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Autumn
In Profile: Widdop & Co.
Bounce Back Currently part way through an 11-week Autumn Bounce Back showroom event, Widdop & Co’s creative director, Stephen Illingworth, highlights an exciting Autumn/Winter for the company. Open to visitors until September 17, there’s still time to head to Manchester! From The 12 Dreams of Christmas to weddings, celebrations, occasions, Disney and other licensed offerings, there are 8,000 products on site, as Stephen explains. “This Autumn, we decided that instead of exhibiting at Autumn Fair, we would do what we do best and host our own spectacular Widdop’s Autumn Bounce Back showroom event,” explains Stephen Illingworth, Widdop & Co’s creative director. “During Covid, we realised that what we have to offer here really does resonate with our customers and allows us to take our customers on that journey with us, right here in our very own Manchester showrooms. We have over 8,000 products on site including a multitude of sentiment, licensed, homeware and everyday gifting products that are on trend and style-focused. Our five extensive showrooms are currently guiding visitors through trends and styles, really bringing it all to life, with the last day on September 17.”
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Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
Christmas has, of course, always been a huge focus at Widdop. “From the traditional to novelty, and from licensed gifts to homeware, we have it all covered,” confirms Stephen. “For Christmas 2021 we took customers on a journey through The 12 Dreams of Christmas - each one representing key trends in Christmas occasion gifting and decoration. From the more traditional toy shop, Royal affair and holiday cottage styles to the more modern realms of opulence, refined glamour and safari nights, we’ve offered something for every style and occasion, all of which is in stock now. We’ve covered simple to intricate, and sparkling contemporary designs to traditional favourites, with our customers able to travel through a range of festive themes.” In fact, Christmas covers a large part of Widdop’s product offering. “With our very
Above: Stephen Illingworth, Widdop & Co’s creative director. Below right and left: Different Christmas looks for 2021. Below middle: Off to the North Pole. Bottom left: Celebrating family.
own North Pole Novelties brand, we can drive innovation year in and year out,” points out Stephen. “For Christmas 2022, we are launching Widdop & Co Presents Christmas at the Movies ranges that encompasses several brand new licensed products.” In addition, the wedding season is very much back in the spotlight now, with Stephen feeling confident that it’s going to