January 2020.qxp_April 2007 11/12/2019 11:48 Page 1
January 2020
Eco-friendly - made from aluminium that is recycled & recyclable Ocean Friendly as plastic free Fairtrade & handmade by Indian craftsmen Individually gift boxed using recycled paper Makes a beautiful British designed eco-friendly gift Many New Ranges for 2020
Come and see us at Spring Fair Hall 3 Stand G50 2nd-6th February 2020 NEC Birmingham
COLLECTION
by Tilnar Art
01277 362 815 sales@tilnarart.co.uk www.tilnarart.co.uk PG_A4_Ad_12-19.indd 1 IFC_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
09/12/2019 08:51 10/12/2019 11:08
3_5.qxp_3 13/12/2019 15:48 Page 1
www.maxpublishing.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 Subscribe to Progressive Gifts from £60 (UK) to £90 (International). You can organise this quickly and easily online at our secure site: Max-Subscriptions.net For assistance, please email maxsubscriptions@marketingreinforcem ents.co.uk or call 0207 700 6740.
This Month
@Prog_Gifts
As 2019 comes to a close - a year that, for the most part, has been dominated by Brexit and the General Election - it’s hard to focus on the positives, especially when in retail, so many household names have struggled to stay in business. And yet, flip the coin, and the good news is that there has been a brighter side for many independents, thanks to more and more people getting the message to ‘shop local’. Many gift independents opened new stores this year (see pages 7-19), and with people actively reducing their carbon footprint, and consumers seeking out Above: The PG&H team are shown at last year’s Greats sustainable goods, independent gift retailers have Awards. From left to right (front): Ian Hyder and Angie Bryant, (back) Jakki Brown (left) and Sue Marks. been in a strong position to react to a changing Left: The coveted Greats trophy. market place. With all of this in mind, we asked a cross-section of gift shops to share their 2019 ‘positives’ with us. Turn to Looking On The Bright Side on pages 23-25. And talking of opportunities for gift retailers, could there be a better one than the ‘greatest of the great’ putting themselves forward for The Greats 2020 Gift Retailer Awards, now in their 18th milestone year? It’s the chance for UK gift retailers of all shapes and sizes to shine, to be recognised and rewarded. Here at Progressive Gifts & Home, we know that there are some great, forward thinking retailers out there! So if you’re a gift retailer who has put your all into taking your store to another level in 2019, we can’t wait to hear from you! An entry form is included with this issue, so why not fill it out now, or email me at suem@max-publishing.co.uk. And don’t forget, we’re also on the lookout for nominations from the gift industry - manufacturers, suppliers, agents and reps - who are at the sharp end of gift retail. For the full lowdown, visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk and make it a ‘must’ to read A ‘Greats’ Opportunity on pages 31-33. And so to the rest of the issue. For a quick re-cap on the highs and lows of 2019, turn to A Year in Gifts on pages 27-29; discover what’s changing, and what’s trending, in the reed diffuser market place (see pages 43-47); find out what will be ‘brand’ new on the licensing front this Spring (see pages 59-61); what continues to drive the collectables market place (see page 63) and why Belly Button Designs is excited to be celebrating its 25th milestone anniversary in 2020. We also talked to Stoneglow about what will be taking the company forward this year. (See pages 39-41). And with Mother’s Day the next big gifting occasion after Christmas, make sure you’re ahead of the game by turning to pages 55-57. Plus, if you want to know what’s buzzing on the trends front, turn to page 37! With a new year and a new decade about to unfold, I, for one along with the rest of the PG&H team - am already excited to be putting my best foot forward at the Spring trade shows. To find out Cover: Willow Tree, exclusively more about forthcoming exhibitions, both in the UK and available from Enesco. internationally, we tell you everything you need to know in our Copyright 2020. Whilst every effort has special Showtime 2020 section on pages 79-101. been made to ensure the information in this magazine was correct at the time of Wishing you all every success in 2020, and here’s to a very going to press, the publishers cannot accept legal liability for any errors or happy, healthy and sparkling New Year! 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.
ISSN 2515-7523 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
3
Be a part of The Greats 2020… victorious celebrations that will truly reward the best gi retailers in the UK
THE GREATS 2020 AWARDS HAVE LAUNCHED!
…there’s fresh new branding …the awards event will take place on Wednesday 13 May …at the wonderful Honourable Artillery Company in the heart of London …and, in keeping with the 75th anniversary of VE Day, The Greats 2020 will take on a victorious theme “My dear friends, this is your hour. This is not victory of a party or of any class. It's a victory of the great British nation as a whole.” – Sir Winston Churchill May 1945
Contact PG&H’s Angie Bryant about becoming a Greats sponsor on angieb@max-publishing.co.uk or 01993 212994 Contact Clare Hollick of Keystone Communications about tickets The Greats awards on clare@keystonecomms.co.uk or 01733 294524 Keep your eyes peeling for entry and nomination forms, coming soon.
www.thegreatsawards.co.uk 004_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
16/12/2019 10:38
3_5.qxp_3 13/12/2019 15:49 Page 2
Inside
Est. 1980
By Talbot Fashions
7-19
News
21
Gift of the Gab WEATHERING THE STORMS
Beautiful Natural Paua shell
23-25 Feedback LOOKING ON THE BRIGHT SIDE 27-29 Industry Issue A YEAR IN GIFTS 31-33 The Greats 2020 A ‘GREATS’ OPPORTUNITY 37
Trends BEES ARE A BUZZING
39-41 In Profile: Stoneglow LOOKING FORWARDS LOOKING BACKWARDS 43-47 Spotlight On... Reed Diffusers STYLE & SUBSTANCE 51
Face To Face: Belly Button Designs 2020 VISION
55-57 Spotlight On... Mother's Day MUM’S THE WORD 59-61 Spotlight On... Licensed Gifts NEW YEAR, NEW BRANDS 63
Spotlight On... Collectables AN EMOTIONAL ATTRACTION
73
Sounding Off IS ANYONE LISTENING?
See us at Giving & Living Exeter Hall A Stand 505 12th - 15th January & Spring Fair Birmingham Hall 1 Stand H18 2nd - 6th February
74-75 Best Sellers 78
Behind The Counter: Mark Alexander
78
Last Word: Oliver Dall
79-101 SHOWTIME WORLDWIDE 2020
Call now for our catalogue or place your order online at: www.talbotfashions.com Minimum order just £25 (Ex VAT & P&P) 7
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
Howard Terrace, Brighton, East Sussex, BN 1 3 TR Tel: 01273 776415 E mail: info@talbotfashions.com
www.talbotfashions.com
PERFUME MIST DIFFUSER This Perfume Mist Diffuser uses ultrasonic technology designed to deliver the perfect amount of scent in minutes, with the power to fragrance your home and transform your mood with a collection of captivating fragrances by Stoneglow.
Enhance wellness and create your perfect mood
Find Us
Maison Et Object, Paris – January 2020 | Atlanta, USA – January 2020 | Top Drawer – January 2020 HOMI, Milan – January 2020 | Spring Fair, Birmingham – February 2020
006_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1 SS20 Modern Classics Advert-240x315-Range-2.indd 1
10/12/2019 29/11/2019 10:51 16:46
7_9_11_13_15_17_19_muk.qxp_31/33/35/37/39/41 13/12/2019 15:29 Page 7
Industry News
A Taste Of Christmas
Calling All Gift Retailers! Could Your Shop’s Name Be On A Greats Trophy? With The Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2020 in full swing, it's all systems go to discover the extra special gift retailers that are standing out from the crowd. “We know that there are some incredible, fantastic gift retailers out there, and we want to recognise and reward the ‘greatest of the great’,” states Sue Marks, editor of PG&H. “We’re on the lookout for those extra special gift retailers, gift departments, lifestyle stores, specialist jewellery shops and garden centres that have shown entrepreneurial flair in responding to the changing retailing landscape. “The Greats are a fantastic opportunity for gift retailers across the board - from the tiniest village shop to the largest multiple - to bang the drum for their achievements over the past year, with a myriad of PR opportunities for the winners and finalists that can help to boost awareness and footfall.” In addition to self-nominations, nominations are also invited from suppliers, manufacturers, reps and agents. Visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk or www.GiftsandHome.net which feature details on how to enter The Greats Awards 2020, together with downloadable entry forms. Entries can also be emailed to suem@max-publishing.co.uk. The closing date is January 31, 2020, with the winners announced at The Greats Awards 2020 on May 13, taking place at the Honourable Artillery Club (HAC) in London’s trendy Shoreditch. First launched in 2003, The Greats Gift Retailer Awards are owned and organised by Max Publishing and Progressive Gifts & Home. (See A ‘Greats’ Opportunity on pages 31-33). Left: Last year's winners are shown on stage at the Grosvenor House proudly waving their Greats trophies in the air.
2020’s Fabulous Greats Sponsors The impressive line-up of 2020 Greats Awards sponsors currently include (in alphabetical order): Candlelight; Gift Republic; GiftsandHome.net; Gisela Graham; Harrogate Christmas & Gift; Joe Davies; Progressive Gifts & Home; Premier Decorations; Progressive Greetings Live; Spring Fair and Autumn Fair; Wrendale Designs and The Giftware Association. For remaining sponsorship opportunities, please contact Angie Bryant on 01993 212994; email: angieb@max-publishing.co.uk
Keeping It In the Family Family Matters is the motto for Christmasworld’s 2020/21 trends which are centred around enjoying things together, and celebrating and sharing happy moments, serving as a counterpart to the digital world, say the show organisers Messe Frankfurt. The January 2020 show will be unveiling three styles and colour schemes to reflect the themes - 'green ritual', 'silken party' and 'happy get-together' -which will form the centrepiece in the Trends area, featuring a selection of exhibitors’ products. Seminars and guided tours will take visitors through the different style worlds on display. Christmasworld 2020 takes place from January 24-28, 2020 at Messe Frankfurt. Visitwww.christmasworld.messefrankfurt.com
Destination retail complex The Hollies in Little Budworth - which includes awardwinning The Barn gift shop, the brand new lifestyle shop The Living Store and The Hollies Farm Shop - held a hugely successful A Taste of Christmas event at the beginning of December, attracting not just locals but visitors travelling from Liverpool, Manchester and Chester, covering a 40-50 miles radius. “We held a Taste of Christmas day on December 3 which saw amazing footfall across all our retail outlets,” comments director and co-owner Ed Cowap. “There was a real festive buzz, with music, food tastings from 15 different suppliers, and free mulled wine and cake for our visitors, all adding to the spirit of Christmas and our visitors enjoyment.” Below: Ed Cowap is shown outside The Barn gift shop at The Hollies.
Bucking The Trend Exactly six years after they opened The Indigo Tree gift shop in Streatham, South London, owners Adam and Harriet de Wolff recently ‘branched out’ with a new store in Crystal Palace. “We didn’t do any pre-publicity prior to the opening as we were not sure that the shop would be ready in time, but we were absolutely delighted by the response from our new customers - and the sales! Without any fanfare, we took more in our first weekend than in our established shop in Streatham,” confirmed Adam. He continued: “We have been planning to expand for a while, as we believe that consumers respond positively to something different.” With the new Crystal Palace store up and running, Adam and Harriet are now on the lookout for a third store. Below: The Indigo Tree’s new branch in Crystal Palace.
Left: Happy get-together.
FOR THE LATEST NEWS VISIT GiftsandHome.net PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
7
England DU: 29.11.2019
. 2 . 1 1 — O 7. — 2 O 2 S K O LO OD GO
70146-003_AM_Giving_Progressive_Gifts_Home_216x303 • FOGRA 39 • CMYK • js: 20.08.2019
the show
The market needs change. The product range continues to develop. The world’s most important consumer goods trade fair is a vibrant place. Synergies strengthen the mix – for excitingly different product assortments around gifts and personal accessories. Information and tickets: ambiente.messefrankfurt.com Tel. +44 (0) 14 83 48 39 83 info@uk.messefrankfurt.com
008_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
10/12/2019 10:52
7_9_11_13_15_17_19_muk.qxp_31/33/35/37/39/41 13/12/2019 15:29 Page 9
Industry News
Countdown to Christmas Have The Tills Been Jingling for Retailers?
Below: MOOCH on St Giles Street, Northampton. Below left: Jo Amor’s Christmas windows.
At the time of going to press in mid-December how has Christmas been shaping up for gift retailers? Enthused Rachel and Paul Roberts, owners of four MOOCH gift shops in Northamptonshire and Olney: "This is our third Christmas as MOOCH, our first with four shops, and it has been great! The busiest couple of weeks are still to come but we've seen some really strong weeks even early on in the season. Our shopping evenings were particularly successful this year, and we saw customers who came armed with lists and managed to get nearly all their Christmas gifts done in one visit.” Adds Rachel: The other thing that has performed really steadily for us is our website, and a mix of click and collect and deliveries, which has been really encouraging - definitely something that we hope to grow next year.” Also hearing the festive tills ringing has been Jo Webber, owner of Jo Amor in Tiverton. “So far so good,” she confirmed. “Our quirky mix of gifts, fashion and cards, that we buy and build from July, is hitting the spot.” Continues Jo: “Trading in a market town, we offer a wide range of products to appeal to all. But as they say, the job isn’t done until we close the doors on Christmas Eve. However, I know that we will have given it our best shot.” However, things were a bit slower for Mooch Gifts & Home in Bewdley and Stourport-on-Severn. “November didn’t see the usual early Christmas shoppers we have seen in the past,” commented co-owner Jon May. “However, following the ‘payday’ weekend we saw a flurry of shoppers through the door, and the second week in December in particular reflected the realisation from shoppers that Christmas was only two weeks away. Hopefully this will continue until we close on Christmas Eve. However the December General Election, Brexit and the continuous wet weather didn’t help the high street this Christmas.” At Daisy Park in South Molton, it was a similar story. "Christmas has been very slow this year,” concurs owner Emma Paisey. “People aren’t feeling it this year. In general, it’s been an extremely tough year for us.” Left: Daisy Park’s Christmas window. Above: Mooch’s front window in Bewdley, decorated with Christmas wreaths and seasonal plants, added something new for 2019.
Libra Launches A New Trade Website Interiors brand Libra has launched a new trade website designed to improve functionality and streamline order processes, offering customers an enhanced digital experience. The launch comes as part of a wider digital transformation for Libra, spearheaded by the brand’s new head of digital, Charlie Ruigrok, which will help to future proof the brand and support its nationwide network of retailers. “The last 10 years have been all about digital transformation and Libra is closing out the decade with its biggest digital strategy to date,” Charlie comments. “In a tough retail environment it’s important that we give our customers robust and reliable digital tools that bring together all the resources and expertise at our disposal.”
Christmas Video A Festive Hit A host of well loved ‘characters’ - Santa, The Grinch, Maleficent, a pantomime dame, a cow, Christmas elves and a Slytherin Death Eater - were all part of a Christmas video written and performed by the staff at Joco Interiors in Nuneaton, with the cast of the Eleventh Hour theatre group adding to the fun by arriving at the shop dressed as a variety of stage characters. “We received well over 1,000 views on YouTube, and the video has been shared numerous times on Facebook too, with a reach of over 3,600 views,” confirmed Joco’s owner Jo Williams. “In just five days we put together a rough outline of the storyline and completed the filming. The tag line was ‘No one spoils a Joco Christmas’. With a bit more planning for next year, we’re hoping to make this an annual event.” Below: Joco customers join in the fun of the gift shop’s first Christmas video.
Well, Dogonne! With the pet market predicted to be worth some £7bn in the UK in 2020/2021, pooch@mooch is a new ‘doggie’ department recently launched at Mooch in Bewdley and Stourport on Severn, as well as online. “People’s pets are like members of the family, so much so our customers want to buy them gifts for birthdays and Christmas,” explains Jon May, co-owner of Mooch. “Both our stores are doggie friendly, so it made sense to introduce pooch @ mooch in both our stores. We will be continuing to build this range with more products as we discover exciting new suppliers. In addition, we are aiming to work with a local maker to create an exclusive Mooch range.”
FOR THE LATEST NEWS VISIT GiftsandHome.net PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
9
010_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
10/12/2019 10:53
7_9_11_13_15_17_19_muk.qxp_31/33/35/37/39/41 13/12/2019 15:29 Page 11
Industry News
‘Live Design’ At Top Drawer Clarion Reveals The Top Five Trends For 2020/2021 A passion for design will once again be revealed when Top Drawer opens its doors at London’s Olympia from January 12-14. “Design is at the very heart of our DNA and shared by everyone who is part of Top Drawer - from retailers, exhibitors and designers to our curators, speakers and organising team,” states show director Alejandra Campos. “Our 2020 ‘Live Design’ campaign captures both the individuality and togetherness of this design community, and celebrates its love and passion for innovation and creativity.” 12—14 JANUARY 2020 | OLYMPIA LONDON For the second time, the show has partnered with global cultural strategy agency, Flamingo, to share five key trends for the coming year: Playful Chromatcs (rainbow palettes of block colours); Rare Bloom (bright pigmented florals); Refined Elementals (minimal luxe in subtle shades); Serene Warmth (a natural theme with touches of glamour); and Unadorned Tactility (interpretations of traditional materials and techniques). Taking to the stage, this year’s impressive line-up of speakers at RetailFest and Design Talk include Holly Tucker MBE, founder of Not-on-the-high-street and Holly & Co., Charlotte Derdeygen from M&S, Jack Norman from Selfridges, Louise Heal-Adonis from global cultural strategy agency Flamingo, and Tina Norden from Conran and Partners. l Prior to the show, Top Drawer will be revealing the winners of the bi-annual PaperAwards. Winners and runners-up will have their work showcased in the Greetings & Stationery area with each winner receiving a prize worth over £1,000. Above: Playful Chromatics from Top Visit www.topdrawer.co.uk Drawer exhibitor Donna Wilson.
Business Rates Reform While the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) welcomed the results of the government’s recent inquiry into business rates, ceo Andrew Goodacre (right) said that he was disappointed with the recommendations. “Although the report is clear about the current business rates system needing reform by removing complexities, incentivising investment and changing the Check Challenge Appeal process, which Bira agrees with, the government could do more,” stated Andrew. The committee behind the inquiry, led by The Rt Hon Nicky Morgan MP, visited the Bira offices in Birmingham in May to speak to retailers about the burden of business rates. At the meeting and previous meetings with the Treasury, Bira put forward its own suggestion of a rates free allowance of £12,000 for the smallest retailers. “We would like to have seen stronger recommendations for reform resulting in a reduction in the business rates burden on those businesses struggling the most,” commented Andrew.
New Parlane Showroom Opens Parlane has opened a brand new showroom in Leeds, based over two floors, showcasing Parlane’s 2020 collection of home accessories, along with furniture and lighting. “The new showroom is bright and airy and we’ve had a fantastic reaction from customers who agree that the layout makes it easier to buy from, making the experience more enjoyable,” comments Parlane’s head of sales Chris Lewis. Continues Chris: “The new showroom will provide the same excellent service and warm hospitality but is more convenient for our customers in the north, being located just off the M1 at junction 45.” Left: Among the room sets at Parlane’s newly opened Leeds showroom.
A Very ‘Stokey’ Christmas In mid December, Stoke Newington gift shops joined forces with other local traders as part of a fun Christmas event to promote local independents on the second Sunday in December. Enthused Jo Georgiou, owner of gift shop The Ark: “Anything that gets the community involved in supporting their local independents is fantastic, There’s so much negativity around that something like this gets people feeling optimistic and positive.” Above: Local Stoke Newington independents Among the organisers was Heidi Early, cogot behind A Stokey Christmas event. owner of Earlybird Designs. “We normally hold a late night shopping event in December but decided that this year we would devote a whole day to promoting Christmas shopping in the town,” she told PG&H. Activities took place in shops and cafes, ranging from prosecco and mince pies to candle dipping and a Christmas jumper competition. “We also had a Santa’s grotto outside the local fire station and received over 700 gifts,” confirmed Heidi. “Plus we had choirs and local musicians to entertain visitors as well as a fake snowball fight!” A raffle raised money for three charities – Hackney Quest; Solace and the Winter Toy Appeal.
Tenth Anniversary Show April 2020 will mark the London Stationery Show’s tenth year. “Over the past ten years the show has really evolved, moving from office products to retail and design-led stationery,” explains event manager Hazel Fieldwick. “We’re thrilled to be marking our tenth anniversary and will be making sure that it’s the best one yet.” The organisers are also on the lookout for talented new stationery suppliers looking to break into the stationery industry, with the show’s annual competition, LaunchPad, open for entries. With a closing date of January 27, 2020, entrants are being invited to submit an idea and product sample, with the prize a free exhibition stand at the 2020 show. The London Stationery Show takes place from 21-22 April 2020 at the Business Design Centre. Visit stationeryshow.co.uk. Above: The Business Design Centre will be hosting the 10th London Stationery Show.
FOR THE LATEST NEWS VISIT GiftsandHome.net PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
11
10,000+ lines to choose from Only £100 minimum order ‘Little & Often’ ordering system FREE next day delivery Award winning customer service equilibrium
Polka Dot Brolly Ducks
Equilibrium® Fashion Scarves
Thoughtful Words
Equilibrium® Sentiment Lockets
Bree Merryn Deirdre Duck
Sock Society
VIllage Pottery Money Boxes
See hundreds of brand new Christmas gifts
Harrogate Christmas & Gift Harrogate International Centre Stand C19 - 12-15 JANUARY 2020
2-6 FEBRUARY 2020 Joe Davies 149 Broadstone Road, Reddish Stockport SK5 7GA Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk www.joedavies.co.uk
The ‘Little & Often’ Giftware Supplier 2019 12 - Progressive Gifts FP Jan Issue.indd 1 012_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
06/12/2019 12:09:50 10/12/2019 10:54
7_9_11_13_15_17_19_muk.qxp_31/33/35/37/39/41 13/12/2019 15:30 Page 13
Industry News
‘Queen of Cakes’ Mary Berry To Speak At Spring Fair Mary Joins ‘Queen Of Shops’ Mary Portas Much loved food writer and TV presenter Mary Berry, affectionately known as the ‘Queen of Cakes’, will be among the keynote speakers at Spring Fair 2020. Making an appearance on the Captivate Brands stand, Mary will also be taking to the stage to talk about her newest creative collaboration with the company and how she takes inspiration from her garden. Making a return to the NEC will be ‘Queen of Shops’ Mary Portas, who was among the keynote speakers at Autumn Fair, with other keynote speakers at the February show including Oliver Bonas, John Lewis, Selfridges and Harrods as well as JML. “Our 2020 line-up is highly relevant for today’s challenges,” states Spring Fair’s portfolio director Charlie Cracknell. “It will help shape thinking and we anticipate it to be our most exciting yet. We’re taking steps to embrace and indulge inspiring ideas from the industry’s most exciting innovators and disruptors. We want attendees to leave feeling invigorated, inspired, and with a new mindset for the year ahead and beyond.” Spring Fair takes place at the NEC in Birmingham from February 2-6. Visit www.springfair.com
Riding The Whitby Wave Following the success of gift and home shop Kemps General Store in Malton, owner Liz Kemp - a finalist in The Greats 2019 Best Newcomer Midlands, North & Scotland category - recently opened Kemps On the Coast in Whitby. “It’s Kemps with a salty twist,” quipped Liz. “The growing success and investment in Whitby and its year round attraction makes it a hot destination and I’m looking forward to riding that wave.” In 2018, Kemps was one of 100 UK businesses nominated in the annual Small Business Saturday event. The store was also shortlisted in the FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards 2019. Products are mainly British made and sourced locally. Below: Liz Kemp is shown in her new Whitby shop.
Above: Mary Berry will be among the keynote speakers at Spring Fair. Left: On stage at Autumn Fair, Mary Portas was interviewed by Ashley Armstrong, retail editor of The Times. Mary will be making her debut at Spring Fair in February.
