Patchwork Present: crowdfunding gifts

Gifting company Patchwork Present applies the idea of crowdfunding to buying gifts. Users create a goal that their friends and family can all contribute money to, so that instead of getting lots of little presents, they can save up for the one big thing they really want.

HEMA opens in London

Dutch interiors and lifestyle chain HEMA has opened its first shop in London near Victoria station, offering a range of affordable homewares, fashion, beauty and food products.

The Confetti Bar

Founded by Jessica Serra Huizenga, online boutique The Confetti Bar sells speciality confetti for craft projects and celebrations.

Christmas pop-up shop: Clippings x Designjunction

Until the 5th of January, Londoners can pop into Clippings' first brick-and-mortar Christmas Shop, situated in Covent Garden and curated by leading design trade show designjunction.

StreetHub: click-and-collect for independent retailers

Launched yesterday, new online retail platform StreetHub was set up with the aim to bring customers back into brick-and-mortar stores.

The platform partners with independent retailers across fashion and homewares, offering customers the convenience of shopping online with the personal touch of collecting goods in-store.

Experiencing design: Designerbox.com

Glass candlestick by Arik Levy

Designerbox.com is a new concept for monthly surprises. Starting at €29 a month, customers choose a subscription from 3 to 12 months to receive a design object directly into their letter box. 

The Affordable Art Studio

Say Cheese Ruby by Celia C Peters

With a shared ethos that art should be accessible to everyone, Oxford University Graduates Luke Halsey and Alison Waldron launched The Affordable Art Studio, an online gallery store, selling a variety of hand-picked artworks from exciting, emerging artists as well as more acclaimed creatives.