Progressive Gifts & Home - January 2018

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January 2018

Gift Gi vi ng…all wr ap p e d u p International Spring Fair NEC,Birmingham 4th–8th February 2018 Hall 4

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Enesco Limited, Head Office & Customer Services, Brunthill Road, Kingstown, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 0EN. Tel: 01228 404022 email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Overseas Customer Services: Tel: +44 1228 404066 email: eurosales@enesco.co.uk © Disney. © 2018 Enesco Limited. Image background: © Africa Studio.

The Luna collection offers opulent textures and luxury materials, combined with sumptuous perfumes for a decadent fragrance experience. A new fragrance for Spring 2018, Ylang Ylang & Amber is a deep and mysterious fragrance, oriental floral accords of ylang ylang, jasmine and iris mingle with dark amber, spiced with ginger, black pepper and cinnamon.

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Visit us at Top Drawer - K47 • Spring Fair Summer House - Hall 8 - C15 C14

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www.max-publishing.co.uk The home of market leading trade magazines

EXHIBITIONS

THE HOME OF MARKET LEADING TRADE AWARDS

Max Publishing Ltd, United House, North Road, London N7 9DP. Tel: 020 7700 6740 Fax: 020 7607 6411 www.progressivegifts.co.uk www.thegreatsawards.co.uk Publishers Jacqueline Brown, Warren Lomax and Ian Hyder

This Month

@Prog_Gifts

While I'm not one for making New Year resolutions although our columnist Lesley Dunne is, see Sounding Off on page 23 - I've been looking into my crystal ball recently, and would like to share three predictions for 2018.

My first is that even more department stores will be re-inventing themselves over the coming year, taking their lead from John Lewis.

The retailer's current strategy is to not only give customers an experience - led by Peter Cross, John Lewis' director of customer experience - but also, to turn the stores into 'service' outlets. The brand new Oxford store, which opened in the Autumn, is the first John Lewis store to roll out over 20 customer services that include a nail and brow bar, with more John Lewis stores following suit over the coming months. Debenhams too, has gone down a similar route, and will initially be putting gyms into three of its stores, with a further roll out in the pipeline. It's giving people more reasons to walk through the doors, which leading independent gift retailers are already doing in so many different ways. (Trend forecaster Phil Pond of Scarlet Opus puts forward his ideas on page 19).

A second prediction is that Millennials, currently the UK's most influential, trend setting consumer group, will continue to feel accountable for protecting the environment, with many wanting to ditch 'disposable'. Portable solutions to replace disposable cups are already on the up so keep an eye out at the Spring trade shows.

My third (rather obvious) prediction is that the very accomplished Meghan Markle will begin to influence trends in all sorts of different areas. Fashion and fashion accessories aside, as a former professional graphologist, can we expect to see graphology materials on the up, and a reason to return to writing by hand? If it's Meghan's handwriting on the Royal wedding invitations then who knows!

Elsewhere in this issue, we highlight the latest trends in reed diffusers (see pages 61-63); take a look at what's driving the collectables market (see pages 73-75) and reveal what's new in licensed giftware for Spring (see pages 69-71). We also turn the spotlight on the products that will be trending for Mother's Day (see pages 43-47) as well as Easter (see page 79). As for design trends, get ready for a myriad of clashing patterns in 2018! (See page 37).

And, of course, very exciting news is that we're on the countdown to the closing date for The Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2018! If you haven't entered yet, or are looking to nominate an exceptional gift shop or gift department, the closing date for entries is January 31, 2018. Visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk to download an entry form, or email your entry directly to suem@max-publishing.co.uk (See page 7).

As we celebrate the arrival of 2018, the team at Progressive Gifts & Home would like to wish you all a very happy, healthy and successful New Year! We can't wait for the Spring shows, and look forward to seeing you there.

But first, as we say farewell to 2017, we take a look at the year's milestones. (See A Year in Gifts on pages 25-27).

Above: In the run-up to Christmas, Sue got behind the counter at The Barn at The Hollies gift shop when she visited the destination store last month.

She is shown with shop manager Angie Rudd.

Cover: Disney Showcase, exclusively available from Enesco Ltd.

Progressive Gifts & Home is published 7 times a year.

Subscription: UK; one year £50, two years £85 or three years £110. Overseas; one year £75, two years £125 or three years £165. Please send your cheque to: Progressive Gifts & Home, Max Publishing Ltd, United House, North Road, London N7 9DP. Tel: 020 7700 6740 Fax 020 7609 4222/020 7607 6411 email: ianh@max-publishing.co.uk

Design & Production Russell Sutton

Subscriptions enquiries maxsubscriptions@marketingreinforcements.co.uk Tel: 020 8943 9541

Copyright 2018. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal liability for any errors or omissions, nor can they accept responsibility for the standing of advertisers nor any organisation mentioned in the text. Views of contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers.

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Inside

Seasonal Decoration at its best 26. – 30. 1. 2018

7-19

News

21

Gift of the Gab BACK TO THE FUTURE

23

Sounding Off NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

25-27

Feedback A YEAR IN GIFTS

Create the best product mix for 2018

MERRY BUSINESS!

29-31 Retailer Face To Face: The Barn At The Hollies DESTINATION THE HOLLIES 33-35 In Profile: Kaemingk ALL YOU WANT FOR CHRISTMAS 37

Trends: Clashing Patterns

39-41 Face To Face: Ashleigh & Burwood WE'VE ONLY JUST BEGUN 43-47

Spotlight On... Mother's Day TO MUM, WITH LOVE

Your ticket to the top suppliers of seasonal and festive decorations: christmasworld.messefrankfurt.com

51-55 Spotlight On... The South West COAST TO COAST 58-59 Face To Face: Stoneglow STRICTLY FRAGRANCE 61-63 Spotlight On... Reed Diffusers SCENTING OUT SPRING 69-71 Spotlight On... Licensed Gifts LICENSED FOR SPRING 73-75

Spotlight On... Collectables WHAT A COLLECTION

79

Spotlight On... Easter Gifts EGGSCELLENT EASTER

88-89 Best Sellers 90

On The Road: Sean Camm

90

Last Word: Phil Pond

info@uk.messefrankfurt.com Tel. +44 (0) 14 83 48 39 83

Sue Marks Editor

Angie Bryant Advertisement Manager

Ian Hyder Publishing Director

suem@max-publishing.co.uk

angieb@max-publishing.co.uk

ianh@max-publishing.co.uk

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Industry News

The Greats Awards 2018 We'd Love To Hear From You! With Christmas over for another year, now's the time to shout about why, if you're a retailer, your shop should be a Greats winner in 2018! Organised by PG&H, the hunt is on for the most outstanding gift independents and gift departments across a wide retail spectrum. With a Greats entry form enclosed with this issue of Progressive Gifts & Home, suppliers, gift agents and reps are also invited to nominate the retailers that they feel have been a cut above the rest in 2017.

In addition, retailers can also enter their top members of staff for the Best Employee Award, and vote for their top suppliers in the Best Service to the Independent Gift Retailer categories. Email ianh@max-publishing.co.uk, or download an entry form by visiting www.thegreatsawards.co.uk And finally, the industry is also invited to nominate a very special person for the prestigious Honorary Achievement Award, recognising their contribution to the giftware industry. Nominations are confidential and can be emailed to Ian Hyder at ianh@max-publishing.co.uk. All entries must be received by the deadline of January 31, 2018. l To book tickets for the industry’s 'big day' on Thursday May 17 at the Grosvenor House in Park Lane, London - which this year, features a fabulous Gatsby theme - contact awards manager, Clare Davies at Createvents on 0118 340085 or clare@createvents.co.uk. l The Greats Awards, owned by Max Publishing, are organised by Progressive Gifts & Home.

Left A huge smile from Tasmin Butler, director, Lily's Attic in Witney, winner of The Greats 2017's Best Lifestyle category.

The Greats Sponsors 2018

Collecting Is Alive & Well Proving that collectors are still as passionate as ever, Enesco and Lord Collectables, among the top independent Disney retailers in the UK, recently hosted their first Disney event at Grove Garden Centre, Spalding, Lincolnshire.

With a host of offers, gift with purchase and exclusives on the day, supported by an array of Princesses, the event was reminiscent of collector’s events in the 1990’s. "With consumers arriving from far and wide two hours before the doors opened and leaving with armfuls of Enesco Disney collectables and giftware, this hugely successful event might just be the start of a revival in true collectables," commented Enesco's head of marketing Helen Cottrill.

(See What A Collection on pages 73-75).

Above: Disney collectors at the recent Enesco and Lords collectables event.

PG&H is delighted to be fanfaring an impressive line-up of Greats 2018 category sponsors who currently include (in alphabetical order): Ascential: Spring Fair and Autumn Fair; Ashleigh & Burwood; Boxer Gifts & Books

by Boxer; Christmas & Gift Harrogate; Clarion Events: Home & Gift Buyers' Festival; Dansk; Gift Republic; Gisela Graham; Joe Davies; London Stationery Show/Manchester Stationery Show; NPW; PG Live; Premier Decorations; Root Candles; The Giftware Association and Yankee Candle.

Trailblazing New Technology The January Furniture Show 2018 is paving the way for contactless event technology. The show, which runs from January 21-24 at Birmingham’s NEC, will be the largest event by a UK organiser to use Poken.

Visitors will receive a smart badge as they enter the show, which allows them to collect exhibitor information. There will be touchpoints on all exhibitor stands, which contain exhibitor information such as contact details and brochures. To collect the information, visitors will simply tap their smart badge on the touchpoint.

They will receive a summary email at the end of each day detailing the information they have collected, and the stands they have visited. Poken also allows exhibitors to see who is tapping on their touchpoints in real time, so they no longer have to worry about missing buyers they want to see.

No personal data is recorded or transmitted, and Poken is eco-friendly, as brochures and information can be sent electronically.

Laraine Janes, event director, said “this is a massive investment for the show and both exhibitors and visitors will reap the benefits this new technology will bring”.

The system is a major advancement in event technology, with the January Furniture Show organisers excited about its introduction at the show. Visit www.januaryfurnitureshow.com Right: The January Furniture Show is trailblazer for new technology.

Get Inspired Widdop and Co. has added to its existing portfolio of distributorships with the addition of Compendium, a leading North American gift book publisher, whose motto is Live Inspired.

The brand, which is widely distributed throughout North America will make its debut at Widdop’s January Product Preview in their showrooms (see 15) followed by Spring Fair in February, and is a brand new product category for the company. As well as gift books, guided journals, greeting cards and social stationery all feature in the range.

"The brand has already done incredibly well across the US in several nationally recognised brands and we hope to replicate that in the UK," says Widdop's product development director Stephen Illingworth. "It covers all the major occasions throughout the year which are key to Widdop, and we are looking forward to a successful launch in the early part of 2018”.

Above: Compendium is a new product range for Widdop and Co.

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PRODUCT CREDITS (Clockwise from top) STELTON / PERNILLE CORYDON / FEDERICA BUBANI

DEFINE YOUR STORY

S/S 18

14—16 JANUARY 2018 | OLYMPIA LONDON

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Industry News

Countdown To Christmas

Below: Fenwick Bracknell.

Festive Sales Looking Promising As PG&H went to press in mid December, the early signs were that Christmas was shaping up to be a good one for gift shops and gift departments.

Despite falling footfall on the high street, with many UK consumers leaving their Christmas shopping until the 11th hour in the hope that they would be able to bag a bargain, Rachel Laoubser, owner of The Baobab in Mortimer Common, Reading, commented: "We've done really well so far, with buying kicking off during the first week of December, and being consistent ever since.

Unfortunately, we won't be able to open on Christmas Eve as it's a Sunday, but I think we'll still have customers coming in on the Saturday to buy last minute gifts. Best sellers have included Equilibrium jewellery and boxed hats and scarves from Joe Davies, as well as reed diffusers and bath and body products from Di Palomo."

Sales were also very buoyant at The Gift Boutique in Fraserburgh. "The first two weeks of December were very busy, with jewellery, scarves and fragrancing products the most popular," said owner Julie West. "Winners have been the Ted Baker fragrance range, jewellery from JOMA and scarves from Katie Loxton."

At the new Fenwick Bracknell, buyer Camilla Brown said: "We launched Christmas in Fenwick Bracknell at the end of October and trading certainly picked up in the last couple of weeks of November. We held a successful Gala Evening on November 30, which offered customers 20% off, a wonderful time to start Christmas shopping!"

However, Philip Downer, MD of retail group Calliope Gifts commented: “They say Christmas is later every year, but this year has really proved the point. Having Christmas Eve on a Sunday makes it very odd – some schools aren’t breaking up until 20th/21st; and when will people stop working? How big will the final rush be?"

He added: “We'll be opening all our shops at 8.30am on the morning of Sunday December 24th, and we’ll close for two whole days when the last customer staggers away. In terms of gifts and general merchandise, party games have been very popular, and our new ranges of fashion accessories - evening purses etc - have been an immediate hit. We tightened up our Christmas decorations offer this year and focused on quality instead of quantity, as the garden centres have hoovered up the mass market, and that strategy appears to have worked.”

Monty The Mini Visitors to The Hollies in Little Budworth were quick to spot a photo opportunity when they were greeted by a little red Mini parked outside The Barn at the Hollies gift shop in the run up to Christmas. It had a Christmas tree on its roof, along with a Jellycat elf, and wrapped presents piled on the back seat.

Explained The Hollies co-owner Ed Cowap: "We ran a 'name the mini' competition on social media and received loads of fabulous suggestions. The winning name, Monty, was suggested by Emma on Twitter and was chosen by my dad Richard Cowap, as Monty was a special yellow labrador that he rescued from being put down many years ago. He would stay at my dad's side all the time, and would be in the fields with him in all weathers attending to the crops." Continued Ed: "It attracted a huge amount of interest on social media and really helped to drive business for us."

Other promotions held at The Hollies included a host of Meet the Supplier days and Taste of Christmas events. (See Destination The Hollies on pages 29-31).

Commemorating The Royal Engagement One of the first company's off the starting blocks to produce commemorative mugs for the Royal nuptials was Dunoon, based in Stoke-onTrent. "We speculated some months ago that Prince Harry and Meghan were due to be engaged so had our designers draw up artwork ready for the big announcement," confirms Dunoon's sales director Peter Smith.

"This proved to be a good move as emails were flying in from many of our customers within hours of the announcement, not least our retailers in the US. We were able to answer immediately with images of the mugs we intend to produce." Adds Peter: "Being a UK manufacturer we are always well placed to react to demands of the commemorative market."

Widdop and Co. too, offered a unique Royal Wedding commemorative collection of six exclusive gift lines made from high quality, bone china, with each piece featuring the official image of Prince Harry and Meghan. (The deadline for ordering was December 20).

Plus, another company bringing out a Royal wedding collection is Lesser & Pavey with Royal Heritage featuring photographic products showing the couple in a loving pose, with crystal in some of the range.

Ulster Weavers too, has confirmed that the company is also planning to bring out a Royal Wedding range in 2018.

Top and centre: Commemorative artwork from Dunoon to celebrate Prince Harry's engagement to Meghan Markle.

Above: Royal wedding gifts from Widdop and Co. Below: The Royal wedding collection from Lesser & Pavey.

Abovet: Monty the Mini was a visitor attraction at The Hollies before Christmas.

Record Spending On Small Business Saturday It was another successful year for Small Business Saturday on December 2, with a record £748million spent at retailers across the UK, and the campaign trending on social media. The amount spent with small retailers was up 4% from the £717million spent in the previous year.

The number of local authorities taking part rose from 80% in 2016 to 87% this year, and more than 115,000 tweets were sent, reaching more than 115 million people.

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Christmas & Gift 14th to 17th January 2018

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Industry News

Rory Bremner Hosts GOTY Awards Winners To Be Announced At Spring Fair The first round of judging for The Gift of the Year 2017 Awards, now celebrating their 40th year, took place in mid December, with some 50 judges on the panel this year. They included Fortnum & Mason, John Lewis and buyers from the National Trust, as well as Notonthehighstreet, Steamer Trading and Beale's department store.

Returning to the judging panel was PG&H's editor Sue Marks.

This year, there are 18 product and three new retailer categories, with the live final taking place in Birmingham on January 11. While a shortlist was revealed in mid December, the finalists will be announced on January 12.

“It has been a tough year for the judges,” said Luke Palmer, the competition’s project manager. “The sheer diversity and quality of entries has been fantastic across all categories. Anyone making it to the shortlist should be very proud.”

The winners will be revealed at Spring Fair, during a special Awards ceremony, hosted by impersonator and comedian Rory Bremner, to be held Above: Rory Bremner will be hosting the GOTYs. at the Vox on Sunday February 4 after the halls close.

To see the shortlist, visit https://www.giftoftheyear.co.uk/article.aspx?a=100020 All shortlisted entries receive the GA’s exclusive 'nominated' branding to display, and are guaranteed to have been seen by the judges in the online section of the process. l Progressive Gifts & Home is a long term sponsor of the GOTY and this year, will be sponsoring the Best Independent Retailer category.

Business Rates Reform The Chancellor's Budget on November 22 received mixed reactions from trade associations analysts with some applauding it and others believing that there was more to be done in relation to business rates.

The Chancellor's confirmation that business rates reform will be brought forward by two years, starting in April 2018 instead of April 2020, and will be linked to CPI inflation instead of the higher RPI inflation, was seen as a step in the right direction, although businesses are still facing a 3% rise in April.

At the British Retail Consortium (BRC), chief executive Helen Dickinson OBE stated: "Crucially, this relief will unleash investment that retailers want to direct towards the needs of their customers. This will be particularly critical at Above: Chancellor Philip Hammond's Budget a time when shoppers’ disposable income is being squeezed further and the growth projections for the economy have been downgraded. in November was generally favourable in relation to business rates and VAT. "Introducing three yearly revaluations is also a positive move to improve fairness of the system. These are encouraging first steps, so now is the time to commit once and for all to putting the rates system on a more affordable and sustainable footing, to support local communities, shops and jobs. We are keen to work with Government to deliver on that.”

At the CBI, Rain Newton-Smith, chief economist, said: "The relief from the rising burden of business rates in the Chancellor's Budget will be welcome on the UK's high streets." l SME's were also relieved to hear that Chancellor has decided to leave the VAT registration threshold at £85,000 giving them a chance to invest more into their business.

New Ambiente Academy Ambiente's Café Gold will be home to the brand new Ambiente Academy, with experts giving practical examples of the way products tell stories. They will show the audience how retail professionals use visual merchandising and will explain the basics of shopper activation.

In addition, selected fashion items, jewellery and accessories will be demonstrated by models on the catwalk. “The product group Accessories & Jewellery will effectively network the entire line-up and provide stimuli, together with the presentation programme, the fashion show, Next and Talents, encouraging the audience to emulate what they see,” explains Yvonne Engelmann, head of the Ambiente product groups Giving and Living.

Another show highlight will be the Next Boulevard, sponsored by Ambiente, where entrepreneurs will demonstrate the next generation of jewellery, accessories and fashion items. The show takes place from February 9-13 at Messe Frankfurt.

Left: Fashion accessories in the Giving sector at Ambiente.

What's Trending At Scotland's Gift Show Visitors to Scotland's Trade Fair Spring, the main buying platform for retailers in Scotland and the North, will discover a new layout as well as new exhibitors to include House of Tweed, Steiff teddy bears and Berber Bags. The Launch Gallery, spotlighting young innovative companies, will be returning, as will the Craft Gallery which has been given a more prominent location.

Co-located with the show, which will be opening its doors from January 21-23 at the SECC in Glasgow, will be Scotland's Speciality Food Show.

New At NY NOW Winter A brand new feature at NY NOW's winter edition has been organised in partnership with SURTEX, a global B2B marketplace for sourcing original art and design for products. Visitors will have the opportunity to see a SURTEX preview showcasing some 15 artists offering original art and design for purchase or licensing.

“NY NOW provides a platform for buyers to source the latest trends in fashionable, designforward products from established and emerging brands,” said Randi Mohr, vice president and NY NOW director. “The calibre, and uniqueness of the products buyers find here are second to none. With hundreds of new brands making their NY NOW debut each season, visitors will find an exciting mix of new products to introduce to their customers.”

The show will again feature three comprehensive collections - Home, Lifestyle and Handmade - encompassing tens of thousands of products in hundreds of product categories.

Show features include a programme of seminars, plus special 'Only in New York' activities and promotions, including A Night On Broadway.

The winter 2018 edition of NY NOW, the Market for Home, Lifestyle + Gift, will be taking place from February 3-7 at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Over 2,300 premier, established and emerging brands will be participating in February.

Visit www.nynow.com Above: The Sustainability area at NY NOW.

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Industry News

Brand New Top Drawer Highlights At the Spring/Summer Show Top Drawer will be returning to London's Olympia from January 14-16. "Brand identity is increasingly important so a differentiated offer with clear brand values is vital for retailers” states event director Alejandra Campos.

“The store concept, the brand - these are the stories you tell the world hoping to create resonance with customers and generate a desire to associate with your brand.

Among the 300 leading UK and international brands exhibiting in Gifts, Wellbeing and Children’s will be True Grace, Caroline Gardner, Cubic, Kikkerland, Max Benjamin, Rex, Rice, Wild & Wolf, Temerity Jones, Valerie Graham, Ashleigh & Burwood, Sophie Allport and Durance, with many exhibitors exclusive to Top Drawer.