Banging The TV Drum For Advents
Sing Loud, Sing Proud
Although the General Election dominated the viewing schedules on December 12, some light relief could be found on BBC’s Behind The Factory programme at 9pm, with footage of Woodmansterne’s Advent colour production. “The show focused on party food with Advent calendars as the show’s historical angle,” explained Woodmansterne’s head of marketing Kate Leach. “The production company were keen to delve into our archive as well as seeing Above: Some of the Inside the modern day production methods and designs,” continued Kate. “They Factory film crew and presenters loved the fact we were a UK manufacturer, designing, printing and die in Woodmansterne’s showroom cutting in house at our Croxley site,” she added. during the day of filming. The presenters discussed the continuing popularity of traditional paper Advent calendars to retain and rekindle the magic of Christmas, “especially as they are healthier alternative to chocolate ones!” quipped Kate.
The new Christmas ad from Visa was a rallying call for consumers to shop at their local bricks and mortar independents. It featured a heartfelt rendition of Queen’s classic ‘Somebody to Love’ sung by various independent retailers, including homewares stockists. Independents were invited to get involved by entering a Visa competition to help spread love for the high street and its hard working businesses, with the company challenging indies to make their own 30 second version of its Christmas advert by singing along to ‘Somebody To Love’ and then sharing their video publicly. The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) supported the campaign by sharing Visa’s ad with its members.
Small Is Beautiful
Above: Within Reason in Sheffield.
Below: Homewares stockists were among the independent retailers in Visa’s Christmas ad.
Family-run independent gift shop Within Reason, a finalist in The Greats 2019 Awards, was among the 13 winners of the inaugural Sheffield City Awards, winning the Small Retailer category. The award was given to a store employing 15 staff or less and offering a unique selling point (USP). Co-owned by sisters Rona and Heather Stevenson for over 30 years, Within Reason is a big part of Sheffield’s ‘indie’ quarter, and underwent a major refurbishment last year. The awards are based on nominations from both the public and local businesses.
FOR THE LATEST NEWS VISIT GiftsandHome.net PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
13
FEBRUARY 2-6 2020
Visit us in Hall 20 The Summerhouse Stand: C20-D21
PARLANE 2020 COLLECTION: Our fresh 2020 collection is available to buy online, at our flagship showroom in Gloucestershire and at our new showroom in Leeds. Contact us now to book your appointment.
014_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
11/12/2019 11:46
7_9_11_13_15_17_19_muk.qxp_31/33/35/37/39/41 13/12/2019 15:30 Page 15
Industry News
Chilly’s Fast Tracked To The No 1 Spot Re-usable Bottle Company Leads In Sunday Times’ Fast Track 100 Re-usable Chilly’s Bottles have been among the success stories for many gift retailers, with the company’s coowners, James Butterfield and Tim Bouscarle, seeing sales rocket by 284.01% over the past year, earning them the top place in the Sunday Times Fast Track 100 table. The brainchild of university student James Butterfield in 2010, who was joined by Tim Bouscarle the following year, the company has grown from James’ initial idea of finding a replacement for plastic bottles to enable consumers to have cold water on the move, to a business that makes 3.5m bottles and coffee cups a year, with sales of £11.9m. Above: A selection of Chilly’s Bottles With both James and Tim having previously worked - and met - on display at Jo Amor in Tiverton. while working in digital marketing, growth has escalated through social media advertising. As the headline sponsor for June 19’s National Refill Day, Chilly’s created a bottle in support of the campaign. For every Refill x Chilly’s bottle purchased, the company donated £10 to City to Sea - the organisation behind the campaign - to help protect the UK’s oceans. “Chilly’s Bottles’ mission is to accelerate the adoption and everyday use of reusable products,” explained James and Tim, “and we’re looking forward to continuing our support of the Refill campaign and its incredible work which is estimated to be on track to save over 100 million singleuse bottles from entering our waste stream by the end of 2019.”
Seaside Treats Coastal trade show Giving & Living will be welcoming visitors when the exhibition opens its doors from January 12-15 at Westpoint Exhibition Centre in Exeter. Showcasing a diverse range of coastal themed products, special features include The Coastal Path; Designed and Made in Britain; Naturally; Newcomers and Speakers Corner. (See Giving & Living on page 87). Visit givingliving.co.uk
Inspiring Film In Support Of Indies With support for the high street uppermost in everyone’s minds, Jack Parker and Dominique Miranda, directors of Lanther Black card company, recently went all out to support independent retailers, with gift shops very much a part of the initiative. The talented couple turned their creative skills to make a short film which makes a strong point about the importance of shopping in bricks and mortar shops through a multi-versed engaging poem written by them. Eight of the publisher’s independent retailers from around the UK were invited to star in the film too, reading a verse of the well-crafted poem. They were: Fiona Hannafin of Inspitalfields, London; Georgina Collins of Bijouled; Mark and Rose Thorley of The Eleventh Hour Gift Shop, Audlem; Catherine Lockerbie of The Gift Shop, Dumfries; Tony Dangerfield of The Waverley, West Kirby; Harrogate; Mary Singleton-Jones of Panda Cards, St. Albans; Barbara Scott of Hermitage Rd & Co, Hitchin and Tim & Annie Gould of Objectables, Folkestone. “We were inspired by the activity of the Just a Card campaign and felt compelled to put our filmmaking skills to good use to encourage people to support their local retailers,” explained Jack, who has been making films since he was a child. Adds Dominique: “The film has gained a lot of ‘likes’ on Facebook, and we will be sending it to the councils in the areas where the retailers involved are based, as well as to other relevant organisations.” Left: Lanther Black’s Jack Parker and (right) Dominique Miranda with Barbara Scott of Hermitage Road & Co, Hitchin who appears in the film.
Gift of the Year Shortlist Revealed The Gift of the Year shortlisted companies have been revealed by The Giftware Association following a four day judging period of hundreds of products by a judging panel of buyers, retailers and key industry experts, to include Progressive Gifts & Home/GiftsandHome.net editor Sue Marks. “This year, we expanded the shortlist which means that there are even more delighted suppliers,” commented project manager Luke Palmer. Luke revealed that several judges admitted that they struggled to choose only a limited number of products. “More than one praised the creativity on display,” Luke added. The final stage of the judging will be taking place on Thursday January 9 in Birmingham, with the finalists announced the following day. The winners will be revealed at an awards ceremony taking place at Spring Fair in February.
Helping To Raise Funds For Marie Curie The new i like birds gift and home range from My Gifts Trade, launching at Spring Fair in February (Hall 8 Stand C60-C71; B70C71), is a significant collaboration with Marie Curie, with a very personal meaning for i love birds founder Stuart Cox. Explains Stuart: “My mum was diagnosed with a super rare cancer of the spine and we were told she did not have long left to live. She managed a year, the last part of which was in a hospice, where they managed to turn what should have been the worst days of my life into a beautiful celebration of her life. The hospice let her go out in a gentle and graceful way, with views of the birds from her window, so it's a cause close to my heart and not a charity collaboration that’s been plucked out of thin air.” The new collection includes home textiles and accessories, ceramic products and a decorative pin featuring a daffodil and Blue Tit design created by Stuart exclusively for the charity. Some 10% of the proceeds from every piece sold will be donated to Marie Curie. Above: The exclusive i like birds enamel pin designed by the company’s founder Stuart Cox for Marie Curie.
FOR THE LATEST NEWS VISIT GiftsandHome.net PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
15
016_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
11/12/2019 11:58
7_9_11_13_15_17_19_muk.qxp_31/33/35/37/39/41 13/12/2019 15:30 Page 17
Industry News
25 Best Small Shops Gift Indies Commended At The House of Commons Four gift shops were among 25 Best Small Shops in the UK, all in the running to be named Britain’s Best Small Shop 2019, with the winner ‘crowned’ at a prestigious event held at the House of Commons at the beginning of November. Among them were Greats award winning gift shops Mooch Gifts & Home, which has shops in Stourport on Severn and Bewdley, and Joco Interiors in Nuneaton. Also in the running were independent gift shops For The Love of the North in Whitley Bay and Oliver’s Brighton, which are both Above: Mooch’s co-owners Jon May and Luke Jacks celebrating their second successful year in business. “This year has been amazing for the business and are shown at the Britain’s Best Small Shops event. we were thrilled to be shortlisted,” Joco’s owner Jo Williams told PG&H, while Jon May, co-owner of Mooch Gifts & Home said: “customers have been coming into our shops to say you really deserve this. To be in the top 25 Best Small Shops final is a great achievement for us,” he emphasised. “It’s great to be able to celebrate the lifeblood of our high streets, our independent retailers, especially at this time of uncertainty and discord,” stated Meryl Halls, vice chair of the Independent Retail Confederation (IRC), organisers of the competition. “The role of an independent retailer can seem like a thankless task but they are nothing if not survivors. Small shop owners employ local people and contribute to local communities and we are so pleased to have been able to showcase the best of independent retailing and give a vision of how engaging and exciting our high streets can be.” The winner of the competition was deli Papadeli in Bristol. Runners up were The Recycled Candle Company and Bookish in Crickhowell. l In addition to being a finalist in the Britain’s Best Small Shop competition, Joco Interiors was announced as the winner of the Retailer of the Year at the Coventry Telegraph Business Awards.
PEOPLE p Three members of the Stoneglow team will be celebrating their 25 year anniversaries in 2020. “Back in 1995, I originally only came on board for six months and a quarter of a century later I’m still here!” commented commercial director Louise Dooley. Also celebrating 25 years will be production manager Jennifer Shaw, and sampling processor Tina Broom.
‘Date Night’ For Wrendale Adding to the company’s already bulging trophy cabinet, multi-award winning gift company Wrendale Designs triumphed at The Calies 2019 calendar awards in November. To the delight of founder and creative supremo Hannah Dale, Wrendale’s The Country Set Family Organiser was announced as the winner of the Best Family Organiser or Planner category. The Calies 2019 - the UK’s only dedicated awards for calendars, diaries and Advents - took place at London’s Stationers’ Hall, and are organised by Max Publishing. Visit www.theukcalendarawards.co.uk
Making (Radio) Waves Aga Gabrysiak and Richard Marsden, co-owners of gift shop Highworth Emporium in Highworth, recently joined BBC Radio Wiltshire’s presenter Tim Weeks for his weekly show The Socials. Explained Aga: “The show focuses on businesses who use social media to promote their business, but we also talked about how and when we decided to start the business, etc. It was a very social chat in a relaxed atmosphere and we both really enjoyed it. Just before we went live, we posted on Facebook about it, so lots of our customers listened in to the interview and we received a lot of really nice comments from them.” Above: Aga Gabrysiak and Richard Marsden with BBC Radio Wiltshire’s Tim Weeks.
Signing Event Delights Collectors At the beginning of November, Enesco held a special signing for fans of American artist Jim Shore, which saw collectors queuing for several hours before the event started in order to meet their hero. Held at Lord Collectables at the Birchgrove Garden Centre in Pinchbeck, Spalding, queues started forming from as early as 4.30am! Some 350 Jim Shore enthusiasts came from as far as France, The Netherlands and from all over the UK, with many driving for over four hours to meet their hero. Explained Enesco’s marketing manager Aylish Ellwood: “Jim signed non-stop for almost seven hours, speaking to the last person in line for as long as the first person. Friendships Above: American artist Jim Shore recently met fans at a signing at were made and stories told as collectors shared stories of their own Lords Collectables in Spalding. collections with each other.” A further six signing events took place throughout Europe, to include Ireland, Disneyland Paris, The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.
Above: Wrendale Designs’ founder Hannah Dale (centre) was presented with her Calies trophy by Amanda Fergusson, ceo of the Greeting Card Association (GCA). Also shown is compere Stuart Goldsmith.
A New Global Era Mad Beauty has further strengthened its relationship with Disney, building on its success in the UK and the whole of the EMEA region, (which has recently seen Australia and New Zealand added), to extend the deal to include the US, Canada, Brazil and Mexico. “We are so excited to be able to take our designs to the North American market and have Disney Consumer Products recognise this opportunity,” managing director Trevor Cash commented. “This is the start of a new era for Mad Beauty and we really hope the US and Canadian customers will be just as enthused by our Disney ranges as our existing customers.” Above: Mad Beauty’s Aurora wash bag.
FOR THE LATEST NEWS VISIT GiftsandHome.net PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
17
018_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
13/12/2019 10:43
7_9_11_13_15_17_19_muk.qxp_31/33/35/37/39/41 13/12/2019 15:30 Page 19
Industry News
Sophie Conran Bowls Over JLP On Black Friday Cereal Bowl Fastest Selling Home Product John Lewis & Partners’ best-selling home product on Black Friday (November 29) was a Sophie Conran for Portmeirion cereal bowl at £6, giving customers a saving of £4. Commenting on the day, John Lewis’ Bérangère Michel, partner and operations director, explained that the store’s Black Friday event had started the Friday before, on November 22. “Our decision to start promotions earlier this year reflects the fact that Black Friday continues to extend across a longer period. In addition to our deals, we monitored and price matched high street competitors throughout the week to offer our customers some of the best deals on the high street. With some of our most compelling deals having gone live overnight, Black Friday itself (November 29) was particularly busy with customers taking advantage of the new offers.” The department store’s busiest shopping hour online was between midnight and midday on Friday November 29, especially between 9am and 10am. The department store confirmed that the number one searched for products were LEGO, iPads and Airpods. According to analysts, overall, this year's Black Friday promotion was predicted to break buying records. Above: Black Friday started a week early at John Lewis & Partners. Left The coveted Sophie Conran cereal bowl.
NEWS IN BRIEF p The latest research from Mintel predicts that December will see steady growth in retail reaching £48.7bn, up 3.8% on 2018. p New research from Capgemini and YouGov found that 40% of 18-34 year olds were predicted to spend more on their holiday shopping in 2019 than last year, compared to an overall average of 28% for all age groups with shopping expectations changing. Above: Millennials will be driving festive sales.
p John Lewis & Partners and Waitrose & Partners collaborated in a joint Christmas ad that celebrated gift giving and friendship. p Research by GB Posters revealed that over a quarter of secret Santa participants struggle to find a suitable present for their giftee with some 15% saying that they felt obliged to take part. p The National Gallery has collaborated with De Montfort University to launch an illustration competition, giving students the opportunity to create graphics and illustration for use on a product range which will be part of the gift shop offering.
New Spanish City Store Following the recent re-opening of regenerated Spanish City in Whitley Bay, husband and wife Lucy and Paul Hull opened a fourth For The Love Of The North gift shop in the famous landmark building that is a focal point for locals. “Opening in Spanish City taps into or love of the city,” explained Paul. “We believe that people want to shop local and to support independents.” The couple started out with an online shop in 2017 and opened their first bricks and mortar shop in their home town of Whitley Bay three months later. The following year, a second outlet followed as a pop up shop in a shipping container in The Stack, Newcastle, with a third For The Love Of The North opening in Corbridge earlier this year. “We now have four physical shops selling North East gifts, prints and cards which are sourced from over 75 creatives who live and work in the North East of England,” Lucy confirmed. “Everything we sell is quirky and represents the North East in some way.” Above: Lucy and Paul Hull outside For The Love Of The North in Spanish City.
Re-routing HOMI
Left: Taitu’s Forever collection.
Milan’s lifestyle trade fair HOMI, which takes place at Fiera Milano in Rho from 24-27 January, has created three visitor ‘routes’ - HOME Retail Inspiration, HOME Boutique&Design and HOME International Delivery - to help visitors navigate the show. Ahead of the trends, HOMI will be bringing together a wide range of designers and products with a focus on both artisan, Italian and international products. A new layout at the show will ensure that the exhibition is user friendly. The event will also include a packed program of workshops, talks and meetings, offering trade visitors an overview of market trends, ideas and suggestions. Festivity will be co-located with HOMI, taking place from January 22-26. Visit www.homimilano.com
Celebrating 70 Years Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair is celebrating its 70th anniversary in January, with show organiser Simon Anslow commenting: “It is incredible to think that a trade show can still be going strong after 70 years. It’s a testament to the gift industry and its ability to adapt and evolve over the decades. We started out with the toy industry in 1949 and have evolved to feature festive goods and gifts.” (See Harrogate Christmas & Gift on page 89). Visit www.harrogatefair.com
Visit Scotland Over 580 exhibitors will be showcasing their products at Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring/Scotland’s Speciality Food Show, being held at the SEC Glasgow, from January 19-21. Spanning gifts, jewellery, textiles, crafts, food and drink, one third of exhibitors are new to the show, with the Launch Gallery a mecca for new young producers returning. Visit www.scotlandstradefairs.co.uk
FOR THE LATEST NEWS VISIT GiftsandHome.net PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
19
Combining our knowledge of plant material, aromatherapy, and natural extracts, with skillful formulation techniques, every Faith in Nature product is crafted by our in-house experts
See the full range at...
Christmas & Gift Spring Fair Harrogate Exhibition Centre NEC Birmingham 12 - 15 January 2020 2-6 February 2020 Stand D17 Hall 3, Stand 3A20-B21
Xystos Well-Being •
Flame & Fragrance • Gifting
046_GH_Dec JanFebruary 2020.indd 1 Gifts October January 2020.indd 1
For more info, contact our Customer Service Team Email: sales@xystos.co.uk or Tel: +44(0)191 499 1570 www.xystostrade.co.uk
12/12/2019 12:39:42 16:23 12/12/2019
21.qxp_22-23 06/12/2019 15:10 Page 21
Left: Nic Stone. Below and centre: The weather can have a significant impact on business.
GIFT OF THE
GAB
Weathering The
Storms As the year comes to close, Nic Stone, owner of The Bottle Kiln in West Hallam, draws an analogy between the vagaries of the great British weather and politics, where he’s hoping for a ‘dull’ year given the ‘storms’ of the 2019. “How we British love to talk about the weather! And, of course, there is so much to talk about: how hot, how cold, how wet it is, how the patterns are changing, and so on. I have to say that as a person who can struggle with small talk (ie a man) I find the weather an absolutely reliable source of easy conversation with customers, even as the weather itself becomes increasingly less reliable. Every retailer knows that a chat about the awful drizzle/very welcome sunshine takes about the same amount of time as putting a sale through the till and wrapping some goods. The great worry at this time of year, of course, is the possibility of snow. Two weeks of serious white stuff in December can pretty well wipe out all of the profit from the season, and in the worst case, leave you with a lot of unsold seasonal stock. Some 20 years ago this used to happen with some regularity. Now, happily, less so, although this year we have been promised a particularly severe winter - as if anyone anywhere really knows what the weather will do! The only winter in recent years not preceded with chilling predictions of a mini ice age was the one where we actually got some serious snow and ice, so I think we can take some of these dire warnings with a pinch of salt, even as we (very wisely) stock up with bags of salt. It is fashionable for business commentators to sneer when retailers blame the weather for poor results but, in my
experience, the weather has a significant impact, quite often even more so than the state of the economy. It will be different for every business of course. For example, we are completely baffled when we are told that a long hot summer will produce bumper sales. Eh?? My guess is that this can only come from the supermarkets selling beer and barbecue meat as I hardly think the first thing British shoppers will do when the sun finally shows its face is to head down to the shops. In our business the first beautiful sunny days of the year can be almost as quiet as the first
snowy ones. Likewise fog, floods and high winds. For us the weather that brings the shoppers out most effectively is grey and dull weather, neither bad enough to keep you in nor pleasant enough to lure you outdoors. Happily, in a normal British year, we get plenty of these. However, I very much hope we don’t get a long, cold winter this time. Our experience of this year has been of a pervasive sense of uncertainty and precariousness. Trade has had moments of
being normal, even quite good, but very much punctuated with quite long quiet spells when there is there is a strong feeling of people tightening their belts in anticipation of difficulties ahead. Whatever you think of the damned ‘B’ word, it hasn’t been good timing, with the whole economy still struggling to get back onto a sound footing, and great swathes of the retail landscape feeling like they could topple over and vanish at any time, as indeed they have been doing already. I do strongly feel that if, in future, we decide to have a bitter and protracted national bunfight over an issue which future generations will regard as - how shall I put it? - a fair way down the list of problems we ought to be concerned about all things considered, choosing a period of robust economic performance in which to do it. The timing has not been good and, together with the rest of the population, I heartily hope that things will settle down a bit in 2020 and we can enjoy some less inclement political weather. I think the rain and floods are telling us pretty clearly where our leaders’ attentions would be most productively employed right now. In the meantime I do very much hope that you had a profitable Christmas and that we are all in for a really dull year, if you know what I mean.” PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
21
fragrance + Bath + Cosmetics
Visit us at spring fair! 2-6 february 2020
Stand 3T24
-vegan products -eco-friendly -starter packs -order Today
www.agnesandcat.org - 0114 26 777 23 - enquiries@agnesandcat.org 022_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
16/12/2019 10:33
23_25.qxp_25/27 13/12/2019 13:27 Page 1
Feedback
Looking On The Bright Side There’s so much negativity written about retail today, as major multiples and department stores continue to struggle, with, sadly, CVAs becoming an all too familiar acronym. However, on the flip side, with the ‘shop local ‘ message kicking in, independents seem to be faring a lot better. As we celebrate not only a new year but also a new decade, PG&H asked independent gift retailers to look back and share their 2019 ‘positives’ with us.
A Fantastic Year Positives in 2019: “Despite the negativity surrounding retail at the moment, we have had a really successful year both in store and online which is very promising,” comments India Snow, owner of Sunshine & Snow in Bideford. “We opened up a second floor in June to expand our shop and offer a wider range of homewares and clothing which received a great reception from local visitors and holidaymakers. We also sell our products on the retail site Trouva, which was a great boost to sales in quieter periods throughout the year. In fact, we had such a high volume of orders leading up to Christmas we had to get more staff in to help pack them! “Plus, winning a Muddy Stiletto award for the Best Gift Shop in the South West was a great achievement for us, having only been open for a year. We were also a finalist in The Greats 2019 Best Newcomer - South and Wales category, which was terrific publicity for us.” Views on 2020: “The focus for 2020 has to be sustainability. We are looking to ban plastic packaging as well as any products made from plastic, unless they are recycled. This will be a gradual process, due to being in a small rural town. I think this decision will also encourage a lot of mindful consumers to start shopping with us. I also have plans to introduce a café to the store but I’m not sure if I’ll get round to that in 2020! I also want to continue to grow our presence on social media, as I find this a vital tool. As our small business keeps on growing I’m really looking forward to what 2020 has in store for us!”
We Won A Greats Award “Entering The Greats 2019 awards and winning our regional final - Independent Gift Retailer of the Year - North & Northern Ireland - gave us a massive boost in terms of recognition from both suppliers and customers, as well as a renewed enthusiasm for pushing the business forward, despite the current political and economic circumstances,” says Judy Evans, owner, Williams of Audlem in Audlem. “Economic uncertainty forced us to review and analyse our business. As a result, we dropped some old lines, invested in others, and keenly negotiated contracts with our service providers for electric, debit/credit card transactions, accountancy services and business insurance etc. We also worked closely with other retailers to promote local events that generated both footfall and interest in shopping local.” Adds Judy: “At the 2019 trade shows we attended, guest speakers, both well known and lesser known, proved to be a chance to meet and share knowledge with fellow traders.” Views on 2020: “The high street will continue to be a tough environment so retailers will need to generate business for themselves by positively engaging with customers, fellow shopkeepers, the local community, social and traditional media and suppliers. Trade is cyclical so it will be important to use the downturns positively to focus and reassess every aspect of the business to be ready for the next upturn.” Left: Williams of Audlem, Audlem.
Above: Sunshine & Snow, Bideford.
PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
23
024_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
16/12/2019 10:36
23_25.qxp_25/27 13/12/2019 13:27 Page 3
Feedback We Opened A Lifestyle Store “To complement our award winning The Barn gift shop at The Hollies in Little Budworth, we launched a brand new retail outlet - The Living Store – for Easter 2019, adjacent to our restaurant 59. It’s an upmarket lifestyle store which has similar vibe to Anthropologie,” explains Ed Cowap, coowner of The Hollies. “We sourced some fantastic, best selling brands for the store to include Chalk - spotted at Spring Fair in February - One Hundred Stars, Black Colour and Farrow & Ball paint, all of which our customers seem to love.” Continues Ed: “We also launched a brand new casual dining deli counter and bar in The Hollies Farm Shop, and with the move away from plastic, we introduced branded paper carrier bags to enhance the purchase across all our retail outlets. Another positive was our Taste of Christmas day on December 3 which saw amazing footfall across The Barn, The Living Store, The Hollies Farm Shop and our Christmas shop. It had a really festive buzz with food tastings from 15 different suppliers, free mulled wine and Christmas cake. Visitors came from a 40-50 mile radius to shop with us.” Views on 2020: “We will be continuing to concentrate on creating an amazing experience for our customers. We want people to go home talking about the positive experience they had when they visited. Plus, at The Hollies in Little Budworth, plans are underway to open a cookshop at Easter, to complement our Farm Shop and our other retail outlets, so that’s very much a positive to look forward to in 2020.”
