Retailers’ Panel

Gifts Today RETAILERS’ PANEL

Gifts Today questions independent retailers to find out their thoughts on the year ahead, looking at trends and consumer buying behaviour.

Samantha Gibbs

Nest Gift Shop

2021 was a turbulent year for many, what are your hopes for 2022?

Continuity is my biggest hope for retail. We have coped so well during times of unpredictability and vulnerability and we really showed our fighting spirit and resilience but now we deserve some security in balance. We are an industry of routine and pattern (however chaotic some of the seasonality of our year blesses us with!) but 2022 would be best served to us with the reassurance of consistency.

Do you feel that 2022 will see a difference in the way consumers shop for gifts?

I think there is a wonderful regularity to the gift industry and there is a reassurance that it will never sleep, so however customers consume, they will do so at the same pace as previous years but with a smaller average spend in 2022.

I think the acceleration in the growth of online sales has an inevitability to it that means customers will continue to adapt their buying and swap to online shopping, however they will look to their online shopping experience to match that which they would receive instore. Those that choose to still shop instore will want the comfort and reassurance of seeing the products first-hand. Shopping has become an experience within the gift industry and they want their senses to be lifted. There is great pleasure in choosing gifts and customers will look to use shopping in store as a treat and something to absorb and feel grateful for and at this point the added opportunity of self-purchase increases and we can create add on sales and increase atv.

What do you think will be trending in your store during the year?

We are predicting products which embrace a sense of security and reassurance will continue to do well, home fragrance, candles, wax melts. Wooden toys will continue to match the nostalgic sense that the last two years have highlighted to us all. Jigsaws and puzzles will make us stop and enjoy the simple pleasures and board games embrace the sense of family and positive time spent together.

Is there a particular product category that is performing well for you when we look at the gifting arena?

Our biggest figures always come from jewellery and women’s accessories. Jewellery is by far our most successful category which we are hoping to see continued increases in. Our range of changeable bag straps has been a self-purchase win and most importantly we intend to continue to increase our range of scarves, which sell better than they ever have done before. We don’t predict this trend is about to slow.

How important do you feel social media will be to the business in 2022?

Reluctantly, very important. It goes without saying that with the growth in online shopping comes an inevitability that social media goes hand in hand with it, but I still feel as a business and as an industry we have a lot to learn and it’s a huge area of trial and error. It is a necessary evil in my eyes and one I am very happy to pass on to an inhouse expert, but that said it has huge power to directly influence a captive audience and the power and immediacy of its success cannot be denied and is of huge value.

Do you have any exciting news or plans during 2022 that you would like to share with GT readers

We are about to expand the business having been a successful recipient of a sustainability grant from which we were lucky enough to be able to purchase a laser engraver. This will extend the range of personalised unique products we can offer our customers and it will be a very exciting expansion of the business. We are going to continue to develop and manufacture our own range of exclusive jewellery charms and we will hopefully be working with Leicester University design department to offer students the chance to work alongside us with our CAD designs. And quite exciting news came in the Autumn when I won Leicestershire’s Women in Business Small Businesswoman of the Year which was a lovely surprise and one I was very grateful for especially after some very challenging times. Roll on 2022, it could be another incredible year one way or another!

Claire Hembrough

Strawberry Blue

2021 was a turbulent year for many, what are your hopes for 2022?

My hope is that we can all stay safe and get back to some normality. I do think customers are supporting local retailers and suppliers more this year

Do you feel that 2022 will see a difference in the way consumers shop for gifts?

There is a change taking place on the High Street with shopping becoming more of a leisure activity than a necessity. Tourist destinations have benefited with people holidaying in this country and certainly for myself, has helped trade massively during 2021.

What do you think will be trending in your store during the year?

There is a real trend for outdoor living and working from home, so lots of barware, picnic and signs are trending..particularly the Lockdown Bar (established 2020) by Austin Sloan.

Is there a particular product category that is performing well for you when we look at the gifting arena?

Candles, especially soy wax with essential oils. My favourite is by the lovely girls from Evoqua Home Gingerlily.

How important do you feel social media will be to the business in 2022?

Really important to reach the younger demographic who use Instagram. As an example, I’ve recently signed up for Pixie who showcase independent businesses and encourage customers to gain pixie points whilst shopping independent.

Do you have any exciting news or plans during 2022 that you would like to share with GT readers?

I’ve recently opened my new shop Collectable in the basement of my shop Strawberry Blue. It’s a lighting and lifestyle emporium of contemporary lighting, natural lifestyle products and collectable antiques.

An exciting range to stock with wide range of Stationery, Gifts and Homewares super quality and proudly British made featuring original artwork by Sarah Reilly sarah@lovecountryuk.co.uk www.lovecountrybysarahreilly.co.uk

Best Selling Seed Cards

Countryside Enamel Pin Collection