The much-awaited NEC Autumn Fa ir is just around the corner, and we couldn’t be more thr illed to ex te nd a wa rm invitation to all of you! We’re all set to showcase a stunning array of design-led homeware s, accessorie s, gifting, home fragrances and our new range of furniture.
We’ve got you cove re d for those of you lo oking to stock up on the late st trends and must-have items, or those wishing to discuss ow n-brand development. With a low minimum order value of just £100, it’s easier than ever to get your hands on our fabulous products. Plus, for our UK & Ireland customers, we of fe r the ad de d benefit of carriage paid at £250, ensuring a seamless and costef fe ctive shopping ex perience
Please contact our sale s te am contact@candlelight. co.uk or call 0170 9 723000 for further information.
Production Director Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk
Lema Publishing Ltd
1 Churchgates, The Wilderness, Berkhamsted, Herts, HP4 2UB
Telephone: 01442 289930 www.giftstoday.media
72 Shop Talk: As we move into the Autumn/Winter buying season, retailers reflect on how 2024 is shaping up for them, from success stories to fresh finds 80 Trade Talk: With the festive trading period on the horizon, a selection of leading gift suppliers share their plans and preparations for Q4 - and predictions for Christmas bestsellers
Columnists
18 Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira (British Independent Retailers Association)
Anna Berry, director and co-founder of Retail100
of Joco
Cover Story
of
in
Message from the Editor
Do you know how much the average Brit intends to spend this Christmas? According to research just released by IPA [Institute of Practitioners in Advertising], the total figure is almost £600 - £593.90 to be exact.
IPA quizzed 2,000 UK adults and found out that the majority (55%) expect to spend most of their Christmas 2024 budget on gifts for others, followed by food and drink (18%), travel (6%), gifts for themselves (4%), socialising (4%) and decorations (2%).
And almost a third expect to still be shopping during December, while 43% plan to have finished their shopping before Black Friday on November 29.
So, ensuring you’re well prepared before this peak period is crucial - and we’re here to help! This issue is bursting with new gift ideas. It includes previews of four UK trade shows that take place in September - making them well-timed for you to stock up before the big rush: Autumn Fair, Top Drawer A/W, Jewellery Show, and Brand Licensing Europe. (We also look ahead to Harrogate Christmas & Gift and HKTDC Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair in 2025.)
As Soraya Gadelrab, event director of Autumn Fair, says: “As retailers navigate uncertainties, focusing on the Christmas trading performance is pivotal for delivering profitable growth in 2024.”
With this in mind, we’ve quizzed several indies about how they are approaching the Autumn/Winter buying season.
And we’ve asked a selection of leading gift suppliers to share their preparations for the all-important fourth quarter, from the plans they’ve got in place to support retailers with Christmas orders, to the products they anticipate will be their festive bestsellers.
Our Cover Star Warmies has high hopes
for some charming new additions to its range. For Yuletide, it’s introducing the Christmas Gnome, Christmas Pudding and many other festive friends to unwrap which, it says, ‘are designed to bring cheer and comfort, making them perfect gifts for the festive season’. You can read more about the brand’s new product developments - and impressive growth storyon page 26.
On another note, I must point out the surprising findings of a survey conducted recently by Rex London on the theme of gift-giving. It reveals that 92% of people prefer giving random gifts rather than Christmas, birthday or gifts for other marked occasions, and 91% say the same for receiving them. When asked what the most important aspects of gift-giving are, thoughtfulness came out on top, followed by the effort, uniqueness, practicality and, in last place, price.
It serves as a reminder that people often act on impulse when buying gifts - that “I saw this, and thought of you” moment - whatever the time of year!
This was also the inspiration for Steph Douglas to launch her online gift retail business Don’t Buy Her Flowers. Read more about why she’s on a mission to make gifting more meaningful on page 75.
So what’s the story behind your business? I’m always keen to hear from readers who would like to take part in our features, interviews, or news pages. You can email me at clare@lemapublishing.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn. And look out for the Gifts Today team at the shows - do stop and say hello!
Clare Turner, Editor clare@lemapublishing.co.uk
New CEO for
Ashleigh & Burwood
Literacy Capital has named Penny Grivea as the new CEO for Ashleigh & Burwood (A&B), its consumer home fragrance brand.
She brings 25 years of consumer and retail experience to the role, having previously worked for Selfridges, Harrods, and Georg Jensen. For the past nine years she has headed up the beauty and home multinational Rituals in the UK and IE, establishing the business and leading its expansion from seven to 80 stores.
Paul Pindar at Literacy Capital said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Penny to the team. Her deep understanding of the consumer market, combined with passion for product, service, and for creating and leading high performing teams makes her the ideal leader to guide A&B through its next phase of growth.”
Penny added: “I’m pleased and honoured to be named CEO of A&B. The company has a long history of creating highquality, beloved products and I’m excited to work with the team and all our partners to build upon this legacy. We have a significant opportunity to elevate the brand and expand our reach to new customers, both in the UK and internationally.”
Autumn Fair hosts Merchandising Masterclasses
Autumn Fair, which takes place from September 1 to September 4 at NEC Birmingham, will be creating a popup shop in the Buyer’s Lounge and hosting a series of live Merchandising Masterclasses with Debbie Flowerday. She has extensive knowledge and experience of the display and visual merchandising industry, working globally for retailers including Max Mara, Mary Quant, Estée Lauder, Top Shop, Gucci, and Royal Worcester,
Each day, she will host a live installation session dressing a shop window within a specific theme and methodology including ‘Gifting & Pyramid Merchandising’, ‘Seasonal & Repetition Merchandising’, and ‘Building a Collection & Grouping Merchandising’.
In between sessions, she will o er 1-2-1 personalised masterclass sessions with buyers. As Debbie says: “The shop window is the face of your business; it’s the cheapest form of advertising.”
Random gifting is all the rage
Rex London has conducted a survey to find out what we like and dislike about gift-giving. Results from about 1,250 respondents reveal that 48% expect to receive random gifts from their partners.
In addition, 92% prefer giving random gifts rather than Christmas, birthday or gifts for other marked occasions, and 91% say the same for receiving them.
When asked what the most important aspects of gift-giving are, thoughtfulness came out on top, followed by the e ort, uniqueness, practicality and, in last place, price.
The findings show that the best way to tell you’ve given a good gift isn’t by the reaction of the recipient. More than half of respondents (52%) said it’s by how quickly they engage with the gift, and 44% believe it’s defined by bringing up the gift in a random conversation in the future.
Rex London also found that our least favourite people to buy for are the in-laws, with 26% of people voting for them. On the other hand, kids are the most popular group to buy gifts for (56%), followed by best friends (11%). More respondents voted for the dog than they did for friends or dads for their ‘favourite’!
Something Di erent Wholesale celebrates silver jubilee
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Something Di erent Wholesale. Founded by CEO Jane Wallace-Jones, the company began as a simple car boot sale in the early 1990s.
Jane’s vision and entrepreneurial spirit quickly transformed it into a wholesale operation, which was marked by the opening of its 5,000 sq ft warehouse and the launch of its ecommerce website for wholesale gifts in 1999.
Today, the company is recognised as one of the largest giftware suppliers and importers in the UK, employing 80 sta . It stocks more than 3,000 products in its 157,000sq ft warehouse in Wales and supplies over 25,000 customers worldwide. Some 80% of its products are designed in-house, and it o ers next-day delivery options, seven days a week.
GA crowns The People’s Choice winner
The Gift of the Year Awards 2024, organised by the Giftware Association (GA), has named Fox Under The Moon as the winner of The People’s Choice Award.
The company, led by Stacey McNeill, secured the prestigious prize for the second consecutive year with its One Step At A Time greeting cards range.
Stacey said: “I can’t believe we’ve been fortunate enough to win The People’s Choice Awards two years running. Winning in 2023 really put us on the map. It was the jumpingoff point for us being noticed and taken more seriously in the trade world - and it’s been an incredible 12 months for us.”
This award is voted for by the public. Noting the record-breaking engagement with more than 8,000 votes cast, GA CEO Sarah Ward commented: “This award is a testament to the power of connection between brands and consumers.” For the first time, the GA also recognised the next two brands in line: Beevive and Little Dog Laughed.
The GA has now launched the Gift of the Year Awards 2025. With more than 70 judges already signed up, the upcoming competition promises even greater opportunities for brands to gain recognition and showcase their products. For more information, go to www.giftoftheyear.co.uk.
New appointment at Candlelight
Gifts, home décor and home accessories supplier Candlelight has appointed Alex Waterhouse as account manager, responsible for the company’s independent customers.
Kate Winch, sales and marketing lead at Candlelight, commented: “Alex started with us as an apprentice at the age of 16. After completing a two-year course in customer services, he then began full-time work in the sales admin department, supporting our independent customer base.
“Star at the shows, he quickly developed his own fan base! Alex has diligently honed his skills and proven his capabilities. He is now on the path to achieving national account manager status.”
Survey reveals
Xmas spending plans
The average British consumer expects to spend almost £600 (£593.90) on core Christmas-related products and activities during the 2024 festive period, according to the IPA’s [Institute of Practitioners in Advertising] annual Christmasfocused survey of 2,000 UK adults, carried out by Opinium. The IPA Insight report entitled ‘The 2024 Christmas Consumer’ reveals that this expected spend is highest among 35-44s (£723.40) and over 75s (£607.60) and lowest among 65-74s (£486.60) and 55-64s (£489.60). Parents also expect to spend considerably more (£654.40) than non-parents (£397.90).
The majority (55%) of UK adults expect to spend most of their Christmas 2024 budget on gifts for others, followed by food and drink (18%), travel (6%), gifts for themselves (4%), socialising (4%) and decorations (2%).
Almost a third (31%) expect to still be shopping during December, while 43% plan to have finished their shopping before Black Friday. Parents are more likely to do their shopping early (18% in September and October and 20% in the first half of November) than non-parents (13% in September and October and 14% in early November).
Young workers are the most open to buying gifts from new or emerging brands with almost two-thirds (61%) of 2534s and more than half of 18-24s (54%) and 35-44s (56%) considering this.
The statistics also show that 56% of 18-24s and 25-34s hope to receive practical or essential gifts rather than luxury items this Christmas. This is lowest among over 75s (28%) and 55-64s (32%).
IPA Insight manager Eric Kreis commented: “While consumers’ Christmas budgets appear healthy, we imagine that with the cost-of-living crisis continuing to grip, they will want to make sure every penny counts. This data therefore provides helpful insights into the habits, feelings and plans of UK adults around Christmas 2024.”
L-R: Fox Under The Moon director Jamie McNeill and founder Stacey McNeill, Lema Publishing managing director Mark Naish, and Gifts Today advertisement manager Marian McNamara
years and counting
AVery few exhibitions can boast more than 50 years of trading, but Harrogate Christmas & Gift could well be the oldest in the UK for the trade sector with a ‘birth’ date of 1950, and 75 years in the running…
ccording to event registration company Jonas Event Technology, the longestrunning trade-only exhibition in the world is The NAMM Show in the US, which is organised by the National Association of Music Merchants and made its debut in 1902. The UK’s longest running consumer event is the Ideal Home Show, which first opened its doors in London in 1908.
So what is the perfect recipe that makes the Ideal Home Show and Harrogate Christmas & Gift so popular that hordes of people return year after year, and never seem to tire of planning and walking the halls?
Reflecting on this notion, Harrogate Christmas & Gift show organiser Simon Anslow says: “In the past decade particularly, people seem to be seeking solutions to experience an idyllic lifestyle, create beautiful homes, and hanker for the nostalgic past. Both events present a constant flow of amazing products, o ering fresh ideas and new possibilities that evolve with current fashions and trends.
“Harrogate Christmas & Gift is mostly about Christmas and, as the biggest trade show in the UK for this sector, has the greatest range of festive products that retailers can find anywhere. In fact, buyers attend from all over Europe and even further afield, as the o ering is so great.”
Christmas is often the one time of year when extended British families gather together, so it’s understandable that they want to decorate their homes to make them festive, warm and welcoming. However, the show is also very multicultural, so those celebrating festivals such as Eid, Hanukkah and Thanksgiving (to name just a few!), are equally well catered for.
The 2025 event, which takes place from January 12 to January 15, o ers a hugely diverse range of products from Christmas trees, baubles, ornaments and decorations, to the latest technology in festive lights and candles.
You will discover nine halls of the Harrogate Convention Centre absolutely packed with everything you can imagine for the best ever celebration. Ornaments, giftware, floral displays, food items, toys, pet gifts… if you need an item for a happy event, you are pretty much guaranteed to find it here.
New for 2025, Kaemingk is moving into Hall G and will fill 400sq m with its distinctive collection of seasonal decorations for the home and garden. Joining this key supplier will be Swift Imports, CB Imports and Calipso (Roast).
Importantly, because this is a trade-only show, exhibitors are keen to help customers create the ideal presentation to consumers in-store, and will o er merchandising ideas, well thought-out and merchandised collections, and even large in-store displays.
Harrogate Christmas & Gift o ers free entry for all trade visitors and buyers.
Registration is now open for HKTDC Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair 2025, billed as ‘the world’s leading gifts fair with boundless creativity and inspiration’
HKTDC Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair is a leading global marketplace for the gifts industry, where manufacturers, exporters, wholesalers, and designers alike connect with buyers from around the world and across various sectors to do business, build relationships, and explore the latest market trends.
The 40th edition of the Fair will take place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from April 27 to April 30 2025. It will feature two product zones: the Hall of Fine Designs, showcasing premium and designer brands in a suitably stylish and prestigious environment; and Deluxe Gift Ideas, highlighting a huge array of trendy, top-class gift products in deluxe booths.
This year, HKTDC Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair featured more than 4,000 exhibitors from 21 countries and regions, and welcomed over 38,000 buyers from both local and international markets. Key buyers included notable names such as Brand Concept, The Hyundai, Tesco, Aldi, and more.
The HKTDC London o ce, in collaboration with British Jewellery & Giftware International (BJGI), successfully organised a distinguished UK buyer delegation to attend the event.
David Ruben, managing director of Hertfordshirebased novelty gift company
The Diabolical Gift People (TDGP), was one of the buyers recommended by BJGI to participate.
He took the opportunity to expand his network through multiple business-
matching sessions with exhibitors.
Leveraging the diverse range of exhibitors available, David successfully established connections with several new suppliers, and finalised orders with four of them.
He is currently negotiating deals with an additional six exhibitors for future collaborations.
David Ruben, managing director of The Diabolical Gift People, at the HKTDC Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair 2024
David said: “I found the show to be excellent. The diversity among the exhibitors was impressive. The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre is truly a fantastic venue, and I look forward to returning in 2025.”
Register today for your free badge at https://tinyurl.com/53zpefcx and plan YOUR trip to Hong Kong in 2025!
From icy streets to windswept mountains, a winter trio of scarf, gloves and hat will shield you from the harsh elements and add a touch of style to your outfit. The Equilibrium men’s fashion accessories collection from Joe Davies has it all.
There are scarves in numerous fabrics and styles, including distinct patterns and bright colours to more muted, subdued designs; gloves to suit all tastes; and new for 2024 are men’s luxury chenille beanie hats.
All Equilibrium for men scarves and gloves come complete with luxury branded gift boxes, yet they are very a ordable and great value for money, making them perfect to give as presents. Scarves are more than just an accessory for fashionconscious men and, lucky for you, this collection has something for all tastes just waiting to be snapped up!
When it comes to gifting, it’s always the sentiment and thought that goes into it that makes it special, and Joe Davies understands this perfectly. With this in mind, the company has launched a new range of Pebble Glass sentiment art plaques, which make charming additions to any home d cor and are suitable to hang on a wall or sit on a shelf.
Their combination of printed design with glass pebbles and simple artwork gives them a quirky, handmade feel. Choose from Mum, Best Friend, Home and Family - and there are even designs for cat and dog lovers. These are the perfect way to say a heartfelt message to loved ones.
Customer service is at the heart of everything Joe Davies does. From its signature ‘little and often’ ordering quantities to its low minimum order value of just £100 for carriagepaid orders, it aims to make your buying experience as easy and a ordable as possible.
Call: 0161 975 6300
Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk
Visit: www.joedavies.co.uk
On trend Candlelight
LED candles continue to be in demand for Autum/Christmas decor due to their safety, longevity, and versatility. Candlelight has experimented with vessels and colours to make these more attractive for the season.
The company has also launched new fragrances for Christmas. Scents such as spiced caramel wa e, blackberry pancake, fig and apple, cinnamon buns, and cabin in the woods evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia - perfect for the holiday season.
For larger customers, candle pallet deals and FSDUs (Floor Standing Display Units) are becoming increasingly popular, o ering a quick turnaround for seasonal buys.
The trend of ‘bigger is better’ is prominent in home fragrance in A/W24. Consumers are gravitating towards larger vessels that hold more wax and multiple wicks, ensuring a longer-lasting and more intense aromatic experience. This also extends to larger reed di users that can last up to a year.
Call: 01709 723000
Email: Kate.winch@candlelight.co.uk
Visit: www.candlelight.co.uk
Festive scene
Enesco
Enesco is thrilled to launch ‘This is the Moment’, which will resonate with your customers and become a cherished part of their holiday traditions, through a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.
The collection is created by Wendy Wiinanen, an American artist and designer with a passion for the holiday season. She has put her twist on this by creating traditional Christmas products from mango wood and aluminium. The brand o ers a range of seasonal decorations and hanging ornaments.
At the heart of the collection is the Arched Nativity which features a gracefully curved wooden arch, framing a serene nativity scene fashioned from metal. This centrepiece is more than a decoration; it’s a testament to the rich tradition of the holidays. The collection also includes a three-piece set, Angels in a stable, a rising star Nativity piece which closes shut making it easy to store, and four metal hanging ornaments.
Call: 01228 404022
Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk
Visit: www.enesco.co.uk
Eastern treasures Namaste
Namaste has launched an exquisite range of hand-painted Kashmiri candlesticks and oval trinket dishes. Each handcrafted piece comes in six stunning colourways and features intricate floral designs, showcasing true artisanal craftsmanship. These items are perfect for adding elegance and charm to any space, embodying timeless beauty and sophistication.
The Kashmiri range reflects the delicate artistry and cultural heritage of Kashmir, making these candlesticks and trinket dishes both stylish and versatile. Enhance any home decor with Namaste’s new collection, blending tradition and elegance seamlessly.
There’s been plenty of bumps in the night going on at Decopatch, as the paper crafting brand has launched new seasonal mache shapes and papers to join its collection of spooky Halloween-themed products.
In addition to a wide range of creepy cauldrons, witches, haunted houses and other fiendish creations, a new terrifying trio of ghost figures is being released. Available in packs of three, one traditional candlestick ghost stands at 10.5cm, while another is 14cm tall as it wears a witch’s hat. The third is the largest of all at 16cm high and boasts a pair of bat wings. A striking crow model, alongside a pumpkin mask (measuring 35x45cm), are also offered as part of the selection.
Plus, a new limited edition foil paper pack is being unwrapped for Halloween. It contains four co-ordinating 30x40cm sheets with exclusive patterns enhanced with orange and black foil effect highlights. These are just two examples from the range of more than 40 assorted packs. Call: 01553 696600
Celebrate the milestone Personalised Memento Company
PMC is excited to announce its brand-new Bar and Bat Mitzvah range, among which is this beautiful personalised silver tone necklace and box. With an assortment of carefully selected gifts, including photo frames and keepsakes, there is sure to be the ideal gift to commemorate this milestone occasion. Visit PMC’s trade website today to register for your account and get started.
Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk
Visit: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk
Reshaping retail employment rights
Andrew Goodacre , CEO of Bira (British Independent Retailers Association) unpacks
the
King’s Speech employment reforms and their impact on independent retailers
As the King’s Speech unfolds, outlining the new Labour government’s priorities, one aspect stands out for independent retailers: The New Deal for Workers.
This comprehensive reform package promises to reshape the landscape of employment law in the UK, and as CEO of Bira, I want to ensure that indie retailers are prepared for these impending changes.
Opportunity knocks!
Bira members are being o ered the chance to be featured on the association’s website in its Spotlight On… series (with those all-important backlinks to their own online platforms). Spotlight On… articles are an opportunity for retailers to gain visibility, enhance their brand’s reputation, and connect with other members. They include a feature on Gifts Today’s diarist Cathy Frost, owner of Loveone gift shop in Ipswich.
She shares insights into her retail journey, the challenges she’s overcome, and the power of community engagement. Read all about Cathy and her business at https://bira. co.uk/resources/spotlight-on-loveone
To take part, members just need to fill out the online form, providing as many details as possible along with pictures, and send it in! Find more details at https://bira.co.uk/Spotlight-callout
The proposed Employment Rights Bill introduces 10 key areas of reform that will significantly impact how we manage our workforce. Let’s break these down:
• Employment Status. The introduction of a single ‘worker’ status aims to simplify the current system, potentially a ecting how we classify our employees and contractors.
• Day One Employment Rights. Expanding rights from the first day of employment could increase our responsibilities to new hires.
• Zero-Hour Contracts Ban. This change will require us to rethink flexible sta ng arrangements, particularly for seasonal peaks.
• End to Fire and Rehire. We will need to review our restructuring strategies to ensure compliance with new regulations.
• Fair Pay. Changes to the National Minimum Wage and Statutory Sick Pay could a ect our payroll and budgeting.
• Equal Pay. Strengthened measures for pay equality will necessitate a thorough review of our compensation structures.
• Family-Friendly Rights. Extended rights for working parents and carers may require adjustments to our leave policies.
• Equality Measures. New protections against discrimination will demand a fresh look at our diversity and inclusion practices.
• Redundancy and TUPE Rights. Enhanced protections during business transfers and redundancies will add complexity to these processes.
• Trade Union Rights. Stronger union powers could alter how we engage with employee representatives.
These changes are sweeping and complex. As independent retailers, we often operate with lean teams and tight margins. Adapting to these new regulations will be challenging, but it’s
crucial for our businesses’ long-term success and compliance.
Now, more than ever, access to expert legal advice is paramount. That’s where a Bira membership proves invaluable. Members have free access to our team of legal experts who are already analysing these proposed changes and preparing guidance tailored to our sector.
Our legal helpline is standing by to answer your questions and help you navigate these new waters. Whether you need clarification on the new ‘worker’ status or advice on adjusting your contracts, we’re here to support you.
Moreover, Bira members have exclusive access to up-to-date documents and templates that will be crucial in implementing these changes. As the legislation evolves, so will our resources, ensuring you’re always compliant and informed.
The retail landscape is changing, and so are the rules of employment. But remember, you’re not facing these challenges alone. Bira is committed to supporting you through these transitions, providing the tools and knowledge you need to adapt and thrive.
While change can be daunting, it also presents opportunities. By staying informed and prepared, we can create fairer, more productive workplaces that benefit both employers and employees.
Best of both
The Straits Trading Co. has been a highly regarded supplier to the home and giftware industry since its inception, and has evolved and grown over the years to ensure it brings new and exciting products to its loyal customers each season.
Key collections include the extensive Christmas range, Endless Summer, and seasonal core collections. For Christmas, glitter water spinners are proving as popular as ever, alongside the ‘Magical Winter Village’ animated and musical ornaments.
Endless Summer will be enjoying a rebrand for Spring/ Summer 2025. This collection is home to stunning florals, planters, bistro sets, and garden ornaments. The core collection contains furniture, lighting, wall art, ornaments, vases and more.
Ireland.
Plus, two glossy catalogues are produced annually for each company: an investment which The Straits Trading Co. and Aromatize feel worthwhile, with the aim of inspiring customers.
Both company’s websites and the Lancashire-based showroom are open year-round to allow customers to order at a time to suit them. And Aromatize recently added a ‘Brand Hub’ to the website. This is a central location for customers to find product images, lifestyle shots, POS, and more.
The Straits Trading Co. and Aromatize are not exhibiting at Autumn Fair. Both companies enjoy huge success at Spring Fair, as well as The Straits Trading Co. excelling at Harrogate Christmas & Gift.
However, both companies are still looking to assist with Christmas orders, as well as receiving forward orders for Spring/Summer 2025. Sister companies The Straits Trading Co. and Aromatize o er an extensive range of exciting homeware and giftware options across several collections each season
Over the years, one of the biggest introductions is that of sister company Aromatize. The two businesses complement each other: Aromatize supplies home fragrance products and accessories from di erent brands.
Aroma Accessories o ers beautifully packaged accessories. The range includes wax melters, di users, candle shades, and more. Within the Woodbridge brand, there is a huge selection of home fragrance options for every room including, but not limited to, candles, wax melts, di user liquid, and essential oils. Aromatize is the authorised distributor for Michel Design Works’ personal care products from the US.
With this extensive o ering, many customers trade with both The Straits Trading Co. and Aromatize, enjoying one point of contact for both businesses.
As well as product innovation, the drive for both The Straits Trading Co. and Aromatize is to provide support and exceptional service to the customer. The same friendly o ce team manages both businesses.
On the road, there is a national sales team which o ers support to independent businesses throughout the UK and
Design debuts
Enesco
Enesco is thrilled to introduce the freshly reimagined Allen Designs’ homeware collections, with four brand-new designs. The Hummingbird, The Scooter, The Cup of Tea, and The Country Cat combine charm and creativity.
Crafted with giftable moments in mind, the collections offer an array of products. From the tea for one set to mug & spoon gift sets, side plates, and tote bags, there is something captivating for every recipient.
The Hummingbird Collection exudes nature-inspired vibrancy, while The Scooter Collection embodies playful adventure. Tea lovers can indulge in the elegance of The Cup of Tea Collection, while feline enthusiasts will find joy in the delightful designs of The Country Cat Collection.
Enesco also proudly unwraps the launch of its brandnew Arty Collection, which aims to blend the timeless beauty of some of the world’s most famous artworks with practicality, allowing art enthusiasts to enjoy these masterpieces in their daily lives.
The Arty Collection features three subcollections inspired by the legendary works of Vincent Van Gogh: ‘Iris,’ ‘Sunflowers,’ and ‘Starry Night’. Each captures the essence of the Dutch painter’s artistic genius, bringing his unique, emotive style into the home. Complementing these is an additional sub-collection inspired by the renowned Japanese artist Hokusai, known for his iconic ‘Great Wave’ and other landscape artworks.
Glow giver
Joe Davies
Mushrooms and toadstools are bang on trend in the world of home décor, and following the success of the Mushroom Glow range of ceramic LED toadstools and mushrooms, Joe Davies has introduced more models. These are not only quirky but make practical presents too, providing LED lighting for a cosy atmosphere - and there is no need for cables and plugs, as they are battery operated.
The new models have a grey marble finish combined with a wood-look ceramic base. The combination of a classic finish with a nod to the beauty of nature makes a perfect gift, which will enhance any home décor.
Visually stunning and affordably priced, The Arty Collection includes a variety of popular and trending formats. Choose from wooden dishes, cotton tote bags, mugs in gift boxes, matching coaster sets, and versatile metal trays. Each item is designed to not only be functional but also serve as a conversation piece, offering a way to incorporate the beauty of these artworks into everyday settings.
Call: 01228 404022
Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk
Visit: www.enesco.co.uk
There’s something undeniably special about embroidery, which is why Namaste has expanded its collection of embroidered cushions. This new range features brightly embroidered cushions adorned with intricate details, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship and vibrant artistry of Indian artisans.
Made from sumptuous velvets and fabrics, these cushions provide comfort while serving as stunning decorative accents. Perfect for adding a touch of colour and elegance to any space, Namaste’s embroidered cushions blend traditional craftsmanship with modern design, making them a beautiful addition to any home décor.
Light up their life with a personalised LED bulb table lamp from Personalised Memento Company. Both stylish and functional, it’s suitable for any occasion, whether giving wishes to new home owners or adding a loving message to boost the recipient’s mood every day. Available in a range of designs, the lamp is powered by batteries so there’s no need to worry about wires, allowing you to easily find the ideal spot in any home. Get in touch with PMC to discover more about how personalised gifts can work for your business.
Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk
Visit: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk
Harrogate Christmas & Gift
A bright idea
Ideal for enhancing relaxation, meditation, mindfulness, and overall wellbeing, Cotton & Grey’s Twenty Minute Beeswax Candles encourage you to take 20 minutes for yourself
Cotton & Grey creates exquisite beeswax candle gift sets in various designs and colours, wrapped in a range of thoughtful titles, perfect for any occasion and sentiment.
These beautifully packaged sets contain 12 beeswax candles that each burn for at least 20 minutes, a ceramic holder, and an explanatory card, making them the perfect gift: ideal for enhancing relaxation, meditation, mindfulness, and overall wellbeing.
Founded by Paul Banyard and Claire Sowden during the lockdown, Cotton & Grey’s journey began with a heartfelt gesture. The couple’s first product, Twenty Minute Candles, was inspired by a small box of beeswax candles and handwritten a rmation cards they crafted for a friend struggling during the lockdown to help her relax and lift her spirits.
The friend loved the thoughtful gift, and her reaction encouraged Paul and Claire to launch it as a product. Just six months later, they found themselves as proud finalists in The Giftware Association’s Gift of the Year Awards.
“Our product is essentially a ‘Gift of Time’ for personal use or as a caring present”
Claire says: “Lockdown left many feeling low, making mental health increasingly important. Our product is essentially a ‘Gift of Time’ for personal use or as a caring present. It promotes wellbeing and allows people to give support and love to those they care about - meeting a significant need.”
Having had such success in the UK capturing the imagination with these thoughtful ‘take care of yourself’ gifts, Cotton & Grey is keen to get more coverage in Europe and America. It exhibited at the Atlanta Market in July, followed by New York Now in August, and Maison & Objet in Paris in September.
While this means the company is not able to exhibit at Autumn Fair or Top Drawer A/W, all products are available on its website, and the brand will be back at Top Drawer S/S and Spring Fair in 2025.
Today, Cotton & Grey boasts more than 120 titles, each part of a curated collection. Free POS units are supplied with every order over £300. These collections can be viewed on its website.
It’s never too early to stock up for Halloween and Christmas! Whether you’re looking to o er your customers products that bring warmth into the home, embrace their spooky side, or spread festive cheer, Something Di erent Wholesale has got you covered.
The company is proud to welcome 13 new ranges for Autumn/Winter 2024 that are unique, on trend, competitively priced and exclusively designed in-house, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the new ranges that are in stock now and already selling fast:
Seasonal touches
Welcome the richness of Autumn with the Autumn Leaves and Pumpkins Please collection. From candles and incense sticks to flower jugs and mugs, this range o ers everything needed to turn any living space into a snug and cosy retreat. As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, decorate the home with oranges and browns to incorporate seasonal touches.
A hauntingly cute collection
Fill the home with Halloween fun with the Peekaboo range. This spookily cute collection features sweet, speckled ghosts and smiling pumpkins in neutral colours to complement any décor. From ghost-shaped oil burners and mugs, to snack dishes and storage jars, ghosts are a hot trend for spooktacular celebrations this year.
Dreaming of a pink Christmas
Crystalmas collection. Perfect for a crystal collector, it features beautiful crystal decorations and advent calendars filled with curated crystals to transform the home into a sparkling winter wonderland. This collection is expected to sell out rapidly due to the significant demand for crystal advent calendars.
Sprinkle extra joy on festive traditions with the Sugarplum Fun collection. A contemporary take on Christmas decorations, this range is filled with frosted pink gingerbread houses, cosy mugs for hot chocolate, and accessories to scent the home with freshly baked festive treats. This modern approach to Christmas décor is perfect for those looking to break away from traditional red and green themes.
Wishing you a merry Crystalmas
Manifest joy, happiness and a stress-free festive period with the stunning Merry
Visit the company’s website to explore Something Di erent Wholesale’s Autumn/Winter 2024 catalogue for more seasonal inspiration, and to view its full product ranges.
Sparkly Christmas crystals
Wild Things Gifts specialises in artisan crystal gifts and collectables which capture natural light, to bring home environments alive and inspire the imagination
Wild Things Gifts’ diverse range of products shares one thing in common - they sparkle! Even its new bookmarks have glitter particles embedded in the resin. Using the best crystals available and focused on original design, most items are handcrafted in the UK.
Founder Jules Vahrman says: “The Earth’s resources are precious, and it’s up to us to respect them by producing the best quality items we can. By making the most of our products in the UK, we can ensure that both the materials and the craftsmanship pass our strict quality control system.”
Crystal Dreams
Recently, Jules designed a Crystal Dreams Poppy Flower Suncatcher - and it was clear that this was a perfect opportunity to raise funds for a charity. He explains: “We were aware of what Lila Jewellery founder Frank Ross has achieved, and wanted to try something similar.”
Xmas is coming!
With Christmas closer than we dare think, Wild Things Gifts has some special September starter packs available. Number one is a selection of new Christmas Crystal Suncatchers, with both cheerful and traditional motifs. A tree display is available.
[After hearing of the work that Combat Stress does to help veterans with mental health conditions, Frank decided to support the charity through the sale of his company’s poppy jewellery collection.]
“We decided on Veterans With Dogs (VWD). They are an Exeter-based charity and my wife Vicky and I went and checked them out.” VWD trains and provides assistance dogs for current and former members of the British Armed Forces.
“We were so impressed with the people we met: VWD CEO Craig MacLellan and his colleagues Becky and Julie. Their commitment, the value of the amazing work they do, and the beyond delightful puppies… It was such a pleasurable and frankly, humbling visit. It costs £20,000 to fully train an assistance dog and we’d at least like to try and do our bit.”
A proportion of each sale of the Crystal Dreams Poppy Flower Suncatchers and Bookmarks helps support this lifechanging charity.
Pure Radiance
Secondly, there are new designs in the company’s hugely successful Pure Radiance range. These feature richly coloured jewellery-quality Austrian crystal hearts. Presentation boxes are included.
Pretty Little Birds
Last September saw the launch of Pretty Little Birds: a range of handcrafted and painted hanging glass birds which are embellished with 24 carat gold paint, and include a sparkly crystal heart.
These were so popular that the company kept running out of stock. Jules recalls: “We were mortified. One thing we pride ourselves on is keeping items properly stocked. But there’s something about the handmade glass, the crystal, the design, the birds, the price point - they all seem to have combined to produce a flyaway bestseller!”
Bookmarks
Finally, the latest launch is stocking stu er bookmarks, featuring beautiful designs and beautiful sentiments. July 2024 marked 40 years in business for Wild Things Gifts. In Jules’ words: “Roll on 2025 for more surprises!”
Feel the love with Warmies
Exciting new introductions to the Warmies range promise to enchant both retailers and consumers
Warmies is a leading brand of warmable plush and wellbeing products that has evolved into a household name across the US, where it’s renowned for the intense love that consumers feel for their Warmies.
This is now being replicated in the UK and Europe, as demand soars and US sales trends are mirrored across the Atlantic. Multiple highprofile awards and citations in prestigious gift lists, such as American TV host Oprah Winfrey’s ‘Oprah’s Favourite Things’, reflect the innovative and saleable nature of Warmies products.
The more recent reimagining of the brand to include the ‘Feel The Love’ tagline was fuelled by more than 150,000 five-star reviews, where customers express their deep a ection and attachment to their Warmies. An exponential increase in active trade accounts and extensive penetration into top-tier retail has resulted in huge growth over the past five years..
Warmies Microwarmable plush and wellbeing products are more than just desirable, adorable, and luxurious - they provide genuine comfort and wellness benefits. Scented with dried lavender
flowers sourced from a carefully selected farm in Provence, these products enhance the sensory experience, promoting relaxation and calm.
Similar to the e ects of a weighted blanket, the reassuring weight of the natural grains used in every Warmies o ers a soothing and grounding sensation, helping to relieve symptoms of stress, aches, and pains. They also aid sleep by creating a tranquil environment: perfect for a peaceful night’s rest.
A distinguishing factor for Warmies is an unwavering commitment to quality and safety. Every product undergoes rigorous testing procedures and adheres to strict safety regulations, ensuring it meets the highest standards and maintains the company’s unblemished safety record. With more than 25 years of experience, Warmies combines expertise with a dedicated team to consistently deliver products that exceed expectations.
The company’s success can be attributed to its ability to stay ahead of trends and continually introduce new and improved products. By closely monitoring market trends and regularly connecting with both the industry and consumers, Warmies’ creative team ensures that designs resonate with
its audience. This dedication to innovation keeps Warmies’ product line fresh and exciting, appealing to both loyal and new customers year after year.
Licensed to thrill
Following the great reception to the Bagpuss Warmie in 2023, new licensing deals have been agreed with Paramount, Peanuts, and the four-times Academy Award-winning animation studio Aardman, with more deals in the pipeline. This will see instantly recognisable and desirable characters such as SpongeBob, Snoopy, and many more transformed into Warmies.
Where did Warmies come from?
Warmies, originally known as Intelex, began its journey in 1995 when founder Philip Gannon transitioned from a successful fashion wholesale business in London. Warmies was inspired by the idea that grain could be safely heated in a microwave time and time again to provide a natural source of comfort and wellbeing.
From humble beginnings in a garage with a single sewing machine and filling table, Philip paired his passion for textiles with warmable grain to create the Hot-Pak. This long microwavable pack, designed to fit around the neck, provides soothing warmth and relaxation. With a hint of French lavender for an added calming scent, the Hot-Pak quickly gained popularity, becoming a trusted brand in the industry.
The initial success of Hot-Paks was followed by the invention of the Beddy-Bear, billed as the world’s first microwavable plush, which became an instant sensation with consumers. Hot on the heels of Beddy-Bear came Slippies, described as the world’s first fully warmable slippers.
For 2024/25, Warmies is introducing an array of new product developments to expand its plush range. Words can’t do justice to these new additions, but here’s a glimpse to whet your appetite to see them for real:
Adorable animals
The Warmies team is all aflutter about their brand-
new bird range. Featuring parrots, flamingos and many more, it offers vibrant and playful options that will have wide appeal. Additionally, the aquatic range with an axolotl and crab brings a touch of marine magic to the collection.
Funky food
Bang on trend, the food range features choices to suit every taste. From the quirky lemon to the adorable avocado, perfect pink donut, and cheeky grilled cheese, these fun and imaginative products are sure to be a hit.
Hello, Halloween!
As the spooky season approaches, Warmies has crafted a Halloween range that includes seasonal classics such as a pumpkin, skeleton, ghost and more. These cute products are perfect for adding a touch of warmth and whimsy to the occasion, as consumers seek unique and cosy ways to celebrate.
Happier holidays
For Yuletide, Warmies introduces the Christmas Gnome, Christmas Pudding and many other festive friends to unwrap. These charming additions are designed to bring cheer and comfort, making them perfect gifts for the festive season. Their delightful designs and soothing warmth make them ideal for spreading joy during the winter months.