Home meanwhile, will be presenting an exclusive choice of housewares and homewares, with a selection of over 200 UK and international brands.

Returning to Top Drawer will be Spotted, curated by Charlotte Abrahams, which will reveal emerging new talents with market ready products. Show trails include the Eco Trail, Product GB and International Treasure featuring companies making their UK debut.

The Paperfest seminar theatre will again be located in the Greetings and Stationery area.

The Spring/Summer 2018 edition of Top Drawer will feature over 1,500 UK and international brands across Home, Gift, Fashion, Greetings & Stationery, Children's, Wellbeing, Spotted, Craft and Food Emporium. Visit www.topdrawer.co.uk

Talking Trends A diverse spectrum of trends for the Spring/Summer season will be featured at Top Drawer, which takes place at London's Olympia from January 14-16. They include California Dreaming, Dark Lux, Easy Living, Geometrics, Modern Gothic, Pattern Clash and Wanderlust, all featuring new collections from exhibitors across the show. (See Trends on page 37).

A Widdop 'First' For the first time, Widdop and Co.’s annual January Show will be welcoming leading suppliers Xystos and the Great British Card Company (GBCC), to its North Manchester showrooms when they open from January 2-January 24.

The three companies have joined forces to put on a ‘must see’ show for retailers across the gifting and greeting card industry. Xystos and GBCC will be showing during the first half of the show - January 2-12.

Widdop and Xystos will be showcasing their new Spring/Summer 2018 collections featuring unique launches backed up with exclusive promotions, with GBCC focusing on its Christmas 2018 card collections.

The showrooms will also be open at the weekend on Saturday January 6 and Sunday January 7, by appointment only. Visit www.widdop.co.uk/events.

“We’re offering a bigger and better buying opportunity for all retailers through our partnership with Xystos and the Great British Card Company," says director of product development at Widdop and Co. Stephen Illingworth.

Above: Petit Cheri, among the new collections being unveiled at the Widdop January show.

Above: A Quinton & Chadwick scarf reflects the Pattern Clash/Geometrics trends that visitors will spot at Top Drawer.

Just A Card Receives Top Drawer's Backing In a move to further support independent retailers, gift shops included, Top Drawer has pledged its support to the Just A Card campaign. The Just A Card initiative, which encourages consumers to support indies by ‘just buying a card’, is spearheaded by artist and author Sarah Hamilton. The concept revolves around the premise that all purchases, however, small - even 'just a card' - are crucial to the prosperity of the retail landscape.

It was being inspired by Sarah's speech at the recent GCA AGM, that prompted Alejandro Campos, event director at Top Drawer, to donate a stand to the Just A Card initiative and facilitate the production of free vinyl window decals for retailers to pick up at the show and display in their windows.

Above: The Just A Card window sticker.

“The Just A Card campaign encourages diversity in the high street and we need to do all we can to maintain a healthy retail landscape and protect the independent retailers who are so vital in adding the colour and interest,” stated Alejandro.

You're (Both) Hired!

Having made her debut on The Apprentice judging panel last year, Henri Davies, head of buying and merchandising at Scribbler, and chairman of The Giftware Association, was invited back as a judge on finals week to hear presentations by finalists IT recruitment consultant James White and Sarah Lynn, owner of a sweets gifting business. "They were very strong Above: Henri Davies (right) was on the but from two very different industries, so the comparison this year was very judging panel of the Apprentice. different from last year," Henri told PG&H. Unable to decide between the two finalists, Lord Sugar decided to invest £250,00 in both businesses, with James and Sarah becoming his new business partners - a double first for The Apprentice.

Unveiling Christmas 2018 Harrogate Christmas & Gift, taking place at the Harrogate Convention Centre from January 14 - 17, will be welcoming a host of brand new exhibitors, showcasing a more diverse range of products.

The show offers a one-stop-shop for everything festive, and will also feature garden and homeware, gifts, stationery, greeting cards, floral products, toys, novelties and food items, with seven halls featuring new products from over 100 exhibitors, and over 30 brand new to the show. Simon Anslow, show organiser, comments:“Hall Q will be a real destination this year, as it contains many of the new companies exhibiting, giving a new dynamic to the show."

A new event this year is the Big Night Out, which takes place on Sunday January 14 at The Old Swan in Harrogate, and includes a four-course meal. Ticket numbers are limited to 300. Visit www.harrogatefair.com Above: Festive products will be at the heart of the show.

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Industry News

Spring Fair 2018

PEOPLE

What's Trending The Summerhouse in Hall 8 is again set to inspire visitors to Spring Fair, which takes place at the NEC from 4-8 February, with organisers Ascential confirming a raft of new exhibitors, to include PTMD and Nature's Collection, across gift, interior, lighting and lifestyle brands.

Leading Summerhouse exhibitors include The Libra Company, Parlane, India Jane, Dartington Crystal, Gisela Graham, Abigail Ahern, Bronte By Moon and Stoneglow, who will be exhibiting in The Summerhouse for the first time.

Scandinavian products will again play a starring role featuring Vita Copenhagen, Cozy Living and Shepherd of Sweden.

“The Summerhouse continues to go from strength to strength and we will once again deliver a curation of the best brands available," confirms Rob Sapwell, head of sales (Gift, Home & The Summerhouse).

Also highlighted is an expanded Beauty & Wellbeing sector, which has grown to mirror consumer demand, with leading suppliers showcasing a raft of bath and body products, to include men's grooming and natural remedies.

Among the new names exhibiting this year will be 7th Heaven, Schmoo Skincare and Saville & Quinn. Returning suppliers include Bayliss & Harding (distributed by Xystos), Heathcote & Ivory, Winter in Venice and Edwin Jagger.

The Gift sector will also house the UK's largest collection of home fragrances with over 50 major home fragrance brands exhibiting to include Xystos, Yankee Candle, Ashleigh & Burwood and Price's Candles.

“With the confidence in UK housing market at a current low, there is clearly a move towards improving what we have rather than moving home," says Spring Fair's MD Louise Young. "Consumers are demanding products and designs that are on trend with Spring Fair affording retailers inspirational ranges from around the world that will inspire their customers and ultimately drive sales.”

Show sectors will feature Gifts, Contemporary, Home, Greetings, Beauty & Wellbeing, Fashion, Jewellery, Luggage, Retail Solutions, Kitchen & Dining, Party, Toys, Christmas and DIY. Over 2,500 exhibitors will be showcasing new products. l Spring Fair will also be presenting the latest trends and will host seminars delivering business advice from leading industry experts. Visit www.springfair.com

Italian Style At HOMI

Below: Tableware at HOMI.

HOMI is increasingly becoming an observatory on new trends as it confirms its role as a research and testing laboratory, say show organisers Fiera Milano. The lifestyle show, which takes place at Rho in Milan, will be returning from January 26-29, 2018. Among the highlights will be the dining and cuisine sector, revealing what's new for the coming season.

The exhibition layout includes a large number of special areas and events to present high-quality craftsmanship and the work of emerging designers across gift, home, jewellery and accessories. There will also be workshops and talks, confirming HOMI's status as a laboratory that is open to the new catalysts that drive changing fashions and cultures.

Festivity, dedicated to decorations and festivities, will take place from January 23-28.

Prince Charles Visits Middleport Pottery

Below: HRH Prince Charles chats with staff at Burleigh, Middleport Pottery, in Stoke-on-Trent.

Prince Charles visited Burleigh's home at Middleport Pottery in Stoke-on-Trent recently, to officially open newly renovated historic gems and visit Clay College.

The Prince, who formally opened Clay College and met tenants of the craft workshops, also unveiled plaques to commemorate the opening of the Pottery’s Hidden Bath House, the renovation of the Steam Engine which once powered production of Burleigh, and the historic narrowboat The Dane.

He met up with Burleigh staff and was presented with a Calico jug by Alison Howell, a design graduate who has worked with Burleigh to protect the pottery's unique tissue decorating techniques.

Prince Charles is United Kingdom Historic Buildings Preservation Trust's (UKHBPT) founding patron, with the Trust acquiring the site in 2011. Subsequently, UKHBPT has made considerable investment in making the home of Burleigh a thriving tourist attraction and a hub of craftsmanship.

p Best Kept Secrets has announced the appointment of Vanessa Curry (right) as their new MD. Vanessa joined the company in 2012 and has played an important role in the growth of the business over the last few years. She was previously employed by Sage Software in sales, training and commercial. p After 13 years with Really Good/Soul, the company's sales manager Lisa Marcuccio (right) is leaving the company to join Wrendale Designs as it gears up for further growth. p Following 14 years of loyal service, Widdop and Co. will be bidding a fond farewell to Ron McGee (right), the company's territory manager for the East Midlands who is taking retirement at the end of December. Joining Widdop's from Yankee Candle is Sue Speirs who will be taking over from Ron from the beginning of January. She brings over 20 years of varied sales experience working for Mr Fothergills Seeds and Coca Cola. p Paul Lamond Games has welcomed David Meier (right) on board to work with retailers in East Anglia, the South East and parts of the Midlands. p Jemma Baskeyville, retail manager and historian at Burleigh Pottery in Stoke on Trent, was featured in a one page artisan businesses article in YOU magazine, part of a Brands of Hope & Glory special report.

Taking The Coastal Path Coastal retailers will be heading for Giving & Living, taking place at Westpoint near Exeter, from January 14-17. Aimed at buyers from retail outlets and attractions on or near the coast, the show will play host to 250 exhibitors and over 4000 retailers. (See page 55, Spotlight On The South West). Visit www.givignandliving.co.uk Below: Among the exhibitors.

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Our carefully curated show sectors: Beauty & Wellbeing • Children’s Gifts & Toys • Christmas Gifts, Floral & Seasonal Decorations • Contemporary Gift • DIY & Home Improvement • Fashion, Jewellery & Luggage • Gift • Greetings & Gift • Home • Kitchen, Dining & Housewares • Retail Solutions • Party • The Summerhouse • Volume Gift & Home and Glee at Spring Fair

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Industry News

Movers And Shakers

Below: PM Theresa May is among a growing band of women who are influencing the 'girl power' trend.

Millennials Are Calling The Shots According to trend forecaster Phil Pond of Scarlet Opus, Millennials, are currently the most influential and trend setting generation, responsible for everything from the new trend for working anywhere thanks to technology, to apprenticeships, and an appreciation of analogue crafts in a digital world.

"They are self aware and self confident, attracted to products that have positive text on them, to include giftware and stationery that makes them feel good," states Phil, who was among the keynote speakers at the recent Manchester Stationery Show.

He also advised retailers to take the 'girl power/girl boss' trend seriously. "All things female are growing in importance," he points out. "We live in a changing world and it's not going away. We have a female PM, female superheroes, and, for the first time ever, there are more female than male graduates. As a result, the female movement is rapidly influencing men's behaviour, with males learning to be 'softer'. It's a trend that's gender neutral and not just about women, with products that reflect that becoming more desirable."

Another tip from Phil is for independent retailers to ruthlessly edit the number of products they offer to make it easy for people to shop with them. "Independents should create space and a more informal feel, putting rugs on the floor, books out on display and pens on the table - even making customers a cup of coffee. It's all part of the customer experience," he underlines. "Many of those customers will also be immersed in the digital world, so make wi fi available in store, and encourage them to compare your shop's prices with the prices online," he continued. "Even tell them that they can get things at a better price. One person sharing a good shopping experience might share it 20-30 times, thereby giving a shop greater marketing value."

Other ideas Phil suggested included networking with other local retailers to include something about each other's services in store, or to create, for example, daytime colouring clubs, origami classes, or product demonstrations, to encourage people to either come in and take part or to watch. "It's about experience, experience, experience," he states. "People may not buy that day but they will tell someone else about the marvellous time that they had."

New Brands at Aromatize Aromatize has added two established candle brands to the company's expanding portfolio. The first, Kringle Candles, founded by Mick Kittredge in the USA in 2010, features Kringle's distinctive white candles. The second is Kittredge Candles, based on the original Kittredge family recipe, featuring rich colours. Both brands use the finest, high quality fragrances.

Aromatize MD Marvin Lomax commented: “We are delighted to be appointed as the exclusive distributor for the Kringle and Kittredge brands for the UK and Ireland. Anyone who knows the history of US fragranced candles will be aware that the Kittredge Above : Aromatize has been appointed as the exclusive distributor for Kringle family name is synonymous with offering high quality items that produce fantastic fragrance throw. We very much welcome them into our ever growing and Kitteridge candles. portfolio of home fragranced products and accessories and are confident they will be very well received by our customers and consumers alike.”

Both Kringle Candles and Kittredge Candles will be in stock from January 2018, but customers can preorder from the Aromatize website. Visit www.aromatize.co.uk.

NEWS IN BRIEF p According to a survey by finder.com, the price comparison website, Millennials are the most generous generation, planning to spend approximately £416.73 on Christmas gifts this year. However, 33% will resort to payday loans with 55% relying on credit cards to cover their spending. p Deliotte’s Holiday Study showed a decline in the number of Christmas gifts purchased in the USA since it peaked in 2007 at 23.1 individual gifts. This year consumers are expected to buy just under 15 individual gifts, with fewer actual shopping trips, lessening retailers’ opportunity to draw shoppers into their store. p Online buying is set to dominate sales this Christmas (Source: Visa consumer spending index) with Christmas spending likely to fall by 0.1% due to lower wages.

Research has indicated that 72% of shoppers were planning to do about the same amount of Christmas shopping as last year, with 14% increasing their online purchases. (Source: Retail Insight) p Andy Tait (the husband of Lynn Tait who sadly passed away in June) has confirmed that The Lynn Tait Gallery would be closing its doors permanently on Christmas Eve. The shop has been trading for over 30 years. p Homewares retailer Dunelm is expanding its brands collection and is introducing a Jan Constantine dining collection from Portmeirion - entitled Made in England - along with home fragrancing and kitchen textiles.

Music To Our Ears Good news from The Music Gifts Company is that sales have continued to grow dramatically in 2017. "Historically, October is our biggest month with sales up nearly 50% ," confirmed MD David Gee."This is largely due to the continued expansion of our men’s brand Element, as well as incredible new products within music gifts to include musical dominoes and fridge magnets, with over 12,000 pieces sold in under two months."

Below: Musical Dominoes from The Music Gifts Company.

HEMA Opens London Flagship Store Dutch Ambassador Simon Smit opened a new flagship HEMA variety store on London's Tottenham Court Road at the end of November, bringing the total number of HEMA stores in London to five, and the total number in the UK to seven. The store has been fully renovated and fitted with a floor space of 350 m2 making it HEMA's largest store in the UK to date.

"Everything in here is potentially a gift," HEMA's UK country manager Sam Macgregor told PG&H at the store's official opening, with products ranging from home, tableware and jewellery to children's, home fragrancing, stationery and greeting cards.

Looking ahead, HEMA will be looking to accelerate its international expansion with a focus on more stores across the UK. l HEMA's first variety store opened in Amsterdam in 1926.

Above: HEMA's Sam Macgregor (third from the right) and Richard Flint (second left) are shown at the opening of the flagship HEMA store on Tottenham Court Road. Cutting the tape is the Dutch ambassador Simon Smit.

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Left: Nic Stone.

Below: The Bottle Kiln.

GIFT OF THE

GAB

Back To The As 2017 comes to a close, Nic Stone, owner of The Bottle Kiln in West Hallam, muses on the way in which today, a futuristic world stands side by side with a nostalgic one.

Can retail as we know it survive? Yes, says Nic, as long as retailers create a unique experience for their customers.

the standard formula, the same old shops that look like they did 20 years ago. You can already see it happening. A recent Ipsos retail survey found shopping centre footfall down 9% on just a year ago. Walk down any high street and so many shops are hanging on by their fingernails. In some places traditional shops and charity shops are merging into a sad parade of bargain basement offers as they tussle over the scraps left after the big boys have bagged the good stuff. It has become about stocking whatever is plentiful and cheap, and lots of people love it, as money remains tight. But as a business model it's a race to the bottom and a recipe for ever-shrinking margins.

And anyway, where’s the fun?

"Well, here it is, another New Year. Has a previous year ever flown by so quickly?

Weirdly, 2018 sounds like it’s still 10 years in the future at least! Interestingly, if you had asked someone 25 years ago what they thought 2018 would look like they would probably have had us all flying around in helicars, wearing silver suits and watching holographic TV! To be fair, much of the actual reality is nearly as strange. I have to remind myself sometimes how genuinely bizarre it is to pull a device out of my pocket and converse with my sister on the other side of the planet, and it is extraordinary that the same device can tell you what bird you are listening to, or read a French menu as English.

The future we have actually moved into is odd and more complex than the one we would have predicted; simultaneously in love with technological developments on the one hand, and full of nostalgia for the past on the other. We are attached to our shiny gadgets, but also wouldn’t be without our vintage furniture, our retro designs and all things quirky and handcrafted. So many of the things that had seemed destined for the dustbin of history have come back, but often with a renewed sense of their human value: vinyl records (who knew!) and real books, which began to go away but then came back strongly. E-books seemed like a good idea until the idea of staring at a screen for hours just came to be a bit too much - it's what you do at work all day.

At the same time, a new breed of retailers is thriving. They are embracing the opportunity of a public that craves real experiences again, and, in a world of virtual realities, wants, above all, authenticity. So when I talk to my staff about what we are there for, I don’t tell them that we are there to sell, sell, sell, although arguably we are.

I tell them that what we are setting out to sell is a unique place to visit, with a friendly welcome, to sell styling and display tips, product knowledge, expertise and our opinions on what to buy. We want to sell excellent service, warm human interaction and beautiful wrapping at the till. The customers should leave having had a transaction that is far more than commercial. And if we consistently achieve this, I am fairly confident that we will find and keep our niche in this brave and slightly scary new world of Amazon et al."

Future Greeting cards are another example.

Reports of their demise were certainly exaggerated and I can confirm that our business for one is selling more than ever before. Again, once the novelty of emailing a greeting to someone on a significant day wore off, it quickly became apparent how little thought and consideration there was in such a cursory and mechanical gesture.

Technology is great in so many ways, but also serves to highlight the value in the more human and traditional activities, so camping, cycling, baking, fishing, knitting, crafting and so on are thriving as never before. Even our efficient central heating makes us yearn to install a wood burner and cuddle up before a real blazing fire.

Shops will likely go the same way. Will the internet kill them? Yes and no. Yes they will go on, but not in the same way as before. What the internet will kill off is

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LESLEY DUNNE

SOUNDING OFF

New Year’s Resolutions

4. Time Wasters There are a few customers who, if you'd let them, would happily chat all day without ever buying a thing. I used to have an army of them in the early days, when I was fresh faced and trying to build the business, until one day the penny dropped, We have far fewer now but they do tend to latch on to the new members of staff. It's going to be head them off-or off with their heads in 2018!

"With our budget stretched in different directions this year, I have had to revise where and how I spend my budget. It hasn't been without concern and a cause for panic at times, with Christmas enough to throw anyone into a spin. So here's my to do list of where I feel we need to improve and sharpen our game in 2018.

5. More Time For Me It is very easy to spend every minute in the shop. After all, there's always something to do, and sometimes I forget there's a life outside FYN. A few more long walks in the sunshine, instead of watching it from the shop window would be refreshing and hopefully let me see the wood for the trees too. We can get so consumed by our own businesses that we can risk becoming a bore. So 'take time out' is my 2018 motto.

Most of us make at least one New Year's resolution as the clock strikes midnight on December 31, but usually even the best intensions have disappeared by the end of January! However, Lesley Dunne, owner of Feathering Your Nest in Rayleigh, has set out six hard headed business resolutions that she's determined to keep in 2018.

1. Keeping To My Budget I know what I need for the shop as I have 13 years worth of figures to draw on. I also know what our tribe of fun shoppers love. So why do I have an issue keeping to what I plan to spend? Trade shows, agents and reps and Instagram, that's what!

With our industry crammed with innovation, it's all too easy to get carried away and swept up in the frenzy of trade shows. I'm a people pleaser, so when I see these standout products in all their glory I know our customers will adore them too, and so I want to buy it all for them. I get truly excited as Spring Fair approaches every year, but this New Year, I will be faithfully promising myself to buy with my head and not my heart - my new mantra for 2018.

2. Stockroom Blues Another important resolution will be to be ruthless at clearing out clutter. That corner of the stockroom that never quite gets finished is definitely going to be the first place I start.

Bits of pretty giftwrap, display props and PoS that may come in handy one day will be gone in 2018. Old catalogues that the girls are always nagging me about will go into the

Top: Lesley Dunne.

Above: The new look Feathering Your Nest which recently underwent a makeover.

recycling bin. Remains of the last bits in the sale box will be taken to the charity shop.

Moreover, I shall be investing in yet more shelving. I hate to spend money on stuff that the customers can't see or buy, which means it's harder to justify the spend, but we do need a bit of a refit up stairs too in order for us to be all-round super efficient and clutter free. So it will be about tidy, tidy, tidy in 2018.

3. Reduce The Stragglers I intend to be a little quicker and more ruthless in reducing lines that have had their run. We get so excited to show the new, that it can get to easy to pop the older stuff in the stockroom and bring it down at a later date to fill a gap. The reality is, it's just paid for dead stock, and I know it's a bad habit that I need to break.

