Gifts Today November December

Gifts Today Month: Nov/Dec 2019 Issue: 2 Volume: 31

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Gifts Today

Contents

Regulars 5

Message from the editor

18 News 20 Licensing news

November/December 2019

Cover story

p 28

22 Candlelight Products Ltd A stalwart of the gift industry for 47 years, Candlelight is perfectly placed to move to the next level with a new team and expansive plans to grow both own-brand ranges and its Candlelight Candle Collection. We take a closer look

Retail 28 For the Love of the North The North East retailer, with shops in Whitley Bay and Corbridge and a pop up in the Stack development in the centre of Newcastle-uponTyne, has just been commended in the 2019 Best Small Shops Awards at the House of Commons in

p 20

November. We catch up with the couple behind the

Gifts Today team

thriving business to discover more

Editor

21 Retailers Panel

Sally Norton sally@lemapublishing.co.uk

The latest member of our panel, Ellie Bartle, introduces Tigerlillys in Derby

Advertisement Manager

Mark Horsnell markh@lemapublishing.co.uk

Special features

New Business Sales

24 Gift Books

Marian McNamara marian@lemapublishing.co.uk

Layout/Design

With total print book sales weighing in at £2.9bn in

p 24

2018, there’s never been a better time to stock up

Rick Vickers rick@lemapublishing.co.uk

on the latest raft of beautiful gift books

30 New products

Managing Director

Great launches from some of the best-loved giftware

Mark Naish mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

companies

Production Director

Exhibition Guide

Paul Naish paul@lemapublishing.co.uk

Head here for news, previews and the crucial

Chairman

information you’ll need for next year’s key shows

Malcolm Naish malcolm@lemapublishing.co.uk

6

Spring Fair

8

Top Drawer

10 Ambiente 12 Christmasworld

Lema Publishing Ltd

PUBLISHING

14 Harrogate Christmas & Gift

1 Churchgates, The Wilderness, Berkhamsted, Herts, HP4 2UB Telephone: 01442 289930

16 Giving & Living 16 Scotland’s Trade Fair 36 UK Exhibition Diary

p 32

Contents Nov/Dec.indd 1

37 Worldwide Exhibition Diary

19/11/2019 09:51

p22

p5

Message from the Editor www.gifts-today.co.uk

W

Instagram: @giftstodaysally

ell it’s here… almost.

Christmas!

While for many people, the festive period’s about putting their feet up and taking it easy, it’s not the same for those in retail. I love talking to retailers at this time of year, when they can spare a moment, that is. Hearing about what special festive events they have planned in-store, what’s selling well, how the window display’s coming along (thanks to Caroline Boydell, owner of Hugs & Kisses in Wolverhampton, for a quick snap of her window display, above right. I think you’ll all agree it looks great!).

We’ve been busy here at Gifts Today too, preparing this issue, the final one of the year. We’ve put together our annual exhibition diary that, I hope, you’ll find useful for planning ahead for next year’s shows. It starts on page 36. We’ve also got special previews for a host of shows including Spring Fair, Top Drawer, Ambiente, Christmasworld, Harrogate Christmas & Gift, Scotland’s Trade Fair and Giving & Living. Turn to page 6 to read more.

Our cover story this month is Candlelight Products Limited, the design-led candle and giftware wholesaler. Many of you will know Mike Winch who founded the company back in 1972. Well, the big news is that Mike is stepping back while lending his support, and handing over the reins to a new team headed by his son Ben. The company has expansive plans to grow both own-brand ranges and their Candlelight Candle Collection. Really exciting.You can read more on page 22.

A visit to the House of Commons on 5 November was very special. Not only was it 414 years since the Gunpowder Plot was foiled, but it also turned out to be the final day that Parliament sat before being dissolved ahead of the General Election. I was there for the 2019 Best Small Shops Awards.You can read

more about this on our News pages, starting on page 18. I really enjoyed meeting the finalists, who represented so many amazing businesses.

As well as the lovely Joanne from Nuneaton’s Joco Interiors, a member of Gifts Today’s Retailers’ Panel, I met Paul and Sue Hull for the first time.

They are the owners of For the Love of the North, a retail business with gift shops in Whitley Bay and Corbridge, and a pop-up in Newcastle. They have such a brilliant approach to business, and such a passion for bricks and mortar retailing, that I just had to share their story with you.You can read about them in our retail interview on page 28.

Before I left the Houses of Parliament, I popped into the gift shop and picked up, ahem, ‘a few bits.’ Let’s just say my Christmas tree will have a bit of extra bling this year! It was busy in there and I saw former Tory MP Ann Widdecombe stocking up on a towering pile of House of Commons’ After Dinner Mints.

In this issue, we also take a closer look at gift books because, research shows, print books are still big business, weighing in at £29bn last year. So why not take a screen break and check out some of the latest beautiful gift books on offer? Page 24.

Finally, before I go, I’d like to thank you on behalf of the team here at Gifts Today for all your support this year. We love being part of this fabulous industry and look forward to working with you next year. Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and prosperous new year.

See you next year!

‘

We love being part of this fabulous industry and look forward to working with you next year

‘

p21

p28

The views of the contributors expressed in this journal are not necessarily those of the publisher. Comments, letters and criticism are welcome.

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Spring Fair 2020

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The industry’s number one marketplace for giftware will explore new trends, showcase new products and host new experiences for 2020

he most important home and gift marketplace of the season returns next February, with a transformational reshuffle of its show floor, and an array of new and exciting additions for the 2020 event.

The new show layout will form two distinct sourcing destinations, Gifts and Home & Living, providing attendees with the largest gift offering in Europe. This follows a successful re-edit of Autumn Fair 2019, which created a renewed look-and-feel for the must-attend marketplace for product discovery.

Spring Fair’s recently-revealed show theme of ‘Hello New!’ will also be reflected across the show floor, as a host of fresh and innovative show theatres, trend stops and sustainability initiatives will be on display to provide attendees with a truly new show experience.

Just one of these additions is the show’s new International Sourcing sector, which had a successful first outing at Autumn Fair 2019, and demonstrates Spring Fair’s commitment to help buying teams unearth the most inspired products for 2020 and beyond.

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As the buyers’ onestop shop for everything fresh and on-trend for 2020, Spring Fair will help visitors navigate the newest products to make a retailer’s year.

Attendees will be able to find the latest gifts and giftable fashion, toys, beauty products and much more across 17 carefully curated show areas.

These carefully edited sectors will enable attendees to get handson with the season’s freshest products from a handpicked selection of giftware suppliers. The show will host visitor favourites such as Aromatize, Joe Davies and Funko who’ll be on hand to introduce buyers to their new-for-2020 ranges, as well as new

exhibitors like pop culture memorabilia specialists FaNaTtiK, candlemakers Incandescent, and new international exhibitor Colonial Candle.

Spring Fair 2020 will also continue to help businesses drive more sustainable changes, encouraging buyers to think about not only the price and quality of a product but of its environmental impact. Buyers will have the opportunity to meet with thousands of potential new suppliers who will challenge them to adopt new products that will help win over ethicallyminded consumers.

But of course, Spring Fair isn’t all about the time you spend on the show floor. The Spring Fair theatre line-up for 2020 will span three unique insights stages where visitors can hear speakers at the forefront of their respective sectors talk about everything from changing consumer habits to the latest giftware trends. Also on hand will be the show’s dedicated colour trend partners, Colour Hive – who’ll be highlighting the must-know taking hold on 2020.

Spring Fair runs from 2 - 6 February 2020 at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre.

Register to attend for free.

springfair.com/spring-fair-registration

19/11/2019 09:57

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Top Drawer

Top Drawer As the first show of the year, Top Drawer S/S20 promises to bring a bold start to the new decade with a campaign and ethos that focuses on the very thing that connects its community - design

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ive Design illustrates the elements that make the iconic show about so much more than just buying and selling, but also a place that stimulates the sharing of ideas and experiences.

‘Passion for design is at the very heart of our DNA and shared by everyone who is part of Top Drawer - from retailers, exhibitors and designers to our curators, speakers and organising team,’ says Show Director, Alejandra Campos. ‘The 2020 Live Design campaign captures both the individuality and togetherness of this design community, and celebrates its love and passion

for innovation and creativity. As we open the international calendar, Top Drawer SS20 is the destination for creative buyers to source the newest products from the very best design-led brands and new names—and to discover the latest trends and be inspired with our unique show content and features.’

For more than thirty years, Top Drawer has been the bi-annual meeting place for creative retailers and interior professionals who share a passion for design; the ultimate destination for product launches from the biggest names,

discovering emerging talent, making meaningful connections and being inspired.

Keeping the needs of the industry at the heart of the show’s evolution, the considered expansion of its curated sectors and seminar programmes, as well as the introduction of more networking opportunities over recent editions have enriched the Top Drawer experience; deepening the connection between buyers and suppliers further than ever before.

Alejandra Campos says: ‘Nothing beats walking the aisles of the show and seeing the creativity and talent that abounds in this industry, and the satisfaction of knowing that we are playing our part. Our role is as varied as introducing a new designer, or supporting a shop keen to source a unique offering for their clients in the new season.

