Marketing: Industry news from Gift Focus magazine

Tiger Feet appoints Wolfenden to accelerate digital expansion across UK and Ireland

Leading UK partyware and greeting card wholesaler, Tiger Feet, has appointed Leeds-based digital agency Wolfenden to drive a bold new digital marketing strategy, marking the next stage of growth for one of the industry's most established players.

Founded in 1984 as Budget Greeting Cards Ltd, Tiger Feet has grown to become one of the UK and Ireland's most prominent wholesalers in greeting cards, balloons, and partyware, operating a vast network of eight wholesale branches and an expansive e-commerce platform.

The brand has consistently evolved to stay ahead of retail trends, most recently acquiring Paul White Ltd and Tiger Feet Party Ltd further reinforcing its dominant position in the wholesale market.

Posted: 13 October 2025

Popcorn Kitchen joins forces with the Farm Retail Association

B-Corp, Popcorn Kitchen has launched its eagerly anticipated alliance with the Farm Retail Association, a leading light within the UK's bustling farm shop movement and a prominent voice within today's vibrant indie shopping sector.

In July 2025, The Farm Retail Association launched its ambitious #morethanfood movement geared specifically at raising awareness for real food, better ingredients, supporting the UK's blossoming farm shop community and the local food economy, whilst taking a stand against ultra-processed foods and mundane flavours.

Today, ever greater numbers of food enthusiasts choose to pro-actively shop locally, supporting best-in-class suppliers, whilst enjoying a truly immersive, hands-on shopping experience that's so very different from a typical supermarket outing.

Posted: 6 October 2025

Freckleface Home Fragrance named on the FEBE Growth 100

The UK's fastest-growing founder-led businesses have been revealed in the highly prestigious FEBE Growth 100.

Now in its fourth year, the ranking celebrates the people building the fastest-growing British businesses where founders remain at the helm. But it isn't just a list. It's a community. A celebration. A snapshot of the energy, ambition, and resilience that define the UK entrepreneurial scene. Founders on this list are making an impact, and FEBE is proud to champion them.

Freckleface, based in Lincolnshire, has earned a spot on the prestigious list with a 40 percent CAGR and, notably, with co-founder Noah being its youngest member.

Posted: 22 September 2025

University Games receive exclusive worldwide distribution rights to Hansen Range

In a Global Distribution Agreement, Hansen Games, Gift and Toy Company have partnered with University Games, granting them exclusive worldwide rights to distribute the complete Hansen product range.

The Hansen range includes Hoberman Spheres, Fame Master models, handheld electronic games, Hansen-branded classic games, and a variety of distributed games and dolls. Select Hansen lines will be included in the 2026 University Games UK Catalogue, and available early 2026 in the UK.

Bob Moog, President of University Games and John Hansen III, CEO of the John N. Hansen Company, jointly announced the global distribution agreement.

This agreement positions University Games to be a full-service supplier for board games, electronic games and puzzles.

Posted: 17 September 2025

Independent stationery brand wins at 2025 Stationery Awards

Independent stationery brand Under the Rowan Trees is proud to announce its win at the 2025 Stationery Awards, taking home the Best Online Retailer award.

The results were revealed at the awards ceremony following the first day of the London Stationery Show. Recognising innovation, excellence and impact across the stationery industry, the Stationery Awards are judged by an independent panel of experts and receive entries from leading retailers and manufacturers across the UK and beyond.

Founded by Danielle Stanley, Under the Rowan Trees began as a hobby in 2015 and has since blossomed into a thriving online shop and community for stationery lovers, known for its curated selection of journaling supplies, creative subscription boxes and its signature personal touch.

Posted: 3 September 2025

Kit Heath Silver Jewellery secures new listing with T.H. Baker

Kit Heath continues to go from strength to strength, with the latest milestone being its new listing with prestigious jeweller T.H. Baker.

Renowned for beautifully crafted Sterling Silver jewellery, Kit Heath is proud to be joining the carefully curated brand portfolio of T.H. Baker – an established and respected name in the UK jewellery trade for over 135 years.

This partnership represents a significant step in Kit Heath's continued growth and presence within the UK retail jewellery landscape. The company's design-led collections and strong sell-through success have helped it build a loyal retail following, and this new listing further reinforces the strength of the brand.

Posted: 25 August 2025

Gardening for Kids collaborates with Emma Lawrence Designs

A new collaboration between Gardening for Kids and Emma Lawrence Designs is a natural match – combining a love of the outdoors with beautifully illustrated, educational products.

Gardening for Kids is a family business with one goal – to get children growing! Founded by Louise Edgeworth, a teacher, in response to the question "What's the point of plants Miss?" they are the UK's only specialist children's gardening supplier.

The company has licensed Emma's charming sub-brand, Little Nature Explorers®, across a brand-new range of growing kits, garden tools and accessories.

With a shared ethos of helping children learn about nature and encouraging outdoor play, the range is designed to inspire curiosity and creativity - while also supporting the KS2 science curriculum.

Posted: 6 August 2025

Anna McLoughlin Fine Jewellery awarded HALO Award

Anna McLoughlin Fine Jewellery has been awarded the prestigious HALO Award for 2025, in recognition of her innovative work to engage customers with the importance of hallmarking and consumer protection in the jewellery sector.

The HALO Award, established by the British Hallmarking Council in 2021, and now operating under the Assay Assured banner, a joint venture between the four assay offices of the UK (Birmingham, Edinburgh, London and Sheffield) is awarded annually. HALO recognises the UK-based jewellery business that uses their online platform in the most creative ways to leverage the added value that hallmarking provides and to educate their audience on the meaning and importance of the hallmark.

Posted: 6 August 2025

Gemma Sault Joins The GA as MD

The Giftware Association is delighted to announce that Gemma Sault will be joining as managing director at the beginning of September. With a strong background in the giftware and retail sectors, Gemma brings a wealth of experience and fresh energy to the Giftware Association as it continues to support and champion the UK's vibrant home, stationery, craft, jewellery and gift industry.

Posted: 5 August 2025

Lifestyle brand Gandy’s achieves B Corp status

Gandys, the adventure-inspired lifestyle brand known for combining travel-ready products with social impact, is proud to announce its official certification as a B Corporation.

This milestone recognises Gandys' unwavering commitment to creating a positive impact for people and the planet – while delivering high-quality, purpose-driven products.

From day one, Gandys has stood for more than just style and function. Born from a journey of resilience and inspired by global adventure, the brand was founded on the belief that business can and should give back.

Gandys donates 10 percent of every sale to support the empowerment of children through education projects.

Posted: 1 August 2025