Gifts Today

Independently audited

25

ABC circulation of 7,100 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014

Month: February 2015

Issue: 3

Volume: 26

The candle of choice

Celebrating 185 years!

Spring Fair, Birmingham, 1st - 5th Feb 2015, Hall 5, Stand J80/K81 Price’s Patent Candles Ltd, 16 Hudson Road, Bedford, MK41 0LZ

+44 (0)1234 264500

sales@prices-candles.co.uk

SPRING FAIR INTERNATIONAL – HALL 9, STAND E30–F31 AMBIENTE – HALL 4.1, STAND B16 t: +44(0)1782 744721 e: homesales@portmeiriongroup.com www.portmeiriongroup.com Portmeirion is a registered trademark of Portmeirion Group

Contents

Message from the Editor Penny Franks

Regulars 4 18 32

This issue we focus on Spring Fair, time to talk to the exhibitors

www.gifts-today.co.uk Twitter: @giftstodaymag

136 & 138 New Products 20 GA News 122 UKTI Furthermore, This issue Spring Fair you will offers visitors notice that we the opportunity have a new front to attend great cover advertiser seminars of interest and - Price’s Candles, relevance to our who are market sector. celebrating 185 The truly years in the international stature of Spring candle sector Fair makes it one of the UK’s premier launch platforms for companies seeking export business and will be reinforced by the presence of UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) in Hall 4.

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) works with UK-based business to ensure their success in international markets, and encourage the best overseas companies to look to the UK as their global partner of choice.

They will be giving advice and guidance throughout the show to retailers and businesses about going global. Take time to read our UKTI article on page 124 You can also visit their stand during Spring Fair, pop either into Hall 4, Stand: D70/E71, or Hall 18, Stand: J28/J29.

You can find a great roundup of the show within this issue, and we hope this assists you to pre-plan your visit, simply turn to page 35.

This issue you will also notice that we have a new front cover advertiser - Price’s Candles, who are celebrating 185 years in the candle sector! Take time to read all about this company and their achievements over the years on page 28 of this issue - with so many years’ experience in the industry this company has gone from strength to strength and shows no signs of slowing down. Of course, you will also find them at Spring Fair (Hall 5, Stand: J80-K81).

“

The views of the contributors expressed in this journal are not necessarily those of the publisher.

Comments, letters and criticism are welcome.

Retail 16

Grass Roots What are retailer expectations this year at Spring Fair

24 Brian Wiseman Brian Wiseman on Christmas, cheese and karaoke

“

W

elcome everyone to our bumper February issue!

It’s going to be a busy time ahead. February represents (as we all know) Spring Fair - and what a fair it will be. By visiting this year you really would have to be wandering around with your eyes closed not to find something suitable for your stores or websites.

This year you will find over 3,000 hot new lines from British and international suppliers with 400 of them being new to the show wow, that’s a lot of gifting solutions under one roof !

Spring Fair also represents the home of the Gift of the Year. These are much sought after and coveted awards and to ensure you can be among the first to find out who the winners are why not visit the Trends Theatre in the evening of Sunday 1st February, after the show closes. However, if you don’t manage to attend, good news - all of the winning and highlycommended products will be on display at the Giftware Association’s Gift of the Year Showhouse, Garden and Retail Lounge in Hall 5.

Talking of the GA remember, they will be running their voucher scheme again at Spring Fair. If you are not already and member and would like to find out more, visit www.ga-uk.org.

Discounts of up to 10%, no minimum orders and free deliveries are just some of the deals being offered by GA supplier members to retail members and subscribers at Spring Fair.

Among those taking part in the voucher scheme are: Blue Eyed Sun (4L66), Cavendish French (20A34), Data Strategy Consulting (4A47), Dunk Trading (6K15), Eggnog (3H11), HHJ Trading (1EO1), Little Fingy (4J20), Mulhouse Design (4J101), Peartree Heybridge (4L106), Ravensden (3P04-Q05) and Tilnar Art (5K38).

Retailers can receive their voucher sheet for free by visiting The GA’s stand in Hall 7, F22 – G23 or their secondary Gift of the Year display stand in Hall 6, N49.

News Exhibition News Trade Talk

26 Retailer Profile We speak to notonthehighstreet.com

Features 128 Musical Gifts Hitting the high notes at retail

130 Wedding Gifts The bride, the groom & the bridal party – a great gifting opportunity

134 Glass & Crystal Is it all crystal clear?

Cover Story 28 Price’s Candles 185 years young!

INTERVIEW 126 Widdop Bingham Gifts Today visited the home of Widdop

35 SPRING FAIR 2015 PREVIEW

Profiles 22 Joe Davies 50 Ancestors Group 54 Arora Design 58 Best Kept Secrets

80 90 96 100

Xystos Gibsons Denby Stoneglow Candles 102 Yankee Candle

Gifts Today recently also had the opportunity to visit the showrooms at Widdop Bingham and I have to say, I for one didn’t quite appreciate the sheer scale of this company!

Widdop will be taking three stands this year at Spring Fair, and you’ll see the launch of their new Colonial Candle range.

You can read this interview by turning to page 126.

Remember, it’s always wise to pre-register your attendance at Spring Fair. Simply visit: www.springfair.co.uk - registration is simple and more to the point, for those in the gift trade, FREE! See you all there!

NEWS

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AGA becomes Elite’s best seller Elite’s officially licensed AGA Oven became the companies bestselling tin ever in 2014, and has just been issued in two new beautiful trending colour ways, Rose and Heather. “The demand for these tins far outstripped our original expectation,” said James, MD of Elite. “We created this product to be as good as possible in the hope that it would be a great novelty but functional and useful item. I imagined these tins being handed to the kids once empty of biscuits, for use by their plastic dolls, however the reality is that these are making great gifts! For us the highlight was the recognition bestowed upon Elite when this product won the food filled Gift category in ‘Gift of the Year’ last year.

Winning the prestigious award really inspired me to continue creating new and unique products for our customers.” AGA were keen to add their new popular colours of Rose, a soft pink, and Heather, a lovely gentle lilac.

Tel: 01603418153 Web: www.elitetins.com Spring Fair: Hall 5, stand K42

Mud-Pie UK Launch Joe Davies is proud to announce they have been appointed as UK distributor for the hot US Giftware brand Mud-Pie. Joe Davies will be the exclusive supplier in the UK and Ireland for the Company’s Mud-Pie Living Range, their unique home, gifting and ceramics offerings. Mud Pie has enjoyed huge success in their home market, particularly in Gift Shop and Home & Garden retail environments.

The collection looks set to be a winner with high initial pre-sales interest.

Marcia Miller, Founder and CEO of the US based Company commented “Mud Pie is a favourite brand of style-conscious consumers and is available in over 16,000 speciality retailers and department stores around the world. We appointed Joe Davies as our distributor due to their exceptional service record and their reputation with independent retailers, which is where Mud Pie really performs. We are delighted to be bringing the brand to the wider UK market” The Mud-Pie Living offer will be distributed exclusively throughout the UK by Joe Davies, with all items available through their trademark “Little and Often” ordering system with a minimum order value of just £100 and free delivery.

The initial launch collection will debut at the NEC Spring Fair on Joe Davies’ stand in Hall 5 (C30/D31).

For all enquiries regarding Mud-Pie please contact Joe Davies on: 0161 975 6300 4 gifts today

Vicky Hill Takes On Licensing Manager Role At Bulldog Bulldog Licensing has announced that Vicky Hill has been promoted to the role of Licensing Manager.

Since joining Bulldog as Licensing Executive little more than a year ago, Vicky has made a significant contribution to the agency’s global licensing operation. During this time she has managed two categories, including publishing – where she has been responsible for significant overall growth. Her promotion comes as recognition of her incredible ability to grow the commercial opportunity and develop brands along a clear strategic path.

“Although Vicky hasn’t been with us long she has made a significant impact in that time,” comments Bulldog Group MD Rob Corney, “She really understands the licensing business and is always looking to gain more knowledge and insight into the industry. She was our first choice when the role of Licensing Manager became available and we are delighted she took the job, as she will be an integral part of our ongoing growth, direction and development.”

Adds Vicky: “I’m delighted to be taking on this exciting and challenging role.

Bulldog has enjoyed a period of sustained growth over the last few years and I am looking forward to the challenge of taking things even further and driving our ability to develop the biggest and best brands on the market.”

Cartamundi’s traditional card pack wins top bizziebaby.co.uk award Royal Flush, the classic traditional card pack from Cartamundi, one of the world’s market leaders in playing cards and card games, has received a gold award from Bizziebaby, the independent online product review site for and by mums, dads and kids.

Three reviewing mums and kids gave Royal Flush top marks of 5 out of 5, with such remarks as “excellent value for money”, “very good quality” and “if I needed cards I couldn’t do better than these”.

The award joins recent honours from Bizziebaby for Cartamundi’s Visualise Junior Memory Game and the Shuffle MY LITTLE PONY card game along with a silver award for Shuffle PLAY-DOH at the 2014 Practical Pre-School Awards. All the games (and the award logos) can be seen at Toy Fair stand H1, as part of a powerful line-up of games and brands.

Trudi Bishop, Head of Marketing and Licensing, Cartamundi, says: “The market for traditional card decks is very competitive, so when we first brought out the Royal Flush deck we focused strongly on quality and value. Our grateful thanks to the Bizziebaby reviewers for letting us know we’re still getting it right after all these years!”

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DISNEY BY BRITTO

Capture the magic at the International Spring Fair 1st–5th February 2015 at the NEC, we’ve got giftware all wrapped up

Birmingham, Hall 5, Stands: E04/F03 and F04/G03

ENCHANTING DISNEY

DISNEY SHOWCASE

DISNEY TRADITIONS

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NEWS

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All Change for Bigjigs Toys

Gibsons Donates £20K of Puzzles to Families Nationwide

As 2014 drew to a close, Bigjigs Toys Ltd bid a fond farewell to three of its UK agents. After representing Bigjigs for the last 8 years, Colin Fletcher, agent for the North West of England, ceased to represent the company.

Andrew Dickson Jan Mann has similarly moved on to embrace other opportunities in the Gift and Toy Sector, following 3 years representing the wooden toy company throughout the East of England.

After working for the past 3 years as the Scottish Agent for Bigjigs Toys, Dave Soutar chose to retire at the end of the year. During his time with the company he has been an asset to the Sales team Sharon Gardner and a great support at trade fairs.

On the 1st January 2015, new recruit Andrew Dickson replaced Dave Soutar as Bigjigs’ Agent for Scotland. Andrew comes from Galt and brings with him several years of experience in the toy sector. He will be representing the company on Stand I36 at the upcoming Scottish Gift Fair in Glasgow from January 18th- 20th 2015.

Bigjigs Toys has also re-appointed Sharon Gardner in the newly-created role of House Account Manager, with effect from January 2nd 2015. Members of the toy industry will remember Sharon from the years she spent working as Credit Controller at Bigjigs Toys. The company is delighted to be welcoming Sharon back in to the fold.

Web: www.bigjigtoys.co.uk

Gibsons gifted 2,200 jigsaw puzzles to The Children’s Trust to help fundraising efforts for children with brain injury at Christmas. The jigsaw puzzles have been distributed to families, and sold through The Children’s Trust charity shops to raise valuable funds.

The Children’s Trust was delighted to receive the jigsaws in time for Christmas and to kick off the charity’s fundraising for 2015. Ellie Farrier, Community Fundraising Assistant at The Children’s Trust, comments on how the funds will support their plans: “Every year around 40,000 children in the UK are left with a brain injury as a result of an accident or illness. Not only do the children require specialist medical attention and rehabilitation, the families also need a huge amount of support. Thanks to the kind ongoing generosity of Gibsons, The Children’s trust has been able to raise vital funds to be able to continue this support to families across the country.”

Gibsons is a family-run business and has been creating traditional puzzles and games since 1919. Managing Director of Gibsons, Nick Wright, commented on the activity: “We

Intelex Group to Rebrand Heatable Gift Ranges to Warmies in 2015 Intelex Group has announced that they are rebranding all of their warming product ranges under the brand name Warmies to create a very strong internationally recognisable brand that is set dominate the increasingly popular category of ‘warming gifts’.

The Warmies brand will be rolled out across all territories in 2015 and will be applied to all new and existing heatable ranges including Warmhearts, Socky Dolls and Cozy Plush. Attractive new packaging has been designed with a holographic security feature to freshen up the look of the older ranges and to help make the newer ranges instantly identifiable as genuine Intelex products to the consumer.

The rebranding project coincides with Intelex Group celebrating their 20th year as worldwide market leaders in the heatable soft toy and gifts industry. The tagline ‘Warming the Nation Since 1995’ will remain and the business will soon debut a new customer facing website along with a transactional website for trade customers.

“The Intelex Group’s Warmies brand is already well known in other EU countries such as Germany, Switzerland and Italy and by applying this brand across all of the heatable products we manufacture, we can quickly and easily create a very strong global brand that will dominate this category for the next 20 years.” Says Philip Gannon, founder and CEO of Intelex Group and the inventor of fully microwavable soft toys.

He continues “The Warmies brand perfectly represents the functionality, quality and safety of the products we have been designing and developing for over 20 years and I’m very pleased that we have finally selected a brand name that suits not only all of the product ranges we manufacture but also all of the international markets that we sell into.”

8 gifts today

are always on the lookout for ways that we can enhance the lives of those in our community.

We are delighted to continue to support The Children’s Trust, a charity that we have worked with a number of times over the years.

“Spending time with the children yesterday and watching them enjoying the puzzles was a really rewarding experience, bringing to light the struggle that some families are faced with.

“Our large range of puzzles and games are a great way for families to spend time bonding, so supporting a charity that works so hard to help families all over the country is very rewarding for us.”

Silver shine to spring Silver service comes to fruition at Spring Fair where Cardgains will be presenting both their massive £25,000 charity cheque and the star car prize of their 25th anniversary celebrations.

Everyone is invited to see the cheque presentation at the Cardgains Village – stand 4E20-F21 – at 1pm on Monday, February 2, where joint MDs Chris Dyson and Steve Grocott will hand over the money raised by the buying group’s biggest yet charity challenge, the sponsored walk and cycle around the Three Dams in the Peak District.

Mandy Williams will accept the cheque on behalf of Peach, the charity for children with autism.

“This will give everyone the chance to catch up,” Chris said, “and relive some of the fun we had back in June!

“We will also be taking the opportunity to launch our 2015 Challenge, which is scheduled for Thursday, June 25.

“We’re currently finalising the event and

deciding on a charity – we’re looking for something in keeping with the Cardgains 2015 marketing theme of ‘driving independent retailers in the right direction’.”

The winner of the Car-gains 25th anniversary competition is also due to be drawn during the show, where one retailer member of the buying group will become the proud owner of the silver Nissan Juke prize.

Sponsored by some of Cardgains top suppliers – Abacus, Carte Blanche, Grass Roots International, The Great British Card Company, International Cards & Gifts, Is It Art, Ling Design, Nigel Quiney, Paper Rose, Talking Pictures, Woodmansterne, Words ’n’ Wishes, and UK Greetings – each handed up to 10 entry tickets to individual members who met their criteria, plus Cardgains had 20 to give away, which are all going into the draw for the 10 finalists, one of whom will then be drawn out as the winner at Spring Fair.

Web: www.cardgains.co.uk

Maxwell Scott Bags Reveals Re-brand An international business based in York, North Yorkshire, Maxwell Scott Bags combines British design with Italian craftsmanship to create luxury leather products ranging from briefcases and luggage to handbags and accessories.

Founded in 2002 by William Forshaw, Maxwell Scott Bags began life supplying briefcases to corporate clients in London. After noticing that many of his colleagues brought plastic bags to work instead of business cases, Forshaw saw a gap in the market for high quality, professional

briefcases in the workplace.

After spending the past year re-branding, the company is now ready to show off its brand new image. With a sleek new website, a newly launched informative blog and a range of upcoming products in the pipeline, it’s an exciting time for the British company.

To find out more about the Maxwell Scott Bags story or to browse the extensive luxury collection, visit the new website: www. maxwellscottbags.com

VILLAGE CANDLE

Spring Fair -1st-5th February 2015 Hall 5 Stand H22

www.villagecandle.co.uk Tel: 01254 300268

Email: sales@villagecandle.co.uk

R

1-5 FEBRUARY 2015 Hall 5, Stand C30/D31 Diamond Cut Candles

Geometric Wood Frames

mudpie® Circa Cutlery

Apothecary Vases

Décor Globes

Stars Wedding Albums

Leonardo Sandy Bay

Leonardo Slate Message

World’s Best Mum

Equilibrium For Men

Great Service • Great Products • Great Prices

1-5 FEBRUARY 2015 Hall 5, Stand C30/D31 Equilibrium Rainbow Crystal

Are you buying from Joe Davies?

Equilibrium Two Tone Bracelets

Leonardo At The Beach

Over 2000 brand new gifts 7500+ lines to choose from Only £100 minimum order ‘Little & Often’ Ordering System FREE next day delivery Award winning customer service

Sculpted Silver Frames

Progressive Gifts Greats Awards 2014

12

Times Winners

Best Service to the Independent Retailer

Arty Tea For One

Sparkle Butterfly

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

The ‘Little & Often’ giftware supplier

NEWS

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RJB Stone Ltd Rebrand to Celebrate Success.

January 2015 sees Gift and Home wholesale giant RJB Stone unveil their crisp new image, capturing their newly defined mission statement and aligning with their retail brand to create a united presence.

The fresh new look characterises the brand’s ethos of inspiration, creativity and fun. Defining their motivation as creating products that make people happy, their enlivened new logo captures their positive spirit with alacrity. The company’s retail brand, Sass & Belle is rebranded using the same colour, giving the two names a cohesive uniformity. This striking transformation heralds the successful unity of the company’s two aspects and attests their continued advancement.

“We always strive to create something beautiful and maintain our individuality. Our design team is passionate about trends and inspiration. Originality is at the heart of everything we do as a company.

Most importantly, we always have fun. We want our customers to know

that every RJB Stone product they buy is part of our motivation to make people smile. Both our wholesale and retail brands are enjoying remarkable success and we are unifying them to create a consistent message and celebrate the growth of the whole family.” (Richard Stone, MD.) The exceptional success of RJB Stone honours the company’s unrelenting dedication to provide products that are both popular and eclectic: Impressively, the company are launching 1000 new products to coincide with their new look.

This exciting rebranding campaign is a salient mark of the tenacious development that both wholesale and retail brands are enjoying.

Discover RJB Stone at www. rjbstone.com British Business Helps Nation Celebrate National Umbrella Day in Style.

Got it covered It may be cold and drizzly but spirits are soaring at The Umbrella Shop which is gearing up to celebrate National Umbrella Day on February 10th. With its huge selection of umbrellas for every occasion, the award winning online e-store is the go-to hub for Brits on the search for the perfect brollie.

John Jackson, Sales Manager of The Umbrella Shop said, “Understandably, National Umbrella Day is our most anticipated date of the year. Nothing puts a smile on our faces quite like a happy customer who is thrilled with their new purchase. This season we’ve got some fabulous umbrellas to suit every scenario – stylish, quirky, kids, sports… We stock them all!”

The day pays homage to Samuel Fox, a British industrialist who invented the first steel-ribbed umbrella back in 1852. While contemporary society associates umbrellas with rain, the origins of the word suggest that it was originally designed as a form of sun shelter. The word ‘umbrella’ is derived from a combination of the Latin word ‘umbra’ which means

‘shaded’ and ‘umbella’ which refers to a flat-topped round flower.

National Umbrella Day will also celebrate the increasing role that modern technology has played in contemporary umbrella design.

Thanks to cutting edge innovation today’s models are quicker, sleeker and more robust than ever before.

For the ultimate in advanced umbrella design the ultra-hardy Gustbuster blows the competition out of the water. The must-have item boasts a double canopied brolly which can withstand wind gusts of up to 55mph.

Available in a range of colours, the is the definitive solution for keeping dry on a blustery winter’s day.

In the lead up to February 10th The Umbrella Shop is calling on Brits to embrace the celebrations and raise their brollies to the call of ‘Happy Umbrella Day.’ To find out more about The Umbrella Shop, browse the extensive range of products and purchase the perfect brollie for upcoming National Umbrella Day, visit the website at: www.

TheUmbrellaShop.co.uk

Higher demand for Own Label with Parks Parks is the premier manufacturer of the highest quality 100% Natural Wax candles and Room diffusers.

U

sing only the best quality and purest fragrance containing essential oils sourced from the specialist regions of the world. High levels of fragrance are used, to ensure that the candles and diffusers fully scent a room with a delightful bouquet. All ingredients used are certified vegan and from renewable sources. Candles burn with 99% wax consumption and no tunnelling or wastage. With a natural wax candle you get a nice clean burn without black smoke. All products are manufactured by Parks in England.

Parks products are sold in over 60 countries worldwide with significant growth in Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan and Hong Kong plus new markets of Eastern Europe such as Romania, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia.

Parks have seen increased demand for own label products, both from individual shops who can buy as little as 150pcs to major corporations who buy as much as 50,000pcs. They have made own label products for over 2000 companies , individual 12 gifts today

shops as well as VIP’s such as 10 Downing Street, the Prince of Wales’ residence at Highgrove, The Royal Opera House and many others.

Parks can create high quality bespoke candles and diffusers, customised to individual requirements with the shops’ name and logo on the glass and box.

Providing a full start to finish service.

Why sell a brand that is available in hundreds of shops? You too can have your own exclusive product promoting your business whilst at the same time building customer loyalty. Your customers will return to your shop to purchase your unique and exclusive creation and instantly recognisable fragrance.

Customised products developed by Parks also allow retailers to set prices, increase margins and improve their brand awareness.

Tel: 020 8830 6300 Email: info@parkscandles.com Web: www.parkscandles.com

licensing news

Get Happy with Elite

Danilo awarded National Gallery Company Ltd license

Happy Jackson is a key Elite brand and has been since its launch in 2013

by Giles Andreae and Heather Flynn.

Other partners in Gifting include Penny Kennedy, Wild and Wolf and Pigment Productions. With two highly creative brand owners it comes as no surprise that the available material is constantly growing and developing. Elite is carrying forward bestselling designs in tin, such as the ‘Touch My Tools And Die!’ tin tool box, and ‘Shameless Bribes For Children’ sweetie tin. The new 2015 collection of tins benefit from a more complex and polished finish with matt and spot gloss increasing their ‘desire rating!’.

Happy Jackson focuses on snappy, fun messages, delivered in a bright and ‘in your face’ style that has opened up new markets for Elite outside their historical customer base. This has created growth not only in the UK, but Internationally as well, with Elite’s Australian sales increasing over previous years due to the huge success of this brand.

Spring Fair: Hall 5, stand K42 Tel: 01603418153 Web: www.elitetins.com

The National Gallery Company Ltd has announced the award of a global license to official licensed calendar publisher Danilo Promotions Ltd. Danilo will begin by producing 2016 calendars and diaries illustrated with some of the most famous paintings from the National Gallery collection.

The range will be widely available in gift shops, stationery shops, major stores, supermarkets and online from late 2015. Danilo is Europe’s leading official licensed calendar publisher with a product range that includes calendars, diaries, greeting cards and gift wrap.

This is the latest licence announcement following the launch by the National Gallery Company Ltd of a comprehensive, international licensing programme featuring the National Gallery’s collection of some of the finest paintings in the world. Independent licensing agency JELC has been appointed to develop the campaign with the National Gallery Company Ltd. Judith Mather, Buying and Merchandise Director, the National Gallery Company says, “Calendars and diaries are an obvious market for the National Gallery licensing programme, and Danilo, with its global reach and unrivalled reputation in licensed calendar publishing, is an ideal partner.”

Trevor Jones, Licensing Director, Danilo, says, “We are delighted to be working with the National Gallery Company on this exciting licence. There will be a very big international market for diaries and calendars featuring some of the most famous — and best-loved — paintings in the world.”

Puckator secures Mr Bean With 60+ million fans on Facebook, Mr Bean is still one of the most popular British comic creations of all time.

Puckator have recently secured the license to design this solar powered dancing Mr Bean. Powered by a solar panel on the base, he comes to life when placed in any natural or artificial light. Mr Bean is popular the world over and makes the perfect new addition to Puckator’s already hugely successful solar range. Why not visit Puckator at the Spring Fair (Hall 5 Stand K02/ L03) to take a ‘Selfie’ with the life-size cardboard cut outs of their latest solar characters. Also, to keep up to date with Puckator’s latest novelty products visit their website and sign up to the newsletter.

Tel: 0800 0116969 Email: sales@puckator.co.uk Web: www.puckator.co.uk

Beatles and Yellow Submarine Clocks now available at Puckator Puckator’s Beatles and Yellow Submarine wall clocks are perfect for both collectors and Beatles fans alike. The iconic Yellow Submarine design from the 1968 British animated film based on the music of The Beatles is still hugely popular nearly fifty years on. Having recently acquired the license for these Beatles items, they hope to expand the range throughout 2015. See more licensed products from Puckator at the NEC Spring Fair, they will be in Hall 5 on Stand D60-E53.

Tel: 0800 0116969 Email: sales@puckator.co.uk Web: www.puckator.co.uk

14 gifts today

Widdop Bingham signs licensing agreement with Wendy Jones Blackett The ink has just dried on the signing of the licensing agreement between Widdop Bingham and Wendy Jones Blackett. The two businesses are both leading lights in the “occasion” gift and greeting card industries respectively and view this partnership as an exciting new chapter.

WendyJones Blackett is well known within the greeting card industry having first started designing cards in 1996. It wasn’t until 2006 that she started the hot foiled ranges which have since become her trademark style. Special occasion cards have been especially successful for the brand and Wendy comments, “working with Widdops was an obvious next step as a large proportion of their gifts are designed to celebrate life’s big events notably weddings, anniversaries and babies! We are delighted with the collection they have created based on our most popular designs”.

It was Wendy’s simple, striking style that first attracted Stephen Illingworth, Business Development Manager at Widdops to the brand. “Wendy has been on our radar for some time now – her designs which combine classic luxury with multiple finishes stand out within the market place. This license allows us to add a completely new dimension to our giftware range.”

Wendy’s range of licensed gifts is being previewed at Widdop’s New Product Preview which takes place during the month of January in its North Manchester showrooms. The Spring Fair will give the new collection a much wider audience where it will be on Widdops stand in Hall 5 stand K4/K3.

Tel: 0161 688 1240 Web: www.widdop.co.uk

Grass Roots

This issue we ask a selection of retailers whether they will be attending Spring Fair and what they are hoping for this year.

Robin Hofer

Carolyn Wilson,

3D Laser Rock & Roll, Hertfordshire

Victoriana Florist, Alness, Ross-shire

I will be in attendance at Spring Fair this year and will be looking for new items which I think will sell well on the internet that offer that something different, whilst maintaining a good style – hopefully items that you can’t find on the High Street. To really appreciate Spring Fair, it is essential that you pre-plan your visit.

I don’t intend to focus on any particular product category, but will be looking for items that really catch my eye.

I’m looking for new stock for my shop. I go every year. We probably travel as far as anyone who goes as we live in the Highlands. We have to fly to get there and it’s quite an onerous journey.

I have had my shop for 25 years. We are a destination shop. People come a hundred miles to shop with us. We give very good value for money and excellent service.

With our catchment area, I work very hard to make sure the stock in my shop is fresh and new but always supporting the core sellers.

I have attended some of the seminars. I used to think that they were a waste of time. One of the best I ever went to was Showcase Ireland, which the Irish Tourist Board invited us to. It was a lady from Ireland telling us how to give your shop a makeover on a shoestring. That was the best hour I have ever spent. I came home and revamped my shop.

I have four precious days and I go through the door at 9 o’clock in the morning and I stay until six o’clock in the evening every day I’m there. I am very, very focused. I don’t waste my time looking at things I won’t be selling. The people I buy from will tell you I go on their stand, I know exactly what I’m going to buy.

The time is important because it’s the only time I get to see new products, as reps do not come to this part of the world.

I build time into each day so I can see new things. On the last day I go and catch up with the new things I see and make my orders.

I know that sounds like a military operation but it is so important to our business.

Hilary Jones Let’s Go Round Again, West Midlands You bet I will be attending the Spring Fair this year! The five days walking round the NEC has become part of my yearly fitness regime!

I do try to make a note of who is in each hall that I particularly want to see – which includes current suppliers and then potential new ones that I have been contemplating, but I love looking out for anything that catches my eye as I walk around.

My main focus will be building on successful ranges such as angel items and more contemporary baby gifts, which have been growing ranges for us and I hope to find some new silver ranges for our jewellery. I really do hope to do plenty of ordering to freshen up the shop for the New Year and I’m sure the Spring Fair won’t disappoint.

George Slinger Coleshill Design

Coleshill Design perfect the process Fresh and busy from a super Spring Fair at Top Drawer in January where Coleshill Design launched the new Villager Jim and Studio Collection, the team are now busy working through all the new bespoke enquiries.

For designers and artists that are looking to expand their brand onto British Made high quality melamine home wares Coleshill Design are your one stop shop. The team offers small and large batch runs, full design studio support, quick sample turn around and consistent repeat order quality. “It has been hard work perfecting this process with hiccups along the way, but we can now say this is one of our best and most sort after services”, Kelly Anne Barnacle, Office Manager. The rest of the year is looking rosy with Kelly & the team starting to pull together the new Christmas Season designs also, watch this space! If you are thinking of adding a new design for Christmas it is never too early to start - Contact Kelly & Kim on the below number.

Tel: 024 7672 4900 Email: sales@coleshilldesign. com Web: www.coleshilldesign.com 16 gifts today

Birchgrove Garden Centre, Spalding, Lincs We are going to have a wander over this year; haven’t been for a couple of years. I’m going to look at the Christmas stuff; we didn’t get to Harrogate.

That’s the main thing. We do gifts and lots of other things so anything that takes our fancy.

We only go up for one day so it would be nice to sit there and listen to someone telling you something that you already know so we don’t go to the seminars. I know some companies go for three or four days and make a jolly of it. It’s good if you have the time to do that but we get there about half-past ten and we’re on our way out again by 4 o’clock. We don’t stay over because we’re not that big a company that we can afford the time.

Before the show we go through the little black book and we tick this, we tick that, see what might be of interest. Last year, we worked with Premiere, Heaven Sends and Florell so I need to top up what I bought from them last year and go from there.

Jane Edwards Trioscape Garden Centre, Newent, Glos I can’t wait for Spring Fair! After so much focus upon the Christmas season, the New Year for me is all about sourcing lots of fresh, new products for the upcoming seasons to tempt our customers with.

I spend at least a couple of days at Spring Fair, meeting as many of our existing suppliers and potential new ones as possible. I always pre-plan my visit and work through a list of must-sees. It does take time to prepare, but ultimately helps me to focus.

This year, I am looking for a mix of traditional and contemporary gift, especially designs depicting anything to do with British Wildlife, which have proven especially popular with our customers, along with floral and coastal styles.

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exhibition news

The British Craft Trade Fair Hall 1, The Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate 12 – 14 April 2015 The Arts and Crafts movement of the early Twentieth Century celebrated all that was great about British handmade. Today, with established makers such as Grayson Perry fuelling the imagination of our future stars, Britain continues to leave its mark on the creative world.

The British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF) represents the best of British art and craft.

It is a unique trade fair and has been established for 40 years.

With 500+ exhibitors at the 2015 fair all disciplines are represented, and exhibitors are eager and ready to supply to trade buyers.

BCTF was launched 40 years ago, with the sole purpose of showcasing top British Crafts to the giftware industry, mainly to galleries and independent gift shops.

All exhibitors are carefully chosen and meet our strict criteria, everything you see at the fair is handmade in Britain. With the increasing demand for genuine British products BCTF offers trade buyers the opportunity to source unique work to satisfy collectors and consumers alike.

Many of our exhibitors can work to commission, creating collections and products that will fit with any specialist exhibitions or events that you may be hosting.

A visit to BCTF is always exciting and inspirational, parking directly outside the venue, easy registration process, high quality venue catering and a relaxed but business friendly atmosphere, it will make your buying experience a pleasure!

If you are a trade buyer, retailer, gallery owner or design practise apply for your free invitation by registering now.

To register go to www.bctf.co.uk

THE STATIONERY EVENT OF THE YEAR! Two key dates for anyone who retails stationery in 2015 will be Tuesday April 28 and Wednesday, April 29, which is when the London Stationery Show takes place at the Business Design Centre in London.

The 2015 show will be the biggest so far and offers visitors the opportunity to meet up with the most comprehensive ‘who’s who’ of well-known and new stationery names and brands in the industry.

“Over two thirds of our exhibitors do not take part in any of the UK spring trade fairs, so the end of April is a key date for all stationery buyers,” says show director Chris LeonardMorgan, “This, combined with the fact that one in three of our exhibitors is exhibiting for the first time, means that visitors will see a unique product range on offer – all under one roof.”

A full list of contracted exhibitors, including their product profiles, can be viewed on the show’s 2015 website, www.stationeryshow.co.uk. Online visitor registration is also open.

The London Stationery Show also organises two consumer focused events to co-incide with the trade exhibition; National Stationery Week (27 April to 3 May) and for the first time this year, World Stationery Day (29 April).

“Consumers can’t get enough of stationery and writing products, so the sector has to respond very quickly to new trends. This consumer appetite for new product makes for a dynamic and remarkable trade show – don’t miss out!” commented Chris.

For more information go to: www.stationeryshow.co.uk, www.nationalstationeryweek.com and www.worldstationeryday.com

Di Palomo

Now you can spray it!

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ne of the leading bath and body brands Di Palomo introduces two new spray products to its impressive growing collection of fragranced products.

