Christmas in January 2023

Christmas in January

Harrogate Christmas

15th to 18th Januar y 2023 Harrogate International 9am - 6pm Sunday - Tuesday, 9am - 4pm

Christmas & Gift

International Centre

Wednesday

Seven halls of Christmas

Harrogate Christmas & Gift

Regulars

Leader page 7

Coffee Break with Ben Jeffery 8 of Giftware Trading G.C.A. update12

Christmasworld show update for 2023 14

Just Around the Corner 20 fashion and Lifestyle show Harrogate Christmas & Gift 30 Where Christmas comes together

Retail

Gates Garden centre 16

The Editor interviews family-owned Independent Gates Garden centre based on the Rutland and Leicestershire borders

Features

Permission to Kiss 10 Piers Croke of Gisela Graham fame explores the history of Mistletoe, particularly relevant as the company have introduced a Mistletoe candle pot

Smart Garden Products 24

Bigger and better every year 26 That’s how Lesser & Pavey describe their 2023 product range

Ordering early is still paramount 28 This is Premier Decoration’s battle cry for 2023

Making a fragrant festive debut 34 Ashleigh & Burwood debut at Harrogate

Top of the trees this Christmas 36 National Tree Co. are showing with their U.K. distributors Norfolk Leisure

Trees of beauty, quality and splendour 38 An update from Puleo on their 2023 Range of trees

Once upon a Christmas 40 Weiste started life in Helsinki way back in 1924 in Finland and have been trading in the U.K. for over 40 years.

Publisher: Malcolm Naish malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

Features Editor: Sarah Welsh Advertisement Manager: Marian McNamara marian@lemapublishing.co.uk

Production Director: Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

Layout: Rick Vickers rick@lemapublishing.co.uk

Circulation: Robert Thomas robert@lemapublishing.co.uk

Ring in the old, ring in the new 42 M.D. Mike Withers gives some measured comment on the state of the nation and also tells us that Snowtime have a huge stand in Hall D

Adapting is the key 44 Premier Halloween continue to grow the Halloween party business

Illuminating spaces, lighting up faces 46 Festive Lighting continue to grow their business

Something for all Seasons 48 Plenty of new products to tempt Harrogate buyers from Davies Products

Unique and truly beautiful 50 Scandi-chic is how Malene describes her company’s range on show at Harrogate Christmas with a conscience 52 Meet Keel Toy’s most eco-friendly range of plush Kaemingk 54

34th year of publication

Published by: Lema Publishing Ltd

1 Churchgates, The Wilderness, Berkhamsted, Herts. HP4 2UB Telephone: 01442 289930 Fax: 01442 289950 Email: info@lemapublishing.co.uk

The charm of Christmas & Gift 56 Ben Jeffery is a big fan of the Harrogate Show and has been exhibiting since 2009

Quality is remembered long after 58 Price is forgotten

Konstsmide’s concentration on quality has s tood them in good stead for many years

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

Leader 2023 J i

Ayear ago it seemed the business world was all about doom and gloom. For companies working with Chinese suppliers, air travel was still not available to the Far East and zoom calls were the order of the day.

Moving on to 2023 ranges, zoom calls still remain, although some Europeans have managed trips to Hong Kong where restrictions are still pretty severe.

As one brave supplier told me, once arrived in Hong Kong, mask wearing was essential, no eating out in restaurants, but meals taken in the hotel room and a daily Covid test to ensure all was O.K.

Let us hope that 2023 will see the Chinese removing most of these restrictions.

We were also highlighting the sky-high increase in freight charges throughout 2021, that resulted in some Christmas deliveries arriving with customers in January 2022 and even later. Whilst rates during 2022 have come down, as one expert told me “We shall have to wait until after the Chinese New Year to see how they stabilise.”

Certainly, orders placed during 2022 were higher than those given in 2021, this plus shipping companies withdrawing tonnage created the perfect storm.

At least the supply of I.C. chips has improved along with the price paid for these.

It isn’t only the Far East that has sent prices sky-rocketing. If this wasn’t enough, U.K. importers had to contend with ports

such as Felixstowe and Liverpool seeing strike action and a general shortage of experienced drivers to deliver goods to their customers.

Despite all of this aggro, exhibitors at Harrogate for 2023 will as usual be showing plenty of wonderful new products. The show is full with a number of first-time exhibitors to compliment the seasoned regulars.

Those showing for the first time include Ashleigh & Burwood and We Love Seasons to name but two.

Fair and christmasworld all give visitors a splendid opportunity to see new product.

I firmly believe that despite many problems facing U.K. consumers, that they will still celebrate Christmas. Let us hope that this will be borne out by sales figures by the end of the year

With the big increases in electricity charges could it also be that consumers are allowing less time to display their outside Christmas lights in order to save on electricity costs, or am I being pathetic?

As we finalise this issue in midDecember, I get the feeling that the Public are investing in Christmas decorative product a little later than past years and are very conscious of saving money. It also seems that timers are being recognized more and more as a sensible way to save on energy bills.

Back in January 2002, I posed the question “Do buyers really need to visit Hong Kong when so many suppliers have excellent U.K. showrooms?”

Well, my question seems to be true, as since Covid restrictions U.K. buyers have managed quite well with Zoom calls to finalise their ranges for the forthcoming year and of course flourishing shows such as Harrogate Christmas & Gift, Spring

Konstsmide are introducing at Harrogate a great new product that does away with the need for a transformer that plugs into a mains socket. This little baby is solar powered and once fully charge, the small two pin plug that would normally plug into the transformer, plugs directly into the solar powered source and under normal lighting periods can last up to seven days.

Fantastic!

I look forward to meeting and greeting our readers and advertisers from our stand in the entrance to Hall A.

“I firmly believe that despite many problems facing U.K. consumers, that they will still celebrate Christmas.

Let us hope that this will be borne out by sales figures by the end of the year”

Photo by Candis Hidalgo from Pexels

COFFEE BREAK

I know you enjoyed an excellent 2022 show. What products really wowed the customers.

It was fantastic to have the Christmas & Gift Fair back and it appeared to be a very busy show for all. We launched 100’s of new products and I would say the most popular Items were all our ceramic tree decorations, particularly our Christmas dinner decorations Including a pig In blanket!

Have all the problems of 2022 with huge increases in container costs and shipping affecting deliveries now ceased?

Things have certainly improved but shipping still has its challenges. Thankfully the shipping prices reduced significantly as the year progressed and thankfully rates are now back to levels which we are all accustomed to.

However delays are still quite common due to Covid restrictions in other parts of the world which obviously have an impact on freight leaving on time.

With Covid restrictions still in full force in Hong Kong and China, have Zoom calls managed to replace your visits to the Far East?

Its almost impossible to replace visiting a trade show with other methods such as looking at thousands of photographs or virtual tours of showrooms. However, modern technology certainly helps with viewing new collections and keeping in touch with suppliers which I think would have been much harder and almost impossible years ago. At this moment a viable buying trip to the Far East seems a long way off, hopefully restrictions will ease and we can once again return to physical showrooms and trade fairs which I do really miss as there is no substitute for actually seeing products and meeting new and existing suppliers.

I am certain your customers welcomed the return of exhibitions. As the phrase goes “Did you feel the Love”? I’m not sure we felt love but we definitely felt supported as there was a real appetite for buyers to return to trade shows once again. As previously mentioned there really is no substitute for a physical exhibition and I’m sure buyers benefit hugely from being able to see lots of companies within a few days which was not really possible when shows weren’t happening.

With the larger companies dominating many of the garden centres and gift stores, do you believe there is room for the small to medium companies to still thrive.

Absolutely! The larger companies always do a fantastic job with what they offer and I am sure many garden centres and gifts stores will visit these companies first to establish the main foundations of particular ranges. However we try to offer some slightly different products which our customers seem to do very well with. I think the beauty of this industry is the spectrum of different companies of all shapes and sizes having their own niche, I think this is what keeps things so interesting. I guess the high street might be a little boring if we only had a couple of multiples to shop in!

And finally, If there was one thing you could change in the world today, what would it be?

I guess at this time the obvious thing would be no conflict and an acceptance of us all to live in harmony despite creed, colour and beliefs. In the words of Jesse Jackson, “It’s time for us to turn to each other, not on each other.”

Davies Products brings Easter and Halloween to Harrogate!

For the first time, in addition to their full Christmas range, Davies Products is bringing its Easter and Halloween ranges to Harrogate!

Browse a fabulous selection of traditional and contemporary Easter and Spring products. With a focus on natural materials and a soft pastel colour scheme, our beautifully characterised Easter bunnies, floral wreaths and home decor are truly inspirational and co-ordinate with our Spring floral ranges.

Welcome Autumn with our wonderful selections of Fall wreaths, stems, picks and garlands.

This year sees the long-awaited return of Davies Products’ Scream Machine Halloween range to Harrogate! Our 2023 collection of new items that are suitable for all styles, ages and occasions. Terrifyingly good products at fabulous prices!

Visit Davies Products at Harrogate Stand B5 www.daviesproducts.com

CIJ catches up with Giftware Trading’s Ben Jeffery, the company have been selling Christmas product since the late nineties and are regular exhibitors at the Harrogate Christmas & Gift show

A Year of Change for the GCA

The Garden Centre Association has seen a lot of changes at the top in the past 12 months, but with membership booming and thoughts turning to the annual conference things are looking bright for 2023, as Sarah Welsh discovered…

To its membership of almost 200 garden centres located the length and breadth of the country, the Garden Centre Association is a source of inspiration and offers a wealth of industry knowledge.

Founded back in 1966, just a few years after the term ‘garden centre’ was first coined, the GCA has come a long way since the days when much of its work centred around making plants available year-round and gardening more accessible to the general public.

