Gifts Today

Independently audited

Supporting your industry for 27 years

Month: February 2016 Issue: 3

ABC circulation of 7,098 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015

Volume: 27

Visit our stand and receive a FREE Chef’s Tin

Spring Fair, Birmingham NEC, 7th - 11th February 2016, Hall 4, Stand E80-F81 3ULFH¡V 3DWHQW &DQGOHV /WG

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Contents February 2016

Regulars 8

News

16

Exhibition News

20 Licensing News 20 GA News 128 Trade Talk 162 New Products

Retail 22

Brian Wiseman This issue Brian welcomes another

P35 Spring Fair

Spring Fair

28 Retailer Profile Penny Franks questions George

Gifts Today team

Slinger, Birchgrove Garden Centre

130 Grass Roots We ask a selection of retailers their

Editor Penny Franks penny@lemapublishing.co.uk

thoughts on Spring Fair

158 Retailer Profile

Assistant Editor Paul Donnelley pauld@lemapublishing.co.uk

Paul Donnelley questions Christopher

Advertisement Manager

Dell, White Mint

Mark Horsnell mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

Group Editor

Features

Mirella Cestaro mirella@lemapublishing.co.uk

Group Advertisement Manager

154 Baby Gifts

Ryan Horwood ryan@lemapublishing.co.uk

Publisher Mark Naish mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

P131 Toys at Spring Fair

Production Director Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

Show Preview 35 Spring Fair 2016

Managing Director Malcolm Naish malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

Special

Media Solutions Manager

126 Julie Dodsworth

Bradley Mason bradleymason@hotmail.co.uk

UK grown with Julie Dodsworth

Lema Publishing Ltd

PUBLISHING

1 Churchgates, The Wilderness, Berkhamsted, Herts, HP4 2UB Telephone: 01442 289930

131 Toys at Spring Fair 2016

Cover Story

A member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation

Independently audited ABC circulation of 7,098 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015

P154 Baby Gifts

30 Price’s Candles The importance of air care products

Message from the Editor www.gifts-today.co.uk Twitter: @giftstodaymag You will also find linking walkways between Halls 4 and 8 and Halls 5 and 9 to assist you in making the most of any fantastic cross-over buying opportunities.

Dora Designs

Two notable changes however to observe this year is that you will now find in Hall 4 some of the country’s best gift suppliers offering perhaps the most comprehensive new product selection available to the UK trade.

More general gifts can be found in the adjacent Hall 5, alongside Children’s Gifts, Toys & Gadgets.

Here you can choose from an array of traditional wooden toys, games, puzzles, plush, novelty items, top licensed products and anything else that might be given as a gift to a child.

Greetings & Gift will be co-located with The Party Show in Hall 3, creating perfect synergy between these two related sectors. Hall 3 will also be home to the New Product Showcase Personalised – a must-see hotbed of inspiration– Memento and the Greetings Café, which provides Company a central networking hub and perfect opportunity for refreshment in the midst of a busy day shopping the show.

Spring Fair is also the home of the GA’s coveted Gift of the Year awards, which aims to raise the profile of suppliers, by creating a unique platform to showcase the most innovative and exciting products new-to-market.

A wide range of categories were available to enter. Make sure you make time on the Sunday where the winners

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

Comments, letters and criticism are welcome.

“

Two notable changes to observe this year is that you will now find in Hall 4 some of the country’s best gift suppliers offering perhaps the most comprehensive new product selection available to the UK trade. More general gifts can be found in the adjacent Hall 5.

“

I

t’s February, which means one thing for many, SPRING FAIR! Has everyone got their ‘comfy’ shoes at the ready, pre-registered to attend and also preplanned your visit? Good news, this issue is crammed with information, products and companies you may wish to add to your ‘must visit’ lists.

Simply turn to page 35 of this issue, where you’ll find a comprehensive preview giving you an idea of the type of products on display – this hopefully should assist you in the pre-planning of your visit.

You will also find our ‘Toys at Spring Fair’ supplement by turning to page 131. Toys represent a great in-store option and can drive additional footfall. Taking time to visit Hall 5 could prove very beneficial.

With Spring Fair gaining momentum year on year, it’s obvious why exhibitors continue to use this as a platform to exhibit both current ranges and launch new products. By being in attendance you are guaranteed to keep in line, and more importantly ahead of, current and future consumer trends.

Visitors to the show this year will note that the format has been refreshed - which event organiser i2i feel will make the journey around the show a more pleasurable experience for all those in attendance.

Several sectors this year have been refreshed.

These changes incorporate an improved layout to assist you in your visit. There will now be an express entrance in Hall 9, where the Season’s Club will also be located. The express entrance will help visitors by providing quicker access to Halls 6, 7, 8 and 20.

will be announced during a ceremony taking place within the Trends Catwalk in Hall 20 after the show closes and be amongst the first to find out who the winners are! The winning products are sure to be ‘top sellers’ throughout the year! For more information about the Giftware Association, visit www.ga-uk.org. You can view all the winning products on the GA stand in Hall 5, Stand: F84-G89 from Monday onwards.

Further good news comes via The GA. Giftware Association members exhibiting at Spring Fair are presenting retailer members and subscribers with a variety of great offers at the show – ranging from free gifts with orders over a certain value to product discounts and free carriage paid.

Why not pay The GA a visist on their stand to talk about becoming a member and to be able to take advantage of the great offers that will be available.

Looking forward to seeing you all at Spring Fair – remember, if you spot me, please stop and say hello!

NEWS

regular

Floss and rock with Think Pink

Changing times at Joe Davies

Introducing floss and rock the exciting new children’s brand from the people that brought you Think Pink.

Floss and rock is a unisex brand offering exclusively designed gifts for boys and girls covering the categories of stationery and play, Home Sweet Home and Dressing Up. In its first season floss and rock will launch 52 brand new products and these will be promoted alongside the existing Think Pink collections.

Floss and rock is proud to boast its Blackpool roots, the land of candy floss and sticks of rock, with a strong focus on packaging and the strap line designed by the seaside.

The floss and rock catalogue will be mailed out at the end of January and their brand new website (www.flossandrock.co.uk) will also go live at the same time (after which all navigation to thinkpinkblue2.com will divert to flossandrock.co.uk) Think Pink will officially launch at the following shows where they will exhibit under their new name floss and rock.

Nuremberg Toy Fair 27 Jan to 1 Feb (Hall 1 Stand G-05) Spring Fair, NEC, 7-11 February (Hall 5 Stand G27) All your Think Pink contact and account details remain unchanged but if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact Lynda or Denise on 01253 831 540/512.

In the meantime they look forward to introducing you to floss and rock at one of the shows above, via our catalogue or your existing Think Pink agent.

Bob Bean, Joe Davies’ area Sales representative for the South of England, retired in December. Popular with customers and colleagues alike, Bob’s dry sense of humour and his warm and open manner will be missed by everyone who has been lucky enough to come into contact with him. The team at Joe Davies wish him a long and happy retirement.

Joe Davies have appointed Rebecca Morrisroe to their sales team.

Rebecca will be looking after customers in the South of England area and brings to the company a wealth of experience. Rebecca is looking forward to meeting customers, old and new, at Spring Fair and over the coming months.

Spode celebrates 200 years of Blue Italian One of the leading British tableware producers, Spode, is looking forward to its celebrations in 2016 as the brand marks the 200th anniversary of one of its most iconic designs, Blue Italian.

Featuring a finely detailed 18th century, Imari Oriental border encompassing a serene Italian countryside scene, Blue Italian has an endearing charm that has cemented its popularity for the last 200 years.

With the unveiling of two new collections, window display competitions, retailer hosted birthday parties across the globe, a social media campaign, the pledge of 200 hours to local charities as well as films, point-of-sale material and brochures galore, Blue Italian’s 200th anniversary is guaranteed to be an exciting year.

Phil Atherton, sales and marketing director of Portmeirion Group said: “We see trends come and go but Blue Italian remains as popular as ever and we can’t wait to get the celebrations underway. 2016 is, without a doubt, a year for everyone across the world to celebrate the Blue Italian collection, which is still adored by millions today.”

8 gifts today

Fresh watercolour style of Sarah Stokes extends BFA Contemporary Gift collection Artist Sarah Stokes’ preferred medium is watercolour because of the luminosity and spontaneity that the style brings to her art. Her fresh and vibrant paintings of a Highland Cow, fox and pheasant have inspired the Sarah Stokes Collection of home and gift wares, all of which are exclusively available from BFA Contemporary Gift.

Sarah is a self-trained artist and has been painting since 2013. She is inspired by animals in their natural habitats – whether the forest, garden or countryside – and she uses the watercolour medium to add detail and colour to her work.

All products, from mugs and place mats to textiles such as scarves and cushions, will feature one of the three animals. By taking the subject’s eyes as the focus of her art, Sarah adds an element of story-telling to each design, so the fox’s proud, wily nature is expressed along with the wistful humour of the Highland Cow and the exuberant character of the pheasant.

Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk

www.villagecandle.co.uk Tel: 01254 300268 Email: sales@villagecandle.co.uk Spring Fair NEC - 7th-11th February Hall 4, Stand D50/E51

VILLAGE CANDLE

R

NEWS

regular

Spode Celebrate Landmark Anniversary

Premier voted best supplier of 2015 The team at Premier Decorations is celebrating, with the company having once again been voted The Greatest Christmas Supplier of 2015 by Garden Trade News in its annual Greatest Christmas Awards.

Pravin Patel, director at Premier Decorations who accepted the award, commented: “We are delighted to have been voted as best supplier again. This category is voted by retailers, so we are very pleased that our customers feel that we are getting things right and look forward to delivering the same excellent level of service in 2016.”

The Greatest Christmas Awards were announced at a party in the Majestic Hotel, Harrogate on Sunday 10 January 2016.

For more information about Premier Decorations visit www.premierdec.com

Aroma Home Bespoke continue to build key account roster worldwide “We have found that whilst many independent retailers are happy to stock an ever strengthening brand, there is a growing demand for bespoke gift ranges, giving the larger retailers a point of difference in the market, thus maximising sales potential” says Gina Martin, Bespoke and National Account Manager.

In response to this demand, Aroma Home has doubled its design team over the last year and relocated to new offices as it continues to expand its partnership with key accounts worldwide.

“Not only are we creating gifting solutions which include our trademark warming gifts, many of our ranges include gifts that are not warming, but are designed for the retailers’ target market” says Gina .

Visit their stand at Spring Fair Hall 20 A21 to view their designed ranges and discuss bespoke options with Gina.

10 gifts today

Iconic British tableware producer, Spode, is set to unveil a brand new collection this spring, to commemorate 200 years of its most iconic design, Blue Italian.

The aptly named, Giallo range is a modern interpretation of the classic Blue Italian pattern, boasting a Romanesque yellow patterned border, featuring the iconic blue and white scenes for which Blue Italian is famous.

Made in Portmeirion Group’s factory, in the heart of the Stoke-on-Trent Potteries, Giallo boasts a nine-piece tableware range, including a threepiece dinner set, dinner plate, salad plate, rimmed soup bowl, mug, round platter, salad bowl, platter and sandwich tray.

Phil Atherton, sales and marketing director of Portmeirion Group said: “Over the last two centuries Blue Italian has become a world favourite and we are honoured to be able to celebrate its continued success with the launch of a fantastic new range that is made at our Stoke-on-Trent factory. We have no doubt that Giallo will capture the hearts of new and existing Spode fans everywhere, just as Blue Italian has, and will be enjoyed by them for years to come.”

Portmeirion Group will be launching this highly anticipated collection in February 2016. It will be showcased at Spring Fair (Hall 9, E30-31) and Ambiente (Hall 4.1, Stand B16).

NPW has staggering 14 products shortlisted The Gift of the Year Awards, brought to you by The Giftware Association, has broken records this year with the most entries ever to the competition.

The awards aim to raise the profile of suppliers by creating a unique platform to showcase the most innovative and exciting products new-to-market.

NPW has 14 products featured in seven different categories listed below: Body, Bath and Spa - Fruit Fix Pod Trio Fashion Jewellery - Metallic Tattoos and Anklet & Metallic Tattoos and Hair Crown Hot Novelty - Drinking Buddies Kids - Log Pencil Truck Occasions - Chalkboard Balloons & Confetti Balloons Stationery - 50/50 Range, Fries Pen Pot, Giant Burger Eraser, Hot Dog Stapler, Milkshake Pencil Sharpener & Unicorn Tape Dispenser Under £10 - Paint the Town Colouring Book Web: www.npwgifts.com

Exciting new partnership for Kitchen Craft Kitchen Craft are delighted to announce an exciting new partnership with highly acclaimed baker and media personality Paul Hollywood. These new products will be unveiled as a preview at Spring Fair, Birmingham and Ambiente.

The partnership is a meeting of minds, given Paul’s unequivocal expertise in baking and Kitchen Craft’s history in creating highly innovative, commercial products particularly within the bakeware sector. Paul and the Kitchen Craft design team have worked together to create a unique collection of products specifically for baking in the home.

Addressing the surging popularity in home made baking beyond cakes, such as bread, pies and puddings, whilst appealing to both the male and female baker, the range is focused on bakeware and baking prep tools and accessories which are both desirable and functional.

Preview this must-see collection at: Spring Fair - Hall 9 G24 / H25 Ambiente – Hall 1.1. B70 & B71 For further information or if you are interested in becoming a stockist of our products please contact our sales team at sales@ kitchencraft.co.uk or call 0121 604 6000.

Simon Pykett Director M +44 (0) 7967 209156

Paul Francis Southeast M +44 (0) 7795 536574 Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Central and Greater London, Channel Islands, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Middlesex, Surrey & Sussex.

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

John Murphy 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 back at Spring Fair Hall 7 Stand A30-B31 SIA

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

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

Harriet Ayers Central areas M: 07714 656106 Merseyside, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Rutland, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk & Suffolk

NEWS

regular

Betty Boop fan base grows C&S have a fantastic new range of Betty Boop figurines for their new 2016 catalogue, which includes a mini range of Betty Boop through the ages 1950’s – 1990’s as well as a number of new ceramic Wade Betty Boop figurines produced in Stoke on Trent, England.

The C&S range of Baby Boop is going from strength to strength with several new figures added to the range this year. There is an enormous Betty Boop fan base in the UK and around the world and the official Betty Boop Facebook page now has thousands of followers and grows daily. For a copy of the new C&S 2016 Betty Boop catalogue call them now on the below number.

Tel: 01243 555371 Web: www.bettyboop.uk.com

Buzz in the air at Heaven Scent At Heaven Scent there is a buzz in the air as each new season approaches. Back in September 2015 Heaven Scent started planning their Spring/Summer range.

Heaven Scent chose their beautiful fragrances carefully, taking advice from leading perfumers and seeking inspiration closer to home. “We always look at what is on trend in order to stay in touch with our customer’s expectations, but most of our scent success comes down to our own inspiration. This year we were very much aware of the trusty household favourite Hyacinth, maybe because we have many Hyacinth plants at home around Christmas, the heady smell gives the feeling of new beginnings once the Christmas celebrations are over,” mentions Daniel Pettitt owner of Heaven Scent. So they have chosen this fragrance as their Scent of the Season. Visit them at the NEC Spring Fair Hall 20 stand C19 to sample their delights.

Tel: 01225 868788 Email: contact@heavenscent.co.uk

Giftware Association members offer Spring Fair gifts, discounts Portmeirion Group launches two and free carriage paid via new collections to mark H.M. Queen lifestyle app Elizabeth’s 90th birthday Giftware Association members exhibiting at Spring Fair are presenting retailer members and subscribers with a variety of great offers at the show – ranging from free gifts with orders over a certain value to product discounts and free carriage paid.

What’s more, these can be accessed via smartphones and tablets through The GA’s new Lifestyle app, which is free to download from the association’s own website, as well as the Apple App store and Google Play. It will soon be available on the Spring Fair website also.

There’s been a positive response from Spring Fair suppliers signing up to preview their ranges on the app. They include Black Ginger (Hall 7, Stand E31); Burgon & Ball (Hall 6, Stand H22); Dodo Pad (Hall 3, Stand 3X11); Inis (Hall 8, Stand C16); Ladycrow Silk (Hall 20, Stand B43); Panopoly (Hall 5, Stand BB65); Parlane (Hall 8, Stand C10-D09); Ravensden (Hall 5, Stand F04-G03); Two Little Boys (Hall 3, Stand T33), and Two’s Company By Mulhouse (Halls 6 & 7, Stand 7C18-D19).

New look for Widdop Bingham 2016 will see the launch of a fresh, new look at Widdop Bingham with some important changes. The company’s trading name will change to Widdop & Co and will be accompanied with new branding to cement the changes. The exciting re-brand which incorporates the trademark “Widdop” blue as well as the date the company was established, will be unveiled at the Spring Fair with a celebratory breakfast from 8am on the Sunday morning. Helping us to celebrate our launch on Sunday morning, will be Louise Young, Divisional Director for i2i events, organisers of the Spring Fair.

The aim of the new branding is to portray a clear, simple and coherent message across all content. The timing has been designed to coincide with the launch of several, major, state of the art projects during 2016. The date the company was established is included in the logo, a significant reference to the company’s rich heritage.

Since the launch of the current logo the business has changed beyond recognition as well as experiencing continuous growth. The business of 2016 looks very different and hence the change in look and branding reflecting the company of today and symbolizing a healthy and vibrant future.

The company’s registered name will remain Widdop Bingham & Co Ltd. At 133 years, Widdop Bingham is one of the oldest giftware companies in the business. The company is still owned and directed by the great grand-children of William Widdop, the original founder back in 1883.

Web: www.widdop.co.uk 12 gifts today

Celebrating the 90th birthday of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II, Portmeirion Group has launched a Royal Worcester and a Spode collection in honour of Great Britain’s longest reigning monarch.

Renowned worldwide for its prestigious collection and commemorative pieces, Royal Worcester is unveiling a new, fine bone china collection to celebrate H.M. Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday.

The range includes a coupe plate, tankard, trinket box and mug.

Spode is also delighted to announce new collectable pieces to the Blue Room collection to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday.

In celebration of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday, Spode has designed a beautiful Blue Room dresser plate and mug. With a finely detailed border and the Royal Arms in Spode’s instantly recognisable and sophisticated deep cobalt blue, these pieces are presented in a specially design gift box and accompanied with a certificate of authenticity, making Spode’s dresser plate and mug the perfect collectable.

Made from the highest quality earthenware, the range is crafted at Portmeirion Group’s factory in Stoke-on-Trent, England.

New Era for Lolita as the fun glassware brand joins Enesco The Lolita glassware brand, known and loved for its artistic, festive and fun designs has joined the Enesco family. The exciting new collaboration will see fresh designs for the hand-painted glassware collection famed for its mouth-watering cocktail recipes on the bottom of each wine glass.

Coming up for 2016 are fourteen new designs in Lolita’s trademark informal and upbeat art style, creating glasses that are perfect as gifts for diverse occasions from birthdays to weddings and for expressing sentiments of love and friendship. Highlights include the Tipsy Birthday wine glass, decorated with images of celebratory cakes matched with a green and black striped stem, and the Sweet Dreams wine glass festooned with pink hearts and swirls.

The new designs join Lolita best-sellers such as the Shopaholic 3 wine glass with its gaily painted motifs of handbags and shoes adorned with sparkling jewels, as well as the Mummy’s Time Out design. Beer glasses decorated with witty concepts such as the 19th Hole, also remain in the range, and these, as are all designs, are packaged in Lolita branded gift boxes.

Raising the new ‘Cheers’ wine glass in celebration of the new era, Enesco is delighted to welcome Lolita to its unique family of brands.

Web: www.enesco.co.uk

Spring Fair: 7th-11th February 2016 Hall 4 Stand E71

www.straitstrading.com Tel: 01254 300260

Email: sales@straitstrading.com

Same great location!

Hall 5, Stand C30/D31 Rose & Co.- No.84

Silver & Gold Crackle Elephant

Sweet Pea Glass

Zany Zoo Animals

Equilibrium Cool Tone Necklaces

Star Wars

Equilibrium Scarlet Poppy

Equilibrium Folding Hand Bags

Script Wedding Albums

Leonardo Money Pot

Greatt Service G S i • Great G t Products P d t • Great G t Prices Pi

Same great location!

Hall 5, Stand C30/D31 Crystal Orbit Wind Spinners

Are you buying from Joe Davies?

Equilibrium Warm Tone Bracelets

Dog Lover Gifts

Over 2000 brand new gifts 9000+ lines to choose from Only £100 minimum order ‘Little & Often’ Ordering System em FREE next day delivery Award winning customer service vicce

Emoji Fun Progressive Gifts Greats Awards 2015

13 times winners

Best Service to the Independent Retailer

Magical Unicorns

New England Frame Plaques

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 h ‘Little i l & Of Often’’ giftware if supplier

exhibition news

Make sure you’re registered for Toy Fair

New faces at Giving & Living Giving & Living opened on Sunday 17th January, and amongst the many familiar faces at the show, such as Puckator, Jane Adams Ceramics, Talbot Fashions, Dunoon, Bomb Cosmetics and Arora Design there were more than 60 companies who were brand new to the show.

For the first time you could see the range of leisure goods from Wilton Bradley, the gift, trend and joke articles from Out of the Blue, the handmade lampwork bead jewellery from Beach Art Glass, traditionally woven Turkish hamam towels from Ailera, unique children’s dolls, toys and bags from Cole, the cards & gifts from Sarah Kelleher, the beautiful range of light-glass and candle products by Plaristo UK, and the decorative homewares, scented gifts, nightwear and swimwear from Powell Craft. That’s just a few of the new faces who were at the show, there were dozens more to meet!

Giving & Living 2017 takes place at the Westpoint Exhibition Centre, Exeter, and runs from Sunday 15th January to Tuesday 17th January.

For more information about the show or to register & print your free badge, please visit www.givingliving.co.uk, or call 01934 733456.

Toy Fair, the only dedicated toy, game and hobby trade exhibition in the UK, returns to West London’s Olympia on 24-26 January 2016. The three day event, organised by the British Toy and Hobby Association is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to discover hundreds of exciting and original toys, games, gifts and hobby products from established manufacturers and smaller companies.

The show will once again occupy the entire upper and lower sections of the Grand and West Halls. More than 260 exhibitors will be launching thousands of products set to hit the shelves throughout 2016.

In addition to new, established and returning exhibitors, Toy Fair’s Greenhouse Area will house brand new up-and-coming start-ups and innovative companies. More than 40 exhibitors will showcase their brand new products and concepts.

A key feature at Toy Fair 2016 will be Toy Fair TV. Hosted by TV presenters Anna Williamson and Gavin Inskip, broadcast across 24 screens, Toy Fair TV gives visitors the opportunity to see more of the show floor.

Toy Fair TV will also broadcast the return of the Demo Zone. Hosted in the onsite Toy Fair TV studio, exhibitors will be given the chance to demonstrate their products to Anna, Gavin and the Demo Zone children.

DATE: 24-26 January 2016 VENUE: Olympia. West London WEB: www.toyfar.co.uk VISITOR REGISTRATION: www.toyfair.co.uk

Hall 5, Stand C30/D31

Joe Davies in partnership with Rose & Co® in the UK

VISIT US AT THE SPRING FAIR

Joe Davies Limited, 149 Broadstone Rd, Reddish, Stockport SK5 7GA Tel: 0161 975 6300 Fax: 0161 975 6301 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk joedaviesgiftware 16 gifts today

British Craft Trade Fair

British Craft Trade Fair 10th - 12th April 2016 Great Yorkshire Showground Harrogate, HG2 8QZ, UK

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we’ve got giftware all wrapped up

Come and join us at…

29th January–2nd February Christmasworld, Frankfurt, Germany, EF: Hall 9.1 Stand C78–Enesco Ltd Hall 9.1 Stand C71

12th–16th February Ambiente, Frankfurt, Germany, Hall 9.1 Stand C71

SUMMER HOUSE

7th–11th February International Spring Fair, NEC,Birmingham, Hall 4

Official Licensed Product

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Santoro. Santoro® & Gorjuss™ are trademarks of Santoro.

licensing news

Exciting collaboration There is an exciting collaboration to announce between Puckator and Aardman Animations.

Having attended the Licensing Expo in Las Vegas and the Brand Licensing Europe Show in London, Puckator is very pleased to be expanding its catalogue of officially licensed giftware products. Later this year, there will be brand new Solar Pal characters of Shaun the Sheep and Wallace & Gromit.

Tel: 0800 011 6969 Email: customerservices@puckator.co.uk Web: www.puckator.co.uk

Cartamundi scores with Shuffle Subbuteo card game Cartamundi, one of the world’s market leaders in playing cards and card games, has announced the launch of the Shuffle Subbuteo card game, licensed by Hasbro. It’s a brand new version of the classic Hasbro game in card format. It’s also part of the groundbreaking Shuffle range.

Like the table-top game, Shuffle Subbuteo card game allows you to pass, tackle and beat the goalie (or try to save the ball). But this clever card-matching game is also about timing your moves, choosing your tactics and outwitting your opponents.

Aimed at two players aged six and above who choose to play for either the red or the blue team, the game comes with easy-to-understand instructions and (of course) the popular Shuffle digital extra. The free Shuffle Subbuteo app (available through Apple iOS and Android) adds a digital twist, with a scoreboard timer and stadium sounds that bring the game to life.

The Shuffle Subbuteo card game is available for delivery to toyshops, gift shops and supermarkets from January 2016.

Priced at £6.99, the new game is expected to be a big favourite with families, kids and football fans, and its durable, robust packaging means they can take it on holiday, on transport and even to the match for half-time entertainment.

Trudi Bishop, Head of Marketing and Licensing, Cartamundi Group, says: “Shuffle Subbuteo is a great way for football fans of all ages to enjoy their favourite sport in a go-anywhere, play-anywhere format — and the app is a real crowd-pleaser too!”

Tel: 01268 511522 Email: retail@cartamundi.co.uk

GA news

Spring Fair seminars: Giftware Association vicechairman will tell independent retailers how to stay competitive The Giftware Association’s vice-chairman, Henri Davis, will hold a series of half-hour seminars at Scotland’s Trade Fair and Spring Fair where independent retailers can find out how to use economic, business and product trend information to grow their businesses. They will cover retailing on the high street and online.

Says retail advisor Henri: “These days, it’s more important than ever for retailers to stay competitive. I’ll be looking at how they can do that by interpreting social, design, economic and local business trends to make sure that they’re equipped to offer their customers what they want.”

The seminars at Scotland’s Trade Fair will take place at the SECC in Glasgow on Sunday, January 24 and Monday, January 25. Those at Spring Fair will be held daily throughout the show at the NEC, Birmingham, with the first on Sunday, February 7 at 11.15am, followed by those on Monday (11.10am); Tuesday (11.10am and 13.50pm); Wednesday (11.30am), and Thursday (11.30am). Please check the Spring Fair website nearer the show for confirmation of starting times and locations.

20 gifts today

Cath Kidston to present The Giftware Association’s Gift of the Year Awards The iconic designer Cath Kidston has agreed to become The GA’s new ambassador and so will present The Giftware Association’s 2016 Gift of the Year Awards at Spring Fair at the close of the opening day of the show on Sunday, February 7.

She is world famous for her polka dot and floral designs and, until recently, acted as creative director for Cath Kidston Ltd. Sarah Ward, chief executive of the association, said: “This is a terrific coup. Cath is revered in the gift and home industry and her involvement with Gift of the Year is testament to the esteem in which the industry’s most prestigious competition is held.

“We are delighted that she wants to become a part of the great community that is The GA. Her presence will give great encouragement to all those who take part in Gift of the Year, irrespective of whether they are successful or not.”

There has been a notable increase in Home Accessories, Card and Wrap and Branded/Character entries for the 2016 competition.

The Kids and Under £10 categories have continued to attract heavy supplier support, while the Hot Novelty and Festive and Seasonal categories are also more popular than in previous years.

Cath Kidston will present the awards on the Trends Catwalk in Hall 20. The winning and highly commended products can then be viewed on The GA’s stand in Hall 5, F84-G89, throughout the show.

Spring Fair NEW LOCATION

HALL 4 STAND G10-J11

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0161 688 1226 | sales@widdop.co.uk | www.widdop.co.uk Widdop and Co, Broadgate, Broadway Business Park, Chadderton, Oldham, OL9 9XE

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Special - Brian Wiseman of Present Company

n a m e s i W Brian s e m o r c i l e a F w g n i r p S r e anoth

Brian Wiseman

B

lack Friday seems a long time ago now. It threatens to introduce jargon all of its own, inflicted upon a public who are beginning to show signs of severe marketing fatigue. My favourite bit of Black Friday nonsense, found at the Burgess Hill branch of Argos read, “BLACK FRIDAY – MUST END TUESDAY!” Two years ago we relocated Present Company and took a spacious, light and airy first floor unit in The Market Place.

We set a modest target for sales and quickly achieved double. Of course, our primary aim was to establish an internet business. Which does not require a prime location. We have, not surprisingly, slashed our overhead costs by a very substantial margin.

We do not pretend that our new premises are as conveniently located as the previous street level. Indeed, we rather suspect that many towns around the country are no longer able to support specialist home and gift shops such as ours. So we were delighted that our move was overwhelmingly welcomed 22 gifts today

Internet retailing continues to fascinate the media as it has for almost twenty years. Starting with the wrecking of the traditional book trade, the relentless march of ecommerce continues, flattening all in its path.

I hear very mixed results in the home and gift trade ranging from astounding success to despair

by customers pleased to see that we had stayed in the town centre, one of the last specialist independent shops in our failing town.

The conventional wisdom has it that it is the young who are rude and boorish while the elderly retain the courtesy and gentle charm of a bygone age. We find the kids are delightful, almost without exception.

But there is a small minority of the elderly who are abrasive and tiresome. For those, their opening gambit is always the same, word for word, “You’re a bit tucked away up here.” What makes it so sinister is that there is obviously a clandestine cell of Age Concern or whoever training these special agents to wind us up. Because this simple phrase is not a jolly greeting. It is the sternest of rebukes. How dare we move after twenty years? Some have branded us fools. The sad reality, we have concluded, is that they are angry and embittered in a world that makes them feel excluded and technologically impotent. So they take it out on us. Nothing we say placates them or soothes them. Sad really.

Our friend Martin used to own and run the wonderful Bright Ideas gift shop in Lewes. He particularly disliked aggressive and rude customers, often asking, “Are you sure that you are in the right frame of mind today for shopping?”

Internet retailing continues to fascinate the media as it has for almost twenty years. Starting with the wrecking of the traditional book trade, the relentless march of e-commerce continues, flattening all in its path. I hear very mixed results in the home and gift trade ranging from astounding success to despair. We enjoyed dinner with friends from the trade in India recently. One friend is part of an enormously successful ecommerce business selling furniture, textiles and accessories; a brilliantly successful business built on sophisticated marketing. The next friend presides over a massively profitable import wholesale business. Yet another friend has found very considerable reward in selling furniture very cheaply on marketplace

websites. And finally, towards the bottom of the food chain, was us. The lesson is a subtle one in the complex markets of modern Britain; identical products are worth very different prices when presented in different sectors to consumers with different values.

Spring fair is coming round again at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre 7 - 11 February and features some 3,000 exhibitors. The event is astounding in its sheer size, diversity and the excellence of its immaculate presentation and organisation. I have visited every single one since 1988.

You may reasonably expect that large buyers gravitate towards the large stands of large suppliers. And conversely that independents would find suitable supply partners on the bijou stands of small specialists. It ain’t necessarily so. Choosing suppliers is a tricky business. For those of you new to trade shows, ask them about their policies before ordering. Does your prospective supplier already do business with your competitors? Will he give you any exclusivity in your area? Does he prohibit you from selling on your website while taking thousands of orders on his own site, competing with you for your own customers? Does he hold stocks or must you wait for him to add up his orders before ordering from his Asian factory?

Do you share values, especially if your business has ethical requirements?

Don’t be rushed into placing orders and consider ordering when you return home if you want to sleep on it! It’s your stock and it’s your business.

See you at Spring Fair!

Brian Wiseman has owned home and gift shop Present Company in Burgess Hill, West Sussex for 28 years. Brian’s wife Louise is buyer. She has given notice that she, “Will deck the next miserable old git that that says we are ‘tucked away’”. brian_presentco@yahoo.co.uk

Juli&Dodsworth 速

New Season - Home and Craft Style and Fashion

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National Gallery

On track with international licensing programme With 19 new licensees on board in just 15 months, the National Gallery Company is on track to build and sustain its long term international licensing programme.

S

ince re-launching its licensing activities with independent agency JELC in 2014, leading manufacturers in many core categories have already joined the programme. The opportunities are endless; creating unique items across a wide spectrum of categories, with stunning imagery of the most wellknown paintings in the world.

First to sign in 2014 was needlecraft specialist DMC Creative World. Starting in the UK with 6 designs it very quickly became apparent that the adaptation of some of the world’s most wellknown paintings into intricate cross stitch kits would greatly exceed sales forecasts. Year 1 saw the launch range include Claude Monet’s The Beach at Trouville and Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers. Due to the phenomenal success, 2016 will see an expansion of the range with 6 additional stich kits including JMW Turner’s The Fighting Temeraire and Renoir’s The Umbrellas, as well as a new range of bookmarks

Ranges in development this year include: • Scoop Designs producing a range of composite food and beverage gifts, an extension of the National Gallery Company’s successful Delicious Art™ food and drink sub-brand • Amber House expanding the toiletries range with hand washes, hand creams and soaps, an untapped category in the Gallery sector • Innov8 launching a range of covers and cases for mobile phones, tablets, e-readers and MP3 players • Dutch Licensee &Klevering will be expanding their existing range of National Gallery melamine plates and unique art pendant necklaces. and tapestry kits. There will also be an expansion into additional international markets through DMC local divisions including: • Australasia • China • Korea • Russia • USA • South Africa • Japan

National Gallery stitch kits are now DMC’s top-selling licensed products.