Adding to its renowned bath and body range, Di Palomo launches a Body Mist Spray in its four iconic fragrance collections.

Naturally, the Di Palomo fragrance blends are also perfect for around the home, and now the new Room Spray offers the Di Palomo consumer just that. In a distinctive glass bottle, this product will sit perfectly alongside the range.

The sprays are available in the Di Palomo fragrance collections including White Grape,

18 gifts today

Tuscan Rose, Wild Fig & Orange Blossom.

Both products launch in 100ml size providing retailers with more fantastic gift options. Both have a RRP of £10.00.

Like all Di Palomo products, the Body Mist Spray and Room Spray contain the highest quality ingredients.

To view the full ranges please visit: www. dipalomo.com, or for further information please call: 01803 612772

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GA news

Meet the Buyer events in 2015 with JLP, Achica and garden centre The GA has announced four more ‘Meet the Buyer’ days following its successful events with Utility and the John Lewis Partnership (JLP) in 2014.

Two of these will be with John Lewis – the first on Friday, March 20 – while the dates for two more, with Achica and a key garden centre group, have yet to be finalised.

The GA was sending out an alert about the new ‘Meet the Buyer’ events before Christmas, but was not at that stage accepting applications. “We thought members might want to ponder over the holiday break which event(s) they would like to attend,” said chief executive Isabel Martinson. “We will be inviting them to apply in the New Year.”

GA supplier members wishing to ‘Meet the Buyer’ will, in future, be asked to produce a one-page brief about

their company and products, with images. This will be forwarded to the retailers to consider and select the suppliers they wish The GA to invite to their event. “What it does mean is that all suppliers who apply will have their company profiles seen by the retailers in which they are interested,” commented Isabel.

Only fully paid-up members of the association will be eligible to apply and participate.

Priority for the John Lewis dates will be given to those who applied but missed out on the first JLP ‘Meet the Buyer’ day because it was heavily oversubscribed. They will have to submit to the same new application process, although there is no guarantee of acceptance. Those who saw the retailer in 2014 will not be able to apply again.

Kitchen & Dining is ‘hot’ Gift of Christmas 2015 showroom the Year category opening for business

Kitchen & Dining, Kids and Under £10 have emerged as the strongest categories for entries in Gift of the Year 2015.

Winning and highly commended companies – and their products – will be announced at a special awards’ ceremony at Spring Fair after the show closes on Sunday, February 1.

Isabel Martinson, chief executive of The GA – which organises the event with support from headline sponsor i2i Events – said: “Kitchen & Dining is much stronger than in previous years, which may well have something to do with the improving housing market in 2014.

“Under £10 always attracts lots of entries, while Kids continues to do well: whatever is happening in the economy, families do not stint when it comes to buying for their children, which this category reflects.”

Gifts for Men has also seen a significant increase in entries, with numbers doubling since last year, while Occasions is well supported, too. And Isabel says of Hot Novelty, where more products have been entered: “Last year we commented that people were buying functional gifts, so this may mean they are lightening up a little. It’s an interesting indicator.”

Additionally, the Stationery category has seen a notable boost, and numbers in Card and Wrap are also up by around 25%.

Entries are significantly increased from the 2014 competition, with many companies taking part for the first time.

Visitors can view the winning Gift of the Year 2015 products at Spring Fair on The GA’s stand in either Hall 7, F22 –G23 or on their secondary stand in Hall 6, N49.

Suppliers offer Spring Fair deals Discounts of up to 10%, no minimum orders and free deliveries are just some of the deals being offered by GA supplier members to retail members and subscribers at Spring Fair.

Among those taking part in the voucher scheme are: Blue Eyed Sun (4L66), Cavendish French (20A34), Data Strategy Consulting (4A47), Dunk Trading (6K15), Eggnog (3H11), HHJ Trading (1EO1), Little Fingy (4J20), Mulhouse Design (4J101), Peartree Heybridge (4L106), Ravensden (3P04-Q05) and Tilnar Art (5K38).

Retailers can receive their voucher sheet for free by visiting The GA’s stand in Hall 7, F22 –G23 or their secondary Gift of the Year display stand in Hall 6, N49.

20 gifts today

The GA’s Christmas 2015 virtual showroom will be open early in the New Year, with a host of big-name supplier members already set up to do business.

Those interested in displaying their products in the showroom can do so at any time throughout 2015. Please contact Imogen.Holmes@ga-uk. org, tel 0121 237 1142.

Those booked to feature are Enesco, Widdop Bingham, RJB Stone, Talking Tables, Meridian Import Company, Martin Baxendale Agencies, T&G Woodware, Keep this design, 2 Little Boys, Tiscali, BB Tradesales, Laurenston Designs, Ragged Rose, Forked Up Art, Trinity Xmas, Dunk Trading, Tilnar Art, Rose and Potter and Nick Smyth Trading.

‘Digital marketing’ is a members’ day theme ‘Making the most of digital marketing’ will be one of the themes of The GA’s members’ day in Birmingham on Wednesday, June 10.

Retailer and supplier members will find out how to increase online sales on their websites and the way social media can help them achieve higher search engine rankings.

www.ga-uk.org

Contact your local Sales Manager to make a showroom booking Simon Pykett

Heather Turner

Director T +44 (0)1635 39881 M +44 (0) 7826 851241

Central England M +44 (0) 7772 518352 Merseyside, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Rutland, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk & Suffolk

Paul Francis Southeast M +44 (0) 7769 934055 Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Central and Greater London, Channel Islands, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Middlesex, Surrey & Sussex.

John Murphy

Nicola Atkinson Southwest England and Wales M +44 (0) 7802 313128 Wales, Staffordshire, Shropshire, West Midlands, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Hereford, Gloucestershire, Avon, Berkshire, Somerset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Somerset, Dorset, Devon & Cornwall.

Ireland M + (0) 353 87 2640065 Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man.

John Gibbons Scotland M +44 (0)7956 934059 Scotland

Chris McVey Northern England M +44 (0) 7795 484412 Northumberland, Cumbria, Tyne and Wear, County Durham, Lancashire & Yorkshire

SIA Home Fashion Unit 7, The Votec Centre, Hambridge Lane, Newbury RG14 5TN

Telephone: 01635 32868 Website: www.sia-homefashion.co.uk Email: salesuk@sia-homefashion.com

Joe Davies

Hall 5, Stand: C30 - D31

Want to see over 2500 products make their debut?

With so much continued activity on their stand at Spring Fair, Gifts Today felt it was time to find out more.

T

he NEC Spring Fair is probably the most important show date in the calendar for suppliers nationwide; the timing of the show is perfect for companies to introduce their new collections for Spring and Summer and there are literally tens of thousands of lovely brand new gifts for retailers to choose from.

Manchester based importer Joe Davies is famous for having a large comprehensive range catering for the independent trade across the retail spectrum, from Gift Shops to Garden Centres and Department Stores to Tourist Attractions. As such a key supplier to the industry we wanted find out what will be new on the Company’s stand.

Joe Davies boasts perhaps the largest collection of new gifts at the show, with over 2500 products making their debut. In all there will be 8000 lines on display on the Company’s spacious Hall 5 Stand, all available using their trademark ‘Little & Often’ ordering system with Free Delivery and a £100 minimum order, it all explains why their stand is always so very busy right from the start of the show.

The Company never sells off sample and everything on their stand is either on order, in production or in stock. It’s a huge logistical task pulling everything together, Steve Davies the Company’s Managing and Director and Great Grandson of the original Joe Davies commented “The pressure is always on the range, it’s our life blood. The last few years for retailers have been very tough and well run independent

22 gifts today

UK retailers have really shown that they are some of the best operators in the country. They have diverse exciting shop displays, demonstrate incredible resilience and have adapted to a changing and difficult market place.

We recognise the challenges; parochial customer base, the need for new products and the squeeze on margins.

We have helped wherever we can by introducing more products and brands than ever before, keeping our prices very keen and investing heavily over the last few years. Our customers have been very receptive, retailers have been brave enough to try the new ranges and have innovated with great success.”

That innovation continues unabated - The Company has just been appointed as UK distributor for hot US brand Mud-Pie. Joe Davies will be the exclusive distributor for Mud Pies hugely successful ‘Living Collection’ with over 60 lines making their UK debut at the show.

Marcia Miller, Founder and CEO of the US based Company commented “Mud Pie is a favourite brand of styleconscious consumers and is available in over 16,000 speciality retailers and department stores around the world.

We appointed Joe Davies as our distributor due to their exceptional service record and their reputation

with independent retailers, which is where Mud Pie really performs. We are delighted to be bringing the brand to the wider UK market.”

The Mud-Pie range is very stylish and unique, combining great ceramic, metal and wood combinations with a home sentiment twist to make a truly exceptional gift. The range really moves ceramic trends on, sits great with shabby chic and looks set to be a real winner.

Sentiment and homely sayings appear on some exciting new mediums; building on the huge success of the wooden and tin plaques that were so successful in 2014.

The Company has a huge range of occasion gifts and the show will see understated, classy finishes in wedding and anniversary with bold fun retro themes featuring in birthday. The retro theme continues on gifting ceramics and general gifts; in addition their range

In all there will be 8000 lines on display on the Company’s spacious Hall 5 Stand, all available using their trademark ‘Little & Often’ ordering system with Free Delivery and a £100 minimum order, it all explains why their stand is always so very busy right from the start of the show Joe Davies’ range is certainly impressive and has to be seen to be truly appreciated; Mud-Pie will be in good company joining the businesses own direct import brands Joe Davies and Shudehill, the Equilibrium Collection of jewellery and fashion accessories, snoozies, Poo~Pourri and the Leonardo Collection from Lesser & Pavey.

Under the Shudehill brand Joe Davies will be launching around 1500 products at the show and with so many product categories there are always numerous trends influencing the collection. For 2015 on the home front the vintage feel continues unabated; with glass and ceramic vases, tea lights and lanterns in abundance. Think apothecary shapes, recycled glass, mercury and crackle glaze finishes all featuring strongly.

of photo frames is probably the largest in the country.

Hot tips in the core Joe Davies range include exquisite ranges of glass and metal photo frames, trinket boxes and tea lights, additionally the ‘Reflections’ collection has a new light box treatment (giving the whole range a real shot in the arm) and a brand new addition is a range of stylish, high quality picnic baskets fondly called Picnic Time; which has already generated a lot of pre-sales interest.

Jewellery is an increasingly important part of the Joe Davies offer and Equilibrium has enjoyed significant year on year growth; over 500 new lines will join the collection at NEC. Covering ladies Fashion, Men’s Jewellery, and Sentiment Jewellery, handbags, scarves, purses and accessories, the

range is huge. That said it’s also very easy to browse and is broken down into easy to shop categories. Each collection has its own high quality colour gift box; black for men, classy dark grey for ladies fashion, soft lilac for sentiment and pink for the new highly successful children’s range.

Customers will love the offer; the difficulty will be in making a selection… there is something for every type of retailer and it’s all so good!

Hot new trends for the 2015 Equilibrium Collection include Crystal & Pearl Combinations, Rose Gold Silver mix, pave, bright crystals with charm bracelets and necklaces in sentiment particularly strong. Gifting Jewellery will also continue the move towards children for ages five to early teens following the huge success of ‘Equilibrium for Girls’. Everything is beautifully packaged, incredibly well priced and all available in small quantities.

Joe Davies have been the UK’s largest distributor of the Leonardo Collection from Lessor & Pavey for over 40 years and were their very first customer in 1971. Everything that’s great and new from Leonardo will be available at Spring Fair in sensible quantities and can be tagged onto the Company’s £100 minimum order.

Highlights include some great brand new coordinated ceramic ranges, still life bronze animal statues and new William Morris licensed designs.

Poo~Pourri was the hot new line from Joe Davies for Autumn 2014 and the collection has caused quite a stir. Steve remarks “We were very lucky to get a brand like Poo~Pourri and now have over 500 stockists. The brand continues to gain traction and customer awareness and is reflecting almost exactly how it started in the US. The marketing is great, the product really works, its fun to sell and once tried customers come back for more.

The web activity on Poo~Pourri in social media has been amazing, with the original online advert generating over 28 million views on tube. There was a great Christmas advert as well and we have had lots of reports from customers that people were hunting out the product as a secret Santa Gift.

As members of the general public become more aware and the more that try the product the more successful it will be.”

The Poo~Pourri collection will be available to see at Spring Fair and there are plenty of plans for launching more new fragrances in 2015.

SNOOZIES have been Joe Davies best-selling single line for the third year in a row; the entire collection will continue to perform strongly up to Mother’s Day with the NEC an ideal venue to place orders. The Company have invested heavily in designs and there are now 18 ranges in the collection (108 individual designs) to choose from.

of the sight of Christmas but actually the reverse is true. It’s because for most retailers that have immediate knowledge of how the range performed for them, what sold and what didn’t.

It’s all so fresh in their memories; it’s actually a great time to make those key decisions. Doing Christmas early also helps out tremendously in managing the stock levels and the re-orders. We don’t run traditional decoration lines such as baubles and tinsel at Joe Davies, rather to make our collection each Christmas line must have that special ingredient X.” When asked about why Spring Fair is so important for Joe Davies, Steve’s answer is not quite what you

The Mud-Pie range is very stylish and unique, combining great ceramic, metal and wood combinations with a home sentiment twist to make a truly exceptional gift. The range really moves ceramic trends on, sits great with shabby chic and looks set to be a real winner In addition to the regular brands the fair will see Joe Davies taking orders in full swing on their extensive Mother’s day collection. There will be hundreds of lines perfect for the big day and all items will be in-stock and shipping immediately for Mother’s Day, which falls exactly six weeks after the show starts.

Hotly tipped for the big day is the Floral Style Range, a pretty collection of frames, word blocks, plaques and mementos featuring delicate button handiwork decals, washed out pastel colours and quirky sentiment sayings.

In recent years the show has become the key venue for launching the seasonal Christmas range for 2015. Steve commented “Year on year Christmas has been growing for the Company, with 2014 seeing our strongest Christmas offer yet. The NEC Spring Fair is surprisingly the perfect springboard for the collection. You would think that retailers would be sick

would think. “Service is at the heart of everything we do, we launched a fully interactive website a few years ago for our customers and have had great feedback on how easy it is to use. Customers can place orders, check stock, browse product, and it also allows time pressured retailers an easy way to manage their accounts.

Our investment in technology is huge, but it’s always about the people and the product. Our team are always available at the end of the phone, here to help and our sales representatives are busier than they have ever been.

There is quite simply no substitute for meeting and talking to people first hand and the NEC Spring Fair is the perfect environment to bring together our people, our friendly customers and of course the product.”

Steve adds “It’s also the single most important event for finding new customers, it can be daunting for a new independent customer when they first

see the stand, but once they come on and meet one of the team people are soon put at ease and realise that all the activity is by retailers just like them… there really is no better endorsement for our business than our existing customers. That said we do meet many new customers who have been trading for years who say they have never heard of us. This just reinforces for us just how important the Spring Fair is.”

So how hard is it to find 2500 products for the Spring Fair? “It can be really tough pulling the range together, it involves a lot of travel with many months away from home and can be quite stressful; that said we have a very dedicated team, a supplier base that goes back over 30 years, our own offices in the Far East who do all the quality control and we get great feedback from customers.”

What drives Steve and the Team at Joe Davies? “At our core we are a family business and care passionately about our customers and the range, we also recognise that we are very lucky to be involved in such a friendly yet diverse hardworking industry, with so any great people involved in some truly stunning retail businesses. Despite all the hard work, the bottom line is it’s very rewarding – especially when we see our customer’s reactions when they see the whole range together at the Spring Fair. Ironically it’s the first time for us too… so we are all a little awe struck together, it really is an amazing feeling!”

Joe Davies know a thing or two about customer service, having won the Greats “Best Service to the Independent Retailer Award” every year for the last 12 years (every year since its inception). The Company are the current Gold Award holders so a warm reception is guaranteed on their Hall 5 stand (C30 / D31).

With Free delivery, a huge range, great prices and a very low £100 minimum order Joe Davies is one supplier that really should not be missed.

Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk Web: www.joedavies.co.uk gifts today 23

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Special - Brian Wiseman of Present Company

n a m e s i W , s Brian a m t s i r e k o on Ch a r a k d n a e s e e ch

Brian Wiseman

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an’t complain really. Christmas trade wound up triple last year’s sales. Champagne corks haven’t been popping at Present Company though. Perhaps I ought explain. After departing our old premises after twenty years, we didn’t actually manage to re-open until 5 December 2013 in our new shop.

As we have always defined “Christmas” as the trading period from 1 November until Christmas Eve, you will understand that the comparison is skewed. And our results now include internet sales for the first time. Our website has only been airborne for a few months but it is definitely propelling trade to the shop as well as generating some useful national sales. Additionally, internet sales have pulled up our average transaction value.

Dowdy, drab and dominated by discounters may be a slightly unfair description of Burgess Hill, but it is hard to believe that the town enjoyed an easy Christmas trade. I have an enormous affection for this lovely part of Sussex, but it is not cheap to live here and salaries are often low. We note that some have even

24 gifts today

We can hardly be surprised that the media once again took a lively interest in online shopping this Christmas just gone.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday were reckoned to have generated staggering volumes of ecommerce orders

departed for areas where housing is more affordable.

More than six years of hard economic circumstances have, perhaps inevitably, redefined the way that our customers view discretionary spending. And the protocol of giving has subtly shifted also, especially at Christmas. It was always a social faux pas to be seen to give a gift either wildly too inexpensive or, even worse, too pricey. Such is the seriousness now of the social stigma attached to the sin that the protocol has now been formalised among many families, friends and workplace colleagues. We have heard many tales of such strictures which have taken many forms. Secret Santa schemes seem to be a popular and even elegant solution. Other voluntary pacts seem to include sterling price limits or even a total ban on gifts.

Though why quite so many customers choose to tell us all this remains a mystery.

We can hardly be surprised that the media once again took a lively interest in online shopping this Christmas just gone.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday were reckoned to have generated staggering volumes of ecommerce orders. On the evening of 11 December it became common knowledge that Yodel was overwhelmed by the demands on its capacity to handle parcels. Three days later reports surfaced that a software error at the Amazon Repricer Express tool had resulted in many participating products being sold at just 1p each, although Amazon assured its marketplace retailers that most orders were cancelled when the problem was identified.

The verdict that is emerging is that Black Friday was not all good news for the retail industry. Even John Lewis MD Andy Street was less than happy. “My personal hope is that this is the high water mark for Black Friday,” he told the BBC. If the ecommerce sector did have it all its own way for Black Friday, it apparently came with the baggage of shredded

margins and creaking logistics. Not to mention angry police chiefs who not unreasonably blamed the well-publicised public disorder in some stores firmly on the retailers themselves.

There has long been a tendency for retailers to notice a surge of spending immediately after customers have been paid. The trend has become markedly more noticeable with the erosion of real disposable income. It was very apparent to us during December that many purchasing decisions were subject to delay until the salary arrived. And now I see that some marketing emails are targeting the occasion with such naff lines as, “Treat yourself on payday!” Yuk! We were very appreciative of the many, many last minute offers from suppliers.

These mostly comprised greatly reduced carriage paid order thresholds and many also offered generous discounts and / or free stock. But some smacked of desperation.

All in all, it has been another difficult year and I must admit to occasional despondency. But progress is now apparent and I am very grateful for the encouragement that brings.

Finally, I am still fascinated by an email sent to me by that up and coming grocer Lidl which seemed to be promoting a “Raclette grill and karaoke set.” I remain utterly bemused. What might it comprise and how exactly does melting cheese while singing work?

You don’t, of course, need reminding of the magnificent Spring Fair to be held at Birmingham’s NEC from 1st to 5th February. See you there!

Brian Wiseman has owned home and gift shop Present Company in Burgess Hill, West Sussex for 27 years. Brian’s wife Louise is buyer. Her common sense and pragmatism prevails in times good and bad. brian_presentco@yahoo.co.uk

Dishwasher safe

Suitable for juices with pulp.

Birmingham Spring Fair 1st - 5th February 20 1 5 Hall 8, Stand No. C12/D11

www.maxwellandwilliams.co.uk

Th The

WILLIAM MORRIS Mug Collection

Retail Interview Armstrong Ward

Totally Unique This issue we had the pleasure to question notonthehighstreet.com’s Category Buyer, Carolyn Joyce.

Can you tell us a little about the history of notonthehighstreet.com?

Before notonthehighstreet.com there was little available for small businesses looking to sell their products online. Though many were offering high-quality, desirable products to an audience genuinely hungry for them, they were selling through highly outdated, labour-intensive means (fairs, at-home sales). There was a fundamental need for an online marketplace to provide these small businesses with a route to market, putting them in front of relevant and engaged customers, as well as providing the focused business support they needed to grow.

The story and the success behind this e-commerce website is quite astounding, how has this been achieved?

We’ve achieved so much since we launched notonthehighstreet.com in 2006 and this is just the beginning.

We work with 5,000 small businesses and they are our inspiration on a daily basis. Notonthehighstreet.com exists to give them the chance to determine their own future by doing something they love, working on their own terms 26 gifts today

- perhaps for the first time in their lives.

We’ve achieved so much since we launched notonthehighstreet. com in 2006 and this is just the beginning. We work with 5,000 small businesses and they are our inspiration on a daily basis You look for innovative gifts that aren’t currently featured in the High Street – how do you achieve this?

Our new business team are constantly searching for new partners that fit the notonthehighstreet.com’s vision of living a life less ordinary, and they find them in many different ways including craft fairs, trade shows, blogs and

other social media. We also find a lot of exciting businesses from peer-topeer recommendations and partnering with key industry organisations. We are always on the lookout for small businesses that have unique and inspiring products to offer.

What would be the criteria of companies who may approach you looking to feature on the site?

We look for outstanding, unique, design led products from UK based businesses, designer makers and entrepreneurs. It is important that our sellers offer innovative, original ideas and something a bit different. Products must be either designed or sourced by the Partner and we focus on high quality and range variety.

You run quite a lot of consumer media awareness via TV campaigns, what other mediums do you use?

Following on from the success of notonthehighstreet.com’s ‘Father’s Day’ and ‘Choose’ TV campaigns earlier this year, the Christmas campaign was built on a similar vignette format. The ‘Choose a Christmas Less Ordinary’ advert premiered during ITV’s The X Factor on 1st November and was accompanied by a ‘live’ Twitter competition inviting viewers to count the number of Christmas trees they see and participate using the hashtag #treespotting. The TV ads are also supported by a radio campaign launching on 10th November and further supported by OOH, running on bus T-sides in Central and Greater London, London Underground and National Rail from 1st December.

Alongside that we have a strong public relations team who are in

constant communication with the press, updating them on our PR campaigns and also product news.

Is this just a UK website, or can orders be placed from outside the UK? International delivery is available on many of the products, with us shipping to USA, Australia and Europe.

Can a company join however who is not a UK based business?

Not at present, but as notonthehighstreet.com continues to grow we plan to expand our Partner community to include international sellers, for example we now have 300 German partners selling through our newly launched notonthehighstreet. de website.

Tell us a little about your affiliate programme, what would you say are the benefits for those wishing to join this and who can join?

Our affiliate programme is managed

We look for outstanding, unique, design led products from UK based businesses, designer makers and entrepreneurs. It is important that our sellers offer innovative, original ideas and something a bit different through Rakuten Affiliates and is open to sites of various natures that align with our brand proposition. Our current network consists of hundreds of sites spanning content, shopping, employee benefit networks and more. The benefits of joining include competitive commission rates and incentives, regular updates on company activity and campaigns, and access to exclusive offers and promotions.

Would you say notonthehighstreet. com is now a destination stop for many online shoppers?

The retail landscape has changed so much since we founded notonthehighstreet.com in 2006 and other than eBay, we were one of the very first online marketplaces in the UK when we began. The selection of sellers and their products on notonthehighstreet.com and

notontehhighstreet.de is still very much ‘hand-picked’ and design led which makes us attractive to consumers looking to shop online. We are less about craft and more about beautiful, unique and design led products – something which was true in 2006 and is still very much the case now.

Finally, what about the future?

Can we expect any exciting announcements?

Notonthehighstreet.com is only just getting started and we’re so excited to push our business to the limits. We all believe that the notonthehighstreet. com philosophy, and our way of doing business, can apply to every imaginable sphere of life. We’ll definitely be expanding further and further internationally, enabling people around the globe to choose a life less ordinary.

gifts today 27

Price’s Candles

Price’s Candles Celebrates 185 Years Simple to produce, portable, adaptable, in some cases edible; for two thousand years the humble candle has lit the way for explorers, soldiers, priests and scholars.

P

rice’s only started manufacturing candles in 1830. As such they are a comparative newcomer to an ancient trade yet, in their 185 year history, they have transformed the candle industry. They’re able to boast producing candles for Scott of the Antarctic and the British Army, inventing glycerine, and supplying Rolls Royce with their motor oil in the 1900s. Price’s invented the modern day candle and have proudly held the

Household for such a long time is clearly a huge honour for any company and we can only maintain that through the continuous quality of our production and the dedication of our staff.”

Another of Price’s strengths is in the diversity of their range of candles.

More than being a mere one trick pony, their brands and ranges have been built throughout the last two centuries of trading. Customers have the opportunity to get all their candle requirements from one great brand; fragranced candles, dinner candles,

Another of Price’s strengths is in the diversity of their range of candles.

More than being a mere one trick pony, their brands and ranges have been built throughout the last two centuries of trading Royal Warrant of Candlemakers to Her Majesty The Queen since the 1850s.

So is there any more to come from a company that’s done so much?

UK Sales Manager Laurence Whiting seems to think this could just be the beginning.

“What excites us the most, is thinking about the next 185 years.” says Laurence “To have supplied the Royal 28 gifts today

outdoor and odour eliminating candles all sit comfortably side by side.

When Price’s first started out, back in 1830, the only use for candles was as a source of light. With candles either being made from tallow, which was smoky and foul smelling or from beeswax, afforded only by the Church, there was a market for a new, affordable product. Price’s founder, a Scotsman by the name of William Wilson, took it upon himself to invent a new type of wax by cleverly blending a more refined tallow with the fat of a coconut. Giving a brighter and cleaner burn than tallow and at a fraction of the cost of beeswax, manufacturing began immediately using this new wax, stearine.

Some of the first candles made

by Price’s are still in production today. Their range of Sherwood dinner candles for example were first produced to celebrate the marriage of Queen Victoria to Prince Albert and they quickly became the standard for both the Royal Family and for thousands of families throughout the UK and world.

“Our Sherwood dinner candles are still produced today with the same artisanship they were back in 1840. It takes two days to produce a Sherwood dinner candle and they are still shaped and packed by hand.

We follow a recipe as close to the original as we possibly can. It’s amazing how much knowledge they had 185 years ago.”

Today, Price’s Sherwood dinner candles are available in seven different colours across two sizes and they still retain their iconic self-fitting bases. All of the candles are made from solid

colour wax and are non-drip.

As time moved on, so did industrial Britain. With the advent of gas and electric powered lights, the candle industry was forced to adapt. In 1870, Price’s only manufactured eighteen different shapes and sizes of candles and all were in white. Thirty years later and this number had increased to 130 types of candles in all manner of colours. The decorative candle was born.

In today’s market, fragranced and decorative candles represent around 80% of all candle sales with the rest made up from dinner candles and tealights.

For a company who built its reputation upon quality and innovation, Price’s were always looking to adapt first and lead the way.

Throughout the twentieth century, new styles such as art deco were created and fragrances added and, fifteen years ago, Price’s began manufacturing and

In 1870, Price’s only manufactured eighteen different shapes and sizes of candles and all were in white. Thirty years later and this number had increased to 130 types of candles in all manner of colours. The decorative candle was born selling their Fresh Air range of odour eliminating candles.

By combining the correct fragrances with the ingenious use of Odourfoyl technology, Price’s have created a range of candles and diffusers to leave your entire home smelling fresh and clean. Laurence explains “when the Odourfoyl is released into the air it attaches itself to the malodour molecules and, by changing their shape, neutralises the unwanted odour.”

This clever Fresh Air range contains Chef’s candles for the kitchen and Open Window for the living room as well as Anti Tobacco and Household Pet fragrances. The packaging used is attractive and retro in design so these make great gifts for family and friends as well as for a self-purchase. The success of the range has seen them become one of the UK market leaders for odour neutralising products. This is a great entry into Price’s Candles for those who haven’t stocked them before and is a must-have item for every shop.

As a result of their broad range of candles, their appeal is perhaps to a greater audience and Price’s ensure that they are always producing accordingly. Price’s maintain two fragrance ranges, each to match particular customer bases.

The Core Fragrance range sees twelve carefully selected fragrances covering the four seasons and within

a variety of shapes and sizes. This range is especially developed for those customers who wish to maintain a range of fragranced candles with everpopular fragrances and at a great value.

“These are our ‘evergreens,’” explains Laurence “we have fragrances in here that we could never discontinue. The likes of our Garden Lavender, our Tea Rose and our Apple Spice fragrances have defied all trends. They are great sellers year in, year out.”

Indeed at just £5.25 RRP for a Price’s jar candle or £3.99 for a tin, it’s easy to see why. This is great value importantly combined with great quality. The fragrances used and the burn of the wax are second to none and wouldn’t be out of place with the most expensive of candles.

Price’s Signature Range of fragranced candles and diffusers is their latest range and one that was two years in the making. Consisting of two sizes of elegantly shaped jars and a 250ml reed diffuser lasting three months, the initial concept began in 2012 and was developed throughout 2013.

The Signature Range finally made its long-awaited arrival at Spring Fair, Birmingham at the start of last year.

Laurence recalls, “two years ago we spent a long time talking and listening to our customers, to understand what it is they want. What we understood is that they trust us implicitly to make a great burning candle. What they were gifts today 29

Price’s Candles

also asking for was a significant move towards a stronger focus on fashionled fragrancing and design.”

Over the course of 2013 Price’s creative team worked tirelessly researching current and future trends, working with fragrance houses and

30 gifts today

their own wax technicians to create this new range of candles. Price’s Signature range.

“We’re a British brand owned by a European company. The two work well together” comments head designer Sarah Oakey. “Here we have the best of both worlds; the style of Milan with Italian glass and manufacture, coupled with a British feel; Britishmade fragrances and British design.

It was important to create something that could really offer a difference in a crowded marketplace.”

Launched in the UK at Spring Fair, Birmingham last year with 12 fragrances, this elegant range has proven to be an instant success.

Fragrances such as Cotton Powder and Melon & Cucumber have already become huge favourites. By July, due to demand, the range doubled to include fragrances such as Honey & Fig, Cognac, and Cranberry Compote.

Now, entering their 185th year, Price’s are set to add three new Limited Edition fragrances to the range. The Mulled Wine and Frankincense & Myrrh fragrances will be sure to light up any home this coming Christmas and the aptly named Celebration fragranced jar, with bursts of red berry fruits, can be used throughout the year.

Each limited edition fragrance will be available to pre-order in the large jar format, from the Spring Fair and of course the other 24 fantastic fragrances will also be available to sniff!

Understanding the demands of the customer is as important today as it was 185 years ago. Price’s offer various merchandising and POS solutions for each of their retailers to ensure their job is made as easy as possible and these are also on display at Spring Fair. As one example, their new Welsh Dresser style merchandiser was created especially to sit in gift shops and garden centres, creating the feel of a piece of furniture instead of merely a stand for candles. Solidly made in the UK, these will look great displaying any of Price’s ranges.

We’re a British brand owned by a European company. The two work well together. Here we have the best of both worlds; the style of Milan with Italian glass and manufacture, coupled with a British feel; British-made fragrances and British design. It was important to create something that could really offer a difference in a crowded marketplace.

So after 185 years of leading the way, what are the ambitions for Price’s in 2015 and beyond?

survived the advent of gas and electricity because nothing can quite replace the ambience of a steady flame from a candle.”

“Our simple aim is to become the candle of choice, through hard work, great fragrances and design and, importantly, great quality burning candles. The humble candle has

To discover more about Price’s Candles, they will be exhibiting at Spring Fair, Birmingham in Hall 5, Stand J80/K81.

To contact Price’s, please call or email: Tel: 01234 264500 Email: sales@prices-candles.co.uk Web: www.prices-candles.co.uk

Discover over 5000 beautiful Sass & Belle products and more than 1000 new lines for our Spring Summer 2015 collection at www.rjbstone.com.

Come and visit us at Spring Fair (NEC Birmingham) Hall 7 Stand E20-F21 Minimum Order ÂŁ150 net Carriage Paid UK ÂŁ200 net www.rjbstone.com +44 (0) 207 346 0100

Trade talk

Gifts Today loves to hear your views. This month we speak to key wholesalers and suppliers to learn what’s on their minds.

This issue we ask a selection of the industries finest their thoughts on Spring Fair.

John Barthorpe, Stephen Thurlow Partner of Alexander Thurlow Co Hall 19, Stand: C32-C33 What can visitors to your stand expect this year?

We have a fantastic new range of jewellery focusing on colour and more delicate pieces which will move away from the larger statement lines we have been running over the last few years.

Textured finishes and vintage retro are still great sellers also.

How many new product launches will be displayed on your stand?

We have probably over 100 various new products being launched to complement our AT LONDON brand.

What would you say were the key benefits of attending Spring Fair – as an exhibitor and visitor?

As an exhibitor you really have a great opportunity to meet many new buyers in a short space of time and it also keeps your brand out there to be seen. As for visitors the choice available is immense but also it is good for them to get a feel for meeting a possible new supplier face to face.

Sharon Jervis, Founder, Beefayre Hall 6, Stand: T25 What can visitors to your stand expect this year?