Prior to the establishment of the GCA green-fingered customers generally had to buy their plants via mail order, but these days this thriving retail sector is all about combining successful plant and nursery arms alongside savvy gift and seasonal buying, excellent catering options and offering families a great day out.

The GCA supports its members in achieving high standards in customer service, plant quality and reliability, and also offers training to garden centre teams via the GCA e-learning initiative that’s exclusive to GCA and HTA (Horticultural Trade Association) members. Add to the mix a competitive annual Christmas competition and a small team that is all about innovation, and it’s easy to see how to many members the GCA is a lifeline.

In August 2022 former Chief Executive Iain Wylie resigned after a decade in post to pursue other opportunities. Under his tenure GCA membership had reached an all-time high – so whilst he will be a tough act to follow, expectations couldn’t be greater for the new incoming

CEO Peter Burks, a previous GCA Chairman and with nearly 40 years’ experience in the sector.

Peter, who started in post on 3 January, says: “I’m very much looking forward to being involved with the GCA again.

I believe the Association is extremely important to a large section of the industry as a place of personal support and social interaction as well as for business support. For many independents having someone else to be able to chat to and share experiences is vital and I think this will be increasingly important in the challenging times we’re likely to have ahead of us.

“I’m going to prioritise supporting the work of the GROW e-learning platform in giving online training opportunities to our staff and extending this to cover all topics of legal training.

“I’m excited to be working on helping more young people to choose horticulture and customer service as a career. We’re lucky that younger people are really getting into houseplants for the first time for many years which will help cultivate their interest in a permanent career. With new organisations such as Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA) now getting involved, this is a great time for young people in our industry.

“I’m also keen on getting out and visiting our members to

hear first-hand their ideas and concerns that the management committee can address.”

Holding the reins for the past six months has been Tammy Woodhouse, current GCA Chairman, and also Managing Director of Kent-based Millbrook Garden Centres. She told Christmas in January that the interim few months after the sad loss of Iain gave the GCA time to review its day-to-day operation and how this is taken forwards in the future – including working more closely with the HTA and Garden Industry Manufacturer’s Association (GIMA) for the benefit of all members and the wider sector.

“It’s been a steep learning curve and a juggling act combining my responsibilities at Millbrook Garden Centres with Chairman duties,” Tammy says. “Both of my teams – at Millbrook and the GCA – have to some extent forgotten what I look like! But the management committee and GCA board have also been really proactive themselves, taking on projects to drive the GCA forward.

“I believe the most important thing about the GCA is the sharing, support and friendship that our members give each other. Whatever the issue or challenge someone is facing, you can be sure that someone else has the experience or advice to help you through. There’s also a shared passion for our unique

industry – and of course all this has been more important than ever over the last three years.”

Tammy credits Christmas trade with filling the winter sales gap for garden centres at a time when gardening is quiet. “For many of our members December is now the busiest month of the years and is absolutely crucial for sales,” she says. “The number of entrants into our GCA Christmas competition and the quality of retailing and display goes to show how important this period is to our members. It’s incredible to see the creativity and passion that goes into creating a magical experience for customers.”

Tammy says that having Peter on board means the GCA Annual Conference will be a don’t-miss event later this month.

“Peter brings a wealth of experience from across the industry. I know he is looking forward to meeting as many of our members as possible at the annual conference and through member visits over the coming months.”

The GCA Conference takes place at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel & Spa in Blackburn from the 22 to 25 January.

For more information visit: www.gca.org.uk, email: info@gca.org.uk, or call: 01244 952170. Or follow the organisation at twitter.com/gc_association, or at facebook.com/GardenCentreAssociation

Peter Burks, the new GCA CEO

Tammy Woodhouse, GCA Chairman

SHOW PREVIEW

Christmasworld

Catching Fire in

Frankfurt

Seasonal magic is in the air in one of Germany’s most beautiful cities, as Christmasworld prepares to return after a two-year hiatus due to Covid. Sarah Welsh spoke to show director Eva Olbrich to find out what’s in store…

On the chilly banks of the Main River anticipation is building, as the leading international trade fair for seasonal and festive decorations and flair prepares to open its doors once more.

Frankfurt’s Christmasworld is more than just a wealth of festive inspiration, buying opportunities and networking, with product categories including Ribbons and wrapping, Candles, Floral and Garden decorations, Visual merchandising and Light, Christmas and Seasonal decoration and the charmingly named Christmas Delights. For visitors old and new this famous trade spectacular is an emotional experience, and this is particularly true for 2023 with the show having been forced to close over the past two years.

The good news is that Christmasworld – which this year runs alongside partner shows Ambiente and Creativeworld – is back and better than ever, complete with a new hall layout and many new features. And no one is more excited than Christmasworld’s director Eva Olbrich.

Are you seeing more anticipation than usual for this year’s Christmasworld show?

The build-up after Covid has been enormous, and our exhibitors have been confirming this on a daily basis. Of course they have successfully used other sales channels in the meantime, but the personal exchange at our fair is extremely important to them. The products at Christmasworld must be experienced in person. And this is where

our exhibitors reach most customers, at one single event, from all over the world.

What are your feelings about the show and what features are you looking forward to people experiencing?

First and foremost I’m looking forward to finally feeling that the personal contact between exhibitors and visitors is catching fire again here in Frankfurt, and that together we’re once again looking forward in these challenging times with new ideas and business contacts for the coming season.

One of the highlights from the fringe programme will be the staging of Christmasworld Trends 23+ by the style agency Bora. Herke.Palmisano. In addition the special presentation Decoration unlimited shows how storytelling can be implemented in the current climate. In addition the special Christmas Delights product area offers culinary gift ideas in an atmospheric Christmas market.

What’s new for 2023?

Many things! We have a new hall layout, and the show is being held alongside Ambiente and Creativeworld which will create a new energy. Although we’ve retained the typical

What: Christmasworld

When: 3 to 7 February, 2023

‘look and feel’ of the leading international trade fair for festive and seasonal decorations.

Christmasworld presents the entire range of seasonal decorations in exhibition halls 4.0. 4.1, 5.0, 5.1, 6.0 and 6.1. From handblown baubles to largescale lighting displays, everything is within easy reach. The Christmas and Seasonal Decoration global sourcing offer can be found in Hall 10.0.

Are you expecting exhibitors and visitors from right across the globe?

Christmasworld is set once again to be a very international event, with more than 500 exhibitors from 46 countries. We are completely booked up and all the key players are on board.

In total 4,700 exhibitors from 80 countries are expected for all three shows, with 85% coming from abroad.

Finally, what makes Christmasworld so special? The clear focus on Christmas and festive decorations. Especially in these digital times, the show remains the perfect stage for international exhibitors to highlight the success factor of experience and emotion at the point of sale. The number of registrations we’ve had has been outstanding and we’re very happy to welcome exhibitors and visitors from across the world to Frankfurt once again.

Where: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition Centre, Frankfurt Web: christmaswold.messefrankfurt.com

RETAIL Gates Garden Centre

Top of the Tree at Christmas!

Independently owned Gates Garden Centre is not only one of the largest of its kind in the country, but also serves up an award-winning Christmas offering year after year – as Sarah Welsh discovered…

It’s a wet and miserable Monday afternoon when I speak with Lee Shephard and Clare Crowther at Gates Garden Centre.

Just a few weeks before Christmas, and the vast, historic ‘rural garden centre’ that sits on the border of Rutland and Leicestershire has been doing a roaring festive trade with footfall ‘through the roof.’

It’s a fantastic position to be in – as Lee explains – especially looking back on the challenging two years for retail that have led up to this point. Although almost running out of customer parking in driving rain due to sheer demand was something that posed a bit of a challenge!

Lee, who is head of merchandising, and has been with Gates for 16 years having previously run his own landscape gardening business for a decade, and general manager Clare, who has been at Gates for 10 years, make a pretty dynamic duo when it comes to planning, buying and building Christmas at the 12,000 square metre garden centre –along with their team.

The business started back in 1948, founded by Fred and Ivy Gates within the walls of a large Victorian kitchen garden. Fast forward

74 years, and Christmas now accounts for 30% of the years’ takings at Gates

Not only that but in 2021 Gates scooped the Midlands title in the coveted Destination Garden Centre Category of the Garden Centre Association’s annual Christmas competition. So it was with some anticipation that Christmas in January prepared to partake in the Gates’ festive wisdom…

Christmas has evolved over the years at Gates hasn’t it?

Lee: Historically we used to run a big festive grotto setup at the garden centre. The grotto had got too big though really and in 2019 we had 50,000 customers through it. Now Christmas runs right throughout the store and people drive for up to an hour to come and see the Christmas displays. There’s a lot of visual theatre when it comes to the festive season at Gates and we’ve become known

for that. Our Christmas shop also spills into Home and Giftware, but we still offer a Santa experience in the form of breakfast and dinner with Santa.

Clare: Christmas has just become more and more important for the garden centre sector as a whole, and for Gates it accounts for 30% of the years’ takings. Festive feeling really does run through everything here, including plants and even the pet care department.

What’s lovely is that every department does Christmas in some way.

When

do you start planning for Christmas?

Lee: We start thinking about Christmas the autumn of the year before. We go out to Holland to the Kaemingk showroom and it all starts for us with that visit. Kaemingk is our biggest festive supplier and the brand’s themes are always so string. We tweak them to suit our space and build from there. At the starting point the previous

“Gates is a family run business onto the fourth generation, but what’s lovely is that generation of customers htving been coming here too.”

Christmas season is in full swing so we take into account what is selling well and think how we can re-invent some of the current themes. For example, we always have a traditional theme and one based around white winter, with shades of blue.

