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
Independent retailers will stock more adventure-inspired accessories, opulent vintage pieces, natural goods and playful nostalgic items this year, according to the 2025 forecast from online wholesale marketplace Faire.
Faire's newly-released report examined thousands of product searches from the independent retailers using the platform across the world to identify the products that are expected to see a surge in demand in 2025 and the four consumer trends behind their growing appeal:
Victorian noir
It found a growing appetite for bold, indulgent décor and accessories among Faire's retailers, influenced by period dramas and the rejection of pared-back minimalism, was contributing to a rise in searches for shop owners looking for 'burgundy', 'mirrors', and 'brocade' on the platform.
Posted: 31 March 2025
Annual figures released by the British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA) and Circana, have revealed that toys under £15 continue to rise in popularity in today's challenging economic climate.
Officially unveiled at Toy Fair at Olympia London, the latest statistics show that 47 percent of the UK toy market in 2024 was dominated by sales under £15, which equated to 80 percent units overall. Meanwhile, Pocket Money toys costing less than £10 took up 28 percent of market share.
These are predominantly made up of classic lines like Paw Patrol Vehicles and Pup from Spin Master Toys, Dobble from Asmodee, and Sea Monkeys from Bandai. The increasing popularity of Collectibles was important for driving sales of Pocket Money toys throughout the year, with the overall Collectibles sector generating 1 in 5 toy sales last year, with an average price of £7.59.
Posted: 24 March 2025
Stationery lovers, get ready — National Stationery Week 2025 is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever! With an incredible line-up of sponsors and a renewed passion for celebrating the joy of pen and paper, this year's event is set to inspire, engage, and spread the stationery love far and wide. So, write, doodle, and share your love for stationery!
Posted: 20 March 2025
As the June 2025 deadline for the European Accessibility Act approaches, Nexer Digital has launched a new campaign, I Matter Too, to raise awareness about the importance of inclusive online experiences.
The campaign aims to encourage online retailers to act now and embrace digital accessibility as a core part of their strategy, not just to meet legal requirements but to go beyond compliance and deliver true inclusivity.
I Matter Too sheds light on the barriers faced by people with disabilities in accessing digital services, apps, and platforms, tools that have become essential to daily life.
The campaign video, central to the initiative, highlights real stories from individuals who have struggled with inaccessible technologies and services.
Posted: 17 March 2025
Returning to Cranmore Park on 20th May 2025, INDX Gift Food promises visitors a world of culinary delight. As part of the UK's busiest retail trade show calendar, INDX Gift Food is open to all retailers, and brought to market by AIS, the UK's top buying, services, and event group. The one-day pop-up show is expertly curated to ensure visiting retailers find an inspiring product showcase from a selection of leading exhibitors – handpicked to drive commercial success. Led by market trends and industry insight, the 2025 show will bring together pickles and preserves, drink gifts, savoury snacks, sweet confections, and festive bakes, and attendees can look forward to product launches, exclusives, demos, tastings, and special guest appearances.
Posted: 12 March 2025
Joe Davies has been appointed by Star Link Global Group as exclusive UK distributor for the renowned US artist Gus Fink Studios brand of licensed plush, resin and accessories.
A full launch collection, including a large selection of on trend plush debuted at NEC Spring Fair in February, featuring some of Gus Finks most loved characters, such as Numb Bunny, Agony Ann, Skellbo, Grim the Stitchy Bear and Devil Doo.
Hailing from Pennsylvania Gus Fink has a unique talent of bringing together the weird and wonderful, with a touch of darkness, combining his art with a playful mindfulness and very unique style.
The range will be available to order from the Manchester-based importer at the NEC and consists of plush toys, bag clips, key rings and resin figures. Each item is collectable, with swing labels telling the story of each character.
Posted: 10 March 2025
