Gifts Today

Independently audited

25

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

Month: June 2015

Issue: 5

Volume: 26

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O N E S TO P SHOP FOR P E RS O N AL I S E D GIFTS

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Contents

Regulars

June 2015

6

News

12

Exhibition News

14

Licensing News

16

GA News

24 Trade Talk 62 New Products

Retail 18

Retailer Profile Penny Franks had the pleasure to

P26

question Senior Gift Buyer (gifts and

Gifts Today team

beauty), Emma Carden, Shop Direct

P40

20 Brian Wiseman Examining the changing face of

Editor Penny Franks penny@lemapublishing.co.uk

marketing

22

Assistant Editor Paul Donnelley pauld@lemapublishing.co.uk

Grass Roots How has 2015 performed so far?

Advertisement Manager Mark Horsnell mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

Group Editor

P48

Mirella Cestaro mirella@lemapublishing.co.uk

Exhibition Preview 26 Home & Gift Harrogate

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

A sneaky peek at this year’s show

Publisher Mark Naish mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

Features

Production Director Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

40 Games & Puzzles

Managing Director Malcolm Naish malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

There is something for everyone – we

Media Solutions Manager

take a look at what’s hot

Bradley Mason bradleymason@hotmail.co.uk

Lema Publishing Ltd

PUBLISHING

1 Churchgates, The Wilderness, Berkhamsted, Herts, HP4 2UB Telephone: 01442 289930 A member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation

Independently audited

P56

48 Gifts For Women And all because the lady loves…

56 Wall Art Neutral wall tones, add a splash of art

59 Eco Friendly Gifts

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

Going green for gifts

29. 8 – 1. 9. 2015

Discover international new ideas for the home and gift sectors – at the industry’s most important meeting place in the second half of the year. fresh.new.ideas. info@uk.messefrankfurt.com Tel. +44 (0) 14 83 48 39 83

Come and take a look inside: talk-abouttendence.com

Message from the Editor www.gifts-today.co.uk Twitter: @giftstodaymag

Heyland Whittle

I know I don’t really need to remind anyone, but it’s also the time of year when Harrogate Home & Gift will soon be upon us - the months so far this year have literally sped by and before you know it, we’ll all be happily mixing together at this fantastic event (oh and drinking Pimms on the lawns of the Majestic at the Sunday Sundowners! Already showing signs of being a great event this year, we take our annual sneaky peek at what you can expect from the show this year.

With over 90% space already sold (correct at time of going to print, although by the time you read this I am confident this percentage would have increased), we again are set to experience a whole host of innovative and on-trend gifting items for you to peruse and more importantly get those all-important seasonal items ready for the upcoming months as we head toward Christmas (I can’t actually believe I’ve used the Christmas word already, makes me think that perhaps I should start putting a little aside each month for my own Christmas gift shopping!).

You’ll find our sneaky peek starting on page 26 of this issue. It may be wise also to start thinking about pre-registering your attendance and thinking about accommodation. Visit www.homeandgift.co.uk where you can find all the information for this.

We will also be bringing you the Daily Newspaper again this year; remember to contact Mark Horsnell here at the office on markh@lemapublishing.co.uk or telephone: 01442 289930 to talk about your marketing opportunities if you are an exhibitor and don’t forget to stop any of our roving reporters if you spot them in the aisles of the show to give them

Carrie Elspeth

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

Comments, letters and criticism are welcome.

“

Isabel Martinson is leaving The Giftware Association after nearly 15 years as its chief executive. I for one would like to wish Isabel every success in the future

“

I

t’s official, we are now half way through 2015! Summer is now in the air and with that I’m hoping everyone is feeling in a positive mood for the remainder of the year.

We asked a number of retailers attending Pulse-London this issue on their thoughts on the year so far and consumer spending habits - turn to page 22 to see what they had to say.

your views, any interesting products you spot, or indeed any news that you may have.

Are you signed up to our website or following us on Twitter? If not, now is the time to. For example, we will be ramping up our tweeting over the course of the remaining time before the show, bringing you great snippets - so come ‘tweet with us’ - @ giftstodaymag or keep up to date via our regular daily news flashes by simply registering at www. gifts-today.co.uk Can I take this opportunity to draw to everyone’s attention that is has been announced that Isabel Martinson is leaving The Giftware Association after nearly 15 years as its chief executive. I, for one, would like to wish Isabel every success in the future and thank her for all the hard work that she has done for the Association coupled with the positive aspects that have been drawn through her being chief executive over the years.

So what else? Well this issue we bring you a whole host of features. You find amongst the pages this month Games & Puzzles (page 40), Gifts for Women (page 48), Wall Art (page 56) and Eco Friendly gifts (page 59).

Happy reading everyone - time to start on that July issue!

NEWS

regular

Exclusive Distribution in the UK

Miss Milly in the finals of Chamber of Commerce Awards

Arora Design have teamed up with the British, Derbyshire based candle makers On A Wick and A Prayer to exclusively distribute their products in the UK. Ranges include the fabulous “China Garden” collection of candles and diffusers, sixteen melter and wax bar gift sets giving a wide choice of beautiful fragrances, with only one or two chunks from the bar required to scent a room for several hours. Inspirational Victorian bath candles available in five colours, hand glazed and fired in the Peak District and a collection of classic pillar candles and fabulous heart shaped candles. Contact us for more information.

Tel: 01386 86166 Email: sales@arora-design.co.uk

After a fantastic year of growth in 2014, British jewellery and scarf supplier, Miss Milly, is delighted with the news that it is a finalist in the Most Promising New Business category of the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce (HWCC) Awards.

“We launched in 2012 with a very strong brand proposition that we have continued to develop,” explains Sarah Watmore, managing director. “Miss Milly operates in a very competitive market and in order to stand out, gain and keep our customers, we work incredibly hard on design and marketing.”

The HWCC states that the number of applications received exceeded expectations and were of an incredibly high standard, so to have got through to the final four in the category is a huge achievement.

Tel: 01905 622509 Web: www.missmilly.co.uk

Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services UK gains accreditation for candle testing Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services UK, whose testing laboratory is located in Warrington, Cheshire, is pleased to announce it has been accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) to test for the compliance and safety of candles.

As candles have grown in popularity with consumers over the past decade, so has the potential safety concern with their use. It is said that consumers are purchasing candles more frequently now as focal points for their home décor, as a means of scenting the air in a room, for aromatherapy-like relaxation, stress reduction or for parties and celebrations. In this environment, and whilst candles remain one of the main sources of house fires, testing has become increasingly important to retailers, importers and manufacturers, to minimise risk and ensure that the quality and performance of their candles meet the expectations of today’s consumer.

A trio of European standards has been published in November 2007 to enhance and define the safety performance of candles and to provide a formal means of demonstrating their safety and advising consumers of the hazards inherent with such products: EN 15426:2007 “Candles – Specification for Sooting Behaviour”, EN 15493:2007 “Candles – Specification for Fire Safety” and EN 15493:2007 “Candles – Specification for Fire Safety”. Bureau Veritas’ UK laboratory now has the capability to test candles to European safety standard.

For more information on the testing services offered by Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services UK, please visit www. bureauveritas.co.uk/cps, call +44 (0)1925 854 360 or email Bvsales@uk.bureauveritas.com 6 gifts today

Fond farewell Rob Kindred, UK Sales Director for Dartington Crystal sadly passed away on 25th March at St Peters Hospice Bristol at just 52 years of age. Rob had only recently been diagnosed with an aggressive terminal condition but retained his lively spirit and warm nature throughout his last few weeks.

After an early career in the Royal Navy that included service in the Falklands War, he applied his enthusiastic personality and tenacity to commercial selling. Having held sales roles for Waterford Wedgwood, Staurt Crystal and Caithness Glass, Rob joined Dartington in 2004 where he helped build both a strong sales team and enduring relationships with his customers. Many customers and colleagues were fortunate to count Rob as a personal friend. He is remembered for his great humour, endeavour and thoughtfulness to all who worked with him. Rob leaves wife Vicki, son James and daughter Zara. Donations can be made in his memory at his tribute page on www.stpetershospice.org.uk

STONEGLOW SCOOPS TWO MORE AWARDS The winning streak continues for Stoneglow Candles. Following their success in the Gift of the Year awards in January, and the Barking and Dagenham Business of the Year award in 2014. They proudly accepted East London Growth Business and the overall Business of the Year award, at a ceremony hosted by the East London Chambers of Commerce and Docklands Business Club at the Tower Hotel with Sponsors HSBC. Several key staff were present to accept the awards as pictured left to right: Jade Webb [Customer Services Manager], Louise Dooley [Account Devleopment Manager], Perry Simmons [Owner/Chairman], Hazel Simmons [Head of Design & Product Development], Antonia Murphy [Account Development Assistant].

Over 2000 brand new gifts 7500+ lines to choose from Only £100 minimum order ‘Little & Often’ ordering system FREE next day delivery Award winning customer service

Woody Owl

Equilibrium Pretty Sparkle

Poo-Pourri®Deja Poo

Equilibrium Flower Bags

Silver Script Frames

Leonardo Silver Art Dogs

Soft Shades Vases

Progressive Gifts Greats Awards 2014

12

Times Winners

Best Service to the Independent Retailer

Lifelines Chalk Message Plaques

Friends

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

Great Service • Great Products • Great Prices

NEWS

regular

ASHLEIGH & BURWOOD ANNOUNCES TEAM EXPANSION Stephen Powell has been appointed National Field Sales Service Manager.

Stephen has worked in the industry for the past 12 years and has a healthy respect for the trade and the market. He brings to this new position the knowledge and drive necessary to implement new initiatives designed to support Ashleigh & Burwood›s retailers and increase sales on all levels.

John Nettleton commented, “We need to continue the development of strong selling products, and to understand not just what the consumer wants but also what our retail customers expect from us. Steve has been appointed to help us directly in this endeavour.”

Amanda Hiscock has been appointed as UK Sales & Marketing Manager.

Amanda has experience of marketing and sales across FMCG, beauty, design and media in the UK and in the Middle East. Working closely with Stephen Powell and the marketing team at Ashleigh & Burwood, Amanda will play a key role in ensuring that the retailer is fully supported at every range, brand and campaign launch.

Ashleigh & Burwood also welcomes to the team this quarter, new sales agent

Paul Hobbs. Paul will be covering sales for London within the M25. He said of his new venture with Ashleigh & Burwood, “I’m really pleased to be working with Ashleigh & Burwood. It’s a great product that sells really well. I’ve been welcomed by the team so warmly and I›m very glad to be part of the Ashleigh & Burwood family.”

Web: www.asheigh-burwood-trade.co.uk

Windhorse is no more but…

Designs by Lolita

Windhorse sadly stopped trading earlier this year much to the surprise of many retailers and fellow wholesalers. It was sad to see a good company go but for those customers who want to continue to buy their funky and fun Fair Trade products you should check out Namaste’s new offering.

Namaste has taken over exclusive distribution of the rainbow mosaic range pictured above which was a consistent best seller for Windhorse. This is made in Bali and Namaste’s buyers have recently just come back from visiting the supplier and seeing the first order in mid-production.

The rainbow mosaic range is just one small part of the exWindhorse offering and Namaste have also ordered in many of their other best sellers from various suppliers including the rainbow ceramics range also pictured above from Thailand. The goods will be at sea and on their way soon.

Tel 01756 700790 Web: www.namaste-uk.com

Enesco Limited will become the official distributors of Lolita glassware in Europe, the Middle East and Africa as from January 2016.

Lolita has been an admired brand for many years and is enormously popular with consumers and retailers alike. The engaging, fun, artistic designs and giftable products make Designs by Lolita a perfect complement to the Enesco family of brands.

Known for its festive and vibrant designs, Lolita features hand-painted wine and beer glasses. Designed to help consumers all over the world celebrate life’s occasions, Designs

by Lolita have sold over 14 million glasses since its inception in 2004.

“I am thrilled to work with Enesco,” said Lolita Healy, CEO and founder of Designs

by Lolita. “When I started out, just a gal with

some hand-painted martini glasses, I never imagined how much the brand would grow.

I am excited about the potential that lies ahead and confident Enesco can help us take Lolita to new heights while delivering fabulous products to our fans.”

Email: sales@lolitadesigns.co.uk Tel: 020 8998 1781

All about heritage

Heyland & Whittle expand international profile

De Rosa are delighted to be collaborating with Global Luxury Brands to expand their UK business. Simon Willis, Managing Director of GLB and Jorge De Rosa first met in 1999 at the Collectors Show in Rosemont. Fifteen years later their paths crossed again and the rest they say is history....

The heritage of De Rosa Collections proudly spans seventy years, when in 1945 Jorge De Rosa Thompson was inspired by the craft of ceramic design. Now run by his son Jorge De Rosa Jr and his daughter Agustina De Rosa, it remains a well-established, family run business producing timeless handmade ceramic figurines, evolving and reinventing ceramic design through bright colours, original art forms and textures.

De Rosa Collections innovative figurines are universally recognised for their artistic and elegant use of platinum, 18-carat gold, and vibrant enamel glazes. These unique works of ceramic art are designed by artisans and craftsman.

Award-winning luxury soap and fragrance company Heyland & Whittle is the first British brand to launch in Espace Beauté, Shanghai.

Heyland & Whittle founders, Paddy and Ursula travelled to Mainland China to attend the opening ceremony and unveil the chosen products available in store. Items on sale include candles and diffusers from their indulgent home fragrance range, organic soaps, hand washes and lotions.

The family-run business continue to expand their international profile with existing distributions in Japan, South Korea, Nigeria, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, throughout Europe and Scandinavia. The brand is currently in key negotiations with Russia and Brazil to add to their global portfolio in 2015.

8 gifts today

VILLAGE CANDLE

www.villagecandle.co.uk Tel: 01254 300268

Email: sales@villagecandle.co.uk

R

NEWS

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GA Excellence Award triumph for Fabulous Felt at BCTF The Organza Leaves range by felt maker Kate Ramsey has won The GA’s Award for Excellence at the British Craft Trade Fair in Harrogate.

Ireland-based Kate makes highly unusual and colourful scarves using untreated Merino wool and quality silk. Her fascination with felt began when she purchased a felted bag in Barcelona nearly 10 years ago. She read up about felting, taught herself how to do it and eventually swapped her career as a sociologist at the University of Limerick to start her company Fabulous Felt.

Having started work at her kitchen table Kate now works from the Limerick Craft Centre and has recently appointed her first employee with whom she collaborates to create new designs. The full collection can be viewed at www.fabulousfelt.ie Highly commended for The GA Award was the ceramic artist Linda Warrick whose hand-built semi-abstract birds in porcelain also drew praise from the judges. Her Sleeping Bird design was thought to be of particular note. Each of Linda’s pieces is burnished before firing and then smoked in sawdust to give each bird not only a visual uniqueness but also great tactile appeal.

