Christmas in January 2017 by Lema Publishing

Christmas in January

J y2 uar Jan

017

The UK’s only Christmas decoration trade magazine

don’t tell everyone . . .

. . . but we have so much to show you

EXHIBITING AT HARROGATE CHRISTMAS & GIFT 8TH - 11TH JANUARY 2017

. . . bUt bU w wE wE HaVe HaVe sO sO MuCh sO MuC M MuCh h

HALL H

HARROGATE CHRISTMAS & GIFT 2018 The U.K.’s biggest offering of Christmas Décor under one roof We now attract a growing number of Overseas Exhibitors and visitors So why not contact us to ﬁnd out how we can Organise a stand for 2018? Buyers – we can advise on ﬂights and hotels to this beautiful English northern town

2018 DATE – 14TH TO THE 17TH JANUARY Bookings open from March Exhibition Organiser: Simon Anslow, HITF Ltd Alpha House, Tipton Street Sedgley, DY3 1HE

Tel: +44 (0)1902 882 280 Email:info@harrogatefair.com

Fax: +44 (0)1902 671 974 Web: www.harrogatefair.com

Eight halls of Christmas Hall A

Hall C

A37

CGB giftware

A01

Christmas in January

Hall Q

Anglo American Distributors Ltd

Q34

Allsorted Uk Ltd

Q25

Arora Design Ltd

Archipelago

Q21

Calico Cottage

Boland Bv

Q24

Craft Sensations

A40

Flame Homeware

C06

A29

Florelle Import Co

C24

A34

Global Journey

C21

Boxer Gifts

Q35

Crystal World

A38

Iep Wholesale

C20

Casdon Toys

Q58

Graphic Universe

A16

Jeno Floral Imports

C04

Fair To Trade

Q60

Halewood International Ltd

A09,22

Leisuregrow Products (Noma)

C05

Felt So Good

Q33

Hometown World Ltd

Festive Productions Ltd

Q02

Jomanda

A25

Lemax-Europe Bv

C37

Heaven Sends

Q41

Plaristo Uk Ltd

A26

Low's

C19

Joe Davies Ltd

Q01

Playwrite Group Ltd

A28

Padgett Brothers AtoZ

C18

Lotus Imports Ltd

Q55

Prop Me Up Events

A08

Rifflemacher & Weinberger Gmbh &Co Kg

C17

Meridian Import Company Ltd

Q39

Something Different

Q20

Terra Rossa

Q32

The Gifted Stationery Company

A16

Sincere Uk Ltd

C27

Mister Tinsel

A36

Suki Gifts International Ltd

C22

Puleo Asia Ltd

C3A

Royal County Products

A30

The Giftware Trading Company

Q50

C10

Schulte Kunstgewerbe Int Gmbh & Co. Kg

The Great British Card Company

A07

The Libra Company

C41

Tree-Locate

The Irish Fairy Door Company

A02

The Milford Collection

Q51

The Original Metal Sign Co

A04

The Satchville Gift Company

Q43

Tractor Ted

A35

Walton & Co Ltd

A06

Willow Brooks Secret Christmas

Hall B

Hall D D1

Benross Marketing Ltd

Q19

Uk Homeware Ltd

Lesser & Pavey

Q09

Waxcrayon Ltd

Open Retail Solutions

D12

Snowtime

Queen Suite Foyer

Tallon International Ltd

QS1

Vivid Arts Ltd

The Straits Trading Company Ltd

QS2

Fountasia Ltd

D05

Xystos Flame & Fragrance, Bath & Body

Hamac

B04

Bonnington Plastics Ltd

B16

Cardinal Plus

B36

Country Matters Ltd

B1 & 5

Floralsilk Ltd

B1A

Hogewoning Bv

Hall H

KS11

Amica Felt Works

B18

Jvl Homeware Solutions

Premier Decorations Ltd

KS2

Culinary Concepts

Kb Europe Ltd

Premier Halloween

KS8

Gaeltag

B11 & 21

Koopman International Bv

Premier Summer Living

KS6

IC Innovations

KS12

Jormaepourri Ltd

B15

National Tree Company

Hall M

KS1

Pollyfields

B14

Rsw International Ltd

M12

Ascalon Design Ltd

KS4

Nkuku

B02

Sifcon International Plc

M14 & M16

Gisela Graham Ltd

B13

Widdop & Co

Kaemingk Bv

M22

Konstsmide (Uk) Ltd

M26

Luxa Flamelighting

M06

Sagedecor

M24

The Original Winters Tale Ltd

Triflora Decorations Ltd

M28

Weiste

Kings Suite

Harrogate Christmas & Gi 10th to 13th January 2017 Harrogate International C 9am - 6pm Sunday - Tuesday, 9am - 4pm Wednesd

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Open Retail Solutions

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D7 The Straits Trading Company

Lesser & Pavey

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LIFT

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Tallon International Ltd

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CONFERENCE CENTRE F.R.

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Benross

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Halls ABCM

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Q63

Q64

Q65

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Graphic Universe

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Q46 3

Q51

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3 30

Q58

The Original Metal Sign Co. 12

2.75

3.75

Q50

Great British Card Company

3 18

2.16

5.26

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Home Town World

Q32 Q34 The Gifted Stationary Company

10.5

3.5

Allsorted

Q39

Something Different

Q35

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Crystal World

12 61

2.1

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Q61

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Halewood International

Q33 3

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Q60

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Q56 Q57 15

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Q55

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3.75

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Plaristo

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The Christmas Jumper6 Grotto 18

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Q12

Q11

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Koopman

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Q28

17.5

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KB Europe

Waxcrayon

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8.5

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The Irish Fairy Door Company

1.25

3.11

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Jomanda

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0.25

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2.48

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126.75

Q21

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Calico Cottage

Q20 14

Terrarosa 7

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Q19 UK Homeware Ltd

9 E E

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Goods Doors

5.25

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6.75

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Culinary Concepts 9.5

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33.75

IC Innovations 14.25

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Mister Tinsel

2.39

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1.5

Joe Davies

REGISTRATION

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Meridian Import 5 Company Ltd

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Pollyfields

C17

Lotus Imports

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Emergency Exit

CONFERENCE CENTRE ESCALATOR LINK

Entrance and Registration

27th Year of Publication

REGULARS

FEATURES

Leader page

News

Display brings Floralsilk’s Themes to life Stephanie O’Flaherty tells all

Premier well poised for 2017 M.D. John Athwal tells us why

Festive preparations aplenty with Widdop A collection of over 1,000 items awaits

Coffee Break with Floralsilk’s M.D. Liam O’Flaherty 14

Make Gardman your one-stop Pre-order shop Their trees take centre stage

Step Back in Time

Welcome to Kaemingk – decorators for all seasons 54,000sq.ft of showroom tells you why

Noma is all set to illuminate Harrogate A dazzling display awaits

Innovators of Christmas Lighting - Konstsmide I visit their offices to find out more

Mister Tinsel build on their First year British tinsel at its best

Riffelmacher – Your one-stop Christmas supplier I visit Frank Marchl their CEO in Roth, Bavaria to see for myself

Libra launches new Christmas Collections First time at Harrogate

Something different at Giftware Trading Different, Sensible and very Commercial

Festive’s key trends and Licensing set to excite in 2017 I travel to Cwmbran to find out more

Joe Davies’ Festive Fair debut Another first-time exhibitor

The life-blood of Jingles is innovation I visit Belfast to see for myself

U.S. Consumers Take Christmas Decorating to New Levels Julie Ritzer-Ross explains

We look at January 1995, 2005 and 2015

Christmas in June Our golf day at Puckrup Hall

Shop Talk

Sarah Welsh catches up with some regulars

Harrogate Christmas & Gift show Introduction 28 Harrogate Exhibitors List

Some Harrogate new products 40 Last Word

Piers Croke has the Last Word Publisher:

Malcolm Naish malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

Features Editor: Production Director:

Sarah Welsh Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

Layout:

Rick Vickers rick@lemapublishing.co.uk

Circulation:

Robert Thomas robert@lemapublishing.co.uk

RETAIL INTERVIEWS Published by: Lema Publishing Ltd 1 Churchgates, The Wilderness, Berkhamsted, Herts. HP4 2UB Telephone: 01442 289930 Fax: 01442 289950 Email: info@lemapublishing.co.uk

Something magical for all ages At Rosebourne Garden Centre Sarah Welsh speaks with theirChief buyer and store manager Valerie Kempster

Preparing for Christmas is like a Military operation Louise Lee Wyevale’s Seasonal Buyer is interviewed by Sarah Welsh

The views of the contributors expressed in this journal are not necessarily those of the publisher. Comments, letters and criticism are welcome.

Leader

The Leader W

elcome to this our 27th edition of Christmas in January previewing not only the Harrogate & Christmas Fair but also for the first time a supplement previewing Frankfurt’s ‘Christmasworld’ show. If you turn the magazine from front cover to back cover, you will see the section previewing ‘Christmasworld’. It is written in both German and English and for the first time we are mailing almost 1,000 extra copies to buyers primarily in Germany, but also Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Belgium and France. A number of Harrogate exhibitors have increased their stand space considerably. Riffelmacher have doubled the size of their stand and now also have a UK sales force (see our news page for details) . For the second year in succession Bonnington’s ‘Kingfisher’ Christmas range sees a greatly increased stand in Hall ‘B’. First time exhibitors include Libra, Straights Trading, Boxer, Joe Davies, Jeno and Herman de Greef. So plenty for the discerning Christmas buyer to find at the Harrogate show. I was saddened to learn of the unexpected death of Sean Looney. Sean was known as Mr. Halloween and had managed that division for Premier Decorations for many years, travelling to the Far East and selecting the product range since Premier first began their Halloween division. He was a lovely man, prone to losing his temper from time to time, but he always got over any problems very quickly and we were the best of friends. Well loved by all at Premier, he will be greatly missed. There is no doubt that post-Brexit suppliers are finding that price rises are inevitable. Piers Croke of Gisela Graham pens our ‘Last Word’ on this subject. It seems to be a pretty fluid situation, but buyers must realize that Christmas decoration suppliers buy their products linked to the U.S. dollar, so price rises are bound to come. Having published Christmas in January since 1991, I

have over the years collected plenty of lit Christmas items to display in my garden. Taking me several days to put up, including risking life and limb up a ladder, invariably freezing my whatsits off, I am full of admiration for the garden centres who make such a brilliant job of creating their Christmas offerings. From the display lighting to their Christmas Grottos and fantastic restaurants, the finished article is truly amazing. In celebration of all things Christmas the ‘Christmas Greatest’ awards will once again be held at the Majestic Hotel, Harrogate on Sunday the 8th January. It is a splendid night of recognition and partying. In addition to enjoying the occasion, one can also improve your networking skills at the bar! Cost of tickets is £84 each with a table of 10 £750. Call 01733 775700 for full information. We include two retail interviews, the first with Wyevale’s Louise Lee and the second with newly opened Rosebourne Garden Centre near Andover where Valerie Kempster gives us the lowdown on this exciting new venture. John Athwal points out in his company’s article (see page 34) that the effects of Brexit and the ascendancy of Donald Trump to the throne in the USA can have a positive effect on business in the U.K. Companies will be putting their own houses in order and also carefully assessing prices that the Chinese manufacturers are charging. It will therefore, be interesting to learn how exibitors at Harrogate view the future! Our stand is just at the entrance to Hall ‘A’ so I look forward to meeting a few of you. For advertisers who were too late to be included, there is time to appear within the pages of our February edition previewing Spring Fair. Call me on 01442 289930 or email Malcolm@ lemapublishing.co.uk

christmas in january 7

Feature News

Congratulations Warren Our picture shows Warren Cornelius being presented with his retirement present by Playwright director Bill Cornelius of a personalised number plate. The ‘W’ for Warrren and ‘50’ for his 50 years in the industry and of course ‘COR’ his surname. Warren is a director of the Harrogate Christmas & Gift show and Playwright are showing in Hall ‘C’

New Buying team for Bonningtons The category buying team at Bonningtons is expanding to meet the needs of the business as it continues to exceed its range expansion and sales growth targets. This month saw the appointment of Craig Bethel, 36, who joins from Virgin Media and will support Quality Control Manager, Damian Wielgat as a Quality Administrator in the UK office. He joins two other recent appointments to the team – Heather Turner, 28 who was previously a stock control manager for Celsa Steel and Alex Aitcheson, 27 a buyer from Sports Direct who have taken on category responsibilities for the Animal, Leisure, Gardening and DIY categories. Together with two in purchasing administration and three graphic designers, the Category Buying team is now up to a full strength of ten, headed up by Kate Smalley who took up the senior management role this year after 5 years with Bonningtons.

Farewell Sean Sean Looney, a highly respected and valued member of the Premier Decorations team, has passed away suddenly. He was Premier’s Halloween General Manager and is described by his peers as a well-known and respected character in the industry. John Athwal, MD, Premier Decorations said Sean will be sorely missed. 6 christmas in january

Toine Van de Ven elected new EFSA chairman The 21 members unanimously voted Toine as their new chairman having been on the Board of efsa for more than eight years. Toine takes over from Ronald van Veen of Edelman. Jackie Eades of U.K. company Briers has also been elected to the Board. Founded in 1995 efsa unites members from various European countries where all of their meetings are held in English, so brilliant to have a U.K. Board member!

Riffelmacher appoint U.K. sales agents To help spearhead their sales drive in the U.K. Riffelmacher’s head of export sales John King is delighted to announce the appointment of three sales agents who between them have a wealth of experience and knowledge selling to the garden centre and gift industry. They are Kevin Sheehan covering the south of England – m. 0778 972 3788 – email kjsheehan1@outlook. com. (pic attached) Midlands and Wales – Wendy Charnley – m. 0792 121 7742 – email charnley.wendy@gmail.com Scotland, North East England and Cumbria – Tracy Anne McGregor. M. 0777 471 4125 – email tracyanne1@ gmail.com

Jem Ball joins Festive Jem Ball joins Festive as their field sales manager for the North West. Jem has worked in a number of roles with leading Christmas suppliers over the years and re-joins the company . He will be on their stand at Harrogate for the whole of the show.

The gh ng eci s nce 1939

With more than 75 years in the business, NOMAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expertise in Christmas lighting is second to none, and the NOMA Christmas 2017 collection takes our brand back to these roots, with a ďŹ rm focus on all things lighting-related. Come and see the NOMA Christmas 2017 range in all its shining glory at the Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair Hall A 09, A22 & A24 or our stunning Hertfordshire showroom. To arrange your visit please contact your local representative or call on 01462 744 500 or email us at sales@leisuregrow.co.uk.

@nomalightinguk

HARROGATE CHRISTMAS & GIFT HALL A A9, A22 & A24 8TH - 11TH JANUARY 2017

NOMA, LeisureGrow Group, Dewmead Farm, New Inn Road, Hinxworth, Hertfordshire, SG7 5HG. - 01462 744500 www.noma.co.uk

Feature Stateside

U.S. Consumers Take Christmas Decorating to New Levels By Julie Ritzer Ross

ontinuing a pattern of recent years, consumers in the U.S.A. are going “all out” when it comes to Christmas spending—and spending on Christmas décor is no exception. Just look at the numbers and how they stood as of mid-December, when this issue went to press. According to the annual consumer spending survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics for the National Retail Federation (NRF), consumers planned to spend an average of $935.58 during the 2016 holiday shopping season, second only to record-high total spending in 2015. This figure includes decorations, as well as food, flowers, selfspending, gifts for others and holiday greeting cards. “It’s pretty clear that overall it, was a very good start to the holiday season in earlier November and then a great midpoint with the Thanksgiving holiday,” asserts NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. “So we’re very optimistic that we’ll hit our 3.6 percent overall objective for the season. I think there’s momentum, and we’re going to see that as we push through to the end of the holiday season.” Shay adds that the 3.6 percent overall objective falls “well above” the 10-year average Christmas spending increase of two-and-a-half percent and tops even the three percent increase in spending recorded during the 2015 holiday season. 10 christmas in january

In a separate survey on decorations released earlier this year, the NRF pegged U.S. consumer spending on decorations to remain on an upswing. Not counting trees, the average consumer will have invested $54.75 in Christmas decorations in 2016, up from $40 in 2012. This figure is expected to at least remain the same and likely inch upward in 2017. Meanwhile, Bureau of Economic Analysis data for October showed that Americans’ disposable personal income, from which funds for holiday décor are typically derived, rose by 0.6 percent month after month, a signal that family budgets are in better shape. Furthermore, while the agency’s November jobs report revealed a 0.1 percent month-over-month dip in U.S. wages last year, average earnings were up by two-and-one0over 2015, meaning that “all in all…consumers have more cash in their pockets,” a report by the Bureau states.

Trees and More Trees

hile some U.S. consumers continue to opt for natural Christmas trees, artificial trees remain dominant. Of the nearly 100 million U.S. households that planned to

display a Christmas tree in 2016, 81 percent chose an artificial tree and 19 percent, a natural tree, according to a survey by the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA). “Christmas trees endure as the centerpiece of holiday celebrations in the U.S.,” says Jami Warner, ACTA’s executive director. She notes that although the trend among American consumers is to re-use artificial trees for several years before replacing them—which could have an impact on overall spending on these trees themselves— another trend means higher artificial tree sales for many retailers. That trend is a move towards purchasing multiple trees to place throughout the house, rather than buying just one to display in the living room or another prominent spot within the residence, Warner explains. Whereas silver was once a popular choice among U.S. consumers who chose artificial trees over their natural counterpart, artificial trees with a natural look—primarily higherend options manufactured from polyethylene (PE)—now prevail and are predicted to remain the winners, experts concur. The use of PE allows manufacturers to offer trees with molded needles, which have a more realistic appearance than do artificial tree options made of other types of material. “This is the fashionforward look, and the most realistic one the industry has to offer,” notes a spokesperson for Barcana.

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Feature Stateside

Creativity Rules

o matter the category, American consumers are becoming more creative than ever before when it comes to Christmas decorating. “Christmas is seeing a renaissance in creativity, which is great,” opines Frank Skinner, director of marketing, Christmas Lights, Etc. “There are still those that like to decorate traditionally, which is fine, but there’s an emergence of people who are really expanding with new styles and themes.” When it comes to decking out Christmas trees, such creativity is being seen partly in the use of alternatives to ornaments, or in the supplementation of ornaments with other materials. This past holiday, shoppers in the U.S. flocked to retailers like Michaels Stores and Kirkland’s for artificial flowers to be used instead of the traditional balls, or as a dominant element with a few balls as accents, say spokespersons for the two retailers. “Christmas fanatics have been setting aside their red, gold, and silver baubles for something slightly less traditional, equally as beautiful, and a lot more evergreen— florals,” according to Michaels’ blog. “Floral Christmas trees have been bringing a natural, fresh, and organic feel to festive trees. People adorn them with roses, poinsettia, and lilies, just to name a few.” In addition to ornaments, floral trees are also being accented with natural elements, such as pine cones. On the other end of the

12 christmas in january

spectrum, some consumers are opting to give a little “glitz” to floral trees with such embellishments as metallic ribbon. Alternative, nontraditional colors, looks, and themes are also gaining ground on the tree decorating front. Lori Libka, of Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, Frankenmuth, Mich., cites coastal themes, expressed through ornaments in nautical and fish motifs, as a strong example. “The coastal Christmas theme is growing,” Libka asserts, adding that the increasing popularity of the color blue in holiday decorating is pushing the coastal envelope. At Kirkland’s, one of the hottest Christmas tree looks featured a mix of metallic blue and copper ornaments. Other alternative Christmas tree decorating themes gaining ground in the U.S. encompass whimsical (at Kirkland’s, cute elf and Santa ornaments and trendy elf legs, with a few pops of turquoise and similarly colored ornaments as well as a few traditional reds and greens)

and a combination of natural elements, like pine cones and branches, mixed with more sophisticated ones, such as metallic ornaments, garlands, and ribbon. For some U.S. consumers, “alternative” in Christmas has come to mean a black and white palette. A black-and-white checked ball is the best-selling ornament at Miss Cayce’s Christmas Store in Midland, Texas, a trend co-owner Becky McCraney attributes to the fact that black and white goes with a myriad of color schemes. On this “alternative” front, there is also an emerging trend toward the use of ornaments for purposes other than adorning the tree. For instance, a spokesperson for Kirkland’s points to heightened interest in arranging a variety of ornaments in an attractive bowl and positioning them on a table as a centerpiece. Some consumers are also embellishing furniture— such as dining room chairs—with ornaments. To do this, large ribbons are tied around the backs of the chairs, and a lightweight ornament, like a finial, attached to each, then secured with a decorative clip.

