Hot on the heels of the January trade shows, Harrogate Christmas & Gift, Giving & Living, Top Drawer and Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring, there’s a heightened sense of anticipation surrounding this year’s Spring Fair, (2-5 February), which will be celebrating the show’s all-important milestone 75th anniversary.
Of course, we all enjoy looking forward to celebrating something special, especially in today’s uncertain times, and what could fit the bill better than four days that bring gift industry colleagues and friends together? Turn to page 11, and also to pages 37-41, to discover how a selection of exhibitors are approaching Spring Fair. The ‘live’ Gift of the Year judging will again be taking place in Hall 5 for the second consecutive year. And as a long-standing Gift of the Year judge, I, for one, can’t wait to see and pick up the fabulous shortlisted products! Meanwhile, with less than favourable analysts reports on Christmas trading, we wanted to know how, specifically, independent gift retailers fared. Turn to pages 21-25 to see if they bucked the trend (spoiler alert, thankfully, it was a Christmas cracker for the majority of gift indies), and to Gift of the Gab on page 29 for more upbeat feedback from PG&H’s columnist Bill Nettelfield, owner of Bill & Bert’s in Colchester.
On the product front, we highlight the new launches for Spring/Summer, with floral and fruity fragrances among those trending in home fragrance – turn to pages 65-69 – and earrings among the stars in the jewellery firmament. Turn to pages 93-97. We also follow the sustainability journey of manufacturers and suppliers across the spectrum, ranging from gifts, home fragrance, plush and stationery to tabletop and food, as we go into 2025. Turn to pages 77-81. Discover what’s next as companies continue their sustainability quest.
Elsewhere in this issue, we hear what suppliers have to say about the ‘will he, won’t he?’ possibility of Donald Trump bringing in universal import tariffs of between 10 to 20% in 2025. Turn to pages 31-33. We also turn the spotlight on Lesser & Pavey and the company’s new
launches for the coming season – turn to pages 34-35. Plus, we discover more about the ambitious plans that are in the pipeline for The Herdy Company - turn to
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pages 74-75 – and learn more about cultfavourite Legami. Turn to pages 62-63. With our thoughts now turning to retail excellence, The Greats Gift Retailer Awards are still very much open for entries – the closing date is 11 February –so if you think you’re a retailer that’s a cut above the rest, please take some time out to enter this year’s competition. Simply email your entry to me directly at suem@max-publishing.co.uk while, if you’re a supplier, we’d love you to tell us which retailers you’d like to nominate! Turn to page 9 for more about the competition.
In the meantime, as always, you can catch up with all the latest news on pages 9-17.
Enjoy reading, and looking forward to seeing you all in Birmingham next month!
Sue Marks Editor
The UK gift and home industry is dynamic, innovative and vibrant and The Greats Awards reflect all of this and much more. Be a part of it! Visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk
Below: Sue popped onto the Talking Tables stand at Top Drawer to catch up with the company’s Tim Hollis. To find out more about Talking Tables’ continuing sustainability journey, turn to pages 77-81.
Above: Ali Farrell caught up with Gisela Graham’s commercial director, Mark Jones, at Harrogate Christmas & Gift.
Coir Planters
Last Chance To Enter The Greats Awards!
Closing Date For Entries Is 11 February
With a closing date of 11 February 2025, entries and nominations have been flooding in for The Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2025 which set out to recognise and reward the crème de la crème of the UK’s amazing gift shops and gift departments. “With the competition now in its 23rd milestone year, we want retailers to tell us why their shop could be a winner,” enthuses Sue Marks, editor of Progressive Gifts & Home/GiftsandHome.net which organise and own the awards.
A downloadable entry form is available from www.thegreatsawards.co.uk. Alternatively, entries can be emailed direct to suem@maxpublishing.co.uk.
Uniting the gift industry, all winners – both The Greats and the Gift of the Year 2025 – will be revealed at The Gift Awards, a fabulous black tie awards event, to be held at the glamorous Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on Thursday 15 May.
“Therefore, once again, we’re on the lookout for those extra special gift retailers, gift departments, lifestyle stores, garden centres and visitor attractions that, despite a challenging, changing retail climate, are nevertheless managing to stay at the top of their game. The Greats are a fantastic opportunity for gift retailers right across the board – from the tiniest village shop to the largest multiple – to bang the drum about their achievements over the past year. We know that there are some incredible retailers out there, and we want to hear from them!”
Tickets to the awards can be booked by visiting www.max-subscriptions.net/tickets/ or by contacting awards organiser Clare Hollick at clare@createvents.co.uk (tel: 01183 340085).
GA’s Sarah Ward Steps Down
“Winning a Greats Gift Retailer award has become the pinnacle for gift retailers both large and small – a prestigious, coveted retail trophy that recognises excellence, initiative, innovation and professionalism at the highest level,” continues Sue.
The Gift Awards Sponsors 2025
Tickets cost £230 (+VAT) and tables of 10 and 12 are available. Visit www.thegreatsawards.co.uk or www.thegiftawards.com
First launched in 2003, The Greats Gift Retailer Awards are owned and organised by Max Publishing and Progressive Gifts & Home Worldwide.
Once again, the Gift Awards 2025 have been enthusiastically supported by a strong roster of sponsors, with more to be announced shortly. While Spring Fair and Autumn Fair are once again the headline supporter, other sponsors include (in alphabetical order): Allsorted, BATF, Candlelight, Cardgains, Carte Blanche Greetings; DKB Toys & Distribution, FYG, Gift Republic, Gisela Graham, Good Results, Harrogate Christmas & Gift Fair, Life Charms, London Stationery Show, Messe Frankfurt, Progressive Greetings Live, Scotland’s Trade Fair/Springboard Events; Source Show; Talking Tables and Trade Counter Distribution.
PMC Celebrates 21 Years
The Personalised Memento Company (PMC), launched in 2004, is celebrating its 21st year. The company has been supplying retailers with a large range of personalised gifts, following trends, and using the latest personalisation technology to produce special gifts covering all recipients and occasions.
becoming the UK’s leading personalised gift supplier to the trade.”
Sarah Ward has stepped down as ceo of The Giftware Association (GA) after some nine years in the role. The Association said it wished to extend its gratitude to Sarah for her leadership, and valuable contributions during her time as ceo, commenting: “We wish her all the best in her future endeavours and are grateful for her dedication to the Association and the wider giftware sector.”
Tom Jones, ceo of the British Allied Trades Federation (BATF), will step in as interim ceo, ensuring continuity and supporting the GA’s mission to serve its members.
“The industry faces numerous challenges, but I am confident that with the GA’s renewed focus on inclusivity and innovation, we can continue to support our members and ensure that the Association remains at the forefront of the giftware sector,” commented Tom. “I look forward to working alongside the Board and our members to ensure the ongoing success of the GA.”
He continued: “As we face a rapidly changing world, the mission and vision of The GA remain central to our work. It’s crucial that we support our members in navigating these challenges, and I am committed to ensuring that we continue to deliver valuable resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities.”
Added Mark Jones, chair of the GA: “We are incredibly grateful to Sarah for her leadership and the significant contributions she has made to the GA. As we move forward, Tom’s extensive experience and leadership within trade associations will ensure a smooth transition and continued focus on our strategic goals. We remain committed to our mission of supporting the giftware sector and driving growth as we evolve with the changing industry landscape.”
“The idea was born from the realisation that people want to give gifts that hold personal meaning,” says marketing director Keren Dicken. “We saw a gap in the market for personalised gifts and launched PMC with the goal of
She says that 21 years on, one of the biggest highlights of the business has been watching it grow. “We’ll keep innovating with new technology to make the personalisation process even smoother and remain committed to supporting both small businesses and larger retailers with the same high standards of service,” states Keren.
“Staying ahead of trends, and listening to customer feedback is key to offering products that our customers will love.”
As part of the ongoing evolution of the GA, the Association confirms that it is focused on enhancing its support for members by strengthening relationships with importers, wholesalers, and
Left: Tom Jones.
Above: The Greats 2025 trophy.
Centre: PMC celebrates the company’s 21st birthday.
Right: We won! Greats 2024 winners, Caroline and Jon Ranwell, of Hugs & Kisses.
Left: Sarah Ward.
Spring Fair Welcomes Retail’s Biggest Names
Speakers Include Jeff Banks And Theo Paphitis
Some of the biggest names in retail - Jeff Banks, Theo Paphitis, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen and Andrew Xeni - will be among the speakers at Spring Fair, which takes place from 2-5 February 2025 at the NEC. All have a long history of attending Spring Fair and collaborating with exhibitors.
Designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen will open the Inspiring Retail Stage on Sunday 2 February with a talk on licensing, art and design. Llewelyn-Bowen Design, will also be designing the new Licensing Lab lounge area with bespoke wallpaper and furnishings. Visitors will be able to use the networking lounge for informal discussions, refreshment breaks, and collaborative meetings.
On Monday 3 February, technology and retail entrepreneur Andrew Xeni, the creator of Nobody’s Child, and the founder of award-winning retail tech companies Fabacus and Soreto, will be discussing topics from scaling sustainability, licensing success and diversification, to the future of digital product passports.
He will be speaking at 10.30am on the Inspiring Retail Stage, followed by a learning session at 12pm at the Licensing Lab, with a keynote and Q&A session at 2pm.
Also taking to the Inspiring Retail Stage on Monday at 12.15pm for a Q&A session will be fashion legend Jeff Banks, who will be speaking about his 60+ years history in licensing, sharing his dos and don’ts.
“Spring Fair is still one of the biggest trade exhibitions in Great Britain and has been integral to the success of my designer collaborations with brands exhibiting there,” states Jeff.
Since 2018, TV Dragon and #SBS Small Business Sunday creator, Theo Paphitis, has attended the show, joining forces with Spring and Autumn Fair to support start-up businesses. Together they have worked with over 60 SMEs, playing a vital role in their future success.
75 Year Celebrations
In honour of Spring Fair’s 75th anniversary, the show will be hosting several events including happy hours with a roaming drinks trolley, a Spring Fair 75th birthday party and a 75th anniversary networking festival.
There will also be a special time capsule experience, looking back at Spring Fair’s 75 year history and the products and people that have been influential over that time.
Additionally, a new awards ceremony will celebrate the history and heritage of the show, as well as looking ahead to the best new products on the show floor.
“The partnership goes from strength to strength,” says Theo. I look forward to seeing those rewards and the avenues of opportunity it brings for the winners in 2025 and beyond.”
Theo will be taking to the Inspiring Retail Stage on Tuesday 4th February at 2.15pm for a talk on Small Businesses, Big Impact: How Independent Retailers Compete with Giants.
Spring Fair Highlights
Plus, a 75th birthday festival will be open to all exhibitors and visitors on Tuesday 4 February from 7pm, with the show planning a takeover of Temple Street in Birmingham for a night of networking. The show has partnered with bars including The Trocadero, The Botanist, The Cocktail Club, The Head of Steam, and Revolucion de Cuba Birmingham. Visit www.springfair.com
Spring Fair is co-located with Source Home & Gift.
To register to attend, visit www.springfair.com
For more about Spring Fair, turn to pages 37-41.
Spring Fair x Faire Extend Partnership
Spring Fair 2025 is set to be an immersive experience packed with events and special features. Over 1,200 exhibitors have been confirmed for the 75th anniversary edition, with a dozen buying destinations dedicated to Home, Gift, Fashion and Everyday categories. There will be over a million products, more than 400 new brands and 100+ international brands, with The Summerhouse, celebrating its 35th anniversary, reimagined as The Summer House: Home, Gift & Lifestyle Edit. Visitors will be able to browse five special product pavilions, as well as curated collaborations with partners including The Giftware Association (GA), the Greeting Card Association (GCA) and Llewellyn-Bowen Design.
There will also be catwalk shows across three content stages to include the new Licensing Lab in partnership with Fabacus. Activations include happy hours and ambience clinics, sampling sessions, giant birthday cards and awards ceremonies. Plus, there will be a dedicated Cultural Enterprise Day on 4 February. Visit www.springfair.com
Catwalk Fashion Show
Fashion show Pure will be transitioning to Spring Fair to sit alongside Moda, creating Moda x Pure, with Pure’s catwalk continuing to showcase the latest collections and trends. Visit www.springfair.com.
Spring and Autumn Fair have confirmed a new chapter in their exclusive partnership with Faire, the world’s largest global wholesale marketplace. The renewed collaboration will provide UK independent retailers with year-round support, bridging the online and offline wholesale experience to help them trade smarter and faster. Jackson Szabo, portfolio director at Hyve Group, organisers of Spring Fair, comments: "By extending the partnership into 2025 we’re doubling down on the power of hybrid trading. Together, we’re creating a more connected and future-proofed industry.”
Adds Charlotte Broadbent, Faire’s UK general manager: “As we mark Spring Fair’s 75th anniversary, this partnership reflects our shared vision for a more modern, connected retail industry.”
Retailers and exhibitors will be able to access exclusive offers and connect with Faire before, during and after Spring Fair, extending beyond the show’s four-day schedule. Visit www.springfair.com
Left: Spring Fair’s speaker line-up includes Jeff Banks (left) and Theo Paphitis (right).
Above: The Faire stand at last year’s Autumn Fair.
Left: The Pure catwalk.
Above: Fragrance Heritage 75 will be commemorating Spring Fair’s 75th anniversary.
ai17367799937_Progressive Gifts Jan 2025.pdf 1 13/01/2025 14:53:14
Gift of the Year 2025 Shortlist Revealed
Over 900 Entries Judged By 120 Retailers
After a nail-biting few months, the shortlist for this year’s Gift of the Year competition, organised by The Giftware Association (GA), was announced recently, with the entries judged by a panel of over 120 judges.
“We received an overwhelming number of entries this year, with more than 900 submitted,” confirmed The Giftware Association’s PR and marketing manager Chris Workman. “Over 230 brands took part, with 100 new to the awards. It was a bumper year for entries, with lots of new brands and new products, with the shortlist slightly bigger this year to allow more brands to shine.”
Continued Chris: “The new categories have been well received, with Made in The UK one of the top categories this year. The judges reported that it has been one of the toughest years yet, as the standard of products has greatly increased.”
The next stage for the shortlisted products is the live judging round, which will take place at Spring Fair (2-5 February, NEC), for the fourth consecutive year. (See In Conversation With . . . Sarah Ward on page 27). The shortlisted products will be on display throughout the duration of the show.
Cardfactory Sees Robust Revenue Growth
Gifts are becoming an increasingly important part of the product mix for Cardfactory. The retailer, which issued a trading update for the 11 months to 31 December 2024, highlighted encouraging growth in gifts and celebration essentials ranges – an increase of 6.1% like-for-like - driven by the introduction of new categories and the expansion of existing ranges. A good Christmas trading performance was in line with expectations in November and December, with a total revenue growth of +4.7%. This was driven by a higher average basket value reflecting expanded ranges and sales of gift and celebration essentials.
Truro Gift Indie Tackles Shoplifters
“This gives judges the opportunity to see, touch and experience the products in person,” highlights Chris. “The event also provides a platform for shortlisted products to gain visibility among thousands of buyers, retailers and industry professionals attending the show, alongside the Gift of the Year pavilion, allowing brands that have entered the awards but haven’t exhibited at Spring Fair before, to showcase their products to a massive audience at one of the biggest shows in the gift and home sector. The Gift of the Year competition has always been about celebrating creativity and passion within our industry and we look forward to honouring the finalists and winners at The Gift Awards, that take place on 15 May at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel." (See page 9 to book your ticket).
For the full Gift of the Year shortlist, visit www.giftoftheyear.co.uk. www.thegiftawards.com
Gifts are performing well for cardfactory.
The company confirmed that new and expanded gift categories resonated with customers, with new confectionery ranges, licensed ranges and soft toys performing particularly well.
Celebrating 30 Years
Rainbow Designs Welcomes Mr. Men Little Miss
A new addition to Rainbow Designs’ licensed portfolio of classic characters for 2025 will be the Mr. Men Little Miss brand.
The new range, launching in summer 2025, will include Mr Tickle, Mr Happy, Mr Bump and Mr Strong, alongside Little Miss Hug, Little Miss Sunshine, Little Miss Princess and Little Miss Chatterbox, featuring across a range of cushions, collectable soft toys and plush keychains.
“These renowned characters and their stories are adored by families and transcend generations making them a perfect collectable and gifting opportunity for all ages,” says Rainbow Designs managing director Anthony Temple.
“The first storybook released by Roger Hargreaves in 1971 was Mr Tickle, which will form part of our launch collection. This was also the year Rainbow was born and so we will all be gearing up for a big celebration in 2026!”
Clairefontaine x Frida
Below: Shoplifting continues to be an ongoing epidemic for retailers.
Many retailers will empathise with gift retailer Martin Gaunt, owner of gift shop the Piranha in Truro, who desperate to see off shoplifters, has made some 50 citizens arrests over past two years, helped by his three sons who work in the business with him. His heroic efforts saw him featured in a spread in the Daily Mail on 11 January, with Martin telling journalist Jan Moir: “I’ve had a gutful of it. I don’t care how many times the police tell me to shut up and go away, I want something done.”
He continued: “I know there is an element of danger involved in what I do, but there is also danger involved in doing nothing. What am I supposed to do? Just give up and go home?”
Music Gifts is celebrating the company’s 30th anniversary in 2025. “The range we bought consisted of a few items of British-made stationery,” explains managing director David Gee. “From the outset, we were keen to keep as much manufacturing as possible within these shores and this is still true 30 years later. The first product we created ourselves was the Chopin Liszt which remains in the range as one of our best-sellers – it has sold over 700 000 units.”
Adds David: “For 30 years, we have designed all our own products, many of which are timeless classics and demand never wains. They include cotton-rich socks and Musical Dominoes.”
Kahlo Collection Launches
A Clairefontaine x Frida Kahlo gift and stationery collection will be making its debut this January, with over 50 skus including gift accessories and journals. Designs, from the Viva La Vida collection, capture the boldness and creativity that defined Frida’s life.
Above: Chopin Liszt from Music Gifts.
Above:
Above: Rainbow Designs has added Mr. Men Little Miss to its portfolio.
Right: Frida Kahlo is new from Clairefontaine.
Right: GOTY shortlisted company Clockwork Soldier’s the Mindful Gardener.
Expansion For The Fragrance House
£2million Investment In An Additional Site
The Fragrance House has moved the company’s UK production facilities to a £2million additional site in Letchworth, Hertfordshire. “This is not a short term 10 year lease to bridge a gap, but a long term £2 million purchase, demonstrating our faith in our future,” says the company’s ceo David Brown.
The new site provides 10,000 square feet of additional space, with both offices to accommodate the growing team, plus production facilities for the many brands under The Fragrance House umbrella.
Close to the Potters Crouch existing site in St Albans, which will be retained, the new premises is an additional resource to cater for the vast expansion of the business. The current site in Ipswich, which houses the production for Waxkind and Betty Hula brands, will also remain.
“We needed to expand production for efficiency while ensuring we have the facilities for the rapid
Hannah Dale Puts Pen To Paper
Wrendale’s founder and creative director, Hannah Dale, has spent three years working hard on a new book following the rewilding of the family farm, which was undertaken by Hannah and her husband Jack.
The book, A Wilding Year, written and illustrated by Hannah, is due to be released by Batsford Books on 13 March. It tells story of the farm project in unique sketches and artwork, giving her story of the ambitious project at 340-acre Low Farm since deciding that the poor soil made it unproductive for arable farming.
Lighting Up The Festive Season
British Garden Centres, the UK’s largest family-run garden centre group, spread some magic over Christmas by asking towns around the country to nominate a community hero.
Each of the 65 centres across the UK gifted a lucky local hero, hospice, charity, school, or community space, a light-up reindeer to brighten up the festive season.
Amy Stubbs, project and developer manager at British Garden Centres commented: “The Community Hero Reindeer Giveaway served as a reminder of the importance of supporting local communities and making a positive difference in the lives of others.”
growth of the business,” explains ceo David Brown. “We are bursting at the seams at the original Potters Crouch site, which we will be keeping for the foreseeable future to run alongside.”