Said GA chief executive Isabel Martinson: “The GA is seeking to reward designers whom we believe have created product that have commercial viability as a gift and both of these businesses certainly tick that box. As usual BCTF provided me and our judge John Allan, director and buyer for Stone the Crows!, with tremendous choice and our two winners beat off stiff competition. The fair this year had a real buzz and it was uplifting to see so much new talent coming into the industry.”

Joe Davies invite you to their new H&G location This upcoming Harrogate Home & Gift Show is a particularly exciting one for Joe Davies as they welcome their customers to their brand new extended stand in Hall Q50. After 20 years in the Cairn Hotel it’s a big move for Joe Davies but the new extended Hall Q looks set to be the premier Hall for gifts at Harrogate and Joe Davies are delighted to be at the heart of it.

Visitors to the new stand are in for a treat as Joe Davies will unveil their new Autumn and Winter Collection at the show: Over 2,000 brand new gifts, tableware, home décor, jewellery and fashion accessory products will debut and in total over 6,000 products from the Shudehill, Leonardo and Equilibrium Collections will be on display.

Harrogate is perfectly timed for retailers to get a head start on their end of year buying and also enables Joe Davies to buy in extra stock to keep customers satisfied for the all important run up to Christmas!

It will be a very special Harrogate show for all the Joe Davies staff and they look forward to giving you a warm welcome to the new Hall Q Stand and showing you the Award Winning Customer Service they are famous for.

For further information contact Joe Davies on 0161 975 6300, email sales@joedavies.co.uk or visit www.joedavies.co.uk 10 gifts today

With great power comes great responsibility The new limited edition figurine Spider-Man is the second launch from the prestigious Marvel collection, made entirely by hand in the Scottish Borders.

Spider-Man aka Peter Benjamin Parker made his first appearance in Marvel Comics’ Amazing Fantasy #15 (August 1962). The sculpt brings to life the iconic creation of Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, and perfectly showcases his super strength, agility and the ability to cling to buildings using his web shooters. A truly ground-breaking character, the first teenage superhero was brought to life with exquisite detail by the acclaimed sculptor Peter Mook and Design Director, Ray Ayres in Langholm.

Each piece is individually crafted by the highly skilled artisans at Border Fine Arts and is available in a worldwide limited edition of 500. The mantra that Spider-Man grew up with has been echoed with the care and attention to detail this figurine offers.

Telephone: 01228 404022, www.enesco.co.uk

ISABEL MARTINSON STEPS DOWN Isabel Martinson is leaving The Giftware Association after nearly 15 years as its chief executive. She is stepping down for family reasons and in due course will pursue other career opportunities.

GA chairman Michael Papé said: “Everyone in The GA is very sorry to be losing Izzy. She has achieved an enormous amount over many years and has continued to take our trade association forward to offer new services and support to members.

“Izzy has long been recognised as an expert in the gift and home industry. She is highly respected for her leadership and representative skills – always fighting The GA’s corner on behalf of members, at home and in Brussels.

“Izzy is a force of nature: having met her, you feel better for the experience. And although she will be sorely missed, I know that Izzy shares our desire that, until the appointment of a new chief executive, continuity within The GA is maintained and we represent our members to the best of our ability and continue to help them to fulfil their hopes and aspirations.”

Isabel commented that being chief executive of The GA had been her “dream job”, and added: “I have loved my time heading up the association. I have worked with some amazing people and been incredibly proud to see young companies flourish and grow with the help of The GA. I have always been inspired by the creativity in our dynamic industry, as evidenced by the wonderful product entered in The GA’s Gift of the Year Awards competition, which goes from strength to strength.

“The gift and home industry must surely be one of the friendliest of all UK industries and I shall very much miss seeing everyone at the trade fairs and other events. I wish The GA and everyone who works within it – as a retailer, supplier or trade fair organiser – every good fortune in the years to come.”

Kate Owen, president of the British Allied Trades Federation, and a former chairman of The GA, of which it is a part, said: “I am personally very sorry to be losing Izzy from the senior team at the Federation. She has significantly increased the reputation and profile of The GA within government circles and the industry at large. Izzy will be a hard act to follow. We all wish her every happiness and success in the future.”

Xystos launches Kringle scents Xystos, the new UK and Ireland distributor of US brand Kringle Candle, will initially launch 34 fragrances in large and medium two-wick jars, and small classic and mini classic jars. The scents – which include Cherry Blossom, Fresh Baked Bread, Warm Cotton and Apple Cider - will also be available in the Daylight range and as wax melts. There will also be a car air freshener and tea light in 14 fragrances. Kringle is looking to grow its enthusiastic and loyal fan base on this side of the Atlantic.

Exclusively Housewares: Stand 422 Tel: 0191 499 1570; email sales@xystos.co.uk; www.xystostrade.co.uk

+DUURJDWH &KULVWPDV *LIW

10th - 13th January 2016

Book your stand online today

www.harrogatefair.com

exhibition news

A BIG YEAR FOR EXCLUSIVELY HOUSEWARES Not only does 2015 mark the 14th Exclusively Housewares, for the first time its new sister show, Exclusively Electrical, will run alongside. Both shows run on Tuesday, 9 June and Wednesday, 10 June at the Business Design Centre, London.

The new Exclusively Electrical show is dedicated to small kitchen and domestic appliance (SKA/SDA) suppliers, a market sector which continues to grow, led by sales of high-end coffee

machines, co-ordinated food preparation appliances along with juicers and blenders – all of which are very popular as gifts.

In another first, both shows will also feature a ‘Christmas Trail’; for visiting buyers looking for ideas for the festive season, and an On Trend trail; which highlights products identified by trend forecasters Scarlet Opus as ‘On Trend’ for the coming season.

Visitors will also be able to sit in on free presentations which take place on Wednesday, 10 June, starting at 10.30am with market research company GfK providing a briefing session titled ’The changing face of food preparation and dining’, followed by a future trends presentation by Scarlet Opus at 11am.

For more information visit www.exclusivelyhousewares.co.uk or www.exclusivelyelectrical.co.uk.

Positive feeling at BCTF The 2015 British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF) celebrated its 40th anniversary this year with the show organisers reporting an increase in buyers for 2015, the position remains positive for the future of the fair and the home and giftware industry in general.

Many exhibitors have reported sales increases over 2014 and the general ambience at the fair was buoyant with over 200 exhibitors already booked for 2016. (10 – 12 April 2016).

12 gifts today

tendence 2015. The line-up you really need to know.

In a blink of an eye, retailers will be thinking about their collections for Christmas and the following Spring and Summer seasons in 2016. Held at the most appropriate time for exploring and ordering new designs, Tendence opens its doors 29th August to 1st September 2015. The world’s most important international meeting for the Giving and Living industry, held in the second half of the year, will be bursting with product launches, innovation and inspiration.

For the 2015 edition, the young and exciting event Windows Dressing Live will take place again in Hall 9.2. Karin Wahl shares hot tips and expert retail advice to stop consumers in their tracks walking past retailers’ shop windows. Trade visitors gain an exclusive insight into sustainable consumer goods, industry trends and creative designs outlined by the selection of award presentations delivered at Tendence 2015.

More than 1,212 international exhibitors are found at Tendence, planned strategically into product groups for trade visitors to easily navigate through the exhibitor halls leading them to exactly what they need. Get excited. Here’s a snapshot of the line-up…

Carat is the hall for jewellery and whether it is silver, gold, fashion, high end or creatively designed, Tendence will showcase it. Source from CC Pearls, Heide Heinzendorff, Hultquist, Katharina Cremer and Sence Copenhagen and many more exhibitors. Any boutiques, retailers, department stores, perfumeries that are looking to enrich their jewellery collection will find it in Hall 9.3.

Gifts Unlimited: with the description in the name, visitors are sure to find gift ideas at Tendence! In the fields of candles, paperweights, decorative ornaments, greeting cards and more, Hall 9.1 and 9.2 are bursting with ideas. Look for Boltze, Gilde, Grätz Verlag, G. Wurm, Hoff Interieur, Tudi Billo and Yankee Candle! Hall 9.2 is Personal Accessories where personal beauty and international fashion can be found from exhibitors such as A. Ahmaddy, Merlin Lederwaren, The Moshi, Top Team, Volker Lang and Yam Yam Fashion. The collections of scarfs, bags, belts and sunglasses will send retailer’s fashion senses into overdrive! For the more quirky, out of the ordinary gift ideas head to Hall 11.1 Young & Trendy. It is a real treat for the eye and opportunity for retailers to find special additions for their collections from exhibitors such as DFP, Donkey Products, Gift Company, Räder Wohnzubehör and Rex International.

Halls 8.0 and 9.0 are a source of high class furnishing and high end articles for perfecting homes and living spaces. Frames, pictures, lighting, textile accessories are all exhibited. Exotica Cor Mulder, Greengate, House Doctor, Light & Living among others have already registered for Interiors & Decoration. For every season, there is a reason to decorate. For parties, Easter, Christmas, summer BBQs, weddings and more, Interiors & Decoration offers retailers an entire palette of beautiful products. Already registered for this product group are exhibitors such as DPI, Edelman, Heembloemex, Kaemingk and Kaheku. Loft is the product group for avante garde, high end design and artistic embellishment found in Hall 11.0. Exhibitors with innovative, outstanding products showcase and launch them in Loft. Brands that have already registered include names such as Alessi, ASA Selection, Eva Solo, Philippi, Reisenthel and Umbra.

Certainly not for the faint-hearted, Tendence is held over four days offering retailers opportunity to stay on trend and order from the market leaders for the following year. With the planning for the fair in full swing and exhibitor registrations forever growing, Tendence 2015 is shaping up to be another success! For more information, visit www.tendence.messefrankfurt. com or to book tickets, visit www.tickets.messefrankfurt.com

design, colour and function for the home ADDIS HOUSEWARES AEROLATTE AMEFA ANNIVERSARY HOUSE APOLLO HOUSEWARES ARTHUR PRICE AUTEUR CHARLES BENTLEY & SON BARISTA & CO BERGHOFF WORLDWIDE BHL BLACK & BLUM BODUM BRABANTIA BRAMAX BURLEIGH BURTON MCCALL BWT CHARLES VIANCIN CITY LOOK IMPORTS COUNTRY MATTERS CREATIVE PRODUCTS CROWN TRENT CURVER DARTINGTON CRYSTAL DAVID MASON DESIGN DENBY BRANDS DEXAM DKB HOUSEHOLD DNC THE DRH COLLECTION DUBOST COLAS PRADEL E-CLOTH EATON DINING

ECOCOOK EDDINGTONS ELIA EMILE HENRY ETHOS EUROPASONIC FALCON PRODUCTS FISKARS FOSSEWAY TRADING GEH GILBERTS GIMI GOURMET GADGETRY GREEN PIONEER GROUPE SEB I GRUNWERG HAREWOOD INTERNATIONAL HAUS HORWOOD HOMEWARES IC INNOVATIONS ICB NOSTIK ICTC IMPERIAL INTERNATIONAL JERAY JOSEPH JOSEPH JUST MUGS JVL HOMEWARES JWP KILNER KINETICO KIS KUHN RIKON LADELLE LE CHATEAU TEXTILES

LE CREUSET LEKUE MAGEFESA BY VITRINOR MAHITTI MAKE INTERNATIONAL MASON CASH, RAVENHEAD AND PRICE & KENSINGTON MASTRAD MAXWELL & WILLIAMS METALTEX MEYER N J PRODUCTS NAVIGATE NEAT IDEAS NORDIC WARE OCTOPUS PUBLISHING OXO GOOD GRIPS PENDEFORD HOUSEWARES PHA KITCHESSENTIALS POLDER HOUSEWARES POOLE POTTERY PREMIER HOUSEWARES PYREX READY STEADY COOK RKW ROBERT WELCH DESIGNS ROOT 7 ROSTI MEPAL H & L RUSSEL SABICHI HOMEWARES SALTER SCOTT BROTHERS SIMPLEHUMAN SISTEMA

And don’t forget to visit Exclusively Electrical our sister show running alongside Exclusively Housewares ARIETE (JALENO) BAMIX (PROVEN PRODUCTS) BEURER BRABANTIA APPLIANCES DUALIT EPE INTERNATIONAL EUROPASONIC EWBANK

GROUPE SEB HOSTESS (CROSSLEE) HSCL JURA KALORIK KITCHENAID MAGIMIX MEYER GROUP

REDMOND RKW SMART WORLDWIDE TEAM UKI UP GLOBAL SOURCING VITALITY 4 LIFE VITAMIX WITT

For more information on the show take a look at www.exclusivelyhousewares.co.uk or call 0121 237 1130

SMASH GLOBAL SODASTREAM SWAN T&G TAYLORS EYE WITNESS TERRAILLON THE COOKWARE COMPANY TONTARELLI TRADESTOCK TYPHOON ULSTER WEAVERS UNIKIA UP GLOBAL SOURCING VACU VIN WESCO WESTERN HOUSE WHAT MORE WHITEFURZE WHITFORD WILTON XYSTOS ZODIAC STAINLESS PRODUCTS ZWILLING J A HENCKELS

Run by the industry, for the industry

Exclusively Housewares will run alongside its NEW sister show Exclusively Electrical, designed especially for small domestic appliance buyers

www.exclusivelyelectrical.co.uk

licensing news

Spider-Man and the Avengers Join the Qualatex Product Line

Morph returns to childrens TV after 15 years Everyone’s favourite terracotta clay hero, Morph, will return to the small screen on CBBC. The new adventures of Morph will be broadcast on the channel next month.

Morph is returning home to the BBC after more than 15 years away from our television screens. Originally created in 1977 by Aardman, Morph first appeared on the BBC Children’s art programme Take Hart alongside the artist and presenter Tony Hart.

Staying true to the original format, the new episodes are shot using clay and traditional stop-frame animation at Morph’s original home at the Aardman studios in Bristol.

Cartamundi launches tri-pack game box inspired by Disney’s mega-hit Cartamundi, one of the world’s market leaders in playing cards and card games, has announced the launch of the Frozen Tripack, a three-in-one pack of card games inspired by Disney’s biggest hit to date.

Arriving at toyshops, gift shops and supermarkets in July and priced at £8.99, the card game was released following unprecedented demand for last year’s Frozen two-in-one game and the enormous continuing popularity of the film.

It will contain a happy families game, a Mega Memo game and a specially designed Frozen action game.

With a core market of girls aged 5-8, the tri-pack will be housed in a triple tuckbox format. Not only that but the pack contains stunning artwork featuring the leading characters. Queen Elsa and her sister Anna, Olaf the snowman, Kristoff and his reindeer Sven, Prince Hans and Marshmallow the ice monster all appear on the game cards.

