Hobbycraft confirms that, following a strategic review of the business it has announced a restructuring which will result in the closure of some of its loss-making stores, and unfortunately lead to redundancies for the colleagues who work there. The restructuring will also result in a number of management roles being made redundant across the store estate, along with redundancies in the Bournemouth based head office and the distribution centre in Burton on Trent.
Posted: 24 April 2025
Paint legend Annie Sloan CBE is excited to announce five new Chalk Paint colours to celebrate 35 years since she invented her revolutionary furniture paint. The collection includes two colours the colour expert has wanted to bring out in Chalk Paint for a long time – dramatic reddish-purple Tyrian Plum and Canvas, a perfect warm neutral - together with three new shades inspired by travel and art history: barely-there blush-toned Rococo White, soft muted Jaipur Pink and bold and bright Sandalwood Red.
Posted: 22 April 2025
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 seven events, the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair is the longest-running and will celebrate its 40th edition in 2025.
Posted: 17 April 2025
Modella Capital, the specialist retail and consumer investment firm, has announced that it has acquired the UK High Street operations of WH Smith PLC. The acquisition covers c.480 stores on high streets, shopping centres and retail parks across the UK. WHSmith will retain its stores in airports, hospitals, railway stations and motorway service areas in the UK, as well as its significant operations in other countries. As part of the deal, the High Street stores will be rebranded as TGJones. They will keep the same products and services, including the Post Office and Toys "R" Us, and continue to trade as normal while Modella Capital works with the
management team to define and execute a strategy to introduce new ranges and other offerings in the future.
Posted: 15 April 2025
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the first Bothy Threads and Gorjuss partnership - what better way to celebrate than a new collaboration with eight brand new designs (launched 8th April 2025)? Featuring their iconic stripy-socked girls in a range of heartfelt situations, our Gorjuss collection has something for everyone, from Rainbow Wishes to Snowflake Kisses! The Gorjuss fanbase has always been strong and Bothy Threads are expecting these bright, bold, colourful designs to fly off the shelves.
Posted: 10 April 2025
Do You Have What It Takes to Be the Next Winner of The Great Pottery Throw Down? The Great Pottery Throw Downis returning in 2025 and the team are currently looking for the next batch of great home potters to take part. They're casting now! Seize the clay, apply TODAY! Just head to the website:www.applyforpotterythrowdown.co.uk - you have until Monday 14th April 2025.
Posted: 8 April 2025
Once again, Creativeworld exhibitors have generously donated a wide range of creative materials to the Frankfurt Children's Office , supporting children in Frankfurt, Germany, in their artistic endeavours. The materials, originally displayed at the international trade fair for hobby, craft, and artists' supplies, are given a sustainable second life, benefiting childcare and educational institutions in need of painting and craft materials.
Posted: 3 April 2025
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.
Posted: 31 March 2025
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, CHSI Stitches attracted the industry to explore innovative products from top brands and listen to prominent speakers. Returning to the NEC for its milestone event, the show welcomed leading creative craft brands alongside emerging designer makers. The exhibition floor showcased an impressive variety of craft products, ranging from traditional favourites to cutting-edge materials, with numerous new retailers exhibiting for the first time.
Posted: 27 March 2025
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.
Posted: 24 March 2025