 |
| |
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 2025 |
| |
A resilient industry
Independent retail has always had a heartbeat that mass brands often lack. In the face of ongoing challenges – Brexit, COVID-19, the cost-of-living crisis, to name a few – this heartbeat has only grown stronger, more resilient, and more united. Spring Fair reaffirmed what we already knew: our industry can weather any storm and emerge even stronger.
In this issue, we spotlight a host of brands that have stood the test of time, bringing you a stunning array of giftware. With Father’s Day on the horizon, we’ve curated a selection of must-have products to maximize this key sales opportunity. Our feature on candles and home fragrance explores products perfect for both self-purchase and gifting. We also turn our attention to stationery, British-made goods, and gourmet food and drink gifts.
It’s a stellar lineup, complemented by the latest industry news, business insights, and exciting new product launches.
We hope you enjoy the issue!
Louise x |
|
|
 |
| |
| New campaign launches urging retailers to prioritise accessibility |
| |
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.
Read more...... |
|
|
 |
| |
| Canton Fair 2025 Spring presents expanded offering |
| |
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.
Read more...... |
|
|
 |
| |
| National Stationery Week 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!
Read more...... |
|
|
 |
| |
| The Hong Kong Gifts and Premium Fair celebrates its 40th edition |
| |
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council is set to unveil the 7 LifeStyle Trade Events, covering gifts, houseware, fashion, printing and packaging, and licensing.
These events will take place from 27 to 30 April 2025, with the gifts and houseware fairs will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. With the latest products and trends on display under one roof, the events will feature a curated selection of lifestyle products and services from around the world, maximising and diversifying buyers' sourcing in one go.
Of the 7 events, the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair is the longest-running and will celebrate its 40th edition in 2025.
Read more...... |
|
|
 |
| |
| Toys under £15 account for almost half of UK sales in 2024 |
| |
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.
Read more...... |
|
|
 |
| |
| Faire's 2025 forecast reveals four major consumer and product trends |
| |
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.
Read more...... |
|
|
 |
| |
| The Source trade show and Expowest Cornwall celebrate successful 2025 show |
| |
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.
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...
7-9 May 2025 - h+h americas
Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center in Rosemont/Chicago, IL
www.hh-americas.com
13-14 May 2025 - The London Stationery Show
Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street, Islington, London, N1 0QH
www.stationeryshowlondon.co.uk |
|
|
|
giftfocus
@Gift_Focus
@GiftFocusMag