We generally sell through, but the odd mug, plaque, frame or two... I'm sure I am not the only retailer in the world with a few odds and ends. However, in 2018 it's going to be slash and cash.

6. The (Fat) Stockroom Controller Mr D and myself struggled on through the three months that our manager Lisa was off this year and it was fine. Sales were up, and we made a good tag team. Other members of staff did what they could to cover too. But we grew more tired as the weeks dragged on, worrying that we daren't be sick ourselves, and, by the same token, worrying if Lisa was going to be OK. Added to that, the shop’s mini make-over Katie Loxton/Joma shop-within-a shop had its own ups and downs. Inevitably, other jobs got left or half done. Nothing anyone would have noticed below stairs, but stockroom nightmares is all I will say! So we decided to employ three more super members of staff.

The grand plan for 2018 is to control the stockroom and buying with tight purse strings and an eagle eye. But also to have those long summer walks without feeling guilty or pressured to get back.

Stepping back from the shop floor will be hard at first but I'm sure I will get used to the sunshine all one month of it! Wishing everyone a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year."

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Feedback

A Year In Gifts

PG&H took a trip down 2017's memory lane to re-visit the highs and lows of the past 12 months.

From appearing on TV, to being featured in the media, one way or another, the gift and home industry received a high profile in 2017.

Below left: JOY. Below: iCandy.

Who Opened What l Independent gift retailer Between the Lines opened new stores in Battersea, London, and Newbury. The multiple currently has 14 shops and is aiming to expand its outlets to 50 stores over the next five years. l Dutch retailer HEMA opened a seventh flagship store on London's Tottenham Court Road in November. l Fenwick Bracknell (formerly Bentalls Bracknell) unveiled an 80,000 sq ft store concept at the new Lexicon development. l Louise Heyler opened a second shop, Lulu Loves home boutique, near her original shop Forget Me Not in Stubbington

in Essex, Hertfordshire and Suffolk.

Mergers And Acquisitions l KitchenCraft and Creative Tops

merged under the Lifetime Brand Europe umbrella on January 1. l At the beginning of the year, Philip and Emma Bier (right), who opened the first Tiger gift store in Basingstoke in 2005, sold their 50% stake in Tiger Retail to Danish company Zebra, the holding company for Flying Tiger Copenhagen.

Who Rebranded l Rex International and e-retailer dotcomgiftshop were rebranded under the Rex London banner. l After over 40 years as Heritage in Thornbury, the trading name was changed to Papilo at Heritage.

Milestones l The Giftware Association Top: Between The Lines.

Above middle: HEMA. Above: Fenwick Bracknell.

Left: The Lynn Tait Gallery.

Below left: All Good Gifts.

Green.

Retailers That Closed l The Lynn Tait Gallery in Leigh On Sea closed down on December 24. Lynn sadly passed away in June.

(See Sadly Missed on page 27). l All Good Gifts closed its doors in Northcote Road, Battersea. after trading for 30 years. l Fenwick Leicester closed citing lack of footfall and more people shopping online. l Bloomsbury in Bath closed.

Retailers Who Went Into Administration l Gift and fashion retailer JOY went into administration during the summer but was bought back by its former owners. l iCandy Cards & Gifts, which had 14 stores, went into administration in early May. The iCandy shops traded in the South East,

Left: Sarah Ward, chief of executive of the GA, (third from right) is shown with her team.

celebrated 70 years, as did home furnishings retailer Housing Units in Failsworth. l Dartington Crystal celebrated its 50th anniversary. l Anne Raill, owner of gift shop Etcetera in Hitchin, celebrated 35 years. l Three gift shops, Cane & Able in Cwmbran, Essentials in Hazlemere, and Mantons in Port Erin, celebrated 30 Below: Cane & Able, Cwmbran. year anniversaries, as did the Carte Blanche Group. l Really Good celebrated its 30th anniversary and Soul its 20th anniversary. l The Bath House celebrated 20 years as did Rachel Ellen Designs. l History & Heraldry

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Feedback celebrated company's 21st anniversary. l D&J Glassware celebrated 15 years. l Gift retailer Daisy Park in South Molton celebrated its 10th anniversary, as did Brocante in Fowey and Mavagissey, giftware suppliers Black Ginger and Giftscribes.

Right: Daisy Park, South Molton.

Copycatting

l Retail guru Mary Portas, along with business woman and The Apprentice's Karren Brady, and Sophie Cornish, founder of Notonthehighstreet.com, were among the well

l Fiesta Studios successfully resolved Left: The Fiesta Studios original: Romantic Stroll by B. Heighton.

Below left: The copy: Evening Stroll by YH Arts Ceramics.

Below: Liz Hurley chatted to Eva Zeigler, global director, on the Wedgwood stand. On the right is Messe Frankfurt's Detlef Braun.

a copyright dispute with YH Arts Ceramics through ACID, (assisted by legal affiliate MacDaniel & Co), arising from Spring Fair 2017 over the infringement of goods.

Talking Trade Shows l The UK was Ambente's country partner in 2017, with British actress Liz Hurley taking a starring role as Britain's ambassador at the show in February. l Ocean Media Exhibitions, owners of the London Stationery show, launched the Manchester Stationery Show at the Cotton Sheds in Manchester at the end of October/beginning of November.

Left: Portico was among the exhibitors at the new Manchester Stationery Show.

Celebrity Watch l Janet Street-Porter gave the keynote

address at Home & Gift, Harrogate, banging the drum for Made In Britain. l Jeremy Corner, vice chairman of The Giftware Association, and owner of Blue Eyed Sun, was interviewed on American podcast: The Marketing Disenchanted by Temi Osinubi.

Above: Jeremy Corner is shown with Temi Osinubi.

People l David Hicks, founder and MD of Really

Good and Soul, received the 2017 prestigious Honorary Achievement Award at The Greats in May. Left: David Hicks is shown at The Greats.

Above left: Mary Portas is shown being interviewed at Spring Fair.

Above: Alexandra Shulman.

Sadly Missed l Lynn Tait (left), owner of the award winning The Lynn Tait Gallery in Leigh-onSea, passed away in June. l Lawrence Evans, co-owner of Cane & Able in Cwmbran with his wife Meryl, sadly passed away on August 4. l Jo Bolton (right), owner of Boltons Exhibitions, organisers of the Bournemouth Gift Show and the Isle of Wight Gift Show, passed away on August 5. l Kevin Nolan, co-owner of gift and card shop Maddy Moos in Totton, Hampshire passed away in March. l Michelle Lovell, owner of To Be Established gift shop in London’s Highbury Park passed away at the end of January.

known names speaking at Spring Fair in February. l British Vogue's then editor-in-chief, multi-award winning Alexandra Shulman OBE, was the keynote speaker at the fashion and accessories show Pure in February.

In The Media l Premier Decorations was ranked at No 65 in the Sunday Times Profit Track 100 chart. A growing product range and cost savings helped the company to post profits of £7.3m in 2016. l Also appearing in the Sunday Times chart was Paperchase, which is continuing to expand the gift side of the business. The company was ranked at No 55, with profits at £4.9m last year. l History & Heraldry made it into the Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200 league, entering the chart at 97. l Professor Puzzle was placed in the top 50 of the Sunday Times Lloyds SME Export 100 league table featured in Sunday's business section. l Also featured in the Sunday Times were brothers Richard and Anthony Joseph, co-owners of Joseph Joseph, who were shown with their iconic, award winning nesting bowl set. l Lesley Aaronson, creative director of Heathcote & Ivory, and wife of the company's founder Denis Aaronson, was featured in a three page article in the Mail On Sunday's You magazine.

Talking TV l Bijouled in Harrogate (right) was featured on Channel

5’s Harrogate: A Yorkshire Christmas in December. l Two different One Button scarves featured in a McDonald's advertisement as well as on East Midlands News at the beginning of the year, with a One Button Above: One Button's heart scarf design that had a starring role in a Macdonald's advertisement in 2017.

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Stylish British Made Giftware Bespoke Designs in partnership with UK Artists.

We offer a range of products including Fine Bone China, British Melamine & Printed Textiles.

‘Dachsie’ one of three new designs by Aurina.

Designs from Lichfield based artist Leah Speight.

‘Country Pursuits’ & ‘Country Couture’ from Colette Bishop.

CHRISTOPHER DAWSON HERITAGE LIMITED Contact: Paul Travis tel: 07909 539574 email: paul@cdheritage.com // www.cdheritage.com COME & SEE US AT: Top Drawer Olympia Stand P60 14th -16th January 2018

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Retailer Face To Face: The Barn At The Hollies

DESTINATION

THE HOLLIES From small potatoes, a multi-award winning gift shop can grow, as The Barn At The Hollies in Little Budworth proves.

PG&H headed to rural Cheshire to meet director and co-owner Ed Cowap and his team, winner of The Greats Best Non-Specialist category in 2017, at the most magical time of the year for The Hollies - Christmas!

If there's a retail-cum-upmarket coffee shop/restaurant-cum luxury accommodation complex that defines the word 'destination' outlet then it has to be The Hollies at Little Budworth (tagline 'grow, shop, eat, sleep'), set in 15 acres of what was once a small farm holding growing vegetables.

The business, and others (of which more later) is owned by the Cowap family, and is currently run by the third generation - brothers Ed and Phil Cowap at Little Budworth. Sister Suzie Westwell presides over a smaller complex in Lower Stretton, near Warrington, which opened 10 years ago.

As in all the best success stories, The Hollies, as it is today, evolved from humble beginnings dating back to1959, when Ed, Phil and Suzie's parents Hilary and Richard (second generation Cowaps, and still handson in the business) took over the family smallholding, selling vegetables from the side of the road, complete with an honesty box.

When the honesty box was broken into, it was a catalyst, proving that not just good but 'great' (including a Greats award!) can come from bad.

Having worked hard on the farm - and in the local markets - alongside their parents since they were young boys, the entrepreneurial brothers and Suzie,

then in their late '20s/early '30s, decided it was time to invest in what was not much more than a wooden shed to sell the family's vegetables - potatoes, carrots, and seasonal produce - alongside flowers grown by Richard.

(He's still renowned for his 20,000 fir trees, 5,000 pumpkins, thousands of hanging baskets and tubs, with visitors coming from far and wide to snap them up).

Ed picks up the story: "It was a really tiny space, but when customers

Left: Shown on stage at The Greats Awards in May are, from left to right: compere Charlie Baker; The Hollies' Sarah Holland, marketing executive; Heidi Alexander, retail assistant; Ed Cowap, director and coowner, Sean Camm, head of visual merchandising, and Tim Willoughby, MD of Ocean Media which owns the London Stationery Show and Manchester Stationery Show.

Below: The Barn At The Hollies Farm Shop.

popped in and picked up a bunch of flowers as a gift for someone, along with their vegetables, they began to ask if we did greeting cards. We didn't, and had no idea how to source them, but we began turning cards over in greeting card shops and soon picked up on a few publishers names."

With no knowledge of sourcing at trade shows, Carte Blanche (of Tatty Teddy fame) was the first company to come on board as a supplier, and one spinner quickly turned into 20, "with the shop resembling an invasion of the Daleks," laughs Ed. Greeting cards then led to thoughts of gifts. "In terms of farming, we were very small scale, the markets were in decline, and we could see that by diversifying it could provide another much needed revenue stream for the business."

In fact, the now multi-award winning gift shop, The Barn At The Hollies in Little Budworth, was born from an old potato store. "We'd stopped growing potatoes by then, and initially used it to trade as a Christmas shop from

Rewarding Success

l In addition to winning a Greats award in 2017, the Barn at The Hollies also won a Best Non-Specialist Greeting Card Retailer award in 2014.

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Retailer Face To Face: The Barn At The Hollies October to December," Ed highlights. "We sold bespoke Christmas hampers and greeting cards, moving the cards into the Farm Shop for the rest of the year." (Today, the Farm Shop includes a butchery, deli, bakery and wine/spirit shop, as well as produce from over 50 local Cheshire suppliers).

However, The Barn became so popular that the brothers subsequently decided to keep it open all year round. "That was 15 years ago, and we haven't looked back," confirms Ed, who goes on to explain how the business has grown organically in the ensuing years.

"Seven years ago, we knocked that original potato store down and completely refurbished it, re-building the space as a purpose built retail outlet selling both gifts and cards."

Initially, the gift shop sold bath and body products from companies such as Cowshed, along with Lily Flame candles, who have remained a supplier. Additional home fragrancing brands have followed to include Arran Aromatics, Neom, Marmalade, Bath House, Pintail, Vineyard Candles and Bomb Cosmetics. Other gift sectors evolved as Ed and his team began visiting trade shows that currently include Top Drawer, Spring Fair, PG Live and Home & Gift in Harrogate. "We do get a bit carried away," Ed admits. "In fact, we place so many orders that companies think we're buying for a major department store!"

Today, The Barn certainly has the 'wow' factor, a place where there's a surprise around every corner. Beautifully merchandised

Left and below: Home fragrancing and fashion accessories are a big part of the product mix.

Bottom: A Hollies 'elf' at The Barn in the run up to Christmas.

- helped by the creative flair of Ed's partner Sean Camm as head of visual merchandising - customers can find an eclectic product mix that includes leading jewellery companies such as Joma, Hot Tomato, Tutti and Alex Munro, or treat themselves to fashion accessories and bags from suppliers such as Katie Loxton. Visitors will also find a range of homewares that include Wrendale mugs from Portmeirion, as well as a wide range of gift books and children's toys. Greeting cards of course - both everyday as well as seasonal and special occasions- remain a cornerstone of the offer.

Having started out as a Christmas shop, The Barn, naturally, puts a huge focus on the festive season. This year, Christmas was launched on September 20. "We made it a big event, and were delighted to see 60 people queuing outside when we opened the doors at 2pm," Ed recalls. "There's no other time of the year that you can showcase so much new product." On the Christmas decorations side, inspiration, both in terms of product and display, comes from the massive showrooms at Kaemingk in Holland. "With the fir trees grown here by dad, Christmas decorations have become another fantastic

add on," Ed continues. “We visit the Kaemingk Christmas showrooms in Holland each year not only to place our order, but to bring back their exciting display ideas to The Barn too."

Ed says that every day, he feels very lucky to love, and feel so passionate, about what he does. "Collectively as a family we've all worked really hard to have got to this point, and certainly, in terms of Phil, Suzie and myself, nothing was handed to us on a plate. But doing what we do means that our job is so varied, and we love engaging with the people we meet.

Plus, of course, we have our fantastic team of 168 staff, many of whom have been with us for many years and have become like an extended family. Our parents instilled a great work ethic into us at a young age, and even at 85, my dad still works in the business seven days a week as we all do."

So what's in the pipeline for 2018?

"Despite the current, economic picture, life still goes on in terms of eating, going out, shopping for gifts and so on, so we are continue to power ahead," Ed confirms.

"Over the next 12 months, we will be completing an extension to 59, our coffee shop/restaurant/bar, to create a glamorous space where companies and individuals can hold events. We will also be extending the Farm Shop which will have the knock-on effect of creating extra room at The Barn.

We set out to create an experience for our customers, and our take on things is to continue to drive forward, improving what we offer. A second boutique hotel, restaurant, bar and gift room will also be opening in the early summer, in an old HSBC building, about six miles away." (It will complement The Hollies' first boutique hotel, Muckrach Country House Hotel, in Grantown on Spey in the Highlands, which opened two years ago).

If it sounds like a huge amount of work, Ed smiles. "I absolutely love it, and honestly couldn't imagine doing anything else!"

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C H R I S T M A S & G I F T FA I R H A R R O G AT E U K 14 – 17 JANUARY 2018 H A L L M | S TA N D M 1 + S P R I N G FA I R BIRMINGHAM UK 04-08 FEBRUARY 2018 H A L L 2 | S TA N D C04-D05 + C30-D31

SEASONAL DECORATIONS •CHRISTMAS LIGHTING • F L O R I S T R Y • C H R I S T M A S T R E E S, W R E A T H S A N D GARLANDS • GLASS BAUBLES

W W W. K A E M I N G K . C O M

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In Profile: Kaemingk

All You Want For Christmas Winter Event Christmas 2017 may be well and truly over, but for Kaemingk, one of Europe's largest seasonal decoration companies, Christmas 2018 is already in full swing, with The Netherlands based company renewing a significant 70% of its Christmas offer year-on-year.

PG&H asked Stefan Koldeweij, senior account manager for the UK & Ireland, what UK retailers will discover on the company's stand at Harrogate Christmas & Gift in January, and at Spring Fair in February, where eight exciting new Christmas themes will be unveiled.

It might be a mid-summer scorcher of a day, but for the 20+ buyers at Kaemingk, it's Christmas all year round, regardless of the temperature outside, as they constantly travel the world searching for new ideas, materials, colours and products to make Christmas magical for families.

"As a company, we cater for a large number of countries globally - from Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean, the USA, South America and, of course, Ireland and the UK - so we need to make sure that we cover the majority of their wishes and ensure they have a cohesive look in our showroom without them being too noticeable," explains Stefan.

Above and inset: Sleigh Bells is one of eight Christmas themes from Kaemingk.

What's Trending For 2018 “The Christmas market is very dynamic featuring new trends every year," comments Stefan. “With this in mind, we are offering eight different looks for Christmas 2018.”

(See pages 33 and 35). "Greens and blue are still very strong for 2018 and brass gold is up and coming." The company is also seeing an increased popularity in micro pin wire lighting.

"It's used as a year round interior lighting product as well as an additional light set on the tree," he explains. "Retailers are constantly on the outlook for ways to increase their sales and I think this could be one of them," he predicts. "Most people use the traditional light sets on the tree but by adding these micro LED bunch lights, they will add some sparkle and enchantment. At Spring Fair, we will have a separate stand for trees and lighting but will also use these lights in our theme settings."

This theme focuses on the weeks before Christmas, a time of anticipation, a time to get together with friends and seek out a Christmas tree. It's cosy and warm, atmospherically lit by a multitude of Christmas lights. A fire basket highlights a cosy lounge corner with pallet sofas, comfortable mattress cushions and soft, woollen blankets.

"This way, they are blended in when our customers make their selections."

The Christmas 2018 collection is brimming with inspirational display features and is presented to wide ranging buyers in the company's spacious 5,500 m2 showroom in Aalten, that certainly has the 'wow' factor.

Each year the layouts are completely reworked to showcase themes and products, with retailers guaranteed to find both the latest trends as well as clever ideas for in store merchandising so that they can create the 'look' in store for their customers.

"We’ve been very fortunate in recent years in that we’ve seen a natural growth in the number of stockists," says Stefan. "At the moment, we are focusing on a few areas where each sales rep has a particular speciality. For example, we have sales people who mainly look after garden centres or gift stores and have their own targets.

This way, we are ensuring that we have a broader focus instead of focusing on just one area, and have noticed that currently, there is a higher percentage of new accounts within the gift and furniture sectors."

Kaemingk’s huge, inspiring, 'winter wonderland' showrooms offer buyers everything that their customers will need to create an elaborate, varied Christmas collection which can't help but get them into the Christmas spirit. There's a range of realistic-looking artificial Christmas trees, Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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new range, new hall, new show...

Top Drawer Spring

January 14th-16th 2018 stand L49

Spring Fair

February 4th-8th 2018, Stand 8D06

NEW location; Summerhouse hall!

NEW Ambiente

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In Profile: Kaemingk

Inset and right: Let's Celebrate puts a focus on the Christmas tree.

along with wreaths, garlands, glass and shatterproof baubles in all shapes and sizes, and in vibrant colours. In addition, there are colourful candles, sparkling novelty lights and floristry items, plus tableware, a total of 13,000 items that are presented within varied creative themes. (To put the scale into perspective, buyers can find over 500 different kinds of Christmas lighting alone!).

With themed colour displays merchandised in separate 'rooms' to provide inspiration, stockists are encouraged to buy into a specific 'look' for the forthcoming festive season. "It's very important that buyers can see something new each time they visit," emphasises Stefan. "For example, in 2018, we will be offering a

Waiting For Santa Sitting together awaiting Santa’s arrival, Christmas stockings are stuffed to the brim with wish lists that hang from the mantle. A green garland, speckled with Christmas lights, adorns the hearth. The most beautiful season of the year is best spent with the people you love.

wider range of occasional furniture pieces, more luxurious ribbons and paper goods, a wider wrapping range, plus kitchen goods and additional items for dressed tables, along with a range for pets."

However, if Aalten is a bit too far to go for some UK buyers, the company also makes sure it has a very big presence at the major trade shows, both in the UK as well as Europe. Preceding Spring Fair at the NEC in February, (Hall 2, stand CO4, D05, C30D31), Kaemingk will also be showcasing products at two January exhibitions Harrogate Christmas & Gift, (Hall M, stand M1), as well as Christmasworld in Frankfurt (Hall 8.0, stand K90 A + B).

"We cater for customers all over Europe and have therefore built a range that reflects the demand," confirms Stefan.

"With growth in both the UK and Ireland, our collections set out to accommodate the needs of our stockists across the board.

