The toy industry reunited at Olympia London for Toy Fair 2025, a dynamic three-day event that showcased the latest trends and innovations shaping the world of play. With more than 250 exhibiting companies unveiling thousands of new products, including trending categories such as collectibles, pocket money toys and licensed toys, the event was a true celebration of the creativity and ingenuity of the toy industry and a positive start to the year. It was an incredibly busy three days connecting exhibitors with high-calibre visitors including buyers, licensors, inventors, media and the wider industry, all under one roof, establishing new connections as well as building on existing relationships.
Posted: 24 January 2025
The British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA) and Circana presented their annual industry insights at London's Toy Fair, held at Olympia London from the 21st to 23rd January 2025. While the UK economy may have continued to present a challenging picture during 2024, figures released by Circana show that the UK toy market remained resilient, generating £3.4billion in overall sales, which was bolstered by a surge of Christmas sales (up 51 percent) in the week leading up to Christmas. While sales in 2024 may have been down by 3.7 percent, several toy categories achieved growth in 2024, adding to the positive trajectory.
Posted: 23 January 2025
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
