Gifts Today February 2023

Message from the Editor

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As I write this, the gift industry is gearing up for one of the key events in the trade show calendar: Spring Fair, which takes place at the NEC in Birmingham from February 5 to February 8.

Speaking to retailers that plan to visit, it’s clear that they will be looking to this exhibition for inspiration and hope for the year, especially in light of the current economic climate.

As our columnist Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira (British Independent Retailers Association) points out, 2023 will be tough for all businesses, especially retail, as it’s one of the first sectors to feel the impact of reduced consumer spending.

But the good news is that despite all the challenges, his fellow columnist Sarah Ward, chief executive of The Giftware Association, says the gift industry has shown no signs of slowing down - as evidenced by this year’s Gift of the Year competition, which is the biggest yet!

The shortlist of entries has been announced (you can view it at www. giftoftheyear.co.uk/2023-entries) and the next round of judging will be the live round, which will be held for the duration of Spring Fair, where the chosen products will be presented at the NEC.

Retailers looking for ideas of what to stock in the coming months could do worse than take a peek, because Sarah hints that there will be an incredible amount of innovation and creativity on display. “Some of the products are very exciting and we can’t wait to showcase the shortlist to you and celebrate the incredible entries,” she says.

Of course, the venue will also be home to thousands of new gifts, all under one roof, so you really will be spoilt for choice. With so much to see, we have compiled a comprehensive Spring Fair preview. Simply

turn to page 22, where you will find a great round-up of the hottest new releases, along with hints and trend-spotting tips from some of the exhibitors.

For this issue’s Retailers’ Panel section, we’ve quizzed several indies who regularly attend the show. They’ve shared their Spring Fair hopes and recollections, along with some suggestions to help you make the most of your visit.

There’s more advice on getting the best out of this season’s trade shows from our columnist Anna Berry, director and co-founder of Retail100 Consulting, while her fellow columnist Bryony Taylor-Edwards, head of brand and gift, home, food, and toy buyer at Yarnton Home and Garden in Oxfordshire, reveals some of the gifts she’s keen to see at the shows, and discusses her trend predictions.

Trends to one side, a key aspect that anyone visiting Spring Fair will no doubt welcome is the opportunity to speak to like-minded people face-to-face. Catching up with sales agents and suppliers (and looking for new ones), along with meeting up with industry friends, are common themes in the comments from our Retailers’ Panel participants.

We always love to hear from retailers, so do get in touch if you would like to contribute to our Retailers’ Panel section. In fact, I would love to hear from any readers who would like to take part in our features, interviews and news pages. You can email me at clare@ lemapublishing.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn.

In the meantime, Gifts Today publisher Mark Horsnell and I look forward to seeing many of you at Spring Fair. Do stop and say hello if you see us wandering the aisles!

Clare Turner, Editor

clare@lemapublishing.co.uk

The views of the contributors expressed in this journal are not necessarily those of the publisher. Comments, letters and criticism are welcome.

New date for INDX Toy & Gift

In a revision to its previously released April dates, INDX Toy & Gift will now be returning to the Solihull exhibition venue of Cranmore Park on March 14 and March 15. To reflect a more inclusive product offer, the show has also changed its name from INDX Toys & Nursery Gifts to INDX Toy & Gift.

Organised by buying group AIS (Associated Independent Stores), the show’s new timing is a result of feedback from retailers and suppliers, and the March dates have been chosen to align with the industry’s key order-writing window.

AIS head of toys & children’s gifts Rosie Marshall said: “By bringing our next show forward to March, we will be offering greater accessibility to a wider audience. We understand that April is a key time for our garden centre and department store retailers, so holding the show in March will enable them to see the latest products and be prepared for the Easter holiday trade.”

In addition to covering licensed products, toys, games, and preschool, the 2022 show launched into the nursery gift arena and, building on that success, the 2023 show will see further expansion into the gift sector.

Key toy suppliers exhibiting in 2023 include Character Options, Top Model, Hasbro, Funko, Moose Toys, Ravensburger, Spin Master, and Schleich, and they will be joined by gift suppliers including Hippychick, Tonies, Happy Horse and Bam Bam.

INDX Toy & Gift welcomes all retailers. Admission is free and visitors can take advantage of free onsite parking, plus complimentary refreshments. Exhibitor enquiries should be directed to Faz.Akhtar@play-room.uk.com

Hyve Group promotes Alejandra Campos

Spring and Autumn Fair organiser Hyve Group has promoted Alejandra Campos to the role of event director of Spring and Autumn Fair. With a focus on Autumn Fair and Moda, Alejandra will work alongside event director Daniel Mayhew, whose focus is Spring Fair.

2023 Gift of the Year shortlist announced!

The Giftware Association (GA) has announced the shortlist for its 2023 Gift of the Year Awards. You can view all the category shortlists at www.giftoftheyear. co.uk/2023-entries.

GA chief executive Sarah Ward said: “Despite the challenges faced globally, the industry has shown no signs of slowing down, and this year’s competition is the biggest yet. With an incredible amount of innovation and creativity on display, the judges had a tough time choosing their favourites for the first round of judging, which took place throughout December.

“Congratulations to our shortlisted companies and a huge thank you to everyone who entered our competition this year.” The next round of judging will be the live round which will be held for the duration of Spring Fair, where the products will be on display.

She joined Hyve Group in July 2022 as event director of Moda, one of the UK’s longest-standing fashion trade shows which is now an integral part of Spring Fair and Autumn Fair.

Over her 20 years in the events industry, Alejandra has worked on trade exhibitions including Top Drawer London, and has developed a strong interest in innovation and the implementation of technology.

Alejandra commented: “As Hyve drives our portfolio of exhibitions into a revolutionary new phase with the launch of Connect@, I feel privileged to have been given the role of event director for Spring and Autumn Fair, and the opportunity to help lead our incredibly talented and motivated team at such an exciting time.”

Spring Fair takes place from February 5 to February 8, and Autumn Fair runs from September 3 to September 6. Both events take place at the NEC in Birmingham.

A & B turns 30

Scent supplier Ashleigh & Burwood is celebrating three decades of sharing its home fragrances with the world.

Ashleigh & Burwood began life in 1993 with father-and-son team John and Andrew Nettleton creating fragrance oils, pot pourri and ceramic oil burners.

Since then, the company has gone from strength to strength, taking on private label clients in 2001, expanding into new product lines with some of the first reed diffusers for the UK market in 2005, adding fragrance lamps to its range in 2007, and recently opening its European distribution centre in Hockenheim, Germany.

Visit Ashleigh & Burwood at Spring Fair in Hall 4 on Stand A10-B11

Rosie Marshall

A great make your own gift for kids

Accolade for Bill & Bert’s

Colchester gift store Bill & Bert’s has been named as one of the UK’s favourite local businesses in a nationwide competition organised by Town & City Gift Cards.

The contest ran between December 1 and December 21, and any local business could be nominated. People nominated online and the business with the most nominations became the UK’s favourite. This was the hardware chain W Hurst & Son in the Isle of Wight. Bill & Bert’s came fourth, with over 200 individual votes.

Bill & Bert’s joint owner Bill Nettelfield said the success of the shop is down to stock, staff and service. “We have a wide range of stock. That is important to customers because they want to pick out the product in the specific shade of green they like, or pick up the bag in the shape and style they like,” he said. “If people are making the effort to shop in person, they want choice - and we have to offer that to compete with online. They are also incredibly keen to find gifts that are unique, and that’s why we stock items that you don’t see everywhere else.

“When you come here, it’s more like a personal shopping experience. Independents

have to give themselves a point of difference and customer service could be it. Most of our team are slightly bonkers but that’s Bill & Bert’s all over, and our team creates a fun atmosphere in the shop. To be nominated at all was wonderful, but to finish in the top five and have the support of local people is even better.”

Bill & Bert’s is part of the Colchester Gift Card, which was introduced by Our Colchester Business Improvement District (BID) in summer 2021 as a way to encourage local shopping and keep spend locked into the area. It can be spent with both independent and national brands.

Bill added: “The mix of national brands and independents in a town or city is vital to its success, and that’s one of the things that makes the Colchester Gift Card stand out. You can spend it at Lush, or you can use it to discover local independents. It’s a great idea.”

Colchester Gift Card is part of the Town & City Gift Cards programme launched by local gift card provider Miconex.

Win a Golden Ticket at Curated Craft Online

Curated Craft Online is an exclusive new trade buying event for the artisan sector. Running from March 19 to March 21, it will offer retailers a simple and effective sourcing platform, enabling them to browse products from the comfort of their own homes. The event is not intended to replace physical trade shows, but does offer a way for busy retailers to extend their product sourcing without having to travel long distances to exhibitions.

Along with interactive show features that include a live ‘Hangout’ for all participants, Curated Craft will offer pre-event business seminars to help get exhibitors geared up for a digital selling event. There will also be a new video marketing feature to facilitate the process for buyers.

As an incentive to support the craft community, Golden Ticket prizes of £150 each will be offered to encourage visiting retailers to engage with participants. Every action taken, be it clicking on an image, visiting an exhibitor website, watching a video or downloading a catalogue, will count as a ‘raffle ticket’. Those who take the most actions will be rewarded with a Golden Ticket at the end of each day, whose value must be spent with Curated Craft exhibitors.

All participants will be asked to declare some sort of show offer, such as free delivery on orders above a certain value, or a percentage discount on orders placed at the show. You can register as an exhibitor at curatedcraft.co.uk.

Lucky 13 for Lark London

At the time of going to press, award-winning gift and homeware chain Lark London was preparing to launch its 13th store. The new branch is located at 70 Lower Richmond Road in Putney and was scheduled to open in late January.

Established in 2001, Lark London is a family-run independent business based in south-west London which aims to provide ’beautiful products for your lifestyle and home’. It operates 12 other stores in Fulham, Clapham High Street, Battersea Rise, Wimbledon Village, Balham, Earlsfield, Streatham, Tooting, Herne Hill, South Wimbledon, Chiswick, and Shepherds Bush.

Lark London director Priya Aurora-Crowe told Gifts Today: “This is shop number 13 and we are extremely excited to be joining the Putney community. My husband [fellow director] Dominic is currently working in the shop as we speak, doing all the set up and carpentry!” Priya with Dominic and their daughter Esme at the Tooting branch

Bill & Bert’s joint owners Bill Nettelfield and Sarah Charlton

Katherine Bree

Jane Crick Prints

Diary of a gift shop

Iheard a story on the ‘gifty grapevine’ the other week about how employees were deserting some family-run retailers due to a combination of poor management practices and a buoyant labour market. This is obviously anecdotal, and I have no sense of how true or widespread this might be, but given that over half of businesses in the UK call themselves ‘family-run or owned’, it did make me reflect on my own business.

I started Two Ducks from scratch 10 years ago with some limited management experience from previous workplaces. Interestingly, I never really expected to have any staff; I always imagined I’d run a small store by myself. Little did I know. I ended up with a store far larger than I had ever anticipated, with literally no way to run it without the help of a team.

So this made me question how I treat my employees. Have I got enough management experience to manage them effectively? Am I providing them with ample opportunity to not just survive but thrive, and enough training to make them (and therefore my store) the best they can be? Do I offer the right balance of compassion versus business priority?

As a small business, what am I reasonably able to offer them? I’m obviously bound by the UK minimum wage thresholds and pension contributions. But I also have huge financial pressures from the cumulative effects of Brexit, Covid, supply chain issues and the cost-of-living crisis.

Within that context, this is what I’ve been able to pull together:

1

. Rather than pay for lengthy (and expensive) personal development courses, I’ve tried to develop a more targeted approach to staff support. I’ve discussed each staff members’ needs and priorities with them, and offered more affordable specific courses or non-financial support. For instance, one of my employees was really suffering from menopause symptoms, so I paid for her to have a series of 1-2-1s with a midlife nutritional expert. This helped her energy levels, focus, and overall family health.

come back tenfold. In-store displays are far more focused, themed and shoppable, and the shop layout is more effective and a far more enjoyable experience for customers. In addition, the team is now doing window displays and enjoying the opportunity to develop their creative talents, rather than us hiring a professional.

4

. Each member of my team has been given specific responsibility for certain buying areas of the store such as cards and stationery and best sellers. This helps them develop knowledge of a specific area, build up relationships with brands, and understand customer demand and buying patterns. I’ve then invited them to buying appointments and trade shows to help them understand the buying process, input ideas for new stock, and offer views on what will work best for customers/the store.

2

. Alongside development and annual performance reviews, I hold weekly 1-2-1s with each staff member, so issues are aired quickly and ideas are shared. This stops problems building up, and staff feel they have their own time with their manager to raise matters. We then have a monthly team meeting with an agenda which covers finances, marketing, events, social media and upcoming deliveries, to ensure we’re all working together effectively.

5

. I recently booked a visual merchandising expert to run a bespoke course for us at the store. It was expensive to close the shop for a day, and pay all the staff and the expert, but the rewards have

3

. In terms of personal issues that arise for staff, I like to think I’m kind, caring and as generous as I can be without endangering the business. A staff member had a family crisis in late 2022 and I gave two (paid) hours off every week for a month to use when required to help sort the issue. I gave half-days for necessary appointments and allowed the staff member to make all the important calls needed during the working day.

This year I plan to develop a new (nonprofit) monthly event called the ‘Soul Cafe’, which will tackle issues around wellbeing and mental health for both customers and staff, and bring in expert guest speakers to provide advice and signpost people to local resources.

Investing in my team has really paid dividends in terms of their loyalty, happiness, expertise and knowing their value to the business. So if you haven’t had a chance to do a review for a while, 2023 may be the perfect time!

Claire Leigh, owner and director of Two Ducks in Woking, explains how she invests in her business by investing in her staff - giving them time, training and attention

Sales Assistant Laura Taylor (pictured right)

Deputy Manager Amber Ferrar (pictured right)

Photos: Eddie Judd Photography

Let’s talk about… buying in the fair season

Fair season is upon us, and with it comes all the excitement and anticipation of the year ahead. Every buyer will have been thinking through and percolating their plans ahead of the season: reflecting on what flew in 2022 and anticipating the big hitters for 2023.

Taking a temperature check on the public mood and wider trends is an essential part of a buyer’s job, ahead of donning comfy trainers and hitting the aisles of the trade shows.

How does one do this? Well, part research, and part intuition. To prepare for the fairs and the subsequent spend, I must be clear on what influences will be at play this year.

First, I turn to the world of fashion. In my experience, fashion leads and the rest of the categories follow. Fashion in 2023 will see a continuation of lilac in deeper hues and newness in yellow, baby blue and pink.

There will be statement ruffles, tassels and feathers. Being bold and fearless with texture is big this year. We’re also seeing crafting coming into play, with crochet and laser cutting features in our clothes.

After fashion, I turn to the Pantone Color Institute’s Pantone Colour of the Year. This one annual colour always comes with a rich narrative set to inspire, and this year does not disappoint.

For 2023, the colour in question is PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta. It’s

a natural pink/red which meets blue, and it’s bold and beautiful. I’m brimming with excitement at the thought of how this colour may play out in our clothes and homes.

Pantone has hit the spot with the public mood, declaring the colour as ‘powerful and empowering… it revels in pure joy, encouraging experimentation and self-expression without restraint’.

This colour is speaking my language. For me it represents a celebration of life, an urgency to be our bold and courageous selves, while remaining deeply grounded in nature and the earth.

a post-work retreat. Designated ‘rest’ areas are now a thing, and I for one am tempted.

End of day rituals such as candle lighting, scent burning, and bathing are all focus areas for me - alongside bringing green into the home in the form of plants, botanical scents and interior design.

Time together

While Covid isolated us physically, it forced us into hyper digital connectivity. Post-Covid, we are seeing a trend towards wanting to spend quality time together at home, and share experiences out and about.

We have seen this play out at Yarnton Home and Garden this year, with our café outperforming other departments and our in-person events fully booked.

But what does this tell us about gifting? And how will it influence my buy? Below are my trend predictions and some of the gifts I’m looking forward to seeing, touching and, in some cases, smelling, to reflect this.

Demanding more from our homes

As hybrid working becomes normalised, our homes are now multi-dimensional work/rest spaces. To balance the increased use of technology at home, people are looking to consciously create peaceful spaces at home that become

I will be stocking up on all the things that help people create these shared joyful experiences at home, from foodie gift experiences to summer games. I will also make sure that all the annual celebrations are covered, including the King’s Coronation. I will be calling on the likes of Talking Tables, Meri Meri and Abrams & Chronicle Books to deliver this.

Wellbeing goes up a notch

Oh yes, this trend is not going anywhere. In fact, my guess is it will be amplified this year with people seeking personalised wellbeing experiences and giving the gift of wellbeing.

I’m looking forward to stopping by Clarity Blend at Top Drawer and looking at its personalised skincare kits and aromatherapy blends. And for a bit of fun, I will peek at Horosoaps who have a bar of soap tailored to every zodiac sign. With the

Showing we care

The trend towards showing we care will continue in all areas. This may be caring for each other, the planet, our community or ourselves. Giving our pound a purpose is more important than ever. This could articulate itself in supporting local, small, organic and sustainable products.

I will continue to source gifts that are local to the area. For instance, I will pop by the Cotswold Spa bathing company to check out its vegan, natural bath range. I will also be looking for products that care for the planet as well as our minds. I’m excited to visit Earthsong Seeds who personalise seed gardens. Perhaps you are seeking a Garden of Happiness or Digestive Tea Garden?

Is there anything else I’m on the hunt for? Yes: lines that shout acceptance, loud and proud. I expect to see empowering statements adorning stationery, candles, and more, as we move into an era where diversity and difference is celebrated for all the joy it

Capricorn one promising to deliver anxietyreducing notes of ylang ylang and patchouli, you can count me in on this craze.

PHOTO: Jason Fenton

PHOTO: Press Loft

“Now is not the time to be ‘the best kept secret’!”

It’s always hard to predict the future with any great certainty and yet, as we look at 2023, indie retailers will be turning their thoughts to the challenges and opportunities that this year (and beyond) will present.

First, let’s be honest and accept that 2023 will be challenging for all businesses, especially retail, as it’s one of the first sectors to feel the impact of reduced consumer spending.

The UK economy is likely to enter into recession (if it’s not already there), so retailers will need to ensure that costs and cash flow are managed incredibly well, especially in the first quarter. This may well mean reducing opening hours to save energy, and seeking better value in the supply chain.

At the same time as focusing on good financial controls, there needs to be a focus on sales and ways of offering fantastic value to shoppers, remembering that value is a combination of price, quality and service.

Taking a slightly longer term view, retailers must also consider the trends that we may see in 2023. And when we try to forecast trends in retail, we have to do it through the eyes of the consumer. What will the consumer want in 2023? In many ways it will be not dissimilar to recent years. I believe key consumer behaviours will be:

Local shopping

Local shopping is still strong. Employees are being given more flexibility, and hybrid working is here to stay. This means more people spending more time where they live.

While this is an opportunity, the local retailer cannot take it for granted, and has to work very hard and smart to make sure that local people

know what is available to them.

As one successful small retailer told me recently:“The local shop has to own the 15 miles around the shop.” This means engage, communicate, and engage again with local people through social media, events, and so on. Now is not the time to be ‘the best kept secret’!

Hybrid working

Hybrid working may be here to stay, but undoubtedly hybrid shopping is definitely here to stay. The power of the interest should be embraced to complement the experience in the shop. BOPIS (Buy Online, Pick-Up In-Store) will continue to grow, and should be part of every retailer’s consumer offer.

Environmental issues

Consumers still care about the environment, and environmental issues will continue to influence shopping behaviour. This may well result in shops offering more services such as repairs and products for hire. The demand for more affordable, sustainable products will continue.

