Gifts Today August September 2023

Gifts Today Contents

Regulars

5 Message from the Editor

6 News

30 Retailers’ Panel: Six seasoned Autumn Fair attendees reveal their plans for this year’s show and share some tips to help you make the most of your visit to Birmingham

74 Trade Talk: With the crucial Christmas trading period on the horizon, we ask a selection of leading gift suppliers how they are preparing for the all-important fourth quarter

Columnists

12 Stephen Spencer, founder of retail consultancy Stephen Spencer + Associates

14 Sara Allbright, director and co-founder of Retail100 Consulting

16 Steve Powell, owner of Steve Powell Agencies

Gifts Today team

Publisher Mark Horsnell markh@lemapublishing.co.uk

Advertisement Manager Marian McNamara Marian@lemapublishing.co.uk

Editor Clare Turner Clare@lemapublishing.co.uk

Layout/Design

Rick Vickers rick@lemapublishing.co.uk

Managing Director Mark Naish mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

Production Director Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

17 Helen Cottrill, founder of The Gift Whisperer UK

78 Paul Travis, sales and marketing director of Ceramic Design Heritage

79 Greg Rose, co-owner of Maybugs gift shop chain in East Sussex

80 Susi Mason, owner of Casa Fina in Salisbury

81 Cathy Frost, owner of Loveone gift shop in Ipswich

Cover Story

26 From humble beginnings, Warmies reveals how it’s grown from one innovative product to a microwavable empire

Fair

10 Harrogate Christmas & Gift Preview

20 Top Drawer A/W23 Preview

Retail

Message from the Editor

www.giftstoday.media

LinkedIn: @giftstoday

Twitter: @giftstodaymag

Instagram: @giftstodaymedia

As I write this in mid-August, high summer is in full swing. It’s that time of year when many Brits are holidaying abroad or simply enjoying the sun (weather permitting obviously, if they’re taking a staycation). But for the gift industry, thoughts are turning to Christmas. And here at Gifts Today, we’re taking a quick breather as we wait for the autumn show season to start.

The Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival kicked things off brilliantly in July. Over the show’s four days, exhibitors saw significantly increased footfall compared with 2022, with an overall growth of 14%. More than 500 exhibitors took part  - with over 150 making their show debut. Buyers seeking new products were treated to a wealth of inspiration in the event’s halls and marquees, and according to the exhibition’s organiser Clarion Events, visitor feedback has been very positive.

Exhibitors certainly felt the benefit of such enthusiasm. Toasted Crumpet Designs founder Jo Clarke enjoyed “a record-breaking few days” and The Art File sales and marketing manager James Mace reported “our biggest Sunday ever” adding, “the show was extremely buoyant, and we can’t wait for the next one”.

This optimism has translated directly into bookings for 2024, with a record 66% of next year’s plan already accounted for by the end of the show. In the words of show manager David Westbrooke: “For over 60 years, suppliers and retailers alike have put their trust in Home & Gift to help grow their business, and this edition was no exception. To see such a large increase in footfall - with all the subsequent connections made and orders taken - speaks volumes about the high regard in which this show is held within the industry. The record-breaking rebook is the icing on the cake.”

Now we’re looking ahead to Autumn Fair, which takes place from September 3 to September 6 at NEC Birmingham. Event director Daniel Mayhew says: “We’ve got a real treat in store for buyers looking to raise their gifting game. Newness and innovation

abound, with everything from contemporary designs to unique, personalised and licensed gifts, soughtafter beauty and wellbeing products, creative, fun and colourful greeting cards, giftwrap, stationery and paper decorations, as well as the finest, most magical children’s toys, gifts and gadgets - the Gift destination offers it all under one roof.”

Of course, there are also other trade shows to look forward to. Top Drawer A/W23 opens at Olympia London from September 10 to September 12, where visitors will be able to explore eight sectors: Home, Gift, Greetings & Stationery, Fashion, Craft, Food Emporium, Play, and Wellbeing. And for those looking for something special, then the show’s ninth sector, Launchpad, is the perfect place to find unique pieces from new brands before anyone else. Curated in collaboration with the University of the Arts London, Launchpad is an exclusive showcase of fresh talent from across all categories who are brand new to the market and ready to make their mark.

This issue includes previews of both shows, and we also look further ahead to find out what Harrogate Christmas & Gift has to offer attendees when its doors open in January 2024. And, as always within our pages, leading suppliers, retailers and consultants have shared their views. This time round, subjects range from Q4 preparations to the role of AI. Plus, our regular retailer columnists have revealed some of their latest favourite product finds.

I should also let you know that, after almost 17 years as advertisement manager and latterly publisher of Gifts Today, Mark Horsnell is leaving for pastures new. He is handing this fantastic title into the capable hands of Marian McNamara, who has worked for Lema Publishing for the past mine years. For more details, please turn to our news section!

Clare Turner, Editor clare@lemapublishing.co.uk

“For the gift industry, thoughts are turning to Christmas”

Alice Wheeler London partners with The British Bee Charity

Luxury handbags and accessories brand Alice Wheeler London has announced its partnership with the British Bee Charity, a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting and promoting the welfare of bees and other pollinators.

The partnership aims to raise awareness and funds for the British Bee Charity’s vital work in conserving the UK’s bee population, which is essential for the health of our ecosystems and food security. Alice Wheeler London will be supporting the charity

throughout the year with various initiatives, including donating a percentage of its sales to the cause.

British Bee Charity trustee Mike Harvey said: “We are very grateful to Alice Wheeler London for choosing us as their charity partner and for their generous support. Their products are beautiful and reflect the diversity and beauty of nature. We look forward to working together to raise awareness and funds for our cause to make a positive difference for bees and other pollinators.”

BLE debut

Langs names new agent

Following the retirement of Langs’ Scottish agent Ian Johnstone, the gifts and home décor supplier has appointed Richard McKnight to the role.

Langs joint managing director Keith Edmondson said: “Ian has been an agent with Langs for over 23 years and has built up an incredible relationship with his customers. He will of course be missed by customers and all the staff at Langs, and we all wish him a welldeserved retirement.”

Keith added: “A very familiar face stepping into Ian’s shoes is Richard McKnight, who many of our customers will already know very well. We are delighted to have Richard onboard Team Langs.”

Something Different launches dropship platform

Something Different has offered a dropship service since 2019, with the commitment of helping retailers grow their business, hassle-free. The company has now unveiled its new dropship website - Something Different Connect – which is a simple way for retailers to dropship more than 2,000 exclusively designed products.

The team says it has ‘reimagined dropship to develop a supplier portal and dropship tool in one, which will allow retailers to save time by connecting their sales channel and automating product listings, stock, prices and orders’.

The Something Different Connect website offers integrations with Shopify, eBay, Amazon, EKM and WooCommerce, and the option to process orders manually. If you’re interested in trying the platform, visit www.somethingdifferentconnect. co.uk for more information and to register a free account.

Half Moon Bay By Design will be exhibiting for the first time this year at Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) on stand BT77. Dedicated to licensing and brand extension, BLE takes place from October 4 to October 6 at ExCeL London.

The company said: “Over the years we have collaborated more and more with brands in a variety of different ways including DTRs, licensing approval guidance, and creating artwork and style guides for brands who have no assets. Our aim is to offer our experience and resources to brands and retailers to design and source product collections.”

Rainbow Designs recruits key account manager

Rainbow Designs is strengthening its sales team with the appointment of Brett Bamberger to the position of key account manager.

Brett brings a wealth of experience in the baby and nursery categories, having worked for more than eight years with well-established brands including Mamas & Papas and Artsana.

Rainbow Designs national accounts controller Gary Hughes said: “I’m delighted to have Brett join our team. Rainbow Designs continues to grow, even in these tough economic times, and Brett is very much a part of our future growth plans for both brands and customers alike.”

Brett added: “I’m really proud to join and be part of the family at Rainbow Designs: The Home of Classic Characters. With over 50 years of bringing innovative and contemporary soft toys and gifts to babies and young children, I’m looking forward to delivering these exciting brands to retailers.”

Brett Bamberger

Richard McKnight

Harrogate Christmas & Gift

Blade & Rose garners Gold…

Blade & Rose is the Gold winner of the best children’s fashion brand category of the Absolutely Mama Awards 2023, announced on August 10.

Absolutely Mama is a UK lifestyle and parenting magazine which aims to support readers with advice, helpful articles, lifestyle and fashion ideas, plus honest parenting insight. The Awards are judged by its readers and an expert parenting panel.

… and launches Paddington apparel collection

What better time to launch a new Paddington apparel collection than for the 65th anniversary of this iconic British character? Having won a Gift of the Year Award in 2022 for its first ever licensed collection, Blade & Rose felt the Paddington brand perfectly fitted its portfolio. The collaboration’s first launch is set to go live in October, and includes the company’s ‘design on the bum’ leggings, a top, and socks.

Blade & Rose co-owner Amanda Peffer said: “Our Paddington offering further expands our licensed product portfolio and we know that our many thousands of fans

are going to love this gorgeous new collection.”

Rachel Clarke, SVP Licensing & Retail UK of The Copyrights Group (a STUDIOCANAL company), added: “We are delighted to expand our baby apparel offering for Paddington with this lovely collection. We look forward to seeing little cubs everywhere go on many adventures in their new Paddington leggings.”

New appointments at Enesco

Contemporary gift supplier Enesco has announced the return of Greg Waters as sales director. Almost three years ago, Greg moved to pastures new to explore other opportunities outside the industry, but the wonderful world of giftware has enticed him back.

Greg said: “Three years away has made me realise what a great company Enesco is. The diversity of product, combined with an experienced team and fantastic customer base, meant that coming back was a really easy decision.”

Enesco is also pleased to announce that Aline Mellor, formally Enesco’s head of marketing and commerce, has recently been appointed as the company’s marketing director. Aline continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and new ideas to the company and will head up the brand, product development, ecommerce, creative and licensing teams.

Prior to joining Enesco in November 2021, Aline enjoyed an extensive career in a variety of industries, working for travel organisations such as Thomas Cook and Expedia.

Fresh face for Gifts Today

After almost 17 years as advertisement manager and latterly publisher of Gifts Today, Mark Horsnell is leaving for pastures new.

He is handing the reins of this fantastic title into the capable hands of Marian McNamara, who has worked for Lema Publishing for the past nine years.

Gifts Today MD Mark Naish said: “Mark was a terrific publisher, who wore his heart on his sleeve and always had the magazine and his clients’ best interests at heart, and we wish him the very best for the future. He will be a tough act to follow.

“However, I’m delighted that Marian has taken over the sales role on Gifts Today. I have worked with her for many years and, like Mark, she has consistently put the magazine and her clients front and centre while working on our sister title Greetings Today. I know she will continue his good work while adding more of her own exceptional skills to the title.”

Marian added: “I’m honoured and feel privileged to be Mark’s replacement, and look forward to working alongside editor Clare Turner to continue driving Gifts Today forward and maintaining its leading presence in the industry.”

GA reveals The People’s Choice Award winner

The Gift of The Year Awards, organised by The Giftware Association (GA), has crowned Fox Under The Moon as the winner of The People’s Choice Award 2023 for its Mindful Picture Books For All Ages.

This Award is voted for by the public. More than 10,000 votes were cast, with consumers able to choose from 370 products shortlisted in the 2023 Gift of the Year Awards.

GA CEO Sarah Ward said: “Fox Under The Moon is a beautiful brand creating products with universal appeal. This is the third year we’ve run The People’s Choice Award, and the number of votes has been staggering. I can’t wait to see the way in which this well-deserved win for Fox Under The Moon propels the brand forward in the coming year.”

Greg Waters

Aline Mellor

L-R: Clarion Retail event director Zoe Boner, The Giftware Association CEO Sarah Ward, Fox Under The Moon founder Stacey McNeill and director Jamie McNeill

Christmas and beyond

While Christmas is the key word for one of the UK’s favourite trade events of the year, Harrogate Christmas & Gift certainly has a lot more to offer than simply festive fare

At A Glance

What: Harrogate

Christmas & Gift

Where: Harrogate Convention Centre, Kings Road, Harrogate

When: Sunday January 14 9am-6pm

Monday January 15 9am-6pm

Tuesday January 16 9am-6pm

Wednesday January 17 9am-4pm

Call: 01902 882280 / 880906

Email: info@harrogatefair.com

Visit: www.harrogatefair.com

Those of you who have already had the pleasure of attending Harrogate Christmas & Gift and have experienced the vibrant buzz filling seven halls of the Harrogate Convention Centre, will recall the lush smells of pine from Christmas trees, as well as winter fragrances from candles, diffusers and other scented home products. There are twinkling lights, dazzling decorations, and the jolly sounds of Yuletide music and tinkling ornaments too.

For discerning gift retailers, this trade show has the capability of filling their shelves with everything they could possibly need for the 2024 festive season. In addition, many of the products at the exhibition offer innovative gift ideas for other notable occasions, from Easter and Eid al-Adha to Hanukkah and Diwali.

For anyone organising events, there is an array of lighting, decorations and floral products - perfect for birthday and wedding celebrations - plus a sprinkling of Halloween products too.

Although it’s too early in the year to confirm the full line-up of exhibitors, those who have already confirmed their attendance include the majority of gift retailers’ favourites such as Gisela Graham, Heaven Sends and Premier Decorations - plus, new to the show this year is Jingles, with an assortment of products from lighting, decorations and candles to lanterns and plush.

Those seeking specific product ranges should check

out the show’s website at www.harrogatefair.com where there is a full list of exhibitors. There is also a keyword search and search by product category. For example, if you’re seeking candles and type this into the category, you will quickly see that exhibitors offering these products include The English Soap Company (stand A40), History & Heraldry (stand B6), The Milford Collection (stand A2) and Tipperary Crystal (stand B13).

Harrogate Christmas & Gift is not only a favourite buying platform for independent gift shop retailers, but for garden centres, tourist attractions, heritage centres, cathedral shops, and department stores. So if you’re a supplier of ranges suitable for these buyers, this is a not-to-be-missed event for you. There is still space available. Visit the website for more details, or email Simon Anslow at simon@harrogatefair.com or call 01902 882280.

Refresh your view

One of the many insights I love in psychologist Paco Underhill’s seminal book “Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping” (which I’m certain you’ve read) is his description of Retailing 101: “[It] starts with the notion that a store has three distinct aspects: design (meaning the premises), merchandising (whatever you put in them), and operations (whatever employees do).”

He goes on to state that while this ‘Big Three’ may seem distinct and separate, they are in fact intertwined and interdependent, “meaning that when somebody makes a decision regarding one, a decision has to be made about the other two as well”.

Now, you may think that this is brilliant insight, or a statement of the bleedin’ obvious. I happen to think it’s both. (At this point, I ask you to hold it in your mind, as it will come in useful later.)

As thoughts turn towards the autumn trade fairs, buyers will be visiting shows with at least half a mind on how to maximise the golden quarter, and the other half on stock management and cash flow. And of course, many consumers will also be regarding this particularly expensive time of year with more trepidation than usual.

In my last article, I advocated the concept of Ambience as a means of deepening your customers’ immersion in - and engagement with - your brand, by activating as many of their senses as possible, thereby maximising

customer spend and loyalty (and thereby, profitability and ROI). So how is it possible to do this - especially when times are hard for us all?

The simple answer is: these are uncertain times, and to navigate through them you need a map. The

are one step ahead of me will have already worked this out), you need to think about your customers.

In our Ambience Playbook - a link to which is at the end of this article - you will find an exercise to identify, and bring vividly to life, the main customer personas you and your team see walking through the door of your store. In simple terms, it’s about having a refreshed view of who, exactly, you are buying for, and what, exactly, would most excite them.

that can be repurposed? Another benefit of the calendar is to enable the marketing team (I’m aware that for some of you, we’re talking here about the same person or people) to create an overarching theme for the year, with a coherent set of subthemes for the activity, to engage customers by creating context for your stock.

destination is what you might think of as your vision, strategic goal, financial target, or whatever it is that you need to achieve over the next few months and years. The map is a tool that you may already be familiar with, or you may not; either way, it’s the promotional calendar. If you don’t already have one, there’s a link to a template at the end of this article.

The promotional calendar should show not only your digital and nondigital marketing channels, but also literally ‘map’ your store: showing hotspots, cold spots, circulation areas, windows, and also often-forgotten areas such as staircases, and, if you have them, toilets and cafes.

So what details are you going to put into your map? First of all, you need to think about your themes, and to do this (and those of you who

Armed with this insight, you can now begin to create your map, with the headlines of themes for each season, month, week or even day. The guiding principle is to ask: ‘How can we create maximum Ambience: delivering the theme as only our brands could do it, and targeted to our unique set of customer personas to encourage them to engage even more deeply with our brand?’

Now you can look at stock. How much new seasonal stock will be required, as opposed to existing stock

And operations too - (completing Paco’s ‘Big Three’) - now have a map to plan layouts, stock moves, and flexible display areas, to make the business of maximising Ambience seamless and enjoyable as well as rewarding.

So this autumn, it’s all about maximising opportunity. Refresh your view of who your customers truly are, commit to exciting them as well as delivering value, make the most efficient use of your ‘Big Three’ - and above all, remember to use your ‘sixth sense’ (meaning, heighten your awareness as you execute your brand strategy) to check that everything you do is taking you in the right direction, towards your vision.

