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
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!
Posted: 20 March 2025
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.
Posted: 17 March 2025
Stamp Addicts has been very busy over the last six months locating new venues and increasing visitor numbers for the Stamperama and Crafterama events. New events coming up this year include Southampton, Bolton and Port Sunlight (formerly the home of Happy Stampers Festival). The focus is to create fun and friendly shows for all retailers to be able to reach crafters at an affordable cost - with prices from as low as £25 per square metre.
Stamperama are art stamp and paper craft retail events and Crafterama are mixed craft events which include paper crafts, soft crafts, resin art, diamond art, beading plus more – all crafts are welcome.
Posted: 13 March 2025
h+h cologne 2025 proved once again from 7th to 9th March why it is the central trade fair highlight of the textile handicraft industry. After three successful trade fair days around 300 exhibitors from 39 countries are looking back on an impressive event full of innovations, exchange and inspiration, but also successful business deals. Sustainability was a central theme this year: Fabrics made from algae or mushrooms and modern production techniques that were exhibited in the Green Zone underlined the industry's creative power.
Posted: 11 March 2025
The NY NOW 2025 Winter Market, held from February 2 – 4, 2025 at the Jacob Javits Centre, concluded with remarkable success and showcased a modern blend of programming, activations, and panels. Bringing together iconic brands, emerging designers, and influential buyers from around the globe, the event solidified its longstanding reputation as the premier wholesale trade show for gift, home, and accessories. This year's Winter Market introduced a reimagined three-day format that included an extraordinary lineup of exhibitors as well as dynamic discussions and engaging activations. From immersive tours to insightful fireside chats and panels, attendees participated in empowering educational sessions and hands-on opportunities to network, connect, and learn.
Posted: 6 March 2025
After a five-year hiatus, Martha Stewart and Marquee Brands, the global brand accelerator and owner of the Martha Stewart brand, are returning to the crafting world with a line of multi-surface acrylic paints and accessories. The high-quality collection was developed in collaboration with Plaid Enterprises, the company behind industry-leading brands such as Mod Podge and FolkArt. It is designed to empower crafters of all skill levels to create home décor, gifts, and other artistic projects with confidence and ease.
Posted: 4 March 2025