Going All Out

erhaps not surprisingly, consumers in the U.S. are devoting as much time and effort to outdoor Christmas décor as to indoor décor. Evidence of this lies in part in the latest outdoor lighting trends, the most prevalent of which is to go beyond what one expert terms, “stringing up a few white or colored lights or illuminated fixtures” and stopping at that. “Many people are treating their lighting

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Feature Stateside

displays like works of art,” Skinner says. “They aren’t just placing lights on a bush; they are creating display scenes. It’s fascinating to see how this continues to evolve every year, including some displays that are highly intricate.” Paul Sessel, president, Creative Displays, and Jared Everline, a director at S4 Lights, concur. Sessel notes that an increasing number of consumers are putting together residential lighting displays that rival their commercial counterparts. In keeping with the evolution of residential displays, Creative Displays intends LED bulbs with the new SMD (Surface Mount Device) LED bulbs. Supposedly these new SMD LEDs represent the next generation of LED technology. They last twice as long as standard LEDs, they’re brighter than standard LEDs, and they have even lower voltage requirements so they’re more energy efficient. For its part, according to Everline, S4 Lights is seeing a “greater and greater” tendency among American consumers to gravitate toward interactive lighting displays “that turn the lights into a show.” S4 has rolled out Color Splashers, which permit users to project as colorful

a palette of moving color images on the exterior of their houses as they desire. Another product, Lumenplay®, lets consumers create scenes of color and motion, using a smartphone app to choose and control color combinations, effects, direction, speed, and brightness. A Music Visualizer component adds music to the mix; movement can be set to the beat. In the U.S., “going all out” with exterior décor has also come to mean incorporating elements that look as good during the day as they do at night. “For example,” Skinner reports, “it›s not uncommon to see puddles of inflatables in someone›s yard during the day or a house that looks completely undecorated by day and then comes alive at night.” To accommodate this demand, Skinner states, Christmas Lights, Etc. has “introduced hanging lights in motifs like snowflakes and stars that actually include colored reflective surfaces. People are creating scenes in trees or on porches or doorways. You can distinctly see the classic shapes during the day, and they look even better lit up at night. The reflective acrylic in the center creates a great visual in all lighting conditions.”

Coffee Break We spoke to Liam O’Flaherty, Managing Director of family run firm Floralsilk about how 2016 has treated them Can you sum up the past year for Floralsilk? It’s been an incredible year for Floralsilk. We’re a small team but everyone put in such an effort in the build up to 2016 and throughout the year that we were able to double our growth target. We’ve also bolstered the warehouse and sales office teams to accommodate the extra business we have received. Of course, none of this would be possible without our growing loyal customer base and that’s why for me personally, it’s always exciting to chat to as many as possible at the fairs.

You added several new categories at Harrogate. How have these performed? Yes, each year we add new categories – for 2016, our brand new collection of beautiful glass baubles was a tremendous success. Feedback from our customers suggests that the new tree decorations sold very well in the shops too and this will be a big growth category for 2017.

Have you been happy with your new website that you launched last January? The new website took 18 months of blood, sweat and a few tears to design and build but we are really happy with the end result. It’s proved a very useful tool not only for those customers wanting to place orders or check stock out of office hours but also enabling new customers to browse the complete Floralsilk range.

The post Brexit climate has led to some price increases by suppliers, how has this affected Floralsilk? It’s a fact that imported goods will increase in cost purely as a result of the devaluation of sterling. The last time we saw anything of this magnitude was September 2008 although back then we were also staring at the beginning of an extraordinary period of world recession and uncertainty. To compound matters, Chinese manufacturing costs were increasing for the first time in a generation so we made the decision that the necessary price increases would be carried out gradually so that our customers didn’t face the immediate impact. I believe that strategy contributed to our growth each year throughout very challenging trading conditions. As we face some of the same challenges for 2017 and beyond, we’re adopting a similar strategy to soften the blow to our customers.

If there was one thing you could change about the Christmas Decoration industry, what would that be? I think it would be for the development and launch period to not coincide quite so much with Christmas itself! It does tend to impact on the Christmas break and how much free time I have to spend with my family. The Harrogate Fair is particularly early this year… one week later would be much better. Organisers please take note!

Finally, on a personal note what currently is your favourite singer or group and your favourite song of all time? My favourite group has to be Coldplay – I know it’s probably a bit clichéd but they are incredible musicians. I’ve seen them live twice but sadly I missed their last tour. So I guess my best song ever would have to be Coldplay’s Christmas Lights, of course!

14 christmas in january

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Feature Step Back In Time

Step Back in Time Malcolm Naish looks back to 1995, 2005 and 2015

JANUARY 1995

his is our fifth edition of Christmas in January and speaking to suppliers, to a man or women they all felt that 1994 had been a pretty flat year. Garden centres are complaining that there are too many other types of outlets selling Christmas decs., and lights, quite often at a cheaper price than they are prepared to offer. Department stores in particular are at last recognizing the sales opportunities that Christmas decoration and lighting sales can give them. Showing at Harrogate for the first time is Four Seasons, distributing Edelman to the UK for the first time. The owners of Spring Fair are publicizing a summer show in late June for Party and Christmas decorations. Sadly it only last for two years before closing down. Li-Lo show at Harrogate for the first time. I interview Ron Bent, his garden centre is still a most fantastic garden centre today. (see pic page 40) Just a few of the Christmas decoration companies who were active in 1995, but are sadly no longer with us today – Midwest Designs, Paragon,Gaffney, Bells, Durell, Thoubboron, Four Seasons,Zemlin and Porth.

JANUARY 2005

raham Pielow’s Christmas Consulting Group buy Paragon. I write that this seems a perfect fit as Graham’s company specialize in own-brand for the ‘Majors’ and Paragon’s strength is with the garden centres and quality retailers. Forever Flowers is another company that has been acquired. Cowley Distributors are now the owners. I am told that 2004 has been a tough year due in the 18 christmas in january

main for suppliers by material shortages in China plus bad weather in midChina and electricity supply problems. There are also more and more Chinese workers not wanting to move South to work in factories, preferring to remain in the North. A number of garden centres tell me that they have refused some very late deliveries from suppliers. Morris May celebrate their 25th year of exhibiting at Harrogate with their Weiste ranges and Kaemingk celebrate their 10th year of selling Christmas products. Can it be 12 years ago that I visit Premier’s Wrexham showroom distribution centre? I am invited to Number 10 to meet Cherie Blair and to try and sort out some of Tony’s problems at the same time (pic page4 ) Our retail interview is with the Nutcracker Christmas shop based in Stratford upon Avon. Halsall’s have embraced character licensing with The Simpsons and Tweenies being used to market their products. Puleo International are celebrating their 50th 25th year of publication In January 2015 anniversary, so the champagne was flowing at Harrogate. Harrogate opens for the first time on a Sunday and results are encouraging with definite year on year attendance improvements.

JANUARY 2015

estive Productions have created a suppliers charter in China that over 70% of Chinese manufacturers have signed up to that states that as long as Festive place their orders early enough that they will guarantee shipment of orders on the due date. Fibre Optic products have done well in 2014 with many suppliers uping their game as far as design and originality are concerned in this category. Tapestries and Canvases are also a burgeoning category that have seen big sales increases. I report that Noma Lights have been acquired by the Leisuregrow Group and Frank Kaminski has the job of ensuring that this iconic Christmas brand continues to flourish. 2014 also sees the 90th anniversary of the Finnish company Weiste – quite an achievement. Gift company Xystos show at Harrogate Christmas & Gift for the first time and enjoy an excellent show with their WoodWick range of candles and fragrances. Festive enjoy an excellent 2014 and introduce ‘Hullo Kitty’ to their range. They also have a nice line in party hats as our pic shows (pic page 29)

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2017 Christmas DELIVERED Come and see us at: Harrogate Christmas & Gift

Stand C1 8 - 11th January 2017

festive.co.uk For more information, follow us on:

Feature Rosebourne

Something magical for all ages Rosebourne garden centre offers a retail experience all of its own. This stand-alone store is high end, accessible and built on brilliant customer service – as Sarah Welsh discovered…

hen it came to planning the opening of one of the country’s most eagerly anticipated garden centres, initial thoughts were of late summer sunshine. But you need to take your time when crafting a stunning, purpose-built and vast architectural space – especially when you’ve spent months trying to find the perfect location to launch ‘The Rosebourne Experience’. And so it was that Rosebourne garden centre officially opened its doors on October 22, with an appearance by celebrity gardener David Domoney from ITV’s ‘Love Your Garden’, and complete with its whimsical Christmas display in situ.

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“We exceeded initial sales forecasts by so much that we had to quickly take on 50 more staff!” Rosebourne, located in the village of Weyhill, a few miles west of Andover, is 4,000 square metres of pure retail joy, combining a firm emphasis on garden and horticulture products and plants with fresh produce, a huge and original gift offering and a table-service restaurant that comfortably seats 150 people and is fast gaining a rave reputation for miles around. Discerning customers, including the 3,500 who poured through the doors on opening day alone, come here for a truly luxury experience but with affordable

pricing. The hugely experienced team behind Rosebourne pride themselves on offering something different, with simple, pared back merchandising and dazzling customer service. Managing Director Neville Prest and investors, including Jon Kitching, have taken inspiration from one of Jon’s other businesses, Beckworth Emporium in Mears Abbey, Northamptonshire. Meanwhile store manager and chief buyer Valerie Kempster is the sales genius behind Rosebourne’s large and tempting food hall and open-plan giftware space, encompassing everything from the kitchen shop to stationery, candles and house plants – and of course Christmas. “I’ve worked with Neville for 16 years,” Valerie says. “As the Garden & Leisure group we owned seven stores across the country but it was bought out by Wyevale in September 2013. “Rosebourne has been years in the planning and it really is one of a kind. We spent a long time trying to find the right site, and we’re located in several acres of beautiful countryside just minutes off the A303. There is nothing like this round here and that’s why we’ve been so embraced by the local community. “Not only have we created many jobs here but people were just really excited about

us opening. In fact we exceeded initial sales forecasts by so much that we had to quickly take on 50 more staff!” Location certainly plays a central part to the already incredible success of Rosebourne, with the garden centre selling plenty of produce from local suppliers, as well as incorporating it into the restaurants’ breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea menus. “Much of our fresh produce comes from Mack in Southampton and our bread is locally made, from suppliers including Burbridge’s bakery in Andover,” Valerie explains. “Chutneys and jams sell really well for us and we again try to support local and regional gift suppliers, including the Country Candle Company, based in Wiltshire. “I’ve spent the last 14 years sourcing and buying gifts and I like to stand apart from the competition. We don’t stock anything that’s too heavily branded and work with many smaller suppliers. “Giftware at Rosebourne covers everything, from throws and linens to candles, crystal ornaments and cookshop lines and suppliers we love include Stone the Crows, Namaste and Dora Designs. “Stationery has a very prominent space on the way to the restaurant, and we ring the changes every few weeks. Suppliers here I’ve used include Second Nature, Saffron, Caroline Gardner and Belly Button Designs. There’s something to suit all tastes and I’m always updating the display.” And then of course we come to Rosebourne’s Christmas offering, which has proved key to the store’s success since it has been open. “Being able to build up to Christmas right

from the point of opening has been amazing, and customers have told us that the display itself is a truly magical experience for all ages and something they haven’t seen before,” Valerie reveals.

“I’ve spent the last 14 years of my life sourcing and buying gifts and like to stand apart from the competition” She and the team decided to weave festive magic around a strong fairy-tale theme, with four different storybook areas, designed with specific colours in mind and utilised as the perfect way to promote related Christmas product. Using eight foot high reading books, Valerie divided the Christmas gift floorspace into Sleeping Beauty, Little Red Riding Hood, Dick Whittington and Narnia. “We had clear colour themes in mind,” Valerie explains. “Silvers, pistachio and light blues for Narnia, pinks, burgundies and oyster for Sleeping Beauty, woodland hues for Little Red Riding Hood and traditional greens, reds and golds for Dick Whittington. “We then had tables laden with Christmas product and also a separate, dedicated section for festive lighting. This is a really big seller for us, especially LED lighting, and we decided to take a very natural approach to merchandising using trunks, trestle tables and tree trunks. We don’t use

sales fixtures and like to keep things simple and original which seems to work very well. “Table linens and dressings, ceramics, candles and candlesticks are also huge sellers for us at Christmas. Festive suppliers we love working with include Kaemingk, Premier Decorations, Enchante and Gisela Graham.” Valerie starts thinking about Christmas buying in December when looking ahead to the following year and January sees her travelling far and wide gathering inspiration for Rosebourne’s take on the festive retail season. “I’ll visit Kaemingk in Holland and also attend Christmas & Gift in Harrogate and then of course Spring Fair. I really couldn’t ‘do Christmas’ without these amazing opportunities, and Christmas & Gift in particular I think has a fabulous atmosphere. “I never simply copy what others do though, preferring to take inspiration from trend forecasts and major shows and suppliers before putting together my own colour mix. “I continue feeling festive months into the New Year. I never grow tired of it.” As for Rosebourne’s future, what can we expect there? “We’re all looking forward to Rosebourne number two already,” Val reveals. “And we’re actively seeing other sites, so watch this space! “I feel very honoured to be the store manager here and am absolutely delighted that things have taken off so well. We’ve had a truly amazing response from customers and are proud to be building something that’s already become an integral part of the local community.” *Rosebourne, Amesbury Road, Weyhill, Andover, SP11 8ED. For more information visit: www.rosebourne.co.uk or call: 01264 771714 christmas in january 23

Feature Golf Day

Christmas in June a Christmas in January golf day report

his was a most memorable time as the previous evening we were all gathered around the telly watching those minnows from Iceland knock us out of the European Cup with dear old Roy resigning on the spot! It doesn’t seem possible that this was our 18th year. Whilst other golf days have fallen by the wayside, we have persevered with ours

24 christmas in january

and enjoyed an excellent day’s golf every year, sharing the day with our sister publications Party Party and Nursery Today. After eight years at Staverton Park we moved our 2016 event down to Gloucestershire and to Puckrup Hall near Tewkesbury. A Hilton Hotel course, the move was well received and the course in great condition. Held in June despite poor weather throughout the month we enjoyed half decent weather with some excellent scores posted. Despite several last minute cancellations 30plus golfers enjoyed the day posting some very good scores. Winners of the Texas Scramble were the team from Smiffy’s on 21.5. In fact Smiffys were totally dominant winning all three of the team prizes. The afternoon team four-ball saw Smiffys way out in front with 128 points. Congratulations to Simon Smithers, Sam Bucknall, Phil Howlett and Joan Naish. The Handicap committee will be adjusting handicaps for Smiffy’s in good time for next year! Likewise the famous Yellow Ball competition saw Smiffys triumph once again with 42 Stableford points. The two four-balls from Premier Decorations continue to improve each year with Rolf Hunt’s team of Eddie Brady, Nick Crispin and Andrew Lord just out of the prizes for the team four-ball,

but Eddie covering himself in glory by winning the nearest the pin in two on the final hole. Premier’s Pravin Patel also continues to improve but like me cites work pressure as the main reason that we can’t play golf more often and therefore improve our handicaps. So with the trophies handed out to the winners and promises that more would be done next year to increase the number of those taking part, we all retired to the bar for more essential networking plus putting the world to rights following post-brexit and our pathetic showing in the world of football. With very positive comments concerning both the quality of the course and the brilliant managing of our event by the Hilton’s Edward Litchfield, Puckrup Hall will host next year’s event. Finally, my thanks to Jan Marketis of Fun ‘n’ Frolics for scoring the cards in a most professional manner. MAKE A DATE IN YOUR DIARY FOR 2017 TUESDAY THE 27TH JUNE AT PUCKRUP HALL Any golfers reading this report who will be at Harrogate call on our stand in the entrance to Hall ‘A’ for more details. The Hilton Hotel is situated very close to the 1st hole and provided us with a brilliant barbeque after the game and offer very good room rates. BUBBA NAISH

Gisela Graham is going places in 2017… ...to SANTA’S TOY FACTORY

...to REGAL LONDON

An old time Christmas

A wealth of jewels and royal symbols evoking our capital city

...across the sea to NEW ENGLAND

...to the WOODS

The home-made country look of the pioneer settlers

Birds, berries and fairies from a winter woodland

Just a few of Gisela Graham’s amazing new Christmas designs grouped in 14 themed collections: unveiled at Harrogate January 8–11, Stands M14-M16 and at NEC Spring Fair February 5-9, Summerhouse Hall 8, Stand A20/B19

+ 44 (0)20 7708 4956 www.giselagraham.co.uk sales@giselagraham.co.uk

Feature Shop Talk

Shop Talk From festive best sellers to captivating Christmas colours and personal takes on killer visual merchandising. Sarah Welsh caught up with some Christmas in January regulars…

Heather Borderie, Operations Director, Glendoick Garden Centre, Perth (www.glendoick.com) How important is Christmas to the garden centre? We’ve certainly been selling festive product for the more than seven years I’ve been here and it’s massive for us. Plants are our biggest area but within the industry you have to diversify to remain open all year and having a really good Christmas shop is crucial. We open in the first week of October with build-up happening from a month before. We start planning well over a year in advance.

Tell us about your themes from last year? We always have some traditional polar bears and dancing elves, and we also had a candy stripe theme, tartan theme and gold and copper theme. Colour themes are very important, as is making Christmas child friendly in store.

What is selling well for you? Decorations went mad for us last Christmas, in particular a holographic chandelier decoration, although everything usually sells well across the board. Kaemingk is a very important supplier for us, as is Hider in terms of festive food in our food hall. Food at Christmas is in general a big category for us and quirky gins and drinks have also gone down well.

Craig Wrixon, C Christmas Buyer, Groves Nurseries, Bridport, C D Dorset ((www.grovesnurseries.co.uk) H How long have you been selling Christmas rrelated product? I’ been looking after the Christmas side of things for three years I’ve aand it’s hugely important to the garden centre. Our Christmas shop opens in October and is laid out in what is otherwise the furniture o aarea.

W What sells well and which suppliers do you enjoy working with? e L Lighting is a big area for us, and NOMA’s indoor and outdoor battery lights always sell well and also their Christmas trees. Last b Christmas Gisela Graham’s iridescent hummingbird decoration C sold out very quickly and we couldn’t re-stock it. There’s no so doubt that lighting has become a bigger category than ever with d ccustomers wanting to make a statement. It was a really smooth operation last year with no supply problems. o

What colour themes did you use last year? W W had purple and silver and a traditional theme with greens, reds We aand golds. We’ve already started thinking in terms of colours for Christmas 2017 and Spring Fair will be very important for us in C that respect. th 26 christmas in january

Katie Eckley, Manager, Old Railway Line Garden Centre, Brecon (www.oldrailwaylinegc. co.uk) When did you launch Christmas 2016 in store? On September 30th and it was very busy from the start. Usually we see a slight drop off in November but this year we launched a postal voucher which customers could use to get 50 per cent off any single Christmas item and it certainly got them through the door. It was a retail risk that paid off!

What festive products sell well for you? We do a lot of trees, both real and artificial and LED lighting is huge for us. In terms of decorations last year we identified a trend for natural autumn colours and that proved really popular, particularly with decorations. We also mixed throws and cushions in those shades in with the Christmas product and that worked very well. Looking at Christmas gifts suppliers we love working with include Kayes of Cardiff for their toys, All Sorted gift books and the Somerset Toiletry Company.

How do you approach Christmas from a merchandising point of view? For us it’s very much about family themes. Last year our theme was

Dickens’ Christmas Carol and we ran a competition where you had to find all the characters in store. Something like that catches the attention of all ages.

When do you start planning for Christmas? Well we started thinking about Christmas 2017 last autumn, putting together our colour theme boards and browsing look books. We start buying stock in January but research started as early as at Autumn Fair. I think the autumnal theme will continue to be big this Christmas, although we’ll tweak it slightly.

Hannah Evans, Christmas Buyer, Snowdonia Nurseries and Garden Centre, Conwy Valley (www.snowdonianurseries.co.uk) Tell us about the signiﬁcance of Christmas for your family-owned business? My uncle started Snowdonia Nurseries 30 years ago and it’s evolved over three decades from his very first Christmas tree. It is very important for us as a company, but we like to open Christmas gradually with subtle changes – our customers aren’t looking for us to be gauche. Our entrance is transformed into a winter wonderland, but another thing we’ve found to be really effective is starting with an ‘autumn tree’ in late September which coincides with our first batch of decorations in store. The whole gift shop eventually becomes Christmas and we try to have that all in place by October half term.

What are some of your best sellers? Last year we had a lantern from Konstsmide that sold out very quickly and their lighting is great. We sell a lot of high end lighting and Kaemingk is a very important supplier for us with 80 per cent of our decorations coming from there. In terms of how we merchandise product we find that it’s all about the presentation, and for us that provides the ‘festive theatre.’

