Gifts Today

Independently audited

25

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

Month: January 2015

Issue: 2

Volume: 26

0117 316 1200 www.yankeecandle.co.uk

Take a look in the mirror of the world market.

Explore every facet of the international consumer goods industry and a unique product spectrum.

In the Giving area you’ll find countless ideas across the entire gift sector. You also benefit from an array of synergy effects when putting together your core and supplementary assortments. This is the fair that identifies your key success factors.

Information and tickets at advance sale prices at ambiente.messefrankfurt.com Tel. +44 (0) 14 83 48 39 83 info@uk.messefrankfurt.com

13 – 17. 2. 2015

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Partner coun

Contents

Message from the Editor Penny Franks

Regular 4 10 12 14 16

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

News Licensing News Exhibition News GA News UKTI A look at exporting products to America

Themed Gifts So, what (page 68) and will 2015 Kitchen Gifts bring? No one (page 73).

Can I also take has a crystal this opportunity ball, but I have to congratulate to say, Brian The GA. The Wiseman – just GA, over the love your article course of 2014, this month. Brian really did takes a satirical excel – we saw many initiatives view of what launched – and may lie over the perhaps one months ahead – of the most turn to page 54 to noteable being ‘read all about it’ their ‘Meet the Buyer’ day.

This proved incredibly popular with GA members, and I’m sure very overwhelming for the entire GA team who did a sterling job of presenting the event, but there is potentially further good news this looks likely to be repeated this year. If you are not already a member of the GA, perhaps 2015 is the year to really consider this. 2014 saw more than 400 retailer subscribers signing up with around 100 suppliers and retailers also becoming full members during the year. Visit www.ga.uk.org where you’ll find all the information you need.

Not long now, and we get to experience all those great trade shows again. 2015 kick-starts with the doors opening to Giving & Living and Harrogate Christmas and Gift.

If you’re feeling a little ‘deflated’ after Christmas and starting to take down your Christmas displays, worry not - Christmas & Gift is a great opportunity to really keep the Christmas spirit alive by sourcing all your requirements early for the year. You’ll find all

“

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

Comments, letters and criticism are welcome.

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W

ow, here we all are, it’s 2015! Where did 2014 go? Did I blink and miss it? It may just be that we’ve all been so busy that time really did fly! What a year it was. We experienced many great trade shows, saw new product launches and hopefully saw a more buoyant year for everyone? I’d love to hear from you on what 2014 meant for you – why not drop me an email: penny@ lemapublishing.co.uk or give me a call: 01442 289947? Did anyone get involved in the madness of Black Friday this year?

So, what will 2015 bring? No one has a crystal ball, but I have to say, Brian Wiseman – just love your article this month. Brian takes a satirical view of what may lie ahead over the months ahead – turn to page 54 to ‘read all about it’! The month that especially made me chuckle has to be October. Here Brian states: ‘ A dawn raid by police throughout the land sees hundreds of honest, law abiding home and gift retailers arrested and taken into custody under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. With interception of emails now routine, the riddle of why is only solved when it becomes apparent that everyone detained has email correspondence on the subject of bath bombs.’

Not to ruin the fun of the article for you all, that’s all I’m going to highlight here, but it is funny and definitely worth the read!

This issue, as you can probably tell, is our biggest January issue to date and includes our annual Candle Feature – this really is a growing product sector, with more companies entering this product category. Good news, these are ‘consumables’ and once bought, you should see repeat purchases. Turn to page 18 to see all the latest ranges.

It doesn’t stop there, we also bring you many other features to focus on this month – you’ll find Toys for Gift Shops (page 62), Pet

Retail 42 Trade Talk We speak to the industries finest to hear their view on candles

54 Brian Wiseman A satirical look at 2015

72

Rachel Parkin What’s your plan for 2015?

77

Grass Roots What is everyone hoping for in 2015?

Special 32 Yankee Candle 46 Heart & Home Penny Franks speaks with marketing & communications manager, Jacquie Russo to find out more about this brand

Features 18

Candles A burning desire

62 Toys for Gift Shops Toying around, or serious footfall driver?

68 Pet Themed Gifts The purrfect instore opportunity

73

Kitchen Gifts Time to cook up a storm

Exhibition Profile 50 Harrogate Christmas & Gift 56 Top Drawer you need to know by turning to page 50 of this issue.

You will also find a preview of Top Drawer (page 56). At Top Drawer, you will find an inspirational showcase of thousands of carefully selected British and international suppliers. To preregister your attendance simply visit: www.topdrawer.co.uk Remember, next issue will be our Spring Fair preview issue. If you are an exhibitor this year and haven’t booked your marketing campaigns with Gifts Today, give Mark Horsnell a ring on: 01442 289930 or email him on: markh@ lemapublishing.co.uk So, for now, a very happy and prosperous New Year to you all.

NEWS

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April launch for World Stationery Joe Davies looks forward to welcoming you Day Now in its third year, National Stationery Week has caught the imagination of consumers and stationery fans around the world. Organised by the London Stationery Show, it has succeeded not only in getting people in the UK talking about stationery and the importance of writing by hand, but in bringing stationery lovers throughout the world together on Twitter and Facebook with many saying how much they wished they had something similar in their country.

As a result, Wednesday 29 April – the second day of the 2015 London Stationery Show and Day 3 of National Stationery Week - has been designated World Stationery Day. It has its own identity and website www.worldstationeryday.com , and will be promoted to consumer and trade media worldwide and on social media.

The aim of World Stationery Day is the same as for National Stationery Week, but globally – to get people around the world talking about stationery and the importance of writing by hand.

The message is the same, wherever you are – writing by hand is important, and matters.

National Stationery Week’s sponsors will be promoting the day to their international customers and consumers through their offices and associates around the world, and talking about it on social media.

National Stationery Week’s Twitter and Facebook pages and website, as well as those of the London Stationery Show, will all be used to spread the word.

For more information about World Stationery Day www.worldstationeryday.com

New National Account Manager at Price’s Candles Price’s Candles are delighted to welcome Lisa Fuller to their growing sales team. Lisa will play a major role in driving Price’s forward in what will be their 185th year in the UK in 2015.

Having worked with independent and multiple retailers alike, Lisa comes from a sales background representing some of the strongest brands in the UK including Carte Blanche and Churchill China. More recently she has gained invaluable experience in the candle and home fragrance market working for Wax Lyrical.

Lisa comments “I am delighted to be joining such a great company with so much history in the UK and I look forward to the challenge of taking Price’s into their next 185 years!”

Tel: 01234 264500 Email: sales@prices-candles.co.uk Web: www.prices-candles.co.uk

Dartington appoints New Area Sales Manager Dartington Crystal have appointed David Tennant as their Area Sales Manager for the North of England. With significant experience in the gift and homeware sector Mr Tennant will join Dartington in January. UK Sales Director Rob Kindred said “David already knows the territory and many of our existing customers. With a growing portfolio of brands and product collections it is an exciting time for him join us.”

Web: www.dartington.co.uk 4 gifts today

Many retailers ‘in the know’ will start 2015 on a positive note with a visit to Joe Davies at the Exeter Giving & Living Show. The company uses the show to introduce their brand new Spring and Summer Collections with over 2000 exciting new gifts, fashion accessories, home and jewellery items available to buy for the first time.

Mothers Day is a bit earlier next year (15th March) so Giving & Living is a great opportunity to be first in the queue for the best lines and to find some exciting new products to refresh the shelves after the Christmas rush.

Buying from Joe Davies also gets your cash flow off to a great start for the year!

The company specialises in selling to the independent retailer in small quantities and everything across their extensive range is available ‘Little & Often’ with minimum orders of just £100 and free delivery nationwide.

After the show the delights of Devon await. The area around Exeter is stunning with gorgeous scenery and beautiful village restaurants and hotels, just perfect for unwinding after a frenetic Christmas and New Year.

Joe Davies will be exhibiting at Giving & Living, Exeter, Stand A741/752. (11th – 14th January 2015) Call the award winning Joe Davies Sales office on 0161 975 6300, Email sales@ joedavies.co.uk or visit www.joedavies.co.uk

SIA Home Fashion adds its magic to the BBC Bake and Cake Show This year saw SIA Home Fashion taking a stand at the BBC Bake and Cake show in London.

SIA’s UK Director Simon Pykett reported “This was a unique opportunity to meet our end consumer and promote our brand image in the UK. SIA Home Fashion work closely with our retail customers and for many of them we provide visual merchandise assistance in store. As such this was really Claire’s show and an opportunity for her to show off her artistic flair and visual display abilities without the usual commercial constraints” Claire Youldon, SIA’s Visual Display Manager told Gifts Today editor Penny Franks: “With a background in Display and Design, I joined the VM Team at SIA four years ago.

“I thrive on the varied role of the showroom set ups, outside promotions, demonstrations and retailer visits. The challenge and personal objective of wanting to make a difference is made enjoyable with the signature collection of SIA flowers and accessories.

“When SIA was invited to be the dressing partner at the recent Bake and Cake Show at the Design Centre in Islington, it was such an opportunity to be part of the show and to be able to display the wonderful range of products.

“As Visual Display Manager I am responsible for the set-up of the showroom in Newbury on a twice yearly basis, showcasing Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter and then rolling the ‘SIA Look’ out to selected retailers in the UK and Ireland. Each day is different and challenging but I love it!”

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

ing Giving&Liv IDEAS INSPIRING

Stand A741/752 Over 2000 brand new gifts 7500+ lines to choose from Only £100 minimum order

Equilibrium Daisy

Oak Décor Frames

Buttons & Bows Plaques ‘Little & Often’ ordering system FREE next day delivery Award winning customer service

Poo-Pourri® Royal Flush

Equilibrium Girls Bracelets

Diamond Mirror Jumbo

Indigo Design Glass

Progressive Gifts Greats Awards 2014

12

Times Winners

Best Service to the Independent Retailer

Vintage Chic Perfume Bottles

Leonardo ’Life’ Candles

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

Great Service • Great Products • Great Prices

NEWS

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New mugs and metal plaques launched Lesser & Pavey are launching under licence, the Macneil Beachtime range.

The main themes are ‘Life is better on the beach’ and ‘Happiness is a day at the beach’.

The range encompasses a shopper, cooler and jumbo bag.

The fine china mugs come in two different shapes as well as a gift set of mug with a coaster, extending to melamine teabag tidy, spoon rest, coasters, placemats and small, medium and extra large trays.

See this range and many more at the Spring Fair C04-D03 in Hall 5.

Web: www.leonardo.co.uk

Kenro to exhibit at the Spring Fair, NEC Kenro, the well-known distributor of Gift Frames and Albums in the UK and Ireland will be exhibiting at the Spring Fair, Birmingham NEC, 1st-5th February 2015.

Visitors to the trade show will be able to visit the Kenro team in Hall 4, Stand B03, where they’ll be able to see all the latest Gift Frame and Album ranges and pick up a copy of the latest catalogue.

Some of the latest frames include the new Chester series of wooden frames, in either black or white, with a traditional raised filigree design and removable picture mats. These frames have free-standing easel backs and are supplied shrink wrapped in an individual bubble bag. Sizes are 6x4, 7x5 and 8x6 inches.

In contrast, the Senator range of wooden frames has a very clean modern look with a 20mm wide flat profile by 29.5mm deep. Colours available are Black, White and Matt Silver. Seven frame sizes are available ranging from 7x5 inches up to A3 size; the larger ones (11x14 inch upwards) are wall hanging only. Each frame is supplied shrink wrapped in an individual bubble bag.

The popular Frisco series of wooden frames has a new stable-mate: the Frisco Whitebrush. Together with the Black, Natural and Dark Oak colours, these frames have a 10x16mm profile with MDF backs and free standing easels. Each frame is supplied shrink wrapped with protective corners. Sizes range from 6x4 inch to A3.

Some of the latest new Albums include the Tundra, which is a lightly padded bookbound album with an embossed pattern.

It features a 50x50mm frame on the cover in which to place a favourite photo. The available colours are Red or Dark Grey and each album will hold 200 photos 6x4” / 10x15cm in memo pages with writing space next to each photo.

Also new and proving very popular are the brightly coloured Flower and Summer Breeze Nature Series Albums. Each bookbound slip in album holds 200 6x4 inch photos and is supplied in a protective jacket.

In addition Kenro will be exhibiting the rest of their comprehensive range of Gift Frames and Albums.

Says Paul Kench, Kenro’s managing director: “The Spring Fair has always proved valuable as a platform to meet new and existing clients. Retailers come from across the country to experience a wide variety of products and we always ensure that we have something interesting to tempt them on our stand.”

To view Kenro’s full range, or for details on becoming a stockist please visit www.kenro.co.uk - alternatively call Kenro’s head office on 01793 615836 for further information and to request a catalogue.

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One Brown Cow opens second store Independent home, interior, and gift shop One Brown Cow have opened their second store at Wilton Shopping Village.

Originally established in Amesbury just over 7 years ago One Brown Cow, run by husband and wife team Mark and Tracy Clemas, have continued to source an eclectic mix of design led products for their growing following of customers from shabby chic decorative items to modern, contemporary home ware and home products from leading designers including Orla Kiely and Emma Bridgewater, all which sit alongside a wider range of gifts, handbags and accessories chosen for their design, functionality and purpose.

Owner Mark said of the new Wilton venture “When the possibility of opening our second

store at Wilton Shopping Village was proposed to us at the end of November we thought it was too good an opportunity to miss.”

“The redevelopment of the historic courtyard buildings at Wilton Shopping Village featuring craft studios and artisans working alongside an independent gallery and cafe fits in so well with our own business model and allows us to add our own distinctive retail mix to the enjoyable and interesting shopping experience being created for shoppers at Wilton.”

The new shop at Wilton is over twice the size of the original shop in Amesbury allowing for better displays and a more open layout to the store. Future plans include the expansion of existing ranges and the introduction of new and exciting home and gift products.

Best Kept Secrets Launch Biggest ever new range at 2015 Trade Shows Best Kept Secrets are extending their product range significantly in 2015 following the recent acquisition of an established fragranced gifts specialist. Building on the success of their award winning scented candles range, and with the addition of natural soaps in 2013, the next major expansion of the business, sees over 40 new fragranced gifts on show immediately in 2015.

From January Best Kept Secrets products will all be branded under the single banner of ‘Seriously Scented’ and the additional products in the portfolio include Jute Bags, Vaisettes, Cupcakes, Floral Boxes and Pouches, which all contain ranges of fragranced bath bursts, bath salts or soaps.

There will also be a range of gift products with Bracelet Bags and Earring Bags, featuring locally produced charm bracelets and costume jewellery alongside fragranced gifts. To complete the new range are fizzles and fizzle bags which combine the mini scented bath bursts in decorative pillow boxes and pouches, so there is a selection of gifts for every age range.

The acquisition which takes effect from the New Year, sees Best Kept Secrets extend across all areas of the fragranced gift market, and provides existing and new independent retailers

with an outstanding choice of products, which all come with the Best Kept Secrets guarantee of hand made high quality products, with an emphasis on fragrance and excellent scent quality.

Commenting on the launch of the new range of products Alan Edwards from Best Kept Secrets said: ‘We saw the automatic opportunity to grow the business by acquiring a specialist and established supplier in the fragranced gift market. We recognise that independent retailers have a genuine need for a wide range of products which carry a good margin, and a relatively affordable RRP, and we now have a complete range of products from our established candles and soaps to bath time products, hampers and gifts and cost effective bath time products, which mean we have the ability to provide lots of solutions for the independent retail trade. We are showcasing all our new ranges at Scotland’s Trade Fair on 18-20th January and then straight into Spring Fair at the NEC on 1st – 5th February. We are really excited to see the reaction from customers and showing our new comprehensive range of seriously scented products.’

Tel: 01670 512222 Web: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

VILLAGE CANDLE

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

www.villagecandle.co.uk Tel: 01254 300268

Email: sales@villagecandle.co.uk

R

Coffee Break Preparing early for a bigger Christmas Even though last minute Christmas orders kept the team at GiftScribes really busy through most of December, January is not the time for a holiday! We talked with Director Howard Thomas about his new responsibilities, new product lines and a strategic plan for 2015.

You joined the Giftware Association National Committee a few months ago, how will that position help you?

Well, it wasn’t borne of a desire to gain personal advantage. The GA is a cornerstone of the industry, a voice for the industry and they helped us greatly when we set up in 2007. This was a new venture for my wife, Linda, and I and we were made to feel like part of a family. I also like the idea that I might be playing a supporting role for ‘the little guy’s’. We are reliable, professional and offering a product range in demand, but we are still only a young and small business; we face different challenges that need representing.

NEWS regular

A very merry Christmas Christmas comes early at Junction 18 and Shruti Designs, where buyers are invited to attend the 2015 Christmas Collection, Open Week event.

Launching at the company’s newly remodelled and extended showroom in Warminster, this season’s ranges are new and exciting. A host of product stories are showcased including Country Christmas, Highland Holiday, Moroccan Nights, Jack Frost, Baby The Stars Shine Bright, Christmas Naturally, and Santa Baby to name a few…

Couple that with some wonderful designs from ‘Fresh Talent’ – a stable of Great British artists manufacturing under the Shruti label – this certainly is an event not to be missed.

The January 2015 Open Week run’s from 6th – 11th where customers can explore the showcase in a more relaxed and informal way. This is a catered event so RSVP is essential.

For further information or to secure your place please email:

hello@shrutidesigns.co.uk A warm welcome awaits you and a glass of festive cheer or two!

Location: Junction Eighteen Ltd Stephens Way, Bath Road Warminster BA12 8PE Nearest Station: Westbury (Main Line from London Paddington)

The Gifts Today team Editor Penny Franks penny@lemapublishing.co.uk

Tough times prevailed for everyone after 2007, how is business generally?

Better and growing. GiftScribes has just had its best season with 50% growth year-on-year and we recently took on three more part time employees.

Assistant Editor Paul Donnelley pauld@lemapublishing.co.uk

Advertisement Manager Mark Horsnell mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

Congratulations! What are you doing right?

Time will tell if this really is a winning formula, but most of our product lines have a proven and cyclical demand for Christmas. We also noticed early on that – if we keep everyone happy - our existing customers are a very effective sales force and we build by recommendation. Our Creative Consultancy, The M Partnership, has created and managed a co-ordinated marketing and PR strategy that has definitely worked in the last 18 months. People seem to like our adverts, our positioning in the market has improved and hopefully, this is building a good reputation for us.

Group Editor Mirella Cestaro mirella@lemapublishing.co.uk

Group Advertisement Manager Ryan Horwood ryan@lemapublishing.co.uk

Publisher Mark Naish mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

What will you be taking to the Spring Fair?

One of the most comprehensive ranges of personalisable Christmas decorations, the ever popular piggy banks and money boxes, as well as a range of picture frames, bookends, table top decorations and hanging plaques. We also plan to launch about 50 new decorations, new piggy bank designs and hope to introduce a completely new product for 2015.

Production Director Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

Managing Director Malcolm Naish malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

Media Solutions Manager How do you see 2015 shaping up?

It won’t be booming – the economic conditions aren’t ideal – and I know some a still struggling to sell non essential or ‘discretionary’ purchases; but we are quietly confident.

Tel: 01584 811 190 Email: sales@giftscribes.co.uk Web: www.giftscribes.co.uk 8 gifts today

Bradley Mason bradleymason@hotmail.co.uk

Lema Publishing Ltd

PUBLISHING

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

Products: Present Time, Burgon & Ball, J-Me, Suck UK, Present Time, Burgon & Ball

INSPIRING BUYING IN 2015 THE NEWEST PRODUCTS, INNOVATIONS AND TRENDS FROM OVER 3,000 EXHIBITORS. REGISTER FOR YOUR COMPLIMENTARY TICKET AT WWW.SPRINGFAIR.COM/GIFTSTODAY

licensing news

Celebrations set for Miffy’s milestone year Miffy, the iconic children’s book character, celebrates her 60th Anniversary next year with a host of events, partnerships and product launches.

Dick Bruna’s much-loved white bunny has already kick-started celebrations in the UK by partnering with Bliss, the national charity that helps care for premature and sick babies.

A special Miffy comfort blanket promotion was launched on World Prematurity Day, 17 November, with donations going to Bliss. New Miffy baking products will to support the Bliss ‘Cake a Difference’ event in February and the Bliss flagship Buggy Push takes place in London on Miffy’s birthday, 21 June 2015.

UK nurseries and pre-schools are planning special Miffy based craft events and parties in the run-up to Easter, whilst Storysack and Miffy are teaming up in the spring to provide schools and nurseries with a Miffy-themed cloth bag, packed with books, soft toys and storytelling props.

Simon & Schuster will be joining in the celebrations next year, with the launch of exciting new novelty and gift book publishing formats, including Miffy and the Royal Baby which will be published in March and a special anniversary edition of Miffy’s Birthday in June.

A number of other new products will also be launching to mark the 60th Anniversary, including a spring babywear launch in M&S, and a sleepsuit and hat set in Boots’ Mini-Club from babywear licensee Dennicci. Rainbow Designs are also producing a range of new Miffy toys, including new plush formats and colourful wooden toys and stacking blocks.

Alicia Davenport, Licensing Director at DRi said, “Miffy will be in the spotlight more than ever in the coming months, as the world celebrates six decades of her success.

“We’re delighted to be at the heart of these momentous celebrations and excited by all that the Miffy licensing programme has lined up for 2015,” added Alicia.

Worldwide, Miffy’s 60th celebratory events in 2015 include exhibitions, a new musical and TV show, commemorative stamps, floral displays and children’s parties.

