News

Spring Fair has announced the Inspiring Retail Stage content programme which delivers a schedule packed full of incredible speakers including Theo Paphitis, as well as inspiring and informative insights, awards, plus the essential home and gift trends for 2024. Created as a platform to champion retail, the Inspiring Retail Stage’s …

The public rallied together to support their local shops, restaurants, and cafés as Small Business Saturday celebrated its 10th year in the UK. According to research commission by American Express, £774m was spent in small businesses nationwide. The total spend was up nearly 30% (29.4%) on last year as 12.8million …

Consumers are once again embracing key life moments after the pandemic and are planning to continue doing so in the year ahead and beyond, according to the International Housewares Association’s (IHA) 2023 Occasions Report. Results from the 2023 Occasions Survey suggest that housewares retailers and suppliers should continually consider their …

The November/December issue of Housewares Magazine is now available to read HERE! This has undoubtedly been a challenging year for the industry with consumer incomes pinched by the cost-of-living crisis, however, in this issue we’re looking forward to hopefully a more positive new year. In this issue, we delve into …

Ultimate Products has appointed Tracy Carroll as its first dedicated brand director, a role which will see her lead the group’s brand and marketing strategy, management and communications function. Carroll joins the Oldham-based supplier from Helen of Troy, which she joined in 2007, where she launched the OXO homeware brand …

The British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA) has issued a comment on the recently released Ordnance Survey which analyses changes in high streets since 2020 across the UK. The report was compiled from 1.5 million records of mapping data, which shows a comprehensive quarterly survey of businesses, facilities and services operating …

BIRA is launching its Christmas window competition Winners will be awarded £500 bira direct credit or £205 towards Bira membership (to be used for one year’s membership for new members, or £205 off your next year’s renewal). How to enter Social Media – Make sure you’re following Bira on Facebook …

Dobbies Garden Centres Group has filed the Annual Report for the 52 weeks to 27 February 2022. Points raised include: Total sales increased by 36% to £304m Dobbies’ underlying EBITDA increased to £45.6m, with strong retail sales being offset by restaurant trading (affected by Covid-19 restrictions) Operating Profit for 2022 …

RKW is continuing to support UK households during the ongoing cost of living crisis with its industry-first energy saving campaign, providing quality, affordable, and efficient electrical and housewares products for use in the home. The campaign is educating consumers about the benefits of investing in efficient products, to minimise energy …

Ledbury Hardware (Ledbury) has won Home Hardware’s Magic of Christmas Window Dressing Competition receiving £100 in M&S vouchers. Frosts Home Hardware (Saundersfoot) received the runner’s up prize of £50 M&S vouchers. The competition was introduced to support Christmas decorations and to inspire retailers to create eye-catching window displays.