He continues: “The investment in production technology means that we can also save money without compromising on the quality. In turn, we are able to keep attractive price points and, in some cases, reduce the cost to our retailers. The new site ensures we can deal with the planned expansion and continue to supply a first-class service to our retailers, keeping our Made In Britain promise.”
Adds David: “The new building, which will now be known as The Fragrance House, gives us a home for the future.”
Contact details and telephone numbers will remain the same for customers.
E: enquries@tfhltd.co.uk or tel: 01727 836454
“The rewilding project is the best thing we’ve ever done,” said Hannah.“I’ve always been inspired by nature so it feels amazing to be able to channel the success we’ve had with Wrendale back into restoring it. We’ve had some brilliant results in a very short space of time –it’s incredibly rewarding.”
Save Our Postal Service
The Greeting Card Association’s (GCA) petition, asking for parliamentary scrutiny of plans to amend the universal service obligation (USO) affecting Royal Mail’s service, recently went live on the government website, with the Association having met up with the new team at postal industry watchdog Ofcom.
The next Ofcom announcement on Royal Mail’s bid to change its obligations to deliver letters six days a week, and parcels five days, to every address in the UK for the same price, is expected in February, with the GCA urging everyone to sign the petition which can be found at www.gca.cards
The GCA petition calls on the government to amend legislation to require parliamentary scrutiny on any change to the USO, and insist such changes would be dependent on Royal Mail meeting existing performance delivery targets for letters and cards.
The Association is also pushing for the price of first-class post to be regulated to avoid further above-inflation rises.
“We are keen to get as many signatures as possible, and would ask everyone in the greeting card industry to sign it and encourage their teams, customers, suppliers and consumers to sign it too,” states the GCA’s ceo Amanda Fergusson.
Whiz Kid Games Moves Into Wholesale
Heather Watherston, the games designer behind the Go Genius brand of fun, educational games, is stepping into sales in 2025 by becoming a wholesaler.
“We will no longer be using distributors in the UK. Instead, we’ll be selling direct to customers ourselves,” explains Heather, the founder and former managing director of The Lagoon Group. She continues: “We will continue to use distributors and licensees outside the UK but we thought who better to tell the Go Genius story in our home market than the people who created the brand and develop the games?”
The company has lots of new lines for 2025, including four new Go Genius board games (ages 7+), three Go Genius matching pairs games (ages 6+) and three Go Genius Junior animal card games for preschool children (ages 3+).
Above: David Brown on The Fragrance House stand at Harrogate Home & Gift last year.
Below: The Royal Mail’s postal service is under scrutiny.
Above: Hannah Dale with her new book, A Wilding Year.
Left: Heather Watherstone, founder of Whiz Kid Games.
Right: British Garden Centres brightened up the festive season for local heroes.
Ask The Experts
Source Home & Gift Launches New 1-2-1 Feature
Source Home & Gift, which is co-located with Spring Fair at the NEC from 2 – 5 February 2025, has launched a new feature offering visitors 1-2-1 access to industry leading experts.
Making its debut at the February 2025 show, the new feature offers visitors the opportunity to book 20 minute sessions offering tailored advice and insights free of charge.
The experts will cover a wide range of key topics, such as sustainable storytelling, building sourcing strategies, building private label, elevating social media strategies, legislation updates, and much more – to help companies to elevate their brand.
“The new Ask the Experts feature offers our visitors an invaluable chance to ask the questions that matter most to their business and gain actionable guidance and personalised advice to set their brands apart,” explains Suzanne Ellingham, event director of Source Home & Gift.
From 11am – 12.30pm on Sunday 2 February, visitors can book in to see former John Lewis buyer, Anna Berry, co-founder and director, Retail 100, who can cover topics including buying, merchandising, sourcing and regional differences, brand development, sustainable storytelling and building a brand narrative, supply chain resilience and retail insights including future trends, consumer behaviour and in-store experiences.
Ami Rabheru, retail strategist from Retail Huddle, is available from 12.30pm – 2pm to discuss topics including seasonal buying
strategies, the power of pop-ups for pure play online retailers, retail insights and trends, crafting profitable product strategies and driving sales and sustainable growth.
From 11am – 12.30pm on Monday 3 February, visitors can book a session with Hayley Shore, senior design manager, PepsiCo, for insights into the fundamentals of building a sourcing strategy, understanding PepsiCo’s strategy to creating sustainable merchandise, and packaging and project design.
Andrew Goodacre, ceo of the British Independent Retailers’ Association, follows at 12.30pm – 2pm offering a wealth of knowledge on aligning vision and strategy to create transformation, how to maximise brand growth through innovative strategies, achieve results from collaboration with other retailers and navigating the current trading landscape.
Tuesday February 4’s sessions kick off at 11am with Mike Coates, assistant director of the Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA). He will be offering knowledge on upcoming legislation and regulatory changes, greenwashing advice and guidance, using appropriate language to avoid potentially misleading claims and some of the lessons learned from the fashion industry on sustainability guidance.
Visitors can also book sessions with Kat Graham, managing director of IT strategic consultancy Scout & Swan, and on Wednesday February 5 with Sara Allbright from Retail 100.
Visit www.source-homeandgift.com/ask-experts
Registration Open For London Stationery Show 2025
Visitor registration is officially open for the London Stationery Show 2025, taking place at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London, on Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 May 2025.
With hundreds of exhibitors showcasing thousands of products and collections, the event is a must visit for stationery retailers and a valuable opportunity for gift shops and other complementary outlets to discover new sales drivers.
“In an ever-evolving retail environment, staying ahead of trends and introducing products that attract customers is essential,” say show organiser Max Publishing’s Jakki Brown. “Stationery, with its universal appeal, offers a timeless solution to boost sales and keep customers coming back.”
Visitors to the show will be able to explore the latest launches from leading global brands, innovative startups, and fresh new designs. Attendees will also have access to insightful talks and workshops led by industry experts, offering actionable advice to elevate retail sales.
Live 2025: 90% Of Stands Now Sold
With four months to go, dedicated greeting card show PG Live – which takes place at London’s Business Design Centre on Tuesday and Wednesday, 3-4 June - is already 90% sold out.
With 180 exhibitors to date, the 2025 edition of PG Live with again be providing free tea and coffee, a delicious lunch on both days of the show, along with an opening night drinks party for exhibitors and visitors. For the opportunity to join the line-up of exhibitors, contact warren@max-publishing,co.uk or traceya@max-publishing.co.uk. To register, visit www.progressivegreetingslive.com
South Wales Gift Show Celebrates 25 Years
2025 celebrates the 25th year of the South Wales Gift Show, which runs from 26 January28 January, with organisers Clive Williams and Richard O'Sullivan announcing a brand new venue, Coed-Y-Mwster Hotel in Bridgend.
Among the suppliers exhibiting will be Elgate, Pendragon, Gwynedd Confectioners, MANAV, Jon Paul Gifts and OnTrack Wholesale, along with new exhibitors Puckator and Instant Gifts, with a special event being held for exhibitors during the Fair.
Product categories range from home decor and fashion accessories to gourmet treats and merchandise. “As we step into 2025, the demand for unique and thoughtful gifts continues to soar. Attendees can expect to discover and source exclusive products, and gain valuable insights into consumer preferences,” says Clive.
He continues: “Whether it's trendsetting designs, eco-friendly products or traditional crafts, our fair provides a platform for exhibitors to showcase buyers their diverse offerings.” Visit www.southwalesgiftfair.co.uk
Above: PG Live will be back at the Business Design Centre in June.
Above: Coed-Y-Mwster Hotel, Bridgend.
Left: From left to right: Anna Berry, Hayley Berry and Mike Coates
Design-led Homeware since 1972
Candlelight is thrilled to announce the debut of our Candlelight Fragrance and Candlelight Home brands at the NEC Spring Fair. We’re excited to showcase our innovative scents and stylish homeware collections that promise to elevate any
If you’re interested in scheduling a consultation with our team at the NEC Spring Fair please don’t hesitate to reach out to our sales team at contact@candlelight.co.uk, or give us a call at 01709 723000 for more information. We’re here to help and look forward to discussing how we can meet your needs at the fair.
“Christmas began at the start of October, with customers beginning to look for gifts and ideas. It then really kicked off in the last week of October,” highlighted Nicola Hibon Jackson, owner of The Voewood in London’s Blackheath Standard. “We held an extremely successful Christmas shopping event on 12 November, three weeks earlier than in previous years. This really helped customers to focus on shopping locally for their Christmas gifts. Many of those who came on the night made substantial purchases, coming back to shop with us again in the six week festive run up.”
Continues Nicola: “The week leading up to Christmas was extremely busy. We took on two extra temporary members of staff for the final three weeks to enable us to ensure we gave great customer service, as well as not to miss out on potential sales. In fact, Christmas Eve was actually our busiest day of the year in terms of takings.”
Best sellers: “People were looking for gifts that clearly looked like ‘a gift’ – products with the ‘wow’ factor, with beautiful packing and thoughtful design - or things with quality ingredients/materials. Cosy socks with an average rrp of £22 were, as always, a great seller for us. We had new custom-made mugs with local references on them that were a popular stocking filler at £14, and our new range of home fragrance and soaps by Ortigia Sicilia flew out, supported by a very impressive fulfilment system from both the UK and Italian side of the trade team who turned around re-orders in a matter of days, including delivery into the UK from Italy. (The average product price here was around £45). Hot water bottles by Chalk were also popular, as were perfumes too. (Price points between £40-£60). We had numerous big overall sales, but generally they were made up of several pieces ranging from £25-£55 per item.”
Weather: “Heavy rain and wet days were killers at times at the end of October and early November.”
Lessons learned: “We prepped well in advance to avoid chaos on the shop floor in November and December and it really paid off. For Christmas 2025 we will be ordering more St Eval tins – we ran out of some - and although we had a focus on bigger candles, on reflection, we feel we could have sold more small ones too, without detracting from this. A rather sad/harsh lesson learnt is not to trust those last minute trade emails from suppliers in the ten days ahead of Christmas offering last minute stock with free delivery etc. We took up such an offer from a wellknown wellbeing brand in order to fulfil a customer request, only to be let down by them. We later discovered that they didn’t have the stock available to retailers that they advertised, citing ‘supply issues’, despite the wholesaler actually selling the line on their own B2C site, something I’m pretty sure Santa will put down as rather more naughty than nice.”
Inset: For many gift indies, Christmas 2024 saw the tills jingling.
Inset: An in-store Christmas display at The Voewood.
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Record Breaking Christmas
“2024’s Christmas sales season was one of our best yet, despite the challenging external factors,” reported Alice Milner, manager at Bumbles in Ashtead. “While our sales traditionally ramp up around September, we saw a notable spike from late October into early November, and interestingly, our busiest day of the year wasn’t Christmas Eve, but Monday December 23, which surpassed expectations. Customer spending remained consistent with previous years, but we observed a trend of earlier gift shopping, most likely to spread out costs.”
Best sellers: “Our festive bestsellers were wellness products, fashion items and children’s gifts, with Jellycat toys seeing a particularly large sales increase.”
Less popular: “One notable shift was a decline in Christmas card sales, which we attribute to the rising cost of stamps, prompting many customers to skip sending cards this year.”
Lessons learned: “We encountered a challenge with our gift packaging line, which sold out much earlier than expected. Next year, we plan to double our order to meet demand.”
Looking ahead: “In terms of strategy, focusing on key selling areas, and offering more gifts in the £10-20 range, really paid off. Overall, 2024 was a record-breaking Christmas for us, and we look forward to building on these insights in the year ahead.”
We Absolutely Smashed It
“I was a bit concerned about this Christmas, as last year was so busy, and thought, if we could just achieve something similar that would be fine. But we absolutely smashed it, and were up by over 20% on Christmas 2023,” confirmed Bill Nettelfield, owner of Bill & Bert’s in Colchester, who was interviewed by ITV News’ Richard Hookey on 27 December. For more about Christmas trading at Bill & Bert’s, turn to page 29.
Best Year Ever
“While we were aware of some customers doing their Christmas shopping during the summer months, the main festive shop started in earnest mid-October, coinciding with the Scottish October school holidays,” explained Helen Crawford, co-owner, The Old School Beauly in Beauly. “From mid-October onwards, it was a more or less a steadily increasing spend, with our best ever November and December in 15 years of trading. Plus, 2024 was our best year ever, with that last week prior to Christmas being the best week in our history.”
Buying patterns: “Our customers were shopping primarily in store, but we did see an increasing number use our website, with many enjoying our click and collect option. We were not aware of shopper behaviour being significantly different from previous years.”
Best sellers: “No particular product sector outperformed the other. We deliberately spread our bets across all product ranges. Crucially, we want our customers to be able to purchase all their Christmas gifting with us, hence the broad range of goods on offer.”
Weather: “We had a brief period of snow in November, which resulted in two poor days. Thankfully, the following two days were bumper which meant we were able to get back on track.”
Lessons learned: “The main lesson was the importance of engaging and retaining existing customers, as well as reaching out to new customers, giving them a positive reason to choose our shop.”
Super Busy Festive Season
“Wow what a Christmas season, we felt blessed!” enthused Celina Easton, co-owner of Artichoke in Tynemouth. “November and December were super busy for Artichoke.”
Best Sellers: “Neom home fragrance and Jellycat. Books and jigsaws also sold well.”
Less popular: “We found that we sold more packs of Christmas cards and less special individual ones. I think the cost of postage put people off sending as many as they had in previous years.”
Inset: Among the festive displays at Bumbles.
Inset: The Christmas windows at the Old School Beauly, Beauly.
Inset: Team Bill & Bert’s at Christmas.
Inset: Artichoke’s Christmas window.
A Satisfactory Christmas
“Overall Christmas was satisfactory - no better than that, but no worse,” commented Richard Barker, owner of Cilla and Camilla which has four shops in West Dorset to include a gift shop in Bridport. “We ended December nicely ahead of my cautious expectations.”
Best sellers: “There were no real surprises among our best selling lines - candles, toiletries, woollen accessories and jewellery. We did well with Jellycat and didn't - to our knowledge - suffer from theft which was widely reported. However, alongside many others, we struggled to get timely supply across a range of lines. We have tried, over the years, to find a good brand of gift chocolate. This year, after previously falling short with other brands, we finally found a winner with the Cambridge Confectionery Company.”
Continued Richard: “We were cautious with our card orders, expecting volume to be down in response to increased postal charges, but we got this wrong. Sales were better than previous years and we were scrabbling around for additional stock during December. Certain suppliers stood out for their ability to fulfil last minute orders - St Eval, Museums & Galleries, Talking Tables and Hot Tomato.”
Weather: “The early part of December, when the weather was poor, was pretty difficult, but we regained a lot of lost ground during the last week. Christmas events - tree lightings, parades, shopping evenings etc - in the towns where we trade were significantly less good for sales this year compared to previous years. Largely a function of poor weather reducing turn outs. With so much business coming so late in the season, it was hard work maintaining availability with limited time for last minute orders.”
Lessons learned: “We started our winter clothes sale a couple of weeks earlier than in previous years to stimulate demand in early December. This definitely had a positive impact on footfall and sales.”
Last Minute
“Christmas really kicked off in November for us,” confirmed Andrea Pinder, owner of Presentation in Barrowford. “We had a quieter first two weeks in December than anticipated. However, on Christmas Eve, our sales were up 50% on the previous year. We sold smaller priced items in design- led gifts, where the average spend was £19.99.”
Best sellers: “Chocolate, food gifts, home fragrance, especially candles, sentiment gifts, smaller fashion accessories, such as socks, and jewellery. In both children’s and adult plush gift, Jellycat was No. 1 every time. Our free giftwrap service certainly encouraged customers to come back.”
Less popular: “Homeware, and larger fashion accessories, especially bags.”
Weather: “The weather did have an impact, with Christmas happening last minute.”
Lessons learned: “I will definitely be buying more smaller design-led gifts, chocolates and food gifts for Christmas 2025.”
Gift Purchasing Was Late
“This year, we observed a noticeable delay in gift buying,” explained Martin Billing, owner of Bringing The Outside In, Wells-next-the-Sea. “Typically, we experience a strong uptick in late November, but this trend didn’t materialise until well into December.”
“Year on year, sales in the four weeks leading up to Christmas increased by 7% across our four existing stores, though the average spend per customer was lower. Expanding our range of targeted, accessible gift items early in the season contributed to this growth.”
Best sellers: “Popular categories included stationery, boxed sock sets, candles, and jewellery.”
Weather: “Operating in a coastal small town, weather conditions often hold back a lot of day visitors. This year, the wet and windy weather on three out of the four weekends leading up to Christmas significantly impacted foot traffic and sales during what are typically our busiest preChristmas days.”
Lessons learned: “Once again, sales of Christmas decorations lagged behind pre-Covid levels. Based on slow sales last year, we decided not to stock Christmas cards this season, which led to daily customer enquiries and missed opportunities. In contrast to previous years, we adopted to order smaller initial quantities from trusted brands and restocked best sellers regularly. This strategy worked well and will inform our buying decisions for Christmas 2025.”
Inset: Christmas at Cilla and Camilla.
Above: An array of festive displays at Presentation in Barrowford.
Inset: An in store Christmas display at Bringing The Outside In.
In her last column for PG&H, Sarah Ward explains why the close partnership between two heritage brands - The Giftware Association and Spring Fair - has helped to elevate the Gift of the Year competition to another level.
LIN CONVERSATION WITH...
Sar Ward
ike Spring Fair, which is celebrating its milestone 75th anniversary this year, The Giftware Association, a couple of years shy of its own 80th anniversary, has unrivalled experience at the heart of the gift industry, and this February is delighted to, once again, be holding the Gift of the Year’s live judging at Spring Fair. Last year, the ‘live’ GOTY judging, held in Hall 5, was a game changer. It was phenomenally successful, with the large majority of some 80 judges spending time on our stand browsing the finalists’ entries on each of the four days of the show, across all 20 categories.
Holding the judging in such a prime location at Spring Fair meant that buyers who were not on the judging panel, but walking the aisles, were attracted by the busy, buzzy Gift of the Year space, which drew them onto the stand to see the products that made the final cut. It encouraged numerous retailers to note down the products and companies that they were interested in, subsequently making a beeline for their stands, with orders placed in many instances.
Gift Of The Year
With over 120 judges on the panel this year – a mix of retailers, gift industry experts, trade associations and more - first time judges include Moonpig, the Blue Diamond Group and the National Portrait Gallery, each of them adding gravitas to an already impressive line-up of gift industry experts.
This year, we will once again be replicating the live judging in the same location in Hall 5, where this time around, we will be adjacent to Theo Paphitis’ Small Business Sunday SBS# Village, a hot spot for buyers looking to discover new emerging brands. Hopefully, some of these companies will be entrants in next year’s Gift of the Year competition which will be celebrating its 50th year in 2026!
Plus, new this year will be a Gift Of The Year Pavilion - a launchpad for anyone who has entered the awards but hasn’t exhibited at Spring Fair before. For us, it’s all about helping suppliers, both new and established, to get their products in front of retailers.
It’s the reason why, over the past couple of years, we have taken the Gift of the Year Showcase ‘on the road’ to other key trade
shows too, notably Top Drawer, last year’s Autumn Fair, and Giving & Living in Exeter, where we’ve not only displayed the Gift of the Year winning and finalists products, but often taken orders for products on the stand. This month, (January), recognising the importance of small regional shows too, we will be taking our Gift of the Year Showcase to the South Wales Gift Fair in Bridgend, and are in talks with other exhibition organisers about shows we are hoping to have a presence at in 2025, to include Scotland’s Trade Fairs in Glasgow.
As the Gift of the Year competition continues to grow exponentially year on year, with more entries and more interest from the industry, we couldn’t be more excited to be taking these next steps in the competition’s journey.
And, of course, in just four months’ time, the next stop will be The Gift Awards on 15 May at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel, where the winners of the Gift of the Year 2025 competition will be announced, alongside the winners of The Greats gift retailer awards.
It’s not to be missed, so to book your ticket, turn to page 9.
Inset and below: Part of the Gift of the Year’s ‘live’ judging at Spring Fair in 2024.
