Latest news with #collectables
The Independent
02-07-2025
- The Independent
Sought-after Jellycats targeted by criminal gangs in soft toy crimewave
Fluffy, colourful and cute — Jellycats have become the latest collectable to go viral with their popularity rivalling the Beanie Baby craze of the 90s. The Prince and Princess of Wales were even gifted two of the toys plushies during a royal garden party at Buckingham Palace last month, with William saying: 'These are like gold dust, my children go crazy for these things.' But the fame and expensive price tag of the toys means they have also become a target for thieves, including organised criminal gangs. Independent garden centres and bookshops up and down the country are facing incidents of shoplifting that has left retailers thousands of pounds out of pocket. The stolen items, traders have told The Independent, end up on dedicated Facebook pages for buying and selling of the toys, as well as listings on online marketplaces like eBay and Vinted. Prices range from £12 for a smaller toy up to £200 for a giant one. Just last week, Dorset Police issued an appeal after a woman entered a bookshop in Christchurch twice, stealing almost £250 worth of Jellycat toys. On Friday, West Mercia Police arrested a 38-year-old woman after Jellycat toys were stolen over three incidents at St Peter's Garden Centre and Evesham Country Park, both in Norton, Worcestershire. And in February, a woman admitted stealing almost £3,000 worth of Jellycat toys from three different garden centres in Norfolk. Ruby Smith, 35, of Eye in Suffolk, was sentenced to a 26-week prison sentence, suspended for 24 months. In March, the Gorge Bear Company suffered an overnight ram raid at its store in Cheddar, Somerset, when around 300 of the toys were allegedly stolen. A man has been arrested by police while inquiries continue. And in Bridport in Dorset last year, Charlie Groves, owner of Groves Nursery, spotted on on CCTV a woman pushing a baby in a pram while allegedly stealing eight Jellycats worth more than £300. A woman in her 30s has been charged with shoplifting in connection with the incident. She is due to appear at Newton Abbot Magistrates' Court for a plea hearing on 14 August. Mr Groves said: 'The Jellycat toys are collectable, and it's just another sought-after good criminals appear to turning to, while independent retailers like ourselves lose out. There's a clear cost to all this. 'We think the toys are stolen and then sold online, it's very difficult to stop, but we've tried to up our security in store.' The success story behind the Jellycat toy started in 1999 when brothers Tom and Will Gatacre founded the brand and displayed their products at a London trade show, attracting the attention of major retailers such as John Lewis and Selfridges. Today, the company has around 1,200 stockists across the UK, although has reduced the number recently to 'offer the best shopping experience for customers'. Katy Bourne, the national lead on retail crime for the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC), told The Independent she was also aware of a 'high number of cases' involving Jellycats. She is encouraging targeted shops like garden centres to provide details on thefts to an information-sharing schemed used by police forces called Project Pegasus, which she launched in 2023. She said: 'The Jellycat toys are so resaleable, so sought after and valuable — we are seeing some people stealing them in bulk. 'They are so resaleable because people want to buy them for their kids. It is a mix of people stealing. We have seen organised criminal gangs, but you also get the opportunists. Shops need to work with police on stopping the thieves.' In April, figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed the number of shoplifting offences had reached a record high. A total of 516,971 offences were logged by forces in 2024, up 20 per cent from 429,873 in 2023. Nearly a quarter of people have witnessed shoplifting taking place in a shop over the past 12 months, said the British Retail Consortium, which estimated the crime costs retailers in the UK £2.2bn last year. The body said it suspected Jellycat toys were being stolen to relate online due to their high value. Speaking about retail crime generally, Graham Wynn, assistant director of business and regulation, told The Independent: "While the causes are manifold, the rise in organised crime is a significant concern, with gangs hitting stores one after another. 'Sadly, such theft is not a victimless crime; it pushes up the cost for honest shoppers and damages the customer experience."
Khaleej Times
28-06-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Why is everyone so obsessed with Labubu dolls?