What trends are thinking in terms of for next Christmas? We’re seeing a lot of green with different shades all being put together in innovative ways. For us it’s how we apply colour trends to suit our customers, as we find that European themes can be different to what goes down well here.

christmas in january 27

Feature Harrogate Christmas & Gift

First event for your

2017 Diary

ust as we packed the decorations away and began settling back into work mode and normality after the festive season – one of the UK’s very first trade shows of the year plunges us all full blown back in to the swing of Christmas with decorations and carols galore – Harrogate Christmas & Gift, which takes place at the Harrogate International Centre from 8th to 11th January 2017. This event is fast becoming one of the UK’s favourite trade shows, not only for buyers involved in Christmas, but for gift retailers and anyone seeking add on gift ranges for souvenir and tourist attraction outlets, department stores and even Heritage and Cathedral shops. It is also a ‘must’ attend event for almost every garden centre in the UK, as the Greatest Christmas Awards are hosted at the Majestic Hotel on the first night of the show, with garden centre teams turning out in force hoping to scoop a much coveted award. Naturally, this is also an optimum time for them to view all of the latest Christmas and gift ranges new for 2017 and plan budgets long before the spring trade shows begin. Michelle Martin, a buyer for Haskins Garden Centre, explained: “This show is incredibly

28 christmas in january

important and as a buyer, the timing of it is just about perfect as Christmas is still very much in the mind set. By this point we have the sales figures to know what and where to concentrate our efforts. “The timing of the show also enables us to get back to base, put together our Christmas offer and reach the deadlines of placing orders more easily. Spring trade shows are too late for me as I like to put Christmas to bed by then. Also, it’s great to see so many suppliers all under one roof – you wouldn’t get the time to visit these individually in their showrooms.” This year, Harrogate Christmas & Gift has more to offer buyers than ever before as, with the show completely sold out by September, the organisers made the decision to open two additional halls for 2017 – Hall Q and the King’s Suite. With more than 25 brand new exhibitors at the show this year, buyers will be spoilt for choice with more ranges to peruse than ever before. Hall Q is definitely ‘the destination’ for the show and not to be missed as this houses the majority of new exhibitors and also the main catering facility for the event. Several favourite brands have also relocated to this area including Playwrite Group, Hometown World, and Ackerman International, so be sure to visit them in their new location. Amongst the numerous new exhibitors is The Libra Company in Hall A which has been designing and wholesaling furniture and interior collections since 1972. 2017 sees the launch of its very first Christmas collection and with two year collaboration with a Dutch designer features more than 500 Christmas gifts and homewares sourced from around the world. Jomanda, which is located in Hall Q, is a cheeky young company which has earned the reputation as an established soft toy company and you can find its Nautical Bear sailing the seas on many luxury cruise liners. If you are a familiar visitor to UK heritage sites, the chances are you will have also spotted one of Jomanda’s lovely sheep proudly sporting the Heritage logo. The Original Metal Sign Company is one of UK’s largest privately owned producers of decorative wall art and designs and manufactures metal wall signs, marble and melamine coasters,

slate chalk boards, fridge magnets, wooden signs, metal danglers and ceramic mugs. The company works with an amazing range of artists and ‘in-house’ designers and constantly introduces new and exciting artwork. It also offers a bespoke service and can manufacture products with a low minimum order quantity. Check out its range in Hall Q. Food gifts are becoming increasingly popular and there are several exhibitors with some mouth-watering ranges to appeal to anyone looking for something to tempt the taste buds. Calico Cottage, one of the world’s largest providers of fudge making equipment and ingredients, will be showing its range of make at home fudge mix kits which make great Christmas presents; plus its new Christmas confectionary and unique chocolate under the ‘Hand made by Calico’ brand. Also, for those who enjoy a tipple or two, Halewood International will be presenting its comprehensive product range including wines, spirits, beers, ciders, ready to drink, soft drinks and spring water. Both of these companies can be seen in Hall Q. These are just a handful of the fabulous companies showing at Harrogate this year, a full exhibitor list is available on the show’s website. Of course, one of the things that truly make Harrogate Christmas & Gift stand out from the crowd is its warm and friendly atmosphere. Once again, the organisers extend an invitation to everyone participating in the show – both exhibitors and visitors – to join them for free drinks and nibbles in the Royal Hall of the Harrogate International Centre on Monday 9th January – from 6pm to 8pm. Entry to Harrogate Christmas & Gift is free for trade visitors and we highly recommend that you pre-register prior to the event to ensure swift entry. Full details can be found on the website at www.harrogatefair.com

Konstsmide The ďŹ rst company to develop the transformer light set

KONSTSMIDE (UK) Ltd Hardwick View Road, Holmewood Industrial Estate Holmewood, ChesterďŹ eld, Derbyshire, S42 5SA, United Kingdom

Tel. +44 (0)1246-852140 Fax +44 (0)1246-854297 E-mail: sales@konstsmide.co.uk www.konstsmide.se

Feature Harrogate Christmas & Gift

Eight halls of Christmas Hall A

Hall C

A37

CGB giftware

A01

Christmas in January

A40

Flame Homeware

A29 A34

Hall Q Anglo American Distributors Ltd

Q34

Allsorted Uk Ltd

Q25

Arora Design Ltd

C06

Archipelago

Q21

Calico Cottage

Florelle Import Co

C24

Boland Bv

Q24

Craft Sensations

Global Journey

C21

Boxer Gifts

Q35

Crystal World

Iep Wholesale

C20

Casdon Toys

Q58

Graphic Universe

A16

Jeno Floral Imports

C04

Fair To Trade

Q60

Halewood International Ltd

A09,22

Leisuregrow Products (Noma)

C05

Felt So Good

Q33

Hometown World Ltd

Festive Productions Ltd

Q02

Jomanda

A25

Lemax-Europe Bv

C37

Heaven Sends

Q41

Plaristo Uk Ltd

A26

Low's

C19

Joe Davies Ltd

Q01

Playwrite Group Ltd

A28

Padgett Brothers AtoZ

C18

Lotus Imports Ltd

Q55

Prop Me Up Events

A08

Rifflemacher & Weinberger Gmbh &Co Kg

C17

Meridian Import Company Ltd

Q39

Something Different

A16

Sincere Uk Ltd

C27

Mister Tinsel

A38

Q20

Terra Rossa

Q32

The Gifted Stationery Company

A36

Suki Gifts International Ltd

C22

Puleo Asia Ltd

C3A

Royal County Products

A30

The Giftware Trading Company

Q50

C10

Schulte Kunstgewerbe Int Gmbh & Co. Kg

The Great British Card Company

A07

The Libra Company

C41

Tree-Locate

The Irish Fairy Door Company

A02

The Milford Collection

Q51

The Original Metal Sign Co

A04

The Satchville Gift Company

Q43

Tractor Ted

A35

Walton & Co Ltd

A06

Willow Brooks Secret Christmas

Hall B

Hall D D1

Benross Marketing Ltd

Q19

Uk Homeware Ltd

Lesser & Pavey

Q09

Waxcrayon Ltd

Open Retail Solutions

D12

Snowtime

Queen Suite Foyer

Tallon International Ltd

QS1

Vivid Arts Ltd

The Straits Trading Company Ltd

QS2

Fountasia Ltd

D05

Xystos Flame & Fragrance, Bath & Body

Hamac

B04

Bonnington Plastics Ltd

B16

Cardinal Plus

B36

Country Matters Ltd

B1 & 5

Floralsilk Ltd

B1A

Hogewoning Bv

Hall H

B18

Jvl Homeware Solutions

Kb Europe Ltd

B11 & 21

Koopman International Bv

B15

National Tree Company

Hall M

B14

Rsw International Ltd

M12

Ascalon Design Ltd

B02

Sifcon International Plc

M14 & M16

Gisela Graham Ltd

B13

Widdop & Co

Kaemingk Bv

30 christmas in january

Kings Suite KS11

Amica Felt Works

Premier Decorations Ltd

KS2

Culinary Concepts

Premier Halloween

KS8

Gaeltag

Premier Summer Living

KS6

IC Innovations

M22

Konstsmide (Uk) Ltd

M26

Luxa Flamelighting

M06

Sagedecor

M24

The Original Winters Tale Ltd

Triflora Decorations Ltd

M28

Weiste

KS12

Jormaepourri Ltd

KS1

Pollyfields

KS4

Nkuku

Konstsmide The ďŹ rst company to develop the LED Christmas light string

KONSTSMIDE (UK) Ltd Hardwick View Road, Holmewood Industrial Estate Holmewood, ChesterďŹ eld, Derbyshire, S42 5SA, United Kingdom

Tel. +44 (0)1246-852140 Fax +44 (0)1246-854297 E-mail: sales@konstsmide.co.uk www.konstsmide.se

Feature Floralsilk

Displays bring Floralsilk’s themes to life

hen it comes to showing off Floralsilk’s fabulous product range, it all comes down to themes. And this is one area where this family-run firm truly excels. “I am so excited about our themes for 2017,” says Stephanie O’Flaherty, Floralsilk’s Marketing Director. “The meeting when Darren, our Christmas Director, presents me with the festive themes is actually one of my highlights of the year. “From that point on, it’s Darren’s job to evolve the themes into fabulous product ranges and it is mine to ensure each theme is stunningly presented to our customers.” Stephanie, who joined husband Liam’s family business nine years ago, then takes each theme and turns it into a three-dimensional display for the Harrogate Fair, Spring Fair and then lastly it is re-created in Floralsilk’s vast showroom in Bourne, Lincolnshire. “Our displays have evolved over the past few years and become quite a talking point,” she reveals. “And each year we set the bar higher and have to beat it the following year! “It’s well worth it though as customer feedback has been incredible and this is translating into growing sales for both Floralsilk and our customers.”

So what are Stephanie’s top three themes for 2017… Midwinter You’re coming home on Christmas Eve and the snow has been falling all day, there is a fresh, white dusting over the grass, your front porch and the rooftops all around. Each snowflake is twinkling in the dusky light as you step into the warmth of home.

Celebration Imagine the reception of a small boutique hotel with a sumptuous deep pile cream carpet, contemporary black Christmas trees dripping with gold, ivory and black baubles. If you’re lucky you might even be offered a glass of bubbly…

32 christmas in january

Enchanted Forest It’s Christmas for animals and fairies too in this magical, whimsical land of deer, foxes, toadstools, ivy, berries and mossy pinecones. Wildlife galore! Be sure to visit Floralsilk’s dazzling show stand at Harrogate to soak up all the magic and check out those stunning product ranges!

Harrogate – Hall B, B1/B5 Email: sales@floralsilk.co.uk Tel: 01778 425205 Web: www.floralsilk.co.uk

The inspiration behind our baubles…

very year, when Darren Broxup, Floralsilk’s Director of Christmas, designs and develops his exclusive glass baubles, as well as drawing on his own expertise, he seeks input from the team. This year, he took things one step further and when one of Floralsilk’s customers, Penny the Window Dresser, sketched out some baubles all of her own Darren took Penny’s sketches and turned them into a beautiful glass bauble, named after its designer. Darren takes his own designs seriously too, and chooses to name them after girls’ names from across the globe. Come to Harrogate to see if there’s one named after you or your loved one!!

Konstsmide THE brand for all your quality Christmas Lighting

Visit us at: HARROGATE CHRISTMAS & GIFT 8th–11th January 2017 Stand M22 BIRMINGHAM NEC SPRING FAIR 5th–9th February 2017 Hall 2 Stand 2F20

KONSTSMIDE (UK) Ltd Hardwick View Road, Holmewood Industrial Estate Holmewood, Chesterﬁeld, Derbyshire, S42 5SA, United Kingdom

Tel. +44 (0)1246-852140 Fax +44 (0)1246-854297 E-mail: sales@konstsmide.co.uk www.konstsmide.se

Feature Premier

Premier Well poised for 2017 P

remier Decorations is the UK’s leading supplier for Christmas and with the majority of his career dedicated to the festive industry, managing direct John Athwal certainly has an opinion or two about how he expects the market to develop over the coming year. John speaks exclusively to Christmas in January … Following political events of 2016, there is little left to the imagination when it comes to surprising the UK public. What with Brexit, followed shortly by the swift exit of Prime Minister Cameron; then Donald Trump beating all the odds to what must be the world’s most powerful political role; and finally Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi resigning after losing a referendum on constitutional reform – surely we’ve seen it all? I personally think not. Yes Brexit sent the pound crashing overnight and lost 18 percent of its value against major currencies with predictions pointing to inflationary prices in 2017. Yet whilst we have inflation as a result of this new order in exchange rates, some have been quick to take advantage as may have been the case in the Marmite war between Unilever and a major supermarket. Sometimes it takes a bit of a shake up to get the house in order and Premier has certainly taken advantage of the current climate, putting its pricing under review and careful management of costs and negotiations with its manufacturing facilities. This means that Premier is well poised for the 2017 season and customers visiting our company at trade exhibitions and our two showrooms will be in for a pleasant surprise. Image is everything, and not resting on its laurels and relying on pricing, Premier has totally revamped its packaging in key areas putting our products in the spotlight with its eye-catching, innovative design. Our lighting range has had a major overhaul and having talked to customer focus groups we discovered that consumers are no longer looking for a particular bulb count. They are more concerned about what area a particular light set will cover, or what length they require to cover a tree. Bearing this in mind, Premier introduced TreeBrights for the 2015 season, recommending each set for a particular size of tree. This was such a revelation and so successful that all light sets now feature very prominently the length of the light string. Premier has led the way for a number of years by having a

34 christmas in january

corner flash on its packaging noting the length of the lights enclosed, but has now gone even further by featuring the length as a headlining statement. It is no longer acceptable to simply focus on the number of bulbs as this can be misleading for the consumer. There can be a multitude of lengths for the same bulb count – particularly with some suppliers shortening the space between bulbs to cut costs, which then render the light set not fit for purpose. One wholesaler told me, “We are in the business of buying and selling only – whilst Premier is interested in the usefulness of its lights.” Therefore we have covered all bases and our new packaging highlights the length as well as the number of bulbs. Another new launch for our lighting department is ‘indoor’ LED string lights which have a five metre lead wire with 5cm bulb spacing. These can also be used outdoors and are extremely competitively priced and perfect for those ‘wow’ promotions. My buzz word for the moment is ‘DUPED’ and acronym for ‘Don’t Understand Product Exact Details’. It is so important for retailers to know the product that they are buying and therefore selling, to thoroughly check the details, so as not to get caught out. Pallet and Volume deals are definitely the way forward giving retailers the optimum in revenue opportunities and one of our first deals to sell out this year outside of lighting was Premier’s lit bottles. These literally flew off the pallets and Premier will repeat the same deal at the same price, despite the drop in pound value, adding further value to this range. Furthermore, our lit vases have been upgraded and new designs added, so it’s worth checking these out. Another product range which our customers have been literally raving about is glitter water spinners. Premier’s version of this product had more glitter and totally sold out quickly, so with new designs, lower prices and some great volume deals this is a range to grab attention. The latest designs also feature new innovative flat lanterns and even a candlebridge which are guaranteed to be best sellers; and with volume purchase pricing introduced for this hugely successful range, retailers are in a win-win situation.

Lit canvas sales also remain very strong and – as you would expect from Premier – innovation being the key, Premier introduced lit lenticulars this year and have increased this range with new scenes. Canvas have also seen further innovation and with new designs and next generation of canvases are a ‘must see’ at Premier’s exhibitions and showrooms. Christmas tree sales continue to go from strength to strength for Premier and retailers will also benefit from the fabulous newly designed boxes which are not only sturdy but modern and eye-catching too. This new packaging has been introduced to all of Premier’s trees and fibre optics as well as cherry blossom trees. There is a whole range of varying sizes of dressed Santa’s at prices that you will not believe. Even individual garden centres are well used to buying this in containers and the prices for 2017 are even lower. This is an opportunity for you get ahead of the competition. Our animated village scenes have been extremely popular and some exciting developments at great prices await your visit to the Premier Stand. Battery operated lights are well in demand at even better pricing. But to help your displays, Premier’s Batsave is available so that up to 10 products can be worked from one transformer. And new for 2017 is the same item made for the consumers in mind. You can use this initiative to power battery operated items from a transformer. The now perennial dancing flame candles have been a god send for hotels, restaurants,, clubs, as well as households, and their popularity has allowed Premier to review the pricing for 2017, and some surprises await you. Available in plain and melting wax finish, in stands, pallets, and even sets with remote control. Premier’s themes have had their annual makeover and eight brand new Christmas stories await your perusal. For example, Noel Splendour is totally ‘en trend’ with an array of gold, silver, copper, cream and white decorations guaranteed to make a statement in the most fashionable of homes; whilst Season’s Greetings encompasses sumptuous reds, rich gold and deep burgundy shades combining luxury with tradition and an element of class. A visit to the Hall H at Harrogate is a must where you can experience Premiers legendary hospitality and view the entire range all in one place.

christmas in january 35

Feature Joe Davies

Festive preparations aplenty with Widdop

t may be the most wonderful time of the year, but where Widdop and Co is concerned it’s the early bird that catches Christmas. In fact this renowned gifts supplier is so well known for its seasonal fare that preparations start a whopping 18 months m early. But as Widdop’s Christmas W Designer Tammy D Cowley will tell you, C you yo need the perfect mix mi of inspiration and perspiration when pee pulling together a pu u collection of over co 1,000 lines. 1 “I’ve spent the best part p of 2016 preparing for fo Christmas 2017,” Tammy reveals. T “The first step of putting any range pu together begins with to analysis. Identifying an bestsellers from the be previous season is critical, pr but bu to avoid the range from frro becoming stale even eev these get their very own ow design twist. “Then comes the fun part pa where we research and a identify new themes for fo the following season. “We incorporate research re into the pantone pa p colour trends identifi iid ed by leading trend tr houses, and this th year, for example, we’ve w mixed teal with silver si to create the Silver Sparkle range. The Si striking blue adds a fresh str twist tw to the simple silver theme. the “The introduction 36 christmas in january

of metallic accents from gold to glitter, silver to copper, across all of the ranges reflects the trends we are seeing in home accessories generally.” The final result of Tammy and the Widdop team’s hard work is ten carefully-curated Christmas themes.

Merry and Bright Merry and Bright is Widdop’s traditional red and green theme, but for 2017 Tammy has added tartan to the mix picking up on the current strong heritage trend. This is a timeless look and perfectly captures the feel of a cosy cottage living room filled with the joy and festivity of Christmas past. The theme features Father Christmas designed ceramic pieces, snowman salt and pepper pots and Holly leaf embellishments.

Golden Grandeur This wonderful, glamorous range brings glitz to the holiday season and combines pops of hold with a sharp dash of black. Inspired by leading American homeware brands, the collection offers an ultra-luxurious look that is both modern and merry!

Silver Sparkle The stunning colour combination of teal and silver brings the winter inside for Christmas with this light, modern range that is both fresh and elegant. Inspired by the most natural winter colours the theme conjures up the joy of winter wonderland while adding sparkle to the home.

Woodland

copies in a range of 15 languages. Howard Blake’s iconic imagery is the inspiration for Widdop’s Snowman and Snowdog collection and the range includes resin figures and baubles, photo frames and keepsake boxes. A branded display stand is also available to show off the collection to very best effect in store, and the range is also ideally pitched at the all-important special first Christmas.

Teacher, travel, pets This quirky take on traditional Christmas themes is inspired by global travel, teachers and pets. It offers gifts for friends and family who love nothing more than boarding a plane or setting sail, as well as presents for teachers from students struggling for inspiration and gifts for man’s best friend.

Disney Perfect for the Disney fanatics out there, this great range is bright and wonderfully festive. The range includes character ornaments, mugs and baubles from all your favourite Disney films. Featuring great characters old and new such as Minnie and Mickey Mouse and new favourites Frozen, there is something for everyone.

Children and Baby Christmas is an exciting and magical time for children everywhere, and this range combines whimsy with enormous fun and includes chocolate treats, festive dining ware and baby’s first Christmas gifts.

Deep in the Scandinavian woodland a log fire burns in a small wood cabin, whilst snow covers the furs outside. This range is inspired by Narnia and snow covered forests and is perfect for creating a cosy woodland themed interior. Tammy has also added a playful twist to the collection with the addition of woodland animals.

Love Christmas

Bejewelled

You can also visit Widdop and Co’s head office, where the team has created their very own winter wonderland with all 10 themes on show. Take advantage of top merchandising tips allowing every retailer to re-create some of the magic in store, and a Christmas Look Book bursting with ideas and a brand new festive website have also been launched. Visit: www. christmasbywiddop.co.uk for more information. Harrogate – Hall B, Stand 13 Email: sales@widdop.co.uk Tel: 0161 688 1226 Web: www.widdop.co.uk

Add some sparkle to your Christmas with this wonderful Christmas collection. With rich purples and blues, this range is a gorgeous alternative to the traditional Christmas theme and is brand new for 2017. Tammy and the team were inspired by peacock shades and hues of navy, burgundy and green have been given an almighty pop of colour.

