Gifts Today July 2024 by Lema Publishing

Gifts Today

Gifts Today Contents

Advertisement Manager

Marian McNamara Marian@lemapublishing.co.uk

Editor Clare Turner Clare@lemapublishing.co.uk

Layout/Design

Rick Vickers rick@lemapublishing.co.uk

Managing Director

Mark Naish mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

Production Director Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

Lema Publishing Ltd

1 Churchgates, The Wilderness, Berkhamsted, Herts, HP4 2UB

Telephone: 01442 289930 www.giftstoday.media

70 Shop Talk: Retailers reveal their Home & Gift hopes, expectations and recollections - and share some top tips to help you maximise your visit to Harrogate

73 Trade Talk: Some key Home & Gift exhibitors reveal what products they are most excited to launch at the show, and hot trends predictions for the second half

10 Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira (British Independent Retailers Association)

Broadbent, general manager for Faire UK

Sara Allbright, director and co-founder of Retail100

Cathy Frost, owner of Loveone gift shop in Ipswich

Paphitis, owner and chairman of stationer Ryman

Greg Rose, co-owner of Maybugs gift shop chain in East Sussex

Cover Story

46 As Langs marks its 75th anniversary, design and buying director Jane Bourne reflects on the company’s rich history; the purpose, values and vision that have been part of its journey over the decades; and the exciting future that lies ahead Fair

Focus

Retailer Focus

Nicola Hibon Jackson, founder of The Voewood in

Greg Rose, co-owner of Maybugs chain in East

Soni Ahmed, co-founder of Maia Gifts in Glasgow

Easton, co-owner Artichoke in Tynemouth

Nettelfield, co-owner Bill & Bert’s in Colchester

Aurora-Crowe, director of Lark London

Haskins, owner/director

Silver Plated Celebration Baby Frames

Village Potter y

Moggy Mates

Ar t Mushrooms & Toadstools

Geometric Collection Bags & Straps Ladies Hats, Gloves, and Scar ves Eternal Bow

FMessage from the Editor

LinkedIn: @giftstoday

Twitter: @giftstodaymag

Instagram: @giftstodaymedia

inally, summer is here! But while consumers swelter through the heat and start packing for their holiday getaways, gift retailers’ thoughts are turning towards Christmas buying.

Right on cue, the Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival returns to Harrogate on July 21, and this year’s edition promises to be the biggest and best edition in years.

Visitors will be treated to an expanded floor plan, which holds 10% more exhibitors than in 2023 - over 15% of which are exclusive to the show, meaning buyers won’t see them anywhere else this season. Those seeking newness are also in for a treat, as it can be found in every corner, with 32% of exhibiting brands making their Home & Gift debut. With more than 500 brands and thousands of product launches, Home & Gift is a great opportunity for buyers to start sourcing stock in advance of the crucial Golden Quarter.

The show has been running since 1960 and over the decades it has developed a great reputation - not just as a key sourcing platform - but as an exhibition that successfully blends business and pleasure, as the contributors to this issue’s Trade Talk feature testify.

In the words of Keith Edmondson, joint MD of our Cover Star Langs: “What’s not to enjoy about Harrogate? The weather is normally pretty good, and the show has a very relaxed feel, creating a brilliant and unique setting for customers and exhibitors alike. Personally, I really enjoy the pace of the show as many visitors have a little more time than at other exhibitions, which allows for a good catch-up, as well as talking business in a less pressured environment.”

He reveals that as 2024 is Langs’ 75th anniversary, the company has some fun planned, with a competition kicking off at Harrogate for any 2025 pre-orders placed (this contest will run for 75 days from the start of the show). Find out

more about the company’s rich history; the purpose, values and vision that have been part of its journey over the decades; and its exciting plans for the future, on pages 46-47.

We’ve also asked retailers for their thoughts on Home & Gift in our Shop Talk feature, and their views are summed up well by seasoned visitor Corinne Taylor, who is the managing director of Inside Paradise in the Cheshire market town of Nantwich.

“This summer show in the beautiful town of Harrogate is one of the highlights of our trade calendar,” she says. “We’ve been going to Home & Gift since 2012. We feel a lot more relaxed there, and really enjoy the atmosphere. We’re looking forward to visiting Langs, as there’s always lots of new ranges to brighten up the shop. And they always launch several seasons ahead, which helps prepare our merchandising. We’re also excited to see Alice Wheeler, which we’ve stocked for some years now and do very well with. Again, they don’t stand still, and introduce new styles and colours each season.”

She adds: “We’re always looking for something different. As a gift shop, you have to continuously introduce newness.” Check out our comprehensive show preview that kicks off on page 48 for an advance look at what these exhibitors, and many others, have in store for you. Newness certainly abounds!

Home & Gift also sees the announcement of the winner of the People’s Choice category of the Gift of the Year Awards 2024, at Sunday evening’s Sundowner Drinks reception. And talking of awards, within these pages we’ve caught up with several winners of The Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2024, who share their stories and comment on what they believe sets them apart from the crowd.

We are always keen to hear from readers who would like to take part in our features, interviews, or news pages. You can email me at clare@lemapublishing.co.uk or connect with me via LinkedIn. And look out for the Gifts Today team at Harrogate - do stop and say hello!

Clare Turner, Editor clare@lemapublishing.co.uk

Exclusively delivers strong visitor numbers

The Exclusively show (held on June 11 and June 12 at the Business Design Centre in London) saw a 5% growth in visitor numbers - on top of the 10% jump in 2023including record numbers of international buyers.

Media engagement was also up by a phenomenal 41% with a press event on June 12 proving a massive hit. Visits to the show’s Trend Showcase, Trend Talks and Trend Tours were significantly up too.

Exclusively Chair Will Jones, who is also chief operating officer of the show’s owner BHETA (British Home Enhancement Trade Association) said: “This was the most successful Exclusively for some time in terms of commercial and media engagement. This is an excellent achievement in today’s challenging retail environment. Over both days, there was more NPD, more brand interaction, and more expert forecasting than ever - and the show as a whole really saw the benefits. Bookings for 2025 are already very strong.”

Buyers from Amazon, AO, Argos, Blue Diamond, Boots, B&Q, Currys, Dobbies, Dunelm, Fortnum & Mason, Harrods, Homebase, John Lewis, Lakeland, Lidl, M&S, Morrisons, Next, Ocado, Sainsbury’s, Selfridges, Tesco, Robert Dyas, Freemans, Trago Mills, TJX and Wickes mingled with a plethora of UK independents, department stores, and shopping channels.

Overseas buyers from as far afield as South Africa were joined by retailers from Germany, France, Spain, Eire, Sweden and the Channel Islands.

Exclusively regularly has over 140 companies and 300 brands participating, and attracts leading UK buyers in the categories it represents. https://www.exclusivelyshows.co.uk/

Save the date for Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring

Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring will return to the SEC in Glasgow from January 19 to January 21 2025.

Now in its 29th year, this event is a mecca for Scottish buyers sourcing new products and suppliers for the year ahead. Brimming with suppliers from far and wide showcasing the finest that Scotland and the UK has to offer, this is the place to source those 2025 gifts, homewares, crafts, textiles, jewellery, fine food and drinks.

Show director Mark Saunders said: “As one of the first trade shows in the calendar year, Scotland’s Trade Fair plays a vital role for suppliers launching new ranges and for retailers seeking to restock their shelves. Add in the extra bonus of networking, and learning about all aspects of retailing, and it’s not to be missed. Ensure this date is firmly in your diary now!” www.scotlandstradefairs.com

8 Gifts Today

Marian gets on her bike for charity

Marian McNamara, our very own Gifts Today and Greetings Today advertisement manager, will be taking part in this year’s London Luton Airport (LLA) Charity Cycle Challenge - covering 220 miles from Dublin to Dingle Bay - in a bid to raise funds for two charities.

She has been taking part in the challenge since 2019, when she and the rest of her team cycled from Paris to Amsterdam, helping to raise more than £60,000 for the Macmillan Cancer Support charity.

This year’s funds from the three-and-a-halfday cycle challenge will go to the East Anglian Air Ambulance and Luton Food Bank. The 16-strong team aim to raise £30,000.

Marian said: ‘’It’s great to see local charities benefit. Luton is my home town and with the cost-of-living crisis at the moment, more people than ever are turning to food banks to help. And of course the Air Ambulance is always a worthy recipient.’’

She has been training for the event with local cycle rides after a hard day selling adverts to our wonderful clients, and recently completed the London to Brighton Cycle Ride to get even more two-wheeled rides in.

If you would like to donate to Marian’s fundraising efforts, head to https://gofund.me/f367b349

Ethical & Sustainable Gift: Ocean Collection by VENT for Change Marian (third from right) with LLA’s charity bike ride team

Top Drawer returns with larger footprint

Top Drawer is back for its Autumn/ Winter edition at Olympia London from September 8 to September 10.

For three days the venue will be transformed into ‘the ultimate contemporary department store for the trade’ with a larger footprint, hundreds of new exhibitors and thousands of product launches.

With eight sectors - Gift, Home, Fashion & Jewellery, Play, Greetings & Stationery, Wellbeing, Food Emporium and Launchpad - and more than 500 exhibitors including Abrams & Chronicle, Aery, Archivist, Arthouse Unlimited, Big Metal, Bookspeed, Chalk UK, Chive, Designed in Colour, Designworks, Hyggen, Klippan, Lisa Angel, Locomocean, Morgan Wright, Ohh Deer, Plum & Ashby, Redecker, Roger La Borde, Roka London, S-c Brands, St. Eval, Suck UK, Talking Tables, and Toasted Crumpet, visitors can update their collections for the new season with ease.

The event will showcase almost 10% more brands than in 2023, and over 30% of the 2024 exhibitors are making their Top Drawer debut, including suppliers such as Museums & Galleries, A Beautiful Story, Conscious Yoga Collective, Cranbourn, dog&boy, HAM, Hello Hossy,

Skyline Chess, The Paper Lobster, and Uashmama. Areas enjoying especially significant growth include the Greetings & Stationery and Home sections, which will see over 50% and 30% more exhibitors this year respectively.

Show manager David Westbrooke said: “There’s just so much going on at the event this September: more brands, more launches, more newness! The team is working around the clock to make this edition of Top Drawer Autumn the best in years, and with the details of more features and initiatives set to be revealed over the coming weeks, I can’t wait to get onsite!”

https://www.topdrawer.co.uk/

Top of the shops!

Congratulations to all the winners and finalists of The Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2024, held at the London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel on May 16. Our diary columnist Greg Rose (pictured above) was the proud recipient of the Best Retailer Initiative.

The full line-up of winners is:

• Independent Gift Retailer of the Year – London, South, South East & East Anglia: Bill & Bert’s, Colchester;

• Independent Gift Retailer of the Year – Midlands & Wales: Hugs & Kisses, Tettenhall;

• Independent Gift Retailer of the Year – North, N. Ireland & Scotland: Artichoke, Tynemouth;

• Independent Gift Retailer of the Year – West & South West: Attico, Westbourne;

• Independent Gift Retailer of the Year – Scotland: Maia Gifts, Glasgow;

• Best Newcomer Gift Retailer: Just Lily, Cornwall;

• Best Specialist Multiple Retailer Of Gifts: Lark London;

• Best Department Store Retailer of Gifts: Elphicks, Farnham;

• Best Non-Specialist Retailer Of Gifts: The Voewood, Blackheath Standard;

• Best Garden Centre Retailer Of Gifts: Blue Diamond Group;

• Best In-Store/Window Display: Mooch Gifts & Home, Bewdley and Stourport-on-Severn;

• Best Retailer Initiative: Maybugs for its artisan market initiative.

Winner: Winner: Maybugs co-owner Greg Rose

The independent retailer’s plea...

… for the general election,

Tby Andrew Goodacre , CEO of Bira

(British Independent Retailers Association)

he Prime Minister caught many by surprise with the announcement of a general election on July 4. While the timing was unexpected, at least it dispelled the mounting speculation that would have intensiﬁed as we approached year’s end.

This election presents an opportune moment for associations like Bira to advocate our ideas for inclusion in the manifestos of various political parties.

We know that when MPs engage with their constituents leading up to polling day, the state of the high street is frequently raised. The general public still values its local high streets, and prospective MPs would be wise to heed the

Opportunity knocks!

Bira members are being o ered the chance to be featured on the association’s website in its Spotlight On… series (with those all-important backlinks to their own online platforms). Spotlight On… articles are an opportunity for retailers to gain visibility, enhance their brand’s reputation, and connect with other members. They include a feature on Gifts Today’s diarist Cathy Frost, owner of Loveone gift shop in Ipswich.

She shares insights into her retail journey, the challenges she’s overcome, and the power of community engagement. Read all about Cathy and her business at https://bira.co.uk/ resources/spotlight-on-loveone

To take part, members just need to ﬁll out the online form, providing as many details as possible along with pictures, and send it in! Find more details at https://bira.co.uk/Spotlight-callout

concerns voiced to them.

From Bira’s standpoint, we urge independent retailers to reach out to their local candidates and articulate the positive changes you would like to see implemented to assist high street businesses. When we listen to our members, the primary topics from an independent retail perspective are:

• Reduce or preferably eliminate business rates. Bira was instrumental in introducing the retail discount, and now we seek to make it a permanent 75% reduction. We would also like to see the multiplier lowered to 35p in the pound.

• Continued investments in high streets nationwide, with decision-makers consulting independent retailers. Millions of pounds have been committed to town centres and high streets, and this momentum must be maintained and accelerated. We aspire to create safe, diverse, vibrant high streets that are readily accessible to all customer groups.

• Funding made available and easily accessible to encourage smaller retailers to invest in environmental sustainability and technology.

• Reduce the cost burden of operating a high street business. Recent times have seen sharp increases in energy, supply chains, and the national minimum wage. For energy, we need more ﬂexible commercial contracts. For NMW [National Minimum Wage] increases, while small retailers want to pay sta a fair wage, we would like to see the employers’ NI [National Insurance] allowance increased to o set the impact.

• Retail crime has become a real problem for many shops. Steps have been taken to address the growing concerns, and this focus must continue. Bira wants an increased police presence on high streets and better protection for sta and owners.

• A review of the Landlord and Tenant Act to provide tenants with better protection, more investment certainty, and the removal of the upward-only rents stipulation.

Numerous other issues concern small retailers, and I have attempted to identify the primary ones we hear from members.

My message to shop owners is to remember that you are constituents, and I urge you all to engage with your local candidates. The election is an opportunity to ‘raise the voice’ of the smaller retailer.

The election falls on July 4, which is Independence Day in the US. Bira will be working tirelessly to make it Independents’ Day in the UK! •This column was written prior to the general election on july 4.

Call: 0800 028 0245

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Get ready to go for gold

Charlotte Broadbent, general manager for Faire UK, discusses how independent retailers can capitalise on this year’s Summer of Sport

The Summer of Sport is upon us - and what a season it’s set to be! The UEFA Euros have already kicked off, followed this month by Wimbledon and of course, the Olympics. And with them comes a golden opportunity for independent retailers across the UK.

With the world’s eyes on Europe, the UK is set to enjoy a substantial uptick in visitors and local celebrations. Consumer conﬁdence and spending is also expected to rise as Brits engage in garden parties, community events, and a fair few trips to the local pub.

So how can independent retailers ensure they are prepped and ready to capitalise on this festive mood? What are the potential challenges they might come up against? And how can they ensure they triumph over the big chains during this crucial sales period?

Here are ﬁve ways indies can make sure they’re ahead of the game and ready to go for gold this summer:

1Swot

up on the sporting calendar: the key to maximising sales during the Summer of Sport starts with a strong understanding of the sports calendar. This includes not only knowing the dates which big events span over, but also the specific days and times of key fixtures, especially those likely to draw significant viewership.

By identifying peak moments, retailers can plan to create buying moments that inspire customers to reach for their wallets, and get ahead of their inventory management to ensure they are well stocked.

Similarly, they can plan targeted promotions, special events, and themed point-of-sale displays in the days leading up to those events, to help draw in consumers, maintain steady footfall, and incentivise purchases. Finally, getting to grips with the calendar means retailers can also predict when footfall is likely to be

quieter - because consumers are more likely to be engrossed in watching the latest match or 100-metre sprint. This will allow them to plan opening hours or sta ng accordingly.

2Curate themed collections: stocking relevant and timely products is essential during a sportsﬁlled summer when a sense of patriotism will be high - whether it’s football accessories, Union Jack bunting for Team GB or British-made products. Indies often have really strong relationships with their customer base, so they have a deep understanding of what they like and dislike. They can leverage this knowledge and stock up on a range of seasonal items that will resonate well with their shoppers.

3Engage with community events: big sporting events often inspire local communities to host viewing parties and other sports-related gatherings.

Retailers should consider how they can be part of these local festivities. This could mean o ering special discounts for event organisers, creating custom packages for group celebrations, or even hosting themed events in-store to attract a family-friendly crowd.

Engaging directly with these activities not only boosts sales but also strengthens customer relationships, and helps cement your position within the local community.

4Optimise for last-minute shoppers: spontaneous celebrations can lead to a surge in last-minute shopping. Retailers should anticipate this by stocking items such as party-themed tableware. It’s also a good idea to have ﬂexible inventory management practices in place, which allow for quick restocking of popular items to meet unexpected demand without overcommitting on less popular stock.

5Capture the cultural moment: e ective marketing during the Summer of Sport means tapping into the shared excitement and patriotism that these events foster. Tailor your marketing campaigns to reﬂect the spirit of the games through timely and engaging content across all platformsfrom eye-catching in-store displays to dynamic social media posts and email campaigns.

Highlighting how your products can enhance viewers’ experiences or help them celebrate national achievements can create a strong emotional connection, driving both tra c and sales.

Faire is billed as the largest online wholesale marketplace used by independent retailers to discover, source, and sell unique products from around the corner and around the world. To date, Faire has facilitated nearly 7 million new connections between brands and retailers on the platform. Visit: www.faire.com

PHOTO:

Autumn Fair appetizer

As retailers and buyers anticipate the year’s upcoming shopping seasons, Autumn Fair aims to make buying more seamless and successful than ever

Billed as the largest seasonal showcase in the second half, Autumn Fair is hosted at the NEC in Birmingham from September 1 to September 4. This date line makes it the ideal time to stock your store with products just in time for the industry’s peak season rush.

This year’s show promises more opportunities for your business to thrive with 200 brand-new exhibitors, innovative business pavilions, and exclusive partnerships. Mark your calendar to visit, and get an injection of seasonal newness during retail’s peak buying period.

The event is also planning to bridge the gap between online and o ine buying. Its partnership with Faire means you’ll have the opportunity to discover even more unique products and beneﬁt from exclusive discounts.

Plus, the show is celebrating the best that Britain has to o er, paying homage to British suppliers who are able to fulﬁl quick turnarounds with new and locally made products.

Another highlight is the introduction of New Business Pavilions, featuring 100 stands dedicated to showcasing the newest brands in the industry. These provide a dedicated area to discover growing businesses and their products.

But Autumn Fair 2024 goes beyond just business transactions; it champions responsible sourcing and sustainable production through the co-located event, Source Home & Gift. This platform connects manufacturers committed to ethical practices with retailers and brands who prioritise responsible sourcing. By participating in Autumn Fair, you’ll automatically get access to Source Home & Gift’s suppliers.

As well as hundreds of leading brands returning to Autumn Fair, over 25% of the exhibitor line-up is new and over 30% are exclusive to the show.

Sought-after brands include Widdop & Co., Lesser & Pavey, Hill Interiors, Malini, Sifcon, Chic Antique, Kikkerland, Walton & Co, Quirky Barn, London Ornaments, Blooms by Samuel Baker, Ultimate Products, East of India, Forever England, Quay Traders, Verma Enterprises, Alchemy England, Price’s Patent Candles, Home Fragrance Co, House of Disaster, Bubblegum Stu , Crystal Magick Wholesale, Luxa, Willsow, Keel Toys, Fountasia, DCUK, Ty UK, Bomb Cosmetics, Casa Verde UK, Chalk UK, Brainbox Candy, Twizler, Marina B, Rex London, Cardgains, The Art File, Emotional Rescue, Five Dollar Shake, Gift Republic, Gingko,

Grupo Erik, University Games, House of Marbles, Lanka Kade, Hippychick, Joe Davies, Langs, Jess & Lou, D&X, Miss Shorthair, Amber Hall Jewellery, Berber Leather, Big Metal, Saloos, Ashwood Leather, Lunar, Lighthouse Clothing, Jessica Graaf, and hundreds more.

In the Gift sector, retailers will ﬁnd everything from contemporary designs and trend-led ranges to unique, personalised and licensed gifts. Visitors will discover Cognitive Surplus, Happy Scent Co, Hilltop Houseware, Essta, Joypots, Keynvor, Lighthome, Pikkii, Pretty Little Signs, Robotime Leisure, Skynamo, Sprinkled with Magic, Sunshine Lane, Gin Etc, Temple of Incense, Akamuti, Kiki & Green, The Chocolate Gift Company, Welink, and The Way to You.

And Toasted Crumpet joins the line-up to showcase its British-made collection of mugs, stationery, giftware, and greeting cards. Also championing British-made, The Yorkshire Candle Company will present its collection of hand-poured candles, home scented products and award-winning fragrances. In addition, Man Cave Scents will display its collection of candles, wax melts, di users and toiletries, while Manley & Moosh will bring its luxury skincare range for gentlemen.

What: Autumn Fair

Where: NEC Birmingham

When: September 1-4

Visit: www.autumnfair.com Register: www.autumnfair.com/visitor-registration

Harrogate Christmas & Gift continues to grow yearon-year and is now recognised internationally as ‘the’ Christmas buying destination. Show organiser Simon Anslow tells us more…

As the only Christmas-speciﬁc trade show in the UK, Harrogate Christmas & Giftwhich takes place from January 12 to January 15 2025 - pretty much dominates the scene when it comes to festive buying destinations.

Not only is the show once again almost sold out with a waiting list of exhibitors hoping to participate, but buyers from department stores, independent retailers, garden centres, gift shops, tourist attractions, event organisers and many more are already planning well ahead to attend.