More recent sign ups to the licensing programme include Fulton Umbrellas, joining as an existing supplier of the National Gallery Company and Distinkt Cards producing beautifully designed high end stationery.

For further information please contact JELC Ltd on the below:

Tel: 01225 819030 Email: janet@jelc.co.uk

National Gallery Licensees exhibiting at this year’s International Spring Fair, NEC Birmingham, 7-11 February 2016 include: • Portfolio, launching the new National Gallery greetings card range of traditional fine art and a series of more contemporary designs and finishes.

H3 Q08 • Ravensburger, jigsaw puzzles. H5 J06 • Fox and Chave, scarves and ties. H6 S27 • Danilo, calendars and diaries. H3 M16 • Paul Bristow Associates, kitchen textiles and bags. H20 A40 • Ambiente, napkins. H3 K01 • My Gifts Trade, ceramics and gifts. H6 G44 • SEB, boxed linen prints H5 G02-H03 • Devancer, iBeanis. H6 S57 24 gifts today

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Cards & GIFTS

At Thorntons we know that chocolate is the perfect gift for any occasion! If you run a Card and Gift shop, our delicious chocolate adds an extra special touch to all your gifts, at every season.

We want to make sure we give you the best possible options to enhance your in-store gifting opportunities – which is where “Thorntons …in your store” comes in!

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the full range of passionately crafted Thorntons chocolates olates in duct ranges in store. beautiful packaging, that will compliment all your product For 3 years we’ve been proud to roll out our successful ‘new ew concept stores’ that feature new furnishings and elaborate finishes, all lit up with state of the art lighting that truly showcases the fantastic range we offer. We know these finishing touches will make all the difference in your store(s)!

Come and see us for a chat and a chocolate (or two)! Next xt to the entrance, Hall 3 stand M01

Retail Interview

Seasonally focussed at Birchgrove Birchgrove Garden Centre is set within the heart of Spalding, Lincolnshire, and is a family run business where visitors are always guaranteed a warm welcome. Having first opened their doors in 1972, quite a bit has changed over the years. Here Penny Franks had the pleasure to question George Slinger, the chairman to find out a bit more.

Can you give us a little history behind Birchgroves?

Established in 1972 Birchgrove was bought by the Slinger family in 1988.

Myself, Christine and Simon Slinger have run the site since then with the help of the General Manager Alan Davey who has been with Birchgrove some 38 years, the development of the seven acre site has been on going ever since.

You operate across seven acres, what does this contain?

On site we have a garden Shop, nursery department, plant sales area, pet shop, equine centre and an aquatics department, restaurant, mower centre, gift shop, book shop, clothes shop and a sweet shop.

Birchgrove is also the home of the Spalding Flower Bulb Museum.

How much space is dedicated to gifts?

It depends a lot on the time of year but with cards, books, collector gifts, gardeners’ gifts, puzzles and cards we 28 gifts today

use some 3,500 sq. ft. for this.

How many staff do you currently employ?

We employ 17 full and part-time staff.

Do you have a particular product category that performs exceptionally well for you?

We are a traditional garden centre so we pride ourselves in being able to supply our faithful customers with what they need at any given time of the year. We have expanded our range as most garden centre’s have had to do over the years, but some years ago we had a visit from the MD of one of our suppliers who said he had been to look around five garden centre’s that day and Birchgrove was the first proper garden centre he had seen. So I guess we must be doing something right in the name of garden centres!

How many customers would you say you experience in a year?

Passing through in all departments, including the restaurant and the Bulb Museum we attract in excess of

We are a traditional garden centre so we pride ourselves in being able to supply our faithful 200,000 visitors per year.

You’ve just finished your Christmas trading period - how far in advance do you plan for this?

I have just received my Premier Decoration catalogue - the first of many no doubt. We will begin to look at what is being offered this year as soon as possible and things will progress from there.

How long does it take you to set up your Christmas displays?

We begin our Christmas set up the first week in October and try to be

ready for first week in November but we do not bring Santa in until the first week in December.

Where do you source your gifting product ranges from?

Enesco for Lilliput Lane and other collectable products. We also stock the Me To You products. We get our puzzles from both Ravensburger and Gibsons and our bargain books from Chris’s Books.

How do you keep ahead of consumer trends that emerge throughout the year?

customers with what they need at any given time of the year With difficulty but we seem to manage. Of course we also read Gifts Today magazine, which we find incredibly helpful.

You hold several special collectors events throughout the year, can you tell us a little more about this?

We used to have three events per year, the Piggin weekend, The Me To You Bank Holiday Special but now we are down to just The lilliput Lane day, a very special Saturday in June when Rozanne Robb comes along with her paint brushes and personalises the product. We send out some 1,800 invitations to members of the collectors club and our own contacts and a very busy few hours and a great deal of sales are achieved that day.

How important is your website to your business?

Our website will become more and more important and our plans for the internet sales development at Birchgrove is being discussed with the team right now.

Do you run any social media activity throughout the year?

We are active on all social media sites all year round.

Which trade shows do you attend and how important are these to you?

Not as many as perhaps we should. I am really trying to get to the Spring Fair but a Spanish holiday is in the offing and I fear the dates may clash. I cannot decide which option to take.

Finally, can we expect to see any further expansion plans in the future?

There is so much potential here at Birchgrove. The town of Spalding is expanding, new homes are being built by the thousands in the next five years, unemployment is almost nil and jobs are coming on stream all the time. We are open to suggestions and have the finance in place for any viable project that may come along.

gifts today 29

Price’s Candles

A breath of fresh air Price’s Candles, the candle of choice and makers of the best-selling Fresh Air range of odour eliminators, highlights to readers the sales potential of air care products.

£

350,000,000. This was the value of the UK’s aircare market in 2013.

From candles to reeds and aerosols to gels, we spend more in the UK on freshening our homes than anywhere else in Europe so it seems strange that we don’t talk about this category more often. Perhaps it’s not considered as attractive as other gift products or maybe it’s seen as a sector belonging only to the supermarkets but neither of these assumptions are true.

The aircare market in the UK is booming and it’s being driven in particular by candles. Candles are over 9% up on the previous year and we have seen those levels of growth on a consistent basis. Year in, year out, candles are the strongest growing category and are now the second largest type of air freshener used within the home. With such a cross-over product, it’s not hard to 30 gifts today

75% of candle shoppers are keen on maintaining a clean home and using fresh fragrances as a part of that. More than half of those surveyed list cooking odours as a real problem in keeping their homes smelling great. 86% of buyers also want a product that is able to eliminate strong odours see why. Candles are a go-to line of all retailers; garden centres, gift shops, department, and hardware stores and so there’s greater scope than there would be with, for example, the plugins and gels.

With such impressive figures as £70m per annum being spent on air freshening candles, you would be

left thinking you could use anything to convince your customers they should buy your products over your competitors. Not so according to a recent Mintel report which shares some statistics with you: 75% of candle shoppers are keen on maintaining a clean home and using fresh fragrances as a part of that. More

Price’s began marketing the Fresh Air range of odour eliminating candles over 15 years ago and we have since become one of the most recognisable brands in the industry for it than half of those surveyed list cooking odours as a real problem in keeping their homes smelling great. 86% of buyers also want a product that is able to eliminate strong odours.

But for all of this positivity, more than half of consumers need convincing that air fresheners do in fact get rid of odours. This points to a great deal of under-performing products and lack of trust in the marketplace.

So, how do you choose the right products to sell to make sure you’re at the top of the market? Well, at Price’s Candles, candle manufacturers of choice to Her Majesty the Queen, they believe that you can have just that product.

Price’s began marketing the Fresh Air range of odour eliminating candles over 15 years ago and we have since become one of the most recognisable brands in the industry for it. Laurence Whiting, national sales manager told us: “As Price’s have been manufacturing and selling candles to the whole retail sector for over 185 years, we have been perfectly placed to produce a range of products that combines fashionable and aesthetical desirability with utility.

“Our core range of odour eliminators consists of four key fragrances and ‘jobs’ for the home. These, Chef’s for the kitchen, Anti Tobacco for the smoker, Household for the pet owner and Open Window for the general living room space, fill the need of the vast majority of customers. However, all of this would be useless if the product didn’t work.”

Whilst the vast majority of air fresheners only aim to mask the unwanted odours, Price’s products employ intelligent Odourfoyl technology

to eliminate them altogether. Odourfoyl, exclusive to Price’s in both candles and diffusers, is a combination of ingredients coming together to change the malodours at the molecular level.

Each product has been finely tuned to

have the maximum effect on a specific group of malodours.

Having sorted out the science, Price’s also set about creating a product fit for sale anywhere in the market. “We really wanted to create a product that had

Did you know?

• Price’s Candles was the first company in England to create a workers village complete with schools and churches. This model village was an inspiration to other employers and was copied at Lever’s Port Sunlight factory adjacent to Bromborough in the 1880’s and by Cadbury’s Bourneville village in the 1890’s.

• Price’s Battersea site was once sketched by the famous artist James Whistler! gifts today 31

Price’s Candles

a broad appeal, both with a practical purpose but also to be seen as an attractive, emotive purchase, much like a typical fragranced candle. As a result, our packaging has a real retro and timeless quality to it meaning it fits the purpose of either self-purchase or gifting for friends and family,” said Laurence.

With the desires for creating a fresh home and for a product the consumer can feel confident to display both satisfied, the other check points for success have been to create new products to stimulate interest and, importantly, maintain competitive and compelling price points. By introducing limited editions such as Mulled Wine and Warm Mandarin during Christmas and newly launched Violet Garden and Brazilian Mango for Spring/Summer 2016, it enables you, their customers to create a stir around the whole range and with recommended retail prices starting from just £3.50 there’s real

By introducing limited editions such as Mulled Wine and Warm Mandarin during Christmas and newly launched Violet Garden and Brazilian Mango for

Did you know?

• Price’s were the first to introduce

Spring/Summer 2016, it enables you, our

modern production methods to an industry

customers to create a stir around the

that had consisted of small, local workshops;

whole range and with recommended retail

continuous production plant and new ranges

prices starting from just £3.50 there’s real

of candle products swept away the sleepy

affordability to maintain a high level of

world of wax chandlers and their apprentices

repeat purchase

controlled by ancient City Livery Companies.

affordability to maintain a high level of repeat purchase.

Ultimately though, the proof remains in the pudding. Laurence stated: “We are so sure of the success of the product both for increasing sales and for its effectiveness that we always invite our customers to try for

themselves. By trialling at home, you can be sure of what you’re selling to your customers rather than simply believing all you read!”

Price’s are again exhibiting at Spring Fair, Birmingham and they invite you to come along and receive a free Chef’s tin in order to try for yourself.

Hall 4, stand E80 – F81.

Tel: 01234 264521 Web: www.prices-candles.co.uk 32 gifts today

• Price’s motor oil was used in 1902 in an attempt by the explorer Shackleton to drive to the South Pole

• Price’s candles were taken on expeditions to the Antarctic, evidence can be found on Google Earth where Price’s Candles still remain in Shackleton’s Cabin to this day

ScentChips

Hall 4 Stand H64

The Sweet Smell of Success

I

n 1987 David Foss established Triple S Supplies & Agencies as a traditional wholesaler supplying Fancy Goods to the Independent Retail Trade throughout Scotland. Gradually the business moved into Giftware and in 2013 returning, with his daughter Lucinda Kerr, from a buying trip to the Netherlands they came across the ScentChips Brand at Schipol Airport. Realising the potential of the Brand in the UK, they contacted the European Distributors, the Verhagen Group from Zaltbommel and persuaded them to allow Triple S to become firstly, Scottish and then Sole UK distributors, launching the range at Scotland Trade Fair Spring in February 2014 and then at Home & Gift in July the same year.

Despite the poor economical climate at the time the product was well received and distribution spread from Scotland throughout the North of England.

NEC Spring Fair 2015 was the major launch pad for the complete ScentChips range which includes ScentChips, ScentBurners, ScentOils and ScentPearls, which were well received by both retailers and consumers.

During 2015, with an extended sales team, the distribution of ScentChips has increased throughout the UK, from around 75 outlets in Autumn 2014 to over 300 at the end of 2015.

These include Holland & Barret, with over 120 outlets stocking ScentChips, Independent Yankee Candle Outlets, Garden Centres and Gift Shops.

Currently Edinburgh Woolen Mills have started a trial in their 2 leading outlets.

ScentChips and ScentBurners have become a demand product with consumers who are aware of them and repeat sales are very healthy.

In September 2015 they were approached by Ric Neill of Cushion Kingdom, Warrington, who had been dealing with ScentChips since Spring Fair. He wanted to open a ScentChips concept outlet in Golden Square

Shopping Centre. “When he outlined his plans we were delighted to be involved in this venture and since opening in October sales at retail have been well in excess of £50,000.” said David

Products ScentChips - Wax Melts available in 90 fragrances, the Pick + Mix concept of “Create Your Own Fragrance” offers consumers a fun and interactive shopping experience for all ages.

ScentBurners - A collection of affordable Traditional & Modern designs of Oil Warmer specially designed & manufactured to enhance the enjoyment of Wax Melts. The collection is made up of more than 100 design/ colour variations.

ScentOils & ScentLamps - Aromatic Oils for use in Catalytic Stone ScentLamps which actively cleanse and perfume the air, available in over 30 fragrances.

Gail & Andy Cruickshank, Arcadia Home Fragrance & Giftware Carlisle, Cumbria ScentChips are becoming a favourite with our customers. Sales were a little slow to start with but once customers tried ScentChips and discovered the quality and strength of fragrance they have been coming back for more and recommending them to friends.

They love the flexibility of being able to mix their own fragrances from the recipes or create their own individual fragrance.

We’ve had lots of positive comments and are confident that sales will continue to grow.

34 gifts today

ScentPearls - colourful fragranced pearls for use in an electric ScentPearls Warmer. The gentle heat generated by a low wattage bulb releases the fragrance and offers a warm ambient glow. With NO Naked Flame a safe, easy way to deliver fragrance to your home.

ScentDrives - Card Air Fresheners for the Home & Car, available in 8 fragrances.

New for 2016 is ScentCrush developed in Europe and exclusive to ScentChips, ScentCrush uses the same high quality fragrant wax as ScentChips, but supplied in a powder form which along with the Cedarwood Wick allows the user to create a High Quality scented candle. Available in 12 fragrances you can use a single fragrance or mix to create your own.

Simply place the Wick in a holder pour in the ScentCrush and light the wick for a beautiful fragrant experience.

Support There is a range of display stands to suit any size of store from 12 to the whole 90 fragrances, with a selection of POS to promote ScentChips to the retail consumer.

Triple S Supplies, who pride themselves on customer service, are with the support of the Verhagen Group, developing a stock and order system which will ensure that stock levels of all products should always be sufficiently high to ensure a speedy turn around on orders.

After 28 years of trading, ScentChips UK is providing Triple S Supplies with the “Sweet Smell of Success”. If you would like to be involved in their success contact David or Lucinda for more details.

Ric Neill, Boho Kingdom/Cushion Kingdom Warrington, Cheshire After visiting the NEC Spring fair in 2015 I had the great pleasure of meeting David & Lucinda and discussing with them the product, ScentChips.

From that informative talk I decided to go ahead and start with the basic collection. Very soon after I decided to extend the range and my business dramatically expanded to the extent I decided to take it to a wider audience and now operate from a busy shopping centre in Warrington, Cheshire.

The backup, service and knowledge from all the team at ScentChips is second to none.

I am now in the process of looking for a third site that would complement this fantastic range of products from ScentChips.

Tel: 01259 751009 Email: service.uk@ worldofScentChips.com

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SPRING FAIR

Refreshing Spring Fair Head to Spring Fair to find the UK’s largest presentation of general Gift products available in the year ahead.

S

ome 3,000 of the best British and international suppliers, including hundreds that are new to Spring Fair for 2016, will present up to 300,000 new products at the show across 14 categories: Body & Bath, Children’s Gifts, Toys & Gadgets, Contemporary Gift, Christmas Gifts, Floral & Seasonal Decorations, Fashion Jewellery, Accessories & Luggage, Volume Gift & Home, Greetings & Gift, Home, Gift, Retail Solutions, The Summerhouse, Kitchen, Dining & Housewares, Licensed Gifts and The Party Show.

As perhaps the largest retail event taking place in the UK buying calendar, each sector of Spring Fair forms a specialised show within a show, whilst also offering the best cross over buying opportunities available to the retail trade.

Not only is Spring Fair one of the prime new product sourcing opportunities for retailers, it also offers networking opportunities, cutting-edge trend insights and business content, whilst serving as the ideal export hub for overseas traders.

The show will host almost 430 exhibitors in the gifting sector in Halls 4 and 5. Over 60 exhibitors are new to Gift at Spring Fair, while 50 are joining the show from overseas.

Co-located with Gift in Hall 5 will be the complementary sector Children’s Gifts, Toys & Gadgets, offering fantastic cross over buying

opportunities to retailers.

Even more choice can be found from the Greetings & Gift presentation, located nearby in Hall 3, while an exclusive selection of high end gift and homewares can be found in The Summerhouse in Hall 8.

In Halls 6 and 7 the UK’s best presentation of Contemporary Gift will also help to ensure buyers can fulfil all their sourcing requirements for the year ahead from Spring Fair 2016.

Gift at Spring Fair will also encompass possibly the largest selection of home fragrance brands that can be found under one roof anywhere in the UK, a category that represents an important growth area for the sector. This reflects a general upswing at retail level as demand for home fragrance products soars amongst independent and multiple retailers, department stores and garden centres.

Visitors interested in the best new giftware can source from leading suppliers such as: Price’s Candles, Ashleigh & Burwood, Xystos, Puckator, Arora Design, Lesser & Pavey, Yankee Candle - launching its Millefiori brand to the trade at Spring Fair - Widdop Bingham, Enesco, Fallen Fruits, Joe Davies, Giftworks, The Straits Trading Co, Sifcon, and new companies for 2016 including: Art 2 Glass, Aljec, Trolley Bags UK and Royal Selangor Pewter.

International exhibitors in this sector include: Hellman-Versand GmbH, Gilde

Handwerk, Lladro, De Rosa (Global Luxury Brands), Bioworld Europe, Batela, Artesania Esteban Ferrer and Mayer Chess.

So what makes this such an important event for companies who exhibit? Laurence Whiting, national sales manager, Price’s Candles stated: “It is important for Price’s to attend Spring Fair to greet both existing and new customers at this,

the UK’s biggest gift trade show. It’s our opportunity to show off new and existing ranges and for customer to touch, feel and smell our products.”

There are so many exhibitors who feel that Spring Fair offers them a great opportunity to meet with existing and new customers. Puckator’s Mary Overmeer explains why it is such an important event to them as a company: “Spring Fair International is our busiest

Mary Overmeer Puckator

Why is it important that you attend Spring Fair?

Spring Fair is our busiest show of the year and it’s the perfect opportunity to showcase all the brand new products we’re launching for 2016. We also love catching up with our existing customers and having the opportunity to meet new ones. Spring Fair is a fantastic show for us!

Do you hold the same stand position each year?

After 25 years exhibiting in Hall 5 at Spring Fair, this year there have been some rearrangements and we will be moving to Hall 4 (Stand C10-D11). This has given us a chance to take on a much bigger space and we will be launching a new look stand more in line with our design led style of products. Make sure you come to see it and say hello!

How many new product lines will you be launching this year?

We introduce thousands of new design-led gifts, home accessories, novelties and souvenirs at Spring Fair. Some of the fantastic new ranges you can see include Enchanted Rainbows unicorn design, I Donut Care fast food design, Botanical Gardens and Pugs & Kisses. Other new collections include our Eden fragrance range which has jar candles, essential oils and wax melts which are all available with our bespoke packaging.

Why is it important that visitors attend this exhibition?

It’s really important for retailers to get a preview of the upcoming trends and new products in the giftware sector for 2016. It’s also a great opportunity to get orders in early and get stocked up on all the latest products available. gifts today 35

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show of the year and it’s the perfect opportunity to showcase all the brand new products we’re launching for 2016. We also love catching up with our existing customers and having the opportunity to meet new ones. Spring Fair is a fantastic show for us!”

Katie Finegan, sales and customer service manager, Caroline Gardner, feels that this is also a superb opportunity to meet overseas buyers: “Spring Fair is a great show for Caroline Gardner, it’s a chance for our customers to come along and see the new spring/summer products just launched. There is a high footfall of overseas buyers, so we get to see a lot of our accounts from around the world, it’s a superb opportunity to get together and look at the new products to come. It’s a great show to reach out to new and existing customers! With our new position we are excited to see

another successful Spring Fair show.”

Along with leading department stores, multiple retail chains supermarkets and independent gift retailers the exhibition offers the best new product sourcing opportunity for post offices, convenience stores and newsagents, garden centre gift shops, heritage sites and tourist attractions, interior designers and the many thousands of online retailers – large and small – who constitute the UK’s booming ecommerce sector.

Independent retailer Ewe and Me is an example of a retailer who wouldn’t miss Spring Fair. Janet Hartree told us: “Spring Fair is the most important buying opportunity of the year for Ewe and Me. Having attended for many years we are never disappointed at the selection and quality of goods to choose from. The timing of the show is perfect for sourcing new stock for

Katie Finegan Caroline Gardner

Why is Spring Fair important to you as a company?

Spring Fair is a great show for Caroline Gardner, it’s a great chance for our customers to come along and see the new spring/summer products just launched. There is a high footfall of oversea buyers, so we get to see a lot of our accounts from around the world, it’s a great opportunity to get together and look at the new products to come. It’s a great show to reach out to new and existing customers! With our new position we are excited to see another successful Spring Fair show.

How are you keeping up with emerging trends?

Caroline get’s inspiration from all around her, whether it’s catwalk trends, walking her dog Miller in Richmond Park or her love for interior design. Caroline is known for her use of scale in patterns and quirky colour palette that gives her products the innovative feel. Key trends featuring in the SS16 range are bright colours, gold and rose gold detailing, and simplistic, modern and clean patterns. Another key style is vintage nostalgia. With vintage continuing to be a successful trend, we see retro styles coming across in new and existing card ranges!

How many new product lines can visitors expect to find on your stand this year?

We have a fantastic selection of new product on display from Accessories to new cards and wrap. We have launched a new look of cards for Caroline Gardner; a lovely fresh range with dip dyed backgrounds, on-trend gold, rose gold and black foil text, with jolly and sentimental phrases, such as ‘I wouldn’t be me without you’. This range is a new style, arty, yet sophisticated, sure to brighten up displays. To sit alongside are two new ranges one called ‘Still life’ based on a series of sketches centred on lifestyle and a range of age cards called ‘Chevrons’ which have a retro feel, by the use of quirky colours and gorgeous silver, gold and rose gold finishes.

The gift sees a great update on the existing heart print, with luxury leather look products such as notebooks and pencil cases.

Lastly with the successful expansion into roll wrap from Caroline Gardner we also see some new lines to sit with our wrapping range.

Are you running any specific show-only offers?

We like to invite our customer’s to come along on Monday evening to join us for Prosecco on the stand. We like to make our customers feel welcome and enjoy the whole of Spring Fair and the buying experience of Caroline Gardner.

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Laurence Whititng, Price’s Candles

Why is it important that you attend Spring Fair?

It is important for Price’s to attend Spring Fair to greet both existing and new customers at this, the UK’s biggest gift trade show. It’s our opportunity to show off new and existing ranges and for customer to touch, feel and smell our products.

Do you hold the same stand position each year?

This year we have moved into Hall 4, Stand E80/F81 with a brand new look to the stand! We’re very excited and can’t wait to get there!

How many new product lines will you be launching this year?

This year we will have new products from our best selling Fresh Air range of odour eliminators as well as new fragranced jars and some other surprises too!

Why is it important that visitors attend this exhibition?

There’s lots of choice for trade fairs but, if you were to only pick one, it should be Spring Fair. It gives you the most complete view of the marketplace, what’s on offer from everyone and to see what’s new.

What about show only offers, how important are these to you and your customers?

Show only offers are important to us as it encourages customers to come and talk with us, something that can be difficult for them to do throughout the rest of the year. The offers are important for our customers as it’s a way of rewarding their efforts to come and see you. spring bringing a bright new freshness to the shops.

“We aim to put orders in for both immediate delivery and forward orders to be spread out over the coming months. We also order the bulk of our Christmas stock at this time.

“It’s a long journey down from the Highlands to the NEC but one we always look forward to in February.

Excited to be doing it again in 2016!”

Monitoring trends throughout the year has also confirmed that licensing is still big news in the home and gift markets, with licensed products selling well across all major categories, from children’s gifts and greetings cards to tabletop and housewares. A dedicated Licensing section of the Spring Fair website helps bring this important aspect of gifting to the fore, with countless hot properties to choose from including: Star Wars, The Great British Bake Off, Doctor Who, Katie Alice, Me to You and Minions.

Spring Fair Portfolio Director Nick Davison comments: “This is my first year at the helm of Spring Fair, having spent the past few years developing sister shows Autumn Fair and Glee, and I’m incredibly excited about the 2016 exhibition.

“Consultation with our customers revealed the need for certain modifications to the hall layout and access points to improve footfall, so we’ve implemented a raft of new changes to meet those requirements in 2016. I would like to thank everyone involved for their support of the show and helping to make our plans a reality, I am committed to delivering the best possible event for all our customers.

We’re all now looking forward to a great show, where everyone who attends will see some fantastic new products from both their existing and new suppliers.”

For more information and to get a free ticket go to the website:

www.springfair.com

VISIT US IN HALL 4 AT STAND E41

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Introducing ‘A Little Box of …’

Gaeltag Keltika Ltd Hall 4, Stand: D01

Gaeltag are excited to be presenting a brand new impulse gift line called ‘A Little Box of …’ at Spring Fair.

The product is a cute and clever set of individual mini gift boxes tailored to different occasions from Birthdays wishes to thank yous, to celebrating special relationships and friends.

Each box features different items – sentimental keepsakes, some sweet, some humorous, but all endearing, with a card to summarise the contents and the thought. Small, quirky and fun yet charming A Little Box of … makes a unique gift for any special moment.

It’s a neat idea with instant appeal and impact. Designed for countertop display, the individual boxes come ready merchandised in a mixed set contained in a bright and eye-catching display outer. The guiding thought behind the range is that you shouldn’t, and don’t need to spend a lot of money to put a smile on someone’s face, and let them know how much they are loved. That means a price point of under £5 so that any of these gift boxes are well within reach of pocket-money spending. Great for that someone you don’t know what to buy – perfect for the office, or as thank you teacher gifts.

Tel: 020 8998 1781 Email: sales@gaeltag.com Web: www.gaeltagkeltika.com

New Kenro ranges Hall 4, Stand: C45

Kenro will be unveiling a number of new designs at Spring Fair 2016 including new wood frame ranges, plastic frames, as well as designer photo albums featuring Baby and Travel themes.

Expected to steal the show is the popular new Bergamo Wooden Frame Series. Available in black, white and vintage grey finishes, these frames have already proved to be a hit. Available in single and multi-aperture formats up to 9 photos these stylish frames appeal to everyone.

The Kenro range has expanded substantially during recent years, and now includes a comprehensive range of silver plated, glass and wood frames along with high quality book bound wedding, lifestyle and classic photo albums.

As well as proving popular with high street and online retailers, the range is proving increasingly popular with personalised gifts companies, as an increasing number of products in the Kenro range have been designed to allow customer personalisation.

Web: www.kenro.co.uk 38 gifts today

Meet the Mr&Mrs Family (BT George) Heart of the Country Hall 4, Stand: C42-D43

After a record breaking first year in the UK, Heart of the Country look forward to introducing the buyers at Spring Fair to Mr&Mrs Fragrance. Mr&Mrs Fragrance is an Italian brand that effortlessly blend passion, technology, design and fragrance to produce an incredibly exciting home fragrance which has already shaken up the UK home fragrance market. Members of the family include George and Sissi, electronic diffusers which utilise Mr&Mrs Fragrance Capsules on Air. Niki and Cesare who cling on to your car airvent sharing their beautiful fragrances. Finally Ercole (Cesare’s brother) who hangs out in wardrobes keeping it fresh and moths at bay.

Tel: 01543 481612 Email: sales@heartofthecountryltd.co.uk Web: www.HeartoftheCountryLtd.co.uk

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New luxurious hand creams with Heyland & Whittle Hall 4, Stand: L31

Award-winning British soap and home fragrance brand Heyland & Whittle are delighted to announce the launch of their new luxurious Hand Creams. These rich and aromatic fine hand creams are delicately fragranced to nourish, soften and soothe the skin all year round and are the perfect handbag size for women.

There are three scents available; Neroli & Rose, Citrus & Lavender, and Greentea & Grapefruit. All of which are based around your mood or activity. Neroli & Rose is for those intensive moods, Citrus & Lavender is calming and Greentea & Grapefruit is for the avid gardener.

As you would expect with Heyland & Whittle products they are paraben and sulphate free and packed with vitamin E, rich shea butter, sunflower oil and beeswax to help protect and moisturise skin and nails. Packed in a 50ml tube it is a convenient size to take with you on the go and apply throughout the day as and when your hands need it.

Visit their stand L31 to try them out

Tel: 01293863606 Web: www.heylandandwhittle.co.uk

Air Puppy collection a firm favourite Rainbow Designs Hall 5, Stand: F06 – G07

Rainbow Designs are excited to be launching some fantastic new lines across their established ranges as well as bringing some fresh new collections to Spring Fair this year.

The cute and cuddly Air Puppy collection is certain to be a firm favourite at the show. The exquisitely soft Hedgerley Farm collection includes farmyard friends Perrow Pig, Bello Bunny and Scooty and Kuddles Duck. The long-legged Patch Puppy and Peachtail Lamb from the Burford Farm friends are also set to be a hit with retailers and Rainbow will also be previewing their brand new Air Puppy Nursery Collection.

One of the most exciting additions to Rainbow’s 2016 new Big Box range of products are the new large activity playmats that will feature in many of their nursery collections including the renowned Guess How Much I Love You. The activity playmats are suitable from birth and designed specifically to encourage babies’ early development skills. Also new to the Guess How Much I Love You Collection will be a set of beautifully Illustrated Stacking Blocks and the feature plush, Peekaboo Nutbrown Hare.

There will also be three new cute My First Collections launching in 2016. The gorgeous Paddington for Baby, The Snowman and The Snowdog My First Christmas and Miffy for Baby collections will feature a range of gifts for baby including ring rattles, comfort blankets, activity cubes and plush soft toys.

2016 is also the Centenary of Roald Dahl’s birth and in celebration Rainbow will launch a plush series featuring Matilda, The BFG and Willy Wonka as well as a feature Whizzpopping BFG.

Tel: 01329227300 Web: www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk 40 gifts today

Home of Sass & Belle RJB Stone Hall 7, Stand: E20-F21

Visit RJB Stone, the home of Sass & Belle at Spring Fair and discover a vast array of homeware and gifts. This spring RJB Stone introduce new ranges including the on-trend Parrot Paradise collection. The new collection features collaged vintage illustrations of parrots against a backdrop of lush palms. With its warm colourway, this timeless print has been adapted onto a new range of practical homeware items including iPad cases and picnic bags. You can also see the whole new Christmas 2016 collection!

Place your Christmas pre-order at the show and enjoy a 10% discount for orders over £500.

Tel: 02073460100 Web: www.rjbstone.com

Gifts that hit the right note

Spring Fair NEC Hall 5 Stand A53

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Light up with Smiling Faces Hall 5, Stand: B41

New from the British-designed and fast-selling Up In Lights range from Smiling Faces are giant letters.

Standing 32 cm high, they are perfect for home décor and events. Also available will be new standard and giant numbers from 0-9 and 18 and 21 birthday combinations. Other additions to the range include glittery white and gold stars as well as a matt white version. The contemporary, high quality, LED-lit characters can be wall-mounted or freestanding. All Up In Lights products conform to the appropriate safety standards, including children’s lighting regulations. Call for more details or to request a trade log-in.

Tel: 01444 882323 Email: sales@smilingfaces.co.uk Web: www.smilingfaces.co.uk

St Eval Candle Company launches new collections Hall 5, Stand: T12

St Eval Candle Company introduces new ranges and fragrances at the first trade fairs of the season. The Potting Shed collection is a range of silver pots embossed with the smart St Eval logo and copper buckets, both in two sizes for indoor and outdoor use. There are four fragrances; Lavender, Citronella, Fig Leaf and the return of our popular Tomato & Basil. ‘The Roseland Collection’ is very feminine. White enamel fluted edge pots in both small and medium with delicately painted tops are available in a wide range of fragrances including Sea Salt and a brand new fragrance, the pretty summery tones of Tuberose.

St Eval’s candles are made in their factory in Cornwall. The candles are all hand poured with colour right through to the wick. Hand pouring is all done by eye to build up the layers of the candle and is highly skilled. Using the highest quality materials, St Eval candles ensure an even, long burn and clean flame.

Tel: 01841540850 Web: www.stevalcandlecompany.co.uk

It’s all in the detail Eliza Gracious Hall 19, Stand: C15

Eliza Gracious are launching beautiful new jewellery with fine chain detailing and an expanded freshwater pearl selection, including combining pearl with leather. They focus on attractive designs with competitive pricing, allowing for great margins. Try their Eliza Gracious gift packaging and display stands, which they know can help create sales. As experienced retailers, they understand it’s hard to buy exactly what you need when faced with large minimum orders so don’t have a minimum order value at shows. Benefit from free branded packaging for orders over £200 and free delivery over £300. All stock items are delivered within two working days.

Tel: 07767 785822 www.elizagracious.com 42 gifts today

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Hall 9, Stand E30-F31

Time to visit Portmeirion Group In 2016 Portmeirion celebrates the 10th anniversary of the multi-award winning Sophie Conran for Portmeirion range.

With its signature hand-thrown style, this porcelain collection has become one of Portmeirion’s most acclaimed and bestselling ranges. The collection is stunningly beautiful and brilliantly practical with its freezer-to-ovento-table status. Portmeirion showcases a fabulous anniversary collection of mugs, a delightful melamine collection featuring the signature rippled bodies that are so adored and a variety of new line extensions.