GiftThe
With the trade show season in full swing, Bill Nettelfield, owner of Bill & Bert’s in Colchester, now has Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day and Easter in his sights. But first, was Christmas a cracker?
Ihope everyone had as great a December trading period as we did in Bill and Bert’s. It was a record season, and not just in December. The previous three months leading up to Christmas were also fabulous.
We had a few stand-out new suppliers who proved to be real winners this year, to include Mulberry Designs for pet coasters. The company’s service was fantasticthey even delivered on 23 December. Bartleby for socks was another, a brilliant new supplier who I’m sure we will be doing a lot more with this year. Vurchoo too, has proved a great new jewellery supplier, as has Robin Valley whose Christmas earrings were our best ever, so much so that we’re keen to look at what they have to offer for the whole year.
Among our food offering, Gnaw chocolate was a great addition, plus it’s always great to have a local supplier. Hoptimist wobbly heads from Forum were also new for us and will be running all year now.
In addition, our new range of football mugs and local mugs, Colchester Town and Colchester pubs from Marbec Village, have been our bestselling mugs since we opened, and this year we will be looking to expand the range of teams.
It was also great to open an account with Ashwood Leather at last September’s Autumn Fair, as this has been our best range of men’s bags as well as women’s. They will definitely be one of our stops at Spring Fair.
With Christmas done and dusted, the festive displays in our windows were replaced with sales windows, where we had a punchier sale this year than in previous years. Anything we had over-bought or were not going to be running with this year, went straight in at half price. However, we held back reducing the last few dated products until 3 January, as these had gone well at full price after Christmas. The calendars from Flame Tree and the Wrendale dated range did well this year, and we will be expanding our Flame Tree offering.
As I’m sure everyone else does, at Bill and Bert’s, we find trade shows so important in finding fresh, new interesting stock, and with gaps in the store, our customers will be coming in to see what exciting new stock we have found at the shows. Top Drawer in
London, followed by four days at Spring Fair, are the perfect places to re-charge the shelves. Normally, I go to January’s Harrogate Christmas & Gift show too, but didn’t make it this year as I was called up to do jury service in Chelmsford.
As for Valentine’s, it’s a short burst of sales but strong sales nonetheless. We don’t stock hundreds of cards, but enough to make sure we have something for everyone. Jellycat’s new Valentine’s range is already selling quickly, as are the everyday ranges, with young lads trying to impress their young ladies. Candles, wax melts and handbags all sell well for Valentine’s, but even more so for Mothering Sunday, with the days of picking a few wildflowers long gone! Buying a Roka bag or an Ashleigh and Burwood oil lamp would seem to be more the norm today.
April isn’t far away now, and a very special thank you must go to our Chancellor who has massively increased mine - and everybody else’s - rates for this year!
Meanwhile, my New Year’s resolution for Leeds United to get promotion is looking very possible – they’ve started 2025 at the top of the league!
LOOKING FORWARD
Below: Bill Nettelfield with two of Bill & Bert’s mugs from Marbec Village.
Trump’s
Tariffs
On Monday January 20, Donald Trump begins his second term of office, with his proposed trade tariffs of up to 20% likely to kick in sooner rather than later.
So how are UK gift companies who export to the US preparing for the possibility. PG&H asked some leading names in the industry for their views.
A Major Concern
“I've been hearing from my agents in the US that it's increasingly likely that Trump will impose a 10% import duty tariff on all imports once he is sworn in as President of the United States in January,” says Courtney Wood, founder of Bubblegum Stuff
“This is far less than the 60% he threatened on China imports and 20% for goods manufactured in the UK in his election campaign. We will only truly find out once he is in office. However, it's definitely a major concern for growing our business in the USA.
“I believe Trump is required to give a 100 day notice period before imposing such tariffs, so there may be a short window of
time where retailers could stock up heavily. This obviously brings new risks, further strain on cash flow and, I expect, shipping costs to the US will increase with demand.”
Continues Courtney: “At Bubblegum Stuff we are planning to import adequate stocks and increase our prices in January to reflect the new tariffs which we believe will be coming in. Sadly, I feel that the biggest impact of the tariff will be on the US consumer who is going to be facing higher prices at the till.”
We Have A Lot At Stake
“At Boxer Gifts, we opened our first USA warehouse in Virginia in June 2024 which was a baptism of fire on how to run a business in America,” explains Thomas O’Brien, managing director of Boxer Gifts
“We’ve now run our first peak season and despatched over 3000 D2C orders, plus plenty of B2B in our peak week, which was no easy task for our small team. Boxer has a lot at stake Stateside,” continues Thomas. “We’re continuing to develop new and innovative fun product for the US market as we’re committed to our customers and team there.
“The hard thing for companies importing goods to the US is that there is no firm timeline, as what Trump ‘says’ and what he ‘does’ can be quite different. There is also no clarity that all items will be affected, and the gift and toy industries are rightfully concerned, as once the tariffs come in, they’re not likely to end quickly. Most of the Trump import duties added for his first term still apply over four years later…
“A little known fact is that Boxer manages online marketplaces, and fulfils for an American company - importing from China - who have just the same problems as foreign importers. In the discussions I’ve had with our customers and other US companies, most are keeping production where it is, dealing with the new tariffs using price increases. It’s certainly a sea of change on the horizon, but we’re all in the same boat, as the majority of US companies simply can’t move their production easily to US soil either. Luckily for us, American’s love our crazy British products!”
Inset: Donald Trump is proposing to impose tariffs once he becomes President of the United States.
Below left: US tariffs are given a thumbs down by Bubblegum’s founder Courtney Wood. He is shown holding the company’s Trump News Game.
Right: Boxer Gifts’ managing director Thomas O’Brien.
Inset: Boxer’s US warehouse in Virginia.
Could Be Some Positives
“The trade tariffs proposed by Donald Trump upon his inauguration are certainly a concern in more general terms, but specifically for Puckator, as exports to the US are a small part of our overall turnover, we are not unduly alarmed,” comments
Mark Howard, managing director of Puckator
“Conversely, the spin off with America adopting a more isolationist and protectionist stance are that container traffic to America ex-China is likely to reduce, which should help to limit the freight rate volatility we have seen in recent years. Also, at least for our market, during peak season large volume orders from America have tended to put pressure on many of the factories we work with, but it is likely now that in 2025 this will be less of a factor, and the sometimes lengthy production times we have seen during peak season will shorten.
“It has to be said, that Trump’s unpredictability is not a positive in a global sense, but from Puckator’s perspective, the impact of his proposed tariff increases is a bit of a mixed bag, and may indirectly being some positives.”
We Don’t Want More Barriers To Trade
“Trump is nothing if not unpredictable,” says Jules Vahrman, managing director of Wild Things. “We see this going two ways. He could offer us a good deal just to drive a wedge between us and Europe. Or he could include us in a blanket tariff.”
Explains Julian: “We actually manufacture most of our products in the UK so we might – perversely – benefit if, as seems likely, he puts a larger tariff on China than the rest of us. I don’t know what our USA distributor will do as most of their goods come from China.
Typical Negotiating Tactics
“Firstly, I don’t believe Trump will impose a blanket tariff on the UK,” predicts Paul Banyard, co-owner of Cotton & Grey
“This seems to be one of his typical negotiating tactics - designed to put others on the back foot, prompting counter offers and revealing their positions before he has to take any definitive action. That said, let’s consider the scenario where Trump does implement a 10% acrossthe-board tariff on imports from the UK, as he has hinted. While we wouldn’t lower our prices, we could offer 10% in free stock at retail value to offset the tariff’s impact. H the tariff is extreme, it could be disastrous for everyone involved.”
“We are the exception, so we may actually benefit – that is, if our distributor survives! Really though, more barriers to trade are the last thing we need after all the recent cost increases and the Brexit disaster.”
Plans On Pause
“We have only very recently started to sell to the US market but had some plans to try and grow our sales there over the coming years by focusing on ensuring compliance to the US as well as the usual EU/UK standards,” explains Scott Clarke, head of operations and sales at Rex London
“We put these plans on pause when it became clear that high tariffs might be on the way, especially ones focused on goods of Chinese origin. Despite the rhetoric, I don't think it's clear yet exactly what is going to happen. Once there is some certainty then we can reassess if the investment in expanding our offering there will be worth continuing with or not.”
Above: Mark Howard, managing director of Puckator.
Right: Paul Banyard, co-owner of Cotton & Grey.
Above: Jules Vahrman, managing director of Wild Things.
Below: Scott Clarke, head of operations and sales at Rex London.
Following a very successful Harrogate Christmas & Gift show in January, with over 600 brand new lines unveiled for Christmas 2025, Lesser & Pavey is now looking forward to launching more than 1,200 giftware and homeware lines at Spring Fair. The company’s managing director, Julian Hunt, and director Jonny Greves, gave PG&H a pre-show peek behind the scenes at their Dartford showroom, revealing what’s brand new for the coming season.
New Year, New Business
With over 5,000 lines, to include some 1,800 brand new products for 2025, Julian Hunt, managing director of Lesser & Pavey, highlights that the current range is arguably the company’s biggest to date.
“For example, our Christmas 2025 collection has increased from 500 to more than 600 products,” he points out, with the company unveiling new tabletop and matching giftware collections. There are new designs from The MacNeil Studio, for example, that cover traditional festive scenes, ranging from Santa delivering presents under the Christmas tree to robins and snowmen in snowy settings. There are also new collections from the Jennifer Rose Gallery, Madelaine Christmas by Hearts Designs, as well as new Christmas Kooks designs from Bug Art.
“All are brand new and strikingly original for 2025 and join our proven best sellers that include fine china mugs, quality ceramic pieces, coasters, placemats and trays, and matching giftware,” says Julian. “These include Christmas baubles, candles and reed diffusers, gin, wine and stemless glasses, and much more besides.”
Talking of popular trends, Highland Cows top the charts, featuring on several other 2025 ranges for the company. They have been a runaway best seller for Lesser & Pavey over the past 12 to 18 months, having started out as a small range of cute, collectable cold cast resin ornaments - Hughie Highland Cow
and Happy Highland Cows – which have now expanded to include sentiment-themed pieces, Family, Friends, Love and Home, and are even featured on wall art (more of which later). “They have been phenomenal sellers for us,” confirms Julian, “alongside other quirky collections such as our Cheeky Monkey ornaments, and our Gnomes Behaving Badly, which were introduced last autumn.”
Staying with animals, Spring Fair will also see two brand new collections making their debut – Licks & Kisses, designed by greeting card illustrator Robert James Hull, depicting 12 of the most popular dog breeds, each capturing the dogs much loved characteristics - and Butterfly Farm from
greeting card publisher Paper Shed, which features whimsical farm animals and wildlife with a touch of nostalgia. Designs in both these eye-catching ranges will feature across fine china mugs, laptrays, ceramic coasters and stationery. “The pet marketplace has grown exponentially, with gifts for pet owners and pet lovers a huge, growing gift area now,” comments director Jonny Greves.
Meanwhile, a diversification for the company this year is wall art, with a collection called Urban Art also making its debut at Spring Fair. “It’s vibrantly coloured framed animal art with a quirky twist of humour,” explains Jonny, “humanising animal faces and also adding a touch of gold bling. For example, there’s a Highland Cow sitting on the loo reading a newspaper, and a Highland Cow in the bath, so it’s really eye-catching and a bit cheeky too!”
A second range of brightly coloured wall art includes a neon LED light up detail. These predominantly follow a music theme and include a quirky print of Amy Winehouse, other well-known music icons, as well as an electric guitar and even a ghetto blaster. “Both these wall art collections will make striking statement pieces in any home,” says Jonny.
Inset: The brand new Paper Shed Design collection. Right: Julian Hunt, managing director, Lesser & Pavey. Far right: Lesser & Pavey director Jonny Greves.
Inset: Eight new Lynsey Johnstone designs.
In addition, other brand new products for 2025 tap into the current, growing trend for self-care and wellness, with the company launching fragranced bath and body gift sets in elegant gift packaging, created to help people relax and unwind from their busy lives. Sets include hand and lip care, soap and hand cream, bath fizzers, hand wash and hand cream, a bath and shower set with a foaming sponge, and a five piece pamper set with a complementary sponge.
Some of the designs feature the company’s William Morris Collection, such as Willow Bough and Fruits, with complementing fragrances that include Fresh Linen, Pomegranate and Velvet Rose. There’s also a stand out pink floral ‘Mum’ range in vibrant pink colours.
Meanwhile, with home fragrancing continuing to go from strength to strength for Lesser & Pavey, the company’s Desire Aroma home fragrance collection of candles and reed diffusers, in striking packaging, is expanding with new 1 litre reed diffusers, plus the addition of 2 litre bottles, and new colours aligning with this year’s interior trends. “The reed diffusers make eye-catching statement pieces in any home, with many of the bottle shapes used resembling oversized perfume bottles,” highlights Jonny. “Plus, there’s more fragrance intensity too, as we’ve increased the strength of the scents we use for both our candles and reed diffusers.” (See Spotlight On . . . Home Fragrance on pages 65-69).
national insurance, minimum wage and so on, we haven’t seen significant changes in how our customers are buying from us” confirms Julian. “Our products are always very affordable, good quality and beautifully packaged. Customers can buy with confidence in whatever quantities suit their business, knowing that we will have good back up supplies for them to draw off. They can be assured that even for the very best sellers we won’t put prices up.”
He continues: “The real challenges now, that we are all fully aware of, are the ever
Meanwhile, successful top selling range extensions include eight new hand painted designs on gin glasses from Lynsey Johnstone, original new Highland Cow and Stag Collections from The MacNeil Studio, and a new Fun At The Beach range from Finola Stack, plus new product in the Hearts Designs Madeleine Collection. “And the host of new launches wouldn’t be complete without new William Morris designs such as Fruits, Lodden, Larkspur and Midnight Pimpernel,” Julian adds.
Of course, external factors are continuing to challenge suppliers as we go into a new year, to include sourcing issues, the supply chain, shipping times, shipping costs and so on. So how is the company managing production and shipping times, and will prices need to increase?
“While we understand the huge ongoing financial pressures on all types of businesses this year, with increases in rent and rates,
hike their prices up yet again. It’s one of the many challenges that we’ve faced over the past year, and no doubt there will be new ones in 2025 that we haven’t even dreamt about.”
As for opportunities, he emphasises that for Lesser & Pavey, it’s all about product. “With our wide and varied range of products we have something to offer so many different businesses. This is helping us to continue expanding our customer base significantly, taking us into exciting new sectors of business. There are so many opportunities” he continues, “especially with the introduction of new categories which, once proven as being successful, we have expanded on. The best example of this in recent times has been our Desire Aroma home fragrance collection.” Is he feeling optimistic about the year ahead? “Definitely!” he states. “We’re going into 2025 with enthusiasm and optimism as we believe that the giftware trade is at its best when everyone does well, so we’re sincerely hoping for this in 2025.”
increasing costs of freight, handling and distribution, plus delays. The extended transit times have become the norm, and there’s no sign of anything changing in the foreseeable future, with goods currently taking an additional three to four weeks at best to arrive,” comments Julian. “And, of course, another huge issue is the cost, something we continue to manage. The uncertainty around price remains, with shipping lines increasing charges at the drop of a hat whenever the mood takes them. With the Chinese New Year rapidly approaching later in January, it’s as sure as eggs are eggs that the shipping lines will
Inset: Lesser & Pavey’s brand new self-care and wellness collection.
Inset: Among the 2025 designs from The MacNeil Studios.
Inset: Part Of the Hughie Highland Cow range.
As Spring Fair, taking place from 2-5 February at the NEC, gets ready to celebrate the show’s milestone 75th anniversary, PG&H asked a selection of exhibitors what is going to make the show extra special for them this year, and also to share a memorable past show highlight.
New Focus, New Launches
“Our stand, hall 4 stand E18 – F19, will feel very different this year with a big focus on our candle brand, and the launch of our Candlelight Home brand, the umbrella for our home accessories and fashions,” states Candlelight’s marketing director Kate Winch. “Over the past five years, we have shifted focus towards developing our own brand, resulting in extraordinary growth. While candles remain a cornerstone of the business, Candlelight has had huge success into other categories, to include home accessories, decor, and furniture. Therefore, we have aligned our product range into two definitive brandsCandlelight, which encompasses our home fragrancing collections, and Candlelight Home.”
She adds that Spring Fair will also see the launch of the company’s Silk Road range, which has been shortlisted in the Gift of the Year competition, along with the Bukhara range which has also been shortlisted, as well as its harvest and festive collections, and SS25 and AW25 launches. In addition, following a collaboration with Amefa in the UK, there will be a unique opportunity for buyers to explore complementary product lines from both companies.
“All of this means that we will be approaching Spring Fair with our usual gusto!” assures Kate. “Our SS25 range will all be in stock, with our AW25 available to pre order,” she highlights. “We have also increased our staffing to ensure that customers do not have to wait.”
Adds Kate: “In addition, fashion designer Jeff Banks will be on our stand throughout the week, where he will be launching two new Candlelight fragrance ranges.”
A memorable Spring Fair highlight: “Our finest memory of Spring Fair was in 1975 at the opening of the NEC, when HRH Queen Elizabeth II walked past the stand and took time to look at our products. Very emotional!”
Major Brand Re-Launch, Bigger Stand
“We have made a huge investment in February’s Spring Fair this year, with a much bigger stand and in a new location in hall 4, stand 4E51,” says Mark Rees, founder of Henry & Co.
“The show represents the first unveiling of our re-launched Henry & Co Home Fragrance brand across luxury wax melts, scented candles, reed diffusers and refills, where we have completely repositioned and redefined the brand, introducing colour into the range for the first time. We have also looked at what the brand means to the customer - how our fragrances make them feel – as we seek out ways to connect with people and specific moments in their lives.”
Continues Mark: “Visitors to the stand will therefore discover a striking new look for products, all of which will feature the new Henry & Co logo and branding, plus the introduction of four new fragrances for Spring/Summer in our pick and mix collection - Coconut Lime; Peach Musk Warm Woods & Cashmere And Watermelon Lemonade.”
A memorable Spring Fair highlight: “Looking back over the three years we have been exhibiting at the show, a special moment was the first order we received. Being on the other side of the fence as a supplier, and not as a retailer, still feels a bit strange!”
Inset: Henry & Co Home Fragrance’s new rebranding will be unveiled at Spring Fair.
Inset: Queen Elizabeth officially opened the NEC in February 1976.
Inset: A candle from The Silk Road from Candlelight.
Category-led Products, Cohesive Branding
Paladone is gearing up for a prominent presence at Spring Fair 2025 (Hall 4, stand E52), with the company continuing its strategy of offering innovative products for a diverse range of consumer demographics and retail tiers.
“We’ll be showcasing our newest home, lifestyle and toy products on our stand,” confirms Paladone’s marketing manager Chris Gib. “In 2025 we are placing greater emphasis on category-led product ranges, with a new focus on cohesive branding which ties together innovations across all licenses in a more unified and shelf-appealing way.”
For Spring/Summer 2025, the company will be unveiling several new developments, including the extended SquishyGlo range which is shaped like pop-culture and gaming icons. “They are already available in designs featuring Stitch, Spider-Man, Hello Kitty, Peppa Pig and a Crayola crayon, with the line-up set to grow with over a dozen new additions launching in 2025,” confirms Chris. “New characters cater to a wide range of interests and markets, from Disney characters to gaming world icons and more.”
Also being showcased will be the company’s newest additions to its portfolio of fanfavourite licences which include products inspired by Bluey, Care Bears, Netflix’s One Piece, Toy Story’s Lotso, Fortnite, Superman, Fantastic Four and Kuromi, tapping into both nostalgia and current trends, capturing multi-generational appeal, from pre-schoolers to kidults, across a broad set of categories.
Dedicated Giftware Stand
“I’m approaching Spring Fair with a tremendous sense of excitement, anticipation and pride,” enthuses Rachel Hare, creative director and boss lady of Belly Button. “We will be exhibiting as Belly Button Designs in Hall 4, stand 4F31, as a fully-fledged giftware business for the first time and our stand is probably our largest. We haven’t shown at Spring Fair since 2019, when we were in the card hall, so this is very different from anything we have done previously.”