Importantly, the way retailers work will be keenly observed and appreciated by consumers. I believe there is still a competitive advantage to be gained from adopting and shouting about environmentally-friendly ways of working, such as the recycling of packaging, greener products, low energy usage, and provenance.

As I mentioned earlier, Q1 will be challenging, and will require every ounce of independent retailers’ renowned resilience, creativity and determination.

I genuinely feel that smaller retailers are better able to adapt and adjust to local market

needs than large chains. And I’m confident that independent retailers will continue to be an important part of local communities throughout the UK.

Call: 0800 028 0245 Visit: www.bira.co.uk

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira (British Independent Retailers Association) talks about what he believes Q1 will hold for independent retailers across the UK

“Q1 will be challenging, and will require every ounce of independent retailers’ renowned resilience, creativity and determination”

Call: 0121 236 2657 Email: sarah.ward@ga-uk.org Visit: www.ga-uk.org

Autumn Fair 2022 Gift of the Year Showcase

This is the moment that the gift industry has been waiting for - the announcement of the shortlist for The Gift of the Year 2023 Awards, organised by The Giftware Association.

Despite the challenges faced globally, the gift industry has shown no signs of slowing down, and this year’s competition is the biggest yet!

With an incredible amount of innovation and creativity on display, the judges had a tough time choosing their favourites for the first round of judging, which took place throughout December.

This year’s contest was judged by more than 100 retail experts, and the consensus was that it was the hardest to judge to date, because of the amount of quality on display.

As a result, the shortlist has been expanded due to demand from our panel, and to reflect the scale of some of the most popular categories, such as Ethical and Sustainable Gift.

We are hugely grateful for the time and expertise given by our judges, who worked though the Christmas break to select the shortlist in each category.

This year’s event has been fantastic for us, as we have grown the competition, attracted brand new companies to the awards, and refined our categories.

Some of the products that have been entered are very exciting and we can’t wait to showcase the shortlist to you and celebrate the incredible entries.

The shortlist reflects all the hard work and innovation from our industry, despite all the challenges

Congratulations to our shortlisted companies and a huge thank you to everyone who entered our competition this year. The next round of judging will be the live round, which will be held for the duration of Spring Fair, where the products will be on display at the NEC in Birmingham.

You can view the complete shortlist on the Gift of the Year website at www.giftoftheyear.co.uk/2023-entries. In the meantime, here are the shortlisted entries for the My Gift of All Time category to whet your appetite:

• A Very Oddsock Christmas festive kids’ advent calendar (Sock Academy)

• BBQ Hot Smoking Kit (Hot Smoked)

• Born in the … gift books (FROM YOU TO ME)

• CAHM Luxury Fragrance Range (The Cahm Collective)

• Dimple Double Old Fashioned handcrafted crystal glassware (Dartington Crystal)

• DIY Terrarium Kit 3L (Fallen Fruits)

• Hello Time Daily Undated Planner & Notebook Inkwell Vertical (Hello Time)

• Large Classic Cuddly Paddington Bear (Rainbow Designs)

• Marmite Marmife Spreader (Kimm & Miller UK)

• Pip and Henry Booties Gift Set (Pip and Henry)

• Recognised Statement Popons pendants (Recognised)

• Refillable Candle (The One Co Cheshire)

• Refillables (The Candle Brand)

• RHS Gifts for Gardeners (Burgon & Ball)

• The Articulate Gallery range of slot-sided picture frames (Articulate Scotland)

• The Bottled Baking Co. Baking Mixes in a Bottle (The Bottled Baking Co.)

• The Deceit at-home escape room in an envelope (Puzzle Post)

• Warmies Premium Hot-Pak (Warmies)

• William Morris At Home Canine Companion Dog Walker’s Kit (Heathcote & Ivory)

The Giftware Association chief executive Sarah Ward talks about the shortlist for the trade body’s Gift of the Year 2023 Awards

‘ OPINION ‘

Sarah Ward

being faced with staffing, logistics, rising costs and so on. Our Gift of the Year blog (www.giftoftheyear.co.uk/blog) shares some of the stories from our entrants this year, as well as some of the success stories from past years’ competitions.

Thoughts of a chief executive

“Bringing joy every day to consumers”

What’s your background?

I started in the drinks trade in a very junior sales role (calling on the tiny customers throughout the UK that the reps didn’t feel were important enough for them to call on), moving through to lead national accounts teams looking after the grocery trade.

After 10 years in the drinks industry, I moved to textiles for 13 years as a sales and marketing director, followed by eight years in ceramics as the group sales and marketing director with a global remit and a seat on the plc board. I made the move to Enesco nearly two-and-a-half years ago.

Tell us about Enesco.

Established over 25 years ago, Enesco Limited is based in Carlisle and is a part of a worldwide group, with headquarters in the US town

Serving more than 3,000 customers from our warehouse in Carlisle, we manufacture and distribute giftware to a wide variety of specialty card and gift retailers, home décor

independent shops, and online retailers in UK and European markets, as well as South Africa, Russia, The Middle East and Australasia.

We currently have 124 members of staff, many of whom are now home workers, after we successfully managed a hybrid model of home- and office-based staff during Covid.

What is your company ethos?

We are focused on bringing joy every day to consumers through developing, manufacturing and distributing high-quality giftware. We work hard and believe in celebrating our successes as a team.

Describe your range.

We are all about branded giftware. Everything we sell is exclusive to Enesco, with the majority being licensed. Our collection includes many very unique artist collaborations.

For example, world-renowned Heartwood Creek artist Jim Shore has just launched a brand-new Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory collection. This sits alongside his Disney, Peanuts, Beatrix Potter, Looney Tunes, Wizard of Oz and Grinch offering. Jim is such a talented artist - he can bring his own unique charm to anything.

Willow Tree really is a once-in-a-lifetime gift collection; we feel so fortunate to have this in our line and to work with artist Susan Lordi and her family. The collection continues to grow globally with the best-selling items having been in the collection for 22 years.

After over 30 years as a Beatrix Potter licensor, we continue to develop award-winning product. Our brand-new soft toy and home collections both won awards in 2022 and the soft toys are also shortlisted in the 2023 Gift of The Year Awardswe are thrilled.

For this year, we have a brand-new signing. Etta Vee is a global collection, designed collaboratively with our US team. We will also be showing our complete Scion Living Collection at the Spring Fair. Baby, Pet, and Home collections will all be on show.

Many of our licences are artist-driven, and we are delighted to welcome both Lolita - the icon behind the Lolita Glasses Collection - and Michelle Allen, who founded Allen Designs (which was acquired by Enesco in 2021), to Spring Fair. We believe it’s so important for our retailers to be able to tell the brand stories when they sell our product. What better way than meeting the artist in person?

“We focus on quality, thoughtful and wellpriced product to suit the economic climate”

Phil Atherton, commercial director of Enesco, discusses products, plans and projections for the giftware company

We are inspired every day. We watch trends closely and work with the best vendors, so we have access to new materials, formats, and designs daily.

It’s our mission to reduce our carbon footprint, and that is a huge part of our thought process when designing new product. Even small changes to the packaging make a difference.

Working with such a huge portfolio of talent allows us to work collaboratively. Having global ‘blue sky sessions’ regularly results in product that works in many geographies but also allows us to develop products locally for specific licences and products.

Who is your core customer base?

Independent retailers. These include gift shops, garden centres, homeware shops, department stores, novelty stores, museums, and visitor attractions. We do also supply many of the major retailers, mainly in strong brick-and-mortar markets, such as jewellers, garden centres, and the pharmacy chain Boots.

What sets you apart from your competitors?

We like to listen to the consumer before we launch into a new category. This helps us understand how we should position the brands, what functionality the product requires, and what the USPs [Unique Selling Points] are. We can then use the research outputs in our selling tools to the trade. Our sales team has strong relationships and is continually feeding back customer changes/new requirements internally.

We also believe in a strong customer service capability, and our teams are dedicated to supporting trade customers and working with them to continually improve our offer.

Our customer service team has very good relationships with all our customers, and works tirelessly to make sure customers are supported as much as possible.

Our service is second to none and our delivery capability is good with high service levels to the trade, giving them the confidence to work with Enesco and build their business with us.

Retailers can order products through our B2B site, directly with the business, or contact one of our salespeople who will be happy to arrange a visit to meet with them.

Will you be exhibiting at any trade shows this year?

This month we will be exhibiting at Spring Fair in Birmingham (Hall 4, Stand C61 & C60/ D61), Ambiente in Frankfurt (Hall 6.2, Stand B10), and INDX Homewares at Cranmore Park in the West Midlands.

Other shows we will be at this year include Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival in Harrogate in July, and ShowUP in The Netherlands and Kind + Jugend in Cologne - which are both in September.

How are you finding the current trading climate?

It’s tough out there, and consumers are focused on the cost-of-living crisis and impending utility rises that will hit us again in April. I think 2023 will be a very tough year once again, and we are doing all we can to support our customers through these difficult times.

How do you see the gift industry shaping up over the next five years?

We’ve had a challenging five years in the industry and I suspect the next five will throw just as many challenges at the trade. I believe that strong brands and strongly managed businesses will continue to survive and, in many cases, thrive.

Retail stores will still play an important part of our futures as gift-giving is very personal, and people like the tactile element of gifting.

Online will remain as a major route to market and to helping customers filter down their choice of gift. However, I think that the current model of 3pl [third party logistics] and the price fighting that it creates will not continue too far into the future, as it’s clearly a brand destroyer rather than a brand builder.

While there will be challenges, there will also be opportunities for companies that are prepared to remain flexible and are able to pivot to new ideas and ways of working.

What do you think is the biggest myth about the gift industry - and what’s the reality?

That consumers will stop buying gifts in a recession. People will always continue to buy gifts - for birthdays, weddings, new babies… However, what they buy might change. We focus on quality, thoughtful and well-priced product to suit the economic climate.

What’s been your proudest business moment?

Seeing members of the team develop and evolve into leaders and grow with the business through their own efforts and learning.

We believe in internal development at Enesco, and there are many examples of people throughout the business that have progressed and developed, making real changes to their lives and to the success of Enesco as a business. Whenever I see this under my watch, I feel very proud and happy to have been a small part of that person’s success.

What’s the inspiration for your products?

How can retailers order your products?

“We like to listen to the consumer before we launch into a new category”

Discover the home of gifting

Billed

Spring Fair encompasses 14 sectors within four destinations (across eight halls): Gift, which includes Christmas, Floral and Seasonal Decorations; Home, which includes Living & Décor, Housewares, Everyday, and The Summerhouse; Moda, which features its own catwalk as well as Jewellery & Watch, Womenswear, Fashion Accessories, and Footwear; and the newly launched responsible sourcing show Source Home & Gift.

All these destinations offer thousands of much loved and established brands alongside an array of new names showing for the first time. Organiser Hyve Group says: ‘The show creates a compelling and unmissable platform for buyers to touch, feel, and experience the latest products, trends and innovations.

‘The flourishing Gift sector continues to offer everything you want to gift and be gifted with. Curated to create special moments from the show floor to your shop floor, explore an array of best sellers, contemporary designs, and unique and personalised gifts.’

Hall 4 will also feature the New Product Showcase and the Power of One Showcase, offering a curated edit of the best-in-show and sustainability.’

Listed below and on the following page, you will find a whole host of suppliers - old and new- who will be bringing their wares to the NEC in Birmingham for you to peruse at your leisure.

Celebrating its 140-year anniversary in 2023, Widdop & Co continues to wow gift

and home retailers with innovation and excellence across its exciting portfolio of brands and licences.

Coming up to its 25th birthday, another much-loved returning favourite, Sass & Belle, promotes the joy of home sprucing, lovingly designing trend-led gifts and homeware.

Hawthorn Handmade is turning 10 and to celebrate, the Dorset company which makes craft kits for beginners and beyond is growing its range of inspiring embroidery kits, adding to best sellers Make Your Own Magic and Today I Choose Joy, as well as new kits across all its other collections. And Puzzle Post returns with its innovative escape rooms in an envelope.

This year DCUK is celebrating a Dickensian Christmas in honour of the great writer. You’ll find evergreen garlands, lavish gold trimmings and, most of all, a spirit of goodwill to all friends and friends-to-be.

Renowned for its range of beautiful nightwear for women and girls and matching washbags and eye-masks, Powell Craft will be launching light cotton nightwear that’s perfect for holidays and warmer nights, in classic white or vibrantly coloured signature prints, as well as a range of women’s floral summer dresses and a pretty range of dresses for kids.

The much-loved Sophie Conran for Burgon & Ball collection sees new additions at Spring Fair to add fresh appeal to this popular range. Tapping into the latest Modern Rustic trend, new gardeners’ accessories in galvanized steel showcase the beauty of

“The show creates a compelling and unmissable platform for buyers to touch, feel, and experience the latest products, trends and innovations”

the material in which they’re crafted. Plus, a new heart-shaped trowel in mirror-polished stainless steel combines perfect planting performance with irresistible good looks.

A rising star in the gifting industry, Letterbox Love has recently collaborated on a Seeded Card and Wish Bracelet range with award-winning supplier Richard Lang & Son The two Derbyshire businesses have teamed together to offer customers a sustainable gifting solution. These beautiful gifts offer the traditional and much-loved Richard Lang’s artwork and best-selling bracelets by Letterbox Love. Customers can plant the seeded card to grow wildflowers - perfect for bees and butterflies - and treasure the bracelet, creating a wholesome and meaningful gifting experience.

Another favourite for bee lovers, Beefayre, is inspired by nature and the plight of our bees and other pollinators. The brand’s mission is to produce excellent quality gifts made in Britain using the finest ingredients; which are sustainably and ethically sourced - and 3% of the company’s profits are donated to bee conservation and other conservation projects. Beefayre was founded 10 years ago by Sharon Jervis: an artist and passionate conservationist. Spring Fair will see the launch of her new collection of prints and illustrations.

Visitors will also discover the latest designs from Fallen Fruits, Satchville Gifts, Woodstock Chimes, Lesser & Pavey, Rex London, Fountasia, Gingko, Portico Designs, Thumbs Up, Coulson MacLeod, Funco UK, Gift Republic, History & Herald, Kikkerland, Bookspeed, Enesco, Puckator, Joe Davies, Half Moon Bay, Shoeless Joe, Abysse Corp, University Games, Elgate, Rubies Masquerade, Straits Trading, British Fossil, and Giftware Trading, among many others.

The debut Design First area offers a first-time showcase to new brands including Fox Under the Moon, Nzuri Trading, Dunked, and Loyal Candles.

Beauty & Wellbeing

With indulgent products for the mind, body and soul, the Beauty & Wellbeing sector features inspiring gift items that pamper, groom, spritz and energise with a huge rise in sustainable, vegan, and ethically-made and sourced products. From holistic home fragrance and beauty staples to hair care, male grooming and styling kits, this is where the most sought-after beauty and wellbeing products glow.

Celebrating 25 years of creating cosmetics and home fragrance, Bomb Cosmetics continues to harness the power of essential oils extracted from plants, flowers and fruit to help soothe the soul and heighten, change or enhance your mood.

New to Spring Fair, Feel The Glow is passionate about creating accessible products that inspire self-care, increase wellbeing and help people find their inner glow. Look out for its bestselling affirmation cards and journals as well as activity books, clothing, aromatherapy candles, pin badges and more.

Visitors will also discover Kushboo Soaps, Bath Bubble & Beyond, Clarityblend, Fruu.., Heathcote & Ivory, La De Da! Living, Sevin, The Highland Soap Co., The Somerset Toiletry Co., and Upper Canada UK.

Moda

Renowned for its stunning array of collections, visitors to Moda will discover many of the leading womenswear labels. Look out for the bold brights from Jayley, a collection of sought-after Godske brands including Robell, Tia, Noen, and Fransen, creative and original new designs from One Hundred Stars, colourful, feminine and sustainable womenswear from Danish brand Soyaconcept, and the new season collections from Saloos, an internationally recognised brand committed to quality, style and comfort since 1995.

With decades of fashion experience, the founder of new label Fika has created a slowprocess fashion brand working to do better by blending sustainability, community and consciousness. Lighthouse Clothing, the Belfast coastal leisurewear brand, returns with its style-led waterproof clothing for the whole family.

Leading Irish fashion brand Jessica Graaf, offers elegant and timeless womenswear created using the finest fabrics and craftsmanship. The Bamboo Wardrobe collection of clothing is made from a blend of bamboo and cotton and comes directly from Vietnam. From a naturally renewable source, this fibre offers a lightweight, crease resistant, soft and anti-static fabric. From the US, visitors will also discover UbU Clothing’s fashionable, fun and versatile travel wear that is reversible, lightweight, packable, and blissfully wrinkle free, thanks to intricate hand pleating and fabric texturing.

British brand Cottonreal shows for the first time its extensive range of nightwear and

loungewear made from luxury high quality cotton and silk, as well as a new 100% vegan collection. Using only the finest cotton lawns and trimmings has ensured that Cottonreal pyjamas, nightdresses, wraps and robes are stocked in some of the finest department stores and boutiques throughout the world.

Fashion Accessories

The latest handbags, purses, luggage, hair accessories, scarves, hats, and statement pieces from coveted brands will be on display in Fashion Accessories, including Ashwood Leather, Powder, My Doris, Miss Shorthair, Miss Milly, Zelly, Eyelevel Sunglasses, LuggageLocker, Nova Leather, POM (Peace of Mind), G H Stafford & Son, W Brown International, Henderson, Miss Sparrow, Pure Fashions, Red Cuckoo, and Earth Squared.

Jewellery & Watch

With more than 100 exhibitors - and perfectly timed with the international calendar and buying cycle - Jewellery & Watch brings together the best in fine jewellery, silver jewellery, fashion jewellery and jewellery designers.

Exhibitors include BKT (Rings), TWJ (Diamonds), Herbert Marx, Hanron Jewellery, Jeypore Creations, Deil Joseph, Breuning, Sea Gems, Scream Pretty, Gecko, MG Diamonds, Morrish, Perfection Jewellery, Ping Ping Jewellery, Jackie Brazil, Leslie Donn, Goodman Bros, Big Metal, D&X, Town Talk Polish, Gracee Jewellery, Chris Lewis Silver, Reeves & Reeves, The Old Farmhouse Jewellery, Esoteric London, LBJ Jewellery, London Pearl, and many more.

Aside from the latest jewellery collections, there is a dedicated area for jewellery creation where precious and semi-precious stones, jewellery components and services can be found.

Buyers can also discover a host of inspirational gifting ideas across the show in Home, Living & Décor, Housewares, The Summerhouse, Christmas, Floral and Seasonal Decorations, Kids, Toys & Play. As the one-stop marketplace for everything new and on-trend for 2023, Spring Fair is described as the most comprehensive home, gift and fashion buying showcase.

“The

An assortment of delights

Joe Davies: Hall 4, Stand C10-D11

Joe Davies looks forward to welcoming customers old and new to its stand. The company is a firm favourite with independent retailers, as they can buy widely across the whole range and try different new products in small quantities.

A recently acquired brand for Joe Davies is East West (Europe) Limited, so all the East West favourites will be on display, including the Lovelilly, Bree Merryn and Emma Lawrence collections. New for Spring/Summer is the Citrus Bun collection of wine glasses, gin glasses, mugs, and coasters. The fun, humorous artwork is sure to bring smiles to customers‘ faces.

Home décor

One of the key trends in home décor is houses. People’s homes are their havens, so the house icon on gifts is a popular trend, especially with a sentiment on to brighten someone’s day. Joe Davies has this more than covered with rustic wooden houses, ceramic houses, and even miniature houses on pebbles.