Nine halls of the Harrogate Convention Centre in Yorkshire will be packed with everything from Christmas trees, lights and decorations; home and gardenware; confectionery and drinks; pet products; large in-store displays; artiﬁcial ﬂowers; and gifts for almost every occasion.

So it’s hardly surprising that the show is now the most important date in many retailers’ calendars, with buyers attending from all over Europe and further aﬁeld. They are guaranteed to be spoiled for choice with one of the largest collections of products to choose from in the world.

Exhibitors include not only major UK brands such as Premier Decorations, Jingles, Apac, and Festive Productions, but some of the biggest names in Europe too.

Planning for Christmas 2025

Netherlands company Kaemingk has been attending Harrogate Christmas & Gift for many years and is a favourite with buyers at the show. Next year, the Dutch supplier will be increasing its o ering substantially, with 400sq m of Hall G ﬁlled to overﬂowing with its distinctive collection of seasonal decorations for the home and garden.

Kaemingk promises thousands of Christmas items, all hand-picked by its skilled team of buyers, o ering new themes for each new season - including an extensive collection of home décor items.

“The show o ers everything imaginable for the festive market

Also not to be missed are its Everlands Christmas trees, which are almost indistinguishable from the real thing; global trendsetting Lumineo Lighting; and Decoris tree decorations, which are handblown, hand-painted or machine-made.

Show organiser Simon Anslow says: “Harrogate Christmas & Gift continues to grow year-on-year and is now recognised internationally as ‘the’ Christmas buying destination. The show o ers everything imaginable for the festive market, and also caters comfortably for independent gift retailers and buyers looking for something a little bit di erent to o er their customers the entire year round.”

Attending the show is free for all trade visitors, so register online today at www.harrogatefair.com.

What: Harrogate Christmas & Gift

Where: Harrogate Convention Centre, Yorkshire

When: January 12-15 2025 Visit: www.harrogatefair.com

Harrogate Christmas & Gift

Save the date for gift inspiration

HKTDC Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair will take place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from April 27 to April 30 2025

Billed as the preeminent marketplace for the gifts industry, the HKTDC Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair is where a great variety of trending lifestyle items and innovative ideas merge, and suppliers and buyers come together to connect and explore.

In 2025, the show will mark its 40th anniversary, with several celebrations planned for this milestone edition.

This year, the event welcomed more than 38,000 buyers and received 4,000-plus exhibitors from 21 countries and regions.

Speaking at the end of the April 2024 show, exhibitor Paul Wang, owner of Magic Glow Limited, noted: “The Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair is important to us because 50% of our customers came from this Fair, and we bring 100 new products to the Fair every year to attract buyers.

“Buyer tra c has increased by 25% over last year. We have met with 50 new buyers from all over the world and expect 50% of them will place orders after the Fair. We hope

to expand the size of our booth by 50% next year to showcase more new products and create a cosy environment for us to meet our customers.”

Fellow exhibitor Andy Cheung, general manager of OMG Design Factory, commented: “We connected with new buyers from France, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam. We are happy to have found three potential distributors from Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam on the ﬁrst day of the Fair. To meet the global demand for eco-friendly products, we are going to launch a new collection made from RPET at the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair next year.”

Whether you are interested in exhibiting at this prominent fair or looking for highquality, sustainable gift products, the HKTDC Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair is the ideal destination to meet all your needs. It is now open for both exhibitors and buyers to register. One-stop registration is ready for the buyers now at: https://tinyurl.com/ycxkf2ry

What: Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair

Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

When: April 27-30 2025

Call: 020 7616 9500

Email: london.o ce@hktdc.org

Visit: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkgiftspremiumfair/en

New products

Quirky and fun

Enesco

Allen Designs, from contemporary gift supplier Enesco, is a collection which strives to bring smiles to people’s faces through creative, high quality and practical products. Combining fun and functionality are four new hanging planters of whimsical characters - Tweet, Pretty Kitty, Ginger Fox, and Hoot Dini - adding personality to any indoor garden, office space or home.

Made from cast stone, the planters are designed to house small indoor plants and flowers, making them a great gift or self-purchase. True to the quirky and fun nature of the Allen Designs collection, this range is sure to be a talking point, making your customers grin! With co-ordinating wall clocks available, Allen Designs is available exclusively from Enesco.

Call: 01228 404022

Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk

Visit: www.enesco.co.uk

Colourful calligraphy

Exacompta Clairefontaine

The Paris Writing Inks sets from Jacques Herbin make great gifts for calligraphy enthusiasts. Each set encompasses five colours that capture the distinctive essence of the French capital. There’s a green that represents the emblematic entrances to the Paris metro, a blue of the street name plaques, the red of the Moulin Rouge, a yellow which mirrors the original golden colours of the Eiffel Tower, and a grey-blue that evokes Parisian rooftops.

These premium, vegan-friendly inks are ideal for fountain pens, rollerballs and glass pens. They are supplied in 10ml bottles and presented in an attractive gift box.

Call: 01553 696600

Email: sales@exaclair.co.uk

Visit: www.exaclairlimited.com

Simply the beast! Personalised Memento Company

PMC has launched a brand-new personalised Watercolour Stag range. Featuring a majestic stag and the option to add your own message, it can be easily adapted to suit any occasion, making it a perfect housewarming gift or a special addition to your own home.

Keep an eye out for the full range coming soon, including candles, clocks, slate tableware and more! Visit PMC’s trade website today to register for your account and get started.

Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk

Visit: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

Silk and gemstones

Miss Milly

Magnetic brooches have been a fantastic seller for Miss Milly for several years, particularly during the Golden Quarter, and the UK brand has continued to add to its collection. For the coming season, it’s using new materials in the form of flowers made with silk thread and also crumbles of tiny semi-precious gemstones, and has introduced a new textured and graduated paint surface to some brooch and jewellery designs.

Miss Milly founder and owner Sarah Watmore says: “The type of jewellery we offer doesn’t change much, so innovation has to come from the materials we use and how we put pieces together. Neither silk nor semi-precious stones are new, but they are a development for us in using them for magnetic brooches. And the graduated, textured hand-painted surfaces also add a striking new dimension.”

The new brooches and jewellery will be launched at Home & Gift, and should be available online at the same time.

Call: 01905 622509

Email: hello@missmilly.co.uk

Visit: www.missmilly.co.uk

Made for sharing

Best Kept Secrets

Expanding its award-winning Just Because collection, Best Kept Secrets has introduced innovative products tailored for occasion gifting.

New Just Because wax melt cards will debut at Home & Gift, offering eight large or 16 smaller wax melt cubes across all Just Because range titles. Perfect for celebrating friends, family, and special occasions, these wax melts can be personalised akin to their popular tins, enhancing their sentimental value.

And following the success of its award-winning Just Because Three Lites Boxes, the brand has responded to retailer demand by unveiling personalised options. Now, customers can customise these boxes with any desired words, reflecting individual sentiments and enhancing the personal gifting experience.

This expansion underscores the brand’s commitment to quality, affordability, and sustainability, ensuring that every product continues to embody the essence of joy and beauty that defines Best Kept Secrets.

Call: 01670 512222

Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

Visit: ww.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

We’re hooked!

Joe Davies

When it comes to staying ahead of the game, Equilibrium always features the latest trends that will have heads turning. The exciting new Equilibrium Eternal Bow Collection is no exception.

These pretty bow necklaces, earrings, and bracelets are all plated with real silver

and gold, and finished with an anti-tarnish protection to ensure the jewellery keeps its pristine look. Whether you’re a trendsetter or just want to add a touch of femininity to your look, this is a range you will not want to miss. So join the bow jewellery craze and unleash your inner fashionista!

Meanwhile, following the huge success of Creative Crochet Kits, a brand-new selection will make its debut at Home & Gift. Suitable for anyone aged over 12, the Kits come complete with easy to follow instructions, a gift box, and everything you need to make your chosen character.

New designs include bees, mushrooms, frogs, dogs, fairies and many more. There are also additions to the Christmas Creative Crochet Collection including a gingerbread man, Christmas tree and some cute little robins, to name but a few. Everyone loves a fun crochet kit and when you have completed your creation, you can keep it for yourself or give it to someone special. After all, nothing says love like handmade!

Call: 0161 975 6300

Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk

Visit: www.joedavies.co.uk

Walking the talk

CClassic

Canes managing director Charlotte Gillan

shares the story of her family business, which has been trading for 42 years

lassic Canes is one of the most specialist businesses I know! We sell only walking sticks, seat sticks and umbrellas. We have a huge range, which we sell to retailers in more than 30 countries.

We started in 1982 with simple wooden models, and have expanded over time to patterned canes (many of which we design in-house), folding canes, country sticks, collectors’ canes, evening canes, classic umbrellas, and traditional and contemporary seat sticks. We are a tight-knit team of eight, most of whom have been with us for years, if not decades.

While walking sticks are practical mobility aids, that’s no reason why they can’t be fashionable accessories too. They are sold in very diverse outlets from gift shops and garden centres to country clothing stores, gentlemen’s outﬁtters, and farm shops. Our range is such that we can supply the right types of sticks to suit the clienteles of all these businesses.

We’re all about quality and e ciency here. We’re not interested in supplying the cheapest walking sticks on the market. Good quality and good design are not possible at that level, and we want to o er products that last well and represent good value for money. We also keep a high level of stock, so we can dispatch quickly.

What are our best sellers? Customers often ask this, and the answer depends on what type of shop you have. We sell a lot of pretty, patterned canes, but a country clothing shop, for example, is going to need long, rustic sticks such as thumbsticks and shepherd’s crooks. Folding canes are very popular because they’re so convenient, but we also sell a large proportion of smart, everyday, wooden walking sticks.

We take great inspiration from our Somerset woodland location. The woodpeckers, bees, dragonﬂies and songbirds all around us have made their way onto our patterned canes - as have our

o ce cats! We aim for a very British sense of style in our designs, which appeals to our export markets as well as our UK customers.

Retailers can order our products in whatever way suits them best. New customers often ask for a suggested order the ﬁrst time, to ensure they start o with an appropriate selection. We have a very good website with a password-protected online portal, but many customers prefer to chat about their requirements, and we enjoy that. Others send photos of their display stands on WhatsApp and just say ‘ﬁll it up’. That works well too… we can work with any approach!

As we’ve been trading for 42 years, our business model is very established. But we look forward to continuing to be at the forefront of walking stick design supplying customers - old and new - for many years to come.

Call: 01460 75866

Email: info@classiccanes.co.uk

Visit: www.classiccanes.co.uk

Where the Wild Things are…

Wild Things Gifts founder Jules

Vahrman gives an update on developments at his company, which specialises in artisan crystal gifts and collectables that are designed, handcrafted and shipped directly from its home base in Exeter

We are taking a break from Home & Gift and Autumn Fair. Instead, we will be attending Gift & Home at RDS Dublin in August for the ﬁrst time in many years, and then looking forward to making available our latest 2024 addition: a sparkly new Christmas ornament range, which we successfully previewed at Spring Fair.

Wild Things Gifts focuses on quality, and we specialise in designing unique products unavailable elsewhere, using the best quality crystals and other components available. We employ dedicated craftspeople to make them, and o er an extensive range of well-thought-out display options.

Over the past 12 months we have been exceptionally busy with new product launches. Trading conditions are very tough, so price is all-important.

Last Autumn saw the launch of Pretty Little Birds, which has become one of our bestselling ranges ever. These handcrafted and painted hanging glass birds are made with skill and care, embellished with 24 carat gold paint, and include a sparkly crystal heart.

In one outlet the entire starter pack sold out in three hours! Pictured is the robin, but the range includes blue tits, goldﬁnches, bluebirds and rainbow birds. With an RRP of £9.99, these o er exceptional value for money.

Spring saw the launch of our lovely new Birth Month Flower Suncatchers range. Only available since April, these are also showing phenomenal reorder rates. They retail at £11.99 and are designed to slip into a greeting card. They are a great addition to our carded Crystal Dreams range.

A new range of bookmarks is about to launch with a £6.99 RRP. It comprises 24 di erent bright and colourful designs - with a convenient display on o er. Meanwhile, with new pet designs and other additions, our Crystal

Fantasy range now numbers more than 70 di erent designs!

Charities are certainly not immune to the cost-ofliving crisis and Wild Things Gifts likes to do its bit to help. We donate to numerous charities throughout the year. Now, with our Crystal Dreams Poppy suncatchers and bookmarks, we hope to raise a lot of money for our local Exeter charity Veterans With Dogs (VWD). A proportion of each sale helps support VWD. In VWD’s own words, it ‘trains fully accredited assistance dogs that become steadfast companions for our veterans and active-duty service members’. Busy times!

Call: 01392 211268

Email: sales@wildthingsgifts.com

Visit: www.wildthingsgifts.com

Change for the better

Sara Allbright , director and co-founder of Retail100 Consulting , celebrates innovation and disruption driving real positive changes in the gift and greeting card categories

One of the topics we often talk about with retailers and brands alike is the need for innovation and disruption in a market or sector. It’s not something to be afraid of, and often is driven by a reallife change in consumer behaviour, or a need to solve a problem in a particular category.

It feels like a relevant subject to talk about this month, because in recent weeks I’ve come across several initiatives happening within the gifts and greeting card sectors that are great examples of innovation and disruption - both from new companies and more established players.

My most recent find is QR stickers from digital content maker addSquirrel, whose purpose is to make giving and receiving cards and gifts truly special. Its smart QR stickers, once stuck inside a card or gift tag, mean the sender can easily upload a video, photo, or voice note, to add a unique and heartfelt touch.

With so many people living at a distance from friends and loved ones and not able to hand over a gift in person, this adds a really joyful addition to the moment when the recipient receives the present, and provides a memory that can be saved and cherished for years to come. It’s also interesting that the once-innovative QR codes were dismissed and nearly disappeared until Covid gave them a new life, and they are now used across the board by businesses.

Another concept appearing across the consumer industries is the circular economy and how you can create a full 360-degree journey for a product. The concept of regifting isn’t new but is often associated with passing on a present that someone didn’t like or didn’t need. It was certainly not something I would have associated with greeting cards, until I discovered Greentings.

Billed as ‘The Reusable Card People’, their eco cards have removable inserts and are designed to be re-sent at least three times. It’s also possible to track the card’s journey if you like, adding an interesting and even competitive edge into how many times the card can find a new recipient.

But we’re not just seeing product innovation, as companies need to evolve and reinvent to stay relevant and grow their businesses. An

interesting example of this is the move Scribbler recently made from being a retailer of cards into wholesaling them too - showing it’s not reluctant to share its unique design style and bestseller knowledge with other retailers in a bid to grow together.

Scribbler has also been demonstrating a new print-ondemand kiosk service, which allows customers to create their own cards (akin to those found on many of the greeting card retail websites). Offering this new level of choice will be an interesting development in terms of how it may or may not change behaviour in-store.

participation in the competition even more rewarding than before.

The GA has used the growth in the gifting of gift cards to collaborate with the team at Lifestyle Gift Cards to create a GOTY gift card: a project in which all GOTY finalists can participate.

It’s also great to see how longstanding institutions such as The Giftware Association (GA), which organises The Gift of the Year (GOTY) Awards, is also looking to new opportunities that will in turn make

Sara Allbright 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.

Prior to Retail100 Consulting, Sara worked in buying roles at John Lewis & Partners for 18 years, predominantly for home and seasonal categories, including eight years leading gift and home fragrance buying.

She specialised in brand relationships and growing small emerging brands into market leaders. Sara is also experienced in own-label sourcing across multiple categories and countries.

Email: hello@retail100consulting.co.uk

Visit: www.retail100consulting.co.uk

This will help build the public profile of the Awards, and make the unveiling of the People’s Choice Award winner at Home & Gift’s Sundowners drinks reception an even bigger opportunity for the lucky recipient.

www.linkedin.com/company/retail100-consulting

The Retail100 team (L-R): Sara Allbright, Anna Berry, Neil Amer and Elaine Hooper

Diary of a gift shop

Cathy Frost, owner of Loveone gift shop in Ipswich, contemplates the Christmas buying season and asks: has anyone got a crystal ball?

As we reach the midpoint of the year, with days getting longer and hopefully warmer - and Home & Gift just around the corner - my thoughts turn to completing my Christmas buying. This is akin to a dark art and, even after 17 years on the high street, I still find it strange and trepidatory pouring over festive catalogues when I’d rather be on the beach eating ice cream.

Some days I wish I had a crystal ball to help unravel the season that is to come. The past few years have been incredibly difficult to predict, with costof-living and supply chain issues amongst the many uncertainties facing retailers.

In the years before Covid, I would rely on the previous year’s data and sales to help inform my buying for the coming season. Now, patterns of sales and customer confidence seem to ebb and flow at an alarming rate, with so many variables in play. And add in the latest: the general election and the UEFA Euros! Will a change in government or a good performance in Germany sway the mood on the high street?

I did some of my buying at Top Drawer in January which was incredibly early for me, but with supply chain issues still at play in the system, many producers were advising an early start to guarantee delivery for the Autumn. To be honest though, it’s a good feeling having some of the buying completed, and maybe this will be a trend I continue with.

So what dilemmas am I currently wrestling with? Maybe you are too. Do I buy more Christmas card packs than single cards? Will customers still want to buy cards? Card sales have taken a tumble over recent years with the rising cost of postage and unreliability of the postal service. Do I buy sheets of wrapping paper or rolls? What will be my hero product? In the past, it’s definitely been Jellycat toys, or will that bubble burst?

Then there’s candles versus melts - or will the diffuser

be king this Christmas? With so much home fragrance to choose from, do I stick with old favourites such as Field Day (pictured above), which is based in Northern Ireland and a proud supporter of the Belfast charity Ulster Wildlife, or go for something new? When will the season start? If the last few years are anything to go by, it feels like it gets later every year. Christmas 2023 felt like it was compressed into the last two weeks of the season! However, one thing that does remain constant is the trade show. Whether it’s Top Drawer, Spring Fair, PG Live, or Home & Gift, I usually get answers to the myriad of questions circulating in my head.

Talking to producers and reps in-person is still one of the best ways to approach the buying season. They have so much product knowledge and insight into the industry, and can forecast trends and identify issues. It’s so important to make personal connections, especially at exhibitions. For example, at PG Live I caught up with David Nichols-Rice, who is the owner and founder of Ricicle Cards. So I can say to customers: “I’ve met the man who worked with designers on that card.” I’m pictured on his stand redeeming my £75 Silver ticket given to me as I was a finalist of the Best Independent Greeting Card Retailer - East Anglia category of The Retas Greeting Card Retail Awards 2023.

Over time I’ve got to know and trust many of my suppliers very well; we’ve reached out to each other in response to the many challenges we’ve all faced. Just like the rallying cry to support high streets, for trade shows, we ‘use them or lose them’.

So maybe I won’t need a crystal ball after all. I need to trust my instincts, visit a trade fair or two, and keep the faith that England might bring home the Cup. As I write this, England are still in the game and hopefully that hasn’t changed by the time you read this. As for the general election… Only time will tell!

Cathy at PG Live with Ricicle Cards owner and founder David Nichols-Rice

Cathy at Top Drawer with colleague Pippa Travis-Williams

A one-of-a-kind destination

Clare

Turner chats to Nicola Hibon Jackson

, founder of The Voewood, winner of the Best Non-Specialist Retailer Of Gifts category of The Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2024

What’s your background?

I’ve loved retailing ever since I was a little girl. I grew up in the north of England helping out in my parents’ independent shop - The Mugwump - which has been a landmark in Durham since 1966. But though I worked in the store and enjoyed going to trade fairs, in terms of a career I’ve taken a rather long route to where I am today.

I worked as a journalist for radio and TV for

Strong Sellers

• One Hundred Stars: the unique quality of these products have made them a ﬁrm favourite. They are a real ‘go-to’ gift idea and have been super popular since we opened

• Museums & Galleries: great gifts and packaging

• St. Eval: the scented tin candles are a good pick-up gift

• The English Soap Company: such beautiful packaging!

• Canns Down Press: timeless card designs that customers buy as much to put on a mantlepiece as to send!

• Arthouse Unlimited beauty products: customers buy for a gift but then love it so much they keep it and have to get another!

• Arthouse Unlimited chocolate: showstopping designs and innovative ﬂavours are king and queen here

several years, and then in charity PR, which I stepped out of when I had children. My love of retail still held on through all that time (I used to take some of my annual leave to go to trade shows with mum and dad), but it was only when my children were very young that the opportunity to open my own shop came up locally.

I had talked for so long about dreaming of having a shop that it felt quite serendipitous when the unit became available and also, at the same time, a bit of a ‘seize the day’ moment. It was the chance to jump in and create something - or stop boring my friends and family with the idea!

“Our selection is very eclectic”

Tell us about The Voewood. We opened in 2016 in Blackheath Standard [a southeast London suburb]. We are a single room space of about 50sq m on a small high street, in what I would describe as a very ‘local local’ residential area. It’s not a destination that attracts tourists or day-trippers, but relies solely on repeat custom from people who live nearby.

We are only 15 minutes from central London by train, so we always have to be mindful of being able to go above and beyond in terms of the range and quality of products we o er, to ensure customers see us as their ﬁrst and preferred option rather than take a trip into town to the likes of Liberty or a chain store.

We have a wide range of customers, aged from 35 to 80-plus, who see The Voewood as the perfect place to pick up a unique gift or a treat for themselves.

What do you think makes your shop stand out from others?

The range, quality and uniqueness of many of the pieces, combined with customer service and a genuinely nice, relaxing experience. Because we have such a regular, local customer base it means we get to know people and can make suggestions based on what they like, and also just enjoy chatting and catching up with them.

Our team loves helping customers ﬁnd something that they will enjoy having or giving. Plus, we only have things in the shop that we would love to have or to give ourselves!

How would you describe your range?

We have a mix of quality giftware and always want people to feel they can buy something, however big or small their budget is. It’s deﬁnitely possible to leave with a really nice-looking gift for £10.