Tel: 020 3757 2170 Tel: alicia@drilicensing.com

Downton Abbey‘s Mrs. Patmore, Lesley Nicol Visits Atlanta Gift Show With the Downton Abbey lifestyle brand continuing to build on its success in the gift and home furnishings area with the launch of many new licensed products, as well as the addition of numerous new licensees, there is sure to be plenty of excitement at the 2015 Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market. In celebration of Downton Abbey licensees and the breadth and quality of the Downton Abbey– inspired product lines, actress Lesley Nicol who plays the popular, outspoken and kindly cook on Downton Abbey will be attending Atlanta Gift Mart. Ms. Nicol will be visiting the showrooms of Downton Abbey licensees - including Heritage Lace, 1928 Jewelry, Enesco, Kurt S. Adler, Langley Empire Candle, North American Bear Co., River of Goods, and Roman – and will meet licensees’ teams and retail buyers.

“We are so excited that Lesley Nicol – Mrs. Patmore herself - will be joining us at the Atlanta Gift Show,” says Knockout Licensing Co-President Carole Postal. “She’s such a lovable, central character on the show that her presence is certain to bring the love and excitement for Downton Abbey among the gift and home trade to a whole new level.”

Knockout Licensing is the agency responsible for managing the Downton Abbey licensing programme in North America. Downton Abbey will premiere its fifth season on PBS Masterpiece on January 4, 2015 and the show has already been renewed for a sixth season.

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Start Licensing Looking to Cook Up Some Deals with Chef & Sue Start Licensing has announced the representation of License This finalist Chef & Sue. Created by Ann Edwards, Chef and Sue is a cartoon starring Chef a scruffy little dog and Sue a well groomed ginger cat. They live somewhere in middle England, where Champagne is always on offer and shopping is a competitive sport. Chef and Sue is a gentle social satire with added Cheese jokes. Their mission statement is to ‘CHEER THE WORLD’.

Chef & Sue is best known as a weekly, full - colour cartoon strip that appears in the Waitrose newspaper.

It has a very distinctive visual style which stands out off the page. The cartoons are humorous with pithy one liners and are very topical covering themes like food, cookery, wine and entertaining.

Its creator Ann Edwards is a well known artist and illustrator who has a great track record of success and has a proven commercial appeal with her artwork regularly being licensed by a range of licensees in the UK and overseas.

Chef & Sue was a finalist in Brand License Europe’s License This competition; a competition for which Start Licensing’s Ian Downes was Chairman of judges.

Ian picks up the story “I was aware of Chef & Sue before License This from its regular appearances in the Waitrose newspaper. So I was pleasantly surprised to see it was entered in the License This competition. I felt it was a strong property because of the exposure it had and the themes featured in the stories. The judges all felt that Chef & Sue had a lot of potential and placed it in the final. Having seen the property close up and learning more about it from Ann I was keen to explore it further. So I approached Ann after BLE and am delighted that we have reached an agreement to represent the property.”

Ann commented “It was fun entering the License This competition. It made me think about what and why I was drawing Chef and Sue. Working with Ian is a pleasure and I am sure he will be able to build a licensing programme to share Chef and Sue with their legion of fans. When we first met he also had on some really silly boots which I think is important for your Licensing Agent.”

Frozen is set to beat the alltime record of Toy Story 3 According to global information provider, The NPD Group, the movie Frozen has reached the most coveted spot year-to-date (week 45 ending 8th November) for the first time. It is the #1 license in Great Britain’s toy market.

Despite the film coming out almost a year ago, retail toys sales have been very strong since launch.

According to NPD’s weekly sales data, Frozen has been holding the top spot since kids went back to school in early September.

“New items have been launched, production has been increased to meet demand, and sales are getting stronger. We counted three Frozen dolls in the five best-selling toys last week alone” said Frederique Tutt, Toys Global Industry Analyst for The NPD Group. “When looking at weekly sales and given the most important weeks of the year are still to come (a third of sales happened in the last seven weeks of the year), if Frozen continues at this level until Christmas, not only will the license keep top spot and get the license of the year accolade but it will also beat the all-time record of Toy Story 3 (2010) in terms of toy sales.”

In 2010, Great Britain embraced the third installment of the iconic Toy Story film; boys mostly bought into the franchise (70%) followed by girls (30%).

While the film, Frozen, also appeals to both genders, the merchandise sales are predominantly concentrated amongst girls making its performance at retail even more outstanding.

Please contact our sales ofďŹ ce to view our new collections for 2015

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

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

exhibition news

Find the perfect accessories at Ambiente 2015

Meet some New Faces at Giving & Living 11th – 14th January Giving & Living is the South West’s ‘Spring Fair’. It’s a vibrant home and gift trade show, with a strong focus on the tourism sector, and an unrivalled selection of coastal products.

At last count, with stands filling up fast, there were 61 companies exhibiting at Giving & Living for the first time in January 2015.

14 of these are also Newcomers - companies that have never exhibited at any trade show before. Alongside the first-timers, you’ll find 79 British makers, and around 200 of the regular exhibitors! Among the new faces for you to meet are Algan Arts, Little Trove, Sapooni, Holy Mackerel, Molly Mac, and Nature’s Jewellery. We all like to see new things, and with cards, candles, textiles, jewellery, glass, soap, gifts, and so much more, you’ll be spoilt for choice!

In addition to the Newcomers area, there’s the Designed & Made in Britain area where you’ll find products of high quality with a distinct local flavour, reflecting the UK’s unique heritage. If you’re after products with a strong ethical and/or environmental background, the Naturally Trail will lead you to them. In addition to the wide range of products available, and new for 2015, the Enhance area will inspire you to add new items to your offering, and source services that could help you do business more profitably.

Giving & Living 2015 runs from Sunday 11th January to Wednesday 14th January, and will bring together up to 300 exhibitors and 4000+ retail buyers. It takes place at the Westpoint Arena near Exeter, one of the South West’s leading exhibition venues.

For more information about the show, to book one of the last few remaining stands, or pre-register to attend, please call 01934 733433, follow @giving_living, or visit www.givingliving.co.uk.

12 gifts today

Ambiente is the leading international trade fair for products for the table, kitchen and housewares, gift and decorative articles, and interior design concepts and furnishing accessories. Ambiente is ‘The Show’ for the entire sector and, thanks to its unique horizontal and vertical range of products, unrivalled worldwide. For five days at the beginning of the business year, 2014, more than 4,700 exhibitors showed their new products and innovations for the coming season to 144,000 trade visitors from over 160 countries. The world’s leading consumer-goods fair is also distinguished by a wide variety of events, promotional programmes for young people, trend presentations and awards ceremonies.

Sub Head: ‘Personal Accessories’ section at Ambiente continues to grow Accessories are the icing on the cake for every outfit. Be it a trendy bag or fashionable scarf, a stylish belt or a natty pair of sunglasses – some 250 exhibitors will be showcasing fashion accessories for any and every look at Ambiente in Frankfurt am Main, from 13 to 17 February 2015. “Accessories are currently hugely important in the fashion world and that is reflected at Ambiente, too. Buyers can get a comprehensive overview of the latest accessory collections, not only for their core ranges, but as supplementary ones too,” says Yvonne Engelmann, Director of ‘Giving’ at Ambiente. “Fashion accessories are specifically not just an interesting proposition for fashion and lifestyle retailers; they are increasingly being used as supplementary ranges in jewellery shops, furnishing outlets, concept stores and by specialist glass, porcelain and ceramics retailers.”

Up-to-the-minute fashions in accessories are to be found at Ambiente from, amongst others, suppliers such as Ahmaddy, Beadbag, Berba, Dernier, Dolphin Innovations, Flux Design, Grösserfetterbreiter, Häusser United Brands with their Funbag and Wenger labels – Swissgear, Henrique Ferreira Pais with their ‹love cork› brand, Lässig, Noi Home + Fashion, Prodis Design, The Moshi, Urbantool, Voi Leather Design, Volker Lang and Zwei.

Ambiente, the leading international trade fair www.ambiente.messefrankfurt.com

Bigger London Stationery Show Nearly Sold Out 28th April – 29th April The 2015 London Stationery Show will be the biggest so far and 25% bigger than this year’s event, show organiser First Events has confirmed.

“The show has had four consecutive years of growth,” says show director Chris Leonard-Morgan, “And we’re delighted that 2015 will be the best yet!”

The Stationery Show takes place at the Business Design Centre in London on Tuesday, April 28 and Wednesday, April 29 and is part of National Stationery Week (Monday, April 27 to Sunday, May 3). The exhibition offers visitors a unique and unrivalled product range which includes stationery of all types - children’s, social, gift and licensed items, as well as a wide range of desk accessories, storage, writing products, diaries, notebooks and organisers.

The 2015 show is virtually sold out and will open with a line-up that includes many new suppliers and brands, as one in three exhibitors will be exhibiting for the first time.

Visitors are guaranteed a wide-ranging and varied line up of over 200 brands and exhibitors to see from around the world, under one roof.

“There is huge interest in stationery and writing products from across the retail sector – from gift to grocery and home stores, and from fashion to visitor attractions. Our exhibitors, and their brands, cater to the largest and the smallest and we’re delighted that the show is able to accommodate this interest. Where else will retailers get to see this range and number of suppliers all together in one place? Get the dates in your 2015 diary now!” comments Chris.

For more information: www.stationeryshow.co.uk and www.nationalstationeryweek.com

Christmas & Gift Harrogate 11th to 14th January Sunday to Wednesday 2015 Harrogate International Centre

The UK’s Premier Christmas Show in 2015

11th - 14th January 2015 Harrogate International Centre King's Road Harrogate North Yorkshire HG1 5LA

Book Your Stand Tel: +44 (0)1902 882 280 or 07798 737 077 Email: info@harrogatefair.com simon@harrogatefair.com Visit: www.harrogatefair.com

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GA news

GA sounds out members over future Meet the Buyer events The past year has been momentous for The Giftware Association. Michael Papé outlined his mission statement well ahead of his installation as chairman in June: to facilitate more trade between its supplier members and retailer members and subscribers.

Chief executive Isabel Martinson reports positive progress and 2015 will see The GA building on the initiatives taken in the last 12 months.

Henri Davis, the experienced independent retail consultant, who became the association’s vice-chairman, has also brought a retail perspective to the work of The GA as it seeks to better represent all its members.

“We said at the start of last year that we would launch a campaign to reach out to retailers – who do such a great job in our shops and stores – and build an audience that would be irresistible to our supplier members.

“We have done that, signing up more than 400 retailer subscribers since last January, while around 100 suppliers and retailers also became full members during the year.”

However, Isabel points to The GA’s heavily oversubscribed ‘Meet the Buyer’ event with the John Lewis Partnership in November – when suppliers pitched to the retailer’s gift buyers – as a very important moment as far as the interface between the two sides of the industry was concerned.

“You know a significant breakthrough has been achieved when one of Britain’s best-known suppliers says that we managed to facilitate meetings for them with specific buyers that they had struggled to connect with. But it wasn’t just a question of suppliers pitching to John Lewis. They took on board advice from them about their products and strategies too, and were extremely grateful for it.

“As JLP buyers also found this an efficient way of communicating with suppliers, The GA is planning future Meet the Buyer events with other top retailers and we are sounding out our members to find out who they would like to meet.”

Isabel gazes into her crystal ball Isabel Martinson is not only chief executive of The GA, but is also chairman of the Trade Association Forum. And she was again named in an end-of-year round-up as one of the gift and home industry’s “influencers” over the past 12 months – someone who “continues to forge and strengthen relationships with governmental and industry bodies who can help the gift sector”.

So it should come as no surprise that Isabel is often asked to do a little crystal ball-gazing about which products will sell well in 2015.

She thinks that “inexpensive practical gifts will continue to be sought after as long as wage growth remains muted”. However, Isabel detected signs in the run-up to Christmas that frivolous presents were becoming more popular.

“Many people are feeling increasingly confident about the economy and perhaps think it’s time to spend a little more instead of buying things just because they are useful,” she says.

“While price points will always be crucial, higher-end, quality gifts that are a bit different are still finding buyers.”

Isabel believes that bath, body and home fragrance products that provide some luxury and raise spirits will continue to do well, and 2015 will see candle companies creating “more stunning scents and beautifully presented products as they vie for market share in this highly competitive arena”.

New property developments and the housing boom in some parts of the UK was good news for the suppliers of furniture and home products in 2014 – a trend she sees continuing.

14 gifts today

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17/12/2014 10:51

USA - the UK’s biggest (and most challenging) export market

S

ome see the USA as the holy grail of exporting, with streets paved with gold while others are put off by its reputation as the ‘graveyard of British businesses’ – so which is it? It is in fact both: the paradoxical thing about the USA is that almost anything you can say about it, the opposite is also likely to be true.

We have a shared language and many cultural similarities; but at the same time the USA can be surprisingly different in many ways. It is also a very large and potentially lucrative market, but it is also one of the most competitive with high barriers to entry. Although Americans are often open and welcoming as individuals, they can be finicky and demanding customers.

For any exporter considering the USA, it is important to truly appreciate the size, complexity and diversity of the market. It is the fourth largest country in the world, home to 320 million people of virtually every ethnic background, it spans six time zones (or nine, if you include Puerto Rico, Samoa and Chamorro) and hosts most climate types from tropical to Arctic – that is enough to accommodate an almost infinite array of social, cultural and lifestyle factors.

In addition to this, there is also the multiple layers of legislation and government, from federal to state to sub-state level.

California alone, if it were an independent

state, would be among the top 10 largest economies in the world, made up of several distinct regions and some of the largest and most diverse cities in the world. Even a small state like Massachusetts has the same size economy as Hungary, Romania and Slovakia combined.

Another thing to bear in mind is that Americans are used to finding everything they need in their home market, and therefore dealing with overseas suppliers isn’t as commonplace as it might be here in Europe. As a result, you may find, as a foreign company, that you need to go the extra mile to ensure a customer base in the USA, as well as reassure potential customers of your commitment to the market. (Arguably that is true of any market in the world, but none more so than America.)

The USA is not a ‘quick win’ market, tackling it will invariably take longer and require more effort and investment than what you might think. For example, if you are likely to run out of money, time or interest halfway into a project, you might be better off not starting it in the first place.

However, if you are prepared to approach it systematically and thoroughly, as well as willing to commit the resources it takes and determined to make it work, the USA has more to offer than almost any other market in the world.

Written by: Roope Aaltonen, UKTI, International Trade Adviser

Top Tips 1. Don’t think of the USA as one market, think of it as a collection of markets that happen to share the same currency (not unlike the Eurozone). Some states can perhaps be clustered together, others are standalone markets in their own right and some of the bigger ones could even be split into several markets.

2. Work out where your chances of success are the greatest, which may not necessarily be on either of the two coasts or in any of the major cities. Make sure things run smoothly here before taking on additional opportunities in the market.

3. Don’t give any one distributor nationwide rights, at least not exclusive ones, not until they’ve proven themselves. It is virtually impossible for even a large distributor to cover the whole country, despite what they might tell you. In reality most distributors can cover their own state successfully and a neighbouring states passably, but beyond that they often struggle.

4. Try to become as much a ‘local player’ as you can. This makes it easier for your American customers to deal with you in practical terms. It also puts you on a level footing with US suppliers, and reassures buyers that you’re committed to the market long-term.

5. Do your due diligence, and have it double-checked by experts. What technical standards, consumer safety regulations, approvals and so on are required? Does the

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the government organisation helping exporters succeed in overseas markets. We provide practical business advice and information on all aspects of trading internationally. To find out more about exporting and how UKTI can help you, please visit www.gov.uk/ukti or contact our customer service team on: TEL: 020 7215 5000 EMAIL: enquiries@ukti.gsi.gov.uk

product need to be amended in any way? What import duties and other charges are levied? Will your existing business insurance cover you for US product liability risks?

What can you do to protect your intellectual property, and are you sure you’re not infringing on any existing rights?

16 gifts today

Freephone 0800 0116969 25 YEARS OF PUCKATOR

Making & Baking

Beautiful Birds

Trade Shows 2015

Flamingo Wild !

Forest Tales

Candles

Picture courtesy of Xystos

The flicker of hope In store candles are a great opportunity to drive additional footfall, whether an impulse buy or a repeat purchase, you just have to love them.

W

e don’t need them but still we love them. They have been superseded by modern electricity.

We have light at the flick of a switch but who does not prefer a romantic meal by candlelight? Or just a quiet evening with a loved one, the room bathed in the light of a few candles and a bottle of something chilling in a bucket with something to nibble on close by? And don’t forget that these days, candles are not just for illumination but can enhance a mood by providing that special aroma.

We asked a number of businesses about their view on candles. Sarah Oakey who works in marketing and graphic design for Price’s Candles told us, ‘There’s a trend for 2015 for dark floral rose fragrances that have a warmer spiced accord. Up until recently fragrances in this category have been mostly traditional or modern light peonies. But as with fine fragrance, we are seeing a trend that has also caught on with candles and diffusers within the home. At Price’s we have a great example in our Signature range Damson Rose a fragrance, which contains extracts of warm spices along with sugared fruit.

‘Consumers are aware of the importance of burn times simply because most candles are now bought for use around the home.

‘A lot of the magic of candlelight is the cleanness of the burn, a stable smoke-free flame, as well as long burn times. Consumers want good quality products, therefore are willing to pay that little extra to ensure they have made the right choice.’

Sarah Haydon runs Bicester Bazaar and finds that for them candles are popular all year round. ‘When it comes to candles people want warm, spicy fragrances rather than fresh floral ones.

At this time of the year I’m selling candles smelling of mince pies, and cinnamon and orange.

‘For my customers price is more 18 gifts today

important than packaging. Some will balk at a £7.95 price tag, others don’t mind irrespective of the packaging.

‘It’s definitely a female area. Men will come in and buy for their other half’s birthday or at this time of the year. But my customer base is definitely more female.’

What about the packaging, does this have a direct impact on the consumer and how they view the quality of the product? Of course it does, it’s essential that the product appeals to a wide audience and is appealing to the eye in the way it is presented.

Sharon Jervis, Founder, Beefayre told us: ‘We would say the majority of our sales are people buying gifts for loved ones so packaging and appearance is incredibly important to this audience.

Sarah Oakey, Price’s Candles:

‘A lot of the magic of candlelight is the cleanness of the burn, a stable smoke-free flame, as well as long burn times. Consumers want good quality products, therefore are willing to pay that little extra to ensure they have made the right choice.’

Beefayre’s candles are beautifully boxed and feature stunning colourful botanical prints. These aim to connect people with nature and the British countryside. Customers also love the original print on the glass holders & enjoy collecting the different designs.’

‘Consumers are often packaging led; they look at the style of packaging, Its material, its colour, its finishing and also recognise things like foils and UV varnishes that add value and give a premium feel. The first thing that will

attract consumers to any product is its look,’ said Sarah Oakey.

Like Sarah Oakey and Sharon Jervis, Hazel Simmons, of Stoneglow Candles believes that packaging is important to the consumer. ‘Packaging is what initially draws the customer to the product, and it makes them feel like they have purchased something special,’ And what about who they appeal to?

Is this mainly a female audience?

Hazel comments, ‘Candles are mainly a female category but there is a growing number of male consumers who see home fragrance products as part of their daily regime.’

Sarah Oakey agrees: ‘Candles have always been associated with females of all ages, but in recent years there’s been an increase in sales from men.’

One company who has noticed an upswing in male customers is Beefayre who have noted an increase in males buying candles as gifts. Sharon told us: ‘We find more females buy for themselves but it’s about 50/50 of male and females buying Beefayre for gifts. What we have also found is that the designs on our packaging appeal to a broad demographic of customers.’

Marie Jones of Wax Lyrical is looking forward and has great expectations for the following year: ‘2015 will continue to be an exciting year with our passion for newness and choice we will launch two new collections alongside new fragrances and products in our existing ranges.

‘From January 2015 Wax Lyrical will launch a new range of products under our best selling licence collection The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). The new range named Fragrant Gardens will present a fresh contemporary look combing the beautiful illustrations from the historical archive library with striking accent colours.

‘Already receiving great reviews from preview selections this new collection is set to grow the RHS brand even further and maintain Wax Lyrical as their number one partner.’

‘Another new collection for 2015 is Wax Lyrical’s Fragrant Escapes a captivating collection of evocative fragrances, inspired by scents from around the World. Consumers continue to be fascinated by the unique cultures, foods and age old traditions of different countries around the world.

With so many places to explore this trend is set to stay.’

When we look at scent, how important is this? It really can ‘make or break’ a candle range and more candle manufacturers and suppliers look ahead at seasonal trends and support this with aromas that can evoke memories of days gone by, or collections that embrace scents that we instantly recognise and love.

Hazel Simmons of Stoneglow Candles reports that ‘We are finding an increased demand for more sophisticated aromas, anything with a tea base is very popular, and giving classics a modern twist, like our Rose Petal and May Chang for example.

‘Customers are loving the fragrances in our new Modern Apothecary range, these have all been developed using traditional ingredients, but in interesting blends so they stand out from the crowd.

‘Our customer base is becoming far more knowledgeable, and are looking for value for money. They love our gel candles as they can be refilled, and even more so now we are offering refill packs.

‘Anything that can offer natural credentials is still a growing market.

We are very excited to be launching our new high performance natural wax blend, which we have developed to our own recipe.

‘This blend leaves behind all the issues usually associated with natural waxes, and offers an unparalleled fragrance throw. We believe this is going to be our hottest new development for a long time.’

Take a look at the following pages – you’ll find plenty to really light up your shelves during 2015!

Candles

St Eval Candle Company XXXX With Spring and Summer just a stone’s throw away, St Eval Candle Company are already indulging in their new additions to their exceedingly popular Woodland Collection. Each personally selected pot, decorated with a woodland motif, will be joined by two new additions which will be unveiled at Top Drawer Spring (O53) and Spring Fair International (Hall 20- Stand 6S01).