We are showcasing our relaunched Waggledance collection. There are beautiful fresh designs, colours and packaging along with some new products and a brand new fragrance.

How many new product launches will be displayed on your stand?

We will have the Waggledance range on display – in total we will be showcasing seven new product lines in three fragrances.

What would you say were the key benefits of attending Spring Fair – as an exhibitor and visitor?

Spring Fair is a fantastic opportunity as an exhibitor to see a number of customers at one time. We have so many fantastic retailers all over the country and this show brings them all together in one place. It’s so great to be able to put faces to names and to demonstrate our products in person. For visitors, Spring Fair is the perfect opportunity to meet a high number of suppliers and particularly for us get hands on with the products & appreciate the fragrances first hand.

Are you running any specific ‘show only’ offers?

We are indeed - all orders over £250 will receive a free diffuser or votive testers and a free A4 POS beehive with new designs.

32 gifts today

UK Sales Manager, Bolsius UK Hall 5, Stand: G80-H81 What can visitors to your stand expect this year?

Our ever-changing seasonal ranges bring fresh life to the core product range on a regular basis. This year is no exception, we have the gentle shades of Gentle Geometric alongside the vibrancy of Vivid Flowers. There’s always something a little bit different for retailers to add to their candle ranges and this year we have a new jute-look finish that adds a new dimension to our indoor and outdoor selection. The new Creations range, where the consumer can blend their own fragrance, will be a key feature.

How many new product launches will be displayed on your stand?

We have new ranges for Spring Summer 2015 which include a wide selection of candles and filled glasses, we’ve also extended some existing lines. Additionally we will be featuring our Autumn Winter ranges. It all amounts to a vast array of new products.

What would you say were the key benefits of attending Spring Fair – as an exhibitor and visitor?

Each year we see an increase in buyers to our stand, it pays to return as an exhibitor as you become better known and it demonstrates a commitment to the marketplace. The quality of the buyers is always high, from independent gift shops to major department stores and national retail chains and we find that the show attracts knowledgeable people. Also there is no substitute to being able to getting a hands on experience of products and concepts.

Are you running any specific ‘show only’ offers?

Yes we will be promoting our new Creations range.

Steve Davies Joe Davies Hall 5, Stand: C30/D31 What can visitors to your stand expect this year?

Joe Davies have a well-deserved, proven reputation for introducing exciting, innovative and commercial new products to market. Visitors to the Spring Fair have come to expect Joe Davies to have the largest selection of new products at the show. This is the reason many retailers make Joe Davies their first destination at the fair and why the Joe Davies stand is always amongst the busiest at the show.

How many new product launches will be displayed on your stand?

This year is no exception. Well over 2000 new gifts, home décor products, fashion accessories and jewellery items will be on show for the first time. All attractively displayed and clearly priced for easy selection.

What would you say were the key benefits of attending Spring Fair – as an exhibitor and visitor?

For exhibitors, Spring Fair crystallises everything they do and for all of us at the fair, the reason for being there is to meet their loyal customers and attract a few more to the fold. In these days of web sites and email, the pleasure of the show is in meeting customers face to face and of course presenting them with all our lovely products.

For retailers the benefits are much the same, face to face contact and the opportunity to see and feel the exciting new products on offer. Shows are the only place to see new trends developing and to meet new suppliers and push the best sellers. Long may they continue!

Kate Armitage,

Caroline Rose,

Director, Gibsons Hall 3, Stand: LO5

Founder, Rose & Co Hall 20, Stand: A41

What can visitors to your stand expect this year?

We’ve been working very hard this year, coming up with fresh new ideas and exciting new products for 2015. We are always conscious of new paths we can explore and which trends might translate well into a product.

At Spring Fair we’re hoping to impress our customers with our new range and share with them what they can expect from us in future. We also hope to meet some new customers and catch up with the old, of course!

How many new product launches will be displayed on your stand?

We have 60 new products to share this year, including a brand new game, new playing cards and a whole host of new jigsaw puzzle designs for the young and old. Highlights this year include Sherlock Holmes The Card Game, from which we are expecting great things as Britain is still in the height of Sherlock Fever. We’re also excited to share our new Memory Lane range, which is a new series of jigsaw puzzles kicking off with two products, Our House 1950s and 1960s. Nostalgia is a firm favorite with many of our customers and we think it really hits the spot at bringing back all those sentimental memories!

What would you say were the key benefits of attending Spring Fair – as an exhibitor and visitor?

As an exhibitor, it gives us a chance to show our customers around and share our plans and news with them. For visitors, it gives them a chance to get stuck in, play our games, experience the entertainment for themselves and see if they can visualise our products enhancing their business. There’s only so much you’re able to learn about the different companies and their products by seeing them on paper, so it’s an invaluable experience to come along and visit for yourself. We also have some special show offers this year and the chance to win a bottle of bubbly is most definitely a good reason to pay us a visit as well..!

Are you running any specific ‘show only’ offers?

This year we introduce the ‘lucky dip bin’, where customers who place an order are given a chance to dunk their arm into our bin and come out with a prize! This includes lots of lovely prizes from 10% off their order to £100 in cash. Please do pay us a visit at Hall 3, stand LO5 to see what your prize will be! Terms and conditions apply.

What can visitors to your stand expect this year?

This year we want immerse our visitors in the world of Rose & Co. so expect to see a little more theatre and a spell-bounding array of new products. Our show-stopper is going to be the new signature scent No. 84 that I’m incredibly excited to be previewing at the show. As usual there will be our very popular afternoon teas on the Sunday and Monday at 3pm.

How many new product launches will be displayed on your stand?

We have a whole new range called No. 84 to launch this year, it’s a brand new signature range of eight bath and body products with a distinctly Rose & Co flavour. There will also be some delicious new treats from our Patisserie de Bain range, including new cupcake soap flavours, tartlette duos and bath fancy trios to add to this very popular range.

What would you say were the key benefits of attending Spring Fair – as an exhibitor and visitor?

I love seeing our retailers face-to-face and talking with them about what works in their shops. For us, it’s a great platform to launch new products and introduce new and existing customers to some of our product innovations and pretty new gift selections. Spring Fair is also a good opportunity for us to catch up with our foreign distributors and create new opportunities as we continue to be surprised by how far Rose & Co.’s popularity reaches across the globe.

Are you running any specific ‘show only’ offers?

For Spring Fair we do have some show offers in the pipeline for customers who place their orders on the stand. Last year we launched a Mother’s Day package, which included a hand-picked selection of gifts perfect for Mother’s Day and a selection of POS to help support sales.

We’ll be launching a new, improved version of this Mother’s Day package and other show offer details will be available on the stand.

Matthew Shaw, Sales Director, Puckator Hall 5, Stand: D60-E53 What can visitors to your stand expect this year?

Puckator will be unveiling a wide range of new lines at the Spring Fair 2015. Visitors to our stand can expect to see bright, bold and unique designs.

A collection of classic gifts with a contemporary edge, all designed exclusively by our UK-based design team.

How many new product launches will be displayed on your stand?

As usual, Puckator will be launching hundreds of new lines at the Spring Fair 2015. We have been working very hard over the last 6 months to bring the latest contemporary giftware to the market. The latest themes include ‘Life on the Hedge’ British bird design, ‘Fox Tales’, ‘On Gilded Wings’ butterfly design and more of our ever-popular seaside designs.

What would you say were the key benefits of attending Spring Fair – as an exhibitor and visitor?

As an exhibitor, the Spring Fair is an ideal opportunity to showcase brand new designs, receive direct customer feedback and of course meet with customers old and new! Visitors get to enjoy exclusive previews of the newest trends for 2015. It’s the perfect opportunity to get ahead in the market and also to meet our friendly sales team who have years of experience in the industry.

Lawrence Whiting Price’s Candles Hall 5, Stand: J80-K81 What can visitors to your stand expect this year?

They should expect to see a full range of candles and accessories designed for Price’s Candles. As well as Limited Edition candles never before seen.

How many new product launches will be displayed on your stand?

To commemorate their 185th year, Price’s are set to launch three limited edition fragrances into their growing Signature Range.

Launched in the UK at Spring Fair, Birmingham last year with 12 fragrances, this elegant range has proven to be an instant success.

By July, due to demand, the range doubled to include fragrances such as Honey & Fig, Cognac, and Cranberry Compote. Not satisfied to stop there, this January sees three limited edition large jars added to the range.

The Mulled Wine and Frankincense & Myrrh fragrances will be sure to light up any home this coming Christmas and the aptly named Celebration fragranced jar, with bursts of red berry fruits, can be used throughout the year.

What would you say were the key benefits of attending Spring Fair – as an exhibitor and visitor?

The greatest benefit of being an exhibitor is to showcase and launch new products, and to meet both new and existing customers. It gives visitors chance to speak face to face with the Sales people, as well as the designers, which can give them an insight into how the products are developed by following fragrance trends and influential colour schemes.

gifts today 33

Stephen Illingworth Business Development Manager, Widdop Bingham Hall 5, Stand: H04-J03 What can visitors to your stand expect this year?

Lots of exciting new product, innovative displays and a fresh look to the stand. For the first time ever, we will be showing on 3 different stands. As well as our principal Widdop stand, we will be showcasing two of our hero brands, Colonial Candle and Stratton of Mayfair on their own stands.

How many new product launches will be displayed on your stand?

2015 is a bumper year as far as new product launches with a total of 3000 new products. This includes 650 Christmas gift lines and 100 Halloween lines where we will be taking preorders for delivery later in the year.

What would you say were the key benefits of attending Spring Fair – as an exhibitor and visitor?

An exhibitor benefits from the huge audience that the Spring Fair offers both during the show itself and via its website. This audience incorporates independents, nationals and export customers across a diverse range of category of retailer. The diversity of suppliers on show attracts many buyers with opportunities for cross-over buying between categories.

For the visitor this is the great opportunity to see so much product under one roof. It’s an opportunity to see trends, visit workshops and find new suppliers. Despite the huge distance that many visitors cover, the benefits are massive.

Marvin Lomax, Managing Director Village Candle UK Ltd Hall 5, Stand: H22 What can visitors to your stand expect this year?

Visitors to our stand can expect to receive a warm welcome and will discover a much larger display area to support our expanding product range. Village Candle has grown its product portfolio year on year since its launch in the UK, in an attempt to satisfy the continual demand from our ever increasing customer base.

How many new product launches will be displayed on your stand?

There will be 15 new fragrances introduced at the Spring Fair across our collection of 3 candle jars, votives and wax melt packs. This brings the total to 67 fragrances and all are available for immediate delivery. We will also introduce over 100 new candle accessory products for the spring and summer season.

On top of this we will preview some of our Christmas 2015 collections at this exhibition, which will be a first for Village Candle.

What would you say were the key benefits of attending Spring Fair – as an exhibitor and visitor?

As an exhibitor you are able to showcase your products to a great mixture of customers, from the smaller independents right through to the larger multiples. As a visitor you are able to attend one central, easily accessible venue and view a vast amount of varied suppliers in a well organised and professional format. It’s a great opportunity to test out the new fragrances on offer and see the product in the flesh.

Are you running any specific ‘show only’ offers?

We don’t currently offer any ‘show only’ offers as we believe our products are already the most competitively priced in the market place.

34 gifts today

Nick Morley, Sales Manager, CID (Completely Independent Distribution) Hall 4, Stand: A21 What can visitors to your stand expect this year?

CID will have an emphasis on both the apparel lines as well as the ‘best of the best’ NECA accessories. The range of licences on offer on T-shirts, Baseball shirts, hoodies and sweatshirts are unrivalled as the collection features the best of both music (AC/DC, Pink Floyd, Metallica, Led Zep) and character (Batman, Superman, Breaking Bad, The Hobbit) brands. We have also developed our display systems so that stores with limited space that couldn’t normally sell T-shirts now can! These FSDU’s will also have a high profile at the show.

The NECA produced accessories have been hugely successful for years and currently both the Harry Potter and Hunger Games designs have been some of the best-selling items in the past few months so these will have a prominent place on the stand also.

How many new product launches will be displayed on your stand?

There will be a number of new licenses featured including new designs from Marvel and Star Wars across the clothing range – both brands that will be huge this year so we are very excited of bringing these to our customers. There are also a number of brand new products from NECA, their diverse range including items from Harry Potter, Guardians of the Galaxy, Gremlins, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to Pink Floyd and Iron Maiden.

What would you say were the key benefits of attending Spring Fair – as an exhibitor and visitor?

Exhibiting at the Spring Fair is essential in our opinion – there is no other show that attracts the volume of visitors from not only the UK but from all corners of the planet.

Whilst our website is updated on a regular basis you still cannot beat face to face interaction and many of our products are ‘touchy-feely’. It helps enormously to meet customers in person to get a real understanding of what your business is about and how we can work efficiently to fulfil the potential sales growth.

Are you running any specific ‘show only’ offers?

Yes we are! We are offering a 10% discount on full Trade Prices for any orders placed at the show!

Richard Wood, Sales and Marketing Director, Wax Lyrical Hall 5, Stand: D30 What can visitors to your stand expect this year?

Visitors can expect lots of new and exciting products and fragrances from us this year including two brand new collections. The stand will take on a fresh new look to highlight our new introductions and key promotional opportunities.

How many new product launches will be displayed on your stand?

In 2015 we are launching over 250 new products. We have two new collections, Royal Horticultural Society Fragrant Garden and Fragrant Escapes. Fragrant Garden is a new range of products under our best selling license from The Royal Horticultural Society. The new range will present a fresh contemporary look combining beautiful illustrations from the historical Lindley archive library.

Fragrant Escapes is a captivating collection of evocative fragrances inspired by journeys around the world.

We also have new fragrances in our Colony, Fired Earth, Timeless and Made in England collections.

What would you say were the key benefits of attending Spring Fair – as an exhibitor and visitor?

As an exhibitor you have the unique opportunity to spend time with a vast array of retailers, ranging from gift shops to garden centres, department stores to online. The spring Fair has an increasing importance for our export partners. Our customers from Europe, Russia and beyond visit the show and outside of one to one meeting is an extremely important part of our year.

As a visitor it allows you the opportunity to literally “see it all in one place” and as the key show for our sector allows a retailer to objectively view a number of brands in one day.

Are you running any specific ‘show only’ offers?

Yes, some of our products are only available at the show and will be on a first come first serve basis.

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1st - 5th February, NEC, Birmingham

Kick Start

Spring The organiser of Spring Fair, i2i Events Group, is pleased to report a ten per cent year-on-year growth in exhibitor numbers at the 2015 event.

T

his year at Spring Fair you’ll find over 3,000 hot new lines from British and international suppliers with 400 of them being new to the show.

Especially strong growth is evident among new exhibitors joining Gift at Spring Fair, with 268 already signed up to the event, representing year on year growth of 18 per cent. There will also be 39 overseas exhibitors.

Some of the companies new to Gift in 2015 include Gilde Handwerk GmbH, Finkbeiner, Time City and Two Up Two Down.

They join some of the biggest and most well-known giftware brands in the business, all using Spring Fair as their primary trade launch platform, including Enesco, Joe Davies, Widdop Bingham, Ashleigh & Burwood, Puckator, Lesser & Pavey, Best Kept Secrets, Gisela Graham, Village Candle, Xystos, PMC, Wax Lyrical, Boxer Gifts, Arora Design and Yankee Candle, who have doubled their stand size for the forthcoming event.

The marketing director for Enesco, Helen Shield, commented: “We have over five hundred new products to present in the New Year, and Spring Fair allows us to see both our existing customers as well as present products to potential new accounts who perhaps do not know the full portfolio available from Enesco. From licensed gifts to contemporary home, our exclusive offering has something for everyone.”

Even more gift variety can be found elsewhere at Spring Fair, which includes 14 distinct market

categories: Contemporary Gift; Gift, Home & Volume; Children’s Gifts, Toys & Gadgets; Greetings & Gift; Christmas Gifts, Floral & Seasonal Decorations; Body & Bath; Fashion Jewellery, Accessories & Luggage, The Summerhouse; Home; Table & Kitchen; The Party Show, Retail Shop and Jewellery & Watch Birmingham.

Many exhibitors chose Spring Fair

very much looking forward to seeing everyone this year, both existing and new customers. We are always proud to present our newest innovations and fragrances, and very much value the feedback we get on the stand from those visitors as they explore our products.”

Such clear growth at one of the UK’s most important retail exhibitions is a

Spring Fair will present the hottest new lines from 3,000 British and international suppliers, 400 of them new to the show in 2015, providing the ideal launch platform for more than 300,000 new products across 14 different market sectors as their first opportunity of the year to showcase their new seasonal ranges and innovative product lines. One such company who is a regular exhibitor at the show is Ashleigh & Burwood. Why? Andrew Nettleton explains. “Spring Fair has always been a highlight of the trade fair season for us here at Ashleigh & Burwood. It is a vital launch platform for us to showcase our new product and fragrance collections, allowing customers old and new to interact with the new launches, as well as experiencing the broader Ashleigh & Burwood range as a whole.

“The timing of Spring Fair is also perfect for us. Being so soon after Christmas it is when buyers and retailers are kicking off the New Year with a look to Spring Summer. We are

positive indicator for the trading year ahead.

Commenting on the forthcoming event, Paul Hooker, Commercial Director for Manchester-based importer Joe Davies commented: “The Spring Fair is the most important show in our calendar; as a supplier to the independent trade there really is no better springboard for our Spring and Summer collections. With a great atmosphere, the exhibition is the perfect showcase for the 2500 brand new lines that will debut for 2015. As well as seeing all our loyal customers, the event is a great place to meet new people and open new accounts.”

Lesser & Pavey’s managing director, Julian Hunt also commented on the strength of Spring Fair and why this

provides them with a great start to their year. “Spring Fair is an important event for us as we launch so many new products covering a multitude of product sectors, from fine chinaware and style pieces to fashion accessories and giftware, from garden accessories to candles and kitchenwares. It provides us with a platform to showcase new ranges and to meet new customers. Customers can really see the full scope of our ranges and are able to spend time with our sale representatives going round the complete range.

“Lesser & Pavey have always taken a large stand, which can be found in Hall 5, at Spring Fair to ensure buyers have the room to move around freely and it enables us to present full ranges displayed together at one venue.

“Spring Fair starts the year for us and then we follow up with regional events and events at our large modern showrooms in Kent.”

With so many exhibitors, all showcasing their latest ranges, Spring Fair definitely looks set to yet again excel. Commenting on Spring Fair and the year ahead, Alan Edwards, Director of Best Kept Secrets said: “2015 is a really exciting year for everyone at Best Kept Secrets. With a range of revised and updated products and some new ranges in our candles and soaps collections, we already have a lot to show at Spring Fair. However, the addition of the new fragranced gift ranges means we now have an outstanding selection of products and can really claim to be the seriously gifts today 35

scented company in the gift sector.”

Due to the strength of this event, many exhibitors choose to attend year after year, Enesco is a prime example.

Helen Shields, told us that this will be her 22nd year at the Spring Fair, although Enesco were exhibiting long before that, the company has been exhibiting since the very first Spring Fair with Border Fine Arts. “We will continue to attend the show for as long as the return on the costs make commercial sense.”

The strongest year-on-year growth is seen in the Gift, Home and Fashion Jewellery, Accessories & Luggage sectors. The overall international exhibitor numbers are also up on Spring Fair 2014.

Highlighting the importance of Spring Fair to the retail trade, the managing director of award-winning independent retailer M&P Cards Terry Harvey, said: “Spring Fair is the most prominent trade

Home is to welcome 11 major international companies to Spring Fair for the first time, all eager to meet top industry buyers at this unrivalled product launch platform: Chic Antique, Authentic Models BV, Light & Living, Du Bout Du Monde, Baroque International, Neuhofer Folz GmbH, Hermle Clocks GmbH, Entryways, Fuzhou Bailey Furniture, Fortun industrial Ltd and Carpert Export Promotion Council.

As Home moves to Hall 1, the rebranded Table & Kitchen area – formerly Kitchen, Dining & Housewares – will relocate to Hall 9, another strategic move that places this vital sector next to both The Summerhouse in Hall 8 and the main Gift offering in Hall 5 that can be also reached from Hall 9 via a convenient covered walkway. The new home for Table & Kitchen also puts it within easy reach of Europe’s largest volume offering in Halls 10, 11 and 12, offering more superb

Further new product inspiration will come from the prestigious Gift of the Year Awards, due to be held at Spring Fair’s Trends Theatre on the evening of Sunday February 1st fair on our calendar, and we usually spend 3-4 days on site. Undoubtedly it holds the most comprehensive range of cards and gifts currently available, and is the best opportunity to view new product lines for the coming year.

It is also an ideal opportunity to meet with suppliers and discuss trading opportunities in depth. In my opinion, Spring Fair is vital for any serious card and gift retailer.”

Mr Harvey will join around 70,000 other retail buyers from around the UK and wider world in sourcing new ranges from Spring Fair, who are utilising the opportunity to network with business colleagues at this vital industry event.

One of the most exciting new developments for the 2015 event will be the unveiling of Spring Fair’s transformed Home sector – formerly branded Home Interiors & Furniture – which has been relocated to Hall 1.

This strategic move to the front of the show reflects both the strong growth in this sector as well as the reorientation towards the upper end of the Home market, with hundreds of inspirational design-led suppliers choosing Spring Fair as their prime new product showcase for the year ahead.

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cross-over buying opportunities.

Also new for 2015 will be the Retail Shop brand, which has evolved from the hugely successful e-commerce zones at Spring and Autumn Fair.

Retail Shop will provide a full-spectrum offering dedicated to cutting-edge technology and retail sector solutions, aimed at ensuring i2i Events Group customers retain their competitive edge in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.

Retail Shop exhibitors – located in Hall 4 - will represent a multitude of products and services that are essential to successful multi-channel retailing, including in-store and online solutions, logistics and fulfillment experts, marketing platforms, payment providers and specialists in packaging.

Cathy Locke, Creative Manager at Neviti (exhibiting in Hall 4) commented “We are thrilled to be launching five exciting new collections at this year’s Spring Fair with fresh new ranges for summer parties, birthday celebrations, weddings, Christenings and baby showers.” Make sure you venture into hall 4 to see all that’s on offer.

The e-commerce seminar theatre is also located inside Retail Shop, where it will provide a series of seminars

and presentations on some of the most challenging areas in online retail, given by best-in-class online retailers and other experts in the field of e-commerce.

Also located within Hall 4 will be the UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) stand and seminar theatre (Stand B30).

UKTI helps UK companies to develop successful export strategies, with advice, market knowledge and financial support.

Research from UKTI has found that firms that choose to export become 34% more productive in the first year, and exporters achieve 59% faster productivity growth than non-exporters.

British companies who do business overseas are 11% more likely to survive than companies focused exclusively on the home market. These are statistics that customers of Spring Fair – the UK’s most important show for export business – cannot afford to ignore.

A visit to the UKTI stand will provide companies with the tools they require to be competitive on the world stage.

More great content can be found at the rebranded Trends Theatre located within Contemporary Gift Hall 6, the UK’s largest presentation of designled products available under one roof.

It is here that the World Global Style Network (WGSN) will provide crucial insight into key seasonal trends, whilst other industry leaders will present their ideas on some of the best opportunities in retail, from effective branding and merchandising techniques to boosting sales through specialised marketing techniques.

Located nearby in Hall 6 will be the renowned Designgap presentation of unique British artisans and other designer makers, showcasing their beautiful hand-crafted products and artwork to visitors.

Also located within Hall 6 will be the Design Lab feature area, now in its third year, which comprises a carefullyedited launch platform for 16 new and original contemporary gift designers.

A second Design Lab showcase can be found within the Fashion Jewellery, Accessories & Luggage in hall 19.

Further new product inspiration will come from the prestigious Gift of the Year Awards, due to be held at Spring Fair’s Trends Theatre on the evening of Sunday February 1. All of the winning and highly-commended products will be on display at the Giftware Association’s Gift of the Year Showhouse, Garden and Retail Lounge in Hall 5.

Commenting as preparations for Spring Fair 2015 intensify in the run up to Christmas, i2i Events Group Interim Portfolio Director for retail, Naomi Barton, said: “As British and overseas retailers gear up for their most important trading occasion, preparations for the UK’s most important trade exhibition are well underway. We look forward to welcoming 3,000 of the best British and international suppliers to the show, offering our visitors the opportunity to source from hundreds of thousands of superb new products as well as gain invaluable business insights and trend information from our content theatres.

The strong cent growth we’ve seen in exhibitor numbers is testament to the ongoing importance of Spring Fair to the retail industry, and also serves as a crucial industry barometer pointing to a good trading year ahead.”

For more information and to register for free visit the website: www. springfair.com

Opening Times: Saturday January 31 (Volume only) 10.00 – 17.00 Sunday 1 – Wednesday 4 February 09.00 – 18.00 Thursday 5 February 09.00 – 16.00 Visitor inquiries: +44 (0)203 033 2500 Email: Visitor.help@i2iassist.com Register for free at: www.springfair.com

The Little Shop of Hall 19, Stand: A05

The Little Shop Of was opened in April 2009 to sell their new product ‘The Little Book of Earrings’. The book came about after Jackie had searched for years for a neat way to store and organise her earrings. There are several good products available like earring ‘trees’ that will keep earrings organised but the drawback with these is they have to stand on the dressing table or shelf. The problem was, was that they were after something that would hold the earrings securely but could be kept in a drawer for safekeeping or, when traveling, could be carried in a suitcase.

The first Little Book was ready and went on sale in March 2009 and proved to be very popular. Since then, they’ve made a number of improvements, largely due to suggestions from their customers. They’ve changed the layout

of the pages to ensure the earrings don’t get damaged when the book’s closed. They’ve also added new colours, including two fabric covered books.

There’s red and white polka dot and a blue, flowery design – both with the padded grey pages.

As well as adding new colours, during the last 12 months, they have also added two new designs to the range. They’re now pleased to be able to offer the Little, Little Book of Earrings. These little books, able to hold up to 12 pairs of earrings, are ideal for travel.

Also new is ’The Little Book of Necklaces’. Working on the same Book like idea, they can now offer a solution to the problem of tangled, damaged necklaces.

Their plan is to offer simple, neat and effective jewellery storage solutions.

Hopefully, with these Little Books, thats what they’ve done.

Tel: 0208 6993231

New additions at Rubie’s Hall 3, Stand: R04 - S05

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here’ll be a vast array of new ranges on display for kids on the Rubie’s stand at Spring Fair in Hall 3. As the Star Wars hype begins to build ahead of the new The Force Awakens movie, Rubie’s will be showcasing its extensive Star Wars portfolio as well its exciting new range of kids dress-up from the popular Disney animated series, Star Wars Rebels. There’ll be new additions to Rubie’s successful Disney Princess range including new additions to its Frozen range of dresses, with new looks ahead of the forthcoming Disney short, Frozen Fever and the Cinderella live action movie set for release in the spring.

There’ll be the usual assortment of

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superheroes on the stand from the DC and Marvel powerhouses including new look Superman, Batman and The Flash costumes from DC Comics and a great new Marvel’s Avengers Assemble range of dress-up.

Elsewhere there’ll be new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Power Rangers costumes, and a whole section dedicated to Book Week with plenty of new ranges for boys and girls ahead of the World Book Day celebrations.

On show will be Rubie’s fun new Dennis the Menace range of licensed dress-up and favourites including Harry Potter, Peter Pan, Horrid Henry and others. Be sure to visit Rubie’s in Hall 3, Stand RO4-SO5 for what’s new in dress-up for 2015.

Tel: 01491 826500 Web: www.rubiesuk.com

EVA Foam Weapons Range

Studio Anne Carlton Chess Sets are now distributed by Ancestors® See the full range

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Spring Fair International - Hall 5 Stand C74 - D75 Ancestors® Group, Bowles Well Gardens, Dover Road, Folkestone, Kent, CT19 6NP T: +44 (0)1303 857200 F: +44 (0)1303 857201 E: sales@ancestors.co.uk

www.ancestors.co.uk

Hall 5, Stand: G10-H11 Meet The Whole Warmies Family at Spring Fair 2015

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ntelex Group, the Northamptonshire based inventors of heatable soft toys, has announced that they are rebranding all of their warming product ranges under the brand name Warmies to create a very strong internationally recognisable brand that is set to dominate the increasingly popular category of ‘warming gifts’.

The Warmies brand will be rolled out across all territories in 2015 and will be applied to all new and existing heatable ranges including Warmhearts, Socky Dolls and Cozy Plush. Attractive new packaging has been designed with a holographic security feature to freshen up the look of the older ranges and to help make the newer ranges instantly identifiable as genuine Intelex products to the consumer.

The rebranding project coincides with Intelex Group celebrating their 20th year as worldwide market leaders in the heatable soft toy and gifts industry. The tagline ‘Warming the Nation Since 1995’ will remain and the business will soon debut a new customer facing website along with a transactional website for trade customers.

Intelex continues to put a huge amount of effort into creating fresh new designs that are attractive, functional and represent very good value for money. Their in-house design team has just completed yet another round of new product

development and they will be showcasing at least 20 totally new ‘on trend’ designs at the Spring Fair in 2015. All of the new designs will be sold under the Warmies brand and will be supported by newly designed floor and counter display units.

The business currently supplies over 30,000 retailers worldwide via an established network of exclusive and non-exclusive distributors and also supplies a very impressive list of multiple retailers in the UK including Debenhams, New Look and Sainsbury’s.

Tel: 01933 679 777 Email: sales@intelex.co.uk Web: www.intelexgroup.com

Icon of our times Icon Live have been delighting customers since 2002 and boasts a successful and close partnership with many licensors and among them are Disney, Universal, Sanrio and the raft of products they have ready to exhibit at Spring Fair is sure to cause a great deal of excitement and meet the demands of the consumers, old and young alike, in the year ahead. Here’s a small snippet of what to expect.

Cinderella – the ultimate princess fairytale

March 2015 sees the release of Disney’s new live action Cinderella movie. Starring Cate Blanchett. Helena Bonham Carter and Lily James, the movie has already garnered huge plaudits and the trailer well-received and highly viewed. The movie is much anticipated. Not least because of its stellar cast and because it is considered as the ultimate princess fairytale, but also because it rides on the crest of Disney’s successful Princess wave, Sofia the First, Disney Princesses and of course Frozen. The Icon Live lines will have three main drivers – Younger girls featuring classic animated Cinderella, older girls inspired by the live action movie. But the exciting development is that Icon Live is broadening the range to the women’s accessories and gifts category. Icon Live has produced a new range of elegant and dramatic fashion-forward occasion jewellery, which is not to be missed!

Frozen – Don’t let it go!

Frozen was the hit of 2014, every kind of business sold lots of icy-inspired products. Icon Live’s Frozen range was a blockbuster and the company’s 2015 range is just as impressive and is sure to be a big hit with the release of Frozen Fever – the new short animation which will be shown before every screening of the new Disney Cinderella movie from March. The world’s number one girl’s brand has influenced yet more beautiful products from Icon Live and the range is set to grow and expand well into 2015 with accessories from the beautiful ‘Nordic Summer’ style guide, along with fun ‘Olaf in summer’ collection. ‘Collect & Connect’ silicone charm bracelets are a great pocket money item with

40 gifts today

Hall 20, Stand: J38

10 different charms to collect and each bracelet can connect to another creating bracelet wraps or necklaces. Magical colour changing necklaces are also a new addition to the range.

Breaking new ground

Breaking Bad has been the TV event of recent times, with record numbers of viewers tuning in to catch up with Walter White and co. The momentum has shown no signs of slowing down and now with the imminent premier of spin-off series, Better Call Saul, the property is set to hit new highs. Icon Live has a wonderful line of men’s gifts and novelty products such as cufflinks, bottle openers and men’s jewellery that are sure to capture the imagination of consumer who love this cult show up and down the land.

Get emotional with Inside Out Shhhhhhh, we want to tell you a secret!!! Whilst most of the excitement and attention in the licensing world for 2015 is focused around Frozen, Minions, Marvel and Star Wars, we think there is a hidden gem that people need to get on their radar now. Disney Pixar is a powerhouse and this year they are offering the movie-going public Inside Out – a movie set inside the mind of an 11-year-old girl struggling with her emotions.

This comedy has already set the internet alight with the latest trailer seeing 10 million hits in its first week. This is set to be the feel-good movie of the year and could take everybody by surprise.

The good news is that the Icon Live team are on it and will be supporting the launch of the film with a cute range of girls jewellery and hair accessories.

Head over to Hall 20, Stand: J38 to view the rull range of ‘must haves’ during the course of 2015!

Tel: 01444 240 000 Web: www.iconlive.com

Reserve Collection

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Masculine Fragrances. Detailed Architectural Glass

NEC Birmingham 1st - 5th February 2015 Hall 5 Stand 5K04

For more info please email sales@xystos.co.uk or call 0191 499 1570 or order online at our trade website

www.xystostrade.co.uk

Widdop Bingham & Co Ltd TTTT

Hall 8, Stand C12/D11

Hall 5, Stand: J4/K3

The Spring Fair is a major investment for Widdop Bingham and represents a major spring board for new product launches for the forthcoming year. The appeal of the show across a wide range of retailers both from the UK and abroad, creates a huge audience, many with a keen appetite for buying.

Spring Fair 2015 will see a radical change in the way Widdop Bingham exhibits at the show. Two of their flag ship brands, Stratton of May and Colonial Candles will be showcased on their own stands. Stephen Illingworth, Widdop’s Business Development Manager is excited about the opportunity this affords, commenting,“Each of these brands has an appeal that stretches beyond our regular Widdop range. A bespoke stand allows us to do justice to the brand showing it off at its very best and by doing so we are hoping to maximise the opportunity of both brands.”

