http://www.craftbusiness.com/site/ en anna.blewett@aceville.co.uk Copyright 2008 2008-07-23T10:27:00+00:00 http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/E-CraftBusiness/fullstory/stop_printing_patterns/ http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/E-CraftBusiness/fullstory/stop_printing_patterns/#When:09:27:00Z A knit retailer's call to the yarn industryKnitting, over the years, has seen its fair share of ups and downs. Yet, there seems to be one aspect that each of you have ignored – the thing that costs you time and money as well as a good deal of space and waste. It’s in patterns that each of your companies is letting the consumer down. Whenever I get a new yarn I need the pattern support for the customer to be able to do something with it. However, while you are trying to protect your copyright you are missing out on certain advantages that the modern way of purchasing has to offer. The basic costs of the pattern market are: designs, photo shoots, printing, storage, distribution and waste. From the shop owners perspective patterns are essential; without them we have a hard job selling the wool and vice versa. However, like warehouses, shops have only a limited amount of space to store patterns and therefore can't hope to have a full range, even if they'd like to. If a shop keeps 2,000 patterns in stock they have to loose some ten to 15 feet of space that could be given over to selling more wool. Also, because shops can’t afford to stock every pattern that comes out they miss out on a sale or the customer has to wait until they can get the pattern in stock.   So the solution? Stop printing your patterns! With technology the way it is, it amazes me that none of you have thought to come up with a database of all your patterns that can be printed off by the wool shops and sold to the customers. The customer doesn’t care who produces the pattern, they just want the design they like. This is also true of shop owners. Obviously as a shop owner I don’t want to be paying too much to have a database in my shop. There have been hints from certain wool companies that they will set up this service but the initial investment for us would be the same as paying for our year’s supply of patterns in one lump sum. What do I want? I want a hard drive that has a PDF file of all the patterns all the companies have, past and present. I want all the patterns to be loaded on each month by memory stick, either by the rep or by post. I want a counter on the system that will tell me how much per month I have to pay each company for the patterns I have printed off. Basically I want to be able to offer my customers a choice, not just what I think will sell and I want the copyright system to stay in place for the sake of the industry.  The benefits of this system are: no printing cost for the manufacturer; no storage costs; no distribution costs; no wastage. It means patterns would always be in stock; shops will have more space and customers will have more choice. The only way I can see it working is by each company agreeing to take a share in a company set up to do nothing but supply pattern from each of you. This is a time to forget the way things were done and start to think in a new way. If each of you brings out it’s own system some of you won’t survive and shop owners can’t afford to pay every one of you for your own system. A revolution is coming and you will either lead it or be swept away by it and the copyright laws are the only advantage you have at the moment. That can’t last forever!   One Voice 2008-07-23T09:27:00+00:00 http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/E-CraftBusiness/fullstory/retailer_defends_controversial_knitting_book/ http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/E-CraftBusiness/fullstory/retailer_defends_controversial_knitting_book/#When:10:15:00Z Members of the Jewish community have condemned the knitting manual, which features a picture of Hitler doing the Nazi salute on the front cover and includes a woolly depiction of the dictator named Knitler. A spokesman for the Jewish Network told The Sun newspaper "You would hope people would have more sense than to take a cuddly Hitler into work." The story has hit headlines nationwide and been reported in countries as far as Thailand and Australia, in addition to featuring on The Sun and Telegraph websites. However, Sue Stratford, owner of yarn store The Knitting Hut, believes the situation has been blown out of proportion. “I really feel for her as I'm sure she didn't intend to upset or offend anyone. She's probably more upset than anybody that this has happened. She's always looking for wild and different things to do and I'm sure it was just an innocent thing on her part. Perhaps her publishers should have guided her more carefully.” Rachael is well known within the knitting community, credited as being the brains behind knitting group Cast Off she is also the co-owner of knitting store Prick Your Finger. Do you think the reaction is justified? Please tell me what you think about this issue or any other story featured on the website at golnaz@aceville.co.uk News 2008-07-22T10:15:00+00:00 http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/E-CraftBusiness/fullstory/fiskars_adds_to_craftimes_growing_quality_brands/ http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/E-CraftBusiness/fullstory/fiskars_adds_to_craftimes_growing_quality_brands/#When:09:20:00Z Craftime Ltd., the Nottingham based craft manufacturer and distributor are delighted to announce that they have been selected to distribute the Fiskars craft range.The Fiskars brand includes