Stephen Spencer is founder and Ambience Director of Stephen Spencer + Associates, a retail consultancy that aims to maximise ROI by triggering emotions at every level. For a free promotional calendar template go to: www.stephenspencerassociates.com/downloads/promotional-calendar For a free copy of the Ambience Playbook, go to: www.stephenspencerassociates.com/ambience-playbook-registration Call: 07921 812253

Email: stephen@stephenspencerassociates.com

Visit: stephenspencerassociates.com

“These are uncertain times, and to navigate through them you need a map”

This autumn, it’s all about maximising opportunity says Stephen Spencer, founder of retail consultancy Stephen Spencer + Associates

PHOTOS: SS+A

Associate Jane Le Bon

The Royal Academy of Arts (left) Waddesdon Manor (right)

wSt orie s

Thriving in the digital age

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a topic of much conversation and news hours, but could it also be an empowering tool for small gift shops and independents to thrive in the digital age?

From personalised customer experiences to streamlined inventory management, AI offers an array of solutions. But can they work for smaller retailers? I asked ChatGPT to tell me how it thought it could help, and then edited its words with my thoughts and views on its solutions.

One aspect of AI you might want to consider lies in its ability to create personalised customer experiences. By analysing customer data, AI-powered systems can gain insights into individual preferences, purchasing behaviour, and trends.

Armed with this knowledge, you can offer targeted product recommendations, discounts, and promotions to entice customers and foster brand loyalty. The devil’s advocate in me would say a good shopkeeper knows these things instinctively already - but do you have the time to do anything about them?

Chatbots are another AI tool that allows businesses to offer 24/7 customer support. These virtual assistants can engage

with customers and answer basic queries. But many a time I’ve found myself asking a chatbot if I can speak to a real person.

Inventory management, with its predictive analytics, can help anticipate demand patterns, ensuring that the right products are stocked in optimal quantities. This not only minimises storage costs and reduces wastage, but also enhances the overall shopping experience by preventing out of stocks and backorders.

Automating your supply chain processes can lead to cost savings and efficiency gains, allowing businesses to allocate resources more strategically. But I still feel like this would need overseeing

with a retailer’s instinct.

AI can also help you implement dynamic pricing strategies, allowing you to adjust prices based on real-time factors such as demand, competitor pricing, and inventory

AI-powered marketing tools can target specific customer segments with tailor-made advertisements. Through social media and online advertising platforms, you can reach your ideal audience, increasing the chances of converting leads into loyal customers.

levels. The algorithms optimise pricing decisions, helping you strike the right balance between profitability and attracting customers with competitive pricing.

Sara Allbright is a director and co-founder of Retail100 Consulting, which is a consultancy firm with 100 years of retail experience that helps retailers and brands grow.

Prior to Retail10 Consulting, Sara worked in buying roles at John Lewis & Partners for 18 years, predominantly for home and seasonal categories, including eight years leading gift and home fragrance buying. She has specialised in brand relationships and growing small emerging brands into market leaders. Sara is also experienced in own-label sourcing across multiple categories and countries.

Email: hello@retail100consulting.co.uk

Visit: www.retail100consulting.co.uk; www.linkedin.com/company/retail100-consulting/

For all business owners, keeping abreast of developments in AI is key. And in my view, some elements it can offer, such as streamlining more mundane tasks and admin, are definitely worth exploring. However, letting it own the relationship with your customers takes away the strength that smaller businesses and independents do well in terms of genuinely knowing their customers and interacting with them in person.

Retail100 Consulting director and co-founder Sara Allbright explains why she believes that some elements which AI can offer are definitely worth exploring

L-R: Sara Allbright, Anna Berry, Neil Amer and Elaine Hooper

“For all business owners, keeping abreast of developments in AI is key”

Talking to my customers, this also translated into a very positive show for them, with many saying they had been able to source new products and ranges with existing suppliers, and find much needed exciting new products from new suppliers to add to their selections.

One customer commented: “It’s so important for us to see products in the flesh, so Home & Gift was a good opportunity to meet up with our suppliers and see their new stock, as well as discover new companies too.”

Ask the Agent…

Sales agent Steve Powell, who specialises in home fragrance and gifts and covers Wales and the West Midlands, shares his thoughts on July’s Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival in Harrogate

If you read my article in last month’s issue, you will know that the Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival in Harrogate is my absolute favourite trade show, and it certainly lived up to expectations - well, apart from the weather that is!

Unfortunately, the lovely weather that usually accompanies this July exhibition didn’t get the memo this year and decided to be rather changeable for the week. But this didn’t seem to dampen the attendance - or enthusiasm - of visitors and suppliers, and a mostly successful week was had in general.

The show apparently saw a 15% increase in buyers from garden

centres, a 48% increase in museum and gallery buyers, and a 63% increase in buyers from department stores. This translated into an overall footfall growth of 14% on the 2022 attendance figures.

But, as we know in most things in life, it’s not just about quantity, it’s the quality that counts. From my perspective as a sales agent representing two companies at the show - and speaking to a handful of other sales professionals and suppliers from various gift and home categories - the quality of customer was excellent. Some very good orders were written, and strong potential leads were taken.

This sentiment was echoed strongly by buyers who had to buy product during the pandemic on Zoom etc. So being able to attend trade shows in person again is seen as a much better and efficient way to buy and source newness in one place.

However, it wasn’t all roses for some. I’ve had alternative feedback from suppliers and agents who said trade was a bit of a mixed bag and wasn’t as good for them as last year, with the show being mostly good on Sunday and Monday but becoming quieter from Tuesday afternoon.

In a couple of cases I’m aware of, competitor suppliers were situated directly opposite each other which can also have an adverse effect and may have been an oversight by the organisers, which I’m sure they will endeavour not to repeat.

A trend I’ve noticed over the past few years, and particularly since the pandemic, is that the majority of buyers have changed the way they buy at shows. They visit for one or two days at the most, whereas

previously visits used to be over three to four days.

I know this is mainly due to the fact that buyers from independent retailers aren’t able to be away from their businesses for too long due to staffing requirements. Buyers from multiple retailers are also impacted by this, together with other duties that need to be looked after back at the office.

These factors and, of course, the cost of travel and staying away, means buyers are even more focused

on maximising their time at shows, and usually have a strong plan in place: to scan the halls first, make a note of what’s of interest, and then come back to see it in more detail on the second day.

The other factor affecting this was that the show was smaller than in recent years, which enabled buyers to get around everyone much more quickly, and return to home base sooner.

Whatever the actual reasons why some had a good show and others not so good, I’m sure lessons will be learned for future exhibitions.

I do know that for the majority of fellow exhibitors and attendees, Harrogate remains one of the most important shows in the calendar, and one that I’m already looking forward to in 2024.

In the meantime, I’m looking forward to the next trade show coming up: Autumn Fair at NEC Birmingham, where I will be exhibiting with Global Journey (Hall 6 H29) and Gifted (Hall 6 F50). I hope to see you all there.

“Harrogate remains one of the most important shows in the calendar, and one that I’m already looking forward to in 2024”

My Harrogate Home & Gift highlights...

Consultant Helen Cottrill, founder of The Gift Whisperer UK, reflects on her visit to Home & Gift

Home & Gift, you did not disappoint! I wish I had planned a longer visit as in the past I would have walked this Harrogate trade show in a day. However, as founder of The Gift Whisperer UK (see box), I spent a lot more time talking to some wonderful exhibitors about their products - and several people likened my newly-launched Instagram account to a ‘dating service’ for the gift industry!

A key highlight of the show for me is always the Design Point marquees and, despite the weather, there were still a good number of visitors in attendance.

Of course, I began my day at the Blade & Rose stand (I’m marketing consultant for the company), having had an emergency call to bring more order forms as they had run outalways a sign of a good show!

Next stop, Jellycat. There were so many fantastic designs, and the stand was really well laid out with a barista and a cake shop display, showing the brand’s fabulous Food & Drink collection. My favourite has to be the Sea Life Collection: Lois Lionfish, Gracie Grouper, and my all-time favourite Sheldon Shrimp.

Sustainability continues to be a top priority, with so many amazing products created using materials that would normally end up in landfill.

VENT for Change really stood out. Its SUCSEED collection offers notebooks, pens and pencils made from reclaimed kiwi fruit, coffee beans and recycled CD cases. It also gives 5% of its net sales turnover to supporting children’s education projects worldwide.

Willsow is a small company which makes the nicest plantable children’s books that are educational: both as a book but also to show children how to grow plants. Even its business cards are plantable! Unfortunately, Willsow accounts manager Grace Pointon had managed to break her toe the evening before I met her, but she was still smiling!

B-Corp certified Roka had a very busy stand. Made from only recycled materials, Roka’s bags are proving to be really popular gifts. It’s a brand I’m seeing more and more in independent retail. I have a Roka bag and can absolutely recommend them: they’re practical, stylish and very hardwearing.

Talking Tables is another B-Corp certified company which also

focuses on its carbon footprint, while creating stunning partyware, games and home accessories.

Charlotte Walsh, the founder of The Silicone Straw Company, was an absolute delight; she’s knowledgeable and a great advocate for her brand. Charlotte gifted me a silicone straw which is perfect to keep in your handbag, eliminating single plastic straw use when you’re out and about.

TwoSpoons handstamps bespoke messages into vintage pieces of cutlery as well as other gifts. While not the first to utilise vintage cutlery, it’s definitely taken the concept to a whole new gifting level. Every piece is a one-off and, with lovely packaging and really small MOQs, it allows retailers to offer something totally unique.

The Crafty Kit Company has a great collection of felting and sewing kits. It really captures the essence of the brands it works with. Its new Moomin and Miffy Collections stood out to me, bringing crafting to a whole new audience: perfect for Christmas gifts.

By Molly&Izzie is a Cumbrian company and its stand was displayed really well, with clearly defined retail display ideas. This is a collection for all demographics - perfect for stocking fillers or a secret Santa gift. Its Little Wish bracelets are individually giftwrapped with a little envelope so they’re ready to give to the recipient. It handmakes or finishes all product in the UK. I especially loved its beeswax Spell Candles.

Former marketing & product director of gift giant Enesco, Helen Cottrill is the founder of The Gift Whisperer UK: an Instagram account which aims to create a forum that aligns gift brands, independent retail and consumers with product recommendations and reviews.

Call: 07852 590115

Email: helencottrill1971@outlook.com

Visit: www.instagram.com/The_Gift_Whisperer_UK

The Old Railway Line Garden Centre

shopping environment”

gifts, plans, schemes and themes

Tell us a bit about your business.

The Old Railway Line Garden Centre is a familyrun, independent garden centre, farm shop and restaurant established in 1990. It’s near Brecon in the heart of the picturesque Wye Valley, nestling at the foot of the Black Mountains.

We pride ourselves on customer service and have an excellent team available to deliver this. We are continuously working towards operating more sustainably and have made major changes over the past 10 years to achieve this. We also have a strong relationship with our local community.

Describe your gift range.

We stock a large range of homeware, home

fragrance, toiletries, clothing, fashion accessories, and toys. We work with a large number of brands and aim to deliver a creative shopping environment for our customers, showcasing more sustainable options as well as value for money.

What are your key categories?    Greeting cards, toys, clothing, home fragrance, home décor, artificial flowers and textiles.

Who are your key suppliers?

We work with a wide range. Woodmansterne, Walton & Co, Kaemingk, Wax Lyrical, Joe Davies, PoM, Heathcote & Ivory, Gisela Graham and Langs make up the majority of our colour schemes and

themes for the season.

How do you find products?

We visit some trade shows but due to our location, we can miss out occasionally. So we mostly use reps, and like webshops for ease of access and upto-date information.

What’s your selection criteria?   We select based on trends, local offering, service, company ethos and sustainability of the product/ packaging, as well as prices. We want to offer the best service and experience to our customers and introduce them to new and more sustainable ranges, but we also understand they are looking for value for money, especially in the current climate.

Top 5 Best Sellers by Volume

1 CB Imports flora Daffodil mini bush yellow

2 Kandy Toys dolphin bubble stick

3 Langs slate flower heart

6 assorted

4 CB Imports Pansy bush purple

5 CB Imports Cornflower spray blue 65cm

Clare Turner talks to Katie Eckley, operations director of The Old Railway Line Garden Centre in the heart of the Wye Valley, about the retailer’s

“We aim to deliver a creative

(L-R) Indoor lifestyle team leader Izzy Watts and garden centre assistant Julie Lawrence

What’s proving popular?

We’ve been doing well with clothing and fashion accessories such as jewellery and handbags. Toys remain very strong for us, especially the Keeleco range from Keel Toys.

What lines have you started stocking recently?

In the past 12 months we’ve added Fable, PoM, Life Charms, The Scottish Fine Soaps Company and Brainstorm Toys’ Outdoor Adventure Nature Explorer collection.

How has trading been for you this year?    It’s been steady on the interior categories, with gift, clothing and homeware performing well so far. Have you noticed a recent change in purchasing patterns, in light of the cost-of-living crisis?

We’ve been surprised by clothing sales being so strong, as we assumed this would be an easy thing for consumers to cut back on if finances were tight. Luckily, the brands we stock have held their own, and seem to be showing strong signs of a good sell-through.

We have tried to keep our prices competitive throughout the store as online price comparisons are so accessible - and we have definitely seen an

increase in people checking prices on their mobiles when visiting us.

What are you most excited about for the summer season?

We’re always so excited to get the fresh colour schemes out for S/S, and customers love seeing the displays that the team produces (it’s so nice to see after packing away Christmas). It’s also great to see things change as new collections arrive and sell through, as this keeps each visit fresh for the customer.

Are you looking at expanding into new product categories?

We’re not actively looking, as we recently introduced new ranges and are happy with how those are performing. However, if something exciting comes along that we want to be part of, we would look at making some changes to our current ranges to make space.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job?

Helping my team to take ownership and achieve what they want from their departments, and setting targets to keep the momentum going. And the most challenging?

Keeping stockholding down. This has been difficult

“We are over the moon”

On July 6, The Old Railway Line Garden Centre was crowned ‘Best Destination Garden Centre in Wales and West’ at the annual Wales & West Area Garden Centre Association (GCA) Awards for the second consecutive year.

In addition to this prestigious prize, the business also scooped seven accolades for Best Customer Service, Best Garden Products Retailer, Catering Excellence, Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer, and the Environment and Sustainability Award, the Ruxley Rose Award (Best Plant Area), and the Barton Grange Creativity & Innovation Award.

Operations director Katie Eckley said: “We are over the moon to have been awarded ‘Best Destination Garden Centre in Wales and West’ for the second year running. Having won ‘Best Garden Centre in Wales and West’ nine years running previously, it’s great to have been crowned winner of the top category for the past two years.

“These awards are testament to our amazing, committed, and hard-working team who fully embrace our values and ethos, including offering the best customer service possible. We love to create an enjoyable experience for visitors, with something different around every corner.”

Top 5 Best Sellers by Value

1 Smart Garden easy basket Petunia

2 Kaemingk recycled glass vase

3 LEGO wildflower bouquet

4 Sincere Floral artificial Salvia bush

5 Smart Garden kids’ wheelbarrow

for the whole garden centre industry since the Covid boom, as we overstocked on many gardening lines when prices were high at the start of 2022. We’re working through this slowly, but it does mean margin is taking a hit in certain areas.

What’s next for your business?

We’re planning a new entrance and canopy for our plant area, which will make a huge difference to our layout and customer experience. We’re very excited about this and can’t wait to get the plans finalised.

What’s your proudest business moment?

Winning Best Garden Centre in the UK, awarded by the Garden Centre Association (GCA) in 2018 and 2021, was an incredible achievement for the whole team - and quite an emotional time after going through all the stresses that Covid brought with it.

Top Drawer returns for the A/W Edition

The capital’s design-led retail trade show is back! Top Drawer will soon be taking over Olympia London for three days of sourcing, inspiration, networking and more

From September 10 to September 12, Olympia London will be transformed into a destination for product discovery, sourcing, networking and learning, with Top Drawer A/W23 set to inspire visitors across the lifestyle spectrum with its nine curated sectors and presentation of expert-led content.

Top Drawer A/W has long been a staple in the retail calendar, providing visitors with the opportunity to refresh their product offering ahead of the golden quarter, and make a start on their 2024 sourcing.

Famed for its expert curation, Top Drawer is billed as ‘the only dedicated design-led event of its kind, guaranteed to only present products that its discerning retail community will love, on the show floor’.

Visitors will be able to explore eight distinctive sectors: Home, Gift, Greetings & Stationery, Fashion, Craft, Food Emporium, Play, and Wellbeing, where they will discover thousands of product launches, from both established favourites and emerging names.

For those looking for something special, then the show’s ninth sector, Launchpad, is the perfect place to find unique pieces from new brands before anyone else. Curated in collaboration with the University of the Arts London, Launchpad is an exclusive showcase of fresh talent from across all categories who are brand new to the market and ready to make their mark.

At A Glance

What: Top Drawer A/W 2023

Where: Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, London

When: Sunday September 10 9.30am-5.30pm

Monday September 11 9.30am-5.30pm

Tuesday September 12 9.30am-5pm

Email: Topdrawer@clarionevents.com

Visit: www.topdrawer.co.uk

Here are just a handful of the brands that attendees can discover: Aery, Alex Monroe, Alice Caroline, Arthouse, Branch Jewellery, By Eloise, CAHM, Candlemeleon, Chalk, Chunki Chilli, Circle & Dash, Doris & Dude, East End Prints, Estella Bartlett, Fruu.. Cosmetics, Ginger Ray, Hyggen, Kikkerland Europe, Kind Bag, Kris-Ana, Lifeguard Press + Ban.do, LIGA, Once Upon A Tuesday, Morgan Wright, My Doris, Ohh Deer, Plum & Ashby, Popcorn Kitchen, Rumble Cards, S-c Brands, Siren Silver, Spice Kitchen, Suck UK, The Bottled Baking Co., The Positive Planner, and Zamsoe.