Some of the highlights of the Widdop stand includes the Disney range of Frozen Treasured Trinkets, Wendy Jones Blackett’s licensed giftware, a humorous gents giftware range, “Minstry of Chaps” Christmas home accessories.

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Hall 6, Stand: Q22

Terramundi have come up with these fantastic new blackboard money pots and will be launching them for the first time at thisyears Spring Fair.

Not only can you save in them you can use them as message boards.

They come with a packet of chalk and can be used again and again as a message board. So you can keep it in the kitchen to remind yourself of that last minute ingredient for tonight’s dinner or that you must take little Molly swimming after school. With Ten different colours to choose from the possibilities are endless.

This year they’ve also expanded on the silver range with only subtle accents of silver in their Slicks and Stripes has given the designs for this year a more clean, sleek and sophisticated feel.

With lighter colours such as the pastels also introduced this year has given thepots an overall fresher feel!

Their money pots can hold up to £200 in mixed silver and in £2 coins alone they can hold roughly £800-£1000! And if that’s not enough our Deluxe money pots can hold a minimum of £4000!!

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THE HISTORIC ROYAL PALACES COLLECTION introduces two ranges designed by acclaimed British designer William Edwards. celebrating a unique collaboration with Historic Royal Palaces. Inspired by the iconic Hampton Court Palace and Kensington Palace, each of the two ranges, crafted from fine bone china, offers a 5 piece place setting of side plate, dinner plate, rim soup and cup and saucer. There are also individually hat boxed items including teapots, mugs, cups and saucers, and each range is available in three colourways. Maxwell & Williams add the finishing touch to this important Collection, with a selection of gold-plated cutlery.

The Hampton Court Palace, Tijou Gates design recalls the intricate gilded foliage of the Tijou Screen - the wroughtiron masterpiece crafted in 1702 as a gate and backdrop to William and Mary’s beautiful Privy Garden. Each piece in this range captures the magnificent extravagance of Hampton Court Palace and its gilded gates, while the natural qualities of fine bone china give this collection a delicately luminous feel.

Available in Navy, Red and White.

The Kensington Palace Rose design is inspired by the lavish beauty and fine embroidery of the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, and the fresh beauty of Kensington Palace gardens. Like the detailed needlework on the spectacular dresses, the rose motif on this elegant china, conveys both the delicate flower and the majestic strength of the royal floral emblem. Available in Pink, Mint and White.

Tel: 020 8200 5100 Email: sales@valerie-graham.co.uk

Tel : 0161 688 1226 Web: www.widdop.co.uk

Terramundi

Maxwell & Williams

Tel: 020 8808 3818 Email: moneypots@terramundi.co.uk Web: www.terramundi.co.uk

Tractor Ted

...the Tractor sensation that’s gripping the nation!

DVDs • Books • Gifts • Clothing • Toys • Homeware • Live Events • and more!

Tractor Ted will be at Spring Fair – Stand No 3Q20 1st to 5th February 2015 To book an appointment to meet a member of the Tractor Ted team please contact: T: +44 (0) 1373 834500 • E: admin@tractorted.co.uk Tractor Ted • Tractorland Ltd • Highchurch • Radstock • Somerset • BA3 5XT • United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 1373 834500 • Email: admin@tractorted.co.uk • Web: www.tractorted.co.uk

Daisy Roots UK Ltd

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Hall 6, Stand: M13

The Daisy Roots UK Ltd collection of baby and children’s gifts continues to go from strength to strength. Their products make perfect gifts and impulse buys for every occasion.

Daisey Roots pride themselves on creating eye catching designs that your customers will love and want to purchase.

This spring they are introducing a range of new designs including a cute Lion, a shaggy Highland Cow and an embroidered Dream Catcher. Daisy Roots shoes are suitable from birth and are available in size to fit new borns up to children of 4 years old. The collection also includes a variety of beautifully packaged gift sets, including fleecy slipper and hat sets, soft soled leather shoes and organic cotton tops, Cosy Cuddle Wraps and Tabbeez Comforters. Don’t forget that to help you display their products in your store to their best, they have a range of display stands available. Their small counter top stand holds 24 items whilst their floor stand will take over 50 items.

2015 sees Daisy Roots UK Ltd celebrate 20 years in business. A warm welcome always awaits you on their stand and they look forward to seeing you at this year’s Spring Fair Hall 6 Stand M13.

Mandarin Arts XXXX

Hall 5, Stand: K79

The Japanese word netsuke means ‘root-attach’ because these ‘toggles’ to secure or close inro (‘containers’ for such things as money, seals and medicine hung from the belt of a robe) were originally made from a piece of wood, from a root or from a piece of bamboo. They were made from jade, ivory, lacquer and from many different woods such as cypress, boxwood, cherry, ebony, sandalwood and persimmon. The expertise of the craftsman and the value of the materials used often reflected the status of the owner. The boxwood netsuke in the picture is of a Manchu from China with a long pigtail, wearing a distinctive hat, sitting on a horse. Mandarin Arts has a wide range of very tactile netsuke which are collectible and include Buddhas, figurines, animals, fish and birds.

Tel: 01873 812255 Email: info@mandarinarts.co.uk Web: www.mandarinarts.co.uk

Tel: 01604 880066 Web: www.daisy-roots.com

Elite

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Hall 5, stand: K42

Elite’s new retro range ‘Vintage Audio’ launches at Spring Fair and Elite couldn’t be more excited! Featuring melamine ‘records’ and tin ‘cassettes’, creator James Brierley of Elite speaks about the concept; “This has just been the most fun to create! I had the idea of making a tin that looked like a music cassette years ago, but due to the investment risk, I’d not been brave enough to do it. After the amazing success of our AGA oven tin, we were inspired to create and the idea just ran and ran! Cassettes and the Cassette Recorder are a really fond part of my childhood, my 8th Birthday present was a cassette recorder that looked very similar to the one we have created. We really went to town with this tin, starting from scratch with new tooling to ensure the best possible result. The record player tin was a logical and exciting progression, I believe it’s one of the biggest tins on the UK Market, its bigger than 12” across! When I showed my Mum, Sue Pulley, previous MD of Elite, she said, why don’t you make plates 44 gifts today

that look like records, and so we did!”

Recapture the romance of sending a mix tape, this time a useful tin full of mints, with a blank B side, to take your own message in permanent marker pen!

Retail from £2.99 - £20

Tel: 01603418153 Web: www.elitetins.com

GiftScribes Beefayre

Hall 5, Stand F36

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Hall 6, Stand: T25

Beefayre will be showcasing a refresh of its Waggledance collection at Spring Fair 2015. The new collection introduces new products and fragrance.

Waggledance has been one of the most popular collections since the brand launched in 2011.

A honeybee performs the ‘Waggledance’ to communicate to the rest of the hive where the sweetest nectar lies. The Beefayre Waggledance collection features stunning fresh new designs hand drawn by illustrator Sharon Jervis to celebrate this calling of the honeybee.

The Waggledance collection includes candles, reed diffusers, body butters, shower and bath creams and hand creams in three uplifting fragrances – Bee Calm, Bee Happy and the brand new Bee Kind. For the first time, Beefayre will be offering a 100ml diffuser and 100ml refills. Beautifully presented in gift boxes, the Waggledance collection makes for an attractive shop display and appeals to people of all ages.

Visit Beefayre at stand 6T25 to find out more about this latest launch and to meet the members of the hive.

Special show offer: All orders over £250 will receive a free diffuser or votive testers and a free A4 POS beehive with new designs.

Tel: 0 1858 43 44 92 Web: www.beefayre.com

Dora Designs Hall 6, Stand: P22-Q23

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Dora Designs have been extremely busy designing and producing new products for 2015. Following on from the extremely successful launch of the Canine Collection, this range welcomes two new doorstops; Spottie the Dalmatian and Boston the Boston Terrier.

For 2015, the range has also expanded in order to welcome Mac the Scottie key ring and Sugar Bear the Schnauzer key ring – both are extremely adorable and would be the perfect companion to your keys!

Register on their website to view their full ranges, or contact them for more information. They look forward to welcoming new and existing customers to their stand P22-Q23 (located in Hall 6) and introducing you to all their lovely characters.

Tel: 01733 305452 Email: enquiries@doradesigns.co.uk Web: www.doradesigns.co.uk

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As the business grows, GiftScribes is able to offer an expanding product range, although their focus will always be on those lines that have a proven demand and allow for good retailer margins.

For 2015, they will be adding fifty NEW individual hanging decorations to an already comprehensive range of high quality, design-led, personalisable Christmas keepsakes. NEW designs in the ever popular series of piggy banks and money boxes will also feature at the NEC Spring Fair for a UK launch.

These key product lines offer proven, cyclical demand and are complimented by a carefully selected range of picture frames, book-ends, table top decorations and hanging plaques. A significant number of the different products can be matched together and sold as beautiful and very personal gift sets.

GiftScribes pride themselves on being able to deliver what their customers need, when they need it, with a quick, flexible and year-round ordering process; managed by an efficient and friendly team.

GiftScribes also hope to introduce a completely new product for 2015.

Tel: 01584 811 190 Email: sales@giftscribes.co.uk Web: www.giftscribes.co.uk

Dora Designs

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Hall 6, Stand: P22-Q23

Dora Designs classic Traditional Range continues to flourish and sees the addition of four beautiful new characters. For 2015, this ever popular range welcomes two stunning new doorstops, Splash the Duck and La Vache the Cow. After the successful introduction of Prince the Toad, this lovely character is now available as a cute little paperweight and would make an ideal gift.

A particular Dora Designs favourite is Angus the Highland Cow. Due to popular demand, this gorgeous character now comes in the form of a stunning draught excluder.

Register on their website to view their full ranges, or contact them for more information. They look forward to welcoming new and existing customers to our stand P22-Q23 (located in Hall 6) and introducing you to all their lovely characters.

Tel: 01733 305452 Email: enquiries@doradesigns.co.uk Web: www.doradesigns.co.uk

Kenro

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Hall 4, Stand: B03

Rose & Co

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Hall 20, Stand: A41

Previewing for the first time at Spring Fair 2015, No. 84 is a new signature bath & body range from Rose & Co. Founder Caroline Rose says, “I wanted to update the classic rose scent and create a signature, modern-rose that is timeless and distinctly Rose & Co.” The No. 84 signature scent is named after the address of the worldfamous Rose & Co. Apothecary in Yorkshire. Be one of the first people to see the range and experience the world of Rose & Co. in Hall 20 stand A41.

Tel: 01827 280 080 Email: roseandco@graftons.co.uk

Kenro will again be exhibiting at the Spring Fair 2015 and will be showcasing their latest frame and album ranges.

Of particular interest will be the new Frame ranges: Avenue, Madison Modern, Senator and Chester Series.

Avenue frames have a slim profile, white or black aluminium finish and white bevel mat. The Madison Modern comes in either smooth black or brushed pewter finish with 30mm profile.

The Senator Series has a flat profile in black, white or matt silver, while the Chester frames, in black or white, have a raised filigree design.

The latest Album ranges include: Tundra, Summer Breeze and Flower Design. Each book-bound slip in album holds 200 6x4 inch photos, with the Tundra also featuring a small picture window on the cover.

Kenro’s Gift Albums and Frames are becoming ever popular with retailers due to their desirability with customers and excellent profit margins.

Pop along to stand B03 in Hall 4, where you’ll be able to take away Kenro’s new 2015 catalogue.

Tel: 01793 615836 Web: www.kenro.co.uk

48 gifts today

Freephone 0800 0116969 25 YEARS OF PUCKATOR

Making & Baking

Beautiful Birds

Trade Shows 2015

Flamingo Wild !

Forest Tales

Hall 5, Stand: C74/D75

Ancestors Group set to launch range of new products Ancestors Group are celebrating 22 years supplying the gift and heritage market

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ncestors Group is a speciality company in casting lead free Pewter with a large capacity to produce in volume in their factory in the UK. They make many items from pewter soldiers to costume jewellery. Their skills are used not just for the heritage market and general gift shops but also for corporate gifts and mail order companies either from existing lines or from their own design.

Originally formed as a firm of professional genealogists and heraldists the company branched into historical artwork producing a number of accurate wall charts, most famously

customer service, working under the motto of ‘good old fashioned values’ and ‘the customer is always right’ but also the words ‘not possible’ is not in their vocabulary. If asked to source or make an item they will always do whatever they can to assist and make it possible.

They have been designing and manufacturing historically related products cast in pewter and also stationary lines for many years, constantly evolving and developing new products. For the past 15 years their Managing Director has been responsible for designing their jewellery ranges of Crowns&Regalia and licenced

Paul Getty Museum and many other heritage sites as well as gift shops and department stores such as Fortnum & Masons, Fenwicks, and mail order companies like Scotts of Stow, House of Bath and JD Williams.

New lines that have been introduced over the past few years and there are over 2,000 resin statues of Bronze Mythical Gods and figurines, Fairies, Angels, Knights, Gothic figures and Dragons. The ranges are constantly growing.

As an exclusive distributor for the Mystery Collection, this year they are launching high quality EVA foam Swords and Shields, which can be bought from stock in small quantities or custom made to own design. This is an exciting quality product that all

finished. There is also a great collection of jewellery for the Bride and her Bridesmaids – Our Wedding Collection, which also includes customisable items.

Studio Anne Carlton Decorative Themed Chess sets are brought back

Ancestors not only give excellent customer service, working under the motto of ‘good old fashioned values’ and ‘the customer is always right’ but also the words ‘not possible’ is not in their vocabulary.

If asked to source or make an item they will always do whatever they can to assist and make it possible The Royal Chart which has sold over 750,000 copies. As the years went by more and more historical products were designed and manufactured. Now based in Folkestone they manufacture a large proportion of their merchandise in house.

One of their best selling products started in the back garden of the managing director’s house with his son Michael. Goose feather pens! They would clean and sterilise the feathers, die the feathers in hot die in 10 black dustbins, wash them again, and then place the feathers individually into the holes of chicken wire in a greenhouse and wait for the feathers to dry. After drying they sat in front of the TV with others and cut and forced ballpoint refills into the ends – and thereby making the first Feather ball point pen – Ancestors now sell 100,000s of these annually.

Ancestors not only give excellent 50 gifts today

jewellery mainly for The V&A and Historic Royal Palaces and now he specialises in designing and producing exclusive pieces of jewellery for many of the great museums and castles including The British Museum, National Gallery and many others.

The company currently supply the likes of English Heritage, The Tower of London, Edinburgh Castle, The Louvre,

heritage and toy shops will find to be a great seller.

And that’s not all. Two new collections of jewellery are also being launched.

A magnificent collection of over 30 pieces in their NEW Lords and Ladies jewellery, which have been inspired from the Downton Abbey TV series. These are hand-made costume jewellery using SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, enamelling and beautifully

to life with vigour. Themed Chess sets from the famous Lewis Chess Men to our very own Sherlock Holmes with Moriarty. The latest collections of products are starting to be made by the Ancestors Group in the UK and this range will continue to grow.

Ancestors and never seen the future so bright as now, see us at the Spring Fair in Hall 5 Stand C74/D75.

Tel: 01303 857200 Email: sales@ancestors.co.uk Web: www.ancestors.co.uk

CUSTOMISED CONTRACT CANDLE AND OWN LABEL MANUFACTURE PARKS HAVE LITERALLY MADE THOUSANDS OF OWN LABEL CANDLES AND PERFUME DIFFUSERS FOR MAJOR HIGH STREET RETAILERS, PRESTIGIOUS DEPARTMENT STORES, INDEPENDENT RETAIL SHOPS, INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED PERFUME AND COSMETIC COMPANIES, SALONS, SPAS, FLORISTS, EXCLUSIVE GARDEN CENTRES, HOTELS, EVENT ORGANISERS AND ALL SECTIONS OF THE RETAIL TRADE.

• PARKS IS THE PREMIER MANUFACTURER OF HIGH QUALITY 100% NATURAL WAX CANDLES AND PERFUME DIFFUSERS

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CONTACT US FOR A WORRY FREE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS. YOU ARE IN SAFE HANDS PARKS (LONDON) LTD, UNIT 10, THE HARP BUSINESS CENTRE, APSLEY WAY, LONDON NW2 7LW TELEPHONE: +44 (0) 20 8830 6300 FAX: +44 (0) 20 8830 6301 EMAIL: INFO@PARKSCANDLES.COM WWW.PARKSCANDLES.COM

Signature Gifts

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Hall 5, Stand: H20-J21

Puckator Hall 5, Stand: D60-E53

Brand new for the Spring Fair 2015 is this British Birds range by Puckator.

Designed exclusively by Puckator’s UK-based design team, this contemporary twist on a classic theme will appeal to gardeners and ornithology enthusiasts alike. Each bird has its own unique characteristics and colours. The Blue Tit is a distinct garden visitor with his mix of blue, green, yellow and white feathers.

The Goldfinch is one of the most highly coloured of the UK finches and the Robin, with his bright red breast, is certainly one of the UK’s favourites.

Finally, the Gold Crest, which despite being one of the UK’s smallest birds, is instantly recognisable by the bold yellow and black stripe on his head. To view the full range visit Puckator on stand 5D60-E53 of the NEC Spring Fair.

Tel: 0800 0116969 Email: sales@puckator.co.uk Web: www.puckator.co.uk

Rainbow Designs

Signature Gifts, based in Hall 5 Stand H20-J21, can definitely boast one of the largest ranges of personalised children’s books. Their in-house design and writing team means that they can add to their ever growing library with innovative and creative gift ideas.

The latest edition to their catalogue is the personalised collection of classic fairytales. Once Upon A Time is designed as a premium gift, bound in a luxurious purple silk-finish hard cover, embossed with gold foil. Each story throughout this collection has been illustrated in a variety of artistic styles, and although we include your child’s name within each of these we have left the stories themselves in their traditional forms, keeping their authenticity whilst also creating a truly unique and authentic collection of fairy tales. With a foreword that provides history of the tales themselves this book can be treasured long after the tales have been outgrown.

Web: www.signature-gifts.co.uk

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Hall 3, Stand: H18 - J19

Rainbow have a lot of sensational new products to show case at the Spring Fair 2015 across many of their fantastic collections.

Brand new to their Nursery Ranges is the gorgeous Peppa Pig Nursery Collection, this is the premier of Peppa Pig in the Nursery/ Baby Market.

This Beautiful collection is designed in soft neutral tones and focuses on both Peppa and her Little Brother George and includes comfort blankets, musical pull downs, chime and rattle toys, large activity toys and a Peppa teether. Each toy has been designed specifically for baby and encourages development through play.

Also taking centre stage they have their brilliant new Shaun the Sheep The Movie Collection. This collection launch coincides with the cinema release of the Shaun the Sheep The Movie, out 6th February, and features Shaun the Sheep, Bitzer, Shirley, Timmy and Slip to name but a few. This collection includes Shaun the Sheep The Movie soft toys, a Baahing Shaun the Sheep, a catapult Shaun the Sheep as well as a Shaun the Sheep card game, 100 piece puzzle and a Snakes and Ladders inspired board game, this really is a collection for Shaun fans of all ages.

The Air Puppy collection is being showcased at Spring Fair. This adorable collection features the chilled out pals at Hickory Shack, the gentle farmyard friends of Hedgerley Farm, the long legged chums from Burford Yard, as well as the mischievous long limbed dangle bears and the loyal big foot bears with extra padded feet so they can always stand by your side! There truly is a

52 gifts today

huggable character for everyone big or small.

Many of their existing collections will see new product additions for Spring Summer 2015 including Peter Rabbit, Guess How Much I Love You, The Very Hungry Caterpillar/The World of Eric Carle, Miffy, Elmer and Paddington Bear.

Tel: 01329 227300 Web: www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk

SPRING FAIR INTERNATIONAL INSPIRING BUYING

)(%58$5< 1(& %,50,1*+$0 8. ::: 635,1*)$,5 &20

Hall 5 | Stand J4/K3 Our main stand will be packed with thousands of new lines from all our brands. Many lines are in stock and ready to ship

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We are also showing...

Escape the ordinary with our brand new collection of fragranced candles that will blow you away

HALL 5 - STAND H70

J E W E L L E RY & WAT C H B I R M I N G H A M

Stratton of Mayfair The luxury high-quality giftware brand

Hall 18 Stand C2 T: 0161 688 1226 | sales@widdop.co.uk

WWW. W IDD OP. C O. UK Broadgate, Broadway Business Park, Chadderton, Oldham, OL9 9XE

Hall 5, Stand: A03

Arora Design 2015 sees Arora Design continue building the strength of their brands not only with extensions to existing lines, but also with new collections within those brands. Working with talented UK sculptors and artists remains paramount to the Company’s ethos to create quality product for the UK market as well as enabling Arora to export their designs overseas. “Creating innovative product ideas is what drives this Company and keeps us unique,” says Chairman Andy Waters “and we also have an exciting new venture this year. All will be revealed at Spring Fair.”

Little Paws Metal Danglers Little Paws remain as popular with pet owners and animal lovers as they were from the day they made their debut, and the portfolio of ranges within the brand continues to expand. 2015 sees the launch of the Little Paws Metal Danglers, a collection of printed metal signs depicting twelve of the most popular breeds. The first breeds to be covered in this range are the Border Collie, Border Terrier, Boxer, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Jack Russell, Labrador, Pug, Springer Spaniel, Staffy and Westie. These little metal signs are 6.5cm by 9cm and can be hung anywhere. Their trade price of £1.35 gives the retailer great scope with the retail price, and they will appeal to a wide audience of consumers from self purchasers to gift buyers and also children spending their pocket money.

A perfect impulse buy. To assist retailers with their display Arora Design are offering a display stand with a branded header board so the collection can be presented together at the point of sale.

Love & Friendship A stunning new collection from the exceptionally popular More Than Words brand, designed and created in the UK and inspired by the talented sculptor Neil Welch.

A beautiful range of twelve pieces covering generic sentiments, that can be bought for a loved one, any special occasion, or just as a gift of love or friendship.

Each one has been thoughtfully sculpted, is visually attractive, expressive and engaging and is decorated with subtle colours. The initial twelve sentiments include Beautiful, Blessed, Celebration, Cherish, Dream, Grace, Happiness, Joy, Loved, Shine, Sunshine, and Wish. Each piece comes in its own colour box with a tent card depicting the sentiment. To support the range at retail, point of sale is available in the form of a branded A5 strut card with a specific Love and Friendship insert, branded display boxes and also a branded shelf mat. The colour boxes can also be used to enhance the display.

This gorgeous new collection all with a fabulous RRP of £19.99 will be available to view at the Spring Fair NEC, Hall 5 Stand A03.

54 gifts today

Magnets with Easel Back Following the success of the introductions of Mug and Coaster Sets and Clocks to the My Pedigree Pals brand in 2014, Arora Design are excited to introduce a collection of unique magnets which not only stick to metal surfaces but can also free stand due to their easel back. The fabulous illustrations have been beautifully created by artist Dean Kendrick, and the initial launch covers twelve of the most popular dog breeds and also three cats, with the artwork depicting the characteristics of the breeds.

Making their debut at Spring Fair will be a Black Labrador, Boxer, Chihuahua, Chocolate Labrador, Dachshund, German Shepherd, Pug, Retriever, Shih Tzu, Westie, Yellow Labrador and Yorkshire Terrier along with a Black Cat, Ginger Tabby Cat and Tuxedo Cat. A magnetic stand is available to retailers to allow the items to be displayed, the packaging however also has the capability for the magnets to be hung if required.

With an RRP of £2.50 they are the perfect pick up gift for both pet owners and animal lovers alike.

Said with Sentiment Tea Light Holders Following the phenomenal success of their initial launch in 2014, Arora Design are pleased to announce the arrival of six new tea light holders for 2015.

The original collection covered Anniversary, Best Friend, Family, Friendship, Love, Merry Christmas, Mum, Noel, Sister and Wedding, new sentiments added this year to the first ten are Congratulation, Daughter, Happy Birthday, Home, Someone Special and Special Mother. Each one is innovatively designed to create the look of a hand written message for the recipient, making them the perfect gift for any special person or occasion. Point of sale is available to retailers to support this range, and each item comes with its own tea light included and is presented in an individual branded box which can also be used at the point of sale to enhance displays. With an RRP from £9.99 this range has been performing very strongly both at retail and within mail order, and is expected to continue to do so through 2015 with more sentiments coming later in the year.

Tel: 01386 861666 Email: sales@arora-design.co.uk Web: www.arora-design.co.uk

Solo Trading Ltd XXXX

Hall 6, Stand: P21

Cocktails and Dreams! Solo will be showcasing Philippi’s new seasonal spring collection at Top Drawer and The Spring Fair, featuring an exciting collection of great gift and interior product ideas. This distinctive stainless steel “Skyscraper” Bar Set is both stunning and innovative combining an ice bucket, drinks tray, wine cooler, and cocktail shaker – a classic in the making.

There will also be new products featured from Philippi’s new brochure launched at the end of 2014 packed with great gifts and interior ideas, from flasks to key rings, and from fruit bowls to photo frames.

Philippi has a reputation around the world for design and innovation, and their brand is synonymous with style and quality.

Solo Trading Ltd are the exclusive distributors for the UK and Ireland.

Tel: 01789 262900 Email: sales@sololtd.com Web: www.sololtd.com

St Justin Hall 18, Stand: A01

Thorntons Hall 4, Stand: F02

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Thorntons remains focused on working with great card and gift retailers who are looking to sell quality confectionery and we have 10 reasons why.

1. Thorntons over your door will increase customer numbers!

2. With that Thorntons will increase sales!

3. Thorntons is British!

4. We offer incentives for the set up!

5. Thorntons fixtures and fittings will ‘fit’ your store environment!

6. Everybody loves chocolate …!

7. Thorntons gives you the ‘best’ return per sq.ft!

8. The business format we operate will suit you!

9. Everyone knows Thorntons! and finally 10. Thorntons in your store will be a success, ask your peers who have gone before you!

Visit them for a chat and a chocolate

Tel: 01773 540757 Web: www.thorntons.co.uk 56 gifts today

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St Justin have been designing and handcrafting beautiful jewellery and giftware in Cornwall since 1984. At the Spring Fair they will be exhibiting some fantastic new product lines in Pewter, Bronze, Sterling Silver and Cornish Tin - as well as promoting some exclusive show offers.

All metals are cast in house to create beautiful individual designs with an eclectic mix of contemporary and traditional pieces many items feature real gemstones and crystals.

New products added to the collection for 2015 include are two stunning new pewter flower ranges, some beautiful modern circle pendants with Celtic designs and crystals, along with items that will mark the anniversaries of the Battle of Agincourt and the signing of the Magna Carta.

Everything in this high quality yet affordable collection comes beautifully packaged, meaning you can simply open the box and sell the items as they arrive.

St Justin pride themselves on outstanding customer service with excellent sales support and orders being delivered in just five to seven working days. With the added peace of mind of a lifetime guarantee why not offer your customers a lovely piece of handcrafted Cornish jewellery?

Tel: 0800 9800880 Web: www.stjustin.co.uk

Spring Fair -1st-5th February 2015 Hall 5 Stand D80

www.straitstrading.com Tel: 01254 300260

Email: sales@straitstrading.com

Hall 5, Stand: A03

Seriously Scented from Best Kept Secrets Best Kept Secrets believe that the secret to a great candle, soap or fragranced gift is the quality and consistency of the scent. That is why they make the claim ‘Seriously Scented’ on every product. Using only premium locally sourced supplies, and using traditional production and hand finishing, every Best Kept Secrets product receives the same care and attention.

H

andmade in the UK, in the heart of Northumberland, Best Kept Secrets offer retailers an outstanding range of gifts. The company has gained a national reputation and industry recognition in the Gift of the Year awards in 2013 and 2014.

The team at Best Kept Secrets offer a personal service and deal with all clients directly, handling every enquiry from a single order to developing bespoke product ranges for leading tourist attractions and even international distributors.

Best Kept Secrets business was built on its candle ranges, and now offer an extensive range of products from highly affordable small gifts and high quality candle tins and glass candles, to outstanding hampers and luxury seven wick Centrepiece candles for special occasions.

The company concentrates on consistency and quality in both burn time and scent throw. The best-selling candle tin ranges offer a 50 hour burn time, and the award nominated Three Lites and Super Sevens collections offer an amazing range of themed scents and fragrances. The company’s

58 gifts today

reputation has been built on its candle collection and Best Kept Secrets are one of the best known companies in the sector with a presence at all the major trade shows including Sprint Fair, Autumn Fair and Home and Gift at Harrogate as well as the Scotland Trade Fair.

There are candles for every room, every occasion and every Season.

They have been developed based on first testing the products with the

service has grown significantly.

Traditional hand logged soaps have a special quality and provide an experience and fragrance which is a perfect addition to any bathroom or washing area.

In 2015, Best Kept Secrets are very proud to announce that they have extended the product range to provide a full choice of gifts in the fragrance market. From Fizzles to Floral Boxes, a range of low cost fragranced gifts are

Best Kept Secrets business was built on its candle ranges, and now offer an extensive range of products from highly affordable small gifts and high quality candle tins and glass candles, to outstanding hampers and luxury seven wick Centrepiece candles for special occasions public, and using only the fragrances known to sell well, and deliver the same superb scents which is Best Kept Secrets’ trademark.

Since 2012, Best Kept Secrets have been hand making Natural Soaps using the finest Essential Oils and fragrances in their Northumberland facility. Hand cutting and wrapping products, in both 100g and 50g bars means the highest standard, and the production process means the company offers products of real quality with a distinct look and feel.

There are six excellent collections to suit every customer. Alongside the traditional, Lavender, Citrus and Patchouli ranges, which focus on the most popular scents for the market, collections have been introduced for Skincare, Countryside and Pampering.

Over the last 3 years, the core of clients who benefit from their personal

introduced that have an instant appeal and will be sure fire best sellers in any gift shop.

The product range includes Earring and Bracelet Bags, which combine their Seriously Scented products and small gift items, making them a unique and interesting gift alternative. Best Kept Secrets believe that Bath Hearts and Bath Bursts provide the best scented experience on the market and with six unique fragrances they are an essential purchase for any age group, and have become an instant best seller.

Best Kept Secrets also offer a bespoke production and product

design service for corporate clients, multiple retailers and the tourism sector, providing great products for some of the best loved attractions in the UK. From the Sherlock Holmes experience in Central London to the tranquil beauty of Gorey Castle in Jersey, Best Kept Secrets have developed individual gifts with personalised designs, allowing customers to sell their own branded and distinct products.

For further information, trade enquiries or just an informal discussion call Best Kept Secrets on 01670 512222 or email sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk Best Kept Secrets was formed by Alan and Denise Edwards and they deal with every customer personally, ensuring that every enquiry receives the same attention to detail and high standard of service which has become the trademark of the business.

Tel: 01670 512222 Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

SIL

XXXX Hall 10, Stand: A05B04

Blooming Marvellous!

SIL are launching their truly beautiful In Bloom range at this year’s Spring Fair. Inspired by floral watercolours from the early 19th century, they have developed a delicate palette of pinks, purples and lilacs and created an unbeatable range which includes Home Fragrance, decorative accessories and wallart. Our particular favourite is this sublime set of suitcases. Please make sure you visit their stand in Hall 10 A05-B04

Tel: 01992 718033 Web: www.silplc.com

Shruti Designs Dora Designs

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Hall 6, Stand: P22-Q23

Dora Designs are introducing something a little different and exciting for 2015. No longer will you have to travel so far to experience a snippet of Eastern Culture as Dora Designs launch The Oriental Range. This range features four new stunning, vibrant doorstops and are the perfect way to add a splash of colour into your home!

Tel: 01733 305452 Email: enquiries@doradesigns.co.uk Web: www.doradesigns.co.uk

Hall 7, Stand: D04-E03

There’s lots of newness from Shruti Designs and Junction 18 at Spring Fair – Stand 7D04-E03 Launching new Great British designers into their fold within ‘Fresh Talent’, means the SS15 collection is packed with originality. Gift ranges from Lisa Buckridge, Susie Faulks and Sarah Ray sit alongside established best-selling designer Casey Rogers, whose new collection features some fabulous Mens gifts too.

Customers looking for compelling product stories which combine both giftware, fashion accessories and home decorations will not be disappointed with this delightful one-stop shop. From Valentines Day to Christmas and every occasion in between, the 2015 celebration ranges are not to be missed.

Striking collections for Garden and Coastal themes, dominated by natural materials, pretty glassware, frames, lanterns, ceramics, home textiles, scented candles, holders, and signage, seamlessly come together for effortless style.

Jewellery is new and complements the existing lines of stylish canvas print handbags, make-up purses and scarves, as well as stationery lines featuring gift bags, notebooks and notelets.

Tel: 01985 847774 Email: hello@shrutidesigns.co.uk 60 gifts today

SSSS

...in your store

Come and see us for a chat and a chocolate at the Spring Fair Hall 4 stand F02 1st-5th February 2015

Dartington

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Hall 5, Stand: J07-K08

Puckator

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Hall 5, Stand: D60-E53

Brand new for the Spring Fair 2015 is this British Birds range by Puckator.

Designed exclusively by Puckator’s UK-based design team, this contemporary twist on a classic theme will appeal to gardeners and ornithology enthusiasts alike.

Each bird has its own unique characteristics and colours. The Blue Tit is a distinct garden visitor with his mix of blue, green, yellow and white feathers. The Goldfinch is one of the most highly coloured of the UK finches and the Robin, with his bright red breast, is certainly one of the UK’s favourites. Finally, the Gold Crest, which despite being one of the UK’s smallest birds, is instantly recognisable by the bold yellow and black stripe on his head. To view the full range visit Puckator on stand 5D60-E53 of the NEC Spring Fair.