Everyone celebrates the holidays in their own way," he adds. "For some it will be finding the perfect Christmas tree, celebrating a night out, or preparing a home cooked meal. For others, it will be enjoying spending time together with the people who mean the most to them. But a given is that Christmas will be the time of year when all of us create those beautiful, long lasting memories that last a lifetime."

More Than Green Food is, of course, a major theme at Christmas, with a homemade feast featuring healthy dishes prepared with love. The smell of home cooking fills the house while the last Christmas presents are being wrapped. In the living room, there's a real Christmas tree and a vase filled with freshly-cut holly for a typical Christmas fragrance.

Inset and left: Homemade reveals a dressed table and co-ordinating baubles.

Kaemingk: The Lowdown

l Kaemingk, founded in 1936, has one of the biggest showrooms in Europe, with additional

showrooms in Germany and Belgium. l As well as items for Christmas, the company has also built up a reputation in home

decoration for Valentine's Day, Easter, water features and garden furniture, as well as general Spring/Summer gifts and decorations. l Eight warehouses cover 70,000 sq ft, with products distributed in Aalten. l Over 23,000 sea containers are handled every year for distribution to customers in over 30 countries in Europe and globally.

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TRENDS: Clashing Patterns

Mix ‘n’ Match

A striking clash of patterns and colours will be among the key trends for Spring/Summer 2018 which will be much in evidence at Top Drawer, taking place at London's Olympia from January 14-16.

PG&H peeked behind the scenes to discover the exhibitors who are tapping into the trend.

Left: A luxury chocolate selection from Urban Village Chocolates.

(Food Emporium) Right: Floral trays by Avenida Home. (Home) Below: Trinca Ferro ceramic door knobs. (Spotted)

Below: Alice Caroline fabric fashion accessories. (Gift)

Right: Interior textiles and accessories from Bluebellgray. (Home) Below: Tabletop from Valerie Graham. (Gift)

Below: MacKenzie-Childs kettles. (Home) Right: Cushions from Onua. (Spotted) Below: Fine bone china mugs from Dunoon. (Gift)

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Face To Face: Ashleigh & Burwood

We've Only Just Begun From filling fragrance oils at the kitchen table in 1993, to stateof-the-art owner-occupied premises in Surrey employing over 40 staff, Ashleigh & Burwood has come a very long way over the past 25 years.

Today, the brand is among the most respected in the home fragrancing sector, best known for its Fragrance Lamps and reed diffusers, with the company's scented candles, launched in 2017, starting to gain ground.

Having invested heavily in a new presentation of the brand over the past two years, along with an in-house candle facility, the company is eager to reveal all at the forthcoming trade shows in 2018.

To find out what else is in the pipeline, PG&H met up with the company's chairman John Nettleton, MD Andrew Nettleton and product development manager Anna Borrett.

As Ashleigh & Burwood celebrates its first quarter century, it's clear that the company is ready to up the ante and take the company to the next level.

The coming year will see a significant investment in trade shows where new fragrances, Fragrance Lamps, reed diffusers, scented candles and gift sets will be unveiled at Top Drawer Spring/Summer, Maison & Objet, Spring Fair and Ambiente in the first half of the year, and at Home & Gift, Harrogate, Top Drawer Top: John and Andrew Nettleton.

Above right: Sea Spray is one of two new fragrances in the Artistry collection.

Inset: A trio of Fragrance Lamp gift sets reflect the new coral, powder blue and grey colour palettes.

Autumn/Winter and Maison & Objet in the second half. (This approach has already borne fruit in Europe, with Ashleigh & Burwood securing the business of a prestige retailer in the Middle East).

The company will be returning to Top Drawer Spring/Summer after an eight year absence, with a stand that will be dedicated to Wild Things - a new collection introduced in summer 2017 that is

continuing to go from strength to strength, more of which later - as well as a reimagined Tales of London collection. "In particular, we will be making an impactful statement around our three brand new Wild Things fragrances," confirms the company’s product development manager, Anna Borrett.

In addition, a brand new stand has also been designed for Spring Fair (see Celebrating 25 Years on page 41).

Most importantly, for father and son John and Andrew Nettleton, 2018 will see the culmination of the company's significant investment in a top-to-toe re-vamp - an intense two year initiative - that has seen literally everything deconstructed and put back together again.

Another massive investment for the company has been its candle facility, which was among the reasons that the company decided to move from its previous premises into a 60,000 sq ft building 18 months ago.

"We've invested in high end equipment, as well as a laboratory for testing and development, and are already starting to work with leading high street retailers on own brand product, with the contract side of the business really growing," confirms Andrew.

Fragrances aside, one reason the candles are already beginning to stand out in the market place is through their designs and containers. "They come in re-usable vessels," explains Anna. "Therefore, after Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Face To Face: Ashleigh & Burwood the candle has been burned, it can be replaced with, say, a reed diffuser, or something else tying in with a kitchen or bathroom, reflecting the trend for re-using and recycling, Also, taking the striking Wild Things designs as an example, the vessels are already becoming very collectable.

Unusually for us, we're discovering that people are actually buying the products initially based on the designs, subsequently discovering that the fragrances are fantastic and that they deliver a great performance."

Staying with Wild Things, (designed inhouse by Sumitta Spencer-Townson), three new fragrances and designs will be unveiled at the shows: I Zee You Baby (featuring a zebra), Don't Be Koi and Toucan Play That Game, which are joining the initial range of flamingos, peacocks, tigers, Anna adds that the concept humming birds and rabbits. of the Spring/Summer As for fragrances, in fragrances and colours revolve addition to what's new from around the idea of bringing Wild Things, there are two new happiness into the home, scents in the Artistry making people feel joyful.

Collection, (designed in house Interestingly, they include

by Philippa Steele), Pear personal memories from the Blossom and Sea Spray, and three new team. "Mango and Nectarine is based on fragrances in The Scented Home and the memories of our product development Ashleigh & Burwood collections. "We are assistant Su-Lin Tan who remembers working on a very strong colour story for picking mangoes with her grandfather in Spring/Summer 2018 using coral, powder Malaysia. White Velvet is based on UK blue and grey, alongside fragrances and customer operations assistant Salvina limited edition gift boxes that complement Alexander’s best friend's perfume, and the them, working across all price points. We happy times they shared, while Summer have Mango and Nectarine in the coral Rain reminds our graphic designer André palette, Summer Rain in the blue and White Velvet in the Going Wild For Wild Things grey, enabling customers to With bloggers growing in importance, Ashleigh & Burwood is continuing to score highly with leading names in the beauty mix and match formats. Wild and lifestyle industry such as Jane Cunningham of Things sits within those britishbeautyblogger.com. "Jane is very well respected for her colour palettes too."

Top: Wild Things' Toucan Play That Game candle and reed diffuser.

Above: Anna Borrett.

opinions, and her reviews of Wild Things have been fantastic, endorsing the high quality of our products," says Anna. "She reviews international brands such as Jo Malone, Diptyque and Tom Ford and is always honest. For Ashleigh & Burwood, working with bloggers is helping us to get the brand to reach new markets."

Ribeiro of living in Portugal and the smell of the sun coming out after the rain". Other new additions to the ranges include a contemporary new look for the company's glazed fragrance lamps featuring a new crown design.

So what else is in the pipeline for 2018: "Now that we have our own in house candle facility we will be adding candle refills to our collection later this year, making us one of the only candle suppliers to offer this option," confirms Andrew.

"Again it ties-in with re-using and recycling, and an advantage is that the refills, like our candles, will be made in the UK. We are also looking to non-fragrance formats for our Wild Things designs, and are exploring several new routes to market, to include a Wild Things photographic collaboration with a high end events and furniture hire company.

And, of course, our 25th anniversary, and the new look we’re sporting, will be making 2018 an extra special year for us."

He continues: "Our offer is evolving all the time, and we're excited about the opportunities that our new candle production facility will afford us in 2018 and in the years to come. Our fragrances too, are bringing us to the attention of interesting new channels, such as one of the UK's fastest growing gastro pubs. Going forward, we will, of course, continue to remain true to our original values and beliefs - family, creativity, quality and the art of fragrance - and couldn't be more excited to see what the next 25 years will bring. My dad and I like to think that we've always been at the front of the new generation of products and we have every intention of continuing to be."

Celebrating 25 Years By popular demand, Ashleigh & Burwood will be bringing back its Sparkling Prosecco lamp fragrance - the first Christmas candle fragrance to sell out in 2017 to celebrate the company's 25th anniversary, complete with a commemorative swing tag encouraging customers to ‘raise a toast to 25 years’. "The fragrance is sparkling, light and bubbly with citrus notes. It really fills a room," confirms Anna.

In addition, the company’s stand at Spring Fair will be complete with a bar and seating area, with a large video screen continually showing eye-catching product imagery. Also making an appearance will be a giant zebra, tying in with the new Wild Things I Zee You Baby fragrance.

Inset: Sparkling Prosecco has been chosen to celebrating the company's 25th anniversary.

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Spotlight On... Mother’s Day

To Mum,

Wi t h Love

Mums come in all shapes and sizes, transcending a broad age band, with step-mums, mothers-in-law, grandmothers and foster mums also appearing on the list of 'mums' that children of all ages want to say a heartfelt, special thank you to.

Suppliers have responded by being ever innovative with giftware that focuses on longevity and personalisation.

Traditionally, even if mums say that all they want is a hug and a homemade greeting card for Mother's Day (which falls on Sunday March 11 in 2018), their children think otherwise, with young and adult children bursting at the seams to make their mum's day a special one.

Enesco's director of marketing, Helen Cottrill, points to unique, quality products. "Mother’s Day is the single largest gift giving occasion after Christmas, and uniquely drives both men and children to retail, all looking for an easy purchase and good value for money," she comments. "Gift shops should therefore offer gift wrapping or bundles for mums of all ages and at all price levels, from pocket money gifts upwards. At

Enesco, we offer Mother’s Day appropriate gifts across many of our collections, from our Say What range at under £10 SRP to Willow Tree."

She adds that gin and associated products will continue to be on trend in 2018, with lots of social media activity centring around mums.

"We have added some new stemless glasses to our Lolita collection specifically with this in mind, with the glasses able to be used for water, wine and flowers too."

Mike Burgess, MD of Parlane International, concurs: "Gin seems to be the drink of the moment, with new craft distillers popping up everywhere and mixing their own versions. "With this in mind, our range of hi ball and globe gin glasses would make a lovely gift for Mother’s Day gifts, to give alongside her favourite brand of gin. The shiny gold rims and gold lettering add a glamorous touch to the glasses which bear amusing gin-related wording and a fun pineapple image. From a retailer's perspective, they will have more visual impact displayed together as a range and with other bar accessories."

Accessories are always a 'go to' for gift buyers. Lesser & Pavey's Shine Bright range includes a mug, notebook, clutch bag, purse and a cosmetic bag. "Each item makes a

Above: Mother's Day is the opportunity to tell mums how important they are, with gift and card sales second only to Christmas.

Below left: Lolita stemless glassware from Enesco.

Bottom left: Parlane's hi ball and globe gin glasses.

Below right: Shine Bright from Lesser & Pavey.

perfect Mother’s Day gift, as it will last much longer than a bouquet of flowers, bringing love and warmth every day," says MD Julian Hunt. "The everyday range extends into a black and white colourways that include a handbag, passport holder, wallet, compact mirror and drinks flask, and following the success of the range in 2017, we will be introducing new items and new colourways for 2018."

Jewellery too, is a perennially popular gift. At Joe Davies, sales manager David Cree reveals that the company is seeing the trend towards sentiment jewellery continuing, with mum, grandma and nan messages proving particularly strong. "We have several new designs in our Equilibrium collection with the packaging making the item even more special," he comments. He also highlights that traditional Mother’s Day products such as sentiment photo frames can be great sellers for gift shops, enabling customers to Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Spotlight On... Mother’s Day

add a personal touch, something that retailers should encourage, with mugs and gifting ceramics with sentiment messages also proving strong sellers. "Our best-selling ranges of LED jars, bottles and sentiment candles all have ‘mum’ designs," he points out. "Mother's Day items range up really well and can make for some fantastic retail displays which is always the key to maximising sales."

Thomas O'Brien, operations director at Boxer, agrees that Mother's Day is very much about personal gifts, "gifts that actually mean something to a mum," he states. "For example, our Mum Starlight bottle is an original design that is personal to mums making a room feel cosy thanks to the star shaped lights. Mother's Day is about unique, one off gifts and personal products with meaning,

or quirky gifts such as the new Mr Men for grown-ups - Little Miss Busy Surviving Motherhood. This and other gift books can set independents apart from the rest of the high street."

At Really Good, marketing manager Rachael Davidson comments that retailers need to look for gifts that resonate with their customers, such as the company's Bright Side ‘Goodnight Kids, hello wine’ glass, "or something helpful such as the super mum’s marvellous meal planner," suggests Rachel.

So what else will be trending for Mother's Day on March 11? "Think ditsy florals, striking stripes and intricate lace cutouts," says Sue Grant, marketing manager at Widdop and Co. "Mother’s Day gifts have come of age, both in terms of embracing stunning new designs as well as new product categories. Stationery and storage, already a strong gifting Above left: Equilibrium jewellery from Joe Davies.

Above right: Really Good's range of Bright Side Mother's Day items.

Left: Little Miss Busy Surviving Motherhood from Boxer Books.

Below right: Cut-out Mother's Day plaques from Widdop and Co. Bottom right: Sass & Belle's tea-for-one.

category, is making its own splash and handy items such as cosmetic bags, insulated cups and tote bags feature strongly too."

At Sass & Belle, trends for Mother’s Day include popular Millennial pink and golden metallics. "A touch of elegance and luxury with a ‘mum’ twist and just the right amount of sentiment is perfect for modern mums," says design manager Chloe Mills. "Our Mother’s Day collection is a creation of functional, pretty products, made with mums in mind, appealing to different ages and tastes." Adds Chloe: "The best gifts this Mother’s Day are those with personality and the longevity to be enjoyed long after Mother’s Day." Katie Finegan, sales manager at Caroline Gardner, concurs that metallics are very on trend. "I think that rather than the traditional florals, Mother’s Day will be all about shiny and sparkly things. Cool silvers and every shade of gold will be interspersed

Saying It With Flowers Of course, Mother's Day wouldn't be Mother's Day without flowers, including those that never droop!

Gisela Graham has a new flower-themed range, aimed at women gift givers and receivers, called Sweet Pea and Peony which features pastel-shaded watercolours.

"The theme is carried through in inexpensive accessory gifts, such as makeup bags, purses, pouches and notebooks, all in clear gift boxes, as well as a wash bag," explains sales director Piers Croke.

"The design has also been extended to a range of gift boxed candles too, scented with peonies, sweet peas and prosecco."

Adds Piers: "Retailers can fill the mugs with chocolates and add a ribbon, while flowers could be presented within the pretty jug in the range."

Also looking to a garden theme for Mother's Day is Wild & Wolf, who have introduced a brand new range of three Orla Kiely ceramic hanging pots for Spring/Summer 2018 which can be sold individually or as a set. "They add a contemporary style to a home and also look good in in store displays," comments Laura Driffield, head of marketing."

Above: Gisela Graham's Sweet Pea themed collection.

Right: Wild & Wolf's Orla Kiely Spring/Summer 18 hanging pots in Orla's iconic linear stem prints and retro colour palette.

Continued on page 47

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Carrie Elspeth H A N D M A D E

I N

WA L E S

STAND 440

NEW

NEW

NEW

New Spring Collection • Leather Bracelets Brand new Chakra Collection sales@carrieelspeth.com | 01446 771271 | www.carrieelspeth.com

NEW CAKE CANDLES!

BEST SELLING DESIGNS

F R O M T H E C R E AT O R S O F U P I N L I G H T S !

From the Company that brought you the best selling, original Light Up Letters comes new and contemporar y Cake Candles designs. Find us at Top Drawer (Stand N31) to view the full collection.

Visit us at www.smilingfaces.co.uk | 01444 882323 | sales@smilingfaces.co.uk | Find us at Top Drawer N31 PROGRESSIVE VERTICAL HALF.indd 1

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Spotlight On... Mother’s Day with some big tropical leaf patterns and maybe a pineapple or two to add an element of colour and party."

Adds Katie: "Age is no barrier.

From a 70 year old mum to a 30 year old, all mums want their little bit of cool!"

Lorena Golfetto, director at Gaeltag Keltika, says that while flowers and toiletries are still the most popular gifts for Mother's Day, among the most treasured items received are sometimes the smallest of gifts from the younger family members.

"With this in mind, we are offering a selection of products to help the budget conscious including a keepsake from the You Are An Angel range, with larger sized designs also tailored to the occasion. Alternatively, a glass of something special can be paired with one of our etched/metallic wine glasses featuring Megan

Top Retailer Tips

Above: High Shine from Caroline Gardner.

Left: Always In My Heart from the You Are An Angel range, distributed by Gaeltag Keltika.

Claire’s witty designs from the Here’s to You collection."

As most people on the look-out for a gift for Mother's Day would agree, finding a special gift for a special mum is nonnegotiable, as nothing beats seeing her face light up when she tears off the giftwrap to find a lovely, thoughtful gift, however big or small.

Making It Personal "Mother’s Day is our second busiest period, the first being Christmas," confirms Kat Whittingham, trade marketing manager at Signature Gifts. "Everyone wants the perfect way to say "thanks" to their mum on Mother’s Day and we hope we get pretty close with chocolates combined with a bespoke bottle of prosecco, which still remains one of the top tipples in the UK. It makes the perfect gift for special occasions such as this one."

At PMC, marketing director Keren Dicken confirms that personalisation is continuing to grow in popularity for key occasions such as Mother’s Day. "With over 53% of people having sent a personalised gift, according to a recent YouGov survey, it’s important for retailers to meet this demand. Many of our products are available on quick lead times, allowing us to produce top-selling Mother’s Day gifts such as cards, mugs and chocolate on a next day service ensuring that personalised gifts can work for retailers of all types.

“Last year, we saw an increase in demand for personalised first Mother’s Day gifts. These gifts celebrate an important milestone Above: PMC's wooden and leatherette keepsake boxes are available in personalised designs.

Left: Signature Gifts' Mother's Day alcohol range comes in a gift box.

Right: Mummy's spoon from La De Da.

l "If a retailer can make someone stop, look and engage with the occasion they will most likely go into the store. Retailers could also add a hashtag into the window display. If customers Instagram themselves next to a great display, not only does the retailer have their attention but could be reaching a wider audience too!" Katie Finegan, sales manager, Caroline Gardner l "Mums like to feel appreciated and a bit spoilt on Mother's Days, so gift retailers should try to recreate how their customers can do this by creating visual elements in store: the breakfast tray with a lovely glass of fizz and a wrapped gift.

Show customers how to present their gifts on the day." Helen Cottrill, director of marketing, Enesco l Mother’s Day is early in 2018 with a quick turn around after Valentine’s Day. Therefore stores need to have bought Mother’s Day early to ensure they get the pick of the crop. Retailers featuring one family in store create a much stronger offer than mixing and matching across lots of different patterns." Sue Grant, marketing manager, Widdop and Co. l "Retailers need to get the right products onto their website a few months before the big day, as most people will shop around a few weeks earlier and then come back closer to the date."

Kat Whittingham, trade marketing manager at Signature Gift.

not just for the mother but for the baby too. This dual significance has created a strong trend that is sent to continue through to 2018 and beyond."

Adds Keren: "Mother’s Day also gives us the opportunity to thank other females who play an important part in our lives, such as grandmothers, aunts and sisters, and in recent years, we have seen a move towards purchasing gifts for these recipients too."

She says that in terms of product, 2018 will be the year of the keepsake and memory box. "Our personalised keepsake boxes are perfect for Mother’s Day, as they offer a great way to commemorate a date or special occasion on a keepsake. They are great for storing a range of mementoes, such as photographs and polaroids, postcards and letters."

Also emphasising the importance of personalising gifts is La De Da Living. "Our personalised hand-stamped vintage spoons have always been popular for occasions such as Mother's Day with our stockists able to offer a personalised service in store which encourages shoppers to return time and time again," says Dom Fracasso Stroud, director, La De Da Living.

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feel good jewellery…..

Leonardo House Fawkes Avenue Questor Dartford Kent DA1 1JQ

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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest in Mother’s Day gift products to be showcased this month.

Fun And Frivolous Adding to its hugely popular Say What? range from About Face Designs for 2018, Enesco has unveiled the addition of new products, that allows the ladies to say everything they’d ever like to express… and more! The He Said I Was Delusional Cosmetic Bag is an ideal buy as a birthday treat or for Mother’s Day. Also in the range is The Sarcasm is Real, The Nails are Fake Nail File. Retailing with an SRP of £6.95 and £1.50 respectively.

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

Gifts That Shine

Mother's Day Gift

Lesser & Pavey's Shine Bright range makes a perfect feminine Mother's Day gift, lasting longer than a bouquet of flowers and bringing love and warmth every day. Items include a fine china mug, quality notebooks, clutch bag, purse and cosmetic bag. The everyday range extends into a black and white colourway that includes a handbag, passport holder, wallet, compact mirror and drinks flask. Buyers can expect to see new colourways this Spring.