Alongside sourcing irresistible products, buyers and exhibitors will be able to learn from industry experts speaking on the show’s RetailFest stage, with keynote presentations, panel discussions, and masterclasses. Topics covered will include the power of pop-up shops, social media video skills, and digital marketing tips.

Plus, buyers and designers can be inspired by trends installations from show partner, The Better Trends Company. Its designers will curate trend showcases using exhibitors’ products to help visitors shape their collections, so they are on trend for Autumn/Winter and beyond.

Registration for Top Drawer is now live. To register and find out more about the show visit www.topdrawer.co.uk

Product Focus

Giftable Stationery

Scribe with style Joe Davies

The new Bridgewater Pen range from Joe Davies covers various writing preferences, including ball pens, roller balls, and mechanical pencils. This comprehensive selection ensures there’s a perfect tool for every writing task, whether it’s the fluidity of a roller ball or the precision of a mechanical pencil. The pens are presented in stunning gift boxes, ready to be gifted to someone special or simply treasured for oneself.

For retailers seeking to showcase the Bridgewater Pen collection, a counter display unit is available. It can hold nine different designs (three pens per design), offering customers a delightful visual experience while browsing the range.

Call: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk

Visit: www.joedavies.co.uk

It’s a date!

Museums & Galleries

Museums & Galleries’ 2024 calendars and year planners are now shipping! It is very proud to be one of the first companies to take zero plastic seriously, and its 2024 collection of calendars has re-engineered zero plastic packaging with a drilled hole for hanging after purchase.

Back by popular demand, the Transport for London calendar has an iconic red Routemaster bus on the cover. The V&A’s popular angry Japanese print octopus features on the cover of one of the V&A calendars, with Arts & Crafts parrots and pomegranates on another.

Dual-tone collection Jumble & Co

Jumble & Co will launch a new collection at Autumn Fair called In Two Minds which features dualtone products expressing ‘two facets of emotion: the daily wrestle with our inner minds and the need to balance our emotions’.

Included in the range are dual notebooks with split ruled and dotted pages, mindfulness and gratitude journals, undated diaries, and other lifestyle products for everyday life - each in vibrant colours and stylish designs.

Call: 0141 300 8500. | Email: enquiries@jumbleandco.co.uk

Visit: www.jumbleandco.com

There are titles from the British Museum and British Library, as well as the ever-popular Eric Ravillious calendar. Artists Matthew Williamson, Catherine Rowe, Helen Ahpornsiri for Wild Press, Lucy Grossmith and Annie Soudain all have their own titles. Completing the collection is the Brambly Hedge calendar, the company’s fastest-selling title from last year.

Museums & Galleries is issuing 10 of its popular and useful year planner diaries, which are big favourites with consumers.

The V&A has an attractive group of four titles featuring an array of different styles and colour schemes, with the British Museum offering a more serene Japanese moonscape print. Brambly Hedge has an iconic design, and Dee Hardwicke’s Hares and Berries is a delightful choice. Annie Soudain, Catherine Rowe, and Helen Ahpornsiri make up the rest of the collection.

Call: 01373 462165

Email: sales@mgml.co.uk

Visit: www.museumsgalleries.co.uk

Great British brands to grow withh.

Whatever the weather or retail outlook, you can rely on M&G’s great British brands, and their devoted followers, to help grow your gifts and stationery range. Please contact us to see the complete collection.

|BritaininmadeandDesignedLGalleries&Museums©esign

BritaininmadeandDesignedGalleries&Museums©sign

Get busy

Personalised Memento Company

Keep kids entertained in the festive season with a Personalised Christmas Activity Book. Filled to the brim with fun themed activities such as word searches, colouring pages, and spot-the-difference, along with a set of assorted personalised Christmas stickers, it’s a perfect stocking filler or item for a Christmas Eve box.

Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk

Visit: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

Fresh

designs Puckator

Fancy a brand-new notebook and pen to spice up your work life? Puckator is adding more designs to its stationery line-up aimed at an adult audience. The new Wild Stag notebook is perfect for jotting things down at the office. It features a beautifully illustrated stag amongst heather. Continuing the animal theme, there’s the new Barks notebook, which is full to the brim with dogs - a nailed-on favourite for dog lovers.

If you’re more of a floral person, then the Nectar Meadows designs are for you, with wild flower imagery and spring vibes. All these notebooks are made from recycled paper and card to ensure they are as environmentally-friendly as possible.

Call: 0800 011 6969

Email: customerservices@puckator.co.uk

Visit: www.Puckator.co.uk

Discover the joy of writing

Exacompta Clairefontaine

To complement Rhodia’s premium notebooks, the brand has extended its range of writing instruments. The latest Rhodia scRipt gold editions feature a stylish brushed aluminium hexagonal body, which gives an air of sophistication - perfect for those who seek to make an impression in meetings and the office.

Both the ballpoint pen and mechanical pencil are supplied in colour matched packaging, making them ideal to give as gifts. The pen has a high-precision retractable 0.7 mm ballpoint tip, while the pencil takes standard 0.5mm graphite leads and has a retractable barrel and an eraser underneath the push button. The ‘3-in-1’ multi pen incorporates both a 0.5mm black and red ballpoint tip, along with a 0.5mm graphite lead tip. The easy barrel rotation allows users to select their tip of preference.

Call: 01553 696600 | Email: enquiries@exaclair.co.uk

Visit: www.exaclairlimited.com

Make a note

Ginger Betty

Ginger Betty owner Tracey Colliston says these pictured notebooks were launched at Home & Gift, “where they were really well received. Customers were pleased with the quality and design”.

There are nine designs, sized at A6 with 96 lined pages, printed on FSC board and made in the UK.  They can be bought in packs of six, or as a complete CDU with six each of the nine designs and a free stand. The company makes the stands to send out.

Call: 01706 557285

Email: tracey@gingerbetty.co.uk

Visit: www.gingerbetty.co.uk

Smile time

Lesser & Pavey

Bug Art is a collection of bright, fun, and cheerful illustrations that will bring a smile to anyone’s face. The range, which comes in 10 designs, spans many stationery products including an A5 notebook and a memo pad with pen - all offering quality paper and gold foil printing. It also transforms cushions, fine china mugs, drinking glasses, trays, and ceramic coasters.

From the quirky cow pose and the naughty monkey, to the mad hare and the floppy-eared hound, this is a perfect gift across all ages, cultures, and outlooks.

Call: 01322 279225 |Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk

Visit: www.leonardo.co.uk

Get cosy as Warmies shares its story

When did Warmies begin, and what inspired its creation?

In 1995, Philip Gannon, the founder of Warmies, embarked on a new venture after successfully establishing a fashion wholesale business in London.

Seeking an innovative, single product that would

captivate the market, he scoured the world at craft fairs and trade shows looking for inspiration.

During his search, he discovered a popular concept from Canada: grain-filled microwavable heat packs. Inspired by this unfamiliar idea, Philip began developing prototypes, ultimately creating a long-shaped microwavable product

that could fit around the neck and provide soothing warmth and relaxation.

With Philip’s addition of a hint of French lavender for a calming scent, ‘Hot-Pak’ was created, and the business of Warmies (then known as Intelex) was born.

How did Warmies evolve from this initial concept to becoming a trusted brand in the industry?

Philip wasted no time in setting up a small production line of Hot-Pak, showcasing his designs at shows and events worldwide. He recalls: “I had some good contacts from my clothing trade days, so it didn’t take me too long to set up a small production line - in a garage with one sewing machine and a filling table.”

The response to Hot-Paks was immediate. The market embraced Warmies (then known as Intelex), appreciating the products’ perfect weight, quality filling, calming scent and affordable price points. Within a short span, Warmies secured numerous trade accounts and garnered valuable repeat orders.

As sales of Hot-Pak continued to flourish, Philip decided to introduce a new product to the business: Beddy-Bear, billed as the world’s first microwavable Teddy Bear. This invention became an instant sensation, propelling Warmies to new heights.

Reinvesting profits, the company expanded its range to include microwavable slippers, boots,

From humble beginnings, Warmies reveals how it’s grown from one innovative product to a microwavable empire

“Warmies is dedicated to providing comfort and wellness in a variety of ways”

bottles, and an array of other thoughtfully-designed products. Today, Warmies is firmly established as a leading supplier of heatable soft toys and wellness gifts.

How does Warmies introduce new and improved products each year?

Warmies stays ahead of the curve by closely monitoring trends and attending major gift and toy shows throughout the world. Its dedicated team of creatives brings new ideas to life, ensuring designs resonate with the Warmies’ audience.

By constantly introducing new and improved products, Warmies captures the essence of comfort, cuteness, and innovation, appealing to both loyal and new customers, year after year.

What sets Warmies apart, and how does it ensure the high quality and safety of its products?

Warmies distinguishes itself as a trusted brand through its unwavering commitment to quality and safety. With a primary focus on customer wellbeing, Warmies prioritises the use of safe and high-quality materials in all stages of product development. Rigorous testing procedures and adherence to strict safety regulations guarantee that each Warmie meets the highest standards.

Warmies has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and expertise over its 28-year journey. Its expertise, combined with a dedicated team, allows Warmies to consistently deliver products that surpass expectations.

How does Warmies provide comfort and wellness from head to toe?

Warmies is dedicated to providing comfort and wellness in a variety of ways. Its products are gently scented with real dried Lavender, sourced from growers in the Provence region of France. This natural aroma enhances customers’ sensory experiences, promoting relaxation and calmness. Like a weighted blanket, Warmies provides a soothing and grounding sensation, offering comfort and security. The therapeutic warmth generated after heating in a microwave helps relieve stress, aches, and pains. Warmies also aid sleep by promoting relaxation and tranquillity, creating the perfect environment for a peaceful night’s rest.

How has Warmies achieved a significant year-on-year growth rate?

Warmies’ growth story is testament to the company’s dedication, innovation, and love from our customers. With a strong team and a wealth

of knowledge accumulated over almost three decades, Warmies has steadily evolved and expanded. Its commitment to constantly introducing new products and responding to market demands has propelled its growth.

Warmies’ international presence spans across the globe, where its comforting products have found homes in countless households. Warmies’ commitment to quality, design, and wellbeing has resonated with customers worldwide, solidifying its position as a beloved brand.

Retailers have also shown immense support over the years, dedicating more retail space to Warmies. The company’s focus on driving growth in the heatable gifts and home therapy category has been key to its success. With a significant yearon-year growth rate, Warmies continues to capture the hearts of customers, creating a thriving and dynamic brand.

Warmies’ managing director

Darren Ingram has been with the company for 16 years. How has his leadership contributed to the success and development of Warmies?

Darren’s 16-year tenure with Warmies has played a vital role in the company’s success. His wealth of knowledge, experience, and innovative thinking have propelled the brand forward.

Alongside founder Philip, Darren has formed a skilful team, dedicated to driving the business to new heights. Their combined efforts, passion, and commitment have been instrumental in Warmies’ development and continued growth.

Raise your gifting game

Renowned for its eclectic mix of new and exclusive brands as well as its support for up-and-coming start-ups and designers, buyers visiting Autumn Fair are in for a treat this September

Thousands of retailers have already registered to attend Autumn Fair, which takes place from September 3 to September 6 at NEC Birmingham. At the show, they will discover a raft of new brands and collections available only at Autumn Fair including Moult England, Candles Bloom, CIMC Home, Harrow Trading, Burton Blake, Zoe Lan, Grupo Erik, and many more.

Moult England will exhibit for the first time with its collection of cashmere, wool, and Alpaca scarves, throws and socks, while luxury hand-crafted scented candles can be seen on Birmingham-based Candles Bloom’s stand.

Other newcomers include Amber Hue Candles: a family-run business with sustainability at its core which prides itself on providing luxury, affordable products that promote self-care, mindfulness, and routines. Scentish will showcase its 100% vegan, handmade, highly scented range including bath, body, shower and home fragrances. And for oil-based reed diffusers, soy candles, soaps, shampoo bars, bath salts, face creams, shaving soap and more, visit Green Laurels, which is on a mission to help eco-conscious people find handmade sustainable products in home scents and cosmetics.

Returning to Autumn Fair’s Gift destination is Locomocean with its latest collection of innovative and fun neon light designs. Look out for inspiring gifts and games company Bubblegum Stuff which was founded by The Apprentice finalist Courtney Wood, as well as eatsleepdoodle, which creates sustainable gifts to colour in and personalise with wash-out pens. The Eclectic Lifestyle Company will showcase a host of home fragrance and giftware brands including CHPO, WXY, Denik, Shoe Shame, and Zestt, and SUCK UK will display its growing collection of fun and quirky gifts including new designs from its Luckies, Bobino and Peleg brands.

Many of the gift industry’s most-loved brands will also be presenting their newest collections including Lesser & Pavey, Sass & Belle, Kikkerland, Joe Davies, Powell Craft, Langs, Chalk UK, Bomb Cosmetics, Fizz Creations, Sting In The Tail, Abysse Corp, East of India, Gift Republic, Upper Canada UK, The English Soap Company, Heathcote & Ivory (also featuring Cath Kidston and William Morris at Home collections), Sevin, TY UK, Keel Toys, and Inside Out Toys.

A host of brands will show off their new designs in Greetings & Stationery including Manuscript, Ribbonly, The Art File, Emotional Rescue, Paper Salad, The Little Dog Laughed, Five Dollar Shake, Emma Ball, Cardology, Penguin Ink, Louise Tiler, and The Seed Card Company.

The popular GCA Debut area will welcome new designers including Hazel Bee, Fox Under the Moon, Angie’s Folk Art, Dixon Does Doodles, Nicole Elders, Susel & Co, Little Giorgo’s Designs, Richart Designs, and Coach House Partners.

Autumn Fair event director Daniel Mayhew says: “We’ve got a real treat in store for buyers looking to raise their gifting game. Newness and innovation abounds, with everything from contemporary designs to unique, personalised and licensed gifts, sought-after beauty and wellbeing products, creative, fun and colourful greeting cards, giftwrap, stationery and paper decorations, as well as the finest, most magical children’s toys, gifts and gadgets - the Gift destination offers it all under one roof.”

Lighting up Autumn Fair with 10,000-plus connections for the home, gift and fashion retail community, Connect @ Autumn Fair is the transformative new connections programme. It is designed to help buyers find products and brands that their customers will love, in the most efficient way possible, and for Autumn Fair exhibitors to create leads, orders and opportunities in an incredibly effective way, maximising their ROI from the event.

Connect @ Autumn Fair also gives buyers an opportunity to see special offers, discounts or announcements exhibitors are making, ahead of arriving onsite at the show.

At A Glance

What: Autumn Fair

Where: NEC Birmingham

When: Sunday September 3 9am-6pm

Monday September 4 9am-6pm

Tuesday September 5 9am-6pm

Wednesday September 6 9am-4pm

Email: Visitor@autumnfair.com

Visit: www.autumnfair.com

Autumn Fair Special

Six seasoned Autumn Fair attendees reveal their plans for this year’s show and share some tips to help you make the most of your visit to Birmingham

Julie Dachey Buyer

Gifts With Presence

What do you like about the show?   I always enjoy trade events at the NEC as it’s a very efficient place to work. The show itself is useful as suppliers have usually got their new lines already in stock, so orders can be placed for imminent delivery in time for the golden quarter!

Will you be looking for any products/ categories in particular?

Our mission as a company is to constantly source fresh products with a backstory. Provenance is vitally important and we want to offer our customers treats for themselves and others, such as home fragrance and wellbeing products that fulfil the mindfulness culture which many are adopting.

What are your ‘must-sees’?

I have a very open brief and I’m open to looking at all suppliers who tick the boxes.

Any tips for first-time visitors?

Focus is the single biggest point. Have a list of what you are looking for, and try not to get distracted by categories that tempt you unless they are on that list. Drink lots of water - the NEC is like a sealed vacuum!

At the end of each day at the show, ask yourself and anyone you are visiting with: “What was your favourite thing (and it can’t be lunch!)?” It helps to go back through all the products you’ve seen to focus the mind, and then jot down what was noteworthy.

What’s your favourite Autumn Fair memory?   I couldn’t pick one, because I’ve been to so many Autumn Fairs. To be fair, quite a few of my favourite memories are visiting the bars and restaurants of Birmingham after the show - and even those recollections are quite hazy!

Claire Hembrough Owner Strawberry Blue & Collectable Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire

What do you like about the show?   There are easy travel links by road and train to the NEC, and everything is under one roof. Autumn Fair also offers design ideas and the chance to find new suppliers and ranges.

Will you be looking for any categories in particular?

I’ll be looking for Christmas add-ons, original gift ideas, and product for Spring 24.

What are your ‘must-sees’?

The larger stands for display inspiration, especially for Christmas. Kaemingk does the most wonderful Christmas trees.

Any tips for first-time visitors?

My advice would be to plan your time - including your coffee breaks! - using the Product Preview (formerly The Little Black Book) or the show app. Use the app’s map to locate your favourite suppliers - but also make time to search for new ones in each hall.

What’s your favourite Autumn Fair memory?   Attending my first Autumn Fair as a shop owner with my friend and work colleague Sally, and our excitement at seeing lots of new product and placing orders. We splashed out and stayed in a posh hotel close by and made it an occasion!

Jean Grant Head of Product Management Find Me A Gift website

What do you like about the show?

I hope to see something new and different from Spring Fair, so I’ll try to find product that other retailers may struggle to launch in time for Christmas but we can - and then hopefully I’ll catch a new gifting trend wave.