So much of what we do is about supporting the industry as a whole, but especially independent retailers, and it is deeply satisfying to know that so many visitors and exhibitors see success based on the relationships they build at Top Drawer.’

Carefully edited by a panel of experts to excite, inspire and, ultimately save buyers time with the knowledge that they will only see the best, Top Drawer S/S20 will showcase 1500 brands—both established and brand new— across Home, Gift, Greetings & Stationery, Fashion, Craft, Spotted, Pulse, PLAY, Wellbeing and the Food Emporium.

Fact File When: 12-14 January 2020 Where: Olympia, London Email: topdrawer@clarionevents.co.uk Web: topdrawer.co.uk 8 Gifts Today

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Ambiente 2020

Ambiente

Ambiente is the leading international trade fair and the world’s number one in products associated with gifts, jewellery, fashion accessories, dining, cooking, household items, furnishings, ornaments, and interior design

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he world’s leading trade fair for consumer goods offers some exciting prospects: exhibitors and trade visitors can make firstclass contacts, discover the latest developments in the market and in design, and they can experience trends and opportunities in all segments. Covering three areas – Giving, Dining and Living – Ambiente will be showcasing the most important aspects of the entire spectrum of consumer goods.

From the next edition of Ambiente onwards, the Dining area will be expanded to include its own HoReCa hall. Ambiente is the most important marketplace of the year for HoReCa, contract business and ethical style.

‘Ambiente is the central hub of the entire consumer goods industry. Exhibitors from over 90 countries will be acting as trendsetters in and beyond the year 2020. In addition, we are planning to expand Dining, and so the new HoReCa hall – 6.0 – will be the perfect port of call for national and international decision-makers in the hospitality segment. In this way we want to respond to the specific needs of the industry. In the future our visitors will be able to focus even more closely on topics at the interface between hospitality, tableware and interior design,’ says Nicolette Naumann, Vice President of Ambiente.

Focus on Design From 2020, Ambiente will be running a special presentation called Focus on Design, featuring outstanding products and providing detailed insights into recent design highlights from a specially selected country. This starts with a young designer nation that has been developing quite rapidly: Brazil. Five different Brazilian design studios, each with its own special identity, will be showcasing their creative output at Galleria 1. In addition, several young Brazilian designers will also be in the Talents areas, where they will present their unique handmade items and limited series.

2020 events and highlights The Ambiente complementary programme will give visitors some special insights into consumer trends, technical innovations and the latest designs. Commissioned by Ambiente, Galleria 1 will feature a trend presentation created by bora.herke.palmisano, who have analysed and structured a number of pioneering trends. These will be showcased specially, ready for orders.

On all five days of the trade fair, an amazing amount of concentrated information will be presented at the Ambiente Academy in Hall 9.1 and, for the first time, also in Hall 11.1.

In both halls the focus will be on well-known specialists and industry celebrities talking about today’s trends, concepts and practical insights.

The Ethical Style Guide is another important part of the complementary programme, drawing attention to manufacturers of sustainable and ethically manufactured consumer goods. Buyers looking for original product ideas will enjoy the Talents areas, in particular, which will feature contemporary designs and creations by young and hitherto unknown designers. Hall 4.0 will be about Dining, while Living will be located in Hall 8.0.

Awards Ambiente 2020 will once again be hosting numerous prestigious award ceremonies. The German Design Award will be presented on the first day of the trade fair, and there will also be an impressive exhibition of the award-winning products to accompany it.

The Tableware International Awards of Excellence will also take place at Ambiente, comprising 19 glass and china categories, honouring products that are both functional and beautiful and which tell their own stories. In addition, the Dineus award will be presented for the second time, celebrating outstanding products and projects from the full range of dining culture.

Fact File When: 7-11 February 2020 Where: Messe Frankfurt GmbH, Frankfurt Call: 01483 483 983 Email: info@uk.messefrankfurt.com Visit: ambiente.messefrankfurt.com

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People shape the world of business. Ambiente gives structure to the international sector. With an outstanding variety of design and trends, an unparalleled range of products in all areas and expertise around current themes.

Information and tickets: ambiente.messefrankfurt.com Tel. +44 (0) 14 83 48 39 83 info@uk.messefrankfurt.com

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the show

Christmasworld

Christmasworld

Conviviality, closeness, a sense of belonging. Having something in common, sharing something. Family matters is the guiding theme for the Christmasworld 2020

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he motto for the Christmasworld trends in 2020/21 is ‘family matters’. In a world that is becoming more complex, family, community and real human encounters are what matter.

Prepared by the designers of Stilbüro bora. herke.palmisano, the three major Christmasworld trends for 2020/2021 will be shown under this ‘family matters’ motto and spotlight the desire for an urban yet mindful lifestyle coupled with greater sustainability.

1 Green Ritual: Experience the calm and colour of natural vegetation. A contemporary feel with grey, taupe, sand and light fern green shades hinting at spring shoots to come.

2 Happy get-together: Fresh and vibrant with sustainability at its heart. Tangy, milky hues, craft techniques and a homely feel.

3 Silken party: Elegant, feminine and refined.

Shimmering, translucent materials and fresh sorbet shades.

At the present time, a responsible ‘we’ feeling and the desire for a more careful and environmentally-aware way of living is growing.

‘This manifests itself in the way that we organise our festivities: as celebratory gatherings where collective well-being is the first priority. Whether it is a personal or seasonal occasion, we organise our time together with a lot of love and effort to make it a joyful and enjoyable time.

In so doing, we create precious moments, which strengthen and consolidate our interpersonal relationships’, says designer Annetta Palmisano, from Stilbüro bora.herke.palmisano.

The Christmasworld trends are the first port of call and the most important source of inspiration and ordering aid for retailers, when it comes to the all-important question: which colours, materials and designs are coming, staying or going? What is new this time is that they will be presented to retailers in a more eye-catching and user-friendly

way. ‘We’ll be presenting three style worlds and we’ll be interpreting each of them in two different ways. In addition to Christmas decorations, there’s a further variant – for example, for wedding, birthday, spring or autumn decorations – which is also clearly different in terms of the colours used’, Palmisano adds. In this way retailers will get even more ideas for designing their product ranges for different occasions in the year.

Head to the Trends Information Stand in Hall 11.0, C.40, to pick up trend cards free of charge so you have all the relevant colours, shapes, materials and designs to hand at all times.

Fact File When: 24-28 January 2020 Where: Messe Frankfurt GmbH, Frankfurt Call: 01483 483 983 Email: info@uk.messefrankfurt.com Visit: christmasworld.messefrankfurt.com 12 Gifts Today

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Seasonal Decoration at its best

Here you’ll find the widest range of seasonal and festive decorations.

We look forward to seeing you! christmasworld.messefrankfurt.com info@uk.messefrankfurt.com Tel. +44 (0) 14 83 48 39 83

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24. – 28. 1. 2020

Harrogate Christmas & Gift

Harrogate Christmas & Gift

In 1949, Harrogate Christmas & Gift, formerly know as Harrogate International Toy Fair, opened its doors for the very first time – and in 2020 celebrates 70 years as one of the most important UK festive and gift trade industry events

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nterestingly, the gift on top of a 1949 child’s wish list – and possibly launched to the industry for the first time in Harrogate – was The Game of Cootie. This dice-rolling game created by William Schaper in 1948 had the objective to create bug-like objects from a variety of body parts. Still going strong today, Cootie was named in the Toy Industry Association’s 2003 ‘Century of Toys’ list.

The big question for Harrogate Christmas & Gift’s 70th show is, what are the hottest gift ideas for 2020? In recent years, visitors have been given a heads up on new trends heading their way and have had plenty of time to fill their shelves with unicorns, llamas, elves and glitter sequins before their customers even realise that they will be ‘the thing’.

Those who haven’t already made an acquaintance with Harrogate Christmas & Gift would be forgiven for thinking that this is a trade show just for festive products – and if that is your area of business, then this is absolutely

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the event for you. However, with seven halls of the Harrogate Convention Centre packed with goodies not only for Christmas, but for absolutely every gifting occasion imaginable from Hanukkah and Eid, Mother’s and Father’s Day, baby showers and Christenings, Easter, Halloween, birthdays… the list goes on. It appears that there is always a good reason to buy a gift and have a party, so if you are a retailer trying to capture your customers’ imagination with something a little bit special and different to loosen their purse strings, then you really cannot afford to miss this event.

Shopping in the UK has evolved in the last decade and because of the changing consumer landscape, bricks and mortar stores have had to adapt. It’s all too easy to purchase much of what you need online, so those heading out to the shops are looking for much more than to simply purchase products – they want an experience too.

Garden centres have beautiful themed displays with products and gifts for every occasion including books and toys, food and drink, puzzles,

candles and pet products. Apparently the new thing this year is the ‘pet Santa grotto’ so the family pooch can enjoy its day out as much as the kids. Visitor attractions such as theme parks, heritage centres and even cathedrals which open their doors to the public are also making much more of their gift shops, offering a range of exciting items to tempt their audiences rather than the odd keyring or pencil from previous decades.

