Industry news from Gift Focus magazine

Textile transformation: India's strategic weave into the future

The global spotlight is on India's textile industry, which skilfully weaves centuries-old traditions with cutting-edge innovation.

As one of the largest textile producers globally, India is poised to solidify its leadership amidst growing demand for sustainability, high-performance fabrics, and competitive supply chains. With the industry projected to grow to USD 350 billion by 2030 and expected to add 35 million new jobs, India's textile sector is at the forefront of shaping a massive economic and employment expansion.

India's textile industry, a cornerstone of the economy, contributes 2.3% to the GDP and employs over 45 million people directly, with an additional 55 million indirectly involved across the value chain.

Posted: 23 January 2025

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Registration Open for London Stationery Show 2025

Visitor registration is officially open for London Stationery Show 2025, set to take place at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London, on Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th May. London Stationery Show 2024 was one to remember, crammed full of newness, chat, fun, gossip, creativity, deals, and competitions – as well as lots of business too over the two days. Visitor numbers were up 40% on the previous year, with many exhibitors and visitors agreeing that it was one of the busiest shows in recent years.

Posted: 21 January 2025

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Source Fashion launches podcast series

Source Fashion, Europe's leading responsible sourcing show, is excited to announce the launch of its informative new podcast series, 'Honest, Not Perfect', in collaboration with leading retail trends consultancy Insider Trends. This innovative podcast dives deep into the world of sustainable sourcing with industry experts including Retail 100 and AllSaints founder Stuart Trevor, offering actionable insights and unfiltered discussions on helping retail become more responsible.



Introducing: Honest, Not Perfect

Designed for sustainability professionals and retail innovators, the Honest, Not Perfect podcast focuses on progress over perfection. Co-hosted by Suzanne Ellingham, Event Director at Source Fashion, and Jack Stratten of Insider Trends, the series features candid conversations with industry disruptors, thought leaders and experts, exploring the stories, strategies, and solutions shaping the future of responsible retail.

Posted: 14 January 2025

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Spring Fair Partners with the Association for Cultural Enterprises

Spring Fair, the UK's most prestigious wholesale marketplace taking place 2nd – 5th February 2025 at NEC Birmingham, is proud to announce a new partnership with the Association for Cultural Enterprises. The collaboration reflects Spring Fair's commitment to supporting the evolving needs of cultural, heritage, and destination buyers - key players in the retail industry who balance the art of storytelling with the demand for innovation and sustainability.

Posted: 31 December 2024

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SPRING FAIR LAUNCHES £1000 COMPETITION

Spring Fair, the UK's leading retail trade show for Home, Gift and Fashion, has announced the launch of a competition to win a sum of £1000 to spend at the February 2025 show. To be in with a chance to win, simply register for the show before 6th January 2025. The 75th anniversary show, takes place from 2nd to 5th February 2025.

Posted: 24 December 2024

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Candlelight and Amefa GB announce exciting collaboration

Candlelight, a leading designer of candles, gifts, and home fashion is proud to announce an exciting new collaboration with Amefa in the UK, who distributes market leading brands, Amefa and Richardson Sheffield, to the catering and retail sector. This partnership represents a significant milestone for both companies as they come together to bring an exceptional range of products to a wider audience.

As part of this joint venture, Amefa GB's entire portfolio of products will now be available for purchase on the Candlelight website, offering customers an expanded selection of high-quality products from two trusted brands in one convenient location.

Posted: 17 December 2024

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Social shopping in fashion, says John Lewis report

Retro trends, preppy and Brat Girl fashions and travel returning to pre-covid levels were among the biggest influences on our shopping habits.

That's according to John Lewis's annual trend report How We Shop, Live and Look, which looks at the products and trends that defined the past year.

'Social shopping' is definitely in fashion. One in five (19 percent) of the 1,996 customers surveyed said they have shopped more with friends and family this year, and nearly seven in 10 (68 percent) of them said they like to combine it with other activities like eating out. This tallies with John Lewis data, which shows that more than three quarters of a million more customers ate in its Place to Eat restaurants over the past year.

Posted: 17 December 2024

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STABILO x Anya Hindmarch extend collaboration

Due to the hugely successful STABILO and Anya Hindmarch collaboration, both brands have now announced that the collection is being reproduced and will be stocked for a further year. STABILO is known across the globe for its high quality, bold designs with exceptional colour variety and its range with Anya Hindmarch certainly nods to its rich history. We're pleased it's here to stay!

Posted: 10 December 2024

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Fuzzballs signs with Fanattik

Fanattik the award-winning UK based pop culture brand has signed a multi-territory, multi-year deal with Fuzzballs to produce a wide range of gifts. The deal was brokered by Fuzzballs licensing agent Rocket Licensing.

Fuzzballs is a UK brand created in 2013 by artist Marc Sach and product can be found on sale in the likes of WH Smith, Scribbler, HMV, Toymaster stores, Forbidden planet and over 1,000 independent retailers worldwide.

"I saw Marc at Comic Cons up and down the country over the years selling Fuzzball product and the crowds swamping his booth were incredible, he has worked incredibly hard growing the Fuzzball fan base all over the world, we are elated to be part of the Fuzzball journey," says Anthony Marks. M.D. Fanattik.

Posted: 9 December 2024

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Pantone Introduces Color of the Year 2025: Mocha Mousse

Stock buying lists at the ready; Pantone, the global colour authority and provider of professional colour language standards and digital solutions for the design community, today introduced PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse. An evocative soft brown that transports our senses into the pleasure and deliciousness it inspires: cacao, chocolate and coffee, appealing to our desire for comfort. "Underpinned by our desire for every day pleasures, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence" says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director Pantone Color Institute. Sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic, it extends our perceptions of the browns from being humble and grounded to embrace aspirational and luxe; presenting a discrete and tasteful touch of glamour."

Posted: 6 December 2024

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