Along with these beautifully hand poured pots; they will have their always popular Floral Pots in Spring Flower and sumptuous Rose Garden. St Eval will also have their stunning Tuscan Stone outdoor candles available in Sea Salt, Lemon & Thyme and Citronella, just perfect for a summer evening.

Indulge your senses by coming along and smelling over 30 different fragrances,

Joe Davies

spread across 17 ranges, that are quintessentially British and very St Eval Candle Company.

St Eval Candle Company will be showing at both Top Drawer Spring (O53) and Spring Fair (Hall 20- Stand 6S01)

Tel: 01841 540850 Email: info@stevalcandlecompany.co.uk Website: www.stevalcandlecompany.co.uk

TTTT

When it comes to selling candles, packaging and presentation is all important.

These high class Savoy Candles from Joe Davies retail from just £4.99 but are beautifully finished and are boxed as well as other products that are triple the price. The result is some lovely sales figures!

For Spring and Summer the Savoy Range will be joined by a lighter ‘Biarritz’ series as well as a trendy Vintage Pastel Collection in Mercury glass.

All can be seen at the upcoming Exeter Giving & Living show in January.

Joe Davies will be exhibiting at Giving & Living, Exeter, Stand A741/752. (11th – 14th January 2015)

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

Price’s Candles

SSSS

Price’s Candles have been making candles for over 180 years and remain the supplier to the Royal Household thanks to their enduring quality, attention to detail and innovation.

This year, at the Giving & Living show in Exeter, Price’s are set to display their Signature range of fragranced jars and diffusers for the first time. Launching in January of 2014, across twelve stunning fragrances, thanks to the immediate popularity of the range, the number of fragrances had reached twenty-four by September. This elegant range is focused on high quality fragrance, burn quality and value.

In collaboration with their fragrance house and after extensive market research, Price’s have developed scents to capture future trends, bringing the brand to the forefront in home fragrance design. These fragrances, combined with beautiful timeless packaging, which includes branded silver lids, gives the range a quality, contemporary feel that today’s consumers demand.

Come and see what’s new from Price’s at Giving & Living, 11 – 14 January, stand A111.

Tel: 01234 264500 Web: www.prices-candles.co.uk 20 gifts today

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Beefayre

Beefayre’s Brand Story Evolves

Waggledance collection is refreshed for the New Year

E

thical home fragrance brand Beefayre is inspired by nature & the plight of the honeybee. The brand’s mission is to produce excellent quality gifts made in England using the finest ingredients. Buying Beefayre products means customers are directly helping save bees - as 3% of the company’s profits are donated to bee conservation.

Beefayre is pleased to announce the refresh of its Waggledance collection – introducing new products & fragrance.

The progression of the collection comes ahead of the New Year trade shows – Top Drawer & Spring Fair.

Waggledance has been one of Beefayre’s most popular collections since the brand’s launch in 2011. A honeybee performs the ‘Waggledance’ to communicate to the rest of the hive where the sweetest nectar lies.

Not only does the Waggledance collection feature stunning fresh new designs hand drawn by illustrator Sharon Jervis, but the quality of the packaging has gives a high-end luxury finish. The packaging features striking designs of traditional botanical line drawings with a contemporary twist – an injection of colour.

Beautifully presented in gift boxes, the Waggledance collection makes for an attractive shop display & appeals to people of all ages.

Bee Kind – Rosemary & Neroli – heals mind, body & spirit through rosemary & the soothing essential oils of neroli.

Home Fragrance Large Scented Candle 300g This candle has a burning time of 65 hours. Presented in recycled frosted glass holders, these candles add a touch of elegance to the home.

Hand Cream 100ml This handbag size tube of hand cream is made with essential oils to leave the hands feeling soft & smooth.

Body & Bath Beefayre’s body & bath collection is free from parabens & sulphates, is vegan friendly & is PETA certified.

Body & Bath Set (200ml Shower & Bath Wash & 200ml Aloe Lotion) The Shower & Bath Wash foams to form a light lather, which is kind to the skin & can also be used as a moistursing bubble bath. Follow by applying the Aloe Lotion, which is silky & absorbs with ease.

Bex Hewetson, Head of Sales & Marketing at Beefayre, commented: “The refresh of our Waggledance collection is a clear step forward in our brand story & progression. We have worked hard to transform this popular collection in to a sumptuous choice for those looking for natural essential oil home fragrance & beauty products.

The designs truly speak for themselves & bring the packaging to life.”

Single Votive Candle 90g These candles are small but mighty – with a burning time of 25 hours. The frosted glass holders are presented in an attractive gift box & are a great way to try the difference fragrances.

The collection includes home fragrance along with body & bath in three uplifting fragrances – Bee Calm, Bee Happy & the brand new Bee Kind.

For the first time, Beefayre will be offering a 100ml diffuser & 100ml refills.

Votive Candle Gift Set (three candles 90g each) Beautifully presented in a rigid gift box, these votive candles give 25 hours of burning time each.

Bee Calm – Lavender & Geranium – promotes harmony & relaxation with lavender, geranium & ylang ylang essential oils.

Bee Happy – Orange & Jasmine – improves mood with the uplifting & refreshing essential oils of orange & jasmine.

Beefayre’s candles are hand poured using 100% natural plant-based wax, have cotton wicks & contain essential oils. They boast exceptional burn times due to the outstanding quality of the natural wax. These candles are registered on the PETA cruelty free product list & are suitable for vegans.

22 gifts today

Reed Diffuser 100ml The high-quality essential oils used in these natural reed diffusers lasts up to 12 weeks.

Refills are available in 100ml bottles.

Trade special offer: Body Butter Tin 200ml A rich & velvety body butter that contains essential oils, cocoa & shea butter cream to leave the skin feeling revitalised & nourished.

Beefayre offers free tea light testers with all orders and beehive POS material.

Tel: 01858 434492 www.beefayre.com

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

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Candles

Wax Lyrical

SSSS

TTTT 2015 will continue to be an exciting year at Wax Lyrical with their passion for newness and choice they will launch two new collections in 2015 alongside new fragrances and products in their existing ranges.

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

Fired Earth is stylish, understated and with two new fragrances added for 2015 is set to become a must stocked range for the specialist retailer. Peppermint Tea and Thyme adds a refreshing sweet fragrance to this beautiful selection and the fresh aromatic Earl Grey and Vetivert is the perfect complement to the portfolio of tea infused fragrances. They have also added their large two wick fragranced candles to all Fired Earth fragrances after their huge popularity in 2014.

Another new collection for 2015 is Wax Lyrical’s ‘Fragrant Escapes’ a captivating collection of evocative fragrances, inspired by scents from around the World. Consumers continue to be fascinated by the unique cultures, foods and age old traditions of different countries around the world. With so many places to explore this trend is set to stay.

The reed diffuser market will continue to grow in 2015 offering consumers a great complimentary product to candles. This concept is supported by Wax Lyrical’s Diffuser Bar, which was launched in 2009. It continues to be as strong as ever with 10 new decorative bottles being introduced for 2015 bringing the offering to 14 bottles for customers to choose from. Wax Lyrical customer’s love to re purchase their fravourite fragrance ensuring refills are amongst their bestselling products. Refills offer the consumer the opportunity to top up or refresh existing diffusers or create their own bottle, by purchasing reeds and refill as separate items.

Wax Lyrical continue to invest in their Cumbrian Factory. New production machinery, a new R&D facility, new product formats and new fragrances and a continual focus on their environmental message will help to deliver products that are loved by consumers.

Tel: 01229 461100 Web: www.waxlyricaltrade.com

Aroma Home – Voluspa

Tel: 01793 487684 Email: sales@aromahome.com Web : www.voluspa.co.uk

Village Candle UK Ltd

TTTT

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

Tel: 01254 300268 Email: sales@villagecandle.co.uk Web: www.villagecandle.co.uk 24 gifts today

SSSS

VOLUSPA is the best kept secret in the world of beautiful candles and heavenly scents. The company is based in California and has fast become one of the leading candle brands in US. Finding their niche by creating striking packaging and extraordinary scents, Voluspa products are found in prestigious retailers around the world.

Their candles are made with a natural coconut wax blend which are all infused with beautiful fragrances.

The popular Vermeil collection was launched last year together with L’Florem and other ranges include Maison D’or, Maison Noir, Maison Blanc and Japonica.

This Spring Voluspa launches a further two collections. Maison Jardin is beautifully designed for the spring and summer including fragrances such as Amaranth & Jasmine and Sake Lemon Flower. The Holiday Collection will be launched in July and features more seasonal fragrances such as Sugar Plum and Cinnamon and Ceylon and Copal.

All the collections include a wide selection of candles and diffusers together with Voluspa’s very popular Votive Gift Sets.

Voluspa candles are extremely clean burning , ecologically sound and pesticide free.

Voluspa is distributed in UK by Aroma Home and all its beautiful candles and diffusers will be displayed at both the Spring Fair and Maison & Objet Paris in January and February.

Spring Fair: Hall 20 - A21 Maison Objet: Hall 6 – C26

Candles

Melt

XXXX

A Candle is not just for Christmas!

We adore what fragrance can do for your home, particularly at this time of year, but we do think it worth a smidgen of thought as to which fragrance goes where.

Of course it also depends on the ambience you are trying to create- relaxing, soothing, uplifting, energising – as well as where in the home you are using fragrance. A space as personal and feminine as a dressing room should have feminine, luxurious fragrances. ”Gingerbread cookies” just wouldn’t work for most in that environment!

When it comes to the way fragrance moves through your home, we think of it a little like people (bear with us here!). Some fragrances are quieter than others whilst some bounce out of the box. Some are elegant, and others a little more raucous – and some zip round a room effortlessly whilst others snooze on the couch.

As candle makers, the team at Melt know it is their job to ensure their exquisite fragrances add something extra to your home - and beautifully scent your surroundings.

All their candles and reed diffusers are elegantly gift boxed and have strong pos for presentation.

Melt. Lovingly hand poured in England.

Tel: 01200 443377 Web: www.themeltco.com

Widdop Bingham XXXX Earlier this year Widdop Bingham was appointed exclusive distributor of Colonial Candle. The brand is known notably for its patented double wick oval glass jars available in three sizes. However the real highlight of the brand has to be the Simmer Snaps, a new innovative melt available across sixteen everyday fragrances and four Christmas fragrances. Also available are votive candles and tea lights.

Launched first in Widdop Bingham’s own showrooms this iconic brand is set to makes it wider debut at the Spring Fair in hall 5, Stand no H70. The signature everyday fragrances range from uplifting floral scents such as French Lavender to deep luxurious aromas of Cranberry Cosmo.

Identifying hot trends for coming seasons is a key part of this brand with a sumptuous food theme running throughout; it’s hard to resist Spiced Apple Toddy or a Fine Merlot, almost good enough to drink! Catering for all tastes however Colonial also has fresher aromas such as the clean Harbour Mist and Simple Breeze.

For retailers looking ahead to the coming festive season the launch of 4 exclusive winter scents will make a perfect focal point to any store. Add a touch of holiday sparkle to seasonal displays quite literally with this fruity warm fragrance, as well as Christmas gift boxes available making an excellent pick up item.

The brand is supported by a range of branded point of sale items for retailers including banners, bags, stands, tissue paper as well as 3 different free standing display units. A loyalty card scheme for retailers and monthly promotions on specific fragrances are also available to support sales in store.

Tel: 0161 688 1226 Email: sales@widdop.co.uk Web: www.widdop.co.uk 26 gifts today

Price’s Candles

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

Launched in the UK at Spring Fair, Birmingham last year with 12 fragrances, this elegant range has proven to be an instant success. By July, due to demand, the range doubled to include fragrances such as Honey & Fig, Cognac, and Cranberry Compote. Not satisfied to stop there, this February sees three limited edition large jars added to the range.

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

Each fragrance is available to pre-order in the large jar format, with a very reasonable recommended retail price of just £15.

Price’s are exhibiting these for the first time at Spring Fair, Birmingham but they won’t be available for long! Visit them in Hall 5, Stand J80/K81.

Tel: 01234 264500 Email: sales@prices-candles.co.uk Web: www.prices-candles.co.uk

Xystos

Xystos prepares to wow in 2015 We take a look at what makes Xystos a leader in the home fragrance sector.

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ystos, ‘the home of flame and fragrance’, enjoyed a tremendously successful 2014 and is looking to unveil more sensational new scents at upcoming shows Top Drawer Spring, Harrogate Christmas & Gift, Scotland’s Trade Fair and, of course, Spring Fair.

Its best-selling WoodWick range – famous for wicks that crackle as the candles burn – will reinforce its glowing reputation by adding two new collections.

Says Xystos general manager Tom Sykes: “We are always looking to increase our market share in this highly competitive sector. Virginia Gift Brands – which created WoodWick, RibbonWick, HearthWick and some of our other ranges – has helped us to achieve that in previous years with a succession of stunning fragrances and creative candle technology. And they have done it again for 2015.

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

They want, new, new, new – and that isn’t going to change.

“I expect high-end candle products like Anderson Lilley – superb scents in gorgeous packaging – to grab a bigger share of the luxury giftware market, while

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designers will create even more beautiful candle containers as consumers make flame and fragrance products their lifestyle choice.

“We complement our best-known brands with quality accessories and superb high-end candle ranges from Anderson Lilley and Aquiesse. And, of course, Luminara – with no naked flame – has carved out a special niche in the market. Add in the new Sienna Gold home lighters and you’ll see that Xystos has every avenue covered. We are extremely optimistic.”

Each of the two new WoodWick ranges is unveiled with six fragrances.

The Bedroom Collection – in medium and large sizes – has Terrace Breeze, Lasting Love, Quiet Bliss, Sultry Spice, Satin Sheets and Warm Slumber, while the Macaron Collection debuts with Pistachio, Lavender, Tiramisu, Pineapple, Coconut and Berry.

New scents in WoodWick’s core range are Cherry Bark, Ginger Macaron, Cedar, Seaside Mimosa and Soft Chambray (3oz, 10oz and 22oz), which are also available as wax melts. Beachfront Cottage joins the Trilogy range (10oz & 22oz). WoodWick Reserve adds new candle scents Royal and Midnight, as well as 12 reed diffuser fragrances including Driftwood, Canyon and Humidor.

The Hourglass shape WoodWick Wax Melts are introduced in all the core fragrances. Odour Neutralisers are now in new 3oz mini and 22oz jar sizes and available as wax melts: fragrances include Clean Rain and Flower Garden.

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

Look out too for Flame & Fragrance Snowflake accessories that include an electric melt burner, shade and hurricane holder; new candle line Anderson Lilley; Sienna Gold home lighters; RibbonWick; Simply Shining, and La-Tee-Da! lamps.

Top Drawer Q53 Christmas & Gift C27 Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring F22 Spring Fair 5K04-L05

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

Candles

Solo Trading Ltd

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TTTT There’s nothing better to disperse warmth and atmosphere than candlelight. The extraordinary chain of tea-lights “Light-by-Light” is an eye-catching combination of glass and chrome, and comes in two sizes and is comprised of either four or ten tea-light holders that are connected by movable elements. This allows “Light-byLight” to be positioned in a multitude of different shapes and configurations ‘til your heart’s content. It’s an unforgettable source of light that exudes a wonderful atmosphere. It is at the same time delightfully playful and seriously contemporary, making almost any other table decoration unnecessary.

Solo Trading Ltd was appointed exclusive distributors for Philippi for the UK and Ireland in 2014, and Creative Director, Tanya Ross, says, “Philippi have a reputation around the world for design and innovation, and their brand is synonymous with style and quality. The “Light-by-Light” candle holders are one of the most popular products in the collection and a great example of how Philippi interpret classic products and spin them with a 21st Century Twist”.

Philippi has many other stunning and innovative candle holders that are both decorative and architectural. See Philippi’s entire range online at www.sololtd.com/ philippi or request a brochure.

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

Heyland & Whittle

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

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

Tel: 01293 525825 Email: sales@heylandandwhittle.co.uk Web: www.heylandandwhittle.co.uk 30 gifts today

Yankee Candle

Café Culture with The Summer season holds a number of opportunities to tempt consumers in store to buy gifts. Now is the time to be seeking out the latest home fragrance trends, ready to fill the shelves. For 2015 the Summer season sees a shift in consumer buying habits and Yankee Candle, one of the leading home fragrance companies, is here to reveal what is coming up.

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ome fragrance preferences are developing, moving on from the traditional fruit fragrances during the warm months, towards more sophisticated, sumptuous and enveloping aromas of socialising and relaxation associated with the cafe culture trend.

Consumers are discovering the power a home fragrance can have in evoking feelings and rekindling memories. As well as looking for more indulgent fragrances, Summer-time shoppers will be looking for scents which they can relate to.

The development of the Café Culture range will give consumers a sense of that well deserved Summer break, full of life’s little luxuries. Created specifically for the European market, the range embraces the rich aromas found within a favourite coffee bar, with three enticing new classic fragrances: Pain au Raisin heightens the senses with the tantalizing aroma of cognac soaked raisins baked in buttery vanilla dough and topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

So enticing…

Tarte Tatin is the aroma of a freshlybaked tart made with sweet apples, spices

and vanilla. Completing the range is Cappuccino Truffle, an irresistible café favourite and the decadent pairing of bold, roasted coffee with luscious, velvety chocolate.

Looking ahead to the gifting occasions the Summer season brings, Yankee Candle are also pleased to reveal a new range of Café Culture gift sets which feature collectable keep-sake packaging: An 8 votive jute bag combines the new Café Culture fragrances with the popular Classic scents of Cinnamon Stick, Honey Glow, Strawberry Buttercream, Summer Scoop and Sicilian Lemon. The Yankee Candle branded jute bag is an extra special gift which can be enjoyed time and time again.

A 3 small jar tin encompasses all of the new fragrances for the season in an elegant silver Yankee Candle embossed tin, perfect for storing wax melts and votives. To complete the gift set collection, a 6 votive café set brings together life’s little luxuries with the mouth-watering and sumptuous

The development of the Café Culture range will give consumers a sense of that well deserved Summer break, full of life’s little luxuries. Created specifically for the European market, the range embraces the rich aromas found within a favourite coffee bar, with three enticing new classic fragrances fragrances of Sweet Strawberry, Ginger Dusk and Vanilla Cupcake, all housed within a Yankee Candle café style gift box.

Accompanying the new fragrances and gift sets is a selection of café inspired accessories, ready to tempt shoppers looking for a treat for their own home. A mug votive holder and mug melt warmer will warm the hearts of devoted coffee fans aswell as the Café inspired Large Shade and Tray.

Together, the whole collection creates a visually stimulating display which can be highlighted in store with branded and themed POS materials. Reflecting the trends of the season, the collections neutral colour palette creates a beautiful aesthetic accompaniment to the delicious fragrances, and lends itself to creative window displays to help bring the range to life.

For further information on any of Yankee Candle’s new collections, telephone the Customer Care team on 0117 316 1200 or discover the current product portfolio at www.yankeecandle.co.uk

gifts today 33

Candles

Bolsius - Citronella Garden SSSS The citronella, lemongrass, basil and rosemary scents of Citronella Garden in their yellow, lime, orange and fuchsia colourways have a new partner for 2015 in Jute.

The new Jute-look filled jars and outdoor tealight holders have been cleverly created from clay, imprinted with the pattern of jute material, to create a realistic finish that perfectly complements outdoor furniture designs.

There are three colour/fragrance options for the jute-look jars: citronella/basil, citronella/rosemary and citronella/ lemongrass. Each retails at around £7.00 and comes in outers of 3 pieces.

The Outdoor Tealight Holder has a jute-look base around a globe clear glass. It retails at £7.50 and also comes in outers of 3 pieces.

The Citronella Garden range also includes; flatpacks of 18 tealights (£2.50), three single wick plain glasses in lime/ basil, fuchsia/rosemary and orange/lemongrass (£3.00) and a digitally imaged filled glass candle depicting lemons in citronella fragrance (£3.00). There is also a citronella low boy (£2.50) and the classic citronella flame bowl (£6.50).

Personalised Memento Company SSSS Personalised candles are a fantastic gift for the home, perfect for a new couple as moving gifts, anniversary gifts or just for yourself and for no occasion! PMC have a huge range of candle designs in a range of styles.

The candles are adorned with a personalised print and make a great keepsake. Other candles in the range include personalised LED candles, perfect for those homes who choose an alternative to flame, they also offer filled votive candle holder, the glass is personalised in a range of designs to suit any home.

PMC is one of the UKs leading suppliers of personalised gifts, you can see the whole range at the Spring Fair Hall 5 stand L20 M21. With a number of way to sell personalised gifts including a free website, gift app or a bespoke website. No matter if you are an independent, ecommerce or high street retailer they have a solutions to sell personalised gifts.

Spring Fair: Hall 5 stand L20 M21

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

Tel: 0800 169 5126 Web: www.bolsius.com

Bolsius – Vivid Flowers

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The new Vivid Flowers range from Bolsius with its sun-drenched colours of vibrant yellow, orange and green and its fragrance filled glasses in exuberant floral prints, is sure to fill the senses this Spring and Summer.

Designed to make a big impression, Vivid Flowers is maximising colour while adding a fresh garden scent – it’s bringing the outside in.

Rustic pillar candles in two sizes (80mm and 130mm high) are available in all three shades. They co-ordinate with 7 different fragrance filled glasses, each enjoying a fresh garden scent. Three of these glasses are in the core colours with the shade fading towards the top of the glass, they are 87mm high and retail at around £4.00.

Continuing Bolsius’s successful seasonal selections of digitally enhanced, photographic printed glasses, there are 4 floral printed filled glass designs; Poppy (100mm high, £5.00, 4 pieces to the outer) and Tulip, Cosmos and Daisy, all at 80mm high (£3.00). Except for Poppy, all Vivid Flower products are available 6 pieces to the outer.