Tel: 0800 0116969 Email: sales@puckator.co.uk Web: www.puckator.co.uk

Mala Leather Hall 20, Stand: K20

Web: www.dartington.co.uk

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After the successful launch of the RFID collection Mala are now extending the range to more styles and colours.

The built in RFID protection protects the valuable data which is stored on contactless cards issued by bank and personal details on passport and driving licence chips. In the fight against identity theft this is now an invaluable feature which is standard in the Origin range.

Mala are also building on the success of their Abertweed range with additional styles and new colours in the range which is made with 100% British wool and leather.

New styles include a holdall and washbag and a funky

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Dartington will unveil a host of new designs at Spring Fair on their stand in Hall 5 J08-K07. There is a strong element of new “ Made in Britain” crystal across drinkware and gift accessories designed by Hilary Green and hand-crafted in their Devon factory. Featured here are the new Gourd vases which use clear and coloured crystal on a choice of curvaceous mouth-blown shapes. Colour has been a successful theme for Dartington vases, and the vibrant Mini Gems are the latest addition to the good value gift choices in crystal and glass. The hand- crafted and “Made in Britain” message is of course reflected in the latest offer from Caithness Glass, with many new paperweights and art glass pieces. The great British name -Royal Brierley Crystal will see the addition of new gift accessories featuring its’ most popular cut designs.Ceramic gifts are now a significant and successful element of the Dartington group offer. As well as additions to the ever- popular Beswick ceramic sculptures and vases, there will also be novel new designs to the Top Choice collection. With some of the UK’s most respected gift and table top brands, and a great range of new design choices, there are many good reasons to visit Dartington at Spring Fair 2015.

polka dot fabric.

This is only part of the new product launch for 2015, other new offerings are the Anishka classic ladies handbag range and new mens fashion range Django, with a contemporary raw edge finish.

All collections will be on show in Hall 20 Stand K20. The current range can be viewed at www.malaleather.com

Tel: 01827 67401 Web: www.malaleather.com

Sarome UK

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Hall 5, Stand: J31

After a very successful year Sarome UK have increased their product range.

Sales manager Alicia Barber reported that sales in the three months leading up to Christmas were up 38% on the same period in 2013.

Alicia says “the main growth area was in the Gents grooming sector.

Traditionally Sarome UK’s strongest market was hip flasks but 2014 saw a swing towards gents grooming which is one of the UK’s fastest growth areas.

“Hip flasks are still a big seller for Sarome UK who specialise in gifts for gentlemen but our range of shaving products such as shaving sets, traditional badger brushes, all kinds of razors and shaving creams from Taylors of Old Bond Street have now become the top sellers.

“Sarome UK’s prices are very competitive and our prices are often 50% lower than our competitors allowing the retailer to make bigger margins.

Sarome only deal with retailers and do not deal directly with the public.”

Sarome will be exhibiting their full range of shaving products as well as other new products at the Spring Fair 2015.

Why not visit them in Hall 5 Stand J35 where their sales team will be happy to advise you on their bestselling lines.

Tel: 01943 872778 Email: sales@sarome-uk.com

Miss Milly I

t’s often snowing around the time of Spring Fair but Miss Milly will be looking firmly towards the sun as the company shares its new lines for Spring/Summer alongside best-selling products.

Now in its third year of trading, Miss Milly has picked the theme of ‘Light and Bright’ for the coming season with a palette of fresh pastels and sunny, bold colours. With mint greens, soft mauves and dusky pinks alongside lime green and cobalt blue, there really is something for everyone. And the jewellery features iridescent and marbled finishes in line with seasonal trends.

Building on the popularity of the matt silver-plated Amora Collection, nine new designs are being

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Hall 19, Stand: C18 introduced with two heart styles, which sold out incredibly fast first time round, being restocked. These pieces all come with a stylish Miss Milly gift box.

New for 2015, Miss Milly is launching a limited range of cotton scarves to enhance its existing collection, which is mainly comprised of viscose pieces. Introducing plain scarves in response to customer demand, there is also a pretty hibiscus print and a new bird design.

Designs in the viscose range include abstract art, floral, dragonflies and stars.

Tel: 01905 622509 Web: www.missmilly.co.uk

Doorstops, draught excluders and more!

LAUNCHING NEW RANGES AND INTRODUCING ADDITIONS TO EXISTING RANGES Visit us at SPRING FAIR

Hall 6, Stand P22-Q23 w: www.doradesigns.co.uk l t: 01733 305452 f: 08432 161879 l e: enquiries@doradesigns.co.uk

Dora Designs

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Hall 6, Stand: P22-Q23

RJB Stone Hall 7, Stand: E20-F21

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Tapping into the most popular trends and showcasing a passion for all things unique, London-based RJB Stone offer a staggeringly broad range of more than 5,000, design-led home accessory and giftware products for all ages and occasions. From their famous owl cushions to delicate vintage photo frames, the company, under their exclusive retail brand Sass & Belle, create products that inspire UK and international markets. The thrilling news is their design-led focus on occasional products for 2015: Easter creations unite classic themes with individualized trends and milestones are marked with beautiful wedding presents and dreamy New-Baby gifts to name a few. Making houses into homes with an irresistible range of accessories, their Rustic Boudoir collection encompasses bold new designs and the Moroccan Marrakech range spices up interiors. ‘Safari Floral’ captures one of the year’s hottest themes in the company’s playful spirit.

Key vintage florals introduce fresh new prints and delightfully catchy new sayings sit in fantastic patterned backgrounds. For wonderfully affordable beautiful gifts and home accessories, including fabulous new storage options, more quirky decorations and gifts that effortlessly charm you into a smile, visit RJB Stone.

Web: www.rjbstone.com

They say a house is not a home without a dog so this year Dora Designs launch a beautiful new range of canine inspired doorstops; The Pedigree Collection.

Featuring Thurston the Bulldog, Gus the Basset Hound, Cocoa the Labrador and Porsche the Poodle this new range is perfect for all you dog lovers!

Please register on their website to view their full ranges, or contact them for more information.

They look forward to welcoming new and existing customers to our stand P22-Q23 (located in Hall 6) and introducing you to all their lovely characters.

Tel: 01733 305452 Email: enquiries@doradesigns.co.uk Web: www.doradesigns.co.uk

Puckator

Hall 5, Stand: D60-E53

Puckator’s Tropicana inspired flamingo range, lends a contemporary edge to a trending design. These bright and colourful products are inspired by Tiki Bars which are starting to emerge everywhere for people to enjoy the Club Tropicana style. The flamingo range from Puckator is currently available on compact mirrors and matchbook nail files. They have a modern edge with geometric shapes and repeating patterns.

To keep up to date with Puckator’s latest gifts visit their website at www. puckator.co.uk and sign up to the newsletter. You can also visit Puckator at the NEC Spring Fair in Hall 5 Stand D60-E53.

Tel: 0800 0116969 Email: sales@ puckator.co.uk Web: www. puckator.co.uk 68 gifts today

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Come and see our exciting new launches and meet Thelma at our stand NEC Spring Fair, Hall 5, Stand F32.

Contact sales@camalents.com or +44(0)1782 344900

Duckydora

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Hall 6, Stand: P12

Duckydora are excited to be exhibiting for the second year at the Spring Fair and are particularly looking forward to showcasing their additions to the collection at this year’s show. Their range of British designed textiles and ceramics brings a touch of elegance and style to your home.

Duckydora’s gorgeous range of ceramics are designed in the UK and hand painted in Portugal.

The collection includes mix and match designs in a pastel palate of blues, yellows and pinks. The range includes plates, bowls, canisters, jugs and storage jars. They haven’t forgotten their furry friends, with pet bowls featuring the unique Duckydora designs.

Duckydora’s collection of linen is designed and made in Britain. The range includes tablecloths, napkins, table runners and placemats. Have fun creating several looks for your table with coordinated linens or go for the mix and match approach.

The Duckydora accessories range includes seat pads, cushions, draft excluders, doorstops and memo boards. We also offer a range of hand painted signs for your home and garden: great gifts for all the family.

Show offer: Free shipping on mainland UK orders placed at the show.

Tel: 08434 873104 Email: customerservices@duckydora.co.uk

Emma Ball

XXXX TTTT Hall 4, Stand: L70

Alexander Thurlow SSSS Hall 19, Stand: C32-C33

Alexander Thurlow are showing some wonderful new colours for the Spring/ Summer 15 range. Seen here is part of a range of wonderfully crafted necklaces that are ideal as a gift.

The jewellery for this season is getting less statement and more refined in look and texture. Matt, scratched and vintage finishes are still great sellers and they also have a stunning new range of Chanelle lines for the At London brand.

Alexander Thurlow will be showing at Spring Fair so pop along to their stand to see some other great new fashion jewellery gift ideas. Hall 19 C32-C33. All lines are also available from stock on their web shop.

Tel: 020 8766 6466 Web: www.alexanderthurlow.com

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Emma Ball Ltd will be launching a brand new range of A5 and A6 hardback notebooks and other stationery items in January but the company is urging customers to visit their stand at the Spring Gift Fair to fully appreciate the quality of the products. “We are so happy with the feel and look of these luxury notebooks” said the company’s founder Emma Ball, “initial feedback has been amazing.” The products can be seen on stand 4L70 or email sales@emmaball.co.uk for further details.

2015 will see Emma Ball Ltd launching a beautiful range of tins to add to its ever growing gift portfolio.

The range will include money tins, keepsake tins, caddy’s and a larger hinged storage tin all featuring Emma’s distinctive artwork.

Tel: 0115 985 8081 Email: sales@emmaball.co.uk

Heyland & Whittle XXXX

Hall 6, Stand: P44

Boxer Gifts

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Hall 5, Stand: A04-B03

Boxer Gifts continue to go from strength to strength, offering their customers a fantastic range of fun, innovative and exciting products. The stand at Spring Fair will feature stunning new gifts and celebratory glassware for all occasions and ages, as well as successful ‘evergreen’ products that continue to be popular year after year.

One such success is the stylish Gothic-inspired wineglass range. The unusual black glasses are embellished with elegant golden designs, featuring key milestone ages from 18 to 60 and ‘Happy Birthday’.

Each glass is presented in a beautiful gift box, making them great gifts for men and women as they celebrate a big birthday.

For those who want to add a little fizz to their celebrations, Boxer are set to launch their new ‘Sherbet Fizz’ champagne flutes, in a lip-licking range of sorbet colours. Perfect for summertime celebrations, the glasses make full use of the trend for bright and sugary shades, and they’ll add an effervescent pop of colour to any retail space.

Come along to Hall 5, Stand A04-B03 at Spring Fair, email sales@boxergifts.com or call 0113 955595 to discover a bright and colourful reason to raise your glass to Boxer Gifts!

Tel: 0113 955595 Email: sales@boxergifts.com 72 gifts today

Inspired by their original location on a farm in rural Surrey, Heyland & Whittle pride themselves on creating outstanding natural products with tradition, style and authenticity for a discerning market.

Their hand-made soaps, reed diffusers, candles and beautifully packaged gifts are expertly cut, filled and decorated; making them something truly special and to be appreciated. Created using only traditional methods, Heyland & Whittle’s exquisite products lovingly combine natural ingredients, organics, colours and scents. They are the perfect addition to your home this festive season Introducing our ‘new’ fragrance, Sandalwood & Oud, Heyland & Whittle has captured this exotic and luxurious scent complimenting it with warm Sandalwood to fill your home with a rich warmth this winter. Derived from Agarwood, the most expensive wood in the world, the incense of Oud evokes the spirit of balmy Arabian nights. Available in a 100ml reed diffuser, 220g candle in a glass, 180g candle in a tin and a 200ml diffuser refill.

Heyland & Whittle is commited to ensuring all their products are sulphate and paraben-free and continues to extend and develop its luxurious, British-made range.

Visit us at www.heylandandwhittle.co.uk; sales@heylandandwhittle.co.uk or call their team Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm 01293 525825.

Tel: 01293 525825 Email: sales@heylandandwhittle.co.uk Web: www.heylandandwhittle.co.uk

Kutuu XXXX

Hall 7, Stand: F01

Kutuu’s new range of vinyl stickers has been carefully designed with handwriting and illustrations with designs that echo their best-selling pewter gift range. Made from vinyl, they are suitable for walls, glass, mirrors or other smooth surfaces around the home and are can easily be removed. Each one is available in black, gold or silver and comes in a branded card or tube with easy to follow application instructions.

Suggested retail prices start at £6.

Tel: 01244 346490 Web: www.kutuuwholesale.co.uk

A SUPERB NEW COLLECTION OF 12 FIGURINES, WITH A WINNING ÂŁ19.99 RRP

Loved

ARORA DESIGN e: sales@arora-design.co.uk w: www.arora-design.co.uk WORCESTER, ENGLAND T: +44 (0)1386 861666 LANGHOLM, SCOTLAND T: +44 (0)1387 381110

Grace

Our design team have worked Shine hard to create a beautiful collection perfect for current gift giving trends . . .

Conveying love & sentiment, delicately sculpted, easy to display, beautifully priced!

Approx height 17.5cm

SPRING FAIR

NEC HALL 5

STAND A03

Wax Lyrical Hall 5, Stand: D30

New for 2015 two new fragrances have been added to the highly exquisite Fired Earth collection and Wax Lyrical have also introduced their large two wick fragranced candles into all the Fired Earth fragrances after their huge popularity in 2014.

The new fragrances Peppermint Tea and Thyme adds a refreshing aromatic blend with top notes of peppermint tea, layered with notes of white tea and thyme, all resting on a base of powdery amber. Peppermint Tea and Thyme fragrance and colour have been inspired by ‘Opal Green’ from the Fired Earth paint collection palette.

Earl Grey and Vetivert is the perfect complement to the portfolio of tea infused fragrances. It contains a fresh aromatic blend with top notes of earl grey, layered with note of osmanthus and vetivert, all resting on a base of sandalwood. Earl Grey and Vetivert fragrance and colour have both been inspired by ‘Plumbago’ from Fired Earth.

The partnership between Wax Lyrical and Fired Earth brings together two top quality British brands to create a contemporary range of home fragrance products, designed to make a stylish and decorative statement. This beautiful collection is set to become a must stocked range for the specialist retailer.

Royal Horticultural Society and Colony Brand new for 2015, Wax Lyrical launches a new range of products under their best selling license collection “The Royal Horticultural Society”. The new range ‘Fragrant Garden’ will present a fresh contemporary look combing the beautiful illustrations from the historical archive library with striking accent colours. Already receiving great reviews from preview selections this new collection is set to grow the RHS brand even further and maintain Wax Lyrical as their number one partner.

The collection features seven best selling fragrances and eight products with the addition of a new large candle jar. With an impressive up to 120 hour burn time Wax Lyrical’s large candle jar is suited to every location, providing ambient light and intense fragrance.

Wax Lyrical’s best selling Colony collection has expanded for 2015 with three new fragrances Strawberries and Cream, Jasmine and Sandalwood and Seashore. Each fragrance captures our best selling scent categories fruity, floral and fresh ensuring there is a new fragrance to suit every taste.

Tel: 01229 461100 Web: www.wax-lyrical.com

Personalised Memento Company N ew for Spring Fair, PMC are launching the Moon and Back Range, ideal for Valentine’s gifts but also a cute gift range for the whole year. A sentiment that is perfect for couples, parents and special aunties uncles and godparents alike.

The range of gifts extends to trinkets, candles, photo frames, chocolate bars, and a range of slate, wooden and ceramic decorations.

PMC are one of the UK’s biggest

suppliers of personalised gifts, with a reliable dropship service and many ways to sell their gifts such as their iPad app or free website. Visit them at Spring Fair Hall 5 stand L20-M21 to meet the team and see the full range of gifts.

Tel: 01782 744 900 Email: sales@ personalisedmemento.co.uk Web: www. personalisedmemento.co.uk

Hall 5, Stand: L20 M21 74 gifts today

Hall 3, Stand: Q20

Take time to visit Tractor Ted Tractor Ted to launch new product, new interactive point of sale and themed activity trails at Spring Fair

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ractor Ted, the award-winning little green tractor who teaches and entertains young children from two to six years old about farming and the countryside through books, DVDs, toys, clothes and live events, will be launching lots of exciting new products, point of sale features and live events at this year’s Spring Fair.

The new DVD Tractor Ted Meets the Baby Animals heralds the arrival of spring.

In it, Tractor Ted takes a trip around the farm and meets lambs, calves and piglets.

It is the latest in the series of 15 DVDs which cover looking after animals, the seasons, where our food comes from and, of course, big machines. The new DVD will be released alongside the new Tractor Ted Meets the Baby Animals Book so that parents can buy the two as a set or separately.

Children who love the popular Tractor Ted wooden toy will now be able to hitch on a matching green wooden trailer complete with three wooden toys – a cow, a sheep and a pig.

Following the success of the Tractor Ted 3D stickers and farm stickers, Tractor Ted is launching wall stickers. Each sheet (which measures 50 x 70cm) will include 20 easy to apply decorative wall stickers featuring Tractor Ted himself together with real life big farm machinery and animals.

And fashion-conscious fans can now buy Tractor Ted socks, the vintage summer

Spring 2015 doesn’t stop with new product as the business is currently undergoing prototyping and testing for new, interactive point of sale mats and activity trails, activity play corners and other products which it hopes to launch at Spring Fair hoodie (a lightweight version of the 2014 best selling vintage hoodie), a stripy Ted tee (a new stripy T-shirt with fun branding and expected high quality).

Spring 2015 also sees the launch of the first ever Tractor Ted partyware. The Tractor Ted paper cups, plates and 2-ply napkins are be a surefire hit for 2015 as Tractor Ted little fans hold themed birthday parties at home.

Spring 2015 doesn’t stop with new product as the business is currently undergoing prototyping and testing for new, interactive point of sale mats and activity trails, activity play corners and other products which it hopes to launch at Spring Fair.

Finally, in 2015 the business wants to build on the growing success of Tractor Ted live events. The Tractor Ted Live UK Tour 2015 will travel all over the UK, from Scotland to Northern Ireland to East Anglia, with the Tractor Ted bouncy castle during the summer holidays while Little Farm Live enables events to host the Tractor Ted bouncy castle and mobile mini farm.

There are currently two permanent Tractor Ted Little Farms – at Bowood House, Wiltshire (which has shown yet another increase in two to four year old visitors thanks to the Tractor Ted Little Farm) and Active Kids in Perth. The business is seeking new venues to open this year.

Email: admin@tractorted.co.uk Tel: 01373 83450 76 gifts today

scented candles natural soaps fragranced gifts Just relax and see the Seriously Scented ranges from Best Kept Secrets.

SEE US AT SPRING FAIR AT NEC // 1ST - 5TH FEBRUARY 2015

STAND NO: 5L31 T. +44 (0)1670 512222 E. sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk Best Kept Secrets, Coopies Field, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 6JT, UK www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

HANDM

IN THE ADE UK

Village Candle UK Ltd XXXX Hall 5, Stand: H22

Village Candle will launch their new collections for spring from January and have already received a fantastic reaction to their ranges which are available to view in their showrooms now. They will also attend the Spring Fair in February where they have increased exhibition space to accommodate their vast range of fragranced wax and candle accessories. They continue to offer the very best prices for the highest quality products available on the market. To order a copy of their new catalogue, visit the showroom or have a sales agent call please contact them on the details below.

Tel: 01254 300268 Email: sales@villagecandle.co.uk Web: www.villagecandle.co.uk

Maxwell Williams SSSS

Hall 8, Stand: C12/D11

Wildflowers servingware is inspired by the palette of a cottage garden in the spring. Each piece is intricately patterned with garlands of tulips, daffodils and daisies within borders of soft aqua tones.

Delicate in appearance, but made from high quality ceramic, the Wildflowers range is dishwasher-safe for easy entertaining. Selected pieces are available beautifully gift-boxed â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in case you can give it away!

Maxwell & Williams is distributed by Valerie Graham Ltd, 4 Watling Gate, 297-303 Edgware Road, London NW9 6NB.

Tel: 020 8200 5100 Email: sales@valerie-graham.co.uk

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Kutuu

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Hall 7, Stand: F01

Alongside their pewter gift range and new wall stickers, Kutuu will be sharing their new stationery line at Spring Fair which follows on in the same style. The range includes basics such as plain kraft tags and mini wooden pegs alongside items such as black initial paper clips - a perfect little gift or item to use in gift wrapping.

Retail prices of the range start at ÂŁ2 with starter packs available.

Tel: 01244 346490 Web: www.kutuuwholesale.co.uk

Hall 5, Stand: K04-L05

Waiting for Woodwick helped transform Xystos into ‘the home of flame and fragrance’ The mention of Virginia probably conjures up visions of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the tobacco plantations of the American colonial economy.

B

ut today there’s a company in the US state that is producing candles – not tobacco – to burn. And Virginia Gifts Brands – creator of WoodWick and a thousand fabulous fragrances – has now established such a fine reputation that importers around the world queue up for the privilege of distributing its products.

For years, north-east of England company Xystos shunned the opportunity to sell a candle brand. It wanted to be sure that it had just the right product. And then WoodWick – the candle with the crackling wick – became available and it seized the chance to sign an agreement with the American manufacturer.

The deal has helped transform Xystos from being a distributor of collectables and general giftware into ‘the home of flame and fragrance’, with a product portfolio that is the envy of competitors.

Xystos general manager Tom Sykes happily attributes much of its success to Virginia Gift Brands, which now occupies a site not far from the original garage in which it started 25 years ago.

He says: “We are always looking to increase our market share in this

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“Our stockists love the fact that they are able to choose from so many new scented products to suit the moods of their customers throughout the year.

They want, new, new, new – and that isn’t going to change.” highly competitive sector and they have helped us to achieve that with a succession of stunning fragrances and creative candle technology which epitomises

their dedication to innovation and high quality.

“We are thrilled with the great products they have introduced for 2015 and certainly don’t

“I expect high-end candle products like Anderson Lilley – superb scents in gorgeous packaging – to grab a bigger share of the luxury giftware market, while designers will create even more beautiful candle containers as consumers make flame and fragrance products their lifestyle choice.” take for granted the skill that goes into producing genuine breakthrough ranges such as WoodWick, RibbonWick and HearthWick.”

WoodWick is reinforcing its glowing reputation with two new collections, each of which is unveiled with six fragrances. The Bedroom Collection – in medium and large sizes – has Terrace Breeze, Lasting Love, Quiet Bliss, Sultry Spice, Satin Sheets and Warm Slumber, while the Macaron Collection debuts with Pistachio, Lavender, Tiramisu, Pineapple, Coconut and Berry.

Tom continues: “Our stockists love the fact that they are able to choose from so many new scented products to suit the moods of their customers throughout the year. They want, new, new, new – and that isn’t going to change.”

Unveiled in WoodWick’s core range are Cherry Bark, Ginger Macaroon, Cedar, Seaside Mimosa and Soft Chambray (3oz, 10oz and 22oz), which are also available as wax melts.

Beachfront Cottage joins the Trilogy range (10oz & 22oz). WoodWick Reserve adds new candle scents Royal and Midnight, as well as 12 reed diffuser fragrances including Driftwood, Canyon and Humidor.

The Hourglass shape WoodWick Wax Melts are introduced in all the core fragrances. Odour Neutralisers are now in new 3oz mini and 22oz jar sizes

and available as wax melts: fragrances include Clean Rain and Flower Garden.

HearthWick sees 12 fragrances added, including Baby Powder, Island Coconut, Jasmine, Dew Drops and Marionberry.

Tom adds: “I expect high-end candle products like Anderson Lilley – superb scents in gorgeous packaging – to grab a bigger share of the luxury giftware market, while designers will create even more beautiful candle containers as

consumers make flame and fragrance products their lifestyle choice.

“We complement our best-known brands with quality accessories and superb high-end candle ranges from Anderson Lilley and Aquiesse. And, of course, Luminara – with no naked flame – has carved out a special niche in the market. Add in the new Sienna

Gold home lighters and you’ll see that Xystos has every avenue covered. Having had a great 2014, we are extremely optimistic about the future.”

Look out too for Flame & Fragrance Snowflake accessories that include an electric melt burner, shade and hurricane holder; new candle line Anderson Lilley; RibbonWick; Simply Shining, and La-Tee-Da! lamps.

Two kits have been added to The Naked Bee collection of natural personal care products. The Orange Blossom & Honey Travel Kit comprises hand and body lotion, triple milled soap, travel candle, shampoo and conditioner and lip balm, while its counterpart – the Mini Bee Kit – includes hand and body lotion, lip balm and hand sanitizer.

Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email: sales@xystos.co.uk Web: www.xystostrade.co.uk gifts today 81

Carrie Elspeth

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Hall 19, Stand: C20-D21

Carrie Elspeth jewellery is about to turn Sweet 16, and is launching another gorgeous new Spring Collection. Bursting with fresh ideas, Carrie’s new ranges show the layers and depths of the modern woman: from elegant femininity to decadent sophistication; from vibrant energy to playful fun, this collection represents a coming of age for the company.

Carrie’s brand new range of sentiments bracelets are just bursting with colour and energy too! These exclusive ‘Brights’ charm bracelets are made with gorgeous glass beads that have a frosted matt finish – the colours are fresh, cheerful and full of pizazz! Each bracelet has a beautiful smooth, plump, silver-plated heart charm and the backing card is now even bolder to give a strong contrast and stunning final touch to these gorgeous gifts. Share the love and the laughter, and share these Brights with your friends and family – and don’t forget to treat yourself too!

Don’t miss seeing Carrie’s designs – all of which are beautifully handmade in Wales - fabulous packaging, branded display stands and unbelievable lead times… and watch their jewellery fly off your shelves.

Tel: 01446 771271 Web: www.carrieelspeth.com

Dunoon

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Hall 9, Stand: H01

Happy Hares, Paddlers, Grizzlies – Henley Shape New from designer Cherry Denman on Dunoon’s oversized Henley shape (600ml) includes Happy Hares, Paddlers (sea birds) and Grizzlies. Cherry’s work continues to be a top seller with Dunoon customers. These designs build on her best selling cat and dog designs ‘Pussy Galore’ and ‘Dogs Frolics’. All Made in England in Staffordshire from the best Fine Bone China.

Fleurie – Iona Shape New from Dunoon, the Iona shaped Fine-Bone-China-mug, Made in England. This mug is generous 400ml and here features ‘Fleurie’ a set of three watercolour summer flowers designed by artist Harrison Ripley.

Harrison is known for his floral and seascape designs.

Tel: 01785 817414 Web: www.dunoonmugs.co.uk

Edge Sculpture Hall 1, Stand: H20-G21

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Edge Sculpture is a unique style of sculpture that merges primeval emotion with pure animal instinct and prowess of stature. The portfolio has become increasingly more sought after and the depth of subjects touched upon more diverse. This has broadened ‘Edges’ appeal into many marketplaces with the impact of seeing them in the flesh seemingly furthering their allure.

This striking range is constantly evolving and we intend to premiere several new pieces, including some surprises, at this year’s Spring Fair that Matt Buckley, the sculptor, has managed to complete over the last couple of months.

Tel: 01952 884804 Email: sales@edgesculpture.com Web: www.edgesculpture.com 82 gifts today

Museums & Galleries TTTT

Hazel Atkinson Jewellery LLP XXXX

Hall 4, Stand: H71

Very excitingly for 2015, Museums & Galleries have had a focused development of their gifting offer. Building on the success of 2014’s poster wraps, this spring sees the launch of a suite of magnificent gifting options comprising a set of four nested gift boxes, three gift bags with integrated matching hang tags, coordinating tissue packs and of course the stunning Museums & Galleries gift wraps themselves.

Pricing is very attractive for a product of this superlative quality, with the tissue packs retailing at £2.50 (trade £1.04), the gift bags ranging from £1.99 to £2.75 (trade £0.83 to £1.14), and the gift boxes £2.49 to £6.49 (trade £6.99 for a nest of 4 boxes).

Designs have been developed in close association with the V&A, sourcing from the Museum’s unrivalled archive of historically important designs, and also using MGL’s marketing experience to select tried and tested best sellers. The strategy is to create coherent and commercially relevant design stories covering a wide selection of key gifting product formats.

This has fed through to a new notebook format for MGL – beautiful and tactile soft cover lined journals which join the company’s popular hard cover elasticated journals, at a slightly lower price point (£6.99 retail; £2.91 trade). The eight journals in the range again feature stunning imagery from the V&A, from the everpopular William Morris ‘Strawberry Thief’ to a lush undiscovered floral by 18th-century designer William Kilburn and ‘Wonders of the World’ suitable for male tastes.

For Christmas 2015, Museums & Galleries have developed two stylish new box formats: Theme boxes, containing five each of four designs on a theme, and Slipcase boxes (containing five each of two designs). Each range has charity options and we as non-charity options to select from, and features a broad range of imagery from the traditional religious to contemporary and stylish.

Capping off Christmas, MGL is launching a set of four beautiful Advent calendars, featuring designs from the V&A, British Library, Walker Books, and popular contemporary illustrator Louise Cunningham.

Tel: 01373 462165 Web: www. museumsgalleries. co.uk

Hall 18, Stand: DQ38

Hazel will add several new colour ranges to her wildly successful ‘Natural Selection’ collection at Spring Fair 2015. Her unique, hand decorated, 100 per cent British made anodized aluminium jewellery has proved to be a red hot winner with hundreds of galleries and independent retailers throughout the UK and further afield. Lightweight and durable, this colourful jewellery turns heads and is a very eye catching addition to window and shelf displays. Hazel takes responsibility for all aspects of production insuring quality excels in all areas and keeps her at the cutting edge of decorative contemporary jewellery design. This year look out for ‘Royal Flush’ a sumptuous, regal purple flowing with swirling floral patterning of dripped gold and hot red. ‘Sky’ evokes the promise and the endless blue of a clear, clean summer’s day and ‘Geranium’ adds an unforgettable splash of vivid red supporting a maze of delicate flora.

Hazel has once more managed to keep her prices unchanged for 2015, ranging from as little as £6 for a ring to £18.50 for a large pendant. Receive a free ring with every order placed at the show.

Tel: 0115 9411110 Web: www.hazelatkinsonjewellery.co.uk

Price’s Candles Hall 5, Stand: J80/K81

Price’s Patent Candles have been making candles for over 185 years and remain the supplier to the Royal Household thanks to their enduring quality, attention to detail and innovation.

This year, at Spring Fair Birmingham, Price’s will again be exhibiting their best selling range of odour eliminating candles and diffusers.

Synonymous with innovation, Price’s are one of the leaders in the market with this odour eliminating home fragrance collection. Combining retro gift packaging and delightful fragrances with the ingenious use of Odourfoyl technology, Price’s Fresh Air range will rid your home of unwanted odours. The range comprises of Chef’s kitchen candles, Open Window clean linen, Anti-Tobacco, and Household Pet odour eliminators to ensure your home is covered throughout every room.

Tel: 01234 264500 Email: sales@prices-candles.co.uk Web: www.prices-candles.co.uk 84 gifts today

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Camal Enterprises

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Hall 5, Stand: E23

It’s been quite a year for Camal Enterprises with their English Ladies Co brand going from strength to strength. Their latest launches have surpassed all expectations and the collaboration with Thelma Madine has really added some bling to the world of collectable figurines. There is feverish anticipation for every new figure and retailers are reporting excellent sell through as well as strong margins.

“We have started to use social media more and more to communicate directly with our end customers” says Malini Pashley, Marketing Director at Camal. “We have steadily been growing our online presence and are having more of a dialogue with collectors. We preview new launches and when we showed our new Congratulations Gold figurine, the Facebook feed went mad! We also gave a sneak peak of the new Mini Brides that match Thelma’s Gypsy Wedding Dreams figurines and had a post reach of over 16,000 in 3 days!”

The decision to concentrate on the English Ladies Co brand has given more focus to the line, with several new products been unveiled at the Spring Fair. There are pieces for the traditional collectors with the launch of a new Four Seasons range and extensions to the Congratulations anniversary range, as well as new items for Thelma’s fans. The anticipated communion pieces, entitled “My Gypsy Princess First Communion”, available in the trademark blonde and brunette finishes, will be great for retailers serving the traveller community; and the company are hoping to have the ambitious carriage piece ready for Spring Fair.

The English Ladies Co Premium Stockist scheme has also worked well, with selected stockists enjoying previews of new launches, priority deliveries and in-store support. The scheme aims to give Premium Stockists exclusive distribution in their area. Ask about the scheme at the fair.

Tel: 01782 344900 Email: sales@camalents.com

The Country Candle Company XXXX

Hall 5, Stand: A31

The chic and sophistication of the fashion capital of the world, Paris, comes to Spring Fair with new fragrances joining the best selling Polkadot Collection plus the fragrances transporting to a standalone range with the launch of Parisian.

Exhibiting in Hall 5 for the first time, The Country Candle Company launches the new the 2015 ranges and stepping into the limelight is Parisian.

A trio of stunning fragrances join into the Polkadot Collection, Parisian Café, Tuberose Bouquet and Wild Lime & Rose Tea each offering sophisticated fragrance blends that transport consumers to the heart continental culture, Paris.

The Parisian Collection has bold packaging in striking pastel and black stripes teamed with opulent gold trim. The same fragrances launch but with a Parisian twist C’est La Vie, Joie De Vivre and La Vie En Rose. The range includes the original tin, a new reed diffuser featuring a black bow, a chic wrapped candle complete with gift box and a new elegant bowl two wick candle.