The new tripack is expected to enjoy a strong retail performance in the runup to Christmas thanks to the amazing success of the film and the enormous popularity of the DVD.

14 gifts today

Pioneer Balloon Company, maker of Qualatex brand balloons, is increasing its licensed Marvel product offerings with the addition of Spider-Man and Avengers latex balloons.

The new balloon products will be available in June 2015. This coincides with the recent release of the highly successful Marvel movie, The Avengers: Age of Ultron.

DVD launch is schedule for September 2015. The Avengers latex will be available in 5” and 11” round latex balloons. To accommodate demand, Pioneer will introduce Spider-Man latex balloons in three different sizes: 5” and 11” rounds, and 12” Quick Link Balloons. The new balloons will coordinate well with existing product offerings, such as the popular Spider-Man and Avengers Bubble Balloons.

Delight in Blue Noses spans generations Tatty Teddy, the signature character from the much loved Me to You brand, visited the Carte Blanche store at The Marlands in Southampton to meet an excited group of customers who had gathered to find out the results of a competition to win a cute Tiny Tatty Teddy Buggy and meet the iconic Blue Nose bear.

For one lucky South Coast family, good luck prevailed Georgina and Kevin Donnelly and baby Amelia were delighted to have their ticket pulled out at random – the prize was particularly special as Georgina and Kevin are huge Me to You fans, even theming their wedding and nursery around the brand.

Get creative with SpongeBob A new licence between Nickleodeon and RMS International has seen SpongeBob SquarePants children’s stationery products hitting the shelves over the past few weeks.

RMS had 19 arts, crafts, stationery and novelty products ready to go following the initial agreement, with the first released on April 15 and the remainder due out this month and in June at stores including The Entertainer.

RMS are known for their award-winning Grafix brand and innovative and value-for-money stationery, arts, crafts and activity ranges and the new products are aimed at inspiring fans of the show to get creative with SpongeBob and his friends.

A company spokesman said: “We had been working on the licence agreement with Nickelodeon for several months and are delighted to have become a licensee.

SpongeBob is an immensely popular show watched by millions worldwide.

“The new range of products are great for kids with a creative side who want something to keep them amused. The products are of great quality yet well within pocket money budget, and with the recent SpongeBob Squarepants cinematic release, we are hoping they will fly off the shelves.” www.rmsint.com

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GA news

GA reaches out to ‘The Next Generation’ People who will help shape the future of the giftware industry will feature in a panel debate when The GA makes ‘The Next Generation’ the overarching theme of its Members’ Day at Federation House in Birmingham on 10 June.

Among those sharing the platform will be Steve McGuire, global sales director and senior vicepresident at LSA International, and Sara Allbright, John Lewis Partnership buyer for home and gift collections/candleshop.

“We are reaching out to the young entrepreneurs who help run the numerous successful gift supply and gift retail businesses in the UK,” said outgoing GA chief executive Isabel Martinson.

“Many of the products winning Gift of the Year Awards are designed and created by the upcoming stars of home and gift. The Members’ Day is the perfect opportunity to bring these young leaders together to debate the future of our great industry and discuss what can be achieved collectively to maintain the health of this vibrant sector of the economy.

“It will also enable new companies to learn from those members with great experience. They, in turn, may also be able to glean some useful information.”

Those watching the live feed will be encouraged to join in the debate via Twitter and email. “We want this to be the start of an ongoing conversation within the industry,” continued Isabel. “Those who can’t get away from their businesses on the day will be able to access the debate and keynote speeches afterwards via a videolink.”

Speakers will include Daniel Sinclair Taylor, partnerships manager at Funding Circle, the marketplace in peer to peer business finance, who will also be available in the afternoon for one-to-one sessions with members looking for more detailed information on how SMEs can use the scheme – which has government backing – to raise funds to move their companies forward.

Richard Hill of digital marketing consultancy SEO Traffic Lab, will tell retailer and supplier members how to increase online sales on their websites and the way social media can help them achieve higher search engine rankings.

After a networking lunch, one-to-one surgeries, discussion groups and workshops will span the law relating to sales agents, with lawyers from Steeles Law; insurance and financial services (TH March); analysing information from your EPOS systems (Data Strategy Consulting); lead generation and conversion technology (Reach Local) and social media with Tamsin Fox-Davies. New GA member and national committee member Gary Schaffer, of United Oddsocks, will also run a session on selling skills.

16 gifts today

GA recruits more members and now has 1,000 retailer subscribers The GA has recruited 39 new members – a mix of suppliers and retailers – in the first quarter of 2015 including antique reproduction company McGowan & Rutherford. This represents a 44% increase on the same period last year.

Membership development manager Simone Rose, who also reports that the number of

GA retailer subscribers has hit the 1,000 mark, said: “We are growing an impressive database of retailers to promote our supplier members to. We are striving to fulfil the aim of GA chairman Michael Papé to bring both sides of our industry closer and so enhance trading opportunities.”

Meet the Buyer: ‘A unique chance’ – and ‘effective and inexpensive’ There were more plaudits for The GA following its recent Meet the Buyer events with the John Lewis Partnership and Achica.

Hannah Dale, founder of Wrendale Designs – supplier of cards, gifts, prints, stationery and giftwrap – who met John Lewis buyers, commented: “It’s an opportunity that shouldn’t be missed – a unique chance to pitch your products to decisionmaking buyers. The event was well organised and a brilliant initiative from The GA.” Paul Connett, a director of My Gifts Trade, which took The Judges’ Choice prize at Gift of the Year and also won the Made in UK category for its Hinchcliffe and Barber Songbird Grey Ceramics, said of his meeting with Achica: “It was one of the most effective and inexpensive ways of formalising my company and brands and building concrete foundations in such an intimate arena.”

Lucy Howard, office manager of Emma Ball – which supplies original watercolours, greeting cards, homeware and fabrics – met John Lewis buyers. She commented: “The GA put together a really welcoming event, giving small businesses, such as ours, a chance to pitch and promote products in a way which gave me the chance to gain experience and enjoy myself at the same time.”

Two new virtual showrooms – and Baby is on the way!

The GA now has three year-round virtual showrooms up and running on its website – and a fourth on the way. Suppliers are continually adding images as new product becomes available.

There are two new showrooms – Garden and Outdoor Living, where suppliers include Nick Smyth Trading, Ragged Rose, Talking Tables, T&G Woodware and Winter Flora – and Wedding, where products from companies such as Two Little Boys, Giftscribes, from you to me, Widdop Bingham, RJB Stone and Enesco can be found.

The Christmas showroom is also on the website – and Baby is expected soon! Please contact Luke.

Palmer@ga-uk.org, tel 0121 237 1145 for more information.

www.ga-uk.org

Contact your local Sales Manager to make a showroom booking Simon Pykett Director T +44 (0)1635 39881 M +44 (0) 7826 851241

Paul Francis Southeast M +44 (0) 7769 934055 Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Central and Greater London, Channel Islands, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Middlesex, Surrey & Sussex.

Nicola Atkinson Southwest England and Wales M +44 (0) 7802 313128 Wales, Staffordshire, Shropshire, West Midlands, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Avon, Berkshire, Somerset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Somerset, Dorset, Devon & Cornwall.

John Murphy Ireland M + (0) 353 87 2640065 Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man.

John Gibbons Scotland M +44 (0)7956 934059 Scotland

Chris McVey Northern England M +44 (0) 7795 484412 Northumberland, Cumbria, Tyne and Wear, County Durham, Lancashire & Yorkshire

Harriet Ayers Central areas M: 07714 656106 Merseyside, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Rutland, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk & Suffolk

SIA Home Fashion

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

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

Retail Interview Shop Direct

The Direct Route With more than £1.7 billion in annual sales, Shop Direct are proud to be the UK and Ireland’s leading multi-brand digital retailer, delivery 48 million products every year to four million customers.

Penny Franks had the pleasure to question their Senior Gift Buyer (gifts and beauty), Emma Carden, to find out more.

Shop Direct is a huge online digital retailer - how do you manage consumer expectation across all of your brands?

Shop Direct is home to some fantastic digital department stores including our flagship brand Very.co.uk. We exist to make good things easily accessible to more people, that’s why our customers shop with us. We do that by offering them an unrivalled selection of world famous brands on websites that are easy to

I love working in the gifting industry, the product range is so varied and exciting; every year there’s something new, it’s continually evolving use and increasingly tailored to their tastes and our credit offer makes it affordable for them.

How much onus do you place on the gifting sector within these sites?

The gifts category is really important for all our brands and has its own dedicated zone page online which we update fortnightly with our latest product launches on gifts and jewellery. We cover a breadth of product including food and drink, experience days, party and fancy dress. Key calendar events are really important for us and our ranges feature heavily across all online activity for events whether it be Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, weddings or any other important occasion in our customers’ lives.

Is there a particular gifting category that performs well for you?

We’re seeing strong

18 gifts today

consistent growth across all our categories. Virgin Experience Days are one of our biggest categories within gifts; we offer a wide range of experiences and price points to suit the customer needs ranging from an afternoon tea to a more extravagant trip to Paris.

Another important range for us is personalised gifts, our customers just seem to love the range we offer.

We’ve got so much newness planned for this range this year - you can personalise just about anything nowadays.

A gift can be almost anything, how do you fine tune your gifting solutions?

I love working in the gifting industry, the product range is so varied and exciting; every year there’s something new, it’s continually evolving. But sometimes there can be a fine line between a gift and a home accessory, for example. I tend to base my selections on key events throughout the calendar year, Mother’s Day or birthdays for example, that way I can

ensure that we can offer the customer what they want for those important occasions in their life.

What about trends, how do you spot the next must have/gift item?

I attend trade shows and keep up to date with trade press although I can take inspiration from anywhere really. From having a browse on Pinterest to shopping on a Saturday afternoon or chatting with friends, I’m inundated with new gift ideas!

I also have a great relationship with my suppliers; they’re always keeping me updated with up and coming trends and stories for the following season.

Do you have a particular site that performs well for you with regard to gifting?

Very.co.uk is our fastest growing brand. With the average age of 25-35, we aim to offer everything that ‘Miss Very’ needs and make it affordable! We offer different ways to pay; a Very Account, which allows you to spread the cost, buy now pay nothing for up to 12 months or Take 3, where

display, affiliates, social media and SEO. From an SEO point of view, we work on ensuring the search engines can find and index our pages. In terms of display and affiliates, we show branded banners on 3rd party websites.

Products or promotions will be shown to people who have either never visited our site before or may have visited home page.

And how important is social media to you?

Really important. Very.co.uk has a

It’s really important to us to make the customer’s shopping experience an enjoyable one and seamless across all devices our customers can split the cost of over three monthly payments, and opt out of interest.

Which trade shows do you visit, both here in the UK and overseas We visit several gift trade shows in the UK throughout the year. These are invaluable for us to source new gift ranges and see new product innovations coming through into the market. I’ve also been to Hong Kong for some amazing trade shows. They’re really ahead of the game over there and I always come back brimming with ideas.

How do you drive traffic to your websites?

We use different channels – PPC,

strong presence across all social media channels; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. We update our website on a weekly basis showcasing new products and promotions so social media is a great way to shout about this to our customers and attract new ones.

How do you manage any online promotions? Do these prove popular?

We tend to plan our gift promotions around key calendar events. We know our customers are price savvy; value for money is really important so each promotion we run is relevant to the time of year, a ladies gift promotion around Mother’s Day for example. We also run 3 for 2 Gifts promotion at Christmas which our customers love.

Of course, we can’t overlook customer expectation - what type of customer service do you offer?

It’s really important to us to make the customer’s shopping experience an enjoyable one and seamless across all devices. Multiple product images, easy to use navigation and availability are all critical. We’ve also focused on improving delivery options for our customer. As well as having a next day delivery option for orders made up to 9pm, we offer click-and-collect from over 5,500 locations via Collect+ Do you offer a complete gifting solution - for example, a gift wrap option?

We don’t offer a gift wrap service at the moment but it’s something we will

definitely look to do in the future and is part of our long term strategy. We’ve actually got a range of gift wrap which is due live any day now. This is a new product category within gifts so our customers have the option to buy the gift wrap along with their gift.

And finally, on a more personal note, what is the best part of your role within Shop Direct?

As a senior buyer on the gifts and beauty category I work with a great team of people and oversee a fantastic range of products. We’ve got some huge growth plans for all our categories over the next few years and I’m so excited to be a part of it. Every day is different and brings a new challenge, which is why I love my job so much! gifts today 19

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Special - Brian Wiseman of Present Company

e h t g n i n i e c a Exam f g n i g n g n i t cha e k r a of m We have all been lectured very sternly by business leaders that every Brian Wiseman

I

don’t get out a lot these days.

Even a visit to my dispensing pharmacist to collect my everlengthening list of prescription drugs is a welcome outing from the confines of Present Company.

So it was very nice to receive an invitation from those lovely people at i2i, organisers of the wonderful Spring and Autumn Fairs held at Birmingham’s NEC. Exhibitors at these fine fairs should be very glad to know that i2i consult endlessly with buyers both big and small.

A small group of independent home and gift retailers assembled to reflect their outlook on our industry. It was an illuminating outing indeed. And not just for the gorgeous surroundings of a turreted neo Gothic meeting room at the splendid St Pancras Hotel in London.

Every relevant subject possible was discussed over the following few hours.

Guarded optimism that sales may be showing signs of recovering were partly counterbalanced by a view that 2014 had very possibly been the most difficult year of trading yet. And a feeling that 20 gifts today

trader must have a fully transactional website backed up

by Facebook and Twitter accounts

the traditional gift events may be getting harder, even Christmas. But there was very little sense of decline and doom.

And now to the web…

The worldwide web is an odd place indeed. So I can well understand the desire of small businesses to avoid it altogether. We have all been lectured very sternly by business leaders that every trader must have a fully transactional website backed up by Facebook and Twitter accounts. My new friends at St Pancras were not in a mood for compromise and the majority were glad not to be trading online. For these retailers, location delivers profits and not websites. One had even abandoned ecommerce, and two high street shops, after consistently disappointing sales.

Interestingly, there emerged a feeling that online shoppers are not quite the same bunch as those that frequent and buy on the high street.

Consultants pop up hither and thither to analyse the internet and how it interacts with our lives. And how we can profit from it. Ever anxious to learn more of the dark secrets of the net I joined the Digital High Street Skills course that is being promoted across the nation. Funding had been secured so it was free to us participants. I could report that the entire enterprise was a waste of time. But that would be unfair. It was at times so basic in its approach and so general in its scope as to be of very limited use. But the lecturers were well informed and enthusiastic. The real substance was held back until the third and final module when a hushed, nervous silence greeted the lecture concerning social media marketing. The statistics charting the rise of the internet and social media are beyond impressive.

More like terrifying.