Footfall Increased “A positive for The Present in 2019 was that footfall increased due to the effort we put into building and creating relationships with our customers to ensure repeat sales,” comments The Present’s owner Louise Rolfe. “We are a destination store - a one stop shop - and worked hard to offer a wide selection a gifts covering every aspect of our buyers’ needs. This has been reflected in our growing sales in accessories, such as Chilly’s reusable bottles, bags, scarves, jewellery and this season’s ‘must have’ - hair accessories! However, making the business a success hasn’t been just been about the product, it’s been about creating an ‘experience’. Friendly, smiling, helpful staff, scented candles burning, pleasant music playing and a well stocked and merchandised shop floor. We always get positive comments from our customers. “Another positive for 2019 has been an awareness of the environment. We have had customers saying that they do not want to drive to bigger, out of town shopping centres, or order so much online, because of their carbon footprint. I think it has been a contributing factor in our increased sales this season.”
Above: A singer entertains visitors at A Taste Of Christmas At The Hollies. Left: Chalk, among the successful new brands at The Living Store.
Sales Were Up “Loft & Spires has had a good year so far and we are up on last year,” confirms Loft & Spires’ owner Romy Abraham. “However, December is our biggest month and that can alter everything. Right now we don’t know the figures yet, but so far, day on day, we have been up. I really believe that this year’s Loft & Spires Christmas window display increased our footfall and takings.” Continues Romy: “Also, in 2019, I made a considerable effort to research and contact small artisans - often making product at their kitchen tables - to get fantastic products with a story into the shop, product which can’t be found everywhere. It keeps our customers interested and enthused. Yes, margins are hit a bit, but I think this is overwritten by customers returning again and again to find the unusual. Another positive is that Loft & Spire’s staff are a huge part of the success of the business. Mine are a second family and are fully involved in the buying decisions too. They have found and bought products which I would have dismissed.” Views on 2020: “It will be another tough year, so I’m currently devising some seasonal offers to drive sales, and am hoping to attend Home & Gift in Harrogate in July which will be a new show for me.” Right: The Christmas window at Loft & Spires, Bury St Edmunds.
Views on 2020: “In November, we were up 15% up on the previous year, so I’m hoping that this will continue next year at our busy times such as Mother’s Day. “With the increase in self buying I think we won’t be so reliant on the big gifting periods so my fingers are crossed that this will make a difference. Adds Louise: “There have definitely been more conversations and comments from customers re ‘shopping local’ and supporting the high street. With so many closures I think they are finally aware of ‘use it or lose it’. “As for visiting trade shows in 2020, we have added a day at Pure to our diary which is great for new jewellery and accessory buying.” Above: The Present, Barnet.
PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
25
004_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
10/12/2019 10:50
27_29.qxp_New Grid 06/12/2019 15:19 Page 27
Industry Issue
AYear In Gifts
Despite another very tough year for retail, with Paperchase among the high street brands obtaining a CVA, and (at the time of going to press) Clintons warning landlords that it could be closing 66 outlets, the good news has been that gift independents seem to have a spring in their step, confidently opening new stores, although inevitably, there have sadly been many casualties too. PG&H looks back at a year that saw two gift companies receive Queen’s Awards for Enterprise: International Trade, and ‘honours’ bestowed on a host of gift independents for being shining stars on the high street.
Who Opened What l The Indigo Tree in
Below: The Indigo Tree, Crystal Palace. Below left: HOLD, Brighton. Bottom: Kemps, Whitby.
Streatham opened a second store in Crystal Palace. l Lagom Designs’ Kelly Hyatt fulfilled a dream to open HOLD, a design-led lifestyle bricks and mortar store in Brighton.
l Tracey and Chris Bryant, owners of
Expressions in Swindon and the Cats Whiskers in Bishops Cleeve, acquired Polkadot in Keynsham. l Utility, which has three established gift shops in Liverpool, opened its first store in Manchester. l Liz Kemp, owner of Kemps General Store in Malton, opened Kemps On the Coast in Whitby. l For The Love Of The North opened a fourth shop at Spanish City, Whitley Bay. l Brocante opened a second shop in Fowey, bringing the total number of Brocante stores to four.
Right: Mooch in Olney. Below left: Peter Delaney, managing director of Gallery Direct. Below right: Alan Morgenroth (right) with Simon Willis.
l MOOCH in Northamptonshire
opened two shops - Olney and Towcester - to complement their shop on St Giles Street Northampton and a concession in Bell. l Gifted opened a fourth store in Bury St Edmunds.
Who Acquired Who
l Interiors company Gallery Direct strengthened
its business with the purchase of Parlane. l Portmeirion Group acquired Nambe, a US-
based premium, branded homewares business. l Retailer Alan Morgenroth,
owner of Goviers of Sidmouth, sold the business to Simon and Janet Willis, owners of Global Luxury Brands (GLB). l Xystos bought bath and body brand Di Palomo from owners Unex Designs.
Who Celebrated Milestones
l Wedgwood’s 260th anniversary
was commemorated with five new £2 coin designs from The Royal Mint. l Joe Davies celebrated 100 years. l Lang’s celebrated 70 years. l The Hollies at Little Budworth celebrated 60 years. l Yankee Candle and Two’s Company both celebrated 50 years. l Wild Things celebrated 35 years. l Arran Aromatics and Between the Lines celebrated 30 years, as did Cardgains. l Enesco celebrated 25 years as did Pintail. l Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) celebrated 21 years. l Gift retailers Utility in Liverpool and Manchester, Let’s Go Round Again in Wombourne, The Gift Box in Peebles and Welsh jewellery company Carrie Elspeth all celebrated 20 years. l The Old School Beauly celebrated 10 years.
Who Was Honoured
l The Queen’s Award for Enterprise:
International Trade was presented to two gift companies: Wrendale Designs and Rex London. Above centre: The cake says it all. Above: Utility celebrated 20 years. Right: Wrendale’s Hannah and Jack Dale.
Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
27
Championing British Manufacturing Created in the UK is the new mark promoting UK manufactured jewellery and silverware. Through the NAJ, individuals and companies will be able to apply for a license, allowing the trademark logo to be struck onto products.
naj.co.uk/created
created in the UK full page ad.indd 1 028_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
25/10/2019 12:40:44 16/12/2019 10:34
27_29.qxp_New Grid 06/12/2019 15:20 Page 29
Industry Issue
l Henri Davis was crowned as
l Having sold the business to
the winner of The Greats 2019 Honorary Achievement Award.
Gallery Direct, Mike Burgess, the former managing director of Parlane, retired after more than 50 years in the gift industry. l Having spent 30 years in gifts, Patrick Newton, managing director of Two’s Company by Mulhouse, retired in September. Above: Parlane’s former owners, Mike and Caroline Burgess. l Goviers of Sidmouth’s Alan Moregenroth retired after selling his giftware retail business to Global Luxury Brands. (See page 27).
Who Won What
l Within Reason in Sheffield
won the Small Retailer category at the inaugural Sheffield City Awards. l Joco Interiors won the Coventry Evening Telegraph Retailer of the Year 2019 Award, and was also commended in the 25 Best Small Shops Awards. l Also receiving a commended certificate at the 25 Best Small Shops Awards was Mooch in Bewdley and Stourport on Severn. l The Somerset Toiletry Company was recognised in the London Stock Exchange Group’s ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain 2019’ report. Top: Henri Davis. Above: Joco’s owner Jo Williams. Right: Mooch’s Jon May and Luke Jacks.
l In addition, the company’s
Beauty of Bath collection was shortlisted for the Pure Beauty Awards, with its luxury reed diffuser and soap bar a finalist in the Best New Design & Packaging category. l Greats 2019 winners Rachel and Paul Roberts, owners of MOOCH, which has shops in Northampton, Bell, Olney and Towcester, won the Retas Best Non-Specialist Independent category in July. l British brand Eloise Hall saw three products triumph in the Beauty Shortlist Awards 2019. l Greats winners, both past and present, were also among the retailers triumphing at the Muddy Stilettos independent retailer awards. The were: Josie’s Interiors and Sunshine & Snow in Bideford, and Daisy Chain in Histon. l For the second consecutive year, Greats 2019 winner Spirito, continued the shop’s winning streak as winner of the Best Gift Shop in Glasgow part of Scotland’s Business Awards. Left: Spirito’s owner Denise Laird (centre) is shown with Marion Johnstone (left) and Katie McKnight.
Who Retired
l After almost 20 years, Lawrence Bryan,
(right) director and chief executive of Portmeirion Group, retired from his executive duties, although he continues as a non-executive director. l David Metcalfe (left), credited with taking Spring and Autumn Fair from strength to strength, bowed out in February after attending his 50th Spring Fair.
Who Took Starring Roles
l It was standing room only
at Autumn Fair for ‘Queen of Shops’ Mary Portas, and former Dragon Theo Paphitis who shared their retail wisdom at the show. l Among the well known faces at Spring Fair 2019 was culinary legend Prue Leith, who launched a range of stationery with Portico and also popped up on the Ling stand at PG Live in June for the launch of the Prue greeting card collection. l A second familiar face at PG Live was ‘Princess of Punk’ Zandra Rhodes, who launched a stationery range on the Museums & Galleries stand. Above: Mary Portas and Theo Paphitis at Autumn Fair. Right: Prue Leith with PG&H’s editor Sue Marks at PG Live.
Who Hit The Headlines l Paladone was listed in the Sunday
Times International Track 2000. l Emily Coxhead, creator of The
Happy News, was filmed on the cobbles of Coronation Street as part of the Granada Reports programme. l Emily was also subsequently interviewed by Zoe Ball on her BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show in the first ever Tuesday Good News Day slot. l Wild & Wolf’s Ridley’s Games Avocado Smash was featured on the Chris Evans’ Breakfast Show. l Ridley’s Games were highlighted by Zoe Sugg (@Zoella) in her Day In The Life YouTube video. l Greats 2019 winner Aga Gabrysiak, owner of Highworth Emporium, was interviewed in an hour long programme on Swindon 105.5 Roundabout Swindon radio show as well as on BBC Wiltshire. l The Old School Beauly in Beauly invested in a debut Autumn advertising campaign on STV. Above: Emily Coxhead. Right: Aga (left) with assistant manager Paula Zielinksa at Swindon 105.5.
Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
29
0800 011 6969 customerservices@puckator.co.uk www.puckator.co.uk
030_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
10/12/2019 14:53
31_33_35.qxp_New Grid 06/12/2019 15:30 Page 31
The Greats 2020
A‘Greats’
Left: Could your shop’s name be on a Greats trophy in 2020? Below: Greats winner Judy Evans, director of Williams of Audlem, with a greeting card that says it all. Bottom: Last year's winners are shown on stage at the Grosvenor House proudly waving their Greats trophies in the air.
Opportunity! Winning a Greats Gift Retailer Award has become the pinnacle for gift retailers both large and small - a prestigious retail trophy that recognises excellence, initiative, innovation and professionalism at the highest level. With the competition now in its 18th milestone year, and with an exciting new London venue for 2020, there's still time to tell us why your shop could be a winner! Once again, Progressive Gifts & Home, organisers of The Greats Awards, is on the lookout for those extra special gift retailers, gift departments, lifestyle stores, specialist jewellery shops and garden centres that, despite a tougher than ever retail climate, are nevertheless managing to stay at the top of their game. With the competition well underway, it's all systems go to discover the extra special gift retailers that stand out from the crowd. “The Greats are a fantastic opportunity for
gift retailers across the board - from the tiniest village shop to the largest multiple - to bang the drum for their achievements over the past year, with a myriad of PR opportunities for the winners and finalists that can help to boost awareness and footfall,” comments PG&H’s editor Sue Marks. Sue adds: “The Greats Awards set out to recognise and celebrate those gift retailers who have shown entrepreneurial flair in responding to the changing retailing landscape. Once again, gift retailers of all
shapes and sizes are being invited to tell us about their marketing initiatives, their community involvement, how good they are at display, whether they’ve expanded or opened a new outlet, what they do online, as well as how they use social media to promote sales.” In 2019, Greats winners wasted no time in contacting their local media to shout about their success. At Highworth Emporium in Highworth, winner of the Best Newcomer South & Wales category, owner Aga Gabrysiak, was invited to appear on Swindon 105.5 community radio’s programme to talk about her success on an hour long show, Roundabout Swindon. “Entering any award is a great time to sum up your business, look at it from a distance and actually be proud of the success you have created,” Aga told PG&H. “Working hard every day you don’t really have time to stop and think about how great your stuff is, how many great reviews your business has received, how many new customers are coming through your door, how successful your social media activity is and so much more.” Among those hitting the headlines in their local newspapers was Judy Evans, director of Williams of Audlem, winner of the Independent Gift Retailer of the Year - North Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
31
S 032_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
13/12/2019 14:44
31_33_35.qxp_New Grid 06/12/2019 15:31 Page 33
The Greats 2020
& Northern Ireland category, who was delighted to receive coverage in three local newspapers: the Whitchurch Herald, the Shropshire Star and the Market Drayton Advertiser, as was Jo Williams, owner of Joco Interiors in Nuneaton, winner of the Independent Gift Retailer of the Year Midlands & Wales category. “Our success resulted in substantial coverage in the Nuneaton Reporter, Nuneaton News, Nuneaton Telegraph and Coventry Live online,” enthused Jo. In addition, Jo Webber, owner of Jo Amor in Tiverton, made headlines on Devon Live. On the social media front, Rachel and Paul Roberts, owners of Mooch on St Giles Street, (who also have shops in Towcester and Olney, as well as a concession in Bell), highlighted “a decent lump of love from our social media feeds. It was fantastic,” said Rachel. Visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk or www.GiftsandHome.net which feature details on how to enter The Greats Awards 2020, together with downloadable entry
Top left, top middle and above: The myriad of press coverage received by some of 2019’s Greats winners. Above left: Among the many tweets received by Mooch on St Giles Street congratulating owners Rachel and Paul Roberts on their success. Left: Who would like a slice of Greats cake? Highworth Emporium’s co-owners Aga Gabrysiak and Richard Marsden celebrated their success with a party for customers. Below left: What a ‘Greats’ cake! This ‘Greats’ cake was specially made for Greats winner Spirito in Glasgow. Below: Jo Webber, owner of Jo Amor, is pictured outside the shop with her trophy.
forms. Entries can also be emailed to suem@max-publishing.co.uk. The closing date is January 31, 2020. An entry form is also enclosed with this issue of Progressive Gifts & Home. First launched in 2003, The Greats Gift Retailer Awards are owned and organised by Max Publishing and Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide.
The Greats Sponsors 2020 The impressive line-up of 2020 Greats Awards sponsors currently include (in alphabetical order): Candlelight; Gift Republic; GiftsandHome.net; Gisela Graham; Harrogate Christmas & Gift; Joe Davies; Premier Decorations; Progressive Gifts & Home; Progressive Greetings Live, Spring Fair and Autumn Fair; Wrendale Designs and The Giftware Association. For remaining sponsorship opportunities, please contact Angie Bryant on 01993 212994; e: angieb@max-publishing.co.uk
How To Buy Tickets To book tickets to The Greats Awards lunch on Wednesday May 13, 2020, at the Honourable Artillery Club (HAC), contact awards manager Clare Hollick at Keystone Communications on 01733 294524 or email clare@keystonecomms.co.uk. Tickets can also be purchased at Max-Tickets.net Continued on page 35 Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
33
- The leading supplier of Personalised Gifts for over 15 years -
personalised memento co - est 2004 -
THE ONE STOP SHOP FOR
Personalised Gifts WWW.PERSONALISEDMEMENTO.CO.UK
sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk
- For Him - For Her - For Children - For The Home - For All Occasions -
Visit us at Spring Fair to see our full range of exciting new products for 2020!
Hall 3 Stand E22 - F23
0034_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
10/12/2019 10:58
31_33_35.qxp_New Grid 06/12/2019 15:32 Page 35
The Greats 2020
The Greats Awards 2020: The Lowdown DATE: May 13, 2020 VENUE: The Honorable Artillery Club (HAC) in London CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES: January 31, 2020 CONTACT: suem@max-publishing.co.uk
Invitation To The Greats Awards Lunch
Best Retail Employee Award What could be nicer than rewarding employees who treat your shop as their own and go the extra mile for both you and your customers every day? If you've got that 'special someone', a right hand man or woman working in your gift shop or gift department, now's your chance to nominate them for The Greats Best Employee Award. We want to know more about that person and why he or she stands out. Either download a Greats Best Employee entry form by visiting www.thegreatsawards.co.uk or www.GiftsandHome.net or email your entry direct to Sue Marks at suem@max-publishing.co.uk
The winners of The Greats 2020 will be announced at a fabulous Greats Awards lunch being held at a brand new London venue. “We have moved the event to a stunning new venue - the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) and Artillery Garden - close by to London’s trendy Shoreditch area,” explains Progressive Gifts & Home editor Sue Marks. “It’s a unique, vibrant venue that’s steeped in ancient history, reflecting this year’s theme of the Victorious Greats which ties in with the 75th anniversary of VE Day which takes place five days earlier. Everyone who is a part of the gift industry is invited to join in the celebrations!” l All guests attending the Awards on May 13 will also receive an exciting goody bag bursting with fabulous gifts. Above: The HAC is a new venue for The Greats Awards 2020.
Outstanding Achievement Award
While The Greats is dedicated to recognising and rewarding gift retailers, the awards also set out to highlight those special companies who provide exceptional service for their customers, with three separate awards - gold, silver and bronze - to be won. This year, a brand new Best Gift Supplier Marketing Award has been launched to recognise a supplier who has demonstrated excellence in marketing activities over the past year. To nominate your favourite suppliers, visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk or www.GiftsandHome.net and download an entry form or e-mail ianh@max-publishing.co.uk
Independent retail advisor and buyer Henri Davis was named as the winner of the 2019 Greats Honorary Achievement Award (now known as the Outstanding Achievement Award). “My initial reaction on hearing my name read out was complete disbelief that it could possibly be me that was being honoured in this way,” she told guests at the Awards ceremony. Do you know a very special person who deserves the 2020 Award? If so, we want to know more about them. Nominations are completely confidential and can be emailed to Ian Hyder at ianh@max-publishing.co.uk
Below: Beaming smiles from the gang at Joe Davies. The company won the gold award in the Best Service to the Independent Retailer category.
Above: Henri Davis, received the prestigious Greats Honorary Achievement Award 2019.
Above: Last year's Retail Employee of the Year winner was Beverley Yates, shop manager at Maddison in Harborne. She is shown with Clarion Events’ Louise Morris (right), and Alejandra Campos. Also pictured is the Greats Awards 2019 compere Henry Paker.
The Greats Supplier Awards
Win A £50 Golden Ticket As an extra 'gift', all independent finalists and winners of The Greats 2020 will receive a £50 bonus that can be spent against orders placed at the dedicated greeting card show PG Live, organised by Max Exhibitions, which takes place on June 2-3 at London's Business Design Centre in Islington.
Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
35
Contact us today to place your order Phone: +44 (0)117 316 1200
036_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
Email:sales@yankeecandle.co.uk
10/12/2019 14:55
37.qxp_New Grid 06/12/2019 15:39 Page 37
TRENDS
Bees Are A Buzzing Bees are buzzing around in gifts for Spring/Summer busily appearing on everything from ceramics, jewellery and candles to fashion accessories and decorative accessories. PG&H discovers what this season’s buzz is all about.
Left: Wild Things’ hanging Crystal Fantasy bee. Right: Equilibrium’s honey bee necklace from Joe Davies.
Above: Lesser & Pavey’s Busy Bee range, licensed by Jennifer Rose. Below: A bee mug in Gift Republic’s Insect Ecologie range.
Left: A new bee-themed handbag mirror from Caroline Gardner.
Left: A bee design in Wax Lyrical’s RHS Wildscents range.
Left: A glass beehive decoration from Gisela Graham. Below: Wrendale Designs’ bee watch and bee scarf.
Below: Dunoon’s Busy Bees Cairngorm mugs.
PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
37
000_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
12/12/2019 17:19
39_41.qxp_New Grid 06/12/2019 15:45 Page 39
In Profile: Stoneglow
Looking
Below: Louise Dooley and Curtis Simmons. Below left: Luna Oroblanco & Cardamom. Bottom: Modern Classic’s Pink Peony & Gardenia.
Forwards And Backwards With Stoneglow just shy of its 30th anniversary, the company is continuing to go from strength to strength, with exciting new Spring/Summer 2020 formats and fragrances - as well as some ‘re-imagined’ favourites - ready to be unveiled at the Spring trade shows, both in the UK and internationally. PG&H caught up with commercial director Louise Dooley, international sales manager Curtis Simmons and chairman Perry Simmons to find out more about what will be driving sales over the coming months.
the current economic climate, Stoneglow proudly reveals that 2019 was a stand-out one for the company. “At last year’s Spring Fair, where we exhibited in the Summerhouse - and where we were also delighted to be invited to dress the entrance to the Summerhouse hall - we overshot our target sales by 110%,” confirms the company’s commercial director Louise Dooley. “It was a really great start to the year, with overall growth in double figures. 2019 also saw us introduce a higher price point of £38 which has opened new doors for us.” (Good news for retailers is that, in 2020, current price points will be retained). Investment too, was significant. In 2019, the company invested over £100,000 in a reed diffuser production line at its Romford HQ that has enabled Stoneglow to
In
quadruple capacity. In addition, the size of the in-house sales team has doubled in the past 12 months to cover all strands of the business, from white label up to premium and high volume retailers. There has also been further investment in trade shows, particularly on the international stage, with Stoneglow making its debut at HOMI in Milan in January 2020, complementing all the major trade shows in the UK, as well as Maison&Objet in Paris and the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishing Market, where Stoneglow will be in prime locations at both international exhibitions. Giving the company the edge, both in the UK and overseas, is that not only are all
products designed and manufactured in the UK - fanfared with a union jack on the packaging - but that they are 100% fragrance-focused, with fragrances akin to perfumes. An example is the company’s brand new Papyrus Woods & Jasmine scent launching for Spring/Summer 2020. It was inspired by international sales manager Curtis Simmons’ favourite aftershave - Creed Aventus - an upmarket fragrance that’s favoured by a who’s who of celebrities. (The blend features green apple, blended with Calabrian bergamot, spiked with pink pepper, and watery green floral notes of jasmine and dry papyrus woods). Formats too, have upped their game. An ultrasonic perfume mist diffuser in four different colours - white, pink, grey and black - has been introduced in eight fragrances in the Modern Classics range: Sea Salt & Oakmoss, Orris & Ylang Ylang, Pink Peony & Gardenia, Green Fig & Cedar, Pomegranate and Spiced Woods, Grapefruit & Mimosa, Silver Birch & Black Pepper and Plum Blossom & Musk. “The new format is already doing phenomenally well, with our sales agents smashing their pre-sell targets for Spring/Summer,” reveals Louise. “The perfume mist Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
39
Come and see us at HARROGATE XMAS & GIFT STAND Q18
34_GH_Oct Nov 2019.indd 46 040_GH_Dec JanApril 2020.indd 1 1 000_GH_March 2019.indd
06/11/2019 17:06 12/12/2019 16:19 26/03/2019 11:12
39_41.qxp_New Grid 06/12/2019 15:46 Page 41
In Profile: Stoneglow diffuser is a great way to add fragrance to the home in an instant, and it’s great for layering with a candle or a reed diffuser as it intensifies the fragrance.” To help retailers to display it in store, and to explain the concept to customers, a starter kit has been launched that includes a stylish PoS display stand featuring the perfume mist diffuser, 48 fragrance oils and eight tester scents, along with a leaflet to help retailers with the sell through. (Other marketing activities include new branded carrier bags and branded tissue paper to increase brand awareness). Meanwhile, another brand new format for Stoneglow is a portable perfume card, available across the main Stoneglow collections, which can be used anywhere and everywhere. “It enables people to always have their favourite Stoneglow fragrance with them, at home, in the car, on holiday and so on,” highlights Louise.
