ELEVATE
M A G A Z I N E
CHAMPIONING THE NEXT GENERATION OF CHALLENGER BRANDS
RETAIL IS CHANGING
The old rules no longer apply, and the next big brands won’t come from corporate boardrooms - they’ll come from ambitious, independent businesses that are redefining the way we shop.
That’s why we created the IND!E Elevate Magazine, designed to shine a light on the most exciting emerging brands, sharing industry insights, and creating real opportunities in retail.
At IND!E, we don’t just talk about supporting SME brands, we put them front and centre.
Through our curated brand directory, retail activations, and industry partnerships, we ensure the best challenger brands get the visibility, credibility, and access they deserve
IN THIS ISSUE
WHAT YOU’LL FIND IN THIS ISSUE:
Spotlight on Standout SME Brands - Meet the innovative businesses shaping the future of retail. This is a snapshot from our network.
IND!E Trend Report - Stay ahead with out Trend Report, packed with insights on critical consumer trends
Upcoming Opportunities For Brands - Upcoming pop-ups, distribution pathways, and key retail events
Retail Insights - Why SME challenger brands are the next big thing.
IND!E Elevate Membership - How IND!E Elevate creates visibility and retail opportunities
Being a small business owner is a bold declaration that you believe in your vision, your work, and your ability to create something meaningful from the ground up It’s about showing up every day with grit and heart You wear every hat, face every high and low, and keep going not because it’s easy, but because you know it's worth it You are proof that passion, persistence, and purpose can shape the world in powerful, personal ways
APRIL BRAND SPOTLIGHT
Our IND!E spotlight is a snapshot of our network of over 18,000 innovative brands, with a showcase of products and stories that inspire.
READ THE SPOTLIGHT
IND!E TREND REPORT
CONSUMER BUYING BEHAVIOUR & TRENDS FOR 2025
Based on insights from 17,000 SME brands and industry-leading data sources, this report unpacks:
Value-Led Spending
Consumers want transparency, sustainability, and ethics at the heart of every purchase
Experiential Retail
Pop-ups and immersive experiences are replacing traditional shopping
Digital-First Discovery
Social platforms, AI, and AR are now key drivers of brand discovery and purchase
Booming Categories
From sustainable fashion and clean beauty to premium food and wearable tech
Unmissable Design Trends
Bold maximalism, natural textures, biophilic details, and Y2K-meets-future vibes
Key Takeaway for Brands
Those who adapt, innovate, and connect with values will lead in 2025.
Consumer buying behaviour is evolving at an unprecedented pace. The global events of recent years - from the pandemic to heightened environmental concerns and economic pressures - have fundamentally altered the way individuals approach purchasing decisions.
At IND!E, our unique position at the forefront of retail innovation allows us to observe these shifts across multiple categories, including fashion, food, drink, homewares, and more
Our calendar is open for John Lewis, Morleys and Dobbies Garden Centres. Exclusive launchpad for indie brands on Ocado, Selfridges and more...
After a number of successful years participating in PITCH LIVE, we’re taking it up a notch, partnering with Speciality & Fine Food Fair to launch the IND!E Pavilion: a bold new showcase putting standout brands like yours in front of top buyers.
Please email info@collectionindie.com if you would like to take part.
RETAIL INSIGHTS
WHY SME BRANDS ARE THE NEXT BIG THING
Retail is changing The dominance of large, established brands is being challenged by a new wave of SME brands, who are independent, innovative, and more in tune with modern consumer expectations
At IND!E, we champion these challenger brands, creating visibility, exposure, and opportunities in retail There’s no silver bullet for success, but getting in front of the right buyers, gaining industry recognition, and securing the right retail opportunities is what sets successful brands apart
WHY THE SHIFT TOWARDS SME BRANDS?
Consumers need fresh, trend-led and unique trending products
Today’s shoppers want authenticity, sustainability, and brands with a real story. They actively seek out independent businesses that align with their values.
Retailers need fresh, unique products
Large retailers face increasing pressure to differentiate themselves from competitors
Many now look towards challenger brands to bring something new to their shelves
Digital-first brands are proving demand before retail
More SME brands are building loyal online communities through DTC sales, social media, and crowdfunding, demonstrating demand before approaching retail
SMEs are more agile than big brands
Unlike large corporations with slow-moving strategies, independent brands can pivot quickly to meet trends, customer demand, and new market opportunities
WHY SME BRANDS ARE THE NEXT BIG THING
HOW SME CHALLENGER BRANDS ARE DISRUPTING RETAIL
The brands making the biggest impact aren’t necessarily the biggest - they’re the smartest, most responsive, and most innovative Here’s what’s setting them apart:
DTC as a Launchpad
Brands that prove themselves online first gain stronger leverage when entering retail Those that can show an engaged audience, strong online sales, and customer loyalty stand out
Sustainability & Ethics
Consumers now expect transparency and responsibility from the brands they buy Challenger brands with strong ethical values and sustainability at their core are outperforming traditional competitors
Community-Led Growth
Challenger brands aren’t relying on big ad spend. Instead, they’re using word-of-mouth, social proof, and influencer marketing to build demand.
Hyper-Niche Specialisation
Rather than trying to appeal to everyone, the most successful SME brands focus on specific markets and do them exceptionally well from vegan skincare to zero-waste homeware and cultural gifting
RETAILERS ARE TAKING NOTICE
Big retailers are increasingly opening their doors to challenger brands because they: Bring in new, engaged customers looking for fresh and independent brands
Enhance brand perception by aligning retailers with ethical and innovative businesses
Generate media and PR opportunitiesshoppers love discovering unique brands
Offer an alternative to mass-market, oversaturated product lines
But visibility is the key Retailers can only stock brands they know about That’s why getting in front of buyers and decision-makers is critical.
IND!E ELEVATE MEMBERSHIP
JOIN OUR MEMBERSHIP PLATFORM
WHAT IS IND!E ELEVATE?
Scaling a business, breaking into retail, and finding the right routes to market isn't easy - there's no silver bullet.
At IND!E, we face these challenges daily. As market leaders in creating opportunities for SME challenger brands, we've built a platform to help you gain visibility with the right buyers, access prime retail spaces, and get the exposure you deserve.
HOW IND!E ELEVARE CREATES VISIBILITY AND RETAIL OPPORTUNITIES
Retail Buyer Visibility
Every IND!E Elevate member is included in the IND!E Catalogue, shared with 800+ major retail buyers looking for fresh brands.
Industry Exposure
Our monthly magazine, digital content, and exclusive features help put brands in the spotlight where buyers and decision-makers are already looking
Pop-Up Retail Opportunities
IND!E operates strategic pop-up activations in major retailers, providing brands with a realworld retail experience to test demand, build a customer base, and strengthen their pitch to larger stockists
Tailored Distribution Agreements
Through established agreements with major retailers, IND!E offers challenger brands a structured way into retail through bespoke distribution models
Expert-Led Learning
Through webinars, white papers, and industry insights, IND!E helps SME brands develop the knowledge and strategies they need to scale sustainably.