The supplier’s new Love Lane collection is a pretty, shabby chic range of wooden home décor in soft pastel colours which includes table plaques, coasters, tea lights, and photo frames. Each piece features a row of pastel-coloured houses with a special sentiment message for friends, family, and home.

Also launching at the show is the Pebble Lane range of charming little houses perched on softly coloured pebbles and featuring heartfelt messages for friends and family.

Joe Davies is also well known for its Village Pottery range of ceramic houses. These will be at Spring Fair with lots of new development including a few surprises, such as mini houses, beehive houses, and a toadstool house.

Sheep-themed gifts continue to be big news, especially for the spring season. If you’re looking for a modern, fun sentiment gift, then Joe Davies has just the thing! Fab-EweLous Friends is a new range of cute, quirky sheep standing on a hill with sheep-related sentiments for Mum, Nan, Friends and more which are sure to make you laugh.

Joe Davies is proud to be the UK’s largest distributor of the Leonardo collection from Lesser and Pavey (L&P), and all of L&P’s bestsellers and new spring/summer lines will be on display. It also distributes the Xpressions ranges such as the Pots of Dreams, Nordic Lights and Feather and Grace. New for

2023 is the Best Ever range of ceramic photo frames, mugs, coasters, and plaques in various captions including Mum, Grandma, Teacher and more - all designed in a naïve style, which is cute and very appealing.

Jewellery

The Equilibrium collection from Joe Davies is a hot fashion jewellery brand and there will be plenty of new ranges launched at Spring Fair. Anklets are having a moment again, having been very popular in the 1990s. These delicate ankle bracelets are easy to wear and look fabulous. A new collection features stars, leaves, heart chains and even a touch of sparkle. Each anklet is fully adjustable with the aid of a sliding ball, ensuring they fit most people - and they have the extra bonus of doubling up as attractive bracelets.

Meanwhile, Paula Shell jewellery gives a unique finish and look. Affordable and sparkly, its vibrant colours of blues, greens, violet and black will update any outfit. It covers all the trends that are on the 2023 catwalks such as beachy boho vibes and the 1990s kitsch look.

Fashion accessories

Nuzzles is another success story. This range of slipper socks is a must to keep cosy on cold nights. New designs include penguins, owls, and hearts - and many more designs in bright colours will also make their debut at the show. Nuzzles are machine-washable and come with a sherpa lining to ensure feet stay warm - they’re a treat that feet won’t want to miss.

You can be assured of a warm welcome on the Joe Davies stand. The friendly award-winning team looks forward to showing you around and introducing you to the vast array of jewellery, gifts, and fashion accessories. Everything is available to buy in ‘little and often’ small quantities and, with carriage paid orders of just £100, your buying experience will be made as easy and enjoyable as possible.

Call: 0161 975 6300

Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk Visit: www.joedavies.co.uk

Preview

“A wonderful opportunity”

Bloomingville:

“We have almost 600 new items in the Spring Summer 2023 collection”

Why are you exhibiting at Spring Fair?

Liga: Our business in the UK has been growing fast and we wish for this to continue. Our country manager Simon Pykett and his sales team have opened many new accounts in the past few years, but we believe this show is a great way to reach out to more who may be, as yet, unknown to us.

It’s also a great way for existing accounts to see more of the collection without the need to travel to Denmark - though, of course, our door is always open.

Is this your first time at Spring Fair?

Maj-Britt: No, we attended in 2022 and were overwhelmed by its success. We exceeded all expectations and were busy from the moment it opened until the end.

We met many new faces and what was really satisfying was the level of repeat business from orders placed at the show. It follows a trend that retailers who make a purchase from Bloomingville always come back for more. Bloomingville products sell very well in the UK.

How is your team set up in the UK?

Liga: We have a full team of sales agents, managed by Simon, who also looks after national accounts. He recently recruited a new agent to assist in business development, so now we have eight in the team - plus me and Maj-Britt in sales support in Denmark. We will all be at Spring Fair

Will you be offering any incentives for orders placed at Spring Fair?

You deliver from your warehouse in Denmark. How well has this worked since the UK left the EU?

Liga: To be honest, we don’t even discuss this any more. Of course it was a challenge in the beginning, but once we made the decision to manage the whole process for our customers and pay the tariffs, our deliveries to the UK are trouble-free.

Will there be any new products at the show?

Maj-Britt: Very much so. We have almost 600 new items in the Spring Summer 2023 collection and Spring Fair is a wonderful opportunity to see them for the first time.

Many of the new products are in what we call our ‘entry price point’ category: that is to say, smaller pick-up items which are easily affordable - which is important in the current trading environment.

Call: 07967 209156

Gifts Today talks to Liga Oenema and Maj-Britt Maul, members of Bloomingville’s Sales Support Team, in advance of the brand exhibiting at Spring Fair

Simon Pykett

A plethora of new products

Museums & Galleries: Hall 3, Stand L30-M31

Tabletop and Gift Museums & Galleries (M&G) has created a new section for Tabletop and Gift products in its 2023 catalogue. It contains some exciting developments, all of which will be on display at Spring Fair.

The show will see the launch of a new collection of printed paper napkin packs which feature imagery from across the M&G collection. Alongside the paper napkins will be a range of printed organic cotton napkins from M&G’s V&A, British Museum, Catherine Rowe and Classics ranges. Plus, M&G’s organic cotton luxury tote bags and pouch bag collections have been expanded with new designs.

Later in the spring, M&G will launch insulated travel tumblers. This range of highquality double-wall insulated hot/cold drinks tumblers, featuring classic and colourful prints and matt accent colour lids, are perfect for drinks on the go. They are from the same family as the company’s existing drinks bottles, which have been refreshed with new designs including the Natural History Museum and Catherine Rowe. The travel tumblers will preview at the NEC, with availability in late February/March.

Meanwhile, M&G’s jigsaws launched last year and were a huge hit with retailers. The firm has doubled the range with some exciting and challenging new puzzles, all of which are available now and will be at the exhibition.

In addition, M&G now offers a huge range of sheet wrap, roll wrap, gift bags, and gift tissue packs. Sheet wraps come in single sided, double sided, and foiled formats.

Giftable Stationery

Every format of M&G’s notebook and journal collection has been refreshed with new designs, including new mini notebooks and mini notebook sets. There are new password books, address books, and perpetual planner diaries, while its popular year planner and calendar ranges have been expanded with a wider selection of designs.

The company’s notecards and social stationery hang-packs have been thoroughly refreshed, and M&G has now eliminated plastics from their construction completely.

New products include luxury square notecard wallets with branded aperture outers, containing six each of one design, and everyday theme packs. Introduced by popular request, these are an everyday version of M&G’s Christmas theme boxes. A

launch range of 12 boxes featuring iconic designs will be on show.

Greeting Cards

All M&G’s core greeting cards ranges have been majorly refreshed with bold, eyecatching, classic, and sometimes quirky amusing choices. Notably, M&G has completely transformed its Transport for London range with a host of new designs.

A new card range for 2023 is Tate Contemporary, showcasing some of Tate’s boldest, most colourful artworks - and renowned artists - in a modern gallery-style art card format with a neon green accent envelope.

This range sits alongside its existing Tate range of cards - but while that range explores all sides of the Gallery’s art holdings, Tate Contemporary showcases bright and colourful contemporary art for a discerning audience of art lovers.

Artists featured include Mary Fedden, Julian Trevelyan, Nicholas Munro, and Barbara Hepworth. The range was developed in close consultation with Tate itself and is a bold new venture for 2023, particularly suited to independents and art-focused retail environments. There are 12 cards in the launch collection.

Christmas licence

Finally, M&G is delighted to announce a new range of cards and gift wrap featuring Robin Robin from Aardman’s first stop-motion musical, broadcast on Netflix. A sweet-natured and curious robin is adopted by a family of burglar mice. M&G says: ’We think everyone will be charmed by this delightful new Christmas classic, which we’ve translated to cards, boxes and wrap.’

Scent sensations

Ashleigh & Burwood: Hall 4, Stand A10-B11

Spring Fair will see the launch of Ashleigh & Burwood’s latest collection called Naturals, which is an aromatherapy-inspired collection crafted using 100% natural scents. With fragrances and products centred on improving moods throughout the day, Naturals reflects the increased desire for wellbeing in daily life.

Ashleigh & Burwood’s Natural fragrances are made with essential oils perfect for mindfulness as well as fragrancing the home beautifully. Four fragrances - Awaken, Focus, Rebalance and Sleep - feature across a range of products, including beeswax blend Scented Candles, Reed Diffusers, Essential Oils and an Ultrasonic Diffuser, as well as onthe-go fragrance in Mini Mood Boost pots.

Using natural and eco-friendly ingredients and essential oils fragrances which are rich in aromatherapy benefits, the Naturals collection is created to support the wellbeing of both people and the planet.

Plastic elements have been eliminated where possible, allowing Ashleigh & Burwood Naturals to evoke the feeling of a soothing return to simplicity with its recyclable packaging and beautifully tactile glass to complement any room.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Ashleigh & Burwood has created a new scent - Pearl Magnolia & Neroli - to mark the occasion, with a special edition Fragrance Lamp Gift Set and Scented Candle. An elegant and nostalgic floral scent, Pearl Magnolia & Neroli evokes pearlescent petals unfurling in a fragrant harmony of white flowers.

In addition, Ashleigh & Burwood’s existing collections are expanding to create further

variety of choice. The company’s signature collection of powerful, purifying Fragrance Lamps will be adding four new glittering mosaic Lamps and new glass Lamps in jewelled ombre shades of Pink Sapphire, Tanzanite, Amethyst and Onyx. Seven new fragrances join the comprehensive Lamp Fragrance library of scents, ranging from sophisticated smoky florals to fun, fruity scents. Two fragrances - dewy Snowdrop & Jasmine and the enchanting Midsummer Night’s Dream - will also be available in The Scented Home Reed Diffusers and Fragrance Refills.

The Scented Home collection also adds a new range of 10 colourful Wax Melts in best-selling scents, including favourites Fresh Linen, Moroccan Spice and Peony. With the addition of Wax Melts, Ashleigh & Burwood continues to diversify The Scented Home collection offers multiple attractive yet affordable product types which can be layered throughout the home and matched to the needs of each room.

Call: 01932 267060 | Email: cot@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk Visit: www.ashleigh-burwood.co.uk

A

Edge Sculpture is described as ‘a unique style of sculpture that merges primeval emotion with that of pure animal instinct and prowess of stature’. Sculpted by creative director Matt Buckley in his studios in Shropshire, this striking range is constantly evolving.

Matt says: “It has been three years since Edge Sculpture attended a trade show, and we are incredibly excited by the prospect of meeting established and potentially new customers. It will also be fantastic to touch base with our fellow exhibitors once more, after having had such a long period away.

“It will be an absolute pleasure to put on a show with all the new additions to the range being on physical display, with many of them, up to this point, having only ever been seen through online marketing.”

Matt has also been busy sculpting three entirely new pieces which will be launched at Spring Fair and is looking forward to gauging visitors’ opinions on them.

Call: 01952 884804 | Email: sales@edgesculpture.com Visit: www.edgesculpture.com

The new brand on the block

What are your career backgrounds?

Mark: I’ve worked in retail for the past 25 years, so I have extensive knowledge of the card and gift retail landscape. Plus, I also ran a chain of 10 destination home fragrance stores, and this is where I met Jo. I knew she had a passion for home fragrance and had spent many years perfecting her talent making her own products.

When the stores had to close due to the pandemic, it gave me a chance to look at how we could develop our own brand home fragrance range, pooling the extensive knowledge we had, and the experience and passion Jo had developed. Henry & Co Home Fragrance was born.

Jo: I also worked in retail for 27 years, straight from school to supermarkets, and then to more specialised gifting working with Mark.

I’m also a trained massage therapist and a Reiki practitioner - Level 2. I have a qualification in basic aromatherapy, and have made candles and home fragrance products for the past 12 years. At first, I was making them for family and friends, and it turned into a small business alongside my holistic therapies and aromatherapy.

I’ve put this on the back burner since the pandemic, and took the opportunity to go into partnership with Mark and build Henry & Co Home Fragrance. Both my personal and career

experiences have been strategic in the building of the brand.

What’s the story behind Henry & Co Home Fragrance?

Henry & Co Home Fragrance was born out of the pandemic. This has given us the time to work on getting the branding, range and production together. We are based in Derby, with all products manufactured here with our small team. Currently, there are eight of us in the team.

What Is your company ethos?

Our company ethos is to operate with integrity and always put the customer at the heart of what we do. Because of our retail backgrounds, we are always thinking: what will sell for our retail customers?

Describe your range.

The main fragrance collection offers wrapped twoand six-pack wax melts, a glass jar candle with a wooden lid, a reed diffuser and reed diffuser refills.

Gifts Today talks to Henry & Co Home Fragrance managing director Mark Rees and creative director Jo Stubbs, who are exhibiting for the first time at Spring Fair

Henry

Co Home Fragrance

“It’s going to be a busy but rewarding year ahead, and we are excited to be working with our retailers to grow the brand”

In addition, we have the Artisan range of wax melts which has dried fruits, botanicals or other ingredients, to make the perfect luxurious gift or treat.

All our wax products are made from a blend of coconut and natural soy wax combined with fragrance oil. We also have oils, diffusers, and melt warmers.

What’s the inspiration for your products?

Our dream was to develop a brand that would engage customers and inspire special moments in their lives, while delivering excellent quality home fragrance for every home.

We wanted to produce products that really deliver on fragrance, so that the customer is ‘wowed’ when they use the product in their home.

Who is your core customer base?

Anybody that loves home fragrance - either to use in their homes or to give as gifts. It’s as simple as that.

What sets you apart from your competitors?

Our combination of retail experience and home fragrance is a unique one. Knowing about trends, buying habits, merchandising, in-store promotions…

The list is endless, and gives us the knowledge to really know that when we are developing new products and fragrances, we have consumers and retailers in mind.

Another factor is the quality of our fragrances, that are all hand-poured in the UK. Our wax melt ranges also give consumers an opportunity to experience the fragrance choices and the quality of the fragrance, prior to making a higher cost purchase.

How can retailers order your products?

Currently, in person at trade shows - we are exhibiting at the Spring Fair (Hall 4, Stand F72) and at the Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival in Harrogate in July - or on the phone.

We are also in the process of launching a new web ordering service on our website, which will make things quick and easy for retailers to place orders at their leisure.

How are you finding the current trading climate?

As a new brand we are seeing good growth and, crucially, repeat orders as customers engage with our products, fall in love with them, and look to repurchase.

Tell us about your Spring/Summer 23 collection.

Our Spring launch takes us to 23 fragrances across the core ranges. New for Spring is: Herb Garden, Bramble, and Forever & Always.

Herb Garden is a light fresh fragrance reminiscent of a greenhouse in springtime, with notes of tomato leaves, lemons, oranges, oregano, and a variety of aromatic woods.

Bramble is an uplifting fruity fragrance combination of apple, blackberry, citronella, gardenia and cedarwood. This stunning combination delivers a delicious, powerful jammy fragrance.

Forever & Always is a sensual scent packed full of summer floral combinations: bergamot, neroli, ylang ylang, jasmine, gardenia, orange blossom and musk.

Finally, do you have any exciting news you would like to share with Gifts Today readers?

We are excited to be able to share our new merchandising stands at the Spring Fair, which

focus on our wax melts. These will enhance the range and brand presence in-store, as well as being the perfect display solution.

We will also be showing Christmas 2023 fragrances and gift sets at the Spring Fair. It’s going to be a busy but rewarding year ahead, and we are excited to be working with our retailers to grow the brand.

Spring Fair: Hall 4, Stand F72

Call: 0333 1882006

Email: hello@henryandcompany.co.uk

Visit: www. henryandcofragrance.co.uk

“As a new brand we are seeing good growth and, crucially, repeat orders as customers engage with our products, fall in love with them, and look to repurchase”

“Our combination of retail experience and home fragrance is a unique one”

Sustainable solutions

Keel Toys: Hall 5, Stand H20-J21

Keel Toys celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2022 and says its ongoing commitment to creating a sustainable future has never been more important.

In 2020, the company designed and launched Keeleco: a 100% recycled range of soft toys. These beautiful eco-friendly toys are manufactured and filled with 100% recycled polyester made from plastic waste. This process gives plastic a second life, and uses less energy to produce than virgin polyester.

As an example, 10 water bottles (500ml) will produce enough fibre to make an 18cm toy. The Keel logo and hangtag are now formed from FSC card and attached to the toy with cotton, and even the shipping cartons are made of 100% recycled board. All toys are manufactured in an ICTI ethically audited factory to the highest social and environmental standards.

Keel Toys is delighted to announce that just three years after launching Keeleco, it has recycled the incredible figure of more than 100 million water bottles in the manufacture of the range (figures correct to the end of 2022 stock production).

The supplier claims: ‘70% of the entire Keel Toys collection is made from 100% recycled materials. This allows us to now offer our business partners the most complete sustainable soft toy collection in the marketplace today.’ The range includes Wild, Farm, Sealife, Dinosaurs, Teddy Bears, Puppies, Kittens, Nursery, Seasonal and Keeleco Adoptable World.

Keeleco Adoptable World is the newest part of the Keel Toys sustainable soft toy range, and is billed as the first fashion eco soft toy! The collection now features 24 adorable animals in a range of sizes that are waiting to be adopted by loving new owners.

This year, Keel Toys will launch the Mini Adoptable World collection: a range of 24 collectable characters complete with an eye-catching tiered floor standing display unit.

The original Keeleco Wild, Farm, Sealife & Dinosaur ranges have been extended to more than 200 products, making it the most comprehensive collection available.

New additions include the colourful family of snakes and patterned super soft lobster and puffer fish, to name a few. Each and every Keeleco toy is exquisitely designed and the best-selling Dinosaurs are no exception, featuring textured exclusive fabrics and embroideries. Brand new arrivals are the magnificent mini Dinosaurs: spinosaurus and ankylosaurus.

Meanwhile, Keeleco Baby launched in 2021 and has been an instant success, with Marcel Monkey & Ezra Elephant recently added to the cute natural range of Koala, Giraffe, Zebra, and Lamb. To convey the eco awareness, all the ranges are clearly labelled with the sustainable message, and offered with a variety of retail solutions and POS.

The Keeleco range now features well over 350 products and Keel Toys’ commitment to expanding this collection will continue throughout 2023 and beyond. Its UK-based design team is already working on many new Keeleco products and collections, to reinforce its self-proclaimed position as the number one sustainable soft toy supplier in the market today.

Call: 01233 506363 Email: sales@keeltoys.com Visit: www.keeltoys.com

Party on!

Hootyballoo by Club Green Hall 3, Stand P20-Q21

Hootyballoo by Club Green is planning its biggest ever display of new products at Spring Fair. The supplier says: ‘We’ve been having lots of fun designing many new ranges for 2023 and we can’t wait to showcase these. We also have a new style exhibition stand, which will enable us to display our beautiful new ranges/products in a unique way.’

The company adds: ‘We have something extra special to launch at the Fair too. If you own a party shop or want to retail our products, but don’t have much space, then make sure you visit us so we can show you how.

‘We have so much more to tell you about too: we have new ranges for themed birthday parties, baby showers, and Easter - and an extra special celebration range for King Charles’ Coronation.’

King Charles Coronation: This range of King Charles III gold foiled banners and flags complements the brand’s existing Royally British range. The complete product range has everything you need to throw a garden or street party, as we celebrate the Coronation of our new King.

Eco Easter: A great way to celebrate Easter and make sure you are eco-friendly too. Beautiful pastels make this range fun and also totally recyclable. It includes ‘build your own’ crackers, Easter Bunny & Chick baskets, and a complete Easter Egg Hunt sign and rosette kit.