Simon Anslow, show organiser, who advises that exhibitor space at Harrogate Christmas & Gift is almost sold out with just a few prime spots left, explains: ‘The diversity of products on display at the show has grown dramatically in recent years and I’m always pleasantly surprised to see so many new and unexpected ranges.

‘Last year, visitors could purchase anything from garden furniture and ornaments to house wares, toys, food and gift ranges, cards and candles – in fact, as soon as you walk into the Harrogate Convention Centre you will be enveloped in delicious smells from perfumed products such as diffusers, pot pourri and fragranced cones and of course the must-have gift of fragranced candles.’

harrogatefair.com

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Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring

Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring Once the preserve of the tartan scarf and the shortbread tin, Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring has almost completely reinvented itself and is now a vibrant, contemporary shop window for giftware

I

t is a tightly focussed show built around four product platforms, Home & Gift, Fashion & Accessories, Food & Drink and Craft.

All four sectors feature a strong Scottish theme throughout, fuelled in part by the booming Scottish tourism market.

In 2019 the show featured 565 companies.

This provides Scottish retailers with not only an extensive range of different brands and products providing great depth in each product sector, but also a relentless focus on bringing new companies and start-ups into the show.

This ensures the conveyor belt of new products available to retailers improves every year,

increasing the relevance and usefulness of the show to buyers.

In addition to this focus there are a number of improvements planned for 2020 to completely refresh the catering, seating areas, the welcome experience and various other front line services to significantly lift the visiting experience.

Fact File When: 19-21 January 2020 Where: SEC, Glasgow Call: 01877 385772 Visit: scotlandstradefairs.co.uk

Giving & Living 2020 Exeter showcase is a gift for West Country retailers

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he South West’s largest gifts and merchandising event is a magnet for everyone keen to get a sneak preview of the very latest trends in personalised gifts and home accessories set to hit the shops in 2020. Everything from cups to cards, fossils to furnishings, jewellery to jams and silver to sunglasses will be on show, enabling canny trade buyers to spot the goods that will drive their sales in 2020.

Over 200 exhibitors from across the West and further afield will be showcasing a huge range of beautifully crafted gifts and unusual home accessories, as well as testing out the water with new ranges of ‘all things coast’. The show provides a uniquely relaxed and convivial environment where some 4000 retail buyers can meet with suppliers and manufacturers to make those all-important buying decisions for the year ahead and build valuable personal relationships.

Some popular features will also add to the mix: ‘Speakers Corner’ will provide a platform for trade experts to impart their knowledge; sustainable and Fair Trade items will figure large, marked as ‘Naturally’; an exciting range of new exhibitors will be presenting their wares for the very first time in the ‘Newcomers’ area; there’s a ‘Designed and Made in Britain’ category for those keen to source local; and the ‘Coastal Path’ is perfect for retailers searching for gifts and accessories inspired by sun, sand and sea.

‘This is the 56th Giving & Living trade event,’ says Mike Anderson, MD of show organisers Hale Events. ‘Many of our exhibitors don’t attend any other shows – so it really is a one-off opportunity for retailers to gain exclusive access to items that they would otherwise miss. Sourcing products online can never compete with seeing and feeling products that will appeal to your customers – and the only way to do that is at Giving & Living.’

Fact File When: 12-15 January 2020 Where: The Westpoint Exhibition Centre, Clyst St Mary, Exeter Web: givingliving.co.uk

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GIVING

More British Makers Exclusive show offers

& LIVING

Be the first to see the latest ranges

TRADE SHOW 2020

Ideas that sell Giving & Living is the largest Gift and Home trade show in the South West and covers more Coast than anyone else.

Get a head start and see the leading suppliers and new ranges first!

:@giving_living

12 - 15 January 2020 Exeter

To get your hands on your free entry badge: Register online or call 01934 733456.

givingliving.co.uk

Organised by Hale Events Ltd www.hale-events.com

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New ideas, brilliant buys

Spring

19-21 January 2020 SEC Glasgow To register for your free entry badge and for further information please visit

www.scotlandstradefairs.co.uk #scottradefair

News

New prize for Judges’ Choice winner Gift of the Year The Giftware Association has announced an exclusive partnership with Press Loft to offer the Judges’ Choice winner a year’s free membership to its top class PR services. This prize is in addition to the free stand at Autumn Fair kindly given by Spring and Autumn Fair, and the suite of marketing tools from The Giftware Association to develop their win.

Press Loft (pressloft.com) makes PR simple for interiors and gift brands.

They connect brands to a network of 18 thousand journalists who are looking for content and will give you all the tools you need to generate media coverage. Brands like Habitat, B&Q, Made.com and thousands more use this service to maximise their reach. Press Loft generates 5000+ pieces of coverage a month online and in magazines. The competition winner will receive access to this as well as a helpful customer service to guide you on your way.

The Gift of the Year competition is now in its 42nd year and is supported by Spring and Autumn Fair. There are 20 categories, covering everything in the gift and home industry from Fashion Accessory to Ethical Gift, Garden and Outdoor to Pet Gifts. Entrants’ products will be seen by over 50 judges - buyers, retailers and key industry experts from the giftware world, including Gifts Today’s editor Sally Norton. giftoftheyear.co.uk

Small Shops celebrated at the Houses of Parliament Winners of the awards were announced at the event hosted by the Independent Retailers Confederation at the Houses of Parliament on 5 November, with Bristolbased deli Papadeli named Britain’s Best Small Shop of 2019.

Speaking after receiving the award, Papadeli owner Simon MacDonnell said: ‘We are very honoured and excited to have won this award and I think our regular customers will be proud and happy for us.’

The deli was named as the winner from a shortlist of 25 retailers. The runnersup were named as Book-ish, an independent bookshop in Crickhowell, Powys, and The Recycled Candle Company, a small shop in Exeter that sells candles made from recycled wax. Cavanagh & Baker, a shop in Shanklin, Isle of Wight, that stocks everything from fine arts to country wines, and Small Stuff UK, a shop in Sheffield that specialises in ethical and eco-conscious lifestyle products and clothing for small children, were highly commended by the judges.

Other finalists included Whitley Bay gift shop For The Love Of The North, Mooch Gifts & Home and Nuneaton’s Joco Interiors.

The Best Small Shops competition is managed by the Independent Retailers Confederation (IRC). The competition celebrates the commitment and creativity of independent retailers on the UK’s High Streets and the central role they play in their local communities. It is sponsored by Near St, the retail technology company connecting products in shops to people searching nearby, and booost, a soon to be launched loyalty, gift and promotions app aimed at independent retailers and their customers.

Speaking at the event which was attended by Gifts Today, Meryl Halls, Vice Chair of the Independent Retailers Confederation, said: ‘It is great to be able to celebrate the lifeblood of our high streets, our independent retailers, especially at this time of uncertainty and discord.

‘The role of an independent retailer can seem like a thankless task but they are nothing if not survivors. Small shop owners employ local people and contribute to local communities and we are so pleased to have been able to showcase the best of independent retailing and give a vision of how engaging and exciting our high streets can be.’ indieretail.uk

London Stationery Show gets set for 10th birthday London Stationery Show, the UK’s only trade show dedicated to writing and paper products, has something to celebrate next year.

April 2020 will mark the show’s tenth year. As well as bringing together all the biggest brands in stationery and gifts, the team are also busy making plans for their 10th birthday celebrations.

‘Over the past 10 years the show has really evolved, moving from office products to retail and design-led stationery,’ says event manager Hazel Fieldwick. ‘We’re thrilled to be marking our 10th show and will be making sure that it’s the best one yet. Watch this space for details on all the special birthday treats we’re lining up.’

London Stationery Show is taking place 21 – 22 April 2020 at the Business Design Centre, London. stationeryshow.co.uk

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Get festive, be productive

Images: Freepik.com

New research has found that implementing Christmas traditions in the workplace can boost productivity levels. A study carried out by Christmas Tree World, has found that 74% of employees are motivated to work harder if their employer embraces the festive period despite only 36% of businesses offering a Christmas party for their staff and almost a quarter of businesses (24%) avoiding Christmas completely.

Productivity levels can dip to the lowest point in December, however 78% of those polled claim to work as hard or harder in December, with 22% saying it is so they can enjoy time off over the festive break.

The research of 1000 UK workers also revealed that 60% of employees are likely to be more productive if incentives such as bonuses are available, despite only 15% of UK businesses offering this.

It’s not just financial rewards which are proven to drive productivity with 74% of workers claiming office festivities, such as decorations, Christmas trees and Secret Santa traditions, boost morale and productivity. Christmas parties can also potentially enhance productivity with 39% of workers believing it improves teamwork and communication.

Stephen Evans, managing director at Christmas Tree World comments: ‘It’s shocking to see the high number of businesses that are simply missing a trick in embracing the festive season as this research demonstrates it really does pay dividends in boosting staff morale, happiness and productivity. It’s clear to see from our research that bringing a bit of festivity into the office can go a long way to improving workplace productivity at this time of year.’