Our selection is very eclectic, from scented candles and beauty products to socks, sunglasses, scarves and modernist homeware. Cards are a vital part of the mix too, as many people pop in every day just for a card and of course, they all add up! We also have a ‘mini’ children’s range, with Maileg and House of Marbles being core lines alongside plush toys.

How do you source products?

I’m looking forward to attending Home & Gift, and I always visit Top Drawer: I’ve been going there for at least 20 years. I do a huge amount of research ahead of going to any exhibition. The show’s website is a key starting point.

I expect brands to showcase their key products (images are essential!) and give all the relevant wholesale information, either on the page or via a click-through. One of my pet hates is companies that are going to exhibit but haven’t prioritised

having images, product and ordering information available on the show’s site.

I also love visiting other stores around the country, saying hello and chatting about inspirations. And Instagram is fantastic for seeing ideas that you might not ordinarily come across. I’m a bit of a magpie (!) and I think this is reflected in the contents of the shop.

Is there anything you haven’t been able to source that you would like to find?

Men’s gifts. Something that a man actually wants and that you are excited to give. Please - not whisky, golf or cycling-related! We are frequently asked for gifts for men - and we do have some fantastic, very stylish socks from Thunders Love and bags from Roka london - but quality and interesting men’s gifts (and cards) are a real gap in the market.

Key Categories

• Soap and fragrance: The English Soap Company, Bon Parfumeur, NailKind, Norfolk Natural Living, Pelegrims, The Seated Queen

• Womenswear: Chalk, Part Two, Eribe, One Hundred Stars, Saint Tropez, By Basics, Saltwater, Fransa

• Homeware: cushions, vases, artisan quilts and plant holders from Gisela Graham, Chalk, Morgan Wright

• Cards: Rifle Paper Co., Papersheep, Rosie Made A Thing, Canns Down Press

• Tableware: Quail Ceramics, HKLiving, &k, Falcon Enamelware, ReFound

• Chocolate: Rococo Chocolates, Arthouse Unlimited, Charbonnel et Walker

• Toiletries: The English Soap Company, True Grace, Norfolk Natural Living

• Jewellery: Coral & Mint, Estella Bartlett, Alex Monroe

• Candles: St. Eval, Gisela Graham, True Grace

• Partyware: Talking Tables

• Bags: Roka London

How’s trading for you at the moment?

The economic uncertainty has deeply affected the psyche of shopping, along with the huge financial pressures put on our customers when mortgage rates and utility bills rose so dramatically. So people feel more hesitant about buying anything nonessential, and do spend time really considering what they want to spend money on.

We’ve definitely noticed a move towards people wanting to shop locally and consciously support the community they live in.

“We’ve definitely noticed a move towards people wanting to shop locally and consciously support the community they live in”

How do you get word out there?

We use Instagram a lot and we have a 1,800-plus mailing list. We’ve also used door-to-door leaflet distribution to around 8,000 local addresses. We offer gift vouchers and gift wrapping, and run promotion evenings and events too,

What’s next for your business?

We’re looking to do some own-brand products, and collaborate with other services locally to potentially bring new activities and opportunities for customers into the store.

What do you like most about your job?

The best bit is when you help someone to find something that they are happy with. Aside from that, it’s meeting so many lovely customers and suppliers.

What’s your least favourite aspect? Paperwork.

What’s your current favourite gift on your shelves?

At the moment it’s our True Grace rose scented candle. I light one at home every morning, and it’s a really peaceful way to start the day.

Finally, congratulations on your win. How did you feel when you heard the news?

I was absolutely elated. I’m still buzzing and on a high from it, even now!

Moving with the times

Ryman owner and chairman Theo Paphitis shares a personal reflection of his career journey within

the stationery sector

When I was young, I hated school. I’m dyslexic so I couldn’t write and read properly. It was an absolute nightmare. So the last thing I thought I’d get involved in was stationery.

As I wasn’t academic, I skipped classes, so I was given the tuck shop to run - which I loved. Being a shopkeeper is obviously in my blood.

Roll forward to my first job. In those days you had to send a stamped addressed envelope for an application form. You’d fill it in, send it back, and then sit by your letterbox waiting for a response.

I must have sent 100 and got three replies, all of which were ‘nos’. So I was struggling. Then I worked out that I probably wasn’t doing myself any favours filling in the form because my handwriting was sh*t and my spelling was worse. I wasn’t really putting my best foot forward.

So I went to an employment agency, and a lady set up a couple of interviews for that day. For the first one, I had to complete a form. It didn’t go very well. The second one? No form, just a chat. It was at a city insurance broker and I was offered a job: £1,500 a year as a filing clerk (assistant to the tea-stirrer).

I had to get in by 7am, go to the Telex room, and collect all the messages that came in on the Telex machine from all over the world for insurance cover. I

had a Helix ruler, tore off every message, Pritt-sticked each one to an A4 piece of paper, wrote the name of the broker it was intended for on it, and left it on their chair. That was my first experience of using stationery products.

“It’s very important to give the customer a reason to cross your threshold”

But after a few days I was asked to write amendments on documents. I did the first pile and got it thrown back to me with the words, ‘this is illegible’. Our office was on London’s Borough High Street - and right by the tube station was a Ryman. So I bought a calligraphy pen and some ink, because I was determined. I needed this job and had to do something about it. I practised my handwriting night after night. It took about a week but there was a massive transformation.

The spelling wasn’t quite right though. So, back into Ryman for a small dictionary (which I still have). That was my first exposure to Ryman, at the age of 17.

On making changes

I bought Ryman in 1995. The number one seller back then was fax rolls followed by fax paper. But the most exciting thing in the stationery market was the growth of Filofaxes - they were going great guns.

Ryman is 130 years old this year, so we’ve been around a long time. But we’re not going to exist if we sell the same products we sold 100 years ago - even more so now, with the internet.

If you’re going to be a high street retailer, there has to be a reason for people to come to your shop. If you think of all the big names that have disappeared such as BHS, Woolworths, and Debenhams, it’s because they lost their reason to exist.

It’s very important to give the customer a reason to cross your threshold. At Ryman, we’ve always managed to do that. And every 10 years or so, we do something extra to drive more people to our shops.

Recently, we launched a combined integrated online and in-store loyalty scheme. Next, we launched three concept stores called Ryman Design. The fourth opened in May in Edinburgh and two more are opening in the next few months. Historically, Ryman has been a ‘business’ stationer, even though we’ve moved a long way in the past few years. These latest ones are more modern stores, which are fashion-led [see box].

Then we launched an app. This is very new to us. It’s a way of linking technology with a physical high street presence - and it’s a reason for customers to interact with us (online or through their phones) and then visit a store.

On the app, you can create a personalised greeting card (like you can from other online players) but the difference is you will have it in 60 minutes. So if you’re on the train or bus and you need a personalised card, you create it on the app, hit order and collect your design in-store from 190 locations across the UK. Or you go in-store and have it done while you wait. All for £2.99.

“We’re linking modern technology with good old-fashioned servicedriven physical retail”

And another version allows you to access the full raft of printing services that Ryman has in-store. So if you’re a student looking to get a project printed out, you order online and pick it up. We’re linking modern technology with good old-fashioned service-driven physical retail.

On new start-ups

Independents are great. They keep us on our toes, and are more innovative than we can ever be. Yes, we might have a bigger cheque book, but it takes us longer to do stuff as we’re more structured. I like going into an independent stationer because I see so many different things. We’ve co-existed for 130 years, and we’ll continue to do so.

Stationery is an excellent sector with some amazing brands. I’ve been in it for a long time and I love it. If you’re thinking of launching a small business, I’m going to give you the same advice I give myself: what is your reason to exist? What are you going to do differently? What will you have in your store in your chosen area (whether town centre or online) that will give someone a reason to cross your [physical or virtual] threshold?

You’ve got to have those conversations. And believe you me, there’s no substitute for hard work, passion, and honesty when you’re running your own business. If you’ve got all of those, I would go for it, big time!

We all make mistakes and we shouldn’t be scared of them. As long as the decisions we make are calculated, if we get it wrong we can identify it quickly, suck it up,

and move on. Don’t flog a dead horse; that’s pointless. I’ll make a shameless plug here for Small Business Sunday [shortened to #SBS on social media]. You can enter every Sunday [between 5-7pm] on X and Instagram. I started it 13 years ago and it’s grown to 4,000 small businesses. And here’s a statistic you may like: 75% of the small businesses are run by females - and we have amazing partners within the network that give great support which you can tap into.

On stationery trends

I can only go by the trends that I see in my own business. Ryman was very much a boring old stationer when we bought it. Yes, we did backto-school and that was big for us. But really, we weren’t so interested in the consumer.

In the past few years, we’ve been far more interested in fashion stationery. And why is that? Well, Covid really did accelerate the merging of home and office. Lots of people started working remotely and, quite honestly, they didn’t want boring stationery. They didn’t want just black or grey books.They wanted fashion-led bits and pieces that they were happy to have in their house.

There’s a more relaxed attitude in working practices. A lot of workplaces let their staff buy their own stationery now - they don’t have stationery cupboards and instead say ‘buy your own’.

“Stationery is an excellent sector with some amazing brands”

So we’re moving very much towards more fashion-oriented consumer product, which is far more acceptable in the workplace. That doesn’t mean contract stationery will disappear, but it will certainly get smaller.

On business rates reform

In what way should business rates be reformed? The first thing I’d like to do is get Guy Fawkes on them! Set fire to them, destroy them, get rid of them! They were designed in the 1500s… they’re not fit for purpose. We need a level playing field. We’ve got to find a way of designing something that collects more tax for the Exchequer and puts the burden evenly across online. I don’t believe physical retail should be victimised and practically put out of business due to a tax that politicians are too lazy and incompetent to deal with.

This is an edited version of a keynote talk given by Theo Paphitis during the London Stationery Show, which was held on May 14 and May 15 at the Business Design Centre in Islington. The event returns to the same venue on May 13 and May 14 2025. Visit: https://www.stationeryshowlondon.co.uk/

Ryman Design makes its Scottish debut

Stationer Ryman launched a new Ryman Design store, in Edinburgh on May 24. The branch is the latest addition to a growing number of Ryman Design stores across the UK, following openings in London Bishopsgate in June 2023, and London Marble Arch and Birmingham Grand Central later in the year.

Ryman owner and chairman Theo Paphitis said: “I’m delighted to be opening our first-ever Scottish Ryman Design store in Edinburgh and building on the brand’s presence in key locations around the UK. Creativity runs through Edinburgh’s veins, which is why opening our new design-led store - full of unique, design-led stationery, gifts, and cards - was a no-brainer for me. This will be our fourth Ryman Design store, and because of the fantastic response they’ve had from our customers, there are more in the pipeline.”

Located in St James Quarter [a large galleria retail shopping centre and residential development in the centre of the Scottish capital city], the store is billed as a one-stop shop for stationery enthusiasts, artists, and professional customers looking for unique, high-quality products.

Ryman Design is a design specialist offshoot of Ryman, providing customers with trend-led stationery, gifts and cards. The stores offer various stationery products from brands such as Ban.do, Kate Spade, POSCA, Legami, Violet Studio/Crafter’s Companion, and Midori.

Mark your calendar!

Personalised Memento Company

Spread the exciting news of a planned wedding by sending a beautiful Save The Date card from PMC. Fully personalised with any message, they are a great way to share important information about the special day with loved ones. Featuring a delicate botanical design, the cards are ideal for a large range of di erent wedding colour schemes and themes. They are part of PMC’s botanical wedding range, which includes matching mugs, wedding party gifts, and more.

With a growing range of on trend giftware and selling solutions to suit all retailers, there has never been a better time to sell personalised gifts.

Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk

Visit: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

On the wild side

Museums & Galleries

Wild Press by Helen Ahpornsiri has released a beautiful and chunky luxury hardcover journal with gently rounded corners. Clothbound in organic cotton printed with a wild meadow ﬂoral repeat design, it has 240 lined, edgecoloured pages in co-ordinating yellow and a ribbon bookmark.

Based in East Sussex, artist Helen collects ﬂora, foliage, and seaweeds, which she then preserves with traditional ﬂower pressing methods, before delicately reimagining them into artworks.

Flowers commonly considered weeds are unassuming yet familiar. They can be imbued with folktales and personal connotations, which resonate with people in di erent ways. Helen is interested in the idea of preserving plants like these and giving them a new narrative.

Museums & Galleries interprets her designs under the label ‘Wild Press’ on a collection of social stationery, journals, gift packaging, organic cotton textiles (kitchen and domestic), and insulated bottles. Call: 01373 462165

Email: sales@mgml.co.uk

Visit: www.museumsgalleries.co.uk

Empower and nurture

Fox Under The Moon

“Self-love is the most important kind of love,” says Fox Under The Moon founder Stacey McNeill. This year, the brand launched a Self-Love Journal speciﬁcally created to encourage self-love, with pages for recording thoughts and feelings, planning self-care activities, and weekly planner sections, alongside uplifting colouring pages to encourage mindfulness and relaxation.

The journals are hard-backed, spiral bound, and beautiful quality - the perfect gift for a friend, loved one or yourself, as a reminder that ‘me time’ is just as important as everything else on your agenda! Proving popular with stockists and the general public, the journals have been a huge hit on the brand’s social media pages.

Call: 07979 600 587

Email: info@foxunderthemoonart.com

Visit: www.foxunderthemoonart.com

Sleek stationery

Lisa Angel

Whether you’re looking for a great gift for a graduate or a loved one who’s always busy studying, Lisa Angel o ers a host of sleek stationery that’s both handy and aesthetically pleasing.

Fab florals and sweet celestial details help each piece stand out on a desktop and make the process of working, learning, or revising that little bit easier. From refillable notebooks to uplifting positivity flip charts, all pieces easily combine practical with personal.

The option to customise many stationery products makes it simpler to ﬁnd a treasurable gift that will be unlike anything else they have on their desk.

Call: 01603859111

Email: wholesale@lisaangel.co.uk

Visit: www.lisaangelwholesale.co.uk

Nature inspired

Exacompta Clairefontaine

Curated by the French artist Stéphanie Bidault, the Le Cerisier Blanc collection from Clairefontaine is a collaboration of designs inspired by the beauty of nature, which flourishes through an arrangement of botanical elements, such as Mediterranean landscapes and flowers.

The selection includes a wide range of striking notebooks, alongside a pack of magnetic bookmarks and a boxed stationery gift set, which brings together a notebook with a pencil, binder clips, 10 paper clips and an eraser.

Every notebook contains the premium quality Clairefontaine 90gsm brushed vellum ivory paper that’s world renowned. A compact cardboard display enables retailers to profile the entire range perfectly on their counter.

Call: 01553 696600

Email: sales@exaclair.co.uk

Visit: www.exaclairlimited.com

Rave on!

A Gift From The Gods

The team behind A Gift From The Gods has created a new brand called Urban Mythology, which has launched its first greeting cards range.

Rave On is a 12-card collection that licences archive club culture photos from the 1990s by Tony Davis, and overlaps them with neon techno graphics and dance music mottos to create a visually engaging range and instantly compelling heritage range.

The company said: ‘In a world gone mad, the powerful comforts of nostalgia remind us of happier times. From the early days of car convoys to secret locations, to impromptu parties in motorway service stations post-rave, these evocative images will resonate with clubbers old and new, and the amusing mottos will be instantly and fondly understood.’

Sold in packs of six, the 150mm x 150mm square cards are blank inside and made with 300gms FSC card, presented with neon-coloured diamond envelopes. All individual cards and envelopes are packaged in a compostable polybag.

Call: 07966 229485

Email: jane@agiftfromthegods.com

Visit: www.agiftfromthegods.com

Fun and nonsense

Rosie Made A Thing

Rosie Made A Thing has an exciting, fun and hilarious range of giftable stationery, perfect for any desk or fridge. Its Desk Planners, List Pads, and Mini Jots are designed to add a sprinkle of joy and laughter to everyday tasks.

For those who love a well-organised week, the brand’s A5 Perfect Planners come in three snazzy varieties: a meal planner, a weekly planner, and a daily list, making to-do lists a breeze.

And let’s not forget the Magnetic List Pads, ideal for sticking to the fridge and ensuring no shopping list gets lost. With humour-filled designs, staying organised has never been this fun! Stock up and let your customers add some of Rosie’s nonsense to their daily routines.

Call: 0116 4062000

Email: office@rosiemadeathing.co.uk

Visit: https://trade.rosiemadeathing.co.uk/

Encouraging positivity

with children’s gifts

Beautifully illustrated gifts to nurture young hearts, boost self-esteem, and empower self-belief are on o er from Fox Under

The Moon’s brand-new kids’ range, as founder Stacey McNeill explains…

Following the growing success of Fox Under The Moon’s positivity and self-love themed gift range for adults, founder Stacey McNeill is digging into her past career as a primary school teacher for the launch of her new range of products, speciﬁcally aimed at children.

She says: “We are incredibly lucky to have such an engaged social media audience who give us ideas for new product ranges. We reached a huge milestone of a quarter of a million followers across the platforms recently, and we get so many messages from people asking for child-focused gifts in the same style as our existing products.”

Fox Under The Moon’s ethos is to ﬁnd beautiful ways to say the things that matter, pairing heartfelt words and sayings with whimsical, storybook-like illustrations. Through sensitive rhyming tales and conversations between Fox, Moon and their friends, Stacey’s cards, prints, and range of a rmation cards, journals and gifts have touched the hearts of thousands of people worldwide - and her mindful picture books for all ages won The People’s Choice category of Gift of the Year Awards 2023.

“I want to do my bit to encourage the wonderful minds of the future to believe in themselves”

New for 2024, the north-east England based brand is launching a thoughts and feelings journal designed to help children manage their emotions, alongside a beautifully illustrated set of kids’ a rmation cards. These new products, which will launch at Home & Gift, are set to pave the way for more new and exciting child-focused products in the future.

“I’m part-way through creating my ﬁrst children’s book,” Stacey says, “and I’m really excited to be able to use some of my background in education to help create something really special to support mental health and self-esteem in young people.

“I also have a new school visits programme in the pipeline for the next academic year. Anxiety and emotional wellbeing are such a huge focus for schools, parents, and children’s health professionals at the moment, and I want to do my bit to encourage the wonderful minds of the future to believe in themselves.”

Call: 07979 600 587

Email: info@foxunderthemoonart.com

Visit: www.foxunderthemoonart.com

Wrapper’s delight

Glick’s product range includes innovative high quality printed giftwrap, gift tags, gift bags, roll wrap, ribbons, bows, tissue paper, and boxes for all seasons and occasions

This year has seen the launch of Glick’s brand-new licence: the award-winning Stephanie Davies. Stephanie’s Every Day collection includes ‘The Butterfly Collective Part 1 and Part 2’, an exquisite study of hand-painted butterflies, moths and dragonflies like a feast of jewels for the eye; ‘The Olive Grove’, which encapsulates the Mediterranean vibe of olive trees adorned with dragonflies and goldfinches in natureinspired shades; and Queen Bee, a celebration of the symbolic, life-a rming bee with a foil finish - all captured as still life for Glick’s highest quality gift bags, flat wrap and tissue paper.

Glick was incredibly proud to win the Best Giftwrappings Range category of The Henries Awards 2023 with its stunning Louise Mulgrew collection. For 2024, the company has the adorable Birthday Penguins and Panda Cuddles, alongside the stunning Flower Patch and Flora & Fauna: a collection of hand-painted watercolour delights evocative of walks in wild meadows.

There are four new designs of its ever-popular box nests from best-selling designers Stephanie Dyment and Paper Salad. The vivid and unmistakable design of Paper Salad in its sub-range, Colour Hub, is aptly named ‘Chaos’, alongside the square nest of 10 boxes in the ‘Pastiche’ design. Part of the stunning new ‘Linen’ range from Stephanie Dyment is the rectangular nest of 12 boxes and the timeless ‘Meadow’ designs, contrasting and complementing across a square nest of 10 boxes.

Is it ever too early to talk about Christmas? Glick thinks not! The brand’s 2024 collection includes designs from its bestselling collaborations with Kate McFarlane, Stephanie Dyment, Paper Salad, and Think of Me. It also has new collaborations with Stephanie Davies, Lumelo & Ginger, and Summer Thornton. And some beautiful Christmas classics too.

Festive designs range from the traditional holly and ivy vibe with ‘Golden Sprigs’ and ‘Christmas Foliage’, to the

fun, colour and sweetness of a candy shop with Paper Salad’s ‘Fun Festivities’. There is something for all the family.

Glick’s Spring 2025 range is now available to pre-order with stock deliveries in January and April 2025. The range covers Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Easter, Father’s Day and a Thank You/Congratulations package. Pre-order via your sales agent or the sales o ce before August 31 to guarantee your chosen design.

Call: 01274 655980

Email: sales@glick.co.uk

Visit: https://trade.glick.co.uk/

Flower power

Alexander Thurlow

Alexander Thurlow is introducing some wonderful new designs this season. One theme the company has been asked for are herbs, and we particularly love this new Rosemary brooch. The attention to detail is so true to the original plant that we just can’t tell the difference!.

The brand’s flowers are really on trend at the moment and have become bestsellers for all retail outlets. Alexander Thurlow suggests you visit its trade website for more inspiring ideas as unfortunately it won’t be exhibiting at Home & Gift this year.

Call: 020 8766 6466

Email: sales@alexanderthurlow.com

Visit: www.alexanderthurlow.com

Fun and

Miss Milly

floaty

Scarves aren’t just for winter warmth; they can be a chic summer accessory too. Lightweight and versatile, scarves can add a pop of colour and flair to your customers’ summer wardrobes. Here’s five ideas on how to make the most of them:

• Beach sarong: turn a large, lightweight scarf into a stylish sarong. Wrap it around your waist for an effortless beach cover-up.

• Head wrap: protect your hair from the sun and add a boho touch by wrapping a scarf around your head (ideal for beach days or festivals).

• Bag accessory: tie a colourful scarf around the handle of your bag for a personalised look.

• Belt substitute: use a thin scarf as a belt to cinch your summer dresses or shorts. It’s an easy way to add texture and interest to your outfit.