Clare: Gates is a family-run business, with the fourth generation now involved. There’s a lot of Christmas comradery and everyone pitches in. What’s lovely is generations of customers have been coming here also. People tell us they remember the store when it first opened. New customers love the history of the place too though. I think the heritage combined with family values appeals to everyone.

Winning the GCA Midlands title in 2021 must have been a real coup for the team?

Clare: It was. Last year was actually the first time we had entered so to scoop the Midlands category was brilliant. We were all shocked and excited. It’s a brilliant competition and when you’re rewarded for something that’s all produced in house it makes all the effort and long hours worthwhile.

What trade shows are always on your calendar?

Lee: Harrogate Christmas & Gift is a really wonderful show that encompasses the true sense of Christmas. We often bump into other buyers there and share experience. It’s a great meeting of festive minds. Spring Fair then tends to be where we tie up all the loose ends, and it’s also brilliant for Home and Gift. We also do showroom visits as well and place lots of orders there – including Gisela Graham and Festive Productions.

What festive brands do you love to work with?

Clare: Gisela Graham are brilliant and that’s what often gets people coming in through the doors – looking for one of their baubles. We also bought more and more from Festive Productions last year. Their little flower stems did really well and were great value. Weiste is another great brand, and also Floralsilk.

Lee: We work with smaller companies as well, and brands that are local to us. The Satchville Gift Company is one and another is Teal International – both based in Melton Mowbray. It’s great to have a mixture of brands and that makes us even more competitive on price.

What festive themes did you have for last Christmas?

Lee: We actually had 10! Our themes are often inspired by colour and we do twists on previously popular ones too. We had Candy Cane Lane – red and white, Gingerbread Family –with a tea party vibe, Cocktail Glamour – a luxe theme with sophisticated blues and golds, Enchanted Forest – a natural theme with greens, pinks and glass, Polar Ice – a crisp, white theme, Vintage Rose – showcasing blush pink, pearl and ivory, Woodland Creatures – an autumnal theme with burnt orange, Frosty Morning –frosted greens and eucalyptus, Traditional Christmas – reds, golds, tartan, Victoriana and finally Home Opulence which was a brand new theme with teal blue and gold.

How do you approach visual merchandising at Christmas?

Lee: Each theme has its own tree on a coloured table with products all around that are central to the inspiration. We make sure that each theme has a sense of theatre to it. We decide on the store layout first and then from there it’s quite an organic process.

What festive product has been selling well for you?

Clare: The current cost of living has certainly meant that customers are thinking more about what they buy and basket spend is down. Fortunately numbers were up for Christmas 2022. I’d say people may be choosing more affordable decorations, but the DIY and Christmas craft items sold very well, and that trend for people making things at home will continue I think. Christmas cards and advent calendars also sold really well.

Lee: We saw people buying earlier for last Christmas to spread the cost. Custom for the restaurant was also flying – people were certainly coming to Gates for a day out.

What about lighting?

Clare: Over the last couple of Christmas seasons this has been a massive category for us. External lighting, icicles, acrylics have all been big sellers, but customers have also been thinking more about their electricity spend so LED lights have also sold well.

The festive season forms a big part of your day job year-round – do you ever tire of it?

Lee: I never seem to. I’ve always loved Christmas and my favourite time comes in early September when we start to build it in store. Working in close collaboration with the team and seeing it all come together is amazing.

www.gatesgardencentre.co.uk

And finally, how did you spend Christmas in 2022?

Lee: Well in terms of decorating my son and daughter get very involved. My wife is also always crafting bits at home – she’s a primary school teacher. Again it’s a team effort!

Clare: My daughter is 13 and she loves to help me decorate. We now have two trees – hers is in the kitchen and mine is in the lounge! I also love working on Christmas Eve because it just means I’ve seen the whole festive process right through to the end.

“We often bump into other buyers at Harrogate Christmas & Gift and share experience. It’s a great meeting of festive minds.”

*Gates Garden Centre, Cold Overton, Oakham, LE15 7QB

Discover your next

best sellers for A/W 23

Just Around The Corner (JATC) is billed as the fastest-growing UK fashion and lifestyle trade event. So what gives this exhibition an edge over other shows? Read on to find out…

Just Around The Corner (JATC) is a trade event hosted both in the UK’s historic manufacturing hub of Manchester and in the heart of East London’s historic fashion district. Now entering its seventh season, each event has seen visitor numbers increase dramatically, with retailers from the UK and further afield visiting the carefully curated brand mix on offer.

The last JATC shows saw a combined total of 3,000-plus attendees, with a strong mix of key accounts and independents. For 2023, the Manchester event will take place at the Manchester Central Convention Centre on January 19 and January 20, while the London event will be held on February 8 and February 9 within the Truman Brewery in Shoreditch.

JATC said: ‘With unique elements such as the only multi-gender fashion and lifestyle event held both in Manchester and London, the show has a carefully curated brand mix on offer from established womenswear,

menswear, footwear, accessories and sustainable brands.’

And this season JATC is launching a new zone called Beauty & Lifestyle at the London show, making it the go-to buying event for key accounts, department stores and independent retailers - both in the UK and further afield - to discover more than 300 new and returning brands, all under one roof!’

Beauty & Lifestyle will cover beauty, grooming, wellness, home fragrance, wearable accessories, jewellery, seasonal gifting and more. The new area is curated by retail marketing specialist Karen Berman. She said: “I’m passionate about giving a voice to Beauty & Lifestyle companies that may not have been able to showcase and speak directly to buyers before, in a business-to-business exhibition environment. Exciting brands and products are being curated to present to an abundance of great retailers, for successful partnerships. If brands want to increase their retail network, this is definitely the show to be seen at.”

Offering a pared-back approach to stands, the show prides itself on showcasing all exhibitors on a level

What: Just Around The Corner

playing field, allowing buyers to discover brands based on the merit of the products.

This season, some brands exhibiting at the events are offering discount incentives to buyers who write orders at the show (each brand taking part may have differing terms, including the level of discount, who is eligible, and what product lines are applicable).

During the shows, JATC also provides complimentary food, coffee and pastries from an eclectic mix of street vendors, to help set any buyer up for the day! With visitor and exhibitor numbers doubling season-on-season, what are you waiting for? Make sure you are there!

Where & When: Manchester Central Convention Centre January 19-20; Truman Brewery, Shoreditch February 8-9 Call: 020 7739 7620 | Email: info@justaroundthecorner.co.uk Visit: www.justaroundtheconer.co.uk

Manchester Registration London Registration

Part of the

Celebrate a Sweet Tooth with SGP

Smart Garden Products will be helping visitors to their Harrogate show stand ‘bake up’ a real festive feast with candy and gingerbread-inspired goodies!

The team at Smart Garden Products is always excited for Christmas! That’s why with the 2023 festive season in mind the company has launched more than 300 new products and updated their existing Three Kings collections so customers can fill Christmas stockings with all things merry and bright.

This glittering range of beautifully designed festive décor pieces brings a warm, welcoming glow to the home and garden, from the front door to the fireplace.

And those with a sweet tooth will be thrilled as Christmas has been given the full candy treatment! With SGP Three King’s candy cane tree ornaments, garden stakes and plush decorations, you can make every inch of your home look good enough to eat.

Plus the festive treats keep on coming with the Gingerbread Collection – covering

everything from plush, tree décor and lighting, through to ornaments and accessories.

SGP Three King’s inlit gingerbread acrylic and Christmas self-inflating characters make stunning statement pieces, whilst there is also a wide range of illuminated gingerbread houses to choose from - perfect for adding that final touch to tables and mantelpieces. And not wanting to be left out, the Rat Pack have joined in on the gingerbread fun too!

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a sumptuous selection of Gonks, and this year SGP Three Kings also has brand new, adorable candy cane gonks as the candy trend collides with the company’s most popular collection. Even the best-selling nutcrackers are now available in a delectable green, white and red candy design, which is available in two sizes.

SGP has also expanded its range of both faux and natural wreaths and garlands with an amazing 52 new designs to choose from, ensuring there’s something to suit all tastes and offering a lovely gift choice to help family and friends welcome in the holiday season.

SGP Three King’s lighting products have also been given a major illuminated boost with 59 dazzling new items, including superbright, low-voltage options which guarantee extra sparkle both inside and out.

The complete Three Kings range –comprising over 750 items – will be displayed in the custom-build Christmas showroom at Smart Garden Products in Peterborough. And the company is also excited to welcome customers to their show stand at Harrogate Christmas & Gift.

Bigger and Better Every Year

From quality Christmas pieces to be treasured year after year to beautiful homeware showcasing the work of fine artists, Lesser & Pavey always shine at Harrogate. We caught up with Director Jonny Greves to find out what’s in store…

During the Christmas season one of the family traditions that people love to share in and enjoy is setting a festive table – one that not only looks eye-catching but also includes treasured pieces.

Lesser & Pavey has long been known as the home of quality tabletop items at Christmas time, combining practicality with nostalgia and stunning design. But this year the 52-year-old company is bring a wealth of seasonal ranges to both Harrogate Christmas & Gift and Spring Fair.

Think festive fragrances, traditional illustration of historical Christmas scenes, quality gifts that last, seasonal candles and diffusers and coveted household items, including fine mugs, coasters and mats – to name a few – and the new addition of a twotier cake stand and doorstop. There’s also new glassware, LED lights, cushions and festive stockings to look out for.

Lesser & Pavey also has a long tradition of working with the MacNeil Studios, with products that bring to life ever-popular snowy Christmas scenes, featuring a snow-covered cottage, British wildlife and all the magic of the festive season. Homewares showcasing this beautiful artwork include mugs, plates and a butter dish.

