5 minute read
Trade Talk From the cost-of-living squeeze and stock issues to hot gift trend predictions for Q4, a selection of suppliers air their views
Co-founders D & J Glassware
How is trading for you?
So far, this year has exceeded our expectations, despite everything folk have had to contend with. We have been fortunate that with the easing of restrictions and the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations, many of our stockists have seen an upturn in business. Of course, many holidaymakers have decided to stay in the UK, which can only be a good thing for retailers. What will happen in the next few months remains to be seen. Christmas has always been the busiest time for the giftware industry and people will always want to buy gifts - albeit budgets may be squeezed.
Do you envisage stock issues on the horizon?
We are having to cope with longer lead times, as our products are all handmade. We’ve asked our customers to forward order for Christmas to ensure we can plan our production. Fortunately we are unaffected by the situation in China, as we don’t import from the Far East, but we are aware that the problems faced by many companies in 2021 have not gone away in 2022.
What hot trends do you predict for Q4?
Giftware items are not essential purchases and, with the pressure increasing on household budgets, good quality at a realistic price is key. Gifts that have a meaning or purpose will continue to feature strongly, as will those that enhance the home and create a feeling of wellbeing.
Paul Hooker
Managing Director
Joe Davies
How is trading for you?
We are all in it together, and our priority is to make sure we keep prices low and stock levels good. So we are here for independent retailers when and as they need us. Even when trade is tough, retailers and consumers still look for product that shines through with that special X factor at the right price. We have been working hard to make sure we have plenty of product to fit the bill. The Joe Davies range is perfect for retailers consolidating their purchasing, with a really strong offer of general gifts and ceramics, occasion product, jewellery and fashion all in the mix. Our trademark ‘Little & Often’ order system is more important than ever, to make sure retailers have the stock they need, when they need it.
Do you envisage stock issues on the horizon?
Shipping from China is taking longer and is not back to normal yet. Fortunately, we ordered up early and have plenty on the water or about to ship. As always, there will be some runs on our best sellers, and Christmas stocks are always in high demand. We have advised customers to order early and we allocate Christmas stock so it’s saved for them.
What hot trends do you predict for Q4?
It’s already shaping up to be a busy season with some very high pre-sales. Boxed hats, gloves and scarves, bamboo socks, snoozies, and gonks once again are all in demand. Triple stacker necklaces and bracelets, sentiment stones, village pottery tealights, and oil burners are already repeating strongly. UK Marketing Manager ExaClair
How is trading for you?
According to the latest data from the ONS [Office for National Statistics] 62% of adults have said they will reduce spending on non-essential items as a result of recent prices increases.
However, in 2021 the UK still spent about £2.7bn on stationery and drawing materials, and a report from The Business Research Company indicates that the global luxury stationery market will experience a steady CAGR [compound annual growth rate] of 4.12% until it reaches $4.75bn in 2026. It’s predicted that innovations in personalised and green stationery, as well as the growing number of commercial establishments and hybrid offices, will continue to drive this demand through the sector.
Do you envisage stock issues on the horizon?
The industry has been experiencing shortages in virgin and recycled paper, as well as grey board, which has been influenced by elements such as the plastic tax, the growth of online retail, and the subsequent demand generated for card and paper packaging.
As we possess our own paper mills, Exacompta Clairefontaine is the only group in Western Europe to produce and process paper at the same time, allowing us to benefit from localised production and distribution, as well as enhanced quality control. To a large extent, this has permitted us to explore alternative solutions in relation to both product material innovations and minimising production lead-times, allowing us to mitigate recent barriers whenever possible.
What hot trends do you predict for Q4?
Personalised stationery is one of the most popular emerging product trends among consumers and is currently top of the tree when it comes to online searches for stationery.
Additionally, with most UK individuals now favouring a hybrid approach to working, there’s a continued growth in journalling as more people are conscious of boosting personal mental health and wellbeing. With this in mind, we’ve started to see a demand for notebooks that feature art papers, which has led to the introduction of our Rhodia Goalbook Creation range.
Sustainability is still a key influencer within the purchasing decision process, so we are continuing to develop products that feature various environmental credentials. We offer a comprehensive selection of pencil cases, including vegan models made from cork, as well as ones created from recycled water bottles. These rPET [recycled polyethylene terephthalate] models are accredited with the Global Recycle Standard (GRS) certification.
With the festive season on the horizon, we have a range of new creative crafting gifts available. This includes the Christmas decorations garland kit, which gives users the opportunity to create their own seasonal 3D decorations to hang. We also have new papers and papier màché models due for launch within our Décopatch papercraft brand. These incorporate traditional Halloween and Christmas designs such as pumpkin, gingerbread and present-shaped boxes, hanging candy cane and stocking shapes, plus two new houses that would fit perfectly in any festive scene.
