products that inspire fantasy role play with their children.
www.smarttoysandgames.co.uk
Posted: 1 July 2024
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
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
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
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.
Posted: 1 May 2024
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.
Posted: 29 April 2024
Art licensing and design company The London Studio has announced the appointment of Jess Brown to the role of Licensing Manager with immediate effect. She will report to founder and Director of The London Studio, Soula Zavacopoulos.
In her new role Jess will be spearheading new licensing opportunities for The London Studio properties, as well as sourcing new licensing deals for The London Studio's Artists Collective – made up of over 100 artists from across the globe and ranging from emerging new talent to established names.
Jess will initially be focussing primarily across two key areas for The London Studio: greetings cards and giftware.
Posted: 24 April 2024