• Shoulder wrap: drape a lightweight scarf over your shoulders to fend off the evening chill, while adding elegance to your look. Miss Milly’s sparkle scarves are perfect for this. Experiment with different ways to wear scarves and discover how they can enhance your summer style effortlessly.

Call: 01905 622509

Email: hello@missmilly.co.uk

Visit: www.missmilly.co.uk

Autumn/Winter arrivals

Joma Jewellery

With brand-new styles, new-concept designs, and more sentiments than ever before, Joma Jewellery is delighted to unveil its new collection for A/W24.

As a leading brand for carded sentiment jewellery - with one ‘A Little’ sold every 30 seconds - this remains a focal point this season, with brand-new silver-plated Star Sign styles, Birth Flower Necklaces, and Alphabet Bracelets all joining the famous A Little family.

As always, Joma Jewellery has taken inspiration from the styles and collections that have brought customers the most joy. With that in mind, after the success of last season’s Mini Charms Collection, Joma Jewellery has expanded this to include new sparkling pavé styles which are sure to shimmer on your shop floor!

With Christmas on the horizon, this new collection is also bursting with a flurry of festive sentiments - all paired with sparkling statement packaging - including customer-loved Christmas Cracker Bracelets and Necklaces, as well as a dazzling line-up of Christmas-inspired A Littles, guaranteed to see customers enchanted all season.

Call: 01295 263430

Email: enquiries@jomajewellery.com

Visit: wholesale.jomajewellery.com

Hallie Crossbody Bag,

Mink

Focus on Bags & Purses

Fine art totes

Museums & Galleries

Appearing for the first time at London’s Exclusively show in June, Museums & Galleries (M&G) showcased its impressive collection of organic cotton tote bags and zippered pouches, along with kitchen textiles and insulated bottles and mugs.

This was also the first time for M&G that these gift and household products took centre stage on a trade show stand - and at a housewares show - demonstrating the company’s ambitions and commitment.

M&G also took the opportunity to preview for pre-order three new art and fashion tote bags from the company’s new licences launched this spring.

There are two totes from Mary Katrantzou: a Greek-based and London-educated fashion designer with an international reputation for her stunning original textile prints. ‘Butterflies’ and ‘Mirror Marble’ have been immediate hits

with customers as cards and gift wrap, and the designs scale up magnificently well onto tote bags.

The vibrancy of the colour work has to be experienced in-person, with the rich blue background of ‘Butterflies’ set off to perfection with orange cotton strap handles. The funky paisley-esque marbled ‘Mirror Marble’ design coordinates subtly with a champagne coloured handle.

M&G’s third new tote bag is by the British painter and printmaker Angela Harding, who created a gift packaging collection (and a first tote design) for M&G earlier this year. ‘Swallows and Sea’ is a sophisticated repeat in black and pale blue, with contrasting spots of pink on the birds’ breasts.

The new designs will join M&G’s current tote bag collection of 16 designs in September. Made of certified GOTS organic cotton with an internal pocket, these totes are strong, stylish, useful and beautiful.

Call: 01373 462165 | Email: sales@mgml.co.uk

Visit: www.museumsgalleries.co.uk

Small

Moral Bags

Joe Davies

Crossbody camera style bags and sling bags are fast becoming a fashion staple with their structured design and trendy colours. The brand-new stylish Equilibrium bag collection features a number of these in a selection of shades - and all are supplied with an attractive removable strap.

Camera bags are available with a single zip or a double zip/compartment, and sling bags - ideal for wearing across the body or around the waist - are also available in a variety of colours and styles.

If you’ve not yet got onboard with the bag strap trend, now is the time! Interchangeable straps are a fun, easy and affordable way to jazz up and personalise a bag. Equilibrium bag straps come in two widths and a range of fun designs and colours including animal prints, elegant stripes, jacquard and many more.

Call: 0161 975 6300

Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk

Visit: www.joedavies.co.uk

Moral Bags’ Tait ‘CHOC A BLOC’ Fast-degrading Tiny Backpack showcases sustainable fashion. It is made from fast-degrading fabric, which means that it can decompose into natural elements with minimal environmental impact once its lifespan ends. In addition to its eco-friendly features and lightweight construction, the item combines quality, a fashionable design, and practicality to provide the perfect backpack choice.

Call: +852 2133 3816

Email: emi@moralteam.com

Visit: www.moralbags.com

Stackers

Stackers has introduced a collection of recycled nylon bags, perfect for those with an active lifestyle. It has been created in a range of colourways to complement activewear, and aims to provide practical storage for daily essentials.

The Bottle Bag is thermo-lined to keep drinks hot or cold while you’re on-the-go: ideal for the gym, workout classes or daily walks. The Bumbag is designed to be your ultimate everyday bag, whether you’re running errands, going for a run, or heading to the airport. A purse is included, as well as a handy mirror.

Finally, The Hanging Washbag is ideal for keeping toiletries neatly organised on long or short trips. The four sections fold-up, zip together and unfold to allow you to use the hanging hook, while the soft nylon exterior is great for compacting into suitcases when you need that extra space.

Call: 01622 714212

Email: admin@lc-designs.co.uk

Visit: www.stackers.com/trade

Fashionable finishing touch

Katie Loxton

Katie Loxton is thrilled to introduce its A/W24 Collection, designed to spread style and joy this season. With a colour palette of statement garnet red, layered with metallic silver, cornflower blue, and timeless neutrals, there’s something for every customer to fall in love with.

The collection spotlights elevated little details with soft rolled handles, contrast stitching, and custom hardware, featured across brand-new bag profiles such as Perri, Margot, and Harley. The brand has even introduced a sporty-inspired Nylon-Luxe selection that takes durability and longevity to the next level.

Gifting is also a key focus this season with something for every occasion and price point, from refreshed home fragrances to luxuriously soft gift box socks, and the birthday-ready Zodiac range. After the success of Clip-On Accessories last season, the collection has been extended with even more Canvas Bag Strap pattern designs and the all-new clip-on Tilly Keychain Purse.

Of course, no winter collection would be complete without Christmas newness, and this year’s lineup is bigger and better than ever. Festive-inspired golden sentiments join classic ones, complemented by a limited-edition festive print across the packaging. Don’t miss the chance to embrace this eagerly awaited collection!

Call: 01295 250879

Email: enquiries@katieloxton.com

Visit: wholesale.katieloxton.com

A pop of colour

Also the Bison

Taking inspiration from the natural world, and the antiquarian and natural history exhibits in museums around the country, British artist Maddie Chambers has hand-painted each butterfly in her Lepidoptera Butterfly Print Pouch Bag design. Printed onto a robust cotton, with a metallic zip and a black waterproof lining, the bright hues of the pattern really do stand out, ensuring it’s both a stylish and practical item, whether used as a cosmetics bag, pen case, or clutch bag.

Call: 07906 035218

Email: hello@alsothebison.co.uk

Visit: www.alsothebison.co.uk

On trend

Santoro

As predicted by recent runway trends, envelope-style clutch bags are in this season and Santorus’ ‘Ceylon’ Envelope Clutch is poised to be the statement bag of the summer!

Featuring the beautiful ‘Ceylon’ print and crafted from bold embossed leather with co-ordinating trims and contrast lining, this stunning clutch is truly a showstopper that adds instant evening glamour.

Stylish yet practical, the clutch can be carried by its removable leather handle or worn under the arm. It also comes with a dust bag which makes it perfect for gifting. Transitioning effortlessly from day to night, this chic item is a must-have summer bag.

Email: sales@santoro-london.com

Visit: www.santoro-london.com

Timeless designs

Tipperary Crystal

Tipperary Crystal’s latest collection features timeless designs and modern elegance. The Sunset Handbag in black is a sleek, versatile addition, perfect for effortlessly elevating any outfit. The Regency Handbag in rich brown combines sophistication with functionality, making it a must-have accessory for the modern, stylish woman.

For those who prefer a compact yet stylish option, the Palermo Mini Cross Body Bag is available in both tan and black, offering a chic, practical solution for on-the-go fashion. Each piece in this exquisite collection is meticulously crafted to blend classic charm with contemporary trends, ensuring you always step out in style. Call: 018809150

Email: sales@tipperarycrystal.ie

Visit: https://www.tipperarycrystal.ie/

Christening & Baby Gifts

Gifts for little bundles of joy

Rainbow Designs

Rainbow Designs o ers a collection of beautiful and thoughtful gifts for babies and infants, featuring many of the most-loved classic story time characters.

With a prestigious portfolio which includes Peter Rabbit, Guess How Much I Love You, Disney’s Winnie the Pooh - and new for this year, Disney Baby Lion King and Harry Potter Wizarding World collections - Rainbow brings these characters to life in classic yet contemporary soft and playful infant toys, brimming with developmental features, to make treasured gifts for babies and newborns.

The Peter Rabbit Signature Collection is a range of forever toys that has been created to be shared across generations. This collection includes soft toys, comforters and ring rattles, and features two of the most traditional and muchloved children’s literacy characters: Peter Rabbit and Flopsy Bunny.

Joining this popular gifting range this autumn are Signature Peter Rabbit and Flopsy Bunny Gift Sets. The baby soft plush toy and knitted blanket, featuring a white bunny silhouette with a cute bobble tail, comes packaged in an illustrated keepsake box.

The Disney Classic Pooh Always and Forever range is a collection of Winnie the Pooh soft toys and baby gifts, including gift-boxed soft toys, comforters and ring rattles. Designed with high quality fabrics and featuring a bespoke print, these lines have been created with a vision for these adorable toys to be treasured for many years to come.

Call: 01329 227300

Email: www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk

Visit: sales@rainbowdesigns.co.uk

Joe Davies

Celebrating the birth of a new baby or a christening is always a special moment for a family and needs to be documented for future generations. So what better way to do that than by giving a classic silver-plated gift?

Joe Davies’ new pure white frames and modern silver frames have a clean classic look about them and feature 3D wording, and icons such as hearts in silver, which o er that extra special touch. Add to the frames a classic silver moneybox, and Joe Davies has something to cover every occasion and budget.

Call: 0161 975 6300

Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk

Visit: www.joedavies.co.uk

Cherished keepsake

Personalised Memento Company

This Personalised Christening Ceramic Square Money Box from Personalised Memento Company is a gift that will be treasured for a lifetime. Simply add your chosen personalisation to create the perfect present to commemorate this special ceremonial occasion. The item is part of PMC’s large selection of christening gifts. Get in touch with PMC to discover more about how personalised gifts can work for your business.

Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk

Visit: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

Treats for tots

Ziggle

Billed as the UK’s leading baby accessories brand, Ziggle Baby Gift Boxes - which feature boxed bibs, muslins, and swaddles - are a previous ﬁnalist in the Gift of the Year Awards. Each item is designed with love and knowledge, providing practical solutions for new parents. The bibs keep babies dry, the muslins o er multiple uses, and the swaddles ensure comfort.

These beautifully packaged gifts are not only functional but also bring joy and style to parenting. Ideal for any occasion, they make thoughtful, cherished presents for parents and their little ones.

Call: 01625 569530

Email: Nicole@ziggle.co.uk

Visit: www.ziggle.co.uk

Bright idea!

Personalised Memento Company

Design debuts

Dunoon

Dunoon has added several new designs to its range of fine bone china mugs, which are handcrafted in Staffordshire.

Shaggy Sheep is a set of three distinctive designs on Dunoon’s Orkney shape. Each mug features characterful portraits of Herdwick, Suffolk and Swaledale sheep along with their young, painted in watercolour by Kate Mawdsley,

Spellbound is a set of two amusing designs on Dunoon’s Cairngorm shape. Illustrated by Cherry Denman, both feature humorous caricatures of witches flying on broomsticks, mixing potions, and generally up to their ‘not so good’ tricks, along with bats, ghosts and pumpkins.

A new addition to PMC’s extensive range of personalised gifts is this lovely Home Sweet Home black lantern. Stylish and functional, this personalised lantern is sure to add a cosy touch to any room, with its realistic warm orange flame effect. With the option to add your own message, it can be used for many occasions, from wishing the recipient lots of happiness in their new home, to congratulating a newly married couple. Get in touch with PMC today for more information.

Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk

Visit: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

A statement piece

Joe Davies

The brand-new collection of Vesuvius Vases from Joe Davies is both stylish and elegant. Available in a variety of sizes and styles including bottle, tapered and bowl shapes, these vases are a real statement piece for the home.

The on trend ‘dripping’ effect is a cool representation of modernist style and is available in three of the most popular home décor colours - grey, blue and teal - ensuring there is something that will sit comfortably in most homes.

Joe Davies recently became an employee-owned business and is proud of its reputation for award-winning service. It offers one of the largest gift, jewellery and fashion accessories collections in the industry, and all products are available in its trademark ‘little and often’ quantities, with a minimum order value of just £100 and free nationwide delivery.

Call: 0161 975 6300

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

Pretty Paws (pictured) is a delightful set of three designs on Dunoon’s Cairngorm shape, painted in watercolour by Claire Winteringham. Each mug is colour-themed and features black and white cats, tabby cats and tortoiseshell cats peeking out from flower borders, along with delicate butterflies, bees and ladybirds flying around.

Call: 01785 817414

Email: sales@dunoonmugs.co.uk

Visit: www.dunoonmugs.co.uk

Vintage vibe

Rex London

Inspired by the success of its bestselling storage tin sets, Rex London is delighted to introduce a brand new jumbo size. The tins feature some of Rex’s most popular designs, inspired by vintage food and drink packaging, for the perfect ‘shelfie’.

Each set comprises two tins of different sizes for versatile use around the home. They provide a unique alternative to a traditional indoor plant pot, and customers can also use them to organise anything from utensils and umbrellas to toys and tools.

The full collection can be found on Rex London’s website, and a comprehensive trade catalogue is available for free online or as a downloadable PDF.

Call: 020 8746 1700

Email: info@rexlondon.com | Visit: www.rexlondontrade.com

“We

have brands that offer something di erent”

Global Luxury Brands partners with some of the ﬁnest brands in the tableware and giftware sector, o ering both bespoke and standard ranges tailored to retail and the design trade, as managing director Simon Willis explains

At GLB (Global Luxury Brands), we are a small team who has worked with many of our brands for over 10 years. We all enjoy working with great products, and also with the teams behind those products. We have great relationships with all our partners. So when we are approached to add a new brand, we want to make sure that the product and the people are a good ﬁt.

Some months ago we had an approach from the team at US-based tableware and giftware company Pampa Bay, following a personal recommendation. After much email discussion, we met founder Carlos Barbagallo and his team at the German trade show Ambiente, and immediately felt a great connection with them and a huge admiration for their product.

It’s not often that we see something as we approach a stand and know that it is right for us. But the quality of the porcelain and the metal ﬁnishes just sparkled as we walked towards it. Having been in ceramics for almost 40 years (that makes me feel rather old), I know how di cult some of the shapes in the range are to make.

Added to which, at a time when many manufacturers are struggling with platinum as a decoration, it was great to see that Pampa Bay has no such issues. The range is vast, and we will be stocking a selection of

it in our UK distribution centre from early September.

The unique point about this range is that the fully decorated pieces look like metal but without the issues of that material. They are easy to care for and have all the performance that you would expect from high-ﬁred porcelain.

Whether elevating the look of your table with the stunning serving items, or giving a gift-boxed item that will always be remembered, there is something to ﬁt. We were all amazed at the shapes - and they look even better in your hand. We are excited to add this new range to our selection of high quality giftware and tableware.

De Rosa has been with us since the very start; a family-owned business o ering a unique range of hand-carved and hand-painted ceramic ﬁgurines.

Noritake is one of the giants of the tableware market which we have worked with for many years as an agent and more recently as the UK distributor, with extensive stocks of most porcelain patterns in the UK. The quality is unsurpassed.

Again, Goebel was a brand that we started o with as an agent many years ago, and now act as the distributor with UK stocks available - like all our ranges - for delivery within a few days. The Goebel range is extensive and is ﬁnding more and more retailers around the UK who appreciate the exclusive nature of the range and the huge variety of styles available.

We think we have brands that o er something di erent to our customers, so please get in touch if you would like to learn more.

Call: 01538 807780

Email: info@glb.uk.com

Visit: www.globalluxurybrands.co.uk

Let’s talk fragrances... and more

Lesser & Pavey has been hard at work developing lots of new ranges and products for the second half of the year

Home fragrance is a sector that is continuing to grow for Lesser & Pavey - not only with new products, but also with fresh/bespoke fragrances and innovative gift packaging. After all, a beautiful, scented soy candle or di user is always di cult to resist!

The company’s Desire Reactive Glazed Candles and Di users come in three fragrance options: the tranquil scent of Cashmere & Silk, the earthy Amber & Sandalwood, and the passionate Oud & Bergamot. Each scent is reﬂected in the colour selected for its reactive glazed ceramic vessel.

The candles o er 45 or 60 hours burn time, while the reed di users are available in 100ml and 200ml sizes with natural wood reeds. New additions include more 500ml and 1 litre di users with natural or coloured reeds

As always, Lesser & Pavey’s premium gift boxes encapsulate these fragrance treasures with foil embellishment, and a fragrance smell test features on the side of the di users.

A ﬁrm favourite with buyers, the company has added to its sparkling Desire Diamanté range with the latest version of the Desire ‘Bling’ Diamanté, with the number one

fragrance Pomegranate Noir.

This range is available in a range of sizes -100ml, 200ml and 500ml - with reed di user. The candle and di user come together to form exquisite gift sets, with sets of three 50ml di users and two sizes of diamanté encrusted candles with lids.

Desire Pampas Di users are perfect for reﬂecting the home decor scene, with neutral colours and nature at the forefront of design. There are two sizes of di users in this range: 100ml and 200ml. Each fragrance bottle comes with natural sprigs of pampas and natural wooden reeds. The fragrances o ered include Cashmere & Silk, Vanilla & Anise, Pomegranate Noir, and Lavender Fields.

Meanwhile, Lesser & Pavey has introduced some new colourways in the form of quality housewares reﬂecting the charm and beauty of timeless designs by William Morris.

Three new colours include William Morris Larkspur (green), William Morris Midnight, Pimpernel (dark blue) and William Morris Strawberry Thief (white).

The signature o ering comprises ﬁne china mugs, a jug, a butter dish, cruets and egg cups. Gift sets of two mugs and sets of four mugs in deluxe rigid hat box gift boxing are also available. Complementary non-ceramic items include coasters, placemats, melamine trays and lap trays.

Finally, Lesser & Pavey continues its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. As well as eliminating the use of plastics wherever possible, the company has introduced products made 100% out of recycled materials.

Two such notable new collections are R’Pet Pals - a collection of supersoft plush toys crafted from 100% recycled plastic waste - and R’Pet Travel Mugs, which combine stunning artistic designs with eco-conscious materials, providing both aesthetic pleasure and environmental responsibility.

Call: 01322 279 225

Email: sales@leonardo.co.uk

Visit: www.leonardo.co.uk

Giving the gift of time

Cotton & Grey co-founders Claire Sowden and Paul Banyard describe the brand’s inspiring journey, from launching its ﬁrst product in lockdown to reaching the ﬁnals of the Gift of the Year Awards

Claire Sowden and Paul Banyard launched Cotton & Grey following lockdown, after making a gift for a close friend who was struggling in the pandemic. It consisted of a small box of candles and handwritten messages to help her relax and encourage mindfulnessand she loved them! Their friend’s positive reaction, along with others who saw the gift, convinced them there was a market for their product.

Claire says: “This subsequently led us to launch Twenty Minute Candles as a business venture - and the Twenty Minute Candles gift set with a rmation cards was born, quickly gaining recognition.

“Lockdown left many people feeling low, making mental health increasingly important. Our product is essentially a ‘Gift of Time’ for personal use or as a caring present. It promotes wellbeing and allows people to give support and love to those they care about. The concept resonated deeply, capturing imaginations and meeting a signiﬁcant need.”

As Christmas 2021 approached, the pair introduced mini box gift sets with titles such as Yoga, Meditation, and Relaxation Candles. These products were wellreceived, leading to the development of seven ranges of mini box sets, with more to come.

The candles, made from 100% pure beeswax with a subtle honey aroma, serve as timers. Each burns for 20 minutes, making them perfect to allow the recipient 20 minutes of ‘me’ time each day for relaxation, meditation or mindfulness.

The added touch of a positive message or sweet sentiment on the top of the box creates a caring and thoughtful gift that can be tailored to the person or occasion. Each box contains 12 candles and a ceramic holder.

Packaging quality is crucial to Claire and Paul. They

invest signiﬁcant time in designing new collections and crafting the messages that wrap around the boxes. Their candle sets, priced at £14.95, continue to be popular gifts.

Three years on, the candles have thrived, reaching the ﬁnals of The Giftware Association’s Gift of the Year Awards for three consecutive years, and expanding globally.

Call: 07931 373756

Email: info@cottonandgrey.com

Visit: https://cottonandgrey.com/

box of’ collection with 12 Twenty Minute Candles and a ceramic holder

Cotton & Grey co-founders Paul Banyard and Claire Sowden

How it all began: the Twenty Minute Candles gift set with 10 candles, a holder, and 10 aﬃrmation cards

Celebrating 75 years of excellence

For 75 years, Langs has been at the forefront of the gift and home décor industry, setting trends with our unique timeless collections. Founded in 1949, Langs has grown from a small family business into a leading supplier, known for our commitment to quality, innovation, and exceptional customer service.

The business began in the front room of Mr Richard Lang Senior. It was known as Richard Lang & Son back then, and for many years to follow - only in recent years have we a ectionately become known as Langs.

Richard’s son Rolf Lang used to help in the school holidays and took over as a young adult to eventually become managing director and owner, and it developed into a thriving wholesale business.

A management buyout in 2019 marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Today the company is headed up by me, Steve, and Keith at the helm.

All of us have a clear vision to strategically navigate the market and continue to deliver high quality products and services. Our wealth of experience, dedication and devotion ensures the Langs name is taken forwards.