a variety of crafting tools for different techniques: shape cutting, embossing, and stamping, but is most well known for its orange handled scissors which have been a sign of excellent quality for over 40 years. Stuart Bestwick, Craftime MD explained that for Craftime the Fiskars Brand “….bridged a number of crafts which Craftime currently offers including Papercraft, Books, Childrens Crafts and Haberdashery.” and he was delighted to “….be able to offer another quality brand, supported by our high quality of service. ” , Fiskars National Account Manager Dave Gittins, commented “ I am delighted that Craftime have become a distributor of Fiskars products. I believe this represents an excellent opportunity to increase the accessibility of the brand to a wider customer base.” The Craftime range currently comprises their own manufactured Papercraft, Beading and Haberdashery ranges and they are distributors of Hot off the Press, David & Charles Craft Books, Creative Hands, Gutermann Threads, and Bonfanti Buttons. Retailers should contact Craftime for more information and price lists on 01623 722828 or at http://www.craftime.co.uk Hot Products 2008-07-22T09:20:00+00:00 http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/E-CraftBusiness/fullstory/cha_invests_in_a_global_vision/ http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/E-CraftBusiness/fullstory/cha_invests_in_a_global_vision/#When:19:00:00Z As it convenes for its summer convention and trade show in Rosemont, Illinois, the Craft and Hobby Association has taken a first step towards strengthening its ties with the international craft market. CHA's 'international task force' has announced the appointment of consultancy firm Association Global Services (AGS) in a bid to underline 'CHA’s long-term commitment to provide meaningful membership programs for all its members regardless of the country of origin.' AGS has been charged with evaluating the international membership value proposition, assessing business issues across the international craft markets, and providing a strategic plan of action to address global concerns for both international and domestic members of CHA leading into the next decade.  Whilst CHA has traditionally taking a North American-centric view of the craft and hobby trade, it is hoped that the fact-finding mission undertaken by AGS will mark the beginning of a more global perspective. “CHA is uniquely qualified to provide help and to confront the challenges of globalisation facing the international craft and hobby industry,” explains task force chair Carolyn Schulz. “As a matter of fact about 16% percent of CHA membership is internationally based in dozens of countries around the world while more and more domestic members are interested in expanding internationally. Hiring AGS is a great next step toward helping address the international issues facing our members.”       For more information visit http://www.craftandhobby.org                   Are you a member of CHA? Do you think the organisation could offer you and your business more? Please post your comments below.                                                                                              News 2008-07-19T19:00:00+00:00 http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/E-CraftBusiness/fullstory/retail_craft_shop_refutes_e_sales_report1/ http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/E-CraftBusiness/fullstory/retail_craft_shop_refutes_e_sales_report1/#When:10:46:01Z A survey by e-retail body IMRG and technology consultancy Capgemini shows UK shoppers have spent over £26.5 billon online so far this year compared with £19.2 billion in the first half of 2007. The authors of the report predict online sales will account for up to half of all retail purchases within the next five years. Mike Petevinos, head of retail consulting for Capgemini, says "While online retail is not immune to the credit crunch, it is showing greater resilience than the high street. The online channel continues to give thanks to the traditional drivers of convenience and choice, but these appear to be magnified by the current economic environment. We predict between 30 and 50% of all retail will be online in the next five years as new drivers, such as sustainability, are added to the mix. As online sales reach 20% of all retail sales, retailers will experience a tipping point which will force them to seriously re-think the future viability of their business model.” James Roper, chief executive and founder of IMRG, adds “Online shopping growth continues to out-perform the high street, as tight budgets and poor weather keep people at home where they can shop online for bargains.” However, Jill Walker, owner of online craft store http://www.jillcraft.co.uk, has mixed feelings about the results. “I can give you two points of view on this,” she says. “My website business has drastically gone downhill but my husband is still happily spending away online. Sales have decreased dramatically and I have noticed a lot of suppliers reducing their minimum order. I think everyone is struggling and I honestly can't say whether things will be getting better anytime soon. “ Despite this there was good news for retailers this week as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) improved its global economic forecast for the year, suggesting the effects of the credit crisis are not as bad as initially anticipated. The organisation expects the world economy to grow by 4.1% this year, significantly higher than the 3.7% initially predicted. While the UK's growth is expected to rise 1.8% this year and 1.7% in 2009. If you would