Tel: 0800 169 5126 Web: www.bolsius.com 34 gifts today

Come and see us at Harrogate Christmas & Gift Show 11th -14th January 2015 Stand C27 Top Drawer Spring - Olympia 11th -13th January 2015 Stand Q53 For more info please email sales@xystos.co.uk or call 0191 499 1570 or order online at our trade website www.xystostrade.co.uk

Parks

Higher demand

for Own Label with Parks Parks is the premier manufacturer of the highest quality 100% Natural Wax candles and Room diffusers. sing only the best quality Parks have seen increased demand for and purest fragrance containing essential own label products, both from individual oils sourced from the shops who can buy as little as 150pcs specialist regions of the world. High levels of fragrance to major corporations who buy as much are used, to ensure that the candles and diffusers fully scent a room with a as 50,000pcs. They have made own delightful bouquet. All ingredients used are certified vegan and from renewable label products for over 2000 companies, sources. Candles burn with 99% wax consumption and no tunnelling or individual shops as well as VIP’s such as wastage. With a natural wax candle your own exclusive product promoting 10 Downing Street, the Prince of Wales’ you get a nice clean burn without black your business whilst at the same smoke. All products are manufactured residence at Highgrove, The Royal Opera time building customer loyalty. Your

by Parks in England. customers will return to your shop to Parks products are sold in over 60 House and many others purchase your unique and exclusive countries worldwide with significant

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growth in Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan and Hong Kong plus new markets of Eastern Europe such as Romania, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia.

Parks have seen increased demand for own label products, both from individual shops who can

creation and instantly recognisable fragrance.

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

buy as little as 150pcs to major corporations who buy as much as 50,000pcs. They have made own label products for over 2000 companies , individual shops as well as VIP’s such as 10 Downing

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

Street, the Prince of Wales’ residence at Highgrove, The Royal Opera House and many others.

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

Why sell a brand that is available in hundreds of shops? You too can have 36 gifts today

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

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

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

HANDM

IN THE ADE UK

Candles

A Stoneglow Away!

All Stoneglow scented candles are manufactured here in the UK, in their own premises. The scent and the candle wax are carefully blended and poured by hand. Each scented candle is individually checked before being carefully wrapped.

They design all their scented candles in-house, with each new range being tested carefully to ensure their candles burn evenly and steadily, with a long burn-time, and a steady release of the scent. All good news for your customers!

They develop all their own scents, working from top quality ingredients. Here we bring you a selection of what’s new for next year.

Nature’s Gift Red Rose A stunning, new addition to Stoneglow’s gorgeous Nature’s Gift Range. A classic red rose stem immersed into the fragrant bouquet of deep Red Rose petals and rich geranium blooms, with soft powdery notes and a sultry musk base. Not only would this lovely reed diffuser make a beautiful addition to any home, but also the perfect Valentines or Mother’s Day gift.

Modern Classics – White Tea & Bamboo The classic simplicity of this stylish range has proved to be a winner in store.

White Tea & Bamboo adds another winning fragrance to the collection: Refreshing white tea with zesty notes of bergamot and mandarin. A floral heart of neroli and geranium sit on a lush green base. Candles and Reed diffusers, available in 3 different options, and 9 fragrances.

Art Collection – Lime & Mandarin New, fresh, vibrant green glassware is the perfect new colour introduction to this popular range for Spring. Fragranced with a gorgeous citrus accord of lime, litsea cubea, grapefruit & mandarin. This zesty fragrance is calmed with herbal notes of lavender and basil, leading to a heart of orange blossom and fresh green patchouli.

Modern Apothecary – NEW NATURAL WAX BLEND A modern twist on a classic favourite, made with Stoneglow’s new unique natural wax blend which they claim has a better fragrance release than paraffin wax.

Each of the 6 fragrances is a blend of harmonious ingredients with high levels of essential oils, bought together to create a selection of scents to cover all fragrance types. The stylish packaging denotes each type with a numerical identity and a fragrance description detailing top, middle and base notes.

Stoneglow Candles can be contacted via the below: Tel: 0208 595 8878 Email: sales@stoneglowcandles.co.uk Web: www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk Why not visit them at the following exhibitions this year: Top Drawer R55 Maison Object Hall 6 A70—B69 Spring Fair Hall 5 Stand K51 38 gifts today

Beefayre

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Beefayre’s range of Bee Garden candles are ideal for Springtime. The collection is available in four variations: large scented candles, single votive candles, a votive gift pack and tea light sets. All Beefayre candles are hand poured using 100% natural plant-based wax. These candles are registered on the PETA cruelty free product list and are suitable for vegans.

Available in six fragrances: Bluebell & Wood Anemone Honey Lily Linden Blossom Rhubarb & Raspberry Watermint & Rosemary Hyacinth - NEW for SS2015 Large Scented Candle 20cl Burning time of 50 hours. These large candles are presented in recycled glass holders printed with a beautiful floral design incorporating honeybees – they are dishwasher safe and can be reused as decorative drinking glasses.

Single Votive Candle 9cl Burning time of 25 hours. The glass holders are dishwasher safe & each features a dancing honeybee drawing. Votives are a great way to test a fragrance from the range.

Tea Lights (set of three) Burning time of 8 hours per tea light – giving 24 hours when used singly. Each

box contains three tea lights in recycled glass holders. Presented in a beautiful gift pack.

Beefayre donates 3% of all profits to bee conservation.

Tel: 01858 43 44 92 Web: www.beefayre.com

01225 868788 email: contact@heavenscent.co.uk www.heavenscent.co.uk Facebook.com/heavenscentincense, Twitter/ heaven scent incense @SarahBellis1 gifts today 39

Candles

Sandy Bay London

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Sandy Bay London Purveyors of fine home fragrance. This stunning brand of Luxury products is launching this year not only in Australia but also China. A collection of premium high quality goods yet at accessible prices for both male and female. Working with numerous interior designers that adore the product because it looks sleek and extremely smart and smells divine yet the collection sits perfectly in any setting be it classic or contemporary. Stocked in high end Boutiques, Spas and Hotels across the country the products are loved by celebrities and dignitaries alike.

Tel: 01992 618015 Email: enquiries@sandybaylondon.com Web: www.sandybaylondon.com

Bolsius

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Soft colours and geometric patterns are the hallmark of Bolsius’s new Gentle Geometric range for 2015 Spring and Summer. Gentle Geometric offers a coordinated selection of candles and filled glass jars that combine soft shades of green, pink and blue with dynamic, geometric patterns.

Rustic pillar candles in two sizes (80mm and 130mm high) are available in all three shades. They co-ordinate with opaque glass tealight holders (£4.00), each with a geometrically patterned, silicone outer shell.

There are two designs of fragrance filled glasses, both enjoying a Vanilla and Coconut scent.

The base of the Gentle Hexagon glass (£4.00), appears as a solid shade and fades upwards into a delicate lined geometric pattern, while Gentle Blends (£4.00) sees two of the three shades variously combined to create a subtle swirling pattern; blue and pink, green and blue and pink and green. Each Gentle Geometric product is available 6 pieces to the outer.

Tel: 0800 169 5126 Web: www.bolsius. com 40 gifts today

New!

Fragranced wax melt concept

MAKE YOUR OWN CREATION! Pick ‘n Mix of the most fragrant kind: a choice of 23 wax melts giving endless fragrance combinations.

Retail boxes in three sizes and a choice of six burners.

It’s an eye-catching display for an exciting concept.

PORTION OPTION

BOLSIUS UK Ltd. (Sales team) PO Box 961 Linton Cambridge, CB21 4UL United Kingdom

T +44 (0)800 169 5126 F +44 (0)800 169 5127

www.bolsius.com

E sales@uk.bolsius.com

VISIT US AT SPRING FAIR HALL 5, STAND G80 -H81

Trade talk

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

This issue we ask a selection of the industries finest their thoughts on the candle sector Tom Sykes Xystos

Sharon Jervis, Founder Beefayre We are looking at candles this issue – what type of customer demand are you seeing in this category?

People are looking for a combination of good quality products and affordable pricing. We attract a wide demographic of customers with our contemporary designs nature theme. Demand for home fragrance seems to be reaching across a wide range of retailers with many shops looking to create a space in their shop for interesting ‘add ons’ or pick ups.

For example we stock florists, garden centres, fashion shops as well gift shops.

What are the key drivers that draw consumers to the product?

The ‘made in the UK’ stamp of approval is popular with customers and they love the fact they are helping the bees. It means the gift has an interesting talking point and is giving something back to the environment. The packaging is eye catching and seems to appeal to a wide audience.

Would you say consumers look at the quality and burn times of waxes used?

We have noticed customers are more discerning in terms of the type of wax used and will ask about burn times and whether natural wax is used. We put huge emphasis on the burn times and with our POS as this helps sell the products.

What advice can you give your retail partners to better promote these in store?

Make the most of our POS and free testers. It’s a fragrance product so helps customers connect with the candles and sample the lovely smells! Our PR agency can help generate coverage in local press to drive customers in to store. We have a big library of lifestyle shots that we are more than happy to share with retailers who have an online presence. Online is becoming a big part of any business and we can help with copy and images - so make the most of this channel as our products translate really well online with our striking packaging.

Steve Davies, Managing Director, Joe Davies We are looking at candles this issue – what type of customer demand are you seeing in this category?

Demand for candles continues to grow across all sectors. They really bridge the gap across all customer types and people are increasingly realising that a scented candle really does make a perfect gift as they are relatively simple to store and buy.

What are the key drivers that draw consumers to the product?

Candles sell at all prices and it’s often difficult to know how much they cost just by looking. This is because the key driver is packaging and presentation, at least initially. This is particularly true if the candle is a gift.

Joe Davies’ bestselling Savoy Candles are a case in point – they are beautifully presented and look rather expensive but retail from just £2.99.

Would you say consumers look at the quality and burn times of waxes used?

Quality and burn time of waxes becomes more important with self-purchase or if the candle recipient is a regular candle user or connoisseur. Fragrance is perhaps more important for initial purchase.

What advice can you give your retail partners to better promote these in store?

Retailers need to have a meaningful selection of candles to make a real impact across a variety of styles/fragrances and price points. Most important thing – they must be made available to pick up and smell – candles are a very tactile and sensory product.

42 gifts today

What type of customer demand are you seeing in this category?

Business across the board was amazing in 2014, with retailers not only buying candles, but also flame and fragrance accessories in huge numbers. Demand has been phenomenal.

What are the key drivers that draw consumers to the product?

In such a competitive market you must have a unique selling point. In WoodWick we have a candle with exceptional fragrance and a natural wick made from organic wood to create the sound of a crackling fire. And in RibbonWick we have gorgeous vessels and innovative technology, which is why the brand has the slogan, ‘Candlelight reinvented’.

Fragrances are, of course, key to the success of our candles – which is why the people who produce WoodWick, RibbonWick and HearthWick are constantly introducing fresh ones to meet the demand of our customers who want ‘new, new, new’ for end-users. Distinctive packaging is also important.

Would you say consumers look at the quality and burn times of waxes used?

Our feedback suggests that consumers trust our brands for their all-round quality and the value they offer. The things you mention are what they expect as part of the package they buy into – based on old world craftsmanship and the best of modern methods – when they purchase the candles I have mentioned.

The reputation of Xystos, ‘the home of flame and fragrance’, is built on high quality candle products which also, of course, include Aquiesse and Anderson Lilley.

What advice would you give retail partners to better promote these in store?

Be bold in your displays and use a stand to show off product to the best advantage. And it always helps to have some candles near your till in the eyeline of customers.

Visit us at Top Drawer Stand N30 & Spring Fair Hall 6 Stand P44

Sweet, woody oud and exotic warm sandalwood with just a hint of rose, evokes the spirit of the orient.

www.heylandandwhittle.co.uk / sales@heylandandwhittle.co.uk Tel 01293 525825

Handmade in England

St. Eval Candle Company will be exhibiting our complete range of quality candles at the following shows this Spring:

St. Eval Candle Company Engollan, St. Eval, Cornwall PL27 7UL, United Kingdom

Top Drawer Spring Stand O53 Spring Fair International Hall 6- Stand 6S01

Tel: 01841 540850 Fax: 01841 541114 info@stevalcandlecompany.co.uk www.stevalcandlecompany.co.uk

Sandy Burns, Director, Sandy Bay London We are looking at candles this issue – what type of customer demand are you seeing in this category?

Customer demand is very high for these products, the customers are seeking a quality luxury product that delivers on all levels. The range being purchased is across the board but more so leaning towards the seasonal fragrances and gift ideas this time of year.

What are the key drivers that draw consumers to the product?

Key drivers are quality, fragrance choice, packaging and presentation. The affordability also gives the consumer the chance to sample and try out this stunning new home fragrance collection.

Would you say consumers look at the quality and burn times of waxes used?

A candle connoisseur should be aware of burn times-burn quality with various waxes and fragrance throw and the importance of candle etiquette. If when purchasing these high value products it’s essential to understand candle care in order to obtain maximum benefit from the product.

What advice can you give your retail partners to better promote these in store?

Presentation is crucial. Sandy Bay London products are designed for any setting be it modern, contemporary or vintage classic. With interior design in mind the products have to be displayed perfectly to maximise the collection and the beautiful fragrance. One should when walking into a retail shop be seduced not only by the fragrance but also the aesthetic value.

John Barthorpe, UK Sales Manager, Bolsius UK We are looking at candles this issue – what type of customer demand are you seeing in this category?

Fragranced candles and diffusers continue to remain strong but there is plenty of demand for table candles and non-aromatics. Providing ranges that are updated regularly, as Bolsius do, you are able to keep the choices fresh and keep customer demand high.

What are the key drivers that draw consumers to the product?

Packaging is very important and we would argue, purity of fragrance, this is an area where we work hard to convey this message.

Would you say consumers look at the quality and burn times of waxes used?

Quality and long burn times are both product benefits that feature in Bolsius candles and we ensure our packaging clearly states this. However we are aware that for gift purchases in particular, the quality of the packaging sometimes over-rides the quality of the product. Bolsius has achieved an excellent middle ground where both quality of product and packaging design meets at an affordable price.

What advice can you give your retail partners to better promote these in store?

Consumers in the UK often look to buy candles as gift purchases, but it is possible to influence buying habits by demonstrating that candles can be used as decorative accessories or as a more everyday purchase. We encourage our retailers to co-ordinate displays and therefore encourage multiple purchases. This is why our colours schemes are designed to complement each other and why all of the products in any one range coexist beautifully from a design and colour perspective.

Our packaging then conveys clear information on fragrance and burn times.

Stephen Illingworth, Business Development Manager, Widdop Bingham

Richard Wood, Sales Director, Wax Lyrical We are looking at candles this issue – what type of customer demand are you seeing in this category?

We have a number of different collections to suit a variety of different consumers from our high-end brand of contemporary Fired Earth candles and reed diffusers to our Royal Horticultural Society highly giftable garden collection.

What are the key drivers that draw consumers to the product?

The key drivers that draw customers is great quality, beautiful fragrance made in Britain with stylish packaging.

British brands are a decision criteria in store. Whilst value for money and quality are strong drivers our consumer research show the growing value that a British manufactured product can have, especially with our export customers.

Would you say consumers look at the quality and burn times of waxes used?

Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of quality and burn times on candles to ensure they are getting the best product and the best possible value from a company they can trust.

What advice can you give your retail partners to better promote these in store?

Advice for our retail partners would be to use POS in store to promote features and benefits of each of our collections and by following our merchandising best practice guides. By using both we can demonstrate a significant uplift in sales from this.

Continual improvements to our packaging design means each product will have a streamlined look enabling consumers to easily find the product information and care instructions.

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We are looking at candles this issue – what type of customer demand are you seeing in this category?

Candles are a brand new product category for Widdop Bingham so it’s early days for us to judge customer demand.

However research has shown us that consumers will largely fall into two camps : the regular self purchase buyer will know and love their favourite fragrance, going back to it again and again. They will not be afraid of purchasing a large jar and will look for promotional deals on this favourite fragrance. In addition there’s also the more adventurous consumer who wants to try new fragrances and is looking to sample initially without committing to a huge outlay. It’s important to have products in store that will appeal to both these consumers.

What are the key drivers that draw consumers to the product?

Initially the shape, colour, packaging and display of the candles will draw the consumer to the product range. Only when they start smelling, will they begin to make a judgement on the fragrances. The sense of smell is highly individualistic with firm opinions as to what constitutes a good fragrance. It’s important to have a wide range of different fragrances.

Would you say consumers look at the quality and burn times of waxes used?

The savvy candle consumer knows that the quality and burn time are key factors in selecting a candle. They know that the performance of the candle is determined by both these factors and will also be a key factor in determining whether or not they are likely to repeat purchase. A consumer is also likely to make comparisons of the burn times in particular between the different candle brands.

What advice can you give your retail partners to better promote these in store?

It’s essential that retail partners know as much as they can about the candle ranges they are stocking. The rep is a good place to start. Having products that appeal to the different types of consumers is important -the “try me” candle, the “I’m your favourite fragrance” candle, as well as candles that hit the key gift price points. It goes without saying that variety is the spice of life so displays need to be constantly updated with new and seasonal fragrances.

A candle is not just for Christmas...

Sandy Bay London stunning, Luxury home fragrance products hand poured in the UK

Add a little light & discover your home fragrance at Melt Lovingly Hand Poured in England info@themeltco.com www.themeltco.com 01200 443377

Top Drawer Stand P60 www.sandybaylondon.com

Hazel Atkinson Jewellery

Hand made in The UK. www.hazelatkinsonjewellery.co.uk . tel. 0115 9411110 Showing at Scotland’s Trade Fair. Stand 114 Spring Fair. Stand 18DQ38

Heart & Home

At the heart of the home The Heart & Home brand is destined for success – Gifts Today editor, Penny Franks speaks with marketing & communications manager, Jacquie Russo to find out why.

Having initially launched with four distinctive fragrance categories Cottage Garden, Country Kitchen, Pure Bliss and ‘Tis the Season - we are now launching our sumptuous seasonal offerings

Firstly, what is the history behind Heart & Home and what was the inspiration behind launching into this category?

Formed in 1994, History & Heraldry has built its reputation over the years as a market leader in the impulse-buy gift sector with sales of over 40 million products each year and excellent distribution, especially across Europe.

However, impulse-buy is just that and the challenge with Heart & Home was to create a brand with longevity and repeat sales at its very core. As design is central to all we do the fragranced candle market seemed the ideal fit.

Although competitive, it is still growing and ripe for product lines that will capture consumers’ imaginations and we are very happy with where we have come over the past year in terms of brand building.

As quite a recent brand entry into the candle sector, what would you say makes your ranges really stand out from the crowd?

Obviously fragrance is key and we have been working with leading fragrance houses in Europe to produce some truly unique signature scents.

We also wanted our candles to look stylish anywhere so created beautifully distinctive candle jar lids which feature

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imagery that not only attracts the eye but also ignites the imagination even before you open the lid to smell the fragrance. As always, we ensure that our products are competitively priced without compromising on the quality.

Using naturally derived soy wax as a central ingredient in our candles was also an important decision we took early on in the development phase - not only is it kinder to the environment but the scent is strong whether the candle is hot or cold. It is good to know that our customers can enjoy this gorgeous indulgence safe in the knowledge that it has its heart in nature.

Do you offer ‘season scents’ and if so, how do you decide on what these will be?

Having initially launched with four distinctive fragrance categories Cottage Garden, Country Kitchen, Pure Bliss and ‘Tis the Season - we

build brand ambassadors and so far our co-ordinated ranges have worked towards doing exactly this – customers can clearly see our lines when they enter a store, whether it be a small independent or a larger garden centre.

We have tried to offer something for everyone in our plans – we believe retailers appreciate being able to buy into the brand for as little as £75 for a seasonal line, whereas if space allows there is a whole range of impactful shabby chic style display units which retailers receive free of cost dependent on their order are now launching our sumptuous seasonal offerings. Part of the process of choosing what works is picking just the right feel for that particular time – fresh and floral for spring, delicious berry accents for summer, with warmer scents and zesty top notes for those cosy, autumnal days.

Tell us a little about the jar and packaging? How is this being received at retail level?

We have had excellent feedback to date for our distinctive jar lids which feature gorgeous imagery that really does tell a story – whether it be evoking memories of a much cherished holiday or practically tasting the delectable culinary delight of Baked Apple or Christmas Cupcake. Our aim was to

Can we expect any future additions to the range – for example reed diffusers?

We have just introduced wax melts and burners, scented sachets and a range of stylish home décor accessories that not only complement the candles and build add-on sales but help retailers to stage a look in-store - creating aspirational displays that draw consumers to them. We continue to build around our core items, always bearing in mind that our products can be either a gift or a self-purchase.

How have you promoted this range to the consumer to draw consumer awareness? Do you use social media for example?

Currently we are updating the Heart &

Home website and have lots of exciting promotional plans in the pipeline. Once our new site is live we can further build on our current social media activity via our Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest accounts.

appreciate! We are also happy with Heart & Home burn times which match the main players in the field, with the large candles up to 70 hours, small candles 30 hours and the votives up to 15 hours.

What type of support do you offer your retail partners?

We have tried to offer something for everyone in our plans – we believe retailers appreciate being able to buy into the brand for as little as £75 for a seasonal line, whereas if space allows there is a whole range of impactful shabby chic style display units which retailers receive free of cost dependent on their order. We also make sure that we have promotional material to support the overall offer – posters, POS and of course accessories to create a complete look and encourage add-on sales.

Do you have a minimum order requirement?

Our minimum order requirement is £75.