Also helping to drive in sales in 2020 will be a raft of new fragrances that have been introduced to Luna (Neo Mint Oroblanco & Cardomom); Urban Botanics (Fragipani Neroli Blossom); Nature’s Gift (Yellow Tea Rose) and Infusion (Energise Lemon Tea & Grapefruit), where the company has also brought back Clarity into the collection by popular demand. Meanwhile at entry level, Stargazer Lily has
Left: The new perfume mist diffuser. Below left: Geometrics’ Rockrose & Pink Pepper. Below right: Stoneglow’s new perfume cards.
been added to the Botanic collection. However, as well as looking forward the company has also looked back to a wellloved favourite collection, Geometrics, putting a contemporary new twist on the range. “We’ve taken the essence of the old range and glamorised it by putting metallic finishes on soft matt vessels to add vibrancy and luxury,” explains Louise. Plus, a brand new fragrance has been introduced Rockrose & Pink Pepper - that has been combined with the company’s own natural wax blend. “It’s modern and feminine, a combination of fiery and soft,” says Louise. The fragrance joins Freesia & Cedar, Water Lily & Thyme and Bergamot & Musk, with the company putting colour on colour for the first time - for example, pink foil on pink, and blue foil on blue with the collection already snapped up by a premium UK supermarket. Modern Classics too, has been restyled to give it a contemporary feel, with the collections doubling its turnover in 2019. As for the company’s Milestone candle tins, launched a year ago, the range has been so successful that it has expanded from an initial six captions to 13. Internationally too, the company has had a record year, with sales growing exponentially in Switzerland and Asia, with
Emotional Connection “I definitely feel a strong personal connection to our brand new Luna fragrance Papyrus Woods & Jasmine,” states international sales manager Curtis Simmons. “It’s based on my favourite Creed Aventus aftershave and took months of in-house development to get the fragrance right. But perseverance paid off, and it’s great to be able to take my own personal fragrance into my home.” Left: Papyrus Woods & Jasmine.
South Africa booming too, where sales have trebled. “In Nigeria, we have taken on multiple distribution channels and really expanded our reach,” confirms Curtis. “In 2020, we will also be looking to expand in the Italian market place, as well as in both North and South America.” ‘Queen of Exports’, especially in the Asian markets - China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan and Singapore - are Stoneglow’s Nature’s Gift gel candles, that are made with essential oils and natural botanical pieces. “Sales are continuing to be extremely buoyant, with the range now in many of the largest department store in China to include the concept store The Beast,” highlights Curtis. Ultimately, the company says that consumers are looking for quality fragrances in the home. “People’s tastes are developing and they’re looking for the next big thing,” points out Louise. “They understand more about home fragrancing and they’re discerning, with reed diffusers starting to
overtake candles as a regularly used everyday item, although candles are still loved for the ambience that they create.” As for 2020, chairman Perry Simmons says, “no matter what the external factors, politically or economically, we’re continuing to focus on positivity. We have a great sales team covering the UK, as well as Northern and Southern Ireland, and our objective as always is to grow both in the UK as well as internationally. Our customers and their customers want new, new, new, and constantly look to us for new ideas and new fragrances, so we’ll be making sure that we deliver.” Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
41
Progressive Gifts Ad Feb 20.pdf 1 12/12/2019 10:34:50
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
042_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
12/12/2019 12:20
43_45_47.qxp_New Grid 06/12/2019 15:55 Page 43
Style &
Spotlight On... Reed Diffusers
Substance
Below: Animal Luxe from Candlelight features a gold leopard pot. Below left: Pattern and colour from Ashleigh & Burwood. Below right: Butterflies adorn the reeds in Wax Lyrical’s Harmony collection.
As festive fragrances make way for fruity scents and florals, as well as Oriental fragrances to tie in with the 2020 Olympics, PG&H sniffs out what's new in reed diffusers for Spring/Summer, and looks at how the vessels, reeds and formats have all taken a huge step forward, offering both the retailer and the consumer some exciting new choices. Reed diffusers have come a long way since they were first introduced in plain glass vessels, with design-led containers, quality reeds and exotic fragrance combinations a magnet for consumers, both as self purchases as well as gifts. But for many consumers today, the diffusers are as much about the vessel and the colour as about the fragrance itself. “This year it’s about pushing your reed diffuser to the limits,” emphasises Ashleigh & Burwood’s new product development manager Anna Borrett. “Decorative vase pieces introduce pattern and colour, with unusual reeds and toppers adding something surprising to their presentation.”
But as Anna points out, “a reed diffuser can also make a style statement in the home, with vibrant pattern filtering down from the catwalk into home interior trends for 2020. With our latest introductions including The Design Anthology, a diffuser can reflect the trends and patterns of the season demonstrating that the retailer and the consumer are both in the know.” She points out that in 2020, an Oriental influence will also be trending, driven by Japan as the host country for the Olympics in 2020. “We’ve therefore picked up on inspirations from the country’s rich culture and landscapes for the fragrances and packaging of our new reed diffusers in The Scented Home range, with three new limited edition scents designed to take the consumer on a fragrant journey across the Orient.” A taste of the East is also a big Spring/Summer trend at Candlelight. Sales director Debbie Isles explains: “We will be launching our new Chinoiserie reed diffuser range featuring fragrances Oriental Lily, Aromatic Shea and Oriental Flower, with packaging focusing on the hues of ochre, cool blue and blush.” Also new for Spring/Summer, and in complete contrast, are the company’s new Animal luxe reed diffusers featuring black reeds and a Midnight Pomegranate fragrance in a gold leopard pot, complemented by gold and black leopard print packaging. Plus there’s been the
addition of three new scents - Green Tea, Lavender and Vanilla - in the company’s Spa Day Relax, Revitalise & Restore diffusers which have been designed to reinvigorate the senses and promote feelings of relaxation and wellbeing. At Wax Lyrical, product development manager, Rachel Holmes, highlights that, in 2020, reed diffusers are becoming less disposable with refill fragrances allowing shoppers to reuse their vessel. “Our Kingsley and Atrium ranges both showcase this trend, with the attention to detail on reed diffuser designs for the home,” she explains. Continuing with the design theme, Rachel points out that reeds too, are becoming part of the style of the product. “New premium materials are being introduced, and decoration is being added to the reeds,” she states. “This is showcased in our Harmony range with a fluttering of ceramic Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
43
044_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
10/12/2019 10:58
43_45_47.qxp_New Grid 06/12/2019 15:55 Page 45
Spotlight On... Reed Diffusers butterflies featured on the reeds to complement the Botanic Garden style of the collection.” Yankee Candle meanwhile, has expanded its flameless fragrance offering with two recent product developments - a pre-fragranced reed diffuser and prefragranced reeds - featuring the company’s ten most popular fragrances. The reed diffuser can be used in the home with no liquid required and the option to increase the intensity of the scent, with refills available. Comments scent expert Karen Gilbert. “This is a great idea for those who travel and want
companies looking to introduce them into their ranges. “We have found that there is a demand for more fragrance in the home, so for 2020 we have added perfume mist diffusers into our popular Modern Classics collection, in four key colours, that fit into any space,” confirms Stoneglow’s commercial director Louise Dooley. “The electric unit instantly deliveries fragrance, and adds ambience with a soft warm glow.”
to take their favourite scent with them, as Yankee Candle’s prefragranced reeds can be put into a resealable bag and popped into a suitcase.” Ultrasonic diffusers too, are gaining in popularity, with more Above: Stoneglow’s new perfume mist diffusers. Left: Yankee Candle’s new prefragranced reed diffusers and pre-fragranced reeds. Right: Limited editions California Cactus and Rooftop Garden from ipuro’s Classic Collection are distributed in the UK by Valerie Graham.
Continued on page 47
Colour ‘Must Haves’ With reed diffusers very much a part of home décor, it’s not just the fragrance but the colour too, that will be driving sales. ”For 2020, colour is big for reed diffusers, and we will all be obsessed with neo mint, a soft green Oriental tone,” states Stoneglow’s commercial director Louise Dooley, “with our new Luna Oroblanco & Cardamom perfectly picking up on this trend.” At Best Kept Secrets, Spring colours, as well as fresh pinks and vibrant purples are among the key favourites. A new ‘sparkly’ diffuser range combines fragrance with added glitter to lift the concept to a new level, with Caspian Silk, Plum Champagne and Pink Pomegranate currently topping customer choice. “Our smaller 50ml diffusers have done extremely well, with an RRP of under £10, proving price points clearly remain important,” says managing director Vanessa Curry. Price’s graphic designer Nicky Dawson says that the colours featured on the company’s reed diffuser bottles reflect the continuing growth of the warming trend, with bold splashes of bright pink, fresh orange and luscious green making the colours refreshing and uplifting. Adds Nicky, “in addition, the bar is continuing to be raised within packing, but we are staying loyal to our roots, immersing our enormous heritage to create eye-catching square glass bottles and natural bamboo reeds.” As for fragrances, she says that for Spring/Summer 2020, Hawaiian Rainforest is predicted to be a huge trend, featuring ‘wake-me-up’ fragrances such as Pink Grapefruit and Lime and Basil. “These work alongside our Sicilian Citrus fragrance evoking memories of past holidays,” she comments. Above: Stoneglow’s new Luna Oroblanco & Cardamom in Neo Mint. Right: Best Kept Secrets’ Pink Pomegranate. Left: Price’s Spring/Summer diffuser range.
Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
45
Celebrating forty years of inspiring people fragrance. Celebratingthrough forty years of inspiring people through fragrance.
New Summer2020 2020 Newcollections collections for for Spring Spring Summer Contactyour yoursales salesrepresentative representative or Contact or call callcustomer customerservices services on 01229 461111 to make an order. on 01229 461111 make an order. /waxlyricaluk /waxlyricaluk
020_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
13/12/2019 16:06
43_45_47.qxp_New Grid 06/12/2019 15:57 Page 47
Spotlight On... Reed Diffusers As Xystos’ director Tom Sykes points out, over the past 15 years there has been a revolution which has seen reed diffusers emerge from the sidelines to become a force in the home fragrancing market. “The reed diffuser has gone from being a bland bystander to a punchy ‘must have’ for retailers who want a serious fragrance offering for their customers,” he comments. “Like the wax market, the reed diffuser sector has seen terrific change in recent years, with vessels that are more colourful and stylish. Once they featured unobtrusive containers, but today, the new breed are statement pieces which can take pride of place in any room in the home.” He says that the success of Xystos’ own brand Cello ultrasonic diffusers is an illustration of the changing times. “Used
with a wide variety of scented Xystos essential oils, they emit a continuous fountain of cool, fragranced mist, or an intermittent burst, also featuring a colourchanging light mode. (The range includes Diamond Black, Glistening Glass, Neptune, Diamond White, Cactus and Pineapple). Points out Tom: “because this sector is now a fiercely competitive one, we will be developing more product in 2020 that will enable Xystos to stay in the vanguard of innovative suppliers.” From a gift retailer's perspective, as reed diffusers continue to evolve and become a part of the home, there’s every reason to expect the market to go on growing. Left: Glistening Glass, an ultrasonic diffuser from Xystos.
Environmentally Friendly
Above: Wax Lyrical’s RHS Wildscents reed diffusers feature a non-alcoholic formula. Below: The eco friendly Bamboo collection from Heart & Home. Right: Pintail Candle’s Fig & Wild Pear reed diffuser
With companies looking to up their eco friendly credentials, Wax Lyrical is introducing new fragrance formulas as part of its ongoing commitment to the environment, transitioning to a non-alcohol formula which gives off a better fragrance throw and lasts longer, as well as being in line with demand from eco conscious consumers. “The floral-inspired fragrances of our RHS Wildscents collection feature nonalcohol blends for reed diffusers which are suited to this expanding market,” explains product development manager Rachel Holmes. At Heart & Home, the company re-launched their reed diffusers a year ago, and they now feature in the Everyday collection, which will be available from February 2020. “We have also added them into our new boutique collection, Bamboo eco soy candles by Heart & Home,” explains Heart & Home’s group marketing and communications manager Jacquie Russo. “The range is focused on celebrating our natural soy wax, combined with natural wooden wicks and bamboo lids, which are all helping to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way of living. The four fragrances have been chosen for their organic and woody elements and their natural essential oils, with the diffusers packaged in natural kraft gift bag style packaging.” Also keeping things ‘green’ is Pintail Candles. The company confirms that Wild Harvest and Wilderness are the key concepts trending for 2020, which are being imagined in botanical and green inspired fragrances. “Bang on trend is our best-selling fragrance Fig & Wild Pear, plus two new introductions to our reed diffuser range, an energising green fragrance of Avocado & Nettle and a lively Rhubarb Gin,” comments Pintail Candles’ managing director James Long. “With the environment and all things eco-friendly on everyone’s mind, we also offer refill oils alongside our range of reed diffusers, enabling retailers to give their customers this all important choice.”
Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
47
Best Kept Secrets Ltd Morpeth, NE61 6JT Tel: 01670 512222 sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk
Just Because Candles
P.S. We can customise our labels to display any message! Trade Price ÂŁ3.75 + vat RRP ÂŁ8.99 Different fun messages for friends, family and special occasions Scotland Trade Fair H11 Spring Fair Hall 4 Stand C51 048_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
10/12/2019 11:11
p49 Reed Diffusers.qxp_52-53/55 09/12/2019 11:27 Page 49
What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest Reed Diffuser products to be showcased this month
Fashionable Fragrance Lamps A&B introduces the new Design Anthology featuring three new lamp designs, decorated with on trend patterns. These contemporary designs of the purifying fragrance lamps will suit modern interiors and add style as well as scenting the home. Reed diffusers, scented candles and lamp fragrance are also available to match. SRP: £32. Ashleigh & Burwood Tel: +44 (0) 1932 267060 Email: info@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk
Sleep Inducing Diffuser
Web: www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk
madebyzen’s newest offering, the Olly ultrasonic
Top Drawer: M31 Spring Fair: Hall 4 B10-C11
Calm And Tranquility
aroma diffuser, is packed full of exciting features. With
Combining state-of-the-art technology, a sleek modern design and
a Bluetooth speaker and colour changing mood light,
the ancient healing properties of Himalayan rock
there’s something for everyone. Designed specifically
salt, the Glo ultrasonic aroma diffuser brings you
to aid sleep, the Olly will lull you into a peaceful
the best that aromatherapy has to offer. The soft,
slumber with your choice of soothing music and sleep
ambient glow of the Himalayan salt lamp and
enhancing light settings. A firm favourite, this diffuser
fragrant cooling mist envelope the user in an oasis
sports a sleek modern design and retails at £69.99.
of calm and tranquillity. The perfect addition to any
madebyzen
home, retailing at £89.99. madebyzen
Tel: 0161 2573644 Email: info@europiumworld.com
Tel: 0161 2573644
Web: www.madebyzen.com
Email: info@europiumworld.com
Spring Fair 2-6 Feb 2020 Hall 4 A10-B11
Web: www.madebyzen.com
Maison Object Paris 17-21 Jan
Spring Fair 2-6 Feb 2020 Hall 4 A10-B11 Maison Object Paris 17-21 Jan
Tropical Fragrances Urban Botanic - exotic aromas in vibrant ceramics - will transport you to a relaxing urban oasis. The stunning collection of fragranced diffusers and candles are now available in six tropical scents with the new edition of Frangipani Neroli Blossom that will bring a touch of the tropics to the home. Stoneglow Candles Tel: 020 8595 8878 Email: admin@stoneglowcandles.co.uk Web: www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk Maison Et Object, Paris: January 2020: Hall 5A - Stand D43
Trendy Neo Mint
Atlanta, USA: January 2020: Building 2, Floor 1, Booth 1-813 HIGH
For 2020 we will all be obsessed with neo mint, a soft
DESIGN
green Oriental tone. Our new fragrance Oroblanco &
HOMI, Milan: January 2020: Hall 1, Stand N20
Cardamom from our Luna collection picks this trend up
Spring Fair, Birmingham: February 2020 - Hall 20 Stand A30-B31
Sunny New Fragrances
perfectly. The fragrance is citrus based with warming spicy tones. The Luna Range is available in nine
Katie Loxton’s beautifully fresh, pure,
decadent fragrances in our Lux 3-wick candle, scented
blossoming home fragrances are filled with
candle, diffuser, perfume card and diffuser refill.
essential oils and sunny fragrances. From the
Stoneglow Candles
three candle gift set to the brand new Mum in
Tel: 020 8595 8878
a Million reed diffuser, each is finished in gorgeous foiled gift boxes. The brand new Mum in a Million sentiment also features on
Email: admin@stoneglowcandles.co.uk Web: www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk Maison&Object, Paris: January 2020: Hall 5A - Stand
other beautiful pieces such as the Perfect
D43
Pouch, Wrapped Up in Love boxed scarf and
Atlanta, USA: January 2020: Building 2, Floor 1, Booth 1-
sentiment candle.
813 HIGH DESIGN
Katie Loxton
HOMI, Milan: January 2020: Hall 1, Stand N20
Email: enquiries@katieloxton.com
Spring Fair, Birmingham : February 2020: Hall 20 Stand
Tel: 01295 250879 Email: wholesale.katieloxton.com
A30-B31
PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
49
050_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
10/12/2019 14:57
51.qxp_New Grid 06/12/2019 16:01 Page 51
2020
In Profile: Belly Button Designs
Below: Rachel Hare is shown in her Manchester studio.
Vision
2020 is set to be a landmark year for multiaward winning, design-led greetings and giftware company Belly Button Designs, based in Manchester. Not only will the company be celebrating its milestone 25th anniversary, but, in a significant move for Belly Button, it will be boldly aligning giftware with greetings. PG&H asked founder and creative director Rachel Hare to reveal more about the new giftware collections that will make their debut at Spring Fair. Since launching greeting card company Belly Button Designs from her bedroom in 1994, founder Rachel Hare hasn’t looked back. “As a young graduate and a professional artist, I was amazed when a set of hand-painted cards I’d created sold really well in a friend’s card shop and, importantly for me, that people loved them,” she explains. “There weren’t many handmade cards being sold by retailers and I realised that I had something new and exciting to bring to the market.” The rest, as the saying goes, is history, with 2020 set to be another milestone year for the company, which prides itself on the wide appeal of its design-led greeting and giftware collections which are centred around style and luxury.
Above: Among the products in the company’s brand new giftware collection, launching at Spring Fair. Below: Navy striped gift bags are new for 2020.
“The coming year will mark new changes to the Belly Button brand,” Rachel confirms. “We will be bringing the recognition and strength we’ve established with our cards to the relaunch of our giftware which will see brand new ranges, designs, styles and products at an attractive price. The giftware collection is full of newness and a fresh beginning for our giftware arm of the business, and retailers can expect to see a great deal from us,” she smiles. “Spring Fair will also see us launch brand new lines in our best-selling card
Belly Button Designs: The Lowdown
l Rachel Hare founded Belly Button Designs, with the backing of the Prince’s Trust, in 1994,
with the company officially launched in 1995. All greeting cards are designed, manufactured and hand finished in the UK. l Belly Button also has three gift and card boutiques in the North West, located at West Didsbury, Heaton Moor and Chorlton, selling an eclectic mix of gifts and cards. l In 2019, Rachel was appointed as president of the Greeting Card Association (GCA), and was recently excited to collaborate with the Isle of Man Post Offices’ Spirit of Christmas stamp collection.
Responsible Manufacturing Belly Button is committed to creating a high-quality product from the heart and with integrity. “Looking to resource and manufacture responsibly, we choose to use FSC certified paper and boards, biodegradable glitter and compostable bags wherever possible. We are working with retailers and independents to present product naked in a move to reduce plastic, supporting the maturity and growth of our personality and values that embrace diversity in our collections,” states Rachel.
ranges, Elle, Number 78 and Luxe, that customers will look forward to seeing.” Social stationery meanwhile, will be a new addition to complement popular designs. There will also be a new children’s card and stationery collection created off the back of the success of Wild Things, and a new contemporary sentiment range, Electric Dreams, designed around uplifting captions. As an evolving business, Rachel emphasises that Belly Button continually strives to challenge itself, and the team’s creativity, by using market trends as the main driver to ensure that the company always thinks outside the box to create fresh and innovative collections, be they gifts or cards. She says that the secret of the company’s success is Belly Button’s strong core team that have been part of the journey from the beginning. “It has always, and will always be a team effort,” she states. “It’s about good ideas, hard work, and, at the centre of it all, a creative pool. “It is also about the originality and passion we hold to embrace change and build on the foundations of creativity we’ve become well known for. These elements are vital in feeding into our long term business strategy that looks outwards in enhancing the greeting and gift industry in a meaningful way. 2019 has been great and we’re super excited for 2020!” Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
51
BECAUSE EVERY MUM IS ONE IN A MILLION
DISCOVER OUR WORLD AT K A T I E L O X T O N . C O M | J O M A J E W E L L E R Y. C O M
052_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
10/12/2019 10:59
53_55_57.qxp_New Grid 06/12/2019 16:14 Page 53
Spotlight On... Mother’s Day
Mum’s The Word Mother's Day is a much looked forward to opportunity to tell mums how important they are, with gift and card sales second only to Christmas, allowing gift retailers to tap into a very special, emotional occasion. With jewellery and fashion accessories vying with candles, diffusers and flowers (fresh or faux), it's an exciting time for retailers to stock up on making mums of all ages and stages know how loved and cherished they are. Falling on Sunday March 22, the celebration is well positioned between Valentine's and Easter and is surely guaranteed to get the tills ringing! Mums come in all shapes, sizes and ages, with stepmums, mothers-in-law, grandmothers, godmothers and foster mums all 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. “Mother’s Day is becoming an ever-more important occasion in the giftware calendar, as children young and old take the opportunity to show appreciation and
gratitude to their mums for everything they have done and still do,” says Rod O’Mahony, director, Transomnia. “Simple and powerful messages are key, as are gifts that are indulgent, enable ‘me time’ and tie into traditionally feminine themes such as candles, jewellery, trinket dishes and makeup bags. Many if not most Mother’s Day gifts are bought by young children, so price points are important. Additionally, in this as in other areas, there’s a growing trend towards ‘experience’ - in this case, spending quality time together on the day, and therefore small token and sentimental gift items, as adjuncts to the experience, are growing in popularity. But, of course, there’s always room for overthe-top extravagance as well!” For Mother’s Day 2020, Transomnia will be launching a soft, sentimental collection of
Above: The new sentimental Mother’s Day range from Transomnia. Below left: A Gift From The Gods’ pink slogan mug can be used for tea or for displaying flowers. Below middle: The new Desert Blooms design from Gisela Graham.
items including candles, mugs, a coaster, a trinket dish and hanging decorations, all with a sentimental message to remind mums how much they’re loved. “Feminine colours are key, with soft pinks and greys featured across the range,” highlights Rod. Also new are ‘mum’ additions to the company’s bestselling Lily Loves range, which now includes embroidered velvet washbags, engraved bangles, gift-boxed heart shaped trinket dishes, and charm bracelets. “Love is always on trend for Mother’s Day,” concurs Jane Reucroft, managing director of A Gift From The Gods. “A gift that is emotive and celebratory is definitely a winner, and retailers should make the most of the occasion with in-store displays and offers and plenty of social media promotion #giftsomelove.” Of course, Mother’s Day wouldn’t be Mother’s Day without flowers, with Piers Croke, sales director of Gisela Graham highlighting that florals are currently big across fashion and spreading into gifts. “Fortunately it’s entirely Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
53
TOP DRAWER
OLYMPIA : LONDON 12-14 JAN 2020 STAND 301
054_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
10/12/2019 10:59
53_55_57.qxp_New Grid 06/12/2019 16:14 Page 55
Spotlight On... Mother’s Day appropriate for Mother’s Day gifting and we’ve designed a bold, distinctive design, Desert Blooms, that’s based on exotic flowers. Also, gift shops tell us that what sells are small, pretty, useful gifts, such as purses, specs cases and make-up bags that show mums a bit more appreciation than just chocolates. Picking up on our natural theme, we have complemented the Desert Blooms range with our Gingko design on rendered tealights and photo frames which make other ideal gifts for the event.” Also highlighting florals is Candlelight, where giftware items include authentic looking florals in the company’s new Flower Patch range, featuring natural looking succulents and cacti in attractive pots. “We also have a selection of vibrant, potted orchids and individual sprays of hydrangea, roses and other foliage that are realistic, decorative and lifelike,” explains
sales director Debbie Isles. “They’re ideal to display in baskets, vases and jars as well as in a window box.” Continuing Candlelight’s floral theme is Summer Meadow, a range of candles and home accessories featuring lavender scented reed diffusers and wax filled pots and tins with floral detailing, co-ordinated with lilac packaging. “The range has got definite ‘mum’ appeal,” says Debbie.