Will you be looking for any categories in particular?

Just fabulous gifts that people can’t resist for Christmas gift-giving.

What are your ‘must-sees’?

I ‘must-see’ something new, something quirky and unusual.

Any tips for first-time visitors?

Take time on each stand; it’s amazing what you can miss if you get a bit ‘product blind’. So go round in an organised and systematic way, drink lots of water, and engage with people - it’s amazing what knowledge you gain and information you pick up.

What’s your favourite Autumn Fair memory?

Seeing a woman who just let The Wind Gods take her umbrella instead of fighting with it!

“I have a very open brief and I’m open to looking at all suppliers who tick the boxes”

“I’ll be looking for Christmas add-ons, original gift ideas, and product for Spring 24”

“Hopefully I’ll catch a new gifting trend wave”

Sally Wilde

Owner Planet Sal Honiton Devon

What do you like about the show?

For an independent shop, it’s perfect timing. Some Christmas buying needs to be done earlier, but Autumn Fair is where I can support some new, small suppliers and also add to my orders with larger, existing ones. There’s nothing like seeing gifts displayed in their best light and paired with complementary ranges on a stand. Exhibitors work so hard on their layouts, and it really helps.

Will you be looking for any categories in particular?

I love ‘shiny things’ and can never resist jewellery. I have to drag myself out of that hall every year! Recently, it’s become a fast-growing category for me, so I can treat myself. Men’s gifting is another area I always concentrate on at Autumn Fair, plus gift books, which sell very well for me.

What are your ‘must-sees’?

My must-sees on the first day are Kingsley Ryan for piercing jewellery, Dolphin Minerals, Cheatwell Games, Thames & Kosmos, Gift Republic, House of Marbles, and Sting In The Tail. But there are SO many more I could list.

Any tips for first-time visitors?

Planning is well worth it. Get hold of the Product Preview (formerly The Little Black Book) before the Autumn Fair and plan your way around each hall. Trade magazines such as Gifts Today help by highlighting new launches ahead of the show.

Lindsey Scott-Walker

Owner

Feather Robins

Duston,

Northampton

What do you like about the show?

Samantha Gibbs

Owner Nest

Three stores in Leicestershire: Stoneygate, Broughton Astley, Thurlaston

What do you like about the show?

The variety. There’s so much to see that you are spoiled for choice. It’s great that there are so many categories, all in one show.

Will you be looking for any categories in particular?

I’ve done the majority of our Halloween and Christmas ordering, but I will be looking for that elusive product that is possibly new to the market, or I haven’t seen before, that adds to the collection we have already put together. Other than that, I’m always looking for new jewellery and women’s accessories. There are a couple of bag ranges I’m particularly keen to see.

What are your ‘must-sees’?

Everything is a must-see! I’m quite military about how I walk the show. I don’t want to miss anything!

Any tips for first-time visitors?

Have a plan. Know what is a priority to you and which hall it’s likely to be in. Start there, and don’t deviate from that; it’s very easy to be distracted. And keep an eye on the time - it goes far quicker than you realise!

What’s your favourite Autumn Fair memory?

The guest speakers on The Stage. If you find time to sit and listen, then it’s time well spent. They are always so interesting and such experts that there’s always things you can learn and absorb - you can come away feeling incredibly inspired.

It’s great to catch up with my regular suppliers and put faces to names with new ones. The whole vibe of the exhibition is great. It’s a show full of people all wanting the best for their business and supporting each other.

Will you be looking for any categories in particular?

Gift ideas for males - from teenagers to adults.

What are your ‘must-sees’?

East of India is a must for me. Their products are gorgeous and come to life at the show rather than online. And the room sets on the Coach House and Chic Antique stands are great for inspiration on how to display products.

Any tips for first-time visitors?

Research which suppliers are exhibiting - this definitely keeps you on track because it’s so easy to be overwhelmed by all the stands. Plus, if possible, take a rucksack or a bag on wheels - the brochures can weigh you down.

“There’s nothing like seeing gifts displayed in their best light and paired with complementary ranges on a stand. Exhibitors work so hard on their layouts, and it really helps”

“I’m quite military about how I walk the show. I don’t want to miss anything!”

“The whole vibe of the exhibition is great”

A bounty of gifts

Joe Davies Stand: 7 C40-E41

Joe Davies has been trading for more than 100 years and has one of the largest ranges of gifts in the industry. At the Autumn Fair, it will showcase its popular Equilibrium jewellery and fashion accessories, alongside many other products.

Village Pottery is a huge seller for the company and the range has gone from strength to strength, with lots of new additions. Following on from the success of the Village Pottery Beehive collection, more items have been included: choose from mini beehive tealights, a beehive birdhouse, and a beehive bird feeder.

New models have also been added to the popular garden houses with tiled roofs and pretty flowers, as well as some new tealight caravans for Christmas and every day. The list is endless! These quirky, colourful houses look attractive lined up on a fireplace or windowsill, and their on-trend colours will fit with any home décor.

Toadstools and mushrooms are trending this season and Joe Davies has this covered with its new ranges including LED light-up Mushroom Glow lamps. In pretty pastels, grey, white and a wood-look base, they make perfect home decorations, especially when the nights start drawing in.

Another range within this theme is the Magical Mushrooms selection of different

shaped ceramic mushrooms with a mottled finished glaze which makes each one look different and unique. There is even a mushroom birdhouse to put in the garden.

Another exciting range from Joe Davies is Heartfelt Art: a brand-new collection of framed ceramic sentiment plaques. Each plaque has a ceramic shape such as a heart, angel, or butterfly, which is mounted on a grey board and surrounded by a white frame.

With a heartfelt sentiment and pretty floral designs highlighted in gold, they make a stunning gift. Choose from best-selling captions such as Mum, Dad, Friends, Family, Baby, and Wedding, and many more.

The award-winning Joe Davies team is ready to help you select the best sellers - all available in its ‘little and often’ order system, with free delivery on £100 and above, carriage-paid orders.

Company Puppet e

Half Moon Bay Launches ‘By Design’ Half Moon Bay

Stand: 6 M30-20 A31

For 25 years, Half Moon Bay has been supplying retailers of all sizes across the globe, and prides itself on its great quality, award-winning products and wide range of Entertainment brands including Harry Potter, Disney Classic, Paddington Bear, Aardman Animations, Moomin and The Beatles.

As well as continuing to build its well-established ‘Entertainment’ catalogue, the company has now added to its offering with ‘Half Moon Bay By Design’. This new area of the business focuses on collaborating with charities, talented artists, and iconic heritage brands to create collections that tell a story - as well as sticking to Half Moon Bay’s core values of producing products that make people smile.

Working from its design studio in the beautiful Georgian city of Bath, Half Moon Bay By Design aims to produce trendled gifts and homewares, extending Half Moon Bay’s product reach into new and exciting markets and retailers.

Showing at Autumn Fair, Half Moon Bay By Design’s latest collections collaborate with several new artists including Kate Heiss and her vibrant linocut prints inspired by her love of flowers and nature; and Natasha Kirby, a painter, surface designer and printmaker with a love of all things floral, bright, and beautiful.

In addition to artists, the supplier is working with several heritage brands and charities, from the iconic arts & crafts designer William Morris and his distinctive fabric designs to the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, the RSPB. The ‘Free as a Bird’ collection is brimming with an array of iconic British birds, brought to life through colourful homewares.

Its most recent charity collaboration is with Great Ormond Street Hospital, where it produced a

giftware collection inspired by the popular novel Peter Pan. This book was generously gifted to Great Ormond Street Hospital in 1929 by the author, and £0.30 plus VAT of each sale from the range will go directly to supporting the hospital.

Building on Half Moon Bay’s extensive retail experience and broad customer base, the firm aims to add ‘By Design’ brands to its already diverse product offering, to become a onestop-shop for all types of retailers including garden centres, department stores, cookshops and bookshops of all sizes.

While design and great customer service is at the heart of everything Half Moon Bay does, it is equally committed to conducting its business in a manner that reflects ethical and environmental values. It applies this approach to the whole supply chain, from design and sourcing to production and transportation. Call:

Email:

“Half Moon Bay By Design aims to produce trend-led gifts and homewares, extending Half Moon Bay’s product reach into

and exciting markets and retailers”

Promoting creative play

The Puppet Company and Wilberry Toys Stand: 20 J44-K45

Now in its 22nd year, The Puppet Company - and its sister company, Wilberry Toys - is a key player in the gift and toy world. This family-run business promotes creative play: the products are about children and adults alike being inspired to tell stories, to ignite their imagination and to make people smile.

The supplier has a number of exciting new products to introduce to buyers at Autumn Fair, from its new licensed Elmer puppets, to a Christmas range that will delight children and adults alike.

The Elmer products from The Puppet Company encourage speech and language development in young children and inspire them to embrace the wonder of the world we live in. The items have been designed to be especially accessible and affordable.

Suitable from birth, the Elmer My First Puppet is made from soft materials, and has embroidered eyes - all tested to the highest possible standards. The Puppet Company has also created a stand-alone Finger Puppet Elmer, so you can carry him with you wherever you goperfect for pockets and adventures!

This is the first licensing deal that The Puppet Company has taken, with more announcements to follow, and the company is thrilled to have started with such a favourite.

Launching at Autumn Fair will be a new range of full-bodied animal puppets, which includes a cockapoo, a penguin, and a golden retriever. Inspired by consumer demand and retailer feedback, the team at The Puppet Company is keen to see how people respond to the collection at the show.

Christmas is an important season for The Puppet Company and Wilberry Toys, and preparation begins in earnest early in the year. There will be two new additions to the festive offering from the company at Autumn Fair, however: Reindeer and Father Christmas.

These puppets will make perfect festive gifts, and will hearten young and old to use their imaginations and engage in creative play on Christmas Day and beyond.

Call: 01462 446040

Email: katy@thepuppetcompany.com

Visit: www.thepuppetcompany.com

Shine on Sea Gems

Stand: Hall 8 F50-7A51

Sea Gems is an established family-run jewellery and gift company with over 40 years of design heritage and experience. For Autumn Fair, it has been very busy creating new collections of silver jewellery, fine enamels, and gifts ready to launch.

Director Marcus Price says: “Proudly designed in Cornwall, we have crafted, beautiful silver jewellery and gift collections that capture the essence of our iconic landscape, nature, wildlife, and Celtic heritage.

“These ethical, high quality and original products are perfect for boutiques, gift shops and jewellers who are looking for an authentic brand, affordable prices and designs that are truly captivating.

“Our Silver Origins jewellery brand (pictured) features contemporary sterling silver with an undeniably handcrafted charm. Attention to detail is everything, with delicately textured and polished surfaces together with gold vermeil or semi-precious stones.

“Inspired by our roots, you will discover striking organic designs, and intricate beachcomber shells, botanical and wildlife designs, as well as fun, whimsical motifs that celebrate moments of love and life. These are every day, wearable creations designed to empower and endure.

“Our Celtic Lands silver collection evokes and celebrates our rich heritage with timeless motifs and elaborate knotwork. New designs give a fresh look and feel to the already successful brand.

“The art of fine enamelling, with its fusion of vibrant colours, creates truly unique jewellery and gifts in our Mackintosh, Celtic and nature ranges, with every piece individually handcrafted and kiln-fired. Inspired gift ranges include pens, bookmarks, compact mirrors, pillboxes, and scarf-rings.

“We are one of the most innovative suppliers to the jewellery and gift trade, with a proven track record. We offer beautiful eco-friendly packaging, POS, easy online ordering with friendly and helpful customer support, as well as a fast and reliable service.”

Call: 01736 335840

Email: sales@seagems.co.uk

Visit: www.seagems.co.uk

Festive fun House of Marbles

Stand: 20 F50-G51

Based in the south-west, House of Marbles is celebrating its 50th year of specialising in high-quality and fun-filled products for all the family. You will discover a wide range of gifts, from timeless pocket-money toys to board games in commemorative anniversary packaging.

The company will launch its mid-year collection at Autumn Fair. Among the highlights are musical boxes that play a medley of classic tunes, and mini-insect kites - which are new additions to the popular Natural World range, that captures the beauty of the environment around us.

Following the success of House of Marbles’ seasonal range, the supplier has added new festive games based on some of the greatest games of all time. Exclusively designed in-house, the colourful packaging and competitive price points make them a great impulse buy.

Santa’s Silly Stocking Search is a must-have: this game of memory and strategy comes in a gift box with a fun cartoon of Santa and vibrant stocking playing pieces. It will make an excellent stocking filler and be a family favourite during the holiday festivities.

If you wish to complement your toys and games with the perfect gift, you will be delighted by the attractive selection of literacy books. Included are Christmas books featuring beloved classics like The Snowman, and press-out and learn activity books. You can order in small pack quantities, allowing you to select multiple designs to showcase a variety within your store.

Customers can rely on outstanding customer service, expert sales advice, and a low carriage paid order starting from just £200. Make sure you visit House of Marbles at Autumn Fair to play and interact with all the exciting ranges. If you can’t make it to the show, the company’s website is the perfect place to keep up-to-date with the latest products and place orders.

Call: 01626 835358

Email: uk@houseofmarbles.com

Visit: www.houseofmarbles.com/tradeuk

New collection Zsiska

Stand: 7 A61

Jewellery brand Zsiska will launch its new jewellery collection, Prue by Zsiska. Created with chef, TV personality, entrepreneur, and novelist Dame Prue Leith, the collection encapsulates the celebrity’s love for vibrant jewellery.

Prue by Zsiska features five collections named after Greek Goddesses, with each exploring a different inspiration and style of bead. Founded by Dutch jewellery designer Siska Schippers in 1992 in Thailand, Zsiska is renowned for 100% handmade resin jewellery. The beads are poured, painted, polished and connected by hand using a rare 2-3 step painting and coating process, making each bead and piece of jewellery unique.

Call: +66 (0) 32 473 200 | Email: sales@zsiska.com | Visit: www.zsiska.com

A new era

Candlelight Stand: 7 F31

With a history spanning over five decades in the home, gift and fragrance industry, Candlelight has worked with a vast network of retailers - both in the UK and worldwide - over the years, earning a reputation for excellence and innovation by consistently adapting to changing market trends.

Founder Mark Winch says: “Throughout our journey, we have always prioritised customer satisfaction and staying ahead of the curve. Now, as we embrace a new era with the next generation of this family business, we are excited to witness the fresh perspectives and ideas that will further drive our growth.”

The company is now preparing to showcase an expanding range at Autumn Fair. Attendees can visit Hall 7 Stand F31 to explore the newest collections, from opulent home fragrances to rustic textiles and contemporary kitchen and tableware.

In the fast-paced world of retail, adapting to customer requirements and feedback is key to staying relevant and thriving. As Candlelight ventures into the A/W season, “we’re thrilled to announce the launch of a captivating range of textiles that not only enhance our collection but also tell a story of warmth and style. Alongside this, we’ve innovated with our home fragrance FSDUs, designed to streamline the shopping experience while maximising space in stores,” comments marketing manager Kate Winch.

A textile adventure

Colours can speak volumes, setting the tone for a collection that resonates with customers on a deep level. This season, Candlelight has curated a palette inspired by nature’s beauty, featuring captivating terracotta, serene green, calming blue, and soothing creams. These hues intertwine seamlessly across a range of textiles, embracing a natural aesthetic that brings harmony to any space.

Home fragrance FSDUs

Candlelight’s innovative home fragrance FSDUs are now available not only for multiple retailers, but for independents as well. Designed for easy installation and space optimisation, the displays are complete, allowing customers to explore the fragrance range without the need for additional shelving. Their compact design fits seamlessly alongside existing store setups, making the most of available space.

Mango wood kitchen and tableware

In a world increasingly attuned to environmental concerns, the choices we make in our daily lives take on a greater significance. As we seek harmony between nature and functionality, sustainable materials have taken centre stage. Enter mango wood: a versatile and eco-friendly option that has found its place in the heart of our kitchens and dining spaces. Candlelight is offering mango wood kitchen and tableware in a range of in-house designed collections, embracing orange blossom, pomegranate and Mediterranean lemons, all available in stock on the stand.

Kate concludes: “We look forward to meeting both our loyal customers and new faces at the Fair. It’s an excellent chance for us to showcase our commitment to quality and innovation, and to connect with the people who have supported us throughout the years.”

Call: 01709 723000

Email: contact@candlelight.co.uk

Visit: www.candlelight.co.uk

September debuts

Lesser & Pavey Stand: 7 J40-6A41

William Morris

A new Lesser & Pavey range of William Morris designs features on housewares gifts this year. William Morris ‘Hyacinth’ is a design not used by Lesser & Pavey before. A full complementary range includes an array of fine mugs, a mug and coaster, mugs in gift sets, storage canisters, coasters, placemats, salt and pepper, egg cups, trays in three sizes, a jug, butter dish, teapot, spoon rest, tea bag tidy, laptray, glass cutting board, oven gloves and apron. The design is also featured on a new drinks bottle, a selection of stationery, a cushion and a doorstop.

The designs offer a hint of nostalgia and romance, brought to the marketplace as individual gift-boxed items at affordable prices. Together, the range makes a perfect wedding present or housewarming gift.

William Morris is renowned worldwide as a textile designer, poet, and novelist associated with the British Arts & Crafts Movement, and a major contributor to the revival of traditional British textile art.

Lavender and Bees

Which came first? The blue of the lavender growing or the bees pollinating? Whichever way, nature is at the forefront of many consumers and, as such, this new range from Jennifer Rose for Lesser & Pavey which features both must be a winner.