Jewellery & Watch Salon to sparkle at Autumn Fair Trade event Jewellery & Watch will launch a new ‘Jewellery & Watch Salon’ at Autumn Fair 2020. This dedicated event space for brands and businesses in the jewellery sector will offer access to Autumn Fair’s audience of more than 20,000 visitors, including buyers, independent retailers, ecommerce giants and department stores. In 2019, 81% of buyers came to discover new products, services or suppliers at the show.

In its debut year, the Jewellery & Watch Salon will serve as an Autumn Fair hot spot for jewellery services and solutions, fashion, silver and semi-precious jewellery suppliers, designer brands and fine jewellery businesses. The Salon will take its place in Hall 9, which is adjacent to the Fashion & Gift Hall for complementary buying opportunities.

Jewellery & Watch event director, Kirsty Broere, says: ‘We are incredibly excited to launch the Jewellery & Watch Salon at Autumn Fair 2020. We have been overwhelmed by requests from our current exhibitors to create a platform at this crucial time of year for Christmas sourcing and buying. We are proud to be able to offer this and meet demand in addition to Jewellery & Watch 2020.’ jewelleryandwatchbirmingham.com

Craft Buddy expands team The arts and crafts company has expanded its team on the back of new licensing and distribution deals. Best known for its Crystal Art brand and papercrafting products, the company reports robust levels of growth in new and existing markets, with sales across Europe proving to be particularly strong in the UK, Germany and Benelux, and recent distribution deals signed in the USA and Australia.

With over 10 years of category experience, new marketing manager Shamini Soma joins Craft Buddy having worked in a number of different sectors at senior level. New trade assistant manager, Rohin Kotecha, joins the team to ensure consistent support for the company’s expanding retail base, both home and abroad. Hannah Cheveralls joins as finance manager having learned her trade working in the insurance industry.

Co-founder Gary Wadhwani says of his new appointments: ‘We look forward to the contribution their experience and skills will bring to the team in order for us to continue to deliver the best for our customers, both trade and retail.’

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19/11/2019 10:18

Licensing News Success for RHS kids’ style guide at BLE

The Very Hungry Caterpillar wiggles into Bluewater

The new Royal Horticultural Society’s children’s style guide was the centrepiece of the RHS stand on its return to BLE after five years, and it has already inspired enormous interest – including a major publishing deal.

The colourful new guide, inspired by items in the RHS Lindley Collections, the world’s finest collection of botanical art, dominated the stand. The licensing style guide for children’s products encompasses four styles – the bold and sassy Home Grown and I Bug You and the traditional and timeless Flower Power and Trees & Leaves.

The RHS Children’s Style Guide

As The Very Hungry Caterpillar continues to celebrate its 50th anniversary, Rocket Licensing, which manages the licensing of the brand in the UK, has formed a partnership with leading shopping destination, Bluewater, for a slate of promotional activity. The collaboration begins with the theming of Bluewater’s Green Flag award-winning nature trail.

Further activity with Bluewater for the two-year deal includes in-mall costume character appearances, a half term story time event, and a photo opportunity at key seasonal times. A Giant Wiggle fundraiser - an event that has so far raised an incredible £301,000 for Action for Children - is also planned for spring 2020.

has already informed a major deal with Scholastic, the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books, for a new range of children’s titles for ages four and up.

‘The new guide turned many heads at BLE and we are already dealing with enquiries about its potential across a number of categories,’ says RHS licensing manager Cathy Snow.

We’re Going on a…Forest Holiday!

BBC Earth x S’well Featuring iconic imagery from BBC Earth, the new collection of S’well bottles captures the planet for the consumer to use in their everyday lives – and the collaboration is set to continue into 2020 with future collaborations planned.

Images include the Northern Lights over New Hampshire’s Chocorua Lake, emperor penguins in the Antarctic and Australia’s green turtles. ‘Following on from the broadcast of Blue Planet II and the surge in public concern on single use plastics, it only feels right that BBC Earth and S’well are coming together to help bring more sustainable product choices to the consumer,’ says Anita Majhu, senior licensing manager, BBC Studios.

Enesco Seek the Truth The contemporary gift retailer has launched a new Disney Frozen bauble into its Enchanting Disney collection in time for the sequel movie release, Disney Frozen II. It’s perfectly placed to be displayed all year round.

Named ‘Seek the Truth’, this stunning piece captures the essence of the new movie, where Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven travel to an ancient autumnbound forest full of enchantment to seek the truth about the ancient mystery of their kingdom.

Walker Books has announced a brandnew We’re Going on a Bear Hunt nature trail challenge at Forest Holidays locations, a provider of sustainable holidays in Britain’s forests. It runs until spring 2020 to celebrate the book’s 30th anniversary year.

‘This is a delightful and very appropriate celebration of a

wonderful book,’ says licensing & retail development director Pindy O’Brien. ‘Forest Holidays is uniquely equipped to bring the fun and themes of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt to real-life situations – without your family having to run away from an actual bear!’

Dreamtex partner with Sutikki The boutique bedding specialist Dreamtex Ltd has partnered with Sutikki to add the delightful Moon and Me property to its preschool bedding portfolio.

‘We have been looking forward to launching Moon and Me for a long time now and we believe we have an incredibly appealing catalogue of designs to complement the story-telling and musical themes of the show,’ says Anthony Duckworth, MD of Dreamtex Ltd. ‘This is the perfect collaboration for Dreamtex, as when children wish their favourite characters goodnight at the end of each episode, they can then fall happily asleep under their Moon and Me duvet.’

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Gifts Today

RETAILERS’ PANEL The latest member of our Panel introduces her shop

Ellie Bartle Tigerlillys, Littleover, Derby Ellie, what’s the story behind your business?

Tigerlillys has been ours since October 2013, though I also worked here for three years prior. My inspiration to do this was trips to Cornwall growing up and browsing in lovely little quirky independent shops. I run the business alongside my mum, dad and Jan, who works for us on Saturday mornings. We’re in an area with an incredibly broad demographic. All walks of life pass by us here, ranging from young couples, to families with children of all ages, right the way through to the elderly.

‘With fantastic publications like Gifts Today that cover the trade shows, I don’t feel as though I miss out’ What makes your business so special?

As well as stocking brilliant brands that no other local business has, such as East of India and Jellycat, we’re also passionate about supporting small artisans. For example, I have a lovely lady called Razwana who paints the most beautiful watercolour flowers and makes them into bookmarks.

What mix of gifts do you offer in store?

We’re only a small shop but we manage to squeeze quite a lot in. Our products include PoM scarves, Teapigs teabags, Wild Olive bath products, East of India ceramics, wash bags, shopping bags and purses, Alex Clark tea towels and oven gloves, Lily-Flame candles, Katie Loxton pouches, Go Stationery notebooks and Rachel Ellen children’s tins.

Small homeware items are probably our biggest seller, and candles and scarves are also non-stop sellers all through the year. Jellycat’s range means we can use them as our sole provider of toys.

What trade shows do you visit?

Crowded, busy and noisy environments don’t suit me or my methods of carefully selecting products for the shop, so I steer clear of them. With fantastic publications like Gifts Today that cover the trade shows, I don’t feel as though I miss out.

varieties of wildflowers designed to increase the bee population. Recently, a lot of customers have been asking about gifts with panda bears on them, so maybe this is a hint at what a new and emerging trend could be.

What have been the biggest challenges you have faced since opening your shop?

The support we’ve had from our landlord and agents has been next to none and has been a constant frustration since we took on the business. The exterior needs structural renovation work that just isn’t being done. It’s something that, as tenants, we feel powerless to do anything about except repeatedly make telephone calls.

Looking back, what advice would you give to others setting out on the same journey?

Take your time. Concentrate on one thing at a time. Listen to all advice but feel free to ignore all of it if it just doesn’t feel right to you. Most importantly, do absolutely everything with as much care, love, passion, fun, enthusiasm, heart and soul as you have. It shows.

Plans for the rest of 2019, especially Christmas?

We’re planning stall layouts for our Christmas market events but, being small, it’s important that we don’t allow Christmas to take over too much and alienate customers who don’t celebrate Christmas. There’s a huge peak in birthdays in December so we would hate customers to feel as though they won’t be able to get what they want from us just because it’s Christmas.

JOIN OUR RETAILERS’ PANEL! Fancy having your say about the gift industry?

Want to share news about your business?

Where else do you get inspiration?

Instagram is a fantastic way of discovering small artists and makers and I’ve found some absolute gems that way. Visiting other independent shops everywhere I go is also a must for me, to brainstorm ideas.

Just drop editor Sally Norton an email at sally@lemapublishing.co.uk. and you could see your business featured in the pages of Gifts Today!

What trends have been doing well for you?

Over the summer we’ve had great success with bumblebee themed gifts, including Beebombs that are handmade bags of seedballs containing fifteen

Look forward to hearing from you.