like to comment on this story or any other issue affecting your business, please do not hesitate to contact me at golnaz@aceville.co.uk News 2008-07-18T10:46:01+00:00 http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/E-CraftBusiness/fullstory/retail_craft_shop_refutes_e_sales_report/ http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/E-CraftBusiness/fullstory/retail_craft_shop_refutes_e_sales_report/#When:10:45:01Z A survey by e-retail body IMRG and technology consultancy Capgemini shows UK shoppers have spent over £26.5 billon online so far this year compared with £19.2 billion in the first half of 2007. The authors of the report predict online sales will account for up to half of all retail purchases within the next five years. Mike Petevinos, head of retail consulting for Capgemini, says "While online retail is not immune to the credit crunch, it is showing greater resilience than the high street. The online channel continues to give thanks to the traditional drivers of convenience and choice, but these appear to be magnified by the current economic environment. We predict between 30 and 50% of all retail will be online in the next five years as new drivers, such as sustainability, are added to the mix. As online sales reach 20% of all retail sales, retailers will experience a tipping point which will force them to seriously re-think the future viability of their business model.” James Roper, chief executive and founder of IMRG, adds “Online shopping growth continues to out-perform the high street, as tight budgets and poor weather keep people at home where they can shop online for bargains.” However, Jill Walker, owner of online craft store http://www.jillwalker.com, has mixed feelings about the results. “I can give you two points of view on this,” she says. “My website business has drastically gone downhill but my husband is still happily spending away online. Sales have decreased dramatically and I have noticed a lot of suppliers reducing their minimum order. I think everyone is struggling and I honestly can't say whether things will be getting better anytime soon. “ Despite this there was good news for retailers this week as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) improved its global economic forecast for the year, suggesting the effects of the credit crisis are not as bad as initially anticipated. The organisation expects the world economy to grow by 4.1% this year, significantly higher than the 3.7% initially predicted. While the UK's growth is expected to rise 1.8% this year and 1.7% in 2009. If you would like to comment on this story or any other issue affecting your business, please do not hesitate to contact me at golnaz@aceville.co.uk 2008-07-18T10:45:01+00:00 http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/E-CraftBusiness/fullstory/media_bt_launches_craft_channel/ http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/E-CraftBusiness/fullstory/media_bt_launches_craft_channel/#When:14:28:01Z The channel, which will be presented by well-known TV host Stephanie Weightman, will be the first craft station to hit the BT Vision airwaves and has been launched due to the growing demand from BT viewers. It will go live on July 15th and primarily focus on family, friendship and making craft fun. Create and Craft presenter Stephanie Weightman says “I look to make craft approachable, fun and something for all the family to do. For me, crafting is a way of life and it is very exciting to be part of the first and only crafting channel available to BT Vision viewers. I hope to shape the lives of others with crafting just as it has shaped mine.” Retailers have expressed concerns that the channel will undercut their prices and entice customers away from the high street. Amanda Bridger, owner of Amanda's Hobbie Hideout, says “If they sell products at much lower prices it could cause huge problems for us. At the moment I'm not very worried because I know a lot of people who watch those channels to get ideas. Many then come into the store looking for products they have seen on the shows. Of course, there are two sides to every story and not everyone will see it that way but I do believe the channel will ultimately expose crafts to a much larger audience which can only be a good thing really.” If you would like to comment on this issue or any other stories on the website, please do not hesitate to contact me at golnaz@aceville.co.uk News 2008-07-16T14:28:01+00:00 http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/E-CraftBusiness/fullstory/retail_new_stats_confirm_fears/ http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/E-CraftBusiness/fullstory/retail_new_stats_confirm_fears/#When:09:38:00Z Despite an unexpected rise in sales during May, industry experts remained pessimistic about the economic situation and attributed the increase in sales to sunny weather. The recent report confirms fears that the boost was a one-off and could not be sustained. The only sector to show growth was food and drink. Clothing, footwear, furniture and homewares all showed a significant drop in sales. Director of British Retail Consortium (BRC), Stephen Robertson, says “The negative result confirms fears May’s modest like-for-like sales growth was a start-of-summer blip. While total retail sales grew in June, that was by less than half last month’s figure. June saw like-for-like food sales up on a year ago but that was compared with suppressed sales in June 2007, the wettest on record. Almost all other retail sectors recorded falls with electricals, DIY and homewares the worst hit and furniture sales falling faster than for