As Langs marks a signiﬁcant milestone anniversary, design and buying director Jane Bourne reﬂects on the company’s rich history; the purpose, values and vision that have been part of its journey over the decades; and the exciting future that lies ahead

Sharing our purpose

Our purpose as a company is to create a welcoming family environment, giving you creativity and innovation with a passion to always o er you exclusively designed products. We aim to inspire customers with unique designs and ideas, ensuring that our products are fresh and reﬂective of contemporary trends.

“Our ethos is built on our core values: friendliness, supportiveness and forward-thinking”

We take time to understand our customers’ needs and preferences, and this customer-centric approach is deeply embedded in our design process, which takes place at our headquarters in Derby. Our products are designed in-house by our creative team, each bringing their own individual style and perspective to the table, which enables us to cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. We have a team of experienced

agents located across the UK and Ireland, who work closely alongside customers to provide exceptional service and support.

Sharing our vision

To be a market leader, we believe that family and relationships are at the heart of our business. We will ensure that we go above and beyond in all we do together to deliver a diverse, quality product range.

Sharing our values

Our ethos is built on our core values: friendliness, supportiveness and forward-thinking. We embrace innovation, and strive to stay ahead by anticipating industry trends and adapting proactively. These values guide us in creating a happy atmosphere, a happy environment and, most importantly, happy people.

We are committed to improving our carbon footprint by transitioning from paper to paperless operations. By adopting digitalization services, we aim to reduce waste, enhance e ciency, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

What’s new and now

Over the past few months, our design team has been dedicated to creating our brand-new Spring 2025 collection. We’re excited to announce that this stunning collection will be on display for the ﬁrst time at Home & Gift.

Our latest o erings feature a mix of hand-painted artwork, from fresh spring ﬂorals and garden birds to leaping lambs - all of which will help to provide some fresh content for all retail space from the start of the year.

Creating a delightful Easter setting has become very popular in the gift market, and our new Hoppy Days bunny theme incorporates soft pastels, mixed with cute bunnies, toadstools and crochet hanging eggs - combined with ﬂoral accents to bring the joy of the spring season to your shop.

For many years, sheep have played a large role in our gift o ering, and each year we always update our sheep range. This year we have woolly lambs, all

hand-painted to bring a fresh springtime feel to your home. These woolly friends capture the essence of countryside charm and natural beauty.

A captivating blend of hand-painted ﬂorals and a thatched cottage are the backdrop to our new Cottage Garden collection. We have some stunning new stoneware tea-light houses - which are all

“Over the past few months, our design team has been dedicated to creating our brand-new Spring 2025 collection. We’re excited to announce that this will be on display for the ﬁrst time at Home & Gift”

designed in-house - and you will ﬁnd updates to some of our top-selling giftware lines.

Mum is always one of the top-selling gift lines at the beginning of the year, and the celebration of Mother’s Day takes place in 2025 on Sunday March 30. We have many new gift ideas for this special occasion, which include ﬂorals and gifts that don’t necessarily say Mum but make a perfect gift for that special lady.

Discover our etched cut-out ﬂoral wood collection, where natural wood meets craftsmanship. Each item features intricate ﬂoral patterns, designed to bring a touch of rustic charm: perfect for Mother’s Day or to simply add a touch of nature-inspired beauty to your space.

Stay tuned for more previews of new Spring 2025 collections as we approach the event - this is just a small teaser of what you will see!

More exciting news... in addition to all our brandnew gift and home collections, we will have a brand-

new custom-made stand designed to showcase both our latest and beloved existing products at Home & Gift. We are conﬁdent that this new presentation will enhance your experience, allowing you to appreciate the beauty, quality and creativity that goes into every piece.

We look forward to welcoming you to our stand (A-A30) at Harrogate for an exciting and inspiring experience. It’s going to be a big 75th birthday celebration for a full 75 days. We’d love you to be part of our family, and we look forward to seeing you all.

Buying festival is back

bigger and better!

Having run since 1960, the Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival is back in Harrogate this month, and set to be the biggest and best edition in years

Home & Gift returns to the Harrogate Convention Centre (HCC) and the grounds of the DoubleTree By Hilton from July 21 to July 24, taking over the North Yorkshire spa town for four days of sourcing, networking and inspiration.

This year, visitors will be treated to an expanded ﬂoor plan, which holds 10% more exhibitors than in 2023 - over 15% of which are exclusive to the show, meaning buyers won’t see them anywhere else this season. Those seeking newness are also in for a treat, as it can be found in every corner, with 32% of exhibiting brands making their Home & Gift debut.

With more than 500 brands and thousands of product launches across three Design Points and four halls of the HCC, Home & Gift is a great chance for buyers to start sourcing stock in advance of the crucial Golden Quarter.

From contemporary gifts and fashion accessories to pet products and home fragrance, retailers will see it all, from show favourites including Alice Wheeler London, Bomb Cosmetics, Caroline Gardner, D&X, Designworks, Enesco, Flick Fashions, Forever England, Giftware Trading, Hot Tomato, Joe Davies, Kikkerland, Lagoon, Langs, London Ornaments, Miss Shorthair, Miss Sparrow, Ohh Deer, PoM, Powell-Craft, Roka London, St. Eval, Stoneglow Candles, Talking Tables, and The Art File.

They can also explore ranges from newcomers including Ampersand Fragrances, Asobu, Bothy Threads, Cadenza Italy, Esperance & Co, Floss & Rock, Growbar, GRY & SIF, Jardinopia,

Alfresco more

Marius Fabre, Philever, Robinvalley, Roomytown, Smart Toys & Games, Soctopus, Sophos, Sthal, The Little Dog Laughed, Tipperary, and Trampoline.

Visitors are set to enjoy a smoother sourcing experience on-site this year too, with the show layout rejigged to accommodate the substantial increase in exhibitor numbers. Design Point 1 will be noticeably bigger, holding an additional 10% more stands. This extension also means a new entrance to the hotel grounds and Design Points, with visitors now coming in via the Rose Gate by both the relocated Design Point 4, and Alfresco Bistro. In another update to make more room for stands, the Indigo Lounge has relocated from Hall M in the HCC to the Majestic Hotel, and is accessed via Design Point 3.

In addition to exploring products, buyers can be inspired by the Trends feature (at the front of Hall M in the HCC) curated by The Better Trends Company, which will present its predictions for the season ahead.

They can also take the opportunity to network at multiple social events. Sunday evening kicks o with the show’s Sundowner Drinks, where The Giftware Association will announce the winner of the People’s Choice category of the Gift of the Year Awards 2024. On Monday and Tuesday, attendees can enjoy Drinks on the Lawn outside the Design Points, and Monday is the night of the Show Party.

Home & Gift blends business and pleasure - all under the July sun in picturesque Harrogate. Register to attend now at https://homeandgift.co.uk.

What: Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival Where: Harrogate Convention Centre and DoubleTree By Hilton Majestic Hotel, Yorkshire When: July 21-24

Email: marketing@homeandgift.co.uk

Visit: https://homeandgift.co.uk

Harrogate

A quartet

of award honours

Best Kept Secrets is celebrating a triumphant year in the home fragrance sector, after the brand secured prestigious accolades at the Gift of the Year Awards 2024, organised by The Giftware Association

The brand not only clinched the top spot in the Home Fragrance category with its Just Because Three Lite Boxes, but the Just Because collection was a ﬁnalist in both the coveted My Gift of All Time category and the Under £15 category. In addition, Best Kept Secrets’ Our Fragrant World collection was a ﬁnalist in the Ethical and Sustainable Gift category.

This recognition underscores the company’s commitment to continuous product development and innovation. Managing director Vanessa Curry says: “Winning the Home Fragrance category of the Gift of the Year Awards 2024 for our Just Because Three Lite Boxes is truly an honour. It validates our dedication to crafting products that combine quality, a ordability and sustainability, which is at the core of everything we do.”

The past year has been monumental for Best Kept Secrets, marked by a doubling in retail sales and the successful launch of the Luminescence Collection. This range features luxurious, new vessel designs and will be showcased at Home & Gift alongside the launch of ﬁve captivating new fragrances: Marshmallow and Green Pistachio, Sugared Violets and Vanilla, Soft Linen and Eucalyptus, Madagascan Vanilla and Salted Caramel, and Something Rouge.

Vanessa adds: “Our goal is to o er exceptional home fragrance experiences at a price point that’s accessible to all. We’re committed to sustainability,

using eco-conscious materials and ethical production practices in every product we create.”

The Just Because collection continues to be a standout, and is now personalised with customerselected sentiments, enhancing its appeal as thoughtful gifts. The brand will also be launching Just Because wax melt cards.

She notes: “They encapsulate everything our brand stands for: joy, personalisation, and a ordability. With options for eight large or 16 smaller wax melts cubes across all Just Because range titles, we think they will be a huge hit with retailers.” In fact, the whole Best Kept Secrets range exempliﬁes the brand’s dedication to a ordability without compromising on quality or sustainability.

With a robust retail strategy and a customercentric approach, Best Kept Secrets continues to set benchmarks in the home fragrance market. As Vanessa sums up: “This year has been incredible for us, and we’re grateful for the industry recognition and the loyalty of our customers. We look forward to continuing to innovate and bring joy into homes across the UK.”

For retailers seeking products that combine elegance, sustainability, and a ordability, visit Best Kept Secrets’ stand to discover how its award-winning products can elevate your retail o ering and delight your customers.

Stand: A-A16

Call: 01670 512222

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

L-R: Paul, Madeleine and Vanessa Curry

Fusing comfort and joy

Prepare to be enchanted as you step into the world of cuddly companions with Warmies

Known for its innovative microwavable soft toys and wellness products, Warmies continues to enchant both children and adults with its delightful and whimsical soft toys.

With more than 25 years of industry experience, the brand creates cuddly sensory plush that provides countless soothing benefits.

Each product is a sensory delight, infused with real dried lavender sourced from the picturesque fields of Provence in France, and filled with all-natural grains. This combination ensures that every Warmie delivers a perfect blend of softness, comforting weight, and therapeutic warmth.

The gentle pressure of a Warmie is much like a weighted blanket, offering a sense of security and calm that helps alleviate anxiety symptoms. Additionally, the long-lasting warmth of Warmies can help to relieve stress, aches, and pains, making them an essential wellness companion.

But Warmies are more than just adorable soft toys. They are also heartwarming gifts suitable for all ages. From snuggly microwavable plushies to luxurious slippers, each Warmies creation fuses comfort and joy.

This season, Warmies unveils an exciting range of new designs that are sure to captivate and delight. Sports enthusiasts will love the new sports-themed soft toys, including the Warmies Football and Tennis Ball, while food lovers will be charmed by the culinary-themed Warmies Grilled Cheese and Pink Donut. These huggable friends cater for a variety of tastes, ensuring there’s a Warmie for everyone.

Warmies products are not only designed for warmth but can also be cooled, making them ideal companions for all seasons. So whether you’re a retailer, supplier, agent, or just someone needing a little extra cosiness and fun, dive into the world of Warmies and discover the magic of cuddly companionship!

Call: 01933 679 777

Email: sales@warmies.co.uk

Visit: www.warmies.co.uk

Enesco Limited, Brun thill Road, Kingstow n, Carlisle CA3 0EN

UK Customer Services: Telephone: 01228 404022 Emai l: uk sales@enesco.co.uk

Over seas Customer Services: Telephone: +44 (0) 1228 404066 Emai l: eurosales@enesco.co.uk

A bounty of gifts

Joe Davies has one of the largest ranges in the gift industry, including the popular Equilibrium jewellery and fashion ranges, alongside many other products

Village Pottery

One of Joe Davies’ bestselling ranges is its huge collection of Village Pottery. Customers can’t get enough of this rustic-style quirky pottery! After starting with a few houses, the range has had many additions created by the company’s in-house design team, making most models exclusive to Joe Davies. Latest arrivals include shops, new churches, a giant-sized teapot, and some new Christmas houses featuring ceramic festive decorations adorning the walls. There are plenty of choices to add to your existing collection and make a big statement in-store.

Moggy Mates

Cat Ranges are always popular with Joe Davies’ customers and following on from its Pooch Pals wooden range of dog lover gifts, the company has introduced Moggy Mates. This range includes wooden standing cat-shaped plaques, photo frames, tealights, coasters, and standing hearts. It features black cats on a natural wood and white distressed ﬁnish, with a sweet heartfelt message - making perfect gifts for cat lovers.

T-Shirt Sheep

Sheep are habitually a hit with Joe Davies’ customers. They make the perfect home decoration and a cute little gift to give to friends and family. T-Shirt Sheep is the new range of sheep gifts with a fun little twist of curly, ﬂu y covered sheep wearing yellow, orange and blue striped T-shirts. These are sure to be a talking point and bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Spring Folk Art

Mushrooms are trending now in the gift market - and not just for the garden. They are popular for home décor too. With this in mind, Joe Davies has launched Spring Folk Art: a charming range of pastel spring-coloured mini wooden houses and toadstool houses decorated with pretty dried flowers. Choose sweet mini house planters filled with dried flowers, or table plaques to decorate a space on the windowsill or mantelpiece.

Equilibrium Geometric Collection

Geometric shapes are not only aesthetically pleasing but also timeless, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to your look. From earrings and bracelets to necklaces, the captivating

new Equilibrium Geometric Collection gives you endless options. Classic squares and modern rectangles featuring clean lines and sharp angles make these eye-catching pieces the perfect way to add contrast to your outﬁt. Bold yet modern and with a hint of retro chic, the clean lines of this range make it as timeless as your usual hoop earrings - but with a distinct point of di erence.

Equilibrium Accessories

When it comes to fashion accessories, the Equilibrium collection has got you well and truly covered, even for those di cult to buy for men in your life! For cold and wet weather, a Winter trio comprising a scarf, gloves and a hat will not only shield him from the elements but will add a touch of style to his outﬁt. The scarves are in a variety of styles and fabrics, from distinct patterns and bright colours to more subdued designs. And there are gloves to suit all tastes including soft ﬂeecy styles, modern knitted designs, and brand-new for A/W: men’s chenille beanie hats. Fashionable yet functional, Equilibrium for Men scarves and gloves are presented in luxury branded gift boxes.

All products are available in Joe Davies’ trademark ‘little and often’ quantities, with a minimum order value of just £100 and free nationwide delivery.

Stand: B-A02

Call: 0161 975 6300

Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk

Visit: www.joedavies.co.uk

New additions VENT for Change Stand:

DP1-D35

Following VENT for Change’s success in the Gift of the Year Awards 2024 with its second winning entry in three years, the sustainable stationery company will be showcasing new additions to its award-winning Ocean Collection, which triumphed in the Ethical & Sustainable Gift category.

As well as A5 notebooks made from recycled ocean waste plastic, VENT will be revealing new Ocean Collection clipboards, shopping pads and recycled ocean waste plastic pens.

VENT will also highlight its campaigning philosophy with a charity bracelet made from ocean waste plastic. Now synonymous with cause-led brands, the charity bracelet will further cement VENT’s approach to raising essential funds for the third sector; in this case, supporting children’s education alongside protecting the planet.

Call: 07395 284788

Email: lucy@ventforchange.co.uk

Visit: www.ventforchange.co.uk

Stand: A-A38

This will be Letterbox Love’s first appearance at Home & Gift. Director and founder Kerry Bilson says: “There has been such a buzz about this event that we just had to get involved, and we are very excited. We will be showcasing our 2024 Christmas Collection and introducing our innovative elephant dung greeting cards! Home & Gift is the ideal platform for us to connect with retailers, buyers, and fellow industry professionals, so we can’t wait to see you there.”

This award-winning husband-and-wife gifting business came to life in the first national lockdown. Kerry explains: “When the world turned upside down in 2020, there was a need for positivity and spreading love. Letterbox Love started as a passion project to do just that: celebrate life, appreciate the small wins and spread kindness when people needed it most. So ours is a story created from love and passion, with customer satisfaction at the forefront of every decision.”

Call: 01773 475760

Email: kerry@letterbox-love.co.uk

Visit: https://letterbox-love.co.uk/

Fresh fragrance

Henry & Co. Stand: DP1-D90

With the increased demand for fragrances that enhance wellbeing, Henry & Co. is launching a brand-new fragrance for Home & Gift.

Eucalyptus & Oakmoss is described by the company as ‘a fresh, herbal and aromatic fragrance. The first aroma that consumers will experience is peppermint teamed with rosemary and eucalyptus. The blend then includes the floral scents of geranium, tonka and patchouli, followed by the stunning aromas of oakmoss. The cooling scent of eucalyptus is known for its ability to clear the mind and promote focus, and is a must-have fragrance for retailers to include in their Henry & Co. fragrance offering’.

Creative director Jo Ashton comments: “Developing this fragrance was complex. Ensuring the consumer experiences the desired effects of the eucalyptus, yet ensuring the other fragrances can also be experienced, was interesting to test. I’m delighted with the outcome, as this fragrance blend is truly unique. Wellbeing fragrances are becoming increasingly popular, and we are excited to add them to our collection.”

Eucalyptus & Oakmoss is available in candles, wax melts, artisan wax melt bars and reed diffusers.

Call: 0333 1882006

Email: hello@henryandcompany.co.uk

Visit: www.henryandcofragrance.co.uk

These super bright white mugs, with matching ceramic coasters, are the latest Lifestyle range from Global Journey Gifts. With full colour glaze and intricate designs inside the mugs that complement the outside wording beautifully, the company says this specialised collection is ‘as unique and innovative as it is colourful and attractive - not to mention surprisingly affordable and competitively priced’. With high temperature decals inside and out, the mugs are also fully microwave- and dishwasher-safe.

Call: 0161 872 0333

Email: isamuels@global-journey.com

Visit: www.global-journey.com

WARMIES CAPYBARA RRP £19.99

WARMIES HEATABLE BODY WRAP RRP £19.99

art for every home A ordable

An exciting new addition to Enesco’s enviable portfolio is the brand-new décor and accessories collection Arty, where a ordable art meets daily life. This well-priced wonderful range features a selection of paintings by Vincent Van Gogh and Hokusai, incorporated in everyday items - adding a touch of colour to daily lives.

Arty displays Van Gogh’s powerful use of colour and dramatic brush strokes through four of his most fascinating paintings: Starry Night, Sunﬂowers, Irises, and Café Terrace at Night. The Dutch PostImpressionist artist painted whatever subjects were available to him - often fresh ﬂowers from the market or outdoor scenes - bringing out their beauty through his unique style.

The Arty range is inspired by his transformation of ordinary things into captivating scenes, bringing enchantment to the day through mugs, tote bags, compact mirrors, coasters and more.

The range also includes Hokusai’s masterpiece featuring a design in hues of blue inspired by the Fuji Wave, in functional giftware items. Launch packs are available to help you make an in-store statement and merchandise beautifully.

To complement the Arty collection, Enesco is thrilled to enhance its o ering of a ordable art-themed products by introducing the freshly reimagined Allen Designs’ homeware collections, marking a renewed approach to delightful gifting with four brand-new designs: The Hummingbird, The Scooter, The Cup of Tea, and The Country Cat. These combine charm and creativity, providing the perfect solutions for memorable gifting occasions.

Crafted with giftable moments in mind, the collections o er an array of captivating products. From the Tea for One set to Mug & Spoon gift sets, side plates, and tote bags, there is something enchanting for every recipient. Discover the beauty and creativity of The Hummingbird Collection which exudes nature-inspired vibrancy, while The Scooter Collection embodies playful adventure. Tea lovers can indulge in the elegance of The Cup of Tea Collection, while cat enthusiasts will ﬁnd joy in the designs of The Country Cat Collection. Elevate your gifting occasions with these four distinctive Allen Designs’ homeware collections, in stock from early July. Again, launch packs are available. This a ordable art, showcased over numerous formats, o ers your customers a moment of indulgence at great price points.

‘We’ve

got you covered’ Autumn 24:

Alice Wheeler London

Alice Wheeler London continues to go from strength to strength and 2024 is no exception, with a celebration of new brands and fresh and innovative ideas, using the latest materials and exquisite designs. If you’re in search of inspiration, there has never been a better time to explore the brand’s Autumn range of accessories, which will be presented at Home & Gift.

Earlier this season Alice Wheeler London introduced a luxurious accessories range, crafted in vegan leather and suedette combinations, which has been an outstanding success. Alice Wheeler Nappa o ers refreshing and inspiring lines of luxury, designed with durability and permanence in mind.

Autumn 24 sees the launch of a diverse range of fashion, beauty and gift accessories, and touches of class with the new Florence dual-purpose handbag and shoulder-cross body, which features top handle and adjustable strap options.

There is an extensive range of crossbody bags, and the stunning Lisbon boxed camera and Milan Tote: both styled using sophisticated woven techniques with fused contrasting materials, and available in four classic colourways including the latest Navy collection - new for the season.

Soho crossbody bags remain one of Alice Wheeler London’s top selling boutique designs, and new for Autumn 24, the brand is adding further new colours to the collection, o ering more than 25 colour options ready to accessorise any outﬁt with a chic and feminine touch.

Continuing with fashion, Autumn introductions include three fabulous new creations with personality. Look out for The Highbury CB, Mini Bloomsbury phone CB, and all-new Chelsea Clutch - part of the signature collection and available in a range of vibrant colourways to suit all tastes and ﬁt e ortlessly into any wardrobe.

Whatever the occasion, Alice Wheeler London has created a range of gifting solutions this season. Whether it’s the latest jewellery roll, boxed gift set combinations, compact mirrors, manicure sets, or glasses’ cases in an array of colours…. they’ve got you covered! And don’t forget its amazing range of beauty accessories.

Finally, look out for the latest brand introduction: The London Train Case Company (LTC). Taking its extremely successful train case design, LTC has a range of travel/beauty accessories available in two sizes, and o ers a superb range of colours with ﬂashes of pop coloured zip fasteners and matching interiors. The range includes three leather options in classic neutrals. These are true investment pieces which are perfect for those who want quality and style.

Stand: A-B22

Call: 0121 459 9777

Email: orders@fmgsales.co.uk

Visit: www.alicewheelerlondon.co.uk

Shine on…

Sea Gems Stand: C-A27

A family-run jewellery company with more than 40 years of design heritage and experience, Sea Gems has created brand-new collections for S/S24.