The Snowman and The Snowdog The Snowman by Raymond Briggs is one of the most iconic Christmas stories of all time. First published in 1978 it has since sold over 8.5m

This collection boasts the way to bring festivity and joy into the home, with a range of wall plaques, mugs and signage featuring Christmas designs and well known slogans. Draped in festive colours of red, green and white and embellished with snowflakes and holly, Love Christmas really leaves its festive stamp.

Feature Gardman

Make Gardman your one stop pre-order shop...

38 christmas in january

he New Year marks the launch of Gardman’s 2017 Christmas Emporium with a comprehensive range of 40 artificial Christmas trees taking centre stage. The first phase of Gardman’s Christmas range features a number of new p products, including the Pre-lit Kindersley Tree, Pre-Lit Christmas Ce Centrepiece and an Automatic Adjustable Tree Stand. The impressive collection of high quality trees, are sourced fr from one single factory enabling retailers to create a mixed co container in any combination they wish… • Ten stunning styles in five finishes; standard, frosted, berry, pine cone or pre-lit with twinkling white lights • Available in four heights; 5ft, 6ft, 7ft and 8ft • High quality construction and finish • Retail ready display packaging complete with carry handles • Market leading RRPs • Clear range hierarchy that meets all core consumer needs; standard, premium and luxury. You can view Gardman’s entire Christmas pre-sell offering aat their Peterborough showroom from 3rd January 2017 onwards. To complement the pre-order lines the second phase of Gardman’s Christmas Emporium 2017, is to be launched in June to run alongside the Autumn/Winter Event sell-in, and will feature outdoor solar lighting, festive doormats and other Christmas essentials. To find out more contact your local Gardman agent or call sales on 01406 372237.

Our first time at Harrogate Christmas & Gift

Harrogate Christmas & Gift 8th to 11th January 2017 - Stand C19 Harrogate International Centre 100’s of NEW Christmas lines Only £100 minimum order Fantastic, easy to use website ‘Little & Often’ Ordering System

ssnoozies!® no ooziess!®® Boh BJingle oh ho BBells alleet snoozies!®

FREE next day delivery Award winning customer service

TOP SELLER

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Joe Davies (Manchester) Limited 149 Broadstone Road, Reddish Stockport SK5 7GA Tel: 0161 975 6300 Fax: 0161 975 6301 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk

The ‘Little & Often’ giftware supplier

Feature Harrogate

Puleo International Hall C – Stand C22

Puleo have many new and beautiful tree styles for 2017. There is an expanded range of full size and slim trees, traditional and natural looking, potted trees as well as matching wreaths, garlands and swags. Furthermore, LED trees are also on display. With more than 50 years experience in the industry, Puleo has built a very strong reputation for providing a complete package to its customers with excellent service, on-time delivery and market-beating product design and quality. All of this at very competitive pricing – the Company are not just a Supplier but a partner you can trust!

Tel: Adrian Yapp 07766 140386 Email: a.yapp@sky.com

Gisela Graham

Hall M – Stand M14/16

Bonnington Plastics Hall B – Stand 04

New colour coded packaging facilitates category selection for retail buyers and makes the consumer experience less bewildering The huge brand and product changes at Bonningtons continue to ripple through the business and customers will be able to see the new developments in the Kingfisher Christmas brand at Harrogate In building the new range for 2017 Kingfisher have set out to demystify the massively complex string light sector and build a clear product segmentation and hierarchy. They’ve then translated this into colour coded packs with critical information presented in an instantly understandable format. All indoor string lights are presented in ‘hot’ colours - purple (for battery powered) and red (for main fairy lights) whilst outdoor LED strong lights are in cool blue (for static) and green (for multifunction). All packs have the critical product information in clear icon form on the front, whilst the back of pack includes important illustrated information on the colour of cable, the length of cable and the distance between individual bulbs. As well as their extensive range of lighting, Kingfisher Festive will be showcasing their collections of new decorative figures and plush ornaments which have been designed in response to strong themes and trends in interior décor. Space does not permit to cover the whole range, but there is a strong Scandanavian influence and dark green returns to blend with traditional reds and bold tartan. Reflecting warm tones and natural materials including hessian and cork, the Gingerbread range will be extended following a very successful introduction last year. The range includes tall ‘extendable leg’ gingerbread men that stand 75cm high to create a focal point to Christmas displays.

Tel: 0115 985 4119 Email: sales@bonningtonplastics.com 40 christmas in january

Today’s hyper-competitive climate means retailers have to work ever harder to stand out from the crowd. Gisela Graham‘s 2017 Christmas collection is designed to give them the distinction that makes the difference. She puts her unique stamp on traditional genres – Scandinavian, Frost, Woodland, Cream& Gold, Country – with new, original designs to give them a fresh, stand-out look. It’s a difference that consumers notice and appreciate : the silver Gisela Graham label on her decorations is eagerly sought after. Elsewhere in her collection she pulls some real surprises: glorious ‘Regal London’ glows with crowns and jewels. ‘Santa’s Toy Factory ’ is fantasy Christmas at the turn of the 19th century. ‘Christmas Bake Off’ has its tongue firmly in its cheek, featuring 1950’s fairy housewives in their festive kitchens. ‘Glorious Peacocks’ shines out with an extra measure of glamour. In ‘Victorian Christmas’ cherub children gambol in the snow,

wrapped up in pastel winter clothes. ‘Fairy Tales’ stars Christmas favourites such as Puss-in-Boots and Cinderella. Plus a choice of over 200 glass ball designs. Add in three other themed ranges and this collection of 2,200 items spans the widest breadth of choice available anywhere in Europe – with competitive prices! Also: unscary, stylish Halloween and a fun Party range. Gisela Graham also shows her marvelous 1,700-item designer gift range with stylish gifts for every occasion.

STAND

2E01

Artisan crackers

“Crackers have been a passion – obsession might be a better word ² VLQFH , PDGH P\ ÀUVW ZKHQ \HDUV ROG LQ WKH EHGURRP , KDYH QHYHU ÀJXUHG RXW ZK\ , GLG WKDW EXW LW KDV ZRUNHG RXW SUHWW\ ZHOO ² VR IDU µ Julian Reed, Founder & CEO DESIGNED IN ENGLAND

ROBIN REED SINCE 1975

#INSPIRINGINTERIORS

thelibracompany.co.uk Visit us: Harrogate Christmas Fair | Stand A07 | 8th-11th January Spring Fair NEC | Hall 8 Stand C03-05 | 5th-9th February

Feature Kaemingk

Welcome to Kaemingk decorators for all seasons

ach year it`s a great surprise to find out how Kaemingk has changed their showroom. For Christmas 2017 they’ve managed yet again, to set up a completely new ambiance in their showroom in which the latest trends and colours are displayed in beautiful settings. You can easily say that it is 54,000 sq ft of inspiration for their customers. Kaemingk values being a trendsetter in the industry and therefore changes its ranges with nearly 70% each year; this year being no exception. With 22 colours presented in 8 new themes, over 13,000 products and close to 100 inspirational settings, the showroom is a must see for everyone that sells Christmas products. The moment you enter Kaemingk, you`re being drawn into the Christmas spirit, where the reception area is fully decorated in a lovely setting inspired by nature. Then when entering the staircase, you`re astounded by a nostalgic Christmas carrousel. Combine this with the smell of popcorn and it will immediately take you back to the old days. If the above hasn`t gotten you in the Christmas spirit yet, then I`m sure that below highlights of their Christmas 2017 collections will:

42 christmas in january

Loved by Nature A feel good theme that compromises two key trends: Nature and shades of green for the home interior. It is modern and natural at the same time. A greenhouse converted into a home. From the glass facade we`re overlooking the green, wooded forest attached to it. Inside, the greenhouse has been furnished as a lounge/living during Christmas time. A large Christmas tree decorated in magnificent shades of green completes the setting.

Winter Sky This wonderful new snow theme includes a beautiful flow of colours from a winter sky. The softness of pink and lilac give this very commercial theme a whole new look. An old farmhouse with a thatched roof on the edge of the woods, with an amazing view to slightly frosty meadows. This theme is wintery and peaceful in a lovely country setting.

Grand Cafe Their most traditional Christmas theme contains lots of class and grandeur, but it keeps the classic Christmas values in mind. A Grand Cafe in town that serves the best coffee

and delicious chocolate cake. Housed in an old building with industrial influences, decorated with thick greenery garlands and plenty of traditional Christmas lights on the walls. This café welcomes you with a warm feeling and gets you in the real Christmas spirit straight away!

Christmas Fun Their cosy red & white theme; this year combined with two shades of blue. These blue trend colours give this traditional theme a fresh and Nordic touch, presented in a lovely small bistro setting. It`s all about the warm and wintery feeling combined with a great deal of Christmas tradition. Next to their showroom, Kaemingk welcomes you to the following exhibtions: 8 - 11 Jan 2017 Christmas & Gift Fair Harrogate stand Hall M | Stand M02 M08 27– 31 Jan 2017 Christmasworld Frankfurt Hall 8.0 | Stand K90 A+B 05 - 09 Feb 2016 ISF Birmingham Hall 2 | Stand C04-D05+C30-D31 www.kaemingk.com

We love Christmas and offer everything from exclusive baubles and garlands to authentic Christmas trees and foliage. Our passion for design and quality together with our 35 years’ experience as a family run business means there’s so much to bring home this Christmas with Floralsilk.

COME AND SEE US AT: Harrogate Christmas & Gift Harrogate International Centre 8th – 11th January 2017 Hall B, Stand B1/B5

sales@ﬂoralsilk.co.uk

International Spring Fair The NEC, Birmingham 5th – 9th February 2017 Hall 2, Stand F04

01778 425 205

www.ﬂoralsilk.co.uk

Feature Noma

NOMA is all set

to illuminate Harrogate

ighting specialists NOMA are promising customers a truly dazzling display for 2017’s festive season – whether you visit the company’s stands at Harrogate’s Christmas & Gift show or the showroom at LeisureGrow’s Hertfordshire headquarters. But with more than 75 years in the business you’d expect nothing less from these leading lights – and they’ve certainly got a few surprises in store… NOMA’s range for 2017 includes light chains, home styling accessories, decorative trees, acrylic figures, and outdoor lighting. There are literally hundreds of new products to browse, including new innovations from the NOMA team like its gorgeous range of new Pre-lit LED Decorative Willow Trees. Plus NOMA is also looking forward to showing off its new Northern Lights range which is so top secret that no product images are being handed out as of yet - so customers will need to head to Harrogate to see them for themselves! In terms of trends for 2017, NOMA’s marketing director Frank Kaminski is the one in the know when it comes to what buyers should be looking out for at this year’s show. • Trend-Conscious Christmas: “We’ve brought a touch of the industrial interiors trend to Christmas for next year with our NOMA Bulb Collection which features Edison lightbulbs in different sizes, as string lights and centrepieces,” Frank reveals. “This was really popular when we launched it as a NOMA Garden Art product, and we think it will prove just as popular for Christmas.” • Outdoor Lighting: “The growing influence of how America does Christmas means that increasingly consumers want to decorate their gardens and the outside of their houses with Christmas lights,” Franks says. 46 christmas in january

“We’ve increased our range of Fit & Forget battery lighting and our Add-A-Long Pro outdoor lights so people can easily illuminate any area of the garden they want.” • Christmas in Home Decor: “We’re seeing a big trend for seasonal decor where Christmas decorations don’t just stop at the windows, tree, or table,” Franks adds. “People are really embracing the Christmas period by swapping cushions, artwork, and ornaments for festive themed versions. “Tied to this trend we’ve increased our range of pre-lit LED wall art, with some beautiful natural-style Christmas scenes for displaying on a wall or table, including our Pre-Lit LED Natural Snowman Scene Wall Art.” NOMA will also be displaying its tree collection at Harrogate, which includes its pre-lit 1-2-Tree System range. You simply slot the three tree parts together, plug the tree in, and all the branches fall into place automatically with each branch lit with just the right number of lights. NOMA also has non-pre-lit trees available in a variety of designs and sizes, to suit every home and budget. As leaders in Christmas lighting innovation, NOMA’s products all come with the technology that makes them easy to use over the festive period, including: • Fit & Forget 72 Day Battery Lights: NOMA’s indoor or outdoor battery lights come with the technology that lets you time your lights to come on at the same time each day and then turn off after six hours. And the batteries will last for up to 72 days. • Easytimer: With NOMA’s innovative Easytimer you can set your plug-in lights to come on at the same time each day, and then turn off after eight hours just by pressing one button. • Add-A-Long Pro: Lets you link multiple

sets of lights together using one plug, perfect for impressive outdoor light displays of up to 4,000 lights, without lots of wires. “For us, Christmas is all about those twinkling lights that give everyone that warm festive feeling,” Frank says. “Whether it’s a string of decorative lights on a mantelpiece, a piece of LED Christmas art on the wall, or decorative tree in your front porch, everything in the NOMA range comes with integral lights. “We’ve worked hard on this year’s range to streamline our offering so we can deliver a great experience and level of customer service to our customers, and we look forward to seeing everyone at the stand at Harrogate, or back at the showroom.” • To arrange a visit to NOMA’s stunning Christmas 2017 showroom please contact the sales team. If you’re unable to attend Christmas & Gift or simply wish to see NOMA’s latest range in all its glory, the showroom is now open for trade customers at LeisureGrow’s Hertfordshire based offices. Harrogate – Hall A, Stands 09 and 22 Email: sales@leisuregrow.co.uk Tel: 01462 744500 Web: www.noma.co.uk

Visit us!

HARROGATE CHRISTMAS & GIFT B13 NEC HALL 4 G10-J11

1000 brand new lines for Chri stmas 2017 10 uniq ue rang es 1 mag ical experien ce Also on show in our Christmas showroom until 31st March 2017

tel: 0161 688 1226 | Email: sales@widdop.co.uk | www.christmasbywiddop.co.uk Broadgate, Broadway Business Park, Chadderton, Oldham, OL9 9XE

Feature Konstsmide

Innovators of

Christmas lighting V

isiting Konstsmide’s U.K. offices and showroom recently located just outside Chesterfield illustrates to me just how large are the Company’s Product offering these days. When you think that they have always stayed close to their beliefs that they are lighting specialists and have never attempted to deviate from this particular product group, then the depth of the various lighting groupings are even more impressive. I met up with M.D. Richard Jerrom who told me that he was more than satisfied with their level of trading during 2016, delighted that all of their orders had been delivered in a timely manner. In order to cope with the increased business, the warehouse had enjoyed a makeover with the addition of a mezzanine floor, thus increasing their storage capability by over 40%. Being brand leaders in lighting however can bring a little frustration when competitors have attempted to copy certain of their lines using cheaper materials and thus offering buyers a cheaper deal. Richard continues “This state of affairs usually lasts for only one season, as our customers that

48 christmas in january

have fallen for the deal, realise the difference in quality and soon return to us.” Richard has also noticed that more and more Retailers, Garden Centres and Stores seem to be wanting ‘Own Brand’. This in the main driven by price, but Konstsmide have never gone down this route. “We need to educate both buyers and the Public that despite living in a ‘throw away’ society, that the cheapest is not always the best value in town.” he continued. The company has always been known for offering top quality at a fair price and a fair margin for their buyers. Sweden has always set great store by the investment in product testing. Not content to achieve simply the C.E. mark, but also all known lighting bench marks for safety. as clearly shown on all their packaging. An excellent example of this is that Konstsmide has always used the same Chinese company in the manufacture of their Transformers, a business relationship that has endured for 24 years, ensuring only the very best quality. I asked the question “Has Brexit given Konstsmide challenges when dealing with their suppliers?” Richard’s observation on this question “With the Pound so

low against the Dollar right now (It was hovering at around 1.25. when I visited in late November) of course this will cause prices to rise in China, but all product made in China is facing the same problems for U.K. importers, I envisage that certain Suppliers will cheapen their products in order to keep prices down, but we as a Company will never do this.â&#x20AC;? Fortunately, the Christmas decoration industry is not as price competitive in the eyes of the Consumer as other retail products, so Richartd Jerrom may well be correct in his assumptions that any increases will be passed on to the Consumer. Visitors to Harrogate and Spring Fair will notice that Konstsmide have invested in a newly designed stand that like the previous stand

will be open and user friendly for all visitors. When I asked Richard for details of their new items for 2017, he was understandably reticent to release any advance information. Suffice to say that within the seven major lighting categories that Konstsmide specialise in their are plenty of new additions replacing those items that have been retired from the Collection. Each year when I drive out of Holmwood Industrial Estate I always forget that the road is one way, luckily for me the first HV bearing down on me gave ample warning and I suppose the large blue and white one way road sign should have caught my attention! I wonder how many other visitors make the same mistake! Harrogate Stand M 22

christmas in january 49

Feature Mr Tinsel

Mr Tinsel build on their first year T

he Welsh football team weren’t the only team from Wales to have a fantastic year. Like Gareth Bale, Ian Norris has led the Mister Tinsel team to perform well above their weight in delivering their quality, bespoke tinsel to a growing number of fans. Ian told me “Following a most successful debut at Harrogate, support and appreciation from a growing number of customers has led to a very real sense of satisfaction for us and made ‘a day at the office’ a real pleasure for the Mister Tinsel team.” Being able to concentrate 100% on the manufacture and supply of tinsel, the company see themselves as ‘real’ artisans, able to create trend colours and designs virtually to order. With success comes the need to increase production and Mister Tinsel have been able to purchase new machinery leading to a 200% increase in their capacity. For the 2017 season their Harrogate stand will be awash with exciting new colours, texture and combinations to suit every taste. In some instances the company completely sold out of certain lines so the acquisition of additional capacity is most welcome. On the ‘News’ front Ian is excited to be working with Gary Barlow on his new musical ‘The Girls’, so watch this space or should I say stage. Perhaps like another Welshman Sir Tom Jones, Ian could be Gary’s understudy on between checking orders! To see their 2017 range visit stand C27 in Hall ‘C’. Tel:0845 3192046 or email:ianinorris@gmail.com

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Feature Riffelmacher

Riffelmacher -

Grow their UK Business Malcolm Naish visits their HQ in Roth to find out more

ne Christmas decoration company who has been steadily growing their U.K. business are Riffelmacher. Now the third largest Christmas supplier in Germany, they have a large and varied product range and with the help of their Head of Export Sales John King, plus their regular showing at Harrogate, that this year has a much enlarged stand has led to more and more business here in the U.K. I recently travelled to their headquarters in Roth, Bavaria just a short journey from Nuremberg where CEO Frank Marchl along with John King were my hosts for the day. Until my visit, I have to admit that my knowledge of their history and growth was somewhat sketchy, hence my visit. Frank told me that they supply all of the largest German stores and groups as well as many independents. Their product offering consists of approximately 3,000 skuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Export sales have grown steadily and now account for just under 10% with the U.K. a most important part of this growth. So how has this growth from a mid-sized family run business in to a major player been achieved? The business was founded in 1921 and traded as Riffelmacher & Weinberger for many years. Frank Marchl joined in 2001 and had previously enjoyed a career in banking and economics, with the promise from the family that there would be a very good chance that he would be offered the opportunity of eventually becoming its CEO. Having travelled widely in Asia, Frank was able to use his connections to good effect and soon began expanding their turnover and in

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turn their profits. For many years Riffelmacher have been well known for the quality of their tinsel production all of which is manufactured in Roth. I was given a personal demonstration of the various techniques in use and shown the machinery used for its manufacture.

Fantastic!

So many designs and cuts and thicknesses in a huge variety of colour has seen their production increase by a staggering 267% since 2001. I was told that by keeping up with trends and the latest colourways, the company has managed to constantly improve the offering. None of this is left to chance however, they use trend companies to advise them as well as their own in house design staff. Riffelmacher not only use copper and wire in the manufacture, but are also the only tinsel company to incorporate the use of Yarn also in a variety of colours to complement the colourways. Customers have come to accept that the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tinsel is constantly striving to give them something different in this most traditional of Christmas categories both in own-label and branded areas. For the U.K. market their tinsel is supplied in feet and inches and includes p.o.s. display as well as header cards. Tinsel sales account for approximately 5% of total sales. Riffelmacher are also able to offer commercial-sized tinsel plus outdoor tinsel products such as stars, comets, tinsel fountains, hearts and also numbers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all of which can be used for store decoration. If you have any questions or ideas for 2017 store display then you should contact John to

John King, Frank Marchl with Malcolm Naish

Frank Marchl explaines the complexities of tinsel manufacturing discuss the details. With growth has come the need for larger offices/showroom plus increased warehousing space. A most important part of their product range are their huge selection of glass baubles, so much so that a separate 4,000sq.m. warehouse is used exclusively for their storage and distribution. For more and more customers Riffelmacher has become a ‘one-stop’ shop for their Christmas decoration requirements. They claim that the glass ornaments are amongst the biggest in Europe and by constantly adding the latest colourways can offer a selection second to none. From a small minimum order a customer can make their own colour choices very easily and at most competitive prices. Customers can also add personal logos or messages for orders of 300 pieces or more, thus creating bespoke baubles that set them apart from other retailers.