RETAILER TIP l “Retailers should focus on the emotion and sentiment behind Mother’s Day, and also make use of social media to create a buzz in advance of the day.” Rod O’Mahony, director, Transomnia
Above: Lesser & Pavey’s Lavender collection. Right: Grace Coles’ Pink Peony and Vetiver gift set is distributed by Xystos. Below right: Joe Davies’ Equilibrium Petals jewellery range. Below left: Flower Patch from Candlelight.
Lavender is also a feature at Lesser & Pavey. Managing director Julian Hunt comments: “Our new Lavender range, featuring hand painted watercolours by Jennifer Rose, is an excellent choice for Mother's Day. Lavender is a firm favourite with ladies, beautiful as well as practical, and will last a lot longer than flowers.” Xystos too, is saying it with flowers with the Pink Peony and Vetiver gift set from Grace Cole’s Luxury Bathing Company. “The packaging is gorgeous, which is really so important when it comes to occasions such as Mother’s Day,” comments Xystos’ director Tom Sykes. “The person receiving the gift likes to know that thought has gone into the purchase. Bath and body products provide a lasting memory of a lovely Mother’s Day, allowing mums to continue to pamper themselves long after the chocolates have been eaten and the flowers have faded.” Joe Davies’ head of product development, Laura Leigh, points out that Mother’s Day is very much about sentimental and thoughtful messages. “It’s about showing thanks and appreciation. Hand
drawn typography is key, along with simple flower illustrations which are still a staple for Mother's Day, continuing to be popular icons across shapes, print and pattern, as reflected in our Equilibrium Forever Petals jewellery range. With smooth, textured, decorated ceramics continuing to be big for Spring 2020, the company has also introduced a collection of Mother’s Day items, with messages and sayings, to their ceramic Thoughtful Words range that sit with the original range and spinner. “The design has the added touch of blush pink and metallic gold which is perfect for this occasion,” adds Laura.
Fashion accessories and jewellery too, are always a ‘go to’ gift. “For Mother’s Day 2020 we’re excited to introduce the Mum in a Million edit, our largest Mother’s Day campaign to date,” enthuses Lauren Hourihan, wholesale manager at Joma Jewellery/Katie Loxton. “We believe that all mums love a gift to treasure and we wanted to celebrate all of the women that mean the most to us, inspiring us to Continued on page 57
RETAILER TIP l “Theming looks, using existing female everyday stock, mixed in with specific
Mother’s Day product, is a great way of having a bigger offering, with smaller product displayed in pretty baskets or on vintage ceramic plates.” Laura Leigh, head of product development, Joe Davies
Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
55
000_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
06/12/2019 15:35
53_55_57.qxp_New Grid 06/12/2019 16:35 Page 57
Spotlight On... Mother’s Day create beautiful gifts for ever type of mum.” She continues that this Mother’s Day, there's a prominent trend of positivity, as well as the celebration of strong women and mother figures. “As always, we’ve incorporated inspiring messages, and the placement of quotes across the collection, giving her something that she can cherish forever.” At Katie Loxton, the Mum in a Million edit features a selection of goodies from the company’s signature Perfect Pouches, stylish handbags, scented home fragrances and gift boxed mugs finished with signature sentiments. “For Joma Jewellery, we’ve added lots of lovely, ready-to-gift jewellery sets to our popular collections, from our new Mum in a Million occasion gift box to new ‘A Little’ bracelets. Plus, our Mother’s Day edit comes
RETAILER TIP l “Great packaging is also a ‘must’ for
retailers who want their products to catch the eye of buyers.” Tom Sykes, director, Xystos.
in beautiful packaging and gift boxes to create that extra special moment of gifting,” Lauren highlights. Enesco’s marketing director, Helen Cottrill, says that as mums represent all ages and all demographics, a Mother’s Day gift should be personal. “Gifts that you can keep for years to come, a figurine, mugs or a glass for example. Creating an experience such as breakfast in bed with a new mug, or cooking lunch and serving mum wine in her new personal wine glass. One trend that does fit is gin,” says Helen. “Still going strong into 2020, our Ginology range exceeded all expectations in 2019 and our new designs for 2020 will be in stock in time for Mother’s Day.” Of course personalised gifts also make very special presents. PMC’s new product development manager Cara Beech says that gifts for mums on Mother’s Day should be about the home, with ideas including comforting, nostalgic items such as personalised prints and photo frames as well as candles, dressing gowns and personalised accessories to include make-up bags and jewellery. “Pattern clashes, bold colours and positive slogans will all be big next year,” she points out. Meanwhile, to make sure that mums-to-be don’t miss out, Widdop and Co’s marketing manager Sue Top: Joma Jewellery’s Mum in a Million occasion gift box. Left: Ginology glasses from Enesco. Above right: PMC’s personalised Mother’s Day giftware range. Below right: Part of Widdop and Co’s Loveliest collection.
RETAILER TIP l “As lots of children will go shopping with their dads, retailers should make it easy with in store and window displays that are easily accessible, clearly priced and beautifully displayed. Not all Mother’s Day gifts need to be obvious, so retailers should include their most popular brands to offer a choice.” Helen Cottrill, marketing director, Enesco
Grant, highlights that the company’s Love From Bump is a new addition for 2020. “Mother’s Day is also spreading its wings to encompass all those women who are important to us with the sentiment ‘You’re the Loveliest’, which is ideal for Mums and more. Adds Sue: “Disney too, has had the Mother’s Day treatment with a set of plaques celebrating those special women in our lives.”
As most people on the lookout for a gift for Mother's Day would agree, finding a special gift for a special mum or mum-to-be is non-negotiable. And while a big hug and kiss, and breakfast in bed might be top of her list, nothing beats seeing a mum’s face light up when she tears off the giftwrap to find a gift to treasure for years to come.
Having A Giggle Aside from sentiment, one company is taking a more light-hearted look at Mother’s Day. “Here at Boxer we are all for fun, unique and exciting gifts whatever the occasion,” says managing director Thomas O’Brien. “We therefore believe that shops should be on the lookout for a range of fun, novelty gifts that would make mothers up and down the country smile or explode into laughter. Whether it’s a gift mug, novelty chocolate or a humorous gift book, sons and daughters are sure to be out in their masses looking for that perfect gift to make their mother’s laugh.” Left: A knitting mug from Boxer Gifts that feels like a ball of wool.
Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
57
058_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
10/12/2019 11:00
59_61.qxp_New Grid 06/12/2019 16:05 Page 1
Spotlight On... Licensed Giftware
New Year, New Brands Licensed giftware will be a big part of the Spring trade shows, with suppliers investing in properties ranging from much loved TV shows to sci fi and the Olympics 2020. PG&H spoke to some of the industry's leading licensed giftware suppliers to find out what's hot, and who's doing what.
Lagoon: A Question Of Sport Sporting fun is the name of the game at Lagoon, with the company launching a new A Question of Sport range, featuring three games inspired by iconic rounds from the show, as well as three decks of sporting trivia and a family board game. “We’re delighted to be launching this exciting collaboration with the BBC,” comments director Heather Watherston. “A Question of Sport is the BBC’s longest running sports quiz and a firm family-favourite. With content compiled by writers of the show, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2020, the range makes an ideal gift for teenagers, adults and sports fans.” Right: A Question of Sport is the latest licence for Lagoon.
Nemesis Now: Original Stormtrooper The Original Stormtroopers, known for their shocking aim and glossy white suits, is a new licence for Nemesis Now. The launch collection features brand new sci-fi figurines and wine bottle holders. “We are proud to be collaborating with the Original Stormtrooper, bringing a unique take to such an iconic character whose timeless appeal spans generations of fans,” says Nemesis Now’s managing director Andrew Norman-Smith. “Our customers are excited with the personality and humour that we have been able to add, bringing a new sense of fun and a smile to people who are now able now see the Stormtrooper in a very different light. Their everlasting appeal travels through generations and only gets more powerful with age, making them perfect additions to our licensed giftware collection.” Featuring brand new sci-fi figurines and wine bottle holders, the range is due to be released in January 2020, with the pieces created using Nemesis Now’s state-of-the-art 3D printing technology. “We have worked with the licensing company through each stage to ensure that these collectables truly represent the spirit of the Stormtrooper, while giving them a quirky edge,” confirms Andrew. Left: Nemesis Now is bringing out a collection of Original Stormtrooper sci fi figurines and wine bottle holders.
Groovy UK: Friends Friends is a new licence for Groovy this Spring. The brand has a wide fan base, from young teens watching the re-runs to original fans, both male and female. “Our new range of bathrobes, slippers, Christmas stocking and house mats have been so successful, we have had to restock already,” comments Groovy’s managing director Monique Scott. “Whether dealing with life's highs or lows, these six best friends could teach us everything we need to know about life, love and friendship in a humorous way, and I think this is why it is so well loved,” adds Monique. The quirky prints or embroideries that feature on the products come from memorable quotes from the characters, or iconic motifs such as Central Perk café, where the characters spent much of their time. Above: The Friends robe, rug and stocking from Groovy.
Candlelight: Katie Alice British lifestyle designer Katie Alice, whose collections are inspired by her love of vintage florals, is bringing her renowned nostalgic style to Candlelight’s new, exclusive range of candles and reed diffusers. “We’re delighted to have secured our first licensed range with Katie Alice,” comments Candlelight’s sales director Debbie Isles. “Her designs are stunning and their aesthetics perfectly complement our candles and reed diffusers.” Continues Debbie: “The range captures the very best of vintage design, which is still very much on trend in homewares and we’re expecting it to be very popular with retailers.” Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
59
DRINKWARE | GIFTING | WALL ART
GET IN TOUCH tel: +44 (0) 114 276 7475 e-mail: enquiries@gbeye.com
VISIT US AT THE NUREMBERG TOY FAIR
JANUARY 29TH – FEBRUARY 2ND 2020 | HALL 6 STAND A-13 2019 12 09 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME peaky blinders advert OPTION 2.indd 1 060_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
VIEW OUR FULL 2020 GIFTWARE RANGE
www.gbeye.com
10/12/2019 11:27 10/12/2019 14:59
59_61.qxp_New Grid 06/12/2019 16:06 Page 3
Spotlight On... Licensed Giftware The Katie Alice range, which will be part of Candlelight’s 2020 Spring/Summer collection of candles and reed diffusers, features Katie’s Wild Apricity designs, with the delicate colour palette reflective of the changing seasons. Candlelight has matched the designs with unique fragrances that include Amber Lily, Angel Flower and Thai Flower, with the collection featuring a ceramic reed diffuser, a large frosted wax-filled jar or glass wax filled pot, and votive candle sets. Right: Among the new licensed Katie Alice candles and reed diffusers from Candlelight.
Half Moon Bay: Harley Quinn Half Moon Bay has added DC Comic’s Harley Quinn to its portfolio of entertainment licences for Spring/Summer 2020. The collection uses iconic artwork which will be instantly recognisable to any DC Comics or Harley Quinn fan. Formats include a range of mug styles, glassware, a notebook, backpack and accessories, adorned with iconic images of Harley Quinn herself and fun phrases. “Our Harley Quinn range encapsulates the vibrant nature of Harley Quinn with popular formats returning for this launch, including a Harley Quinn shaped mug which brings the character to life along with her infamous bunches hairstyle,” says Iain Wakefield, Half Moon Bay’s head of licensing and business development. The company will be extending its Warner Brothers partnership further in 2020 with the addition of new licences including The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, with both licences showcased for the first time at Spring Fair. Below: Half Moon Bay’s new Harlequin collection.
Widdop and Co: Disney Happily Ever After Widdop and Co is launching a new collection of Disney licensed giftware for Spring - Disney wedding Happily Ever After - a Disney Princess-inspired collection of wedding gifts. “The romance of the classic love story between a beautiful princess and a dashing prince is captured in the design and execution of this collection,” explains Widdop and Co’s marketing manager Sue Grant. “For lovers of Disney who have grown up watching and falling in love with the classic Disney characters, this range is one to fall in love with all over again.” The Happily Ever After range is made up of 16 lines which includes mug sets, plaques, frames, a guest book, album, money bank and a passport/luggage tag. Below: Widdop and Co’s Disney Happily Ever After range of giftware.
Ice House Books: Pabuku Austria-based greeting card publisher Pabuku is set to build on its success on the card front with Ice House Books, (the sibling company to Half Moon Bay), creating a gift book range. “We are so excited to be working with the Pabuku team to create a gift book full of love and diversity,” says Samantha Rigby, publishing and editorial manager, Ice House Books. “The artwork is uplifting and full of beautiful messages.” Below: Among the covers in Ice House Books’ new Pabuku gift book range.
BB Designs: Team GB New for the Spring Summer 2020 season, BB Designs will be offering Team GB as part of the company’s bespoke licensed ranges. Considered the most inspirational team in the country, Team GB is targeting 350+ athletes in Tokyo 2020 and are set to reignite the buzz and excitement generated from Team GB’s incredible showing at Rio, with Team GB sure to captivate the hearts of the nation. Right: Team GB from BB Designs.
Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
61
www.enesco.co.uk
Join us at:
ENESCO LIMITED, Brunthill Road, Kingstown, Carlisle, Cumbria, England, CA3 0EN. UK Customer Services Telephone: 01228 404022 Email: trade@enesco.co.uk Overseas Customer Services Telephone: +44 1228 404066 Email: eurosales@enesco.co.uk
International Spring Fair. 2nd—6th Feb 2020, NEC, Birmingham, Hall 3, C20, D20, D21
en10417-prog-gifts-bp-ad-jan-20.indd 1 062_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
Ambiente. 7th—11th Feb 2020, Frankfurt, Hall 11.1 E97
09/12/2019 11:10 10/12/2019 16:53
63.qxp_New Grid 06/12/2019 15:59 Page 1
Spotlight On... Collectables
An Emotional
Attraction Although licensed and branded merchandise continues to lead the field in the collectables marketplace, collectors are still purchasing non-licensed pieces to grow their collections, especially when it comes to animal figurines. With the market place continuing to evolve, PG&H took a look at some of the new launches for 2020.
Enesco is among the most prolific companies in the collectables market place, with marketing director Helen Cottrill highlighting that the company is continuing to see collectables growing throughout their Jim Shore and Disney collections. “In November, we hosted Jim Shore signing events across the UK, Eire, Holland, Germany and Belgium. The UK event, held in conjunction with Lords Collectables, saw Jim signing figurines for collectors for over seven hours!” She says that what surprises the company most is the demographic of the collectors. “Many are what you could refer to as millennials - lots of couples with young families,” continues Helen. “In some instances, their children are even named after their favourite character! At the signing events we previewed our new product, most of which will be available from February 2020 - A Whale of a Whale, Seashell Scenario and Amorous Amphibians - which are sure to be on these dedicated collectors’ wish lists.” As for the company’s collectors clubs, they’re continuing to thrive. Explains Helen: “We also have a very successful Friends of Peter Rabbit collectors club, with members who enjoy the annual benefits of a special Symbol of Membership figurine, the opportunity to buy members only figurines and two copies of our annual publication Hilltop Tales. We
also have dedicated social media pages. “I still believe people like to feel a part of something,” Helen adds. Staying with licensed collectables, Andrew Norman-Smith, managing director of Nemesis Now, a well-known name in rock band collectables, concurs that the everchanging face of the collectables market is being driven by licensed and branded merchandise. In 2020, the company is adding glam rock legends KISS to its portfolio, unveiling a collection of resin and printed KISS merchandise. Set to release throughout 2020, the exclusive pieces feature Starchild, Demon, Spaceman and Catman, which have been created in resin drinkware, displayed in pictures and emblazoned on a range of stylish, embossed accessories. “With the band travelling the globe one last time, we felt that there was no better time to commemorate KISS’ service to rock and roll,” says Andrew. When it comes to nonlicensed collectables, Frith Sculpture/Blue Popp Art’s managing director David Wilkinson says that, like most activities, collecting is an ever changing market. “Generally speaking, consumers are no longer as
Far left: Jim Shore’s A Whale of a Whale will be available from Enesco in February. Below right: A swan in Widdop and Co’s Objets d’Art range. Bottom: A hare figurine from Frith Sculpture.
interested in religiously collecting a specific brand or subject as they once were, but will collect from a number of products to achieve how they want their house to look. Therefore, if someone particularly likes hares, or highland cattle, then products as diverse as, say, cushions, coffee mugs and sculpture can all be put together. “Another example are our cockapoo and labradoodle sculptures which have been a tremendous success. We know they are collected, but we also see other products showing different images of the same subject and they are also successful. It is to the good of us all as it helps to keep the collectables market going but not in the traditional way. Recently we introduced MINIMA - miniature works of art which are loosely based on our larger sculptures. Once again, I think people will collect what they like and mix with other product to reflect their personality.” As Sue Grant, marketing manager of Widdop and Co puts it: “The collectables market has clearly had to adapt to survive. No longer the domain of purely traditional figurines, the reach of the collectables market has broadened incorporating new and innovative categories of product. At Widdop and Co, this change in the market has been exemplified by Objets d’Art, a collectable range of hand blown glass ornaments featuring both native and wild animals along with sea life, with the appeal of the collectables stretching across the full breadth of the retail spectrum.” In 2020 new additions to the range include a swan, a mouse and a giraffe. While there’s no going back to the collectables days of old, the good news is that collectables are still holding their own, with a clear niche in the gift market place for those who still like to build their collections. Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
63
paladone.com @paladone
GIFT OBSESSED SPRING FAIR, BIRMINGHAM NEC
Come and ask us about our new biodegradable plastic products!
COMING 2020
064_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
2ND-6TH FEB 2020 HALL 4 STAND 4E40
BOOK A MEETING WITH US! INFO@PALADONE.COM
12/12/2019 17:29
p65 - Collectables.qxp_52-53/55 11/12/2019 16:36 Page 83
What’s New Progressive Gifts and Home highlights the latest collectable products to be showcased this month
Perfectly Poised Peacocks Thomas Meadows has created this wonderful sculpture for Frith after observing peacocks for many years wandering around country houses. Originally from India, these incredible creatures are available in three varieties – green tail feathers, purple tail feathers and bronze tail feathers. Frith are also introducing new hares, cockapoos, dogs and hedgehogs for the coming season. Frith
The Bees Knees
Tel: 01666 577110
Enesco is proud to present this brand new, unique, long-
Email: sales@frithsculpture.co.uk
stemmed Copa gin glass into its hugely popular Ginology
Web: www.frithsculpture.co.uk
Collection. The Bumble Bee Copa glass is the bee’s
Spring Fair: Hall 3 Stand D32
knees, a hugely popular design motif in 2019, taking
Ambiente: Hall 9.1 Stand B47
inspiration from Gucci’s designer bee — sure to continue into 2020 and beyond. The glass is 20.0cm tall. Presented in a kraft window giftbox, this piece is a double hitter, addressing two big trends in one – gin and bumble bees – and retailing at an SRP of £9.95. Enesco Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Web: www.enesco.co.uk
Green Eggs And Ham Taking inspiration from the 1960 children’s story Green Eggs and Ham this figurine is a celebration of the book’s 60th anniversary. It stands at 13.0cm tall and is set to be a must-have piece of the collection, depicting the iconic Sam-I-Am with human-like qualities serving up a platter of green eggs and ham. The figurine is presented in a branded box and retails with an SRP of £39.95. Enesco Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Web: www.enesco.co.uk
Going Down The Bayou To mark the 10th anniversary of the release of Disney’s The Princess and the Frog, Enesco proudly presents a new addition to the Disney Showcase Collection. The new Tiana figurine depicts the hardworking princess, standing 21.0cm tall and wearing an updated gown in an elevated take on her classic look, with 2020 being her anniversary year. The character’s representation is superbly finished with no detail overlooked. The 10th anniversary Tiana figurine retails with an SRP of £69.95. Enesco Tel: 01228 404022 Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Web: www.enesco.co.uk
Owls In Miniature
Follow The Yellow Brick Road
Frith Sculpture has steadily increased is
Contemporary gift retailer Enesco has
miniature range – Miniature Works of Art -
unveiled its new Wizard of Oz by Jim Shore
since its introduction two years ago, which has
collection, in a heartfelt tribute to the film’s
been very successful. This season the company
80th anniversary. Taking inspiration from the
is adding these charming owls, close together
1939 cinematic masterpiece, it sees Dorothy
on a branch and waiting for food. They have
and her pals venture down the yellow brick
been sculpted for Frith by Patsy Allen who they
road to somewhere over the rainbow. The
are welcoming back into their group of
Emerald City figurine stands at 20.5cm tall and
sculptors after an absence of many years.
is set to be a hero piece of the collection. It’s
Retailing at an affordable price, the owls will
presented in a branded box and retails with an
generate a lot of interest.
SRP of £89.95.
Frith
Enesco
Tel: 01666 577110
Tel: 01228 404022
Email: sales@frithsculpture.co.uk Web: www.frithsculpture.co.uk
Email: uksales@enesco.co.uk Web: www.enesco.co.uk
Spring Fair: Hall 3 Stand D32 Ambiente: Hall 9.1 Stand B47 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
65
p66 - General .qxp_52-53/55 13/12/2019 11:18 Page 83
What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products to be showcased this month
Bottle Opener Trowels Gardening on a hot summer’s day? Crack open a cold one with these handy bottle opening trowels. Functional as both a trowel and a bottle opener, this fun, novelty gift is a necessity for any garden lover. With three designs to choose from (‘Stop for a Beer Grandad’, ‘Dad’s Beer Break Kit’ and ‘Thirsty Gardener’s Tool Kit’), there’s a trowel for dads, grandads and green fingered fanatics alike. Boxer Gifts Tel: 01133 955 595 Email: sales@boxergifts.com
Anatomy Of A Dachshund
www.boxerwholesale.com
Wraptious has launched 24 new greeting card designs by acclaimed illustrator Sophie Corrigan, including 18 of her famed Anatomies range. Shortlisted for the Gift of the Year 2020 award, Sophie's Anatomies range is not only cute but incredibly funny and quirky. Printed on FSC board with recycled envelopes, we support artists and plant three trees for every order we receive. Wraptious Tel: 1061 4302310 Email: sales@wraptious.com www.trade.wraptious.com
Anatomy of a Guinea Pig Wraptious has launched new vegan-suede
Knit Happens Mug
cushions by acclaimed illustrator Sophie
When 'knit happens', you
Corrigan, including this fun guinea pig
just have to sit back and
design - part of her famed Anatomies range.
have a cup of tea. This
Shortlisted for the Gift of the Year 2020,
hilarious ceramic mug,
Sophie's Anatomies range is not only cute but
complete with a decorative
incredibly funny and quirky. Our cushions are
gift box, lets you do just that
handmade in the UK, we support artists and
in style. Detailed like a grey
plant three trees for every order we receive.
ball of wool, with text which
Wraptious Tel: 1061 4302310 Email: sales@wraptious.com www.trade.wraptious.com
reads "knit happens", this mug makes the perfect themed gift for a lover of knitting on their birthday, at Christmas and Mother's Day. Boxer Gifts Tel: 01133 955 595 Email: sales@boxergifts.com www.boxerwholesale.com
Scented Garden The Yankee Candle Garden Hideaway collection gift sets are perfect for gifting occasions throughout the Spring and summer seasons. This elegant set includes ten tea lights for those who want to sample a large range of fragrances, as well as a glass tea light candle holder to display the
66
Unique British Brand
candles. Scents include Afternoon
A new rebrand to our 2020 giftware collection
Escape, Sunny Daydream,
2020 marks new changes to the Belly Button
Homemade Herb Lemonade,
brand as we boldly align giftware with
Camellia Blossom, Water Garden,
greetings into one. We bring you a giftware
Garden Picnic, Black Cherry, Sweet
collection full of newness, fresh beginnings,
Honeycomb, Calamansi Cocktail,
and all at an attractive price point to truly reflect
and Clean Cotton. For more
that we are a unique British brand.
information contact:
Belly Button
Yankee Candle
Tel: 0161 902 0200
Tel.: +44 (0)1173161200
Email: sales@bellybuttondesigns.com.
