5 Message from the Editor
6 News
54 Retailers’ Panel: Eight independent gift retailers share their Home & Gift hopes, expectations and memories - and tips on how to make the most of your visit
68 Trade Talk: A selection of Home & Gift exhibitors reveal details of their product launches for the show, and some hot trend predictions for the second half
10 Sarah Ward, chief executive of The Giftware Association
12 Cathy Frost, owner of Loveone gift shop in Ipswich
13 Neil Amer, director and co-founder of Retail100 Consulting
16 Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira (British Independent Retailers Association)
44 Bryony Taylor-Edwards, head of brand and gift, home, food, and toy buyer at Yarnton Home and Garden in Oxfordshire
45 Stephen Spencer, founder of retail consultancy Stephen Spencer + Associates
83 Helen Cottrill, founder of consultancy The Cabin at No. 1
83 Steve Powell, owner of Steve Powell Agencies
14 Ashleigh & Burwood: the home scent expert is preparing to unveil significant additions to two of its most beloved brands, in a first step to delivering an exciting longterm growth strategy
8 Harrogate
18
www.giftstoday.media
LinkedIn: @giftstoday
Twitter: @giftstodaymag
Instagram: @giftstodaymedia
High summer is here! To paraphrase Buddy Holly, the sun is out, the sky is blue, and there’s not a cloud to spoil the view - so let’s hope it’s not raining on July 16, when the Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival opens its doors.
For more than six decades, this four-day trade show held in the North Yorkshire spa town of Harrogate has been a key date in the UK gift industry calendar. And talking to retailers and exhibitors for this issue, it’s evident that this year’s event is as eagerly anticipated as ever.
There’s a real sense of excitement and optimism about Home & Gift, which has always been regarded with deep affection. That’s because it will not only offer the chance to explore products galore, courtesy of more than 500 brands from across the UK and beyond, but it provides a chance for the whole gift community to come together to celebrate our industry.
In the words of our guest columnist Steve Powell, a sales agent who specialises in home fragrance and gifts who has attended the exhibition for over 25 years, it’s known as ‘the sociable show’ - with good reason.
The clue’s in the name, of course. As Enesco trade marketing manager Aylish Ellwood points out in our Trade Talk section, ‘Festival’ is the perfect description for this mid-year gathering. It’s a relaxed but equally upbeat environment where exhibitors and buyers can really focus on networking, building on new and existing relationships (often turning into long term friendships), and showcasing - and orderingexciting products for the coming months and that all-important Christmas season.
She’s looking forward to exhibiting at the fair because “Harrogate is such a beautiful setting, the sun will be shining (fingers crossed), ideas will be shared, contacts made, and orders taken - all in a positive, fun atmosphere.” She adds: “That’s what the giftware industry is all about. I rest my case!”
In our Retailers’ Panel section, several
prominent gift shop owners tell us why they support show organiser Clarion Retail’s claim that the event is a ‘buyers’ playground’. They share their hopes and expectations for the 2023 edition, along with triedand-tested tips to help you maximise your visit.
Talking of key players, this issue also includes interviews with four indies who won gongs at The Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2023 in May. Their insights into their businesses, and their thoughts on what sets them apart from the competition, make fascinating reading.
p 47
Looking ahead, if you need pointers on how to plan for the crucial golden quarter, our regular columnist Neil Amer of Retail100 Consulting offers invaluable advice while his fellow columnist, garden centre gift buyer Bryony Taylor-Edwards, reveals her Christmas buying intentions.
Meanwhile, we’ve collated a round-up of new festive gifts for you to consider stocking, as well as a selection of spooktacular Halloween products, plus some seriously stylish home décor and fashion accessories.
We’ve also turned the spotlight on five innovative gift suppliers: Namaste, Floss & Rock, Bloomingville, Something Different Wholesale, and last but certainly not least, our front cover star Ashleigh & Burwood, which is gearing up to unveil significant additions to two of its most beloved brands.
So why not relax with a glass of rosé or beer in the garden, and enjoy leafing through this issue in the sunshine (long may it last!). Our Home & Gift Preview starts on page 46, so prepared to be inspired!
p 61
p 83
Clare Turner, Editor clare@lemapublishing.co.uk
“There’s a real sense of excitement and optimism about Home & Gift”
Enesco has won four gongs in the UKMums.TV Baby & PreSchool Awards across its licensed mother and baby gifting brands: Beatrix Potter, Scion Living and Disney. The contemporary gift supplier said: ’Awarded by [online parenting publication] UKMums.TV, these are very special awards as they were judged by consumers - real mums who use the products every day. We are particularly proud of this achievement because all the winning products were developed by our own product development team based in Carlisle.’
Enesco garnered gold awards in the Best Early Years Feeding Products category for its Disney Baby Dinner Set, and in the Best Decorative Items for the Nursery category for its Benjamin Bunny Large by Beatrix Potter. It scooped silver awards in the Best Gifts for New and Expecting Parents category for its Flopsy Hooded Towel by Beatrix Potter, and in the Best On the Go Products category for its Scion Living Pram Organiser. All the products are in stock now.
From 2024 the INDX Toy & Gift show is moving from a spring calendar date to a September slot. The next show will be held on September 3 and September 4 2024 and is open to all retailers.
Organised by buying group Associated Independent Stores (AIS), as part of the INDX Home trade show portfolio, the move was agreed by the INDX strategy group of suppliers and buyers which said it wanted to move the date to give visitors the opportunity to view new ranges later in the year, due to the congested period of shows in the spring.
INDX Toy & Gift will now be the only dedicated toy industry show in the autumn season, and the September date will provide a great opportunity for retailers to take advantage of pre-Christmas buying. Attendees will also get a first look at suppliers’ early launch new ranges, giving them a head start on their Spring 2025 buying.
In addition to showcasing ranges from more than 70 exhibitors, the event features mixed displays to inspire in-store merchandising. For exhibitor enquiries, email Rosie Marshall, head of toys & children’s gifts at AIS, at Rosie.Marshall@play-room. uk.com. Admission is free and visitors can take advantage of free onsite parking, plus complimentary barista coffee and refreshments.
New glasses cases and premium optical cloths from Opticaid have been designed and developed in collaboration with the award-winning ‘I like birds’ brand. The teams already work closely together, having created a range of premium reading glasses. Opticaid director Gillian Marchbank said: “It seemed like the obvious next step to sell cases to put those specs into. We’re thrilled with them. In fact I think I called them a triumph as I opened the first production samples! I’ve calmed down a little now, but they really are lovely.”
There are eight glasses cases, each featuring the brand’s contemporary designs in a matt finish. The cases are covered in 58% recycled post-consumer material and have a contrasting plush lining and quality 250 gsm microfibre glasses cleaning cloth. They will be launched at Home & Gift on stand A31.
Opticaid says they will make a great gift, especially in the run-up to Christmas. An ecofriendly display stand can also be supplied, subject to qualifying minimums.
Elmer remains one of the most iconic children’s books of all time - and now the colourful elephant is about to bring even more enjoyment to kids thanks to Andersen Press’ licensing deal with The Puppet Company, which sees Elmer Puppets launch at Home & Gift on stand DP1-A82.
The Elmer Puppets encourage speech and language development in young children, and have been designed to be especially accessible and affordable.Suitable from birth, the Elmer My First Puppet is made from soft materials and has embroidered eyes, while the standalone Finger Puppet Elmer can be carried wherever you go - perfect for pockets and adventures!
… to plan for the next festive season. With six months to go until one of the first and most popular trade shows of 2024, Harrogate Christmas & Gift is building momentum, with many exhibitors already booked for the event, including some exciting new names
Harrogate Christmas & Gift, which takes place at the Harrogate Convention Centre from January 14 to January 17 2024, has just confirmed that another leading Christmas supplier - Jingles - has signed up for a stand in Hall Q at the show. This is great news for retailers seeking Christmas trees, LED lighting, ornaments and decorations, plush toys - in fact, pretty much everything for the festive season.
Other favourite brands include Heaven Sends, Gisela Graham, Sagedecor, Konstsmide, The Satchville Gift Company, Premier Decorations, Festive Productions and Floralsilk, to name just a few.
Whether you’re seeking Christmas trees, lights and decorations, or gifts such as plush toys, scented candles and even garden ornaments and furniture, you are pretty much guaranteed to find something that fits the bill at this event.
Show organiser Simon Anslow says: “While the event is still a long way off, Christmas suppliers and buyers like to get festive business wrapped up early, so Harrogate Christmas & Gift tends to be the first serious trading platform each year. It’s held straight after Christmas while trends, colourways and popular collections remain fresh in the mind.
“Once the summer holidays are over, the show will become the focus of festive and gift companies from around the world, keen to show their latest innovations and secure Christmas orders for the following year.”
Harrogate Christmas & Gift is a not-to-be-missed event for anyone whose business needs to make a statement at Christmas, from gift retailers that want to offer innovative ideas, to those keen to make impactful displays such as theme parks, shopping centres and garden centres.
Simon continues: “Exhibitors not only offer products for resale, but also in-store display ideas, from sleighs and reindeer to custom-built grottos. Actually, many of the large displays and festive lights and Christmas trees around the country are probably sourced at the show.”
More information about Harrogate Christmas & Gift, including exhibiting and visiting, can be found at www.harrogatefair.com. Alternatively, if you would like to speak to Simon directly, call 01902 882280 or email simon@harrogatefair.com.
What: Harrogate Christmas & Gift
Where: Harrogate Convention Centre, Kings Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire
When: Sunday 14 January 9am-6pm
Monday January 15 9am-6pm
Tuesday January 16 9am-6pm
Wednesday January 17 9am-4pm
Call: 01902 882280
Email: simon@harrogatefair.com
Visit: www.harrogatefair.com
A great make your own gift for kids
The Giftware Association chief executive Sarah Ward highlights her key takeaways from the industry body’s 2023 Gift of the Year Awards
Unless you’ve been in hiding, you will know that in May we celebrated The Giftware Association’s 2023 Gift of the Year Awards, and I can safely say that all the finalists made our whole industry proud.
Last year I spoke about how all the businesses recognised in the Awards had demonstrated that they are leaders, creators and collaborators. My message was one of celebration, recognition of our industry’s resilience, and the power of collaboration.
This remains true today, but I have seen so much transformation over the past 12 months, that I now want to talk about connection and diversity.
The 2023 Gift of the Year Awards were our largest to date, with almost 1,000 entries and more than 90 industry judges lending their expertise to determine the worthy finalists.
The result was our most diverse competition ever - reflecting emerging trends, industry movements, and changing customer behaviour. Never has the competition been so unpredictable, which made the awards ceremony so exciting!
Consumers are no longer just celebrating holidays and milestones. They are celebrating life itself and finding new ways to mark the little things. This is why the most dramatic shift in giftware has been in sustainability, wellbeing, and affordable gifting.
Our contest has become one of the most important brand and marketing opportunities for the giftware industry. As I reflect upon
that fabulous evening, I can safely say it’s where the magic happened.
I was thrilled to see so many attendees not only celebrating their achievements, but also taking the opportunity to meet new people in an industry where relationships are everything. People buy from people after all, so it was wonderful to see some really good, meaningful business being done.
I’m very proud to be the CEO of your industry body. Our entire ethos is to connect, celebrate and educate our members so that they thrive, and the vision for these awards has always been to create that ‘holy trinity’ for entrants, by connecting consumer, retailer, and supplier.
Nobody owes you a sale, so moments like this give you the opportunity for recognition, networking, connection and for business. I hope that we can all make it our mission to continue to connect and do business better - together.
Consumers are no longer just celebrating holidays and milestones. They are celebrating life itself and finding new ways to mark the little things. This is why the most dramatic shift in giftware has been in sustainability, wellbeing, and affordable giftingSarah Ward
On May 4 (actually, in the early hours of May 5), I was elected as a Labour councillor for Ipswich. Having spent 15 years as a high street retailer in the town and 12 years as an environmental health officer in local government, I thought it was time to put all that experience to a bigger cause.
Being on the high street gives you a valuable insight into your local community: how it works, who the communities are that access the place, and what their perception is of the town.
Conversations and discussions are held every single day in my store (and probably in yours) about what people like and loathe about their local town, what they would change, and how they would do it. That’s the easy bit!
Over the years, I’ve distilled all that, added my own thoughts, and come up with ideas of how to challenge and champion my town. My frustration about the place boiled over last year in the run-up to the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations, when our local MP failed to back an Ipswich City Bid.
So, I put myself forward for selection, and got through that. A six-week period of canvassing and door-knocking followed. The process of speaking to the public on their doorsteps was a very humbling experience, but incredibly valuable in helping to shape and add to my ideas on how to help the town navigate its way through this post-Covid era.
A great many people were intrigued about my decision to stand for council, but very keen to share and add their support to my passion for the high street, small business, the community and reshaping our town centre.
Never underestimate the power of the public.
As a political novice, I won the seat. Maybe those discussions resonated with many? I know I can’t change the world, but now I can use my voice on behalf of residents and the small business community to champion and challenge.
As retailers and small business owners it can sometimes feel a lonely place, but I experienced a lot of love and support out there during the election. We are a crucial part of the fabric of our towns and cities, villages, and shopping parades. So don’t be afraid to speak out - we need you!
Around the time of the Brexit debate I attended a business hustings event that included speakers from all the main parties. Ben Gummer, the Conservative MP for Ipswich at the time, spoke very passionately about our town and the importance of the small business community - and his hope that more business owners would get involved in politics, irrespective of the colour of their politics.
It took a while, but I finally did it. It will mean a fuller in-box, lots of meetings, and lots of talking and debates, but I’m looking forward to the challenge. You know what they say: ‘If you want something done, ask a busy person.’ I will keep you posted.
“I know I can’t change the world, but now I can use my voice on behalf of residents and the small business community to champion and challenge”
As you know, retailers never stop thinking about the all-important Christmas period. Whether you start planning in January, or are just starting to think about it now, it really is the most critical time in retail.
But planning for the best ever sales and the cleanest exit has never been so tough. Black Friday has put a real dent into when customers start thinking about the festive season, and shortened the true selling window.
Planning is key with anything in retail, but it couldn’t be more important at Christmas. Getting the right products and ordering the right quantities can make-or-break your season. Now, no one has a crystal ball, so doing this is tricky. But you have history and experience on your side. Use your knowledge of what has worked in previous seasons and how many you sold or didn’t sell.
My top tip is to organise your data in a way that helps you understand what your customers need.
Aggregating numbers to identify trends will help you understand the direction for your Christmas season. But how do you do this? 1
Rolling up last year’s sales by product type, colour, or price point, will allow you to recognise where your customers are willing to spend, and where you should be placing your bets. 2
Layering on the number of products within this will help identify the return per option
(RPO) and help you understand whether you have the right number of options within each product type/ price band. This will only be relevant compared with other categories or previous years.
For example, if you have added options over time in a particular category, the RPO should grow. This will indicate that each option being added is increasing your sales, and offering the customer the appropriate amount of choice.
If the RPO is declining, the options are competing against each other, and you are potentially splitting your sales and offering too much choice. This is a difficult one to get right - it really is like walking a tightrope.
of the season. Again, this is not an exact science, but with the right analysis you can reduce your risk/ maximise the potential.
4Layer on any macro trend that might impact purchasing decisions, such as inflation and the cost of living. This year, these trends have made retail incredibly tough, so you may want to consider a wider assortment at a lower price versus previous years, in anticipation of customers being less willing to part with their hard-earned cash.
happens - finding the new and seeing customers react to your creativity. Not everything will work, but this is not failure; it is merely more data to help you in the future.
Then there is the all-important Sale period. Customers love to grab a bargain, so make sure you plan for this too. For sure, the Sale period is there to help you move through the stock that hasn’t quite worked for you, but it can also be a strong sales and profit driver.
Planning larger buys with reduced price sales in mind can work in some categories and, you never know, your customers might react well to these at full price and your sell-throughs can be strong - an upside, but again, more data for you to work with for planning the following Christmas!
3
Sell-throughs (what was sold versus what was bought) will help understand whether the buys were too small or too big, and will help direct the quantities needed for your future season. This will help manage the risk at the end
This will help you form a base of your future product offering and build a robust financial plan and a seasonal best product offering. Of course, not everything will have history to analyse. If you have covered off a decent percentage of your seasonal buy with the methodology above, then there is room to take some gambles on new products.
This is where the true fun
Neil Amer is a director and co-founder of Retail100 Consulting, which is a consultancy firm with 100 years of retail experience that helps retailers and brands grow. Coming from a retail background, Neil worked as a merchandiser for John Lewis for 17 years, gaining extensive experience in the retail industry.
Email: hello@retail100consulting.co.uk
Visit: www.retail100consulting.co.uk; www.linkedin.com/company/retail100-consulting/
However you are planning for the big season, enjoy Home & Gift and any other trade shows you may be visiting. Get inspired, find the best products, plan the buys and, most importantly, have fun - retail truly is the best at Christmas!
After receiving investment last year and strengthening its management team with senior appointments, Ashleigh & Burwood is getting ready to reveal important additions to two of its best-selling-brands.
This much-anticipated major launch is the first for the company since its new investors came on board, and promises to elevate the company’s offerings and extend its reach into new markets.
Ashleigh & Burwood has been supplying highquality home fragrance products for 30 years, and prides itself on its wide-ranging, premium quality products of style and substance.
Items are crafted to create unique aromas that evoke powerful memories and emotions. With the launch of these two new additions, the company is poised to reaffirm its position as a leader in the home fragrance market.
One of the transforming changes that followed investment last year was a strengthening of the management team. Joining the existing team, new senior appointments - including CEO Jed Kenrick, COO Andy Latham and commercial director Ben Parkhouse - brought a wealth of external experience and expertise that has been hugely beneficial to the business.
The team, which has ambitious growth plans, has been examining the existing range, approaches and channels. As part of that, it has identified an opportunity to separate the two key Ashleigh & Burwood brands and introduce new ranges which fill gaps in the existing product line-ups.
The first brand to benefit from additions is currently best known for its Fragrance Lamps and Lamp Fragrances, which sit under the signature Ashleigh & Burwood brand.
A new range of premium Scented Candles and Reed Diffusers add strength to the established Fragrance Lamps, offering shoppers a chance to enjoy the powerful evocative scents of the Lamp Fragrances in these widely enjoyed formats for the first time.
The newly-expanded brand invites
fragrance lovers on a luxury voyage through a ’world of scents’, while the sophisticated design and styling of the products and packaging lend an air of rich elegance to the home.