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GT COVER STORY: Candlelight Products Ltd

Candlelight looks to the future

A stalwart of the gift industry for 47 years, Candlelight is perfectly placed to move to the next level with a new team and expansive plans to grow both own-brand ranges and its Candlelight Candle Collection. We catch up with new MD Ben Winch to discover more…

A

nyone who’s been part of the gift industry since 1972 will know Candlelight Products Ltd, the design-led candle and giftware wholesaler. With founder Mike Winch stepping back, while ‘lending my support’, a new team has been created to take the company forward to the next 15 years.

Meet the team!

Ben Winch MD Charged with doubling the size of the company, the team is headed by new MD Ben Winch, Mike’s son. With a former career as a stockbroker and work in the Middle East, Ben has worked for Candlelight for the past eight years. ‘We’re such

a well-established business, and are now set to reinvent ourselves by fully utilising our good people and their various skills,’ he says. ‘Candlelight has been completely reorganised over the last two years and we have a new team that brings vast experience to the business to take us to the next level.’

Debbie Isles sales director ‘It’s an unbelievably exciting time at Candlelight,’ says Debbie. ‘I joined Candlelight when I was 16 and worked for the business for 25 years. I went to other things for four or five years before rejoining.

I’m really excited about the opportunity to build the business, and it’s already started to happen. We have unbelievable creativity and we will tick all the boxes for whatever and wherever the retailer wants to go.’

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Ben Winch

Debbie Isles

Ken Bond finance director Ken comes to Candlelight with a background at Morphy Richards.

Emma Yeardley account director Emma has ten years’ experience in the industry and is focused on looking after the company’s largest account.

Mark Westmoreland commercial director Mark comes to Candlelight with over 25 years Far East sourcing and buying experience.

Tommy Bartles CEO, Candlelight Hong Kong Tommy runs the Hong Kong organisation.

Sean Metham operations director Also responsible for the CPL Logistics business.

Cover story Candlelight.indd 2

Ken Bond

Emma Yeardley

Mark Westmoreland

Sean Metham

About Candlelight

C

andlelight Products essentially comprises three businesses.

1. Candlelight. Based in Rotherham, it boasts a 145,000 sq. ft. warehouse, employing 130 people. The team of seven designers creates own-brand, brand and ranges for some of the most successful retailers, department stores and independents in the UK. 2. There is also a business in Hong Kong.

‘Supplying many of the best retailers in the world, the business is growing at a dramatic rate,’ says Ben Winch.

3. The company also has a logistics business, CPL Logistics, based in Rotherham. This arm of the business has been up and running for more than two years and provides third party logistics to over 30 clients.

‘From our point of view we believe that as others struggle and worry, we have the confidence to drive the business forward,’ says Ben. ‘In the last two years we have launched our own candle brand, Candlelight, which is going from

strength to strength month in and month out. It’s currently peaking in the run-up to Christmas. We are now doing own-brand candles for many of the world’s leading retailers.

‘Despite Brexit, despite the current retail environment, Candlelight is a company that is equipped in every way to tick all the boxes for the most sophisticated retailers in the world.

We’ve got the infrastructure, no debt and, as well as our showroom in Arlington Street, St James, London, we are in the process of buying another showroom on the North East coast.

‘We believe that, despite all the troubles, there is a massive opportunity for an ambitious company such as ours to help retailers through these troubled times. We have a sales force to cover every independent in the North, South, East and West of the UK, as well as a sales force in Hong Kong that covers the world. There is also a sales force of 18 covering our own-brand business.’

candlelight.co.uk

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Gift Books

Snuggle up with a good book W

hen it’s time to take a break from screens and social media, you can’t beat a good book. Print books are more than holding their own when it comes to entertaining both children and adults. Gift books in particular need to be seen in the flesh to truly appreciate the paper, the finishes

and the special touches like foils and ribbons. ‘UK publishing continues to satisfy the insatiable consumer appetite for books in all forms,’ says Stephen Lotinga, CEO of The Publishers Association.

People still love to own physical books, according to Meryl Halls, MD of the Booksellers’

Association in the UK. ‘Publishers are producing incredibly gorgeous books, they’re beautiful objects,’ she says.

Retailer Caroline Boydell, Hugs & Kisses in Wolverhampton, agrees.

‘I buy some from Joe Davies, some beautiful sequinned ones and some

who are most drawn to print, with 63% of physical book sales in the UK to people under the age of 44.

When it comes to children, reading books is an important part of play. ‘The thing about a book is that it’s a kind of game between the writer and the reader,’ says

Images: Freepik.com

While digital media has changed the way we consume news and music, people still love to own physical books, with total print book sales weighing in at £2.9bn in 2018. With a raft of beautiful gift books available, there’s never been a better time to stock up

‘When you sit down to read, you agree to play a game’ others that have pretty covers. The adult books tend to sell better for us than children’s.’

According to Nielsen Book International, genres that do brilliantly in print include children’s books, nature and cookery. And it’s younger people

children’s novelist and former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen in the introduction to his Book of Play, that accompanies the Play Well exhibition at London’s Wellcome Collection from now until 8 March 2020. ‘When you sit down to read, you agree to play a game.’

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Gift Books

Beautiful books Half Moon Bay Just shy of a year after launching their publishing imprint Ice House Books, Half Moon Bay are preparing for their spring/summer 2020 launch. Come January, the licensed giftware creator will be bringing over 50 new titles to the publishing and gift markets.

Adding to their raft of licences, Ice House Books is launching a five-title collection with I F*cking Love Science!, the world’s leading science site.

IFLScience! has created a community of millions of people seeking to explore and understand the universe around them and Ice House Books’ new range is bringing their knowledge to the gifting market. Packed with amazing facts, fun content, full-colour photography and graphics, the books are printed on FSC paper and board. Titles include Cocktail Chemistry, The Truth About Sex, Precious Planet, The Earth Is Flat & Other Stories and Mini Guide to the Universe.

Ice House Books has also worked with adult retailer Lovehoney to create a fun range of gift books based around sexual happiness. With six new titles including Do You Come Here Often?: 52 Role Play Scenarios and Position of the Week, illustrated by local artists, Ice House Books and Lovehoney are making a fun and fulfilling sex life available to everyone.

Ice House Books have also created an impressive new format that is perfect for Christmas gifting. The Harry Potter Moving Mechanical Card Model is a build-it-yourself format - featuring pieces of card which, when pieced together, create a 3D model of Harry Potter playing Quidditch.

Turning a cog brings Harry Potter to life, with scenes of the Quidditch pitch magically moving behind him.

As well as new titles from Spencer Wilson, Mr. Men, Little Miss and Cakes with Faces, Ice House Books are publishing over 30 new titles for SS20 including innovative gift books and fun gift sets with titles such as How To Be Fine About Planning A Wedding, Time Flies When Having Rum and Cookies with a Conscience.

Samantha Rigby, publishing & editorial manager, comments: ‘It’s been a joy to build this list and see our books going out into the world. We’re all about putting smiles on faces and it’s really exciting to be working with forward-thinking and fun licences while also developing our own-brand titles and series, using hugely talented writers, illustrators and designers. We’re offering fresh and fun gift books packed with humour, meaningful messages and stylish art and design.’

Ice House Books will be exhibiting at Spring Fair and The London Book Fair, with new titles available to order from January - register your interest with Half Moon Bay now.

Call: 01225 473873 Email: sales@halfmoonbay.co.uk Visit: halfmoonbay.co.uk

A good read!

House of Marbles House of Marbles is the only place to visit for a unique collection of gift books that will make wonderful stocking fillers and family gifts for Christmas. Their range is packed with a wide variety of books that offer something a little bit extra-special for the independent gift shop.

Customers can choose from a selection of titles for children that are not only fun but very educational too and, for adults, a humorous, witty and informative collection of gift books that offer the very best in quality and entertainment.

Due to popular demand you’ll also find an even bigger and better assortment of festive-themed puppet, activity and pop-up books that can be shared with family and friends over the Christmas season.

You can order all titles in small quantities and carriage paid starts from only £150, making House of Marbles a great choice if you want to refresh your range with an inspiring and beautifully illustrated range of gift books.

Call: 01626 835358 Email: uk@houseofmarbles.com Visit: houseofmarbles.com/tradeuk

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Someone special Summersdale You Make Me is an adorable collection of original illustrations and heartfelt words to show your special someone just how much you treasure them. Perfect for Christmas, Valentine’s – or just anytime!

summersdale.com

?

2020 sees the th 30 anniversa ry of Maisy Mouse.

Walker Books have a whole raft of celebra tions to mark th e occasion, including new logo, new licen sed output and promotion al partnership s

Images: Freepik.com

Did you know

INDUSTRY LEADERS IN INNOVATIVE LICENSED GIFTWARE Discover a fun range of gift sets and books from our publishing division Ice House Books.

Featuring incredible content from top licenses as well as original own brand titles.