More than once we were told that, “If you’re not sending out five Tweets a day, you’re not Tweeting.” Now I fully accept

that this is a generational thing and social networking can be incomprehensible to my generation. A particularly selfaggrandising acquaintance of mine clearly subscribed to the “Five Tweets a day” principal of promotion. To call his Tweets inane would be an insult to vacuous inanity. After one that read, “How are you? Cruising on down today,” followed by, “Nearly grape juice time,” I selected the “Unfollow” button with only a hint of guilt.

Marketing initiatives seem to be judged favourably by their sheer audacity. Some years ago, when the “Why not?” advertising theme was all the rage we took my elderly mother to a garden centre not far from her home in Gloucestershire. It was a cold, cheerless and dark January afternoon. We were apparently the only members of the public in attendance. The property had obviously been very carefully zoned with a sophisticated public address system. As we made our way around the dismal place, a voice followed us with a carefully scripted sales patter.

“Why not enjoy an afternoon tea at our café?” then, “Why not visit our gift department?” “Why not see our spring bulbs?” And so it continued in similar vein. At first it was funny. Then irritating.

Finally it was downright bloody sinister as the dismembered voice pursued us relentlessly. We fled, ignition key in hand, bundling my poor mother into our car to escape this half-lit house of horrors.

And now the television adverts are dominated by endlessly repetitive ukuleles and whistling . . .

Brian Wiseman has owned home and gift shop Present Company in Burgess Hill, West Sussex for nearly 28 years. Brian’s wife Louise is buyer; “Facebook? I know we’ve got to do it. Just leave me out of it . . . .” brian_presentco@yahoo.co.uk

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SNAYGILL INDUSTRIAL ESTATE

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,SQI +MJXW ˆ -RGIRWI ˆ ,SQI *YVRMWLMRKW ˆ *YVRMXYVI ˆ 'PSXLMRK ˆ %GGIWWSVMIW ˆ .I[IPPIV] Please come and see us at our Showroom in Skipton, we have extended opening hours during the Harrogate Home & Gifts Fair 19-22 July 2015 as we are not exhibiting this year.

HARROGATE SHOW OPENING HOURS 19TH-21ST 9.00AM - 8.00PM & 22ND 9.00AM - 5.30PM

Grass Roots

This issue we caught up with a number of retailers about how 2015 has performed so far for them whilst attending Pulse London

Libby Todorova and Sarah Hobson

Laura Mackay

Fiona Campbell, London

Paperchase, London How has the year been for you so far?

More or less pretty good. I think in the rest of the world it’s been terrible but for us it’s been good.

We have been quite lucky.

How has the year been for you so far?

It has picked up a bit since the General Election. Before that it was a bit quiet.

Have you noticed any trends emerging?

Quite a lot of graphics and botanicals and metals, beaten copper, that sort of stuff.

Have you noticed any trends emerging?

We have been thinking from a design point of view that things have been very similar over the last couple of seasons. We are waiting for things to move on a bit

Are consumers are now starting to alter their spending habits?

No. It has improved a bit this year. We are quite high-end market so people do spend a lot of money a lot with us. But not on the shop side; it’s more bespoke pieces.

Are consumers are now starting to alter their spending habits?

As a consumer I am definitely spending more than I used to.

Is there a particular category that has sold well?

We do seem to be doing a lot of bedrooms this year. People want to do their bedrooms first before the rest of their homes.

Is there a particular category that has sold well?

Not one specific category, no but across the board yes.

Tiffa Easmon-George Gift, Crouch End, London How has the year been for you so far?

Yes, we have had good sales, good footfall. I am positive.

Have you noticed any trends emerging?

I do tend to notice that people are buying lower price point items, which they might go online to buy.

Are consumers are now starting to alter their spending habits?

Yes they have to be more careful with what they are buying and they are more thoughtful about it. They have to be more specific rather than just wandering into a shop and seeing something that they think is nice and buying it just for that reason.

Is there a particular category that has sold well?

Jewellery especially bracelets. We cannot sell enough bracelets and bangles. They seem to be filling a gap. They sell for between £15 and £20.

22 gifts today

Emma Gordon The School of Life, London How has the year been for you so far?

Busy. We are preparing for later in the year, around September time ready for Christmas. So we are planning products for then.

Have you noticed any trends emerging?

Lots of fluoro colours, fluoresce, bright clean and inspiring colours.

Are consumers are now starting to alter their spending habits?

Yes we have found that people are more prepared to spend more money on a high quality item rather than buying than anything and everything. You would rather know the history of something, who is making it and where it is coming from.

People are a lot more intelligent when it comes to buying things.

Is there a particular category that has sold well?

We sell stationery predominantly and that seems to work for us.

“We have found that people are more prepared to spend more money on a high quality item rather than buying than anything and everything”

Nicky Game, Magpie of Maldon, Maldon, Essex Helen Lee, Poppy & Finn, Maldon, Essex

Paul Patel Mirkay, New Forest, Hampshire.

How has the year been for you so far?

Interesting; it’s been very challenging. Lots of opportunities and exciting times ahead.

Have you noticed any trends emerging?

Not really, I am happy where I am based. I have a standard customer base that is pretty consistent.

People have been wary up to now so hopefully confidence is coming back and they will be happy to start spending.

How has the year been for you so far?

(Helen): I have recently just moved into a new shop so it’s been okay. We have to work on the footfall to build back up the confidence in Maldon high street.

For a couple of years it’s been a bit slow, a lot of people have left the town.

Are consumers are now starting to alter their spending habits?

Absolutely, absolutely. It’s almost since last week (the General Election) with the uncertainty it’s almost like everyone has breathed a sigh of relief. We can now make decisions and decide what we want to.

Are consumers are now starting to alter their spending habits?

(Helen & Nicky): People are being really careful. They are really thinking about what they are buying. They will often come in two or three times before finally settling on something. The trend of impulse buying seems to have disappeared now. We are hoping that confidence will be returning to the high street because without that…

Is there a particular category that has sold well?

I’m in greetings cards and stationery so that has always been very strong. It’s down to customer loyalty. We have a loyal customer base. We are lucky.

Is there a particular category that has sold well?

(Nicky): For me it is leather handbags and scarves. (Helen): I would say trinkets and clocks.

Have you noticed any trends emerging?

(Helen & Nicky): No not where we are. Maldon is one of those places where something that you expect to sell doesn’t and something you don’t think will, does. Finding our market at the moment is our priority.

gifts today 23

Trade talk

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

This issue we ask a number of the industry’s finest their thoughts on 2015 so far.

Paul Hooker, Joe Davies We’re midway through the year - have you noticed any particular trends emerging that may assist your retail partners?

Tom Sykes General manager, Xystos Are there any particular

Trade can be challenging midway through the year, however

trends

retailers that are innovating are performing well. Home sentiment

emerging

continues to be a very strong area with ranges like our Mudpie

that may

Circa Collection and Apothecary Sentiment vases really helping keep sales

assist your

buoyant. Both ranges take home sentiment messages and give them a quirky twist.

What do you think will be your “hero” product by the close of 2015?

retail partners?

With 8,000 products picking the outright winner at such an early stage in the year is really

people who buy candle

difficult. Snoozies are such a strong performer in the second half and we really do have some

products from our portfolio – be they

exciting developments which we will launch at Harrogate. Certainly in the running is our

WoodWick, HearthWick or Anderson Lilley

Equilibrium Jewellery, Home Sentiment Collections and our Provence Range; which continues

– are being far more adventurous in their

to go from strength to strength.

How do you feel the gifting sector is performing so far this year?

selections this year. Increasing consumer

Trade has been steady so far this year. At Joe Davies our aim is to be there to help our independent customers make the most of the busy trading times ahead with our “Little & Often” order system and by launching over 2,000 new products in July.

We are finding that

confidence in the economy has perhaps influenced them to be a little bolder and buy higher-end candles – and the repeat business for HearthWick has been fantastic.

As ever, the public is always looking

Kit Heath, Owner Kit Heath How do you feel the gifting sector is performing so far this year?

This year has seen us open a large number of new gift shop accounts for our Dew and Heritage collections.

With our Dew collection, we want to offer wholesalers a silver gift solution at great prices, which are easy for consumers to buy.

Backed by our service and quality we want Dew to be a retailer ‘must have’ stock line.

We have noticed that as confidence in the economy grows, people are not only buying gifts for others, but starting to treat themselves.

Dew is a sterling silver collection that offers fantastic style and quality at affordable gifting prices.

What makes this category perform well for your retail partners?

We offer our retailers a collection of wearable, classic and contemporary sterling silver designs that are huge in quality at an affordable gifting price.

Gifting for occasions is part of our everyday life, whether shopping for birthdays, celebrations or just because. Jewellery remains the perfect gift for yourself and others. We all love a treat.

What are the trends this year?

Colour; stone and shell combinations have been hugely popular this spring and are set to continue for the rest of the year.

Two and three-tone plating in both rose and yellow gold, alongside highly polished sterling silver designs has been a strong trend for us.

Personalisation in many forms is very popular for gifting jewellery. We have seen this particularly in illustrative silhouette and symbol designs, capturing all things to love in life.

24 gifts today

for product that is fresh to market, so it’s important for retailers to provide a wide choice if they want to maximise their profits.

It remains to be seen whether the outcome of the general election has any negative effect on our sales, but I doubt it. Everyone at Xystos is certainly upbeat about future prospects and looking forward to great things from our new association with Kringle Candle.

What do you think will be your “hero” product by the close of 2015?

It certainly looks like being HearthWick.

Retailers and consumers just can’t get enough of this product, which looks great and features fantastic fragrances.

How do you feel the gifting sector is performing so far this year?

I can only speak for Xystos. We have had a terrific winter and spring as far as sales are concerned and look forward to an equally good summer when we will again be unveiling lots of new product at Home & Gift.

Home & Gift

Say hello!

Check out Ambiente Paper Products Stand: DP14 A

The Ambiente sales team look forward to welcoming customers new and old to see their amazing new Autumn /Christmas collection of Printed Paper Napkins and table accessories on stand DP14 A. This year they will be offering visitors some great show only offers and offer quality customer care with a four-day delivery service.

Say hello to Arora Design Hall B, Stand: B23

The Sales Team at Arora Design look forward to welcoming you to their stand B23 at Home & Gift. They have some fabulous extensions to existing lines, show offers and the launch of a very exciting new licencing partnership to unveil. Visit them to find out more.

Let’s take a sneaky peek What’s in store this year at Home & Gift – this issue we bring you a taster of what you can expect.

Carrie Elspeth bring you a lucky dip!

Stand: DP1-36

Harrogate is one of the best shows of the year.

In a great location, there’s always a buzzing atmosphere, with plenty of inspiration for buyers.

“We launch our Autumn collection at Harrogate as it’s perfectly timed for the season and this year we have an exciting Lucky Dip on the stand so come and try your luck! We always look forward to going as it’s by far the most fun yet productive show to do. Oh and don’t forget the Pimms!”

19th – 22nd July 2015

H

ome & Gift Harrogate is the seasonal round-up of design-led and everyday gifts, interiors, jewellery & fashion accessories, greetings & stationery.

Given its position, Home & Gift typically allows retailers to source their all-important Christmas stock and set themselves up for a more profitable Christmas. By providing exclusive show offers, suppliers are keen to reinforce and cultivate relationships that extend beyond this period too, enabling visitors to succeed.

The location of the show really is spot on. Why? Well with so many visitors to the show opting to take the opportunity to mix ‘business with pleasure’ by extending their stay to build in a little relax time, giving the opportunity not only to view all the fantastic product ranges on display, but proving cost effective also for a short break.

26 gifts today

This year the show will be hosting The Great Northern Retail Summit on the 20th July where visitors can be inspired by experts in the retail market, together with the return of the Best of British and Eco Trail.

Discover the first pick of tens of thousands of new season lines and over 300 exclusive ranges, from 1000’s of brands.

To date Over 90% of stands sold with exhibitors already booked to include: RJB Stone, GiftScribes, Intelex, Shruti, Joe Davies, Heaven Scent, Heyland & Whittle, Kenro, Village Candle, Arora Design, Heaven Scent, Lesser & Pavey, Ashleigh & Burwood and Widdop Bingham, to name but a few!

Of course there is more to follow in our full preview in the July issue – but take a look over the following pages full of products to whet your appetite in the meantime.

Web: www.homeandgift.co.uk

Global Luxury Brands look forward to welcoming you Stand: Q42

After almost 30 years of working the show Simon Willis from Global Luxury Brands is delighted to be exhibiting in his own right at Home & Gift. “This is an important launch for many of the brands we work with so please come along to Stand Q42, say hello and see what we have to offer. The team from De Rosa Collections have flown in from Uruguay especially for the show and will be delighted to show you their fantastic range.”

Great show offers with Heyland & Whittle Stand: DP1-78

Stop and say hello to the Heyland & Whittle team who will have some lovely new products on display this year. Try their new range of hand creams, Jasmine & Lilac soap and new Clementine & Prosecco fragrance. As always they will be running fantastic show offers. Make sure you pop by to say hello to Paddy, Ursula and the team!

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

See us next at Home & Gift Harrogate Stands DP1-49 & DP1-55 Minimum order ÂŁ150 ex VAT. Carriage paid UK ÂŁ200 ex VAT.

www.rjbstone.com +44 (0) 207 346 0100

Home & Gift

Heyland & Whittle Stand: DP1-78

Heyland & Whittle are proud to introduce their new fragrance for the spring and summer months. Cherry Blossom, sweet cherry blends with warm amber and gentle vanilla, soft like a drift of blossom on the breeze. This collection would complement any room in your home.

The range includes the ever popular Reed Diffuser and Refill to fragrance a room and two Candles which are made with a blend of sustainable soy wax for a clean and even burn.

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

Caroline Gardner Alexander Thurlow Hall C, Stand: C6

Alexander Thurlow are ablaze with colour this autumn with some wonderful eclectic sets. With design ideas more focused on the giftware buyer these lines are going to be a great addition to your autumn range.

Also featuring will be some new poppy jewellery which is now becoming a strong seller throughout the year. They will be showing at Home & Gift Harrogate Stand C6.

Web: www.alexanderthurlow.com

Stand: DP1-113

Caroline Gardner is excited to be joining the line up once again for this years’ Home & Gift show. Their beautiful stand, packed with new product for AW15, will be in the new, prime location of DP1 so make sure you pay them a visit. On display will be the gorgeous new Caroline Gardner AW15 gifts seeing additional Muchly lovely characters and exciting new Chroma accessories. They are also launching a vibrant brand new range called Pina Coladas with gorgeous stationery items, featuring colourful dots and flowers with extra special detailing of gold foiling. They are very excited to present this range for the first time. To sit alongside the gift will be the full collection of luxury Christmas products, featuring cards adorned with gold and silver flitter, foiling and sweet Christmas characters. To see all the new ranges head on down to their new stand position DP1-113.