Tel: 01225 794920 Web: thecountrycandlecompany.com

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Hitting the high notes I n 2015 THE MUSIC GIFTS COMPANY is celebrating its 20th anniversary. David and Colette Gee founded the company two days before they got married in August 1995 and have successfully grown

the company to where it is today. “Music is the universal language which is the key to the appeal. We’ve always wanted to create something unique, by designing our own products and making them in the UK wherever possible,” comments David. “As the appeal is so wide, the range sells in a diverse number of outlets – gift shops, department stores, mail order catalogues, online, cathedrals and abbeys, historic houses, concert halls, garden centres and music shops as well as in a number of countries overseas.

During the last 12 months, we’ve created a record number of new accounts.”

The company started with

just a handful of stationery items, yet they still are an important part of the catalogue. “Our first ever product was the “Chopin Liszt” and nearly 20 years later it is still our number one best seller, with sales approaching half a million units!!” Men’s gifts play an important role within the range and the company will be extending this part of the catalogue during 2015. “Our socks, for example, are made from 95% ring-spun cotton. We believe this is the highest grade of sock currently available. The two most famous recipients of our socks one Christmas were Sir Elton John and Sir Mick Jagger”.

There is now a rotating sock display stand which comes complete with 36 pairs. Shops have been re-ordering every few weeks and sales have increased by 30%.

“Last Autumn we launched our first ever Floor Display.

It is specifically designed to hold a selection of our best-selling gifts.

The stand is only two feet wide, which is perfect instore. It is already proving to be extremely popular and allows shops to re-order on a more regular basis.

We’d like to thank all our customers to reach this landmark and look forward to the next 20 years!”

Quail Ceramics XXXX

Hall 6, Stand: T21

Quail has a new range of flower vases. Joining the popular face egg cups and wall vases are tall elegant vases in animal and bird designs.

Choose from a goat, lion, tiger, zebra, camel and more lofty giraffes or full figure pugs, tawny and barn owls. There will be more designs later in the year.

Also new this year is their ‘Totally Tropical’ range of beautifully painted and brightly glazed lovebird and lorikeet bud vases and egg cups. Just the thing to brighten your day.

Tel: 01304 379901 Email: info@quailceramics.co.uk Web: www.quailceramics.co.uk

Heaven Scent Hall 20, Stand: C19

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Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring SECC Glasgow 18-20 January Stand G24 Spring Fair NEC 1-5 February Hall 5 Stand A53

One of the leaders in natural plant wax candles Heaven Scent created its unique wax formula and brought it to market over 20 years ago. “We understand the complex blend needed along with the percentage of oil to be used in order to create a well burning candle that gives off its scent effectively in any room in the home.” They have learned through vigorous testing and many years of feedback from their customers, subtle tweaks here and there have ensured that Heaven Scent are at the head of the market for natural candles.

This year Heaven Scent has introduced several new fragrances to their range of over seventy fragrances. Deep ethnic smells seem to be popular again as well as English flowers and citrusy smells. So this year they have introduced Lime, Basil and Mandarin, Noir Rose and Buttercup Meadows, quite a varied selection to meet the needs of all their current shops and their customers. Heaven Scent enjoy the comments made by their customers about their candles, but nothing beats direct selling and to hear the comments made about their beautiful products is a real tonic and helps inform their business strategy for the following year.

Tel: 01202 570057 Web: www.musicgifts.co.uk

Tel: 01225 868788 Email: contact@heavenscent.co.uk Web: www.heavenscent.co.uk

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Home & Gifts | Incense | Home Furnishings | Furniture | Clothing | Accessories | Jewellery

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Hall 3, Stand: L05

The Game is Afoot at Gibsons Gibsons bring a wonderful selection of new puzzles and games to Spring Fair this year

N

ew to the range is Sherlock Holmes The Card Game, where players must travel with Sherlock and Watson by hansom cab and train whilst seeking clues and suspects! All of the cards are illustrated with pictures from the original card game, making this product a mustbuy for all Sherlock fans. Gibsons are expecting great things from the card game after achieving tremendous success last year with the redesign of their Sherlock-themed board game, 221B Baker Street, selling out of all initial copies in under 3 months and pre-selling the entire second run before the games could even be made.

The Memory Lane series of jigsaws is

For the little ones, Gibsons have introduced two new products to their ever popular My World range. also new to their 2015 range and kicks off with two editions, Our House 1950s and 1960s. The beautifully illustrated pictures take the puzzler back through the decades and into the heart of the home. The puzzles are painted with meticulous attention to detail, from the patterns on the wallpaper to the particular model of the motorcycle and cars out front, causing those nostalgic feelings come rushing back.

For the little ones, Gibsons have introduced two new products to their ever popular My World range. The first, Dino Jigosawrus (age 3+), is a set of 8 progressive, T-riffic puzzles ranging from the 4 piece Pteranodon to the whopping 16 piece Diplodocus. The second is a lotto style game, Ships Ahoy, where children must set sail on a pirate adventure to fill their pirate ships with treasure! All My World toys are made in conjunction with Child Psychologist, Dr. Amanda Gummer, which means they are perfectly tailored

to teach children essential skills such as numeracy, literacy and motor skills.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, they are planet friendly and made in Britain.

As always, Gibsons kick off the New Year with a fresh new range of jigsaw puzzles in all sorts of sizes. 2015 sees the release of a further 60 puzzles, including commemorative WWII puzzles and additions from new and favourite artists.

Tel: 020 8661 8866 www.gibsonsgames.co.uk 90 gifts today

This Spring we’re really going to town.

We’d love to tell you about our stunning new gift candle concepts: • Town & Country collection • Paris-inspired collection • plus many new fragrances

Home fragrance redefined – made in the United Kingdom.

Visit us at the Birmingham Spring Fair 2015 – Hall 5 Stand A31. t 01225 794920 · e sales@thecountrycandlecompany.com · w thecountrycandlecompany.com The Country Candle Company · Aroma House · Unit 10, Hercules Way · Bowerhill Industrial Estate · Melksham SN12 6TS

Triple S Supplies SCENTBURNERS TTTT Hall 5, Stand H76/ J77

Over 100 Design/Colour variations of High Quality Oil Warmers, each one especially designed to enhance the experience of ScentChips Wax Melts for the Consumer.

ScentBurners are a collection of Traditional & Modern Designs styled to match today’s multi cultural décor.

Brand New for 2015 are: Concrete ScentBurners for the Industrial & Vintage décor - Robust & Eyecatching Copper Glaze for Glamour & Luxury – Sophisticated Shell Designs for the Nautical look – Clean & Simple Whatever your choice ScentBurners have it covered.

Also in the ScentChips Brand are ScentOils Aromatic Oils for use in a Catalytic Stone ScentLamp.

30 Blends of Oils all using the same High Quality ScentChips Fragrances and 3 Designs of Lamp in 5 Colours.

To become a ScentChips stockist or to find out more about their Spring Fair Offers visit them in Hall 5 stand H76/J77

Tel: 01259 751009 Email: sales@triplessupplies.co.uk Web: www.worldofscentchips.com/uk/en

Balagan Hall 18, Stand: K28/L29

L

aunching at Spring Fair will be their Spring 2015 Narrate collection. The ethos of the Narrate collection is jewellery which tells a story, captures a moment or an emotion.

Narrative jewellery creates a relationship between the wearer and the piece as each piece of jewellery has personal meaning to its wearer. It may tell a story, or capture an emotion, although it’s not always clear what the true underlying story is and in many ways it’s like displaying a secret or something personal about yourself without actually disclosing it.

Rachel Parkin, the designer of the

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collections commented “Visual images shape the world we live in, how we communicate with each other and this often contributes to the person we become. Words have power and The Narrate 2015 collection allows the wearer to tell their story, either publicly or privately and to embrace symbolism as a means of drawing strength, courage or belief.” This is a beautiful collection created in Sterling Silver with gold or rose gold vermeil washes.

Be awesome today: Narrate collection, Rose gold vermeil necklace on 24” ball chain. RRP £42 What’s your story ?

Web: www.balaganonline.com

House of Marbles XXXX

Hall 3, Stand: P18-Q19

Something from the past that’s a real blast! House of Marbles is delighted to announce the launch of their new Tin Treasures range for 2015. This is a fabulous selection of vintage-style, reproduction wind-up toys and collectables based on popular novelties from bygone days.

Each piece is a work of art in itself, made with care and skill using traditional methods. For children there are novelty tin tops, wind-up cars and spaceships to bring them the joy of traditional tin toys and for adults there are fabulous and unique collector’s items which will be coveted and treasured – such as the beautiful wind-up Songbird which is truly amazing and delightful as it trills and flaps its wings.

In the House of Marbles Tin Treasures range you will also find Hooting Clockwork Trains, Steam-powered Tug Boats and Jumping Squirrels to name but a few of the wonderful designs available. This new collection really must be seen to be believed, so make sure you wind your way to the House of Marbles stand at the Spring Fair in Hall 3, P18 – Q19.

Tel: 01626 835358 Web: www.houseofmarbles.com

AROMA HOME - BESPOKE XXXX

Hall 19 & 20, Stand: 20a21

Mint Publishing SSSS TTTT

Hall 4, Stand: H50

It’s set to be another exciting year of product development for Mint Publishing! Their passion for design and quality, coupled with heavy investment, is evident in their new ranges for 2015.

Developed from the popular Knit & Purl range, Buddi Bunni is a new cute, character-led range. Featuring adorable illustrations combined with real wool textures, these 12 sweet designs come in two sizes, finished with sparkling flitter and embossing.

Kaleidoscope is a brand new contemporary range of 14 gorgeous Aztec, tattoo and geometric style designs. Featuring a stunning cold foil finish, each card dazzles in brilliant colours, enhanced with multi-level embossing, also available in two sizes. #NotAnotherNewRange! #Hashgags is a hilarious new humour range, featuring Twitter-inspired gags with fun vintage photography. Each design features a spot UV finish to enhance the photographic images.

Foto Fun features a range of cute, funny and contemporary animal images. With blank, birthday, occasion and relation captions available, there is something for everyone in this fun range. Designs are printed on a quality board and finished with a glossy UV varnish.

Mint has also invested in improving their selection of Milestone Ages, with 25 new designs across a selection of 4 ranges. Jackpot is a new collection of 6 masculine ages in a fantastic monochrome style, embellished with gold foil, embossing and UV varnish. In addition, Sweet Tweets now includes 6 feminine, floral designs in a new size, with flitter highlights and embossing.

For the juvenile market, Knit & Purl Kids feature adorable new knitted 94 gifts today

characters, in ages 1 to 4 for both girls and boys. The ever-popular Cool Britannia range also features a selection of refreshed designs.

In addition to all of these new products, their existing ranges have not been forgotten, with new designs added to Mice Moments, Needles & Pins, Sweet Tweets, Knit & Purl, 3D Collection, Cool Britannia and Prestige.

Also new for 2015, Mint has a refreshed offering for Christmas, with 3 new ranges to choose from. With the popularity of their 3D Collection, 12 new designs include cute pugs and festive sheep. Mice Moments Christmas is an adorable collection of cards featuring charming mice in festive settings, finished with gold foil and UV varnish. Christmas KnitWits are a new addition too, taking over Christmas with their quirky take on the season.

Make sure to visit Mint at the Spring Fair, Stand H50, Hall 4, to see all of these fantastic new products!

Tel: 0116 230 4197 Email: sales@mint-publishing. co.uk Web: www.mint-publishing. co.uk

AROMA HOME BESPOKE is expanding its private label and bespoke design service to many retailers worldwide.

Initially this service was created for major retailers but due to its success AROMA HOME have extended this facility to UK buying groups and any retailer that can achieve the minimum order requirement and many who cannot meet the minimum quantity needed for a bespoke production run.

“The success of our knitted gift ranges worldwide have created a lot of interest,” says National Account Manager Gina Martin.

“Where our design team create a range for an overseas customer, we have the possibility of adding to our production run and offer a unique bespoke product to many UK retailers who cannot meet our MOQ requirements.

“We are seeing a significant increase in enquiries for product that cannot be found in the mainstream gift market as many retailers want to create a point of difference in their gift offering,” says Martin.

If a uniquely designed gift range is of interest visit our stands at Maison Objet and NEC Spring Fair to discuss further.

Maison Objet Hall 6 Stand K119 NEC Spring Fair Hall 19 &20 ,Stand 20A21

Tel: 01793487684 Web: www.aromahome.com

Completely Independent Distribution (CID) TTTT Hall 4, Stand: A21

Completely Independent Distribution (CID), the officially licensed apparel and merchandise business, currently offer over 500 different gifting SKUs. Two years ago CID were proud to become a wholly owned subsidiary of the U.S company, National Entertainment Collectibles Association (NECA). Because of this new ownership the product lines available from CID has a much wider appeal than previously. 12 years ago CID began selling Rock T-shirts, and quickly became the leading supplier of music T-shirts across Europe, a fact not ignored by EMI Music who subsequently bought the company in 2009. Since the recent change of ownership CID has prospered, and they continue to offer an extensive range of music T-shirts, hoodies and sweatshirts including AC/DC, Metallica, Nirvana, Foo Fighter, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. Their vast music range is now complemented by a huge character license collection including DC Comics, Marvel, Star Wars, Breaking Bad, Hunger Games, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Sons of Anarchy.

One of the NECA licenses which has been at the forefront of driving sales over the past year has been the vast array of Harry Potter merchandise, with items including plush toys, mugs and prop replicas. These Hogwarts favourites are in stock now and will be on show at Spring Fair. CID shall also be unveiling their new roster of licenses for 2015 at Spring Fair – which include a huge family favourite Christmas movie and some new, cool brands.

Tel: 0116 2581450, Email: salesteam@ cidmerch.com website: www.cidmerch.com

01225 868788 email: contact@heavenscent.co.uk www.heavenscent.co.uk Facebook.com/heavenscentincense, Twitter/ heaven scent incense @SarahBellis1

Made of Strong Stuff Denby Brand Repositioning

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t Denby they have an exciting year ahead of them with the launch of their new look and feel for 2015. At Spring Fair they will launch their new: • Brand identity • New positioning – ‘Made of Strong Stuff’ • Reveal the new look and feel for all communications Denby stoneware is built to last and their new brand positioning, ‘Made of Strong Stuff,’ highlights its strength and quality with a confident, modern attitude. The same of course could said of their people.

Denby is a 200 year old brand and proud of their long heritage. Using time honoured skills and exceptional craftsmanship, today they continue to go from strength to strength.

Unmistakably Denby, their glazes are the stuff of legend! They’ve captured their unique beauty and detail close-up and will use this as a striking backdrop to their new brand statements. With over 5,000 glaze recipes all developed in-house, they are equipped to meet every colour trend. Denby’s new Lifestyle photography will be simple and uncluttered to complement and emphasise the natural beauty of their close up ‘glaze effect’ imagery, and along with the new logo and positioning will create a contemporary, premium and fresh feel for Denby in 2015.

They have invested heavily in the brand including extensive consumer research to present this new look and feel.

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This will continue throughout 2015 including a PR launch, a trade and consumer advertising campaign (in the 2nd half of the year), with a comprehensive online and NPD programme focusing on their ‘Made in England’ stoneware. Starting with the launch of Peveril at the NEC. To achieve the new brand

New for 2015

Digging deep into Derbyshire’s strong mining heritage, ‘Peveril’ is a vibrant, eye-catching and rock solid premium tableware range.

Their new ‘Peveril’ collection is perfect for every day or entertaining.

It’s inspired by the deep inky hues of the rare John Blue mineral found

Unmistakably Denby, their glazes are the stuff of legend! They’ve captured their unique beauty and detail close-up and will use this as a striking backdrop to their new brand statements repositioning Denby has worked closely with: Lucky Generals – Creative and planning, Nik & Carole – Creative graphic design agency in Manchester for interpretation and Brand Guidelines Springetts – Brand and packaging agency

in the nearby world famous Peak District caves and caverns. Textured shapes, a contrasting natureinspired pattern and two glossy glazes only Denby craftspeople can achieve, are all paired with Denby’s know-how and stoneware durability.

From tapas plates and bowls to key accent pieces, this multi-functional range is the ideal match for any occasion.

Visit them at Spring Fair on stand number 9C10-D11 (Hall 9) www.denby.co.uk

Since 1870

A CANDLE FO R A L L S E A SO N S A CHANGE OF MOOD, A CHANGE OF CANDLE From the pure scents of our Aromatic range and our beautiful glass filled candles to our extensive choice of tealights, pillars and tapers: our aromatic range is ever changing, ever innovating.

BOLSIUS UK Ltd. (Sales team) PO Box 961 Linton Cambridge, CB21 4UL T +44 (0)800 169 5126 United Kingdom F +44 (0)800 169 5127 www.bolsius.com E sales@uk.bolsius.com

UK Distributor Junction 18.

T 08704 420732 E sales@junction18.com www.bolsiusaromatic.com

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Ronin Handmade in Wales

Spring Fair Hall 19 Stand E05

Semi-precious S i i gemstone t jewellery j ll www.ronindesigns.co.uk i d i k

01269 826000

Namaste

TTTT

XXXX

Hall 5, Stand: H10-J11

If you haven’t discovered Namaste yet then you really should take a look! Fairly traded yet very commercial and with wide appeal, their huge range for Spring Fair includes Gifts, Home Accessories, Furnishings, Furniture and Incense.

New ranges include a lovely collection of new doorknobs, hand painted in India. Quirky and collectable with a vintage feel, there are more than 10 designs, each with their own colour palette. Also pictured is the gorgeous new applique tweed owl collection which includes doorstops, cushions, gift boxes, decorations, bags and purses.

Hundreds of brand new products add to their best-selling gift collections which include enamelled aluminum tableware, Moroccan style lanterns, painted wooden chests, windchimes, lightcatchers and quirky animals. New kilims and cushions add to their hugely successful soft furnishings range and a new range of incense is already selling well.

Namaste’s suppliers are very aware of ethical and environmental issues and provide much needed employment to skilled artisans around the world. Wherever possible, Namaste buys direct from the manufacturers, with no middlemen or exporters involved in the supply chain.

This enables them to build a relationship together in a spirit of partnership. Namaste is recognised by

BAFTS, The British Association for Fair Trade Shops and Suppliers as a Fair Trade company.

Namaste is a friendly and efficient company with excellent product availability and customer service. Their generous discount structure means that the more you spend, the more you save and this can save you as much as 25%!

All items are orderable online and in an inspirational printed catalogue. They also have a very successful and growing Clothing, Accessories and Jewellery collection in a separate catalogue. They also have a low minimum order of only £150 + vat. For a full set of free Namaste colour catalogues please just give them a call.

Tel: 01756 700790 Email: sales@namaste-uk.com Web: www.namaste-uk.com

Peace of Mind

WWWW TTTT

Hall: 19 Stand: F20 - G21

The new season sees a softer, maturer Peace of Mind, still playful but definitely with a grown up edge. “We’ve had a wonderful 2014. The response has given us such a buzz and a renewed energy for designing and sourcing. Seeing the new collection coming together, well it makes all the hard work worthwhile.”

Adding some stunning new elements to PoM including gold, rose gold and some glorious Liberty prints, Christine Holden, PoM’s director and designer thinks retailers will be delighted with the results. “Our silver plated range has been refined and is so exquisitely made - its designer jewellery with a gift price tag.”

Incorporating gold into their sterling silver range elevates it to a whole new level. The mellowness of the gold perfectly suits their nature inspired theme.

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Dragonflies, bees, flora and fauna are not only beautifully hand crafted into their jewellery collection but is echoed in their very popular scarf range.

“We are really proud of our new scarves, and the key word there is NEW. Our new designs are so fresh and vibrant, we can’t wait to get them out there. Wonderful prints on super soft cotton (which creates a lovely drape) superb detailing and well, just wait and see. It’s all very exciting. Roll on spring”

Tel: 01225 777749 Email: sales@ pom925.com Web: www. pom925.com

Stoneglow Candles Hall 5, Stand: K51 Nature’s Gift Red Rose

A stunning, new addition to Stoneglow’s gorgeous Nature’s Gift Range.

A classic red rose stem immersed into the fragrant bouquet of deep Red Rose petals and rich geranium blooms, with soft powdery notes and a sultry musk base. Not only would this lovely reed diffuser make a beautiful addition to any home, but also the perfect Valentines or Mother’s Day gift.

Modern Classics – White Tea & Bamboo

The classic simplicity of this stylish range has proved to be a winner in store.

White Tea & Bamboo adds another winning fragrance to the collection: Refreshing white tea with zesty notes of bergamot and mandarin. A floral heart of neroli and geranium sit on a lush green base. Candles and Reed diffusers, available in 3 different options, and 9 fragrances.

Modern Apothecary – NEW NATURAL WAX BLEND

A modern twist on a classic favourite, made with Stoneglow’s new unique natural wax blend which they claim has a better fragrance release than paraffin wax.

Each of the 6 fragrances is a blend of harmonious ingredients with high levels of essential oils, bought together to create a selection of scents to cover all fragrance types. The stylish packaging denotes each type with a numerical identity and a fragrance description detailing top, middle and base notes.

Art Collection – Lime & Mandarin

New, fresh, vibrant green glassware is the perfect new colour introduction to this popular range for Spring. Fragranced with a gorgeous citrus accord of lime, litsea cubea, grapefruit & mandarin. This zesty fragrance is calmed with herbal notes of lavender and basil, leading to a heart of orange blossom and fresh green patchouli.

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Tel: 0208 595 8878 Email: sales@stoneglowcandles.co.uk Web: www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk

BEST SELLING GAMES RE-LAUNCHED!

T R A D I TI O N A L

WOODEN GAMES m a d e f r o m t h e h i g h est q u a l i t y r e - f o r est e d h a r d w o o d

COME & SEE US! Spring Fair - Hall 3 Stand LO5

Hall 5, Stand: B04-C03

Yankee Candle, fragrance at its best Yankee Candle is ready to reveal its 2015 fragrance offering, including its innovation within the Flameless fragrance range at Spring Fair.

For Spring:

Taking inspiration from some of nature’s finest elements, the luxurious new Pure Essence fragrances will awaken, relax and stimulate the senses, giving your customers an indulgent treat as they embrace the ‘New Year, new you’ approach. The three new refreshing fragrances are Aloe Water, Cassis and Shea Butter.

For Summer:

Café Culture embraces the relaxation and rich aromas found within a favourite coffee bar, with three enticing new fragrances, Cappuccino Truffle, Pain Au Raisin and Tarte Tatin.

Bringing a neutral colour palette to the collection, the range will tempt and entice customers to try something new.

For Autumn:

Explore the exotic with four luxurious new fragrances. The Out Of Africa collection will transport your senses on a romantic adventure, with treasured perfumes and rare notes of musk, orchid and amber aswell as a new range of accessories to help bring the range to life.

For Winter:

“Baby Its Fun Outside… and Cosy Inside”, as the all important festive season approaches Yankee Candle have a fun new range for Winter 2015. The four new fragrances evoke memories of fun times playing in the snow and when it’s time to warm up, the fragrances will give a heartwarming feeling of gatherings by the fire with family and friends.

The new “first to market” Flameless 102 gifts today

The new “first to market” Flameless innovation range will be revealed at Spring Fair and will have its own zone on the stand to ensure retailers can experience the array of new products and how the offering will enhance the Flameless home fragrance market innovation range will be revealed at Spring Fair and will have its own zone on the stand to ensure retailers can experience the array of new products and how the offering will enhance the Flameless home fragrance market.

Alongside the fragrance launches for 2015 the new capsule and accessory collections will support the Classic fragrances to complete the overall offering for customers.

Visit Yankee Candle at Spring Fair, Hall 5, Stand B04-C03 to view the whole year of fragrances, or contact the Customer Care team on 0117 316 1200.

You can also visit www.yankeecandle.co.uk to discover the current collection.

1(: 72 &2/(6+,// '(6,*1 )25 Fresh and busy from a super Spring Fair at Top Drawer where Coleshill Design launched the new Villager Jim Range and Studio Collection, the team are now busy working through all the new bespoke enquiries.

“We met some really great designers, I am so looking forward to getting all the new designs onto our products”, Kim Garbett, Coleshill Design.

For designers and artists that are looking to expand their brand onto British Made high quality melamine home wares Coleshill Design are their one stop shop. The team offers small and large batch runs, full design studio support, quick sample turn around and consistent repeat order quality. “It has been hard work perfecting this process with hiccups along the way, but we can now say this is one of our best and most sort after services”, Kelly Anne Barnacle, Office Manager.

The rest of the year is looking rosy with Kelly & the team starting to pull together the new Christmas Season designs also, watch this space! If you are thinking of adding a new design for Christmas it is never too early to start.

Contact Kelly & Kim on 024 7672 4900.

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Kim Garbett, Proudly displays some of Coleshill Designs products at Top Drawer.

Ambiente Paper Products SSSS

Hall 4, Stand: D02

Ambiente is a Dutch manufacturer of printed paper napkins and table top accessories. They have their own in-house design team and all paper products are manufactured in their factory from FSC certified tissue on flexographic presses. They are able to produce designs from one to nine colours in 25/33/40 cm and offer a very speedy Private Label service.

Each year Ambiente Paper Products produce two collections featuring a variety of flower/plain embossed/lifestyle designs with co-ordinating accessories such as napkin holders, tissues, candles and fine china gifts.

At Ambiente quality and customer care are their top priority and they offer a four day delivery service.

Tel: 07956 424482 Email: richard@ambproducts.co.uk

Classic Canes Hall 20, Stand: K10-L11

Classic Canes, the walking stick specialists,will be exhibiting at their 26th consecutive Spring Fair this February (Hall 20, Stand K10-L11). New items joining the 650-strong product range will include folding walking sticks in a variety of fashionable tartan patterns, an elegant acrylic cane with a leopard print handle, and a range of new wooden cane that, with the addition of decorative spirals and other designs, are contemporary re-workings of old classics such as shepherds’ crooks and hiking staffs. Retail prices range from £10 to more than £1,000, so there is a suitable selection for every retailer.

Tel 01460 75686 Web: www.classiccanes.co.uk

Enesco - Art Hearts XXXX

Hall 5, Stand: F04-G03

Following on from its very successful launch in 2014, the Art Hearts collection sees eight beautiful new designs of heart sculptures being introduced from DEMDACO in January 2015. Each heart shape features a contemporary and imaginative design from a popular artist in the gift industry, and expresses sentiments of love, friendship, celebration or thoughtfulness.

Amongst the new vibrant designs, which have predominantly love-driven sentiments, are two delightful family-themed hearts - Dear Mum and Best Daughter which will make perfect birthday or ‘just because’ gifts.

With the legend ‘You Mean the World to Me’ over a blue cartographic background, the new World to Me heart is perfect for any gift-giving occasion, age or gender.

Art Hearts can be hung by the tasselled ribbon as an ornament or can be displayed using the unique key stand. Each Art Heart carries the artist’s name and comes with specially designed gift packaging to create a present that will be cherished.

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SSSS

Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Web: www.enesco.co.uk

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Start a Collection of

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lasting memories GiftScribes offer one of the largest collection of personalisable Christmas hanging decorations and table top decorations on the UK market. All are personalised at the point of sale and are manufactured to a long-lasting, high quality, with attention to detail and unique designs.

Every Special Moment in life can be celebrated; from engagements to weddings, from a first born to babyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first Christmas and from a growing family to the everlasting kind thoughts of love, family togetherness and friendship.

GiftScribes gifts are highly collectible as personal keepsakes, so all product lines are available year round.

Proven demand t Good margins t Small minimum orders t Personal service

www.giftscribes.co.uk Christmas

by GiftScribes Gifts

eMail: sales@giftscribes.co.uk Call: 01584 811 190 GiftScribes Gifts Limited, 31 Boraston Drive, Burford, Tenbury Wells, Shropshire, WR15 8AG

Home, Gifts, Textiles

online ordering: www.orchid-designs.co.uk tel: 01484 866903

fax: 01484 866955

collectable, country, & vintage reproductions for home, gifts & textiles

orchid@orchid-designs.demon.co.uk Spring Fair : Hall 5 stands C50-D51

Dearne Park Ind. Est., Park Mill Way, Clayton West, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire HD8 9XJ, England.

Lolita Healey

Gaeltag Keltika Ltd Hall 5, Stand: E20/F21

G

aeltag Keltika Ltd are delighted to announce that the originator of the hugely successful Lolita range is coming to town! Attending a UK trade fair for the first time is the US artist Lolita Healey (yes, her name really is Lolita) on Sunday 1st and Monday 2nd February.

It was while drinking martinis at a Memphis hotel on a girl’s night out that the idea to hand paint glassware first came to Lolita – the cocktails were fun with imaginative names - but the glasses themselves were dull. Why not liven things up and bring that sense of fun and entertainment onto the glass itself?

She started out small, testing the idea by hand-painting the glasses herself in the basement of her home, and selling locally. The designs in her range were bright, sassy and often humorous, striking an immediate chord with women of all ages. The idea took off and needed to be scaled up, As a young mum at home with 2 young children, she needed help and she licensed the concept, soon finding distribution across the US, including the kudos of getting into top stores such as Bloomingdales.

Buoyed by her success she then started to look further than the US and expanded into the European market via

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Gaeltag Keltika Ltd, with the concept finding loyal followers as far afield as Australia. Now millions of her designs have been sold around the world.

The product has regularly been celebrated in the US as one of the top 10 gift brands and has also just celebrated it’s10th anniversary – no mean feat in the most competitive consumer market in the world. As the years have gone by since the start of Lolita’s journey in taking her good idea to a wider market, the range has not stood still with brand extensions into ceramics, textiles, acrylic partyware, stationery and even her own Lolita branded wines!.

What keeps things fresh is Lolita’s ability to keep in touch with her target audience, understand fashion trends and most importantly keep her sense of humour shining through in new designs.

So don’t miss out, come and meet an original ‘Mum-preneur’ at the Gaeltag stand.

To welcome her to the UK, part of this years’ new line up for Spring will feature Mum-themed glasses planned to be available in time for this coming Mother’s Day. As both the originator of the designs and a mum herself, Lolita has hit just the right note with 2 new glasses on a modern ‘Super Woman’ theme and the need to juggle all the demands of daily life. Her advice?

Achieve that elusive work-life balance with a relaxing glass of wine whether you’re a ‘Stay at home Mum’ (new ‘Super Mum 365’), or a working Mum with the new ‘Super Mum 24/7’ – all bases covered!

Also making a first appearance at Spring Fair from Gaeltag is the new Tindra ‘Card & Gift’ concept of ‘greeting card with gift all-in-one’, with the gift element being comprised of a Tindra candle bag held within the card and matching the sentiment of the card itself.

The initial products have been

enthusiastically received, particularly with an RRP under £5, and are now being extended to include new Mother’s Day and Spring titles bringing the total choice up to 36, all available from early 2015. To complete the picture, retailer-friendly tailor-made wall hanging merchandisers are also available for striking presentation and on show at the NEC. The Swedish designed range is a genuine piece of innovation and has

been entered into the Gift Association ‘Gift of the Year’ competition.

Finally, Gaeltag will be herding plenty of new Cow Parade figurines into the show in characteristic comic poses, and all guaranteed to ‘a-moo-se’ including the memorable and cheeky ‘Magic Mushy’!

Gaeltag Keltika will be showing Lolita, Tindra ‘Card & Gift’ and candle bags, CowParade at: NEC Hall 5 Stand E20/ F21

For additional information contact: Lorena Golfetto Gaeltag Keltika Ltd Email: gaeltag@btinternet.com Tel: 020 8998 1781 www.lolitadesigns.co.uk

Bolsius

WWWW XXXX

Hall 5, Stand: G80-H81

The new Vivid Flowers candles range from Bolsius with its sun-drenched colours of vibrant yellow, orange and green and its fragrance-filled glasses in exuberant floral prints, is sure to be an eye-catching range at Spring Fair. In colourful support is Spring Party, perfect for Easter, and Citronella Garden where lime, fuschia, orange and classic citronella yellow see the addition of jute-look filled jars and outdoor tealight holders.

In contrast is the new Gentle Geometric where soft colours and geometric patterns offer a coordinated selection of candles and filled glass jars that combine soft shades of green, pink and blue with dynamic, geometric patterns. The equally mellow Summer Lounge range has also been extended.

Tel: 0800 169 5126 Web: www.bolsius.com

Best Kept Secrets

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Hall 5, Stand: L31

Best Kept Secrets enter 2015 with a wide range of new product launches across all fragranced gift lines. New candle offerings for Spring 2015 include exclusive three wick, five wick and seven wick candles. The seven wick candle is a luxury gift for any occasion or celebration, and comes in a new large circular glass container, making it the perfect centre piece for any room. The range is available in 12 fragrance variations, each with distinctive hand finished toppings.

This new centrepiece candles are just part of an entire new collection of fragranced gifts now available exclusively through Best Kept Secrets. From Floral boxes containing best-selling bath hearts to a whole selection of gift bags available at affordable gift prices, Best Kept Secrets will be showing more than 50 brand new products at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spring trade shows.

Best Kept Secrets will be at Spring Fair on stand number 5L31, and for trade enquiries Alan and Denise Edwards can be contacted on 01670 512222 or by email on sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

Tel: 01670 512222 Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.o.uk Web: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk 108 gifts today

C&S Collectables Hall 5, Stand: C54

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C&S continue to thrill Betty Boop fans with their exclusive range of figurines and gifts. With the new Betty Boop Movie in the pipeline, her fan base can only grow.

Also their new exclusive, unique porcelain charms can be seen for the first time at the Spring Fair, NEC 1 - 5 February, Hall 5 stand C54.

Tel: 01243 555371 Email: david@cscollectables.co.uk Web: www.cscollectables.co.uk

The new V&A Gifting range: Timeless, Quality, Coordinated.