The highly-fragranced Reed Diffusers, warming Scented Candles and Votive Candles joining the collection are presented in sleek black ombre glass vessels, adorned with gold detailing, and offer a luxury look using recyclable materials. They are housed in attractive black gift boxes designed to tie in with the brand’s Fragrance Lamp packaging.
The new products are available in 10 of the much-loved redolent scents found in the brand’s Lamp Fragrances. Pre-orders are being taken for the new additions, with stock available in September.
The second brand to launch new additions is The Scented Home. The brand ethos is to transform house to home with bright, uplifting scents that add extra oomph to the everyday. With a variety of formats and fragrances, it provides the best scent solution for every home, no matter the size, style, or scent preference.
This brand is for the no-fuss fragrance fan looking for simple, effective scents in a range of easy-to- use formats to enhance the home.
The Scented Home collection already features long-lasting Reed Diffusers in a range of sizes, eco-friendly Diffuser Refills, glowing Scented Candles and Votive Candles, versatile Scented
Sachets, refreshing Room Sprays, and colourful Wax Melts.
The key new additions to The Scented Home range are mini versions of the popular Reed Diffusers and Scented Candles. In their design, both additions draw on the successful formulas of their larger counterparts, while their mini size allows for a lower price point - making them an attractive impulse purchase item and a smart add-on.
Echoing the classic 150ml Reed Diffuser, the new 50ml Mini Reed Diffuser’s smaller size is ideal for scenting small spaces and allows customers to be more experimental with their scent choices, thanks to its low price point.
The new Votive Scented Candles use The Scented Home’s signature soy wax blend, engineered for optimum burn and fragrance throw. These cute, giftable candles are individually boxed and offer 12 hours of burn time.
Additionally, The Scented Home will benefit from sleek new Room Sprays, with a micro-fine mist for rapid distribution and instant freshness throughout the home. Pre-orders are being taken for the new additions, with stock available at the end of July.
Commenting on long-term plans, CEO Jed Kenrick said: “We’re so delighted to see these important new ranges starting to land. It’s a first step in implementing the strategy
we have devised to deliver the growth that Ashleigh & Burwood now aspires to.
“Giving the business a separate identity and creating two strong brands, with clear and different brand positionings, has been a key step. This gives us a really strong base of value and everyday brands, and sets the platform for our launches next year into the premium and super-premium spaces.
“As a company, we remain committed to maintaining our core values of using natural ingredients and sustainable packaging, while offering our customers the best quality products available.
“I believe that the company has a great future ahead of it, and I’m confident that the new additions to these two beloved brands will exceed customer expectations.”
“Ashleigh & Burwood has been supplying high-quality home fragrance for 30 years, and prides itself on its wide-ranging, premium quality products of style and substance”
Small retailers can face significant challenges due to unseasonal weather patterns, which can negatively, or positively impact sales. From unexpected heatwaves to unpredicted downpours, it can be wearing to adjust to sudden changes. But there are several strategies that can be used to combat meteorological mishaps - and boost sales:
• Diversify your product offering: Small retailers can consider offering a broader range of products that are suitable for different weather conditions. For example, if the weather is unexpectedly hot, a gift store that offers fashion lines could stock up on summer clothing or accessories. If it’s unexpectedly cold, the shop could stock up on warmer clothing or outerwear. By diversifying your product offering, you can cater to the changing needs of your customers, regardless of the climate.
• Offer promotions and discounts: Another way to combat unseasonal weather is by offering promotions and discounts on products that are not selling well due to the atmospheric conditions. For example, you could offer discounts on winter clothing during a warm spell or summer clothing during a cold snap. This approach could help to increase footfall and sales, as customers will be more likely to make a purchase if they perceive it as a good deal.
• Leverage social media: Social media is an excellent tool to communicate with your customers and promote your products. You can showcase your range, offer exclusive promotions, and engage with your customers. By leveraging social media, you can stay topof-mind with your customers, even if your clientele is not physically in your store.
This could include offering personalised recommendations, hosting events or workshops, or creating an inviting atmosphere with music and decor. Such initiatives can build customer loyalty and increase the likelihood of repeat business.
• Collaborate with other small retailers: Team up with other small retailers to offer complementary products or services. For example, a gift store could collaborate with a nearby coffee shop to offer a joint promotion, where customers who purchase a certain amount of gifts can receive a free coffee. By working together, you can increase footfall and sales, as customers are more likely to visit if there are multiple offerings in one location.
• Create a memorable in-store experience: Focus on creating a special in-store experience.
By using these strategies, small retailers can stay flexible and adapt to changing weather conditions, which can help to increase footfall and sales in the long term.
Call: 0800 028 0245
Visit: www.bira.co.uk
Andrew Goodacre , CEO of Bira (British Independent Retailers Association) , talks about how weather can have a huge impact on the high street - and how indies can make of the most of it
“By using these strategies, small retailers can stay flexible and adapt”
Sarah Watmore, founder of fashion accessories brand
Miss Milly, explains why she has opened a bricks-andmortar store called The Emporium of Loveliness
It’s an exciting and busy time for us right now, as we’ve opened The Emporium of Loveliness. I used to have a retail outlet with my previous brand, and always enjoyed the interaction with the general public and selling a wider range of accessories.
Once Miss Milly was well established as a wholesaler, and following last year’s project to move our website and improve ordering processes, I started keeping my eyes open for a retail opportunity.
The Emporium of Loveliness is a 32sq m shop at Mill Farm Country Retail in Stanford Bridge. This is a rural shopping, beauty and food destination fairly local to us, about 13 miles from Worcester in the heart of the beautiful Teme Valley.
Also on site is a garden centre, farm shop, butcher, café, card and gift shop, hairdresser, beauty salon, eco clothing store, dance studio and pilates studio.
Our launch day was Saturday April 29 - the same day as the pilates studio opened opposite us. The timing worked well as we have a similar target market.
My store obviously features our jewellery and scarves. But we have supplemented them with other fashion accessories. So we also stock bags, umbrellas and hair accessories. Our key brands
are Soruka, Cadenza, Eliza Gracious, My Doris and Elizabeth Scarlett.
The Miss Milly jewellery is our top seller, closely followed by the wonderful Soruka bags made with colourful upcycled leather, and then claw clips.
How has trading been for us? It’s a destination site and one that is not widely known, so I always knew it would be a slow build. But at the time of writing, we’ve just finished our fourth week and our best yet, so we’re getting there.
The sunny weather is helping generally, plus the fact that there are a number of holiday accommodations nearby and places to visit, such as the Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb [the oldest motorsport venue in the world to still run events on the original course] and the Malvern Hills.
We’ve had a very warm welcome, with some great feedback that has been overwhelmingly positive with regards to there being a new store on site, our product range, and the affordable
prices. Local residents, in particular, are very keen to support the businesses at Mill Farm.
Now we just need to get the word out that we’re there. The retailers on the site work together with the landlords to promote the site, and new signage has recently been installed, and a leaflet for local distribution is being created. All the businesses are active on their own social media platforms and the site’s Instagram and Facebook accounts share a lot of that content too.
Do I have plans for more stores in the future? It’s very early days to be thinking that but if it’s a success, and I can find another suitable location, why not?
“We’ve had a very warm welcome, with some great feedback”
“It’s
Namaste founder and director Sam Brummitt shares the fascinating story behind his company, which specialises in design-led eco gifts for environmentally-conscious consumers - and has a showroom only 30 minutes from Harrogate
Tell us about your business.
A life-changing trip to India and Nepal by me in 1995 led to the formation of Namaste. I discovered how to ride a motorbike from scratch one afternoon in Delhi, and then set off - against better judgement - just before dark, across the desert in the vague direction of Jaipur!
Throughout my travels circumnavigating the subcontinent on my beloved motorbike, it became apparent how skilled the local artisans were. Someone printing textiles by the roadside led to a conversation with a man called Ganpat, who explained how the artisans tried to make an honest living selling fascinating, inherently beautiful produce - but faced a scarcity of opportunity and support. Ganpat is still one of Namaste’s main suppliers!
Namaste aims to buy from disadvantaged economically marginalised small-scale producers, who utilise traditional handmade skills and largely natural, sustainable and recycled materials.
We value their skills fairly, market their produce, and support them long term - while protecting and improving their way of life and environment. This approach remains at our core, and we have helped more than 100 producers to grow and develop since we started trading over 25 years ago.
We are recognised by BAFTS (British Association of Fair Trade Shops and Suppliers) as a Fair Trade importer and have been for 20-plus years. This
organisation promotes Fair Trade retail in the UK, while providing a structure of accountability to its members who adhere to the 10 Principles of Fair Trade as set out by WFTO (World Fair Trade Organization).
We operate from an old cotton mill with an interesting history by the canal towpath in the North Yorkshire town of Skipton. Our enthusiastic and dedicated team are customer-focused with a passion for excellent service, and they are always available to offer advice, support and product knowledge when buying Namaste goods. Our showroom is open from Monday to Friday 9am-5.30pm. Please give us a call on 01756 700790 to arrange a visit.
If you can’t make it to the beautiful Yorkshire countryside, you can view our full ranges on our website at www.namasteuk.com and register for a wholesale account. We can also arrange a call or a visit from our field sales representative Suzanne, who will be happy to drop in and chat through our ranges and exclusive discounts.
Tell us about your ranges. Namaste’s extensive offering covers home and gifts, garden, home furnishings, furniture, vintage, incense, clothing, accessories, and jewellery. Incense is very popular at the moment and we are distributors for Satya. We are the exclusive UK
“The welfare of people, our planet, and the sustainability of both are at the heart of everything Namaste does”
distributor for Nitiraj and Om incense - the first major incense brand recognised by the WFTO as Fair Trade.
We are also the exclusive UK distributor for Green Tree Incense and Ayurvedic Masala Incense, and the UK importer for Auroshikha Incense and our own bestselling Namaste Scents range.
The welfare of people, our planet, and the sustainability of both are at the heart of everything Namaste does. Our small business has big goals to help facilitate self-sufficiency and community development through the sensitive use of resources, which must be eco-friendly, sustainable, and recycled wherever possible. Each of our online product listings displays symbols indicating the applicable eco qualities.
It’s easy to order from us in a variety of ways. Creating an account on our website (www.namaste-uk.com) will save you time when ordering. Simply add your store delivery address, track your orders, and save your basket contents and favourite items.
If you prefer, you can send your order directly to sales@namaste-uk.com or call our friendly sales team on 01756 700790. We provide next day delivery to mainland UK plus free UK delivery on orders over £250. We welcome international orders and can arrange worldwide delivery almost anywhere!
Customers love our competitive pricing, generous discount structure, no minimum order, and regular offers on our inspiring ranges.
An extra 5% discount applies to cash & carry during our Open Week (see box), and this applies whether you can physically carry the goods away or want them delivered. Many customers combine their visit with a few days away in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales or the Lake District.
Our customers come from far and wide, from seasonal tea shops to multiple
retailers, large garden centres, famous visitor attractions, international charities and of course, independent shops and traders.
While these business types are different, they all have a common interest in selling innovative, fairly traded products with careful consideration for people and the planet.
Our diverse product ranges and excellent stock availability offers a convenient one-stop-shop for design-led products that are influenced by trends - yet always distinctly Namaste Fair Trade.
We are proud to partner with GoodWeave for ethically sourced, authentic handcrafted rugs from India and Nepal, and support supply chain transparency to eradicate child labour.
A long-term advocate of Child Rescue Nepal, we run regular fundraising campaigns, and a percentage of every sale of Nepalese-made goods is donated to the charity, which works tirelessly to rescue children from incarceration and to end child trafficking.
We recently launched a new user- and mobile-friendly website designed with our customers in mind, and the development of this will continue to provide more content and features to help customers make a well-informed product selection.
Follow us on social media and sign up to our newsletter through our website to receive our latest news, special offers and details of our inspiring collections by email.
Call: 01756 700790
Email: sales@namaste-uk.com
Visit: www.namaste-uk.com
Namaste is extending an invitation to Gifts Today readers to visit its showroom at The Mill in Skipton during its July Open Week, which coincides with Home & Gift in Harrogate - which is less than 20 miles away.
Founder and director Sam Brummitt says:
“We do not exhibit at the show, but if you are tempted by our Autumn 2023 collections, huge ranges, one-off vintage furniture pieces, or by delving into our bargain area, then come along and see us.
“You will be guaranteed a very warm Yorkshire welcome! We offer up to 25% discount and cash & carry. Please give us a call on 01756 700790 or email sales@namaste-uk.com to arrange a visit.”
The showroom will be open on Sunday July 16 9.00am-5.00 pm and from Monday July 17 to Wednesday July 19 9.00am-6.30pm. Cream teas and refreshments will be served all day.
Floss & Rock is jointly owned and managed by husband-and-wife team Tim Hislop and Gill Stratton. Tim is managing director while Gill is creative director. She heads up the whole product development and marketing process, managing a team of designers and content creators.
The couple says: “Floss & Rock was launched in 2016 after a major rebrand of what was formally ‘Think Pink’. Based in the Lancashire town of Blackpool, we wanted the brand to make a playful nod to the famous English seaside resort that is our home. As many will know, Blackpool is famous for its candy ‘floss’ and sticks of ‘rock’!
“The company has created a multi-gender range of children’s gifts and toys, primarily targeting the two to 10 age group. With a ‘no plastic, no tech’ approach to our product development strategy, we reference traditional play values, adding a modern twist.
“Our current offer is made of five key categories: Creative Art (magic water, learn to paint/draw, sticker sets, secret diaries), Magnetic Play (magnetic games, puzzles, activity packs), Puzzles (jigsaws in all shapes and sizes), Play (playhouses, tea sets, memory games), and Lifestyle (colour-changing umbrellas, backpacks, jewellery boxes).
“Brand new for Autumn/Winter 2023 is a fabulous ‘Pets’ illustration, featuring a fun collection of animals on a primary colour background. Our Creative Art category is also having a major injection of newness after a very successful initial launch in January. Chalkboard Sketchbooks, Transfer Fun and Scratch & Play are among the new product line-ups.
“Our fabulous illustrations and products are fully designed in-house from scratch, by our very talented and long-serving team of designers and technicians. With a very ambitious growth and development strategy, we are currently launching around 40 brand new products twice a year - all aimed at a fully international audience of more than 35 countries worldwide.
“In April we were incredibly proud to be among the very first companies to win a King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade. This is a huge commendation for the massive growth in our export sales since 2016 - in that year exports were 20% of our total sales and in 2022 they had grown to 80%!
“Outside the UK, the USA is our largest market, where we have our own warehouse in Indianapolis to serve more than 2,000 independent customers. We also have a warehouse in southern China, from where we ship to our distributors in south-east Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
“We attend all the major domestic and international shows. At the time of writing, our next stop is Columbus, Ohio for the ASTRA toy show, specifically targeting American and Canadian independent retailers.
“Floss & Rock products offer a well crafted combination of quality, value and aesthetic design appeal - with strong branding and constant refreshment of the ranges that we believe distances ourselves very well from our competitors.
“We think all our products appeal equally to the person buying them as a gift and to the end-user: the child. Our Instagram feed is constantly buzzing with images and videos of kids all over the world playing and using our products.
“With an ambitious pipeline of product development, we’re very excited about our future. We have more and more key customers coming on board, domestically and internationally - all part of our global domination plan!”
Call: 01253 831500
Email: enquiries@flossandrock.co.uk
Visit: www.flossandrock.co.uk
Despite Covid and the cost-of-living crisis, Floss & Rock continues to expand globally, say co-founders Tim Hislop and Gill Stratton
The rise of self-care and wellness has caused crystal healing to gain popularity on social media. There are many types of crystals and, as well as being very pretty, it’s believed they have healing abilities for the mind, body and soul.
Something Different Wholesale is proud to welcome new crystal and astrological giftware that is on trend and competitively priced.
Inspire your customers to embrace the healing power of crystals with crystal chip candles, crystal points and tumblestones, crystal-infused water bottles and much more. The company’s product development team works tirelessly to ensure you can offer your customers ‘something different’.
Crystal chip candles are not only visually captivating, but can be used to set desired intentions into the candle’s energy. The candle’s flame activates the energy of the crystal, allowing their respective properties to work together and create a balanced energetic environment.
Discover crystal chip candles for gratitude, manifestation, and abundance in the new Modern Magic, Phase de Lune and Four Elements ranges. Each candle is fragranced with a scent and presented in a coloured frosted glass.
Inspired by the ever-changing lunar cycle, the new Phase de Lune range features designs of the different phases of the moon, from waxing crescent to the full moon and the waning crescent.
Cosmic manifestation candles and home décor accents will add celestial elegance to any living space. This range will be cherished by those with a love for celestial wonders, astrology enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a deeper connection with cosmic forces.
Embrace the power of the third eye to answer life’s most meaningful questions. As part of the new Mystic Mog range, the divination board and amethyst crystal pendulum allow customers to access their intuition, seek guidance, and gain insights into various aspects of life. This range includes mysterious gifts for telling of things past, present and future, making it the perfect choice for any budding mystic.
Call: 01792 940288
Email: customercare@somethingdifferentwholesale.co.uk
Visit: www.somethingdifferentwholesale.co.uk
A new home fragrance range from Lesser and Pavey Desire reflects the colours of autumn with the added feature of brown tree grained wooden stoppers. Black bamboo reeds enhance the dark feel of the range, with glass blue, green and brown bottles containing Tobacco & Rum, Amber & Sandalwood, Tuscan Leather, Oud & Bergamot scents. The warmth of these quite earthy, masculine fragrances will bring comfort and calm to homes as the nights draw in.
Buyers will not want to miss out on this new range of LED gold touch lamps that work in any location. They have three settings: bright white, warm white, and mid-white. The brightness can also be adjusted up and down by simply holding the button. Each lamp comes with a USB cable and is rechargeable for 8-10 hours depending on brightness. Available in eight styles, each piece is packaged in a gift box.
Lynsey Johnstone is a Lesser & Pavey artist who
continues to delight with her fine and detailed hand-painted ranges. This new range of fine china footed mugs is described as ‘excitingly new, as it’s the first time Lesser & Pavey has taken her work into this sphere’. The range consists of eight different illustrations.
Lynsey’s handpainted glassware continues to be highly popular and, as such, this new range is expected to be warmly welcomed as a pretty new addition.
Call: 01322 279 225
Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk
Visit: www.leonardo.co.uk
Dunoon produces mugs in Staffordshire, the traditional home of the British pottery industry, using fine bone china clay sourced from Cornwall. With over 1,000 different mug designs in the range at any one time, it introduces more than 350 new patterns each year.
Borneo is a set of two designs by David Broadhurst on Dunoon’s popular large size Cairngorm shape. The set features flora and fauna of the jungle with brightly coloured exotic flowers, wild jungle animals, and parrots flying in and among lush foliage.