Lesser & Pavey Tel: 01322 279225 Email sales@leonarod.co.uk www.leonardo.co.uk Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair: Stand D06 Spring Fair: Hall 5 Stand D10/E11

Enesco has unveiled a new figurine joining the Willow Tree family depicting the strength of the female character, making it a powerful and meaningful gift for Mother’s Day. Butterfly stands at 16.5cm tall and retails with a SRP of £34.00.

The figure’s skirt is carved in the pattern of a monarch butterfly, a metaphor that represents the qualities of resilience, determination, courage and beauty.

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

Fabulously Fashionable

Personalised Jewellery Hooks Keep precious jewellery tidy and safe with PMC’s new personalised jewellery hooks! Available in a range of designs, these hooks are ideal for her on a variety of occasions including Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day and birthdays. These items are also available in a range of personalised designs for the home, such as key hooks and dog lead holders.

PMC Tel: 01782 744900 Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk www.personalisedmemento.co.uk

Miss Milly, the British brand for gorgeous jewellery and scarves, will be launching a stunning array of designs with a fantastic mix of pastels and tropical brights in beautifully crafted, stand-out jewellery and tactile scarves. Try out its successful combination of reasonable prices, strong design and friendly, efficient service with a low £100 minimum order. Branded packaging and display stands are available, and the full catalogue can be ordered online.

Miss Milly Tel: 01905 622509 Email: hello@missmilly.co.uk www.missmilly.co.uk Top Drawer: Stand 405

Timeless Style Re-connecting you with nature and a simpler, timeless style through jewellery, scarves, gloves, bags and accessories; this beautifully designed and curated collection takes you on a journey that will be loved by you and your customers. And with branded packaging, great POS and outstanding customer service, you’ll be starting the year in very safe hands.

PoM Tel: 01225 777749 Email: sales@pom925.com www.pom925.com Top Drawer: 480 Spring Fair: 19F20-G21 Pure: S30 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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GIVING & LIVING IDEAS THAT SELL Giving & Living is the largest Gift, Coast and Home trade show in the South West and covers more Coast than anyone else.

SHOW STATS

87% of visitors placed orders at the show or shortly afterwards.

52% found 3 or more new suppliers.

92% of our visitors would recommend the show.

To secure your free visitor badge register online or call 01934 733456 Stands are selling fast – to enquire call 01934 733433

14 14- -17 17January January2018 2018Exeter Exeter www.givingliving.co.uk www.givingliving.co.uk This trade only event is organised by Hale Events Limited, Premier House, Old Church Road, Axbridge, Somerset BS26 2BQ Telephone: 01934 733433 G&L_Progressivegifts_A4Portrait_Dec2017.indd 1 50_GH_Dec Jan 2018.indd 50

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Spotlight On... The South West

Coast Coast TO

Inest: The West Country continues to attract visitors.

Below: Daisy Park, South Molton.

As Exeter coastal show Giving & Living homes into view this January, PG&H shines the spotlight on the winner and two finalists in The Greats 2017 South West category to see how the past year has been, and how they're feeling about life on the high street in 2018.

"Differentiation is a blend of many different aspects of our business which all come together to make Daisy Park. This year, British made products have continued to do well, with customers continuing to take an interest in the provenance of products, and of the companies that make them. We also offer handmade signs from Austin Sloan, as well as bespoke South Molton signs. These are extremely popular along with a range of cards, made especially for Daisy Park.

Captions include Best Mum in South Molton and Prosecco Queen of South Molton.

Emma thinks that customers were more cautious with smaller purchases this year, and feels that they will remain cautious for some time to come. "There remains general uncertainty around Brexit, inflation and low wage rises which is continuing to affect us all," she states.

Looking to the coming year, social media will again be a big part of Daisy Park's marketing mix. "It is evolving at a pace and we will continue to learn how to use it to our best advantage, with a few plans in the pipeline already. We had a great 2017, celebrating our 10th anniversary and winning two awards, so we're feeling optimistic about 2018. Since we started, we have continually evolved our business, and look forward to the new year that includes some exciting plans ahead."

Winner: Independent Gift Retailer of the Year: South West Daisy Park, South Molton South Molton is a small market town also known as ‘the gateway to Exmoor’. "We have plenty of small independent retailers, food shops, delis, and antique shops, plus a covered farmers market twice a week," comments Daisy Park's owner Emma Paisey. "It’s a small community but with plenty to offer and the town is growing with more homes being built bringing in new potential customers."

Before she opened Daisy Park in 2007, Emma worked as a senior product manager at Gibson Greetings for over 10 years, designing cards and wrap.

"However, from the age of 16, it was my dream to have my own shop," she reveals.

"After moving back to the West Country I decided that I wanted to establish a new

career and didn’t fancy working for another company again. With £500 I purchased a small amount of stock and booked a stall in South Molton market. I now have a lifestyle shop and we’re in our 10th year. I love the variety of running my own retail business, and receiving feedback from our customers is great. I still get excited about it!"

Emma explains that each shop in the town stocks individual brands with very little cross over. "We try to be niche with brands," she comments.

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Spotlight On... The South West

Finalist: Independent Gift Retailer of the Year: South West Brocante, Fowey and Mevagissey Keiron Cockley, co-owner of Brocante, which has stores in Fowey and Mevagissey in Cornwall, says that he loves everything about his job as a gift retailer, "from sourcing the products to displaying them, as well as the fact that no two days are the same. I also love the team I work with, and the results I see from the effort we all put in. Plus, Fowey is a beautiful coastal town, with the perfect mix of independent and high street shops and good places to eat, making it a popular destination for not just holiday makers but also strong local trade."

Keiron's decision to move to Cornwall and that customers never quite know what they become self-employed, combined with his will find. We have also recruited staff retail background (he's got a degree in retail carefully over the years, and they all add management from Bournemouth University), something to the business. They treat the made him jump at the opportunity of opening shop as their own, and are as passionate a gift shop in 2007. about it as we are."

"I felt I had a few ideas that could add Being in a coastal town, business is, of something to the retail mix that was around. course, very seasonal. "In the Spring we I love my home, so it was natural that I sell notice that furniture sells well as people products I'm passionate about. However, prepare their holiday homes for the season," Cornwall is full of good independent retailers Keiron explains. "When the crowds are in so the competition is strong. We like to town however, it's smaller gifts. We have source items nobody else is selling, and also noticed an increase in sales of artwork spend a lot of time making sure the shops and prints. Christmas lines have flown out look as beautiful as possible. We don't rest over the past two years, as the season on our laurels, and keep displays fresh so extends more and more in the South West."

He adds that the South West seems to have more visitors, from both the UK and abroad due to the weak ÂŁpound.

"We've noticed the increase of foreign tourists who will openly tell you they are visiting because it's much better value for them now. However, although we have had an increase on the average spend, this is countered by the fact that trade prices have also risen. Plus, I think people are more aware of cost now that we have had our first interest rate increase in years. We hope it won't make a difference, and might even give savers some confidence!"

Below: Cilla and Camilla has shops in Beaminster and Bridport.

Above and left: Brocante has shops in Fowey and Mevagissey.

As for social media, Keiron confirms that Brocante has been more active in the last 18 months. "It's a challenge to find a balance between promoting your product, and having an online personality that reflects your business. We are also taking our first baby steps into online retailing."

Looking to 2018, he says that increased prices from suppliers, and the drive some have to build their own online activity, will be among the challenges in the coming year.

"Consequently we are careful which suppliers we use," he comments. "Also, it's a great frustration when customers price check against a website that has none of the fixed costs we incur as a high street store," he points out.

Nevertheless, he believes that 2018 will be really exciting. "I can't wait to start a new year with heaps of ideas about everything from stock to how I want the shop to look.

I'm optimistic about things, although I know there will be all sorts of challenges."

Finalist: Independent Gift Retailer of the Year: South West Richard Barker, owner, Cilla and Camilla, Beaminster and Bridport Before he opened Cilla and Camilla in Beaminster, Richard Barker held senior manager/director roles with national multiples to include being sales director at Waterstones, and network general manager at Post Office Ltd. So what tempted him to open a gift shop in the South West six years ago?

"I moved to Dorset for lifestyle reasons, and took redundancy for the same reason," he explains. "I needed a source of income and bought a small existing gift shop in Beaminster with a turnover of ÂŁ175k in 2011. Currently, turnover is now just shy of ÂŁ1.25m," he states. "We differentiate our shops by trying to be as professional as the large multiples, but with the local, personal touch and feel of an independent, and invest very heavily in stock." Continued on page 55 Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Spotlight On... The South West

He says that in 2017, clothing was an area of growth through brands such as Thought, Joules and Seasalt. "In addition, the cafe in our Beaminster store is growing beyond our expectations, bringing a new set of customers. Our candle and related products are doing well, alongside homewares such as glassware and kitchen linens etc. Jewellery too, has been strong.

We also have some ranges from local designers which are not exclusive to us, but for which we are the major retailers, to include tea towels, mugs, prints and cards that mainly depict local scenes. Also, we

"We differentiate our shops by trying to be as professional as the large multiples, but with the local, personal touch and feel of an independent, and invest very heavily in stock."

Left: The interior at Cilla and Camilla.

work very hard to give a very high standard of personal service."

Richard says that far from seeing the uncertainty surrounding Brexit impacting on the business, there's been no noticeable adverse impact. "In fact, because of the nature of many of our customers, interest

rate rises are likely to work in our favour," he suggests.

"Beaminster and Bridport are towns with a strong local population of loyal affluent residents and they also attract a significant number of visitors throughout the year."

Although social media isn't a huge part of Cilla and Camilla's marketing activity, there has been an increasing use of Twitter and Facebook.

"As an independent retailer, the biggest challenges we face in 2018 are increased rents and business rates," he comments.

"But we are always optimistic and our business is strong and growing."

Giving & Living Gets Ready To Open Its Doors According to Visit Britain, 2017 is shaping up to possibly be the best on record in terms of visitors to the South West. Spring and early summer saw a 6% increase in visitors, with staycationing more popular than ever.

With coastal gift retail in mind, Giving & Living will be opening its doors in January, bringing together up to 250 exhibitors and 4000+ retail buyers, covering a wide range of product sectors and price points. "The show 14 - 17 January 2018 Exeter covers more coast than anyone else," confirms Mike Anderson, MD of show organisers Hale Events. "It's a must www.givingliving.co.uk attend show for buyers from retail outlets and attractions on or near the coast, and for those who are keen to order coastal merchandise to target holidaymakers. Once again, our Coastal Path will lead them around the show."

Also returning will be the Newcomers area, dedicated to new companies from the UK that have never done a trade show before, while the Designed and Made in Britain areas will be dedicated to high quality, unusual products that reflect the UK’s unique heritage.

"Whereas coastal giftware might once have just referred to items that would be bought/sold by the coast, we’re finding that coastal imagery can now be found across the whole of the gift and homeware sector - from candles to coasters, lamps to mugs - it has spread across the market," says Mike. "Specifically, we’re seeing a lot of coastal wildlife - shells, lobsters, seagulls, fish, crabs etc - appearing on a wide range of items from the decorative, such as sculptures, tealight holders and, jewellery, to the functional, with designs appearing on aprons, doorstops, tea towels and so on. We’re also seeing an increasing trend in gifts that can be personalised for a location, such as tote bags showing illustrations of specific towns and counties, greeting cards showing specific landmarks, playing cards with photos of the county on the reverse, location branded mugs and lots more."

Giving & Living also attracts a range of exhibitors with a strong ethical and/or environmental background. "These 'Naturally' companies will be clearly identified at the show, offering retailers the chance to track down products with the right credentials, in keeping with their brand values," highlights Mike. l Giving & Living will be taking place from January 14-17 at the Westpoint Exhibition Centre, near Exeter.

Visit www.givingliving.co.uk Right: Wave Panel from Model 5, among the exhibitors at Giving & Living in January.

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14 - 17 JanuaryGiving & Living Exeter, UK Hall A Stand 502-419

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What’s New A selection of new gift products launching at Giving & Living, 14-17 January 2018, Westpoint Exhibition Centre, Exeter

Brand New Collection A set of 12 designs on Dunoon’s Orkney fine bone china shape. These are by a new artist to Dunoon, Hannah Longmuir. The designs feature very simple studies of wild animals, birds and insects drawn in Hannah’s inimitable style and coloured with delicate watercolour washes. Each mug has its own endearing subject, whether it be blue tits, hedgehogs or robins, to name but a few.

Dunoon Tel: 01785 817414 Email: sales@dunoonmugs.co.uk www.dunoonmugs.co.uk Giving & Living: Stand A304

Magical Unicorns You’d be hard pushed to find a customer who isn’t going to instantly fall in love with Puckator’s Enchanted Rainbows solar. A sure fire seller that will provide joy and smiles to the sternest of faces we just can’t get enough of this lovely little nodding unicorn. Presented in his own magical pink, rainbow filled packaging he makes the perfect gift for anyone who just can’t get enough unicorns.

Designed in house exclusively for Puckator you won’t find this wondrous product anywhere else, so get it here now!

Puckator Tel: 0800 011 6969 Email: customerservices@puckator.co.uk www.puckator.co.uk Giving & Living: Stand A502-A419

Quirky Designs A set of three quirky designs on Dunoon’s ‘Orkney’ fine bone china shape. These feature individual subjects of plump strawberries, colourful pineapples and melons, and cute cacti. Designed

by Jane Brookshaw and made in the heart of Staffordshire.

Dunoon Tel: 01785 817414 Email: sales@dunoonmugs.co.uk www.dunoonmugs.co.uk Giving & Living: Stand A304

Heart of Hearts Designed and handmade in Devon, Swarovski jewellery hearts and beads inside a mirror finish metal heart shaped frame. Photography cannot do them justice.

Come and see them in all their glory on stand B519!

Wild Things Gifts Tel: 01392 211268 Email: sales@wildthingsgifts.com www.wildthingsgifts.com Giving & Living: Stand B519

Kawaii Culture Hot from the streets of Harajuku, kawaii culture has landed.

Kawaii is Japanese for cute and its big, big, BIG. Adorable faces adorn animals and inanimate objects to bring life and character to everyday common things. But there’s nothing common about the Narwhal. This mystical unicorn of the sea has been given the Kawaii treatment at Puckator HQ and children and adults alike love the results! Narwaii and Friends features on a wide range of products including slippers, a plush keychain, a whimsical coolbag, humorous mug and much more.

Puckator Tel: 0800 011 6969 Email: customerservices@puckator.co.uk www.puckator.co.uk Giving & Living: Stand A502-A419

Marine Fantasies Handmade, hand painted glass seahorse window ornament featuring a Swarovski crystal and 24 carat gold embellishments. Part of the Marine Fantasy Glass range which includes fishes and dolphins in various colourways.

Wild Things Gifts Tel: 01392 211268 Email: sales@wildthingsgifts.com www.wildthingsgifts.com Giving & Living: Stand B519

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In Profile: Stoneglow

Strictly Fragrance With Stoneglow's strongest sales growth to date, and ambitious plans to increase the export side of the business, it's all systems go for the British home fragrancing company which is proud to manufacture handmade, hand poured, hand-finished products at its Romford factory.

With the rare distinction of having three Stoneglow ranges in John Lewis, and a fourth to follow in 2018, founder and chairman Perry Simmons tells PG&H why the company has already outgrown its new premises.

When Stoneglow moved to a new site in the 2015, doubling the size of its previous premises in Dagenham, the last thing Perry Simmons expected was to be looking for even larger premises a couple of years down the line. But such has been the phenomenal growth of the company, that a move is definitely on the cards for the coming year, with extra warehouse space desperately needed to cope with demand from the biggest multiples to the smallest independents both in the UK and internationally.

So what's driving sales? "It really goes back to the start of the recession in

Stoneglow: The Lowdown l Stoneglow was founded by Perry

Simmons in 1991. l It started off as a two person business

and now employs a permanent staff of 70, growing to 119 in the run up to Christmas. l Perry's son Curtis is the third generation of the family to come on board, with Perry's mum working in the business three days a week. l The company exports to 15 countries, to include China, Japan, South Korea, Russia and the USA, with export currently representing some 20% of sales. l Over the years, Stoneglow has won several awards to include Business of the Year and Business Growth of the Year in 2015.

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2007/2008 when retailers didn't want to buy huge quantities from the Far East, with the larger multiples instructing their buyers to increase their quota of British products," Perry explains. "It definitely helped to increase our sales, along with a weak £pound post-Brexit in terms of the export market. Year on year, we have grown by a significant 20-40%, with this continual growth down to three key factors - the Stoneglow range in the UK, the fact that we've increased our business worldwide, and the bespoke and own label side, which has seen incredible growth with some very big names on board."

As far as positioning in the market place goes, there's no doubt that Stoneglow has gone upmarket in recent years. "We're pushing the brand, the price points, the materials and the

quality," concurs Perry. "When we started out 26 years ago, we were a bottom to mid-range brand, but now we're mid to to top of the range, and it's among the reasons that we have three Stoneglow collections in John Lewis with a fourth going in in 2018, affording us the distinction of being the only candle supplier to achieve this." (The new Spring/Summer 2018 Day Flower has gone live with great success, with John Lewis reporting that the collection “has hit the ground running”, with the store having an exclusive run on the range until early 2018).

The company uses its own blend of natural wax which, Perry says, is as good as paraffin wax, and has been a game changer. "It's all about the excellent fragrance throw and the clean burn," he explains.

Above: Father and son Perry and Curtis Simmons.

Inset: Day Flower's Ginger & White Lily.

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In Profile: Stoneglow Perry believes that Stoneglow manages to stand out from the crowd in such a competitive market place by being 100% fragrance-led and design driven, with the company's candles and reed diffusers made from the finest ingredients. "When we started out, we were selling candles. Now we're selling fragrance which is driving the market," he states. "It's a huge part of our success. We continue to push the limits, with many of our products perfumed with vetiver and ylang ylang, along with Elderflower & Blush Rose in our Modern Classics range, and the more fruity Wild Lime and Tangelo in our Potager Garden collection. All our fragrances are all finely crafted using luxury blends."

Candles and reed diffusers go hand in hand, with the company bringing out at least two new ranges and new fragrances each season - Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter - with line extensions to existing best selling collections. Inspiration comes from the team, as well as from trend

forecasters and the catwalks. Explains account development manager Louise Dooley, "being a small unit, we're all very hands on when it comes to both fragrance and design. We're very experienced and understand our brand, our customers and the market place. We all have a creative side, and our aim is to be as innovative as possible at our price point. We never overshoot ourselves or undersell. Also, we work ahead, and pre-sell to get out into the market early. Our Spring/Summer 2018 ranges were launched in the Autumn, with our Christmas 2019 collections already completed."

For the coming Spring/Summer season, collections have been increased, featuring five new, varied ranges that include Day Flower, Night Flower, Luna, Potager Garden and Geometric. "In fact, we've gone rather

Left: Elderflower & Blush Rose in the Modern Classics collection.

Below left: Luna's Ylang Ylang & Amber.

Below right: Potager Garden's Wild Lime & Tangelo.

soft and feminine for 2018," says Louise.

"Pink hues as well as dusty greys and white are strong packaging themes, with Night Flower striking in black, white and gold."

Made in Britain is, of course, another huge selling point and a considerable factor in the company's export growth, with people prepared to pay a higher price for a candle that has been made in the UK. "Made in Britain carries prestige in many countries, and is seen as an aspirational purchase. It is also synonymous with quality," points out Louise."

All our products either carry the Union Jack or a ‘Made in the UK’ stamp. It's a very strong, key selling point with customers as it shows British made quality." Perry is particularly proud of the fact that the company is currently selling to China. "If you had told me that 10 years ago I wouldn't have believed it," he smiles. "But in all honesty, we have Chinese distributors fighting over our brand which the Chinese see as very prestigious."

(A top seller in the Chinese market place is the company's Botanic Garden, where new fragrances include the very English Dahlia and Wild Rose).

Despite being in many of the leading stores in the UK, Perry emphasises that independents are a core part of the business. "We have 12 sales agents on the road, and their growth last year hit 28%, with a target for the coming year of 30% which is well on its way." New grey, Shaker style in store display units, featuring LED lighting, were launched in the summer to help promote the Stoneglow brand as well as to give it positioning.

Taking an overview of the home fragrance market place, Perry emphasises that the market is still growing. "Therefore,

as the competition increases, we have to stay one step ahead. Being successful is about having the right product and the right fragrance at the right price, and always looking for the next format. So going forward, there will be another twist to our collections."

(Although men's candles are growing in popularity, with Stoneglow offering two unisex ranges, Luna and Metallique, there are, as yet, no plans to bring out 'mandles').

Looking ahead to the coming year, Perry says that the company is feeling very optimistic. "Our growth target is bigger yet achievable," he comments. "Despite higher inflation and the likelihood of an interest rate rise in 2018, a beautiful fragranced candle or reed diffuser continues to remain an affordable treat." So what's Perry's favourite Stoneglow fragrance? "It's Dark Amber and Vetiver from the new Luna range," he confirms. "It's got a wonderful masculine, woody scent that's reminiscent of leather, tobacco and cognac, and it's the fragrance I really like to come home to."

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Coming soon!

A COLLECTION OF BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED FRAGRANCES INSPIRED BY THOSE LITTLE MOMENTS OF JOY IN EVERY DAY LIFE.