How do you achieve a competitively priced range that doesn’t appear to lose any quality or ‘wow’ appeal?

We have the structure set up to do exactly this – we are used to producing beautifully designed, competitivelypriced products that do not compromise on quality. This is what we are all about and with Heart & Home we have continued in this vein. There was a long development phase whereby we made sure our facilities were set up to deal with the preciseness that is expected in this category area.

Consumers are savvy about what they want from their home fragrance and know they can shop about for the right overall mix – happily our long research has paid off as we can already see Heart & Home’s popularity grow as repeat sales build daily.

And of course, looking at the future, where do you see Heart & Home with regard to consumer awareness and demand of product?

We are all about building the brand, we have excellent distribution across Europe, a strong infrastructure in place and funds to further invest in Heart & Home. Customers like to have an alternative and we want to give them one – we are passionate about what we do and hopefully this comes across in the products we offer. Moving forward we would love Heart & Home to have the brand awareness that means customers will seek it out, have a favourite scent or even feel excited to find out what our next selection of seasonal fragrances will be – watch this space.

What would your suggestion be to your retailer partners with regard to display in store?

We do produce planograms to help on the merchandising front and the gorgeous display units really do show off the products to their best effect.

Luckily our ranges have been carefully thought out in terms of design so they should fall together quite naturally in terms of co-ordination.

Tell us a little about the wax that you use and also burn times of your candles?

As mentioned, soy wax is a key ingredient in our candles. Made from a unique soy bean formulation the wax blend is not only biodegradable but creates a candle that burns beautifully at a low temperature. Also with soy as the predominant constituent customers will have the advantage of not only cleaner air but also walls and other surfaces – something we all

For more information on this growing brand, contact the below Tel: 01709 730700 Email: info@ heartandhome.com Web: www. heartandhome.com gifts today 47

Coleshill Design

Kelly Ann Barnacle at Top Drawer

True British Craftmanship at Coleshill Design Top Drawer stand, M68

W

ith the launch of their revamped website, the new Studio Collection of designs previewing at Top Drawer alongside their brand new licence for the Villager Jim range, growing interest in their bespoke service and the continued support from customers on their traditional designs the next year is looking like a busy one!

The range of designs available across the homewares products include

feel these will complement the more traditional designs we’re more known for.” Kelly Anne Barnacle, Coleshill Design.

Top Drawer is going to be an exciting time for the team, as Coleshill Design will also be launching their brand new Villager Jim Range.

“I’m really excited to be working with Coleshill Design on the ranges of Country Lane Photography, and am sure 2015 will be a fantastic new year in growing new and exciting imagery,”

Coleshill Design will be launching the Studio Collection at Top Drawer this January, the new in-house designs have a simple and stylish feel with customer research showing the Hedgehogs and Orchard designs coming out as firm favourites already images from Emma Ball Ltd, Anna Viktoria “a taste of Scandinavia”, Red Poppies and Sunflowers (New for 2015) from Kay Elliot, the Cats Range from Ann Nystrom and the modern images from our local Artist Sara Page.

Coleshill Design will be launching the Studio Collection at Top Drawer this January, the new in-house designs have a simple and stylish feel with customer research showing the Hedgehogs and Orchard designs coming out as firm favourites already.

“We are really looking forward to having some of our own new designs in the collection this year and really

stated Villager Jim. Known as ‘the Banksy of the photography world’, Villager Jim is a passionate wildlife and country lane photographer. His work has appeared on television programmes (Springwatch, Countryfile and Alan Carr Chatty Man) and in most of the National Newspapers on a regular basis. Villager Jim still remains totally anonymous and no one really knows his true identity, creating a mystique and a style that is all his own.

Kelly added: “Jim’s spontaneous and stunning images are going to look fantastic across our product range, we

Coleshill Design (including Melamaster) is a family run manufacturing and melamine homewares company based in Coventry and they have just celebrated 40 years in the Industry. are really inspired to be working with such a talented photographer.”

As one of the only remaining British melamine manufacturers based in the UK, the team are experiencing a growing interest in their Bespoke Service, where their modern production facilities enables Coleshill Design to supply custom-print melamine homewares in both large and small volumes. Kimberley Garbett, the new addition to Kelly’s team, will be looking after this function, where artists and designers are able to have their images reproduced on products across the range. From approval of design layout, Coleshill Design offers a quick turnaround and with full in house studio support to designers making it really simple and easy to expand their existing ranges into the homewares sector.

“Our customers especially appreciate the fact that this is still a British made product and it makes us very proud to be able to say this” says Kimberley Garbett.

From designers starting out to well established ones, Coleshill Design have the resources and design support to see all successful applications through to manufacturing.

Catherine Colebrook of Catherine Colebrook Limited contacted Coleshill Design late 2013 and the partnership has gone from strength to strength.

“We started working with Coleshill Plastics just over a year ago, having been let down by another manufacturer, and they managed to keep up with us and with some huge demands – we

From approval of design layout, Coleshill Design offers a quick turnaround and with full in house studio support to designers making it really simple and easy to expand their existing ranges into the home wares sector were impressed! The team at Coleshill are pro-active, always happy to help and go the extra mile and the trays they produce for us are great quality.

It doesn’t stop here, more positive comments flow. Jacqui joseph – Jacqui Joseph Designs, stated: “We are so thrilled with the workmanship and quality of each and every product produced by Coleshill. Our Artist Collection Homewares has to be of the highest quality and this is what we get from Coleshill. The staff are super friendly and really care about their customers requirement.”

Kelly and Kimberley will be at Top Drawer stand, M68 – pop by their stand, they love a good excuse for a cup of tea and a chat!

ORDER NOW AND VISIT THE NEW WEBSITE Tel: 024 7672 4900 Email: sales@coleshilldesign.com Web: www.coleshilldesign.com

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

Come and see us at the following UK trade shows Christmas and Gift (Harrogate) - Stand A6 Top Drawer (London) - Stand L61 Spring Fair (Birmingham) - Hall 7 Stand E20-F21 Minimum Order ÂŁ150 net Carriage Paid UK ÂŁ200 net www.rjbstone.com +44 (0) 207 346 0100

Christmas 2015 is about to begin!

Just days away from the UK’s fastest growing gift trade show, visitors and buyers are guaranteed a bumper Harrogate Christmas & Gift from 11th to 14th January 2015, with all of the event’s established exhibitors offering exciting new product ranges and more new companies participating than ever before.

O

nce again, the show will be filling seven entire halls of the Harrogate International Centre with every product imaginable for the festive season. However, ranges don’t stop at Christmas, but also encompass important dates the whole year round with everyday products and gifts for the home and garden too. For example, Florasilk (Stand B1), Gisella Graham (Stand M14-16) Heaven Sends (Stand C37) and Premier Decorations (Hall H) all have ghoulish items to make the most of Halloween; whilst Easter is catered for by companies such as Gisella Graham, Fair to Trade (Stand C4) and Schulte Kunstewerbe (Stand C11).

Simon Anslow, show organiser, is delighted with the continued buzz surrounding the show stating: “We have seen a steady year-on-year increase in both exhibitor and visitor numbers. The vibrancy of the entire event is a cause for celebration for everyone involved in the Christmas and general gift sector and for many buyers it provides the venue to wrap up purchase decisions for the entire year. In 2015, we not only see the return of all of the big brand names but have more than 30 new exhibitors from around the world too.”

Premier Decorations will once again fill Hall H of the Harrogate International Centre in its entirety with a truly innovative collection of new themed ranges to introduce the theatre of Christmas across not only tree trim, but also table and room decorations and glass ornaments.

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Premier’s range emphasises new design led products to appeal specifically to the British and Irish markets and each of eight new themes has its own specific palettes to help customers create their very own Christmas stories in store. These range from traditional to contemporary, with one even being described as traditional with a twist – with the ultimate aim to inspire customers to create their own interpretation of each stunning collection.

Gisela Graham also returns to Hall M with her 2015 collection confirming her as Europe’s outstanding designer Christmas company, with twelve new themed collections - every one springing a surprise – to help retailer customers stand out from the crowd.

Gisela pulls a new, original twist on the familiar genres: Gingerbread, Nordic, Folk Art, Woodland, Frost and Nostalgia and she explores new ideas with her usual sure, commercial touch. A Partridge in a Pear Tree as you’ve never seen it; a novel riff on Origama; an affectionate echo of the 1950s; helping Santa deal with his correspondence; a little girl’s dream of fairies and many more. Gisela Graham also puts fun into parties and Halloween.

The Satchville Gift Company will be revealing some exciting new products alongside its fabulous new decorations for Christmas 2015. The company has expanded its ranges of garden and homeware to include some stunning metal lanterns in a selection of colours and lovely wicker

lanterns for a soft, romantic glow.

Buyers looking for something unusual will also be interested in its wide range of decorative planters such as a glamorous handbag, watering can or tractor – or for something really quirky, look out for its metal carry trays, filing

brand Sass & Belle, visit RJB Stone’s Christmas wonderland for sleek glass baubles that dazzle, rustic wooden decorations that charm and fantastically gregarious colourful characters that capture the joyful spirit of the season.

Among the numerous new exhibitors

Whilst there is plenty to see for the four days duration of the show, as usual the networking and social events associated with Harrogate Christmas & Gift promise to be outstanding cabinets and stacking pots. Alongside its gifts for gardeners and Christmas decorations, Satchville also has a collection of patio and indoor furniture and a wide range of items for floristry and horticulture including glassware and functional planters.

RJB Stone is another familiar name at the show and prides itself on making houses into homes and makes giftware fun with over 5000 design-led gifts and home accessories. Appealing to a broad customer base, the company unveils hundreds of delightful new Christmas decorations at Harrogate in 2015 embracing the latest interior trends and adding its infamous quirky touch. Introducing its staggering collection of new products under retail

is Thuringer Glasdesign Steinheid (TGS) which specialises in all aspects of glass ornament manufacture. From its import programme, the company supplies baubles in acetate drums in modern and classic colour themes and also supplies and manufactures the most exquisite loose ornaments of the highest quality. TGS produces both mouth-blown and hand-decorated ornaments in addition to machine made baubles offering exceptional strength. It also produces a range of special boxed ornaments with black flocked inserts across a number of new themes and designs and personalised baubles.

Leading light manufacturer, Gardman, will also be showcasing its extensive

RJB Stone Stand A6

RJB Stone make houses into homes and moments into memories with over 5000 design-led gifts and home accessories. Appealing to a remarkably broad customer base, RJB Stone unveil hundreds of delightful new Christmas decorations at Harrogate 2015: Embracing the latest interior trends and adding their famous quirky touch, the company are showcasing their passion for all things unique and introducing fabulous festive designs alongside their staggering new selection of fun and touching gifts under retail brand Sass & Belle. Visit their Christmas wonderland for sleek glass baubles that dazzle, rustic wooden decorations that charm and fantastically gregarious colourful characters that capture the joyful spirit of the season!

Web: www.rjbstone.com range of festive lighting products at the show for the first time this year. From novelty musical baubles that twinkle and pretty light-up LED canvases to premium pre-lit door wreaths and beautifully designed washable doormats, the company’s festive range is available at attractive price points allowing retailers to trade consumers up across the category. Visit the company on Stand A3.

JVL is another exciting new addition to the show with a range of homeware solutions including its ultimate collection of doormats, including its 2015 collection of coir machine washable Christmas mats which are great to stock for impulse buys. JVL is also launching its top quality hampers and storage which are ideal for use throughout the year and during the festive period. These are available in buff, willow and seagrass in a range of styles and sizes – so well worth checking out on Stand B18.

Kingfisher (Bonnington Plastics Ltd) is a family run business operating for over 40 years, and is one of the UK’s leading importers of gardening, homewares and leisure goods. It will be exhibiting its entire Christmas range, which includes an extensive selection of artificial trees (including LED crystal drop trees), indoor and outdoor lighting, crackers, decorations and seasonal novelties. Also being showcased includes various animated scenes, inflatables, plush gift boxes and an eye catching Point of Sale Display Case ready filled with baubles packed in acetate tubes.

Whilst there is plenty to see for the four days duration of the show, as usual the networking and social events associated with Harrogate Christmas & Gift promise to be outstanding.

Once again, Garden Trade News is hosting the Greatest Christmas Awards which takes place at the Majestic Hotel on Sunday 11th January and promises an evening of excitement and entertainment. Prior to Christmas, judges travelled the length and breadth of the country checking out festivities on offer by garden centres across the UK and this event will be the culmination of this process with the winning entries announced – plus food and dancing. Tickets can be obtained by emailing: harry.sinclair@tgcmc.co.uk or online www.tgcmc.newsweaver. co.uk/gtnxtra Another highlight in the social calendar is the free drinks party thrown by the organisers on Monday 12th January at the Majestic Hotel. This starts at 10pm (allowing time to eat at your choice of restaurant beforehand) and then let your hair down with free drinks, dancing and midnight snacks with industry colleagues.

If you haven’t already booked accommodation for your visit to Harrogate Christmas & Gift, the official show partner is Mice Concierge, which has negotiated preferential rates with a number of Harrogate hotels for the benefit of its exhibitors and visitors. Full details about this and all other aspects of the show can be found on the website at www.harrogatefair.com

Web: www.harrogatefair.com

Widdop Bingham Stand B13

The start of a new year for many retailers means a January sale or just time to catch their breath after the Christmas madness. Some retailers though are already looking forward to Christmas 2015 and a visit to the Harrogate Christmas and Gift show, one of the fastest growing tradeshows in the country, has already been diarised.

Widdop Bingham will be exhibiting for the first time at Harrogate Christmas and Gift show, bringing over 1000 home decoration and gift ideas perfect for the festive season. This is not only a first for Widdop’s 2015 Christmas collection, but also for their exciting new launch of the Christmas fragrances within their Colonial Candle range. Four exclusive winter fragrances are available in 3 sizes of the unique patented oval glass jars as well as votives and simmer snaps.

Widdop Bingham is aware that kick starting January sales is time consuming and not everyone can make the Harrogate Christmas and Gift show. So all the brand new Christmas lines including the full range of Colonial candles will all be displayed at Widdop Bingham’s showrooms in Oldham Manchester between 2nd – 22nd January including Sunday 18th. This will also include a new product preview and is definitely not one to be missed with over 1000+ new products being introducing across all ranges in the gifting sector.

Tel: 0161 688 1200 Email: sales@widdop.co.uk gifts today 51

New Products Hairy Coos!

New to the gang for 2015

The adorable characters of Pets with Personality by Arora Design continue to charm consumers and bring smiles to many shops and retail outlets. Their weighty feel, glossy coats and wet look noses remain the favourite features of this endearing range of lovable hounds, cats and animals. 2015 will see by popular demand some of the most loved sculpts brought to life as new characters with colourations specifically requested. “Einstein” has long been a favourite since making his debut in 2004 and finally after many, many requests “Dash” will join the fold sporting a black and tan coat. Two long awaited black and white cats will also join the gang named “Felix” and “Poppet” along with a new Yorkie “Rufus” and a chestnut pony “Austin”. All of the new characters come with a name tag and humorous ditty detailing their personality/character, and are presented for sale in fun colour boxes making them a perfect gift.

All of the new guys will be touring the UK in January, The East Anglian Gift and Toy Fair, Norwich, Stand SA18 Giving and Living, Exeter Stand Hall A Stand A255, Scotland’s Trade Fair (Spring), SECC Stand H26 and of course at the Spring Fair NEC in February Hall 5 Stand A03 Tel: 01386 861666 Email: sales@arora-design.co.uk

It’s all happening at Dora Designs

Dora Designs, the award winning company, produce high quality doorstops, draught excluders and paperweights. They have multiple ranges but their Canine and Feline Collections are particular favourites!

Their Canine and Feline Collections feature popular and charismatic breeds.

Designed in varying tones of grey boucle fabric, these beautiful products have the ability to complement any room within your home making them the ideal gift.

Within these collections, their paperweights are particular favourites; featuring the ever popular Sugar Bear Schnauzer, Mac Scottie and Pepe Cat. All of these desirable little paperweights are accompanied with a gift box, ensuring that they are the perfect gift! For 2015, these lovely characters are now available in three dimensional key rings and would be the perfect companion to your keys.

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

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

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Wearing tam o’shanters, plaid scarves and modelling a stylish range of Arran jumpers, these are the smartest Highland Cattle ever to be found.

Sculpted by Janet Miller, each Hairy Coo is painted by hand giving it an individual quirky character that’s guaranteed to lift your moo’d!

January 2015 sees three new well-groomed characters joining this popular range of humorous figurines. First up, are two calves, Ava and Charlie, who are all dressed up in their favourite clothing and accessories; followed by the adult, Harry, who looks resplendent in his white collar and tartan tie.

There’s even more excitement! With two new Plush Hairy Coos being launched in January too! Border Fine Arts has teamed up with leading plush manufacturer, GUND, to introduce this brand new plush collection and two of the most popular characters from the series — Shona and Hamish — are the first to be introduced.

They are a great addition to the range and at an SRP of just £9.95, they are a fantastic price too!

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

Cats Rule – their owners and now the home!

Cats have long been a favourite pet with the British nation, despite their somewhat secretive or even aloof nature.

The brand new Cats Rule giftware collection from DEMDACO, designed by Stephen Fowler, recognises the truism, long known by their owners, that feline pets really do rule the roost! Stephen’s lighthearted illustrations wittily combine the smart and often haughty personalities of different breeds of cats with popular images of food and drink.

Cats Rule giftware includes five different designs for Wall Art from Black Cat – Dark Roast Coffee to Siamese Cat – Superior Blend, as well as five key rings and two photo frames. Each design reveals Stephen’s distinctive bold and graphic style inspired by retro advertising posters and album covers.

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

Giving & Living. Ideas that sell.

A vibrant trade show - packed with a year’s worth of ideas.

To visit, call the ticket ket ho h hotline tline 01934 733456 or, register online www.givingliving.co.uk For stand bookings, call 01934 733433.

Giving & Living trade show Exeter 11-14 January 2015

Gift | Coast | Home

This trade only event is organised by Hale Events Limited, Premier House, Old Church Road, Axbridge, Somerset BS26 2BQ Telephone: 01934 733433

Welcome to Christmas 2015!

January 6th – 11th 2015 Attention Buyers!

You are warmly invited to the Shruti Designs & Junction 18 Christmas 2015 Launch at our Open Week event.

Exciting product stories include; Highland Holiday, Moroccan Nights, Jack Frost and Country Christmas!

This is a catered event by appointment only, so please RSVP to hello@shrutidesigns.co.uk with the names of attendees and the day you will be visiting, and we will be in touch and get you on the list! www.junction18.com

Merry as! m t s i r h C x

Junction 18, Stephens Way, Bath Road, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 8PE

Distributed by:

www.shrutidesigns.co.uk

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Special - Brian Wiseman of Present Company

n a m e h t s i i w W 5 n 1 a 0 i r 2 B s e s n m o o i t c l c i d we e r his p Brian takes a satirical view at what may happen during the Brian Wiseman

January. With hydrocarbon energy prices still falling, there is only one possible reaction from the Big Six energy suppliers. Yes, a huge price increase. As usual, everyone else is to blame. But their greed misfires as it becomes a major election issue with politicians responding sternly.

February. A mass of Arctic air sinks over the Spring Fair, but the roads stay clear.

Optimism tempered by caution greets the event.

March. A new report is “astonished” that so few SMEs have business savings accounts. And “amazed” that of those who do, most stow their savings with the same bank as their current account. Report author Will Twitton writes, “By failing to leverage the best savings rates, the average business boss is losing himself an incredible £5.79 per year in interest.”

April. Following the huge success of plusnet and its no-nonsense Yorkshire roots, a new internet sales and auction site plans to challenge its American consumer to consumer rival. But what to call it now domain name www.ebygum has been taken already?

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course of 2015

May. Depressingly little changes at the general election. In fact it’s rather a rerun of the 2010 result. UKIP gains a substantial minority of the popular vote but returns only four MPs. But something has changed and the Lib Dems are now reluctant to prop up a Conservative administration. Will the new Government be able to survive a defeat in the Commons? Will another election be required?

June. Present Company’s self-styled entrepreneurial boss Brian Wiseman holds his first “Meet the Buyer” event. Lucky suppliers are granted a brief sales pitch with the mighty Mr Wiseman in return for a £500 ticket. Tickets include a cup of coffee and a Rich Tea biscuit. Although a single outlet independent, Mr Wiseman will be insisting upon similar terms to the multiples: 30% discount, 120 days credit, old and / or damaged stock to be bought back at full retail price, rental to be paid for display space occupied and so on. He will also be requiring special prices for very large quantities and then demand the same rate for buying in dozens. Tickets sell out rapidly to deluded suppliers.

July. Harrogate Home and Gift is blessed by idyllic weather. Happy days in the sunshine with Pimms and live jazz.

August. TV’s fascination with retail reality continues with a new series of gift shop start-ups. Contestants have just 24 hours to find their premises, raise finance, buy stock, build a website and get open for business. Celebrity judge is Mary “Queen of Shops” Portaloo.

September. With internet sales booming a little less than hitherto, e-tailers are fighting back against nit picking and dishonest customers who claim they haven’t received their goods or simply send back stuff time and time again with trivial quality quibbles. A new register is in existence to note their identities and blacklist their orders. It’s called TrickAdvisor.com But is it legal?

October. A dawn raid by police throughout the land sees hundreds of honest, law abiding home and gift retailers arrested and taken into custody under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. With interception of emails now routine, the riddle of why is only solved when it becomes apparent that everyone detained has email correspondence on the subject of bath bombs.

November. All police leave is cancelled, fleets of ambulances are put on standby and A & E departments’ budgets are boosted. Yes, it’s Black Friday! 176 injured are taken to the Dame Posh Spice Hospital in Harlow. Riot squads are on hand at Tesco’s Warminster store where three smart TVs are on sale for £99.99 each.