Whale of a time: This underwater-themed birthday party range includes a whale tail, starfish birthday banners and hanging jellyfish with tissue tassels. There is also a set of puffer fish plates, seahorse cups and whale napkins.

On safari: Hootyballoo’s best-selling Party Animal range has had some additions to the already popular theme, with new Safari leopard print and zebra print galore.

It’s a goal: This new range for football fans includes napkins, football plates, trophy cups, balloons and party invitations.

Little Princess: Girls can be princesses for a day with their very own castle, plus a personalised banner, flags, invitations and tableware.

Call: 01483 281313 | Email: sales@clubgreen.com Visit: www.clubgreen.com

Bespoke offerings

The

Wheat Bag Company: Hall 4, Stand G80

Spring Fair 2015 marked the launch of The Wheat Bag Company by founder Sally Moore. With hard work and a dedicated team, the business and brand has grown from strength to strength, and its product range has developed from Wheat Bags to now including an array of wellbeing and home style products, all handmade in Wiltshire. Exhibiting at five trade shows a year, and investing in extensive advertising campaigns, has paid off.

The firm supplies bespoke wooden units to display its products, which works well for customers. It says it is very proud to supply the majority of the independent and garden centre chains across the UK, along with gift shops and farm shops.

This year The Wheat Bag Company is focusing on designing some new bespoke fabrics and products, and will be showcasing them at the trade shows throughout 2023.

Call: 01747 480499 | Email: sales@thewheatbagcompany.co.uk Visit: www.thewheatbagcompany.co.uk

Big, andbright bold

Enesco Hall 4, Stand C61 & C60/D61

EttaVee

Having enjoyed previous product collaborations with names including Pottery Barn Kids & Teen, Erin Condren and Anthropologie, Enesco has announced a new collaboration with EttaVee.

This is a lifestyle brand that expresses optimism and joy through the use of colour. Created by American artist, designer and social media influencer Jessi Raulet, the hand-painted, and bold designs have featured on home décor, stationery, tech accessories, textiles and apparel.

Now, Jessi’s ability to craft vibrant colour palettes packed with good vibes has been applied to homeware, décor, and ladies’ accessories. Items in the EttaVee collection include acrylic storage trays, stainless steel water bottles, mugs, cooling wine bags, wall art, multifunctional trays, phone stands, aprons, square and curved pouches, keyrings, umbrellas, scarves, and compact mirrors.

Two different designs are applied across all of the items, including In The Groove and Jessi’s Garden. Both feature bright and cheerful colour palettes: In The Groove features a psychedelic wave pattern, while Jessie’s Garden includes a big abstract floral print.

Peter Rabbit egg cups

Enesco has added new egg cups to its popular Beatrix Potter collection. Rather than a standard egg cup structure for boiled eggs and dippy bread, the new Beatrix Potter Egg Cups feature a figurine of one of four different characters from The World of Peter Rabbit, peering into a basket next to them, which acts as the cup structure to hold the egg. Each egg cup is crafted from ceramic and measures 9.5cm tall.

Characters included in the collection are Jemima Puddle-Duck, Benjamin Bunny, Flopsy and, of course, everyone’s favourite bob-tailed bunny Peter Rabbit. Each is depicted using the original artwork from Beatrix Potter’s tales, so fans of the children’s books will recognise Peter Rabbit wearing his blue jacket, Flopsy with her red cape, Jemima Puddle-Duck with her bonnet, and Benjamin Bunny with his green Tam-o-Shanter.

Presented in a branded gift box, not only do the new Beatrix Potter Egg Cups make a lovely gift, but they’re set to be sought-after collectors’ items too.

Special edition plush

Finally, Enesco has unveiled new special edition Peter Rabbit plush in collaboration with Penguin Ventures on behalf of Frederick Warne & Co. (owner of THE WORLD OF PETER RABBIT brand and part of Penguin Random House) to raise funds for GOSH (Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity).

As part of the new reimagined Beatrix Potter Soft Toy Collection, featuring brand-new patterns and fabrics as well as high-quality super soft stuffings, the Peter Rabbit GOSH plush is wonderful to touch and oh-so-cuddly, while calling on the classic designs, character illustrations, and original artwork from Beatrix Potter’s best-loved tales.

Of course, Peter Rabbit is presented in his blue jacket with little brass buttons, but what makes this soft toy different is the lining of his fluffy ears, which features a floral print in shades of yellow with touches of blue - in the same tone as the uniforms worn by the nurses at Great Ormond Street Hospital during the 20th Century. The GOSH logo is also embroidered in a pale blue thread into the bottom of Peter Rabbit’s paw.

Peter Rabbit GOSH is available in two sizes - large (30cm tall) and small (16cm tall) - with a SRP of £25 and £16.50, respectively. Both the large and small Peter Rabbit GOSH are presented with a co-branded ear tag featuring the logos of Peter Rabbit and GOSH. With each sale, £1 + VAT of the small plushes and £1.66 + VAT of the large plushes will be donated to GOSH by Enesco and Penguin Random House.

Something special for everyone

D & J Glassware Hall 5, Stand A31

D & J Glassware is looking forward to welcoming customers to its stand. There will be plenty to see and, whether you are an existing stockist or are new to the brand, you are assured of a warm welcome.

The company’s delightful menagerie of handcrafted Fused Glass Animals always makes people smile and the collection keeps growing, with new designs launched throughout the year. Two new additions are Cheeky Monkey, which joins the burgeoning collection of zoo animals and, with its cute face, is sure to be a popular design. And then there’s Terry the Tortoise, which is inspired by the tortoise that D & J Glassware co-founder Jocelyne Royou-Roznowski remembers her Grandma keeping, many years ago: apparently, tortoises can live for over 100 years, so maybe Grandma’s tortoise is still going strong! Each animal is completely handcrafted and is supplied gift tagged and individually boxed. Proven to be highly collectable, these pieces are an easy way for retailers to gain incremental business. The gorgeous animal designs have also found their way onto a stylish collection of home textiles: all proudly made in Britain in a range of on-trend colours.

For something truly breathtaking, the amazing Tree of Life globes cannot be beaten. Made from recycled crystal glass, there are globes to represent every sentiment: a perfect gift to treasure for many years.

If you’re looking for quality home fragrance products, then check out D & J Glassware’s reed diffusers and wax melt burners. Stunning mouth-blown glass partnered with gorgeous British made fragrances make a perfect combination. There are 17 fragrances to choose from, so there really is something for everyone. Newly designed for 2023, the attractive packaging looks fantastic. Finally, D & J Glassware is pleased to announce that its soy wax melts are now hand-poured in small batches in the heart of the Norfolk countryside. Using ingredients sourced in Britain, the fragrances are a real delight. Two collections are available: the Dotty range, to complement the company’s popular wax melt burner gift sets; and the Animal range, which takes its inspiration from D & J Glassware’s stylish home textiles. Each range offers a choice of six gorgeous fragrances. Be sure to visit the stand to find out more!

Call: 01953 450 280 | Email: dandj.glassware@btinternet.com Visit: www.dandjglassware.co.uk

Spring Fair NEC, Birmingham Hall 4 Stand B10-C11 www.puckator.co.uk

April showers bring baby flowers

Richard Lang & Son: Hall 4, Stand C22-D23

There is something very special about Spring gifts and home décor - and the chance to spoil our Mums when we celebrate their special day in March. Richard Lang & Son’s in-house design team has been working their hearts out to bring you fresh and original artwork.

Blooming lovely is literally what it says on the tin! The company’s vibrant and colourful floral array of gifts for mums and friends, along with grandmas and nans, covers most variations of these wonderful ladies!

And there’s a bunny bonanza, with rabbit motifs full of springtime whimsy. The supplier’s bunny table runner and placemats are perfect for tablescaping – a new trend which began in 2022. This is your chance to adorn your table and home with

pretty pastels, flowers, and fun seasonal decorations that will bring Spring into your homes. These new collections will bring your shop to life for the start of the season!

Call: 01332 340927 Email sales@richardlang.co.uk Visit: www.richardlang.co.uk

Warming hearts and hands

Warmies: Hall 5, Stand H34-J35

Warmies is proud to be back exhibiting at Spring Fair. The exhibition is a huge part of its business calendar, and something the team looks forward to year-round. Warming the hearts and hands of customers is what Warmies strives to do, so having the opportunity to meet customers - both old and new - is an integral part of Warmies as a company. From soft toys to hot water bottles, boots, neck wraps, and children’s books, Warmies offers something for everyone. And, with its ever-growing collection, the firm’s friendly sales team will be on hand to take you through the ranges and show you why they are loved worldwide.

Visit the team in Hall 5 on Stand H34-J35, where they will be happy to answer any questions you may have about their collections.

Call: 01933 679 777 |Email: sales@warmies.co.uk Visit: www.warmies.co.uk

Spring is in the air

Lesser & Pavey Hall 5, Stand D10-E11

New fragrances from Lesser & Pavey are all about Springtime, and the return of floral displays in the garden and the home.

New floral diffusers from the company offer the scents of Hydrangea and Hyacinth, Lily and Black Orchid, Eucalyptus and Pomegranate, Poppy and Dark Amber, Daffodil and Jasmine, and Daffodils.

Available in two sizes of 100ml and 200ml, each diffuser comes in a premium colour gift box with a window to show off the bottle and flowers, to enhance the range for display and as a gift.

Lesser & Pavey says it hopes the new ranges ‘remove the darkness of the winter months with attractiveness, colour and fragrance, reflecting the positiveness of a new Springtime and the warmth and colour it brings’.

Framed posies

Lesser & Pavey is proud to add a new collection to its home décor selection of products, which will be on show at Spring Fair. 3D Flower Art Plaques feature handtied dried mini flower bouquets presented in glass-fronted box frames, with messages of love and warmth such as Mr & Mrs, Home, Love, Mum, Daughter, Sister, Auntie and Fabulous Friend. Each frame can be hung on the wall or freestanding anywhere in the home.

A splash of colour

Lemon Grove is the name of a new homeware range from Lesser & Pavey. Designed by the company’s in-house art department, it is of fine quality with each item gift-boxed. The comprehensive collection includes fine china mugs, jugs, coasters, placemats, trays, kitchen textiles, a teaspoon, and a fork rest. This lovely, brightly coloured range is perfect for any summer setting and throughout the year.

Mother’s Day

The I Love You Mum design by the Lesser & Pavey British artist Jennifer Rose features on a fine china mug, a ceramic coaster, a mug and coaster gift set, a stemless wine glass and tumbler, a glass vase for floral arrangements, a three-dimensional heart plaque, a fragranced diffuser, and a candle.

And new Mother’s Day items have been added to the very popular Madelaine range, ready for Sunday March 19. The collection has been enhanced with fine china mugs, a wine glass, a fragranced candle, and a diffuser.

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

A gift from nature

Call: 07703 557781 Email: isamuels@global-journey.com Visit: www.global-journey.com

T31

Manor House:  Hall 3, Stand Preview

New soy candle collection

2022 proved to be the best year to date for Manor House, as the company continued to welcome more new stockists on board. Managing director and owner Darren Ellis said: “We look ahead to Spring Fair with interest, hoping the year will again start in such a positive way. We are already in talks with many stockists - both old and new - several of whom have had an incredible Christmas trading period.”

Manor House will launch several new fragrance collections at Spring Fair, adding to its already substantial offering. It will also unveil a completely new soy-based candle collection in recyclable aluminium lidded cans, to complement its existing botanical and gift-boxed glass candles (which will be available in all 30 fragrances). There are silver cans for yearround, and gold cans for Christmas.

Plus, the firm will shortly launch with a major European web platform, which will showcase its entire home fragrance collection to a major new audience - with the added benefit of not having to exhibit overseas.

This year, Manor House will only be exhibiting at Spring Fair, where it will show its Christmas collection alongside its 28 standard fragrances. It will be delighted to send out a catalogue to any new and interested stockists.

The 2023 collection encompasses 30 fragrances to choose from, which is the company’s largest offering to date. And it has already begun creating new fragrances for 2024.

Darren says that the fact that its products are handmade in England is what so many stockists want. Pot pourris are all designed in-house using the finest botanicals, fragranced using high-end oils, and then finished with individual flowers, petals and seed pods, before every box and bag tied by hand ready to display. Its fragrance oils are great for refreshing pot pourri or for traditional and even electric oil burners, and these remain one of its top selling products.

All Manor House’s Botanical Candles are produced using the highest quality waxes and fragrances to match with the pot pourris – and have hand-placed flowers and seed pods added before hand-wrapping and tying. And, its glass candles are simple and stylish and offered in matching gift boxes - again, ready to display.

Reed Diffusers, Diffuser Refills and Room Sprays (which are also refillable using its diffuser refills) are hand-poured with a high percentage of fragrance before being boxed and, again, tied by hand to complete the collection. Many also include Manor House’s newly relaunched luxury hand wash and moisturisers, which offer a practical and useful addition. All the lotions are created bespoke for the company. They are not tested on animals and are safe to the environment and are not harmful in any way.

In addition, Drawer Liners are also hand printed and infused with fragrances, along with triple fabric bags and cushion stacks - all for use in clothes’ drawers and wardrobes to gently fragrance.

Darren notes that the company’s Facebook page (Manor House Home Fragrance Ltd), Twitter account (ManorHouseHome1) and Instagram account (Manorhousehomefragrance01), which link it with retailers, end-customers and clients, are gaining many followers and positive comments.

Finally, Private Label Home Fragrance is increasing dramatically for Manor House, and the supplier is working with more and more leading retailers to produce private label collections incorporating clients’ thoughts, ideas, fragrances and branding, to offer bespoke and unique one-off collections. Manor House also now offers a standard selection of on the shelf gift boxes in various colourways to suit slightly smaller retailers.

Call: 01359 250720

Seasonal collections

The luxury home and garden accessories supplier Ivyline is set to unveil a series of new collections at Spring Fair. Visitors can look forward to seeing the Christmas 2023/4 collection alongside new designs for Spring/Summer 2023 and a new lifestyle gardening collection.

Sustainability is at the heart of Ivyline’s offering, as this British company strives to ensure that all aspects of its sourcing and manufacturing meet the highest possible standards. It recently moved the majority of its production to Europe from the Far East, which not only reduces the carbon footprint of its products, but also ensures orders aren’t at risk of being stuck in transit - offering peace of mind for retailers Ivyline also continues to reduce its reliance on plastic and includes a minimum of 30% recycled material in its production and packaging. Recycled glass features highly across all its seasonal collections, alongside premium handmade and hand-finished planters.

As it works towards a more sustainable future, Ivyline is also building relationships with partners who prioritise sustainability, including zero-waste pottery makers and companies using solar and hydrogenpowered kilns.

Ivyline’s Spring/Summer 2023 collection will bring shops to life with the freshness of the season, offering buyers the chance to incorporate the biggest home interior trends into their merchandise. There is a strong focus on planters and vases to help retailers capitalise on the ongoing houseplant boom, which shows no sign of abating.

The collection is presented across six concepts - Nature’s Stories, Curiosity, Global Journeys, Japandi, Purity and Coastal - and incorporates specialist designs for orchids and cacti: two of the most popular varieties of houseplant.

Nature’s Stories

With a muted colour palette, reactive glazes and textured finishes, Nature’s Stories brings the best of the great outdoors into home interiors. From Jolie, in cool two-tone pastel hues and small tripod legs, and the timeless greens and greys of Azalea, to the pale pink beauty of Morganite and wholesome Celine, constructed entirely from recycled materials, this is the collection for those who seek a pared down natural style and quiet sense of luxury.

Curiosity

Bolder colourways are introduced with Curiosity, which includes a range of hand-finished, ethically sourced seagrass baskets and the 100% recycled and frost-proof Pula. Reactive glazes in Burnt Orange, Forest Green and Pebble Grey, frosted ribbed glass vases and opulent metallic planters made from 95% recycled glass are presented alongside copper-finish hanging planters, watering cans and hammered bowls.

Global Journeys

Elegance and simplicity are the keynotes of Global Journeys, with metallic planters on tall or short stands helping to make houseplants into the heroes of home interiors. The Mayfair and Kensington hanging baskets bring ceilings and gloomy corners to life, while the hand-finished beauty of Solis and Zendaya offer embossed accent pieces in gold tones. A spot of Italian-inspired style comes from the Pisa and Tivoli designs, while macrame hanging baskets and standing planters bring a relaxed and bohemian style.

Japandi

Cool, clean and contemporary, Japandi is a blend of Scandi chic with Japanese design. The Akemi vessels in Carbon Black and Pure White headline this stylish collection. The Lagos planters are handmade in Portugal, while the Luna design is high on functionality with matching stoneware planters and saucers. Lightweight bamboo features in hanging and standing two-tone planters, while Anzio makes a simple but effective statement with its four wooden legs topped with perfectly proportioned stone vessels.

Purity

Purity lives up to its name with a serene collection in highlights of dusky peach, and the premium handmade Nico collection of tall planters in Rustic White and Mocha. The delicate Aurora with small handle detail brings more handmade rustic chic to the table or shelf, while two-tone Puro has pretty cottage-core style. Coastal For lovers of Coastal style, the sixth Spring/Summer concept has a strong sustainable ethos, with seagrass hanging planters and nested jute baskets.

wider portfolio from Ivyline incorporates an extensive range of indoor and outdoor planters, vases and accessories. These include watering cans, plant misters, candles, tealight holders, hurricane lanterns, advent decorations, and stocking and wreath hooks. Outdoor dining furniture, firepits, log stores, and water features, complete an offering which brings home and garden together in style.

Time to play

Puckator: Hall 4, Stand B10-C11

Puckator is bringing a whole host of items to Spring Fair for you to browse at your pleasure.

The big headliner is a selection of brand new eco products, starting with stone notebooks which are made up of a combination of limestone and HDPE. The company says this material has a carbon footprint of nearly 60% less than traditional paper, as the manufacturing is not as intensive. Plus, it’s 100% recyclable, as well as being waterproof and resistant to tearing, meaning that the paper should last a good while.

There will also be other products made from recycled materials such as a stationery set in canvas wrap made from RPET, and pen sets made from recycled ABS. All come in lovely designs including the exotic new Animal Kingdom range with its deep greens and jungle animals.

Also coming to Spring Fair are fun fidget squishy toys: Squidgley’s and Queasy Squeezies. These toys provide a stress-relieving and tactile sensation when squeezed, as they splurge out plastic balls from their mouths. Fun for all the family, they have to be squeezed to be believed!

Jigsaw puzzles are perfect for nurturing young minds. They help develop cognitive skills such as spatial awareness and problem-solving, while also providing a fun activity to get involved with.

Puckator now has jigsaw puzzles of its Zooniverse and Splosh ranges, sporting exotic animals from monkeys to zebras. The twist is that which animal you get will be a mystery until you open the box.

Not only are the designs great, but they are also incredibly eco-friendly. Made from recycled greyboard, they use soya-based inks for printing and are 100% plastic-free. This means that once your child has finished playing with them, you can recycle them with ease.

The supplier also offers various dig kits and 3D puzzle vehicles, which are perfect for stimulating children’s imaginations. With the dig kits, kids can uncover a lost civilisation, or even dinosaur bones! Beware though, it can get messy. The 3D puzzle lets children piece together their favourite vehicles from scratch. They require no other tools and, when built, kids can pull them back and race to see who is fastest.

For more products, pop round to Puckator’s stand, or head over to Puckator.co.uk to see the full range.

Call: 0800 011 6969

Email: customerservices@puckator.co.uk Visit: Puckator.co.uk

Eye-catching additions

Opticaid UK: Hall 4, Stand B41

Opticaid UK will showcase its 2023 range at Spring Fair. The team has ambitiously added more than 30 new reading glass styles and 30 sunglasses, to encourage buyers to try something new.

