Craft Buddy continues to trailblaze in the arts & crafts space, with an impressive first half year expansion with retail customers and distributors in the UK and Europe.
Since 2016, the company has evolved from making OEM own-label arts and crafts lines to establishing success with its own brands including Crystal Art and Paint by Numb3rs. Since 2020 it has also expanded rapidly in the licensing sector, securing enviable partnerships with the likes of Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, Warner Bros, Penguin and others.
“We are delighted by this growth in the first half of 2024, which marks a significant uplift in our independent specialist stores & convenience retailers”
Combined with investment in business development, and the spotlight shed on arts and crafts during the covid pandemic, the company has experienced phenomenal growth and expansion of its consumer – today its vast range of product delights a customer demographic that spans enthusiastic creative young minds aged 6+, through to kidult crafters and seasoned hobbyists.
In the first half of 2024, Craft Buddy has secured more than 30 new retail partnerships, of which 20 are UK based, with the others spanning key European markets including Germany, Italy, France, Portugal, The Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Austria, Luxembourg and Slovakia.
In the UK retailers including Ryman, The Entertainer, Asda, Forbidden Planet, John Hall Group (who own Spar North) have come on board; overseas, Rewe, the leading German supermarket chain, have also recently onboarded Craft Buddy. Strong performance of hit lines, such as the Disney 100 Crystal Art Sticker Album (which has now exceeded 1.6million units in global sales to June 2024), has helped attract new customers and bring strong sales from distributors in new territories such as Portugal and Malta.
Commenting on its retail growth, Dan Ward, Head of Sales at Craft Buddy comments: “We are delighted by this growth in the first half of 2024, which marks a significant uplift in our independent specialist stores & convenience retailers. Expanding our distribution at retail is a key factor in our strategic growth strategy across the UK and Europe. The uplift demonstrates that creative arts & crafts continue to appeal to consumers and the sector continues to thrive and grow.”
Contact the sales team for more information on the full Craft Buddy range on 020 3417 6565 or trade@craftbuddyltd.co.uk