One shopper, his eyes streaming from the tear gas, proudly tells BBC’s war zone correspondent John Simpson, “This is the real spirit of Christmas!” But independent gift shop owners find that placing orders in advance may have secured availability but at a dreadful price as suppliers slash their retail prices and offer clearance deals. And how did the event gain its name? Simple, it’s in memoriam for Britain’s disappearing high streets.

December. With no working majority yet established for stable government, and in a rare spirit of cooperation, Britain’s politicians end their differences and hatchets are buried. A new coalition consisting of every party is formed and immediately sets about solving the nation’s problems.

Confidence grows, the economy grows and even the hated business rate is reformed in time for Christmas. A blissful break ensues for tired retailers.

A Happy New Year to you all!

Brian Wiseman has owned home and gift shop Present Company in Burgess Hill, West Sussex for 27 years. Brian’s wife Louise is the buyer. She is predicting with certainty a tedious election. brian_presentco@yahoo.co.uk

Grass Roots

We ask retailers their thoughts on the year ahead? What are their hopes?

Lesley Todd

Sarah Haydon

hashtag, Stirling, Scotland

Bicester Bazaar, Bicester

We want to grow. We would like to maybe open a third shop and we definitely need to build up the website. That’s my aim for the beginning of 2015.

Graeme Miles Apple Pie House, Gloucester We already do gift bears, limited edition collectibles. Now we are taking on Disney products. We hope to enlarge our arts section to create more of a gallery feel to the shop. We are looking to increase the collectible market, which we have done with the bears.

Sarah Lightfoot Bywater Gifts, Castleford, West Yorkshire My big thing this year will be to concentrate on my website. I have concessions in three shops – a farm shop, a delicatessen and a coffee house – and I shall continue to work hard in all three but I will definitely be putting work into the website.

I want increased footfall in the area, to become more prolific. I’m not looking to expand, I’m quite happy with the size of unit I have. I expect to do research and source new material and products for our customers.

Andrew Deane Channel Island Toys, St Peter Port, Guernsey I was pleased with trade in 2014 and I’m hoping for a growing share of the market in 2015. I’m optimistic about the coming year. Our market is personalised and I’ve noticed a definite upswing.

Cliff Longstreeth Country Corner, Newent, Glos For 2015 we would like more customers and for people to stop shopping online. We are a local shop and want people to shop local. In other words use it or lose it. People are not supporting local shops and I would like to think they will do in 2015. It’s a concern but I would hope people realise that shops like ours have a wide range and something for all the family. I’m optimistic.

Test a publisher’s statement of circulation. In today’s business climate you can’t afford not to.

Our ABC Certificate provides accurate, independently verified circulation figures, giving you confidence in your advertising investment.

If you want to reach 7,100* total average net circulation, then call Mark Horsnell on 01442 289930 or email markh@lemapublishing.co.uk *. Circulation figure relates to period from 1st July 2013 to 30th June 2014

gifts today 55

The top three 11th - 13th January 2015 Three Shows, Two Levels: One Leading Gift, Homewares and Lifestyle Event

T

op Drawer, Home and CRAFT are about to kick off the 2015 buying year. Sitting alongside each other, the three shows will showcase over 1,000 hand- selected exhibitors and span the impressive four halls and two levels of London Olympia; a

Drawer will expand over two levels with Fashion moving upstairs where visitors can also take in the innovative Fashion First bursary housed in the New Talents area.

Leading brands confirmed to appear include (to name a few): Beefayre, Coleshill Plastics, Peace of Mind, Carrie Elspeth, Alexander Thurlow,

Formed from five edited product sectors; Gift, Fashion Accessories, Stationery, Children’s and Wellbeing, Top Drawer is the pinnacle event for design-led gifts, lifestyle and fashion accessories retail sector convenient and iconic venue located in England’s creative capital.

Benchmarked as London’s largest design-led gift trade event, Top Drawer once again provides the opportunity to see over 800 leaders in UK and international design.

Formed from five edited product sectors; Gift, Fashion Accessories, Stationery, Children’s and Wellbeing, Top Drawer is the pinnacle event for design-led gifts, lifestyle and fashion accessories retail sector. This year Top 56 gifts today

Mala Leather, Neviti, Ambiente Paper Products, Temerity Jones London, Cubic, Culinary Concepts, Dassie, Miss Etoile Aps, Nkuku, Northlight Scandinavian Homestore, Rice A/S, Wild And Wolf Ltd, KMI Brands, Lothantique, Tilley and Grace, Caroline Gardner, Ohh Deer, Undercover, Urban Graphic, Great Gizmos, Jura Toys UK Ltd, Manhattan Toy Europe Ltd, Petit Jour Paris, Scandi-chic UK Ltd, Ceannis Living Accessories, Cinderela B, Lucas Jack, Embers & Otis Jaxon,

SENCE Copenhagen.

Together, Home, Top Drawer and CRAFT will welcome a dynamic lineup of renowned international and UK brands alongside newer design studios and young designers, all with exciting product launches for the new season.

Visitors can peruse and purchase the latest designs, spot trends and source the next big thing at this, the first major buying event of 2015.

The keenly anticipated New Talents area will be making its debut up on level one. This not-to- be-missed hub takes the newest most innovative elements from the three shows to one catch-all area. Meanwhile, a new floor will be devoted entirely to fashion accessories and jewellery products.

As well as lots of new visitor attractions, many successful aspects of previous shows will return. One such returning highlight is the leading Retail Masterclass programme, a curated selection of short informative and live presentations from industry experts.

Keynote speakers this year include Heal’s Chairman Will Hobhouse, Sebastian Conran and Trend Bible.

Top Drawer, Home and CRAFT 2015 is shaping up to be the best show yet – a not-to-be-missed date for the start of 2015.

Register now at any of the show websites: topdrawer.co.uk; homelondon.net; craft-london.com

Beefayre TTTT Stand: T61 Beefayre will be revealing, for the first time, its refreshed Waggledance collection at Top Drawer. The new Waggledance range introduces new products and fragrance.

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

The Waggledance collection includes candles, reed diffusers, body butters, shower & bath creams and hand creams in three uplifting fragrances – Bee Calm, Bee Happy and the brand new Bee Kind. For the first time, Beefayre will be offering a 100ml diffuser and 100ml refills.

Beautifully presented in gift boxes, the Waggledance collection makes for an attractive shop display and appeals to people of all ages.

Visit Beefayre at stand T61 to find out more about this latest launch and to meet the members of the hive.

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

Tel: 01858 43 44 92 Web: www.beefayre.com

1(: 72 &2/(6+,// '(6,*1 )25 VILLAGER JIM Made by Coleshill Design

The Banksy of the Photography world

Follow on Facebook: facebook.com/VillagerJim

STUDIO DESIGN Made by Coleshill Design New in house collection for 2015. Stylish and modern to complement our traditional ranges.

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Coleshill Plastics

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Stand: M68

After celebrating their 40th Birthday at the end of 2014, Coleshill are proud and excited to be launching their new designs at Top Drawer 2015. They have their modern designs from their Studio Collection previewing along the gorgeous Villager Jim’s new product range. This will be their first time (and we’re sure not their last!) at Top Drawer and they are really looking forward to making lots of new friends and being inspired by all the fantastic products on show.

As manufactures of classic, high quality melamine home wares (one of the last in the UK) they are also promoting their bespoke service. For designers looking to expand their brand onto British Made Melamine – make Coleshill your one stop shop.

Tel: 024 7672 4900 Web: www.coleshillplastics.co.uk

Peace of Mind WWWW

RJB Stone

SSSS

Stand L61

Bigger, Better, More Beautiful: RJB Stone preview their inspiring new gifts and home accessories at Top Drawer 2015. The thrilling news is their design-led focus on occasional products for Spring/Summer 2015: Cute Valentine elephants romanticize and Easter creations unite classic themes with individualized trends.

Rustic Boudoir encompasses bold new designs and ‘Safari Floral’ captures one of the year’s hottest themes in the company’s playful spirit. Key vintage florals introduce fresh new prints and delightfully catchy new sayings sit in fantastic patterned backgrounds. For wonderfully affordable beautiful gifts and home accessories, including fabulous new storage options, more quirky decorations and gifts that effortlessly charm you into a smile, visit RJB Stone.

Web: www.rjbstone.com

Stand: 480 The new season sees a softer, maturer Peace of Mind, still playful but definitely with a grown up edge. ‘We’ve had a wonderful 2014. The response has given us such a buzz and a renewed energy for designing and sourcing. Seeing the new collection coming together, well it makes all the hard work worthwhile.’

Adding some stunning new elements to PoM including gold, rose gold and some glorious Liberty prints, Christine Holden, PoM’s director and designer thinks retailers will be delighted with the results. ‘Our silver plated range has been refined and is so exquisitely made - its designer jewellery with a gift price tag.’

Incorporating gold into their sterling silver range elevates it to a whole new level.

The mellowness of the gold perfectly suits their nature inspired theme. Dragonflies, bees, flora and fauna are not only beautifully hand crafted into their jewellery collection but is echoed in their very popular scarf range.

‘We are really proud of our new scarves, and the key word there is NEW. Our new designs are so fresh and vibrant, we can’t wait to get them out there.

Wonderful prints on super soft cotton (which creates a lovely drape) superb detailing and well, just wait and see. It’s all very exciting. Roll on spring’ Top Drawer Stand 480 Scotland’s Trade Fair Stand H35 Spring Fair Stand 19F22 - G21

Tel: 01225 777749 Email: sales@pom925.com Web: www.pom925.com 58 gifts today

Carrie Elspeth

SSSS

Stand: 440

Carrie Elspeth is celebrating the return of Spring with the launch of a gorgeous new collection full of colour. Bursting with fresh, bright ideas, Carrie’s new ranges display her trademark versatility - showcasing designs that vary their focus from elegant femininity to decadent sophistication to playful fun.

All of Carrie’s gorgeous jewellery is still hand-made in Wales! Support a genuine Made-in-the-UK company and boost your sales with Carrie’s stunning new collection, including the fabulous Brights additions to her best-selling Sentiments range. Don’t forget to ask the friendly team about their fabulous packaging; branded display stands and unbelievable lead times… and watch this jewellery fly off your shelves!

Tel: 01446 771 271 Web: www.carrieelspeth.com

Top Drawer Stand N 57

London, January 11-13 Contact: Richard Weitzkorn 07956424482, email: richard@ambproducts.co.uk

Spring 路 Summer 2015

Mala

XXXX Stand: 245

Alexander Thurlow

SSSS

Stand: 265

Alexander Thurlow kick off the New Year with a wonderful selection of chain and chanelle inspired jewellery. Keeping the look light and fresh for Spring 2015 this range allows for lots of subtle colour combinations using various metal colours and stones.

Customer service and great selling designs are what have made Alexander Thurlow one of the major UK suppliers of fashion jewellery since 1949.

Having gone into servicing the gift industry a few years ago they are now building up a fine client base of major customers with their AT LONDON brand.

They will be exhibiting again at Top Drawer, stand 265, in January and Spring Fair Hall 19 Stand C32-C33 in February so it would be worth a visit to see what else they have on offer.

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

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

Mala are also building on the success of their Abertweed range with additional styles and new colours in the range which is made with 100% British wool and leather. New styles include a holdall and washbag and a funky polka dot fabric.

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

Tel: 01827 67401 Web: www.malaleather.com

Neviti XXXX

Stand: P76

Ambiente is a Dutch manufacturer of printed paper napkins and table top accessories. They have their own in house design team and all paper products are manufactured in their factory from FSC certified tissue on flexographic presses. They are able to produce designs from 1 to 9 colours in 25/33/40 cm and offer a very speedy Private Label service.

Each year Ambiente Paper Products produce two collections featuring a variety of flower/plain embossed/lifestyle designs with coordinating accessories such as napkin holders, tissues, candles, and fine china gifts.

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

Top Drawer: Olympia London, Jan 11-13, Stand N 57 Scottish Trade Fair: Glasgow, January 18-20, Stand J 17 Spring Fair: NEC Birmingham, Febuary 2-6, Stand 4D02

Neviti, one of the UK’s leading designers and distributors of wedding and party supplies, will be exhibiting for the first time this year at Top Drawer London. They have some fantastic collections to launch at the show including their two new licensed ranges ‘Dennis The Menace & Gnasher’ and ‘Guess How Much I Love You’. The Dennis and Gnasher collection features the mischievous duo across a wide range of party essentials with bold illustrations and captions from the renowned Beano comic. Guess How Much I Love is the beautiful new range for baby showers, Christenings and birthday celebrations, featuring the adorable characters from this bestselling picture book. It’s an exciting year for Guess How Much I Love You as they celebrate their 20th anniversary, so were certain this collection is going to be popular with fans of this timeless classic.

Another new collection from Neviti is the versatile Little Owls range with two variations in pink and blue there’s everything you need for birthdays, 1st birthdays and baby shower celebrations. The collection includes all your party tableware essentials along with some fun new party games.

For weddings the new ‘With Love’ collection features a really on trend design with a delicate colour palette and stunning heart, flower, butterfly and dove illustrations. This collection presents a wonderful selection of items perfect for decorating wedding tables and venues, which will co-ordinate beautifully with a variety of different colour schemes. Fancy That is a fantastic new offering for summer parties and picnics with a design inspired by a traditional English garden party. The collection offers tableware as well as items for home-made treats including jam jar labels, cupcake cases and an eye-catching cake stand.

Visit Neviti on stand P76 to view their new launches and bestselling wedding and party collections.

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

Tel: 0845 638 1358 Web: www.neviti.com

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

Ambiente Paper Products XXXX

Stand: N57

60 gifts today

Carrie Elspeth EXCLUSIVE DESIGNER JEWELLERY H A N D M A D E I N WA L E S

Top Drawer Spring Stand 440 Follow us on CarrieElspethJewellery @carrieelspeth CarrieElspethJewellery www.carrieelspeth.com

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2 Bridgeside Trading Estate, Kettlebrook Road, Tamworth B77 1AG Tel: 01827 67401 Fax: 01827 67046 Web: www.malaleather.com

Toys For Gift Shops

Picture courtesy of Bigjigs

Toying Around

Everyone loves toys from big kids to actual children. Getting lost in a world of imagination cannot be bettered.

T

he great aspect to toys and games in the gifting sector is that they never lose their appeal. It’s a great way (especially at this time of year) to gather family members around the table for a traditional evening of togetherness and fun. Amanda Murphy, sales and marketing manager for Gibsons said: ‘At the moment we are experiencing an encouraging growth in sales of our games range; while many are cutting back on days out, people are spending more and more time entertaining themselves at home and as a result the games market is flourishing. After all, the £10 per person it costs for a trip to the cinema can just as easily be spent on a game to entertain the entire family for years to come. The festive season especially, sees the games flying out the door, as a good, competitive game after Christmas dinner is a tradition for many.

‘Over the past year, one of our strongest sellers has been our 221b Baker Street Game, which hit the shelves after a refreshing new package design last July. Since then it has been hard to keep up with the demand; it seems that we Brits are truly in Sherlock fever and we just can’t get enough of playing detective with Sherlock and Watson. 2015 sees the launch of our new Sherlock Holmes Card Game, which we expect to be a popular addition to the range following the success of our board game.

‘Whilst jigsaw puzzles remain as strong sellers as ever, we have seen a particular interest in our range of wartime puzzles this year, as many are commemorating the WWI centenary.

We will continue this theme into 2015 with a range of new and beautifully illustrated commemorative puzzles, including the Second World War Anniversary and VE Day. ‘We feel that this is a strong gift 62 gifts today

category as for many, puzzling is a hobby that will stay with them forever and a great deal of our customers claim that after doing a Gibsons puzzle, they’ll never go back to any other brand. We try to get a good coverage over our designs, from cartoon cats to nostalgic paintings, so that there’s something for everyone.

Our licensed ranges such as Downton Abbey and Call the Midwife, also appeal to those who maybe aren’t puzzlers by hobby but still enjoy spending a while piecing together an image of their favourite show.

‘As for our games, we have worked

Amanda Murphy, sales and marketing manager, Gibsons: ‘At the moment we are experiencing an encouraging growth in sales of our games range; while many are cutting back on days out, people are spending more and more time entertaining themselves at home and as a result the games market is flourishing.’ hard to ensure they are interesting and visually appealing, with contemporary packaging that makes them ideal for the gift market. Our Pass the Pud game is presented in a clear acetate box which highlights the quirky nature of the game (specifically the burping Christmas pudding!) and immediately draws the

attention from any passers-by.

‘Innovation is important in such a fast moving market and we strive to keep evolving. Each New Year sees the launch of 50 or so fresh, new designs and we are always conscious of new paths we can explore and which trends might translate well into a product.’

It doesn’t stop there however, from till pick-up pocket money toys, games and puzzles through to toys that keep little ones entertained – sometimes the hands-on approach that these gifting items offer really can’t be beaten, which is why we see continued growth, especially in the area of infant, preschool and toys that are interactive.

Retailer Sarah Haydon of Bicester Bazaar told us that ‘Scientific toys are quite popular at the moment. Farmyard toys are always on trend because children like animals. Tea party toys for the girls are popular.

‘There is a percentage of parents and relatives who want craft or hobby items rather than electronic goods.

‘That’s why they come in. They might buy a couple of books and one of those tins. It may be a craft project that they can do with the child themselves.

‘This time last year we had mosaic kits and they were very popular especially with grandparents who would sit with the children. This year tea party in a tin and the train set have been the most popular.’

Toys which are developmentally appropriate will bring satisfaction and enjoyment and encourage repeat purchasing and free advertising via word of mouth. Why not get onboard the ‘toy express’ and reap the rewards alongside other retailers who are seeing first-hand and already experiencing the additional footfall this sector brings.

Enesco New for 2015, GUND is expanding their successful range of plush by introducing a brand new character — Squirrel Nutkin. This adorable plush features the mischievous red squirrel holding an acorn and is set to join Mr. Jeremy Fisher, Hunca Munca and Baby, Peter Rabbit, Flopsy, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, Jemima PuddleDuck and Benjamin Bunny, which were launched last year.

Also new — and a guaranteed crowd pleaser — is a Jumbo Peter Rabbit. At a staggering 90.0cm tall, you can create a statement in any nursery with this amazing oversized Peter Rabbit who features a branded gift tag label, ready for giving!

Furthermore, and a must-have for all nurseries, is the interactive Peter Rabbit Peek-A-Boo. Press his footpad and this innovative plush will play ‘peek-a-boo’ with baby; hiding and giggling behind his iconic red handkerchief to enchant and delight.

Tel: 01228 404040 Email: uksales@ enesco.co.uk Web: www. enesco.co.uk

Toys For Gift Shops

Yo Ho Ho and a Whole Lot of Fun! House of Marbles have been selling gorgeous toys and games to the gift trade since 1973 and this is a particularly swashbuckling new product from their enormous new range for 2015. This gorgeous Pirate’s Treasure Chest contains everything you need to put a ship in a bottle – a fascinating craft which has perplexed us all for many years! The kit also contains a book of intriguing information about sailing ships, famous pirates and their exploits – so budding Buccaneers and potential Privateers can pick up all sorts of dastardly tips.

And the treasure doesn’t end there - House of Marbles has an absolute hoard of

fabulous toys, games and novelties which are made with an eye on the past and a nod to the future. Everything is perfectly packaged and priced for the discerning retailer who wants to offer their customers something just a little bit unique and special. So heave-ho to their stands at Top Drawer (S49), London Toy Fair (G110) or Spring Fair (Hall 3, P18 – Q19) and see what a wonderful range you could stock for just a few doubloons!

www.houseofmarbles.com/trade

CID has wide licensed product appeal Completely Independent Distribution (CID), the officially licensed apparel and merchandise business, currently offer over 500 different gifting SKUs. Two years ago CID were proud to become a wholly owned subsidiary of the U.S company, National Entertainment Collectibles Association (NECA). Because of this new ownership the product lines available from CID has a much wider appeal than previously.

12 years ago CID began selling Rock T-shirts, and quickly became one of the leading suppliers of music T-shirts across Europe, a fact not ignored by EMI Music who subsequently bought the company in 2009. Since the recent change of ownership CID has prospered, and they continue to offer an extensive range of music T-shirts, hoodies and sweatshirts including AC/DC, Metallica, Nirvana, Foo Fighter, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin.

Their vast music range is now complemented by a huge character license collection including DC Comics, Marvel, Star Wars, Breaking Bad, Hunger Games, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Sons of Anarchy.

One of the NECA licenses which has been at the forefront of driving sales over the past year has been the vast array of Harry Potter merchandise, with items including plush toys, mugs and prop replicas. These Hogwarts favourites are in stock now and will be on show at Spring Fair.

2015 will see the fourth and 64 gifts today

final movie from the incredibly successful Hunger Games franchise and CID offer a fantastic range of products from jewellery and apparel to prop replicas. With the forthcoming Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part One DVD release due out in Spring there is no better product which will continue to be relevant in 2015 onwards. CID shall also be unveiling their new roster of licenses for 2015 at Spring Fair – which include a huge family favourite Christmas movie and some new, cool brands.

Visit CID at the Spring Fair in Hall 4, Stand number A21, or contact them on 0116 2581450, salesteam@cidmerch. com or via their website: www.cidmerch.com

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Toys For Gift Shops

Bigjigs Toys XXXX

Great Gizmos

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2014 for Great Gizmos was a successful year with continual additions to all brands across its extensive portfolio. This year will see the company build on its collections with new additions plus two brand new ranges to tempt retailers, whilst heightened consumer marketing will ensure shoppers are equally inspired.