Join the Warmies family
Retailers and gift buyers, now’s the time to bring Warmies into your stores and your hearts. With its new product developments and commitment to quality and safety, Warmies is the perfect choice for fun, comforting gifts that everyone will love all year round. Don’t miss out on the chance to offer your customers the love, warmth, and joy that only Warmies can provide.
A unique destination
Clare Turner talks to Carl Knapp, Head of Food and Giftware at Bury Lane Farm Shop in the Hertfordshire town of Royston, about the retailer’s products, plans and stock for the coming season
What’s your background?
I spent 28 years working for Waitrose, working my way up from weekend assistant to branch manager. Taking redundancy in 2019 gave me the opportunity to look at a di erent career path, but it turns out I missed retail.
Why did you decide to move into gift buying?
Working for a small family business - which enables me to make decisions on range, price, merchandising etc - really appealed to me after a life working for a big brand.
I enjoy finding new and interesting products that I think my customers will love, whether through trade shows, visiting suppliers, or using reps and agents.
Tell us a bit about Bury Lane. Just south of Cambridge, Bury Lane is a family farm at heart. It started life in 1983 as a small hut on an orchard and has constantly redeveloped itself into the unique destination it is today.
Our Gift Hall, Farm Shop, Food Hall & Cellar, Butchers & Fishmongers, Delicatessen, Cafe, Garden Shop, Fun Barn (an indoor soft play area for children aged 0 to 10), The Beach (an outdoor children’s adventure zone) and Sensory Room (an interactive sensory play zone for babies under two and children with additional needs under 10), all give the location a variety of reasons to visit.
How would you describe your range? Giftware to cater for all ages, price, and occasions. I would say it’s largely focused on gifting for someone else, with a small selection of selfpurchase items.
What are your key categories? Cards, wrap & stationery; toys, plush & puzzles; candles, bath & body - supported by a small range of fragrance; homeware; cookware; and fashion accessories.
Who are your key suppliers? Captivate Brands, Alice Wheeler London, Langs, Rayware, Half Moon Bay, Wrendale Designs, Sophie
Allport, Nobile, Alex Clark, CGB Giftware, PoM, Powder, Eco Chic, Signare, Ashleigh & Burwood, Potters Crouch Candles, H&H, Stoneglow Candles, Joya, The Milford Collection, Keycraft, Hot Tomato, Second Nature, Paper Rose, Janie Wilson, Caroline Gardner, Royal County Products, Remaldi reading glasses (from Opticaid), Belly Button Designs, Glick, Art File, Rosie Made A Thing, Bug Art, Otter House, Global Journey, Heathcote & Ivory, Tisserand, Inis, Toynamics, Portmeirion, Bomb Cosmetics , The English Soap Company, Scottish Fine Soaps, Clockwork Soldier, Hape, Inside Out Toys, Orange Tree Toys, Jellycat, Ziggle, Funtime, Ivyline, Fallen Fruits, Rainbow Designs, University Games, Xystos, and Cheatwell Games.
How do you find products?
Through a number of ways including trade shows (Spring Fair is the main show I attend) and trade press. However, the majority is done through talking to reps and agents. I also enjoy travelling around looking at other retail outlets to get ideas.
What’s your selection criteria?
If it fits my customer profile, and it’s the right quality and price, then I try to stock it. With a local customer base, it’s key to regularly change what customers see on their visits.
What’s proving popular at the moment?
Established brands such as Jellycat continue to go from strength to strength. Our customers are enjoying the new Cath Kidson ranges from Captivate Brands. We continue to increase the
range of Alice Wheeler London too, and this has been working really well for us.
Food gifting is still selling well too, such as tins of biscuits from Bramble Foods and Cartwright & Butler. And The Lovely Liquorice Co brand of liquorice, supplied by The Cambridge Confectionery Company, has been well received.
How is trading for you?
The last few weeks have been challenging. Onsite events played a key role in our first half year figures; we’ve built up a very strong ‘pick your own’ flowers and fruit offering, which drives footfall into the shop.
What are you most excited about stocking for the coming season?
I’m excited to stock a larger range of Paddington to run alongside the new film release. Signare is supplying a new range of bags, The Puppet Company is releasing a new range of Paddington hand puppets. Orange Tree Toys will supply more of its AYR [all year round] products including pullalongs and music boxes, while Rainbow Designs will supply soft toys, books and figures.
We are also reintroducing Bronnley soaps which I hope will be popular with customers. And I’m looking forward to our new partyware range from Hootyballoo.
How do you get the word out there? We have a very active social media presence on both Facebook and Instagram, alongside our own website. We also use influencers when needed to add that extra coverage
Do you offer any services? We offer a variety including hampers, gift vouchers, a loyalty programme, and flower wrapping.
What’s on your counter/by the till?
We try to highlight local suppliers at our till points, as well as promote Kate Heiss’ reusable jute bags from Half Moon Bay. Her designs are based on walks taken around our local area.
We also offer our own jute and paper bags, fresh cut flowers (lilies and dahlias), strawberries, jam (made from our own strawberries), and locally supplied honey.
Are you looking at expanding into new product categories?
We are a large producer of indoor houseplants and have just had an extension to the shop completed to display them. So I’m looking forward to seeing how we can add gift pick-up lines that work alongside.
I’m not sure what they will be yet, but they need to be flower or plant-related; perhaps more home decor, or something you could add to a pot plant to give to someone as a gift.
“I love selling, so taking a risk on something new that works is a great feeling”
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job?
I love selling, so taking a risk on something new that works is a great feeling - and finding that something you don’t see everywhere.
What’s the most challenging aspect of your job?
It’s really challenging to predict the future! Ordering seasonally way ahead of time to ensure you get availability, and then finding out shipping issues change delivery times and costs, is pretty tough sometimes.
What’s your current favourite gift on your shelves?
It has to be Bo Bigfoot from Jellycat. I like him because his facial expression reminds me of my dog.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in gift retailing?
A few simple pieces of advice would be: know your customer base, be price competitive, and freshen up your displays regularly to showcase different lines.
Seasonal showcase
Autumn Fair returns to NEC Birmingham from September 1 to September 4, o ering retailers the opportunity to shop from more than 800 brands
Billed as the largest event for retail’s peak season, Autumn Fair is set to welcome more than 12,000 buyers looking to top up their o ers and stock up their shelves for the festive season. It o ers more than 800 exhibitors and 500,000plus products ready for immediate sale.
With a wealth of new lines from the most coveted brands in retail - over 30% of which show exclusively at Autumn Fair - buyers will not only discover the latest gifts, but also 10 definitive product sectors including interior accessories, textiles, greetings, stationery, candles, beauty & wellbeing, accessories, and fashion.
Elevate your gifts
In the Gift sector, retailers will find everything from contemporary designs and trend-led ranges to unique, personalised and licensed gifts. Brands include Widdop & Co., Lesser & Pavey, House of Disaster, Big Potato Games, Bubblegum Stuff, Burton Blake, Candlelight, Cognitive Surplus, Craft Your Own, DCUK, Dog & Bond, Forever England, Fountasia, Freckleface Home Fragrance, Gift Republic, Gingko Design, Grupo Erik UK, Joe Davies, La De Da! Living, Light Style London, Moult, Powell Craft, Price’s Patent Candles, Quay Traders, Rex London, Langs, Ryland Peters & Small and Cico Books, Seedball, Selbrae House, Sifcon, Spice Kitchen, Thames & Hudson, The Bottled Baking Co, The Yorkshire Candle Company, Tilnar, and hundreds more.
Discover homeware, occasional furniture, decorative accessories, and gifts in Home, Living & Décor and The Summerhouse, where emerging trends and timeless elegance come together. Autumn Fair is proud to announce the return of My Gifts Trade which, alongside its best-selling products from prestigious brands such as Costa Nova, Que Rico, and Cosy Homes, will launch new must-have brands including Tokyo Design Studio, Dutch Decor and Hoii.
Casa Verde, known for its long-standing collaboration with prestigious UK institutions such as the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew and the National Trust, is excited to launch its new A/W24 collection. Visitors will also find new collections from One World, Tommy Franks, Deluxe HomeArt, Blooms by Samuel Baker, Hot Tomato, Bronte by Moon, Inis the Energy of the Sea, and Edge Company, while Chalk UK will make its debut into The Summerhouse.
Business Pavilions
The newly formed New Business Pavilions will showcase growing brands across Autumn Fair’s Home, Gift and Fashion (Moda) destinations. These dedicated pavilions o er the chance to meet new suppliers and discover the latest product launches. Visitors will find items ranging from handcrafted cushions and candles to skincare and wearable art from debut businesses including Flourish Home Interiors, Skyn Bakery, Coalesce Wearable Art, and Meraki Publishing.
Buyer tours
If you’re new to the show or not quite sure where to start, Autumn Fair will be running daily tours of the Home and Gift destinations.
Faire partnership
Brand new this season, Autumn Fair is exclusively collaborating with the online wholesale marketplace Faire to bridge the gap between online and o ine buying. You’ll get access to unique products, simplify your buying process, and get discounts on Faire and Autumn Fair exclusive products at the show. Faire will also be o ering an exclusive discount to Autumn Fair’s retailers to try it for the first time, with 50% o and free shipping on their first orders.
What: Autumn Fair
Where: NEC Birmingham
When: September 1-4
Visit: www.autumnfair.com
Scents of discovery
Candlelight will unveil a mouthwatering S/S25 range, that promises to delight customers with its diverse themes and vibrant designs
Candlelight will burst onto the scene at Autumn Fair with a stunning new range for Spring/Summer 2025 (S/S25). The collection, marked by its vibrant and mouthwatering designs, features a variety of themes centered around country fruits and flowers, chilies, tropical fragrances, and Moroccan mezze.
One of the standout features of this new collection is the emphasis on design-led packaging. The Country Fragrance range is a testament to this focus, encapsulating the essence of blackberry, pear, and strawberry. Each product in this line is a sensory delight, promising to bring the fresh, nostalgic scents of the countryside into homes.
In the Tropical range, Candlelight has masterfully blended notes of mandarin, mango and coconut, creating fragrances that evoke images of sun-soaked beaches and lush, exotic landscapes. This range is perfect for those looking to infuse their homes with a hint of tropical paradise.
Outdoor dining and entertaining continues to be a major trend heading into Summer 2025, and Candlelight’s Mezze range captures this beautifully. The Moroccan-themed collection combines metals, ceramics, and wood to create an enviable selection of products. These pieces are designed to enhance outdoor gatherings, o ering a touch of the exotic and the sophisticated.
The launch of the Chilies range is particularly exciting. This collection not only includes fragrances but also serveware and mugs - all designed to add a spicy flair to any table setting. The use of sustainable mango wood in the tableware highlights Candlelight’s commitment to eco-friendly practices. This range is ideal for summer months, bringing a touch of heat and zest to alfresco dining experiences.
Another highlight is the Bee range. Each item is individually designed to be clean and simple, yet profoundly stylish. The bee symbol remains relevant and trend conscious in 2025 and Candlelight has embraced this motif with sustainable materials to create a curated range of gifting options. This range is perfect for those who appreciate the blend of simplicity and meaningful design.
In summary, Candlelight’s S/S25 collection is a design-driven showcase that promises to delight customers with its diverse themes and sustainable materials. Whether it’s the nostalgic scents of the countryside, the exotic allure of tropical fruits, the spicy heat of chilies, or the sophisticated charm of Moroccan mezze, there’s something for everyone in this spectacular o ering.
Stand: 7F31
Call: 01709 723000
Email: contact@candlelight.co.uk
www.candlelight.co.uk
Gift some fun this Christmas
No-one is impossible to buy for! Discover Rex London’s joyful and quirky collections, with something for everyone this Christmas
The festive season is just around the corner… Did you know that 20% of shoppers buy their first Christmas present in September?* Make sure you’re ready for those early birds with an o ering of quirky, high-quality and a ordable gifts.
For Christmas 2024, Rex London is pleased to present a brand-new design: the Festive Sausage Dog! Building on the huge success of the company’s existing Sausage Dog collection, this charming new print showcases the dachshund design with a festive twistcheeky pups stealing Christmas decorations, trotting around in Santa hats, and even kissing under the mistletoe. The range includes bestselling products including temporary tattoos, a 100% cotton tea towel and, of course, the iconic jumbo storage bag.
Pup-lovers can also pick up Rex London’s bestselling Mini Sausage Dog in a Little Box. The success of this toy - and Mouse in a Little House before it - has been so great that the supplier is shortly welcoming two new characters to the collection: Mini Bear in a Little Box and Mini Bunny in a Little Box.
Customers shopping for children can pick up all they need to create a magical stocking filled with silly novelties and traditional toys. Some things never change, and the most popular products every year are nostalgic toys such as the Traditional Skydiver Toy, Catapult Toy, and temporary tattoos, proving that modern kids love retro gifts.
And who doesn’t love a giggle at Christmas, too? Look no further than the Mini Whoopee Cushion, or the Box of Sticky Poo, which received a Highly Commended accolade in the Novelty, Tech And Gadgets category of the Giftware Association’s Gift of the Year Awards 2024.
Amongst all the fun, don’t forget gifts for grown-ups. Even the trickiest recipient can be treated to something special from Rex London’s gift collection, whether it’s a stylish new glasses case, a rattan mushroom storage basket, or some elegant cocktail glasses.
Discover a huge range of Christmas gifts on the Rex London trade website. All items are in stock and ready to ship, with no minimum order and carriage-paid at £250.
*Results from circa. 1250 respondents in the 2024 Rex London gift-giving survey
Stand: 6L28-M29
Call: 020 8746 1700
Email: info@rexlondon.com
Visit: www.rexlondontrade.com
From Italy
Embrace e jo ney.
Good for giving
Lesser & Pavey will launch a plethora of new products, from Christmas fragrances to wooden housewares, fine china tableware, fun mugs, and much more
Festive fragrances
Lesser & Pavey has introduced new Christmas fragrances and themed di users for the Yuletide season, which make perfect gifts to receive or to add to festive home decorations. This range joins the highly popular Desire collection of di users and candles, which are suitable for all occasions throughout the year. The Christmas scents include Winterberries and Poinsettia, and Pine and Eucalyptus. Available in two sizes of 100ml and 200ml, they come in Christmas colour-themed vessels, and are presented in deluxe gift packaging.
William Morris
The William Morris ‘Fruit’ wooden housewares range features the celebrated William Morris ‘Fruit’ design. The range includes coasters, an egg holder, an egg house, a napkin holder, a tray, a perpetual calendar, a tissue box, a letter rack, a doorstop, a key cabinet, and a hanging plaque.
William Morris was a British textile designer, writer, artist and socialist activist, associated with the Arts and Crafts movement of the 1800s. His prolific design work included tiles, embroidery, tapestries, wallpaper, and carpets. He championed handcraftsmanship, natural dyes, and patterns of subtly stylized natural forms. ‘Fruit’ is one of the most enduringly popular of his designs. It was used in many artistic homes of the period, originally as wallpaper.
Fun time cows
Lesser & Pavey is delighted to launch a new range of eight cold cast studies of fun time cows, adding to its already established and very successful ranges of quality studies. This range is o ered under the renowned brand name of The Leonardo Collection, and each item is available in quality gift boxing.
Pretty poppies
The Leonardo Collection will present ‘Poppy Fields’ at Autumn Fair. This is a new addition to its housewares collections, from a new Lesser & Pavey designer: Finola Stack. The fine china quality range o ers a full complement of tableware including mugs, coasters, placemats, trays, jugs, a butter dish, a lap tray and other items you would expect to see from Lesser & Pavey.
Hydrate on the go
Lesser & Pavey has a range of new designs on large thermal mugs with a handle to carry along. Some feature wonderful William Morris designs, while others include fun slogans such as ‘Cool Vibes’, ‘Keep Cool’, and ‘Stay Hydrated’. Each one is a statement to carry along a hot or cold drink with you while on the move.
Explore the power of play
The newest range of toys and games from House of Marbles features fun and entertaining products for everyone to enjoy
House of Marbles has been committed to designing, making, and selling fun and charming toys and games since 1973. Based in South West England, it has been a leading supplier of timeless gifts to retailers for more than 50 years, always prioritising quality and safety in its products.
The company believes in the power of quality, entertainment, and educational play for all ages. Its collection has grown massively over the years, o ering a diverse range of options for everyone to enjoy. From novelties, books, and educational kits, to the toys and games it is so well-known for, House of Marbles always guarantees endless entertainment.
The latest mid-year launch is a collection of amusing toys and games that o ers great value for money. It includes creative dinosaur fun with the entertaining Flick-a-Saurus and Colour-Saurus: a 12 ft-long prehistoric poster that is a colossal canvas for young artists. This comes with eight high-quality colouring pencils, making it a complete set for artistic adventures.
Flick-a-Saurus are stretchy dinosaur toys that provide a limitless source of entertainment and imagination for individuals of all ages. These flickable dinos are guaranteed to provide hours of excitement, keeping children engaged.
The popular Scratch Art Set with a festive Christmas theme is a staple arts & crafts item. Featuring a wooden scratch stylus and a variety of silver and gold hanging ribbons, this set allows children to create a marvellous rainbow creation to display on the Christmas tree.
Meanwhile, House of Marbles’ beautifully designed card games are perfect for pocket money purchases. The cards feature wildflowers and wildlife, from the enchanting Lily of the Valley to the Barn Owl. They are ideal for spending quality time with loved ones, or for a peaceful break at home or on holiday.
For a more traditional and nostalgic feel, the company’s Garden Quoits makes a splendid gift. Crafted from durable and eco-friendly FSC-certified wood, this product ensures longevity and environmental responsibility. Transform any outdoor gathering into a memorable event with this classic game.
Stand: 20B50-C51
Call: 01626 835358
Email: uk@houseofmarbles.com
Visit: https://tradeuk.houseofmarbles.com/
Heaven Scent
DOING THINGS NATURALLY
Autumn Fair Stand: 6H02
Top Drawer Stand: K40
Nature inspired
Asparkling, clean unisex fragrance that captures the feeling of a perfect sunny day on the shore, Inis the Energy of the Sea is a boutique brand favourite around the world.
Invigorating and refreshing, this scent has an extraordinarily wide appeal to all ages, and to both women and men. Collections include fragrance, body moisturisers, bath & shower, hand care, and home fragrance, plus gifts and travel sizes.
The company says: ‘We believe in small business and are devoted to the independent market. We are a family-owned boutique perfumery and operate from a converted farmhouse at Co. Wicklow in Ireland.
“For more than 40 years, we have been creating perfumes and toiletries inspired by the magic, beauty and nature of Ireland, and Inis the Energy of the Sea is our signature collection.
“Inis is the Irish word for island, and the fragrance was inspired by the beauty and energy of the wild Atlantic coast of Ireland. The cold, pristine waters of the Atlantic Ocean are the source of the nutrientrich seaweed found in all our body care products.
‘The Atlantic Ocean is a place of wonder and magic, and for over 20 years, it has been our honour to be the core funder of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group: a charity dedicated to the protection, conservation and better understanding of dolphins and whales in Irish waters and around the world.’
Inis Fragrance
This light yet lasting fragrance has energising top notes of lemon and marine, which bring a fresh feeling like sunshine on your face. Its heart notes of lily of the valley are like a soft summer breeze on your body, while its base notes of sandalwood and clove give an earthy warmth like sand between your toes.
Body Moisturisers
Formulated with skin-restoring seaweed extracts and nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, jojoba oil, aloe vera and vitamin E, all Inis moisturisers help hydrate and deeply moisturise. O erings include a daily body lotion, a luxurious body butter, a spray-on body oil and the new sea nutrient lip balm.