VISIT US AT 4-8 FEBRUARY 2018 HALL 4, STAND 4D90-E91

Bolsius UK Ltd. PO Box 635 Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 9JZ United Kingdom

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T +44 (0)800 169 5126 F +44 (0)800 169 5127 E Sales@uk.bolsius.com I www.bolsius.co.uk

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Spotlight On... Reed Diffusers

Scenting

Out Spring

Reed diffusers and candles now stand side by side on the shelves, with reed diffuser packaging in particular more eye catching and design-led than ever.

As festive fragrances make way for fruity scents and floral bouquets, PG&H takes a sniff at what's new for Spring/Summer, and looks at how reeds themselves are moving forward.

Reed diffusers have come a long way since they were first introduced, with design-led containers, quality reeds and exotic fragrance combinations a magnet for consumers, both as self purchases as well as gifts.

Nowadays, as people look to different fragrance formats for different rooms, the sales clincher is often down to the fragrance as much as the quality and the price point, with suppliers rising to meet the challenge.

Floral and fruit fragrances, along with scents with ‘fizz’, are to the fore in the reed diffuser offering from Xystos, which distributes leading brands Di Palomo, Baylis & Harding, Woods of Windsor and WoodWick. “Reed diffusers are a key part of our flame and fragrance portfolio and sales have grown phenomenally over the past five years,” confirms Xystos director Tom Sykes.

And, of course, the company’s sales on the reed diffuser front has received a further boost through its recently formed partnerships with Baylis & Harding and Di Palomo.

Black Cherry Almond and Orange Blossom with Wild Honey & Olive, while WoodWick’s new Artisan offer includes Sea Salt Magnolia and English Lavender.

Additionally, inspired by three of English Heritage’s historic English landmarks, Woods of Windsor’s home fragrance collection features diffusers in three fragrances - Tudor Rose, Citrus & Basil, and Sea Spray & Freesia.

Top: Baylis & Harding's Rose Prosecco Fizz reed diffuser, distributed by Xystos.

Above: Yankee Candle Fresh Cut Roses Signature reed diffuser. Right: Stoneglow's White Hydrangea Day Flower.

Scents from the Baylis & Harding Signature line include Sweet Mandarin & Grapefruit, Wild Blackberry & Apple and Midnight Fig & Pomegranate, while the company’s Spring/Summer 2018 launch sees Rosé Prosecco Fizz. In the Fuzzy Duck range, there's Ginger & Lime and the limited edition Pink Gin Fizz. Di Palomo's reed diffuser fragrances meanwhile, encompass

Fragranced Gift Cards As suppliers continue to innovate with different fragrance formats, Wax Lyrical has something new to offer for 2018. "The home fragrance market is continually striving to provide consumers with easy gifting solutions, and we're excited to announce the launch of our GiftScents collection," enthuses Joanne Barber, MD, Wax Lyrical. "It's been inspired by the traditional gift card, and we have created a range that envelopes high quality fragrance blends in a quirky, easy-purchase gift card concept. We hope it will change the way consumers perceive and purchase traditional gift cards in the future."

Left: Part of Wax Lyrical's new GiftScents collection.

Although fragrance is very much a driving factor for home fragrance, it's not only about scent. "Fragranced reed diffusers continue to be a popular home interior addition, with consumers also conscious of vessel shapes and colours," says Joanne Barber, MD, Wax Lyrical. "Once someone finds something that suits their décor, they want to be able to refill it as many times as they want, and for that reason, our diffuser refills continue to be a real focus for us," confirms Joanne.

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New. First Ever Fragranced Diffusing Living Flame Candle.

T h e Pe r f e c t A l t e r n a t i v e to Real Candles - all with infrared remote and security timer.

Choose from 8 luxurious scents crafted with rare ingredients and essential oils to diffuse subtly, safely and beautifully.

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And they couldn’t be easier to use. Simply pick your perfect fragrance pod, place it in your fragrance candle and then prepare to get carried away.

Furniture Show, NEC Birmingham 21-24th Jan 2018 Hall 3 Stand G53 International Spring Fair, NEC Birmingham 4-8th Feb 2018 Hall 4 Stand F40

Distributed by: Virtual Candles Limited. tel: 01622 845995 // email: info@luminaracandles.co.uk // www.luminaracandles.co.uk

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Spotlight On... Reed Diffusers At Stoneglow, Louise Dooley, account development manager, highlights that home fragrance today is an extension of someone's personality. "It therefore needs to fit into the modern home," she points out.

"Our new Day Flower reed diffuser features a design of soft greys and white tints on the glass container, and is an example of an attractive decorative item, with the fragrance a combination of ginger and white lily."

"Fragrance and packaging will be key in driving sales for reed diffusers in Spring 2018," concurs Richard Wood, UK sales director at Bolsius."Consumers are looking

for fresh and floral fragrances that will lighten the home after the long winter months. In terms of packaging, we are finding that people are drawn towards clean, simple packaging that reflects the interior trends of Scandinavian inspired homewares and minimalistic living. With consumers becoming more aware of the ingredients that go into their fragranced products, all of our reed diffusers are made with high quality alcohol free fragrances."

Parlane's MD Mike Burgess emphasises that the market remains a very competitive one, with varying price points. "But with that comes varying quality. We believe that the quality of the diffuser is the number one selling point, even over price," states Mike. "All our fragrances are alcohol-free and produced in the UK, with packaging an important aspect. It needs to be attractive and colourful but also strong and fit for purpose, designed to withstand any drop test and mail order challenges. Our Spice and Serenity scent sits particularly well alongside our main theme of mindfulness and Buddhas, present in our Spring/Summer18 collection.

Additionally, all our fragrance combinations also exist in a choice of candles, wax-filled glass pots and packs of tealights."

For Joe Davies too, reed diffusers are currently a strong line, with several factors helping retailers to maximise sales. "The best-selling diffusers marry excellent packaging, great scents and sell at the key price points," comments the company's sales manager David Cree.

He adds that while packaging is key for fragrance products in terms of adding value,

Left: Parlane's Spice & Serenity.

Below left: The Aromatic Home Comfort collection from Bolsius.

Below: Joe Davies. Sugar Sentiments collection.

it’s also important that customers have access to the scent and want to pick it up.

"This is particularly important when the item is a gift,� he points out.

Sultan Khan, MD of new home fragrancing brand Hasnett Green, says that “there's an unabated consumer appetite at all levels of the retail spectrum, from the ultra-luxury premium price point right through to the extremely competitive price conscious level. "Reed diffusers are very easily personalised too, with more people now choosing their own vessels to contain the fragrance oil of their choice, and even the diffuser reed, enabling them to make a design statement suited to their home decor."

From a gift retailer's perspective, the good news is that once customers have found a favourite signature scent, they are likely to re-purchase time after time, making the oils a good way to attract repeat business. And while candles might still outperform reed diffusers they have definitely become a mighty challenger, with every reason to expect the market to go on growing.

What's Trending In Reeds Reeds too, are continuing to move onwards and upwards, reflected in materials, colours and decorations. "Demand is high for innovative ways for customers to have fun with and customise products to their personal taste," says Ashleigh & Burwood's product development manager Anna Borrett. "We have therefore introduced some exciting new reed toppers that add a decorative touch - delicately cut paper butterflies and coloured reeds - to bring personality and creativity to diffusers.

Spring/Summer fragrances for 2018 are vibrant and uplifting, and we have teamed them with happy colours and bold designs to echo this feeling throughout the collection."

Anna continues: "With these new coloured reed introductions we continue to develop efficacy of our reed diffusers through the use of new fibre reed technology which provides a strong and powerful long-lasting fragrance release."

Hassett Green meanwhile, has developed a ceramic diffuser wand as one of the company's fragrance diffuser options. "It allows the fragrance to fill the room and can be left without the need for turning as the ceramic wand does not clog in the same way that traditional rattan reeds do," says MD Sultan Khan.

"Additionally, our 100ml reed diffuser, which uses fibre reed technology, is around 30% more effective than rattan reeds."

Above: New coloured fibre reeds and paper butterfly reeds from Ashleigh & Burwood allow customers to customise their reed diffusers.

Left: Hasnett Green's Hearts & Roses reed diffuser also comes with fibre reeds.

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Each candle in the Traditions line features Village Candle’s dual-wick technology, for a cleaner, more efficient burn and greater fragrance release...

Whats not to love?

Come and see us at the following venues...

Harrogate Christmas & Gift 14 - 17 Jan 2018

Stand D5

Scotland Spring Fair 21 - 23 Jan 2018 SECC, Glasgow

Stand G14

Xystos Flame & Fragrance • Bath & Body

The UK’s No.1 Home Fragrance Supplier to the Gift Industry

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Spring Fair 4 - 8 Feb 2018 NEC Birmingham

Stand 4H50 - J51

For more info, contact our Customer Service Team Email: sales@xystos.co.uk or Tel: +44(0)191 499 1570 www.xystostrade.co.uk

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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest in fragranced gift products to be showcased this month.

Scent Layering

Day Flower Simplicity and styling are the keynotes for this elegant collection with delicate white floral notes. Encapsulating the soft feminine charm of the soft white blooms in six stunning fragranced candles, diffusers and refills.

Stoneglow Candles Tel: 020 8595 8878 Email: sales@stoneglowcandles.co.uk Stoneglowcandles.co.uk Top Drawer: K47 Spring Fair: Summer House Hall 8: C15 C14

Bolsius believe that fragrances are accessories, recommending layering fragrances so that there are seamless scents throughout the home, complementing each other. Reed diffusers are perfect for continual and overall ambience, with the Bolsius Aromatic range available in eight scents: Fresh Linen, Vanilla, Magnolia, French Lavender, Exotic Mango, Sugar & Spice, Wild Cranberry and Baked Apple, in Large Oval Glass and Small Oval Glass candles, 125ml Reed Diffusers, Maxi-Lights, Tealights and Aromatic Wax Melts.

Bolsius Tel: 0800 169 5126 Email: sales@uk.bolsius.com https://www.bolsius.co.uk

Potager Garden This is a new range from Stoneglow, natural wax candles and diffusers in familiar fragrances of herbs, fruits and vegetables blended together to create an aromatic retreat to the garden. All beautifully presented in colourful gift packaging.

Stoneglow Candles Tel: 020 8595 8878 Email: sales@stoneglowcandles.co.uk Stoneglowcandles.co.uk Top Drawer: K47 Spring Fair: Summer House Hall 8: C15 C14

Modern Classics Elderflower & Blush Rose. A soft and fruity scent combining crisp apple, juicy nectarine, rose and jasmine with sparkling elderflower for a refreshing, uplifting scent. Base notes of white musk bring warmth and sophistication.

Stoneglow Candles Tel: 020 8595 8878 Email: sales@stoneglowcandles.co.uk Stoneglowcandles.co.uk Top Drawer: K47 Spring Fair: Summer House Hall 8: C15 C14

Mixology A fusion of colour inspired by the revival of the cocktail renaissance. Mouth-watering fragrances to tantalise the senses. Available in four shirks quenching fragrance candles, diffuser and refills. Made in the UK Stoneglow Candles Tel: 020 8595 8878 Email: sales@stoneglowcandles.co.uk Stoneglowcandles.co.uk Top Drawer K47 Spring Fair: Summer House Hall 8: C15 C14

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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S E R I O U S L Y

S C E N T E D

C A N D L E S

Best Kept Secrets Ltd Morpeth, NE61 6JT Tel: 01670 512222 Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk Web: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk

Love is in the air

Trade Price ÂŁ3.75 + vat

RRP ÂŁ8.99

4 Romantic fun messages for your loved one.

Classic Cotton fragrance with a multi coloured topping and plenty of glitter!!

Spring Fair Hall 4 Stand B33

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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest in fragranced gift products to be showcased this month.

Don't Be Koi Don't be Koi is one of three new brand designs to join the Wild Things collection this season.

The fragrance paints a picture of graceful koi gliding between water lilies, while leafy branches trail in the cool ponds of a fragrant water garden.

Made with high quality formulations for the best possible fragrance experience, every Wild Things design is available as a luxury scented candle and luxury reed diffuser.

Ashleigh & Burwood Tel: +44 (0) 1932 267060 Email: info@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk

Decorative Diffusers WoodWick’s beautiful Artisan Collection is distributed by Xystos, whose director, Tom Sykes, describes the vessels in the range as ‘decorative art works in themselves’. Apart from stylish candle holders, Artisan also includes two stunning reed diffusers – Sea Salt Magnolia (pictured) and the classic English Lavender. Each has an RRP of £16.99.

Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Spring Fair: Stand 4H50-J51

Reed Diffuser Gift Set One of two new scents to launch into the Artistry Collection this season, Pear Blossom fragrance tells a story of relaxing on sundappled grass beneath the blossom-laden boughs of pear orchards. Delicious pear gently sweetens the delicate flowering scents of rose and elderflower, deepened by a lush base of green jasmine. The new reed diffuser gift set includes a beautiful glazed ceramic diffuser vessel in speckled grey.

Ashleigh & Burwood Tel: +44 (0) 1932 267060 Email: info@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk

Scenting Spring Yankee Candle invites consumers to put a spring in their step for SS18 with the brand new seasonal collection Enjoy the Simple Things, a curated collection of elegant, floral and fruity seasonal scents that capture life's simple pleasures. The four contemporary seasonal fragrances have been expertly blended and crafted to relax, soothe and encourage consumers to take time out and relish life’s little luxuries. The fragrances are available in all six classic Yankee Candle forms as well as the Scenterpiece cup: Sweet Nothings; Sun Drenched Apricot Rose; A Calm and Quiet Place and Rainbow Cookie.

Plus, escape your daily routine, explore the world and follow your dreams with the brand new tropical fragrance collection for summer from Yankee Candle, Just Go, launching in store and online in April 2018. The four contemporary seasonal fragrances – inspired by wild escapes and discovery – have been expertly blended and crafted to ignite the senses and are available in all six classic Yankee Candle forms as well as the Scenterpiece Melt Cup: Coconut Splash; Warm Desert Wind; Tropical Jungle; Misty Mountains.

The launch of Just Go will be accompanied by three new accessory collections including the Warm Rustic Collection, Champagne Pearl and Tribal Stone. Introducing new and existing shapes and designs across jar shades, votive holders and melt warmers, there is also a bespoke range of gift sets available.

Yankee Candle Tel: 0117 316 1200 Email: sales@yankeecandle.co.uk www.yankeecandle.co.uk

PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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+200

BRAND NEW PRODUCTS!

SHOW SEASON 2018 TOP DRAWER

MAISON ET OBJET

SPIELWARENMESSE

SPRING FAIR

Stand I61 Wild & Wolf Stand J29 Orla Kiely

Stand M114-N113

Stand F-22A, Hall 10

Stand 6H42-J43

London, UK 14-16 Jan

Paris, France 19-23 Jan

Nuremberg, Germany 31 Jan-4 Feb

Birmingham, UK 4-8 Feb

T: +44 (0) 1225 789909 sales@wildandwolf.com www.wildandwolf.co.uk

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Spotlight On... Licensed Giftware

Licensed For Spring New licensed giftware will be a big part of the Spring trade shows, with suppliers investing in properties ranging from big movies to spreading happiness.

PG&H spoke to some of the industry's leading licensed giftware suppliers to find out what's hot, and who's doing what.

RHS

Above: Among the new RHS scarf designs from Shruti Designs, launching in the Spring.

Shruti Designs has been licensed to create a new collection of gift and fashion items. The first products in the collection, launching in early 2018, will be a range of scarves using floral designs inspired by artwork from the RHS Lindley Library.

“We’re delighted to be bringing the treasures of the RHS Lindley Library to this new and distinctive range of scarves," says Sarah Lane, key account manager at Shruti Designs.

The scarves will use two designs - one featuring colourful flowers, the other featuring birds and flowers in silhouette - along with four different colourways, creating eight scarves in total.

The official launch of the scarves will be in March. Further items in the collection will follow later in the year, with Shruti holding a launch event in September to showcase its full Spring/Summer 2018 range.

The scarves will be sold through Junction 18 and will be available from Spring.

The Eden Project Ulster Weavers is launching a brand new licence in January, The Eden Project. Although it will be officially launched at Spring Fair, it will be available from January.

The initial range, which includes tea towels, aprons, oven gloves and mitts, has been manufactured by Ulster Weavers using unbleached cotton, with FSC card printed using vegetable inks for labels and packaging.

“The natural world provides so much design inspiration and has enabled us to create a collection that embraces the Eden Project’s values of sustainability and environmentally friendly production," comments Ulster Weaver's MD Kenneth Webb. Adds Eden’s commercial manager Tracey Smith: “We have worked closely together to develop the new range and believe Above: A tote bag from that it really brings to life Eden’s native and tropical bird designs."

Ulster Weavers’ Eden Project collection.

The initial Eden Project kitchen textiles collection will see a full launch at Spring Fair, with further homewares products joining the range later in 2018.

David Walliams Lagoon will be launching a brand new collection of David Walliams games at Spring Fair.

"As David is now Britain’s No.1 author, we're delighted that he has chosen to partner Lagoon in this exciting joint venture, as he is a perfect fit for Lagoon," says The Lagoon Group's director Heather Watherston. "As comedian, actor, presenter, judge and TV show writer, David Walliams is well known to all generations and will appeal to both the parents and grandparents buying the games, and the children who will receive them as gifts. Traditionally we have done very well with book properties such as Roald Dahl and both Vintage Ladybird and Ladybird for Grown-Ups," points out Heather.

The David Walliams range comprises three card games: Go Fish, Cheat and Old Maid; three educational games: Tremendous Times Tables Games, Mental Maths Games and Wonderfully Witty Word Games, plus a memory game and a family board game.

The range, which will be available from February, features imagery from Tony Ross.

Above: The new David Walliams board game from Lagoon.

AA/The Happy News Spring Fair will see Widdop and Co. launching two new licensed collections in 2018 - the AA and Happy News.

The AA range will sit alongside other popular transport themed collections in the company's brand portfolio to include MPH and Steam Railway. "The AA has, of course, become an iconic, instantly recognisable, British brand with over 100 years of history under its belt," says Sue Grant, marketing manager at Widdop and Co. "The concept behind the range is based on humour, with British place names used across a variety of Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

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Spotlight On... Licensed Giftware products. For example, Mucking in Essex appears on a wash bag and Belchford, Lincolnshire on a tumbler." The range will be will be previewed at the company's showrooms in January.

In addition, Widdop has also become the giftware licensee for The Happy News, the brainchild of Emily Coxhead. It started out as a newspaper devoted to happy news only, with Emily spreading the happiness across social media and beyond.

The official launch of The Happy News giftware collection will again be taking place on the Widdop stand at Spring Fair.

The extensive range will include playful

The Natural History Museum

jewellery and accessories, colourful mugs, on trend bags and an original range of photo frames.

“The Happy News captures the current zeitgeist, connecting with audiences of all ages," comments Widdop and Co's product development director Stephen Illingworth. "The mix of colourful and fresh illustrations and heartfelt text is a dynamic combination and we’re thrilled to be part of the next exciting chapter of Emily’s journey with the launch of her first giftware range."

Above: The Happy News giftware range from Widdop and Co. Left: Widdop and Co's new licensed AA collection.

The Natural History Museum recently signed a deal with Museums & Galleries for a stationery and greeting card range, which will be available in January.

"The Natural History Museum is a worldrenowned visitor destination and brand, with huge potential for licensing in its visual archive," comments Ben Dorney, creative director at Museums & Galleries.

"On seeing the exciting new adult style guide developed by the Museum, it was

immediately clear that it could sit perfectly within our collection. It offers a dynamic interpretation of a legendary heritage brand, re-invented and ready made for retailers with an eye for both style and substance - everything we aim for," he explains.

The range will feature journals, mini notebooks, a mini notebook set, giftwrap, bookmarks, notelet packs, a 'to do' pad and everyday cards.

Black Panther Half Moon Bay's new Black Panther licensed range will launch at Spring Fair, as part of the company's Spring/Summer 2018 collection.

This range will honour the Marvel superhero and complements the new live-action film that is due to be released in February, which focuses on Black Panther’s alter ego T’Challa’s heritage and the history of the fictional African nation of Wakanda, where he is depicted as a king, warrior and protector.

"Reflecting this, the range heavily features elements such as the strong tribal patterns of Wakanda and metal embellishments that are detailed on Black Panther’s superhero suit, as well as well-known phrases and character quotes," explains Half Moon Bay's marketing assistant Emily Moores. "It follows a strong colourway of black, white and turquoise with brushed metal and frosted detailing."

There are eight products, to include a 3D mug detailed in its likeness to Black Panther’s mask, a detailed Stein mug Above: Part of the Black Panther range from Half Moon Bay. adorned with debossed tribal patterns and silver metallic embellishments, and a set of four mini glasses featuring iconic logos and phrases such as 'Warrior and King!' and 'Let The Hunt Begin!' along with frosted detailing.

Jimmy Groovy UK will be launching a new licensed range, Jimmy, in 2018 which is based on the drawings of Rafael Mantesso’s Bulldog Terrier Jimmy Choo.

"Groovy looks for a trend license offering something unique in design," explains Monique Scott, founder and owner of Groovy UK. "Jimmy tells a story but has the look of contemporary design which fits our existing portfolio. Our range for Jimmy will include everything from a coffee mug and lunch box to a tea towel, canvas shopper and apron."