On The Farm is a set of six designs by Richard Partis on Dunoon’s Orkney shape. Each mug features detailed watercolour studies of either cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, horses or cats, with their name to identify the breed.
Call: 01785 817414
Email: sales@dunoonmugs.co.uk
Visit: www.dunoonmugs.co.uk
Welcome the scent of Christmas into your home with Spiced Citrus & Clove. This aromatic and spicy fragrance opens with bright citrus notes of orange and lemon, followed by warming, rich notes of spiced cinnamon and clove.
Henry & Co takes pride in crafting high-quality wax products in melts and candles plus reed diffusers and oils. Creative director Jo Stubbs says: “We recognise that people get excited as the nights draw in and are looking for fragrances for cosy nights in which celebrate the festive season.”
Call: 0333 1882006
Email: hello@henryandcompany.co.uk
Visit: www.henryandcofragrance.co.uk
At Home & Gift, Best Kept Secrets will launch its brand-new Spirit of Christmas range of 12 signature scented candles, each featuring different woodland animals. The hand-poured candles have been created to be as sustainable as possible: the vessels are reusable or recyclable, the sparkles are biodegradable, and environmentallyfriendly print is used on the FSC-registered packaging. So, you can gift the Spirit of Christmas knowing it will bring joy to the receiver while being kind to the planet too!
Call: 01670 512222
Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk
Visit: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk
House of Marbles’ new Christmas Characters game is a must-have for retailers looking for an exciting pastime that appeals to adults and children alike. An interactive game of luck, this Christmas version of the classic Beetle game is presented in a vibrant gift box that will capture attention in shop displays.
In addition to an entertaining array of new games, you’ll also find a captivating Winter Wonderland Kaleidoscope, a sustainably sourced memory match game with a delightful penguin theme, and a charming Snowman Bowling set crafted from wood to entice your customers.
Whether you’re an independent gift shop or garden centre, there’s a fantastic range of gifts at various price points to suit everyone, and carriage-paid orders start from just £150. Make sure you visit the House of Marbles website to stay up-to-date with new arrivals, so you can offer your customers the latest products from this bestselling range.
Call: 01626 835358
Email: uk@houseofmarbles.com
Visit: www.houseofmarbles.com/tradeuk
The home fragrance company Manor House says: ‘Production for Christmas is well under way, and 2023 is looking to be a superb year for us as we continue to welcome more new stockists on board following on from Spring Fair - which was one of our best ever trade shows. We are already in talks with many high street stockists for the latter part of the year, and several have had a reassuring spring trading season.
‘We have just added Antibes, and Portofino & Mustique to our extensive range and both are selling amazingly well. We’ve created much more in-depth fragrances for these collections, and this will continue into 2024 with some amazing new fragrance offerings.
“Finally, our newly-launched collection of gorgeous Soy Wax Candles in Tins (silver tins for year-round and gold for Christmas) have exceeded all expectations. We are already onto our third major production run! We’re offering these in all of our fragrances, and feedback has been so positive.
“Our 2023 collection encompasses 30 gorgeous fragrances to choose from, which is our largest selection to date, and 2024 will see some beautiful new additions, with creative work well in hand.’
Call: 01359 250720
Email: sales@manorhousehomefragrance.co.uk
Visit: www.manorhousehomefragrance.co.uk
Joma Jewellery’s Christmas Collection for A/W23 has been pieced together to help make the season as special as ever. With a colour palette of berry, rose gold and snowy white - all wrapped up in brandnew starburst packaging - it’s guaranteed to add festive charm to your shelves.
Taking centre stage, say hello to brand-new Christmas A Littles - including A Little Christmas Cheers! - and adorable Children’s Christmas A Littles, such as A Little Christmas Elf, A Little Rudolph the Reindeer, and other festive friends. Discover the gold-plated My Moments Christmas Collection, Celebrate You Gift Boxes and Beautifully Boxed Earrings, perfectly packaged for the most meaningful gifting moment.
The brand’s much-loved Christmas Crackers have also made a return - this time alongside all-new Christmas Cracker Necklaces, which are all in heartfelt sentiments to ensure your Christmas display appeals to every customer, for every gifting occasion. Help your customers bring the magic of Christmas to life with this star-spangled collection! Call: 01295 263430
Email: enquiries@jomajewellery.com | Visit: wholesale.jomajewellery.com
The launch of a new range of paper napkin packs from Museums & Galleries (M&G) was very warmly this Spring. Twelve choices feature a mix of designs from across M&G’s ranges and licences, with the V&A having a ‘mini-range’ of six packs (Morris, Kilburn, Walter Crane and other Arts & Crafts stars).
For the holiday season, Puckator has a selection of cat-themed products with great designs. Winner of the Festive & Occasions category of the 2023 Gift of the Year Awards, the Festive Gingerbread Cat Playhouse is a sure-fire hit for cat owners. We all know how much cats love cardboard, so why not give them a jazzed-up home to lounge in? Featuring cute Christmas designs, it will fit right into feline-friendly homes during the festive break.
There are also brand-new Christmas-themed mugs from artists such as Jan Pashley, Kim Haskins, and Angie Rozalaar, each sporting a unique style of our furry fellows, along with matching coasters.
Call: 0800 011 6969
Email: customerservices@puckator.co.uk
Visit: www.puckator.co.uk
Artist Josephine Simon’s lush Wild Garden, redolent of an idyllic English summer with its vibrant green background jewelled with floral pops of soft yellow, pinks, blues, whites and red, makes a wonderful choice for a picnic or conservatory dining room.
This has been translated from a best-selling greeting card in M&G’s Classics collection and features on a number of new stationery and gift products. Star designer Sarah Campbell’s Coffee Cups is in another pack, in a contrasting vibrant red.
Now, the everyday collection has been extended with eight designs focusing entirely on Christmasselected from M&G’s best-selling and most popular Christmas designs.
Star contemporary designers Tracey English, Dee Hardwicke, Lucy Grossmith, Suzy Taylor, Liza Lewis, Deva Evans, and Louise Cunningham are joined by the eminent Mary Delany from the British Museum, in a stunning celebration of seasonal festivities fit to grace any Christmas table. The napkin packs contain 20 printed paper napkins (330 x 330mm).
Call: 01373 462165
Email: sales@mgml.co.uk
Visit: www.museumsgalleries.co.uk
Katie Loxton’s Christmas range features an eye-catching colour palette of emerald green, cool grey, eggshell, and ice blue, and the packaging is adorned with a mesmerising golden starburst print.
Plus, the brand’s home scents and hand creams are now available in innovative cracker packaging. Anticipated best sellers include the fragrance range, with festive-inspired scents that capture the essence of the season - think Frosted Pine and Cedarwood, and Cinnamon and Nutmeg Chai - while hand creams offer a luxurious stocking filler option.
For standout displays, the Christmas Pouches and Bag Collections are the perfect choice. Complementary profiles and matching colourways allow your customers to effortlessly curate their dream winter wardrobe, whether they opt for the foreverfavourite Zana or the brand-new Evie and Cleo.
Call: 01295 250879
Email: enquiries@katieloxton.com
Visit: wholesale.katieloxton.com
New 2023 Christmas gift collections from Fair Trade importer Namaste consider varied budgets and recipients, such as sending positive sentiments to friends, family and loved ones with inspiring soapstone ornaments and keepsakes. Cute photo frames, incense holders and hand-carved trinket dishes co-ordinate with cheerful rainbows and classic heart options.
Add some magic this Christmas with a personalised The Snowman gift from Personalised Memento Company. With a large range of different designs and gifts available, and with a new release planned for 2023, there is the perfect gift for all ages. From advent calendars and stockings to hanging decorations, this range has the whole festive period covered!
Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk
Visit: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk
Sustainable decorations include recycled sari Christmas decorations, lanterns, recycled glass and paper mache baubles, and ever-popular wool felt characters. Wrapping is covered too - by pretty lokta gift paper and recycled sari fabric wrap. Fun woodland life, tactile wreaths, imaginative baubles and pom pom stars contrast with charming collections of rustic terracotta tree ornaments and stained glass gifts. Call: 01756 700790
Email: sales@namaste-uk.com
Visit: www.namaste-uk.com
Creswell Crags is a heritage site in the East Midlands run by independent charity The Creswell Heritage Trust. It comprises caves, a gorge, a museum and exhibitions - as well as a gift shop and café.
Visitors are encouraged to walk in the footsteps of early humans and woolly mammoths through the dramatic gorge, marvel at the Ice Age rock art still visible in the caves, and explore the beauty of the site’s woodland, meadow, and lake.
This extraordinary archaeological park is famous for containing the oldest verified rock art in the UK, dating from 12,000 years ago. We also hold an internationally significant collection of artefacts and animal bones excavated from the caves.
Our mission since the 1990s has been to conserve our archaeological heritage alongside educating and engaging the public about our unique history. Our visitor centre was opened by Sir David Attenborough in 2009 to house the collection and to enable The Creswell Heritage Trust to carry out a wider range of activities.
Since then, we have accommodated thousands of visitors, including more than 20,000 primary schoolchildren annually. We offer everyone the opportunity to explore our site, as well as take part in classroom activities. We hold regular public cave tours to view our worldfamous rock art and learn about life in the Ice Age. We also host nature walks, artefact handling sessions, birthday parties, lectures and adult education sessions.
The last major retail-related event we hosted in 2022 was the official launch of prehistory experts Paul Bahn and Elle Clifford’s brilliant book ‘Everyday Life in the Ice Age’, where we had Ice Age-related activities taking place in the meadow, before a talk in our education rooms by the authors, followed by a meet-and-greet and book signing.
Our visitor centre is an eye-catching building that has won awards for its unique design, which is based on the caves themselves. It’s an appropriate setting for some of the country’s oldest and most important ancient artefacts. However, it was designed with education at the forefront. Therefore, the shop and café are not as big as you’d expect for a 26-acre heritage
site. Because Creswell Crags is run by a charity, all proceeds from the shop and café go towards the upkeep of the site, so it’s really important to generate a healthy profit.
Prior to 2015, the gift shop consisted mainly of books, fossils, gemstones, and some finger puppets. Since families made up the majority of our visitor demographic during peak times, they became the main focus of product selection.
Several other ideas were tried. For example, dogwalkers and cyclists regularly visit, so some stock was aimed at them. However, we found they didn’t tend to use the shop very often, and the products moved very slowly.
A rule of thumb back then was that all retail stock had to be kept in the small shop area in the corner of the main entrance, and could not be displayed anywhere else. As the Trust became open to new ideas, I created displays in the visitor centre foyer and saw sales increase significantly as visitors had to walk past the stock.
Jumping forward to the end of the pandemic, we were able to seek the expertise of a retail consultant. I was looking for someone who not only had experience of the heritage sector but had also worked with high street brands and had their finger on the pulse when it came to new trends and online activities.
Teresa White from Partners in Retail fits the bill perfectly, and I’ve been working very closely with her ever since. With Teresa’s help, we rebuilt the entire retail department from the ground up. Brutal
“Our
honesty, lots of number crunching, and hours of research culminated into a master plan.
Our search to find items that would appeal to visitors, create a profit, and fit into five key themes (Global Importance, Ancestors, Mammoths, Light & Dark, and Witch Marks) took us from the far reaches of Scotland where we found our candle supplier, to London where we visited the biggest museums in the country and famous high street stores for inspiration. These trips, together with hours of walking around Spring Fair, collectively made up a range of products that we are happy with.
Our shop now offers a truly unique experience. Not all visitors go to our main exhibition, so the shop also needs to provide a bit of background to the site. To achieve this, the stock is arranged into a basic timeline: Neanderthal stock at the start, ending with our latest discovery of Witch Marks. Believed to date from the 16th to the 19th century, these are marks carved into the rock to protect against evil spirits.
Our range is historically inspired, rustic and unusual. Creswell Crags is such a magical and mysterious place, and the Ice Age is something that captures the imagination, so we really got lost in the project and our country’s deep history before coming out of the other side with an exciting new offer for our visitors.
We now have Neandertal perfume, bespoke Witch Mark jewellery from Wildtouch, cuddly toys of extinct animals from Nature Planet, a wall of mammoths including knitted ones from Best Years, microwaveable warming slippers from Warmies, and one of my favourite product lines: custom-made AshWood Candles inspired by scents from the Ice Age.
Our best-selling lines are minerals and gemstones, as cave tours are our bread and butter. I get these from a number of sources to ensure I get the best deals, but the main supplier is British Fossils.
We deal with about 40 suppliers in total but, as part of the review process, we streamlined our products from nearly 1,000 to 450. This has made us focus much more on best sellers, and has helped with stock control and stock processing, which has given the shop a much cleaner and less cluttered feel. We are now much
stricter on what makes it onto our shelves and if something isn’t pulling its weight, we have other products waiting in the pipeline ready to take their place. Overall, the product selection has gone well and, with a little more tweaking, will be firing on all cylinders ready for summer.
Trading at the beginning of the year was challenging, due mainly to the cost-of-living crisis, our rural location, and the price of fuel skyrocketing. But despite lower footfall, shop sales have increased, which is a very encouraging sign that we are on the right track.
Our products range from a £1 pencil to a £200 amethyst cathedral, and we have recorded good sales throughout the different price points. Over Christmas, we also saw healthy sales thanks to our products being perfect gifts whereas before, we concentrated heavily on branded products that focused more on the peak season tourists.
We are currently putting in place interpretation panels and signage, reglossing the floor, and painting the shelves. We also want to create an eye-catching, large white tree to occupy the tricky triangular space in the corner of the shop which will display various items to passers-by and browsers.
So what’s next on our agenda? Towards the end of 2022, I worked with a local beekeeper, [More Bees Please in Sheffield] to house eight bee hives on the site. Once these are established, I will be able to sell branded local honey in the gift shop which will have its own unique taste, because many rare grasses and flowers grow here.
The visitor centre houses the only catering and retail spaces on site. So, another project I was keen to pursue was an offering in the meadow to capitalise on picnickers and dog walkers. A burger van would have stuck out like a sore thumb, as the meadow is such a picturesque landscape.
I then saw that people were turning old horse boxes into mobile gin bars. As we have a bridleway running through the gorge, we get a lot of horses trekking through, so it seemed like a good fit. Horses were also a main feature at Crags during the Ice Age. There was no budget for this pipedream, so it was parked for a while, until a colleague mentioned she had taken over a new field for her horses - and guess what was rotting away in there? That’s right: a vintage horsebox.
1. British Fossils rocks and gemstones
2. Wildtouch bespoke jewellery
3. Nature Planet cuddly toys
4. Warmies
microwaveable slippers
5. AshWood Candles
She very kindly donated it to Crags, and we worked on it bit by bit with the help of locals and volunteers. The horsebox is now finished and has been trialled in our car park. A new power cable is the final piece of the puzzle before we can finally open it properly to the public in the meadow.
The horsebox design is unique as the main door at the back is a mini shop, while the other end is a catering hatch. The shop will sell fudge, guidebooks, and plush Ice Age clubs and mammoths, along with essentials like ponchos. Bottled drinks, hot drinks and ice cream will be the staple catering products.
The most rewarding aspect of my job is seeing visitors enjoy the products, events, innovations and services that began as a thought and, after some hard work, planning and execution, have become a reality - as they enhance their experience but also generate important funding for the Trust.
And the most challenging? Being 6ft 5in tall, I’m the only member of staff that fits comfortably in our Monty Mammoth costume, who loves to make appearances at birthday parties and special events. It’s very hard to see in the giant head, so trying not to walk into walls is quite challenging!
“Our range is historically inspired, rustic and unusual”
Enesco has added a new keepsake box to the Willow Tree family, depicting the special bond between sisters and close friends. Inspired by one of the brand’s top-selling figurines - Sister Mine - the Sister Mine Keepsake Box measures 12.5cm tall and features the same female forms as its figurine counterpart, kneeling together side by side while sharing a warm embrace.
Lift the lid and you will find a heartfelt sentiment which reads: ‘Nothing comes close to the closeness of sisters.’ The box is sized as a sweet place to keep treasures, special items of jewellery, keys, notes, or other little tokens of affection.
Call: 01228 404022
Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk
Visit: www.enesco.co.uk
After months spent praising the wonders of gold jewellery, silver jewellery has re-emerged as the prominent metal. While many of us never really left silver behind entirely, A/W 23 dictates that silver is the trend for the months ahead.
The new Equilibrium Silver Ice Collection combines matt ice white with shiny silver plating for a fresh and stylish look. Hearts, butterflies and contemporary flowers all feature in this range, with the added touch of sparkle - perfect for the festive season.
Silver Ice is just one of the new Equilibrium ranges that will be available on the Joe Davies stand at Home & Gift.
Also making a debut at the show will be the cheeky Dorset Ducks Collection. Full of charm and with a sense of fun, it’s easy to see why these mischievous ducks can’t help but raise a smile! Perfect for a kitchen or bathroom, these decorative ducks will make a great addition to any home.
Call: 0161 975 6300
Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk
Visit: www.joedavies.co.uk
Add a personal touch to your wedding with PMC’s brand-new range of personalised wedding gifts. The large range includes products to cover the whole event, including save-the-date cards and stickers to prepare for the special occasion, guest books, wedding party gifts to use on the big day, mugs, and photo frames to commemorate the ceremony for years to come.
Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk
Visit: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk
A brand new premium quality collection inspired by Ikebana (the centuries old Japanese ar t of arranging flowers). French ar tist Sophie Griotto has brought this imager y to life using shades of blue ink with contrasting yellow highlights integrated into the design.
This collection features Clairefontaine ultra-smooth 90gsm brushed vellum paper which is PEFC™ Cer tified.
For more details on Inkebana and other Clairefontaine collections: www.exaclairlimited.com
Walking stick specialist Classic Canes believes it has a cane for every occasion - and that includes spooky numbers for Halloween. Managing director Charlotte Gillan says: “To tell the truth, we weren’t sure how much we liked skulls. But customers kept asking for them, so we introduced one skull stick and found it sold really well. Now we have several, including a skull-print folding cane. They are very popular all year round and, as you can imagine, we’ve got rather fond of them!” Skull-topped canes are available in gold or imitation-ivory and are part of a 500-strong product range from the Somerset-based family firm.
Call: 01460 75686
Email: info@classiccanes.co.uk
Visit: www.classiccanes.co.uk
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, this personalised trick or treat lantern is a great way to let trick-or-treaters know that you have sweeties!
Battery powered with a realistic flame effect, it will stay lit all Halloween night.
Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk
Visit: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk
Puckator offers a variety of decorative resin skull products, such as tankards, goblets, and tea light holders, in an assortment of styles from steampunk to octopuses. It also has some cauldron-themed shaped mugs which resemble a classic witch’s cauldron, and sport slogans such as ‘Hocus Pocus’ and ‘Hubble Bubble’.
Call: 0800 011 6969 | Email: customerservices@puckator.co.uk
Visit: www.puckator.co.uk
Premium stationery brand Rhodia, which is part of the Exacompta Clairefontaine Group, has launched a collection of zipped pouches to further extend its popular range of luxury Rhodiarama items. Made from Italian leatherette with an additional foam padding and a leatherette zip puller for easy use, each pouch is finished with a stylish stitching effect and an embossed Rhodia logo. Ideal for keeping personal accessories stored safely, such as headphones, tablets or chargers, the pouches are available in a choice of three sizes (11x17cm, 16x22cm and 21x28cm) across a selection of 32 vibrant colours that match the latest colour trends, from soft blue and green shades to striking gold and titanium metallic hues.
Call: 01553 696600
Email: sales@exaclair.co.uk
Visit: www.exaclairlimited.com
Joco Gifts
Nuneaton Warwickshire
Tell us about Joco Gifts. I launched Joco Interiors (known more commonly as Joco Gifts) back in 2015 in my hometown of Nuneaton in Warwickshire. I started in a tiny shop on the outskirts of the town, but the business rapidly grew. It’s now housed in a three-storey building in the town centre.
Describe your range. Eclectic, as we cater for as many tastes and ages as we can. So if you’re looking for a newborn gift or a memorial stone, or if you collect figures from Disney or gothic style dragons, we have you covered.
cushions and throws, and the stunning Edge Sculpture artworks. Gifts relating to birthdays are always very popular, whether that’s a glass heart, piece of jewellery or a suncatcher. The packaging of products plays a huge part. We offer to giftwrap items for people while they wait, which saves them timeand the wrapping can make the gift look amazing.
What sets you apart?
We are known locally for helping people find a gift for difficult recipients! The staff are trained to ask lots of questions to try and help locate the perfect present. We often have people pop back in to say thank you, as the gift recipients have been so happy that someone has taken the time to really think about what to buy them, instead of picking up something from the supermarket during their weekly shop.
How do you find products?
From various places, including Spring Fair and Autumn Fair, suppliers (both new and existing), trade magazines - and being part of the Gift of the Year judging panel often highlights new and upcoming brands. I also visit some suppliers’ showrooms.
We look for items that will sit well within the store to complement what’s available, but will also bring something that isn’t available elsewhere in the town, to give some feeling of exclusivity.
We do very well with our range of fragrance products which covers incense, candles, scented sachets and fragrance oil lamps. We stock various brands including Ashleigh & Burwood, Heyland & Whittle, and Sassy Shop Wax. Customers come back to us as we are knowledgeable about the items that we sell, and we offer support for those using something for the first time.
Our key suppliers Ashleigh & Burwood, Nemesis Now, Edge Sculptures, Joe Davies, Widdop & Co. and Something Different Wholesale.
What’s selling well?
Incense, wax melts and Fragrance Oil Lamps from Ashleigh & Burwood,
I think what makes us stand out is our sheer determination to continue to grow, despite the current situation. During Covid we switched to social selling which saved the business, and allowed us to relocate to this huge building, and bring more products to our customers.
We now face a hurdle following the closure of the largest car park in the town which was opposite us.That has hit our footfall hard. But we are not sitting back and waiting for things to improve; we are actively looking at other ways to draw the footfall back and to expand our offering outside the town.
What’s next?
We’re looking into offering subscription boxes to our customers, but there is a lot to learn about setting this up and how it would work logistically. The idea sounds simple, but the work involved is much more than you first imagine. But we are hopeful that this could be a direction which will help the survival of the shop into the future, enabling not only online sales, but also the faceto-face interaction which we have grown to love with our customers.
Congratulations on winning the Midlands & Wales category of The Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2023. How did you feel when you heard the news?
I literally burst into tears when my name was called out. I hadn’t expected to win - I attended the awards ceremony to celebrate not only reaching the finals, but also to hear the winners of the Gift of the Year Awards announced, as I am a proud judge. I cried walking to the stage, on stage, and on the walk back to my seat - with many happy tears, following an extremely tough 12 months.
Four award-winning gift retailers introduce their businesses and share what sets them apart from the competition
“We are known locally for helping people find a gift for difficult recipients!”
Tell us about Blue Diamond.
In its earliest guise, Blue Diamond originally emerged as the Fruit Export Company in the beautiful island of Guernsey. The company was created by a group of prominent local businessmen whose family links still feature today.
John W. Dorey was appointed manager and his son Percy was company secretary. The latter proved to be the driving force of the Fruit Export Company. The founders displayed their business skills at an early stage when they acquired a distribution company in the UK with agents scaling the length and breadth of England. This network became the backbone of Fruit Export’s success in getting tomatoes to market.
A further stroke of ingenuity saw the company buy wicker baskets locally and go on to commission the manufacture of huge numbers of wooden baskets and then tomato trays.
Blue Diamond is recognised as a genuine Guernsey success story and continues to be owned and managed on the island, with plants still at the heart of the business. It now employs around 3,500 people at its head office and 44 garden centres across the UK and The Channel Islands.
Describe your range.
We offer a wide range of gifts and put a lot of time into trying to source products from companies that are not stocked everywhere. We want to be able to offer customers products that they won’t see everywhere else.
How do you find products?
We use many ways to find products: trade shows, comp shopping, internet research… and obviously we receive lots of speculative emails every day from suppliers.
What are your key categories?
We’ve seen a real move back to crafting, and games that can be played at home. People are staying in more and want to be entertained indoors.
What sets you apart?
Blue Diamond is like a day out for all the family. We have lovely restaurants, play centres for children and, of course, shopping for the rest of the family. Visually, I think we are easy to shop and, of course, we are dog friendly!
What’s next?
We have grown so much in the past year with new acquisitions, so the focus will be to give those centres a Blue Diamond look. We see even more positive times ahead - delivering great service and products to our customers.
Tell us about The Rowan Tree.
I opened in 2004 in the East Devon coastal town of Budleigh Salterton. It’s a relatively small Victorian shop that used to be a dairy a long time ago, and is divided into four rooms in which we manage to display a huge range of stock from some really great suppliers. It’s in a great central location: a pebble’s throw from our beautiful beach and next to a car park.
Describe your range.
It’s pretty large. We aim to be a mini department store with gifts for all ages and a good mix of price points. We have areas for children, home furnishings, kitchenware, jewellery, bags, toiletries, pictures, general gifts, stationery and greeting cards, and locally-themed items for the summer.
How do you find products?
I have a good relationship with some fabulous reps and agents which I have built up over many years, and I usually trust them to show me new products.
I also keep an eye out when visiting other shops in different parts of the country, and I look in magazines. I visit trade shows for new ideas and craft fairs where you sometimes find start-up businesses.
What are your key categories?
Mugs, toiletries, cushions, bags and accessories, children’s toys, books, greeting cards, and Christmas decorations.
Congratulations on winning the Best Garden Centre Retailer Of Gifts category of The Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2023. How did you feel when you heard the news?
It’s always exciting to be recognised within the industry. We all work hard to make the centres the best experience for our customers.
What’s selling well?
At the moment it’s plant pots, sun hats, dressing gowns, shower gel and Jellycats. What sets you apart?
I’ve been in the gift industry for a long time. My first job after leaving university in 1980 was at Casa Fina in Leamington Spa working for the now retired owner Peter Sturtz (who then opened shops in Covent Garden, Notting Hill, Oxford, Windsor and several other locations), where I worked for some time. I later worked in retail in Bath. All these experiences gave me invaluable contacts and experience of all aspects of the industry.
We are very strong on display, current trends, and matching the right gift to the customer. We are a very happy team who really enjoy our work, and I like to think our customers pick up on this and enjoy shopping with us.
We certainly have a large amount of repeat business and even holidaymakers who visit us year after year, knowing they will be able to find that extra special gift.
What’s next?
To keep developing and expanding the website.
Congratulations on winning the West & South West category of The Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2023. How did you feel when you heard the news? I was so surprised and absolutely delighted. It really was a very special moment for me and the whole team to have been recognised and given such a prestigious award within the gift industry.
“We aim to be a mini department store with gifts for all ages and a good mix of price points”
“We’ve seen a real move back to crafting, and games that can be played at home”
Tell us about Lovely Libby’s.
It’s a gift shop, boutique and tearoom in the heart of the Essex town of Rayleigh. It’s been up and running for four years now, after Libby bought the business in August 2019, and we are based in a beautiful doublefronted Dickensian building on the high street. It’s a two-storey shop: the ground floor is the gift shop, and the second floor is divided into a women’s boutique and traditional tearoom. We like to think of it as a one-stop-shop.
We have a huge selection of gifts, from the customary occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and new baby, to beautiful homeware, home fragrances, and fashion accessories.
We even have a dedicated Pet Corner in a little alcove where we sell a range of pet-related gifts (for both humans and animals!) alongside our Lily’s Kitchen dog food.
We are determined to find a gifting solution for anyone who walks through our door. We continually strive to source beautiful and unusual gifts, but are ever-conscious of the economic climate, so price point remains integral for us. We aim to provide beauty while delivering value, so we try and cater for a variety of budgets in our gift ranges.
We source the bulk of our products at trade shows. We pretty much go to them all! I think it’s so much better to see the product ‘in person’ and get a feel for it, rather than just seeing a picture in a catalogue. You can see how big it is, what it’s made of, how it comes packaged, and overall make a much more informed decision as to whether it’s right for your customers - and whether it’s worth the money.
It’s also great to be able to establish a relationship with the people behind the product too. As a retailer, it makes you more invested and passionate about the product, and I think that makes a huge difference in selling successfully to customers.
Recently we’ve sourced a few products via social media. It’s a great platform for engaging with smaller businesses that may not have the facilities to exhibit at trade fairs, and also has the benefit of letting us source unique and unseen products that set us apart from other independents.
An example is The Tipsy Candle Co. who contacted us on Instagram. We had a little stalk of their profile and loved their products. They sent us a couple of samples, and now we are a proud stockist of their cocktail candles. We love supporting small businesses, so we’re passionate about buying from up-and-coming suppliers.
What’s selling well?
Our top seller by far is Life Charms bracelets. They are such an easy pick-up gift, and they offer so many different sentiments for literally any occasion you can think of - from milestone birthdays to passing your driving test. We sell
them for £15.99, and for a boxed silver bracelet, it’s a no-brainer.
We add a big bow to the box, and the gift is ready to give. I think they’re perfect for people nowadays. Everyone lives such busy lives, so they just want something easy to grab-and-go at a price they can afford. The bracelets combine beauty, substance and value, so I completely understand why they’re our top seller.
What sets you apart?
Our presence on social media is something that sets us apart from our competitors. Libby and I definitely have an advantage in that we are from a generation that grew up with platforms like Instagram, so we already had a basic knowledge of the ins and outs of it. But it never really became a priority to us until the pandemic forced us to close the shop. I think that’s the case with a lot of retailers.
Lovely Libby’s had only been around for five months before Covid hit, so we weren’t overly-established in the local community, and didn’t even have a website. That’s when we started to cultivate our social media platforms. We began by offering a local delivery service, and then took the entire business online and began selling through live videos, where Libby would show all things new in the shop - from home interiors, mini fashion shows in the boutique, and our very popular prosecco ‘Friday Night Lives’ (a tradition we have kept to this day).
As a result, we were able to create a direct means of communication with our customers despite the physical restrictions, and effectively created an online community hub which has continued to expand.
We now have 12.3K followers on Instagram, and post pictures, reels, and stories daily to keep our customers engaged, and maintain that personable touch to the business, which I think has been more valuable than ever.
What’s next?
Who knows what the future holds? But I think we’ve got the mindset that if we can survive a global pandemic, we have the resolve to face pretty much anything! At the minute we’re working on creating a range of ‘create your own’ gift boxes on our website for different occasions. We launched the concept for Mother’s Day this year, and they were a huge hit. We sourced bespoke gift boxes with our logo on, and used a Shopify integrated app that enabled customers to hand-select a variety of products and create a personalised gift box.
We wrapped each item in pink tissue paper, and customers could even add a personalised gift message, so they were literally a ready-made gift. We had such wonderful feedback that we are now working on creating personalised gift boxes for occasions such as new baby, wedding and birthday. So we are excited to launch those in the near future.
Congratulations on winning the London, South, South East & East Anglia category of The Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2023. How did you feel when you heard the news?
Completely shocked, but absolutely over the moon! It sounds clichéd, but we really didn’t expect it. The region in the category we won is HUGE, and it’s packed with so many independents that we know and love, so we were honoured to have been shortlisted at all, let alone win!
It’s a tough time for independent retailers right now, and we’ve really put our all into the business this past year to keep afloat - expanding our website, growing our social media platform, and staying involved in the local community.
I can’t lie, we have definitely had to carry each other along at some points, and there’s certainly been a few tears on the stockroom floor! I think everyone will agree it’s a tough slog, but being recognised for your hard work and effort really does make it worthwhile and fuels our determination to carry on.
How was trading for you in the UK in the first half?
All things considered, we continue to be both pleased and optimistic about our UK business. There’s no doubt the current climate presents challenges, but we watch the market very carefully and react to market conditions so we remain an attractive supplier. Plus, we have a strong sales team, led by our Country Manager Simon Pykett, who are always there to assist and guide our customers.
There have been some interesting changes to your business in the UK. Can you tell us more?
I can’t pretend that the UK’s decision to leave the EU was problem-free, but we responded quickly by taking control of the customs clearance process, and paying the tariffs for our customers. Doing this enabled us to maintain our market position, in direct contrast to some of our EU competitors who didn’t assist their UK customers at all, enabling us to make gains in many areas. But now, we are going further with a new structure and approach to the way we trade in the UK. We are now registered with a UK VAT number.
What difference will your customers notice as a result of this development?
We continue, as before, to manage the entire customs clearance process for our customers and we will still pay the tariffs without seeking to reclaim this cost. Invoicing from the UK with UK VAT applied however is of great benefit. Customers will no longer be invoiced for VAT by the freight forwarder or incur the associated deferment charges. Bloomingville remains proudly Danish of course, but for our UK clients, it’s just like trading with a UK supplier.
What other changes have you made?
The market has changed, and we need to adapt to the new reality. The Bloomingville consumer is what we call ‘ the everyday designer’: someone who loves to design their home and the interiors which surround them. But with budgets squeezed a little, purchases are more considered. So for the coming season, we have introduced smaller pack sizes, reduced freight charges and reduced the level at which freight is charged - plus we have more than halved the minimum required to despatch an order to the UK. In addition to this, more favourable international shipping costs have enabled us to reduce our prices for many best-selling items.
What’s the best way to contact Bloomingville?
We’re always looking for new customers and to re-establish contact with those who have taken a break. The best way to reach out to us is through our Country Manager Simon Pykett or on the ‘become a retailer’ page found at the bottom of our website.
Walking stick specialist Classic Canes designs many of its styles in-house with an eye on current trends. Managing director Charlotte Gillan explains: “Summer fashions in canes include seaside, tropical fruits and puffin prints. Replicated on height-adjustable canes, they make easy-to-give presents as well as wardrobe boosts for the summer.”
Call: 01460 75686
Email: info@classiccanes.co.uk
Visit: www.classiccanes.co.uk
Miss Milly is highlighting how to make necklaces easier to put on and take off. Although already offered by the brand, it’s never really shouted about the benefits of its sliding clasp. Pictured is a long, delicate necklace in purple, teal and rose gold. At this length, you can easily put the necklace on straight over your head (curly or thick hair permitting) - but you can then also adjust the length, by pulling on the two ends of the chain that are held within a sliding barrel clasp. Also pictured is an Autumnal necklace design in mustard, navy and deep red, which easily fastens with a magnetic barrel clasp. Not quite such a no-brainer for Miss Milly (the brand wants to get retailers’ reactions at Home & Gift) as this one can only come in a single length, while most of the company’s necklaces use extension chains to vary between 40 and 48cm.
Call: 01905 622509
Email: hello@missmilly.co.uk
Visit: www.missmilly.co.uk
A hairbrush is one of those everyday dependable items which perhaps doesn’t get the love it deserves. It’s a key part of your dressing table or handbag, so why not get one with a bit more flair?
Puckator has an exciting range of designs from the Skulls and Roses model for the more goth-inclined, to the Nectar Meadows model for more of a spring vibe. Durable and ergonomic, the brushes glide through tresses with ease. They are made out of environmentally-friendly bamboo, so are incredibly sustainable as bamboo is a fast-growing and renewable resource - making it an excellent alternative to plastic - and the perfect choice for eco-conscious individuals.
Call: 0800 011 6969
Email: customerservices@puckator.co.uk
Visit: www.puckator.co.uk
Opticaid’s revamped range of BlueVue screen glasses - which filter 30% of blue light emitted from the screens on our tablets, phones and PCs - will be on show at Home & Gift. New styles include Harrow in four matt colours and the slightly smaller frame Highbury in three matt colours. Ideal if you spend a lot of time in front of a screen, they also come in a non-prescription version as well as five reading strengths.
The glasses are made from recycled drinking bottles, resulting in strong lightweight polycarbonate frames which can also be recycled after use! Opticaid can supply floor and counter display stands, subject to a qualifying quantity.
Call: 0113 239 1400
Email: sales@opticaid.net
Visit: www.opticaid.net
Bryony Taylor-Edwards, head of brand and gift, home, food, and toy buyer at Yarnton Home and Garden in Oxfordshire, discusses Christmas gifting
It may be high summer for some but for the retail buyer, thoughts have turned to Christmas gifting. Buying for the golden quarter is no small task. With the average Brit spending around £300 on gifts in 2022 (according to a YouGov poll), and around £20 billion spent annually, the pressure is on.
Everything counts in this quarter. Not only must you ensure you have your firm favorites - candles, stationery, and luxury food gifts - you also need to sprinkle some new and different gift offers across the lines.
By the end of October, our shop must be ready and waiting with a gift selection ready to delight all. You would think the pressure was great enough, but remember: garden centres welcome the whole family, so ensuring the gift selection is diverse and plentiful is a must.
The price point also needs to be considered. In quarter-four you have people looking for a gift at every budget, from presents for favourite teachers and stocking fillers, to Christmas showstoppers for treasured loved ones. What’s more, our gift department is growing, so we have more space to fill than ever before. Eek…
Luckily for us, we have some brilliant buying fairs, near and far, ready to help us source. I predict the trend towards self-care and wellbeing will continue into Christmas. I, for one, will be visiting Home & Gift for all things meaningful and personal.