01873 812255 info@mandarinarts.co.uk

Spring Fair Hall 5 Stand K79 Tableware• Porcelain• Figurines• Brocade• Bronze• Lamps•

Gift Boxes: 4 Designs in 4 sizes

Gift Bags: 4 Designs in 3 sizes Matching Tissue Paper also available Tel: 01373 462165 Email: sales@mgml.co.uk

www.museumsgalleries.co.uk

• Jade • Gifts • Games • Pictures • Jewellery • Furniture • Objets d’Art

Explore our range at www.mandarinarts.co.uk

Enesco - Heartwood Creek XXXX

Hall 5, Stand: F04-G03

Created for Enesco, Heartwood Creek is one of the most recognisable brands of collectibles in the world. The enormous popularity of award-winning artist, sculptor and painter Jim Shore is the result of a lifetime of dedication, inspiration and hard work and showcases his passion for American and European folk art.

January 2015 sees a wonderful selection of new items in the popular Angels, Garden Scene and Animal categories to delight collectors of this admired brand — plus a host of new Easter-themed items too, so there’s plenty of new ways to decorate your home.

Pictured right is, Jim Shore’s Mini Character Eggs which are the perfect accessory for a colourful Easter basket or tabletop display. Eggs are packed two of each style in an egg-carton-shaped display, which also serves as the shipping carton. Each egg measures approximately 6cm in height and is made from resin.

And at an SRP of just £4.95, they make egg-cellent gifts — either individually, or by the dozen!

Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Web: www.enesco.co.uk

Neviti

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Hall 4, Stand: C05

Lesser & Pavey Hall 5, Stand: C04-D03

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Sculptures of nature shown here are a bronzed Stag and Deer from the new Bronzed Reflections Collection of animal studies.

Captured beautifully, these studies are very detailed and finished in the highest quality, measuring 47cm high made of resin with a bronze finish.

These are just two classical studies as the collection extends to feature other popular animals, such as horse and elephant studies.

This is just one of the new ranges that will feature on the Lesser & Pavey stand at Spring Fair, NEC, in Hall 5, stand C04-D03.

Tel 01322 279225 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk Web: www.leonardo.co.uk/.

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Neviti have some fantastic new ranges launching at this year’s Spring Fair including their new wedding offering ‘With Love’, ‘Fancy That’ a collection for summer parties and ‘Little Owls’ a versatile range which features items suitable for birthdays, baby showers and first birthday celebrations. The With Love collection features a really on trend design with a delicate colour palette of ivory, lilac, pink, green and blue with stunning heart, flower, butterfly and dove illustrations. The collection offers a wonderful selection of items perfect for decorating wedding tables and venues, which will co-ordinate beautifully with a variety of different colour schemes. Fancy That is a fantastic new offering for summer parties and picnics with a fun floral, butterfly and polka dot design in fresh summer colours of blue, pink and green. The collection includes all your party essentials and some fantastic baking items such as cupcake cases and picks and beautiful items to create thoughtful gifts with Jam Jar labels for homemade jam and gorgeous gift tags. Little Owl’s is sure to be a great new addition to Neviti’s collections with two colour varieties in pink and blue and then specific items for birthdays, baby showers and first birthday celebrations.

This cute owl collection features all your party essentials with tableware, stationery, decorations and even two fun party games. The team will also be launching two brand new licensed ranges including ‘Dennis The Menace & Gnasher’ featuring the iconic characters from the renowned Beano comic and ‘Guess How Much I Love You’ with beautiful illustrations from this children’s bookshelf classic. The Dennis & Gnasher collection is sure to be a hit for birthday parties of Beano fans both young and old and the Guess How Much I Love You range is ideal for birthdays, baby showers and Christening celebrations.

Tel: 0845 638 1358 Email: info@neviti.com Web: www.neviti.com

Distributed by:

Step into spring...

Step into Spring & explore striking new gift collections for Garden and Coast; Pretty glassware, frames, lanterns, washbags, jewellery, fashion accessories, fragrant candles, topical signage & more, that seamlessly come together for effortless style. See the new giftware collections from ‘Fresh Talent’ – Great British design talent, not to be missed. We look forward to walking you through our ranges at:

Spring Fair: Stand 7D04-E03 www.facebook.com/shrutidesigns www.junction18.com

+44 (0)1985 847774 Email: hello@shrutidesigns.co.uk

Personalised Memento Company XXXX Hall 5, Stand: L20 M21

New for Spring Fair, PMC are launching the Moon and Back Range, ideal for Valentine’s presents but also a cute gift range for the whole year. A sentiment that is perfect for couples, parents and special aunties, uncles and godparents alike. The range extends to trinkets, candles, photo frames, chocolate bars, and a range of slate, wooden and ceramic decorations.

PMC are the UK’s biggest supplier of personalised gifts, with a reliable dropship service and many ways to sell their gifts such as their iPad app or website. Visit them at Spring Fair Hall 5 stand L20-M21 to meet the team and see the full range of gifts.

Tel: 01782 744 900 Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk Web: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

Wild Things Gifts SSSS

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Hall 5, Stand: L32

“We’re really excited about the year ahead,” says Jules Vahrman from Wild Things. “Swarovski have come up with some great new pendant shapes and finishes and we are looking forward to developing them into new jewellery and suncatchers. We’ve sourced these lovely Italian sterling silver chains with a patented anti-tarnish finish and we’ll be considerably extending our necklace range.

“The Spring Fair is the big one. We do not have sales agents - we really enjoy meeting customers ourselves. We have been in business 30 years now so many have become friends. There is a real dialogue at the show – a lot of our best ideas have come from customers.

“I suppose our USP is that virtually everything we sell is designed and made by ourselves here in Devon. An advantage is that we can achieve extremely quick turnarounds – 90 per cent of orders placed by 2pm arrive with the customer the next day.”

Illustrated – Chakra flower earrings and Amethyst Radiant Angel.

Wild Things Gifts are in Hall 5, Stand L32. Not attending? – check out their new website, www.wildthingsgifts.com, phone 01392 211268 or email info@ wildthingsgifts.com for a catalogue.

Tel: 01392 211268 Email: info@wildthingsgifts.com Web: www.wildthingsgifts.com 112 gifts today

Enesco - Willow Tree Hall 5, Stand: F04-G03

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2015 celebrates fifteen years since the launch of Susan Lordi’s prized Willow Tree Collection and to mark the occasion, this award-winning artist has created the Signature Collection, which consists of three striking pieces…related by architectural form, distinctive colouring and textural surfaces.

“Starry Night Nativity (not shipping until June 2015), By my side, and Shine have more extensive handwork, distinctive effects and jewel-like materials used on them,” says Susan.

This new collection is the most time- and effort-consuming project ever undertaken in the whole collection. The figures are more columnar in shape, with decorative elements at the base, and gestural form at the top. The colouring of hair, skin and garment is merely suggestive, with emphasis on the intense blue gradation of colour and applied gold leaf detail.

“Throughout the centuries, gold is a valued object…I embellished the surfaces with gold dots — symbolising light, or energy, hope, inner strength…gold connotes preciousness and enduring value, and I wanted this to be a special collection,” she adds.

The figurines are enhanced by the beautiful gift box packaging, which is both distinctive and celebratory.

Gold-stamped dots embellish a blue ombre on the box, to parallel the product. The gold Signature Collection logo marks these pieces as special gifts.

Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@ enesco.co.uk Web: www. enesco.co.uk

See us at the Spring Fair Hall 6 Stand P44

Sweet, woody oud and exotic warm sandalwood with just a hint of rose, evokes the spirit of the orient.

www.heylandandwhittle.co.uk / sales@heylandandwhittle.co.uk Tel 01293 525825

Handmade in England

Enesco - ‘Ewe and Me’ XXXX Hall 5, Stand: F04-G03

Toni Goffe’s award-winning art is collected worldwide, and his humorous characters have inspired numerous successful collections.

Take his Ewe and Me collection for example: ‘ewe’ve’ got to admire the concept, but it was actually Toni Goffe’s wife who suggested knitting woollies for some shorn sheep she’d seen shivering in a field, and that’s all it took for Toni’s fertile imagination to run wild!

The result is an irresistible collection of sheep sporting knitted jumpers, scarves, hats and boots, as well as patriotic sheep wearing their national flags. Each beautifully hand-painted addition to the range has its own distinct personality and style.

The latest two new sheep to join his ‘fashionable’ flock this January are Poppy, looking pretty in pink and Jacob, who, in his cosy attire and gorgeous sheep slippers, looks ready for bed!

All figurines are packaged in white glossy box with bright logo sticker.

Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Web: www.enesco.co.uk

Lesser & Pavey SSSS

Hall 5, Stand: C04-D03

Great new range, very fashionable and perfect for the kitchen. Lesser & Pavey will show at the Spring Fair a new range of tinware on stand C04-D03 in Hall 5.

A fashionable new colourway - Sage Tin with Pastry Cutters, Cat and Dog Food Tins in new shape and Cake Tin, to mention a few of the select items to the new range.

This range is just part of the extensive ranges Lesser & Pavey offer for the home and kitchen as well as gifts to suit all.

Tel 01322 279225 Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk Web: www.leonardo.co.uk

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Enesco

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Hall 5, Stand: F04-G03

Tender messages of hope, love and peace are at the heart of the Kelly Rae Roberts giftware collection, available from DEMDACO. 2015 sees several exciting new designs and shapes added to this appealing range.

They are all gift themed for the special people in your life — as you can see by the three figurines featured here in a beautiful new colour palette of soft blues and greens — the sentiments are from the heart…to the heart: Dear Daughter. I will be with you, side by side, along the way as you remember your roots, but trust your wings. Always dream big. Always, always.

Also new is an exciting range of mini notebooks featuring Kelly Rae Robert’s inspirational designs and sentiments and seven golden wing sculptures to celebrate the angelic people in your life, from teacher to sister and daughter to friend, these delightful tiny hanging sculptures express exactly what you want to put into words.

Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Web: www.enesco.co.uk

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AMBIENTE PAPER PRODUCTS THE COLLECTION THAT HAS NAPKINS AND TABLE ACCESSORIES FOR ALL SEASONS AND OCCASIONS. We offer a 5 day delivery service from our factory in The Netherlands, so contact us or come and see our outstanding range.

Please call for more info, Richard Weitzkorn: 07956424482 email:richard@ambproducts.co.uk or see us at a show.

Top Drawer London; Jan 11-13 2015, Stand N57.

Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trade Fair; Jan 19-21 2015, Stand J17.

Spring Fair Birmingham; Feb 1-5 2015, Stand 4D 02.

www.ambiente.eu

Hall 5, Stand: L04-M05

Fragrant times with Ashleigh & Burwood At Spring Fair 2015 Ashleigh & Burwood will be showcasing their newest fragrance lamp collections; the latest additions to their popular ‘The Scented Home’ collection; the incredible new-look ‘Escapology’ range; and their latest trend-driven fragrances for fragrance lamps.

T

he headline new lamp fragrances for the new season by Ashleigh & Burwood are: Vine Tomato; Cappuccino; and Watermelon & Cucumber. These delicious new scents represent the unrelenting dedication to the development of perfectly balanced blends, with the purpose of creating the evocative and robust scents, that Ashleigh & Burwood are both committed to and respected for.

‘Vine Tomato’ lamp fragrance boasts flourishing, verdant green notes, evoking vitality and health, whilst the sanguine sun-kissed fruit enjoy a playful affinity with verbena, creating a joyously bright and happy fragrance. ‘Watermelon and Cucumber’ lamp fragrance has fresh, juicy watermelon at its core, complemented by a soft floral heart of rose and ylang ylang resting on a warm sandalwood base. Top notes of citrus and cucumber complete this mouth-wateringly delicious scent. Cappuccino’ lamp fragrance is a rousingly rich and aromatic accord of roasted coffee beans and chocolate melts into a warm, creamy finish, with hints of sweet vanilla and brown sugar.

The new designs being launched in the ever-popular Fragrance Lamps include a brand new collection of four elegant lamps, named Simply Ceramic. Designed to strike a note with a new consumer sector, Simply Ceramic lamps are presented in a colour palette of delicate pastels and combine intricate detailing with a polished finish, for a refined, contemporary look.

New products being introduced into ‘The Scented Home’ collection

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New products being introduced into ‘The Scented Home’ collection include the Heart Pomander, an evolution of Ashleigh & Burwood’s original, highly-coveted Scented Pomander, presented in an attractive gift box with a spray; and a new Mini Diffuser Trio of 50ml Reed Diffusers in different yet complementary fragrances, designed to enable the enjoyment of harmonious scents throughout the home

include the Heart Pomander, an evolution of Ashleigh & Burwood’s original, highly-coveted Scented Pomander, presented in an attractive gift box with a spray; and a new Mini Diffuser Trio of 50ml Reed Diffusers in different yet complementary fragrances, designed to enable the enjoyment of harmonious scents throughout the home.

Ashleigh & Burwood’s new-look ‘Escapology’ collection is inspired by some of the world’s most

captivating locations, with the fragrances presented in beautifully elegant, contemporary vessels.

Aside from the brand new look for the concept brand, products have been refined and reformulated to enhance the performance of the fragrance in the luxury Candles and Reed Diffusers. Also on show will be the brand new Luxury Home Fragrance Collection, which packages a 50ml Reed Diffuser with two Votive Candles, for the ultimate gift or self indulgence.

Tel: 01932 267060 Email: info@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk Web: www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk

Carrie Elspeth

Mint Publishing presents...

EXCLUSIVE DESIGNER JEWELLERY H A N D M A D E I N WA L E S

Spring Fair Stand 19C20-D21 Follow us on CarrieElspethJewellery @carrieelspeth CarrieElspethJewellery www.carrieelspeth.com

Come & see Buddi & many more new collections at the Spring Fair Stand H50, Hall 4

(e) sales@mint-publishing.co.uk (t) 0116 230 4197 (f) 01536 401 031

Heaven Sends

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Hall 7, Stand: C22-D21

Heaven Sends are a leading wholesaler of unique and quirky design-led gifts, home accessories and seasonal decorations, launching 1000’s of new products in 2015.

The strongest theme for next season sees “Vintage Maison” the long standing French shabby chic trend) moving towards a cleaner less distressed look… a “Modern Vintage” trend to tie in with a more contemporary uncluttered lifestyle but still exhibiting a strong nostalgic feel. Creams predominate.

For more highlights visit the Heaven Sends Angels at the Spring Fair, Hall 7 on Stand No. C22 - D21... Expect the extraordinary!

Alternatively, to order today, visit www.heavensends.com

Tel: 0121 3517457 Web: www.heavensends.com

This is the Little Book of Earrings Developed to solve the problem of how to keep earrings safe and organised at home or when traveling. Ensuring a matching pair is always easy to find.

Designed like a book with each of its four pages able to hold up to 12 pairs of earrings including clip ons and creoles covered in soft faux leather with a sturdy fastener and uncluttered design.

Spring Fair Hall 19 Stand A05

Little Shop Of Limited info@littleshopof.co.uk www.littleshopof.co.uk

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Orchid Designs Hall 5, Stand: C50-D51

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New Brand for 2015 “At home in the country” is being launched this Spring Fair by long term giftware and tableware producers Orchid Designs.

What started out as a collection of Country themed products some three or four years ago, has grown rapidly into a vast amount of bespoke products with “At home in the country” as branding on the pieces and packaging. It has evolved into an upmarket niche brand that is fast becoming a household name amongst Country people and their homes. Unique paintings of the UK’s many country animals are beautifully reproduced onto products such as Fine Bone China Mugs, Egg Cups, Linen Cushions, Oil Cloth, Bags and Cufflinks with more being added in 2015.

These wonderful British designed products already appear in most of the finest Palaces, Castles and Country Houses in the UK. Also, many more Garden Centres and farm shops have opened accounts in the past twelve months. All New Products will be on show at the Spring Fair in Hall 5, Stand C50-D51

Tel: 01484 866903 Web: www.orchid-designs.co.uk

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For memories worth keeping

Spring Fair 19C18

Kenro specialise in high quality photo frames and albums.

Our stylish 2015 collection features a range of Wedding, Baby, Holiday and Nature themed albums along with innovative gift and gallery style frames. Visit our stand for a copy of our new catalogue.

Pure V11

Supplying the photographic & gift trade for over 40 years Kenro Ltd, Greenbridge Road, Swindon, SN3 3LH t: 01793 615836 f: 01793 530108 e: sales@kenro.co.uk

www.kenro.co.uk Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook

Come and see our new collections for 2015 Birmingham Spring Fair

Ambiente Messe Frankfurt

1st – 5th February 2015 Hall 9 Stand H01 NEW LOCATION

13th – 17th February 2015 Stand 4.2.E22

Dunoon Ceramics Limited Unit 5, Walton Industrial Estate, Stone, Staffordshire, ST15 ORY, England.

Telephone: (01785) 817414 Fax: (01785) 812322 Email: sales@dunoonmugs.co.uk

www.dunoonmugs.co.uk

Simply gorgeous jewellery and scarves Telephone: 01905 622509

•

Online: missmilly.co.uk

Hall 9, Stand: E30/F31

Portmeirion Portmeirion will be launching a number of exquisite new tableware ranges, including the highly anticipated Ted Baker Portmeirion collections. Simply entitled ‘Ted Baker Portmeirion’, the two distinctly-styled ranges include a 41-piece vintage floral bone china tableware collection and a 22-piece porcelain giftware range, inspired

by Ted Baker’s forthcoming Spring/ Summer 2015 designs. New giftware lines from the leading homewares brand will also include another stunning collection from the award-winning Sophie Conran for Portmeirion partnership.

Sophie Blue is a striking pattern featuring a timeless design based on traditional English sponge ware techniques in a stunning deep blue. A new colourway and line extensions also build on the core Sophie Conran for Portmeirion range – ‘Pebble’ adds a beautiful accent colour to the table whilst key pieces in white and glass also join this comprehensive and giftable collection. Finally a fresh splash of floral magic is sprinkled on to Portmeirion’s new Water Garden collection, which welcomes a teapot, covered sugar bowl and creamer to the range.

Spode

Iconic British tableware brand, Spode, delivers a fresh interpretation of classic Spode archive designs with its new Winter’s Scene collection.

Retaining the charm and appeal expected from this great British brand, historical Spode artwork prints have been gracefully modernised to create this sophisticated design. Featuring a vibrant and contemporary red border of holly leaf and acorn illustrations, specially selected pieces are completed with a sophisticated Winter’s Scene motif to create an elegant festive table.

Spode’s Delamere Rural range continues to go from strength to strength. Building on the success and popularity of this best-selling, UK-made pattern, a beverage pot has been introduced to the range. With its unique and striking shape, this pot, designed to serve tea or coffee, will form a stunning centre piece for any table setting. With these new introductions and charming existing collections, Spode continues to be the perfect choice for those looking for a modern, classic design from a brand rich in heritage.

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Royal Worcester

Royal Worcester has a host of new introductions for 2015 reinforcing its position as an innovative and high-quality giftware brand. The awardwinning Wrendale Designs collection has been extended to include a plethora of fine bone china pieces, each and every one a delightful gift. Firstly, four cute and cuddly creatures illustrated in Hannah Dale’s effervescent style make an appearance on the fine bone china mug collection – the highly anticipated dog, cat, pig and bunny designs are set to be best-sellers.

Secondly, a comprehensive giftware collection featuring a variety of the furry and feathered characters has been launched. From tea-for-ones to tea sets to tea bag tidies and cutlery, each featuring an adorable animal design and presented with lovely gift packaging, this unique collection is sure to be a favourite of many.

Royal Worcester will also showcase Up, Up & Away – an ultra modern collection inspired by the winning design of its Fired Up Design Competition created by Staffordshire University student, Jemma Moore. This fun, bold and playful giftware collection includes key gifting lines featuring dreamy hot air balloons set against an industrial landscape with bursts of pinks, oranges and blues.

Pimpernel

Tabletop accessories brand, Pimpernel, known for its quality placemats, coasters, trays and tabletop accessories, will unveil its exclusive new designs this Spring. These include the adorable Puppy Club and Kitty Club coasters, which are sure to melt the hearts of any animal lover. The new Coastal Signs range is reminiscent of Britain’s rugged shores and draws on those nostalgic seaside adventures. The range includes a collection of placements, coasters and trays all featuring signs associated with the coast and which evoke those happy seaside memories.

Feathery farmyard creatures come to life in the new Wrendale Designs collection.

Featuring a variety of round placemats and coasters plus a charming glass worktop saver and mug and tray set, this range is awash with beautiful animal illustrations that truly capture the essence of spring.

For further information please contact: Tel: 01782 744721 Email: homesales@portmeiriongroup.com Web: portmeiriongroup.com

The Walking Stick Specialists Fine quality walking sticks, seat sticks and umbrellas for ladies and gentlemen.

Spring Fair: Hall 20, Stand K10-L11 Or contact us for a trade catalogue Warren House, Hinton St George, Somerset TA17 8TQ Tel +44 (0)1460 75686 www.classiccanes.co.uk

Hazel Atkinson Jewellery 2015

Spring Fair Stand 6 T21 Hand made in The UK. www.hazelatkinsonjewellery.co.uk . tel. 0115 9411110 Spring Fair. Stand 18DQ38

Telephone: 01304 379901 info@quailceramics.co.uk www.quailceramics.co.uk

House of Marbles

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Hall 3, Stand: P18-Q19

Fizz Creations TTTT

Hall 6, Stand M30

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Once again Fizz Creations has managed to carefully design and select a huge number of NEW products and ranges for Spring Fair, and can’t wait to present them to anyone who wants to stop by their stand to say hello!

The spectacular new collections include the Illuminating Kinetic Newtons Cradle… a classic gift with a technological twist! Another tech savvy item on display will be the Party Amp – with its big sound and projecting disco light which will turn any room into party central! Fizz are also taking their extremely popular Selfie Stick to new heights with the Plug In Selfie Stick… taking outstanding selfies just got easier.

Fizz has now partnered with Groovy Gifts to bring you an unbeatable range of licensed products. Fizz will be showing the fantastic Character Look-ALite. Each Look-ALite is easily recognisable as a character we know and love, and the collection includes Darth Vader, Storm trooper, Batman, Superman, The King and even the Breaking Bad cook suit. With licenses ranging from DC Comics, Marvel and Star Wars to Doctor Who and Only Fools and Horses, there is sure to be something for everyone on the stand!

With some really stand out new items, and the amazing selection of licensed items thanks to their partnership with Groovy UK, the boffins at Fizz can’t wait to show you all they have to offer this year. 2015 is set to be the best year yet for Fizz, it’s only just beginning!

Tel: 01903 327006 Web: www.fizzcreations.com

A little something for the weekend? The new Camping and Adventure range from House of Marbles will inspire your customers to get out and enjoy the great outdoors this spring. The choice available includes Binoculars, Mini Microscope with LED light, Compass, Camping Lantern and Magnifying Glass – all the essentials for the intrepid traveller, stylishly packaged and perfectly presented for maximum instant appeal.

This clever range of products has something for all ages and with RRP’s starting from just £1.99 will make a fantastic choice for those needing some impulse inspiration. Discover the collection for yourself at the Spring Fair in Hall 3, P18 – Q19.

Tel: 01626 835358 Web: www.houseofmarbles.com

Triple S Supplies Scentchips TTTT Hall 5, Stand: H76-J77

ScentChips the ORIGINAL “Create your own Fragrance” Wax Melts were first produced in the USA in 1979. ScentChips are Bright Colourful Wax Chips that release a wonderful intense fragrance when melted in a ScentBurner.

Manufactured using a specially developed mix of paraffin, soya wax, fragrance oils and natural organic colourings.

ScentChips high fragrance content of 9% places them at the top of the league for Wax Fragrance products.

The ScentChips Collection consists of over 80 fragrances, which the consumer can mix and match to create a fragrance that suits their individual lifestyle.

The ScentChips Range includes 4 sizes of consumer box, 3 styles of Gift Bag, Recipe Brochures, 3 sizes of Display Table and Quality POS to support the Brand.

Also ScentBurners offer over 100 Design/Colour variations of Oil Warmers developed to enhance the experience of Wax Melts.

To become a ScentChips stockist or to find out more about our Spring Fair Offers visit them in Hall 5 stand H76/J77 or contact David or Lucinda on 01259 751009 email sales@ triplessupplies.co.uk

Tel: 01259 751009 Email: sales@triplessupplies. co.uk Web: www.worldofscentchips. com/uk/en 122 gifts today

Visit us at stand 6P12 FREE SHIPPING

to mainland UK on orders placed at show

Exclusive designs â&#x20AC;˘ hand painted ceramics textiles made in Britain

Tel: 08434 873104 Email: customerservices@duckydora.co.uk w w w. d u c k y d o r a . c o m

Exhibiting at Trade Shows

T

rade shows are like Marmite – some swear by them, others find them a waste of time and money.

The truth is, trade shows can be very effective for launching new products, expanding into new territories, and obtaining direct and immediate market feedback. However, successful shows don’t happen by accident, they require effort and careful planning. What makes or breaks a trade show isn’t necessarily what you do on your stand, but more about how you prepare for the show and how you follow up afterwards.

If you want to make sure a trade show works for you, you first need to be clear about your objectives for exhibiting. Ask yourself: How will you measure success?

How does the show fit into your overall business development strategy? Which markets are you targeting, and is this the best show for reaching them? Are you looking to take sales orders on the stand or is this a marketing activity? Are you hoping to sign up distributors or agents, or talk directly to end users? What does exhibiting at this particular show give you that you couldn’t do otherwise?

Firstly, understand who the show is aimed for. Research previous shows and look at how exhibitors portrayed themselves in the show directory and website. Read through previous visitor profiles, establishing where they’ve come from and what kind of organisations they represent. Some shows are mainly attended by retail buyers or trade intermediaries while others are attended by customers and influencers. Some shows draw a very international audience while some are entirely domestic. Many shows offer variant editions, eg. summer and winter, or European and Asian.

Consider which is most suitable for you, and whether you should exhibit at more than one edition.

If possible, try to visit the show at least once before exhibiting – there’s no substitute for first-hand experience to guide your planning and preparation.

Visiting a show will give you a much better idea of how the event is structured and formatted, as well as giving you an understanding on how to make your stand work effectively. Network with visitors about what are they looking for and how they have found it. Then think how you could make your stand noticeable and ensure the right visitors find their way to you. Speak with the show organisers about any special incentives for new exhibitors, sponsorship opportunities, or speaking opportunities at conferences running alongside the show.

Even if your objective is to build export business, you don’t always need to travel to the other side of the world for that.

Many UK shows can help you reach international customers just as effectively as an overseas equivalent. For instance, the Spring Fair and London Fashion Week draw a global audience and should be approached as international events based in the UK. In fact, many international buyers come to UK shows with the intention of sourcing new British suppliers, and you may find a more receptive audience in the UK than, for example, at a show in Asia.

It may be that the first time you exhibit at a show isn’t particularly successful, as it often takes two or three attempts before you start attracting the visitors’ attention and getting any solid leads. Therefore, think of a show as a series of events rather than just a single entity and set different objectives for each stage of the journey. Don’t be too hasty to rate a show as a failure; you may need to measure your success over a longer time frame than just the show and its immediate aftermath.

Written by: Roope Aaltonen, UKTI, International Trade Adviser

Top Tips 1. To ensure you spend most of your time on the stand talking to the right people, think in advance of questions and conversation starters for engaging visitors with and qualifying their interest.

2. Even if a visitor doesn’t seem like a good lead, allow some time to talk to them – you never know what you will learn about their business and the market they represent. There may be a perfectly good reason why they’re not currently interested in your offering, and this is something you need to know.

3. Each time you have a conversation with a visitor, summarise the salient points and attach to their business card. On a busy stand you may end up having dozens of conversations and it’s impossible to remember who was interested in what when you follow these up.

4. Don’t give out all information to everyone: for example, your trade prices are best kept for qualified prospects only.

Market Focus: Sweden If you’re new to exporting and looking to enter an easier market, Sweden should be near the top of your short list: • The largest of the Nordic markets, with nearly 10 million people; • Geographical and cultural hub in the Nordic region; • Wealthy and developed country with high GPD per capita; • Open economy experienced in dealing with overseas suppliers; • As a member of the EU, logistics and export paperwork are straightforward; • English is widely spoken and a perfectly acceptable language in business; • Britishness is generally seen as a positive factor.

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the government organisation helping exporters succeed in overseas markets.

We provide practical business advice and information on all aspects of trading internationally. To find out more about exporting and how UKTI can help you, please visit www.gov.uk/ukti or contact our customer service team on: TEL: 020 7215 5000 EMAIL: enquiries@ukti.gsi.gov.uk 124 gifts today

Introducing Maya

Visit Poole at Spring Fair 2015 Hall 9 Stand 9C10 - D11

For further information call +44 (0) 1773 740715 or email: julie.whittingham@denby.co.uk

2015 Covered in Fragrance... with our NEW Body Mists & Room Sprays

Inspired by Italy...

Made in England www.dipalomo.com E: debbie@dipalomo.com T: 01803 612772

Andrew Illingworth, Penny Franks, Mark Horsnell and Susan Grant

Widdop Bingham

Hall 5, Stand: J3-K4

A wider world with Widdop Editor, Penny Franks visited the home of Widdop Bingham to have a chat and cup of tea with marketing manager, Susan Grant. Let’s take a closer look…

Naturally, many already know Widdop Bingham. You have come a long way since first making clocks – what do you feel has been your biggest success that has formed the company we know today?

Clocks have been integral to the success of the company over the last 130 years. Our The company traces its history back to William Widdop, a watch and clock maker in Brighouse,

West Yorkshire and our owners today are his great-grandchildren. Although clocks are still very much at the heart of the company and still represent a strong part of our ranges, the success of previous generations has been built on and developed and this continues today. Stephen Illingworth and his brother Daniel are new members of the family to have joined in the last few years, bringing new ideas and energy to the business.

What is the inspiration behind the product ranges that you offer?

Inspiration comes from a variety of different sources.

We use a lot of external trend data as well as monitoring closely what is happening in the market place.

In addition all our employees are activity encouraged to give their product ideas, which is supported by an internal blog. It’s amazing that over two thirds of these ideas turn into reality! We also have Ambassadors for each of our brands within the company whose

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job it is to champion the brand and encourage new product ideas and concepts. Recent feedback from one of our Brand Ambassadors resulted in a simple change to one of our products that had an immediate impact on sales.

What attributes are you looking for in a product when you look at taking on new ranges/brands?

We look for something that we feel isn’t already in the marketplace, which is extremely difficult – especially when you consider we already have around 7,000 products! But naturally everyone wants to strive to bring something different to the table. For us, value is key. Retailers need to make a profit and they need product ranges that offer ‘value for money’ to their customers. We look for

products that have a wide appeal selling across gardens centres, gift shops, card shops, jewellers and furniture/home interior shops.

Would you say there is a particular category that out-performs others at present?

Tea light holders! Not only do they look amazing with beautiful design, finishes and embellishments, the price points are attractive and can really be considered an ‘easy gift’. When looking at gifting, trends are showing that people like to give a useful present, and these certainly sit in this arena. Of course, while we’re talking about hot sellers we have to include Frozen! This has been a huge phenomenon for us as has the whole Disney range – from the trinkets to our Disney Silver Plated

Christening gifts – which are already proving popular. Baby lines are also showing fantastic success, especially our Bambino brand.

What has been your most recent acquisition product wise?

Colonial Candle is a real highlight for us. We are very excited about the opportunities fragranced candles give us. Having this brand within our portfolio is a real coup – so much work has gone into the pre-launch and getting the selected product range right. We will also provide some fantastic point of sale and merchandising material to enable retailers of all sizes a great way to highlight this product in-store together with all ‘gift wrap’ solutions and in-store support. The range will be showcased on its own stand at the Spring Fair.

How important are brands to you and your retail partners?

Brands are great for telling a story. We have 7,000 products, which can be a bit daunting for someone trying to make their selections. Brands enable us to break this down making it simpler for product selection and in turn making our ranges more manageable and easily digestible for our customers.

What type of trends are you noticing at the moment within gifting?

Humour is a definite trend that is growing in gifts. We are seeing this in our Steam Railway Company range.

The Ministry of Chaps, which we are launching this year, has a great ‘blokey’ edge to it and we envisage this to be a huge success in the ‘gifts for men’ sector.

Personalisation is also a massive

trend in gifting. We sell a lot of product that can be personalised and the technology has developed greatly in this category making more products available for personalisation. Keepsakes are also seeing an increase in customer demand and items that can become heirlooms. We sell an awful lot of boxes that people are using as storage for keepsakes.

partners? What criteria do they have to meet?

We already have a substantial customer base, and every year we are fortunate to receive many requests from retailers asking to become a Widdop customer.

Each request is judged on its own merits with many new accounts are opened every year. They are very much the life blood of the company.

What are your Seasonal Shows? Why are these important to you and your retail partners?

These are fantastic for us – they give us the opportunity to really show off our brands and product ranges here in our showrooms. Currently we run two previews in the year, but last year we wanted to run a Seasonal Show reflecting the trends in the seasonal buying timetables and we envisage these becoming a regular aspect throughout the year.

What about retailer support? Would you say this is at the heart of your company?

We have a strong customer service team, complimented with 12 reps out on the road. Our reps are fantastic at guiding and nurturing our customers through our ranges. Working in partnership is very much part of our company ethos and customer service.

We want to build strong relationships with all our retailers.

What trade shows can our readers see you at in 2015?