Adds Rachel: “For Belly Button, Spring Fair will see the culmination of the past 18 months’ work designing and creating brand new collections showcasing some of the beautiful designs we create for cards and stationery onto giftware, leading with Yellow Rose, a new range that’s ideal for Spring and Mother's Day gifting. We are evolving into a ‘go to’ brand for elegant, design-led giftware, with Spring Fair 2025 really seeing the brand pushing forward into more categories and brand new product lines.”
Among them are new glass water bottles and vases to complement Belly Button Designs’ glass mug range which was nominated in the 2024 Gift Of The Year competition. “We will also be showcasing fine bone china and porcelain gifting, home fragrance reed diffusers to complement candles and wax melts, as well as an expanded stationery offering featuring a pen in a tube and notebooks/password books,” says Rachel.
“Plus, we will also be launching a very special 30 years of Belly Button Signature Collection which will truly celebrate our brand heritage in cards and complementary giftware. It will be revealed at the show. Everything is original and designed in-house, which I head up. All our packaging is plastic-free, and none of our gift bags are laminated. We don’t use any plastic in our deliveries either. The ranges are fresh and offer the retailer competitively priced newness from an established brand with 30 years experience.”
A memorable Spring Fair highlight: “Spring Fair has always had a special place in my heart as I launched with the Prince’s Trust 30 years ago. Therefore, I’d have to say that the then Prince of Wales, and now King Charles, was the best VIP!”
Biggest Stand, With A Contemporary Look
“Spring Fair is our biggest trade show of the year in terms of stand size and sales, so we always put a lot of preparation in,” says Gill Marchbank, buying director at Opticaid “We’re in Hall 4, stand B41, and will be showcasing our new Remaldi reading glasses, sunglasses and our new premium Florence Eco reading glasses. We always dedicate a lot of merchandise space to the best sellers too.”
While the stand remains consistent with last year, Rachel says Opticaid has continued to invest in the company’s new branding and the successful look from last year. “We’ve invested in furniture, contemporary lighting, flooring and updated graphics,” she points out, adding that a key highlight is the shift towards showcasing products in more of a lifestyle setting.
“We integrate props such as bags, scarves, jewellery, arts and crafts, and even DIY tools, to demonstrate how versatile the range is,” she explains. “It allows potential customers to see how our products fit into their retail or online space and taps into the growing demand for nice looking, affordable glasses. This year we will also try and use more merchandise from other exhibitors stands to create our lifestyle looks. We purchased a few pieces last year but will build on this for 2025 with the Gift of the Year shortlisted products a good place to start.”
The company will also be dedicating more space to its eco and sustainable ranges of reading and sunglasses, as well as explaining what the products are made from. “We’ll be displaying the raw materials, where we’ve got some cotton plants on order, as our new Florence readers are made from bio acetate –cotton and wood derived fibres. By combining our focus on both new and established products, a strong marketing effort, and a targeted approach to attracting new customers, we hope it will be another successful Spring Fair for us.”
A memorable Spring Fair highlight: “I think our most memorable moment was when a Swiss buyer bought two pallets worth of our RFID blocking credit card wallets. It was a lot of stock that we successfully exported to
Inset: Paladone’s SquishyGlo range has been extended.
Inset: Part of the brand new giftware range from Belly Button Designs.
Inset: Florence Eco premium reading glasses from Opticaid.
NEW SPRING COLLEC TION “ L A VIE EN ROSE ”
The designs and fonts of our new spring collection La Vie en Rose, inspired by journals of beautiful poetry, are full of lightness and joie de vivre! Romantic and playful floral motifs such as english roses are supported by forget-me-nots and lily of the valley and extend across all product areas. Beautiful colourways in pink and green/blue in combination with neon pink create a super modern vintage look. Discover our new collection at our booth at Spring Fair!
SPRING FAIR 2025 February 02.- 05.2025 / Hall 4 / Stand 4 / E25 NEC Birmingham
First Time Exhibitor
Following on from a successful Autumn Fair, Urban Farm-It is among the exhibitors making their debut at Spring Fair. “We will be showing at Spring Fair for the first time in Hall 4, stand 4C23, showcasing our sustainable, hands-on Mushroom Growing Kits,” explains Urban Farm-It’s founder Eliot Webb
The company, which launched in 2019, will be showing a range of kits to include popular varieties such as oyster, shiitake and Lion’s Mane mushrooms, a sustainable way for people to grow gourmet mushrooms at home.
Showstopping Stand
“Spring Fair is by far our busiest show of the year,” confirms Inis’ UK & Australian sales manager, Elaine Nolan. “We have been part of Summerhouse since the start and it’s a perfect location for us - hall 7, stand C20. We have a very open stand on a corner, which we are told is very inviting, and we love it when we stop people in their tracks as they get a waft of Inis! Plus, there are lots of free samples for those who aren’t familiar with the brand.”
Continues Elaine: “We always have a show special to encourage orders, so buyers should stop by to check it out. As we head towards Valentine’s and Mother’s Day, Spring is a perfect time of year to refresh displays and restock. We are launching our new Seascapes Scented Sachets, featuring the sparkling scent of Inis and images of beautiful coastlines around the world where Inis is sold.”
For Inis, Spring Fair 2025 will be the company’s ninth consecutive year as an exhibitor. “Spring Fair has been very important to our success in the UK,” says Elaine. “As we are an Irish company, it’s the best way to meet many of our wonderful
“We are planning to create an interactive and educational experience on our stand through demonstrations, expert advice and discussions with our team. Our goal is to empower people to embrace sustainable food production through innovative, ecofriendly kits that allow anyone, regardless of experience level, to grow fresh gourmet mushrooms at home. We see the show is a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with retailers, share our story, and demonstrate how our kits can inspire their customers. We’re eager to tell retailers about the product’s unique appeal, its environmental benefits, and its potential to engage a wide range of consumers.”
customers. Getting their feedback is how we learn best. Unlike when we started, it’s not about writing orders for us at the show, as many customers have systems that don’t allow this anymore anyway. What’s important is being able to chat to customers face to face - getting feedback and ideas on new products and trends, or simply just catching up. We learn so much!”
Continues Elaine: “We work with independent agents and, again, enjoy proper face to face time with them. We also learn from fellow exhibitors about the gift industry in general which has been key for us at times. I like to think it’s mutual and fellow exhibitors learn from us too, now.”
A memorable Spring Fair highlight: “I have had many memorable moments over the years, but our first show was a great success. I remember all the accounts we opened at that time very fondly. Every single one is still ordering Inis to this day. Between the Lines came on our stand, and I was familiar with their shops. I knew they had several outlets in gorgeous towns in England, and they instinctively loved Inis having never seen it before. We were so excited when they ordered!”
Above: Organic mushrooms from Urban Farm-It.
Above: Inis’ new Seascapes Scented Sachets.
1: Deco Glaze Planters
The range of Deco-glazed planters from Joe Davies combines both beauty and quality. The designs, which include leaves and artichokes, come in an array of colours and sizes, and are all made with a premium reactive glaze to create a glossy finish. If you’re looking to give your houseplants a stylish new home, look no further than this elegant new collection from Joe Davies. Ordering from Joe Davies’ extensive range of gifts, jewellery and fashion accessories is both easy and affordable thanks to its ‘little and often ordering system, low minimum order value of just £100 and free nationwide delivery.
Joe Davies
Visit: Spring Fair: Hall 4, Stand C10-D11
T: 0161 975 6300
E: sales@joedavies.co.uk
W: www.joedavies.co.uk
2: A Paw-fect Gift For Any Dog Lover
Part of Personalised Memento Company’s ever-growing range of gifts for pets and pet lovers, is the personalised dog breed travel cup. Perfect to fill up with your favourite hot drink and take with you on your morning commute. Choose from 16 popular breeds and add your own personalisation to create a oneof-a-kind gift for you or a loved one. Keep an eye out on the website to see the full range coming soon, including framed prints, candles and more.
Discover the captivating charm of glass animal figurines with the new Art in Glass collection from Joe Davies. The range features intricately handcrafted pieces, showcasing a variety of animals - from playful cats and dogs to marine creatures and insects, each one brought to life in vivid colours and intricate detail. Glass animal figurines have long been a favourite among collectors, offering a unique way to celebrate the wonders of the animal kingdom right in your own home. The Art in Glass collection continues this tradition, blending artistry with innovation to create stunning, timeless pieces.
Joe Davies
Visit: Spring Fair: Hall 4, Stand C10-D11
T: 0161 975 6300
E: sales@joedavies.co.uk
W: www.joedavies.co.uk
4: Add A Personal Touch To Your Gift Giving
What better gift this Mother’s Day, than a personalised product featuring a heartfelt message. Presented within a black gift box and engraved with your own message, this personalised floral necklace is sure to bring a smile to your loved ones face and be cherished for years to come. Part of Personalised Memento Company’s new range of personalised gifts, perfect for Mother’s Day. Visit the trade website to find out how to add drop ship personalised gifts to your range. PMC
Visit: Spring Fair, Hall 4, Stand 4J10
E: sales@personalisedmemento.co.uk
W: www.personalisedmemento.co.uk
5: Swagger In Style
The company has introduced its latest allmetal, two-piece walking sticks and swaggering canes. It now offers over 40 different models including wooden canes with a variety of decorative and collectable handles made from resin and plated brass, targeting various markets. Prices start at just £7.98.
Visit: Spring Fair, Stand 4F24
JJ Vaillant
T: 0121 667 3629
E: info@jjvaillant.co.uk
W: www.jjvaillant.co.uk
New What s
For the honey lovers
There’s a character in every one
New 2025 catalogue, plus autumn and Christmas pre-orders.
Download our catalogue and price list. Simply head over to dcuk.link/pgifts or point your phone camera here…
1: Be Inspired
A new season welcomes fresh designs and the 2025 collection presents an enjoyable selection of White Spaces, Nordic Simplicity and Styles Coziness for every home. Visit the Bloomingville team at Spring Fair (Stand 7E306A31) to be inspired and embraced by the new SS25 collection for ‘every day designers’. Country manager, Simon Pykett and his team look forward to welcoming all customers and discussing the new terms and conditions which see low free freight deliveries to the UK and Ireland. If you are not already a customer you can submit your application here: https://www.bloomingville.com/en/retailer. Registered for VAT in the UK and Brexit friendly.
Bloomingville
Visit: Spring Fair, Stand 7E30-6A31
E: Simon Pykett – spy@bloomingville.com W: www.bloomingville.com
2: Cross Body For Everybody
Hot Tomato have just previewed these gorgeous, leather, cross-body bags. Measuring 18x24cm they come with adjustable, detachable straps, a zip closure plus zippered pocket to the front and are fully cotton canvas lined. Featured designs here are in a fabulous, ‘soft-hue’ metallic palette - there are others… ..all launching at the show!
Hot Tomato
Visit: Spring Fair, Hall 7, Stand 71A
T: 01225 422188
E: sales@hot-tom.com
W: www.hot-tom.com
3:
Endless Entertainment
House of Marbles is thrilled to launch their highly anticipated 2025 range! This collection, featuring new, innovative products, is sure to create excitement and endless entertainment for all of their customers.House of Marbles is delighted to learn that their new Cheese & Crackers Game, a truly unique and somewhat eccentric creation, has been shortlisted for Gift of the Year 2025 in the ‘Novelty, Tech and Gadgets’ category. This game, designed for post-dinner fun at parties or family gatherings, involves wind-up cheeses and crackers racing against each other across the table. The winner is declared the ‘Big Cheese’ and receives a rosette! The team looks forward to sharing the latest products with their customers at Spring Fair.
In 2024, The Wheat Bag Company marked its 10th anniversary, a testament to sustained growth and market leadership. The company achieved substantial brand recognition, reinforcing its presence in both retail and domestic markets. New product launches exceeded expectations, notably the Wheat Lavender Bottles, which surpassed projected festive sales, and the Wheat bottles have been shortlisted by the Giftware Association for the best gift “Made in the UK” category. The company is looking forward to exhibiting at Spring Fair and will have a few more exciting products to showcase.
The Wheat Bag Company
Visit: Spring Fair, Stand 4G80
T: 01747 840500
E: sales@thewheatbagcompany.co.uk
W: www.thewheatbagcompany.co.uk
5: Say Hello to Herdy
Herdy is launching its new range of ‘Hello’ vacuum flasks at this year’s Spring Fair to appeal to those looking for a functional yet fun design. Made from high-quality stainless steel, the flasks are 100% recyclable making them a perfect choice for eco-conscious customers. Herdy
Visit: Spring Fair, Stand 4G16
T: 01539 739202
E: sales@herdy.co.uk
W: www.herdy.co.uk
New What s
1: Take a Peep
Looking to add a splash of colour without breaking the bank? Herdy’s vibrant new range of Peep Mugs are here. With their playful designs, these cheerful mugs will bring personality and fun to your kitchen. The new mugs complement Herdy’s existing range of kitchen textiles, tablemats and glassware, offering a coordinated look that adds a pop of colour to homes.
Herdy
Visit: Spring Fair, Stand 4G16
T: 01539 739202
E: sales@herdy.co.uk
W: www.herdy.co.uk
2: Stunning New Range
Opticaid will showcase its new range at Spring Fair (Stand 4B41), featuring stylish Remaldi reading glasses and sunglasses. The extended reading glasses collection includes bold statement frames like Hemel Light Tortoise and Swansea Tortoise, along with other styles in mid-tone hues such as khaki, sand, dusky blue, aqua and lilac. Made from recycled RPCTG, the glasses retail for £15 to £17 and come in six reading strengths. Additionally, Opticaid has an updated Remaldi sunglasses collection and an extended sun reading glasses range.
Opticaid
Visit: Spring Fair, Stand 4B41
T: 0113 239 1400
E: sales@opticaid.net
W: www.opticaid.net
3: Double Whammy!
We’re loving the latest colour palette in Hot Tomato’s ‘double whammy’ bracelet and necklace offering. Delightfully dainty, the crystal & fresh-water pearl combos are elasticated and can easily be layered up as a bracelet or unravelled and worn as a necklace – genius!
Launching Spring Fair…..
Hot Tomato
Visit: Spring Fair, Hall 7, Stand 71A
T: 01225 422188
E: sales@hot-tom.com
W: www.hot-tom.com
4: Reimagining A Classic
Enesco is relaunching one of its most cherished and bestselling items, the Peter Rabbit 3-Piece Dinner Set. With more than 10 years of popularity behind it, the classic set has undergone a thoughtful redesign to include beautifully embossed character illustrations and a colourful polka dot border detail, offering a fresh and contemporary twist on a timeless favourite. For over a decade, the Peter Rabbit Dinner Set has been a staple choice for parents and gift-givers alike, celebrated for its enchanting blend of nostalgia and elegance. While it retains its functional use, the set serves primarily as a cherished keepsake gift, celebrating the timeless charm of Beatrix Potter’s beloved characters. The redesigned set features a plate, bowl and matching cup, with beautifully raised character illustrations. The enhancements bring the beloved tales of Peter Rabbit to life, making it both a collectable item and a conversation piece.
Enesco
Visit: Spring Fair, Hall 4, Stand B60–C61 and C60–D61
T: 01228 404022
E: uksales@enesco.co.uk
W: www.enesco.co.uk
5: Reflection Of Home Interiors
Lesser and Pavey has been influenced by autumnal colours of home interiors to present a new addition to the Desire Aroma range of home fragrances. The latest signature coordinated range of highly scented candles and diffusers includes fragrances Oud and Bergamot; Pomegranate Noir; and Amber and Sandalwood. Each one comes in attractive packaging showing the item inside, the colouring, the style of glass container and reeds. Lesser & Pavey
Visit: Spring Fair, Hall 5, Stands D10, D20 and E21
T: 01322 279225
E: sales@leonardo.co.uk
W: www.leonardo.co.uk
New What s
We are exhibiting at the NEC Spring Fair Birmingham 2025! Come and see us 2 - 5 February in Hall 4 Stand F30
1: La Vie En Rose
The La Vie En Rose collection is inspired by the beauty of nature in spring, when the flowers sprout and the world appears through rosecoloured glasses - full of lightness and joie de vivre. The romantic, playful motifs are reminiscent of the pages of a poetry album from times gone by – but are experiencing a renaissance here with foil effects and neon colours. The rose runs through the entire collection – complemented by other spring bloomers such as forget-me-nots and snowdrops. In addition to floral motifs, the collection also includes hearts, butterflies and bunnies. The colourful butterfly decoration items can be easily placed anywhere thanks to the clip. They are not only ideal as decoration, but also for decorating gifts.
Say goodbye to uncomfortable travel with the 2-in-1 Swapseazzz Travel Pillow - your new goto for on-the-go relaxation. Whether you're traveling on a plane, train or car, the pillow ensures your little ones arrive feeling rested and refreshed. The travel pillow easily transforms from a cozy neck pillow to a comfy cushion for your head, offering the ultimate comfort wherever you go. Swapseazzz can be easily transformed to suit your needs, whether you're looking for neck support or a cosy plush pal.
Puckator
Visit: Spring Fair, Stand 4B10-C11
T. 0800 011 6969
E. customerservices@puckator.co.uk
W: www.puckator.co.uk
3: Add A Touch of Sparkle
Glitter Pebble by La de da Living is a great new addition to the bestselling Pebble Collection. A range of fun girly designs with a touch of sparkle, all are designed and handmade in the UK and come individually boxed. Visit the company at Spring Fair to see the full collection. La De Da Living
Visit: Spring Fair, Hall 4, Stand H41
T: 01242 250653
E: info@ladedatrade.com
W: www.ladedatrade.com
4:
Shaun the Sheep Queasy Squeezy
Bring home the fun and charm of Shaun the Sheep with this new squeezy toy! Squeeze his head and watch the bubbles spring forth to emulate Shaun’s iconic hairstyle. Perfect for fans of Shaun the Sheep and collectors alike, this toy is soft, squishy and totally squeezable, offering endless entertainment. Whether you're looking to relieve stress, need a playful gift or just want a little laughter in your day, the Shaun the Sheep Queasy Squeezy Toy is sure to bring joy. With its adorable design and hilarious hair raising motion, this little sheep is anything but ordinary.
Puckator
Visit: Spring Fair, Stand 4B10-C11
T. 0800 011 6969
E. customerservices@puckator.co.uk
W: www.puckator.co.uk
5:
Modern Classic Collection
The Modern Classic Collection is a range based on simplicity with a chic modern look, and premium fragrances noted for their captivating aromas. The range consists of over 100 products ranging from incense sticks to tealights, from perfume oils to mist diffusers, and the core luxury scented candles and diffusers. There are nine fragrances in the soft pastels with three new fragrances added in for 2025 that are bold, bright and exotic.
Stoneglow
Visit: Spring Fair, Stand B72-C73
T: 020 8595 8878
E: trade@stoneglowcandles.co.uk
W: www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/stoneglowcandleslondon
New What s
1: Mr Men Little Miss
This summer, Rainbow Designs will be welcoming the Mr. Men Little Miss brand to its portfolio. For over 50 years, the British-born brand of characters, each with their own unique personalities, has been loved by families and across generations. Rainbow Designs’ new range will include the classic characters Mr Tickle, Mr Happy, Mr Bump and Mr Strong, alongside Little Miss Hug, Little Miss Sunshine, Little Miss Princess and Little Miss Chatterbox, in a range of large cuddly cushions, collectable plush toys and plush keychains.
Rainbow Designs
Visit: Spring Fair, Cardgains Village Halls 2, 3+3a 3M10-N11.6
T: 01329 227300
E: sales@rainbowdesigns.co.uk
W: www.rainbowdesigns.co.uk
2:
Royal Warrant Holder
Bronnley Extends Lemon Soap Collection
Collection Launching for SS25, the new revitalising hand and body care features the Lemon Soap fragrance. Products include a Brightening Hand Balm with lemon fruit and yuzu peel extracts, organic shea butter and 5% niacinamide, formulated to brighten and moisturise. There is also Lemon Body Serum with glow-giving 5% niacinamide and vit-C, Vitamin C Body Exfoliator and Liquid Lemon Hand Wash. Visit the company at Spring Fair to see the full line-up.