In today's evolving lifestyle scene, a curious trend has taken root: the rise of collectables and miniatures. Among these, Labubu – a quirky, bug-eyed character with a mischievous grin – has become an unexpected sensation. From toys to cakes, Labubu's presence is everywhere, captivating Gen-Z and millennials alike. The mixed-method model of research reveals that social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have significantly influenced this trend. Constant exposure to trending items creates a strong urge among Gen-Z and millennials to own them, with the concept of FOMO (fear of missing out) playing a substantial role. 'Gen-Z has grown up in a rapidly changing, digitalised, and unpredictable world, which can create feelings of global uncertainty and instability. They may feel they have no control over what is happening in the world, or even in their own lives. The act of collecting and curating these items provides a sense of control in a manageable and predictable world, which can be incredibly soothing. In addition, these objects often evoke positive emotions, linking to childhood memories and offering a much-needed emotional reprieve,' said Dr Amir Firouzjaei, a Chinese medicine practitioner at Dubai-based medical centre Wellth. In the UAE, the demand for miniatures and collectables is steadily rising both as keepsakes and in creative formats like desserts. Mini-cakes, in particular, have become a popular choice for gifting and celebrations. As the country continues to embrace this miniature (r)evolution, it's evident that sometimes, the smallest things can make the most significant impact. Despite the high pricing of certain items, people continue to invest in them whether as souvenirs while travelling, as unique birthday cakes, or simply as a hobby. Passionate community of collectors Hassan Tamimi, CEO of The Little Things, said the excitement surrounding Labubu has gone beyond the usual collector demographic, drawing in a more varied and diverse audience to retail locations and digital channels. This rising interest has significantly boosted the entire collectables segment and focused efforts to support the passionate community of collectors across the Middle East. 'Miniature collectables are often priced quite high, yet people are still willing to buy them. The blend of nostalgia and new fandoms, coupled with the thrill of collecting, continues to fuel the vibrant and evolving collectables scene in the region,' he said. Dubai-based collector Utkarsh Shivaraj shared his journey into the world of designer toys and miniatures: 'As a child, I admired characters in cartoons and movies for their unique designs. That fascination grew into a passion for collecting. What started as buying one item every few months has turned into a regular hobby that sees me decorating my home with visually striking pieces.' 'Collecting designer toys and miniatures brings emotional comfort and helps me reconnect with my inner child. It's a creative escape, where I imagine a fictional world that makes me feel like the main character, surrounded by my favourite characters even if they aren't real,' added Shivaraj. Miniature objects often evoke strong emotional responses due to the Baby Schema Theory, which suggests that features like large eyes and small noses trigger caregiving instincts in humans" Carolyn Yaffe Carolyn Yaffe, counsellor and cognitive behaviour therapist at Medcare Camali Clinic in Dubai, provided insights into the psychological appeal of miniatures. She said: 'Miniature objects often evoke strong emotional responses due to the Baby Schema Theory, which suggests that features like large eyes and small noses trigger caregiving instincts in humans. 'Characters such as Labubu or Grogu possess these traits, tapping into our innate desire to nurture and protect. Miniatures represent a 'contained world,' offering feelings of comfort and safety. Their small size reflects intimacy and manageability, making them less threatening. In bustling urban environments like Dubai, these miniatures can serve as calming, portable sanctuaries, symbolising peace amidst chaos,' she added. Desire to nurture and protect Maneet Singh, psychotherapist and mental health counsellor at Keyani Wellness Center, shares the sentiment, noting: 'In stressful or uncertain times, people often value emotional comfort over practical utility. Miniatures can evoke memories, reflect identity, and spark joy. When something makes us feel safe or seen, its emotional worth can easily outweigh its price.' For Sahil Sajan, director at Milano by Danube, the ongoing Labubu trend is particularly intriguing. 'It's captivating to observe how such unique designs resonate with people and evolve. These collectables represent stories, cultures, and personal experiences. Incorporating them into my living spaces adds a layer of personality and nostalgia, making each piece a cherished part of my journey,' he said. 'As a content creator,' said FelyJoy Gonzales, 'I've seen first-hand how miniature desserts capture attention instantly. They're not just food, they're eye candy. These tiny creations are super aesthetic, playful, and unique, which makes them perfect for platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Sometimes, I even find mini items that resemble things from back home, and that connection makes the memory stronger.' As the collectables landscape continues to evolve, it's evident that these miniature treasures offer more than just aesthetic appeal, they provide a tangible connection to cherished memories and cultural identities, resonating deeply with collectors across the Middle East and beyond. KT Luxe
The Sun
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Record-breaking snooker star Jackson Page launches new side hustle after landing £147,000 bonus
SNOOKER star Jackson Page has put his historic £147,000 prize money to good use - and opened up his own shop. The 23-year-old made history earlier this year after becoming the first player ever to compile TWO 147 breaks in the same pro match. Page achieved the feat during a World Championship qualifying win over Allan Taylor in April. The Welsh star bagged a £147k bonus for his trouble - a figure he later described as "life-changing". Page declared he will use some of the cash to get on the housing ladder. But he's also poured some of the bonus into a new business venture. Page is now the proud owner of a trading card and collectables shop. He opened AJs Trading Cards in Brynmawr, south Wales, late last month. The store stocks collectables and toys ranging from Pokémon card to Lego. Page told the WST earlier this year: "Everyone on tour knows that I am really into collectable stuff like Pokémon Cards and other things. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK "I just decided it would be great to open up a shop as a bit of a thing on the side. "'It is a bit of an interest for me and something I like to do when I'm not focusing on snooker. "It has been a brilliant experience seeing it open up, I obviously can't work in there as I'm a snooker player but I've got someone to work there and it is a good hobby to have. "We've got all sorts of things in there like Lego sets and Plushies, as well as the trading cards. "We've got a few cards in there worth over £2,000. The most valuable and rare Pokémon card we have is called a Moonbreon." Page is currently ranked as the world No.33. He turned pro in 2019 and this year reached his first final at the Championship League. Despite bagging the huge 147 jackpot, Page claimed he would have swapped the money for a place at the Crucible. The Welshman narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Worlds, losing 10-7 to Joe O'Connor on Judgement Day. Page said: "Obviously the titles mean more than the money, so I'm still gutted. "You've got a chance of winning if you're there and I was here to win the tournament. I'm not now. 'I know this might sound silly but I think I'd rather be at the Crucible. 'Last year I was hammered (by Ronnie O'Sullivan) but I was there. I would like to end there, but I've just got to say to myself that I don't want to play at qualifying again."
Daily Mail
27-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Real-life Antiques Roadshow! The ten classic family heirlooms that are now worthless and the surprising ones that could net you a fortune, revealed by top experts
Many of us have antiques, heirlooms or collectables proudly on display or carefully stored away at home that we hope are worth a bob or two. But experts say many of the treasured pieces you or a family member spent thousands on decades ago may not have delivered the returns hoped for. In fact, some of the most popular antiques have not increased in value at all for more than 40 years – representing a staggering loss in value in real terms. In some cases they are worth less now than they were then. Here are common ones that may hold a place in your heart – but have very little value on today's market.