WATCH OUT

Specially for our patriotic readers, Riffelmacher have created a 10cm. bauble with a Union Jack design that includes Swarovski diamonds down the white part of the Union Jack. John King is certain that these will sell like the proverbial ‘hot cakes’ and very rapidly become a Collectors item. Riffelmacher are also very strong in ‘Snow Globes’ from the very traditional up to the

querky/amusing. Available in four sizes from 7cm. up to 15cm. they boast over 150 designs that also offer several different grades of snow that include very fine snow to the latest STORM version. Retailing from just £3.99. up to £24.99. Many as you would expect feature nostalgic Christmas scenes and again are most collectible. Frank had some misgivings following the Brexit result, but when I visited in September when the dust or should I say the snow had settled, Frank was even more determined to increase the company’s presence within the U.K. hence the enlarged stand and investment required to grow the market. You don’t grow to number three in your home market without being strong in many of the ‘must have’ categories that make up the Christmas decoration industry. So pleased are they with their U.K. sales that a showroom package that will include an all expenses paid visit to their showroom including overnight accommodation and a visit to the famous Christmas Market in Nuremberg is now being offered to selected customers. John King has been with the company since 2013 and has spearheaded the U.K. sales drive, so you should speak to John about this great package. To further emphasise their

commitment to growing the U.K. market John has appointed three U.K. salesmen to cover the country (See our appointments page on p.4). Having visited Roth on a glorious summer day in early September, I left them in late afternoon pleased to find a company in very good health with a passion for the Christmas decoration category plus the vision and drive to increase their sales around the world and particularly the U.K. Frank Marchl lives and breathes Christmas with a passion that is impressive and also infectious. For further details contact John King on +49 9171 9644 108 or email:john.king@riffelmacher.de

christmas in january 55

Feature Wyvale

Preparing for Christmas is like a military operation

‘C

ome with me and you’ll be in a world of pure imagination’, Gene Wilder once sang while portraying one of the greatest literary ‘magicians’ ever written. But it isn’t just Willy Wonka who’s an expert at captivating the mind and ensnaring the senses of customers. Wyevale Garden Centre’s seasonal buyer Louise Lee is pretty adept at weaving a

little magic herself when it comes to the chain’s Christmas experience – although it takes her and her team 18 months of hard graft to get there. Louise, who worked as a retail buyer for more than two decades for household names including House of Fraser and Robert Dyas before joining Wyevale two years ago, firmly believes that the huge growth in garden centres as destination places for gift shopping and of course Christmas is something that’s only going to get bigger.

Why are garden centres such perfect spaces when it comes to Christmas? I think it’s because each individual store is anything but a sterile environment and can change and adapt frequently in terms of merchandising and to suit its customers. Wyevale has 150 stores across England and Wales and they’ve become real centres for gift 56 christmas in january

shopping and of course everything festive. You see a huge range of customers, from families whose children love all the distractions in store, others who come for coffee and a peruse and coach parties who come for the whole day. I think you can really get into the spirit of Christmas at a garden centre – far better than you can at a high street store or supermarket. Visual merchandising is central to everything we do and we target the senses with festive scents and music and lay out everything in store in a way that people want to recreate at home.

various factories and attend the big trade fair in Canton. In October I also go around Harrods, Selfridges, Debenhams and Paperchase, as well as looking at independent garden centres, to see what they’re doing for Christmas. Product samples start turning up in the Christmas lab in November and we lay it out

With so many stores how does Wyevale approach merchandising at Christmas?

a couple of months spent

We centre our merchandising around themes and give very specific guidance and training so that staff know to execute fittings and dress the space in store. We have a visual merchandising lab based at our head office in Syon, Greater London, and in June the entire Christmas shop is set up with staff coming to walk through every single section. All of our stores have the same ‘theme huts’ that they utilise in the best way in their own space. For 2016 our themes were: Winter Chalet, which centred around red and tartan and was all about warmth and the Scandinavian lifestyle concept of ‘hygge’, Mistletoe, with hues of frosted silver and greens, Swan Lake, with powdered shades of creams, pinks and pearl and the 12 Days of Christmas – a vibrant theme that used famous festive icons such as drummers drumming and five gold rings. In addition there were also 12 centres that had a specialist theme, Cosmic, that was slightly more contemporary and very trend led incorporating midnight blue.

Tell us about the timetable for festive preparation at Wyevale… I start planning 18 months in advance, so last August when looking ahead to Christmas 2017. I look at trend themes and product categories, and travel to China and Hong Kong where I visit

“Christmas at Wyevale is much more than just looking at baubles – it takes over your life” over the next couple of months. In February everything is signed off in terms of product and packaging and from there we start to map out deliveries and setting out the warehouses in terms of the themes. It really is like a military operation – it isn’t just a couple of months spent looking at baubles, Christmas takes over your entire life.

So where do you get inspiration for festive trends? We look online at Pinterest, we look at interior and fashion trends, talk to key suppliers about what they’re seeing coming in and also consider whether there will be an iconic animal or product for this Christmas. As well as the Far East I travel to Holland and meet with a variety of suppliers and of course also attend Christmas & Gift in Harrogate. We talk to our suppliers about every single decoration and because of Wyevale’s buying power we can tweak things to suit our customer base. As much as we can everything is exclusive to us which is what our customers want. They want an individual Christmas and to be able to buy something a little bit different that’s good value. And by that I don’t mean cheap, but

where they feel it’s money well spent for good quality.

What colour trends will you be showcasing for Christmas this year? The traditional red, gold and silver story is always a winner, but you can play with the levels of gold and copper is also coming in this year. This year we have a massive trend centred around peacock blue mixed with copper and a really bling gold, which I’m calling ‘Kanye at Christmas’! There’s also another inspired by Hampton Court, which incorporates berry shades, old gold and crushed velvet. We’ll also have a traditional red story inspired by Santa’s workshop and a more feminine ‘Snow Queen’ look that plays on pastels with a chalky, powdery finish.

Just how important is Christmas for the Wyevale chain? Incredibly important and it offset the seasonal sales loss in things like bedding plants. Real and replica trees and wreaths are massive sellers for us, as our poinsettias. Plus we add additional ranges of toys, gifts, confectionery and cook shop items – as well as all the decorations. Lighting is massive for us, and the biggest growth has been in outdoor lighting which has a real competitive feel to it. It’s all about customers wanting to beat their neighbours! People are also becoming more adventurous with disco and laser lighting and using big decorative pieces on the outside of their houses. In terms of gifts church candles sell really well, particularly the crackling range from WoodWick.

Sentimental collectables are also big news, as are personalised products. Table linen also sells well, with white and tartan proving particularly popular last year.

“Outdoor lighting is a massive growth area for us. For customers it’s become about beating their neighbours over the festive period!” What trade shows are must-attend events for you in the run-up to Christmas? I go to Top Drawer in September and Autumn Fair as well as travelling to shows in the Far East, but I always go with clear idea of our theme ideas already in mind. Christmas & Gift is also a lovely show and an important one for us to cement our themes.

Finally what product predictions would you make for Christmas 2017? I think people will increasingly be buying festive lighting and bigger trees, as well as specialist items like laser lights. Quite simply it’s about people wanting to show off more! The trend for customising products will also continue, and actually this is something we’re seeing coming into decorations following interiors trends such as a recent one around alphabet letters. Customers really want to make their tree their own. *For more information on Wyevale’s stores visit: www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk

christmas in january 57

Lesser & Pavey

Hall D – Stand D6 Under license from Hearts Design, Lesser & Pavey launch a fine china range of Christmas gifts. ‘All I want for Christmas is you’ message comes on pure white fine china plaque, candle holder, jewellery dish, trinket box and quality mug. ‘Have yourself a merry little Christmas’ sentiment comes on a fine china oil burner, two sizes of Christmas tree jewellery dishes and charming trinket box. ‘Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year’ is summed up on a plaque, round trinket box, oil burner ad jewellery dish. And finally, ‘Merry Christmas’ features on a round trinket box and jewellery dish, oil burner, scented candle and plaque. All items are supplied in quality gift packaging.

Tel: 01322 279586 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk

National Tree

Hall B – Stand B15

Christmas Decorations built on solid family foundations Quality - Design - Service Weiste - a strong UK reputation over 30 years See the Exclusive Weiste 2017 Collections HARROGATE CHRISTMAS & GIFTS EXHIBITION 8th - 11th January 2017 Hall M - Stand 28 Enquiries UK: Morris May Ltd e: info@morrismay.com t: 0131 208 0247 m: 07774 493 594

ɟsEǣÌŸƼ Ÿǋ_sǋÞŘ¶ ɚ ÞĶ EĶs Ǽ ɠsÞǣǼsǣÌŸƼʳʩ 58 christmas in january

As a family company now with 60 years in the Christmas industry, National Tree Company continues to deliver the highest quality products to their customers and strives to be at the forefront of new technological developments. With the resounding success of their original Feel Real® brand of realistic artificial Christmas trees, National Tree has expanded their line for 2017 with exciting new designs and styles. Reflecting the increasing popularity of trees pre-lit with long lasting, energy efficient low voltage LED lights, they continue to offer these quality light sets on their wide variety of trees and holiday decorations. Their Dual-Color® LED sets with nine light functions have been particularly well received, along with more recent advancements including trees with PowerConnect(TM) through-the-pole power connections and Memory-Shape® branch construction that appeal to consumers due to their quick and easy setup. Their top of the line developments and designs succeed in delivering best selling products to their customers worldwide. Don’t miss out and be sure to contact them or their firmly established UK distributor, Norfolk Leisure for more details.

Email: Kimberly@nationaltree. com

Morris May/Weiste Hall M – Stand M28

It is little surprise that Weiste have a commanding market in over 30 countries throughout the world in Shatterproof baubles. A special mix of plastic raw materials make these products more fine and resilient than most others. Marketed under the famous brand of “Legend” which Weiste have produced since 1924, the Company is now the major producer of Shatterproof ornaments and also their famous quality Tinsel in Europe. Helsinki is the base for this powerful Finnish Christmas decoration manufacturer, with its team of designers who work tirelessly to find the right colours and trends each year. The Barista Collection of highly commercial coffee and cream colours - Macchiato and Cappuccino - so easily blended with the ever popular colours of golds and white and happily sitting with traditional reds, is already forming a base for many themes in the Garden Centre area as well as specialist stores. Likewise the pretty shades of sweet Lavender and royal purple fit well with the ‘highlight’ colours of turquoise and fuchsia pink for another strong theme for 2017. Helsinki, Finland, is also where the ideas for the Villa Weiste Collection are conceived and suppliers in the Far East are carefully chosen to manufacture their beautiful ranges of Glass ornaments, Lanterns, Little Furry Friends, Textile Throws and Cushions along with other interior decorative home items. These ranges have been hugely successful in Nordic countries, sought out for their unique designs and competitive price, they are now gaining a strong market in other European countries and especially in the UK. As one of the first exhibitors at the Harrogate Christmas and Gifts Exhibition, some thirty years ago, Weiste can be found in Hall M with a full complement of staff, Matti and Johanna Weiste with Anu Valkonen from Helsinki and Christopher and Sam May directing their UK sales team.

To book an appointment please email info@morrismay.com or phone 07774 493594 christmas in january 59

Feature Libra

Libra launches

new Christmas Collections

ritish homewares brand Libra has been designing and wholesaling furniture and interiors collections since 1972. Now in its fifth decade the familyowned business is an established supplier and designer, sourcing one of the largest and most diverse collections of interior design accessories, homewares, giftware, lighting, and furniture and wall décor across Europe. Libra’s dedicated team of ardent professionals continue to provide selected retailers with an ever-evolving portfolio of unique, beautifully crafted products; working with leading designers to create a seasonally changing collection that boasts premium quality Following a two year collaboration with a Dutch designer, 2017 sees the launch of Libra’s very first Christmas collection. Featuring more than 500 Christmas gifts and homewares sourced from around the globe the collection showcases Libra’s signature variety of unique products that will excite and enchant consumers looking to source stand-out decorations. Based around two distinctive themes Luxe Living and Northern Lights; both evoking a classic British Christmas theme. Libra’s handwriting runs throughout, with polished aluminium and nickel finishes on sculpture, decorative accessories & candlelight, complemented by a selection of natural materials and rustic textures. Regular Christmas favourites such as stars, angels and winter trees feature in each look and are available in a number of different finishes, allowing customers to tailor the look and feel of their decorations.

Burnished Bronze & Scandi A new burnished bronze finish adds an elegant natural patina and sits beautifully amid Libra’s full range of antler inspired pieces. Products include lighting, wall decorations and animal sculptures. These are complemented by Scandinavian 60 christmas in january

inspired pieces that reflect the current trend for mixed materials, with a broad offering across decorative accessories and candlelight.

Hand Painted Baubles and Votives An exclusive collection of hand painted ‘winter scene’ baubles and votives add a new dimension to Libra’s offering. Featuring stags, squirrels, partridges and foxes, the pieces capture a love of English wildlife, which runs throughout Libra’s full range of furniture and homewares.

Candlelight Candlelight sits at the core of the collection and includes a number of modern using mixed metallics (gold, copper, bronze and silver) as well as stand-out geometric and faceted designs.

Glass Glass is also features heavily with varying finishes: frosted glass, rough cut, etched glass, ribbed, hand painted, antiqued and mercury glass – each of which come to life when paired with soft, flickering candle light. Gifting, as with Libra’s main collection, remains integral to the Christmas range with sculpture, desk accessories, gifts and games on offer too. The collection will be available to order until March for delivery from August 2017. Libra will be showcasing its new Christmas collection at Harrogate Fair (Hall A7) 8-11 January and at Spring Fair (Hall 8 C3) 5-9 February 2017.

Feature Giftware Trading

Something different at Giftware Trading

s soon as you enter Hall A at the Harrogate Christmas & Gift fair your eyes will be drawn to Giftware Trading on the right hand side. On stopping you will soon discover the diverse and unique Christmas collection that Giftware Trading has become known for. Managing Director, Ben Jeffery, comments, “Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair has gone from strength to strength. The measure of this more than anything else is the returning clients we see year on year and the positive comments received from the previous year’s sales. We work tirelessly on the collection from one year to the next and never rest on our laurels; we are always looking for new and different products. Clients are often amazed at the amount of different lines offered and these sit alongside tried and tested items from past years”. Giftware Trading are known for finding that something different at sensible and commercial price points. Supplying everything from home decorations, garlands, wreaths, lighting, candle holders and an extensive selection of tree decorations. Giftware Trading are based in Bristol and after purchasing their new warehouse, office and showroom in 2015 they have now enjoyed a full year there. Ben adds “The new premises have been a huge improvement and this has seen an increase in terms of capacity and output plus we now have a comfortable showroom for clients to visit”. Giftware Trading do not spend too much time reflecting on the past and are always looking to the future. “2017 will be an interesting year”, Ben comments, “Despite

some of the uncertainty surrounding Brexit we found many clients repeating regularly through the Christmas period. This sense of uncertainty is likely to continue into next year until we know the clear path that will be taken but Christmas will still happen, it always does. Obviously the strength of the pound will have an effect on prices but I am still amazed at the competitive prices we are able to offer and we are introducing more items than ever before”. Giftware Trading now work with over 50 suppliers in the Far East and this enables them to have such an eclectic collection covering many different ranges. Therefore it is no surprise that they have such a large and diverse client base including small independents, garden centres, mail order companies and wholesalers. Giftware Trading can be found at the Harrogate Christmas and Gift fair, Hall A stand 30 and The Spring Fair Hall 5 stand 02.

christmas in january 61

Feature Festive

Festive’s key trends and licensing set to excite in 2017 - Publisher Malcolm Naish meets CEO Martin Hornung to find out more

o another year is coming to an end but for the UK Christmas industry things are never truly over and as one decoration range is selling out of the stores another is being launched! It is at this point that I find the Festive team who launched their 2017 collection on December 5th which seems rather early as most other Christmas companies are still putting together their own ranges. CEO Martin Hornung explains that starting early is crucial for their business, “we have so many customers to see in a relatively short space of time so the earlier we start the better, it also allows us to secure orders early for those that want to finish things off while Christmas sales are fresh in their minds”. So with that in mind I asked Martin how customers have reacted to the newly opened

62 christmas in january

showroom in South Wales and the new ranges for 2017? He commented, “Customers have really noticed a huge change in Festive since they were here last as the showrooms have moved on dramatically due the emphasis on bespoke designed products which they can’t see anywhere else”. The showroom looks fresh from the very beginning with a huge reception display, I won’t spoil the surprise if you are going to pay them a visit but needless to say it is for sale! The collection this year looks and feels different with themed displays staying true to their colour trends from the reassuring British Icons in Christmas Jubilation through to the fur, metallics and natural colours of Nordic Forest. The showroom is also laid out differently for 2017 with each trend room featuring large laser cut wooden scenes as the backdrop to the

products before moving into the product rooms where each category of product is lined up to make shopping the range easier than ever. “Key trends this year continue to be metallics such as copper, silver, rose gold and gunmetal with geometric shapes still featuring heavily” says Creative Manager Joanne Thomas, “we also feature cutting edge trends such as Cosmic, Harmony and Playful in our Trend room which is designed specifically to showcase our in house design capability”. As I featured in last years edition, Festive has the license for Disney Christmas decorations in the U.K. and following on from the incredible success of its Frozen collection the range has grown to include Mickey and Minnie, Disney Princesses as well as Universals fun loving Minions. Now with a purpose built showroom in Wales these exclusive Festive items should not be missed! Following the successful relaunch of Festive’s core lighting collection in brand new market leading packaging they have grown the core collection to include new development items such as Sparklebrights, Dewdrop and Dual Power lights. At the time of writing Marketing Director Jonathan Hughes would not give in depth details of the developments but assured customers that Festive’s lighting collection was well worth a look at Harrogate or their newly opened showroom. “In addition to an enhanced core lighting

offer we have a complete range of laser and LED projectors at market leading prices across all styles, from the traditional red & green with remote to new Cosmic styles in 2 colour options” The new projector range also has its own purpose built display area which showcases each product and even has a viewing area to take it all in. “Laser projectors have come a long way and no longer need to retail at £100 plus which makes them more accessible to a wider market” added Jon. Expect many more homes to feature their own light shows next Christmas! No Christmas would be complete without tinsel which Festive has been making for over 30 years, still the biggest in the UK they supply the entire independent trade as well as major retailers under own label. Festive’s factory is busier than ever with a real resurgence in tinsel in recent years due to a trend for retro items. The team here are very proud of this operation and always invite visitors to take a tour of the factory to see how tinsel is made. In 2017 Festive has included many new tinsel items in its distinctive display units, with big investments made in tooling and machinery to create new styles and incredible new colours, if you want to buy British made tinsel you really should be buying from Festive! “The market for Christmas has changed quite dramatically in the last few years”, says Martin Hornung, “it is no longer enough to select

products off the shelf in the hope they will sell, you have to have your own distinct style and our in house design team helps us to do just that”. Festive has been around for many years and continues to innovate both in technology and design, they have a large stand in Hall C1 at Harrogate so pop along ask them for a tour of the new ranges.

christmas in january 63

Feature Joe Davies

Joe Davies’