What is the Lesser & Pavey team most looking forward to at Harrogate this year? Harrogate is a great opportunity early in

the calendar to showcase and focus solely on Christmas. As always the best part is meeting our customers. Lesser & Pavey enjoy the atmosphere of exhibitions and the opportunity to display full ranges at the show. Exhibitions provide an excellent opportunity to catch up with regular buyers, and we are always delighted to meet new customers, showing them all the new ranges that have been developed by our team.

And what can we expect from you at Spring Fair?

Lesser & Pavey devote the entire back of our show stand at the NEC for our Christmas ranges, whilst also lunching hundreds of other new products. For us Christmas seems to become a bigger event in retailing each year somehow.

Lesser & Pavey has built an envied reputation for championing fine artists –such as the MacNeil Studio – do you think this is something that sets you apart?

We’ve always focused on bringing quality items to the market place and working with the MacNeil Studio for around two decades now is a continuation of this. Their traditional

style of artwork works well for Christmas products which our customers have come to love due to the popularity with the consumer.

We also offer festive ranges from British illustrator Jennifer Rose, featuring beautiful watercolour red breasted robins and wintery wildlife. These are increasing in popularity each year for customers looking for a more ‘niche’ style of design. We’re also showcasing some new British artists for Christmas 2023 at Harrogate.

What ranges are you predicting will be most popular with buyers for 2023?

This is a discussion that takes place amongst our team every year and it’s hard to call! Lesser & Pavey have got so many exciting new ranges to unveil, each one with its own particular appeal. I must mention our brand-new plus reindeers, snowmen, gingerbread men and Santa that are launching for Christmas 2023, as well as new ranges from The MacNeil Studio, Jennifer Rose, Karen Tye Bentley, as well as other newer licensed ranges.

If buyers are looking for tradition and a focus on nature then the Winter Robin range must be a best seller for all.

For more information visit: www.leonardo.co.uk Harrogate Christmas & Gift: Hall A, Stand A6 Spring Fair: Hall 5, Stand D10-E11, 5D20-E21

PROFILE Premier Decorations

Ordering early is still paramount…

Once again I visited Premier Decoration’s Managing Director John Athwal at his head office near London for an update on how Premier has managed it’s business over the last 12 months and for his thoughts on business moving forward into 2023.

“It is apparent to all that 2022 has not exactly been a walk in the park…” John begins. “With the cost of living crisis hitting everybody in the country, sales at retail have been challenging and have come very late. It is now up to us to come up with initiatives to put our marketplace back on to the front foot as it were in previous years.”

Walking around their southern UK showroom I can tell that Premier has worked particularly hard to offer best selling product at prices that will surely turn heads as well as coming up with brand new lines that are again sure to sell well. Innovation has been a key to this company over the past few years and the momentum has definitely not waned.

The development of new ideas is noticeable considering that no buyers in the industry have been able to visit the far east very easily for a number of years now. This has not stopped this organisation from presenting brand new value for money propositions in their usual

John mentioned the far east and the inability for buyers in general to travel to these suppliers whilst also touching upon the state of manufacturing within

the region. “It has again been challenging…” Although IC chip shortages seen in previous years have now seemingly settled down, there have been other factors still affecting production. Zero tolerance for covid infections within the Chinese mainland has meant that certain districts have been shut down completely for weeks on end. This did not seem to be letting up and it is almost certain that production lines in 2023 will still be affected by this due to labour forces not being able to work, or indeed travel, within particular regions as lockdowns have been in place.

Premier though has it’s ear to the ground and working closely with their far eastern offices have been able to supply goods early in 2022 and are well equipped to be doing exactly the same for the coming year. Both Premier UK showrooms have been open since mid November in 2022 with their appointment books full to the brim. This has helped the company again ensure that goods will be on the water or indeed already in their warehouse very early for deliveries in 2023.

When John took me into his showroom he

first showed me Premier’s new Dream Lights range. I was immediately wowed with sparkle and delight as I have been so consistently now after being introduced to new lighting this company has bought to market. This year is no exception, Dream Lights, Flexibrights, Compact Ultrabrights and an amazing new collection of lit wreaths… all must see new ranges that are innovative additions to core best sellers at retail such as Premiers own Treebrights and Clusterbrights. As I walked through the rest of the showroom I saw that the aim seemed to be simple - to offer customers timeless commercial product at great value across all seasonal categories. To this end, Premier’s Christmas decorations range continues to grow with an abundance of new lines complementing all major Christmas colourways. They have embraced customers desire to create their own themes, focusing heavily on exceptional value in core colours to allow integration across any chosen theme look.

Sustainability continues to be at the heart of their offer and Premier are pleased to carry more FSC products for the new season. Alongside already successful mango

wood items, there’s a new range of paper products and a wider selection of beautiful, recycled glass. In addition to this they have removed all single use plastic bags from their floristry and now are pleased to say that they have moved away from polystyrene trays in their pick range so now this product is supplied loose in attractive retail boxes.

Please ensure that you visit Premier as soon as possible so you do not miss out on what this fantastic organisation has to

offer. If you are unable to book into their showrooms or visit their all new look stand in Hall H for the Harrogate Christmas and Gift Fair then do not fret. Premier catalogues are available on request (if you do not already have one) and all SKUs can be viewed on the web via the companys online ordering portal at www.premierdec.com. This portal contains up to date stock availability as well numerous images for each product and video where applicable. As well as a large library of point of sale material, all images and videos are available to Premier customers upon request for their own marketing requirements.

Premier though has it’s ear to the ground and working closely with their far eastern offices have been able to supply goods early in 2022 and are well equipped to be doing exactly the same for the coming year.

“Sustainability continues to be at the heart of their offer and Premier are pleased to carry more FSC products for the new season”

Where Christmas Comes Together

There’s never a dull moment at the Harrogate Christmas & Gift show according to exhibition organiser Simon Anslow . But that’s what he loves about it, as Sarah Welsh discovered when they caught up…

For Simon Anslow 13 is most definitely a lucky number. In fact as he prepares to open the doors at his thirteenth Harrogate Christmas & Gift show, the veteran show organiser is predicting this will be the best festive fair to date.

It comes on the heels of a challenging couple of years for the trade sector, after the 2021 edition of the show couldn’t go ahead, and a fair amount of anxiety leading up to last year’s event.

“Christmas & Gift 2022 was interesting because it was touch and go as to whether

it would go ahead,” Simon explains. “Even three days before we weren’t sure what was going to happen and I was fielding constant calls from people on tenterhooks who kept hearing different Chinese whispers.

“In the end of course it was a huge success and the exhibitors who came had some of their best ever years at Harrogate with record sales. This year we’ll be building on that and although you hear all this doom and gloom on the news about the economic climate the show team is hugely positive in outlook. Yes the cost-of-living crisis may have an impact but this sector always battles its way through.

“We put on the show, but it’s the exhibitors who come here selling the festive dream and people love it.”

Simon, 53, who hails from the Black Country and still lives in Wolverhampton, has worked in the trade show field for 35 years and it’s in his blood. His father Robert is a director of Christmas & Gift and the Harrogate International Nursery Fair, which Simon himself ran for many years. He may have had a stint

working for a brick manufacturing company in his youth, but all the extravaganza of exhibitions is firmly where Simon belongs.

“Christmas & Gift has a small, committed team and it’s just an amazing show to work on,” he says. “We have fantastic exhibitors and retailers and it is hugely enjoyable each and every year. There’s never a dull moment that’s for sure.

“The team is up in Harrogate very early so the contractors can come in, and from 3 January names like Premier Decorations, Gisela Graham, Heaven Sends and Floralsilk start erecting their show stands. Then products start arriving at the start of the following week and slowly the show comes together until the Exhibition Halls is transformed into a Christmas wonderland.

“So much work goes into it, dressing the stands and numerous festive trees, using innovative ways to showcase new product, it’s just fantastic to see.

“So much work goes into transforming Harrogate Convention Centre into a Christmas wonderland and it’s just fantastic to see.”

“It’s the ambience of the show that really makes it I think. It’s more relaxed than other shows and Harrogate is a brilliant location because everything is right there on the doorstep. It’s a beautiful town with wonderful hotels, restaurants and bars, so it’s great for business but also from a social point of view.

“Also the timing of the show is key because seasonal buyers need to get their orders in by February. It sets the tone for the year.”

As Simon says Harrogate is ‘predominantly Christmas’ as a show, but you’ll also find gift, celebration and Halloween ranges on a smaller scale. The buyers the show attracts include garden centres – which make up more than 50% of those attending, most supermarket brands, independent retailers, heritage brands, museums and theme parks and even local authorities who may come to look for festive street lighting.

“It’s very much a networking show,” Simon explains. “Buyers tend to spend two-and-a-half days with us and they really make the most of it. People love coming together and to touch and see the festive

product and that is something that will never change with Christmas & Gift.”

This year there is a number of new exhibitors travelling to the show, including German decorations brand Boltze, gift wrapping experts Partisan Products and contemporary, Scandi-inspired brand We Love Seasons.

Festive veterans Kaemingk are back to their pre-Covid show stand size for 2023 and Simon says that don’t-miss stands include Premier Decorations because of the sheer size, Gisela Graham where the overall impact of the visual merchandising is always incredible, Heaven Sends for its beautiful product and Festive Productions with its clever, impactful themes.

“I just love Christmas,” Simon says. “At

home I love to spend it with my family, and I always cook. At the show the sociable side of the event is always brilliant and the whole experience is never less that utterly joyous.”

“Buyers tend to spend two-and-a-half days with us and they really make the most of it. People love coming together and to touch and see the festive product and that is something that will never change with Christmas & Gift.”

KONSTSMIDE (UK) Ltd

Making a FestiveFragrantDebut

This year Ashleigh & Burwood will celebrate 30 years in business, and what better way to start the celebrations than with showcasing their complete Christmas fragrance collection at Harrogate…

Ashleigh & Burwood have been the innovative leaders of the pack when it comes to home fragrance since the boutique and quintessentially English company was founded back in 1993.