Bronnley
Visit: Spring Fair, Stand 3V10-W11
T: +44 (0)20 7483 8383
E: enquiries@bronnley.co.uk
W: www.bronnley.co.uk
3: Hours Of Fun
The Puzzle by Number Activity Pad is a fantastic all-in-one concept which offers 12 activities. Each spread provides the opportunity to create the same object in both 2D and 3D at the same time. The Pad is portable and perfect for travel, as well as for fun activities at home. It includes 125 pieces, with room to store more pieces, and is available in four themes: Transportation, Space, Ocean and Fairytale.
Plus-Plus
Visit: Spring Fair, Stand 5G31
T: 03330 500 144
E: info.uk@plus-plus.com
W: www.plus-plus.com
4:
Heathcote & Ivory English Lavender
Discover the relaxing and nourishing new SS25 collection of lavender scented bath and body gifts. Vegan blends with lavender oil, extracts of wild hops, argan oil, shea butter, vitamin E and glycerin leave skin feeling soft. Fragranced with English Lavender, rosemary and eucalyptus under a sunlit canopy of lilac, the gifts come with charming hand painted illustrations of lavender in terracotta pots and wicker baskets.
Heathcote & Ivory
Visit: Spring Fair, Stand 3V10-W11
T: +44 (0)20 7483 8383
E: salesadmin@heathcote-ivory.com
W: www.heathcote-ivory.com
5:
Big Activity Farm
Children can learn basic play in a fun way with the BIG Activity Farm. Stack animals, create a flower and carrot garden, match colours with farm objects and many more activities in the fun activity set such as stacking, sorting and falling dominoes. The product comes with 40 Plus-Plus BIG pieces, a green baseplate and an activity booklet with fun inspiration perfect for children age 2+ years.
Plus-Plus
Visit: Spring Fair, Stand 5G31
T: 03330 500 144
E: info.uk@plus-plus.com
W: www.plus-plus.com
New What s
1: Fabulous Floral Suncatchers
Two new additions have been made to last year’s successful range – and what better time than Spring Fair to launch a snowdrop suncatcher? A symbol of new beginnings. And a vibrant sunflower – a gift representing lasting happiness. Both are guaranteed to brighten up a winter’s day and bring the promise of longer days ahead.
Each features a stained glass effect motif with vibrant colours, adding depth and dimension, and is complemented with beads from Austria and the Czech Republic, while Aurora Borealis crystal hearts add an irresistible shimmer. Wild Things Gifts
Visit: Spring Fair, Hall 4, Stand B22-C23
T: Lisa on 01392 211268
E: sales@wildthingsgifts.com
W: www.wildthingsgifts.com
2: ‘In Loving Memory’ … Time For Reflection
The new In Loving Memory range features candle gift sets that come wrapped in messages of condolence. A thoughtful gift to show your respect for a loved one’s passing. The dedicated range has 16 titles to choose from. Take 20 precious minutes for reflection and peaceful thoughts with these handmade pure beeswax 20-minute candles from Cotton & Grey. Light a candle, enjoy its warm glow and let the mesmerising flame restore your inner balance. Supplied with an attractive point of sale stand for easy display. Each box contains 12 candles with a ceramic holder. See all the designs across the collections at: www.cottonandgrey.com/brochure.pdf.
The beauty of nature has been magically captured in an extensive new collection of vases and gift items. Daffodil is just one of the many new seasonal ranges from the company. Each and every detail has been individually hand decorated onto Nobile Glassware’s well established high quality mouth blown glass.
Nobile Glassware
Visit: Spring Fair, Hall 4, Stand C45
T: 0118 973 2033
E: info@nobileglassware.co.uk
W: www.nobileglassware.co.uk
4: Sentiment Heart Collection
Traditionally these art pieces were created at the end of the glassblowers’ shift and then given as a gift or kind gesture to family, loved ones or colleagues for special occasions or just to say thank you. With a variety of reflective colourings, they can also be used to decorate your home as a beautiful way to enhance your environment.
Nobile Glassware
Visit: Spring Fair, Hall 4, Stand C45
T: 0118 973 2033
E: info@nobileglassware.co.uk
W: www.nobileglassware.co.uk
5: ‘The Power of’ … Affirmation Sticker Gift Sets
Cotton & Grey is introducing a new product range of affirmation stickers which will sit alongside its 20-minute candle ranges. They cover wellbeing and self-care titles to boost, nurture and encourage positivity in everyday life. Thoughts and mantras that can be focused upon in 20 minutes of reflection. See all the designs across the collections at: www.cottonandgrey.com/brochure.pdf.
The beauty of nature has been magically captured in an extensive new collection of vases and gift items, called Daisy Pastures. Just one of the many new seasonal ranges from the company, each and every detail has been individually hand decorated onto Nobile Glassware’s well established high quality mouth blown glass.
Nobile Glassware
Visit: Spring Fair, Hall 4, Stand C45
T: 0118 973 2033
E: info@nobileglassware.co.uk
W: www.nobileglassware.co.uk
2: Perfect Gift For Mother’s Day
Alice Wheeler has been shortlisted for Gift of the Year with a magical range of gift set combinations, comprising a vegan leather lipstick holder and compact mirror. Pitched as the perfect companion for any night out and available in a selection of pop and neutral colours. Each set is housed in a special box and is the perfect gift for Mother’s Day. See the full range at Spring Fair.
Alice Wheeler London
Visit: Spring Fair, Hall 3, Stand C20
T: 0121 459 9777
E: orders@fmgsales.co.uk
W: www.FMGtrade.co.uk
3: Moo-velous Cows
Lesser and Pavey is offering a new range of eight cold cast studies of fun time cows, adding to the already established successful ranges of quality studies. The collection is offered under the renowned brand name The Leonardo Collection and each item comes in quality gift boxing with festive joy.
Lesser & Pavey
Visit: Spring Fair, Hall 5, Stands D10, D20 and E21
T: 01322 279225
E: sales@leonardo.co.uk
W: www.leonardo.co.uk
4: The Perfect Storage Soluton
Alice Wheeler London has created a comprehensive range of embroidered velvet train cases, available in four timeless colour ways, and pitched as the perfect storage solution to satisfy the appetite of all consious beauty lovers everywhere. The beauty travel case has been shortlisted for Branded Gift of the Year, and will be available to see at Spring Fair.
Alice Wheeler London
Visit: Spring Fair, Hall 3, Stand C20
T: 0121 459 9777
E: orders@fmgsales.co.uk
W: www.FMGtrade.co.uk
5:
Bunny Treats
Lesser and Pavey is looking to carry on the success of its Christmas food gifting range, with Easter in mind. Developed by the Lesser and Pavey in-house design team, the range includes an Easter Bunny ceramic bowl with Easter biscuits, marshmallows and jellybeans; an Easter Bunny mug with Hot Chocolate Bomb; an Easter Bunny egg cup with chocolate egg; and an Easter Bunny treats dish. The full range is very attractive to the eye, perfect as gifts, high quality and offered at a good price point.
Lesser & Pavey
Visit: Spring Fair, Hall 5, Stands D10, D20 and E21
T: 01322 279225
E: sales@leonardo.co.uk
W: www.leonardo.co.uk
New What s
1: Majestic Reed Diffusers
D & J Glassware is looking forward to showcasing its new collections at Spring Fair. Launching at the show will be the Majestic reed diffusers, globe tea lights and Friendship Heart diffusers. Individually mouthblown by craftsmen and attractively gift boxed, they are available in a range of colours. Visit the stand or contact David or Jocelyne for further details.
D & J Glassware
Visit: Spring Fair, Hall 4, Stand B21
T: 01953 450280
E: dandj.glassware@btinternet.com
W: www.dandjglassware.co.uk
2: FYG Himalayan Bath Salts
After much anticipation, UK Gift of the Year winner FYG has launched its new Himalayan Bath Salts to accompany the bestselling fragrance across the Back to Basics collection. Whether you want to feel relaxed, invigorated, embraced by decadence or enlivened with the zing of citrus, FYG has a fragrance to meet any wellbeing mood.
FYG
Visit: Spring Fair, Stand 4H28
T: 0208 914 7974
E: contact@fyghome.com
W: www.fyghome.com
3: Heilan Coo Is Coming Home
Adding to the successful Heilan Coo Collection of souvenirs, Eurostick’s new range of homewares includes oven mitts, tea towels, aprons, chopping boards and a handy fridge magnet note pad. Ideal for every Heilan kitchen.
Eurostick
Visit: Spring Fair, Stand 4E96-F97
T: +44 141 411 8228
E: chris@eurostick.biz
W: www.eurostick.biz
4: Betty Hula
Bath and body brand, Betty Hula is available from The Fragrance House and is launching new display concepts for Spring Fair. The range has been streamlined to include all the bestsellers across the collection plus, new for spring 2025, a fresh wave of gift sets. The new FSDU allows for the range to be concisely displayed instore with the vibrancy of the brand colours making it impactful and eye catching for consumers. The FSDU has a footprint of just over two square feet and holds £2,600 retail value of stock, making the space work hard to generate maximum return. There is also a new CDU for another touch point instore. Betty Hula is an award-winning natural skincare collection with tropical scent blends. Each product is made in the UK, Cruelty Free and Vegan Friendly.
The Fragrance House
Visit: Spring Fair, Stand 4D41
T: 01727 836454
E: enquiries@tfhltd.co.uk
W: www.tfhltd.co.uk
5: Colourful Real Stone Jewellery
Tribal Steel by Midhaven has a new range of colourful re-constituted turquoise and real stone bracelets and necklets. Perfect for spring sales, RRPs are £14.00 - £27.00. All items come with branded natural jute bags.
Midhaven
Visit: Spring Fair, Stand 2L10
T: 01299 851513
E: info@midhaven.co.uk
W: www.midhaven.co.uk
New What s
1: Uplifting Fragrance
The new Seascapes Scented Sachets feature the sparkling scent of Inis and images of beautiful coastlines in countries around the world where Inis is sold. Simply place the sachets in a drawer, closet, suitcase or car to enjoy the uplifting fragrance, and to celebrate and dream of beaches near and far – all to make you feel close to the sea, no matter where you are. Pre-pack assortment includes a free display. Individual sachets available separately.
Inis
Visit: Spring Fair, Stand 7C20
T: +3531 286 7125
E: hello@inis.com
W: www.inis.com
2: Bon Appetit!
Add flavour to your store with the new Talking Tables Bon Appetit collection. The versatile collection channels the current trends for relaxed hosting and food icons, while it works equally well for al fresco dining and informal dining at home. With enamel pieces dipped five times to pop with colour, food shaped ceramics and glorious gingham, there’s nothing like Bon Appetit and nothing it won’t go with.
Talking Tables
Visit: Spring Fair, Stand 4E30
T: 020 7627 6767
E: info@talkingtables.co.uk
W: https://trade.talkingtables.co.uk
@talkingtables_tt
3: Something For Your To Dodo List
Since launching as part of a charity promotion back in 2022, collectors have been asking for the DCUK Natural Dodo to be saved from extinction. A few months ago, the latest batch was released – and promptly sold out within a few days.
DCUK has now created a special fivepack of Natural Dodos for official stockists, giving them the chance to experience the oohs and aahs from their customers in stores too.
DCUK
Visit: Spring Fair, Hall 4, Stand C01
T: 01803 866316
E: mail@dcuk.com
W: www.dcuk.com/trade
4: Cuties!
Choose from hundreds of silver earrings with RRPs ranging from £4.50 to £35.00. Midhaven offers great quality and value, good margins and great customer service. Point of sale is also available.
Midhaven
Visit: Spring Fair, Stand 2L10
T: 01299 851513
E: info@midhaven.co.uk
W: www.midhaven.co.uk
5: Candy Cane
Characters
Apparently, candy canes were the idea of a German choirmaster, keen to keep children quiet and calm for Christmas Eve performances. The new Candy Cane characters from DCUK are already having the opposite effect. Rather than being quiet and calm, customers have already been getting excited about the red and white hand-painted Candy Cane range, and that’s just from the catalogue. Pre-orders are open until the end of March 2025.
DCUK
Visit: Spring Fair, Hall 4, Stand C01
T: 01803 866316
E: mail@dcuk.com
W: www.dcuk.com/trade
New What s
1: Mary Berry At Home
One of the original licences in the Captivate Brands portfolio and launching at Spring Fair, is the new tableware range as part of the Mary Berry At Home Collection. The Mediterranean-inspired stoneware is designed with Mary’s signature touch of elegance and practicality. It includes both timeless classics and vibrant new designs, offering style and functionality in every piece.
Captivate Brands
Visit: Spring Fair, Stand 8D30-E31
T: 01386 421622
E: info@captivatebrands.co.uk
W: www.captivatebrands.com
2: Coastering Along
Providing a gift and card in one, Sam Jayne Design will be debuting its collection of Coaster Cards. Featuring Sam Jayne’s hand drawn illustrations and positive heartfelt words, the coaster affixed to the front of the card blends seamlessly into the artwork. The cards are 150mm square and come with a coloured envelope to complement each design.
Sam Jayne Design
Visit: Spring Fair, Stand 5D56
T: 07836626217
W: www.samjaynedesign.co.uk
3: Puuuuurfect
Following on from the success of Pretty Little Birds, Wild Things is introducing the new Pretty Little Kitties. Handmade, hand painted and available in six different colourways, each Kittie wears a sparkly crystal heart necklace.
Wild Things Gifts
Visit: Spring Fair, Hall 4, Stand B22-C23
T: Lisa on 01392 211268
E: sales@wildthingsgifts.com
W: www.wildthingsgifts.com
4: House Of Dalziel
Introducing new styles for 2025. During the company’s longest buying trip ever, the brand team was lucky enough to visit Mongolia, spending time in the factory and working with the small team of skilled craftsmen to develop new shapes and colours for its 2025 cashmere collection.
Launching at Spring Fair is a beautiful Indigo Blue shade, available in a new triangle scarf shape and the most requested classic glove. The company will also be introducing a new ‘Docker’ shape beanie – very cool and a perfect menswear fit. The full range is available now with new options ready for delivery in May. House of Dalziel is a luxury capsule brand from Eurostick.
Eurostick
Visit: Spring Fair, Stand 4E96-F97
T: +44 141 411 8228
E: chris@eurostick.biz
W: www.eurostick.biz
5: Paw-fect Pets
Craft your own paw-some pet with the DIY Crochet Dog and Cat Kit from Gift Republic. This kawaii crochet kit includes everything you need to make a cuddly, handmade pooch that’s perfect for dog and cat lovers of all ages. This charming kit allows you to create a delightful, pocket-sized pet that’s as fun to make as it is to cuddle. Perfect for gifting or adding to your own collection! View the complete range at Spring Fair.
Gift Republic
Visit: Spring Fair, Hall 4, Stand H24-J25
T: 0208 542 4836
E: sales@giftrepublic.com
W: www.giftrepublic.com
New What s ,
Inside the Legami Dream
From its iconic book strap to the cult-favourite, erasable pens, Legami has become a symbol of innovation, joy, and quality in everyday products. This year, the brand is set to expand further into North America and Asia, building on its success in Europe and its immersive retail experiences.
Legami began life in 2003 with an idea from founder Alberto Fassi that led to the first iconic product: the book strap. Now, more than 20 years later, there are over 5,000 products belonging to 16 different and ever-evolving merchandise categories (Legami calls them ‘worlds’), from calendars and diaries to stationery products, from tech to housewares, as well as games, beauty and travel essentials. All are at affordable prices and aimed at a broad and diverse market.
Alberto Fassi is very much still at the heart of the business, leading and co-ordinating the research, product and design teams at the headquarters in Bergamo, where all the products are designed and where the
majority of the company’s 600+ employees work.
“The essence of Legami’s philosophy revolves around the value of positive emotions, dedicated to bringing joy into everyday life with its range of products,” states the Legami Sustainability Report. “Every component, every detail, is meticulously crafted to exude cheerfulness and optimism. At every stage, from inception to execution to distribution, the focus remains on offering the best to customers. With this in mind, quality and safety take top priority. To guarantee this, we have consistently implemented rigorous high standards for both the materials utilised and the characteristics of the final product.”
But there is one Legami product that really stands out - the erasable pen. First
introduced in 2018, these pens have become a cult-favourite among fans of all ages, with the seasonal releases turning into highly competitive events for loyal customers.
Hayley Ripley, marketing manager for Stone Marketing, the UK distributor for Legami, believes it is a combination of “the innovative erasable ink, affordable price, and irresistible collectability” that sets the erasable pens apart. “Legami creates quality products, always different, colourful, positive, and fun, perfect for everyone and every mood. The erasable pens have captured the attention of
Welcome to Dreamland
In May 2023, Legami Dreamland opened in Bergamo to commemorate the company’s first 20 years. Dreamland is a protected nature reserve extending over three hectares, on which more than 2,600 plants and shrubs of 40 different native species have been planted, organised into 11 different forest areas.
This is an initiative like no other, with access to the area prohibited in order to preserve and shield it from human intrusion, allowing it to become a new green lung where flora and fauna can regenerate and thrive.
Inset: Legami Dreamland in Bergamo is a protected nature reserve.
Inset: Legami products span 16 worlds including plush, home, kitchen, tech, travel and stationery.
Below: The Legami display at Fillpots Garden Centre in Colchester.
Retail Viewpoint
Left: Erasable pens on display at Sherwood Stationers.
Inset: Legami now has 80 boutiques across Italy.
customers everywhere and continue to be a best seller. We anticipate even greater hype in the coming year, driven by their growing popularity and some exciting new launches.”
Legami has a global presence in 70 countries, with 80 singlebrand boutiques in Italy, plus the ecommerce channel www.legami.com; 70 shop-inshops; over 700 corners; 10,000 authorised sellers, and strategic partnerships with the most important bookshops and chains in the world.
Asif Kassam, owner of Sherwood Stationers in Nottingham, is relatively new to the Legami craze, with stock in store since summer 2024. “I’d seen the brand around, but started seeing it more and more on social media and in Stationery Matters, so I thought we should give it a go,” said Asif. “I’m so glad we did as we can’t believe how well it sells. Customers don’t just buy one pen, they buy a couple at a time and the limited edition sets are really popular as well. We’re really looking forward to what Legami has in store for this year.”
Sustainability At The Heart of Business
In 2023, Legami became a Benefit Corporation (a virtuous, innovative legal form of enterprise that balances the economic interests of the company with those of the community, environment and all stakeholders). It’s another step towards creating shared value in a responsible, sustainable and transparent way.
However, it has been in the last two years that have ssen the business really take off. In 2023, Legami’s single-brand boutiques underwent a major transformation with a new 100 square-metre layout, delivering a unique shopping experience emphasising attention to detail and sensory engagement - from seasonal scents to visual aesthetics complemented by jazz music.
Thanks to this highly sensational format, Legami has successfully opened shops throughout Italy, including in historic city centres, shopping centres, and within the
“Environment, social responsibility and governance are three interconnected dimensions that define a company’s commitment to sustainability,” says Massimo Dell’Acqua, managing director. “Our stakeholders - customers, employees, suppliers, communities and investors - are crucial to the business ecosystem. Legami goes beyond merely offering products or services. It’s a team of people working together to achieve common goals in the interest of all.”
travel retail channel at airports and stations.
Yet all of this is only in Legami’s home market of Italy. Thanks to the brand’s rapid growth over the past three years, Legami has also established itself as a well-known brand in all other major European markets. Its presence extends across all major bookstore chains, department stores, concept and design stores, and gift and stationery shops in Germany, France, Spain, the UK, and throughout the rest of Europe. Plus, in addition to products, the company often collaborates with retail partnerships to create
focus on expanding into the North American and Asian markets, with the company looking to replicate the success achieved in Europe, and to further establish itself as a truly global brand.
Below right: Seasonal limited edition sets of erasable pens cause a frenzy among collectors.
Right: Solar panels on the roof at Legami’s HQ.
Left: Asif Kassam.
Right: A beary cute eraser from the Valentine’s collection.