I have earmarked to stop by Cotton
& Grey for their small but effective Twenty Minute Candles. These little candles are made of pure beeswax and come with affirmation cards to aid relaxation and mindfulness. I will also browse the Cumbria-based brand by Molly&Izzie to source personalised gem jewellery. Their fun boho designs continue to be popular.
For children, I can’t wait to see the Craft & Crumb offer of Bake and Cake Craft Kits. The Pizza Biscuit Baking & Craft Kit and the Sleepover Kit already have my vote. Books will be a big feature in this year’s kids’ offer, as will interactive games and puzzles, so I will be on the hunt for those.
As we head into summer, I’m still full of Chelsea Flower Show inspiration. I certainly will be popping into Glee as it is well-documented that gardening and being outdoors can have a huge impact on our wellbeing and mental health.
This is increasingly being translated into easy starter gardening gift sets, floral-inspired cards and wraps, and botanical-based workshops.
Seedball will be on my list to visit, along with the other botanical suppliers exhibiting at Glee. Being a garden centre, botanical-focused gifts are always on the list.
My travels won’t stop there. We will aim to visit Top Drawer - a must for toy gifts and luxury finds - and Scoop International to source stunning clothes and associated gift accessories.
This year we also intend to broaden our horizons with a trip to Formex in
Stockholm to discover the latest Scandinavian home and interior ideas, and hopefully, we’ll squeeze in a visit to Maison&Objet in
Paris. I can’t wait.
Travelling abroad to source is exciting. Not only do you buy but you soak up the ambience and take home inspiration for the look and feel of the store and ideas for the café and beyond.
When all is said and done, come December I will be taking a muchneeded break. In fact, I will nip off to Copenhagen where I intend to do a little retail safari, see how Hugge is done by the pros, and enjoy an
alternative Christmas retail setting. I plan to visit Bloom & Blossom to shop for their natural, organic beauty products. Danish interior stylist and artist Mette Helena Rasmussen’s original vintage wallpapers at Retro Villa’s showroom in Østerbro is another must. And last but not least, the fashion brand Res-Res, which focuses on stocking sustainably minded suppliers.
Email: Bryony@yarntonhomegarden.co.uk
Visit: www.yarntonhomegarden.co.uk; www.instagram.com/yarntonhomegarden/; www.linkedin.com/in/bryonytayloredwards/
“I predict the trend towards self-care and wellbeing will continue into Christmas. I, for one, will be visiting Home & Gift for all things meaningful and personal”Photo: Clive Rose
As buyers and suppliers prepare to head to Harrogate for Home & Gift, many are no doubt eagerly anticipating the location and its amenities as much as the show itself.
This is because the North Yorkshire town presents a charming and inspiring experience for all the senses, with its grand hotels, manicured gardens, boulevards of smart shops, and iconic eateries.
Another trade show that is equally keenly anticipated is Maison&Objet in Paris. Not just because the French capital is an attractive destination but because, compared with some other exhibitions, the real offer at Maison&Objet is the way in which every effort has gone into presenting product, concept and range with style - exemplifying the philosophy of Harry Gordon Selfridge, founder of London department store Selfridges, who said: “Excite the mind, and the hand will reach for the pocket.”
There’s a concept driving these emotions and motivations, and I call it ‘Ambience’. A study by Rockefeller University in New York suggested that customers remember 1% of what they touch, 2% of what they hear, 5% of what they see, 15% of what they taste, and (a whopping) 35% of what they smell.
This amounts to 58% of the way in which the experience is received and appreciated by customers. Making no claims for any scientific basis, I have a theory that the remaining 42% is experienced through the sixth sense: the sense that everything has been curated to deliver a consistent,
authentic, and compelling experience of the brand proposition.
On the High Street today there are numerous near-defunct leviathans who have long departed from Harry Gordon Selfridge’s mantra. Indeed, the customer experience can be so drab that it’s a miracle anybody shops in them at all.
But amongst these overgrown weeds are a combination of bright, purposeful, value-led start-ups, who know their concept and are laserfocused on their customers. And
is: if your Christmas experience is the ultimate in multi-sensory, experiential branding, what would it take to apply the same focus, commitment and investment to the rest of the year?
Of course, we have many opportunities, from Valentine’s Day and Easter to Mothering Sunday and Halloween - and more national and international themed days than you can shake a stick at. I believe that drawing on your brand’s own heritage, as well as that of your physical location, adds even more opportunities to make every day a festive occasion.
needs to change in order to survive, and that the future of town centres and their communities is inextricably linked to that evolution. What retail offers, however - and gift retail especially - is the opportunity to create and facilitate human connection.
some larger brands still behave like a start-up. Think Anthropologie, which is one of the few large stores that can guarantee to put a smile on almost every customer’s face.
To paraphrase management adviser and co-author of ‘The Experience Economy’ Joe Pine, the question for every retailer is: what would my shop look like if I could charge admission?
In the case of Anthropologie, if they added coffee to their offer, I would definitely pay to enter the store and, in return, I assume they would offer a membership card, to give me the option to avoid the charge in return for my deeper engagement with the brand.
Looking ahead to the festive season, another question for retailers
Even if you are ‘only’ celebrating stillness or sustainability or community, how can you create that excitement, delivered through as many senses as possible, and then step back and review the experience to ensure what you have created is truly authentic, compelling, and consistently delivered through every touchpoint?
In this rapidly-changing world, there is a race to create immersive experiences. Often technology-driven, these pop-up diversions are even being talked of as the future of the High Street. It’s true that physical retail
The late great sales trainer Zig Ziglar used to say, “people buy on emotion and justify on logic”. A differentiated retail experience, offering a coherent concept, delivered with values based on sustainability and kindness, and above all facilitated by an engaged and engaging team, can drive sales and moreover loyalty. It’s the one area where physical retail can compete with the dreaded A-words (Amazon and Algorithm).
At Christmas, the die is cast. Nearly all the retailer’s costs are sunk. The question is: how much of a contribution will every customer make to those costs? And how will your brand experience optimise that? It’s time to take our brand experiences to the next level: delivered through curated sight, sound, touch, taste and (remember, whopping), smell. AR, VR, even blended reality, can’t compete with that.
Stephen Spencer is the Founder and Ambience Director of Stephen Spencer + Associates, a retail consultancy that aims to maximise ROI by triggering emotions at every level. For a free copy of the Ambience Playbook, go to www. stephenspencerassociates.com/ambience-playbook-registration. Call: 07921 812253
Email: stephen@stephenspencerassociates.com
Visit: stephenspencerassociates.com
“It’s time to take our brand experiences to the next level”
July is here and that means it’s time to prepare for a key date in the gift industry calendar - the Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival is nearly open! There are plenty of reasons to visit this well-loved summer trade show, as organiser Clarion Retail reveals…
Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival will be welcoming visitors from across the country to the Harrogate Convention Centre in North Yorkshire for another show from July 16 to July 19.
Once again, the grounds of the DoubleTree by Hilton and the Harrogate Convention Centre will be where business meets pleasure, offering new-season product sourcing as well as numerous networking opportunities.
This year, Home & Gift will be transporting visitors back to the Summer of Love with the show’s 1960s-inspired creative, designed by show partner The Better Trends Company (see box).
As if the Harrogate sunshine wasn’t tempting enough, Home & Gift has four packed days in store for you. Here are six reasons why you won’t want to miss it:
125% of exhibiting brands are making their show debut It’s all about newness! Home & Gift knows how important new brands are to retailers. Well, fear not, as this summer firm favourites will exhibit alongside new names, with 25% of the show’s line-up of 500-plus brands exhibiting for the very first time.
Meet new names fresh to the market such as Blumeli Shop, Brave Designs, CloudWine, Craft & Crumb, Feel The Glow, Gardening For Kids, Labre’s Hope, Nordic Flowers, Òir Soap, Olive & Berry, Pivot, Remony, Trixie Baby, Wool Couture, plus a host more. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to stock these fantastic brands, which your customers are guaranteed to be obsessed with. 2
Perfectly timed for the busiest half of the shopping year
Curate your Autumn/Winter collection at the perfect time. Home & Gift is brilliantly placed in the middle of the year, which allows you to use your learnings from the first half of the year to breathe new life into your product offering in the lead-up to the all-important Christmas season. You will be able to source seasonal products along with heartwarming gifts, stylish homewares, tasty treats and more. 3
Brand new Craft sector
More and more customers are now looking for unique pieces that can’t be found everywhere, and Home & Gift’s brand-new Craft sector is the perfect place to find delicate, exclusive pieces to tempt your customers.
Buyers will be able to explore handmade treasures, from bespoke jewellery to neutral homewares from a range of designer-makers. Source beautiful pieces from the likes of; Circle & Dash, Dreya Glass, Kam Creates, Poppy Treffry, S&ERS Printed Aluminium Jewellery, Zamsoe, Zoe Scott Designs and many more.
Have your business cards at the ready
Home & Gift isn’t just about sourcing, but it is THE place to connect with the retail community. Enjoy meeting like-minded creatives and tastemakers who share your passion for the industry and the world of quality products.
With more than 8,000 retailers flocking to the Buyers’ Festival, you will be able to network and forge connections in a relaxed setting. Home & Gift is well known for its social atmosphere and regular networking events over the show’s four days.
On Sunday, celebrate the show’s opening at Sundowners, the show’s famous garden party which is perfect for mingling with visiting buyers and exhibitors. Then relax with a gin on the lawn over the next few days in the grounds of the DoubleTree By Hilton, against the picturesque Harrogate backdrop.
5Inspiration overload
Home & Gift is the place to find the newest products hitting the market, so get ready to be inspired by thousands of fresh ranges. By attending, you will be one of the first to source from exclusive launches, as many exhibiting brands bring their latest lines to market at Home & Gift. Plus, discover inspiration around every corner with seamless design and product innovation across all the show’s sectors.
6
Source from thousands of product launches
Across the distinctive lifestyle categories, you will be able to curate your new collection. Source the best products hitting the market across six sectors: Design-led Gifts, Food Emporium, Jewellery & Fashion, General Gift, Home, and the brand-new Craft sector.
You will be spoilt for choice with five halls and multiple marquees filled with lustworthy products from long-time favourites - and fresh new talent joining the market.
To explore all that Home & Gift has to offer, register for your free badge now and don’t miss THE festival of the summer! Register via the Home & Gift website at www.homeandgift.co.uk.
What: Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival
Where: Kings Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire
When:
Sunday July 16 9.30am-5.30pm
Monday July 17 9.30am-5.30pm
Tuesday July 18 9.30am-5.30pm
Wednesday July 19 9.30am-4.00pm
Call: 020 7384 8202
Email: marketing@homeandgift.co.uk
Visit: www.homeandgift.co.uk
Clarion Retail, organiser of the Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival in Harrogate, is transporting visitors back to the ‘Summer of Love’ through a creative partnership with trend and design agency The Better Trends Company.
Show Director David Westbrooke says: “Home & Gift is really excited to collaborate with The Better Trends Company to infuse Home & Gift’s classic festival vibes with their 2023 Modern Psychedelic design trend.
“The campaign’s nostalgic essence encapsulates the welcoming ambience of Home & Gift, where the retail community have gathered for over 60 years to celebrate the industry in a relaxed environment that allows for both networking and product sourcing.”
He adds: “The show is gearing up to be another huge success in 2023, giving buyers the opportunity to discover thousands of new product launches, courtesy of over 500 brands from across the UK and beyond.”
The Modern Psychedelic design trend embodies a visual style that blends oldschool trippy motifs with cutting-edge sophistication. Reflective of customers’ increasing desire to see thoughtfullydesigned products with a handmade edge, the folk-inspired application of floral designs perfectly sets the scene to launch the show’s brand-new Craft sector.
Louise Healy-Adonis, co-founder of The Better Trends Company, comments: “We knew we had to create something truly distinctive, yet tailored to the show’s elegant and heritage branding. Our Modern Psychedelic design trend was the perfect starting point for the creative direction of the show.
“This trend is part of a huge cultural shift, where we are all becoming increasingly concerned about the state of our planet, current political situations, social justice… the list goes on. It represents a resurgence of interest in psychedelic art, music, and culture that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s and is often associated with a counter-cultural ethos that embraces alternative lifestyles, environmentalism and social justice causes, which feels very relevant today.”
In creating the campaign, The Better Trends Company spent a long time poring over bold and retro fonts, balancing colour palettes with the overall aesthetics. Keeping the iconic Home & Gift royal blue as the hero colour, they paired it with an illustrated floral pattern that can be utilised in various ways, along with a swirl pattern as a secondary graphic.
Six key trend colours were selected for each of the various show sectors, along with a complementary colour to be used alongside for clear and impactful wayfinding and design identity. Bright colours like hot pinks, oranges, and zingy blues contrast with muted earthy tones like browns, dusty peach, and forest greens for a contemporary feel.
“We managed to strike a balance between retro and modern design that feels exciting and fresh,” says Louise. “We can’t wait to see how our design comes to life at the show!”
“The show is gearing up to be another huge success in 2023, giving buyers the opportunity to discover thousands of new product launches, courtesy of over 500 brands from across the UK and beyond.”
Show Director David Westbrooke
Langs design and buying director Jane Bourne says: “Home & Gift is a great opportunity for us to catch up with our lovely customers, and hopefully meet some new ones. Plus, we all get to sample the delights of Harrogate (hopefully in the sunshine).
“It’s been a busy run-up to the show, as we’ve been photographing all our new Spring 24 collections. Our extremely talented design team has really pushed our new launch to another level yet again!
“Brand new for us is a selection of scarves - all with our hand-painted artwork printed onto them. These are stunning, and we’re sure you will love the designs. We also have more new pieces in our coir door mats range, and you will notice these use our own artwork, all designed in Derbyshire. Last but not least, there’s a new collection of seed paper cards, with a gorgeous pink gingham display stand.
“Spring 2024 is bursting with florals, wildlife, and Easter home decorations, along with gifts for all occasions: love, mums, tricky to buy for men, and teachers. Plus, a new home décor collection features coral pink and blue tones, giving you a feeling of the Mediterranean, which is not to be missed.
“When you order in advance, you’ll have a wider selection of seasonal items to choose from. Forward planning will secure your stock and help you plan a budget. It will also take away the stress and allow you to think about your displays and plan accordingly.
“We will also have all our other current collections from 2023 on show, so we’ve got you covered for any last-minute buys for Halloween, Christmas and general Autumn gifting. Our jigsaws are still selling extremely well for us and just a note to remember: these are made in the UK and make a great gift.”
Call: 01332 340927
Email: sales@richardlang.co.uk
Visit: www.richardlang.co.uk
Stand: DP1-B26
Stoneglow is excited to be exhibiting at Home & Gift. The company says: ”It’s a significant date in the trade show diary - reconnecting with clients is so important after the few years we all have experienced.
“After 23 years, you will now find us in DP1 for the very first time. We decided to relocate as we felt that Design Led was more in keeping with our brand identity, as Stoneglow has evolved over the years into a luxury home fragrance brand synonymous with quality and innovation - all made here in the UK.”
New editions have been added to the Seasonal Collection with lower price points for a more affordable festive period. Gifting is a major part of the newbies, with mini candles and diffuser gift sets for the seasonal range.
Wellbeing has five new gift sets. The first is the 100% essential oil wardrobe which contains four oil blends to restore and rebalance your equilibrium: just add a few drops of these natural oils into your Stoneglow perfume mist diffuser for a therapeutic reset. The gift sets contain essential oil scented soy candles, a mini reed diffuser, and a fullsize pillow spray - the perfect gift for the busy season ahead.
New for 2023, Stoneglow has launched a collection of bath & body products all steeped in the Modern Classics aromas. The collection has been styled to tie in with the popular scented candles and reed diffusers for a full sensory experience. It’s a range with a feel-good factor, designed to enhance your home and wellbeing, with formulas that are vegan friendly, and free from parabens, silicones and SLES. Choose from the decadent hand & body washes, hydrating lotions, and nourishing body scrub smoothies, or relax back with the mineral rich bath salts. As expected by Stoneglow, the Modern Classics bath & body collection is proudly made here in the UK.
Go big or go home, they say! So, new for this season is the luxurious sized three-wick scented candle, which is part of the bestselling Modern Classics collection. This range is packed full of scented candles, gift sets, reed diffusers, perfume oil, and mist diffusers. Opulent textures and sumptuous perfumes for a decadent fragrance experience is the definition of the Luna Collection. New for Autumn/Winter are rich forest green and gold vessels, with the future legacy fragrance Fougere & Vetiver, mossy green foundations and earthy notes.
With many more new products, including candle refills for Urban Botanics and the Keepsake ranges, along with popular ranges, and more than 39 new products, you will certainly have enough choice with Stoneglow for the season ahead.
Call: 020 8595 8878 | Email: admin@stoneglowcandles.co.uk Visit: www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk
Sea Gems is a family-run company with over 40 years of design heritage and experience. For the Harrogate show, it has been very busy creating new collections of silver jewellery, fine enamels and gifts.
The Silver Origins jewellery brand features contemporary sterling silver with an undeniably handcrafted charm. Attention to detail is everything, with delicately textured and polished surfaces together with gold vermeil or semi-precious stones. Inspired by Sea Gems’ Cornish roots, you will discover striking organic designs, intricate beachcomber shells, and botanical and wildlife designs, as well as fun, whimsical motifs that celebrate moments of love and life. These everyday wearable creations are designed to empower and endure.
The Celtic Lands silver collection evokes and celebrates Sea Gems’ rich heritage with timeless motifs and elaborate knotwork. New designs give a fresh look and feel to the already successful brand.
The art of fine enamelling, with its fusion of vibrant colours, creates jewellery and gifts in the Mackintosh, Celtic and nature ranges - with every piece individually handcrafted and kiln-fired. Gift ranges include pens, bookmarks, compact mirrors, pillboxes, and scarf-rings.
Sea Gems says: ‘We are one of the most innovative suppliers to the jewellery and gift trade, with a proven track record. Ecofriendly packaging and POS is available, and we offer easy online ordering with friendly and helpful customer support, as well as a fast and reliable service.’
Call: 01736 335840 | Email: sales@seagems.co.uk |
Global Journey’s adorable Worry Monster encourages kids to write down their worries so they can be eaten away. Before going to sleep, children can alleviate all their stresses and pass them onto their Worry Monster, who will gobble them up. When they wake in the morning, they will see no worries left behind - and their parents will be able to read their concerns so they can help. Personalised with names, the cute and cuddly Worry Monster comes in seven different colours and is machine washable
Kids will also love Global Journey’s new money boxes. What better way to encourage children to save their pocket money, than to help them build their own personalised money box? Made from wood, the kits include easy stick letters and decorations. No glue or other accessories are needed, as the panels easily connect together.