Beautiful designs of Lavender and Bees feature on tableware, as well as wooden housewares, plaques, a letter rack, a key cabinet, a charming clock and a calendar. Glassware and stationery make up other items featuring these delightful designs exclusively for Lesser & Pavey.

Bows and Bling

A new addition to the Lesser & Pavey fragrance range of candles and diffusers is Desire: a boutique range of candles and diffusers with added bling bows, and gold bauble balls featured on the sticks.

Featuring toppers to seal the fragrance when not in use, the candles burn wood

sage and sea salt, oud and bergamot, and cashmere and silk. The same fragrances are featured in diffusers, which come in three sizes. Each item is presented in stylish cylinder packaging.

Graffiti in a 3D form

Lesser & Pavey is delighted to introduce new additions, following the ongoing success of its Graffiti and Supernova ranges, as well as other colourful, vibrant ranges of resin studies. Designed exclusively by Lesser & Pavey’s in-house art department, the new designs include a number of new studies such as dogs, elephants, gorillas, and balloon dogs. The trend also transfers well to housewares, making funky gift items including high quality mugs, coasters, placemats, trays, a lap tray, drinking bottle, cushion, doorstop, and stationery.

Papillon Chic

Papillon Chic is an exciting new Lesser & Pavey range of crafted young beauties, featuring nature in the form of standout crafted butterflies. Available in three pastel colourways, the sizes range from 20cm to 32cm. Each piece comes in quality packaging for excellent presentation and to ensure no damage during transit. Examples include a young lady holding a flower vase and the showstopper: an extralarge piece measuring 60cm tall (please note this item is not gift boxed).

Lynsey Johnstone

New fine glasses are on the offer in a new Lesser & Pavey range by Lynsey Johnstone. The hand-painted glasses feature eight new designs, and include the relaunch of the popular stemless glass, as well as a new shape of cocktail glass. This range continues to be a top-selling feature of the Lesser & Pavey ranges offered in housewares. All glasses are presented in window gift-boxed packaging.

Call: 01322 279 225

Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk |

Sustainable and sparkly Best Kept Secrets

Stand: 6 M26-20 A27

Best Kept Secrets is a British, family-owned, home fragrance company now in its 27th year. Its products embody joy and are loved nationwide for their stunning fragrances, colourful wax, and trademark sparkle.

At Autumn Fair, the brand will showcase an updated range within its best-selling Just Because collection, and its new Spirit of Christmas range, alongside its other sustainable and sparkly home fragrance collections. The Spirit of Christmas range features its signature scented candles, each whimsically designed with different woodland animals. There is so much festive fun embodied in this collection. Best Kept Secrets’ mission has always been to make people smile with their products, and this collection is all about the joy of Christmas.

There are 12 in the range, each using the brand’s best-selling fragrances and signature sparkle. The candles are all hand-poured and created to be as sustainable as possible - even the sparkles are biodegradable! So, you can gift the Spirit of Christmas knowing that it will bring joy to the receiver while being kind to the planet too.

Best Kept Secrets will also unveil its newly updated and expanded Just Because Collection of scented candles, gorgeous gift boxes, and tea lights. All feature its signature colourful and sparkly home fragrances and come in a vessel containing meaningful or fun messages for every occasion. The collection reflects the brand’s commitment to provide price-sensitive retail and consumer choice.

Understanding that consumers are looking to find new ways to celebrate and mark special moments in a meaningful and affordable way, the Just Because Collection of candles, diffusers, Three Lites, and soaps has been inspired to meet consumer demand. The Three Lites are particularly popular, as they feature three of its best-selling scents in colourful, recyclable vessels.

Call: 01670 512222

Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

Visit: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

Seasonal stories Langs Stand

7 G20 – J21

Langs design and buying director Jane Bourne says: “Wow, we were blown away with the response to our Spring 2024 collection, which we launched at Home & Gift.

“There’s never a dull moment at Langs HQ and we are now preparing for Autumn Fair. It’s all go with more photography for Summer 2024, which we are excited to launch at the show - this is great for forward planning your collections and budgets.

“Our Spring collections feature hand-painting, incorporating elements of nature which resonate with Spring: ideal for customers who are looking for refreshing and inviting designs.

“One of the standouts from the new collection is our thatched cottage stoneware tea light houses, which have been designed in-house. This time we have added a tissue box along with a wax melt burner. These pieces have so much detail and are simply beautiful.

“To complement these items, we have also added a stoneware garden shed tea light - again, delightful with the detail of embossed bunting, wellies and a spade, making this a perfect gift for any gardener!

“And we have an adorable festive Easter collection: Hoppy Easter. One of our favourites is the cute Easter egg tree, which is great for decorating the home. Along with the bunnies and chicks, it brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia associated with Easter traditions.

“What’s next? Our new Summer 2024 range embodies the spirit of the season, capturing the essence of nature, happiness and summertime festivities. We have taken the beauty of the outdoors and added our design inspiration to create many new stories.

“The inclusion of farm animals mixed in with tractors and other rural accents has become a firm favourite with you! We took some inspiration from our travels in Yorkshire earlier in the year; you will see the washed painted backgrounds of the rural countryside at its best.

“We have so much for you to feast your eyes on. If you’re looking for some last-minute Christmas items, along with gifts for the festive season, we’ve got it covered, and can’t wait to see you soon. If you can’t make it to the show, we have our customer service team, and our agents who cover the UK and Ireland, along with our website.”

Call: 01332 340927

Email: sales@richardlang.co.uk

Visit: www.richardlang.co.uk

Discover over 150 new lines from Paddywax, Designworks Ink , Gentlemen’s Hardware and Field + Wander at Autumn Fair and Top Drawer this September.

Autumn Fair: stand E24-F25

Top Drawer: stand E19

Scan the QR code to register on our B2B portal or download our full Designworks Collective catalogue.

Colourtastic

Miss Milly Stand: 7 D54/E55

Known for vibrant jewellery and scarves, Miss Milly will showcase its latest collections. Visit stand 7 D54/E55 to experience its signature bright, cheerful style.

The brand will be celebrating 11 years of successful trading and spreading joy through unusual, colourful designs. With inspiration drawn from travel and nature, the products are designed in the UK, handcrafted overseas and sold through independent retailers around the UK.

Miss Milly founder Sarah Watmore says: “Our jewellery and scarves are designed to make people smile. We love seeing ladies light up when they wear our pieces.”

New collections launching at the show include:

• An update to the Floria Collection jewellery featuring resin and paint in bold shades for Autumn and Winter with purple, emerald green, mustard and dark orange all playing a part.

• A big refresh of the best-selling magnetic brooch and keyring ranges to include some great new designs. These popular products make great under £15 gifts.

• Gorgeous lightweight scarves that can be worn all year round, in a selection of prints with stripes, flowers, chequers and abstract patterns. The scarves are made from a super soft viscose and cotton mix and, like the jewellery, have no minimum order quantities.

To shop the latest collections or learn more about the brand’s story, visit www.missmilly.co.uk.

Visit: www.missmilly.co.uk

Sustainable selection

Keel Toys Stand: 20 D40-E41

Step into the world of Keel Toys at Autumn Fair, the proud home of Keeleco: a range crafted from 100% recycled materials. Get ready to embark on an eco-friendly adventure as you explore the Wild, Farm, Sealife, Dinosaurs, Teddy Bears, Puppies, Kittens, Nursery, Seasonal, and Keeleco Adoptable World collections.

With more than 450 products and counting, Keel Toys remains committed to expanding this sustainable collection, and Autumn Fair offers an exclusive opportunity to preview and preorder over 100 new items from the 2024 range.

Indulge your senses with Keeleco Bakery: an exquisitely designed collection of sweet treat-scented cupcake characters. The whimsical Keeleco Blush range continues the enchantment, bringing Unicorns, Starfish, Octopuses and even a Clam Shell to life, complete with gold crowns and pink tutus.

Keeleco has further additions for its core ranges. Experience the playful magic of Wild, Farm, and Dinosaur hand puppets, accompanied by a striking multi-sided floor standing display unit.

Make sure you visit the Keel Toys stand for a warm welcome and a fantastic selection of sustainable products.

Call: 01233 506363 | Email: sales@keeltoys.com

Visit: www.keeltoys.com

Rex London returns!

Rex London Stand: 6 M29-L28

For the first time since the pandemic, Rex London will exhibit at Autumn Fair - with an all-new stand. The company will showcase wooden toys and craft kits for kids, stocking fillers for those who want to offer their customers affordable gift choices, and stylish greeting cards and giftwrap for the must-have final details for a perfect gift.

Among the products on display, a wooden push along duck will make its trade show debut. This traditional toy will transport your customers into the world of nostalgia with its classic and endearing design. Freshly launched yet already a ‘fan favourite’, the push along duck encourages children’s balance and mobility, while at the same time bringing lots of fun with its cute rubbery feet that flap as it walks!

Rex London will also exhibit its new 24-piece Woodland floor puzzle, which features a lovely forest scene with many animals and plants commonly found in woods. This game is good for perfecting children’s fine motor and problem-solving skills, and comes in a cardboard box with a cotton string handle, making it easy to carry and move around.

But that’s not all. Visit Rex London’s stand and chat with the friendly team to find out about other newly launched products and all-time best-sellers. P.S. They’ll have refreshments!

Call: 020 8746 1700 | Email: info@rexlondon.com | Visit: www.rexlondontrade.com

Wheat-filled wonders The Wheat Bag Company

Stand: 6 M31

The Wheat Bag Company is a UK-based supplier that specialises in creating high-quality handmade Microwavable Wheat Bags, wellbeing and home style and pet products.

The Wheat Bags are filled with 100% cleaned English wheat, and you can choose to add optional Lavender buds to enhance relaxation. The Lavender wheat bags are heavenly scented and perfect for soothing aching muscles and neck pain when heated in the microwave, or cooled in the freezer

The firm is pleased to announce that its new Pet Bed Topper won the Pet Products category of the 2023 New Product Awards at garden and outdoor living trade show Glee, held in June at NEC Birmingham.

The Pet Bed Toppers come in a range of six different fabrics, and can be heated in the microwave to offer comforting warmth or placed in the freezer for cooling relief for pets -

a natural way to soothe aches and pains.

Excitingly, the company has also just released a new range of Luxury Tapestry Door Stops and Draught Excluders in contemporary designs, including Llamas, Elephants and Poppies, which have received excellent feedback from customers.

The Wheat Bag Company prides itself on its exceptional craftsmanship, high-quality British wheat, and quality fabrics.

Call: 01747 480499

Email: sales@thewheatbagcompany.co.uk

Visit: www.thewheatbagcompany.co.uk

Cuddle time

Warmies Stand: 20 E50-F51

Warmies is a soft toys and wellness range for both children and adults alike. Over 25 years in, Warmies has been successfully supplying soft and cuddly microwavable products - and with all their added benefits, it’s no wonder! Warmies are gently-scented with real dried lavender sourced from growers in the Provence region of France, as well as an all-natural grain filling, to provide the perfect sensory experience. Not only do they smell fantastic, they also relieve stress, aches and pains with their long-lasting warmth. Like a weighted blanket, Warmies’ gentle pressure provides a sense of comfort and security, by creating a calming and grounding sensation to help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety. After being put in the microwave, Warmies’ warmth also aids sleep, by promoting relaxation and calming the mind.

Great for cuddles, Warmies are the perfect blend of softness, comforting weight, and therapeutic warmth. Indulge in the calming aroma of French lavender and discover a world of cuddly companions, Hot Water Bottles and an array of wellness products that are loved by all ages. Call: 01933 679 777 | Email: sales@warmies.co.uk | Visit: www.warmies.co.uk

Natural and earthy scents

The Somerset Toiletry Company Stand: 6 M11/6 M13

The Somerset Toiletry Company is excited to introduce its new collection: Naturally European Oak Moss & Vetiver. This collection perfectly blends natural and earthy scents that will transport you to the lush green countryside.

Naturally European was initially inspired by luscious European landscapes to offer a complete range of body care and home fragrance. The liquids and lotions in this latest fragrance - Oak Moss & Vetiver - contain Salvia Officinalis (sage) leaf extract, known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, helping to support your overall health and wellbeing. Other products available include hand cream, hand wash, body lotion, shower gel, and a soap bar, along with a diffuser and candle.

Oak Moss has a woody and earthy scent, while Vetiver has a smoky and grassy aroma. These scents create a unique and refreshing fragrance that is perfect for those who love natural and earthy scents. The fragrance is soothing and refreshing, making it ideal for any occasion.

Naturally European is made in England. It’s 100% cruelty-free and packaged in sustainable materials, making it the perfect gift collection or treat for yourself!

Call: 01761 451122 | Email: sayhello@tstcglobal.com

Visit: www.thesomersettoiletryco.co.uk

Crafted with care

St. Eval Stand: 6 F14

Nestled on a farm in the heart of North Cornwall, St. Eval sustainably crafts high-quality candles using a blend of traditional and contemporary methods. It has perfected the art and science of candle-making for over 28 years.

Committed to treading softly on the Earth, St. Eval creates stunning pieces with a focus on sustainability. In August 2022, it officially became a Certified B Corporation, legally embedding its commitment to placing purpose beyond profit in all company endeavours.

St. Eval is immensely proud of its B Corp Certification, alongside its Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development, which it was honoured to receive in 2021.

Bringing the natural character and charm of St. Eval to the fore this winter, the company has launched a range of exciting new products and collections.

Sea

& Shore Collection

Inspired by the essence of the untamed coast and countryside, this collection transports you to a realm brimming with breathtaking wonders. With every flicker, experience the invigorating scent of the ocean breeze, the delicate aroma of wildflowers, and the earthy notes of luscious fruits that infuse these landscapes with an enchanting feel. Handmade in a family-run factory in Portugal, each pot is truly unique due to their reactive glazes.

Winter’s Eve Collection

Crafted with care and infused with the spirit of Christmas, these jewel-toned pots of mesmerising blue, charming plum and enchanting green add warmth, joy, and a touch of elegance to winter nights. Each pot is complete with beautifully illustrated top discs to watch the magic of the season come alive.

Christmas Pillars & Multiwicks

To evoke the joy of the festive season, St. Eval’s Christmas Pillars and Multiwicks are a striking addition to the season’s decor, filling the home with the aromas of Orange & Cinnamon, Inspiritus and Winter Thyme. Each candle is presented in a stunning gift box adorned with delightful winter scenes and charming characters, making them perfect for Christmas gifting.

Call: 01841 540 850 | Email: info@st-eval.com

Visit: www.st-eval.com

Brighten up your day! Global Journey

Stand: 6 H29

Pictured are new Lifestyle Mugs, which are available in a variety of designs featuring quirky and lifestyle imagery that will brighten up your day. The images appear on both the inside and outside of the mugs. Made from a high-quality ceramic material which is dishwasher- and microwavesafe, the mugs are novel, durable and fun. The range consists of 27 designs with matching coasters, which come on a customised display measuring only 45cm wide.

Also new is a range of handcrafted FSC-certified wooden keychains with colourful animal designs. With 84 different animals to choose from, there will be something for everyone. The display is very compact, at 50cm wide x 40cm deep.

Call: 0161 872 0333 | Email: isamuels@global-journey.com

Visit: www.global-journey.com

Exciting additions for Autumn/Winter

Present Time

Stand: 20 G02

Present Time is thrilled to present its new collection, featuring more than 425 exciting additions to its Autumn/Winter 2023 collection. Get ready to explore a world of innovation, with new colours, materials and finishes. New themes include Warming Wonderland, which features the on-trend hue of red ochre combined with warm shades and rich finishes, and Natural Notes, with marble, wood, bamboo and paper rope. These natural and sustainable materials will bring a touch of organic beauty into each space.

Karlsson

So, what’s new? Present Time country manager UK & Ireland Luke Felton says: “In Karlsson, we’ve expanded our successful Pure range with square clocks, and added retro mini flip clocks, and new colours and finishes of the Modern Cuckoo clock. One of the early favourites is the new bloom range, which comes in three combinations of Green, Multi and Pink.”

Leitmotiv

He adds: “Of course, we’ve also added lights to Leitmotiv to illuminate your home in style. Go for a touch of glamour with our new shiny enamel lights, or choose a natural look with our new paper rope table and pendant lamps.”

Present Time home accessories

He continues: “Present Time home accessories offer a wide range of new home decorations. The collection is divided into four themes. Next to our new themes of Warming Wonderland and Natural Notes, we have Scandi Spirit and Mono Mania.

“Our classic theme Scandi Spirit, which is well-known, stands for simplistic designs, clean lines, and a harmonious blend of green and blue tones.

“Mono Mania gives you timeless black, white and grey decorations, combined with luxury marble, shiny gold and trendy finishes.

“Birds are an indispensable part of our collection. In this collection, you will find them more and more - now available in marble, wood, and even porcelain with a built-in light! We are also introducing new mushroom statues which are the new and upcoming trend for this winter.”

Luke concludes: “This is just a glimpse of what our new product catalogue has to offer. We are delighted to present this collection and we hope it inspires you. Take a look at our website, where you can see our new AW23 catalogue at presenttime.com/catalogue.”

“Get ready to explore a world of innovation, with new colours, materials and finishes”

See us at Autumn Fair Stand 6M31

A fragrant heritage

Price’s Candles Stand: Hall 6 E30-F31

In 1830 Price’s discovered making candles from coconuts. The company was first called Edward Price’s and Co. and bought 1,000 acres of coconut plantation in Sri Lanka. So that’s where it all began!

Fast forward coming up to 200 years, and you arrive at its Fragrance Collection. This range of more than 30 fragranced candles and reed diffusers will be sure to brighten up any home, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere.