Email: sales@yankeecandle.co.uk.
www.bellybuttonbubble.com
www.yankeecandle.co.uk
PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
p67 - General.qxp_52-53/55 09/12/2019 17:04 Page 67
What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products to be showcased this month
Bee Smart The bath and body offering from The Naked Bee – whose products contain ‘All of the good stuff, none of the bad stuff’ – now includes an everyday facial cleansing gel and a moisturiser with Vitamin C; foaming hand soaps – one with coconut and honey; hand sanitiser; hand repair cream; foot balm, and a lip balm trio – orange blossom honey, coconut & honey, and citron & honey. Look out too for other Xystos eco-friendly pampering products from Winter in Venice, Faith in Nature and Di Palomo. Xystos
Personalised Calendars
Tel: 0191 499 1570
PMC are embracing the positive vibes for 2020! The
Email: sales@xystos.co.uk
company’s new range of personalised desk and wall
Web: www.xystostrade.co.uk
calendars make the perfect gift all year round as the start month can be chosen to suit. From hunky guys to cute animals, gardening to the great outdoors, PMC’s range is
Personalised Robes
designed to have something for everyone, whether it’s a
Luxurious and soft, PMC’s new personalised
hanging calendar or a compact design which fits on a desk.
hooded robe is already a firm favourite.
Pop over to their website to see the full stationery range.
With three personalisation options to
PMC
choose from, and one size fits all, there’s a
Tel: 01782 744900
luxury hooded robe for everyone. Not
Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk
forgetting little ones, PMC has also
www.personalisedmemento.co.uk
recently launched a personalised grey bear eared dressing gown which is perfect for 0-6 months to keep babies snug as a bug in a rug and absolutely cute-as-abutton! See more of PMC’s new launches on their website. PMC Tel: 01782 744900 Email: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk Web: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk
Lighting The Way New in the Xystos own-brand Cello range, as it continues to set the pace in the flame and fragrance market, are striking Edison lamp melt burners in seven contemporary styles (RRP £29.99), as well as iridescent tea light burners (RRP £9.99). Xystos is also lighting the way with portable, battery operated, low energy lamps which are available in 27 elegant designs. Look out, too, for stylish Cello ultrasonic diffusers which enable users to enjoy a
Well Saved
continuous fountain of cool, fragranced mist, or an intermittent burst. RRP
Beautifully Gift Boxed
£44.99.
Joma Jewellery’s new collection
Xystos
features special ready-to-gift pieces that
Tel: 0191 499 1570
bring a little magic to gifting. This
Email: sales@xystos.co.uk
season the brand has introduced
Web: www.xystostrade.co.uk
gorgeous gift box additions of their
Mini Change Boxes make it easier to save for the
loved ‘A Little’ collection, using some of
little things in life – such as that morning cup of
their bestselling sentiments, from Mum
coffee – or even Botox injections. Splosh has a box
in a Million to With Love x. The brand
for each – as well as a Don’t Swear Fund one for
new Mum in a Million sentiment
those who turn the air blue! The diverse Splosh
collection features beautiful pieces such
range from Xystos also includes Travel Maps for
as the Occasion gift box, boxed ‘A Little’
those who are bitten by the travel bug and want to
and sentiment sets.
‘pin’ where they’ve been and want to go, and
Joma Jewellery
Mushroom ornaments bearing sentimental
Tel: 01295 263430
messages.
Email: enquiries@jomajewellery.com
Xystos
Web: www.jomajewellery.com
Tel: 0191 499 1570 Email: sales@xystos.co.uk Web: www.xystostrade.co.uk PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
67
p68- General.qxp_52-53/55 13/12/2019 12:03 Page 83
What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products to be showcased this month
Sparkling Plum Fragrance Best Kept Secrets is delighted to announce the expansion of the company’s Seriously Scented candle tin collection to include, among others, delicious Plum Champagne. With a warm centre of cassis, and containing a delightful blend of May rose, lily and vanilla, this elegant addition is peppered with plenty of sparkle and glitter. Best Kept Secrets Tel:01670 512222 Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk
Diffusers With Sparkle
Web: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk
In stylish glass bottles, Best Kept Secrets new ‘sparkly’ diffuser range combines great fragrances with added glitter to uplift the whole concept to a new and exciting level. Available in 15 fragrances, and with a choice of either a 100ml or 50ml bottle, Caspian Silk, Plum Champagne and
Inspired By Luna What girl wouldn’t love Luna Lovegood? She’s cool, quirky and has amazing glasses! Luna has inspired Groovy’s latest range of Harry Potter gifts which include a bathrobe, slippers, a range of bags, a
Pink Pomegranate are currently topping customer choice. Best Kept Secrets Tel: 01670 512222 Email: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk Web: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk
towel and a Christmas stocking. The pink bathrobe and slippers have fantastic embroidery motifs for Luna and the bags are made from a pink semi-transparent PVC with layered appliqued and printed motif and adorable rabbit, glasses and pomp pom charms. Groovy UK Tel: 0116 2391115 Email: Hello@GroovyUK.com Web: www.GroovyUK.com Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand: 4C50-D51
Scarf Scrunchies These glorious ‘scarf scrunchies’ from Hot Tomato form part of a larger collection in this everexpanding category of hair accessories. Their particular appeal lies in the fast, fuss-free way you can style your tresses to beautiful effect, and with 12 prints to choose from, there really is something
Pins & Brooches
for everyone and every occasion. You can find Hot
We are swooning over these
Tomato in Hall 20 – the new location for The
delightfully dinky pins and
Summerhouse.
brooches from Hot Tomato! Utterly
Hot Tomato
adorable, they form part of a wider
Tel: 01225 422188
collection that includes cats, dogs,
Email: sales@hot-tom.com
dragonflies and bees. So limber up
Web: www.hot-tom.com
those lapels, hats and bags and
Spring Fair: Hall 20 Stand
edit your own unique look. You can
E32 – F33
find Hot Tomato in Hall 20 – the
Friends Gets Groovy Groovy UK is excited to announce the company’s latest license and their new range of Friends bathrobes, slippers, Christmas stockings, house mats and homeware. Bathrobe and slippers are embroidered with the Friends quirky motifs such as Central Perk and You are my Lobster that all fans love. Bathrobes RRP: £32; slippers £12, Christmas stocking £10, and house mats £20. Groovy UK Tel: 0116 2391115 Email: Hello@GroovyUK.com Web: www.GroovyUK.com Spring Fair: Hall 4 Stand: 4C50-D51
68
PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
new location for The Summerhouse. Hot Tomato Tel: 01225 422188 Email: sales@hot-tom.com Web: www.hot-tom.com Spring Fair: Hall 20 Stand E32 – F33
p69 - General .qxp_52-53/55 10/12/2019 11:27 Page 83
What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products to be showcased this month
Go Alfresco This range of beautifully decorated serveware from Parlane’s new Spring Summer 2020 collection will have you hankering for some alfresco dining Mediterranean style. The pretty watercolour olive sprig design comes in two colourways to reflect both black and green olive varieties. The mini range consists of two sizes of serving bowls, salad servers, two sizes of nibble bowls, a chopping board, a tray and three sizes of planter. Parlane Tel: 01451 812700 Email: sales@parlane.co.uk Web: www.parlane.co.uk
Feathering Your Nest Feathers are what 2020 is all about, whether it’s a focal point
Shabby Chic Hearts
for a room or a subtle hint of texture. This new collection
These gorgeous grey chunky sentiment
encompasses superb metal sculptures as well as a dramatic
hearts from Joe Davies are the perfect
round mirror and statement lampshade, both handcrafted
gift to commemorate a special day such
and decorated with beautiful ivory feathers. For something
as a birthday or as a thoughtful gift to
more subtle, feather prints and textures appear on lanterns
show that you care. The free standing
and vases throughout the new collection. Or try their soft,
table plaque has been designed
feathery florals and greenery stems such as pampas grass
with a shabby chic look in the
and frothy ferns.
popular home decor colour of
Parlane
grey and embellished with a
Tel: 01451 812700
white laser cut word and
Email: sales@parlane.co.uk
handmade heart.
Web: www.parlane.co.uk
Joe Davies Tel: 0161 975 6300 Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk Web: www.joedavies.co.uk Spring Fair: Hall 3, K20/L21
Creeper Light A 3D light-up Creeper light inspired by the iconic game Minecraft. Add some creative lighting to your room with this fun collectable light up Creeper. A 10cm tall (4in) shaped light, the 3D Creeper light even plays the Creeper sound effect from the game when pressed. Powered by 2 x AAA batteries (not included). Paladone Tel: 01273 230037 Email: info@paladone.com Web: paladone.com
Friends Shaped Mug Keep your friends close and your
Scrabble With Sentiment
Friends mug closer with this beautiful
This popular Scrabble sentiment range has been
mug in the icon shape and colours of
designed in the shabby chic style, with its beautiful
Monica’s front door. The standard sized
cream and natural wood colour palette Scrabble
330ml (10.5 floz) ceramic mug has a
pieces having a lovely handmade feel to them. New
rich purple glaze and a peephole photo
for 2020 are the Scrabble standing table decoration
frame with a slot at the top for you to
hearts and hanging hearts in captions to give to
pop in your favourite photo.
family and friends.
Alternatively, change the picture with
Joe Davies
your mood – you decide.
Tel: 0161 975 6300
Paladone
Email: sales@joedavies.co.uk
Tel: 01273 230037
Web: www.joedavies.co.uk
Email: info@paladone.com
Spring Fair: Hall 3, K20/L21
Web: paladone.com
PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
69
p70 - General.qxp_52-53/55 11/12/2019 16:39 Page 83
What’s New Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products to be showcased this month
Birthstone Angel Launched at the Autumn Fair, the overwhelming success of these little gems took us totally by surprise! Available in the 12 different birthstone colours, made here in the UK and embellished with crystals from Swarovski. See them at Spring Fair. Wild Things Tel: 01392 211268 Email: sales@wildthingsgifts.com Web: www.wildthingsgifts.com Spring Fair: Hall 3/3A Stand
Odour Eliminating Spray
J30/K31
Ashleigh & Burwood have added 300ml interior and linen sprays to their popular collection The Scented Home. The
Buzzing With Excitement The CoCo Bee collection is new for 2020 giftware and has so much meaning for us at Belly Button with our Manchester roots and love of the environment. You’ll find this trend applied through gift wrappings, notebooks and on our new bone china mugs. The perfect symbol for sharing, on perfect high-quality, designled giftware to bring people together in lots of different ways. Belly Button Tel: 0161 902 0200
spray’s special formulation not only provides excellent room coverage, but also includes special odour eliminating technology. Just a spritz of the non-toxic fine mist spray creates instant freshness. Available in the eight best-selling scents, they provide a convenient way to fragrance and deodorise bed linen, towels, furnishing fabrics, car interiors, trainers and luggage. SRP: £13.99. Ashleigh & Burwood Tel: +44 (0) 1932 267060 Email: info@ashleigh-burwood.co.uk Web: www.ashleigh-burwood-trade.co.uk Top Drawer: M31 Spring Fair: Hall 4 B10-C11
Email: sales@bellybuttondesigns.com Web: www.bellybuttonbubble.com
Milestone Miffy This year sees the 65th Anniversary of Dick Bruna’s iconic white bunny Miffy, and to celebrate this milestone of the on-trend character, Rainbow Designs, who are back exhibiting at Top Drawer, are launching a beautiful new Miffy baby collection in a stylish and contemporary navy blue striped pattern. The collection features baby soft plush infant toys that are all suitable from birth including a comforter, ring rattle, activity book and musical pull down toy. Rainbow Designs Tel: 01329 227300 Email: sales@rainbowdesigns.co.uk
All Boxed Up Emartbuy is a family-run company that offers an
Web: www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk Top Drawer: Stand R30
extensive range of gifting products, covering gift boxes,
An Instant Crystal Classic
gift bags and stationery-related items. The boxes are
First the idea. Then the work. Finally the sample.
available in matt, textured, metallic and shiny finish, and
And you realise ‘this is beautiful – it’s going to
in a variety of trendy shapes and sizes. In addition to the
be hugely popular!’ And so it has proved. Our
existing range of boxes, Emartbuy will be releasing a
crafts people have been working flat out on this
variety of brand new velvet gift boxes this year that are
gem. Embellished with jewellery quality crystals
ideal for Valentine’s Day gifting.
from Swarovski. Boxes available. See them on
Emartbuy
our biggest stand ever at Spring Fair.
Tel: 0121 2330986 / 2362322
Wild Things
Email: sales@emartbuy.co.uk
Tel: 01392 211268
Web: www.emartbuy.co.uk
Email: sales@wildthingsgifts.com
Top Drawer: Stand N60 in Greetings
Web: www.wildthingsgifts.com
and Stationery Hall
Spring Fair: Hall 3/3A Stand J30/K31
Spring Fair: Hall 2 Stand 2A31
70
PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
p71 - Giving & Living.qxp_52-53/55 11/12/2019 17:01 Page 83
What’s New Progressive Gifts and Home highlights some of the products showcasing at Giving & Living Seaside Strolls Pebbles and Shells is a set of two designs on Dunoon’s Orkney shape. Beautifully illustrated by Richard Partis in soft muted colours. Pebbles for skimming along the water, shells on the sea shore and taking home as a souvenir. Both mugs would be perfect reminders of your seaside strolls. Made in England. Dunoon Tel: 01785 817414 Email: sales@dunoonmugs.co.uk Web: www.dunoonmugs.co.uk Giving & Living: Stand A304
Splashes Of Colour Whoops! is a set of two designs on
Mischievous Pug
Dunoon’s new Braemar shape featuring
Puckator would like to introduce their new pet pug,
colour themed, happy accidental splashes
Mopps. A group of pugs may be known as a
of colour. The duo is bright and fun and
grumble, but this cheeky chappie will never be seen
bound to lighten up your kitchen.
with a sad look on his face. Full of beans, this
Designed by Caroline Bessey, made
loveable guy is always causing trouble, particularly
in fine bone china and handcrafted in
where food is concerned. We are looking forward to
Staffordshire, England.
seeing him cause mischief on plush rucksacks, cute
Dunoon
character pens and stacking lunch boxes.
Tel: 01785 817414
Puckator
Email: sales@dunoonmugs.co.uk
Tel: 0800 011 6969
Web: www.dunoonmugs.co.uk
Email: customerservices@puckator.co.uk
Giving & Living: Stand A304
Web: www.puckator.co.uk Giving and Living: Stand 405
Beach Themed Beachcomber is a set of three designs on Dunoon’s Orkney shape and will inspire you to go hunting along the beach. The designs feature seaside scenes with beach huts, fishing boats, shoals of fish and what the ocean might have washed up to the shore. They come in a limited colour range giving them a contemporary feel. Designed by Gillian Martin made in fine bone china and handcrafted in Staffordshire, England. Dunoon Tel: 01785 817414 Email: sales@dunoonmugs.co.uk Web: www.dunoonmugs.co.uk Giving & Living: Stand A304
Kawaii Style
Stationery Savvy New for 2020, Puckator will be unveiling their brand new stationery line inspired by their adorable Cutiemals range.
Taking inspiration from the Japanese culture
The collection features soft silicone pencil cases
influences appearing at the end of 2019, Puckator’s
with cheeky little animal faces packing plenty of
Kawaii style Shiba Inu is ready to greet eager
personality. Combining this with a durable material
giftware enthusiasts in the new year. With its East
means these products are perfect for children of all
Asian colour palette and little collar and bell, this
ages (and we suspect a few adults). The range also
little chap couldn’t possibly be any more charming.
contains shaped notepads, brightly coloured
This super cute and cuddly breed, native to Japan,
pencils and erasers, everything needed to
lends itself perfectly to products like Puckator’s
complete a full stationery set.
fluffy note pads, pencil cases and travel pillows.
Puckator
Puckator
Tel: 0800 011 6969
Tel: 0800 011 6969
Email: customerservices@puckator.co.uk
Email: customerservices@puckator.co.uk
Web: www.puckator.co.uk
Web: www.puckator.co.uk
Giving and Living: Stand 405
Giving and Living: Stand 405 PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
71
NEW
MINIMA Miniature Works of Art
Various animals to choose from.
Only £27 retail Gift boxed
Scotlands Trade Fair Stand L11 Spring Fair Hall 3, Stand D32A Ambiente 9.1 B47
+44 (0)1666 577110 www.frithsculpture.co.uk
072_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
MADE IN BRITAIN
/frithsculpture
Find Lagoon at Spring Fair Hall 4, Stand D90-E91 www.thelagoongroup.com
13/12/2019 17:12
73.qxp_New Grid 06/12/2019 15:55 Page 1
LESLEY DUNNE
SOUNDING OFF
Is Anyone Listening? Frustrated by a recent local council meeting, gift retailer Lesley Dunne, owner of Feathering Your Nest in Rayleigh, wants to know why, when it comes to the high street, local councils don’t listen to feedback from local businesses. Plus, she can’t help but mourn the loss of the ‘old school’ independents in her home area of Hackney in East London. “Another one bites the dust...Christmas that is! Or should it be the metaphor these days for businesses going under too? The local Facebook page is full of whingeing posts about the state of the high street, castigating the council for allowing it to be over-run with hairdressers, barbers, nail bars and eateries. People saying what they want to see (Nando’s appears hundreds of times) but are they willing to put their money where their mouth is? On a recent trip back to my home town, deepest, darkest Hackney as it was in the good old days aka 1970s (... OK ‘60s then, haha!) what do I spy on the trendiest, vibrant hot spot of the decade, yep every other shop being the same as our high street with one random clothes shop spotted and not a gift shop in sight. Where did all the shoe shops, clothes shops, bakeries, butcher's, gift, card and haberdashery shops go? Online and into Tesco Local I suppose. Why would you venture into town, struggle to park and pay when our colossal Sainsbury’s has everything? Moreover, our council held a meeting to get our views on things which traders feel could improve our high street. I put a post on our local traders WhatsApp group "who's coming to save the high street?"
Tumbleweed! Three shop owners turned up, and two of us were the usual suspects. The other was a newbie vape shop. It is deflating as the councils have their hands tied by government cuts, but ours are way out of touch with how retail has changed, making it nigh on impossible to fight crusty old men unwilling to see or make any changes to their beloved old town.
Top: Lesley Dunne. Below and bottom: Vaping shops and tattoo parlours are now the norm on many UK high streets.
Being the only (outspoken) woman didn't help the cause with these old misogynists who probably only use the shops twice a year! My suggestion of eight parking spaces taken from the greedy taxi company who seem to have the monopoly on parking spaces went down like a lead balloon. Bringing people into town for events such as a busker day was sadly rejected too. Mr D always groans when I say I'm off to another council meeting, but I can't help myself, I just have to have my say; it's my business and my shop is on their high street. Throw into the mix this scenario. I sold an Ashleigh and Burwood fragrance lamp gift set to a couple. They returned the following Sunday excited to try and buy a new oil. Then they leaned in close to me, saying that they wanted another set but had seen it online for £10 cheaper and could I match the price? I couldn’t. I sell at the RRP. Pointing to my little Sunday girl I politely reminded them how I employ people, give them a decent job, pay heating, rent, rates etc. The customer said that he appreciated my plight, but that it's still a tenner in his pocket! It's often this way. We do the sales pitch, then the customers buy online and on the shopping channels for known products. Are shops just the showcase for the internet these days? I would certainly not have wanted to buy a buggy online for my three children. RIP Mothercare. What does 2020 hold for the high street retailers, Brexit and a looming recession? Who's got the silver bullet? It's gonna be a long cold winter but chin up, Mother's Day is around the corner!” PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
73
74-75.qxp_72-73 06/12/2019 15:52 Page 2
Best Sellers Progressive Gifts & Home asked a selection of gift retailers about the products which have been flying off their shelves this month. Jeanine Laurent, owner, Magenta, Ashfield A small gift shop situated in a semi-residential area. CATEGORY
SUPPLIERS/RANGES
COMMENT
Decorative Home Accessories
Raine & Humble: cushions
Beautiful fabrics, especially the velvet cushions. The rich sumptuous tones worked well for the festive season. Beautiful, classy, Scandi style products.
Bloomingville: across the board Home Fragrancing
Stoneglow: Modern Classics; Straits Trading: Jingle Bells and Golden Vanilla
Sea Salt and Oakmoss is the best selling range in the shop. The Vanilla fragrance is beautiful and makes the whole shop smell very inviting. All my customers comment.
Jewellery
Gracee: contemporary; Rosie Fox: semi-precious stones
Products fly out of the shop. A gorgeous contemporary jewellery collection that had a strong appeal as stocking fillers.
Greeting Cards
Louise Mulgrew
Beautifully illustrated, animal themed cards.
Giftwrap
Caroline Gardner
A lovely co-ordinated range.
Other Hot Hits
Ginko: book lights
The small book lights appeal to both male and female customers, making perfect gifts for the person that has everything.
Jane Dekker, co-owner, Huus, Halesworth A large gift shop in a market town. CATEGORY
SUPPLIERS/RANGES
COMMENT
Decorative Home Accessories
Repeat Repeat: mugs;
These vibrant bone china mugs are eye-catching, exuding quality and Britishness. Classic glassware with simplicity in design. Many items now come with additional, beautiful gift packaging.
Forma House: Sagaform’s Nature glassware
Fragranced Giftware
Shearer Candles
Grand Illusions: Savon de Marseille
We offer three core fragrances which are consistent repeat purchases for our customers. Customers purchase full boxes of their favourite fragrances.
Fashion Accessories
Quintessential: scarves and accessories
The company’s ranges are based on seasonal colourways and make an easy gift item.
Greeting Cards
Penguin Ink
We have stocked Lizzie Parker’s letterpress cards since we opened. The cards are almost a gift in themselves.
Giftwrap
Lorna Syson
Stunning quality. Lorna’s designs are contemporary and colourful.
Other Hot Hits
Bliss Home: Ekobo
Responsible, design led gifting featuring houseware staples.
74
PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
74-75.qxp_72-73 06/12/2019 15:52 Page 3
Liz Kemp, owner, Kemps General Store, Malton, and Kemps On The Coast, Whitby Kemps General Store, a medium sized gift shop in a market town; Kemps On The Coast, a small high street gift shop. CATEGORY
SUPPLIERS/RANGES
COMMENT
Decorative Home Accessories
Quail Ceramics: across the board
Customers love the quirkiness of this ceramics collection – from our best selling guinea pigs to goats, otters and owls. Beautiful, simple contemporary bone china tableware.
Repeat Repeat: white plum and tulip mugs and jugs Fragranced Giftware
Little Yorkshire Candle Company: spa candles; Tilda’s Tribe: goats milk soaps
People love the delicious scents, long burn time, gorgeous packaging and glass containers. Great for the skin, wonderful scents and proper ethics are just some of the reasons our customers love these bars of loveliness.
Jewellery
Ruby Spirit Designs: jewellery; Leigh Shepherd: bees, forget-me-nots and dandelions
Really distinctive and unusual. A cool ‘alternative’ collection of jewellery. Upcycled jewellery. Beautiful designs inspired by Japanese art and nature.
Fashion Accessories
Solmate Socks: socks; Green Grove Weavers Knitwear: accessories
This fabulous range of socks is a Christmas staple at Kemps. Fabulous gloves and knitwear that’s designed and made in Scotland.
Greeting Cards
Deadpan Cards
The cards tell it like it is and make customers laugh out loud. They’re cards you want to keep.
Giftwrap
Cambridge Imprint
Our customers love this paper range not only for wrapping but for crafting, book binding and furniture upcycling projects.
