Hong Kong’s gifts and premiums exports expanded by 15% year-on-year in 2023, after a 3% decrease in 2022. Sales to most traditional markets such as the US, the EU, the UK and Switzerland also saw a decent growth in 2023, ranging from 2% to 35%. On the other hand, export performance to Asian markets like mainland China, Macao and Taiwan also recorded a solid growth.

Pantone Color Institute crowns carmine contender as 2023’s defining new hue at the recently concluded Winter Edition of the Las Vegas Market.

With AWOL attendees back and expanded exhibitor numbers, the Las Vegas Market seemed to have regained its pre-pandemic mojo.

The promotional-products sector is once again booming in the US, at least according to showgoers at the Las Vegas PPAI Expo. Demand is high, as the US economy puts Covid-19 in the rear-view mirror, while customers re-set their expectations and accept supply chain limitations.

While a post-pandemic boom in home remodelling saw buyers flock to the rebooted expo, there were signs that robust demand coupled with weak supply was leading to sustained upward price pressure, triggering growing interest in the second-hand and refurbished goods sector.

Sold-out show stands at Las Vegas event indicate a widespread intent on the part of retail buyers to avoid empty shelves in the Christmas rush, with supply chain disruptions the talk of the show and some exhibitors limiting order sizes due to shortages, while expecting price increases.

The easing of Covid restrictions helped the Summer 2021 Las Vegas Market get back to its best, while even the still-obligatory masks didn't put a dampener on the surge in interest in household furnishings and leisurewear, while the anticipation of a vibrant Christmas was all but palpable.

Restored to its in-person format if not its usual timeslot, North America’s leading furniture, gift and home-decor event boasted impressive attendance levels, while business was brisk with regard to alfresco equipment, home-improvement items and fun-themed novelty products.

In a quick response to the Covid-19 outbreak and the new stay-at-home economy, Quinn Lai, the founder of the Hong Kong custom watch brand EONIQ, has rapidly digitalised his mechanical watchmaking workshops and launched a DIY watchmaking kit.

Restaurants and bars worldwide have become a focal point for clusters of Covid-19 infections and are reeling from mandatory lockdowns and steep financial decline. With the concept of going out to drink under severe pressure, a new at-home cocktail brand has grown in popularity, providing the whole cocktail culture for the consumers of the new stay-at-home economy.