As we go into 2025, despite a more cautious consumer, the passion for home fragrance continues unabated, with manufacturers and suppliers continuing to up their game, and retailers spoilt for choice.
PG&H sniffs out who is doing what for the coming season, which sees a return of florals, fruity fragrances and much else besides.
Spring Is In The Air
If there’s one product sector that’s become non-negotiable it’s home fragrancing, with Spring/Summer the perfect season to bring the outside in. At Best Kept Secrets, managing director Vanessa Curry, says that, looking ahead to the coming season, the company is focusing on capturing the essence of optimism, freshness, and affordability, aligned with the needs and aspirations of customers.
“For us, Spring/Summer is all about
creating uplifting, fresh fragrances. Following the success of customer favourites such as Soft Linen and Eucalyptus, we will be introducing fragrances that include Golden Maple, Mulberry and Velvet Oud, along with White Fluffy Clouds. These fragrances encapsulate the promise of brighter days while offering versatile options for a range of settings.”
Debuting for 2025 are Just Because box bags. “It’s a gifting solution that pairs our scented products with matching gift bags, providing retailers with a complete, stylish, affordable gifting package that will be appreciated by their customers,” comments Vanessa.
She adds that personalisation is also continuing to be a driving force in consumer preferences, with the company expanding its personalised Three Lite Boxes helping to make people’s gifts unique.
“We’re committed to offering seriously scented candles at sensible prices, such as our Three Lite Boxes and matching gift bags, which give customers the opportunity to purchase thoughtful, high-quality gifts without overstretching their budgets.”
At Candlelight, marketing director Kate Winch says Spring/Summer 2025 is the company’s most acclaimed range to date, blending exceptional scents with design-led packaging that “captivates customers before they even open the box.”
The company’s new Tropical and Country ranges combine the vibrancy of fruits and florals, with products available as candles,
Inset: Woodbridge’s Forever Love from Aromatize. Below left: Best Kept Secrets’ Just Because collection. Below: New for Spring/Summer, Pear & Bayleaf from Candlelight.
reed diffusers and wax melts. Featuring infusions of mango, coconut, gooseberry, blackberry, pear, orchid, and hydrangea, the collection offers a refreshing take on contemporary home fragrancing.
The launch also marks the debut of the company’s permanent branded units. “They reinforce Candlelight’s commitment to leading with branded, affordable and intricately crafted home fragrances,” says Kate.
Within the Woodbridge brand, Aromatize’s home fragrance products for Spring/Summer feature 12 core -and four festive - fragrances. They include perfume and laundry scents with a pared back design, featuring a collection of candles, reed diffusers and wax melts. Candles range from an extra-large, multi-wicked bowl candle to high quality tealights.
taking centre stageLemon Verbena and Fresh Fig Leaf and Parsley - with a colour palette reflecting optimism and a connection to nature. “At the heart of our offerings is our dedication to creating sustainable candles and refills with the power to transport the user to another time and place,” she explains. Lesser & Pavey meanwhile, has introduced 2 litre reed diffusers to its Desire
“White wax, in chic chunky glass containers have been teamed with a silver-edged colour pop label, a subtle nod to the silver accent trend that will be continuing into 2025,” says customer care manager Sophie Aldred.
At Ashleigh & Burwood, the coming season is very much about new scents and fragrances, to include vibrant fruit punch scents and colours. “These striking colours are reflected in our eye-catching packaging, which also highlight some of the hero ingredients,” says the company’s marketing manager Philippa Lawrence.
Diffusers in The Scented Home brand feature Pomegranate Blush, Fresh Pomelo, White Freesia & Pear, as well as Rose & Cucumber, while new lamp fragrances include Pomegranate & Baies Rose, Cotton Blossom & Pomelo and Fresh Fig & Gardenia.
At Illuminate, founder Inga Lovric anticipates a growing demand for nature-inspired, escapist scents, with two key fragrances
Aroma range, in addition to expanding its 1 litre diffuser collection. New, high intensity fragrances include Shangri La, White Tea, Warm Cotton and Citrus Sanguine. Colours include rich ambers, pinks and teals. Also new are crystal clear decorative bottles. Plus, there are larger size candles too. “Both our reed diffusers and our candles have got much bigger,” highlights director Jonny Greves, “with people looking to feature them as a statement in the home.”
At Gisela Graham, commercial director Mark Jones confirms that fragrancing continues to retain its importance in the company’s Homes & Gifts Spring/Summer ’25 range, particularly in relation to scented candles and diffusers. The coming season sees the introduction of a range of floral scented boxed candle pots, with candles within the category including Bright Hibiscus, Hellebore (Bergamot & Green Pear), and Wild Flowers (French Cade & Lavender) with French Cade & Lavender, also carried over into a matching diffuser.
Meanwhile, at The Fragrance House, chief executive David Brown says he anticipates that Spring/Summer will see the traditional return to subtle colourways for both candles and product packaging. Highlighting the importance of value for money, he says that while consumers are continuing to feel the pinch, they are not willing to compromise on quality or fragrance. “That sits well with our whole business philosophy where our ownership of the complete supply chain enables us to offer the best quality fragrance with exceptional value for money,” he explains. David predicts that the continuing popularity of quality reed diffusers is a trend that will continue. “When teamed with natural reed options and natural dried flowers they look amazing and have been our biggest growth area over the past 18 months, where we are planning for significant continuing growth in the year ahead.”
Inset: Illuminate’s Lemon Verbena.
Inset: The Fragrant Life from The Fragrance House.
Inset: The Scented Home’s Rose & Cucumber diffuser from Ashleigh & Burwood.
Inset: Among Lesser & Pavey’s new reed diffusers.
Inset: French Cade & Lavender from Gisela Graham.
THE WALLED GARDEN
A new collection for 2025 of six atmospheric scents, reminiscent of the blooming British countryside. Inspired by floral aromas drifting through a quintessential country garden.
This range consists of six floral fragrances, presented in vegan friendly Soy Candles each one in a soft muted palette with reed diffusers in matching fragrances.
For Spring/Summer, Namaste will be introducing new Native Soul incense smudge sticks, crafted with sacred herbs and infused with positive vibes. “Our focus is on scents that invite good energy into a space, with a blend of woody palo santo and hints of mint and citrus, complemented by desert sage, lavender, white sage, sacred herbs, and dragon's blood,” comments junior buyer Emma Lightowler.
Driven by consumer demand for natural, mindful products, the incense market is experiencing significant growth, says co-founder of Temple of Incense, Simi Aydee. “For us, and the Indian diaspora, incense has never been out of fashion - it is part of our everyday life,” she states. “We can put the growth in our business down to a surge in demand for high quality, natural incense from a broader consumer segment particularly interested in premium products and contemporary aromas with benefits."
Blending modernity and heritage, Simi adds: “We are committed to the ways that incense has been made for centuries, honouring those traditions but with even better, premium blends, from Oriental, floral and woody scents to uplifting hints of spice and resin and the warm, buttery notes of Sandalwood often found in luxury perfumeries and candle brands, but without the heavy price tag."
Products are vegan, cruelty-free and handmade with a deep commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
Simi adds that incense sticks no longer carry the baggage of the 60’s bohemian lifestyle, fundamentally aligned with patchouli oil and cheesecloth. “Instead incense, and artisan burners that double as works of art, infuse spaces with not only a sense of calm and nostalgia, but also elevating relaxation. Lighting incense comes with added ritualistic appeal for meditation, yoga, or chilling out,” she states.
He also highlights that the combination of the growing popularity of reed diffusers, and the demand for lower prices, without compromising on quality, saw the company realign its Wellness diffuser, increasing the size without a matching price increase.
“That same philosophy saw us introduce our new Fragrant Life range in a 200ml size with natural dried flower and reed combinations, at a price of under £20 where demand has been off the scale.”
He adds that wellness and wellbeing will also continue to be key trends for 2025.
“Fine quality aromatherapy and wellbeing products are unlikely to slow down for the foreseeable future. This year we’ve added
On Message
Among the new product lines from Cotton & Grey is a full range of remembrance titles. “We believe these will resonate deeply with our customers as a kind gift at times of loss,” explains co-founder Claire Sowden.
“We are also introducing a wedding range covering thank you gifts, as well as celebrations of the special day. These new ranges will expand on our existing offerings, blending thoughtful design with meaningful messaging.”
Home Fragrance With A Purpose
With the growing trend for dining al fresco, William Morris At Home’s new Indoors & Outdoors scented candle launches for Spring/Summer are infused with citronella essential oil, known for its natural anti-bug properties. “It’s home fragrance with a purpose,” says Lesley Aaronson, William Morris At Home’s creative director.
The candle vessel, a bespoke, ceramic vase, has been specially designed to reuse for flowers for tablescaping, with the shape inspired by William Morris’ Flowerpot design from the William Morris Gallery archives, with a nod to 1950’s Constance Spry vases.
“The vase features lemons from an archive May Morris embroidery design mirroring the fresh scent and, on the foot, we have inscribed William Morris’s quote, ‘Wherever nature is there will be beauty’ encapsulating the indoors outdoors mood,” explains Lesley. “We hope our new take on scented candles will bring the artist’s useful and beautiful ethos to customers with a unique home fragrance gift to enjoy even after the candle is finished.”
to our Wellness range with a candle in glass that has the therapeutic benefits of ‘Calm’, ‘Energise’ and ‘Uplift’.”
Enesco meanwhile, has launched a new collection from Irish Botanicals which celebrates the beauty of the Irish countryside’s heritage. “The candles incorporate real dried flowers, adding a touch of natural elegance to the visual appeal infusing each burn with
genuine floral essence,” says trade marketing manager Aylish Ellwood. A diverse array of scents include Wild Orchid, Chamomile, Wild Rose and Rosehip, presented in both a tin and a textured vessel.
For retailers, with so much innovation, it’s all to play for, with fragrances, vessels in all shapes and sizes, and colours that reflect the coming season.
Inset: Temple of Incense luxury incense in an Amira incense holder.
Above: William Morris At Home The Modern Homemaker Indoors & Outdoors Scented Candle.
Inset: Cotton & Grey’s new In Loving Memory range.
Inset: Irish Botanicals from Enesco feature the essence of dried flowers.
Inset: Namaste smudge incense sticks.
1: Waxkind
Home fragrance brand, Waxkind has had a refresh for spring 2025, with the streamlined fragrance offering now including the top 20 bestselling fragrances. A visual FSDU is available to feature the complete range, with just over two square feet footprint to hold £2,600 retail value of stock making the space work hard generating maximum return, while there is also a new CDU for another touch point in-store. The collection will be launching three new limited edition fragrances for Christmas 2025 at Spring Fair, as well as Pumpkin Spice for those all-important growing sales for Halloween. The Waxkind range will also be injected with more limited edition fragrances throughout the year.
The Fragrance House Visit: Spring Fair, Stand 4D41
T: 01727 836454
E: enquiries@tfhltd.co.uk
W: www.tfhltd.co.uk
2: The Sol Collection
The Sol Collection by Stoneglow aims to embrace the joyfulness of scent, captured in mouthwatering gourmand aromas that will transport your mind to a faraway shore. It is a collection of six sun-kissed inspired additive fragrances that will instantly trigger a positive emotion, as well as indulge your senses with a surgery sweet sensory treat. The collection of vegan friendly soy candles with matching reed diffusers comes in six vibrant carnival colours. Stoneglow has captured the fiesta party in the lively coloured vessels, matched with the tropical, laid-back fragrances that conjures the happy vibe. Proudly made and designed in the UK.
Stoneglow Visit: Spring Fair, Stand B72-C73
T: 020 8595 8878
E: trade@stoneglowcandles.co.uk
W: www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/stoneglowcandleslondon
3: Discover The Essence Of Nature
Enesco has expanded its Irish Botanicals collection, unveiling a captivating array of six new fragrances across 12 candles that promise to enchant both the senses and the soul. Perfect for enhancing any interior space, the new candles reflect Enesco’s commitment to quality and aesthetic gifting. Drawing inspiration from Ireland’s vibrant natural landscapes, each fragrance in the collection celebrates the lush, untouched beauty of the Irish countryside’s heritage. The meticulously crafted candles incorporate real dried flowers, adding a touch of natural elegance to the visual appeal while infusing each burn with genuine floral essence. The collection encompasses a diverse array of scents including Wild Orchid, Chamomile and Rosehip, encompassed in either a tin or a textured vessel. The gift box features the same botanical illustrations, making this collection easy to merchandise and making an impact on retail shelves.
Enesco
Visit: Spring Fair, Hall 4, Stand B60–C61 and C60–D61
T: 01228 404022
E: uksales@enesco.co.uk
W: www.enesco.co.uk
4: The New Walled Garden Collection
The new Walled Garden home fragrance collection by Stoneglow has been shortlisted for the Made in the UK category in the Gift of the Year awards - six floral scents that are reminiscent of the blooming British countryside. Aromas inspired by fragrances drifting through a quintessential country garden.
The Vegan Soy Candles come in a soft muted palette with reed diffusers in matching fragrances. Beautifully gift packed in a luxury tube gift box that are made in the UK with sustainable and responsibly sourced materials, each product carries the Made in UK signature and a FSC certification.
Stoneglow
Visit: Spring Fair, Stand B72-C73
T: 020 8595 8878
E: trade@stoneglowcandles.co.uk
W: www.stoneglowcandles.co.uk
https://www.instagram.com/stoneglowcandleslondon
5: New Fragrance From Temple Of Incense
New Temple of Incense Vanilla Woods incense sticks are a unique blend that combines the sweet, creamy aroma of vanilla that we know and love, with warm, woody undertones, as well as a hint of mint for a rich and comforting scent. Ideal for creating a cosy, relaxing environment, perfect for evenings, meditation, or unwinding after a long day.
Temple Of Incense
Visit: Spring Fair, Stand 4D95
E: trade@templeofincense.com
W: www.toiwholesale.com
New What s
Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest home fragrance products to be showcased this month
1: Just Because Collection
Best Kept Secrets has expanded its popular Three Lites range with bespoke personalisation options for the Just Because collection. Retailers can now offer customers heartfelt, personalised gifts for any occasion, from celebrations to sentimental moments. The launch reinforces Best Kept Secrets’ commitment to quality, value and sustainability, while responding to retailer demand. The new range provides a meaningful, customisable touch to gifting, enhancing the customer experience and boosting retail appeal.
Best Kept Secrets
Visit: Spring Fair, Stand 4B36
T: 01670 512222
E: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk
W: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk
2: Aurora Diffuser Collection
The company has expanded its handmade quality reed diffusers, introducing the Aurora Diffuser Collection. There are 28 new season, on-trend colour ways and styles to add to Nobile Glasswares’ extensive range.
Nobile Glassware
Visit: Spring Fair, Hall 4, Stand C45
T: 0118 973 2033
E: info@nobileglassware.co.uk
W: www.nobileglassware.co.uk
3: Fabulously Festive
Best Kept Secrets will debut its festive Red Collection at Spring Fair featuring wax melt cards, candles, diffusers and the award-winning Three Lites Boxes. Designed to bring warmth and elegance to Christmas gifting, the beautiful and affordable range offers retailers seasonal appeal. Reflecting Best Kept Secrets’ dedication to quality, value and sustainability, the Red Collection responds to retailer feedback, ensuring products meet the needs of today’s discerning customers.
Best Kept Secrets
Visit: Spring Fair, Stand 4B36
T: 01670 512222
E: sales@bestkeptsecrets.co.uk
W: www.bestkeptsecrets.co.uk
4: Waxham New Collections
D & J Glassware's artisan candle brand, Waxham Candle Company is launching new collections and fragrances at Spring Fair. The soy wax candles are all hand poured in small batches at the company's workshop in the heart of the Norfolk countryside. With 14 fragrances and many designs, they are a must for any retailer.
D & J Glassware
Visit: Spring Fair, Hall 4, Stand B21
T: 01953 450280
E: dandj.glassware@btinternet.com
W: www.dandjglassware.co.uk
5: New Six x Wax Melt Gift Box From FYG
From the success of FYG Candles and its Pick n’ Mix Wax Melts, FYG has launched the Six Melt Gift Set for £7.50. Customers can now experience the award-winning fragrances at a fraction of the cost of a candle. These have already proved to be popular and look striking across the colours and botanicals.
FYG
Visit: Spring Fair, Stand 4H28
T: 0208 914 7974
E: contact@fyghome.com
W: www.fyghome.com
New What s
Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest home fragrance products to be showcased this month
When Diane and Spencer Hannah met as students while studying design at Leicester Polytechnic in the 80s, little did they know that it would lead to a business partnership that would see them launch a multiple, award winning, hybrid, international business –The Herdy Company (affectionately known as Herdy).
Diane tells PG&H where the initial inspiration came from, as well as what ambitious plans are in the pipeline for 2025.
When Diane and Spencer Hannah relocated to the Lake District from North Manchester in 2002, having had successful careers in design –Spencer in branding and graphics, and Diane as a commercial interior designer, leading to them setting up a design practice in 2000 - it was a trip to Helsinki in 2005 that was the catalyst that inspired them to
design a brand that would appeal to visitors to the Lakes.
“We had always been fans of Scandinavian design, loving the simplicity and the bright colours,” explains Diane. “Many of the gifts on offer in the Lakes were either traditional designs or food-based, so we felt that there was a gap in the market for a contemporary brand.” However, it was a walk in the Langdale fells in 2007 which was to provide the couple with the inspiration they needed.
relationship with the consumer.
So, in 2009 we launched our first website, with the first Herdy shop opening in Grasmere, in the heart of
“It was there that we came across a cute, characterful Herdwick sheep – and that was the moment that the idea for Herdy was born,” explains Diane.
The initial concept was to offer a range of gifts to visitors to the Lake District. “We supplied retailers with our products while still continuing to run our design consultancy,” continues Diane. “We originally envisaged supplying on a wholesale basis but soon realised that, in order to build the brand, we needed to have a direct
In the ensuing years, four other stores have opened in Keswick (2014), Bowness (2016) and Kendal (2017), with Ambleside opening last year.
All only stock Herdy branded products. “We’ve been approached by other companies to sell their products but we see ourselves as a single brand outlet,” Diane emphasises.
“When we opened our first shop, we struggled to fill the shelves and it was only 200 sq ft! We launched the brand
Giving Back
From day one, Diane and Spencer made a commitment to give back to the community. “Each year, we donate a percentage of the company’s profits to the Herdy Fund, managed by the Cumbria Community Foundation,” highlights Diane. “We fund and sponsor local projects and rural community initiatives, and support upland fell farmers, who care for the region’s Herdwick sheep. “We’re proud to say we’ve donated almost £250k through the Herdy Fund - giving back is an integral part of the Herdy story.”
Inset: Herdy Peep stripe apron and new stripe mug.
Below centre: Diane and Spencer Hannah, co-founders of The Herdy Company.
Below: A Welsh Herdy keyring.
Inset: Herdy Hello flasks.
at the Westmorland County Show in 2007 with just three gift products - keyrings, pin badges and mugs. The show coincided with the second outbreak of foot and mouth, and the organisers had located us next to the Herdwick sheep pens. Due to the livestock movement ban announced the day before, on the day of the show we were left in the middle of a field surrounded by sea of empty sheep pens! It wasn’t the best of starts, but we had a great response to what we were doing and it gave us the confidence to invest in more products and give it a go.”
Over the past 18 years, from small beginnings, the range has extended to over 500 SKUs across an expanding array of categories, with all products designed inhouse at the company’s base in Kendal, Cumbria. They include kitchen & home, clothing, bags & accessories, stationery & games, soft toys and babywear. “We also have a range of wall art which is produced under a licence with The Art Group, and floor rugs under a licence with Hug Rug, with both licences signed last year,” highlights Diane. Yet far from being newcomers to the licensing world, the company’s first licence goes back to 2021 with Deans of Huntley, a shortbread manufacturer based in Scotland, with Herdy also having collaborations with Monopoly, Merrythought and Sigg. Independent retailers remain incredibly important to the company. “They have been instrumental in building awareness and supporting the Herdy brand over the last 18 years,” confirms Diane. “We supply printed point of sale and display units for our smaller items, give our retailers merchandising advice and also feature our retailers across our social media channels, which have over 120,000 followers.”
a passion,” states Diane. “We work with manufacturers both in the UK and overseas –with approximately 40% of our range made here in the UKand having an ethical supply chain is essential. We take time to visit all the factories that make products for us so that we have first-hand knowledge of the way they operate.”