Headed up by father and son team John and Andrew Nettleton, production initially began from the kitchen table. But although the operation has expanded massively since then, the family values that run right through not only the company ethos but each beautifully scented product the brand makes are still at the heart of everything.

And one sure-fire way to mark this important 30th birthday in style is to unveil Ashleigh & Burwood’s full festive home fragrance collection at Harrogate Christmas & Gift Show. The diverse product portfolio of scents ranges from new wax melts to unique fragrance lamps, seasonal gifts and a myriad of home fragrancing solutions.

Managing Director Andrew told Christmas in January that Ashleigh & Burwood’s decision to exhibit at Harrogate in 2023 was partly down to the amazing reviews the show gets year on year.

“We’ve heard such superb feedback from our friends and peers within the industry regarding their participation at the Harrogate Christmas Fair in recent years that we knew it was too good an opportunity to pass by,” Andrew says.

“We’ve been expanding our Christmas offering steadily over the past few years and for 2023 we’ve added even more lines to compliment some of our most successful festive fragrances and product formats, so the time’s right to make our mark at the show this January.

“We’re looking forward to meeting with established customers, making some new connections and sharing our biggest festive collection yet. The show is perfectly timed for brands and retailers alike to enable good

planning of the important fourth quarter.”

New introductions for Christmas include the affordably priced Say It With Scent massage candles, that come in eight different designs, and new The Scented Home Wax Melts, featuring a quartet of Christmas fragrances – Christmas Spice, White Christmas, Frosted Holly and Festive Fizz. Scented Sticks will also be available in the same four scents.

Also on offer at the Harrogate show will be a range of new display units for easy merchandising to maximise retailer sales.

“We’re really excited about the Harrogate Christmas Fair and for me it will be a first opportunity to receive reactions to the new in-store festive merchandising solutions I’ve been working on over the past few months,” explains Ashleigh & Burwood Visual Merchandiser, Olivia Collins.

“Our established FSDU for Diffusers and Candles from The Scented Home collection has been a phenomenal success and for 2023 we’re building on this, adding more shopper-friendly display units that make merchandising and sales simple. We’ll also be providing a chance to see our full festive offering, alongside our year-round home fragrance collections at Spring Fair on our new look stand.”

For more information visit: www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk Harrogate Christmas & Gift: Hall C, Stand C19. Spring Fair: stand 4A10-B11

KONSTSMIDE (UK) Ltd

Hardwick View Road, Holmewood Industrial Estate Holmewood, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S42 5SA, United Kingdom

Top of the Trees this Christmas

American artificial tree experts the National Tree Company has more than 60 years of experience in the holiday decorations market, so thank goodness Norfolk Leisure Lifestyle has brought the brand’s full range to the UK…

Norfolk Leisure Lifestyle is one of the largest suppliers of Garden Furniture and Accessories in the UK and when the summer season is over the company really does ‘Step into Christmas’. And what better way to celebrate the season than by offering the complete range of Christmas trees, wreaths and garlands from US based manufacturer National Tree Company.

The National Tree collection features an array of unique special features, with selected products carrying Feel Real © Tips. This includes a PE/PVC tip that has been moulded from the tips of real trees, offering a very convincing appearance and feel that is good enough to fool even Santa! The combination of PE/PVC tips and textures gives a standard wreath, garland or tree a full and fluffy appearance, which is just what you need for that luxurious touch at Christmas.

Whether your style over the festive period is suited towards a more traditional look or if by contrast you’re inspired by glitter, pinecones and unique colours, the extensive range of National Tree products will have something to suit.

The Frasier Grande is filled with large full branches and is a popular product, ticking all the boxes for those who love a traditional tree shape. The simplistic style is perfect for transforming into something spectacular with your own ornaments or decorations. Offering the full PE/PVC branch combination, the Frasier Grande appears to be just like the real thing, without the hassle of falling pines.

If you love the nostalgic style of winter pinecones and berries, the Frosted Berry can add that exact touch to your home during the festive season. Scattered in realistic looking red berries and pinecones, with some subtle frosted tips, it appears as though it’s been sprinkled in a perfect chilled winter morning frost. Just lovely.

Whilst some love their trees traditional and green others love them covered in a frosting of snow. The Snowy Dorchester oozes that picture-perfect winter wonderland charm.

Pinecones are peppered throughout the PVC/ PE branches, adding texture and depth. Full in style, the Snowy Dorchester has a beautiful silhouette, mimicking a traditional pine tree. Pair with the wreath and garland for a true festive winter wonderland look.

A popular feature that is often seen on our Iceland Fir range - another traditional snowy styled tree - is the National Tree Company Dual Coloured Lights. Low voltage LED lights are woven between the branches of your tree and offer a multi-functional light feature that saves you a lot of time, money and hassle. No need to worry about choosing or buying lots of sets of warm white and multi coloured lights this year as the Dual Colour feature allows you to choose between warm white, multi-coloured and pastel colours. Plus, it also incorporates a whole range of light functions from twinkling, steady, flashing or fading. You just have to choose the style and shade you prefer!

And assembling your Christmas Tree year doesn’t need to be stressful either. With National Tree Company trees, you don’t have to worry about fiddling with hundreds of branches and lots of different sections as nearly all their trees come with fully hinged branches and a maximum of four sections including the base. When it comes to pre-lit trees, your LED lights are already pre-woven between and around your branches. The lights all easily connect to each other between sections thanks to the Power Connect feature, using a simple plug functionality between each section therefore only using up just one plug and socket, a very helpful feature for those who struggle with having enough sockets at Christmas.

Decorating your home in beautiful decorations that can be styled to suit your taste is very important during the festive season. You want to be able to put your trust in getting a full and luxurious looking tree, garland or wreath so your home is cheerful and charming throughout the holidays. Now you can focus on spending more quality time with your family, friends and loved ones.

Konstsmide

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.co.uk

‘Trees of Beauty, Quality and Splendour’

In America many choose to celebrate the season with a Puleo Christmas tree, but this family firm’s reach is now very much a global festive affair…

Christmas is all about family and spending time with those that we love, and back in New Jersey in 1954 one American wife and mother picked up an artificial tree for her home which was to change the face of festive tree production in the States.

Little did she know at the time, but when Marian Puleo stood in front of her box-fresh new tree, dreaming up ways to make it as beautiful as possible for her family, it would go on to inspire a business. Soon the Puleo family was producing artificial Puleo Christmas trees in their garage. Within just three years the business had grown so much that they moved into new premises, and the rest is Christmas history.

Puleo International now has bases across the world, although its headquarters still remain in New Jersey, and the firm is known as ‘the oldest family name for Christmas trees in America’. Puleo Asia will be exhibiting at Harrogate Christmas & Gift , bringing a wealth of new trees and outdoor décor pieces for customers to enjoy.

According to Adrian Yapp from the UK team, sales of Puleo Asia’s flocked trees have seen a steady increase year on year, with a broad range that has something to suit all tastes.

“For trees of beauty, quality and splendour, a visit to our show stand in Hall C is a must,” he explains. “Visitors will be able to view ten new exciting trees and our latest creations of pre-lit wreaths, garlands and swags and table top trees for 2023. And our dedicated sales team will be on hand to help create the right programme for you.

“For those wanting a grand tree with a light dusting of flock, the Berkeley Spruce is the one. This tree is ideal for all those who like to dress their tree to the max, and the seven-foot version gives you 2046 tips to hang all those delightful coloured baubles. Stand back and then see this tree in all its glory.

“The Snowy Yukon Pine has been the leader in flocked trees, with its strong PE tips and large cones nestled cosily into the branches. Enhancing the appearance, are delightful LED globe bulbs - all in all this tree speaks beauty, nature and warm.

“For those wanting thick tips and plenty of

flock, the Colorado Spruce gives you just that. It’s life-like snow also gives a real wintery feel as though flakes have just fallen.

“It might be slim-line, but the Slim Northern Fir instantly grabs your attention due to its indexed configuration. The mixed tips give it such a unique appearance and it’s ideal for those wanting a tree that makes a statement, even in smaller rooms.

“New for this year is the Aspen Pine, offering a completely different look to the Slim Northern Fir. The index shape is quite accentuated, it’s ideal for those who want to highlight those special baubles and again ideal for the smaller room.

“Finally, continuing to lead the way in premium green trees are the majestic Kensington Pine, the noble Washington Valley and the imposing Northern Fir. All are truly beautiful and will captivate those who love capacious, stirring, true to life trees, all making different statements in appearance.”

For more information visit: www.puleointl.com Harrogate Christmas & Gift: Hall C, Stand C22

Innovation meets nostalgia

Visit us at our inspiring showroom in Hertfordshire where you can explore the NOMA forest, walk around our lighting wonderland, and enjoy a Grillstream BBQ lunch in the LeisureGrow Bokkie.

Alternatively visit our showroom remotely with our immersive, highly detailed virtual guided showroom tour.For Showroom bookings contact your local sales representative or call 01462 744500

Once Upon a Christmas…

From Finnish fairy-tale beginnings, Weiste has become one of the most trusted names in the festive trade, with decorative product as magical as its company heritage. And its 2023 Christmas collection is no exception…

Weiste has been a market leader in the design and manufacture of Christmas decorations since the company started life in Helsinki way back in 1924.

And it’s fitting that the company was born in Finland, the land of Santa Claus, because the story behind it would make for a great seasonal fairytale told to children around the fire. Think an entrepreneurial father who saw an opportunity to make beautiful decorations in his homeland, the inspiration of bringing joy to others and generations of one family who helped to build the business from the ground up.

Today Weiste still holds its envied reputation for excellent customer service and reliability, and has been trading in the UK for more than 40 years.