The ever popular luxury plush range NICI, is set to wow retailers for 2015 with more high quality collections launching in the spring.

Brand new for NICI is Jolly Candy, an addition to the Jolly Mah range of plush sheep characters. New to NICI Wonderland is Minilucas and Minisophie, a beautiful soft plush farmer and his wife, who along with their animal best friends are suitable for children from birth. There are new products for the popular My First NICI and Owl ranges and a fun Sloth character joining the world of Wild Friends. Other new ranges include Donkey and a new Classic Bear so children can continue to build on their collections.

Launching in January 2015 is Kid-O; a brilliant range of vibrant plastic toys that are designed with learning in mind. Each toy is created to engage and stimulate the mind with a rich variety of shapes, colours and sizes. The Floating Whale is suitable for children 1+ and is made from sleek durable material in a bright blue and white colour. To also stimulate kids from an early age there is the Marble Maze, Alphabet and Number Magnatabs and also a Free Play Magnatab that allows kids to create designs and shapes from the pull of magnets.

Another new introduction is the award winning Meadow Kids collection that has a variety of craft kits, bath toys and educational games that will excite kids of all ages. Kids can get arty at home with the Pencils and Stencils kit that will transform everyday cards and envelopes with the included Cupcake, Owl and Rocket stencils and colouring pencils. For fun in the tub, the Build and Play Stable is made of chunky and colourful EVA that can be assembled again and again.

Plan Toys is a fabulous collection of naturally coloured wooden toys that appeal to both boys and girls from the age of six months and is currently leading the way in innovative manufacturing methods and its belief in sustainable play. New for 2015 will be the fantasy land range and a fabulous array of colourful sensory and learning toys, plus a wide variety of outdoor toys, ride-ons, games and puzzles plus educational pieces that will keep little ones entertained.

Toy Fair: Stand: G20

Tel: 01293 543221 Email: enquiries@greatgizmos.co.uk 66 gifts today

Bigjigs Toys has a wealth of experience to call upon when it comes to wooden toys, delighting young minds with exciting, educational toys for nearly 30 years.

Over the years Bigjigs have grown their range of wooden jigsaw puzzles so there’s something to suit every puzzle need, from first stage puzzles, floor puzzles, magnetic puzzles and more. All of the jigsaw puzzles are designed in the UK and aid sorting and matching skills when it comes to arranging numbers, letters, animals and objects.

New for 2014 are a range of wooden Mini Playsets, including Mini Farm Playset complete with farmer and wife figurines and their collection of farmyard animals. Also in the range are Mini Mushroom House Playset, Mini Pirate Ship Playset, Mini Hospital Playset, and Mini Fire Station Playset. Their clever compact design allows for all the play pieces to be neatly tucked away inside the shell of the toy and the soft rope carry handle makes them an ideal portable plaything.

Bigjigs prides itself on sourcing high quality, responsibly sourced wood for its toys and ensures that all of their products conform to the latest European safety standards.

Tel: 01303 250400 Web: www.bigjigstoys.co.uk

GiftScribes

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Whether you are planning to treat yourself or someone else, where better to set aside the money for toys?

Year after year, piggy banks prove to be a perennial favourite and GiftScribes offer a steadily expanding range in a wide choice of designs and different sizes; as a part of the ‘Special Moments’ range. Products include traditional piggy banks with contemporary designs and unique money boxes shaped like a Choo Choo train, a rocking horse and a pretty pink carriage fit for a little princess.

Every piggy bank is made from sturdy ceramic with a hard-wearing glaze and pretty raised artwork. The smaller versions are supplied in a gift box covered in silk finish paper. All feature a removable stopper and a slot that will take a £ 2 coin.

GiftScribes also offer a collection of exquisite, high quality personalisable photo frames that feature themes which compliment some of the piggy banks to create beautiful gift sets.

Small mixed orders (12 items or more) are possible and GiftScribes promise quick, flexible ordering and a personal service.

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

Puckator XXXX Create your own monster!

Puckatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crazy and colourful DIY putty monsters can be squeezed, stretched, squelched or pummelled into any shape. Attach arms, legs, eyes, spikes and scary teeth to complete the look. Ideal for kids to play with their friends and see who can make with the scariest monster. Puckator have a huge selection of ever-popular wind-up toys and some very interesting growing toys too - just add water and watch them grow! Their novelty toys range includes a number of less than delightful items sure to appeal to the younger curious minds out there. Or if slimy, squidgy, gross and gruesome is more your style, they can cater to that too. Whether you are a big or little kid, Puckator have something for you.

Most products come packaged in a counter top display box making them easy to sell and great to display on the shelves.

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

Saving for future goals

Piggy Banks

They are never too young to start saving for the special things! GiftScribes offer a range of unique and beautifully made money boxes and traditional piggy banks in both contemporary and classic designs. Each is made from sturdy ceramic with a hardwearing glaze, brightly coloured artwork and a slot for a ÂŁ2 coin.

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Go to: www.giftscribes.co.uk eMail: sales@giftscribes.co.uk Call: 01584 811 190

gifts today 67

Pet Themed Gifts

Just Purrrfect!

What trends are we seeing in this superb gifting category? The power of TV programming or films has a huge impact on what may be in vogue at any given moment which in turn can see sales go ‘barking’ mad in-store!

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ritain is undoubtedly a nation of pet lovers. We spend millions every year on our animals – food, treats, even clothes – and woe betide anyone who hurts an animal.

Our interest in the subject of pets extends to gifts as well so we decided to find out just how big the pet gift industry is.

Sue Grant from Widdop Bingham told us: ‘Seeing unusual animals we don’t normally see on TV programmes or

themed film and TV and their effect on animal gifts: ‘Having Paddington in a film at the moment is obviously creating an interest and pushing people to maybe wanting a bear although that is not necessarily Paddington. We have success with the Charlie Bear range. They are celebrating their tenth anniversary next year.

‘A lot of people do come in for Paddington at the moment but they have always been interested in him. Real collectors scour the land for the ones

‘Pet-themed and animal gifts are great evergreen gift lines for many retailers.

Cats and dogs, not surprisingly, are always the most popular animals with gifts given to both the pet and the owner.’

Susan Grant, Widdop Bingham adverts always has an impact on sales of animal gifts.

‘Cast your mind back to the meerkats trend. Classic animals are often collectables and include elephants, frogs and owls. In fashion and home accessories, native woodland animals and in particular foxes are popular icons and this too influences gifting.

‘Animals that show human traits can have an amazing appeal to both young and old and are often adopted as a favourite, collectable animal.

‘Pet-themed and animal gifts are great evergreen gift lines for many retailers.

Cats and dogs, not surprisingly, are always the most popular animals with gifts given to both the pet and the owner.’

Retailer Graeme Miles from Apple Pie Shop speaks of the appeal of animal68 gifts today

they are missing and come to us. The Isabelle Collection, which is the mohair collection, is very popular.

‘Even though we sell bears people want soft sculpture and wander in looking for, say, a chihuahua or something that connects with what they have. It’s a very mixed bag.’

Charlotte Brocklesby of Dora Designs Ltd tells us: ‘For Dora Designs our pet themed ranges have always been popular. This year saw the launch of our new Canine and Feline Collections and due to their success; we are expanding the ranges with new additions for 2015.

These ranges of doorstops, draught excluders, paperweights and now key rings are designed in varying tones of grey boucle fabric and as a result are ideal to complement any room within people’s homes.

Personalised Memento Company

PMC are known as the one stop shop for personalised gifts and gifts for pets are no exception!

Personalised pet bowls will be featuring at the Spring Fair, in a range of sizes there is a bowl for every pet from rabbits to dogs. The bowls are strong, safe and with durable thick sides to prevent chipping and keep water cooler for longer. They are heavy weight to help reduce the amount of spillages from clumsy paws! They are easy to clean bowls suitable for food or water they are a perfect pet gift.

It’s clear that the nation is filled with pet owners, PMC has a gift for them all from placemats to calendars, blankets and frames. Even Christmas stockings and personalised Christmas baubles!

Pet lovers will love the new sentimental gift book, new to the range, filled with a collection of poems, sentimental observations and quotes. With such a huge range it’s easy to see why PMC are the first choice for personalised gifts.

Hall 5 stand L20 M21

Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk Web: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk ‘We feel that this is an extremely strong category. For our company, the designs are undertaken extremely intricately in order for the final product to replicate a particular breed of dog or cat. As a result of this, we feel that customers can relate to the products we have carefully crafted, particularly if they have a pet of that breed.

‘For next year, we believe that the demand for domestic animal gifts will continue to flourish.’

Retailer Sarah Haydon of Bicester Bazaar says, ‘I have a range of cushions and people do come in and ask for a particular pet breed on them or mugs.

They want it tailored to their own breed of animal rather than generic designs.

Yorkies, Labradors, Jack Russells, Westies are popular all year round and anything with cats on. It doesn’t have to be a particular colour or breed of cat, as long as it’s a cat.

‘I find that if there is a film or TV show featuring a particular animal then people will come in for that animal, not

necessarily that specific character. For example, I had a couple of penguin cushions arrive a week ago and they were gone by Monday morning. The same with Paddington. TV tie-ins do generate interest for a couple of months.’

It is a win-win scenario for retailers who stock pet themed gifts – or in reality, a good mix of animal themed gifts. People enjoy spending money on their own pets, or better still, receiving gifts that are either for their pets or mementos that remind them or their little loved one.

The growing trend continues to expand within the gifts industry, since let’s face it, the number of people owning a pet continues to grow – and nowadays, pets are a much-loved member of the family who get treated almost as well if not better than the kids.

So it stands to reason why consumers are keen to buy gifts either for their friends with pets, or for their pets themselves.

RJB Stone XXXX

Puckator

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For all the dog-lovers out there, Puckator’s new Pugs & Kisses range has just been launched for 2015. Bang on trend, these are a must have item for gift retailers.

The range includes a bone china mug, a variety of compact mirror designs and matchbook nail files with both a black and a brown pug. The adorable designs will be appearing on more products throughout 2015 as it’s expected to be an extremely popular range. Puckator also have a wide range of dog fridge magnets showing some of the most popular dog breeds. Visit Puckator at the NEC Spring Fair in Hall 5 Stand D60-E53 to see these items and many more.

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

RJB Stone introduce a huge range of irresistible Sass & Belle Pet products for 2015! Love their beautifully crafted food bowls: From trendy Moroccan patterns to ‘Please Meow I have some more’’ prints. Keep food fresh in ‘A house is not a home without a dog ’storage tins and ensure guests know whose boss with ‘Cat’ and ‘Dog Rules’ wall hangings. Discover an extensive range of plaques stating ‘All you need is love and a cat’ and ‘Dogs leave paw prints on your heart’ and wrap these purr-fect gifts in charming, high quality cat and dog wrapping paper. Rabbit owners will hop with happiness over a gorgeous collection of bunny themed products, such as bunny ear clocks and ceramic dishes and RJB Stone even have lovely gifts to sweeten up Bee keepers too!

Web: www.rjbstone. com

2015

Special Love for a for Best Friend Christmas

by GiftScribes Gifts

Spring Fair Stand 6 T21 Top Drawer Stand N39 Telephone: 01304 379901 info@quailceramics.co.uk www.quailceramics.co.uk

NEW - GiftScribes now offer a unique, design-led collection of hanging decorations that feature adorable dogs and cats. Many popular dog breeds are available, most decorations are Christmas themed and all are personalisable at the point of sale.

This highly collectible range is complimented by pet-themed photo frames and hanging plaques.

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Go to: www.giftscribes.co.uk eMail: sales@giftscribes.co.uk Call: 01584 811 190 gifts today 69

Pet Themed Gifts

GiftScribes XXXX

Enesco

‘I was a beanbag once…it was awful’ ‘I’m just going to ‘lie’ here…and pretend I’m listening.’

We don’t need to tell you who is thinking the heartfelt moans above – Grumpy Cat, famous for her quirky expressions and appearance, is as popular as ever both as gorgeously soft plush toys from GUND and on social media.

In celebration, two new soft toys portraying the cat, whose real name is Tardar Sauce, are to be launched in 2015.

As with the rest of the Grumpy Cat collection, the new toys are carefully made by hand in GUND’s trademark style using soft tactile plush. The new beanbag fits in the palm of a hand and the second toy shows Grumpy Cat relaxing in her signature pose.

Grumpy Cat’s exploits are followed by an increasing number of fans – who now amount to over 16 million on YouTube, more than 6.5 million on Facebook, in excess of 350,000 on Twitter and 500,000 on Instagram.

Grumpy Cat has become one of the most famous cats of all time and has appeared in news and television shows around the world.

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

Joe Davies

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Dog and cat themed gifts are always perennial sellers but are proving particularly popular at the moment.

Joe Davies’ new Visage Cushions make the perfect gift for any animal lover. The cushions are made of a lovely, soft, suede like fabric and feature stunning high resolution photographs of favourite dogs and cats.

The cushions currently come in 2 sizes but a smaller size and new heart shaped cushions will be introduced for Spring and Summer as well as many new breed of dogs and cute new cats and kittens.

All Joe Davies’ 2000+ new products for Spring and Summer will be introduced at the Exeter Giving & Living Show Stand A741/752. (11th – 14th January 2015)

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

GiftScribes now offer a unique, design-led collection of hanging decorations that feature adorable dogs and cats. Many popular dog breeds are available and most of the decorations are Christmas themed, although they would also make a perfect gift for display in any room, all year round.

As a part of the ‘Special Moments’ Christmas collection, every decoration can be personalised easily at the point of sale, by asking the retailer to add a hand-written name. This creates a thoughtful gift and keepsake that could be the start of a highly collectible series.

Everyone is made from high quality poly resin and each comes complete with a glossy paper gift bag and a hanging ribbon. The pet themes are continued through a complimentary range of personalisable photo frames and hanging plaques.

Quick and flexible ordering allows for ‘little and often’ orders to be placed and delivered up until mid December. Any product ranges featured at trade shows and on our website will be available year round for convenient and early ordering.

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

Quail Ceramics

Quail has gone into tropical colours for its new series of hand painted birds.

The lovebird and lorikeet bud vases in vibrant greens, blues and orange with little red beaks have really appealing characters that will liven up the grey winter light as they transport you to the lush forest and romantic palm-fringed beaches of some far away island.

The addition of two or three little flowers makes these pieces a delight. With Easter in mind they are also made in eggcups and salt and pepper sets.

Quail’s very popular budgies have also sprouted eggcups making them a certain success for Easter and afterwards for the breakfast table. They also come as bud vases so they are in time for all those cheery daffodils.

Tel: 01304 379901 Email: info@quailceramics.co.uk Web: www.quailsales.co.uk 70 gifts today

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Intelex

Arora Design

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Inspired by the phenomenally popular “Little Paws” range, “Optipaws” is new from Arora Design for 2015. This fabulous collection of humorous cat, dog and animal eye glass holders gives these fabulous characters a fresh twist with a great practical purpose. With their own distinctive branding these adorable figurines come presented in a fabulous colour box to make the perfect gift. Twelve of the most popular dog breeds are first to make their debut, along with a black and white cat and the ever popular Meerkat. Included in the first wave are a Basset, a Black Labrador, a Border Collie, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, a Chocolate Labrador, a Dachshund, a German Shepherd, a Golden Retriever, a Pug, a Springer Spaniel, a Westie and a Yorkie.

With an RRP of just £19.99 they are a superb gift with functionality combined with a touch of humour. With these little guys around you can banish the question “Where did I put my glasses” Optipaws will be out and about at various venues in January including The East Anglian Gift and Toy Fair, Norwich Stand SA18 Giving and Living, Exeter Stand Hall A Stand A255 Scotland’s Trade Fair (Spring), SECC Stand H26 and of course at the Spring Fair NEC in February Hall 5 Stand A03

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

Enesco

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Take Snoopy and one of his endearing witticisms, add in a friend from the Peanut Gang and mix with award-winning artist Jim Shore’s folk-art inspired decorations, and ‘Good Grief’, as Charlie Brown might say, the result is a figurine gift collection of imagination and panache! Launched

by Enesco, the Peanuts

by Jim Shore Collection features the quirky comic strip characters - Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy and Woodstock - and the figurines are perfect for telling friends and family that you love them.

Ideal for Valentine’s Day, the figurine I Heart You shows Snoopy holding a pink balloon inscribed with the three romantic words. Love is a Beagle Hug shows Snoopy with not one, but four Woodstocks, and it’s the cutest way to thank Mothers for their boundless love, whilst in Best Dad, Snoopy is masterful in glasses and red bow tie, and fathers will adore him! Jim Shore’s colourful and themed motifs around the figurines’ shaped bases and on the characters, enriches the sentiment and humour behind each piece.

Tel: 01228 404022 Fax: 01228 404041 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Web: www.enesco.co.uk

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Children’s love of animal themed soft toys continues to thrive despite the rise of technological gadgets available on the market today.

What has really evolved though is the sheer variety and breadth of plush toys available on retailers’ shelves and when it comes to cuddly pet themed play toys, kids are spoilt for choice.

The Northamptonshire based Intelex Group continue to innovate and expand their fun and functional Warmies range to cater to this growing demand for animal themed toys. With the added benefit of being fully heatable in the microwave, Intelex’s plush toys are a safe and very cute alternative to hot water bottles for children of all ages.

Intelex Group’s pet toy characters extend across a number of their Warmies including Curtis Cat and Bunty Bunny from their quirky Socky Dolls range to their best selling Cozy Plush characters which includes farmyard favourites like Puppy, Sheep and Pig to the more exotic animal wildlife including Panda, Turtle, Giraffe, Monkey and Hippo.

Trending pet themed toys very much of the moment include Cozy Penguin, a year-round best-seller for Intelex which has been further bolstered recently by the John Lewis ‘Monty’ Penguin TV ads. The trend for all things owl shows no sign of waning and Intelex’s heatable Hooty owls, including their adorable Hooty screen cleaners continue to fly off retailers shelves making great gift ideas for both children and adults.

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

Widdop Bingham XXXX With over a staggering 18 million pets in the UK today we are clearly a nation of pet lovers and in recent trends it is not uncommon that people are spending more and more money on their furry friends. Be it a gift with their pet in mind or a memento that reminds them of their loved little one.

With pets firmly asserting themselves as part of the family and sometimes being treated better than the kids! Just looking at their furry faces is enough to get customers spoiling them and spending money!

Widdop Bingham have eagerly met this growing trend expanding their Best of Breed range which has formed the back bone of Widdop’s pet – related giftware for many years. Designed in house exciting new products are set to make their promising debut at spring fair 2015. Mugs, glass wall plaques and glass clocks all in photographic style are a core theme throughout the range.

Also boasting silhouette style designs this range has a wide collection of photo frames, figurines, clocks and key rings. There is something for every pet lover and certainly every retailer. With many items ideal for personalisation adding that extra personal touch and allowing for that extra profit margin for the retailers.

Tel: 0161 688 1226 Email: sales@widdop.co.uk Web: www.widdop.co.uk gifts today 71

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Regular - Rachel Parkin

What’s your plan for 2015?

Rachel Parkin

So firstly, a happy new year to you and yours! I hope your Christmas was superb and the New Year finds you surrounded with family, love and in good health.

I

f Christmas and New Year seems like a distant memory to you already and it’s now all about the diet and your New Year’s resolutions then I’m sending you warm wishes for extra strong willpower and a lockable fridge.

The New Year is an exciting time, a whole pure and unsullied year lies ahead of us.

Virgin territory you might say, except that it’s not really. Most of us live the same sort of year, year in year out. Of course there are highlights, births, marriages, successes, and a few low lights thrown in too so we don’t get too comfortable, but if you’re looking ahead into 2015 my guess is that you pretty much know how it’s going to pan out for your and your business.

One way to up the ante on this is to record what went well and what didn’t in 2014. A looking back in order to look forward exercise. After all we have to put the old year to bed before we can start the new year. I fervently hope that 2014 wasn’t an annus horribalis for you, but for many I know it did seem to be an epic trudge to the finish line. Retail has its brilliant moments, but putting the Christmas cd on repeat play doesn’t seem to be one of them.

So if you look back to 2014 what would you have done differently?

What did you learn from the year? What did you learn from the Christmas period?

Did you under or over buy, or did you get it just right – in this case give yourself a hearty cheer!

It’s a good idea to record these answers somewhere safe, because as the year moves swiftly on, as it will of course, picking up speed as it whizzes through the middle months, this will all be forgotten in the deep recesses of your mind, whereas now its fresh and accessible.

So taking a long hard look at your 72 gifts today

If you sell branded goods, what are the brands plans for 2015?

– How will they protect their bricks and mortar retailers? If you sell a mix of goods as many independent retailers do, then the point of difference for your store is usually your displays, merchandising or choice of products – How does that differ to other local competitors?

business, here are some great questions to ask yourself ?

• What did I do that I was proud of ?

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What did I take on that developed me?

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What didn’t I do, that I really should have?

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What did I achieve in 2014?

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How did I achieve it?

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What would I have done differently and why?

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What is my competitive advantage looking forward & how will I protect that?

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What am I going to focus on in 2015?

Of course, these are just a few questions, a starting point if you like to making conscious decisions about your business.

The luxury of time to focus on decision making is in short supply for the selfemployed, but it is vital if you are to retain your passion for your business.

If you sell branded goods, what are the brands plans for 2015? – How will they protect their bricks and mortar retailers? If you sell a mix of goods as many independent retailers do, then the point of difference for your store is usually your displays, merchandising or choice of products – How does that differ to other local competitors?

What can you do locally to promote your business? Think outside the box here – it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money – it’s more about thinking like a PR company – Can you enrol local ambassadors for your store or products, can you team up with other local events? Are you networking?

Do you see a value in this?

I read somewhere that our happiest six months are in a new job, house, or relationship (not necessarily in that order) because our brains are complex organisms.