Sustainability is also a high priority. “We design products with the environment in mind, whether it’s the use of natural fibre, organic cotton, using recycled materials or making sure our packaging is kept to a minimum,” she emphasises. “We’ve won several awards over the years, but it’s probably the ones we’ve won for our sustainable business practice and social impact, that mean the most to us. Our success is down to us developing a unique character brand that really connects with people. “It’s fun, it’s cute, but it also has a back story and a purpose – to make people smile. We bring this sense of fun to everyday items, at a good price, without compromising on quality.”
As for production, the company sources its own manufacturers and works directly with them to produce the entire Herdy range. “Design is our background and still remains
As for export, Herdy’s biggest markets are the US and Japan, although as a whole, the international side of the business is still quite small. “Therefore, our next plan is looking at how we can grow our internationally business,” says Diane. As for the challenges going forward, Diane cites the lack of growth in the economy - increases in NI contributions, business rates and the minimum wage. “That said, the opportunities for a brand like Herdy are endless,” she points out. “We are expanding into new categories, investing in a new ecommerce site and sales order software for our trade sales. We’re also focusing on extending our existing Herdysleep range of wool bedding and natural wool mattresses where sales have increased by 240% year on year with the opening of a dedicated showroom in our Ambleside store.”
There are more exciting projects on the go too. “We’ve spent the last 12 months developing a unique fragrance for Herdy,” reveals Diane, “basing the fragrance on ‘an aromatic journey through the Lake District’. It’s a new category for us and we’re really excited be showcasing the new fragrance concept at Spring Fair.
“We’ve also been focusing on taking Herdy out of the Lakes and now have UK wide sales coverage, with the support of a brilliant team of experienced sales agents. We introduced Herdy McHerdy last year, specifically for our neighbours north of the border, and we will be launching a really fun range specifically for our Welsh retailers at Spring Fair. There is literally no end to how the Herdy character can develop and we’re very excited about the new designs.”
And there’s more too. “We’re currently working on a couple of major projects for the brand,” reveals Diane. “It’s currently top secret, but we’ll be making an announcement very soon!”
Inset: Herdy flock apron and mug. Centre: Welsh Herdy notebooks.
Left: Herdy Line Notebook. Inset: Herdy Peep notebook.
Europe’s leading responsible sourcing show
Wshopping more sustainably, but also more aware of the B Corp movement, all strands of the gift industry are endeavouring to up their game year on year, with many striving – and achieving – B Corp accreditation.
For Wrendale Designs, sustainability continues to be a key focus. “It is always a consideration whenever we develop a new product line,” confirms the company’s founder and creative director Hannah Dale. “All of our paper products are made from paper sourced from sustainable forests, and we have also eliminated plastic from our packaging.”
Continues Hannah, who won The Greats Outstanding Achievement Award in 2024:
“Becoming a certified B Corp last year underlines our commitment to ethical trading and also ensures that we are always looking to improve going forward, whether it’s changing the way products are made, their materials or by reducing waste.
“Many of our key launches for 2025 are made from recycled materials. For example, we’re launching a hand cream gift set, with the pouch made from 100% recycled material, and the hand cream tube 50% recycled. Plus, the additions we are making to our Little Wren baby range are also made from organic cotton.” (A current passion project has also been the rewilding of Hannah and her husband Jack’s 400 acre farm in Lincolnshire, where tenants include a pair of beavers, part of a strategy to maximise bio-diversity).
At Pure Table Top, which is also an accredited B Corp company, head of
One in three Brits (30%) are willing to pay up to 10% more for a sustainable product compared to the non-sustainable equivalent while one in ten older Gen Z and younger millennials are willing to pay up to 50% extra for sustainable products.
So, with more and more retailers and shoppers looking to buy from suppliers who put sustainability at the heart of their business, PG&H spoke to some of the movers and shakers in the gift industry who will be focusing on evolving their sustainable journey in 2025.
sustainability, Jason Singh, explains: “our core motivation is to create beautiful products that are not only a joy to use, but that are also consciously made. We believe that business should be used as a force for good, and this belief drives us to ensure that every decision we make reflects our commitment to socioenvironmental responsibility. These steps include our ongoing work on connectivity and visibility across our supply chain, with
the view to improving transparency behind our products. We are also working to better understand our impact through our ongoing partnership with Dayrize. In addition, we also have a newly established partnership with Fabacus who are supporting the opportunity to share cradle-to-gate transparency. This, we believe, will make it easier for us all to understand how we can reduce our socio-environmental impact, with compelling and fact-based data.”
Inset: Wrendale Designs’ new hand cream set for 2025.
Below: The PurerHome x Eden Project collaboration from Pure Table Top.
As for the company’s latest sustainable launches, Pure Table Top has teamed up with the Eden Project to develop a new collaborative collection under Pure Table Top’s own PurerHome brand.
“Scheduled to launch in January 2025, the range is in keeping with the Eden Project’s mission to demonstrate and inspire positive action for the planet,” Jason explains.
“Conscious design has been a fundamental pillar though supplier and material selections. The range consists of 40% postconsumer recycled ceramics and 100% preconsumer recycled cotton textiles, with the range created to celebrate all that the natural world has to offer, as well as to reconnect people with nature, and with each other, and to shine a spotlight on the sights, colours and smells of the Mediterranean Biome at the Eden Project destination in Cornwall.”
Talking Tables, which became a B Corp in 2022, regularly surveys the public about attitudes towards entertaining and sustainability, with the results showing that people are putting increasing importance on reusability, vis a vis single use recyclable products.
Spring Fair 2025: Products Of Change Masterclass
Helena Mansell-Stopher, ceo of Products of Change, will be among the speakers on the Masterclass stage at Spring Fair (2-5 February), where she will be addressing Navigating Impact, Legislation and Solutions at 12 noon on Tuesday 4 February. Businesses will gain insights into the key areas that shape environmental impact, with Helena exploring emerging legislation and trends that are driving change, offering practical solutions for companies to accelerate their sustainability journey. The session has been designed to give businesses the knowledge and tools they need to make meaningful progress towards a greener future.
l This year’s Products of Change Conference will be taking place at the National Geographical Society on 5 November, 2025. Visit www.productsof change.com
A recent survey by the company showed that, when asked which was the most important, recyclable in your own bin and reusable were neck and neck at 37%, compared to recyclable being well ahead at 48.5% compared to reusable at 30.5% 12 months previously.
Going forward into 2025, the company is prioritising moving to recycled materials. For Spring/Summer 2025, 70% of the company’s packaging has been made from recycled materials, as are all paper napkins, excluding a small number of die-cut styles.
And after working with recycled fabric offcuts for Christmas 2023, Christmas 2024 saw the introduction of recycled plastic bunting and oversized tote bags. “Only 9% of plastic ever produced has been recycled,” says founder Clare Harris, “and we intend to do our part to help turn this around.”
Continuing the company’s sustainability journey is a spring/summer collection,
Bon Appetit, that takes significant strides into reusability and recycled materials, with many of the company’s initiatives centring on this new launch. The range features enamel plates, bowls and candle holders and follows a successful season of decorative enamel pieces. Also included are cotton gingham tablecloths and dual purpose napkins-cometea towels.
On the stationery front, VENT for Change, the UK's leading sustainable stationery brand, and winner of the Gift of the Year 2024’s Best Ethical and Sustainable Gift Product category for the Ocean range, is renowned for making all of its notebooks and accessories from recycled, reclaimed and sustainably sources materials. Moving forward into 2025, VENT is developing as much of its new collections as possible with UK based manufacturers to reduce the carbon footprint further still.
“We have only ever made our notebooks and stationery in the UK and mainland Europe, but we've made a conscious decision to bring as much of our production as possible into the UK to keep our product mileage as low as possible,” confirms founder Evan Lewis. “VENT is continuing to innovate, with new sustainable materials, with 2025 seeing the launch of products
Above: Products of Change’s ceo Helena Mansell-Stopher is shown on stage at last year’s Products of Change Conference.
Below: Among the mushroom growing kits from Urban Farm-It.
Inset: Luminescent from Best Kept Secrets. Everything is either reusable or recyclable.
Inset: Recycled leather purses from Miss Milly. Below: Bon Appetit from Talking Tables puts a focus on reusability and recycled materials.
Home fragrancing companies too, are keen to fanfare their sustainability credentials. “As sustainability continues to influence buying decisions, we’re doubling down on our commitment to responsible sourcing and recyclable materials,” confirms Vanessa Curry, managing director of Best Kept Secrets. “In 2025, customers will see even more eco-conscious designs without compromising on quality or style,” she confirms.
“The focus on quality, sustainable materials aligns with our goal of minimising our carbon footprint,” says Simi Aydee, co-founder of Temple of Incense. “Products are vegan, cruelty-free and handmade with a deep commitment to social and environmental responsibility. The incense is meticulously formulated using authentic, natural oils, woods and resins rather than synthetic
fragrances, resulting in a clean-burning, long-lasting scent with aromatherapy and holistic benefits.”
Simi continues: “Sourced locally whenever possible, and using only ingredients from the country of origin for specialised oils and resins, our collection of incense is dedicated to authenticity and sustainability. This includes the use of the premium resin Halmaddi, which is more expensive than the maca or charcoal bases found in cheaper incense products.”
Plush too, continues to have sustainability in high profile. “I believe the plush sector will continue to adapt and evolve to find innovative new ways to deliver sustainable, ethically conscious gifts to meet demand, with our new Wilberry Eco Classics collection combining traditional toys with sustainability,” highlights Katie Rugman, product and marketing director at The Puppet Company/Wilberry.
Meanwhile, a brand new, eco-friendly addition to Miss Milly’s accessory range is a collection of handbags and purses crafted from recycled leather and handmade in India. “The collection aligns
Source Home & Gift
As retailers navigate an increasingly complex global landscape, sourcing and sustainability have become pivotal to their strategies.
A new survey of UK brands and retailers, conducted by Source, (Europe’s leading responsible sourcing show for gift, home, fashion and garden), spans small businesses to large enterprises, uncovering the realities behind sourcing practices and sustainability priorities in 2025. The findings offer a detailed look at where products are sourced, why these regions are chosen, how sustainability goals are shaping business decisions in the next 12-18 months, and what's impacting these changes.
The new survey - The State of Sourcing Report: Sourcing and Sustainability in 2025, in partnership with retail trend consultancy Insider Trends - highlights significant advancements in global sourcing, at the same time revealing a fragmented, often hesitant approach to sustainability, unveiling key insights into the evolving sourcing practices of UK retailers and brands.
“This is an incredibly important piece of work and one that offers a comprehensive look at sustainability practices and challenges across UK retailers, providing insights into the current state and future trajectory of the industry’s environmental efforts,” says Suzanne Ellingham, sourcing director, Source.
“A diverse range of UK retailers, from micro-businesses to large enterprises, offer their insights into the sourcing practices providing a snapshot of the barriers and motivations shaping the industry today.”
She continues: “As the retail industry heads into 2025, collaboration, transparency, and innovation will be essential for achieving meaningful sustainability progress. By pooling resources and sharing strategies, businesses can move beyond individual efforts to create systemic change. Brands and retailers must also embrace partnerships with government and regulators to develop practical, scalable solutions that balance environmental goals with business realities. With the right guidance and collaboration, 2025 could mark the turning point for sustainability in the retail industry.”
with the brand’s commitment to sustainability, with the recycled leather not only reducing waste but also giving new life to high-quality materials,” says Miss Milly’s founder Sarah Watmore.
As for food gifts, Urban Farm-It aims to encourage and inspire a positive shift in the culture around sustainable food production and consumption. Committed to making sustainable urban farming accessible, with a special focus on eco-friendly mushroom cultivation, the company offers a variety of products, from DIY kits to ready-to-fruit solutions, helping to empower people to grow gourmet mushrooms at home.
“Growing mushrooms is a low-waste, lowresource alternative that can be done almost anywhere, with our kits very giftable,” says founder Elliot Webb.
As consumers become increasingly aware of how and where they shop, what they buy, how things are made and where, as we go into a new year, the onus is very much on manufacturers and suppliers to keep their finger on the pulse of what continues to drive sustainable change.
Inset: A large bunny from Wilberry Eco Classics. Above left: VENT for Change’s new Environotes lined notebooks.
Inset: Temple of Incense luxury incense in a seven chakra wide wooden incense holder.
(Source: Clear Channel UK)
A Wilding Year
BY AWARD-WINNING ARTIST HANNAH DALE
PLACE YOUR PRE-ORDER TODAY
Get in touch with your area salesperson, or contact us directly:
A marvel. Participating in the restoration of nature is about the most joyful thing a person can do, and this book radiates that joy. “ ”
Ben Goldsmith, author of God is an Octopus
”
Hannah Dale tells the beautiful, heartening and quietly courageous story of rewilding her family farm. It honestly reveals the opposition she has faced but also the support, and the joy of witnessing the wild world burst back into life. Most of all, it powerfully shows nature’s own enthusiasm for rewilding!
Patrick Barkham, Natural history writer for The Guardian
1: Enhance Your Home And Reduce Pollution
Ecotribo is a pioneering British brand dedicated to sustainability and innovation. Plant pots and products, crafted from recycled local fishing nets, are made in a solar-powered factory in Bristol to minimise environmental impact. Each item is designed to turn marine waste into beautiful, functional pieces, enhancing homes and reducing pollution. The plant pots come in two sizes and offer eco-conscious consumers stylish, purposeful items that align with their values. Ecotribo
E: info@ecotribo.com
W: www.ecotribo.com
2: Cutting-edge Sustainability With Modern Design
Opticaid - known for its eco-friendly reading glasses made from recycled materials - has launched Florence, a premium sustainable collection. The frames, crafted from bio acetate (a cotton-wood blend with bi-oil), are ISCC-accredited, biodegradable and biobased. Featuring lenses 40% thinner than standard options, Florence offers high-quality style at an affordable £22. Available in six fashionable colours, Florence combines cutting-edge sustainability with modern design, making it a stylish, eco-conscious choice for consumers.
Opticaid
Visit: Spring Fair, Stand 4B41
T: 0113 239 1400
E: sales@opticaid.net
W: www.opticaid.net
3: Perfect For Everything
Giftwishes’ Capabunga eco-friendly multipurpose canvas tote bags are designed for sustainability, durability and versatility. Perfect for shopping trips or days out, they reduce reliance on single-use plastics, helping to protect the environment. Made from durable, reusable materials, they're built to last and support a greener lifestyle. Stylish and practical, the tote bags are an essential companion for everyday activities while promoting a more sustainable future.
Giftwishes
T: 020 8998 1781
E: Frank@gaeltag.com
4: Indigo Tonal Collection
Crafted with care from weather-resistant recycled nylon, the Indigo Tonal collection reflects ROKA London’s dedication to creating stylish products with a lighter footprint. Featuring bold, layered blues inspired by city skylines, the collection of backpacks and crossbody bags combines eco-conscious materials with timeless design, proving that thoughtful choices can lead to impactful style.
ROKA London
T: 020 4571 6253
E: hello@rokalondon.com
W: www.rokalondon.com
5: ‘Happy Ever After’ Wedding Celebrations
The new Happy Ever After floral wrap wedding range includes candle gift sets which come wrapped in messages of celebration and thanks for the special day. The dedicated range has 16 titles to choose from in two colourways - floral wrap or cream mono. Take 20 minutes of relaxation to recover from the celebrations with handmade pure beeswax 20-minute candles from Cotton & Grey. Supplied with an attractive point of sale stand for easy display. Each box contains 12 candles with a ceramic holder. See all the designs across the collections at www.cottonandgrey.com/brochure.pdf.
Cotton & Grey
Visit: Spring Fair, Stand 4E81
T: Claire on 07876763774
E: info@cottonandgrey.com
W: www.cottonandgrey.com
New What s
Progressive
Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest sustainable gift products and ranges available to retailers now
COME AND SEE OUR BESTSELLERS
BEER ESCAPE GAME
Made from olive oil. No colourings, no palm oil, no fragrance, no preservatives.
Made with traditional Marseille black soap. Used on French pets for generations.
Fragrance free, moisturising, soothing, non-irritating and PH neutral.
Produced in an environmentally-friendly way and without petrochemicals.
From The Heart Gift Box ‘Happy Mother’s Day’ Bracelet
Dolce Vita Collection Lucky To Have A Mum Like You Bracelet RRP £19.99
Laila Slouch Crossbody Bag RRP £42.99, Peony Blush
All Things Bright & Beautiful
With Valentine’s and Mother’s Day fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about gifting or self-purchasing for a brand new season, especially when it comes to jewellery and fashion accessories.
“2025 is shaping up to be a vibrant year for jewellery, with bold shapes, bright colours, a vintage revival, and nature themes taking the spotlight,” says CME’s Debbie Hunt.
“Big bold and beautiful, a trend in bud in 2024, seems set to be blooming in 2025,” states Debbie. “Reminiscent of the ‘70s and ‘80s, pieces offer a smooth, shiny, retro glamorous aesthetic but are often lightweight and very comfortable to wear. It’s all about the shape - leaves, pear drops, twists and graduated abstract silhouettesand we will be adding many bold new pieces for spring.”
She adds that vintage-inspired designs with a modern twist are also set to be a theme in 2025.
“We’re discovering the beauty of a classic locket but reinvented with a contemporary edge. Our Tiny Sentiments range, featuring glass, CZ, labradorite and opal captures the trend by blending vintage charm with modern customisation, with the addition of tiny interchangeable charms.
“Plus, we’re celebrating the value of single earrings by introducing some pretty solos for the new year as interest in ear stacking rises again,” Debbie continues. The collection features a range of tiny symbols, birds and animals with bright colours and lots of sparkle. “Individual earrings enable creative flair with many styling options, and can be mixed and matched with
studs, cuffs or simpler earrings for a personalised look, or worn in asymmetric pairs to create a unique statement.”
Meanwhile, she adds that all things seaside and bird-related are set to hit the streets with a trend Vogue magazine has termed ‘fish and fowl’. “Consequently, we’ve stocked up on some new fish and bird designs,” Debbie confirms. At Hot Tomato, founder Alex Machin says that the trend towards finer, more delicate jewellery is continuing to gather momentum. “Seasonal colours to look out for include the summer
Above: Betsie is a new design from Carrie Elspeth. Left: CME lockets.
Right: Earrings from Hot Tomato.
Below left: Beaded strawberry earrings from Namaste.
signature of turquoise accented with gold. Fuchsia is also hot - alongside mixed metal designs, combinations that are always popular,” points out Alex. She adds that earrings continue to be in demand and show no signs of abating with studs an ever-popular go-to within the category. “As for motifs, charms and embellishments, retailers should seek out flowers and simple Latin crosses to showcase their ‘ontrend’ credentials,” suggests Alex.
Carrie Elspeth, founder and creative director of her eponymous jewellery brand, concurs that for Spring/Summer 2025, colour is taking centre stage, chiming with the company’s latest jewellery collection. “Pastels were a dominant trend on the catwalks, particularly in shimmering iridescent tones, and this fits
perfectly with my new designs,” confirms Carrie.
She adds: “strong block colours are also making a statement in 2025, plus bold black-and-white pieces that are both striking and sophisticated, with these trends also represented in my new pieces. My latest collection celebrates the joy of colour and reflects the dynamic palette of Spring/Summer 2025.”
Also strong on colour this season is Namaste. “As we head into Spring and summer, we're introducing bold, beautiful, beaded designs,” says the company’s junior buyer Emma Lightowler. “With statement earrings in different shapes, and sizes to add a pop of colour, these pieces are ideal for celebrating individuality and vibrant style."
Miss Milly too, will again be unveiling a fresh, bright core colour palette for SS25 featuring mint, aqua, yellow and coral, brought together with navy. Featuring dragonflies, flowers and hearts, owner Sarah Watmore says, “it’s very feminine while still offering both delicate and statement pieces.”