Call: 0161 872 0333 | Email: isamuels@global-journey.com | Visit: www.global-journey.com
Bill & Bert’s Colchester Essex
What do you enjoy about the show?
All trade shows are very important. We hate ordering anything without seeing it, picking it up or smelling it. But by a country mile, Home & Gift is the most enjoyable. Being able to have a drink with colleagues within the industry afterwards, rather than just going back to your hotel, makes it far more enjoyable than other shows.
Also, for some reason, the sun always seems to shine on Harrogate, so it just becomes a very comfortable show for exhibitors and buyers. The sun doesn’t need to shine quite as hot as it did in 2022 though!
priced, and beautifully put together will always be of interest to us.
Is there any stand you especially want to see?
It’s good to visit some of our winning suppliers, like Roka, to see what they have that’s new. We will also go and say hello to our friends at Jellycat. We always have fun and find some really good lines in the marquees, where the smaller suppliers tend to be. For example, we’re looking forward to seeing Tracey Cooper’s kitchen linens. We ordered from Tracey last year and it would be nice to see her again and see what’s new on her stand. She’s a lovely lady - a hidden gem!
Any tips for newbie visitors? Wear sensible clothing such as linen because it will be warm. Be as comfortable as you possibly can. Harrogate is busy at lunchtime, so eat early - don’t leave it until 1.30-2pm. Take a notebook. And when you get home, if you think you’ve ordered too much and have second thoughts, don’t be scared to cancel.
What’s your favourite Home & Gift memory?
Maybugs
Three stores in East Sussex: Hailsham, Eastbourne, Bexhill
What do you enjoy about the show? I love the relaxed nature of the show, the variety of suppliers and, of course, it’s like escaping for a long weekend away.
Will you be looking for any particular categories? Fashion accessories. We’re seeing huge growth in ladies’ accessories, bags and fashion, so I will be looking for more brands to add to this category.
Is there any stand you especially want to see? I just love discovering some of the small brands - that are exhibiting for the first time - and hunting out something unique, as well as catching up with our core brands such as Inis.
Any tips for newbie visitors?
Don’t stress about getting there. It’s a really relaxed show, and if you’re travelling from the south like me, it can be quite a journey. Just take your time, and remember it’s a show that is SO worth the trip.
Will you be looking for any particular products or categories?
Bill & Bert’s is always on the lookout for something new and interesting that will fit in with the ranges we already do. We tend to attend trade shows with very open eyes. One of the items we will be looking for this year above others is anything new in the food gifting ranges. Anything that stands out as being fresh, well-
This goes back to 1989 - the year of the dancing flowers. They were absolutely brilliant. At the time, my wife had a little gift shop in Cheltenham, and we sold 1,000 in 10 weeks at £25 each. It was a wonderful - albeit annoying - product.
We initially ordered 48 and when they came in, we instantly reordered them in 144s to be delivered every fortnight. Sales were phenomenal - they danced their way out of the door! If only we could find another line as profitable as the dancing flowers, it would be a wonderful gift show.
What’s your favourite Home & Gift memory? It would have to be my first visit nearly 20 years ago. I was just amazed at how different it was to other shows. With the marquees and the sunshine, it felt like a country fair and a day out. Such a lovely atmosphere - plus the Pimm’s went down nicely. I did do some work too… honest!
“I just love discovering some of the small brands - that are exhibiting for the first time - and hunting out something unique”
Retailers reveal their Home & Gift hopes, expectations and memoriesand share some top tips to help you maximise your visit to Harrogate
“We always have fun and find some really good lines in the marquees, where the smaller suppliers tend to be”
What do you enjoy about the show?
Home & Gift is my favourite show. It has a relaxed atmosphere with high quality design-led products. By seeing products up close, I can make far more decisions, and place orders, which saves time. For example, you can see the quality, size, and smell of the fragrance so you know if it’s right for your customers.
The timing also fits well into my calendar; it’s just before the school holidays when mum duties and covering staff holidays take priority. And pre-Golden Quarter makes it the perfect opportunity to spot new product lines to add to our collection. I usually stay over, so I get two days at the show. There are plenty of hotels and places to eat within walking distance.
Will you be looking for any particular categories?
We’re like a mini department store, so we cover all categories.
Is there any stand you especially want to see?
I will be catching up with our regular suppliers. I will definitely look at new season products from PoM, Wild Olive, and Jellycat - and I will search through the exhibitor list to see if anything catches my eye before visiting.
Any tips for newbie visitors?
Ditch the heels for comfortable shoes. You will certainly get your steps in. There’s so much to see, so don’t get overwhelmed. Take all the information away with you and plan your purchases if you’re not 100% certain. And fully charge your phone: I make lots of notes and take photos (when allowed) of barcodes and stand numbers.
What’s your favourite Home & Gift memory?
Taking my sons (on separate occasions). Our toy section definitely increased those years! But it was definitely great to get them involved in the business - it was nice seeing products through their perspective.
“Ditch the heels for comfortable shoes. You will certainly get your steps in”
What do you enjoy about the show?
It’s a great mixture of gifts, cards and homewares and, what’s more, it’s on our doorstep - so I can be environmentally-friendly and jump on the bus to Harrogate.
Will you be looking for any particular categories?
I’m looking for craft products for Christmas and sustainable gift ideas. I’m also looking to increase my stationery range, so I will be looking to see what products are there.
Is there any stand you especially want to see?
Last year I met Turtle Doves at Harrogate, and have stocked them ever since. So I’m looking forward to possibly finding another product that will become a great seller for Chirpy.
Any tips for newbie visitors?
Walk the floor a couple of times, and don’t be too impulsive! If I’m not sure about a product I take away information, and then look at how it would fit into the shop when I get back - how the product could be displayed and how it would work with our other products. Look carefully at costs too, and make sure the products fit in with your customers’ price range.
What’s your favourite Home & Gift memory?
It’s always a beautiful day when I go, so I do enjoy a cheeky glass of wine in the sunshine!
What do you enjoy about the show?
Home & Gift is our favourite show of the year. Obviously Harrogate is a beautiful place, and the show has such a unique buzz to it. It’s so well organised in that it’s not just a buying show - the social aspects after the show provide the perfect opportunity to network with suppliers and meet other buyers.
We’re part of a WhatsApp group called Retail Buddies which is composed of small business owners all over the UK, and we always meet up after the show. It’s so useful as it enables us to get advice from more experienced buyers, as well as compare notes on new finds.
Are there any stands you especially want to see?
We’ve seen a few teasers of Langs’ Spring 2024 range on their social media accounts and it looks incredible, so we will definitely be heading over to them. We work really closely with Widdop and Co. and buy much of our occasion gifts from their extensive range. They’ve always got new products cropping up, so that will be exciting to see as well. Any tips for newbie visitors? Sometimes the sheer amount of halls and stands can be a little bit overwhelming, so preparation always helps. To be honest, we have a bit of a weird strategy - but it works for us.
On day one, we literally just walk every single hall to get a feel for what’s on offer. We take pictures of anything that stands out, and note down any companies we like the look of. Then, at the end of the day, we reconvene and make a fine-tuned list of which stands we’re going to revisit over the next two days. And only then do we start to place orders.
We find this takes away the ‘overwhelm’ of the size of the show, and also helps us manage our buying much better. There’s no impulse purchases that we might later regret, no placing an order and then seeing something you prefer in the next hall. It makes it a little bit more refined and informed, so I would definitely recommend giving it a go.
What’s your favourite Home & Gift memory?
Harrogate 2021 - the first after the lockdowns. It finally felt that things were going back to normal and there was such a positive and happy atmosphere. The weather was beautiful and it fell at the same time as all restrictions were lifted. It felt so hopeful, and definitely made us feel like things could only get better!
“I’m looking for craft products for Christmas and sustainable gift ideas”
“We’ve seen a few teasers of Langs’ Spring 2024 range on their social media accounts and it looks incredible, so we will definitely be heading over to them”Carla Ringer Buyer
What do you enjoy about the show?
I love the fact that Harrogate feels like a more personal show. It feels less intense than some exhibitions. Of course, Bettys Tea Room helps!
Will you be looking for any particular categories?
I will be looking at new card suppliers and gifting, but the whole team will be there to cover all the categories.
Is there any stand you especially want to see?
Not any one in particular. We walk the whole show as we don’t want to miss anything.
Any tips for newbie visitors? Comfortable walking shoes and cool clothes, as it can get hot in the marquees.
What’s your favourite Home & Gift memory?
Harrogate is definitely one of my favourite shows - although last year it was held on the hottest days of the year: so hot that the train tracks buckled on our journey home. It took me and a colleague six hours to do a three-hour journey. So, memorable - but not my favourite memory. After a hard day walking the show, you can’t beat a Bramble cocktail!
“We walk the whole show as we don’t want to miss anything”
Elmer remains one of the most iconic and widely read children’s books of all time. Written and illustrated by David McKee, it has sold over 10 million copies worldwide since it was published by Andersen Press in 1989.
The colourful patchwork elephant who champions individuality, creativity, and joy, is about to bring even more fun and enjoyment thanks to Andersen Press’ licensing deal with The Puppet Company, which sees new Elmer Puppets launch at Home & Gift.
Speaking on behalf of Andersen Press, PR and brand director Paul Black says: “Elmer is a symbol of inclusivity and friendship - themes from David McKee’s books that have resonated with millions of children around the world. The team at The Puppet Company really understand this and share the same ethos and values. They are the perfect licensing partner to bring Elmer to a new audience of children and adults alike. We can’t wait to see what adventures Elmer goes on.”
Now in its 22nd year, The Puppet Company is a key player in the gift and toy world. Its Elmer puppets encourage speech and language development in young children, inspire children to embrace the wonder of the world we live in, and have been designed to be especially accessible and affordable.
The Elmer My First Puppet is suitable from birth, made from soft materials, and has embroidered eyes - all tested to the highest possible standards. The supplier has also created a stand-alone Finger Puppet Elmer, so you can carry him with you wherever you go, as part of its commitment to fun and learning through play.
This is the first licensing deal that The Puppet Company has taken (with more exciting announcements to follow), and the company is thrilled to have started with such a favourite.
Director and co-founder Sue Lockey says: “We’re delighted to have brought the most-loved Elmer character to life, and to continue sharing the magic and power of puppets. As an ex-teacher, I know first-hand the importance of sharing stories such as Elmer’s and celebrating each child’s individual character and differences. We hope to continue inspiring future generations by bringing this most wonderful character to life.”
Call: 01462 446040
Email: katy@thepuppetcompany.com
Visit: www.thepuppetcompany.com
Home & Gift is always an exciting event in the giftware calendar, as it’s a chance for retailers to make their final selections to ensure a busy and successful Christmas season.
Joe Davies is famous for the sheer size and diversity of its range, from general giftware including home décor to fashion jewellery and accessories, and there will be plenty of exciting new collections making their debut at the show.
The cool new Top Dogs range is the perfect home accessory for dog lovers everywhere. The collection comprises ceramic vases featuring various dog breeds including a collie and a cute basset hound, an attractive Patch the dog planter, and a unique Spot the dog jug. These quirky pieces are sure to bring humour and charm into your home. In fact, they are pawsitively guaranteed to make you smile!
Bee home décor is buzzing its way into our homes and is fast becoming a firm favourite in everything from ceramics to wooden tealights and photo frames. The brand-new Pebble Bee collection features cute Pebble Bees with bee-related sentiments on attractive natural and white wooden plaques, coasters, photo frames and tealights. This charming collection of bee-themed gifts is as sweet as honey and is sure to bring a buzz into your home!
Home & Gift is the ideal place to check out the brand-new Hibiscus Carved Elephant collection. The intricately carved ornate elephant figurines impart a majestic look to even the most exotic of nature’s creatures. Available in many sizes, from mini figures to extralarge sculptures, these beautiful models are sure to create a real talking point.
Jewellery has the power to make women feel unique, and the brand-new Equilibrium Te Amo collection is special in so many ways. The classic and contemporary heart-shaped pieces are timeless accessories that never go out of fashion.
There are necklaces, earrings and bracelets to suit all individual tastes, with the power to elevate your look, giving your outfit the perfect finishing touch. Whether it’s a day at the office or a glitzy Christmas party, hearts are always a great choice that are sure to turn drab into fab!
Joe Davies will launch a huge brand-new range of Equilibrium fashion accessories for Autumn/Winter 2023, including a wide range of gloves in many styles and fabrics. Highlights include fingerless gloves that are functional yet fashionable, gift-boxed soft feel colourful gloves that are perfect to wrap as Christmas gifts, and gloves with luxurious faux fur cuffs.
Team these with the Equilibrium range of gift-boxed scarves, and you really do have a very special collection of Christmas gift pick-up lines. This year will see the launch of cosy, thicker gift-boxed Winter scarves, which will have a truly luxurious look and feel.
Designs include metallic foiled splashes and two-tone pearl-embellished feathers - not forgetting the popular gift-boxed matching hat and scarf sets, all with snuggly fleece-lined hats. Not only will this collection keep you warm, but hats, scarves and gloves are a great way to accessorise your outerwear and update last season’s wardrobe.
Joe Davies is well known in the industry for its ‘little and often’ ordering system which enables customers to order a very small quantity across multiple items. What’s more, its minimum order value is just £100 for carriage paid orders, enabling customers to place small orders more frequently. You can visit Joe Davies at stand B66 where its friendly, award-winning team look forward to welcoming you.
“There will be plenty of exciting new collections making their debut at the show”
Contemporary gift supplier Enesco is thrilled to announce the launch of the Scion Living Homeware Collection. Zesty, on-trend colours collide with favourite characters from the loveable crew.
The new ranges are fun meets functional, so dive in and discover easy ways to bring simple joys to your customers’ homes. The collection features trinket trays, planters, candles, placemats, coasters and vases.
And it wouldn’t be Scion without a little bit of character! Firstly, there’s Spike the friendly hedgehog, shuffling his way across a delightful range of homeware essentials. But little hands need not fear - Spike’s spines are completely harmless!
Next, love makes the world go round, or it certainly does if you’re the geometric lovebirds, Lintu! Let this loved-up pair bring their cheerful chirping to every home.
And, full of Scandi energy and an appreciation of nature, Padukka’s stylised floral pattern is the perfect colour companion. Sheer white stems support flower heads that bring bursts of joyous colour into any room - a real favourite for plant pots and vases.
Finally, strutting across this homeware collection is everyone’s favourite fox. Mr Fox returns to centre stage and to the hearts of your customers.
Working closely together, Enesco and Scion (which is part of the Sanderson Group), believe wholeheartedly in finding everyday joy, every day. Your customers will discover golden mustards, sky blues and stone greys to bring character to any room. Filled with warming confidence, these tones also help bring some colours from nature into your home.
Alongside the eye-catching homeware, Enesco is delighted to introduce Scion Living Pet Accessories.
All furry friends deserve a treat., and your customers can look no further than the Pet Accessories range, exclusively from Enesco. Happy homes mean happy pets, so it’s all about sharing simple joys that will please customers and their pets.
A delight for pet and owner, the selection of accessories - which includes bowls, leads, collars, beds and bandanas - come in on-trend mustard or navy and feature all-time Scion favourite design Mr Fox, bringing uplifting colours to every home.
Whatever your customers’ fluffy pals are chasing in their dreams, let it be in the adorable pet beds. Manufactured in the UK and including a proportion of recycled materials in the filling, they are available in two sizes, two different colour options and, with the iconic Mr Fox design, they are sure to add an upbeat note to any home.
Call: 01228 404022 | Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Visit: www.enesco.co.uk
Blade & Rose marketing and sales consultant Helen Cottrill says: “Home & Gift is the perfect time for us to launch our new collections. With stock due in early August, we can ship it shortly after the show has ended, refreshing retail displays for the busy summer months. We also get to see a lot of independent retailers at the show, which is key to our success.”
The company will be showcasing five brand-new collections: Bella The Horse, Wild Woodland, Stella the Hen, Layla the Parrot, and To The Moon and Back. Its design team has spent time looking at colour trends and what’s hot in children’s room decor and play, and has combined these with the brand’s unique styling.
“The level of detail on this new collection needs to be seen,” Helen comments. “We have added so many embellishments, in the form of embroidery, little ears and tactile materials. Each collection consists of our three bestselling formats, which are our original leggings (which we still retail for £10), a top and socks.
She adds: “Following on from the success of our initial Peter Rabbit collection, which won the Branded Gift category of the 2022 Gift of the Year Awards, two new collections have been added for the summer.”
There’s a vibrant collection called Bright Ideas with primary stripes co-ordinating with blocks of red, embroidered radish leaves, and a fluffy Peter Rabbit on the leggings. To contrast, the Grow Your Own collection features gorgeous soft blue/green hues with autumn leaves and vegetable details on the
leggings and soft fluffy textured detail on both the top and the leggings - perfect for the change of season as we head into autumn.
Blade & Rose’s key objective in 2023 is to expand its presence on the high street through independents, and in garden centres. Helen explains: “The product works so well in both these environments. We have some absolutely gorgeous indie boutique stockists who confirm that the brand sells through consistently for them, all year round.
“It’s the perfect gift for baby showers, gender reveals, births, christenings, Christmas and birthdays from 0 to six years. The brand also works really well as a tourist gift or sometimes as a practical requirement due to the unpredictable British weather. How many times do you need to buy a warm extra layer on a day out?!”
She continues: “Blade & Rose’s longterm plan is to expand into more overseas markets. Though we are looking to increase our presence across the UK, our product also has appeal around the world, with us already seeing good sales in Australia, the USA, Asia and Europe via our own ecommerce site.
“The ultimate goal would be to open the brand up to a much larger audience via global retail. As with most products, consumers need to touch and feel to appreciate the quality and design. We have a very high repeat purchase rate and receive many good reviews; we’re proud to have a 4.8 rating on Trustpilot. We’re also working on some new licensed products, which we will reveal in due course, and we’re very excited about them!”
Well, have you heard? Alice Wheeler London is launching a fabulous new autumn collection of fashion and beauty accessories, showcasing at Home & Gift.
The brand was established in 2019, and that year’s edition of Home & Gift featured the first capsule collection of accessories by Alice Wheeler London. The range was totally new to market but has now become one of the must-have accessory brands in the UK.
This season’s collection offers a superb choice of vegan leather fashion designs, with best sellers such as Soho, a fabulous dual compartment crossbody camera bag which includes a designer and colour matching straps, available in an assortment of colours which should be on everyone’s wish list this autumn.