Festive Fair Debut

ince first opening its doors in 1919, gifts supplier and distributor Joe Davies has not only become a household name in the industry but also a leading light for amazing customer service. The firm has also of course become very well known for breadth and originality when it comes to Christmas lines, so it might come as a surprise to learn that 2017 marks its debut at Harrogate’s famous Christmas and Gift show, running from January 8 to 11. But it’s fair to say that both the Joe Davies’ team and its many customers are hugely excited. “Our Christmas ranges have grown year on year both in size and turnover and attending Harrogate Fair seemed like the next logical step for the company,” reveals Sales Manager, David Cree. “There are lots of excellent independent retailers who are looking for that competitive advantage and the timing of the fair is perfect with last year’s festive sales still fresh in the mind. “Harrogate’s venue is perfect for engaging with our customers in a relaxed yet focused environment and we are looking forward to continuing to serve our existing customers and meeting some new ones too!” Christmas & Gift is indeed perfectly placed to meet the needs of the seasonal buyer while giving exhibitors the opportunity to showcase their collections before the Spring Fair rush. “We know that forward thinking customers like to secure their stock and plan their themes for they key Christmas period,” David adds. Joe Davies will be showcasing over 750 items from their Christmas selection at Harrogate with hundreds of new lines making their debut. In fact the company will be unveiling their full seasonal selection, highlighting exciting new gift offerings, stunning jewellery collections and décor pieces and accessories – all beautifully displayed with great pricing. Synonymous with Joe Davies are snoozies!®, the exclusive hot brand from the USA, and this year is no exception. The company is reporting tremendous sales of their Christmas ‘Jingle Bell’ collection and comic Christmas Splitz snoozies!®, which make great stocking fillers. A new collection will be showcased alongside old favourites and these are a must for anyone looking for Christmas impulse buys. One theme looking particularly hot for 2017’s holiday season is LED items and Joe Davies has a huge range of products to meet the expected demands. LED light up balloons, mercury 64 christmas in january

bottles and mason jars have all been given that Christmas Twist, alongside an exciting number of new LED ranges. The firm is particularly excited about its ‘Starlight’ collection of wooden LED Christmas light ups which they expect to be a great seller. Joe Davies’ Equilibrium Collection continues to be one of the UK’s hottest jewellery brand, and the fantastic Christmas selection is no exception and includes many new additions to the range. The collection includes brooches, necklaces, earrings and scarves and is competitively priced to hit the key price points. All items are beautifully presented making it the perfect Christmas gift or a great impulse self-purchase. Another popular and ever-growing trend concerns children and their faith in the magic of Christmas and many of Joe Davies’ products tie in with this nostalgic theme. From elegant message Santa sacks and stockings to collect their gifts, to an exquisite Christmas elf collection to help build the excitement, there are some fantastic items on offer, including ones to tie in perfectly with Christmas Eve. Joe Davies’ customers have reported fantastic sales of the company’s range of glass Christmas trees for the fifth year in succession. They are available in four sizes and in a variety of styles and designs. Décor pieces are also particularly strong and the company have a number of new products launching at the fair to take advantage of this including new LED Bauble designs, Christmas hangers, ornaments and much more. Finally as the largest distributor of the Leonardo Collection from Lesser and Pavey, Joe Davies will be showing the best of their new Christmas lines as well as firm favourites at Harrogate. All will be available to buy in small quantities for affordable ordering. To make ordering as simple and easy as possible carriage paid orders are just £100, and delivered on a date to suit customers’ requirements. In addition all items are available in sensible ‘little and often’ quantities to make repeat ordering trouble-free. Having won the Greats award for customer service a whopping 14 times, Joe Davies is looking forward to seeing faces familiar and new on their festive stand C19. Make sure you check it out! Harrogate – Hall C, Stand 19 Email: info@joedavies.co.uk Tel: 0161 975 6300 Web: www.joedavies.co.uk

Feature Jingles

The life blood of Jingles

is innovation V

isiting the Jingles 28,000 sq ft showroom in Belfast is always an excellent education for me as Iain Mercer always has his finger on the pulse of what will be the latest innovations to be found in the Christmas décor and lighting categories. The worst part of my journey was handling the traffic on the M25. The flight to the George Best airport went like clockwork and a crisp, cold but sunny morning greeted my arrival. (-3 degrees in Belfast). I asked Iain for his views on how 2016 had panned out. “Our customers have been far more positive and tell me that sales have started earlier this year. There are so many different types of lighting these days and Jingles have one of the largest selections available. Their digital light sets offer some exciting new colour combinations with shades such as gold and classic filament white making an appearance for 2017. ‘Diamond Cut Lights. These impressive festive lights dissipate light from the LED giving a much wider lumen from each bulb – these are new and innovative for 2017 and we have had a fantastic reaction to them when we have shown these to customers said Iain Jingles ‘Low voltage connectable lights’ that can be connected up to 10 sets with 8 functions controlled by one controller is true innovation and could revolutionize Christmas lighting forever. String lights, clusters and icicles are all available in low voltage connectable as well as Party lights, snowfall lights and much more. ‘Compacts’ – These lights are sold as a 5mm bulb and also in the new Diamond Cut bulb. With a 5cm spacing between bulbs, these light sets have become one of the most popular on the market and can be used in a continuous run of up to 37.5. metres using 1,500 lights. Pin wire Branch lights – I was really impressed with these lights as they are low voltage and use bare wire instead of wire encased cable which enables the consumer to safely work the lighting strands around the 66 christmas in january

branches/twigs. The resultant look of the lights on an outdoor tree are far more natural. Time-Smart - All of Jingles battery lighting incorporates their ‘Time-Smart’ system, allowing consumers the luxury of setting the on/off timing without the need to have the cabling plugged into the mains. Angel Trees – Unique to Jingles with frosted LED bulbs and six different colourways, including a soft pastel tree that offers an alternative to the normal bright Christmas colours. “These have been a stand-out product for us and 2017 will see an extended range” was his response. ‘Instant Trees’ – Once removed from their box the branches immediately spring into action making it unnecessary for the customer to reshape the branches. Five sizes from 5 ft. up to 12ft. in nine different styles. For consumers that may have a lack of space for their Christmas tree, Jingles can now offer a two-dimensional tree perfect for windows and small alcoves. You really are spoilt for choice with Jingles variety of tree offerings. Yet another version of tree are their digital cone trees up to 12ft.. These look spectacular outside in the dark and are all multi-function. Yet another type of tree is their dancing digital trees with different functions that include several speeds and are all in ‘Timesmart’ mode. Fibre Optics – a full range of fibre optic trees and flowers are featured in the showrooms Acrylics – This continues to be a ‘regular’ in the Jingles collection. Almost 50 different figures in several sizes with some unusual new additions including a ‘Snail’ – Will this be slow seller – Ho ho ho. I am impressed by the vast range on offer in the Jingles showrooms with full collections of Acrylics, Animations, Lanterns, Plush, Canvases, Porcelain Figurines, Light up’s and much much more I was particularly impressed with Jingle’s Water/Snow swirl range. With over 20 models

in the range Jingles sold out very quickly and have therefore increased their selection of water and snow swirls for 2017. I was also very impressed with the new packaging that Iain has introduced. In many instances bold fourcolour printing with top quality cardboard gives a feeling of a quality product inside the box. I was told that the company now have three full time designers working on visual designs for the packaging and p.o.s. materials. Another big seller for 2016 has been Jingles collection of wooden houses and churches. All using TimeSmart technology 2017 sees a big increase in the product offering in this area. Jingles must surely have one of the biggest ranges of Christmas product in the UK and Iain told me that 90% of product in their showroom for 2017 is new. Belfast is a thriving capital city these days and the same can equally be said of Jingles who continue to make great strides in the Christmas décor and lighting industry.

Feature Last Word

christmas in january 67

Christmas in

At the heart of Christmas Decor â&#x20AC;˘ Weihnachtsdekoration im Mittelpunkt

y uar Jan 017 2

Harrogate

Hall A08 Ha 0 Chrristmas World

11.00 B68

Seasonal Decoration at its best 27 – 31. 1. 2017

It’s always the season for decorations and gifts! Enhance your product range with attractive highlights for additional sales throughout the year

A new departure in Hall 11.1! Fresh ﬂowers and ornamental plants for every product assortment

Practical trade fair guide on the reverse for efficient planning of your trade fair visit

Use our practical exhibitor and product search engine: christmasworld.messefrankfurt.com/aussteller

All suppliers of seasonal decorations and gifts at a glance Around 960 international top exhibitors from 45 countries are looking forward to showing off their popular classics, profitable fast movers, lucrative additional product lines, sensational innovations, hand-crafted masterpieces and magical illuminations. Gain a brilliant overview of the global product range at the most important annual event for the retail sector.

Florists’ requisites & Garden decoration, Ribbons & Wrapping, Candles & Fragrances, Hall 8.0 Belgoflor NV Best Sellers B.V. BsaB Europe B.V. Chinoh BVBA Clayre & Eef B.V. Couronne Woondecoraties Novus B.V. Decorama GmbH Decostar B.V. Dijk Droogbloemen B.V. Duif International Edelman B.V. Exner GmbH Exotica Cor Mulder GmbH Gala Kerzen GmbH Gasper Heembloemex Deco B.V. Jacob Hooy & Co. B.V. Kaemingk B.V. Kaheku Schönes Wohnen GmbH LA CASA di Caesar GmbH Lemetex Import / Export B.V. Lightmakers B.V. Light & Living Maro Trading Co. B.V. Pape Kunstgewerbe GmbH & Co. KG Posiwio GmbH & Co. Vertriebs KG Sandra Rich GmbH Tel International B.V. Thermobrass BVBA Wiedemann GmbH Wikholm Form AB Wittkemper & Associates GmbH

G40 J25 C92 G44 B45 D91 F84 G60 K20, K21, K31 F14 K60A, K60B G10 D90 A60 H50, H60 J10, J30 C01 K90A, K90B J90, J91 H80 G21 G30 D03 B92 G90 H84 J50 D57 E60 F70 D70

Florists’ requisites & Garden decoration, Seasonal decoration, Hall 9.0 Altalena of Geneva, Ehrenbold & Cie Andrea Bizzotto s.p.a. Cody Foster & Co. Inc. Dekor-Pap P.P.H.U. s.c. F. Edzard GmbH Goodwill M & G BVBA Hemsson B.V. Pad home design concept GmbH Paperproducts Design GmbH PAW Sp. z o.o. SaboDesign GmbH Shishi AS Stile Nordico SRL Willow Brooks Secret Christmas Ltd. Wohnmanufaktur Grünberger S.R.O.

E31 B20 A54 A40 D60 E20 E51 D50 D72 A41 B24 C50 F10 D76 C41

Florists’ requisites & Garden decoration, Seasonal decoration, Galleria 0 Boltze

A01, A02, A03

Seasonal decoration & Gifts, Christmas & Advent, Hall 9.1 Accentra Kosmetik Accessoires GmbH E30 Amsinck & Sell GmbH & Co. KG C50 andrea design GmbH & Co. KG D59 Baden GmbH B30 Bukowski Design AB B29 Casablanca GmbH & Co. KG A90 Cepewa GmbH D70 Chr. Bollweg e.K. C89 Concord Import- und Exportgesellschaft mbH E15 Deetjen & Meyer Homestyle und Living Fashion GmbH B40 designimdorf Stefan Spitz GmbH & Co. KG D21 Donkey Products GmbH & Co. KG E29 Enesco Limited C71 Fink GmbH & Co. KG D10 Flower & Style GmbH & Co. KG B11 G. Wurm GmbH + Co. KG A50, A80 GAWOL GmbH C83 Gift Company Geschenke Vertriebs GmbH D20 GILDE HANDWERK Macrander GmbH & Co. KG B10 Goldbach Geschenkartikel GmbH D50 Hoff Interieur GmbH & Co. KG C10 Lambert GmbH B31 Meander B.V. B39 Nääsgränsgarden AB D40 Noor Handels GmbH D90 Peter Priess B78 Phalaxis Webtrade GmbH & Co. KG A10 Pluto Produkter AB D16 Räder in der Bastei Lübbe AG D30 Reinhold W. Heim GmbH & Co. KG E10 Trend Center B.V. C90 Weihnachtsland GmbH C20 Werner Voß GmbH Handel & Marketing C55

NEW: Fresh flowers & plants, plants and flower arrangements Floradecora, Hall 11.1 Anthura B.V. Arbodania A/S Barendsen B.V. Decorum Plants B.V. Decowraps Europe B.V. Dümmen Orange Dutch Flower Group B.V. Edelcactus B.V. FleuraMetz Heembloemex Deco B.V. Koen Pack B.V. LG Flowers NDT International B.V. PT Creations P. Timmermans SmithersOasis Germany GmbH Vreeken Bouvardia B.V. Vreugdenhil Bulbs & Plants Zentoo

D64, E52 D40 B60 D81 B70 B27, E10 B91 D84 A65 B71 A36 B52, B56 E25 D71 D34 A75 D65 B74

Your inspiring programme of events Your customers move with the times. Use the programme of events at Christmasworld to make sure your business continues to develop. Here you’ll find a wealth of inspirations as well as specific ideas for your product presentation. A series of lectures and workshops provides valuable know-how for your business. At Christmasworld you can meet innovative manufacturers who are participating in the Trend Show and other special presentations. Order trendsetting products directly from the stands of these companies.

Christmasworld 2017 presents: “Surprise, Surprise”

Trend Show: Order today, profit tomorrow

Your special presentation in Galleria 1

New location: Foyer Hall 11.0

Come and be enthralled by a breathtaking presentation. “Surprise, Surprise” celebrates the power of emotions – with the focus on all festive occasions during the year. An invitation to enthuse your customers over and over again with new inspirations.

Discover the colours and materials of the 2017/18 season at the perfect time. The Christmasworld Trend Show is your reliable compass for future design themes.

However, we don‘t want to reveal too much at this point. Make sure you don‘t miss this special presentation!

Christmasworld Forum Your programme of lectures in the Foyer Hall 11.0 Get fit for the new demands on your business. With a changing daily programme of lectures and workshops in the Christmasworld Forum, you can be sure of acquiring a wealth of practical know-how and valuable knowledge. The international festive decorations industry benefits from the practical value added by the Christmasworld programme.

Here is where the customer tastes of tomorrow are reflected. This trend update provides the perfect basis for creating attractive product assortments, as well as shop window and shop designs to give your business a decisive edge.

Ideally prepared with the event calendar and exhibitor search engine With the online event calendar and exhibitor search engine, you can start preparing now for an outstandingly successful trade fair visit. Create your own reminder lists and copy the dates directly to your calendar. And save cash by ordering your ticket at a discounted advance sale price (includes public transport on the local RMV network). Your ticket also entitles you to visit the new Floradecora (27 – 30 January).

Save your advance sale ticket now and start preparing your trade fair visit: christmasworld.messefrankfurt.com/tickets

27 – 31. 1. 2017

27 – 30. 1. 2017 Galleria

Entrance Galleria

Messeturm

Entrance Torhaus Congress Center

Torhaus Forum

Service-Center Torhaus

Agora

Entrance City

Entrance Portalhaus Entrance Hall 3

Dependance Cargo Center

8.0

Florists’ requisites & Garden decoration, Ribbons & Wrapping, Candles & Fragrances

9.0

Florists’ requisites & Garden decoration, Seasonal decoration

9.1

Seasonal decoration & Gifts, Christmas & Advent

9.2

Asian Christmas & Decoration

11.0

Visual merchandising & Light, Christmas & Advent

NEW 11.1

Floradecora: Fresh flowers & plants, plants and flower arrangements

Foyer 9.1

Seasonal decoration & Gifts, Christmas & Advent

Foyer 11.0

Christmasworld Forum (presentation area) & Trend Show Christmasworld

Galleria 0

Florists’ requisites & Garden decoration, Seasonal decoration, Special presentation “Surprise, Surprise”

Galleria 1

Special presentation “Surprise, Surprise”, Florist‘s requisites, Candles, Seasonal decoration

State December 2016 – Subject to alteration

1.1/1.2/3.0/ 4.0/5.1/6.0/6.1

Paperworld 28 – 31. 1. 2017

4.1/4.2

Creativeworld 28 – 31. 1. 2017

Visit us at our booth: Hall 9, Stand F90 Die handgemachten PE-Bäume von Puelo Asia sehen so echt aus, dass selbst Mu er Nat r darauf hereinfallen könnte! Unser umfang eiches Sor iment an Polyethylen-Bäumen f r 2017 bietet eine g oße Auswahl verschiedener schöner Stilricht ngen und Preislagen. Alle Bäume werden von unserem Desig team mit viel Liebe zum Detail gefer ig , die auf mehr als 50 Jahren Erfahr ng auf dem Gebiet der Weihnachtsdekoration basier .

Die nat rget eueste

Kollektion

f r jeden Geschmack

Puleo International Inc. 3614 Kennedy Rd. South Plainfield, N J 07080, U.S.A. Tel: +1 (732) 667 3800 Customer Service: +1 (800) 311 3324 Fax: +1 (908) 462 1160 www.puleointl.com

Puleo Asia Limited Unit 8, 2nd Floor, Tower 1, Harbour Centre, 1 Hok Cheung St. Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong Tel: +852 2311 0677 Fax: +852 2312 1383

China Office Unit 414-415, 4/F Excellence Mansion, No. 89 Fu Hua 1st Road, Fu Tian Center District, Shenzhen City

Der älteste Name f r Weihnachtsbäume in Amerika

Christmas in At the heart of Christmas Decor

017 y2 uar Jan

Publisher:

Malcolm Naish malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

German Translation:

Tatjana Horn

Production Director:

Paul Naish

Inhalt 7

Wort des Herausgebers

The Leader Page

Ausblick auf die Christmasworld von Eva Olbrich (Direktor)

Christmasworld Introduction From Eva Olbrich – Director

Produktauswahl der Aussteller

Exhibitors Product selection

Kaffeepause mit Detlef Braun

Coffee Break with Detlef Braun

Interview mit Helen O’Dwyer von Meadows & Byrne

We interview Helen O’Dwyer of Meadows & Byrne

Riffelmacher – Ihr Partner für Weihnachtsdekoration aus einer Hand

Riffelmacher – Your Onestop Christmas supplier

Flora Decora – Frisches Blumenangebot auf der Christmasworld

Flora Decora – Christmasworld’s Fresh flower offering

paul@lemapublishing.co.uk Layout:

Rick Vickers rick@lemapublishing.co.uk

Circulation:

Robert Thomas robert@lemapublishing.co.uk

Published by: Lema Publishing Ltd 1 Churchgates, The Wilderness, Berkhamsted, Herts. HP4 2UB Tele Te leeph leph phoon one:: 001442 14442 42 2289930 89 89 Telephone: Fax: 01442 289950 Email: info@lemapublishing.co.uk

The views of the contributors expressed in this journal are not necessarily those of the publisher. Comments, letters and criticism are welcome.

ThĂźringer Glasdesign (QMR\ &KULVWPDV

Collection www.tgs-xmas.de

2017

Leader

The Leader W

illkommen zu unserer ersten Vorschau auf die Christmasworld. Nach vielen Jahren bin ich mit meinem Unternehmen nun soweit, eine Vorschau auf diese wichtige Messe herauszubringen zu können, noch dazu in zweisprachig in Deutsch und Englisch – ein weiteres Novum für unseren Verlag. Besonders bedanken möchte ich mich bei dem Marketingund PR-Team der Christmas World für ihre Hilfe bei diesem Projekt. Julia, Katrin und Martina, ihr habt ein besonderes Lob verdient! Eine große Neuigkeit auf der Christmasworld 2017 ist die Einführung des “Floradeco“ Bereiches, wo erstmals frische Blumen und Pflanzen ausgestellt werden. Aufgrund ihrer großen Bedeutung in der Weihnachtszeit sicher eine sehr willkommene Bereicherung. Mittelpunkt dieses Bereiches bildet eine klassische amerikanische Scheune, um die herum die Blumen und Pflanzen der Aussteller an attraktiven runden Ständen und Wanddisplays sowie in Showeinlagen präsentiert werden. Dies ist einer der ersten Bereiche, den ich besuchen werde, wenn ich auf der Messe bin. Verpassen Sie außerdem nicht den Ausstellungsstand von SURPRISE SURPRISE von Rudi und Pascal von 2dezign. Ihre inspirierenden Ideen sollten Ansporn für alle Besucher sein, die ihr Geschäft oder Gartencenter auf kreative Weise dekorieren möchten. Bonbonfarben werden Ihnen zeigen, wie Einkaufen trotz schreiender Kinder und anderem Shoppingstress zum echten Erlebnis werden kann! Außerdem finden Sie in dieser Ausgabe in der Rubrik “Kaffeepause“ weitere Informationen über die Messe von Detlef Braun sowie eine Einführung durch die Messeleiterin Eva Olbrich. Tipps von der irischen Einkäuferin Helen O’Dwyer von Meadows & Byrne über ihre Messearbeit runden das Programm ab. Ich hoffe, Ihnen gefällt die erste Christmasworld Beilage, die nun vor Ihnen liegt. Gerne höre ich auch von Ihnen mit Anregungen und Ideen für den Inhalt der Ausgabe 2018.

elcome to this our very first Christmasworld preview. It has taken me some years to get around to previewing this most important show and it is also the first time that my publishing company has produced a supplement in both German and English. I would like to thank the marketing and PR team at Christmasworld for their help in producing this, so Julia, Katrin and Martina please take a bow. The BIG news for 2017 is the introduction of the ‘Floradecora’ area that sees fresh flowers and plants being shown for the first time at Christmasworld. Flowers and plants form an important part of the Christmas season, therefore, Floradecora will make a welcome addition to the show. With a classic American barn as the centre piece for the area, exhibitors’ flowers and plants are being displayed in attractive circular display areas as well as wall stands and show blocks. This will be one of the first areas I will be visiting on arrival at the show. Also look out for and be sure to visit the SURPRISE SURPRISE display area created by those boys from 2dezign Rudi and Pascal. Their inspirational ideas should act as spur for visitors trying to inject more creativity when dressing their own stores and garden centres. Candy and bonbon colours will show you how shopping can be turned into a great experience despite screaming kids and other shopping problems! You will also find in this issue our ‘Coffee Break’ with Detlef Braun giving an insight into the show plus an introduction from show director Eva Olbrich. With Irish buyer Helen O’Dwyer from Meadows & Byrne giving an insight into how she works the show, I hope you will all enjoy reading this our first Christmasworld supplement. This is your magazine, so I hope that some of you will get in touch with any ideas you might have for content for the 2018 show. christmas in january 7

Feature Eva Olbrich

Liebe Leser, liebe Messebesucher,

Dear Readers, Dear Visitors,

Herzlich willkommen zu „Christmas in January“! „Christmas in January“ ist voll und ganz unser Thema: Gerade ist der Weihnachtsbaum abgeschmückt und entsorgt, das neue Jahr noch jung, deckt sich die Fachwelt bereits für die nächste Festsaison ein. Die Christmasworld, internationale Fachmesse für saisonale Dekoration und Festschmuck, sorgt mit ihrer glitzernden Produktwelt bereits seit 1996 in Frankfurt am Main für „Frohes neues Business“ – in erster Linie für die umsatzstärkste und zugleich emotionalste Zeit des Jahres – nämlich Weihnachten. Aber auch für alle festlichen Anlässe im Jahr wie Silvester, Ostern, Kommunion, Muttertag, Valentinstag, Halloween oder Hochzeiten. Denn es gibt immer etwas zu feiern – oder anders gesagt, es gibt immer einen Anlass, die Umgebung, den Alltag und das Zuhause so schön wie möglich zu gestalten, um das Wohlbefinden zu steigern. So sind saisonale Dekorationen und Produkte mittlerweile Umsatzbringer für das ganze Jahr. Mit unserem Claim „Seasonal Decoration at its best“ betonen wir genau dieses starke Potential. Und nicht nur das. Sie sind im stationären Handel und in Städten ein hervorragendes Mittel, um sich selbst zu stärken, zu inszenieren, um Kunden und Gäste immer wieder aufs Neue zu begeistern. Schließlich sind real erlebbare Wohlfühlmomente ein unschlagbarer Vorteil gegenüber dem wachsenden Online-Shopping.