The company is also really proud of its first Eco collection of readers and sunglasses, made from recycled water bottles and car headlight surrounds.

Opticaid UK director Gillian Marchbank says: “This season, reading frames are big, thick and bold! Think oversized and statement - or square and angular - which is a nice change. We have eye-catching colours as well as classic tortoise and black. And our range of accessories has grown with new optical chains, cases, and premium cleaning cloths, as well as a new ‘budget-friendly’ reading glass offer due in April. We’ve been very busy developing!”

Remaldi reading glasses continue to meet the ever-increasing demand for fashionable reading glasses. Opticaid UK’s new 2023 catalogue will be available at Spring Fair.

Call: Tel 0113 239 1400 | Email: sales@opticaid.net Visit: www.opticaid.net

Whatever the size of the outdoor space, the clever pots range of pots and accessories make the most of your growing space

The clever pots range support the whole growing season from propagation to plant care with products which are unique, sustainable and great value

Find out what makes clever pots so clever and how they can help both novice and experienced gardeners

• make growing in pots easier

• make the most of their outdoor space

Gifts for green fingers

clever pots: Hall 8, Stand D60

As the UK’s love for grow-your-own and gardening continues unabated, visitors to Spring Fair will not want to miss the clever pots team, who will be showcasing everything greenfingered shoppers need to enjoy growing success year after year.

From propagation and plant care, to decorative pots and ‘sow and grow’ kits, clever pots - as the name suggests - offers innovative solutions that help novice and experienced gardeners to grow in pots, no matter the size of their outdoor space.

Whether they’re looking to grow vertically in a courtyard, add splashes of colour to a balcony, create a herb palace on a windowsill, or are already greenhouse queens and kings, clever pots has an exciting and cost-effective creation for every job.

Every product in the range is manufactured from 20-60% recycled and UV stable material, which means that clever pots won’t fade - even after a summer in the sunshine.

For many, the biggest bonuses that come from using clever pots are the solutions that help tackle common gardening pitfalls. From watering solutions that minimise waterlogging or the dreaded holiday plant death, to foolproof ‘sow and grow’ kits designed to deliver herbs and flowers, each product has been cleverly designed to ensure that it not only looks great, but works harder than your standard pot or planter.

Clever pots senior brand manager Nicol McGuinness says: “Clever pots is not only redesigning the basics, but we’re helping to increase consumer confidence. In turn, we’re also providing retailers with products that see customers come back time and again as they look to tackle their next home-growing project and want to ‘complete the look’ with another clever pots product. It’s a win-win for everyone - most of all our gardens!”

Call: 0777 6960 998

Email: contact@kinbrands.com Visit: www.kinbrands.com

Adventures in colour

Miss Milly: Hall 3, Stand F11

Miss Milly is a British brand of jewellery and scarves with an established reputation for its stunning use of colour. Spring Fair will be no exception, with a wide range of inviting and exciting tones and combinations, from Coloro + WGSN’s 2023 Colour of the Year Digital Lavender, to ice cream pastels and a happy continuation of green.

Miss Milly’s creative use of resin and different backings that affect the depth and tone of colour means that a new colourway for a necklace can make it look really different with finishes including marble, shell, aluminium foil, and iridescent and metallic fabric.

With the artistic use of other materials, such as hand-painting, enamel, and matt and shiny metals, there is a huge variety of designs to suit all styles. And, as always with Miss Milly, the prices are reasonable despite increases in costs and a poor exchange rate.

A great selection of new designs includes hearts and butterflies, alongside asymmetric and geometric pieces. You will see the full new collection, as well as best sellers, at Spring Fair.

Miss Milly’s scarves co-ordinate well with the jewellery, featuring a selection of pastels and brights with floral, abstract and geometric patterns. And the brand’s colour block scarves, embellished with glitter and sequins, work brilliantly in tandem with the jewellery, creating

exciting visual displays.

The minimum order is £100, and everything can be bought in singles, so you get exactly what you need. Branded display stands, packaging and POS help create an in-store Miss Milly story, and the brand is always at the end of the phone for friendly help and advice.

Sales agents are available; territory and contact details can be found on the website. If you’d like to stock Miss Milly but don’t know where to start, specify a budget and an idea of preferred styles and colours, and the team will create your starter order for you.

Call: 01905 622509

Email: hello@missmilly.co.uk Visit: www.missmilly.co.uk

Gifts Today RETAILERS’ PANEL

Claire Hembrough Owner

Strawberry Blue

Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire

What’s your favourite things about Spring Fair?

show

It’s a great place to get inspired, from the new product launches and colourful displays, to the hub of informative talks and workshops. I never fail to leave the show full of new enthusiasm and ideas.

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

My focus will be sourcing products for Spring, especially Mother’s Day gifts and Easter. But I’m also hoping to find some inspiration for an interior design project in France which starts in March, which is very exciting

I’m always on the lookout for the next best seller. I was a judge for The Giftware Association’s 2023 Gift of the Year Awards, so I’ll be keen to catch up with some of the amazing suppliers who entered the contest.

What’s your stand-out Spring Fair memory?

During my first visit, when I opened my first store (Strawberry Blue) back in 2016, I remember feeling quite overwhelmed - but very excited. Everyone was so friendly and helpful that I quickly forgot my nerves, and came away with some great ideas and products.

I opened my second store, Collectable, in October 2021. It’s a lighting & lifestyle emporium in the basement of Strawberry Blue. We’ve just launched the website at Collectableboa.co.uk.

Any tips for retailers visiting the show for the first time?

Do some research before you go. Download the app, order The Little Black Book, and definitely have a plan of action. I always highlight the suppliers I’d like to see, but also allow myself plenty of time to spot any new products - and to catch up with friends for lunch!

Bill Nettelfield

Owner Bill & Bert’s Colchester, Essex

What’s your favourite things about Spring Fair?

Spring Fair, like all the trade shows, is so important for many reasons - from finding new lines and stocking up on best sellers that have sold out from Christmas, to catching up with sales agents and suppliers.

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

Quality, sustainable, new products. These must be great value and eyecatching. I’m also hoping that our better suppliers will have some great new lines.

Any tips for retailers visiting the show for the first time?  Get there early. Wear sensible shoes (it’s not a fashion show!). Walk every hall where you think you might find a winning line. And don’t be scared to cancel an order when you get home if, on reflection, you think the items aren’t really what you’re after for your shop.

Becky Abbiss Owner

With Love, Oakwood, Leeds

What’s your favourite things about Spring Fair?

I love that there’s so much choice under one roof (I don’t like all the walking though!). I enjoy visiting Gisela Graham, Jellycat, and Coach House, as their stands are always fabulous. I like picking up ideas on how to display products too.

Will you be looking for any products/categories in particular?   I’m always looking for gift suppliers and ideas, new jewellery, and general inspiration.

What’s your stand-out Spring Fair memory?

The walking - and how huge the show is. I love that there’s boxes of apples dotted about for when you’re feeling peckish.

Any tips for retailers visiting the show for the first time?  Get a copy of who’s exhibiting and their locations. Have a plan of which halls to do on which days. Wear comfy footwear. And set a budget.

“I like picking up ideas on how to display products”

Retailers share their Spring Fair hopes and recollections - and some useful hints to help you make the most out of your visit to the trade

“It’s a great place to get inspired”

L-R: Joint owners Bill Nettelfield and Sarah Charlton

Jean Grant

Head of Product Management

Find Me a Gift online retailer

What’s your favourite things about Spring Fair?

Catching up with our suppliers and our network of contacts. Seeing products all together by supplier. And the coverage you can get by seeing so many new and existing suppliers all in one place: it’s a much more efficient way of viewing, spotting and converting new suppliers.

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

All things gift. Almost anything fits that category (apart from toilet rolls, maybe!) but anything and all that could be giftable.

What’s your stand-out Spring Fair memory?

Apart from the stand that had the snake on it, which freaked me out, it’s probably attending The Giftware Association’s Gift Of The Year Awards’ presentation in 2017 and winning the Judge’s Choice Award for our Personalised 10 Things I Love About You Light Box. That was incredible.

Any tips for retailers visiting the show for the first time?  Take your time, as you can miss so much if you glance past stands. Be open to what you see; sometimes you can pre-judge a particular supplier or product type, so take a moment to consider it more carefully.

Walk down each row in sequence, to make sure you don’t miss anything, but prioritise the halls that are most appropriate, just in case you run out of time.

Make notes. The amount of times I’ve just taken a business card from a really good stand and then, back at the office, can’t remember what the product was that got my interest.

Drink plenty of water and take a trolley with you to store catalogues, leaflets and snacks/water - it’s not fun trying to carry your haul around with you.

Lastly, wear comfortable shoes. One year, I had to beg a stand to sell me some slippers and, for the rest of the show, I was walking around in unicorn slippers!

Laura Cooper Owner

Handmade Design

Ashbourne, Derbyshire

What’s your favourite things about Spring Fair?

Spring Fair is one of my favourite trade shows. It’s local to us, so it means I get more time to spend browsing rather than commuting!

Will you be looking for any products/categories in particular?   I’m always on the lookout for new greeting card designers so that will definitely be an area I’ll be spending plenty of time in. I’m also on the lookout for unique gifts for men in preparation for Father’s Day.

Any tips for retailers visiting the show for the first time?  Try and plan ahead. I’ve visited a couple of times when I haven’t had a chance to plan who I wanted to visit - and you don’t get as much out of the day. It’s a huge show and you can easily spend half of your day wondering around! Look at the brands attending in advance: you can even go as far as prebooking meetings if there are brands you definitely want to speak with.

Bryony Taylor-Edwards

Head of Brand and Gift, Home, Food, and Toy Buyer

Yarnton Home and Garden Oxfordshire

What’s your favourite things about Spring Fair?   The relief that Christmas is over, and we can turn our attention to a new year and new season. Plus, the excitement of seeing all the new lines and old friends.

Will you be looking for any products/categories in particular?   I will be looking for products that foster connection and joy, and that are kind to the environment.

What’s your stand-out Spring Fair memory?

Speaking on stage last year on the subject of ‘building a brave retail brand’. I was so nervous! But it was an incredible experience and the audience were so engaged and supportive. It made all the difference.  Any tips for retailers visiting the show for the first time?  Oh gosh, the first time is overwhelming. My top three tips are: do your research ahead and earmark any stands you want to visit. Allow for two days at the fair - one day will be rushed, and you won’t be able to take it all in. And wear comfy shoes. Don them with a dress if you want, but just make sure you are comfortable.

Lindsey Scott-Walker

Owner Feather Robins

Duston, Northampton

What’s your favourite things about Spring Fair?  Seeing what the trends are going to be for the future, along with the vibe of the event.

Will you be looking for any products/categories in particular?   I would like to expand my giftwrap options, so I will be looking for stationery and giftwrap suppliers.

What’s your stand-out Spring Fair memory?   The first time I went was about 20 years ago with a colleague, and I was totally overwhelmed with the size of the exhibition, and all the different suppliers.

Any tips for retailers visiting the show for the first time?   Comfy shoes. And I’m old school: I take a notebook and pen.

“I will be looking for products that foster connection and joy, and that are kind to the environment”

PHOTO: Clive Rose

PHOTO: Jason Fenton

Nicola Scarff

Director

Noah Home and Gifts Glasgow, Scotland

What’s your favourite things about Spring Fair?

I love getting the chance to catch up with our existing suppliers and see what’s new and selling well (nothing beats being able to touch and feel the products), and the excitement of finding new suppliers whose products I know our customers will love.

I like to take time out to attend as many seminars as I can - you can learn so much, and they reinforce what you already know you should be doing, but have been putting off! I always leave feeling really motivated and full of ideas to take away with me and put into practice.

Will you be looking for any products/categories in particular?   We have quite a niche range of sentiment-based gifts, so I will be looking for new ideas/inspiration in this category. It would be a bonus to find some additions for our new baby, wedding, and gifts for men categories.

What’s your stand-out Spring Fair memory?

Some of the keynote speakers have been amazing and so inspiring. But I think my favourite was Jo Malone [British perfumer and founder of the companies Jo Malone London and Jo Loves] a few years back. It was the first time I had heard her story and she told it so well. A truly inspiring woman. Any tips for retailers visiting the show for the first time?  Plan ahead. Start by noting down where your current suppliers will be and then (if time allows) go through the exhibitor list on the Spring Fair website to identify suppliers you would like to visit. This will also give you an idea of

Greg Rose

Managing Director

Maybugs

Three stores in East Sussex: Bexhill, Eastbourne, Hailsham

What’s your favourite things about Spring Fair?

The variety of products. You never know if your next ‘best seller’ will be around the corner. That, and the buzz: there is always excitement and a sense of busy bees in the hive all working away to restock their shops.

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

which halls to focus on. Although I go armed with my list of who I want to see, I methodically walk each of the halls I’m focusing on to make sure I don’t miss anything.

I always check in advance to see what seminars are on and highlight ones I would like to attend. Don’t underestimate the amount of walking you will do - comfy shoes are a must. Avoid heavy bags or your back will ache! And take plenty of coffee breaks.

Sales director John Dale and I always take a list of things we want. This year, a complete refresh of our Christmas ranges is a must. However, that said, every year we come back with more things not on the list than are. It’s the unknown buys at this stage which are the most exciting.

What’s your stand-out Spring Fair memory?

Well, over the 24 years I’ve been attending, there have been a lot of fun ‘wild’ nights out which probably shouldn’t go into print!

But as for stand-out shows, it has to be my very first Spring Fair in 1999 when I was working as a merchandiser at Selfridges stationery department. Suppliers were literally jumping out of the stands as we walked past, desperate for us to add their latest cards and wrap into the selected range. I remember we selected some Andy Warhol-inspired flat wrap which was covered in glitter - and so different to anything else on the market at that time.

Any tips for retailers visiting the show for the first time?

Don’t make appointments. You’re unlikely to keep them and will be running back and forth across the halls trying to get to where you need to be, and not really looking at everything in between. Yes, that might mean you have to wait to get and see a stand/supplier, but in my experience that is time and shoe leather better spent.

Three stores in Leicestershire: Stoneygate, Broughton Astley, Thurlaston

What’s your favourite things about Spring Fair?   Literally everything - it’s my favourite show. I love the variety and the chance to find something that I wasn’t expecting. And I love the challenge; just through its sheer size and wealth of options.

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

I will be specifically looking for products that suit this year’s need to bring value to Nest, and thus our lovely customers. I want to source products that offer quality without compromise. I would love to find products that have genuinely been brought to the market with the same ethos, showing me that quality can be offered at the right price point.

What’s your stand-out Spring Fair memory?   I really enjoy the live talks and expert panels. I always schedule them into my diary so I can afford the time to stop and listen to people far cleverer than myself!

Any tips for retailers visiting the show for the first time?

Be organised. Read The Little Black Book, and investigate companies that you want to see. Time is precious, so the more looking and reading you can do about ranges and companies before you arrive, is time well spent.

Don’t chat too much, and ask the right questions: lead times, minimum spends, delivery charges, the company’s ethics. Spend most of your time looking, and then go back to order - or do it from the office the next day.

Samantha Gibbs Owner Nest

“I like to take time out to attend as many seminars as I can”

“I really enjoy the live talks and expert panels”

“You never know if your next ‘best seller’ will be around the corner“

L-R: John Dale and Greg Rose

Owner/Buyer  Hugs & Kisses, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton

What’s your favourite things about Spring Fair?

I’ve been visiting Spring Fair for over 30 years and still enjoy it. I love visiting my suppliers and seeing new ranges, and I look for new suppliers too.

It’s great to see the huge variety of companies all under one roof, and I get lots of inspiration from all the wonderful displays on the stands. I always return from the show with my head buzzing with ideas.

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

I like to check out any new card ranges but my main aim is to find new gift ranges. As we are in a small village, it’s important to keep finding new ranges.

What’s your stand-out Spring Fair memory? Meeting Sarah, Duchess of York in the 1990s when she visited the Andrew Brownsword stand which I was working on at the time.

Any tips for retailers visiting the show for the first time?  You need a comfortable pair of shoes - you will be doing a lot of walking! Before you go, I would make good use of The Little Black Book, and plan who you really want to go and see. It’s impossible to see it all, so planning is essential.

Sally Matson Owner

Red Card

Petworth, West Sussex

What’s your favourite things about Spring Fair?

It’s at the start of the year, so my shop manager Karen West and I love seeing the new releases and new trends. We love the colour and we love meeting up with suppliers and industry friends.

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

Spring Fair is the start of our Christmas buying, so we are always on the lookout for festive products. This year we will be hunting for Coronation-themed decorations and souvenirs too.

What’s your stand-out Spring Fair memory?

Karen wearing Sunnylife products in 2018 is one stand-out memory (see picture). But we also love giggling at the massive moving and talking Christmas decorations, particularly the really huge, larger than life-sized ones. You walk around a corner and suddenly there’s a moose singing to you!

Any tips for retailers visiting the show for the first time?

Use The Little Black Book to note

Lucy Parsons

Indoor Living Manager/Buyer Burston Garden Centre St. Albans, Hertfordshire

What’s your favourite things about Spring Fair?

Being inspired by all the amazing displays that the suppliers put together. I always come away with so many ideas.

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

I will be searching for vibrant homeware to add colour and fun to the home. Also, products made in the UK.

What’s your stand-out Spring Fair memory?

I’ve been visiting the show for so many years, it’s difficult to choose!

Any tips for retailers visiting the show for the first time?

Comfy shoes are a must. And don’t pick up too many brochures - ask for them to be sent to you.

the stands you want to visit. Limit yourself to the number of halls you need to see. Do a walk-through of each hall, making a list of where you want to revisit and place orders. Do your ordering at the start or the end of the day, when the stands are quietest. For larger stands, make an appointment to see someone, so you are not wasting time. Take catalogues and photos so that if you’re pressed for time, you can place orders when you return to your business. Get the things that are priorities done firstanything else is a bonus.

Eat a good breakfast before you visit, as the food offerings can be limited, and keep hydrated! Finally, wear comfy shoes and clothes; this is an endurance event, not a fashion event.

Gifts Today loves to hear your views. If you would like to take part in our Retailers’ Panel, please email clare@lemapublishing.co.uk

Caroline Ranwell

Karen West getting beach body ready at the Sunnylife stand in 2018

Sally Matson

L-R: Sally Matson and Karen West on a night out in Birmingham

“Spring Fair is the start of our Christmas buying, so we are always on the lookout for festive products. This year we will be hunting for Coronationthemed decorations and souvenirs too”

“I get lots of inspiration from all the wonderful displays on the stands”

“I always come away with so many ideas”

Fragrant choices

Best Kept Secrets: Hall 4, Stand B36

Best Kept Secrets has collaborated with Nicky Dawson, designer and founder of Turtley Creative, to launch Our Fragrant World - described as the must-have candle collection for 2023.

Not only do the candles ’shout’ made In UK - they are hand-poured in Northumberlandbut they have a host of eco qualities. The wax is sourced in the UK with no palm or soy, and the collection is vegan-friendly and has not been tested on animals.

There are eight scents, developed using plant-based coconut wax: Smoked Embers & Amber, Cafe Rose & Warm Velvet, Ocean Spritz & Sea Salt, Green Tea & Vetiver, Patchouli & Vanilla, Sweet Pineapple Crush, Mediterranean Citrus, and Black Pepper & Birch. All the candles have a 50-hour burn time and come in a recyclable and reusable glass jar, topped with glistening biodegradable sparkles.

Nicky says: “With my years of experience in the greetings, gift and candle industries, and [Best Kept Secrets managing director] Vanessa Curry and her team with their faultless reputation, we’ve come together to bring you Our Fragrant World. We are so excited to launch the collection at Spring Fair. Come by and have a smell and tell us which is your favourite!”