Candles and reed diffusers containing essential oils are becoming increasingly popular. Price’s has lots of products in its range that contain essential oils, and has highlighted these in its new catalogue for customers to choose from.

The supplier has also made the selection easier by categorising all of its products into fragrance families such as Fruity, Citrus, Woody, Floral, Fresh and Gourmand. Here are a few more key facts about Price’s Candles Fragrance Collection:

■ Fragranced Throughout Candle Jars - The fragrance is blended evenly through the wax, creating an even and continuous fragrance throw.

■ Clean Burn - The company has a 24-hour laboratory with technicians working tirelessly to produce formulas that give minimal amounts of sooting.

■ Food-Safe Glass Jars - All candle glass jars are certified for food contact. So, when used up, they can be reused to store your favourite treats.

■ Vegan-Friendly - The candles are made with 100% fully refined paraffin wax, so are absolutely vegan-friendly.

Call: 01234 264500 | Email: sales@prices-candles.co.uk

Visit: www.prices-candles.co.uk

“What a year!”

Alice Wheeler London Stand: 6 L10

Following a record-breaking Home & Gift, Alice Wheeler London is hoping to repeat this success with its latest collection of fashion and beauty accessories at Autumn Fair.

Established in 2019, Alice Wheeler London is still very much a new name within the market. However, 2023 has seen a rapid rise of demand for its products, elevating the brand to the favourable position as one of the go-to UK accessory suppliers.

This autumn, the brand will showcase a stunning new range of Honeycomb designs. This luxurious collection of fashion accessories is crafted using its latest Saffiano vegan leather, and incorporates its all-new gold-toned Honeycomb insignia. This capsule range will be available in six amazing colours to complement or add that finishing touch to any wardrobe.

The range features the stylish Brompton phone crossbody bag with its generous compartment to accommodate your phone and much more, and has a snazzy pocket to accommodate the matching Bath card/coin purse.

The gorgeous Pimlico boxed camera bag is a real must-have. Beautifully designed with lots of detail, it includes twin zipped compartments and a co-ordinating striped canvas strap.

Alice Wheeler’s Honeycomb range also includes four limited tri colour boxed camera CBs. Continuing the Honeycomb theme, Pimlico tri colours are the ultimate style accessory and perfect for that special occasion or a super stylish everyday option. Each colourway co-ordinates with the main Honeycomb colour palette and offers something totally unique to Alice Wheeler’s signature collection - a must see if you are attending Autumn Fair.

Alice Wheeler London is an ode to doing things differently with loving care and a desire to create beautiful and timeless accessories that will be treasured for many years.

Autumn 2023 is a passionate collection of accessories created for any occasion, delivering the finest quality and luxury without compromise. Come and see these amazing designs at Autumn Fair on stand 6 L10.

Call: 0121 459 9777

Email: orders@fmgsales.co.uk

Visit: www.alicewheelerlondon.co.uk

A vibrant assortment Designworks Collective

Stand: 20 E24-F25

Following on from its most successful ever new season launch at Home & Gift, Designworks Collective is returning to Autumn Fair for the first time in four years with Paddywax, Designworks Ink, Gentlemen’s Hardware and Field & Wander.

Paddywax

Paddywax is a design-led innovative candle and home fragrance brand born and bred in Nashville, Tennessee. With every design, Paddywax ensures that each vessel can be repurposed when the wax runs out. The clean-burning soy wax blend has no phthalates or formaldehydes, and every product is vegan-friendly - free of animal-sourced ingredients.

Its Nashville-inspired collection is super-hot at the moment, riding a viral social media wave. With cowboy boots a key fashion trend, the cowboy boots candle and matches collection is destined to be a hit.

The new Luxe handblown glass collection of candles, together with Ripple, Mood and Apothecary Noir collections, and two ceramic mug candles with etched and hand painted artwork (that can be used for cosy hot chocolates once the wax runs out) will also be on show.

Designworks Ink

A strong colour block story is driving the new season collection from Designworks Ink, with highlights including chunky twin-wire notebooks, vegan leather pocket notepads, and colour block pens.

Gentlemen’s Hardware

Visitors will also discover the go-to men’s gift brand Gentlemen’s Hardware, which includes: a specialty line of homeware goods crafted to help around the house and add to your décor, adventure gear specifically designed for the great outdoors, and the brand’s range of handy multi tools which are designed to tackle big projects with compact gadgets.

Autumn Fair sees the launch of a brand-new 13-piece Mini Tool collection. An extended collection of gifts for gardeners and plant lovers is a response to strong market demand, led by the 6-in-1 Garden Multi-Tool, and new lines include a Gardener’s Handcare Kit and a Water Mister.

Call: 01225 931322

Gifts galore D & J Glassware

Stand: 6 K25

Autumn Fair is a great opportunity to see what D & J Glassware can offer you! There will be plenty to discover and, whether you are an existing stockist or are new to the brand, you are assured of a warm welcome.

The company’s delightful handcrafted Fused Glass Animals always make people smile and the collection keeps growing, with new designs launched throughout the year. Proven to be highly collectable, these pieces are an easy way for retailers to gain incremental business. These gorgeous animal designs have also found their way onto a stylish collection of home textiles: all proudly made in Britain in a range of on-trend colours.

Meanwhile, D & J Glassware’s Friendship collections are firm favourites and are complemented by attractive handmade vases and tea light holders.

The fun factor

Gift Republic

Stand: 20 C20-D21

Gift Republic is launching some great new products this Autumn which it can’t wait to share - from some exciting additions to bestselling ranges, to new lines which are sure to become firm favourites of the future.

You are certain to love the cute new Mushroom Grow Kit, which provides all of the essentials you need to cultivate your own mushrooms at home in a fun mushroom-shaped planter. Or, if you’re looking for a spark of romance, you can ignite the flames of passion with the enchanting Love Spell Magic Candle. As well as unveiling new lines, existing best sellers will be on show and in stock for immediate delivery. With almost two decades of experience of delivering gifts and games packed with personality to customers in the UK and beyond, Gift Republic really does have something for everyone.

Call: 020 3146 9511  | Email: sales@giftrepublic.com

Visit: www.giftrepublic.com

If you’re looking for quality home fragrance products, then check out D & J Glassware’s reed diffusers and wax melt burners. Stunning mouthblown glass, partnered with British-made fragrances, makes a perfect combination. There are 17 scents to choose from, so there really is something for everyone. Newly designed for 2023, the attractive gift packaging looks fantastic. Plus, launching at Autumn Fair is a new range of soy wax candles and melts, hand-poured in small batches in Norfolk and inspired by the company’s popular animals.

Call: 01953 450 280

Email: dandj.glassware@btinternet.com

Visit: www.dandjglassware.co.uk

Christmas treats Cocoba Chocolate Stand: 6 B41

Artisan chocolatier Cocoba Chocolate’s new Christmas range includes a selection of handmade Belgian chocolate bars, chocolatecovered bites and truffles, hot chocolate spoons, flakes, and hot chocolate bombes. There is also a vegan and dairy-free chocolate selection.

The company was founded in 2012 by Darren Litton, who has a mission is to bring exquisite real hot chocolate drinks and exceptionally good chocolate confectionery to the British market and further afield, at accessible prices.

Darren says: “We are seeing an industry-wide trend for premium chocolate gifting options. Consumers are seeking out new flavours and shaped items in particular, and our boozy chocolate bombes have been a firm customer favourite. We are innovating all the time and are looking to introduce exciting colour-changing bombes and popping candy Santas to the range.”

Call: 07425 153672

Email: naomi@cocobachocolate.com

Visit: www.cocobachocolate.com

Chic brollies

Classic Canes

Walking stick specialist Classic Canes stocks a capsule collection of classic umbrellas to complement its canes. New this autumn are two elegant models with smart bamboo handles.

The ladies’ model has a burgundy canopy which is the perfect accessory for autumn fashions, while the canopy of the gentlemen’s model is a chic shade of grey which is ideal for formal wear as well as everyday use. In the British climate, a good quality umbrella will always be useful, making these attractive gift ideas.

Call: 01460 75686 | Email: info@classiccanes.co.uk

Visit: www.classiccanes.co.uk

Blooming lovely!

Alexander Thurlow

As an ever-blooming business, Alexander Thurlow continues to delight customers with its exciting Love Nature, Love Flowers range. With the past year opening our eyes to the beauty of the outdoors, this nature-inspired collection has ensured that the supplier’s products remain as in demand as they have been for its 74 years in business… and what’s more, with age comes wisdom.

Recognising the importance of going green, the company has also taken climate positive actions. With compostable packaging, and a partnership with tree planting initiative Ecologi, loving nature has never felt more of a priority.

This hand-designed collection has been a breath of fresh air for the business, proving an undoubtable success with customers. From their significance in meaning, gift-worthy beauty, or simply the intricacy of their design, Alexander Thurlow’s arrangement of flower products are a bouquet you’d be a fool not to invest in.

Call: 020 8766 6466

Email: sales@alexanderthurlow.com

Visit: www.alexanderthurlow.com

Layer up Joe Davies

Stacking is one of the hottest trends to hit the jewellery market. The layering of multiple necklaces, bracelets or rings results in a look which is both personal and unique, and allows the wearer to mix and match their jewellery to create an elegant stack with multiple designs for a statement style.

The new Equilibrium stacking ring sets from Joe Davies are hand threaded on high-quality jewellery elastic (so one size fits all) and feature three stretchy rings, one of which has a hanging charm. There are many designs, and all are plated in real silver or gold and come presented in ‘wardrobe’ style signature gift boxes.  Stacking bracelet sets and stacking necklace sets are also available in similar packaging.

Call: 0161 975 6300 | Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk

Visit: www.joedavies.co.uk

Stack it Joma Jewellery

Joma Jewellery’s new Stacks of Style Collection has landed and, the brand says, ‘it’s about to take your customers’ stacking game from staple to sensational’.

Featuring silver and gold-plated matching earrings, bracelets and necklaces that can be worn alone or together, this mix-and-match range has been created to help your customers perfect the art of easy layering. From simple everyday pairings to star-studded stacking, this is the perfect collection for seamlessly transitioning from one occasion to the next.

With a contemporary curved-edged card design, the styles are guaranteed to add a charming pop of blush pink to your in-store display. So, whether your customers are adding to their own collection or gifting pretty, they’ll be sure to find the perfect stack.

Call: 01295 263430

Email: enquiries@jomajewellery.com

Visit: wholesale.jomajewellery.com

Inspired by wanderlust

Gold Trip

Gold Trip was founded in 2021 by selfconfessed jewellery addict Michelle Gay, who at the time was constantly travelling on business trips or adventures and hesitant to leave her fine jewellery in hotel safes or bags on the beach. She used her background in design and manufacturing to design something that ticked all the boxes when it came to looking elegant but not breaking the bank.

Crafted from 925 sterling silver featuring rhodium or gold-plating, semi-precious stones and freshwater pearls, each piece is presented in beautiful gift packaging. With ranges including Zodiac Constellations, Lucky Evil Eyes, Snake Chains, Rose Quartz and even a vintage jewellery range, the brand offers both unique statement pieces as well as jewellery box staples.

Call: 07946 610 110

Email: hello@goldtrip.co | Visit: www.goldtrip.co

Meaningful jewellery Letterbox Love

Letterbox Love is a jewellery gifting business, well known for its sentimental bracelets which are designed to bring comfort, positivity and kindness. It is constantly developing new ranges and is currently working with a talented illustrator on its Fairytale Friends Collection. Others include Congratulations, Birthdays, Pick Me Up, Wedding, Seeded Card & Wish Bracelet, Friendship, Family, Mens, Birthstones and Cities and Regions.

Call: 07908 025060

Email: kerry@letterbox-love.co.uk

Introducing this season’s must-have colour: pink! As the new Barbie movie hits the big screen, it’s no secret that the growing celebrity and consumer ‘Barbiecore’ trend has taken the world by storm. Join the excitement with Katie Loxton’s latest capsule collection of fuchsia bags and accessories. From sweet mini bags to fashionable yet functional crossbody bags and scarves, these items will infuse a vibrant pop of colour into your customers’ A/W wardrobe.

Call: 01295 250879 | Email: enquiries@katieloxton.com Visit: wholesale.katieloxton.com

Pom pom pizazz

Miss Milly

Miss Milly has updated its range of animal and bird enamelled keyrings with new colours in best-selling pieces, including the introduction of a pink mouse and new owl and cat designs.

They work brilliantly as a bag charm to jazz up a plain handbag or personalise a rucksack. And the new designs feature a colour co-ordinated pom pom to add more pizazz. Choose from two designs of a stylish lady in sunglasses (one with adorable heart earrings that dangle prettily), or a cheerful dog or sleek cat, all available in two colours each.

Call: 01905 622509 |Email: hello@missmilly. co.uk | Visit: www.missmilly.co.uk

Modern vases

Joe Davies

Meadowsweet is a one of the new modern and stylish vase ranges from Joe Davies, available in two colourways of cream and grey, and a variety of shapes and sizes which will suit an array of home decors. Whether filled with flowers or not, vases are a great addition to the home.

These ceramic floral embossed vases and planters with their elegant, raised design of meadow flowers will add sophistication to any room. Tall vases are an elegant way to display individual stems or a stunning bouquet and really make a statement - the perfect gift or self-purchase for your living space.

Call: 0161 975 6300

Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk

Visit: www.joedavies.co.uk

Bringing joy every day Enesco

Kloche

Made from glass with a wooden base, Kloche makes a great gift or home adornment perfect for any setting or occasion. Featuring heartfelt and traditional sentiments, these decorative miniatures are ideal for any gift-giving occasion at a very attractive price point

The Kloche range features two collections. The Spirit of Christmas comprises wooden decorations that capture the essence of that special time of year, while Tiny Town is a town where characters are no bigger than a matchstick and a place where celebrating good times is an everyday event.

Kloche is Enesco’s first eco-friendly collection, produced using sustainably sourced wood and glass domes instead of plastic, which are packaged in fully recyclable cardboard gift boxes.

Herb Dublin

Enesco has added the Herb Dublin home fragrance range to its growing portfolio of wellness-centred home and giftware collections. Founded by Rachel McCann, Herb Dublin products are created by hand in Ireland using only the finest quality natural ingredients with 100% soy wax.

With pieces designed to promote relaxation, detoxification and all-round wellness, Herb Dublin has launched with 12 everyday candles, six Christmas candles, six diffusers, two bath products and seven body products, as well as two gift sets.

Fragrances across the collection include rhubarb, seasalt, lemongrass, ginger, buttercup and bee balm, to name but a few. Rachel believes that natural is always best, and uses herbs, flowers and oils as well as fragrance in all her products.

Scion Living

Enesco has launched the Scion Living Homeware Collection. Described as fun-meetsfunctional, the range features plant pots, candles, placemats, coasters and vases.

Highlights include: Spike the friendly hedgehog, shuffling his way across the range of homeware essentials; the geometric lovebirds Lintu; Pudukka’s stylised floral pattern; and Scion’s all-time favourite design Mr Fox.

Working closely together, Enesco and Scion believe in finding everyday joy, every day. So, as well as the loveable crew of friendly faces, it’s all about introducing uplifting, zesty colours. Your customers will find golden mustards, sky blues and stone greys to bring character to any room.

Alongside the Homeware Collection, Enesco has launched Scion Living Pet Accessories. The selection includes bowls, leads, collars, beds and bandanas in two different colour options of mustard or navy and features Mr Fox.

Call: 01228 404022

Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk

Visit: www.enesco.co.uk

Time for tea

Mandarin Arts

Pictured are three of six new designs in a range of timeless tea mugs, incorporating a porcelain strainer to hold the tea leaves with a matching lid to keep your drink hot.

The blue and yellow lotus flower mug has a blue Chinese meander pattern around the lid and cup, symbolising clouds and rolling thunder. The lotus flower represents purity and beauty. Magnolia blossom, against the backdrop of a pale blue spring sky with stars, represents dignity and nobility.  The panda is linked to the Chinese Yin Yang symbol showing unity and duality in nature.

Mandarin Arts sells products such as porcelain lamps, vases, stools, umbrella stands, tea sets, tea caddies, bowls, replica bronzes, terracotta warriors, buddhas, silky items, scroll pictures, Chinese and western games, Chinese coins, lanterns, keyrings, jewellery, parasols and fans to many types of retailers. It also supplies museums and galleries with traditional oriental products, often reflecting their permanent exhibits or temporary exhibitions.

Call: 01873 812255 | Email: info@mandarinarts.co.uk

Visit: www.mandarinarts.co.uk

Illuminate your space

Personalised Memento Company

This new adorable Personalised Gnome Garden Outdoor Solar LED Light is a fun way to light up your garden at night. Simply display it on the supplied ground stake, or fix it onto a wall or fence, and charge it using the solar panel. No batteries or wires are required. It’s available in a large range of designs, including photo upload and memorial.

Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk

Visit: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

Driftwood designs

Makasi Imports

Makasi Imports says it supplies the UK’s largest range of driftwood style high quality giftware, home accessories, garden products and teak root furniture, with a wide selection of rustic and contemporary designs.

The products are designed to fit within any modern garden or home, and are made from the highest quality wood. Each piece of the company’s root furniture and accessories is made using teak roots and, as a result, each one is unique. Visit its website to view the varied range and the many different styles available.

Makasi Imports says it is also one of the only UK wholesalers to offer a very full and unique range of beautiful handmade Balinese sun parasols, which are hand-carved, hand-printed, hand-woven and hand-painted by a small family business

in Ubud, a town on the Indonesian island of Bali. Founder and managing director Daniel Unsworth says: “We are constantly expanding our range of products to keep things fresh and ensure that we can always offer our clients something new.”