A warm welcome to ‘Christmas in January’! ‘Christmas in January’ is exactly what it is about: no sooner has the Christmas tree been stripped of its decorations, taken down and removed - and while the new year is still young – the trade is already gearing up for the next festive season. Christmasworld, international trade fair for seasonal and festive decoration, has been making people’s ‘Happy New Business’ wishes come true in Frankfurt am Main since 1996 – first and foremost, for the most lucrative and, at the same time, most emotive time of the year – i.e. Christmas. But also for all festive occasions during the year, such as New Year’s Eve, Easter, Communion, Mothers’ Day, Valentine’s Day, Halloween and weddings. For there is always something to celebrate – or, to put it another way, we can always find an excuse for decorating our environment, our everyday lives and our homes to make them as attractive as possible and to increase our sense of well-being! As a result, seasonal decorations and products have now become an important source of revenue all year round. And our tag line, ‘Seasonal decoration at its best’, stresses this considerable potential. Not only that. As far as the high-street retail trade and municipalities are concerned, decorations represent an excellent way of enhancing one’s profile and of presenting oneself, so as to spread new enthusiasm amongst customers and visitors. At the end of the day, moments of real feel-good experience in the highstreet are an unbeatable advantage in the face of the growing trend towards online shopping.

Zwei Messen – vielfache Inspiration So bereiten wir Ihnen vom 27. bis 31. Januar 2017 auf der Christmasworld den Nährboden für „Frohes neues Business“ – auf insgesamt sechs Ebenen der Hallen 8, 9, 11 und der Galleria (zwischen Halle 8 und 9). Diesmal erreichen wir sogar eine neue Bestmarke: Über 960 Aussteller aus mehr als 45 Ländern präsentieren die neuesten Trends und Innovationen in Sachen Advents- und Weihnachtsdeko, saisonale Innen- und Outdoor- sowie Großflächendekorationen. Dieses weltweit einmalige Angebot gibt es nur in Frankfurt. Zusätzlich feiern wir mit der Floradecora, unserem Messe- Neuling in Halle 11.1, eine besondere Premiere und setzen auf „The freshest way in floral business“. Die Floradecora blüht vom 27. bis 30. Januar 2017 mit rund 30 Ausstellern auf. Hier können Sie sofort verfügbare Frischblumen und Zierpflanzen direkt von den Produzenten ordern. Lassen Sie sich von der revolutionären Präsentationsart führen. Wir sind davon überzeugt, dass Blumen Ihr saisonales Deko-Sortiment perfekt ergänzen und für einen zusätzlichen Abverkauf sorgen. Das heißt, wir versorgen Sie in Frankfurt – in bewährter wie in völlig neuartiger Form – mit frischen Impulsen und Ideen für Ihre Sortiments-, Schaufenster- und Ladengestaltungen für Weihnachten – aber auch für jedes Fest und jede Saison. Lassen Sie mich kurz anreißen, wie wir neues Business „anzünden“, „entfachen“ wollen: Neben den Neuheiten unserer Aussteller versorgen wir Sie über unser Rahmenprogramm zusätzlich mit wertvollem Wissen und Geschäftskontakten, die Ihren Geschäftserfolg steigern sollen. Proﬁtieren Sie von unseren Events und Highlights Erste Anlaufstelle ist unsere Trendschau mit den kommenden Farben und Materialien der Saison 2017/18. Sie rückt mit neuem Standort im Foyer der Halle 11.0 näher an den zentralen Produktbereich „Weihnachten & Advent“ und inspiriert unter dem Motto „Delightful moment“ zu neuen Sortimentsgestaltungen. Holen Sie sich außerdem in der Sonderschau „Surprise, Surprise“ in der Galleria 1 Anregungen für die Gestaltung von Großflächen-, Laden- und Schaufenstern – mit viel frischem Grün. Diese Sonderschau schlägt nicht nur die perfekte Brücke zur Floradecora, aus dieser Sonderschau heraus ist der Bedarf und die Idee zu unserem neuen Messebaby geboren. Im Christmasworld Forum im Foyer Halle 11.0 gibt es wertvolle Fachvorträge und Workshops zu brandaktuellen Themen, die den Handel gerade bewegen – zum Beispiel zur perfekten Kundenansprache oder Warenpräsentation. Als Pendant hierzu lädt das Vortragsprogramm im Farmhaus in Halle 11.1 auf der Floradecora dazu ein, das Fachwissen im Umgang mit der frischen Ware aufoder auszubauen. Unser Businessprogramm Premium für Shoppingcenter, Stadtmarketing und Kommunen läuft an allen fünf Messetagen mit spannenden Keynotes und Workshops. Gemeinsam mit dem German Council of Shopping Centers und der Bundesvereinigung für City und Stadtmarketing e.V. haben wir auch hier ein hochkarätig besetztes Vortrags- und Networking-Angebot auf die Beine gestellt. Wählen Sie aus unserem reichhaltigen Angebot Ihre persönlichen Highlights heraus und planen Sie unbedingt die parallel laufenden Leitmessen Paperworld und Creativeworld (28. bis 31. Januar 2017) mit ein. Lassen Sie sich inspirieren. Ich wünsche Ihnen erfolgreiche Geschäftskontakte und einen guten Start ins neue Jahr! Herzlichst Ihre Eva Olbrich Leiterin Christmasworld und Floradecora, Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

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Two trade fairs – and a wide variety of inspiration So, at Christmasworld, from 27 to 31 January 2017, we shall be preparing the fertile ground for all that ‘Happy New Business’ – over a total of six floors in Halls 8, 9, 11 and the Galleria (between Halls 8 and 9). This time, we are even on the point of achieving a new record: over 960 exhibitors from more than 45 countries will be presenting the latest trends and innovations for Advent and Christmas decoration, seasonal indoor and outdoor decoration, and decorations for large-scale commercial and public spaces. This range of products and services, unparalleled anywhere in the world, is available only in Frankfurt. Moreover, with Floradecora, our newcomer on the trade-fair scene in Hall 11.1, we shall be celebrating a rather special premiere and setting out our stall for ‘The freshest way in floral business’. Floradecora will be ‘in bloom’ from 27 to 30 January 2017, with some 30 exhibitors represented, and you will be able to order fresh flowers and decorative plants on the spot, directly from the producers. Be guided by the revolutionary new type of presentational format. We are convinced that flowers will perfectly complement your lines in seasonal decoration and provide an additional source of sales revenue. This means that, in Frankfurt, we shall be providing you with fresh, new inspiration and ideas for product ranges, shop windows and shop displays – traditional as well as very new and original in character – for Christmas and, indeed, for every kind of festival and every season. And to outline briefly, how we will be seeking to ‘kindle’ and ‘fan the flames’ of new business: alongside our exhibitors’ new products, we shall also be providing, through our complementary programme, valuable information and business contacts, which will enhance your success. Take advantage of our events and highlights The first port of call is our Trend Show with the colours and materials for the upcoming 2017/18 season. With its new location in the Foyer of Hall 11.0, it is moving closer to the central ‘Christmas and Advent’ product group and offers inspiration for new selections of products, with its motto ‘Delightful moment’. And don’t forget to avail yourselves of the Special Show ‘Surprise, Surprise’ in Galleria 1, to find hints and suggestions for the design of displays for large-scale public spaces, shops and shopwindows – with plenty of fresh greenery. Not only does this special event create the perfect link to Floradecora, it is out of this very show that both the need for and the idea of the new baby in our trade-fair family emerged. The Christmasworld Forum, in the Foyer of Hall 11.0, provides valuable specialist lectures and workshops on the up-to-date issues of the day, which are of immediate concern to the retail and wholesale trade at the moment – ideal ways of appealing to customers and of displaying goods, to name but two. As a corollary to this, the FarmHouse Lecture Series, in Hall 11.1 at Floradecora, offers an opportunity to build up knowledge of how to deal with fresh, perishable goods of this kind. Our Premium Business Programme for shopping centres, town and municipal marketing agencies, will operate on all five days of the trade fair and will include some extremely interesting keynotes and workshops. In collaboration with the German Council of Shopping Centres and the German Association of City and Town Marketing, we have put together a range of lectures and networking opportunities with a number of high-calibre participants. Choose your own personal favourite from our wide-ranging selection of highlights and do not forget to plan for a visit to the concurrently held trade fairs, Paperworld and Creativeworld, (28 to 31 January 2017) at the same time. Come and be inspired! I wish you many successful business contacts and a great start to the new year. Kind regards and best wishes, Eva Olbrich Director, Christmasworld and Floradecora, Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

Feature Giftware Trading

Weiste

Hall 9.0 – Stand B94

Robin Reed International Hall 9.0. –Stand F58

Established in 1983 this British manufacturer of Christmas Crackers now exports around the world with a selection of crackers that appeal to all ages and tastes. Our illustration shows the Nutcracker Collectables – A contemporary nutcracker image on to a champagne gold foil cracker and finished with red and sage ribbons. Each cracker contains a handmade collectable wooden nutcracker decoration with glitter. Victorian Santa Crackers – Fine quality Italian paper with stunning detail captures the spirit of a traditional Christmas. Each cracker is finished with hand-tied bows and foiled ends. Inside a Milano gift a joke and a hat are a great ice breaker for your dinner guests.

Dieser 1983 gegründete britische Hersteller exportiert sein Sortiment an traditionellen Christmas Crackers für alles Altersgruppen und jeden Geschmack in die ganze Welt. Auf der Abbildung sehen Sie die Nussknacker Kollektion mit einer modernen Nussknacker Abbildung auf champagnerfarbener Goldfolie, verziert mit roten und grünen Bändern. Jeder Cracker enthält eine handgemachte, glitzernde Nussknackerfigur zum Sammeln. Viktorianische Weihnachtscracker – Feines italienisches Papier mit liebevollen Details vermittelt die Atmosphäre traditioneller Weihnacht. Jeder Cracker ist mit handgebundenen Schleifen und Enden aus Glanzfolie verziert. Im inneren befinden sich ein kleines Geschenk und ein lustiger Hut – ein toller Stimmungsmacher bei jungen Dinnergästen!

2017 Christmas Collection includes trendy colours and themes like ‘Antarctica’ – snowy balls and furry animals from the north pole, the Barista Collection of highly commercial warm coffee and cream colours, as well as ‘Belle Violet’ for pretty shades of sweet lavender and royal purple.

Unsere Weihnachtskollektion 2017 umfasst trendige Farben und Themen, wie zum Beispiel ‘Antarctica’ mit Schneebällen und flauschigen Felltieren vom Nordpol , unsere Barista Kollektion mit trendigen, warmen Kaffeefarben und Cremetönen und ‘Belle Violet’ in den wunderschönen Schattierungen süßer Lavendel und royaler Purpur

helena.friman@weiste.fi www.weiste.com

Tel: +44 121 500 2803 Email: robin@robinreed.com

“Our tree was up within in ten seconds of being placed in the stand, which for me is something of a record! All those past years of struggling uggling and ﬁghting are now thankfully fully past.“ Jonathan Dellar

Visit us at: Christmasworld Frankfurt Hall 11.0 · Stand C 28 office@krinner.com

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Feature Coffee Break

Coffee Break with Detlef Braun

for Christmas in January

etlef Braun has served as a Member of the Executive Board of Messe Frankfurt since October 2004. Previously, he held various executive and management positions in marketing and sales at companies in New York, Tokyo and Paris, including Philip Morris International and Joh. A. Benckiser GmbH. He also acted as Managing Director of Joop! GmbH as well as Chairman & CEO for Central and North America at the WPP Group, J. Walter Thompson. 1. I believe you have spent your career working in Exhibition organizing? Is it easier now with modern technology to run a major show like Christmasworld? Modern technology was a major challenge for us as fair and exhibition organisers. On the one hand, it helps us to link the markets, communicate with our customers and increase the degree of market transparency. On the other hand, the process of digital transformation is changing traditional business models in all industries and sectors. I am often asked if fairs are still in keeping with the times. And my answer is an unequivocal ‘yes’. Because, as a ‘people business’, fairs are still right at the top of the marketing scale. Digital media cannot replace the chance to make personal contacts and experience products with the senses. For us, the digitalisation process means being not only an experienced organiser of face-toface encounters but also an expert partner in the online field. 2. You must be delighted with the growth of Christmasworld over the last few years and looking forward to your new hall for Floradecora? Yes, indeed. Christmasworld is one of the leading consumer-goods fairs in our portfolio of events. For many years now, the International Trade Fair for Seasonal and Festive Decorations has been a reliable guarantee for a successful start to the season with a very constant number of exhibitors and visitors. Moreover, it is one of our most international events (around 60 percent of visitors and some 79 percent of exhibitors came from outside Germany for the last edition of the fair). And this is undoubtedly the result of its precise focus on Christmas and festivities. In 2017, we are in a position to set another new record with over 960 exhibitors from more than 45 countries. We are particularly looking forward to Floradecora in Hall 11.1. This new trade fair is a development of Christmasworld because festive decorations are always accompanied by fresh flowers. Floradecora is making its debut with around 30 exhibitors and a highly revolutionary presentation platform in terms of both the exhibition stands and the products. Thus, we are putting the focus of visitor attention on fresh flowers and ornamental plants and, for the first time, giving visitors the chance to make a direct comparison. The Floradecora claim, ‘The freshest way in floral business’ says it all. An intuitive visitor guidance system takes them to the products or exhibitors they are interested in. 3. What was the thinking behind creating Floradecora as there are already several well established Floral exhibitions in Germany and other European countries and by adding an extra show, surely this means exhibitors having to pay for an additional show on the Exhibition calendar? Floradecora is neither a me-too event nor in competition with existing fairs. On the contrary, it has a completely new concept based on changing consumer demands. Today, customers want everything to be as convenient as possible when it comes to shopping. In a nutshell: ‘One stop for the customer’. They want to be inspired and catered for at one and the same place. Currently, fresh flowers, plants, sprays and arrangements are gaining ground in the trade as attractive supplementary product lines for seasonal and festive decorations. On the other hand, the market for fresh flowers and plants is looking for new sales channels: flower growers, producers, flower wholesalers, importers / exporters, sales / purchasing cooperatives, auctioneers and packaging facilities are interested in gaining access to the bulk trade and new retail categories, such as supermarkets, DIY markets, consumer markets, garden centres, furniture stores and tableware shops. And we bring these target groups together at Christmasworld in Frankfurt. Accordingly, the investment is worthwhile for the exhibitors because they can reach new target groups at the fair. If there was one area in exhibition organizing that you would like to improve what would this be? With a history stretching back almost 800 years, Messe Frankfurt is certainly no start-up and, as one of the world’s leading fair and exhibition companies, we 10 christmas in january

eit Oktober 2004 ist Braun Geschäftsführer der Messe Frankfurt. Zuvor war er in New York, Tokyo und Paris in verschiedenen Geschäftsführungs- und ManagementFunktionen internationaler Konzerne in den Bereichen Marketing und Vertrieb tätig, u.a. Philip Morris International und Joh. A. Benckiser GmbH. Des Weiteren war Braun tätig als Geschäftsführer der Joop! GmbH und als Chairmann & CEO Zentral- und Nord-Europa der WPP Group, J. Walter Thompson. 1. Sie haben, wie ich höre, Ihr gesamtes Berufsleben der Messeveranstaltung gewidmet. Ist es heutzutage mit der modernen Technologie leichter geworden, eine große Messe wie die Christmasworld durchzuführen? Die modernen Technologien waren für uns als Messeveranstalter eine ganz spezielle Herausforderung. Zum einen hilft uns die Technik natürlich bei der Vernetzung der Märkte, bei der Kommunikation mit unseren Kunden und der Markt ist transparenter geworden. Auf der anderen Seite verändert die digitale Transformation durch alle Industrien und Branchen hindurch traditionelle Geschäftsmodelle. Des Öfteren wurde ich gefragt, ob Messen noch zeitgemäß wären. Meine Antwort darauf ist ein ganz eindeutiges – Ja! Denn Messen stehen als People-Business nach wie vor ganz oben auf der Marketingskala. Der persönliche Kontakt und das sinnliche Erleben von Produkten kann durch digitale Medien nicht ersetzt werden.Für uns als Messegesellschaft geht es im Digitalisierungsprozess vielmehr darum, nicht nur ein erfahrener Veranstalter von Face-to-face-Begegnungen zu sein, sondern auch ein kompetenter Partner im Online-Bereich. 2. Sie müssen mit dem Wachstum der Christmasworld in den letzten Jahren hoch zufrieden sein und sich auf Ihre neue Floradecora-Halle freuen? Ja, in der Tat, die Christmasworld ist eine besonders starke Konsumgütermesse in unserem Portfolio. Die internationale Leitmesse für saisonale Dekoration und Festschmuck ist bereits seit Jahren ein verlässlicher Garant für einen erfolgreichen Saisonstart – mit sehr konstanten Aussteller- und Besucherzahlen. Außerdem zählt sie zu unseren internationalsten Messen (zuletzt kamen rund 60 Prozent der Besucher und rund 79 Prozent der Aussteller aus dem Ausland). Das liegt ohne Zweifel an ihrem spitzen Fokus auf Weihnachten und Feste. 2017 erreichen wir mit über 960 aus mehr als 45 Ländern eine neue Bestmarke. Auf die Floradecora in der Halle 11.1 freuen wir uns besonders. Bei unserem Messeneuling handelt es sich um eine konsequente Weiterentwicklung der Christmasworld, denn festliches Dekorieren wird immer auch begleitet durch frische Blumen. Sie startet mit rund 30 Ausstellern und einer revolutionären Präsentationsform – sowohl der Ausstellerstände als auch der Produkte. Wir stellen die frischen Blumen und Zierpflanzen ganz zentral in den Fokus der Besucher und ermöglichen Ihnen erstmals einen direkten Vergleich. Der Claim „The freshest way in floral business“ ist Programm. Eine intuitive Besucherführung leitet zum passenden Angebot oder Anbieter. 3. Welche Überlegungen waren für die Einführung der Floradecora ausschlaggebend? Es gibt ja schon verschiedene, gut etablierte Blumenausstellungen in Deutschland und anderen europäischen Ländern. Diese Ergänzung bedeutet bestimmt auch, dass die Aussteller für eine weitere Messe im Messekalender zahlen müssen? Wir veranstalten mit der Floradecora keine Me too-Veranstaltung oder positionieren uns als Konkurrenz zu bestehenden Messen, sondern kreieren ein völlig neues Messekonzept – abgeleitet von den veränderten Bedürfnissen der Endverbraucher. Kunden bevorzugen es beim Einkaufen so convenient wie möglich. Stichwort „One stop for the customer“. Sie wollen an einem Ort inspiriert und versorgt werden. Aktuell gewinnen Frischblumen, Pflanzen, Gestecke und Arrangements im Handel als attraktive Ergänzung für saisonale Dekoration und Festschmuck erheblich an Bedeutung. Auf der anderen Seite sucht der Markt für Frischblumen und Pflanzen nach neuen Absatzkanälen: Blumenzüchter, Produzenten, Blumengroßhändler, Importeure/ Exporteure, Vertriebskooperationen, Genossenschaften und Auktionäre sowie Konfektionierungsbetriebe sind verstärkt am Zugang zum großvolumigen Handel und neuen Handelskategorien interessiert – wie Supermärkte, DIY-Märkte, Verbrauchermärkte, Gartencenter, aber auch Möbelhäuser und GPK-Fachgeschäfte. Diese Zielgruppen vereinen wir bereits auf der Christmasworld in Frankfurt, insofern lohnt sich der Invest für die Aussteller, denn sie erreichen bei uns neue Zielgruppen. Wenn es in der Messeveranstaltung einen Bereich gäbe, den Sie gerne optimieren

are masters of our trade. However, I would like to see us expand our trade-fair horizons, become more receptive to new themes and gain inspiration from the best practices of other industries and the forward-looking spirit characteristic of start-ups. The main question will be whether we are able in the long run to push ahead with disruptive changes ourselves and not to be driven by them. It must be frustrating for Christmasworld that more British buyers should be visiting your show. Do you have a message for British buyers concerning their lack of support and what can we do to encourage this? Visitors from the United Kingdom took fourth place in our ranking of the top ten foreign visitor nations at Christmasworld 2016 – after Italy, France and the Netherlands – with 1,172 visitors. What’s more, this was a jump of over 11 percent compared to Christmasworld 2015. So, I can only say: keep it up. We look forward to seeing you in Frankfurt! We recommend that visitors look at our website and prepare online for their time at the fair. This enables them to plan their valuable time most profitably. The exhibitors taking part can be found using the online exhibitor search engine and the interactive hall plan. Additionally, the calendar of events provides an overview of all important events, such as the Trend Show, special exhibitions and expert lectures – all in all, a great potential for increased sales! Finally, when you are able to relax at home what is your favourite type of music and your favourite recording artist? All kinds of contemporary music. However, as a former professional tennis player, sport is the best way for me to unwind. Naturally, I enjoy playing tennis, as well as working-out or jogging along the banks of the River Main or in the forest. All are great for clearing my head.