Alice Wheeler will also feature a luxury range of beauty bags, and the star of this year’s show is an amazing selection of Train/beauty cases. The range offers three sizes and is available in a wide range of shades including two autumnal colourways of Ochre and Olive.
The company says: ‘Following an amazing Spring/ Summer, Alice Wheeler London is looking to continue its success with a stunning new collection of fashion accessories, crafted in a luxury textured Saffiano - all vegan and incorporating the all-new Gold Honeycomb Emblem design.’
The range features the Brompton phone crossbody and the gorgeous Pimlico boxed camera CB bag, and is available in six super colours with co-ordinating striped canvas straps. They’re described as ‘very boutique and beautifully made with lovely detail’.
In addition, Pimlico includes a limited-edition range of tri colour designs, available in four colourways - offering something totally new to Alice Wheeler’s signature collection this autumn and a must-see if you are visiting Home & Gift. You will find these designs and much more in Hall A on stand 22.
Call: 0121 459 9777
Email: orders@fmgsales.co.uk
Visit: www.alicewheelerlondon.co.uk
The Luna collection o ers opulent textures and luxury materials, combined with sumptuous perfumes for a decadent fragrance experience. A new fragrance for Autumn 2023, Fougere & Vetiver Dark green notes of aromatic rosemary, cooling pine with the added warmth of cinnamon. A fragrance that embraces its green, mossy foundations. Earthy patchouli, cedarwood and citrus tones of vetiver ensure endurance and a lasting legacy.
Why are you exhibiting?
Home & Gift is integral to showcasing Alice Wheeler London’s Autumn 23 collections. The show has a strong gift retail presence, and I’m hoping we will see a strong representation from southern businesses this year too. Harrogate is the perfect start to our autumn launch.
What products are you excited to showcase?
We are presenting our exciting, latest designs for Autumn 23, with a target availability of July and August. We have a new collection crafted in textured Saffiano incorporating a new Honeycomb insignia. It’s a luxury range, with new colourways to complement the autumnal palette, and completes this year’s Alice Wheeler accessories collection.
Any launches we can look forward to seeing?
Alice Wheeler London has always been about the bee insignia. This resonates with many of our customers and the consumer. But autumn will see the release of new Honeycomb designs, which are very boutique, using Saffiano textured vegan leathers in an amazing range of styles. We always introduce an autumn colour palette, and this season is no different, with Ochre and Olive line extensions across all our topselling styles. And there are further additions within Alice Wheeler beauty. We’re introducing two new sizes to complement the incredibly successful train case - a definite must-have this autumn!
We hope to emulate last year’s Home & Gift, which was very successful for us. Alice Wheeler London is still quite a young brand - it was established in 2019 with a Covid bombshell in the middle.
The Harrogate show is about reaching out to new customers looking for something innovative and fresh in the market, but equally and importantly, we are there to showcase the latest collections to our existing customers - and our assurance that Alice Wheeler London is a secure brand and sound investment.
Harrogate is quite a unique environment and Home & Gift is the perfect platform to preview or showcase new collections.
We are always mindful of the latest trends. We have a fabulous range of train cases this autumn, crafted in vegan leathers with an amazing colour palette and very on trend for this year. However, at the same time, we try not to focus too heavily on fashion trends alone. We balance great styles that offer longevity and mainstay designs (such as our crossbody camera and messenger bags) with colourways to accessorise any wardrobe and season. Our customer recognises and appreciates this, which we feel has contributed to the success of Alice Wheeler so far.
There’s been many changes since Home & Gift 2022. We now have a great team of sales agents representing Alice Wheeler and Paul Oliver throughout the UK and Ireland, and this has been of great value to the business.
We’ve always been conscious of environmental issues and we are in the process of fitting solar panels to the roof of our warehouse to offset our carbon footprint as much as possible. Our premises have recently been fitted with sensor and LED lighting, and all our company cars are now fully electric!
Alice Wheeler London has always been about the honeybee insignia, and the bee has hugely contributed to the success of this brand from the first capsule collection was introduced at Home & Gift 2019.
We are in talks with several charities to support various wild meadow and bee organisations, and we are signed up with The British Bee Charity supporting its environmental campaigns through schools, teaching kids about the environment and nature.
Our honeybee emblem has been part of all Alice Wheeler designs since the very first range was launched, and it’s important that we give something back and support this little insect that has contributed to the success of the brand.
Alexander Thurlow
Why are you exhibiting?
This has been a long-running show for us. We started showing here in the 1950s - and it’s still our favourite.
What products are you excited to showcase?
We have a new range of flower bouquets, as well as new poppy flowers.
What are you hoping to achieve?
Our main goal is to reconnect with our customers and try to entice some new customers to our stand. You never know who may find you, which always makes for a bit of excitement at the end of the show.
What makes this show special for you?
The location in Harrogate is a special place. It always seems to be sunny (last year it was too sunny), and the après-show meetings are a great way to catch up with everyone.
Do you predict any hot trends for the second half?
As we’re not so trend-driven these days, it’s all about having the right lines in stock for the Christmas rush.
What’s next for your business?
We’ve had a great year so far, as our flower jewellery is being found by more and more gift outlets. We will just try to keep giving the best service we can, and to increase our bespoke options to customers.
With the 2023 edition of Home & Gift around the corner, we ask a selection of exhibitors what products they plan to launch at the event, and what hot trends they predict for the second half
“We have a new collection crafted in textured Saffiano incorporating a new Honeycomb insignia”
“We have a new range of flower bouquets”Vanessa Curry Managing Director
Why are you exhibiting?
We love exhibiting at Home & Gift. This is our 21st year and each year we meet customers old and new, and enjoy soaking up the atmosphere in this beautiful part of the world. The show always feels well curated, and we enjoy the buzz.
What products are you excited to showcase?
First is our new sustainable candle collection, called Our Fragrant World. Made in collaboration with artist Nicky Dawson, the entire collection has been created to be environmentally-friendly, while still delivering fabulous fragrances, colour, and sparkle into your home. Each candle is made from a renewable and sustainable crop using certified coconut and plant-based wax, so you can enjoy beautiful, colourful fragrances, knowing that every step has been taken to be kind to the planet. What’s not to love?
We’re also very excited about our brand-new Spirit of Christmas range: our signature scented candles, each featuring different woodland animals. There are 12 in the range, each using our best-selling fragrances and trademark sparkle. We love the fun that this collection embodies. Our mission has always been to make people smile with our products, and this collection is all about the joy of Christmas.
We hope people will spend lots of time on our stand because we have so much to show them. We’re totally committed to keeping the price point of our candles at £9.99 as well - even against rising costs - as we know what a difference that makes to our customers.
Best Kept Secrets is a British, family-owned, home fragrance company now in its 27th year, so we really know how to make the perfect candle for every occasion!
What are you hoping to achieve?
We’re looking forward to introducing our current customers to our new product ranges and meeting new customers. This is a good show for writing orders, and we just love being able to talk to people.
What makes this show special for you?
It’s in a lovely location, not too far from where we handmake all our products in Morpeth. The sun always shines as well, so there’s a good energy, and buyers tend to have the confidence to make good retail decisions at the show.
Do you predict any hot trends for the second half?
The trend that has dominated our new product development over the past two years is sustainability, and we’re proud of our environmental credentials and consider our impact on the planet in all that we do.
Our supply chain is proudly British and, wherever possible, we work with local suppliers. Our vessels are reusable or recyclable, our sparkles are biodegradable, and we have environmentally-friendly print on our FSCregistered packaging.
For Autumn/Winter, consumers are always drawn to our slightly heavier, muskier, and warmer scents, so we’ve developed new fragrances to meet these seasonal trends. We have our new Fireside & Cypress, Black Rose & Amber, and White Flowers & Cashmere, which also tick the boxes for what customers love at this time of year.
A key trend we’ve also identified is the ways in which consumers are looking to find ways to celebrate and mark special moments in a meaningful and affordable way. This was the inspiration behind our Just Because Collection, and we’re excited to launch our Just Because AGE Tea Light Gift Boxes at Home & Gift.
What’s next for your business?
We’re really excited about how we’re developing and improving our green credentials as a brand. Soon we will install machines to shred any waste cardboard we have, and turn it into void filler. We’re working entirely on the principle of reuse, reduce, recycle.
We’re also expanding our team in both manufacturing and logistics. I’m really proud of our team in Morpeth, who continue to work incredibly hard, enabling our business to go from strength to strength.
“We’re very excited about our brand-new Spirit of Christmas range”
Why are you exhibiting?
What’s not to love about the Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival? It ticks all the boxes and ‘Festival’ is the perfect description for this mid-year gathering of the home and giftware industry.
It’s a relaxed but equally upbeat environment where exhibitors, buyers and other visitors can really focus on networking, building on new and existing relationships (often turning into long term friendships), and showcasing and ordering new and exciting products for the coming months and that all-important Christmas season.
Harrogate is a beautiful setting, perfectly located for our northern and Scottish customers. The sun will be shining (fingers crossed), new ideas will be shared for future opportunities, new contacts made, and orders taken - all in a positive, fun atmosphere. That is what the giftware industry is all about. I rest my case!
What products are you excited to showcase?
At Enesco, we’re lucky enough to boast a breadth of product for every gift-giving occasion across many categories. We’re delighted to be strengthening our home fragrance offering by introducing new and exciting collections from the creator of our current candle line Eau Lovely.
Handmade in Ireland, Herb Dublin is a beautifully packaged range of candles, diffusers, pillow mist and more. In addition, we’re launching Irish Botanicals: a collection inspired by the gardens of Ireland. Together, it’s an exciting launch at very affordable price points.
Since March, we’ve been in a distribution agreement with Newell Brands, distributing Yankee Candle, Woodwick and Chesapeake Bay to the UK market. We will be launching Yankee Candle co-ordinating accessories at the show including diffusers, scent plugs, wax melts and more. It’s an important introduction in response to the emerging trend of consumers requesting smaller versions of products, which allows them to buy their favourite scents in a cost-effective way.
Ballard Home Why are you exhibiting?
We had an exceptional show last year and are hoping this year will be even bigger and better! We’re keen to showcase all our new products and to receive valued feedback from our customers.
Home & Gift has an extraordinary atmosphere. It’s so inviting, welcoming and sociable for exhibitors and buyers. It’s the perfect place to do business, and to see old friends and meet new ones.
What products are you excited to showcase?
We’re excited to be expanding the Quirky Animal collection, with more textiles and signed limited-edition artwork to come. We have two new designs for the Oceanic collection (think bold, bright and colourful) as well as new products, including something for children. We’re also launching two collections which have been highly requested. We don’t want to give away any spoilers, but it’s in connection with our best seller, the Highland Cow.
Any launches we can look forward to seeing?
A first for us this year is our Christmas Collection, with limited edition products and designs. We can’t wait to show you what we’ve been working on! A cheeky personality from our Quirky Animal family has received a festive makeover. It’s designed to co-ordinate seamlessly with other tableware for a truly unique and magical Christmas feast.
Most definitely Scion Living Pet and Home. In Carlisle, we have our very own award-winning product development team, which has been working closely with the licensor and manufacturers for many months to bring this fun and functional product to market.
Anyone who has ever been involved with product development will know how it can often be a tough and frustrating journey, but the end result is often very rewarding. Scion Living Pet and Home is no exception. The product is fantastic: a great British brand inspired by Scandi-design, introducing the iconic Mr Fox! So, yes, a very special launch for us.
Do you predict any hot trends for the second half
Spurred on by the pandemic, pet ownership in the UK has increased significantly. As pets become much more front and center in our lives, we’re seeing the household spend increase as we, as a nation, love to pamper the most important family member.
As a result, the pet gifting category has become very important, and we will continue to see it evolve and grow at an impressive rate over the coming months as we build up to Christmas.
We’re not just talking about the types of gifts we would automatically associate with a pet, such as collars, beds, bowls, and toys, but gift sets, playhouses, clothes… the list goes on.
I thought I was hearing things when research reported that pet parties were part of everyday lives but believe me, it’s happening - so the demand for pet gifts continues to increase.
What are you hoping to achieve?
Besides the obvious - sales and leads (!) - we’re looking forward to meeting new people, networking, and collaboration opportunities.
What makes this show special for you?
Home & Gift has such a unique atmosphere. Full of excitement and positive energy, yet with such a chilled vibe, it’s a fun and happy place to be! Do you predict any hot trends for the second half?
Time and time again, customers tell us that our designs make them smile. People are looking for more fun, colour and excitement in their lives. So we predict bold, bright and beautiful gifts are going to be strong sellers for the foreseeable. What’s next for your business?
We’ve been working on several bespoke commissions, which we absolutely love. They encompass bold patterns in artist Sue Ballard Leigh’s signature style, with a unique twist to reflect the client’s individual personality. We also have exciting plans to expand into new markets and move premises as we are rapidly outgrowing our current studio and office.
“We’re delighted to be strengthening our home fragrance offering”
“We’re excited to be expanding the Quirky Animal collection”Mark Reece & Jo Stubbs Managing Director & Creative Director Henry & Co
Why are you exhibiting?
Home & Gift is such an important part of the Henry & Co calendar. It gives us the opportunity to show retailers new products and brand developments since the spring shows, and to see customers face-to-face. It’s also a great buying opportunity for the all-important Autumn and Christmas ranges that are key, especially for home fragrance.
What products are you excited to showcase?
We have our Autumn fragrances which are focused on cosy nights in and Halloween, plus our Christmas fragrances - which are not only perfect for a home accessory but also for gifting opportunities.
We’ve also made developments to our new merchandising display units to enhance the brand in-store and make it as easy as possible for retailers to display the brand, making the most of available space.
Any launches we can look forward to seeing?
Our biggest launch is four fresh new fragrances across all formats. We look forward to revealing these and getting feedback from retailers. We will also be launching a completely new concept in a wax melt bar, perfect for gifting or a self-treat. We are excited about this one. And we have a new matt black melt warmer and a wax melt gift set for spring gifting opportunities.
What are you hoping to achieve?
Of course, we want to increase our presence in retailers nationwide and introduce new products, plus let agents catch up with customers face-to-face. We also love to hear retailers’ stories and experiences of Henry & Co to get valuable feedback on the products we’re offering, and to hear how we can improve and enhance the range. We want to ensure that our retailers are listened to too.
It has a long history of not only being the perfect place to order for the latter part of the year, but it’s also perfectly positioned in the heart of the country. And of course, the networking and socialising is a delight - especially if the sun is shining.
Coloured candles for dining are making a comeback and these will be big for autumn and winter. Plus, large statement pieces like reed diffusers and candles - not as a home fragrance option but as a home accessory. They need to look as good as they smell. Also, with so many gifting opportunities throughout the year, pick-up gift sets at the right price point will be a winner all year round.
Wow, where to begin… We’ve been working hard in the background on the brand for months now. We have new agents covering the UK that have been a pivotal part of the brand’s growth over the past six months, working with our commercial director Bob Harper.
We’re also excited to announce that we‘re working with Louise Welsby. managing director of creative agency Buy-From, who is also Chair of the Giftware Association. Having Louise and her team on board has been a big learning curve.
We are refining all elements of the brand including branding, brand image, packaging, messaging, and photography. We are ensuring that we are in the best place we can be to support the brand at this exciting time of growth. Retailers will start to see some changes over the coming months.
With the agents in place for the UK, and a full brand marketing overhaulteamed with a PR campaign we are working on with PR & communications consultant Lisa Robinson, who has worked with many home fragrance brands globally - and exciting product development, we are looking at a dream team to take this brand on a huge journey.
Sarah Watmore Founder
Why are you exhibiting?
Home & Gift is our favourite show so we wouldn’t miss it! We treat it as a mini break, away from the office and household routine, and love the (usually) summer atmosphere and how happy retailers always seem to be walking the show.
What products are you excited to showcase? Our Autumn/Winter jewellery collection is our brightest yet and we love it. As usual, we’ve experimented with different colour combinations. And we’ve completely refreshed both the best-selling magnetic brooch collection and our adorable keyring range, with the latter featuring some really cute pom pom designs.
Any launches we can look forward to seeing? No completely new departure from us - we’re sticking with what we do well: colourful products at affordable prices. But we do have a new magnetic barrel clasp for necklaces that we want to get feedback on from our customers.
What are you hoping to achieve?
UK retail domination? Obviously that would be nice but, in all seriousness, our trade show aims are to showcase the new collections beautifully, catch up with and take orders from existing customers, and introduce the brand to retailers we’ve not previously worked with - and hopefully get them onboard at the show or shortly after.
What makes this show special for you? The location and the time of year is the perfect combination.
Do you predict any hot trends for the second half?
Green has been big and is still prominent going into Autumn/Winter - and we have some gorgeous pieces to launch. As I mentioned, this season is our brightest yet and a bit of departure from the more traditional colour palette for this time of year. We’re expecting to see this reflected throughout the show.
What’s next for your business?
It’s an exciting and busy time, as we recently opened The Emporium of Loveliness (see page 18). We’ve had a very warm welcome with some great feedback. Now we just need to get the word out that we’re there.
“Our Autumn/Winter jewellery collection is our brightest yet”
“Our biggest launch is four fresh new fragrances across all formats”
Earth Squared is proud to be a Fairtrade producer of handbags and fashion accessories which are made with great care to high standards at an affordable price. Featuring the company’s own trademark tweeds and oil cloths, and a comprehensive collection of corresponding products in complementary colours and fabrics, the ranges have broad appeal and are a merchandiser’s dream.
Plus, Earth Squared has been granted B Corp verified status for added reassurance. B Corp certification measures a company’s social and environmental performance and involves a rigorous review of the impact of its operations and business model on its workers, customers, communities and environment. To achieve certification, companies must meet a minimum verified score, and adopt legally binding commitments to continued improvement.
Call: 01620 892289 | Email: sales@earthsquared.com
Visit: www.earthsquared.com
The 700-strong product range from University Games and Lagoon brings fun and entertainment for the entire family with games, puzzles and gifts focusing on brands such as The Purple Cow, Project Genius, Subbuteo and The World of David Walliams. New to The Lagoon Group is the Project Genius range of brain teaser puzzles. The Ecologicals series of puzzles includes titles such as The Great Coral Maze, Honey Hive Secret Box and Jacob’s Ladder. Created from bamboo, these puzzles not only help improve attention span, and overall cognitive function, but they are also kind to the environment. In addition, the wooden sculpted 12-strong range of True Genius puzzles with titles including Emperor’s Chest, Chinese Pagoda and Roman Cathedral Door will challenge even the most seasoned of puzzlers.
