Joe Davies has announced that long-serving Area Representative Jonathan Brooke will retire in January 2027, bringing to a close an outstanding 22-year career with the employee-owned giftware company.
Jonathan, who looks after customers throughout South West England and Wales, has been a familiar face to retailers across the region since joining Joe Davies in 2004. During that time, he has built countless long-standing customer relationships, become a trusted member of the Joe Davies sales team and played an important part in the company's continued success.
David Cree, Sales Director at Joe Davies, commented: "Jonathan has made an enormous contribution to Joe Davies over the past 22 years."
Posted: 9 November 2026
Marvin's Magic has unveiled a brand-new slime cream experience at Hamleys famous Regent Street store, where visitors can design their own ice cream-inspired creations using the hugely popular Dope Slimes brand known for its distinctive textures, vibrant colours, irresistible scents and imaginative designs. Located on the third floor of the world-famous toy store, the new attraction brings together the growing popularity of slime with the fun of a traditional ice cream parlour.
Posted: 9 November 2026
Gibsons Games, the Surrey based jigsaw puzzles and games company, are delighted to share their 2025 Impact report. From their Kings Award for Enterprise, to supporting the careers of young people and delivering on their brand promise, 2025 was an eventful year.
As a certified B Corporation, tracking their progress is an important part of their people and planet journey, ensuring they not only continue to improve, but keep it central to who they are as a brand.
Kate Gibson comments 'An impact report tells a story. It speaks of who you are and how you've delivered on the things that matter during the previous year'
Posted: 2 November 2026
Garden retailers are missing an opportunity to drive year-round demand by concentrating promotional activity around the spring peak, when consumer purchasing is already at its strongest, according to GlobalData, a leading intelligence and productivity platform.
GlobalData's latest report, "UK Retail Hot Topics: Gardening 2026," reveals that 70.9 percent of consumers begin purchasing gardening products between March and May. However, younger shoppers offer retailers a route to more consistent demand throughout the year. Consumers aged 25-34 are the least likely to have access to a garden or outdoor space (69.2 percent have garden access), which helps explain why they are also the most likely age group to purchase gardening products all year round (35.7 percent).
Posted: 26 October 2026
Clarion Events has announced that it is to be acquired by Informa, a leading international B2B live events group, bringing together two highly complementary organisations with a shared commitment to growth, innovation and customer value. The acquisition reflects the strength of Clarion's portfolio of market-leading brands, its strong positions across a range of attractive sectors and geographies, and the expertise and commitment of its people.
Posted: 20 October 2026
Inside Out Toys has been appointed sole UK distributor for the award-winning Wheelybug and Trybike brands, strengthening its position as one of the UK's leading suppliers of premium children's ride-ons.
The appointment has been made by Co&Co Lab BV, the Dutch family business led by brothers Pim and Alex Coopmans. Co&Co owns an innovative portfolio of children's brands including Trybike, CoConuts helmets, PL-UG Tent Kits and most recently Wheelybug, and has selected Inside Out Toys as its UK distribution partner for the next phase of growth.
The move follows the forthcoming retirement of founder and joint managing directors of Hippychick, Julia and Jeremy Minchin, who have successfully represented Wheelybug and Trybike throughout the UK for many years.
Posted: 19 October 2026
Visitor registration for Toy Fair 2027 is now open, ahead of the UK's largest toy, game and hobby trade exhibition taking over Olympia, London from Tuesday 19th to Thursday 21st January 2027. Those who attended any of the previous three shows will receive a 'Smart Link' to their existing profile, streamlining the re-registration process. Toy Fair continues for its 73rd year to serve as the principal meeting point for retailers, buyers, licensors, designers, inventors, media, influencers, marketeers, educators, and the wider industry seeking early insight into the year ahead in toys and games, and provides an established platform for generating new business and reinforcing existing industry relationships.
Posted: 15 October 2026
Wax Lyrical, one of the UK's leading heritage home fragrance brands, has announced the launch of its new e-commerce platform, giving consumers the opportunity to purchase its collections directly.
Previously only available through retail partners, the new online destination brings Wax Lyrical's candles, reed diffusers and home fragrance products together in one easy-toshop space. Customers can now browse the full range, discover fragrance inspiration and have their favourite products delivered directly to their door.
The launch marks an exciting new chapter for Wax Lyrical, creating a more direct relationship with its customers while making it simpler than ever to enjoy its fragrances at home or find a thoughtful gift for someone special.
Posted: 12 October 2026
The Home & Gift Association is urging affected businesses across the home and gift sector to engage with a new Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) review that could have important implications for ceramic product sourcing, pricing and supply chains.
The review, launched on 20 July 2026, will examine the effectiveness of existing anti-dumping measures on ceramic tableware and kitchenware imported from China and assess whether current duties remain appropriate.
The investigation follows evidence identified by the TRA showing that imports of ceramic tableware and kitchenware from China increased by 22 percent between 2023 and 2025, while import values fell significantly during the same period. The Authority will now consider whether existing duties continue to offset unfair trading practices and protect UK industry.
Posted: 8 October 2026
SANTORO is delighted to announce that its 3D Pop Up greetings will be stocked by two of the UK's most prestigious retailers, Waterstones and Fortnum & Mason, for the 2026 Christmas season. The collection is particularly well suited to these premium retail environments, where customers are seeking gifts and greetings that feel special and distinctive. With intricate construction and attention to detail, 3D Pop Ups offer an elevated alternative to a conventional greeting card, bridging the gap between greeting and gift. SANTORO's offerings are known for going one step beyond, with additional moving elements and uniquely engineered constructions; making them a perfect fit for destination retailers with highly regarded reputations for exceptional seasonal offerings and experiences.
Posted: 17 September 2026