Eco Christmas Pioneers

Weiste is a market leader in the use of bio-based material technologies in traditional Christmas decorations. Products from its Eco Christmas collection are produced use high quality and innovative materials based on extensive research – with stunning results.

Long lasting products

One of the company’s core values is making longlasting seasonal products that are much better for the environment precisely because they can be handed down from generation to generation. A winning combination of superior materials and harnessing renewable natural resources in production, means Weiste’s products are helping to build a more sustainable future.

Strive to do better

Weiste is just at the beginning of the company’s journey toward becoming carbon neutral. Taking steps in the right direction the team aims to build towards a more sustainable future, and communicate openly with customers at every stage about the ongoing plans.

Environmentally friendly materials

Weise is now incorporating bio-based plastics into its portfolio of beautiful Christmas products – a material that uses renewable natural resources in the production process. One challenge has

been for the business to incorporate this into very different products, ranging from pieces with glass-like transparency to more ornamental decorations. And of course Weiste’s envied reputation for creating designs that last must be factored in as well.

The bio-based plastic used in Weiste products is responsibly produced wood and the company is rightly proud of its product development and ecological innovation. The inspiration behind the Eco Collection was to design holistic ecological products. Weiste is determined to be the industry leaders in environmental Christmas decorations.

How to place an order with Weiste

Weiste may not be exhibiting at Harrogate Christmas & Gift this year, but production is still at full speed with new designs and colour combinations launching as usual for 2023. Don’t miss out on your Weiste bestsellers – visit www.weisteshop.fi or contact UK agent Sam May at Morris May. Weiste will also be showcasing the new collection at Christmasworld in Frankfurt from 3 to 7 February.

For more information visit: www.weiste.com/en, and to place orders visit: www.weisteshop.fi. You can also contact UK Agent Morris May Ltd on 0131 208 0247 or email: info@morrismay.com

Welcome home.

The industry is undergoing radical change. Consumer goods fairs are resh aping themselves. The three successful events Ambiente, Christmasworld and Creativeworld are being held concurrently for the first time in 2023. Experience this innovative concept with the world’s most comprehensive product range and a di verse ar ray of synerg ies – also for the st ationer y industry – live in Frankfur t.

Discover the trade fair s of the future: ambiente.messefrankfur t.com christmasworld.messefrankfur t.com creativeworld.messefrank furt.com info @uk.messefrank furt.com Tel. +4 4 (0) 14 83 48 39 84

PROFILE Snowtime

Ring out the old ring in the new

Since the Harrogate Christmas and Gift show last year Snowtime have had four chancellors of the exchequer, three prime ministers, two monarchs and the partridge has had to sell the pear tree.

The relentlessly bad economic news on our television screens and in our newspapers paints an almost apocalyptic scene in which the end of the world is nigh. This, naturally, frightens people into limiting their spending on non-essential goods (Christmas) and recession becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. We must counter this narrative and present an optimistic and confident outlook in the face of such doom and gloom. With that in mind here is some

GOOD NEWS

Freight rates have recently fallen as precipitously as they rocketed. Having risen ten-fold to a staggering $18,000 they are now back at a much more sane $1,500.

The problem is, following a difficult season, many businesses are holding a lot of stock priced at the top rates. The lower prices will work their way through to the consumer in due course and, with inflation reducing, (I write before Christmas) we may have ridden out the worst of the storm and be heading into calmer waters. Let’s hope so.

The pound/dollar rate is moving in our favour, further reducing prices as it does.

Oil prices are again below $100 a barrel despite the malevolent efforts of Tzar Putin.

Having lived through several recessions in my 40 years in business I can vouch for the resilience of the British people, they will not be cowed for long by hysterical commentators.

A SLOW BOAT FROM CHINA

It is still not feasible to travel to China but there are signs of a relaxation of the rules, so things in that respect may change soon. Regrettable though it may be, the fact is that 90% of the goods in our

industry are manufactured in China and that will not change in the foreseeable future. It is difficult to design and select new products without being able to hold face-to-face meetings with the factories, even with the new technology.

Notwithstanding the barriers, our design and sourcing team has worked wonders in putting together an unsurpassed collection of products, licensed and unlicensed, for Christmas 2023 and beyond, thus cementing SnowTime’s reputation as leaders in original and highly commercial seasonal design.

ONLINE AND OFF

Retailing evolves with increasing rapidity and the expectations of the consumer increase commensurately, driven by the likes of Amazon to expect home delivery within 24 hours of ordering.

Anecdotal evidence, though, appears to show that ‘bricks and mortar’ retailers have fared rather better this year than online businesses, in a complete reversal of the trend in the previous two years. Does this mean that people are once again more inclined to go out and see products in the flesh before they buy? Who knows? But all good retailers will be alert to any and all trends and be fleet-footed enough to adapt.

SNOWTIME BIGGEST AND BEST

At SnowTime, we have always been aware that the Christmas trade requires constant re-imagining,

new ideas and new ways of presenting product.

Two ranges introduced last year which have been outstandingly successful, with customers trying to re-order before the end of September, are the Microdot range of trees and the Infinity collection of illuminated figures both of which have been expanded with the new items on show at Harrogate.

In order to display the new collections in the best possible light, SnowTime has taken virtually the whole of hall D. It will be our biggest and best stand since first exhibiting at Harrogate in 1995.

Our showroom in Blackpool has been open since early December and we have welcomed many customers already. Buyers are urged to book appointments soon as availability will become scarce.

NEW FACES

We welcome to the SnowTime sales team and wish every success to Courtnay Hardy (Northern England) and Ross McFarlane (Scotland).

For more information visit: www.transcon.co.uk

Harrogate Christmas & Gift: Hall D Stand D1

Adapting is the key…

The past 3 years have been nothing if not challenging in every possible way for everyone in our industry and beyond. Seasonal trade whilst occasionally shielded from major moves in market conditions has been no exception this time. On the contrary, it has probably been one of the most challenged sectors.

Iadapt and change a lot. Buyers have had to adapt to not being able to physically perform buying trips and attend trade fairs in China. Sales reps have had to adapt to virtual support and showroom visits for customers in recent years. Showroom routines have had to change and online has simply become huge. Being proactive is key for succeeding in providing the most innovative products, at the best prices and with the best services, but most importantly delivered to customers premises all in good time.

Premier Decorations has managed to be proactive and anticipate needs by opening showrooms in early November giving all of their customers an opportunity to view next years offers in order to make their key buying decisions. The provision and expansion of their online services that provide live data; extended photography and videos as well as having 2023 catalogues delivered early which are sprinkled with QR codes showing product demonstrations make the buying experience smooth and easy.

With Halloween growing so much despite of the difficulties of Trick or Treat and parties which have only started to go back to normal in 2022, the Premier Decorations range for this holiday has

beene widened and

Halloween has become more family oriented and activities that can be shared as a family such as DIY and arts and craft make a lot of sense.

Indoor decorations that

enjoy putting up together, but also outdoor lighting and decorations that will insure a place on the neighbourhood “must see house” map on the hallowed eve itself are all supplied by Premier. Somehow this company has even managed to make Halloween chic and not just gory with exquisite

gonks, fabric pumpkins, scented candles and light sets all wonderfully displayed in their showrooms which you must visit or make sure you visit the Halloween stand at the Harrogate Christmas and Gift Fair in Hall H.

Illuminating Spaces, Lighting up Faces

Festive Lights has been helping customers large and small light up Christmas since 1999, and there’s seemingly no creative challenge the team can’t meet. Sarah Welsh spoke to Business Sales Director Matt Higginson about the key to the company’s success…

When it comes to those breathtaking public lighting displays that spark the first thoughts of Christmas in families up and down the country, Festive Lights has cornered the market.

From city centre shopping centres to theme parks and visitor attractions, the family company’s incredibly well-lit expertise helped bring to shining life more than 100 lighting displays the length and breadth of the UK in 2022.

Festive Lights secured the UK distribution rights for Italian lighting brand Twinkly and Twinkly PRO back in 2018, and the company’s project department works tirelessly to build displays over many months in the run-up to Christmas.

Matt says the team’s ‘personal favourite’ last year involved the tallest festive tree in the UK and 20,000 carefully synchronised LED lights –but more on that later…

Looking back on 2022, would it be fair to describe it as one of change and continued success for Festive Lights? Especially with the opening of your second Twinkly showroom in Colchester?

Certainly one of change with political factors influencing the traditional marketplace and also successful for negotiating those challenging aspects. And yes it has been a real asset having a fully immersive showroom experience in the south, designed and operated by our partners Dreamwave Group. They’ve welcomed hundreds of businesses in 2022 and immersed them into the world of Twinkly. They’re open all year too

so do get in touch with us, or with Dreamwave directly to arrange a visit.

The last couple of years has been a challenging one for the retail sector, but Festive Lights seems to have gone from strength to strength - is this testament to your investment in and expertise in digital? We continuously invest into our online b2b and b2c websites to optimise their function, appearance and visibility – we’re lucky to have some amazing employees who keep us on the ball! We use everything available to us as we strive to keep growing our customer base whilst maintaining a high trust pilot service score. Having a robust offering online bolted to our own distribution centre has certainly helped to negotiate a tough trading period for seasonal lighting. The key factors we have faced of inflation and cost of living crisis meant attracting new customers was more difficult. As part of our full ecommerce strategy, we do diversify our product ranges across 3rd party platforms such as eBay, Amazon, Mano Mano and others to spread the risk and to capitalise on alternative shopper trends.

What were the big selling ranges for you for the festive season 2022? How big a percentage does the Twinkly partnership

contribute to your overall sales success?