Tel: 020 8288 9696 Web: www.carolinegardner.com 28 gifts today

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GiftScribes offer an extensive and varied collection of Christmas hanging decorations, as well as table top decorations, picture frames and hanging plaques.

Many are personalisable at the point of sale and this creates a demand for gifts that become highly collectible as personal keepsakes.

All product lines are available year round and are manufactured to a long-lasting, high quality with attention to detail and unique designs.

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Home & Gift

Miss Milly

Stand: DP3-9 Miss Milly’s autumn and winter designs are being finalised with a gorgeous colour palette covering both jewellery and scarves, allowing retailers to create striking in-store displays.

Look out for cayenne pepper, pink sapphire and peacock feather blue. New enamel and resin designs in the flagship Floria Collection uphold Miss Milly’s reputation for appealing, affordable designs. And matt gold and rose gold plating is being introduced to the gift-boxed matt silver plated Amora Collection. Visit the stand at DP3-9 for a low £50 minimum order and no MOQs.

Tel: 01905 622509 Email: hello@missmilly.co.uk

Arora Design Hall B, Stand: B23

Home and Gift Harrogate will see Arora Design launch some fabulous line extensions to their existing ranges. Pets with Personality has some new designs of the favourite breeds and characters, and by popular demand Little Paws has a brand new Pug making its debut. More Than Words has several beautiful new figurines and the every growing demand for Said with Sentiment tea light holders sees five new designs on show at Harrogate. Home and Gift will also be the venue for the unveiling of an exciting licencing partnership for Arora Design, visit them in Hall B stand 23 for more details of this stunning new collection.

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

Tapping into the hottest trends

S

howcasing a passion for all things unique, London-based RJB Stone offer a staggering range of design-led home accessory and giftware products for all ages and occasions.

From cushions to personal accessories, the company, under their exclusive retail brand Sass & Belle, create products that inspire UK and international markets.

Founded by MD Richard Stone, the company has been growing for 20 years and now trades with more than 70 countries worldwide. Harnessing the talent of six in-house designers, the company is expanding its remarkable selection again this year, introducing over 2,000 eclectic new products to the market.

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After re-branding in January, the company are now announcing the development of their new stock- intuitive and user friendly website, launching in coming months.

Heralded as ‘An excellent example of the importance of British businesses’ by MP Chuka Umunna, the company proudly represents British design both in the UK and worldwide.

Shortlisted for Gift of the Year 2015 by the GA and for the Greats Awards Retailer of the Year, the company are recognised for taking classic themes and bringing them to life with a modern twist, priding themselves on creativity, originality and being serious about fun.

Tel: 020 7346 0100 Web: www.rjbstone.com

Distributed by:

Always changing... always something new... always something to love!

Fashion accessories inspired by the countryside and designed by British Talent…

Visit us at Harrogate Home & Gift, July 19th – 22nd Stand DP1–14 email: hello@shrutidesigns.co.uk

www.junction18.com

Natural products since 1993

Home & Gift

Gibsons

Stand: DP1-65 Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte of Cambridge was born on 2 May and has brought us all some very welcome springtime joy. To commemorate the happy occasion, Gibsons have released a 1,000 piece puzzle featuring the new princess surrounded by other much-loved images of royal babies and toddlers, including Princes George, William and Harry, and even the Queen herself enjoying an early photoshoot.

The Royal Babies puzzle will be on show at Harrogate this year, alongside six other brand new jigsaw puzzles from favourite Gibsons artists, which are set for release in July.

Tel: 020 8661 8866 Web: www.gibsonsgames.co.uk

Heaven Scent Hall H, Stand: H90

Heaven Scent has launched its new range of Room Sprays a perfect complement to their candles. Use one to immediately fragrance a room with one of their unique candle scents.

Creating a beautiful blend of natural oils to form the natural base to the room spray, Heaven Scent has chosen its bestselling candle fragrances to create the range.

Two ranges will be available from Heaven Scent, the essential oil range which is 100% natural and their Perfume range which combines the natural base with high quality perfume oils.

Tel: 01225 868788 Email: contact@heavenscent.co.uk Web: www.heavenscent.co.uk

Carrie Elspeth Stand: DP1-36

Carrie’s long-anticipated autumn/winter 2015 Collection is finally here. Bang on trend with a brand new range of beautiful designs on offer using an amazing array of stunning beads, it is certain to put your customers in buying mood. From the all day wearability of Carnival, full of colour and vitality, through to the grown-up glamour and sophistication of Chic, there really is something for everyone - so what are you waiting for? Give their friendly team a call for more information or come and visit them at the show to see the full range – they’d love to see you!

Tel: 01446 771271 Web: www.carrieelspeth.com

GiftScribes

Hall D, Stand: D42 Money boxes have been used for centuries and piggy banks continue to sell year round as thoughtful, personal gifts. The extensive GiftScribes range of traditional piggy banks is being added to with four new designs, three large and one small.

The range comes in a wide choice of styles, all made from sturdy ceramic with a hard-wearing glaze and raised artwork. The smaller versions are supplied in a gift box covered in silk finish paper. All feature a removable stopper and a slot that will take a £2 coin.

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

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The V&A Gifting range: Timeless, Quality, Coordinated.

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Gift Boxes: 4 Designs in 4 sizes

Gift Bags: 4 Designs in 3 sizes Matching Tissue Paper also available

Home & Gift DP3-9 Simply gorgeous jewellery and scarves Telephone: 01905 622509

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Online: missmilly.co.uk

Tel: 01373 462165 Email: sales@mgml.co.uk

www.museumsgalleries.co.uk

Home & Gift

Kenro

Hall B, Stand: B24 Kenro will be displaying their extensive range of gift albums and frames on stand B24 (Hall B).

New gift albums include: the Cottage Flower Series which have a fabric cover and frame on the front with natural surround; the Candy Series which has fabric covers in either a striped pattern with a light green spine and back or a spotted pattern with pink spine and back.

The Holiday Series of albums has been extended to include the new Euro Traveller and Global Traveller albums as well as new sizes in the Boat and Old World Map Designs. These are book-bound slip-in albums with a memo writing area next to each picture.

Also new are the Patchwork Baby Albums and the Summer Breeze Series Albums.

New Wood Gift Frames include the Kington

Antique and Kington Beaded shabby chic designs; the smart modern Lytton Series in black or white; and the Milton and the Toulon distressed Series.

New metal frames include: the Chloe 6x4” size with its delicate flower design; the Silver Plated Flower Series; the Symphony Copper Series; and new sizes and colours in the popular Whisper Classic Series.

Tel: 01793 615836 Web: www.kenro.co.uk

XYSTOS Stand Q13

With another new partnership agreement under its belt – this one with US company Kringle Candle – Xystos is in buoyant mood as it enters the second half of the year.

Known for its distribution of WoodWick, the candle with the crackling wick, Xystos has seen sensational repeat business for sister brand HearthWick in 2015 and uplift in sales for luxury candle range Anderson Lilley.

Distribution of the beautifully crafted Sienna Gold home lighters have enhanced its reputation as ‘the home of flame and fragrance, while The Naked Bee pampering products continue to attract an increasing number of consumers who only want to use ‘all of the good stuff, none of the bad stuff’ on their bodies.

It will be answering consumer demand for new, new, new with a whole host of new introductions across its portfolio at Home & Gift.

Shruti/Junction 18 Stand; DP1-14

The new Lisa Buckridge design Scottie Dog for Shruti/ Junction 18, is a delightful, fun and colourful homage to the breed. The range includes, ceramics, cushions, draft excluders, spec cases, washbags, coin purses, brollies, gift bags, notelets and much more. Teaming up with other great British Talent Daisy Maison also from the Shruti fold, there’s now a wonderful range of decoupage wall art in strong and appealing colours – the Scottie as you’ve never seen him before….really super cute.

Simply a must see. This exclusive collection from Shruti is just one of the fabulous ranges being showcased at Home and Gift for the coming autumn and winter.

Tel: 01985 84777 Web: www.junction18.com 34 gifts today

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

Exclusively distributed in the UK

by Arora Design This fabulous collection of Candles, Diffusers, Melters & Wax bars are all hand made in the UK.

Royal Owl ÂŁ459 Prices from ÂŁ32.50

De Rosa. Hand carved, hand painted ceramic design. Made in Uruguay Launching the exciting De Rosa Collection at Harrogate Home & Gift 2015.

Global Luxury Brands, Stand Q42 Along with:

e: sales@arora-design.co.uk w: www.arora-design.co.uk WORCESTER, ENGLAND T: +44 (0)1386 861666

www.globalluxurybrands.co.uk Tel: 01538 80 77 80 enquiries@globalluxurybrands.co.uk

Home & Gift

St Eval Candle Company Stand: DP1-95

The St Eval stand at this year’s Home & Gift show will be bursting at the seams with new stunning terracotta pots.

The Company is thrilled with the continued success of its Woodland Collection which has now grown to new additions to the range. The soft ivory hand applied decal against its fresh yellow, duck egg blue, navy and black back ground will now be available in miniature pots and tealight holders. With their decadent fragrances and stunning colours, St Eval are excited to see the continued success of this range.

St Eval will also be showcasing samples of their 2015 Christmas Collection which is set to be the best yet.

Treat your senses by coming along and having a smell of over 30 different scents which are all quintessentially British and very St Eval.

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

Intelex

Hall B, Stand: B9 Intelex Group are set to showcase their biggest range of Warmies at this year’s Home and Gift Fair, Harrogate.

Visitors to the stand can expect to see old favourites including fully heatable licensed ranges like Bagpuss and Yoohoo, along with the full range of Warmies which has seen the portfolio bolstered by a further 27 fresh and innovative new products in 2015.

Fresh new designs include new animal-themed characters from the new Warmies Cozy Pets and Cozy Dogs range, along with a delightful range of Warmies Craft Warmheart dolls. The new line-up of foot warmers include attractive new polka dot designs across both boots and slippers in pretty blue and pinks.

Find Intelex Group on stand B9.

Web: www.intelex.co.uk

Ambiente Paper Products Stand: DP14 A

Ambiente is a Dutch manufacturer of printed paper napkins and table top accessories.

They have their own in-house design team and all paper products are manufactured in their factory from FSC certified tissue on flexographic presses. They are able to produce designs from one to nine colours in 25/33/40 cm and offer a very speedy Private Label service.

Each year they produce two collections featuring a variety of flower/plain embossed/lifestyle designs with co-ordinating accessories such as napkin holders, tissues, candles, and fine china gifts.

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

Tel: 07956 -424482 Email: richard@ambproducts.co.uk 36 gifts today

Global Luxury Brands Stand: Q42

Global Luxury Brands works with some of the most iconic brands from all over the world to offer exciting products for both retail and contract. Re Rosa Collections are made in Uruguay, hand-carved ceramic is fired, hand painted and fired again to create tactile and engaging subjects. Herend is a hand painted porcelain brand from Hungary admired worldwide but having its debut at Home & Gift. Villeroy & Boch, perhaps best known as a tableware company now offers a huge giftware range. Bronte Porcelain is produced 100% in the UK and offers a unique range of hand-painted bone china while William Edwards offers both tableware and giftware hand decorated in Stoke on Trent.

Tel: 01538 80 77 80 Web: www.globalluxurybrands.co.uk

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Harrogate Home & Gift Stand DP1-95

Home & Gift

House of Marbles Stand: DP1-39

RJB Stone Stand: DP1-49

Stay ahead of the trends with RJB Stone, the home of Sass & Belle. Giving Gifts Today a sneaky peek at the months ahead, the company are excited to announce that they are launching eight comprehensive new home accessory and giftware product ranges and expanding their existing ranges, offering new products in some of their most popular prints. Get ready for an adventure this coming season: You may hear the tribal drums banging and find yourself closer than ever to the ones you love. Intrigued? Make sure you visit them at the coming trade shows to find out more!

Tel: 0207 346 0100 Web: www.rjbstone.com

House of Marbles has grown enormously since the 1970s and at this year’s Home & Gift show they are showcasing their biggest range of traditional toys, games, puzzles, novelties, books and gifts to date.

There are plenty of fabulous additions for 2015 including many new products in their best-selling ranges. A particularly exciting new range of camping essentials perfect for the young adventurer is now available. All products are packaged in gorgeous retro gift boxes and many are presented in beautifully designed counter displays, providing an easy way to maximise sales and revive window displays.

Also new this year are their wonderful Tin Collectables, handcrafted from metal and printed in colour with the skill and attention that now lacks in today’s mass produced plastic toys. They will not only make fantastic clockwork novelties but are sure to become collector’s pieces. Retail prices range from as little as £2.99 up to £34.99, so there’s plenty to choose from!

The range has been carefully handpicked and this reflects in the unique offering of games, puzzles, novelties and books perfect for gift shops, garden centres or retailers wanting something distinctive from everyone else. To see the whole range and receive a welcoming service you can visit their stand DP1-39.

Tel: 01626 835358 Web: www.houseofmarbles.com/trade

Beefayre

Stand: DP2—4 Ethical homeware brand Beefayre will be offering customers at Home & Gift Harrogate a first look at its new Autumn/Winter 2015 range entitled the Winter Garden Collection. Inspired by winter garden fruit and plants, the candles in the Winter Garden Collection feature a gorgeous metallic glass printed design – a popular interiors trend for this season – hand-drawn by illustrator and founder Sharon Jervis.

The Winter Garden collection presents three warming and fruity fragrances inspired by nature Winter Berries, Wild Fig and Spiced Orange. Each scent within the collection of candles and room diffusers has been designed to bring nature indoors and create an atmospheric and homely setting that compliments the changing seasons.

The new Winter Garden range includes a 50ml diffuser, a set of three tea lights, a 90g votive candle, a large 200g candle and a larger three-wick candle all in time for the coming festive season.

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

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Putting the style into lifestyle

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Visit us at Harrogate Stand DP1- 78

www.heylandandwhittle.co.uk / sales@heylandandwhittle.co.uk

Tel 01293 525825

Handmade in England

Games & Puzzles

Life is the name of the game...

It’s all good clean entertainment when the family gathers together for a round of fun and games.

W

henever families gather, be it at Christmas, Easter, Chanukah, Eid or a birthday, it is a fair bet that someone will suggest playing a game.

Games are ideal for bringing people together, eliciting friendly banter and finding out who is the one member of the family determined to win at all costs.

We spoke to those intimately involved in games and puzzles to discover what they think of this category.

Amanda Murphy, the Sales and Marketing Manager of Gibson Games, told us “Games most definitely have

devoured. Our Pass the Pud game especially – a word game featuring a plastic burping pudding – has proved extremely popular at Christmastime over the years, when a good challenge and something a little bit silly makes fabulous entertainment after the family is stuffed and the wine is flowing.”

