Christmas spending is set to hit £88.29bn this year as consumers boost spending on festive celebrations after years of Christmas cutbacks.
VoucherCodes.co.uk's Shopping for Christmas Report 2024 forecasts a 4 percent boost in sales this festive season, with consumers spending on gifts, food and drink, and holiday travel.
Whilst this rise comes partly from inflation, it's also driven by a 1.4 percent rise in sales volume year-on-year, as consumers have more money in their pockets to buy more items.
Whereas other European nations will see a decline in spend YoY, the UK is the only nation out of seven analysed to see a healthy boost in festive sales.
Posted: 11 November 2024
Entries for the Farm Shop & Deli Product Awards 2025 are now open, celebrating the finest products in the sector.
Returning for its fourth year, the Farm Shop & Deli Product Awards, in association with The Grocer, aims to highlight and celebrate the finest products within the specialist food and drink sector.
These awards are judged by an expert panel consisting of leading farm shop and deli retailers, prominent wholesaler buyers, and industry professionals.
A successful product is more than just first impressions. This is why the awards' panel of judges will review all aspects of each product, including the full value chain and branding, ensuring that products are not only appealing, but are also well-positioned for success in the independent sector.
Posted: 7 November 2024
Smart Toys and Games has unveiled that SmartGames has added more award wins to its ever-growing collection, having been recognised in both the Right Start Awards and the Imagination Gaming Awards.
Now in its seventh year, the Right Start Awards aim to recognise the toys that offer true value for money.
All of the award-winning toys, books and nursery items have been road-tested by parents and children at home and carefully selected as winners based on if they are long-lasting, durable, appealing and help save the planet - Smart Toys and Games are thrilled both Smart Dog and 5 Little Birds have been recognised.
Posted: 21 October 2024
Spring Fair, which celebrates its 75th anniversary at the NEC Birmingham on 2nd – 5th February 2025, is delighted to announce twelve new winners of Theo Paphitis's #SBS Small Business Sunday initiative who each receive a free stand at the February show. Since 2018, the TV dragon and #SBS Small Business Sunday creator and Spring and Autumn Fair have joined forces to support start-up businesses. Together they have worked with over 60 SMEs, playing a vital role in their future success.
Posted: 15 October 2024
Dolce&Gabbana and Stabilo have collaborated for the first time on an exclusive highlighter collection.
Stabilo is a german brand specilaising in the production of highlighters, writing instruments and colouring pens and pencils.
Founded in 1855, Stabilo is synonymous with quality, colour variety and innovation. Bold designs and ergonomic features have made the brand's products a favourite choice of students, artists and professionals around the world.
For this first collaboration, four creations have been chosen that recall some of Dolce&Gabbana's most iconic patterns: Sicilian decorations embrace the Milky Yellow Stabilo Boss Original highlighter, the decisive soul of the Leopard characterises the Beige shade, while the black and white of the Zebra print and the Mediterranean Blue majolica decorate the Black and Cloudy Blue models respectively.
Posted: 15 October 2024
Aberston, a brand-new online marketplace for creatives and independent retailers, has been launched.
Aberston is an online B2B wholesale marketplace that connects independent retailers with independent brands selling unique, unusual and creative products.
Serving as a bridge between talented artisans and local gift and homeware stores, Aberston offers a curated selection of handcrafted goods ranging from artisanal jewellery to bespoke fashion pieces and everything in between. With a focus on celebrating craftsmanship and individuality, Aberston aims to create a thriving ecosystem for independent makers and retailers.
Founder and Director of Aberston, Djamel Benziane, says: "We're proud to provide a space where makers and retailers can come together to celebrate craftsmanship and build thriving businesses."
Posted: 19 September 2024
Ethical jeweller Lily Arkwright has announced the opening of its first Scottish showroom in Glasgow, bringing its stunning collection of lab-grown diamonds, moissanite, and ethically sourced coloured gemstones to a whole new audience.
Lily Arkwright has been at the forefront of the ethical jewellery movement in the UK. Specialising in sustainable lab-grown stones, the company offers a lab grown, conflict-free and environmentally conscious diamonds.
The new Glasgow showroom provides a welcoming and convenient space for customers to explore Lily Arkwright's collection. With expert staff on hand to offer guidance and answer questions, visitors can find the perfect piece of jewellery for any occasion.
"We're incredibly excited to open our first showroom in Scotland," says Philip Dawson.
Posted: 9 September 2024
Anyone operating in the giftware industry can now order Marius Fabre from its exclusive new UK distributor, Studio Pens.
Marius Fabre is as emblematic of the country's southern Provence region as lavender fields and cicadas, and the all-natural and sustainable olive oil-based products are suitable for a host of daily uses. Palm oil free, the 100 percent vegetable-based natural biodegradable products are environmentally friendly, and the packaging is entirely recyclable. Some of the range is also Ecocert certified and organic.
The family that has been making the traditional Marseille soap since the 1900's has signed an exclusive deal with distributor, Studio Pens, which will see the Harrogate based father and daughter run company supplying the luxurious product range to retailers throughout the UK.
Posted: 26 August 2024
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