Portmeirion will also showcase exciting new designs. Re-working one of Sanderson’s most loved designs, the Sanderson for Portmeirion Dandelion Clocks tableware collection features a fresh palette of sky blue against beautiful white porcelain. Enchanted Tree features a stunning and intricate hand drawn design that is full of life and a joy to use every day, whilst Vintage Kellogg’s Sunrise will inject retro style into any home.

Finally, some inspired line extensions will build on some of Portmeirion’s popular collections from Botanic Garden to Ted Baker Portmeirion.

Spode is looking forward to its celebrations in 2016 as the brand marks the 200th anniversary of one of its most iconic designs, Blue Italian.

Featuring a finely detailed 18th Century, Imari Oriental border encompassing a serene Italian countryside scene, Blue Italian has an endearing charm that has been immensely popular worldwide for the past 200 years.

A stunning 200th anniversary collection, inspired by historical Blue Italian pieces, has been created in celebration of this landmark occasion. A stunning brand new collection has also been launched, Giallo. Boasting a watercolour version of the Italianate scene with yellow border, Giallo is a modern reinterpretation of the classic Blue Italian design and is manufactured at Portmeirion Group’s factory in Stoke-onTrent.

Continuing with the theme of celebrations, Spode has also launched a Blue Room collection to celebrate the 90th birthday of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II. Made in Stoke-on-Trent, the dresser plate and mug make great commemorative pieces.

Delightful new line extensions to Spode’s Delamere Rural and Winter’s Scene ranges as well as a new glassware collection in the nostalgic Christmas Tree collection will also be showcased.

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The ultimate in ceramic giftware, Royal Worcester’s Wrendale Designs collection gets an update in 2016. Featuring the captivating animal illustrations of Hannah Dale, exciting new introductions are being showcased at Spring Fair.

A stunning Christmas Collection has been developed featuring new mug designs (The Christmas Kiss, The Night Before Christmas and Christmas Cracker), mug and coaster sets (Family Christmas and Deer Santa) and Christmas decorations.

Also joining the family in 2016 are new creature illustrations available as mug and coaster gift sets - Pug Love, Hello Sausage, Gentle Jack and Flying the Nest.

Royal Worcester is renowned for its prestigious commemorative pieces and to celebrate the 90th birthday of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II it has crafted an elegant fine bone china collection. Each piece features the Royal Arms and the four symbols of Great Britain - the rose, daffodil, thistle and shamrock. The decoration is delicately finished with gold and mica embellishments and gilded with 20-carat gold.

Presented in a gift box, each piece makes for a stunning collectable.

Pimpernel is the premier brand for placemats, coasters, trays and accessories. This spring will see the leading tabletop accessories brand introduce eight new and innovative designs into its stylish and diverse placemat and coaster collection; Postcard Sketches which features European landmarks in a vintage style, Chef’s Specials based on an Italian style trattoria with cartoon chefs cooking various dishes, Spice Road which showcases owls in earthy tones, Evening Port and Boat Scene which both evoke memories of holidays past, On the Farm which has a rural country feel, Union Jack which displays the flag in glorious style and Vintage Kellogg’s Sunrise which complements the Portmeirion collection perfectly. Large and sandwich melamine trays are available in the new On the Farm, Union Jack (which also has a lap tray) and Vintage Kellogg’s Sunrise designs as well as Antique Rose and Sugar Magnolia.

Pimpernel will also showcase an Enchanted Tree and Vintage Kellogg’s Sunrise mug and tray set. With a small melamine tray and two porcelain mugs, these sets make lovely gifts for coffee lovers.

Tel: 01782 744721 Email: homesales@portmeiriongroup.com Web: www.portmeiriongroup.com

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Created in the UK Peakdale Hall 5, Stand: C55a

Manufacturers of quality handmade collectable figurines and sculptures.

All of their own products are designed and created here in the UK. Their range of products includes Fairy doors, dog sculptures, Hare sculptures and their highly collectable Westie range.

Tel: 0161 494 8987 Email: tradeenquires@ peakdalesculptures.co.uk Web: www.peakdalesculptures.co.uk

Contemporary and exciting collections

Simple classic styling Stoneglow Candles Hall 4, Stand: B20/C21

Modern Classics, Sea Salt & Oakmoss, a new fragrance/colourway to add to this best-selling home fragrance collection. The simple classic styling, high fragrances and unusual bottle shapes make this range a very popular choice. The new blue colour option is bang on trend, as is the wonderful salty, oceanic fragrance.

The range offers a wide selection of products such as 140ml Reed diffuser, 40 hour candle and 15 hour candle as well as a room spray and a gift set option.

Tel: 0208 595 8878 Email: sales@stoneglowcandles.co.uk Web: www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk

Puckator Hall 4 Stand C10-D11

Visit Hall 4 (C10-D11) to see the launch of Puckator’s brand new and biggest stand yet, showcasing hundreds of new design-led products. The company’s UK-based design team are constantly striving to produce contemporary and exciting new collections. The last six months has seen the launch of designs including Pugs & Kisses, Botanical Gardens, Zooniverse and London Map. These have already brought in large pre-orders and look set to be top selling ranges for 2016 along with brand new themes of unicorns, dinosaurs, fast food and donuts.

Puckator’s ever-popular selection of Solar Pal characters is also expanding; the best-selling Dancing Queen now has a London guardsman, British bulldog and waving policeman to sit nicely alongside her. Brand new designs include Waving Jesus, Pope Francis and later this year there will be Solar Pal characters of Shaun the Sheep and Wallace & Gromit. This new collaboration with Aardman Animations is a fantastic addition to Puckator’s growing licensed giftware catalogue which already includes Mr Bean, The Beatles Yellow Submarine and Disney’s Frozen. You will have to keep an eye on Puckator to see what else is in the pipelines; sign up to the newsletter at www.puckator.co.uk.

Tel: 0800 011 6969 Email: customerservices@puckator.co.uk Web: www.puckator.co.uk

Don’t burn, diffuse or spray…..

SACHET! Heart of the Country Hall 4, Stand: C42-D43

The Greenleaf Scented Sachet is the ultimate home fragrance product. Made using essential oils and recycled paper the Greenleaf Scented Sachet will fragrance a room for up to four months. With no naked flame, no spills or breakages why bother burning a candle, diffusing with reeds or pumping a spray, just remove the sachet from its shelf life extending cellophane and leave the sachet to do what it does best, fragrance. A consumable gift with a recommended retail price of £3.50, your customers will keep coming back for more of these addictive consumables.

Tel: 01543 481612 Email: sales@heartofthecountryltd.co.uk Web: www.HeartoftheCountryLtd.co.uk 46 gifts today

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Hall 4, Stand D60-E61

A Signature Gift Everyone looks for the perfect gift for a loved one to show how much they care, and with personalised gifts there is an extra sentiment added to each gift. Why give a child a book when you can give them a personalised book which was printed especially for them? This personal touch will mean that the gift is more appreciated and is a way to make the occasion more memorable.

Publishing Signature Books With two specialised warehouses to produce the wide range of books available, years of experience and knowledge of print allows us to cater to different audiences with the books we provide, meaning there’s something for every customer. Our in-house team of writers, illustrators and publishing experts allows us to predict and cater to trends in the market and create unique books. The fact that everything they do is bespoke gives products more sentimental value, which is a factor people are willing to pay more for, a point that’s been proven time and again through looking at Signatures sales figures.

Disney, Marvel and Nickelodeon contract Disney, Marvel and Nickelodeon personalised books for the UK are manufactured and fulfilled exclusively

by Signature Gifts. Each book within this licensed range allows a child to join in the story with three of their friends, and there’s even mention of the main child’s date of birth, address and home town, making the story even more engaging. Looking at the top ten films that shifted the most merchandise, 48 gifts today

a whopping eight of them are in the range printed by Signature. Avengers, Spider-Man and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles all have sequels in the works keeping these books in high demand.

The Toy Story and Cars films make for solid selling books, not forgetting the Frozen phenomenon that sent sales with Signature soaring through Christmas 2014 and seems to be a never-ending favourite with youngsters. Signature are definitely predicting that the newest addition to this Disney range will be whizzing through the printers, Star Wars: a New Hope anyone?

Not Just for Kids It’s time to de-stress and unwind with the unique books within Signature’s range for adults. Whether you know someone who likes sinking their teeth into puzzles and quizzes, or someone who enjoys the self-soothing activity of colouring, with Signature’s creative books the recipient is given their favourite activity in a more premium gift, and it’s no surprise that Personalised Creative Colouring has made this year’s shortlist for Gift of the Year. The high quality books within this range promote mindfulness incorporate the recipient’s name and also have the option of including a personal message.

Classic novels are available with 12 titles and each one allows you to pick which character you can personalise; customers can choose the main character or personalise all six, setting this range apart from other makers of these novels where you are restricted with the type of personalisation. This flexibility allows listings of these books to be as diverse as you like, meaning they’re great for every type of retailer; websites, mail order catalogues, and retail shops can use this unique selling point to let customers pick their perfect story, not forgetting the ability to include their personal message for the recipient and have this delivered direct to their choice of address.

New look for Newspapers Reproductions of original newspapers are reprinted in their tabloid size on quality paper for huge impact, and then beautifully bound in a choice of hard covers which can be embossed with the

recipient’s name. Each newspaper book Signature offer has been re-vamped with a brand new look and new embossing on the cover, allowing you to offer a truly premium gift to customers.

Books within this range are available from 1900s onwards (and there’s even one that dates back before even this), making these a perfect view back in time. History buffs, sports fans, and those curious about bygone events are given a window into the past through news coverage of the time. Sports titles within this range are updated at the end of each season, creating an up to date gift for diehard fans, whereas historical books stand the test of time. All titles within this range provide unique insight into major events of the past and can be personalised with a name and message to create a premium commemorative gift.

With retail prices starting at £9.99 there’s so much on offer from Signature Gifts. Check out their full book ranges (and more) at Spring Fair in hall 4 stand D60-E61.

Tel: 01582 464809 Web: www.signature-gifts.co.uk

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Hall 5, Stand A03

Arora Design stays on trend Unspoken Words from the Heart

Arora Design’s More Than Words collection by talented sculptor Neil Welch continues to impress at retail. Designed to express deep emotions such as love, friendship and romance these stunning figurines are passionately sculpted with natural texture and then painted with subtle colours. Emotional moments are captured beautifully in poignant poses, expressing unspoken words straight from the heart.

Five new introductions will be released for Spring 2016 entitled Special Girl, Beautiful Angel, Friend Like You, From the Heart and From me to You. Each one comes with a branded tent card which displays the name of the piece, an information booklet about the range, all encompassed in a fabulous colour box. The complete gift item for someone you love.

Tea lights, Top Sellers

Following their phenomenal success in 2015, Arora Design is adding four new sentiments to their hugely popular Said with Sentiment tea light holder range.

Beautifully designed to create the feeling of a hand written message to the recipient, each one carries fabulous artwork along with words from the heart. Launching this Spring are Happiness, Good Luck, Wife and Grandparent.

Also being launched this Spring is a new range of square ceramic tea light holders which bring a touch of colour to the Said with Sentiment brand. Six designs will kick off this collection, Mum, Sister, Family, Friendship, Love and Wedding.

Point of sale is available to retailers to support both these ranges, 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.

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The Ultimate Gift For Man

For those hard to buy for men who are crazy about their sport or pastime, and of course not forgetting number one dads. The Ultimate Gift for Man from Arora Design is the perfect way to overcome a gifting problem. Gift packs contain three cooking utensils with branded handles, the spatula bearing a logo relative to the sport or pastime, and an apron which details information about the subject and in some cases the quirks of the game.

Football “Known as the beautiful game, football has the ability to bring the toughest of men to tears. …”

Rugby “A game that real men play! No pads, rougher tackles and a lot more fun.…”

Cricket “The original Gentleman’s sport, played with a bat and ball. …”

The first launch will include Football, Rugby, Cricket, Golf, Cycling, Angler, Petrol Head and Best Dad. Making its debut in 2016 the entire range will be on show at Spring Fair Hall 5 Stand A03.

The Gallery Collection

A stunning new range of cold cast bronze figurines designed by the talented artist Dean Kendrick. This beautiful collection comes to market with twelve pieces, an elephant, an owl, a hare, a horse, five dogs and three cats. The five popular dog breeds covered in the first launch are a German Shepherd, a Westie, a Jack Russell, a Pug and a Labrador. This gorgeous range is smooth to the touch and highly tactile.

All of the pieces are presented individually in a specially designed luxurious gift box, with coloured sleeve bearing a gold foil blocked brand logo.

Inside the box the figurine itself is carefully held in place by a sumptuous foam insert beautifully cut to the shape of the item. An information booklet about the range is also inside each box.

Point of sale is available to retailers to assist in presenting displays.

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

SPRING FAIR

Pantry and Additions to Iconic Designs Denby Hall 9, Stand: C10-D11

Burleigh is making a range of new additions to two of its most iconic patterns for Spring 2016.

Calico and Asiatic Pheasants ranges are set to grow with new extensions to these popular ranges. Square shaped storage jars have a fresh contemporary look with white covers and traditional badges incorporated into Burleigh’s iconic hand printed designs.

Joining the Burleigh portfolio is a lighter and complementary range; Burleigh Pantry which is hand decorated with a simple badge declaring the items function: Tea, Coffee and Sugar. This Pantry range offers a fresh simplicity to busy modern lives and the opportunity to mix and match across Burleigh’s ranges.

For the first time, a One Cup Teapot is included in the Pantry range for those moments when a tea bag in a mug isn’t enough and a few more moments alone with your own teapot is needed.

All of the new Burleigh additions are safe to use in the microwave and dishwasher.

Tel: 01773 740715 Web: www.burleigh.co.uk

New licensing link up for Gaeltag Hall 4, Stand: D01

Gaeltag is delighted to present a new licensing link-up with UK artist Emily Stracey.

Emily specialises in characterful animal imagery, producing original one-off pieces in her garden studio - between juggling children, cats, not sleeping, teaching and building sandcastles in sunny Bournemouth.

Purrfectly appealing and humorous, the initial range is titled The Royal Furmily Pawtraits and is based around four ceramic cat figurines – Baroness Anchovy-de-Breath, Lord Downtown Tabbey, Lady Tiny Tinsy Teena Tuna and Purrince Eaton de Mousen. Apart from the models, the cat imagery also features on mugs, a tea-for-one teapot, tea towels, aprons, and fridge magnets. The16 lines come beautifully presented in individual gift box packs with a humorous twist – all the boxes featuring ring pull cans in a nod to traditional cat food packaging. Eagerly anticipated, Emily’s product will be available to order for the first time at Spring Fair.

Gaeltag Keltika will be in their new location in Hall 4 Stand 4D O1.

Tel: 020 8998 1781 Email: sales@gaeltag.com Web: www.gaeltagkeltika.com

New and familiar favourites with NPW

Hall 6-7, Stand: G40-H41 If you’re planning a trip to Spring Fair at the NEC visit NPW at Hall 6-7, Stand G40-H41, where they will be showcasing their latest new products and a huge range of familiar favourites.

They’ve got lots of new ranges so you can pick up a variety of great products all in one place! Look out for their Celebration Nation range of party items, don’t miss the brand new Fruit Fix beauty products and check out the newest additions to Beauty Junky.

Speaking of spring and summer 2016, it’s never too early to start thinking about the summer holidays. A time of parties, festivals, and (if it happens to rain) indoor crafts. Choosing the right products for this season can be tricky, but NPW have some great new lines to help. Need some on-trend inspiration?

Look no further than their metallic tattoos, fiesta-themed drinking products and London stationery.

Tel: 020 8735 2777 Web: www.npwgifts.com 52 gifts today

SPRING FAIR

Luxuriate with Seascape Hall 20, Stand: B20

Award - winning British bath & body company Seascape Island Apothecary (www.seascapeuk.com) will be promoting their wide array of luxurious bath & body ranges at the upcoming Spring Fair. Recognised with 14 awards from the UK beauty industry (and counting), and with formulations as natural as you will find in the marketplace, Seascape features outstanding products for the whole family, including two maternity - safe ranges and a dermatologist certified Les Petits range for babies and children. Inspired by and including ingredients from the beautiful island of Jersey, all Seascape products are paragon and SLS free, contain no artificial colours or fragrances, are petroleum and silicone free and are not tested on animals in any way.

With their beautifully designed packaging and colourful seahorse motifs, Seascape products make for the perfect gift all year around - whether it be their individual products or attractively assembled array of gift sets. Discover Seascape at STAND 20B20. 5255

Tel: 0845 003 5255 Web: www.seascapeuk.com

Party with House of Marbles Hall 5, Stand: D30-D31

Make sure a visit to House of Marbles is at the top of your list to see their exciting collection of Pocket Money Classics – a brand new range of affordable toys, games and novelties specially designed for children’s party bags or stocking fillers.

Customers will be able to choose from a massive selection of gifts as well as attractive party bags.

Packaged in brightly coloured counter displays they are incredibly easy to retail and have been specially designed to attract the attention of any party planner. With prices starting from as little as 50p, there is something for everyone.

The collection can also be presented on its own display stand, the perfect choice for retailers who really want to show off the 24 designs on offer. Available with an eyecatching header card it will make a stunning pocket-money feature in any shop.

For more information on this fantastic House of Marbles range, and to see the whole collection of toys, games, novelties and books - visit the stand in Hall 5 D30-E31 at the Spring Fair.

Tel: 01626 835358 Web: www.houseofmarbles.com/trade

Stacks of gorgeous tins Rachel Ellen Hall 3, Stand: R08

Following the incredible success of their four tier stacking tins, Rachel Ellen Designs is launching four new variations for 2016. The two tiered designs feature base tins big enough for nail polish and lipstick with a smaller accessories tin on top. While the taller three tiered designs have the same large base with an extra interlocking tin on top, one designed for stationery and one titled Glitz and Glamour.

Tel: 0115 962 2862 Email: sales@rachelellen.co.uk

My Mum, by Signature Gifts Hall 4, Stand: D60-E61

Signature have once again expanded their range of occasions gifts with another fantastic addition to their personalised books. The perfect way to show Mum how much you appreciate her with this book that’s personalised with your name and message.

A simple and charming book that sums up all that your mum does. Including things you love about her, like her expert hugs and ability to find anything in your messy room; to things that are odd about her, like the bottomless pit that is her handbag. She may always be telling you to clean your room and eat your greens, but Mum does a lot to take care of you. This book of rhymes lets Mum know that for everything she does, you think she’s the best!

RRP from £9.99. Browse the full range and more at stand 4D60-E61

Tel: 01582 464 809 Web: www.signature-gifts.co.uk 54 gifts today

Portmeirion Group

Celebrations with Portmeirion

2016 is a special year for Portmeirion Group as it celebrates the 200th anniversary of Spode’s Blue Italian and the 10th anniversary of the Sophie Conran for Portmeirion collection. Alongside the celebrations, some inspired new introductions to its popular ranges will join the portfolio as well as an array of exciting new designs.

Sophie Conran for Portmeirion

“The ultimate in ceramic giftware, Royal Worcester’s Wrendale Designs collection also gets an update in 2016 with a delightful Christmas collection and four new animal designs.”

T

he iconic and timeless Blue Italian range from Spode reaches a landmark anniversary as it celebrates 200 years of production. The Blue Italian pattern was first introduced by Spode in 1816 and today much of the range is made at Portmeirion Group’s factory in Stoke-on-Trent. The anniversary year will bring a Signature Collection inspired by archive pieces (including a biscuit barrel, hot beverage pot, two piece fruit strainer, four piece entertaining set, platter and bowl).

Each piece is presented in beautiful gift packaging and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

Alongside this exciting Anniversary Collection is Giallo – a brand new addition to the Spode family, designed to celebrate Blue Italian’s 200th anniversary. This modern reinterpretation of Spode’s iconic design features a watercolour version of the Italianate scene and introduces a soft yellow geometric pattern around the borders. Giallo is made at Portmeirion Group’s factory in Stoke-on-Trent and is a beautiful tableware range.

56 gifts today

Another range celebrating in 2016 is the multi-award-wining Sophie Conran for Portmeirion collection which marks its 10th anniversary. Created by designer, cook, writer and mother of two Sophie Conran, the collection was first showcased in 2006 and has gone on to become one of Portmeirion’s most acclaimed and best-selling ranges. Now sold in over 20 countries, the range, with its unique hand-thrown style, set a precedent in 2006 being both stunningly beautiful and brilliantly practical. The features and benefits of the porcelain collection including its freezer-to-oven-to-table status, shone through leading to a plethora of consumer and industry awards.

Portmeirion will celebrate this occasion with a fabulous anniversary collection of mugs starring new designs and shapes. A delightful melamine collection, featuring the signature rippled bodies that are so adored, is also being launched together with many new line extensions including a baker, shaker, ring cake mould, batter jug and berry bowl and stand.

Ted Baker Portmeirion - Casual Collection

“Using the iconic Blue Room collection which originates from the 18th Century, Spode has created a beautiful dresser plate and mug in celebration of the 90th birthday of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II.” Continuing with the theme of British celebrations, both Spode and Royal Worcester have each launched a collection to celebrate the 90th birthday of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II. Utilising the iconic Blue Room collection which originates from the 18th Century, Spode has created a beautiful dresser plate and mug featuring a finely detailed border and the Royal Arms in a sophisticated cobalt blue. Made from the highest quality earthenware at Portmeirion Group’s factory in Stoke-on-Trent

Blue Italian Aniversary Collection

and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, these pieces make stunning collectables.

Established in 1751, Royal Worcester is known worldwide for its prestigious collections and commemorative pieces.

To celebrate the 90th birthday of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II it has crafted an elegant collection made from the highest quality fine bone china. Each elegant piece features the Royal Arms and the four symbols of Great Britain - the rose, daffodil, thistle and shamrock in beautiful colourways of pink, yellow, blue and green. The decoration is delicately finished with

gold and mica embellishments and gilded with 20-carat gold. Presented in a gift box, each piece makes for a stunning collectable item to celebrate this landmark occasion.

The ultimate in ceramic giftware, Royal Worcester’s Wrendale Designs collection also gets an update in 2016. Featuring the captivating animal illustrations of the award-winning artist Hannah Dale, exciting new introductions include a stunning Christmas Collection – new festive mug designs (The Christmas Kiss, The Night Before Christmas and Christmas Cracker), mug and coaster sets (Family Christmas and Deer Santa) and a set of gorgeous Christmas decorations. Also joining the family are new creatures available as mug and coaster sets – a pug dog (Pug Love), sausage dog (Hello Sausage), donkey (Gentle Jack) and a fledgling bird (Flying the Nest). Each item is presented in eye-catching packaging ensuring Royal Worcester’s Wrendale Designs collection has a gift for all occasions.

Other brand new and gifting ranges for 2016 are Dandelion Clocks by Sanderson for Portmeirion, Enchanted Tree and Vintage Kellogg’s Sunrise.

Re-working one of Sanderson’s most loved designs, the Sanderson for Portmeirion Dandelion Clocks tableware collection features a fresh palette of sky blue against beautiful white porcelain. Effortlessly charming, this range is perfect for everyday dining and relaxed afternoon teas. The range includes a dinner plate, side plate, bowl, mugs, teacup and saucer, tea for one, teapot, cream jug and sugar bowl.

Enchanted Tree features a stunning and intricate hand drawn design that is full of life and a joy to use every day.

The beautiful details within the design draw you in to discover new elements creating a fun collection for all ages.

The range includes plates, bowls, mug, pitchers, cake stand, trinket box, gift cutlery and a mug and tray set.

With a vintage inspired shape and vibrant red and white colour scheme, the Vintage Kellogg’s Sunrise collection will inject retro style into every home.

This collection makes a fabulous gift as it adds fun and colour to any dining table. Featuring Kellogg’s famous

mascot, Cornelius the Rooster, this collection includes all the essential elements for breakfast – plate, bowl, mug, teacup and saucer, breakfast set, teapot, sugar bowl, milk jug, pitcher, egg cups, placemats, coasters, trays and a mug and tray set.

As well as these new ranges for 2016, line extensions will build on some of the Group’s popular collections.

Botanic Garden will see an array of new ceramic items for the home and a beautiful melamine collection that’s perfect for outdoor living. The Ted Baker Portmeirion collaboration will see teapots, cream jugs, sugar bowls, platters and salad bowls added to the Casual Collection. New limited edition sets will also showcase Ted Baker’s Spring and Summer 2016 Tribalmix and Hangarden prints on a mug & coaster set, stacking mug set and plate set.

Each item comes in a striking gift box that adds to its gift appeal as well as making an impact in store.

Key tableware items will be added to the Mediterranean inspired Alfresco Pomona range and a variety of baking and serving pieces will join The Holly and the Ivy making this festive range perfectly giftable.

Spode will introduce new lines into its classic Delamere Rural and seasonal Winter’s Scene ranges as well as adding glassware to the iconic Christmas Tree collection.

This spring will also see leading tabletop accessories brand, Pimpernel, introduce eight new and innovative designs into its stylish and diverse placemat and coaster collection; Postcard Sketches which features European landmarks in a vintage style, Chef’s Specials based on an Italian-style trattoria with cartoon chefs cooking various dishes, Spice Road which showcases owls in earthy tones,

Evening Port and Boat Scene which both evoke memories of holidays past, On the Farm which has a rural country feel, Union Jack which displays the flag in glorious style and Vintage Kellogg’s Sunrise which complements the Portmeirion collection perfectly.

Large and sandwich melamine trays are available in the new On the Farm, Union Jack (which also has a lap tray) and Vintage Kellogg’s Sunrise designs as well as Antique Rose and Sugar Magnolia.

Finally, Pimpernel showcases an Enchanted Tree and Vintage Kellogg’s Sunrise mug & tray set. With a small melamine tray and two porcelain mugs, these sets make lovely gifts for coffee lovers.

For further details on these exciting collections, visit Portmeirion Group’s stand at Spring Fair, Hall 9, Stand E30-F31.

www.portmeiriongroup.com homesales@portmeiriongroup.com 01782 744721 Royal Worcester - Wrendale Designs

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SPRING FAIR

Gastro by James Martin Denby Hall 9, Stand: C10-D11

Dreamy Owl

Joe Davies Hall 5, Stand: C30/D31 All the current trends come together beautifully in Joe Davies’ new Dreamy Owl Collection which will debut at Spring Fair (Hall 5 C30/D31).

The owls feature sentiments for all your nearest and dearest and come in the natural wood and cream finish which is so popular at the moment.

Joe Davies will introduce hundreds of new sentiment items at Spring Fair so don’t miss their spacious Hall 5 stand right at the beginning of the newly organised gift section. The stand is a natural first stop.

Taking inspiration from Gastro Pub food and classic British cuisine, Denby and James Martin have created the new Gastro range, a collection of serving kits designed to showcase food in style. Although James cannot be present to dazzle your guests, his Gastro range will help to serve and present food in a way which is both fun and professional.

Crafted from specially selected materials The Gastro range includes kits such as mini fry baskets, ramekin sets and burger/pate kits. The entire range is presented in premium packaging making them eminently suitable as gifts.

Adaptable, practical and effortlessly stylish, the new Gastro by James Martin range can make even the simplest foods look special.

Tel: 01773 740715 Web: www. denby. co.uk

Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: info@joedavies.co.uk Web: www.joedavies.co.uk

The Milford Collection New for 2016 Benaya at Milford ‘Light Glass’

We look forward to introducing you to this exciting new range of ‘Light Glass’ nightlights at Spring Fair 2016.

The Milford Collection Telephone: 01686 629919 Email: david@milfordcollection.com Website: www.milfordcollection.com 58 gifts today

HALL 4 STAND B32

7 - 11 February : NEC Spring Fair International, Birmingham - Hall 4 Stand C10-D11 17 - 20 July : Home & Gift, Harrogate - Hall : DP 1 Stand : 23

SPRING FAIR

Hall 4, Stand G10 - J11

All change at Widdop 2016 sees some exciting differences at Widdop Bingham.

T

he company, which this year celebrates 133 years in business, has its eyes set firmly on the future. It will be investing in state of the art projects throughout the year all aimed at improving the customer service experience.

One of the biggest changes is the change of the company’s trading name to Widdop & Co. The company is often referred to by many as Widdops so losing the “Bingham” is a logical step forward. The change in trading name will be cemented with a change of branding which has been updated to reflect the future and the changes it holds. The date the company was established is included in the new branding, a significant reference to the company’s rich heritage.

Early doors on the Sunday of the Spring Fair, Widdop & Co will be unveiling their new branding for the very first time with a celebratory breakfast - a warm invitation is extended to all Spring Fair visitors.

Another major change for the company is the move at the Spring Fair from its usual spot in Hall 5 to a completely new location in Hall 4. The stand, which is the biggest the company has ever taken at a trade fair will have a very different look about it. Spread across three aisles, the stand will showcase all 25 Widdop & Co brands and visitors will have the impression of entering the “Village Widdop”. 7,000 lines will be displayed in an array of dazzling room sets with ideas for merchandising in-store and helpful display solutions across all of its brands.

Expect to see some brand new product categories and licences all making their debut at Spring Fair as well as range extensions to their best-selling brands including Amore wedding gifts and Bambino baby lines. Colonial Candles, a collection of fragranced candles that is without parallel in the UK market, boasts exciting new fragrances, innovative new products and eye-catching new accessories. Ladies and gents gifts see

some strong themed collections among them By Appointment and Emporium both collections licensed from the awardwinning Pigment Design Studio.

Smart new clocks across all three clock brands, Hometime, William Widdop and Rhythm combine unrivalled quality with contemporary design and original features. Hestia and Home Living offer two strong home accessories brands including garden inspired gifts in Country Living and copper and metallic finishes The Disney licence sees new additions to coincide with 2016 film releases including Jungle Book, Finding Dory and the Good Dinosaur. Magical Moments is a classic collection of delightful Disney figurines that will appeal to all Disney fans, old and young.

All the major occasions are catered for including Mother’s Day products for every mum, Father’s Day gifts and keepsakes for Communion and Confirmation.

Christmas 2016 will provide an eyecatching showcase with an amazing display of decorative decorations and home accessories across nine stunning themes with new product lines such as Coton Colors personalised Christmas tree baubles.

There’s one thing though at Widdop & Co that hasn’t changed and that is their desire to put the customer at the heart of everything they do. Want to try new collections but don’t have a huge budget?

No problem – most lines are available in singles allowing you to make a huge splash in store without making a huge hole in your pocket. Want to order at a time that suits you online? No problem - every customer has their own website portal. Want to find out what’s selling?

No problem – the company’s team of 12 regional representatives are available to call on any customer offering expert advice and support.

Tel: 0161 688 1226 Email: sales@widdop.co.uk Web: www.widdop.co.uk

Did you know?

• Widdop and Co traces its lineage back to 1883 when Queen Victoria was on the throne and the Prime Minster of the day was William Gladstone • Today’s owners are the great-grandchildren of the company’s founder, William Widdop • The company uses 56 miles of tape every year for sealing the cartons customers orders are sent out in • The company’s 12 reps cover over 300,000 miles every year servicing Widdop & Co customers ensuring every customer gets the personal touch • More than 40,000 sales calls are answered every year by the Company’s dedicated customer service team

Valentines & Mothers Day To help convey the things we want to say...

Our two highly successful collections will enable you to offer that opportunity to your customers. With heart felt sentiment entwined within the design, these beautiful gifts will express how much someone is loved.

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D Ĺ„ + Äź 0 Ä´ See us at - Spring Fair, NEC Hall 5, Stand A03 ARORA DESIGN LTD,WORCESTER, ENGLAND T: +44 (0)1386 861666 e: sales@arora-design.co.uk w: www.arora-design.co.uk

SPRING FAIR

Village Candle has new home at Spring Fair Hall 4, Stand: D50/E51

Fast-growing British brand Miss Milly Hall 19, Stand: C18

Miss Milly, the fast-growing, British brand for gorgeous jewellery and scarves, will be at Spring Fair with a plethora of new lines in on-trend, seasonal colours. Look out for pastels and tropical brights, including shimmery iridescent and metallic resins.

Choose from statement necklaces, floral designs and bracelets made for layering.

Fantastic prices and great quality backed up by an efficient, friendly service, you can order at the show or online now.

Branded packaging and display stands also available. Minimum order is £50 with no minimum order quantities. Delivery is charged at £6.95, carriage paid for orders over £250 (UK mainland).

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

62 gifts today

Village Candle are pleased to announce that they will be exhibiting in a new location at Spring Fair, Birmingham this year. Hall 4 is the new dedicated area for Gift where they will be showcasing many new items along with a new-look, larger stand.

Among the new items are electric mosaic wax melt burners available at £7.50 and Rotary Fan Candle Jar Tops at just £2.05. Whilst all their new collections for spring will be available immediately for delivery they will also preview some of their new products from the autumn / winter 2016 collection. Village Candle one of the market leaders and offer fantastic products at amazing prices to cover all your branded candle requirements. For more details on these and other exciting product collections please take a look at their website or take time to visit them at the NEC in February.

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

Artisan Collection with Solo Hall 7, Stand: F26

Launching at Spring Fair, this stunning addition to Solo’s Artisan Collection is beautifully hand crafted from recycled aluminium with an all-over gloss ivory resin enamel and featuring distinctive lettering.

From juice jugs to Cheese plates and cake stands to champagne buckets, the Village collection evokes a more rural, simpler time, bringing both style and function to the kitchen. The new Village collection is a perfect

addition for a country style kitchen or as a style accent to a modern interior.

Adding a bright and decorative touch, Village can transform a drab dining area, offering a new approach to other ranges on the high street.

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

See the new Disney range from The English Ladies Co

Come and see our exciting new launches at our stand NEC Spring Fair, Hall 4, Stand H81 Contact sales@camalents.com or +44(0)1782 344900

SPRING FAIR

Hall 4, Stand H50 - J51

Record-breaking Xystos It’s onwards and upwards for Xystos after a record-breaking flame and fragrance year

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alk the halls at Spring Fair and you’ll see any number of exhibitors offering candles. Some are serious players, while others dabble in wax, seeing this gift industry staple as an add-on to their portfolio rather than an essential.

