CHSI Stitches 2019: Craft Industry comes together for flagship trade show
This year’s CHSI Stitches 2019 ran from 17-19 February at the NEC Birmingham. The flagship UK trade show welcomed thousands of retailers through the doors, connecting them with leading craft brands and products from across the world. The show featured exhibition stands and displays from top industry brands plus live catwalk shows, workshops and presentations, including the results of the 2019 Craft Report.
Business Insights
The show’s Insights Hub revealed the results of 2019 Craft Report on Sunday 17th February which were presented each day of the show by independent research specialists Linda Jones & Partners. Leading lights from across the industry also took to the stage to share insights including Sarah Cressall, founder of Creation Station and the teams behind the hugely successful Yarn Shop Day and Sew Saturday. Dominic Fleming, show organiser said:
“The vibrancy of the craft industry was very clear to see at this year’s show. Crafting continues to play an increasingly relevant role in society and our Craft Report research indicates that this will only continue to grow with crafters citing wellness and mindfulness as key reasons for taking up crafting.
“The ever-changing retail landscape means experiential marketing is more vital than ever: this year’s show focused on connecting suppliers and retailers to enable the sharing of techniques and skills needed to run workshops and tutorials, whether instore or online. This ultimately improves the customer experience and in turn boosts sales.”
New Product Launches
The show welcomed leading craft brands from around the world, launching must-have new lines, demonstrating and taking orders from retailers. Stix2 used the platform to launch its new cork sheets, a versatile product that can be dye cut, punched, painted, inked and stamped and used with all Stix2 adhesives. Ruth Welch, Sales Director, Stix2 said:
“The response to our new cork sheets has been great. We’ve been able to use the show to demo and make projects in workshops which has given our customers the skills and techniques to show the full potential of the product to their own customers.”
First-time Bright Sparks exhibitor, Felt Creative, introduced its range of beautiful, character-based needle felting kits to buyers. Carole Martin, owner and designer said:
“We’ve had a great response to the range, establishing new leads, meeting new customers and taking orders. Needle felting was highlighted as a growing craft in this year’s CHSI Stitches Craft Report and the interest we’ve seen over the last few days reflects that.”
Show newcomer, Finnish brand Novita, showcased its beautiful Nordic yarn range on a Scandi-style stand and also on the show’s catwalk. Underpinned by its core values of sustainability, the range includes Moomin-inspired patterns. Timed to launch just ahead of the new Moomin TV series, the range captured the imagination of customers at the show. Taija Felt, International Sales director said:
“All of the colours in our range are inspired by Nordic nature. We’ve been showcasing our ranges on the catwalk with a Lapland theme. We’ve had a lot of enquiries and meetings with both new and existing customers – the response to the range has been great.”
Word on the Tweet: Visitors reported an excellent show, sharing their finds across social media. Tina Francis Tapestry tweeted: Fantastic new product catwalk @CHSIstitches and great feedback from exhibitors – it’s worth putting your work on this catwalk!
William Gee Haberdashery tweeted: Heading back from a great day out at @chsistitches Stitches Trade Show, meeting old friends & making new ones too. Lots of new products to digest from @prym.consumer, @vlieseline_uk and @gutermanncreativuk as well as plenty of independent shops!
SAVE THE DATE!
CHSI Stitches is Europe’s No 1 trade show for the art, craft, needlecraft, fabric and hobby industry. CHSI Stitches 2020 takes place from 16 – 18 February 2020 at the NEC, Birmingham. Reservations are being taken for exhibition stands now. For further information email info@ichf.co.uk or call (0)1425 272711.
For more information visit www.chsi.co.uk
Twitter: @CHSIstitches
Instagram: @chsistitches
LinkedIn: CHSI Stitches
For more information please contact Sharon Foxwell or Jo Holdom at One Voice Media & PR on 44 (0)1392 278801 or email sharon-jo@onevoicemedia.co.uk
