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View the latest issue of Gift Focus for FREE! |
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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 |
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| July/August 2025 |
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Donald Trump’s unpredictable rhetoric, and the uncertainty in the Middle East, has certainly caused ripples in the economy, however, trade agreements between the UK and key partners – including India, the US, and the EU – have helped restore some stability and optimism. In fact, consumer confidence in the economy has improved, rising from -36 in May to -28 in June, according to BRC-Opinium data.
That renewed confidence is crucial – especially in the independent retail sector, where trust in our homegrown talent is the foundation for long-term success.
This issue, we shine a light on the standout events of the season: Autumn Fair and Home & Gift. These shows highlight the innovation and passion driving our industry forward. Be sure to check out our show previews and exhibitor profiles to help you plan your visit.
As always, seasonal gifting is front and centre – especially Christmas, which remains a cornerstone of retail success. We’ve curated the very best products to help you stock up and stay ahead. Don’t miss our features on Halloween, Home Accessories, Men’s Gifts, and Photo Frames & Albums – there’s something here for every buyer and every store.
We’re also proud to showcase one of the most inspiring businesses in the sector: CME Jewellery. Their beautifully crafted products truly embody the spirit of thoughtful gifting. I look forward to seeing many of you at Autumn Fair!
Enjoy the issue,
Louise x |
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| Autumn Fair 2025 unveils powerful content agenda |
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Autumn Fair, the UK's leading marketplace for home, gift, and fashion, has revealed its most ambitious and retailer-focused content programme to date. Practical, focused, and easy to consume, it's been thoughtfully designed to fit around buyers and deliver maximum value in minimal time.
Taking place at the NEC Birmingham from 7–10 September 2025, this year's show recognises the pressures facing independent retailers, from rising costs and evolving customer behaviours to the demands of digital transformation and responds with a powerful new programme of over 30 short, high-impact sessions.
Across the brand-new Retail Corner stage and Buyers Retreat, the agenda is packed with real-world strategies, future-facing trend intelligence, and expert-led workshops to help home, gift and fashion retailers buy smarter, sell better, and future-proof their businesses, while staying connected to the wider retail industry without missing a beat on the show floor.
Read more...... |
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| Gibsons Games achieves King's Award for Enterprise |
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Gibsons Games has been honoured with a King's Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development.
Gibsons is one of 197 organisations nationally to be recognised with the award, recognised for its excellence in sustainable development.
The company is a fourth-generation family-business founded in 1919, a small team based in Surrey, committed to bringing people together with the fun and joy of puzzles and games.
Kate Gibson, Managing Director, said: "This award is an incredible honour for Gibsons. It celebrates the ongoing efforts of our team, past and present, who have shaped our sustainability model and prioritised how we can do better. I couldn't be prouder."
Read more...... |
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| BLE news: Event Planner opens |
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Registered attendees can start searching the Exhibitor List, Brand Directory, send meeting requests and plan their calendars by adding in conference sessions and networking events. With over 210 exhibiting companies and hundreds more brands from all over the world confirmed for Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) 2025, the show's online Event Planner opened to visitors this week, allowing them to discover properties, connect with exhibitors, request meetings and add conference sessions and networking events to their calendars.
Read more...... |
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| Research shows that human experiences could unleash £100 more per customer service enquiry |
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New research from Ventrica has revealed the revenue benefits for brands that invest in providing emotive customer experiences (CX) that consumers want.
The company surveyed over 2,000 UK consumers and found that over the last 12 months, only 4 per cent of positive experiences were delivered by AI and only 18 per cent were a combination of AI and human interaction. Furthermore, only just over half (53 percent) found chatbots to be a successful means of resolving enquiries, significantly lower than calls (87 percent).
This is leaving UK brands at risk of losing out on potential revenue opportunities, with the survey finding consumers would be willing to spend up to £100 more on a brand in the future, following a positive experience.
Read more...... |
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| Warmies launches new keyrings and bag charms |
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Whether you're switching up your summer accessories, getting ahead for back-to-school, or looking for a dopamine boost for your daily bag, Warmies® has just delivered the drop of the season. These scented, soft, and stylish new accessories are more than just cute, they tap directly into the rise of comfort-core sensory gifting, and collectible fashion that's trending across social feeds, high-street, and playgrounds across the UK. From teens styling their backpacks to adults personalising their keys and totes, the demand for tactile, feel-good accessories is growing fast, and Warmies® is meeting it with a launch that's practical, playful, and seriously giftable.
Read more...... |
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| Forthcoming Events |
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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...
2-3 Sep 2025 - INDX Toys
Cranmore Park in Solihull, Cranmore Avenue, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands, B90 4LF
indxshows.co.uk/shows/toys
7-10 Sep 2025 - Source Home & Gift
NEC Birmingham, North Ave, Marston Green, Birmingham, B40 1NT
www.source-homeandgift.com
7-10 Sep 2025 - Autumn Fair 2025
NEC Birmingham, B40 1NT, UK
www.autumnfair.com
9-10 Sep 2025 - INDX Home
Cranmore Park in Solihull, Cranmore Avenue, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands, B90 4LF
indxshows.co.uk/shows/home-show
14-16 Sep 2025 - Top Drawer London
Olympia London, Hammersmith Rd, London, W14 8UX
www.topdrawer.co.uk |
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