Retailer Paul Carpenter of Totally Toys in Bristol finds that toys and games aimed at the younger members of the family sell best. “Brainbox does well as does Orchard Toys. A lot of games I sell are for the 3-6-year-old market.

However, most of the games are about at Christmas. It means I don’t worry about not having a large range

“Our solo games are tried and tested favourites which have remained popular for decades” Amanda Murphy, Gibsons Games a huge appeal at Christmas, when it is a tradition for many families to sit together with a good board game after the Christmas Lunch has been

of games during the year because Christmas is always very strong.”

Sarah Campbell from House of Marbles agreed that November and

DID YOU KNOW? • The first jigsaw puzzle was created around 1760 by John Spilsbury, a British engraver and cartographer.

• The original streets of Monopoly were in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

• Cluedo was invented in the 1940s by Anthony Pratt.

• Ludo is sold under the name Parcheesi in America.

40 gifts today

December are the times when sales peak. “We have seen a big increase in the popularity of family games over the last few years, with our collection of ‘heritage’ vintage reproduction games from the 1850s to the 1950s having a particular appeal. Although they sell well throughout the year, it’s really at Christmas when we see the sales going through the roof – a good and entertaining game is a great gift which has the added advantage of being something the whole family can enjoy together.”

Today many people also have a smartphone and of those a good percentage are lucky enough to own a tablet device. It is a digital age and people can often play by themselves without the need for close interaction or they can play remotely with their opponent in a different house, town, city or even country.

Sarah adds: “In this digital age where so many games are played by individuals on their computers, traditional games have actually gone from strength to strength as consumers look for more sociable and tangible forms of family entertainment.”

Gibson Games’s Amanda Murphy opines: “Our solo games are tried and tested favourites which have remained popular for decades. Solitaire as well as many others are universally popular and make a wonderful gift choice to be treasured time and time again. Our games range is vast, from cheaper wooden travel games to luxury games of the highest quality in smart fauxleather casing, meaning there’s a lot of choice for customers too.”

Dan Rabôt, Sales & Marketing for Pomegranate Europe, said: “We see a surprising gravitation towards our more devilish puzzles. People seem to relish the challenge a detailed, intricate design like Jackson Pollock spatter images or antique maps provides. We still sell plenty of more simple, bold and easy to complete puzzles, but tougher

Cartamundi Following the successful launch of the Shuffle MONOPOLY DEAL card game, Cartamundi, one of the world’s market leaders in playing cards and card games, has announced the launch of the Shuffle MONOPOLY JUNIOR card game. Available in the autumn of 2015, it’s a fast and fun version of the classic game for a younger audience. It’s also part of the groundbreaking Shuffle range — Cartamundi’s brand new product category that combines playing cards and digital technology for an enhanced way to play card games with support from tablets and smartphones.

Tel: 01268 511522 Email: retail@cartamundi. co.uk titles are incredibly popular. On the back of that we’ve published a whole raft of new titles featuring historical and decorative maps and while they’re only new, we’ve seen marked interest.

“Another trend we’ve noticed (and acted upon) is the popularity of illustrations from classic literature.

Our Alice in Wonderland and Wizard of Oz titles show up on most puzzle orders, and as you would expect from Pomegranate, we’re focusing on the original, classic illustrations by Sir John Tenniel and W.W Denslow rather than the modern re-imaginings.”

As we can see even in digital days, good old-fashioned games and puzzles still have a place in the family circle.

Games & Puzzles

Half Moon Bay

The summer holidays are fast approaching. It’s that invaluable time when we make our way across the country with a car jam-packed full of clothes and games to spend time with our families. Whatever our age, there is nothing better than to play a board game together. At Half Moon Bay, they have that covered with a brand new exciting range of 2-in-1 Puzzles and Games. Based on exact replicas of original nostalgic board games from the 19th Century including ‘A race through London’, you can complete a 500-piece puzzle then have everything you need to play as a board game afterwards!

Tel: 01225 473873 Email: sales@halfmoonbay.co.uk Web: www.halfmoonbay.co.uk

Personalised Memento Co

Every child feels special receiving gifts with their name on, and PMC offer just that. A wide range of educational toys and puzzles, all personalised, make perfect toys for young minds. The personalised farmyard puzzles box has tactile shapes and bright colours help to develop hand-eye coordination. It makes this ideal for a variety of ages, a sliding lid, engraved with a name provides a space to build the puzzles whilst on the go. The Personalised Memento Company is the one stop shop for personalised gifts with a swift dropship service and large gift range, they are the UK’s leading trade supplier of personalised gifts.

Tel: 01782 744 900 Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk Web: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

House of Marbles

Working on the edge of Dartmoor in Devon, House of Marbles offers a fantastic range of retro board games and puzzles, many are based on well-loved games that first appeared in the 1880s right through to the 1950s and benefit from gorgeous nostalgic packaging.

Takes & Adders is new for 2015 and was highly commended at this year’s Gift of the Year awards. This extremely fun and educational game is a brilliant way to introduce children to simple mathematics while providing endless entertainment, children will want to play it again and again! Also new this year and perfect for the warming weather are Mini Table Tennis, Horse Shoe Toss, and a Cricket Set – each individually crafted to a high standard and bursting with outdoor fun for all the family.

This hugely popular range has been tailored to ensure something a little different is offered, making it the perfect choice for any retailer searching for something unique in the world of games and puzzles. With retail prices starting from as little as £1.99, there’s something for everyone.

They now have a fabulous website that allows easy ordering for all retailers.

Tel: 01626 835358 Web: www.houseofmarbles.com/trade

Bigjigs

New for 2015 are three colourful Arched Puzzles. Split in to three levels, these quirky puzzles allow youngsters the chance to develop their dexterity and problem solving skills as they build a unique scene with each layer. They join existing Arched Pirate Puzzle in the range and also feature popular themes of dinosaurs, the home, and farm animals. RRP £8.99 The new Chunky Alphabet Puzzle – Lowercase joins its upper case equivalent in the educational puzzle range with an age suitability rating of 18 months+.

Meanwhile a host of beautifully crafted wooden games join the Bigjigs Games collection, each with a modern Bigjigs twist on design. Animal Shut the Box, Ludo, Lotto, Four in a Row, Chinese Checkers, Codebreaker and the Stacking Tower Game deliver fun and learning by the bucket load for youngsters wishing to test their problem solving skills. Practising new vocabulary and developing social skills naturally occurs as youngsters attempt to outsmart their opponents while engaging with these colourful games.

42 gifts today

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

Games & Puzzles

RJB Stone Retro, nostalgic and fun.

Skip down memory lane with RJB Stone’s lovingly crafted range of classic kid’s games. Sass & Belle Hang man and Noughts and Crosses mini chalkboards are educational and entertaining. Timeless and elegant, kids love their vintage style tea sets that pack neatly into a handy carry case.

Perfect for playdates or a day out. Enchanting and simple, light up and multicolour Twirlies delight children and adults alike. Master the various techniques to spin shapes and contours: the perfect accessory for garden parties and rainy days too!

Gibsons

Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte of Cambridge was born on 2 May and has brought us all some very welcome springtime joy. To commemorate the happy occasion, Gibsons have released a 1000 piece puzzle featuring the new princess surrounded by other much loved images of royal babies and toddlers, including Princes George, William and Harry, and even Queen Elizabeth herself enjoying an early photoshoot!

The Royal Babies puzzle will be on show at Harrogate this year, alongside six other brand new jigsaw puzzles from favourite Gibsons artists, which are set for release in July.

Tel: 020 8661 8866 Web: www.gibsonsgames.co.uk

Tel: 0207 346 0100 Web: www.rjbstone.com

Colour me happy When Pomegranate first launched fine art colouring books, many questioned who the audience might be. Dan Rabôt, Sales & Marketing: “Colouring is for kids, but the subject matter is all grown up. We just wanted to bring our carefully selected artists and artwork to a younger audience, little did we know that adults were becoming colourers themselves!”

With the combination of this shift in colouring-culture and their range of colouring books focussing on genuine, classic and contemporary art, rather than child-specific content, they have seen huge enthusiasm from both kids and adults alike. Alongside their extensive puzzle selection, covering a broad range of artworks and artists, their Pomegranate Kids range (suitable for ages 3 - 103) consistently makes up a significant portion of their sales month after month.

They publish a fresh batch of new product three times a year, and every time you can guarantee that it will include number of exciting new Colouring books and Puzzles.

Coming in summer 2015 they have over 20 new puzzle titles. Featuring the work of bestselling author and illustrator Mike Wilks, Ching Ho Cheng, Pomegranate favourite Charley Harper and many more. The Summer launch continues to rapidly expand on the 44 gifts today

successful puzzle and colouring book ranges, bringing something new for every taste.

Despite their beginnings as a fine art and poster publisher, they are deeply invested and enthusiastic about interesting new product formats. “This mindset has led to the inception of much of our Pomegranate Kids range. In which you’ll find every curious and delightful gift idea you can imagine! From colour your own greeting cards allowing children (and adults) to create their own expressive gestures, to fun and educational flashcards, memory games and knowledge cards, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for active minds of any age.”

Web: www.pomegranate.com

Fun and learning with new games and puzzles from Bigjigs® Toys! trade.bigjigstoys.co.uk @bigjigstoys

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A Royal Arrival...

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New Products

NPW Contact: Tel: 020 8735 2882

Web: www.npw.co.uk

New products from NPW As a company, NPW strive to create fun and innovative products that you and your customers will love. Here we bring you a few of their product ranges from their spring/summer 2015 lines.

Safari Sound Machine

Sound Machine Safari Special Safari animal sound effects including favourites like the roaring lion, hissing snake and laughing hyena.

Just push the nine different buttons to discover these rowdy animals from deep in the bush.

Drinking Buddies

Everyone loves a drinking buddy especially one that looks great in a pair of budgie smugglers! Use your drinking buddies at hen parties, house parties, a girls nights in, a picnic! After all he will keep you company anywhere! Simply attach his hands to the edge of your glass and he will cling on!

Metallic Tattoos

Metallic Tattoos are this season’s must have accessory; adorn yourself with a range of jewellery tattoos in gold & rose gold or turquoise, silver & gold.

Neon Rainbow Crayon

Draw a rainbow in one swift move with our giant rainbow crayon.

46 gifts today

01225 473873 sales@halfmoonbay.co.uk www.halfmoonbay.co.uk

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Our ABC CertiďŹ cate provides accurate, independently veriďŹ ed circulation ďŹ gures, giving you conďŹ dence in your advertising investment.

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

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Gifts for Women Pic courtesy of Joe Davies

And all because the lady loves...

They say the fairer sex is difficult to buy for.

That can’t be true, can it? No, of course not…

W

omen, lovely creatures the lot of them so they deserve presents, gifts and treats.

Pop into any shop, well almost any shop and there is a plethora of goodies that women will love and not an iron or a white good in sight.

Because they are so lovely, women are very easy to buy for, a view backed up by Paul Hooker, the commercial director at Joe Davies, who told us: “Women love to buy and receive gifts and, as a category, gifts for women is without

expecting to sell a lot of animal print canes, especially leopard and snake print. Formal evening canes with silver handles or set with Swarovski elements crystals will also be popular as we approach Christmas.”

What other trends are people seeing?

Paul Hooker at Joe Davies told us that “trends at Joe Davies for ladies’ gifts include classy fashion jewellery with coloured jewels from our best-selling Equilibrium Collection and our glow scented candle collection has really taken off.”

Retailer Tim Zahringer from Bristol

“Women love to buy and receive gifts and, as a category, gifts for women is without doubt the strongest of all our gifting areas” Paul Hooker, Joe Davies doubt the strongest of all our gifting areas as it covers such a vast array of really strong product genres, including fragrance, jewellery and fashion accessories. With more than 8,500 products this really gives our customers a huge amount of product to go at, tailored to their individual needs.”

You would imagine that most women would only want gifts of scent or clothes but that is not the case as Charlotte Gillan of Classic Canes tells us: “Walking sticks reflect current trends as much as any other accessory. For summer 2015 this has meant lots of floral prints on both pastel and black backgrounds, and retro geometric patterns in reds, golds and browns to complement the ’70s revival.

“For the autumn and winter we are 48 gifts today

said: “The trend we have noticed is that people are now buying silver because gold is much more expensive and they are wanting bigger items of jewellery – not only stones but bigger in size as well, something that shows up a bit more. The delicate things have gone and people want something a bit more showy.”

Sarah Watmore of Miss Milly told us: “We are increasingly selling products in colour stories, with retailers buying co-ordinating jewellery and scarves along with branded display stands and packaging to create cohesive and striking in-store displays.

“And we have seen a very distinct shift with buyers who previously bought scarves based on price now prioritising design to create a more unique offer for their customers.

“Miss Milly is now in its third year and

experiencing strong growth but we are receiving mixed reports from our customers about their own businesses.

It seems an obvious thing to say but it does seem that retailers who are really focusing on their store environment and displays are doing best.”

Tanya Ross of Solo said: “Personalisation is a huge growth area for Solo, and whilst there are many quirky men’s gifts that work in this market, finding a gift for women that can be personalised but remains desirable is quite difficult. We find our classic silver plated items, such as jewellery boxes, or simple jewellery options, are perfect, where the personalisation enhances the gift’s appeal and does not cheapen or trivialise it.”

Indeed and the area of gifts for

women has widened. Charlotte Gillan of Classic Canes is keen to emphasise that sticks are not “frumpy, depressing things [that people] have to use. If a person’s walking stick can be smart, elegant and fashionable, it will add to their appearance rather than detract from it.

“Most stick users feel much better about using a stick if it is something attractive that their friends will admire, and a beautiful cane can be an excellent talking point too. Also, once a person is using a stick, pretty walking sticks are an excellent, practical present for friends and family to buy for them.”

So there we have it: women love to buy and receive presents and there is a huge selection of gifts and presents available.

Did you know?

• The oldest known hat dates from 3300BC. • The average Stetson “six-gallon hat” only holds about three quarts of water.

• The scarf became a real fashion accessory by the early 19th century for both men and women.

• Bracelets made from stone date back to 5000BC in ancient Egypt.

• The rationing of textiles during the Second World War led to handbags being made from materials like raffia.

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

Sterling Silver Jewellery

Summer Collection out now!

Calypso

I Like You Berry Much

Tel: 01446 771271 Email: sales@carrieelspeth.com www.carrieelspeth.com

Perfect Pair!

The Walking Stick Specialists Traditional and contemporary walking sticks, seats and umbrellas for ladies and gentlemen

Aloha!