Bath
& Shower
Refresh and revive with scented bath products formulated with seaweed extracts and sea minerals. Dive into the blue with a bath & shower gel, a body scrub, and sea mineral soap in two sizes.
Inis Home
Bring the sea home and brighten any room with scented home fragrance choices including a di user, candle, home & linen mist, scented seashells and sea glass, plus a refresher oil for electric di users.
Gif t • Children • Home
It’s never been easier for your customers to find that perfect gift, whatever the occasion. Discover Rex London’s bright and eclectic range of inspirational gifts and homeware today
Goodies galore
Preparation for the busy trading period never really stops and Autumn Fair is a chance to see Joe Davies’ brand-new collections ahead of the Christmas curve
On trend
The Equilibrium Collection of jewellery and fashion accessories from Joe Davies is always a firm favourite with retailers and customers alike, and there are plenty of exciting ranges to choose from so you don’t miss out on those all-important Christmas sales.
Jewellery pieces created with a mixture of colours and textures is one of the strongest trends to emerge this year. The brand-new Equilibrium Mixed Metal Collection features jewellery plated with a combination of gold, silver and gunmetal - all meticulously crafted in varying textures and styles. So why not get on trend and mix it up for maximum impact!
The Equilibrium Collection of fashion accessories goes from strength to strength and the A/W24 range promises to be the best yet. It features a wide range of ladies’ gloves from modern animal prints and quirky cat designs to quilted and colour contrast styles. The Collection is brimming with embellishments such as belts, buckles, faux fur cu s and pompoms to complement the stylish new fabrics and colour combinations.
Scarves blend functionality and style, keeping you warm whilst elevating your outfit. The brand-new Equilibrium Collection features cosy striped modern scarves, luxurious cashmere-feel scarves, embellished sparkle scarves, and metallic splash scarves. Additionally, many of the scarves and gloves come complete with a luxury branded gift box, making them perfect to give as gifts.
Make a display
Ceramic planters and vases are having a moment in the world of home décor and gifts. Few items transform a space as e ortlessly as a vase of flowers or an eye-catching plant, and there are so many beautiful finishes in ceramics around now that Joe Davies can’t wait to show o some of the new trends. For those who adore the elegance of Country French décor there is Indigo Garden and Wild Garden. in traditional shapes and country style jugs to hold pretty meadow flowers.
In the frame
Photo frames always make a perfect gift to capture happy memories and Joe Davies has plenty of fresh designs to reveal. There are new home décor frames that will look great on a mantlepiece, bedside table or even a gallery wall. Choose from Grey Shades - a range of epoxy frames in di erent shades of grey - or Grey and Silver Band frames with a modern silver keyline around the frame. Last but not least, there are the new classic Silver Curve Frames.
Alongside new home décor frames are lots of lovely occasion frames. Classic Sentiment has a pale wood frame and cream insert with a silver icon on each design, with Mother, Family, Friends, and Mr & Mrs captions. Plus, there is a collection of silver-plated celebration frames in classic white and silver for di erent occasions, such as christening, wedding and engagement.
Top notch
Another best-selling line from Joe Davies are crochet kits. These have been so popular over the past year that the company has added new lines in the everyday and Christmas range. New arrivals include a beehive, sloth, Highland coo, and robins.
Warming up for winter…
The Wheat Bag Company
The Wheat Bag Company managing director Sally Moore says: “We are busy preparing for the season ahead. The Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival in Harrogate was very successful for us. It was great to see many of our existing customers and new ones. Our new linen/cotton designs are proving to be very popular, and these are available in most of our product ranges.
“We started manufacturing Microwavable Wheat Bags 10 years ago and are very proud to be able to say that our business and customer database has grown from strength to strength. Now supplying most of the garden centre chains, along with independents, farm shops and gift shops, The Wheat Bag Company is a recognised brand across the UK.
“We have developed a broad range of home style and wellbeing products over the years in a wide choice of fabrics to suit all tastes. Our new Microwavable Wheat Packs and Wheat Bottles are a larger alternative to our standard Wheat Bag, and are perfect to place on the body to help soothe aches and pains and cuddle up with to keep warm.
“We’re looking forward to exhibiting at Autumn Fair and will have a few more exciting products to showcase. Please call by our stand and have a glass of prosecco with us to celebrate our 10th year of trading.”
Miss Milly founder and owner Sarah Watmore says: “An interesting colour palette is forecast for Autumn/Winter with the traditional reds, teal and aubergine supplemented with pale green, yellow, sky blue and apricot. It has certainly made way for adventurous and eye-catching combinations, so expect to see some fresh, unusual mixes.
“There will also be many new designs launched in the resin and hand-painted jewellery collections, with a range including short, long, delicate and bold.
“Keep an eye out for new co-ordinating bracelets and earrings to allow you to o er complete sets that always do brilliantly during the run-in to Christmas, plus extra standalone earrings as these have continued to be very popular.
“Gorgeous new styles in the beautiful and practical magnetic brooch range use crumbles of gemstones and textured, graduated paint. Working perfectly as scarf pins, you will also have a whole host of new scarves to choose from at the show.
“With our all-year-round cotton and viscose designs proving very popular in recent seasons, Miss Milly has a stunning range to introduce for Autumn/Winter.”
Stand: 7D54-E55
Call: 01905 622509
Email: hello@missmilly.co.uk
Visit: www.missmilly.co.uk
A world of gifts
Aleading provider of innovative gifts to retailers, catalogue companies, and distributors worldwide, Global Journey is celebrating more than 25 years of bringing joy and happiness to consumers through exceptional gifting and lifestyle brands.
Global Journey’s ongoing motivation and determination to produce the next great product that everyone wants, drives the supplier to find exciting new ideas and concepts. Its dedication to sourcing long-lasting, wellbeingfocused gifts has been the cornerstone of its success.
Sales director Ian Samuels says: “We believe that a great gift should not only bring joy but also contribute positively to the environment. Our ‘Just Cause’ is to continually strive towards the supply of sustainable, useful products made from recycled materials.”
Global Journey’s success is built on a foundation of strong customer relationships. By consistently delivering top quality, innovative gifts at competitive prices, the company has fostered great long-term partnerships with its customers.
Licensing changes landscape for Signare
Signare founder and director Cindy Qiu talks to Gifts Today about the company’s ever-evolving portfolio, from tapestry patterns to licensing partnerships
What types of products does Signare o er?
Signare o ers a diverse range of woven tapestry products, including handbags, backpacks, wallets, cushions, and other accessories such as licensed umbrellas, scarves, and home decor.
Each showcases the brand’s unique tapestry patterns inspired by art, nature, and cultural motifs. Our products are stocked in our UK and US warehouses, providing a fast and secure way for our 2,000 trade customers worldwide to receive their orders.
What sets Signare apart from other tapestry suppliers?
Licensing and innovation. Signare stands out for its owned signature tapestry designs that celebrate heritage and culture.
We’re also proud of our licensing partnerships with V&A, Beatrix Potter, Paddington Bear, The British Museum… we currently hold 10-plus licences from world-famous museums, galleries, and characters.
Which licences have been business-changing?
We signed the Paddington licence in 2022 and our original Paddington Design launched in January 2023. In 2023 we achieved 23% growth, followed by a further 29% growth in 2024. Paddington has sold in every retail sector and o ers great value for money with a collection of bags and accessories retailing between £5 and £30. The other general retail licence we have is Peter Rabbit, which again sells well throughout the UK.
In the heritage sector, our biggest-selling licence is the British Museum, with the Chinoiserie Design becoming a great success following its launch in January 2024.
What’s the hot news?
The new Paddington movie was announced to licensees in
Spring 2024 which has been very challenging, as we had to bring a whole collection to market in less than six months. We did it though, with stock arriving in September in time to be in-store ahead of the film premiere on November 8.
The Paddington Marmalade Collection is a fun colourful design with a slant towards back-to-school. New additions for 2025 will be a picnic rug, beach bag, and travel bag (ideal for holidays).
We had a great Home & Gift for the Marmalade Collection with our order book for launch 52% sold. We will feature it at Autumn Fair for delivery before the end of September. I see us selling out before Christmas, if not before the movie’s launch. Any notable licensing plans for 2025?
Absolutely. We’re launching ‘Birth Place of Harry Potter’ in conjunction with gift shop chain Museum Context. There will be four to five stunning designs launching in January 2025 for delivery in early March 2025. We also aim to launch a new British Museum Collection, and further co-operation with County Durham-based artist Claire Louise, who has designed a fabulous ‘Music Collection’ for us.
What’s next for Signare?
The future holds exciting possibilities, with continued collaborations, new releases, and innovative designs. Stay tuned for more woven tapestry wonders as we continue to weave stories into every piece we create.
Excitingly, Signare embraces eco-friendly practices with a commitment to using recyclable materials in our products. Our dedication to sustainability extends to every aspect of our brand, ensuring that customers can enjoy stylish accessories with a positive impact on the environment. Signare also aims to bring the best quality and storytelling gifts to the world.
A fanfare of fragrances
This Christmas indulge your senses and enjoy Heaven Scent’s array of beautiful new sustainable home fragrances Stand: 6H02 Call: 01225 868788
Over the past few years, Heaven Scent has been crafting some beautiful stand-alone fragrances, such as Antique Vanilla and Smoked Honey.
Heaven Scent creative director Sarah Pettitt says: “We have taken some classic fragrances and enhanced them with scents with depth like Vetiver and Patchouli. Our vanilla now smells smokey with a green edge, and our honey has a delicate burnt edge.”
The company has been designing some lovely illustrated boxes over the past five years, and coming this Autumn is its new Pumpkin Spice fragrance with a delightful box to match.
Sarah adds: “We pride ourselves on making our increasing catalogue of home fragrance and bodycare lines to the same family ethos and eco credentials that we began with 31 years ago.
“We create our products in the heart of Wiltshire from two sites: our o ce and packing teams occupy a historic building on the picturesque banks of the Kennet and Avon Canal, where candle production occurred until 2017 when we moved into our purpose-built, solar-powered factory a couple of miles down the road. This facility means that we can now produce batches of 3,000-plus candles and reed di users each day.
“Although our production has scaled up, each candle, reed di user, soap and incense stick is individually made, inspected and hand-labelled using the utmost care and attention, so that you can rest assured that you will be purchasing a top-quality product.
“Heaven Scent was one of the first small-batch candle producers to o er bespoke labelling services across the entire range, and thousands of our customers sell our products with their own unique branding. If this is something that you would like for your business, please contact our label team to see how we can create labels with your own logo and fonts.
“Starting in the early 1990s selling incense sticks, our love for home fragrance led us on a path to create candles, then reed di users and bodycare products. We believe that our expertise and vast knowledge of aroma oils and bases is what has made us so successful in creating quality, timeless fragrances. Over the years we’ve worked with our suppliers to create our bespoke blends of plant wax, soap ingredients and cosmetic bases which we love and use ourselves on a daily basis.
“Using mainly vegan ingredients, in addition to choosing suppliers who are transparent about their products and practices, means we are helping to lead the way for sustainable home fragrance in the UK. It’s important to us to use recyclable materials, power our production premises with solar energy, and contribute to a tree planting charity to o set our carbon footprint.
“Our palm-free plant wax is made up of sustainably sourced soy, coconut and rapeseed oils which o er a low temperature melt point. We work hard on compliance, keeping abreast of chemical legislation, creating SDS [Safety Data Sheets], CLP [Classification, Labelling and Packaging] and legislative frameworks. We can o er compliance help if you are interested and are another home fragrance producer. Our candle wicks are made of cotton with a paper core (rather than metal). We’re sure that you will love our products as much as we love making them.”
Let’s talk about… sourcing
When buyers are looking to build a profitable sourcing strategy, they should consider a number of factors. This can be an overwhelming task, especially if you want to make more ethical and sustainable business decisions, but it is achievable.
Sourcing reliably, conveniently - and critically competitively - in this volatile geopolitical world means it is vital to plan and build flexibility into your model.
Covid was a clear wake-up call for many retailers and brands that relied heavily on a Far Shore sourcing policy, particularly in China. Other world events have caused major disruptions to sourcing, for example the war in Ukraine and now Israel, and have impacted both the cost of goods and access to markets. They prove that it is critical to incorporate some flexibility and resilience in order to mitigate the impact of these major upheavals. Geopolitical turmoil can interrupt or even disrupt supply chains by blocking trade routes or imposing economic restrictions on specific countries. We have seen this recently with Ukraine, and with the Israel/Gaza conflict on the Red Sea.
These disruptions add to shipping times and costs. Normal routes are blocked, and containers can end up in the wrong locations. Singapore’s container port has been severely congested in recent weeks, which has caused container prices to jump dramatically.
Sourcing from Europe and closer to your home market can cut delays and costs. Popular near-shore options are
Morocco, Portugal, and Turkey.
The benefits of nearshoring are lower transport costs and speed to market; less inventory, as lower MOQS (minimum ordering quantities) are required than with larger farshore factories; increased stock turn, with the ability to repeat in season; and less risk and possible markdowns. These benefits will cut your warehousing costs, lower your carbon footprint, and make it easier to visit more factories to ensure ethical standards.
Geopolitical instability can also cause swings in exchange rates, which can raise the cost of acquiring products from international vendors. Retailers and brands may need to carefully manage their currency exposure in order to reduce hazards. Where you can hedge currency, this is advisable.
Political unrest in sourcing countries can create uncertainty and risk for businesses. Prospective government changes, policy
adjustments, and civil unrest may affect the availability and cost of obtaining items.
Geopolitical turmoil can also result in trade restrictions, taxes, and embargoes. The US election is having an impact on sourcing from China. Because of concerns about poor China/US relations and increased tariffs on the horizon, more Chinese factories have switched significant production to Vietnam to benefit from free trade agreements and low costs.
India has also been a major beneficiary of this strategy. This country is ‘nearer shore’ than China, with significantly shorter lead times and lower tariffs in a number of categories. There is also the tantalising prospect of a free trade deal with the UK now that its elections are over.
India, Bangladesh and Pakistan specialise in large core textile programmes and can do smaller, more fashion/design-led techniques
Anna Berry 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.
With more than 30 years of retail experience - both on the shop floor and in the head office - Anna was Head of Buying for Gifts, Cook and Dine at John Lewis, with a team of over 60 and sales of close to £400 million. She has also covered many other buying categories in menswear, sport, fashion and beauty.
A driven leader, Anna is strategically agile and known for her passion for people and product, with trust and mentoring at the heart of her leadership style.
across home and fashion textiles. They also have strong jewellery, gifting and leather specialities.
Africa continues to grow as a sourcing route, with Ethiopia, Egypt, Tanzania and Madagascar growing in particular for home accessories, home decor and tableware.
China is likely to remain a key part of your sourcing strategy. However, it’s increasingly important to have a blended sourcing strategy - which will deliver a blended margin but allow for flexibility and resilience in this volatile, ever-changing geopolitical environment.
Ethical concerns such as labour rights, environmental issues, and the increasing focus on sustainability should be a priority wherever you source. Working collaboratively with your supply base with open and honest communication is critical. Transparency and accountability are key to delivering the most positive impact from your sourcing strategy.
The Retail100 team L-R: Sara Allbright, Anna Berry, Neil Amer and Elaine Hooper
On trend at Top Drawer
The capital’s design-led trade show Top Drawer is back for its Autumn/Winter edition at Olympia London from September 8 to September 10
For three days in September, Olympia London will be transformed into a sourcing destination for product discovery set to inspire buyers, designers and retailers alike.
Billed as ‘the only show for design-led and innovative products all curated under one roof’, visitors to Top Drawer London’s A/W edition will be able to find bestsellers, while designers will be inspired by original and aesthetically-driven products - all on-trend.
Top Drawer is renowned for curating the best design-led brands across multiple sectors covering the full lifestyle spectrum. All the essential product categories will be catered for, with the show’s sectors o ering Gift, Home, Fashion & Jewellery, Play, Greetings & Stationery, Wellbeing, Food Emporium, and Launchpad.
Visitors will be able to explore more than 600 brands, where newness is at the centre of each sector, as Top Drawer continues to fly the flag for fresh brands and emerging talent.
Brands returning to the show include ACADEMIE, Aery, Alex Monroe, Boho Betty UK, Bookspeed, The Bottled Baking Co., By Eloise, Chalk UK, Charlotte’s Web Jewellery, Clockwork Soldier, Coco Pzazz, Copper Bee, Estella Bartlett, Hyggen, Kikkerland, Kind Bag, Lords Fragrance House, Museums & Galleries, My Doris, Nordic Flowers, Ohh Deer, Olor, Once Upon A Tuesday, Redecker, S-c Brands, Suck UK, Talking Tables, Toasted Crumpet Designs, and We Are Proper Good, to name a few.
Plus, these will be joined by fresh brands just waiting to be snapped up, including Annie Brougham Illustration, Artemis Muse, Ash + Ember, BUFF UK, Callie Stay Cool, Candle Flair, Charlie Bears, Conscious Yoga Collective, dog&boy, Happy Sunshine Studio, Fin Creative Studio, Morris Prints, Namaste, Oaks & Willow, One of a Kind Club, and Unique Linen.
For buyers looking for the latest lines from emerging brands, Launchpad is the place to find them. Among this collection of fresh talent, buyers will see stationery, homeware, gifts, art and more.
This season’s Launchpad will welcome names such as Flu mallow, Freya Niamh Design, Illustrated by Weezy, Mimo, Minibeau, Neesh Homewares, Other Lovely Things, The Way to You, Westmount Art, and Willow Leather.
Aside from product sourcing, Top Drawer is the chance to gain industry insights with an inspirational line-up taking to the Retail Revealed stage, and a brilliant selection
of experts on hand at the Business Hub. Visitors will hear from an exciting roll-call of industry specialists ready to impart their knowledge.
And, brand new for 2024, Top Drawer will champion brands by partnering with IND!E to host the first-ever Top Drawer Product Pitch. A panel of top retailers will hear from four brands as they pitch their products in the hope of winning a one-week pop-up with a leading retailer.
What: Top Drawer A/W
Where: Olympia London
When: September 8-10
Email: TopDrawer@clarionevents.com
Visit: www.topdrawer.co.uk
Get ready for some retail inspo!
This year, Top Drawer will not only inspire with outstanding products, but will o er visitors invaluable insights on the RetailRevealed stage and in the Business Hub, along with a celebration of excellence at the Spotlight Awards. Here’s a glimpse of what to expect…
RetailRevealed
RetailRevealed is an engaging three-day programme featuring a series of presentations and panel discussions led by retail experts.
Speakers include Therese Oertenblad, founder of Small Business Collaborative; Louise Welsby, managing director of Buy-From; Sarah Ward, CEO of the Giftware Association; and Jade Devall, founder of Design 44.
Sessions will cover key areas and topics including AI, selling to retailers, utilising social media for sales, plus much more. There will also be an exclusive live recording of the Start Scale Succeed podcast, as host Nicole Higgins interviews Martha Keith, founder of Martha Brook Stationery.
Be sure to catch Top Drawer’s brand-new Product Pitch in partnership with IND!E, where four lucky brands will go head-to-head to win a one-week pop-up with a major retailer. The judging panel will include Marianne Carter, buyer at Morleys Department Stores; Jason Billings-Cray, buyer at John Lewis & Partners; Matt Hopkins, founder of IND!E; and Sara Allbright, director and cofounder of Retail100 Consulting. Stop by the stage to catch up with all things retail!
