Gift Focus magazine

Central to the discussion were findings from the Genesis Initiative survey, conducted among Giftware Association members, which reveals fragile confidence and mounting pressure on small retailers and suppliers. Key findings from the Giftware Association Genesis survey include: Business confidence remains fragile: Sentiment is largely negative, with members expressing frustration at current economic conditions and uncertainty about the year ahead.

The business has appointed FRP Advisory as administrators for Denby and Burgess & Leigh and will continue trading in administration. Denby is said to be continuing discussions with interested parties of the sale of all or part of its business portfolio.

Balancing heritage inspiration with modern femininity, the collection celebrates florals in all their forms using designs inspired by the RHS Lindley Collections, the world's finest collection of botanical art. The Love & Roses design team were captivated by the intricate detail, colour and storytelling found within the archive.

The new episode follows Deryane as she invites Katie Gibbs, owner of OSO Boutique, into The Dressing Room, for an immersive, behind-the-scenes mentoring experience. Drawing on over 20 years in retail, Deryane shares practical, real-world advice in her own store environment, offering Katie a rare insight into what makes a successful independent boutique.

Applications are now open for Seeds of Change 2026, the Association for Cultural Enterprises' annual £10,000 prize fund supporting sustainable and entrepreneurial initiatives within the cultural sector. The Seeds of Change prize fund is designed to foster greater creativity and dynamism within income generation and environmental sustainability, inspiring arts, heritage and cultural organisations to think about innovative ways of generating income while improving their sustainable impact.

Hosted at Cranmore Park Exhibition Centre in Solihull, the 2027 calendar continues the brand's mission to provide a business-focused, buyer-centric environment for the independent retail sector. Owned and curated by Associated Independent Stores (AIS), the UK's leading buying group for fashion, home, and leisure, the INDX brand has become famous for its unique, 'by buyers for buyers' ethos, and the 2027 line-up will once again feature a diverse selection of business-first trade shows.

Championing the Home & Giftware Community As the national trade body supporting giftware, homeware, lifestyle, and design-led brands, the GA's Sponsorship underscores its commitment to strengthening the retail ecosystem and championing innovative, product-led businesses. CEO Gemma Sault, on behalf of The Giftware Association, said: "Retail Roar is an important moment in the retail calendar and a celebration of the creativity, resilience, and ambition that drives our industry.

After months of anticipation, hundreds of exceptional entries, and two rigorous rounds of judging by an esteemed panel of more than 120 industry experts, the very best products from across the home and gift world have been selected to move forward in the competition. The Gift of the Year awards celebrate the most exciting a innovative successful products across 20 diverse categories, spanning Home Fragrance, Home & Kitchen, Games & Puzzles and many more.

The new launch joins the incredible large-sized plush already at retail. The new launch was highlighted in late January at The Puppet Company's Toy Fair stand, where it received an excellent response and was one of the main stand attractions. The initial range of six palaeontologist-approved prehistoric plush launched in October 2025, vividly and accurately recreating five Dinosaurs and one Pterosaur as soft toys ranging in size from 25cm to 48cm.

A Recognition of Leadership and Impact Since stepping into her leadership role, Gemma has been a driving force behind The Giftware Association's mission to support and elevate the UK's vibrant gift and home sector. Her extensive background in retail, merchandising, supply chain management, and strategic development which spans over 15 years with major household brands continues to inform the Association's forwardthinking direction and membercentric approach.