ORDER

NOW FOR

CHRISTMAS

www.halfmoonbay.co.uk | sales@halfmoonbay.co.uk | 01225 473 873 Gifts Today 27

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RETAIL INTERVIEW: For the Love of the North

For the Love of the North The North East retailer, with shops in Whitley Bay and Corbridge and a pop up in the Stack development in the centre of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, has just been commended in the 2019 Best Small Shops Awards at the House of Commons in November. Editor Sally Norton caught up with Lucy and Paul Hull, the couple behind the thriving business to discover more What are your career journeys prior to setting up your business?

Paul was the team leader for North Tyneside Council’s Tourist Information Centres. Lucy was deputy headteacher at a local First School. Both roles were very different to the world of retail but have given us a wide range of useful skills that we use every day .

How did the business come about?

We initially set up the business as a website selling North East gifts, cards and prints when Paul took voluntary redundancy from his role, when the service was cut in the spring of 2017. We knew there was an appetite for gifts and prints representing our wonderful region.

We launched on 14 February 2017 which, when we are talking about a ‘love’ of the North, was a very apt date and were thrilled by the

response out there. When the oldest commercial premises in our hometown of Whitley Bay became vacant in May 2017, we knew we wanted to use the opportunity to work with

‘It really is a celebration of the very best of the North East of England’ additional suppliers and celebrate all that is great about the North East in a commercial shop setting. We opened our first shop in Whitley Bay in August 2017.

How many of you on the team?

We have six part time staff (plus Lucy’s parents and aunt) as well as Lucy and Paul in team FTLOTN! What makes your shop so special?

It really is a celebration of the very best of the North East of England. We work with over 70 different North East creatives who all

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interpret the region in a slightly different way.

Some are very established artists with a loyal following, whilst for others we are their very first shop and we guide them through this process.

We host monthly Macmillan coffee mornings and workshops within the shops and really try to build a sense of community and celebration. We give part of our profits to three causes close to our hearts – 5% of profits from our own branded products go to local charity, St Oswald’s Hospice; 5% of the Hyem range goes towards the People’s Kitchen and 5% of the coastal range we’re developing goes to the RNLI.

How important are gifts to your retail offering in-store?

Essential. People love to have a bit of the North East to take home with them whether it’s a fridge magnet or a cushion with ‘hyem’ (Geordie for ‘home’) on it. There are so many Northern homebirds out there.

Do you commission any special merchandise?

More and more, and this is something we really want to expand on in 2020. We’ve been lucky enough to work with some fabulous North East creatives and the next step on our journey is working with various artists to commission exclusive products. It’s proved to be an interesting journey that involves a whole different set of skills as we learn about manufacturing and the production side.

We’re particularly proud of our FTLOTN 2020 calendar which involved working with 12 of our artists who each have a distinctive style of their own to produce a genuinely special product (that also happens to be carbon neutral). We massively believe in supporting local and the fact we are able to work with such amazing artists from across the North East is the absolute icing on the cake. As we begin to produce our own products, we continue to work with local North East companies where possible. Where manufacturing isn’t possible in the North East, we are determined to use the best of British manufacturing to produce high quality products.

Ret Int Love of the North.indd 2

What is your mix of products like?

This can vary from prints and cards that depict many of the iconic landmarks and buildings of the region to tea towels and tote bags, cushions and candles and even coffee that is roasted upon Holy Island in Northumberland. We try to balance it from the more high end gift to more stocking filler items such as pin badges, coasters and magnets. Each and every item has a strong North East theme designed by a creative based in the region.

Biggest selling category?

It can vary from shop to shop, but tea towels and tote bags are always guaranteed sellers as they are such a great memento of a trip to the North East and are very easy to post out or take back home in your luggage. Cushions depicting words that have a strong link to the heritage of the region like ‘Hyem’, ‘Howay’ and ‘Hinny’ really tap into the love for the North East and are very popular as gifts or a treat for the home.

Trends you predict will be big in 2020?

Based on sales and feedback, we think our subscription boxes are going to really take off in 2020. Each quarter, subscribers will receive a mystery box that could contain a pin badge, set of greetings cards and an embroidered hoop set on a particular theme that we have worked closely with some of the artists we stock to produce something really unique and special.

Biggest challenges?

It’s the speed and rate that we have grown and at times it has been a massive struggle to keep up with that growth. What we are doing is neither of our backgrounds and it has been a vertical learning curve to keep on top of things whilst not burning ourselves out.

Looking back, what advice would you give to others?

You have to be prepared to work hard, harder than you have ever worked in your life.You have to absolutely 100% believe in what you are doing and be totally committed to it. This is going to be your livelihood and, for you to make it work, that commitment has to be there from day one. Make yourself distinctive. What is it that sets you apart from the rest? People like to see the person/people behind the name and that there is a beating heart at the centre of it.

fortheloveofthenorth.co.uk

You have bricks and mortar and online presence. Which works best?

We have seen a massive increase in online sales this year, which is amazing and allows us to spread the North East love far and wide. Our physical shops, though, are such an integral part of FTLOTN as the community aspect part of what we do in the places we love is so important to us. We love chatting to our customers and seeing how much the North East means to them.

Gifts Today 29

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New products

Winter warmers with Joe Davies So much to discover this season at the giftware favourite

Brighten up your home and shop window displays with the new eternal flame traditional style lantern range.

These lovely white or black lanterns have an antique finish making them look extra special with LED candles inside giving them a realistic feel.

You wouldn’t know the difference between these and a real candle.

They will look fabulous in a Christmas display or on a mantelpiece at home for Christmas.

Wrap up warm whatever the weather is like outside, and enjoy the ultra comfortable, super soft Sherpa fleece slipper socks from Joe Davies. These lovely bestselling socks are sure to keep your feet toasty and, with many fabulous colours and designs to choose from, they make the perfect gift. Choose from Nordic designs, luxury chenille fabric, fun animal designs and many more.

Keep cosy inside and outside with the best selling Equilibrium range of hats, scarves, gloves and wraps.

Beautiful luxurious finishes such as faux fur, buttons and matching trims, also in on-trend autumn/ winter colours. Wrap up on a chilly winter day with the gorgeous knitted hats that sparkle with pearl, diamante embellishments and pom-poms. Give the perfect gift from the range of ladies’ and gents’ boxed scarves and gloves, beautifully packaged in blue pearlised boxes. No wonder Equilibrium is a popular choice of accessories with retailers and customers alike.

Also in the vast Equilibrium collection, there are the new fashionable wraps. Great as a Christmas gift at this time of year, they’ll look fabulous over that little black dress for Christmas parties.

There are fringed masterpiece scarves in flamboyant colours that open out into a wrap for over the shoulders, faux fur floral and silhouette wraps in neutral colours and the luxurious cashmere-feel wraps. All will give that added panache.

Alongside the snoozies! slipper socks are Joe Davies’ exciting pairable snoozies! range. These popular cosy foot coverings are also made in soft Sherpa material with applique designs on one foot and a matching embroidered message on the other.

The designs include popular animal designs such as cat, dog, sloth, llama, elephant, bee and owl, as well as trendy bee and gin designs. There is even a pairable fun family Christmas concept where the whole family, including the dog, can wear matching red and green designs - perfect for the Christmas holidays. All snoozies! can be displayed on Joe Davies’ spinner (free with any four cartons) that holds 144 snoozies! designs.

You can buy all this and more.

Ordering from Joe Davies is easy with their low minimum order value of £100, free nationwide delivery and their signature ‘little and often’ policy.

Call: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk Visit: joedavies.co.uk

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Pluggable is the way forward

Agents required for Scotland and South East

Liberty Candles are the exclusive distributor for Candle Warmers in the UK & Ireland Liberty Candles & Marvel Fragrances Company Ltd. www.libertycandles.co.uk â&#x20AC;˘ brad@candlewarmers.com â&#x20AC;˘ 01942 677 448

New products Feelin’ groovy Groovy UK

Some of the best launches from this innovative design-led company

Gudetama If you feel happiest snuggled up, in bed asleep, then these fun Gudetama robes and slippers are definitely for you. The tired and underwhelmed Gudetama is the latest viral mascot from Sanrio, the Japanese company who created Hello Kitty. Groovy have taken on Sanrio’s egg-turnedcharacter and produced a range of funky bathrobes and slippers with the mascot and his hilarious phrases. A great gift for that slightly grumpy someone. Groovy’s other licences include Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, Friends, Star Wars, Marvel, DC Comics, Assassin’s Creed, Mr. Men, Moomins and Frida Kahlo.

Mr.Men The Mr. Men and Little Miss ranges have a great ability to create personalities amongst their characters. What better gift to give to that certain ‘Diva’ than Little Miss Princess ‘It’s all about me!’ robe and slippers or Mr. Grumpy (we all know who they are!).

Groovy have created their supersoft fleece bathrobes and slippers for Mr. Happy, Mr. Strong and Mr. Lazy too. A perfect opportunity this Christmas to send a fun message in a great gift. Groovy UK design and manufacture many unique gift lines including, bathrobes, slippers, lighting, bags, accessories and homeware.

