Source Home & Gift has created a new platform for responsibly made homewares, furniture, and more by artisans, producers and manufacturers from over 20 countries including Egypt, Pakistan, Ghana, Nepal, Singapore, Europe and the US.
Feedback from retailers was overwhelmingly positive. Olivia Clarke, buyer at John Lewis, commented: “Source Home & Gift is useful. It’s much easier to see things in the UK from overseas manufacturers. We are looking to streamline our process and the number of suppliers we work with.”
Suzanne Ellingham, director of sourcing at Source Home & Gift, added: “I have been overwhelmed and humbled by the first two days of Source Home & Gift. Our aim when we developed the concept to launch a new responsible sourcing show was to help and support communities and showcase how we can do things better, but I don’t think any of us really imagined the impact of hearing people’s stories and the incredible work that is being done around the world to help individuals, communities, and the planet.
“The feedback from some of the UK’s leading retailers in attendance has been great, I’m delighted to see how many of them are placing responsible sourcing at the very forefront of their business strategies.”
Terrie Isaac, head of creative at BDA London opened the show’s Responsible Retail Stage with an insight into The Evolution of Trends. Jack Stratten, head of trends at Insider Trends, followed with Ethical Interiors Start with Responsible Sourcing.
On Monday, Gwyneth Holland, futures strategist at BDA London presented a trend session on Protopia and the key home trends for 2024. JoJo Maman Bebe founder, Laura Tenison MBE, joined the stage in the afternoon for a keynote address, discussing ethical retailing and the challenges of doing well whilst doing good.
