A fresh new look for this year’s CHSI Stitches saw thousands of buyers get together at the NEC Birmingham to place orders, network, develop knowledge and skills. The 2018 show paid host to more than 200 exhibitors and marks the first stage of ICHF Event’s redesign for the show.
A key draw for this show was a new major independent industry report, which was revealed to show visitors at three keynotes in the Presentation Theatre. The theatre was the centrepiece for the show, and was packed every day with craft industry professionals to hear from some of the UK’s top magazine editors, trend leaders and influencers. Speakers from Pinterest, Homes and Gardens Magazine, Living etc. along with experts on GDPR and social media delivered insights to hundreds across the three days.
ICHF’s Head of Events and show organiser Dominic Fleming said: “The show has been a resounding success, and we’re delighted with the feedback from both exhibitors and retailers. We wanted to make some key changes to the show this year and take the first steps towards the revamp, which we’re working on. To see it brought to life and hear the response from visitors has confirmed that we’re going in the right direction. Reports from exhibitors indicate that the orders have been strong with new leads generated from key buyers.”
What exhibitors had to say:
Exhibitors, from large brands to smaller start-ups reported strong sales and quality leads. The show saw impressive stands and up-to-the-minute ranges from some of the industry’s leading brands.
Hoooked, producers of innovative yarns made from recycled T shirts had an excellent show. Geesje Mosies said: “We produce all of our own recycled yarn and it was so well received at the show. The real winner for this show has been our amigurumi crochet kits, which are again made up of recycled yarns and a sustainable bamboo hook. We’ve had an offer on for the full set and have taken so many orders.”
Michael Armstrong, Managing Director, Rico Design “It’s been an excellent show, we’ve had a good level of enquiries and orders with quality leads. We’ve been showcasing our new spring/summer collection for hand knitting plus our new fabrics. Our latest fabric and stationary craft themes, ‘wonderland’ and ‘hygge’ have gone down really well.”
The new-look featured a brand-new Presentation Theatre, a new Catwalk and Media Hub. Vibrant performances on the all-new catwalk took place each day of the show, featuring creations from Vlieseline, Rico Designs, Gutermann, Lion Brand, Madeira and McCall Pattern Company.
Key new industry data revealed
Essential data into the craft industry was exclusively revealed in The Craft Report – The Future Is Ours to Create, a new and one-of-a-kind piece of industry research presented at CHSI Stitches 2018, providing valuable insight for craft businesses. Presented by research specialist Linda Jones on Sunday 18th February, and each subsequent day of the show, visitors to CHSI Stitches were given unparalleled data on craft audiences, industry trends and the lifecycle of the craft project journey as well as action points to drive their businesses.
Organised by ICHF Events, CHSI Stitches has been at the heart of the craft industry for more than 40 years. CHSI Stitches 2019 takes place from 17th – 19th February, 2019 at the NEC, Birmingham, UK.
For more information visit www.chsi.co.uk
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