Magic Christmas Stockings Everybody loves a bit of magic at Christmas and what could be better than a Harry Potter Christmas stocking? Groovy have designed the stockings in all the House Crests and colours, so you can pick your favourite House or go with a sparkly Golden Snitch, Platform 9¾ or a stripy Hogwarts! Gifts in the collection include: bathrobes, slippers, bags, lighting and accessories, and ranges include Luna Lovegood, Marauder’s Map, The Golden Snitch, Hedwig, Platform 9¾, Quidditch, The Deathly Hallows, Hogwarts, Gryffindor and all other Hogwarts Houses and more!

Call: 01162391115 Email: hello@groovyuk.com Visit: groovyuk.com

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Are you looking for

agents... if so contact: Mark Horsnell 01442 289949 mark@lemapublishing.co.uk

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New products

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Heavenly Christmas Heaven Scent

Internal designer/illustrator Sarah Pettitt, married to the owner of Heaven Scent, has created a small Christmas Candle range, with beautiful illustrated packaging.

‘This small range was a delight to create,’ says Sarah. ‘Inspired by the Wiltshire Countryside in winter, I began creating my images for a series of Christmas cards and used the same images to create cute little candle boxes - I thought they would look lovely as little stocking fillers for people at Christmas!’

The four fragrances are Gold Frankincense & Myrrh, Nutmeg & Orange, Winter and Mulled Pear & Spices. The beauty of this range is that they are ready now and our customers can order them and have them within a couple of weeks.

Call: 01225 868788 Email: contact@heavenscent.co.uk Visit: heavenscent.co.uk

The scent of nature Agnes + Cat

Agnes + Cat was created in the beautiful Lake District in the North of England. That’s where they started designing their iconic range of candles and bath products, getting inspired by the surrounding nature and scents.

All of their cosmetic, reed diffusers and soaps are handmade in small batches and scented with the best of British fragrances; their candles are hand-poured using Indonesian soy wax and cotton wicks. All their lip balms are enriched with jojoba oil, Shea, mango and avocado butter to intensely nourish and replenish your lips. Their Bath Salts are made with pure essential oils and different kinds of salt which all have amazing benefits.

They try their best to help the planet by packing light, recyclable and sourcing local wherever possible. Many lines can be re-purposed after use and packaging can either be recycled or reused.

Agnes + Cat are committed to make the best possible products and they take time to source the right materials and ingredients which go into their products; from certified sustainable palm oil soap which is overseen by WWF to only using natural Soy wax. All products are vegan-friendly and handmade.

Call: 0114 26 77723 Email: enquiries@agnesandcat.org Visit: agnesandcat.org

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Pluggable Candle Wax Warmers Liberty Candles

Pluggable Candle Wax Warmers and Airome Diffusers are the way forward. In 2019 the Candle Warmers and Airome business has grown considerably. No matter which brand of candles the retailer stocks, every sale made of candle or melt is a potential Candle Warmer melt or Airome diffuser sale.

The company has seen a 50% growth in the sale of Airome diffusers in 2019 and there is still time to get stock in for Christmas.

The pluggable ranges have far exceeded the estimated sales so, in the run-up to Christmas, a 100% sell out has been achieved on the pluggable melt warmers. There still is stock of the pluggable Himalayan Salt products and the Airome pluggable diffusers and you can place orders for delivery mid-January 2020 from the stock in the containers due into the warehouse in UK mid-January.

All the Candle Warmers & Airome Diffusers have a UK three-pin plug.

Benefits: Using a Candle Warmer for Candles means there is: • No flame • No sooting • Candles last approximately three times as long You can even enhance the flow of your selected fragrance by using the fanassisted Candle Warmers. The 2-in-1 Candle Warmer has achieved excellent sales as it can be used as a Candle Warmer or a wax melt unit. The full range of Candle Warmers Lantern fits in all rooms, creating an ambience with the subtle lighting and the flow of the candle fragrance.

Get in touch to become a stockist. To view the Candle Warmers’ catalogue when you are logged into the website, click on the Candle Warmers’ Logo and that will allow you to view the catalogue page by page

Email: frank@candlewarmers.com Visit: libertycandles.co.uk

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Exhibition Diary

Time to get the diary out and plan ahead for the coming year.

At home and abroad, check out our comprehensive listings

2020 EXHIBITION GUIDE UKDATES JANUARY

MAY

Trophex Live

Museums + Heritage Show

When: 12-13 January 2020 Where: Hall 7, NEC, Birmingham Web: trophex.com

When: 13-14 May 2020 Where: Olympia, London show.museumsandheritage.com

Top Drawer When: 12-14 January 2020 Where: Olympia, London Web: topdrawer.co.uk

Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair When: 12-15 January 2020 Where: Harrogate Convention Centre, Harrogate Web: harrogatefair.com

Giving & Living When: 12-15 January 2020 Where: Westpoint Exhibition Centre, Exeter Web: givingliving.co.uk

Scotland’s Speciality Food Show When: 19-21 January 2020 Where: SEC, Glasgow scotlandsspecialityfoodshow.com

Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring When: 19-21 January 2020 Where: SEC, Glasgow spring.scotlandstradefairs.co.uk

Wales Spring Fair When: 19-21 January 2019 Where: Venue Cymru, Llandudno, North Wales Call: 01492 879771 walesspringfair@venuecymru.co.uk Web: walesspringfair.co.uk

The Toy Fair When: 21-23 January 2020 Where: Olympia, London Web: toyfair.co.uk

FEBRUARY Spring Fair When: 2-6 February 2020 Where: NEC, Birmingham Web: springfair.com

The Source Tradeshow When: 4-5 February 2020 Where: Westpoint Exhibition Centre, Exeter Web: thesourcetradeshow.co.uk

Pure London When: 9-11 February 2020 Where: Olympia, London Web: purelondon.com

The National Wedding Show, London When: 14-16 February 2020 Where: Olympia, London Web: nationalweddingshow.co.uk

CHSI Stitches When: 16-18 February 2020 Where: NEC, Birmingham Web: chsi.co.uk

MARCH The Creative Craft Show When: 19-22 March 2020 Where: NEC, Birmingham Web: stitichandhobby.co.uk

Ideal Home Show When: 27 March - 13 April 2020 Where: Olympia, London Web: idealhomeshow.co.uk

Harrogate International Nursery Fair When: 29-31 March 2020 Where: Harrogate Convention Centre, Harrogate Web: nurseryfair.com

APRIL British Craft Trade Fair When: 4-7 April 2020 Where: Yorkshire Event Centre, Harrogate Web: bctf.co.uk

The London Stationery Show When: 21-22 April 2020 Where: Business Design Centre, Islington, London Web: stationeryshowlondon.co.uk

JUNE Exclusively Shows When: 9-10 June 2020 Where: Business Design Centre, Islington, London Web: exclusivelyshows.co.uk

JULY Home & Gift Buyers’ Festival When: 19-22 July 2020 Where: Harrogate International Centre, Harrogate Web: homeandgift.co.uk

SEPTEMBER International Jewellery London When: 13-15 September 2020 Where: Alexandra Palace, London Web: jewellerylondon.com

Autumn Fair When: 6-9 September 2020 Where: NEC, Birmingham Web: autumnfair.com

Top Drawer AW When: 13-15 September 2020 Where: Olympia, London Web: topdrawer.co.uk

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WORLDWIDEDATES JANUARY Hong Kong International Stationery Fair Glee When: 15-17 September 2020 Where: NEC, Birmingham Web: gleebirmingham.com

100% Design When: 18-21 September 2020 Where: Olympia, London Web: 100percentdesign.co.uk

Brand Licensing Europe When: 29 September â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3 October 2020 Where: ExCel, Docklands, London Web: brandlicensing.eu

OCTOBER Decorex International When: 6-9 October 2020 Where: Olympia, London Web: decorex.com

When: 6-9 January 2020 Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong Web: m.hktdc.com

Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair When: 6-9 January 2020 Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong Web: m.hktdc.com

Heimtextil When: 7-10 January 2020 Where: Messe Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany Heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com

Dallas Total Home & Gift Market When: 8-14 January 2020 Where: Dallas Market Center, Dallas, USA Web: dallasmarketcenter.com

Exponoivos Lisbon When: 11-12 January 2020 Where: Centro de Congressos de Lisboa, Portugal Web: exponoivos.pt

Formex When: 13-16 January 2020 Where: Stockholmsmässan, Stockholm, Sweden Web: formex.se

Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market When: 14-21 January 2020 Where: Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart, Atlanta, USA Web: americasmart.com

Maison & Objet Paris When: 17-21 January 2020 Where: Paris Nord Villepinte, Paris, France Web: maison-objet.com

Bijorhca Paris When: 18-21 January 2020 Where: Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, Paris, France Web: bijorhca.com

Showcase Ireland When: 19-22 January 2020 Where: Royal Dublin Society, Dublin, Ireland Web: showcaseireland.com

International Jewellery Tokyo When: 19-22 January 2020 Where: Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo, Japan Web: ijt.jp/en

Intergift Madrid When: 22-24 January 2020 Where: IFEMA, Madrid, Spain Web: ifema.es

