The Creative Retail Awards has unveiled the judging panel for the 2025 Awards, which celebrate innovation and excellence across the retail, leisure, and hospitality sectors.
This year's panel is tasked with selecting the most impactful projects.
The 2025 judging panel includes:
· Isabella Fish – Retail Editor at The Times and The Sunday Times, widely recognised for her in-depth coverage and analysis of trends shaping the retail landscape.
· Ian Scott – International retail consultant and founder of Ian Scott Consulting, known for his expertise in retail strategy and global trends. He is notably credited with introducing the concept of Symbiotic Retail, an approach that advocates for all retail channels to function cohesively as a unified ecosystem to enhance the shopper experience.
Posted: 29 April 2025
New research from jewellery brand Azora reveals a cultural shift in how Brits shop for jewellery, with younger generations abandoning trend-led buys in favour of minimalist, meaningful pieces that define a new kind of status symbol – the capsule collection.
In a nationwide survey, conducted to coincide with Earth Day, the data found that eight in ten Gen Z (people under 28 years of age) consumers now shop exclusively for everyday or investment pieces. For Millennials, the figure is two-thirds. Jewellery has become an expression of personal identity – worn daily, chosen with care, and rooted in emotional significance.
Despite the UK jewellery market exceeding £11 billion in 2023/2024, today's shoppers are embracing a "fewer, finer" mindset.
Posted: 28 April 2025
Source Fashion returns from the 8th -10th July 2025, moving into a larger venue, The Grand Hall, Olympia London to accommodate its season-on-season growth.
The show has grown by 30 percent each season, and now in its 3rd year, is showing no signs of slowing down.
Source Fashion is a global platform with exhibitors from over 25 countries including manufacturing power houses China, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Turkey as well as a growing focus on the UK and emerging African markets.
As the gateway to the UK fashion industry, Source Fashion connects audited, international manufacturers and suppliers with UK retailers, brands, wholesalers and corporates who want to make better.
Posted: 28 April 2025
The very special 'According to Blower' VE Day 80th Anniversary 1000-piece puzzle, celebrates the freedom and hope that VE Day brought to the nation. After six very long years of hardship and dark days of war, a brighter more prosperous future emerged. This beautifully illustrated, anniversary puzzle by artist Patrick Blower, honours those who fought for our freedom and helped shape Britain into what it is today.
The latest design in The Telegraph's best-selling 'According to Blower' range is an eagerly anticipated masterpiece. Depicting scenes of troops, tanks, fighter jets and warships in battle, alongside iconic headlines, leaders and the women who kept calm and carried on, this puzzle captures the spirit of VE Day in cartoon form.
It's a joyful tribute to the celebrations, when people lined the streets, waved flags and joined street parties, a truly remarkable moment in history! Keep the memory alive... piece together this unforgettable chapter and honour those who fought for victory.
Posted: 22 April 2025
ChloBo, the renowned jewellery brand, has announced its partnership with the Bali Sea Turtle Society (BSTS), a non-profit organisation dedicated to the protection of sea turtles and their habitat on the shores of Bali, Indonesia.
BSTS, founded by Balinese conservationists in 2011, works closely with local communities to implement "Community-Based Conservation" programs that empower and educate people on the importance of sea turtle protection. Their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release sea turtles.
In support of this vital cause, ChloBo is donating 10 percent of all sales from its Sheltered Glow bracelet and necklace both featuring a turtle charm, symbolising protection, resilience, and longevity to the charity. This initiative allows customers to make a meaningful impact while embracing the spirit of giving back to nature.
Posted: 22 April 2025
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council is set to unveil the 7 LifeStyle Trade Events, covering gifts, houseware, fashion, printing and packaging, and licensing.
These events will take place from 27 to 30 April 2025, with the gifts and houseware fairs will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. With the latest products and trends on display under one roof, the events will feature a curated selection of lifestyle products and services from around the world, maximising and diversifying buyers' sourcing in one go.
Of the seven events, the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair is the longest-running and will celebrate its 40th edition in 2025.
Posted: 17 April 2025
British jewellery brand Ottoman Hands is to launch its third collection in partnership with Turquoise Mountain, an organisation established in 2006 by His Majesty King Charles III. Turquoise Mountain supports artisans in Afghanistan to preserve and pass on their traditions to the next generation, elevate their craftsmanship, connect to global markets, and create income to sustain their families.
Ottoman Hands is pleased to continue its partnership with Turquoise Mountain for this collection, which is based on two design themes as set by Ottoman Hands' Founder, Deniz Gurdal: Emotions and Traditional Forms, and Patterns and Symbols of Afghanistan, made in collaboration with skilled jewellers in the heart of Kabul's Old City.
Posted: 15 April 2025
The China Import and Export Fair, commonly referred to as Canton Fair, represents one of the grandest events on the global trade calendar.
Since 1957 when its first edition took place in Guangzhou China, this biannual fair has expanded into an enormous platform for both imports and exports from across industries - featuring products from numerous sectors every spring and autumn respectively.
Co-hosted by both Ministry of Commerce of People's Republic of China (PRC) as well as People's Government of Guangdong Province; organizational efforts provided by China Foreign Trade Centre; every spring/autumn event hosted from Guangzhou by these entities with organizational efforts by China Foreign Trade Centre being responsible for planning efforts.
Posted: 8 April 2025
Voyado, the Swedish retail technology platform, has unveiled new research into UK consumer spending habits, revealing a strong preference for in-store shopping across the UK's leading retail brands.
The study, which surveyed 2,000 UK consumers, highlights the continued appeal of physical stores, even with a flourishing e-commerce landscape.
According to the research, John Lewis and Next are among the few retailers where online preference exists, with 17 percent of consumers opting for digital shopping. At Marks & Spencer, 45 percent of shoppers prefer in-store visits, while UK supermarket clothing brands F&F Clothing from Tesco (50 percent) and George at ASDA (42 percent) see significantly more engagement in physical retail spaces than online.
Posted: 8 April 2025
Following this year's successful events, The Source trade show and Expowest Cornwall – two of the UK's leading events for the food, drink, and hospitality sector – have announced the 2026 dates.
And for a sector that's hungry for high-quality events, there's more good news: a new show will launch in 2026.
Held at Westpoint Exeter, The Source trade show once again proved to be an unmissable event for industry professionals. The show featured more than 200 diverse exhibitors, from local producers to renowned brands, offering visitors an unrivalled range of products and services, invaluable networking opportunities, and a unique insight into the latest trends and innovations.
Posted: 31 March 2025