Brand new for us will be Harrogate Christmas and Gift – this really is a must for us as our Christmas offering has tripled in size compared to our 2014 offering and we expect this growth to continue. At Spring Fair we will have three stands - the Widdop stand in Hall 5, Colonial Candle and Stratton which will be in the Watch and Jewellery Show) and of course you will also find us at Home & Gift, Harrogate and Autumn Fair. But remember, we also have our show room here and our retail partners are invited to come whenever they want. Just ring, make an appointment and come over!

How do you select your retail

Tell us a little also about the logistics side of your company…

We handle everything in-house.

We don’t contract any part of our business out to third parties. This is quite unique as a company and something we are extremely proud of.

At the end of 2013 we implemented a new warehouse management system allowing us to process orders more efficiently, quickly and accurately. We have been nominated for a prestigious logistics award for the successful implementation of the system Moving forward, what’s in the pipeline for 2015?

2015 is going to be an exciting and very busy year at Widdop Bingham with two major initiatives. In Spring we will be launching our new website. It’s long

overdue and will be something quite special – watch this space.

The other major change is that we are at long last moving to digital catalogues. We have been working with a third-party company who have designed our very own sales app.

The end result with be a much better platform for our customers to view our ranges as it will also give a 360 degree image, mood shots, packaging!

Want to know more?

Make sure you visit Widdop Bingham at Spring Fair – you’ll find them in their usual spot in Hall 5 stand J3/K4, remember however, there are two other stands!

Colonial Candle, Hall 5, Stand: H70 and over in Hall 18, Stand C2, Stratton of Mayfair – yes, they’ve definitely got it all covered!

Web: www.widdop.co.uk gifts today 127

Music Gifts Picture courtesy of Joe Davies

Music (gifts) make the world go round...

If music be the food of love, play on – but buy a present or two as well

M

usic is all around us – from the radio to film and television soundtracks to irritating music in lifts.

It is virtually inescapable but it also makes us happy and sad, reminds us of the good times and the sad times.

It is also a suitable subject for gifts and we don’t mean those CDs you can buy of your birth year. We spoke to people involved in the music gift business.

‘Gone Chopin… Bach Soon’ Post-It notes and the self-explanatory, ‘Little Chopin Board’, ‘Chopin Bag’, ‘Too Hot to Handel’ oven gloves and ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ umbrellas. The number one best-seller every year for the past twenty is the ‘Chopin Liszt’, with sales are now approaching half a million units.

The Music Gifts Company range covers stationery, mugs, kitchen textiles and boards, men’s gifts, jewellery, pewter pins and key rings,

“Since the start, we have always wanted to create unique gifts to appeal to music lovers of all ages.”

David Gee founded The Music Gifts Company in August 1995, two days before he married fiancée Colette.

He told us: “Since the start, we have always wanted to create unique gifts to appeal to music lovers of all ages.”

Many of the gifts sold and stocked

by The Music Gifts Company bear a humorous or punning legend such as

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fridge magnets, bags, umbrellas, chocolates, 3D greetings cards and more.

“We’ve always strived to produce the best quality gifts,” adds Colette. “Our socks, for example, are 95 per cent cotton and 5 per cent lycra. That’s a higher cotton content than any cottonrich socks on the high street.” The

“Joe Davies is stocking vinyl coasters. Retro themes are very fashionable and proving very popular with their customers.” company now offers a Rotating Display Stand for socks. This has resulted in an increase in sales of 25 per cent. There is also a new range of cufflinks which retail at only £10.

To celebrate the company’s 20th birthday, they are offering 10 per cent discount on all orders placed at Spring Fair (Hall 5 Stand A53).

For a slightly more up to date take on musical gifts Joe Davies is stocking vinyl coasters. Retro themes are very fashionable and proving very popular with their customers.

Taking on the look of 7-inch or 45rpm singles (the size and speed of revolution for vinyl records for our younger readers, very popular in the days before CDs and MP3 downloads).

The coasters are a fun and funky addition to any coffee table. They are each packaged in their own ‘record’ sleeve and come in a compact CDU

for selection at the point of sale. The coasters come packaged in a set of four assorted colours and retail at a very affordable £1.99 each.

The vinyl coasters are a great impulse buy too. Steve Davies, the managing director at Joe Davies says: “Impulse buys are massively important to gift retailers as, thankfully, gift purchases still rely on the pleasure of browsing and the serendipity effect. The ideal impulse gift has to be eye-catching, new, different and have that elusive ‘ooh’ factor. Price point is also important so customers don’t hesitate about putting their hands in their pockets.”

The Vinyl Coasters along with Joe Davies’s expansive range of over 7000 gift items will be on display at Spring Fair, NEC, Hall 5 Stand C30/D31. (1–5 February 2015).

Personalised Memento Company SSSS

This keepsake gift from PMC is a great gift idea for amateur or professional guitarist or bassist. The silver plectrum is individually personalised with any name and presented in a black velvet pouch it makes a fantastic gift for Valentine’s days, birthdays or even anniversaries.

PMC are the UK’s biggest supplier of personalised gifts with the largest range of gifts covering every occasion. With many of PMC’s gifts personalised and despatched in 24hrs they are the idea supplier for those last minute purchases.

They have a choice of ways to sell from their gift range of thousands of lines.

Tel: 01782 744 900 Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk Web: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

The Music Gifts Company XXXX In 2015 THE MUSIC GIFTS COMPANY is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

The company started with just a handful of stationery items, yet they still are an important part of the catalogue. “Our first ever product was the “Chopin Liszt” and nearly 20 years later it is still our number one best seller, with sales approaching half a million units!” Men’s gifts play an important role within the range and the company will be extending this part of the catalogue during 2015. “Our socks, for example, are made from 95% ring-spun cotton. We believe this is the highest grade of sock currently available. The two most famous recipients of our socks one Christmas were Sir Elton John and Sir Mick Jagger.”

There is now a rotating sock display stand which comes complete with 36 pairs.

Shops have been re-ordering every few weeks and sales have increased by 30%.

“Last Autumn we launched our first ever Floor Display. It is specifically designed to hold a selection of our best-selling gifts. The stand is only two feet wide, which is perfect in-store. It is already proving to be extremely popular and allows shops to re-order on a more regular basis.

Tel: 01202 57 00 57 Email: enquiries@musicgifts.co.uk Web: www.musicgifts.co.uk gifts today 129

Picture courtesy of Classic Canes

Wedding Gifts

“We’re getting married in the morning...”

It’s the biggest day of their lives for most people; something that hopefully they do just once and therefore want to make it a special day.

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here are several memorable days in one’s life – first day at school, passing a driving test, first day waking up in a new home – but perhaps none more memorable than the day you plight your troth to your beloved… the day you get married A day that they want to spend with family and friends, the people that make their lives special. Those people often want to commemorate the day with a gift, a keepsake that can be a reminder of the day that two became one.

go on the top table, a guest book or a wedding planning file.”

As noted above, mementos are always a popular gift. Susan Grant adds: “Keepsakes are real favourites particularly for brides – a wedding generates a lot of special moments, which are cherished long after the day has ended.”

Retailer Doreen Kabamba from the jewellers G Masterton, of Leven in Fife, Scotland notes that: “These days people want something different because so many already have their

“Gifts for the bridal party remain popular with some humorous gifts particularly for ushers and the best man. Items to use during the course of the wedding day remain strong sellers such as a Mr and Mrs mantel plaque to go on the top table, a guest book or a wedding planning file.”

Susan Grant, Widdop Bingham We spoke to a number of people involved in the wedding gift business.

Susan Grant of Widdop Bingham said: “Gifts for the home such as toasters and towels have been so popular they have become legendary.

This though is being extended to items such as photo frames and wall plaques still with a strong wedding theme “Gifts for the bridal party remain popular with some humorous gifts particularly for ushers and the best man. Items to use during the course of the wedding day remain strong sellers such as a Mr and Mrs mantel plaque to 130 gifts today

own homes. They buy crystal glasses but they also want something different that people won’t already have. We can engrave items if needed.”

Both Doreen and Susan Grant have noticed the popularity of candles and candle-related items. Said Doreen: “One gift that people might buy is a large candle holder – it’s not unusual but it’s something that someone might not have.” Susan, meanwhile, points out that “Candles and candle holders are used both as gifts to the couple as well as decoration for the venue.”

Manufacturers and suppliers keep

Talking Bridal Party with Classic Canes SSSS

Walking stick specialists Classic Canes report a surge of interest in formal canes as gifts for bridegrooms, ushers and other gentlemen of the wedding party. Managing Partner Charlotte Gillan notes, “Television shows such as Downton Abbey have reminded people how much more elegant we look when we are formally dressed and accessorised. An elegant silver or chrome topped cane makes any bridegroom look more dashing, and a set of canes as gifts for the ushers is an increasingly popular gift. It thanks them for their help on the day, as well as lending them an air of authority.”

Tel: 01460 75686 Web: www.classiccanes.co.uk on trend in the wedding category and also bring to market products that can complement any bridal colour schemes and are constantly refreshing their ranges to take on board the changing seasons and colour schemes of the event. One such example is the new range launched by Neviti.

Cathy Locke, Creative Manager at Neviti commented, “We are really excited to be launching our With Love collection, with its delicate pastel colour palette and on trend design this collection will coordinate perfectly with any brides colour scheme, perfect for spring and summer weddings.”

Decoration is also something that Doreen Kabamba has spotted: “People don’t buy vases for themselves so perhaps they could get something like that engraved with the names and date of the wedding.”

The recession has definitely hit the

wedding market as Doreen Kabamba says: “What we have found is that gifts are now more in the lower price brackets than they used to be. People also just have an evening service these days rather than the full wedding so the price bracket for gifts has also gone down.”

Doreen has also spotted that a difference in societal norms has affected the wedding trade. “It’s become much more difficult these days because people don’t get engaged, have a wedding list and then get married.

Nowadays, they already have a house and just try to find something suitable.”

Susan Grant of Widdop Bingham informs us that “Our strong sellers remain the lines that double up for him and her. A Mr and Mrs set of mugs or a Mr Right and Mrs Always key ring set.

Again humour plays a leading role in these gifts.”

Neviti

Ashleigh & Burwood

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Bang on trend for Spring Summer ’15 is the new-look home fragrance collection

by Ashleigh & Burwood, ‘Escapology’; inspired by the world’s most captivating locations, including popular exotic wedding and honeymoon destinations, this range is ideal for thoughtful wedding gifts. ‘Escapology’ offers a collection of luxurious scented candles, reed diffusers and gift sets, each presented in beautifully elegant contemporary vessels, finished off in stunning gift-packaging.

The opulent fragrances themselves take you on an evocative aromatic journey to some of the world’s most enchanting and romantic places, including Seychelles, Koh Samui, Morocco and Madagasca. The new Escapology will be launching at Spring Fair International – visit Ashleigh & Burwood’s stand (Hall 5, Stand L04-M05) and experience this sensational range first hand.

Tel: 01932 267060 Web: www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk

Arora Design

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Choose from several of Arora Design’s sentiment based ranges to find the perfect gifts for wedding occasions. “More Than Words” RRP’s from £12.99 and “Love & Friendship” RRP £19.99 are two beautiful ranges of expressive figurines, beautifully sculpted with several pieces specific for that special day, titles include “To Have and To Hold”, “Loving Embrace”, “With this Ring” and “Celebration”.

Said with Sentiment, another of Arora Design’s brands comprises of two collections, one of wall art and one of tea light holders. Again wedding gifts are well covered in these, the wall art titles of “Wedding”, “Love” and “Mr and Mrs” are just perfect for any bride and groom. Genuinely versatile the wall art blocks are able to free stand or be hung on the wall, they are made of wood and decorated with screen printing and mirrored acrylic to deliver their message. RRP is just £9.99. The tea light holders have been lovingly designed to create the appearance of a hand written message, the ideal gift for a special couple on their wedding day. Both “Wedding” and “Love” are available in this range. RRP £9.99 All of Arora Design’s ranges will be on show at Spring Fair NEC, Hall 5 Stand A03.

Tel: 01386 861666 Email: sales@arora-design.co.uk

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With Love is the beautiful new wedding collection from Neviti offering a wonderful selection of table accessories and decorations perfect for your special day. This new range features subtle pastel shades and stunning wedding motifs of delicate love hearts, fluttering butterflies, tranquil doves and bouquets of flowers, perfect for adding a romantic flourish to wedding your décor. Some gorgeous items within the collection includes sweetie bags, cake boxes and cute favour bags perfect for creating thoughtful gifts for your wedding guests and a wide selection of decorative bunting including a floral design, candy buffet bunting, Mr & Mrs chair bunting and mini Just Married bunting.

Another exquisite item within this collection is the delicate laser cut place cards for glass, available in ivory and baby pink they offer a pretty alternative to standard place cards. Adding some interest to your welcome drinks is easy with the beautiful candy stripe straws and co-ordinating straw flags, with a variety of celebratory messages such as ‘joy’, ‘happiness’ and ‘laughter’. A wedding wouldn’t be the same without confetti and the With Love collection offers a gorgeous variety containing a mix of heart and butterfly motifs which is biodegradable and perfect for filling the co-ordinating floral confetti cones. If you’re looking for something a bit different the ranges wedding wishes post box with matching cards is the perfect way for guests to leave messages and well wishes, creating a unique and personal gift to keep for years to come.

Tel: 0845 638 1358 Email: info@neviti.com Web: www.neviti.com

Personalised Memento Co TTTT A wedding gift can be difficult to choose, many newlyweds have been living together for a few years already and have all the household appliances they could need! For wedding gifts with a little something extra special about them, PMC have a huge array of personalised gifts to celebrate upcoming nuptials. Every gift from PMC is individually personalised with any name or message.

The typographic range is stunning in stylish and contemporary colours and full to the brim with personalised dates, locations and phrases.

The range extends to cushion covers and framed prints all with a very personal touch.

Visit PMC at Spring Fair Hall 5 L20-M21 to see the full range of traditional and modern wedding gifts.

PMC offer a reliable dropship service to design, personalise and despatch all their gifts from one location in Staffordshire.

Tel: 01782 744 900 Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk Web: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk gifts today 131

Wedding Gifts

Mandarin Arts WWWW Mandarin Arts has a wide range of oriental lamps, excellent choices for wedding gift lists. This particular lamp is one of a fine selection of lamps and matching accessories made under licence from the Ashmolean Museum, part of the University of Oxford. Each piece comes with a small picture booklet detailing the history of the original Museum exhibit on which it is based. The lamp with the shade is 62cm tall and is one of the products in the ‘Zhi Que’ design which is reminiscent of noisy birds perched on blossom-laden branches on a clear spring morning. Please call for a colour catalogue, look at their website or come and see their ranges at the following shows: January Furniture Show, 13-15 January 2015 and Spring Fair, 1-5 February 2015 both at the NEC, Birmingham.

Tel: 01873 812255 Email: info@mandarinarts.co.uk Web: www.mandarinarts.co.uk

Signature Gifts

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Signature Gifts’ personalised products are ideal for this upcoming wedding season.

What better way is there to celebrate a union of two people than popping the cork on some bespoke bubbly? Available to be personalised for the principles of the wedding as well as the happy couple, you can thank the maid of honour and best man, and toast the mother’s of the bride and groom on this special day. All bottles are available in gift boxes and can be teamed with their own engraved glasses to add an extra keepsake on this special day.

To keep their treasured memories Our First Year book is complete with a full reprint of the news from their wedding day, and also includes 18 Special Memories pages for them to scrap-book their first year. Embossed in delicate silver with their names together with their wedding date, this book can be cherished for their whole life together.

Web: www.signature-gifts.co.uk

Widdop Bingham & Co Ltd SSSS The wedding season is fast approaching and as every retailer knows, offering a great selection of wedding gifts is essential. Widdop Bingham knows this too and with over 500 lines to chose from there is no shortage of choice. It’s easy to make a real impact in store with many lines available in singles and low carriage paid.

Its’ most recent wedding collection has been created in collaboration with a leading greeting card designer, Wendy Jones Blackett. Wendy’s trademark hot foil style is well known throughout the card industry and Widdops have taken great care in ensuring this distinctive style is captured in their gifts. The simplicity of the design which combines a warm cream with stunning gold and silver hearts co-ordinates beautifully with Wendy’s cards giving the retailer an ideal crosspurchasing opportunity.

This eye-catching collection includes a certificate holder, a trinket box, a choice of photo frames and album and a guest book. Look out too for the coordinating wedding anniversary and engagement gifts.

Tel: 0161 688 1226 Web: www.widdop.co.uk

Joe Davies XXXX Wedding and wedding related gifts now seem to be year-long sellers with Joe Davies reporting steady sales across their selection even into November and December.

Of course the big surge in sales starts in the weeks leading up to Easter and beyond. Weddings seem as popular as ever as Joe Davies have seen year on year growth of their wedding Collection for over 20 years.

This Spring and Summer the company will introduce dozens of new wedding gifts at the Birmingham Spring Fair (stand C30/D31).

Wedding products have become less traditional and more quirky in recent years and people seem more eager to splash out on accessories for the big day. As always the men are the most difficult to buy for so these new wedding cufflinks from Joe Davies’ Equilibrium Collection should be snapped up.

As with all the Equilibrium series the cufflinks are beautifully presented and are available in Joe Davies’ trademark ‘Little & Often’ quantities. Minimum orders are just £100.

Joe Davies will be exhibiting at Spring Fair, NEC, Hall 5 Stand C30/D31. (1ST – 5th February 2015)

Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk Web: www.joedavies.co.uk 132 gifts today

Solo Trading Ltd XXXX

RJB Stone

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Recognised for a classically British sense of style, RJB Stone bring vintage chic to weddings and wedding gifts with a touch of unique class. Embracing the hottest trends, they are champions of irresistible design-led products for all occasions.

Motivated by creating beautiful moments for people through their Sass & Belle brand, the company boast thousands of original gifts, decorations and home accessories to choose from. Specialising in tokens that celebrate happiness and love, RJB Stone offer a vast selection of sentimental gifts that range from touching and classic to quirky and fun. Treat newlyweds to vintage frames, his and hers cushions, Mr & Mrs mugs and much more. Add a personalised touch to gifts with a huge range of beautiful sayings for sweethearts in garlands, plaques and kitchen accessories. For a quirky couple, explore a sensational range of unique and irresistible little keepsakes they will cherish forever. RJB Stone’s gorgeous decorations are the perfect gift for couples seeking charming and elegant wedding accessories: Their designers have lovingly created matching sets including vintage butterflies, pearlised whimsical birdcage and beautiful hearts to adorn wedding venues and reception rooms with garlands, table dressings and favours.

Weddings are often about the big gesture gift, but these days they are as much about the concept of togetherness and sharing; and what better way start life’s exciting journey together than sharing food?

Of course, anything heart shaped is also sure to hit the right note for the “big day”.

Solo’s Creative Director, Tanya Ross, explains, “A gift that has a sharing theme is always romantic, it has a certain, “togetherness” about it.

Combine it with a heart motif or shape and you have a winning combination”.

Solo’s “Lifestyle” range features these gorgeous ivory twin heart shaped dishes from £8.95 RRP in two sizes (also available in red, midnight and turquoise), while the impressive hammered design tray retails for £35.00. The Cake Plates are available individually from RRP £15.95. The collection is hand-made in India from recycled aluminium and features iridescent colours; it also features lots of heartshaped gifts from trinket boxes to tea-lights.

Tel: 01789 262900 Email: sales@sololtd.com Web: www.sololtd.com

Web: www.rjbstone.com

Puckator

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The perfect accessories for the perfect day. Puckator have a lovely selection of decorative pegs which are perfect for getting creative with wedding preparations.

If your customers are looking for unique place name holders, wedding favour accessories or adornments for invitations then these are just the things. They could also be used to decorate bunting or for flower arrangements. To view these products and many more you can visit Puckator at the NEC Spring Fair in Hall 5 on Stand D60-E53.

Tel: 0800 0116969 Email: sales@puckator.co.uk Web: www.puckator.co.uk

Gaeltag Keltika Ltd

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Spring brings the sound of wedding bells ringing out - and Gaeltag Keltika are keen to help things along.

“This market seems to remain very buoyant. Having launched 6 new glass designs to introduce our Lolita ‘Wedding Collection’ last year we’ve been delighted with the response and have just added to 2 more lines. The two new items are sets of wedding pairs packaged in eye-catching silver and white boxes,” says Gaeltag Director Lorena Golfetto. They are ‘Bride & Groom’ and ‘Happy Ever After’ with the latter being equally suited to Silver Wedding or anniversary celebrations.

The company also represent Swedish brand Tindra whose alphabet candle bags can be bought as individual letters to compose personalized messages - cheeky or romantic - or are available as pre-prepared Wordkits. Candle-lit messages like ‘Just Married’ or ‘Mr&Mrs’ will make any wedding celebration memorable. There is also a full range of attractive wedding accessories including delicate wedding favour boxes, pleated heart hanging decorations, garlands and table place cards.

To put the ‘icing on the wedding cake’ is Tindra’s new ‘Card & Gift’ range which are an ‘all-in-one’ greeting and gift solution for under £5. There are many options suited to wedding celebrations in the 36 titles available – all designed with Swedish charm, simplicity and style.

Gaeltag will be at NEC Spring Fair Hall 5 E20/F21

Tel: 020 8998 1781 Email: sales@gaeltag.com www.lolitadesigns.co.uk gifts today 133

Glass & Crystal

A crystal clear gift Sparkling crystal and fine wine served in superb glasses are the epitome of good taste for many.

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: “A gift of glassware will nearly always be appreciated and be put to good use” Richard Halliday, Dartington Crystal Glass and crystal: often the first thing you really notice when you visit someone’s house for the first time is not their flatscreen television but a piece of beautiful glassware or crystal. Yet for many people their best

for traditional gifting events such as weddings and anniversaries but it is much broader than that now.

“Clear and coloured glass has a place in every home – as both decorative accessories, functional pieces (like vases and bowls) and as part of the dining and entertaining experience.

A gift of glassware will nearly always be appreciated and be put to good use.”

Susan Grant of Widdop Bingham says: “Glass and crystal gifts have a

Richard Halliday, Dartington Crystal: “In gifting terms crystal and glass are an ideal medium for personalisation - we have seen an upsurge in our products being engraved as gifts” glassware is often hidden and kept for best, for a special event. Crystal and glassware remain among the most popular gifts. We investigated the sector.

Helen Shield from Enesco confirms our belief that glassware with a difference is important. She said: “For Enesco drinking glasses are a growing sector. The product does need to be unique with a sentiment, occasions or a theme. The company looks at making sure the present is special.”

“We target the major gift-giving occasions, each product is individually gift boxed and our prices range from £9.95 to £16 SRP.” Richard Halliday, the marketing and design director of Dartington Crystal concurs. He says: “Crystal and glass have always been favoured 134 gifts today

rich tradition within the gifting sector and are usually viewed as a ‘special occasion’ item particularly for a wedding or anniversary. Over the years the emphasis has shifted slightly but the tradition of glass and crystal gifts continues. One of the appeals of glass and crystal is its adaptability to trends – adding colour or creating lines in different shapes add interest and value as well as bringing the product up to date. Glass lends itself to pretty embellishments such as crystal or glitter and remains important within the personalisation sector.”

Again Richard Halliday agrees. He says: “In gifting terms crystal and glass are an ideal medium for personalisation - we have seen an upsurge in our products being engraved as gifts.

Authentic hand crafted looks like our

Flower Bottle collection have been a strong feature for us and we also follow home colour trends closely.

The sparkle and glamour still strongly associated with crystal is a feature we have done well with in our best-selling Glitz range of items decorated with Swarovski elements.”

For many it appears that glassware and crystal items are mainly bought for a special occasion.

“Our products certainly are,” says Helen Shield, “or they have an appealing theme for example we are launching an Inspired by Mackintosh collection this month.”

Richard Halliday disagrees finding that “We like to design and make things that will be used and enjoyed on a regular basis – not just on special occasions. As good quality and design has become increasingly more affordable, people are perhaps less worried about breakages and using good crystal and glass is more part of everyday life. Also fashion and design taste is a factor – while some of our classic crystal looks have endured for many years we need to innovate and develop new designs all the time.”

Susan Grant of Widdop says: “Glass and crystal gifts have a rich tradition within the gifting sector and are usually viewed as a ‘special occasion’ item particularly for a wedding or anniversary. Over the years the emphasis has shifted slightly but the tradition of glass and crystal gifts continues. One of the appeals of glass and crystal is its adaptability to trends – adding colour or creating lines in different shapes add interest and value as well as bringing the product up to date. Glass lends itself to pretty embellishments such as crystal or glitter and remains important within the personalisation sector.”

We wondered if there are any specific trends in the sector. “There is a huge demand for sentiment driven product,” says Helen Shield from Enesco, “which in the past was seen as not very British.”

The idea of a purely decorative glass or crystal gift is no longer seen as ideal, at least according to Helen and Richard. She told us: “I think a lot of consumers want a gift with a purpose, from our experience this is largely a result of the current economy.”

He said: “We have developed many other functional gift items in both crystal and glass, but bowls and vases particularly are still key categories for Dartington. The options for shape, colour and surface decoration means we have to offer new and interesting choices for vases and bowls – but they are still seen as a safe gift idea and offer a variety of uses in every home. Oil diffusers, candlelight, clocks and frames are all popular categories where we now have Dartington products. Lets also not forget that the traditional boundary between tabletop glassware and gifting has gone in some respects - we market nearly all our wine and drinking glasses as potential gifts. Some of our most popular gift lines are single glasses or tankards packaged and presented as a gift solution.”

Finally, Sue Grant concludes: “Traditional crystal, particularly cut glass, has been in decline for many years with more contemporary items taking its place. The trend for a ‘useful’ gift or a home accessory is reflected in this category too with vases and decorative bowls playing a major role as well as other lines such as tea light holders and oil burners.”

Joe Davies

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After a long period of decline, glass products are having a big renaissance in the gift market at the moment.

With their diverse, up-to-date ranges of gifts, Joe Davies are usually a good barometre of current trends and they report on an increasing percentage of their sales taken up with glassware.

These attractive Vintage Chic perfume bottles are brand new for Spring Fair. Their mirrored glass finish is bang on trend and they would look great on a shabby chic dressing table.

The perfume bottles are handmade in India and there are dozens of different sizes and designs in the collection. All are available in Joe Davies’ famous ‘Little & Often’ quantities.

Joe Davies will be exhibiting at Spring Fair, NEC, Hall 5 Stand C30/D31. (1ST – 5th February 2015)

Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk Web: www.joedavies.co.uk

Dartington SSSS Elegance and simplicity is something that Dartington crystal and glass products have combined successfully since 1967. One of their most successful collections in more recent years has been the Flower Bottle range of bold coloured glass vases. Now Dartington designer Hilary Green has created a new and more subdued set of choices using the same signature hand-made shapes.

The Crystal Bottles collection offers choices in sparkling clear and a subtle “midnight” grey. A special feature of these new pieces is that all are hand made in the UK from 24% lead crystal. “The purity and brilliance of the crystal creates a visual mood in bright or soft light” says Hilary Green. “While strong colour still has its place there is an interior trend for more neutral and timeless looks.”

The Midnight colour particularly is one that is evocative of early Dartington production and the idea of interpreting things from the past for today’s market is a theme that continues in the home.

Web: www.dartington.co.uk

Personalised Memento Company

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PMC have one of the biggest ranges of personalised traditional and contemporary gifts. Products in the glass and crystal category include pairs of cut crystal wine, champagne and tumblers. The drinking gifts extend to decanters, tankards and brandy glasses. Gifts in this category make unique gifts for milestone birthdays and anniversaries. Other gifts include crystal vases, tokens and personalised glass clocks. You can see the huge range from PMC at www.personalisedmemento.co.uk.

Glass and crystal gifts are recognised as quality gifts of a high standard, personalised gifts from PMC are assured to be expertly personalised and designed to impress.

Tel: 01782 744 900 Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk Web: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk gifts today 135

New Products Inspired by exhibits held in Eastern Art collection

The matching lamp and winter melon pot are inspired by exhibits held in the Eastern Art collection at the Ashmolean Museum, part of the University of Oxford. Following a lengthy development period, Mandarin Arts produced five themed groups of porcelain jars and vases with some pieces also offered as table lamps.

Pictured here are the BaiMei pieces styled on a Qing dynasty design of winterflowering plum blossom on a traditional ‘winter melon’ jar. By reversing the more common blue on white pattern, the artist has picked out the white flowers to great effect against the rich blue background.

All pieces from the range can be seen in Mandarin Arts’ catalogue or website.

Spring Fair, Stand: Hall 5 K79 Tel: 01873 812255 Email: info@mandarinarts.co.uk Web: www.mandarinarts.co.uk

Travel with Elite

Once the world was thought to be flat, but it can now be rectangular again in this World Traveller tinware range from Elite! This is not the first time that the World has been rectangular, we kid you not! Anaximenes of Miletus (6th century BC), who studied under Anaximander, rejected the views of his teacher regarding the shape of the earth (that of flat landmasses surrounded by an eternal ocean) and instead, he visualized the earth as a rectangular form supported by compressed air. Maps have always held a fascination, and their decorative elements cannot be ignored, their timeless appeal has meant maps are used often as decoration for wallpaper, gift wrap, wallets and now beautiful tins! This unique range features function as well as form, drawing upon Elite’s extensive product and sales knowledge, key items have been created for their appeal to customers, such as the coaster set, string tin (with string) and the office organiser tin. Part of the range takes the notion of travel a stage further and tins have been created from vintage tickets of buses, trains and trams!

These are sliding cover mini tins, available empty or filled with mini mints (great for travel!).

Tel: 01603418153 Web: www.elitetins.com

Floral Style Mum

Mother’s Day is fast approaching but ‘never fear’; Joe Davies have a great selection of Mother’s Day gifts to show you on their comfortable Hall 5 stand at Spring Fair (stand C30/D31). The company will be introducing over 2000 brand new gifts, fashion accessories and jewellery items in Birmingham and will include an exciting Mother’s Day display for all your requirements.

Mum’s Floral Style, pictured, is a gorgeous new series unique to Joe Davies. It comprises charming message plaques, boxes and frames in a lovely fresh colourway that’s sure to delight your customers and their mums.

Retail prices start from just £2.99.

Buying from Joe Davies is quick, easy and inexpensive using their trademark ‘Little & Often’ buying service. Minimum orders are an industry beating £100 so what’s stopping you?

Joe Davies will be exhibiting at Spring Fair, NEC, Hall 5 Stand C30/D31. (1ST – 5th February 2015) Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk Web: www.joedavies.co.uk 136 gifts today

Fashion meets Function You always find something new at the London Stationery Show.

See thousands of stationery and writing products from over two hundred different suppliers from around the world, all in one place.

To find out whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exhibiting and register for free entry, go to www.stationeryshow.co.uk

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New Products Something Retro and Trendy

The Lesser and Pavey range of retro jam jars, looks, and is, setting a trend in the current giftware market.

Brand new ‘Mr Right and Mrs Always right’ additions to the range.

Nostalgic in shape and form, the jars are fun, fashionable; bringing a new concept to a drink container, whether it be out and about or in a trendy night club or bar.

Lesser & Pavey were first to spot the potential of the drinking jars and set about making a quality item, with screw top lid and straw, to present to the giftware buyer something innovative whilst practical.

This range is rapidly growing and here are a number of new designs that will be on show at the start of 2015.

The jars launched by Lesser & Pavey are a favourite with buyers and new designs are on offer at Spring Fair in Hall 5 stand C04-D03.

Ideal for cocktails and other fruity drinks, as this a new craze here in the UK as they are already used in trendy bars overseas.

Tel: 01322 279225 Web: www.leonardo.co.uk

Mud-Pie Circa Style Mugs

Joe Davies always offer something extra special at Spring Fair and this year don’t miss the debut of their new table top collection from the iconic US gift company Mud-Pie. Unique design, style and commercial products have made Mud-Pie one of the fastest growing gift company’s in the States and Joe Davies are delighted to have secured exclusive distribution of their table top and home décor ranges for the UK. Circa Style is one of Mud-Pies top sellers and is unlike anything else in the UK market.

This exciting table top range combines interesting ceramic tableware with message stamped cutlery to make a unique gift. The series merchandises beautifully too, as do Mud-Pies lovely designer wood frames in trendy vintage and shabby style.

Joe Davies sell all their products ‘Little & Often’ so adding a selection of Mud-Pie gift items to your range is easy and affordable. Delivery is free nationwide too.

Joe Davies will be exhibiting at Spring Fair, NEC, Hall 5 Stand C30/D31. (1ST – 5th February 2015) Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk Web: www.joedavies.co.uk

Neviti has Easter covered

Easter is always a popular season for Neviti with customers looking for disposable tableware for family parties but also items to keep younger guests entertained. This year Neviti have developed their Easter Craft collection with a fantastic selection of colour in products along with items perfect for fun-filled Easter egg hunts. The new colour in items include a gorgeous bunting with 12 colour in pendants featuring an array of Easter characters, perfect for decorating with pens, pencils, crayons or paint to create a unique Easter decoration. The ranges colour in baskets are great for customising and then filling with a selection of Easter treats to create thoughtful gifts for friends and family. Easter Bunny footprints add some extra fun to your festivities, perfect for creating a trail to where the Easter eggs are hidden and the Easter egg hunt kit is a brilliant new item featuring pointers, a vibrant selection of stickers, colouring pictures with crayons and fun character masks, perfect for your Easter celebration.

Cathy Locke, Creative Manager at Neviti commented; “Easter is always a busy occasion for us for themed tableware, however we have also noticed a demand for craft items for children. We hope our new Easter craft range will fill this gap within our ranges with fun festive activities that are perfect for keeping children entertained during the Easter break.”

Tel: 0845 638 1358 Email: info@neviti.com Web: www.neviti.com 138 gifts today

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