Business Hub
Also returning this year is the Business Hub: a valuable resource o ering one-to-one sessions with leading industry experts. Visitors can meet with specialists for free 20-minute appointments such as Priscilla Pollara, PR expert and founder of Top Trick; Therese Oertenblad, a wholesale expert and founder of Small Business Collaborative; Ami Rabheru, a retail expert and founder of Retail Huddle, and more.
Whether you’re seeking guidance on branding, exploring new market entry, or refining your marketing approach, the Business Hub is your go-to resource for expert insights and practical advice.
Spotlight Awards
Making a welcome return to Top Drawer this year are the Spotlight Awards, continuing to shine a light on standout brands by celebrating their creativity, innovation, and excellence.
Every exhibitor at Top Drawer A/W24 is eligible to enter, with winners selected by an esteemed panel of judges, including Top Drawer organisers, retailers, and buyers.
The awards focus on brands that truly stand out, whether through exceptional products, innovative approaches, or eye-catching stands.
The award categories include: Best New Product in Fashion, Best New Product in Play, Best New Product in Wellbeing, Best New Product in Food, Best New Product in Home, Best New Product in Gift, Best New Product in Launchpad, Best New Product in Greetings & Stationery, Innovation in Design, Best Newcomer, and Best Stand (across the entire show).
The Better Trends Company
Finally, Top Drawer strives to keep retailers one step ahead, and what better way to do so than with show partner, The Better Trends Company? Once again, the trend and design agency will be presenting three key trends for the coming season: Woodland Picnic, Festive Pop, and Purposeful Brands. This ensures that retailers are sourcing products that are bang on-trend! The Trends Feature is the perfect starting point for any visitor.
So don’t miss out, register to attend now! Find out more at www.topdrawer.co.uk
Louise Welsby
Priscilla Pollara
Therese Oertenblad
Bears with personalities
Introducing the magical world of Charlie Bears: a collectable teddy bear company based in Cornwall
Founded by Charlotte (Charlie to her bear friends) and William Morris in 2005, Charlie Bears began its journey on February 1 2006 with the launch of its first collection of just 12 bears. Today more than 2,500 di erent designs have been created, and Charlie Bears are available to adopt from over 400 retail stores and online shops worldwide.
Charlie Bears are a ordable, collectable bears and characters designed by Charlie at The Bearhouse in Cornwall. She also collaborates with other world-renowned bear artists to create di erent collections.
All Charlie Bears are limited in production, and special collections often have very low editions. Lovingly made by hand, each bear has their own unique characteristics - and that is why Charlie Bears are known as the bears with personalities. Bear & Me by Charlie Bears is a new range of simple but beautiful characters made from the softest plush. Charlie has paid great attention to the smallest of details to create engaging and adorable pieces that will appeal to all ages. Suitable from birth and machine washable, each flu y friend in this range is pawfect for little ones and the journeys they make together.
Cuddle Cubs by Charlie Bears is a new range of playful, pocket-size characters with their own personalities; all have been chosen
to reflect the most popular characters from the Charlie Bears Collection. This is a fabulous collection of ‘pick me up’ pieces with an accessible price point that is supported by a point of sale countertop unit to maximise your sales opportunities in-store.
Every character measures 13cm tall, and is made of soft plush fabric and filled with recycled fibres and pellets. They are machine washable, and suitable from birth, which is ideal for the young and young at heart to take on wild adventures. Come and meet the bears ‘in the fur’ by visiting the stand at Top Drawer.
Charlie always says it is the bear that chooses you and when it happens to you, you’ll know exactly what she means.
Email: headbear@charliebears.com
The Museums & Galleries collection of organic cotton homeware takes our muchloved licensed brands and best-selling designs to a whole new level – and a new room in the home. For more information please visit our website or call our sales team.
Beauty meets ethical responsibility
Namaste
Recognised by BAFTS as a Fair Trade importer for more than 20 years, Namaste is committed to sustainable practices. Its newly launched Autumn/Winter range features fresh products spanning from home furnishings, gifts, incense & fragrance, accessories, and clothing to unique handmade furniture.
Each piece reflects Namaste’s dedication to craftsmanship and sustainability, promising innovative designs that evolve with the seasons. Visitors are invited to explore Namaste’s unique, handcrafted creations at Top Drawer, where beauty meets ethical responsibility.
Namaste’s journey began in 1995 when founder Sam Brummitt embarked on an adventure that took him to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. After trekking to Mount Everest base camp and exploring the Indian subcontinent on reconditioned Enfield Bullets [motorcycles], Sam was inspired to create a business that honoured the rich cultures and artisan skills he encountered.
A pivotal conversation with Ganpat, a textile business owner in Rajasthan, led to the founding of Namaste in 1997. The name, meaning “I greet the spirit within you”, reflects the company’s philosophy of respect and appreciation for cultural heritage.
Namaste has always been dedicated to sourcing beautiful, fairly traded products from around the world. The brand prioritises environmentallyfriendly, sustainable, and recycled materials, ensuring that the impact on the planet is as positive as the impact on the artisans it supports.
décor offering or find the perfect gift, the new collection has something for everyone.
The company’s focus on its customers has been unwavering since it was founded, fostering a loyal community that values both the quality of the products and the ethics behind them.
The new Autumn/Winter collection is a celebration of this ethos, featuring an array of unique and captivating items designed by Namaste’s talented in-house team. Expect to find bold prints that make a statement, decadent gold accents that add a touch of luxury, and new fragrances that evoke the warmth and cosiness of the season. The collection also includes block print home furnishings that showcase traditional techniques while offering modern style.
Namaste’s latest offerings are designed to inspire and delight, providing everything you need to embrace the season in style. Whether you’re looking to refresh your home
From richly textured textiles to intricately designed accessories, each piece reflects Namaste’s dedication to quality and sustainability.
To experience the new collection firsthand, visit Namaste on stand F11.
The team is excited to share the stories behind the products and discuss the inspirations that shaped this season’s designs. Engaging with customers and receiving direct feedback is a vital part of Namaste’s approach, helping the brand to continue to evolve and meet the needs of its customers.
Namaste invites you to join it in celebrating the launch of its new Autumn/ Winter collection. Explore the beautifully crafted products, connect with the team, and be inspired by the blend of tradition and innovation that defines Namaste.
A gamut of gifts
Museums & Galleries will bring out a bounty of new products concentrated on its stationery, gifting and homeware collections
Museums & Galleries (M&G) returns to Top Drawer with an array of exclusive new product launches - just in time for pre-Christmas sales.
Even more excitingly, the new products - which concentrate on M&G’s stationery, gifting and homeware collections - feature M&G’s brand-new licence launches from this Spring, including international fashion designer star Mary Katrantzou, iconic British wildlife artist Angela Harding, and young designer sensation Emma Frances Grant with her Imaginarium collection.
M&G relationships and administration manager Sophie Bylina-Williams reports a very successful reception for the three licences launched this year: Mary Katrantzou with cards and gift wrap, Angela Harding with gift packaging, and Emma Frances Grant with cards. Building on customer feedback, M&G has selected the most popular designs for release as gift products in the crucial pre-Christmas market, and is delighted to be premiering them at Top Drawer. All the products are currently available for pre-order on M&G’s website and through agents, and will be available in early Autumn.
Leading the launch are three stunning new organic cotton tote bags. M&G’s consistently excellent colour printing on fabrics really makes these new bags stand out. In particular, Mary Katrantzou’s ‘Butterflies’ is exceptionally vibrant and set o to perfection with contrasting orange straps. Katrantzou’s ‘Mirror Marble’ design, another hit from her card launch in January, makes another superb tote.
The third is Angela Harding’s ‘Seabirds and Sea’ design - one of M&G’s biggest gift wrap sellers this year - which translates beautifully here to cotton. This design also appears on a brand-new cushion, insulated bottle and mug, gift bags, roll wrap, and a magnetic
notepad. Katrantzou’s ‘Mirror Marble’ becomes an insulated bottle and her ‘Butterflies’ become an insulated mug.
M&G’s new kitchen textiles collection (comprising oven gloves, aprons, tea towel sets and cotton napkins) is enhanced with new designs by Mary Katrantzou and Angela Harding. A bright and cheerful print ‘Yellow Butterflies’ by Mary Katrantzou co-ordinates across oven gloves, aprons, tea towels and cotton and paper napkins (and is also available as a journal). Angela Harding’s ’Swallows and Sea’ receives the same treatment.
New journals o er a trio of three new designs by Emma Frances Grant featuring top sellers from her Imaginarium card range, as well as multiple journal formats from Mary Katranzou, including a clothbound A5 journal with 240 pages (a new format M&G premiered this year).
Fans of M&G’s extremely popular bookmarks will see nine new designs from Mary Katrantzou and Emma Frances Grant, together with two new paperweights. Mary Katrantzou and Emma Frances Grant also feature in gift packaging launches, with gift bags and gift tissue.
Finally, six of Mary Katrantzou’s designs have been made into paper napkin packs; a range which M&G is rapidly increasing. This range also includes Catherine Rowe’s popular ‘Lobster’ design, which is a total must for a napkin pack.
Stand: D21 Call: 01373 462165
Email: sales@mgml.co.uk
Puppy love
UK Greetings
Discover the range of calendars and diaries featuring the loveable pup Boofle! With a charming, knitted appearance and cheering personality, Boofle continues to captivate hearts, making each item the perfect gift for anyone.
The selection showcases delightful designs that blend functionality with Boofle’s irresistible charm, ensuring you stay organised in style.
Whether you’re planning your year or jotting down daily notes, these calendars and diaries are uplifting and full of fun. Embrace the world of Boofle and find the ideal gift that brings smiles and warmth to everyday life.
Call: 01924 465200
Email: customerfeedback@ukgreetings.co.uk
Visit: www.ukgreetings.co.uk
New arrivals
Carrol Boyes
Carrol Boyes’ Notebooks have long been the gift of choice for discerning individuals, and the company is thrilled to present a range of new designs.
The new notebooks are available individually or as part of a set that includes the Sketchbook ‘Point of View’ Pen. Each notebook and set is packaged in striking boxes that exude luxury and sophistication. Additionally, each notebook features an elastic closure to keep pages neat and a black ribbon bookmark for ease of use.
The illustrations are sourced from artist Carrol Boyes’ extensive archive of sketchbook designs, which make the notebooks perfect for journalling and inspiring creative conversations.
Call: (+27) 21 424 8263
Email: Cbonline@cbfa.co.za
Visit: www.carrolboyes.com
Ooh la la!
Exacompta Clairefontaine
Step into the enchanting universe of Parisian cabaret with this new, very French collection where elegance and modernity take centre stage.
Treated with a satin lamination, the Moulin Rouge range also features a shiny spot varnish and textured flocking that perfectly conveys the glamorous essence of the collection.
This stylish memo pad features 90 sheets of premium quality Clairefontaine 90gsm brushed vellum ivory paper, and has been produced to incorporate a selection of distinctive patterns across three layered sections.
The wider range includes premium stapled and wirebound notebooks, elasticated folders, storage boxes, magnetic bookmarks, a mini planner and a correspondence kit. For art enthusiasts, a multi-technique notebook, calligraphy set, and art folder are available.
Call: 01553 696600
Email: sales@exaclair.co.uk
Visit: www.exaclairlimited.com
Festive feels Personalised
Memento Company
What better gift for the grown-ups this festive season, than a stress-free Christmas! Get into the Yuletide spirit and start the preparations with a Personalised Christmas A5 Planner from PMC, filled to the brim with useful pages such as a budgeting planner, a space to create your menu, and much more.
With a growing range of on trend giftware and selling solutions to suit all retailers, there’s never been a better time to sell personalised gifts. Get in touch with PMC for more information.
Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk
Visit: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk
All is calm
Summersdale Publishers
For busy students, finding time for self-care among the deadlines, exams and socials can be a challenge! But when life gets full-on, all they need is five minutes - and the handy advice on this set of cards - to reset their minds and find calm.
From learning the basics of meditation, to small reminders that it’s okay to take everything one step at a time, these 52 Calm Cards are filled with practical, bite-sized advice and empowering a rmations to help reduce stress. They also come with an information booklet.
Call: 01243 771107
Email: enquiries@summersdale.com
Visit: www.summersdale.com
JEWELLERY SHOW
Time to shine
Searching for some sparkling ideas to add to your jewellery selection? Register now to attend the Jewellery Show, which takes place at Olympia London on September 1 and September 2, and discover a world of captivating gems to make your customers and business shine!
What: Jewellery Show
Where: Olympia London
When: September 1-2
Visit: www.thejewelleryshow.co.uk
Billed as as the UK’s premier jewellery trade event, this show is a great opportunity to refresh your knowledge, gain insight into the latest trends, source new collections from classic elegance to contemporary flair, and network with more than 2,500 delegates
We’re all ears
Scream Pretty
Silver stars
Sea Gems
An established family-run jewellery brand with more than 40 years of design heritage, Sea Gems launches brand-new collections of silver jewellery throughout the year.
Proudly designed in Cornwall, Sea Gems crafts beautiful silver jewellery collections that capture the essence of Cornwall’s iconic, nature, wildlife, and heritage.
These ethical, high quality and original products are ideal for boutiques, gift shops and jewellers looking for an authentic brand, a ordable prices, and designs that are truly captivating.
Sea Gems’ contemporary silver jewellery brand ‘Silver Origins’ features 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 Cornwall’s unique landscape, you will discover striking organic designs, 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.
Stand: J35
Scream Pretty, known for its demi-fine sterling silver and gold-plated designs, will debut new collections at the show.
Country Western, Evil Eye, and Smiley Face Jewellery collections bring trend-infused newness, while updated editions of its signature Celestial, Claw, and Mixed Metal ranges o er timeless staples.
Renowned for curated ear designs, Scream Pretty will showcase signature huggies, hoops, ear cu s, and threaders. Country Western features cowboy hat and boot necklaces, while the Evil Eye collection wards o bad vibes with a host of necklace and earring designs showcasing the iconic evil eye motif. Dark Glamour adds opulent sparkle, while the Francesca Perks collaboration o ers primary-coloured chunky jewels.
CME is delighted to invite retailers to explore its new Autumn range to build their own unique gift collections. Customers can choose from an extensive collection of sterling silver pieces, with styles ranging from traditional to trend-led, covering all price points suitable for all ages.
The company has a wide range of animals, flowers, birthstones, charms and pieces suitable for personalisation. For Autumn, it has added exclusive designs to its popular equestrian and daisy ranges. Pretty new necklace and earring sets featuring sparkly cubic zirconia are great additions for ‘day to evening wear’ gift collections, while delicate bracelets showcasing natural quartz bring a touch of colour. A new range of lockets make up the Tiny Sentiments range.
CME’s new amber offering glows with celestial, sun, poppy, T-bars and heart motifs, and its ever-popular amber animals abound with bees and butterflies, with a whale, fox and cat being new additions.
Stand: F35
Call: 0116 283 2240
Email: sales@cmejewellery.co.uk
Visit: https://www.cmejewellery.com/
It’s only natural Reeves & Reeves
Reeves & Reeves has added some gorgeous pieces to its ever-growing jewellery offering. Specialising in sterling silver with touches of 18ct gold and enamel detailing, the designs are absolutely exquisite. Their appeal is truly across the board, with a wide range of different collections and price points.
Much of the company’s inspiration is drawn from the natural countryside and the fun of creating these designs comes across in every piece. With an added contemporary feel, the new earring collection will be a sure hit this Autumn and Christmas.
Stand: E40
Call: 01460 221630
Email: caroline@reevesandreeves.com
Visit: www.reevesandreeves.com
Bring on the merry! Alexander Thurlow
Returning to fill your stockings for another year is Alexander Thurlow and its popular Love Nature, Love Flowers collection. Among an array of floral bestsellers are seasonal pieces.
There is a great selection of new Christmas Tree designs, to complement its Holly and Mistletoe which take centre stage in the festive season. These are perfect small gifts to treat loved ones, or a fine excuse to accessorise yourself.
Each piece is as thoughtful as it is beautiful. You can be sure to fall in love with the delicate designs, intricate details and lifelike beauty of nature captured within each item. Get stocked up for Christmas today!
Call: 020 8766 6466
Email: sales@alexanderthurlow.com
Visit: www.alexanderthurlow.com
Little gems
Joe Davies
Prepare to dazzle this winter with one of this season’s most captivating jewellery trends: bright, richly coloured gemstones. Whether your preference leans towards deep reds or serene blues, there’s no denying the vibrant energy and beauty these bold stones bring to any outfit.
The stunning new Equilibrium Glam Rox Collection from Joe Davies features an array of brightly coloured crystals, perfect for pairing with your favourite little black dress. This glamorous new range is set to impress!
Design-led demi-fine jewellery brand Gold Trip has launched the Rainbow Collection. Inspired by bright and bold hues, the collection features all the shades of the rainbow through embracing multi-coloured cubic zirconia stones and handenamelled detailing, built up from earrings, ear cuffs, pendants and chains, available in both silver and 18ct gold finishes.
Each piece is crafted from hallmarked 925 sterling silver and plated to last in either 18ct gold or rhodium, which offers a scratch- and tarnish-resistant silver finish. Bright cubic zirconia stones and hand-painted enamel set the pieces off, offering a contemporary and quirky detail that add a bold pop of colour to any look.
Serene white, playful pink and crushed apricot have been chosen to make a special feature amongst the range: white and pink depicts the brand’s own colour palette and identity, and crushed apricot represents WGSN’s Colour of the Year for 2024: Apricot Crush.
Gold Trip is known for its wearable and giftable designs and the Rainbow Collection is no exception. Its pieces sit alongside fine and fashion jewellery alike and are presented in luxury gift packaging. Call: 07946 610110
Crafted from recycled sari fabrics sourced from all over India, these vibrant beads are lovingly handmade by talented women in urban villages. Each recycled bead pairs beautifully with a gold-toned pendant, creating unique and stunning pieces of jewellery. Embrace the charm of India’s rich textiles and the creativity of its artisans with these one-of-a-kind treasures!
Call: 01756 700790
Email: sales@namaste-uk.com
Visit: namaste-uk.com
Chain action
Miss Milly
Continuing to strive to make jewellery that is practical as well as beautiful, Miss Milly has extended its range of adjustable necklaces, where wearers can decide the length that best suits them or their outfits.
Made with a clever little tension bead, the snake chain can be pulled in either direction so that the pendant can be worn high on the neckline, or hanging lower towards the stomach.
The adjustable length makes the necklaces suitable for a wide range of clothing, from boat neck tops to open collar shirts, and over the top of roll-neck jumpers. This fastening is used on two new colourways of an existing design that overlays three diamond shapes in two-tone matt paint, separated with a shiny metal piece, and now available in a warm berry with rose gold and fresh green with rhodium.
A brand-new design sees a pendant of two-tone green resin and a second colourway of magenta with dark purple, hung from a thicker, silver-coloured snake chain. Again, it’s entirely up to wearers to decide which length they’d like to have it.
Call: 01905 622509
Email: hello@missmilly.co.uk
Visit: www.missmilly.co.uk
In season… Classic Canes
Somerset-based family business Classic Canes supplies walking sticks for every season. This autumn, why not stock these charming patterned walking sticks featuring oak leaves and acorns, autumn vegetables and hedgehogs with fly agaric mushrooms?
Managing director Charlotte Gillan explains: “Many patterned canes are bought to accessorise a new outfit, so it’s important to stock them in appropriate colours and motifs for the season.”
Classic Canes stocks more than 500 models of walking sticks, so there is always one to complete any look.