Oslo Design Fair When: 23-25 January 2020 Where: Lillestrom Web: oslodesignfair.no

HOMI When: 24-27 January 2020 Where: Fiera Milano, Milan, Italy Web: homimilano.com

Creativeworld When: 24-27 January 2020 Where: Messe Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany creativeworld.messefrankfurt.com

Christmasworld

Biloxi Mississippi Gift Show When: 25-27 January 2020 Where: Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum & Convention Center Biloxi, USA Web: wmigiftshows.com

Philadelphia Gift Show When: 25-28 January 2020 Where: Greater Philadelphia Convention Center, Philadelphia, USA Web: philadelphiagiftshow.com

Paperworld When: 25-28 January 2020 Where: Messe Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany paperworld.messefrankfurt.com

Toronto Gift Fair When: 26-30 January 2020 Where: The International Centre, Toronto, Canada Web: cangift.org/toronto-gift-fair

International Toy Fair Nuremberg When: 29 January - 2 February Where: Nuremberg Exhibition Center, Nuremberg, Germany Web: spielwarenmesse.de

Formland Spring When: 30 January 2 February 2020 Where: MCH Messecenter Herning, Herning, Denmark Web: formland.com

When: 24-28 January 2020 Where: Messe Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany christmasworld.messefrankfurt.com gifts today 37

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Exhibition Diary

FEBRUARY NY NOW When: 1-4 February 2020 Where: Javits Center, New York, USA Web: nynow.com

National Stationery Show When: 1-4 February 2020 Where: Javits Convention Center, New York, USA Web: nationalstationeryshow.com

Seattle Gift Show When: 1-4 February 2020 Where: Washington State Convention Center, Seattle, USA Web: seattlegiftshow.com

Oasis Gift Show

2nd Kyoto International Gift Show

When: 7-9 February 2020 Where: Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, USA Web: oasis.org

When: 11-12 March 2020 Where: Miyako Messe Kyoto Web: giftshow.co.jp

India International Jewellery Show

Sarcda International 2020

When: 8-11 February 2020 Where: Mumbai Exhibition Centre, Mumbai Web: iijs.org

When: 12-15 March 2020 Where: Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand, Johannesberg Web: sarcda.co.za

International Premium Incentive Show When: 12-15 February 2020 Where: Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo, Japan Web: premiumshow.jp

Forma Spring When: March 2020 Where: Helsinki Fair Centre, Helsinki, Finland Web: formamessut.fi

Alberta Gift Fair When: 24-27 February 2020 Where: Edmonton Expo Centre, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Web: cangift.org/alberta-gift-fair

Cadeaux Leipzig When: 28 February – 1 March Where: Leipzig Messe, Leipzig, Germany Web: cadeaux-leipzig.de

MARCH Surtex When: 2-5 February 2020 Where: Javits Convention Center, New York, USA Web: surtex.com

Market Square’s Galley Where: 3-5 February 2020 Where: The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks, Pennsylvania, USA Web: marketsquareshows.com

The Tokyo International Gift Show Spring When: 5-7 February 2020 Where: Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo, Japan Web: giftshow.co.jp/english

Ambiente When: 6-10 February 2020 Where: Messe Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany Web: ambiente.messefrankfurt.com

The Rocky Mountain Gift Show When: 18-23 February 2020 Where: Denver Merchandise Mart Complex, Denver, USA Web: rockymountaingiftshow.com

Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair When: 20-22 February 2020 Where: Impact Challenger, Bangkok, Thailand Web: bkkgems.com

Sydney Gift Fair When: 22-26 February 2020 Where: International Convention Centre, Sydney Web: reedgiftfairs.com

California Marketplace When: 23-26 February 2020 Where: LA Convention Center, Kentia Hall, LA Web: california-marketplace.com

Australian Toy, Hobby& Nursery Fair When: 1-4 March 2020 Where: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, Melbourne, Australia Web: austoy.com.au/the-fair

The Atlanta Spring Gift, Home Furnishings & Holiday Market When: 4-6 March 2020 Where: AmericasMart, Atlanta, USA Web: americasmart.com

Hong Kong International Jewellery Show When: 4-8 March 2020 When: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong Web: hktdc.com

International Home + Housewares Show When: 14-17 March 2020 Where: McCormick Place Exposition Center, Chicago, USA Web: housewares.org

Vancouver Gift Expo When: 15-17 March 2020 Where: Pacific National Exhibition, Vancouver, Canada Web: vancouvergiftexpo.com

Mechelen Furniture Fair When: 25-28 March 2020 Where: Nekkerhal, Mechelen, Belgium Web: expohour.com

APRIL IHGF Delhi Fair 2020 When: 15-19 April 2020 Where: India Expo Center & Mart, New Delhi, India Web: indiaexportmart.com

Hong Kong Houseware Fair When: 20-23 April 2020 Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong Web: hkdc.com/fair

Giftionery Taipei When: 23-26 April 2020 Where: Taipei World Trade Center, Taipei, Taiwan Web: giftionery.net

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Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair When: 27-30 April 2020 Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong Web: m.hktdc.com

MAY International Jewellery Kobe When: 14-16 May 2020 Where: Kobe International Exhibition Hall, Kobe, Japan Web: ijk-fair.jp/en

ChibiMart Inverno When: 15-18 May 2020 Where: Fiera Milano City, Milan, Italy Web: chibimart.it

International Contemporary Furniture Fair When: 17-20 May 2020 Where: Javits Convention Center, New York, USA Web: icff.com

Licensing Expo 2020 When: 19-21 May 2020 Where: Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, USA Web: licensingexpo.com

Beautyworld Middle East When: 30 May â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 June 2020 Where: Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, beautyworld.messefrankfurt.com

JUNE Interior Lifestyle Tokyo When: 3-5 June 2020 Where: Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo, Japan Web: interiorlifestyle-tokyo. jp.messefrankfurt.com

INATS When: 12-14 June 2020 Where: The Crowne Plaza Hotel and Convention Center, Denver International Airport, Colorado Web: inats.com

ISOT 2020 When: 26-28 June 2020 Where: Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo, Japan Web: isot-fair.jp/en

JULY Tendence When: 4-6 July 2020 Where: Messe Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany Web: tendence.messefrankfurt.com

Singapore Gifts & Premiums Fair When: 15-17 July 2020 Where: Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre, Singapore Web: sgpfair.com

AUGUST Melbourne Gift Fair When: 1-5 August 2020 Where: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, Melbourne, Australia Web: reedgiftfairs.com.au

Formland Autumn When: 15-18 August 2020 Where: MCH Messecenter Herning, Herning, Denmark Web: formland.com

SEPTEMBER Intergift Madrid When: 2-6 September 2020 Where: Feria de Madrid Convention Centre, Madrid, Spain Web: ifema.es

Interior Lifestyle China 2020

Asian Gifts & Travel Goods Show

When: 11-13 September 2020 Where: Shanghai Exhibition Centre, Shanghai, China Web: interior-lifestyle-china. hk.messefrankfurt.com

When: October 2020 Where: Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Call: +852 27006726 Email: cs@comasia.com.hk Web: asiangnt.com

Heimtextil Russia When: 17-19 September 2020 Where: IEC Crocus Expo, Moscow, Russia Web: heimtextil-russia. ru.messefrankfurt.com

OCTOBER Tokyo International Gift Show Autumn When: 7-9 October 2020 Where: Tokyo Big Sight Web: giftshow.co.jp

Las Vegas Souvenir & Resort Gift Show When: 7-10 October 2020 Where: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, USA Web: lvsouvenirshow.com

Asian Gifts & Premiums Show When: October 2020 Where: Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Call: +852 27006726 Email: cs@comasia.com.hk Web: asiangnp.com

Asian Festive, Christmas & Seasonal Show When: October 2020 Where: Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Call: +852 27006726 Email: cs@comasia.com.hk Web: asianchristmas.com

NOVEMBER Ocean City Resort Gift Expo 2020 When: 17-19 November 2020 Where: Roland Powell Convention Center, Ocean City, USA Web: oceancitygiftshow.com

Asian Gifts & Housewares Show-Paris When: November 2020 Where: Paris Nord Villepinte Call: +852 27006726 Email: cs@comasia.com.hk Web: asiangnhparis.com

DECEMBER Grand Strand Gift & Resort Merchandise Show When: 6-9 December 2020 Where: Myrtle Beach Convention Center, Myrtle Beach, USA Web: grandstandgiftshow.com

Please note: Every effort has been made to ensure the information in this guide is correct at the time of going to press. However, we recommend you check before departure. gifts today 39

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HAND PAINTED & EMBELLISHED LUXURY GIN COPA GLASSES

@b_m @bobg` :ee PkZii^] Ni ENESCO LIMITED, Brunthill Road, Kingstown, Carlisle, Cumbria, England, CA3 0EN. UK Customer Services: Telephone: 01228 404022 Email: trade@enesco.co.uk Overseas Customer Services: Telephone: +44 1228 404066 Email: eurosales@enesco.co.uk © 2019 Designs by Lolita. All rights reserved worldwide. © Enesco, LLC.

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