He regularly travels around the globe to look for new products and maintain close relationships with manufacturers, so he can personally guarantee the quality and ethical production of all products. Daniel adds: “These are just some of the many reasons why you should make Makasi Imports your first stop for high quality giftware, Bali parasols, wooden furniture and home accessories.”

Call: 01932 910533

Email: info@makasiimports.co.uk

Visit: www.makasiimports.co.uk

Christmas cheer Manor House

The home fragrance company Manor House says: ‘Production for Christmas is well under way, and 2023 is looking to be a superb year for us as we continue to welcome more new stockists on board following on from Spring Fair - which was one of our best ever trade shows. We are in talks with many high street stockists for the latter part of the year, and several have had a reassuring spring trading season.

‘We have added Antibes, and Portofino & Mustique to our extensive range and both are selling amazingly well. We’ve created much more in-depth fragrances for these collections, and this will continue into 2024 with some amazing new fragrance offerings.

“Finally, our newly-launched collection of gorgeous Soy Wax Candles in Tins (silver tins for year-round and gold for Christmas) have exceeded all expectations. We are already onto our third major production run! We’re offering these in all of our fragrances, and feedback has been so positive.

“Our 2023 collection encompasses 30 gorgeous fragrances to choose from, which is our largest selection to date, and 2024 will see some beautiful new additions, with creative work well in hand.”

Call: 01359 250720

Email: sales@manorhousehomefragrance.co.uk

Visit: www.manorhousehomefragrance.co.uk

Hone your green fingers Summersdale Publishers

Featuring simple tips, practical advice and inspiring ideas, FeelGood Gardening by Claire Stares is a new book that will help you discover how to reap the mental, physical and spiritual benefits found in nature.

Whether you’re hoping to cultivate a calmer mindset, nurture your physical strength or connect with your community, the restorative powers of gardening can boost your wellbeing and help you flourish.

With valuable information, actionable tips, creative project ideas and feel-good gardening facts, this book will help you discover the all-round health benefits that can come while honing your green fingers.

Call: 01243 771107

Email: enquiries@summersdale.com

Visit: www.summersdale.com

Celebrate yourarrivalnew

Rainbow Designs

Rainbow Designs has a collection of beautiful gifts for babies, featuring many most-loved classic storytime characters.

With a portfolio that includes Paddington Bear, Peter Rabbit, Disney’s Winnie the Pooh and Guess How Much I Love You, the company brings these characters to life in classic yet contemporary, soft and playful toys.

New arrivals include the Peter Rabbit and Paddington Bear Bedtime Cuddle Nightlights. These cuddly toys respectively hold a soft detachable lantern and a marmalade pot, which illuminate to provide a mesmerising light pattern and soft night light, while playing a soothing lullaby.

The new Animal Adventure Under the Sea range brings the wonders of the ocean to babies, and adds fun to imaginative playtime. It features adorable Octopus and Turtle characters in a variety of nursery soft toys.

The new Mickey Mouse Memories range offers a luxury collection of infant toys, that makes the perfect ‘any occasion’ gift for baby. Delivered in nostalgic packaging, it includes a Mickey Mouse wooden ring rattle, comfort blanket and activity toy, as well as a Musical Lullaby Mickey Mouse soft toy.

Start a savings habit early

Personalised Memento Company

This cute My First Piggy Bank is the perfect way to save those pennies. With a money box stopper featured on the base of the item, there’s no need to smash the piggy bank open - meaning this gift can be used and treasured for years to come. It’s available in a range of different designs which are suitable for all occasions.

Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk

Visit: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

Special keepsakes

Joe Davies

Joe Davies has launched a new Silver Elephant Sweet Baby range of photo albums in two sizes, a photo frame to hold a 6x4 photograph, and a baby record book to help capture all those precious first moments. The cream suede look range, with a silver metal elephant icon and silver metallic foil stamped wording, makes the perfect gift for a christening or a baby shower.

Christening and Baby Shower Gifts

For little ones

Blade & Rose

A long-awaited collection from Blade & Rose made its debut at Home & Gift - and is available now. After many requests from dedicated fans, the company has launched Bella the Horse: a cute design created with little equestrians in mind. Perfect for visiting the stables, and practical for young jockeys, the super soft and washable products are designed with this in mind.

The blue, orange, mustard and white striped leggings feature Bella: a brown and white skewbald pony with a long mane adorned with flowers and leaves, and the Blade & Rose brand name on the waistband.

A co-ordinating long-sleeved top in a sky-blue shade features an embroidered Bella, who has a cheeky expression on her face, and flowers in her mane to match the leggings. With highly detailed soft orange and blue cotton socks to match, it comes in sizes 0 to four years.

Blade & Rose is owned by husband-and-wife team Amanda and Jon Peffer, who founded the company in 2010. Its design and distribution centre is based in the couple’s hometown of Kendal in the Lake District.

At the heart of Blade & Rose are eco and sustainable ethics. All products comply with OekoTex Standard 100, and all suppliers are BCI, SGS or BSCI compliant, which ensures that global cotton production is better for the people who produce it and better for the environment it grows in, ensuring the softest and safest fabrics for the consumer. Any plastic used is recycled and recyclable. Call: 01539 730880 | Email: hello@bladeandrose.co.uk

Visit: www.bladeandrose.co.uk

Story time Ginger Betty

Ginger Betty owner Tracey Colliston has introduced her debut children’s book series. The first book of four, ‘Love and Hugs - Winter’, is published by Boxer Books. It launches in October in the UK and US. The story begins in a forest where the first snowflakes appear. Forest animals celebrate winter, enjoying special moments that friendship brings.

Tracey says: “Love and Hugs is the perfect book to snuggle up and read with your little ones, and share a story full of those warm, fuzzy connections that make us smile; it’s a reminder of the wonderful things that happen when friends come together.”

Call: 01706 557285 | Email: tracey@gingerbetty.co.uk

Visit: www.gingerbetty.co.uk

Cute and cuddly Enesco

Enesco has been producing Beatrix Potter giftware since gaining a licence in 1987. The range has grown in popularity and content due to faithful attention to the children’s book author and illustrator’s original style.

Over the years, artists have captured the essence of Beatrix Potter’s characters by bringing to life her original drawings, creating a delightful selection of figurines and giftware which appeals to Beatrix Potter fans of all ages.

A breadth of product is available featuring Peter Rabbit, Flopsy and friends, including soft toys, childrens’ accessories and dinnerware, multi-award-winning mother and baby gifting products, and much more.

Call: 01228 404022 | Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk

Visit: www.enesco.co.uk

Plush pals

Margarete Steiff

Margarete Steiff GmbH takes enormous pride in knowing it has always remained at the forefront of the toy industry. The company claims: ‘Not only did we gift children the very first soft toy in 1880, but we took the toy Industry - and indeed the world - by storm with our inspirational invention, the Teddy bear, in 1902.’

Steiff has pursued excellence with determination, fuelled by founder Margarete Steiff’s guiding principle that “only the best is good enough for our children”. The company is lavish with history, romance and nostalgia, which makes giving the gift of Steiff very special indeed.

The catalogue range is extensive and it’s here you will find the ‘My First Steiff range’, which consists of washable Teddy bears, rabbits and elephants. These soft, cuddly companions make an adorable keepsake gift to celebrate the birth of a newborn, a christening or a first birthday.

Each version displays My First Steiff on the footpad, and has baby soft plush, stitched eyes and of course, the famous ‘Button in ear’, ensuring a genuine Steiff – a friend forever.

Email: tradesalesuk@steiff.com

Visit: www.steiffuk.com

Trade talk

Paul

Hooker Managing Director Joe Davies

Preparation at Joe Davies for the busy Q4 trading period never really stops. We start work on our Autumn Range a full year before we launch the collection in July at Home & Gift in Harrogate, and with more than 2,000 brand new lines making their debut, it really is full on.  But it doesn’t stop at product. We are constantly reviewing our staffing levels for the warehouse, chasing up manufacturers and suppliers to make sure that deliveries arrive in time, and managing our stock levels. There is a huge amount of logistical planning and preparation involved.

Jed Kenrick CEO

Ashleigh & Burwood

We presented our Christmas range at Harrogate in January and it includes the return of some festive favourites as well as some new products for the gifting season. Our Wax Melts, Scent Sticks and Say it with Scent Votive Candles are all new for Christmas 23.

We know that buying for Q4 happens at different times of the year in different businesses, which is why we provide insight into our Christmas offering almost a year in advance, to enable retailers to have the information available whenever they decide to buy. Some of our Christmas lines are in stock already, with more arriving towards the end of August, so we’re ready to dispatch when required.

Charlotte Gillan Managing Director

Classic Canes

Vanessa Curry Managing Director Best Kept Secrets

Winter and Q4 is our favourite time of year and we’ve been preparing for it since Q1! In terms of product development, we recently launched our Spirit of Christmas range and will be showcasing the full collection at Autumn Fair.

The range has been designed to be joyful, whimsical, and fun. Our 12 bestselling fragrances and stunning hand-poured candles come in recyclable vessels, each featuring a woodland creature. You’ll be pleased to know that they feature our trademark sparkle as well. I would love to know which is your favourite? (Mine is Let’s Eat, Drink & Be Merry.)

We have some really exciting new products arriving in time for Christmas gift ideas.  I’ve been busy with my paintbrush, and have designed seven new patterns for our adjustable walking sticks. These include natural subjects such as oak leaves and lavender flowers, and also a new series of abstract and avant garde designs including folk-art-inspired patterns and some surrealist designs.

Our exclusive patterns are one of the reasons that buyers come to us in search of items that are a bit different, which are designed especially to suit Brits’ tastes and sense of style.

Aylish Ellwood Trade Marketing Manager Enesco

As we move towards the busiest gift-giving time of the year, our main objective is to keep our retailers’ shelves full of affordable, attractive gifts to meet the ever changing wants and needs of the consumer.

Operationally, we’re totally geared up for this time of year. Our stock rooms are bursting with products, and we work closely with our local supply chain to ensure we can be proactive and reactive to the needs of our retailers as well.

Shows like Home & Gift and the Spring Fair and Autumn Fair mean we can work ahead of Q4 to really understand Christmas and how to best meet demand. It’s never too early for Christmas music either… The battle for Christmas number one begins straight after Autumn Fair at Best Kept Secrets HQ!

To achieve this we are preparing for the arrival of many containers, so we’re busy recruiting a number of seasonal warehouse staff so we can maintain our high level of customer service by delivering in a timely fashion. We enjoyed a successful Home & Gift, and plan to exhibit at a number of smaller trade fairs in the UK and Europe in the coming weeks. This helps us to react quickly should we feel we need to order more stock.

“There is a huge amount of logistical planning and preparation involved”

“We are busy recruiting a number of seasonal warehouse staff”

“Some of our Christmas lines are in stock already”

With the crucial Christmas trading period on the horizon, we ask a selection of leading gift suppliers how they are preparing for the all-important fourth quarter

“Q4 is our favourite time of year and we have been preparing for it since Q1!”

Keith Edmondson

Joint Managing Director Langs

We are busy liaising with our customers and sales agents, ensuring we are as aware as possible of what’s going on in the marketplace. We always say that our focus as a business must be on the customers we are lucky enough to supply, so understanding their pain points or requirements is vital to ensure we can provide a service, product, or concept to support them whenever we can.

The stock of Halloween, Fall and Christmas is pretty much all in stock now, as this is what customers requested when ordering at the start of the year.

Katy Rugman Product & Marketing Director The Puppet Company and Wilberry Toys

Following an incredible response to our launch of Spring 2024 at Harrogate, we are continuing to offer customers the assurance that in preordering (if) their circumstances change for any reason, we will work with them to ensure their best interests are accommodated. A customer can order from our 2024 range now, safe in the knowledge that they can even cancel this outright without any comeback.

The Autumn Fair will have these ranges on display, so I recommend anyone who hasn’t already looked to do so! We will also be taking our in-stock Christmas ranges to Autumn Fair, offering customers who need any last-minute stock the opportunity to place orders.

Oli Woodyatt

Sales Director

Alice Wheeler London

The final quarter is all about maximising all opportunities and making sure we can deliver a good level of key lines to our customer.

Helen Cottrill Marketing Consultant Blade & Rose

We are so busy in the lead-up to Christmas. We are attending several trade fairs over the next few months: Gift & Home in Dublin, showUp in The Netherlands, Harrogate International Nursery Fair, INDX Toy & Gift, and Top Drawer. We will be presenting our new collections and our best-sellers at all the shows. We ensure we have good stock levels of all the best-selling items and sizes, allowing us to ship orders quickly. Our team in Kendal is so flexible - we often have everyone in the warehouse packing orders. They all understand how important great customer service is, especially in the fourth quarter.

The Puppet Company and Wilberry Toys exist to bring joy to children through creative play, so we get very excited about the festive season and preparations for Q4 begin very early in the year. This year has been particularly busy, as we’ve launched our first licensed puppetElmer the Patchwork Elephant - and have lots of new products launching at Autumn Fair for Christmas, plus a couple of incredible charitable collaborations that we’re really excited about.

Scott Clarke Head of Sales and Operations Rex London

Our product development team has been working hard to make sure we get all our newness in on time, including some beautiful new wooden advent calendars, wooden toys, craft kits, and homeware.

To help show them all off, we’re pleased to be making a return to the Autumn Fair with an all-new stand, where we hope to see as many customers as possible. Alongside that, we will be launching our new-look trade website to make buying easier than ever.

Lawrence Savage UK Marketing Manager Exacompta Clairefontaine

We have a lot of exciting new products lined up for launch across all of our best-selling brands over the next couple of months. We are extending our popular selection of spooky Halloween and Christmas-themed Décopatch products, and we are introducing a new range of festive Clairefontaine handicrafts, which includes an eyecatching paper stars set and tabletop advent calendar display.

“We are introducing a new range of festive Clairefontaine handicrafts”

“We will be launching our new-look trade website to make buying easier than ever”

“We often have everyone in the warehouse packing orders”

“We will be taking our in-stock Christmas ranges to Autumn Fair”

“We get very excited about the festive season and preparations for Q4 begin very early in the year”

A little shop with big ideas

Sophie Nevitt, owner of gifts and homeware shop So Sophie in the seaside

What’s

town

of Seaton in Devon, shares her inspirational story with Clare Turner

your career background?

After leaving school I worked for Tesco for six years, working my way up to the position of team leader helping to run the day-to-day operations of the store’s home shopping department. At the

same time, I attended craft fairs and rented shelves within a couple of local businesses, selling my handmade and upcycled items - gradually adding giftware as my business grew.

Tell us a bit about So Sophie. I opened the doors to my little shop at the age of 23 in October 2016, after deciding to leave my job and follow my dream of having my own business. Located in the gorgeous seaside town of Seaton in East Devon, a few minutes from the beach, the shop is just over 1,000sq ft and full to the brim with gorgeous gifts for you and your home. All the items are carefully chosen by me to complement an ever-changing range of upcycled furniture and handmade soft furnishings.

I pride myself on offering something just a little bit different, with excellent customer service at the shop’s heart, and a fantastically quirky collection of products.

How would you describe your range?   I try to ensure that I stock a wide range of gifts, preferring to provide a collection that can’t be sourced anywhere else locally.

Why did you decide to open a gift shop?

I always wanted to have my own business and, having gathered knowledge from my time with Tesco - along with sales from the rental units and craft fairs continuing to increase - I decided it was time to take the plunge. After researching where there was a gap in the market for a giftware/ home shop in the local area, I set about finding the perfect retail unit.

What are your key categories?  Gifts for you and your home.

Who are your key suppliers?   Langs, East Of India, Wrendale Designs, Jellycat, Joma Jewellery, Katie Loxton, Gisela Graham, Rosie Made A Thing, Frenchic, and Shoeless Joe.

How do you find products?  I spend hours trawling the internet looking for

“I pride myself on offering something just a little bit different, with excellent customer service at the shop’s heart, and a fantastically quirky collection of products”

new suppliers, as well as attending trade shows - especially Spring Fair and Autumn Fair at the NEC. It’s always lovely to see reps and see what exciting new products are being released in the coming months.

What’s your selection criteria?

If another shop in the local area stocks a product, I try to find something different. Although we’re situated by the sea, I avoid the usual seaside-type gifts. I prefer items that are more home-themed.

What’s proving popular?

Humorous greeting cards and coasters from Rosie Made A Thing - customers stop to chuckle at them, faux flowers - customers enjoy creating their own bouquets from the single stems we stock, jugs and vases, and the ever-popular Jellycats.

What lines have you started stocking recently?

A wider variety of faux flowers.

How has trading been for you this year?

Challenging so far, with the worry of the combined effect of the current poor economic climate and the building of a new supermarket adjacent to my shop. That has resulted in the closure of a car park which is right outside the shop and has plunged the shop into the middle of a building site, which has destroyed passing trade. There are other car parks in the town but they are further away, and many visitors are now struggling to find and access my shop. I’m trying to stay positive and doing everything I can to ride this rocky time.

How do you maintain the interest of customers?

I try to post regularly on social media and pay to promote a number of those posts, so they reach a wider audience. I also give out cards which say thank you for supporting my small business and include details of my website, Instagram and Facebook. Plus, I occasionally offer a discount off online purchases. And I frequently changeover stock to encourage regular customers to visit the shop again.

Do you offer any services?

All purchases can be gift-wrapped, which is very popular at Christmas. Gift vouchers are also available to purchase. And I host a Christmas launch night for previewing the year’s festive collection, with free goodie bags and refreshments given to attendees.