Call: 01460 75686
Email: info@classiccanes.co.uk
Visit: www.classiccanes.co.uk
Snazzy scarves
Miss
Milly
Miss Milly launched its scarf collection 10 years ago in response to customer demand, and in 2022 took the decision to stick to an all-year-round weight of 100-120g. Made with a super soft cotton and viscose blend that works really well for printing, the scarves have sharp designs with great colours.
That decision has been a successful one and has worked well for the brand in delighting existing customers and attracting new retailers looking for a lighter weight scarf in eye-catching prints.
Owner Sarah Watmore says: “We eliminated polyester from our range a long time ago, and we also moved to water-based inks, which removes solvents and allows the design to sink into the fabric, resulting in a much softer feel.”
Miss Milly’s trade stand is known for its colourful display of jewellery with scarves, and this Autumn/Winter will be a bold one, with some striking new scarf patterns in vibrant colours. Honeycomb, leaves, bricks and acid retro designs all feature in a kaleidoscope of shades, from lime green and fuchsia pink to mustard yellow, alongside more neutral browns and greys.
The new designs are available online now. Minimum order is just £100 with no MOQ, so you can buy the exact quantities you’d like.
Call: 01905 622509
Email: hello@missmilly.co.uk
Visit: www.missmilly.co.uk
Pretty pastels
Bare Kind
Bare Kind’s bamboo socks allow you to live in ultimate comfort, wherever, whenever. The latest sorbetinspired collection introduces a range of sleek, colourful socks for those that desire subtle style but want that perfect pop in their outfit.
This new premium pastel collection includes colours such as mint choc chip, bubble gum, lemon sorbet, and white vanilla, each detailed with a small stitched animal motif featuring otters, puffins, sloths or hedgehogs.
They’re made with a high-quality, double-knit rib with terry towel weaving for extra softness in every step. Plus there’s a cushioned toe and heel - your feet will melt with pleasure! What’s even better is that 10% from each purchase goes to a charity of the animal on the sock. Basically, these socks make you look good, feel good and do good.
Call: 07960393504
Email: Wholesale@barekind.co.uk
Visit: www.barekind.com
Cool & chic
Sugarhill Brighton
Sugarhill Brighton brings a riot of colour and its signature hand-drawn prints to its S/S25 collection. A colour palette of reds, emerald greens and bright navy with pops of cool blue, lavender and candy peach set the scene across designs for S/S25: Bold Block Work, Sunset Cowgirl, and Destination Dopamine.
Sunset Cowgirl sees warm desert tones, prints, embroidered and playful knits accented with layering separates in denims and canvas contrasted with soft boho inspired dresses, while Destination Dopamine oozes colourful summer vibes. Graphic prints, whimsical embroideries, loose waists and wide legs keep it cool and chic for the season ahead.
Call: 01273 911393
Email: wholesale@sugarhillbrighton.com
Visit: www.sugarhillbrighton.com
Yee-haw!
Scream Pretty
Saddle up and say yee-haw! to Scream Pretty’s brand-new ‘Country Western’ collection. Embrace the cowgirl-core trend with Cowboy Hat and Cowboy Boot necklaces, Sheriffs’ Badges and Cacti for a boho-infused lineup that captures the essence of the Wild West.
Layer touches of colour with malachite huggies; as a symbol of good luck and positive energy, malachite’s green patterns showcase the distinctiveness of this transformative stone.
Elsewhere, black and gold adds effortless edge, with Mismatched Double Huggie Hoops designed to create the appearance of two piercings in one; while the unisex Pearl Dagger Necklace is a go-to for layering.
Call: 01753 424160
Email: trade@screampretty.com
Visit: www.screampretty.com
It’s showtime - BLE is back!
Find new brands and partners to create gifting products that consumers will love at Brand Licensing Europe (BLE), which marks its silver jubilee in September
Billed as Europe’s only event for licensing and brand extension, Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) returns to London’s ExCeL from September 24 to September 26.
BLE is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and according to organiser Informa, the trade show ‘really is the number one opportunity for giftware retailers and manufacturers to discover and meet the biggest, newest and most exciting brands, in the hope those conversations will kick-start the creation of new branded gifts that consumers will adore.
‘Brands shape who we are, what we do, and how we feel. From the clothes we wear (a V&A scarf perhaps) and the food we eat (English Heritage shortbread biscuits anyone?), to the Kellogg’s Corn Flakes mug we drink our tea from, leveraging a beloved brand is one of the most valuable ways for brands, manufacturers and retailers to connect with consumers and drive sustainable business growth.
‘There are lots of benefits to brand licensing for gift retailers and manufacturers. Branded products help you stand out from the competition, and o er consumers access to beautiful products featuring the hottest brands.
‘Connecting a powerful brand to an in-demand product can boost sales and drive additional revenue for everyone involved. What’s more, we know that brand licensing works, because industry trade association Licensing International has just valued the global licensing industry at more than $350 billion: a yearly uplift of 4.5%’.
Retailers and manufacturers attend BLE to meet the people behind brands they want to work with. The show lets them discover new innovations and intellectual property (IP) from all over the world - IP that can help them grow their consumer base and business in their domestic markets as well as expand globally.
More than 200 exhibiting companies will be at BLE, representing thousands of brands, many of which are
of interest to giftware manufacturers and retailers including Peter Rabbit, The Gru alo, Natural History Museum, Kellogg’s, The Royal Pavilion at Brighton and many, many more.
BLE is packed with inspiration, from products on the show floor to insights in the conference theatre. And, of course, there are many networking opportunities too, which can be so powerful in prompting new ideas and partnerships.
It’s also a great place to find out who is celebrating an anniversary over the next 12 to 24 months, as consumers want to mark these milestones through commemorative and special edition products. The show’s sister title License Global keeps a running tally, so be sure to check it out at licenseglobal.com.
Inform adds: ‘We’re especially excited about SpongeBob SquarePants, The Powerpu Girls, Neopets, Beyblade, and The Gru alo because they are all celebrating their 25th anniversaries, just like us. We will be hosting a birthday party on the first night of BLE (September 24) from 5pm to 7pm on the showfloor. Everyone is welcome, so be sure to add that to your calendar now!’
What: Brand Licensing Europe
Where: ExCeL, London
When: September 24-26
Email: BLEcustomerservice@informa.com
Visit: www.brandlicensing.eu
Register: https://utm.io/ugO2o
Box clever
Personalised Memento Company
Spread the joy this Christmas with an adorable Tiny Tatty Teddy Christmas Eve Box from Personalised Memento Company (PMC). Fill it up with exciting treats for December 24 and then, once the occasion has passed, it can be used to store all the keepsakes from the festive period.
This large wooden box is part of PMC’s Tiny Tatty Teddy range, which includes a large variety of products from sacks and stockings to baubles and wooden decorations. Simply get in touch with PMC to discover more about how personalised gifts can work for your business.
Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk
Visit: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk
Bear with!
Signare
Cindy Qiu, founder and director of tapestry gift company Signare, says: “The licensing event of the year must be the new Paddington movie, which premieres on November 8. This is THE hot property, with Jo Malone London launching a Paddington-inspired limited-edition fragrance collection of Orange Marmalade cologne and a series of gifts - and Rainbow Designs adding to its best-selling Classic Paddington Collection range this year.
“Signare has launched Paddington Marmalade: a stunning collection of tapestry bags and accessories featuring a fun new design. And we will be running a competition at Autumn Fair to win Jo Malone London’s A Marvellous Fruity Duo gift set, comprising Orange Marmalade cologne 100ml and an English Pear & Freesia Home Candle.
“Also, all visitors to our stand at 6F16 will receive a free Paddington Marmalade zip purse! The Paddington Marmalade tapestry stock will be in store by October 1, but retailers need to order quickly as we are already on allocation.”
Call: 01276 29483
Email: info@signaretrade.co.uk
Visit: www.signaretrade.co.uk
Ready to play
The Puppet Company
The Puppet Company’s first ever collection of licensed puppets has been met with great excitement, as the brand unveils Elmer the Patchwork Elephant Puppets.
Bringing the adored Elmer character to life, the collection is home to two wonderfully colourful puppets. With the friendliest face, the My First Elmer Puppet will inspire imaginary play like no other. With Elmer’s trademark rainbow patchwork colours, he has huge ears to accompany his larger-than-life character. This glove-style puppet is easy for adults to use to entertain children during playtime or to accompany a bedtime story, but rather wonderfully is just as easy for little ones to play with.
A beautiful stand-alone Elmer Finger Puppet completes the set. O ering a huge amount of versatility, this puppet is a miniature version that is perfect for tiny hands - as well as being great fun to take on adventures to ensure a touch of Elmer’s magic is with families wherever they go!
Call: 01462 446040
Email: info@thepuppetcompany.com
Visit: www.thepuppetcompany.com
Cuddly friends Rainbow Designs
Rainbow Designs has a plethora of high profile, prestigious brands, coupled with super cuddly characters. Beatrix Potter’s mischievous bunny, Peter Rabbit, is exceptionally popular with Rainbow’s customers. An extensive collection features infant plush toys and quality developmental wooden toys, including the My First Peter Rabbit and Flopsy Bunny soft toys, and developmental plush toys for the youngest Beatrix fans - as well as the universal Playtime Peter Rabbit and Flopsy Bunny soft toys that are perfect for all ages. The range also includes Picture Dominoes and a Wooden Shape Sorter featuring Peter and his friends, as well as Wooden Picture Blocks, and the Peter Rabbit and Flopsy Bunny Pull-Along.
Gifts from The Very Hungry Caterpillar range make great treats for young ones, encouraging a love for the great outdoors. The soft and wooden toy collection, with strong primary colours and a variety of textures and sounds, is designed to stimulate senses and encourage development through play.
Finally, Christmas isn’t Christmas without The Snowman and The Snowdog range. These soft toys make magical gifts for little fans of Raymond Briggs’ festive favourite. And to help get customers into the Yuletide spirit, there’s The Snowman and The Snowdog standee, available to help promote this collection.
Call: 01329 227300
Email: sales@rainbowdesigns.co.uk
Visit: www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk
The Puppet Company
Introducing the ECO Sockettes by The Puppet Company. Having launched following the huge success of the original and bestselling Sockettes range, they are now made from recycled materials with embroidered eyes and the signature stripy
This fabulous and fun collection, with 18 puppets to choose from (and counting), is jam-packed full of larger-than-life characters and bursting with colour, to bring magic to everyone’s playtime.
The plush hour Rainbow
Designs
There are plenty of adorable and super cuddly plush toys to be found at Rainbow Designs, featuring many of the most-loved classic storytime characters such as Paddington, Peter Rabbit, Disney’s Winnie the Pooh, The Snowman and The Snowdogand new collections for 2024 include Disney Baby, Lion King, and the enchanting Harry Potter Wizarding World range.
The eagerly-awaited Paddington third movie, ‘Paddington in Peru’, is set to hit the big screen in November, and retailers really won’t want to miss out on the outpouring of a ection for this marmalade-loving bear.
Rainbow’s best-selling Classic Paddington collection of high quality plush toys, alongside the ever-popular The Adventures of Paddington preschool range, and the Paddington for Baby collection, are already in high demand.
Perfect for all ages, Rainbow’s extensive Classic Paddington Collection, inspired by the iconic Peggy Fortnum illustrations, has been created from the highest quality fabrics with exceptional attention to detail.
Each Paddington sports his distinctive and famous accessories including a super soft lined du e coat, a battered red felt bush hat, and a suedette ‘Please look after this bear. Thank you’ tag. With sitting and standing options available, and some sporting his iconic red wellington boots and suitcase, there are plenty to choose from.
And flying in this Autumn is the Wizarding World collection of cuddly nursery toys, featuring the characters of Harry Potter, Hedwig, and Dobby, in plush lines that include My First Soft Toys, Rattles and Activity Toys.
The magical range also features Hogwarts house comfort blankets for Gry ndor, Slytherin, Hu epu and Ravenclaw, so fans can select their favourite. This exciting new range makes a perfect gift for all fans who want to share their love of the Wizarding World with their new arrivals - and there are further additions planned for 2025.
Call: 01329 227300
Email: sales@rainbowdesigns.co.uk
Visit: www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk
From Kitty’s charming and playful demeanour, and Ringo’s trademark golden ring in his ear and brightly coloured headpiece, to Humphrey’s colourful stripy body, glasses and little bow tie for extra character, their friendly expressions and lovable designs are truly fabulous.
These gorgeous and brilliant longsleeved knitted Sockette glove puppets come complete with a squeaky tongue to get the conversation started and inspire imaginative play - they are not only eye-catching, but highly functional too. Bring the power of puppets to life with Sockettes, loved by adults and children alike. Fun for everyone awaits!
Call: 01462 446040
Email: info@thepuppetcompany.com
Visit: www.thepuppetcompany.com
Timeless fun
Bigjigs Toys
In this digital age, there is real value in tactile, handson experiences that o er a refreshing break from time spent on our screens. It’s one of the reasons why puzzles have retained their popularity through decades of fleeting trends and tech advancements. Alongside their tangible nature, puzzles also provide unique opportunities for family bonding, social interaction, and intellectual stimulation - something that digital entertainment often lacks.
Fostering learning through play has been a Bigjigs priority from day one, and it has always recognised the importance of these classic playthings. Puzzles were the first product Bigjigs made (nearly 40 years ago) and now it has a collection of 150-plus wooden puzzles loved by children across the globe.
Bigjigs has now taken it all to the next level with its acquisition of The House of Puzzles. This marks a significant milestone for Bigjigs Toys, allowing it to expand into the cardboard puzzle market with a range of 350-plus artistillustrated jigsaws for kids and adults.
House of Marbles has a collection of vintage and retro-inspired games and puzzles for all generations. These family favourites blend nostalgia and modernity, creating an engaging experience for all.
Step into the world of classic board games with the versatile Chess & Ludo set. This two-in-one collection o ers the strategic sophistication of Chess and the lively excitement of Ludo, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a cheerful competition.
As a traditional House of Marbles product, the Marble Games set is a nostalgic delight. It includes a selection of assorted marbles in various sizes, along with instructions for multiple fun games for endless entertainment.
Call: 01626 835358 | Email: uk@houseofmarbles.com
Visit: www.tradeuk.houseofmarbles.com/
Animal antics
Joe Davies
Joe Davies is excited to present a collection of uniquely shaped jigsaw puzzles from Madd Cap. As the exclusive UK distributor, Joe Davies is proud to show o this new range at Autumn Fair. The puzzles feature cool themes and a variety of designs including Lion, Tiger, Elephant, Cherry Blossom Tree, Dragon, Dogs and many more. With no square corners or straight edges, Madd Capp puzzles are more challenging and a lot of fun!
Friday night is games night and our two families race against the clock to try out the Cheatwell Games bestseller – Tension
Give us a quick rundown on how you play?
Dan: A race against the 60-second clock to give the top 10 answers to a question. You get a timer and a game board with four lots of game cards (colour-coded to match age). The cards are also double-sided so you can have a lot of games.
What did you like about the game?
Paul: It was excellent! No complicated rules and we could start playing in no time. The title sums up the game very well as it caused a lot of tension between the two families and gave us a lot of laughs. The objective is to name as many things relating to a topic (as an example name Heavy Metal Bands, this really is harder than it sounds). We really liked the Whirlwind Spaces and Nomination Space, which added another layer to the game.
Would you play this game again?
Herbie: Yes. I really want to take this on our next camping holiday.
What did you like about the game?
Claire B: This is an ideal game for families! It’s quick to understand the rules and get set up. The kids loved it and was easy for them to understand and to fully take part in. Everyone was working together and became quite competitive. There aren't many games that would engage all five of us in our family (our kids are 10, 14 and 16), it’s one for all ages, and so this game is perfect.
Would you play this game again?
Claire B: Definitely. I can see us getting this out at Christmas and at family get-togethers.
Claire
It’s one of the most fun games I’ve played in a long time
It’s also a game that the kids could play together without us, and definitely just with our friends, without the kids.
What did you like about this game?
Dan: All good games need to be challenging and this was. It really got everyone involved. It was easy to understand for both adults and kids to enjoy at the same time. It really gets you thinking. There was a good mix of topics and so everyone could join in.
What did you like about the game?
Finley: It was very funny when the parents ran out of answers, and we knew a lot more than them.
If you could sum up Tension in one sentence:
Dan: Loved it. Great family game, It’s addictive.
Paul: So much fun to play with all the family.
Claire A: Buy it, play it – you'll love it.
Claire B: It’s one of the most fun games I’ve played in a long time.
Herbie: Brilliant.
Finley: It made me laugh a lot.
To find out more about Cheatwell’s games, contact 02392 524098
sales@cheatwell.com www.cheatwell.com
Gifts Today SHOP TALK
As we move into the Autumn/Winter buying season, Clare Turner asks a selection of retailers how 2024 is shaping up for them, from success stories to fresh finds
Juliette Ramsey
Owner
Aurelie & Rose
Eastbourne
East Sussex
How is trade for you at the moment?
Trade has been up and down for the past two years, and the current period is no different. It’s almost impossible to predict which will be our busiest days, as it’s not necessarily Saturday which used to be the case.
Being in a seaside town, a lot seems to depend on the weather. We are in the centre of Eastbourne so if the weather is too good, visitors naturally gravitate to the seafront and beach, and it can be very quiet. We’re lucky that our customers are very loyal - we would just like to have more of them!
Which brands and product categories are selling well?
Cards are very popular as they are affordable and we try to carry a large, unusual range that customers will not find in other shops. Bestsellers include Louise Mulgrew, Hotchpotch, Rosie Made A Thing and Pigment.
Our retro-inspired summer dresses are currently selling well too, as weddings, parties and the Goodwood Revival [a three-day September festival in West Sussex celebrating iconic cars and fashion] approach.
What are your newest arrivals?
Some lovely new fragrances in the Kew Gardens Collection of luxury soaps and hand creams from The English Soap Company, which is very local to us. We also have pretty new jewellery lines from Ronin Jewellery and Miss Milly, and some gorgeous vintage style stationery.
How are you approaching the Autumn/Winter buying season?
We hope to attend Autumn Fair to find new ideas. Visits from our favourite agents, and updates from regular suppliers, will also help us plan our Autumn buying.
What one thing would make a difference to your business?
I think all retailers are experiencing reduced footfall at the moment so for that to increase - and for customers to feel more confidence in the economy - would definitely help.
Sammy Green
Owner
La Maison Boutique
Oxted Surrey
How is trade for you at the moment?
It was very up and down for the first six months of the year, but we seem to be settling down into a good flow of sales now.
Which brands and product categories are selling well?
We do a limited collection of Italian clothing, which is selling very well. When buying, I’m very mindful of prices and giving customers value for money. As always, Katie Loxton and Powder are selling through well too. Homewares aren’t too bad either. Gisela Graham is our top seller, especially her pot covers, quirky ceramics and glassware, which all sit nicely alongside Art Marketing picture frames and Thomas Kent mantel clocks.
Elaine Taylor
Owner Glamorous Gifts
Rothwell Near Leeds
West Yorkshire
How is trade for you at the moment?
It’s unpredictable, especially with the holiday season upon us and school break. Every day and every week is different. But fortunately we have lots of regular loyal customers
Which brands and product categories are selling well?
Joma Jewellery’s A Little bracelets, Inis the Energy of the Sea cologne, candles and reed diffusers (all their products sell really well), Katie Loxton handbags, and travel accessories and handbags by Alice Wheeler: the train cases, along with the travel mirrors and compact mirrors, been especially popular items this season. And greeting cards from Alex Clark Art, Janie Wilson, Belly Button Designs, and White Cotton Cards.