Iridescence has been added throughout the brand’s resin jewellery, creating pretty colour changes as it moves with the light.
Mary Caputo, buyer at Joe Davies, says that dog tags have found their way into mainstream ladies jewellery for 2025, but with a softer, more luxurious look than their previous militaristic image. “Our new Equilibrium luxe tags collection from Joe Davies features a range of dog tag inspired pendants, earrings and bracelets each with a modern twist,” explains Mary. “The range incorporates the more traditional rectangle shape, together with new, more modern heart and circle shapes, some with a heavy sparkle of gemstones and others with a more
simplistic look, more suited for personalisation, and offering something for all ages and tastes.”
Of course, silver jewellery is always in fashion, with new collections for Spring 2025 launched in the Silver Origins jewellery brand from Sea Gems.
Made in Cornwall from sterling silver with gold vermeil or semi-precious stones, the brand features organic designs, beachcomber shells, botanical and wildlife, as well as fun, whimsical motifs. There are new designs in Sea Gems’ Celtic Lands silver collection too, that celebrate Cornwall’s heritage, with fine enamelling creating unique jewellery in the company’s Mackintosh, Celtic and nature ranges.
At Joma Jewellery, the company is celebrating special moments with updates that include a brand new pavé-set, Confetti A Littles, beaded anklets and phone charms, as well as ready-layered looks paired with a sorbet-inspired colour palette of vibrant pink, sunset coral and gold.
“For retailers, they bring a fresh energy to Spring/Summer displays,” says Joma’s founder Katie Loxton.
Crumble & Core meanwhile, has launched some new boxed silver jewellery cards for Spring. “We've paired soft pink backgrounds and intricate borders with floral designs and a flower CZ earring,” explains director Louise Pike. “We’ve also introduced some drop heart earrings which pair with our love themed designs.”
With the power of colour reflected in many of this season’s collections, and earrings a strong trend and set to make a statement, gift retailers will be spoilt for choice when it comes to sourcing product to ‘wow’ their customers with.
With Men In Mind
“At Midhaven, our most striking range is our Besties and Gothic, an ever-increasing collection of ‘mainly for men’ rings, pendants, earrings and bracelets made in sterling silver,” confirms Alison Hargraves. “These striking designs bring style, fun and character and appeal across the generations, with themes including fantasy, wild animals, skulls, demons, dinosaurs, snakes and dragons.”
She adds that the company’s most popular range is Tribal Steel which features premium stainless steel and leather bracelets, mainly for men.
“Black and brown continue to sell best but there is a whole spectrum of colours to spice up a retail displays in over 150 styles,” points out Alison.
Inset: New launches in the Silver Origins collection from Sea Gems. Below: A colourful palette from Miss Milly.
Inset: Tribal Steel from Midhaven.
Inset: Happy Little Moments from Joma Jewellery.
Inset: Equilibrium Dog tag designs from Joe Davies.
FASHION FORWARD ACCESSORIES
As with jewellery, colour is going to be the ‘big thing’ in fashion accessories for spring/summer. “Expect a mix of vibrant, bold shades alongside softer pastel tones,” says Joe Davies’ buyer Mary Caputo, “with crossbody camera style bags continuing to dominate the bag scene. Our Equilibrium crossbody bag collection for Joe Davies has been reinvented for the Spring/Summer 2025 season with new styles and colours that include lime green, fuchsia pink, soft metallic candy pink and pastel mint green.” Adds Mary: “Each bag has a contrasting patterned removable fabric strap to help jazz up an outfit, with additional straps sold separately.”
At Katie Loxton, the company’s latest collection emphasises functionality and timeless appeal, ranging from soft, suedette textures in the brand’s Celina collection, to the squishy silhouette of the company’s Laila crossbody bag. “These new bags align with forecasted style trends,” says Katie Loxton, founder of her eponymous company. Meanwhile, a brand new, ecofriendly addition to Miss Milly’s accessory range is a collection of colourful handbags and purses, crafted from recycled leather and handmade in India. “With our signature passion for colour in mind, they embody our love for vibrant, eyecatching designs,” says Miss Milly’s owner Sarah Watmore. As for what will be trending
in sunglasses, at Opticaid, the company’s buying director, Gill Marchbank, highlights a fusion of functionality, style and sustainability.
“Large bold frames with dramatic shapes –cats-eyes, rectangle block frames, and wraparound designs - are in vogue, exuding confidence and style,” says Gill. “The '70s and '80s influences are still prominent, with aviators, round sunglasses, and bold brow lines making a comeback.”
focus on foggy greys and two-tone indigo blues.
She adds that thick, oversized frames will continue to dominate, especially in reading glasses, paired with geometric shapes, while at the opposite end of the spectrum, smaller rectangles are moving back to a more subtle discreet look.”
“For our biggest brand, Heritage Traditions, we always look to traditional British style,” Louise continues. “Tweed and tartans are part of our range each year, but for 2025, we have amped up the checks. New in our scarf collection are big fluffy mohair look tartans and super soft plaid. The skinny scarf is also looking great as a new way to offer a solid colour alongside the crazy checks!” She says that colours for Heritage Traditions are still classic, but with zingy yellow highlights and lots of indigo blues. “We are introducing more recycled yarns for hats and are continuing to grow our pure wool range with new blanket size scarves.”
For colour, she points to soft earthy browns, greens such as sage, aquas, dark blue dusk, and warmer colours such as orange and yellow. “There are also pastel pinks, mint greens and lilac which add a touch of lightness,” says Gill.
“Spring/summer at Eurostick, which is celebrating 30 years in 2025, is a bit of a misnomer, with our customers buying Autumn/Winter accessories all year round,” explains ceo Louise Main Dalziel.
“This year we’re launching new pure cashmere scarves in one of our newest brands, Carlyle Heath & Co to co-ordinate with our range of premium wool caps, launched in 2024. The colours are classic, with a
Classic Canes meanwhile, is launching a new range of derby walking sticks with Italian leather handles. “These handstitched canes combine traditional leathercraft handiwork with vivid contemporary colours such as red and purple,” comments managing director, Charlotte Gillan, “with the emphasis increasingly on sourcing responsiblyproduced items with interesting provenance.”
Right: Equilibrium from Joe Davies crossbody bags.
Below: A recycled leather bag from Miss Milly.
Below centre: Opticaid’s Laura Periwinkle reading/sunglasses. Below right: Derby walking stick from Classic Canes.
Inset: A Laila shoulder bag from Katie Loxton.
High-quality sterling silver jewellery
Join us at the Spring Fair 2025, NEC Birmingham.
1: Fabulous New Colourful Ranges
New from Miss Milly is a range of colourful handbags and purses handmade from recycled leather, helping the environment while providing unique, useful accessories. A major refresh of the jewellery collection has seen lots of new designs and a fashion-led colour palette in both resin and painted ranges, with a spotlight on aquatic tones. There are also new magnetic brooch designs, while scarves complement the jewellery in fresh, seasonal colourways, featuring florals and abstracts. Minimum order £100, carriage paid order £300. Miss Milly
Visit: Spring Fair, Stand 3F11
T: 01905 622509
E: hello@missmilly.co.uk
W: www.missmilly.co.uk
2: Super Stylish Eyewear
Opticaid’s new trend-led Remald reading glasses feature fashionable frames with a strong style bias. Highlights include hexagonal frames such as Swansea and York; bold rectangles like Hemel; and new 1970’s-inspired square designs like Hampton in sage green, ecru and dusk. The collection embraces nature-inspired colourways and lightly tinted transparent frames. As sun reading glassesfeaturing reading lenses with a protective UV400 tint - continue to rise in popularity, Opticaid has expanded its range to meet the growing demand for stylish, functional eyewear. All styles available in six reading strengths. RRP from £15.
Opticaid
Visit: Spring Fair, Stand 4B41
T: 0113 239 1400
E: sales@opticaid.net
W: www.opticaid.net
3: Joma Jewellery New Collection
It’s out with the old and in with the new - Joma Jewellery’s just-landed collection for 2025 is aiming to cater to your customers’ every memory, moment and milestone. With a new era of gifts and sunshine-ready styles, bursting with beads and charms, in a vibrant palette of gold, pearly white and juicy sorbet shades, Joma Jewellery’s new arrivals have been carefully curated to bring fresh energy to stores. Combining style with sentiment, discover the new Mother’s Day Collection, with a ginkgo leaf print on the core A Littles and Boxed Gifts range. It’s a must-have addition to your newseason line-up.
Joma Jewellery
T: 01295 263430
E: enquiries@jomajewellery.com
W: www.wholesale.jomajewellery.com
4: New Year, New Ways to Celebrate!
Katie Loxton has expanded its product selection for 2025, making it even easier for your customers to find the perfect gift for their loved ones. The revamped Birthstone Collection - thoughtfully designed for birthday gifting - and the latest Mother’s Day offerings include sentiment-adorned home fragrances, waterproof jewellery and accessories, all complementing the bestselling bags. Combining style with sustainability, Katie Loxton uses vegan leather materials, recycled linings and sustainable packaging.
Katie Loxton
T: 01295 250879
E: enquiries@katieloxton.com
W: www.wholesale.katieloxton.com
5:
All Things Bright And Beautiful
Namaste is excited to unveil its bold, bright and beautiful beaded jewellery for spring/summer. The vibrant range showcases nature-inspired designs including floral patterns, fruity charms, botanical motifs, whimsical butterflies and quirky mushrooms. Perfect for festivals and the sunny summer season, each piece exudes charm and individuality. Fall in love with the exquisite craftsmanship of handmade jewellery that adds a touch of magic to any outfit.
Namaste UK
T: 01756 700720
E: sales@namaste-uk.com
W: www.namaste-uk.com
New What s
Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest Jewellery & Fashion Accessories to be showcased this month
1: Stunning New Collection
Carrie Elspeth has unveiled its new spring/summer 2025 jewellery collection. As a family business, the company takes pride in creating all of its pieces in Wales, combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary designs. The collection features vibrant colours, soft pastel shades and a hint of monochrome, making the perfect accessories to stock this season. Also, new additions to the bestselling enamel studs collection are included, which have been shortlisted for Gift of the Year 2025.
Carrie Elspeth offers a quick win for retailers, with no minimum order quantities, branded packaging and display stands available.
Carrie Elspeth
Visit: Spring Fair, Stand 2M44
T: 01446 771271
E: sales@carrieelspeth.com
W: www.carrieelspeth.com
2: Perfect Thoughtful And Charming Gift
Mother’s Day is just around the corner and Life Charms’ believes there’s no better way to show your mum how much you appreciate her than with a thoughtful, charming gift. The Flower Box is the perfect way to present your love. Inside the elegant keepsake box, lined with pink satin roses, you’ll find a beautiful charm bracelet. Crafted with care and designed to symbolise everlasting love, this piece is more than just jewellery - it’s a heartfelt token of affection.
Life Charms
Visit: Spring Fair, Stand 3K02
T: +(44) 0203 488 2656
E: sales@lifecharms.co.uk
W: www.lifecharms-trade.co.uk
3: Create Your Own Unique Style
This year endless possibilities await as CME is celebrating single earrings with stunning solo pieces that inspire creativity. Perfect for enhancing ear stacks, complementing studs or cuffs or adding a chic, asymmetrical vibe. Leading the trend are new hearts, quatrefoils and chains. The company is also excited to introduce Little Sentiments, a range of tiny lockets which is launching soon. Visit CME at Spring Fair to find out more.
Signare Tapestry is having an extensive design launch at Spring Fair with new lines featuring Magic Cat and Kirkland, inspired by the birthplace of Harry Potter. There is also a cat range licensed from Resina. Completing the launch will be Swan by Walter Crane and new Alice in Wonderland. Signare will also add new Cabin Bag and Beach Bag to the range for 2025. View the complete Signare collection at Spring Fair.
Signare Tapestry
Visit: Spring Fair, Hall 4, Stand F30
T: 01276 29483
E: info@acjade.co.uk
W: wwwsignaretrade.co.uk
5: Striking Style With Practicality
Big, bold and impossible to ignore, the Portobello is set to be a standout bag of 2025. The oversized tote combines striking style with practicality. It has two secure internal pockets, a water bottle pocket and a padded laptop compartment for up to 15", making the Portobello perfect for work, travel and city life. A true statement piece from ROKA London. ROKA London
T: 020 4571 6253
E: hello@rokalondon.com
W: www.rokalondon.com
New What s
Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest Jewellery & Fashion Accessories to be showcased this month
1: Relax And Unwind
Pause and reset with The Mindfulness Collection Blended Essential Oil Set by Something Different Wholesale. The carefully curated selection of ready-to-use blended essential oils is designed to support your journey towards inner peace, focus and well-being. The set includes four 10ml bottles featuring orange, ginger, chamomile and cinnamon fragrances, all beautifully packaged in a gift box. Perfect for aromatherapy, self-care and moments of reflection. Manifestation, Meditation and Sleep collections are also available. Something Different Wholesale
T: 01792 940288
E: customercare@somethingdifferentwholesale.co.uk
W: www.somethingdifferentwholesale.co.uk
2: Shvanthi Collection
Namaste presents its new Block Print Collection, Shvanthi, where floral charm meets effortless style. Bursting with vibrant hues of pretty pinks, soothing blues, sunny yellows and fresh greens, the collection celebrates summer in every detail. Discover breezy short pyjamas for warm nights, cushions and curtains to bring nature’s beauty indoors, plus elegant accessories like a luxurious dressing gown, dreamy eye mask and chic hair tie. With stylish laundry and wash bags completing the range, Shvanthi offers something for everyone. Whether you choose a single piece or indulge in the entire collection, it’s bound to brighten any home and wardrobe.
Namaste UK
T: 01756 700720
E: sales@namaste-uk.com
W: www.namaste-uk.com
3: Eleanor Bowmer With Love
Quirky and out of the ordinary, Manchesterbased Eleanor Bowmer transforms everyday life with vibrant, hand-illustrated designs. Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day with the new With Love collection, featuring Eleanor’s signature illustrations. Perfect for Valentine's, or Galentine's celebrations, the heartfelt range adds a unique touch to any table. The collection includes fine china mugs, nibble bowls and flutes, blending colour and charm to brighten any kitchen on any day.
Pure Table Top
T: 0116 4782928
E: enquiries@puretabletop.com
W: www.puretabletop.com
4:
Date Palm Checkerboard
Fall in love with the Date Palm Checkerboard Bowl or Pot from Namaste, available in bold green or pink. The striking checkerboard design contrasts beautifully with the natural mixed weave of the handcrafted basket. Made by talented female artisans using sustainable grass and palm leaves, the eco-friendly, WFTO-recognised piece adds quirky flair to any space. Perfect as a statement piece, it’s as stylish as it is practical. Pair it with a matching decorative pot for the ultimate checkerboard vibe.
Namaste UK
T: 01756 700720
E: sales@namaste-uk.com
W: www.namaste-uk.com
5: New Citrus And Floral Scented Shower Steamers
Following on from the success of the award-winning Shower Steamers, Bramblewood has launched a new, smaller sized box. The Shower Steamers are handmade using the finest essential oils and decorated with an array of dried botanicals to transform an ordinary shower into a luxurious, spa-like experience through the power of aromatherapy.
Bramblewood Soap
E: bramblewoodsoap@outlook.com
W: www.bramblewoodsoap.co.uk
New What s ,
Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products and ranges available to retailers now
Tuesday 3 June and Wednesday 4 June 2025 London’s Business Design Centre
With greeting cards being so profitable for gift retailers, and great for driving footfall – don’t miss discovering your new best sellers at PG Live! An upbeat vibe, newness galore – and free refreshments, lunch and opening night party, PG Live 2025 is not to be missed! PG Live has lots of great retailer fans…
“We really enjoyed PG Live… finding shiny new brands and socialising with other retailers in the industry. We placed so many orders!”
Priya AuroraCrowe, co-founder of Lark
“We absolutely love PG Live. Such a wonderful atmosphere that it really doesn’t feel like work, it feels just like a day out! There is so much to see and so many lovely people to catch up with… finding new suppliers and networking with other retailers.”
Caroline Ranwell, owner of Hugs & Kisses, Tettenhall
Don’t Miss Out… Book Your Free Tickets
Registration is now live at: www.progressivegreetingslive.com
Register now and be a part of it! Call us on: (0) 7734 111633 or email: jimb@max-publishing.co.uk Follow us @PGLiveLondon #pglive2025
“PG Live is one of our favourite trade shows as it’s not only a great opportunity to catch up with our existing suppliers, but we always come away inspired and with lots of newness to add into our selection.”
Kate Cowie, director of Utility, four stores in Liverpool and Manchester
Want to know about exhibiting at PG Live 2025? We have stand options available to suit all shapes and sizes.
Contact: Tracey Arnaud on 07957 212062 traceya@max-publishing.co.uk Warren Lomax on 07977 572086 warrenl@max-publishing.co.uk www.progressivegreetingslive.com
1: Wade Fish Jugs
The Wade Fish Jugs will be making a highly anticipated return at Ambiente, available in a variety of colours and two sizes: 0.6 litres and 1.2 litres. Originally created over 150 years ago, the Fish Jug has stood the test of time. Now, Wade is proud to reintroduce the design created with English earthenware and traditional slip-casting techniques, involving a plaster mould and a meticulous drying and firing process. All pieces are hand-glazed to ensure the highest standards of craftsmanship. These, along with other offerings such as Wade’s dinnerware collections, can be found at the RKW stand.
RKW
T: +44 333 2206972
E: sales@rkwltd.com
W: www.rkwltd.com
2: Powder Bloom
Claire has beautifully illustrated a collection of botanical designs. Created in watercolour with a palette of colours on either white or colourful backgrounds, the choice is yours. From beautiful red poppies and blue pansies to delightful golden daffodils, the designs are perfect for spring. The collection has been printed onto highquality greeting cards, mounted giclée prints for bedroom walls and cushions to add a splash of colour and botanical art to any room. The designs have also been adapted to print onto hanging ornaments, which can be displayed all year round. With matching fine bone china mugs, ceramic tile coasters and cotton tea towels, the collection will look stunning in your kitchen.
Claire Louise T: 07715 373344
E: sales@claire-louise.co.uk
W: www.claire-louise.co.uk
3: Masterpiece Magic
Love Country’s new Spring Watercolour Paint Your Own Kit includes quality brushes, professional British-made paints and all the other materials needed to create three greeting cards. Each kit has the added value of unlimited access to online video tutorials for step-by-step instruction by the artist, making them perfect for beginners.
Love Country
T: 01502 507352
W: www.lovecountryuk.co.uk
4: National Trust Inspired by Nature Glass Worktop Protectors
Eddingtons continues its collaboration with the National Trust, launching a further six nature-inspired glass worktop protectors, proudly made by Tuftop at its Hungerford works in the UK. The water-colour illustrations highlight some of the UK’s wildlife that is under threat and the conservation work undertaken by the Trust’s rangers and volunteers. There are six medium (40cm x30cm) size glass worktop protectors to choose from, featuring beautiful wildlife scenes that the National Trust is working hard to protect.
Eddingtons
T: +44 1488 686572
E: sales@eddingtons.co.uk
W: www.eddingtons.co.uk
5: Something To Make You Woof About
New for spring 2025, The Little Dog Laughed has chosen four bestselling designs to grace the practical and stylish thermos cups. Complete with a metal straw and cleaning pipe, the company is excited to add the new line to its dog loving card and gift collections.
The Little Dog Laughed
T: 01332 290605
E: gavin@thelittledog.co.uk
W: www.thelittledog.co.uk
New What s
Progressive Gifts & Home highlights some of the latest gift products and ranges available to retailers now
JUDY EVANS, OWNER, WILLIAMS OF AUDLEM, AUDLEM
A large gift shop in a village close to Crewe.
CATEGORYSUPPLIERS/RANGES COMMENT
Decorative Home
Fragranced Giftware
Jewellery
Fashion & Fashion Accessories
Moorland: mugs
Wild Olive: candles;
Widdop & Co: Meg Hawkins
D & X: Memories
PoM: scarves, hats;
Miss Sparrow: socks;
Eco Chic: re-usable shoppers and lightweight backpacks