Tom Sykes, director of Xystos, “the home of flame and fragrance”, is philosophical when asked if he regards such companies as real competitors.

“Good luck to them. Everyone is trying to turn an honest penny, and anyone who sells candles wants to take a nibble at our market share. It certainly hasn’t proved detrimental to Xystos. You do see a lot of candles around, but not all of them are of high quality – in fact, there are some pretty poor ones out there.

“But customers are not fools. They know what to look for – candles with eye appeal that use top quality wax 64 gifts today

The Newcastle-based company has just enjoyed a record year for sales. WoodWick has once again done the business for Xystos, which positioned the brand in many more stores – large and small – during 2015 and have great fragrances. And, if possible, a unique selling point – in the case of WoodWick, a wick that crackles as it burns.

“Everyone in the industry knows who the big hitters are – and, without wishing to sound immodest, we consider ourselves to be near the top of the Premiership when it comes to candle suppliers.”

And why not? The Newcastle-based company has just enjoyed a record year for sales. WoodWick has once

again done the business for Xystos, which positioned the brand in many more stores – large and small – during 2015.

Aquiesse now has a strong foothold in the UK market, with stockists such as Michelle Ellingham, the owner of Box of Delights in Flitwick, who described its Melt Candles as being “luxury high-end with gorgeous fragrances”, and added: “Customers love them and usually buy for themselves again and again.”

New partner Kringle Candle has made an early impression on the British psyche with products that have wide customer appeal.

The ultimate test is, of course, that a candle must sell – and Tom thinks he knows what end-users will be looking for in 2016.

“Packaging is high on the list of our priorities and those of our manufacturers.

For instance, WoodWick’s branding is clearly defined and recognisable and this is a boon for retailers when it comes to product display. Kringle packaging is also very distinctive and so too that of Aquiesse. Packaging really can help to sell a product.

“Consumers want high quality, beautifully smelling candles with great burn times that display well in the home and make a statement. WoodWick’s HearthWick has given our stockists repeat business throughout the past 12 months. Why? Because the containers are stunning and they have fragrances to match.”

As Annie Rockley, the owner of the Peppertrees stores in Northampton said: “They’re selling so well we can’t keep them in stock.”

Tom thinks that the public will continue to seek out the stylish accessories it offers such as tea-light holders and candle shades, giving them

“Packaging is high on the list of our priorities and those of our manufacturers.

For instance, WoodWick’s branding is clearly defined and recognisable and this is a boon for retailers when it comes to product display,” Tom Sykes, director, Xystos the opportunity to present their flame and products in an entirely different way so that they can express their individuality.

Xystos believe it is also essential to offer a wide variety of fragrances. And that’s just what Virginia Gift Brands, creators of WoodWick, do – from the homely to the natural scents of fruits and flowers and everyday ones such as leather, linen and wood. Moving forward, that isn’t going to change.

Six core WoodWick scents have already been confirmed for 2016 – Coconut, Honeysuckle, Lemon, Lilac, Pineapple and Rose – and others will follow.

Kringle Candle will see the introduction of eight tantalising fragrances, Egyptian Cotton, Fresh Air, Fresh Mint, Picket Fence, Spa Day, Sweet Pea, Mystic Sands and Dewdrops. RRPs are from £22.99 for the large candle to £2.49 for the wax melt and Daylight candle.

Look out too for Luminara – with no naked flame – which has carved

out a special niche in the market; La-Tee-Da! lamps; Flame & Fragrance Lighters and accessories, and The Naked Bee’s Orange Blossom Honey bath and body products which have personal care needs covered from head to toe.

Says Tom: “We have a very strong portfolio but are always looking to strengthen the company by partnering with people that have quality products and we feel comfortable working with. That’s how we have managed to turn Xystos into a fresh and vibrant business. It’s always onwards and upwards.”

Spring Fair Hall 4 H50-J51

Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email: sales@xystos.co.uk Web: www.xystostrade.co.uk

gifts today 65

SPRING FAIR

Ambiente

Hall 3, Stand: K01 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 1 to 9 colours in 25/33/40 cm and offer a very speedy Private Label service.

This Spring they will launch a brand new exciting range of iconic designs on their napkins from paintings in the National Gallery including images of Monet, Boschaert and Renoir.

At Ambiente quality and customer care are the top priority and they offer a 4 day delivery service.

Tel: 07956 424482 Email: richard@ambproducts.co.uk

What time is it? It’s Adventure Time!

Hall 4, Stand: G88

Completely Independent Distribution are delighted to be distributing the KIDROBOT INC. Adventure Time collection which features keychains, a blind box series and Medium collectibles Figures. The highly popular brand was bought out by NECA (the American company that own CID) last year and is a perfect addition to the exciting range of accessories on offer by the Leicester based company. With an emphasis on a quality product coupled with an RRP of under £10 on many items it is expected for sales to exceed initial expectation.

Ever Growing Miss Smith Lesser & Pavey Hall 5, Stand: C04/D03

Lesser & Pavey, working with an independent card company called Hearts Designs, see Miss Smith ranges grow as her popularity grows.

Over a six-year working relationship Lesser & Pavey have enjoyed the designs from Hearts Designs and are now delighted to work with them again to bring a fresh and charming new range to the market place this summer.

The range comprises of manicure sets, compact mirror, key, ring, wine glasses, money boxes, gift bags, umbrellas, fine china mugs, fashion bags, travel mugs, organisers, hat boxes, lunch bags, shoppers and much more.

This range will appeal to all ages, as it is very feminine, pretty and something different whilst maintaining the highest quality, attention to detail and affordable prices.

Tel: 01322 279225 Web: www.leonardo.co.uk

Tel: 0116 258 1450 Email: salesteam@cidmerch.com Web: www.cidmerch.com

Elegant new ranges with Carrie Elspeth Hall 19, Stand: C20-D21

Carrie Elspeth’s gorgeous new collection for spring 2016 is a celebration of colour and light.

These elegant new ranges are a masterclass in beauty and subtlety, blending Carrie’s muchloved style with sophistication and a delicacy of touch that sets them apart from the crowd.

This is stunning, accessible jewellery making a bold statement without shouting!

Alongside this exclusive new collection is a vibrant gift range of hairbands which double perfectly as funky bracelets: Carrie’s Colourbands are a hot favourite, so don’t miss an opportunity to stock these fabulous fast-sellers!

All of Carrie’s jewellery continues to be lovingly handmade in Wales.

Tel: 01446 771271 Email: sales@carrieelspeth.com Web: www.carrieelspeth.com

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Come and visit us at

SPRING FAIR 7th-11th February on stand 4A10-D11

Discover NEW seasonal collections from the World’s Best Loved Candle Tel : +44 (0)117 316 1200 www.yankeecandle.co.uk

SPRING FAIR

Hall 5, Stand A53

MUSIC GIFTS tunes into men’s market The Music Gifts Company is exhibiting at its 20th Spring Fair and presenting its new brand of men’s gifts element which is premiering this year

N

ot many companies can boast that they have been exhibiting at every Spring Fair for 20 years, but The Music Gifts Company can do just that.

Talking to Gifts Today, co-founder and owner David Gee comments, “We are very proud to be at our 20th Spring Fair and wish to thank all our customers over the years. I started the company

with my wife Colette two days before we married in August 1995.”

Over the years, the company’s designs have clearly demonstrated that music has a timeless appeal, as many items have endured the test of time.

For example, the no.1 best-seller each and every year is The Chopin Liszt shopping list, with sales well in excess of half a million units.

“Customers are 68 gifts today

always keen to see our new designs but we are always staggered at the continuing popularity of many gifts, such as stationery, chopping boards, pewter pins and keyrings – all of which are made in England. The biggest growth in recent years has come from jewellery and men’s gifts, most notably with cufflinks and socks. Sales of socks continue to increase around 25% each year. The key factors are quality, design and display.”

David goes on “We still love what we do and are always excited about creating new products and meeting new customers. Spring Fair has always been the best place to do just this.”

Of course this show is even more special as the company’s new brand of men’s gifts element will be making its Spring Fair debut. “The show gives the trade the ideal opportunity to see what an exciting range we have created.” element has come about as a result of listening to the requests from customers for men’s gifts.

The new element range extends to mugs and coasters, socks, cufflinks, twin-pack hankies as well as pewter keyrings, pins and birthday cards.

“We worked with local illustrator, Vikki Gibson, to create designs, which capture speed and motion across ten sports – resulting in the perfect gift for any male sport enthusiast.”

There are more than 30 designs of cufflinks. Each pair is presented in a bespoke gift box. “We wanted to create something special and unique from the outset. Over the last 20 years, we have formed a great bond with our craftsmen who make our products.

By working closely

“We are so excited about creating this new brand. It has come about as a result of listening to our customer’s requests for men’s gifts” David Gee them, we have been able to establish this exciting new collection. All the gifts are based around a wide variety of men’s hobbies and interests.”

As well as the most popular sports like football, cycling, golf, rugby and cricket, there are gifts featuring running, motor-racing, tennis, fishing, photography, motorbikes, darts, snooker, sailing, off-roading and even beer!

“We feel it is so important to produce quality gifts which offer retailers to make good margins. Our socks, for example, are 95% cotton with 5% lycra. There are six designs which are available on a rotating display stand.”

The two brands share a stand at Spring Fair. element has a very vibrant look which is stark contrast to the black and white display of Music Gifts.

“We want to show both ranges together so that customers can see that the two brands are part of one company. This allows retailers to choose across two ranges but only have one invoice, with free carriage for all orders over £250 net to mainland addresses.

“We are also currently developing a new website which will encompass both brands and allow retailers to order

online. This is due to go live in the spring.”

David concludes, “Spring Fair is always an exciting show for us but this year’s looks like being very special indeed and we look forward to welcoming you all onto our stand to show you our newly launched range.”

Tel: 01202 570057 Web: www.musicgifts.co.uk www. elementgifts.com

Did you know?

• The Music Gifts Company was founded in 1995 • All items are their own products

SPRING FAIR HALL 4 E10-G11

Buy Online Now: www.silplc.com or Visit Our Showroom: New Ford Road, Waltham Cross, Herts, EN8 7PG, UK T: 01992 718033 E: sales@silplc.com F: 01992 760021

SPRING FAIR

Rennie Mackintosh with Lesser & Pavey Hall 5, Stand: C04/D03

Added sentiments with Park Lane Hall 19, Stand: D15

Accessories by Park Lane have added some nice new designs of Sentiment jewellery to their already popular collection. The range has been extended to include new designs in rose gold, mink, antique gold and antique silver plating colours.

The range consists of pendants to match the bracelet designs and all are supplied with a complimentary gift box or organza pouch.

From the works of Charles Rennie Mackintosh who was a Scottish architect, designer, water colourist and artist. He was a designer in the post-impressionist movement, and a representative of the Art Nouveau in the UK until 1928.

His work is distinctive and is now captured by Lesser & Pavey with brand new designs for a high quality range of tableware.

The accompanying image shows a small selection from this comprehensive range of high quality tableware that includes three different trays, mugs, cup with saucer, all presented in co-ordinating packaging and will be on view for the first time in February.

Tel: 01322 279225 Web: www.leonardo.co.uk

Tel: 01423 868362 Web: www.parklaneonline.com

A bit of hippy chic with Temerity Jones Hall 7, Stand: B19-C19

Spring Fair 2016 sees the launch of Temerity Jones’s newest eclectic home and gift range; Hippy Chic. They have been inspired by the opulence of Biba, and the laid back style of the Hippies, to create a thoroughly modern take on a classic pre-disco 70s vibe. Macrame makes a welcomed return, as do house plants, bottle gardens, and sexy retro glassware.

Summer will also be in full swing, with Temerity’s fun filled Summer Festival story coming back with even more summer essentials and party items, barbecues will never be the same.

Add to this TJ’s ongoing London Loft and Utility ranges, it’s looking like Temerity Jones has got the whole year’s buying just about all sorted out.

Tel: 01992 807477 Email: sales@temerityjones.com Web: www.temerityjones.com 70 gifts today

The Queen celebrates her 90th birthday Dunoon Hall 9, Stand: H01

The Queen will become ninety on the 21 April 2016 and to commemorate her royal birthday Dunoon has produced two Fine Bone China mugs.

On Wessex shape there is a very traditional and classic design in royal blue and embellished with rich metallic gold. This is by designer David Broadhurst and is sure to be a collector’s item.

On Cairngorm shape is a more fun design featuring iconic images relating to Her Majesty, portrayed in a quirky and colourful style by designer Kate Mawdsley.

Tel. 01785 817414 Email. sales@dunoonmugs.co.uk Web: www.dunoonmugs.co.uk

SPRING FAIR

Shabby Sentiment Frames Joe Davies Hall 5, Stand: C30/D31

Joe Davies boast one of the largest ranges of photo frames in the country and will introduce hundreds of new models at Spring Fair. The trend in frames has definitely moved towards home décor, sentiment and shabby chic and Joe Davies have plenty of new designs to fit the bill.

These wooden, shabby sentiment frames build on the success of Joe Davies’ best-selling paw print frames and feature an attractive weathered finish and top-selling sentiments.

All of Joe Davies’ thousands of frames and gifts are easy to buy Little & Often so you can buy a large selection without breaking the bank. Repeats are quick and easy and minimum orders are just £100.

Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: info@joedavies.co.uk Web: www.joedavies.co.uk

Wind Spinners Joe Davies Hall 5, Stand: C30/D31

For a really eye catching display for spring and summer look no further than Joe Davies’ new Wind Spinners which will be on show for the first time on the company’s spacious Hall 5 stand (C30/D31) at Spring Fair.

The spinners are made from high grade, laser cut stainless steel and when rotating in the breeze they make alluring and hypnotic patterns to sooth the soul. The Wind Spinners have proved best sellers in the United States and Australia and look set to repeat their success over here.

For retail display Joe Davies provide a practical stand and battery operated revolving motors, lovely levitating ball spirals are also available to enhance the collection.

The spinners can be purchased individually or as a starter pack at Spring Fair.

Joe Davies’ award-winning sales staff will be waiting to guide you towards the best sellers.

Visit Joe Davies at their unchanged location in Hall 5, StandC30/D31 at the NEC Birmingham.

Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: info@joedavies.co.uk Web: www.joedavies.co.uk

Equilibrium Scarf Rings Joe Davies Hall 5, Stand: C30/D31

Equilibrium scarves are one of the biggest sellers in Joe Davies collection at the moment and for added sales the company have introduced these lovely scarf rings to their best selling Equilibrium Jewellery Collection.

The scarf rings are exclusive to Joe Davies and are beautifully presented in Equilibrium gift boxes. Retail prices start at just £9.99 so they are a great, extra purchase.

Hundreds of new Equilibrium designs will debut at Spring Fair. Don’t miss the gorgeous, new vintage collection featuring retro boxes and designs, new tree of life items, and lovely fresh colours for spring and summer. There are some great new accessories too: scarves, folding bags and best-selling new summer tote and tapestry bags.

Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: info@joedavies.co.uk Web: www.joedavies.co.uk 72 gifts today

Flame & Fragrance

KRINGLE CANDLE速 Crisp, clean scents. Perfect for any home.

Hall 4

For more info please email sales@xystos.co.uk or call 0191 499 1570

Stand 4H50 - J51

7 - 11 FEBRUARY 2016 NEC BIRMINGHAM UK

SPRING FAIR

Hall 4, Stand B10 - C11

Festive spirit with Ashleigh & Burwood

T

his Spring Fair, Ashleigh & Burwood are delighted to be previewing Christmas 2016 for the first time at the February show. The preview provides the opportunity for forward planning of the year ahead ensuring that the important Christmas buying decisions can be given the consideration they require.

There will of course also be an exciting range of new spring launches, including ideal offerings for the key spring gift giving occasions of St Valentine’s Day and Mothering Sunday. The Scented Home sees the launch of a new home fragrance set incorporating two beautiful scented ceramics with refresher spray in an attractive presentation box.

New fragrance launches for the brand include four fresh fragrances in The Scented Home; Mojito, Peony, Bluebell Wood and Sea Spray and two new scents for Fragrance Lamps; Water Lily and White Petal & Amber.

Additionally there are brand new products launching in Ashleigh & Burwood Premium Fragrance Lamps and Reed Diffusers including a range of stunning creative designs in the Simply Ceramic style.

Two new models to join amora; the compact venus and orion, both of which sport sleek cutting-edge styling and USB cables, providing convenience and 74 gifts today

adaptability for powering the hubs via a lap top or other device.

Tel: 01932 267060 Email: info@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk Web: www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk

SPRING FAIR

Park Lane reveal new collection Hall 19 Stand: D15

Accessories by Park Lane will be revealing a new collection of over 150 new styles at Spring Fair. The new collection will feature new designs in leather jewellery in new shades of pink and cream with rose gold and silver plating. There will also be new additions to their range of long necklaces in rose gold and silver plating combinations plus new styles in shades of blue, pink and natural tones featuring semi precious stones.

All pieces are supplied with a complimentary gift box or organza pouch.

Tel: 01423 868362 Web: www.parklaneonline.com

All About Katie Lesser & Pavey Hall 5, Stand: C04/D03

Bold background colour and crisp edges and colouring to the cascading floral decoration, this new range form Lesser & Pavey is a winner.

It entails folding storage box; memo pad with matching pen, a delightful gift set which includes an address book, notebook, note pad, pencil; a spiral notebook and seekly organiser; a clipboard memo pad with pen, a jewellery box and vanity case.

The stationery items have co-ordinating bags and shoppers as well as housewares items to match.

Tel: 01322 279225 Web: www.leonardo.co.uk

Little Birdies with Dunoon Hall 9, Stand: H01

Complete redesign with Gibsons Hall 5, Stand: D10

This year, the Gibsons stand has undergone a complete redesign in order to promote every product collection in their extensive range.

Amongst the 70 new product releases this year is a beautiful assortment of regional jigsaw puzzles, by renowned watercolour artist Emma Ball. The collection includes nine 250 piece puzzles in her signature style and the launch will see gorgeous artwork of London, Cornwall, Yorkshire, Northumberland, Suffolk, Sussex, Derbyshire, North Wales and Highlands & Islands, presented in smart gift tubes.

The Gibsons team encourage all to drop by and say hello at their stand D10 in Hall 5.

Web: www.gibsonsgames.co.uk

76 gifts today

Within their vast range of Fine Bone China mugs for 2016, Dunoon has produced a set of three designs on their Bute shape called Little Birdies.

These are designed by Angela Rozelaar, a new artist for Dunoon, and portray the artist’s impression of blue tits, nuthatches and wrens on branches full of blossom.

Each mug has either a pink, soft blue or pale green coloured background and are a very pretty set indeed.

Tel. 01785 817414 Email. sales@dunoonmugs. co.uk Web: www.dunoonmugs. co.uk

Namaste

Hall 4, Stand: J30

Strong ethical policy with Namaste Namaste offer a huge range of products for the home, gifts, furniture, incense, clothing, accessories and jewellery. Namaste are a small company with a strong ethical policy that is based upon the belief that the best way to reduce poverty in the developing world is through trade. The more you can buy from them, the better they can support you with higher discounts and the more they can support their Fair Trade producers.

Hand-painted Ceramics

Namaste have two brand new collections of hand-painted ceramic gift items produced on a fair trade basis from India to add to their other best-selling ranges. The two ranges are in beautiful bright colours and a fresh, modern, floral based design that can happily be mixed together.

The ranges are extensive and include mugs, spice jars, a variety of small dishes and bowls, a really cute pickle tray, doorknobs, simple hooks and flower hooks, a quirky elephant shaped teapot and a range of spice chests which include some new shapes.

Namaste have loads of new ranges, all traded fairly as ever. The company’s very substantial collection offers gifts, jewellery, clothing, accessories, soft furnishings and furniture, all with a generous discount structure to suit all retailers

Turquoise Aluminium

Namaste will be exhibiting their new range of recycled enamelled aluminium in addition to their existing extensive ranges. The range is in beautiful turquoise enamelling coupled with aluminium to give a stunning contemporary look. The range includes a salad bowl and servers, a new boat shaped serving dish, set of coasters, pickle tray with spoons, and a lovely picture frame.

Wherever possible Namaste choose to re-use and recycle. Recycled aluminium saves up to 90% carbon emissions compared to the production of new aluminium from bauxite – it also reduces landfill waste.

The aluminium is cast and then highly polished to give its smooth finish. The colour is applied and allowed to dry before being hand finished with clear enamel, which is then given a final polish. All items are food safe.

78 gifts today

Turquoise and Gold Glass Mosaic

Brand new for Spring Fair is Namaste’s range of turquoise, bronze and gold mosaic items, made with individually hand cut and applied random pieces of glass. The finished products are truly beautiful and a real testament to the skilled artisans who created them. The range includes mirrors, photo frame, round bowls, square candle plate and a set of coasters.

Namaste will be showing many new ranges at Spring Fair with their ever-growing fantastic range of gifts and soft furnishings, all traded fairly. Take advantage of their generous discount structure, the more you can spend the more you can save. An impressive showroom, website, and colour catalogues make buying from Namaste easy.

Embroidered Gifts

Namaste have a delightful naturals range on offer for spring 2016. The base fabric is 100% cotton chambray with a contrast printed design. The range includes a large shoulder bag and a smaller evening bag, both have inside zip pockets. There is a large jewellery box with a mirror in the lid and a smaller trinket box. To complete the range there are two cushion covers, a standard square 45cm and a pillow shaped 35 x 50cm.

All items are embellished with intricate embroidery, mirror work and pearl seed beads. These would make beautiful gifts and sit happily in any surroundings.

Give Namaste a call for free colour catalogues or visit their website for other great gift ideas.

Telephone: 01756 700790 Email: sales@namaste-uk.com Website: www.namaste-uk.com

ADORABLE DOORSTOPS, DRAUGHT EXCLUDERS AND MORE!

INTRODUCING AN ABUNDANCE OF NEW CHARACTERS AND RANGES! PLEASE JOIN US AT SPRING FAIR, HALL 6, P22-Q23 TO CELEBRATE OUR 25TH ANNIVERSARY!

t: 01780 430188 l e: enquiries@doradesigns.co.uk l w: www.doradesigns.co.uk l f: 08432 161879

SPRING FAIR

MAD Beauty announces new licence deal Hall 6, Stand: Q01

Spring Fair sees some important new launches this year for MAD Beauty. They will be announcing a major new licence deal that will catapult them into the big league so watch this space.

New designs for the Kellogg’s Vintage range (Winners of the 2015 Licensed Brand of the Year) will on display and many new designs from the ever expanding range of MAD Beauty cosmetic inspired gifts.

Three products have been shortlisted for the Gift of the Year: Message on a Bottle, Novel Idea and Manitizer from the growing range of moisturising hand sanitizers. See them all at the show MAD Beauty’s mission statement is Serious about making cosmetics fun and in 2016 this will more relevant than ever.

Tel: 0208 958 0555 Web: www.madbeauty.com

Modern Apothecary from Stoneglow Candles Hall 4, Stand: B20/C21

Mini Reed Diffuser Gift Pack – A great gift, or way to try out three of the fantastic fragrances from this award winning range in one go. Packs include three mini me 40ml reed diffusers with frosted bottles and are each printed with their fragrance number.

There are two different packs available 1- 3 featuring Tea Rose & Geranium, Sandalwood & Cardamom, and Grapefruit & Lime, with 4-6 featuring Lavender & Chamomile, Verbena & Spiced Woods and Geranium & Clary Sage.

Each 40ml Reed Diffuser will last for up to three weeks, and you can have a different fragrance in each room!

Art Collection - Crystal Amber & Iris Stoneglow Candles Hall 4, Stand: B20/C21

This stylish grey vignette effect glassware will bring a touch of class to any room, each item is packaged in a stunning box which features real watercolour artwork, this design features beautiful on trend tones of grey, amber and taupe, which perfectly compliment the gorgeous scent of Crystal amber, sultry musks, powdery iris and pepper.

The collection features three different products, a 140ml Reed Diffuser, a 40 hour tumbler and an 18 hour bubble ball.

Tel: 0208 595 8878 Email: sales@stoneglowcandles.co.uk Web: www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk 80 gifts today

Tel: 0208 595 8878 Email: sales@stoneglowcandles.co.uk Web: www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk

:( $5( )(Ç&#x160;ĆąÇ?Ç&#x2022;* Ç&#x160;;Ǩ,7Ç&#x160;' ĆŁĆĽĆľ87 7+( 6Ćź$57 2) $ 1ĆŠ: <ĆŠ$5 Ćľ85 'Ç&#x160;ĆťÇ?Ç?1 7ĆŠĆŁ0 Ć­$9( %(Ç&#x160;1 ĆĽÇ&#x;Ç&#x153;< Ç&#x2013;1 7+ĆŠ,5 7Ćş$9Ç&#x160;Ç&#x2019;6 Ç&#x201E;Ç&#x2022;' Ć­$9( Ǩ5ĆŠ$7Ç&#x160;' ĆłÇ&#x201E;Ç&#x2022;< 1ĆŠ: Ç&#x201E;Ç&#x2022;' Ç&#x160;;ǨƹÇ&#x;Ćť,9( ĆşÇ&#x201E;Ç&#x2022;*Ç&#x160;6 Ćź2 Ç?Ç&#x2022;Ç&#x153;Ƹ,5( Ç&#x201E;Ç&#x2022;' 'Ç&#x160;ĆąÇ?*+7

:É? ZĘ?Ę&#x2026;OÉ? Ę&#x2122;ɾȴÉ? WÉ&#x203A; VĘ&#x2039;ɨ É&#x2C6; Ę?LÉ&#x2019; Â&#x161;7KĘ&#x2039;ÉťÉ&#x2013; <Ę?ɤÂ&#x203A; WÉ&#x203A; ɪɸÉ&#x2014; Ôˇ 5LÉ­KĘ&#x2039;UÉ? /Ę&#x2039;QÉ&#x2019;Â&#x203A;ÉĄ Ę&#x17D;XVWĘ?ȡĘ&#x2018;UÉĄ Ę&#x2021;KÉ&#x203A; KĘ&#x2039;É&#x192;É? ȹɰĘ&#x2122;ČźHÉ? WÉ&#x203A; PÉŞČ´É? É&#x2C6; Ę&#x201D;ČžHDɢ ĘŁXFČŞHVÉĄ Richard Lang & Son Ltd | 1, Little Chester Park, Alfreton Rd, Derby, Derbyshire DE21 4AA Tel: 01332 340927 | Fax: 01332 299115 | sales@richardlang.co.uk | www.richardlang.co.uk

SPRING FAIR

BOING forges ahead Hall 19, Stand: D24

In 2016 BOING will be forging ahead in the gift, sport, fashion and jewellery market with their vibrant tactile climbing rope bracelet range. With the launch of their new Leather and precious metal designs they will be able to offer stockists the perfect male and female gifts to sell, all beautifully packaged in a BOING embossed tin.

See BOING at Spring Fair Hall 19 D24

Web: www.boing-inc.com

Evoke fragrant memories with Himalayan Candles Enesco Hall 4, Stand: H80-J81

BFA Contemporary Gift’s new collection, Himalayan Candles, combines beautiful, eternal fragrances with vintage art and traditional artisan hand-making skills. Each candle is poured by hand using a natural soy wax blended with high quality essential and fragrance oils, whilst cotton wicks ensure a clean and even burn. All containers are unique and handmade, and can be reused once the candle has burned away.

Amongst the delightful fragrances prepared for the Himalayan Candle launch collection are Peony, Anise & Black Pepper, Ancient Philosophy, Grapefruit Pine, Tobacco Bark and Sugared Lemon - and each is a complex mix of layers designed to evoke memories of a particular time and place.

Containers vary from a Vintage Glass Collection including holders inspired by oldfashioned sweet jars, Victorian powder boxes, bubbled glass tumblers and etched and diamond cut glass, to hand painted tins decorated with intricate, henna-style designs. Containers are also made by skilled artisans from tree bark, mango wood and terracotta and a variety of wooden, tin or glass lids complete each unique design.

Traditional hurricane lamp shapes, filled half way and containing double wicks and a burn time of 140 hours are also available.

Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Web: www.enesco.co.uk 82 gifts today

Exciting new children’s brand launches Floss and rock Hall 1, Stand: G05

Introducing floss and rock the exciting new children’s brand from the people that brought you Think Pink.

Floss and rock is a unisex brand offering exclusively designed gifts for boys and girls covering the categories of Stationery and Play, Home Sweet Home and Dressing Up. In its first season floss and rock will launch 52 brand new products and these will be promoted alongside the existing Think Pink collections.

Floss and rock is proud to boast its Blackpool roots, the land of candy floss and sticks of rock, with a strong focus on packaging and the strap line designed by the seaside.

Their floss and rock catalogue will be mailed out at the end of January and their brand new website (www.flossandrock.co.uk) will also go live at the same time (after which all navigation to thinkpinkblue2.com will divert to flossandrock.co.uk).

The brand will officially launch at the following shows where they will exhibit under their new name floss and rock.

Nuremberg Toy Fair 27 Jan to 1 Feb (Hall 1 Stand G-05) Birmingham International Spring Fair February 7th to 11th (Hall 5 Stand G27) All your Think Pink contact and account details remain unchanged but if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact Lynda or Denise on 01253 831 540/512.

In the meantime they look forward to introducing you to floss and rock at one of the shows above, via their catalogue or your existing Think Pink agent.

Tel: 01253 831 540/512 Web: www.flossandrock.co.uk

Stan d6 Q01

SPRING FAIR

Hall 4, Stand F10 - G11

In the name of style with SIL

A leading supplier of gifts and interior accessories to retailers of all sizes, SIL cater for almost every department, including Home, Garden, Kitchen & Bathroom, Baby, Arts & Crafts and Pets, with a core collection of established best sellers and a new, directional collection added every three months. Visit their stand at Spring Fair to take a look at what’s new and what’s currently hot.

COOK & DINE IN STYLE WATERCOLOUR FANTASY

BY SIL SIL never disappoints with their exciting new ranges and this Spring Fair is no exception with the launch of “Heart of the Home” their new Cook & Dine Collection. This is a premium range featuring a masterful blend of rich woods and marble with highlights of slate. Add elegance and a touch of style to your parties with SIL’s wonderful solutions for stunning food presentation on their triple layer trays. Serve cheeses, vegetables or canapés on the slate trays and dips or sauces in the ceramic bowls that are to be found on the clever middle level. There are also wonderful gifts for the cook in your life, our favourite is the glass cheese board that slides away to reveal a hidden layer of cheese knives beneath. You can also adorn your kitchen walls with chunky light-up signs or witty slogans printed on wood for country kitchens or corrugated iron for more industrial urban kitchens. There is something for every kitchen in this range.

FLORAL DELIGHT

Following SIL’s success with their top selling Bloom Collection they have launched a new floral range to brighten our lives! The Collection is adorned with beautiful illustrations bursting with trailing wild flowers and butterflies in a delicate palette of pinks and lilacs. You will find wonderful wall art, pretty hanging accessories, a lovely selection of glass candle holders and of course a matching Signature Home Fragrance range. SIL’s famous gift box candle is back and better than ever, inside you will find a fabulous glass candle pot adorned with a charming matching grosgrain ribbon. The fragrances are a harmony of flowers and you can tantalise your senses with candles, scented sachets, drawer liners and diffusers.

84 gifts today

SIL have put Butterflies and Humming Birds at the heart of this new collection. Painted in delicate watercolours from a palette of blue, green, purple and lilac, this beautiful botanic design appears on wonderful wall art and across the bespoke Home Fragrance range.

One of the most successful pieces is the boxed wall art which has been created from two layers of the watercolour design and gives the impression that the butterfly is actually in flight. The pillar candles, scented sachets and drawer-liners all feature the same beautiful design and will fill your rooms with the fresh aroma of Linen and Cotton. Bevelled mirror photo frames and cut glass candle holders and oil diffusers add a touch of elegance to this lovely new Collection.

SPRING IN BLOOM

This collection moves on from the soft watercolour print of the first collection to the vibrancy of photography. The flowers are bursting with freshness and vivid colour and look particularly effective on their glass jewellery boxes and photo frames. SIL have also created a matching signature Home Fragrance range that will fill your homes with the delicate aroma of Jasmines and Peonies.

GARDEN RETREAT

Bring the outdoors in with SIL’s wonderful Rustic Retreat Collection. Decorate your home with an array of planters from whimsical wheelbarrow shapes to 70s revival hanging macramé pots. For a readymade option try their ceramic pots planted with faux Lavender and Sweet Peas. For that final touch, light up your garden with their selection of hurricane lamps, lanterns and strings of lights.

Sifcon International Plc Tel: 01992 718033 Email: sales@silplc.com Web: www.silplc.com

EM JIFY YOUR LIFE!

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8

Mug Designs Come and see us at the

www.boxergifts.com Boxer Gifts, Swinnow Lane, Bramley, Leeds, UK. LS13 4BS Sales Tel: +44 (0)1133 955 595 sales@boxergifts.com

SPRING FAIR NEC Birmingham, 7-11 FEBRUARY Hall 5, Stand A04/B03

SPRING FAIR

Hall 4, Stand A10 - D11

Yankee Candle to showcase new ranges at Spring Fair

Y

ankee Candle will showcase their innovative and exciting new 2016 ranges at Spring Fair – kicking off what promises to be yet another highly successful year for one of the world’s leading home fragrance company.

They will include four sophisticated new Warmer designs which have joined the innovative Scenterpiece family to meet the growing demand for flameless home fragrancing.

The Pure Essences range has also been extended due to popularity and three new fragrances - Verbena, White Tea, and Vanilla – will be available for retailers to sample.

Due to launch in late spring, the colourful Riviera Escape collection will feature four invigorating new fragrances accompanied by modern and stylish accessories which are ideal for indoor or al fresco décor, bringing a splash of Mediterranean summer to the show.

