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Onwards and Upwards!
Listed under: Interviews
Published: Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Despite the economic downturn, the craft industry has remained buoyant over the past year. Steve Chamberlain, sales and marketing director of art and craft specialist Oasis Art and Craft Products Limited, gives us his take
How do you think the market is performing this year?
At the moment, the sector is holding up incredibly well and both arts and crafts are performing very strongly. The current economic climate has definitely generated greater interest in the category, encouraging consumers to experiment with accessorising, personalising, creating and making their own things.
How has the sector evolved over the past few years?
The home improvement programmes of the early 90s definitely played a huge part in shaping the industry, inspiring up-and-coming crafters to experiment with new and innovative techniques they might not have otherwise tried. Over the past few years, people have generally moved away from unproductive pastimes – such as watching TV and playing computer games – to more educational, creative hobbies instead.
What do you think are the biggest challenges the industry is facing at the moment?
Money will definitely be the greatest obstacle businesses counter this year. At the moment, everyone is feeling the pinch and while the sector has not been affected by the recession so far, it's hard to know how the coming year will pan out. Over the next 12 months, companies will be under greater pressure than ever before to ensure they provide excellent value for money.
What do you think are the strongest areas of the craft sector at the moment?
Over the past year, our sales have stayed strong and we've experienced growth across all our ranges, including polymer clay, canvas, acrylic and fabric paint. People are generally becoming far more adventurous and experimenting with products and materials that will help them better their skills. Home décor is also becoming incredibly popular and this is an area we expect to see grow even stronger over the next year.
At the moment, the sector is holding up incredibly well and both arts and crafts are performing very strongly. The current economic climate has definitely generated greater interest in the category, encouraging consumers to experiment with accessorising, personalising, creating and making their own things.
How has the sector evolved over the past few years?
The home improvement programmes of the early 90s definitely played a huge part in shaping the industry, inspiring up-and-coming crafters to experiment with new and innovative techniques they might not have otherwise tried. Over the past few years, people have generally moved away from unproductive pastimes – such as watching TV and playing computer games – to more educational, creative hobbies instead.
What do you think are the biggest challenges the industry is facing at the moment?
Money will definitely be the greatest obstacle businesses counter this year. At the moment, everyone is feeling the pinch and while the sector has not been affected by the recession so far, it's hard to know how the coming year will pan out. Over the next 12 months, companies will be under greater pressure than ever before to ensure they provide excellent value for money.
What do you think are the strongest areas of the craft sector at the moment?
Over the past year, our sales have stayed strong and we've experienced growth across all our ranges, including polymer clay, canvas, acrylic and fabric paint. People are generally becoming far more adventurous and experimenting with products and materials that will help them better their skills. Home décor is also becoming incredibly popular and this is an area we expect to see grow even stronger over the next year.
