The toy industry reunited at Olympia London for Toy Fair 2025, a dynamic three-day event that showcased the latest trends and innovations shaping the world of play. With more than 250 exhibiting companies unveiling thousands of new products, including trending categories such as collectibles, pocket money toys and licensed toys, the event was a true celebration of the creativity and ingenuity of the toy industry and a positive start to the year. It was an incredibly busy three days connecting exhibitors with high-calibre visitors including buyers, licensors, inventors, media and the wider industry, all under one roof, establishing new connections as well as building on existing relationships.
Posted: 24 January 2025
The British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA) and Circana presented their annual industry insights at London's Toy Fair, held at Olympia London from the 21st to 23rd January 2025. While the UK economy may have continued to present a challenging picture during 2024, figures released by Circana show that the UK toy market remained resilient, generating £3.4billion in overall sales, which was bolstered by a surge of Christmas sales (up 51 percent) in the week leading up to Christmas. While sales in 2024 may have been down by 3.7 percent, several toy categories achieved growth in 2024, adding to the positive trajectory.
Posted: 23 January 2025
Visitor registration is officially open for London Stationery Show 2025, set to take place at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London, on Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th May. London Stationery Show 2024 was one to remember, crammed full of newness, chat, fun, gossip, creativity, deals, and competitions – as well as lots of business too over the two days. Visitor numbers were up 40% on the previous year, with many exhibitors and visitors agreeing that it was one of the busiest shows in recent years.
Posted: 21 January 2025
Koelnmesse, a global leader in organizing world-class events, is thrilled to announce the launch of the Fiber+Fabric Craft Festival, an exciting new consumer-focused extravaganza set to ignite the crafting industry. Scheduled for May 1–3, 2026, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center in Rosemont, Illinois, this festival is poised to become the ultimate destination for craft enthusiasts across North America.
Posted: 16 January 2025
Cats Protection is hosting a virtual craftalong on Saturday 22nd March where you can make your own set of cat-shaped magnets (see attached photos). You'll be able to unleash your inner artist and create personalised and fun designs with the polymer clay craft kit. It includes everything you need to complete a set of four magnets. You can make a replica of your favourite cat, mould a tribute of a past cat as a keepsake or simply handmake a gift for a loved one. A minimum of £10 from every kit purchased goes to fund the charity's vital work which helps to make a better life for cats.
Posted: 14 January 2025
Sara Davies, the entrepreneur and business mentor, has announced that she has stepped in to rescue Crafter's Companion ("the Company") – the business that she founded when she was still at university. Crafter's Companion had been put into administration by its current directors who had pursued an ambitious growth strategy, which had not succeeded. The Company had reached a point where it didn't have sufficient working capital to continue to operate, and it was put into administration on 7th January, 2025.
Posted: 9 January 2025
ICHF Events has confirmed the speaker line up for the UK's flagship trade show CHSI Stitches at the NEC Birmingham from 23rd to 24th February 2025 with topics including AI and social media marketing at the forefront of discussion. This year's line up reflects industry trends and opportunities, notably Generative AI, one of the fastest developing topics across the business landscape.
Posted: 7 January 2025
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), retail sales volumes (quantity bought) are estimated to have risen by 0.2 per cent in November 2024, following a fall of 0.7 per cent in October 2024. Greg Zakowicz, senior ecommerce expert at Omnisend shares his comments with Craft Focus. To read the full ONS report and study their findings, simply visit the website: https://www.ons.gov.uk/businessindustryandtrade/retailindustry/bulletins/retailsales/november2024
Posted: 2 January 2025
Spring Fair, the UK's most prestigious wholesale marketplace taking place 2nd – 5th February 2025 at NEC Birmingham, is proud to announce a new partnership with the Association for Cultural Enterprises. The collaboration reflects Spring Fair's commitment to supporting the evolving needs of cultural, heritage, and destination buyers - key players in the retail industry who balance the art of storytelling with the demand for innovation and sustainability.
Posted: 31 December 2024
Those looking to treat the fashionistas, dressmakers and crafters in their lives, need look no further than a handcrafted gift to indulge their passion, that will last a lifetime, from William Whiteley & Sons. Suppliers to Royalty and providers of luxurious excellence since 1760, these are gifts which are pieces of history from the oldest scissor smiths in the Western world.
Posted: 26 December 2024