Retailers searching for innovative gift solutions will be delighted to discover

Yankee Candle’s new generation of specially designed gift sets, which will be suitable for a variety of special occasions taking place throughout the year. The sets include highlights from the new capsule collections, gifts developed

with the wedding market in mind, and for calendar celebrations.

Yankee Candle will also unveil their collections for summer, autumn and the eagerly awaited seasonal range for Q4, including new Christmas gift sets and advent calendar designs which are guaranteed to be a huge success with consumers gauging by previous years.

Yankee Candle will be exhibiting at stand number 4A10-D11 YC in Hall 4 at Spring Fair.

Tel: 0117 316 1200 Web: www.yankeecandle.co.uk

Discover one of the best kept secrets in Hall 4, Stand E50 - F51 the gift trade

F

rom being one of the original exhibitors at Spring Fair back in 1976, with a main product range of cuckoo clocks and soft toys, Richard Lang’s has evolved into an exciting, innovative supplier of gift and home décor items.

Developed by a great team, Lang’s launch over 500 inspiring own designed lines each season.

Their collections are very much on trend with inspiring new themes for spring/summer 2016, including Pretty Camping, Garden Retreat, Coast to Coast, For the Men, Country Home and Best Friends. The occasion ranges have also had a great response, with additions to their existing ranges for Mothering Sunday, Let’s Get Married, Cute Baby and Family.

Lang’s Christmas continues to inspire and delight for 2016. You can’t help feeling a little festive and merry amidst the twinkling lights and baubles.

It’s important to Lang’s to offer their customers great price points and customer satisfaction. Unique, inspirational, friendly, reliable, great customer service, are words their customers often use to describe 86 gifts today

them. “Your products always sell through”, is what they hear over and over again.

Why not spend a day with them in their extensive showroom in Derby and take your time to see the whole range in comfort with plenty of refreshments?

Savour some of Derbyshire’s famous Bakewell Pudding. Or if you can’t make it for any reason they have a team of agents who cover the whole of the UK and Ireland. They will be more than happy to visit you and present you the full range on their iPads.

Make your shop stand out from the crowd with something a little different from Lang’s.

You will find their new stand at Spring Fair in HALL 4 E50-F51. Come and take a look, and with a lowered minimum order being just £250 there has never been a better time to order!

Web: www.richardlang.co.uk

Inspirational products traded fairly from around the globe.

SPRINGFAIR G 7 - 11 FEBRUARY 2016 NEC BIRMINGHAM UK

Come and see us at the Spring Fair this year to see our latest products.

HALL 4 STAND J30 For our Giftware Collections.

Collections

www.namaste-uk.com Minimum order only £150 plus VAT • Free colour catalogues available.

SHOWROOM

SNAYGILL INDUSTRIAL ESTATE

TEL: 01756 700790

SKIPTON

NORTH YORKSHIRE

BD23 2QR

EMAIL: sales@namaste-uk.com

Home & Gifts • Incense • Home Furnishings • Furniture • Clothing • Accessories • Jewellery

madebyzen

Hall 4, Stand: E60-F61

madebyzen Showcases 2016 Spa Inspired Range One of the leading home fragrance brands madebyzen will be showcasing an exceptional luxury spa range at this year’s Spring Fair. The 2016 collection of innovative and stunning aroma diffusers and fragrance oils will be displayed at the madebyzen unit in Hall 4, Stand 4E60-F61.

m

adebyzen has combined the art of ultrasonic technology with the ancient practices of aromatherapy to create a breathtaking range of sustainably sourced bamboo aroma diffusers – perfect for recreating your very own spa at home.

Bamboo replenishes the environment and the air we breathe by releasing 35% more oxygen than equivalent strands of trees. To enhance general well-being these luxurious aroma diffusers work by combining a few drops of tap water with your favourite fragrance or essential oil to release a burst of fine mist and scent.

Dharmesh Bhayani of madebyzen comments: “The bamboo range is created with sustainably sourced, hand cut bamboo to produce a contemporary finish. Combined with our stunning fragrances and the low energy LED lights which slowly move through the colour spectrum, you can indulge in your very own spa at home.

“Innovative home fragrance accessories are on trend for 2016 which is key to the theme that runs throughout our whole product range.

We are passionate about providing fragrance accessories that can be mood enhancing whilst effectively dispersing fragrance. We believe what consumers want are small indulgent and affordable fragrance accessories that don’t just mask odours, but enhance general well-being as well as being aesthetically stunning.

“Spring Fair is an excellent opportunity to show our retail partners how we are at the forefront of current trends, whilst maintaining our core 88 gifts today

values and using the finest, natural earthy materials.”

“The Purity oil range works wonderfully with these beautiful aroma diffusers to help you unwind and escape the distractions of hectic lifestyles. The Purity range is blended by world class perfumers using pure essential oils and are 100% natural, ideal for relaxing the mind, body and soul.

Introducing the Amaya Inspired by the natural beauty of water droplets, the Amaya ultrasonic aroma diffuser (RRP £69.99) creates a highly contemporary fusion by twinning natural and traditional materials with state of the art technology to develop this home fragrance masterpiece.

Water is a predominant feature in everyone’s lives. It cleanses, purifies and rejuvenates, and the Amaya represents a celebration of the hydro form in all its glory.

The invigorating effect of water comes in many guises, whether it is the refreshing impact of raindrops, or the comforting mist we see rising from a distant valley in the early morning, the Amaya brings that same calm and tranquillity into your living space.

The bamboo used in the production of the Amaya is FSC* certified.

Introducing the Esta Magnificently hand crafted using bamboo, the striking design of the Esta ultrasonic aroma diffuser (RRP £49.99) will enhance any living space and transform your surroundings by bringing the beauty of nature indoors.

With each burst of fragrance the Esta will enrich your home with luscious scents and dehumidifying properties.

Simple and elegant, the Esta aroma diffuser is stylishly designed using hand cut bamboo from a sustainable source, which allows maturing and flowering strands to remain flourishing and have the least impact on wildlife.

Introducing the Skye The perfect infusion of sleek, modern design combined with the natural elements, the Skye ultrasonic aroma diffuser (RRP £64.99) has a solid bamboo base carved elegantly into a half moon shape and is covered with a frosted glass dome to enhance the ambience with mood lighting.

The soft glow gradually changes through a series of colours covering the entire spectrum, exuding gently through the frosted glass,

calming the mind, body and soul.

Introducing the Spa Essential Oil The essential oil blend is 100% natural helping you to regain tranquillity and rest with the mix of ylang ylang, frangipani, jasmine and pine. The Spa oil (RRP £6.99) helps rejuvenate the mind, body and soul whilst creating self awareness and inner peace.

Expertly blended to help balance the mind, body and soul, each natural oil releases calming properties to help those who are in need of destressing and relaxing. madebyzen’s purity range is perfect for creating a relaxing atmosphere. *FSC Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified which protects the forest from environmental impact, whilst offering a helping hand to the indigenous residents.

Tel: 0161 257 3524 Web: www.madebyzen.com

SPRING FAIR

New range of NECA accessories

Completely Independent Distribution Hall 4, Stand: G88

Persian Textiles Mugs with Lesser & Pavey Hall 5, Stand: C04/D03

The name invokes images of mystery and beauty and the new ranges from Lesser & Pavey do not disappoint as they capture the essence of the hailed master weavers of textiles in a form of entrancing decoration. These Persian textile mugs are part of a new range entitled Exotic Mugs.

The full range consists of twenty different, distinctive designs, at present, from around the globe including Persia, Morocco and Egypt.

Based on traditional patterns, the fine, quality mugs come with matching coasters.

Mugs are available in sets of two or sets of four, and are in extremely good quality decorative packaging as well as being in rigid boxes to prevent breakages.

Mugs are recommended to retail at £14.99 for a set of four.

The range will be available from stock at Spring Fair.

Tel: 01322 279225 Web: www.leonardo.co.uk

Eye-catching designs with Dunoon

Completely Independent Distribution are very pleased to announce their new range of NECA accessories in February, using Spring Fair as their launch pad. One of the highlights of the range are the phenomenal selling Body Knockers which rock from side to side when exposed to light — they never need batteries. Each figure stands at 6” tall and comes individually packaged.

The collection features the very best characters including Batman, Superman, Spider-man, Groot, Deadpool to name a few. Enjoy hours of body-bobbling fun that’s powered by the sun. CID are based in Leicester and have a huge collection of music and character apparel and accessories – see them at Spring Fair in Hall 4 stand G88.

Tel: 0116 258 1450 Email: salesteam@cidmerch.com Web: www.cidmerch.com

Welcome back Wolfie + Willow Inch Blue Hall 6, P06

Wolfie + Willow make a welcomed return to Spring Fair with a much more comprehensive range of their adorable handmade, leather Moccasins for ‘Little Eco Warriors’. The Brand is already creating some fantastic press and Social awareness especially as some of Europe’s finest Retailers are now gaining traction with this truly lifestyle Brand.

In addition, Wolfie + Willow have now bolstered their product offering with the launch of a stunning collection of Accessories for discerning parents and general lovers of quality and style. There are 4 bags across three colourways in the opening collection. The production team have sourced beautiful top grain vegetable tanned leather, everything is then skilfully constructed in their own factory in the heart of the Welsh countryside.

Wolfie + Willow close their pre-order books on the 29th February for a Spring delivery which will be delivered into store, just before the Easter holidays.

Tel: 01495311123 Web: www.inch-blue.com

Hall 9, Stand: H01

Sheikh is a very eye catching set of three designs on Dunoon’s Lomond Fine Bone China mug shape. These are a development of a previous range called Dubai which proved to be very popular with Dunoon customers. The designs are inspired by iconic shapes and colours from Arabian countries and are made very special by the addition of rich metallic gold enhancing the intricate patterns. They are designed by Dunoon’s popular artist David Broadhurst.

Tel. 01785 817414 Email. sales@dunoonmugs.co.uk Web: www.dunoonmugs.co.uk

Aroma Home launching number of innovative new ranges Hall 6/7, Stand: U21

Aroma Home offer one of the widest selections of warming gift products available in the marketplace.

“This year we have not only extended and renewed our range of cosy hotties and hot hugs we have also introduced a new range of cuddly hotties aimed at the younger market,” says Production Director Colin Lewin.

“We have extended our range of fragranced hot water bottles and introduced new gift pack ranges which feature our cosy ears and other new, brilliantly packaged gift options.

“2016 will be an exciting year for the company,” says Lewin, “as we have extended our successful ranges and introduced new ranges that are designed as perfect presents to suit the whole family.”

Tel: 01793 487 684 Web: www.aromahome.com

FRAGRANCE THE WAY NATURE INTENDED New Fragranced Sticks by Caption Fragrance Co. are made of recyclable paper from sustainable forests and infused with pure, solvent-free fragrance.

No flames, no liquid to spill…

Just pure, vivid fragrance that lasts.

By the makers of ScentSicles® Caption’s Fragranced Sticks are available in 7 authentic fragrances for use throughout the home, car and floral décor.

To learn more, visit us at Spring Fair, NEC Birmingham, 5A23, or contact uksales@enviroscent.com.

captionfragrance.com 21 Patents on a Mission.

SPRING FAIR

Hall 5, Stand A04/B03

Unique, original, quality take a look at Boxer Gifts At Boxer they are designers, innovators, creators and manufacturers of unique, original and quality gift ideas. They offer a variety of products which will make people laugh and which they will definitely remember. They have been established since 1982 and they celebrated their 30th anniversary in 2012 with their most successful year to date, even in difficult times for retailing.

Emoji mug RRP - £4.99

Sparkle glass RRP - £14.99 You need of an extra special gift to help someone celebrate in style, well why not choose one of our super stylish sparkle wine glasses, the silver glittery stem and pastel sparkly decal adds a hint of glamour to make that celebratory glass of wine even more special.

Both available in ages: 18, 21, 30, 40, 50 & 60.

Wine challenge RRP - £7.99 Beat the buzzer, or drink, drink, drink!

Are your parties falling a bit flat? People not mingling freely, or are refusing to let go of their inhibitions? The wine challenge game will soon solve your hosting woes!

This fun electronic maze game, with drink forfeits for failures, will get your guests buzzing (and a bit tipsy) in no time!

Starting at W, guide the probe around the word WINE until you reach E... Make sure you don’t set off the buzzer, or you’ll need to take a sip of your drink.

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A perfect gift for emoji fans, these emoji mugs are great for the home, work place or as a funny gift for family and friends. They can add personality to that early morning cup of coffee with a phrase spelt out in images so others can acknowledge how you are feeling.

These white mugs with emoji icon details come complete with a decorative gift box, which help make these a perfect present.

Emoji flipbook RRP - £5.99 For when words just aren’t enough…

Having a great day? Or feeling under the weather? These little smiley faces and amusing icons are a very useful way to show your mood when sending text messages so why not bring them into the real world?

Each page in this fun flip book is divided into four sections, each with a different emoticon. Just flip the pages to create a pictorial message that fits your frame of mind.

Tel: 01133 955 599 Email: sales@boxergifts.com Web: www.boxergifts.com

SPRING FAIR

New Home Fragrance Technology Debuts Hall 5, Stand: 23 Enviroscent, known for its sustainable paper-based fragranced sticks, introduces Caption Fragrance Co. at Spring Fair. Caption Fragrance Co. is a new brand range designed to provide fragrance the way nature intended through a simple but high-tech, patented format of sustainable paper sticks infused with pure essential oils designed to give consumers the most authentic fragrance experience available.

Through first-of-its-kind technology, fragrance is released at a constant rate over thirty days with no need for flames, oils or mess. As the fragrance diffuses, it is pure, clean and green. Each ScentStick contains 40% more fragrance by weight than traditional home fragrance products available today ensuring a consistent authentic consumer experience.

Each ScentStick is placed either within a floral display, plant, car or somewhere discrete to omit the fragrance into the desired space. The Caption Range is available in three different formats designed for convenient use at home or on the go.

Fragrances include the floral scents of; Amber Dahlia - clean linens, fresh flowers, taking in the balcony view, Provence Lavender - Summer in the south of France, lavender fields sway, Le Parfum la Nature, White Orchid - Fragrant florals in bloom, butterflies abound, orchids clinging to the tree and Champagne Rose - Bubbly as a crystal flute, rose petals on the bed, falling in love.

Plus the fresh fragrance of Coastal Waves - seaside holiday, sea glass, waves breaking on the shore. Tuscan Lemon offers - groves on the cliff, sun ripened lemons, savouring sorbet and Mandarin Tea - sip of citrus, tealeaves floating, and a moment of repose on a bright morning.

Display stands are available to maximise presence instore and free display and shipping on all orders over £500 during Spring Fair plus show-only offers available.

RRP: £6 to £13 To experience the Enviroscent way visit

www.enviroscent.com

Chocolate delight with Thorntons Hall 3, Stand: M01 At Thorntons they know that chocolate is the perfect gift for any occasion. If you run a card and gift shop, their delicious chocolate adds an extra special touch to all your gifts, at every season.

Thorntons want to make sure they give you the best possible options to enhance your in-store gifting opportunities – which is where “Thorntons …in your store” comes in.

“Thorntons…in your store” gives you and your shoppers the full range of passionately crafted Thorntons chocolates in beautiful packaging, that will complement all your other product ranges in store.

For three years they’ve been proud to roll out their successful new concept store-format that features new furnishings and elaborate finishes, all lit up with state-of-the-art lighting that truly showcases the fantastic range they offer. They know these finishing touches will make all the difference in your store(s).

Come and chat with them and also enjoy a chocolate (or two).

Next to the entrance, Hall 3 stand M01

Tel: 0845 075 0056 Email: thorntonsinyourstore@thorntons.co.uk

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Greetings Cards & Gift Stationery

NEW â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Available exclusively from

(t) 0116 230 4197 (f) 01536 401 031 (w) www.mint-publishing.co.uk

Spring Fair Stand P17, Hall 3 www.museumsgalleries.co.uk

SPRING FAIR

Party time with Neviti

Hall 3, Stand: K21

Full of colour at Pomegranate

Pomegranate (Europe) Ltd Hall 3, Stand: T21 Over the past few years Pomegranate has seen an incredible response to their Kids colouring book range. Featuring sophisticated artworks, carefully adapted into fun-to-colour line drawings, they’ve entertained and inspired aspiring young artists across the World.

Through this journey they’ve seen a recurring theme in their feedback: Adults like to colour too!

Not content with simply rebranding their huge range of colouring books to suit adults, (the content and quality are already entirely adult suitable) they’ve launched a specific adult range of colouring books with some truly unique imagery.

The initial set of these hardback, heavy duty colouring books, (available now) feature both the ever popular pattern works of Tessellations and Mandalas, alongside some incredibly detailed nature imagery. Tim Jeffs provides a unique colouring canvas in his stunningly detailed Animals in Detail, and Ernst Haeckel’s Art forms in Nature provide beautiful images from nature, in ready-to-colour form.

These new adult colouring books not only feature even more of those thick, pen/pencil/crayon/felt tip suitable pages than our kids colouring books, but also lay-flat binding, something that seems like an obvious feature for a colouring book, yet is surprisingly absent in the current market.

Web: www.pomegranate.com

Neviti one of the UK’s leading designers and distributors of wedding and party supplies will once again be launching some exciting new collections at this year’s Spring Fair. New ranges include Carnival a vibrant collection of mix and match party essentials perfect for a variety of special occasions and two new children’s ranges Scooter Girls and Wild West Cowboys. For weddings Neviti’s new To Have And To Hold collection is certainly worth a look featuring the on trend colour scheme of blue and gold with a stunning heart and love bird design. The range features a beautiful offering of table decorations and accessories perfect for adding a special touch to your wedding décor. For baby showers the new Showered With Love range is sure to be a popular new addition featuring a stylish mum to be and polka dot design on a selection of party ware, decorations and baby shower games. Alongside the new additions will be some of Neviti’s bestselling collections including Guess How Much I Love You, Little Owls, With Love and Just My Type.

Tel: 0845 638 1358 Email: info@neviti.com

Wax Lyrical unveils new look Hall 4, Stand: E41

Wax Lyrical will be celebrating their growth by unveiling an exciting new look at the Spring Fair. The Cumbrian company has a new logo, a new stand and new products to show.

After 2015’s sell out success with Christmas giftpacks they will be unveiling the newly designed 2016 collection. New additions to their ranges include Home Fragrance Library, a collection of distinctive diffusers and Kitchen Garden, a range targeted at men as well as women that harnesses the trend for clean living and superfoods. New fragrances have been added to all of Wax Lyrical’s best selling ranges, see them in Hall 4 E41.

Tel: 01229 461100 Web: www.waxlyricaltrade.com 96 gifts today

SPRING FAIR

Classic literature-themed journals Museums & Galleries Hall 3, Stand: P17

Museums & Galleries have launched a stunning new range of British Library branded classic literature-themed Journals. Each hard cover journal replicates the detailed gold foiling from the original hardbacks, with illustrations from each title printed on the endpapers, finished off with a smart bookmark ribbon. Classic in theme, the journals feel smart and modern in style.

The launch range includes the Sherlock Holmes classic Hound of the Baskervilles, Edward Lear’s Book of Nonsense, Jules Verne’s Voyages Extraordinaire, Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island and The Black Cat Book

by Charles Robinson. They make an ideal gift for any fan of literature, classic design, adventure, nostalgia, pirates and the London’s world-famous famous detective.

Each journal contains 200 lined pages on quality cream paper with lay-flat binding, at a trade price of £3.33 and SRP of £7.99

Tel: 01373 462165 Web: www.museumsgalleries.co.uk

New additions to Allen Designs collections Enesco Hall

January 2016 sees the launch of some wonderful new pieces to the popular Cat & Owl and Smiling Frog homewares collections from Allen Designs for Border Fine Arts Contemporary Gifts.

Famous for her hilarious clocks, Michelle Allen founded Allen Designs to share her love of the colourful, the witty and the eccentric in life by creating art that is both fun and functional. This collection showcases her unique style of artwork in vibrant colours and zany designs, ensuring that each Allen Designs piece makes a quirky and eye-catching home accent as well as a perfect gift.

Choose from a new Smiling Frog Mug and Cat & Owl Stackable Mugs — or why not shake things up with our new Cat & Owl Salt and Pepper Shakers!

Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Web: www.enesco.co.uk

Feminine Jewellery collection with PoM Peace of Mind Hall 19, Stand: F20-G21

Geometrics and simple shapes will continue to inspire this spring. PoM uses mellow golds and subtle textures to soften bold forms, creating a warmer, more feminine jewellery collection. This is echoed in their scarf range, where being bold really works. Again being clever with colour and using super soft fabrics will soften this very striking look.

PoM also launches their new initial necklace and birthstone charm collection, just in time for Valentines Day. With the personalisation market getting bigger, if you sell or are thinking of selling silver or silver plated jewellery, this is a trend you should really be buying into. Adding a heart charm or loved ones birthstone to one of PoM’s simple necklaces takes

Tel: 01225 777749 Email: sales@pom925.com Web: www.pom925.com 98 gifts today

Melamaster are a wellestablished and respected British manufacturer of quality Melamine Kitchenware and Giftware Products, who have been supplying small and large retailers, store groups and Garden Centres throughout the UK and Europe for many years.

With a reputation for innovation, quality and reliability, our superb range of Trays, Placemats, Coasters and Mugs will compliment any kitchen - modern or traditional.

sales@coleshilldesign.com www.coleshilldesign.com â&#x20AC;˘ 024 7672 4900

Visit us in Hall 9 on Stand A12

SPRING FAIR

Floral Dot range with PMC Hall 4, Stand: E90-F91

Available from the Personalised Memento Company (PMC) is their sophisticated Floral Dot range. The collection has been designed to be on-point with the latest spring/summer fashions, holding a wide appeal for all ages. The collection includes personalised scented candles, mugs, purses and make up bags. The range can be personalised and dropshipped to order.

PMC also offer a free affiliate website solution. This fantastic opportunity allows smaller and independent retailers to gain a foothold in the rapidly expanding personalised gift category, by providing a completely free-of-charge website that is preloaded with thousands of PMC’s best-selling products. Visit PMC at Spring Fair Hall 4 Stand E90 – F91.

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

New V&A Slimline Notebooks Museums & Galleries Hall 3, Stand: P17

Museums & Galleries have expanded their class-leading V&A gift stationery collection with a new range of Slimline Notebooks.

These smart design-led little items are perfect for note-taking and lists, with an added premium feel thanks to the use of gold foil text, a tactile textured cover and bellyband to offset the bold prints.

The launch range features six new designs from the museum’s archives – all new to MGL’s V&A range – which reference current trends such as ink marbling, pineapples, and vibrant bird and floral prints on dark backgrounds.

There are also a further four new designs from the Museums & Galleries range to accompany the six V&A notebooks.

Each Slimline Journals contain 56 pages of smooth lined cream paper, with a trade price of £1.15 and SRP of £2.75

Tel: 01373 462165 Web: www.museumsgalleries.co.uk

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Springtime is the best time!

Peony Hall 20, Stand: N01

Hot off the heels from Top Drawer, the Peony Team are delighted bring their new range to Spring Fair. The Linen Collection is brand spanking new for this season and perfect for high summer. These delicately embroidered 100% linens in soft pastels with a self- fringe are extremely competitively priced and are sure to be a must have in the holiday wardrobe. Lots of new silk pieces also feature; pretty floral designs wearable colours and the classical wavy spot in various shades will certainly add that splash of elegance to any outfit.

Whether purchased as a gift or for self, the collection from Peony really hits the ground running for 2016 with the new themed stories. Look out for Pretty in Pink, A Little Birdie Told Me So, Summer Garden Party, All Creatures Great and Small and Down to the Shore. Finally, if you’re looking for developing your own scarf range, then look no further…Peony have a great offering which is definitely worth exploring.

Tel: 01442 259046 Email: sales@peonyonline.co.uk

Come and see us in Hall 4 Stand G89. Great new products from De Rosa and Herend.

T:01538 80 77 80 E: enquiries@globalluxurybrands.co.uk W: globalluxurybrands.co.uk

SPRING FAIR

New stainless steel jewellery Alexander Thurlow Hall 19, Stand: C32-D33

Alexander Thurlow will be showing their new range of stainless steel jewellery at this year’s Spring Fair. These highly polished pendants are inset with wonderful shell and enamel pieces. Available boxed, they offer gift shops a great splash of colour and easy point of sale. Also new this year will be a range of quirky brooches and scarves.

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

De Rosa with Global Luxury Brands Hall 4, Stand: G89

Celebrating 25 years Dora Designs Hall 6, Stand: P22-Q23

Dora Designs will be celebrating their 25th Year and to mark this occasion they have introduced some great new designs for 2016. They have completely brand new collections of Country Folk Cushions (based on the six best-selling Country Folk), Grey Felt Doorstops, British range and Posh Traditional range.

There has also been some great additions to the existing ranges and including a revamped Bouncer (pictured) in the Canine Collection.

Tel: 01780 430188 Email: enquiries@doradesigns.co.uk Web: www.doradesigns.co.uk 102 gifts today

GLB are delighted to be showcasing the De Rosa brand for the first time at Spring Fair. This family owned company produces a superb range of gift and collectable pieces which cover many of the key collectable subjects. All the pieces are hand made at the family’s studios in Uruguay. Every piece is hand cast in solid ceramic then hand carved, fired and then totally hand painted and hand gilded. Each piece is a work of art, and each one totally unique. Prices start at £32 for the miniature range.

Tel: 01538 807780 Web: www.globalluxurybrands.co.uk

sales@gibsonsgames.co.uk

•

www.gibsonsgames.co.uk • 020 8661 8866 • facebook.com/gibsonsgames

SPRING FAIR

Hall 20, Stand K10 - L11

Walking stick specialist Classic Canes to launch 17 new models 2016’s Spring Fair International marks the 27th consecutive appearance of walking stick specialists Classic Canes at the show (Hall 20, Stand K10-L11). The company will be celebrating by launching 27 new products.

C

lassic Canes specialises in walking sticks, seat sticks and umbrellas.

The range comprises over 700 models, available from stockists throughout the UK and in more than 40 countries worldwide.

New walking sticks from Classic Canes will include floral extending ‘Chelsea’ canes in pretty spring shades of pink, peppermint and lilac, which make excellent spring accessories and Mothering Sunday presents. Other new models include silver lamé and gold evening canes, collectors’ novelty canes in the shapes of a snake and Sherlock Holmes, Twinkle engraved derbys for everyday use, an elegant blue and white patterned folding cane featuring 104 gifts today

paisley and butterflies and a range of everyday height-adjustable canes in seven fashionable colours.

Also new is a collection of chestnut hiking staffs laser engraved with country motifs: a pheasant, a stag’s head, a horse, a Labrador Retriever and a countryman.

Managing Director Charlotte Gillan says, “We are delighted to present so many interesting new items at the 2016 Spring Fair. They have all been chosen for their quality, style and relevance to our customers. They also all photograph beautifully, which is of great importance to our online retailers and for all customers’ marketing activities, whether through traditional methods or social media.”

Tel: 1460 75686 Web: www.classiccanes.co.uk

Amazing Unique

Electronic Gifts Come and us atatSpring Visit See Our Stand A31 Fair Hall 4 Stand K20

Established 1972

email: sales@steepletone.com Tel: 01869 812828

www.steepletone.com

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SPRING FAIR

Patchwork perfection

Dora Designs Hall 6, Stand: P22-Q23 The Patchwork collection has been a great success for Dora Designs and includes trophy heads, doorstops and introduced in the autumn a Highland Cow Patchwork draft excluder. The stunning collection is designed in bright, vibrant and luxuriously textured fabrics and are great addition for any home. The new Owl doorstop (attached) to the range has just been shortlisted in the Premium and Luxury category in the Gift of the Year 2016. To see this and many more of their great new designs please visit us at Spring Fair Hall 6 P22-Q23.

Tel: 01780 430188 Email: enquiries@ doradesigns.co.uk Web: www.doradesigns.co.uk

Tableware and fine ceramics with Herend Porcelain Global Luxury Brands Hall 4, Stand: G89

The Herend Porcelain brand is well known throughout the world but this is the first time that it has been shown at Spring Fair. Founded in 1826, Herend has become the favoured brand of world leaders, Royalty and all those who appreciate the finer things in life. With a range of 1,800 patterns and unrivalled hand painting skills they have established a commanding position in the market for fine ceramics. GLB are delighted to be showcasing some of the fine tableware and collectable figurines at the Spring Fair, something for those who want something a little more exclusive. Come and see us in Hall4, stand G89.

Tel: 01538 807780 Web: www.globalluxurybrands.co.uk

Introducing a new range of ceramic tableware Quail Ceramics Hall 6, Stand: T21

Quailâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Egg combines sophisticated shapes with high gloss finish to produce modern, stylish and desirable gifts. The freshness of 5 Colours and the subtle glazing of Dapple make these jugs, dipping bowls and serving platters an exquisite addition to any table.

Tel: 01304 379 901 Email: info@quailsegg.co.uk Website: www.quailsegg.co.uk 106 gifts today

Come and see the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favourite glassware supplier: where quality meets design Spring Fair International, NEC Hall 4 Stand A58

www.dandjglassware.co.uk Tel: 01953 450280

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SPRING FAIR

The Milford Collection Expands range Hall 4, Stand: B32

New for Spring 2016, these beautiful ‘Light Glass’ tea light holders from The Milford Collection are a must in any home.

This exclusive new range will feature an initial 24 designs consisting of popular images from Milford’s Benaya Art ceramic tile range alongside exciting new designs exclusive to The Milford Collection.

Each piece, which has been lovingly designed and lavishly detailed by hand, comes packaged in its own individual branded gift box, complete with a complimentary large 8 hour tea light.

Pictures do not do their new range of ‘Light Glass’ tea light holders justice so please do visit them and see the quality and uniqueness of the product first hand at Spring Fair 2016.

Tel: 01686 629919 Email: david@milfordcollection.com Web: www.milfordcollection.com

Mummy Bee is the Queen Bee of gifting ideas Beefayre Hall 6, Stand: T25

Beefayre’s Mummy Bee is a beautiful collection of individual home fragrance and beauty products, all using lavender and geranium essential oils. As well as ideal Mothering Sunday gifts, the collection also has broad appeal throughout the year providing multiple gifting opportunities for mums, mums-to-be and new mums.

With affordable price points from £5 - £16.50, the collection includes hand cream, lip balm, natural plant wax candles, organic soap and a room diffuser. Idea for retailers to package sets together with their own gift boxes or range as a mini collection in a children’s section of their shop.

Gifts inspired by nature with 3% of profits donated to bee conservation.

Tel: 01858 434492 Web: www.beefayre.com

Making it a Year to Remember Cherry Orchard Hall 3, Stand: Q31

Make the celebrations last GiftScribes Hall 4, Stand: B57

Same-sex just married couples, families and individual characters all feature amongst the 40 new hanging decorations that GiftScribes will be adding to the existing range of Christmas and Special Moments Collections. All are personalisable - with family names or a short message - at the point of sale.

You will find GiftScribes in a new location for 2016 – in Hall 4 on Stand B 57 and showing off their new exhibition stand.

GiftScribes offer lines with proven demand, good margins, small minimum orders and a personal service; to make business easy.

Tel: 01584 811 190 Email: sales@giftscribes.co.uk Web: www.giftscribes.co.uk 108 gifts today

Celebrating their 21st anniversary with exciting plans, the Cherry Orchard team will present their new ranges with a programme of events in Hall 3, Stand 3Q31 at Spring Fair.

Launching several new collections, including the brand new line of giftware, the Down Memory Lane bone China mugs, shortlisted for the Gift of the Year 2016 Award, there will be a buzz of activity as the sales team invite you to wander down Memory Lane and compete in The Rubik’s Challenge or take part in a draw to win £500 of Christmas cards (based on RRP).

At noon on Sunday 7 the Grand Prize Draw will take place for the Cherry Orchard Shop of the Month competition. Throughout 2015, the monthly winners have been chosen and presented with champagne and a certificate to display. Local press coverage for each winner has given the chosen independent retailers a business boost. One of the seven finalists will now go on to win £1000 worth of Greetings Cards (based on RRP).

Tel: 01684 295500 Web: www.cherryorchardpublishing.co.uk

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SPRING FAIR

Meet Liberty Candles Hall 4, Stand: D39

With a plethora of candle manufacturers in the marketplace, there is a wide choice for any would-be retailer right now. The market for scented candles in particular has shown tremendous growth in recent years and continues to do so with an estimated 15% increase year on year in the coming years as the home interior market expands.

Now, a newcomer to the market, Liberty Candles, who are launching at this year’s Spring Fair, are offering traditional style candles at incredible prices, whilst maintaining burn quality and fragrance release.

Both of their core ranges feature carefully selected fragrances, covering all major fragrance families and are available in a soy wax blend. The premium Heritage Range is available in 22 and 14oz glass jars, whilst the Homestead Range comes in 18,10 and 3oz jars.

Starting with 34 fragrances, they are also launching new tarts & melts at the show. Prices are typically half that of other manufacturers and a wide range of merchandising support is available to all retailers along with POS stands and support material.

They are also available to offer custom printed gift packaging for independent retailers in quantities of 100pcs.

With offices and warehouse in Lancashire, there are no minimum orders and can offer drop shipping if required.

Excitement at Emma Ball Hall 3, Stand: S03

Everyone at Emma Ball Ltd is extremely excited about the launch of their new tins, Emma has designed a small range of coastal tinware called A Day at the Seaside, it comes in a tall caddy, rectangular cake/sandwich tin and a small caddy, also there are six pocket tins of various designs. They’ve already had huge interest! RRP from £3 to £10 they’re bound to go fast.

Tel: 0115 9858081 Email: sales@emmaball.co.uk Web: www.emmaball.co.uk

Email: sales@libertycandles.co.uk Web: www.libertycandles.co.uk

New designs available at Terramundi Hall 6, Stand: Q22

Terramundi are very excited to launch their brand new range of designs for 2016, which will be showcased at this years Spring Fair. Going back to the bright vibrant colours that Terramundi is known for but with a contemporary twist. The new designs will compliment the home and enhance any living space. With the lollypop pink, gorgeous gold and sublime silver the new designs will surprise and delight. An elegant way to fuse 2000 years of tradition, saving for that once in a lifetime dream, bringing brightness and a little joy to any room.