würden, welcher Bereich wäre das? Messe Frankfurt ist mit fast 800 Jahren Geschichte garantiert kein Start up und als eines der führenden Messeunternehmen beherrschen wir unser Kerngeschäft aus dem Effeff. Ich wünsche mir, dass wir in der Zukunft noch mehr über unseren Tellerrand in der Messewelt hinaus schauen, dass wir noch neugieriger sind auf neue Themen, uns inspirieren lassen von Best practices aus anderen Industrien und dem vorwärtsgewandten Spirit in Start ups. Die zentrale Frage wird sein, wie wir es auf Dauer schaffen, disruptive Veränderungen selbst zu treiben und nicht Getriebene zu sein. Für die Christmasworld muss es frustrierend sein, dass mehr britische Einkäufer Ihre Messe besuchen sollten. Haben Sie eine Nachricht an die britischen Einkäufer im Hinblick auf deren fehlende Unterstützung? Was kann getan werden, um hier Anreize zu schaffen? Zur Christmasworld 2016 belegten unsere Besucher aus Großbritannien unter den „Top ten Besuchern aus dem Ausland“ nach Italien, Frankreich und den Niederlanden den vierten Platz – mit insgesamt 1,172 Besuchern. Das war sogar ein starkes Plus um über 11 Prozent im Vergleich zur Christmasworld 2015. Da kann ich nur sagen: Weiter so. Wir freuen uns auf Ihren Besuch! Schauen Sie am besten auf unsere Website und bereiten Sie Ihren Besuch online vor, so können Sie vor Ort Ihre kostbare Zeit am gewinnbringendsten einteilen. Welche Aussteller dabei sind, sehen Sie anhand der Online Ausstellersuche und anhand des interaktiven Geländeplans. Zusätzlich gibt der Eventkalender einen Uberblick über alle wichtigen Termine und Events wie Trendschau, Sonderschauen und Fachvorträge. Dieses geballte Potential für frischen Umsatz dürfen Sie sich nicht entgehen lassen. Letzte Frage. Wenn Sie sich zu Hause entspannen, welche Musik hören Sie dann am liebsten und welchen Künstler? All kind of temporary music, jede Art von temporärer Musik; als ehemals professioneller Tennisspieler finde ich allerdings nach wie vor den größten Ausgleich und die größte Entspannung im Sport, beim Tennis, Work out oder Joggen, vorzugsweise am Main, oder im Wald, um den Kopf frei zu bekommen.

Puleo International Hall 9 – Stand F90

Contact Raymond Ng on +852 2311 0677

Das Sortiment 2017 von Puleo umfasst zahlreiche neue, schöne Arten von Weihnachtsbäumen. Das erweiterte Angebot reicht von lebensgroß und schlank über traditionell und naturgetreu bis hin zu Bäumen in Töpfen und den passenden Kränzen und Girlanden. Darüber hinaus werden auch LED Bäume ausgestellt. Mit mehr als 50 Jahren Erfahrung in der Branche genießt Puleo bei seinen Kunden einen ausgezeichneten Ruf für exzellenten Service, pünktliche Lieferung und Marktführung bei Produktdesign und –qualität.

Email: Raymond@puleoasia.com

Krinner (TREE STAND) Weihnachtsbaumständer Hall 11.0 – Stand C28

Founded back in 1990 by Klaus Krinner his company’s one-rope system ensures that all trees no matter if they are thick, thin or crooked stands upright. With the very best quality materials used they lead the way in Christmas tree stands. The water reservoir ensures that the tree remains fresh and minimizes needle loss.

Tel: +49 9424/9401-4 Email: office@krinner.com

Im Jahre 1990 durch Klaus Krinner gegründet sorgt die Firma Krinner mit ihrem Ein-Seilsystem dafür, dass jeder Weihnachtsbaum, ganz gleich wie dick, dünn oder schief, gerade steht. Dank der Verwendung von Materialien allerbester Qualität ist das Unternehmen heute Marktführer bei Weihnachtsbaumständern. Der Wasserbehälter sorgt darüber hinaus dafür, dass der Baum frisch bleibt und so wenig wie möglich nadelt.

christmas in january 11

Feature Buyer Interview

Helen O’Dwyer of Meadows & Byrne Ireland tells us a little about the company and how she views Christmasworld Could you tell us a little of the history of Meadows & Byrne? Established in 1992. Started off with one store in Cork City and since then has grown to 13 stores nationwide as well as online. We are the leading lifestyle store in Ireland specializing in quality interiors, furniture, soft furnishings and gift that is unique and innovative and compliments our customer’s lives and homes.

I understand that you now have 13 stores in Ireland, are there any plans to increase on this number, perhaps to include Northern Ireland or mainland UK? Not on the immediate horizon in terms of bricks & mortar shops, but we will be progressing our Online Presence in the North of Ireland and the UK in 2017.

How long have you been visiting Christmasworld and would you say that you can ﬁnd suppliers that have product different to U.K. suppliers, because let’s face it, very few British companies exhibit at Christmasworld? We have been attending Christmas World for well over 10 years now. We always look forward to finding new and exciting product,and are never disappointed.

I believe you visit with a colleague, do you split the buying categories or tend to work together and buy accordingly? We work together.. two heads are better than one!

Do you have any tips on how best to work the show as it is a very large exhibition and one can easily wear out your footwear? Know what your colour themes are going to be, know your market, then take it aisle by aisle. It doesn’t take long to move past the booths that are not your market, once you know your customer!! 12 christmas in january

Are you anticipating any price increases for 2017 when you arrive at the show? This is a concern every year, and its up to the buyer to commercially negotiate the best deal for their business.

Who are a few of your regular suppliers that you always call upon? I cant give away this information!!!! We work exclusively with our suppliers.

Do you take any notice of fashion trends and new colour palettes prior to visiting, or is this something that you take notice of whilst at the show and does this inﬂuence your buying choices? With access to pinterest and the worldwide web, trends are at our fingertips every day!! Yes, we would discuss these before the show, but are still always open to something NEW that the Show might bring us, but until that point, we might have been unaware of.

Are orders placed at the show or do you both prefer to take back prices and information and then place the bulk of your orders? Orders generally placed at the show , but the final confirmation of this order will be emailed from the office, once final discussions and analysis have taken place.

Have you had any ‘Star’ products that have sold really well in 2016? Our Christmas Tree Baubles sold extremely well this year as did our mini Christmas stockings. People used the latter for little treats at each person’s place setting on the Christmas Table. Our Faux Christmas Trees also sold out very quickly this year.

If there was one thing that you could change that would improve the buying experience at exhibitions, what would that be? Not that I would change anything as such, but I think a talk on dressing CHRISTMAS

Helen O’Dwyer WINDOWS would be a nice feature at the show , with some visual windows on show… THESE could be themed, Luxurious Tradition Nordic Yule Urban Christmas Etc etc..

Would you say that in the main your suppliers deliver orders on time for the Christmas season? Yes, in the main

Finally, looking into your Crystal Ball what would your predictions be for the trading prospects of 2017? I have a conservative Crystal Ball! I think 2017 wont be a shoe-in, but sales will grow nonetheless.

Helen O’Dwyer von Meadlows & Byrne in Ireland über ihn Unternehmen und ihre Sicht auf die Christmasworld Könnten Sie uns ein wenig über die Geschichte von Meadows & Byrne erzählen? Wie ich sehe, haben Sie momentan 13 Läden in Irland. Gibt es Pläne, diese Zahl zu erhöhen, z.B. indem Sie Nordirland oder das Festland vom Vereinigten Königreich mit hinzunehmen? Wir haben mit einem Laden in der Innenstadt von Cork angefangen und verfügen mittlerweile über 13 Laden im gesamten Land, einschließlich Online. Wir sind der führende Einzelhändler im Bereich Liftstyle und unser zukunftsweisendes Sortiment umfasst hochwertige Einrichtungsgegenstände, Möbel, Wohntextilien und Geschenkartikel, die das Leben und Heim unserer Kunden auf einzigartige Weise verschönern. Seit wann besuchen Sie schon die Christmasworld, und würden Sie sagen, dass die Aussteller dort andere Produkte als im Vereinigten Königreich führen? Schließlich stellen nur sehr wenige britische Firmen auf der Christmasworld aus. Wir besuchen die Christmasworld bereits seit über 10 Jahren. Dabei freuen wir uns immer darauf, spannende neue Produkte kennenzulernen und sind von unserem Besuch nie enttäuscht.

Ich glaube, Sie besuchen die Messe zusammen mit einem Kollegen. Teilen Sie sich die Einkaufskategorien untereinander auf, oder arbeiten sie zusammen und kaufen auch entsprechend ein? Wir arbeiten zusammen – vier Augen sehen bekanntlich mehr als zwei! Haben Sie Tipps, wie man das meiste aus dem Messebesuch herausholt? Da die Ausstellung sehr groß ist, läuft man sich schließlich leicht die Füße wund! Machen Sie sich im Vorfeld Gedanken über Ihre Farbauswahl, kennen Sie Ihren Markt und nehmen Sie sich dann Gang für Gang vor. Wenn Sie genau wissen, wer Ihr Kunde ist, können Sie an den Ständen, die nicht in Ihrem Markt liegen, schnell vorbeigehen.

Erwarten Sie von Ihrem Messebesuch

Preiserhöhungen für 2017? Das ist jedes Jahr eine Befürchtung, aber es ist Aufgabe des Einkäufers, den besten Deal für seine Firma auszuhandeln.

Können Sie einige Lieferanten nennen, mit denen Sie regelmäßig zusammenarbeiten? Dazu kann ich leider nichts sagen!!! Wir haben mit unseren Lieferanten Exklusivverträge.

Informieren Sie sich vor dem Messebesuch über Modetrends und neue Farbpaletten, oder tun Sie dies auf der Messe, und hat dies Einﬂuss auf Ihre Kaufentscheidungen? Dank Pinterest und Internet haben wir Tag für Tag Zugang zu den neuesten Trends. Diese diskutieren wir natürlich vor der Messe, aber sind trotzdem immer offen für Neues, das uns auf der Messe begegnet und das wir bisher nicht kannten.

Erteilen Sie Aufträge auf der Messe oder nehmen Sie beide lieber Preise und Informationen mit nach Hause geben dann den Großteil Ihrer Bestellungen auf? Aufträge erteilen wir im Allgemeinen auf der Messe, aber die endgültige Auftragsbestätigung wird von unserem Büro aus per Email verschickt, sobald die Analysen und Verhandlungen abgeschlossen sind.

Hatten Sie 2016 irgendwelche «Star»Produkte, die sich besonders gut verkauft haben? Unser Weihnachtsbaum Baubles und unsere Mini-Weihnachtsstrümpfe haben sich dieses Jahr extrem gut verkauft. Letztere haben unsere Kunden beispielsweise Weihnachten am Tisch für eine kleine Nascherei an jedem Platz verwendet. Auch unsere künstlichen Weihnachtsbäume waren dieses Jahr schnell ausverkauft.

Wenn es eine Sache gäbe, die Sie ändern könnten, um das Einkaufserlebnis auf Messen zu verbessern würde, was wäre dies?

Alan Murphy Grundsätzlich würde ich nichts verändern, aber ein Vortrag über das Dekorieren von WEIHNACHTSFENSTERN könnte die Messe bereichern, zusammen mit einigen Ausstellungsfenstern . Mögliche Themen konnten zum Beispiel sein: Tradition und Luxus Jul in Skandinavien Urban Christmas usw., usw…

Würden Sie sagen, dass die meisten Ihrer Lieferanten die von Ihnen bestellte Ware rechtzeitig zum Weihnachtsgeschäft liefern? Im Allgemeinen ja.

Können Sie zu guter Letzt einmal in für uns in Ihre Glaskugel schauen und uns verraten, wie nach Ihrer Einschätzung die Handelsaussichten für 2017 sind? Mein Blick in die Glaskugel ist sehr konservativ! Ich glaube nicht, dass 2017 ein Selbstgänger wird, aber die Umsätze werden trotzdem wachsen. christmas in january 13

Feature Riffelmacher

Riffelmacher -

your one stop Christmas supplier IHR WEIHNACHTSLIEFERANT – ALLES AUS EINER HAND

s one of Germany’s largest suppliers of Christmas products, I visited their H.Q. in Roth to see for myself where CEO Frank Marchl gave me an insight into the history of Riffelmacher and a tour of the factory and showroom. The business was founded in 1921 commencing trading as Riffelmacher & Weinberger. Frank joined in 2001 and had previously enjoyed a career in banking and economics. Having travelled widely in Asia, he was able to use his connections to good effect and soon began expanding their turnover and in turn their profits. For many years the company have been famous for their quality tinsel and I was given a personal demonstration of the various techniques in use and saw how the tinsel was manufactured in all its many colourways and designs. Tinsel production has increased by a staggering 267% since 2001. By keeping up with trends and the latest colourways, Riffelmacher have continued to dominate this sector of the market and all manufactured here in Roth. The company can also offer commercial-sized tinsel plus outside items such as stars, comets hearts, tinsel fountains and numbers, all of which can be used for store decoration. With growth came the need for a larger warehouse and showroom, so much so that a separate 4,000sq.m. warehouse stores and distributes their huge range of glass baubles. With possibly the largest selection of glass baubles in Europe, Riffelmacher can offer a selection second to none with orders for 300 or above the customer can add personal messages or logos that helps them stand out from the crowd. ‘Snow Globes’ are another big category offering designs from the very traditional up to the querky/amusing style. Not only are they able to offer four different sizes from 7cm. up to 15cm. but also several grades of snow that include the very fine snow to the latest Storm version. Growth has enabled Riffelmacher to become very strong in most ‘must have’ key categories that has enabled the company to become the third largest supplier of Christmas in Germany. Frank Marchl lives and breathes Christmas with a passion that is both impressive and also quite infectious. You can be part of this experience by visiting their stand xxxxxxxxxxx For further details tel:+49 9171 9644-150 or email: info@riffelmacher.de 14 christmas in january

ei meinem Besuch am Firmensitz von Riffelmacher & Weinberger in Roth erhielt ich durch den Geschäftsführer, Frank Marchl, einen Einblick in die Firmengeschichte und konnte mich in der Fabrik und im Showroom umsehen. Das Unternehmen wurde bereits im Jahr 1921 gegründet. Frank Marchl, der seine berufliche Laufbahn im Bankensektor und anschließend in der Wirtschaft begann, stieß dann im Jahr 2001 dazu. Nachdem er in Asien bereits über viele Jahre geschäftlich unterwegs war, konnte John King, Frank Marchl with er seine dortigen Geschäftsverbindungen Malcolm Naish positiv nutzen und weiter ausbauen. Dies war der Beginn für eine Neuausrichtung der Firma Riffelmacher. Mit seitdem stetig wachsenden Umsätzen und immer größeren Marktanteilen setzte Riffelmacher neue Trends erfolgreich um. Daraufhin konnte auch der Benefit der Firma und der Kunden gesteigert werden. Schon seit vielen Jahren und über mehrere Generationen macht die Firma mit ihren hochwertigen Weihnachts- und Dekorationsgirlanden von sich reden. Davon konnte ich mich persönlich überzeugen, als mir die unterschiedlichen Herstellungstechniken vorgeführt wurden, mit denen die Girlanden in all ihren verschiedenartigen Farbvariationen und Designs hergestellt werden. Die Girlandenproduktion ist seit 2001 um erstaunliche 267 % gestiegen. Da sich Riffelmacher stetig weiterentwickelt, immer die neuesten Farbtrends umsetzt, die übrigens bereits ein Jahr im Voraus mit Designern und Marketingagenturen festgelegt werden, konnte sich das Unternehmen auf diesem Marktsektor mit an der Spitze behaupten. Hinzu kommt, dass alle Girlanden direkt in Roth hergestellt werden und somit zu 100 % Made in Germany sind. Man ist in der Lage, unter anderem Girlanden für große Werbepräsentationen oder dekorative Artikel für den Außenbereich, kundenspezifisch herzustellen. Dazu zählen zum Beispiel Sterne, Kometen, Herzen, Fontänen oder auch Zahlen! Dieses umfangreiche Sortiment ist übrigens auch hervorragend für Shopdekorationen geeignet. Mit zunehmenden Wachstum sowie einem immer größer werdenden Kundenkreis wurde in eine größere Lagerhalle und in einem neuen Showroom investiert. Tel: +49 9171 9644 108 Email: info@riffelmacher.de

2018 DATE – 14TH TO THE 17TH JANUARY Bookings open from March Exhibition Organiser: Simon Anslow, HITF Ltd Alpha House, Tipton Street Sedgley, DY3 1HE

Tel: +44 (0)1902 882 280 Email:info@harrogatefair.com

Fax: +44 (0)1902 671 974 Web: www.harrogatefair.com

Feature Floralsilk

Displays bring Floralsilk’s themes to life

16 christmas in january

Harrogate – Hall B, B1/B5 Email: sales@floralsilk.co.uk Tel: 01778 425205 Web: www.floralsilk.co.uk

The inspiration behind our baubles…

Feature Christmasworld

‘Surprise Surprise’ Christmasworld 2017

celebrates the power of emotions Expect the unexpected – at the new special presentation by 2Dezign in Galleria 1

or the last six years, Rudi Tuinman and Pascal Koeleman of 2Dezign have been creating special displays at Christmasworld that are not only gigantic in both scale and impact but also animate the trade to try extravagant large-scale decorations, window dressing and in-shop displays that, thanks to their completely unexpected appearance, act like a magnet on customers. “We don’t aim to sell individual products. Instead, we want to create a special atmosphere – lifestyle – that puts visitors in the right mood to buy. To this end, everything has to be new, big and innovative. The more theatrical and amazing the setting, the more you will sell / the better the turnover”, explains Pascal Koeleman, CEO of 2Dezign. Called ‘Surprise, Surprise’, the new special exhibition in candy and bonbon colours shows how shopping can be turned into a great experience – and not only at Christmas. Thus, this year’s show spotlights the potential of seasonal festivities, such as Weddings, Valentine’s Day and garden parties, in a bright and colourful way. And it is the perfect platform for decoration elements from international exhibitors, which, of course, will once again be combined with lots of fresh flowers and plants. In this case, too, all the materials and products used are labelled with the exhibitors’ names and stand numbers – and this includes the fresh flowers, which can be ordered in Hall 11.1. This special exhibition is not only the perfect link to our new Floradecora section – it is also the fertile ground from which the Floradecora idea grew.

17 christmas in january