Designed in Cornwall, the company has crafted silver jewellery and gift collections that capture the essence of its landscape and Celtic heritage. The Silver Origins brand (pictured) features contemporary sterling silver with delicately textured and polished surfaces, together with gold vermeil or semi-precious stones. You will discover striking organic designs, beachcomber shells, botanical, and wildlife, as well as fun, whimsical motifs.

The Celtic Lands silver collection celebrates Sea Gems’ heritage with stunning and elaborate knotwork. New designs give a fresh look to the already successful brand. Plus, the art of fine enamelling creates truly unique jewellery and gifts in the Mackintosh, Celtic and nature ranges. Inspired gift ranges include pens, bookmarks, compact mirrors, pillboxes, and scarf-rings.

Call: 01736 335840

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

The Country Candle Co., an established but fast-growing brand in home fragrance, is excited to showcase its fantastic products at Home & Gift. Visitors can look forward to an impressive lineup featuring brand-new innovative Scented Expressions fragrance cards, perfect for infusing any space with beautiful scents.

Additionally, the company’s bestselling Christmas range will be on display. The wonderfully whimsical Enchanted Woodland Collection encapsulates the very essence of Christmas, with the nation’s favourite festive fragrances.

Another highlight is a new licensed range in collaboration with one of the UK’s bestselling wildlife artists Bree Merryn, blending captivating art with The Country Candle Co.’s signature scents.

This year The Country Candle Co. has welcomed two brand-new exciting licensing collaborations: Bree, and Emma Lawrence, an award-winning artist from Shropshire. It will have full displays of both these licenced collections on its stand. Built on a dedication to quality and craftsmanship, The Country Candle Co. is a British familyowned manufacturer with a mission to spread ‘Beautifully British Fragrance’ throughout the UK.

Founded in 2009, the company has consistently grown year by year while staying true to its core values of creating ‘Beautifully British’ home fragrance products, and going the extra mile to support retail partners with so much more than being just a supplier.

Plus, over the past couple of months, the firm has been working on an exciting new identity for its contract manufacturing service: a side of the business that continues to go from strength to strength.

Visit The Country Candle Co. at stand DP1-C31 to experience its remarkable products firsthand, and find out all about Country Candle bespoke projects and how they can tell your brand story through Beautifully British Fragrance.

Call: 01249 478 660

Email: sales@countrycandle.co.uk

Visit: https://thecountrycandlecompany.com/

Seasonal delights

We Love Seasons Stand: DP1-C60

At Home & Gift, We Love Seasons will celebrate the changing seasons with joy and enthusiasm. Its new collections blend Danish ‘hygge’ [the practice of creating cosy and congenial environments that promote emotional wellbeing] and British traditions into seasonal decorations and gifts.

The company says: ‘We believe in the philosophy that less is more, emphasising quality over quantity. Our stand will be transformed into a showcase of our beautiful range of autumn and Christmas products. From autumnal decor in warm colours and natural materials to festive ornaments, you’ll find everything you need to create a magical display and an inviting atmosphere for your customers.

‘We are also excited to launch our own designed collection of gifts: all proudly made in the UK. These unique, high-quality items are suitable for any occasion and are sure to delight your customers. They reflect our commitment to supporting local artisans and bringing the best of British craftsmanship to your store.

‘Visit our stand to explore our seasonal displays and discover perfect products to enhance your offerings this autumn and Christmas. We can’t wait to share the magic of the seasons with you, and help you bring the best to your customers!’

Call: 07895 840 887

Email: sales@weloveseasons.com | Visit: www.weloveseasons.com

Spring into summer…

The Wheat Bag Company Stand: DP1-B58

The Wheat Bag Company has been busy creating products ready to showcase at Home & Gift. It is excited to launch Outdoor Water Repellent Cushions made from a soft to touch breathable fabric, which is not only comfortable to rest against, but will enhance any garden furniture.

Also new are Microwavable Wheat Packs. A follow-on from the brand’s popular Microwavable Wheat Bags, these are larger in size, making them suitable for placing on specific parts of the body to help soothe the user’s aches and pains and keep warm. In addition, they can be popped in the freezer and used as a cool pack.

The supplier is commemorating a decade of trading and is delighted to report that business is growing yearon-year. It is very proud to supply most of the major garden centre chains and independents around the UK, including Blue Diamond, British Garden Centres, Klondyke, Notcutts, Squires and Stewarts, to name but a few. This year it has also started supplying Booths with a large selection of products, which have seen great success at the upmarket grocery chain’s Lake District stores.

The Wheat Bag Company says: ‘We love exhibiting at Home & Gift and seeing our customers. Our location has moved to DP1-B58, and we will be celebrating our 10th year of trading - so please come along and join us for a glass of prosecco.’ Call: 01747 840 500

Email: sales@thewheatbagcompany.co.uk

Visit: www.thewheatbagcompany.co.uk

Playful & practical Pikkii

Stand: DP1-A33

First-time Home & Gift exhibitor Pikkii is delighted to bring its range of thoughtful, sustainable gifts and games to Harrogate. Established in 2016, the Pikkii team shares a passion for creating original and highly giftable products that always make people smile.

Alongside bestsellers such as the hilarious Egg Game, the practical and stylish Dog and Cat Pet Hair Removers, and the adorable Self Care Planter (perfect for any houseplant or herb lover who occasionally neglects to water their greenery) which won the Home, Kitchen & Garden category of the Gift of the Year Awards 2024, Pikkii will introduce a number of new lines at the show.

These include Paper Cats, Paper Pups, and Paper Plants, which are already proving very popular with retailers. Why not pop along and say hi? The friendly Pikkii team would love to show you what they’ve been up to - or even play a game or two if you have time!

Call: 020 4574 2234 | Email: trade@pikkii.com | Visit: https://pikkii.com/

In the frame

Opticaid Stand: A-B16

Opticaid will showcase its new contemporary reading glasses at Home & Gift, as well as its bestsellers. This longestablished company is known for its own-brand Remaldi readers and sunglasses, featuring quality lenses with modern colour and print.

Director and buyer Gillian Marchbank says: “This autumn there is a continued shift to the environmentally-inspired colours of nature, so more browns, lots of greens (think leaf, sage, khaki), warm reds from ruby to orange such as pumpkin, and misted yellow and purples. We’ve got new reading glasses in all these colours. There is a deﬁnite move to mid-tone hues too, and lightly coloured transparent frames are selling well. I think our new range ticks all these trends perfectly.”

The new range of 30-plus reading glasses (many now made from repurposed plastics) complements the brand’s main 2024 collection. So far, popular additions are 1970s-inspired metals such as Arden gold and silver, bold thicker statement frames like Mayfair in transparent ecru and olive, and the geometric frames of Windsor Purple and Faroe Blue. The new reading glasses include a recycled felt slip in case. Opticaid can also supply ﬂoor and counter display stands, subject to qualifying quantities.

Show-stopping displays

Enesco Stand: A-A05

The Designs by Lolita collection from Enesco is an established brand of beautiful and fun hand-painted glassware designed with flair, energy and charm. To help customers create a show-stopping display, the team at Enesco has developed a displayer to do just that!

Complete with branding, this superstrong and durable displayer presents 12 cocktail and/or wine glasses in their full glory. It’s not only eye-catching but will certainly be a talking point in-store.

The displayer is available free of charge when you purchase 18 glasses from the Designs by Lolita collection. So why not pop along to the stand, meet the team, and view the range - plus more exciting giftware from Enesco?

Call: 01228 404022

Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk

Visit: www.enesco.co.uk

Add a dash of pizzazz PoM

Stand: DP1-D41

With Autumn on its way, the desire to encase ourselves in soft and luxurious layers is irresistible. PoM’s upcoming collection offers an abundance of wonderfully cosy accessories, from hats, scarves and gloves to slippers, socks, pyjamas and more.

The company’s extensive jewellery and accessory range brings elegance and style to the new season, with an emphasis on unexpected details and luxury finishes at affordable prices.

You’ll also find more sustainable and recycled products than ever before, as PoM continues to combine planet-positive materials with crowd-pleasing design elements.

Add to that an exquisite gift collection filled to the brim with treats for someone special, and you’re all set for a truly beautiful season. From everyday essentials to finishing touches, PoM is a perfect choice.

Call: 01225 777749

Email: sales@pom925.com

Visit: www.pom925.com

Exciting arrivals

Best Kept Secrets Stand: A-A16

The award-winning British home fragrance brand Best Kept Secrets returns to Home & Gift with exciting new products and fragrances.

Following the successful launch of the Luminescence Collection in Spring, the brand is also introducing five new fragrances: Marshmallow and Green Pistachio, Sugared Violets and Vanilla, Soft Linen and Eucalyptus, Madagascan Vanilla and Salted Caramel, and Something Rouge. These additions expand its vibrant and affordable home fragrance solutions.

Don’t miss the company’s showcase of its Gift of the Year 2024 award-winning Just Because collection, which clinched the top spot in the Home Fragrance category with its Three Lite Boxes, and was highly commended in both the coveted My Gift of All Time category and the Under £15 category. In addition, Best Kept Secrets’ Our Fragrant World collection was highly commended in the Ethical & Sustainable Gift category.

And explore new retail solutions such as the Just Because wax melt cards and personalised Three Lite Boxes, which cater for diverse customer preferences and occasions. Make sure you speak to the team about personalised options in the Just Because collection as well!

Call: 01670 512222

Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk | Visit: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

Game on!

University Games and Lagoon

DP1-D81 and DP1-D91

University Games and Lagoon have games, puzzles and gifts for everyone, from early preschool through to adult party games, and the whole family in between!

University Games will be showcasing its family games range including bestsellers Who’s in the Bag, Perudo, Pointless and Smart Ass, as well as new arrivals Art Gallery and Blurt! alongside the iconic Subbuteo range featuring main games, teams and accessories.

New additions to the 3D Model range (coming this summer) will also be on display, including Darth Vader, Spiderman and Deadpool characters, plus Wizarding World favourites Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley.

Lagoon’s Project Genius brainteaser puzzle range has exciting new lines joining the True Genius collection this summer including the Sorcerer’s Box, Message In A Bottle, and the Greek Anchor and Chain puzzles. Lagoon also offers an extensive range of Games in a Tin including the bestselling Couples Quiz and True or False, with new titles Well, Duh! And The Cosmic Quiz due soon.

And retailers also won’t want to miss the 40-strong Learning Journey range, which is now available and offers competitive price points with great margins. The focus is on games, puzzles and toys for the key learning ages and stages from baby and preschool through to children aged 12. There is a selection of high-quality electronic, sensory and construction toys as well as a complete series of eco-friendly educational games and puzzles, made with recycled paper and soya-based inks.

Call: 020 7254 0100

Email: sales@ugames.uk.com

Visit: www.university-games.co.uk

Colour splash

Miss Milly Stand: DP3-8

An interesting colour palette is forecast for A/W with the standard reds, blue and purple supplemented with pale green, yellow, sky blue and apricot. It has certainly made way for eye-catching combinations, and the Miss Milly team has had fun playing around with the colours.

Lots of new designs will be launched in the brand’s resin and hand-painted jewellery collections. And keep an eye out for co-ordinating bracelets and earrings, to allow you to offer complete sets (that always do brilliantly in the Golden Quarter). Also launching are extra standalone earrings, as these continue to be sought-after.

There will be new designs of magnetic brooches too, as these practical pieces of jewellery carry on their mission to convert us all to magnetism. Working perfectly as scarf pins, you will also have a whole host of new scarves to choose from at the show. With its all-year-round cotton and viscose designs proving very popular in recent seasons, Miss Milly has a stunning new range to introduce for A/W.

Miss Milly brings colour and style to your store at affordable prices. Try the brand out now with a low £100 minimum order and no MOQs.

Call: 01905 622509 | Email: hello@missmilly.co.uk | Visit: www.missmilly.co.uk

Best foot forward

Bare Kind Stand B-B42

Get ready to step into a world of comfort and compassion at Home & Gift! Bare Kind is thrilled to present its exquisite range of bamboo socks, with each pair promising unmatched comfort - and a noble cause. With 10% of profits donated to the animal featured on the sock, every purchase supports wildlife conservation.

This year, Bare Kind will unveil its enchanting Christmas range, available for pre-orders. Don’t miss the chance to combine festive cheer with a meaningful contribution to our planet’s precious animals. Visit Stand B-B42 and discover how you can wear your heart on your feet with Bare Kind.

Call: 07960 393504

Email: wholesale@barekind.co.uk

Visit:

Kind words for kids

Fox Under The Moon

Stand: B-C49

Fox Under The Moon will showcase a brand-new children’s range at Home & Gift, with products created to help support the sharing and discussing of feelings and emotions.

With a thoughts and feelings journal, and a set of beautifully illustrated affirmation cards, the range will be launched alongside an uplifting book of encouraging tales and whimsical illustrations entitled ‘One Step At A Time’, which was shortlisted in The Gift Of The Year Awards 2024. Other best-selling products from the range to be featured at the show will be the brand’s ‘Thought For The Day’ desktop quotes book, and its shortlisted range of sensitive greeting cards, aimed to help find the right words in difficult times.

Call: 07979 600587

Email: info@foxunderthemoonart.com

Visit: www.foxunderthemoonart.com

MMaybugs began with a chat in the garden on a summer’s day six years ago. We decided it was time for a change. John wanted to move house, but I had bigger plans: I wanted to open a shop!

With a combined experience of more than 40 years in retail and shop supply management, we both knew we could do it - and within four months, Maybugs was born in Hailsham in 2018.

Taking the initiative

Gifts Today diarist Greg Rose gives the inside scoop on how his East Sussex gift shop chain Maybugs won the Best Retailer Initiative category of The Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2024

Two further stores followed in Eastbourne in 2021 and Bexhill-On-Sea in 2022. Our demographic is di erent in each East Sussex town. Hailsham is inland and close to lots of farmland and countryside, while Eastbourne and Bexhill-on-Sea are coastal resorts and see far more tourists in their footfall.

We were absolutely over the moon when our name was called out at the The Greats Gift Retailer Awards ceremony as winner of the Best Retailer Initiative category. It really is an honour to win such a prestigious accolade. Our team works so hard to make Maybugs what it is, and supports our ideas and initiatives, helping them to grow into something great.

Our ethos ensures that our communities are at the forefront of what we do. If it weren’t for the local people shopping in our stores and supporting us online, we wouldn’t have a thriving business.

Both our 2023 and 2022 award-winning retail initiatives are community-based and I’m sure there will be more ideas for the future.

In summer 2023, we opened an artisan market on the first floor of our Eastbourne store. The permanent market is open five days a week and features a whole range of Sussex-based producers and a selection of UK-made products. It’s free for producers to take a stall.

We used to get inundated with requests to stock products from small, local, and start-up producers and a lot of the time, our business requirements and space availability means it’s not possible to stock them all.

“When we were starting out with Maybugs, we were given so many opportunities and help, that this is our way of paying forward the favour”

So we thought: let’s try to make it easier for these companies to get their products in front of customers, by providing a space which is a step up from your normal craft market.

The Maybugs market is an immersive indoor market experience with a Moroccan bazaar feel, fabric-draped stalls and festoon lighting which adorns the area, making it an attractive place to

y husband John Dale and I are the co-owners of Maybugs. I’m the managing director with experience of retail buying, and John is the sales director with a career background in customer service.

shop. Each 2-metre pitch is filled by some of the fabulous local producers we have on our doorstep.

When we were starting out with Maybugs, we were given so many opportunities and help, that this is our way of paying forward the favour. We hope that locals and tourists alike love the concept of a permanent base in the town where you’ll find the best of what Eastbourne has to offer.

On an average week we have 5,000 customers through our doors, and every day we’re asked: “What’s upstairs?” We can’t think of a better use for the space.

“Our range is best described as ‘beautiful things for fabulous people’”

While any small business can apply for a stall, the main focus is to help springboard producers who have already traded in some way at craft fairs, or online via socials or Etsy, or within other pop-up hubs, and want to get listings in retail environments.

Alongside the space, we personally help to mentor the stallholders, giving them a unique understanding of what they need to do, and how to best approach other retailers, to have their products taken seriously.

Our 2022 award-winning retail initiative was our Supporting Independents This Christmas campaign. Throughout December of that year we promoted a local independent business each day (advent calendar style), highlighting the unsung heroes of our high streets. We gave a shout-out to local shops on our socials and a prize too.

Alongside this, we ran a massively successful free parking campaign, which saw more than 800 customers’ parking charges reimbursed by Maybugs - something that benefited all the retailers in their towns.

Each of the Maybugs stores features a plethora of unique gifts. Our range is best described as ‘beautiful things for fabulous people’: gifts and items that you would treat yourself to. We

specialise in soft toys, jewellery, homeware, home fragrance and women’s accessories. We’re building our repertoire of men’s gifts too.

Alongside visits to Jellycat headquarters, the main way we source products is via trade shows throughout the year. We attend Spring Fair, Home & Gift, PG Live and Top Drawer. We tend to look for the new traders and products on offer, alongside some of our favourites, including Langs and Widdop & Co.

Business for us at the moment is buoyant. We’ve noticed people tend to stop and think before buying products, and we’ve brought in more affordable items to counteract this. The cost price of our products has increased, so we’ve had to follow the price increase in retail, as there is simply no wriggle room to absorb the cost rises.

We use Instagram, Facebook, Threads, X and Google Business as our main sources of communication online. We post daily on Instagram and Facebook with updates on what we’re selling, offers, and stories about us. We also have a regular advert in the free local newspaper and a local radio advert at Christmas.

“We’re always planning ahead”

So, what’s next for Maybugs? In the near future, we’re looking to expand into food, beauty, and fragrance gifts. We would also love to source quality potpourri but are yet to find any. We have regular requests for this! We’re always planning ahead and have secrets up our sleeves. But it’s too early to make any announcements for now… Watch this space!

My favourite part of my job is that not one day is the same. Having three shops and a website means every day is different, so I’m always working in different places and on various projects with different staff members.

My least favourite aspect is staffing issues and as we grow, we will employ more staff - and therefore more staff issues will arise. And my favourite gift on the shelf right now? The ‘I’d agree with you, but then we’d both be wrong’ sign by Wit With Wisdom!

Gifts Today SHOP TALK: HOME & GIFT SPECIAL

Retailers reveal their Home & Gift hopes, expectations and recollections - and share some top tips to help you maximise your visit to the Harrogate show

Clare & Hannah Bishop

Co-owners

Cornucopia

Worcester Worcestershire

What do you like about this show?

It’s a chance for us to finish off our buying for Christmas, and look for new ideas to tempt customers in the coming season. At first glance, you may think it’s just another industry event, but for us Home & Gift is nothing short of an enchanting experience. Each year, we eagerly anticipate the show as we feel it helps us shape and elevate our small independent home and gift shop.

We find that the stands are brimming with innovative ideas, thoughtful designs, and vibrant colours. It’s an environment that stimulates our imaginations and propels us to think outside the box when selecting pieces.

One of the joys of attending is the sense of community. Meeting fellow shop owners and exchanging stories and tips is invaluable. The friendships we’ve cultivated here are cherished alliances that enrich our business and our lives. We return home not just with products, but with a newfound sense of camaraderie and collective ambition.

Any stands you especially want to see?

With an eye towards curating an eclectic yet cohesive collection, we delight in discovering new brands and artisans whose values and aesthetics resonate with ours, as well as seeing our longstanding suppliers such as Talking Tables, Caroline Gardner, and Rader.

“Home & Gift is nothing short of an enchanting experience”

Have you found many suppliers here in the past?

Last year, we were recommended Widdop & Co. by a fellow retailer. It was a game-changer for our business. We decided to bring in a selection of its beautifully crafted pieces, from elegant photo frames to gifts for all ages. One particular highlight is its range of sentimental keepsakes, which fly off our shelves. Widdop & Co.’s creations have become a staple in our store. This success has strengthened our confidence in sourcing new, unique items. It’s reinforced in us the power of evolving our business and ‘trying something different’ for a change.

Any tips for newbie visitors?

Stepping into the bustling atmosphere of Home & Gift for the first time can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. With aisle upon aisle of creative displays and innovative products, it’s easy to feel lost in the vastness of it all.

Before you even set foot in Harrogate, take some time to plan your visit. Review the exhibitor list and floor plan on the website. Highlight your must-visit stands, but leave room for spontaneous discoveries. The key to tackling those extensive aisles is to prioritise and pace yourself. Identify the sections that align most with your shop’s themes and spend more time there. Don’t rush! Allow yourself to absorb the creativity on display and engage meaningfully with the exhibitors; they know their products well.

Comfortable shoes are a must - those aisles can be deceptively long! Also, carry a lightweight tote for brochures and samples, a notepad for jotting down insights, business cards for networking, and maybe a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. Use your phone to take photos of displays, products, and even stand numbers so you can easily reference them later.

And keep an open mind. You might have a clear idea of what you’re looking for, but some of the best finds are the unexpected ones. Embrace the serendipitous discoveries that might just become bestsellers in your shop.

Next, take breaks. Overstimulation is real, so schedule time to recharge. There are some pleasant outdoor spaces within the show’s grounds to take a rest. And Harrogate has some wonderful eateries where you can relax and refuel. We recommend Piccolino (delicious Italian cuisine), Vivido (a great spot for Mediterranean flavours), Sasso (another fantastic Italian restaurant with a more intimate setting) and The Orchid (exquisite Asian fusion dishes for a little culinary adventure).

Finally, network and engage. Don’t be shy! This is an opportunity to meet industry peers, potential suppliers, and other shop owners. Exchange ideas, ask questions, and build relationships that could benefit your business in the long run.

What’s your earliest Home & Gift memory?

Our first Sundowners drinks reception: it was all about flamingo sunglasses and friendship! Flamingo-adorned and sipping on refreshing drinks, the laughter and conversation flowed freely. It wasn’t just a moment of unwinding; it was a time of genuine connection, networking, and building friendships. The warm glow of the setting sun, combined with the camaraderie (and the playful vibe of our quirky spectacles), made it a memory we hold dear.

Jenni Taylor

Buyer/Manager

Alligator Pear

Tadworth Surrey

What do you like about this show?