What are your newest arrivals?
Alice Wheeler London and Inis the Energy of the Sea.
How are you approaching the Autumn/Winter buying season?
Our approach this year is cautious, and not to buy too many products which say ‘Christmas’ on the packaging, so we have longevity of the ranges beyond December to maybe the Mother’s Day event.
What one thing would make a difference to your business?
More footfall on our high street during the week. Some shops that have closed have been replaced by night-time industries such as bars and eateries. And many charity shops and barbers have opened in our village over recent years - we’ve lost traditional shops like butchers and greengrocers, which brought people into the high street daily.
What are your newest arrivals?
We recently expanded our toddlers’ clothing, which is a very good seller. We try to keep all the outfits under £20 - again, making them good value and at an ideal gift price point. Our newest arrival is PoM. We’re delighted to be working with this company. It has a huge range which fits in perfectly with our look and style. It’s reasonably priced, and has been flying out!
How are you approaching the Autumn/Winter buying season?
I’ve pre-ordered most of our A/W and Christmas stock. In fact, I started ordering it in February, so we’re well prepared for the season ahead, and look forward to showcasing the new arrivals soon.
What one thing would make a difference to your business?
People being encouraged to shop on the high street and not online. Well, you can never have too many customers, can you?! And small businesses like mine not being charged Corporation Tax would help a lot too.
Lisa Angel
Founder & Creative Director
Lisa Angel
3 stores: Lower Goat Lane & Chantry Place in Norwich; High Street, Southwold
How is trade for you at the moment?
After a positive start to the year, we experienced a slightly quieter April and May. Momentum has since picked up significantly as we head through Summer towards Autumn/Winter.
Which brands and product categories are selling well?
Our men’s jewellery is very popular at the moment which is great to see, as we have a wonderful range of masculine jewellery. Homeware also does really well, particularly our in-house dried flower range (The Norfolk Flower Room). Our selection of smaller token pieces tends to be popular too, as they’re perfect for add-on gifts, and the ability to bundle a few great products together means hampers are always a bestseller!
What are your newest arrivals?
We’ve got some really exciting products coming for Autumn/Winter, including a fab range of homeware with a cosy and ethereal woodland vibe. Jewellery storage will continue to be a big focus for us as it’s a much-loved accessory, and we’ve got some beautiful new designs on the way that feature celestial details and autumnal jewel tones. Of course, more great jewellery pieces will be available for next season too, with a
combination of timeless and trend-led pieces.
How are you approaching the Autumn/Winter buying season?
We are committed to attending physical trade shows and we’re excited to be exhibiting at Top Drawer, showcasing our Autumn/Winter 2024 product collection. We’re also taking a step away from printed material this year and instead launching an online lookbook, allowing customers the chance to gain inspiration. The Red Sea shipping crisis will inevitably affect lead times but we are being proactive and pushing to ensure we have stock in good time to hopefully overcome any delays.
What one thing would make a difference to your business?
We have a great trade in the UK market, but would love to expand further outside of this, building strong markets internationally.
Libby Holden
Lovely Libby’s Rayleigh, Essex
How is trade for you at the moment?
Alison Owens Senior Buyer
Daniel Department Store
Windsor Berkshire
How is trade for you at the moment?
It’s definitely been a challenging Spring/ Summer season. The weather is playing a large part in it.
Which brands and product categories are selling well?
We’ve seen a large uptake in beauty this year, with no signs of it slowing any time soon. Fashion accessories brands that are performing well are Radley, Guess, Tommy Hilfiger and Alice Wheeler London, which are smashing all expectations this season.
What are your newest arrivals?
We brought in Moschino and Hugo for S/S24 and both have performed well.
How are you approaching the Autumn/Winter buying season?
Most if not all of our branded lines are already done and dusted. I looked for a few add-ons at Home & Gift: I wanted something new and hopefully interesting and I found My Bags Of Stuff. These canvas bags with sayings on like Mum Stuff and Dog Stuff are a great price and fun.
“Trade has finally picked up for us after the awful few months of rain we’ve had”
Trade has finally picked up for us after the awful few months of rain we’ve had. The sunshine definitely seems to bring the
Which brands are selling well?
Alice Wheeler London is selling really well for us. We’ve stocked this brand for a few years now, and it just goes from strength to strength. The company always brings out new collections and new colours of its bestselling ranges, which keep customers coming back to add to their
What are your newest arrivals?
I found some great new clothing and accessories suppliers at Home & Gift. For example, My Doris has a wonderful Christmas accessories range which includes lots of chunky jewellery and bling: the perfect Christmas present pick-ups.
What one thing would make a difference to your business?
We’re always promoting the ‘shop local’ motto. This is so important for all small businesses and local high streets. I believe that if every person in your town would ‘shop local’ more often, it would make a huge difference.
Gifts Today SHOP TALK
Sarah Holmes Owner
Pencil
Me In & Seasgair Store Elgin
Moray
Scotland
How is trade for you at the moment?
I opened Seasgair Store, which specialises in homeware and gifts, in 2023 in Elgin. Seasgair is a Scottish Gaelic word, similar to the Danish term Hygge, and is all about creating warmth, comfort and cosiness. I’ve always loved the word and thought it was a nice name for a shop.
Pencil Me In opened 2014 in Manchester; then we relocated and opened in Elgin in 2016. It specialises in stationery and greeting cards. The shops are on neighbouring streets in the Moray town.
As Seasgair is in its first 18 months, everything still feels kind of new and experimental. We have been super pleased with how the new shop has been received and trading has been quite steady for us this year. We do have a lot of feast and famine days, but overall it works out.
At Pencil Me In we’re busy with tourists (we have a lot of returning stationery fans most years), and back-to-school is hotting up as the Scottish schools return in mid-August. Retail is down a little overall for us this year, but our wholesale side is significantly up - which has allowed us some breathing space to spend time investing in some new learning around cash and stock management and digital marketing.
Which brands and product categories are selling well?
At Seasgair we have three top ranges. Studio Wald’s hanging plant shelf and flower presses are best sellers for us all year round and we love working with the founders: husband and wife team Jakob Creswell-Rost and Freya Hawtin. Our Natural Wholesale French soaps are popular every day and our brushes from Redecker are firm favourites.
At Pencil Me In, Scottish A3 prints from David Fleck are very popular, and new card ranges we’ve brought in from Hole In My Pocket, Sarah Leask Studio, and Letterbox Lane have sold well. Our pencils are naturally a big seller, especially our in-store personalisation service - and not forgetting erasable pens.
What are your newest arrivals?
For Seasgair we have summer candles from Paddywax (Sundried Linen is my fave), hand-painted plates and tumblers from My Gifts Trade, and hand cream from Toasted Crumpet.
And at Pencil Me In there are prints from local illustrator Jack Spowart, pens from Japanese brand OHTO from Turnaround Gifts, and cards from Two for One Illustration, Charis Raine, Wildwood Paper, and Onneke.
How are you approaching the Autumn/Winter buying season?
I took advantage of the Faire market in late July and pre-ordered all my Christmas cards for this year. I had a pow-wow with my team to chat over a theme for each shop (all to be revealed) which in turn helped my buying.
I’ve also preordered best sellers to come in mid to late October to top up before a busy season. I couldn’t make it to Home & Gift but I will attend Top Drawer to buy in more for Christmas - I do love a trade show!
What one thing would make a di erence to your business?
The area my shops are in is one-way and pedestrianised. This works well for our locations, but for the past six years we’ve had high street tra c running up here, due to works on an old building. This is all due to change in the next couple of weeks. It will take a while for sure to re-educate drivers, but I know that long term it will improve and hopefully we can move forwards to collaborating with our business neighbours to create more events and themes to build on our destination reputation.
Andrea
Trinkette Owner Trinkette
Sowerby Bridge West Yorkshire
How is trade for you at the moment? Trade has really picked up since the better weather. It still sometimes feels like a rollercoaster though; one minute you wonder where everyone is, and the next minute you wonder where everyone has come from! I’m enjoying meeting new customers who are visiting the town, and I really appreciate continued support from the local area.
Which product categories are selling well?
What are your newest arrivals?
Wedding gifts, soft toys, cards, and jewellery. Sales of Yorkshire gifts have also increased due to visitors and local events.
Pick N Mix soaps from Wild-Olive, and lovely new prints on babygrows and teddies from Powell Craft. I’m looking forward to receiving new accessories and jewellery from PoM, and winter fragranced candles from Stoneglow Candles, amongst others.
How are you approaching the Autumn/Winter buying season? I’ve already ordered key items, so I get them in good time for early shoppers. I feel so lucky to have lovely regular customers and I always try to o er them something di erent, especially at Christmas time. So it’s great to see suppliers bringing out new creative gifts at good price points. What one thing would make a di erence to your business? I hope this good weather continues, as I feel this is one of the main factors that really makes a di erence. Let’s all do sun dances!
Bryony Taylor-Edwards Head of Marketing and Home, Gift
and Interiors Buying
Yarnton Home & Garden
Oxfordshire
How is trade for you at the moment?
Good. It was slightly hampered in the core gardening departments by the wet spring, but overall trade is steady.
Which brands and product categories are selling well?
We’ve introduced a new stationery department, and it’s doing well. People are loving the art supplies and beautiful cards and notebooks from Ohh Deer. Kikkerland’s fun products are also performing well.
What are your newest arrivals?
We’ve taken on Lords Fragrance House’s delicious candles and soaps. We’ve also just onboarded The Fieldbar Co.’s handcrafted designer cooler box: a more expensive gift, but beautiful.
How are you approaching the Autumn/ Winter buying season?
With vim and positivity! We will make sure our selection is too good to miss. We will also ensure there is plenty of a ordability in the ranges and lots of fun - as is our way. What one thing would make a di erence to your business?
Stability and optimism. Oh, and some more good weather.
Delivering moments of connection
Steph Douglas, CEO and founder of online retailer Don’t Buy Her Flowers, tells Clare Turner why she’s on a mission to make gifting more meaningful
What’s your background?
I worked in brand and marketing. My role was always integration, so getting di erent teams and agencies working together to create a coherent campaign: digital, media, creative, PR, employee engagement etc.
Why did you move into gift retailing?
When I had my first baby, I received eight bouquets. They were well-meant but as I was completely overwhelmed, sore, and unsure of myself in this massive new role as a mum, it struck me that flowers were a bizarre gift - to give someone who is doing more caring than they’ve ever done in their life, yet another living thing to care for.
I had two more children close together and when my friends had babies, I would send them a kind of care package of some chocolate, a magazine, and a message to say, “you’re doing a great job, it’s going to be okay,” and they were so grateful. They always commented that it was the only gift they’d had for them
There was a gap in the market for this kind of thoughtful gifting - really thinking about the recipient and what they needed. After returning to work and managing the childcare juggle, I wanted to do something I felt passionate about. I couldn’t shake the idea, and the more I thought about it, the more it just seemed so obvious.
Then I did a simple survey. I quizzed about 300 responders and more than 90% said they received flowers when they had a baby (the majority got more than three bunches). But when I asked what they would have liked to receive, flowers were bottom of the list.
“There was a gap in the market for this kind of thoughtful gifting”
Tell us about your business. I launched Don’t Buy Her Flowers (DBHF) in 2014 as ‘gifts for new mums’. We had three care packages, all focused on products which I knew tapped into the experience of having a new baby.
For example, one package comprised tea, biscuits, and a thermal mug - because new mums never get a chance to enjoy a hot cuppa! The idea was to focus on gifts that encouraged the recipients to take a bit of time for themselves.
The website actually crashed when we launched. I’d started a blog nine months earlier, writing about motherhood and relationships, and had built an online community that was then incredibly supportive when the website went live. My followers shared it on their socials and basically
Don’t Buy Her Flowers
Steph with her firstborn Buster, whose arrival inspired the company’s launch
said they wished we’d been around when they’d had their babies.
Soon customers wanted to send care packages for other occasions, and also for men and kids, so the market was suddenly considerably bigger than I’d initially anticipated. Birthdays are actually our biggest occasion now. A couple of years in, we launched a completely bespoke Create Your Own (CYO) gift box and it flew - and has become core to what we do.
What’s your demographic?
Primarily women aged 25 to 54. It’s fascinating that a lot of the big gifting sites are founded, funded and run by men, but when it comes to gifting, women are the decision-makers. With the more empathetic occasions such as Bereavement or Get Well, men tend to gift even less. So, our female customers dominate. But we’ve seen our male customer base grow, and the ones that use us then stick around once they’ve had that experience of getting a gift right.
One in 13 gifts through our website is a workplace gift, and then we have our B2B clients that come to us with a brief, wanting a bespoke service. This area grew by 700% last year. It’s a di erent customer but interestingly, the core idea remains: these are companies that want to be more thoughtful with their workplace gifting.
What sets you apart from other online gift retailers?
Our customers can create bespoke gift boxes, which account for more than 70% of our B2C revenue. It means they want to be thoughtful, they’re really engaged, they’re taking time on the website to select something that is just right for their recipient - and it’s also cross-category.
Where a lot of gifting is in one category - such as Beauty, Stationery, or Food & Drink - our customers can put together a gift that is often an ‘event’ for the person they’re gifting. So, a good book with cosy socks and a snack; or a facemask, bubble bath, and a candle with a G&T. Our customers are saying: “I see that you need a bit of TLC and I want to help you.”
Everything is gift-wrapped and we handwrite the
customer’s message on the gift tag. Because of the CYO option, customers can personalise a gift box but still set their budget. A lot of gifting is about show and grand gestures - it can say more about the sender than the recipient.
Our gifts are all about the recipient, and as a result we get a lot of reports of happy tears when someone receives a DBHF gift box. That’s what we deliver - the moments of connection. We get to be a part of these life moments and that’s very cool, and definitely what drives me.
“We’ve worked on a concept that works to get our gifts into stores, so watch this space!”
What’s your merchandise mix?
Key categories include beauty, snacks, drinks, accessories, entertainment, stationery, and books. Our suppliers are all British, with lots of independents, and some bigger names such as Cartwright & Butler, This Works, and Neal’s Yard Remedies are in there too.
Montezuma’s, Brown Bag, BeautyPro, Spacemasks, Two Spoons, Pairs Scotland, Catherine Colebrook, Eco Bath London, B Skincare... we’ve more than 250 products to choose from.
We also recently introduced the frozen meal delivery service ByRuby, so customers can add a voucher in a gift box and the recipient can stock up their freezer when they need it. These are especially popular for our New Dad and New Mum gift boxes, and our Pregnancy Care package and Cancer Patients package. But frankly, they work brilliantly for anyone - you’re giving the gift of delicious meals and time!
How do you find products?
We visit Top Drawer, Spring Fair, and Home & Gift; see what products are being talked about online and seasonally; and get approached a lot more now (compared with the early days when I was trying to persuade suppliers to let us o their MOQ!).
Often we’ll have a type of product in mind, and then we search for the right brand. The team all try the products and we have a group of DBHF
ambassadors who test items and give us honest reviews.
Quality is key, and the notion that it’s a gift that o ers something: TLC, comfort, deliciousness, escape, or soothing. Our customers like to put five to six items in a gift box, so price is a factor too. Often, they’ll have one higher ticket item alongside lower cost products, so we need to ensure a mix.
What’s proving popular?
Our bestsellers are pretty tenacious all year around [see box]. The thing that usually changes depending on the season is drinks (more fizz and cocktails at Christmas), while cosy products such as cashmere socks and hot water bottles increase in the winter.
Four of the top-selling five gift boxes are CYO ones: Create a Gift Box, Create a Relaxing Gift Box, Create a Birthday Gift Box, and Create a New Mum Gift Box. The fifth is our Book Gift Box: we have fiction and non-fiction titles, plus snacks and a drink.
How has trading been for you?
This year has seen us back into growth, which is great news. Last year was di cult. We were one of the fortunate businesses that saw huge growth in Covid. We were exactly what people were looking for to connect with loved ones, and we grew 600% by the end of 2020.
Post-Covid there was an adjustment as B2C sales were lower, and our operational costs in that period had increased. I know a lot of retailers were in the same boat. The toughest thing is the unpredictability of the last couple of years - prior to Covid, we’d had this steady, very predictable growth.
However, it’s taught me a huge number of lessons: in particular, to not be reliant on one revenue stream. Alongside B2C we now have two additional areas to the business. We’ve grown B2B gifting and we’ve also taken on seven fulfilment clients. Keeping the three spinning is a challenge but has ultimately strengthened the business.
What are you most excited about for the coming season?
We got out earlier with our B2B Christmas gifts this year. A lot of corporate gifting is frankly really na , so we love working with companies to make the gifting more meaningful - by providing something that employees and clients not only
want but are excited to receive, and then tell others about.
And our flexibility with the gifting stands out. Some clients split their gifts into categories so not everyone gets the same. Some might be food & drink, others more of a TLC care package. So if you have 500 gifts and 26 of the recipients are vegan, 55 don’t drink alcohol, and six have nut allergies, we can meet all those needs.
I’ve had so many people tell me that they received a gift of wine when pregnant, or cheese when they don’t eat dairy, and it just shows no thought or attempt to consider the person as an individual. That’s not good gifting.
How do you get the word out there?
A combination of socials, PPC (Pay-Per-Click) digital ads, SEO (Search Engine Optimization), PR, and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) technology. Plus, we have the DBHF podcast which
is an extension of the blog I had before I started the business. We also see good conversion of recipients becoming customers.
Do you offer any services?
gifts, and all the highs and lows people are going through. It’s the human connection that was behind DBHF, and reading these takes me back to that.
We have Next Day and Saturday delivery, a pre-order service for the following week for people wanting to get ahead and get things ticked o their list, and handwritten gift tags. And when it comes to B2B, we o er a bespoke account service where we talk to clients to understand their briefs - who are they gifting, what do they want them to feel, and the branding and messaging they’d like to add to the gifts. The number of repeat clients we have shows we’re getting that right.
What’s next?
“Our gifts are all about the recipient, and as a result we get a lot of reports of happy tears when someone receives a DBHF gift box”
There are a few partners I have my eye on. Very few gift companies o er the ability for customers to truly personalise their gifts, and I don’t mean adding a name on something. I mean choosing exactly what goes into that gift. I’d love to partner with companies that understand that thoughtfulness, and want to achieve it. We’ve also worked on a concept that works to get our gifts into stores, so watch this space!
What do you like most about your job? Reading the gift tags. That’s my absolute favourite thing to do, especially when the noise of running a business gets too much. It immediately connects me with our customers and why they’re sending
What are your favourite gifts on your virtual shelves?
gifts on your virtual
As a mum of three who love helps me relax buttons, Two Spoons to sleep better. That would be an
As a mum of three who runs a business, I love anything that helps me relax and switch o . So I’d go for BeautyPro Eye Therapy under eye masks, Little Soap Company bubble bath, Montezuma’s delicious chocolate buttons, Two Spoons camomile tea, and a good novel to help me unwind and sleep better. That would be an absolute winner of a care package.
Riding the wave
Clare Turner chats to Kim Hambleton, owner of Cornish four-strong gift shop chain
Just Lily, winner of the Best Newcomer category of the Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2024
How’s trading?
It’s been a very exciting year for us as we opened our fourth store in February, in St Ives [this joins branches in Mousehole, Porthleven and Falmouth which opened in February 2022, October 2022 and May 2023 respectively]. The business as a whole is going from strength to strength.
Describe your range.
High quality, carefully selected, beautiful items to complement you and your home. Our key categories are jewellery, gifts and home furnishings. How do you source products?