With over 2,000 Christmas SKUs it’s hard to pick standout ranges, however our Connect PRO and GO light strings had a great year, boosted by our supplier status change with C.E.F group. But all Twinkly string sizes dominated the sales split in traditional “plug in” lights. Twinkly’s Outdoor 3D light tree from 2-6m sizes all performed very well along with the indoor pre-lit 7.5ft tree with the new Twinkly Squares living up to hyped expectations. We also released our own commercial pre-lit garland range which are hand wrapped in our project room. These larger, higher quality stars, wreaths, archways and garlands were really popular for those customers wanting the ultimate wow factor. I’d say that Twinkly has increased its overall sales contribution within our group over the last few years and has established itself as a significant value-added brand.

In terms of trade shows you’re exclusively exhibiting at Spring Fair this year - is this because the NEC show has been the most successful for you in the past?

Yes, we have focused on the NEC fair for its diverse audience and central location. The 2022 show generated lots of business enquiries even though it was the first trade show back after the lockdowns. Besides, the height of the building allows us the freedom to erect our 7m (23ft) Twinkly PRO digital tree!

“The sheer height of the building at Spring Fair allows us the freedom to erect a 23-foot tree!”

How much of a focus does the team put on showroom visits as opposed to trade shows?

We see them as of equal importance and generally they go hand in hand. Yes, we have amazing integrated showrooms for customers to spend time, but the interest is sparked at the trade shows initially. We still feel buyers like to visit shows to grasp a widespread shot of what’s new so if you are not there, it is easy to be missed.

What new lighting ranges and products are you looking to showcase for Christmas 2023 and what do you predict will be your biggest seller?

We don’t want to give too much away but we’re ramping up the displays again this year with new ranges and concepts – visitors will just need to pop along to the show stand!

2023 will mark Festive Lights completing 23 Christmases. What is the key to your longevity?

Yes, we served our first customers all the way back in 1999 and since those humble beginnings we have grown in size and structure to accommodate our vision. There are many keys to our longevity which have always focused around quality product and service which in time strengthens our brand through reputation. In recent years, we consolidated our own connectable system brands which are tailored specifically for business use. As a result, we share this offering to our retail customers who appreciate investing in commercial quality

lighting and display. Embracing LED lighting in the Noughties and establishing a long-standing production partner allows us to expand the ranges whilst holding large stocks. And the addition of Twinkly’s app-controlled ranges in the last few years means we’ve achieved great balance which has placed us right at the cutting edge of lighting.

Festive Lights has a reputation for working on some of the biggest-scale festive light installations in the UK. Can you tell us about some of the projects you worked on in 2022? Our project department was building displays eight months in advance last year to satisfy demand. The professional side of the Twinkly brand is structured with a network of trained design and installation firms – our partner network – who handle most of the nation’s queries – from city centre to shopping centre dressing, to theme parks, zoos and visitor attractions, and hotels and other large businesses. Our personal favourite in 2022 was building a custom perimeter light panel wall for inside the base of the Cheshire Oaks Christmas tree, which is the tallest in the UK. It ended up being 22m in length and had 20,000 synchronised LED lights playing Christmas patterns throughout the visitor season.

Finally, what’s your predictions as far as festive lighting trends go for 2023?

Like the last few years, we’d hope to see colour being added back in to displays – Twinkly has really prompted a shift to more diverse displays rather than single or double colours being used. We’ve successfully introduced a colour select option into our popular ConnectPRO system which sold out well before Christmas, therefore we’d expect this range to also see growth in 2023. Here at Festive Lights, we can cater for any trend and have lighting to suit any display so come and chat to us!

For more information visit: www.business.festive-lights.com Spring Fair show stand: 5H71

“Our project department was building large-scale lighting displays eight months in advance last year to satisfy demand.”

Codonas Winter Village, Aberdeen Barton Grange Garden Centre

Dumbrave Vlasiei, Romania

Manchester Ice Rink

Something for all Seasons

Davies Products is looking forward to welcoming you to their new stand at Harrogate Christmas & Gift Show 2023.

For the first time we will be showing our full Christmas range and much more! Our Scream Machine Halloween range is returning to the show this year, along with a fabulous selection from our Easter, Floral and Fall collections.

Hundreds of new items will feature in wonderfully themed ranges, showcasing perfectly co-ordinated decorations designed to give your 2023 seasons a fresh new look.

A wide selection of inspirational Christmas themes has been brought together with all our customers’ needs in mind – quality, great style and importantly an emphasis on competitive pricing.

Come and browse Candy Cane Corner, Alpine Adventure, Woodland Wonder, Magical Metallics, Polar Perfection, Traditional Times, Fabulous Frost, Sensational Sparkle and Elegant Opulence.

For more information visit: www.daviesproducts.com

Harrogate Christmas & Gift: Hall B, Stand B5 | Spring Fair: stand 5L50-M51

Unique and beautifultruly

We Love Seasons is a boutique Christmas brand like no other, and will be bringing a distinctive design style to Harrogate Christmas & Gift this year. Sarah Welsh found out more about this stunning contemporary collection…

‘Scandi-chic’, as many people call it, has been big business in the UK for several years now, but few festive companies can boast the beautiful contemporary designs and natural materials of We Love Seasons.

This boutique brand, established back at the end of 2018, offers stylish Christmas and seasonal celebratory pieces, with around 25% of the collections now designed by

created on my tree to this day.

“I wanted to bring that real love of truly unique festive pieces to others. I always tend to choose something that’s different, something beautiful that stands out. And now our customers are getting the same thing through our We Love Seasons collections.”

The first few years after the business launched were challenging ones, with Malene very sadly

Top Drawer London – which runs from 15 to 17 January – at the same time, with high hopes for both shows.

“This is the first time we’ll be going to Christmas & Gift and we’re planning to push the boat out,” Malene says. “I think Harrogate attracts a different set of buyers to other shows, and the many independents who attend are perfect customers for us. It’s really nice to be able to focus on Christmas and our other seasonal collections, including Halloween, at the show.

“Plus I love the networking side and always learn a lot from my neighbouring stands. I’ve been on a learning curve since the beginning and it never stops.”

the founder and owner Malene, with this percentage only set to rise.

Malene hails from Aalborg in northern Denmark, but has lived in the UK since 2004. She launched the company as a labour of love side project, whilst still working full time in finance, and the inspiration behind it was her mother’s artistic side and sheer love of creativity.

“My design style is very contemporary and authentic, and I’m also inspired by natural products,” Malene says. “I grew up with my mother cooking everything from scratch using produce from her kitchen garden, and making my clothes from designs I’d give her.

“At Christmas time I remember her getting the decorations ready weeks early – things made from felt and wood, hand-painted pieces and fresh pine garlands. She made everything beautiful and I still use much-loved pieces she

losing her mother and then around 85% of her possessions due to soot damage following a fire in London. Add to this challenges for continental sales thrown up Brexit and a global pandemic and it’s easy to see that Malene and her team have been on a real journey.

But 2023 is looking like being a stellar year for We Love Seasons with the launch of a new tableware line designed by Malene at Harrogate, as well as Valentine’s and Easter collections being unveiled in the first two months of the year.

Plus the team is managing to be at both Harrogate, running from 15 to 18 January, and

We Love Seasons’ Haunted Halloween range launched back in early 2019 and has proved incredibly popular, with stunning, original pieces, including straw, woollen and paper pumpkins and lovely wreath designs.

“It’s very popular along with our Christmas collection,” Malene says. “We don’t have a minimum order and often we’ve seen independents ordering pieces for their window displays as a starting point which then turns into their customers wanting to get in on the action.

“We’re lucky to have retailers right across the UK, but we also sell online.

“I think 2023 is going to be a big year for us and I’m looking to become even more invested and grow the company. It’s been a labour of love from the start and that family inspiration runs right through everything we do.”

For more information visit: www.weloveseasons.com Harrogate Christmas & Gift: 15-18 January, Hall C, Stand C6 Top Drawer: 15-17 January, stand: 131

Christmas with a Conscience

In 2022 Keel Toys marked its 75th anniversary, and celebrated by reaching an incredible milestone in the company’s bid to ensure its collections are as eco-friendly as possible.

When it comes to Christmas Keel Toys is a soft touch, but in all the right senses.

The brand’s imaginative, cute and coveted toy collections aren’t just hugely sought after, they’re also increasingly sustainable – with 70% of the entire collection now made from 100% recycled materials. And this means that Keel Toys can now offer its business partners the most complete sustainable soft toy collection in today’s marketplace.

In 2020 Keel Toys designed and launched Keeleco, a 100% recycled range of soft toys, that are as huggable as they are environmentally aware. These beautiful, eco-friendly plush characters are manufactured and filled with 100% recycled polyester made from plastic waste. This process gives plastic a second life, and ten 500ml water bottles produce enough fibre to make an 18cm toy.

Even the iconic Keel logo and hangtag are now formed from card certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and

attached to each toy with cotton. Not only that but the shipping cartons they travel in are themselves made from 100% recycled board.

In just the couple of years since Keeleco was launched, Keel Toys has reached the incredible figure of more than 100 million water bottles being recycled in the manufacture of the range, which now includes: Wild, Farm, Sealife, Dinosaurs, Teddy Bears, Puppies, Kittens, Nursery, Seasonal and the latest edition, Keeleco Adoptable World.

Keeleco Adoptable World will be on show at both Harrogate Christmas & Gift and Spring Fair and is the first fashion eco soft toy of its kind. The collection features 24 adorable animals in a range of sizes, all waiting to be adopted by a new owner. This will be followed by the launch of the Mini Adoptable World collection of characters in 2023.