The relaxed atmosphere and the variety of suppliers - all set in a beautiful town. It’s a great chance to spot early trends for the upcoming season, so we can plan our ranges and looks for Autumn.

Will you be looking for any particular categories?

New selections of A/W scarves, hats, and gloves, as most suppliers show their new ranges here first. We’re always looking for inspiration for new products, and also any nod to trends for the forthcoming season. Our gifting category has been very strong, so we will be looking for more ideas, especially as we head into Autumn.

“It’s a great chance to spot early trends for the upcoming season”

Have you found many suppliers here in the past?

We don’t generally tend to find many new suppliers at Home & Gift, but it’s always good to see our regulars, and get our orders for Autumn in early before they start selling through their stock.

Any tips for newbie visitors?

We tend to do a product category each day. So, for example, on Monday we may decide to tackle the fashion hall. This way you walk the hall, compare products and prices - and then you can go back to make your final decisions and place orders.

What’s your earliest Home & Gift memory?

The first time I attended some 20 years ago I remember the beautiful weather, and how nice it was to be at a show that almost felt ‘outdoors’.

Bill Nettelfield

Co-owner

Bill & Bert’s

Colchester

Essex

What do you like about the show?

It’s the best show of the year. The weather is always good and it’s such a sociable event.

Any stands you especially want to see?

As with all shows, we will visit every stand and walk every aisle.

Will you be looking for any particular categories? No, we’re very open-minded!

Have you found many suppliers here in the past? We’ve found loads. The food gifting selection is great and at just the right time of the year. And two years ago, we found the best selection of linens from Tracey Cooper [a lifestyle brand which specialises in creating nature-inspired textiles and luxurious velvet cushions].

“It’s the best show of the year”

Greg Rose

Co-owner Maybugs

Three stores in East Sussex: Hailsham, Eastbourne, Bexhill-On-Sea

What do you like about this show?

My co-owner John Dale and I love Home & Gift as it’s a relaxed atmosphere and has a ‘country fair’ feel about it.

Any stands you especially want to see?

We always look at new stands to see what they have to offer, including general gifts and any last-minute Christmas products.

Have you found many suppliers here in the past? Roka London, Edinburgh Honey Co. and The Wheat Bag Company - all of which prove popular, especially over the Christmas period.

Andrea Trinkette

Owner Trinkette Sowerby Bridge West Yorkshire

What do you like about this show?

It’s inspiring, well set out, and has a lovely, relaxed feeling about it. Products are varied, high quality and creative. And because it’s in July, it’s perfect timing for businesses like mine.

Any stands you especially want to see?

I love catching up with all my suppliers and seeing their new products. I always head to Stoneglow Candles because it gives me a chance to be able to smell their new fragrances. I’m also looking forward to seeing Selbrae House’s lovely homeware, especially the butter dishes.

Will you be looking for any particular categories?

I’m looking for products that are unique and sustainable.

Have you found many suppliers here in the past?

Over the 12 years I’ve attended the show I’ve found some great suppliers, and feel lucky to stock Jellycat and East of India (both for over 10 years, and their ranges sell really well), Powell Craft, and Wild-Olive, among many others.

Any tips for newbie visitors?

Enjoy it, go at your own pace, and wear comfortable shoes. I try to hydrate in the order of coffee, water, and wine - rather than the other way round!

What’s your favourite Home & Gift memory?

I have lovely memories of past shows… sitting in the beautiful sunshine, feeling very inspired and excited for my customers when new orders are delivered. I’m hoping this upcoming show will bring the same. I’m looking forward to it.

Gifts Today SHOP TALK: HOME & GIFT SPECIAL

Caroline Ranwell

Owner

Hugs & Kisses

Tettenhall

Wolverhampton

What do you like about this show?

Harrogate is my favourite gift trade show. It’s a really lovely place to visit, and you can buy from lots of brilliant companies in a relaxed atmosphere.

Any stands you especially want to see?

East of India, Caroline Gardner, Janie Wilson, and PoM.

Will you be looking for any particular categories? Jewellery.

Chris Beards Owner

Mantons

Port Erin

Isle of

Gifts & Cards

Man

What do you like about this show?

It’s a fantastic chance to catch up with many of our gift suppliers, and also meet new companies to stock at Mantons.

Will you be looking for any particular categories?

A few, including giftware that can be produced from our artwork.

Have you found many suppliers here in the past?

We first met some of our current suppliers at past Harrogate shows, including Caroline Gardner.

Any tips for newbie visitors?

If there is more than one of you, then split up. You can always go back together to see any companies that one of you is interested in.

What’s your favourite Home & Gift memory?

Realising the large tent had air conditioning, in 2022!

Corinne Taylor Managing Director Inside Paradise

Nantwich

Cheshire

What do you like about this show?

This summer show in the beautiful town of Harrogate is one of the highlights of our trade calendar. We’ve been going to Home & Gift since 2012. We feel a lot more relaxed there, and really enjoy the atmosphere.

Any stands you especially want to see?

We’re looking forward to visiting Langs, as there’s always lots of new ranges to brighten up the shop. And they always launch several seasons ahead, which helps prepare our merchandising. We’re also excited to see Alice Wheeler, which we’ve stocked for some years now and do very well with. Again, they don’t stand still, and introduce new styles and colours each season.

Will you be looking for any particular categories?

We’re always looking for something different.

“We’re looking forward to visiting Langs, as there’s always lots of new ranges to brighten up the shop”

As a gift shop, you have to continuously introduce newness.

Have you found many suppliers here in the past?

What we love about Harrogate is there’s a lot of smaller suppliers that you would never know were there, unless you’d been to the show. One such company we came across in 2015 was Compton & Clarke. It specialises in pewter carded pocket charms which have been a great addition to the store. We also saw Best Kept Secrets in 2018 and have never looked back! Their products are top-flying gifts for us.

Any tips for newbie visitors?

Always do your homework first. We work out who we need to see, and list the numbers of the stands we need to go to. That allows us time to methodically walk the show, and pick up any new suppliers we may come across.

Soni Ahmed & Samantha Rose

Co-founders

Maia Gifts

Glasgow

Scotland

What do you like about this show?

It’s intimate, easy to navigate, and the setting is great.

We’ve always found the show worthwhile; it offers plenty of variety and choice. A lot of our key suppliers are represented here and we often see great new companies too.

Any stands you especially want to see?

We do the full show - we hate to miss anything!

Will you be looking for any particular categories?

We try to get our Winter/Christmas ranges sorted. That allows us to get a head start on Christmas preparations.

Trade talk

With Home & Gift just around the corner, we ask some key exhibitors to reveal what products they are most excited to launch at the Harrogate exhibition, and what hot trends they predict for the second half

Simon Carswell UK Sales Manager

Alice Wheeler London Stand: A-B22

What do you enjoy about the show?

Harrogate is quite unique. The atmosphere is different to other trade events. The setting and layout creates a relaxing environment for customers, and generally it’s easy to navigate.

From a brand perspective, Harrogate is our main autumn launchpad, and the first opportunity to gauge first-hand our customers’ reactions to our latest additions. That’s always exciting but also a little unnerving at the same time!

What’s the big news on your stand?

There are lots of new designs this autumn, a fabulous autumnal colour palette, and a wide range of gifting opportunities.

What’s the one must-see product or range that retailers should check out?

There’s more than one! I could highlight the Navy Nappa collection, which I know is going to be a huge success, or it could be a fabulous new range of embroidered velvet beauty bags that are stunning or… it’s a gift! We have an amazing selection of giftboxed items this autumn which the sales team is already excited about.

Any show offers?

Harrogate is all about newness, and our focus is making sure all Alice Wheeler customers attending the event take the opportunity to review the collections, and ideally invest in these designs at the show.

Any hot trend predictions for the second half?

I’m going to stick my neck out and suggest the Highbury crossbody and Mini-Bloomsbury Phone crossbody. Both sit perfectly priced in the market, and form part of an amazing colour palette within Alice’s Signature collection.

What’s your favourite Home & Gift memory? Convincing my now wife that I was the one for her! So cheesy, but true.

“Harrogate is our main autumn launchpad”

Vanessa Curry Managing Director

Best Kept Secrets Stand: A-A16

What do you enjoy about the show?

I absolutely love the atmosphere and the opportunity to connect with retailers and industry peers. We always have a great show and I’m excited to go after our recent win in the Home Fragrance category of the Gift of the Year Awards 2024. We’ve seen a real surge in retail demand across all our ranges, but particularly for the award-winning Just Because collection.

What’s the big news on your stand?

It’s truly exciting! We’re thrilled to introduce our new Luminescence Collection, featuring trendy vessel designs that bring luxury within reach. We’re also launching five new fragrances - Marshmallow and Green Pistachio, Sugared Violets and Vanilla, Soft Linen and Eucalyptus, Madagascan Vanilla and Salted Caramel, and Something Rouge - expanding our vibrant and affordable home fragrance solutions.

Our stand will also feature our acclaimed Just Because and Our Fragrant World collections, both finalists in four Gift of the Year Awards categories (have I told you that Just Because Three Lites Boxes won the Home Fragrance category?!).

Retailers can explore our new retail solutions, such as the Just Because wax melt cards, offering eight large or 16 smaller wax melts cubes across all Just Because range titles: perfect for personalising gifts. And, don’t miss our personalised Just Because Three Lites boxes, which allow customers to customise with any desired words, enhancing the gifting experience with heartfelt sentiments.

“Our focus centres around the trend of quality gifting under £10”

What’s the one must-see product or range that retailers should check out?

Definitely our new Just Because wax melt cards. They encapsulate everything our brand stands for: joy, personalisation, and affordability. With options for eight large or 16 smaller wax melts cubes across all Just Because range titles, they’re set to be a hit with retailers looking to offer unique and heartfelt gifts.

Any hot trend predictions for the second half? Looking ahead, our focus centres around the trend of quality gifting under £10. We’re committed to maintaining our reputation for exceptional quality, affordability, and sustainability.

Our dedication to eco-conscious choices and ethical production processes drives us to innovate continuously. We’re excited to introduce new, stunning home fragrance collections that not only meet but exceed expectations, all while remaining accessible at under £10.

Trade talk

Ste Smith Founder Pikkii

Stand: DP1-A33

What’s the big news on your stand?

After winning the Home, Kitchen & Garden category of the Gift of the Year Awards 2024, and an incredibly successful Top Drawer, we’re excited to bring our bestselling Pikkii collection to Harrogate for the first time.

Any show offers we can tell our readers about?

To celebrate our first time at the show, we will be offering all customers free shipping on any order placed at the stand.

What’s the one must-see product or range that retailers should check out?

We will be introducing some brand-new products exclusively at the show, including a new addition to our award-winning Self Care Planter range which cannot be missed.

Another one of our new products that all buyers must check out are Paper Cats, which are already set to be a top-seller. To celebrate, there will be 50 little Paper Cats hidden around the show. Keep your eyes peeled, because if you find one and bring it to our stand, you’ll win a prize!

Evan Lewis Founder & CEO

VENT for Change Stand: DP1-D35

What do you enjoy about the show?

The general positivity and joy of those attending the show makes Home & Gift a fabulous place - and occasion - to do business. We write loads of business, and get to see all those that can’t venture further south earlier in the year.

What’s the big news on your stand?

We’re launching a new set of products made from ocean waste plastics to join our award-winning Ocean Collection notebooks. Also, we will be celebrating five years since launching our range into retail. And our new Luxury Collection is launching at Harrogate for pre-Christmas sales.

What’s the one must-see product or range that retailers should check out?

Our Luxury Collection for Christmas 2024 is simply beautiful, even if I say so myself! The finish and colours are stunning, the styling is spectacular, and feedback so far has been incredible. Harrogate will be its first official launch platform.

Any hot trend predictions for the second half?

Stylish sustainable products that capture people’s hearts and desires will have a great impact in the second half of the year.

What’s your favourite Home & Gift memory?

Pimm’s on the lawn, smiling faces, heatwaves, and sunshine.

Paul Hooker Managing Director Joe Davies Stand: B-A02

What do you enjoy about the show?

The atmosphere makes the whole event feel much more comfortable and less pressured. Meeting customers face-to-face is always enjoyable, and to do this in the relaxed setting of Harrogate is why Home & Gift is one of our favourite shows.

What’s the big news on your stand?

Our buying team has been busier than ever pulling together our A/W collection. Harrogate will see over 2,000 brand-new products make their UK debut. In addition, we’ll be launching Madd Capp Puzzles: a new brand that Joe Davies will distribute UK-wide.

What’s the one must-see product or range that retailers should check out?

With so many brands and over 10,000 products, picking just one line is virtually impossible. There really is something for every type of retailer. Village Pottery is going to be the must-have line for indies when the busy season hits, and we will have the full collection on display. Equilibrium boxed hats, gloves and scarves are always in very high demand, and Harrogate will see this year’s collection launch for the first time.

Any show offers we can tell our readers about?

Ever popular with retailers, we will have a special offer on our snoozies! that will end with the show.

Any hot trend predictions for the second half? Mushrooms and toadstools are really coming into their own across the industry, and July is the perfect time to launch new ranges for the busy season. Pottery houses, and mini ceramic planters and vases in slip and drip glazes are strong - particularly with a rustic embossed finish - and even traditional florals are featuring.

For Christmas, foodie decorations are really on trend. Think novelty pigs in blankets, parsnips, carrots, sprouts and peasall dressed up and ready for Christmas!

What’s your favourite Home & Gift memory?

There are so many. Perhaps my favourite memories are of being out and about around the town. Seeing so many of our customers and staff enjoying each other’s company around Harrogate really is a treat, and part of what makes it so special.

Gillian Marchbank

Managing Director

Opticaid UK

Stand: A-B16

What do you enjoy about the show?

It’s the only trade show where we showcase our A/W range, so it’s special in that respect. Harrogate is a lovely place to visit anyway, and there’s always a great summer social buzz about the place. It’s also nice for us as it’s only 30 minutes from home!

What’s the big news on your stand?

Our new Autumn Winter Remaldi reading glasses in the latest colours of the season. This time we’ve got over 30 new styles to complement our core 2024 range, so there’s lots to choose from! There are 1970s-inspired metal framed glasses, bold thicker statement pieces like Mayfair in ecru, olive and tortoise, and my favourite readers Lyon Khaki in an eye-catching stripe.

What’s the one must-see product or range that retailers should check out?

Our extensive choice of reading glasses. There really is a range for every retailer, be it design-led lifestyle stores, bookshops or garden centres. We also have clever products that sort out those niggly visual problems. Our Eyeslide readers (they only weigh 26 grams including the hard case!) are the perfect solution for on-the-go reading: very clever.

“There’s always a great summer social buzz about the place”

Any show offers we can tell our readers about?

We always provide free Remaldi optical stands - either counter or floor (subject to qualifying quantities) to get new stockists up and running. The stands showcase the glasses very attractively.

Any hot trend predictions for the second half?

A continued shift to the environmentally-inspired colours of nature. So, more browns, lots of greens (think leaf, sage, khaki), warm reds, oranges, misted yellow and purples. Lightly coloured transparent frames will continue to be popular, and angular and smaller geometric-shaped frames will start to make a comeback. We’ve seen this with sunglasses, so I think it will transcend into reading glasses.

What’s your favourite Home & Gift memory?

Meeting the buyers from gift retailer Between the Lines and supplying them with their first Remaldi reading glasses order. I’m happy to say we’re still supplying their 18 stores 10 years on!

Aylish Ellwood Trade Marketing Manager

Enesco

Stand: A-A05

What do you enjoy about the show?

Harrogate is the perfect location. The sun shines, and the Yorkshire people are always very welcoming, creating a relaxed but focused environment for this mid-year gathering of the giftware industry.

With a unique energised atmosphere, it’s an exciting time, kicking off the Christmas ordering season for many. Above all, it’s hard work but a fun, positive event - and that’s what giftware is all about!

What’s the big news on your stand?

Disney’s Stitch! The love and demand for this mischievous little character is going from strength to strength, and with the live action film due to be released in September, we can offer lots of different Stitch-themed products ensuring all our customers are ready.

We will have a grand display on the stand solely dedicated to Stitch and friends, making sure none of us miss out on this unique retail opportunity which is most certainly just around the corner.

What’s the one must-see product or range that retailers should check out?

”It’s hard work but a fun, positive eventand that’s what giftware is all about!”

A great new collection called Arty. At Enesco, we’re lucky enough to boast a breadth of product for every gift-giving occasion, with many formats and price points. Always looking to expand our offering with something new, we’re delighted to launch this range of home décor and accessories.

The best way to describe it? Bringing affordable art to everyday life. Arty features artwork by Vincent Van Gogh which boasts strong awareness and very keen price points - ticking lots of boxes for many. Starry Night, Sunflowers, Irises, Café Terrace at Night… they’re all instantly recognisable. There’s mugs, bowls, tote bags and more. They look fantastic when merchandised together.

Any hot trend predictions for the second half?

I’m sure we all agree that Christmas can be a very expensive time for many consumers. The cost-of-living crisis is still very much alive but we believe that even in tough times, people will still continue to buy gifts - they may simply change the amount they spend.

In this industry, we’re all very much aware of magic price points. So quality, keenly priced products shout ‘hot trend’ to me. Our new collection Arty could certainly fill this gap with good quality, giftable items at attractive price points.

What’s your favourite Home & Gift memory?

Whenever I think of Home & Gift I picture lots of big smiles, laughter and fun times. Everyone is just so pleased to meet again and catch up with familiar faces. I’m not sure what makes this happen… the anticipation of new partnerships? The sunshine? Optimism for a busy second half? Or, being surrounded by great products, because at the end of the day that’s what it’s all about!

Trade talk

Mark Jones Sales Director

University Games and Lagoon Stand: DP1–D81 and DP1–D91

What do you enjoy about the show?

Home & Gift forms an important part of our yearly exhibition schedule. It allows our sales team to spend quality time with retailers, and enables us to showcase lines that are best suited to their own customers. In addition, the show always has a relaxed fun feel to it, and the town of Harrogate is a great backdrop.

What’s the big news on your stand?

We have some great new lines joining the range that gift retailers really won’t want to miss. Lagoon’s Project Genius brainteaser puzzle range, True Genius, has some exciting lines that have just arrived including Sorcerer’s Box, Message in a Bottle, and the Greek Anchor and Chain.

The other big news for us this year is the acquisition of the educational Learning Journey brand. As part of University Games, The Learning Journey’s 40-strong range focuses on games, puzzles and toys for the key learning ages and stages, and includes a selection of high-quality electronic, sensory and construction toys, as well as a complete series of educational games and puzzles.

What’s the one must-see product or range that retailers should check out?

Maverick that I am, I’m going to twist the question and not give you a product or range that retailers should come and see, but instead give you a person: their area manager.

We are one of the few companies that still invest in a full-time sales team, and I’ve never had a team that is so willing to work with customers to help them grow their businesses. The team has invested time and effort to understand our products, our customers, and current market trends to ensure they offer the best possible advice and guidance. When they call you to come and see us in Harrogate, please put it in your diary. I know it will be worthwhile - and they bring sweets too!

Any show offers?

We’ve got some great offers planned that retailers won’t want to miss out on. Just pop along to the stand to find out all the details.

Any hot trend predictions for the second half?

We’re seeing an increased interest in our family games. Trends indicate that families want to play games together, across generations. All University Games’ family games are designed to be easy to pick-up-and-play and accessible for all ages and abilities. We feel family games are going to be a hot trend, and with lines including Blurt!, Pointless, Who’s in the Bag, and Art Gallery, we have something for everyone to enjoy.

Murder Mysteries Party Games, Case Files, and Mystery Puzzles continue to grow in popularity and we’re already seeing strong demand for this extended range heading into the second half. In addition, with the UEFA Euro 2024 this summer, and the Subbuteo World Cup in Tunbridge Wells in September, football gifts - Subbuteo in particular - are set for a ground-breaking year.

What’s your favourite Home & Gift memory?

I need to separate work and pleasure here, or I’ll be waxing lyrical about Bettys’ Fat Rascals (go and try them), Black Sheep ale and Gianni’s Italian food! The beauty of Home & Gift is the relaxed atmosphere and the people that come by every year to say hello. There are some great characters in this industry that have the audacity to get older and head into retirement, and one of my favourite memories is about one of those: Charles from Camerons in Ballymena. Without fail, as I was heading off when the show closed, he would come down the aisle clutching a gigantic wad of papers (which were his stock reports), and bounce around the stand asking for 24 of this and 12 of that. His enthusiasm for this industry was infectious. He was an amazing buyer and I wish we had more like him.

Lucy Jeffrey Founder Bare Kind Stand:

B-B42

What’s the one mustsee product or range that retailers should check out?

Our must-see product this year is undoubtedly our show-stopping range of Christmas socks. As a sock company, Christmas is a monumental season for us, and our festive collection has doubled in size since its inception.

Picture sloths with candy canes and elephants in Santa onesies - these are the Christmas socks to end all Christmas socks! Our range is expanding even further this year, bringing more delightful designs to brighten the winter season.

Retailers should definitely check out our unique and festive socks, which will be on display. Perfect for preorders, they ensure everyone can tick off their Christmas shopping list in one go. Visit us to explore the full collection and add some festive cheer to your store’s offering.

Joseph Moyle Sales & Marketing Director

The Country Candle Co. Stand: DP1-C31

What do you enjoy about the show?

As clichéd as it sounds, it’s got to be the people and the atmosphere. Harrogate is a great location, and the overall vibe of the show is fun and relaxed.

What’s the one must-see product or range that retailers should check out?

Our brand-new Scented Expressions Fragrance Cards. Since their launch a month or so ago, they’ve been flying out. The beauty of this new range is that they fit virtually every retail space and hit the sweet spot impulse buy RRP bracket. They’re a must!

Any show offers?

We’re pleased to say that there is an up to 18% discount available on orders placed at the show. We’ll have some attractive show exclusive deals, along with our usual levels of support for retailers including free issue testers, POS and more.

Any hot trend predictions for the second half?

