Spotlight Celebrates 20 Years with Crafty Kiwis

Media Release

11 March 2016

Spotlight Celebrates 20 Years with Crafty Kiwis

New Zealand’s largest craft and home interior superstore is celebrating its 20th birthday this month.

To mark the anniversary, three of the nation’s favourite Kiwis have been immortalised in textile art. The cuddly look-a-likes of Lorde, Sir Peter Jackson and Richie McCaw were hand made by craft enthusiast Deborah van Praagh from Auckland.

According to Nielsen* research into the DIY and craft activities that are most popular among New Zealanders, more than half (55%) enjoy home baking, followed by home renovation/decorating (27%), arts and crafts (23%) and sewing or dressmaking (14%).

In the past 20 years Spotlight has become a go-to destination for Kiwis who love craft, fabrics and home decorating. In fact, over the last 20 years Spotlight has sold:

• 540,000 cushions

• 300,000 costumes

• 3 million buttons

• 30 million meters of fabric

Spotlight spokesperson Eva Daly, says the store is celebrating by looking back over the last two decades, but also by looking ahead.

“Spotlight is honoured to have helped Kiwis to be creative and innovative for the last 20 years. And we’re particularly excited to see what the next 20 years brings. The craft community in New Zealand is thriving. There are so many incredible craft bloggers out there now, and a wealth of inspirational ideas available across Instagram and Pinterest in particular”, she says.

According to social media network Pinterest, which has released a top 100 pins prediction list, the craft trends to watch this year include woven wall décor, bright graphic throw pillows, upcycled bandana bibs, DIY typography wall art and for the DIY stylist, the fashion trend to attempt is ‘richness without rules’- using a mix of patterns, embroideries, colours and fabrics in one outfit.

Staff member Charmaine Heke has been with the store network since it opened 20 years ago. Her career has spanned eight Spotlight stores across New Zealand and she remains inspired by the creative potential of staff and customers.

“I really enjoy the work that others produce and watching the magic of something being created” Says Mrs Heke.

Spotlight is extending its celebrations in-store with exclusive customer discounts and birthday events on Saturday March 12. Head towww.spotlight.co.nz or www.facebook.com/Spotlightstores to find out more.

-ENDS

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