Tel: 020 8808 3818 Email: moneypots@terramundi.co.uk Web: www.terramundi.co.uk 110 gifts today

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with our Travel Essentials Trio* Perfect for the traveller or just someone who needs a little TLC! Contains the following Seascape products: ● 75ml Refresh Hand & Nail Cream ● 10ml Peppermint Oil Lip Balm ● Seascape’s award-winning 8ml Soothe Sleep Oil Beautifully packaged in a lovely gift box

RRP: £28.00

A “must have” this summer or for Christmas Gift Giving * also available as Seascape’s TLC Essentials Trio if travelling is not on the agenda!

Seascape: winner of 14 beauty industry awards over the past two years! www.seascapeuk.com

Tel: 0845 003 5255 contact@seascapeuk.com

SEASCAPE ISLAND APOTHECARY IS PROUD TO SUPPORT TARGET OVARIAN CANCER

SPRING FAIR

The Country Candle Company – naturally Hall 5, Stand: A31

The Country Candle Company is one of the leading British manufacturers of home fragrance products.

This spring, responding to requests from their broad customer base, they are delighted to introduce the Simply Natural Collection.

With high quality soy wax candle in tin and vintage tumbler, plus wax melts, reed diffusers and refills in matching fragrances, we believe this new

New location for Straits Trading Hall 4, Stand: E71

Straits are pleased to announce that they will be exhibiting in a new location at Spring Fair, this year. Hall 4 is the new dedicated area for Gift where they will be showcasing over 1,200 new items.

Among the new products available are a collection of mason jars and juice dispensers in varying shapes, sizes and colours. All are supplied in a retail friendly picture box and the prices offer exceptional value for money. Sets of four glasses with lids and straws start at £3.15 and large juice dispensers with lever tap and lid are available from £4.70. For more details on these and other exciting product collections please take a look at their website or visit them at the NEC in February.

Tel: 01254 300260 Email: sales@straitstrading.com Web: www.straitstrading.com

collection will be a great success.

The natural wax gives off fragrance more gently than a mineral wax, but burns longer and the high quality wax burns cleanly and evenly.

Passion and drive with Steepletone Hall 4, Stand: K20

Steepletone enter their 44th year of trading with the passion and drive to deliver even more. With changes to the show layout at the 2016 Spring Fair and you will now find them in Hall 4.

From their early years they have always designed and manufactured products with style and innovation. They are one of the few importers that understand the manufacturing process as they were manufacturers themselves. They understand what you need to put in, to get a great product produced. Their latest jukebox, Jive Rock Sixty is their latest tooling made in Steepletone’s own subcontract factory. A family business from its inception with the family members all involved in the daily running of the company. You will find great new innovations for 2016 with a new Wifi Jukebox with App control on their stand this year.

Tel: 01869810081 Web: www.steepletone.com 112 gifts today

Unfussy, subtle but stylish design and six stimulating fragrances offer something to appeal to everyone. The Simply Natural Collection adds a new dimension to their fragrance family.

Also new are six new fragrances in their top selling Polka Dot collection, and three in the popular Fragrant Orchard collection.

Tel: 0249 478660 Web: www. thecountrycandlecompany.com

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Visit us at the Spring Fair NEC Birmingham 2016 Hall 5 Stand 5A31.

Request our NEW brochure: t 01225 794920 e sales@thecountrycandlecompany.com www.thecountrycandlecompany.com

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e:billy@boing-inc.com t: +44 (0)1628 789 999

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www.boing-inc.com

SPRING FAIR

Gifts galore on the Ancestors stand Ancestors Group Hall 5, Stand: C50-D51

Ancestors Group, like the name suggests started out as a team of genealogists. The company soon turned its attention to products and have since become an established leading supplier of Heritage gifts.

With a host of eye-catching ranges that suit a whole selection of retail environments, including visitor attractions, garden centres and independent gift stores, Ancestors Group and their product ranges continue to grow in popularity.

Their best-selling impulse and personalised gifts include feather pens, pin badges, coasters, magnets and Keychains with their attractive co-ordinated concept lines that are designed to add value to your business. They also specialise in bespoke design products and have over 25 years of experience supplying the leading department stores and museums with own concept products.

It’s with great delight that they announce that SAC-themed chess sets will now be launching Made in Britain sets at this year’s Spring Fair. The continuing demand has been increasing for British-made products, these are sure to be a winner for all their retailer partners. Be amongst the first to see these up close and personal when you visit their stand at Spring Fair.

Toys and Games will also feature highly on their stand with traditional games such as backgammon, playing cards and EVA form dress up.

Tel: 01303 857200 Web: www.ancestors.co.uk

Exciting times at Wild Things Gifts Hall 4, Stand: C61

A new catalogue, a revamped website, a new display – all on show at Spring Fair. And of course lots of new products, including this gorgeous tree of life suncatcher, featuring genuine Swarovski crystals. Visit the stand to see it in all its glory – and take advantage of one or a few special offers on starter packs.

Tel: 01392 211268 Email: sales@wildthingsgifts. com Web: www.wildthingsgifts.com

Find Hippychick at Spring Fair Hall 5, Stand: E01

Hall Hippychick are a family run business dedicated to sourcing and developing original baby and toddler products. This year, Hippychick are excited to be attending Spring Fair with their fabulous range of innovative and exciting toys. Their wooden BoiKido range has expanded for 2016 to include some funky new space themed vehicles. BoiKido specialise in highly interactive, educational, fun toys ranging from puzzles to musical instruments to construction toys. Hippychick will also be showcasing their famous ride on toys such as Wheelybugs, Happy Hopperz and their Danish designed Moover toys. They are also set to take the show by storm with their innovative new Pl-ug den building kits. This fantastic range lets little ones imaginations run wild providing all the bits and pieces needed to build a hideaway of their own.

Web: www.hippychick.com 114 gifts today

Fine Fragrance Candles Lovingly Hand-Poured Made in England

www.themeltco.com “Look for a lovely thing and you will find it, - shining brightly.

It is not far...never far.”

“CANDLES BY MELT BOAST AN EXQUISITELY DISTRESSED PATINA AND RECHERCHÉ SCENTS” FT Weekend Magazine

email: info@themeltco.com 01200 443377

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SPRING FAIR

Pleasure to burn Heaven Scent Hall 20, Stand: C19

Did you know that Heaven Scent produce over 70 different fragrant candles, a natural candle product leader in the industry, their clean burning plant wax is a pleasure to burn. 2015-16 they introduced new fragrances like Incense, Morrocan Rose and Black Pomegranate following the emerging popularity of deeper ethnic notes. In stark contrast they introduced their light floral notes of Wildflower, Hyacinth and Buttercup Meadows. “We like appealing to all tastes across our customer base and have found that people enjoy our floral ranges but ask for something deeper and spicier to introduce variety to their shoppers,” says Sarah Bellis Marketing and Design at Heaven Scent. To smell all their range visit Heaven Scent at Spring Fair Hall 20 Stand C19 this year.

Tel: 01225 868788 Web: heavenscent.co.uk

Handcrafted makes it unique D & J Glassware Hall 4, Stand: A58

For a reed diffuser that looks fabulous, D & J Glassware’s gorgeous glass scent diffuser collection is hard to beat.

Each handcrafted globe is a unique work of art in itself and the delicious English-blended fragrance oils are a perfect combination.

The attractive gift packaging is proving popular and new fragrances are being launched at Spring Fair.

Refill oils and replacement reeds are available, enabling all gift retailers to benefit from continuing sales in this burgeoning market sector.

Tel: 01953 450 280 Web: www.dandjglassware.co.uk

116 gifts today

True craftmanship with D & J Glassware Hall 4, Stand: A58

If you are looking for beautiful glassware, make sure you visit D & J Glassware (Hall 4 Stand A58), where the company will be showcasing its stunning, innovative collections.

D & J Glassware is justifiably proud of its enviable reputation as one of the UK’s favourite supplier of great quality glassware and is the original UK supplier of the fabulous Tree of Life Balls.

Made from recycled glass, these stunning pieces epitomise true craftsmanship.

David and Jocelyne look forward to welcoming you to D & J Glassware: where quality meets design.

Tel: 01953 450 280 Web: www.dandjglassware.co.uk

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Come and see our brand new Spring Collection & new additions to P\colourbands.

Spring Fair, Stand 19C20 - D21 e sales@carrieelspeth.com t 01446 771271 www.carrieelspeth.com

SPRING FAIR

Harvey, Roger or Jack?

D & J Glassware Hall 4, Stand: A58

To celebrate the arrival of Spring and Easter, these gorgeous hares by D & J Glassware are an ideal gift. Handmade in colourful fused glass, they look great on a window-sill or shelf. Whether you choose Harvey, Roger or Jack - their cheeky faces make everyone smile. Each one is boxed and gift tagged and supported by point of sale material.

Discover the fabulous range of animal characters and more new fused glass designs at Spring Fair (Hall 4 Stand A58).

Tel: 01953 450280 Web: www.dandjglassware.co.uk

Gypsy Fan-tasy by the English Ladies Co Camal Enterprises Hall 4, Stand: H81

The bone china figurine range from the English Ladies Co continues to delight collectors and retailers alike with the flamboyant designs of Thelma Madine’s extravagant dresses being captured as beautiful collectables. The new Gypsy Fan-tasy brings some colour to the range and depicts Thelma’s signature fan design. Limited edition, hand-made and hand decorated. Meet Thelma at the NEC at Camal Enterprises stand on Sunday and Monday.

Tel: 01782 344900 Email: sales@camalents.com

Quality melamine kitchenware with Melamster Hall 9, Stand: A12

Melamaster are a well-established and respected British manufacturer of quality Melamine Kitchenware and Giftware Products, who have been supplying small and large retailers, store groups and Garden Centres throughout the UK and Europe for many years.

The Spring Fair sees the launch of their 2016 range which is highlighted by the work of some very well-known and extremely successful designers such as

Emma Ball, Kay Elliot and Sara Page, and for 2016 they have been very lucky to add two more internationally known designers to complement their range – Lucy Loveheart and Ceinwen Campbell.

With a reputation for innovation, quality and reliability Melamaster have seen business grow considerably both in their core range as well as their bespoke business.

Their superb range of Trays, place mats coasters and mugs will compliment any kitchen - modern or traditional.

Tel: 024 76 724900 Email: sales@coleshilldesign.com Web: www.coleshilldesign.com 118 gifts today

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SPRING FAIR

D&J Glassware

Hall 4, Stand: A58 D & J Glassware will be showcasing their fabulous collection of unique pictures and mirrors featuring fused glass designs at Spring Fair (Hall 4 Stand A58).

Each piece is individually handmade and is a stylish addition to any home.

Tel: 01953 450 280 Web: www.dandjglassware.co.uk

The New 2016 V&A Collection by Shearer Candles Hall 4, Stand: D41

The Victoria and Albert Museum is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading museum of art and design and holds one of the most comprehensive collections of Arts and Crafts in the world. Drawing from this archive Shearer Candles is proud to present a new Arts and Crafts inspired range of scented candles and diffusers. The collection includes works by Artists C.F.A Voysey, Willam Morris and Philip Butterfield with scents inspired by their designs; Nympheas, Windrush and Poppies.

The V&A topped the Art & Design category in Licensing.Bizâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Power list, announced at Brand Licensing Europe 2015, beating stiff competition including Cath Kidson, Orla Kiely and Libery.

View Shearer Candles full product collection at Spring Fair, Stand 4D41

Tel: +44(0)141 445 1066 Web: www.shearer-candles.com

Amber Noir by Shearer Candles Hall 4, Stand: D41

Amber Noir continues to be Shearer Candles, best-selling fragrance each year.

More Amber Noir products are purchased than any other fragrance by the Scottish candle manufacturer. The fragrance is a rare dark essence of tuberose, violets and amber. Sensual and mysterious, stimulating all the senses. The popular black wax range is part of The Couture Collection - shortlisted for Gift of the Year 2016 in the Home Fragrance category and is available as jar candles, tin candles, pillar candles, tealights, in candle gift boxes, scented reed diffusers, diffuser refills and pillar jar candles.

Tel: +44(0)141 445 1066 Web: www.shearer-candles.com 120 gifts today

New Range Launching April 2016

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Black Cherry almond

In a tranquil Tuscan piazza, under the dappled shade of almond trees, we relish the warmth of late afternoon sun.

Delicious aromas of ripening fruit are carried on the warm breeze, creating a memory we will cherish forever…

Top Notes Black Cherry, Rosehip & Bergamot

Middle Notes Almond, Freesia & Pink Pepper

Base Notes Sandalwood, Amber Vanilla & Musk

T: 01803 612772 E: debbie@dipalomo.com W: www.dipalomo.com

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Piggy Banks have been bought as thoughtful gifts for family and friends, young and not so young for decades and they are one of the key product ranges offered by GiftScribes.

Every one of our beautiful ceramic Piggy Banks can be personalised at the point of sale, with names or a short message; using one of our coloured Special Art Pens.

Come and say ‘hello’ to GiftScribes on our NEW exhibition stand at the NEC.

Proven demand • Good margins Small minimum orders • Personal service

www.giftscribes.co.uk Piggy Banks

eMail: sales@giftscribes.co.uk Call: 01584 811 190

SPRING FAIR

On trend artworks with Mint Mint Hall 3, Stand: N16

2016 is set to be another fantastic year for Mint, with a brilliant assortment of new products launching at Spring Fair. As always, they have invested a lot into combining the most on-trend artworks with quality production materials, in order to create fabulous products for their customers.

Liquorice is a gorgeous, fashion-led range features a lettering-based style, in a stunning black and bright palette, finished with a gleaming copper-toned foil, embossing and a glossy UV varnish. These bold designs are sure to make a huge impact in any display, with a new larger 9” x 6”size available for those extra special occasions.

The fabulous Knit & Purl characters are at it again, this time in the brand new range – Knitted Ditties! Written by Alison Cooke, this collection of versed cards feature humorous rhymes, ranging from pun-based whimsy to tongue-in-cheek naughtiness. Bright and colourful, these designs are finished with UV Varnish.

Mint introduced a new artist to the Cool Britannia range in the Summer of 2015 and, due to such a great reception, 36 new designs have been added to the collection. This fresh, updated look brings a new vitality to the range, whilst not forgetting their top-selling, existing card designs.

As well as greeting cards, Mint have created a gorgeous collection of brand new, contemporary gift wrap designs, based on top-selling ranges. Designs feature a variety of finishes, including flitter and UV varnish. To coordinate with the fantastic new wraps, 6 new gift bag designs are also being launched, each available in 3 sizes. These striking bags are finished with flitter or foiling, with coordinating ribbon or cord handles.

As well as are new ranges, there are new additions to top-selling, existing collections, with brand new designs in Jackpot, Buddi Bunni, Ha Pea Times, Sweets Tweets and many more!

Tel: 0116 230 4197 Email: sales@mint-publishing.co.uk Web: www.mint-publishing.co.uk

Harvest Time treats from Yankee Candle Hall 4, Stand: D10-E11

Yankee Candle brings Harvest Time to life with a collection of new autumnal fragrances for autumn/winter 2016 which features favourite seasonal treats and the outdoor elements.

The citrus delight of Honey Clementine provides a refreshing fragrance of orange dipped in honey, whilst the delicious Rhubarb Crumble conjures up memories of tangy rhubarb topped with brown sugar and vanilla, taken straight from the oven.

Autumn Night combines relaxing lavender and earthy woodland notes to suggest an inviting autumnal evening, whilst oak, pine, ebony, eucalyptus and patchouli make Ebony & Oak an elegant forest fragrance.

The range is complemented by a striking collection of accessories featuring frosted glass, copper and wood which perfectly match the autumnal theme.

Tel: 0117 316 1200 Web: www. yankeecandle.co.uk 122 gifts today

Celebrate winter in style Yankee Candle Hall 4, Stand: D10-E11

Yankee Candle invites you to celebrate winter 2016 in style with a glittering new festive range.

This season’s on-trend Holiday Party collection brings shimmer and sparkle to enhance the festive mood.

All is Bright, Festive Cocktail, Macaron Treats, and Star Anise & Orange Expertly blended, range from classic Christmas red tones to a luxurious touch of gold.

The new fragrances will be available as stunning gift sets and will also feature in a new advent calendar design, perfect for Christmas gifting - or keeping.

Party inspired accessories will accompany the range, adding the finishing touch to any Christmas celebration or home décor.

Tel: 0117 316 1200 Web: www.yankeecandle.co.uk

Visit us at Spring Fair - Hall 4, Stand: D41 The most satisfying collections in home fragrance.

www.shearercandles.com 23 Robert Street, Glasgow, G51 3HB, Tel: +44(0)141 445 1066, Email: sales@shearer-candles.com

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Peakdale Manufactures of quality handmade collectable figurines and sculptures. sculpture

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This year, we are already expanding a huge range of high quality, personalisable, hanging Christmas decorations; depicting a wide variety of seasonal fun and life themes from ‘Baby’s First Christmas’ to fairy castles and from smart ‘phones to footballs . . . and gingerbread men.

Come and say ‘hello’ to GiftScribes on our NEW exhibition stand at the NEC.

Proven demand • Good margins Small minimum orders • Personal service

Tel: +44(0) 161 494 8987 www.peakdalesculptures.co.uk

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by GiftScribes Gifts

www.giftscribes.co.uk eMail: sales@giftscribes.co.uk Call: 01584 811 190

SPRING FAIR

Stunning gift stationery range Museums & Galleries Hall 3, Stand: P17

Museums & Galleries are thrilled to launch a range of branded gift stationery products from the iconic British designer Matthew Williamson.

The stunning range includes greetings cards and notelets, gifting and gift stationery, and mixes classic brand patterns with current designs from the Matthew Williamson collection. Features a gold foil accent in branding and on most products, the range has a contemporary and premium feel to complement the vibrant colour and detail of the exotic prints.

The range of three Deluxe Journals, three Deluxe Notebooks and three Mini Notebooks (all featuring gold foil edging) is complemented with a beautiful Gifting collection featuring two iconic Matthew Williamson prints, one of which also launches in his dress collection for 2016. The two core prints are available in three sizes of Gift Bags, a nest of four Gift Boxes, matching Gift Wrap and Tissue Paper, with an additional two designs in Tissue Paper to offer further choice. The Tissue Paper packs (four sheets cello wrapped with eurohook header) trade at £1.04 with an SRP of £2.50.

The Matthew Williamson Gift Wrap range totals six designs. All are printed on uncoated stock for a contemporary feel, with four retailing at £1.75, and two designs feature stunning gold foil detail throughout with a competitive retail price of £1.99.

Tel: 01373 462165 Web: www.museumsgalleries.co.uk

A striking collection Edge Sculpture Hall 1, Stand: H20

Sinisterly squeezable CID Hall 4, Stand: G88

Completely Independent Distribution proudly introduce the Kidrobot Phunny range, a line of sinisterly squeezable 8” plush. Full of creeps, monsters, and frights softened to huggable absurdity, Phunny plushes use Kidrobot’s legendary quality and warped worldview to shake-up the plush category. The first wave of Phunny was introduced with an adorable array of Gremlins characters including Gizmo, Stripe and Mohawk. Keep these out of the light, don’t give them any water, and never feed them after midnight. Following the Gremlins, Kidrobot will release additional series of Phunny including characters from Alien, DC Comics, Terminator, Elf to name a few.

Tel: 0116 258 1450 Email: sales@cidmerch.com Web: www.cidmerch.com 124 gifts today

Edge Sculpture is a most striking collection of contemporary statement pieces with an ever evolving portfolio that is designed to cater for those looking for something a little different for their home.

Being established over the last four years the range has been able to develop into many new directions with some very fearsome subjects indeed, alongside the ethereal and the friendly.

Nothing typifies terror and awe more than the infamous Tyrannosaurus Rex, which although initially showcased at the Autumn Fair in a prototype Bust form will still be very much having its launch at the January Furniture Show 2016 and then again at the Spring Fair.

The new Green Man Bust, Pug Bust and Duck figure will also be present, but for those coming to see what we will be showing for the very first time for 2016 will be able to view our new Edge Sculpture Horse Bust, a very bold and exciting Owl piece and a Moon Gazing Hare.

Continuing forward, Matt Buckley (seen here with his original clay sculpt of the Tyrannosaurus Rex Bust) has already began sculpting an Edge Dalek Bust from Doctor Who, which builds on the tremendous success we have found with the Cyberman Bust in 2015. Continuing with the ethereal Green Man piece Matt has also sketched up initial designs for his Female Wood Elf Bust.

All pieces are cast from re-constituted stone then all hand painted which means that no two are exactly the same and so retain that true fine art feel.

Edge Sculpture can be seen at the January Furniture Show in Hall 3 Stand M60 and the International Spring Fair Hall 1 Stand H20.

Email: danbuckley@robertharrop.com Web: www.edgesculpture.com

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National Gallery designs coming soon !

Spring Fair Hall 5 5B41

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, Olympia London, January 17-19. 2016.

Spring Fair Birmingham NEC, February 7-11. 2016.

www.ambiente.eu

The original and best, fast-selling, British designed “Up in Lights” letters. New for 2016, we have Light-up Bunting, Numbers, Stars and Hearts.

Visit us at www.smilingfaces.co.uk 01444 882323 | sales@smilingfaces.co.uk

@smilingfacesuk

SPRING FAIR

UK grown with Julie Dodsworth The Julie Dodsworth story is amazing ond one that illustrates that through hard work and a little perseverance really can make dreams come true. Gifts Today Editor, Penny Franks met with Julie to find out more about this remarkable and established phenomenon.

I

t is now well documented that a little later in life Julie turned from her lifelong artisan career in plants and flowers to the world of home and fashion with very little to go on other than her folk designs and her instinct.

Julies collaborations are the cream of British manufacturing with, to name a few, Bedeck, Churchill China, Tracks, Canova and Wax Lyrical and also with giants Waterstones, Jlp , Lakeland. Julie Dodsworth licensed collections are now available via 2000 Independents and multi nationals who are now retailing the brand.

Her signing by Barbour clothing gave Julie a global endorsement and placed her waterside heritage art firmly on the world stage.

The JD platform is now well recognised and her multi million pound retail selling brand knows exactly the key drivers and keeps very

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Julie prides herself in helping the retailer in any way she can. Her promise to be ‘the designer who specialised in listening’ certainly appears to hold water much to Julies own style - painting each design in her own original way from her canal boat Calamity Jane.

Julie prides herself in helping the retailer in any way she can. Her promise to be ‘the designer who specialised in listening’ certainly appears to hold water. Julie and her team are happy to establish a tailored list of product, free point of sale with a promise of news piece for the press with social media.

Speaking with Julie it is clear that her care for the retailer and end customers is paramount. It is easy to see her gratitude to those stores that have

given their support, especially in those early days.

“The retailers are like kings and queens to me,” says Julie. “Some gave our brand a chance in its infancy and now are rewarded by holding the JD exclusivity in their area. It is the least we can do in gratitude towards them.

We’ve listened to their wisdom and in turn altered some of our pricing on some key products which we feel was a fantastic example of our responding to their needs.”

Julies thoughtfulness to the independent shops that wished to carry a modest cross section of the

r ou i e ts l y Jul uc al d e ro ir nd it Fi our th p Fa v r g fa wo rin p s od a t S

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Julies thoughtfulness to the independent shops that wished to carry a modest cross section of the JD brand are now supported by new JULIES mini trade counter JD brand are now supported by new JULIES mini trade counter. Shops can apply for a JD starter pack whereby the sale of contents are guaranteed -such is the confidence of the JD team.

The box includes free point of sale and all the support needed to get started.

“It has proved incredibly popular,” says Bethany Dodsworth, the mini trade counter manager. “We chat through and tailor the box to the shops strengths. The new collection looks so super on display it’s an instant winner for our retailers.”

On meeting Julie she couldn’t have more excited for Spring Fair. “The collection is really looking super and our big ‘Made in the UK’ story is proving a big hit.

“Retailers will find our JD made in the UK flags planted on many stands at the shows. Confectionery, candles, china, homewares, stationery and seed pots all boasting the ‘designed and made in the UK’ banner.”

And what’s new? A delicious new range of umbrellas from Soake (formerly blooming brollies) , a British made lighting range, an all UK stationery range from Custom works , new kitchen textiles and shoppers from Mc Caw Allan, new washroom collection from Quintessential and a fantastic collection from Bedeck bed and bath are just a few of the NEW offerings from Julie this spring.

Tel: 01423 360818 Email: stufio@ juliedodsworth. co.uk

Did you know?

• Many of Julie’s products are made in the UK • New designs in ‘time to nest ‘ - one to watch • There is a new mini trade counter for independents • Always great media from Julies regular columns in Consumer press • A friendly and approachable designer with the customer at heart. gifts today 127

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

Trade talk This issue we ask a number of the industries finest their thoughts on Spring Fair 2016.

Nick Morley Completely Independent Distribution Why is Spring Fair important to you as a company?

Spring fair is quite simply the most important show for CID – it’s really the launch of the year. As it is an international show we see more of our current customers at this show than any other but have also always gained new ones each year. CID has had a number of positive changes so we have much more to our increasing varied customer base.

How are you keeping up with trends that are emerging?

On the apparel side of things we are launching a ‘fashion range’ where the collection has different treatments to the garment such as burnout, acid wash, oil wash etc so this will keep us in vogue with today’s high street trends. We have always been Officially Licensed focused so this year’s big brands will include Batman, Superman, Suicide Squad, Star Wars, Adventure which are all part of our range

How many new product lines can visitors expect to find on your stand this year?

We have a much bigger NECA (the American company that actually own us) offering including the Body Knockers which gift stores will love, with designs including Batman, Superman, Spider-Man, Groot, Deadpool etc Also the highly collectible Kidrobot brand is now available from us with the high end plush and Adventure Time products proving very popular so there will be more of these on offer. We will also have all the Batman V Superman t-shirts and hoodies on the stand as well.

Are you running any specific ‘show only’ offers?

We will have a competition to win tickets to see the magician Dynamo. CID have been looking after the merchandise for the tour, which has sold over 300,000 tickets, so a couple of lucky visitors to our stand will get tickets.

The first ever Dynamo Magician Magic Kit was released before Christmas and the sales have been incredible so we are looking forward to getting that to a wider audience.

Tanya Ross Solo Ltd Why is Spring Fair important to you as a company?

Spring Fair gives the best overall barometer for the retail gift market; the breadth of product, supplier, and buyer is astonishing. It sets the tone for the rest of the year and gives us a really good indication of where we want to be in terms of product development for the second half of the year and beyond. Oh, and of course there’s the great business we do too!

How are you keeping up with trends that are emerging?

Spring Fair is definitely an important part of the jigsaw when looking for inspiration, along with other shows such as Frankfurt and Hong Kong, and the seminars in recent years have been particularly strong especially on trending topics. The Spring Fair is fantastic to get a snap-shot of what’s emerging, as long as you’re willing to walk the aisles and scratch beneath the surface.

How many new product lines can visitors expect to find on your stand this year?

We are constantly launching new product throughout the year, but of course a show like Spring Fair really focusses product development. This year we’re very excited to launch a brand new comprehensive range of interior products called “Artisan Village” and we can’t wait to see the reaction from buyers. In addition, we are exclusive distributors for the PHILIPPI brand, and they have over 50 new products for spring 2016.

Are you running any specific ‘show only’ offers?

We always have show special offers on specific products but this year we’re also offering 5% off orders placed on the stand.

Jonny Greves Lesser & Pavey Why is Spring Fair important to you as a company?

Lesser & Pavey were at the very first NEC when the fair moved from Blackpool and it has always been the flagship event for us to launch new products. So it is an exciting event for us and our buyers as it is the first opportunity for them to see many new ranges across the broad spectrum of our product ranges.

How are you keeping up with trends that are emerging?

We like to set the trend by launching unique, individual products, bringing something different to the show that will appeal to a wide variety of buyers that have varied shopping lists.

How many new product lines can visitors expect to

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find on your stand this year?

Too many to mention, the range is looking very exciting for 2016 and we are not just saying that. We have much that is very different and new, and so we would encourage new buyers to visit us first.

Are you running any specific ‘show only’ offers?

No, we do not really believe in these as we would rather give buyers products of quality at affordable prices from day one.

Keely Tredgold SIL/Sifcom Why is Spring Fair important to you as a company?

Spring Fair is an exciting time for us to show our exciting new ranges to new and existing customers.

We love the feel of Spring Fair with so many new faces coming through the doors every year.

How are you keeping up with trends that are emerging?

Our in-house design team keep up to date with trends by going to the latest trade shows and events both in the UK and abroad. All of them have a keen interest in the industry and are constantly looking for the newest trend.

How many new product lines can visitors expect to find on your stand this year?

As ever, we aim to provide new ranges for every show and as yet we have never failed to do so!

We turn around our ranges every 4-6 months to keep our collections fresh and innovative.

Coralie Vierira

Kevin Spindler Signature Gifts Why is Spring Fair important to you as a company?

Spring Fair is the must-have show.

It’s the one where the largest volume of buyers attend and is really important for, not only attracting new buyers, but showing current customers the full range of what we can do.

How are you keeping up with trends that are emerging?

Social media is key in this area, seeing what’s getting people chatting online is a great way of catching trends as they begin to grow. Our in-house teams mean we can keep ahead of these trends and produce products accordingly, for example have you seen our Creative Colouring book, its shortlisted for Gift of the Year?

How many new product

lines can visitors expect to find on your stand this year?

We’re creating new products all the time. In the last 4 years the size of our stand has doubled! We now show over 100 products in our book range alone, and the Signature PG side of our company is always adding innovative lines, making us able to boast that we have the largest range of personalised gifts on offer in the UK

Are you running any specific ‘show only’ offers?

This is not really applicable to us as we offer bespoke products. We’ll mainly be looking to welcome online retailers and mail-order companies.

These types of retail allow us to show our full potential as a supplier as we have no minimum order limit.

RJB Stone Why is Spring Fair important to you as a company?

Spring Fair is the buying event of the year!

Most of our UK customers come to the show to experience the latest collections and prepare for the coming year. It is really important that we spend time in person with our business partners. Our whole catalogue is displayed at Spring Fair which is ideal to advise our existing customers on tailored ranges. It is also a great opportunity to meet new retailers, introduce them to our Sass & Belle retail brand and show them our best-selling gifts and homeware. Visitors can be inspired by our creative displays; the opportunity to see the products in the flesh and imagine them in their shop encourages them to buy with confidence.

How are you keeping up with trends that are emerging?

With a great team of in-house designers, the company is a hub of creativity. We see trends as guidelines rather than instructions.

We use our life experiences, loves and travels to inspire our work and we encourage creativity and individuality, so we create products that we love. Every range gets the unique twist and quirky personality of the Sass & Belle brand.

How many new product lines can visitors expect to find on your stand this year?

We’ll be displaying our new Spring/Summer collection with over 450 new gifts and home accessories. Occasion ranges are always performing well at Spring Fair; we’ll showcase more than 100 new Easter decorations on the stand and we’ll be prelaunching our Christmas 2016 collection with hundreds of new Christmas ornaments to choose from.

Are you running any specific ‘show only’ offers?

This year visitors will get a 10% discount on their Christmas orders over £500 placed at the show.

Andrew Illingworth Widdop & Co Why is Spring Fair important to you as a company?

Spring Fair is our biggest marketing investment of the year. There’s a huge amount of effort that goes on behind the scenes prior to the event beginning ensuring we make the most of the event. It’s an opportunity of course to show case all our brands – both new lines and our best-selling evergreens. The timing of the event is perfect with many retailers more than ready to start buying for the New Year. Meeting both existing customers and new ones from the UK and abroad is very important to us.

How are you keeping up with trends that are emerging?

Our in-house design team have their fingers on the pulse. Time is invested in researching the market place, tracking trends and speaking to customers to ensure that the range reflects the emerging trends.

How many new product lines can visitors expect to find on your stand this year?

There’s no shortage of new products – we will be showing over 1500 new lines across our 25 brands with over 1000 Christmas lines. Some of the highlights include new additions to the instantly recognisable baby brand Button Corner, fronted by the adorable teddy bear. Look out for “By Appointment”, a highly distinctive collection of high quality, themed, ladies giftware licensed from Pigment Design Studio.

Colonial Candles, a unique range of high quality scented candles boasts not only new fragrances but also new product categories including reed diffusers and Mother’s Day gift sets.

And not forgetting our inspirational range of home accessories across Hestia and Juliana Home Living brands as well as new additions to our three clock brands – Hometime, William Widdop and Rhythm.

Are you running with any specific “show offers”?

Every one of our brands will have an offer available only at the show. We’re trying to make it easy for retailers to have a go with any of our brands

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Grass Roots

This issue we spoke to retailers to gauge their thoughts on Spring Fair 2016.

Sarah Haydon,

Susan Crook,

Bicester Bazaar, Bicester

Alresford Gift Shop, Alresford

Are you planning to attend Spring Fair?

Yes, I am. I am only going for just the one day. I do make provision to go for more than one day usually but I tend to try to be quite focused and visit the ones I want to visit … and browse with a view to grabbing business cards and catalogues or brochures on my way round.

What will you looking for?

We are planning a mini shop refurbishment at the end of the month so we are looking for a couple of new suppliers to add on to what we have already got. I haven’t quite decided who that is going to be yet.

Are there any must visit companies?

Joe Davies definitely. I have been a customer of theirs for eight years or so. I will also go and see fair trade companies like Fiesta Craft and Gringo and various suppliers – something different and I will go to Namaste.

Do you think there will be any trends to be discovered?

I hope so. It’s what I am looking for. As a small retailer you always want to look for something new that you hope are going be on the right track and leaning towards whatever trends are coming up with those new suppliers – finding new people, finding new products.

Kevin Hatch, China Blue, Totnes Are you planning to attend Spring Fair?