Call us for our latest catalogue Please contact us for a trade catalogue: Warren House, Hinton St George, Somerset TA17 8TQ Tel +44 (0)1460 75686 www.classiccanes.co.uk Also on Facebook and Instagram.

www.kitheathretailer.com Tel 01271 329123 Email sales@kitheath.com

Gifts for Women

Enesco

This Signature Willow Tree figurine features three ladies, on a golden, metal laced base so the pieces could stand together. This piece is about sisters, friends, mother and older daughters, complete with a gift tag with the sentiment: “From each other, over the years, we gather strength, through laughter and tears.� The Signature collection celebrates the 15th anniversary of Willow Tree and features gold elements with a touch of blue, supplied in a Signature branded gift box including gold stamped dots, embellished blue ombre to parallel this figurine.

Tel: 01228 404022 Web: www.enesco.co.uk

Namaste

Namaste have an extensive range of Gifts for Women including clothing, bags, scarves, jewellery and many gift items. New for this Spring/Summer are a range of embroidered bags produced on a fair trade basis in India. The bags are all made from the best quality cotton chambray fabric which are then embellished with beads, mirrors and intricate embroidery. There is two sizes of shoulder bag and a great backpack version all in a great colour range.

Tel: 01756 700790 Email: sales@namaste-uk.com Web: www.namaste-uk.com

Shruti Designs

Shruti Designs introduces a new and fabulous range of accessories in soft, matt oilcloth for AW15. Teamed up with a pretty selection of knitwear with a faux fur trim, these wearable seasonal items make super gifts. This collection reflects the delightful warm tones of autumn inspired by the beautiful British countryside and designed here at home - there truly is something everyone. The broad selection of styles and designs means there’s lots to see (and feel), across a range of competitive price-points.

Tel: 01985 84777 Emai: hello@shrutidesigns.co.uk Web: www.junction18.com 50 gifts today

Area Sales Manager Basic Salary: £24,000 with uncapped OTE, plus company vehicle Covering East Anglia, Essex, Hertfordshire & Southern Lincolnshire.

An exciting Field Sales opportunity has arisen for an experienced sales professional who has a passion for gift ware.

You will manage and develop the territory that currently consists of 400+ accounts. Additionally, the role involves actively seeking and developing new business opportunities, utilising the showroom based at Head Office in Birmingham and attending Trade Shows throughout the year.

To help secure this excellent sales role you will ideally have a track record of successfully developing sales within a territory and ideally this will be in the Gift Ware or Retail sector. You will need to be intelligent, articulate, enthusiastic and keen to fit in with what is already a small and successful sales team. You will also have an organised and structured approach and have a good level of IT literacy.

Essentially, you must have the enthusiasm not only to develop existing customers but also to seek new business opportunities and achieve targets.

ed l l i F n o i t i Pos

Requirements Recent experience selling into garden centres and merchants throughout the area.

• Excellent relationship builder.

• Good new business development skills.

• Strong negotiator.

• Enthusiastic and positive attitude.

• Pro-active and highly self-motivated.

• Excellent time and territory management skills.

To apply, please submit your CV and covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to hr@heavensends.com *NO AGENCIES PLEASE - DIRECT APPLICANTS ONLY*

The Perfect Gift!

Dew, the perfect gift of everlasting love or friendship. The essential everyday sterling silver collection from the team at Kit Heath. Dew is brimming with great gifts or that special treat for her, whatever the occasion.

The collection boasts a variety of sterling silver highly polished designs which are design led; including sparkles of cubic zirconia and dazzling precious stone and mother of pearls.

Bestselling designs include delightfully pretty floral shapes inspired by nature, fun motifs and adorable animals…twit twoo! Another strong theme among the Dew collections are cute hearts and infinity strands of sterling silver symbolising love for timeless style.

Whether shopping for mothers, girlfriends, your wife, sisters and daughters, Dew offers beautiful contemporary designed jewellery to be cherished.

The Spring collection showcases charming silhouettes capturing all things to love in life. Stone of the moment synthetic opal and vibrant zirconia stones in an array of dazzling colours! With so much to choose from

and beautiful packaging, this is gifting made easy.

Last year Kit Heath launched a trade website to enhance the ease of ordering and product information.

Browse the latest collections and offers, register online and order within a few simple steps. All designs including new season are available to order now, backed with the renowned Kit Heath service for delivery and fulfilment.

Dew is a sterling silver collection that offers contemporary and classic led design for gift and jewellery stores at affordable entry gifting prices.

Dew continues to strive to offer their retailers the best quality sterling silver designs at the best prices.

New Dew season designs from £9.50 rrp

Tel: 01271 329123 Email: sales@kitheath.com Web: www.kitheathretailer.com gifts today 51

Gifts for Women

Solo Ltd

Men are famously difficult to buy for, so as men’s gifts specialists, you might think the ladies’ gifts category would be more problematic for Solo. Not so.

Their ladies’ gifts from the Solo Classics selection are proven best sellers; from atomisers to keyrings, and trinket boxes to tape measures. A popular new addition is the owl USB memory stick. This cute owl (an ever popular motif) is encrusted with crystals and the USB connector retracts with a simple lever. It also comes with an encrusted ring so it can be attached to a keyring or handbag.

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

RJB Stone Personalised Memento Co

Finding a personal gift for a special occasion or a girly night is effortless with the range of personalised gifts available from the Personalised Memento Company.

For hen parties or birthday celebrations, the popular Kiss design is available on a selection of items such as their new makeup bag, its two zip pockets provide plenty of space for any beauty essentials, personalised with any name. PMC’s fast delivery and easy to use drop ship service makes selling personalised gifts simple.

With a broad range of recognisable licences such as Purple Ronnie and Me to You, they provide a range of products suitable for any market.

Tel: 01782 744 900 Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk Web: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk 52 gifts today

With their unique feminine style RJB Stone, the home of Sass & Belle, continue to excel in producing engaging and irresistible gifts for women of all ages and tastes. Designed to be beautiful and bold, their ranges demonstrate the company’s fearless sense of fun and their enjoyment in creating special moments. Combining vintage style with contemporary concepts, the company offer a remarkably wide range of giftware; from on-trend personal accessories to cheerful cushions and quirky trinkets. Perfect pieces for best pals, mothers and sisters.

Tel: 020 7346 0100 Web: www.rjbstone.com

Joe Davies

These new Reflections Illuminated signs from Joe Davies are already creating quite a stir in gift shops. The eye-catching plaques are laser cut and illuminated by bright, battery operated LED lights. The signs stand or hang and come in a range of sentimental, inspirational and family related messages to please a wide range of customers. All are designed in Australia and are exclusive to Joe Davies in the UK.

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

Kutuu

Kutuu’s new planter sets make fun and thoughtful token gifts for every kind of occasion. The pewter marker is the hero of each set, with a phrase such as “My love for you grows every day” or “thanks for helping me grow” stamped into the textured surface. Along with the marker, a mini terracotta pot, compact compost disc and plantable seed paper confetti sits inside each carefully designed gift box - providing everything the recipient needs to grow flowers or herbs alongside their new pewter keepsake.

Tel: 01244 346490 Web: www.kutuuwholesale.co.uk

Miss Milly

Create beautiful retail stories by displaying Miss Milly jewellery and viscose ro cotton scarves together in colour blocks. This makes it easy for your customers to choose their gifts and often increases the value of their purchase. Miss Milly offers a wide range of on-trend, appealing and affordable designs along with branded display stands and packaging. Choose from the Amora Collection for gift-boxed matt silver-plated jewellery or for a fiesta of colour look at the company’s flagship Floria Collection featuring striking resin and enamel pieces. Low £50 minimum order and no MOQs.

Tel: 01905 622509 Email: hello@missmilly.co.uk Web: www.missmilly.co.uk

gifts today 53

Gifts for Women

Gibsons

With a demographic of mainly women over the age of 50, Gibsons puzzlers are never disappointed with their huge range of jigsaw puzzles, consisting of over 200 different designs in a range of piece counts.

From brightly coloured haberdasheries, cuddly cartoon cats, nostalgic scenes of home life from the 1950s and 1960s and puzzles for nearly every hobby or occasion, there is something that will appeal to everyone’s taste. All Gibsons jigsaw puzzles are made from 100% recycled, premium quality puzzle board and make a gift to be treasured time and time again.

Tel: 020 8661 8866 Web: www.gibsonsgames.co.uk

Solo Ltd

Classic Canes

There are estimated to be over four million walking stick users in the UK, so a selection of attractive canes is an excellent gift idea. Classic Canes managing partner Charlotte Gillan advises stocking a good range of women’s canes: “Women generally buy and use more sticks than men because they are more inclined to treat them as fashion accessories and choose different ones to go with different outfits.” Heightadjustable and folding models are easy to buy as gifts because the giver knows it will be easy to adjust to fit the recipient. Classic Canes stocks hundreds of ladies’ canes in colours and patterns to suit any outfit.

Web: www.classiccanes.co.uk

54 gifts today

PHILIPPI’s Donatella Jewellery Box is true eye-catcher, crafted from white lamb leather with sparkling stainless steel detail; its star quality shines through on opening.

This compact gem has four compartments that offer enough space for a women’s jewellery requirement (well most anyway), and a Hollywood style mirror gives it some extra pizzazz; it’s perfect for the dressing table and especially as a sophisticated travel companion.

PHILIPPI is distributed exclusive in the UK and Ireland by Solo.

Solo Trading Ltd

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

A vibrant and eclectic giftware collection designed by author and artist Kelly Rae Roberts and launched by DEMDACO has passion and creativity at its heart.

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we’ve got giftware all wrapped up

Wall Art

The art of decoration Wallpaper is so passé these days but what if you don’t want bare walls and don’t fancy a paint job? What can you do? Wall art, that’s what!

W

hen one is tired of wallpaper, one is tired of life. Okay, so that’s not strictly true but people have certainly got bored with wallpaper and don’t necessarily want to decorate their homes with bare painted walls, opting instead for wall art.

We decided to investigate this trend and wondered do words speak louder than pictures in this instance?

Joyte Brown of RJB Stone told us: “Wall art is an excellent investment for retailers who are looking to entice consumers with stunning shop displays and who love to encourage art, character and trends.”

Certainly many examples of wall art have character. One only has to look at the Bayeux Tapestry, the 230ft long and 20in tall depiction of the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England concerning William, Duke of Normandy, and King Harold and culminating in the Battle of Hastings.

Okay so most people do not have 230ft of wall space on which to hang

a facsimile of a major historical event but something on a smaller scale is definitely possible. And, of course, it means that if consumers are renting not buying they can decorate their walls the way they want without damaging the surfaces and also being able to take their art with them when they move.

“Framed prints have grown considerably in popularity as affordable artwork is now available in a wide range to suit all tastes and we advise retailers to recommend such products as a beautiful way to decorate homes and to express individuality, particularly to those renting,” said Joyte.

Paul Hooker from Joe Davies has a similar take on the category. He told us: “Wall art has moved and developed from the traditional abstract designs firmly into the area of message plaques with strong sentimental and family messages, this category continues to grow for Joe Davies and we now have a very comprehensive range covering all tastes.”

Retailer Alice Palace in Evesham finds “Animals do really well for us. When we

Did you know?

• The Bayeux Tapestry was actually made in England not Bayeux.

• The earliest known written reference to the tapestry is in 1476.

• The tapestry is actually embroidery rather than a true tapestry.

• The pop art movement began in 1952.

56 gifts today

“Word based designs are popular in the retail market and as a reflection of society’s increasing reliance on the written word to communicate, (Twitter and texting, for example)” (Joyte Brown) get a specific request it tends to be of a woodland theme.”

“The obvious advantage of stocking wall art is the excellent revenue that comes from high mark-up items such prints, plaques and canvases.

And of course, it creates a wonderful environment to work in,” added Joyte.

And there are obvious benefits for retailers: it’s an easy way to create a dramatic display in store without taking up valuable floor/rail space and that is easily changeable to keep their store fresh and interesting.

Paul Hooker said: “Retailers are ever on the lookout for something different that hits those important £10 and £20 price points; you can never really tell what will catch the eyes of customers.

Our Visage Cushions, featuring an array of the most popular family pets

has been one of our strongest ranges, coupled with strong performance in home sentiment lines.”

To go back to our original question: do words speak louder than pictures?

Well, do they? Over to Joyte for a final word: “We certainly feel that words are currently dominating the wall art trends.

Word based designs are popular in the retail market and as a reflection of society’s increasing reliance on the written word to communicate, (Twitter and texting, for example) it makes sense that people feel an affiliation with words and are choosing to express themselves artistically in this way. On a business level, our sales figures are evidence of the increasing demand for word-based wall decoration and we will continue to react to this demand with great enthusiasm.”

RJB Stone

Inspired by the latest interior trends, RJB Stone adorn walls with unique designs that express personality and bring the perfect finishing touch. Embracing the current popularity of words and sayings the company offers a variety of decorations to suit all individuals. From uplifting impressions on bold colours to heartfelt messages coupled with floral themes: aesthetic and emotive are captured in hangings, wall plaques and memo boards. Using exclusive prints, RJB Stone offer an extensive range of beautiful buntings and a striking range of wall shelves including cleverly re-purposed vintage style chairs that are not to be missed.

Tel: 020 7346 0100 Web: www.rjbstone.com

Shruti Designs

Daisy Maison is a beautiful range of unique pictures featuring a diverse range of subjects, including animals, butterflies, hearts and much more. Highly detailed and beautifully constructed framed wall art is available in a variety of frame sizes and finishes. This design features a magnificent stag’s head silhouette, crafted in laser cut layered paper featuring the map of Edinburgh. Shruti is proud to showcase a selection of these interesting and topical pieces at Home and Gift for 2015.

For further information on Daisy Maison or to see the full collection please email: hello@ shrutidesigns.co.uk or see Shruti Designs/Junction 18 at Harrogate Home & Gift.

Tel: 01985 84777 Web: www. junction18.com

Namaste

Namaste have some stunning new wall art as part of their new range of gifts. These items have been produced for Namaste on a fair trade basis by a new supplier, a fairly large and well organised business in India. Namaste are recognised

by BAFTS, the British Association for Fair Trade Shops and Suppliers as a fair trade importer.

These new items of wall art are simply stunning, intricately made using pieces of coloured glass to produce a mosaic effect in the most beautiful of colours, these will adorn any home. The large piece of wall art incorporates all of the beautiful colour and in the smaller piece you have a choice of red or turquoise complete with iron scroll work surrounding the mosaic.

Tel: 01756-700790 Email: sales@namaste-uk.com Web: www.namaste-uk.com

gifts today 57

Wall Art

Enesco

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

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

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

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

Joe Davies

Personalised Memento Co

Whether it’s bringing a touch of family to the heart of the home or making a new arrival’s nursery more special, these wall art pieces from the Personalised Memento Company are perfect for any home. The full colour wall art is quick to deliver and complete with easy application instructions. What’s more, PMC’s full and varied range, from homeware to traditional keepsakes and modern gifts are all produced within their newly expanded factory in Staffordshire. Easy to start with a trade account and an option for a free customer facing website, providing easy ordering system and dropship delivery. Innovation and an industry leading service make it clear why PMC are the one of the UK’s leading trade suppliers of personalised gifts.