The new fully recyclable Marble RaceTrax series is perfect for children and adults that love to create as well as race! Made from eco-friendly materials, and with four track sizes ranging from 4m to 9m, this is a great choice for consumers who want to do their bit for the planet.
University Games has new titles joining its family games portfolio, including the Forbidden Games strategy series, 20 Questions, Blurt, Irritable Vowels and Mind Your Language. Games with the option of single player as well as multiplayer have also been on the rise and University Games’ series of Case Files Mysteries ticks all these boxes. Joining the range for 2023 is Mission: Black Hawk. An all immersive multimedia experience utilising AI, this is a live mission to create and execute a plan to stop a cyberattack, using a mix of physical and digital clues.
New games joining the Lagoon range include Happy Hour Hustle - a party game for players aged 18-plus which combines 100 drinking and challenge questsand Rom Com, which is a date night trivia game about romantic comedies.
Call: 020 7254 0100
Email: sales@ugames.uk.com
Visit: www.university-games.co.uk
Stand: DP3-1
Based in the UK, The Wheat Bag Company specialises in handmade microwavable Wheat Bags, wellbeing and home style products. Its Wheat Bags are filled with 100% cleaned English wheat, and you can choose to add lavender buds to enhance relaxation. The Lavender Wheat Bags are heavenly scented and perfect for soothing aching muscles and neck pain, when heated in the microwave.
Other items include door stops, draught excluders, hot water bottles, and lavender sachets. These come in various designs and fabrics, from Bumblebees to Garden Ferns, and 100% cotton to luxury velvet. Just released is a new range of luxury tapestry doorstops and draught excluders in contemporary designs, including Llamas, Elephants and Dragonflies.
The Wheat Bag Company prides itself on its exceptional craftsmanship, high-quality British wheat, and quality fabrics.
Call: 01747 480499 | Email: sales@thewheatbagcompany.co.uk
Visit: www.thewheatbagcompany.co.uk
Warmies is a soft toys and wellness range for children and adults. These microwavable products are gently-scented with real dried lavender, sourced from growers in the Provence region of France, with an all-natural grain filling.
Not only do they smell fantastic, they also relieve stress, aches and pains with their long-lasting warmth. After being put in the microwave, Warmies’ warmth also aids sleep, by promoting relaxation.
Indulge in the calming aroma and discover a world of cuddly companions, hot water bottles, and an array of wellness products that are loved by all ages.
Call: 01933 679 777 | Email: sales@warmies.co.uk
Visit: www.warmies.co.uk
British brand Miss Milly aims to make fashion fun and affordable. Its scarves, jewellery and other accessories are designed in the UK and handcrafted overseas.
New launches at the show include an update to the Floria Collection of jewellery, featuring resin and paint in extra vibrant shades for Autumn/Winter including purple, emerald green, mustard and dark orange. And there will be a big refresh of its magnetic brooches, which includes new designs.
This season Miss Milly has opted for all lightweight scarves in a selection of prints inspired by its jewellery, with stripes, flowers, chequers and abstract patterns. The scarves are made from a super soft viscose and cotton mix and have no minimum order quantities.
Call: 01905 622509 | Email: hello@missmilly.co.uk
Visit: www.missmilly.co.uk
Stand: DP1- D60
British brand Ballard Home is set to launch around 40 products. Bold and colourful designs by artist and founder Susan Ballard Leigh will take centre stage in its new ranges at Harrogate. And expect to see a (highly requested!) collection based on the popular Highland Cow! Think fine bone china, textiles and premium melamine - all made in the UK.
Another addition is Ballard Home’s new Christmas range, designed to complement its existing Christmas homeware. The seaside range will also be expanding with two new designs and even more products: it’s a popular collection with seaside tourists, particularly the mini chopping boards and tea towels (now supplied with belly bands) which are great to pop in a suitcase.
Call: 07769 619939
Email: sales@ballardhome.co.uk
Visit: www.ballardhome.co.uk
Opticaid will showcase new contemporary reading glasses as well as its best sellers at Home & Gift. New from July are more than 20 reading glass designs such as round-frame Moritz Pink and Blue, hexagonal-shaped Whitstable, Genoa Blue and Green, and square-framed Orleans Black, Ocean and Fern.
Most of the new frames are made from post-consumer materials such as recycled polycarbonate bottles, making them strong and lightweight - a win-win all round. The new reading glasses include a branded slip in case. Opticaid can also supply floor and counter display stands, subject to a qualifying quantity.
Call: 0113 239 1400 | Email: sales@opticaid.net
Visit: www.opticaid.net
Best Kept Secrets we will be showcasing its Just Because tins and Just Because T Light ranges. The company says: ‘Their popularity continues to astonish us! Our customers just can’t get enough of them. We are working on extending the range with more titles celebrating all things friends and family. Look out for the special age birthdays in the T Light boxes very soon.’
The supplier will also be highlighting its Seriously Scented range. It comments: ‘We sometimes forget ourselves that there are 55 excellent fragrances in this range. There is a perfect fragrance for even the fussiest customer. And, as always, there will be plenty of sparkles and glitter too... it’s what we do best.’
Call: 01670 512222
Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk
Visit: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk
Heaven Scent is celebrating 30 years of exhibiting at Home and Gift. The company says: ‘At our first trade shows, we mainly sold incense. Eventually we launched our natural plant wax vegan Candle Range, and soon became the market leaders in natural plant wax candles. Three decades on, we are still selling incense - the only difference now is we hand-dip it ourselves and provide our customers with a transparent ingredients list and information on sustainability.’
At Home & Gift, Alexander Thurlow’s flowerbed of gorgeous designs and intricate pieces will be complemented with items that represent summer’s mascot: the bumble bee.
Through a diverse collection of brooches, bracelets, necklaces and more, the company has perfectly captured this humble creature that keeps Mother Nature thriving. Find it nestled among an array of other floral designs, ultimately completing a collection that’s a true reflection of summer. In addition, the supplier’s other best-sellers such as the Lily of the Valley will be joined by the new Lily bouquet.
Call: 020 8766 6466
Email: sales@alexanderthurlow.com
Visit: www.alexanderthurlow.com
The firm will also be debuting its Fine Bone China Candle Range to complement its Illustration Candle Range. Creative director Sarah Pettitt comments: “I wanted to work with Stoke-on-Trent potteries to create a beautiful fine bone china candle pot with my illustrations on, for people to keep and reuse beyond the use of the candle. There are four designs, each individually poured with a blend of plant wax candles and fine fragrance, in a lovely box.”
Call: 01225 868788 |
Why are you exhibiting?
Home & Gift is one of our favourite shows and it’s where we always launch our Autumn/Winter Collection. The timing is perfect and really sets us up for the busy season. It’s a great predictor because sometimes we can even manage to increase our order quantities, based on demand at the show, for the best-selling new lines from our factories in the Far East.
What products are you excited to showcase?
With travel back on in China, we have plenty of new ranges to launch - many of which have been in development since the beginning of the year. We’re very excited by our new men’s Nuzzles Christmas Range, hundreds of Equilibrium iewellery and everyday lines, and lots of Village Pottery additions. In all, there will be over 2,000 brand-new items.
Any launches we can look forward to seeing?
One highlight will be the brand launch and debut of the Bridgewater Pen Company: a collection featuring a stylish range of more than 40 ballpens, pencils and rollerballs. Everything
Keith Edmondson Joint Managing Director
Why are you exhibiting?
The show stands out to exhibitors and visitors alike, with its location and layout offering a unique relaxed environment. People simply enjoy the experience of mixing business with a little bit of pleasure.
What products are you excited to showcase?
We’re launching our Spring 24 ranges, which is incredibly exciting as the ranges look amazing - our design team have done an incredible job.
Our greeting card ranges are having rave reviews with some customers struggling to keep up with reorders. They offer brilliant value for money, and are designed in-house as well as manufactured in the UK! So I would recommend anyone who stocks cards to pass by our stand to look.
We will also be showing our Christmas, Autumn, Halloween and Fall ranges, alongside our long-serving classics that Langs are known for.
Any launches we can look forward to seeing?
It’s always brilliant to showcase what our incredibly talented design team have created, with 95% of the ranges we will be showing in Harrogate being exclusive to Langs. I look forward to the feedback.
What are you hoping to achieve?
Meeting and greeting customers to our stand, as well as being able to have time to discuss business, trade, and how Langs could help wherever possible. And, to get a little opportunity to network and converse with other exhibitors and customers that I may not have had the pleasure of doing so prior.
is supplied with a full lifetime mechanical guarantee and is only available from us.
What are you hoping to achieve?
So much effort goes into putting on the show. Our measure is always focused on how happy customers are with our range. We hope to see as many of our existing customers as possible, and meet some new vibrant independent retailers.
What makes this show special for you?
Harrogate is a very special place and the atmosphere is second to none. It’s a lot less frenetic than other shows, which all adds up to a great environment that is a real pleasure to do business in.
Do you predict any hot trends for the second half?
Sentiment lines continue to perform exceptionally well. Village Pottery is now firmly a collectable, and there is a fantastic trend for houses and items with a ‘homely feel’ generally. In jewellery, silver is coming to the fore again, with filigree designs and hearts all set to feature strongly in the second half.
What makes this show special for you?
The ambience, the good weather (normally), and the relaxed nature of the show experience.
Do you predict any hot trends for the second half?
It’s clear for all to see the financial struggles currently, meaning the end-consumer is being very careful with purchases. Luckily for Langs, our amazing customers’ feedback suggests that as we offer such exclusive products at incredible price points, we fall into the non-considered purchase bracket of £10 and under, which there is still an appetite for.
Our long-serving agent for Scotland Ian Johnstone has decided to retire, so Harrogate will be the first show since my 23 years at the company that he won’t be on the stand greeting his customers (although there is a rumour that he will still be in Harrogate enjoying all it has to offer).
A very familiar face stepping into Ian’s shoes is Richard McKnight, who many of our customers already know very well. Harrogate will be his first show with Langs, and I know he’s very excited to meet and greet many of our customers and the team. If anyone would like to contact Richard, his number is 07919 902464.
“We’re launching our Spring 24 ranges, which is incredibly exciting as the ranges look amazing”
“There will be over 2,000 brand-new items”
Why are you exhibiting?
This is our 17th year at Home & Gift, and we always have a wonderful time. Our agents and retailers always visit us which is great, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase new ranges for Christmas as well.
What products are you excited to showcase?
I’m really looking forward to introducing people to our Bedtime Bears, our Wilberry Minis, and showcasing our collections. You’re going to get a real feel for how our two brands The Puppet Company and Wilberry Toys work together at this show.
We’re now in our 22nd year, and I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved, striking a unique balance between being a family-run, values-led business, and a global market leader, unbeaten on both quality and price.
Home & Gift is going to feel like a real celebration of this, as well as an opportunity for us to do our first proper product licensing launch as well.
Any launches we can look forward to seeing?
This is a particularly exciting show for us, as we’re launching our very first licensed puppets with Andersen Press - Elmer the Elephant. Our Elmer puppets encourage speech and language development in young children, and inspire them to embrace the wonder of the world we live in. They have been designed to be especially accessible and affordable.
The Elmer My First Puppet is suitable from birth. It’s made from soft materials and has embroidered eyes - all tested to the highest possible standards. We’ve also created a beautiful stand-alone Finger Puppet Elmer so you can carry him with you wherever you go - a puppet in your pocket!
Do you predict any hot trends for the second half?
Two key trends driving our new product development are educational play and sustainability. The Puppet Company promotes creative play: our products are about inspiring children and adults alike to tell stories, igniting their imagination, and making people smile.
In a tech-saturated world, this battery-free approach to gifting is increasingly in demand. And from our founding roots, we continue to champion the importance of educational play in all we do.
In the second half and heading into 2024, we predict a real surge in tech-free toys and gifts for children. If these come with a credible sustainable footprint as well, then increasingly conscious consumers will really engage.
What’s next for your business?
We have some very exciting collaborations happening this year. We will be launching another fantastic licensed product at Autumn Fair, and we also have some incredible plans with charities. I can’t share the details with you yet, but will do very soon. So watch this space!
Why are you exhibiting?
Home & Gift is an important date in the Stoneglow diary: we’ve been going since 1999. It’s such a social trade event, which we feel is more important than ever since Covid. What products are you excited to showcase?
Our new updated Seasonal collection is packed full of fun-shaped gift packaging: crackers, baubles and pyramids. This year we worked on best price points too, to make Christmas affordable!
And we’re very proud of our Wellbeing newbies, gift sets suitable for all year round, and a fab new fragrance called Pure Bliss made with 100% essential oils known for their therapeutic properties.
Any launches we can look forward to seeing?
We’ve extended our popular Modern Classics range with a new size 3 Wick Candle - more burn time for the candle addict! Plus, a new addition in our Luna collection is a forest green colour with a matching mossy type aroma; crisp and cooling for winter nights.
What are you hoping to achieve?
Our aim is to see customers and friends alike. We want to reconnect and proudly show off our amazing aromas.
What makes this show special for you?
It’s an event for networking, which offers great opportunities to meet new clients - and how many trade shows can you socialise at?! Home & Gift is such a unique and special exhibition.
Do you predict any hot trends for the second half? Made in Britain is gaining more and more momentum. The consumer is not fooled by brands that pose as UK manufacturers when they import their products. Our USP is that we make all our scented candles, diffusers, and sprays here in the UK.
We recently became a member of the Made in Britain organisation, and we’re rolling out the mark on all our products to show the sign of our very highest standards.
What’s next for your business?
For 2023 we’ve had lots of team changes. We’ve welcomed Joanna and Grant Gibson, Dawn Tye and Barbara Lindofer, and Martin Morris as new agents to the Stoneglow brand.
Gillian Blair (previously from Enesco) recently joined us as head of sales, and our operations director Curtis Simmons is proudly awaiting the birth of his first child… bringing the fourth generation for Stoneglow!
“We’re very proud of our Wellbeing newbies, gift sets suitable for all year round, and a fab new fragrance called Pure Bliss”
“Home & Gift is an opportunity for us to do our first proper product licensing launch”
Helen Cottrill, former marketing & product director of gift giant Enesco, will be visiting the show ‘in a whole different capacity’ following the launch of her own consultancy named The Cabin at No 1, as she explains...
Helen Cottrill
Consultant, The Cabin at No. 1
What do you enjoy about the show?
I love Home & Gift. There’s always such a lovely atmosphere (unless it’s raining!). It still feels like the trade fairs of years ago, with people taking the time to chat, socialise, and of course plan for that all-important second half. Will you be looking for any particular products?
I’m visiting in a whole different capacity this year. This is the first time I will attend the show having not designed and built a stand. I will be there supporting the team at Blade & Rose (who have a stand at DP1-A60) where they will launch new collections.
I will also take the time to walk the show, meet old friends, and of course look out for new and interesting product. It’s no secret that I love giftware, so a trade fair for me is a perfect day out.
I’ve recently started a new Instagram page the_gift_whisperer_UK so will be looking for unique content for that, and also spreading the word to increase my profile. My aim is to share the best that there is in giftware, to help consumers and retailers find their perfect gift.
Is there any stand you especially want to see?
Jelly Cat. I always love looking at their new products - their design work is inspiring.
Any tips for newbie visitors? Planning is key to make sure you see the whole show. Really look around: to make your shop stand out, you need to stock unusual, quality and unique products. Also, take business cards and ideally your bank information etc. It makes completing those new account forms so much easier. I would also go with your instinct. if you see a new product that you love, take the leap! Often planning to return to a stand just never happens. Oh, and of course, visit Blade & Rose. If you’re an exhibitor, then you need to maximise every opportunity. Engage with the audience, and make sure your stand is eye-catching, but displayed in such a way that people can walk on without feeling intimidated.
What’s your favourite Home & Gift memory?
I have so many. The early years, when I was considerably younger, spending night after night in Jimmy’s nightclub - and then being on the stand bright and early the next day…
One memory that really stands out is the year when the Enesco marquee was installed on a slope in the Cairn car park, and they literally installed the floor at the same angle. Our standfitters had to level up our display stands, so at one end there was a 1ft high base under the unit. They made them 7ft tall, and this gradually decreased until they got to floor level.
So, here we are again, on the verge of attending another Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival, and I have to say this event is my absolute favourite trade exhibition. If you haven’t experienced it before, it’s known as ‘the sociable show’ - and with good reason.
It’s set in the historic and beautiful spa town of Harrogate in North Yorkshire, with (usually) such glorious summer weather that you might feel you are somewhere in a faraway holiday destination. This show turns the town into an intimate gift industry village for a few days and nights, and feels very much like a festival, as its name suggests.
Having attended Home & Gift for over 25 years in various sales and management roles, and now as a self-employed agent, the atmosphere naturally nurtures and builds business relationships, which blossom at the show like no other.
What’s the secret? Well, I believe it’s the perfect mix of venue, time of year, and an industry that we love which makes this the best show of the year.
As an agent on the road, my day-to-day role is very much about building relationships through visits to stores, and building relationships with customers and colleagues, which in many cases also become longlasting friendships too. To then have a trade show that encapsulates the very essence of this foundation of our industry is an event eagerly anticipated by all.
Due to the show’s location in the heart of the town, the majority of buyers and suppliers usually base themselves in hotels in central Harrogate - and then invariably go to the fantastic range of quality restaurants and bars to wind down after a full day at the show.
This leads to organic and impromptu meetings, chats, and conversations with fellow festivalgoers over a meal or a drink - which often opens doors to new and potential business.
There’s a belief that more business is done at Harrogate in the restaurants and bars than at the show itself. I’m not sure if that’s true, but the ambience and laid-back vibe definitely doesn’t hinder it either.
Moving onto the show itself, from a supplier and a salesperson’s point of view, it’s extremely important to have quality product that is relevant, well presented and good value.
The ranges must have a strong story and be merchandised to maximise their impact; and to catch the eye and appeal to buyers, who have an awful lot to look at. It’s the three second rule: captivate your potential customer visually, and the rest is then up to you.
I know that buyers really do value suppliers and salespeople who know their products’ prices, lead times, where they come from, and how they are made.
I’ve always believed that opportunities come in the most unexpected ways. So always be friendly, be yourself, and talk to everyone - as you never know when your next best customer or future friend will come along.
If you’d like to pop by and see the ranges I carry, I’ll be exhibiting with Henry & Co on stand DP1-D90 and Global Journey on stand A23. I also represent Broughton & Beech, Acctim Clocks and Gifted. I look forward to seeing you in Harrogate - have a safe journey!
“It’s no secret that I love giftware, so a trade fair for me is a perfect day out”
“I’ve always believed that opportunities come in the most unexpected ways”
