Over the last decade, consumers have been spoilt by the increasing choice of products in our sectors, from all over the world. Increasingly we have to become more innovative in our art, craft and stationery markets.

Ease of use and minimum mess has helped increase sales of Bostik Sticki Pen by five times over the last 12 months. The manufacturer is now preparing for a peak in sales activity during the ‘back to school' season. 

Leading stationery brand, BIC, is set to build on last year's Back to School success, with its fantastic product range for 2009. BIC's must-have recommendations for the new school term include the Cristal® family, BIC® Kids range, Tipp-Ex®, mechanical pencils, highlighters and permanent markers.

Citizen Systems Europe, the leading manufacturer of dot matrix, label and barcode printers, has helped Astro Labels, based just outside Johannesburg, South Africa, to develop a successful business that produces personalised labels for children's belongings. Originally supplying Citizen label printers to the business market, the niche market for Astro Labels' personalised labels has grown rapidly in recent years.

Blu-Tack®, the market's leading re-usable adhesive, is advising retailers to stock up ahead of the ‘back to school' season following the product's sales success over the last 12 months.

Deliveries begin in May 2009 until the end of July 2009.

With the new Back to School season fast approaching, Mitsubishi Pencil Co., owner of leading stationery brand uni-ball, offers retailers a wide range of products that instantly appeal to children and students.

Geometrix are key suppliers to the Education sector, Retail and Wholesale outlets and Promotional/Business Gift areas.

The academic market is a huge market for stationery retailers, providing a key sales opportunity only overtaken by the Christmas period. The market is fiercely fought over and getting the right combination of products, price, merchandising and marketing is key for manufacturers and retailers.

Texas Instruments is using BETT to demonstrate projectors for education applications. Innovations include 3D display, extreme short throw, high brightness, vibrant colour and filter-free projectors.