three years.” Owner of Jencel Beads, Celia Pinnington, says “I have definitely noticed it being particularly quiet over the past month so I am not very surprised by the recent results. People are generally making less journeys and the roads are much quieter because of the increasing petrol prices. I found it very hard to believe the reports about the May figures. I actually think we may be in for a period of major change, I don't think this will just be an economical recession but a time for change in relation to our lifestyle-choices as well as our values.” If you would like to comment on this issue, please feel free to email me at golnaz@aceville.co.uk News 2008-07-15T09:38:00+00:00 http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/E-CraftBusiness/fullstory/retail_high_street_rescue_plan_published/ http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/E-CraftBusiness/fullstory/retail_high_street_rescue_plan_published/#When:13:53:00Z The Conservative Party Commission into small shops on the high street has published a report of its findings. Following research into the most effective ways to halt the decline of small independent shops on the high street, the commission is calling for the Government to: 1. Play a leadership role in promoting town management partnership initiatives that encourage local communities to work together to protect and improve the quality of their high streets. 2. Allow local councils to ensure out-of-town retail developments work with, not against, the needs of local communities; it should allow them to retain the vital needs test, and consider the promotion of planning options that allow a diverse retail mix to flourish. 3. Encourage more local authorities to promote joint initiatives with businesses and the police to tackle crime and disorder; options for strengthening local responses to key visible forms of disorder that damage high street vitality should be considered. 4. Seek to preserve the conditions in which small retailers can compete fairly, in recognition that unfair trade disadvantages are disproportionately damaging to the small independent retailer. 5. Encourage councils to give stronger consideration to the impact of parking provision and charging on high street and town centre vitality; new options could include opening up the car parks of local authority and other public buildings to shoppers and visitors at weekends. 6. Review business rates and rent arrangements, with a view to ensuring they are fair to independent retailers, and that more is done to promote the rate relief available to the smaller shops, much of which goes unclaimed. "The commission’s proposals directly address the problems faced by high street retailers,” comments Phil Orford, chief executive of the Federation of Private Business. “Unlike the Competition Commission, which appears to have its head buried in the sand when it comes to recognising the very real threats to smaller shops across the UK, the Parliamentary Enterprise Group is facing these serious concerns head-on. The FPB is now calling on the Government to listen and act to remove the significant barriers to survival and growth for small firms." The British Retail Consortium has also applauded the report. “We welcome many of the Commission’s proposals and applaud their decision to drop earlier anti-customer plans, such as forcing charging for suburban shop car parks,” says director general Stephen Robertson. “We want thriving town centres,” he continues. “Town centres should be supported by making them more attractive, more accessible and safer places to shop.” News 2008-07-10T13:53:00+00:00 http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/E-CraftBusiness/fullstory/behind_the_stats/ http://craftbusiness.com/site/index.php/E-CraftBusiness/fullstory/behind_the_stats/#When:06:51:00Z Richard Dodd on why May retail sales are not all they seem The Cause “Retail sales were particularly poor during March and April this year,” he explains. “However, at the start of May, the sun suddenly came out and many of the customers who hadn't been interested in buying summer items, such as food and drink, felt compelled to make the most of the warm weather and do some shopping. The boost in sales came as a result of the good weather and it certainly does not indicate any fundamental changes in how well-off customers are or how confident they feel about spending. Shoppers are still very short on spare cash due to rising costs. The Facts “The ONS figures are significantly higher than our figures and also those of many retailers we have spoken to. This is because their results only counted a proportion of the responses they had collected from retailers. In fact, the statistics they released were based on the 60% of responses they had received at that point in time. Of course, they will revise these figures later when they receive the rest of the data and the original statistics they published may well go down. The Effects “Over the next few months, it remains to be seen whether the boost in sales during May is sustainable. I think it highly unlikely that we will see such a significant growth again because the arrival of summer, and the customers' response to it, is ultimately a one-off effect for the year. Even if the good weather continues it will not give shoppers the same boost again because they are still short of cash. Sales in May were prompted by the fact that the weather marked the clear start of the summer, customers responded to that by buying things in reponse. However the buzz has now worn off, and what lies ahead has yet to be seen.” Interviews 2008-07-02T06:51:00+00:00