Tel: 01782 744 900 Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk Web: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

These new Reflections Illuminated signs from Joe Davies are already creating quite a stir in gift shops. The eye-catching plaques are laser cut and illuminated by bright, battery operated LED lights. The signs stand or hang and come in a range of sentimental, inspirational and family related messages to please a wide range of customers. All are designed in Australia and are exclusive to Joe Davies in the UK. All Joe Davies’ products are available to buy in small quantities and their minimum order is just £100 so it’s easy to give the Reflection Plaques a try. If they sell well repeat orders are quick, easy and efficient too.

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

Museums & Galleries

Museums & Galleries have recently spread into the Wall art category with their range of licensed Poster Wraps from the V&A, British Library, and RIBA. Although suitable for gift-wrapping presents, these high quality reproductions on heavyweight coated paper are also ideal for framing or simply sticking to the wall.

Designs include historical maps, Victorian Posters and ephemera, and classic non-repeat arts & crafts designs. All for the princely sum of 94p Trade/£2.25 Retail!

Web: www.museumsgalleries.co.uk 58 gifts today

Eco Friendly Gifts

Going green for gifts People are becoming more aware of the environment around them but does this ecological awareness extend to gifts and presents? We decided to find out.

I

t is not just when it comes to putting the correct items into the recycling bin that we can be green or eco-friendly.

There is a whole industry devoted to green or eco-friendly gifts. Many consumers now base their buying choices on how green or eco-friendly businesses are – they buy organic produce from supermarkets and that desire to help the environment can and often does spill over into their choices when buying gifts and presents for family and loved ones.

It can also influence their choices for toiletries as well. The Naked Bee’s new Travel Kit and Mini Bee Kit from Xystos has been well received and sold

consumers are flocking to their Orange Blossom Honey bath and body products, which cover every aspect of skincare from shampoo to restoration foot balm.

They are paraben-free and contain no propylene glycol, mineral oil, dyes, pigment, lauryl or laureth sulfate. And no animal testing is ever involved in their production.

There is a free counter display for the range, which includes hand and cuticle healing salve, body wash and body lotion, as well as hand sanitiser, lip balm and soap.

The Organic Company was founded in 2007 by Joy Vasiljev with the vision of creating affordable organic cotton

“We believe retailers and the public are becoming more conscious about responsible production and recycling”

responsible production, recycling, and passing on to others, durable good quality products are necessary to make sure that there’s going to be a tomorrow.”

The company has developed a versatile collection of organic textile products for the home, which today includes textiles for the bath/spa/ beach, kitchen and children but also blankets and bags for storage and transportation.

When it comes to retailers, Alice Chaganis of Bigjigs Toys told us: “Stocking eco-friendly lines extends a retailer’s range and ultimately gives a consumer more choice. It’s a product type that satisfies those looking for a gift that’s sustainably produced and something that’s often a little different to other gift items.”

She also backs up the theory that the

public are slowly coming round to the idea of buying gifts that do not harm the environment. She says: “While they’re hardly flooding the market I do believe manufacturers are aware of a growing demand for eco-friendly gifts and as such we are seeing more of these products coming on the market. There’s an increasing need for a product that not only delivers play value, longevity and value for money, but also ticks the box for ecofriendliness.

“Wooden railway toys from our Bigjigs Rail brand make highly collectable gifts and people are always impressed by the green credentials of these products. Consumers value the fact that the wood is sourced from a sustainable replenishment programme and the cardboard packaging is fully recyclable.”

Rikke Bitsch-Noerhave well at this year’s trade shows and will come into their own this summer as people make the most of weekends and holidays.

Xystos general manager Tom Sykes commented: “Consumers are increasingly careful about what they put on their skin, and in The Naked Bee we have an easy-to-carry range of products that contain all the good stuff, none of the bad stuff.”

Xystos have also found that

textiles that combine great design and functionality, premium quality and at the same time respect people and nature.

The Organic Company designs and markets meaningful and tasteful home accessories from 100% GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified organic cotton.

When we met them recently at PulseLondon, Rikke Bitsch-Noerhave told us: “We believe retailers and the public are becoming more conscious about

Did you know?

• The American Marketing Association (AMA) held the first workshop on “Ecological Marketing” in 1975.

• Adding lead to paint was not banned in the UK until 1992.

• FSC was founded in 1993 in response to public demand for a trustworthy wood-labelling scheme.

Wolfie + Willow

Wolfie + Willow moccasins are beautifully crafted, soft, structured shoes, ideal for babies and little adventurers. Ethical, stylish and comfortable, they are handmade in Wales, using vegetable tanned eco leather which is suitable for children with allergies. Each pair is delivered in a fully recyclable gift box.

The shoes come in 16 different natural shades, from neutral, unisex tones such as Flint and Navajo, through to more vibrant shades including Sky and Willow. They grow more beautiful as the leather patinas naturally through wear.

Available in 8 sizes, from birth to 4 years, our shoes make ideal gifts but are also purchased by style conscious parents who care for the environment and their children’s feet. They have been specifically designed to help little feet breathe and the elasticated ankle ensures the shoes stay on.

The Wolfie + Willow brand promotes lightness of spirit while being ethically conscious and is brought to you by established leather children’s shoe manufacturer, Inch Blue. Many years of experience enable us to provide suppliers with the associated high levels of support, service and quality.

Tel: 01495 366 134 Email: orders@wolfieandwillow.com Web: www.wolfieandwillow.com gifts today 59

Eco Friendly Gifts

Bigjigs

Environmental champions, Green Toys, are extending their fleet of eco-friendly products for 2015. Sporting fresh designs and new colour schemes, the six new lines remain true to the Green Toys mission of creating environmentally-friendly products made from 100% recycled materials - over 24 million plastic milk jugs to date!

Green Toys® products are the only toys on the market made from 100% postconsumer recycled materials, packaged exclusively in 100% recyclable cardboard, with no twist ties or plastics that must be discarded into landfills.

They contain no traceable amounts of Phthalates, PVC or BPA. They are also designed without any external coatings, eliminating the fear of lead paint.

Designed to be dishwasher safe also makes for easy cleaning. Guaranteed to produce hours of Good Green Fun! Bigjigs Toys are the exclusive distributor for Green Toys in the UK and EU.

Tel: 01303 250400 Web: www.bigjigstoys.com

RJB Stone

Identifying itself as a company of conscientious creatives, RJB Stone, the home of Sass & Belle are doing their bit to reduce the environmental impact of commerce. Approximately 20% of their products are manufactured using sustainable Mango wood- reducing C02 emissions and utilising dead trees. From classic multi-photo frames to woodland themed bookends, fox coasters and mirrors: Retailers can sell many of the most popular products safe in the knowledge that no good trees were harmed in the making of gorgeous home accessories! And for retailers who love re-loved, RJB Stone also offer vintage style recycled bicycle brooches - pretty and principled.

Tel: 0207 346 0100 Web: www.rjbstone.com

Xystos

The Naked Bee’s new Travel Kit and Mini Bee Kit from Xystos sold in well at this year’s trade shows and will come into their own this summer as people make the most of weekends and holidays.

Says Xystos general manager Tom Sykes: “Consumers are increasingly careful about what they put on their skin, and in The Naked Bee we have an easy-to-carry range of products that contain all the good stuff, none of the bad stuff.”

The Orange Blossom Honey bath and body products have personal care needs covered from head to toe – from shampoo to restoration foot balm.

They are paraben-free and contain no propylene glycol, mineral oil, dyes, pigment, lauryl or laureth sulfate. And no animal testing is ever involved in their production.

There is a free counter display for the range, which includes hand and cuticle healing salve, body wash and body lotion, as well as hand sanitiser, lip balm and soap.

Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email: sales@xystos.co.uk Web: www.xystostrade.co.uk 60 gifts today

Classic Canes

Walking stick specialists Classic Canes grow the wood for many of their walking sticks in the woodland right outside their office.

Managing Partner Charlotte Gillan explains, “We coppice native British hardwoods such as ash, hazel and blackthorn to produce walking sticks. The wood is seasoned and made into finished walking sticks on site, so there are zero product miles involved.

Coppicing is considered extremely environmentally friendly as it not only produces a constantly renewable source of wood but is also an excellent habitat for our native flora and fauna.”

Retail prices for Classic Canes’ homegrown sticks are from £15.

Web: www.classiccanes.co.uk

Namaste

Namaste have as always a great range of eco-friendly gifts, there really is something for everybody.

These greetings cards and boxes are all made from recycled handmade paper which is produced from 100% cotton waste using an environmentally friendly process. There is a lovely mix of colours perfect for the time of year and the range includes a magnetic

closure gift box, a very inexpensive folding gift box great for small jewellery items and a lovely greetings card.

Tel: 01756-700790 Email: sales@namaste-uk.com www.namaste-uk.com

Beefayre

Eco-friendly homeware and gifting brand Beefayre, has recently added a limited edition garden candle to its Bee Garden range in time for summer – the Bee Outside Candle.

Designed to connect people with nature and the environment, the Bee Outside candle comes complete with a packet of British wildflower seeds to plant and help sustain the natural habitat.

The Bee Outside candle is designed with sustainability in mind. Made from natural plant wax, the candle is hand-poured into a recycled glass candleholder that features a hand-drawn honeybee print to match its outdoor purpose.

The Bee Outside candle holder can be washed and recycled, making it the perfect upcycling accessory - it can be used as a table centerpiece with flowers, a drinking glass or even as a mini terrarium garden.

This candle has a burning time of 65 hours, and with its deliciously zesty fragrance, balanced with earthy lemongrass notes, the large 300g Bee Outside candle is the perfect outdoor accessory this summer for the eco-conscious customer. Three per cent of profits from the candle go to bee conservation charities.

Tel: 01858 43 44 92 Web: www.beefayre.com gifts today 61

New Products Popular and sophisticated fragrances

Parks manufacturers of 100% natural wax candles have introduced a sensational luxury ten wick candle in a heavyweight 25cm diameter glass bowl with silver rim. This new range comprises a selection of eight of the most popular and sophisticated fragrances from their Parks Aromatherapy Collection. This is the perfect candle to have as a centrepiece in any beautiful home with a burn time of approximately 100 hours. It will sit beautifully in a hotel foyer or company reception area or makes an excellent executive corporate gift. It is opulent, lavish, luxurious and superbly packaged in a luxury rigid box making it a wonderful gift to give and receive. This product can also be customised to bespoke requirements.

Tel: 020 8830 6300 Web: www.parkscandles.com

That company called IF

IF’s Children’s Electronic Dictionary is light weight, user-friendly and dare we even suggest cool?

Children will enjoy looking up the words they don’t know or understand with this convenient and fun dictionary. Amazingly, given the compact size of this super slim device there is no compromise to the quality of the information it contains, as the data content is from the bestselling Oxford University Primary Dictionary.

It has 30,000 word definitions. Helpful word isolation window. Keypad only 25 mm thin. Battery power save feature. Suitable for ages 7+. Supplied with battery fitted. Order now for back to school.

Hot Mudpie

Joe Davies’ hot new Mudpie collection of tableware from the States has arrived and is selling rather well for their customers.

The design-led series of rustic, message-stamped cutlery teamed with attractive white ceramics is certainly eye-catching and is unique to the UK market. Best sellers include the Olive You olive bowls and Get Saucy gravy boats. Mugs and spoon sets are also not to be missed and there are some great wine accessories too.

Everything from the Mudpie range is available to buy in Joe Davies’ famous Little & Often quantities and offers a great opportunity to get some unique, new, gifty homeware into your store.

Tel: 08000 430 960

Tel: 0161 975 6300

Email: new@thatcompanycalledif.com

Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk

Web: www.thatcompanycalledif.com

Web: www.joedavies.co.uk

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New Products BRONTE PORCELAIN LAUNCH ROYAL BABY COLLECTION

Bronte Porcelain, manufacturer of England’s very best fine bone china, introduces a Royal collection to their exquisite portfolio.

The limited edition Amner House collection features a beautiful hand painted illustration of the residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, with a pair of swans, cygnet and chick, representing the Royal Family. The pieces are totally free hand painted and then gilded, by hand, with 23 carat gold. The collection consists of a Platter, limited to 10 pieces, one Coffee Cup and Saucer Set and a Heart Trinket Box, limited to 25 pieces of each. Designed to celebrate the birth of the next Royal, this beautiful limited edition collection is targeted at both Royal fans and memorabilia collectors alike.

Tel: 01538 80 77 80 Web: www.globalluxurybrands.co.uk

Fun and thoughtful token gifts

Kutuu’s new planter sets make fun and thoughtful token gifts for every kind of occasion. The pewter marker is the hero of each set, with a phrase such as my love for you grows every day or thanks for helping me grow stamped into the textured surface. Along with the marker, a mini terracotta pot, compact compost disc and plantable seed paper shape sits inside each carefully designed gift box - providing everything the recipient needs to grow flowers or herbs alongside their new pewter keepsake.

Tel: 01244 346490 Web: www.kutuuwholesale.co.uk

The beauty of a book

This luxury gift book features a collection of much-loved nursery rhymes, including Humpty Dumpty, The Grand Old Duke of York and Hey Diddle Diddle.

Fully illustrated throughout with charming artwork by Richard Johnson, this beautiful book is bound and presented in a traditional style which makes it a timeless gift. The book itself is a mint green, clothbound hardback with blue foiled details on the cover and ribbon page marker; it comes packaged in a sturdy slipcase featuring full-colour illustrations, which protects the book inside and will ensure that this book can be treasured for many years. A stunning gift for a new baby or a Christening or naming ceremony.

Clothbound hardback with slipcase, RRP £20, Out 1 June 2015, ISBN 9781409577645.

The unique and eco-friendly fragrance product

Tel: 020 7430 2800 Web: www.usborne.com

Village Candle will soon launch a new collection of Dri-Tec fragranced reeds.

Here, all natural oils are infused into tightly wrapped recycled paper to offer a gentle fragrance throw that is un-rivalled and lasts for up-to six weeks. No liquid is present and no chemicals are used in production. This is a perfect, 100% environmentally friendly way to deliver fragrance into the home. These will be available in nine fragrances and to compliment this product we have created a collection of Aroma Jars. These can be used with our reeds or any other similar products available on the market. Twelve unique designs are offered within the collection and each item is supplied with two multi-purpose lids.

Tel: 01254 300268 Email: sales@villagecandle.co.uk Web: www.villagecandle.co.uk gifts today 63

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