The original Keeleco Wild, Farm, Sealife and Dinosaur ranges have been extended

to over 200 products making it the most comprehensive collection available. Brand new additions include the wonderfully colourful family of snakes and uniquely patterned super soft lobster and puffer fish, to name a few. Each and every Keeleco toy is exquisitely designed and its bestselling dinosaurs are no exception featuring beautifully textured exclusive fabrics and embroideries. Brand new arrivals to this range include magnificent mini dinosaurs, Spinosaurus and ankylosaurus.

In 2021 the Keeleco Baby collection launched, and proved to be an instant success with customers. Marcel Monkey and Ezra Elephant are recent additions to the natural-inspired range.

In total the expanded Keeleco range now features more than 350 products and this is only set to grow throughout 2023 with Keel Toys’ incredible design team already hard at work on new pieces. No wonder Keel Toys is the number one sustainable soft toy supplier in the sector!

For more information visit: www.keeltoys.com Harrogate Christmas & Gifts Hall A, Stand A11 Spring Fair: Hall 5, Stand 5H20-J21

Bringing Festive Happiness Home

For many Kaemingk is one of the most trusted and celebrated names in the Christmas trade, and their show stand promises to be as dazzling as ever at Harrogate…

Seasonal style starts with Kaemingk. Time and again buyers tell us that their festive planning begins with a visit to the Christmas Collection showroom located in Aalten, The Netherlands, or stopping by their show stand at Christmas & Gift.

And it is little wonder when you consider this festive heritage brand is considered to be Europe’s market leader in Christmas decorations, with 85 years’ experience in supplying retailers of all size and type.

Kaemingk’s ranges are all about offering customers the chance to bring festive happiness home. Every season the company aims to design a complete and distinctive collection, building on the latest trends and their reputation for creative styling and perfect presentation. And this is combined with brilliant customer service and logistics.

Kaemingk’s themes offer innovation and inspiration, each with its own unique style, colours and products.

Christmas on stage – Tonight is a special night out! This luxurious theme puts classic Christmas centre stage in the theatre. The façade of the building is old, but still in perfect condition and imagine a beautiful awning and atmospheric lighting. The red carpet is rolled out with golden poles and velvet cords, with festive soldier characters at the entrance. Inside there is an atmospheric stage with immaculately dressed Christmas trees and in the spotlight, a luxe golden nutcracker. This nostalgic theme is inspired by Art Deco style.

Festive Ballroom – Dining, Dancing & Romancing!

Key to this theme is florals, romance and art nouveau and inspiration for it came from the Regency era. This theme is set in a beautiful old

villa with a curved window and attached orangery. Here and there against the façade winter flowers grow and as you walk through the imposing entrance you come across an impressive dining room with a beautifully set Christmas table – ready for a festive ball. Adorned with tablecloths in soft shades and crystal cut champagne glasses, there are vases filled with scented bouquets and tall slender candlesticks with pastel tapers. There are green garlands covered in snow, birds and butterflies. Every little detail has been thought of.

Santa’s Bakery – All you need is love and Christmas cookies!

The setting for this scene is a lovely coffee shop, ‘Claus & Co.’ It’s set in an authentic Amsterdam canal house complete with red shutters and a pulley to load goods inside. You can smell the roasted coffee beans and chocolate from miles away. The house is lighted dusted with snow and lights hang above each window. Outside a green van is parked unloading delicious orders of coffee, cake and Christmas packages. Everything is wrapped in traditional ribbon. Inside Santa’s little mice helpers and the Christmas elves are busy baking, piping and wrapping lovely sweet treats.

Fairy Forest – a place filled with joy and wonder! As you wander deep into the forest you’re surrounded by woody mushrooms and even a forest elf or two. These magical creatures play with the animals in the forest and light up the tree-covered canopy as night falls. Following the fairy tale path you walk past various decorative items, and further in the forest you see a wooden house with a flat roof, completely covered in mosses and ferns.

On the porch a fire pit with fireplace blocks is glowing. There is also an old chair with checkered plaids - a wonderful place to listen and enjoy the sounds and smell of the forest.

For more information visit: www.kaemingk.com/en Harrogate Christmas & Gift: Hall M, Stand M1 Spring Fair: stand 6A50-B51

Christmas on stage

Festive Ballroom

Santa’s

Fairy Forest

This January will mark Giftware Trading’s 14th time exhibiting at Harrogate. How has the show changed since you’ve been a part of it?

Trade exhibitions naturally change over time mostly due to some companies either no longer attending for various reasons and others wishing to attend. I think we along with many other companies which have attended for many years are most often in the same location from one year to the next which I think really helps buyers

Do you tend to do a majority of your Christmas sales at Harrogate and do you also showcase your Spring or Easter ranges there? It’s great to kick off the year at Christmas & Gift and thankfully we are always quite busy over the four days. Many customers will place an order on the stand while others wish to have a quotation sent and a firm order will follow after the fair. The Harrogate show together with The Spring Fair certainly lay a

of

the physical trade shows taking place in China, however shows have taken place in other parts of Asia which has been encouraging. Suppliers are active in presenting new ranges and ideas so there is always a lot of nice new product, it is not uncommon to receive details of new products from a booth you may have visited at a show from a few years ago.

You’ve always had a reputation for being very competitive on pricing, but has the cost-of-

and brings a certain familiarity to the show. For as long as we have exhibited at the Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair I do not think it has lost any of its charm. And long may that continue!

You are also regular exhibitors at Spring Fair. What do you think it is that makes them such different events?

Harrogate is quite focused on Christmas and therefore does attract the buyers who put a lot of emphasis on seasonal. I think many of these buyers would then visit the Spring Fair to explore all the many other sectors knowing that a good majority of their Christmas selections have already been made at Harrogate Christmas & Gift. Spring Fair obviously covers so many different sectors within the industry that it naturally attracts a wide and varied audience.

solid foundation for our festive sales. Last year we showed a small selection of our Easter range which proved popular so we will also have some of our Easter and Spring ranges this year. For the first time we will show a small Halloween range due to customer demand, including some really fun pieces.

Giftware Trading is known for working with a huge range of suppliers in China, and across Asia. Have you taken on any new ones in preparation for the 2023 shows? Trying to find new suppliers has been hard without

living situation affected any of your product range choices or designs for 2023?

I think we’ve all got very used to - and maybe a little fed up of - hearing about the cost-of-living crisis which wasn’t really a prominent issue at the start of 2022. We’ve always offered many products at quite low-price points so haven’t really had to consciously introduce any new ranges to accommodate a change in spending habits. Unfortunately, this will most likely continue throughout 2023 but hopefully people will always have a love for Christmas even if spending a little less.

Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten!

This has long been Konstsmide’s sales message over the years. As true innovators of both outdoor and indoor lighting they can indeed point to being the first company to introduce a number of major breakthroughs in both design and product innovation over the years that include Welcome Lights and LED’s.

I drove up the M1 to meet M.D. Oscar Johansson at their offices in Clay Cross, just a few miles from Chesterfield, to find out for myself exactly what Konstsmide will be showing from their stand in Hall M at the Harrogate show.

Oscar told me that around 300 new items across all their major categories will be introduced. He also impressed on me the fact that it isn’t only new products that Konstsmide provide each year, but also products that will improve how existing products work and also introducing items that make the job of dressing the garden –normally in very cold conditions – that will make this normally somewhat tedious job a little easier.

Last year it was Konstsmide’s Cable Reel that did away with the job of untangling string lights by supplying them in their very own cable reel. (Speaking personally, I spend many minutes each year untangling my outdoor and indoor string lights. The Cable Reel does away with all that angst.

For 2023, several sizes of cable reels make up the offering – a great idea that the great British public should welcome with open arms!

As I mentioned earlier Konstsmide’s creative team are always looking for ideas to improve how we power outdoor products and for 2023 they have created what in my humble opinion is a fantastic new product.

Where consumers that already have Konstsmide outdoor figures that require a plug in to an outdoor mains socket, that maybe need to be disconnected each evening, their boffins have created a SOLAR POWERED system. This does away with the need for a transformer that plugs into an outdoor mains socket. This solar powered battery can be charged by either your laptop or mains plug. Once fully charged and placed in the garden next to the Christmas figure. You simply remove the transformer and 13 amp plug lead and then plug directly into the solar-powered battery. Oscar believes this will give power for up to a week for average usage from say 4 p.m. to around 11 p.m.

The company have also introduced a batter y box tha t uses 4 ‘D ’ sized batteries for the same purpose.

I for one ever y night before switching off all the lights have to go into the garden, which as I write happens to be around -7 degrees late evening and unplug at four different mains sockets

This new produc t does away with all of this

It isn’t only Christmas lighting that Konstsmide specialize in. Their latest range of decorative outdoor par ty lights offer many options colours and fabrics. I wa s par ticularly impressed with the ‘R a ttan range of light shades.

Wooden silhouettes

So much variety in both desig n and size that enhances any home The natural wood collection is now joined by a white selection.

Mechanic al collec tion

Over 50 items make up this selec tion in a variety of sizes to suit ever y price point.

Wa t er Spinners

These produc ts increase their sales year on year,

giving customers many different options. I believe that waterspinners are the quintessential Christmas item. Young k ids adore them and plenty of adults also love their lantern shape and brightness

Konstsmide rst introduced their Welcome lights in the six ties, so it was interesting to learn from OsCar, that in Sweden young householders are buying up Konstsmide’s earliest Welcome Lights on ebay to repaint and decorate to their own choice of colours and patterns.

C ould this catch on in the U. K .? At least in Sweden the younger generation appreciates classic design?

Not all of Konstsmide new products are described on this page, but I will tell you one thing There is a new item that they are keeping under wraps until opening day of the show, that I believe will have a brilliant future.

Ca n’t say any more other than visit their stand in the entrance to Hall ‘M ’ and see for yourselves – it ’s a corker!

For more information visit: www.k onstsmide.co.uk Harrogate show stand: Hall M, Stand M22