I love to find and support small, independent suppliers, as we love a product with a story. Small businesses often contact us directly or pop in for a chat. But I’m a regular at most of the larger trade shows (Home & Gift, Autumn Fair, Top Drawer, Spring Fair) and I’m looking at going to Ambiente. I also meet reps to touch base and see any new collections.
What’s proving popular?
Cuckoo clocks are in high demand; our new colours have just landed. Plus, our super range of blankets (made of lambswool, cotton and recycled plastic) which are perfect for inside and outside use, so they are a fabulous staple for the summer. And we have a lot of di erent collections of jewellery which are always popular, from small independent makers.
What are some of your new arrivals?
We have some great bracelets created from plastic which is washed up on Cornish beaches - made locally in St Ives. And a gorgeous new candles company which uses 100% natural premium grade soy wax poured into recycled wine bottles.
What’s on your counter/by the till?
As we’ve switched it up for summer, our till areas currently hold our gorgeous sterling silver coastal jewellery and some new mini animal cards which are a perfect pick-up gift, made from watercolour and hand-finished with lambswool.
Have you noticed any changes in purchasing behaviour?
We’re making a conscious e ort to bring in some smaller pick-up gifts as these can be great for smaller budgets and increase our UPTs (Units Per Transaction). O ering a wide range of products made through recycling and sustainability practices means we’re not only in line with current trends, but that the products themselves tend to be of a higher quality - and people don’t seem to mind spending a little extra if it helps the planet.
What challenges have you faced recently?
We weren’t expecting to open a fourth shop this year, but the perfect building became available and we knew it wouldn’t stick around. So the biggest challenge has got to be balancing opening a fourth shop with several personal ongoing projects and, unfortunately, some personal bereavement.
What sets you apart?
Our exemplary sta - customer service is key - our stunning shop layouts and merchandising and, of course, our unique, high quality products.
How do you get word out there?
We don’t pay for regular advertising. However, we do have a loyal online following through Facebook, Instagram and, more recently, TikTok. We find that most of our clients are via word of mouth - and our brightly coloured, great smelling shops pull people in too.
Do you offer any services?
As standard, we gift-wrap most of our jewellery and o er this on other products where possible. We also sell gift vouchers in-store and online.
What do you like most about your job?
I love finding new products, developing relationships with suppliers, sta and customersand being on the shop floor at the heart of it all.
What do you like least?
The boring bits! Finance, invoices, building work etc. Luckily, my fantastic husband/business partner Simon Withey [pictured above with Kim] loves those things, so together we make a fantastic team.
What’s your favourite gift on your shelves?
Oh, it changes all the time, but at the moment I’m loving Home County Co.’s The Cornwall range. The smell is divine - not only reminiscent of Cornwall but of a relaxing day at the spa - and the quality of the products speak for themselves.
5. Katherine Sheard
But with our excellent sta and a lot of blood, sweat and tears, we have pulled through stronger than ever. We’re feeling positive about a lovely busy summer and our future as a whole.
Diary of a gift shop
Jo Williams, owner/director of award-winning gift shop Joco in Nuneaton, reflects on trading and looks forward to Autumn Fair - and a very special delivery!
Having reached the halfway stage of 2024 and reviewing where we are at, I think that considering the economic climate, as well as the continued closure of a car park opposite my shop, we’ve done pretty well to survive to this point of the year.
I’m not going to lie; it’s been a very di cult period and one of the worst since we opened back in 2015. However, instead of wallowing in self-pity, the team and I haven’t just sat back and waited for people to come through the door.
We’ve been attending training sessions to learn new transferable skills to help with marketing, using social media platforms, and more. Our Facebook Lives continue to bring shoppers to us each week. Both new and regular customers watch to find out about special o ers, what’s fresh in our product range, and which of their favourite products have been restocked.
There is often a chance to direct me to where they want to look around the shop, from the comfort of their homes, simply by commenting while I’m ‘live’.
With Autumn Fair around the corner, I’m looking forward to seeing what new products are going to be on o er. We order Autumn and Christmas lines in January/February, so I know the majority of the second half is covered with pre-orders, and some of those items will be here shortly.
Autumn is one of my favourite seasons. I especially like the colours which bring a feeling of warmth and that cosy happy vibe. We have lots of pumpkins and seasonal foliage arriving, and I love creating stunning window displays with the products.
This Christmas I believe our best sellers will be decorations that will last for many years. Rather than buying lots of little baubles that are relatively cheap, we’ve found that customers treat themselves to one or two more expensive glass or unusual tree
decorations and add to their collection each year.
Having lost several members of my family, including my beloved dad in the early part of this year, I feel there will be lots of sentiment and memorial style decorations too. We’ve sold these for many years and they are a lovely way to remember those who are no longer with us.
As we stock a lot of fragrance products, we know we will see a change in the choice of scents that customers pick as the season
Coming soon…
In late 2023 I attended a 12-week course on how to design, create and publish my own planning journal. I was nearly ready to have it printed when I lost my dad, so the book and many other projects were put on hold.
changes. More spice-based ones will be popular over the lighter floral aromas. Cinnamon, orange and woody bases will be favourites as we enter August/ September.
I’m positive that now we’re on the other side of the general election, utilities costs are dropping, and interest rates are also looking to come down, customers will begin to have more confidence in spending their hard-earned cashhopefully within bricks-andmortar shops, and saving the high streets near them.
The proof of ‘My secret to being a Gift Giving Genius’ arrived in late July and I’m so happy with it. I’m now working on marketing and launch date detailsand many customers have already expressed an interest and asked me to sign their copies!
The journal brings together ideas gleaned from my many years of experience in the gift industry. Presented in a month-by-month format, you can record significant information about special occasions, enter reminders, and keep notes on each person you have given a gift to, using the prompts provided to log details such as their likes and dislikes, interests, favourite animals, colours, etc.
You will avoid making the ultimate error of duplicating a gift or giving the recipient something they can’t use - “Oh, thanks for the bubble bath - but I only have a shower!” By using the guided tracker, you can build a comprehensive, personalised gifting journal to look back on in future years.
And the beauty of this book is that it can be sold in shops, and retailers can pop their website details inside, giving the owner a great place to shop time and time again.
Trade talk
With the festive trading period on the horizon, we ask a selection of leading gift suppliers to share their plans and preparations for Q4and predictions for Christmas bestsellers
Paul Hooker Managing Director Joe Davies
What are you doing to prepare for the all-important fourth quarter?
We had a great Home & Gift, and that has really helped in our preparation for the busy selling season. We will have plenty of stock on the bestselling lines either on order, on the water, or in the warehouse when we attend Autumn Fair.
In addition, we’ve recruited temporary warehouse seasonal staff early this year, which will help us get stock out quickly when it arrives from the Far East. It’s been great to welcome back so many staff from previous years with plenty of experience.
“Christmas Village pottery looks set for a second-year sell-out and we’re urging customers to place their orders early”
What plans have you got in place to support retailers with their Christmas orders?
All year we’ve been taking customer orders on Christmas, and allocating the stock so every customer has their stock secured for them. It’s a completely risk-free offer, with customers able to cancel, amend and change their order right up to delivery. And customers can date their initial order for whenever it’s required. Couple this with our usual no quibble credits, and customers have been confident placing their Christmas pre-orders more than ever.
What do you anticipate will be your festive bestsellers?
With more than 10,000 lines across so many categories, we have plenty of great brands for the busy season. Equilibrium boxed hats, gloves and scarves are in huge demand, and our snoozies! have had a brilliant sell in, with some new pairable designs.
Joining the lineup in fashion is Sock Society and Nuzzles: both with large presales.
Christmas Village pottery looks set for a second-year sell-out and we’re urging customers to place their orders early. A surprise hit has been our Folk Art Collection of wooden houses and toadstools. Christmas crochet sets and festive foodie decorations are also on plenty of orders.
Sarah Watmore Owner Miss Milly
What are you doing to prepare for the all-important fourth quarter?
We’ve tried very hard to get product ranges developed and shipped earlier, bearing in mind the forecast logistics delays. We’ve already had one shipment delayed by a fortnight due to port congestion in Felixstowe and it hadn’t even left China at the point we were notified! And we’re launching the new season in two phases, so we can ship stock out without making customers wait, and to minimise the admin nightmare of back orders.
What plans have you got in place to support retailers with their Christmas orders?
Our minimum order has always been just £100 to allow retailers to order according to their needs. And we’ve never had a minimum order quantity for the same reason. Our aim is to always ship orders the same or next working day, and this only slips when we launch a new season, after trade shows, or during promotions - but we still then manage to dispatch within three to four working days maximum.
And we’re always on the end of the phone or computer to answer any questions that customers may have about stock levels, re-orders or bestsellers. We’ve managed to replace our retired agent for the south-west and have also taken on an agent for Wales, so our on the ground coverage is getting better.
What do you anticipate will be your festive bestsellers?
We’re now in our 13th year of trade with Miss Milly and despite often trying new products and styles, we know what works best for us and our customers. So the main focus will again be on our resin jewellery, which is incredibly popular due to a winning combination of great design, reasonable prices and high quality. And with our viscose/cotton mix scarves increasing in popularity over the past few seasons, we’ve created a new collection that works brilliantly with the jewellery.
Anthony David Commercial Director
Something Different Wholesale
What are you doing to prepare for the all-important fourth quarter?
We saw an increase in demand for seasonal items in 2023, so we placed purchase orders at the end of 2023 to mitigate any risk of delays in production or shipping. Planning ahead has ensured that customers will receive their stock in time for the golden quarter.
Our full range of Autumn, Halloween and Christmas products are in stock and already selling fast. We expect high demand for seasonal items to continue through 2025 and beyond, particularly advent calendars, novelty lines, and products with a purpose such as oil burners and incense burners - all of which we have expanded on for A/W 2024.
We have over 700 lines across our Autumn, Halloween and Christmas categories to o er a wide variety of products for customers of all interests. Our warehouse is streamlined to e ciently handle the expected surge in orders. This ensures we minimise delays and provide customer satisfaction during this critical period.
What plans have you got in place to support retailers with their Christmas orders?
We frequently o er fantastic promotions, providing our customers with the opportunity to save on more than 3,000 products. We continue to o er services such as free delivery on orders over £50, next day delivery on orders placed by 4pm, and our recent addition of dispatching orders seven days a week.
Over 80% of our products are exclusively designed by our inhouse design team, ensuring our products are unique, on-trend and competitively priced. We recently launched our A/W24 catalogue with 13 new seasonal ranges including Christmas puddings, penguins and gingerbread men. It can be viewed at somethingdi erentwholesale. co.uk/catalogues or customers can add a free copy to their basket.
What do you anticipate will be your festive bestsellers?
Our Christmas-themed incense cone burners continue to be bestsellers,
Sophie Aldred Customer Care Manager
The Straits Trading Co. /Aromatize
What are you doing to prepare for the all-important fourth quarter? Our approach to customer service is to plan ahead in every way we can! We made the decision to not exhibit at Autumn Fair, as we feel the show is too late in the year. As a business and industry, the Christmas order book opens in January. Christmas & Gift is a huge show for us, with Spring Fair closely behind.
What plans have you got in place to support retailers with their Christmas orders?
The retail industry values our forward planning as it means stock will start to arrive in our warehouse as early as July. Our customers can design their displays, organise storage, and hit the ground running for their busiest period.
We also have a great sales team who are on hand to help customers, and our Lancashire showroom is open from Monday to Friday, yearround. Customers can contact us to make an appointment, with the option to arrange a visit outside core hours.
including our Log Cabin Incense Cone Burner that was a TikTok sensation last Christmas. Because of this, we’ve introduced new designs such as a Gingerbread House and a Christmas Fireplace that are forecast to be bestsellers this year.
We predict our Merry Crystalmas collection will be a bestseller too, as we’ve seen demand for crystal products grow rapidly over the past few months. Our crystal advent calendars are already a hot topic and are selling fast. Crystals are a growing trend and demand will continue to be high as it reaches a wide market. We recommend retailers place orders in advance to avoid missing out.
Sally Moore
Managing Director
The Wheat Bag Company
What are you doing to prepare for the allimportant fourth quarter? With the busy season just around the corner, we are making sure we are well prepared for all pending orders that are due to be dispatched, and well stocked for all further orders.
We start planning for the fourth quarter orders in January. All our products are made in-house. Therefore we must be very organised when it comes to ordering materials and making sure our stock levels are where they need to be by August, ready to fulfil Christmas orders.
What plans have you got in place to support retailers with their Christmas orders?
We’re extremely fortunate to have an amazing team of loyal, reliable, talented sta who work together and put everything in place to ensure the process runs smoothly, and that we can deliver the high standard of service that our customers expect.
What do you anticipate will be your festive bestsellers?
We expect that Wheat Bags will be our number one selling product this Christmas as this is what we’re well known for, and they make great gifts for all genders and ages. Our Wheat Bags are made in-house using cleaned British wheat and fresh lavender buds.
Over the past 12 months, we’ve been busy focusing on product development and have launched some exciting new wellbeing and homestyle products. These have all been well received by our customers and are already proving to be very popular.
Trade talk
Aylish
Ellwood
Trade Marketing Manager Enesco
What are you doing to prepare for the all-important fourth quarter?
At Enesco we get very excited about Q4 as it’s all about maximising opportunities and making sure we have a sufficient supply of affordable, attractive, and value for money gifts to keep our retailers’ shelves well stocked. Preparations start early in the year as we attend key trade fairs in the UK and Europe, including Home & Gift and showUP in the Netherlands, which really kick off the Christmas trading season. The whole company is ready and waiting in great anticipation to see how the most exciting time of the gift-giving year delivers.
What plans do you have in place to support retailers with their Christmas orders?
We mustn’t forget the end-consumer and how we can support our retailers in creating the demand and converting interest into a sale. Good merchandising is so important. We are working hard to create and supply online point of sale material and merchandising leaflets for retailers to access and print off locally. It’s all about engaging the consumer and solving the gift-buying problem for them with creative messaging.
Merchandising units are also important and are available for some key brands, including Disney’s Stitch, Peter Rabbit, Kloche, and home fragrance collections including Herb Dublin, Yankee Candle and Woodwick.
What do you anticipate will be your festive bestsellers?
As wellness-centred giftware continues to be a strong trend, we expect our giftable home fragrance collections hand poured in Ireland to be top sellers.
Herb Dublin, Eau Lovely and Irish Botanicals are designed to promote relaxation, detoxification and all-round wellness, and are all very giftable with very attractive price points. The 7 Chakras gift set from Eau Lovely was a Gift of the Year Awards 2024 category winner, which only adds to that extra special appeal.
“Wellness-centred giftware continues to be a strong trend”
Sue Lockey Co-Founder & CEO
The
Puppet Company
What are you doing to prepare for the all-important fourth quarter?
As we move towards Q4, we continue to do what we can to support our retailers, with planned special offers and Christmas showcases. With a huge selection of options for year-round gifting, we have products for A/W and festive favourites alongside key gifts that will be played with over Christmas and beyond.
What plans have you got in place to support retailers with their Christmas orders?
As always, all our products are available in singles, and all orders can combine both puppets and Wilberry soft toys, with low minimum orders as standard as part of our commitment to our customers.
We create quality, price-conscious puppets and soft toys for all, and have increased our selection of affordable gift options to support both retailers and their customers with finding something for everyone.
What do you anticipate will be your festive bestsellers?
We’re expecting our new Eco Sockettes to continue the Sockette popularity as great gifts for all ages, and we’re really excited about the arrival of our new Striders puppets which are huge fun! We’ve also increased our Baby collections, with comforters and baby products which are perfect for a baby’s first Christmas.
Kate Winch Sales and Marketing Lead Candlelight
What are you doing to prepare for the all-important fourth quarter? As a proactive measure to avoid the delays expected with shipping, we ordered our seasonal lines earlier than usual. Additionally, our fully stocked warehouse is ready to provide retailers with gap fills while they await new stock arrivals.
Zara Grindrod Sales and Brand Director Rainbow Designs
What do you anticipate will be your festive bestsellers?
It’s going to be all about Paddington this Christmas! With the third movie, ‘Paddington in Peru’, arriving in cinemas on November 8, the nation’s favourite bear is going to be on many wish lists this festive season.
Our bestselling Classic Paddington collection which boasts 14 lines including sitting and standing formats, alongside our everpopular The Adventures of Paddington preschool range, is already in high demand at both a retail and consumer level.
What plans have you got in place to support retailers with their Christmas orders?
As always, we will ensure we are well stocked of all our key lines leading into this important time of the year and that our retailers are well informed. As we head into Q4 there will be substantial marketing campaigns delivered for Paddington alongside other core ranges, with online advertising at both retailer level, as well as nationwide social media campaigns - all supported with extensive PR activity.
The word on the street...
Maybugs co-owner Greg Rose is back to dish the dirt on what’s new, what’s hot and what’s dropped at his three-strong gift shop chain in the East Sussex towns of Hailsham, Eastbourne and Bexhill-On-Sea
Having spent a few days at Home & Gift in Harrogate, followed by a whistle-stop tour of some of our main suppliers’ showrooms, we are ready and raring to go and have the festive season firmly in our sights. I won’t mention the 10-hour drive back from Yorkshire, which should have taken four, but such is life!
What’s
New?
We had a very successful Home & Gift, and thought the new layout and plethora of new suppliers was a real success. Overall at the fair we placed 48 orders from 16 di erent suppliers, 10 of which we’ve never ordered from before.
Paper Starlights was a real find with its paper star lamp shapes, and handy LED light kit: we think this will be a real winner at Christmas. We also discovered stunning doggie artwork from Aquamarine Art, which specialises in creating handmade pet portraits.
If you’re going to buy one extra thing for Autumn, get your hands on the Bestie Bottles from Asobu. This Canadian company has developed adorable water bottles crafted into funky animals such as sheep and gira es. The stand was really busy, and we’re convinced these bottles will be a hit with both adults and kids alike.
Just landed in store is the fabulous 2025 dated collection from Wrendale
Designs. We always look forward to seeing it on the shelves and customers genuinely get excited about the new designs - we’ve already sold quite a lot of desk diaries.
What’s Hot?
The stores have been really busy since my last column in the July issue. We continue to see month on month sales growth, which is really promising.
Top performers are Carrie Elspeth jewellery with its joyfully colourful summer ranges, Roka London with its new Trafalgar tote bags, and of course Jellycat with basically everything (that’s assuming you can get any stock).
Greeting cards as a category is really our bread and butter, and we’re delighted that we’ve had success with some of the new ranges we came across at PG [Progressive Greetings] Live. Ginger Betty, Brain Box Candy and Rosanna Rossi have all proved to be fantastic sellers, as have cards from Megan Claire and Heyyy.
We decided at Harrogate to add some more too, and discovered the wonderful Musker-Sherwood Designs, which has uniquely di erent handfinished greeting cards for all occasions. We can’t wait to get them onto our shelves.
What’s Dropped?
Salt lamps and crystals seem to have
dipped quite a bit for us. It might just be a blip so we aren’t too worried yet as we’re sure they will pick up, especially with the high summer trade and tourists.
We’ve also not done as well with wedding gifts compared with previous years. We can’t quite put our finger on why, but maybe it’s just more of a move to giving couples cash or experiences rather than a physical gift? Only time will tell.
You’ll hear from me next in October, and I’m sure that by then you’ll have a tsunami of Christmas stock coming, just like us! There’s still time to get organised, so don’t panic. Just make sure you have anything seasonal done and ordered first, otherwise you risk missing out or being left with the dregs.
