Gift retailers are continuing to support an upsurge in British manufacturing according to new figures released by The Great British Exchange.
The company shipped 10,000 boxes of British made product to UK stores and sold 200,000 units on behalf of its network of handpicked designer makers in 2017.
The company, which helps retailers source the latest British made goods for their stores and supports up and coming brands onto the high street has attributed expansion in 2017 to a rising consumer trend to buy local.
Managing director Matthew Hopkins said “We are now introducing 15 new British brands to the UK supply chain every week and this is giving retailers a key point of difference as well as supporting some exciting homegrown talent.
“We have seen a far higher level of interest in British goods from gift retailers over the past 12 months than previously and a large part of that growth can be attributed to consumer demand for locally sourced and unique gifts.”
As well as sourcing British goods for large retailers such as John Lewis, Dobbies and Forest Holidays, the Great British Exchange works with 2,500 independent stores including North Yorkshire based gift shop Moor and Tide.
“The Great British Exchange was launched to offer buyers the newness and variety they crave and make it as easy as possible for them to stock the latest hot British brands,” explained Matthew.
The Great British Exchange has helped independent makers like Izzi Rainey and Isle of Skye Candle Company to find their way into the mainstream and works with regional independent retailers to offer them exclusivity on homewares, food and drink and gifts that have been made locally, helping them reduce distribution miles and carbon footprint.
“We have also streamlined the logistics side of our operations, managing fulfilment, transportation, bar coding and packaging where needed to make it easier for gift buyers to source goods from multiple small retailers,” said Matthew.
“We’re proud to be turning the supply chain on its head and providing the missing link between local producer and high street buyer.”