Call: 01670 512222  | Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk Visit: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

Bloom into the season

Alexander Thurlow: Hall 3, Stand F20

With spring on the horizon, Alexander Thurlow is ready to bloom into the season with items that are new and improved. The delicate lily of the valley has received a recent upgrade, ensuring it represents the true beauty of its real life form. Furthermore, new mini stud earrings complete the collection, bringing additional versatility to the range of styles on offer.

Make sure your shelves are set for spring, and stock up on a colourful array of floral best sellers courtesy of Alexander Thurlow, who will again be showing at Spring Fair. Visit the stand to see the full range.

Call: 020 8766 6466

Email: sales@alexanderthurlow.com Visit: www.alexanderthurlow.com

Paua Shell Moonstone Magic Ankle Bracelets

Calla Lily

‘Taking incense to the next level’

Heaven Scent: Hall 3, Stand U20

Heaven Scent is celebrating three decades of trading. In the words of managing director Daniel Pettitt: “Thirty years ago we were among the first to champion and develop natural wax candles and reed diffusers amongst other ethical guilt-free products: all at reasonable cost and realistic retail prices. We started with fantastic incense and now we’ve taken it to the next level!”

The company is relaunching its incense range which, says Daniel, is “timely as incense always sells, and we see a real upsurge in all age groups rediscovering the habit and pleasure”.

Heaven Scent hand-dips its contemporary incense in the West Country and has developed over 70 new aromas so far out of the 90. Each stick is loaded with essential oils or fine fragrances and is clean and long-burning with compliant materials.

Daniel notes that the incense offers “excellent stick quality in 100s bulk that are pre-counted and tied in tens. All are available loose with

our fittings or for you to display in a vase. All can be packed in glass test tubes, and can be packed into brown card sleeves. Thirty aromas have been chosen for our contemporary-coloured sleeves.

“And, in addition to the loose format, we have added Japanese style coils in tins with burners to match the ceramic candle and reed range, and Japanese style incense sticks with a burner in a box to match the Heritage range of aromas”.

The company has also developed a brand-new range of incense shop fittings to suit its eco credentials and ethos. There are 30 or 50 stands in environmentally-friendly card, plus Glassine paper vending bags.

Call: 01225 868788

Email: contact@heavenscent.co.uk

Visit: www.heavenscent.co.uk

A love of nature

Beefayre

Hall 4, Stand F85

Sharon Jervis is well known in the gift trade as an artist/illustrator and has been painting, illustrating and manufacturing for over 40 years. Her internationally renowned images have been exhibited at the Royal Society of Miniaturists, and have adorned packaging, stationery, ceramics and many other surface-patterned products for decades, reaching a global audience of millions.

Her customers include The National Trust, Harrods, Boots, Smiths, RSPB, Tesco, RNLI, Oxfam, and Sainsbury’s. Her most recent illustration project has been for Beefayre, including an iconic golden bee.

Sharon Jervis is a lifelong nature lover. She draws her subject matter from life wherever she can, and is passionate about documenting the beauty and fragility of our endangered ecosystem. This passion has inspired the launch of a new series of prints. The series will be launched via her Beefayre website, and it is hoped that the images will weave their way into future collaborations with aligned projects.

Call: 07973439945

Email: sharon.jervis@beefayre.com Visit: www.beefayre.com

Alice Wheeler London spring summer 2023 “an explosion of colours”

Prepare and plan ahead

Retail100 Consulting director and co-founder

Anna

Berry discusses how to get the most out of trade shows as a buyer

While planning may not be the most exciting topic, it’s absolutely vital when it comes to making the most of a trade show - and will pay dividends for both you and your suppliers.

Planning will allow you to make connections and discover new opportunities, which is the joy of any trade show. As American inventor and businessman Thomas Edison said: “Good fortune is what happens when opportunity meets with planning.”

Before you attend a show, prepare and plan ahead. Exhibitions now have comprehensive websites and apps to enhance this.

Early arrival at a show can be really helpful in catching suppliers - particularly if it’s a popular company that you have not made an appointment with. Late in the evening can also be useful when the day is winding down.

Do, however, contact key suppliers that you know you need to see and make appointments. Allow enough time - but not too long. Perhaps send an agenda of what you want to cover so they can prepare.

Don’t spend too much time with your current suppliers who you can see in the office. Do say hello though; shows are about connecting and building trust and relationships - and they may have something new that you didn’t know about.

If you have lots of categories to cover, plan each individually. Meet all the suppliers who cover each category in a block, so you have clear comparisons of what they offer. Plan your route covering the most critical

categories first if possible; it helps to tick these off early on in the day.

Using a Google document (or a notebook) in advance can be incredibly helpful. Plot all your appointments in - leaving times for overruns - and then plan your route around the appointments. You can then add notes about the meetings, which means you have clear actions you can follow up on. And leave time for new suppliers (which is a key reason why many buyers attend shows).

helpful. And look out for innovation awards which will highlight new opportunities. Sustainability awards are also a key area of interest.

When you approach a stand, always introduce yourself and highlight what you are interested in. Offer a business card and listen to what the exhibitor has to offer.

A show is a learning opportunity, particularly if you are new to the category. It is absolutely worth talking to suppliers about what makes their product special. You will get a sense of the market and sometimes just having a conversation can crystallise that maybe that supplier is not right for you, and can help you focus on what you actually need.

meetings while they are fresh in your mind and follow up the next week. You will have left a business card and they will get in touch with you if there is some perceived value in it for them.

Follow-up close to the show is important, particularly as there may be time constraints for getting new products in, and the total buy needs to be managed. It will also highlight where there may be gaps that need to be sourced.

And make time to connect with other buyers and suppliers. If a more senior buyer in your organisation attended the exhibition, ask their advice on the most effective way to get value from the show.

Seeing products in real life all in one place is such an efficient way to look at market trends and innovation.

This is particularly useful for new buyers, as it allows them to learn about a new market at pace. It also allows more established buyers to ensure enough newness to move ranges on.

Quite often, shows host top trend showcases where new suppliers are grouped together, which is

If you are interested in placing an order with a new supplier, be clear about what you want/need from them. What is the scale of the opportunity? A short company presentation is helpful, particularly if you are talking to a manufacturer or supplier from overseas.

Post-show, follow up with suppliers to move the conversation on at pace. This is as critical as pre-planning. Update your notes on

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

With more than 33 years of retail experience - both on the shop floor and in the head office - Anna was Head of Buying for Gifts, Cook and Dine at John Lewis with a team of over 60 and sales of close to £400 million. She has also covered many buying categories in menswear, sport, fashion and beauty.

A driven leader, Anna is strategically agile and known for her passion for people and product, with trust and mentoring at the heart of her leadership style.

Email: hello@retail100consulting.co.uk

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

Finally, it’s definitely worth attending some of the show’s networking events - whether a presentation by an industry speaker or an evening function. The benefits of meeting in real life cannot be overestimated.

A trade show can inspire you. It’s the perfect opportunity to build networks, learn about the industry, and make useful, often long-term friends and colleagues.

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

“A show is a learning opportunity”

An explosion of colours

Alice Wheeler London: Hall 3, V30-W31

Alice Wheeler London will introduce its latest collection of fashion and beauty accessories at Spring Fair, with more than 134 new lines featuring styles incorporating the latest materials, exciting new production techniques, and an explosion of dazzling colours to complement its fabulous new range of designs.

The company says: ‘2022 was truly an amazing year. And because we believe that great design never gets old, our story carries on where we left off at the end of last year, with many of our classics and mainstay designs continued this season - with the addition of further new colourways.

‘We believe Alice Wheeler Spring/Summer 23 is the perfect combination of fashion and beauty accessories - whatever the occasion - created to add that

finishing touch to any wardrobe.

‘Alice Wheeler London is an ode to doing things differently with care and love. Our desire is always to create beautiful accessories, that will be treasured for many years, and with the same values and passion instilled in the foundations of our brand: to deliver the finest quality without compromise, incorporating unique points of difference and luxury always.’

Call: 0121 459 9777  | Email: orders@fmgsales.co.uk

Visit: www.alicewheelerlondon.co.uk

A playful range for little ones

Bloomingville: Stand: Hall 7, C50-D51

It will soon be time to play in the garden and open the windows in the children’s room, because springtime is on its way!

Bloomingville MINI will present a Spring Summer 2023 collection for the little ones in our families: a playful collection of aesthetic interior accessories and toys in a timeless design.

Colours and patterns are characteristic of the collection, just as cute illustrations provide the cosy expression which Bloomingville loves to fit into a Nordic décor. Country manager Simon Pykett and his sales team can’t wait to greet you on their stand at this year’s Spring Fair - and, who knows, there may be free sweets!

Call: 07967 209156

Email: spy@bloomingville.com

Visit: www.bloomingville.com

Celebrating a golden era of toys and games

House of Marbles: Hall 5, Stand E18-F19

This year marks the 50th anniversary of House of Marbles being a leading supplier of toys and games in the gift industry - and the company is proud to still offer the same high-quality products and customer service as it did back in 1973.

The latest collection includes a special selection of its greatest games from the last half-century, in celebratory packaging. Customers can choose from old classics including Toppling Tower, a deluxe chess set, and an eye-catching display containing a mini Noughts and Crosses, Nine Man’s Morris, Knights and Triangle Solitaire.

Retailers looking for environmentally-friendly toys will find an ever-growing range of sustainablysourced wooden toys and games that are FSC-approved to help promote sustainable forest management. Look out for the new Wooden Marble Run, which comes with lots of colourful wooden building blocks to create and construct any number of different marble runs. It’s a fantastic toy to encourage creativity and hand-to-eye co-ordination, making it a great gift for young children.

House of Marbles will also be revealing a host of nostalgic pocket money toys and novelties which have been given a modern twist to capture the attention of a whole new generation, and a carefully chosen selection of gift books that are perfect for independent gift shops.

If you want to stock toys, games, novelties and books that stand the test of time and are competitively priced, make sure you visit the team at Spring Fair to see the new range.

Call: 01626 835358 Email: uk@houseofmarbles.com Visit: www.houseofmarbles.com/tradeuk

Get ready to mark a special milestone!

Heyland & Whittle:

Hall 4, Stand G77

Heyland & Whittle has clocked up two decades as an artisan soap and home fragrance company, and joint managing directors Paddy and Ursula Heyland are in the mood for celebrating.

British through-and-through, and having notched up an impressive 20 years in the business, the pair decided over the festivities to rename their best-selling fragrance Clementine & Prosecco - it’s now known as Clementine & Fizz.

Ursula explains: “Change is always good and we felt our best-selling fragrance deserved to be a bit more British. Clementine & Fizz really fits the bill. So, as we say, let’s celebrate!”

Visitors to the stand will also be the first to experience four new fragrance additions to Heyland & Whittle’s Classic Collection of aromatic candles, stylish diffusers, and handy room mists. presented in elegant, sleek glass containers and beautifully boxed in responsibly sourced FSC recyclable card.

The scents are: Sweet Pea & Rose - a floral blend of fragrant summer flowers in bloom; Earl Grey - an aromatic blend of tea with a hint of citrusy bergamot, which is delicate and crisp; Sandalwood & Oud - an exotic oriental blend of sweet smoky oud and sandalwood with a hint of rose; and Fresh Linen - a refreshing blend of cotton flower and mimosa, which is cool and crisp. Call: 01293 525 825 Email: sales@heylandandwhittle.co.uk Visit: www.heylandandwhittle.co.uk

A gamut of fun gifts

Rachel Ellen Designs: Hall 3, Stand Q10-R11

Rachel Ellen Designs will launch a range of children’s umbrellas, that are bound to go down a storm! Perfect for children aged five-plus, the 19in dome shape ensures full cover for the head and shoulders. The see-through ultradurable POE material is printed with Rachel Ellen’s signature bright and vibrant colours, across eight fun designs. The umbrellas have a black coated frame with an auto-open mechanism, and funky coloured handles with contrasting detail. Kids won’t want to go outside unless it’s raining!

The company will also introduce a wide range of new gifting lines including hairbrushes and new products to bolster its successful stationery offering.

The boxed hairbrushes are both attractive and functional with an easy hold handle, detangling bristles, and a cushioned rubber base. The back of the brush features encased sparkly holographic stars, which move around and look fantastic against the Moondance and Magical Unicorn designs.

New stationery products include fabulous sweetie-shaped pens, that have a highlighter on one end and a ballpoint on the other, in four brightly coloured designs. They are supplied in a compact CDU, making them a perfect pick-up line.

Also supplied in a neat CDU are some cute and chunky rocket erasers featuring coloured pop-up erasers. Each has a glittery barrel and see-through coloured lid. Designs include the best-selling themes of Unicorns, Dinosaurs and Under the Sea. There are 12 of each design per display.

Other new lines include six colour stacking highlighters, gel pens with shaped toppers, and pop-up pencils with rainbowshaped eraser toppers.

Call: 0115 970 0321

Email: sales@rachelellen.co.uk

Visit: www.rachelellen.co.uk

Cuddle time

Rainbow Designs: Hall 3, Stand M10-N11

Rainbow Designs will have many of its much-loved and inspiring nursery and gift collections on display at Spring Fair.

Showcasing some of the most nostalgic and cherished characters from children’s literature, Rainbow will launch new additions to its Disney’s Classic Pooh, Peter Rabbit, Peanuts’ Snoopy, Paddington, and the ever-popular Guess How Much I love You ranges, as well as two new Disney Mickey Mouse collections and a new distribution collection: Animal Adventure.

The Animal Adventure Soft Toy Collection, which will be available this summer, includes the patented Safe & Soft Collection featuring My First and Baby Comfort Toys, specially created with antibacterial and hypoallergenic materials.

The Animal Adventure Cuddles Collection includes an extensive range of soft and squishy cuddly toys for all ages, and features the mini collections of Little Luxuries Plush, Puppy Pals, Dangle Bears, Dinoriffics, Barnyard Buddies and Puddle Jumpers, as well as the Squeeze with Love Collection, including the Little Dumplings.

A focal theme for Rainbow is Bedtime Cuddles and Stories: an important aspect in establishing good sleep habits and that essential bonding time. The playfully mischievous Peter Rabbit, Disney’s Winnie the Pooh, Guess How Much I Love You, Elmer, and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt soft toy collections - along with new additions Maisy, Bagpuss and Giraffes Can’t Dance - all coupled with the adored character storybooks, makes a wonderful gifting combination for those bedtime cuddles and stories.

Meanwhile, Rainbow’s contemporary Peanuts collection showcases the coolest Beagle on the planet, Snoopy. The Everybody Loves Snoopy range features cartoonist Charles Schulz’s much-loved characters in a range of cuddly soft toys and, new for 2023, a series of lifestyle cushions, which are perfect gifts for any Snoopy fan.

To celebrate Disney’s 100 Years of Wonder, also on display at Spring Fair will be the new Mickey Memories collection: a luxury range of toys and gifts delivered in stunning packaging that features Mickey Mouse vintage artwork. The range includes a Mickey Mouse Wooden Ring Rattle, Comfort Blanket and Activity Toy, as well as a Musical Lullaby Mickey Mouse Toy.

Call: 01329 227300

Email: sales@rainbowdesigns.co.uk Visit: www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk

House of Marbles 50

years of

House of Marbles has been providing the gift trade with traditional games and toys since 1973, when its founder started making wooden board games to sell at craft fairs. Over the years, it has grown to become one of the foremost suppliers with customers worldwide

This year House of Marbles turns 50 and to celebrate, the company will launch its largest catalogue to date, with many new products to choose from and exciting collections for customers old and new.

Managing director Andrea Harkin comments: “This is a real milestone for us to reach our 50th year in business. We are very proud to have so many wonderful and loyal customers, some of whom have been buying from us for as long as we have been trading! We want to thank everyone who has supported us this far, and we look forward to the next 50 years with great excitement.”

Among the many new products for 2023, customers will find an enhanced selection of traditional and retro toys, games and crafts - all brimming with nostalgic appeal and entertainment. There are plenty of pocket money favourites such as wooden whizzers, pop guns and spinning tops, plus classic family games which are bound to jog a memory or two!

You will also find a selection of its classic games from the last half-century in special celebratory

packaging including Toppling Tower, a Deluxe Chess Set, and a counter display of Traditional Wooden Marble Games.

The product ranges found at House of Marbles are inspired by many eras - from Victorian parlour games and Georgian pastimes to retro ’50s and ’60s favourites. The more recent ‘Childhood Memories’ range looks back at some of the most popular pocket money toys from the ’70s and ’80s. With so much to choose from, there will be something to please everyone, whatever their age, taste or budget.

House of Marbles believes that in this busy digital age, it is more important than ever to keep the spirit of traditional family entertainment alive and to make sure children and adults alike get to experience some of the games and toys which have brought joy to so many others before them.

The range is constantly evolving to attract a whole new generation too. As UK sales manager Mark Neville points out: “Not only do we make timeless classics, but we now have a wide range of toys, novelties and activity sets that have a much more modern appeal - and at varied price points too, which is crucial in these times.”

As the company looks towards the future, it recently removed single-use plastic from much of its product catalogue to lessen the impact on the

environment around us. “We have an ever-growing range of sustainably sourced toys and games made from FSC-approved materials to ensure they meet regulated standards,” says Andrea.

Today, the company also has an extensive book collection. Its portfolio of children’s literature is incredibly popular, and this year there are many new titles for customers to choose from. The selection of gift and humour books for grown-ups offers a comprehensive range of witty, comical, and informative titles.

Andrea concludes: “Our customers look to us for unique and high-quality products backed with excellent customer service, and this is something which House of Marbles will always strive to achieve.“

Spring Fair: Hall 5, Stand E18-F19 Call: 01626 835358 Email: uk@houseofmarbles.com Visit: www.houseofmarbles.com/tradeuk

“This is a real milestone for us… We are very proud to have so many wonderful and loyal customers, some of whom have been buying from us for as long as we have been trading!”

UK sales manager Mark Neville and managing director Andrea Harkin reading the company’s 2023 catalogue

Brighten up for spring

Rex London: Hall 4, Stand H60-J61

Rex London has been expanding its range of bright and colourful home decorations and accessories. For those looking to add some style to their home storage, recently launched seagrass baskets are a perfect choice.

If your customers love creating matching sets, they will be delighted to know that the baskets come in five different colour variations and three different sizes. They can also be used in two ways: turned up with handles for maximum storage size, or turned down to better display contents, which gives your customers even more flexibility in terms of organising their home storage.

For those shopping for decorative accessories who want to be kind to our planet, Rex London’s recycled rug and floor mats will be of interest. The rug is handmade in India and uses various recycled rag pieces, so each item is unique and no two are the same.

The recycled plastic floor mats, also handmade in India, feature traditional patterns in four bright colours. They are suitable for indoor and outdoor use. which makes them perfect not only as a part of home décor but also as a picnic, beach or patio mat. They can even be folded up into a compact size for easy transportarion.

As we progress further into the year, Rex London’s homeware collection will expand even more, with pom pom cushions, herringbone throws, and cotton bath mats all coming soon. Look out for updates on its trade website or get in touch directly with the company.

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

Cornish inspiration

Sea Gems: Hall 2, Stand G10-J11

Sea Gems is a family-run jewellery and gift company based in Cornwall with nearly 40 years of design heritage.

At Spring Fair, the company will launch new and exciting collections of high quality and original silver jewellery for boutiques, gift shops and jewellers who are looking for something different at affordable prices.

Sea Gems says: ‘Designed in Cornwall, we have created unique silver jewellery and gift collections that capture the essence of our iconic landscape, nature, wildlife, and heritage.

