 |
| |
View the latest issue of Gift Focus for FREE! |
| |
Just a reminder that you can view the latest issue of your favourite gift/homewares trade magazine for FREE.
Simply Follow this link
You can also read any of our previous issues by following this link
Gift Focus is the UK's leading trade title aimed at gift and homewares bricks & mortar and online retailers.
When making enquiries to our advertisers, do please mention us. Don't forget to visit our social media channels to spread the word and interact with others.
Enjoy, keep safe and well and please accept our sincere best wishes from everyone here at Gift Focus |
|
 |
| March/April 2026 |
| |
As the market continues to evolve at pace, the need for retailers and suppliers to stay informed, agile and opportunity-focused has never been greater. In this issue of Gift Focus, we explore a number of the key commercial and policy developments shaping the industry right now – from digital acceleration to packaging innovation and the changing regulatory landscape.
Online retail remains one of the fastest-moving areas of our sector, so in one of our business features we examine how rapid growth in online retail, paper-based innovations, and EU regulatory changes are transforming secondary and protective packaging, meanwhile FSB Policy Chair Tina McKenzie explains why the Federation of Small Businesses is calling for a comprehensive and regular national study of ethnic minority entrepreneurship – a timely and important discussion for the SME community.
Alongside these broader issues, this issue also brings together a strong line-up of commercial features designed to support buying decisions in the months ahead. Our Father’s Day focus highlights key categories to help retailers maximise this important gifting occasion, while Made in Britain puts the spotlight on homegrown brands and the continued appeal of provenance and craftsmanship.
We also delve into two consistently high-performing sectors: Stationery, where innovation and design continue to drive sales, and Candles & Home Fragrance, a category where scent, sustainability and storytelling remain powerful tools at the till. As always, our aim is to provide insight, inspiration and practical support for the months ahead.
Please do keep in touch – we love to hear from our readers!
Louise x |
|
|
 |
| |
| Autumn Fair: How can Independent Retailers survive 2026? |
| |
Retail marketplace Autumn Fair has launched the latest episode of its Retail Makeover Mission, showcasing the transformation of independent retailer OSO Boutique in Salisbury, led by retail expert Deryane Tadd, founder of award-winning boutique The Dressing Room in St Albans. Following hundreds of inspiring applications from independent retailers across the UK, two businesses were selected to receive a complete retail transformation from Autumn Fair's expert Retail Task Team. The project brings together leading retail specialists to help independent stores strengthen their businesses across visual merchandising, branding, customer experience and buying strategy.
Read more...... |
|
|
 |
| |
| Denby enters administration |
| |
Well-loved British pottery firm Denby has appointed administrators following difficulties keeping up with rising costs.
The business has appointed FRP Advisory as administrators for Denby and Burgess & Leigh and will continue trading in administration.
Denby is said to be continuing discussions with interested parties of the sale of all or part of its business portfolio.
According to the Sun, Tony Wright, joint administrator of the Denby Group and partner at FRP, said: "Denby is one of Britain's most beloved and enduring pottery brands, with a heritage spanning more than two centuries and a loyal following across the UK and internationally.
Read more...... |
|
|
 |
| |
| The Puppet Company and the Natural History Museum announce new collection |
| |
The Puppet Company is announcing its second product launch with licensing partner the Natural History Museum: a miniature Dinosaur Plush collection featuring six legendary prehistoric species – Stegosaurus, Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, Velociraptor, Diplodocus and Quetzalcoatlus.
The new launch joins the incredible large-sized plush already at retail.
The new launch was highlighted in late January at The Puppet Company's Toy Fair stand, where it received an excellent response and was one of the main stand attractions.
The initial range of six palaeontologist-approved prehistoric plush launched in October 2025, vividly and accurately recreating five Dinosaurs and one Pterosaur as soft toys ranging in size from 25cm to 48cm.
Read more...... |
|
|
 |
| |
| Mad Beauty Unveils The Devil Wears Prada Inspired Beauty Collection |
| |
Mad Beauty has launched a new licensed bath and beauty collection inspired by the iconic fashion film The Devil Wears Prada, arriving as anticipation builds around the upcoming sequel and the release of its second trailer.
Blending fashion, film and beauty, the collection translates some of the movie's most recognisable motifs into design-led, giftable products, reinforcing Mad Beauty's reputation for creative, culturally relevant licensed ranges.
Drawing on the film's editorial world, the range features playful nods to its most memorable moments – from coffee culture to runway-ready glamour. Standout pieces include coffee cup-inspired lip balms and bath salts, a stiletto-shaped body wash, and a cosmetic brush set with distinctive trident-shaped tips.
Read more...... |
|
|
 |
| |
| THE GA RAISES INDUSTRY CONCERNS AT BANK OF ENGLAND GENESIS INITIATIVE MEETING |
| |
The Giftware Association has joined the Bank of England and a coalition of UK trade associations as part of the Genesis Initiative, presenting new evidence on trading conditions and confidence across the gift, home and stationery sector. Alongside organisations including The Greeting Card Association, the meeting brought together industry voices to highlight current market trends, challenges facing small businesses, and the barriers holding back growth across the UK's independent retail and brand landscape.
Read more...... |
|
|
| Forthcoming Events |
| |
Please note: All dates are subject to changes, contact organisers for more information before making arrangements. To view more events, please visit the events page on our website...
6-8 May 2026 - h+h americas
Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center in Rosemont/Chicago IL
www.hh-americas.com
12-13 May 2026 - The London Stationery Show
Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington, London, N1 0QH
www.stationeryshowlondon.co.uk
19 May 2026 - INDX Gift Edit
Cranmore Park in Solihull, Cranmore Avenue, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands, B90 4LF
indxshows.co.uk/shows/giftindxshows.co.uk/blog/indx-gift-2026-exciting-plans-revealed
2-3 Jun 2026 - Progressive Greetings Live
Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington, London, N1 0QH
www.progressivegreetingslive.com
9-10 Jun 2026 - Exclusively Show
Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington, London, N1 0QH
www.exclusivelyshows.co.uk
1-4 Jul 2026 - New Designers
Business Design Centre, 52 Upper St, London, N1 0QH
www.newdesigners.com
5-6 Jul 2026 - Manchester Furniture Show
Harrogate Convention Centre, King's Rd, Harrogate, HG1 5LA
manchesterfurnitureshow.com
9-10 Jul 2026 - The London Home Fragrance Show
Business Design Centre London, 52 Upper St, London, N1 0QH
www.londonhomefragranceshow.com
19-22 Jul 2026 - Home & Gift Buyers Festival
King's Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 5LA
homeandgift.co.uk
6-9 Sep 2026 - Autumn Fair 2026
NEC Birmingham, B40 1NT, UK
www.autumnfair.com |
|
|
|
giftfocus
@Gift_Focus
@GiftFocusMag