Above: Jimmy is a new licence for 2018 from Groovy UK.

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WINTER IS HERE… …AND WITH IT COMES THE GAME OF THRONES COLLECTION Officially licensed. Expertly designed. Quality crafted.

TM & © 2018 Home Box Office, Inc.

Come and see the range at: Giving & Living • 14 th –17 th January • Stand B538 Spring Fair • 4 th –8 th February • Stand 6G22-H23

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

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Spotlight On... Collectables

What A Collection Thanks to the popularity of destination outlets such as farm shops, garden centres, visitor attractions and heritage sites, the collectables market is continuing to hold its own. It's diverse, eclectic and often driven by licensed giftware and animal studies, with social media playing a huge role in getting people of all ages 'talking'.

PG&H looked at what's driving business for the leading manufacturers and suppliers.

Top: New from Enesco's Beatrix Potter GOSH Doctor Set. Left: Frith Sculpture's new Hedgehog Haven.

Below left: Highland Cow & Calf by sculptor Harriet Glen from Fiesta Studios.

Below right: Hare studies from Lesser & Pavey.

"I don't think we will ever see anything like the level of collecting during the 90’s," states Helen Shield, director of marketing at Enesco. "However, we are seeing fans of many of our product collections buying multiple products and displaying large collections in their home. For example, we have Fan Friday on our social media pages for both Beatrix Potter and Disney, with many people showing us very significant collections, beautifully displayed. Plus, I believe we are one of the only companies hosting a collectors club," continues Helen.

"Our Friends of Peter Rabbit club is going from strength to strength globally, with Beatrix Potter product spanning all generations, with many new fans being brought up with the artwork and licensed products. Pusheen too, has over 9.5 million Facebook fans and many millions of online stickers shared daily. The licence is performing beyond expectations with online fan chat groups talking about what is available, their purchases and when they see new or exciting product at retail. We're very excited to be part of this."

Additionally, Helen confirms that Enesco has new products across all its Disney Collections, from Disney Showcase, Disney Traditions and the company's latest addition, The World of Miss Mindy Presents Disney.

"Beatrix Potter will also see a significant product introduction, not least our new Great Ormond Street (GOSH) limited edition and Doctor's Set," Helen reveals. "Plus, there will be a fantastic display of Pusheen at Spring Fair."

David Wilkinson, MD of Frith Sculpture, says that while business on the high street is going to continue to diminish due to so many independents closing down, there remains a good market for collectables. "Sales through destination outlets such as heritage and visitor attractions are on the increase," he confirms, "along with outlets which serve food such as farm shops etc. The fact that our products are made in the UK is also something smaller shops are looking for. Consequently, we are expanding on 2017's success of new subjects and are forming a collection of Cockapoos and Labradoodles called the Cockapoo Club, as well as expanding our range of hedgehogs with Hedgehog Heaven. They have both been very popular with sales in individual units far higher than those we are used to."

At Lesser & Pavey, MD Julian Hunt points out that for over 40 years, the company has

been offering quality studies of ladies, lifestyle, wildlife and domestic pets.

"Currently, we are embracing true to life studies of dogs and cats with amazing attention to detail in the sculptor and hand colouring - from smaller studies to larger studies that also encapsulate canine accessories," states Julian.

He says that, this year, growth has been seen in the bronze effect resin studies of

hares boxing and at play, as well as large proud stags with heads endowed by large antler pointers, along with domestic cats, dogs and wildlife studies of owls, African and Asian animals and jockeys astride racehorses. "The ranges are as popular as ever, and attention to detail is prevalent in the features which cater for a discerning consumer market place that looks for quality and details in life studies."

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Gift Giving…all wrapped up Ambiente Frankfurt, Germany 9th—13th February 2018 Hall 9.1, C71

International Spring Fair NEC,Birmingham 4th—8th February 2018 Hall 4

4H81

4H91

4H80-J81

4H90-J91

4H100

Enesco Limited, Head Office & Customer Services, Brunthill Road, Kingstown, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 0EN. Tel: 01228 404022 email: trade@enesco.co.uk Overseas Customer Services: Tel: +44 1228 404066 email: eurosales@enesco.co.uk © 2018 Enesco, LLC. © 2018 Jim Shore Designs, Inc., Heartwood Creek® is a registered mark of Jim Shore Designs, Inc.

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Spotlight On... Collectables Left: Part of Nemesis Now's Game of Thrones collectables range.

Below right: Among the latest collectable coins from Iron Gut Publishing.

Below: Broadway Belles' 1920's chic from Widdop And Co's Juliana collection.

At Nemesis Now, MD Andrew Norman Smith, says that over the last few years, the company has been among those that have led the charge for higher quality, detailed collectables, and he expects the trend to continue into 2018. "Our new Game of Thrones collection raises the bar even further and is set to be massively popular next year," he states. "The high-end collection of goblets, tankards and shot glasses is sculpted in fantastic detail, hand painted to a standard not seen before in this class. We live and breathe collectables and are already working on the next big releases for 2018."

Lorena Golfetto, director, Gaeltag Keltika, says that the consumer's appetite for giftable items that make attractive displays, raise a smile or act as gentle reminders of love, friendship, family and special times, continues to remain strong. "The key to successful retail sales of collectable giftware is to offer full product ranges which are not

just beautifully made, but convey thoughtful sentiments or a sense of fun. We are therefore looking forward to 2018 and building on what has been a very good year for sales of our three collectables ranges – Emily Stracey’s The Royal Furmily cat-themed merchandise, CowParade and You are an Angel with new items across the board. Spring Fair will be kicking things off with seven new You are an Angel lines."

At Widdop And Co, Sue Grant observes that as the collectable market continues to diversify to survive, it has picked up new converts along the way. "The collector of the mystic legend dragons is a very different collector from the one who collects the cute best of breed dog figurines. Similarly, glass stylised figurines in our Objets d’Art range, which includes elephants, owls and penguins, attract different collectors from our classic Disney collectable lines." Continues Sue: "As we enter 2018 we are predicting Above right: Collectable hanging mugs from Wrendale Designs for Portmeirion.

Left: New You Are An Angel figurines will be unveiled by Gaeltag Keltika at Spring Fair.

this diversity to continue with many exciting extensions to our existing best selling collections including Broadway Belles 1920’s figurines, Enchanted Fairies and Rainy Day figurines."

Also continuing to build on its collectables ranges is Iron Gut Publishing.

"Our limited edition coins feature film and gaming titles, along with limited edition art ranges," explains MD Anthony Marks. "However, our newest licences are two very different brands Universal Studios and Off The Leash/On The Prowl."

Explains Anthony: "We focus on affordable collectables, creating gifts that every fan, no matter what their budget, can afford to collect."

Proving just how broad based and diverse collecting can be, designer Hannah Dale, founder and creative director at Wrendale Designs, highlights the collectability of her range of distinctive, quirky animal mugs for Portmeirion. "When we started producing the mugs, we never expected that they would have such a collectability factor, so it’s been a lovely surprise," reveals Hannah. "We are often contacted by people who are collecting the

range and requesting new additions - often a design they have seen on a card and would like to have on a mug as well."

Clearly there will always be collectors, and, as long as there are, manufacturers and suppliers will be happy to go on meeting the demand.

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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest in collectable gift products to be showcased this month.

Inspired By Nature Contemporary gift retailer Enesco has announced the launch of a new sub-collection in its everpopular DEMDACO range, giving people even more ways to express their emotions through the art of gift giving. The Sharon Nowlan Collection uses nature as inspiration for immortalising precious moments in life. Time Together and From This Moment are two of 11 pieces of art in the new sub-collection from DEMDACO, with each piece carefully selected to provide a variety of offerings for special relationships or to celebrate milestones. Each piece in the Sharon Nowlan Collection is ready to be hung on a wall or to stand around the home. The frames are made from textured wood with an easel back, a gallery quality matte board providing shadowing effect that adds to dimension to the art. Each piece bears the artist’s signature too. (12x16: SRP £45 & 12x16 SRP £55 respectively.)

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

Stemless Glasses New into the Lolita stemless glass collection for Spring 2018 are two new designs. Hummingbird, standing at 12.5cm tall, with a SRP of £16, sees the hand-painted vessel depict two beautiful hummingbirds, while Hibiscus captures the essence of the changing of seasons. A bright, beautiful glass, it stands at 12.5cm tall with a SRP of £16.

Each wine glass from Lolita is exclusive - no two glasses are identical - making them a truly thoughtful and unique gift.

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

Beautiful Belle Enesco proudly presents a new Belle figurine into the Disney Showcase collection which has been given a make-over fit for the new millennium. Standing at 20.0cm tall, and designed to complement the Beast figurine - an earlier addition into the Disney Showcase collection – the new Belle figurine affords Disney fans and collectors alike the perfect pairing opportunity. Both are available to purchase from Enesco and retail with a SRP of £65 and £7 respectively.

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

Under The Sea

Celebrating 15 Years Friends of Peter Rabbit Club will be celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2018. Each member of the Friends of Peter Rabbit Club will receive the Timmy Willie Symbol of Membership figurine free of charge when paying their £12 joining fee. All members of the Club will receive a free limited edition Anniversary mug and will also have the opportunity to purchase an exclusive members only figurine, not available to buy to members of the public and non-club members.

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

Enesco is inviting Disney fans to take a trip under the sea as it unveils new Little Mermaid themed additions into its Disney Traditions range by Jim Shore. New into Disney Traditions is the Daddy’s Little Princess figurine which measures 25.0cm tall. Also new is Deep Trouble, standing at 19.0cm tall. Daddy’s Little Princess and Deep Trouble are both available to purchase from Enesco as part of the Disney Traditions range by Jim Shore, with a SRP of £59.95 and £55.00 respectively.

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

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Spring Fair, Birmingham 04.02.-08.02.2018, Hall 3 Stand Q20-R25

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Spotlight On... Easter Gifts

Eggscellent Easter Easter gifting is having something of an image make-over.

While gift retailers may not always choose to buy into 'Easter specific' items, products with that fresh, Spring-themed feeling are gaining ground.

In addition, both suppliers and retailers are looking to products that while reflecting the occasion, will work just as well all year round, with tableware items leading the charge.

For many people, Easter is the marker in the first quarter of the year that separates winter from Spring, largely defined by bursts of yellow and green that can be seen everywhere from front gardens to high street shop windows.

"We’ve noticed Easter developing nicely over the years into a serious second season," says Piers Croke, sales director, Gisela Graham. "For gift shops, especially in tourist destinations, the four day Easter holiday is ideal, as it is a great time to re-launch the local shop to the local audience and draw in the tourists."

He says that as well as decorations for the Easter table - mini eggs, chicks and so

on, to hang from twigs - people are also getting more ambitious, and buying Easter trees to decorate, as well as door wreaths.

“There’s a demand for small, impulse gifts too, such as pretty egg cups and tableware including mugs, bowls and jugs, along with fun things for kids. Plus, there’s also an 'added value' opportunity for gift shops, such as eggs and mugs that retailers can use to fill with chocolates and sell as a gift pack."

Above: Kaemingk's Easter Brunch.

Left: Gisela Graham's blue and white country kitchen theme.

Below left: Maxwell & Williams' Exotica collection.

Below right: Feather Lane from Creative Tops.

Bottom: Churchill China's new Chattering of Chickens.

At Kaemingk, Stefan Koldeweij, senior account manager for the UK and Ireland, highlights that Easter is about the right accessories, with the company's expanding assortment in Kitchen & Dining products linking a vast array of items to different themes. "It allows for shops to be able to appeal to a wider audience every time," he comments. "We offer something for everyone - from cake stands, napkins and napkin rings, to plates and cutlery, cups and egg cups. Each theme offers Easter items designed to give a finishing touch to the seasonal decorations."

As Michael Stein, MD of Valerie Graham concurs: "Easter is a fresh time of year when people look to put away crockery in wintery colours and embrace the colours of Spring.

The eye-catching Exotica range from Maxwell & Williams really epitomises the season through its colours and designs, giving gift shops the opportunity to make the most of merchandising in store or displaying it in the window."

Creative Tops' marketing and public relations manager Katrina Lawton believes that casual dining and creating experiences in the home will continue to be a popular choice for consumers in 2018. "For example, chicken characters and iconography of

eggs and feathers continue to be a favourite for an Easter breakfast," she states, adding that for a more natural look, ceramics this year are also creamy and speckled, paired with wood for a more relaxed table setting.

"Folk traditions too, are inspiring Easter tableware stories to complement the growth of DIY foodies and the popularity of traditional baking and home-style cooking, such as our Festive Folk collection by Katie Alice," she adds.

Thomas Woodward, buyer for Churchill China, says that campaigns targeting consumers with a range of gifts are now becoming the norm. "However, independent

gift shops should still be looking at the classic connotations associated with Easter," he comments. "Retailers should create prominent displays which show off their best Easter items, getting a bit creative with them too, as well as adding some of their own props to really bring the story to life and grab the attention of their customer."

For gift shops, Easter (March 30 - April 2) is definitely a Spring season that offers an additional selling opportunity. And with a long gap between Easter and Father's Day in 2018, it's clearly one that's not to be missed.

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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products to be showcased this month.

New For Spring The Artebene Design Studio did not skimp on appeal when developing their new Spring Collection 2018. Soft shades with shimmering gold details dominate the stylish design world of Très Chic. New manually embellished favourite bags, either printed with animal motifs or sewn with shiny sequins, are added to the enchanting We Love range. The versatile cosmetic bags, entirely sewn with beads, will quickly become a favourite and can be used as a clutch bag.

Artebene Spring Fair: Hall 3 Stand Q20-R25 Tel.: +49 (0)2591-79239-0 Email: info@artebene.com www.artebene.com

Ultra Feminine

Di Palomo Delights The latest partnership for Xystos, the home of flame and fragrance, is with bath and body supplier Di Palomo, which continues to win admirers with a range of appealingly-presented products such as Black Cherry, Wild Fig & Grape, Orange Blossom with Wild Honey & Olive, and White Grape with Aloe (pictured). Xystos director Tom Sykes comments: ‘We’re thrilled to have this top brand in our portfolio. The new agreement strengthens our position as the leading UK provider of candle and bath and body products.

Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email: sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Spring Fair: Stand 4H50-J51 Fragrance With Style Baylis & Harding’s new, cleverly crafted luxury candle has a certain je ne ce quoi that would make it a welcome addition to any home.

Available from Xystos in large and small sizes, with RRPs of £16 and £11, it comes with a tantalising fragrance of Crème Brulee & Cocoa. Made with love – and designed to sell!

Xystos Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email: sales@xystos.co.uk www.xystostrade.co.uk Spring Fair: Stand 4H50-J51

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Nude patent is the new rose gold in this polished High Shine story. Red continues to be a key fashion colour but has a new edge here when paired with the monochromatic rose tinted floral print and ultra-feminine nude-pink. Key pieces are the luxury travel wallet with bright red leather look outer, and a fun, rose gold metallic inner; rose gold notebook with red guild edges, and the monochrome grey floral notebooks. The full range will be on display at Top Drawer Stand No. 8D06.

Caroline Gardner Tel: 0208 288 9696 Email: info@carolinegardner.com www.carolinegardner.com

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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products to be showcased this month.

Pip Plush From Pusheen GUND is introducing Pusheen fans to the latest plush product in its hugely successful collection. For the first time, Pip – a popular secondary character on Pusheen’s blog and Facebook channel – is being brought to life in plush form. The Pip plush is suitable for children aged one year and over, is hand washable and comes with a lenticular hand tag. Pip plush retails with a SRP of £18 and will be a welcome addition to any Pusheen super-fan’s collection.

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

A Glass Act A Loving Pair Lesser & Pavey is launching a quality range for fine china mugs in white with gold lettering and a diamond shaped crystal in the ring handle making them the perfect gift for a perfect couple. The open fronted gift box allows the purchaser to see the gift. Message include Hubby and Wifey; I’m The Boss and I’m The Real Boss; Selfie King and Selfie Queen; Brand New Mr and Brand New Mrs; 100% Handsome and Drop Dead Gorgeous; All You Need Is Love and Love Is All You Need.

Lesser & Pavey Tel: 01322 279225 Email sales@leonarod.co.uk www.leonardo.co.uk Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair: Stand D06 Spring Fair: Hall 5 Stand D10/E11

Introducing a new range of glassware from Lesser & Pavey for those that happen to be gin lovers.

Glasses include tumblers that feature inspiring wording such as Let The Good Times Be Gin. This fashionable new range is part of the Lesser & Pavey gold and silver edition glassware which features gin, prosecco, champagne, martini and beer slogans on a range of glasses, flutes, wine glasses, stemless glasses, tankards, cocktail shakers, drinks dispensers and ice buckets.

Lesser & Pavey Tel: 01322 279225 Email sales@leonarod.co.uk www.leonardo.co.uk Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair: Stand D06 Spring Fair: Hall 5 Stand D10/E11

Time To Sparkle First Lesser & Pavey brought buyers the changing pictures of sequin cushions, now they are launching sequin notebooks, bringing a sparkle to a hand notebook that makes a charming, practical gift. Notebooks come in gold and black, silver and black, multi-coloured, champagne and cream, pink and silver, turquoise and silver. The clutch bags and purses come in the same colourways. The new cushions are available in silver and white, gold and white. The marine art cushions feature three dolphins, two lighthouses and two yachts.

Lesser & Pavey Tel: 01322 279225 Email sales@leonarod.co.uk www.leonardo.co.uk Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair: Stand D06 Spring Fair: Hall 5 Stand D10/E11

Scottish Souvenirs Re-Awaken Your Senses Spring is always a time of great excitement, regeneration, new beginnings and fresh ideas. PoMs new 2018 collection promises to re-awaken all your senses with a celebration of colour, form and texture: laid back bohemian styles to clean sculptural geometric jewellery, scarves and accessories. They have everything you need to create a visually exciting and financially rewarding start to the year.

PoM Tel: 01225 777749 Email: sales@pom925.com www.pom925.com Top Drawer: 480 Spring Fair: 19F20-G21 Pure S30

New Scottish souvenirs, adorabelle gifts, inspirational plaques and pin ranges available for 2018. We shall be exhibiting at two trade shows this January: Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring, stand D15, and the Giving & Living Show, stand A638/537. We will see our remaining existing customers and, hopefully, new ones too, at the NEC's Spring Fair.

Willow Greetings Tel: 0131 665 6677 Email: www.willowgreetings.co.uk Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring: Stand D15 Giving & Living: Stand A638/537

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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products to be showcased this month.

Sweetly Floral The sweet, almost thick scent of rosey geranium combines with sensuous ylang ylang to give an irresistible, almost decadent fragrance. Pink clay provides the colour and helps to draw out impurities from the skin. Needless to say, this soap is also rich in olive oil and natural, moisturising shea butter.

Best Kept Secrets Tel: 01670 512222 Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk Scotland’s Spring Fair: Stand 4G1 Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand B33

Bathtime Treat This is just the soap with to relax in the bath with after a walk through the woods! It has a complex aroma, crisp and earthy, with a touch of sweetness, combined in a luxurious blend of natural, moisturising oils and butters - as usual, plenty of olive oil and shea butter with a little castor oil for extra gentle creaminess. The essential oils blend cedarwood and mandarin with other woody and spicy oils - a lovely soap!

Best Kept Secrets Tel: 01670 512222 Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk Scotland’s Spring Fair: Stand 4G1 Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand B33

Spring Collections For Spring we are delighted to announce the launch of our brand new Chakra collection designed not only to look good, but to inspire, promote and elevate the wellness and ‘balance’ of the wearer. We also have a new Core Collection featuring natural beads through to pendants and breath-taking sparkling gems, and have added to our best-selling Sentiments range. Our popular leather bracelet collection is expanding with the introduction of chunkier leathers, tantalising new colours and more choice of adorable charms.

Carrie Elspeth Tel: 01446 771271 Email: sales@carrieelspeth.com www.carrieelspeth.com Top Drawer: Stand 440

Pooping Unicorn Unicorns! The latest trend, symbolic of magic, miracles and now jelly beans! Lift up the unicorn’s rainbow tail and have the favour returned; a colourful sweet deposit dropped into your hand which is a sweet jelly bean! Once the original poops have been delivered, you can refill it with your own jelly beans and enjoy the poop producing fun over and over.

Boxer Gifts Tel: 01133 955 595 Email: sales@boxergifts.com www.boxergifts.com Harrogate Christmas Show: Stand C21 Spring Fair: Hall 5, Stand A10/B11

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Eye-catching Textiles Ulster Weavers, the family home textiles company from Holywood, Northern Ireland, is delighted to launch their new 2018 collection – including the beautiful Bountiful Floral. By using bold modern colours like pinks and oranges, it gives this design a modern edge. Brighten any kitchen with this eye catching print. A full range of kitchen textiles are available along with a selection of shopping bags.

Ulster Weavers Tel: 02890 329494 Email: sales@ulsterweavers.com www.trade.ulsterweavers.com

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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products to be showcased this month.

Geared Up For Camping

Take The Challenge Boxer Gift’s highly successful drinking Challenge Games has been joined by a Gin Challenge Game. The task is deceptively easy – trace the word GIN without setting off the buzzer! If you fail there will be a forfeit, a sip of gin. The Beer and Wine Challenge Games remain popular and the new Gin Challenge Game is a great addition to this fun range.