‘We are one of the most well established and innovative suppliers to the jewellery and gift trade. Exclusively designed in Cornwall with beautiful packaging and POS available, we offer easy online ordering with friendly customer support.’

Call: 01736 335840

Email: sales@seagems.co.uk Visit: www.seagems.co.uk

Games galore

University Games

and The Lagoon Group: Hall 4, Stand E30-F31 and E24-E25

The games, puzzles and gift specialist University Games and The Lagoon Group will launch more than 50 new lines in 2023, including multiple new titles in the murder mystery and family games categories.

Murder Mystery games have always been a staple in University Games’ portfolio with the likes of the ever-popular Champagne Murders and Death By Chocolate. However, the last few years has seen a significant surge in interest in these sleuth-inspired games, as people look for new ways of entertaining at home.

Roald Dahl has huge appeal across the five to 11 age range. Delivered in a new, contemporary packaging for 2023 are the educational series of games: Matilda’s Splendid Spelling, The BFG’s Whizzpopping Letters, and Charlie’s Marvellous Maths. All contain three fun but educational games, ideal for Key Stage 1 and 2 learning.

Other new games joining the Lagoon range include the Happy Hour Hustle party game which combines 100 drinking and challenge quests, and Rom Com: a date night trivia game.

Call: 0207 254 0100

Email: sales@ugames.uk.com

Visit: www.university-games.co.uk

Vanessa Curry & Nicky Dawson Managing Director & Designer

Best Kept Secrets Hall 4, Stand B36

Why are you exhibiting at Spring Fair?

Vanessa: Nicky has been designing some of our candle collections for the past year, and we’ve built an amazing working relationship - even though we are at other ends of the country! At Autumn Fair 2022, Nicky and I had a discussion to collaborate on a new eco-inspired candle collection, to be designed and developed ready for this Spring Fair.

We’ve both spent so much time selecting fragrances for a 2023 market, with sustainability in mind. With Nicky’s experience, eye for design and marketing (and having worked as senior designer for Price’s Candles for five years prior), we’ve been a match made in candle heaven.  Nicky: This is an exciting collaboration. Combining my strongest skills in the greetings, gifting, and the candle industry, I’ve spent months developing the must-have candle collection for 2023 with this wonderful company.

What’s the big news on your stand?

Vanessa: We are launching our new eco-inspired candle collection: Our Fragrant World. This collection has been developed especially for gift shops, garden centres and department stores who want to be at the top end of innovation and world economic trends.

Our Fragrant World candles stand out with their dazzling biodegradable sparkles, brightly coloured labels, and recyclable designer box - all printed on FSC board with vegetable-based inks. Our Fragrant World offers quality fragrances from around the world at a price you’ll love. We can’t wait for the launch!

What trends have you spotted for 2023?

Nicky: Green is the theme for 2023, and everything moving forward shouldn’t be clogging up our landfills and waterways. It’s time to close the loop on waste.

Packaging should be reusable and solicited with the idea that customers recycle and reuse their products. Creativity and design are always at the forefront of innovation.

Packaging sustainably is one of the biggest trends we’ll see moving forward. Brands are working on setting themselves apart, creating visual narratives showing that they’re capable of developing top-tier products.

Today’s consumers want to support brands that care

about the planet and that’s what we are doing with our journey into sustainability.

Any survival tips for the show?

Vanessa: Have fun, like we always do, and enjoy yourself. We feel that we have a much better relationship with our customers when we are ‘ourselves’ and it’s so lovely to have them come back at every show. We also can’t wait to supply many new customers too.

Jonny Greves Director

Lesser & Pavey

Hall 5, Stand D10-E11

Why are you exhibiting at Spring Fair?   We’ve never missed a Spring Fair and we’re not about to start missing them yet! It’s the biggest trade show in the calendar for us and we can’t wait to catch up with all of our existing customers, meet new customers, and show them all our brand new product ranges.

What’s the big news on your stand?   A new licensing partnership with Bug Art, resulting in a brand new range of giftware, including Christmas designs.

What trends have you spotted for 2023?

Bright and colourful! We’re excited to be launching a range with bright yellow lemons, a nice new pink rose, brand new William Morris, Bright Eyes garden ornaments, and lots more.

Any survival tips for the show?

Plan your visit so you can see all your suppliers - and save time to meet new suppliers. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. And don’t forget your business cards.

With Spring Fair around the corner, we ask a selection of exhibitors what products they are most excited about launching at the event

“We are launching our new eco-inspired candle collection”

“It’s the biggest trade show in the calendar for us”

Nicky Dawson

Vanessa

Curry

Keith Edmondson Joint MD Richard Lang & Son Hall 4, Stand C22-D23

Why are you exhibiting at Spring Fair?

Spring Fair has always had the biggest pull of customers of all the shows we attend. The mix of visitors from the UK and further afield allows us to showcase what we have to offer on a huge scale!

I also appreciate that a high proportion of our existing customers, as well as potential new customers, will attend - which I personally love, as it allows for discussions on many topics with those who live and breathe everything our industry has to offer.

What’s the big news on your stand?

Following the staggering success of our Halloween range in 2022, our design team has pulled out all the stops and created a completely new offering for 2023. Part of this launch is our Pink Fall home styling décor range. Combining soft pinks and greys with a sparkle of glitter, it’s a showstopper. I highly recommend anyone visiting

the Spring Fair stops by our stand to take a peek - as well as place an order to secure stock in advance of this increasingly popular event.

What trends have you spotted for 2023?

There is still very much a love for all things related to being with loved ones and family. Be it sentimental, fun, or celebration, there are so many takes on this. We have ensured we have covered as many as possible within our Spring and Summer 23 ranges.

Halloween is growing in strength year-on-year, so we’ll have a completely new collection on show. And Christmas continues to be a very strong season for our customers, which we have reflected in our amazing offering for 2023.

What is so satisfying to the team is that our customers recognise that we put an incredible amount of thought and effort into each of our ranges, making Langs unique and different from everyone else.

Any survival tips for the show?

I recommend comfy footwear. Attending shows normally means you cover many miles without realising it, and there’s nothing worse than sore feet!

I would also suggest bringing snacks and refreshments, so you have something if needed when on the go. Making appointments is also very helpful. It not only ensures you are looked after by your agent or familiar team member, but it helps you save time, rather than waiting around - which can use up valuable showtime.

Paul Hooker Managing Director Joe Davies Hall

4, Stand C10-D11

Why are you exhibiting at Spring Fair?

Spring Fair really sets up the new year for Joe Davies and is one of the most exciting and important events in the industry. We always love seeing our customers and there’s no better place to see our Spring Summer collection of more than 2,000 brand new lines.

What’s the big news on your stand?   We are launching some amazing products at the show, building on the success of 2022 across the Shudehill range. In addition, Xpressions 4 U is now exclusively available only from Joe Davies for independent retailers, with new range launches plus additions to Pot of Dreams, Feather & Grace and Nordic Lights.  We are also launching licensed collections under the EastWest banner from both new and existing artists. Plus, always a firm favourite, Equilibrium Jewellery will see its entire Spring Summer Collection launched at the show.

What trends have you spotted for 2023?   Home sentiment and homely themes are performing strongly and we are excited to launch two new collections that fit the bill perfectly: Pebble Lane and Love Lane. Seaside themes in jewellery are strong. And Village Pottery is fast becoming a collectable line, with plenty of new development across the range.

Any survival tips for the show?   Everyone has their own way of approaching the show. For me, you can’t beat taking your time and walking each hall row by row to make sure you miss nothing. Comfortable shoes are a must!

“Home sentiment and homely themes are performing strongly”

“Following the staggering success of our Halloween range in 2022, our design team has pulled out all the stops and created a completely new offering for 2023”

Trade talk

Ross Feeney Operations Director Hootyballoo by Club Green Hall 3, Stand P20-Q21

Why are you exhibiting at Spring Fair?

We’ve exhibited at Spring Fair for over 20 years as it’s the ‘must go to’ trade show for the gift and partyware sector. It provides a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase new ranges, catch up with existing customers, and meet a variety of potential new clients face-to-face.

What’s the big news on your stand? We’re incredibly excited to be exhibiting this year for a number of reasons. Firstly, we are hosting the largest stand we’ve ever had - twice the size of 2022 - so please make sure you come and see us.

Secondly, and probably most importantly for Gifts Today readers, is that we need a bigger stand to accommodate all our new ranges. This year we are showcasing eight completely new ranges, including over 200 new items, as well as a special King’s Coronation range to mark King Charles III’s Coronation in May.

Thirdly, our partyware collection continues to expand, and we’re delighted to be able to showcase the range in a specially created ‘Party Shop’ area of our stand, which enables us to show you first-hand what the range could look like in your business.

What trends have you spotted for 2023?   There is obviously still nervousness in the market about the direction of

Helen Cottrill Marketing & Product Director Enesco

Hall 4, Stand C61 & C60/D61

Why are you exhibiting at Spring Fair?   Spring Fair is an essential part of our new product launch. It gives us the opportunity to showcase our new and best-selling products in a spacious inviting space, and really spend time talking to our retailers. We have a full sales and marketing team on site to ensure we get the most out of the show.

What’s the big news on your stand? We will have a couple of artist guest appearances: Michelle Allen, the talent behind our Allen Designs Collection, will be doing a painting demonstration and talking to retailers. Lolita is travelling from the US

the economy, but our customers are telling us that footfall and customer spend are still positive.

In particular, we’re focusing on enhancements to our seasonal and ‘special day’ ranges - Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Easter and Christmas - in response to increased demand.

Any survival tips for the show?   It’s a case of survival of the fittest at trade shows! There is a lot of walking and standing up, so always wear comfy shoes. Stay hydrated with lots of cold water (try not to have too much coffee). Arrive early before the show gets too busy. And visit the Hootyballoo stand first!

to do a meet-and-greet. Lolita’s new cocktail glass collection is launching 20 years after Lolita launched the original concept, and this will be the focus of the event.

2023 will also see the launch of the collaboration between Enesco and The English Ladies Company. Their Disney collection will be on display on our stand ready to present to retailers old and new. Of course, we will also have a fantastic Disney 100 offering across all of our best-selling Disney Collections. We are so proud of the work our global product development teams have done to create this incredible commemorative collection.

What trends have you spotted for 2023?

In this economic climate, we find the trend is to buy functional gifts, so we are seeing huge success with our award-winning Disney and Beatrix Potter baby collections, with best-sellers being muslin squares and bibs (all gift-boxed and under £20).

Home entertaining will once again become the trend. With rising costs in every sector, especially food and drink, this will become so important as people strive to maintain the human contact denied during Covid.

Any survival tips for the show?

Berocca Boost [a vitamin and mineral effervescent drink containing natural guarana and caffeine] - I swear by it! It’s my daily saviour, but at Spring Fair, it’s my must-have.

“We are showcasing eight completely new ranges, including over 200 new items, as well as a special range to mark King Charles III’s Coronation in May”

“We will have a couple of artist guest appearances”

Sarah Watmore Owner

Miss Milly

Hall 3, Stand F11

Why are you exhibiting at Spring Fair?   Spring Fair always feels like coming out of hibernation, and our stand bursts with beautiful colour ready for Spring and Summer. It’s our most successful show and usually sets the standard for how the year is going to go (with a pandemic caveat).

It’s great to catch up with customers and find out how the Golden Quarter was for them, and talk about any plans for the coming year, as well as seeing industry friends for the first time since September.

What’s the big news on your stand?   We’re hoping that on the back of being told by customers that A/W22 was our best collection to date, they’ll love S/S23 even more! We’ve worked hard to maintain the style they love, but added new pieces and even more adventurous colour combinations.

Spring Fair will also be the first time we’ve used our new tablet ordering app at a show, so we’re keeping our fingers firmly crossed for a smooth tech delivery.

Keren Dicken Sales and Marketing Director Personalised Memento Company Hall 4, Stand J10

Why are you exhibiting at Spring Fair?

We feel that Spring Fair is a great place to showcase our new product and ranges, and connect with our existing customers - along with hopefully meeting new customers too.

What’s the big news on your stand? We are bringing a large range of exciting brand new designs and products to the show. What trends have you spotted for 2023?

We’ve seen a rise in demand for gifts for gamers and gifts for pets. Any survival tips for the show? Wear comfy shoes, and plan your route!

What trends have you spotted for 2023?

In the midst of any kind of economic upheaval, suppliers and retailers alike tend to batten down the hatches and play safe, so we’re expecting more updates than innovation, and the continuation of existing trends such as sustainability. The colour green, which saw a big resurgence in 2022, is carrying over into 2023 - and the general trend for colour palettes to blend rather than change completely is one we love to see, both for its flow and also the discouragement of fast fashion.

Any survival tips for the show?

If you’re planning on a lot of research, have a backpack or wheelie case for literature and a notebook; it will be much more comfortable than a shoulder bag. Changing shoes, at least between days, is great for sore feet. And bringing your own water bottle to refill as you go will keep you better hydrated and thinking clearly.

If you’re new to the show, definitely scour the show’s website first and have some kind of plan in place for your route around the halls. But be open to spontaneous stops; what a company posts (or doesn’t) on the website might be completely different in reality. And always overestimate how long it will take to wander the halls.

“The colour green, which saw a big resurgence in 2022, is carrying over into 2023”

“We’ve seen a rise in demand for gifts for gamers and gifts for pets”

Springing into the season

Something Different Wholesale

Something Different Wholesale is proud to launch its 2023 catalogue, featuring new, on-trend, and seasonal ranges for Easter, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day. The catalogue is available in digital and print formats with 11 new ranges, plus additions to popular ranges. The company’s product development team has worked tirelessly to offer a diverse collection. Here’s a preview of some new ranges arriving this spring, uniquely designed to offer your customers

‘Something Different’:

Modern Magic

Whether used for healing purposes or their stunning appearance, crystals have grown to become an aesthetic trend without boundaries. The Modern Magic range features gifts for promoting positivity. From gratitude and manifestation journals to crystal candles and grid sets, this range will help you achieve your goals.

Bee-utiful Mum

Remind her how ‘bee-utiful’ she is both inside and out with this Mother’s Day range of bee-themed gifts and home décor. Gold accents and elegant florals make Bee-utiful Mum the perfect range for springtime. Sentiment signs, token gifts, and bee-themed drinkware are sure to make any mum’s heart flutter on her special day.

Sentiment Signs & Spinner Solution

Perfect for quick gifts and add-ons, these hanging sentiment signs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and phrases to suit every occasion. Whether for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthdays or special milestones, there’s a sign for everyone. The spinner stand includes 360 signs with 60 assorted styles, which can also be ordered individually for restocks and top-ups. Call: 01792 940288 Email: customercare@somethingdifferentwholesale.co.uk

Ivyline

As the colour gurus at The Pantone Color Institute announce that PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta is its Colour of the Year for 2023, luxury home and garden accessories supplier Ivyline looks at ways to bring this bold shade into interiors.

Among Ivyline’s extensive range of pots, planters, and other home accessories are designs which will help you bring magenta into your home styling.

This stunning ribbed vase satisfies the deep red inspiration behind Viva Magenta and will work equally well in a festive winter setting as it will in the heat of summer.

Ideal for gifting, it is available in both tall and wide shapes. Pretty tealight holders made from recycled glass are available in the same bold and brilliant hue as the ribbed glass vases.

Ivyline is exhibiting at Spring Fair (Hall 7, Stand E70).

Call: 024 7633 9180

Email: sales@ivylinegb.co.uk

Visit: www.ivylinegb.co.uk

Get onboard

Personalised Memento Company

Brand new from PMC, this personalised wooden paddle board is a beautiful addition to any kitchen. Featuring a delicate home design and three lines of free text, the board makes a great gift for all occasions. It’s ideal to use as a functional accessory or as a display piece, with a hole in the handle for easy hanging.

Keep an eye out for the full product range coming soon! Head over to PMC’s website to register for free and see its full range of homeware gifts, or visit its stand at Spring Fair (Hall 4, 4J10).

Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk

Visit: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

New designs from Dunoon

Dunoon Ceramics

Founded in Scotland in 1974, Dunoon is a well established manufacturer of high quality fine bone china mugs, teapots, cups, and saucers. The company now produces fine bone china mugs in Staffordshire: the traditional home of the British pottery industry. Dunoon uses fine bone china clay sourced from Cornwall which contains 50% bone. This gives the mugs a beautiful translucency coupled with bright whiteness and strength. Using local craftspeople, the mugs are three times fired and feature a variety of patterns.

With over 1,000 different mug designs in the range at any one time, Dunoon introduces more than 350 new patterns each year. Aiming at the top end of the mug market, it sells to over 60 countries worldwide. Pictured are three new additions:

Coronation

Dunoon is proud to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III on May 6 with a stunning commemorative mug on its Wessex shape. The design by David Broadhurst consists of a rich gold silhouette of the crowned King on the front and back, with a partially coloured background in regal purple - all elegantly laced with 22 carat twotone gold detailing.

Inspired by the Orient Mandarin Arts

This lamp is described by Mandarin Arts as perfect for Spring, with a classic blue and white ginger jar shape and a white plum blossom design on a rich, dark ink blue background.

A frieze around the base features stylized waves rising from a blue sea, while the brushed brass base contrasts with the gold bands. The lamp is crowned with a golden faux silk shade. The total height of the lamp and shade is 75cm.

Mandarin Arts offers an interesting mix of products inspired by the Orient. For more information on its range, call the company for a catalogue and price list, or look at its website, or visit its showrooms in the heart of the Brecon Beacons.

Call: 01873 812255

Email: info@mandarinarts.co.uk Visit: www.mandarinarts.co.uk

Seashore

Seashore is a set of three mugs on Dunoon’s Bute shape, designed by Lynn Horrabin in her inimitable style. They consist of puffins, seals, and oystercatchers in their habitats of land and sea. Each design is enriched with colourful coastal flowers, shells, starfish, fishing boats, and lighthouses.

Mad Hatters

It’s dressing up time for cats and dogs with Dunoon’s Mad Hatters: a set of two fun mugs on Dunoon’s popular Cairngorm shape, designed by Kate Mawdsley. They feature cat and dog heads, charmingly portrayed wearing a variety of quirky hats. These are sure to be a favourite with cat and dog lovers.

Call: 01785 817414 Email: sales@dunoonmugs.co.uk Visit: www.dunoonmugs.co.uk

Fab-ewe-lous collection

Joe Davies

Give your home the attention it deserves with this quirky Fab-ewe-lous Friends collection of cute sheep carrying sentimental messages. Available in a range of captions including friends, Mum, Dad, and Nan, these meaningful gifts are guaranteed to put a smile on your face!

A visit to Joe Davies’ stand at Spring Fair (Hall 4, C10-D11) shouldn’t be missed as this is an ideal opportunity to see its extensive collections of gifts, jewellery, and fashion accessories. Everything will be available in its signature ‘little and often’ quantities, with a minimum order value of just £100.

Call: 0161 975 6300

Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk Visit: www.joedavies.co.uk

instyle instyle

Fashion and function

Classic Canes

Walking stick specialist Classic Canes offers a selection of walking sticks to suit all tastes, including many contemporary designs that are as much fashion accessories as mobility aids.

“When a stick user can treat their cane as a fashion statement, it is a great boost for morale, as it gives them an accessory that can be admired and treated in a positive way,” explains managing

The latest designs from the family company, which was founded in 1982, include charming patterns in spring colours such as this sheep-print cane: perfect to accompany

Classic Canes stocks British-made sticks wherever possible. Charlotte says: “We still have some wonderful craftspeople in this country. These come into their own for unique, rustic walking sticks where each piece of wood and horn has to be worked according to its own nature to produce an individual stick of character. Each one is different and these make ideal products for shops that want to offer high-quality, unusual items that can’t be found everywhere.”

