7 EDITOR’S LETTER 29 On the cover Zebra Pen Corporation offers an extensive line of writing instruments including ballpoint pens, highlighters, mechanical pencils, gel rollers, and correction pens. www.zebrapen.co.uk Opportunity focused 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 Prance Editor Louise DESIGN +44 (0)1376 535 616 artwork@giftfocus.com ACCOUNTS +44 (0)1376 535 616 accounts@giftfocus.com MANAGING DIRECTOR Sarah Ellis +44 (0)1376 535 602 sarah.ellis@giftfocus.com Gift Focus and Attire Accessories are solely owned, published and designed by Ellis Media and Events Ltd. Whilst every effort was made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility of the standing of advertisers nor by the editorial contributions. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Gift Focus is published six times a year. ISSN 1758-0897 @giftfocus @giftfocusmag @gift_focus Gift Focus magazine is proud to be associated with and supporters of: EDITORIAL Editor Louise Prance +44 (0)1376 514 000 louise.prance@giftfocus.com 32 Louise Prance Editor, Gift Focus 42 ADVERTISING Account Manager Loretta Smith +44(0)1376 538 495 loretta.smith @giftfocus.com
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