We crave structure and routine in order to feel safe, but we feel alive when we step out of our comfort zones and take on activities that challenge us.

Retail is evolving faster than many sectors and what worked for you & me in 2014 may not have the same pull in 2015, so it is worth taking a long hard look at your local population, town, sector & seeing what new opportunities may lie a little outside of your comfort zone.

What new skills can you learn in order to facilitate the growth of your business?

Are you utilising social media to its full extent?

What has you fired up about your business?

What three things could you do to improve your business in 2015?

Looking forward to Christmas 2015 – What would you like to be different and why?

Change isn’t usually a massive thing. It’s a slow, incremental movement. Using the laws 0 compound interest and making one different decision a day could change your business massively by the end of 2015.

Small steps every day!

Rachel Parkin is managing director of jewellery wholesaler Balagan. She also runs independent gift shop Trollbeads and contemporary jeweller Pandora’s box in Cambridge.

Email: rachel@balagan.co.uk Rachel suggests that you might like to look at the following Retail Rehab website as it’s a free resource for retailers!

Web: www.retailrehab.co.uk

Kitchen Gifts

Cook up a storm

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itchens are often what can ‘make or break’ the sale of a house, somewhere for entertaining, relaxing, and more to the point – cooking! Therefore this is a great gifting category and dare we say, perhaps a very female focussed arena (although let’s face it, with more male domination coming to the forefront of cooking, perhaps this is no longer a statement that rings true!).

With cooking programmes galore at the moment, more people are deciding to ‘entertain at home’ due to the current economic climate – it’s a great opportunity for everyone and gifts for the kitchen are making a huge comeback!

From glassware through to salt and pepper pots, pictures, gimmick products and stylish kitchenware, it’s a winner!

From muted tones and contemporary style, to funky and quirky object d’art – manufacturers and suppliers have got this covered.

We asked Holly Taylor, Fizz Creations what trends they were currently experiencing when it comes to kitchenware? “Novelty Accessories for the kitchen - with a twist of course!

Something useful, such as a knife set, chopping boards, etc., yet with a bit of creativity to it. Why have a standard kitchen tool when you can have it shaped as an iconic item?! This is something we absolutely love at Fizz because it has a bit of charm and animation to it.”

Retailer, Mark Clemas, One Brown Cow has seen trends emerge in-store.

“Storage tins and storage containers are popular to give as kitchen gifts, these can be used for everything from tea and coffee through to cake tins and keeping

The kitchen is one of those rooms where so much happens. It’s a place where many families come together, a room that is very rarely empty, so naturally a large emphasis is placed on the look and feel of the area (a bit similar to bathrooms). baking products. And if the tin doesn’t get used in a kitchen it will always find a use somewhere around the home.

“Retro is still very popular and mixing in a range of old and new to create an eclectic look rather than co-ordinating. If the colours or patterns of a product fit in with something already in the customers kitchen then it can justify its place alongside older items already there.”

synonymous with bringing vintage to current, so our design team has had a lot of fun playing with this trend and increasing our collections for kitchen gifts.

“Personally, my favourite kitchen trend is the emerging repetitive patterns theme, which is moving away from geometric and embracing more elegant and repetitive motifs, like Moroccan and

With cooking programmes galore at the moment, more people are deciding to ‘entertain at home’ due to the current economic climate – it’s a great opportunity for everyone and gifts for the kitchen are making a huge comeback!

Liza Davies, Sales Executive, RJB Stone also commented about current trends. “We absolutely love the interior trends that are being introduced for 2015! This year I think there is a real sense of many of the developing trends reaching a kind of completion.

RJB Stone is often associated with words: uplifting sayings, positive words and inspirational messages are a real passion. Over the last 18 months, this has really taken off as a trend: in the digital age where we communicate via text more than ever, it makes sense that people are connecting with loved ones and representing their identity through the written word. Another area that has become prominent is the marrying of modern and traditional: again, we are

folk prints. These are warm, bohemian and classical and I particularly like our ceramic ranges in these patterns.”

From the traditional to the quirky, gifting in this sector is exceptionally high.

Why do these items make such good gifting options? Holly told us: “Probably simply because they are quirky and fun.

Kitchens can become a bit too bland making cooking seem dull. Brightening up a ‘chore’ space always helps and so many people like a useful gift as well as a fun one. Why not combine both?”

Liza couldn’t agree more, and feels that as the ‘hub of the home’, this is a great retail opportunity: “Kitchens are the heart of the home and we associate food with nurture. In many cultures, and particularly in British culture, meal

times are valued as an important social event in our daily lives. With this mind, it makes sense that gifting people with kitchen accessories is a great way to connect with loved ones and carries all the connotations of our cultural traditions. On a practical level, buying gifts for the kitchen is a great way to ensure that your gift will be well used and you can find a vast array of inexpensive but useful and attractive gifts in this area.”

We also asked Liza what advice would they give to their retailer partners when considering this category in-store?

“We highly recommend investing in this particular category for both gift and homeware retailers. The diversity of products available to retailers in kitchen gifts is fantastic and it is very easy to become really enthusiastic about the wonderful designs and styles that are on offer. In practical terms, the price range associated with this area is remarkably large, making it accessible to all markets and giving retailers the option of buying in ranges that can be upsold, introducing specialist products that will appeal to specific shoppers or even dipping their toe in the water and experimenting without too much financial risk.

“With regards to kitchen gifts themselves; what a lovely area to move into! Shoppers love kitchenware and the products bring a sense of homely wonder into store spaces. Offering kitchen gifts to your customers says a lot about you as a business: you are promoting your business as a retailer that caters to special moments for family and friends. “ Take a look at the following pages where you’ll find some fantastic products for you to cook up a storm in-store! gifts today 73

Kitchen Gifts

Fizz Creations XXX

Enesco

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Famed for its witty and colourful ceramics and glassware, this season’s launches from Our Name is Mud introduce a series of hilarious Birthday Mugs. Reaching the next milestone can often bring apprehension, but, whatever the age, Our Name Is Mud makes light of it!

Who can resist a smile when they read such funny sentiments as: ‘Still a Teen @ 18! Never mind tea, where’s the pub?’; ‘I’m Flipping 30! Women lie about their age, men lie about their income’; ‘I’m hot for 50! It just comes in flashes now’ and ‘Crikey I’m 80! I am 18, with 62 years’ experience!’

So, next time you know someone who is celebrating a big milestone in their life, one of these mugs would make the perfect gift. They are bold, fresh and functional and come in a gift box, ready to give — all you need to do is write the card!

Fizz Creations, the novelty gift and toy Company, is pleased to announce the creation of its range of Kitchen Ninjas, a team fully trained in the art of culinary assassination who are prepared to infiltrate any kitchen.

The range includes a Ninja Apron and Headband set, Ninja Travel Mug, Many Faces of a Ninja Mug and the Ultimate Kitchen Ninja himself… The Ninja Knife Block. The fully kitted Ninja Knife Block comes equipped with utility knife, bread knife and chef knife, he may lend you his weapons but he will not reveal his secrets. This fantastic range will add a certain ‘cool-ness’ to your kitchen.

The Kitchen Ninja range is in training and will be ready for launch at Spring Fair 2015. Pay us a visit in Hall 6, Stand M30.

Tel: 01903 327006 Email: sales@fizzcreations.com Web: www.fizzcreations.com

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

Widdop Bingham

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As part of their best selling Fresh Air range of odour eliminators, Price’s Chef’s candles help eliminate your home of unwanted cooking odours.

Combining retro gift packaging and delightful fragrances with the ingenious use of Odourfoyl technology, the days of fetid fish and odorous onions are over!

The Odourfoyl is released into the air, combining with the food molecules and neutralising all your unwanted cooking odours.

Throughout their 185-year history Price’s have been renowned for their quality and innovation. This is none truer than with their Chef’s odour-eliminating candles and diffusers. Available in jars, tins, tealights and diffusers, this is sure to be a winning gift for all your customers.

The market for kitchen giftware has seen many changes over recent years as the kitchen increasingly becomes the main hub of the home. With busy families coming and going in what is commonly the busiest room in the house Widdop Bingham has noticed a distinctive trend towards practical rather than decorative giftware.

When describing kitchen giftware, clocks are not usually the first thing that comes to mind. However Widdop Bingham have had clocks at the heart of their range for over 130 years and clocks are now a firm staple in busy family kitchens too.

Promising new designs have been added to their in house designed Hometime brand which carries a shabby chic theme throughout, but together with modern contemporary styles it is a popular range for all retailers. ‘Is it time for coffee’ typography, tea pot shaped clocks or more vintage Paris cafeteria scenes all carry a distinct kitchen theme throughout.

The more obvious kitchen giftware products have not been forgotten with Widdop’s licensed product range Paper Salad leading the way with vibrant colour palettes combined with a modern minimalistic typography design the full range carries an entire kitchen caddy set. Perfect for a striking display and a busy home this practical set can be bought in single pieces or as a range for that extra impact.

Tel: 01234 264500 Email: sales@prices-candles.co.uk Web: www.prices-candles.co.uk

Tel: 0161 688 1200 Email: sales@widdop.co.uk Web: www.widdop.co.uk

Prices Candles

74 gifts today

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Personalising the kitchen with Lesser & Pavey PMC TTTT

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Personalised gifts in the kitchen and baking category are off to a storming start for 2015. PMC are the one stop shop for personalised gifts and have a new range of baking gifts, the wide range includes aprons, tea towels, mixing bowls and personalised rolling pins.

Wooden and slate gifts have proved popular sellers including placemats, coasters, chopping boards and cheeseboard sets. PMC also offer personalised gifts in a range of tableware from mugs and glassware to ice buckets and personalised wine coolers.

With a range of ways to sell and such variety in the range, PMC are the leading suppliers of personalised gifts. With everything designed, personalised and manufactured from one location the majority of lines are despatched in 24 hours with the option for next day delivery.

Spring Fair Hall 5 stand L20 M21

Retro style is a style that is deliberately out to set a trend, fashion of the recent past.

The Lesser and Pavey range of retro jam jars, looks, and is, setting a trend in the current giftware market.

Brand new â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Mr Right and Mrs Always rightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; additions to the range and perfect for a greetings or gift outlet.

Nostalgic in shape and form, the jars are fun, fashionable; bringing a new concept to a drink container, whether it be out and about or in a trendy night club or bar.

Lesser & Pavey were first to stop the potential of the drinking jars and set about making a quality item, with screw top lid and straw, to present to the giftware buyer something innovative whilst practical.

This range is rapidly growing and here are a number of new designs that will be on show at the start of 2015.

The jars launched by Lesser & Pavey are a favourite with buyers and new designs are on offer at Spring Fair in Hall 5 stand C04-D03.

Ideal for cocktails and other fruity drinks, as this a new craze here in the UK as they are already used in trendy bars overseas.

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

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

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Kitchen Gifts

Enesco

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New Inspired by Mackintosh Collection — from Border Fine Arts As the name suggests, this brand new collection has been inspired by one of the most influential artists of the early twentieth century.

Designed by respected Scottish company, Border Fine Arts, the range — which includes various shapes of Glassware, two Vases, a Mug, a Cup & Saucer and Coasters — features a bold and decorative art nouveau ‘Rose’ design.

These new items make the perfect addition to any home and each piece comes in its own beautifully branded gift box featuring our Art Nouveau-inspired artwork — ready to give as a gift that will be cherished by all.

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

Puckator

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Puckator have expanded their popular range of kitchen and baking accessories for 2015. These kitchen gifts are both decorative and practical. The round and rectangular tins can be used to store your freshly baked cakes and buns, use the handy notebook to write down all of your favourite recipes and the extra long cook’s matches come in very useful in the kitchen. Puckator have cupcake cases to suit everyone, designs include Big Trunk Circus, Space Explorer, Cute Fox Tales, Pirates, Love Owls and Retro Robots. See Puckator’s entire range at the NEC Spring Fair in Hall 5 Stand 5D60-E53.

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

Joe Davies

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White Bamboo from Joe Davies is a modern, clean series of Kitchen gifts in fresh, white porcelain with contemporary bamboo features.

The range has been a sterling seller for Joe Davies for 4 years now and there is always a steady stream of exciting new designs to keep the collection up-to-date.

Pictured are just some of the top sellers.

White Bamboo represents remarkable value for money (Cruet Sets retail from just £2.99) and is available in Joe Davies’ trademark ‘Little & Often’ quantities to make buying across the range easy and affordable.

All Joe Davies’ 2000+ new products for Spring and Summer will be introduced at the Exeter Giving & Living Show Stand A741/752. (11th – 14th January 2015)

Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk Web: www.joedavies.co.uk 76 gifts today

RJB Stone

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The kitchen is the heart of the home and RJB Stone are showing that they have a lot of love to give with their delicious new range of Sass & Belle kitchen gifts.

Make interiors more inviting with a staggering range of wonderfully whimsical wall plaques and charming chalk boards. With a choice of prints ranging from ‘Kitchen Rules’ to ‘All You Need is Love and a Good Cup Of Coffee,’ there is something for every home. RJB Stone’s fantastic Sass & Belle Safari Floral range brings imaginative brightness to meal times and their cool ‘Bohemian’ range, including Cake stand and teapot, are an essential for any chic tea party. Cooking up sentimentality, RJB Stone offer spatulas etched with touching quotes and cookie cutters in playful new shapes. Fabulous new ceramic dishes in a variety of shapes and sizes make perfect quirky gifts and gorgeous retro jars sport little chalk board labels for a personalised touch. With a multitude of design-led products to feast your eyes on, RJB Stone have the perfect recipe to make people smile!

Web: www.rjbstone.com

Ready for good news?

There’s plenty of good news from Shruti Designs and Junction 18.

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stablished giftware and home accessories wholesaler Junction 18 have joined forces with growing fashion accessories and home textiles brand Shruti Designs. “This is the perfect marriage,” explains Product Director, Michaela Davies. “Collectively our customers are looking for compelling product stories which combine both gift, fashion accessories and home decoration products. We are now delighted to be able to offer stronger collections as a result.”

Customers who recently attended the last Junction 18/Shruti Open Week event experienced the new look and feel of the remodelled showroom in Warminster which reflects the collaboration. The Christmas collection has always been an important emphasis for the company and the renovation has continued in preparation for Christmas 2015. The new ranges are designed to both inspire and delight, appealing to wide variety of different tastes; From Moroccan Nights to Highland Holiday, from Country Christmas to Jack Frost, Santa Baby and much more. Buyers are invited to experience the seasonal showcase in a relaxed environment from January 6th – 11th. Email hello@

shrutidesgins.co.uk to secure a place at this RSVP event.

Following the overwhelming success of animal illustrator Casey Rogers with her colourful, fun and quirky giftware ranges, Shruti were delighted to sign up other exciting, home grown design talent to join their fold of ‘Fresh Talent’. “We’ve been really busy creating some fabulous ranges with Lisa Buckridge, Susie Faulks and Sarah Ray for SS15”, says Michaela. “These collections sit alongside our core ranges and complement our brand beautifully”.

Products include 100% cotton canvas handbags, make-purses, wash bags, spec sleeves, 100% cotton scarves, textured throws, ceramics and stationery. “There really is a lot of great product here”.

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

For further information on Shruti Designs and Junction 18 products or to attend the Christmas 2015 Launch please telephone +44 (0)1985 847774 or Email: hello@ shrutidesigns.co.uk. gifts today 77

New Products Best Kept Secrets Bath Hearts are an Instant Success

Farm Friends

This lovely, country style ‘Farm Friends’ series is just one of 2000 new products on the Joe Davies stand at the upcoming Exeter Show.

‘Farm Friends’ features charming sheep and cow figures with heart-warming messages all lovingly handmade in wood with a lime wash finish. The series is complemented by an equally charming wooden Owl series which will also debut at Exeter.

All gifts from Joe Davies’ exciting collection are available ‘Little & Often’ to please the independent retailer, minimum orders are just £100 and delivery is free nationwide.

Joe Davies will be exhibiting at Giving & Living, Exeter, Stand A741/752.

(11th – 14th January 2015) Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk Web: www.joedavies.co.uk

Home Garden Succulent

All things from the 1970’s are steadily coming back into fashion and this includes the fad for indoor plants and Terrariums. These Garden Globes, fresh from Joe Davies fit the bill perfectly and are now featured in all the best ‘home’ magazines.

The globes are hand blown and are available in 2 shapes, teardrop and round and a variety of sizes.

They all stand or hang and include realistic plantings of artificial succulents and cacti.

Joe Davies also offer a charming range of artificial succulents in ceramic pots and the 2 series together make a great retail display.

All Joe Davies’ 2000+ new products for Spring and Summer will be introduced at the Exeter Giving & Living Show Stand A741/752. (11th – 14th January 2015)

Following the Autumn launch of Bath Bursts, and a successful trade show season, Best Kept Secrets are entering 2015, with a new addition to their rapidly growing portfolio of fragranced gifts. Bath Hearts were trialled with selected customers in the last 2 months, and have proved an instant success.

The Bath Bursts range in the traditional bath bomb market, has seen Best Kept Secrets grow a large network of new independent retail customers, who appreciated the quality and scent of the 6 products in the range. Bath Hearts, extends this product range and brings two major benefits to the customer. Firstly, bath hearts are packaged in sets of 5 heart shaped bath time bursts, and so the whole product does not get used in one bath time. This has been extremely popular with younger customers and people buying for children, as the scented bath bursts are allowing multiple uses.

The second major benefit is the price point, with a wholesale price of just £1.65 and a RRP of £3.99, they are an ideal gift for under £5.00 and offer the perfect item for an impulse buy. Attractive presentation and instant appeal to those looking for a bath-time treat, means that in the trials of the new range, independent retailers have seen the product immediately outselling larger more traditional bath bomb products.

Commenting on the launch of the new range of products Denise Edwards from Best Kept Secrets said: ‘We initially concentrated on scent and producing a bath burst which would give our existing and new customers a real alternative to other bath time products in the market. The idea of a smaller product, and one sold in packs of 5 came when we listened to customers at trade shows and recognised that younger users did not necessarily want to use a whole bath burst in one go. The instant return on the product means we will showcase the Bath Hearts at Scotland’s Trade Fair and Spring Fair in the new year, and we have big expectations from this range.’

Tel: 01670 512222 Web: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

Flower vases!

New from Quail this Spring. Big vases; funny vases; grand vases.

Finely sculpted animal heads atop a flower vase. There’s a giraffe - of course - a majestic tiger, a lion and even a goat. There’s a cheeky pug (choose fawn or black).

Try flowers in a smiling camel or an owl. Go minimalist with a zebra. Put what you like in them but they will always make a statement.

A range of 10 different animals and birds for 2015 that compliment Quail’s highly popular range of animal and bird wall vases.

Tel: 0161 975 6300

Tel: 01304 379901

Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk

Email: info@quailceramics.co.uk

Web: www.joedavies.co.uk

Web: www.quailsales.co.uk

78 gifts today

New Products Cats Rule – their owners and now the home!

Cats have long been a favourite pet with the British nation, despite their somewhat secretive or even aloof nature.

The brand new Cats Rule giftware collection from DEMDACO®, designed

by Stephen Fowler, recognises the truism, long known by their owners, that feline pets really do rule the roost! Stephen’s lighthearted illustrations wittily combine the smart and often haughty personalities of different breeds of cats with popular images of food and drink.

Cats Rule giftware includes five different designs for Wall Art from Black Cat – Dark Roast Coffee to Siamese Cat – Superior Blend, as well as five key rings and two photo frames. Each design reveals Stephen’s distinctive bold and graphic style inspired by retro advertising posters and album covers.

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

Something Retro and Trendy

Retro style is a style that is deliberately out to set a trend, fashion of the recent past.

The Lesser and Pavey range of retro jam jars, looks, and is, setting a trend in the current giftware market.

Brand new ‘Mr Right and Mrs Always right’ additions to the range and perfect for a greetings or gift outlet.

Nostalgic in shape and form, the jars are fun, fashionable; bringing a new concept to a drink container, whether it be out and about or in a trendy night club or bar.

Lesser & Pavey were first to stop the potential of the drinking jars and set about making a quality item, with screw top lid and straw, to present to the giftware buyer something innovative whilst practical.

This range is rapidly growing and here are a number of new designs that will be on show at the start of 2015.

The jars launched by Lesser & Pavey are a favourite with buyers and new designs are on offer at Spring Fair in Hall 5 stand C04-D03.

Ideal for cocktails and other fruity drinks, as this a new craze here in the UK as they are already used in trendy bars overseas.

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

Vintage Chic Perfume

These ‘Vintage Chic’ perfume bottles from Joe Davies are right on trend and make a lovely retail display. The bottles are available in 7 different shapes and sizes and in 3 delicate colours. The aged ‘Mercury Glass’ finish is decorated with silk and lace ribbons and an exquisite antique key charm.

Joe Davies specialise in serving the independent retailer so ‘Vintage Chic’ is available to buy in small quantities with a minimum order of just £100. Delivery is quick and efficient and free nationwide.

Joe Davies will be exhibiting at Giving & Living, Exeter, Stand A741/752. (11th – 14th January 2015) Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk Web: www.joedavies.co.uk

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NEW

Visit us at Spring Fair 2015 Hall 5 L20 - M21 est: 2004

O N E S TO P S H O P F O R PERSONALISED GIFTS

To The Moon & Back

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NEW FOR VA L E N T I N E ’ S 2 0 1 5

FOR THE HOME

FOR PETS

FOR HIM

FOR HER

GIFTS FIT FOR

ROYALTY All products are designed and manufactured at our Stoke On Trent premises DISCOVER THE FULL RANGE AT:

w w w. p e r s o n a l i s e d m e m e n t o . c o . u k Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk