The same happens every year, we habitually enjoy a moan about the fact the Christmas arrives earlier and earlier. This year however, it seems the British public have had enough. There’s somewhat of a backlash. Now is indeed the time for independent retailers to get in touch with their wholesaler to build up stocks of toys, books, gifts, wrapping paper and greetings cards but don’t get them out on display too quickly.

In some parts of the country the public have started to issue quite unbelievable threats to some retailers to keep their Christmas displays under wraps for now, or face the results – which have included superglue in their door locks!

We are told the UK is heading out of recession, which is good news, but then we’re told some may feel the effects of the downturn for months or years to come. This is bad news for most industries, but not for the market of craft supplies. Research has shown that historically as recession hits, there has always been a marked increase in craft participation motivated by money saving, job replacement and time-filling needs.