Other Hot Hits
Studio Roof: interactive kits and crafting for children
Plastic free, we stock a good range of designs that make amazing wall hangings and decorations.
Anne Anderson, owner of Paprika in Chippenham and Bath Chippenham’s Paprika is a medium sized gift shop in a small shopping centre; its sibling gift shop in Bath is small, located on a secondary site. CATEGORY
SUPPLIERS/RANGES
COMMENT
Decorative Home Accessories
Widdop and Co: silver plated photo frames; Rader: teal lights holders and ceramics
Timeless, classic photo frames.
Chalk: Black Pomegranate;
The diffusers have outsold the candles. Customers like the eco friendly credentials. This has been a consistently good product range over many years.
Home Fragrancing
St Eval: across the board
Very well designed products in beautiful packaging. Good all year round gifts at affordable prices.
Jewellery
Hot Tomato: animal print
Fashion-led, fun and value for money jewellery. The hair bands were among the winners at Christmas.
Fashion Accessories
Tilley & Grace: fur scarves and gilets; Miss Shorthair: scarves
Affordable, fun and a good sellers this winter. Very on trend.
Greeting Cards
Rosie Made A Thing
Non-offensive humour that makes everyone smile. The cards work well with the Rosie Made A Thing Mclaggan Smith mugs.
Giftwrap
Belly Button
Good designs with appeal to both male and female customers.
Other Hot Hits
Liga: cork based tableware
Placemates, china and trivets all from recyclable sources. We also did well with the Christmas decorations.
Well priced, on trend scarves. The winner has been the star design.
PROGRESSIVE GIFTS & HOME WORLDWIDE
75
We are looking forward to seeing you! 100 % Recycling-Tissue Made in Germany
PAPERWORLD FRANKFURT 3.1 | E11 SPRINGFAIR BIRMINGHAM 2 | J20, K21
www.artebene.com
Anz_Artebene_F20_210x138mm_Progressive_RZ.indd 1
03.12.19 13:05
TOP DRAW ER
STAND
SEE OUR
0 NEW 202ON GIFT COLLECTI
AT TOP DRAWER
R30 EVERYBODY LOVES SNOOPY
© 2020 Peanuts Worldwide LLC
076_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
11/12/2019 17:31
77.qxp_New Grid 13/12/2019 18:10 Page 1
Best Sellers
What better testimonial for products than those of your fellow retailers. Here's all the information you need to get in touch and start stocking!
WIDDOP & CO. T: 0161 688 1226 E: sales@widdop.co.uk W: widdop.co.uk
QUAIL CERAMICS T: 01304 379901 E: info@quailceramics.co.uk W: www.quailceramics.co.uk
STONEGLOW CANDLES T: 020 8595 8878 E: sales@stoneglowcandles.co.uk W: www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk
CAROLINE GARDNER T: 0208 288 9696 E: info@carolinegardner.com W: www.carolinegardner.com
HOT TOMATO T: 01225 422188 E: sales@hot-tom.com W: www.hot-tom.com
BELLY BUTTON DESIGNS T: 0161 902 0200 E: sales@bellybuttondesigns.com W: www.bellybuttontradeshop.co.uk
STONEGLOW CANDLES T: 020 8595 8878 E: sales@stoneglowcandles.co.uk W: www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk
ST EVAL T: 01841 540850 E: info@stevalcandlecompany.co.uk W: www.st-eval.com
BELLY BUTTON DESIGNS T: 0161 902 0200 E: sales@bellybuttondesigns.com W: www.bellybuttontradeshop.co.uk Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
77
78.qxp_New Grid 13/12/2019 17:53 Page 2
BEHIND THE COUNTER
Mark Alexander
Above: Mark Alexander. Right: The National Memorial Arboretum.
Having been a finalist in the Best Retail Employee of the Year category of The Greats, Mark Alexander retail manager at the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, (winner of The Greats 2019 Best Museums or Visitor Attraction Gift Shop category), reveals that he got his first taste for retail at the age of five, helping his dad, who owned his own shop, fill the shelves.
As Mark puts it, “I think retail has always been in my blood. “I thought I was going to end up being an accountant, but looking at figures and spreadsheets all day sounded far too boring, so I started out in commercial stationery as a buyer, and worked through the ranks before managing the retail operation. I have also worked for several furniture retailers as well as working in homewares. Before moving to the Arboretum I spent nearly ten years managing a department store. Moving to retail in the visitor attraction sector, and working with volunteers, is a whole new environment and one that I am glad to be experiencing.”
He started working at the National Memorial Arboretum three years ago, on November 1, 2016, just one week after they moved into the new awardwinning Remembrance Centre. “I enjoy the variety of roles that working in a standalone outlet presents, from range planning, sourcing stock that fulfils our criteria, building relationships with our suppliers - where we have some really great and supportive ones to merchandising and, of course, retailing.” He continues: “The environment of the National Memorial Arboretum is the
extra bonus. We get to meet a large variety of visitors, set in wonderful surroundings. Finally, it’s my team. I have great staff and volunteers that work with me to deliver our vision, with the senior team offering great support. Overall, it’s just a great place to work.” He says that one of the roles he most enjoys is trying to find the right product to match visitors’ needs. “Our product range sets us apart - it’s bought to reflect the site, our visitors and our core values, be that from a nature perspective, or one that fits the site for remembrance. Poppies, for instance, figure quite dominantly in our range. We also get great people visiting the site and they all have a story to tell. I enjoy listening to why they are here and understanding how we can have a positive impact on their visit. The retail team is a mix of staff and volunteers and by working together we have achieved great standards of display and delivered high standards of customer service.”
LAST WORD
Oliver Dall
Above: Oliver Dall. Below: Dedicated Harry Potter gift shop Oliver’s Brighton.
Two years after opening Oliver’s Brighton, a dedicated Harry Potter licensed giftware store in the Sussex seaside town, owner Oliver Dall was delighted to see the shop commended in the finals of the UK’s recent 25 Best Small Shops Awards. PG&H asked him where his wizard idea for a gift shop came from.
Three words that best describe you? “As a Slytherin, I've got to choose cunning, ambitious and determined.”
78
Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
What are your favourite TV shows? “IT Crowd, Black Books and Garth Marenghi's Darkplace.” What’s your favourite film? “Jurassic Park.” What’s your favourite book? “The Stephen King horror novel IT.” Where’s your favourite place to go on holiday? “Disneyland, Florida. I’m a massive Disney fan and I also love theme parks.”
Is there a quirky fact that we don’t know about you? “I used to be a voice actor for an interactive cartoon turtle at the Sea Life Centre.” What inspired you to open Oliver’s Brighton? “I had an epiphany while re-reading Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets during a trip to Asia. I was looking for a new business venture and thought why don’t I open a Harry Potter wizarding shop! When I came back to Brighton, I found a shop in Trafalgar Street.”
What would your business advice to someone else be? “Find a job that is your passion.”
Where’s your happy place? “I’m happiest when I’m at home.” If you could wave a magic wand, what would you wish for? “More wishes!” What has been the best business advice you’ve received so far? "Honesty goes a long way. It was said to me by my then manager, David McDonald Woods, when I worked at an estate agents.”
What one thing would you take to a desert island? “A Harry Potter books boxset.” (See Licensed Giftware on pages 59 - 61).
79.qxp_RH Page 11/12/2019 11:42 Page 1
Discover The New A Max Publishing special publication previewing and listing all the relevant trade shows in the licensing, gifts, greetings, party and housewares sectors
Max filler advert 2019 A5.qxp_Layout 1 01/04/2019 14:35 Page 1
Market leading trade magazines
Market leading trade awards
Market leading digital platforms
Market leading trade exhibitions
Max Publishing, United House, North Road, London N7 9DP For further details please contact us on T: 020 7700 6740 or www.max-publishing.co.uk or email ianh@max-publishing.co.uk
Max House Ad 2020.indd 1
12/12/2019 12:15
81.qxp_RH Page 13/12/2019 14:39 Page 1
WELCOME TO...
Showtime 2020
As trade shows get ready to open their doors in 2020, it’s time to put your best forward! As well as discovering exciting new suppliers and new products that could turn out to be best sellers, trade shows are also a fantastic opportunity to spot the trends, or to learn more about, for example, retail, sustainability or eCommerce from industry experts. Plus, whether at home or on a global stage, trade shows also have an important social side, with a chance meeting with an industry friend often leading you into a different hall or to walk down another aisle. Turn the pages of Showtime 2020 to see who’s doing what and when, with UK and international listings featured on pages 98-101. Looking forward to bumping into you in the aisles! Sue Marks, Angie Bryant and Ian Hyder Team Showtime Worldwide 2020
82-83
Brand Licensing Europe 2020 Organised by Informa Markets
84-85
Exclusively Organised by Brooke House Exhibitions
86-87
Giving & Living Organised by Hale Events
88-89
Harrogate Christmas & Gift Organised by HITF
90-91
Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair Organised by HKTDC
92-93
IHGF Delhi Fair EPCH
94-95
Progressive Greetings Live 2020 Organised by Max Exhibitions
96-97
The Inspired Home Show Organised by the International Housewares Association (IHA)
98-101 Listings of UK and international exhibitions and dates
Sue Marks
Angie Bryant
Ian Hyder
This annual publication is produced by Max Publishing United House, North Road, London N7 9DP Tel: (0) 207 700 6740 E-mail: angieb@max-publishing.co.uk Web: www.max-publishing.com
DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR INDEPENDENT RETAILERS 4 MARCH 2020 REGISTER NOW www.housewaresshow.co.uk ‘The Housewares show is vital in our event calendar as it gives us a chance to meet our suppliers in a relaxed environment.’ Claire Smith, Buyer at Beales
6-8 OCTOBER 2020 ExCeL London
DISCOVER THE WIDEST RANGE OF BRANDS AVAILABLE FOR LICENSE IN EUROPE Brand Licensing Europe brings together 8,000+ retailers and manufacturers with 260+ brand owners and agents across entertainment, art, corporate brands, gaming, heritage and more.
082_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
FIND OUT MORE www.brandlicensing.eu
11/12/2019 11:44
83.qxp_RH Page 13/12/2019 14:26 Page 1
FOCUS ON...
Brand Licensing Europe 2020 Brand Licensing Europe sashays into 2020 with a fashion theme following a record-breaking year and a venue move. Over 8,000 licensing industry professionals attend Brand Licensing Europe (BLE) each year from all over the world - it’s the definitive event for the licensing industry in Europe. In 2019, the event relocated to a new home at ExCeL and secured record visitor numbers (8,062) and exhibiting companies (268). BLE returns to ExCeL London on 6-8 October 2020 and will turn the spotlight on fashion licensing as its exclusive theme. “Next year’s BLE will live and breathe fashion licensing: apparel, footwear, accessories and beauty.
“Ambitious early stage plans include a live catwalk, with dramatic themed shows beamed onto every digital screen throughout the venue,” explained Informa Markets VP of licensing Anna Knight. “BLE has become infamous for its themes and we are so excited about next year’s. The wonderful thing about fashion in licensing is how inclusive it is. It’s accessible to every BLE exhibitor and its
Above: Visitors at BLE 2019. Left: The Arcade at last year’s show. Below left: BLE relocated to ExCeL, London, in 2019. Below: Over 8000 licensing professionals attended BLE to do business. Bottom left: Gaming is a huge licensing opportunity.
appeal is universal: it’s relevant to every demographic and is gender, race, age successful licensing programmes can and generation neutral.” have at retail,” states Anna. “And our Continues Anna: “We all have an Fresh off the Runway showcase, which emotional connection with fashion. For saw each of the show’s entrances years, toys have feature mannequins dressed in fashion x traditionally been licensing collab designs, including Barbie, the gateway to SpongeBob SquarePants and Call of consumer products Duty, was a brilliant taster and teaser for for brands, but our 2020 theme, which will really apparel is now highlight what ExCeL can offer BLE and helping to drive our exhibitors and visitors.” experiences and BLE features three exhibitor zones build brands, Character & Entertainment, Brands & especially for Lifestyle and Art, Design & Image categories like eSports, which have an Licensing - as well as the License Global older, hardcore, merch-driven, fanbase. At Theatre, Retail Trends Lounge and BLE 2020, we will be exploring fast License! This competition final. fashion, haute couture collabs, sustainability, the economy and more.” One of the reasons Informa relocated BLE to ExCeL was the potential the venue offered to create a more experiential show for visitors and exhibitors. The organisers proved that this year with its three activations, which were a huge hit with visitors. They were Beyond the Book (publishing), Arcade (gaming and eSports) and Heritage X Interiors. SHOW ESSENTIALS “Our 2019 activations DATES: 6-8 October 2020 were interactive, VENUE: ExCeL, London E-MAIL: anna.knight@informa.com inspirational, bold and WEB: www.brandlicensing.eu beautiful, a real testament VISITOR REGISTRATION: http://brandlicensing.eu to the impact creative, Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
83
The UK’s premier showcase of hoUsewares, TableTop & small elecTrical brands
Request your ticket today at www.exclusivelyshows.co.uk
@exclusivelyshows Run by the industry for the industry
084_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
11/12/2019 15:50
85.qxp_RH Page 06/12/2019 17:05 Page 1
FOCUS ON...
Exclusively Exclusively is the UK’s premier showcase of housewares, tabletop and small electrical brands. Two days of the latest products, biggest brands, Christmas gifting and trend guides to 2021 awaits visitors. More than 150 exhibitors and 350 brands will be on display as Exclusively showcases the best the industry has to offer: from the latest tools, gadgets and designer table settings to smart coffee machines, juicers and cookware. Understanding the key trends in colour, materials and products are vital for product selection in 2020 and 2021. The unique product displays, trend talks and tours from trend
forecaster, Scarlet Opus, are a must-see element for many visitors. In 2020, a new addition to the show will be the ‘Launchpad’, an area for small businesses, who are innovative first-time Exclusively exhibitors. Each company will bring something new to the market and should prove an exciting draw for those looking for something different.
Left: Buyers looking to source product. Below left: Among the busy stands at the show. Below right: Bloggers and influencers at Brand Showcase. Bottom: Visitors at last year’s Exclusively.
Exclusively is attended by buyers, decision makers and merchandisers from across housewares, tabletop and small electrical sectors. Buyers represent independent cookshops, lifestyle retailers, garden centres, hardware and gift shops, and there is also a strong presence from national chains, including grocers, department stores and DIY stores. A large and fast-growing new audience to the show are the bloggers, influencers and celebrities who, along with many journalists, are attracted to our Brand Showcase ‘highlights’ area, where new product highlights are presented in one dedicated space so they can be viewed quickly and easily.
For over 20 years, Exclusively has been delighting trade visitors who tell us that our unique format is extremely popular: a strict entry policy ensures that bona fide buyers are the main visitors; the inspiring environment in the Business Design Centre is comfortable to get around in two days; no individual company dominates the hall; and there is a friendly environment for an industry that likes to party. With over 120 exhibitors and 350 quality brands our unique show is the place to find the key suppliers and latest new trends in one place.
SHOW ESSENTIALS DATE: 9 and 10 June 2020 VENUE: Business Design Centre, London TEL: 0121 237 1130 EMAIL: info@exclusivelyhousewares.co.uk WEB: www.exclusivelyshows.co.uk VISITOR REGISTRATION: Via website
Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
85
G
G
0
GIVING & LIVING
More British Makers Exclusive show offers Be the first to see the latest ranges
TRADE SHOW 2020
Ideas that sell Giving & Living is the largest Gift and Home trade show in the South West and covers more Coast than anyone else. Get a head start and see the leading suppliers and new ranges first!
L@giving_living
12 - 15 January 2020 Exeter
givingliving.co.uk
l
To get your hands on your free entry badge: Register online or call 01934 733456. Organised by Hale Events Ltd www.hale-events.com
G&L_ProgressiveGifts_FP_Portrait.indd 1 0086_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
09/12/2019 15:54 10/12/2019 11:05
87.qxp_RH Page 13/12/2019 14:28 Page 1
FOCUS ON...
Giving & Living Giving & Living, which takes place from Sunday 12 January to 15 January, is the South West’s largest gifts and merchandising event, where visitors will discover the very latest trends in personalised gifts and home accessories that are set to hit the shops in the year ahead.
Giving & Living takes place, at Westpoint, just outside Exeter, and, once again, over 200 exhibitors from across the West and further afield will be showcasing a huge range of beautifully crafted gifts and unusual home accessories. Coming close after Christmas, the event gives savvy retail buyers a head start for the new season. The show - a magnet for seaside-based retailers and attractions looking to test the water with new ideas - takes place in the heart of the West Country, surrounded by some of Britain’s best beaches and seaside destinations. No other show gives visitors so many coast-themed offerings. Spread over four days, Giving & Living provides a uniquely relaxed and convivial environment where retail buyers can meet with suppliers and manufacturers to make those all-important purchasing selections for the year ahead, negotiate terms and build valuable personal relationships. Because it’s an annual event, visitors will be able to look ahead at items they’ll want to stock for Easter, Mother’s Day and summer - even into next Christmas - not forgetting christenings, birthdays and anniversaries! Everything from cups to cards, fossils to furnishings, jewellery to jams and silver to sunglasses will be on show, enabling canny trade buyers to spot the goods that will drive their sales in 2020,
Above: Buyers browsing at last year’s show. Below: A visitor takes a closer look at an item of jewellery. Bottom: Among the plush products on display.
Designed and Made in Britain: this sector features a plethora of craftspeople and designers whose products have a distinctly local flavour. Many only exhibit at Giving & Living. Naturally: highlights the stands whose products come from impeccably sustainable and ethical sources. Look out for the ‘Naturally’ logo. Newcomers: the special Newcomers’ area showcases new companies that have never before exhibited at a trade show. Spot emerging design talent before your competitors. Speakers Corner: Engage with a range of industry experts as well as enjoying demonstrations from some of the exhibitors at the show. Drop in sessions and short talks are free of charge. Visit givingliving.co.uk to find out more about the exhibitors, as well as to see some of the special show exclusive offers available. You can also follow the show on Twitter: @giving_living
and to see which of the great gifts on display would be perfect for branding and personalising. The exhibition is clearly marked for specialist products, neatly divided into sections allowing visitors to focus their efforts. Special features include: The Coastal Path: ‘sea-tailers’ with a retail outlet and attraction on or near the coast will find more coastal products than at any other trade show, inspired by sun, surf, sand and sea. SHOW ESSENTIALS Follow the ‘Coastal Path’ DATE: 12-15 January 2020 to meet new and VENUE: Westpoint Exhibition Centre, Exeter established suppliers TEL: 01934 733433 who will be displaying EMAIL: mail@hale-events.com the Coast logo on their WEB: givingliving.co.uk REGISTRATION: givingliving.co.uk/visitor-registration stand fascia boards. Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
87
Stepping into Christmas 2020 ... Don’t miss the latest up-and-coming goods and gifts for EVERY occasion - and not least Christmas!
Register online today for FREE entry HARROGATE CHRISTMAS & GIFT
12 - 15 January 2020 - Harrogate Convention Centre
www.harrogatefair.com • Tel: 01902 882280 / 880906
Progressive Gifts Advert - Dec Jan 19.indd 1 088_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
09/12/2019 10:51:47 10/12/2019 11:07
89.qxp_RH Page 06/12/2019 17:10 Page 1
FOCUS ON...
Harrogate Christmas & Gift For 70 years, Harrogate Christmas & Gift has held the position as the UK’s premier trade event for the Christmas and gift giving market, with the show’s platinum edition in 2020 offering a one-stop-shop not just for everything festive, but also for other gifting occasions throughout the year. With its January timeline hitting the spot for buyers wanting to stock up early for Christmas 2021, there will be plenty to celebrate at this year’s special 70th anniversary show, which takes place at the Harrogate Convention Centre from January 12-15. From Valentine’s and Mother’s Day to Easter, Father’s Day and Halloween, Harrogate Christmas & Gift has gradually expanded its product sectors over the years to include not only Christmas, but also other key gift giving occasions. “It is incredible to think that a trade show can still be going strong after 70 years, and is a testament to the gift industry and its ability to adapt and evolve over the decades,” says show organiser Simon Anslow. “Yet Harrogate Christmas & Gift continues to do exactly that, starting with the toy industry in 1949 and evolving to feature festive goods and gifts.” Talking about the different sectors that visitors will find in January, Simon continues: “In 2020, the show will be embracing the celebrations that society enjoys today, from Christmas, Hanukkah and Diwali to occasions that include Halloween, baby showers, birthdays, weddings and civil partnerships. We are such a diverse society, that there is always a good reason to celebrate and buy a gift, and Harrogate Christmas & Gift is the destination for retailers to source those products.”
Left: The Harrogate Convention Centre. BelowAmong the products that delighted visitors last year. Below lwdft: Down to business.
Ranges on offer this year will include everything from all year round gifts, to homewares, stationery, garden products, floral, toys, novelties, food gifts and greeting cards. In fact, visitors will be spoilt for choice with eight halls at the Harrogate Convention Centre packed with exciting new products from over 100 exhibitors. A high proportion of companies - such as Premier Decorations, Joe Davies, Gisela Graham and Heaven Sends - have been attending the show for many years and are renowned and trusted brands, while some 16 brand new exhibitors, to include Brinc Nordic, Christmas & Advent Gift Boxes, Home Deco London and The Winter Workshop will
be showcasing product at Harrogate Christmas & Gift for the first time. “Over the last decade, the show has seen continued growth in both exhibitor and visitor numbers and we hope that everyone in the industry will help us to continue this trend and join us for 70th anniversary celebrations and drinks at the show this year,” enthuses Simon. Full details about the show, an exhibitor list and registration details are available at www.harrogatefair.com
SHOW ESSENTIALS DATES: 12-15 January 2020 VENUE: Harrogate International Centre TEL: 01902 882280 E-MAIL: simon@harrogatefair.com WEB: www.harrogatefair.com VISITOR REGISTRATION: www.touchfinder.co.uk/registration/WebRegister/Index/74
Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
89
20AGPB010
Progressive Gifts & Showtime Worldwide
Output.pdf
1
11/12/2019
10:08 AM
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Reserve now for your FREE e-Badge! Web: hkgiftspremiumfair.hktdc.com/ex/10 App: HKTDC Marketplace Tel: (44 20) 7616 9500 • Email: london.office@hktdc.org
085_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
11/12/2019 11:44
91.qxp_RH Page 13/12/2019 14:30 Page 1
FOCUS ON...
Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair 2020 Recognised as the world’s largest event of its kind, the fair presents an effective platform for manufacturers, exporters, wholesalers and designers to connect with buyers from all over the world. In 2019, the fair featured a record 4,380 exhibitors from 31 countries and regions and welcomed close to 50,000 international buyers. A Positive Outlook The independent survey commissioned by the HKTDC during Gifts & Premium Fair 2019 showed that in general the industry is confident about market prospects, with 89% of respondents expecting overall sales to remain steady or increase this year. With regards to product trends, advertising gifts and premiums are tipped to have the greatest growth potential by 20% of respondents, followed by tech gifts (19%), figurines and decorations (9%) and toys and sporting goods (9%).
New Zone To Watch Out For As the world gets smaller each day, a cultural gift is a great way to connect with people from every corner of the world. Echoing such sentiments, Gallery of Cultural Gifts & Crafts is making its debut in 2020 to present a wide collection of cultural gifts and crafts with stunning design, authentic culture and time-honoured traditions. Other Not-To-Be-Missed Zones Hall of Fine Designs features top-tier brands and products from around the world.
The 35th HKTDC Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair is set to return from 27-30 April, 2020 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
World of Beauty, Fitness & Wellbeing presents a multitude of cosmetics, skincare, fitness and SPA products under one roof. World of Camping & Outdoor Goods showcases gift ideas that connect consumers with the great outdoors. Tech Gifts displays smart gift ideas that harness the power of creativity and technology. Startup Zone is the platform for innovators and startup companies to present their bright ideas to international investors and buyers. Secrets To Winning In The Gifts Industry And More To help visitors keep up with the notably fast-paced gifts industry and the ever-changing market trends, the fair invites trendsetters and key industry players from around the globe to talk about trade secrets and what’s new and hot. Furthermore, networking receptions and matching-services at the fair help facilitate professional exchanges and visitors to expand business contacts. Top: The 2019 fair featured over 4,380 exhibitors and attracted close to 50,000 visitors, making it the largest fair of its kind in the world. Above: The feature wall at the 2019 fair, embodying the essence of gift giving as being the expression of joy and love.