Yes indeed. We will be going.

What will you looking for?

Mainly gifting, but also some furniture household items.

Are there any must visit companies?

It would be Salako, Plowbar for the kids. We are going to see Gisela Graham, Coachhouse, Rex, a good number of them. Jelly Cat – all those.

Do you think there will be any trends to be discovered?

One never knows because some years the trends tend not to happen. It tends to stay the same for a few years. So hopefully, we will be looking out for some trends. It will probably be copper, I should imagine. This copper and brass thing is really happening at the moment. It goes like crazy and should be big again this year.

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Are you planning to attend Spring Fair?

Yes, we are.

What will you be looking for?

We will be doing a lot of Christmas buying, decorations and general Christmas goods. We will be looking for new ideas in the gift lines and also jewellery and sourcing new products. We are looking for new bags and scarves suppliers.

Are there any must visit companies?

We are going to look out for Stone the Crows, Beefayre, Little Moose which is an unusual jewellery company with quirky things, Quintessential, Gisela Graham. We like Bluebell 33 – we are doing very well with the personalised To Our Town products.

We have quite a lot to look forward to.

Do you think there will be any trends to be discovered?

We are interested in lightup alphabet letters. We think that could be interesting. Also mindfulness colouring books – believe it or not, colouring books for adults are a massive trend. It’s called mindfulness because you are meant to relax while you are colouring. That could be quite lucrative if you allocate a display to it. I bought a few and they sold really quickly.

Caroline Boydell, Hugs and Kisses Gifts, Wolverhampton Are you planning to attend Spring Fair?

I am going, yes.

What will you be looking for?

New products and new suppliers, anything new really that catches my eye.

Are there any must visit companies?

Yes, we will be visiting a few jewellery

companies and a few gift companies. Some of the big jewellery companies you have to see at the show because they have all their goods on display.

Do you think there will be any trends to be discovered?

I don’t know. I hope so but I’m not holding my breath. It would be good if there were.

Sue Bowler, Bourne End Cards & Gifts, Bourne End, Buckinghamshire Are you planning to attend Spring Fair?

Yes, we are. I go for three days Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. I should go for five really but I can’t afford the time off. Spring Fair is the biggest so I should get a pedometer so I can see how far I walk. But I get so excited by the products it doesn’t worry me. It is only when I get back to the hotel I think “Oh, that hurts.”

What will you looking for?

I shall be looking for and hoping to find as many new products as I can find.

Are there any must visit companies?

We are thinking of looking at more greetings cards this year because we have concentrated on gifts all the other years. I haven’t been through the black book yet to see who is going but we tend to look for new ranges so I will go on the Joe Davies stand.

I will definitely go and see what’s new on the big stands, specifically Joe Davies – they are our major gift supplier. They are very good. I will also pop onto the Widdop stand.

Do you think there will be any trends to be discovered?

I am reading all the magazines and trade papers and

they are saying that pastels will be big. I tend to think it all depends who is saying it so I won’t be specifically looking for pastels. We are not really a fashion-led shop. We are a general gifts shop so it is more the product type that I will be looking for; things that sell well for us like scarves and jewellery. We have tried and tested those so I will just be looking for new designs. There will be some trends because at Christmas we had the Swarovski lookalike necklaces from D & X and they went really well because the Swarovski advert was on the telly so that was a trend. So things like that, I will be looking for trends but we are not a big trend follower. We tend to analyse everything we sell, figure out what products are doing well and then try to get some different designs. We are a small shop in a village so our regulars don’t want to see the same thing in the same place every year. They will be buying something new so I have to make sure that they have something new to buy.

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Toys at Spring Fair

2016

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SPRING FAIR

In with the new Toys are a great gifting item and are fantastic additional footfall generators - have you considered these in your store? Here we take a look at the companies and products that will be exhibiting within the Toy Hall (Hall 5) at Spring Fair this year.

Tens of thousands of buyers from across the UK and further afield visit each year – 44 per cent of whom do not attend other 7 – 11 February 2016 trade events with 75 per cent of visitors NEC Birmingham placing orders with suppliers as a result of their attendance at Spring Fair. www.springfair.com Hall 5 will house Children’s Gifts, Toys & Gadgets within the complementary Gifts pring Fair 2016, an i2i events sector. Incorporating an array of products exhibition, enters its 66th year from plush gifts, games, gadgets and with a refreshed layout and traditional wooden toys right through support from 14 industries all under one to pocket money purchases, novelties, roof. Spring Fair Portfolio Director Nick crafting kits and educational items – Davison explains: “Consultation with the line up is sure to excite! Licensed our customers revealed the need for products will also be big at the show, certain modifications to the hall layout with Star Wars, The Avengers, Minecraft, and access points to improve footfall, so Disney characters, Spiderman and we’ve implemented a raft of new changes Batman all trending, while personalised to meet those requirements in 2016.” plush and Segway also come to the fore Express entrances, as hot properties. linking walkways and Iain Morgan, CEO of The visitors to edited layouts will further Bladez Toyz explains what Spring Fair are improve the flow of opportunities the event offers. visitors to the Spring Fair, serious buyers He said: “Spring Fair is a great helping them to get the with a good central point in the UK for us most out of the excellent to meet retailers face to face. knowledge of cross-over purchasing It gives a diverse mix of buyers, their company opportunities. and opens doors for us into The largest retail requirements other sectors with the gift side event in the UK buying Anna May, The of our business. calendar, Spring Fair “We have a diverse range Carat Shop prides itself on each of lines, from toys to gifts sector offering a ‘show and pre-school, so having within a show’ and the such a selection of retailers visiting the event acts as the sole trading event for show gives our new launches a great industries from specialised jewellery to audience. We are launching new Star party products.

Wars droid BB-8 in the form of an RC inflatable with sounds at Spring Fair, as well as our new pre-school and gift lines.”

On who should visit the stand, Iain added: “As we are launching new lines, we would encourage pre-school and giftspecific buyers to visit our stand – we have a new stand design that we are really excited to show off – 80 per

Spring Fair 2016

S

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Amscan

Retailer’s speak…

“Along with Autumn Fair, Spring Fair is the only exhibition I attend. Buyingwise for me it is the pinnacle event of the calendar, and I will be preparing for it accordingly. I will purchase half of my yearly allocation in person at the show, but I also find the catalogues available extremely helpful. I take them home, study them from cover to cover and they influence the other half of my buying for that year.”

David Webster, Castle Toys, Windsor

cent of our items are new and improved, and we have a fantastic demonstration station for our mycropodz lines, that includes a demo-pool for our RC Mycro Yacht!”

Under the new banner of Greetings & Gifts, Hall 3 will include the UK’s only dedicated event for the party products industry. The stage is set for balloon demonstrations and seminars and there will also be runway shows hosted and sponsored by field experts Pioneer/ Qualatex and Amscan.

Lauren Shipmna of Posh Paws returned to exhibit at Spring Fair 2015 after a few years’ hiatus. She said: “Last year was a huge success for us and hence the reason we are exhibiting again in 2016. Spring Fair offers us the opportunity to meet with a whole host of independent toy and gift retailers, we picked up a raft of new customers last year and we’re looking forward to catching up with them again at the show.

Fresh shoots We speak with two new exhibitors to the fair this year – Access All Areas and Wooky Europe, and hear what it is about the event that attracted them and what they can hope to achieve “Spring Fair gives us the opportunity to meet with a broad range of buyers and that mass appeal is really what our product is all about. Our main expectation is that we’ll be meeting a lot of new faces and establishing some fantastic new partnerships. We always bring some Scottish hospitality to trade shows, and plan to have some live ukulele demonstrations, so visiting 5H68 in Hall 5 won’t just be a place to discover a great business opportunity, but also an enjoyable stand to visit. We have experience working with high street chains, as well as small independents.

Whether you’re a buyer for a multiple, a toy, music or gift specialist, or just keen to learn more about the opportunity for music products in mainstream retail, you should get in touch.”

Sean Kelly, Managing Director, Access All Areas “We are introducing i-loom which crosses over toy/gift/craft buyers so wanted to hit the widest buying profile. We are looking forward to creating a real stir with i-loom and being able to spend time with customers new and old. We have all angles covered, boys, girls, craft, technology, cosmetics, jewellery, design, art – the lot!”

David Williams, European Sales Director, Wooky

to share the magic of the brand. On “Our product mix is suited Spring Fair is a anticipation of the to many gift and greeting great central fair, Anna said: retailers and the opportunity point in the UK “We have stock in to showcase our whole for us to meet jewellers, gift ships, range at an event like Spring Fair is extremely important retailers face to book shops, garden centres, hairdressers to us. Any retailer looking face. It gives a and even a florist. to appeal to stock presents diverse mix of Our official Harry or appeal to young children buyers, and Potter jewellery can then we have something for be sold anywhere.” you. Not only do we have opens doors So who should great quality product we for us into stop by the Carat also have some of the best other sectors Shop stand? Anna licensed brands for 2016.” with the gift adds: “The Harry Monitoring trends Potter brand has throughout the year has also side of our never been stronger confirmed that licensing business – and with a new is still big news in the Iain Morgan, film scheduled home and gift markets, CEO, Bladez Toyz for November with licensed products 2016 – now is the selling well across all major perfect time to take categories. A dedicated advantage of this niche market.

Licensing section of the Spring Fair "Visitors to Spring Fair are serious website helps bring this important buyers with a good knowledge of aspect of gifting to the fore, with their company requirements. countless hot properties to choose We will be launching our Harry from, including Doctor Who and Potter wand necklaces as well as Minions among many more. new charm designs. Including our With Harry Potter jewellery a hot new designs, we now have more than product moving into 2016, we hear 100 products in our Harry Potter from Director of Carat Toys, Anna collection.”

May, who will be on hand in Hall 5

”

Visit - www.ggtrade.co.uk VISIT OUR SPRING FAIR STAND: 5E10/f11 f

TOYS, GIFTS, AND GREAT IDEAS

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SPRING FAIR

Handmade companions ALICE’S BEAR SHOP

Hall 5 Stand L28

01297 444 589 www.alicesbearshopuk.com

As with all Alice’s Bear Shop products, there is a real emphasis on creativity and recycling

Alice’s Bear Shop is delighted to share with you their Heirloom Rag Doll Making Kits. These beautiful, traditional calico doll-making kits come in a craft box with clear and extensive instructions in both text and images, so even novice adult sewers will be delighted with the results.

Each kit contains all of the beautiful fabrics, wool, filling and trimmings needed to create a delightful doll and outfit.

Kits come with handmade, English glass eyes for the older doll lover. With a few simple adjustments these dolls can be made for even the youngest child and adapted as a child grows.

As with all Alice’s Bear Shop products, there is a real emphasis on creativity and recycling. Each kit contains all of the patterns, layouts, measurements and details needed to encourage fabric re-

Joining the force UNDERGROUND TOYS 020 7801 6325 www.underground-toys.com An extensive range of licenses such as Star Wars, Doctor Who, Marvel and Ghostbusters will be making their way to Spring Fair this year, courtesy of Underground Toys.

The Star Wars range supports the new film brilliantly.

BB-8 and Kylo Ren talking plush have joined the range of award winning classic characters along with a new 12” Death Star talking plush and premium 15” BB-8.

Underground will also be showcasing their new extensive range of Star Wars homewares products; with items such as the Darth Vader Oven Gloves and Lightsaber Pizza Cutter on offer, this range really will deliver a slice of fun to fans.

The Marvel talking plush range, revealed this time last year, is broadening to support the new Captain America: Civil War movie release; the range will include characters Black Panther, Captain America the Winter Soldier and Falcon. Each superhero will be available in all sizes.

With the Ghostbusters film set for release in 2016, this nostalgic range is also extending

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l5 Hal nd Sta 9 K4

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purposing and to fire up the imagination and indulge the love of making.

The range includes: Emily – 54cm Traditional Rag Doll with dress, pinafore, bonnet, bloomers and shoes; Meg – 54cm Fairy Rag Doll with dress, wings, underskirt, knickers and shoes; Doll only Kit – 54cm doll body with a variety of colouring and styling options that can be made as a boy or girl; and Doll outfit Kits – a growing selection of beautiful outfits to fit the 54cm dolls.

Alice’s Bear Shop also offers a range of Heirloom Teddy Bear Making Kits, which use beautiful German Mohair.

With items such as the Darth Vader Oven Gloves and Lightsaber Pizza Cutter on offer, this range really will deliver a slice of fun to fans

to include new talking plush and computer accessories.

The Underground Toys portfolio is growing with new licenses Yo-Kai Watch and Assassin’s Creed joining the ranks of Star Wars, Marvel and Ghostbusters. The popular animation series Yo-Kai Watch has been developed into an array of products, from throws to talking pens and drinkware. An Assassin’s Creed licensed range will also be on display at the stand!

All these products will sit alongside the latest POP! Vinyl figures from popular licenses such as Ghostbusters and Doctor Who to Harry Potter. New collections from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Captain America: Civil War and Batman V Superman will also be on display. Make sure to pop along to the booth to additionally see the range of POP! Tees, Vinyl Dorbz, Mystery Minis, Mopeez and more.

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PREVIEW

SPRING FAIR

Who will you be?

AMSCAN 01908 288 500 www.amscan.co.uk

Amscan will be exhibiting at the Spring Fair Party Show with an exciting showcase of their latest ranges across the party, balloon and costume categories available in their new everyday catalogues. The stand will display a variety of their newly launched collections that form a part of their complete range of over 10,000 products in the UK; most of which can be seen at their Milton Keynes based showroom facility. Licensed product will be on show featuring a selection from Amscan’s extensive portfolio of over 70 licensed properties from leading licensors such as Disney, Nickelodeon, Hasbro and Mattel.

Retailers can expect to see some delightful new children’s party ranges

Hall 3 Stand A10-C 11

featuring popular themes such as pirates, dinosaurs, princesses and ninjas. Each coordinating range includes everything to create a fantastic party setting from tableware to decorations, favours and accessories. In light of the growing trend for baby showers and gender reveal parties, Amscan has launched some adorable new ranges including fun baby shower games!

For adults look out for Amscan’s sparkling new pink and gold themed milestone birthday ensembles that will feature alongside new birthday accessories; available in four different colour schemes. Also not to be missed There will also be the is Amscan’s brand new range of over opportunity to learn 50 hen party items; the range has been how to create stunning developed with the latest trends in mind and features a great variety of displays with balloon wearables items, games and party demonstrations to be accessories. Amscan will also be held by Amscan’s balloon launching a brand new range of expert; Chris Horne. Two everyday party essentials; this great value range provides a full seminars will be held per coordinating appearance and day on the stage in Hall 3 includes banners, confetti, latex balloons, candles and badges.

As part of Amscan’s balloon offering there is plenty to get costumes. From cute family friendly excited about; stunning new holographic designs through to truly gruesome themes milestone foil balloons in standard and there will be something to suit all tastes.

3D Multi Balloon formats. Brand new There will also be the opportunity to innovations to the market include learn how to create stunning displays with SuperShape Write on balloons and balloon demonstrations to be held by Inflate-A-Fun balloons that can be Amscan’s balloon expert: Chris Horne. coloured in with crayons provided!

Two seminars will be held per day on the Not forgetting a huge variety of stage in Hall 3. licensed and unlicensed designs across the 22 different types of balloon in the full collection.

With the growing popularity for Halloween here in the UK; look out for Amscan’s spooktacualar display of themed partyware, balloons and

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Visit us at Spring Fair Hall 3, Stand D10-F11

ŠDisney

Phone us on 08453 070707 www.rubiesuk.com

PREVIEW

SPRING FAIR

A sight for jigsaw eyes!

GIBSONS 020 8661 8866 www.gibsonsgames.co.uk

Hall 5 Stand D10-E 11 features gorgeous artwork from different regions of Britain in her signature style. The first launch sees montages of London, Cornwall, Yorkshire, Northumberland, Suffolk, Sussex, Derbyshire, North Wales and Highlands & Islands, presented in smart gift tubes and compact gift boxes. As always, Gibsons will also showcase their extensive new range of traditional jigsaw puzzles. The collection includes many exciting new additions, including the third instalment of the Our House Memory Lane range.

For Spring Fair, the Gibsons stand has undergone a complete redesign in order to promote every product collection in their extensive range. The new design features little sections providing peace and quiet for customer meetings and are themed by product to make the stand eyecatchingly brilliant!

With a focus on Gibsons’ expanding gift range, Spring Fair 2016 will see the launch of the new Emma Ball collection.

The range includes nine 250 piece puzzles painted by the renowned watercolour artist and

ADD A LITTLE FAIRY DUST… THE IRISH FAIRY DOOR COMPANY

Hall 5 Stand H70

01279 408 208 enquiries@ackermanintl.co.uk Designed to bring the magic of the Irish Fairy Doors to life even more in 2016, The Irish Fairy Door Company will be showcasing an exciting new collection of items on their eye-catching stand at Spring Fair.

Aimed at children whose fairies have green fingers or who simply need a space to relax after a busy day of magic, the new Garden Accessory Set comprises a wooden garden bench, potted plant, rake and watering can. For more playful fairies, there’s the new Playtime Accessory Set, which contains a fairy-sized see-saw, swing, ladder and bicycle.

Both Accessory Sets are designed to complement the original Irish Fairy Doors. The Irish Fairy Door Company's award-winning products are sold through distributor Ackerman International in the UK. They will also be displaying the red, blue, pink and purple arched wooden doors, as well as other official accessories including a revamped fairy washing line with female fairy clothes, tiny bottles of fairy dust and an extended collection of colourful vinyl decals – including a colourful new wall-art featuring a rainbow and hot air balloon.

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Spring Fair 2016 will see the launch of the new Emma Ball collection.

The range includes nine 250 piece puzzles painted by the renowned watercolour artist and features gorgeous artwork from different regions of Britain in her signature style

SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN WILLOWBEE 01727 859 200 www.willowbee.co.uk

” Hall 5 Stand M14

Willowbee of St Albans is expanding its lovely range of wooden creative play toys from Danish brand Magni. The range includes themed play kits, each in a tin suitcase, including: play picnic and tea sets in tin, porcelain and wood; musical instruments; games; ride on vehicles and animals and an awful lot more. Beautiful Scandinavian design meets traditional play in high quality packaging.

Halloween 2016 Advert.ai

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PREMIER DECORATIONS LIMITED HEAD OFFICE AND SHOWROOM: Premier House, Braintree Road, Ruislip, Middlesex HA4 0EJ

Tel: 020 8624 5555

Fax: 020 8624 5678

E-mail: sales@premierdec.com

www.premierdec.com

YORKSHIRE OFFICE: Premier Halloween â&#x20AC;˘ No. 11, The Stables, Newby Hall, Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 5AE

Tel: 01423 324800

Fax: 01423 326633

E-mail: premhall@premierdec.com

WREXHAM OFFICE AND SHOWROOM: Premier House, Oak Road, Wrexham Industrial Estate, Wrexham LL13 9PQ

Tel: 020 8624 5555

Fax: 020 8624 5678

E-mail: sales@premierdec.com

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Ones to watch

THE COMFORT OF MESS-FREE

The Carat Shop 01279 429 026 www.thecaratshop.co.uk

Since signing their first license with Warner Bros to manufacture Harry Potter Jewellery, they have grown considerably

There are thousands of jewellers in the UK, but The Carat Shop is proud to be different. They Hall 5 are one of very few specialists solely working Stand in the licensing industry.

G49 The Carat Shop was established in 2006 with a strong background in the jewellery market. In 2013, they moved into the licensing industry, which allowed them use their design skills and knowledge to create truly unique items. Since signing their first license with Warner Bros to manufacture Harry Potter Jewellery, they have grown considerably. They have taken on extra work premises, staff and also moved twice to accommodate their growth in the past year alone.

Using the style guides, props and models from their licensors, they have created mini replicas of the characters and objects unique to the brand that are used in designs to create charms, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings and cufflinks in both sterling silver and silver plated metals.

With a new Harry Potter film due for release in November 2016, now is a great time to start stocking this collection. All stock is held in the

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Hall 5 Stand SL04 M03

FIESTA CRAFTS 020 8804 0563 www.fiestacrafts.co.uk Fiesta Crafts has added to its range of fun, educational and practical toys for 2016. Children can let their imaginations run wild and enjoy hours of fun with the new Stickabouts range.

Designed to encourage creativity, each set comes complete with a themed play scene to set the scene and glue-free character stickers that they can use to create stories on the scenes or place on smooth surfaces around the house.

In addition to the Stickabouts range, the new range of Cush N Case toys are soft, loveable and extremely practical. It’s a cosy animal cushion that comes with a cute little cuddly toy that also is a travel case.

CAPTURING YOUR FOCUS FLYING GADGETS

Hall 5 Stand H56

0844 209 2626 www.flyinggadgets.com

UK and they aim to dispatch all orders the next day. They offer very low minimum first orders and regularly email customers to keep them updated with new products, stock levels and recommended bestsellers.

They permit all customers the use of product images to help them start selling instantly.

At Spring Fair 2016 The Carat Shop will launch their next phase of charms and are really excited to show off their amazing new Harry Potter watch collection.

With 2016 set to be another soaraway success for the Drone category of flying toys, Flying Gadgets has secured distribution of the very best on offer.

In addition to some unique four-rotor flying machines in their range they’re also looking after the much-lauded DJI stable of consumer and pro-sumer camera-equipped flying machines from world leading manufacturer DJI. This includes their latest 3 range of outstanding devices – the Standard, Advanced and Professional machines.

The DJI Phantom 3 Standard is pitched straight into the affordable territory. A superb piece of kit with 25-minute flight time, this unit is mostly on a par with its more expensive siblings, and with the same battery, it retains the intelligent GPS-based return-to-home feature that brings it automatically back to its landing spot if you lose a control signal or simply can’t be bothered to fly it back manually.

Photography-wise, it has a 12MP sensor and outstanding video resolution capabilities. Take off and the Standard automatically hovers in place, waiting for your command. It then effortlessly changes altitude or direction at the flick of a finger.

Discover more with Amscan... ts! a r g Con

Come and see us: TToy Fair

Spring Fair

Stand B75 S

Hall 3 Stand 3A10-C11

TEL: +44 (0)1908 288 500 E-MAIL: sales@amscan-uk.co.uk WEB: www.amscan.co.uk ©Amscan 2015, ©Anagram 2015 All rights reserved

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PREMIER HALLOWEEN STEPS UP AGAIN! PREMIER HALLOWEEN 01423 324 800 premhall@premierdec.com Sean Looney, general manager for Premier Decoration’s Halloween department literally ‘howled’ about the company’s ranges last year – and justifiably too as the entire product selection proved a huge success.

Building on the popularity of certain products and having developed a real understanding of the UK Halloween market has allowed Premier Halloween to up its game once again and the products on offer in 2016 are better than ever before.

Sean explains: “Halloween is growing more and more popular in the UK and the consumer demand for exciting new products is now probably on par with countries such as the US. However, because it’s so popular, finding exiting new products proves a huge challenge – but thanks to support from our Far East suppliers we have once again exceeded all expectations. Just like Christmas, many families are splashing out on decorating their homes and celebrating with parties so the market for Halloween

products is more lucrative for retailers than ever before.”

With this growing Halloween culture also comes the growing demand for bigger and better quality products and Premier has taken this on board when selecting the collections for 2016. Sean continues: “We still provide many of the lower end ‘bread and butter’ ranges; but we have now expanded into top quality home ware and gift products which are perfect for higher end gift and craft retailers.

The new ranges provide a holistic approach to Halloween with top quality home decorations, hanging plaques, wreaths and lanterns catering for the entire market.”

For retailers dipping their toes into Halloween, Premier offers numerous products which sit comfortably on shelves in almost any setting from best selling make up kits (which all comply with EN71 cosmetic regulations), glow whistles and bunting, to lights and battery operated candles.

For those wanting to make a serious statement the range includes The Dungeon Collection with the scariest of graves and ghouls; and huge inflatable products from

Charming style…

WOOKY EUROPE 01514 943 821 www.wookyentertainment.com

Hall 5 Stand M5

Wooky brings i-loom to Birmingham.

This amazing piece of kit transforms most tablet computers into a jewellery creation station. Clipping over the face of the tablet and, working with a downloaded app, young designers can make, create and share their designs.

Starter packs, set up tools, specialised creative kits and tote cases extend this revolutionary range. Wooky is renowned for arts and crafts and cosmetic products through their Style Me Up! range, and last year they launched Charmazing - the perfect Design-It-Yourself jewellery craft line for young designers. For young artists looking to create innovative fashions that reflect their own style, Style Me Up! offers a new range of Splash of Colour kits. These fairy, dance and fashion themed deluxe sketchbook kits include watercolour line drawings, stickers and more.

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giant pumpkins to witches black cats. The range also includes some fabulous party accessories including the ultimate ‘must haves’ for all children on Halloween – a selection of trick or trick buckets or bags to collect their booty!

Sean continues: “We are delighted with our new 2016 catalogue which we believe caters for the entire Halloween market – if you can’t find what you’re looking for in our new collection, then it probably doesn’t exist!”

Visitors to Harrogate Christmas & Gift in January and to Spring Fair in February can see much of what Premier Halloween has to offer, but if you would like to receive a copy of the new 2016 catalogue email: premhall@ premierdec.com or call: 01423 324800.

Blockbusting BLADEZ TOYZ 02392 658 255 www.bladeztoyz.co.uk

l5 Hal nd Sta 3 J7

Bladez's range of radio control products has grown into a family of favourites all over the world, as it includes a plethora of well-known characters from blockbuster movies, such as Star Wars, Minions, The Good Dinosaur, Big Hero 6 and many more. The portfolio currently includes classic characters such as R2-D2, Darth Vader, Yoda and, launching in January - new favorite droid, BB-8 is transformed into an RC Inflatable toy, complete with sound effects. Bladez has had a fantastic response to BB-8 from retailers as well as consumers as he joins the Star Wars RC Inflatable family. As well as the hugely popular RC Inflatable Range, Bladez is also continuing the ever growing collection of flying RC Toys, with their selection of Drones and Micro gadgets - available in many skill levels and styles, these lines all feature the Bladez-branded point of difference that keeps its customers coming back for more. At Spring Fair 2016 Bladez will be launching an entire new range of pre-school toys including two of the year’s hottest licenses: Teletubbies and Peppa Pig.

250+TVRS

Peppa Pig Š Astley Baker Davies Ltd /Entertainment One UK Ltd 2003.

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Tricks of the trade MARVIN’S MAGIC 01582 849 000 www.marvinsmagic.com

Hall 5 Stand L57

The latest addition to the Marvin’s iMagic range of smart magic for smart devices has been a great success in the toy and hobby industry as well as the magic industry. It has been awarded the gold medal in the Electronic Toys category at the Independent Toy Awards and the Toy Verdict Winner in the Magic Sets category. Approaching its 30th year, Marvin’s Magic continues to run successful magic shops within some of the world’s most prestigious stores, as well as having great high street presence and expansion internationally.

Recognising the importance of investing in people, its committed sales and marketing team is also expanding and will help you to create the best magical in-store theatre around.

Be amazed by their super powers!

WALKING IN THE AIR… RAINBOW DESIGNS 01329 227 300 www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk

Hall 5 Stand F6-G7

2016 will see the arrival of three fantastic new collections in the Baby and Nursery category as well a host of exciting new products within the Toy and Gift categories across a number of Rainbow Designs established brands.

Rainbow will be previewing their brand new The Snowman and The Snowdog My First Christmas collection, this beautiful new collection will be available for Christmas 2016, and includes an endearing plush collection from Rainbow Designs featuring My First Snowman and Snowdog Comfort Blankets, Ring Rattles and Jingle Bell Booties.

This spring will see the launch of a brand new Miffy for Baby collection, available in both pastel pink and denim blue tones and includes 25cm Plush Toys, Ring Rattles, Comfort Blankets and an Activity Cube.

Also launching in spring is a cute new Paddington for Baby range. Rainbow will also be launching brand new Activity Playmats.

Handmade and high-quality PRETEND TO BEE 01159 847 838 www.pretendtobee.co.uk Pretend to Bee will showcase their fantastic licensed costume collection at Spring Fair. In addition to their highquality dress up lines, the company has plans to increase their licensed costume ranges throughout 2016.

Thunderbirds continues to be one of the hottest licenses around. Pretend to Bee has created a Thunderbirds are Go range to delight young fans. Dress up like Scott Tracy, with an authentic costume which also incorporates a brilliant sound chip to recreate sounds from these iconic characters. 2016 will also see the launch of a Virgil Tracy costume.

The wonderfully whimsical Cloudbabies that feature on CBeebies are supremely popular with pre-schoolers. They can now dress up like their favourite characters, choosing from Baba Pink with cute booties, Baba Blue with his hammer, Baba Yellow with booties or Baba Green, which is accompanied by a watering can. The plush onesies are made from quality 142 gifts today

Hall 5 Stand K70

Each plush costume is made from highmaterial with sturdy quality cuddly fabric with great detail.

Buyers will also be able to see the full zips and range of costumes from Pretend to Bee fasteners to that have become the UK’s favourite ensure the handmade children’s dress up costumes. costumes are durable The ranges are complemented by enough for lots of wear. educational toys and accessories from The Natural History their classic collection and are suitable for Museum is boutiques, gift shops and independents. synonymous with all No MOQs. things dinosaur and the Natural History Museum range of Dinosaur Onesies Buyers will also be able from Pretend to to see the full range of Bee are a must for little dinosaur fans. dress up costumes from The range includes Pretend to Bee that have Triceratops, T-Rex and become the UK’s favourite Stegosaurus and each is guaranteed to handmade children’s design inspire costume up costumes envy.

”

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Underground Toys all rights reserved. The information contained within this advert is the property of Underground Toys and is not permitted to be shared or distributed without permission.

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MAGNETIC ATTRACTION SMART TOYS AND GAMES

Hall 5 Stand J50-K 51

01903 885 669 www.smartgames.eu

Rock solid THINK PINK 01253 831 540 www.flossandrock.co.uk

Hall 5 Stand G27

Think Pink is waving goodbye with excitement as it brings you the fresh brand Floss and Rock!

Launching in 2016, Floss and Rock is a unisex brand of novelty gifts created for both young girls and boys and are exclusively designed. The Floss and Rock catalogue will be arriving to retailers from the end of January to the beginning of February, and will contain the products across categories such as Stationery, Play, Dress Up and Home Sweet Home.

Linking the products across the categories will be strong graphics and packaging. Part of the exciting new brand launch offer from Floss and Rock will include ‘secret’ diaries, scented pens, fragranced cushions, matching pairs, dominoes and giant jigsaws.

All your Think Pink contact and account details remain unchanged but if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact Lynda or Denise on 01253 831 540/512. Floss and Rock eagerly anticipates introducing you to the new brand at the Spring Fair.

Part of the exciting new brand launch offer from Floss and Rock will include ‘secret’ diaries, scented pens, fragranced cushions, matching pairs, dominoes and giant jigsaws

”

144 gifts today

After a great first year, Smart Toys and Games looks to extend its award-winning range in 2016 with a variety of innovative new additions.

SmartMax will see growth with added structures, accessories and playsets.

SmartMax allows children to discover the attraction of magnets through safe play.

The award-winning construction system is durable and made from top quality material with magnets so strong they can take on up to 60 times their own weight.

With the success of the award-winning Three Little Pigs game, SmartGames will focus on a new game – Little Red Riding Hood. Can you help her to find the correct paths and reach grandma’s cottage before the Big Bad Wolf? Watch out for him on the way!

Every SmartGames product comes with an extensive challenge guide and every

SmartMax product comes with a colourful play guide.

A total of 10 new games including IQ games, premium games, a new compact format and new display initiatives will be on show.

SmartGames’ award-winning portfolio ranges from simple to more challenging and complex, each using themes to appeal to both boys and girls.

Hidden gems THAMES & KOSMOS 01580 212 000 www.thamesandkosmos.co.uk

Hall 5 Stand H51

Thames and Kosmos will be exhibiting at Spring Fair for the third year running.

Visitors to the stand can expect to be wowed with new science kits.

Brand new to the UK for 2016, Kids First Physics has been nominated for US Toy of the Year (Educational Category) at the Toy Industry Awards! Other new kits launching at Spring Fair will see the Signature Series bolstered with brand new robotics kits including remote control machines, custom cars and Geckobot which climbs smooth vertical walls! Those looking for pocket money kits will be impressed by the new Prism Force range, with a selection of six kits, each one allowing children to build three different models and including a collectable crystal gem.

Thames and Kosmos will also be launching a selection of unreleased Kosmos board games, come and try your hand at The Rose King or step back in time and become a master Egyptian builder with Imhotep.

If you fancy a faster paced game test your puzzle skills with the popular Ubongo or try spherical puzzle game Dimension!

Make sure to pop by and chat with science demonstrator Brad Gross to see the exciting new kits in action and pick up a catalogue!

Any customers placing an order will receive a special show discount.

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Egg-ceptional GREAT GIZMOS

Hall 5 Stand E10-F 11

01293 543 221 www.greatgizmos.co.uk Great Gizmos returns to Spring Fair with a bang this year and plenty of new and exciting toys and gifts for 2016. There are additions to 4M, Meadow Kids, Kid O, NICI and more! New brands include Fat Brain Toys, Bead Bazaar, Charm It, Magic Sticky and our own fantastic range of popular wooden toys.

Their own range of multi-functional Great Gizmos wooden toys have been developed and designed to promote learning through play.

Alphabet Blocks feature a colourful collection of lower case letters of the alphabet, numbers, counting dots and a puzzle. The Clown Stacker will keep little ones entertained for hours. Fat Brain Toys offers a range of award-winning toys, games

FUN DOORSTOPS

and brainteasers for kids of all ages!

Peek-A-Doodle Doo is a charming game designed to improve concentration and memory skills. An ‘egg-ceptional’ challenge and fast moving, it’s fun for the whole family.

Charm It! is a fabulously fashionable range of collectable bracelets and comes with many character outlines that interchangeable charms for young girls. can be traced, so kids can draw their Crafty minds will love favourite characters on the pad and colour the jewellery making them in. kits and craft sets from Bead Bazaar.

