Message from the Editor

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Message from the Editor

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As every reader knows, a new year brings new beginnings. January is a chance for us to not only reflect on our achievements in 2022 but to look forward to the next 12 months.

So, for this issue, we asked a selection of retailers to share their trading stories of 2022 - and handed out crystal balls to some leading suppliers and asked them to divine 2023 trends.

Our columnists shared their thoughts with us too. For The Giftware Association chief executive Sarah Ward, 2022 was a “transformative” year in gifting, and she predicts that the continuously changing landscape means that retailers and brands must step up their game if they want to thrive in 2023.

Her fellow columnist Bryony Taylor-Edwards, head of brand and gift, home, food, and toy buyer at Yarnton Home and Garden in Oxfordshire, has compiled a list of key takeaways from 2022. Noting that it was an “unparalleled” year, she says: “It’s hard to predict what 2023 may look like. But where there is challenge and hardship, there is learning. And where there is learning, there is growth.”

With this in mind, we quizzed our three Retail Interview subjects on what new year’s business resolutions they plan on making for 2023. Their answers make fascinating reading. Turn to pages 42 to 47 to find out what Sarah Gordon, general manager retail & leisure at Luss Estates in Loch Lomond; Jean Grant, head of product management for the Find Me a Gift website; and Charmaine Fox, gift manager of Caulders Garden Centres in central Scotland, have to say.

All agree that they are ready to greet 2023 with optimism, and their view is confirmed by comments made by our Trade Talk suppliers. As Ivyline managing director Scott Thomas notes: “We expect home and garden to continue to perform strongly. As consumers cut back on large-ticket items, functional products that are beautifully created will provide an instant lift, both indoors and out.” Exacompta Clairefontaine UK marketing manager Lawrence Savage believes that there are plenty of opportunities for growth throughout 2023 and beyond, and Bloomingville country manager Simon Pykett sums up the mood well when he says that “whatever difficulties we may face, there will still be the desire to decorate our homes”. David Roznowski & Jocelyne RoyouRoznowski, co-founders of D & J Glassware, are feeling positive too. With a new year comes fresh enthusiasm, they say, and they are hopeful that by late spring/early summer there will be some signs that the current pressures are easing.

In the meantime, columnist Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira (British Independent Retailers Association), offers useful pointers on making the most of footfall on the high street this month.

Because in the words of columnist Cathy Frost, owner of Loveone gift shop in Ipswich: “Small business really is a force for the future. Being able to offer a truly great customer experience is surely what our high streets are all about.”

And we’ve been busy collating pages of new products to entice more customers into your stores, from Mother’s Day presents to perennially profitable gift performers such as candles, giftable stationery, fashion accessories, home décor, and much more.

Many will be on display at the upcoming trade shows and as this issue goes to press, the Gifts Today team is planning its trips to both Top Drawer and Spring Fair - we hope to see you there. Do say hello if you spot us walking the aisles.

As always, I’m more than happy to hear from readers who would like to take part in our features, interviews, and news pages. You can email me at clare@lemapublishing.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn.

So, let’s raise a toast to 2023 and celebrate the start of a (hopefully) happy, healthy, and prosperous new year!

Clare Turner, Editor clare@lemapublishing.co.uk