Boxer Gifts Tel: 01133 955 595 Email: sales@boxergifts.com www.boxergifts.com Harrogate Christmas Show: Stand C21.

Spring Fair: Hall 5, Stand A10/B11

It's In The Bag

Wild & Wolf’s Gentlemen’s Hardware is expanding to include a new range of camping gear for Spring/Summer. The new lines include a portable barbecue and barbecue tools, a hurricane lamp, waterproof playing cards, multi-tools and more. The range comes packaged in sturdy printed kraft with copper accents giving it a sophisticated feel with a rustic twist. Look out for the 14-in-1 KeyMulti-Tool: a stainless steel multi-tool in the shape of a key; it's set to be a popular choice this Spring/Summer.

Wild & Wolf Tel: 01225 789909 Email: sales@wildandwolf.com www.wildandwolf.com Top Drawer/Home: Stand J29

Equilibrium fashion accessories from Joe Davies (Spring Fair, Hall 5, Stand D50/E51) include waterproof handbags, with the vibrant Flower Power collection sure to ensure the range stays at the top of the best sellers list! These quality, fun, trendy bags are available in a selection of styles, designs and colours with a retail price point of around only £6.99. A brand new addition to the Equilibrium waterproof bag range are insulated lunch bags, available in popular spots, daisies and florals.

Joe Davies Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 5 Stand D/50/E51

A Magical Christmas The Fairy Dell collection from Joe Davies (Harrogate Home & Gift, Stand C19) is a highlight of the company's Christmas offering. These wonderful houses and fairy doors are exquisitely painted, with the addition of LED lights in some pieces adding an extra touch of magic to the range. This fabulous collection is just one of many new and exciting ranges that will be displayed from 14-17 January on the Joe Davies’ stand (Harrogate Home & Gift, Stand C19).

Joe Davies Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk Harrogate Christmas & Gift: Stand C19 Spring Fair: Hall 5 Stand D/50/E51

Stylish Garden Accessories

Fun, Fund Boxes These glamorous fund boxes from Joe Davies (Spring Fair, Hall 5, Stand D50/E51) are right on trend for Spring/Summer 2018. A fashionable take on money boxes, they pick up on the current craze for mermaids, unicorns, champagne and gin with a fund box for every need! They complement the hot selling Bright Sentiment plaques and build on the current trend for gold foiled typography. Together they will make a vibrant, eye-catching display in your store.

Joe Davies Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 5 Stand D/50/E51

Featuring the iconic linear stem print and retro colour palette, Wild & Wolf is proud to launch a brand new range of Orla Kiely garden accessories, new for Spring/Summer. From potting gloves to bird houses, and candle lanterns to hanging pots, this exciting new range combines function and style. See more in the covetable range of Orla Kiely home, garden and office accessories at wildandwolf.co.uk, perfect for adding colour and style to every home.

Wild & Wolf Tel: 01225 789909 Email: sales@wildandwolf.com www.wildandwolf.com Top Drawer/Home: Stand J29

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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products to be showcased this month.

Artist Portfolio Expands Stoke based CD Heritage has traditionally focused on designing bespoke giftware for the heritage sector producing fine bone china, melamine giftware and textiles along with their British Heritage brand, which features Walter Crane, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, William Morris and Worcester inspired designs. Following success in 2017, the company has expanded its services into the artist sector offering a similar service for independent artists who require bespoke quality giftware at low development cost and with short production runs. The company currently produces for Robert Fuller Gallery, Clare Campbells Hic Haec Hoc and Colette Bishop, recently adding Staffordshire based artist Leah Speight and Norfolk based Aurina Lambert to its portfolio. Aurina and Leah ranges will be featured on the CD Heritage stand at Top Drawer giving the independent gift retailer a unique designer offering. If you want your own bespoke range, make Christopher Dawson your first point of call. You will not be disappointed.

CD Heritage Tel: 07909 539574 Email: paul@cdheritage.com www.cdheritage.com Top Drawer: Stand P60

New From Groovy With the success of Harry Potter reaching extraordinary heights for Groovy UK, their Harry Potter range has now extended to include Platform 9 ¾, Quidditch, Dobby the House Elf and The Deathly Hallows.

Groovy’s Wizarding World license also includes Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. The second film is due to launch in November 2018. The first film saw Newt searching for an array of magical creatures which Groovy have included in their new product ranges, such as the Fwopper (pictured) and Newt Scamander bathrobes, slippers and bags.

Groovy UK Tel: +44 (0)116 239 1105 Email:hello@groovyuk.com www.groovyuk.com

Edgy Earrings Hot Tomato continues to inspire us with their fabulous earrings, and Spring 2018 is no exception. From these seriously pretty designs through to a more urban, edgy look, this little tiger of a company has it covered. With over 100 new designs ready for their Top Drawer debut in earrings alone, this delightful company finds itself fast becoming your one stop shop for all things accessory! Catch them at Top Drawer, London - Stand 285 - to avoid disappointment!

Hot Tomato Tel: 01225 422188 www.hot-tom.com Top Drawer: Stand: 285

Giant Pillar Candles Luminara, the Living Flame wax candle range, expands its premium brand which is now available in leading department stores John Lewis, House of Fraser and Selfridges, as well as throughout the UK in quality independent retailers. Introducing Giant Luminara wax pillar candles, complete with 5 hour security timer and infrared remote control in 6 x 6 inch, 6 x 10 inch and 6 x 14 inch, Luminara gives you all the ambience of real candles without the risk or worry. Giant Luminara offers great value for money with RRP’s from £49.99 to £79.99. At the other end of the spectrum is the introduction of Living Flame Luminara tealights. Again, infrared remote and a 5hr security timer brings your votive holders alive. See the full range of Luminara Candles at The Furniture Show, NEC Birmingham, 21- 24 January.

Luminara Candles Tel: 01622 845995 Email: info@luminaracandles.co.uk www.luminaracandles.co.uk Tel: 01622 845995 The January Furniture Show: Hall 3 Stand G53 Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand F40

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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest in licensed gift products to be showcased this month.

New For Superhero Fans

Raising Funds For GOSH Enesco is delighted to present the latest items in its Peter Rabbit range, with sales helping to raise vital funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH). New into the collection is the limited edition Peter Rabbit with Doctor’s Bag, and the Peter Rabbit Doctor’s Bag. For the sale of each Peter Rabbit with Doctor’s Bag plush, Enesco will donate £4.25 to GOSH Charity, and Penguin & Silvergate will donate £1.40. For the sale of each Peter Rabbit Doctor’s Bag, Enesco will donate £1.50 to GOSH Charity, and Penguin & Silvergate will donate £0.35.

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

It's a great time to be a superhero fan, especially if you love the wisecracking mercenary Deadpool. The sequel is due out on June 1, 2018, and Groovy have launched their new ranges for hardcore fans. The range includes bathrobes and slippers, the infamous Look-ALite mood lights in all three sizes, and logo string lights. Other superhero collections include DC Comics: The Flash, Wonder Woman and Batman, for the new Justice League film, and the new Marvel collection which includes Spiderman and The Avengers: Captain America, Iron Man, Hulk and Thor.

Groovy UK Tel: +44 (0) 116 239 1105 Email:hello@groovyuk.com www.groovyuk.com

Haynes Supermarine Spitfire Half Moon Bay is excited to introduce their brand new Haynes Supermarine Spitfire range that will launch as part of their Spring/Summer 2018 collection. This collection of home and giftware products comes after the success of the Haynes Spitfire jigsaw puzzle and features similar artwork with an updated fresh new monochromatic black and white look. The new range will be on show at Half Moon Bay’s Giving & Living and Spring Fair stands.

Half Moon Bay Tel: 01225 473873 Email: sales@halfmoonbay.co.uk www.halfmoonbay.co.uk Giving & Living: Stand B538

Character Statues Primus has developed two new products featuring Shaun the Sheep and Timmy Time, creating painted metal statues of these two popular characters. Suitable for outdoor use, these statues perfectly capture the charm and humour of the characters.

Owners Aardman support the characters with PR , fresh content, a You Tube channel and high profile promotions. For more details on this range and other opportunities please contact Ian Downes at Start Licensing.

Start Licensing Tel: 0208 337 7958 Email: ian@startlicensing.co.uk www.shaunthesheep.com/

Here’s To The Happy Couple New to the Disney Britto collection is the Mickey and Minnie Mouse Wedding figurine, a perfect present for newly-weds or as a memento to gift between the bride and groom as they celebrate their special day. Presented in a branded gift box, the Mickey and Minnie Mouse Wedding figurine is available to buy from Enesco and retails with a SRP of £83.

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

A Touch of Nostalgia Following the success of their Bird’s Custard, McDougall’s, Oxo and Bisto jugs, Half Moon Bay has added three new designs for Spring/Summer 2018. A new addition to the Bird’s Custard range is a smaller version of the popular 700ml measuring jug, while perfect for Sunday roasts are two new Bisto jugs both in the standard 700ml and the smaller 200ml capacities. View the new jugs, along with the rest of the popular Household Brands ranges, at Half Moon Bay’s Giving & Living and Spring Fair stands.

Half Moon Bay Tel: 01225 473873 Email: sales@halfmoonbay.co.uk www.halfmoonbay.co.uk Giving & Living: Stand B538

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What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products to be showcased this month.

Just Charming Hot Tomato has expanded their winning collection of key fobs and handbag charms which caused such a stir when launched at Harrogate last year. Further designs are also waiting in the wings to be unveiled at Top Drawer alongside these little lovelies. We think they are the perfect, affordable gift with RRP’s of between £6 £8 - Top Drawer, London – Stand 285 – to avoid disappointment!

Hot Tomato Tel: 01225 422188 www.hot-tom.com Top Drawer: Stand: 285

Waiting For Santa

Bold, Beautiful Beads At One Button HQ we can’t wait to unveil our refreshing, bright Spring/ Summer ‘18 collections. As ever, ingeniously designed, motivated by radical colour, fun is amplified, texture is tops, but most of all, it must hit 10 on our 'yummy clapometer'! Bead wearers make a confident fashion statement, flaunt attitude, empowerment and individuality. At One Button we are unrivalled in what we do. Move metal aside. Let Spring/Summer '18 burst the boundaries with beads from One Button.

One Button Tel: 0116 279 3715 Email: info@onebuttonuk.com www.onebuttonuk.com Top Drawer: Stand 305

With Men In Mind Sandy Bay’s The Gentlemen’s Club range offers something completely different, featuring six fine fragrance blends which have been designed for men, but that the ladies love too, such as The Charmer, City Boy and The Boss. New for Spring 2018 is Attar Oud & Bergamot, a stunning fragrance opening with a divine blend of Indian sandalwood and Vietnamese agarwood which is enlivened by the passion of Italian bergamot, musk, frankincense and exotic attar oudh.

Sandy Bay London Tel: 01992 579949 Email: enquiries@sandybaylondon.com www.sandybaylondon.com Top Drawer: Stand S55 Spring Fair: Hall 6 Stand S33

Kaemingk Season Decorations. Kaemingk`s new traditional red and white theme, with a new innovative blue-green colour added, pays attention to the whole family. Turn your house into a welcoming, Christmassy home where everyone is waiting for Father Christmas to arrive. It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Kaemingk Tel: 0031 543 498 800 Email: info@kaemingk.com www.kaemingk.com Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair: Hall M - Stand M1 Spring Fair: Hall 2 - Stand C04-D05 + C30-D31

Contemporary Cake Candles Exciting new designs are coming to the Smiling Faces cake candle collection! Pirates, pugs, ponies, construction and milestones birthdays will all be joining the popular range of contemporary 3D designs next year. The current collection of fun, contemporary 3D cake candles features unicorns, dinosaurs, donuts, mermaids and more to make the party extra special!

Smiling Faces Tel: 01444 882323 Email: sales@smilingfaces.co.uk www.smilingfaces.co.uk Top Drawer: Stand N31

Commemorating The Royal Wedding Lesser & Pavey has always been first to celebrate Royal occasions and next year’s Royal Wedding is no different, with a superb quality collection of Royal memorabilia to capture the moment and the celebrations. The exclusive Royal Heritage collection consists of photographic products that show the couple in a loving pose. All items are presented in high quality photographic gift boxes, each priced competitively. The range will be limited in numbers, so it is highly recommended that orders are placed early to avoid disappointment.

Lesser & Pavey Tel: 01322 279225 Email sales@leonarod.co.uk www.leonardo.co.uk Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair: Stand D06 Spring Fair: Hall 5 Stand D10/E11 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE

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Best Sellers Progressive Gifts & Home asked a selection of retailers about the products which have been flying off their shelves this month.

Coralie Leach, owner, Daisy Chain, Stratford-upon-Avon A medium-to-large gift shop just off the main high street CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Molten Wonky: hanging glassware;

These fused, handmade glass hearts are quirky and colourful.

Bright, tactile, fun, quirky hairy accessories that include a cow, a sheep and a stag.

Hairy Coo: hairy accessories

Fragranced Giftware

Thomas Street: candles and diffusers; Lily-Flame: Sugar Rush and Secret Garden

The packaging is exquisite.

The Lily-Flame candle tins are a consistent winner for us.

Jewellery

Carrie Elspeth: across the board

An ongoing best seller. The new packaging gives the jewellery a nice edge.

Fashion Accessories

Peony: scarves

The mid to high end price range works really well for us.

Greeting Cards

Dandelion

Fun, topical cards at a good price point.

Giftwrap

Heather Alstead

Colourful animal characters that have a wide appeal to animal lovers.

Other Hot Hits

The Herdy Company: across the board

Amazing mugs, coasters and babywear.

Sue Freeman, co-owner, Alphabet Soup, Great Missenden A small gift shop on a village high street CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Jane Hogben: mugs and jugs; East of India: across the board

Beautiful handmade ceramics that are made locally.

Lovely products and an easy pick up gift. Good price points too.

Fragranced Giftware

Country Candles: Black Pomegranate;

This fragrance smells like a well known brand, but costs a fraction of the price.

We sell a huge number of these fragranced ceramic hearts.

Branche d'Olive: ceramic hearts Jewellery

Treaty: costume jewellery; Peace of Mind: across the board

Good quality, silver plated jewellery in striking designs.

Fashion jewellery with wide appeal.

Fashion Accessories

100 Stars: dressing gowns and scarves

Since Nigella wore one of their dressing gowns on TV, it's been a best seller ever since!

Greeting Cards

Rosie Made A Thing

Hilarious and inoffensive.

Giftwrap

Lagom

A good, broad selection of designs.

Other Hot Hits

Maileg

Hugely cute, children's collectables that appeal to grown-ups too.

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Julie West, co-owner, The Gift Boutique, Fraserburgh A large gift shop on a secondary site CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

Junction 18: candle stand;

One of our best sellers is a silver heart shaped candle stand.

The company's new 'I' frame range is very contemporary.

Widdop and Co: Impression photo frames

Fragranced Giftware

Yankee Candle: across the board; Scottish Fine Soaps: soaps

Jewellery

Fashion Accessories

We do very well with the melt cup warmers.

The soaps are made in Scotland and are really popular with our customers.

SNO of Sweden: across the board; Eliza Gracious: costume jewellery

Bright, sparkly jewellery. An extremely good seller.

Katie Loxton: scarves;

The beautiful gift packaging helps to makes the scarf a really special gift.

A mix of traditional and contemporary designs and colours. Good quality and affordable prices.

Bessie London: bags

Her long chains tie in with the current trends.

Greeting Cards

Johnny Javelin

Great images make these cards very popular with customers.

Giftwrap

Hallmark

Beautiful designs at reasonable prices.

Other Hot Hits

Orchard Toys: puzzles and games

These sell well all year round.

Claire Jarvis, owner, The Tutbury Present Company, Burton-on-Trent A small gift shop based in a courtyard, at the end of a high street CATEGORY

SUPPLIERS/RANGES

COMMENT

Decorative Home Accessories

East of India: across the board;

Very strong product that sells well, and at a good price point.

Trend driven product at affordable prices.

Gisela Graham: across the board Fragranced Giftware

Bomb Cosmetics: candles;

Heathcote & Ivory: Sakura

Jewellery

Joma: across the board;

Espree: sterling silver Fashion Accessories

Katie Loxton: pouches;

A large selection of beautifully fragranced candles that come in vibrant tins.

Great fragrances and striking packaging.

The 'a little' bracelets continue to be a best seller. Joma are always moving forward with products.

Well priced, rhodium plated silver jewellery. Elegant, classic designs.

Powder: socks

The pouches come in seasonal colours and in beautiful gift packaging.

They just go on selling.

Quality funky, cute designs in great colours.

Greeting Cards

Redback

Very humorous cards which feature on trend colours in the new ranges.

Giftwrap

Paper Salad

Great designs and striking colours.

Other Hot Hits

Jellycat: Bashful

The Bashful range continues to see incredibly well and is regularly updated.

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On The Road Sean Camm Sean Camm became a gift agent 15 months ago, and covers the North of England. His current principals are Tutti & Co and Bathing Beauty.

While recognising that, in many towns, high streets were continuing to struggle in the run up to Christmas, Sean’s view was that sales in department store gift departments, garden centres and destination outlets were more buoyant, with promotional events helping to drive business and footfall.

"Most gift retailers seemed to kick off their Christmas orders in July, with Home & Gift in Harrogate the main starting point," comments Sean. "Customers were placing orders at the show, taking delivery as soon as stock became available, or in late September/early October. The maxim seemed to be that the earlier stock went in, the greater the opportunity to see what was selling and to re-order."

He highlights that 'meet the makers' events were very prevalent in November and December - a mainstay of retailers that included Hoopers in Harrogate and Wilmslow, Fenwick in Newcastle, The Hollies in Little Budworth and Beetham Nurseries in Beetham - which saw representatives from a variety of suppliers helping to promote their brands by meeting and greeting customers. "It really helped to get people into the stores and to encourage sales," states Sean.

"However, I did notice that independent gift shops were being more cautious in placing their orders in the months leading up to

Christmas, probably a knock on from their customers buying cautiously too, due to squeezed household incomes. In fact, compared to last October/November, I did notice a slight downturn in sales on the high street, with department stores, destination outlets and garden centres - who all invested in product - appearing to do much better."

Sean points out that this retail sector weren't afraid to put product in early in the Autumn, "even through the weather was good and the sun was still shining," he comments, "whereas independent gift retailers tended to wait until Halloween had been and gone which meant that their Christmas offer didn't go into the shop until early November.

Nevertheless, Christmas always happens, and ultimately it did come through, although I think it may have been later than many independent retailers would have liked."

Looking to 2018, Sean says that social media is set to become an increasingly powerful tool for agents as well as retailers. "I'm very active on social media, and frequently post on Instagram. I like to chat about my day, my products and my customers, as well as events and promotions. A lot of my customers are following me now."

Last Word Phil Pond Phil Pond - who works alongside his wife Victoria, owner of international trend forecasters Scarlet Opus - is a respected trends speaker at exhibitions such as the London Stationery Show, Manchester Stationery Show and Exclusively Housewares.

He hasn't owned a TV in eight years, and once played tennis with John McEnroe. l Three words that best describe you? "Honest, blunt, homely." l A quirky fact we don't know about you? "I played John McEnroe at Junior Wimbledon at the age of 16. Unsurprisingly, I didn't beat him!" l What was your first job? "I was an apprentice draughtsman." l What was the best piece of business advice you've ever received? "Never burn your bridges because you never know when you might need to walk back over them." l What was the best piece of business advice you would give to someone else? "If you're heart isn't in it, don't do it." l Favourite film? "Mary Poppins." l Favourite book? "Comedian Lee Evans' autobiography. I like his outlook on life." l Favourite holiday destination? "Melbourne. It's the coolest city I know."

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Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide

l As a trend forecaster, do you follow the trends yourself?

"I'm conscious of trends rather than an avid follower." l What's your own home like? "Empty! Very calm and uncluttered. My wife Victoria and I constantly edit stuff out of our lives." l What would you take to a desert island? "It would have to be a notebook - and a pen of course!"

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BESPOKE

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It costs as little as £250 per annum to advertise in the Product Directory.

Contact Angie Bryant on 01993 212 994 for further information.

Just a few reasons to buy from Joe Davies

Wood, plastic, metal & glass frames.

Over 8000 gift items Low £100 minimum order ‘Little & Often’ order system Free carriage

T: 01908976443 E: sales@homsquare.co.uk www.homsquare.co.uk

Please contact our Award Winning sales staff for further details.

Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email sales@joedavies

www.joedavies.co.uk

GIFTS & GREETINGS

TRADE ASSOCIATION

The Giftware Association is at the heart of the UK’s gift and home industry with 70 years unique experience listening to your needs and finding solutions to your problems. We can help you make money, save money and save time with or knowledge and contacts within the industry.

Website: www.ga-uk.org Email: enquiries@ga-uk.org Tel: 0121 237 1104 10 Vyse St, Birmingham B18 6LT

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the UK’s Hottest Mother’s Day Jewellery Collection Joe Davies, 149 Broadstone Road, Reddish, Stockport, SK5 7GA Tel: 0161 975 6300 Fax: 0161 975 6301 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk f joedaviesgiftware 2017 12 - Pro Gifts back page Equilibrium Mothers Day.indd 1 OBC_GH_Dec Jan 2018.indd 1

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