Draw a picture on Their own range of multithe Magic Sticky Art Pad with the functional wooden toys washable pens have been developed and stick the picture on to and designed to promote any surface. learning through play The Magic Art Pad

”

LOCKABLE NOTEBOOKS WITH SCENTED PENS

HEIGHT CHARTS

Introducing from the people that brought you Think Pink back in 1999. A fabulous collection of exclusive gifts for boys and girls designed beside the seaside.

Come and see us at the following shows: Nuremberg Toy Fair 27/01/16 - 01/02/16 (Hall 1 Stand G-05) NEC Spring Fair 07/02/16 - 11/02/16 (Hall 5 Stand G27) Call Denise or Lynda on 01253 831512/540 SKIPPING ROPES

146 gifts today

JIGSAWS

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Discover the quality RAVENSBURGER 01869 363 800 www.ravensburger.com

Confident that consumers will find plenty to attract, amuse and challenge them amongst the more than 70 new

Hot on the heels of a hugely successful 2015, Ravensburger looks forward to welcoming you to its stand at Spring Fair where it will be unveiling brand new ranges for 2016.

Traditional jigsaw puzzles bring genuine educational benefits and lots of fun, all hidden inside magical memories of family togetherness. During 2016 Ravensburger adds 15 exciting new properties to its already superb licence portfolio - Teletubbies, The Good Dinosaur, Finding Dory, Lion Guard, Dora and Friends, Matt Sewell’s Birds, Zootropolis, The Secret Life of Pets, Emoji, Trolls, Moana, Spongebob Squarepants, The BFG, Angry Birds and Historic Royal Palaces. There are also new products within established ranges – Paw Patrol, Bing Bunny, Twirly Woos, Disney Princess, Frozen, Shopkins, TMNT Half Shell Heroes, Avengers Assemble, Spider Man, Thomas and Friends, plus exciting new titles too.

Discover originality, collectability and hours of enjoyment with adult puzzles: inspired and informed by l5 Hal nd years of research and Sta 6 L consumer feedback, Ravensburger understands what consumers both want, and need, from a jigsaw puzzle. Because local tastes and preferences are so important, over 75 per cent of the range is developed in the UK. Confident that consumers will find plenty to attract, amuse and challenge them amongst the more than 70 new titles launching this year – everything is backed by Ravensburger's unrivalled Premium Puzzle soft-click technology.

The market-leading 3D puzzles are hugely popular. Exciting new launches for 2016 include the Big Ben 216 piece with clock, four shaped Minions designs,

”

FARM YOURSELF TRACTOR TED 01373 834 500 www.tractorted.co.uk

Hall 5 Stand F23

Children will adore the gorgeous Tractor Ted onesie with mini Tractor Ted images set against a royal blue background. The full length footless onesie with press stud fastenings, cuffed sleeves and ankles is available in sizes: 2-3yrs, 3-4yrs, 4-5yrs and 5-6yrs.

Tractor Ted Bath Squirters - each pack contains five sensational bath toys which come in a handy see through carry bag and includes a yellow chicken, brown sheep, black and white cow, pink pig and of course Tractor Ted himself!

Tractor Ted Pull Handle Wellies with contrast green sole and matching green handles are made for serious puddle jumping.

With 100 per cent rubber, cosy, and with easy-pull handles available in a lovely bright green and pale blue and 148 gifts today

a 72 piece sphere of Tsum Tsum and, for AW16 - a Night Edition Chrysler Building, an amazing Disney Castle and a range of stylish storage items for girls.

Known as the world’s foremost wooden train system, Brio now offers so much more. Brio World has unique features that create endless play possibilities, regardless of age. Amongst exciting new launches for 2016 are a Magnetic Stacking Train designed to co-ordinate with the My First Railway concept, steerable Farm Tractor and Train sets with removable play figures and animals, Lumber Loading themed vehicles, destinations and play figures compatible with the existing railway set, new additions to the popular My First Railway concept, and a range of impulse packs.

Tractor Ted Pull Handle Wellies with contrast green sole and matching green handles are made for serious puddle jumping

”

covered with Tractor Teds!

The range also includes Tractor Ted Jigsaws – new for 2016, packaged in attractive and colourful presentation boxes, available in four, six or nine pieces.

A Tractor Ted bestseller, kids (and parents) love the traditional play value of the Tractor Ted Wooden Tractor, chunky and robust, this mini wooden replica of the full size Tractor Ted is a must have in young children’s play farms. And the Tractor Ted Trailer (wooden) hitches to the Tractor Ted Wooden Toy and comes complete with three wooden farm animals – cow, sheep and pig. Attractively packaged in Tractor Ted Trailer box.

Ravensden Plc Ravensden Farm, Bedford Road, Rushden, Northamptonshire NN10 0SQ England.

Telephone +44 (0) 1933 356221 Fax + 44 (0) 1933 410108 Email office@ravensden.co.uk www.ravensdenonline.com www.ravensden.co.uk

Nuremberg International Toy Fair Hall 1 Stand D-04 Spring Fair 2016 Hall 5 Stand F04 / G03

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It’s gotta be… retro!

DKL 01604 678 780 www.dkl.co.uk Hall 5 Stand K72 On the DKL stand will be new products from Hama Beads, Scentco Scented Stationery, Wonderworld Wooden Toys, Breyer Model Horses, Miniland Educational plus new ranges just launching from SmartLab Science Kits, Scratch Traditional Toys, PlayMais Crafts, and Anamalz Wooden Figures.

Scratch’s range of Traditional Toys is ideal for the gift shop and includes new Retro tin toys such as Circus Tin Top and Pinball game! Look out for the Magnetic Darts Games, Puzzles,

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l5 Hal nd Sta 2 K7

Scratch’s range of Traditional Toys is ideal for the gift shop includes new Retro tin toys such as Circus Tin Top and Pinball game

collection of mini wooden vehicles with unique and quirky designs, wind-up Elastic Planes available in a counter display, plus a vast array of Musical Instruments in attractive packaging.

Scentco’s scented stationery range offers the largest collection of pick up fun lines, Smencils, Gel Crayons and Smarkers, Glitter Pens, Note Pads, Pencil Cases and so much more in so many scents. Popular Disney licences such as Finding Dory, Frozen and many more are included in these ranges.

Hama, the number one bead brand, returns with even more quality product

”

for 2016. Look out for the new ‘Small World’ Range of complete sets; Diamond Animals Gift Box featuring brand new pegboard shapes; the Friendship bracelets set, and the exciting Dinosaur Large Gift Box. For ages three plus, Hama is also launching the Maxi Stick collection. Recently launched is the new Hama Beads app to add even more creative play value to this fantastic bead craft range.

Wonderworld Wooden Toys leads the way with Mini Vehicles and Role Play, the fantastic role-play All-in-1 Coffee Shop, complete with cookies and other accessories. Also look out for Miniland Educational products, Breyer Model horses, Anamalz, PlayMais and the SmartLab Science kits.

The Carat Shop info@thecaratshop.co.uk www.thecaratshop.co.uk Spring Fair Hall 5 G49

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Bouncing into 2016 Ha Sta ll 5 F5 nd 0

GREEN BOARD GAMES 01494 538 999 www.greenboardgames.com GBG is extremely excited by the imminent launch of its new marble run construction range, Q-BA-MAZE. Build fish, dinosaurs, robots, butterflies, towers and more!

GBG is further increasing the breadth of their award winning BrainBox range introducing BrainBox Transport, BrainBox Predators and BrainBox English.

In 2016 new game concept - BrainBox Bounce will introduce Mr Men, Little Miss, Animals and Dinosaur versions.

This rapid recall memory game involves all players studying a different picture card at the same time and play is ‘bounced’ from player to player until they have all answered question one of the card they have studied. Those who answer correctly remain in the game, incorrectly answered cards must be placed in a pile for the winner of the round to collect. The bonus of Bounce is that it includes a spot the difference game as well; can you find six differences in each pair of cards?

Enter a wonderland…

In 2016 new game concept BrainBox Bounce will introduce Mr Men, Little Miss, Animals and Dinosaur versions

”

New product launches for 2016 such as Maths and R.E. Learning Trays join the Green Board Education range - they include 120 BrainBox cards which are perfect for inside and outside of the classroom.

Linked to the National Curriculum and providing multi game play ideas for teachers and parents alike, they support children’s learning in a fun manner.

Snap & Pairs is another popular range from GBG and five more titles are being introduced: 3-D shapes, Irregular shapes, Higher Times Table, Materials and Life Cycles.

After the success of GBG’s Pre-School BrainBoxes in 2015, it is adding First Animals and First Homes to its roster of pre-school product, with new titles aimed to further increase BrainBox appeal to the pre-school market, providing a natural progression into the well-known BrainBox family.

Ha Sta ll 5 K2 nd 6

Animal magnetism

SAMBRO

RAVENSDEN

0845 873 9380 www.sambro.co.uk

01933 356 221 www.ravensden.co.uk

Sambro’s Spring Fair stand is a one-stop shop for buyers looking to create fully licensed ranges for 2016. With some of the hottest properties of 2016, Sambro has one of the widest selections of licensed categories available at multiple price points and the NEC is the perfect platform to launch key lines. Paw Patrol was a fantastic success in 2015 and Sambro introduced a gorgeous new plush bag collection featuring the popular characters. In addition, a range of EVA bags, backpacks and wheeled bags are also available. The Paw Patrol Wheeled Toys range features innovative scooters and bikes, perfect for little fans.

The loveable Dory returns in 2016 with the release of new Disney Pixar animation Finding Dory. Sambro will launch a collection of arts and crafts products based on Dory with products that have brilliant shelf appeal. The cute Finding Dory Shaped Scribbler comes in an array of sizes and is chunky for little hands to hold. All this and lots more, so make sure to stop by the Sambro stand to meet the sales team.

With a new location and stand in Hall 5, Ravensden is looking forward to a successful Spring Fair 2016.

If you are looking for a range of fast selling merchandise that is a little different, visit Ravensden and meet Cedric the giant Sloth and friends #cedricthesloth. Nobody understands animals like Ravensden and nobody has a range like theirs. From Alpacas to Zebras, soft toys to ceramics, at family owned and operated Ravensden has the most comprehensive range of animal-themed merchandise available in Europe.

With over 200 new lines introduced for 2016 including many new styles, Ravensden offers Suma Collection ranges of soft toys and an exciting new range of 3D notebooks, posters and magnets.

Well-established (since 1975) and experienced in sourcing products as well as exporting and importing – Ravensden specialises in Zoo, Aquarium, Leisure and Promotional markets.

Its aim is to supply quality products and to continually develop and introduce new lines enhancing the retail offering of attractions.

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ll 5d a H an St -G3 F4

Spring Fair Hall 5 L28 Stand

Baby Gifts

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Gifts for babies

Gone are the days of the cuddly toy and the commemorative silver spoon… well, almost

I

n years gone by, it was easy being a parent, or grandparent, uncle or aunt or even an older sibling – we mean when it came to buying presents for a new baby, of course. The rest was far from easy. Modern technology has helped new parents immeasurably when it comes to keeping baby safe, dressing the little one, etc.

There were rattles, cuddly toys, mobiles (the hanging thing above cots not a portable telephone) and that was about it.

Now, there is so much choice available for people to buy presents for babies and little ones.

Sarah Dayus, the Brand and Marketing Manager at Great Gizmos told us: “Our My First NICI Comforters are so popular; we can’t get enough of them. The plush items and rattles sell really well, too. The range is incredibly successful due to the quality and the fact it is completely machine washable – very appealing to new mums.”

Helen Shields from Enesco said: “From our experience there is still a high demand for licensed products.

We sell baby gifts across many of our licensed brands from Beatrix Potter, classic Winnie The Pooh, Disney and of course Gund.”

What about old favourites like cuddly toys? Do they still sell? It would appear they do according to Helen Shield: “Absolutely, it’s a perfect new baby gift...”

However, according to Sarah Dayus, they are no longer seen as a musthave item: “We have seen trends move more towards comforters and baby booties.”

Sue Bishop from Widdop Bingham tends to favour the viewpoint of Sarah Dayus. She told us: “Not necessarily.

There’s so much to choose from particularly gifts for decorating the 154 gifts today

nursery. What we are seeing in this category though are new types of plush for example very cute knitted soft toys.”

Until recently almost the only commemorative keepsakes for babies were silver spoons. Now again thanks to technology the range has increased exponentially although the spoons are still popular.

Sarah Dayus said: “We have a range of melamine tableware and gifts by Bunnykins and the higher end items do sell through well. The Silver Spoon in Gift Box is popular for new borns as it will keep forever.”

Enesco’s Helen Shields told us: “Keepsakes are the ideal christening or naming day gift. Our nursery sets are both suitable as keepsakes but also perfect for every day use, especially our new range of eco-friendly children’s dinner sets within our Beatrix Potter Collection.”

Sue Bishop said: “There’s a subtle change taking place in the keepsake category of baby gifts. Keepsake items are no longer being relegated to the back of the cupboard. They’re coming out of the closet and making their very own appearance in the nursery helped by products such as peg collage frames – ideal for special photos or small keepsake items.”

Philip Downer the owner of Calliope in Surrey said: “We sell some plush but find that they can get shop soiled. We do much better with wooden toys.”

There are benefits for retailers in baby gifts as we have seen the importation of yet more American traditions. Hot on the heels of Halloween comes the baby shower for expectant mums to be given presents by family and friends. A point that has not gone unnoticed by Sarah Dayus: “Baby gifts will always sell, especially with the rise in popularity of baby

“There’s so much to choose from particularly gifts for decorating the nursery.” showers where gifts are usually a necessity.”

Retailer Claire Jones from Baby Baby of Cleethorpes agreed: “A few years ago no one in this country had heard of baby showers. Now they are exceptionally popular and are a regular among our customers.”

Helen Shields of Enesco noted: “I think that personalised products do command a higher price and it allows the buyer to create a lovely thoughtful gift.”

Sue Bishop added: “The retailer

benefits from an occasion that occurs throughout the year. There are no peaks and troughs in demand so providing the retailer carries a good range throughout the year they will always be able to take advantage of this occasion.

“Any changes in trends from one year to the next are subtle and gradual which means that the retailer can move from range to range incorporating new lines without having to make a wholesale, costly change to their stock holding.”

Did you know?

1. Beatrix Potter had no formal education and did not get married until she was 47.

2. About the age of 14 Beatrix began to keep a diary, which she wrote in code.

3. A translation of Winnie The Pooh into Latin is the only Latin book to have featured on The New York Times Best-Seller list.

4. Winnie The Pooh first appeared on 24 December 1925, in a Christmas story published by The Evening News.

New soft arrivals for GUND Baby Enesco

The finest, softest materials are used for the GUND baby collection and 2016 sees the addition of three adorable new ranges to provide the youngest member of the family with stimulating play as well as cuddly comforting textures at bed time.

Animated toys arrive in the guise of Flappy the Elephant. Press his front feet to hear a cheerful song and to see the elephant play peek-a-boo. Oh So Soft is a new collection of washable and enchanting animal characters, including a kitten, puppy and elephant. There are also two attractive combos of Oh So Soft elephants and teddy bears with co-ordinating rattles.

Amongst launches for existing collections are four play sets for the GUND Baby Play Set range – Noah’s Ark, Pirates’ Ship, Mermaid Adventure and a Picnic Basket. Perfect for children from birth, each portable carrying case holds small accessories that rattle and squeak to encourage early motor skill development and imaginary play.

Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Web: www.enesco.co.uk

Perfect memento Personalised Memento Company

Steady rise in sales Joe Davies

Baby showers, new births, christenings and baby birthdays all make baby gifts a perennial all year round seller for gift and card retailers. Giftware suppliers Joe Davies have seen sales of baby gifts rise every year of their history and will introduce dozens of new products at the Spring Fair.

These charming ‘Cuddle Time’ blankets are a brand new addition this year. Six popular, cute animals are featured all holding a practical, super soft micro fleece blanket. They have certainly got the ‘ahh’ factor and make a great gift for a multitude of occasions.

See Joe Davies at Spring Fair, NEC Birmingham, Hall 5, Stand C30/31.

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

Personalised gifts for babies make an ideal alternative to the traditional gift. The Personalised Memento Company’s (PMC) range of personalised baby gifts covers every style imaginable. Adorable ranges like the Twinkle Twinkle collection and Tiny Tatty Teddy from Carte Blanche’s Me to You are ranges that stand apart from the crowd. The Round Ceramic Decoration from the Tiny Tatty Teddy range is perfect as a lasting reminder of your little one’s special day.

PMC are set up to drop ship to order. With no minimum order and an easy-to-use trade website, PMC have made it simpler than ever to sell personalised gifts. Visit PMC at the Spring Fair, Hall 4 Stand E90 – F91.

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

Baby gifts from Great Gizmos

Great Gizmos have recognised the growing popularity of Baby Showers and increasing baby gift market and for 2016 have brought out some new ranges to complement this.

The Royal Doulton Bunnykins collection of melamine nursery tableware is handmade and hand-decorated. Each piece is as unique and special and can be kept for a lifetime. The items come in beautiful and sleek gift boxes, ensuring it will be treasured for many years to

come.

The Bunnykins Three Piece Dinner Set includes a plate, a bowl and a cup featuring beautiful illustrations. All items are the perfect size for little hands and are dishwasher and microwave-safe. All will be available in new packaging in pale pink Sweetheart, pale blue Shining Star and the traditional Bunnykins in white and red.

The Bunnykins Silver Plated Gift Spoon makes the perfect christening gift and is packaged in a Royal Doulton Bunnykins presentation box for that something extra special.

The ever popular My First NICI range welcomes some new additions this year with the introduction of a new Comforter Range. Each comforter is made from high quality plush, is suitable from birth and also machine washable. The range features a number of characters, including Frog, Monkey and Donkey to name but a few. Each comforter comes in beautiful colours and textures that baby will love!

This is just a taster of what’s new from Great Gizmos so for more information visit their stand in HALL 5 E10/F11.

Tel: 01293 543221 Email: enquiries@greatgizmos.co.uk gifts today 155

Baby Gifts

Three new baby Wide range with Signature gift collections Gifts from Rainbow Designs

2016 will see the arrival of three fantastic new baby gift collections from Rainbow Designs for their renowned brands; Paddington, Miffy and The Snowman and the Snowdog.

Launching this spring is a cute new Paddington for Baby range. Everyone’s favourite bear from Peru will now feature on a variety of nursery products designed specifically for baby include a My First Paddington Plush, comfort blanket, activity cube and ring rattle.

This spring will see the launch of a brand new Miffy for Baby collection which is available in both pastel pink and denim blue tones and includes 25cm Plush Toys, ring rattles, comfort blankets and an activity cube.

Rainbow will also be previewing their brand new The Snowman and The Snowdog ‘My First Christmas collection, this beautiful new collection will be available for Christmas 2016, and includes an endearing plush collection from Rainbow Designs featuring My First Snowman and Snowdog comfort blankets, ring rattles and jingle bell booties.

Rainbow will also be launching brand new Activity Playmats to their nursery category as part of their new Big Box initiative, which will be available in their most popular nursery collections including Peppa Pig for Baby, Peter Rabbit, Guess How Much I Love You and The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Whether it’s to congratulate a friend on becoming a parent; welcoming a new family member; or a perfect christening gift, Signature Gifts offer an extensive range to fit all budgets. From books to ceramics, Signature can definitely boast one of the widest ranges of personalised gifts for babies. Expertly fired ceramic gifts mean that the occasion can be marked with a perfectly personalised plate, cup or trinket box, all of which are available in a wide range of styles. If you’re looking for exclusivity, Signature’s flexibility means they can create products that include your own designs.

Printed gifts are also a perfect way to mark an occasion.

Signature has created an embossed birth certificate holder and a bespoke baby book which was shortlisted for GA’s Gift of the Year 2014. Signature’s My First Year baby book includes a full copy of the newspaper from a child’s date of birth and is personalised with the child’s name date of birth on the cover. Two gifts in one, this book is perfect for new parents to scrap-book the first year of their child and be able to look back at news from their date of birth.

Tel: 020 8881 1234 Web: www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk

Tel: 01582 464 809 Web: www.signature-gifts.co.uk

Treasured traditions Solo Ltd

Giving presents is always a treat, but never more so than when a baby is involved; it’s a tradition that we treasure, especially for that special occasion such as Christenings, naming ceremonies and first baby celebrations. Solo’s Creative Director says, “When we think of baby’s gifts we often think of soft cuddly toys and teddy bears, but with the rise in popularity of personalisation we have seen a renaissance in more traditional items, but with a 21st Century edge.”

Solo has launched a new collection of baby bracelets that are already proving to be a big hit. And as each charm can be engraved, they are perfect for as gifts on their own or with personalisation.

The Marias double-string, beaded baby bracelet is definitely an eye catcher featuring two rows of delicate beads making the bracelet secure but still retaining a delicate elegance.

The Marias is finished off with a gorgeous heart shaped silver plated charm, perfect for personalisation.

A bit of bling is always a good thing. The sparkling delicate Culatra diamante bracelet with a silver plated charm makes a perfect baby’s gift. The diamante string gives it a precious feel as its brilliant crystals catch the light.

The adorable Vitoria Pearl Bracelet is a perfect baby’s gift. It features a classic string of precious pearls finished off with a gorgeous silver heart plated charm! Its sophisticated design is simple, bold and beautiful.

With its soft pink look, the Rosario bracelet features pink beads perfectly complimented with a heart-shaped silver plated charm. This unique bracelet is a fantastic gift and features a practical elasticated design.

Personalisation is available on all of the bracelet designs, either as plain stock or drop ship. Solo’s baby bracelets all come packaged in a delicate white organza bag, inside a matching shimmering white and silver presentation box which is complimented by a beautiful delicate ribbon bow.

Tel: 01789 262900 Email: retail@sololtd.com Web: www.sololtd.com 156 gifts today

Save the date!

The London Stationery Show makes stationery buying a pleasure with hundreds of great brands and thousands of products from around the world, all in one place.

Beautiful pens… wonderful wrap… stunning notebooks and diaries… gorgeous gift and social stationery… stylish storage… this is where fashion meets function! Be part of it.

RSVP to stationeryshow.co.uk for free entry

Follow us @StationeryBytes

Retail Interview

Minty fresh Paul Donnelley talks to Christopher Dell, one of two young entrepreneurs who are ploughing their own furrow in the gifts industry

T

ake a stroll down Berkhamsted High Street and you will come across White Mint, a shop that stands out from the crowd.

Christopher Dell and Paul Cheshire run it and they told us why they want to stand out from the crowd, how they get repeat business and their plans for the future.

Christopher Dell and Paul Cheshire

158 gifts today

How did you come up with the name?

That came from Paul. His idea was wanting something clean and fresh.

People seemed to like it. It is not descriptive but then our shop is not descriptive, it’s very eclectic. We didn’t want anything like home or interiors or anything like that in the name because our business model moves throughout the year. So, for example, at Christmas we go more towards gifts because that is what people want.

What’s your backstory?

It was Paul’s dream to have a home

interiors shop, which is what we focused on when we first opened.

I wasn’t ready to jump into a store straightaway so we set up a website and generated some sales to that, slowly but surely. We then tested the waters for six months with a market stall on the high street. Then we saw this shop and decided to go for it. I think there were seventeen applications and in January we won.

We opened at the beginning of May 2015 and it’s taken off from there.

The shop seems to have developed the website in some strange way. The website seems to have picked up on the back of the shop sales. The shop earns more revenue than the website at the moment but I think the website will take over by the end of the year.

We didn’t know too much about retail so we were learning as we went along.

It is our first venture – I was an IT consultant and Paul worked for The Kennel Club.

You haven’t been open long, has it

been what you expected?

Better. We based our targets on the market stall. Now people have a physical premises to come to so we build trust and that gets us so much repeat business. Paul or I are always here so people know a familiar face when they come in. We are really honest when people come in to buy presents. We ask them their budget, if they want help. They come in with friends and wander around, it’s quite social. We don’t push any sales at all in store and that seems to work a lot better for us. We just say hello and give us a shout if you need us. We are launching a personalisation service and that is the range we are going to push this year. It is about making the shopping experience really fun.

We don’t have anything that I would class as essential. What we have is things that people like and make them smile. We do a lot of research with other shops. We go and introduce ourselves; we don’t do covert. If we see something they sell, then we don’t buy it; I don’t want to compete with anybody.

Is there a particular category that does well for you?

We can’t sell plain things. If we get

things that are plain they sit on our shelves forever. If you get something with a pineapple, a flamingo or a cactus or there is a lightbulb in it, it seems to just fly out of the door, so much so that we have had to incorporate pineapples and flamingos into all our promotional materials.

Do you follow trends?

We look at trends but we try to look at them in advance. When we first opened, we were told that copper was massive. We liked copper anyway but it wasn’t until we did a stylish copper window display that we sold a lot.

This year we have picked a couple of trends that we think will be big. For the summer we are going very neon, or for the more traditional market we are going rose gold. For the people like us who are a bit off the wall, we are going to go very 1970s – macramé and disco balls and hope for the best. We have four or five keys ranges but we never restock, once something has gone it’s gone. We change the shop around every week so when people come in there is something new. We update our window every week.

How do you find products?

We go to Autumn Fair and Spring Fair and this year we are doing so

well we are doing our first foreign buying trip. We are going to Maison d’Objet in Paris, which is apparently massive. We are going with one of our local suppliers who does our crockery range – she invited us along, which is nice. We have just engaged with an Australian supplier for our summer neon range. It is only sold in two or three shops so I don’t think anyone would have seen that before.

How did you decide your business model?

Our model with pricing was always that we would be fair. We don’t want people to come in, see our stuff and then go and buy it online cheaper. I would never knowingly undercut other businesses, I would always follow the line. But I would also never raise a price even if it is really popular. We have some very key lines that we could probably make an awful lot more money on but people come back to us because we are fair in our pricing. We made a decision with the shop and the website that we would price match both. This does take you out of the market for a few items online because some people will drop down and make a pound rather than a normal profit.

We have never played that game and

it has worked for us. We are not the cheapest for some items online but we still get the sale. Perhaps that is because our point of sale looks nice or recommendation.

How do you let people know about the shop?

We are very active on social media.

We post lots of photos of the shop and our customers engage with us and they post pictures of the stuff they have bought. I think the fact that people who come to our website see us and see what we are doing, it helps to generate sales. People can see who they are buying from. We have so many repeat customers and people come in and they are so nice.

They stop for a chat and you find the names of the children and you remember what they are up to. It builds some kind of relationship so they remember you when they have their next birthday. People like to see people doing well. I do so I assume others do too.

Have you got any expansion plans?

Yes, we are going to expand the website this year. Ideally, we’d like six to eight shops, something manageable.

That’s our target over the next ten years. gifts today 159

Picture courtesy of House of Marbles

Plush

Softly does it!

Why not add a bit of plush to your instore offering? These are great for not only giving but can also be a terrific present for yourself. Great for babies, children and adults – who doesn’t like that cuddly buddy to either hug or decorate their bed?

NICI plush and accessories from Great Gizmos!

NICI introduces a number of exciting ranges for 2016 that feature super soft plush characters and matching accessories. There really is something for everyone.

NICIdoos have been growing in popularity, their colourful and unusual design is adored by children and they are incredibly collectable.

Three fun new characters join the world of Wild Friends; Debbie the Giraffe, Baldwin the Hippo and Chris the Porcupine. Each character come as soft plush toys in a variety of sizes. The range also features some matching accessories, including mugs, pencil case, wallet and more!

Comic Cats range features two super cute cat characters in grey and orange with a collection of vibrant coordinating accessories. There is a brand new Classic Bear that will make the perfect gift. The collection includes a gorgeous pyjama bag and a storage tidy for toys.

Spring Rabbits will make the most adorable Easter presents, they are available in three different colours and are excellent quality.

This is just a snippet of what’s new from Great Gizmos so for more information visit their stand in HALL 5 E10/F11

Tel: 01293 543221 Email: enquiries@greatgizmos.co.uk

Warming plush toys set for a strong 2016

With 2015 seeing strong uptake of Intelex Group Warmies products including the incredibly popular fully heatable Minion characters, 2016 looks set to be another very strong year of growth in the microwavable plush toy sector.

Intelex Group’s heatable plush toys are popular as gifts all year round and appeal to both children as brilliant bed warming companions, whilst adults too love the dual functionality, great value pricing and the fact that the toys make safe and convenient alternatives to the traditional hot water bottle.

New arrivals under the Warmies plush toy range include Craft Warmhearts, a delightful range of heatable dolls named Jenny, Jilly and Julie. For pooch lovers, Intelex have created the super cute Cozy Pets range recognisable by their adorable cravat and cheeky little faces.

Web: www.intelex.co.uk 160 gifts today

Personalised Plush with PMC

The Personalised Memento Company are one of the UK’s leading suppliers of personalised plush gifts. From adorable teddies in tins to licensed favourites like their Me to You bears; PMC offer a unique range of plush products. These personalised plush favourites make excellent birthday, Christmas, baptism or Christening gifts.

PMC’s years of experience in the personalised gift sector have led to them becoming renowned for their industry leading drop shipping solution and their outstanding customer service. Reliability is one of the core aims that PMC strives to uphold as they continue to be one of leaders in the personalised gift industry. View their full range of products at the Spring Fair, Hall 4 Stand E90 – F91.

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

From Paddington to Peppa Pig! Rainbow Designs

There will be a host of fun and exciting new plush toys available from Rainbow Designs this year.

Following on from the extremely successful launch of the Peppa Pig for Baby collection there will be some beautiful new plush additions to the range in 2016 including the new Jiggle Peppa Pig and George Pig, the Peppa Pig for Baby Activity Spiral and Activity Mirror as well as a plush Activity Cube.

This spring Rainbow will launch a stunning new plush collection of some of Roald Dahl’s most famous characters including Matilda, The BFG and Willy Wonka as well as a fun-packed Whizzpopping BFG feature plush. The new collection is being launched as part of the Centenary celebrations of the world-renowned story teller’s birth.

Rainbow will also be launching two new fantastic Paddington feature plush items in 2016. My name is Paddington soft toy talks and roars when his tummy is squeezed and the new Talk to Me Paddington not only says five different phrases but he also has a recording function so youngsters can record a message and hear Paddington repeat it back.

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

Sales Agents Required for Leading Candle Company Focused and high-energy agents required for several UK regions in England including North East, North West and South East.

Client: Price’s Candles are a historic and prestigious candle company acting as Candlemakers to Her Majesty The Queen. For over 180 years, Price’s has led the way in the candle industry with quality and innovation. Price’s have a comprehensive selection of candles from fragrance to dinner and utility.

Price’s are one of the largest candle companies within the UK and are looking for highly motivated sales agents to continue to grow the company.

Calling On: Wholesalers, Gift Shops, Cook Shops, Garden Centres, DIY Stores, and Department Stores • • • • •

Competitive commission Regional Exclusivity 30 days payment terms Market support/samples supplied Trade exhibition support

For further details or to apply for this role, please contact: Laurence Whiting Tel: 01234 264500 Email: laurence.whiting@prices-candles.co.uk Post: FAO Laurence Whiting Prices’ Candles 16 Hudson Road , Elms Farm Industrial Estate, Bedford MK41 0LZ

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New Products Mercury Glass LED Balloons

These gorgeous handmade glass balloons are brand new from Joe Davies and will be shown for the first time on the company’s spacious Hall 5 stand C30/D31 at the very start of the new Spring Fair Gift section.

The balloons look fantastic by day but for an even more spectacular effect they each contain lovely LED firefly lights which look gorgeous when lit. They make a jaw dropping window display. The LED balloons come in a plethora of colours and finishes and are available in three sizes. They are easy and affordable to buy using Joe Davies famous ‘Little & Often’ ordering systems.

See Joe Davies at Spring Fair, NEC Birmingham, Hall 5, Stand C30/31.

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

Equilibrium Tree of Life Joe Davies These very commercial ‘Tree of Life’ bracelets and pendants are just one of hundreds of new designs from Joe Davies’ best-selling Equilibrium Collection of jewellery and fashion accessories. In total over 2500 brand new products will debut on Joe Davies extensive Hall 5 stand: the largest collection of new products at the fair (Hall 5 C30/D31).

New jewellery highlights include the new Equilibrium Vintage Collection in attractive retro packaging, new monogram jewellery, lovely Sentiment bangles and necklaces and some gorgeous new colourways for Spring and Summer. All Equilibrium is available to buy in small quantities and the minimum order is just £100.

Inspired by Italy

Hall Made in England, Black Cherry & Almond is the new fragrance from Di Palomo.

Including Perfume, Bath & Body, Home Fragrance products & gift sets, the new range is presented in luxurious, soft touch packaging. Supported with testers and point of sale material, the new collection is set to launch in April 2016 with preorders being taken from now.

In addition to the new fragrance, Di Palomo are launching a number of new products into their existing ranges; including 200g Luxury Soap Bars £6, Foam Baths £8, Fragrant Candle Tins £10 & refills for their ever popular Reed Diffusers.

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

Tel: 01803 612772 Email: debbie@dipalomo.com Web: www.diaplomo.com

Bang on trend with Puckator

These brand new novelty PVC keyrings from Puckator are bang on trend and great impulse buys for you customers. Fast Food and Donuts are the latest themes from Puckator’s UK-based design team; other items in this collection include cool bags, gift wrap, lunch boxes, flasks, shaped cushions, compact mirrors and air fresheners. Stay up to date with all the latest products by signing up to the newsletter at www.puckator.co.uk.

Tel: 0800 011 6969 Email: customerservices@puckator.co.uk Web: www.puckator.co.uk 162 gifts today

SIGNATURE GIFTS PREMIER supplier of

Personalised

GIFTS

ANY NAME

Convenience of a one-stop shop with skills from specialist businesses Tel: 01582 464809

www.signature-gifts.co.uk

Twitter: @signaturegifts

Come and see us at Spring Fair

Hall 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Stand D60-E61