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NEWS EXTRA
As the UK’s only trade event dedicated to the paper and writing instruments industry, this is an incredibly exciting development that will see a broader range of products on offer than ever before
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ccording to the Creative Industries Council, the craft business contributes £3.4bn to the UK economy. This seems to only be growing as the Mintel’s UK Hobbies and Interests Market Report for 2022 states that one-in-five adults have embarked on a new hobby since the outbreak of COVID-19 - with people spending more time at home, there has been a rise in concern for achieving the perfect worklife balance.
In a recent survey conducted by London Stationery Show sent out to its database of independent retailers, art materials came out on top as the most popular product type stocked in store; this surpassed all other categories, including notebooks and journals, diaries, writing instruments and greeting cards. In fact, 32% of survey respondents stated that arts and crafts are currently the biggest area for growth in their businesses, emphasising the increasing popularity of these products amongst consumers. Sandra Jervis, owner of Creative Cove in Lampeter, is a regular attendee at London Stationery Show. For her, arts and crafts are a crucial part of her store offering. “Arts and crafts products are now my biggest sellers. My customers are increasingly falling in love with craft kits, not only because they are an opportunity to try something new, but because they represent great value for money. The products I sell have a premium feel and make great gifts. Arts and crafts really do sell themselves!” Arts and crafts were also celebrated at the 2022 BOSS Awards, held in Manchester at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in November last year. Sandra and Creative Cove were shortlisted for the independent retailer award alongside fellow stationery, arts and crafts retailers Meraki Colour and Stationery Supplies. Sarah Laker, owner of Stationery Supplies, picked up the award for the second year running, proving the popularity of stationery, arts and crafts in the industry. For art material and crafting companies choosing to exhibit at London Stationery Show, the demand for their products has been apparent. In the survey, 67% of respondents stated that they attended to source arts and crafts products for their stores, with an average of £47k being spent individually on arts and crafts stock per year. “The exhibition is an essential platform for us to showcase new art material product ranges to existing and potential customers and is always extremely successful for us,” says Paul Sacki, director at Jakar International, and exhibitor at London Stationery Show. The 2023 London Stationery Show will be hosted at the London Design Centre on March 16 and 17.