I close for two days prior to the night and restyle the shop with all of that year’s Christmas collection - there’s lots of decorations and giftware. What’s on your counter/ by the till?

A selection of small gift ideas such as Crumble and Core boxed jewellery, Langs’ seed cards and bracelet seed cards, an arrangement of faux flowers, and shop business cards.

Are you looking at expanding into new product categories?

I’m always on the lookout for new suppliers who have a gift idea that’s just a little bit different. What’s next for your business?

I have lots of exciting ideas in the planning stage which hopefully - before too much longer - will come to life.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job?

Meeting so many lovely people and hearing their positive and encouraging words about my little business.

And the most challenging?   Being the face of a business - it’s a lot of responsibility for one person! Coupled with long hours and a never-ending to-do list, it can be challenging at times. But I wouldn’t change it for the world; the job satisfaction of being your own boss and knowing what you’ve created is all down to your own hard work and determination. What’s your current favourite gift on your shelves?

Oh, it’s tricky to pick just one… but at the moment it’s a gorgeous ‘be happy always’ jug from Langs. What advice would you give to someone starting out in gift retailing?      Firstly, know your market. Who are you trying to reach with your products? What are they looking for when purchasing gifts? Secondly, build a collection you absolutely LOVE. If you love what you sell, it will show when you’re creating displays in your shop, and it will never feel like hard work! Finally, create a vision for your shop and purchase products that fit that vision, so potential customers will be able to see clearly what you sell.

Top 5 Best Sellers

1 Homeware

2 Lampshades

3 Reed diffusers

4 Greeting cards

5 Jellycat plush

Raise a toast to new challenges

What’s your background?

My sales career started with Unilever, where I learned all my ‘blue chip’ selling methods, and then progressed to Dinky/Meccano as field sales manager.

I joined the giftware industry in 1979 with Heredities, a bronze figurine business based in Cumbria. During my 10 years there, I created a successful sales structure and diversified the business into other giftware sectors.

In 1989, I moved to Collectible World Studios (CWS) as a founder director and latterly shareholder. As part of the collectable market worth over £250 million, I developed UK and export sales. The company launched more than six brands over a decade, using a top sales team and innovative sales methods devised and managed by me as a hands-on sales director.

At CWS my role was restricted to sales, but I wanted to develop broader skills. So, in the late 1990s, I enrolled at Henley Business School and completed several courses focused on managing people and my interpersonal skills. This enabled me to take up my first

managing director role with Stuart Hougton Ltd, where, for the first time, I was responsible for manufacturing, product sourcing, and marketing - as well as financial controls.

In 2004 I was headhunted by the parent company of Gleneagles of Edinburgh to restructure and diversify the business. A year later, I became managing director and a

major shareholder, and completed a management buyout.

A giftware sector was added to the business, and in 2007 we acquired an SME: the Heacham-based body care business Norfolk Lavender, which was integrated into the group. This is when I first got involved in product sourcing and development, working with glass factories throughout Europe, giftware companies in the Far East, and toiletry manufacturers in the UK. This was a major turning point in my career, which I embraced.

What motivates and drives you today?

Gleneagles was sold in 2009, and recognising my destiny in working with and restructuring SMEs became my passion. To this end, I’ve

worked with numerous businesses including Coleshill Plastics, Hudson and Middleton, and Ceramic Design Heritage, developing product sourcing, manufacturing, and sales structure with them.

My role is to hands-on refocus companies, by creating sales, marketing and product strategies to help them become financially strong with a strategy for profitable growth. I take great pleasure in helping others become successful and passing on my knowledge and experience at an affordable cost.

What’s keeping you busy?

I’m a freelance sales and marketing director for several businesses, including Xystos Flame and Fragrance, where I manage its Luminara brand. I deal with national accounts including major department stores and QVC, and manage its trade shows.

I started Ceramic Design Heritage seven years ago, with a focus on producing bespoke fine bone china

and textiles manufactured in the UK for the heritage sector. Four years ago we diversified into producing fine bone china for independent artist brands. My role is bespoke design and product development, along with sales and marketing.

Last year I helped Susan Leigh and Lucy Clarkson launch and structure Ballard Home, by working on product sourcing, sales and marketing, and financial structure. It was a very enjoyable 12 months which created rapid profitable market penetration.

What’s next?

I’m continuing to work with Ceramic Design Heritage, looking for new artists to work with, and developing product, sourcing and business strategy. I wake up every day looking for a new challenge with a smile on my face.

Call: 07909 539574

Email: paul@cdheritage.com

Visit: www.cdheritage.com

“I take great pleasure in helping others become successful and passing on my knowledge and experience”

Ceramic Design Heritage sales and marketing director Paul Travis is celebrating more than four decades in the gift trade. Gifts Today finds out more…

The Hever Castle range developed by Ceramic Design Heritage for Hever Castle

Fine Bone China Tankards created by Ceramic Design Heritage for Katie Cardew

The Highland Cow range from Ballard Home

Luminara Fragranced Diffusing Candle from Xystos

The word on the street...

What’s Hot?

At the beginning of the summer season, we were really excited to be trading with some new companies alongside some of our old favourites.

We managed to secure the Alice Wheeler bags and accessories collection at the Spring Fair, which we then launched in May. The veganfriendly leather bags and matching products (including purses, compact mirrors and wash bags) have been an absolute hit with our customers this summer - so much so that we have now added the lines onto our website to ship across the country.

We’ve also started trading with Basket Basket, which supplies us with beautiful handmade raffia bags and sunhats from Madagascar. The raffia is sustainably collected from the rainforest on the island, before being hand-dyed and woven by local workers who are paid a fair wage. These bags and sunhats have been trending as a popular buy this summer, and it’s always lovely to see customers wearing them out of the shop on a bright sunny day!

Another ‘hot’ accessory this summer has been our stunning sunglasses collection by Accessories by Park Lane. With different designs and tints to choose from, customers have been recommending these to their friends and family. Alongside these, also from Park Lane, are some fabulous cool

and light kimonos at superb prices. They have proved to be the perfect accessory for the beach as well as a cover-up over a vest top. Even our staff members have been buying them.

What’s Dropped?

Unsurprisingly, our sales of candles, wax melts and wax melt burners have seen a hit in sales over the warmer period.

I’m sure most of you will agree that these products are definitely more of an autumn and winter buy, so we expect these to pick up again in September when the shorter, darker days begin to loom. Although I do sometimes think: how many electric wax melt burners can one person own?!

What’s New?

We’ve been buying from Jellycat since our Maybugs adventure began, and they never cease to amuse me and my staff when new products arrive! We’ve built up a reputation for supplying Jellycat across the county, with regular collectors coming in to see what’s new.

Currently we have the adorable Sports Ball range, which has gone down a storm, and the new Sassy Sushi collection, which is just as popular. My personal favourite is the Carniflore Tammie and Priscilla carnivorous plants, which remind me of my favourite West End Show: Little Shop of Horrors.

At the start of the year we significantly increased our ranges with Widdop & Co. following the demise of Transomnia, and the new Gemstone Trees, which have just arrived, were selling as soon as we got them out of the box. With a selection of peridot, rose

Sussex

right now and we have bought a Friesian Cow range from Langs. Which are you, a ‘Posh cow’ or a ‘Moody cow’? With their cute faces and adorable noses, we just know they will be on the Hot List soon. With autumn just around the corner, and summer cooling down, we will be sourcing even more exciting new products in the run-up to Christmas. We never stop changing; keeping it fresh is the name of the game.

quartz and citrine, each Tree has its own unique healing properties within the crystals. Customers love them - and not just because they are a fabulous price.

Cows appear to be very on trend

With summer well and truly here, Maybugs co-owner Greg Rose dishes the dirt on what’s hot, what’s dropped, and what’s new at his three-strong gift shop chain in East

“We never stop changing; keeping it fresh is the name of the game”

Setting the mood

Following Retail100’s recent column on the theme of wedding gift trends, Susi Mason, owner of Casa Fina in Salisbury, describes why she’s dedicated her latest shop window display to the marriage season

Casa Fina opened on Salisbury High Street in 1983. It was a completely new venture for me and my mum Liz French, and we both had to learn the ropes of retail fast in a city we had only just moved to. Its position near the Cathedral Gate meant visitors and tourists passed by, but locals took a little time to discover us, because we’re located away from the main shopping centre.

However, over the years, Casa Fina has earned its place as one of Salisbury’s favourite independents, due to our diverse range of gifts and interior accessories - and our stunning window displays.

When mum retired in 1999, I took over the business and oversaw

several changes of direction - always trying to diversify to keep the shop interesting for regulars, while maintaining its kerb appeal.

In what is now our fortieth year (we celebrate our ruby anniversary in October), Casa Fina sticks to what it knows best: lighting and lampshades, home accessories, and a beautiful collection of vintage and antique items, particularly glassware.

A makeover by Fran Lee and Dean Powell in BBC One’s reality competition series ‘Interior Design Masters’ in Summer 2021 (the episode was broadcast in March 2022), has given the shop a fresh and airy new look.

Our latest window display has a wedding theme, with a faux wedding cake and a bottle of Henners’ Maypole fizz, borrowed from neighbouring independent businesses.

There are lots of examples of gifts on display, from antique china cups, cut glass and Georgian decanters, to enamel photo frames by Addison Ross, and clocks from Thomas Kent. The window is filled with Floralsilk’s pink blossom and lit with lamps from our varied lighting collection.

I always start a window display with the biggest items and build it up, filling the spaces intuitively as I go. A finished window always

attracts attention, and customers often pop in to say how much they appreciate it. New windows are usually promoted on Instagram (although they’re difficult to photograph with tight angles and reflections in the glass).

Sadly, over the past decade, our sales of wedding gifts have really slowed down. They used to be a staple but now many couples just want cash. However, often customers still prefer to give a present as well as - or instead of - money.

So we decided to turn over our window to celebrate the marriage season and remind customers that giving a wrapped wedding gift is still a lovely, thoughtful thing to do.

Window displays are partly advertising to passers-by and regulars who enjoy stopping to browse, and partly a way of communicating ideas - in this case, the seemingly old-fashioned one of gifting something personal and thoughtfully chosen for a couple’s special day.

It’s the first time the shop has had

a wedding display in several years, and we’ve had plenty of positive comments about it.

We also have a small online shop with a wedding list option, and gifts can be wrapped and delivered if necessary.

It’s a shame that couples automatically think of a large online site for their wedding lists, and not a small independent, as the choice can be much more unusual and often more sustainable too.

Casa Fina’s windows stay in for around four to eight weeks, depending on how popular they are and what’s arriving in-store. The next will be full of red geraniums and Strawberries pottery from Emma Bridgewater, ready for high summer.

Diary of a gift shop

Cathy Frost, owner of Loveone gift shop in Ipswich, talks about gifting with a conscience

There’s a multitude of challenges facing retailers at the moment. As we head towards our busiest season of the year, we are all having to evaluate our buying decisions.

Navigating my way through the ongoing cost-of-living crisis has reminded me of the banking crisis and recession that followed back in 2008/9. Some of the lessons learned then have stayed with me.

As we managed ourselves through that period, customers started to question the provenance of our products. They asked: ‘Where is it made? Who made it? Is it local? And is it recycled?’

A deeper sense of ‘buying with a conscience’ took root. It’s ebbed and flowed over subsequent years, but has recently crept back into the conversations we’re having instore. But the conversations are also being led by producers and creatives who want to share their point of difference with us, the buyers.

We now need to build a sense of provenance, and a responsibility for our buying choices, into the experiential shopping experience. Customers expect more when they select gifts; a positive and affirming backstory is very important.

So, what’s been happening in my store this year to meet this challenge? We have a few new products and a few favourites to tell you about.

Firstly, VENT for Change offers sustainable stationery that protects the planet and supports children’s education projects worldwide. As the company says: ‘You buy - we give.’ One of my favourite products is the SUCSEED range of reclaimed notebooks, which features covers made using reclaimed coffee beans or kiwi fruit or cherry husk or lavender flower, mixed with recycled paper. SUCSEED pens are made from recycled single-use plastic drinks bottles, and SUCSEED pencils are made from recycled CD cases. They make fun and sustainable gifts for any stationery lover.

Secondly, FRUU.. is a brand we discovered during lockdown. It was one of the first producers that we watched on an online marketplace, as none of us could go in-person to trade shows. The company turns wonky fruit into earth-loving vegan skin products. These are

largely made of ingredients extracted and derived from more than 15 different types of nutrient-bursting fruits. Most of the ingredients are produced as a byproduct of processed fruit waste, which generates vital extra revenue for small fruit farmers. The sustainable, UK-made cosmetics are favoured by all ages, and are at a great price point for small gifts. The lip balms, for example, are one of our best sellers.

And thirdly, I had the pleasure of meeting Sakina Saidi at the Progressive Greetings Live trade show in May. Sakina is a London-based French-Moroccan illustrator who creates uplifting art and stationery.

Her range includes greeting cards, prints, notebooks and giftwrap, and her work tells stories of how she sees the world. Many of Sakina’s cards and prints contain positive messages and images that celebrate diversity. Social consciousness is at the heart, bringing together themes around gender equality, mental health, and community. Her work is proving very popular.

I’m looking forward to the next season of trade shows and I’m hoping, as ever, to discover more beautiful giftsand the stories behind the products.

“We now need to build a sense of provenance, and a responsibility for our buying choices, into the experiential shopping experience”

Feeling crafty Joe Davies

Joe Davies will showcase its new Creative Crochet Kits at Autumn Fair. Packaged in a craft box, each kit includes everything you need to create a sweet character for Christmas or any occasion. Whether you’re a keen beginner, an experienced crocheter or giving this as a gift, the kit caters to all skill levels. With clear instructions and all the materials and tools needed, revel in the satisfaction of completing your very own handmade masterpiece! Choose from a Cat, Dog, Bee, Unicorn, Xmas Santa, Xmas Elf, Xmas Reindeer and many more options.

Meanwhile, the new Filigree Collection combines contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship. Each piece is feminine and elegant, and suitable for any occasion - casual or formal. The range comprises necklaces, bracelets and earrings, many of which can form matching sets for that extra special event. The Filigree Collection is just one of the exciting new Equilibrium collections that will be on display at the Fair.

Call: 0161 975 6300 | Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk

Visit: www.joedavies.co.uk

Glow up! Personalised Memento Company

Scent appeal

Ashleigh & Burwood

Ashleigh & Burwood is growing its signature brand, currently best known for Fragrance Lamps and Lamp Fragrances. New premium Scented Candles and Reed Diffusers offer shoppers a chance to enjoy the powerful evocative scents of the brand’s Lamp Fragrances in these popular formats for the first time.

A total of 10 scents, including Moroccan Spice and Fresh Linen, are now featured in 140g Scented Candles and 65g Votive Candles. Burning for up to 28 hours and 12 hours respectively, the candles are contained in ombre vessels of black glass, finished with a black wooden lid and gold detailing.

Brand new Reed Diffusers in the same 10 scents are also arriving. Using black rattan reeds for optimal fragrance release, these 120ml diffusers provide up to 10 weeks of scent. Pre-orders are being taken for the new additions, with stock available in September.

Plus, the company is continuing to expand its multi-fragrance brand, The Scented Home, to encompass a variety of formats and fragrances providing the best scent solution for every home, no matter the size, style, or scent preference.

Now joining the range are mini versions of the popular Reed Diffusers and Scented Candles that draw on successful design formulas in a smaller size, which allows for a lower price point. Echoing the classic 150ml Reed Diffuser, the new 50ml Mini Reed Diffuser is ideal for scenting small spaces and gives customers the opportunity to be more experimental with their scent choices, thanks to its low price point.

The new Votive Scented Candles use The Scented Home’s signature soy wax blend, engineered for optimum burn and fragrance throw. Offering 12 hours of burn time, these cute candles are individually boxed and highly giftable.

Mini Reed Diffusers are in stock now, and Votive Scented Candles are available at the end of September.

Call: 01932 267060 | Email: trade@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk

Visit: www.ashleigh-burwood.co.uk

Personalised Memento Company has the perfect way to add a special personalised touch to your gift-giving this Christmas. With a warm glow and cute Santa design - and the option to add your own message - this new personalised Santa LED Glass Jar makes a great gift for the festive season.

Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk

Visit: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

Time to mine Puckator

Is your work desk looking a bit bare? Or does your book shelf have a space which you don’t know how to fill? Well luckily Puckator has expanded its already impressive range of Solar Pals to include brand new Minecraft versions, styled as the iconic Steve and Alex characters.

These are novelty ornaments which animate when exposed to sunlight; in this case Alex starts mining, and Steve swings his sword. So, grab your pickaxe, pop your mining helmet on, and watch these new Minecraft Solar Pals make your desk a little more fun!

Call: 0800 011 6969

Email: customerservices@puckator.co.uk

Visit: www.Puckator.co.uk

Plan ahead in 2024 Exacompta

Clairefontaine

Premium stationery brand Rhodia has launched a range of 2024 Webplanner diaries, enabling note taking and journalling enthusiasts to organise and plan their schedules over the year. They come in A5 or A6 sizes, with a choice of horizontal or vertical grid formats across a selection of eight colours. Each Webplanner features an Italian leatherette hard cover with an embossed logo, 160 pages of luxurious PEFC-certified Clairefontaine 90gsm brushed ivory coloured paper, and an elastic closure and ribbon bookmark. Each page has a micro-perforated corner for easy reference, and a traditional gusseted inner pocket to store items such as receipts and tickets.

Call: 01553 696600

Email: enquiries@exaclair.co.uk

Visit: www.exaclairlimited.com

Hand Painted