Bonus Concurrent Event The HKTDC Hong Kong International Printing & Packing Fair 2020 will run concurrently at AsiaWorld-Expo, providing visitors with an extra sourcing and learning opportunity for everything related to printing and packaging. A courtesy shuttle bus runs between the two venues. To discover more about the event please visit: www.hkprintpackfair.com Pre-register Now To Save HKD100 Online registration is now open. You may find the registration link or just scan the QR code below and fill out a simple form. It will save you HK100 and all the hassle of queuing up and registering at the event venue.
SHOW ESSENTIALS DATE: 27-30 April 2020 VENUE: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre TEL: (44 20) 7616 9500 E-MAIL: london.office@hktdc.org WEB: hkgiftspremiumfair.hktdc.com/ex/10 VISITOR REGISTRATION: hkgiftspremiumfair.hktdc.com/ex/11
Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
91
092_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
11/12/2019 11:45
93.qxp_RH Page 13/12/2019 14:33 Page 1
FOCUS ON...
IHGF Delhi Fair The recent IHGF Delhi Fair Autumn 2019, held from 16-20 October 2019 at the India Expo Centre & Mart, drove home a thought provoking message on sustainability and responsible manufacturing. In keeping with the theme of ‘Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose & Recycle’, awe inspiring colossal installations of animals, butterflies, trees, etc., were showcased at the fair, made from 50 tons of industrial waste including plastic, metal, wood and fabric, perfectly exemplifying the amalgamation of traditional Indian lifestyle values and practices with reimagined creativity using cast-off everyday materials. Expressing cosmic representations that expounded on ecological balance between nature and humans, the installations were a means towards a powerful messaging of Indic beliefs and practices anchored on the five great elements of cosmic creation - Vayu (air), Agni (fire), Varuna (water), Prithvi (earth) and Akash (sky/space/ether). As a nation, India prides itself on its long history and tradition of harmonious co-existence between man and nature, with craft practices contributing to sustainable lifestyles. The IHGF Delhi
Fair Autumn 2019, built on workmanship, artisanship and innovative use of natural derivatives among raw materials, endeavoured to complement this affirmation by projecting these traditional values of being at one with nature, and a step towards building a consensus on practicing sustainable trade and living. Emphatic displays of several ecofriendly home lifestyle lines, gifts and decoratives, made from recycled materials, as well as interesting assortments of fair trade products, further affirmed this.
Left: IHGF Delhi Show Autumn 2019. Below right: The theme of the show was Refuse, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Below left: Talking business at the show. Below far left: One of the colossal installations at the 2019 show was an elephant.
IHGF Delhi Fair has been the charismatic face for the work of millions of Indian artisans involved in making distinct world class products that enthuse buyers and consumers across the world. This iconic show continues to be a promising resource for renowned global chains, with the patronage growing. The 49th edition will be held from 15-19 April 2020 at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida Expressway, Delhi NCR. The fair is being organised by the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), the apex national body representing Indian Handicrafts manufacturers and exporters. The EPCH facilitates its 1,0000+ members to customise and offer unique styles and quality products in Home, Lifestyle Fashion & Textiles to the global sourcing community. For more information, contact: Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts, EPCH House, Pocket 6 & 7, Sector - C, LSC, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi - 110070, India. Email: visitors@epch.com or mails@epch.com www.epch.com
Over 7,000 trade visitors from 110 countries thronged to the fair over five days, to engage with the 3,200+ exhibitors spread across 197,000 sq. mtrs. in 14 display segments. A substantial number of products at the show were influenced by what's going on in the world around us, strongly reflecting a trend of connecting back to our roots, to simplicity, to nature, to home, to family and to pure and authentic experiences, with lines in innovative, inspirational and forward thinking products. This fair, certified as the world’s largest congregation of handicraft exhibitors under one roof, is known for showcasing India’s unrivalled product offer, backed by contemporary design inspiration, hand SHOW ESSENTIALS crafting skills and a DATE: 15-19 April 2020 varied raw material VENUE: India Expo Centre & Mart base. Globally renowned ORGANISER: Export Promotion Council for and strongly patronised Handicrafts (EPCH) by the international EMAIL: visitors@epch.com; mails@epch.com WEBSITE: www.epch.com buying community,
Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
93
THE GREATEST COLLECTION OF GREETING CARDS IN THE WORLD
sitting at the heart of the international greeting card community, PG Live brings buyers together with more than 250 established publishers, new designers and fresh young talent from around the world.
“We’ve never been so looked after at a trade show as we are at PG Live - just one of the things for us that means it stands apart from other shows. It has such a great buzz and positive vibe, which is especially welcome when retail is tough as it is at the moment.” Miles Robinson, co-owner of House of Cards
PG Live 2020 Tuesday 2 - Wednesday 3 June Business Design Centre, London +44 (0) 1635 297070 www.progressivegreetingslive.com @PGLiveLondon #PGL2020
094_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
FoCus on CarDs
Book your free tickets now www.progressivegreetingslive.com
13/12/2019 14:20
95.qxp_RH Page 13/12/2019 14:36 Page 1
FOCUS ON...
Progressive Greetings Live 2020 Uncover the very best of the international greeting card community at PG Live 2020, taking place on Tuesday 2 and Wednesday 3 June, in Islington's beautiful Business Design Centre in the heart of London.
An essential date in the greetings calendar, Progressive Greetings Live offers both major buyers and independent retailers the perfect opportunity to focus on new ranges, new publishers and other exciting launches across the greeting card sector. Carefully designed to ensure that buyers are able to focus on the cards, PG Live has earned the accolade of being 'the friendliest show in the business', thanks to its upbeat atmosphere and an unrivalled programme of freebies which make both days go with a swing. A trade show with a difference, PG Live is proud to act as a focal point for the vibrant and creative greeting card community. Exhibitors use the show to launch thousands of new ranges and original designs each year, while visitors make the most of the brand new product and exclusive show offers.
The enviable exhibitor list features more than 250 established publishers, renowned artists and fresh young talent from around the globe, so it's no surprise that retailers, buyers, international distributors and licensees alike find the show invaluable for bolstering their portfolio for the coming year. “We are really looking forward to the 2020 show, as each year we see PG Live growing in both popularity and influence,” said Warren Lomax, joint show director. “It's incredibly exciting to find out what our talented exhibitors have in store for 2020 - we love seeing how the wonderful greeting card industry
Above: Toasted Crumpet’s Jo Clarke (centre) with Between the Lines’ Florian and Ellie Kleinlercher. Left: Meeters and greeters dressed in exhibitors' cards. Below left: From left to right: Louise Tiler Designs' Gavin Nicholas and Louise Tiler with Tache's Pennie Bryant and Frank Nicholls. Celebrating five years at the show, the companies sponsored the lunchroom and opening night party. Below: The Lagom design team with the PG Live keepsake 'I'm a card-aholic' tote bags that all visitors received.
reinvents itself each year with fantastic new designs, looks, styles and trends!” Whether you are looking for ecofriendly cards, hand-made creations or something completely different, there will be thousands of options to choose from at PG Live 2020. Book your free ticket now to be part of the action.
Show Exclusives PG Live will be the only trade show of the year for many leading publishers, such as UKG, Hallmark, Icon Arts, Paperlink and Emotional Rescue.
PG Live Showstoppers
SHOW ESSENTIALS
One of the most talked-about elements of PG Live is the fact that it is a little bit different to your usual trade show. The personal touch is all part of the secret to its success, with a plethora of fabulous added extras making everyone's visit as enjoyable and easy as possible. These include free tea and coffee all day, free use of the Henry Cole Buyers’ Lounge, a free lunch (no soggy sandwiches here), free show catalogue and even a free specially-designed exclusive tote bag crammed with goodies. One of the highlights of the show is the fantastic after-hours industry party on Tuesday 2 June, where - you guessed it - the beer (and wine!) is all on us.
DATE: Tuesday 2 and Wednesday 3 June, 2020 VENUE: Business Design Centre, London TEL: +44 (0) 1635 297070 E-MAIL: warren@progressivegreetingslive.com WEB: www.progressivegreetingslive.com VISITOR REGISTRATION: www.progressivegreetingslive.com l Admission to the show is free to greeting card buyers, retailers, wholesalers, retail agents, overseas distributors and anyone wishing to buy or licence designs. Industry trade suppliers are not permitted entry.
Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
95
IHAad_Showtime_210X297.qxp_Layout 1 11/15/19 2:30 PM Page 1
Where the industry connects around
Innovation and Inspiration Differentiate your offering and gain a competitive advantage by sourcing products, trends and ideas not yet
Find: Thousands of new & innovative home, housewares and Internet of Things products Learn: About color and consumer trends, retail best practices, design and smart home
available in your market!
Discover: Inspiring new retail concepts, merchandising and branding
TheInspiredHomeShow.com
Visit: World-class retailers such as Crate & Barrel, Williams-Sonoma and The Container Store
14-17 March 2020 | Chicago, USA For more information, please contact the IHA UK Office: Mark Chapman, PR Direct Limited, +44 7915 063255, ihauk@prdirect.net
096_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
10/12/2019 15:00
97.qxp_RH Page 06/12/2019 17:13 Page 1
FOCUS ON...
The Inspired Home Show In March, the global housewares industry will go to Chicago for the 123rd convening of the industry’s primary marketplace, but the gathering will be under a new name - The Inspired Home Show, IHA’s Global Home + Housewares Market. The change is part of the International Housewares Association’s (IHA) expansion of The Inspired Home platform, which was created to align with consumer trends shifting from functional home design to aspirational lifestyle development. Consumers drive retail purchases, and their lifestyles drive the things they buy. Design and function are no longer the sole reasons people purchase housewares products. IHA remains committed to providing a world-class, trade-only Show while increasing the industry’s engagement with the consumer through connections with social influencers. The Inspired Home Show will maintain all relevant aspects of the International Home + Housewares Show, including its ‘five expos in one’ format, while introducing new elements that help product suppliers and retailers meet the needs of the changing consumer marketplace, one in which consumers
are seeking to develop their own aspirational lifestyles, fueled by digital connectivity and fulfilled in an omnichannel environment. The consumer sensibility will also influence other aspects of the Show, including educational sessions, special displays and networking events. Keynote educational programming will include color trends presentations by Lee Eiseman of Pantone, Tom Mirabile’s exploration into consumer lifestyle trends and a state of the industry report on housewares. Other educational offerings will include Innovation Theater sessions all four Show days, the Smart Talks stage in the IHA Smart Home Pavilion and the Inventors Revue sessions. Throughout the Show are curated
Above: At The Inspired Home Show 2020, 20202021 color and material trends will be discussed at the Pantone ColorWatch display and seminars. Below left: Buyers have a chance to find innovative new products and product lines that are not yet available in other markets. The Show features over 2.200 exhibitors – and more than 10.000 new product launches! Bottom: Most Show services are free of charge, including admission to both the exhibit halls and the vast seminar program with pre-registration, efficient shuttle service to the nearby fairgrounds from downtown Chicago hotels and the Chicago Retail Tour the day after the Show.
displays providing insights on color and consumer trends, connected home and retail innovations, as well as displays helping buyers identify the newest and most innovative products in the industry. New displays this year are a Smart Retail Experience exhibit providing a live, interactive display showing retailers what the store of the future could look like and Social Central offering Show attendees and exhibitors opportunities to meet with social media consultants on influencer and digital marketing. For show information and free online pre-registration visit: TheInspiredHomeShow.com
SHOW ESSENTIALS DATES: VENUE: TEL: E-MAIL: WEB:
14-17 March 2020 McCormick Place, Chicago +1-847-292-4200 international@housewares.org www.theinspiredhomeshow.com
Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
97
98-101.qxp_RH Page 13/12/2019 14:49 Page 2
FOCUS ON...
UK Shows 2020 JANUARY
23-25 Moda
5-8 Cornish Venture 2020
NEC, Birmingham Hyve Group Web: www.moda-uk.co.uk
Hendra Holiday Park, Newquay Venture Gifts Trade Shows Web: www.newquaygifttradeshow.com
28 - 1 March The Baby Show 12-14 Top Drawer Olympia, London Clarion Events Web: www.topdrawer.co.uk
ExCel, London Clarion Events Web: www.thebabyshow.co.uk
MARCH 12-15 Harrogate Christmas & Gift
4 The Housewares Show
Harrogate Convention Centre HITF Web: www.harrogatefair.com
Cranmore Park, Conference & Event Centre, Shirley AIS Web: www.housewaresshow.co.uk
12-15 Giving & Living
29-31 Harrogate International Nursery Fair
Westpoint Exhibition Centre, Exeter Hale Events Web: givingliving.co.uk
Harrogate Convention Centre Web: www.nurseryfair.com
19-21 Scotland's Trade Fair Spring/Scotland’s Speciality Food Show SEC, Glasgow Springboard Events Web: www.spring.scotlandstradefairs.co.uk
19-21 Wales Spring Fair Venue Cymru, Llandudno Wales Craft Council Web: www.walesspringfair.co.uk
19-22 January Furniture Show NEC, Birmingham Clarion Events Web: www.januaryfurnitureshow.com
21-23 Toy Fair 2020 Olympia, London British Toy & Hobby Association Web: www.toyfair.co.uk
FEBRUARY 2-6 Spring Fair NEC, Birmingham Hyve Group Web: www.springfair.com
2-6 Jewellery & Watch NEC, Birmingham Hyve Group Web: www.jewelleryandwatchbirmingham.com
9-11 Pure London Olympia, London Hyve Group Web: www.purelondon.com
98
Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
APRIL 4-7 British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF) Yorkshire Event Centre, Harrogate PSM Web: www.bctf.co.uk
21-22 London Stationery Show Business Design Centre, London Ocean Media Web: www.stationeryshowlondon.co.uk
21-22 Independent Toy & Gift Show Cranmore Park Conference & Event Centre, Shirley AIS Web: www.independenttoyandgift.co.uk
MAY 13-14 The Museums & Heritage Show Olympia, London M and H Media Web: www.show.museumsandheritage.com
15-17 The Baby Show NEC, Birmingham Clarion Events Web: www.thebabyshow.co.uk
19-21 Toymaster Show Majestic Hotel, Harrogate Toymaster Web: www.toymaster.co.uk
JUNE 2-3 Progressive Greeting Live 2020 Business Design Centre, London Max Exhibitions Web: www.progressivegreetingslive.com
98-101.qxp_RH Page 13/12/2019 14:49 Page 3
9-10 Exclusively
13-15 Top Drawer
Business Design Centre, London Brooke House Exhibitions Web: www.exclusivelyshows.co.uk
Olympia, London Clarion Events Web: www.topdrawer.co.uk
JULY
13-15 International Jewellery London (IJL) Alexandra Palace, London Reed Exhibitions Web: www.jewellerylondon.com
19-21 Pure London Olympia, London Hyve Group Web: www.purelondon.com
15-17 GLEE NEC, Birmingham Hyve Group Web: www.gleebirmingham.com
19-22 Home & Gift Harrogate Clarion Events Web: www.homeandgift.co.uk
20-21 Scotland's Trade Fair Autumn/Scotland’s Speciality Food Show
AUGUST
SECC, Glasgow Springboard Events Web: www.autumn.scotlandstradefairs.co.uk
2-4 Moda NEC, Birmingham ITE Group Web: www.moda-uk.co.uk
4 The Housewares Show Cranmore Park, Shirley AIS Web: www.housewaresshow.co.uk
OCTOBER Above: Among the characters at BLE.
SEPTEMBER 6-9 Autumn Fair NEC, Birmingham Hyve Group Web: www.autumnfair.com
6-8 Brand Licensing Europe 2020 ExCeL, London Informa Markets Web: www.brandlicensing.eu
23-25 The Baby Show Olympia, London Clarion Events Web: www.thebabyshow.co.uk
International Shows 2020 JANUARY 6-8 Hong Kong International Licensing Show Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre HKTDC Web: www.hktdc.com
6-9 Hong Kong International Stationery Fair Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre HKTDC Web: www.hktdc.com
6-9 Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre HKTDC Web: www.hktdc.com
Paris-Nord Villepinte Web: www.maison-objet.com
19-22 Showcase Ireland RDS, Dublin Design and Crafts Council of Ireland Web: www.showcaseireland.com
20-23 International Jewellery Tokyo (IJT) Tokyo Big Sight Reed Exhibitions Japan Web: www.ijt.jp/en
22-26 Festivity
14-17 Formex
Fiera Milano, Rho Fiera Milano SpA Web: www.homimilano.com
Stockholmsmässan, Stockholm Web: www.formex.se
24-27 HOMI
14-21 The Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishing Market
Fiera Milano, Rho Fiera Milano SpA Web: www.homimilano.com
International Market Centers AmericasMart Atlanta Web: www.americasmart.com
17-21 Maison&Objet Paris
24-28 Christmasworld Frankfurt am Main Messe Frankfurt Web: www.christmasworld.messefrankfurt.com Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
99
98-101.qxp_RH Page 13/12/2019 14:49 Page 4
25-28 Paperworld
MARCH
Frankfurt am Main Messe Frankfurt Web: www.paperworld.messefrankfurt.com
1-4 Australian Toy, Hobby & Licensing Fair Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre Australian Toy Association Web: www.austoy.com.au
25-28 Creativeworld Frankfurt am Main Messe Frankfurt Web: www.creativeworld.messefrankfurt.com
26-30 Las Vegas Market World Market Center, Las Vegas International Market Centers Web: www.lasvegasmarket.com
26-30 Toronto Gift + Home Market The International Centre & Toronto Congress Centre Canadian Gift Association Web: www.cangift.org
29- 2 Feb International Toy Fair Nuremberg
4-6 Atlanta Spring Gift, Home Furnishings & Holiday Market AmericasMart, Atlanta International Market Centers Web: www.americasmart.com
4-8 Hong Kong International Jewellery Show Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre HKTDC Web: www.hktdc.com
14-17 The Inspired Home Show McCormick Place, Chicago IHA Web: www.theinspiredhomeshow.com
Exhibition Center Nuremberg, Germany Spielwarenmesse Web: www.spielwarenmesse.de
APRIL
30 - 2 Feb Formland Spring 2020
India Expo Centre & Mart ECPH Web: www.epch.in
MCH Messecenter Herning, Denmark MCH Web: www.formland.com
FEBRUARY 1-5 NY NOW Jacob K Javits Convention Center, New York Emerald Expositions Web: www.nynow.com
2-5 SURTEX Jacob K Javits Convention Center, New York Emerald Expositions Web: www.surtex.com
2-5 National Stationery Show (NSS) Jacob K Javits Convention Center, New York Emerald Expositions Web: www.nationalstationeryshow.com
5-7 Tokyo International Gift Show Spring 2020 Tokyo Big Sight Business Guide-Sha Inc. Web: www.giftshow.co.jp
5-9 Feb Intergift IFEMA Fiera de Madrid IFEMA Web: www.ifema.es
7-11 Ambiente Frankfurt am Main Messe Frankfurt Web: www.ambiente.messefrankfurt.com
22-25 Toy Fair New York Jacob K Javits Convention Center, New York The Toy Association Web: www.toyfairny.com
100
Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
15-19 IHGF Delhi Fair Spring
15-19 Canton Fair (Phase 1) China Import and Export Fair Complex Guangzhou Web: www.cantonfair.org.cn
17-19 Style Bangkok Bangna, Bangkok DITP Web: www.stylebangkokfair.com
20-23 Hong Kong Houseware Fair Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre HKTDC Web: www.hktdc.com
23-26 Giftionery Taipei 2020 Taipei World Trade Centre, Exhibition Hall TAITRA Web: www.giftionery.net
23-27 Canton Fair (Phase 2) China Import and Export Fair Complex Guangzhou Web: www.cantonfair.net
27-30 Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre HKTDC Web: www.hktdc.com
27-30 Global Sources Lifestyle AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong Global Sources Web: www.globalsources.com
98-101.qxp_RH Page 13/12/2019 14:49 Page 5
MAY
7-9 Tokyo International Gift Show
19-21 Licensing Expo 2020
Tokyo Big Sight Business Guide-Sha Web: www.licensingexpojapan.com
Mandalay Bay Convention Center Las Vegas Informa Markets Web: www.licensingexpo.com
JUNE 3-5 Interior Lifestyle Tokyo Tokyo Big Sight Messe Frankfurt Website: www.interiorlifestyle.tokyo.jp
27-30 Tendence Frankfurt am Main Messe Frankfurt Web: www.tendence.messefrankfurt.com
10-12 Interior Lifestyle China Shanghai Exhibition Centre Messe Frankfurt Web: www. interior-lifestyle-china.hk.messefrankfurt.com
17-20 Kind + Jugend Koelnmesse, Cologne Koelnmesse Web: www.kindundjugend.com
19-22 HOMI Outdoor
JULY
Fiera Milano, Rho Fiera Milano SpA Web: www.homimilano.com
14-20 The Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market
TBC Intergift
International Market Centers AmericasMart Atlanta Web: www.americasmart.com
Madrid Trade Fair Centre IFEMA Web: Intergift www.ifema.es
15-17 China Licensing Expo 2020
OCTOBER
Hall 2, NECC Shanghai UBM China Web: www.licensingexpochina.com
14-18 Indian Handicrafts and Gifts Fair Autumn 2020
26-30 Las Vegas Market World Market Center, Las Vegas International Market Centers Web: www.lasvegasmarket.com
AUGUST
India Expo Centre & Mart EPCH Web: www.epch.in
15-19 Canton Fair Autumn (Phase 1) China Import and Export Fair Complex Guangzhou Web: www.cantonfair.net
9-12 Toronto Gift Fair The International Centre Canadian Gift Association Web: www.cangift.org
20-23 Mega Show (Part 1) Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Center Comasia Web: www.mega-show.com
8-12 NY NOW Jacob K Javits Convention Center, New York Emerald Expositions Web: www.nynow.com
23-27 Canton Fair Autumn (Phase 2) China Import and Export Fair Complex Guangzhou Web: www.cantonfair.net
13-16 Formland Autumn MCH Messecenter Herning, Denmark MCH Web: www.formland.com
27-29 Mega Show (Part 2) Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Center Comasia Web: www.mega-show.com
18-21 Formex Stockholm International Fairs & Congress Centre SIF Web: www.formex.se
TBC Style Bangkok Bangna, Bangkok DITP Web: www.stylebangkokfair.com
23-26 Autumn Gift & Home Show Citywest International Events Centre, Dublin Eventpro Web: www.autumngiftfair.com
SEPTEMBER 4-8 Maison&Objet Paris Nord Villepinte Web: www.maison-objet.com
CHECK IT OUT! While every effort has been made to ensure that dates, venues and contact details are correct at the time of going to press, visitors are strongly advised to re-confirm details when planning to attend any of the shows listed. Max Publishing cannot accept responsibility for any changes that occur.
Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide
101
102.qxp_RH Page 11/12/2019 11:43 Page 2
Showtime Worldwide is a Max Publishing/Max Media Ventures publication. Here are some other titles in the family:
www.Max-Publishing.co.uk
GiftsandHome Advert A4_Layout 1 09/05/2018 15:22 Page 1
GiftsandHome.net is published by gift sector experts, for gift trade experts
From the publishers of Progressive Gifts & Home, and the organisers of The Greats Gift Retailer Awards. With an unrivalled email subscriber base of 7,559 readers and industry leading open rates, - largely dominated by retail buyers, the twice-weekly newsflash lands directly in the inboxes of everyone in this fast-paced sector. The modern, easy to navigate website provides a central resource for the trade, offering pithy news, in-depth articles, an industry jobs board, retail analysis, digital issues of Progressive Gifts & Home, and much, much more.
Advertising and Commercial Opportunities: Advertisement Manager - Angie Bryant angieb@max-publishing.co.uk
000_GH_March April 2019.indd IBC_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1 1
Editorial and Content Opportunities: Editor - Sue Marks sue@suemarks.co.uk
02/04/2019 10:31 10:42 16/12/2019
OBC_GH_Dec Jan 2020.indd 1
10/12/2019 11:09