01460 75686  info@classiccanes.co.uk www.classiccanes.co.uk

Anklet assortment

Joe Davies

If you are into subtle, minimalist styles, check out these dainty Equilibrium Anklets from Joe Davies. The delicate, eyecatching ankle bracelets look fabulous and can be worn for all kinds of occasions.

This new collection features many styles including heart chains, leaves, stars and even a touch of sparkle to glam up your look. Each anklet is fully adjustable with the aid of a sliding ball, ensuring they will fit most people, regardless of ankle size. What’s more, they double up as attractive bracelets!

Joe Davies has a reputation for award-winning customer service and a great range of gifts, jewellery, and fashion accessories, dedicated to independent retailers. The company is exhibiting at Spring Fair (Hall 4, Stand C10-D11).

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

Eco options

Opticaid UK

Opticaid UK is proud of its first Eco Collection of fashion reading glasses and sunglasses. There are more than 30 reading glasses and 20 sunglasses, made from recycled water bottles and car headlight surrounds! The readers are available in six reading strengths and the sunglasses feature UV400 lenses.

The recycled water bottles are cleaned and shredded into pellets, and then coloured and melted to create new frames. The resulting modified polycarbonate material is tough, heat-resistant and lightweight - a win-win for eyewear. While the lenses are still made from new ‘virgin’ material, Opticaid UK is looking to change this in the future as technological advances are made.

Popular so far are Hockley, an oversized frame; the bold style Ealing; and the 1970s-inspired Chiswick. There are lots of brights such as pink, yellow and red, as well as best sellers black and tortoise - all in a contemporary matt finish. The glasses are packed and stored in compostable bags to help minimise plastics.

For product enquiries and a copy of Opticaid’s latest catalogue, contact the team. The Eco Collection will be on show at Spring Fair (Hall 4, Stand B41). Call: 0113 239 1400 Email:sales@opticaid.net Visit: www.opticaid.net

“We love spoiling our loyal customers”

Turner speaks to Suzanne Chapman, owner & founder of the Much Love Gifting website

What’s your background?

I was in purchasing and retail buying for more than 20 years, and then in 2018 I started up my own consultancy business offering support and advice to retailers within the gifting industry.

The main focus was offering a range review and buying service: I worked with retailers to source commercial ranges to land in stores. The last couple of years have been trying for us all and the impact on the supply chain and commercial world has been devastating. We have worked hard to do our very best in such challenging times, and our model has evolved from not just sourcing and buying, but also helping many brands get out in the UK market.

- our hand-wrapping and personal gift tag writing service has proved very popular! We also offer free delivery over £30 and free local delivery: again, just adding that personal touch. Times have been tough for people - not just during the pandemic but also in the current cost-of-living crisis - so value for money is also key.

Describe your range.

Fun and beautiful gifts that offer great value for money. Core categories are bath & body, sentiment, home fragrance, gifts for her, and gifts for him. Key suppliers are Xystos, Joe Davies, and Candlelight. We also work with a local crafter who makes some made-to-order nursery gifting for us.

How do you find products?

Trade shows are invaluable and it’s where I see most of the newness we list. Comp shopping is also a great way of seeing what else is out on the market, as well as online sourcing. My suppliers are very good; they always send products to let me know what’s new and exciting.

What’s your selection criteria?

to some normality and travel restrictions lessen, they want to dream of their next holiday spot.

Faith In Nature bath & body products are best sellers too, primarily because the range is so relevant: all products are UK-made, natural, ethical, cruelty-free and sustainable. Naked Bee is also a strong seller within our bath & body range: stocking fillers, gift packs and holiday travel sets have been very popular.

Our sentiment range performs well too. Again, I think that’s because of the past couple of years - people want to reach out to others to let them know they are thinking of them. And all our Christmas ranges more or less sold out, which is an amazing success story for us. We will probably keep these live on the website throughout the year to help customers spread the cost. What lines have you started stocking recently?

During the pandemic, my husband and I discovered we were expecting our first child in early 2021, so I wanted to create a new business which would allow me and my baby to remain safe, and also enable me to carry on working with my two main passions: people and product.

So, I launched my website Much Love Gifting in September 2020. I wanted customers to be able to shop from the comfort of their homes. For those that didn’t feel safe going out and browsing shops, I wanted to make the entire process easy for them

I work to a good, better, and best structure to ensure we cover all budgets. I never want a customer to visit our site and not spend because they can’t find something in their budget. Our products are always commercial and classic in terms of design. It’s sometimes difficult buying a gift for someone, especially if you don’t know their personal taste or interior colour schemes. So by offering a range of stylish and classic products, you can’t really go wrong.

What’s popular?

Last year’s best-selling line was Splosh Travel Map Pin Boards. I think that as people start getting back

We are great believers in ‘supporting local’ and have started working with a local crafter who makes nursery products using local yarns and felted wool. We have listed the Pom Pom Rainbow and Felted Hanging Mobile as trial products and, if they sell well, there are a range of additional items we can list. They really are beautiful, and each item is unique and made to order.

How is trading for you?

The past couple of years have been tough for everyone and I think it’s really important to remember that. Sometimes it’s hard when you work alone, at home, to remember that there is an entire world starting to wake up again and that many people are in the same boat.

The latest increase in fuel costs - both at home and on the road - have made people a little more

Clare

Why did you decide to launch an online gift shop?

“Trade shows are invaluable and it’s where I see most of the newness we list”

cautious about their personal spend. The cost-ofliving crisis means there is still a lot of nervousness in the market and people are careful about what they spend their hard-earned cash on.       How do you attract new customers and maintain the interest of existing ones? We have Facebook and Instagram accounts, but we really need to get better at posting more frequently, as it’s so important to keep customers engaged.

We run several competitions over the year offering gift vouchers, and ‘bounceback’ vouchers: when a purchase is made, we offer a £5 voucher if they come back and place a second order. Plus, we gave away a hamper of products for Christmas. We also make up specific gift bags that are seasondependent and individually gift-wrap each itemwe love spoiling our loyal customers.

We launched our gift-wrapping service pretty much as soon as we launched our website, as we realised customers wanted gifts shipped direct to the recipients. This made the process safer and saved on postage. Customers can select part or all of the order to be gift-wrapped and they can provide a message that we handwrite on a gift tag. This has been really well received, as it offers a personal touch and is not something that all retailers can offer.

Even if gift-wrap is not selected as an option, every item that leaves our warehouse is wrapped in tissue paper, with a handwritten postcard included

thanking them for their order.

We believe gift buying and giving is all about emotion - whether it’s a self-purchase or for someone else, we want customers to experience something that evokes emotion and offers a real ‘treat’ aspect - hence the beautifully wrapped gifts.   Are you looking at expanding into new areas?

Absolutely. We are always looking for new product categories and new suppliers. We would like to grow our bath & body range, and source some gifting for kids and pets, and also personalisation. Even when times are tight, we believe people will still indulge in gifts for children, as well as furry friends!          What’s next for your business?

Our focus remains on putting the customer at the heart of everything we do. We are currently ranging for Mother’s Day. Buying really is a never-ending cycle and we already have our Christmas range review planned.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job?

The feedback we get from our customers. To be able to make someone feel special and happy that they made the decision to shop with us - when the competition is so strong - is the biggest reward.

And the most challenging?

Supply chain issues have affected us all over the past couple of years but hopefully we are coming out the other side of this now. Running my own business and working from home, while also raising our daughter, does come with some challenges. But I feel very fortunate that I can have the best of both worlds and, although it is challenging sometimes, I wouldn’t change it for anything.

“We are always looking for new product categories and new suppliers”

Bringing a stylish look

Exacompta Clairefontaine

Part of the Exacompta Clairefontaine Group, Rhodia is renowned for premium quality notebooks and accessories. Webnotepads add a touch of style to desks, or when making notes on the move. The hard Italian leatherette covers are not only chic but durable too, and the elasticated closure keeps notes secure and can be used as a page marker.

Each Webnotepad contains 192 pages of ultra-smooth Clairefontaine 90gsm ivory brushed vellum paper, which is micro-perforated for neat and easy removal, and has PEFC Certification - giving consumers’ assurance that it is from responsibly managed sources.

They are available in two handy sizes - 90x140mm and A5 (148x210mm)

- with a choice of 32 colours ranging from classics to brights, including six metallics: gold, copper, bronze, titanium, silver and white.

Webnotepads also feature an expanding pocket on the inside back cover, which is useful for storing items such as bank cards, tickets, and receipts.

Exacompta Clairefontaine UK marketing manager Lawrence Savage says: “These Webnotepads are just one of the many ranges from the ever-popular Rhodia brand, which offers great choice for users looking for stylish notebooks.”

Call: 01553 696600 | Email: enquiries@exaclair.co.uk Visit: www.exaclairlimited.com

For avid golfers

For fine art fans

Museums & Galleries

Museums & Galleries (M&G)’s lavish collection of fine art notebooks and journals has been comprehensively refreshed for Spring 2023. Its full range will be on show at Spring Fair in Hall 3 on Stand L30-M31.

The spectacular Kimono Cranes design from the V&A has become a star in the M&G firmament, and now appears on the cover of a premium-sized Grande Journal. Young designer Catherine Rowe’s Honey Bee Pattern, a firm M&G customer favourite, is another.

M&G’s beautiful A5 soft cover notebooks collection has new designs from the V&A, Wild Press, British Museum, and Natural History Museum (NHM). Popular artist Annie Soudain has entered the hardback Deluxe Journals, joining new titles from star designer Matthew Williamson, the V&A and NHM.

One of the largest refreshes is in M&G’s Mini notebooks and Mini notebook set collections - making very lovely gifts or treats for oneself.

Call: 01373 461455 | Email: sales@mgml.co.uk Visit: www.museumsgalleries.co.uk

Personalised Memento Company

This Personalised A5 Golf Log Book makes a special gift for any golf enthusiast! Spiral-bound with double-sided pages to track all golfing trips, this notebook is the perfect way for players to monitor their improvement with a combination of score card pages and note pages. With a growing range of on trend giftware and selling solutions to suit all retailers, there has never been a better time to sell personalised gifts. Visit PMC’s trade website to register for your account and get started. Find PMC at Spring Fair in Hall 4 on Stand J10.

Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk

Visit: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

New products

A personal present Personalised Memento Company

New from PMC is this Personalised Flower Of The Month Sentiment Card and Necklace. The card features a dainty flower design relating to the chosen month, along with the personality traits that it symbolises. With the option to add a personalised message to the card, this gift is sure to be treasured for years to come. The delicate necklace is engraved with a flower from any chosen month, and presented in a black gift box with the card. Make sure you visit PMC at Spring Fair (Hall 4, Stand J10) to see its selection of new products and designs for 2023.

Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk Visit: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

Raise a glass!

Enesco

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of American glassware brand Designs by Lolita, Enesco has launched a collection of celebratory cocktail glasses. What all started with a girls’ night out when Lolita personalised and sold her first Martini glass, the US designer has unveiled a set of Martini-inspired cocktail glasses in a nod to that infamous evening.

With 10 glasses to choose from, with designs inspired by cocktails such as the Cosmopolitan, Negroni and Lemon Drop, customers will be spoilt for choice when it comes to raising a glass of their favourite tipple. The designs for each glass reflect the name of the piece too. For example, the Espresso Martini cocktail is depicted on its namesake glass with a coffee-coloured ombre hue working its way up the vessel, with sweet little coffee beans carefully crafted on the stem of the glass.

Measuring 17.5cm tall, each glass in the Cocktail Collection is presented in a branded gift box. What’s more, on the base of each glass, is a corresponding cocktail recipe to try at home and join in the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Designs by Lolita brand. See the collection at Spring Fair (Hall 4, Stand C61 & C60/D61).

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

Captivating collections

Joe Davies

Pebble Lane from Joe Davies will make its debut at Spring Fair. This quirky collection encompasses adorable little houses perched on top of softly coloured pebbles, which feature heartfelt messages for friends and family.  The captivating range offers the perfect way to add a splash of personality to any home.

Meanwhile, the explosion of flowers that heralds the arrival of Spring brings itself to a stylish new Equilibrium Calla Lily collection of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and brooches. Flowers have been an integral part of jewellery design for centuries, but the complexity of these Calla Lily designs makes them very special. Plated with real silver and gold, the attractive pieces are the perfect gift for any occasion. Why not give Calla Lily jewellery instead of a bunch of flowers? The Calla Lily symbolises purity, and the word Calla means beautiful - perfect for someone special!

The Pebble Lane collection and the Equilibrium collection will be displayed alongside Joe Davies’ other gift, jewellery, and fashion accessories ranges at Spring Fair (Hall 4, Stand C10-D11).

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

‘I decided to take a gamble’

Why did you decide to open a gift shop?

I have a background in graphic design and have focused more and more on illustration in recent years.

In 2017 I was looking for a studio space in [the East Sussex seaside resort of] Seaford and found a beautiful shop on 37 High Street. I decided to take a gamble and open a gift shop with a design studio on site.

Both the shop and the studio have grown a lot since then. They are now in separate locations with a small team helping me to keep it all running smoothly. In the summer months, I also have a pop-up shop in a pink beach hut on Seaford beach.

Describe your range.

In the shop I sell my own work, and a quirky collection of other gifts, cards, and prints. If I had to pick one word to describe my shop, I would say: colourful! A lovely customer once told me that she finds the shop both exciting and calming, and I love that compliment.

What are your key categories?   Cards, (framed) prints, homeware, books, accessories, bath & beauty products, and ecofriendly items.

How many suppliers do you deal with?

I’m only a small shop and I use a wide variety of suppliers, many of which are independent and local. I order ‘small and often’ to ensure there’s always something new and that I really pick up on what’s selling. I also cherry-pick from larger suppliers.

How do you find products?

Mainly via trade shows and social media. I also make local connections at craft markets and Christmas fairs. I visit trade fairs in the Netherlands, where I’m originally from, too.

What’s your selection criteria?

Does the item fit the overall style of my shop (this is mostly decided by the colour palette and style of my illustration)? Are the items eco-friendly? And is the RRP/markup right for my store? As the shop is based in a seaside town, I also often look for items that have a coastal feel.

How has trading been for you?

Just before Covid I felt that the shop reached some financial stability. The years since then have been incredibly challenging but also rewarding.

I had a lot of support from local customers throughout the pandemic.

During the first lockdown I started illustrating a collection of landmark cards and prints, and they have been the making of the shop. I heavily promoted the cards during the lockdowns as a way for people to stay connected, and they worked as amazing advertising - for both the shop and the prints.

Although sales were down a little bit last year, I haven’t felt particularly concerned (yet!). I’m very curious about what this year will bring and how the cost-of-living crisis is going to evolve. The postal strikes have caused a lot of damage to the online side of my business and I hope things will start to run smoothly again in the months ahead.

How was the Golden Quarter?

During the festive season I concentrated on more

Clare Turner chats to Onneke Northcote-Green, owner of Onneke gift shop & studio in the East Sussex coastal town of Seaford

affordable gifts, so people would still be able to buy presents for family and friends. I also put a focus on wellbeing, from books and candles to bath products and beautiful hot water bottles and scarves that are like blankets which you can wrap up in.

I didn’t sell as many Christmas decorations as usual and I also found that instead of scented candles, we sold a lot more incense, which is less costly.

What’s selling well now?

I make a calendar every year with my illustrations and it always sells incredibly well, as do my framed prints. Other super sellers have been books (those about nature, mindfulness and creativity fly out) and scarves. I also stock beautiful knitted hand warmers from a small, local supplier called Knatty Knitters, and I can’t get enough of those in.

Spreading Scottish joy

Clare Turner talks to Amy McCusker, founder of online retailer WeeBox

Why did you launch WeeBox?

I tried to send my brother Scottish gifts from home after his move to Australia in 2016, and discovered it wasn’t so easy! Scottish hampers did not have the quality or range of products that I knew I would handpick.

So, I set to work with my husband Gerard and three wee boys to lovingly design and curate a ‘wee box’ of Scottish joy. From this, WeeBox was born.

What’s the most rewarding

of your job?

aspect

I love the variety. I mostly have staff running the day-to-day business in the shop now. I spend more time in my studio, as both have grown so much in recent years. I still enjoy going into the shop and making new displays and chatting with all our regulars. And I love ordering and searching new ranges to sell.

And the most challenging?

I sometimes struggle with the amount of work I have to do - and the fact that it’s never done!

What’s your product business moment?   One of my card ranges (the Vitamin Sea Collection) got in the finals of the Best Art Range category of the Henries 2021 Progressive Greetings Awards and I was very proud of that. But mostly, I’m proud of the little shop that I opened on a whim six years ago, which has now become a much-loved feature in the town.

Selling my own range of cards, prints and gifts has made my shop truly unique. In the past two years, I’ve also started to sell my work wholesale. It’s now in shops and visitor centres around the UK, but the Onneke shop is the only place that sells the full collection.

I shipped the first WeeBox in January 2017. Since then, we have spread Scottish happiness to more than 25 countries, won six international awards, and helped more than 350 small Scottish makers reach a global audience. Each month, we share our WeeBox with thousands of subscribers who make up our WeeBox Clan: a community of like-minded Scots and Scots-at-heart.

Describe your range.

Each month we share five or six gifts centred around a specific Scottish theme. These can be gifts to wear, gifts to display in the home, something to eat or drink, or items to experience and use to learn about Scotland.

We curate our gifts from Scottish suppliers, many of which are small businesses who wouldn’t usually be able to share their items with such a large audience. We’re also very proud to have worked with Scottish social enterprises. It’s important to us that by working with these makers and sharing their gifts with our subscribers, we are giving back to Scotland too.

How do you find products?

We are always looking for new partnerships and treasures for our WeeBoxes. We enjoy visiting Scotland’s Trade Fair and the Royal Highland Show to discover new makers and make contacts with makers from all over Scotland.

Many makers reach out to us directly on social media or by email, and we are always excited to open a conversation to create a productive partnership in a way that works well for us as well as them.

What sets you apart from other online gift retailers?

The monthly subscription aspect of WeeBox creates a sense of community for our subscribers, many of whom are very active on social media. Our social media presence - as well as the additional items we offer such as our Spotify WeeSounds Playlists, virtual tours and WeeBlether magazine - make a full experience for subscribers, so they are receiving much more than just gifts in their WeeBox.

We also recently introduced our WeeBox Emporium, which is an opportunity for customers to buy individual items from past WeeBoxes. This has

proved very popular and is definitely something we will continue to do in the future.

We communicate often with our customers across a range of platforms. We host giveaways with suppliers who have featured in WeeBox, which not only holds the interest of our followers but also helps to grow the audience of the maker. We have also adapted our email marketing approach over the past few months to make sure it’s as interactive and entertaining as possible.

And we take our commitment to Scotland’s environment seriously, ensuring we drive electric cars, and minimise waste and single-use packaging. WeeBox is made from 100% recycled cardboard and postage bags are 100% compostable too.

What’s your proudest business moment?

When we launched our very own WeeBox tartan, chosen by our subscribers and created by Highland Tartan Rebels’ Prickly Thistle. Our WeeBox story is now woven into the fabric of Scotland.

Whats next for WeeBox?

We are constantly looking for ways to make the WeeBox experience even better for our subscribers. We have lots of exciting plans for 2023: new partnerships, a ‘Win a trip for two to Scotland’, providing WeeBoxes for the BAFTA LA Burns Bash hosted by [Scottish TV presenter] Ross King… the list goes on!

“I’m proud of the little shop that I opened on a whim six years ago, which has now become a much-loved feature in the town”

“We are always looking for new partnerships and treasures for our WeeBoxes”