For us, it’s going to be our muskier, deeper fragrances such as Bergamot & Honey and Vetiver & Musk, as well as our popular Seasonal Pastels Collection. Another new and improved product is our Wax Melt Bars. Across all our ranges, we’ve given wax melts a makeover, ensuring they’ll be an even more giftable line for the peak season.

What’s your favourite Home & Gift memory? Well this is only our second time at the show! But last year it was the moment when some of our team were caught ‘red-handed’ tucking into a tasty Five Guys on the stand, trying to hide behind our main product display!

Keith Edmondson Joint MD Langs

Stand: A-A30

What do you enjoy about the show?

What’s not to enjoy about Harrogate? The weather is normally pretty good, and the show has a very relaxed feel, creating a brilliant and unique setting for customers and exhibitors alike. Personally, I really enjoy the pace of the show as many visitors have a little more time than at other exhibitions, which allows for a good catch-up, as well as talking business in a less pressured environment.

What’s the big news on your stand?

We decided our stand was in need of a complete overhaul. So with Harrogate 2024 aligning with our 75th anniversary, this is the perfect opportunity. We will be showcasing our 2025 pre-launch products alongside some of our classics, which will be available for immediate delivery.

“We will be showcasing our 2025 pre-launch products alongside some of our classics”

What’s the one mustsee product or range that retailers should check out?

We’re extremely fortunate to have such an amazingly talented design team. When I say design team, I mean it, as all illustrations are drawn, painted, and brought to life by one of our team (not me I must admit!), which means our customers are in for a real treat.

Any show offers?

We don’t tend to run trade show offers. However, as this year is our 75th anniversary we have some fun planned, with a competition kicking off at Harrogate for any 2025 pre-orders placed (this contest will run for 75 days from the start of the show).

While some customers may think it’s too early to consider this, I’d say it’s advantageous in being able to order way in advance. We don’t require definite commitment from existing customers, and any pre-order placed can be amended or cancelled without reason or penalty.

For customers wanting any end of line bargains, we can email what we have available (it’s always a first come, first served offering).

Any hot trend predictions for the second half? It’s very difficult to offer predictions, although it’s apparent that products that offer uniqueness at a great price get snapped up. Luckily, Langs has lots to offer within this remit.

What’s your favourite Home & Gift memory?

There are so many. Due to the show’s timing, sporting events such as international cricket and football have taken place over the years, and that tends to offer a unique atmosphere that suppliers and customers enjoy together. The show tends to bring great weather too (sometimes too good!), which again creates a unique fun-filled mood.

Sarah Watmore Founder & Owner

Miss Milly

Stand: DP3-8

What do you enjoy about the show?

The lovely vibe brought about by an attractive location and summer weather (usually). Retailers love this show as much as exhibitors, so we’re all happy to be there - and that creates a great atmosphere for catching up and doing business.

What’s the big news on your stand?

The new designs and colourways! There are some stunning colour combinations and gorgeous designs in both jewellery and scarves, and we can’t wait to show them off.

What’s the one must-see product or range that retailers should check out?

Our magnetic brooches are a must-try product and a surefire winner for the festive sales period. They’re affordable, practical and fun, and we have some great new designs to showcase.

Any show offers we can tell our readers about?

Any order of 100 keyrings will receive a free counter-top spinner. Our enamelled keyring range has been really popular with its fun collection of animals and birds, from cats and dogs to toucans and giraffes.

Any hot trend predictions for the second half?

As far as Miss Milly is concerned, the forecast palette has opened the doors to a wonderful cacophony of colour; loud, proud and joyous. We believe this will pave the way for a much bolder and brighter A/W season.

What’s your favourite Home & Gift memory?

The year I ended up with a group of exhibitor friends taking turns at karaoke. Luckily our vocal chords were well-lubricated, but ear defenders could have been useful for my version of Like A Virgin!

Aimee Furnival Founder & Director

Another Studio Stand: DP1-B46

What’s the big news on your stand?

We will be showing our brand-new Botanical Design Stencil and Brass rulers - designed with a playful twist. Plus, check out our Plant Animal range for an adorable, giftable and unique product that will make you smile.

Any hot trend predictions for the second half? Mushrooms!

crazy mission...

“We embarked on a

… to bring a unique

gift

experience to Glasgow.” So says Soni Ahmed,

co-founder of Maia Gifts, winner of the Independent Gift Retailer of the YearScotland category of The Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2024. Clare Turner ﬁnds out more

What’s your background?

I studied civil engineering and worked for Scottish Water in development planning, before giving it all up to backpack around the world. I met Samantha Rose (my partner in life and business) at a chance encounter in Mumbai in 2007.

We came back to the UK and she was keen to leave her profession as an accountant. So we looked at starting something for ourselves, which

5 Best Sellers

would o er us independence from our corporate careers.

From a young age, Sam loved to give gifts that really meant something to the receiver, and would spend a lot of time seeking out just the right item for the person. So this was something she was keen to o er in one store. I’ve always loved design and style, so the design-led gift market was a great option for us both.

In 2009 we embarked on a crazy mission to bring a unique gift experience to Glasgow. At that time, I don’t think either of us had a notion of what running a business was going to demand of us.

Tell us a bit about Maia Gifts.

We are [on Bath Street] in the city centre. We ﬁrst started on Buchanan Street (the Oxford Street of Glasgow) but had to relocate to make way for a development. We’re just around the corner from our original location, in a medium-sized store.

Footfall over the years has changed a lot. We used to get the city worker crowd and weekend shoppers, but that has evolved since Covid to more students and tourists.

What do you think makes your shop stand out from others?

I’d like to say it’s our vision, and the hard work of our team, mixed with the fact that we only stock

items that we truly believe in. However, the store has something intangible that makes people fall in love with it. That’s been the case since we ﬁrst opened, and still today we get so many customers giving us such positive feedback.

“The store has something intangible that makes people fall in love with it”

How would you describe your range?

Everything is design-led, and we cater for as many occasions as we can with the space we have. We have a large jewellery section, lots of home and fashion accessories, and a decent range of cards. We cover wedding gifts and, of course, all the seasonal stu as well.

What are your key categories?

Right now, it would be tourist gifts, fashion accessories and soft toys. Glasgow has seen a real increase in visitors over the past ﬁve to 10 years, so we really convert the shop over the summer to have a look and feel that appeals to them.

How do you source products?

Most of our sourcing happens at trade shows. We

attend Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring and Scotland’s Trade Fair Autumn at SEC Glasgow, Spring Fair and Autumn Fair at NEC Birmingham, Home & Gift in Harrogate, and some years we will also visit Top Drawer in London.

We’re always on the lookout for new and exciting artists and collections. Our philosophy from the start has been to understand the product, its purpose, its source, and the inspiration behind it. We never buy purely on the strength of a brand; the product has to be unique and exciting.

What are some of your new arrivals?

We had a revamp of our collections this year. Things were a bit dicey during and shortly after the Covid lockdowns. Footfall was down and many city workers didn’t return to the office full time, so we were naturally cautious.

This year we’re seeing real improvements in sales though, which is fantastic. We have introduced several artist-designed jewellery collections including Linda Macdonald (which is made locally) and Westmount Art, founded by Luna Xue. Jellycat continues to be a big hit with Glaswegians too, so we’ve given a little extra space to that collection.

Is there anything you haven’t been able to source that you would like to find?

We are a vegan/vegetarian-friendly store, so we would love to see more collections of food gifts that fit into our requirements. The industry has moved forward a lot over the years with more vegan materials in use now, which is fantastic, but on the food side it could be better.

How’s trading for you at the moment?

This has been a really strong year so far. We have been steadily growing over the past 18 months, partly due to the growing popularity of Maia but sadly also because some other local businesses didn’t survive after Covid. Currently we are on target for one of our best years of trading.

Have you seen the average cost of your products go up?

There have been price rises for most products recently and they continue to increase. However, I still feel we offer good value for money with our product range. We try to make gift shopping affordable - without losing our focus on quality. Little sentimental items from East of India are a

staple for us, as they are a perfect pick-up that won’t cost a fortune.

How do you get word out there?

We use social media for promotion, email for marketing, and sometimes at Christmas we advertise in The Glasgow Subway. Being located in the city centre, we have our footfall right outside. So we just need to make sure we’re attractive enough for passers-by to come into the store.

What’s next for your gifts?

We look at what’s trending, how people’s needs are evolving, and what we feel they would like. We spend a lot of time and walk many miles around trade shows to source our products. It’s a huge task

“We’re always on the lookout for new and exciting artists and collections”

as we cover so many sections, but I think this lets us see early which way the gift market is heading, and what will be big in the coming years.

What’s next for your business?

No big plans to reveal, I’m afraid! We’ve resisted the temptation to expand. We got into this business to manage our work-life balance better. So, we will stay small for now and keep trying to improve what we do!

What do you like most about your job? Having the chance to offer a service to our

community, connect with people, and see the joy that our collection brings to them.

What’s your least favourite aspect?

Worrying about finances. At times it can feel like we are just one bad quarter from troubles. But thankfully, we have avoided any real issues.

What’s your current favourite gift on your shelves?

It has to be the Jellycat toys: they are just so damn cute! I also really love the men’s range from Designworks Collective.

Congratulations on your win. How did you feel when you heard the news?

You hope for the best. It’s a special thing to make it to the finals, but there’s nothing like hearing your name being called as a winner. We were thrilled, to say the least. Not only for winning the award, but because it’s a mark of how far we’ve come. It was made even more special as we are celebrating our 15th trading anniversary this year!

Samantha and Soni

Gifts Today SHOP TALK

Some

of the winners of The Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2024 introduce their businesses and share some successful sales strategies

Cilena Easton

Co-owner

Artichoke

Winner: Independent Gift Retailer of the Year

– North, N. Ireland & Scotland

Tell us about Artichoke.

Artichoke is a card & gift shop which opened five years ago in the village of Tynemouth, which is on the north-east coast outside of Newcastle. It’s run by my son Patrick, who took over the reins a year ago. I stepped back after being in the business for nearly 15 years, but stay in the background to give support and show him the ropes. We love working together.

The village is a busy hotspot for day-trippers, dog-walkers and holidaymakers. It’s not only tourists who shop with us though. We’re blessed to be very well supported by locals. We love our regulars and many have become good friends. We like having a chat and a catch-up with them in our little shop.

What sets you apart?

In Tynemouth we’ve always been known for creative window displays. We feel it’s so important to ‘tell a story’. We don’t believe in overcrowding and like to show products off to appeal to customers.

Describe your range.

We’ve worked hard to find quality products that our customers are loyal to. They tell us we have the best selection of cards and we have to agree! We stock Rosie Made A Thing, Molly Mae, Caroline Gardner, Toasted Crumpet, Stop The Clock, and Dicky Bird, to name a few.

Gift ranges include Joma Jewellery, Neom, Toasted Crumpet, Bookspeed, Òir Soap and Gentlemen’s Hardware. We’ve also spent a long time sourcing local gifts that aren’t ‘tacky’, and we’re thrilled with the brands we’ve found such as Wot Ma Like, Street Doodler, Raw Print, Kate Miller, Elsee, and The Sugar Shed. Tourists love keyrings, prints, mugs and coasters which focus on landmarks in our area.

We find products mostly at Spring Fair and Home & Gift. We also source online, as I’m obsessed with finding new brands when they are just launched - get in first!

Co-owners

“In Tynemouth we’ve always been known for creative window displays. We feel it’s so important to ‘tell a story’. We don’t believe in overcrowding and like to show products off to appeal to customers”

How’s trading?

We’ve noticed people are spending less per gift, but focusing on quality rather than quantity. When suppliers put their prices up, we reluctantly increase our prices - only when we have to. Customers seem to understand. I think this is a challenge that we’re all facing in retail.

What’s next?

We’re looking forward to Home & Gift: it’s our favourite show. We invariably find a new supplier that we didn’t know we were looking for - something always jumps out! I’m sure we will find something new for Christmas, which we are currently planning. The year certainly flies by in retail, as we’re constantly preparing well ahead for the next event.

Cilena and Patrick Easton

Bill Nettelfield

Co-owner

Bill & Bert’s

Winner: Independent Gift Retailer of the Year – London, South, South East & East Anglia

Tell us about Bill & Bert’s.

It’s an Essex family-run gift shop which opened in 2019 in Colchester. In 2022 the opportunity came along to extend by knocking through to the unit next door, and now the store is 4,500sq ft of the most amazing selection of gifts.

What sets you apart?

Our size, along with our depth of range, fabulous staff, and the best customer service.

Describe your range.

We offer a range for everyone of all ages, that is great quality at the right prices. Key categories? Ladies’ clothes and bags, homeware, soft toys, food, glassware, gadgets, men’s gifts, cards… the list goes on and on.

For sourcing, trade shows are a must. Never buy anything without seeing it first. We keep an open mind and never really have a fixed plan. Our selection criteria is quality, great value, and something that’s not seen everywhere.

Popular brands are Roka, Jellycat, Freckleface, Wrendale, Broadlands Pottery, Rosie Made A Thing, Lily-Flame, Miffy, Chilly’s, Magma, Gumbies, Powder, Swole Panda, Cartwright & Butler, and Spice Kitchen. Some of our new arrivals are wooden birds from Wildlife Garden, picnic bags from The Somewhere Co., and pebble pictures from La de da! Living.

How’s trading?

It’s really strong - way up on last year, which was a fabulous year for us. If suppliers put prices up, then we don’t have a choice. We must maintain margins. Very little has gone up too much. If prices rise too high, then we have to think “is this too much?” and look for something else. It’s only happened twice when I’ve thought, “no, this is too high now”.

How do you get word out there?

Social media is huge these days, and we’re very proactive on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. We actively encourage customers to post about the shop and their purchases, and tag us in. We have loyalty cards, gift vouchers, and make just about any excuse to offer free drinks on Saturdays, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Easter, Father’s Day, and birthdays.

What’s next?

Just keeping Bill & Bert’s at the front of everyone’s minds when they’re looking for any present at any time of the year - and for those so important self-purchases. The challenges we set ourselves are keeping the shop fresh and interesting for our customers. The more we do that, the better the sales. Every month this year we are 10%-plus up on sales - and I don’t see that changing for the rest of the year.

Priya AuroraCrowe Director

Lark London Winner: Best Specialist Multiple Retailer Of Gifts

Tell us about Lark London. We’re a family-run independent, based mainly in London, and our aim is to provide beautiful products for your lifestyle and home. We have slowly expanded over the past 20 years and now have 19 stores in: Balham, Earlsfield, Tooting, Wimbledon, Streatham, Herne Hill, Shepherd’s Bush, Chiswick, Clapham, Fulham, Raynes Park, Putney, Richmond, Woking, Southfields, East Sheen, Blackheath, Esher and Weybridge.

What sets you apart?

We stock over 500 brands which is unique within the industry and is something we’re extremely proud of.

Describe your range.

Key categories are women’s gifts and men’s gifts. We source mainly through online research and trade shows. I love finding exciting new products and developing relationships with new brands. My selection criteria is price, margin and quality. Brands proving popular right now are Designworks Collective and Oh Squirrel, and a new arrival is the latest collection from Aery Living (I absolutely love its Moroccan Rose hand cream). On our counter we have Beauty Pro facemasks and Waxkind wax melts.

Anything you haven’t been able to source that you’d like to find?

Photo frames!

How’s trading?

It was a slow start to the year. The weather combined with the dismal economic climate was tricky, especially in Q1. But Q2 and Q3 picked up. I’m feeling better about the next few months - if the weather co-operates! I’ve noticed that people are buying less. And everything has gone up in terms of the average cost of products. However, because we’ve opened more stores, we’ve managed to keep most prices down.

How do you get the word out there?

We find social media and word of mouth are the best methods. We also use gift vouchers and offer raffle prizes for local events.

Co-owners Bill and Sarah Charlton

Gifts Today SHOP TALK

Cesca Haskins

Owner/Director

Attico

Winner: Independent Gift

Retailer of the Year - West & South West

Tell us about Attico.

We are a Dorset-based independent in Westbourne Arcade. We opened in 2015, and have evolved to sell gifts, art, and antiques.

What sets you apart?

L-R:

and operations manager Amber Ozdemir

We pride ourselves on excellent customer service and our fabulously curated selection of gifts. With over 4,000 items to explore, we offer something for everyone.

Describe your range.

Eclectic and unique. A handful of agents visit us, but most of our gift stock is sourced at Top Drawer and Spring Fair. We look for good quality, at a good price. Bestsellers include Jellycat toys, Paper D’Art cards, Legami Erasable pens, and a wonderful selection of books from Bookspeed. New arrivals include Toasted Crumpet and Roomytown, and on our counter are items from Secrid, Dorset Chocolate, MaHi Studio vintage brooch cards, and vintage shells.

Anything you haven’t been able to source that you’d like to find?

Good quality, inexpensive garden products.

How’s trading?

Up and down but we’re very lucky to have a loyal local customer base. We love what we do, so we always remain positive. Yes, the average cost of products has gone up and we’ve taken the hit on some, but others we’ve had to put up. We’ve noticed people are buying smaller, quality gifts - and one challenge has been an increase in shoplifting, but I think that’s a national epidemic.

How do you get the word out there?

Through word of mouth and social media, particularly Instagram. We sell gift vouchers, and also source gifts for special occasions. Plus, during the holidays, we run children’s art workshops on Saturday mornings including paper plane making and journalling.

Caroline Ranwell

Owner

Hugs & Kisses

Winner: Independent Gift Retailer of the Year

– Midlands & Wales

Tell us about Hugs & Kisses.

Hugs & Kisses is in the village of Tettenhall on the edge of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands. We’ve been here since November 2003 so it’s our 21st birthday this year! The shop has been a card & gift retailer since 1969. In fact, I used to love visiting it as a child.

What sets you apart?

We’re a small indie, and like to buy from lots of small independent companies. I think the secret of a good shop these days is two things: the mix of product and the service that you give. I lose track of how many different companies we buy from... it’s a lot! Being in a small village, we really have to keep the stock interesting as we have so many regular customers.

Describe your range.

Small affordable gifts for all ages which include a few well-known brands, as well as smaller companies. Key categories are plush, jewellery, home fragrance, luxury Belgian chocolates, handbags and accessories. We source products from reps, agents and trade shows including Spring Fair, Top Drawer, PG Live, Home & Gift, and Autumn Fair.

Brands proving popular are Jellycat (people seem to be addicted to it; it amazes me how much we sell), Inis, Marmalade of London, East of India and Rachel Ellen Designs. New additions include Alice Wheeler handbags and Best Kept Secrets candles. And on our counter is my current favourite: Crumble & Core Sterling Silver Earring Cards. They are so pretty and make lovely little gifts.

How’s trading?

We’re having a good year so far. Trade is slightly up on last year which is great. Have I seen the average cost of my products go up? Not really… we just increase the price if we have to. It’s a shame but everything seems to be more expensive these days, and I think customers realise that.

How do you get word out there?

We have a Facebook page and Instagram account - both with almost 4,000 followers. We also have a Facebook group which has almost 7,000 followers. We regularly post on all of these and that really helps promote our business and also drives people to our website. In addition, we offer gift vouchers and are happy to gift wrap. And we hold a Christmas shopping night, which is always great fun and really successful.

“I think the secret of a good shop these days is two things: the mix of product and the service that you give”

Cesca

The word on the street...

Maybugs co-owner Greg Rose is back to dish the dirt on what’s new, what’s hot and what’s dropped at his three-strong gift shop chain in the East Sussex towns of Hailsham, Eastbourne and Bexhill-On-Sea

With summer in full swing, I hope you are all seeing the uplift in sales that we are with the influx of tourists and day-trippers. As always, it’s been a manic time here at Maybugs, finalising everything for Autumn and Christmas while ensuring the stores are looking their very best for the crucial summer trade.

What’s New?

We recently launched the beauty and home fragrance range from Summerdown. We had been on the lookout for something unique to sit alongside Inis, which we’ve had huge success with over the years, and Summerdown really stood out to us.

Summerdown is a family business based on the Hampshire Downs which specialises in farming Black Mitcham Peppermint. This [hardy herbaceous perennial with peppermint scented leaves] is native to England and notoriously tricky to grow. However, Summerdown has more than 100 acres of fields full of this glorious plant, which they carefully turn into luxurious beauty and sumptuous home fragrance products.

What’s Hot?

I hate it when people say: ‘What’s hot? Oh, a little bit of everything.’ But in our case it’s true. We’ve seen an increase in

the majority of our product categories which is great, and sales continue to be strong for us.

Stand-out products include the The Best of Breed range of dog and cat-themed ceramics from Widdop & Co., LED water bottle spinners from Straits Trading, and seaside driftwood collections from Quay Traders.

Although we stock it all year long, Inis is a true summer sensation. Customers flock to this summer/coastal fragrance range. This time of year always sees an uplift across the range, including the Sea Mineral Hand Lotion, Revitalising Body Lotion, Replenishing Body Oil, and Rejuvenating Body Butter. Of course, it helps that they smell divine! Customers are particularly loving the new Sea Nutrient Lip Balm, which has a mint scent.

Following on from a couple of months ago, when I talked about the importance of an online presence for independents [Gifts Today March/April p47], we finally launched our new allsinging, all-dancing website at the start of June.

This has been a long and very expensive project. But having seen huge sales increases from our old ‘held together with Sellotape’ site, we knew we had to significantly invest in it. With 1,500-plus products now available online, and a promotional strategy to

drive online footfall, we are already reaping the benefits. It’s actually a bit scary! The potential is huge in the leadup to Autumn and Christmas, and we now need to get organised and secure stock if the percentage uplift continues to be anything like it is currently.

What’s Dropped?

As usual, in the summer we’ve seen a slowdown in home accessories. Over the years we’ve found this to be quite normal. With people spending more time outside and away from home, they tend to think less about items like clocks, lighting, and photo frames.

I’m pleased to say though that ladies’ accessories and handbags have picked up, and are again performing well after a bit of a blip earlier in the year.

I hope trade is good for you all. And although you may be wearing flipflops and summer dresses (or shorts) right now, get your Christmas cap on because it will be here before we realise it - and you’ll feel so much better knowing you’re organised and ready to roll when September comes!